Guyana Times - Thursday May 27, 2021

CSEC, CAPE postponed to June 28

P17

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

Issue No. 4660

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

PRICE

55th Independence Anniversary

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

US Secretary of State hails GuyanaAmerica partnership

GO-Invest launches "Invest 55"

See story on page 3

P9

…to promote investment opportunities across sectors

…says joint efforts will continue to contribute to regional stability

Flood-affected Black Bush residents appeal for help

Procurement for Yellowtail development expected to P9 start by October …final investment decision expected in 2022

…NDIA machines deployed, CDC to distribute relief hampers story ...heavy rainfall batters Guyana onSee page 16

Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary

Cultivate act of patriotism for a better Guyana – REO tells Region 2 residents P10

As heavy rainfall continues to batter Guyana, many residents across the Regions have been inundated. In photos, Education Minister Priya Manickchand listens as a Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) resident complains of flooding (left), while at right, the Parika Public Road is completely under water

Page 16

Over $28B in banking relief provided to businesses – BoG

…relief measures make up 10.8% of total loans in Guyana

Housewife COVID-19 death toll beaten, robbed climbs to 374 with by bandit dressed 6 more fatalities …whopping 236 new cases recorded as Police …high turnout for 2nd vaccination “drive-thru” Pages 2&7

See story on page 8

High tide, P14 heavy rainfall flood Pomeroon farmlands

Labour Ministry threatens P14 to expose employers who breach laws …over 400 complaints reported for 2021

Clothes vendor’s car set on fire P8

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Despite inclement weather

High turnout for 2nd vaccination “drive-thru”

T

Persons in the queue to get their vaccine shot

he COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to ramp up across the country. As Guyana observed its 55th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, the Health Ministry hosted its second COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The ini-

tiative which aims to make vaccines more accessible to the public was hailed a success by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

Despite the inclement weather, scores of persons turned up to receive their first or second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Russian-made Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines. The

vaccination process was a very simple one. Vehicles entered through the Stadium’s main entrance where various tents were set up. Vaccines were administered after persons completed the necessary paperwork.

Persons needing their second doses were required to present their vaccination booklet. After being inocu-

lated, persons were required to spend 15 minutes under observation.

“So far, it has been extremely well. Despite the rains, we have seen a lot of people coming out and they were all queueing in their cars in the rain. The staff here has been doing a tremendous job. We are very pleased,” Dr Anthony, who was present at the event, told Guyana Times.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony speaking to persons at the “drive-thru” vaccination inititative

“I am thankful for the vaccine. I care about my life. Everybody should come

love themselves, they should come and take the vaccine. This vaccine is something good for us, because this COVID is a deadly disease.”

The first vaccination drive-thru was held on May 22 at the National Stadium.

Persons came from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), villages along the East Bank of Demerara, Georgetown, and other places to receive their vaccines. The Health Ministry is already looking to implement similar initia-

and take the vaccine if they care about themselves,” said one young man who took his

tives countrywide.

Those who do not have access to a vehicle can walk-

first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Onasis Melville, who also received her first shot, explained that she did not experience any symptoms. “My advice to those who have not taken the vaccine is if they

in and get vaccinated.

So far, some 184,319 individuals or 37.9 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccines. Of this number, 54,691 or 11.2 per cent are fully immunised. (G1)

A health official administering the COVID-19 vaccine to a woman

While the Health Minister could not provide exact numbers in terms of doses administered, he said that health officials had seen “quite a lot of people”. Dr Anthony said that given the high turnout at the last vaccination drive-thru which saw 1000 individuals receiving doses, he is hoping that Wednesday’s numbers approach 1500.

“This seems to be a very popular way of people getting vaccinated and if this is what the people want, then certainly we will like to accommodate them,” the Health Minister added.

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, May 27 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, May 28 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, May 27 – 17:00h-18:30h and Friday, May 28 – 05:25h-06:55h.

55th Independence Anniversary

US Secretary of State hails Guyana-America partnership

…says joint efforts will continue to contribute to regional stability

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and light rain showers are expected during the day. Lightly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 17:22h reaching a maximum height of 2.70 metres.

Low Tide: 10:54h and 23:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.31 metre and 0.57 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

02 04 09 10 20 23 05

FREE TICKET TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05 11 20 21 22 LUCKY 3

9

8

1

5

Afternoon Draw

9

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE 01

03

08

12

14

18

21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

05 09 10 12 16 13

02 03 13 18 21

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$68.87/barrel

+0.32

Rough Rice

$237.87/ton

+0.09

London Sugar

$450.00/ton

-1.29

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1894.20

$1895.20

Low/High Change

$1889.80 -2.60

$1913.30 -0.14%

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Dr Irfaan Ali

U

nited States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in his first direct public statement on Guyana since his appointment under the President Joe Biden Administration, has extended best wishes to Guyana on its 55th Independence Day celebration while lauding the partnership between the two countries.

In his statement, Blinken congratulated Guyana on behalf of the Government of the United States for attaining its 55th Independence anniversary, celebrated on Wednesday. He moreover reiterated the value the US placed on its partnership with Guyana.

“The partnership between the United States and Guyana is rooted in our shared principles. We value our continued collaboration to strengthen Guyana’s democratic institutions and processes,” Blinken said.

“Guyana’s hosting of the annual Tradewinds joint exercises next month is a testament to our strong security partnership. Our joint efforts to combat narcotics and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing will continue to contribute to regional stability and cooperation.”

According to Blinken, the United States also values the shared commitment between the two countries to address climate change.

According to him, the US remains hopeful that the two countries can work together to increase investments in renewable energy.

“As you celebrate this joyous occasion with family and friends, we join you in recognising this Independence Day celebration,” the Secretary of State said in his Independence Day message to Guyana.

Earlier this year, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard had commenced the first of a series of joint exercises as part of the operationalisation of the Shiprider Agreement ratified by the two countries in 2020.

This exercise took place off the coast of Guyana and focused mainly on illegal,

unreported and unregulated fishing. The activity was conducted in collaboration with the US Coast Guard Cutter Stone, which was at the time in the Region for a multi-country tour.

In September, Blinken’s predecessor, Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had visited Guyana and signed a maritime patrol pact with officials in Guyana to guard against narcotics and other regional security threats.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had explained that the maritime pact would see joint patrols to interdict narcotics trafficking. The President had also noted that it would allow for the improvement of technical and human capabilities in monitoring Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

That move, he had noted, would augur well for stronger collaboration and broader technical assistance to help combat both domestic

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken

and transnational organised criminal networks.

Meanwhile, the Tradewinds exercise is scheduled to be conducted next month. It is a multinational, Caribbean security exercise that is sponsored by the US Southern Command.

The US Embassy in Guyana had announced in a state-

ment in April that the exercise would occur at locations in Guyana.

“All training locations provide opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency partner nation capacity building focused on increasing regional cooperation in complex multinational security operations, as well as in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” the statement had said.

“This year’s exercise will include participation by officials and senior leadership of Caricom and its functional sub-agencies, many of whom are participating in this week’s planning conference. The strong relationships forged during Tradewinds through the exchange of knowledge and expertise are key to maintaining regional security and prosperity throughout the Caribbean,” the statement added. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 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

More assistance for vulnerable groups

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo last week assured that Government plans to increase assistance to groups that are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has considerably changed the socio-economic dynamics of nations, with none spared, including Guyana.

Apart from tens of thousands either directly or indirectly affected by closure and/or down-scaling the operations of sugar estates, resulting in devastation in sugar-producing communities, unquantifiable low-income earners suffered job losses due to a deceleration of economic activity in the Private Sector.

Long before the pandemic struck, Guyana had been reeling as the coalition Government inexorably squeezed the lifeblood in form of taxes and otherwise out of entrepreneurs, and constrained economic activity in every sector in Guyana. This massive displacement of persons, oftentimes sole bread-winners of families, caused truncation of many children’s education due to lack of funds for requisite needs. The situation had become so dire countrywide that once-proud, economically independent persons and entire families had become impoverished almost overnight.

The callousness of the Granger-led Government knew no bounds even as entire families in the sugar belt lacked the basic wherewithal to survive on a daily basis.

Having taken over the administration of the country following the last elections, the PPP administration went into overdrive and showed that real leadership did not need administrative offices, but vision and clarity of minds that had the empathy to recognise the dire need of help for people in difficult circumstances. It also required the ability to sympathise with the suffering, and the capability of formulating strategies to address, in tangible ways, the needs of people, especially the vulnerable in society. In effect, providing the wherewithal for afflicted people to survive catastrophes – either natural or man-made.

This state of affairs was exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a countrywide need for curfews to enforce people, except those in service sectors, to remain in their homes and adopt social distancing guidelines. The curfew edict also restricted the opening of entertainment venues, thereby causing more job losses and reducing and/or curtailing income-generation capacities of some business owners.

During previous times of PNC rule, the PPP had organised food distribution to those most affected. Likewise, when sugar workers were forced on the breadline by the downsizing of the sector and closure of sugar-producing estates, which affected entire communities dependent on the industry, then PPP/C presidential candidate, former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, organised hamper distribution drives with the support of funders/ contributors from the Diaspora and here at home in Guyana.

When the Party finally attained administrative office in August of 2020, the Government formulated, with immediacy, ameliorative measures to give Guyanese citizens in every community relief packages on short-term basis. This was while, through Cabinet and Parliamentary procedures, creating systems for long-term remedial measures to give Guyanese relief from pecuniary existences and develop wealth and job-creation projects, simultaneously devising educational/empowerment programmes to benefit citizens from every strata of society.

Jagdeo assured the nation on Friday last that relief measures to the most vulnerable, including pensioners, would continue and be increased.

The Vice President, while admitting that the Government had some difficulties in the administration of the first nationwide $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant, said the Administration is taking a balanced approach to addressing the pandemic and public health, while also keeping the economy afloat.

The imperative of curbing the spread of COVID-19 cannot be stressed enough, because, increasingly, precious lives are being lost to the dreaded pandemic, so people need to be responsible and observe the protocols in efforts to lessen the rates of infection.

This has to be done even as Government strategises a continuum of measures to bring relief to the nation, including the provision of vaccines and boosting its testing and intensive care treatment capacities to deal with new cases of COVID-19, and training more health personnel to fight the pandemic.

The Vice-President iterated, “If you look where we stand globally, we’re among one of those countries that are doing better than most, even in developed jurisdictions.”

Women performing a cultural dance during Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary celebrations

Renewed diplomacy is urgently needed to prevent another Gaza war

By Jane Kinninmont

T

he war in Gaza this month was the third war since 2008, and there have been other rounds of fighting in between. In between the wars there is no peace, as Palestinians live under various forms of occupation in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Diplomats and Western media seem to be pointing to these underlying problems more often than in the past, in part because US progressives are starting to see parallels with civil rights and apartheid.

But, so far, the ceasefire seems to have brought only a return to business as usual. As just one example, the recent flare-up in violence began with the planned eviction of Palestinian families in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. These evictions are still being considered, along with others in the neighbourhood of Silwan.

Palestinians and Israelis working for peace and human rights are worried that the world will look away now the rockets and air raids have stopped.

This creates terrible incentives for the parties on the ground. Palestinian nonviolent action barely registers. When Donald Trump announced a “vision for peace”, where Israel would keep all its settlements and have sovereignty over the whole of Jerusalem, Western analysts mused that the Palestinian – and broader Arab – response seemed muted. As a young Palestinian activist in the West Bank told me that week: Europe measures us only by how many of us go to the streets and get shot.

Most world leaders condemned the Trump plan.

But they did little to provide an alternative. This is because they are stuck be-

tween their official positions, which they don’t want to depart from, and their beliefs about what is politically possible. There is a wide international consensus backing a negotiated two-State solution. However, few governments see any prospect of it being implemented in any foreseeable future, given Benjamin Netanyahu’s longstanding opposition to a Palestinian state, the positions of Hamas and the divided nature of the Palestinian leadership. In Israel and Palestine this week, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken spoke of security for both peoples. But he didn’t mention the twostate solution.

This creates a massive problem for diplomacy, as the generally-espoused “solution” is not taken seriously as a realistic prospect that the leaders on the ground are actually expected to deliver. World leaders have no real interest in expending political capital on reviving a peace process that they don’t think will work. So while leaders officially say the status quo cannot be sustained, in reality they send a message that the status quo can continue indefinitely.

Most Palestinians understandably think a twoState solution will never happen. As a result, young Palestinians are increasingly calling for equal rights in a single state – because what they see around them is a situation where there is only one State, Israel, where they lack rights and citizenship.

But the international community won’t back this idea because the demographics of a single state would result in a Palestinian majority, if both the West Bank and Gaza were included. For Israelis and many Jewish people around the

world, a single democratic state based on equal rights, with a Palestinian majority, would in effect mean the end of the only Jewish state.

And they generally see this as unthinkable and dangerous, fearing Jewish people would once again be persecuted and expelled.

What is needed now is a concerted international renewal of diplomacy. This time, it should not make the future of the occupation conditional on negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

The need to implement international law, and ending the occupation should be the starting point, not one distant possible outcome.

There could be ways to secure the rights of both peoples, with models such as a binational state or a confederation, but there has been no incentive for Israeli or Palestinian leaders to seriously consider these alternatives. After all, the international community has sent the message that Israel can sustain and expand the occupation while deepening its partnerships with Western countries.

For instance, the United Kingdom’s previous defence review in 2015 had one word about the peace process; the 2021 version dropped that altogether, and only mentioned cooperation with Israel.

Instead, the US and Europe should indicate clearly to Israeli and Palestinian leaders that the status quo is unstable and unacceptable. Palestinians must be able to be citizens of a state, not least because having millions of people outside the protection of a state that they can belong to creates international problems such as refugee flows and spill-overs of violence.

Moreover, while there is no Palestinian state, Israel,

as the occupying power, is responsible for protecting Palestinian civilians (including, for instance, providing them with COVID vaccines).

The international community should assemble a multilateral international conference, three decades after the 1991 Madrid peace conference, to assess the different options for the political future. The role of the Middle East Quartet – of the UN, EU, US and Russia – should be upgraded with greater diplomatic and financial resources.

Human rights, international law and freedom of worship should be placed at the centre of international efforts. International law and human rights are not conditional on having leaders who are effective negotiators; it has worn thin to blame Yasser Arafat’s choices at Camp David in 2000 for the restrictions that Palestinians face today. Importantly, it needs to be acknowledged that the “economic track” mooted by many in the past – to improve Palestinian prosperity, regardless of whether the peace process is functioning – is itself dependent on certain rights being respected, particularly around movement and property.

Meanwhile, the UN should support Palestinians to hold a badly overdue national dialogue to ensure that they have inclusive representation at any such conference, which would make their diplomacy more effective and more legitimate. It is striking that the voices that are shifting the debate about Palestinian rights are not those of the well-known diplomats, but of a new generation of independent, young Palestinian activists, placing rights and citizenship at the centre of their thinking. (The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

5

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

GECOM is in gross dereliction of duty Dear Editor, GECOM is in gross dereliction of duty for its refusal to discipline staff for good and sufficient cause.

I commend Attaya Baksh, the writer of the letter under the title “GECOM must act decisively on Lowenfield et al for gross misconduct in the performance of their contractual duties in keeping with the law”, published in <<Guyana Times>> on May 26, 2021.

Guyana’s labour laws provide for summary dismissal from employment by the employer for good and sufficient cause relating to an employee’s conduct and performance on the job. Under Section 7 of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, a contract of em-

ployment without term limit may, at any time, be terminated: by mutual consent of the parties; b y notice to the other party; or, by either party, for good and sufficient cause.

Good and sufficient cause include refusal to carry out lawful instructions in a timely manner; or providing fictitious and fraudulent information and reports to the employing authority; or for misconduct, inefficiency, dilatory tactics, insubordination; or for unprofessional conduct and behaviour in the execution of contractual and statutory duties.

Why is there manifest inaction and paralysis or hesitation by GECOM in relation to the conduct and performance of the senior staff of GECOM and other recalcitrant and complic-

it staff of the Secretariat in the March 2, 2020 national elections? Why is there no prompt disciplinary action taken by GECOM to replace the obviously recalcitrant public employees, who are public servants paid by tax payers?

Those GECOM employees who breached the Constitution and any election law in the conduct of their duties must face prompt disciplinary action, including termination and dismissal for good and sufficient cause.

Failure, or delay, or awaiting the outcome of court cases in a gross dereliction of duty by GECOM – the Chairman and Members of the Commission; it is a copout and dereliction of duty.

The population should not stay silent on crucial mat-

ters.

Madam Chair, it is an insult to the electorate of our country. Court matters, whether criminal or civil, are separate and apart from employment disciplinary actions. Those who breached the law or commit any offence must be prosecuted in the courts, and bear the full force of the law. This is separate and apart from any employment disciplinary action taken for good and sufficient cause.

Time for action now, GECOM! Madam Chair of GECOM, do not hide behind the outcome of court cases.

As an employer, GECOM must take disciplinary action without delay.

Sincerely, Joshua Singh

Urgent, radical reform needed in Guyana Police Force Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has perpetually been labelled as an incompetent, corrupt, and ineffective organisation by many Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora. They claim that its motto, ‘To serve and protect’, seemingly applies only to the rich and powerful in the country, and not to the poor and the powerless in the country.

For the poor, the motto means arrests, beatings, and issuing false statements to obtain convictions against those who have been arrested for allegedly committed a crime.

Many in the public have contended that some in the GPF are rotten to the core, in that they have not lived up even to their expectations, which is to be fair in the execution of their duties. Several reports from the media have indicated that the Police would obtain false confessions due to coercion and beatings of alleged criminals, many of whom have been convicted and imprisoned.

Studies have shown that approximately 30 percent of the current prison population is innocent, but there is no re-examination of cases in Guyana, which could reverse the convictions. In the United States, Canada, and other developed countries, many cases are re-examined daily, and thousands of prisoners who were imprisoned wrongfully are set free. To date, in the United States, more than 5,200 prisoners have been set free in the last decade.

A cursory examination of the GPF revealed that it needs a comprehensive reorganisation, but Governments past and present have refused to make

the necessary changes in the GPF to make it more efficient and effective in solving the glaring crimes in the country. This has created a security dilemma for the citizens, who are caught between a rock and a hard place, in that they do not trust the GPF, and they fear being robbed by fleeing bandits on motorcycles.

Some have labelled the GPF as a corrupt and unprofessional organisation; others have expressed the view that it is oppressive, especially against the poor.

Efforts by Governments to reform the GPF have largely failed mainly because it has been alleged that some of its senior members have aided and abetted many rogue cops.

Presently, several senior officers of the force have been charged for allegedly defrauding the state of millions of dollars.

The US State Department, in its annual Human Rights report in 2018, fingered the Police Force as an abuser of the people’s rights, and the Judiciary for lengthy delays in trials and prosecution. According to the report, both the Police and the Judiciary are in violation of the human rights of people.

This is regrettable, shameful, and deplorable.

In 2020, the US State Department’s Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana had found that the ranks of the Guyana Police Force are frequently engaged in acts of brutality and corruption — a practice that has tainted not only the country’s Police Force, but also the country’s image. Additionally, the report noted that, in Guyana, the law recognises the right of individuals to be treat-

ed fairly, irrespective of the crime they may or may not have committed. Small wonder why there is widespread public perception that the Police Force at all levels is constituted of unprofessional, corrupt, and incompetent individuals.

There is no place in civilised society for such behaviour by the GPF, and the public should not tolerate such cruel and inhumane treatment. It is time for the administration to radically reform the Force, in order to change its behaviour, so that the poor in Guyana should not suffer at the hands of the GPF. It is

now unbearable.

Guyana needs a proactive Police Force, and not one that is reactive, to solve the increasing number of crimes. Many have claimed that the GPF rarely does arrest the rich and powerful in the country. They do not traverse the wealthy localities and arrest anyone, which suggests that Guyana has a two-tier policing system — one for the rich and powerful, and the other for the poor and the powerless.

Such discrimination is considered a travesty of justice.

Sincerely, Leyland Roopnarine

Building economicallystrong, powerful nation Dear Editor, On the 55th Anniversary of our Independence, I honour and respect the theme, “Building an economically strong and powerful nation”.

IT is a fit and proper way to herald our Independence, as it ushers in a sense of pride and purpose for us all as a nation, that we can now stand on the path of a great and new tomorrow. As an independent people, we boldly pursue our goal of economic freedom and development.

Now our Government have set the tone for development, in that they have taken the lead in that process with sound visionary leadership.

We have our goal in sight, it is now left to us as a people to get on board to make that dream a reality. There is no doubt that we are in good hands as we forge ahead together. Team PPP/C, together with the people of this great fledgling nation, we can, we must, we will reach for success as the emerging Third World powerhouse.

The call is also made for unity as we move forward together. A land of six peoples with the greatest possibilities for social cohesion to showcase to the region and the wider world on a whole a nation of peoples working together

in peaceful harmony and progressive unity. Together we can make it happen.

Finally, as we continuously move forward, we must not forget those who sought to divide us, those who stood up against our hard-fought democracy, and are still belligerent about it. We will not forget those few who set up a diabolical plot to steal our democracy and our ability to choose who governs us. We will not forget those who stood in the path of freedom, peace and progress. We remember those five long months of nerve-wracking agony, waiting to finally see the dawn of a new day. We welcome this new-found freedom with open arms.

Therefore, as responsible citizens, we call for justice to be served. We would like those so stained in the putrid mire of electoral fraud to be rooted out of mainstream society, never to raise the ugly head again.

We are calling on the justice system to ensure that justice is served swiftly and condignly, as we separate ourselves from such demonic forces. Long live an independent Guyana!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄ Wednesday’s answers

Question 1

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Continued Part VI

First Voice 'But tell me, tell me! speak again, Thy soft response renewing— What makes that ship drive on so fast?

What is the ocean doing?'

Second Voice Still as a slave before his lord, The ocean hath no blast; His great bright eye most silently Up to the Moon is cast— If he may know which way to go; For she guides him smooth or grim.

See, brother, see! how graciously She looketh down on him.'

WORD SEARCH

W

hile the sounds of a thunderstorm can be frightening for some children, most kids love to make noise of their own!

What you would do if you had the job of making special sound effects for a movie about weather. Gather kitchen and household items that you think could imitate the sounds of rain falling on the roof, wind, hail, rushing or splashing water, and thunder and lightning. Then make the sounds for A relative to see if he or she can correctly guess which weather effect it is.

Variation: If you have a smart phone or tablet, imitate weather sounds using a musical instrument app (with parental approval, of course). Or use real instruments if available. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

First Voice 'But why drives on that ship so fast, Without or wave or wind?'

Second Voice 'The air is cut away before, And closes from behind.

Fly, brother, fly! more high, more high!

Or we shall be belated: For slow and slow that ship will go, When the Mariner's trance is abated.'

I woke, and we were sailing on As in a gentle weather: 'Twas night, calm night, the moon was high; The dead men stood together.

All stood together on the deck, For a charnel-dungeon fitter: All fixed on me their stony eyes, That in the Moon did glitter.

The pang, the curse, with which they died, Had never passed away: I could not draw my eyes from theirs, Nor turn them up to pray.

And now this spell was snapt: once more I viewed the ocean green, And looked far forth, yet little saw Of what had else been seen— Like one, that on a lonesome road Doth walk in fear and dread, And having once turned round walks on, And turns no more his head; Because he knows, a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread.

But soon there breathed a wind on me, Nor sound nor motion made: Its path was not upon the sea, In ripple or in shade.

It raised my hair, it fanned my cheek Like a meadow-gale of spring— It mingled strangely with my fears, Yet it felt like a welcoming.

Swiftly, swiftly flew the ship, Yet she sailed softly too: Sweetly, sweetly blew the breeze— On me alone it blew.

TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 death toll climbs to 374 with 6 more fatalities …whopping 236 new cases recorded

S

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

With these deaths, the COVID-19 death toll in Guyana has now gone up to 374.

Among the latest fatalities are a 47-year-old female, who died on Tuesday, and an 80-year-old male, who died on Monday – both of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The other four deaths were all recorded in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) also on Monday last, with a 53-year-old female and a 60-year-old female succumbing as well as a 67-year-old male and a 73-year-old male.

The Ministry said that these patients were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms and died while receiving care at medical institutions across the country. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

Only on Tuesday, seven other COVID-19 deaths, including that of a 17-year-old boy, were reported. With 73 fatalities so far, May is the

deadliest month since the outbreak of the virus here last year. Sixty-six deaths were recorded in April.

New cases

Meanwhile, a whopping 236 new COVID-19 cases were detected – the highest number of cases recorded in a 24-hour period in Guyana.

According to the Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard on Wednesday, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has now increased to 16,556.

However, only 2038 of these are currently active cases, including 20 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 100 persons in institutional isolation and 1918 in home isolation.

There are also five persons in institutional quarantine.

To date, some 14,144 persons have recovered from the life-threatening virus in Guyana – 91 more recoveries than the figure recorded the previous day.

Further, a total of 148,436 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus in Guyana over the past year, of which 8224 males and 8332

females returned positive results.

Of the 236 new COVID-19 cases reported on Wednesday, two were from Region One (Barima-Waini); 17 from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 60 from Demerara-Mahaica; five from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); 11 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); four in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); 73 from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); 53 from Region Nine and 11 cases from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In order to protect citizens and move towards achieving herd immunity, the Guyana Government has been aggressively rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and pleading with persons to get immunised against the potentially deadly virus.

To date, more than 187,200 persons have received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Guyana, of that number, more than 58,300 persons are now fully immunised. These numbers are expected to rise as the vaccination exercise continues to be rolled out across the country.

In the meantime, health authorities are urging Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures (No 17), which are in effect until May 31, 2021. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The order also imposes a 22:30h-04:00h (10:30

pm-4:00 am) national curfew, which the National COVID-19 Taskforce has been working to enforce by prosecuting persons who are in breach of the measures.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Wednesday, some 167,492,769 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 3,482,907 deaths.

WHO also reported on Wednesday that in the Region of the Americas, that

is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 66,414,286 while the death toll has gone up to 1,625,371.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov. gy.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Housewife beaten, robbed by bandit dressed as Police

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53-year-old housewife of Land of Canaan Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been beaten and robbed of her valuables by a lone bandit who was dressed as a Police.

Reports are that the robbery occurred at about 15:55h on Tuesday.

Police have since said that the woman was sitting in a chair on the northern side of her yard, speaking with her aunt on her cellphone when a man dressed in a blue and black Police uniform opened the gate and entered the yard. At the time, the man was armed with a hand gun, the woman said in her statement.

According to the woman, the man approached her and demanded that she hand over all her valuables, and he then attempted to force

her into the house, but she resisted, and a scuffle ensued. During the scuffle, the housewife received a hit to her head with the handgun.

The perpetrator then relieved her of a black Samsung Galaxy S9 cellphone valued at $160,000 before quickly walking out of the yard.

He then entered a silver-coloured Bluebird motorcar with registration number PTT 2987, which headed in a southerly direction as he made good his escape.

Police have since arrested three male suspects, who are presently in custody assisting with investigations.

This robbery came a month after a businessman and his family were terrorised and robbed of mil-

lions of dollars in cash and other valuables by gunmen dressed as Police, who stormed their home at Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The businessman, owner of N. Sabar Cell Phone Connection, had gone with his wife and two sons to a mosque for prayer, and as

family members was about to enter their yard, they were confronted by the group of armed men.

At the time, the perpetrators were reportedly carrying high powered weapons and cutlasses, but wore masks over their faces.

That family was robbed of $3 million and about 30 high-end mobile phones. (G9)

Clothes vendor’s car set on fire

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motorcar belonging to a 36-year-old female clothes vendor has been destroyed by fire after an anonymous individual was seen on closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras throwing a liquid substance

on the vehicle.

According to Police reports, the woman had parked her vehicle on her bridge facing south in Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown at 23:00h on Monday, and at about 02:00h on Tuesday, she was awakened by the barking of her dogs before she heard a loud explosion.

Upon checking, she saw her vehicle’s bonnet on fire, which she managed to extinguish with the assistance of some neighbours.

After the incident, a review of CCTV cameras showed a male in dark-coloured clothing throwing a liquid substance on the black Mitsubishi Outlander before starting the fire. He then departed in an easterly direction on Hadfield Street.

Police have since launched an investigation.

About a month ago, Police on patrol had stumbled upon a car left on fire at Green Field Access Road (Stadium Road), Providence, East Bank Demerara.

It was reported that ranks from Regional Division 4B had observed a white Toyota Spacio vehicle on fire and had immediately summoned the Guyana Fire Service. A water tender from the Diamond Fire Station had gone to the scene and extinguished the vehicle.

However, by then the car had been completely burnt.

(G9)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Winning…

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…yet losing in Guyana our Eyewitness is always happy on public holidays.

Apart from not having to beat his head against his dashboard fighting his way through the traffic to his workplace in Georgetown, he can “throw back” and reflect on the reasons for the public holidays in the first place. This year, his reflections didn’t get the usual lubrication from the old friends who’d drop by and reminisce about “the good old days”.

Zoom, however, has literally opened up whole new vistas for “bussing a gyaaf”. With a click on the keypad, you can hook up with buddies who might be as far away as in Timbuktu or Outer Mongolia. But with most of Guyana ending up in the States or Canada, it was with fellas from what is aptly now known as “Region 11” that your Eyewitness shared his Independence banter.

And, as usual, that banter centred on the fact that the more things change in the world, the more they remain the same for Guyana. Most of them are concerned about what lies ahead with the PNC a nursing its (mostly self-inflicted) wounds, but blaming the PPP and “outside forces”.

All of them, after all, were driven abroad by the PNC’s depredations in their “homeland”, and with the benefit of distance, whatever hope they had of that party changing its stripes had evaporated after the former’s elections shenanigans during last year. Stripes, they seemed to’ve concluded, can’t be changed - especially when their presence aren’t even acknowledged.

Take the rigging. One friend from Texas volunteered, “The PNC supporters still won’t concede that rigging elections isn’t the way to build any kind of political consensus inside a divided country. And like they did with Burnham, they’re giving the present leaders a blank cheque for extreme behaviour!” Playing the Devil’s advocate, I suggested that with the oil wealth soon to percolate through the economy, maybe this would make the politics less zero-sum?

That elicited a derisive hoot from Mr. Ft Lauderdale - who used to be an old habitué of Demico House. “My friends, the PNC will never tell its supporters that they’re doing better under the PPP, but will convince them they’re being marginalised and discriminated against! Weren’t they doing better after 1992? Didn’t so many studies show that? But that didn’t stop African Freedom Fighters from launching attacks against the Police and Indians!”

The New Yorker butted in, “Budday!! Yuh na need flambeau fuh see in bright daylight! Da boat done gaan a watah! Yuh na see how dem chaps a stir up trouble frum ova heah every day? Deh sendin’ back big money fuh mek big trouble, bai!!”

And that was how things went down for your Eyewitness on “Independence Day”!

Inspiring, eh? …in Gaza and Israel Well, it looks like after 11 days of Israeli-provoked aerial strikes and counter strikes between them and Hamas, the US/Egypt-brokered ceasefire’s holding. So now for the post-mortem about “who won”. With a body count of 248 Palestinians (including dozens of children) killed and 2000+ wounded - versus just 12 Israelis (including 2 children) killed and a similar number wounded, it might appear that Israel won. Especially considering the similarly skewed damage to buildings.

But the Palestinians always knew (ironically?) it was a David and Goliath thing. Consider the US$ billion Israeli Iron Dome that blocked Hamas’s comparatively primitive missiles. But what to do against their people’s systematic expulsion from their homes to make way for Jewish settlers? But through their bravery, Hamas showed that Israel couldn’t stop them from firing their missiles to the very end. And that these misfiles will be inevitably improved.

Most importantly, there was widespread revulsion even in the US - against the Israeli aggression. …but not against COVID-19 Sadly, along with our Caricom neighbours Trinidad and Suriname, we seem destined to follow Brazil’s scary trajectory on the COVID-19 death rates.

Has PAHO confirmed the presence of the Brazilian variant in our territories?

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Procurement for Yellowtail development expected to start by October …final investment decision expected in 2022

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rocurement for the Yellowtail development, ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGL) fourth development in Guyana’s waters, is earmarked to begin in either September or October of 2021.

This is according to ExxonMobil country manager Alastair Routledge, in a recent update on the project that is being done as part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) process of public education for the project to be given an environmental greenlight.

Routledge explained that the Yellowtail project, which is expected to start up by 2025-year end, is presently entering the engineering stage as well as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stage.

“Some key project milestones include select design bases by mid-2021.

Environmental Impact Assessment in May 2021.

Engineering procurement

construction and contract

by September to October of 2021,” Routledge explained.

“Final investment decision in the second quarter of 2022. The drilling in first quarter of 2024.

SURF installation start in the second quarter of 2024.

Followed by the FPSO installation in the third quarter of 2025. The project will start up by the end of 2025,” the executive added.

It is meanwhile expected that the Field Development Plan (FDP) for Yellowtail will be submitted later this year. This was recently revealed by Hess Chief Operating Officer (COO) Greg Hill. Hill, whose company is a co-venture partner of ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block, was at the time taking part in the 2021 first- quarter earnings call.

While the operator is slated to submit the FDP later this year, Hill had explained that for now, design work and front-end engineering, the process of establishing project costs

and potential risks, are ongoing on the prospective oilfield.

The Yellowtail development will be ExxonMobil’s single largest development in Guyana’s waters in terms of barrels per day (bpd) of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted. This is according to the documents and project summary that EEPGL submitted to the EPA, from whom it is currently seeking environmental approval to undertake the development.

“Yellowtail will be designed to add up to 39,747 m3 (250,000 barrels) of oil a day to existing daily production volumes in Guyana with the associated additional revenues to the Government of Guyana while continuing a steady expansion of opportunities for Guyanese to participate in the petroleum industry,” the application states.

There WEre also assurances given, as it relates to flaring. Cognizant of the compressor problems that have plagued

the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which services the Liza-1 development, Exxon states that it is committed to doing business that does not infringe on environmental and other considerations.

“EEPGL committed to conducting business in a manner that is compatible with the environmental and economic needs of the communities in which it operates and that protects the safety, security, and health of its employees, those involved with its operations, its customers, and the public,” the company says in the document.

With the application for the Yellowtail oil development being reviewed by the EPA, members of the public have been invited to make submissions on the project within 28 days.

Those 28 days come to an end on June 5.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

EEPGL is the operator and holds 45 per cent in-

GO-Invest launches “Invest 55”

…to promote investment opportunities across sectors

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he Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has launched “Invest 55” in observance of Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary.

The project aims to promote investment opportunities here through global partnerships, increased competitiveness, while globalising Guyana’s economic sectors.

The areas in which investment opportunities are offered include agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, energy, services, Information and Communication Technology and mining.

GO-Invest, in a press release on Tuesday, said Guyana has been experiencing transformative and exponential growth since becoming an oil-producing nation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Local Content Investment (LCI) being among the engines of growth.

“The growing economy and improved infrastructure will bring benefits for regional partners. Guyana and Brazil will benefit from a long-planned road, open-

ing the door to bilateral trade. Another major project is the construction of the Corentyne bridge, which will link Suriname and Guyana and further expand Guyana’s investment portfolio,” the release stated.

Within a year’s time, Invest-55 is expected to be a central pillar in promot-

ing immense opportunities in integrated mega farms, milk plants, corn and soya bean production for stock feed, expansion of call centres and business process outsourcing, manufacturing of machinery and equipment, and alternative energy projects featuring hydro, solar and wind power.

terest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027. Already, the oil major has established an ambitious oil exploration plan for 2021 offshore Guyana.

Exxon Country Manager Alastair Routledge

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary

Cultivate act of patriotism for a better Guyana – REO tells Region 2 residents

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s Guyana celebrated its 55th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, residents of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were urged to cultivate act of patriotism for a better Guyana.

During his address at the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC’s) Independence Anniversary celebrations in Region 2, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Daveanand Ramdatt said the RDC aims to work towards improving and enhancing the lives of citizens. He said development in society is defined not only as the energy invested to fix the infrastructure, but also to fix “ourselves” by way of thinking.

“The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is proud to be taking the lead in the development of

The Golden Arrowhead being hoisted in Region Two on Wednesday

our region. I am happy to say that we enjoy the confidence of stakeholders and a strong will and commitment from (the) people that we serve… We need to reunite and come together as

we move about our professional lives and whatever people do. What certainly can take us out of this is the will of our people to persevere and to find innovative approaches to survive,” Ramdatt said.

O n Wednesday, the Region Two Administration hosted col o u r f u l Independence Anniversary c e l e b r a tions themed “Expressing our will to reunite and rejoice in diversity” in the compound of the

RDC. The programme included a parade, the hoisting of the National Flag, singing of patriotic songs, and dances, among other cultur-

al presentations.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, in his address to the gathering, said that every aspect of development brings its challenges.

“It is important that we continue to practise the unity of diversity as we celebrate Independence in Guyana. So, our achievements reflected 55 years on Independence in Guyana is what we should reckon upon. Political development has opened new avenues that forge a new democratic in our country… Our Government and our region are confident that, as a nation, we can be able to identify a truly inclusive political culture. All stakeholders are allowed to meaningfully participate in our development plan,” Oodit said.

Further, he noted that the development participation has unified the nation at a time when challenges arise. He reflected that between the years 1940 and 1966, there were many challenges that the nation faced to commonly achieve

Singer Cromwell Mentis performing a national song

Independence. On May 26, 1966, an independent Guyana was born when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time, breaking the shackles of colonialism, hence bringing forth freedom by instilling hope and expectations in

the people of Guyana.

Among those present at the event were Commander of ‘G’ Division, Crystal Robinson; Captain Hope of the GDF; President of the ECCI, Aadil Baksh; and members of the Joint Services.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Albouystown house 4 arrested following discovery of guns, ammo destroyed by fire

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wo brothers have been left homeless after their two-storey wooden house located at James and King Edward Streets, Albouystown was destroyed by fire at about 13:00h on Monday.

Reports are that the fire completely destroyed that house and damaged two houses that are nearby.

Persons in the area related to this publication that the house was occupied by two brothers, and the fire had started in the lower flat of the building, but quickly spread.

Based on information received, the occupants were unable to save anything, since the fire spread rapidly.

One of the houses that were damaged is owned by the brothers’ aunt, who said she realised that her house was also on fire only when she heard persons shouting for her.

Neighbours have said the Guyana Fire Service arrived on scene about 15 minutes after the fire started, but were unable to save the home. They were, how-

our persons, including two foreign nationals, have been arrested in the wee hours of Wednesday following the discovery of guns and ammunition along Main Street and in Brickdam, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, at about 3:40h, a Police rank acting on information received went to Main Street Georgetown, where he made contact with a male of Durban Street Lodge, Georgetown.

The Police rank identified himself and re-

The fire that destroyed the two-storey house in Albouystown

ever, able to stop the blaze from destroying the nearby homes.

No one was injured in the

incident, and the GFS have since launched an investigation into the origin of the fire.

Wakenaam accident leaves pedestrian injured

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ifty-nine-year-old Lucille Persaud of Sans Souci, Wakenaam Island, Region Three is now hospitalised after she was reportedly struck down by a motorcycle on Tuesday evening.

Police preliminary investigations revealed that at about 18:30h on the day in question, the motorcycle, bearing registration number CH 1702 and being driven by a 20-year-old man of Noitgedacht, Wakenaam Island, was proceeding along the Sans Souci public road when it collided with Persaud, who was walking along the said road.

The firearm and ammunition found on the male along Main Street, Georgetown

The gun and ammunition found in the motor car

quested to conduct a search on the person of the male, and the male agreed.

During the search, one 9mm Glock-19 pistol, serial number # FLD 741, and one marching round of ammuni-

The collision sent both Persaud and the motorcyclist falling onto the road surface, where Persaud sustained injuries to her left foot and forehead. She was picked up in a conscious condition and taken to the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital, where she

was treated and referred to the Suddie Public Hospital for further medical attention. Her condition is regarded as stable.

The motorcyclist, meanwhile, has been arrested as Police continue their investigations.

tion were found in the male’s pants crotch.

The male was informed of the offence he had committed, and was arrested and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were

marked, sealed and lodged.

Acting on further information received, at about 04:30h on that same day, a party of Police ranks went to an area on the Brickdam Public Road in the vicinity of St. Stanislaus College, where three men were seen in a white Toyota Axio motorcar bearing registration number PYY 5049.

A search was carried out on the men’s persons but nothing illegal was found. A search was then carried out on the vehicle, and one Taurus.32 pistol with two matching rounds of ammunition were found under the driver’s seat.

The suspects were arrested and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station as Police continue their investigations.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

SCENES FROM GUYANA'S 55TH I

President Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and son Zayd Ali

Members of the diplomatic community

Former Presidents Donald Ramotar and Samuel Hinds

13

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips

14 NEWS Labour Ministry threatens to expose High tide, heavy rainfall flood employers who breach laws Pomeroon farmlands THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…over 400 complaints reported for 2021

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he Labour Ministry will be aggressively pursuing public and private workplaces that breach the country’s labour laws, and those failing to provide the requisite working conditions will face the brunt of the law.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, at a press conference on Tuesday, outlined that officers have been continuously visiting workplaces and construction sites across the country to assess whether employers are following the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) guidelines. Those in breach are given a timeline to correct their error, but if they fail to do so, the Ministry would not hesitate to shut down their operations.

“If you don’t obey the law, believe me, it will become a thing recurring.

Our position is that everyone must obey the law. The law says if you have a building being constructed, there are things you must do. The officers continue to review construction sites. We have had, in the last couple of months, to shut down two construction sites. I will not have men hanging out at six storeys with no harness, no safety boots; walking on a 2x4 to get from one place to

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

next…That is the safety culture we have, that I am going to help bring to an end,” he asserted.

At one of these sites, a worker had fallen to his death, and an investigation later proved that personal protective gear and other safety mechanisms were lacking.

Hamilton is contending that if employers follow the laws in relation to workers’ safety, they would remain operational without hiccups.

To errant employers and contractors, he has said: “You have two choices in this matter. Either you obey the law, or I call a press conference and tell them or carry them to the site. You have to

decide. That’s my position…

(If) they fail to do that, and they want a contention, I will not contend. I will call a press conference and let the public be the judge.

“Once you follow the laws, we have less problems…I would hope that big buildings pay attention, because we’re coming. I don’t want to shut down anyone, but if you don’t care for the life of people, I will make you care,” he added.

For OSH month, in April, the Ministry reached over 900 workers from both public and private entities across the country, where a series of issues were brought to the attention of labour officers present. Highlighted issues included termination, wages, dismissal, timely salaries, no leave time, among others.

“As it relates to OSH, our review shows that we are yet to learn about the safety culture in Guyana, and that is all and sundry.

“Fundamentally, issues of protective gear, mercury exposure, and other things that can injure workers; issues about working with mining pits without proper regard to how you should mine…,” he related in the mining industry.

Collaboration has also

been forged between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Guyana Women Miners Association to address issues in the sector.

Complaints

Five months into 2021, the Labour Ministry has already received 477 complaints from employees about their working conditions, which contradict current labour legislation and safety measures. Minister Hamilton has said that in addition to these matters, 252 were brought over from 2020, contributing to a total of 729 complaints. There are cases wherein grievances from years ago are now being settled.

“Whilst this data is focusing on 2020 and 2021, I have had to intervene to resolve matters that go back to 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, where people were severed and weren’t paid their severance pay. In many instances, the Minister himself has had to intervene to ensure that people can be paid,” Minister Hamilton noted.

Work has begun to dispose of these cases, and is working to have labour officers present in the various regions to address complaints. Meanwhile, charges have been brought against six employers for respective breaches.

The reinstituted Labour Ministry under the PPP/C Government has managed to recover over $19 million for employees from monies withheld by their respective places of employment. (G12)

An inundated farmland in Jacklow, Lower Pomeroon

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everal acres of farmland located in the Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are currently inundated with floodwater caused by excessive rainfall and extremely high tide on Monday night.

Regional Executive

Thomas from Jacklow, Lower Pomeroon, the water flowed over the river defence dam and a stelling and flooded his farm. He said that during his 40 years of farming in Pomeroon, he had never before witnessed such a high level of water in the river.

Another cash crop farmer,

An inundated farmland in Hackey, Lower Pomeroon

Officer of Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Daveanand Ramdatt, has said a team dispatched to the area has inspected the farms and was told that the water in the Pomeroon River keeps rising and was at an alarming rate on Wednesday. As such, Jacklow and Hackney farms are under water.

Several cash crops’ farmers who spoke with this publication related that their farmlands are currently submerged and the floodwaters are not receding.

According to Harrel

Ralph Gobin, has said that he, too, found the tide level unprecedented in 30 years.

He said the entire Pomeroon area is under severe threat of flooding, and his cultivation is inundated. Gobin said his farm and those of his neighbours are under four feet of water, a level he has not experienced in his 30 years of farming, and his recently built river defence has been no match for the tide. His crops, which include suckers, avocado pear, coconuts and ground provisions, are all under water.

Guyana supports waiver of intellectual protections for COVID-19 vaccines …as it pushes for global vaccine equality

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t a time when vaccine inequity has hindered small and developing countries across the world from fighting the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants, Guyana has thrown its support behind the waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines.

This was indicated by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, during his address on Wednesday to the 74th World Health Assembly, which is being held virtually from 24 May to 1 June, 2021.

Earlier this month, the United States announced its support of the waiver of the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The wavier seeks to temporarily suspend intellectual property protections on COVID-19 jabs in order to achieve vaccine equity and global health security.

With its support of the TRIPs wavier, the U.S. has now joined India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries to help produce more vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We applaud the stance taken by the U.S. on the TRIPs waiver. Guyana supports the call by India and South Africa for waivers to allow the global production capacity to bring relief to the vaccine supply chain. In that re-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

gard, Guyana believes that the discussion around the Nagoya Protocol is a significant discussion at this 74th WHA,” Dr Anthony said in his virtual address to the Assembly.

He noted that the hosting of the assembly comes at a difficult time, when the devastating COVID-19 pandemic has crushed many lives and livelihoods across the world.

He added, however, that the horrors of this pandemic would have been unimaginable had science and public health not stood tall in response.

TURN TO PAGE 17

15 2nd person charged with murder of 10-year-old Sophia boy NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Cuban woman remanded for killing relative

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29-year-old is now the second person charged for the murder of 10-year-old Anthony Cort, who was shot during a robbery in Sophia, Greater Georgetown in March.

Kendrick Cozier, called “Bullaboy”, of ‘A’ Field Sophia, was arraigned in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, and has been remanded to prison.

It is alleged that on March 11 at Sophia, Cozier, called “Bullaboy”, murdered Anthony Cort during a robbery. He returns to court on July 9.

Last March, a 16-yearold lad was also charged for Cort’s murder, and he has been remanded to a juvenile holding facility. The teenager had appeared at the Children’s Court in Georgetown.

It was reported that two gunmen wearing face masks had invaded a property in C Field Sophia belonging to a 44-year-old businesswoman, who is Cort’s aunt. At the time of that invasion, the 10-year-old Cort was in the upper flat of the home in the company of others.

bandits discharged a round that hit him in his left upper shoulder. Cort later succumbed to his injuries.

Alleged confession

Dead: Anthony Cort

The bandits entered the lower flat of the home and held the occupants at gunpoint. They relieved the victims of two cell phones, each valued at $80,000; two gold bands valued $100,000, two gold rings valued $100,000, one gold chain valued $100,000, and $80,000 in cash.

According to Police, the bandits then ordered the victims into the upper flat of the house via a northern door. As they went into the upper flat, Anthony Cort was about to exit a north-eastern bedroom when one of the

Cozier was arrested by the Police only last week Friday. In a caution statement he gave, Police said, Cozier related that the teenager had told him that one of his relatives was in a relationship with the businesswoman, and that she had millions of dollars in cash and jewellery at her home.

According to the Police, Cozier said the juvenile then took three of his friends, namely “Gully”, “Rodell” and “Mario”, and a black gun was supplied by “Gully”.

He reportedly admitted that the 16-year-old planned that “Gully” would go into the shop to purchase something as a decoy, while “Mario” and “Rodell” would be the lookouts.

Cozier allegedly told detectives that he and the 16-year-old planned that they would go into the house and demand the valuables.

He added that he and the teen went to the shop, and

the teen pointed the gun at three females who were inside the said shop.

Police said the murder accused claimed that he was not armed. In addition, he allegedly confessed that he relieved the victims of their valuables, but claimed that the 16-year-old then went into the house.

According to the confession statement, Cozier said that after the teen went to the upper flat of the house, he heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot.

He claimed that after hearing that sound, he immediately ran into the upper flat and saw a young boy lying motionlessly on the ground, with the teen standing over him. He reportedly told the Police that he ran out of the house, picked up his bicycle which he had stashed before the robbery, and rode away.

According to the Police, Cozier said the teen later met him and the other accomplices and admitted to killing the child. He said they then parted the money and jewellery and the 16-year-old returned the

firearm to “Gully” before leaving.

Police say Cozier claimed that since the incident, he never saw the teen again, adding that he travelled to West Coast Demerara, where he stayed.

Manslaughter

Meanwhile, in another matter, 44-yearold Miledidys Quezada Lezcano of Charlotte Street, Georgetown was remanded to prison on a manslaughter charge over the fatal stabbing of her relative.

Lezcano, a Cuban national and a domestic worker, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on May 19, 2021, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, she unlawfully killed 40-year-old Lopez Cardenas Yoesmarita.

The now-dead man is also a Cuban national.

Murder accused: Anthony Cozier, called “Bullaboy”

The Police have said that Yoesmarita, who had been armed with a knife, had been attempting to remove Lezcano from the premises when a scuffle ensued between them, during which Lezcano took away the weapon from Yoesmarita and stabbed him to his lower back.

Region 9 man found dead after drinking spree

Teenager injured after colliding with motorcycle

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teenage girl of ‘A’ Field, Sophia Squatting Area, Greater Georgetown has reportedly been struck by a motorcycle on Sunday last while attempting to cross the road on her pedal cycle Roslin Abrams, 15, was reportedly riding along Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown when she was struck down by motorcycle, CF 289.

The Police have said that while in the vicinity of Beepat’s, the teenager at-

tempted to cross the road and ended up in the path of the motor cycle. As a result, the front portion of the motor cycle collided with the pedal cycle, resulting in

both the motorcyclist and pedal cyclist falling onto the roadway and sustaining injuries about their bodies.

They were both picked up in a conscious condi-

tion and taken by EMT personnel to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were both seen and examined by a doctor on duty.

The pedal cyclist was treated for lacerations to the forehead and was sent away, while the motorcyclist was admitted as a patient in the said facility for observation, but was later discharged.

The matter was reported to the Police, and an investigation has been launched.

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55-year-old man has been found dead in his friend’s yard shortly after a drinking spree.

Reports are that the man, from St Ignatius Village in Central Rupununi, Region Nine, (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), had been imbibing alcohol at a friend’s

home on Tuesday. However, later that day, he was found in a motionless state under a shed in the yard.

An alarm was raised and he was rushed to the Lethem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $28B in banking relief provided to businesses – BoG …relief measures make up 10.8% of total loans in Guyana

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he COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Guyana’s financial sector. As of the end of March 2021, over $28 Billion in Banking relief to businesses in various sectors has been provided, helping to cushion them from the fallout of the pandemic.

According to the Bank of Guyana’s first quarter report, businesses benefitted from a total of $28.8 Billion in banking relief measures as of March 2021, as part of COVID relief. According to the bank in the report, these reliefs were implemented in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Bankers Incorporated.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a serious financial stability threat to the banking sector. In this regard, the Bank of Guyana is committed to safeguarding and strengthening the resilience of the local financial sector,” the BoG said in its report, adding that in col-

laboration with the Guyana Association of Bankers Incorporated, the Bank designed and implemented (these) measures to alleviate hardship caused by the global outbreak.

The report notes that the amount of relief provided represents 10.8 per cent of total loans. This is compared to 5.5 per cent of total loans last year end. The report also includes a breakdown of the relief measures by sector. The largest beneficiary of reliefs was the services sector, with 57.4 per cent.

The manufacturing sector benefitted from 10.8 per cent of the relief measures, followed by mining and quarrying with 5.2 per cent and agriculture with 4.8 per cent. About 18.9 per cent or $5.4 Billion in relief was granted to the real estate mortgage sector. All banks contributed to this sector, with one bank in particular providing $2 Billion of relief.

The Bank of Guyana

The value of household fiscal relief was much lower, amounting to just 2.9 per cent of total relief granted. However, the number of households who sought relief measures far exceeded the other sectors. Some 814 household facilities out of a total of 1,608 facilities received banking relief.

Back in August of last

year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced a series of measures agreed with the local banking sector to ease the burden on citizens.

These include lowered interest rates and an extension of the moratorium on loan payments.

This meant that customers with mortgages and other loans would be spared the

financial burden of servicing those loans during the pandemic. In addition, their loans would not be classified as non-performing, ensuring that they do not default.

“Commercial banks agreed to offer general concessional reductions of interest rates of one per cent and up to two per cent on customer loans below $10 million

until December 30, 2020.

The existing lending rate ranges between 6.5 per cent and 16 per cent. Some commercial banks have agreed to apply special treatment to the interest accrued during the moratorium period,” the President had explained.

“Commercial banks have agreed to waive all bank charges, including ATM and Merchant Bank charges, to encourage more out-of-bank transactions as well as… transactions by senior citizens,” he had noted, adding that these measures will not impact the soundness of the banking sector.

The Head of State had also announced that the Bank of Guyana would relax certain requirements that would allow banks to cushion their losses and increase liquidity by $9.4 billion. In December of last year, all of these COVID-19 relief measures were extended until June 2021.

Flood-affected Black Bush residents appeal for help …NDIA machines deployed, CDC to distribute relief hampers

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esidents and farmers from Yakusari, Johanna, Mibicuri and Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) who suffered losses as a result of continuous rainfall over the past few days, on Wednesday, met with Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

The officials were at the time conducting an outreach to flood-affected areas to assess the damage and engage residents on the way forward.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Agriculture Ministry said that farmers who attended the meeting said that their fields and farms were flooded. A number of poultry farmers too related that most of their animals had died because of the flooding.

Minister Mustapha while offering comments said the high intensity of rainfall has been putting a strain on the drainage system. He also said that his Ministry, through the var-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engaging residents

ious agencies, would be working with those affected to offer assistance.

“People are very agitated and I want to assure them that Government will put all systems in place to ensure that this matter is resolved as soon as possible.

Although we are working to boost our drainage system by complementing it with additional pumps, the high intensity of rainfall

sistance, because many persons experienced losses in livestock, cash crops, and rice. I’d like to make a commitment here that we’ll try as much as possible to assist those who suffered losses,” Mustapha said.

Residents also told the visiting team that although machines were sent to execute works in the area some time ago, some of the works were not done because persons have occupied the reserves.

Mustapha informed residents that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) would be deploying machines to complete all of the outstanding

affected many areas across the country. You’ve heard, in terms of relief, we will have the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) coming into the area with some food and sanitation hampers to distribute to every household from Saturday.

Our decisions today are aimed at bringing relief to the people who are suffering in the shortest possible time,” Phillips said.

The residents were also informed that the Government has allocated funds to the Water Users’ Association to execute its mandate of clearing and maintaining drains and canals.

works.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister informed residents that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) would be back in the area to distribute flood-relief hampers to every household that was affected.

“This is an unusual amount of rainfall that has

“Over $140 million was allocated for works to be done here. Also, many contractors who were owed for works carried out under the previous Administration, Cabinet has approved those payments which amounted to $15 million,” the Minister told residents.

has been putting a strain on that system,” he said, adding that the Ministry would be installing additional pumps in Black Bush Polder in hopes that those pumps could bring some amount of relief to residents.

“We are also putting other systems in place to prevent water in the backlands from draining into the residential areas. I’ve also instructed the Guyana

Rice Development Board (GRDB); the National Agriculture Research (NAREI) and Extension Institute (NAREI), and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the losses in the entire Black Bush Polder so that we can start giving some sort of as-

17 CSEC, CAPE postponed to June 28 T NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 27 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) on Wednesday announced that the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) would be further delayed by two weeks as a result of the novel coronavirus.

Consequently, the examinations would now commence on Thursday June 28, 2021. Meanwhile, results are slated to be released between the last week of September and the first week of October 2021.

Additionally, it has been announced that all exams would be administered in their original format. This includes Papers 1, 2 and

SBA or Paper 3 for CSEC. The deadline for candidates to defer has been extended to May 31, while the deadline for submission of SBAs has been extended to June 30.

Further in regard to Paper 2, topics that were released on May 10, a review is being done with a view to offering more clarity. Result of said review would be released no later than Friday of this week.

According to Registrar of CXC, Wayne Wesley, at a press conference on Wednesday, these changes will “provide candidates with extra time to prepare for the examinations.”

He explained that prior to making these decisions, CXC engaged in regional

consultation with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that they come up with a concept that would lead to the proper planning of the examinations to benefit the majority, if not everyone, in the region.

“Whenever we seek to gain consensus, it’s always difficult to benefit everyone… But whatever solution we come up with, we want to ensure that the majority if not all benefits,” Wesley noted.

These extensions stemmed from a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, where a report from the School’s Examinations Committee accepted and reviewed recommendations on the strategy for the 2021 regional examina-

Guyana supports waiver...

“While the virus brought sufferings and too many deaths and disruptions to the global economy, our scientists, researchers, medical, health, and other personnel have marshalled the science to understand this new disease, and to rapidly develop new diagnostic technologies, medicines, and vaccines… So, today, Guyana also joins in acknowledging the efforts of the global scientific, medical and public health communities, and in extending our sincerest gratitude to everyone,” he posited.

The Guyanese Health Minister outlined that collective actions under the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) leadership have seen the creation of the Access to COVID-19 Tools accelerators (ACT- A) to accelerate the development, production and distribution of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.

He reminded that it has also created the COVAX mechanism, which has worked hard to secure and distribute vaccines to countries worldwide.

According to Dr Anthony, these efforts, while far from perfect, has made a tremendous difference to many countries, especially those that are struggling to independently access COVID-19 vaccines. As such, he noted more needs to be done.

“We, however, remain deeply concerned that despite the best efforts, there persist inequalities in availability, access and distribution of vaccines, and we will like to urge that concrete steps be taken to rectify the vaccines’ inequity as quickly as possible,” the Guyanese Health Minister asserted.

Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude to the COVAX facility, of which Guyana was one of the beneficiaries, and all the donors who have made this initiative possible.

Guyana has so far received two tranches, totalling 62,400 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine from a total of 100,800 jabs pledged by COVAX. Guyana is one of ten countries in

Latin America and the Caribbean that are receiving vaccines at no cost through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC).

This 74th World Health Assembly (the decision-making body of WHO) will allow Member States to deliberate on a list of global health priorities. It is being held under the theme: ‘Ending this pandemic, preventing the next: building together a healthier, safer and fairer world.’

Dr Anthony has said there is no doubt that COVID-19 has changed the world, and although it has left a trail of death and destruction, Member States have an opportunity to inject hope, to build stronger global solidarity, to transform the world into a healthier and better one.

Only Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the opening of the annual Assembly of Health Ministers from its 194 member states that the COVID-19 pandemic is being perpetuated by a “scandalous inequity” in vaccine distribution.

He disclosed that more than 75 per cent of all COVDI-19 vaccines had been administered in just 10 countries.

FROM PAGE 14

“There is no diplomatic way to say it: a small group of countries that make and buy the majority of the world’s vaccines control the fate of the rest of the world,” Dr Tedros posited.

Against this backdrop, the WHO Head outlined some new targets aimed at protecting people in the poorest countries, which cannot access the jabs on their own. He urged developed countries to donate vaccines to the COVAX mechanism which is run by WHO, and the GAVI vaccine alliance, so that they can immunise at least 10 per cent of populations in all countries by September, and 30 per cent by yearend.

Since its rollout in February, the COVAX facility has so far delivered 72 million vaccine doses to 125 countries and economies. This, according to Dr Tedros, is barely sufficient for one per cent of the populations in these countries.

The WHO Head has said that, with their target, they are hoping to vaccinate 250 million more people in just four months.

“This is crucial to stop disease and death, keep our healthcare workers safe, reopen our societies and economies,” Tedros stressed.

CXC Registrar Wayne Wesley

tions, which emanated from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) through the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) at its 28th special meeting.

At that COHSOD meeting, regional teachers, students and members of Governments were able to share their opinions and concerns about the 2021 examinations.

Wesley noted it was “after careful deliberations and consideration of the pertinent issues” that the Examination Council agreed on these changes.

Following its May 12 meeting, COHSOD had proposed that CXC review recommendations made to adjust the format of the examinations in order to achieve efficiency, equity and fairness in the administration of the examinations, while maintaining the integrity of the process.

At Wednesday’s press

conference, Chairman of CXC, Professor Hilary Beckles, said the COHSOD meeting was an excellent display of Caribbean unity, organisation and integration.

“Even though there are national differences, even though there are domestic differences across the region, what we heard at COHSOD was a commitment to flexibility, a commitment to compromise so that we can emerge with a package, with a strategy and a methodology. And this, of course, is precisely what happened,” he stated.

Professor Beckles disclosed that some countries wanted to defer the exams for periods ranging between three to five weeks.

However, he stated, “practicality” had to be taken into consideration.

“The majority of the countries were saying we are ready now and we don’t want any delay,” the CXC

Chairman said.

Only on Tuesday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) made an appeal for the upcoming Caribbean examinations to be adjusted and the current design modified to ensure that students are not further disadvantaged during the pandemic.

In a statement signed by a Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Nicholas Pron, as well as other regional counterparts, calls were made for CXC and the Education Ministers to simplify the content.

It was recognised that efforts were made already to reduce certain requirements for these examinations and making concessions. Those include providing the topics for the papers, extending submission dates for some subjects, facilitating deferments to 2022 if students meet specific criteria, as well as current discussion to postpone the exams.

However, there are still a number of issues which require more substantial changes and flexibility.

No changes have been made for the Paper One, which will still cover the entire syllabus, and no clear structure on how those students who choose to defer will be supported to sit the exams at a later date in 2022.

In addition, natural disasters such as the recent eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent have had an additional negative impact on the learning of thousands of students.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Regional

PAHO welcomes efforts Grenada receiving funds from to increase vaccine China for airport development access to the Region T

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an American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, says she is encouraged by the response from developed countries in facilitating increased access to COVID-19 vaccines to disproportionately impacted territories across the region.

The response, she said, includes an agreement by Spain to donate five million vaccine doses to Latin America and the Caribbean, representing about five to 10 per cent of the European country’s total supply, while Canada has committed CAN$50 million to support expansion of vaccine access in the region.

“We are [also] encouraged by the United States Administration’s pledge to donate 80 million vaccine doses to countries world-

PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne

wide. We hope many of these are shared with its neighbouring countries in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Dr Etienne said.

She was speaking during PAHO’s COVID-19 digital briefing on Wednesday.

Dr Etienne maintained that consequent on limited supplies, vaccine donations “offer us the best chance to fill… gaps… in the shortterm”.

She noted that countries across the Americas have consistently reported some of the highest weekly COVID-19 case counts and deaths, pointing out that “our hospitals are full and many patients are not getting the care that they desperately need.”

“Yet, in a region of nearly 700 million people, just 37 million have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This is completely unacceptable and demonstrates how longstanding inequities are being perpetuated by the slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout,” the Director emphasised. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Gold miners attack Indigenous village in Amazon, clash with Police

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ildcat gold miners illegally prospecting on protected Indigenous lands in the Amazon fired on a Munduruku village and burnt down the house of one of its leaders on Wednesday, Brazil’s main Indigenous organisation said.

Federal Police said the gold miners then tried to invade the local Police post and wreck vehicles and helicopters that are being used in an ongoing operation against the miners, police said in a statement.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen across the Tapajos River rising from the house of Munduruku women’s leader Maria Leusa that

was set on fire with gasoline and burnt to the ground, the Indigenous umbrella organisation APIB said.

APIB said it suspected the attack on the village was a reprisal for the Police operation to protect Indigenous lands.

The miners fired shots at the village in the latest of a mounting wave of attacks on Indigenous communities in gold prospecting areas in the Amazon. The wildcat miners have been emboldened by Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and his support for legalising wild mining and commercial activities on Indigenous lands.

There were no reports on anyone injured in the inci-

dent.

“Once again, Indigenous lives are threatened by the illegal miners in the Amazon,” APIB said in a statement.

“This routine of terror is happening also in the Yanomami reservation that has been under intense attack since the beginning of the month in Roraima state,” APIB said, referring to Brazil’s largest Indigenous reservation.

The Yanomami reservation on the border with Venezuela has been invaded by more than 20,000 wildcat miners in a gold rush that has accelerated since Bolsonaro became President in 2019. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T’s COVID death toll crosses 400

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he Health Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago has registered another day of high fatalities in T&T owing to the COVID-19 virus, with 18 deaths recorded over the last 24-hour reporting period, one of which occurred in Tobago.

The country’s death toll has crossed 400, now standing at 408 and 239 of these deaths were recorded this month.

May remains the deadliest month for the pandemic, eclipsing the total COVID-19 deaths recorded for the entirety of 2020, at 127.

Wednesday’s 18 deaths marked the third deadliest day for T&T to date, marking the 10th day with double-digit death tolls reported for a 24hour period.

According to the Health Ministry, 17 people who died had comorbidities, including five elderly females, one middle-aged female, seven elder-

ly males and four middle-aged males. Only one, a middle-aged female, did not have significant underlying conditions.

The country also reported 612 new COVID-19 cases in 24-hour reporting period, resulting from samples taken from May 19 through May 24, 2021. This marked the third-highest jump in daily reported cases for the pandemic to date.

T&T’s total COVID-19 cases continue to soar above 20,000, now standing at

20,879, with active cases at 8444.

In the 24-hour reporting period, 53 people were discharged from public health facilities, with 247 people considered recovered community cases. This marked the total recovered during the previous 24 hours at 300, marking the third-highest jump in recovered cases. T&T’s hospitalisations reduced to 443, the country’s third-highest number of patients in hospital. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

he Grenada Government has started to utilise a US$67 million concessional loan from China Export and Import to upgrade the Maurice Bishop International Airport, according to a statement posted on the website of the Finance Ministry.

“For the first time, the Chinese Yuan is a currency component of Government of Grenada’s external portfolio (2.8 per cent) as a loan from the Republic of China was partially disbursed in the first quarter of 2021 for the St George’s Airport Runway and Road Upgrade and Rehabilitation Project,” the statement noted.

While it did not provide the amount of funds being utilised under the project so far, the statement said “irrespective, the United States dollars remained

The US$67 million concessional loan from China Export and Import is to upgrade the Maurice Bishop International Airport

the dominant currency contributing 66 per cent of the external portfolio. It was followed by instruments contracted in Special Drawing Rights”.

Announced three years ago, the signing and ceremonial launch of the project had been done in the last quarter of last year.

The project was described by the Chinese officials at the sod-turning ceremony in October 2020, as

another milestone for bilateral cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative.

The Belt and Road initiative is a strategy initiated by the People’s Republic of China that seeks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade, and stimulating economic growth. (Nation News)

Galápagos tortoise found alive is from species thought extinct

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enetic tests have confirmed that a giant tortoise found on the Galápagos Islands is from a species which scientists thought had died out more than a century ago.

The single female was discovered during a 2019 expedition to Fernandina Island.

To prove the link, scientists took samples from the female to compare to the remains of a male from the species Chelonoidis phantasticus.

The last previous sighting of the species had been in 1906.

That sighting was

made by scientists from the California Academy of Sciences who sailed to the Galápagos Islands to carry out comprehensive survey of their flora and fauna.

They took back the male specimen to the academy’s herpetology department and it was samples from there that allowed geneticists from Yale University to determine 115 years later that the female found in 2019 is indeed a Chelonoidis phantasticus, also known as Fernandina giant tortoise.

Ecuador, of which the Galápagos islands are a part, has celebrated the good news.

“It was believed to have gone extinct more than 100 years ago!” Environment Minister Gustavo Manrique tweeted of the Fernandina giant tortoise. “Hope is alive,” he added.

The female Fernandina giant tortoise, which is estimated to be more than 100 years old, is currently in a breeding centre on Santa Cruz Island.

Scientists have found prints and faeces on Fernandina Island which they think indicate that there are more individuals of the species left in the wild.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

US charges ex-Bolivian Minister with bribery, money laundering

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he United States has arrested a former Cabinet Minister in the interim Government of Bolivia’s ex-President Jeanine Anez on bribery and money laundering charges.

In a statement on Wednesday, the US Justice Department accused former Interior Minister Arturo Murillo and his ex-chief of staff, Sergio Mendez, “of receiving bribes paid by a US company and individuals to secure a Bolivian Government contract”.

The Department accused the pair of “then using the US financial system to launder those bribes”.

Three US citizens were also charged in relation to the alleged bribery scheme, which took place between November 2019 and April 2020.

The Americans are accused of paying US$602,000 to the Bolivian officials, the Justice Department said,

Arturo Murillo served in the interim government of Bolivian expresident Jeanine Anez and is also wanted on sedition charges in Bolivia [File: David Mercado/Reuters]

in order to secure a US$5.6 million contract to provide Bolivia’s Defence Ministry with tear gas and other non-lethal equipment.

The five men are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison.

Murillo is also wanted in Bolivia on sedition charges

for his role in Anez’s interim administration.

Anez came to power after Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous President, resigned in November 2019 amid pressure from some of the public, the armed forces and Opposition Leaders who accused him of stealing an election a month earlier.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Biden orders urgent new report on COVID origin

Global oil deficit seen at 1 million bpd – Russia's Deputy Prime Minister

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he global oil deficit is now seen at approximately one million barrels per day (bpd), Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday, days before the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries-plus (OPEC+) top negotiators are expected to meet.

OPEC and its allies, including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, is bringing back 2.1 million bpd of oil production through July, easing cuts to 5.8 million bpd. Their next meeting is set for June 1.

Any increase of oil production by Iran if indirect talks between Washington and Tehran lead to a lifting of sanctions, can potentially add between one million and two million bpd on top of the gradual rise in OPEC+ supply, analysts estimate.

"We have always kept in mind a return of Iranian barrels," Novak told reporters on Wednesday. "We need to consider this...

We will jointly calculate the (supply and demand) balance."

Iran's Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei said he was optimistic Tehran would reach agreement soon, although Iran's top negotiator said serious issues remained.

Brent crude prices were broadly steady at about US$68.62 on Wednesday, after falling to below US$65 a barrel last week on the possibility of a return of Iranian barrels.

"OPEC+ is likely to step up its production ... from May to July, yet this will presumably happen in line with the recovery of demand," Commerzbank said in a note.

The bank highlighted that coronavirus infection numbers in India and other countries were falling and mobility restrictions were being lifted around the world. (Excerpt from Economic Times)

Climate landmark: Court orders Royal Dutch Shell to cut emissions

Milieudefensie Director Donald Pols, right, celebrates the outcome of the verdict in the court case of Milieudefensie, the Dutch arm of the Friends of the Earth environmental organisation, against Royal Dutch Shell in The Hague, the Netherlands on Wednesday [Peter Dejong/AP]

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Dutch court on Wednesday ordered Royal Dutch Shell to cut its carbon emissions by a net 45 per cent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels in a landmark case brought by climate activism groups, which hailed the decision as a victory for the planet.

The Hague District Court ruled that the Anglo-Dutch energy giant has a duty of care to reduce emissions and that its current reduction plans were not concrete enough.

The decision could set a precedent for similar cases against polluting multinationals around the world.

Activists who gathered outside the courtroom erupted into cheers as the decision was read out loud.

“The climate won today,” said Roger Cox, a lawyer for the Dutch arm of Friends of the Earth, which was one of the organisations behind the

case.

“This ruling will change the world. Worldwide, people are in the starting blocks to take legal action against oil companies following our example,” Cox added.

The Hague court did not specify how Royal Dutch Shell should achieve the ordered cutback, saying the energy giant’s parent company “has complete freedom in how it meets its reduction obligation and in shaping the Shell group’s corporate policy”.

In a written reaction, Shell said it expected to appeal the “disappointing court decision”.

The court said in an English-language summary of its ruling that Shell was not currently in breach of its obligation to reduce emissions, as the environmental groups had argued, because the parent company was tightening its emissions policy. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US President Joe Biden asked intelligence agencies to report back to him within 90 days on the virus's origin

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S President Joe Biden has ordered intelligence agencies to investigate the emergence of COVID-19, amid growing controversy about the virus's origins.

In a statement, Biden

asked US intelligence groups to "redouble their efforts" and report to him within 90 days.

COVID-19 was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.

More than 168 million cas-

es have since been confirmed worldwide and at least 3.5 million deaths reported.

Authorities linked early COVID cases to a seafood market in Wuhan, and scientists believed the virus first passed to humans from animals.

But recent US media reports suggest growing evidence the virus could instead have emerged from a laboratory in China.

Beijing has condemned the reports and suggested it could have come from a US laboratory instead.

In a White House statement released on Wednesday, President Biden said he had asked for a report on the origins of COVID-19 after taking office, "including whether it emerged from human

contact with an infected animal or from a laboratory accident".

On receiving it this month, he asked for "additional follow-up".

"As of today, the US Intelligence Community has coalesced around two likely scenarios, but has not reached a definitive conclusion on this question," Biden said.

"Here is their current position: 'While two elements in the IC leans toward the former scenario and one leans more toward the latter – each with low or moderate confidence – the majority of elements do not believe there is sufficient information to assess one to be more likely than the other.'" (Excerpt from BBC News)

Mali’s President, Prime Minister resign after arrests by military

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ali’s interim President and Prime Minister have resigned two days after they were arrested by the military, an aide to the Vice President said.

Soldiers, led by interim Vice President Assimi Goita, arrested President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane and took them to a military base on Monday after a Cabinet reshuffle in which two officers lost their posts.

The military’s actions have jeopardised Mali’s return to democracy following a coup last August and drawn condemnation from international powers.

“The President and his

Prime Minister have resigned. Negotiations are ongoing for their liberation and the formation of a new government,” said Baba Cisse, an aide to Goita, on Wednesday in comments sent to the Reuters news agency by the military.

A member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is visiting the country in an attempt to resolve the standoff, confirmed the President’s resignation to the AFP news agency, requesting anonymity.

During a meeting with Goita late on Tuesday, the ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, raised

the possibility of sanctions against the officers responsible for the takeover, said a military official who was present.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday called for the “safe, immediate and unconditional release” of all officials detained in Mali by elements of the defence and security forces.

The 15-member Council also “urged the defence and security forces elements to return to their barracks without delay” in a statement agreed by consensus, diplomats said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The military's actions, including the arrest of interim President Bah Ndaw, have jeopardised Mali's return to democracy following a coup last August and drawn condemnation from international powers [File: Amadou Keita/Reuters]

Belarusian President hits 8 killed in California back at condemnation of Journalist's arrest rail yard shooting

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gunman has killed eight people at a commuter train yard in California.

The shooting took place at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) rail yard in San Jose.

Officials say the victims include multiple transit employees. The suspect, an employee, is also dead.

The shooting broke out around 06:45h local time.

Officials say the suspect may have set his home on fire before the attack.

Across the US, there have been 230 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. A mass shooting is defined by the group as a crime in which four or more people are fatally shot.

Early on Wednesday, the gunman opened fire in the VTA light rail yard.

According to a local CBS station, shots rang out during an employee meeting for rail workers.

Police Officers arrived at the scene while the shooting was ongoing, officials said.

"Our teams showed exemplary behaviour – what they're trained to do – as shots were still being fired," said Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith at a press conference.

Nine people, including the suspect, are dead. US media report that the gunman died by suicide, but Police have not confirmed.

Law enforcement officials told CBS News, the BBC's partner in the US, that the gunman is 57-year-old Samuel Cassidy.

Deputy Russell Davis, a spokesman for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, said "deputies did not exchange gunfire" with the suspect.

Just before the shooting, a fire broke out at a home belonging to the Santa Clara VTA employee, according to local media. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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elarusian President A l e x a n d e r Lukashenko has said his critics are "strangling" his country and waging "hybrid warfare".

Lukashenko told Parliament common sense had been abandoned and "many red lines" crossed as Western countries imposed sanctions on Belarus.

He was defending the move to forcibly divert a Ryanair plane, which was flying from Greece to Lithuania, to land in Belarus on Sunday.

A Belarusian Journalist, who is a critic of Lukashenko, was arrested.

Roman Protasevich, 26, was placed on a terrorism list last year and says he fears the death penalty. Belarus is the only country in Europe and the former Soviet Union that still passes and carries out death sentences.

His Russian girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, was also detained. They both now face criminal charges.

Videos of the pair have

been released, appearing to show them confessing to crimes. However, it is likely they are both speaking under duress.

Lukashenko's comments were the first he has made in public about the incident, which has drawn Western outrage.

European leaders have accused Belarus of hijacking the plane, but the President has insisted he acted lawfully when he ordered its diversion.

Belarus claims the flight had been diverted because of a bomb threat from Hamas, but the Palestinian militant group denied any involvement. Lukashenko also said the threat had originated in Switzerland, but the Swiss authorities said they knew nothing of it.

Lukashenko insisted the bomb threat was real, and that the diversion of the Ryanair flight had taken place near a nuclear power plant. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Get your facts straight, and trust in what you know.

Someone will try to intervene if given a chance. Be prepared to stay calm. Be articulate, and go about your business, doing things your way.

Money, legal and medical TAURUS issues will be confusing. Don’t (April 20- let uncertainty get you down.

May 20) The research you do will ease your mind regarding how best to handle such matters. Take the initiative, and leave nothing to chance.

DILBERT

Take a moment to reevaluate your life and expectations.

(May 21- Step up and make the changes June 20) that will help you find the clarity you need to move forward.

Finding your purpose will put your mind at ease.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Rely on yourself. Put your energy where it counts.

Structure your day to encourage creativity. Don’t run away from conflict, change or criticism. Expect someone to withhold information.

Don’t deviate from your LEO plan to accommodate someone (July 23unpredictable. Take charge of Aug. 22) your destiny, and set guidelines that will help you reach your dreams, hopes and wishes. Passion will help you excel.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Refuse to let what other people do or say confuse you.

Let your determination and resources carry you to the place you want to go. Stamp out negativity and avoid manipulative people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Strive to push yourself forward. Show everyone what you have to offer and what you are willing to do.

Honoring a commitment will bring you one step closer to the life you want to live.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take stock of what you have accumulated, then lighten your load. The peace of mind you gain from decluttering your life will help you resolve what to do next. It’s up to you to make your dream come true.

Personal matters will SAGITTARIUS confuse you. Read between (Nov. 23the lines, and you’ll figure Dec. 21) out what others want. Take a moment to decide how best to handle the demands put on you. Stay focused.

You’ll have trouble navi-

CAPRICORN gating your way through mon(Dec. 22ey matters. Escalating costs Jan. 19) and lack of stability will make

you reluctant to carry on as usual. Look for an innovative way to cut your overhead.

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

Set your priorities straight. Put home and family first. Don’t let outsiders interfere or rope you into something you don’t want to do.

Keep your life simple and don’t overreact.

Distance yourself from explosive situations. If you don’t agree (Feb. 20- with someone, don’t share your March 20) opinions. Put everything you’ve got into personal improvement, learning and living a healthy lifestyle. Keep your emotions in check.

PISCES

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

21

NBA playoffs 2021…

Davis responds as Lakers level series A

nthony Davis responded after his poor showing in Game 1 by leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 109-102 win over the Phoenix Suns to square their NBA playoffs’ first round series on Tuesday.

Davis was self-critical after their Game 1 loss, stating, “This is on me”, and he has responded with a double-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and seven assists.

LeBron James was brilliant with 23 points, including a final quarter three in the final minute, which was the nail in the coffin. James also had nine assists and four rebounds.

The Lakers led by seven at the final change, but Phoenix came hard at them, albeit largely without Chris Paul, who played limited minutes in the last quarter due to a shoulder issue which hampered him all game.

But the reigning champions rallied, with a Davis block followed by a three-pointer pressing them ahead in the final minutes.

For the Lakers, Dennis

Schroder had 24 points, while Andre Drummond had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Paul managed only six points from 23 minutes in a major worry for the Suns moving forward, while Devin Booker impressed with 31 points.

KD gets it done as Mavs down Clippers

Kevin Durant got it done at both ends as the Brooklyn Nets claimed a 2-0 series lead against the Boston Celtics

with a 130-108 win.

Durant was dominant with a game-high 26 points as well as five assists, eight rebounds and four blocks for the Nets, who led by 24 points at half-time.

Joe Harris shot a playoffs’ career-high seven three-pointers among his 25 points, including 22 in the first half, while James Harden added an impressive 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists for the Nets.

Blake Griffin made two

Pace bowler Alzarri Joseph heading to the Zouks

big dunks for the Nets, having not attempted one in his final 25 games for the Detroit Pistons before his move.

Mavs claim 2-0 lead in series against Clippers

Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard traded blows with massive individual performances, but the Dallas

Mavericks claimed a 2-0 lead in their series against the Los Angeles Clippers with a 127121 win on the road.

Doncic scored 39 points with seven rebounds and seven assists, with able assistance from Tim Hardaway Jr, who made six three-pointers among his 28 points, with Dallas moving ahead in a 3019 third quarter.

Leonard had 41 points, six rebounds, two steals and four assists, while Paul George scored 28 points with 12 rebounds and six assists for the Clippers, who face an uphill task to turn around the series in Texas.

CP3 and Tatum injuries

Injuries to both Paul and Celtics forward Jason Tatum denied spectators the best contest possible, with the former barely entering the court in the last quarter with his shoulder issue, which remains an issue for the rest of the series.

Tatum left the game in the third quarter after a poke to the eye from Durant. He only managed nine points from 21 minutes, shooting at 25 per cent from the field.

Harden’s three-point playoffs feat

Harden went past Reggie Miller into sixth on the alltime NBA playoffs threepointers-made list, scoring four-from-eight beyond the arc in the Nets’ win over the Celtics. The 31-year-old has 321 playoffs three-pointers, behind Stephen Curry (470), LeBron James (417), Ray Allen (385), Klay Thompson (374) and Manu Ginobili (324).

Tuesday’s results

Brooklyn Nets: 130; Boston Celtics: 108 Los Angeles Lakers: 109; Phoenix Suns: 102 Dallas Mavericks: 127; Los Angeles Clippers: 121 (Modified from Sportsmax)

More than 800 unsold Champions League final tickets returned by Chelsea

– after being released by the Patriots

C

The Champions League final has been moved to Porto to accommodate fans

W

est Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is set to join the St Lucia Zouks for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League season after being released by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

The 24-year-old had been a part of the Patriots franchise since 2016, but did, however, struggle last season, claiming just three wickets from seven matches at an expensive 9.29. In 2019, Joseph had captured

9 wickets, the third most on the team, with an economy rate of 7.75.

Late last week, the Patriots announced that they had retained Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Rayad Emrit, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Joshua Da Silva and Dominic Drakes.

Joseph is currently participating in the English County Championships, where he is currently representing Worcestershire.

This season’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which bowls off on August 28, will be held in its entirety in the territory of St Kitts & Nevis. This year could mark the return of fans, with fully vaccinated patrons expected to be allowed to attend a half-capacity Warner Park venue.

The Patriots have never won the CPL, but went to the final of the competition in 2017. (Adapted from Sportsmax)

helsea have returned more than 800 unsold tickets for the Champions League final with Manchester City in Porto.

The Blues were given 5,800 tickets by Uefa for Saturday’s game, and there was a high demand for 2,800 tickets which were sold with independent travel. However, the unsold tickets were part of a charter package which included subsidised flights at £200.

Chelsea Supporter Trust board member Dan Silver has said: “Uefa’s lack of care for fans has again come to the fore.”

He added: “They came to be our friends over the European Super League, but now they have turned their backs on us again.

“Uefa’s insistence on having charter flights - initially linked to 90% of tickets, which the clubs pushed back on - spending only 24 hours in

Portugal, with added COVID testing and additional costs, have made it very prohibitive.

“Selling tickets for up to 400 euros for a limited access final with unnecessary travel is outrageous when there were obvious solutions closer to home.”

A capacity of 16,500 has been confirmed for the 50,000-capacity Dragao Stadium.

Uefa has been criticised for its pricing policy. Tickets start at 70 euros (£60.50) and rise to 400 euros (£346).

However, European football’s governing body is facing some huge financial challenges.

It is estimated that Uefa’s pre-COVID reserves of 500m euros (£432.64m) would shrink to just over 100m euros (£86.53m) by 2023.

That financial impact is a direct result of the costs incurred in moving the European Championship

back by a year - resulting in rebates to broadcasters and sponsors and refunds to ticket holders, plus the cost of COVID testing and mitigation measures for the rescheduled tournament.

It explains why Uefa was so keen to get both their prestige club finals played in front of fans and get commitments from Euro 2020 venues about supporter numbers. (BBC Sport)

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22

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“The Sherfane Rutherford Show” is heading to the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – Expected to project form heading into CPL

his form in the PSL would be expected to overflow into the CPL when he dons the Patriots’ colours.

In his time back home, the young left-hander has continued to work on his fitness, and has never looked better. His value to the Patriots will be of uttermost importance, as they lack the firepower. But with Rutherford filling that gap, that extra 40 or 50 runs that would have been needed to get the team over the line should no longer be a problem.

To add the icing on the cake, the Patriots Head Coach, Simon Helmot, in a video posted on social media, has been

By Timothy Jaikarran

W

hen the teams began announcing their retained squads for the 2021 edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPLT20), the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in particular which did not fare so well in the 2020 edition, having occupied last place on the points table - was one of the teams that many fans were hoping would making good retentions.

And just as the fans had hoped, the Patriots retained the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Sheldon Cottrell, Rayad Emrit, Jon Russ Jaggesar, Dominic Drakes and Joshua Da Silva.

Rather pertinently, the franchise picked up the inform Sherfane Rutherford who, while he did not have a successful CPL 2020, did make up for that in various leagues across the world.

Rutherford proved his worth in the US Open T20 League in the latter part of December 2020. Playing in a total of five matches for the Atlanta Paramveers, he racked up a total of 116 runs, with a high score of 69 and a batting average of 38.67 at a strike rate of 111.54. He also

Rutherford during his T20 stint in the USA

He then went on to play in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he represented the Delhi Bulls. Rutherford played a total of 8 matches, scoring 91 runs at an average of 30.33 and an impressive strike rate of 245.94.

ty in St Kitts & Nevis, with all 33 matches being played at Warner Park.

This follows on from the successful staging of Hero CPL in Trinidad & Tobago in 2020.

The complete squads for Hero CPL 2021 would be revealed on the draft show which will be broadcasted on Friday 28 May at 9am ECT| 2pm GMT| 6:30pm IST.

he played, he scored 129 runs, with a high score of 46 at an average of 43.00 and a strike rate of 151.76. His form improved, compared to the other two leagues he had played in.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the tourna-

Rutherford going on the attack in the Abu Dhabi T10 League

The talented allrounder then played in the Pakistan Super League, where he turned out for Peshawar Zalmi. In the 5 matches that

ment was forced to an abrupt stop. However, on June 1, 2021, the action will recommence, and for Rutherford, this means everything, as

Chinkoo's heroics propel MMZ to big win against NY Kings

F

ormer Guyana youth player Looknauth Chinkoo blasted a blistering 96 to lead Team Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) to a 97-run win against the New York Kings.

MMZ, who won the toss and opted to bat first, scored 216 all out in 29.3 overs.

Chinkoo's 96 runs from 65 balls was decorated with seven fours and seven sixes.

He was supported by Andy Mohammed, who made a 41-ball 51 that included eight fours. Kelvin Shewprasad supported with 21. Anmoipreet Singh

tournament will be staged in its entire-

Japan's heat will impair Olympic athletes' performances in Tokyo 2020, report says

T

chipped in with the ball at times, being able to bowl a total of 4 overs for 24 runs, while bagging 3 wickets at an economy rate of 6.00.

seen calling Rutherford “A very, very talented all-rounder.” In another video, Rutherford noted that he is very excited to be part of the Patriots unit, and has said he is very excited to play for that franchise, and can’t wait to see them.

Hence, a lot will be expected of him, and there is no doubt that he would deliver when “The Sherfane Rutherford Show” comes to CPL 2021.

The 2021 CPL event will get underway on 28 August, and will run until 19 September. This year, the

Looknauth Chinkoo

bagged 3-34, while Sanjeev Rahull Kumar, Ravi Bainsa and Hamid Nawaz each picked up two wickets.

In response, the Kings were bowled out for 119 in 24.2 overs. Chinkoo, return-

ing with the ball, picked up 4-22 in five overs, while Shewprasad and Matthew Lutchena each took two wickets. Kumar, who top-scored for the Kings with 24, could only watch his team being demolished by the penetrative bowling of Team MMZ. MMZ continues to enjoy success in New York. Earlier that weekend, former national cricketer Gajanand Singh also struck an unbeaten half-century to lead MMZ to an eight-wicket win against Everest/ACS in the Caribbean Fest 40-Over tournament.

he impact of climate change would likely lead to "impaired" performances at the Tokyo Olympics, according to a report backed by leading athletes.

In the report, titled “Rings of Fire”, it is argued that summer heatwaves in Tokyo during the past three years indicate that conditions would be tough. Concerns over heat have caused the marathon to be moved from Tokyo.

Professor Mike Tipton has said he expects Tokyo 2020 to be the most "thermally stressful Olympics" of recent times. The University of Portsmouth professor helped to produce the report, which was backed by athletes, the British Association for Sustainability in Sport (Basis), and scientists from the Priestley International Centre for Climate at Leeds University.

He told BBC Sport: "The take-home message is you've probably got to move the Olympics to a different time of the year, rather than a different geographical location or time of the day, and I think that's something, going forward, the International Olympic Committee will have to start considering.

"I would be fairly confident to say that performances will be impaired

across a lot of sports. The sport as a spectacle will be impaired in terms of the performance level of the people who are doing it."

Mara Yamauchi, who competed in the marathon for Britain at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, backed the report.

She said: "We risk potentially far-reaching consequences for sport as we know it if climate change continues apace. We can all do our bit, even in a small way, to mitigate the effects of climate change and conserve sport and the Olympics in viable forms for future generations."

The Tokyo Games moved from 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic - are scheduled to run from 23 July to 8 August.

According to the Rings of Fire study, there are concerns about climate in the run-up to the event.

It says the mean annual temperature in the region has risen by 2.86 degrees since 1900 - three times as fast as the world average.

In 2018, a July heatwave was called a natural disaster by Japan's weather agency; while, in 2019, more than 5,000 people were hospitalised in approximately a week because of conditions.

In the study, British triathlete Alistair Brownlee

details the dangers of competing in hot conditions.

The 33-year-old says he recalls competing in an event in London in 2010, but cannot remember anything between being 300m from the finish and ending up in an intensive care ward.

In addition, the report highlights that, at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, 28 of the 68 starters in the women's marathon failed to finish because of heat and humidity.

British rower Melissa Wilson added: "We know there'll be muscular and heart impacts of the high heat, and so there's that physical impact, and we'll see that in terms of the times that athletes go on to achieve.

"If we want to see records, the chances of that will be limited by these intense environmental conditions. But also, the experience of the athletes trying to deliver your best rowing when somebody has put you in a frying pan is really not pleasant."

Along with the marathon being moved to Sapporo, organisers have looked at other options, such as cooling mist machines and surfacing roads along the route with a heat-reducing reflective material. (BBC.COM)

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

The Professional Cricket League: Analysing Guyana Jaguars’ contracted men

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars recently named 15 contracted men for the 2021-2022 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL).

The Jaguars have protected 13 prior to the draft, including newcomer Kevlon Anderson, while the ever-reliable Raymon Reifer has returned to the Barbados Pride.

At the draft, Jaguars opted for the experienced duo of Anthony Bramble and Keon Joseph.

Last year’s newcomers in Tevin Imlach and Akshaya Persaud, who had 'C' contracts, have not made this new list of 15, which includes Keemo Paul, Shimron Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd, the 'A' contracted men. In contrast with last year, a total of 11 players are on this current list. Ramaal Lewis, who was the other overseas player with a ‘C’ contract, has also not been retained.

Guyana Jaguars’ contracted men are: Kelvon Anderson, Christopher Barnwell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Leon Johnson, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy

Permaul, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Anthony Bramble* and Keon Joseph* According to ESPNCricinfo in an article published last season, the regional players are contracted under two categories, one of which comprises a set of 90 players who are on monthly retainers with the six franchises. These contracted players are split across four categories: A, B, C and Development. Players in Category A get a monthly remuneration of US$2,666, those in Category B get US$2,000, those in Category C get US$1500 and those in Development get US$1,000.

The second contracted category is the play-forpay, wherein players are paid on a per-match basis.

All regional players across both categories are paid US$1600 per match, which is separate from all the allowances they get, including per diem. These players would receive regional retainer contracts from July 1.

Inaugural Regional contract The time has finally come for 21-yearold Berbician Kevlon

as one of the fittest cricketers, also showed great promise in the four matches he played.

While many were calling for Imlach to be retained, he has been overlooked as Jaguars opted for the experience of Bramble, whose performances were patchy in recent seasons compared to his recent consistent seasons.

Guyana Jaguars continued to taste defeat in the Super50

Anderson.

This solid right-handed batsman, who prefers batting at number three or four, dominated local cricket in Guyana. He had also shown good promise when he played with the Guyana Jaguars’ players, batting at the top of the order.

In an invited comment with this daily publication, Anderson said it was a good feeling for him to get his inaugural Regional Retainer contract.

"It's a good feeling, you know, knowing where I came from to where I am at the moment. Still, I am not where I want to be, but thank God for the opportunity. I'll just continue to work on my game and stay dedicated, disciplined, and determined as always."

The batting group The familiar bat-

ting group includes Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell and Vishaul Singh. Once available, Hetmyer will slot in. Based on statistics from the last Regional 4-Day tournament (2019-2020), which saw Barbados Pride dethroning the Jaguars, captain Johnson was the leading batsman with 472 runs in that season.

Barnwell, who has performed consistently at the Regional level, was the only other batsman to score more than 400 runs; he accumulated 435 runs.

Meanwhile, in the 2021 Regional Super50 Cup, Hetmyer was the leading batsman with 300 runs, while Hemraj scored 233 runs. Both Barnwell and Johnson scored centuries along with Hetmyer.

Imlach, who is regarded

The bowlers Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been on the rise. Motie, who was a ‘C’ contract player, will certainly have a higher grade after being the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 Super50 Cup. He finished with 17 wickets.

The seamer Nial Smith has also shown great promise since his first-class debut, and has also moved on to involvement in West Indies camps.

Keon Joseph, who played an integral role in the past for the Jaguars, has made a return to Super50 cricket, and he rocked the Windwards team with figures of 4-24.

Young Kevin Sinclair, who went on to make his T20 debut for the West Indies, has also shown great promise at the Regional level.

The Jaguars’ last season's only 'A' contract player, Veerasammy Permaul,

will also aim to continue his domination at the Regional level. The presence of Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul completes the strong bowling line-up of contracted players.

The outsiders The Essequibo players continue to find it hard to make the list of contracted players. Anthony Adams, who has performed consistently in local cricket, continues to sit in the back seat and watch his counterparts Motie and Permaul perform.

Ashmead Nedd, who was recently a contracted player for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, is also not on the list of the Jaguars’ contracted players.

Promising wicket-keeper Kemol Savory and former West Indies youth player Bhaskar Yadram who was contracted with the Windward Islands Volcanoes have also not been contracted.

Sherfane Rutherford, who did not feature in a List A or first-class match since 2019, is also not among those contracted.

In addition to Imlach and Persaud, Trevon Griffith, Assad Fudadin, the recovering Clinton Pestano, Devendra Bishoo and Ricardo Adams are the outsiders.

Guyanese players Yadram and South American Senior Championships this weekend…

Noelex Holder ecstatic about Joseph shine for Cavaliers – in the Minnesota Cricket Association League

representing Guyana

“I don’t want to waste the opportunity,” he says

A

Kumar Joseph smashed 78, Kamesh Yadram claimed five wickets and Rishi Ragoonanan picked up a hat trick

O

ver the past weekend, the International Cavaliers recorded wins against Prairie Cricket Club and Minnesota Gymkhana in the Minnesota Cricket Association (MCA) League and the MCA T20 Division one matches played at the Zanewood Brooklyn Park Ground.

Guyanese players Kumar Joseph and Kamesh Yadram had good outings for the Cavaliers. Joseph smashed 78, while Yadam had magical figures of 5 for 6 in three overs.

Playing against the Prairie Cricket Club, Cavaliers rolled over their

opponents for a paltry 69 all out in 18 overs. Yadram bowled three overs and claimed 5 wickets for 6 runs, while Kartik Kalra and Bilal Siddique each took two wickets.

In reply, Cavaliers finished on 70-1 in 11.1 overs, cruising to a nine-wicket win, with Kartik Kalra smashing an unbeaten 51 from 37 balls, which included five fours and two sixes.

In the other fixture, MN Gymkhana batted first and posted 124-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Munish Gupta was the top-scorer with 36 runs, while Shaunak Manjure and Sushant Khullar scored 33

and 31 respectively.

Rishi Ragoonanan, who picked up a hat trick off the final three balls of the innings, had 3-12, while the consistent Kalra had 2-13.

In pursuit of 125 for victory, Cavaliers ended on 129-2, winning by eight wickets on the back of Joseph's brilliant 78. The former Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club player smashed seven towering sixes and four boundaries in his 38-ball carnage.

The all-rounder Yadram, brother of former West Indies youth player Bhaskar, made 21 not out to see his team across the line in a comprehensive weekend.

s the Guyanese Nation revelled in the celebration of its 55th Independence Anniversary this week, Noelex Holder similarly celebrated a personal accomplishment for which he has since been revelling.

Along with a group of 8 other athletes, Holder has been selected to be part of Guyana’s contingent to the South American Senior Championships to be held this weekend in Ecuador.

“To me, I want to leave a legacy, be a household name, so when they think sports, they think Guyana; they think sprinting; they’ll think Noelex Holder!” the young man declared to <<Guyana Times Sport>> as he expressed his intentions.

The 21-year-old can be considered a breakout star on the track, having registered numerous podium finishes since the restart of athletics earlier this year, following a lengthy break as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Now he will be tasked with ensuring the Golden Arrowhead is well represented this weekend at the South American Senior Championships.

Upon learning that he was selected for the team, Holder said he felt that his hard work

Noelex Holder

had paid off.

“Well, hearing was something (that) really resonated in my heart, and I knew I was putting in the work.

I felt that I deserved to be there, and I don’t want to waste the opportunity,” he declared.

Holder shared how he used the pandemic to better his craft.

The budding sprinter explained, “The work all started in the off-season, I should say during the pandemic; that’s when I decided that it was time for me to develop my craft and put in the work to get to the top.

“So I was doing a lot of long distance, a lot of strength work; and then, coming close to the Games, I got more specific, where I did more speed work and so on, and the results showed,” he added.

Once he gets to Ecuador, Holder says, he is committed to playing whatever role is asked of him. And although making the Tokyo Olympics may be a long shot, it is right within his vision.

“Whatever the country wants me to do, whatever the coach decides, the administration; if they say to do relay or individual meet, I’m ready to do it, and I’ll put my best foot forward,” Holder explained.

“Well, at the moment, I think Tokyo is a bit far, but anything is possible once I put my mind to it! So maybe I should put Tokyo at the head of my mind, aim for the stars and land on the moon,” he declared.

Guyana will be represented at the SA Championships by an 11-member team. The Games are scheduled for May 29-31 in Ecuador. The team consists of Noelex Holder, Emmanuel Archibald, Mark Jhallu, Andrea Foster, Jasmine Abrams, Quamel Prince, Arinze Chance and Jeremy Bascombe. One change to the team will see Devaun Barrington travelling in the place of the injured Winston George.

Coach Johnny Gravesande and Team Manager Kenisha Headley are accompanying the team. (Jemima Holmes)

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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

The Professional Cricket League: Analysing Guyana Jaguars’ contracted men

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“The Sherfane Rutherford Show” is heading “I don’t want to waste the opportunity,” he says to the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots South American Senior Championships this weekend…

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– Expected to project form heading into CPL

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