Guyana Times - Thursday May 20, 2021

222 children in foster care system in Guyana P 10

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4653

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

PRICE

Persons should not be arrested for minor offences, use summons – Traffic Chief

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

4 COVID-19 deaths, 153 new cases recorded P15 …vaccination hours in Georgetown to be extended to 8 pm – Dr Anthony

See story on page 7

Guyanese students top Caribbean at CSEC, CAPE 5 former senior officers arrested in $10M fraud probe at GPF

Evacuation ongoing as flooding P14 worsens in Region 9

Page 12

Zane Ramotar

Bhedesh Persaud

See story on page 17

…Paul Slowe implicated, also accused of sexual assault

Troy Resources Aubrey to temporarily Norton halt operations challenging in Region 7 See story on page 9

David Granger for PNC leadership

Page 17

Drunken P10 businessman forces Police patrol off road Pastors robbed by gunmen P15 Berbice fare hike

Do not pay P11 proposed increases – Minister tells commuters

APNU/AFC's record on environment mediocre – P3 Govt

…says former Govt did not earn a cent for Guyana in environmental services

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, May 20 – 00:30h-02:00h and 10:00h-11:30h and Friday, May 21 – 01:00h-02:30h and 11:00h-12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, May 20 – 10:00h-11:40h and Friday, May 21 –11:35h-13:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers are expected in the earlymorning hours followed by sunny intervals, with partly cloudy skies in the night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:07h and 23:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.26 metres.

Low Tide: 17:17h reaching a minimum height of 0.93 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

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DAILY MILLIONS

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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

$66.66/barrel

-3.08

Rough Rice

$241.92/ton

+0.37

London Sugar

$453.50/ton

-0.92

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1876.10

$1877.10

Low/High Change

$1851.60 +6.80

$1892.00 +0.36%

APNU/AFC's record on environment mediocre – Govt …says former Govt did not earn a cent for Guyana in environmental services

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he Department of the Environment on Wednesday reminded the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) of its mediocre record when it comes to the environment.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department reminded that APNU/AFC left the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) an environmental protection slate that was in ruin. According to the Department, the coalition failed to undertake any major initiatives on protecting the environment, climate change, biodiversity, or conservation.

According to the Department, Guyana did not earn a cent in revenue for environmental services while APNU/AFC was in Government, nor was a new agreement with Norway established, owing to poor performance.

This is a reference to the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) project, under which Norway established an agreement with Guyana in 2010 to pay it US$250 million for maintaining its low deforestation rates.

The coalition, the Government said, inherited close to US$200 million earned by the PPP/C Government under the original GuyanaNorway Agreement, having tried to block the release of the same funds by writing to Norway when they were in Opposition. “Much of that money was then spent by the coalition, who took credit for the activities funded by those resources.

“The coalition replaced the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), which took five years and millions of dollars to develop, but had no serious implementable deliverable and no one was clear on what it was about,” the Department also said.

It was pointed out by the Department that the APNU/ AFC caused disbursements of over US$135 million to be suspended after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that the APNU/AFC was illegally hanging on to power, following the successful passage of the December 2018 NoConfidence Motion.

“The PPP/C Government has since re-engaged Norway and commenced discussions towards a new agreement for forest climate services, while, once again, seeking opportunities to help international efforts on forest and climate.

“The PPP/C Government will welcome the engagement of all interested Guyanese and consultation will provide the means for a fact-based and scientific discussion around climate change, including its relationship with oil,” the Department added.

According to the Department, after APNU/ AFC’s lacklustre representation of Guyana in climate matters, the PPP/C is now tasked with restoring Guyana’s position on the global stage as a country that punched above its own weight.

There has meanwhile been criticism of the government

According to the Department of Environment, APNU/AFC’s record on such issues is lacklustre

over the clearing of mangroves on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD). The developer, Tri-Star Development, is said to have cleared more mangroves than it was permitted to do to set up a shore-based facility to service the oil and gas sector.

Mangroves

According to the Department, in its statement, the Coalition’s concern for the mangroves is contrived and the APNU/AFC is misrepresenting the clearance of the mangroves.

The Department noted that the coalition has an unenviable record when it comes to the riverbanks.

“The coalition ignores the mitigation measures to pre-

vent flooding in this area, which have been detailed by the Ministry of Public Works. That said, this façade by the coalition will not distract from the fact that they illegally handed out over 30 plots of land on the riverbank to their party’s funders and supporters – majority of the transfers being done after the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion and, worse yet, after the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. Despite this week’s feigned concern, the truth is that the former APNU/ AFC coalition Government did absolutely nothing for mangrove protection and restoration.”

According to the Department, work is already

ongoing across a wide range of areas, to set out draft policies and strategies, including on Mangrove Protection and Restoration. It also noted that the PPP/C Government would establish and implement a national strategy for mangrove protection and restoration along our coastline and rivers.

On the matter of flaring, the Department noted that it was the APNU/AFC’s failure to act on the environment that allowed 14 billion standard cubic feet of gas flaring to be included in the environmental permit granted to ExxonMobil for the Liza 1 project.

“By contrast, within weeks of taking office, the PPP/C Government ensured that the environmental permit for the Payara Project activities included robust and enforceable conditions on excessive flaring – the provisions in this permit are as strong as those in the United States and elsewhere.”

“The PPP/C Government also worked to correct the massive flaws in the Liza 1 permit, and last week, the PPP/C Government issued a new environmental permit which realised a US$30/t payment for excess flaring,” the Department said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 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

New trends: Tobacco use and youth

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ore than 40 million young people aged 13-15 have already started to use tobacco, the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined. This, by any measure, is quite alarming, and one can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on our young people if urgent action is not taken to discourage such actions.

The WHO, for some time now, has embarked on a global campaign to highlight the “strategic, aggressive and wellresourced tactics” employed by the tobacco industry to target youths, and to debunk the myths they create.

The campaign seeks to provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation – from product design to marketing campaigns – and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against them. The WHO described this effort as a counter-marketing campaign, as it would reinforce work in assisting countries to implement effective policy interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco.

Guyana’s Chronic Diseases Coordinator Dr Kavita Singh had, in the past, lamented the fact that the tobacco industry is capitalising on new trends, targeting young persons. She noted that it was during this point in time that ‘big tobacco’ was using strategic marketing techniques to try to get young people to experiment with the new and emerging novel products, like the e-cigarettes and the heated tobacco products.

While there is a myth that these products are safe, they are equally as harmful as the smoke of an actual cigarette.

According to WHO, smoking e-cigarettes and hookah pipes – marketed as “safer” alternatives to conventional cigarettes – is harmful, addictive, and increases the risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Of note is that these products have the same tobacco, which has cancer-causing agents among other deadly emissions. The WHO notes that most of the countless flavours on offer – such as bubble-gum and candy – are there to attract youngsters, who at least double their chances of smoking cigarettes later in life.

It should be stated that tobacco is responsible for over seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes approximately 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 40 per cent of all tobacco-related deaths are from lung diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis.

Guyana’s tobacco control law, enacted in 2017, follows several of the Articles of the WHO Convention, and mandates the adoption and implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws. These include: 100 per cent smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising and promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60 per cent of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to and by minors, prohibition on vending machines’ sales, and a ban on the manufacture and sale of toys and candies, and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

However, there is still much work to be done to win the battle against tobacco, as 78 per cent of all deaths here are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), some of which we all know are strongly related to tobacco use.

Having the necessary legislation in place is a good starting point, but there are many other challenges which health authorities here must address if Guyana is to really reduce the number of persons dying or becoming ill due to tobacco use or exposure. These challenges relate to monitoring and compliance, stricter enforcement of the legislation to ensure that the population is protected from the dangers of tobacco use; and, more recently, tackling the newer forms of cigarette substitutes, which are proving to be very attractive to youths.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand shares a photo moment with Queen’s College students Zane Ramotar and Bhedesh Persaud who topped the Caribbean in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) respectively (Education Ministry photo)

Work to create partnerships, not sensational headlines Dear Editor, As a former Minister for Mines and Minerals (1992 to 2011) I write in response to that startling front page headline in the Kaieteur News of Tuesday May 18th, “Chinese company pays G$1000 rent per acre yearly for Guyana’s largest gold claim.”

That statement is true, still absolutely true, but still absolutely true for each and every large scale gold mine, whether owned by a Chinese, a Canadian, an American, an Australian, a European, a Ghanian, an Indian, a Pakistani, a Saudi, a Guyanese, or any nationality. At a minimum, that shocking statement was “much ado about nothing”.

That startling headline (and others like those on the standard incentives on the front page of Wednesday, 19th) have been sending imaginations running wild. There were some who saw it as confirmation that Government (and governance) in Guyana is pursued at the whims and fancies of Ministers and Officials, and there were others (sometimes the same persons) who felt that it ought to be so.

That is what bothered and perplexed me: that that startling headline, true but unremarkable, was dismantling and destroying efforts made over decades at working for a steadily more ordered, standard way of Government and gover-

nance.

I am not concerned about the Chinese company Zijun Mining Group beyond what such action says about us Guyanese to them and to every other foreign investor (and to local investors as well). Kaieteur News, as a responsible member of the media, should not indulge themselves so. I cannot accept that they did not think of checking whether those leases and incentives were not standard.

I am, however, emotionally connected to that location. I invested a lot in that location (and a number of others) in many meetings from late 1992 with father and son Patrick Sheridan Sr. and Jr., along with their adopted Guyanese family member and Country Manager, Violet Smith – travelling to the prospecting camp there in approximately the year 2000, boating up the Cuyuni, portaging around Timmerman’s/Chinaman’s falls; meetings with Barama in approximately the year 2007 for the shared use of their Buckhall road, and visiting Aurora by road during its construction, and later flying to its opening in about 2015.

Just from the outside, the reported differences among shareholders about its management and subsequent sale suggest that returns have been falling below what was expected. Our concern, hope and efforts should lean towards keep-

ing the Aurora mine going profitably, if at all possible.

I want to say some similar words about our oil in calling for a more comprehensive, reasonable, balanced attitude towards ESSO (and its partners). It is time to leave behind the too-often-espoused position that we Guyanese are just receiving crumbs and dribbles. Don’t take that suggestion from me – I was involved, but not compromised - in urging us to put out a welcome mat and be at our most seductive when Dennison first told me, in about 1998, that ESSO was interested in the far offshore, where no one was yet (then) venturing. See the letters and poems from Guyanese-born Midland Texan Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh – some things could have been arranged differently, many things could have been tighter, but we are getting a return that is in the range.

The EXXON oil finds came about 100 years after the first search was done within our boundaries and after about 40 drill holes that were non-commercial but would have entailed expenditures/investments of about USD ten billion. We shouldn’t throw our hands up in the air saying it is just our bad luck that now that we have found our oil, climate change seems to be calling for an end to the use of fossil fuels (including oil). We must guard against the easy answers of all or

nothing, and consider the balanced road of development, a low carbon development (LCD) path that our Government is arguing and pursuing.

For sure, from our history of slavery, indentureship and colonialism, we want as much as we can get, and we must keep the closest watch to ensure that we get all that we should get; but perhaps even more, our struggles from slavery, indentureship and colonialism were for us to take our equal place among all Humankind, equally responsible, knowledgeable, contributing, sharing and so on. With a population of less than one million in 7,000 million humans, our aim should be to develop satisfying partnerships with all other peoples of the world. And when we speak proudly that one could find a Guyanese in every significant city around the world, we are saying that we are already far along that road.

Perhaps we could start in considering to develop a sense of, and then the reality of, partnership with ZIJIN, EXXON, HESS and CNOOC. They no doubt give away nothing, but they are not the worst out there.

Sincerely, Samuel AA Hinds Former Prime Minister Minister of Mines and Minerals

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

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

David Granger’s political splurge is creating a stir

Dear Editor, There has been, in Guyana, an eruption of a political tornado that is attributed to PNCR Leader Mr David Granger. Having been in hiding, as portrayed by many of his supporters, Mr Granger came out swinging. First, he boldly challenged the constitutional principle of free speech when he filed whopping $(G)2.6 billion defamation lawsuits against Kit Nascimento and mainstream media. It is noteworthy that this suit was filed after Granger had been receiving blistering attacks from disgruntled supporters.

Granger next launched a subtle attack on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) by advocating a reduced role of the Court (CCJ) in Guyana’s election matters.

Granger has recently been signalling to his supporters and others that he is a new man who is fired with a new vision that could still transform the Guyana political landscape. Granger had previously allowed APNU+AFC Parliamentary Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon to take the lead in almost every matter of national significance, but has recently decided to curb that process by re-taking a major part of the leadership initiative.

He has begun to launch a few political salvos, hoping that those would crush his political adversaries and critics. But would

this approach be enough to appease the disgruntled PNCR supporters?

New York PNCR’s Rickford Burke notes, “I’m persuaded that he’s [Granger] oblivious of his unpropitiousness or is completely delusional.” Burke also called upon Granger to step down. Next, a group of ten ex-army officers in New York demanded that Granger immediately resign as leader. “It is time for Mr Granger and his self-appointed surrogate leader to exit the political scene and be replaced by a more progressive and young leadership.” And on Monday May 17, 2021, a New York PNCR group also expressed their displeasure. “As members of the PNCR groups in the New York Diaspora, we have all felt betrayed by a wobbly and inept leadership…”

But while Granger may not be smart politically (having been described as a political dunce by Burke), he (Granger) is a crafty person in some respects.

Notwithstanding the barrage of attacks, Granger, in an effort to salvage his political career and legacy, has quickly moved to neutralise those harsh criticisms, and has been trying valiantly to divert attention from his leadership woes onto the role of the CCJ in the election process. He is playing to many of his supporters who share a similar view on “foreign interference” in Guyana’s electoral process.

Granger and cohorts

blame the CCJ for contributing to their loss of political power in 2020.

Accordingly, Granger turns to the Caribbean CoA for comfort, and speaks well about its competence. “The Court of Appeal was competent to rule…on electoral matters inside of Guyana…I do not think there is need for foreign intervention. The level of foreign influence in the period [March-August 2020] was phenomenal.”

Yet, on another matter, his deputy, Joseph Harmon, asked Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad & Tobago to intervene in Guyana’s affairs to save the country from what they call PPP/C “dictatorship.”

There have been frequent references also that the CCJ, as a CARICOM institution, has only 4 Caribbean countries as members (Guyana, Belize, Barbados, Dominica).

The logical question being: “Why have Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago (where the CCJ sits) not yet become members of the CCJ? While one cannot answer this question at this time, it should be noted that these countries do have access to an Appellate Court outside of their respective countries in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, UK. Why does Granger want to restrict a major CCJ role on electoral review?

When the High Court and the CoA of Guyana ruled

that Dr Bharrat Jagdeo could run for a third term as Presidential Candidate, the CCJ ruled against Jagdeo, a decision applauded by Granger and cohorts.

If that matter had ended at the Guyana CoA, Jagdeo would have been the PPP/C Presidential Candidate in 2020.

Granger defied the constitution and unilaterally appointed Justice James Patterson as GECOM chair. That decision was upheld by the Guyana High Court and the CoA, but was overturned by the CCJ, a decision that infuriated the PNCR. Had it not gone to the CCJ, Patterson’s appointment would have stood as constitutional.

Then came the No Confidence Motion (NCM), which Granger’s government lost but refused to step down, and argued that 34 is a majority of a 65 seat Assembly. If that matter did not go to the CCJ for resolution, it would have meant that 34, as a majority, is constitutional. And the CoA’s decision would not only have perverted justice, but would have also shaken the foundation of mathematics. And let us not forget that had the CoA been the court of last resort, that body would have likely accepted the tainted Mingo/Lowenfield election results and declared the APNU/AFC the winner of the elections.

Granger tried exceptionally hard to seize victory from the PPP/C, and would have probably suc-

Deplorable state of Hampshire Cemetery road Dear Editor, On Tuesday 18-05-2021, I had cause to go to the Hampshire Cemetery to attend the funeral of a close relative; and, editor, it was a nightmare to get to the burial site because of the horrible state of the access road that leads to the cemetery.

Editor, this cemetery falls within the Hampshire/ Kilcoy NDC, and, over the years, residents have made numerous reports to the authorities regarding the state of this road, but, sad to say, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

And do you know what is the most hurtful part? In front of the cemetery is the Belvedere Industrial Site, and the powers that be ensured that this same road up to the Industrial Site is a beautiful asphalted one, and the rest of the road up to the cemetery remains a mud dam, which is reduced to a miserable state when it rains.

And by the way, the Government got the name totally wrong, the Industrial Site is in Hampshire and not Belvedere, and so they should change the name to Hampshire Industrial Site. Anyway, after spending hundreds of millions of dollars over a period of three administrations and 15 years and counting, this Industrial Site is a white elephant with only one building there to date.

I diverted slightly, but coming back to the cemetery road, since the Government started infrastructural work at the Hampshire/Williamsburg New Housing Scheme, which is just in front of the cemetery, a contractor has taken over the road and stockpiled red sand and other materials, including his machinery, with no regard for residents who have to bury their loved ones at the cemetery.

I said earlier that access to the cemetery is a

nightmare. I am therefore calling on the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Bishop Juan Edgill, or the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, to come and see what is going

on, so as to alleviate the situation and give us a concrete asphalted road up to the Hampshire Cemetery.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

ceeded had it not been for the CCJ, which ruled on the constitutionality of the elections results and process. No wonder Granger and cohorts do not have a good perspective on the CCJ, especially relative to election matters.

About Granger’s struggle to retain political power, Dr Vishnu Bisram reported that the PNCR made three unsuccessful attempts (post March 2, 2020) to install him (Granger) as President, despite knowing from their SoPs that they had lost the 2020 elections.

Though Granger has created a political stir with his recent outbursts, it is

doubtful whether his diversionary tactics would mitigate his disgruntled supporters’ hostility towards his leadership style. Those supporters are concerned about his aloofness; his elitism; and, above all, his failed attempt to seize political power. This feeling is reminiscent of how a segment of PNCR supporters felt when Desmond Hoyte lost political power in 1992.

Granger’s rationale for advocating for the CoA to be the court of last resort in election matters is woefully inadequate and is couched in hidden meanings.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

Unattended animals on the road Dear Editor, This is not an unorthodox subject matter, as this has been in the news for a long time. It is disheartening to see animals crisscrossing on our busy roads. Most times the animals on our roads are unattended by their owners. It is inherently wrong on two counts; namely, it is unfair for drivers to face this daily ordeal, and on some occasions it is fatal. On the other hand, it is unfair for the animals to be in the danger zone, and should they be killed, they die a painful death. Animals such as horses, cows, sheep and dogs obstruct traffic during the wee hours of the morning and afternoon. Drivers have to manoeuvre in or-

der to dodge these animals.

It is detrimental and fatal at nights, and on rainy days when visibility is low.

As we know, some drivers speed, but not all road accidents are due to speeding.

In some instances, persons of goodwill do assist in corralling unattended animals off the road.

As I appeal to drivers to be careful on our roads, I kindly urge the authorities to take this matter seriously, human lives should be protected and saved at all cost. I also kindly urge animal owners to keep their animals off the road for the safety of these same animals.

Sincerely, Jerri Dias

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Wednesday’s answers

Part III There passed a weary time. Each throat Was parched, and glazed each eye.

A weary time! a weary time!

How glazed each weary eye, When looking westward, I beheld A something in the sky.

At first it seemed a little speck, And then it seemed a mist; It moved and moved, and took at last A certain shape, I wist.

A speck, a mist, a shape, I wist!

And still it neared and neared: As if it dodged a water-sprite, It plunged and tacked and veered.

With throats unslaked, with black lips baked, We could nor laugh nor wail; Through utter drought all dumb we stood!

I bit my arm, I sucked the blood, And cried, A sail! a sail!

WORD SEARCH

With throats unslaked, with black lips baked, Agape they heard me call: Gramercy! they for joy did grin, And all at once their breath drew in.

As they were drinking all.

See! see! (I cried) she tacks no more!

Hither to work us weal; Without a breeze, without a tide, She steadies with upright keel!

I

magine if light would not only provide optimum visibility for tasks but convey meanings as well.

Standards with recommended lux levels for various visual tasks have led to a quantitative understanding of lighting. However, lighting can also be used to contribute to emotion in rooms and to structure architecture. Would it be adequate to regard lighting as language sent by architects or interior designers and being received by inhabitants and citizens? Think about how light and shadow contribute to the meaning of the built environment and its effect on people.

Consider the fact that we might change our behaviour depending on the light – most famously, crime is less likely to happen in brightly-lit areas. Or how we feel when we sit in a very brightly-lit room at a table in contrast to a setting where the warm glow of candles illuminates the scenery. Describe how you would feel in either setting. (Adapted from archdaily.com)

The western wave was all a-flame.

The day was well nigh done!

Almost upon the western wave Rested the broad bright Sun; When that strange shape drove suddenly Betwixt us and the Sun. And straight the Sun was flecked with bars, (Heaven’s Mother send us grace!)

As if through a dungeon-grate he peered With broad and burning face.

Alas! (thought I, and my heart beat loud) How fast she nears and nears!

Are those her sails that glance in the Sun, Like restless gossameres?

Are those her ribs through which the Sun Did peer, as through a grate?

And is that Woman all her crew?

Is that a DEATH? and are there two?

Is DEATH that woman’s mate?

Her lips were red, her looks were free, Her locks were yellow as gold: Her skin was as white as leprosy, The Night-mare LIFE-IN-DEATH was she, Who thicks man’s blood with cold.

The naked hulk alongside came, And the twain were casting dice; ‘The game is done! I’ve won! I’ve won!’

Quoth she, and whistles thrice.

The Sun’s rim dips; the stars rush out; At one stride comes the dark; With far-heard whisper, o’er the sea, Off shot the spectre-bark.

We listened and looked sideways up!

Fear at my heart, as at a cup, My life-blood seemed to sip!

The stars were dim, and thick the night, The steersman’s face by his lamp gleamed white; From the sails the dew did drip— Till clomb above the eastern bar The hornèd Moon, with one bright star Within the nether tip.

One after one, by the star-dogged Moon, Too quick for groan or sigh, Each turned his face with a ghastly pang, And cursed me with his eye.

Four times fifty living men, (And I heard nor sigh nor groan) With heavy thump, a lifeless lump, They dropped down one by one.

The souls did from their bodies fly,— They fled to bliss or woe!

And every soul, it passed me by, Like the whizz of my cross-bow!

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Persons should not be arrested for minor offences, use summons – Traffic Chief

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Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram

anks of the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department have been instructed not to arrest road users for minor offences that are not ‘ticket able’, and instead, issue summonses to prosecute those traffic offenders.

This was revealed by the Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, during the second edition of the ‘Police and You’ radio programme on Tuesday evening.

Ashram explained that he has also instructed ranks from his department not to randomly stop vehicles and check for documents, unless there is reasonable suspicion to do so.

“Since my assumption as the [Chief] Traffic Officer in August 2020, my policy is clear, and that of the Force: traffic ranks are being instructed not to stop drivers and check for documents; not to arrest persons for minor offences; take names

and addresses and proceed by the way of summons. If the offence warrants a ticket, issue a ticket, and if you breach these simple SOPs – the Standard Operating Procedures – of the Force, you will be dealt with for disobeying the lawful orders,” the Traffic Chief indicated.

When contacted on Wednesday for clarity on his comments, the Traffic Chief pointed out that unless there is reasonable suspicion, ranks should not randomly stop vehicles.

“Don’t go on the road and put up your hand and stop a vehicle from the line and ask for documents,” Ashram reiterated to the traffic cops.

However, the Traffic Chief pointed out that if officers observe road users committing an offence, then they are empowered to approach and take the necessary actions.

Ashram went on to assure the public that the Guyana Police Force does not take the misbehaviour of its ranks lightly, since, on a daily basis, they are being told what they must and must not do. As such, he encourages road users to file complaints against ranks who are being vindictive and harassing them.

“I want to assure the public, or, I’m appealing to the public, not to be afraid.

When you have conflict with the Police, or you are in doubt, or you believe that

you’ve been wrongfully arrested or being wrongly issued with a ticket or so on, come forward,” he said.

Persons are urged to file their complaints with either the Divisional Traffic Chiefs in their respective regions and/or the Commander there.

The Traffic Chief noted that there is an open-door policy between the police and t he public.

Further, Ashram posited that the Police Force has zero-tolerance against corruption and bribery. In addition to urging road users to adhere to the rules and laws to prevent them from having to be pulled over by the cops, Ashram again implored that they report any rank who tries to solicit bribes.

“If any road user encounters problems with Police who are trying to extract money from them as it relates to traffic offences that they’ve committed, the

Force’s policy is clear, that there is zero-tolerance for corruption and bribery. So, you feel free [to report it]; get the name of the Police, come and report it to any senior officer of the Force,” Ashram posited.

He said the public does not have to report matters to the Traffic Chief, they can even go to the Commander of the Region.

This issue was also raised during the ‘call-in’ segment of the live radio programme, when a caller complained that traffic officers often “stop and harass” him for documents. The caller also revealed that he is often a victim of “fleecing”, whereby cops ask him to “bless” them with some money. The caller claimed, too, that he raised the issue with a Divisional Commander who asked him to provide video evidence of his allegations, which he did, but the matter was never followed through.

In response, the Traffic Chief said he is unaware of the issue. But, again, encouraged persons to continue reporting these instances to the Police.

“You’ll find some of these rogue ranks will go out with one intention and continue the behaviour…Reporting them is good by the phone or social media, but it is good

if you could come forward so that we can take action against them,” he said.

These matters are usually dealt with by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which is called in to investigate misdemeanors of ranks. But according to the Traffic Chief, one of the challenges the Police face with these complaints is that the persons who file them often fail to follow-up.

Nevertheless, he said that once these investigations are carried out and the traffic rank is found to be culpable, that officer is either removed from the Traffic Department or is relocated to another location.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Chief even provided his office number (227-2272) to the public for them to contact him if they encounter any issues with ranks from his Division. (G8)

8 NEWS Chain snatcher, phone thief sent to jail A THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

n 18-year-old man who admitted to stealing an iPhone 10 valued at $150,000 because he was “broke”, was on Wednesday sentenced to five months’ imprisonment when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

John Cameron pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on April 17, 2021, at McDoom, Public Road, Greater Georgetown, he stole one black iPhone X, property of Darren Lord.

Facts presented by the court prosecutor stated that, on April 17, Lord parked his Canter truck at his residence, leaving his phone inside the vehicle. When he returned and made checks, he noticed that his cell phone was missing. As a result, he reviewed CCTV footage from his home, which showed Cameron removing the iPhone from the truck. Lord lodged a report with the Ruimveldt Police Station, and Cameron was later arrested and charged.

While in Police custody, the prosecutor said, Cameron admitted to stealing the phone. According to the prosecutor, Cameron told detectives that he sold the phone to someone who works at a mall on Robb Street, Georgetown.

However, when the Police contacted the individual, he denied buying the phone from Cameron.

Chain snatcher Miguel Blackman

When given a chance to address the court, Cameron said he stole the phone because he was “broke”, as a result of no one wanting to hire him.

In sentencing the phone thief to five months’ imprisonment, the Chief Magistrate considered the fact that he pleaded guilty to the offence at the first instance, and did not waste the court’s time.

Meanwhile, in another case, 23-year-old Miguel Blackman appeared before the Chief Magistrate on a similar charge. The Red Road, Sophia, Greater Georgetown resident admitted that on May 15, 2021, at Water Street Georgetown, he stole

a gold chain valued at $ 60,000 from Trevannah Haywood.

The Police prosecutor told the court that on the day in question, Haywood was walking in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market area when Blackman approached her and snatched her chain from around her neck.

The court heard that the woman chased after Haywood, who eventually fell. Public-spirited citizens came to her aid and apprehended Blackman, and escorted him to the Stabroek Police Outpost.

“I had a rough life growing up, and no one by my side,” Blackman said as he pleaded with the Chief Magistrate for leniency.

Blackman told the court that he became frustrated and stole the woman’s chain because a man from whom he borrowed money was asking him to return it.

He also apologised to Haywood. He told her, “I am sorry.”

In the end, the Chief Magistrate upbraided Blackman for his actions, and told him that nothing in life comes easy. She advised him that he should consider taking a loan from the bank or other financial institutions should he need money in the future.

Blackman, a father of two, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for the crime. (G1)

Calling for…

I

…democracy in PNC? n the world, there’s “real”, and then there’s “surreal” which we’re told means “characterised by the intense irrational reality of a dream”. You know…when events seem real, but just don’t make sense or logic. In Guyana, when it comes to the PNC, things are always more surreal than not. Remember when they promised in 1972 that the “small” man would become the “real” man? You’ll appreciate what “surreal” means if you found out that within a few years after all the huffing and puffing, the “small man” had become hungry, naked and homeless!

Anyhow, right now, the PNC are once again demonstrating their surreal nature: while doing everything to destroy democracy in the country, and few stalwarts who participated fully in that grotesque rigging attempt - are demanding democracy in their party leadership elections, due this year!! These jokers deserve exactly what their present leader Granger is dishing out to them! After trampling all over the Guyana Constitution - and making it an object of mockery all over the Caribbean by insisting that 33 wasn’t the “majority” of 65 - they’re now accusing Granger of not following their party’s constitution!!

That constitution - which Burnham had also fixed to give him, as leader, absolute power - is now being used by Granger to hold off the challengers. They believe that since Burnham’s Art 22 - which gave him absolute power over the party “between Congresses” - has been changed, they can demand that Congress be summoned and elections held!! They’re burying their heads in the sand to the fact that PNC Congresses’ elections had always been used as dress rehearsals for rigging National Elections.

Why go back to the Burnham days that serve as the template? Remember, in 2011, Corbin and Co first fixed the delegates’ list to have their loyalists be the majority?

Remember when Norton, Greenidge, Riehl, and others cried foul? And the rigging moved to the counting of the ballots? And when that count was disputed and dragged on, gunshots were fired? And that even though Norton and his Linden posse walked out, Granger was anointed “leader”? Reminds you of what happened nine years later at Ashmin’s Building? That’s what surreal is!

But, right now, Granger doesn’t even have to open up the PNC playbook to fix the Party’s elections. Serendipitously for him, the COVID-19 pandemic is building up such a head of steam that even his opponents have to concede that his delay might have some merit. So, they’re going around “mobilising the base” - but actually burnishing their own images - and using surrogates from “foreign” to throw mud at Granger.

They’re just pi55ing in the wind. And we know what happens when that’s done, don’t we?

Blows right back at you!! …shutdown There’s a big lobby out there demanding a “shutdown” to stop the COVID-19 tsunami - not “wave” - that’s building up a head of steam before washing over us. But, simultaneously, we’re hearing a babel of demands that wages must be raised because prices are going through the roof. This should remind us that, when we talk “lockdown”, we have to factor in its impact on the working poor and almost poor.

How will they get their daily bread? Do we have the social security net to satisfy their “basic needs” - like the Americans do? You know we don’t! So, any lockdown will have to be a controlled lockdown that allows businesses to stay open. One suggestion your Eyewitness has is that the employees of these businesses must all agree to be vaccinated. From what the Minister of Health is saying, we have enough vaccines on hand or in the pipeline to accomplish this.

Combined with the “social vaccine” from enforcing the COVID-19 social protocols, we can earn a living and also live! …variants’ identification Just when your Eyewitness thought we’d tied down the COVID-19 variant conundrum - we have or don’t have? with PAHO’s affirmative announcement, the Minister says we haven’t been testing since January.

So PAHO’s blowing smoke up our…?

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Aubrey Norton challenging David Granger for PNC leadership …says time for party to embrace new political culture

PNC leader David Granger

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he race for leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) has heated up, with party stalwart Aubrey Norton announcing that he would challenge incumbent leader David Granger, who is increasingly coming under pressure for the current state of the party.

Norton, who was among those defending the rigging attempt for five months during the 2020 National and Regional Elections as the PNC elections agent, made the announcement while making an appearance on an online programme hosted by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive Dr David Hinds.

Hinds was a candidate on the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) list at the last elections. When asked

by Hinds about the party’s leadership, Norton expressed the believe that he has the qualifications to challenge for leadership of the party.

“I believe I have the requisite skills to give leadership. I have said to people I believe that even while we served in Government I cannot be accused of corruption or anything of that kind, and I believe that I am one among the viable candidates. The direct answer to that is once the congress of the People’s National

Congress reform is called, I intend to run for the leadership of the party,” Norton said.

According to Norton, who challenged for leadership of the party and lost to Granger in 2014, there is need for a new political culture. He is of the view that he could usher in this new political culture.

“What I can say is that the era of absolute leaders, maximum leaders, that era is clearly gone, and what we need is a new political culture in which leaders see themselves as first among equals, and to shift and to move away from this culture of maximum leader…. who could you talk to when one man determines everything?” he asked.

“I think this process of democratisation should bring a new type of leader that is disposed to listening to its (the party’s) base and acting in keeping with the ideas that emerge from the various approaches and discussions which are taken by all the political parties within the coalition,” Norton added.

Only recently, Congress Place was picketed by members of Granger’s own party, who demanded that he hold the congress so that the party could choose a leader. One placard, aimed at Granger and Opposition Leader

Joseph Harmon, had read, “David and Joe, stop denying democracy in the PNC. Time for congress”.

PNC’s last biennial congress was in 2018, where Granger was returned unopposed as leader of the party. According to the diaspora group, the time has come for younger and more progressive leaders to be elected to lead the party.

However, Granger has cited the COVID-19 pandemic for the delay in holding the congress. He had said that the party is trying to work out the logistics of holding the congress while at the same time ensuring social distancing. However, many other organisations have held virtual meetings using Zoom, which allows hundreds of partici-

Lawrence were excluded and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was not consulted to name their candidate.

WPA subsequently withdrew from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, following on the heels of the Justice For All Party (JFAP).

Granger has also been denounced by individual members of the party, like one time PNC Parliamentarian James Bond. Bond has in fact labelled Granger’s leadership as “ineffective” and “mediocre”.

A PNCR diaspora group on Sunday last added its voice to calls for the former President to step down from leading the party. In a letter signed by Connie McGuire,

They noted that after working tirelessly to get Granger elected in 2015, the party made a series of missteps, failed to connect to supporters, and sidelined young and dynamic leadership like that offered by former

pants.

Granger, who left office in August of last year after a five-month-long election process, has been facing pressure from within the party over the loss of the General and Regional Elections after just one term in office.

These divisions were exacerbated by the list of parliamentarians he picked to send to the 12th Parliament, after party stalwarts like

Michael Bramford, George E Lewis and the PNCR New York Diaspora group, they appealed to all PNC Executives, members and supporters to demand the resignations of Granger and other party leaders.

Region 10 Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon.

“It will be a colossal mistake for (us) the members of the PNCR groups in the New York Diaspora and the executive members of the PNCR to allow them to remain at the

PNC stalwart Aubrey Norton

helm of the PNCR. This will no doubt do irreparable damage to the party…it is time for them to pass the baton on to the younger leadership of the likes of Sharma Solomon, Vanessa Kissoon, Thandi McAllister and others,” the NYC group said.

Solomon and Kissoon were among the organisers of the 2021 Linden protest. The almost one-month-long unrest left three persons dead, several others injured, and the destruction of several buildings along with public infrastructure (roads, bridges).

According to the group, the PNC’s elitist attitude adopted after they entered Government is responsible for losing the March 2 General and Regional Elections last year. It also was not lost on the group that Granger and his fellow PNC leaders have been ducking responsibility for their party’s loss at the polls. The party has in fact gone to court claiming that the elections were rigged against them. Both of their election petitions have been tossed out. (G3)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

222 children in foster Drunken businessman care system in Guyana forces Police patrol off road A S ome 222 children are in the foster care system in Guyana. This was revealed by Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, who also disclosed that this amount represents 118 girls and 104 boys. These figures reflect the period January 2021 to May 2021.

Additionally, she disclosed that 79 children have been placed in non-biological families and 143 are in kinship care.

She made these revelations in her message on the occasion of Foster Care

She explained that at the moment, in order to work with the families and make things right for the children, Government has to bring them to Georgetown.

“We are pleased to say that we are working to change this. During this month, officers of the Childcare and Protection Agency are heavily promoting foster care across the Regions, explaining how our programme works and how individuals could be part of this rewarding and positive experience of being a foster parent.”

Month, which is being observed under the theme, “Foster Care as a Support for Families, not a Substitute for Parents.”

According to the Minister, while these figures are reasonably good in so far as Georgetown and a few other places are concerned, “what we are really interested in promoting this month is having the buy-in of persons from outlying regions, such as those far-flung and riverain communities.”

Persaud expressed hope that, by the end of this month, there would be increased awareness of the programme, and families in the hinterland regions would sign on to be foster parents.

“We plan to do our best to continue raising the level of awareness of our Foster Care Programme, and to recognise the important role and dedication of foster parents. We wish to honour you for your time and commitment in being there for our

Dr Vindhya Persaud

children.

“Even as you continue to care for our young ones, we urge you to be willing to work towards helping the children to be reunited with their biological families. We want to remind you that while foster care offers continued family-based care, support, guidance and love to a child who has to be separated from his/her biological family, it is only a temporary arrangement until the child can safely be returned home.”

businessman has been taken into Police custody after he reportedly forced a Police patrol off the road and then began behaving disorderly towards several law enforcement officers at a Police station.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 23:10h on Tuesday, and involved a dark blue pickup truck, GZZ 200, which was being driven by the businessman. Police say a male passenger was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said ranks performing duties at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara (EBD) alerted their colleagues on the western side of the Demerara Harbour Bridge of a speeding vehicle that was headed their way after running a Police patrol off the road.

The pickup was, as such, stopped at the western exit of the bridge, and the driver was told of the allegation made against him.

The Police say that the businessman, who provided his name, address and pro-

fession, denied the allegation, but while he was being spoken to by the ranks, it was observed that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

When asked to subject himself to a breathalyzer test, the businessman refused, and started behaving disorderly.

At that stage, he was questioned about the firearm seen in his waist, for which he produced a licence. Police say the officers took possession of his firearm out of caution for public safety due to his behaviour, and, after a lengthy delay, he was escorted to the

La Grange Police Station, where his vehicle was also impounded.

The Police say that while at the station, the driver continued to behave disorderly in the presence of other ranks. He was warned several times about his behaviour, but he continued to behave disorderly and was subsequently taken into custody.

The driver later subjected himself to a breathalyzer test, with the first reading recorded at 125mg and the second at 147mg, but he refused to sign the slips.

Investigations are in progress.

Cuban man stabbed to death in Georgetown

A

40-year-old Cuban man was stabbed to death while attempting to remove a suspect, who is his relative, from a premise on Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

Dead is Lopez Cardenas Yoesmarita.

Police say the incident oc-

curred at about 05:00h on Tuesday morning.

According to the Police, investigations have so far revealed that Yoesmarita was armed with a knife, and was attempting to physically remove the suspect when a scuffle ensued, during which the

suspect took away the knife and stabbed Yoesmarita to his lower back.

Police have since taken the suspect into custody. He is presently at the Alberttown Police Station pending further investigation into the matter.

NEWS

Berbice fare hike

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Do not pay proposed increases – Minister tells commuters

During one of their recent protests, hire car operators parked their cars outside the Lewis Manor Police Outpost along the East Coast Berbice Highway, Region Six

T

ourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond is advising commuters in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) not to pay increases in hire car fares being proposed and, in many cases, implemented by hire car operators plying the New Amsterdam-Rose Hall Town route.

The operators two weeks ago held protests along the East Coast Berbice Highway

and at Rose Hall Town, demanding that fares be increased from $200 to $300.

The operators in trying to justify their proposed 50 per cent fare hike claimed that there has been no increase for more than 24 years.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Walrond said no endorsement has been given for an increase in hire car fares in Berbice.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

wishes to state that it has not endorsed an increase in fares for hire cars plying the New Amsterdam to Rose Hall route,” the statement from the Ministry stated.

It was also noted that the Ministry has not been consulted by Region Six hire car drivers or any association, on the matter of an increase in fares.

According to the statement, the Ministry has noted the concerns expressed

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

by drivers justifying the proposed increase in fares, but added that it was of the view that any change in the fare structure must be done after consultation with taxi drivers and commuters.

2 slapped with robbery, wounding charges

T

wo men were hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday to answer robbery and wounding charges respectively.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was 30-year-old Odel Alves and 41-year-old Jermaine Joseph.

Alves, who was unrepresented, denied the first charge against him which stated that on May 15, 2021, at the Bel Air, Georgetown seawall, he robbed Clive Barrow of a black LG phone worth $21,000. It was further alleged that on the same day at the same location, he robbed Jenelle Hussain of a BlackBerry phone valued at $30,000.

Alves pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him. He was remanded to prison and instructed to return to court on June 2, 2021.

Alves was also charged with trafficking narcotics.

He also denied that charge which stated that on May 16, 2021, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, he had 49 grams of cannabis sativa in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the Police Prosecutor, on the day in question, Alves was standing in front of a building carrying a shoulder bag.

The Prosecutor added that after observing Alves acting suspiciously, Police ranks searched him.

They found a quantity of leaves, stems, and seeds suspected to be marijuana in the bag. As a result, Alves was arrested and told of the offence committed.

In his address to the court, Alves claimed that when Police ranks stopped him, they asked him “what yuh gun do for yourself?”

Alves told the Magistrate that he informed the ranks that he had no money. The defendant was further remanded to prison on the latter charge.

In the other mat-

ter, Joseph, a taxi driver of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was granted $75,000 bail on a wounding charge.

Joseph pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on March 4, 2021 at Cross Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Neron Yarris with intent to maim, disfigure,

disable, or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The court was told that the two men were known to each other since they are employed at the Green Ice Taxi Service. On the day in question, the men were gambling when they had a misunderstanding which led to a fight. Joseph armed himself with a cutlass and dealt his workmate a chop

to the forehead.

Yarris reported the matter to the Ruimveldt Police Station and Joseph was arrested. The defendant will return to court next month.

As a condition of bail, he was ordered not to go within 50 feet of Yarris. He was further ordered to report to the station until the hearing and determination of his trial.

“Those discussions must take into consideration, the economic realities of all stakeholders,” the statement said.

Minister Walrond said that the Ministry was willing to engage residents living along the New AmsterdamRose Hall Town route and taxi drivers who ply that route to determine an amicable solution to the proposed fare increase and to determine a way forward. A team from the Department of Consumer Affairs has begun interactions with res-

idents and would be meeting with taxi drivers and the taxi association to develop a plan of action based on consensus.

In the interim, the Ministry is calling on commuters to continue paying the original fare.

Meanwhile, the Corentyne operators are also proposing an increase of $300 to travel from New Amsterdam to Corriverton to make the new fare $1000 and an increase in the New Amsterdam-Moleson Creek fare from $1200 to $2000.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese students top Caribbean at CSEC, CAPE

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson

uyana has secured the top spots in the Caribbean at the May-June 2020 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), which are both administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

This announcement was made on Wednesday by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during a press conference to release the final examination results. The top regional performer for CSEC is Queen’s College’s Bhedesh Persaud, who secured 22 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Persaud’s schoolmate, Zane Ramotar emerged as the region’s top CAPE performer with 14 Grade Ones and one Grade Two passes.

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Huston revealed that although there were marginal declines in the pass rates for some subject areas, Guyana recorded an overall improved pass rate at the 2020 examinations.

Dr Huston said, “Generally, Guyana would have done extremely well in terms of how our students

have performed. And it is against that backdrop, we cannot help but commend those teachers who fought vigorously even in the midst of all the issues. This could not have been possible without the help of all those stakeholders… We could not have done this without a solid team…”

G

CAPE

According to Dr Hutson, 853 candidates sat the 2020 CAPE for which a 93.16 per cent general pass rate was recorded as compared to 93 per cent in 2019. The gender breakdown of the overall CAPE pass rate was 36 per cent males and 64 per cent females. The results for CAPE are reported on a seven-point scale – Grades 1-VII. Candidates attaining Grades 1 – V have attained an acceptable standard for matriculation purposes, with Grade One representing an excellent performance, while Grades Two and Three represent very good and good standards of performance respectively.

For CAPE, students were offered units in 35 subject areas, and this year, there was an increase in the number of candidates obtaining

Grades One and Two passes.

Rounding off the top three performers for CAPE are St Rose’s Naomi Cambridge with 12 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos, and one Grade Three, and Christian Pile from QC who attained 11 Grades Ones, one Grade Two, and one Grade Three.

For CSEC, apart from Ramotar, the other top performers are Sherlock Langevine Jr and Donelle Pyle from St Stanislaus College. Langevine secured 11 Grade Ones and eight Grade Twos, while Pyle secured nine Grade Ones, three Grade Twos, and two Grade Threes.

The Bishops’ High School’s Nicolas Ally gained 11 Grade Ones and one Grade Two; Zharal Hollingsworth, 10 Grade Ones and one Grade Two; Carl Gilford 10 Grade Ones and one Grade Three and Stefan Hamilton seven Grade Ones, three Grade Twos, two Grade Threes and one Grade Four. QC student Radesa Hack attained 11 Grade Ones, one Grade Two, one Grade Three, and three Grade Fours.

CSEC

A total of 12,009 students wrote the CSEC 2020 examinations as compared to 11,467 in 2019. The overall pass rate (Grades One to Three) was 75.9 per cent as compared to 73 per cent the previous year. Even though he described this as a marginal increase, Dr Hutson noted that it was still commendable. “…Because in the midst of COVID and all the drama and issues that were working against our students, we still see they were able to show that kind of improvement even though marginal. And I think that is commendable.

These children had to fight

so many battles,” the Chief Education Officer said.

The pass rate in English A remained constant at 77.91 per cent in 2020 as against 77 per cent in 2019. Students’ performance in English B improved significantly from 58.1 per cent in 2019 to 78.03 per cent in 2020. A noted improvement was also recorded in Mathematics with a pass rate of 48.66 per cent in 2020 as compared to 43 per cent in 2019.

The Top 10 CSEC students:

Bhedesh Persaud of QC – 22 Grade Ones and one Grade Two; Duvina Seurattan of Anna Regina Secondary School – 19 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Swasti Saytoo of Anna Regina Secondary – 18 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos; Geveshwar Rajkishore of Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 18 Grade Ones and one Grade Two; Reyah Khemraj of JC Chandisingh Secondary – 17 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos; Shivnarine Chaitram of Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 17 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Atishta Seenarine of Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 17 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Chaitra Singh – of Saraswati Vidya Nikitan secured 16 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos and Tabitha Alves of Abrams Zuil Secondary School – 16 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos.

Top awards

Guyana has secured more of the top awards that will be given out by CXC to the Region’s top performers for CSEC and CAPE. According to Manickchand, Guyana received two of the seven awards at the CAPE level. Ramotar copped the award for CAPE’s overall best performing student and

Zane Ramotar (left) and Bhedesh Persaud have copped the 2020 top Regional CAPE and CSEC spots respectively

the best performing student for natural sciences.

Guyana also bagged four of the five top awards for CSEC regionally. Guyana’s Persaud has won awards for the overall top student and best performing science student. A student from the New Amsterdam Secondary School won the award for the most outstanding candidate in technical and vocational studies, while a student of St Rose’s High scooped the top business student award.

Promising future

In congratulating the students for their outstanding performance, Manickchand noted that the examinations were written at a time of extreme difficulty for not only them but their families and the rest of the world. She said that for them to have written the examinations and done this well showed that they had a good foundation and support.

Against this backdrop, she told them that they had a very promising future and gave Government’s commitment to work with them in realising their dreams.

“We will work very hard in the Government and in

the Ministry of Education to ensure that you don’t – for want of financial resources or guidance… that you are [not] forced to not pursue any of your dreams or passion.

We will make ways available and give you opportunities so that you can pursue all your dreams and passion.

Because we know that when you get qualified and come back here, all of Guyana will benefit…”

The release of the final May-June 2020 examination results was delayed by CXC after the examination body initiated a Region-wide review of preliminary results that were released in September 2020. The review was started after students in several countries made formal requests for their grades to be rechecked, owing to discrepancies.

The Council had committed to complete the process

by January 2021, but this deadline passed owing to the coronavirus lockdown, which affected its Barbados headquarters. By January 2021, a majority of the reviews had already been completed and CXC began posting final grades via its online portal.

(G1)

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sheriff St, Mandela Avenue upgrades

Works 70% complete, project to conclude in August – Edghill …as Govt mulls roundabout at Vlissengen & Lamaha Sts

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orks on the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue project are 70 per cent complete, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill remains optimistic that with a day-andnight work schedule, the contractors can complete work by August.

This was revealed

by Minister Edghill on Wednesday in an interview with the media, during his inspection of works.

According to him, he has mandated that work be conducted day and night in an effort to make up for lost time.

“It’s about getting the work moving and keeping the eye on the August deadline that have me out here making sure that whatever needed to be done, is done.

We had to remove some

pipes, the GWI (Guyana Water Inc) pipes to allow for the diversion,” the Minister said.

“That is completed and I said to them, day-and-night work. Let’s get it done… we gonna make it. We’re about 70 per cent. Might be just above. The road widening is going pretty well. We had some good days of sun, so work is moving quicker.”

Edghill also explained that work was ongoing to complete the Arapaima bridge on Mandela Avenue.

He noted that two lanes have so far been completed on the bridge, which will be partly opened today to facilitate traffic.

“These bridges must be completed by the 28th of July. Both bridges. So, with the movement that they are making now, they have all

the materials. The slabs and everything are there.

It’s just a matter of working and making up lost time,” he said.

The road upgrade project is being funded through a US$66 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Work on the Sheriff StreetMandela Avenue project began in August 2018 by Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation Limited.

However, there was a period in 2019 when the IDB had halted funding for the project owing to health and safety violations by the contractor. The matter was further compounded by the election impasse, but following the return to office of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, the IDB was re-engaged.

GRDB seeking to improve rice production in Region 2 …launches training programme

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill in discussion with engineers on Wednesday

The project, which will cover approximately seven kilometres of roadway, involves the relocation of utilities; the installation of lane and shoulder improvements, sidewalks and paved shoulders, traffic signals, traffic signs, streetlights, drainage, a pedestrian overhead walkway, culverts, bridges, and a roundabout.

Roundabout

GRDB Extension Manager Kuldip Ragnauth speaking with farmers during the launching of the training programme in Region Two

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n an effort to improve rice yields in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry, has launched a training programme to strengthen farming skills.

During an interview with Guyana Times, GRDB Extension Manager Kuldip Ragnauth said that the programme would boost farmers’ knowledge of rice production.

He indicated that farmers are producing up to 25 bags per acre, which is considered a great decline in the production. The Agriculture Ministry is aiming to double farmers’ rice yields and as such, the two agricultural entities were going to work with the farmers, educating them on important areas and otherwise assisting them to improve their yields.

“Government would work with farmers to improve their cultivation and production levels where we intend to increase double rice production. However,

farmers who harvested 25 bags of paddy per acre, the GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture are waiting to see the vast increase in paddy yield of the upcoming crop,” Ragnauth told this publication.

Meanwhile, the GRDB, in a subsequent release, said that focus would be placed on four main areas, including farmers accessing seeds of high quality, of a single variety with high percentages for vigour and germination, so it should be free from seed-borne disease, weed seeds, red kernels and other impurities. “They should also be free from mechanical injury that might reduce germination and seedling vigour. They [extension officers] will teach farmers numerous agricultural practices and how to cultivate rice in a most efficient manner to achieve a higher yield,” the release read.

Further, it stated that in the intensive agriculture system, fertiliser recommendations should be based on a soil test. Nitrogen, it added, is the most limiting element in almost all soils, and

proper application of nitrogen fertilisers is vital to improve crop growth and grain yields in rice cultivation.

Additionally, the GRDB is working diligently on minimising shattering losses in the field. In high-yielding varieties, it is necessary to dry large quantities of wet grain in the shortest time to minimise rice spoilage, damage from bugs and emerging diseases.

Additionally, Ragnauth told this newspaper that the GRDB Board and the station were focusing on how to better crops, and manage issues and difficulties farmers face in the fields.

“We aim to increase farmers’ rice yields by introducing good agricultural practices (GAP), an integrated set of recommended crop, soil, water, weed management practices and ensuring our farmers nourish their crops with appropriate amounts and types of fertiliser and also prevent bug infestation in the field.

We want to improve the national average of paddy and also improve farmers’ livelihood,” Ragnauth said.

Meanwhile, the Government is also considering a roundabout at the intersection of Vlissengen

and Lamaha Streets, to help reduce traffic congestion and to cater for a growing economy and with it, increased traffic.

Edghill made the intersection a part of his tour.

The Minister revealed to the media that he has instructed his Chief Works Services Officer to look into having a roundabout built at the intersection.

“Apart from Sheriff Street, this is an artery that brings in a lot of East Coast traffic and persons exiting the city. So there have been a lot of conges-

tion here and long delays… the long-term suggestion is that I’ve just instructed my Chief Works Services Officer to get his team and

by Friday afternoon, bring in the conceptual designs and the possibilities of putting in a roundabout at this intersection.”

“Because ultimately, the more permanent solution will be a roundabout. So while we’re making the adjustments, we have to look also for the long term… so ultimately, a roundabout is coming to Lamaha and Vlissengen and Irving.”

According to him, money for the roundabout is likely to be sought through supplemental funding. In the interim, Edghill explained that the technical officers will be observing the traffic flow, to better calibrate the traffic lights.

“The first thing we did was to time what’s happening with the lights to make sure that the lights are properly timed in keeping with the flow of traffic. So, for the next three days, the traffic signals department will observe the traffic patterns and then we will make further decisions,” he said.

“But as of today, they have adjusted the lights.

And it is the adjustments that I was just observing.

We have maintained the same amount of time to clear the intersection, but we have adjusted the time at the various spots.”

The Minister further assured that arrangements would be made for traffic management.

14 NEWS Evacuation ongoing as flooding worsens in Region 9 THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig along with a CDC staffer visiting a flood-affected family in Region Nine on Wednesday

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egional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo), Karl Singh has confirmed that evacuation is ongoing for several residents of Lethem, where flooding has intensified.

Several communities in the region are experiencing drastic flooding owing to heavy continu-

live on higher ground.

Shelters have been set up at the Arapaima Primary School and the Tabatinga Complex.

According to the REO, the situation is challenging in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notwithstanding, he said all efforts were being made to have persons tested for the virus before they enter the shelters. Reports are that a team from the Public Works Ministry has been monitoring infrastructure in the region and so far the team has detected a broken bridge in Aishalton.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has already sent a number of relief hampers to the region as its assessments are still ongoing. It noted that more than 90 families are flooded.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said that during a meeting at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Regional Chairman Brian Allicock said the water, overflowing from the Takutu River, was

Several flooded areas in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

ous rainfall and the overflowing of waterways.

When contacted on Tuesday, Singh explained that Shea Village, Sand Creek, Bai-Shaizon, St Ignatius, Lethem, and Aishalton remain under water.

Those who have been evacuated have moved to several shelters or are staying with relatives who

affecting both South and North Rupununi.

He said 52 homes were flooded in Parabara and 34 in BaiShaizon. In Tabatinga, five families had to be evacuated to a shelter.

In a statement, CDC said that it has prepared over 1000 hampers for

flood-affected residents of Region Nine.

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig led a technical team to the Region on Wednesday, to hand over the emergency supplies and assess the effects of the flooding. Additionally, the Regional Disaster Management Committee has been activated as part of the

Regional Response Mechanism.

The Committee has been conducting assessments across the Region, focusing on the households most impacted. This publication previously reported that torrential rainfall resulted in flooding in areas such as Market Square and the Magistrate’s Court in Lethem.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 COVID-19 deaths, 153 new cases recorded …vaccination hours in Georgetown to be extended to 8 pm – Dr Anthony

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

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our more persons who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) have died, the Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday.

With these deaths, the total number of fatalities from the pandemic has gone up to 349.

All four fatalities are males, with the youngest being a 37-year-old resident of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died on Tuesday. On that day, a 50-year-old man from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) also died from the virus.

The other two COVID-19 deaths are a 73-year-old male from Region Four, who died on Monday, and a 54-year-old man from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), who died on Sunday.

These patients had been admitted to medical institutions with COVID-like symptoms, and died while receiving care. Samples taken at the time of their admission subsequently returned positive tests, the Ministry has said.

Since outbreak of the pandemic here in Guyana

last year, April was recorded as the deadliest month with 66 fatalities. May, however, has already recorded 50 deaths as more persons with the virus are succumbing to complications caused by COVID-19.

Prior to these four deaths, the last fatality was a 56-yearold male from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) who died on Monday while receiving care at a medical facility.

New cases

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also reported on Wednesday that 153 more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 from some 956 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.

This now takes the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 15,607 – 7,791 males and 7,816 males.

However, only 1,899 of these are currently active cases. This includes 16 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 1,883 persons in isolation; that is, 106 in institutional isolation and the other 1,777 in home isolation.

Additionally, there are six persons in institutional quarantine.

Some 13,359 persons have to date recovered from the novel coronavirus in the country – 107 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

Of the 153 new cases recorded on Wednesday, three were detected in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 36 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 55 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), seven in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 10 in Region Six (East Berbice -Corentyne), 16 in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), eight in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 18 in Region Ten (Upper Demerara–

Pastors robbed by gunmen

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wo pastors were robbed on Sheriff Street, Georgetown on Tuesday as they were about to enter a supermarket.

Reports are that about 14:45h the pastors – a 33-year-old male and a 36-year-old female – were heading to the supermarket when they were approached by two men on a black motorcycle. Police said that the pillion rider dismounted and pointed a gun at the pastors while demanding that they hand over all their belongings. However, both pastors refused and

the gunman fired a round in their direction which did not hit them, but caused them to let go of their valuables. Police said that the bandits escaped with one

wallet which contained several bank cards along with a driver’s licence and national card and $2000 from one of the victims.

The bandits also took one gold iPhone XS Max valued $250,000, a black wallet valued TT$2000; a T&T driver’s licence, T&T NIS card, $3000 and a red handbag valued $10,000.

Following the robbery, the pillion rider then mounted the motorcycle and both perpetrators made good their escape.

Police have since launched an investigation.

Berbice).

The figures remain unchanged in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Vaccination

The Government continues to aggressively roll out its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and efforts are being ramped up to allow more persons to get immunised against the novel coronavirus. It is against

this backdrop that Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony disclosed during Wednesday’s update that the vaccination hours in Georgetown would be extended from this coming weekend to 8pm or 20:00h.

“We’ll start that as an experiment to see whether or not we’ll get more people coming out. But we don’t want people to wait (so late) and the place is vacant the whole day, nobody is coming out, and then you wait till the evenings and you have a crowd.

If these centres are working from eight in the morning, we want people to start coming out from eight in the morning.

If you come early and there isn’t a crowd, it doesn’t take long,” Dr Anthony noted.

Further, he outlined the importance of taking the vaccines, and encouraged persons to do so as soon as possible, even if it means taking time off from work.

“In the long run, this is going to be better for you, and it is going to benefit the work environment as well, because if everybody in the work environment is vaccinated, then that offers a protective effect in that particular workspace.

So, I really want to urge people to make this a priority…make sure you come out and get the first dose.

If you got the first dose,

check your vaccination card and ensure that you understand when you’re due for your second dose, and come get your second dose,” the Minister implored.

On this note, Dr Anthony also urged persons who missed the date for their second dose to get it as soon as possible, and not wait any longer, in order to maintain the efficacy of the jab.

“What happens with the first dose (is that) it stimulates your immune system, and your body starts producing antibodies after about the 7th day after receiving the shot. About 7 days after, your body starts getting a lot of antibodies, and the level of antibodies would be high enough by the 7th day… If you don’t come in that timeframe, what normally would happen is that the antibody peaks to a level, not its optimum, and then remains there for a while, and then would wane. If you get both doses, it would go higher and stay high for a longer time. So, the response is more robust and you’ll be more protected,” he stated.

As at Tuesday, some 172,311 persons received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 38,467 of those are now fully vaccinated with both doses.

However, the Health Minister noted that while Region Six continues to lead with the highest number of first dose vaccination, Region 10 is still lagging behind, which is concerning since there are some 147 active cases in the region, which also recently recorded a COVID fatality.

16 NEWS Contractors warned to honour contractual obligations, guidelines THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as Agri Ministry inks close to $1B in contracts

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he Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday inked several contracts for the execution of works across the country and the supply of several pieces of machinery which are intended to improve the general lives of farmers and other residents across the country.

Six agencies that fall within the Ministry’s purview signed a total of 16 contracts, which amounted to $975,170,707.

S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies signed a contract totalling $497,464,600 for the supply of a cutter head dredge to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

Khan’s Construction and Transportation Services Incorporated signed two contracts for the rehabilitation of a drainage structure at Henrietta in Leguan and the construction of a new drainage sluice at New Friendship in Wakenaam.

Kascon Engineering Services signed a contract totalling $79,407,100 to execute rehabilitation works on the Union Sluice in Region Five.

Samaroo Investments signed a contract worth $57,720,500 to carry out rehabilitation works on the sluice located at

NDIA CEO Fredrick Flatts (standing) signing a contract with one of the suppliers during the contractsigning exercise

Lima, Region Two. General Engineering Supplies and Services Incorporated signed a contract for $12,722,100 for the fabrication and installation of a stainless-steel door at the Young Street sluice in Georgetown.

RN Construction signed a contract totalling some $18,777,000 for the installation of a revetment at Endeavour in Canal No 2. A contract worth $25,968,925 was also signed with Z&H

Investments Incorporated to execute rehabilitation works on the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) guest house at Land of Canaan.

The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) signed a contract totalling $17,290,141 with Beharry Automotive Limited for the supply of a 30-seater bus.

Massy Motors (Guyana) Limited signed a contract worth $6,954,000 with the Hydromet Department for the supply, delivery, and test-

ing of a new sport utility vehicle (SUV).

MS Trading inked a contract totalling $9,850,000 with the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) for the supply and delivery of laboratory equipment and accessories NAREI’s Mangrove Department also signed a contract totalling $10,079,500 with S&K Construction and Consultancy Services and General Supplies for the installation of a geotextile tube

along the Non Pareil foreshore, ECD. The Department also signed a contract with Bailey and Associates for $8,721,000 for the execution of topographic surveys in three areas.

Hope Coconut Industries Limited signed contracts with Ideal Auto totalling $9,690,000 for the supply, delivery, and testing of a new enclosed canter truck.

General Equipment Guyana Incorporated signed a contract worth $10,441,100 with Hope Coconut Industries Limited for the supply, delivery, and testing of a tractor with accompanying implements; and Hope Coconut Industries Limited also signed a contract worth $4,935,392 with R. Persid Construction for the construction of a chain-link fence at Plantation Hope Estate.

In brief remarks, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that with renewed interest in the agriculture sector, the Government is focused on putting the right infrastructure in place to foster development.

“The agriculture sector is moving forward, and that came about because of the funds and allocations

Government has been investing thus far. We are here this afternoon to continue the process because we want to deliver the necessary services to our citizens to further enhance their lives,” Mustapha is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

He noted that Wednesday’s signing would see contracts being signed totalling close to one billion dollars.

“That is a large sum of money, and I think we need to have these works completed on time and according to the specifications. Agriculture is once again taking its rightful place in Caricom. This is why we have to put the necessary framework and infrastructure in place to ensure Guyana remains the country designated to advance the agriculture agenda on food security in the Caribbean,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Minister also said the products and services that are to be provided are seen as critical. He told contractors that they should work to meet their contractual obligations within the given timeframe, as the Ministry does not plan to extend any contract period.

Essequibo Coast women participate Region 6 RDC receives $12.4M pick-up, outboard engine for Orealla in capacity-building training

Members of the Regional Gender Affairs Committee and trainees share a photo op on Wednesday

The double-cab pick-up and outboard engine that were handed over on Wednesday

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he Local Government Ministry on Wednesday hander over an outboard engine and a new double-cab pickup vehicle to boost the capacity of Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) to deliver on its mandate.

The vehicle is an $8M investment, while the 250 horsepower outboard engine costs $4.5M At a simple ceremony at the RDC compound in New Amsterdam, Regional Chairman David Armogan noted that a boat had been purchased by the previous administration for the community of Orealla but it was never used and attempts

are now being made to utilise the fiberglass boat.

The chairman noted that the cost to fix the outboard engine previously purchased was too high, and a decision was taken to make the new purchase.

In making the presentation, Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall said that in addition to providing training and technical support to the various local democratic organs in the Region, which includes the Regional Democratic Council, there is also a need to provide the tools necessary for work to be done.

“The pickup is also expected to enhance transpor-

tation within the Region, because we would like to… see the technical staff out more often, we would like to see the RDC Chairman, Vice-Chairman and REO [Regional Executive Officer], even though they are out often, going out more. So, it is part of building the capacity of our officers.”

He explained that capacity building would see more equipment being sent to the Region to provide support for the staff.

The outboard engine would also be utilised in other riverine communities if needed. (G4)

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he Human Services Ministry, in collaboration with the Gender Affairs Bureau and the Regional Gender Affairs Committee, hosted a twoday gender and development training in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The exercise was conducted at the Regional State House at Anna Regina, and among the topics discussed was the promotion and advancement of gender-related issues affecting women in today’s society.

Speaking with the trainees on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Regional Gender Affairs Committee, Verina Rasheed, said the main purpose of the committee is to promote gender equality and empowerment of women, including an agenda for sustainable

development.

Meanwhile, Senior Gender Affairs Officer at the Ministry, Hymawattie Lagan, said the first training pogramme, held in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), was successful and enhanced the knowledge of women at the end of the capacity-building workshop and orientation session.

She added that the Gender Affairs Bureau and the Regional Gender Affairs Committee are working diligently with the regional authorities to create an adequate framework for growth and development of all the citizens in the country, particularly women.

“The Regional Gender Affairs Committee was set up to operate in each region in the same way as other sartorial committees,

and have a similar status.

The RGACs are meant to be the backbone for the setting of the regional political, social and development programmes, and provide implementation, technical and monitoring support,” Lagan explained.

Region Two Chairwoman Vilma De Silva took the opportunity to welcome the Regional Gender Affairs Committee on its first gender and development training in Region Two. She also thanked the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the RGAC team for their encouragement, training, guidance, and full support that they provided for women within the region, which will further benefit women not only in the region but also in the country.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 former senior officers arrested in $10M fraud probe at GPF …Paul Slowe implicated, also accused of sexual assault

Former Senior Superintendent Michael Sutton

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hairman of the Police Service Commission, Paul Slowe, and at least one other Commission member, former Assistant Commissioner Clinton Conway, are among a group of retired senior Police officers who have been implicated by an ongoing probe in an alleged fraud that deprived the Guyana Police Force of some $10 million.

The others fingered in the fraud are former Assistant Commissioner Claude Whittaker, former Senior Superintendent Mark Gilbert, former Senior Superintendent George Fraser, and former Senior Superintendent Michael Sutton.

Guyana Times understands that the fraud was unearthed during a probe

Chairman of Police Service Commission, Paul Slowe

PSC Member Clinton Conway

Former Assistant Commissioner Claude Whittaker

Former Senior Superintendent Mark Gilbert

Former Senior Superintendent George Fraser

conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), and five of the ex-cops were arrested on Wednesday. They were subsequently released, and are expected to be charged with conspiracy to defraud and are scheduled to be placed before the court today.

In a statement late Wednesday evening, the Police Force said that since commencement of this “massive investigation into financial irregularities,” Slowe has left the jurisdiction.

The current PSC Chairman is also facing allegations of sexual assault made by a female officer.

According to the missive from the GPF, Slow and the five other retired senior officers, along with one current

Assistant Commissioner, one former female Finance Officer, and a male officer attached to the Police Finance Office, conspired together and with other persons unknown to defraud the Guyana Police Force of a sum in excess of $10 million.

It is alleged that the money was paid to revise the entire Police Force’s Standing Orders, but Slowe and the others have so far failed to present the Guyana Police Force with a completed revised Standing Order.

The raft of Guyana Police Force Standing Orders comprises of 104 Standing Orders but these were already revised at the time that the men implicated in the fraud reportedly

undertook to conduct a revision.

“The entire 104 Standing Orders of the Guyana Police Force were completely revised by Civilian Police Analysts that work at the Strategic Planning Unit of the Guyana Police Force between July 2018 and March 2019. However, Slowe and others were paid to do the same revision when it was already done,” a missive from the Force detailed.

Further, it was noted that about eight of these officers, including Slowe, conspired together and gave themselves a job that clearly should have gone to the Tender Board by law, because of the quantity of money involved. Projects within public entities that

are above a certain sum of money are required to pass through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

In addition, the PSC Chairman and Conway – being members of the Police Service Commission, which overlooks the Police Force as the disciplinary body – cannot take contracts and enter into agreements that they are getting substantial monetary rewards for, the GPF stated.

“They reportedly draw this money knowing that this work was completed,” the missive added.

Meanwhile, with regards to the sexual assault allegations, a female Assistant Superintendent who worked along with

Slowe has filed a report that alleges that she was sexually assaulted by Slowe three times during the months of March and April 2019.

These alleged sexual assaults were reported to an Assistant Commissioner, who failed to take proper action. He allegedly told the female officer “…is I have to promote you.”

According to the Police Force, the investigations into both matters are still continuing.

In addition, it was noted that Slowe is required to present himself for questioning at SOCU and at the Gender Based Unit of the Guyana Police Force for conspiracy to defraud and sexual assault respectively.

(G8)

Troy Resources to temporarily halt operations in Region 7

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ustralian mining company Troy Resources has cleared the air that it is not shutting down operations in Guyana, but is merely mulling a temporary halt at the underground mine in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Only recently, the company disclosed in its market update that previous timelines set for the start of production at the country’s first underground mining site, Smarts Underground Prospect, would be delayed as a result of additional drilling being requested by the geotechnical consultants and the resource calculation, as well as lack of contractors and service providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

dated more closely. The actual announcement was also to highlight the fact that Troy has shifted some of its focus to a new area. The announcement is a statement of the current status of the Company’s operations and probable actions it may take,” Nilsson has said.

According to the CEO, the timing of reduction of mining is ultimately dependent on results from the test mining programme at the Goldstar area and any other additional sources. With that being the case, he noted, there is currently no fixed date set as to when this could take place.

He added that this is a normal scenario in the life of any mine where new discoveries or conversion of reserves may

In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Managing Director of Troy Resources, Ken Nilsson, explained that the announcements were meant to update the market, and not to be an advisory that a shutdown of operations is imminent.

“In light of the tightening ore supply, it is necessary to keep the share market up-

not keep up with production demands.

Initially, Nilsson had said the company had hoped to have a seamless transfer from open pit to underground mining, with minimal impact on the overall operation except for the open pit mining operations.

“However, with the diminishing size of the open pits, the amount of material

Chief Executive Officer & Chief Managing Director of Troy Resources, Ken Nilsson

needing to be moved for a given volume of ore diminishes, therefore requiring less machinery. The delay of the underground operation is currently at about 2 months.

The initial work which was planned to start around the 1st of July now seems more likely to take place in October.

We anticipate that all preparatory technical work on the underground operations will be completed by mid to late June,” he outlined.

On this note, the Troy Resources MD pointed out that the need for goods and services would gradually diminish during this time, until operations resume and get back to full capacity.

“In the interim, exploration is currently ongoing, with drilling to be resumed shortly, in addition to other activities necessary to meet our commitments to suppliers and others by ensuring that we have funding. Should it be the case, the process of going into care and maintenance is not an instant event.

The downsizing is likely to occur over several months. The exercise of going into care and maintenance is not indicative of a shut down: it is merely a mechanism by which a company can restructure and reprioritise its operations,” he added.

Nilsson reminded that a similar scenario recently played out at the Aurora Project. “When persons have to be stood down, it will be a gradual process, depending on the above factors, but a fixed number is difficult to predict at this time, as it is dependent on the success of the activities explained above.

But there will certainly be a group remaining for rehabilitation work and other tasks.

“In the event of restarting mining at full capacity, existing staff and those released recently will have priority in the restaffing. In the case of any layoffs, they would be done in accordance with the National laws and practices,” the Troy Resources CEO reassured.

Meanwhile, with regard to the recent acquisition of tenements in the Potaro area, Nilsson noted that this is not an uncommon event for any mining company.

Since entering Guyana, he reminded, Troy Resources has continuously acquired what it considered to be “areas with the potential for mineralisation.”

However, he added, there is, of course, no absolute guarantee of finding a commercially viable resource. In the Potaro acquisition, like in

all other areas, he said, tenements were acquired from several different tenement holders, and were done in keeping with all regulatory requirements.

As one of Guyana’s largest gold producers, Troy Resources has accounted for a large portion of the 634,905

ounces of gold declared in 2019.

The Australian-owned mining company reported production figures of 58,118 ounces of gold from its Region Seven Karouni Mine for 2019. The previous year, Troy Resources’ gold production figure was 70,207.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

Regional

COVID cases drop in Americas, Brazil’s former Health Minister shields but “glaring gaps” in jabs – PAHO Bolsonaro in COVID-19 inquiry

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hile COVID-19 cases have been dropping overall in the Americas, the Head of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has urged greater vaccine access to tackle infections and protect vulnerable health networks across the Region.

During a weekly news briefing on Wednesday, PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne said coronavirus-related deaths in the Caribbean islands of Bahamas, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago doubled in the last week.

Over the last week, PAHO said 1.2 million new coronavirus cases and 31,000 deaths were recorded in the region.

“We’ve seen COVID infections drop throughout the region in the last month, offering some reprieve to our beleaguered health systems,” Etienne said.

But she pointed out that Intensive Care Unit (ICU) occupancy rates in parts of Brazil and Colombia are at about 90 per cent, “a sign that these communities are

F

A health worker applies a dose of China’s CanSino COVID-19 vaccine in Mexico City

still at a high risk of not getting the care that they need”.

Brazil has been particularly hard hit by COVID-19, registering more than 439,000 deaths – second only to the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

However, Etienne said the most dramatic change has been in the US, where cases have dropped significantly after the country made headway in its vaccination campaign.

Just more than 60 per

cent of adult Americans have received at least one shot, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 73 per cent of those above 65 years are fully vaccinated.

“The progress we’re seeing in the United States is a testament to the power of safe and effective COVID vaccines, but it underscores the vital importance of accelerating access to vaccines throughout our Region,” Etienne said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trinidad: May sets another grim COVID milestone

...148 deaths in 17 days

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grim milestone was recorded in Trinidad when, in the 24-hour period between Monday and Tuesday, 23 people lost their lives to COVID-19.

It means just under one person died every hour of a day in the country.

If that’s not enough cause for concern, 148 people died from COVID in the first 17 days of this months.

These startling statistics make May 2021 now deadlier than all of 2020. The 148 deaths recorded thus far, eclipse the total death toll for 2020, which was 127.

The daily reported death toll record is not one the country didn’t expect would

break again, following 21 reported deaths on May 13.

For the fifth time for May 2021, Trinidad and Tobago reported a deadliest day for the pandemic, with a whopping 23 deaths reported Monday.

With the newly-reported fatalities, the country’s death toll crossed the 300mark in 10 days, now standing at 317. For comparison, it took 224 days from the first COVID-19 case to cross 100 deaths and 198 days to cross 200 deaths.

According to the Ministry, 15 people who died had comorbidities, including five elderly females, two middle-aged females, seven

elderly males and one middle-aged male. The remaining eight people did not have significant underlying medical conditions, including two elderly females, three middle-aged females, one elderly male and two middle-aged males.

T&T’s case-fatality rate for May is now at 2.34 per cent, meaning that at least two people may die for every 100 cases of COVID-19 T&T records. Comparatively, for the entire pandemic, the country’s case-fatality ratio is 1.85 per cent, while globally, it stands at 2.07 per cent.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

ormer Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello denied on Wednesday that Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro had overturned his efforts to buy the COVID-19 vaccine made by China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. The vaccine has become the backbone of immunisation efforts in Brazil as it fights the world’s second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak, accounting for five out of every six shots given through April. But the Government’s use of the vaccine was long in doubt.

Last year, Bolsonaro disparaged the shot due to its “origins” and public-

ly clashed with São Paulo Governor Joao Doria, a political rival responsible for the partnership making finished doses of the Chinese vaccine at the Butantan medical centre.

“The President never told me to undo any contract or agreement with Butantan,” Pazuello, a three-star General in active duty, told a Senate commission investigating the handling of the pandemic in Brazil and the slow ramp-up of the nation’s inoculation campaign.

Senators reminded the General that he had announced plans to buy the Chinese vaccine in October, only to reverse himself af-

ter Bolsonaro dismissed the idea publicly the next day.

Asked about the dust-up at the time, Pazuello said in a video with Bolsonaro at his side: “One orders, the other obeys.”

Ideologically-motivated attacks on China by Bolsonaro and members of his inner circle have soured diplomatic relations despite the Asian nation’s role as top trade partner.

Production of both the Sinovac vaccine and the AstraZeneca shot, finished in Brazil with Chinese ingredients, has sputtered in recent months due to delayed shipments from China.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombia protests stretch into 4th week, demonstrators vow to carry on

C

olombia’s wave of anti-Government protests entered their fourth week on Wednesday, as unions, student groups and others turned out at marches to demand social change amid intermittent talks between the Government and strike organisers.

The protests have been marked by violence by both Police and civilians. The Attorney General’s Office has confirmed 15 deaths connected to protests, while one human rights group tallies more than 40.

President Ivan Duque earlier this week ordered the clearance of road blockades around the country, which have caused shortages of food and gasoline.

The demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-cancelled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to Police violence and opportunities for young people.

A health reform also opposed by many protesters, which they had criticised as too vague to make real change to Colombia’s fragile health-care system,

Demonstrators take part in a protest demanding Government action to tackle poverty, Police violence and inequalities in healthcare and education systems, in Bogota, Colombia, May 19, 2021

was shelved by a joint congressional committee on Wednesday.

Some 8000 people attended protests in the capital Bogota, the Mayor’s office estimated. It added in a statement that all demonstrations were peaceful, but urged people to begin journeys home by 16:00h.

A few hundred gathered in Bogota’s Bolivar Plaza.

“We’re accompanying our young people, our children, our grandchildren, who still lack opportunities despite our fighting for so long,” said lawyer Roberto Hermida, 68.

Hermida said he wanted

there to be more educational opportunities and better healthcare.

Ati Quigua, 40, an Arhuaco indigenous leader, said she was protesting murders of human rights activists with 50 members of her community, saying they were on an “indefinite strike”.

The national strike committee, made up of major unions, student groups and others, has held several discussions with Government representatives about protesters’ demands, but the two sides are not yet holding formal talks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

by unrest in Jerusalem that had simmered for weeks and led to clashes between riot Police and Palestinians, fuelled by an-

ger over planned Israeli expulsions of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem.

(Jamaica Observer)

Guatemala detains ex-tax chief who took on oligarchs Caricom calls for Israel-Palestine ceasefire

G

uatemala on Wednesday arrested a former tax chief known for chasing oligarchs’ wealth and dropped a graft charge against a former President, the latest setbacks to US President Joe Biden’s campaign to hold the powerful accountable in Central America.

The Biden Administration has made targeting corruption central to its US$4 billion strategy to address “root causes” driving migration from the so-called Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Juan Francisco

Solorzano Foppa, the head of the Tax Administration Superintendency (SAT) between 2016 and 2018, built a reputation for building cases against powerful Guatemalan families that hold huge sway in the country.

He also uncovered and reported a corruption network within SAT that had been defrauding the State by helping business leaders avoid paying taxes.

Foppa, who was forming a new political party, was detained on Wednesday on accusations of falsifying official documents.

“This does not give me any shame,” Foppa said,

showing the handcuffs on his wrists to the media in court. “This shows we are touching the powerful people of this country.”

Prior to joining SAT, Foppa was a Prosecutor and part of a team that revealed the first case of corruption against former President Otto Pérez Molina and his Government, which was brought down by a series of corruption scandals.

Perez Molina, who ruled the country between 2012 and 2015, has been in prison since he resigned and lost his immunity in 2015.

He was facing five separate charges. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) has expressed grave concern for the recent escalation in violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

In a brief statement on Monday, Caricom said it joined the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end to hostilities.

It said Caricom countries continue to support the United Nations’ efforts towards a two-State solution as the best way forward.

The escalating conflict was reportedly sparked

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Asia disputes IEA’s call to curb new oil, gas, coal investments

A

sian energy officials on Wednesday disputed a call from the International Energy Agency (IEA) for no new oil, natural gas and coal investments for the world to be able to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, viewing that approach as too narrow.

The IEA, which has previously championed the oil and gas industry, this week outlined a path to net-zero emissions that suggested stopping new investments in oil, gas and coal supply, retiring coal-fired plants in advanced economies by 2030, and banning sales of new internal combustion engine cars by 2035.

Energy companies in Australia, the biggest carbon emitter per capita among the world’s richest nations, and officials in Japan and the Philippines said there were many ways to get to net zero, even as the IEA said its pathway was “the most technically feasible, cost-effective and socially acceptable”.

Akihisa Matsuda, the Deputy Director of International Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, said the Government has no plans to immediately stop oil, gas and coal investments.

“The report provides one suggestion as to how the world can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, but it is not necessarily in line with the Japanese Government’s policy,” he said.

“Japan needs to protect its energy security including a stable supply of electricity, so we will balance this with our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”

Japan was the region’s third-largest carbon emitter in 2019, after China and India, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israel-Gaza: Biden tells Netanyahu he wants “path to ceasefire”

U

S President Joe Biden has told Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a "significant de-escalation" in the Gaza conflict on Wednesday.

Biden wanted a "path to ceasefire", the White House said.

The US is a staunch ally of Israel and has so far opposed a joint UN Security Council statement on the conflict.

In response, Netanyahu said he was "determined to carry on" until "calm and security are restored to Israeli citizens", according to Israeli media.

The conflict is in its 10th day, with a continuing exchange of rocket fire from

Damage from an Israeli air strike overnight in Gaza City

Palestinian militants into Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza.

On Wednesday, four rockets were also fired from Lebanon into Israel and Israel's military responded by firing artillery shells at "a number of targets in Lebanese territory".

It was not immediately clear whether this would prove to be a significant escalation.

The Gaza fighting began after weeks of rising IsraeliPalestinian tension in occupied East Jerusalem that culminated in clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims

and Jews. Hamas, which controls Gaza, began firing rockets after warning Israel to withdraw from the site, triggering retaliatory air strikes.

At least 227 people, including more than 100 women and children, have been killed in Gaza so far, according to its Health Ministry. Israel has said at least 150 militants are among those killed in Gaza.

Hamas does not give casualty figures for fighters.

In Israel, 12 people, including two children, have been killed, its medical service says. Israel says some 4000 rockets have been fired towards its territory by militants in Gaza. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US sanctions waived on Russian pipeline

T

he Biden Administration has waived sanctions on a company building a controversial gas pipeline between Russia and Germany.

The US also lifted sanctions on an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who leads the firm behind the Nord Stream 2 project.

The move came in a report on Russian sanctions delivered to Congress on Wednesday by the

Department of State.

Critics say the pipeline is a major geopolitical prize for the Kremlin.

The project, which would take Russian gas from the Arctic to Germany, is already more than 90 per cent complete.

The Department of State report notes that Nord Stream 2 AG and its chief executive, Matthias Warnig, a former East German intelligence officer, engaged in

sanctionable activity.

But it concludes that it was in the US national interest to waive the sanctions.

The Department of State also imposed sanctions on four Russian ships and four other Russian entities.

President Joe Biden has said he opposes the US$11 billion project. His Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken said during his confirmation hearing that he was "determined to do whatever we can

to prevent that completion" of Nord Stream 2.

German officials welcomed the sanctions waiver on Wednesday as "a constructive step" from the Biden Administration.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters: "It's an expression of the fact that Germany is an important partner for the US, one that it can count on in the future." (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bitcoin falls further as China Cyclone Tauktae: 26 dead after barge cracks down on crypto-currencies sinks due to cyclone T

T

wenty-six bodies have been recovered off the coast of India's Mumbai city where a barge with 261 people on board sank on Monday during a severe cyclone.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. At least 53 people are still missing.

A navy warship returned to the city's harbour on Wednesday with some of the 186 survivors rescued so far.

Thirty-five people have also been rescued from another of the three other barges stranded due to cyclone Tauktae.

The cyclone weakened after it made landfall on Monday, but at least 19 people are confirmed as having died on land in the storm.

The barge was working on a project for India's Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

(ONGC). It was carrying personnel deployed for offshore drilling. When the storm struck, the barge's anchors gave way and it began drifting.

"We're still looking out for people in the area. We should be optimistic. Right now the conditions have improved. Hopefully, the worst is behind us," Captain Sachin Sequeira, commanding officer of the INS Kochi warship, told ANI news agency.

"The barge was sinking, so I had to jump into the sea. I was in the sea for 11 hours. After that [the] navy rescued us," a survivor told ANI. After receiving distress calls from the barge also called Papaa-305 (P305), the navy's ship sailed under difficult weather conditions.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

he price of Bitcoin fell below US$34,000 for the first time in three months on Wednesday, after China imposed fresh curbs on crypto-currencies.

Beijing banned banks and payment firms from providing services related to crypto-currency transactions.

It also warned investors against speculative crypto trading on Tuesday.

It follows falls in Bitcoin of more than 10 per cent last week after Tesla said it would no longer accept the currency.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bitcoin recovered some ground, although it was still down 10.4 per cent at US$38,131.

Meanwhile, other digital currencies such as Ether,

which acts as the fuel for the Ethereum blockchain network, and Dogecoin lost as much as 22 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.

At the same time, Tesla shares fell more than three per cent on Wall Street, possibly because of the electric carmaker's exposure to Bitcoin.

The firm, owned by Elon Musk, still holds around US$1.5 billion worth of the crypto-currency.

Crypto-currency trading has been illegal in China since 2019 in order to curb money-laundering. But people are still able to trade in currencies such as Bitcoin online, which has concerned Beijing.

On Tuesday, three statebacked organisations, includ-

ing the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association and the Payment and Clearing Association of China issued a warning on social media.

They said consumers would have no protection if they were to incur any losses

from crypto-currency investment transactions.

They added that recent wild swings in crypto-currency prices "seriously violate people's asset safety" and are disrupting the "normal economic and financial order".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

EU presents WTO plan to boost COVID vaccine output

T

he European Union has put forward a plan it believes will help boost the production and availability of COVID-19 vaccines more effectively than a proposed waiver of patent rights now backed by the United States.

Under pressure from developing countries demanding a waiver of Intellectual Property (IP) rights for vaccines and treatments, the EU presented on Wednesday an

alternative focused on export restrictions, pledges from vaccine developers, and the flexibility of existing World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday the world has reached a situation of “vaccine apartheid”, with poorer countries that make up half the population receiving just 17 per cent of vaccines.

EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the European Parliament that universal and fair access was the global community’s number one priority.

In a debate on global vaccine access, Dombrovskis told lawmakers the EU was ready to engage in examining the extent to which temporarily waiving the WTO’s TRIPS agreement contributed to making vaccines more avail-

able.

India and South Africa have been urging fellow WTO members since October to lift IP rights to vaccines as a way of ensuring the world is supplied. The debate around the issue erupted anew last week when US President Joe Biden supported the idea.

The EU and other opponents have said this will not increase vaccine output.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Make changes to ward off an emotional situation with someone close to you. Keep the peace and be a good listener. The information you gather will help you handle a delicate situation.

Take the plunge; try something new and excit(April 20May 20) ing. Engage in playful activity that will help you stay fit.

Don't buy into a sales pitch that offers the impossible.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Avoid excess. Be realistic, stick to a budget and don't ex(May 21- aggerate. Focus on what's imJune 20) portant to you, and strive for perfection. Show commitment, integrity and honor in everything you pursue.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

It's time for a change.

Check out what's going on in your community. See if you can offer your services, skills or assistance. Making a difference will encourage you to do more to help others.

Be careful whom you assoLEO ciate with or trust. Someone (July 23will offer an exaggerated point Aug. 22) of view that can lead you in the wrong direction. Do your research. It's time to be a leader, not a follower.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don't believe everything you hear. Focus on what you are trying to achieve, and stay out of situations that can hinder your progress. Listen to the lessons of experience for the best results.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Be smart; ignore anyone trying to lure you into an argument. Keep your opinions to yourself, and focus on learning and gaining leverage that will help you advance.

Romance is on the rise.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Pay attention to detail to make your work stand out.

Taking a unique approach to the way you live and what you strive to achieve will bring you peace of mind and lead you on a life-changing journey.

A problem with a friend SAGITTARIUS or relative will develop if you (Nov. 23share expenses or engage in Dec. 21) a joint venture. Choose to do your own thing to keep the peace. Avoid exaggeration.

Take the road less traveled

CAPRICORN and see where it leads. You are (Dec. 22overdue for a lifestyle change.

Jan. 19) Follow your heart and engage in whatever makes you happy.

Moderation will be necessary.

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

Commitment will lead to success. Clear a space at home that will allow you to give your all to something you enjoy doing. Share your success and happiness with someone you love.

Take better care of yourself, your home and your re(Feb. 20March 20) lationships with loved ones. A healthy lifestyle will encourage you to say no to temptation and yes to positive collaboration.

PISCES

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

21

IOC reassures anxious Japan that Olympics will be safe T

he International Olympic Committee (IOC) reassured an anxious Japan on Wednesday that the Tokyo Olympics would be safe for athletes as well as the host community, amid mounting opposition to the Games and fears it would fuel a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Speaking in Tokyo alongside senior Japanese officials, IOC chief, Thomas Bach, said he believed more than 80% of residents of the Olympic Village would

be vaccinated or booked for vaccination ahead of the Games, which are set to start on July 23.

He rejected growing calls to cancel the global sporting showpiece, already delayed once due to the pandemic, saying that other sporting events had proved the Olympics could go ahead with strong COVID precautions.

Bach’s comments came as Japan kept up its battle on a fourth wave of infections, although a slow

vaccination campaign has undermined already shaky public confidence that the Games should proceed.

“Together with our Japanese partners and friends, I can only re-emphasise this full commitment of the IOC to organise safe Olympic and Paralympic Games for everybody,” Bach said. “To accomplish this, we are now fully focused on the delivery of the Olympic Games.”

Less than 30% of med-

Raheem Sterling signs multi-year deal with New Balance

J

— Jamaica kids to benefit

a m a i c a - b o r n Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling has signed with New Balance a multi-year boot deal that includes support for disadvantaged children in the country of his birth and other communities in the United Kingdom.

The 26-year-old Sterling was born in the underserved community of Maverley in Kingston, Jamaica, before migrating to England when he was five years old, following the violent death of his father three years earlier.

The 2018/2019 P r o f e s s i o n a l F o o t b a l l e r s Association’s Young Player of the Year was formerly signed with Nike.

That move was finally revealed

this week with reports saying the former Liverpool star had signed with New Balance.

“Growing up, all I dreamt of was playing football.

From kicking a ball around in Brent with my mates to my first Champions League Final on May 29, and representing my country at this summer’s

European Championships in my hometown, there’s so much more I want to achieve, both on and off the pitch, and this partnership will provide me with the platform to do so.” Sterling said.

Going forward, in addition to wearing the New Balance Furon V6+ boots in EPL matches and for England, Sterling is expected to release his own signature collection.

New Balance will also assist Sterling in his social outreach efforts in Jamaica as well as Manchester and London.

Sterling is expected to feature for Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea on Saturday, May 29. (Adapted from Sportsmax)

ics in Japan’s major cities have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, with just 65 days left to the start of the Olympics, the Nikkei newspaper said.

Cabinet figures showed this week that, three months into Japan’s vaccination push, less than 40% of its medical workers were fully inoculated.

The problem is especially pronounced in the capital, Tokyo, which plays host to the Games, and other large population centres, where the rate of fully vaccinated medical workers was less than 30%, the Nikkei add-

ed.

Much of the vaccine supply was concentrated in large hospitals, and there had been problems in the reservation systems for medical staff, it said.

The slow pace of vaccinations of doctors and nurses has been among the complaints cited by medical groups that oppose the Games. Requests for about 200 doctors and 500 nurses to help out with the Games are unrealistic, said Kenyu Sumie, the chairman of a group representing more than 100,000 doctors and dentists in Japan.

“It’s impossible to think about dispatching them (to the Olympics) when they haven’t even received their own two shots,” Sumie told Reuters on Wednesday.

“There is no way that the Olympics can be safely held at this point.”

Bach said the IOC would do its part to keep the Japanese public safe, by having additional medical personnel as part of the NOC delegations to support the medical operations and the strict implementation of the COVID-19 countermeasures.

(Reuters.com)

Wins for Gaither and Camacho-Quinn, VCB second at 2021 USATF Open

MMZ trounce NY Titans, lose to Meeri Peeri

T

Rickey Kissoon

he Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) Team had mixed results over the weekend, recording a win against New York Titans and suffering a defeat against Meeri Peeri.

In the 30-over competition, Meeri Peeri posted 130 all out in 25.2 of their allotted 30 overs. Gursewak Singh hit 56, while Dilbag Baaga Singh made 27. Avi Dhanpaul, Keith Edie and Andy Mohammed each

Rajiv Deonarine

picked up two wickets.

In reply, MMZ were bundled out for 78 in 25.2 overs, with Mohammed top-scoring with 35. Baaga Singh was the star bowler for Meeri Peeri with figures of 4-9 in six overs. Azad Singh had 3-15 as MMZ lost by 52 runs.

Meanwhile, MMZ won against New York Titans by 56 runs in the Caribbean Fest 40-over tournament at Flushing. MMZ posted 159 all out in 38.2 overs,

with Andy Mohammed again top-scoring with 38 in this match. Keith Edie chipped in with 23 while Rajiv Deonarine made 28.

Ahmed Labib took 4-23 for the Titans.

In reply, Titans managed only 103 all out in 28.1 overs. Rickey Kissoon bagged 3-14 in eight overs, while Looknauth Chinkoo, Matthew Lutchean and Navin Stewart each bagged two wickets.

J

amaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown came in second in the 100m event at the 2021 USA Track & Field Open (USATF) on Tuesday. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was among several notable Caribbean athletes who competed at the meet, held at the Athletic Performance Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas.

Campbell, who clocked 11.55s, was beaten by USA’s Mikiah Brisco who won in 11.42.

Caitland Smith of the USA was third in 11.60.

The iconic Jamaican lost

her race, but rising stars Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Tynia Gaither emerged winners in their respective events.

Camacho-Quinn, the world leader in the 100m hurdles, claimed victory in 12.84s, beating Americans Christina Clemons and Queen Claye into second and third in 12.92 and 13.21 respectively.

Gaither, meanwhile, held off American Candice Hill to win the 200m in 23.11. The American was a close second in 23.17. Morolake Akinosun was third in 23.26.

In the 400m, Jamaica’s Chrisann Gordon-Powell finished third, behind Allyson Felix who won the event in a season-best 50.88.

Gordon-Powell, the 2017 NCAA champion, clocked 51.42, just behind Jessica Beard who was second in 51.31.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Ruebin Walters ran 13.73 for second place in the 110m hurdles, won by the USA’s Aaron Mallet, who clocked 13.64 for the win.

Wellington Zaza of Liberia finished third in 13.77. (Sportsmax)

22 GKC and the amazing Amerindian Moses karate Family from Wowetta, Rupununi T

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

he Guyana Karate College (GKC), under the leadership of the legendary Guyanese Karate Master Frank Woon-A-Tai, M.S., 9th dan, has only one more year to prepare the five-member Moses Karate Family to disseminate karate to the Amerindian Community throughout Guyana.

Karate in the Caribbean began to spread when graduate students who learnt karate at the University of the West Indies returned to their home countries. This system is the same used by Japan and many other countries.

The two beautiful and talented sisters, Rose, 27 and Pauline, 22, created karate history by moving from white to brown belt at their first grading on April 30, 2021. They were training privately for two years under their instructor, Shihan John Fernandes, 7th dan.

The close-knit sisters represent all females in Guyana with their achievements, and, as well, the Amerindian community, in which they are fiercely proud of their heritage.

While Shuseki Shihan is responsible for the overall development of GKC, both administratively and technical-

Pauline (left), and Rose train with Master Frank Woon-A-Tai at Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

ly, each of the masters and instructors is responsible for developing students of each belt level under their care.

This method is the same as the educational system used in Guyana schools.

In his absence, Karate Master Dr. Guy Low, 7th Dan, a well-respected medical doctor, and Assistant Professor at the University of Guyana, takes charge of all training.

As there are no classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the sisters train privately with Shihan Fernandes. At times they even train on Saturdays and Sundays.

According to Master Frank, all five members of the Moses family are naturally talented with a high degree of strength, speed, form, and spirit. Moreover, they are a family of character, integrity

West Indies Men’s training squad starts receiving vaccines against COVID-19

and social graces.

While the sisters excel at karate, they are also academically brilliant. Pauline is personal secretary to CEO John Fernandes at Astro Arts, an advertising company. Thus, she is well suited to administer and promote karate anywhere in Guyana.

On the other hand, Rose is a Pharmacy Technician and is awaiting an online course

from the Ministry of Health in Forensic Law to begin.

Rose holds an online Career Diploma from Penn Foster Career School in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA, as a Pharmacy Technician. She completed 27 pharmacy-related courses and needs Forensic Law before pursuing her B.Sc. in Pharmacy at the University of Guyana.

Wowetta, located in North Rupununi, is about six miles from Annai. The population of Wowetta is approximately 330 people who speak Makushi.

The Moses Karate Family hail from Wowetta, and they are honoured their village is the home of the Cock-of-theRock, one of Guyana’s famous bird.

These proud and talented Indigenous Karate Family are rearing to teach karate. By a stroke of luck, their first opportunity presents itself at the Guyana Karate College immediate neighbour, the Amerindian Hostel and Orphanage at Liliendaal, ECD. The Family has begun their training to represent Guyana at the Fourth IKD World Cup slated in Guyana in August 2022. Best of luck and success to the Amazing Amerindian Moses Karate Family.

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GTTA partners with Allied Arts Unit to implement developmental programmes 223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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Jomel Warrican

Chemar Holder

ricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that 13 members of the West Indies Men’s red ball training squad and management have received vaccinations against COVID-19 in St. Lucia, where they are preparing for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship matches against South Africa.

CWI, in partnership with the Government of St. Lucia, through the support of the Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has been able to secure COVID-19 vaccines for all interested squad members.

CWI has been supporting the efforts of regional governments to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with the West Indies Women’s training squad receiving their first doses while at their training camp in Antigua last week.

CWI’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Israel Dowlat offered CWI’s appreciation of

the support received on the vaccinations and their importance to the squad.

“CWI is fully committed to supporting the vaccination drive throughout the region. We are extremely grateful to have our governments and CARPHA… partnering with us to host cricket safely and to get our squads vaccinated.”

Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director of CARPHA, said: "Cricket West Indies (are) leading the way in helping to raise awareness of the need to get vaccinated. They have been actively encouraging their players and staff to get vaccinated, and we urge the people of CARICOM to follow them to safety by getting their vaccines as soon as possible."

St Lucia’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon BelmarGeorge added, “The Ministry of Health and Wellness in St. Lucia is pleased to collaborate with CWI to facilitate the im-

munisation of their players. Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective public health measures in the management of infectious diseases.

“Cricket is an important sporting activity in the region, and ensuring that it can be facilitated safely is of importance to us in St. Lucia. We welcome the teams here, and look forward to successful and safe activities over the coming weeks.”

Eleven players and support staff received their first dose of the vaccine, along with two squad members who received their second dose. Several members of the training squad have already received their first dose in their home countries, and will receive their second dose later in the summer.

The West Indies Men’s squads are living and training in a bio-secure bubble environment ahead of their schedule of international home fixtures.

Students at Annai, Region 9, preparing for a learning session

I

n the midst of a pandemic, the Guyana Table tennis Association (GTTA) has continued to find ways to implement its developmental programmes. It is partnering with the Allied Arts Unit, Department of Education, Ministry of Education through its physical education experts Lindley Langhore and Nicholas Fraser Coach, with support and enthusiasm of ITTF certified coaches Linden Johnson, Candacy McKenzie (Region 4), Shavin Greene (Region 10), Timothy Cornelius (Region 7), Osafo Dos Santos, Gbran Safraz (Region 6) Districts 6 and 15 respectively.

These regions saw the intervention being made to assist students with their Student Based Assessments (SBA) projects for physical education as a subject with table

tennis being the areas of study.

With the COVID-19 pandemic halting or limiting sporting activities, this presented a challenge.

This initiative, observing strictly all gazetted protocols, was executed.

The programme engaged over 42 secondary schools with the network of these physical education teachers previously trained in the 12-hour ITTF supervisory level coaches’ programme.

A noticeable outcome due to COVID-19 was the gravitation of more students to the sport of table tennis as their subject for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) this year.

The GTTA will continue to provide equipment and logistical support for these programmes with the intention of reaching all 10 regions.

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

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23 CWI exploring improved CWI contracts’ system – Dr Kishore Shallow THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

By Brandon Corlette

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ricket West Indies (CWI) recently confirmed the international retainer contracts for the West Indies Men’s Team for the 2021-2022 season.

During that groundbreaking confirmation, which saw no Guyanese beiang offered a contract 18 players were offered contracts for the upcoming 2021-22 season, which runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

CWI Vice-President Dr Kishore Shallow, speaking virtually on the Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday, said CWI is exploring an improved system for awarding contracts for the next season.

“I would say that we are looking at the system to award grades for these contracts. I expect that by next contractual period we will have an improved system in terms of how we award these contracts,” Dr Shallow explained.

“The Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, myself and others have been involved in that process over the last few months, and we have been working with WIPA (West Indies Players Association) who want to ensure we have a level playing field both from CWI side and the players’ side, so we are looking at improving the rubric system,” Shallow added.

In Guyanese parlance, one may say, “Pressure buss pipe” after CWI opted to explore and improve the contractual system. On Monday last, the Bissoondyal Singhled Guyana Cricket Board

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh

(GCB), in a release, expressed disappointment with the responses from Chairman of Selectors, the popular Roger Harper.

According to the GCB’s statement: “We write to you (CWI) with great astonishment and much disappointment on the media statements by the Chairman of Selectors of the CWI as they relate to the issue of the non-retainer by CWI of male Guyanese cricketers.

We at GCB thought that we were doing the proper and decent thing by first writing to CWI requesting the criteria which was used for the retention and/or non-retention of our male cricketers, prior to making any public statements on their non-retention.”

The GCB release further disclosed: “It is most unfortunate and quite disappointing that while we are still patiently awaiting the submission of the said criteria, the Chairman of Selectors thought it best, whether on his own accord or with the support of the CWI, to make the comments in the media that two of our Directors

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

were present at the meeting when the matter of retention and/or non-retention was discussed. Of all persons, the Chairman of Selectors ought to have been aware that there was no “handing over of the mantle” to the current Directors of GCB by the two former Directors.

“Further, it was the first meeting of the CWI that the two new Directors attended, and the issue of the retention of the players was more in the form of a report after the decision was already made.”

According to the GCB, the two Directors, in Singh and Hilbert Foster, could

CWI Chairman of Selectors, Roger Harper

the selection and/or non-selection criteria.

“Like the Chairman of Selectors, GCB also has its own responsibility to the public and will therefore,

and Foster, stating that they were present at the CWI’s Board of Directors’ meeting, and had the opportunity at that forum to object to the lack of Guyanese players in the list. The CWI and GCB show goes on.

WEST INDIES MEN INTERNATIONAL RETAINER CONTRACTS 2021-2022 All-Format Contracts: Jason Holder.

Red Ball Contracts: Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner*, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva*, Shannon

Lewis, Alzarri Joseph, Nicholas Pooran and Hayden Walsh Jr. *Players offered contracts for the first time in 2021-2022.

Players who are no longer receiving international retainer contracts are: All Format Contracts: Roston Chase.

Red Ball Contracts: Shamarh Brooks and Shane Dowrich.

White Ball Contracts: Sunil Ambris, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd and Oshane Thomas.

GCB questioned CWI about the four Guyanese cricketers who were not offered contracts

not have commented and/or usefully participated in the “report” in relation to the retention of the players without the two Directors knowing or being fully apprised of

following the trend set by the said Chairman, make this letter available to the media.”

Harper, during the past week, chided GCB’s Singh

Gabriel, Kyle Mayers* and Kemar Roach.

White Ball Contracts: Kieron Pollard, Fabien Allen, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein*, Evin

All players who are no longer on International retainer contracts are offered an A* grade Regional Franchise Contract for the following year.

SA U23 C/ships a no-go without Cricketers’ work ethic must match talent, says Omar Khan Leonora track upgrade

A

s far as preparation goes, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is vigorously planning to have a top-tier venue at Leonora for upcoming regional and international track meets.

The closest of these would be the South American Under 23 Track and Field Championships, which were slated for the Leonora Track and Field Facility in Guyana last year. However, the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to those plans.

Now, in 2021, with the possibility of the event being hosted around September/ October here, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is looking to work out all the quirks that currently affect the venue.

According to AAG President Aubrey Hutson, the body’s main concern is the track not being up to international standards.

“We are still looking at it, our local Organizing Committee here, still looking at it, because one of our biggest issues is the state of Leonora,” Hutson revealed.

He explained his reasoning by stating, “We don’t want to invite people to Guyana

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

and then somebody has to stand on the back of the blocks in the 100, 200, 400 metres or even in the hurdles event.”

During the sit-down with the Guyana Times Sport, the AAG boss went on to share that the Association has been scouting contractors and are awaiting some figures to present to the Sport Ministry and world governing body.

The AAG President disclosed, “So I’m in contact right now with a contractor (who) was referred to me by the President of NACAC (North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletics Association), and we’re in negotiations as to the costs. It will, you know, take the remark and repair our track.”

“And I guess those figures will be passed on to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and we will make a decision there on if they’re going to fund the entire thing, if you’re going to look to World Athletics and government as a partnership. We’ve looked at PANAM sports and government and you know, whatever it is.”

As described by Hutson, there is a dire need to have the work done, since the current state of the venue would make international meets very difficult.

“But we need the figures so that we could present them and then work on the dynamics of how the contractor is going to be paid to have this done. In the absence of that, it is going to be very, very difficult for us to host those games here,” Hutson shared with this publication.

While Guyana is billed to host the SA U23 Championships later this year, it is likely that they would have to wait until 2023 to host the CARIFTA Games.

Although there are two tracks in the works, at Linden and Berbice respectively, they cannot be considered owing to their non-completion.

F

ORMER West Indies manager Omar Khan is not surprised that Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the West Indies T20 team, but has advised the Guyanese left-handed batsman and other young cricketers that their professionalism and work ethic must match their talent in order for them to have longevity.

On Tuesday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) named Hetmyer in a provisional 18-man squad for forthcoming T20 home series against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. The five-match T20 series between West Indies and South Africa bowls off on June 26 in Grenada.

Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell and Hayden Walsh Jnr have also been recalled.

Hetmyer, 24, has not been a consistent member of the West Indies team over the past year owing to fitness and COVID-19 concerns. Along with other senior players, he chose not to tour Bangladesh earlier this year.

Hetmyer’s future has been a popular topic throughout the region in re-

cent days also, because he was not offered a CWI retainer contract in early May for the forthcoming year.

CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper has said Hetmyer has the potential to be among the world’s best, but the selection panel wants him to be more “focused.”

Khan, who has been the manager of Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Hero Caribbean Premier League since 2013, has known Hetmyer for years.

Speaking to Newsday about Hetmyer’s recall, Khan said, “I think it is only a matter of time, because he is a tremendous talent. He is one for the future. There is no doubt about it.”

Khan said players like Hetmyer and Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Pooran can “carry” the batting of West Indies cricket into the future.

Khan has also said a player’s work ethic must be equivalent to natural talent.

“We all know, as young players, the need to mature, the need to develop, (and) the need to have that level of professionalism that is required to be successful.

To maintain that on a consistent basis is a challenge

for our players because of the cultural diversities and the backgrounds from which they come.”

Khan said the region is missing a full-time academy where players could remain committed at all times.

“Our young players have got to see it as a full-time job,” Khan said.

“We know Shimron has not passed his fitness test a couple times now. Everybody knows he has tremendous talent, but with talent has to go a level of professionalism, a level of work ethic, a level of ability to understand that as a professional cricketer, it is much more than just having talent.”

Khan also welcomed the return of Russell because he is a “world-class player.”

WEST INDIES PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jnr. (TT Newsday)

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

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

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CWI exploring improved SA U23 C/ships a no-go CWI contracts’ system – Dr Kishore Shallow without Leonora track upgrade GKC and the amazing Amerindian Moses karate Family from Wowetta, Rupununi

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Cricketers’ work ethic must match talent,

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