Guyana Times - Thursday, September 30, 2021

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Issue No. 4786

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Amaila Falls Hydro Project

Reopening bids emphasises Govt’s renewable energy pledge – AG

See story on page 3

…committed to transparent project

Hundreds of Lindeners express interest in Govt's housing units See story on page 2

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Cooperate with the Police” – Traffic Chief tells public P18 …as confrontations between road users, cops increase

Speeding driver crashes jeep into P9 utility pole Religious leader accused of raping P9 17-year-old Labourer P9 robbed by guntoting bandits …suspects fire shot at Police patrol

…construction starts on more middle-income homes

Hundreds rush for Sputnik V 2nd dose vaccine

Farmer feared drowned in Pomeroon P7 boat accident

See story on page 17

Jamaican wins Page 15 17-year-old with Page 16 kidney disease among unlawful detention lawsuit against … Chief Justice awards 5 unvaccinated new COVID-19 deaths Guyana’s Police $3.1M in damages

No more 1st dose AstraZeneca available – P18 Health Minister …as 36.3% of adult population fully vaccinated

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hundreds of Lindeners express interest in Govt’s housing units …construction starts on more middle-income homes

A section of the attendees as they are addressed by CH&PA CEO Sherwyn Greaves

The houses under construction

T

he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) visited Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Wednesday, where more than 200 Lindeners expressed an interest in owning their own middle-income house and a number of them were shortlisted.

CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sherwyn Greaves engaged with the shortlisted applicants during the visit to the mining town. The CEO noted that while more than 200 Lindeners have expressed interest in owning one of the units, 60 have so far been shortlisted.

Wednesday’s exercise was aimed at providing guidance to applicants on the steps they need to take, such as receiving pre-quali-

fication from financial institutions and other key stages of the homeownership process moving forward.

Most of the applicants for the homes are young professionals, including health-care workers, law enforcement officers and other public and Private Sector workers. The homes themselves are 600 square feet, two-bedroom elevated units that will cost a total of $7.5 million.

This includes the cost of the land – $300,000. The CEO explained that successful applicants are required to pay the CH&PA an initial $660,000, which includes the cost of the land and five per cent of the cost of the home ($360,000).

“Construction of the homes has started and it is our intention to have per-

sons identify their house lots, their houses and to ensure they can acquire these houses, as early as possible, and be able to monitor the homes throughout construction,” Greaves said, adding that in its bid to foster affordable home financing, the CH&PA has liaised with several banks to provide additional funding for applicants.

“We have engaged the New Building Society, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and Demerara Bank, who have agreed to give preferential interest rates for those persons who want loans. They have also reduced the legal fees by half and waived other fees and charges,” the CEO told the potential homeowners.

He further explained that while the Guyana Bank

for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Demerara Bank do not currently offer services in the Region, the CH&PA is also in discussions with Republic Bank.

Construction of the first 20 homes started some weeks ago, following an announcement by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali earlier in the year that a 1000-homes project would be launched in Linden.

The CEO revealed that some 40 homes were the first stage of meeting the President’s commitment.

Also, he said that another 50 homes would be constructed before the end of the year. Following the outreach, Greaves visited the site where the homes were being constructed to inspect the works. In addition to the homes, the CH&PA

is also undertaking several infrastructural projects in Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc, and Watooka, Region 10.

Since coming to office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has made it clear that it was aiming to fulfil its manifesto promise of distributing 50,000 house lots over the next five years.

The Housing Ministry has also said it would work with other State agencies to make more land available for housing development.

These agencies include the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL); the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to pursue land acquisition for housing developments.

This year, the housing sector received a total allocation of $8.9 billion in the budget. Of this sum, $6 billion will go towards infrastructural and utility works in new and existing areas.

This will pave the way for the allocation of more than 10,000 house lots and 7000 land titles to citizens.

The Government has also gone countrywide with its “Dream Realised” house lot distribution campaign –an exercise that has so far distributed in excess of 4000 house lots and over 500 land transports.

In the Government’s first four months in office, 3500 house lots were distributed – half the amount of house lots distributed during the former Government’s five years in office.

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, September 30 – 00:30h-02:00h and 12:30h-14:00h and Friday, October 1 – 01:00h-02:30h and 13:00h-14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, September 30 – 12:15h-13:45h and Friday, October 1 – 13:10h-14:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers in the early morning should be followed by sunny conditions for the rest of the day. Partly-cloudy skies are expected at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 11:20h and 23:47h reaching maximum heights of 1.99 metres and 2.06 metres.

Low Tide: 17:14h reaching a minimum height of 1.27 metres.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

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DAILY MILLIONS

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$78.64/barrel

-0.57

Rough Rice

$248.274 /ton $509.80/ton

+0.02 +1.47

London Sugar

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USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1731.40

$1732.40

Low/High Change

$1721.20 +5.30

$1747.00 +0.31%

Amaila Falls Hydro Project

3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reopening bids emphasises Govt’s renewable energy pledge – AG …committed to transparent project

R

ecent advertisements for proposals for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project (AFHP) have been hailed not only as testimony to the Government’s commitment to ushering in renewable energy, but also a manifestation of its emphasis on transparency.

During his show “Issues in the News”, Attorney General and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall referenced advertisements for proposals for AFHP, which were published in the daily newspapers. According to Nandlall, the advancement of the project is testimony to the Government’s manifesto promise of clean and reliable energy.

“Recall that we said in our manifesto, and in our campaign, that we have a full-fledged energy policy.

That on the one hand, we will pursue petroleum production and that will be a major plank of our economic and energy platform. We also said that we will pursue, explore, and continue to exploit the available opportunities in our country to realise alternative and renewable energy sources.”

Nandlall made it clear that the Government will continue to invest in and facilitate not only hydropower, but also solar and wind energy sources. The AG also noted that the Government is committed to transparency and accountability throughout the project.

“I want also to take this opportunity to hold up this newspaper so that all of you see it, because I fear that soon the propaganda wheel will begin to spin and the Government will be accused of not acting transparently and not advertising this project publicly.

“And that the Government will be accused of corruption and a lack of transparent actions. But here it is, a fullpage advertisement from the Office of the Prime Minister inviting requests for proposals for the Amaila Falls Project,” the AG said, after holding up the advertisement which features extensive details about how the project would be advertised and the nature of the project.

He recalled that pre-2015 the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in its attempts at facilitating transparency did not get the support of the then A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition parties, before they coalesced for the 2015 elections.

“They said that we were borrowing billions and we were going to bankrupt the country. Nothing further from the truth. Blackstone (Sithe Global) was going to finance this project from their own finances… All the

Attorney General Anil Nandlall holds up the full-page ad for the project during his show

Government had to do was sign an agreement guaranteeing payments… we needed parliamentary approval and because we were a minority, the Opposition, who

Attorney General, President [Donald] Ramotar called them (APNU and AFC) to the office. A whole team of them came to Office of the President and Winston

er read a single page. They never understood the project.

They still went and voted it down.”

Back in July, the Government had opened tenders for the AFHP. The Request For Proposals (RFP) which was issued by the Office of the Prime Minister indicates that the Government is eyeing completion of the project by the end of 2025.

The responses to the RFP, including all documents requested in the tender, had a submission deadline of September 26, 2021.

According to the tender, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), in its Development and Expansion (D&E) plan

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project dam

held a majority then, voted the project down.

“They said we never gave them enough documents. I remember distinctly, I was

Brassington, on behalf of the Government and NICIL, gave them several cartons of documents – in excess of what they wanted. They nev-

for 2021 to 2025, estimates that by 2025 some 465 Megawatts (MW) and 2900 Gigawatt Hours (GWH) of power will be needed.

TURN TO PAGE 6

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 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

Prosecute litterbugs

T

he call by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall for there to be higher prosecution rates for persons caught littering is most welcome.

Littering has always been a major issue in Guyana, and as the Minister said, it has been a predominant source of pollution, a dereliction embedded in the culture of Guyanese. And so the call by the Minister for the City Constabulary to enforce the law against litterbugs is well received and supported.

To quote the Minister: “Anyone who is found dumping garbage anywhere, they’re going to be prosecuted in the proper way, and there will be no obstacles in that prosecution” This brings us to recycling, an avenue that can help with the littering and improper garbage disposal with which Guyana has been battling for years.

Scientific research has suggested that due to lifestyle patterns of citizens, the earth is being depleted too fast to sustain a healthy balance. The earth’s natural resources are being consumed at a rate that reinforces the idea that we are living for today, and future generations will be paying for the consequences as a result of our lifestyle choices.

For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the issue of garbage build-up in and around the city continues to be repeated.

Governments and businesses all over are realising how serious the problem is, and are taking steps towards putting policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the environment is protected from various forms of pollution etc. Recycling, along with reducing consumption, has proven to be an effective way to counter the damage we have been doing to the earth for centuries.

A major part of recycling relates to how best we can recycle much of what we use, instead of turning it into unusable waste.

For the sake of emphasis, recycling is important as a means of reducing poisonous emissions into the atmosphere, and also to spare our natural resources.

Guyana has indeed taken some time to get “on board”, while many companies and individuals in other parts of the world are improving their recycling habits by coming up with more ways to reduce and reuse what they use. In essence, while there has been much talk about the need to recycle certain products to save our environment from further damage, in a practical sense, the concept has not yet taken much root here. Only a handful of companies have shown that they are really serious about moving in this direction.

The then PPP Government had made an offer of tax-free concessions to individuals and businesses willing to invest and set up recycling plants for plastics and Styrofoam. This was viewed as a good start, and from all indications, a few companies had expressed an interest in taking up the offer.

However, we are not certain how far those companies have actually gone ahead with actual implementation of the project’s ideas.

That being said, if we are serious about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, consumers must demand that businesses engage in practices that are more eco-friendly. For example, consumers must be encouraged to purchase from companies that manufacture more eco-friendly products.

As this newspaper had said before, as part of efforts to spread the message of recycling, a comprehensive education and public awareness campaign would need to be carried out, using every available means. Following this, the authorities should explore setting up recycling centres across the country, since it makes no sense preaching about recycling if the necessary infrastructural support system is not present.

In addition to the positive impacts on the environment, recycling brings in a lot of money for many countries. Companies make huge sums from basically utilising the materials that would otherwise have been thrown away.

We believe that there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations and the local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and Municipalities in every region start the conversation with citizens about recycling. This should be done with the direct involvement of the decision makers. Certainly, everyone prefers products that are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner, and wants a better, cleaner and healthier environment.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday received a courtesy visit from the non-resident Ambassador of Japan, Tatsuo Hirayama at State House (Office of the President photo)

Suicide: not a personal tragedy, but a societal problem Dear Editor, The report that a young woman, Ashana Sikandar, 21, of Number 71 Village Corentyne, Berbice, died by suicide in the room shared by herself and husband on Monday September 20, 2021 has given rise to grave suspicion about the real cause of death.

Ashana was cremated on Friday September 24, 2021, just two weeks after “World Suicide Prevention Day”, in which the theme was “Creating Hope through Action.”

Ashana’s death by suicide has evoked outrage among segments of the Guyanese population, who also expressed anger at Ashana’s mother-in-law.

Ashana was shortly due to visit her parents at Mon Repos, but was apparently refused permission for that trip by her mother-inlaw, according to her father Victor Sikandar.

Social media commentators are calling upon the authorities to launch a probe into Ashana’s death.

Ashana’s father is calling for an investigation, too.

One person who is close to the family suggests foul play. However, to blame someone for an alleged deviant act without having any authentic information is not the way to proceed.

An investigation would hopefully get closer to the truth.

The death of Ashana also highlights vividly the level of abuse of women, particularly within families. It also

reveals the gradual breakdown of the traditional family structure and values. An abused woman finds it exceedingly difficult to escape from a hostile and abusive environment, as well as from the economic dependence upon her husband/ partner, particularly when they have children born out of the relationship.

If one says hypothetically that Ashana took her own life, then it is likely that she was overwhelmed with social and psychological problems. And whether in-laws were up to the challenge could not be determined.

Notwithstanding the death by suicide suggests an unstable and explosive home situation, the trouble is that most abused persons are afraid to tell their stories, because of “shame” and because of threats by their partners.

To cope with stressful life situations also afflicts many single persons, who find rejection, loss of status, isolation, and cultural pressures almost unassailable.

These are the major factors contributing to suicide and attempted suicide.

Rejection, for example, was the main factor that accounted for the lives of two young lovers, whose alliance was rejected by the young man’s parents. Loss of status is exemplified by the two dismissed sugar workers who took their lives because they felt socially inadequate as they could no longer provide the

material support for their respective families. Their self-esteem was crushed, something into which they had been enculturated.

The pattern and contributory factors of suicide could help to determine risk factors and guide intervention strategies. In Guyana, data on suicide that have been analysed show some interesting features: (i) more men (3x) than women take their lives (suicide); (ii) more women than men attempt to take their lives (attempted suicide); (iii) for the act of every suicide, there are at least 6 attempts at suicide; (iv) suicide and attempt mainly occur in rural/villages; (v) most suicides and attempts are by persons below 40 years; (vi) most common methods of suicide and attempt are ingestion of weedicides/herbicides and hanging; (vii) suicide/ attempt may be spontaneous or planned; (viii) ready access to cell phones and transportation reduces suicide fatalities; (ix) most victims of suicide and attempts are East Indians (75%); (x) and most suicides and attempts are linked to rejection, loss of status, isolation, and cultural pressures.

A crucial point is that many suicides and attempts are linked to mental illness.

In the United States, for example, more than 30% of all suicides/attempts are linked to the mental illness called bipolar disorder. The Guyana data that was perused does not have

this type of information, but Psychiatrist Dr Bhairo Harry might have such data on bipolar and other mental illnesses. More research is needed in this area.

As part of its programme to lessen frustration and create hope among vulnerable groups, and thus reduce suicide/ attempt, the Human Services Ministry has instituted various measures, including the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and rendering special assistance to groups at risk.

It is not clear if the PPPC Government would restore the Gatekeepers’ Program as well as re-establish the National Commission on Suicide Prevention.

Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud has always shown a passion for the suicide problem. In 2016, for example, she tabled a motion in Parliament to de- criminalise suicide/attempt, but it was rejected by the PNCR Government.

Victims of suicide and attempt have no constituency, and it is imperative therefore for the Government to play a leading role in suicide prevention. NGOs could become active partners if they are provided with necessary resources. Suicide should not be viewed as a personal tragedy, but instead as a societal problem. One suicide is one too many.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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Guyana’s role in the world will be shaped by oil, not wishful thinking

Dear Editor, I write to respond to Mr Jamil Changlee’s letter published recently, wherein he argued for Guyana to sit down with the UN Security Council to “discuss payments to leave our oil in the ground.”

Such musings are at best wishful thinking and furtherance of a narrative that would leave us behind.

The very body to which Mr Changlee would have us subsume our sovereign right to

produce has been unable to agree with all manner of international issues, including a united front on climate change.

The five permanent members of that body, namely: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are all voracious consumers of energy and producers of oil themselves.

Russia’s Gazprom, China’s CNPC and CNOOC, France’s

Total, BP in the U.K., and ExxonMobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips in the U.S. are among the world’s largest energy producers. These companies exist for the sole purpose of selling a commodity that is fundamental to the global economy - oil.

In what world would the UN Security Council commit to underwriting the costs of a payments for avoidance scheme for Guyana when they are busy producing at levels

that eclipse Guyana’s oil production many times over?

I am obliged to think that Mr Changlee’s message is aimed at positing other avenues to fund Guyana’s resilience in the face of a warming world, but, as the saying goes, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. No one will save Guyana, and any overtures to that end are likely to result in a bureaucratic malaise that would see sea-level rise and flooding reach

Kudos to Police for getting tough with enforcing COVID regulations Dear Editor, I am grateful that the Guyana Police Force is getting tougher with those who are breaching the Governmentimposed curfew and regulations.

I understand that the authorities are going to publish the names and pictures of businesses, individuals and organisations which are found in breach of the curfew. This move is one which would get kudos from the law-abiding citizens of Guyana.

I support the Police enforcement activities. It is sure to shame and embarrass those who want to go beyond the curfew. It would make sure people think first about going to these crowded areas and partying in breach of the curfew.

Also, the secret parties and functions would cease because of the associated risk. It would become harder to attract large gatherings once would-be partygoers find out their employment information would be published too.

All readers would agree with me that the Police Force had waited and procrastinated in arriving at this point; but, every day, someone is losing the fight against the COVID-virus, and still persons are not heeding the advice.

Bar owners and businesses must feel the squeeze if they do not want to abide by the task Force restrictions.

We have got to do much better.

People are becoming seriously ill and dying at an alarm-

ing rate as a direct result of the spread of COVID-19. If the Police cannot seem to get this lawlessness under control, the Government should impose reintroduction of the 6pm-to-6am curfew and lockdown, and we will see if that stops the wanton spread of COVID. We cannot continue to sacrifice the safety of the nation because of a few partygoers and businesses.

Yours truly, Suraj Singh

Like Canada, Guyana needs National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Dear Editor, It’s 2021, and the Government of Canada introduced a new federal holiday on September 30, which will be called The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which was established in 2008, called on the Government to document the history and legacy of residential schools. These schools operated for indigenous children from the 17th century until the late 1990s, as part of the colonial policy financed by the Federal Government and administered by the Christian churches to assimilate aboriginal children into EuroCanadian Society.

These children were forcibly removed from their homes, families and cultural ties, and taken to schools where they experienced starvation; poor health care; and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Their language and culture were deliberately suppressed.

Attendance was mandatory, while religious conversion was imposed by the superior race, which created heaven and the rules how to get there.

Approximately 150,000 children were forced to attend this network of residential schools, where many experienced shame, deprivation and abuse, and death. it is estimated that more than 6,000 students did not survive.

After the schools were closed, former students went public with their horrifying experiences, and demanded recognition and restitution. The result was a formal public apology by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Residential Schools

Settlement Agreement in 2007.

For those who went into slumber after that, thinking the idea of European cultural superiority is now bitter history and the West has moved on to respect human rights, recent events in Canada may appear like a nightmare.

Earlier this year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered of indigenous children who were ripped from their families and forced to attend these religious Christian schools, mostly Catholic, financed by the Government of Canada. The search for more bodies continues with the use of ground-penetrating radars.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has apologised, while calling on Canadians not to celebrate Canada Day this year, but to regard it as a day of mourning to reflect on the country’s historical failures and injustices that still exist today. He also asked the Pope, the head of the most powerful religious institution on earth, with wealth beyond that of many nations, to do the same.

Rather than celebrating the birthday of Canada this year, some brave souls of all religions took to the streets to demonstrate support for those who actually discovered Canada, and insisted that history books be changed to reflect this fact. All political leaders promised to do more. Some, however, pleaded for peace, as violence and the burning of churches which followed was not the way to appease the anger that was generated by the gruesome findings.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops also apologised for this grave injustice.

The world awaits an apology from the Vatican.

A delegation of Aboriginal leaders expects the Pope to come to Canada and apologise on Canadian soil, and return to the tribes the lands on which the schools were established.

Reconciliation requires admission of truth, no matter how painful, before there can be constructive action addressing the ongoing legacies of colonialism. That legacy was to destroy the religion, culture and language of the Aboriginals and other nature culture peoples considered as inferior.

Guyana Whether it is Africa, Asia, or the Americas, the intent and results were the same - destroy their educational training grounds, cultures and languages; convert them, and they will assimilate.

Up to the 1960s, schools in Guyana were mostly run by religious bodies, and conversion to Christianity was a prerequisite for employment

by Government. This hegemonic relationship may not be the same today, but it has left families and communities in tatters.

Witness the lack of religious knowledge and practice of many who can trace their ancestry to India. They are so well assimilated that while many just converted to get Government jobs and other opportunities to improve their social status, there are a few who are carrying on with the white man’s burden to civilise the rest of the population.

Here, too, are needed truth and reconciliation commissions, for the harmful con-

sequences are still evident in society. Suicides, domestic assaults, alcohol abuse and other social ills bedevil Indian families above all others.

There can be no reconciliation unless there is truth, and peace can only follow admissions of wrongdoing and corrective action. There is room for all, and those of us who lived even in the smallest village with neighbours of many cultural backgrounds can easily point to good people of all religious groups, and evil ones too.

There is a Reparations Commission so the descendants of slaves can obtain compensation for their sufferings. One for the descendants of indentured servants has also been raised in public discussions, and is sure to follow.

All is not lost, and it is not too late to stop the unnecessary and demeaning practice of telling others that they worship the wrong god and need to be saved. A good starting point is for all religious leaders and interfaith advocates to take a solemn oath that they will refrain from so stating. They should also insist that others from their own religion do the same.

If not, they should take notice that the day is rapidly approaching when those who adopted the institutions and leadership roles of the European hegemonic culture and religion will be called upon to apologise for the raping of cultures that worship nature in ways that protect the water, the air and the land.

Shanti, shanti, shanti.

Sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo

our shores long before any help from the U.N. Security Council or other body arrives.

Guyana’s good fortune puts it in proximity to some of the most powerful nations of the world. The warm reception at this week’s UN General Assembly in New York and the reported standing-room-only audiences for Guyana’s appearance at the Oil and Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas should indicate that Guyana has emerged on the world stage.

With the analyst predicting we could see another rise to $100 a barrel of oil by early next year, we are in a much-advantaged position to reap real and tangible rewards. By this time next year, the Natural Resources Fund could reach one billion US dollars, money that belongs to the people of Guyana without

strings or preconditions.

Guyana did not emit the gigatons of greenhouse gases that will increase global temperatures. We were a carbon sink for much of our existence, trapping more carbon in our forests than we emitted.

Norway recognised this fact, and their attempt to compensate for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation was a meaningful investment, but a tiny one in comparison to oil. Norway, incidentally, generates much of its own wealth through offshore oil revenues, while still maintaining a well-deserved halo of sustainable innovation and a high development level.

Our best chance for improving lives here in Guyana is to do the same.

Sincerely, Donald Singh

UG is not associated with “UG Taxi” sign Dear Editor, The administration of the University of Guyana has taken note of a letter published in the Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 edition of some sections of the press under the caption “There are some glaring grammatical errors committed by prominent Government organisations”.

From the onset, the University wishes to state clearly that the headline and contents being attributed to UG are not factual, and are unfortunate. In this regard, we wish to point out that 1: UG has no taxi service, and 2: UG did not authorise, or erect, or have anything to do with the said billboard.

So, while the letter writer is grammatically correct, he is factually incorrect in his attribution. We therefore urge persons to be careful about indiscriminately enjoining the institution in a manner which

intentionally brings its good name into disrepute, since they could be legally enjoined in defamation or libel action along with those who publish and disseminate these.

We also again entreat our colleagues in the media to exercise more judicious application of good journalistic practices before they publish and give such problematic items prominence in the press.

The University is therefore seeking that this disclaimer be given equal prominence and wide dissemination as the offending letter.

We look forward to continued good and respectful relations and engagement with our valued stakeholders, and continue to urge everyone to stay safe.

Yours truly, Public Relations Officer University of Guyana

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Int’l oil & gas expo a chance to showcase Guyana’s investment potential – Bharrat D

e c l a r i n g Government’s full support for the International Energy Conference and Expo to be held early next year, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat on Wednesday said that the expo was a chance for Guyana and its limitless investment opportunities to be put in the spotlight.

In a statement of support for the expo, which is to be held from February 15 to 18, 2022 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Minister noted that the Government would even be using the expo to highlight its complement of spin-off oil and gas investments and forthcoming national infrastructural projects planned for the short to medium term.

“The hosting of this conference is timely and stra-

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

tegic given the growth and development of the energy sector, whilst many nations around the world are coping with COVID-19 challenges coupled with declining

economic growth,” Minister Bharrat said.

“This International Energy Conference will further strengthen Guyana’s recognition as an emerging

oil and gas leader and as a country with enormous potentials for investments and business opportunities. It is anticipated that this event will catapult Guyana into the spotlight that will continue on a path of economic and infrastructural transformation.”

The theme of the conference is “Charting a sustainable energy future”.

According to the Minister, this theme is appropriate since it is in keeping with the vision of the Government of Guyana. Hence, he said, it is against this backdrop that the Natural Resources Ministry and the Government of Guyana welcome the expo.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana remains committed to sup-

Police to take a second look at Corentyne suicide

P

olice in Berbice have decided to investigate further the circumstances surrounding the suspected suicide of a 21-year-old mother of two.

On September 20, 21-year-old Ashiana Sikandar of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) was found dead in the bedroom she shared with her husband of five years.

It was suspected that the woman’s death was by suicide, but several family members, claiming that there seems to have been some foul play involved, have since called on the Police to dig deeper into the matter.

Sikandar had reportedly said she was going to her room to take a rest, follow-

Dead: Ashiana Sikandar

ing an incident at the home, but her lifeless body was subsequently found in the room.

Relatives have since al-

leged that the young mother of two had been living in an abusive relationship, and had not been allowed to have a cellular phone.

However, although villagers knew of the alleged abuse, they were reluctant to contact authorities on the matter. She had been married for five years, and had a five-year-old daughter and an 11-month-old baby.

An autopsy conducted on the young mother showed that she died from asphyxia and self-suspension.

However, relatives of the dead woman are calling for a thorough investigation after allegedly contradictory evidence was found in the room with respect to her body.

In fact, the now dead woman’s father, Victor Sikandar, has already turned to the media to voice his suspicions about his daughter’s death.

In light of these concerns, Police are said to be taking a second look at the case. (G4)

porting the organisers of this very strategic event that is geared towards creating partnerships and prospects for all participants, both foreign and local.

This International Energy Conference will act as a catalyst to promote, strengthen, and enhance local content, which is an integral component for oil and gas development in Guyana.

“It is expected that the Conference and Expo will showcase Guyana as the oil and gas investment destina-

tion, create and build effective industry relationships, provide the medium for local business to access collateral and joint ventures, which is in keeping with the goals and objectives of the Local Content Policy,” he also said.

Earlier this month, the conference had held a media launch at the ACCC. Public Relations Consultant for the expo, Alex Graham explained that the event will bring together industry experts and investors from all over the world.

Reopening bids...

It was further noted that the Government wanted an energy mix that uses both natural gas (a reference to the gas-to-shore project) and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), as well as renewable energy like hydropower, wind and solar.

When it comes to the scope of work, the project entails the construction of a 165 MW installed hydro dam, plant and related works, as well as transmission lines and structures from Amaila Falls in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

They must also create 230 kV substations in Linden and Sophia, as well as a 23 square km storage reservoir. Additionally, the contractor will be expected to upgrade and complete roads and bridges to the site and assume all geotechnical risks associated with the project.

Two options are on the table for bidders in the RFP – Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) and Design Build Finance (DBF). According to the RFP, bidders must respond to both options, with

FROM PAGE 3

the best one being chosen by the Government.

The revival of the 165 MW AFHP was one of the promises made by the PPP/C in its manifesto.

The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration, but was scrapped by the then APNU and AFC Opposition which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat majority.

Further, when it got into office following the 2015 elections, the APNU/AFC had gotten clearance from Norway to divert the monies that were initially set aside for Amaila Falls to fund a 100 MW solar energy project. The AFHP was the flagship of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Amaila was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that would have been affordable and reliable, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IDB Invest partners with GBTI to boost trade finance programme

GBTI’s acting CEO James Foster signing the agreement. Also in photo are (from left) Credit Risk Manager Mario Farinha; Business Development Manager Rawattie Mohandeo, and Chief Financial Officer Shawn Gurcharran

The IDB Invest team virtually witnessing the signing ceremony

n an effort to diversify its network of correspondent banks to offer trade products to more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and clients in Guyana, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has now partnered with IDB Invest, through a virtual meeting and simple signing ceremony on Wednesday at GBTI’s Kingston headquarters in Georgetown.

IDB Invest, a mem-

gion suffered a historic economic contraction estimated to be more than 8% of GDP. “…many lost their jobs, while others fell into poverty. GBTI, as the bank that sees Guyana through its eyes, held firm; we supported our communities and clients with reduced or eliminated fees; provided loan moratoriums and reduced interest rates”, the CEO expressed.

“Our employees who con-

I

ber of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, has incorporated GBTI into its Trade Finance Facilitation Program (TFFP) through a guarantee and funding facility.

This partnership is expected to contribute to the attainment of two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Reduction of Inequalities (SDG 10).

This would be done while reinforcing the commitment of IDB Invest and GBTI to create a hub for investment and trade for the nation and the region, and while creating opportunities for the communities.

James Foster, GBTI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), made note of the detrimental effects of the global pandemic by stating that, in addition to the human tragedy, the Latin American re-

Farmer feared drowned in Pomeroon boat accident

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arry Mangal, a 37-year-old farmer of Abrams Creek, Upper Pomeroon, is missing and feared drowned after the canoe in which he was travelling collided with a wooden boat in Abrams Creek, Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Tuesday night at about 21:00h.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that a wooden vessel powered by a 15-horsepower motor engine was returning to a destination in Abrams Creek

Police have since arrested the captain of the wooden boat, and a search party has been dispatched in search of Mangal.

File photo: A section of the Pomeroon River

when it collided with the small canoe that Mangal was paddling. As a result of the impact, Mangal was thrown into the Pomeroon

River. Additional information revealed that his father was on a wharf not too far from where the collision occurred.

tinue to support our communities and our clients despite the challenges of the pandemic were the key reason we have been able to withstand the damaging effects. Furloughs or reduced compensation was never a consideration for us.”

He went on to say, “With our nation at the doorstep of growth and change, GBTI is working diligently to be the strong bank, grounded in the framework of sustainable development required to support the opportunities that advance our communities and our Guyana of tomorrow.”

Additionally, the program is expected to expand support to existing industries and new and emerging businesses in sustain-

ing productivity and job creation, which are beneficial, given the current macroeconomic situation with COVID-19.

GBTI, Guyana’s largest indigenous bank, is actively providing financing and other banking services to the country’s productive sectors.

Through this program with IDB Invest, GBTI would be able to increase its foreign trade products to its SME clients, adjusting its menu of products to the current context of client demands. It would also support GBTI’s activities to cater to the growing financial needs of the Private Sector, and support key business linkages in the growing demand for goods and services.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opening up...

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…bandwidth T&T was formed way back in 1990 when the Hoyte Government decided to reverse Burnham’s disastrous economic policies and open up the economy to private enterprise. It was formed by an obscure start-up from the US - ATN - that no one had ever heard about. It existed only because the US was just breaking up its telecommunications industry to “liberalise”. “Ma Bell” was broken up into “Baby Bells”, and the fissioning continued like amoeba multiplying!!

But, interestingly, the PNC gave ATN a monopoly here for 20 years, and then the right to renew the contract. So, we were held hostage to the license, while GTT milked us dry to feed its mother company! Think the oil contract was the only one the PNC signed that gave away the store? Look up how GTT plundered us.

But then, as the rest of the world liberalised the telecommunications industry, GTT grudgingly accepted some competition. But only when the new technology of “wireless telephony” was introduced by newcomer Digicel.

But they got their pound of flesh by forcing Digicel to pay an “interconnecting” fee that tied down the latter in so many ways. But they say that abused children become abusive parents…and we see this even in the corporate world.

The new PPP Government finally took the bull by the horns last year and passed a law mandating competition across all forms of communication. They realised that we’re now in the third Industrial Revolution, which depends on digital communication. Digicel, however, started fighting the implications of this move by playing dirty pool. First of all, they joined up with their arch foe GTT to stymie the entry of newer entrants like ENetworks - who were opening new vistas in communication via cable and wireless technology like the game-changer 5G. Then, as soon as the Govt introduced the telecoms law, Digicel illegally squatted on a portion of the spectrum that the Government hadn’t allocated! And, to boot, refused to pay taxes due - to the tune of $1billion! What they’re basically doing is treating Guyana like a Wild West, where anything goes. Fact of the matter is that the telecommunications spectrum is a very valuable commodity that’s owned by the Government and administered by the Guyana Telecommunications Agency (GTA) on behalf of the people.

It’s the prerogative of the GTA to allocate it for the greater good of the Guyanese people. So, imagine the chutzpah of Digicel to now file an injunction against the GTA, to prevent it from allocating the frequency they’re squatting on!!

This just proves the point your Eyewitness made yesterday: the free enterprise system is a dog-eat-dog world.

They take no prisoners! Just have the citizens as hostages.

…the Intermediate Savannahs Analogous to the American West, with its vast prairies, are our “Guyanese Intermediate Savannahs” in Region 10, adjoining the Berbice River. This distinguishes them, of course, from our “Interior Savannahs” in our Deep South Rupununi. Back in the day, Burnham had decided to open up the Intermediate Savannahs for agriculture - cotton, corn and black eye peas etc, not to mention ruminants like sheep and goats. And pigs.

He chose cotton, which was supposed to supply the Chinese Sanata Fabric Mill at Ruimveldt, which was supposed to “clothe the nation”. The Guyana National Service supplied the man-and-woman power; but, as Rodney said, everything he touched turned to shit, and the Intermediate Savannahs project of Kimbia and albino were no exception.

Well, the PPP have decided to have a go at utilising the Intermediate Savannahs, but, learning from the Brazilian experience, decided to bring in the Private Sector. They did it over the border, and there’s no reason it won’t work here.

The kulak was the wrong vehicle.

…the political space It would seem that the PNC just can’t seem to get their act together. Hence all those carpetbagger wannabe leaders they are turning out.

After the dust has settled, look out for some mushroom parties!

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Labourer robbed by gun-toting bandits Religious leader …suspects fire shot at Police patrol

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26-year-old man has been left in shock, and is counting his losses after he was robbed by two men armed with a gun on Tuesday evening.

The Police have said that the labourer was heading south on Sugrim Singh Road at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at around 19:30h when he was confronted by the two unidentifiable male suspects who were on a motorcycle (registration number unknown).

Approaching the labourer from behind, the men reportedly stopped him and point-

ed a handgun at him, before taking away his LG smart phone valued at $30,000 and pushing him into a trench on

the western side of the road.

At the time, a Police patrol from the Sparendaam Police Station, ECD was in

the area, and ranks, having seen the two suspects as they were boarding their motorcycle, gave chase. The pillion rider then discharged a round in the direction of the officers, but no one was injured.

According to the cops, they were unable to return fire due to the traffic in the area.

The suspects made good their escape into D Field Turkeyen, ECD. Checks were made in the area, but the suspects were not found.

Investigations are ongoing.

(G9)

Speeding driver crashes jeep into utility pole

A

driver is now hospitalised, nursing injuries he sustained about his body after he lost control of his vehicle and it crashed into a utility pole at New Road, Vreed-en-

Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Reports are that the accident occurred at about 20:45h on Tuesday, and involved motor jeep PSS 9800 driven by Eusi Austin, 43, of

Old Road, Stewartville.

Based on reports received, the motor jeep was proceeding east along the northern side of New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop at a fast rate of speed when Austin lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into a utility pole.

The impact caused the vehicle to flip into the fence of Sundar Singh’s Hardware Store, located on the southern side of the same road.

As a result of the collision, Austin received injuries about his body. He was taken out of the vehicle in a conscious state by public-spirited citizens, and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

A notice of intended prosecution was later served on him. (G9)

accused of raping 17-year-old

A

religious leader in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has been arrested and a probe has been launched by Police into the alleged rape of a 17-year-old lad.

The incident reportedly occurred on September 24, following a religious function at a relative’s home.

In a statement on Wednesday, Police said, “It is alleged that the suspect used his religious standing to gain the confidence of family at a religious function, where he dismissed the other family members be-

fore committing the act.”

The matter was reported to the Police and the suspect has been arrested.

More than two weeks ago, the Guyana Police Force released crime statistics for the period January 1 to September 6, 2021, which, when compared to the same period last year, show a 47.5 per cent increase in rape cases.

The total number of rape cases for the year so far stands at 208, compared to last year’s figure of just about 141 cases. (G9)

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NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jamaican wins unlawful detention lawsuit against Guyana’s Police …Chief Justice awards $3.1M in damages

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aving found that her fundamental rights to freedom of movement and not to be subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment under Guyana’s Constitution were breached because of her prolonged detention at the East La Penitence Police Station, Chief Justice Roxane George has awarded $3.1 million in damages to Jamaican national Sandra Russell, who had sued the State.

Russell arrived in Guyana legally on May 13, 2013. However, on June 25, 2018, she was arrested by Police ranks at Omai Landing in the Essequibo River, after 70 grammes of marijuana were found in her possession. She was charged and placed before the court, where she pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to eight months in prison, besides being fined $105,000.

In her Statement of Claim, Russell has said that, after the sentence was imposed on her, she was taken to the New Amsterdam Prison to serve her time.

While so doing, her sentence was reduced to three and a half months, and she was released from prison on November 10, 2018.

Upon her release, a female Immigration Officer informed her that she would be taken to the Immigration Office to be processed for deportation to Jamaica.

Russell has said she was instead taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where she was detained for an additional eight months.

She was released on July 7, 2019 on $10,000 bail, without being taken before a court of law.

In the circumstances, Russell, who resided locally at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, instituted a lawsuit seeking in excess of $100 million from the State.

Represented by Attorney-at-law Darren Wade, the woman sued the Commissioner of Police and the Chief Immigration Officer for a breach of her fundamental rights as guaranteed under Articles 139, 141, and 148 of the Constitution of Guyana.

Unlawfully detained

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the Chief Justice held that although Russell was a prohibited immigrant pursuant to the Immigration Act, since she overstayed the six-month period granted to Caricom nationals, she was unlawfully detained, in contravention of Articles 139 and 148.

While acknowledging that the State needed time to verify the identity and nationality of the woman, and that the Immigration Act allows for the detention of persons for a period that is necessary for investigations into their removal from Guyana at the first reasonable opportunity, Justice George underscored that the statute clearly does not contemplate lengthy detentions.

“It strongly speaks to tenuous action,” she said. According to her, under Article 139 (2) of the Constitution, a person can be held in preventive detention for not more than three months, unless a tribunal grants an extension. Having regard to the foregoing, Justice George held that, of the eight months of detention, the State had three months to make a determination regarding Russell’s situation.

Considering this, she noted, the woman should have been taken before a court for the presentation of a case against her and for relevant orders to be sought, more especially regarding her detention.

Against this background, Justice George held that the woman was unlawfully detained and deprived of her freedom of movement for five months, and not eight as she had initially claimed.

Inhumane, degrading

The Jamaican woman complained that the conditions at the East La Penitence Station were poor, and she was left without proper and adequate meals, which resulted in her being taken to a health cen-

Jamaican national Sandra Russell

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

tre for medication. As a result, she had deposed that, during her incarceration, she became depressed.

“At the East La Penitence Station, the lighting and ventilation were very poor, and I spent all the time in the cell. I had no leisure or physical activities. There were no beds at the East La Penitence Police Station, and I slept on a thin mattress that was very stink, on the concrete floor. I suffered from back pains.”

TURN TO PAGE 17

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

17-year-old with kidney disease among 5 unvaccinated new COVID-19 deaths GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

279

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

136

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

3926

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

31

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

11

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

16,604

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

15,034

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

31,638

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

26,762

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

357,208 185,972

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

783

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1478

REGION 2

1138

REGION 3

4163

REGION 4

15,191

REGION 5

1116

REGION 6

2285

REGION 7

1606

REGION 8

497

REGION 9

2356

REGION 10

1808

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.

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uyana’s COVID-19 death toll has increased to 783 with the deaths of five unvaccinat-

ed persons.

The latest fatalities as at Wednesday are two males, aged 17 and 33 years old, both

of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a 28-year-old man of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica),

and a 55-year-old woman of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). These all died on September 28. Also, a 66-yearold woman succumbed to the virus on September 29.

The Health Ministry has reported that all of these persons were unvaccinated, and all died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

This newspaper has been able to confirm that the 17-yearold victim had been suffering from a kidney disease.

So far, 158 deaths have been recorded in September 2021, making this the highest number of deaths recorded in a single month since Guyana recorded its first Coronavirus case in last year March.

New cases

The Health Ministry reported on Wednesday that there have been 279 new COVID-19 infections. The cases were recorded over the last 24 hours from a total of 2,090 tests. The total number of confirmed cases in Guyana since March 2020 has now moved to 31,638. So

far, 26,762 persons have recovered from the disease.

The Health Ministry has reported that most of the new cases - 169 - have been recorded in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Region Three (Essequibo-IslandsWest Demerara) has recorded 52 new cases; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), has recorded 20 of the new cases; Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) has recorded four new cases; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has recorded 10 cases, and Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) has recorded five cases.

Six of the new cases were recorded in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Berbice), while 10 were recorded in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Presently, there are 31 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit; 136 are in institutional isolation; 3,926 are in home isolation, and 11 are in institutional quarantine.

A breakdown of the 31,638 confirmed cases since

March 2020 is as follows: Region One – 1478; Region Two – 1138; Region Three – 4163; Region Four - 15,181; Region Five – 1116; Region Six – 2285; Region Seven – 1606; Region Eight – 497; Region Nine – 2356, and Region 10 - 1808.

The Health Ministry is continuing its appeal to persons to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures which are in effect until today. Among other things, the order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving homes; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Also, anyone who is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, is being asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480, or 6246674 immediately, or visit the website www.health.gov. gy. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hundreds rush for Sputnik V 2nd dose vaccine

Persons waiting to be vaccinated on Wednesday

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undreds of persons on Tuesday gathered at various vaccination sites across the country to receive their second dose of the Russiamade Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, after a long wait for the jabs.

On Monday, the Guyana Government received some 50,000 doses of the second dose Sputnik V vaccine after weeks of waiting.

A large turnout comes just a day after Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the vaccines would be available on a “first come, first serve” basis.

Over 80,000 persons had been waiting to receive their second dose of the vaccine, which are in limited supply globally.

The Government had first ordered 400,000 dos-

es of the Sputnik V vaccine, 200,000 first doses and 200,000 second doses. From that, Guyana has already received the 200,000 first doses as well as 61,000 of the second doses.

The country then placed a second order for 86,000 doses, comprising 43,000 first doses and 43,000 sec-

ond doses.

Many persons who were very concerned about the long wait for the vaccine said they were now relieved and elated that they would finally be fully immunised.

Guyana Times ventured to the Health Ministry on Brickdam, Georgetown where some persons shared

Jamaican wins unlawful...

FROM PAGE 15

She further deposed, “There were only three cells at the East La Penitence Police Station, and at times it could be about three to twenty of us prisoners in those cells. There were many of us; we were packed like sardines in order to fit on a mattress, and the place was very humid because we had no fan nor AC.” Justice George, in her ruling, said the State made no arguments to counter Russell’s claims of the conditions she had to endure while incarcerated. In fact, the Chief Justice noted that the State said it did not know of such conditions existing at the East La Penitence Police Station.

“It is the duty of the state to have such knowledge, and to provide the requisite information to the court. The fact that others may have endured poor conditions does not make them acceptable.

In the absence of any evidence to counter [Russell’s] assertions, I accept that as being true,” Justice George added.

Lawyers from the Attorney General’s chambers had argued that the conditions at the station lockups should “not be held against the State”, given Guyana’s socio-economic circumstances. To amplify their argument, the State counsel had cited a local case that was decided in 1998.

However, in dismissing this argument, the Chief Justice noted, “We are now in the 21st century. With all due respect, to continue to so hold in the context of the incorporation of several international human rights

conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, into the Constitution of Guyana would be to condone an unacceptable state of affairs.”

State must do better

According to the Chief Justice, the “State must do better” in regard to facilities for the incarceration of persons. The claim of the “socalled Third World status”, Justice George said, “cannot be permitted to be a continual excuse for poor conditions” of such facilities in Guyana.

As such, she declared that the woman’s right pursuant to Article 141 of the Constitution not to be subjected to cruel or inhumane treatment was infringed, more so given the length of time she was kept in custody.

Though there were negative matters against Russell, such as her conviction for drug trafficking, Justice George held that they do not justify her prolonged detention. “It was behooved on the State to act in a timely manner to address [Russell’s] situation,” she said in her ruling.

Russell’s lawyer Darren Wade had argued that her continued detention was a burden on the State.

Nevertheless, the Chief Justice concluded that an award for damages is necessary in this case, but not in the exorbitant sum being claimed by Russell, which has no basis in law.

Given the circumstances of this case, Justice George said, Russell contributed to her “predicament” by over-

staying her time in Guyana and committing a serious criminal offence [drug trafficking]. She added that “it cannot be countenanced that she would be handsomely rewarded for “self-inflicted breaches.”

The Chief Justice awarded Russell compensatory damages in the sum of $2.5 million- $500,000 for each of the five months she was unlawfully detained. Russell was further awarded $600,000 in damages, representing $75,000 for each of the eight months she was subjected to poor conditions while in the lockups.

Costs were awarded against the Attorney General in the sum of $250,000.

Since Russell “clearly overstayed” her time in Guyana, Justice George said, unless some accommodation is granted to her by the State, she must be deported at her own expense.

If she cannot afford to stand the cost, the court ordered that same be deducted from the judgement awarded.

The woman believes that the Police had no authority to keep her in custody beyond 72 hours without seeking an extension from the court, given that she had completed serving her sentence.

Russell had initially sought the following reliefs: damages of more than $50M for false imprisonment; damages in excess of $20M for breach of her freedom of movement; $10M per day for every day she spent in unlawful custody; and $20M in damages for inhumane and degrading treatment. (G1)

their experiences.

Amy (only name given), a resident of Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), said: “I am very relieved, because I will now be able to go places. I can now go to Giftland and watch movies and so now. I had to wait two weeks and now I am vaccinated. I feel normal after my second dose…”.

Bibi Ali, a resident of the West Bank of Demerara, said: “I had a long time waiting. I had to get mine on the 20th of August, but

there was no vaccine… I am so happy that we are getting the next dose now, because there is a lot of persons getting sick in the county right now. I was not frustrated while waiting, because they said it was going to come, and let us be a little patient, and I waited. Persons need to be vaccinated because a lot of people getting sick, and a lot of people dying”.

Tonia Smith, a student of the Government Technical Institute (GTI),

told Guyana Times that she chose to be jabbed to protect herself and family members from the deadly virus.

“I waited a month and change to get a second dose and I was kind of nervous because of the symptoms I had with the first dose, but I am taking it to prevent getting COVID. This will protect my friend, family and loved ones,” she said.

Recently, the Government gazetted new measures for entry into public buildings. It stated that only vaccinated persons can enter any public building without an appointment.

Persons who are unvaccinated are required to make an appointment to enter a public building, and must present a negative molecular biological PCR test taken within seven days of the appointment.

These measures run until September 30, 2021, or unless extended further by the Health Minister. (G9)

18 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No more 1st dose AstraZeneca available – Health Minister …as 36.3% of adult population fully vaccinated

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he Health Ministry has stopped administering the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said on Wednesday during a COVID-19 update.

Of the more than 200,000 doses of the vaccine Guyana received this year, half was set aside to administer second doses. “…it is the same vaccine that you use for the first and second doses. We have issued half of the amount as first dose, and we kept back half for the second dose. We have just given out half of what we have as the first dose, and that is why we are no longer giv-

ing AstraZeneca as a first dose,” he explained.

The Health Minister added, “If we continue doing the first dose, we won’t have a second dose to give.”

He is urging persons who received the first dose of this vaccine between four and 12 weeks ago to return for their second dose.

Asked whether Guyana would be sourcing more of the AstraZeneca vaccines, the Health Minister disclosed that Government is looking at other vaccines.

“In the pipeline we have a number of vaccines, they include more Pfizer, J&J, and some other vaccines we are looking at,” he said.

Between March and

August, Guyana received a steady shipment of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In fact, Guyana commenced its COVID-19 immunisation programme with this vaccine back in March.

Presently, the COVID-19 vaccines available to adults in both the first and second doses are Sinopharm and Sputnik V, and the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Meanwhile, the two-dose Pfizer vaccine is being administered to children between the ages of 12 and 17.

Vaccinated

To date, 387,280 persons, or 69.6 per cent of the adult population, have re-

ceived their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 185,972, or 36.3 per cent of this demographic, are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 23,664 persons, or 32.4 per cent of children between the ages of 12 and 17, have received their first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Moreover, the Health Minister has revealed that since the Infectious Disease Hospital opened its doors last year September, a total of 2338 patients were admitted up to the end of August. Of this number, 2003, or 85.7 per cent, were successfully treated and discharged.

“Unfortunately, we

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

know that, with COVID, we are going to have critically ill patients who would come into the ICU. Some of

them are going to die at the hospital, because of varying complications,” the Health Minister has said. (G1)

“Cooperate with the Police” – Traffic Chief tells public

…as confrontations between road users, cops increase

T

here having been an increase in confrontations between road users and the Police in regard to random stop-and-search exercises being conducted on persons and vehicles, the Police Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, on Wednesday said the comments he had made in May during his appearance on the Guyana Police Force’s weekly radio programme “Police & You”, regarding ranks randomly

stopping and searching vehicles, were taken out of context; and he is pleading with members of the public to cooperate with the Police.

During the programme in May, Ashram had said that ranks are not allowed to randomly stop and search persons, unless there is reasonable suspicion.

“Since my assumption as Traffic [Chief] in August 2020, my policy is clear and that of the Force: ranks are being instructed - traffic

ranks - not to stop drivers and check for documents; not to arrest persons for minor offences. Take [their] name and address and proceed by the way of summons. If the offence warrants a ticket, issue a ticket. And if you breach these simple SOPs, the standard operating procedure of the Force, you will be dealt with for disobeying the lawful orders,” Ashram had stated during the programme.

However, Ashram has explained that his words were

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram

taken out of context, and he has since clarified that he had called on Police officers not to check for documents during peak hours, but to allow for the free flow of traffic.

Peak hours are between 07:00 (7am) and 09:00h (9am) and between 14:00h (2:00pm) and 18:00h (6pm).

Further, the Traffic Chief is urging persons to cooperate with the Police. He has said “If the Police ask you [there] to produce your documents, which they are covered under (section) 16:01 (of the Traffic Act), you have to produce. The law is clear…when you are required by a Police constable or by any other member of

the Force to produce a driver’s licence, you have to do so on demand. It’s an offence if you fail to produce it.”

Moreover, while pleading with the public to cooperate with the Police, Ashram said that if a member of the public feels mistreated, a report should be made.

“I am appealing to members of the public, whether driver or pedestrian, and the public as a whole: cooperate with the Police, listen to the Police…if you tell yourself at a stop or roadblock you were treated (unfairly), you can take that rank’s number and name, report to the superior, and action would be taken,” he said.

NEWS

19

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cause of North West school fire still to be ascertained going to ascertain what caused the fire, and arson is not suspected at this time.”

The fire erupted at about 22:10h at the educational facility on Saturday last, destroying the two-storey wooden-and-concrete structure measuring about 150 feet by 200 feet.

The school consisted of an auditorium, six classrooms and a home economics department.

Enquiries disclosed that a security guard of Baranobo Hill, Mabaruma was in his guard hut on his cellular phone when he heard three loud explosions. The sounds emanated from a room on the second floor of the eastern side of the building.

Checks were made, and

The structure engulfed in flames

T

he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has said that the cause of the fire at the North

West Secondary School and dormitory at Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Saturday last is yet to be

ascertained.

Contacted on Wednesday, an official of the GFS said, “Investigations are still on-

he observed the room engulfed in flames. The man immediately made his way to the Mabaruma Police Station and lodged a report.

Upon the Fire Service’s arrival on scene, they were able to extinguished the fire with assistance from members of the Joint Services and the public.

Despite their strenuous efforts, most of the building and the aforementioned articles were damaged.

According to reports, rooms in the school had an undisclosed amount of stationery, besides desks and benches, chalk boards, computers, laboratory equipment, kitchen utensils and other items.

Investigations into the

fire continue.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has since disclosed plans to rebuild the edifice. Manickchand took to social media to express dismay at the series of events, noting that she had recently visited the school and found that it was in a state to offer quality educational opportunities to students. However, she posited that the institution would be rebuilt.

Earlier this year, the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School was gutted by fire. The teaching block which housed all the classrooms, located on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, was completely destroyed. (G9)

20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Democratic disagreements imperil Biden agenda as shutdown looms

P

resident Joe Biden's agenda was at risk of being derailed by divisions among his own Democrats, as moderates voiced anger on Wednesday at the idea of delaying a US$1 trillion infrastructure bill ahead of a critical vote to avert a Government shutdown.

The White House said talks over twin bills that would revitalise the nation's roads and airports and fund social programmes and climate change measures, were at a "precarious" point as moderates and progressives disagreed over the scope of some US$4 trillion in spending.

Congress, which Democrats control by a razor-thin margin, is due to vote on a bipartisan resolution to fund federal operations through early December before funding expires at midnight.

The House of

US Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) speaks during a news conference criticising Democrats at the US Capitol in Washington, US, September 29, 2021

Representatives is expected to vote today on a US$1 trillion infrastructure bill already passed by the Senate, although some party leaders warned that vote could be delayed again – which would dismay moderates.

Representative Stephanie Murphy, a moderate Democrat who backs the infrastructure bill, warned against defeat or delay of the legislation.

"If the vote were to fail tomorrow or be delayed,

there would be a significant breach of trust that would slow the momentum in moving forward in delivering the Biden agenda," she told reporters on Wednesday.

With House progressives warning they will vote against the infrastructure bill until a deal is reached on the separate multitrillion-dollar plan focused on social spending and climate, the vote was not guaranteed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Young activists table proposals for Glasgow climate talks

Ecuador: Death toll in prison fight passes 100

M

ore than 100 people are now known to have died in a fight between rival gangs in Ecuador's jail, officials say, making it the worst prison violence in the country's history.

At least five inmates were decapitated in Tuesday's clashes in the city of Guayaquil, while others were shot dead.

Police Commander Fausto Buenaño said the prisoners also threw grenades.

It took 400 Police Officers to regain control of the jail, which houses inmates linked to global drug gangs.

Local media report that the uprising was ordered by powerful Mexican drug trafficking gangs that are now operating in Ecuador.

Ecuador's prisons service director Bolivar Garzon told local radio the situation was "terrible".

"Yesterday, Police took

control at 1400 [local time], but last night there were other shootings, other things, explosions and today in the morning we took total control, we are entering the pavilions where there was conflict and discovering more bodies," he said.

It is the latest in a series of deadly incidents involving rival gang members fighting for control of prisons. In February, 79 prisoners were killed in simultaneous fights.

The Litoral Penitentiary, where the latest deadly fight took place on Tuesday night, is considered one of the most dangerous in the country.

Buenaño said that inmates from one wing of the prison had crawled through a hole to gain access to a different wing, where they attacked rival gang members.

More than 50 inmates were injured. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A general view of the opening session during the second day of the Youth4Climate pre-COP26 conference in Milan, Italy, September 29, 2021

Y

oung activists on Wednesday tabled a slate of proposals for inclusion in the COP26 climate agenda, a day before Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi meets Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The proposals will be vetted by climate and energy ministers gathering at a meeting in Milan today, before some find their way to the UN COP26 summit in Glasgow in a month's time.

The Glasgow conference aims to secure more ambitious climate action from the nearly 200 countries who signed the 2015 Paris Agreement and agreed to try to limit human-caused global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Structured across four areas of action, the activist proposals include demands for a transparent climate finance

system as well as a call for the total phasing out of the fossil fuel industry by 2030. "(2030) is the limit we want to put, we don't want to say 2050... because this is our last chance," Iraqi activist Reem Alsaffar said.

"We're so tired of greenwashing and of companies selling us that."

The initiative is designed to give youngsters a seat at the table of climate talks as concern grows in their ranks that some countries might not be fully committed to targets.

Addressing activists from around 190 countries, Italy's Energy Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani said this was the first time youngsters had been given a chance to play such a direct role in climate policies.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

PAHO says it is buying more COVID vaccines for Americas

T

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has said it is pushing to secure additional COVID-19 vaccines for residents of the Americas amid huge discrepancies in vaccination rates between countries in the Region.

PAHO, the Americas branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO), announced on Wednesday that it had reached an agreement with Chinese vaccine maker Sinovac to buy 8.5 million vaccine doses for 2021 and another 80 million doses next year.

PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne said vaccine donations, including through

Less than one per cent of people in Haiti are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne said on Wednesday

the United Nations-backed COVAX programme, were the “fastest way” to support countries in the Region, but the Organisation was also relying on purchases to bolster supply.

“Our Revolving Fund is in advanced discussions with vaccine manufacturers to buy additional COVID vaccines on behalf of all Member States to complement bilateral deals, donations and

doses that they are receiving via the COVAX mechanism,” Dr Etienne told reporters.

She noted vaccination rates were progressing in the Americas, where more than one billion doses have been administered to date, but she stressed that “coverage is not uniform”.

“While Canada, Chile, Uruguay and Puerto Rico have fully vaccinated over 70 per cent of their populations, 10 countries and territories in our region have yet to reach 20 per cent of their populations,” she said. “And in Haiti, fewer than one per cent of people have been protected thus far.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices slip as US inventories rise, despite OPEC's slow road to adding supply

O

il prices slipped on Wednesday after US crude inventories rose by more than anticipated, even as the Organisation of t Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, plans to maintain its deliberate approach to adding supply to the market.

US crude stockpiles rose by 4.6 million barrels last week, exceeding expectations, boosted by a rebound in output as offshore facilities shut in by two US Gulf hurricanes resumed activity.

Brent crude settled down 45 cents to US$78.64 a barrel, after reaching US$80 on Tuesday. US oil prices ended down 46 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to US$74.83 a barrel.

The market was also pressured by strength in the US dollar, which hit a one-year high against a basket of other major currencies. Since oil is transacted in dollars, strength in the US currency makes the commodity more expensive worldwide.

Oil prices have been charging higher as economies recover from pandemic lockdowns and fuel demand picks up, while some producing countries have seen supply disruptions.

US oil, petrol and distillate stockpiles rose last week, according to the US Energy Department. US output rose to 11.1 million barrels per day, roughly in line with where production was before Hurricane Ida hit about a month ago.

Production in the United States has failed to recapture the levels seen at the end of 2019, when output rose to almost 13 million bpd. Shale output has been slow to rebound, tightening global supply as OPEC has been reluctant to raise its quotas.

"Production is coming back but is not where it needs to be,” said Phil Flynn, trader at Price Futures Group.

The is likely to stick to an existing deal to add 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) to its output for November when it meets next week, sources said, despite pressure from consumers for more supply.

By its own admission, oil demand is forecast to rise strongly in the next few years. OPEC warned on Tuesday that the world needs to keep investing in production to avert a crunch even as it transitions to less polluting forms of energy.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ruling party elects Kishida as leader in win for Japan establishment

J

apan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) anointed former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida as its new leader on Wednesday, a victory for the party elite that virtually ensures the soft-spoken consensus-builder will become Prime Minister within days.

Although he enjoys only moderate popular support and is saddled with a bland image, Kishida drew critical backing from some party heavyweights, allowing him to stop the momentum of outspoken rising star Taro Kono, the Minister in charge of the coronavirus vaccine roll-out.

The Hiroshima lawmaker succeeds unpopular Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who did not seek re-election as party leader after just one year in office.

Kishida is almost certain to become premier at a parliamentary session on Monday because of the LDP's major-

ity in the Lower House.

It was not clear if Kishida's tepid profile might spell problems for the LDP in a general election due by November 28.

He focused on populist issues – such as the need to forge a new kind of capitalism and ease divisions of wealth – in his first news conference.

"We can't achieve strong growth if wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small group of people," he said, citing a need to create a "virtuous cycle" of growth and wealth distribution.

"We will strive to achieve economic growth and distribution" of wealth, Kishida added, promising housing and education aid to address income disparity.

He has proposed a spending package of more than 30 trillion yen (US$270 billion), and on Wednesday he said that stimulus must be compiled by the year-end.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You'll need to muster up discipline if you want to get things done. Refuse to let someone lead you astray with a tempting offer. Finish what you start before you kick back and relax.

Don't mix business with pleasure. Someone will use emotional tactics to throw you off guard. Stand your ground and follow through with your plans. Don't feel obligated to overspend to impress someone.

Take your time and do things right the first time.

Ask for an extension if you need it. Plan to network with people who inspire you. The input you receive will give you the push you need to excel.

Say no to anyone using coercive tactics. Get involved in events and activities that give you the chance to explore something that satisfies you.

Turn what you love to do into a profitable endeavor.

Count your money and put it to good use. Be smart in the way you run your house. Don't risk your health or physical well-being. Avoid crowds. You can change things for the better with a little bit of focus.

Take a break and reevaluate matters. A slight adjustment can make a big difference in the way you handle others. Refuse to let anyone put undue pressure on you. Set sensible goals.

Pay attention to what you do and how you do it, not to what's going on around you. Taking care of your responsibilities and paying attention to detail will help avoid a run-in with an ill-tempered person.

Less hesitation and more action will resolve pending issues. An innovative approach will help you make the changes required to reach your target and motivate you to get moving. Romance is favored.

Take care of monSAGITTARIUS ey matters before it's too (Nov. 23late. Not having a realistic Dec. 21) view of your financial situation will lead to expenditures you cannot afford. Be smart and set a budget.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) TUESDAY'S WORD -- ESTHETIC

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

Impulsive action will be your downfall. Investigate the ins and outs of a situation before you get involved. Be thorough, dedicated and confident. Romance and self-improvement are encouraged.

Pay attention to what's going on around you. Set rules and abide by regulations. Stay focused on what you are trying to achieve.

Don't take risks with your health or physical well-being.

Personal gain is apparent. Spend time hon(Feb. 20- ing your skills and upMarch 20) dating your appearance.

Preparation will make the difference between mere achievement and surpassing your expectations.

PISCES

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

“Young Ross” to make T20I debut on the biggest stage

T

he Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has, since 2013, been the

breeding and nurturing ground for West Indian T20 talent. Young Caribbean

players get the opportunity to rub shoulders with T20 giants from around the world,

Usyk ready to beat Joshua for a second time — after rematch clause "activated in principle"

O

leksandr Usyk is ready to beat Anthony Joshua for a second time following confirmation that the dethroned heavyweight champion has “activated in principle” a rematch clause.

Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk outclassed Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday to win the IBF, WBA and WBO titles by unanimous points decision.

Joshua, who is now 24-2 after suffering a second defeat in four fights, said after his latest surprise loss he is “110 per cent” up for a rematch to win back his belts.

Speaking at a news conference in Kiev, Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk confirmed the wheels are in motion for the two men to meet again, likely in early 2022.

“The rematch was specified in the contract,” Krassyuk said.

“It has already been activated in principle, from the side of Joshua,” he added.

“So, I remember when we discussed with Oleksandr the issue of rematch, he was delighted and said, ‘Wow, cool, I will beat [Anthony] twice’.”

Usyk’s southpaw stance and smooth footwork troubled Joshua from the outset, and the unbeaten Ukrainian left his opponent on the ropes and desperate for the bell in the

final round.

However, Joseph Parker – the first man to take Joshua the distance in their 2018 unification fight – has backed the Briton to come back stronger if the rematch goes ahead.

“Usyk showed everyone watching tremendous skill and footwork and movement.

You just saw him outbox and outsmart AJ for the 12 rounds,” Parker told Stats Perform. “But [Joshua’s] a smart man, and he’s got a smart team. He’s faced a loss and adversity, and he’s come back with a better game plan. That’s what he’s going to need to do.

“I think I saw an interview saying he’s already watched the fight straight after it happened, and he just needs to make those adjustments and how to counter someone like Usyk.

“Who wins the rematch depends on the training, it depends on who shows up on the day. But, going into the rematch, Usyk would have big confidence. It’s pretty crazy how

he came from the cruiserweight division, unified champion of the world, and then has three fights and he’s the unified champion of the world.

“That’s the goal of a lot of heavyweights, to be champion of the world and be unified champ. It’s so crazy how things happen,” Joseph Parker has said.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said he expects the rematch to take place in February or March next year, and it is “very likely to happen in the United Kingdom”, as he effectively ruled out staging the high-profile bout in Ukraine.

But two-weight world champion Usyk, who is now 19-0, reiterated his desire to face Joshua in front of a packed crowd at the Olympic Stadium in his homeland. Usyk said: “How does Hearn know that in February at the Olympic Stadium it is bad to box? Has he ever fought in February at the Olympic Stadium?” (Sportsmax)

and are given a chance to test their skills at the highest level.

No other has, over the past two years, grasped that opportunity with as much vigour as Roston Chase.

After being virtually the last player picked up in the 2020 CPL by the St. Lucia Zouks, Chase managed to lead the team in runs throughout the competition, amassing a total of 225 runs at an average of 37.5 in 11 matches. He had 2 fifties in the process, and also picked up 9 wickets for the franchise, which unfortunately lost in the final.

This year, Chase returned to the CPL with the same enthusiasm and

drive that facilitated his success in the previous edition. He went even better, and managed to become top-scorer in the entire competition, with 446 runs scored in 12 matches at an average of 49.55, and an impressive strike rate of 144.33, especially considering his primary role as an anchoring batsman. He was named MVP of the competition, although his team again faltered in the final.

“Young Ross” will now be looking to take his stellar T20 form into West Indies colours, having attained his first squad selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Cricket fans through-

Roston Chase

out the region will be hoping he becomes Mr. Reliable for #MissionMaroon, and Chase definitely has all the attributes to do so. Along with the rest of the team, Roston will be looking to secure a third T20 World Cup win for the region. (Windies Cricket)

Pacquiao quits “greatest sport in the world” to contest Philippines’ presidency

W

orld boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday announced his retirement from what he called the “greatest sport in the world” to focus on a run for the Philippines’ presidency, the biggest fight of his career.

In a 14-minute video posted on Facebook and Twitter, “Pacman”, as he is known in the sport, thanked fans worldwide before closing the curtain on a 26-year boxing career that earned him world titles in eight different divisions, which to this day remains unmatched.

“I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over,” said the 42-year-old Pacquiao, now a Philippines senator, drawing from fans a flood of reactions ranging from disbelief to gratitude.

Pacquiao, whose fast footwork and blistering speed of punches made him one of the top offensive fighters in the sport’s history, said he was at peace with his decision, adding it was the turn of other Filipino boxers to shine.

“As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao,” he

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said, fighting back tears.

Pacquiao came from impoverished beginnings, as a ship stowaway who started fighting on the streets as a boy with prizes of $2 a fight.

His net worth was $63 million last year, according to his Philippines statement of assets.

He is widely rated as among the best pound-forpound fighters in history, better than Muhammad Ali, veteran promoter Bob Arum said in 2010.

George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr, an Australian world lightweight champion and sparring partner of Pacquiao, expressed his gratitude in a tweet, saying: “Thank you for everything you did for my Career #Legend.”

In August, the father of five lost a WBA welterweight world title match against Cuban Yordenis Ugas, leaving his fight record at 62 wins, including 39 knockouts, eight losses and two draws.

“Manny Pacquiao will always be the greatest boxer of all time,” said Senate President Vicente Sotto.

With his six-year term as a senator ending next year, Pacquiao this month presented himself as the best person to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte and lead the Southeast Asian nation of 110 million people. While no

one questions his prowess inside the ring, many political observers doubt his ability to fight entrenched poverty and social problems and handle the economic fallout and job losses from one of Asia’s worst and longest-running COVID-19 epidemics.

“He is adored as a boxer, but even those who adore him as a boxer have second thoughts about his ability to govern,” said Temario Rivera, a retired academic, citing his patchy Senate attendance.

Pacquiao has, since 2010, divided his time between politics and big-money bouts mostly in the United States, damaging his relationship with Duterte, whose bloody war on drugs and campaign to reintroduce the death penalty Pacquiao had wholeheartedly endorsed as a staunch loyalist.

Richard Heydarian, an author, columnist and academic who specialises in politics, has said Pacquiao’s retirement means he will now give 100% of his attention to his political ambitions.

“I think Pacquiao is increasingly emerging as the candidate of the Opposition,” Heydarian has said.

A new opinion poll showed Pacquiao rising a notch to fourth spot, cornering 12% of the 2,400 people surveyed, from 8% previously.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Chahal, Garton and Shahbaz show RCB's bowling might

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ajasthan Royals (RR) were in sight of a tall total when they were 100 for 1 in 11 overs, on the back of Evin Lewis's breakneck half-century. However, Lewis’s dismissal triggered a terminal collapse, as RR lost 8 wickets for 49 runs – and in the process lost their heads to be restricted to under 150 on a fresh Dubai track.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) then hunted down the target with ease, to consolidate their position in the top half of the points table, with seven wins in 11 matches.

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, subsided to their seventh defeat in 11 games. Despite the loss on

Evin Lewis scored 58

over, he heaved a slower ball from Harshal Patel over mid-on to rush RCB past fifty within five overs.

Jaiswal rode in Lewis's slipstream, making 31 off 22 balls in a 77-run opening partnership, before Dan

Even that didn't slow down Lewis, as he heaved his way to a 31-ball half-century, his first in the IPL and his fifth fifty-plus score since the start of CPL 2021.

Cataclysmic collapse

It was Garton who began the collapse in the 12th over, when he bowled a 106.3kph slower ball into the pitch. It kicked up from back of a length and drew a top edge from Lewis, with

ing with RCB's middle order. Chahal had Mahipal Lomror stumped with a wrong'un, before having Liam Livingstone hole out to long-on with his trademark wide, loopy legbreak.

Sanju Samson and Rahul Tewatia tried to target Shahbaz, RR's seventh bowling option, but both picked out the boundary riders in the 14th over.

And Patel, who had earlier taken a pasting from Lewis, tricked the lower order with his assortment of slower balls.

Bharat and Maxwell step up

With the ball sliding onto the bat nicely in the early exchanges, Kohli and Padikkal held nothing back, hitting four fours each in a powerplay that produced 54 runs. Mustafizur then shook up the RCB briefly with his skilful change-ups.

After he bowled Padikkal in the sixth over of the chase, Riyan Parag effected a direct hit in the seventh, to

Glenn Maxwell scored a quickfire 50 Yuzvendra Chahal was named Player of the Match for his 2 for 18

Wednesday, RR could still qualify for the playoffs if they win their remaining three games.

RR might have still harboured hopes of a comeback when Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli fell in either side of the powerplay, but KS Bharat and Glenn Maxwell forged a 69-run partnership to dash all of that. RCB ultimately sealed victory with seven wickets and 17 balls to spare, also giving their net run-rate a leg-up.

Christian had him scooping a catch to extra-cover.

leave RCB at 58 for 2.

Bharat then combined with Maxwell to settle the chase. He slog-swept Chris Morris for six, pumped Lomror down the ground for four, and even re-

verse-swept Rahul Tewatia for four, which had Kohli up on his feet and cheering wildly from the dugout.

As for Maxwell, he laid into Morris, smashing 24

off nine balls from him.

Bharat holed out for 44, but Maxwell glided to his fifty, and wrapped up the chase along with AB de Villiers.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD RAJASTHAN ROYALS’ INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Evin Lewis c †Bharat b Garton 58 Yashasvi Jaiswal c Mohammed Siraj b Christian 31 Sanju Samson (c)† c Padikkal b Shahbaz Ahmed 19 Mahipal Lomror st † Bharat b Chahal 3 Liam Livingstone c de Villiers b Chahal 6 Rahul Tewatia c Padikkal b Shahbaz Ahmed 2 Riyan Parag c Kohli b Patel 9 Chris Morris c Padikkal b Patel 14 Chetan Sakariya c de Villiers b Patel 2 Kartik Tyagi not out 1 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.45) 149/9 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-77 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 8.2 ov), 2-100 (Evin Lewis, 11.1 ov), 3-113 (Mahipal Lomror, 12.5 ov), 4-113 (Sanju Samson, 13.1 ov), 5-117 (Rahul Tewatia, 13.6 ov), 6-127 (Liam Livingstone, 16.2 ov), 7-146 (Riyan Parag, 19.2 ov), 8-146 (Chris Morris, 19.3 ov), 9-149 (Chetan Sakariya, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W George Garton 3-0-30-1

Mohammed Siraj 3-0-18-0 Glenn Maxwell 2-0-17-0 Harshal Patel 4-0-34-3 Dan Christian 2-0-21-1 Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0 -18-2 Shahbaz Ahmed 2-0 -10-2 ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (TARGET: 150 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Virat Kohli (c) run out (Parag) 25 Devdutt Padikkal b Mustafizur Rahman 22 Srikar Bharat † c sub (Anuj Rawat) b Mustafizur Rahman 44 Glenn Maxwell not out 50 AB de Villiers not out 4 Extras (lb 2, w 6) 8 TOTAL (17.1 Ov, RR: 8.91) 153/3 Did not bat: Dan Christian, Shahbaz Ahmed, George Garton, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Devdutt Padikkal, 5.2 ov), 2-58 (Virat Kohli, 6.5 ov), 3-127 (Srikar Bharat, 15.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Chris Morris 4-0-50-0 Kartik Tyagi 2 -0-23-0 Chetan Sakariya 3-0 -18-0 Mustafizur Rahman 3-0 -20-2 Rahul Tewatia 3 -0 -23-0 Mahipal Lomror 2 -0-13-0 Riyan Parag 0.1-0 -4 -0

Wasim Khan resigns as Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief executive

W

Heavin' Lewis

With RCB having two left-handers at the top, Kohli matched them up with Maxwell's offspin.

Maxwell had won a similar match-up against Krunal Pandya at the same venue on Monday, but this time Lewis and Yashasvi Jaiswal immediately dumped him out of the attack by taking 13 off his first over.

Lewis then cranked up to top gear, lining up debutant George Garton for two sixes and a four. In the next

Bharat snagging the catch.

Legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal and left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed then took over, mess-

Shahbaz Ahmed bagged 2-10

Srikar Bharat took the aerial route

asim Khan has resigned as chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after being in that role for just over two years.

The 50-year-old was appointed in February 2019 after four years as the chief executive at Leicestershire.

Khan’s is the third high-profile exit from the PCB this month, following the departures of Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq and Bowling Coach Waqar Younis.

Ex-Pakistan Captain Ramiz Raja became Chairman of the PCB in September.

England recently withdrew their men's and women's teams from the tours

of Pakistan in October. The England and Wales Cricket Board said the white-ball series would "add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of oper-

ating in restricted COVID environments".

England’s withdrawal followed New Zealand’s abandoning their tour of the country over a "specific and credible threat".

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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

T

he Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) is collaborating with its partners to bring to the hardworking athletes, the bodybuilding and fitness fraternity, and the entire Guyana its first Senior Bodybuilding Championships for 2021.

This competition will be held at the National Cultural Centre on 18th December, 2021 at 18:00 hrs. the purpose of the competition is to celebrate life, health and fitness, whilst promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy living.

Approximately 30 athletes are expected to participate in the 3 different segments of this competi-

Minster of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr, posing with the winners of the Resilience Bodybuilding Competition. Julio Sinclair, Rosanna Fung, Darious Ramsammy and Ronaldo Caldeira Keliza Smith

tion; namely Bodybuilding, Bikini and Men’s Physique.

An official list of athletes will be presented in the

Athletes content with performances at Youth and Juniors Championships

Revon Williams

T

he National Youth and Juniors Track and Field Championships, which were concluded on Sunday last, were not short of any excitement, as Guyana’s younger crop of athletes pulled out all the stops in a quest for gold and bragging rights.

For many of those athletes, much more is at stake, as they look to qualify for the South American Under 23 Championships and the Junior Pan American Games.

Several outstanding performers took time to review their performances over the weekend, with a particular trio being especially contented with what they’ve been able to pull off.

For 18-19 200M sprint Champion Revon Williams, it’s now time for him to get some rest in the off season, but the 19-year-old is pleased with his exploits on the track.

“Well, for the 200, it was a tight run. I didn’t get no start, but still I tried to maintain the turn; so I did well, and I’m thankful for

Keliza Smith

myself,” Williams said.

He continued, “I set myself four goals, but right about now I’m supposed to be on off season.

I’m taking my final run today, and just go and rest.”

Keliza Smith had a busy weekend, winning the Girls’ 1819 100M and 200M events and placing second in the long jump event. While the 18-year-old admitted that she wasn’t too focused on the jump, she was surprised and ‘grateful’ for her personal best time on the track.

The sprinter shared this about her races, “First, I have to say thank God for health and strength; and secondly, it was kind of challenging because of Briana Charles, one of my clubmates; she was right behind me.

“The race was perfect. I was looking forward to running a PB, which I did, and thank God for that. The 100M was perfect, but I wasn’t expecting to run 11.60s, which I did, but I’m proud of myself.”

Ezekiel Newton

Asked what she hopes to do at the upcoming international meets, Smith answered, “Just continue training hard, go over there and do my best.”

Also bagging a sprint double was Hopetown Flames’ Ezekiel Newton. Competing in the 14-17 category, Newton is hoping for the best, going forward.

“It was good. When I start, I didn’t get a good start, but the finish was good. The 200 was more distance, so it required more energy,” the 16-year-old said.

He added with a smile, “Got to say thanks to Coach and my parents, who motivate me and encourage me. Well, I would like to improve the timings that I run, and just hope for the best,” Newton shared, as he looked forward to the upcoming events in October and November.

The Youth and Junior Championships were hosted at the Leonora Track and Field Facility last weekend.

first week of November, 2021.

Once hosting of the competition is approved by the COVID-19 Task Force, athletes, backstage personnel and the executive of the GBBFF must observe all COVID-19 protocols as gazetted by the Ministry of Health.

While on stage, athletes will be required to stand 6 feet apart from each other. While backstage, athletes will be required to wear their masks and to maintain the mandatory physical distancing.

Judges will be seated 6 feet from each other, and will be required to wear their masks.

C

anada-based Guyanese Fazil Rasool has snared three wickets for eight runs to inspire United Cricket Club to the 2021 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs’ (OMSCCs’) Second Division Over-40 20 overs championship on Sunday at Ashtonbee Park in Scarborough, Toronto.

Rasool delivered three overs to help restrict club Seatown’s men, who managed only an inadequate 124-5 from their 20 overs. Supporting the unplayable Rasool were Jano Panday and Arjune Persaud, who each took one wicket.

Geenarine Ram top-scored for Seatown with 36, while Jaydeo Singh contributed 19, and 17 came from both Lalta Narine and Narendra Buchanan.

Rasool struck at key moments in the game to always have his side having the upper hand. Displaying great experience and superb tactics, he was the man who brought the goods to the finale.

United, in reply, safely and aggressively reached 125-5 off 16.5 overs. When United Cricket Club batted, in-form opener Ganesh Ramraj hit an impressive 43 that was laced with three sixes and two fours.

Navin Misir, another overseasbased Guyanese, struck 30.

United’s batsmen showed fight, as they decimated the small total with little resistance from their opponents. Monty

Fazil Rasool

Dass and Kumar Singh offered some resistance with one wicket each, but at the end of the day, that was woefully inadequate to stop the united juggernaut.

With precious little resistance being offered, the Seatown men handed the finale to United on a proverbial platter to close out the action.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Rasool

was named the Most Valuable Player, and took home a trophy.

His team also collected a trophy and 15 medals.

President of the OMSCC, Paul Jaman, congratulated the championship combination, and thanked the teams for their participation as well. He made special mention of the sponsors, and expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of spectators for coming to witness the action.

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