Guyana Times - Thursday, October 7, 2021

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4793

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Govt makes further cuts in excise tax on fuel …prices to be reduced to $198 per litre

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Child finds gun under tree P19

See story on page 3

Guyana-Brazil regional meeting

Cross-border crime, cattle rustling, illegal mining being discussed See story on page 18

Deputy Police Superintendent remanded for narcotrafficking P9 Bartica miner knifed to death during row P8 GPF has only 20 speed guns

P17

20-year wait ends 8 unvaccinated as Govt gives land among 9 new COVID-19 titles to dozens deaths recorded …AG urges them to secure titles, points Page 10

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to high incidence of property fraud

Food-borne P17 diseases lifethreatening – Health Advisor …project launched to improve food safety policies, practices

Moruca teen died from cerebral P19 haemorrhage – post-mortem

…34 persons in ICU, 250 new cases …as oxygen plant being set up amid increased hospitalisation

2021 Mid-Year Report

Inflation, rising food prices expected to shrink by end of year – Finance Ministry

Page 2

Jury empanelled P8 for ex-cop accused of killing reputed wife

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2021 Mid-Year Report

Inflation, rising food prices expected to shrink by end of year – Finance Ministry

T

he inflation and hike in prices for agricultural produce and other commodities, which were exacerbated by the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide flooding Guyana endured, are likely to ease by the end of the year.

This is according to the Finance Ministry’s 2021 Mid-Year Report, for which the Ministry released a statement on Wednesday.

According to the report, consumer prices increased by 5.6 per cent at the end of the first half of 2021.

“This was largely driven by increased food pric-

es, as a result of the inclement weather and shortages experienced following the flood. Further, the Report indicated that the bottlenecks in the global supply chain add some measure of imported inflationary pressures,” the Ministry said.

“However, the Report underscores that the price increases are ‘transitory’ and are unlikely to have lasting long-term impact on inflation’,” the Ministry further said, adding that inflation is now projected to amount to 3.8 per cent for the full year.

Guyana Times had reported on the increase in

prices for vegetables at several markets across Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) earlier this year, thus severely impacting the retail prices in Georgetown.

Between May and June this year, heavy rains resulted in widespread flooding across the country, affecting thousands of households. Many buildings and vehicles were submerged, with crops, livestock, and health adversely affected.

It has been noted that the rainfall experienced in May alone was recorded as the second highest level of

According to the report, food prices are expected to decrease by year end

rainfall across the country in the last 40 years. All 10 administrative regions in Guyana experienced varied levels of flooding, prompting Government to roll out immediate responses such as evacuation of those most at risk and flood assistance.

Following extensive fieldwork, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced in a national address that $7.8 billion in flood relief assistance would be provided for citizens and farmers who were affected in all 10 ad-

ministrative regions by the rains and flooding that beset Guyana earlier this year Approximately 52,000 households were affected in categories of homestead farmers, kitchen gardens, and households exclusive of farms/gardens. In these categories, the Head of State noted farmers within the context of a homestead will receive $100,000 each, those with kitchen gardens will receive $50,000 each, and households excluding homestead and kitchen

gardens will receive 50,000 each.

The President explained that the combined assistance to homestead farmers, kitchen gardens and households for these categories would be in excess of $3.5 billion. He acknowledged that while some large-scale farmers were severely affected, especially in the rice and poultry sectors, the assistance grant would not exceed $10 million for individual farmers.

With regard to the rice sector, where 50,000 acres of farmland and 2000 farmers were directly affected, President Ali announced that farmers with harvest-ready rice that was destroyed would receive $80,000 per acre and for rice sowed and lost in the autumn crop, farmers would receive $65,000 per acre.

For land that was completely prepared but was not sowed, $45,000 per acre would be given to farmers. In addition to this support, 60,000 bags of seed paddy will be made available. It was announced that the combined assistance in these four categories would be in excess of $3.2 billion.

(G3)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, October 7 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, October 8 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, October 7 – 16:55h-18:25h and Friday, October 8 – 05:15h-06:45h.

Govt makes further cuts in excise tax on fuel …prices to be reduced to $198 per litre

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions followed by light rain showers in the mid-morning hours that are expected to continue for the rest of the day. Partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.94 metres.

Low Tide: 10:47h and 23:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.36 metre and 0.24 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021

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Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

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inance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Wednesday evening announced that Government would be further reducing the excise tax on gasoline and diesel to ease the domestic impact of the continuous rise in the world market price for fuel.

Back in February of this year, the Government had reduced the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 50 percent to 35 percent. Since that time, oil prices have continued to rise steadily on the world market, moving from over US$60 a barrel to over US$80 a barrel at close of trade on October 5, 2021. This steady rise in the world price has had a resultant effect, with prices rising on the domestic market also.

Minister Singh announced that Government would be lowering the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 35 percent to 20 percent with immediate effect. This reduction would aid in cushioning the impact on domestic consumers, particularly the travelling public, as well as those productive sectors for whom fuel is an important input.

“The prices at the pump are expected to also be reduced with immediate ef-

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$81.08/barrel

-1.83

Rough Rice

$245.00/ton

+0.37

London Sugar

$507.50/ton

+0.97

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1763.60

$1764.60

Low/High Change

$1745.00 +0.20

$1766.50 +0.01%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

fect, with gasoline prices expected to reduce from $213 per litre to $198 per litre, and diesel prices from $200

per litre to $185 per litre,” the Ministry of Finance explained in its statement.

Minister Singh explained that the adjustment in the excise tax rate on fuel from time to time is

part of the measures that the PPP/C Government would implement to cushion the domestic impact of world market price fluctuation. He emphasised that implementation of these measures is in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to ensuring that Guyanese consumers continue to be protected from escalation in fuel prices on the world market as far as possible.

Back in July of this year, the Finance Minister, in responding to questions from this publication, had noted that Government is monitoring the price of

“It is a fact that oil prices have been rising globally; we are monitoring it closely.

The reality is that oil prices are a function of the international markets, and so the cost of landing fuel in Guyana has increased,” he had said.

“As you know, a few months ago, we took the important step of reducing the taxes on fuel prices significantly. So, we’ve already implemented one very sharp reduction on the excise taxes that are charged on gasoline and diesel. So that has already been implemented,” Minister Singh had added.

fuel and is considering options, including whether to further reduce taxes.

Dr Singh had pointed out that soon after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took Government last year, it reduced taxes on fuel.

While they continued to monitor the situation, however, the Minister had explained at the time that the underlying reason for the fuel increase is the increase in the cost insurance and freight (CIF) of the fuel. (G3)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 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

Unnecessary risks on our roadways

A

s Guyanese continue to express concern and shock over horrific accidents that have occurred recently, there are various reasons for those accidents. common themes appear to be the unnecessary taking of risks and speeding, factors often lamented as causes.

The shock, concern and caution that historically follow a fatal accident seem to be fleeting, and the major contributary factors are seemingly swiftly resumed despite public outcry. However, given that those accidents are occurring on our roadways, and judging from sentiments expressed on social media, it seems that a large number of Guyanese are outraged and are calling for drivers to slow down.

While that is encouraging, only time will tell if public pressure would indeed make a positive impact. Social media wields tremendous influence, and traffic violations by some irresponsible drivers have been captured and attracted the attention of the Police.

There are instances when some drivers imbibe alcoholic beverages while in the process of transporting members of the public. The conductors randomly stick their hands out to demand that the bus be allowed to cut in front of vehicles, without considering the risk involved.

The said drivers literally drive on the parapets at times to illegally undertake, just to avoid staying in lanes and to reach their destinations within the shortest possible time. They also blatantly block turning lanes while ignoring the pleading horns.

The end result is that those who respect the traffic laws are made to spend much longer commuting, and are left at the mercy of those inconsiderate drivers. This in no way suggests that all minibus drivers are reckless; however, many are noticeable offenders across the country. Sadly, their unacceptable behaviour has been allowed to continue, seemingly encouraged by both the travelling public and the Police to an extent.

While some passengers have objected to the overall despicable behaviour of minibus operators, and were in the process abused, there is an urgent needed for a collective and robust approach to denounce what has unfortunately become a culture of disrespect to both passengers and traffic laws.

There are times when the Police act and times when they seemingly turn a blind eye. Serious consideration must be given to the fact that some Police officers own minibuses. Every day, roadways – including those in some villages that are not approved on the road service – are used by minibuses.

The Police cannot be oblivious of that, for, in some cases, when they are managing the flow of traffic, they allow those buses to re-enter the main thoroughfare. That can only be seen as encouraging a transgression of the said road service. Also, on a daily basis, many minibuses are crammed with passengers, having exceeded the legal limit.

There are times when the Police intervene, and commendation must be given; however, there is a lack of muchneeded consistency, not just for the minibus drivers in question, but for all others.

The situation has worsened, and will further decline if no meaningful and sustained intervention is made. If the working traffic lights were to be configured to best suit the rush hours, then more ranks could be freed up to deal with traffic violations.

In addition, there should be consideration for more stringent mechanisms, including raising the required age to obtain a licence to drive a minibus or taxi, and higher costs. Penalties for traffic violations must be more punitive, possibly even for minor offences.

In whatever review that may now take place, maybe a protocol on how minibuses owned by Police officers should be treated in the context herein, and to simplify a complaint process for the public, needs to be established.

The bottom line is that this issue must be addressed immediately and holistically, since a lack of sustained action would be continually interpreted as encouragement for the lawlessness.

President Dr Irfaan Ali chats with graduating students during the graduation and prize-giving ceremony of his alma mater− St Stanislaus College at the school’s auditorium on Wednesday afternoon (Office of the President photo)

Let’s stand with our teachers!

Dear Editor, Teachers are a central part in all our lives and in every one of our societies. This has never been clearer than during the COVID-19 crisis -”underlined”.

While, every year, World Teachers’ Day reminds us of the critical role teachers play in achieving inclusive, quality education for all, and despite the fallout with our teachers over vaccination, the PPP/C Government will continue to invest in our teachers, and prioritise them in Guyana’s education recovery efforts, so that every learner has access to a qualified and supportive teacher.

Let’s stand with our teachers! This year’s World Teachers’ Day has an even greater significance in light of the challenges that teachers have faced during the COVID-19 crisis.

As the pandemic has shown, teachers make a crucial contribution to ensuring continuity of learning and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their students.

As we pay tribute to teachers, education support personnel and union members lost to COVID-19, we must remind our governments of their responsibility to ensure safe working conditions and vaccine equity.

Together, we must honour the teachers we have lost during the COVID pandemic, celebrate their lives and legacy, and recommit to making safe working conditions and vaccine equity a reality for all across Guyana.

As teachers, you bear a great responsibility, while your work is helping children learn as they grown to reach their full potential, you being friends, allies, and mentors with great influence over our nation’s young minds. The bonds you build in

your classrooms often last a lifetime. This is why the loss of so many teachers is especially heart-breaking for students.

As we mourn the loss of so many educators, we can find comfort in the fact that their spirit lives on in all the students they taught, motivated, and inspired along their careers.

In this crisis, teachers have shown, as they have done so often, great leadership and innovation in ensuring that learning never stops, that no learner is left behind.

With leadership of the Minister of Education, you have worked individually and collectively to find solutions and create new learning environments for your students, to allow education to continue. Your role in advising on school reopening, plans, and supporting students with the return to school is just as important.

It is important that we collectively start thinking beyond COVID-19, and work to build greater resilience in our education systems, so teachers can respond quickly and effectively to these and other such crises. This means protecting education financing, investing in high-quality initial teacher education, as well as continuing the professional development of the existing teacher workforce.

Without urgent action and increased investment, a learning crisis could turn into a learning catastrophe. Even before COVID-19, more than half of all ten-year-olds in low- to middle-income homes could not understand a simple written story.

To build a more resilient teacher workforce in times of crisis, all teachers and their students should be equipped with digital and pedagogical skills to teach remotely, online,

and through blended or hybrid learning, whether in high-, lowor no-tech environments.

Our Government should ensure the availability of digital infrastructure and connectivity everywhere, including in rural and remote areas, at the same time reintroducing the One Laptop Per Family initiative, which was discontinued by the former APNU/AFC Administration.

In the context of COVID-19, our PPP/C Government, social partners and other key stakeholders have an even greater responsibility regarding teachers. As we call on the PPP/C Government to protect teachers’ safety, health, and wellbeing, we ask also that their employment be protected by making COVID-19 vaccination for teachers’ mandatory. When teaching face-to-face, their chances of contracting the virus are of course increased.

Teachers played a critical role in keeping education open for hundreds of thousands of students here in Guyana, and this in itself required enormous sacrifices. For example, teachers had to take on additional

workload, master new technologies for distance learning, and prepare new lessons.

As our PPP/C Government continues improving teachers’ working conditions and involve teachers and their representative organisations in the COVID-19 educational response and recovery, now is the time to recognise the role of teachers in helping to ensure a generation of students can reach their full potential, and the importance of education for short-term stimulus, economic growth and social cohesion during and after COVID-19.

Now is the time to reimagine education and achieve our vision of equal access to quality learning for every child and young person, including the early retired adults.

Teachers have the biggest role in nation-building. As mentors, guides, and knowledge-givers, teachers shoulder the responsibility of nurturing the younger generation with wisdom, skills and the right attitude towards life.

Sincerely, David Adams

Taking the word of the Police over those of dishonest detractors

Dear Editor, Like every other law enforcement organisation, the Guyana Police Force may have its flaws, but when it comes to its investigation of the fire which destroyed the Brickdam Police Station, I’d take the word of the Police over its dishonest detractors in the APNU+AFC any day.

The GPF has, within its ranks, officers with decades of investigative experience, who have been exposed to much

training, both local and overseas. It is that sort of experience and training that have allowed them to crack numerous cases that have resulted in successful prosecutions.

On the other hand, its detractors in the APNU+AFC accepted that it had been defeated by a 33-32 margin in a no-confidence vote, then argued all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice that it was not defeated, as 33 is not the majority of 65.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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Caught between the devil and the deep sea

Dear Editor, The Brickdam Police Station was razed to the ground by fire, and in the aftermath of the conflagration, there comes a confession statement as to the cause of the fire.

Now, the prisoner-confessant at the time of the blaze is Clarence Greene, who has come out with damning evidence as to the cause of the fire. Soon after, there was a flurry of news reports and counter opinions - I say opinions because they weren’t there - as to the “real” cause of the crime, all of which raise more questions than answers as to the true cause.

Now, the message coming through from the politically aligned media is that Clarence Greene is either some sort of a snitch, is stupid, is a fool, or likes to talk; all geared at producing a desired outcome - that the Police are responsible for burning down their own facility.

That media hype makes good sensationalism, but could their theory stand the litmus test?

That’s the question to which

sensible answers have to be provided. So, the trial by media continues.

I was fortunate to listen to an interview by a Guyanese now living in New York. In his interview, he asked certain pertinent closed-ended questions with the usual criminal subtlety to add to it. His questioning went, “So Clarence Greene is a junkie,” meaning the informant was not in full control of his faculties when he confessed to the Police.

However, he was promptly exposed with that theory when the relative vehemently rejected that her cousin is a junkie.

To bolster her claim, she cited several instances of him acting as a hardworking and responsible citizen, even building a house for his girlfriend, among other things a responsible person would do.

But - and this is the important part of her statement - she stated that he had had several run-ins with the law. This did not go down well with the interviewer, who kept probing away

with his prescribed agenda to make Greene out as the hapless victim and the Police as the perpetrators of the crime.

He also made mention of Greene giving a false address, like that is a strange phenomenon of criminals. The relatives gave another address of the man, while subsequent newscasts gave another two addresses.

This might seem strange to those who are not familiar with criminals, but this is not strange behaviour to anyone who deals with criminals on a daily basis. Criminals do this all the time; they choose whatever means is most convenient to them, and one of these is to give the wrong address.

There are several other suppositions, wherein the confessant was said to be asleep when the fire started, and as such was not a party to the act, but these are all coming from persons who were not there, and cannot stand the test of time in a court of law.

Now, we are told that Greene

has since recanted, something that has long been expected to happen, given the pressure he is subjected to by certain political big wigs of the day. After all of that politicising of the matter, Clarence Greene would have had sleepless nights trying to figure out whom to please.

Caught between the devil and the deep sea, he might have decided to go with his criminal political buddies and say he didn’t say what he said.

The fact remains that he gave a sworn statement to the Police, corroborated by some of his peers, and this would be hard to disprove when the matter comes up in court.

Asinine questions are asked as to where the lighter came from and where he got the sponge to light the fire. In the same token, I would ask the question: Where did the incendiary device/s come from in the Lusignan fires? Or where did incendiary devices come from in the Camp Street fire?

In the Camp Street fire, several fires were started before the

Guyanese should support developmental thrust Dear Editor, There have been incessant cries of doom from a certain media house and other oil and gas ‘experts’, and they have been churning out ill-conceived and outrageous statements about lack of transparency, unaccountability and corruption in our fledgling oil sector.

The manner in which this is peddled would make the gullible believe that we are on par with Nigeria when it comes to corruption. This example is now abused. These ‘comparisons’ are being made to Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and other African States, but this is where the inherent error in the analysis lies. Guyana cannot, and should not, be compared to these countries.

Let us look at Nigeria, for instance. The Nigerian Government has earned over US$400 billion since 1970, but the population faces harsh living conditions. It is worthwhile to note that oil earnings comprised 85 percent of government revenues and 99 percent of export earnings. It is also important to note that, according to reports, “oil wealth fuels the instability, corruption, and patronage-driven politics which characterise governance in the country”.

Matthew John wrote that, “Corruption runs through every level of Nigerian Government.

From massive contract fraud at the top, through petty bribery, money-laundering schemes, embezzlement, and seizing salaries from fake workers, it is estimated that corruption within the state apparatus costs the country billions of dollars every year’.

(Campbell, Page, John, Matthew (2018). Nigeria: What Everyone Needs To Know. New York. pp.

89–103.)

The reason why this high level of corruption exists in Nigeria is because, “these gas industries are under the control of the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and many politicians own or have shares in these industries, tax revenues from the energy sector are diminished, and the benefits of Nigeria’s en-

ergy wealth is not evenly distributed throughout the country, with Lagos State benefiting disproportionately”.

This avenue does not exist here, does not pertain to Guyana. We collect our share of profit oil, which is subject to audit, and this Government has made it clear that our oil wealth will ensure that the socio-economic development takes precedence; in other words, the other sectors will not be allowed to retrogress, and infrastructural development will continue to be a priority.

In Nigeria there is a vast gap between the rich and the poor, whilst, in Guyana, the Government is ensuring that every community is evenly developed.

It must be noted that Guyana receives 50% of the profits from EXXON, and this revenue is not unaccounted for and available for corrupt practices.

The receipt of oil revenues began in February 2020. Moreover, the Local Content Policy ensures that Guyanese receive a fair share of the oil industry. The primary aim and objective of the Policy is ensuring the education, inclusion, and advancement of as many as possible in the value chain of the oil and gas industry.

On Monday last, Vice President Jagdeo explained to his packed meetings in Berbice how Regions 5 and 6 would benefit from this Policy. He also made it known concerning the various developmental plans which the Government would roll out shortly to develop the agriculture sector as well.

This Government is spending our monies wisely and with great prudence, unlike the Coalition, which spent close to 2 trillion dollars with nothing to show. It was Farmer Nappy and Buju Banton galore, but with this Government, it is COVID Cash Relief, Flood Relief, and now Cash Relief for severed sugar workers. What a difference!

We should recall that the US$18 million bonus was a mystery, and it was nearly siphoned off by the Coalition after many denials and excuses. This is not

the case with this Government.

There was no Sovereign Wealth Fund in Nigeria until 2012, and hence the revenues earned were available to be squandered at will. This would account for the high level of corruption in that country. In addition, there was a series of highly corrupt governments in Nigeria from 1964 onwards.

I would agree that if the Coalition were still in Government, then there would have been a similar scenario to Nigeria. The corruption of the Coalition started since the signing of the PSA, and that would have continued to grow and fester with each receipt of oil revenue. The PPP/C Government rescued Guyana from being somersaulted down this corruption abyss. No wonder the Coalition fought relentlessly to stay in power.

Guyana is different. There is such a Natural Resources Fund, which was set up in 2019 by the Natural Resources Act, in accordance with the Santiago Principles. It must be noted that, to date, not a dollar from the oil revenues has been spent, which would have amounted to nearly US$500 million.

The naysayers need to come to reality that this Government has so far been implementing both short- and long-term policies which would ensure that Guyana would never suffer from the Dutch Curse or Disease. This can be seen with the myriads of development taking place in the

agriculture sector. We have an industrious and knowledgeable Minister of Agriculture, who does not sleep. Even during the devastating flood and its aftermath, he ensured that the sector kept going and improving.

In this Agriculture Month, we are indeed in the process of ‘Transforming Our Food Systems’, and will achieve food and nutrition security. Our President, at the virtual meeting of the Caricom Regional Food Systems dialogue earlier this year, spoke at length about food security of the Region, and this was again reiterated at the recent UNCTAD meeting, which also addressed the importance of the other sectors; namely, oil and gas, mining, forestry, tourism, the hospitality industry, transportation, housing and water resources.

Oil and gas, as well as the other sectors, are vitally important, and this Government has been ensuring that that emphasis is fostered. Our real GDP is growing, as is evidence by the Mid-Year Report, which showed 14.5% growth despite the vicious pandemic and the catastrophic floods.

It is time for all Guyanese to support the developmental thrust of this Government, and stop making unsubstantiated and misconceived assumptions.

Our country will make significant strides ahead.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Taking the word of...

It then mounted one of the most comical attempts at election rigging ever witnessed, and when caught, claimed that Russians were attempting to hack the paper-based voting system on behalf of its opponent. To this day, it claims that it won the elections and has copies of the Statements of Poll to prove, but refuses to make them available to the public or anyone else.

FROM PAGE 4

So, you see, dear readers, the Police ranks currently investigating the Brickdam Station fire have far more credibility than their dishonest detractors aligned to the APNU+AFC, whose sole aim is to discredit them and to protect the perpetrator of this most heinous act for reasons known only to themselves.

Yours truly, Anson Paul

major one, in which 17 prisoners met their fiery demise. Ever wondered where those lighters came from? Negligence on the prison officers’ part in not making proper checks, but my theory comes again: criminals are smart people, they have the capability to make it happen.

Most shocking in the Camp Street fire was the order to lock the doors. I wonder what would have been the pseudo sleuths’ message now had the order been given to lock the doors at Brickdam. Did they ever stop to think about that?

I must hasten to state that

what is pellucid in the criminal minds of the political operatives here is that the Brickdam Station should have been burnt flat and no one should have been held accountable - a job well done. “Anything to destabilise the Government,” as one political activist said. However, their plans failed miserably, someone made an open confession, and there is utter embarrassment for them. And you know what, I anxiously await the outcome of this trial.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Agree with President’s criticism of GFS

Dear Editor, I want to say that Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas, Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, and other stakeholders handled well the incompetence and bewildering approach shown by the Guyana Fire Service to the fire which occurred at the Brickdam Police Station over the weekend.

All of them were assessing the damages and conducting meetings with the aim of rebuilding the Brickdam Police Station and ensuring the public is not inconvenienced while they are doing so. They have shown leadership in this dark moment in time, when the historic building went up in flames.

I am sure they are working feverishly to ensure that this will not subsume the Government and distract the Police Force’s attention from the arrest of crime in our society.

If anything, this fire, though deliberately set, will

make the law enforcement stronger, and the Government will show what “leadership” means in times of uncertainty.

But I must comment on the response of the Fire Service.

It was poor and unsatisfactory, to say the least. I agree with President Dr. Irfaan Ali when he said, “This is less than three minutes’ walk to a main fire station. We cannot continue as a country and as a people to not address these issues.

We can’t continue to make investments and not have the return on the investments.

Whether it is in the public service, in the hospitals, the inefficiency has to be weeded out.

If you don’t want to perform public service, then do the honourable thing, don’t take a job in the fire department and believe it is a part-time job. Don’t take the Government’s assets, your safety gear, and leave it home and you are an emergency worker,”.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

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20-year wait ends as Govt gives land titles to dozens …AG urges them to secure titles, points to high incidence of property fraud

Attorney General Anil Nandlall with a land recipient and his wife

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he more-than-20year wait is over for the residents of Non Pareil New Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who on Wednesday received long awaited titles for lands that in some cases were first occupied by their forbears, former workers of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The handover of the titles took place in the heart of the community. Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, were on hand to distribute the titles to the 45 recipients.

In his address to the residents, Nandlall urged them to secure their titles in light of its importance. He pointed to the high incidents of property fraud in Guyana, as well as the shenanigans of the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government and advised them to get five copies or more of their original titles.

“Your certificate of title is a document of great legal

and commercial value. Legal because it certifies you, in law, as the power of that property, and nobody can take it from you…unless you acquired it by fraud. Even the Government, no matter how powerful any President thinks or any Government feel they are, they can’t take away your title.

“The previous Government tried to do that to many people. And we took them to court and won every single case…I always tell people, make five copies of your title, as many as you can. Secure them all, because as you would have read in the newspapers, we have an unfortunately high rate of fraud in Guyana in relation to property,” Nandlall explained.

20-year plus wait

In explaining the history of New Area, Nandlall noted that the residents of the area were allotted land over 20 years ago in the area by GuySuCo, with the promise that they would receive their titles.

“These persons would

Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues with other recipients of titles

have been either sugar workers or descendants of sugar workers, who would have been allotted these lots

by GuySuCo many moons ago, with a promise that titles would have been issued to the allottees. Obviously, that promise was not delivered upon in a timely manner, or at all.

So, the allottees came and began to occupy. They built their houses. They would have liked their titles to access loans, but that was not the case. They lived, some of them might have died, and they never got their titles. Some may have migrated. This sad situation was drawn to our attention, and we decided to address it.”

He explained that the Government began the process of giving them their titles since prior to 2015.

Nandlall noted that one of the first things he ensured was done after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returned to Government last year was to meet with residents to complete the process.

Unique

Meanwhile, Minister Rodrigues noted that Guyana has one of the most progressive housing programmes in the region, a fact that has been observed by foreign dignitaries. In fact, she noted that Guyanese have grown so accustomed to the local housing policies that they perhaps do not appreciate how unique it is.

“The AG is correct when he said that our housing programme is perhaps one of the most comprehensive housing programmes in this hemisphere. I hear it all the time. When I meet with dip-

lomats from other countries, they tell me all the time, because they’re curious about our housing sector and how we do our housing drive and provide affordable housing to Guyanese.

“And they’re always amazed when I explain the process to them. They’ve never heard of something like that before.

They couldn’t understand Guyanese are entitled to a piece of land and acquiring affordable housing and the Government has a programme that subsidises this house lot allocation. One house lot costs us $3.5 million to develop, and we sell a house lot in some cases for $92,000,” Rodrigues ex-

plained.

Seepersaud Sewchand, one of the recipients of a house lot, was on Wednesday full of praise for the endeavour. According to him, efforts to finalise the process for him to receive his title under the former APNU/AFC Government were stymied, with one senior functionary of the former Government telling him to “go and talk to Jagdeo” for his title.

“I work at GuySuCo for 20 years, and I feel happy.

I’m the oldest person in this area to fight for this title.

After 18 years, after we get a change of Government, I glad we get we title today. I feel happy today,” Sewchand said. (G3)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jury empanelled for ex-cop accused of killing reputed wife

Murder accused: Colin Grant

F

ormer Police Sergeant Colin Bailey and his co-accused Colin Grant were on Wednesday arraigned before Demerara High Court Judge Jo-Ann Barlow on a joint charge of murdering Bailey’s longtime partner Surmattie Ramnaress between August 30 and 31, 2013.

A 12-member mixed jury has been empanelled

Murder accused: Ex-cop Colin Bailey

to weigh the evidence in the trial, which is scheduled to begin next week Tuesday.

Presenting the murder indictment against the two accused were Prosecutors Sarah Martin, Nafeeza Baig, and Latifah Elliott.

Bailey and Grant have both pleaded not guilty to the charge. They are being represented by Attorneys-

at-law Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels, Konyo Sandiford, Dexter Todd, and Dexter Smartt.

The lifeless body of 36-year-old Ramnaress, called “Savita”, was found at around 10:00h on August 31, 2013 at her Lot 2430, 21st Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara home. Her throat had been slit, her head bashed in, and her hip disjointed, while sections of her multi-million-dollar property were destroyed by fire.

The bottom flat of the house had been completely drenched with kerosene, and the entire house had been ransacked, which suggested that the woman was robbed before she was killed.

The perpetrators had also set alight a bond behind the house, which was completely destroyed. After the robbery, the killers escaped in one of the woman’s motor cars.

Recordings from the internal and external surveillance cameras were missing.

F

to each other, since their camps are located in close proximity.

It is alleged that the suspect was in the habit of talking to himself and the now-deceased man would throw hints at him and call him a “mad man” and an “auntie man” among other names.

On Monday, the suspect was passing next to Ramnarine’s camp to go to his worksite when an argument ensued.

At the time, Police said, the suspect had in his pos-

PNC at 64...

T

Dead: Surmattie Ramnaress

From the inception, investigators believed the robbery might have been an inside job, since there was no sign of forced entry into the premises. In addition, the woman’s property was protected by a high, grilled fence and an alarm system which, according to neighbours, did not go off during the night of the gruesome murder. (G1)

Bartica miner knifed to death during row

amily members of a 38-year-old miner of Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are in mourning after he was stabbed to death on Monday.

Dead is Eon Anthony Ramnarine.

It was reported that the man was stabbed to death at Obanna Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) around 11:00h, by a 25-yearold miner, who has since been arrested.

Police said Ramnarine and the suspect were known

ss

session a knife he was allegedly taking to his father to scrape an engine head.

However, during the row, Ramnarine picked up a piece of wood and lashed the suspect to his head and foot.

In retaliation, the suspect, who was armed with the knife, stabbed the miner about his body causing him to fall to the ground and become motionless.

The suspect then went to his father, who was at their worksite, and told him what had transpired, leaving Ramnarine’s body at the

Dead: Eon Anthony Ramnarine

scene.

Guyana Times understands that it was a passer-by who saw the man’s body in the area and called the Police.

Upon the Police’s arrival, the suspect was arrested and he handed over the murder weapon to the cops.

The body of Ramnarine was then taken to Mahdia Hospital, where it was examined and his death confirmed. Investigations are still ongoing. (G9)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

…floundering he PNC held a gathering to mark their 64th anniversary, but the leader didn’t show up! He sent a taped message!! It really symbolises where the party’s at right now - leaderless and rudderless. Imagine, Granger had the chutzpah to lecture party members about what the “Founder Leader” would or wouldn’t have done - but continues to stay away “on vacation” while the PNC’s facing its biggest crisis in those 64 years.

What’s the crisis? Where do we start?! Right off the bat, Granger, the leader, has clearly lost whatever credibility he had with the PNC base when he was parachuted into the position by Robert Corbin. Not-soincidentally through rigging of the party’s election process - which caused a large swathe of moderates - who’d been brought in by Desmond Hoyte to widen the base as the “Reform” wing - to depart.

Then, immediately upon taking over, he brought in a platoon of ex-military types who’d passed through his hands in the army - and certainly had no Party politics’ experience. This alienated another swathe of old-line party types. While Burnham had created the army as an adjunct to defend the party - for instance, to even kill citizens when they rigged in 1973 - he certainly never envisaged it subsuming the party. And Granger’s control and command style, with no questioning, alienated another swathe.

The idea of the PNC hiding its stripes in a coalition had already been hatched by Corbin and Roopnaraine. But the latter - along with other WPA elements - was summarily and embarrassingly shunted aside by Granger. Causing another swathe outside the PNC to lose confidence in him and the PNC. The final straw came when he treated its coalition partner, AFC, like a doormat and arbitrarily shuttered 4 sugar estates - against the advice of his own COI. It was some of the votes of those same sugar workers - especially in Berbice - who’d supported the AFC to put the coalition over the tape. And the PNC Government paid the price when disgusted AFC MP Charandass Persaud voted them out when the PPP called a no-confidence motion!!

After he was forced to finally vacate office, Granger then led the coup de grace on the PNC. He bypassed all the veterans from the party and sent a bunch of neophytes to Parliament. Under the leadership of his army adjutant Joseph Harmon!! O mores! O tempora!! Another swathe of PNCites were teed off - including the Chair of the party and Georgetown powerhouse - Volda Lawrence.

So, what’s ahead for the PNC? Well, it won’t disappear, for sure. The base is still there. Problem is - that base is a minority, and Granger can’t widen it.

And that means being in the wilderness for another 23 years?

…new leadership?

The taped message from Sanctimonious Granger and the live one from Chairwoman Volda Lawrence both referenced the scramble to replace Granger at the top indirectly - while emphasising the need for “unity”. What your Eyewitness has difficulty in understanding is why a challenge to the leadership is such a big problem. Hadn’t Harmon said this was a sign of a vibrant democratic culture in the PNC? Can’t have your cake (or votes) and eat (or rig) it too, can you?

At this point, only two persons have thrown their hats into the ring - old line PNC stalwart cast in the archetypical mould of the PNC strongman, Aubrey Norton, and Burnham’s milquetoast son-in-law Van West “Baby Jesus” Charles. There needs to be some clarity on the latter, since your Eyewitness remembers that he’d been miffed with his treatment in the PNC and crossed over to the AFC. So, what’s all the strum and drang? Volda and Granger both want the job, but are playing coy and close to the chest!!

…with vivacity??

In giving her charge to the party, Volda exclaimed, “Our Congress demonstrates our strength, our vivacity, and our dynamism.” Vivacity? As in “jauntiness? Liveliness?

Sparkle?

When we don’t even have a date as to when it’ll be held?

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deputy Police Superintendent “Pastor”, fisherman, woman remanded for narco-trafficking charged for narco trafficking

D

e p u t y Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dexter Brown was remanded to prison after a trafficking in narcotics charge was read to him on Wednesday.

Brown appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

He was arrested on October 1 after 9.4 kilograms of ganja and two rounds of 9mm ammunition were found in his car.

Police on Saturday said that acting on informa-

The cannabis that was found in the trunk of the officer’s car

Deputy Police Superintendent Dexter Brown

tion received, about 21:15h on Friday, ranks stopped a

motor car, which was later found to be driven by the Deputy Superintendent, at a

roadblock at Helena Number Two Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The vehicle was found minutes after eluding a Police patrol in Regional Police Division Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

“While the vehicle was at the roadblock, the Police patrol from the Regional Police Division Five drove up, resulting in DSP driving through the roadblock in an attempt to escape. He was, however, pursued by the ranks and was intercepted at Lima Dam, Mahaica, ECD,” Police said in a statement.

The case was adjourned to November 2, 2021. (G9)

as “Pastor”, 29, a labourer, also of Sheet Anchor, were charged on Tuesday.

They appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore and the charges were read to them.

The charge was laid under Section 5 (1ai) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 10:10. The defendants both pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison.

The case was adjourned

Charged: Michelle Dhroap

T

wo men and a woman were separately charged for the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Adrian Hetmyer, 43, a fisherman of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice and Kenston Charles, also known

to October 12, 2021.

Meanwhile, Michelle Dhroap, 44, of Lot 34 Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was also charged for possession of narcotics contrary to Section 4 (1a¡) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control), Act 10:10.

She appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court also before Magistrate Moore and the charge was read to her.

She pleaded guilty and was fined $10,000. (G9)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 unvaccinated among 9 new COVID-19 deaths recorded …34 persons in ICU, 250 new cases

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD OCTOBER 6, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

250

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

151

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

T

he Health Ministry reported that nine more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

This takes the total number of deaths locally from the pandemic to 816.

Eight of the nine persons were unvaccinated, while the other was partially vaccinated. The Health Ministry reported that two men, ages 58 and 63, of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) died on October 1.

Meanwhile, five people died on Tuesday.

They include a 52-yearold man, and two women, ages 60 and 83, all from Region Four; a 55-yearold man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); and a 61-yearold woman from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

A total of 20 deaths have been recorded in this new

month.

Two of the nine deaths were recorded since August – two women, ages 59 and 79, from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) who died on the 26th and 29th of that month respectively. The total number of deaths for that month has now increased to 81. All nine patients died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Moreover, within the last 24 hours, 250 new cases were detected from 1371 COVID-19 tests. The total number of cases recorded has climbed to 32, 951.

There are 3704 active cases.

A breakdown of the new cases shows eight in Region One (Barima -Waini); one in Region Two; 52 in Region Three; 136 cases in Region Four; nine in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); five in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); 16 in Region

Seven; nine in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); 11 in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and three in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

A breakdown of the 32, 951 total confirmed cases recorded since March 2020 is as follows: Region One – 1521; Region Two – 1210; Region Three – 4433; Region Four – 15,803; Region Five – 1156; Region Six – 2336; Region Seven – 1664; Region Eight – 517; Region Nine – 2404 and Region 10 – 1907.

There are 34 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 151 persons in institutional isolation; six persons in institutional quarantine; and 3553 in home isolation.

Importantly, 28,397 persons have recovered from the virus to date.

The Health Ministry is reminding all to observe the

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

3553 34

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

17,341

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

15,610

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

32,951

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

28,397

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

364,208

FULLY IMMUNISED

215,553

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

816

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1521

REGION 2

1210

REGION 3

4433

REGION 4

15,803

REGION 5

1156

REGION 6

2336

REGION 7

1664

REGION 8

517

REGION 9

2404

REGION 10

1907

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181. protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which are in effect until October 31, 2021.

This order emphasises correct and consistent use of a face mask when leav-

ing home, maintaining six feet of physical distance from others and good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone displaying symptoms associated with

COVID-19, or need any additional information, is kindly being asked to contact the COVID-19 hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy. (G1)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to set up own oxygen plant amid increase in COVID-19 hospitalisation

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ith more than half of the COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen, the Government is now moving to set up an oxygen plant at the Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony made this announcement during Wednesday’s COVID-19 update.

As at Wednesday, there were 136 COVID-19 patients hospitalised at various hospitals across Guyana. The majority of them, 91, are being kept at the Liliendaal hospital. The Health Minister has disclosed that 34 of the 91 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Currently, 16 pregnant women are being treated for the virus; six of them are at the Liliendaal hospital, while the others are at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to Dr Anthony, 81 of the 136 COVID-19 patients require oxygen. “The consumption of oxygen is taking a lot of resources from the Ministry,” Dr Anthony pointed out.

In light of this, the Health Minister has said, “We are working to improve our generation of oxygen on-site, and right now we are expecting to have an oxygen plant coming in shortly, that will be set up at the [Infectious Disease Hospital], so that we can self-generate our own oxygen. That would help to reduce the amount of oxygen that we have to purchase on a daily basis.”

Far from herd immunity

Herd immunity, also known as population immunity, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection.

While there has been a large turnout at the Ministry’s vaccination drives, Dr. Anthony noted, Guyana is “far away” from achieving herd immunity. He went on to explain: “Depending on what variant we are dealing with, the percentage of the population that needs to be immunised will go up.”

According to him, some experts believe that, with the Delta strain, close to 90 per cent of a country’s population must be fully immunised to reach herd immunity.

Importantly, he pointed out that a challenge in this regard is the fact that no vaccine has been approved for persons below age 11.

“We are hopeful that, in November, the US FDA would approve vaccines in this lower age category. When that is done, we will introduce vaccines for this age group,” he said.

With Guyana extending the Pfizer vaccine to pregnant and lactating women, Dr. Anthony said, “I want to make a special appeal to pregnant women to get vaccinated."

He noted that international bodies dealing with the approval of COVID-19 vaccines have recommended that pregnant women be vaccinated, because it would protect them from contracting a complicated form of the disease.

The Health Minister added that while pregnant and lactating women can take any of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Guyana, many persons have shown a preference for the Pfizer vaccine. Any of the vaccines, he noted, can be taken at any stage during pregnancy. He added that once lactating women are vaccinated, the antibodies they produce can pass through the breast milk and protect their babies.

Since the rollout of the country’s vaccination campaign in March, 364,208 persons, or 71 percent of Guyana’s adult population, have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Some 215,552 persons, or 42 per cent of the adult population, are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 25,356 adolescents, or 34.8 per cent of persons between the ages of 12 and 17, have taken the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, while 13,919 adolescents, or 19.1 percent of that demographic, are fully inoculated.

Moreover, the Health Minister explained that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe for use by cancer patients. He related that some of the most prestigious societies dealing with cancer have recommended that cancer patients be vaccinated, since they are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19.

Presently, the COVID-19 vaccines available to adults in both the first and second doses are Sinopharm and Pfizer. The latter vaccine is also being administered to children.

The Sputnik V and AstraZeneca vaccines are available in the second dose only. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF has only 20 speed guns …as 5 calibrated by GNBS

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raffic Chief Ramesh Ashram on Wednesday announced that there are only 20 speed guns in use across the country, with five being recently calibrated by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

He said these speed guns are distributed across all regions of Guyana, except for Regions One (Barima-Waini); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“Those three Regions that

I mentioned, even though we have vehicles there, we don’t have the amount and the road, so we distribute speed guns where we see it necessary,” Ashram explained.

Meanwhile, the five speed guns were calibrated by the GNBS using its newly-acquired multi-radar equipment and compact device.

The remaining speed guns are expected to go through the same verification process in the coming week.

This exercise is to ensure that the speed guns being used by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are delivering accurate readings, as these instruments are supposed to be calibrated every six months.

GNBS Executive Director Ramrattie Karran explained that this process was embarked upon following numerous complaints made by road users.

“The devices used by the Guyana Police Force, we’re

not implying that they are not accurate, because when they were purchased by the Police Force, those devices came with a calibration certificate, and they have a validity date that is still valid, and the Bureau will continue to provide the service of calibrating and verifying the instrument to ensure its accuracy is maintained,” she explained.

“Accuracy of measuring devices is really critical and important, and in the main-

T tenance of this, (it) does not only ensure that justice is served, but also optimises the credibility of agencies using these devices,” she added.

The GNBS official also noted that a similar process is being undertaken for breathalysers being used by the GPF. For his part, the Traffic Chief said this exercise would restore confidence in the GPF, especially in cases where speed guns are being used.

“The equipment that the Bureau has now acquired will enable us to have all our speed guns verified, so it will better enable us as it relates to prosecution… the speed guns and any equipment that we use in the Guyana Police Force, whether breathalyzer, tintometer, it has to be verified by the Bureau of Standards, and after that verification, the Bureau will issue a certificate and they will label the speed guns,” he explained.

“So, this enables us to have better prosecutions, so

Food-borne diseases lifethreatening – Health Advisor …project launched to improve food safety policies, practices

T

he National CODEX Committee of Guyana in collaboration with the Health Ministry, Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, and PAHO/ WHO Guyana launched the CODEX Trust Fund Project, which is expected to increase and improve support for the national food safety policies and priorities locally.

The CODEX Trust Fund Project was launched at Cara Lodge, Georgetown on Wednesday under the theme “Promoting Food Safety Standards for Healthier Guyana”.

At the event, Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said he was happy that the Trust Fund was in place, as it would contribute to efforts to improve food safety in Guyana.

“For this project, we must adapt …. we can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sail… that is what this project is about so that we can effectively participate,” he said.

According to Dr Ramsammy, food-borne diseases rank equally as other life-threatening diseases and

should be taken seriously.

“Food-borne diseases are critical… the lost disability-adjusted life years lost annually is 33 million years lost, premature deaths because of food-borne diseases. Ninety-seven per cent of that are due to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens,” Dr Ramsammy noted.

As such, the Health Ministry, along with other stakeholders, will soon be establishing a national committee aimed at promoting “one health”.

“One health”, according to Dr Ramsammy, is a critical approach to prevent foodborne diseases.

“The approach has to be farm- to-fork approach, boat-to-throat approach because we have to look at the food chain from beginning to end,” he said.

Dr Ramsammy further posited that there was a need for active surveillance and intervention in order to ensure that food being consumed locally was safe.

“If we are going to be effective in ensuring the people use safe and healthy food, we have to allow people to know when they procure this food, whether they are procuring

Ameena Gafoor Institute, Cambridge University establish study of indentureship

foods that are dangerous to their health...those are imperatives,” he noted.

He added that companies continue to create packaging to make their products more attractive, but consumers must be aware of what they are purchasing. “…we still have a food safety threat. Guyana must be determined – as a country that produces our own food, as a country that imports food, and also a country that exports food – we do not want to be a silent member, a silent participant in CODEX …”, he explained.

The project duration is from June 2020 to July 2023, and will see major activities such as workshops, seminars that will sensitise high-level policymakers, the training of regulators, training of food and business operators, along with sensitisation sessions with media operatives and the general public.

According to CODEX, at the end of the project it hopes to increase awareness and well-establish national capacity. It also hopes to increase data contribution and participation in CODEX activities and improved food safety systems. (G9)

if a driver wants to contest in a court matter and as it relates to the speed guns, it’s only speeding exercise where we issue tickets, but you find some drivers want to contest it and say that the speed that the Police show them is not the speed that they coming at,” the Traffic Chief posited.

As it relates to the readings, it was explained that once the difference does not exceed three kilometres between the speed gun and the motor vehicle, it would indicate that the speed gun is properly calibrated, and can be certified.

Over the past two years, some 239 ranks have been trained on how to properly use the speed guns. The training was conducted by Solutions Architect Manager Corlan McDonald of JENOPTIK. He noted that the training included not only “a hands-on” approach to using the verification equipment, but also its setting up, installation and configuration. Mr. McDonald further stated that the device is used across the world in various conditions.

On Wednesday, the new verification equipment was also tested at the South Dakota Circuit, to verify the accuracy of one of the speed guns used by the GPF.

he University of Cambridge, UK is to take the lead on the research and study of indentureship, thanks to support from the Ameena Gafoor Institute (AGI).

The joint initiative between Cambridge and the AGI to establish a professorship at the University will be launched at a reception at the Home Room of the House of Lords, London on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Present at the reception will be The Rt Hon Lord Parekh, Honorary Patron of the AGI, and Professor David Dabydeen, a former Guyana Ambassador to UNESCO, a novelist and broadcaster.

The research and study into indentureship, including Indian indentureship, at Cambridge would place a much-needed spotlight on the mass migration of labourers from the Indian sub-continent to various colonies across the globe, including the Caribbean.

At a time when questions of roots and identity are at the forefront of social and political discourse in Guyana and elsewhere where indentured labourers settled, this joint initiative is both relevant and important, and the University of Cambridge’s participation would provide gravitas to this area of study, which has been much neglected by scholars and historians.

The University is work-

Founder and Administrator of the Gafoor Foundation, Ameena Gafoor

ing with the AGI to establish an Endowed Professorship, an Endowed Lectureship, several other academic posts, and postdoctoral and PhD studentships to the field of study.

The University of Cambridge is one of the leading centres for the study of imperial and modern South Asian History, with resources that include the South Asian Studies Centre Library and Archive, where significant material related to indenture is stored at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

The study and documentation of indentureship have barely been included in the history syllabi of Western universities, and this initiative is expected to advance scholarship and research in this area, and provide new direction and material for discussion going forward.

18 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Brazil regional meeting

Cross-border crime, cattle rustling, illegal mining being discussed T he respective militaries of Guyana and Brazil have commenced discussions on the 24th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange, which will make it the first time it will be held since 2019 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a statement from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the meeting is being held at Lethem, in the Conference Room of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

“With a strong commitment towards strengthening border security as neighbours with a common frontier, military officers of Guyana and Brazil have commenced discussions at the 24th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange,” the GDF said in its statement.

“The two-day meeting proposes to examine a number of issues, including cross- border criminal activities, cattle rustling, and illegal mining. This meeting is held yearly, and

the host is rotated. However, it was not held last year due to the pandemic. Both militaries had agreed to persevere with the exchange this year, which is testimony to the enduring nature of friendship.”

It was explained that Brigadier General Adriano Fructuoso Da Costa, Commander of the 1st Jungle Infantry Brigade, is heading the Brazilian Delegation, while Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia, Colonel Trevor Bowman, is heading the local delegation.

Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations 53 years ago. When it comes to the border shared by the two countries and cross-border crime, Police are said to be on high alert for persons entering and leaving Guyana illegally by way of the Guyana-Brazil border in Region Nine. This was disclosed by the region’s newly appointed Commander, Superintendent Raphael Rose.

Even with the borders being closed by the National

COVID-19 Task Force, the Commander had revealed that a 24-hour joint security with the GDF on the Takutu Bridge has been put in place to combat the illegal entry and departure of persons. “… we would turn persons back who would try to enter into Guyana based on the lockdown rules,” he stated.

The borders are largely kept closed. He noted that there are other areas that are prone to illegal entry and exit between Guyana and Brazil, naming the most popular to be the village Saint Ignatius, which is located in the Rupununi Savannahs of

Guyana. Persons are known to be smuggled across the river to enter or leave Guyana.

“We would do routine patrols and we would ask the public to share any information of persons coming over… the Police cannot be all the way along those areas, so we would have shared our numbers with the community, because the river runs straight along the Saint Ignatius area,” Superintendent Rose has said.

Commander Rose had stated that where persons [Brazilians] are seen in Lethem and are known to have crossed over illegally, they are usually arrested

Military top brass of Guyana and Brazil greeting each other in Lethem, Region Nine

and taken to Immigration to ascertain whether or not they would have entered Guyana illegally, and if that is the case, they are usually sent back to Brazil and handed over to the authorities.

He also mentioned that in cases whereby Haitians, Cubans, or any other foreign nationals try to enter Lethem, there are three checkpoints in place in the Division: at Kurupukari, Kirkwood, and Annai. (G3)

Position yourself to be part of the solution – President Ali to Saints graduates P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has implored new graduates of his alma mater – St Stanislaus College – to position themselves to be part of the solution and to be versatile in their pursuits in life.

He was at the time addressing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) students at their graduating and prize-giving ceremony on Wednesday at the school’s auditorium.

The Head of State reflected on his fond memories of the school and said that his time there moulded him into the person he is today.

“You will confront challenges of inequality. You will confront challenges of uneven treatment. You would confront disparity. These are the realities that you will confront as you move forward in your life, but I ask you not to be part of the problem but position yourself to be part of the solution,” he is quoted by the Press and Publicity Unit of the Office of the President as saying.

He appealed to the graduates to step forward into adulthood with a strong mind and commitment to task,

while being versatile in their undertakings, since the working world often called for adaptability.

The teenagers were also encouraged to be independent thinkers and to generate independent ideas in whatever fields they pursued.

President Ali noted that the school through its quality of teaching and extracurricular activities gave the youngsters a head-start by teaching them values, morals ,and principles along with their formal education.

“That is the foundation that will enable you to pass through this phase. If you deviate from that foundation, if you step aside from that foundation, you will be doing yourselves and this great institution a great injustice.”

The Head of State also implored the students to build bridges on their journey of life and to sustain important relationships.

“You were taught in Saints how to function in a versatile environment. The time has come for you to move from a theoretical journey to a practical journey, from fixtures designed by textbooks to adaptability. That is the movement and the transformation that

One Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Education Minister Priya Manickchand at the graduation

will take place.”

The President also recalled how he pursued agricultural science and underscored the importance of agriculture in today’s world, highlighting its extreme relevance at recent international forums. Those discussions, he said, encompassed the need for greater food security, resilient agriculture, smart agriculture, food sustainability, water resource management, etc.

All of these skills, according to the President, can be honed by young Guyanese.

The Head of State reiterated that although Guyana was becoming an oil and gas destination, the country was aiming to have a multi-sectoral approach to development.

“In our own country it is not the oil and gas that will create the transformation, it is food security, agriculture in a sustainable way. It will

be health and education services, as will be our tourism product. Those will be the sustainable sector in the future.”

The President encouraged the teenagers to choose for themselves, if they pursue higher education. He noted that while the medical, law, finance and aeronautical fields, among others, are important, there were many other fields of development that are critical for national upliftment such as agriculture.

President Ali also explained that the ‘One Guyana’ platform that he launched was modelled after what he learnt during his time at the school.

“At Saints, we are one family. At Saints, we are not divided by geography, by ethnicity, or anything like that, or religion.”

He said that he wanted to take the Saints model all over the country to create “one family in Guyana”.

“The Saints family must lead by example.”

The CSEC Valedictorian was Kayla December, who wrote 14 subjects and attained 13 Grade Ones and a Grade Two. The CAPE Valedictorian was Sherlock Langevine who wrote 18 units and received 11 Grade Ones and seven Grade Twos.

At the CSEC examinations, the students wrote a total of 28 different subjects and attained a 99 per cent pass rate for Grades One to Three.

For CAPE, 30 units were offered in 19 subject areas and the overall pass rate for Grades One to Three was 78 per cent.

NEWS

19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Child finds gun under tree P olice have immediately launched an investigation after a firearm was found by a child on Wednesday at Reliance Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Reports are at approximately 16:00h the .38 Taurus revolver was found after a 39-year-old male of the said community called the Reliance Police Station and reported that his 13-year-old son discovered the firearm under a tree while playing in their backyard.

Police ranks subsequently visited the man’s residence and the revolver was

The firearm that was found by the child under the tree

retrieved and taken to the Reliance Police Station, where it was examined and no serial number was seen

on the weapon.

The weapon was lodged as further inquiries are being made. (G9)

3rd motorcyclist in Berbice fatal smash-up identified

Dead: Devindra Kumar

T

hree days after Police reported that a motorcyclist rode away from an accident along the Number 51 Public Road in which 21-year-old Devindra Kumar of Kilcoy Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice,

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), that person has been identified.

The motorcyclist has been identified as an 18-year-old of Persaud Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice, who rode away from the scene after running over Kumar.

On Sunday last, the teen was riding motorcycle CG 7601 while a 24-year-old man, also of Kilcoy, was riding motorcycle CG 9278.

Police said the three motorcycles were proceeding north along the western driving lane at a fast pace, when Kumar, who was riding in front, removed his hand from the handle and turned his head, looking backwards.

He then lost control and

fell onto the road surface where he rolled a further 100 feet.

The teen, who was behind, ran over Kumar, and he lost control of his bike and fell onto the road surface.

Motorcycle CG 9278, which was ridden by the 24-year-old man then collided with Kumar’s motorcycle, causing the rider to fall into a nearby trench.

Kumar was picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious condition and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect was arrested and his motorcycle was lodged at the Rose Hall Police Outpost for inspection. Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Moruca teen died from cerebral haemorrhage – post-mortem

A

post-mortem examination performed on 13-year-old Joshua Henry of Kamwatta, Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), who died just over an hour after taking his second shot of the Pfizer vaccine on Monday, revealed that the teen died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, leading to a cerebral haemorrhage.

This was due to a pre-existing condition identified as a cerebral aneurysm, the Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The post-mortem was performed on Tuesday by a medical team led by Guyana’s senior Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.

According to the Ministry, the post-mortem was witnessed by family members of the teen, and the cause of death was identified in their presence.

“On examination, the site of the vaccination was not identifiable; there was no scarring or hematoma. There were no other post-mortem findings of relevance,” the statement said.

It was previously reported that Henry had received his

first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in September in the company of his father and experienced no side effects.

However, upon taking his second dose on Monday, he reportedly collapsed moments after returning home.

He was rushed to the Kamwatta District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His aunt, Telisha Peters, had explained that her nephew was at his uncle’s residence when the news was announced that the second dose of the vaccine was available. When her nephew was administered the first dose about one month ago, he was accompanied by his father.

This time, she noted, her brother had gone to work and was not aware that his son was going to receive the second dose of the vaccine.

The tearful woman told Guyana Times that after taking the vaccine, her nephew returned home and sat in a chair. Soon after, he started to feel some discomfort, and fainted.

She noted that she received a telephone call from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,

Dead: Joshua Henry

who expressed his sympathy to the family and offered whatever assistance was needed.

On Wednesday, the Health Ministry said, “The MoH extends our profound condolences to the family of the young boy. The Honourable Minister of Health, the Ministry of Health, and the Health Teams from Georgetown and Region One stand ready to provide all support to the family and community of Kamwatta.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we pray they have the strength to cope with the loss of a loved one.”

UG embarks on 3-day inaugural graduate research symposium

H

osted under the theme “Innovative R e s e a r c h for Sustainable Developments, Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic”, the University of Guyana School of Graduate Studies and Research (UGSGSR) on Wednesday commenced its three-day Graduate Research Symposium.

The event, which is being held virtually, aims to provide graduate students with the opportunity to exhibit their research accomplishments and feature keynote addresses on sustainable development amid the global pandemic.

Presentations will focus on seven sub-themes: Circular Economy; Green Economy and Trade; Food Production and Food Security Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic; Education for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century; Health, Poverty, Gender and Sustainable Development; E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management; and Global Warming, Adaptation and Climate Change Mitigation, Science and Technology for Sustainable Development.

During the opening ceremony of the event, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana,

Dr Paloma MohamedMartins noted that while the themes were quite numerous to cover in such a small conference, they gave insight on the amount of work being done by the graduate students. “…even at the undergraduate level, we [UG] have been building up to the point for decades, preparing students who can question, inquire, and who are at least engaged with the scientific processes of enquiry,” the VC expressed.

Additionally, she highlighted the dangers which research face amid the pandemic and the important role the University of Guyana plays in powering innovation and policy through research.

“In these times, the pursuit of scientific inquiry is under threat, paradoxically at the time when science and technology are meeting the needs of the planet’s greatest problems at an exponential rate. We have to think a little bit about why that is, and how research is being projected, interest-driven, and understood by the rest of the non-academic world as well as the academic world,” Dr MohamedMartins said.

She further stated that

“these issues are very complex, predicated upon the vast exposure now of billions of people, to revelations about Janus-faced possibilities of science and technology…despite the nature of our evolving context, we must not forget that an important part of a National University – and especially our National University is to power innovation and policy through research, research that is grounded and based in our reality, for our future, modelled against our needs”.

The event, which ends on October 8, is sponsored by the Natural Resources Ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) .

Registration is required in advance for the event, using the following link https://zoom. us/webinar/register/ WN_O5mn6hTKT2OD_ G0PqUEl1w, and can be used for the entire three days of the symposium.

Registration is free to presenting graduate students and attendees.

It is expected to provide graduate students from various academic departments with the opportunity to share their level of advancement from project proposals to final theses.

20

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Historic go-ahead for malaria vaccine to protect African children C hildren across much of Africa are to be vaccinated against malaria in a historic moment in the fight against the deadly disease.

Malaria has been one of the biggest scourges on humanity for millennia and mostly kills babies and infants.

Having a vaccine – after more than a century of trying – is among medicine's greatest achievements.

The vaccine – called RTS,S – was proven effective six years ago.

Now, after the success of pilot immunisation programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, the World Health Organisation says the vaccine should be rolled out across sub-Sa-

A nurse vaccinates a baby against malaria in Ghana in 2019

haran Africa and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO, said it was "a historic moment".

"This is the moment of shame," Pope says about France abuse report

P

ope Francis said on Wednesday he was saddened and ashamed by the Catholic Church's inability to deal with sexual abuse of children in France and that the Church must make itself a "safe home for everyone".

"I would like to express to the victims my sadness, sorrow for the trauma they have suffered and also my shame, our shame, for the church's inability, for too long, to put them at the centre of its concerns," Francis said at his weekly general audience.

Speaking a day after a major investigation revealed that French clergy had abused more than 200,000 children over 70 years, the pontiff invited Catholics in France to take responsibility for what had happened in order to make the Church a "safe home for everyone".

"This is the moment of shame," he said, calling on Bishops to make every effort to ensure that "similar tragedies do not happen again".

Pope Francis

Before the audience began, the pope and several visiting French Bishops prayed silently for the victims of abuse, a picture released by the Vatican showed.

French President Emmanuel Macron said lives had "been shaken, sometimes broken" by the abuse and that the truth was necessary.

"A society is judged by its ability to denounce and punish such violence, to try to repair lives, but even more so to prevent it," Macron said after a meeting of European leaders in Slovenia in his first remarks on the investigation's findings.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

"The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and mal-

aria control," he said. "[It] could save tens of thousands of young lives each year."

Malaria is a parasite that invades and destroys our blood cells in order to reproduce, and it's spread by the bite of blood-sucking mosquitoes.

Drugs to kill the parasite, bed-nets to prevent bites and insecticides to kill the mosquito have all helped reduce malaria.

But the greatest burden of the disease is felt in Africa, where more than 260,000 children died from the disease in 2019.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Biden, Xi plan USChina virtual summit before year's end

T

he United States and China have agreed in principle for their Presidents to hold a virtual meeting before the end of the year, a senior US Administration official said on Wednesday, after high-level talks aimed at improving communication between the two countries.

The closed-door meeting at an airport hotel in the Swiss city of Zurich between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi was their first face-to-face encounter since an unusually public and acrid airing of grievances in Alaska in March.

US officials had suggested that the meeting was a follow-on from President Joe Biden's September 9 call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, prior to which the world's top two economies appeared to have been locked in a stalemate.

The White House said Sullivan raised concerns about contentious issues

such as China's actions in the South China Sea, as well as on human rights and Beijing's stances on Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Taiwan.

At the end of the day, however, both Beijing and Washington said the talks, which lasted six hours, were constructive and candid. The US side said the tone was very different from Alaska.

Early speculation had been that the two might meet in person at the G20 Summit in Italy in October, but Xi has not left China since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year.

China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Yang told Sullivan that confrontation would damage both countries and the world.

"The two sides agreed to take action ... to strengthen strategic communication, properly manage differences, avoid conflict and confrontation," the Ministry statement said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID: Brazilian regulator to probe hospital chain over use of hydroxychloroquine

T

he Brazilian agency that regulates health insurance plans has opened an investigation into allegations that a hospital chain tested unproven drugs on elderly COVID-19 patients without their knowledge, the regulator's director told a Senate inquiry on Wednesday.

It was the first instance of a regulatory agency pledging to look into misdeeds at Prevent Senior, a major healthcare chain serving tens of thousands of patients in the São Paulo area.

Paulo Rebello Filho, head

of the National Regulatory Agency for Private Health Insurance Plans (ANS), said his staff has detected "assistance abnormalities" at Prevent Senior and the health chain would be put under special technical supervision.

At least nine people died of COVID-19 during the trials at Prevent Senior from March to April 2020, but their charts were altered to hide the cause of death, the inquiry was told last week by a lawyer for 10 whistleblowing doctors. read more

The Senators were told the hospital chain sought to validate far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policy of advocating the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID patients.

Prevent Senior has said the accusations, including the altering of patient charts and the firing of Doctors who opposed the practice, are unfounded.

Rebello said the ANS opened an administrative process to investigate irregularities at Prevent Senior and has sent officials to verify "indications of

operational failures".

Meanwhile, the number of new COVID-19 infections has been dropping over the past month throughout the Americas, even though only 37 per cent of the people in Latin America and the Caribbean are fully vaccinated, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said on Wednesday.

In the last week, 1.2 million people were confirmed with COVID-19 in the Region, down from 1.5 million new cases the previous week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil retreats from multi-year highs after US stock build

O

il prices dropped nearly two per cent on Wednesday, pulling back from multi-year highs, as an unexpected rise in US crude inventories prompted buyers to take a breather after recent torrid gains.

US crude inventories rose by 2.3 million barrels last week, against expectations for a modest dip of 418,000 barrels, the US Energy Department said. Gasoline inventories also rose, while distillate inventories were down only modestly.

Brent crude hit US$83.47 a barrel, its highest since October 2018, but settled at US$81.08, down US$1.48 a barrel, or 1.8 per cent. US crude climbed to US$79.78, the highest since November 2014, before retreating to US$77.43 for a daily decline of US$1.50 or 1.9 per cent.

"We saw some profit taking as oil had run up significantly," said Gary Cunningham, Director at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.

The price of global benchmark Brent has surged more than 50 per cent this year, adding to inflationary pressure that could slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Natural gas has surged to a record peak in Europe and coal prices from major exporters have also hit all-time highs.

The latest surge in the crude prices had been underpinned by the refusal of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, to boost output and concern about tight energy supplies globally.

On Monday, OPEC+ chose to stay with a plan to increase output gradually and not boost it further as the United States and other consumer nations have been urging.

The market slipped late in the day after US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, speaking to the Financial Times, broached the possibility that the United States could combat higher prices by either releasing oil from strategic reserves or potentially halting crude exports. (Excerpt from Reuters)

EU to back 5-year targets at COP26 climate talks

T

he European Union on Wednesday agreed to back five-year climate targets at the COP26 climate change conference, where countries will attempt to finalise the rules needed to put the Paris Agreement into effect.

At the COP26 summit, to be held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, countries will attempt to unblock years of negotiations on the technical rules. One issue they will address is whether their climate targets under the Paris 2015 accord should follow a "common timeframe".

Environment Ministers from EU countries agreed on Wednesday to support the view that countries should set climate targets every five years. Some EU States, including Poland, had wanted an option to set 10-year goals.

The EU will express its preference for five-year tar-

gets "only in the case all parties would be required to do so and in a manner consistent with the European climate law", the Ministers said in a statement.

The EU decision boosts the negotiating position of the United States, African countries and small-island States, who also support five-year climate pledges.

They say the shorter fiveyear cycle would keep up pressure on countries to set ambitious targets, and help track whether they are cutting emissions fast enough to avert catastrophic climate change.

They also worry that 10year pledges could let countries with weaker climate goals fly under the radar for a whole decade.

China and India are among the countries opposed to a single timeframe. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

21

You are sitting in a good position. Consider what you want and who you can reach out to for suggestions, information or hands-on help.

Partnerships look promising, and romance is favored.

If you want to change, make it happen. Don't wait for others to make the first move. Ask questions, analyze situations and do your best to stabilize conditions that could turn sour quickly.

Be careful how you express yourself. It's essential to get all the facts straight.

Verify the information you receive and be patient when dealing with others. Choose charm over force.

Greater interaction with people who come from different backgrounds will help you broaden your point of view and assist you in understanding how best to satisfy everyone's needs. Be the peacemaker. talking until you get it right. Convince others to join in and help you reach your goal. Refuse to let what someone does influence or stand in the way of your progress.

You'll be a bit of a dreamer today. Keep in mind that although dreams can lead to positive outcomes, realism is also required to ensure you aren't trying to do the impossible.

A calculated move will position you exactly where you want to be. Share your feelings with someone you respect, and you'll receive suggestions that will encourage the best outcome.

Pay attention, get information from reliable sources and think twice before you react to domestic situations.

It's essential to take care of your responsibilities before someone complains.

Limit your spending to SAGITTARIUS ease stress. You can plan (Nov. 23something special for a Dec. 21) loved one that doesn't cost a penny. Time spent making plans or committing to a bright future will pay off.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Be aware of what others are doing and saying before making promises you may not want to keep. Do your research, listen carefully and take better care of your physical and emotional well-being.

Question an expenditure before putting your money on the table. Use your insight, intelligence and savvy to ward off a glib sales pitch. Be prepared to push back.

A financial change will lead to a more manageable (Feb. 20lifestyle and less stress. Be March 20) sure to do what's best for you. Generosity will buy only fair-weather friends. Be smart and save your money.

PISCES

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

V-Net aids Hercules in studies for CWI programme Evin Lewis to take T20

V

-Net Communications has gifted cricket coach Ryan Hercules with a laptop to aid in his studies for the rigorous and in-depth programme organised by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The donation was made on Wednesday at the company’s Delph Street, Campbellville location. According to Chief Executive Officer of the company, Safraz Sheriffuden, the support is part of the mantra the company has to assist in the grassroots development of the sport, and he knows the passion Hercules has for coaching.

Ryan Hercules, former national cricketer, has said he is extremely grateful for the support of the company, whose brand ambassador is West Indian cricketer Keemo Paul.

Coach Ryan Hercules collecting his laptop from Sales Representative Whitney Brock in the presence of V-Net’s CEO, Safraz Sheriffuden

According to Coach Hercules, the 12-month course has a lot of online classes, which really makes this support extremely

meaningful.

Thus far, Hercules said, the focus has been on the mental side of the sport, and he has already

learned unique techniques he can impart in training camps.

He is set to leave on October 22, 2021 for Antigua, where he and three other Guyanese – Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mark Harper, and Vishaul Singh who are part of the 17 being qualified, will undergo practical assessments.

Once successful, Hercules said, it will be a major achievement for himself and Essequibo cricket, since he would be the first Level Three Coach from the Cinderella county.

This initiative is part of CWI’s “Cricket First” strategic plan, to invest in building coaching depth and quality across the region, considering the vital role coaches play in developing cricketers’ skills across all age groups and abilities.

Hamilton and Verstappen renew battle in Turkey

L

ewis Hamilton clinched his seventh Formula One world championship in Turkey last year while Max Verstappen had a race to forget, but this time the title remains wide open, and the Dutch driver could be the one celebrating on Sunday.

Only two points separate Mercedes' championship leader Hamilton from his Red Bull rival, with six races left after Istanbul, and the battle is set to go down to the wire.

One mistake, one retirement - whether a mechanical failure or collision - would be a massive blow at this stage in the season, and Hamilton may yet have to take a new engine and penalty.

Verstappen turned 24 last week, and an eighth win of the season would put him back on top, after Hamilton, 36, seized the advantage in Russia two weeks ago with his 100th career victory.

Red Bull will also have a special livery on their cars as a tribute to departing engine partner Honda on what would have been the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, but for the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Last year's Turkish GP was, of course, not the best weekend for us as a team, but I think it will be quite different circumstances this year.

Hopefully, the Tarmac will

be a bit more grippy," said Verstappen, who finished sixth in the 2020 race.

"I think it will be quite a new weekend in general for everyone. There will be a lot to learn, so I’m looking forward to seeing how competitive we are there."

Verstappen has been on pole eight times this year to Hamilton's three, and narrowly missed out on the top slot in Turkey last year.

Last year's race was the first at the Istanbul track since 2011, and the freshly resurfaced and slippery track triggered plenty of complaints.

Hamilton, the winner on that wet November afternoon, compared conditions to an ice-rink, and said organisers had wasted their money.

That should not be such a problem this time, with the surface blasted to make it less slippery, and Pirelli bringing

softer tyres for a race that is also being held a month earlier.

There will also be a crowd, unlike last year's race behind closed doors, with organisers hoping for 100,000 over three days.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said his team were still buzzing after the success of Sochi, but “fortunes can change in the blink of an eye”.

"This season is keeping all of us on our toes, and that's something we're enjoying immensely. But it also means we have to be aggressive with our approach to the season, in order to maximise the points available," added the Austrian.

"It's an exciting track layout, and a good one for racing, so I think we'll be in for another spectacular twist in this brilliant F1 season."

Canadian Lance Stroll was on pole last year for

Samuels to contest ICC anti-corruption charges

F

ormer West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels will contest recent charges made against him under the ICC anticorruption code.

The 40-year-old former batsman retired from the sport in 2020, but was charged by the ICC on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching the anti-corruption code during his participation in the 2019 T10 league.

Samuels was charged with four counts of breaching the code relating to: A breach of Article 2.4.2 – Failing to disclose to the designated anti-corruption official the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport of

cricket into disrepute.

A breach of Article 2.4.3 - Failing to disclose to the designated anti-corruption official receipt of hospitality with a value of US$750 or more.

Breaches of Article 2.4.6 – Failing to cooperate with the designated anti-corruption official’s investigation.

Breaches of Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying the

designated anti-corruption official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.

Samuels, who had 14 days to contest the charges, has since hired legal representation and informed the ICC of his intent to contest the allegations brought against him. (Sportsmax)

Racing Point, now Aston Martin, in a career first, but it will take something special to be back at the front this time.

Lando Norris put McLaren on pole on a wet Russian weekend, and was heading for his first win, until late rain wrecked his hopes; and they could again be in the mix if the weather proves tricky.

"I've been spending a lot of time in the simulator, learning from the experience in Russia, and I'm ready to go again," said the Briton (Reuters).

form into the World Cup

E

vin Lewis is undoubtedly one of the most destructive opening batsmen in white-ball cricket today. He enters his second T20 world tournament having been a part of the victorious 2016 outfit. He played one game then, but is expected to be a leader in the #MissionMaroon setup this time around.

Coming off the back of a very successful Caribbean Premier League (CPL), wherein he broke the record for sixes hit in a season with 38 (previously held by Chris Gayle), and winning his first CPL title, Evin will be eager to replicate s u c h form in

the UAE. He will have a slight advantage in adapting to the conditions, as he is currently involved in the IPL at the same venues.

Rajasthan Royals snapped him up as a replacement player for the second half of the competition, which was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, dashing out some decent performances for that outfit.

In West Indies T20 colours, the left-handed opener has a blistering strike rate of 158 and averages over 30. With four centuries and 10 fifties to his name, Evin will be anxious to add to those tallies during this year’s tournament.

Playing such a crucial role at the top of the order, a successful campaign for Evin Lewis could mean a successful campaign for the men from the Caribbean. The region is ready to rally behind Evin and the rest of #MissionMaroon.

Leguan Boyz beat Young Warriors in CSCA one-day tourney

T

he Leguan Boys have defeated the Young Warriors by a thrilling six-wicket margin with three balls to spare. They have thus emerged winners in the specially-arranged eight-over one-day competition played on Saturday under the auspices of the Canadian Softball Cricket Association (CSCA) at Greenbriar Park in Brampton.

Chasing a tricky target of 57 for victory, Leguan Boyz reached the total with the loss of four wickets, thanks to a steady 21 from Canada-based Guyanese Faoud Mohammed. Imtiaz Badshaw contributed 15, as Rofel Boodhu took two wickets for 16 runs from his allotted two overs. Nishal Singh and Linden Persaud each grabbed a wicket.

Earlier, Warriors’ innings got some momentum only from Rashaud Badshaw with a top-score of 14. He was the only batsman to reach double-

Leguan Boyz celebrating their win

figures.

Abdool Azeez bagged four wickets for seven runs from his maximum two overs, while Faoud Mohammed took a wicket as he conceded 13 runs in the only over he bowled.

Azeez, who hails from Leguan, was named playerof-the-match for his sterling bowling performance. He also took home the prize for claiming the most wickets (7) of the day. Farouk Hussain, an exGuyana youth player, won the prize for accumulating the most runs (88) in the event.

President of the CSCA, Rishi Mohan, thanked the eight participating teams and congratulated the victorious combination, too. Leguan Boys cashed in on Cdn$500 as well, while Young Warriors pocketed $300. Mohan, another Canadabased Guyanese, informed that Leguan Boyz donated their incentive towards orphanages

in Guyana. In the Association’s previous two tournaments, they donated a part of the proceedings to Sick Kids Foundation in Toronto.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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B de Villiers was left to get six off the last two balls. They were both full tosses, but he failed to hit them as he usually does, and so the Sunrisers Hyderabad were able to savour victory by four runs.

With 13 needed off the last over, being bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, de Villiers drilled the fourth ball for six,

but fell short in the end. The defeat means Royal Challengers’ chances of finishing inside the top two are all but over, as the eliminated Sunrisers pinched their third win of the season following contributions from pretty much all their bowlers, and Jason Roy and Kane Williamson.

Harshal’s hot run continues Harshal was introduced just after the powerplay ended, with the Sunrisers sitting pretty at 50 for the loss of one wicket. His first over went for eight - including a boundary from Roy, who pulled him to deep midwicket - and he was taken off after that.

By the time he returned for the 12th over, Sunrisers had managed to maintain the momentum, with Roy and Williamson having added 67 runs together. But two balls and three runs later, Harshal foxed Williamson with an offcutter that landed bang on a good length, and took off to strike the top of middle stump.

Sunrisers lost track once that 70-run stand was broken. They made just 50 runs off the last eight overs.

There were five wickets

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

as well. Two of those went to Harshal, taking his tournament tally to 29. Brought back to bowl two of the last three overs, he beat Wriddhiman Saha with a lack of pace too, as another offcutter landed in the hands of long-off. And off the final ball of the innings, he went for a slow, dipping full-toss to Jason Holder, who found long-on with his slog.

Malik pushes the speed gun Malik, brought on as a shortterm replacement for the Covidpositive T Natarajan, attracted eyeballs with his ferocious pace and accuracy. Like Harshal, he started immediately after the field restrictions were lifted; but, contrastingly, he beat the batters with his extra pace.

Malik began by hitting 141kph, and conceded just a single off his first four deliveries.

The fifth one produced a wicket, KS Bharat caught behind off a searing short ball.

Malik continued to work the speedgun, cranking it up to 153 kph. His first over cost just a single. His second just five.

Williamson took him off at that

Holder. He tried attacking Bhuvneshwar in the 14th over, but tight lines from the bowler meant Royal Challengers could manage just six runs.

Then the game changed, as Maxwell was run out for 40 off 25. It happened when Padikkal

23

tapped the ball to cover and the batters set off for a nonexistent single. Williamson was standing pretty close in, and swooped on the opportunity, his acrobatic direct hit catching the batter well short.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD point, and brought him back with the Royal Challengers needing 29 off the last three. The pressure was on, but Malik was able to handle it well, finishing with 1 for 21 off his four overs.

first from the legspinner - over deep midwicket for six. That was followed by another maximum over long-on off a tossed-up ball, as well as a boundary struck two balls later, when he hoicked Rashid to deep midwicket again.

Maxwell’s big show Maxwell arrived at the crease with Royal Challengers at 38 for 3 in the seventh over. While Devdutt Padikkal at the other end was taking his time, Maxwell got stuck into Rashid Khan, launching the second ball he faced - and the

Maxwell dominated pace as well, pulling Siddarth Kaul for four, and also stealing another four off the inside edge off Jason

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Jason Roy c & b Christian 44 Abhishek Sharma c Maxwell b Garton 13 Kane Williamson (c) b Patel 31 Priyam Garg c de Villiers b Christian 15 Abdul Samad lbw b Chahal 1 Wriddhiman Saha † c de Villiers b Patel 10 Jason Holder c Christian b Patel 16 Rashid Khan not out 7 Extras (nb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.05) 141/7 Did not bat: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Umran Malik Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Abhishek Sharma, 1.5 ov), 2-84 (Kane Williamson, 11.3 ov), 3-105 (Priyam Garg, 14.1 ov), 4-107 (Jason Roy, 14.6 ov), 5-107 (Abdul Samad, 15.1 ov), 6-124 (Wriddhiman Saha, 17.2 ov), 7-141 (Jason Holder, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 3-0-17-0 George Garton 2-0-29-1 Shahbaz Ahmed 4-0-21-0 Harshal Patel 4-0-33-3 Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-27-1 Dan Christian 3-0-14-2

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (TARGET: 142 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Virat Kohli (c) lbw b Kumar 5 Devdutt Padikkal c Abdul Samad b Rashid Khan 41 Dan Christian c Williamson b Kaul 1 Srikar Bharat † c †Saha b Umran Malik 12 Glenn Maxwell run out (Williamson) 40 AB de Villiers not out 19 Shahbaz Ahmed c Williamson b Holder 14 George Garton not out 2 Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.85) 137/6 Did not bat: Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Virat Kohli, 0.6 ov), 2-18 (Dan Christian, 3.2 ov), 3-38 (Srikar Bharat, 6.5 ov), 4-92 (Glenn Maxwell, 14.1 ov), 5-109 (Devdutt Padikkal, 16.5 ov), 6-128 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 18.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-25-1 Jason Holder 4-0-27-1 Siddarth Kaul 4-1-24-1 Umran Malik 4-0-21-1 Rashid Khan 4-0-39-1

“Mr Consistent” Jamual John aiming to extend cycling dominance at Ounce of Gold event

Chennai Super Kings name Dominic Drakes as Sam Curran’s replacement

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hennai Super Kings have named West Indian allrounder Dominic Drakes as injured Sam Curran’s replacement for the remainder of the IPL. Curran was ruled out of the ongoing IPL and the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday with a lowerback injury.

Drakes, who was with Mumbai Indians as a net bowler in the UAE, will join Super Kings - who have qualified for the playoffs ahead of their last league match against Punjab Kings on October 7. The 23-yearold, who was part of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots led by Dwayne Bravo in the CPL, played a crucial role in their successful campaign this season.

The left-arm quick picked up 16 wickets in 11 matches, but his most important contribution of the season

came with the bat - he hit an unbeaten 48 off 24 in the final against St Lucia Kings, and was named the Player of the Match.

In 19 T20 matches so far, he h a s picked up 2 0 wickets and has scored 153 runs at a strike rate of 159.37.

Curran, meanwhile, played only two matches for Super Kings in the UAE leg. He had a poor season with the ball, leaking 56 runs and 55 runs in the matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals respectively, in addition to remaining wicketless.

Overall, this season, he picked up nine wickets in nine games, and scored 56 runs in four innings.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Jamual John showed his class on his return to Guyana

“M Dominic Drakes

r Consistent”, Jamual John, is fresh from a win on his return to cycling in Guyana, and is aiming to extend his dominance in the upcoming Ounce of Gold cycle race that is set for Sunday October 10, commencing outside the Thirst Park premises of Banks DIH at 07:30h.

Having dominated the first-ever Wilbert Benjamin Memorial Road Race in Berbice on Sunday last, John told Guyana Times Sport he is excited to participate in the Ounce of Gold race, which he described as one of his favourite races.

“I am looking forward to it 100%. They have a bunch of guys coming for me, so it will be great. I am going in the race with 85% fitness, but it

John described the Ounce of Gold race as one of his favourites

should be a good race,” John explained.

Reflecting on his recent win in the Wilbert Benjamin Memorial Road Race, John, the man who represented Team Foundation in the United States of America in a fivemonth stint, said: “The race was good. I actually went in the race to train and see how I will feel coming into the heat.

The heat played a big part.

I had to do most of the work going up, because everyone was watching. A bunch of attack passed, but I did most of the chasing. At the turn back point, I kept on going. I

attacked…and rode 35 miles by myself.”

Jamual John won the Benjamin Memorial Race, followed by Marcus Keiler (second), Paralympian Walter Grant-Stuart (third), Andre ‘Padlock’ Green (fourth), Alex Mendes (fifth), Paul DeNobrega (sixth), Christopher Griffith (seventh), and Kemuel Moses (eighth) in that order.

This Ounce of Gold race will see Guyana’s top riders battling from Thirst Park to Dora on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, and return to the point of origin for the finish.

(Brandon Corlette)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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

Prize money available for National Boxing Championships

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mateur Boxing the world over has gotten a bit spicier in recent weeks, since it was announced that the medalists at the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) World Boxing Championships would walk away with enticing cash prizes.

With a team of Guyanese boxers gearing up to throw their best punches in Serbia later this month at these Championships, the stakes have been raised in a move that is being welcomed by Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle, who is fixated on emulating it locally.

The event, scheduled for October 24 to November 6 in Belgrade, Serbia, will see the gold

medalists receiving US$100,000, silver medalists US$50,000, and bronze medalists US$25,000.

With four Guyanese boxers currently preparing for the tournament: Keevin Allicock (Featherweight), Colin Lewis (Light Welterweight), Desmond Amsterdam (Middleweight) and Dennis Thomas (Light Heavyweight), Guyana Boxing Association President Steve Ninvalle is elated at the development “Well, we’re very happy that AIBA would have seen the need to provide monetary prizes in the World Championships. It’s the first time in the 75-year history of AIBA that this is happening.

What the AIBA President (Umar Kremlyov) has said, he’s calling

The quartet that will represent Guyana on the international stage (Jemima Holmes Photo)

on all the National Associations to follow suit,” Ninvalle said in a comment invited by Guyana Times Sport.

As such, Ninvalle is looking

to adopt the ‘prize money’ template at Guyana’s National Championships.

Ninvalle declared, “And Guyana will be doing so at our next National

Championships.”

The GBA President went on to disclose that the development is one that is being considered at the Caribbean level, since it is good for the sport. He divulged, “Not only at the World Championships, at our Caribbean level too, there will be monetary prizes. So, it gives them something to work towards. This is an added incentive, and I think it will do good for our sport.”

Looking at the sums of money involved, Ninvalle reasoned that it is a great incentive that would hold the attraction of boxers to the amateur level for much longer than is now customary.

“This will re-energise the sport. When I say the sport, I mean the amateur aspect of

boxing. It also puts us on the same footing with the professional aspect, because there are now monetary prize monies.

US$100,000 is approximately $20 million Guyana dollars. To have any of our boxers just winning a bronze medal, it’s Gy$5M,” he shared.

Ninvalle added, “I’m not sure how many in the professional field from Guyana would have been able to earn that much.

But it also says that we may find our boxers in our segment of the sport remaining in amateur a bit longer.”

The boxing quartet will be accompanied to the international competition by three-star Coach Sebert Blake.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Golf Isai Thorne’s pace impresses Tourney set for this Saturday legendary Sir Curtly Ambrose

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he Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Golf Tournament was scheduled to be held over the Easter weekend, but with the sudden passing of LGC member Colin Ming, it was postponed.

To compound the situation, the unfortunate weather patterns then caused the LGC to close, as the grounds were flooded.

However, with things back on track, the tournament is set to commence this Saturday at 12:30 hrs, and it will be a shotgun start.

The tournament will have 6 trophies & 6 Bruster’s Ice Cream vouchers up for grabs. The firstplace winner will cart off a trophy plus a $5000 voucher, while the second-place winner would receive a trophy plus a $4000 voucher. The third-place winner would receive a trophy plus a $3000 voucher. The best net front nine winner would receive a trophy plus a $1500 voucher, while the best net back nine winner would receive a trophy and a $1500 voucher. The player that gets nearest to the flag would receive a trophy plus a $1000 voucher.

In a statement, LCG Vice President Paton George declared, “Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is proud to partner with the Lusignan Golf Club in what promises to be a yearly Bruster’s Easter Saturday Golf Tournament and Kids’ Fun Day. This first Bruster’s golf tournament follows several weeks of great competition leading up to the

By Brandon Corlette

R grand finale at the GTT Guyana Open, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 30th and 31st.

“Bruster’s is committed to sponsoring a yearly Easter Saturday Golf Tournament, as well as continuing its charitable contributions. The recipients of our inaugural $50,000 gift were the COLAACO School. We will also focus on growing the game in an inclusive way by teaming our customers’ passion for Bruster’s Ice Cream with the Lusignan Golf Club’s passion for golf.

“Saturday’s tournament will be a battle, but, after the competition, we will gather for the trophy presentation and enjoy a Bruster’s Ice Cream treat with friends.”

The LGC has declared that players who participated in tournaments from September 18 to October 25 would be eligible for consideration for free entry

as a player in the Guyana Open Tournament via a competition format. The points for free entry will be for the 10 best net scores for each tournament. Also, points will be awarded to the top five players of the day, based on their net scores. The player who accumulates the most points at the end of the exercise will be declared the winner, and can participate in the Guyana Open without having to pay the tournament fee.

All participants are advised to contact the club’s manager on the day of the tournament, to collect their score cards, pay the tournament fees, and proceed to their allocated tee box to tee off at 12:30pm. Registration closes at 12pm on Friday 8th October, 2021.

All trophies will be complemented with a Bruster’s product. All COVID-19 protocols will be in effect.

eceiving a compliment always evokes a special feeling, and to receive a compliment from a legend is beyond special. Legendary fastbowler Sir Curtly Ambrose is impressed with the bowling of 17-year-old Guyanese quick Isai Thorne, who was the leading West Indian bowler in the recent Under-19 tour to England.

Speaking on the Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday, Sir Curtly Ambrose said Thorne has got some really good pace.

Explaining that he does not enjoy calling too early names of players with whom he is impressed, because youngsters may get complacent, Sir Curtly still shared this sentiment about the Guyanese Isai Thorne.

“From my experience over the years, I do not like to call names early, because sometime you call names, these youngsters will say, ‘Sir Curtly say I am good’, and they get complacent, but quite a few guys (were) impressive,” Ambrose disclosed.

Isai Thorne, a Berbician who plays cricket locally for the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Club (RHCCCC), finished with eight wickets in the four matches he played in the six-match series.

The towering right-arm quick had an impressive average of 23 and an outstanding economy rate of 5.11, including two three-wicket hauls.

Isai Thorne

Ambrose, whose career spanned from 1988 to 2000, took 405 Test wickets at 20.99, and 255 ODI wickets at an average of 24.12. The West Indies great played the role of special bowling consultant to the West Indies Youth team, and was delighted with the experience the young players gained in England.

“I thought they handled themselves very well; the whole trip was worth it. Even though we lost the series 2-4, it could have easily been 4-2, because we lost two games by one wicket. One of those games we bowled 27 wides. Even though the bowlers bowled so many wides, they kept us in the game,” he said.

“Even though we wanted to win the series, it was not always about winning; it was giving the young men experience in a different team and different conditions. What I know is that they will be much better

cricketers going forward,” Ambrose said on that Mason and Guest radio programme.

Besides Thorne, the other Guyanese in the team was Matthew Nandu.

The West Indies players will be aiming to win the Under-19 World Cup that is set for play in January 2022. Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the honourable Charles Ramson Jr, has indicated that Guyana is confident of hosting the entire tournament.

During the West Indies’ tour to England, England Under-19s won the opening match by 166 runs, before taking the second match by just one run. West Indies rebounded in the third contest to win by two wickets, before England won the fourth contest by nine wickets. West Indies again rebounded to win the fifth match by two wickets, before England secured the series’ win with a nine-wicket victory in the sixth and final contest.

The West Indies squad that toured England comprised: Ackeem Auguste (Captain), Giovonte Depeiza (Vice-Captain), Onaje Amory, Anderson Amurdan, Justin Beckford, Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Nathan Edward, Andel Gordon, Sion Hackett, Justin Jagessar, Johann Layne, Anderson Mahase, Matthew Nandu, Isai Thorne and Vasant Singh.

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