Guyana Times - Thursday, September 16, 2021

Payless opens at MovieTowne P14

…FDI creates opportunities for Guyanese – GCCI President Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4772

Consortium of Brazilian investors arrives today in Guyana

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

US denies entry to fleeing Berbice man wanted in P15 Guyana See story on page 3

…as Head of State meets with Abu Dhabi Ports executives

Police kill Essequibo Coast businessman during “anti-crime operation”

See stories on pages 12, 13 & 16

…family says man was shot in sleep, death sparks massive protest

Legal challenge to COVID measures P7

High Court has no jurisdiction to grant injunction against State – AG

GDF launches P11 probe after rank arrested for raping 14-year-old 75% Police P2 Officers received 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine

…Top Cop, Crime Chief visit family

…32% fully vaccinated

…cop under close arrest, no body cam used during operation – Police

9 COVID-19 deaths, Lowenfield renewed 298 new cases assistant’s contract for 3 years before being fired recorded in 24h Confusion abounds at GECOM

Page 8

See story on page 17

“We will serve you relentlessly, persistently, consistently” – Education Minister tells teachers Page 9

…as Ministry launches Teachers’ Welfare and Benefits Programme

Man found dead in Berbice River with mutilated face, throat slit P10

COVID-19 forces closure of 17 schools after teachers test P15 positive

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

75% Police Officers received 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine …32% fully vaccinated

P

olice Commissioner Nigel Hoppie has revealed that at least 75 per cent of his officers have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while about 32 per cent of them are fully immunised against the virus.

The Commissioner made the revelation on Wednesday during a press conference.

For weeks, the Police Force has been dodging the

Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie

question as to the number of ranks that have taken the vaccine.

Police Commissioner Hoppie explained that the numbers were reflective of the statistics as at last week.

He said the statistics have since changed as the ranks are taking the vaccines daily. He added that the Force continues to encourage its ranks to take the vaccine.

Last week, the Guyana Flashback: A Police Rank receiving his COVID-19 vaccine

Defence Force announced that 90 per cent of the its ranks had received a first dose vaccine, and 43 per cent have already returned for their second dose. In addition, the Guyana Prison Service had revealed that almost 60 per cent of officers and staff have been completely immunised.

Based on the prison population, figures highlight that more than 50 per cent of inmates have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Prison Service has said that a weekly vaccination drive is organised at each penitentiary in collaboration with the Health Ministry.

Owing to limited space in the prison system, which often leads to overcrowding, prisoners have tested positive for the virus in the past.

But with vaccination now available, they have another layer of protection.

Government has been lobbying for all Guyanese, especially those on the frontline, to be vaccinated in light of the new and deadlier Delta variant of the virus.

Moreover, it would take the country closer to herd immunity, pegged at about 85 per cent of the population.

So far, 339,206 adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which represents 66.1 per cent of the adult population; while 175,848 persons, or 34.3 per cent of the adult population, have been fully immunised.

For children within the age range of 12 and 17, a total of 19,131 have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

There are some 80,000

persons waiting on the second dose of the Russiamanufactured Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said during his daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday.

Guyana has been experiencing significant delays with the supply of the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine - a situation that creates much confusion and frustration for persons who have already received their first dose. When the limited supplies of Sputnik V second dose vaccines arrive in the country, there is a mad rush to access them, resulting in many persons who are due for their second dose missing the deadline as stipulated in their vaccination cards.

The Sputnik V vaccine, unlike AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, has a second dose that is different from the first dose.

At first, the country was administering the second shot within four weeks of the first dose, but this period has now been extended to 12 weeks. Dr Anthony had said that this extension is in keeping with information provided by the Gamaleya Research Centre which developed the Sputnik V vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Minister explained that there is also a significant gap in the number of persons who have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and those who are fully immunised. He said there are about 30,000 persons who are currently eligible for their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. (G2)

Correction

O

n Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Guyana Times published an article headlined “Local content, energy to take centre stage at 2022 energy conference & expo”. This article inadvertently referred to the conference as the “Guyana Energy Conference and Exhibition 2022 (GEC-X)” when in fact it was the ‘International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2022’. We apologise for any inconvenience this inadvertence may have caused.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, September 16 – 01:00h-02:30h and 13:00h-14:30h and Friday, September 17– 01:30h-03:00h and 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, September 16 – 13:00h-14:30h and Friday, September 17– 14:05h-15:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected throughout the day, with clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 13:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.14 metres.

Consortium of Brazilian investors arrives today in Guyana …as Head of State meets with Abu Dhabi Ports executives

I

n keeping with the buzz of investment opportunities, a consortium of Brazilian investors is expected to arrive in Guyana today, for a visit that will see them exploring opportunities in soybean and corn cultivation.

According to a joint statement between the Global Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL) and Intelligent Business Network (IBN), these Brazilian investors will be negotiating partnerships with local partners so that the foundations can be laid for the industry.

Both GCBL and IBN will be spearheading these en-

Low Tide: 06:25h and 18:58h reaching minimum height of 0.97 metre and 1.11 metres.

IBN Head Suresh Ramkissoon

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

01 14 16 18 22 24

FREE TICKET

12 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

10 19 22 23 26 LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 03 04 07 09 14 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$75.46/barrel

+2.46

Rough Rice

$247.914/ton $511.90/ton

-0.11 +3.29

London Sugar

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1795.00

$1796.00

Low/High Change

$1790.90 +0.90

$1807.60 +0.05%

gagements. According to the statement, the two sides will be seeking to form a joint venture that will operate in the Intermediate Savannahs of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

“Thursday’s arriving team from Brazil will include the investors and their technical engineers who are all expected to remain in Guyana for one week where site location visits and other engagements are among the itinerary. The Guyana visit is part of a process to continue already advanced negotiations between the two sides,” the statement said.

“At the proposed site for the project, the visiting team from Brazil is also expected to collect soil samples for analysis and prepare a work plan thereafter. The team is also expected to meet with officials from Go-Invest and the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI).”

They will also be seeking to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two sides.

According to the statement, the joint venture once formed will be seeking to begin cultivating the first crop as early as the first quarter of 2022.

“Based on the communication from the partnership, the aim is to cultivate 1000 (one thousand) hectares of soybean and corn in the first year with plans of increasing that volume consistently,” it said.

The statement included a quote from the Head of the IBN, Suresh Ramkissoon, who spoke of prioritising activities that give effect to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Global Chambers of Business Leaders is focused

President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet during the meeting with the delegation from Abu Dhabi Ports at the Office of the President

on prioritising activities that are aligned with the United Nations-declared Decade of “Action which seeks to promote the importance of inclusion of Sustainable Development Goals in the business model of the future.

This allows for our partners, members and participants to prepare their business to be vanguards of the future of business through global collaboration,” Ramkissoon said.

Ramkissoon and the Delegate of GCBL to Guyana also explained in the statement that they were conscious of the limited information available to farmers and investors who have an interest in soybean and corn crops.

They, therefore, expressed a willingness to open and share available information with interested parties on how to cultivate the crop successful-

ly.

Abu Dhabi

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali and a number of high-level Government officials met a delegation from Abu Dhabi Ports, a company based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that deals in industrial zones and logistics.

The meeting, which was held at the Office of the President on Wednesday, included Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo; Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh; Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond and Director of Projects in the Office of the President, Marcia NadirSharma.

The meeting comes ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai, scheduled to be held in Dubai, one of the UAE’s seven countries later in the year. The President has already said he would be travelling to Dubai for the expo.

It also comes amid the Administration’s thrust to develop closer ties with the UAE. It was announced at the start of the year by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd that Guyana would be moving to set up two embassies in the Middle Eastern states of Qatar and UAE. Todd had said that this would be done by 2021-year end.

And in November of last year, His Highness, Sheikh Ahmad Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum of the UAE had led a high-level delegation to Guyana for a three-day State visit. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 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

Contribution to development

G

uyana becoming a developed country is not merely an optimistic hope, but a doable and achievable reality, because Government’s facilitation of Private Sector investments can propel this nation into First World status.

Before the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration assumed the primary executive office in the land in October of 1992, Guyana was rated on international developmental indices as being on par with Haiti. Graphed during the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration as the least developed nation in the world, with a crippling debt burden, Guyana’s development under the astute leadership provided by successive PPP/C Presidents was rapid.

After a relatively short time span of approximately two decades, Guyana was being recognised by the world as a middleincome developing country, and described by Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines as “The only shining star in the Caribbean”.

The popular prognosis heralded great things for this nation, because the focus of the PPP/C Administrations – then and now – is to make Guyana a modern and developed country; and Guyana had indeed been inexorably moving from a middle-income developing country to becoming, in the not-too-distant future, a developed country.

However, for the country to achieve such a status, it has to be a joint effort by all stakeholders working in conjunction and cooperation with Government. There have been, in the past, multiple successful partnerships between the Government, Private Sector, and other stakeholders to work together to create of Guyana a modern society.

The transformation of the national socio-economic landscape has not been easy, because there are elements of negativity who are intent on stymieing every developmental initiative.

Regrettably, this progressive developmental paradigm took a relentless and rapid retrogression – in every sector – with the advent of another PNC-led Government in 2015.

Post-2015 elections, a relentless reversal of Guyana’s developmental trajectory, under the coalition Government administration brought this country to an almost bankrupt state, with a debt burden of billions of dollars.

One of the worst disincentives to private investment in Guyana is the high energy costs, which send overheads skyrocketing, especially in the manufacturing sector; and the PPP/C Government had attempted to address this problem through hydropower, but had reached the usual developmental roadblocks from the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, which used every armament in their arsenal to shoot down the project.

It is a proven fact that not having cheap energy is one of the most prohibitive factors that have impeded Guyana’s manufacturing sector from surging.

However, despite the setback with the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, recently-elected President Irfaan Ali is adamant that the pursuit of alternative energy would be prioritized, so that Government can provide cheap energy for the development of a strong industrial manufacturing sector and a strong processing sector. With a progressing agricultural sector that can easily develop an agro-industrial complex, Guyana is once again climbing global developmental graphs.

During the 2020 Budget debates, various Government Members of Parliament (MPs) outlined future transformative plans geared at making the dream of taking Guyana from a middle-income developing country to a developed country, and one could only hope that the joint Opposition would allow good sense and patriotism to prevail over self-centred agendas, to work along on these visionary plans and projects that would benefit all Guyanese and create of this country not only “the only shining star of the Caribbean”, but the shining star of the world.

Successive PPP/C Governments have always held out an outstretched hand to the Opposition and all stakeholders in the nation, with scant success of cooperation from the joint Opposition; and history will record their negative contributions to the development of this nation. The ball is in the Opposition’s court.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand shares a photo with teachers at the newly launched Teachers’ Welfare and Benefits Programme at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday (Education Ministry photo)

PNC, GTU must condemn slander of Minister Manickchand

Dear Editor, Slandering of a sitting Minister in chants and songs in the crudest and vilest of ways must be condemned by PNC, GTU, unions, women’s groups, and all civil society. I hope the female MPs of both sides of Parliament will issue a joint condemnation of such vulgar attacks.

As Prime Minister Phillips said, “Most disturbing is that a sitting member of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherod Duncan, has shared this revolting song (“Priya is a wild hog”) on his social media platform. We must all join in condemning Mr. Duncan for doing so.” During the GTU teachers’ protest, there was also chanting of “Rape! Rape!

Priya trying to rape we.”

I hope the Teaching Service Commission has identified the teachers from video footage to make sure they have a strong dose of “professional development” activities.

Mr Duncan earned the nickname “Lampy/Pampy” from detractors during the 5-months of attempted rigging of the elections by the PNC. People should probably desist from calling him “Lampy/ Pampy”, but if he continues this way, I am afraid people may come up with more such similar names. How would Mr. Duncan feel if someone made a song about his dismissal as General Manager of the Chronicle because of an audit of his financial management there? Would Mr. Duncan like that?

Mr. Duncan had been quite active on social media, racking up a reputation for being the rabble-rouser of the PNC, and perceived as crossing borders of decency and truth and going towards the dark side.

Those who live in glass houses should not encourage the throwing of stones.

Mr Duncan also posted a note on his website that said: “Dear Vindhya: Meet me, In The Ring. Tonight 8pm.” He did not issue such an invitation to PM Philips, although Mr. Phillips had also issued a denunciation of his action.

Mayor Narine must be commended for condemning the disrespectful social media posting against the Minister of Education. The Mayor said, “I have stumbled on a vile and repugnant song which is purported to be directed at the Minister of Education, the lyrics of which are gross and distasteful. As Mayor of the City of Georgetown, I encourage every right-thinking Guyanese to reject this song, which must not be tolerated in our country…Our women must be protected and must not be used or abused for cheap political points. The people of Guyana must not be exposed to such crass behaviour, despite political differences.”

Blogger “Shoba Sarjoo” said, “I mean, how can you all behave in this manner, calling people all sort of names and then you say that you have common sense.” Zakir Hasildar said, “U so shameful for a man to disrespect a woman…u call that a coward…shame shame shame…u should step down as a MP for one of the Highest offices of a Country…have some respect for women…cuz you have mother, sister, daughter out there…”

If Mr. Duncan, or anyone, has issues with education policy and practice, or vaccination policy, stick to the issues.

Going off course to make ad hominem personal attacks on

a very popular, hardworking Minister has crossed the line, and should be swiftly condemned by all. I cannot wait to see what the civil society groups would say about this despicable act, including the

religious groups, Red Thread, and the women columnists and newspaper editors.

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

Condemning derogatory, misogynic song directed at Education Minister

Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins in expressing condemnation of what could only be described as a lewd, vile, and clearly misogynic song directed at Minister of Education Priya Manickchand.

Of greater discomfiture is the publicising of the derogatory song by a sitting Member of Parliament (MP). We believe that the MP, as a national leader, ought to know and certainly do better. The actions by the MP, in our view, are an embarrassment to the wider Opposition, and are an insult to all Guyanese.

We see the attack on the Minister as an attack on all women and the gains they have secured through their struggles.

The Minister, during her public life, has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights, and thus the attempt to denigrate her character is most unbecoming.

The GAWU upholds the advancement of women’s rights, and thus was most perturbed by the actions being touted by some as entertainment. It goes against any sense of morality, decency and integrity - characteristics

touted by the now Opposition during the 2020 elections campaign.

The GAWU recognises that disagreements are bound to arise in the political sphere. At the same time, we contend that such disagreements should relate to issues, and not personalities. It is on this score that we express our dismay that the Opposition Member’s disagreement with the Minister has descended into a completely uncalledfor personal attack. As a leader, the MP should be setting an example for all Guyanese, especially our youth. The attempt to score petty political points through crude antics and gimmicks does not bring any good for our nation and its people.

Those who are responsible for the composition, recital and distribution of the derogatory song should collectively hang their heads in shame.

Such actions are reprehensible by any yardstick, and those responsible should offer an unequivocal apology to the Minister and all Guyanese.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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

Harmon has to recognise Govt Condemning blatant attack before any lawful engagement by APNU+AFC MP Dear Editor, The President’s insistence on his Government being recognised by the Opposition Leader is grounded in an objective historical reality.

H.E. President Ali’s insistence that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Harmon, must recognise the standing Government of the day as rightful and legitimate before any talks can commence between the two is one grounded in a historical and dialectical reality.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has witnessed the rigging of elections by the People’s National Congress Party (PNC), and has endured bitter days un-

der the yoke of Burnhamite PNC reign from 1964 to 1992. When the change of government occurred in 1992, and because of the Carter-brokered deal, not a single PNC miscreant that inflicted heavy body blows on our people was held accountable for their racist and violent reign.

Today, we have self-proclaimed elders in chronological years only, and not by the honorific wisdom associated with African traditions - who were responsible for some of the gravest atrocities perpetuated on us - sounding more sanctimonious than the Pope. All because no one was held accountable and put on trial for the crimes they commit-

ted.

Finally, when we all thought that we would have lain the spectre of rigged elections to rest after 1992, up comes the PNC+AFC party attempting in 2020 to most clumsily rig the elections. Now that they were unsuccessful in their attempt to rig the elections, and the PPPled Ali Government is the legitimate ruler of the day, the PNC mantra is that the Government is illegal.

Seen within this historical context, President Ali cannot allow Harmon to get away with projecting a false reality that has no basis in fact or the law. To do so would sweep under the carpet the very act that the

PNC tried to rig the elections. If we continue in this way, as 1992 has taught us, no one will be held accountable, and all will be absolved in their wrongdoing.

To place our society on a path to where the rule of law is sacrosanct, then what is lawful must be duly recognised and called so. Harmon has to recognise the Government of the day as a prerequisite for any lawful engagement.

Only in this manner can we start to hold our leaders accountable, and prevent them from projecting false realities.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

Do we not all possess such basic care, compassion for our fellow human beings?

Dear Editor, A small country like ours, with a small population mostly spread out along the coast, was in an ideal position to have already achieved herd immunity against the COVID-19 virus, allowing us all to return to a great degree of normalcy.

However, efforts by the Guyana Government, which is mandated to act for the greater good of the community, are under what is mainly a partisan political attack. Had the Government ignored the worldwide threat and placed us all at risk of dying, it would have been in serious breach of its mandate, and out of step with the rest of the world in the ongoing efforts to eradicate the COVID-19 disease.

The irony of many protesting with loud voices and healthy lungs is that they are alive and kicking because their parents ensured that they were vaccinated as babies or children against diseases such as measles, mumps, polio and small pox.

Most of these diseases are now eradicated worldwide because of rigorous vaccination programmes, and the younger generation probably know little about them or why they are all safe from such threats.

Vaccination is nothing new. It has saved millions of lives. The rubbish about the COVID-19 vaccines making the rounds mainly on social media and being fuelled by politics, ignorance, and/or a distrust of authority puts us

MPs should be concerned with issues, rather than name calling

Dear Editor, In a democracy such as ours, where we have a Government and an Opposition, we expect, as a fifty-five-year-old nation, more mature and civil engagements, particularly when there is disagreement.

The current attacks are crass and unbecoming.

A recent example is the video released on social media. We condemn all persons who were involved in the making and dissemination of this video. What is disappointing is the role of the women who participated in the creation of the featured song, which was aimed at disparaging a female Minister.

We have fought for the right of women to be in decision-making. Instead of name calling, MPs should be more concerned with issues that ensure the rights of all citizens are respected, and that the developmental tra-

jectory of this country is accelerated.

Guyana has an admirable record of recognising women’s rights, and much work has been done to increase the stature of Guyanese women. We should encourage and support all women who are in the corridors of power seeking to craft policies and legislation to advance our society. The Commission is concerned that the current atmosphere would act as a deterrent to young women aspiring to hold public office.

We call on the Parliament of Guyana to discipline the sitting MPs who engage in disparaging behaviour. We also call for the Police to investigate any offence committed under the Cybercrime Act. Sincerely, Women & Gender Equality Commission

all at risk.

The person who refuses to wear a hard hat against all international safety regulations on a construction site puts only himself at risk of being killed by falling debris. Those who are refusing to get vaccinated against this deadly virus put not only themselves at risk, but everyone around them. It is unconscionable that we live among people who are so irresponsible and uncaring.

There are news programmes that show the poor and uneducated in various countries refusing the vaccine and saying that God will save them, without quite grasping the fact that God has given humans the

intelligence to create cures for what ail us and put lives at risk.

Medicine has made numerous advances aimed at prevention, curing and saving lives, and many of those refusing the vaccine expect doctors to provide them with relief when they are ill. Look at getting the jab as both a prevention and cure, since most of those dying from the virus are the unvaccinated.

By getting vaccinated, you help save lives. Do we not all possess such basic care and compassion for our fellow human beings?

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

Dear Editor, The WPO wishes to express its concern at a video posted recently on social media by APNU+AFC Parliamentarian Sherod Duncan, aimed at attacking Minister of Education the Honourable Priya Manickchand.

Once again, we see the depraved behaviour of some APNU+AFC members who, instead of dealing with the issues they are representing, have sunk to their usual low in attacking those in the current Government.

The video posted on social media shared by Duncan is crass, and clearly displays sexist and misogynistic behaviour to Minister Manickchand.

This latest act reminds of callous attacks on the late Mrs. Janet Jagan when she was sworn in as President of Guyana, where foul language was used by PNC members to describe her. Last year Mia Motley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who in her capacity as Chairperson of CARICOM spoke out against attempts to subvert the democratic will of the Guyanese people, was not spared either. Many APNU+AFC members lambasted and cursed her out for taking a principled position on the election fiasco in Guyana.

Now we have a sitting Minister of Education who is under attack by these very operatives. These sex-

ist attacks on women have not gone unnoticed.

The Minister has championed women’s rights issues, and has initiated progressive legislation to protect the rights of women and children, as well as the WOW programme to help women. She is working tirelessly to implement the Government’s programme aimed at ensuring that our children are protected during this pandemic which has negatively affected our children in Guyana and across the globe.

We in the WPO are proud of the work of the women within the PPP, and all women in Guyana who work towards supporting the development of Guyana. We condemn the vicious attacks on these women, and efforts made by persons such as Duncan that seek to pit women against other women. We call on the authorities to take whatever steps necessary to protect the Minister and others who are faced with such depravity.

WPO condemns this blatant attack on the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and would like to assure her that the majority of women in Guyana are firmly behind her.

Sincerely, Women’s Progressive Organisation

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Page

Foundation

Building Textures Building Textures Buildings are made of many different materials that each have their own patterns and textures.

We can collect these textures by making rubbings using the side of a crayon.

Buildings are made of many different materials that each have their own patterns and textures.

We can collect these textures by making rubbings using the side of a crayon.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary How does your garden grow?

Materials Crayons with the paper peeled off ▪ White paper ▪ Newspaper (optional) Materials Crayons with the paper peeled off ▪ White paper ▪ Newspaper (optional)

Instructions Instructions

Step 1 Step 1 Step 2 Step 2 Step 3 Step 3 Step 4 Step 4

Look for some interesting textures inside your house or building. Lay a piece of newspaper down to protect the Look for some interesting textures inside your house or surface from getting crayon on it, or just be careful not building. Lay a piece of newspaper down to protect the to color over the edge of the white rubbing paper. surface from getting crayon on it, or just be careful not to color over the edge of the white rubbing paper.

Place the white paper over the newspaper and hold it tightly so it will not move. Use the side of your crayon Place the white paper over the newspaper and hold it to rub the paper and you will see the texture appear. tightly so it will not move. Use the side of your crayon to rub the paper and you will see the texture appear.

Try your best to cover the entire piece of paper with the rubbing. If you are working with a partner, have them hold Try your best to cover the entire piece of paper with the the paper while you do the rubbing, then switch places. rubbing. If you are working with a partner, have them hold the paper while you do the rubbing, then switch places.

This is a fun time to experiment with different colors.

You can also layer different textures on top of each other.

This is a fun time to experiment with different colors.

You can also layer different textures on top of each other.

With silver bells and cockleshells And pretty maids all in a row.

Source: The Dorling Kindersley Book of Nursery Rhymes (2000)

Ode to a career What do you want to be when you grow up?

A doctor, a farmer and entrepreneur, etc?

Describe a day in the life of someone who has your dream job/career.

Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012 (212) 358-6133 k12education@centerforarchitecture.org www.centerforarchitecture.org Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012 (212) 358-6133 k12education@centerforarchitecture.org www.centerforarchitecture.org

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Legal challenge to COVID measures

High Court has no jurisdiction to grant injunction against State – AG

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

G

uyana’s Attorney General, Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, has contended by way of legal submissions in the case brought against the Government’s COVID-19 measures that the court has no jurisdiction to grant the injunctions being sought against the state.

This is contained in Nandlall’s Notice of Application which was submitted on his behalf on Wednesday. Nandlall was named as the lone respondent in the challenge to the COVID-19 measures, wherein a number of unions are seeking an injunction against the Government implementing measures to keep the population safe, such as mandating unvaccinated persons furnish negative PCR tests.

In addition to pointing out that the court has no jurisdiction to grant an injunction, and that the injunction being sought has been overtaken by the facts, the AG’s submissions stated that

“the granting of an interim declaration in this case would violate the presumption of regularity, presumption of constitutionality, and amount to a pre-determination of the substantive issues in the Fixed Date Application.”

The AG addressed the filing of the submissions in an ‘Issues in the News’ programme hosted on Wednesday. According to Nandlall, the applicants have in fact filed an incorrect case, since the State Liability and Proceedings Act stipulates that a coercive order

cannot be granted against the state.

“Today we filed submissions in the COVID-19 matter. You will recall that Coretta McDonald, (Dawn) Gardner, Lincoln Lewis, the Trade Union Congress, the Teachers Union and Public Service Union have all joined hands, and they want to stop the COVID measures. In other words, they want the state

to do nothing in face of a global pandemic. So that all of us, I suppose, can die like sitting ducks.

“Today I made my submissions to the Judge, outlining the law that you cannot get an injunction against the state, that a conservatory is the remedy to be granted against the state, not an injunction… you can’t stop the measures. To stop the measures would be an injunction.

And that is not grantable against the state,” he said.

According to Nandlall, the applicants’ only option is to seek to preserve the mea-

sures through the granting of a conservatory order.

These submissions, he said, will be presented on Friday, September 17.

“Of course, once we dispose of that issue, we will deal with the substantive issue. And the substantive issue is whether the COVID measures violate the constitution. So, I want to get out that preliminary issue and

The High Court

let us go head on into battle,” he said.

The legal challenge will come up for another hearing on Friday before High Court Judge Fidela Corbin-Lincoln.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) are seeking to quash the COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandate in the COVID-19 Emergency Measures dated July 29.

The Unions contend that former President David Granger exceeded his authority when he issued the first COVID-19 measures in March 2020. Contending that the measures are an unconstitutional delegation of the President’s powers and infringe Article 111 of the Constitution, the Unions want them to be quashed.

The Unions are also seeking an order of certiorari quashing the COVID-19 Emergency Measures dated July 29, as well as a declaration that same is unconstitutional. They are also asking the court to grant an injunction preventing the State from implementing the requirement that Government workers show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or produce a negative PCR test result at their own expense.

The Unions, through their lawyers Dane Victor Elliot-Hamilton and Darren Wade, instituted legal action against the State after unvaccinated workers were denied access to their places of employment.

In response to the rise in COVID-19 deaths and cases, the Government has mandated that any person wishing to enter a public building

must be vaccinated. A public building refers to a building to which the public has lawful access, and includes both privately- and publicly-owned buildings.

Any unvaccinated person who wants to enter a public building must make an appointment and present a negative PCR test taken within seven days of the day they want entry. Only tests from a Health Ministryapproved laboratory are accepted. These measures expire at the end of this month.

The Public Service Ministry has also reminded that no public servant who does not report for duty because of the COVID-19 measures will be paid. The Health Minister, on the other hand, has defended the updated vaccination requirements as necessary to ensure public safety. (G3)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Confusion abounds at GECOM

Lowenfield renewed assistant’s contract for 3 years before being fired

…no protocol followed – Commissioner

GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick

O

ne of former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield’s final acts before he was sent on leave and ultimately fired from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was to renew the contract of his personal assistant for another three years, an act that has raised eyebrows at the electoral body since it reportedly did not follow protocol.

Reliable sources have informed this publication that the contract of Lowenfield’s Personal Assistant Duarte Hetsberger, who was arrested last year during the Police probe into electoral fraud, was supposed to end on December 8, 2021.

Instead, Lowenfield renewed Hetsberger’s con-

tract in June of this year shortly before proceeding on leave, even as the Commission debated his own job.

Lowenfield’s contract was subsequently terminated on August 12, 2021, along with his Deputy Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

In an interview with this publication on Wednesday, GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick expressed the view that the renewal of Hetsberger contract is void.

According to her, it breaches a contractual stipulation that requires contracted employees to give notice of their intent to renew their contract three months before it is supposed to expire.

“The CEO knew he was going to have to leave.

He couldn’t do the things he’s done, charges laid.

What reason would Keith Lowenfield have to renew Hetsberger’s contract as personal assistant for three years?” she questioned.

“No, all contracts have a clause which says three months before your end of contract the contracted officer will indicate in writing his interest in continuing in the job, at which time things kick in. Evaluations done. That hasn’t happened.

The man has a new contract and the expiry date of the new contract is December 8, 2024.”

Paying homage...

I

Former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

Lowenfield’s Personal Assistant, Duarte Hetsberger

According to Shadick, she has not even seen evidence to indicate that Hetsberger formally requested the renewal of his contract. The Commissioner explained that Hetsberger’s contract formed part of the Commission’s discussions on Tuesday. She vowed that she would continue to probe the matter and find out what else Lowenfield was up to clandestinely.

“I am going to continue speaking, and I am going to continue trying to find out. Because I had asked for documents before, and I only got them for yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) meeting… as far as I’m concerned, Mr. Hetsberger is the personal assistant to someone who no longer (works) at GECOM,” Shadick said.

Efforts to contact Lowenfield for a comment on the issue proved futile.

Following several delays and legal proceedings, Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo were on August 12 dismissed from their respective posts at the GECOM following a vote by the seven-member Commission.

In a statement announcing the terminations, which she said came after weeks of deliberation on the motions, the GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, indicated that the services of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo would be terminated effective August 18, 2021, and they would be compensated in accordance with provisions in their contracts.

To this end, Justice Singh disclosed that CEO Lowenfield was dismissed via Clause 9 of his contract, which stipulates that his services can be terminated by giving him three months’ notice, or payment in lieu thereof.

Regarding the DCEO and the RO, their contracts similarly state that the Commission may, at any time, terminate their employment by giving them three months’ notice or payment in lieu thereof.

Gunraj and his fellow Government-nominated Commissioners Bibi Shadick and Manoj Narayan, on June 1, 2021 had brought motions calling for the dismissal of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo from GECOM. The trio are before the courts for a number of electoral charges for their alleged attempts to sway the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the then ruling A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Hetsberger was among the electoral officials who were investigated in this regard, although he has not been charged. (G3)

…to democracy n the long struggle of mankind to rise out of a brutal past that began in caves - with spiked clubs used to settle disputes - “government of the people, by the people and for the people” might’ve arrived rather late on the scene. But when we get right down to it, democracy has done all right for folks! In our case, we don’t have to go as far back as the Stone Age, cause the chattel slavery that’s the foundation of our country wasn’t much different in its brutal social relations. If we may call treating human beings like cattle “social” relations.

Well, yesterday was “International Day for Democracy”, and it behooves us to reflect on the state of our democracy.

As the UN declared back in 2007 when it launched the commemoration: “International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of the international community can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality.”

We don’t have the space to reflect on the “world” save to say that democracy looks pretty bleak right now in Afghanistan. Guyana’s democracy faces enough travails to fill a whole book - and they still aren’t over!! And when you do that bit of reflection, you can’t help but conclude that the biggest challenge democracy faces in Guyana is the PNC! That’s right!

Even though the British finagled things to oust the PPP - using the PNC’s coalescing with the UF - we could’ve still had a functional democracy if Burnham had accepted coalition government. But he was anti-democratic to his very core, and refused to appreciate that “government by the people” meant their votes ought to be counted to select who’d govern on their behalf! So, he started rigging elections as far back as 1968. From then on, it was a case of “once dog start suck egg ‘e cyan stap!!” And Burnham went to the grave in 1985 not stopping!

And that brings us right up to March 2nd 2020, when the PNC went to the polls under one of Burnham’s proteges, David Granger. He promptly decided he was going to follow in his master’s footsteps when he realised he’d lost!! And as the UN Declaration had prophesied, “only with the full participation of the international community can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality”. And they certainly did - the US, UK, EU, Caricom, Commonwealth OAS, and practically the entire UN stood down Granger and the PNC! But they haven’t given up yet…have they? Nope, they’re now using COVID to further their agenda of “undermining” democracy!

Inveterate tyrants!! …to Haiti The news that the Public Prosecutor of Haiti is calling for PM Ariel Henry to be charged for the murder of his predecessor Juvenal Moise makes your Eyewitness wonder about “how many more” deaths will that poor land have to suffer before it would find peace. Why is it being punished for being the first in the world to rise up and free itself from chattel slavery against a powerful European Empire??

Remember the song by John King? Your Eyewitness can’t get it out of his mind.

“Hear ma plea, Oh Jah/A song for my land “Rose up early this morning/ To tha sound of crying/ Another mother shedding her t-e-a-r-s oh Jah Why all the pain and suffering? / Why all the senseless killing? /Could it be that nobody cares? Oh no/ So many sons lost in the slaughter / Blood running in the streets like water / A gun in hand knows no f-r-i-e-n-d (oh no)/ Warmongers selling death in my lan How many more Ja? …to an entrepreneur Maxwell Thom was a true entrepreneur. Early in the days of mobile phones, he saw a need that could be filled, and did so successfully with his “Wireless Connection”.

Sadly, COVID-19 struck him down. RIP Maxwell.

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

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We will serve you relentlessly, persistently, consistently” – Education Minister tells teachers …as Ministry launches Teachers’ Welfare and Benefits Programme est in checking to see what we can do for you [teachers], so that you can do your work when you get into the classrooms. And you will see much, much more of that.”

And with the programme already off to a great start, the Minister pointed out that she can only see it growing and getting even better.

“We are at a good place in this country to take this profession forward,” she posited.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Education Specialist, Dr Olato Sam

n the wake of protest action by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), the Irfaan Ali-led Government is committed to serving the teachers of this nation. This assurance was given by Education Minister Priya Manickchand as she delivered the feature address at Wednesday’s launch of the Teachers’ Welfare and Benefits Programme at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

“In the face of recent activities, we never stopped.

We will relentlessly serve you; we will persistently serve you; we will consis-

board are Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), E-Networks, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, GTM Group of Companies, DIGICEL, Giftland Office Max, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Radio Shack, Ashley Furniture, Gafson Industries Limited, and Lucky Dollar. And many other companies have signalled their interest in getting on board.

According to the Minister, the Government will support the professional development of teachers. “You have my promise on that. We will hold your

I

Teachers with over 20 years of service were presented with free footwear

tently serve you. We know how valuable good teachers are; we know how much more we can do as a system to make sure our not-so-good teachers get better; and we know that the system cannot have space for persons who have no intention of accessing any training to get better,” said Manickchand in her remarks.

The Education Ministry has teamed up with over 150 local businesses to provide varying benefits to teachers and their families across the 10 administrative regions. This initiative will see teachers benefiting from discounted services across a wide range of sectors, including but not limited to electronics, telecommunications, retail goods, air transportation, household furniture and appliances, optical care, office supplies, and garments.

Some of the companies on

hand through any obstacle you believe you have in the classroom. We will try to fix very strategically and timely the resource deficit.”

Sector get better

She further assured that the Ministry would work with any stakeholder who wants to see the education sector get better.

Minister Manickchand, however, made it clear: “We will not let petulance, personal interest, political intervention stop us from doing what we have to do.”

She added that the role of the Education Ministry is too important, since children’s lives, their future, and the nation depends on the Ministry.

Minister Manickchand rubbished claims that the launch of the programme was in response to the GTU’s strike action.

“This is a genuine inter-

provide financial support to teachers in specified hardship situations.

“Over time, some of our teachers have experienced some truly tragic circumstances and have had few options at their disposal to turn to for assistance. We are remedying that,” said Dr. Sam. The Teachers’ Benevolent Fund is a public-private partnership, which, according to Dr. Sam, will provide financial support when teachers are confronted with hardship

Carolyn Fraser-Grenville, Headteacher of Tucville Secondary; Delicia Park of Christ Church Secondary; Althea Walcott of the David Rose Special School; and Stephanie Pooran of the Ogle Nursery School were gifted with phones from GTT

A teacher signing up for her benefit card

Critical role in development

Meanwhile, Education Specialist and former Chief Education Officer (CEO) Dr Olato Sam said teachers play a critical role in the development of this country.

As such, he noted that it is expected that they would go about their responsibilities with a level of dedication and commitment to ensure the delivery of the highest quality of education.

Against this backdrop, he noted that the well-being of teachers plays a critical role in ensuring this.

With the Ministry cognisant of this, he said, it has embraced the concept that the well-being of teachers needs attention, and thus this programme was devised.

Dr Sam provided an overview of the programme, in particular the health insurance package. He explained that the comprehensive healthcare package “is unprecedented”, as there is nothing like it within the Caribbean region.

“This is an opportunity for teachers and their families to benefit…all of their dependents up to the age of 21. So, their spouses and children can be part,” he said, adding that it is critically important that the health of teachers is valued.

Also included in the Teachers’ Welfare and Benefits Programme is a revolving mortgage fund. With this, teachers who are firsttime homeowners can access loans from $2 and $12 million towards their mortgage.

But the Education Ministry has gone even further.

It has started a Teachers’ Benevolent Fund. Through this fund, the Ministry will

conditions.

Resuscitating National Teachers’ Award

Moreover,

Dr

Sam

announced that, come next year, the Education Ministry will be resuscitating the National Teachers’ Award Programme aimed at “rewarding teachers for excellence in service.”

The former Chief Education Officer disclosed that the first annual teachers’ conference will commence in July 2022, and will provide various developmental opportunities; and will promote networking,

professionalism, and a community of teachers within Guyana’s education system.

“This will be an opportunity for teachers to come together to build a strong network. To benefit from lectures and presentations from local and international best practices in the profession, and experience a wide range of development initiatives and ultimately advance the teaching service.”

TURN TO PAGE 10

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man found dead in Berbice River with mutilated face, throat slit P olice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose badly mutilated body was fished out of the Berbice River on Tuesday morning.

Dead is 24-year-old Kevin Hercules of Wiruni Village, Berbice River,

and formerly of Leitchfield Village, West Coast Berbice.

The Police have said that what appears to be a wound was seen in the region of his neck.

Hercules had last been seen alive on Sunday imbibing with friends; however, that evening, the young

man reportedly asked for a drop to his home, which is located some distance away from the shop where he was hanging out. Reports are that the man was seen entering a boat along with other persons, but according to his family, he never arrived home.

This resulted in the family filing a missing person's report with the Police.

The 24-year-old’s lifeless body was seen floating in the Berbice River, and Police have since confirmed that his face was mutilated and there was a slit to his throat.

According to his aunt, Bernadette, when the body was seen, it took some time before they were able to get access to it. She said he had been living with her, and had left to work with a company situated at Wiruni.

The aunt said her nephew

Dead: Kevin Hercules

had been employed with the company for the past two years, and had returned last month to celebrate his birthday.

“He told us that he was going to come back to see me this month, and on Tuesday I got a call stating

that they saw a body floating in the River and they believe it was him. When I called back, they told me that they were able to get the body, and when they turn (it) over, it was Kevin.”

After the body was discovered, Police were contacted and it was eventually taken to the Kwakwani Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hercules and his two siblings lived with their aunt after their mother passed away when he was a baby.

According to the aunt, not much information has been forthcoming about the incident.

Meanwhile, the man’s sister explained that the young man had left Leitchfield to work with a company that has a branch along the Upper Berbice River. The young man subsequently got involved in a common-law relationship and has one child, and his partner is currently pregnant.

His aunt is calling for a thorough investigation into His death.

The body is currently at the Kwakawni Hospital, awaiting a post mortem examination as Police continue to investigate. (G4)

“We will serve you...

FROM PAGE 8

Teachers checking out the booth of Metro Office and Computer Supplies

Wednesday’s launch

Scores of teachers from across the country attended Wednesday’s launch, which saw businesses exhibiting their products. Four lucky teachers were gifted with mobile phones by GTT, while

spective departments of education and schools.

They are being asked to submit the required information and a photograph to their headteachers, who will then forward it to the regional education department.

A teacher showing off his benefit card

teachers with more than 20 years of service were given a free pair of footwear, compliments of Bhena’s Footwear.

The Education Ministry said the Teachers’ Welfare and Benefits Programme is open to all teachers from across the 10 administrative regions. Teachers are being asked to sign up for the programme through their re-

The department will then forward the information to the Education Ministry for the benefit cards to be prepared.

The launching ceremony also saw teachers signing up for their benefit cards. Once the teachers show these cards to the various businesses, they will get the various benefits. (G1)

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF launches probe after rank arrested for raping 14-year-old

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he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has launched an internal investigation into the allegations of rape levelled against one of its ranks after the Police Force arrested a Lance Corporal for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.

Based on information received, the incident occurred

in Region One (BarimaWaini) at sometime between September 2020 and September 14, 2021. The Police, in a statement, said a preliminary investigation into the matter revealed that the soldier had shared a relationship with the victim for about one year. However, on September 14, the matter

was reported and the soldier was arrested.

Following his arrest, the GDF said it is aware that one of its ranks is currently the subject of a Police investigation into allegations of sexual activity with an underage female. It further stated that the rank was stationed at one of the Force’s outlying

2 injured in Corentyne accident about their bodies, and were taken out of the vehicle in a semi-conscious condition by public-spirited citizens before being rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital.

They were examined and referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were again examined by doctors and admitted as patients.

John sustained a fractured left shoulder while Ramkishun sustained in-

T

wo men have been injured after the car in which they were travelling crashed into a culvert at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Injured are hire car driver 38-year-old Ulric Ramkishun of Queenstown Corriverton, Berbice and 23-year-old Methuselah John of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports are that the accident occurred at about 20:37h on Tuesday. The Police have said that motorcar HC 9885 was being driven by Ramkishun while John, an Ogle Airport Security guard, was a passenger in the vehicle.

According to Police, Ramkishun was proceeding north along the western drive lane of the Number 70 Public Road at a fast rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and it collided

with a culvert and the ridge of two bridges on the eastern side of the road. As a result, the vehicle turned turtle and came to a stop on the eastern parapet.

Both the driver and passenger received injuries

juries to his left shoulder, left foot and spine. He has been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is receiving further treatment.

Investigations are ongoing. (G2)

areas, and that an internal investigation has since been launched.

“The Force wishes to reiterate and assure this nation that it does not condone these actions. Further, our ranks are bound by the Values and Standards and, as such, their conduct and professionalism are of paramount importance,” GDF said in its statement.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Over the years, the GDF has been plagued by reports of its ranks committing sexual crimes, particularly in outlying areas. Just in March of this year, a Board of Inquiry convened to investigate the circumstances which led to an allegation of

rape being levelled against GDF ranks in Mabaruma, Region One, had led to disciplinary actions being taken against two officers and four ranks.

The six ranks were arrested for an allegation of rape. That incident allegedly occurred between February 6 and 7, 2021.

The subsequent BOI found that the ranks had seriously breached operational orders while deployed on border duty, and they were disciplined accordingly. Four of the ranks were dismissed and the disciplinary process is ongoing against the others. Three of the ranks were charged with rape.

In October 2018, two sol-

diers – Rawlston Reid, 22, of Dochfour Housing Scheme and Isaiah Rawlins, 21, of Wisroc, Linden – allegedly raped a 26-year-old female in Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

It was reported that on October 13, 2018, the two soldiers, who were placed on $300,000 bail each, allegedly had forceful sex with the woman.

The woman was at the time with her boyfriend at a community centre ground eating chips when they were approached by the soldiers, who are known to them.

The couple was ordered to have sex for the soldiers to see, and when they refused, they were beaten and robbed. The woman’s boyfriend was forced to watch the entire ordeal before they stripped him of his gold chains worth $180,000. The men have since been dismissed from the military.

In 2017, three soldiers were dismissed after they took an 18-year-old girl into Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where they sexually assaulted her. Subsequently, soldier Winston ‘Carlos’ Haynes was charged for the rape and was placed on $600,000 bail. (G2)

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2

Police kill Essequibo Coast businessm

…family says man was shot in sleep, death sparks massive protest

Dead: Orin Boston

By Raywattie Deonarine

T

he Guyana Police Force’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit has shot and killed a 29-year-old businessman of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) during an “anti-crime” operation early Wednesday morning.

Orin Boston, who owned the “Ease Meh Stress” bar located at Hoppy Street, Dartmouth, was shot and killed in his home around 04:40h.

Police, in a statement, said that ranks were conduct-

ing an anti-crime operation in Division Two (Essequibo Coast) and entered Boston’s house to conduct a search for “prohibited items”. However, during the search, there was a confrontation between Boston and the Police resulting in him being shot to his upper left arm.

An injured Boston was then picked up by the Police and transported to the Suddie Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was the father of two children ages six and seven.

Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie has since ordered an investigation into the incident.

Family’s cries, ordeal

The man’s family is disputing the Police’s version of what transpired. They are accusing the officers of being extremely unprofessional and alleging that Boston was shot while in his bed.

A visibly traumatised Feona Boston, the man’s wife, said that the entire ordeal has been horrifying. She related that both she and her husband were in their bed when they heard a knock followed by their bedroom door being kicked open.

“I got scared when I saw

One of the bedrooms that were searched by Police

the door open. The men were with huge guns pointing to my husband and then they fired the trigger. So, when they come, they just break down this door here and they shoot he,” the woman explained.

Feona added that the Police then took her husband out of their home and laid him naked on the concrete, while members of the SWAT

team ransacked their home.

She recounted that after the SWAT team searched their home and came up with nothing, they then placed her husband in the back of their van and took him to the Suddie Public Hospital.

“…hands in the air”

Meanwhile, one of the deceased’s sisters, Latacy Boston related that the Police ordered everyone to exit the house with their hands up.

Latacy lives in another house in the same yard as her brother did and they were awakened when the Police stormed their home as well.

“They was like everybody come out with they hands in the air," she explained.

The terrified young woman further explained that when she came out of her room, the Police were in her house ordering her not to move and then telling her to sit down in a chair. The SWAT team then

entered her sister’s room and started searching after which her mother came out and she was also ordered to sit.

Latacy had left her young child in her room so she pleaded with the officer to go and get the child, and they agreed. The woman also brought out her phone with her child and started recording, but she claimed that the officers prohibited her from doing so.

She related that there were officers who entered their home donning grey clothing with SWAT vests.

“So, after they came in the house and we sit down, they asked who live over deh. I said my brother live over there. So, they leave the house where we were sitting and they went over there. So I get up and I come outside and an officer was standing there

NEWS

2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13

man during “anti-crime operation” with a gun, he said ‘go back inside, don’t come outside.’

So, we end up go back inside and I sit down. Like a minute after, I heard a gunshot and after I heard the gunshot, I see the kids outside, then the wife came to the door.

“My sister-in-law said she and her husband was in bed.

She said he had a bath last night and he go in with his bare towel and he fall asleep with the towel. So, after he fall asleep with the towel, she said she heard the banging on the door so when they [officers] kick down the room door, he jump up. She said when he jumped up, they shot him in his shoulder, they just shot him. They didn’t find no drugs, no ammunition, no weapon, no nothing they find, anything,” Latacy related.

Answers

The woman said after her brother was shot, the officers tried to treat the wound at the scene, but were unsuccessful. She said that even though her brother was shot and bleeding, no officer explained to the family the reason for their presence.

“I see they lifting my brother and bringing him out, before they even lift him and bring him out, one of them run through the door and say ‘the bag, the bag, bring the bag’…he was butt naked, they put him down on the floor and after they put him down on the floor, the guy bring back the bag and I don’t know what was in the bag…So, they bring it back and they wrap his hand, try to put something on his hand and they saying ‘bring the van, bring the van’, so van back up and they throw him

Force has been unsuccessful in clearing the roadway allowing for the free flow of traffic through the community.

Commander of the Police Division, Crystal Robinson meeting with family members of the dead man

that Orin was dead.

She said that Police Officers did not make contact with the family to provide an explanation.

The family said that they needed answers and needed them quickly, because the Police’s behaviour has left too much to be desired.

running along the Essequibo Coast, it meant that persons were stranded on both sides

services will not be available until the current issue has been resolved. We sincere-

Independent probe and damaged credibility Late Wednesday evening, the Boston family through their Attorneys – Nigel Hughes and Konyo Sandiford – called for an independent investigation into the matter since they say that the credibility of the Guyana Police Force has been severely damaged in their view.

In a statement, the family said that Feona felt as though she would have been shot after the Police fired at her husband. It added that the Police initially encountered Orin’s young daughter, who they removed from the house.

The family took umbrage with the Police’s statement to the media which they say was issued before even talk-

Fiery protests

Boston’s killing triggered massive protests in the village with residents burning tyres and old vehicles and blocking streets. They are demanding justice for what they claim to be a coldblooded murder.

The protests started early in the morning as word of the killing spread through the relatively quiet commu-

in the back of the van and they gone,” Latacy recounted.

The sister further stated that when she tried to get answers from the officers, they were rude and unprofessional.

“I was traumatised. So after he [a Police Officer] said ‘don’t say anything’, and I said ‘don’t say anything after y’all just shoot my f***ing brother and I must not say anything, that’s how it’s supposed to be?’ I said I coming with them and they said nobody is to leave the house.

But I jump in my vehicle, which was parked there, and I head behind them to Suddie [Hospital],” the woman explained.

Latacy told Guyana Timesthat when she arrived at Suddie Hospital, she saw her brother on a bed. She checked his body, but was promptly told to leave by the doctor. She left the room and shortly received the message

nity of Dartmouth. The residents blocked off the roads and bridges throughout the community and began burning debris while chanting for justice.

With just one main road

of the fiery protest.

“The public is advised that operations at the Charity Post Office are being affected due to the ongoing protest in the village of Dartmouth.

Kindly note that some of our

ly regret the inconvenience this has caused and we continue to monitor the situation closely,” the Post Office said in a Facebook post.

Up until late Wednesday night, the Guyana Police

ing to eyewitnesses and has called for an independent investigation into his death by independent professional investigators with the appropriate contemporary forensic equipment and training.

Additionally, they are demanding that the course of the investigation ensures that the hands of the ranks on duty as well as Orin’s be dusted for gun powder residue; examination of body camera footage; taking possession of the bloodied pillow and bed sheet; determination of whether a search warrant was issued for Orin’s premises; recovery of spent shells; the intelligence that led to the search of Orin’s home; what exactly the Police were looking for, the Standard Operating Procedures deployed when they entered Orin’s bedroom; and the trajectory of the bullet.

The Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an investigation into the matter.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Payless opens at MovieTowne …FDI creates opportunities for Guyanese – GCCI President

The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to officially open the Payless store in Guyana

P

ayless, an internationally known footwear retailer shoe source brand, on Wednesday held the official launch of their new location in Guyana.

The shoe store is located on the ground floor of the MovieTowne Mall at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

In a simple ceremony, the brand kicked off its opening with the first 50 customers at the store each receiving a 10 per cent discount voucher.

These were valid for the day of the opening only.

The new venture boasts of being 100 per cent Guyanese-oriented, since all nine of its employees are Guyanese, and the store was said to be the company’s first new market to be opened in six years and was described as a turning point in a new place of growth for the company.

Country Manager of the new Payless Shoe Store, Jerus Mohammed, who is

also the country manager for the stores in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, said, “It brings me great pleasure to see that today Payless opens its doors to Guyana for the first time. We are ecstatic to finally provide the only world-class shopping for footwear and accessories to the people of Guyana.”

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker,

welcomed the venture to Guyana’s business community. He stated that the GCCI welcomes foreign direct investments.

“Foreign direct investments help all, all of us in this country. It brings employment to citizens, opportunities to service providers, rental of property; it brings financial input to the economy with forex; but, most importantly, it brings confidence in Guyana; in our economy, in our business community,” he explained.

He further charged the new venture with focusing on local content, while encouraging them to add Guyanese businesses to their supply chain.

“I would encourage the Payless Guyana team and task the organisation to do its part for local content, and do so by hiring Guyanese.

And I was pleased to see that you’ve started and you’ve hit the ground running with 100% percent Guyanese and 100% local. It shows your commitment to local content already,” Tucker added.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana

Small Business Bureau, Vanessa Thompson, on behalf of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, said, “The launch of the Payless Guyana is [also] about choice. With your wide array of shoes, accessories, handbags, and product care, you bring that sphere of democracy to fashion by allowing Guyanese that choice and opportunity to be in tune with modern styles…how excellent it would be to see a Payless location in, for example, in Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, or Lethem.”

She made an appeal to

local businesses in general to not just invest in Region Four, but to consider broadening their horizon to other regions in the country.

The store boasts a wide variety of footwear for almost every need, like dress, casual, and athletic styles; as well as specialty footwear, with hard-to-find sizes for women with a significant portion of the seasonal assortment offered in sizes 11, 12, and 13.

Payless also carries an array of seasonal accessories, such as socks, handbags and shoe care items.

Peter Headley’s murder…

Police Complaints Authority completes reviewing report – Top Cop …file to be sent to DPP

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our months after 45-year-old Peter Headley, a taxi driver of Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was fatally shot by Police while in custody, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has completed the review of the investigative file.

This information was relayed to the press by Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie on Wednesday. He added that the file will now be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review and advice. This is now months after the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) had completed its investigation into the shooting of Headley.

“The OPR is the unit responsible for conducting these investigations, and they are required to conduct very professional and comprehensive investigations. We made contact with the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, and he indicated that he has completed the file and it will be sent to the DPP in a short while, very shortly.

“As a matter of fact, we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday) and he indicated that it is completed, so it will be headed over to the DPP,” the Top Cop told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday.

Headley was shot and

Dead: Peter Headley

killed on May 15, 2021 at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara after he and another man were arrested

by Police. Police had said in a release that, at about 20:45h, ranks intercepted a motor car with Headley and the other man. Headley was at the time the driver of the vehicle.

However, a search was conducted on the vehicle, during which a television set suspected to have been stolen during an armed robbery at Herstelling, EBD, on May 11, 2021 was found.

As such, the two men were arrested.

It was reported that Headley was placed in the front passenger seat of the civilian vehicle which was being driven by a Policeman.

There was an armed Police

rank in the back seat. The other suspect was placed in the Police vehicle with the other ranks.

On their way to the Providence Police Station, Headley allegedly reached under the seat and pulled out an object, which the Police said “appeared to be a firearm.”

Upon seeing this, the armed rank who was sitting at the back seat discharged a round that hit Headley to his body.

He was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

A post-mortem examination had revealed that Headley died of a single gunshot wound that perforated his lungs.

The two ranks who were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting were initially placed under close arrest as the matter was reported to the OPR for an investigation to be launched. In July, the Commissioner related that the ranks are now on open arrest pending the outcome of the investigation.

However about one week after his death, Headley’s relatives picketed the Home Affairs Ministry, calling for justice. The family is contending that the man was not a bandit. (G2)

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 forces closure of 17 schools after teachers test positive J

ust days into the new school term, COVID-19 has forced the closure of 17 schools across Guyana, according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

She made this disclosure during an interview on the sidelines of an event held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

After being closed for more than a year, some schools in Guyana reopened on September 6 for face-to-face classes under strict COVID-19 guidelines. The Education Ministry has made it clear that teachers returning to school must be vaccinated or present a negative PCR test taken within seven days.

But with teachers and students testing positive for the deadly virus, several schools were closed within a week.

Minister Manickchand explained that these schools were closed in accordance with what the Health Ministry requested. She, however, clarified that not every school was “closed completely”.

“If a Headteacher did not come into contact with anyone and she is positive, then

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

there is no need to close the school except for sanitisation.

Once that is done, then the schools can be reopened. If the Headteacher was in touch with 10 teachers, then they need to quarantine.”

“So, it is different circumstances for each school,” she said while adding it is hoped that students from closed schools are being engaged in online learning and provided with worksheets. The Minister disclosed that over the past year, unfortunately, many teachers have contracted COVID-19.

She, however, noted that

these teachers were given full support by the Education Ministry.

“We have worked very hard to support [them] by making sure that contact tracing was done in an organised way… where we took on the burden of making the arrangements.

As well as support being given to the teachers in the form of a care package,” the Education Minister added.

Speaking specifically on the closure of the 17 schools, Minister Manickchand pointed out, “every country in this world [that] has found a solu-

US denies entry to fleeing Berbice man wanted in Guyana

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wift action by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and their United States counterparts have led to the arrest of Ganeshwar Sheocharran at the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York and subsequent deportation to Guyana.

Sheocharran, 30, of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was wanted in connection with the ongoing investigation of the attempted murder of Sandra “Roma” Raju. The incident occurred on Monday.

In a statement, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said as the investigation continues into the attempted murder committed on Raju by Sheocharran, the suspect was arrested earlier on Wednesday and placed in Police custody after he was denied entry into the USA. Crime Chief Blanhum said investigators received information that Sheocharran managed to board a flight to the USA at 17:26h on Tuesday.

Subsequently, the GPF contacted law enforcement officials in the USA and informed them that the suspect was wanted by local police.

Hence, upon his arrival in the USA, the suspect was denied entry and sent back on a flight to Guyana, which arrived at 06:54h on Wednesday morning and was promptly arrested by local investigators and placed in custody.

Reports are that Sheocharran and Raju had an argument on Sunday eve-

Captured: Ganeshwar Sheocharran

ning which continued into the wee hours of Monday.

Guyana Times understands that the couple and their four-year-old daughter were alone at home when the incident occurred.

Sheocharran reportedly used a lighter and set his wife on fire, but she managed to put out the fire by rolling on the floor.

The woman suffered second-degree burns to 98 per cent of her body.

This newspaper was told by relatives of the couple that Raju, a medical laboratory technician attached to the Port Mourant Hospital, was living in an abusive relationship, but was reluctant to report instances of violence to the Police.

Reports are that Sheocharran made arrangements to flee the country and family members were alerted and con-

tacted the Police, but by that time the suspect was already on his way to the US. The United States Embassy in Georgetown said through cooperation among the regional security offices of both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, the GPF’s Criminal Investigation Department, US Custom and Border Protection, the US Marshal Service and Caribbean Airlines, Sheocharran was denied entry upon arrival in New York and sent back to Guyana, where he remains in Police custody.

US Ambassador SarahAnn Lynch praised the operation, saying “it is this kind of collaboration that will make our region safe for all Guyanese.

Congratulations to all who were involved, as the rule of law is our collective responsibility.” (G4)

tion to get their children back in the classroom has had to deal with very similar issues” .

She said that those teachers who tested positive did not contract the virus at school.

Nevertheless, she said that these teachers have either received or are in the process of receiving a care kit from the Ministry. She said that the Ministry has been constantly doing contact tracing and making arrangements for teachers to be tested and vaccinated.

Dropouts

The Education Minister revealed that hundreds of primary school students dropped out of school because of the pandemic. In fact, the dropout number at the primary level is at least 1000.

As for the secondary schools, Manickchand said that many students signed up to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), but did not show up.

“They are already in the backdams,” she said.

According to her, although the Ministry is finding ways to curtail the learning loss brought on by COVID-19, the school dropout numbers continue to rise. “We can’t be in a place where we encourage black market education. If we do, we would be failing to respond as a Ministry.”

She said that teachers and parents have agreed that children must be engaged in face-to-face learning.

“In this last year, we tried very hard and in difficult circumstances to continue engaging our children. Yet, we have seen significant learning loss. Yet, we have seen dropouts at the primary level….

We are beginning to see and feel tangibly the effects of this school closure that has been predicted by UNESCO…” “We can’t afford to lose our children. We simply can’t. It would be us dooming them to a life of poverty and hardship.

Because we all know that the one sure way to be comfortable and have plenty and be able to hear, understand and interpret things for oneself, the only sure way is through a solid education.”

As such, she said that the Ministry would work along with the relevant stakeholders to find ways to safely engaged children as the pandemic is going nowhere.

Although there is a prediction that the world might get a break from the pandemic by next year August, Manickchand pointed out “look how far off is that”.

Schools in Guyana were reopened based on individual assessments.

Already, the Education Ministry has reported that the reopening has seen a high turnout among teachers and students. The Health Ministry has advised the Education Ministry that it would be better to have students fully vaccinated before they return.

The United States Government recently donated to Guyana, 146, 250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which is being used to vaccinate children ages 12 to 17.

And according to the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, there are enough doses to immunise the adolescent population. (G1)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dartmouth fatal shooting…

Officer who fired fatal shot under close arrest, no body cam used during operation – Police …Top Cop, Crime Chief visit family …SWAT team’s presence in Region a result of high-level intelligence

Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum interact with protesters on Essequibo Coast

By Lakhram Bhagirat

W

hile the Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of Essequibo Coast businessman Orin Boston, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) member responsible for firing the fatal shot has been placed under close arrest.

That is according to Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie during an emergency press conference on Wednesday.

He also revealed that Boston was shot with a .223 calibre rifle, which is the standard issued to the SWAT team.

“The weapon that was used during the shooting is that of a rifle, a .223 calibre,” Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has said.

Boston, of Hoppy Street Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was shot by SWAT officers during a search of his home at about 04:40h on Wednesday. He operated “Ease Meh Stress” bar, and word of his killing sparked massive protests (see story on centre pages).

Visits family

Commissioner Hoppie and Crime Chief Blanhum, along with other officers, travelled from Georgetown to the Essequibo Coast, where they met with the family and relatives of Boston. They assured that

a thorough investigation would be conducted while appealing for the residents to desist from blocking the road.

At the press conference on Wednesday, Commissioner Hoppie promised that no stone would be left unturned as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigates the incident.

“Myself and the Crime Chief have visited Dartmouth earlier in the day, and the wife and other relatives contradicted the Police claim, indicating that there wasn’t a confrontation. Even before I visited, I had asked for a comprehensive investigation to be done, and having listened to their story. I also reminded them that no stone is going to be left unturned, and a comprehensive investigation would be done in this matter,” he told reporters virtually from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Hoppie said the Police had been on the Essequibo Coast conducting anti-crime operations which started at about 02:00h. They allegedly went to two houses where some persons wanted for murder were arrested. After conducting those searches, they went to Boston’s in pursuit of “prohibited items”.

When pressed for information as to what constitute “prohibited items”, the Top Cop would only say that the OPR investigation would reveal that.

High-level intelligence, no body cams

The SWAT team is highly trained, and is to be used only in specialised operations, such as fighting terrorism. When asked about their presence in Region Two, the Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Operation, Clifton Hicken, said it was as a result of high-level intelligence.

The SWAT team, consisting of one gazetted officer and 11 ranks, left the Georgetown Headquarters on Tuesday – mere hours before the fatal operation commenced.

Hoppie, Hicken and Blanhum were all adamant that the SWAT team’s presence was absolutely neces-

Top Cop Nigel Hoppie and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum met with family members of Orin Boston who was shot dead during a Police operation at Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast

sary in light of the information they received. However, none of them could say what the information was.

“Police, acting on intelligence, conducted searches there for prohibited items…nothing was found (at Boston’s) during the search…Usually when we receive intel and we assess the information, the SWAT team could be deployed based upon the intel we received.

Deployed to specific regions…the SWAT unit is not centralised in that Region, but whenever there is intel, we would conduct anti-crime patrols in specific regions, and so we were conducting anti-crime patrols in Region Two,” the Top Cop said.

Additionally, the Police Commissioner said the ranks were not wearing body cameras at the time of the operation. He did not venture into whether the utilisation of body cameras is part of the standard operating procedure of the Police. Instead, the Commissioner said that information would be related via the investigation by the OPR. “My advice at the time was that the Police (were) not in possession of body cameras…I would just like to say that the ranks there were not using body cams, and all the SOPs that are required would be brought out in the investigations,” Hoppie related.

“Body cameras are issued to the regions and departments based on the resources that are available, and like the Commissioner said, if there is any breach while conducting the operation, it will be part of the investigation,” Hicken told reporters.

None of the senior officials at the press conference – which included Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Clifton Hicken – provided a detailed account of the alleged confrontation between the officers and the businessman, and what led to the law enforcement officers opening fire.

Meanwhile, the Crime Chief noted that Boston had

never been prosecuted criminally by the Police, but he said a check is still ongoing at the Criminal Record Office.

The OPR is currently in the region conducting their investigation.

“I indicated to the ranks who are conducting the investigation that we must work with a fair degree of alacrity to ensure that this is completed,” Hoppie said.

Concerned

The Police Commissioner said the Force remains concerned when force is used in the execution of any of their operations, and that is why he asked for such an urgent investigation. He added that if it is revealed that excessive force was used, then all those involved would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Hoppie further explained that, as Commissioner, he thought it necessary to go on the ground to ascertain exactly what was going on, since the roadways were blocked and residents were clamouring that it was an unjust shooting.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it is concerned about the shooting.

“The Ministry wishes to advise that the circumstances leading to and resulting in the loss of life would be thoroughly and independently investigated,” it said in a statement.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

9 COVID-19 deaths, 298 new cases recorded in 24h …as Health Minister appeals to pregnant women to get vaccinated

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ine new COVID-19 deaths were announced by the Health Ministry on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry, among the nine deaths was a 73-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who was fully vaccinated; a 66-year-old and a 52-yearold were also both partially vaccinated.

Six other unvaccinat-

ed persons also died, the Health Ministry said. This has now taken Guyana’s death toll to 701.

Also, on Wednesday, the Ministry announced that 298 persons had tested positive for COVID-19 in a 24hour period.

A breakdown of the new cases showed that three cases were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); seven in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 57 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 203 in Region Four (Demerara-

Mahaica); 12 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); seven in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

According to the Health Ministry, there are 31 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 142 in institutional isolation.

Some 3,000 persons are

in home isolation and 19 are in institutional quarantine.

Pregnant women

Meanwhile, during his daily update on Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the COVID-19 vaccine is safe to take during pregnancy, and has called on pregnant women to get inoculated and protect themselves and unborn babies against the virus.

“There are millions and millions of persons who would have received the vaccine during pregnancy,

and it had no effect on the baby. So, among the obstetricians globally, the advice is that you should get your vaccines during pregnancy.

The earlier you get it, you are going to be protected, because, during pregnancy, women can become more vulnerable to COVID, and therefore these vaccines can be very, very protective,” Anthony said.

He also addressed concerns of breastfeeding

mothers who are vaccinated or contemplating vaccination. He said the vaccines can protect babies through breastfeeding.

“For those breastfeeding mothers too, there’s no contrary indications that during breastfeeding, if you get the vaccine, it would harm the child. On the contrary, if you get the vaccine, you can produce antibodies, some of which will pass through the breast milk and would help to protect the baby. So, it is better for you to get the vaccine if you’re

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

298

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

142

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

3000

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

31

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

19

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

14,862

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

13,670

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

28,532

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

24,658

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

337,030

FULLY IMMUNISED

175,037

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

701

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1401

REGION 2

980

REGION 3

3568

REGION 4

13,583

REGION 5

967

REGION 6

2174

REGION 7

1467

REGION 8

430

REGION 9

2275

REGION 10

1687

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.

breastfeeding,” he pointed out.

Data released by the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that none of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live vi-

rus which would make pregnant women or their babies sick.

CDC said, too, that women with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of preterm birth or adverse pregnancy outcomes, with an

increased risk of experiencing severe illness from the Coronavirus. This includes sickness that requires hospitalisation, intensive care, need for ventilators or breathing equipment, and even death.

St Joseph Mercy Hospital now ISO-certified W

hile celebrating its 76th anniversary this month, the St Joseph Mercy Hospital on Tuesday revealed that the hospital has achieved standardisation by way of an ISO 9001:2015 certification.

This marks an astounding accomplishment for the medical institution as it continues to improve its services to serve the population.

This certification was acquired through Global Compliance Service Guyana Inc., a Guyanese-ownedand- operated business, the only accredited ISO certification body with a resident office in Guyana. It comprises Guyanese professionals who are qualified ISO Management Systems Trainers and Auditors.

CEO of GCS, Candelle Bostwick, congratulated the hospital on its certification while stating what it entails for customers.

“The ISO 9001 standard is one that is based on providing accurate, reliable and consistent quality of service to the customers, and in this case, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital their scope includes the delivery of patient care services. And that says it’s all of the service provided by this health care institution, and

also the Mercy Resident Care Centre”, Bostwick explained.

She added, “What the certification means to St Joseph Mercy Hospital and its Mercy Resident Care Service is that customers can now expect or continue to expect improved quality in delivery of their services, and they have a system to ensure that the customers’ requirements are met.”

The CEO of GCS went on to highlight that with the advancement of Guyana’s oil & gas sector in full swing, and international investors swarming the country’s shores, the level of health care services those investors are accustomed to and can rely on will be expected.

CEO of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Enock Gaskin, stated that the hospital is committed to the standardisation and documentation of what they do, therefore being able to acquire certification amid a global pandemic.

“As the country grapples with the effects of the pandemic, the significance of today’s occasion takes on new meaning. Our processes and procedures had to be strengthened to accommodate the COVID-19 disease reality, a circumstance that is not the norm. I dare say we are here because we were able to sat-

Members of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Board and Quality Management Team

isfactorily surmount that hurdle.”

Meanwhile, Carlton Joao, Chairman of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, revelled in the fact that the hospital would have received standardisation, and made note of the fact that a cultural change was necessary in acquiring such.

“Deep in this was 76 years of culture. It’s very difficult to change after you’ve been doing things for a very long time, and I want to first of all acknowledge the efforts made by everyone in this hospital, every member of staff who’ve had to change their thought process, their way of think-

ing.”

76 years ago, in September 1945, St Joseph Mercy Hospital opened its doors to patient care along with a school of nursing. What began mainly as a maternity hospital and a small surgical unit has since expanded over the past seven decades to include pediatrics, orthopedics, neurosurgery, gastroenterology laparoscopic surgery, cosmetic surgery, industrial medicine, audiometry tests, hemodialysis, cardiology services and linkages to international insurances through MOUs, supporting oil and gas medical needs.

The St. Joseph Mercy

Hospital has invested heavily to meet the demands of the industry by pursuing ISO9001:2015 certification among other initiatives. The hospital continues to develop its range of products and services to meet the continued needs of patients accessing quality care at the institution.

Additionally, their Quality Department continues to pursue their policy: “to consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. Ensuring that all staff are informed and trained on the Quality Management System is our highest priority, so that it can be imple-

mented.”

Companies certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard are said to have established a Quality Management System which provides a framework for the delivery of consistent quality products and services, as defined within its scope of certification.

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for a Quality Management System (QMS) that was developed and published by the ISO. This certification provides a model for companies of all types and sizes to improve internal systems, build quality management systems, and operate effectively at different levels, including the ability to focus on customer requirements and constantly find ways to become resilient and sustainable.

The Balwant Singh Hospital in 2019 became the first health institution to be ISO-certified.

In addition to their certification, the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital boasts 100% COVID-19 vaccination among staff members.

This was said to be achieved by way of educating the staffers from the initial stages of the pandemic and vaccination drives.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Regional

Haitian official resigns over PM’s links Thousands of Salvadorans to suspect in President’s slaying’ march against President Bukele

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resh turmoil hit Haiti’s Government on Wednesday as a senior official stepped down saying he could not serve a premier under suspicion in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and refusing to cooperate in the investigation.

The resignation of Renald Luberice, who served more than four years as Secretary General of Haiti’s Council of Ministers, came after new evidence emerged linking Prime Minister Ariel Henry to the former Justice Ministry official suspected to be the mastermind behind Moïse ‘s killing.

Prosecutors say phone records show the two spoke twice around 04:00h on July 7, just hours after Moïse, 53, was shot dead when heavily-armed assassins stormed his private residence.

Henry has denied any involvement in the murder, but he has not directly addressed the phone calls and on Tuesday he replaced Haiti’s Chief Prosecutor who had been seeking to charge

T

Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry

him as a suspect and ban him from leaving the country.

The premier last week dismissed attempts to interview him over Moïse’s killing as politicking designed to distract him from the work at hand in the poorest country in the Americas where power struggles have for decades hampered development.

In a letter shared on social media on Wednesday, Luberice said he cannot serve someone who “does not intend to cooperate with

justice, seeking, on the contrary, by all means, to obstruct it”.

More than 40 people including 18 Colombians have been detained so far as part of the investigation into Moïse’s killing yet it has so far done little to solve the mystery and been riddled with irregularities.

Several judicial officials went into hiding after saying they received death threats while the original judge assigned to the case recused himself. (Excerpt from Reuters)

PAHO: Delta becoming dominant in the Caribbean

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s Caricom leaders consider a regional response to a surge in COVID-19 cases among member states, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) confirms that the highly-transmissible Delta Variant is becoming the dominant strain in the Caribbean.

It is a similar pattern globally; the Delta Variant caused spikes in infections, hospitalisations and deaths in India, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States, among many other countries.

At PAHO’s virtual media briefing on COVID-19 in the Americas on Tuesday, Dr Sylvain Aldighieri,

Incident Manager for COVID-19, said most of the Eastern Caribbean region reported the presence of the Variant of Concern. In the last two weeks, Bahamas, Guyana and Haiti were among the countries to detect the variant.

“It is important to remember that this process of displacement or replacement of strains or variants by another is an expected phenomenon which has been happening since very early in the pandemic. It occurs, among other factors, because of the emergence and circulation of variants like Delta that are better adapted to the human host as part of

their evolution process,” Aldighieri said.

On Tuesday, Caricom leaders met virtually in a Special Emergency Meeting to discuss growing cases, hospitalisations, and deaths. Leaders learned that since March, the Caribbean recorded more than 300,00 cases and 6700 deaths.

Over the last week, the Americas reported 1.4 million new COVID-19 cases and 23,300 related deaths.

While many parts of the world reported decreasing infection rates, the Americas reported nearly a 20 per cent increase in new infections. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister resigns over mask-less appearance at social

A

griculture and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green resigned on Wednesday and apologised to the people of Jamaica after he was caught on camera at a social gathering failing to observe COVID-19 protocols on a “no-movement day”.

A video showing several people, including Green; Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Councillor for the Mona Division in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Andrew Bellamy and Green’s assistant Gabrielle Hylton, who is also Vice President of the JLP National Organisation for Women, was widely circulated on social media.

The event took place at a hotel on Tuesday which was designated a “no-movement day” as part of measures to contain the spread of the nov-

Jamaican Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green resigned on Wednesday over his mask-less appearance at a social gathering

el coronavirus (COVID-19).

The group was seen eating and drinking and toasting to the “no-movement day”.

Green said in a statement issued on Wednesday he had met earlier in the day with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and indicated he would “withdraw from the

Cabinet”.

“I have disappointed so many – my family, including my son, my Prime Minister and, most importantly, the people of Jamaica who I have sworn to serve,” he said.

“No matter how briefly, and regardless of the circumstances, I should never have participated in any engagement that could indicate a lack of appreciation of the difficult and serious realities that now face the entire country.”

He added: “My actions have demonstrated a lack of sensitivity for the difficult realities that all of us are facing currently. It was wrong. I accept that this was an error in judgment and that it sends the wrong signal especially in light of the Government’s drive to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Excerpt from CMC)

housands of Salvadorans took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against President Nayib Bukele, who they accuse of a power grab aimed at weakening democratic institutions and consolidating his grip on power.

A the heart of their complaints is the recent law making bitcoin legal tender alongside the US dollar and the firing in May of the Judges on the constitutional panel of the Supreme Court, among the most senior jurists in the country, as well as the then Attorney General.

Replacements seen as friendly to Bukele were swiftly voted, which generated harsh criticism from the United States as well as top international rights groups deriding the moves as a power grab.

The protesters, who vandalised an ATM where you can exchange bitcoins for dollars, also rebuked a court ruling saying the President can serve two consecutive terms, opening the door for Bukele to stand for re-election in 2024.

“It’s important to say this morning: Enough already!

What the Government is doing is arrogant, it is authoritarianism,” said 49-year-old protester Dora Rivera.

Some 4500 people, included labour unions, university students, healthcare workers, farmers, lawyers, LGBTQ groups, Indigenous communities and members of the Opposition politicians took to the streets, according to organisers’ estimates and a Reuters witness.

There was no Government estimate on

how big the march was.

The protesters brandished banners with slogans such as “Bukele Dictator” and shouted for the polarising 40-year-old leader to resign.

Bukele, who has been criticised for sending soldiers and Police to occupy Congress in 2020 as a way to pressure lawmakers, before his party won a majority in legislative elections, was due to give an address Wednesday night.

“I don’t like the way he (Bukele) is behaving at all, he is like a capricious child,” said Norelbia Arias, a 28-year-old student.

Even so, a recent poll by La Prensa Grafica newspaper showed that 85.7 per cent of the 1506 people polled across the country in the second half of August approved of the President.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

“We are not criminals”: Migrants protest in southern Mexico

H

undreds of migrants stuck in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on Wednesday protested against the country’s immigration policies that have frustrated their efforts to travel to the United States.

Many of the Central and Latin American migrants, including a large Haitian contingent, have been stuck for months in the city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala, complaining that authorities have stopped them from transiting through Mexico.

“We are not criminals, we are international workers,” the migrants shouted.

Many of the Haitian migrants had arrived from Brazil and Chile, two nations where they fled to long ago to avoid the poverty back home.

The Caribbean island is the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, and its economy has been further hit by earthquakes, the coronavirus pandemic, and political unrest.

Activists and migrants from Haiti march to the Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees (COMAR) to claim for their rights, in Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico, September 15, 2021

The influx of migrants has overwhelmed Tapachula and the local migration infrastructure. Thousands of migrants can be seen sleeping in the open on the streets.

“We are begging to be let out of Tapachula, they are starving us,” said Juliana Exime, a 30-year-old Haitian woman who has been in that city for two weeks.

“We are sleeping on the street, in the rain, we are getting sick, they want to kill us

and even more so with that disease,” Exime added, referring to COVID-19.

The Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mexican migration officials and military personnel have been criticised by rights groups for using violence to stem the flows of USbound migrants in the south of the country. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba publishes draft family code that opens door to gay marriage

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uba published a long-awaited draft of a new family code on Wednesday that would open the door to gay marriage if approved, in a move that LGBT rights activists applauded cautiously as they remained wary of whether it would actually be implemented.

The new code defines marriage as the “voluntary union of two people” without specifying gender, as opposed to the current definition as the “union of a man and woman”.

The draft still needs to go to a grassroots debate,

however, and will then be amended to take into account citizens’ opinions before going to a referendum.

Activists fear the commission charged with it could relent under pushback from religious groups and those who prefer traditional machismo culture.

They say the Government should not have stipulated a referendum on what are fundamental human rights.

The Government says it wants to build rather than force acceptance of change.

In 2018, the Government decided to withdraw an amendment to Cuba’s new

constitution that would have opened the door to same-sex unions after campaigning by evangelical churches.

“The blueprint for the family code is everything one could have hoped for,” said Maykel Gonzalez Vivero, director of Tremenda Nota, a digital magazine that focuses on women, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community and the Black community.

“It took a long time and there was no transparency in its interminable process of nearly 15 years. But it’s there.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices jump over US$2/bbl after drawdown in stock

O

il prices rose over US$2 a barrel on Wednesday after Government data showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in US crude inventories, and on expectations demand will rise as vaccination roll-outs widen.

US crude oil stockpiles fell last week to the lowest since September 2019, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, extending their drawdown after Hurricane Ida late August shut numerous refineries and offshore drilling production.

Brent crude rose US$1.86, or 2.5 per cent, to settle at US$75.46 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed US$2.15, or 3.1 per cent, to US$72.61 a barrel.

Earlier in the session, Brent touched US$76.13 a barrel, a contract high, and the highest outright price since late July.

“Brent and WTI pricing are up strongly today, back near the peaks we hit earlier in the summer,” said Pavel Molchanov, an analyst at Raymond James. “Oil momentum has continued ever since late August following Hurricane Ida as the Gulf of Mexico still struggles to fully restore production.”

US crude and distillate inventories last week fell more than analysts expected, while gasoline stocks also declined, but fell slightly short of analysts’ expectations.

Crude inventories fell by 6.4 million barrels in the week to September 10 to 417.4 million barrels, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 3.5 million-barrel drop.

“We have seen large crude and product draws which is supportive to the energy complex,” said Tony Headrick, energy market analyst at CHS Hedging. “The tropical storm that just came through slowed down recovery efforts from Hurricane Ida and we will continue to see the effects from Ida for the next few reports.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Pakistan calls for world to “engage” with Taliban Government

P

akistan’s national security adviser has called on the world to “engage” with the Taliban’s caretaker government in Afghanistan or risk a return to the instability that characterised the group’s last era in power three decades ago.

In an address to foreign media in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday, Moeed Yusuf urged the international community not to repeat past mistakes.

“We are trying to make sure that the world understands the importance of not making the mistakes of the past again,” he said.

“For us, it is an imperative to seek peace and stability in Afghanistan, that is what we are focused on.”

Yusuf’s comments come as world powers debate whether and under what conditions to recognise the new Government in Kabul dominated by the Taliban, which swept across Afghanistan in a lightning offensive last month.

The group seized control of the capital, Kabul, on August 15 as former President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

Pakistan, Afghanistan’s south-eastern neighbour, has repeatedly called for world powers to engage with the new Government and to provide immediate humanitarian and other aid to stave off an

Pakistan's national security adviser Moeed Yusuf gestures as he speaks to members of the media in Islamabad on September 15, 2021 about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan [Aamir Qureshi/ AFP]

imminent economic collapse.

On Monday, several countries pledged more than US$1.1 billion in food aid at a United Nations conference to address immediate poverty and hunger concerns in Afghanistan. Roughly US$10 billion in Afghan central bank reserves, however, remain frozen at banks abroad, notably with the US Federal Reserve.

Yusuf called for world powers to engage with the Taliban rather than to freeze ties with the Government led by the armed group, which waged a bloody 20-year battle against occupying US and NATO forces that killed tens of thousands of Afghan civilians and security forces.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Canada's Trudeau slammed over rising inflation as election race tightens

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he leader of Canada's main Opposition party on Wednesday said a surge in inflation last month highlighted the failure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's economic policies, and urged Canadians to vote out the Government in an election on Monday.

Erin O'Toole, whose Conservatives are tied in the polls with Trudeau's centre-left Liberals, said Canadians were experiencing an affordability crisis and blamed what he called the Prime Minister's reckless spending and massive debts.

"It's troubling that Justin Trudeau seems to not care about the skyrocketing cost

of living that is being imposed on Canadians through inflation," O'Toole said in a statement.

Statistics Canada said the annual inflation rate in August accelerated to 4.1 per cent, the highest level since March 2003, in part due to the soaring cost of gasoline and the fact that prices in August 2020 were depressed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Liberals, in power for the past six years, racked up record debt and the highest budget deficits since World War Two. Trudeau is promising more investments if he wins.

The Liberal leader said he recognised families were

Canada's Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at an election campaign stop in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, September 14, 2021

concerned about affordability, and that is why his Government had spent heavily to shield businesses and people from the worst of the pandemic.

He told reporters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that Canada "is bouncing back ... from an extreme crisis of this

pandemic that has caused a lot of disruption and yes, is increasing prices".

The Bank of Canada says the spike in prices is temporary and that it expects inflation to settle back down towards the central bank's two per cent target by 2022.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

North and South Korea test ballistic ICC to open full missiles hours apart investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs

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The test of the South Korean missile known as SLBM was pre-planned and not in reaction to the North's latest launches

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orth and South Korea have tested ballistic missiles hours apart from each other, highlighting an arms race on the peninsula as nuclear talks with the North remain stalled.

The North fired two ballistic missiles across its east coast, its first test with such missiles in six months and a fresh breach of United Nations resolutions.

The tests came as South Korea and China discussed the North's nuclear issue.

Hours later, the South tested its first submarine-launched ballistic missile.

The test of the missile known as SLBM was preplanned and not in reaction to the North's latest launches. It makes South Korea the seventh country in the world with such technology.

President Moon Jae-in, who attended the test, said South Korea now had "sufficient deterrence to respond to North Korea's provocations at any time", urging the South to continue increasing its weapons programmes to "overwhelm North Korea's asymmetric power".

The comments were criticised by Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who described them as illogical and regrettable, warning that they could lead to a breakdown

in ties, State news agency KCNA reported.

In North Korea's test, the short-range missiles flew around 800km (500 miles) at a maximum altitude of 60km, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

They were launched from central inland areas of the country, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, the JCS added. South Korea and the US were conducting analysis to determine which type of missile was used.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

he International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally authorised an official probe into alleged crimes against humanity in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs”, dealing a moral victory to human rights defenders and families of victims killed, including innocent children.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Haguebased tribunal said there was “reasonable basis” to proceed with the probe noting that “specific legal element of the crime against humanity of murder” has been met in the crackdown that left thousands dead.

The ICC’s pre-trial chamber also said that the “socalled ‘war on drugs’ campaign could not be seen as a legitimate law enforcement operation, and the killings neither as legitimate nor as mere excesses in an otherwise legitimate operation”.

The order to investigate

was signed by Judges Péter Kovács, Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera.

The court said that its judges considered evidence presented on behalf of at least 204 victims, and what they found suggested that a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population took place pursuant to or in furtherance of a State policy”.

Former ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda filed the request to investigate just before her retirement in June, alleging that “State actors, primarily members of the Philippine security forces, killed thousands of suspected drug users and other civilians during official law enforcement operations”.

Bensouda’s successor, Prosecutor Karim Khan, will now oversee the actual probe and possible trial of the case.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China launches emergency response after magnitude 6 earthquake hits Sichuan

C

hina said on Thursday it had launched an emergency response after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolted the southwestern province of Sichuan early in the morning, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Sichuan's earthquake relief headquarters activated a level-II response, said Xinhua, the second-highest in China's four-tier emergency response system.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre, the epicentre was 29.2 degrees north latitude and 105.34 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at

China's Sichuan province suffered a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in 2019

a depth of 10 km (6 miles).

After the quake, which took place at 04:33h (2033 GMT) on Thursday, Luzhou City launched a level-I emergency response.

The GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said earlier that the earthquake measured a magnitude of 5.5.(Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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Seek out those who owe you a favor; you’ll get the boost you need to make your way forward. An unexpected offer will give you a chance to revise your plans for the next step.

A wait-and-see approach will be in your best interest.

Handle tricky situations with kid gloves, and you will buy yourself time and earn favors from those vying for your support.

You’re in the driver’s seat; navigate your way to the place you want to go.

Be proactive and make decisions that will help you establish yourself in a position of authority.

You have more power than you realize. Refuse to let the requests others make stop you from doing what suits you. A change at home may not be welcome, but in the end, it will turn out OK. Talk matters through passionately. Set a precedent and show leadership. Avoid taking risks that can affect your physical well-being. Aim to please, but don’t give in to an unreasonable request.

You’ll have to walk a fine line when dealing with competitive people. Be prepared to learn from experience and adjust quickly to offset any potential fallout. Flexibility will be crucial.

An emotional matter will escalate if you get involved in a joint endeavor. Do your own thing and keep conversations positive. Finish what you start and avoid criticism.

Listen to and observe what others say and do before taking on a big project. Make adjustments that ensure you get to do the things that make you happy. A romantic gesture will lift your spirits.

Update your resume or SAGITTARIUS make professional chang(Nov. 23es. An opportunity will come Dec. 21) your way if you get in touch with someone familiar with your background and credentials. Get the facts before you act.

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Pay more attention to expenses and how you use your money. Look for alternative ways to update your banking, handle your debt or improve your lifestyle. Don’t participate in events or activities that present a health risk.

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Channel your energy into something that makes you happy or brings you knowledge and assistance. Keep your wallet in a safe place, and avoid health risks. Go for the brass ring.

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Work in the background, where you’ll go unnoticed. Aim to achieve the most in the least amount of time. What you accomplish will pave the way to positive change and a chance to make financial gains.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

21

VIVO IPL 2021 set to welcome fans back to the stadiums

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rowds will be allowed at the IPL for the first time since the 2019 edition.

ESPNcricinfo understands that IPL Chief Operating Officer Hemang Amin relayed that information to the franchises on Tuesday, saying fans will be back for the second half of the IPL in "reduced capacity". The IPL, which was suspended in early May, resumes from September 19 and will be played at three venues in the UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

The IPL issued a media release on Wednesday, calling the return of fans a "momentous" occasion and

adding that it would allow "limited seating" at the three venues due to the UAE Government's regulations

during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not specify the percentage of tickets that would be put on sale.

The exercise, though, would be a rehearsal for both the local governments in the UAE and the BCCI for the 2021 men's T20 World Cup, which starts on October 17.

While the first round of the World Cup will be played in Oman, the Super 12s and the knockouts will be hosted by the UAE. This is the second edition of the IPL to be played during the pandemic. In

2020, too, the BCCI had shifted the IPL to the UAE, where the entire tournament was played behind closed doors. This year's IPL started in India on April 9, also behind closed doors, but was suspended indefinitely on May 3 after several members from four different franchises at two different venues tested positive for COVID-19. With the prospect of the outbreak growing further, the BCCI was forced to suspend the tournament after 29 matches.

The primary reason be-

hind bringing back crowds could be the fact that the vast majority of the public in the UAE has been fully vaccinated. While it is not clear what the various conditions put in place for overseas fans will be, one mandatory rule is likely to be that they need to be fully vaccinated.

Fans can buy tickets for the remainder of the tournament, from September 16, on the official website www.iplt20. com or on PlatinumList.net.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Eagles lose playoff against CCC Legendary West Indies Pacer Michael Holding calls time A, despite Williams’s efforts

T

he action continued over the weekend in the MSCL Division A 40 overs playoff match held at the Wrentham II cricket ground. The encounter saw the Boston Eagles lose against the Commonwealth Cricket Club A in a thrilling encounter that went down to a super over.

Despite excellent performances from Shaquille Williams with both bat and ball, Raviteja Vakkanthula with the ball and Nikhil Reddy, it was not enough to save them.

Batting first, the Eagles posted a small total of 142 in 38.5 overs. They never got going, as the CCC A unit made

Nikhil Reddy

sure they did not. They kept things tight at the other end, and forced the hand of the Eagles. At one point, the score was at 83-4, but Guyana’s very own Shaquille Williams made sure that his 39 off 45 deliveries, which include 3 boundaries and 1 maximum, got his team off the ground.

Nikhil Reddy chipped in with 35 as he supported Williams, but no other player made any impactful contribution.

Bowling for CCC A, Munawar Abasi took 3-40 and Hemanth Para took 2-18.

When the Eagles took to the field, they flipped the script on their opponents and turned the game in their favour. They got wickets at regular intervals, Williams in particular bagging two wickets that shifted the game.

Kumarjeet Joseph was the standout player, bagging 4-15 as the CCC A were bowled out for 142.

In the end, Commonwealth needed 6 in the last over, and

on his commentary career

Shaquille Williams

they got it and won the game.

The super over was bowled by Kumarjeet Joseph, who gave away 13 runs. When came turn for the Boston Eagles to bat, they could manage only 7 runs, and hence bowed out of the playoffs.

Kirani James, Shanieka Ricketts set meet records in Zagreb

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lympic bronze medalist Kirani James was an impressive winner in the 400m at the Memorial Borisa Hanzekovia 2021 Meeting in Zagreb on Tuesday, when Shanieka Ricketts ended her season with a meet record effort in the triple jump.

James won in commanding fashion, clocking a meet record 44.46. Looking fresh and fast even as his season winds down, James was more than a half-second faster than Botswana’s Isaac Makwala, who faded down the stretch to clock 45.15.

Italy’s Edoardo Scotti ran 45.30 for third.

Ricketts, meanwhile, closed her season with a meet record of 14.77m to win the triple jump ahead of Nesa Filipic, who jumped 14.31m for second place.

Senni Salminen was third with 14.24m.

Once again, Shericka Jackson had to settle for the runner-up spot in a race with Christine Mboma of Namibia. The teenager ran a meet record of 22.04, pulling away from Jackson, who ran 22.30. Athonique Strachan of the Bahamas ran third in 23.05.

Similarly, Ronald Levy played second fiddle to the USA’s Devon Allen in the 110m hurdles. Allen ran a personal best of 12.99 in

what was an unexpectedly comfortable win ahead of the Olympic bronze medalist, who ran 13.10 for second place, while Hansle Parchment, the Olympic gold medalist, was third in 13.12.

Janieve Russell ran 55.45 for third in the 400m hurdles race won by Panama’s Gianna Woodruff in 54.67. Anna Ryzhykova was second in 54.87.

Marvin Bracy had an-

other impressive win in the 100m, clocking 9.86 while pulling away from Ronnie Baker (9.97) and Trayvon Bromell (10.03). Julian Forte ran 10.20 for fifth.

Shadae Lawrence ended her season with a thirdplace finish in the discus with a throw of 60.80m.

Olympic champion, the USA’s Valarie Allman, threw 69.63m for the win over Sandra Perkovic (66.48m). (Sportsmax)

F

Michael Holding

ormer West Indies cricket legend Michael Holding has announced his retirement from cricket commentating.

Holding, one of the most influential and widely recognised voices in cricket, had hinted at retiring as a professional commentator quite a few times over the last year.

The 66-year-old, who was monikered ‘Whispering Death’ during his playing days for his lethal bowling exploits, has served Sky Sports for over 20 years as a commentator-broadcaster. However, with age catching up and the increasingly busy cricketing schedules, Holding has decided to bid goodbye to his second innings, with 2021 being his last year in the commentary box.

Holding, who represented West Indies in 60 Tests and 102 ODIs, and has 391 international wickets to his name, has said he feels himself to be extremely lucky when he looks back at his career, while he also opened up on the public opinion regarding his role as a commentator on a BBC podcast.

“In the Caribbean, I’ve been called biased before: ‘He doesn’t like Trinidad,

he doesn’t like people from Antigua, he doesn’t like no one from Guyana’, Holding said. “After a while, although these people don’t like what I say, they respect what I am saying. So, I don’t worry much about that [public opinion].”

Holding was contemplating his retirement since April this year, when he revealed about being unsure regarding his commentary future. “I am not too sure how much further than 2020 I will be going with commentary. I cannot see myself going much further down the road at my age. I am 66 years old now, I am not 36, 46 or 56,” he had said on a radio talk show.

“I told [Sky] that I could not commit to more than a year at a time. If this year gets totally destroyed, I might have to think about 2021, because I can’t just walk away from Sky, a company that has done so much good for me,” he had stated.

Holding, who bid adieu to international cricket in 1987, garnered immense respect worldwide for his famous monologue on racism in sport and society at large in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death.

(Crictracker)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

CPL 2021...

Pooran hoping GAW can learn from defeat — Shepherd, Smith, Motie impress

By Brandon Corlette

post-match interview.

he Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will have to continue that wait for that elusive Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title. In the 2021 CPL, Warriors’ campaign ended in the semi-final against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

After that match, GAW Captain Nicholas Pooran said he was hoping that GAW would learn from the encounter.

He also disclosed that, as a bowling group, Warriors were not up to the mark.

"As a bowling group, we weren't up to the mark.

Having said that, I hope that we take the learning from this. We were happy with anything over 160, Hetmyer played really well to get us to a good score. Lots of positives for us - Smith, Motie and Shepherd. Lots of young players putting their hands up.

Hope that they get better with these learnings. Congratulations to St Kitts," Pooran said at the

Impressive Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith and Gudakesh Motie were standout performers that impressed Warriors’ skipper Pooran and many cricket enthusiasts. Smith bowled with great venom, Shepherd was very consistent with

T

his skilful bowling and power hitting, and season debutant Motie bowled well in pressure situations.

After nine matches, Shepherd finished with 18 wickets at 14.11 and an economy rate of 7.69. Shepherd, a New Amsterdamer, also

Romario Shepherd bagged 18 wickets and scored over 100 runs

contributed with the bat, scoring 109 runs and striking at 165, the highest for a Warrior, and he had significant impact on the matches he played.

Jamaican speedster Odean Smith was the fastest bowler of the season. He also finished with 18 wickets at an average of 14.88 and an economy rate of 7.54 in the 11 matches he played.

Moreover, he struck 126 runs with the bat.

In his debut season, Albion's Gudakesh Motie was certainly impressive, bowling in pressure situations against some big guns.

GFF hails launch of Rupununi FA ATC as vital for youth development

P

resident of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, has hailed the launch of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Academy Training Centre (ATC) as “an important first step in a clear pathway for hinterland players to be channelled into the national programme”.

Attending the restart of the Rupununi ATC with GFF Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph and U20 Men’s Head Coach Wayne Dover, President Wayne Forde praised President Rayan Farias and the Executive Committee of the RFA for the “remarkable” work they have put in so far to develop the sport across Region 9.

“It is my solemn hope, with the support of the wider community, the village leaders and other stakeholders within the region, that more young boys and girls will make it to the national teams of Guyana and go on to represent their country, region and villages with honour and distinction,” Forde said.

The GFF-funded ATCs create a national network and development pathway for youth football with professional coaching for girls and boys in the Federation’s nine regional associations.

Through its ground-breaking Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP), the GFF is providing all the resources necessary to deliver continuous youth programmes and competitions for the first time.

“We are handing over full ownership of this ATC to the Executive Committee of the RFA,” Forde continued. “Through M-FAP, the GFF will continue to pay the ATC staff and provide all the equipment and funding necessary for our forthcoming inter-academy tournaments. We will also be conducting quality control visits along with child protection training. I would like to wish the RFA family every success in growing the ATC programme in

Odean Smith bagged 18 wickets

Gudakesh Motie had a fabulous debut season

He ended with eight wickets in six matches at an average of 15.50 and a stellar economy rate of 6.52, despite bowling in the powerplay.

In addition to this trio, Captain Pooran was the Warriors’ leading run-scorer. He had an aggregate of 263 runs at 32.87 and a strike rate of 163.

He scored one half-century, a high-score of 75.

Chandrapaul Hemraj was second in terms of runs for the Warriors, scoring 254 runs with a high-score of 105 not out. He had a par average of 25.40 and a good strike rate of 133.68.

Shimron Hetmyer was the other Warriors batsman with more than 200 runs. The lefthander scored 218 runs at 24.22 and a strike rate of 121.78,

certainly not impressive for the talent he possesses.

Brandon King (189 runs), and Mohammad Hafeez (179 runs) showed signs of form but did not capitalise during the 2021 CPL. Batsman Shoaib Malik had a poor season, scoring 67 runs in 10 innings, at an average of 7.44.

In addition to Smith and Shepherd with 18 wickets, and Motie who had eight wickets, veteran Imran Tahir had 13 scalps.

Overall, it was an inconsistent season for the Warriors, but a lot of promise was shown. Warriors ended the league stages at second spot in the table, won six matches (including super over win against TKR) and lost five matches (including semi-final).

Eagles triumphant over Young Achievers in 1st finale

GFF President Wayne Forde, YDO Bryan Joseph, National U20 Coach Wayne Dover, and RFA President Rayan Farias

the coming years by opening up more centres across the region.”

The RFA is the sixth GFF regional association to relaunch its ATC under a devolved structure which sees the management of the programme being transferred to the regional associations, with resources and support provided by the GFF. Regional associations responsible for Upper Demerara, West Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara and Bartica have also restarted their ATC programmes, with all activities conducted in compliance with strict COVID-19 protocols. For example, ATC staff must be vaccinated before taking part in any training sessions.

GFF Youth Development Officer and former national player Bryan Joseph, who is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the ATC programme, said the GFF was excited about the prospect of seeing new talent emerge in the Rupununi, a region that is renowned for its deep passion for football.

“The Executive Committee of the RFA has shown great commitment to take on the significant challenges posed by the geographical make-up of the region, but we've seen the passion of the people and their communities,” Joseph said.

“The technical team at the RFA will continue to fine tune the operations of the academy as they work towards ensuring that the best players in the region benefit from this programme,” he added. “The RFA has a good complement of equipment to execute the work of the academy, and significant strides are being made to ensure that we build up coaching capacity to make full use of that equipment.”

RFA President Farias called on the regional authorities to join forces with the RFA to help create the leading football academy for youth development in Guyana.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to President Forde for empowering the RFA’s Executive Committee and the wider Rupununi football family with the much needed financial and material resources which will allow us to accelerate the growth and development of the beautiful game across the region,” Farias said. “Our members and all stakeholders across the region will continue to work very hard to ensure that many more boys and girls from Region 9 will be given the best possible chance to make Guyana’s national teams and represent our Rupununi at the international level,” he added.

E

agles Volleyball Club triumphed on September 14 over the Young Achievers

second and third sets 2518 and 25-16 respectively.

Knowing their task ahead, Young Achievers

10 points.

Game 2 of the finals will commence on Friday from 7pm at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The game will be streamed live.

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Volleyball Club in Game 1 of the DVA league finals.

The game was nothing but exciting as two of the best clubs in Guyana put on a great show.

Young achievers came out swinging in the first set of the game as they defeated eagles 25-17. The persistent eagles then bounced back to claim the

came back stronger in the fourth set to win it 25-22.

This forced the game into a fifth set tie breaker, which saw Eagles dominating achievers and claiming the fifth set 15-7.

The top scorers of the game were: Quacy Matheson, with 17 points; Trevon McRae, with 13 points; Adriel Moore, with

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an arm ball for a duck before Wahab snuffed out the redhot bat of Lewis with a shortball trap to deep midwicket for 6.

But Da Silva and Rutherford rebuilt the chase with 37 and 25 respectively, building a bridge for the entry of Drakes.

At a tournament which has had traditionally lopsided finals, with the result decided well before the final over, Drakes produced far and away the most thrilling CPL ending of all. From one win and a last-place fin-

llrounder Dominic Drakes smashed an unbeaten 48 off 24 balls to deny the St Lucia Kings victory in a last-ball thriller of the Hero CPL 2021 tournament’s final game.

The experienced old pros of Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Dwayne Bravo may have helped propel St Kitts & Nevis Patriots into the 2021 CPL final, but it was the young guns - Dominic Drakes, Joshua Da Silva, Fabian Allen and Sherfane Rutherford - who got them over the line as the tournament host franchise chased down a target of 160 off the final ball to beat St Lucia Kings

made a costly error to start the 18th, bowling his first ball completely off the pitch for it to be ruled a no-ball, and Allen flicked the free hit past short fine leg for four. Allen fell to start the 19th, pulling Wahab to deep midwicket, but Drakes crossed with the ball in the air and delivered a hammer blow next ball with the shot of the day, spank-

Gayle is cleaned up

by three wickets for their first CPL title.

Drakes shone brightest when it mattered most, striking an unbeaten 48 off 24, including the winning runs off the final ball. The Patriots had looked like they may have frittered away the final at 95 for 5 in the 14th over, when

a tidy bowling effort by the Patriots after the Kings had chosen to bat first at the toss.

Rahkeem Cornwall (43 off 32 balls) and Roston Chase (43 off 40 balls) did well to help rebuild the innings after Andre Fletcher and Mark Deyal both fell cheaply in the powerplay. But Chase appeared to grow frustrated at being unable to capitalise on

Keemo Paul hit his best CPL score

Drakes produced an audacious death-hitting display to rally the Patriots in the last five overs.

With 55 needed off 30 balls, Drakes pumped David Wiese back over his head for six, then went inside-out over extra cover off Wahab Riaz to end the 17th, bringing the equation down to 31 off 18.

the 19th, and then another off Naseem in the final over to give Kings a late boost and a fighting chance.

They continued that fight early in the second innings as Chase bowled Gayle with

Roston Chase top-scored again for Kings

Kesrick

Williams

then

ish in 2020, Patriots had also capped arguably the most remarkable one-season turnaround in CPL history with their maiden championship.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Drakes finished the match for Patriots

Bravo fell to David Wiese. But

23

ing a short ball over the cover ropes again for six.

Starting the final over on strike with nine to win against Williams, it came down to five off two balls before Drakes powered another sizzling drive flat over extra-cover for a one-bounce four to level the scores.

Williams speared in a yorker on the legs off the final ball of the match, but Drakes was able to flick it away to short fine leg and scamper a tight single to clinch the championship.

The win was set up by

quick singles and twos while partnered with Cornwall at the crease.

After Cornwall fell to Allen off the first ball after drinks to start the 11th, Chase was unable to kick on with either Wiese or Tim David, who both fell cheaply to spin.

When Chase was bowled by Naseem Shah to end the 18th at 128 for 6, it looked like the Patriots would have an easy chase on their hands.

But Keemo Paul breathed life back into the match with an inspired cameo, clubbing three sixes off Drakes to start

Kings Innings Andre Fletcher (c)† c Cottrell b Fawad Ahmed 11 Rahkeem Cornwall b Allen 43 Mark Deyal c Rutherford b Drakes 1 Roston Chase b Naseem Shah 43 David Wiese b Jaggesar 2 Tim David b Fawad Ahmed 10 Keemo Paul c sub (JL Carter) b Naseem Shah 39 Wahab Riaz not out 2 Jeavor Royal not out 0 Extras (w 8) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.94) 159/7 Did not bat: Alzarri Joseph, Kesrick Williams Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Andre Fletcher, 2.5 ov), 2-32 (Mark Deyal, 4.1 ov), 3-76 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 10.1 ov), 4-81 (David Wiese, 11.4 ov), 5-100 (Tim David, 14.2 ov), 6-128 (Roston Chase, 17.6 ov), 7-157 (Keemo Paul, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R- W Sheldon Cottrell 1-0-12-0 Fabian Allen 4 -0-17-1 Fawad Ahmed 4 -0-32-2 Naseem Shah 4-1 2-6-2 Dominic Drakes 3-0 -38-1 Jon-Russ Jaggesar 4-0-34 -1

ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS INNINGS (TARGET: 160 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Chris Gayle b Chase 0 Evin Lewis c Chase b Wahab Riaz 6 Joshua Da Silva † c Wiese b Williams 37 Sherfane Rutherford c & b Joseph 25 Dwayne Bravo (c) c Paul b Wiese 8 Dominic Drakes not out 48 Fabian Allen c Paul b Wahab Riaz 20 Sheldon Cottrell run out (Chase/†Fletcher) 5 Naseem Shah not out 1 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 7) 10 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.00) 160/7 Did not bat: Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Fawad Ahmed Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Chris Gayle, 0.4 ov), 2-26 (Evin Lewis, 3.5 ov), 3-71 (Joshua Da Silva, 9.5 ov), 4-75 (Sherfane Rutherford, 10.5 ov), 5-95 (Dwayne Bravo, 13.5 ov), 6-139 (Fabian Allen, 18.1 ov), 7-151 (Sheldon Cottrell, 18.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R -W Roston Chase 3-0-17-1 Wahab Riaz 4-0-36-2 Alzarri Joseph 3-0-22-1 David Wiese 3-0-27-1 Jeavor Royal 2-0-19-0 Mark Deyal 1 -0-8 -0 Kesrick Williams 4-0-29-1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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

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GFF hails launch of Rupununi FA ATC as vital Eagles triumphant over for youth development Young Achievers in 1st finale Page 22

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