Guyana Times - Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Govt's 20,000 scholarships programme officially launched in Linden Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4630

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

PRICE

Gas-to-shore project pipelines to land at Crane, WCD – Jagdeo

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Daring daylight robbery

Bus driver charged for dragging driver from car, escaping with over $1.5M P11

…5 studies done; to be funded by cost oil

CJ dismisses APNU/AFC’s final election petition

Page 2

See story on page 3

…says petitioners failed to prove irregularities Dismissed election petition

Coalition supporters march through Georgetown forcing businesses to close

Man knifed P14 to death by girlfriend’s cousin

P10 Brothers stabbed during drinking spree

Man robbed, shot while stuck P15 in traffic City Hall calls for "immediate" financial assistance again from Govt P9

See story on page 7

…CJ’s decision reaffirms Guyana’s democracy – AG

5 more COVID-19 deaths, 51 new cases recorded Page 14

Appeal Court sets aside fraud conviction of Deeds Registrar Page 13

Vaccinated P15 persons still need negative PCR test to enter Guyana 42 arrested for breaching COVID-19 guidelines

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas-to-shore project pipelines to land at Crane, WCD – Jagdeo …5 studies done; to be funded by cost oil

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he gas-to-shore project took centre stage on Monday when Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo met with publishers, media house owners, editors-in-chief and senior media workers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where he and senior officials working on the project shared a number of pertinent details.

One such detail was the fact that Crane on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) has been settled on by the Government as the landing site for the pipelines that will then transport the gas to the power plant in the Wales

Development Zone.

“There (were) two routes there that (were) being examined for the pipeline to come in. The current area where it would land would be about around Crane village. The pipeline will not follow the route of the Demerara River,” Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told the gathering on Monday.

“The pipeline runs almost throughout the entire scheme because the power plant is going to be located almost to the southern end of the layout, because of wind patterns and a whole range of other patterns,” Jagdeo explained.

According to Jagdeo, the

The layout of the Wales industrial area

commercial and other areas will be to the north. He also explained that no decision

was made on the beginning of the project when the PPP assumed office. Jagdeo noted

that the first thing they did was select a site, before they could even move the project forward. There were a number of options, including Crab Island (Berbice), Mahaica and Wales.

“We examined the numbers. Crab island versus Wales. And Wales came out much more feasible in terms of the cost. Crab Island is very swampy and very low, so the development cost would have been extremely high and as was pointed out, Wales is less prone to flooding.”

Jagdeo also shared some interesting information. It turns out that during negotiations on the volume of gas ExxonMobil would be providing Guyana from its Liza Field offshore, the company had been reluctant to provide the volume needed for the project to work.

“We had a contentious situation with Exxon. They did not want to give us more than 30 million cubic feet of gas per day. And that was a point of contention and that went up… 30 million cubic would not have allowed us to generate 250 megawatts from a 300-megawatt power plant we hope to build.”

“So the 50 million cubic now will allow us to generate 250 megawatts and still have some additional gas that will remain for other purposes.

There’s currently work being done to determine whether we’ll use it for some polymers, basalt fibre, looking at protein for the agricultural sector. It’s not a gas field, it’s the associated gas.”

Studies Meanwhile, Head of the Gas-to-Shore Project Advisory Taskforce, Winston Brassington, who was also present, revealed that at least five studies on the gasto-shore project have been done over the past five years, including studies by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“This project has been under study since 2016. In 2020, when the PPP came to power...we started negotiations with Exxon in October of 2020. We also had a commitment by the end of last year that we would have the bringing up of 50 million cubic feet of gas per day which would be enough gas to allow us to power a gas project with a inaudible capacity of 250 megawatts. We also agreed a timeframe.”

According to Brassington, it was agreed that the project would come online in 2024 and that the first 18 months would be used to complete all

of the requisite studies and conduct a competitive tender for construction of the pipeline.

“We also reached an agreement on some of the key considerations. First, we had an upper limit on the capital cost of the project. Secondly, we agreed that Exxon will fund the pipeline out of cost oil. Thirdly, we had an upper limit of the estimated cost of kilowatt/hour of power from gas delivered at the Wales location. That upper limit was three and a half cents per kilowatt/hour.”

“Now, in the press, many have said there were not studies, it is not true. There have been at least five studies completed between 2016 and 2020. We have a list of these studies on the Board.

These studies, some were completed by the IDB, one was done by the Japanese group. These studies looked at all of the key aspects of the project,” he said, adding that the chosen location was studied extensively and out of 20 different locations, the Wales location was superior.

Gas to shore The gas-to-shore project is a game-changing initiative that will see gas from the Liza Field offshore Guyana being pumped onshore to generate power. The main objective of the initiative is to transport sufficient gas from the Stabroek Block’s petroleum operations to supply some 200-250 megawatts of energy to the national grid, leading to a significant reduction in electricity costs.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously said the landing of the gas-to-shore pipeline in Region Three would lead to “big industrial development taking place there that is linked to not only power generation and a power plant.” He also said the investment on the Demerara River’s shoreside would create massive opportunities and a trickle-down effect.

Soon after the Government issued permit licences to Exxon for the Payara Development Project last year, Jagdeo had announced that the Government would turn its attention to negotiating the gas-to-energy project.

A number of factors including geotechnical, geophysical and environmental were examined before Vice President Jagdeo announced recently that the Government had settled on Wales to land the pipelines for the project.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who has responsibility for the energy sector, has previously said that the Government is looking to produce 200 megawatts of power from the gasto-shore project by 2024.

Exxon has said that around 30 to 35 million cubic feet of natural gas would be required for the gas-to-shore project.

Recently-released data from Norwegian research company Rystad Energy had indicated that less than 20 per cent of the 1.8 billion Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) discovered last year was gas.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 27 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, April 28 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 27 – 16:40h – 18:10h and Wednesday, April 28 – 17:20h – 18:50h.

CJ dismisses APNU/AFC’s final election petition …says petitioners failed to prove irregularities

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

With the threat of unrest hanging in the air, the PPP urged law enforcement to maintain law and order

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:59h reaching a maximum height of 2.88 metres.

Low Tide: 10:32h and 22:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.23 metre and 0.38 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

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

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

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he High Court has dismissed the election petition filed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition which sought to vitiate the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

APNU/AFC’s petition number 88 of 2020 had targeted the recount that confirmed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as the winner of the elections. However, acting Chief Justice Roxane George ruled on Monday that Order 60 of 2020, which created the recount, did not breach the Constitution.

It is a similar ruling to what the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) found when it ruled on the Eslyn David case last year. The Chief Justice made it clear that Article 162 of the Constitution of Guyana fully empowered the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to take whatever actions were necessary to conclude the elections, including the recount.

“Given the difficulties, it does appear that it would not have been prudent for GECOM to declare the results in the peculiar circumstances that accompanied the completion of the process of the March 2 Elections. As noted by Justice of Appeal Persaud in Misenga Jones…

GECOM cannot be expected to act on advice known to be unlawful, or lacking legitimacy,” she said.

“Thus, I’ve concluded that Order 60 was not ultra vires the Constitution or Section 22 (of the Representation of the People Act). A combination of Article 162 (1) (b) and Section 22 confer the power upon GECOM to issue this order, if GECOM considered it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance… as regards the election process.”

No proof

Justice George noted that had there been no difficulties with the election, then GECOM’s creation of Order 60 would have been illegal.

However, she pointed out that even the election petition highlights the difficulties GECOM faced in arriving at a valid election result.

Among her findings was that the petitioners failed to prove their case that there were substantial irregularities.

“Ultimately, despite the reliefs sought, this petition does not rely on the second limb of Article 163 (b) and Section 30 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act Chapter 104, that there have been unlawful acts or omissions affecting the results. Indeed, evidence that there were unlawful acts that affected or may have affected the result of the election have not been provided in this petition,” Justice George said.

“I hold that in order to exercise general direction, supervision over the elections, GECOM had to ensure the lawful and proper implementation of the RPA and Section 22. This was done lawfully

by GECOM via Order 60, enabling it to issue instructions and take action as appeared necessary to resolve the controversies, as part of its responsibility to complete the election process.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Streaming traffic violators up court steps

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here is always an element of risk whenever someone uses the roadways, be it a motorist, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian. This is somewhat inherent, since it is believed that accidents will happen. Often, the fault is not with the one being cautious, the risks may manifest in various forms, such as a lack of street lighting while driving at nights; potholes, which when swerved from could place a vehicle in the direct path of another; absence of or nonfunctioning traffic lights, which can create uncertainty among drivers; roaming animals; speeding; drinking and driving; narrow streets and lack of traffic signage. In addition, disobedience of basic traffic etiquette and other rules exacerbate the risks.

Seemingly common now is the disrespect for designated major roads. Many drivers, including some within the public transportation system, refuse to adhere to what is mandatory. As a result, a number of accidents occur frequently at some of those points. Similarly, the practice of running red lights and the green signal that allows pedestrians to cross continues unabated, predominantly by minibus drivers. The danger this poses needs no explanation.

While there is a plethora of traffic violations on a daily basis, some appear more prominent. Undertaking, cutting in front of a vehicle, the sticking out of a minibus conductor’s arm to do likewise from the other side seem the new norm of driving. Aside from the obvious danger, especially to young and inexperienced drivers, and being an irritant, it is blatant bullyism and a potent source for road rage.

It appears that those who engage in such practices do not see themselves as being errant, or what they do as a traffic violation. Lanes that allow for turning-on-red are abused and used as if they are the right-of-way. In the city, many roads other than what are authorised for minibus routes are used as thoroughfares. Speeding is foremost, causing areas that are supposed to be free of minibuses to become dangerous.

In addition, some drivers seemingly take pride in having an alcoholic beverage in their possession while transporting passengers. Adding to the woes of those who abide by traffic rules is that they are verbally abused when trying to stave off a potential transgressor. These practices are not unknown to the Police, and while they cannot be at all points where violations occur, there is the expectation for more and sustained interventions in the interest of safety of all road users. This does not take away from the valiant efforts of a few dedicated traffic officers, who do their best to curb the situation – one which has reached alarming proportions. Reportedly, many minibuses are owned by some Police ranks, and the drivers of those buses are of the view that they have a free pass to break traffic rules.

From all reports, some traffic ranks can easily pinpoint a particular minibus based upon design and route when a complaint is lodged. That probably suggests that traffic violation is not unique to that vehicle. Again, it must be asked, how is it allowed to continue?

What is desperately needed is a sustained national campaign to reduce traffic violations, and let the law take its course on the errant ones, regardless of who they are.

The carelessness exhibited puts all road users at risk. This is where the National Road Safety Council would need to be supported and probably empowered to have a more visible presence and increased influence all year round.

It must be noted that drivers are not the only violators of traffic rules, for some pedestrians are equally guilty.

Aside from the common jaywalking, they cross busy intersections when not authorised and refuse to use the overhead pedestrian walkways, thereby bringing danger to themselves and others. Like errant drivers, they seem empowered to not observe basic traffic rules. This will only change when there is a constant stream of violators up the stairs of the courts across the country. There is a hope that that is not wishful thinking.

A young lady from Mibicuri in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) seeks guidance as she started the application process to pursue one of the many programmes offered under the 20,000 Scholarships Programme (Education Ministry photo)

The world is desperate for more COVID vaccines – patents shouldn’t get in the way

By Stephen Buranyi

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iolyse is a small pharmaceutical manufacturer in Canada with a simple proposition: provide a recipe for a coronavirus vaccine, and it will produce 20 million doses for nations in the global south. It has approached AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and even asked the Canadian Government to help it with compulsory licensing – which would give it the authorisation to produce another company’s patented product for emergency use – but so far no one has taken up its offer.

When I reached him by phone this week, John Fulton, the Vice President of Biolyse, told me: “We’ve been passed over. We’ve got this production capacity and it’s not being put to use. If we had started this last year, we could have shipped millions of doses by now. This is supposed to be like a wartime effort, everyone in it together. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

The situation seems mind-bogglingly short-sighted. The world desperately needs coronavirus vaccines.

About 430 million doses have been produced so far this year, enough for about 215 million people. And of the doses already given, about half have gone to the richest 16 per cent of the world’s population. COVAX, the World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative to transfer vaccines to nations in need, has delivered just 38 million doses. According to analysis by the Center for Global Development and the Economist, nations in the global south may not reach widespread vaccination until 2023.

The situation is dire, and we need more vaccines. At the moment, there is no world-

wide joined-up effort to expand production. As incredible as it sounds, after all the public money that went into vaccine development, making and distributing them has been left entirely up to the market. Each company has its own – totally secret – recipes and supply chains, and they insist no other approach is possible.

But the Biolyse offer does suggest another way. They’re a chemotherapy drug manufacturer, certified to produce advanced biological compounds for injection. “We have the facilities and equipment, bioreactors, we have fill-andfinish capability. Depending on how much help we get with technology transfer, we could be ready in a few months,” explains Biolyse’s head of production Claude Mercure. “I don’t understand pharma’s stance on this. Everyone needs to make money, sure.

But this is a very serious situation and there’s no reason to be this harsh,” he added.

Fulton says he has been in touch with other manufacturers who say they also have spare capacity – for instance, fellow Canadians Pnuvax and the Bangladeshi producer Incepta. He hopes to put together a consortium to strengthen their offer to industry.

Many Governments and

organisations back the idea of opening up production. India and South Africa have asked the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to suspend patent protections to allow other companies to produce existing vaccines and drugs – but they have been blocked by rich nations. Former world leaders and Nobel laureates have called for suspending patents and coordinating production across the world – the kind of global effort that eliminated smallpox and polio in the 20th century. But so far their efforts have been unsuccessful.

This would mark a shift away from business as usual.

The pharmaceutical industry has long relied on a very strict global intellectual property regime to ensure they are the sole suppliers of their most profitable drugs. For them, this is an existential issue that goes beyond the current crisis. The arguments against opening up the rights to make coronavirus vaccines are the same ones the industry has always used: that it would stifle innovation, and that transferring the knowhow to others would be too difficult or simply wouldn’t work.

But the coronavirus vaccines were created with huge amounts of public research.

And generic drug manufacturers in developing nations have proven time and

again that they can make large amounts of high-quality drugs, for a fraction of the price.

This system, where a company that holds the patent on a drug can monopolise its production, even in a global emergency, is a recent invention. During the second world war, the US Government forced pharmaceutical companies to share recipes for antibiotics. In the worldwide campaign against smallpox, the WHO maintained a register manufacturing techniques and recipes, evaluating them and helping to share the technology globally. We collectively recognised that some things are more important than the legal protection of profit.

In fact, prior to the WTO and the proliferation of trade treaties, countries around the world regularly used “compulsory licensing” to make the pharmaceutical industry allow local manufacturers to produce drugs after paying a licence fee. This was so uncontroversial that Canada used to do it for anti-ulcer medications. Patents weren’t always sacrosanct. Biolyse is currently working with the non-profit Knowledge Economy International to exercise a little-used Canadian law allowing for compulsory licensing to let them to proceed. But progress has been slow.

It may seem like it’s a bit late in the crisis to try new approaches. But the truth is, for much of the world the pandemic hasn’t even hit its halfway point. The worldwide shortage in vaccines is likely to continue for years. Allowing big pharma to handle business as usual has worked out for just a rich few. There are people willing to work for the kind of worldwide approach we had in the past, we have to support their efforts. (The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

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

Women’s rights, their sufferings, their humiliation Dear Editor, Thurston Semple, a taxi driver who is accused of the raping and battering of a Venezuelan woman, and raping of several other women including another Venezuelan which is now before the Magistrates’ Courts, was Friday, April 23, 2021, granted bail in the sum of $250,000 for the offence. This individual is also committed to stand trial in the High Court for previous matters.

While the law provides for bail for offences of this nature, it is subject to conditions. And don’t tell me about his human rights!

Has anyone stopped to think about the human rights of his victims and how he violated them? He told her he was going to kill her, he had a knife, he cut parts of her body. I believe this decision is poor judgement on the

part of the Magistrate. This individual should not have been granted bail. He is a serial rapist and by granting him bail, the wrong message was sent to other rapists. In the matter before this one, he was placed on $1 million bail. This did not deter him from committing the same offence again! No! According to the Sexual Offence Act 2010, when the court is required to determine whether to grant bail in respect of an offence under the Act, the court shall take into account: -the need to secure the health, safety and wellbeing of the complainant or witness -whether there are substantial grounds for believing that the accused, if released on bail would...fail to surrender to custody, commit an offence while on bail

or interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice, whether in relation to the accused or any other person -any other matters which may be relevant to the case in question.

Were these conditions taken into consideration?

Why wasn’t he remanded pending his High Court trial? Is this an indication that we dont care about women and their rights, their sufferings, their humiliation?

How can our system fail us, women? How do we know he won’t go after this victim and other victims as he has done before? She said he wanted to kill her, now she must live in fear ... I am very disappointed in this decision, the system which should protect us has failed us yet again and will continue to do so. We have to

Ishri Singh played important role in cultural broadcasting Dear Editor, It is sad to read of the passing of Shri Ishri Singh.

Ishri was a legendary broadcaster in Guyana and in the US. I fondly remember him growing up in Guyana thru 1977 and my many encounters thereafter in New York.

He played an important role in cultural broadcasting in Guyana and in America in addition to making guest appearances in Trinidad and Canada.

He is remembered for his versatile talent and golden voice serving Indian communities for some sixty years.

He was gifted with a beautiful majestic voice. Besides a commanding voice, he had a charming personality and suave looks. He became one of the most sought-after hosts in America for Indian Caribbean concerts, weddings, pujas, etc. He kept the audience’s interest in programmes very high while ensuring the smooth flow of cultural events or radio and TV programmes.

Some of his notable emceeing gigs include various Independence and Republic Day programmes, festivals, commemorative events, and receptions of visiting Presidents of Guyana and Prime Ministers of Trinidad in NY. He appeared on several Indian cultural programmes in Trinidad including the popular Mastana Bahar singing and dancing contests. He spoke very fondly of the Mohammed clan of Mohammedville in El Socoro, Trinidad, who were promoters of Indian culture (on radio and TV since the 1960s) on the island.

He contributed significantly to the institutionalisation of Indo-Caribbean culture and community life among New York Indian Guyanese. He had a presence at countless cultural, religious, and commu-

nity political events in the greater NY area. He was seen at events where Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Janet, Jagdeo, and Ramotar were main speakers. I do not think anyone emceed more events than him. He also emceed charitable programmes and was present at the annual Diwali and Phagwah parades in Richmond Hill. His voice was also lent to promote numerous brand and product and their launches.

Tens of thousands grew up during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s listening on the radio to his very distinct voice on programmes that provided a staple of Bollywood music and songs with birthday requests. Almost everyone I knew would tune in to his programme. People used to pen requests for songs to be “played on-air”. Phones were not available then (through the 1970s and 1980s). I recall that his selection of music to air on radio or movie clippings shown on TV included several genres -- classic, nostalgic, romantic, relaxing, old, and new. His emceeing can be aptly described as hypnotic, tuneful, uplifting, breathtaking, and captivating.

Forbes Burnham’s institutionalised racism saw Ishri and so many of us escaping Guyana, never to return for domicile. His departure from Guyana was a blessing for Guyanese in NY. He became a promoter of Indian culture in America. Ishri appeared on radio programmes hosted by other broadcasters before getting his own programmes on radio and on TV. He was a weekly feature (Saturdays and Sundays) on TV for several hours. There is no question he was the best emcee.

In NY, Ishri condemned the Burnham Government for marginalising Indian culture and discriminat-

ing against Indians in employment practices. He was not very active in the movement in NY against the dictatorship. But he lent his moral support and his voice to those of us who led the struggle in the diaspora.

He courageously spoke out against Burnhamism, the banning of foods critical to the Indian cultural diet, and restrictions on foreign currency for the importation of Indian films and music.

Those who knew him mourn the loss. Guyana Democracy Project President Dr Tara Singh stated: “He was an inspiration for several generations. He had a golden voice and the kind of poise, grace, and tenacity needed in broadcasting and emceeing programmes.”

Although he was never recognised for his contributions to culture in Guyana, Ishri Singh belongs on a list of national honorees for his contributions to broadcasting in Guyana. He was honoured by community organisations in NY. In my book, Ishri would be automatically inducted in any kind of “Hall of Fame” for Guyanese or Caribbean or Indian broadcasters or emcees. Thank you, Ishri Singh, for your lifelong contribution towards the music and culture of the Guyanese people and Indian diaspora in NY. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

stand in solidarity with all our women and girls who suffer because of selfish individuals. He is not a first offender, how...how? This was a callous decision.

This woman and all the other women he raped may never heal from this trauma, no amount of therapy will be adequate when our judicial system allows a seri-

al rapist to walk the streets!

After yesterday’s decision, I am broken.

Dear Editor, For years stakeholders have been calling for a pesticide safety programme that will save lives and help reduce suicide. There are quite a few examples of such programmes that have been successful but the one usually touted is the Sri Lanka Hazard Reduction Programme which reduced pesticide suicide in that nation by 50 per cent+ in a decade.

It was noteworthy that the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), recently received 15 pesticide storage cabinets from the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) to be handed over to farmers across the coconut-producing regions for the safe storage of monocrotophos.

These 15 add to whatever number has been distributed over the years, and it was commendable that the Registrar of the PTCCB, Treica David, said that the PTCCB will be working with NAREI to ensure farmers and extension officers have a clear understanding of the requirements by which the chemicals should be used and stored. One must assume that the word “safely” was inadvertently omitted from Ms David’s statement.

At the handing over, Agriculture Minister Mustapha said that “stakeholders can rest assured knowing that Government will continue to make the necessary investments in the sector to ensure farmers and their families are safe and that emerging industries like the coconut industry have the necessary support to reach their full potential.” One would hope that by this statement, the Minister means that all farmers who deal in all pesticides and agrochemicals will eventually receive such cabinets and trained in usage, storage and disposal safety as will all future agro extension officers so that the training can always be turnkeyed to future farmers since this needs to be an ongoing exercise.

As well, one would hope that this safety training

would include ensuring that only the most reliable person in each family keep the key and/or combination to storage cabinet, that that individual is the only person who purchases the agrochemicals and that sellers are mandated to ensure that is so which may mean that those eligible purchasers may have to give some sort of identification with their names and photos.

Additionally, it makes sense that such an initiative be comprehensive in that the Ministry of Agriculture and the PTCCB must begin to implement a programme to do away with life-threatening agrochemicals as has been happening elsewhere.

This plan must, out of necessity, include a widely publicised list of all banned agrochemicals.

Additionally, potent agro-poisons such as gramoxone, the choice of poison in Guyana, must be added to that list. Gramoxone contains the lethal ingredient paraquat - a substance banned in many nations across the globe. There is no known antidote and it has one of the highest death rates for poisons once ingested. While there has been no study on its usage in Guyana, a 1997 study by Dr Daisley and Dr Simmons on forensic analysis of acute poisonings in south Trinidad showed that of 105 deaths analysed, almost 95 per cent were cases of suicide, and almost 80 per cent of deaths

were due to paraquat. An analysis of international literature, especially a study in South Korea, shows that the introduction of national policies regulating and banning paraquat led to a significant decrease in pesticide-associated mortality. As well, both the Agriculture Ministry and the PTCCB must focus on enforcement to ensure that the current access to gramoxone and other agro poisons in Guyana, by all and sundry, be eliminated and that the law limiting access only to persons who directly use them, be enforced across the board. The fact is that those who attempt suicide generally do not want to die, but ingestion of agro poisons effectively takes away from them the option to survive.

Finally, alternatives (sustainable farming) to traditional should gradually be fostered not only in order to reduce use but also to boost climate change initiatives. Among such alternatives currently making global headway are permaculture, biodynamic farming, hydroponics and aquaponics, urban agriculture, agroforestry and food forests, polycultures and crop rotation, heirloom and older varieties, natural pest management, mulching, groundcovers and manual weed control.

A pesticide safety programme

COMMODITIES Indicators

Sincerely, Shaundell Shipley

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$65.65/barrel

-0.70

Rough Rice

$242.96/ton

-0.49

London Sugar

$461.20/ton

-0.26

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1775.50

$1776.50

Low/High Change

$1768.60 -5.50

$1784.70 -0.31%

Sincerely, Annan Boodram

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

West Indies USA

By Stewart Brown

Question 1

Monday’s answers

Cruising at thirty thousand feet above the endless green the islands seem like dice tossed on a casino’s baize, some come up lucky, others not.

Puerto Rico takes the pot, the Dallas of the West Indies, silver linings on the clouds as we descend are hall-marked, San Juan glitters like a maverick’s gold ring.

All across the Caribbean we’d collected terminals – airports are like calling cards, cultural fingermarks; the hand-written signs at Portau-Prince, Piarco’s sleazy tourist art, the lethargic contempt of the baggage boys at ‘Vere Bird’ in St. Johns...

And now for plush San Juan.

But the pilot’s bland, you’re safe in my hands drawl crackles as we land, “US regulations demand all passengers not disembarking at San Juan stay on the plane, I repeat, stay on the plane.”

Subtle Uncle Sam, afraid too many desperate blacks might re-enslave this Island of the free, might jump the barbed

ci) See diagram cii) 159.9km

“ Materials

• writing supplies • mirrors Leonardo Da Vinci “kept copious notes of his inventions, ideas, and visions written in handwriting that could only be read by reflecting it in a mirror. So let’s copy Da Vinci’s special writing technique. It is a mystery why he did it, writing backwards and across the page from right to left, and with his left hand. The best way to read this type of writing is by holding a mirror up to it so the reflection allows you to see the

words correctly.

Try writing your letters backwards, from right to left, using your

” left hand.

Try writing the alphabet forward and backward.

Hold up your backward writing and see if it looks normal in a mirror.

Write a backward message to a relative and see if he or she can read it with a mirror.

Discuss other writing systems that are not written and/ or read left to right. For instance, in Hebrew words and sentences are read from right to left. Chinese writing is read from top to bottom starting at the right-hand side of the page.

(Adapted from timewarptrio.com)

electric fence around ‘America’s back yard’ and claim that vaunted sanctuary... ‘Give me your poor...’

Through toughened, tinted glass the contrasts tantalise; US patrol cars glide across the shimmering tarmac, containered baggage trucks unload with fierce efficiency.

So soon we’re climbing, low above the pulsing city streets; galvanised shanties overseen by condominiums polished Cadillacs shimmying past Rastas with pushcarts and as we climb, San Juan’s fool’s glitter calls to mind the shattered innards of a TV set that’s fallen off the back of a lorry, all painted valves and circuits the roads like twisted wires, the bright cars, micro-chips It’s sharp and jagged and dangerous, and belonged to someone else.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dismissed election petition

Coalition supporters march through Georgetown terrorising businesses, commuters …CJ’s decision reaffirms Guyana’s democracy – AG

Businesses closed their doors in fear of APNU/AFC protesters

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

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ttorney General and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall on Monday lauded the High Court’s decision to toss out election petition #88, noting that it is a decision that reaffirms Guyana’s democracy and the will of the people as expressed in the ballot boxes on March 2, 2020.

In a video broadcast after the decision, Nandlall noted that Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George’s ruling was well reasoned and sound in law. He noted that all the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did by creating the recount, was to circumvent the problems Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo caused by departing from the law.

“This decision has confirmed that the will of the people as expressed at the March 2 elections have been vindicated. This decision has confirmed that the rule of law is operable in Guyana and that the elections were held in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Guyana,” Nandlall said.

“This decision ought not to surprise any fair-minded person. This decision confirmed what all of us witnessed and were part of. All of us are aware of the difficulties that were attendant to the tabulation of results in

region four, by Mingo’s use of a spreadsheet as the basis for tabulation, as opposed to the Statements of Poll.”

Nandlall pointed out that up to now, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is refusing to share its SoPs. He also noted that the National Recount carried out at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) was fair and balanced and was carried out only after litigation and agreements by GECOM itself.

“In this petition, they led no evidence. No evidence of the irregularities they’re complaining about. About the use of invalid votes. That there are absent statutory documents that would render the election invalid. Even assuming those are tenable propositions, they did not lead an iota of evidence to establish these allegations that they keep parroting.”

Misleading their supporters

The AG also chided the APNU/AFC leaders for continuing to mislead supporters, noting that even when the petitions were filed any lawyer could have told them that they did not have a case.

Instead, APNU/AFC decided to press ahead with their cases, resulting in both petitions being thrown out.

“We have seen for the umpteenth time, how these political leaders in the APNU/ AFC are so cruelly misleading their supporters… any person with a rational mind would have concluded (that

the petitions were unlikely to succeed).”

“Yet when they were filed, they had a big commotion in front the High Court and announced to the whole world, including their supporters, that these are the petitions that will bring the PPP down. And that they were promising to their supporters that within months the PPP will be thrown out of office.

Knowing full well that neither of the petitions had reasonable prospects of success.

Worse yet, they did not serve one properly.”

Nandlall also posited that APNU/AFC has a track record of attacking Judges every time they rule against them. The Attorney General reminded that only last week the High Court ruled in the favour of the APNU/AFC in relation to the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries.

“The Chief Justice was good then. Today, the Chief Justice has dismissed their decision, the Chief Justice is now a political appointee, I hear them saying that on Facebook,” Nandlall revealed.

Protest

The High Court’s dismissal of the coalition’s sole surviving election petition was greeted by protests from coalition supporters.

As APNU/AFC supporters took to the streets of the city, from Avenue of the Republic to Regent Street, Georgetown, businesses on the usually bustling Regent Street rushed to close their doors and secure their prop-

CJ dismisses APNU/AFC’s...

The fate of this election petition means that APNU/ AFC has now had both of its petitions dismissed by the High Court. In January, Justice George also dismissed APNU/AFC’s petition number 99 of 2020, due to its late service. This petition is currently being appealed.

Vindicated

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) released a statement in which they lauded the ruling and noted that the ruling vindicates the position of all right-thinking persons that the recount established the rightful winners of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“The ruling has vindicated the position of the PPP

and almost all other political parties and civil society bodies in Guyana, as well as elections observers and the international community, that the machinations and obstructions of the APNU/ AFC following the March 2020 polls, were purely meant to hijack the March 2020 elections which it lost fair and square, in a brazen attempt to derail Guyana’s hard-earned democracy, and retain power through back door means.”

The party also slammed the People’s National Congress (PNC) led APNU/ AFC for their efforts to destabilise the country, even after their five-month-long efforts last year following the General and Regional Elections.

According to the PPP,

FROM PAGE 3

this was on full display on Monday, with protests from APNU/AFC supporters following the ruling and the aspersions cast by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon on the Chief Justice.

“The PPP vehemently condemns Harmon’s attack on the Chief Justice and the Judiciary and calls on all Guyanese to dismiss the Opposition’s aggressive posturing as yet another rank attempt to remain relevant and to mislead its supporters,” the party said.

“We urge the law enforcement agencies to make every effort to maintain law and order. Particular focus should be placed on ensuring that the COVID-19 protocols are adhered to in light of the public health risk it poses.”

erties. Commuters were seen rushing off the streets as the APNU/AFC protesters marched along.

In Harmon’s statement announcing that they will be appealing the decision, he expressed disappointment in the Chief Justice’s ruling. At the same time, he ominously said that the party will not be responsible for how the masses react to the ruling.

“Today, like you, I am disappointed and feel let down…

but I remain fortified that our hierarchy of courts will correct this clear injustice which has been wrought on the Guyanese people,” Harmon said in the statement to the media.

“The APNU/AFC cannot and will not be held responsible for the reaction of the victimised, disenfranchised and marginalised masses. We will continue to fight and we wish to make it clear that all options remain open to us.”

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

In his statement, Harmon reiterated many of the points that the Chief Justice had outlined that did not merit overturning the elections for.

These include references to missing poll documents and claims of dead people voting.

(G3)

8

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Time after time...

O

...Trade Unions fracture fficially, the Trade Union movement in Guyana will be celebrating 100 years of being given official imprimatur with the enactment of the Trade Union Act on June 18, 1921. But two years before Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow had already launched his British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) – the first in the entire Commonwealth! In the “Mother Country” Britain, they had enacted their Trade Union Act way back in 1871, but we natives, of course, had to be tutored. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) had also been formed in 1919 – following the end of WWI. Critchlow had organised the stevedores to fight for better wages on the docks at a time when we manufactured nothing and shipping was literally a lifeline that could be strangulated. You can imagine the indignation when a “native” turned their rhetoric against them! He’d actually led a strike back in 1905 – but that was dubbed “illegal” especially since it led to the wider “Centipede riots” in Georgetown with arson and shootings.

Several other unions were then formed, but they were all urban-based. It wasn’t until 1937 that one Ayube Edun launched a union in the sugar belt to fight for better conditions for the largest labour force in the country. This was the “Man Power Citizens Association”. The odd-sounding name arose from a philosophy Edun had worked out while studying in London. People in the colonies were all British citizens, some of whom provided their services as labour – which he called “Man Power”. A comparable modern term conveying the same idea would be the “Working People’s Association”.

The trade unions all became springboards for political activism, since to take on the business class was to take on the Government – in which the former’s representatives predominated. Burnham would be an official of the BGLU and Jagan of the MPCA and we know they’d go on to lead the PPP and PNC, which would dominate Guyanese politics into the present. The urban and rural trade unions would become stalking horses for the two political behemoths and eventually their handmaidens. In the case of the MPCA, Jagan would back another entity – the GIWU which would morph into the GAWU of which he’d actually become an honorary President!

Which pretty much brings us into the present where the Trade Union movement remains split into PPP and PNC factions – represented respectively by the umbrella groups FITUG and TUC. Both are pretty emaciated however – as is the Trade Union movement worldwide – since the dominant new-liberal economic paradigm gives them very short shrift.

May 1 is “Labour Day”, a Public Holiday which reflects their once-lofty position.

But don’t expect any Kumbaya moment from FITUG and TUC! The daggers remain drawn! ...it’s all about Number 1 At the first-ever Australia-India-Japan-United States “Quad” summit in early March – when India’s national corona curve was just beginning to head north, they resolved to strengthen India’s ‘pharmacy of the world’ to manufacture up to a billion COVID vaccine doses for the Indo-Pacific by 2022-end. Amid all the euphoria, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, urged the Biden Administration to walk the talk by first lifting the US embargo on export of raw materials for producing vaccines.

But weeks of ambivalence followed with the US State Department bluntly saying it’ll use all mechanisms to protect Americans. Including export embargoes and hoarding millions of doses, including those produced by AstraZeneca and J&J that it doesn’t intend to use. Well, now that India’s infection and death rates are off the charts, the ban on raw materials has been lifted. And the US and the West are all shipping “aid” to India.

The “Orientalist” stereotype of “helpless India” is back! ...corruption rises The Government’s taken a quick and firm stand against allegations of corruption in GuyOil. Corruption’s a hydraheaded monster and the Government needs to not only set an example but look closer in other Govt corporations.

Heads must roll!

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

City Hall calls for “immediate” financial assistance again from Govt

Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall

“Markets and the city environment need to be fumigated to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the city. The subvention from the Government of Guyana to the Georgetown Municipality is used to purchase equipment that bolsters the uptake of garbage thereby maintaining the environment.

Government subventions to the municipality aids in providing a clean and healthy environment for the citizens of Georgetown. To stifle the municipality from receiving these two subventions should be cause for concern to organisations, Guyanese, and in-

“The mismanagement of the resources of City Hall is a primary reason why the city is in such a terrible state. Government is committed to ensure that the city is transformed and we have begun that process” – Minister Dharamlall

T

he Georgetown Mayor and City Council is yet again demanding funds from Central Government in the form of subventions to execute works and sanitisation within the capital city.

On Monday, Mayor Ubraj Narine called for budgetary subventions of $10 million for 2020 and $30 million for 2021 to be paid to the Council.

However, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall has since clarified that an agreement is already in place between City Hall and Government, whereby the $30 million subvention would be used towards the completion of an administrative building.

This decision was taken between the two parties earlier, with the injection of an additional $100 million for the restoration of City Hall.

But the Mayor is now contending that it is now time for a “deep cleanse” of the markets due to the rise in the infection of COVID-19 – an activity which requires money.

Moreover, he has stated that the subvention should be used for sanitisation in the city.

ternational citizens who operate in and around the city of Georgetown,” the statement said.

He added that if Government releases more funds to the cash-strapped Council, it will be used to purchase equipment for solid waste management.

Commenting on the financial position of the Council, Minister Dharamlall outlined that City Hall has accrued revenue of over $14 billion in the last five years, which the Mayor must account for.

“The mismanagement of the resources of City Hall is a primary reason why the city is in such a terrible state.

Government is committed to ensure that the city is transformed and we have begun that process,” he added.

An audit was launched a few months ago, targeting both the financial and operational makeup of the municipality. Dharamlall had positioned that until the audit is complete, Government will not provide support to the institution – which has often failed to demonstrate accountability.

Just last year, it was reported that there was no ac-

Man wanted for trafficking in person

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olice on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Teto Browne, also known as “Tommy”, for the offence of trafficking in person.

Police said that Browne committed the offence between December 2020 and April 2021.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Teto Brown is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 227-2603, 226-6978, 226-6221, 219-3252, 227-1149, 225-8196, 268-2328, 2682298/2222, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Teto Browne, aka “ Tommy”

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

countability for the $300 million restoration fund which was contributed to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall building. (G12)

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brothers stabbed Teen injured in hitduring drinking spree and-run accident T

wo brothers were on Sunday evening stabbed while they were imbibing alcohol at Second Street, Mibikuri, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Injured are 28-yearold Vijai Raganath and his younger brother, 21-year-old Ajai Raganath.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 21:10h.

Reports are that the brothers were drinking with a group of friends. However, one of their friends became involved in an argument with an unknown male.

Vijai Raganath, in efforts to resolve the argu-

…Police find damaged car, driver on the run

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ment, intervened and was allegedly stabbed to his left chest by the suspect, who was armed with a knife.

Having seen what had happened to his brother, Ajai Raganath reportedly confronted the suspect, who then dealt him a stab to his

right hand.

Both of the victims were rushed to the Mibikuri Public Hospital where they were admitted and are currently receiving treatment.

Police have since launched an investigation. No arrest has been made. (G15)

14-year-old pedal cyclist of RechtDoor-Zee, West Bank Demerara (WBD), is now hospitalised and nursing multiple injuries after he was struck by a motor car on Sunday evening.

Police said the driver of the car, who has been identified as one Joshua Manbodh of St Stephen’s Street, Charlestown, is still on the run.

The collision occurred at around 18:50h at the La Parfaite Harmonie Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD), according to Police.

Based on reports received, Manbodh was proceeding south along the La Parfaite Harmonie Public Road with motor car PZZ 2676 when he collided with the teen. As a result of the collision, the teen fell onto the road where he sustained multiple injuries about his body.

Following the accident, Manbodh sped away, leaving the teen lying on the ground.

The injured teen was picked up in a conscious state by public-spirited persons and taken to the West Demerara Regional

Hospital where he was admitted.

Police said the teen suffered a fractured left arm, head injuries, lacerations to his right-side shoulder and bruises about his body.

He was later transferred to the Georgetown Hospital where he remains a patient at the accident unit.

Meanwhile, Police said that the car was later found stashed in a yard at La Parfaite Harmonie with no sight of the driver. It has since been lodged and will be examined by a licence and certifying officer.

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Daring daylight robbery

Bus driver charged for dragging driver from car, escaping with over $1.5M

A screen grab of CCTV footage showing gunmen pulling Derick Doodnauth from his car during the robbery on Laing Avenue, Charlestown, Georgetown

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minibus driver who is accused of committing a daring robbery which occurred on Monday last in the vicinity of Princes Street and Laing Avenue, Charlestown, Georgetown, was on Monday hauled before the court.

Thirty-two-year-old Sherwin Fraser also known as “Skull”, who hails from Second Street, Agricola, was charged with one count of armed robbery when he made his appearance before Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs.

The charge stated that on April 19 at Liang Avenue and Princes Street, Charlestown, whilst in the company of oth-

ers and armed with a gun, he robbed Derick Doodnauth of $1,506,210 and a quantity of other items, property of Health International Inc. However, Fraser pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, the Police prosecutor objected to bail based on the severity of the offence.

She told the court that the suspect was armed and carted off with millions. In addition, she stated that based on CCTV footage, the defendant was identified.

She further added that while in Police custody, Fraser admitted to the crime.

Fraser’s attorney,

Rape accused found not guilty by jury

D

arell Sinclair, also known as “Boots” has been acquitted of a rape charge by a 12-member jury.

Sinclair was on trial for the offence before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Demerara.

Following deliberations on Monday, the jury returned a majority 11-1 not guilty verdict.

The charge against him stated that on October 5, 2015, in the county Freed: Darell Sinclair of Demerara, he ennot her boyfriend, the womgaged in sexual penetration an said that she jumped out with a woman without her of her bed and saw Sinclair, consent. Sinclair, who was who hugged her hands. represented by Attorney-atShe said that the man Law Damien DaSilva, had forced himself on her and pleaded not guilty to the had sex with her against her charge. will. The matter was reportAccording to the facts of ed to the Police, and followthe case, the woman was at ing investigations, Sinclair home when her boyfriend was arrested and charged. left for the interior. As a reAfter the jury delivsult, she said that she went ered its verdict, Sinclair exback into the bedroom, pressed gratitude to them where the lights were off, to for allowing him the chance sleep. The woman said that to move on with his life. she fell asleep but was awakThe man assured the ened to the feel of someone’s court that he would not find arm across her. himself in any trouble with She added that she the law. For his part, Justice thought it was her boyfriend Reynolds encouraged who had returned home. But Sinclair to use this experishe added that when she ence not only as a personal said her boyfriend’s name learning lesson but also to aloud, the person mumbled share his experience with “mmm mmm”. After realothers as it could serve as a ising that the person was learning lesson for them. (G1)

Stanley Moore told the court that the CCTV footage is the only evidence against his client. He further argued that

the men in the footage were masked and as such it is difficult to posit that Fraser was one of the perpetrators.

It was against this backdrop, he requested bail in a reasonable sum for his client.

The minibus driver was released on $50,000 bail and as a condition for bail, he has to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station fortnightly until the conclusion of the case.

It was previously reported that Fraser was arrested on April 23 in connection with the Laing Avenue, Georgetown robbery. Police are on the hunt for his three accomplices.

Based on reports received, the armed robbery

Robbery accused Sherwin Fraser, also known as “Skull”

was committed on April 19 at about 10:05h.

It is being alleged that Doodnauth, who is employed as a driver with Health

International Inc, had left the office with the cash to deposit at a local bank.

However, while on Liang Street, Charlestown, the driver was caught up in traffic and while he was in the line, the four suspects, who were on two separate motorcycles, circled the car.

Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) footage showed that the bandit pulled the driver out of the car and pushed him down on the road while one of his accomplices reached into the car and grabbed an envelope containing the cash and other valuables.

The men then hopped onto the awaiting motorcycles and made good their escape along Princes Street, Georgetown. (G15)

12 NEWS Vaccinated persons still need negative PCR test to enter Guyana TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ven after being completely immunised from COVID-19, persons desirous of entering Guyana are still required to acquire a negative PCR test before they travel.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony pointed out during Monday’s coronavirus update that there is still a small percentage that a person can contract the virus, even after being vaccinated. As such, every passenger entering Guyana will have to present a negative

PCR test before they are allowed to board a flight.

“Our protocol is that you must get a PCR test before you travel to Guyana. Being fully vaccinated whether with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson or any other vaccine, there is still risk that you can get infected. So, in most cases, there is that small percentage and there is that risk. Because we don’t know who might have a milder form of the disease or have that risk of bringing the infection, that

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

is why we require that people get their PCR testing,” he pointed out.

When asked about travel restrictions for the elderly or immunocompromised persons, the Minister contended that there is no such measure in place. Anyone who has fulfilled the necessary travel obligations will be permitted to enter the country.

“There is no prohibition as to who can travel so if someone is immunocompromised, they can still travel once they get a negative

PCR testing. If they’re leaving Guyana to go somewhere else, depending on their destination, their destination might require an antigen or PCR test. Once they have fulfilled those obligations, they can travel.”

Since the airports were opened last October, some 50 imported cases were detected – mainly through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

“These 50 cases, once they were detected, we have been able to take all the requisite measures to get them to isolate and prevent further spread,” the Minister assured.

As it is, persons entering Guyana are required to have a negative PCR test taken within seven days prior to their arrival. Persons with tests done within one to three days upon their arrival will not be subjected to any further health checks, however, those with tests that were completed within four to seven days prior to their arrival will be subjected to a PCR test at the airports here

before being allowed to exit the building.

Private facilities have been set up at the airport to conduct these tests for persons both arriving and departing the country. Earlier this year, local authorities had heightened their monitoring of persons passing through Guyana’s airports after reports of forged COVID-19 test results had surfaced.

Dr Anthony had disclosed that there have been cases of persons forging their COVID-19 test results in order to get into Guyana but as these violations are detected, persons would be prosecuted.

Facilities licensed to conduct PCR testing include the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL), the Eureka Medical Laboratory Incorporated, Coastal Diagnostic Laboratory and Sheriff Medical Laboratory.

Thus far, over 121,000 persons have received their first dose while over 2100 are completely immunised. (G12)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Appeal Court sets aside fraud conviction of Deeds Registrar A

fraud conviction for Deeds Registrar Azeena Baksh, who was accused of unlawfully paying herself gratuity and a higher salary than what was approved by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), was on Monday set aside by the Guyana Court of Appeal. In March 2020, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly found Baksh guilty of fraudulently procuring over $4.5 million between 2014 and 2017 while she was employed by the JSC. Magistrate Daly ordered the Deeds Registrar to repay the full sum. At the time of her conviction, she was ordered to lodge $1 million and was given three months to repay the balance. Dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, Baksh, through her lawyer Nigel Hughes, appealed to the Court of Appeal asking that the decision of the Magistrate “be wholly revered, set aside and/or discharged.”

Deliberating on the matter were Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi

Deeds Registrar Azeena Baksh

Persaud, and an additional Judge of the High Court, Franklin Holder. “…the prosecution did not discharge the duty placed on it to establish beyond a reasonable doubt all the elements of the offence,” Justice Gregory noted as the Court allowed the appeal, setting aside Baksh’s conviction and sentence.

While Baksh had no contract of employment for the Deeds and Commercial Registry, Justice Gregory

Convict on trial for killing fellow prison inmate

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keem Edwards was on Monday brought before Justice Navindra Singh and a jury at the High Court in Essequibo to face trial for the murder of a prison inmate, Teon Smith.

Upon his arraignment, Edwards pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 14, 2014, he murdered Smith.

The murder accused is being represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas, while State Counsel Tiffini Lyken is presenting the case for the prosecution. The prosecution is expected to call a total of 12 witnesses who are predominantly prison officers when the matter continues today.

According to reports, Smith, 21, was stabbed to death by Edwards during an argument at the Mazaruni Prison. At the time of his de-

Murder accused: Akeem Edwards

mise, Smith was serving a five-year prison sentence for robbery under arms. His alleged killer was also serving a similar sentence for the same offence. (G1)

held, “in our view, the absence of a contract had to be accompanied by proof of the terms of her employment in relation to her benefits, and specifically in relation to her gratuity. The absence of a signed contract was insufficient to support the inference that she had falsely represented her entitlement, and thereby fraudulently obtained benefits to which she was not entitled.”

The charge against Baksh had alleged that while being employed by the JSC between May 1, 2014, and January 31, 2017, in Georgetown, she caused or procured valuable securities of $4,534,486 to be delivered to her Bank of Nova Scotia account for her own use, pretending she was a contracted employee at the Deeds Registry. Charges were instituted against her in 2017.

Back then, the Legal Affairs Ministry had disclosed that the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority had requested that an investigation be launched into financial ir-

regularities in Baksh’s payroll documentation. Upon her appointment as the Deeds Registrar in 2012, Baksh received a salary of $326,171 monthly, as well as duty, entertainment, and housing allowances, and other benefits.

But the Legal Affairs Ministry claimed that she increased her salary to $400,000 in 2014 when the Deeds Registry was merged with the Commercial Registry, without the approval of the JSC. It was further reported that Baksh – being the sole person with authority to sign off on such documents – approved gratuity to herself and several staff members from the period May 2014 to November 2016.

During an interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> earlier this year, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, confirmed that Baksh was still the Registrar of Deeds since her appointment was never rescinded or revoked by the JSC. The tenure of the last

Former Attorney General Basil Williams, SC

JSC expired on September 12, 2017.

Nandlall had explained that if Baksh’s conviction is quashed or set aside by the Court of Appeal, then the Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registry will address the issue of her resumption. Moreover, the Attorney General has on numerous occasions roasted his predecessor Basil Williams, SC, for playing a major role in instituting the politically

trumped-up charges against Baksh.

Nandlall had argued, “In my humble view, the decision to charge Baksh was a politically-driven one by my predecessor. Baksh was charged for simply receiving her salary from the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, an Authority established by the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Act, which authorised the transfer of all staff from the Deeds Registry and converted them into employees of the Authority, inclusive of the Registrar of Deeds.”

“In my respectful view, there is nothing wrong with a person being appointed by one agency and paid by another. If that person received two sets of remuneration, it would have been a different matter. That is not the case. The Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Act authorises the payment of all staff of the Authority, inclusive of the Registrar of Deeds,” the Attorney General had noted. (G1)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 more COVID-19 deaths, 51 new cases recorded

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uyana is experiencing its worst month of the coronavirus pandemic, with 56 persons losing their lives in April after contracting the virus.

On Monday, five more deaths were reported, taking the country’s overall death toll to 289.

The most recent deaths are a 79-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a 70-yearold female from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); a 46-year-old male from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); a 72-yearold female and a 46-yearold male from Region four (Demerara-Mahaica). They all died while receiving care at medical facilities.

Previously on Sunday, another three deaths were announced. They were a 55-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); and two men, a 72-year-old and a 42-year-old, both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

On Saturday, the Ministry had reported that two other males died on that day – a 72-year-old and a 42-year-old, both from Region Four as well.

For Monday, the dashboard showed 51 new cases, which contributed to the total 12,754 positives detected to date. This is after 300

persons were tested within 24 hours.

Active cases stand at 1587 – 16 in the Intensive Care Unit, 72 in institutional isolation and 1499 in home isolation. Another 10 are in institutional quarantine. Of the 117,690 persons tested for the virus, 6450 males and 6304 females tested positive. However, 10,880 of them have since recovered completely.

An analysis of the new

cases determined that one was from Region One (Barima-Waini), four from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 19 in Region Four, one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 16 in Region Six, five in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and five in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The cases in Region Three, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Region 10 re-

Magistrates’ Courts where he denied the charge brought against him.

The charge stated that between March 30 and April 20, at Fifth Street Alberttown, Samuels broke and entered the apartment of Denzil McDonald and stole one fan valued $5000, one cordless drill valued $17,500, nine black stones valued $35,000, two Kaiak colognes valued $16,000

along with 17 pennyweights of raw gold valued $189,000 and $20,000.

Meanwhile, the Police prosecutor told the court that some of the stolen articles were recovered in Samuels’ room, which he rents at the same apartment building.

He was released on $75,000 and the case will continue on May 10. (G15)

Security guard slapped with B&E charge

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35-year-old security guard of Victoria Road Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, was on Monday charged for stealing a quantity of valuables and cash from a resident’s room in the apartment building where he works.

Romel Samuels made his appearance before Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs at the Georgetown

main at 1434, 1020 and 856, respectively.

Speaking on immunisation was the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, on Monday, cautioning that persons can still contract the virus between the first and second doses. This is since the body is still building antibodies to defend against infections.

“In the period when you’re still vulnerable after you get the first injection to that 21 days, you can still get infected because we’re saying that none of the vaccines would prevent 100 per cent infection. There is that little possibility that you can get infected.”

If a person is infected after 21 days of the first dose, then their chances of contracting a severe form of the virus is “drastically” reduced. This is owing to an increase in the antibody count that would heighten protection.

“Your body now has an-

tibodies that fight off this virus. If you get infected 21 days after the first dose, you wouldn’t get that severe form of the disease, you more or likely won’t end up in the hospital or ICU and it will certainly prevent you from dying from COVID,” he expressed.

As soon as a person develops breathing difficulties after testing positive, they are asked to visit a medical facility immediately as it is considered the onset of moderate symptoms.

“There is a measurement that is taken to check the oxygen saturation in your blood and if that is relatively low, you would require oxygen. Most people would require oxygen once you get hospitalised and we provide that. But then as the virus starts to multiply in your body, it then provokes the body to react to it and during that reaction time for some people, your immune system can over-

act,” the health official indicated.

The overreaction, he said, can cause multiple systems in the body to start failing, causing shock and other complications. Taking this into consideration, the public is asked to take precautions and abide by outlined measures. (G12)

Man knifed to death by girlfriend’s cousin

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n Albouystown, Georgetown youth was stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s cousin after her father reportedly expressed displeasure with their relationship.

Dead is Devon Xavier, a 20-year-old of La Penitence Street, Albouystown.

Reports are that Xavier was stabbed at about 21:30h on Saturday. According to Police, on Saturday evening Xavier visited his girlfriend at her A Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown home.

However, while the couple was conversing, they were approached by his girlfriend’s father and her cousin. The girl reportedly told Xavier that he had to leave because her relatives were not in favour of the relationship. She told Police that her father then instructed her to go inside the house but while she was heading in, she saw her cousin grab Xavier, take out a knife from the waist of his pants and deal him a stab to his rightside chest.

Police said that Xavier fell to the ground and the suspect then made good his escape.

An alarm was raised and EMTs re-

Dead: Devon Xavier

sponded. However, the 20-year-old was pronounced dead.

The body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Police said the girlfriend’s father is currently in custody assisting with investigations. The suspect has not yet been apprehended. (G15)

Belle West stabbing

Man died from haemorrhage, shock – PME

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post-mortem examination carried out on the body of 64-yearold Omkar Kishundyal, a vendor of Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, revealed that he died from haemorrhage and shock due to an incised wound to the forearm.

The body was positively identified by the deceased’s daughter and son-in-law.

The autopsy was conducted on Monday by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

The incident that led to

Kishundyal’s death occurred at around 17:45h on Sunday at Belle West, WBD. Police said at around 14:30h, an intoxicated Kishundyal went to the suspect’s home.

He was armed with a hammer, and began to behave disorderly and threatened to kill the man and his family.

Police said the dispute stemmed from some works which the suspect’s father was supposed to execute at the victim’s house.

Police said Kishundyal began to lash the suspect with the hammer.

The suspect then armed himself with a cutlass, as Kishundyal continued to attack him.

The suspect alleged that he raised the cutlass to bar the hammer and during that time, the vendor sustained a cut to his right hand.

Kishundyal then retreated from the suspect’s premises before collapsing some six hundred feet away.

He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was examined and later died.

The suspect was arrested pending his court appearance.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Paul Cheong new PSC Chairman P

aul Cheong has been elected the new Chairman of the Private Sector Commission.

During an interview with this publication following his election, Cheong gave his commitment to working with all towards the development of the business sector and the country. Cheong along with the new Executive Committee were elected during the PSC’s 29th Annual General Meeting on Friday.

He expressed that it is a privilege to serve at the helm of one of the most important and prestigious organisations in Guyana. “I look forward to working with everyone in the business sector, and by extension the country in taking Guyana forward.”

Asked about his immediate plans for the PSC, Cheong disclosed that within the first month of his tenure he intends to visit the different Chambers and associations that are a part of

Newly elected PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

the PSC, to hear about their concerns. He assured that this information will be used to craft a plan on how they move forward.

Moreover, on the topic of development, he said that cheap energy is a prerequisite for being competitive while noting that it can transform Guyana.

Further, Cheong acknowledged that one of the major issues affecting the PSC is the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this note, he said, “…We need to get a grip of what is going on. With the continuing rise in [the] number [of cases], we cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results.

We need to examine what we are doing and come up with a strategy to stop the increase in cases…”

Krishnand Jaichand was elected to serve as Vice Chairman of the PSC, while Ramesh Dookhoo will serve as Secretary. Zulfikar Ally was appointed Treasurer, and Manniram Prashad was elected to serve as the Commission’s Corporate Coordinator.

Cheong was also recently appointed Chairman of the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). (G1)

Healthcare services available to all Venezuelan re-migrants – Region 2 RHO

Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh meeting with some Venezuelan re-migrants on Monday at the Anna Regina State House

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ealthcare services offered by the Government are accessible to all Venezuelan re-migrants in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This was revealed by Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Ranjeev Singh during a meeting held at Anna Regina State House on Monday with Venezuelan re-migrants.

“Re-migrants that resettled in Essequibo (Coast)…

will be treated equally as Guyanese and as such medical healthcare service will be proposed to them as well in the region,” Dr Singh told the gathering.

Monday’s meeting was a follow-up to a meeting held over the weekend with re-migrants and officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Additionally, Dr Singh said that re-migrants that do not have their proper documentation will still be able

42 arrested for breaching COVID-19 guidelines A

total of 42 persons who were in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines were arrested on Sunday during “Operation COVICURB”.

The five-hour-long operation was conducted by ranks of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Police said the operation

targeted public transportation, public spaces and other social activities.

Earlier in April, a total of 21 persons had been arrested between April 10 to April 13. Of the 21, a total of 12 persons had been arrested at Mabaruma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), while

the others were arrested at Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

In addition, on Easter Monday, a number of Essequibians were caught in large gatherings and were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines.

The violators were arrested

Man robbed, shot while stuck in traffic

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38-year-old resident of Providence was on Monday afternoon robbed of $50,000 and shot to his leg during a daring robbery at Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

Reports indicate that at about 13:56h, the man, who was driving motor car PZZ 6538, had stopped at the traffic light in the vicinity of Young Men Christian Association (YMCA).

He told Police that while he was awaiting the traffic signal, he felt a sudden impact from behind his vehicle and observed two males on a

motorcycle.

One of the suspects, who was armed with a gun, immediately dismounted the motorcycle, confronted him and shot him to his right leg.

The victim, in shock, exited the car and ran for help.

Meanwhile, the suspect took the cash which was in an envelope on the passenger side of the car. The two then made good their escape on the motorcycle. The injured man is presently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Police said one warhead and spent shell was recov-

ered on the scene.

Similarly, on April 19, Derick Doodnauth, a driver for Health International Inc, was robbed of more than $1.5 million and a quantity of cheques, property of the company, by four suspects.

Based on reports received, the armed robbery was committed by the four suspects at about 10:05h.

Reports are that Doodnauth had left the office with the cash to deposit same at a local bank.

However, while on Laing Street, Charlestown, the driver was caught up in traffic and while he was in the line, the suspects, who were on two separate motorcycles, circled the car.

The two pillion riders came off their motorcycles, went to the victim’s motor car, pointed their guns at the man, dragged him out and grabbed the cash and other valuables that were in an envelope on the back seat of the car. They then made good their escape along Princes Street.

Thus far only one suspect identified as Sherwin Fraser has been charged. Police are still on the hunt for the remaining three. (G15)

at Adventure Resort, Lake Mainstay Resort, Golden Fleece and Capoey Lake.

Also, 40 persons were arrested during a COVID-19 patrol operation along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Police said those persons were also in breach of the COVID-19 restrictions at the Boat House Bar at Land of Canaan, EBD. The operation includ-

ed officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Despite the 22:30h to 04:00h (10:30 pm to 04:00 am) curfew and the existing regulations stipulating the maximum numbers for social gatherings, scores of citizens continue to violate the regulations.

to access healthcare services.

The RHO said that the COVID-19 vaccine is also available for Venezuelan re-migrants.

Over the weekend, Foreign Secretary with the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, Robert Persaud held a meeting with re-migrants at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom where numerous concerns were raised.

Among the issues raised was the fact that re-migrants are denied access to healthcare services by healthcare workers at public hospitals.

It was as a result of this that Monday’s meeting was called with the RHO and the re-migrants.

“At no time Venezuelan re-migrants should ever put off because we are all human being together. They should be treated the similar way as we Guyanese are treated,” Persaud said during Saturday’s meeting.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt’s 20,000 scholarship programme officially launched in Linden

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overnment on Monday rolled out its Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) 20,000 online scholarship initiative in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), as residents of both Mackenzie and Wismar were given the opportunity to apply for various free online educational programmes.

Speaking at the launch of the programme at the Linden Concert Hall and School (LICHAS), Public Infrastructure Minister Juan Edghill urged Lindeners to make full use of the opportunity as he stressed the importance of education. Reiterating the belief that education is the key to success, the Minister said this was yet another one of Government’s election commitments being fulfilled as it opens up the door of opportunities to Guyanese.

“We said we would do 20,000 online scholarships and here we are today, promise being fulfilled...I’m extremely proud that in this rollout of the scholarship programme, Linden, Region 10, was not left as a ‘tail end’ to offer the opportunity.

You are centre, you are up

front. This programme have not gone to many Regions and it is in Region 10...The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government believes in equal opportunity and equal access. Hence, today we are in Region 10 to ensure you are not left behind but you have the opportunity to uplift yourself through education,” the Minister told the packed room of interested applicants.

“Guyanese from all walks of life can decide to walk through the door of educational upliftment, educational advancement...where it is not costing you anything but your commitment and dedication to study. The government of Guyana will fund every dollar for your scholarship,” Edghill assured.

Noting that one of the concerns is the issue of unstable internet connection, the Minister noted that Government is committed to ensuring every Guyanese enjoys affordable and accessible internet services. He related that already, Government has taken Value Added Tax (VAT) off of data services. He emphasised that Government is also committed to ensuring data and

A section of the gathering at the rollout of Government’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) 20,000 online scholarship initiative in Linden, Region 10

bandwidth are available in all areas, including riverine communities.

“Whether it is Private Sector or whether it is State sector, we are committed towards a layout, granting licence and ensuring that data and bandwidth is available...People must be able to study and have access to the internet. So don’t be afraid to apply. Improvements are coming in the Information

Communication Technology sector...” Edghill said.

He further noted that Government understands the value of Information and Communications Technology as he pointed out that with more competition and greater bandwidth, the cost will decrease.

“So, one is bringing the cost down and two, is making sure you have stable, reliable and accessible in-

ternet capacity. And your Government will bring that to you. We are working on that,” he assured.

Pointing to advancements in the sector, the Minister said already, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) is fully online and accessible to teachers across Region 10.

“The PPP/C understood the plight of people in communities like Region 10

where there is no on-site campus... This is a way to go, to make life more comfortable and easier for the people of Guyana. That’s what we’re doing. This is being complemented by the Smart Classroom initiative...” Edghill pointed out.

He further assured interested applicants that Government is fully committed to bringing development all across Guyana.

The Minister said opportunities will be made available, through the regional structure to facilitate the transmission of documents for those who were not ready to do so on Monday. Interested applicants can also upload documents online. This should be done as soon as possible, the Minister encouraged.

The Minister and team will be visiting Sub District Two on Friday and will return to Linden in the afternoon to engage applicants.

Following the launch at the LICHAS Hall, Edghill also engaged interested applicants at the New Silvercity Secondary School in Linden.

He also assured all that the online portal is now open for applicants at guyanagoal. org

Corentyne hire car operators call for increased fares

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ire care operators plying the New AmsterdamCorentyne route on Monday parked their vehicles in protest over rising fuel prices, calling for increased fares.

The operators are demanding a 50 per cent and above fare hike.

The operators parked their cars outside of the Lewis Manor Police Outpost along the East Coast Berbice Highway, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and held placards calling for

Hire care operators parked their cars outside of the Lewis Manor Police Outpost along the East Coast Berbice Highway, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) in protest for higher fares

fares to be increased from $200 to $300 for a ride from New Amsterdam to Rose

Hall Town. They are also proposing an increase of $300 from New Amsterdam

to Corriverton to make the new fare $1000 and New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek from $1200 to $2000.

The drivers pointed to the rise in operational cost as being their main reason for their demands.

One of the drivers, Kissoon Bisram, said that their main challenge is the increase in fuel prices, noting that there has been a steady rise in the cost of petrol.

Currently, the price is US$0.828 or $173 Guyana dollars per litre.

Gasoline prices tend to increase when the avail-

able supply of gasoline decreases relative to real or expected gasoline demand or consumption. This is on the world market.

Nevertheless, as fuel prices rise, Government lowers the consumption tax so that the increases are not felt at the pump.

Meanwhile, Bisram argued that the need to increase fares is justified since there has been no increase for more than 24 years.

“When the public servants, the Police, the soldiers ask for raise of pay they get it and we never ask

for a raise of pay for over 24 years. Things in the supermarket gone up. We have family and have to get money to give them,” Bisram said.

He also compared fares other operators in the region receive for the service they offer, saying the New Amsterdam-Rose Hall fare is by far the lowest.

“Up the Bank, they charging $200 and is about four miles, from New Amsterdam to Georgetown they charging $2000 and in the night $2500 to $3000.

In Black Bush Polder they charging $300 from Mibicuri to Adventure which is just a few miles and we carrying persons 15 and 16 miles for $200. The pressure is on us so we have to strike for the raise of pay. We want $300 for each passenger plus to fetch four passengers.”

When the National COVID-19 Task Force had implemented restrictions on the number of persons allowed to commute, vehicle operators plying the Corentyne route had upped fares.

The New AmsterdamRose Hall Town fare moved from $200 to $300. When those restrictions were relaxed, many of the operators continued to implement them and charge the higher fare.

The driver indicated that while the hire car operators can arbitrarily hike their prices, he would prefer for a Government regulator to approve the increases so that they can be accepted by commuters.

Increases in commute fares are often overseen by the Tourism, Commerce and Industry Ministry. (G4)

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPSCCU elections were flawed, should be nullified – members

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alling the recent Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU) elections flawed and stacked in the favour of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), concerned members on Monday demanded that the polls be nullified.

On April 11, Former Head of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn, who has since been charged for misconduct in public office, and his team members won every spot on the 12-member Committee of Management. But events surrounding the election of these persons have since caused a division in the union.

At a press conference, members alleged that sev-

eral discrepancies occurred on the actual polling day, when the Annual General Meeting was also scheduled. Ivelaw Henry, a candidate for the elections, noted that from the onset, there was no list of persons eligible to vote virtually.

“There was neither a posted list of persons registered to vote virtually nor was there any means of knowing or reconciling those who voted or those who did not vote. Before the votes, there were voice notes circulating, telling persons to vote for a preferred set of candidates while for the entire period of the AGM, including voting process, a vehicle with loudspeaker was stationed in close proximity to the GPSCCU head office, announcing the name of the

GPSCCU member Ivelaw Henry

preferred candidates and their number on the ballot paper,” Henry outlined.

According to him, per-

sons were advised to vote for the first 12 candidates on the Committee of Management ballot paper and the first three candidates listed on the Supervisory Committee ballot paper.

Henry highlighted that the tabulation of votes also pressed additional concerns, whereby the scoring was not visible. The counting of some 800 virtual votes was also questioned.

For this, it was determined that IMC used its incumbency status to “abuse the system”.

“It was said that over 800 members registered to vote online. One is yet to confirm how the votes were counted and in the absence of guarantee, one has to deem those votes totally flawed. There was nobody

evidencing to say these things were done.”

He added, “The votes were scored against numbers and not the names of the candidates. There was no means of determining the credibility of the scoring since the persons conducting that exercise were very distant from the scrutineers of candidates and there was no way to inspect or verify the accuracy of the alloca-

tion…Also, the official scoring was not visible.”

They have since contended that these events were in contradiction with the rules of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union Limited, in conflict with the laws of the Guyana Cooperative Society Act Chapter 88:0, as well as a total deviation from customs and practices that were established.

Bus driver caught driving on sidewalk arrested, charged

Prominent malariologist Dr Lloyd Validum dies

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r Lloyd Validum, one of the country’s prominent malariologist, has died at the age of 61.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and the health fraternity have expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and friends

Dr Lloyd Validum

of Dr Validum, who passed on April 24.

Dr Validum once served as the Director of the National Malaria Control Programme under the Ministry of Health.

“We will always be thankful for the excellent service he gave the health

sector and he will certainly be missed. His contribution was substantive and his legacy will be remembered.

The Ministry asks that your prayers and support be extended to his family at this most difficult time in their lives,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Ministry now accepting WhatsApp video calls as proof of life for old age pensioners

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he Human Services and Social Security Ministry has announced that pensioners who have to provide quarterly Life Certificates to ensure continuous old age pension payments are deposited into their bank accounts can now make a WhatsApp video call to the Ministry to

confirm proof of life.

Currently, Life Certificates are signed and stamped by either a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Practitioner, Head Teacher, Minister of Religion or a Manager of a Bank or Branch of a Bank and can be dropped off at

any of the Ministry’s Offices countrywide or scanned and emailed to pension@mhsss. gov.gy.

The Ministry, mindful of the need to be adaptable to this category of our elderly citizens, will now be facilitating video submissions as proof that they are alive.

Pensioners can vid-

eo call the Ministry’s staff via WhatsApp 662-1572 Monday through Thursday – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday – 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Additionally, during the call, they would have to clearly show some form of valid identification, like a National ID card or passport.

The minibus on the sidewalk (the post that went viral on social media)

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Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident has been arrested and charged for dangerous driving after he was captured on camera driving a minibus along a sidewalk.

The incident occurred within the vicinity of Providence, EBD. In a post that went viral on social media, minibus

BYY 2372 was seen driving on a designated sidewalk.

The Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has since arrested and charged the driver, Clifton Cummings, for Dangerous Driving and Breach of Condition of Road Service.

He is scheduled to appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on April 28.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY APRIL 27, 2021

Regional

Caricom Chair in ongoing talks US sanctions Guatemala officials with US on vaccine redistribution ahead of Harris meeting

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n the same day that the United States announced that it plans to share millions of doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine with other countries, the Trinidad and Tobago Government has sought to assure that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is in ongoing talks with the US on vaccine redistribution.

A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday noted that Rowley, who is also the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairman, wrote President Joseph Biden on March 19 this year, asking the US to share its surplus vaccines with the Region. In response, President Biden confirmed his Government's commitment to partnering with COVAX and other multinational institutions to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines.

Dr Rowley subsequently met with US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chairwoman of the House Committee on

T

he United States on Monday imposed sanctions on a member of Guatemala’s Congress and a former presidential chief of staff in the country over alleged corruption, as Washington presses a number of Central American Governments to crack down on graft.

The move was announced hours before US Vice President Kamala

Caricom Chairman, Dr Keith Rowley

Financial Services, on March 25 and April 7, and one of the key issues discussed at these meetings was the need for the equitable distribution of vaccines.

Additionally, Dr Rowley held talks with Elizabeth Cameron, special assistant to the president and senior director for global health security and biodefence at the White House, on April 19, to again highlight the critical need for the Region to have an adequate and urgent supply of vaccines.

“In all these meetings, the Chairman of Caricom raised our heightened concerns about the increased danger posed by the almost inevitable possibility of variants of the COVID-19 virus developing or entering within our regional territories,” the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

“A commitment was received that once the policy of redistribution is readied, Caricom will not be ignored.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

St Kitts PM calls for targeted messaging to address vaccine scepticism

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s the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) observes Vaccination Week in the Americas, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, is calling for greater public education programmes to combat the growing trend of vaccine hesitancy in the Caribbean, particularly as it relates to the COVID-19 jab.

“We already have a culture that values and embraces immunisation.

However, there are strong pockets of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and scepticism. These must be addressed through targeted messaging and sensitisation,” said Dr Harris in his address to mark the week's

observation in his capacity as lead Head on matters of health, HIV and human resources in the quasi Caricom Cabinet of Heads of Government.

He noted that the Caribbean has done well in the implementation of public health measures such as social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing, but insisted that the “mass vaccination to achieve herd immunity, as has been demonstrated with polio, is the trump card that is sadly missing”.

“The Caribbean Region will not be safe until 70 to 90 per cent of its population is vaccinated. I repeat Caricom's call for more equitable access to COVID-19

vaccines. All eligible adults in the wider Caribbean region should have access to vaccine. Vaccination will boost the tourism sector and place us on the path to sustainable and resilient recovery. Our Caribbean is one of the most dependent regions on tourism flows,” he added.

Caricom Member States, including St Kitts and Nevis, are observing Vaccination Week in the Americas, April 24-30, under the theme, “Vaccines Bring Us Closer, #Get Vax”.

Dr Harris noted that this year's awareness campaign would highlight the value of health and bringing people closer. (Excerpt from CMC)

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People take part in a rally against violence, following a car bomb explosion, in Bogota, Colombia, on January 20, 2019 [File: Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters]

country “continued to face endemic violence” throughout 2020.

“In various parts of Colombia, there has been an intensification of violence and increased territorial and social control by non-state armed groups and criminal groups,” the UN High

Commissioner for Human Rights said in its annual report.

The UN said it had documented an increased number of massacres and human rights violations against rights defenders last year in areas without a strong state presence.

was chief of staff under former President Alvaro Colom.

“These sanctions support efforts by the people of Guatemala to end the scourge of corruption, as part of the US Government’s commitment to support improvements in governance in Guatemala,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a separate statement.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trinidad-born writer wins Caribbean Writers Prize

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he Trinidadianborn poet, Desiree Seebaran, won the 2021 Johnson and Amoy Achong Caribbean Writers Prize (JAAWP), defeating entrants from seven other Caribbean countries for the Region’s only prize for emerging writers.

St Lucia-born poet Canisia Lubrin won the One Caribbean Media (OCM) Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature.

Lubrin’s “The Dyzgraphxst”, a booklength poem published by Penguin Random House Canada, was announced the overall winner by chief judge, Trinidadian-British poet Vahni Capildeo.

In the third and final year of the Prize, dedicated to the advancement of new Caribbean voices, Seebaran won out over two poets from Trinidad and Tobago, Akhim Alexis and Jay T John.

Seebaran was named the winner of the JAAWP

by Chief Judge Funso Aiyejina at the 2021 NGC Bocas Lit Fest on Saturday.

Professor Emeritus Aiyejina said that Seebaran had won the award “because of its [the poem’s] confident tone and sensitive exploration of gender and culture”.

“This winning poet is

More than 27,000 displaced in Colombia violence this year ore than 27,000 people have been displaced in Colombia in the first quarter of 2021, the country’s human rights ombudsman said, as the South American nation grapples with a surge of violence.

People have been forced from their homes amid threats, murders, forced recruitment by armed gangs and clashes between armed groups in lawless areas, the ombudsman said on Monday.

Displacement in the first quarter of 2021 jumped by 177 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Colombia has witnessed an uptick in violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with the United Nations saying in February that the

Harris was due to meet with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei to discuss an increase in Central American migration that has led to a crisis at the USMexico border.

In a statement, the US Department of the Treasury said it had blacklisted Felipe Alejos Lorenzana, an elected delegate in Guatemala’s Congress, and Gustavo Adolfo Alejos Cambara, who

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also said in March that Colombia was facing at least five continuing conflicts with armed groups that were affecting the daily lives of Colombians.

The group reported at least 389 people – mostly civilians – were killed by explosive devices in 2020, the highest tally since 2016.

The Colombian Government signed a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) leftist rebels in 2016 that aimed to end a conflict that killed more than 260,000 people and displaced millions. But violence has been gradually increasing.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Desiree Seebaran (CMC)

witty, evocative, and challenges orthodoxy.

The lines are tight, crisp, and, because they are so well honed, effortless and unforced.”

This year’s competition received a total of 35 submissions from eight Caribbean countries, namely Jamaica, Barbados,

Grenada, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. The judging process was blind, with names and nationalities of the entrants withheld from judges until the longlist had been chosen.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

St Vincent Minister: “We’re facing a catastrophe in agriculture, fishing”

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n the aftermath of over 30 explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the country’s agriculture sector has been decimated– costing the island more than EC$150 million (Eastern Caribbean dollars).

That is over TT$377 million In a release from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the country’s Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar said the explosive eruptions were affecting the availability and affordability of food on the island.

Caesar, who was speaking before the IICA Special Advisory Commission on Management Issues, outlined the issues facing the country.

“We are facing a catastrophe in agriculture, fishing, road infrastructure and other areas. We have problems that affect food security and sovereignty, the affordability, accessibility and avail-

ability of food is at risk,” he said.

As he thanked the countries and organisations that have assisted the SVG, Caesar said the country needs help to address this humanitarian crisis.

Caesar said the $150 million loss has caused strong negative impacts on family farming and micro-producers in the country, as well on the percentage of agriculture in the GDP. He said the SVG Government would launch a platform for the reconstruction of the agricultural sector soon.

To do this, they require assistance.

He said, “I would like to underscore the importance of this reciprocity, and I am confident that we will continue to receive support at this very difficult time. I am requesting your efforts to mobilise resources in the most adequate way to assist farmers, fishermen and others in need.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls on India’s COVID surge; OPEC+ limits drop

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il pared its losses on Monday as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies indicated that it was watching surging COVID-19 cases in India, which may dent fuel demand in the world’s third-biggest oil importer.

Brent crude settled 46 cents lower, down 0.7 per cent at US$65.65 a barrel, after trading at a session low of US$64.57 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended down 23 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at US$61.91 a barrel, after touching a session low of US$60.66.

“The market is on guard, coming back from India demand fears on reports that the OPEC technical committee acknowledged potential demand threats from the situation in India,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

The OPEC+ joint technical committee (JTC) has kept its forecast for growth in global oil demand this year, but is concerned about surging COVID-19 cases in India and elsewhere, three sources from the producer group told Reuters.

OPEC and allies led by Russia, a group known as OPEC+, will discuss output policy at a meeting this week.

The group agreed at a meeting at the start of April to ease production curbs by 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May, another 350,000 bpd in June and a further 400,000 bpd or so in July.

Both benchmarks fell about 1 per cent last week as India’s COVID-19 infections began to hit record highs.

India has ordered its armed forces to help tackle surging new coronavirus infections that are overwhelming hospitals, as countries including Britain, Germany and the United States pledged to send urgent medical aid.

Consultancy FGE expects gasoline demand in India to drop by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) in April and by more than 170,000 bpd in May. India’s total gasoline sales came to nearly 747,000 bpd in March.

Diesel demand, which at about 1.75 million bpd accounts for about 40 per cent of refined fuel sales in India, may slump by 220,000 bpd in April and by another 400,000 bpd in May, FGE said.

In Japan, a third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat a surge in cases of COVID-19.

The market also was pushed lower by oversupply worries due to the end of force majeure on exports from a Libyan terminal and an expected supply increase from OPEC+ added to pressure.

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) said it had lifted a force majeure on Hariga port after settling a dispute over its budget with the new Government.

Libyan oil production fell last week from 1.3 million bpd to about 1 million bpd after the NOC declared the force majeure. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UK denies that Johnson said “let the bodies pile high”

B

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday denied a newspaper report that he had said he would rather bodies piled “high in their thousands” than order a third COVID-19 lockdown.

Johnson is facing a stream of allegations in newspapers all of them denied - about everything from his muddled initial handling of the COVID-19 crisis to questions over who financed the redecoration of his official apartment.

The Daily Mail newspaper cited unidentified sources as saying that, in October, shortly after agreeing to a second lockdown, Johnson told a meeting in Downing Street: “No more [expletive] lockdowns - let the bodies pile high in their thousands.”

Asked whether he had made the remark, Johnson told broadcasters: “No, but again, I think the important thing, I

think, that people want us to get on and do as a Government is to make sure that the lockdowns work, and they have.”

The Daily Mail did not respond to a request for comment but the BBC later also reported that Johnson made the remark in a “heated discussion” about lockdowns. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the reports.

Though Johnson has over the years repeatedly weathered gaffes, crises over Brexit and disclosures about his adultery, he is now grappling with an array of accusations which opponents say show he is unfit for office. He or his supporters have denied all of them.

Johnson did impose a third lockdown, in January, though critics say it could have been avoided had he yielded to pressure from senior Ministers to make the second lockdown more stringent. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Nigeria: Kidnappers kill 2 more captive students T wo more students were killed after being kidnapped with others last week by gunmen in northwest Nigeria, local authorities said Monday, bringing the death toll from the attack to six.

The killings in Kaduna state by criminals known locally as “bandits” mark an escalation in the mass kidnappings of students that plague northwest and central Nigeria.

“Security agencies have just reported to the Kaduna State Government the recovery of two more dead bodies of Greenfield University students, killed by armed bandits,” state commissioner Samuel Aruwan said Monday.

Gunmen attacked the private Greenfield University last Tuesday in what was the fifth known attack on a school or college since December.

People gather to protest the incessant killings in southern Kaduna and insecurities in Nigeria, at the US embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, August 15, 2020 (REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde)

A member of the school staff was killed during the assault and the bodies of three students were later discovered in a nearby village.

Two university staff told

AFP news agency that 20 students along with three non-academic staff had been kidnapped but state officials could not confirm those numbers, saying only that “an unspeci-

fied number” were taken.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings on Saturday in a statement.

Kidnappers have ramped up attacks in recent months hoping to squeeze officials for ransom payments. But local authorities have vowed not to pay them.

Schools targeted in Nigeria are usually in remote areas where students stay in dormitories with only watchmen for security, making them easier targets.

Recent mass kidnappings have prompted six northern states to shut public schools to prevent further attacks.

Since December 2020, around 730 students have been abducted, disrupting the studies of more than five million children, UN agency UNICEF said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

AstraZeneca: US to share up to 60M vaccine doses

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he US will share up to 60 million doses of its AstraZeneca vaccine with other countries as they become available, the White House said.

The doses will be able to be exported in the coming months after a federal safety review, AP news agency reported.

Although the AstraZeneca jab is widely used around the world, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet authorised it.

The US has been under

The US has a stockpile of the vaccine, even though the FDA has not yet approved it

Iran’s Zarif criticises Revolutionary Guards’ influence in leaked tape

A

leaked audio tape in which Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, bemoans that the Revolutionary Guards dominate the country’s foreign policy and took it into Syria’s civil war at the behest of Russia is making the rounds, with many on social media expressing shock and bewilderment.

Some of the revelations confirm what many Iranians have suspected all along. What is surprising is that they came from Zarif, an experienced diplomat who is normally very guarded and is moderate by Iranian standards.

It is not clear who has leaked the tape, though it comes as Iran prepares to hold a presidential election and internal power struggles reach new heights. Zarif has said he is not a candidate to succeed President Hassan Rouhani, but hardliners do not trust him and want to eliminate any chance of that happening.

What is clear is that the tape will land Iran’s top diplomat in big trouble with hardliners and the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say over all Government matters and controls the Revolutionary Guards, the country’s most powerful security force.

In the tape, Zarif is twice heard saying he believes that

mounting pressure to share its vaccine supply.

Last month President Joe Biden pledged to share about four million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine with Mexico and Canada - both of which have approved the jab.

The US has a stockpile of the vaccine, even though the FDA has not yet approved it.

On Monday, the White House said it expected that

about 10 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine could be released when the FDA finishes its review in the coming weeks.

It said that another 50 million doses were in various stages of production.

At a news briefing, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said FDA officials would carry out quality checks on doses before they were exported.

The US recently announced it would immediately provide raw materials for Indian vaccine manufacturers as the country battles a devastating surge in cases.

In a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, President Biden promised more emergency assistance “including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials and therapeutics”, a White House statement said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Unsealed Soviet archives reveal cover-ups at Chernobyl plant before disaster

T Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Mohammad Javad Zarif’s comments were taken out of context

his comments will not be heard or published for many years.

The Minister repeatedly complains that the Revolutionary Guards have made diplomacy and Iran’s foreign policy subservient to their battlefield needs in the region.

He recalls how Soleimani wanted him to take particular positions in meetings with the Russian foreign minister, and says the general effectively took Iran into the war in Syria because Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted Iranian forces on the ground to complement the Russian air campaign in support of the Syrian government. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he Soviet Union knew the Chernobyl nuclear plant was dangerous and covered up emergencies there before the 1986 disaster, the Ukrainian authorities said as they released documents to mark the 35th anniversary of the accident on Monday.

After a botched safety test in the fourth reactor of the plant, located in what was then Soviet Ukraine, clouds of radioactive material from Chernobyl spread across much of Europe in what remains the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

The archives show there was a radiation release at the plant in 1982 that was covered up using what a KGB report at the time called measures “to prevent panic and provocative rumours”, Ukraine’s security service (SBU) said in a statement on Monday.

There were separate “emergencies” at the plant in 1984, it added.

When a French journalist collected water and soil samples from the Chernobyl area after the accident in 1987, the KGB swapped the samples for fake ones in a special operation, the SBU cited another KGB report as saying.

Thirty-one plant workers and firemen died in the immediate aftermath of the 1986 disaster, mostly from acute radiation sickness.

Thousands more later succumbed to radiation-related illnesses such as cancer, although the total death toll and longterm health effects remain a subject of intense debate.

The present-day Government in Kyiv has highlighted the Soviet authorities’ bungled handling of the accident and attempts to cover up the disaster in the aftermath.

The order to evacuate the area came only 36 hours after the accident. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

Dig in and get something done that makes you proud and fulfilled. Don’t get angry over something you cannot change. Find a way to work around any obstacle you encounter.

Address issues that can hold you back. Set high stan(April 20dards and work hard, and May 20) you’ll gain the respect of those you live or work alongside. Add a personal touch to whatever you pursue.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Check out what’s required GEMINI to move forward. Show disci(May 21- pline and patience when dealJune 20) ing with people you find challenging. Leave nothing to chance or incomplete. Don’t count on anyone but yourself.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Use your skills and knowledge to your advantage. You can make a difference if you take a leadership position.

Take control, and you’ll get the results you desire. Personal improvements will pay off.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Show discipline and stick to your plan. Stop worrying about what others do, and concentrate on what you are doing. Partnership problems will arise if you let your emotions interfere with how you behave.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t be afraid to do things your way. Take a unique approach.

Opportunities to use your skills diversely and to connect with people who share your sentiments will unfold.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Live up to your promises, take care of your personal and professional responsibilities, and aim to stabilize your life. Avoid getting involved in joint ventures or agreeing to share expenses.

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Take the path that leads to personal growth and a change of scenery. Focus on decluttering your life and letting go of situations holding you back or limiting your freedom.

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Put your energy where it CAPRICORN counts, and don’t stop until (Dec. 22you reach your destination.

Jan. 19)

Look at obscure propositions and adjust them to fit into your lifestyle and dreams. Romance will enhance your life.

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Give others the freedom to do as they please, and redirect your energy into something that will benefit you personally. Fitness, health and personal growth are in your best interest.

A change in direction will be rejuvenating and give you (Feb. 20something to embrace. Follow March 20) your heart, and take the initiative to make your dreams come true. Romance is favored.

PISCES

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

21

IPL: Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson & Andrew Tye leave amid COVID-19 concerns

A

dam Zampa and Kane Richardson have joined fellow Australian Andrew Tye in ending their Indian Premier League (IPL) season early to return home.

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 34, also said he was taking a break from the IPL to support his family.

The news comes as India struggles with a surge in coronavirus cases.

Tye, who was with Rajasthan Royals, flew to Sydney on Sunday, citing the “stress of bubble life” and concerns about borders closing in Australia.

“I just thought I should try and get on the front foot and get home before I got locked out of the country,” the seamer told Australian radio station SEN. Tye, 34, who flew home via Mumbai and Doha, added:

“There’s definitely concerns.

A lot of guys have been in touch once they’ve realised I was leaving.

“Some of the guys are very interested in what route I took home and how I approached it.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board is not currently aware of any England players planning to leave the IPL, with individuals set to make their own decisions, rather than

the governing body.

India has been reporting more than 300,000 cases for days, setting new daily global records.

On Monday, it had the highest number of daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, reporting 352,991 new infections and another 2812 deaths in the previous 24-hour period.

Royal Challengers Bangalore said on Monday

that leg-spinner Zampa, 29, and fast bowler Richardson, 30, would be unavailable for the rest of the IPL season and were returning to Australia for “personal reasons”.

A statement added: “Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.”

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders paceman Pat Cummins has asked his fellow players

to join him in contributing to help India’s hospitals deal with the pandemic.

Cummins, 27, who is among a number of Australia’s top players to remain in India, has pledged 50,000 Australian dollars (£28,006) to the PM Cares Fund, specifically to purchase oxygen supplies.

“India is a country I’ve come to love dearly over the years and the people here are some of the warmest and kindest I’ve ever met,” the Australia Vice Captain wrote on Twitter.

“To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly.

“There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for the IPL to continue with COVID-19 infection rates remain high.

“I’m advised that the

Indian Government is of the view that playing the IPL while the population is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respite each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country.”

Cummins added: “At times like this it is easy to feel helpless. I’ve certainly felt that of late. But I hope by making this public appeal we can all channel our emotions into action that will bring light into people’s lives.

“I know my donation isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone.”

Australia has avoided the worst of COVID-19 by closing its borders and installing snap lockdowns – such as a three-day lockdown in Perth, announced before the weekend – when cases of community transmission occur. (BBC Sport)

Cricket 1st sport to announce qualifiers for Commonwealth Games

C

ricket is the first discipline to announce qualifying teams for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as the sport makes a landmark re-entry to the prestigious multi-sport event scheduled for July 28 to August 8 next year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) made the announcement on Monday as women’s cricket features in the Games for the first time in 22 editions and cricket for only the second time ever, the first occasion being a men’s One-Day International (ODI) competition in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, which was won by South Africa.

The six qualifiers who join home team England in the eight-team Twenty20 competition are Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and a country from the West Indies. They have secured qualification as a result of their standings in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings on April 1, 2021.

As per the qualification process, the winner of a designated qualifying event will determine which country from the Caribbean region gets to participate as athletes will be representing their individual countries and not the West Indies as they would at ICC events.

The last participating team will be decided through a qualifying tournament to be held by January 31, 2022, details of which will be announced in due course.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see 4500 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete across 11 spectacular days of sport. Birmingham 2022 will be the first major multi-sport event in history to award more medals to women than men.

The Commonwealth Games cricket

tournament will take place at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium, with tickets set to go on sale later this year.

ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be part of Birmingham 2022 and it is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally.

“We are committed to maintaining the momentum that saw 86,174 fans packed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year and Birmingham 2022 gives us another global stage on which to showcase the women’s game.

“On behalf of the ICC and its Members, I thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and look forward to seeing some superb cricket at Edgbaston.”

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin: “It is an exciting milestone to be announcing the first teams to qualify for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Cricket is a sport that is synonymous with the Commonwealth and we are so excited to have it back in the Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998.

“The debut of women’s T20 cricket will be a historic moment for Commonwealth

sport and a wonderful showcase for women’s sport across the world.

Congratulations to the teams that have now booked their spot to compete at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium for what I am certain will be an unforgettable tournament.”

England Captain Heather Knight: “We’re really excited about hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and it offers a big opportunity for women’s cricket, both in England and Wales and around the world.

“With direct entry into the competition confirmed, we’re one step closer to being on the pitch in Birmingham, and the prospect of potentially winning a medal is something that will be at the back of our minds across the next 12 months.

“It’s going to be a fantastic competition, a real chance to showcase the women’s game to a huge audience and it’s one we’re thrilled to be taking part in.”

India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur: “It’s great to be confirmed a place in the Commonwealth Games. We are raring to go, confident of doing well after having made the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia last year.

“It is an awesome opportunity for both the women’s game and cricket to make a mark at the prestigious multi-discipline Games and we hope to return with loads of good memories.”

South Africa Captain Sune Luus: “Participating in the Commonwealth Games will be an awesome experience for the teams and a tremendous opportunity to take cricket to new audiences.

“We have been constantly improving as a side and will go into the event hoping to emulate our men’s team, which won gold the only previous time cricket featured in the Games.” (ICC)

Sprint qualifying given the green light for 2 2021 F1 races

A

new sprint qualifying format will go ahead at three Formula One races this season.

The FIA, F1 and all 10 teams have agreed to the changes to be implemented at two European circuits and one non-European track, with all three venues to be announced in due course.

Drivers will race over 100 kilometres in sprint qualifying on Saturday afternoon to determine the grid for Sunday’s race.

Sprint qualifying winners will earn three points, with two awarded for second place and one for third.

The grid for the sprints will be decided on Friday afternoon using the current qualifying format, with cars entering Parc Ferme conditions from the start of Friday qualifying.

There will be one-hour practice sessions on both Friday and Saturday mornings.

F1 President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stefano Domenicali said: “We are excited by this new opportunity that will bring our fans an even more engaging

race weekend in 2021.

“Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience and I am sure the drivers will relish the fight.

“I am delighted that all the teams supported this plan, and it is a testament to our united efforts to continue to engage our fans in new ways while ensuring we remain committed to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport.”

The sprint qualifying format in full: Friday 60-minute first practice in the morning with two sets of tyres for teams to choose freely Normal qualifying format in the afternoon with five soft tyre sets available only Saturday 60-minute second free practice in the morning with one set of tyres for teams to choose freely 100km sprint qualifying in the afternoon with two sets of tyres for teams to choose freely Sunday Full distance race with two remaining sets of tyres (Sportsmax)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Morgan, bowlers lift Kolkata Knight CLASSIFIED ADS Riders off bottom of IPL table

E

oin Morgan's 47 not out off 40 balls took the Kolkata Knight Riders home with five wickets and 20 balls to spare after his bowlers restricted the Punjab Kings to 123 for 9 in the first game of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in Ahmedabad.

It was not a smooth ride though. At one stage, the Knight Riders were 17 for 3, but a 66-run stand between Morgan and Rahul Tripathi shut the door on the Kings. During his innings, Morgan also completed 7000 runs in T20 cricket and helped his side climb from the bottom of the points table to the fifth spot.

Earlier, the Kings innings never rea l ly took off after they were asked to bat first. The Knight Riders' seamers restricted them to 37 for 1 in the powerplay and 56 for 3 after 10 overs.

Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy then proved too good for the Kings' middle order. Despite the dew setting in the second half of the innings, the spin duo finished with combined figures of 3 for 46 from eight overs.

A cameo from Chris Jordan proved too little, too late.

Knight Riders seamers strike at top

The Ahmedabad pitches were conducive to seamers during the recent IndiaEngland T20 International series, and it was no different on Monday.

Shivam Mavi, bowling at a brisk pace, hit the good

TAXI SERVICE

length consistently and kept the scoring rate down.

KL

other end, Mavi dismissed Chris Gayle for a first-ball duck. Pushing away from his body, Gayle ended up bottom-edging to Dinesh Karthik behind the stumps.

Mavi was done by the Eoin Morgan was instrumental in KKR’s victory

seventh over, finishing with figures of 4-0-13-1, but there was no relief for the Kings. In the next over, Prasidh Krishna removed

Knight Riders stuttering at the start

Deepak Hooda for 1, Morgan holding on to a low catch at backward point to leave the Kings 42 for 3.

R a h u l tried to cut loose against Pat Cummins.

He managed a six over third man, but fell Rahul Tripathi scored 42 off 32 balls

on the very next ball while going for another big shot, giving Cummins his first powerplay wicket in the tournament.

From the

Narine, Chakravarthy's mystery engulfs middle order

After three wickets in 13 balls, the onus was on Mayank Agarwal to bail the Kings out.

He launched Krishna for a six over deep midwicket to take the side past 50 in the 10th over. In order to push the run rate, Agarwal tried to take on Narine too, but Tripathi's tumbling catch sent him back for a 34-ball 31.

Soon after, Narine

Linden Bauxite Flyers dominate Linden Town Week Cycling Classic 2021

O

n Sunday, April 25, 2021, cycling action in Linden kick-started with a bang as the Linden Mayor and Town Council presented Linden Town Week Cycling Classic 2021.

The competition saw many top riders going for glory at the Mackenzie Circuit and featured several categories – Open, Veterans, Females, Juniors, and Juveniles.

In the Open race (15 laps) coming in first was Michael Anthony of Foundation Cycling Club, second was Nigel London

bowled Moises Henriques through the gate to make it 75 for 5.

Nicholas Pooran had three ducks in four innings coming into this match.

Here he hit Chakravarthy for a six and a four on successive balls, but the spinner had the last laugh when he uprooted Pooran's off stump as the batter failed to connect a slog.

It was only because of Jordan's 18-ball 30, which included three sixes and a four, that the Kings could cross 120.

of Linden Bauxite Flyers, third Andrew Forrester of Linden Bauxite Flyers, fourth was unattached rider Garfield Lorimer and fifth, Christopher Cornelius of Team Evolution.

In the veterans’ leg of the competition (five laps) coming in first was Lorimer, then London and third was Nigel Carrington, another unattached rider. In BMX action (two laps), coming in first was Javin Henry of Linden Bauxite Flyers while in the Juniors segment (eight laps), Elisha Rutherford of Linden

Bauxite Flyers took the victory, followed by Forrester of Linden Bauxite Flyers and Mark Lewis Jr of Linden Bauxite Flyers respectively.

In the females’ race ( five laps), Susan Hamilton of Linden Bauxite Flyers was first, followed by Clivecia Spencer of Team Coco. In the Juveniles segment (five laps), coming in first was Lewis Jr, with second place going to Kevin Stephens and third to Samuel Bellamy, to complete a Linden Bauxite Flyers sweep of the podium places.

G i v e n the small t a r g e t , the Knight Riders' openers had the opportunity to get their eye in and find some form.

They failed to made use Sunil Narine bagged two wickets and was economical

of that though. Nitish Rana got a full toss from Henriques in the first over that he hit straight to short extra cover. In the next over, Shubman Gill ended up playing across the line to Mohammed Shami and was lbw for 9.

Narine was peppered with the short ball right from the start. He managed to connect one well against Arshdeep Singh, but Ravi Bishnoi sprinted to his right from deep midwicket

before putting in the dive to complete a stunning catch.

Suddenly, it looked like the Kings could pull off a surprise.

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Morgan and Tripathi had other plans. The two did not hesitate coming down the pitch to fast bowlers and found boundaries regularly to keep the Kings on the back foot. That Bishnoi let a couple of fours slip in the field did not help either.

The Knight Riders finished the powerplay on 42 for 3.

The flow of runs did not stop even after the field restrictions were lifted. Jordan's first over, the eighth over of the innings, went

f o r 13.

Hooda finally broke the stand when Tripathi holed out to longon with the Knight Riders on 83. Andre Russell tried to smash almost every ball he faced, but found either an under edge or a fielder.

He was run-out for 10 off nine balls, but by then the Knight Riders needed just 24 from 35 balls. Morgan and Dinesh Karthik hit a flurry of boundaries to knock them off. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) KL Rahul (c)† c Narine b Cummins 19 Mayank Agarwal c Tripathi b Narine 31 Chris Gayle c †Karthik b Shivam Mavi 0 Deepak Hooda c Morgan b Prasidh Krishna 1 Nicholas Pooran b Varun 19 Moises Henriques b Narine 2 Shahrukh Khan c Morgan b Prasidh Krishna 13 Chris Jordan b Prasidh Krishna 30 Ravi Bishnoi c Morgan b Cummins 1 Mohammed Shami not out 1 Arshdeep Singh not out 1 Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.15) 123/9 Fall of wickets: 1-36 (KL Rahul, 5.4 ov), 2-38 (Chris Gayle, 6.3 ov), 3-42 (Deepak Hooda, 7.4 ov), 4-60 (Mayank Agarwal, 11.2 ov), 5-75 (Moises Henriques, 13.1 ov), 6-79 (Nicholas Pooran, 14.2 ov), 7-95 (Shahrukh Khan, 17.2 ov), 8-98 (Ravi Bishnoi, 18.1 ov), 9-121 (Chris Jordan, 19.4 ov) BOWLING Shivam Mavi Pat Cummins Sunil Narine Prasidh Krishna Andre Russell Varun Chakravarthy

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KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (TARGET: 124 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Shubman Gill lbw b Mohammed Shami 9 Nitish Rana c Shahrukh Khan b Henriques 0 Rahul Tripathi c Shahrukh Khan b Hooda 41 Sunil Narine c Ravi Bishnoi b Arshdeep Singh 0 Eoin Morgan (c)not out 47 Andre Russell run out (Arshdeep Singh/†Rahul) 10 Dinesh Karthik † not out 12 Extras (lb 6, w 1) 7 TOTAL (16.4 Ov, RR: 7.56) 126/5 Did to bat: Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Nitish Rana, 0.4 ov), 2-9 (Shubman Gill, 1.5 ov), 3-17 (Sunil Narine, 2.6 ov), 4-83 (Rahul Tripathi, 10.6 ov), 5-98 (Andre Russell, 14.1 ov) BOWLING Moises Henriques Mohammed Shami Arshdeep Singh Ravi Bishnoi Chris Jordan Deepak Hooda

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Olympic boxing could depend on rankings F

or the second time in two years, the coronavirus pandemic has caused the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Olympic qualifier to be cancelled.

The fate of contact sports has always hung in the balance since the pandemic hit. Boxing is no exception, and it is for this same reason that the Americas boxing qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics has been cancelled for a second and final time.

The qualifier was slated for May 10-16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but given the rising cases in the South American region and the nature of the event, which would cause a large number of international boxers to gather, it was

called off.

Additionally, the World Olympic Qualifier for boxing has also been cancelled, leaving a number of questions looming, especially for the Guyanese team.

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF), an executive decision has been made, to allocate the 49 available spots from the Qualifiers by way of rankings.

The BTF revealed, “These places will be allocated via BTF rankings in accordance with section D3 of the Tokyo 2020 Qualification System for boxing, dated for March 2021.”

The organisation added, “The reallocation of an

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

additional 13 quota places originally due to be obtained at the global qualifier, which was cancelled in February, will be conducted after the allocation of the 49 quota spots.”

The decision will take

effect once approved by the IOC Board on May 7.

For the Guyanese boxers – Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis and Canadabased Taveena Kum – this decision may work in their

favour.

Allicock is ranked 19th in the amateur boxing world.

Currently, the local team are still in training with Coaches Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake.

While the Guyanese pugilists await their fate, Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle had explained to <<Guyana Times Sport>>> that the safety of the country’s boxers was paramount.

“It is no use you’re sending your fighters out and their safety is not guaranteed. I’m not saying that you could have safety (in) anything guaranteed 100 per cent, (but) there must be a percentage which you will accept. Once I’m at the

helm of the Association, that is what we will continue to do, anything else will be secondary,” he said.

Ninvalle also shared on that occasion, that he would be closely monitoring the travel situation, in order to protect the boxers.

“I’m also saying that this will go for the team to the Olympic qualifiers also,” Ninvalle declared.

“That if there is anything threatening (to affect) their well-being and their safety and their health, then we will have to make a decision, and we will make that decision and we will not make any apologies for putting safety, well-being and health foremost,” the GBA President told this publication in a previous interview.

Records tumble at Novices/Juniors National Championships & Qualifiers 2021 … Petterson-Griffith sets new records

Keisha Abrigo was the best female lifter in the Novice category

T

he action continued on Sunday as the Novices/ Juniors National Championships & Qualifiers 2021 got under way. Many of Guyana’s top athletes competed in a COVID-19 strict environment at the Saint Stanislaus College.

The highlight of the day was Carlos “The Showstopper” PettersonGriffith, who set three brand new records. The records set were the Men’s Open Raw – Squat 307.5kg- 677.922lb, Men’s Open Raw – Total

350kg-771.618lb and Men’s Open Raw – Deadlift 350kg771.618lb.

When asked by Guyana Times Sport how it felt to break three records, the elated powerhouse, in a brief comment, said: “Firstly, it is very grateful and thankful to be back on the arena. Now I have to focus on what is ahead which is the NAPF or Regional Powerlifting Championship, which is set in Orlando, Florida in August 17-21. With my totals, once I set a high total, I will be able to qualify for the world championship, which is set for late October going on to November, so that is most likely my aim.”

The “Showstopper” added that he would continue to work hard as it was his goal to one day be the world champion and break two or three more records. He related that he was excited to be back and to be able to use his platform to inspire other young people. He was extremely grateful to Fitness Express’s Jamie McDonald and was adamant that he would continue to not only break records but set them as well.

Some of the other action on Sunday, in the female category was as follows:

Angel Chapelle was dominant in the Junior category, also shattering records

* 52kg Women’s Sb-Jr Raw: 1st – Angel Chappelle, Squat 65.0kg, Bench-press 30.0kg, Deadlift 75.0kg, Total 170.0kg. 52kg Women’s Open Raw: 1st – Angel Chappelle, Squat 65.0kg, Bench-press 30.0kg, Deadlift 75.0kg, Total 170.0kg * 57kg Women’s Open Raw: 1st – Salma Hack, Squat 102.5kg, Bench-press 42.5kg, Deadlift 112.5kg, Total 257.5kg. 69kg Women’s Open Raw: 1st – Keisha Abrigo,?

Squat 125kg, Bench-press 50kg, Deadlift 160kg, Total 337.5kg * 76kg Women’s Open Raw: 1st –? Homwattie

Hirawan, Squat 92.5kg,?

Bench-press 55kg, Deadlift 105kg, Total 252.5kg. 76kg Women’s Master 1 Raw: 1st –? Homwattie Hirawan, Squat 92.5kg,? Bench-press 55kg, Deadlift 105kg, Total 252.5kg The best lifter for Novices was Keisha Abrigo, while for the Juniors, it was Angel Chappelle.

In the male category the results were as follows: * 66kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw: 1st –? Romeo Hunter, Squat 170.0kg, Bench-press 110.0kg, Deadlift 160.0kg, Total 440.0kg. 93kg Men’s Junior Raw: 1st –? Askhay

Goukaran, Squat 182.5kg, Bench-press 110.0kg, Deadlift 230.0kg, Total 522.5kg. * 59kg Men’s Open Raw: 1st –? Kelvin Moore, Squat 122.5kg, Bench-press 75.0kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 387.5kg. 66kg Men’s Open Raw: 1st –? Romeo Hunter, Squat 170.0kg, Bench-press 110.0kg, Deadlift 160.0kg, Total 440.0kg. * 83kg Men’s Open Raw: 1st –? Cidel Patrick, Squat 160.0kg, Bench-press 115.0kg, Deadlift 210.0kg, Total 485.0kg. 93kg Men’s Open Raw: 1st –? Paul Meusa, Squat 167.5kg, Bench-press 107.5kg, Deadlift 232.5kg, Total 507.5kg. * 93kg Men’s Open Raw: 2nd –? Corvin Sealey, Squat 165.0kg, Bench-press 127.5kg, Deadlift 210.0kg, Total 502.5kg. 105kg Men’s Open Raw: 1st –? Thurston

Faraud Mohamed was the best lifter in the Novice and Junior categories

1st –? Faraud Mohamed, Squat 170.0kg, Benchpress 100.0kg, Deadlift

DCB laments non-attendance of West Dem, East Bank Executives

T

he recently-elected Executive Committee of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) held its first Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) on April 24, 2021 at the Demerara Cricket Club pavilion, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

During the meeting, members expressed concern that the West Demerara and East Bank Cricket Associations have not attended any meeting of the DCB. These two Associations were also ab-

sent from the court-ordered meeting in February 2021 to elect officers of the DCB for the 2021-2023 term of office.

DCB President Bissoondyal Singh, who also heads the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), indicated that he would continue to reach out to these two Associations, since they were important to the developmental process, and cricketers were the ones who would suffer as a result of their continuing absence. Further, Singh said that the Presidents of both Associations had been sent

The records that tumbled

GCB and DCB President Bissoondyal Singh

registered notices of the meetings and copies of those notices were published in the newspapers.

In addition to the non-attendance, the West

Demerara and East Bank Cricket Associations have not submitted their nominees for positions on the various sub-committees of the DCB.

Pearce, Squat 180.0kg, Bench-press 105.0kg, Deadlift 230.0kg, Total 515.0kg. * 74kg Men’s Sb-Jr EQ: 1st –? Faraud Mohamed, Squat 170.0kg, Bench-press 100.0kg, Deadlift 195.0kg, Total 465.0kg.

120kg Men’s Junior EQ: 1st –?

Yogaishawar Seecharan, Squat 182.5kg, Bench-press 102.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 490.0kg. * 74kg Men’s Open EQ:

195.0kg, Total 465.0kg.

120kg Men’s Open EQ: 1st –? Yogaishawar Seecharan, Squat 182.5kg, Bench-press 102.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 490.0kg.

The Best Lifter Classic award went to Romeo Hunter in the Novice and Junior categories and the Best Lifter Equipped award went to Faraud Mohamed in the Novice and Junior categories. (Emmerson Campbell photos)

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Keevin Allicock (red) stands the best chance of qualifying for the Olympics, based on rankings

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

Pg 23

Olympic boxing could depend on rankings

Linden Bauxite Flyers dominate Linden Town Week Cycling Classic 2021

See story on page 22

Records tumble at Novices/Juniors DCB laments National Championships & Qualifiers 2021 non-attendance … Petterson-Griffith sets new records

of West Dem, East Bank Executives

Pg 23

Pg 23

Carlos “The Showstopper” Petterson-Griffith set three brand new records

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