Guyana Times - Thursday, September 3, 2021

P15

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4759

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

Major US companies interested in building 5000 rooms for worldclass hotels in Guyana Page 3

3 grinding sugar estates partially refurbished, factories producing despite floods Haiti's deadly earthquake

US$50,000 gifted to Haiti, more support coming – President Ali

Page 2

Storm Ida: Flash flooding in New York, New Jersey kills 40

Page 17

…father of girlfriend’s son arrested

8 more COVID-19 deaths, 181 new infections in 24h Page 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Aircraft suffers blowout upon landing at Port Kaituma P13 …12 passengers, pilot unhurt

152 lbs ganja found hidden in barrels at Norton Street house P12

Cop injured after being P13 pelted to face with metal cup

See story on page 7

Lance Corporal, girlfriend Page executed 10 in Sophia

GTT Fibre to offer increased speed at reduced costs

Ruby businessman’s murder

Alleged hitman paid only $10,000 of $6M payment – jury hears P8

Cop on bribery charges released on $150,000 bail P14

6 men charged for brutally beating pandit to death P5

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Haiti’s deadly earthquake

US$50,000 gifted to Haiti, more support coming – President Ali

I

n an effort to aid the Government and people of Haiti in their recovery from last month’s devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Guyana has already pledged US$50,000 to that Caribbean nation.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali during an interview with reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday. He noted that after being informed that the Haitian Government would prefer cash donations, instructions were given to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to immediately release the funds.

In addition to pledging funds, the Guyana Government has also opened a Humanitarian Relief Fund to collect donations from stakeholders to assist Haiti.

However, up to last week, there was no money in that account.

Nevertheless, the Head of State told reporters on Thursday that Government will be donating another tranche of relief funds along with the money in the account.

“So, I think in another week and a half, [we’ll] see what comes in the account, but the Government will definitely be making another tranche with whatever is in that account to Haiti,” Dr Ali said to reporters.

Days after the August

President Dr Irfaan Ali

14 earthquake, the Guyana Government announced that it had established a humanitarian account with Republic Bank Guyana Limited to raise funds for Haiti. The account (96235619938) has been set up in the name of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Support

When contacted on Thursday, CDC DirectorGeneral, Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig, told Guyana Times that when the account was checked last week, there were no funds. He noted that no further checks have been made to ascertain whether donations were made since then.

However, the CDC Head posited that there is no time limit as yet regarding how

long the account will be kept open.

“The country is impacted, and they will always need support, so we don’t have a definite date when [the account] will close. So, it will remain open,” he stated.

The Office of the Prime Minister had said it would be working closely with civil society, the Private Sector, and other partners to quickly raise funds for a coordinated, substantial relief response to the affected people of Haiti.

The OPM had said that Guyana’s resolve to stand in solidarity with its Caricom brothers and sisters across the region in good and bad times remains steadfast.

“As we have done in the past, we will combine energies and resources to meet this latest humanitarian challenge to bring comfort and relief to our Haitian brothers and sisters as quickly as possible. We ask that Guyanese in the diaspora join our efforts to provide substantial relief through our collective response,” the statement detailed.

The earthquake has left over 2,000 persons dead, more than 12,000 injured, and hundreds of thousands of buildings as well as infrastructure in the southern region of Haiti destroyed. The country has also experienced at least 600 aftershocks since the mid-August quake.

The devastation was fur-

view that the Community must be at the forefront of ensuring that the Member State has a fresh start as it recovers from the extensive devastation of the three events. It noted, too, that the crisis presented a good opportunity to rebuild Haiti, and offered the assistance of the Community in those areas in which Member States have expertise, such as the elections pro-

ther compounded by flooding from Tropical Storm Grace.

Hours after the earthquake, President Ali had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr Ariel Henry, and the Chairman of Caricom (Caribbean Community), Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, during which he assured them that the Government of Guyana would provide assistance to aid the relief and recovery efforts.

In addition, Guyana has been participating in special Caricom meetings to discuss the political and humanitarian situation in Haiti.

Only last Friday, one such meeting was held by the Bureau of Heads of Government of Caricom, at which Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd represented Guyana.

The Haitian Prime Minister updated regional leaders on the situation in the country, indicating that his Government was dealing with three priorities simultaneously. These are relief and reconstruction following the earthquake; the need for credible and transparent elec-

tions; as well as delivering justice through the complex investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

Prime Minister Henry outlined the effects of the aftermath of the earthquake and the passage of Tropical Storm Grace, which affected the entire southern peninsula of the country on 16 August. He pointed out that the needs would be clearer after the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)is completed in five weeks.

The Haitian leader also commended CARICOM for its early moral and material support.

The Bureau was of the

cess, judicial and investigative support for the inquiry into the death of President Moïse, and the restoration of the democratic institutions.

Support was also offered with respect to curbing the crime and violence in Haiti.

A number of Member States have pledged financial donations to address the immediate needs of the country, and there has been agreement on the need for a sustained development effort over the long term to give Haiti a fresh start. The need for a robust and well-coordinated humanitarian response and vaccination effort was also highlighted. (G8)

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, Sept 3 – 02:00h-03:30h and 13:30h-15:00h and Saturday, Sept 4 – 02:30h-04:00h and 23:00h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, Sept 3 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, Sept 4 –15:10h-16:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day with light rain showers and thunder in the midafternoon into evening hours followed by cloudy skies. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Major US companies interested in building 5000 rooms for world-class hotels in Guyana

S

everal major United States hotel chains have heeded the call by the Guyana Government and expressed interest in constructing close to 5000 hotel rooms in order to boost local accommodation capacity.

This is according to US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, during remarks at the Annual General Meeting(AGM) of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Guyana) on Wednesday. She disclosed that over the past year, inquiries by US com-

was turned for this project in July and construction has commenced with completion slated for 2023.

The Marriott Courtyard at the CJIA, which will be the second Marriott Hotel brand in Guyana, caters for a six-storey Marriott Courtyard with 140 rooms and modern amenities. The hotel would be a minute’s drive from the entrance of the CJIA, and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business people, diplomats, and other travellers.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

Winds: Northerly to South South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 14:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.20 metres.

Low Tide: 07:43h and 20:06h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metre and 1. metres.

The design of the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel being constructed at the CJIA

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panies at the Embassy in Georgetown have quadrupled, given Guyana’s upward trajectory as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world due primarily to its oil Ambassador Lynch said that there was interest in opportunities in a variety of sectors, including the hospitality industry.

“To support this burgeoning industry, US hospitality firms have dominated the Government of Guyana’s request for proposals by submitting Expressions of Interest for nearly 5000 rooms from world-class brands such as Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western, Courtyard Marriott, and others,” the US diplomat related.

Shortly after taking office in August 2020, President Dr Irfaan Ali invited investors to submit proposals for the construction of international-branded hotels to increase the country’s accommodation capacity and meet the demands of the growing influx of foreigners.

In fact, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said back in May that Guyana could see as many as eight new hotels going up over the next few years as the local hospitality industry grows in tandem with the oil and gas sector.

In response to Government’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for hotels to be constructed in the vicinity of Guyana’s main port of entry, local construction company R Bassoo & Sons Ltd entered into agreements with Marriott Hotels International and the Government of Guyana to design and build a Marriott Courtyard – a US$20 million project – at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The sod

Additionally, a Trinidadian company is also in the preparatory stages of commencing construction of another Marriott-branded hotel – AC Marriott – at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

The 150-room facility is located near the Ogle Airport.

Meanwhile, back in March, the sod was turned for a US$15 million boutique hotel under the Aiden brand to be constructed in the heart

of Georgetown. The hotel, which would feature 101 “smart rooms”, is being constructed as part of the Best Western Hotel and Resorts franchise.

And in November, the Government of Guyana, through the Tourism and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with

investors for a US$90 million Hilton Hotel to be constructed at McDoom, Greater Georgetown.

The investors in the luxury hotel are part of a joint initiative among 658 Guyana Holdings, GREC Investment Group and TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Guyana Incorporated. The 289-room branded hotel would be constructed in the already busy area which is home to many businesses such as Gafoors, Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc, Guyana Shore Base Inc, Farm Supplies, and Schlumberger.

Around the same time, Giftland Group Chairman Roy Beepat, announced plans to construct a US$100 million Radisson Blu Hotel, for which the agreement has already been finalised to offer this five-star package to Guyana.

Other globally recognised hotel brands like the Hyatt Hotels have also expressed an interest in expanding to Guyana. (G8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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

Meeting the needs of older citizens

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) published a Baseline report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing which included useful insights into the status of the world’s older populations and what health authorities and policymakers and international development partners could do in order to ensure this group of people are not left behind.

According to the report, at least 14% of all people aged 60 years and over ̶- more than 142 million people ̶- are currently unable to meet all their basic daily needs. The report brings together data available for measuring healthy ageing, defined

by WHO as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age.”

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notes that humans now live longer than at any time in history.

“But adding more years to life can be a mixed blessing if it is not accompanied by adding more life to years.”

He said that the Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing has the potential to transform the way policy-makers and multiple service-providers engage with older adults. The report also discusses what is needed to promote collaboration and better measure progress towards healthy ageing.

WHO says that optimizing “functional ability” is the goal of the Decade of Healthy Ageing, which begins in 2021 and addresses five interrelated abilities that all older people should enjoy: the ability to meet basic needs; to continue to learn and make decisions; to be mobile; to build and maintain relationships; and to contribute to society.

The Baseline report presents the experience of countries which have been successful in starting healthy ageing initiatives in each of these areas, such as Ireland, Mexico and Vietnam.

It also stresses that older adults must be engaged throughout.

According to the report, only one-quarter of countries around the world are compiling comparable data which can be used to monitor global progress towards healthy ageing. Some countries that are collecting and using data to improve policies and programmes for and with older persons are presented in the report. These countries are Chile, China, Finland, Ghana, India, Qatar, Singapore and Thailand.

A number of indicators to be reported on by countries as a demonstration of commitment towards healthy ageing were agreed on by WHO Member States as part of the Global Strategy on Ageing and Health 2016-2020 and endorsed in 2020 within the context of the Decade for Healthy Ageing 2021-2030. Examples are the establishment of a national committee or forum on ageing; comprehensive assessments of the health and social care needs of older people; and a policy on strengthening long-term care.

It should be stated that the Caribbean has been recognised as having one of the fastest growing older populations in the developing world. This certainly poses its own challenges and governments and other actors will be required to take the necessary measures to ensure that this segment of the population lead healthier and more productive lives.

There is no doubt that among the more pressing issues affecting older persons are health concerns and the quality of care being provided to them on a daily basis. It is therefore crucial for governments to put systems in place which would allow for older persons to obtain the health services they need.

WHO’s new Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People recommend ways community-based services can help prevent, slow or reverse declines in physical and mental capacities among older people. The guidelines also require health and social care providers to coordinate their services around the needs of older people through approaches such as comprehensive assessment and care plans.

Director of the Department of Ageing and Life course at WHO, Dr John Beard, had previously noted that older adults are more likely to experience chronic conditions and often multiple conditions at the same time. Yet today’s health systems generally focus on the detection and treatment of individual acute diseases.

He had reasoned that if health systems are to meet the needs of older populations, they must provide ongoing care focused on the issues that matter to older people – chronic pain, and difficulties with hearing, seeing, walking or performing daily activities. On this basis, he noted that this will require much better integration between care providers.

The health authorities in Guyana may want to give serious consideration recommendations presented in the most recent Baseline report by WHO.

Indigenous dancers performing at the inaugural virtual Amerindian Heritage Month Cultural Extravaganza, which was hosted by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Amerindian Affairs Ministry photo)

Desertification is turning the Earth barren – but a solution is still within reach

By David R Montgomery

T

his summer’s record-setting heatwaves and dramatic fires in southern Europe and the American west were stark reminders that the climate crisis has arrived. But as the world warms, there is also a quieter, lesser-known crisis unfolding underfoot.

Desertification, long seen primarily as a threat to developing nations, is coming for Europe and North America too, as worsening droughts bake soils already degraded by conventional farming and grazing practices.

In Spain, for example, about a fifth of all land is now at high risk of desertification, as is much of the agricultural land across Italy, Greece, and western North America.

Desertification is a process that turns fertile farms into barren land through the interacting effects of human activity and climate extremes. Soil degradation is the diminishment of a soil’s capacity to support crops and livestock, either because of the erosion of fertile topsoil or the loss of water-holding, nutrient-rich soil organic matter and the life it supports. Semi-arid grasslands like the Sahel and western plains of North America are most vulnerable because loss of drought tolerant native vegetation can trigger rapid soil degradation and loss of agricultural productivity.

A changing climate, however, is not the only cause behind desertification. How we treat the land – how we farm and ranch – matters too. Healthy, life-filled soils better retain the moisture that falls on farmers’ fields.

Desertification is a grow-

ing problem. A 2018 report by EU auditors found that an area twice the size of Portugal had fallen into high risk of desertification in the preceding decade, in Europe alone. In recent decades 13 EU states declared themselves affected as the Mediterranean region experienced a significant expansion of drylands – regions with low rainfall. Soil degradation is estimated to cost the EU tens of billions of euros a year, and yet, how farmers treat their soil remains essentially unregulated in regard to soil health on both sides of the Atlantic.

The threat of desertification and land degradation will increase as the climate crisis progresses. A 2018 report found that land degradation already affects the wellbeing of at least 3.2 billion people – more than a third of humanity. Between 1982 and 2015 unsustainable land-use practices already desertified 6% of the world’s drylands. Globally, the area of drylands is projected to increase by up to 23% this century.

Rising temperatures are already predicted to reduce yields of staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize and soya beans, by 3-7 % for each 1°C increase. In Washington state, for example, wheat yields are down this year by about half due to a devastating drought. Madagascar is now facing a climate change-induced famine.

But it’s not just droughts driving the problem.

Farming practices that degrade the soil reduce the resilience of crops as worsening conditions affect harvests. Drylands in particular are sensitive to degradation from both tillage and overgrazing. If it continues, soil

degradation will further increase the threat to agricultural production in regions that humanity depends on for food.

Looking back through history, it’s clear that desertification and soil degradation are not new problems. Since the arrival of agriculture humanity has degraded as much as a third of the world’s potential farmland. This pattern reflects both a long history of tillage-induced erosion and more recent adoption of modern farming practices that deplete soil organic matter and disrupt soil ecosystems. Unfortunately, we are repeating the problem on a global scale.

Now-conventional farming and ranching practices that degrade the soil leave farmers around the world increasingly reliant on huge amounts of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Declining soil health due to depletion of soil organic matter and soil life is increasingly recognised as a critical problem.

According to a 2015 UN report we are on track to degrade another third of global farmland over the course of the present century. We’re leaving the land more fragile and our harvests more vulnerable at the same time climate change is creating unprecedented environmental pressures.

To combat and reverse the growing threat of desertification and land degradation we need to both reduce carbon emissions and change the way we farm. We don’t have to relearn the lessons of past societies that degraded their land. But to avoid their fate we need to reorient agriculture around farming and grazing prac-

tices that regenerate soil health.

Several years ago, I visited and wrote about farms and ranches around the world that had restored fertility to once-degraded lands. I saw how regenerative farming and grazing based on soil-building practices can reverse soil degradation, rebuild soil health and make farms resilient to extreme weather – while maintaining good harvests.

But it requires replacing conventional farming practices dependent on intensive tillage and massive chemical fertiliser use with practices that put soil health first.

In addition to intensive efforts to reduce fossil fuel-derived carbon emissions, we need a sustained global drive to rebuild the health of the world’s agricultural soils. Fortunately, the latter can help with the former.

Farming practices that build healthy soil convert carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere into soil organic matter. While the potential of storing carbon in the soil remains hotly debated, even low-end estimates would help slow climate change.

The soil is the foundation for life on Earth. As we face a century of increasingly volatile weather and a growing population, we need it in its best shape to sustain us.

Humanity must get serious about our collective intergenerational responsibility to preserve the health and fertility of our land – wherever we live. (The Guardian) David R Montgomery is professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington, and author of Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations and Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

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News

6 men charged for brutally beating pandit to death A

lmost one week after 60-year-old Rishi Bharrat, a pandit was beaten to death by a group of men in front of his Lot 10 Grant 106 Crabwood Creek, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) home, the police have charged six persons for the crime.

Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Stan Gouveia confirmed that the six men will make their appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court today where they will be arraigned with murder.

It was reported the at the man was lashed to the

head with a piece of wood and beer bottles. The man’s 11-year-old son was also injured in the attack.

Police initially stated that a group of eight men were imbibing and using foul language in front of the now dead man’s property and as such, Bharrat went out to the men with a piece of wood and told them to remove from the area.

This was at about 02:15h.

However, the men became annoyed, armed themselves and begun hitting the religious leader about his body, causing him to collapse on the street.

Pandit Rishi Bharrat

He was picked up by his relatives in an unconscious state and rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The man’s wife, Jasmin Bharrat had told the Guyana Times that at about 18:30h, a group of young men had gathered in front of their home and were speaking loudly and using foul language. This, she said, was disturbing her family.

She related that the family endured it until about 21:00h when they were ready to retire to bed.

Her husband, she add-

ed, opened a window and spoke to the group of men.

He reportedly told them that his premises was not a “rum shop” and asked them to go elsewhere.

“He told them that people are living here and we are trying to sleep because we have work to do the next day.”

According to the wife, the men started to curse Bharrat. Upon hearing their verbal abuse, she reportedly contacted the Springlands Police Station to seek their intervention but no one responded to the report.

Bharrat reportedly went

out of the house and onto the street to speak with the group of men. As he approached the men, one of them picked up a piece of wood and lashed Bharrat to his head. As he fell to the ground, the others took beer bottles and started to hit the pandit.

Bharrat made a living and had been operating a temple at his home for more than a decade. He had complained several times about the unholy behaviour in front of his mandir.

Back then he had stated that the Police were reluctant to respond when he called.

Dr Irfaan Ali provokes interest Dear Editor, There is indeed an overall positive buzz in Guyana, and around the world too; and, of course, I mean because of Guyana.

However, we must not forget the man who is the driving force in all of this.

I speak here of the young and energetic President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who was born on April 25, 1980 in the little sugar estate village of Leonora, known for its bucolic ambience. He is the second son of Bibi Shariman and Mohamed Osman Ali, who diligently parented him and his older brother, the only other sibling in the family, in a simple but disciplined manner, ensuring for him love for education, reverence for God, and empathy with humanity. We are now seeing the fruition of these implants, and are starting to benefit from them.

Dr Irfaan Ali provokes interest, and so I took my time and read carefully what is in the public domain, and I

discovered many anecdotes attesting to his filial nature even as a child, when he was known for being supportive of his parents. Steeped in a rich country life, with a proclivity for the adventurous, Dr. Irfaan always manifested traits of family fealty, as he proved to be an affectionate and responsible son, who even home-cared his father after a bout of illness descended on the ‘old man’ who nurtured him.

Is it any wonder then that at times Dr. Irfaan, in addressing national issues, comes over as a Big Brother, interceding for those who are in pain? One only has to revisit the devastation from the recent May-June floods to get a peek into his bleeding heart.

I gleaned that, during his formative years, he never lost track of his goal, that of becoming the President of Guyana, even though many flippantly dismissed him and his lofty, yet noble ambition. So fixated on his dream, Dr. Ali, as a

young and growing prodigy, remained obdurate in his pursuit of education and training. The records show that he is a past student of the Leonora Nursery and Primary schools and Cornelia Ida Primary. From these, he progressed to, and completed his secondary education at, the prestigious and citified St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown.

From such a solid, almost stoic foundation, the determined erstwhile country boy reached academic excellence and zenith when all things culminated in his successful reading for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies in October 2019.

The evidence is stark clear. He is worthy of his current role. But I gathered more in this regard.

Dr. Irfaan Ali’s actual preparation for the Presidency of Guyana goes well beyond what was adumbrated in his formative years, as a Leonora lad im-

mersed in his educational development. It is well known that he previously served as a member of the National Assembly of Guyana in 2006. He then swiftly transitioned to the portfolios of Minister of Housing and Water and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, positions that allowed him to hone his skills of human resource management, entrepreneurship, and motivation of people.

Boundless in energy and single-minded in purpose, Dr. Ali evinced very pronouncedly during these times a sense of commitment, maturity and goal-orientedness, traits that are already overt in his incipient days after a mere year as a young President.

During all this time, the ‘building up’ really, Dr. Ali intermittently tasted the role for which he was seemingly predestined, as he had to perform the functions of President and Prime Minister on sepa-

Well needed at Chesney/Kilcoy South Dear Editor, We are told by Guyana Water Inc. that water is life; yet, here in my area, the GWI well is in the middle of a cemetery at Fyrish Village, surrounded by flood water since the rainy season started.

In fact, the cemetery is under water for most of the year, and how safe the water from that well is is anybody’s guess. For those of us who have water filters, after one week, the filter is covered with a thick black-and-green muck, we have to change our filters every week.

Editor, over the years, people have called on successive Governments

to close down that well and drill a new one in a safer and more secure area, so that we, the people, can access a better quality of water.

Editor, this brings me to the reason I am writing this letter to you. Early this year, Minister Collin Croal and a team from his Ministry and officials of GWI visited my community of Chesney/ Kilcoy South, to meet with the people and to address issues affecting them.

And the number one issue raised was the well at Fyrish Village and the quality of water that we are getting.

The Minister promised the people that GWI

would soon begin the drilling of a new well.

The people were elated, and thanked him in advance of the fulfilment of his promise. A few months later, during the recent floods, no other than President Irfaan Ali visited our community, and he, too, prom-

ised the people that we would have a new well.

We are waiting for a new well. We are still waiting for a new well, so that we can also enjoy clean, potable and treated water.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

rate occasions. This eventuated to a most promissory event when, in 2015, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) went into Opposition, during which time he served as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and Co-Chair of the Economic Services Committee of the Parliament of Guyana.

Having now gone the full circle of being in Government to that of being hurled into the Opposition, the once precocious boy, now seasoned politician, was fully tested and set for his next stop, that is, becoming the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for the March 2020 Guyana Elections.

Thus, in many ways, there was not a tincture of surprise when he ascend-

ed to presidential office on August 02, 2020. This was more like the culmination of a quest, divine in origin and recognised by all.

In being officially declared as Guyana’s ninth Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali became the first Muslim President of Guyana, joining the late Noor Hassanali of Trinidad and Tobago, whose tenure was from March 19, 1987 to March 19, 1997, as only the second Muslim Head of State in the Western Hemisphere.

A whole lot has been promised then. His deportment effuses a new Guyana.

“Cometh the hour, cometh the man?” Maybe, this is a case of “Cometh Dr. Irfaan, cometh the Hour,” that of authentic prosperity.

Sincerely, H Singh

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Page

Foundation God’s Grandeur

By Gerard Manley Hopkins

The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?

Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs — Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

Source: Gerard Manley Hopkins: Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics, 1985)

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 grinding sugar estates partially refurbished, factories producing despite floods

GuySuCo CEO Sase Singh

A

mid the May-June devastating floods, the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s three grinding estates commenced production as the sugar company pushed to return the sector to its former “glory days”.

In order to drive this turnaround and better equip GuySuCo for the rainy season, Government had procured several hydraulic excavators to carry out critical drainage and irrigation works at the various estates and surrounding communities across the country. On Thursday, three of these excavators were commissioned at GuySuCo’s Head Office at LBI, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and handed over to the Albion/Port Mourant Estate.

According to GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sase Singh, the adverse weather that persisted for most of this year has severely affected the Corporation’s plans to revive the industry. Nevertheless, he noted that with the continuous support of the Government and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, GuySuCo is poised to overcome these challenges.

“We have endured the great floods of 2021 and I can proudly announce that all three of the grinding estates have been partially refurbished in the out-of-crop period, and the workers are doing their very best to feed those factories. And we’ve been pro-

ducing sugar in GuySuCo since July 17, 2021, starting at Blairmont despite the great floods. I’m also happy to announce that even after 65 days under way, Albion has been producing sugar for two weeks now,” the CEO revealed.

He noted that this would not have been possible without the efforts of GuySuCo workers at all levels who have been toiling to bring the sector back into viable operation. According to Singh, there are currently just over 7500 workers employed across GuySuCo’s eight main locations.

With some $10.5 billion injected into the sugar industry by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, the GuySuCo CEO said projected revenue this year is just over $10 billion. Already, the Sugar Corporation has been able to sell $734 million more than its sales target by just changing its sales mix. These revenues were used to pay off suppliers.

Singh went on to note too that they were looking at all areas to cut costs, including refurbishing “half-working” tractors, which will now be deployed to estates. In fact, after just one year in office, he said, they were able to shave some $175 million off of head office expenditure and this has put GuySuCo on target to shave another $300 million by the end of 2023.

The CEO pointed out that

Three excavators that were commissioned on Thursday for Albion Estate

the aim was to inject funds into where revenue was being generated, that is, the grinding estates.

“The grinding estates is our focus and every estate that are grinding, we want to make sure that they are empowered to grind more…

Let me make this statement clear, there shall be no shortage of sugar in this country in 2021, and all systems are being put in place to ensure that no shortage of sugar happens in this nation, and we shall all be moving towards a sweet Christmas,” the GuySuCo CEO asserted.

It was noted that the three excavators for the Albion Estate will be used to continue empoldering activities there, to help repair the damage to the farm-to-market roads at the estate, to rebuild revetments and enhance drainage capacity, as well as prepare for the next rainy season.

Minister Zulfikar said that these investments were a reflection of the PPP/C Government’s commitment to bring back GuySuCo to its “glory days”.

In total, Government has invested in 11 excavators for the sugar industry.

Of the remaining eight, two will be sent to the Blairmont Estate and one each will go to the other estates across the country, including those that are undergoing a phased re-

opening after being closed by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration. “…Over the last seven years, GuySuCo did not receive equipment like these…

Prior to August last year, critical works were not done at GuySuCo and today, we are having these works being done. This is the way we are preparing GuySuCo for future and I am very optimistic that GuySuCo will once again play that leading role in our country as long as we are putting the critical investments and we have good leadership in GuySuCo,” the Agriculture Minister contended. (G8)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ruby businessman’s murder

Alleged hitman paid only $10,000 of $6M payment – jury hears

Murder accused: Linden Lewis and Bibi Nazeela Habiboodean

L

inden Lewis, called “Bullet”, the man who is on trial for the February 2008 murder of 77-year-old Ruby, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) businessman Habiboodean, told Police detectives that he was paid only $10,000 to commit the act, according

to Police Inspector Devon Lowe.

Bibi Nazeela Habiboodean, daughter of the businessman, and Lewis are jointly charged with his murder, which occurred between February 14 and 15, 2008. The two murder-accused are currently on tri-

al for the capital offence before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

They have pleaded not guilty to the joint charge.

The defence lawyers are Latchmie Rahamat and Trenton Lake. Evidence for the prosecution is being led by Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave.

According to reports, the elderly man died after he was badly beaten at his home. The businessman’s widow and one of his employees were initially charged with his murder.

However, owing to insufficient evidence, the case against them was thrown out at the end of a Preliminary Inquiry. The murder of the pensioner went cold for several years, until 2016, when Police received new leads which led to the arrest of his daughter and the alleged hitman.

Dead: EBE businessman Habiboodean

On Thursday, Prosecution witness Police Inspector Devon Lowe testified about an interview he and other detectives had with Lewis at the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters at Eve Leary.

Lowe said Lewis related that Bibi promised him $6M along with a piece of land, house, and a car to kill her father.

Bibi wanted her father dead because, unlike her other siblings, she did not get any of his assets, the Police witness said as he recalled what Lewis disclosed during the interview.

“He alone [Habiboodean] went sitting down in a chair, and he ask me what I doing in the house and I tell he he daughter send me to kill him. Then I start fuh cuff he up on he neck, chest and belly, and he stop move,” Inspector Lowe said, as he recounted what Lewis had told investigators.

Inspector Lowe said Lewis told him that after he had killed the man, he asked Bibi about his $6M payment and the other items she promised him, but she told him that she had to go to the bank. According to the Police Inspector, Lewis related that the woman paid him only $5000.

The murder accused told Police ranks that, shortly after, a man by the name of “John” gave him another $5000 and told him to go away in the “bush”, and that everything will be okay upon his return.

The Police witness said Lewis told him, “So I guh way to Puruni Backdam.

Two years after I come back, I hear the matter finish, and I ask John what happened to my car, my money and house and land, and he tell me the money done on lawyer and tuck shop, and I ain’t got nothing to get.

That was it, and I never ask back for anything, and I never see back the woman.

“Them wicked to black people children. Dem take advantage of me, cause I deh young and didn’t thinking straight. I even hear my uncle Michael get $7 million from [Bibi] for this same wuk. I did lash [her] father in he head with a wood, and I throw away the wood at the back of the yard,” the murder accused said in a statement to the Police. (G1)

Not just...

Y

…paint our Eyewitness was quite chuffed to discover that State House was being repainted to its original colour of white walls and grass green louvres and mouldings.

The Sanctimonious Gangster-as-President, of course, had the unmitigated gall to paint all the walls in “PNC green”, and when asked why, chuckled, “Guyana is going green!!” And the man who asserted he knew more about the laws of Guyana than the Chief Justice (re one of her judgements: “She has her perception and I have mine”!!) and was a historian to boot, had the barefacedness to say he didn’t know the permission of the National Trust was needed to repaint a Heritage Site!!

Now, while some may paraphrase the Bard and ask, “What’s in a colour? Does the green paint not cover the wood as well?” they’d be ignoring the context in which Granger operated. By his own assertion, he was a trueblue “Burnhamite” whose mission was to fulfill the PNC Dictator’s “legacy”. And that legacy’s foundation is that the PNC must be “paramount” over the state. Burnham had explicitly announced this in the “Declaration of Sophia”, and had flown the PNC flag over the Appeal Court to show the party was paramount over the Judiciary - as well as over the Legislature and Executive.

Granger was doing it through concrete actions, because of the changed context. And so the painting of state buildings was designed to send the same symbolic message: it was “PNC Uber alles!!!” This wasn’t just an afterthought, but was carefully planned even before the PNC took office in 2015. In the glitzy inauguration ceremony and the 50th Independence Celebration, everything in sight was green and yellow - the AFC was given a squeeze in the beginning!

Even staunch PNC supporter Lincoln Lewis was moved to denounce the painting of State House in PNC colours, and pointed out that even the benches and desks at a school in Victoria were “desecrated” in green!!

It’s said that “The hint to Beneba mek Quashiba tek notice”, but most Guyanese ignored the hint. Only to witness how the PNC’s assumption that all of Guyana and everything in it belonged to them played out to 2020. For instance, the rules of democracy were just a “bother” to the planned “1000-year Reich”. It would be taken care of through elections riggings a la Burnham. Preparations were launched the moment he unilaterally selected Patterson as GECOM Chair!!

So, the repainting of State House in its original colours is more than just a paint job; it symbolises a return to the rule of law: no man or party can be above the law.

Now to review the electoral laws to ensure that the mark of the PNC is exorcised!

…GuySuCo’s money An offhand discreet announcement that a US$$300 million bond for some company or other in Guyana was floated in the NYC capital markets reminded your Eyewitness about the NICIL’s SPU US$150 million bond secured locally through a consortium of local banks!! Guess it’s a sign of the (oil) times that Guyanese companies can now secure overseas private financing!! Goldman-Sachs yet!! We’re finally getting integrated into the high-flying world of the “Masters of the Universe” from Wall Street!!

But that’s grist for another mill. Today your Eyewitness wants to know whatever happened to that $30billion?? He remembers some of it had dribbled into GuySuCo, but since it was supposed to recapitalise the shuttered factories, the banks had protested!! Is all that money just sitting around, or is it being used in the reopening of the three estates?

By now $2.3 billion in interest would’ve been paid, with another $1.5 billion to go in two years - when the full $30 billion is due!!

Something dirty’s gonna hit the fan?!!

…time Your Eyewitness must confess that he was livid that the mother of Neesa Gopaul and her paramour’s sentences were reduced. He doesn’t care the reduction might be moot.

What’s the message being sent?? Don’t cry for Neesa?

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 more COVID-19 deaths, 181 new infections in 24h GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 2 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

181

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

116

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1832

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

33

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

13,414

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

12,537

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

25,951

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

23,338

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

313,469

FULLY IMMUNISED

161,022

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

632

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1362

REGION 2

805

REGION 3

3110

REGION 4

12,070

REGION 5

851

REGION 6

2074

REGION 7

1393

REGION 8

402

REGION 9

2250

REGION 10

1634

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.

C

OVID-19 deaths reached another alarming high on Thursday with the announcement of a whopping

eight deaths taking the country’s death toll to 632.

Within three days, the death of 19 persons were reported, corroborating

health officials’ warnings that the Delta variant is circulating and will cause more persons to succumb.

On September 1, sev-

en persons died, including a 76-year-old male from Region Three; a 57-yearold male from Region Seven; an 85-year-old male from Region Four; a 49-year-old female from Region Three; a 58-yearold female from Region Four; an 85-year-old male from Region Two; and a 91-year-old female from Region Seven. On August 31, a 53-year-old female also died.

These patients were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms, but died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission, which subsequently returned positive tests.

New cases

In one day, a total of 181 new positives emerged, taking the confirmed cases in Guyana to 25,951. There are 33 patients seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, 116 in institutional isolation, 1832 in home isolation, and six in institutional quarantine. In total, 23,338 persons have recovered completely.

Since the start of the pandemic, 271,365 individuals were tested – of which 12,537 males and 13,414 females were positive.

An analysis showed four new cases in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 27 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 113 in Region Four

(Demerara-Mahaica), six in Region Five (DemeraraMahaica), three in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 20 in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), three in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). There has been no increase in Region One (Barima-Waini).

In Guyana, adults can be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. However, the second doses of Sputnik V are in limited amounts. As it relates to the Pfizer jabs, this is not open for the adult subset.

TURN TO PAGE 14

10 NEWS GDF Lance Corporal, girlfriend executed in Sophia FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– father of Forde’s 4-year-old son arrested

Dead: Daniel Fraser

Dead: Shanicka Forde

Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal and his girlfriend were riddled with bullets moments after leaving a party in ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Wednesday evening.

Dead are 26-year-old Daniel Fraser, of Lot 598 ‘A’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown and 23-yearold Shanicka Forde, formerly of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and of Barbados.

Based on reports received, the now dead couple was at a party at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, but left for home at about 23:30h on motorcycle CK 9296.

However, as they were heading along the last street in ‘B’ Field Sophia, they were confronted by a male

on a bicycle, who discharged several rounds at them before fleeing the scene.

Fraser reportedly died on the spot, while Forde succumbed on the way to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Fraser reportedly sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest in the vicinity of the heart, while Forde received three gunshot injuries - one to the chest, one to her right knee; and one to the rightside abdomen, which exited the left-side abdomen.

At the home of the late Daniel Fraser, his mother Michelle Fraser explained that she was at home when she received the devasting news.

“I get a call from a friend who tell me that Dan get shoot and that I must go to the hospital, but when I

A

reach, he de done dead already…Meh other son who went and see, pick he up and take him to the hospital.

The girl get more shots than him,” the grieving mother stated.

She explained that the late Daniel had gone to a friend’s party, and it was when they were coming home that the shooting took place.

“I don’t think it is a robbery, because his bike was there, he cellphone, everything was there… Only yesterday he go pon leave… He only joined the army like

The area where the two young people were gunned down

Friends and relatives gathered at the dead man’s home

four years ago,” the distraught mother explained.

This mother is unaware whether her son had had an old grievance with anyone, but she described him as a

jovial and well-disciplined young man. She noted that, from all indications, Forde was the target, since she received most of the bullets.

The woman added that the late Shanicka Forde arrived in Guyana only in July, to look after her birth certificate in order to join the Barbados Defence Force.

Guyana Times was told that Fraser and Forde became involved about a year ago while she was in Barbados, and would since normally communicate with each other via social media.

Upon her arrival in Guyana in July, they reportedly

hooked up.

A friend of the late Daniel Fraser, who had hosted the party, told Guyana Times that at just about 23:30h, Fraser and Forde left on their motorcycle, and within minutes, he heard the gunshots. He and others ran out to check, and it was then that he saw Fraser and his girlfriend lying on the ground, with the motorcycle engine still running. Fraser, he noted, had already died, but Forde was still breathing.

The man, who asked not to be identified, said that after they rushed out, he saw

a light moving away from the scene. From all appearances, he said, it had to be someone riding a bicycle and carrying a torchlight.

By that time, he added, family members of the dead man were contacted. Within minutes, Fraser’s brother Darrell arrived on the scene, picked up his injured brother and his girlfriend, placed them in a taxi, and took them to the hospital, but it was too late.

The Police were also summoned, and launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, when contacted, told Guyana Times that a suspect was arrested after detectives received information. He added that the man in custody is the father of the dead woman’s four-year-old son.

The suspect, according to reports received, had threatened to kill Forde several times after she got involved with the now dead Lance Corporal. During her visit to Guyana, Forde had stayed at a friend.

Investigations into the execution-style killing of Fraser and Forde are continuing.

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multi-disciplinary team to monitor long COVID patients

H

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday announced that a multi-disciplinary team would be established to analyse the condition and treat recovered patients suffering from long COVID – a condition whereby persons continue to experience symptoms months after infection.

The unit will be established at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and will be replicated at other regional hospitals based on the patient load.

“Because of how many persons have recovered and we have been hearing many things, what we are in the process of organising is a multi-disciplinary team to provide care for long COVID patients…This is going to be a multi-disciplinary team, ‘cause what we’re seeing with COVID is that it can affect any one of the organs in the body or sometimes

several organs in the body simultaneously. Therefore, you need this multi-disciplinary team to assist with the management of some of these patients,” said Dr Anthony.

While some may experience little to no symptoms, others suffer severe symptoms that linger months after recovery. Lasting symptoms associated with the coronavirus can range from fatigue, breathlessness, chest pains, joint or muscle pains, palpitations, anxiety or depression.

Studies have shown that COVID-19 can affect the respiratory and digestive systems, brain, kidneys, and skin. There are cases where heart complications have arisen.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most people suffering from the coronavirus experience mild to moderate illness. Some 10 to 15 per cent of the cases progress to

effects, why symptoms recur and the likelihood of full recovery.

Vaccination

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

severe illness and five per cent become critically ill.

It states, “For some people, some symptoms may linger or recur for weeks or months following initial recovery. This can also happen in people with mild disease.

People are not infectious to others during this time.

Some patients develop medical complications that may have lasting health effects.”

The WHO pointed out that there were many case reports whereby patients did not regain their previous state of well-being after recovering. Risk factors for the persistence of symptoms can vary from high blood pressure and obesity to mental health conditions. However, it indicated that more research and time are needed to understand the long-term

On Wednesday, the Health Ministry hit a new record with its vaccination campaign after more than 5000 persons turned up to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 5240 shots administered – 951 were to children, 1694 were first doses and 2595 second doses.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), we had record numbers of vaccination. We recorded 5240 persons receiving their vaccination so I would say that is a record high for us and I hope this trend continues…I think we had a very successful day yesterday in terms of vaccination,” he expressed.

He reiterated that children under 12 years of age can only be immunised when vaccines are approved for this age category. Until

then, parents have been urged to ensure that their children are following the safety guidelines and measures to protect themselves.

This is especially important for children suffering from illnesses or comorbidities.

“Until we see that approval, we’ll be confined more to the 12 to under 18…Everybody has to be on board. Without everybody on board and taking this seriously, we are going to see infections. For those children who would have comorbidities, meaning some underlying illnesses, those children should take extra precautions because they are vulnerable,” the Minister warned.

Meanwhile, to date, 316, 973 persons or 61.8 per cent of Guyana’s adult population have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

A total of 165, 401 persons or 32.2 per cent of the country’s adult population have received both doses. (G12)

GTT Fibre to offer increased speed at reduced costs

T

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has announced a complete rebranding of its Blaze service to an upgraded GTT Fibre, using advanced broadband technology to provide more bandwidth at reduced costs.

At the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, the telecoms giant announced that Fibre replaces the Blaze service, and will see customers immediately benefiting from enhanced speed at lower prices.

Customers have already been upgraded to GTT Fibre for free, with the new plans of Fibre50, Fibre100, and Fibre150 providing more

than double the speed of the previous Blaze plans. Those on the Ignite (10Mbps), Flaming (20Mbps) and Inferno (50Mbps) plans have been moved to the Fibre50, Fibre100 and Fibre150 plans.

Chief Operating Officer Eshwar Thakurdin has said they are adding new equipment to offer better Wi-Fi range and reliability. With the optional Plume Home Pass Wi-Fi mesh, the signal will be consistent in every corner of a building.

“With just a few Plume pods you plug into electrical outlets around the home, you’re always connected with the highest speeds any-

GTT CEO Damian Blackburn

where in your home. This Wi-Fi service also comes packed with other frills,

Chief Operating Officer Eshwar Thakurdin

like parental control, so you can restrict what your children can access, or limit their screen time,” said Thakurdin.

With GTT Fibre comes the reintroduction of battery backup. Business customers on BizFibre have also benefited from new plans that offer increased speeds at no additional cost.

The previous plans of Biz25, Biz75 and Biz300 have been upgraded to Biz50, Biz100, and Biz500 respectively, which means a speed increase of up to 200 per cent.

Free speed upgrade

Meanwhile, DSL customers will get a free speed upgrade and/or reduced monthly cost. Now customers will get at least double their current speeds, and in cases where it cannot be upgraded, the price will be reduced.

“Coupled with other digital or cloud services that we provide can translate into better productivity and better returns. The introduction of GTT Fibre is one way we are working to deliver on our promise to reliably connect our customers with the best available technology on fibre optics. We’re the first to bring the fibre technology to the Guyanese people, and will continue to be transformative for Guyanese homes

and businesses.”

The Chief Operations Officer was keen to note that this rebranding comes at a time when it is critical to stay connected. Recognising the need for greater broadband power and speed was the driving force behind Fibre.

By the end of this year, GTT is seeking to have 10,000 more homes accessing GTT Fibre, in addition to their 75,000-customer base.

Investments

Chief Executive Officer Damian Blackburn emphasised that the telecoms company has always been at the forefront in the sector, with the first to offer voice calls, international fibre link, internet connectivity; and fibre with Blaze. This launch is an investment of $2 billion to upgrade existing framework and rolling out to new areas.

“GTT has already invested $17 billion in Fibre technology to bring our 21st Century highways’ vision alive. Lots of noise happens in competitive markets, but the facts speak for themselves. Nobody comes even anywhere close to matching this financial commitment to Guyana to build these 21st Century highways,” the new CEO underscored.

According to him, these plans set the stage for future innovation in providing a 21st century telecommunications experience to customers, communities, and the country.

“With GTT Fibre, we are leveraging the power of this latest cutting-edge technology to ensure that Guyana and its people can realise 21st century opportunities in their homes, businesses and communities, with access to the best available technology. GTT Fibre will be transformative in a multiplicity of areas as people connect virtually to each other and to organisations with which they interact more and more. A reality we are keenly aware of, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Customers have been reassured that the company has undertaken a commitment to improve its services in taking action where the delivery is flawed or below par.

“We will acknowledge where we need to do better, take immediate action to improve customer experience; and show through our actions and not our words that we will bring our mission and promises to life at speed. A clear demonstration of this is our customer experience enhancement plan - Customer Care - I acted immediately by recruiting and training 40 new team members,” Blackburn added.

GTT has made WhatsApp and E-mail billing available, and will be working during the rest of this year to encourage adoption of this secure and eco-friendly solution. MMG agents have been increased by 30 per cent, where persons can pay their GTT bills for free. With the installation of bill payment kiosks in their stores, queue time has been reduced.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

152 lbs ganja found hidden in barrels at Norton Street house ...1 arrested as CANU continues investigating ...CANU Head says new National Drug Strategy Master Plan being developed

The ganja that was discovered in the barrels during the CANU operation

A

s the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) continues to put a dent on the drug trade in Guyana, agents of the drug enforcement unit on Thursday discovered 152 pounds of both local and foreign cannabis at a house in Norton Street, Georgetown.

Based on information received from CANU, the discovery was made during an operation by members of the unit after receiving information. During the opera-

tion, on the upper flat of the building at Lot 42 Norton Street, Georgetown, three plastic barrels were found.

Upon inspection, several well wrapped parcels containing the cannabis were found.

At time of the discovery, the lone person at home - a male - was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where he is being interrogated.

One week ago, a joint operation between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU)

and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had led to the discovery of 543 pounds of ganja at Campbell Avenue, Georgetown. Based on reports received, that search was conducted at two locations and on a Route 32 minibus.

Following the discovery, two persons were arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where they are assisting with investigations.

Back in June, the drug enforcement unit had unearthed 136.4 kilograms (300lbs) of

ganja at Unity, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It was reported that ranks were conducting an operation when they found a 17-foot wooden boat along the Unity foreshore with a large fertiliser bag filled with marijuana.

A search of a nearby coconut grove led to the discovery of an additional 17 bags of marijuana. The 18 bags contained a total of 300lbs of ganja, which was valued at $18 million. One person was arrested.

Then in July, two persons were arrested after the drug enforcement unit intercepted a vehicle and discovered 73lbs (33.2 kg) of cannabis.

CANU had reported that their officers, during an operation on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), stopped a vehicle along the Lusignan Prison Road and discovered

the large quantity of ganja.

In an invited comment, Head of CANU, James Singh, had stated that his unit would continue to track down the traffickers in order to put a dent in the trade locally.

He added that his team has been working around the clock along with other agencies, following every lead at its disposal in order to rid the streets and communities of the commodity as part of the Government’s mandate to stem the flow of narcotics.

Singh added that most of the foreign marijuana is for onward territories, while some remain for domestic consumption. He further stated that a National Drug Strategy Master Plan is being developed with the Home Affairs Ministry and other stakeholders to ensure the sustained safety and security

CANU Head James Singh

of its citizens against trafficking well into the future.

He contended that the drug problem clearly requires an holistic, balanced, and multidisciplinary response, and in order to deliver this, the plan has to be done in such a way as to utilise a common and shared sense of responsibility among all sectors and stakeholder agencies.

Cop, 1 other injured after jeep collides with motorcycle

A

motorcyclist and his pillion rider are now injured after a jeep collided with their vehicle on the Ogle Access Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Wednesday evening.

The injured men are Leroy Forde, 21, of Graham Street, Plaisance, ECD and Quain Whyte, 20, a Police Constable of Section ‘C’ South Turkeyen, Georgetown.

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 19:00h, the jeep PJJ 5014, being driven by a 40-year-old resident of Area H Ogle, ECD, was proceeding

south along the Ogle Access Road while motorcycle CH 5797 was proceeding in the opposite direction with the pillion rider wearing no safety helmet. As both vehicles approached each other, the jeep swerved across the road and into the path of the motorcycle, thus causing a collision.

As a result of that collision, Leroy Forde, the driver of the motorcycle, and Quain Whyte, the pillion rider, fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries about their bodies.

They were both picked up

in a conscious state by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were examined.

Forde reportedly suffered a broken right leg and injuries to other parts of his body, while Whyte sustained injuries to his neck. They have both been admitted as patients at that medical facility.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the jeep proved his alcohol consumption was above the legal limit. He has been arrested as investigations continue.

ceived, motorcar PJJ 2827 was proceeding along the #2 Public Road in East Canje ahead of motorcycle CK 6398 when the driver of the car reportedly indicated that she was turning into Percy Smith Street in East Canje, and in so doing, the motorcyclist overtook the car and collided with its right-side front portion. This resulted in the motorcyclist falling onto the road surface and receiving injuries about his body. The driver of the motorcar also received injuries about her body.

They were both taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were examined. The driver of the motorcar was treated and sent away, while the motorcyclist was admitted a patient. His condition is regarded as stable.

Breathalyser tests were conducted on both drivers, but there was no trace of alcohol in the system of either driver. The driver of the motorcar has been arrested, pending investigations.

Motorcyclist injured following 2-vehicle collision

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female driver was arrested on Wednesday evening after an accident along the # 2 Public Road, East Canje, Berbice left a motorcyclist hospitalised.

The Police have said that 21-year-old Garvie Hetnarine of Warren Village in #19 Village, East Coast Berbice suffered a fractured left thigh and a severed left thumb after his motorcycle collided with a motorcar being driven by a 36-year-old woman of #2 Village.

According to reports re-

13 Aircraft suffers blowout upon landing at Port Kaituma NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– 12 passengers, pilot unhurt

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welve passengers and a pilot escaped without injury after an aircraft suffered a blowout upon landing at the Port Kaituma Airstrip in the North West District (NWD).

The incident reportedly occurred at about 8:20h. on Thursday.

Based on reports received, the aircraft, registration number 8R- BKP owned

by Air Services Limited, arrived at the airstrip with twelve passengers and cargo. As the aircraft made contact with the airstrip in landing, its right-side tyre suffered a blowout, resulting in the plane coming to a complete stop.

Members of the Guyana Police Force, along with the captain, reportedly examined the aircraft and confirmed that it had suffered a tyre puncture. Persons in the area, instructed by the plant’s captain, then pushed the aircraft to the left corner of the runaway.

There was no report of injuries or any further damage to the said aircraft.

Only recently, five passengers were injured after an aircraft attached to Roraima

The aircraft after the accident at Port Kaituma

Airways crash-landed at Haags-Bosch landfill site at Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

The aircraft was destined for the Eugene F Correia International Airport after initially departing the Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) airstrip.

As it hit the ground, emergency services were called in. A search-and- rescue operation was activated by the Timehri Control Tower, and operatives from the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force were mobilised and dispatched to the scene of the incident.

Passengers and crew members were extracted by the firefighters and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, (GPHC) where they were treated. To date, the cause of that crash is unknown.

However, over the past few months, there have been several crashes in various interior locations. In July, an aircraft overshot the runway at Aricheng airstrip, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The aircraft, registered to Roraima Airways, overshot the runway as it was landing, and ended up in a clump of bushes. At the time

of the accident, the aircraft was shuttling fuel.

Again, in July, a Cessna Caravan belonging to Jags Aviation of BK Group of Companies ran off the Eteringbang runway, Region Seven. A similar incident occurred at the Kamarang airstrip due to the disintegration of a Cessna plane’s propeller upon take off.

The aircraft was discovered to have been carrying mercury, a restricted substance which the aviation service was not authorised to transport. In relation to the Kamarang accident, the aircraft had a disintegrated propellor, and as such,

Town Police Outpost.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day in question, at about 19:30h, Yujisteer Puran of Crawford Street, Rose Hall Town, went to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost to report that one Bibi Jageshar and her husband Dinesh Jageshar had verbally abused him and had threatened to kill him.

Upon receiving the report, Constables Cort and Tyndall went to the area, contacted both parties, and told of the allegation made against them. The couple, however, locked themselves in a bedroom and started to verbally abuse the ranks.

As the ranks called out to them to surrender, the woman opened the bedroom door and pelted Cort with a metal

cup to his face, thus causing him to receive injuries.

The ranks reportedly withdrew, and the injured Cort was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

Efforts to arrest both Bibi and Dinesh Jageshar have proven futile. Investigations are ongoing.

Cop injured after being pelted to face with metal cup

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Police Constable who went to investigate a report of threatening behaviour is now nursing an injury to his face after a female reportedly pelted him with a metal cup on Wednesday evening at Williamsburg, Corentyne Berbice.

The injured rank in Constable Travis Cort, who is attached to the Rose Hall

the question of maintenance was raised.

Following the last accident at Aricheng airstrip, GCAA Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, recalled that, in the past, there were issues with respect to procedures in the shuttle programme, and some revised measures had to be put in place.

“With respect to the re-

cent accidents, we will have to assess the reports, and I will have to determine the common cause of the accident, and make the necessary recommendation,” Field said.

Following the previous two accidents, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill had ordered that the hinterland aircraft accidents be investigated with support from other agencies.

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Essequibo Coast cook dies after Robbery accused who was being struck by excavator chased down by victim remanded

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male cook on Wednesday succumbed to his injuries after he was struck by an escavator while it was in the process of moving a fallen tree at Big Hope Backdam, Waini River, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The dead man has been identified as 40-year-old Ricky Persaud, also called ‘Swank’, of Lima Village,

Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The Police have said that on the day in question, the now dead man and a 34-year-old male excavator operator were heading to their work site when they observed a tree had fallen on the roadway, thus blocking their path.

As such, Persaud disembarked the excavator as the

driver used the excavator to remove the tree. However, in the process, the excavator boom came into contact with Persaud’s head. As a result of the impact, Persaud sustained a deep laceration to the right side of his head, thus causing him to become motionless.

Meanwhile, due to the distance where the incident took place and the unavailability of a medical facility, Persaud reportedly bled to death.

He was eventually taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. His body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post mortem.

The driver of the excavator has been taken into custody to assist with the investigation.

Robbery accused: Junior Stuart

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n armed robbery accused who was chased down by his victim and later apprehended has been remanded to prison.

Junior Stuart, a 35-year-old graphic designer of Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown was arraigned before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

He has denied the charge, which alleged that on August 27, at Lot 313 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, while being armed with a gun, and in the company of others, he robbed Charmaine De Mendonca.

It is alleged that he relieved the woman of US$1500, Gy$290,000, an

iPhone XR, and several documents.

The robbery accused has been remanded to prison until September 28.

Police reported that, on the day in question, at around 14:45h, the 44-yearold woman had just left a bank at Diamond, East Bank Demerara when she was confronted by armed bandits in front of her home.

According to Police, enquiries disclosed that as the woman turned onto the bridge to enter her yard, she observed a silver 212 motor car, PNN 6481, stopping behind her vehicle. Soon after, two males, one of whom was armed with a black handgun, existed while the driver remained inside the car.

It was reported that the armed man approached De Mendonca and demanded that she hand over cash.

But when the woman resisted, the gunman discharged a round in her direction before snatching a brown envelope containing US$1500, Gy$290,000, and a red iPhone XR. The woman was also relieved of a multi-coloured bag containing a quantity of documents.

The bandits then rejoined the car and drove off.

However, the brave woman did not retreat, but

rather jumped into her car and followed the bandits.

As she got closer to them, she managed to brace their car with her vehicle into a nearby drain. Two of the men jumped out of the car and escaped on foot.

Police ranks were called, and they recovered several documents, a red iPhone XR, and GY$12,990. During a search of the car, several other items were found, including a gold iPhone S and a Samsung Galaxy cell phone.

Police reported that upon examining the car, it was observed that registration number PTT 7930 was engraved on the front, back, and four glass doors, while HC 7472 was seen under the number plate. One of the suspects was apprehended by the Police with the aid of public-spirited citizens.

Police are searching for the two other suspects.

Meanwhile, in 2017, Stuart was among three men charged with committing a $9 million robbery at the Princess Casino, East Bank Demerara. However, the charge against him was dismissed the following year, after a Magistrate ruled that there was insufficient evidence against him.

Cop on bribery charges released on $150,000 bail

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wo weeks after he was remanded to prison on bribery charges, Police Corporal Omale Damon was released on $150,000 bail earlier this week by a city Magistrate.

The Police rank is accused of accepting a bribe of $400,000 from a woman to forgo the prosecution of a man who was arrested for an illegal firearm. He is charged with three counts of corrupt transaction.

The court heard that on March 22 last, Corporal Damon allegedly collected $200,000 from a woman for the release of the man who was arrested by his colleagues for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Shortly after receiving the money, Corporal Damon

Corporal Omale Damon

received another $200,000 from the woman, after telling her that the other Police ranks involved in the investigations wanted more money.

The woman then asked Corporal Damon to hand over the vehicle that was seized from the person following his arrest.

However, the Police rank again requested $200,000 from her.

After informing the Corporal that she had no more money, the woman reached out to the spouse of the individual who was arrested. She, in turn, reported the matter to the Police Station. As a result, a sting operation was carried out, during which Corporal Damon was caught red-handed accepting $80,000 from the man’s girlfriend. The said money was recovered in his possession.

Corporal Damon will make his next court appearance on October 11. (G1)

8 more COVID-19 deaths...

FROM PAGE 9

“For adults in Guyana, you have four main vaccines that we’re giving out, and we don’t have a shortage. We have enough for everyone. For the children, we have been using the Pfizer vaccines for persons who are below the ages of 18, up to 12. Pfizer can be used for the adult population, but the Government has taken a policy decision that we’re only going to give it to the children pop-

ulation, because the adults have a choice,” said Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit us at www. health.gov.gy All Guyanese are re-

minded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene.

In the Americas, cases have surpassed 84 million, with over two million deaths. (G12)

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 NEWS 5 additional tourism businesses get conditional approvals to reopen FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

proval to operate safely under the national emergency measures.

Additionally, travellers are also reminded to use only those tourism busi-

A full list of these businesses (tourism accommodation establishments, interior lodges and resorts, and tour companies) that have received conditional

nesses that have been GTAapproved to ensure that the required safety measures are implemented for a safe travel or dining experience.

approval can be found on the GTA’s Facebook profile under the albums titled “Safe for Travel” and “Safe for Dining”.

Aracari Hotel Inc

Surama Eco-Lodge

The GTA continues to provide training and technical support to tourism establishments to help them attain the conditional ap-

Govt rethinking administration of J&J vaccine in hinterland

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…after announcement of likely booster shot

Adel’s Resort [Photo taken from Adel’s Resort Facebook Page]

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that five additional tourism establishments have been granted conditional approvals to reopen.

On Thursday it was stated that Adel’s Resort, Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Aracari Hotel Inc, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Castle Royale Hotel, Tuschen, Region Three; Splashmin’s Fun Park, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and Surama EcoLodge, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will soon begin welcoming guests to their properties based on the guidelines of the National COVID-19 measures and the GTA’s recommended hygiene and sanitation protocols.

Currently, 63 per cent of interior lodges and resorts, and 43 per cent of tour operators have received conditional approvals to reopen.

GTA Director Carla James-Vantull reminded all establishments that “they must maintain the protocols as outlined by the GTA and the national gazetted measures to operate in a safe way during the pandemic”.

“Monitoring and enforcement activities are done by several agencies on-site and virtually.

Failure to adhere to these measures will result in the revocation of the conditional approval tied to the COVID-19 measures and one-month suspension.

Recognising that tourism and hospitality businesses have been and continue to be impacted by the pandemic, we are confident businesses that have received their conditional approval will enforce the national safety measures accordingly,” JamesVantull said.

In the latter part of 2020, 12 other tourism business entities namely Rewa Eco-Lodge, Wanderlust Adventures, Baganara Island Resort, Hurakabra River Resort, Rock View

Lodge, Waikin Ranch, Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours, Atta Rainforest Lodge, Iwokrama River Lodge, Sloth Island Nature Resort and Arrowpoint Nature Resort were given the greenlight by the GTA to resume operations also under strict COVID guidelines and measures.

In accordance with Section 6 (6) of No 19 gazetted COVID-19 Safety Measures, the GTA, with no objection from the Health Ministry and the National COVID-19 Task Force, granted a conditional approval for the reopening of these establishments, permitting hosting of guests for day tours and overnight stays, indoor/outdoor dining at the restaurants and bars of hotels at 60 per cent capacity; hosting of meetings, workshops, conferences and other small events in dining meeting facilities at 60 per cent capacity, and recreational activities on beaches and in rivers and creeks such as kayaking, jet skiing, and swimming, among other things.

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he Government is rethinking its initial plan of administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in far-flung hinterland communities since efforts are underway to include a booster shot for the initially single-dose vaccine.

When the Government had procured the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, it was being used as a single-dose vaccine for full immunisation. As such, a decision was taken to send these vaccines to hinterland locations where only one visit would be needed to administer the vaccine to residents.

But now with a booster shot coming into play, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said during a press conference on Wednesday that this strategy will have to be reconsidered.

“While that would’ve been the ideal vaccine for those hard-to-reach areas, the scenario is changing and about two days ago, Johnson & Johnson has now put out some studies where they are saying that you might need a second dose or a booster dose…so they’re now applying to the FDA [US Food and Drug Administration] for a booster dose,” Dr Anthony

explained.

If the booster dose gets approved, the Health Minister explained that the effectiveness of the plan to roll out the Johnson and Johnson vaccine to remote areas would be diminished.

“So, if we go out to those hard-to-reach communities too with this single-dose, we’ll have to go back [with a booster dose]. So, we’re having a little rethink on our strategy because in any event, we might just have to give second doses any way for those persons,” he explained.

Back in May, Guyana made a down-payment of approximately US$7.5 million to the African Union for 150,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson jab.

This arrangement was made

through Caricom.

The first batch of the United States-made vaccines arrived in Guyana on August 23.

However, the Health Minister was unable to say at Wednesday’s press briefing how many doses have been administered to date.

The Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine has a 66 per cent efficacy against moderate to severe COVID infections from 28 days after injection.

In addition to Johnson and Johnson, Guyana is also using another US-made jab, Pfizer to immunise its children.

The other vaccines being used in Guyana are AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Sinopharm.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Storm Ida: Flash flooding in New York, New Jersey kills 40

Emergency personnel conduct rescues for people trapped by floodwaters caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, US, September 2, 2021

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lash flooding killed at least 40 people in the Northeast as remnants of Hurricane Ida unleashed torrential rains that swept away cars, submerged New York City subway lines and grounded airline flights, officials said on Thursday.

Across large swathes of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, residents spent the day coping with water-logged basements, power outages, damaged roofs and calls for help from friends and family members stranded by flooding.

At least 12 New York City residents lost their lives, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a tweet at least 23 people from that state had perished due to the storm.

(2.4 metres) of water.

Roadways were transformed into river-like torrents in minutes as the downpours struck on Wednesday night, trapping drivers in quickly rising floodwaters.

In Somerset County, New Jersey, at least four motorists were killed, officials said.

A victim in Maplewood Township, New Jersey, was swept away while he was apparently trying to remove debris from storm drains in the area, Police said.

“Sadly, more than a few folks have passed as a result of this,” Murphy said at a

Sunday in Louisiana, destroying entire communities.

But the loss of life in the Northeast dwarfed the confirmed storm-related death toll of nine in Louisiana. The New York Times reported at least 43 people had been killed across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

In Conshohocken, outside Philadelphia, the Schuylkill River inundated hotels, warehouses, and condominiums that line the river. Emergency squads were waiting for the waters to recede on Thursday before starting evacuations of possibly hundreds of people who live in nearby apartments, officials said.

Four people died in suburban Philadelphia as a result of the storm, according to county spokesperson Kelly Cofrancisco. And a Connecticut state trooper perished after his cruiser was swept away in floodwaters in the town of Woodbury

First responders stand by floodwaters to perform rescues of trapped local residents after the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida brought drenching rain, flash floods and tornadoes to parts of the northeast in Mamaroneck, New York, US, September 2, 2021

Northeast from Philadelphia to Connecticut and set an hourly rainfall record of 3.15 inches for Manhattan, breaking one set by Tropical Storm Henri less than two weeks ago, the National Weather Service said.

New York officials blamed much of flooding on the high

briefing in Mullica Hill in the southern part of the state, where a tornado ripped apart several homes. The National Weather Service confirmed two tree-snapping tornadoes also struck Maryland

Meteorological Organisation, a United Nations agency.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said the Federal Government stood ready to provide “all the assistance that’s needed”.

The governors of New York and New Jersey urged residents to stay home as crews worked to clear roadways and restore service to subways and commuter rail lines serving millions of residents.

“Right now my street looks more like a lake,” said Lucinda Mercer, 64, as she peered out her apartment window in Hoboken, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New

370 flights were cancelled at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty Airport.

Mark Haley of Summit, New Jersey, said getting home after a 15-minute drive to a bowling alley to celebrate his daughter’s sixth birthday on Wednesday night became a six-hour slog through floodwaters that frequently blocked his route.

“When we got out, it was a war zone,” said Haley, 50, a fitness trainer. When he made it home, he found almost two feet of water in his basement.

Nearly 170,000 electricity customers were without power on Thursday in the four north-eastern states that got

Flooded cars are pictured after the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida brought drenching rain, flash floods and tornadoes to parts of the northeast in Mamaroneck, New York

Commuters deal with delays caused by heavy rainfall and flooding in the New York City subway during the morning rush

Among the fatalities, three people were found dead in a basement in the New York City borough of Queens, while four residents of Elizabeth, New Jersey, died at a public housing complex flooded by eight feet

on Wednesday night, one in Annapolis and another Baltimore.

The damage came three days after Ida, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to strike the US Gulf Coast, made landfall on

early Thursday, State Police said.

Video footage on the Weather Channel showed flames billowing from a house in the riverfront town of Manville, New Jersey, where flooding prevented access by fire trucks. The house next door appeared to have burned down to the waterline on a street where parked cars were submerged.

Record-breaking rain

Ida’s remnants brought 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of rain to a swathe of the

volume of rainfall in a short span of time, rather than the daily total, which was within predictions.

“Because of climate change, unfortunately, this is something we’re going to have to deal with great regularity,” said Kathy Hochul, New York’s newly-inaugurated Governor.

The number of disasters, such as floods and heatwaves, driven by climate change has increased fivefold over the past 50 years, according to a report released earlier this week by the World

A woman is transported on a stretcher after being rescued from her home in a boat by first responders

York.

Subway service in New York City remained “extremely limited”, transit officials said, and commuter rail services to the suburbs were largely suspended. About

the bulk of the rain overnight, mostly in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to PowerOutage.US, which gathers data from utility companies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

Regional

Brazil’s Bolsonaro signs Barbados discontinues law that could break travel bubble COVID-19 vaccine patents

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razil’s Senate on Wednesday approved a bill authorising the President to temporarily break patents for vaccines and their ingredients in health or public emergencies, such as the coronavirus pandemic.

The bill, having already passed in the Lower House, will go to President Jair Bolsonaro for possible signature.

Bolsonaro has spoken against the proposal, saying it could harm Brazil’s relationship with vaccine producers and that the country would not have the technology to produce some vaccines even if the patents were broken.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro

The Senate restored some provisions removed by the Lower House, including some that would require patent holders to share in-

formation and biological material necessary to reproduce vaccines and potential penalties should they not comply. (Reuters)

he travel bubble, which exempted people from select countries from further quarantine or testing upon arrival in Barbados, has been discontinued.

Countries with low COVID-19 positivity rates and low cases per 100 000 population “every fortnight”, were allowed to be in the bubble, which went into effect on July 17, this year.

It ceased to be effective on August 21.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, said the decision to discontinue the bubble was due to increased positivity rates and cases “in many of our sister Caribbean countries”.

“The bubble was implemented to provide more seamless travel for countries, which were deemed to be low risk. However, over the two-week period prior to the bubble being discontinued, there were rising COVID levels and infection rates. Therefore, the

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George

Ministry of Health and the Cabinet Subcommittee deliberated and decided the travel bubble would be discontinued until further notice,” George explained.

He pointed out that with the travel bubble no longer in effect, all protocols would now apply.

For vaccinated travellers, quarantine will be for 24 to 48 hours, while for unvaccinated travellers, five days with a re-test on day

six.

Additionally, the Chief Medical Officer stated that persons from countries of special interest would be required to quarantine for seven days with a re-test on day eight, “irrespective of their vaccination status”.

He also urged the travelling public to always consult with the protocols for accurate travel information.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Jamaica: Tufton must resign, PNP says T Caribbean Airlines restarts he Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling for Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton to resign owing to what the party labelled as his “repeated failures and inability to effectively perform the duties of his office”.

In a statement Thursday from the Party’s General Secretary, Dr Dayton Campbell, the PNP criticised the Health Minister’s handling of the pandemic which has so far infected 69,054 and killed 1568.

“In light of the discord in the public domain regarding the procurement of oxygen, the Ministry of Health is the office with responsibility

for ensuring that sufficient supplies are available for our hospitals. Ultimately, the Minister of Health has failed. We cannot continue to accept failure after failure at the detriment of our citizens,” the Party said.

“The Minister must resign. It is in the best interest of the country that Minister Tufton be removed from this portfolio for his repeated failures and inability to effectively perform the duties of his office. The people of Jamaica deserve better, they deserve a chance at life,” it continued.

Noting that on March 10, 2020, Jamaica recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus, the PNP said

18 months later the country is still without a proper COVID-19 management plan.

“During our third and most deadly wave of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Wellness failed to meet the needs of hospitals and clinics islandwide.

“Though not the first case of poor planning, the most recent oxygen shortage demonstrated that the Minister of Health and by extension, the Government is failing and has failed to exercise the duty of care owed to the people of Jamaica and our dedicated healthcare workers,” the Party said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Larry developing in major hurricane

SVG-NY non-stop flights

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aribbean Airlines (CAL) non-stop flights between St Vincent and the Grenadines and New York will resume on October 20, the airline announced on Thursday.

In a statement, CAL said services BW 552 and BW 553 will originate and end in Trinidad on Wednesday “to give customers the option of an additional connecting service to/from New York and Trinidad”.

The airline said flight schedules are subject to change.

CAL said the new schedule is designed “to facilitate early-morning departures out of (Piarco), St Vincent and New York.

“The addition of the St Vincent/ New York service,”

CAL said, “will complement the airline’s current schedule, offering customers the most connections between North America and the Caribbean as the airline continues the phased rollout of its commercial operations.”

CAL said, through its website, customers can verify the entry requirements and other important trav-

el information for any destination as well as make appointments for COVID-19 tests.

“Customers are asked to kindly note that travel safety protocols are in place including the mandatory wearing of face masks during check-in, while boarding and for the duration of their flight,” the statement added.

(Trinidad Newsday)

After US meeting, Guatemala sees end to remote border deportations

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Hurricane Larry

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he Barbados Meteorological Services is closely monitoring Hurricane Larry in the Atlantic Ocean.

There are no watches or warnings in effect for the country at this time, nor

does it pose a threat.

Larry is expected to go through rapid intensification during the next couple of days and should become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by tonight.

A gradual turn towards

the west-northwest is forecast over the next few days.

On its current track, this system is expected to pass well north of the eastern Caribbean. (Excerpt from Nation News)

he United States will send immigration deportees back to Guatemala directly by air, the Central American country’s Foreign Minister said on Thursday, in a policy shift that may end a practice by which hundreds of deportees were left at a remote jungle border.

Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo’s comments followed meetings at the White House with US officials this week that he described on Twitter as “very productive”.

“The most important thing is that they committed

to sending returnee flights to the (migrant return) centre,” Brolo told Reuters. “So that they no longer enter at El Ceibo,” he said, referring to the jungle border crossing.

The migrant return centre is in Guatemala City.

The deportees are mostly migrants picked up at the US-Mexico border trying to reach the United States.

Brolo said he had been emphatic that Guatemala would only receive its own citizens on flights and some Hondurans by land.

The US policy to send deportees on flights to south-

ern Mexico caused an outcry among rights groups after around 2500 of them were dropped at El Ceibo, without resources to get home.

The deportees included people from 10 different countries, including at least one person from Senegal and a US citizen, according to data from the Guatemalan immigration institute.

The White House, the US Department of Homeland Security and Mexico’s National Immigration Institute did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

19

Around the world

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Rebels hold out in Afghan valley as

Oil rises on economic recovery hopes, weaker dollar

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il prices rose more than US$1 a barrel on Thursday, rebounding on optimism about global economic growth despite the coronavirus pandemic, and after U. crude inventories fell more than anticipated.

Brent crude ended up US$1.44, or two per cent, at US$73.03 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up US$1.40, or two per cent, to US$69.99 a barrel.

The rally briefly pushed US crude futures above the 50day moving average for the first time in a month, a signal of bullishness for investors. In addition, later-dated crude contracts rallied more than the front-month, another sign that market participants expect demand to rise as supply declines.

In the United States, crude inventories dropped by 7.2 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

“There are good reasons for this rally – we have 1.5 million barrels still offline in the Gulf, yesterday’s crude number was down 7.2 million barrels and storage was at its lowest level since September 2019,” said Robert Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week, while layoffs in August dropped to their lowest level in more than 24 years, suggesting the labour market was charging ahead despite new COVID-19 infections.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Taliban set up Government in Kabul T aliban forces and fighters loyal to local leader Ahmad Massoud battled in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley on Thursday, more than two weeks after the Islamist militia seized power, as Taliban leaders in the capital, Kabul, worked to form a government.

Panjshir is the last province resisting rule by the Taliban, who retook control of the country as US and foreign troops withdrew after 20 years of conflict following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Each side said it had inflicted heavy casualties.

“We started operations after negotiation with the local armed group failed,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Taliban fighters had entered Panjshir and taken control of some territory, he said. “They (the enemy) suffered heavy losses.”

A spokesman for the National Resistance Front

Taliban forces patrol in front of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, September 2, 2021

of Afghanistan (NRFA) rebel grouping said it had full control of all passes and entrances and had driven back efforts to take Shotul district.

“The enemy made multiple attempts to enter Shotul from Jabul-Saraj, and failed each time,” he said, referring to a town in neighbouring Parwan province.

Since the Taliban swept

into Kabul on August 15, several thousand fighters from local militias and remnants of the Government’s armed forces have massed in Panjshir under the leadership of Massoud, son of a former Mujahideen commander.

They have been holding out in the steep valley where attacks from outside are difficult.

Efforts to negotiate a settlement appear to have broken down, with each side blaming the other for the failure.

Mujahid said the announcement of a new government was a few days away, while Taliban official Ahmadullah Muttaqi said a ceremony was being organised at the presidential palace. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Delta puts Australia’s COVID-19 reopening Ethiopia’s Tigray crisis: Millions at risk under aid blockade – UN schedule in doubt

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ustralia’s federal government today will look to convince states and territories to follow its national COVID-19 reopening plan as a steady rise in infections in Sydney and Melbourne from the Delta variant stoked concerns in virus-free states.

The national cabinet – a group of federal and state leaders – will meet later in the day as Queensland and Western Australia flagged they may delay plans to open their borders after vaccination rates reach 70 per cent-80 per cent from 36 per cent currently, targets agreed in July for the relax-

ation of some restrictions.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Thursday warned reopening borders could trigger a surge in infections in her state, which has 18 active cases, and proposed tighter controls “until I can get every child vaccinated”.

Her comments drew criticism from the federal government, while some health experts said there was no evidence Delta posed a greater threat to children and such fears should not be used to delay the easing of lockdowns under the national plan. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he lives of millions of Ethiopians in the north of the country are under threat as aid supplies are not reaching the conflict-hit area, the United Nations has said.

In a stark warning, it said that there was in effect an aid blockade on the Tigray region.

A spokesperson for the Government has denied that supplies are being halted.

Ten months of fighting between the federal army and its allies and Tigray rebel forces has left many in desperate need of assistance.

“The lives of millions of civilians... depend on our capacity to reach them with food, nutrition supplies, medicine and other critical assistance,” Grant Leaity, the UN’s acting humanitarian coordinator for Ethiopia, said.

Some aid has reached the north, like this delivery in Amhara, but the UN says it is not enough

The UN estimates that 5.2 million people need urgent assistance if “the

world’s worst famine situation in decades” is to be averted.

Although aid can now move more easily than before within Tigray itself, there is a problem getting aid trucks into the region, according to Leaity.

The only viable land route at the moment is through the neighbouring Afar region, but he says that logistical and bureaucratic hold-ups have led to long delays.

Aid workers say that 100 trucks carrying provisions need to get into Tigray every day, but not a single one has got through since August 22.

Aid agencies have run out of food for distribution in most areas.

Leaity called on the Ethiopian Government to allow the unimpeded entry of aid supplies and personnel.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia warns Google, Apple over Biden vows “whole-of-government” response to new Texas abortion law Kremlin critic Navalny’s app

Alexey Navalny

R

ussia’s state communications regulator is warning that the refusal by Google and Apple to remove jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny’s app before elections could be seen as interference in the country’s

domestic affairs.

On Thursday, Roskomnadzor ramped up pressure on the Western tech giants saying they could be held criminally liable if they continue to refuse to comply with Russian law.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for later this month, with nearly all vocal Kremlin critics including Navalny’s allies barred from running.

Last month, the state regulatory agency Roskomnadzor demanded that Google and Apple remove Navalny’s app from their stores.

“Criminal liability is foreseen for organising, as well as taking part in the work of extremist organisations banned in Russia,” the regulator said in a statement.

Failure to block the app “can be considered interference” in Russian elections and will lead to hefty fines, the statement warned.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

U

S President Joe Biden has launched a “whole-of-government” response to oppose a new law in Texas that bans most abortions.

He called the Supreme Court’s decision not to block the law an “unprecedented assault” on women’s rights.

Any individual now has the right to sue anyone involved with providing or facilitating an abortion past six weeks of pregnancy in Texas.

This is before many women know they have conceived.

Rights groups had asked the Supreme Court to block the law, but it refused following a 5-4 vote.

The Judges said their de-

cision was not based on any conclusion about whether the Texas law was constitutional or not, and that the door remained open for legal challenges.

One of the liberal Supreme Court Judges, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, said those justices who had allowed the law to stand had “opted to bury their heads in the sand” over a “flagrantly unconstitutional law”.

President Biden accused the court of unleashing “unconstitutional chaos”.

“The highest court of our land will allow millions in Texas in need of critical reproductive care to suffer while courts sift through procedural complexities,”

he said.

Biden said he had asked the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to see what steps the national government could take to “insulate women and providers”, but did not provide further details.

He said the law violated the landmark Roe v Wade case in 1973, in which the Supreme Court legalised abortion across the US. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters that the President had long wanted to see the “codification” of Roe v Wade – which would mean Congress voting to make the precedent federal law. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Keep your thoughts to yourself. Make changes at home that will add to your comfort. A creative pursuit will keep you occupied and encourage you to pursue something you enjoy.

Maintain secrecy about your intentions. Keep everyone guessing in order to avoid interference. Putter around the house and make your place convenient for what you want to pursue.

Be careful when handling friends, relatives and loved ones. Emotional matters will escalate if someone evades the truth or overreacts. Refuse to act irrationally in the face of change.

You can live by the rules and still give a unique twist to whatever you do. Use your ingenuity, savvy and experience to conquer whatever or whoever you encounter along the way.

Look for creative ways to make your money grow. Adjust your spending habits, and rethink any joint expenses you share. Use your charm to get out of something that is holding you back. Embrace new opportunities with optimism.

Take the initiative and do something physical and exhilarating. The more active you are, the less time you will have to complain or get into an emotional disagreement.

Give others room to live.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Refuse to let your emotions take control. An intelligent decision will stabilize your personal or professional position and lead to a chance to have some fun.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll overcome an unsavory situation if you remain disciplined. Don’t let temptation set in when dealing with someone asking for too much. You can’t buy loyalty, but you can plan ahead.

SAGITTARIUS Pick up the pace, and don’t (Nov. 23stop until you are satisfied Dec. 21) with the results. A lot depends on how you deal with others and handle your responsibilities. The right move will improve your chance to advance.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Get approval before you make a change that will affect others or disrupt your home or workplace. Keeping others in the know will ensure that you aren’t blindsided by something you overlooked.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You’re in the driver’s seat and can make a difference that will encourage financial gain, better opportunities and a chance to spend more time with a loved one.

Shoot for the stars.

PISCES

Limit what you spend, donate or promote. Set standards and stick to them, even if someone tries to talk you into something enticing.

Be true to yourself, the ones you love and your beliefs.

(Feb. 20March 20)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

21

India vs England: The Oval Test…

Strikes by Bumrah, Umesh Yadav lift India after batting folds I

ndia were bowled out cheaply on the first day of this Test, but retained a foothold after taking three England wickets in the late-afternoon sunshine at The Oval.

Chris Woakes - playing a firstclass game for the first time since August 2020, after missing 11 Tests through isolation, rotation and injury - took four wickets, and Ollie Robinson continued his fine summer with three.

England's seamers were relentless in reducing India to 127 for 7. Most of India's batters had made starts before being dismissed - Virat Kohli played fluently for 50, before falling to Robinson for the third consecutive Test; but Shardul Thakur's 57 off 36 balls changed the complexion of their innings.

He teed off from No. 8 after being recalled to the side, and his half-century, the fastest recorded in a Test in England, gave India something to bowl at.

England had chosen to bowl after winning the toss in overcast conditions, but were basking in hazy sunshine by the time their openers headed out midway through the final session. But three late wickets - both openers falling to Jasprit Bumrah and Joe Root castled

by Umesh Yadav - left them

Umesh Yadav

teetering at 53 for 3 by the close.

Much of England's early success came from bowling dry. They had initially struggled to find swing with the lacquer still on the new ball - James Anderson conceded 20 in his first four overs and was punished for overpitching - but Robinson and

Woakes rarely erred from a good length, and strung together seven consecutive maidens with the score on 28.

Those maidens included the dismissals of both openers.

Woakes, back to fitness after a freak heel injury suffered slipping down a flight

of stairs, had the ball swinging immediately, and induced an outside edge. Rohit Sharma had been leaving fuller balls, but Woakes dragged his length back, and had him caught behind by Jonny Bairstow, keeping wicket with Jos Buttler absent on paternity leave.

And after an immaculate new-ball spell, Robinson had KL Rahul trapped lbw with a nipbacker. The decision was upheld via the DRS, but only thanks to Richard Illingworth's earlier on-field call; Rahul was nearly outside the line as he was hit on the back pad, but ball-tracking said umpire's call.

Anderson's second spell was a significant improvement, and he had Cheteshwar Pujara feathering an edge behind to Bairstow. Kohli looked in fine touch earlier on, but the main talking point over the lunch interval was the promotion of Ravindra Jadeja to No. 5 seemingly to break up the run of right-hand batters in India's middle order.

Kohli was given a life on 22

by Root, who put down a chance at first slip off Woakes - though arguably Rory Burns, at second, should have gone for the catch to his left, since Root saw it late and had to move a long way to

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1ST INNINGS Rohit Sharma c †Bairstow b Woakes 11 KL Rahul lbw b Robinson 17 Cheteshwar Pujara c †Bairstow b Anderson 4 Virat Kohli (c)c †Bairstow b Robinson 50 Ravindra Jadeja c Root b Woakes 10 Ajinkya Rahane c Ali b Overton 14 Rishabh Pant †c Ali b Woakes 9 Shardul Thakur lbw b Woakes 57 Umesh Yadav c †Bairstow b Robinson 10 Jasprit Bumrah run out (Burns) 0 Mohammed Siraj not out 1 Extras (lb 8) TOTAL(61.3 Ov, RR: 3.10)

8 191

Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Rohit Sharma, 8.6 ov), 2-28 (KL Rahul, 13.5 ov), 3-39 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 19.4 ov), 4-69 (Ravindra Jadeja, 29.6 ov), 5-105 (Virat Kohli, 42.5 ov), 6-117 (Ajinkya Rahane, 49.5 ov), 7-127 (Rishabh Pant, 52.6 ov), 8-190 (Shardul Thakur, 60.6 ov), 9-190 (Jasprit Bumrah, 61.1 ov), 10191 (Umesh Yadav, 61.3 ov)

his right. Root made amends of sorts in Woakes's next over, hanging onto another tough

BOWLING James Anderson Ollie Robinson Chris Woakes Craig Overton

O-M-R-W 14-3-41-1 17.3-9-38-3 15-6-55-4 15-2-49-1

ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS Rory Burns b Bumrah 5 Haseeb Hameed c †Pant b Bumrah 0 Dawid Malan not out 26 Joe Root (c)b Yadav 21 Craig Overton not out 1 Extras 0 TOTAL (17 Ov, RR: 3.11) 53/3 Yet to bat: Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow †, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Rory Burns, 3.2 ov), 2-6 (Haseeb Hameed, 3.6 ov), 3-52 (Joe Root, 15.3 ov) BOWLING Umesh Yadav Jasprit Bumrah Shardul Thakur Mohammed Siraj

O-M-R-W 6-1-15-1 6-2-15-2 3-1-11-0 2-0-12-0

chance off Jadeja's outside edge, but Kohli's fluency was ominous for England. (ESPNCricinfo)

Hungary v England WC qualifier…

Visiting players racially abused at Puskas Arena

England players were pelted with cups after taking the lead

E

ngland players were racially abused during their 4-0 win over Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in Budapest. Racist abuse was aimed at Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Uefa had ordered Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after fans were found guilty of discriminatory behaviour during Euro 2020. Charges related to racism and

other discriminatory conduct.

Home fans were allowed in to the 67,000 Puskas Arena in Budapest against England as the match falls under Fifa jurisdiction.

Sterling was pelted with paper cups and bottles when he opened the scoring for England, while a flare was thrown on to the pitch after Harry Maguire put the visitors 3-0 ahead.

Speaking after the match, England captain Harry Kane said: "I'll talk to the

boys. We'll report it to Uefa."

BBC Radio 5 Live reporter Juliette Ferrington, who was in the stadium, said: "For all the celebrations from England's performance tonight, the disappointing side has now turned to racist chants from the ultras in the stand behind the goal that England are attacking.

"I definitely heard one aimed toward Jude Bellingham when he was warming up. Raheem Sterling was also

targeted after Harry Kane's goal.

Tony Burnett, chief executive of Kick It Out, urged Fifa to investigate as a matter of urgency.

"Kick It Out was appalled to see the actions of some Hungary fans," he said. "We stand proudly in support of the England players and staff, who once again acted with strength, grace and integrity in the face of racism that has no place in our game or our society.

"This is not the first incident like this in Hungary, so we urge Fifa to investigate this matter urgently. Those responsible need to be held to account, and steps need to be taken to ensure scenes like this are not repeated."

England manager Gareth Southgate had ice thrown at him by fans during his post-match interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. He said: "I've heard reports of racism, which I hadn't heard during the game. Everyone knows what we stand for. We took the knee and we knew it would get an adverse reaction, but we think it's the right thing to do. Anything of that nature that has happened is unacceptable."England defender John Stones, who won his 50th cap in Budapest, added: "I personally didn't hear it [the racist abuse]; I've been told about it after. It is so sad to think that this happens at our games, and I hope Uefa and whoever needs to take care of

it does, and I'm sure they will.

"We stand together as a team, and we will continue fighting for what we believe in as a team, and what we believe is right."

Earlier, England's players were booed loudly as they took a knee before kick-off to protest against racism.

Hungary's players and their head coach Marco Rossi had asked supporters to respect England's gesture before the match, but the message went unheeded.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Ferrington said: "It is a wall of noise here as England players take a knee. Led largely by the ultras behind the goal, they [fans] booed throughout the moment even though there were calls on them from the manager, players and leaders in the country not to overstep the mark. That is disappointing, so disappointing."

Hungary were investigated by Uefa after incidents took place at each of their Euro 2020 group games against Portugal, France and Germany in June.

Before Thursday's game, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate was asked about the potential for racism and homophobia to be exhibited at the match, and he said England should "get its own house in order" before criticising others for their behaviour.

(BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

South Africa Women brush aside West Indies Women

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo to wear number seven

Lizelle Lee slammed 75

SCOREBOARD Qiana Joseph was economical in her spell

S

outh Africa Women defeated West Indies Women by 50 runs in the second T20 International at North Sound, Antigua.

Batting first, South Africa posted 165-3 in 20 overs, with Lizelle Lee hitting 75 from 52 balls, and Laura Wolvaardt adding the finishing touches with an unbeaten 33 from nine balls.

In reply, West Indies Women struggled to 115-8 in 20 overs, with Chedean Nation and Britney Cooper scoring 26 runs each.

The South Africans had a solid start, with the openers adding 53 runs for the opening stand. Things got better as the second wicket pair added 69 runs, which batted West Indies out of the game. Hayley Matthews got slammed to all parts, finishing with 2-43 from three overs, while left-arm spinner Qiana Joseph had 1-17 in four overs.

In West Indies' chase, Deandra Dottin (19) and Hayley Matthews (12) added 21 runs, while Kyshona Knight (13) and Kycia Knight (10) struggled to get going. Nation's 26 came off 29 balls, while Cooper was the aggression with 26 from 15 balls, including three fours and one six.

Marizanne Kapp had 3-31 in her four overs, while Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba had 2-22.

Heavy rainfall had caused the abandonment of the opening match. With the West Indies on 21-1 off 2.1 overs, the rain started and forced the end at 5:20pm. They were replying to South Africa’s 135-3 off their 20 overs.

The third match is set for Saturday September 4 from 14:00 Eastern Caribbean Time.

SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS Lizelle Lee b Matthews Dane van Niekerk (c) c Matthews b Joseph Marizanne Kapp c Cooper b Matthews Laura Wolvaardt not out Tazmin Brits not out Extras (lb 2, w 3) TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.25)

75 23 24 33 5

5 165/3

Did not bat: Trisha Chetty †, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Sune Luus, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Dane van Niekerk, 6.4 ov), 2-122 (Marizanne Kapp, 17.1 ov), 3-126 (Lizelle Lee, 17.3 ov) BOWLING Shamilia Connell Aaliyah Alleyne Qiana Joseph Shakera Selman Anisa Mohammed Hayley Matthews

O-M-R-W 3-0-24-0 3-0-25-0 4-0-17-1 3-0-27-0 4-0-27-0 3-0-43-2

WEST INDIES WOMEN INNINGS (TARGET: 166 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Deandra Dottin b Mlaba 19 Hayley Matthews c Luus b Kapp 12 Kyshona Knight b Mlaba 13 Chedean Nation b Kapp 26 Kycia Knight † b Kapp 10 Britney Cooper b Khaka 26 Aaliyah Alleyne c Luus b Klaas 2 Qiana Joseph not out 2 Shamilia Connell b Khaka 0 Anisa Mohammed (c)not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 2) TOTAL(20 Ov, RR: 5.75)

4 115/8

Did not bat: Shakera Selman Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Hayley Matthews, 2.4 ov), 2-39 (Deandra Dottin, 5.6 ov), 3-54 (Kyshona Knight, 9.5 ov), 4-76 (Kycia Knight, 13.1 ov), 5-91 (Chedean Nation, 15.1 ov), 6-110 (Britney Cooper, 17.2 ov), 7-112 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 18.2 ov), 8-114 (Shamilia Connell, 19.3 ov) BOWLING Marizanne Kapp Ayabonga Khaka Masabata Klaas Nonkululeko Mlaba Dane van Niekerk

O-M-R-W 4-0-31-3 4-0-8-2 4-0-24-1 4-0-22-2 4-0-28-0

Ronaldo has worn the number 7 shirt throughout his career

C

ristiano Ronaldo will wear the number seven shirt for Manchester United, the club has confirmed.

The 36-year-old takes the number, which he wore in his first stint at Old Trafford, from Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani - who moves to number 21.

Ronaldo will begin training with the Reds when he has completed five days of isolation. On Thursday he was released early from international duty by Portugal, because of suspension.

"I wasn't sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again, so I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Edi [Cavani] for this incredible gesture," Ronaldo said.

"The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell at United, and we can now confirm that Ronaldo will have it on his back once again," United said on their website.

Ronaldo completed a shock move back to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day, and is in line to make his second debut for the Red Devils against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, 11 September.

Ronaldo became the all-time leading men's international goal-scorer with two goals against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, but was booked by the referee for removing his shirt.

Ronaldo scored two late headers to take his tally to 111 for Portugal, surpassing the record previously held by Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006.

(BBC Sport)

Quality teachers are likely to produce quality students − Coach Sampson Gilbert C CLASSIFIED ADS oach Sampson Gilbert is very appreciative of the recent opportunities local football coaches have been afforded to better their skills, since there is a trickle-down effect of positivity.

In the past few weeks, not only have some football coaches been given the equipment to steer young players as part of a renewed Academy Training Center (ATC) programme, but others have benefited from an online introductory course for the job.

These initiatives, according to Fruta Conquerors Coach Sampson Gilbert, will do a great lot, not only for the coaches and players, but also for the future of Guyana’s football.

“I’m very excited about this return to football project, and, more importantly, this notion of giving equipment to actually empower the coaches and the development process across the country,” the Coach

shared.

Highlighting the aforementioned trickle-down effect, Gilbert opined, “I think that the whole aspect of coaches’ education and coaches’ development is part of this whole project. We know that as long as you have quality teachers, you’re likely to have quality students, and the result is quality development for our country’s football.”

Continuing in a comment invited

by Guyana Times Sport about the recent happenings in football, Gilbert expressed his appreciation for the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) willingness to start training at the grassroots level.

This, he noted, is an important step in the development of the sport.

The long-time Fruta Conquerors Coach explained, “I’m very elated. This is where it is, at the grassroots level is where it starts.

Actually, grassroots is not just

youth; grassroots is total involvement at every age group, even the differently-abled. Grassroots is comprehensive.

“So, having equipment helps us to involve everyone in the game, and, more importantly, the young players, who through their stages of development they’re able to acquire their necessary skill to go into well developed and skilled senior players that could actually represent the country and make us happy,” Gilbert further commented.

Aside from the coaches and players, referees and match officials have also been on the receiving end of training and education recently. The GFF handed over the Academy Training Center (ATC) programme to the Regional Member Associations (RMAs) last month, and many coaches have been tasked with running sessions in the ATC programme.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Amazon Warriors fall as Chase lifts St Lucia Kings off the bottom with 85

R

oston Chase played a lone hand with the bat for St Lucia Kings on a challenging surface, before Kings bowlers combined to bully Guyana Amazon Warriors’ top order and take the chase beyond them even before the powerplay had ended.

Eventually, with a 51-run win for the Kings, they were enabled to climb off the bottom of the table and offset the overrate penalty from their last game that had cost them 0.05 points from their net run-rate.

Chase's 85 - the next highest scorer made 20 off 29 - at a strike rate of 170 was a blatant outlier in the game, after Amazon Warriors had put Kings in at the toss.

Kings left Rahkeem Cornwall out, with Faf du Plessis opening alongside Andre Fletcher. If that was an experiment to play more

prudent cricket on slow surfaces, as opposed to Cornwall's pinch-hitting role, it wasn't evident. Both Fletcher and du Plessis fell in the second over, trying to take on Romario Shepherd, who ended up taking his third consecutive threewicket haul of the tournament.

Chase managed to marry prudence and adventure, starting his scoring off with two consecutive sixes against Chandrapaul Hemraj in the third over. Chase's clarity in picking the right balls to attack came to the fore as he dominated a third-wicket stand with Mark Deyal, who struggled a n d scratched for his 20 in a 74-run stand.

A 51-run stand f o r the

Nicholas Pooran slammed 41

Odean Smith had a good all-round game

SCOREBOARD ST LUCIA KINGS INNINGS Andre Fletcher †c Naveenul-Haq b Shepherd Faf du Plessis (c)c Smith b Shepherd Mark Deyal c Hetmyer b Smith Roston Chase c MotiKanhai b Shepherd Tim David c & b Smith Samit Patel b Smith Keron Cottoy run out (†Pooran/Naveen-ul-Haq) Jeavor Royal not out Alzarri Joseph not out Extras (lb 2, w 5) 7 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.45)

4 2 20 85 15 0 4 12 0

149/7

Did not bat: Obed McCoy, Kesrick Williams Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Andre Fletcher, 1.3 ov), 2-7 (Faf du Plessis, 1.6 ov), 3-81 (Mark Deyal, 11.6 ov), 4-132 (Tim David, 17.3 ov), 5-132 (Samit Patel, 17.6 ov), 6-132 (Roston Chase, 18.1 ov), 7-142 (Keron Cottoy, 19.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Chandrapaul Hemraj 2-0-16-0 Romario Shepherd 4-0-21-3 Naveen-ul-Haq 3-0-32-0 Mohammad Hafeez 1-0-10-0 Imran Tahir 4-0-26-0 Odean Smith 4-0-22-3 Shoaib Malik 1-0-10-0 Gudakesh Motie 1-0-10-0

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS INNINGS (TARGET: 150 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Chandrapaul Hemraj c David b Joseph 1 Mohammad Hafeez c †Fletcher b McCoy 5 Shoaib Malik c †Fletcher b McCoy 4 Shimron Hetmyer run out (Cottoy/†Fletcher) 9 Brandon King c Joseph b Williams 1 Nicholas Pooran (c)† c du Plessis b Chase 41 Romario Shepherd lbw b Royal 1 Odean Smith not out 31 Naveen-ul-Haq c Patel b Royal 1 Gudakesh Motie c †Fletcher b Royal 0 Imran Tahir b Williams 0 Extras (w 4) TOTAL (16.5 Ov, RR: 5.82)

4 98

Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Mohammad Hafeez, 1.2 ov), 2-12 (Chandrapaul Hemraj, 2.6 ov), 3-13 (Shoaib Malik, 3.5 ov), 4-15 (Brandon King, 5.2 ov), 5-63 (Shimron Hetmyer, 11.4 ov), 6-65 (Romario Shepherd, 12.2 ov), 7-69 (Nicholas Pooran, 13.1 ov), 8-76 (Naveen-ul-Haq, 14.1 ov), 9-76 (Gudakesh Motie, 14.2 ov), 10-98 (Imran Tahir, 16.5 ov) BOWLING Jeavor Royal Obed McCoy Alzarri Joseph Kesrick Williams Mark Deyal Roston Chase

O-M-R-W 3-0-19-3 3-0-19-2 3-0-13-1 2.5-0-7-2 2-0-24-0 3-0-16-1

fourth wicket with Tim David (15 off 16) followed for Chase, who continued to appear like he was batting on a different surface. In all, he managed six fours and seven sixes before falling in the penultimate over, as Kings had a mini collapse Odeon Smith taking Deyal, David and Smit Patel - towards the end.

An Alzarri Joseph cameo for 12 off 6 took them to 149 for 7 at the end.

Kings began their defence with Jeavor Royal's left-arm spin, but unlike Amazon Warriors, they went to pace for the rest of the powerplay.

It began with Obed McCoy bowling an awkward short length to Mohammad Hafeez,

Obed McCoy made early inroads (Photos: CPL T20/Getty Images)

Jeavor Royal picked up three wickets

getting him to fend to the keeper. Alzarri Joseph then completely tucked up Hemraj in the channel before getting him to hoick a bouncer out to deep square.

Shoaib Malik came in at No. 3 and was similarly tucked up

by McCoy's length, steepness and angle. In the fourth over, he became the third wicket, fending to the keeper like Hafeez had. To end the powerplay, du Plessis went to Kesrick Williams, who got one to grip on Brandon King and had him chop one to short third man.

Amazon Warriors were 16 for 4 at the end of the powerplay, and it could have gotten a lot worse than that. Du Plessis kept Joseph on in a bid to separate Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, and it paid off almost immediately.

Joseph created the chance with a sharp ball across the corridor, but Pooran's outside

edge - headed straight for the keeper Andre Fletcher - went to ground.

Pooran took a six and a four off that very over, and for a brief time, Amazon Warriors had some semblance of fluidity.

From one end, anyway, as Hetmyer struggled to find any timing during his 21-ball stay for 9.

Pooran took off, hitting five sixes during his 26-ball 41, but he couldn't get deep. After Hetmyer was run out, Royal trapped Shepherd in front to leave Amazon Warriors 65 for 6.

Chase then came back and hurried Pooran on the pull to have him caught at long-on, and the end was a mere formality from there on.

Smith showed spark with the bat, hitting McCoy for two of his four sixes, but he was batting with No. 11 Imran Tahir for the most part, and it wasn't destined to be a long innings.

(ESPNcricinfo)

We have been inconsistent,

says GAW captain Nicholas Pooran

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors went down to St Lucia Kings by 51 runs in match 13 of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and GAW captain Nicholas Pooran has described the Warriors’ performance as inconsistent.

Warriors are in fourth position on the points table, with three defeats and two wins in the five matches they played in the 2021 season thus far.

After the match against Kings, Pooran said he was happy with the bowling effort that restricted the Kings to 149, but the bowling performance was not up to par.

"I was happy about restricting them, but the bowling performance was not up to the mark after two wickets in the first over, and we gave too many free hits. In and after the powerplay, the Kings bowled really well, and credit to them. We have been inconsistent in ticking boxes, and we need to get it all together at the same time," Pooran

Captain Nicholas Pooran and Faf du Plessis at the toss

explained.

The Warriors will play on Saturday, September 4, against the Barbados Royals at 14:30h at Warner Park St Kitts. Meanwhile, player of the match, Roston Chase, described the surface as a difficult one, but said he was thrilled with his performance,

scoring 85 from 50 balls.

"I was happy with my performance. I felt like I was hitting the ball well on a difficult surface and we didn't even talk during the break, but the guys really came out all guns blazing, so credit must go to the bowlers for the effort, and the spinners

came in to finish it off. I was just seeing the ball, hitting the ball, and it paid off. (Favourite shot) Cover drive, I am always known for playing the cover drive, played one in T20 cricket, a classical shot like that," Chase said at the post match interview.

(Brandon Corlette)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

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

Patriots pull off win after SCOREBOARD Cottrell heroics ROYALS INNINGS Johnson Charles c Gayle b Cottrell Shai Hope b van Meekeren Smit Patel c Lewis b Bravo Glenn Phillips c Cottrell b Bravo Azam Khan †c Allen b van Meekeren Jason Holder (c)run out (Naseem Shah) Raymon Reifer b Bravo Nyeem Young c Rutherford b Bravo Ashley Nurse not out Jake Lintott not out

Bravo picked up four but Cottrell was the hero, hitting a final ball six

30 8 54

11 8 19 2 9 5 2

Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 12 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.00) 160/8

Chris Gayle returned and was among the runs

seemed like the Patriots would not be able to chase the target. However, the late onslaught from Drakes and Cottrell with the bat ensured St Kitts & Nevis Patriots maintained their superb start to the tournament.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots remain top of the Hero CPL league table with five wins out of five.

Did not bat: Oshane Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Shai Hope, 3.4 ov), 2-61 (Johnson Charles, 8.2 ov), 3-86 (Glenn Phillips, 12.1 ov), 4-98 (Azam Khan, 13.3 ov), 5-139 (Smit Patel, 16.6 ov), 6-139 (Jason Holder, 17.1 ov), 7-152 (Nyeem Young, 18.2 ov), 8-154 (Raymon Reifer, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheldon Cottrell 3-0-17-1 Naseem Shah 4-0-31-0 Paul van Meekeren 4-0-36-2 Dominic Drakes 3-0-30-0 Fabian Allen 2-0-15-0 Dwayne Bravo 4-0-26-4

ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS INNINGS (TARGET: 161 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Devon Thomas † c Holder b Reifer 26 Evin Lewis c Holder b Reifer 19 Chris Gayle c Young b Lintott 42 Fabian Allen c †Azam Khan b Young 3 Sherfane Rutherford c Young b Lintott 1 Ravi Bopara c Reifer b Young 1 Dwayne Bravo (c) c Holder b Young 9 Dominic Drakes b Nurse 28 Sheldon Cottrell not out 20 Naseem Shah not out 1 Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 8) TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.15)

Did not bat: Paul van Meekeren Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Evin Lewis, 4.5 ov), 2-84 (Devon Thomas, 12.2 ov), 3-95 (Fabian Allen, 13.6 ov), 4-97 (Chris Gayle, 14.3 ov), 5-98 (Sherfane Rutherford, 14.5 ov), 6-98 (Ravi Bopara, 15.1 ov), 7-127 (Dwayne Bravo, 17.3 ov), 8-156 (Dominic Drakes, 19.4 ov) BOWLING Jason Holder Ashley Nurse Oshane Thomas Raymon Reifer Jake Lintott Nyeem Young

S

an unlikely partnership with the bat, which culminated with Cottrell striking a six off the last ball for a dramatic win in front of the home crowd.

Barbados Royals had a steady start to their innings, Johnson Charles and Patel patiently accruing runs after the early dismissal of Shai Hope. Patel eventually reached his half century, while captain Jason Holder later made a quick cameo of 19 runs from his 7 balls.

DJ Bravo, captaining the side, showed all his craft and guile in the format to take four wickets and stop Barbados Royals from piling on the runs towards the

end of their innings. There were also impressive contributions with the ball from fast bowlers Cottrell and Netherlands international Paul van Meekeren.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots were controlled as they started their innings, losing Evin Lewis in the Powerplay overs, but rebuilding with Devon Thomas and Gayle.

It was another Hero CPL debutant, wrist spinner Jake Lintott, who made valuable inroads by first dismissing Gayle, and then the dangerous Sherfane Rutherford two balls later.

Twenty-year-old Nyeem Young dismissed the rest of the middle order, and it

O-M-R-W 3-0-22-0 3-0-26-1 3-0-22-0 3-0-34-2 4-0-28-2 4-0-26-3

Amazon Warriors fall as Chase lifts St Lucia Kings off the bottom with 85 Page 23

t Kitts & Nevis Patriots maintained their unbeaten start to the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a remarkable final ball win over Barbados Royals, who suffered their fourth defeat of the tournament.

The Patriots won the toss and opted to bowl, taking wickets at regular intervals as the Barbados Royals posted 160-8, with Smit Patel making his Hero CPL debut and top scoring with 54.

The Patriots stumbled in their chase, a returning Chris Gayle top scored with 42 runs and a defeat seemed likely, until Sheldon Cottrell and Dominic Drakes put on

13 163/8

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