Guyana Times - Tuesday, May 19, 2021

P15

Govt commits to developing pasture for Wales backlands’ residents Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4652

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

1120 GPL employees to get 5% retroactive salary increase for 2020 Page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Single father attempts suicide, feeds toddler P11 poison Disciplinary action for local authorities P13 violating regulations – LGC …hosts outreach in Region 2

…Govt invites disaffected workers, unions to negotiating table

Guyana engages PAHO on presence of Brazilian COVID-19 variant …as 1 more death, 102 new cases recorded

See stories on pages 9 & 10

Intense rainfall leaves Kwakwani under floodwaters

…CDC conducting assessments, providing relief

Page 17

Troy Resources faces Minister, contractors delays in Region 7 meet to ensure timely underground gold mine completion of Eccles-toPage 19

Mandela Ave Highway

Page 18

5 charged for P8 $19.4M fraud involving forged GRA cheques 290,000 packs of improperly- P16 labelled cigarettes destroyed

Teen confesses to killing another as revenge for P18 brother

Trio charged for fatal stabbing P18 of minibus driver

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden man wanted for manslaughter surrenders

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ne day after the Police issued a wanted bulletin for 26-yearold Kevin Adams of Victory Valley, Wismar Linden, for questioning in connection with manslaughter, he surrendered on Tuesday.

Adams is wanted for questing in relation to the death of Samuel De Souza, whose body was found on March 6, 2021 at Lot 50 Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden.

It has been reported that on the day in question, De Souza had an altercation with a female who, along with her daughter, had confronted him.

He subsequently ran away through a track leading

Surrendered: Kevin Adams

to his home, but some thirty minutes afterwards, two men

came out of the said track and told the woman and her daughter that De Souza was dead.

The Police were contacted, and De Souza was found lying in the track in front of his home. A wood handle spear with what appeared to be blood on it was observed resting on the body of the deceased. Three knives and a screwdriver were found in the pants waist of the deceased.

His mouth and right ear had what appeared to be blood oozing therefrom, and there were superficial bruises seen on the exposed parts of his body. Following the incident, the two males were arrested, and later released.

Port Kaituma businessman robbed by caretaker

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he home of a 54-yearold businessman of Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD) was broken into over the week-

end and robbed by a worker.

Based on reports received, a total of $560,000 in cash and 22 penny-weight of raw gold were stolen.

Police have said that the businessman left home on Sunday to transact some business, and upon his return home, he reportedly observed that his house was ransacked. According to detectives, the businessman had left an employee to look over the house while he was

away.

However, after realising that his house had been burgled, the businessman raised an alarm and immediately checked around to see what was missing. It was during that inspection that he discovered the abovementioned items were not where they were supposed to be.

Police, acting on information received, arrested the suspect and an investigation has been launched.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, May 19 – 09:30h – 11:00h and Thursday, May 20 – 00:30h – 02:00h and 10:00h – 11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, May 19 – 08:55h – 10:25h and Thursday, May 20 – 10:10h – 11:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 09:46h and 22:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 16:01h reaching a minimum height of 0.96 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

01 07 14

15 26 25

FREE TICKET TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

27 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

13 16 19 23 24 LUCKY 3

2

9

9

6

Afternoon Draw

8

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

06

09

10

12

13 16 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

07 09 12 13 17 13

08 09 12 13 19

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$68.71/barrel

-1.09

Rough Rice

$240.26/ton

-0.07

London Sugar

$453.00/ton

-0.13

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1868.30

$1869.30

Low/High Change

$1862.30 -0.80

$1875.60 -0.04%

1120 GPL employees to get 5% retroactive salary increase for 2020 …Govt invites disaffected workers, unions to negotiating table

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ollowing an agreement with the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has agreed to pay some 1120 employees a five per cent salary increase for 2020.

The agreement, signed between the power company and the union on Monday at the Labour Ministry, will cater for 1120 non-management staff.

It provides for the workers to be paid a five per cent increase for the year 2020. Negotiations for the years 2021 to 2023 are yet to be completed.

According to NAACIE General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar, the union will soon be back at the table for further discussions. These discussions will pertain to emoluments and other benefits due to the workers.

“It always feels good when you can come to an agreement for the betterment of both the workers and the company. We started this process in July of last year. There were some hiccups and delays in getting this agreement. We haven’t completed this process as yet.

This is just one part in the process.

“The workers, the union, and the company have agreed for a five per cent all-inclusive payment for wages and salaries for the year 2020. We are continuing to negotiate and discuss 2021 to 2023. There are some fringe benefits that we have already agreed to be implemented from 2021, but we haven’t signed that as yet.

As soon as we finish those discussions, we will be here again,” Nagasar said, expressing hope that the matter can be sorted out as soon as possible.

Satisfaction

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton expressed satisfaction that the Ministry was able to mediate a solution to the dispute. He also extended an olive branch to other disaffected workers agitating for increased wages and salaries, urging them to come to the negotiation table so that there could be “regular signings and not squabbling”.

“The fact is strikes and walkouts and sit-ins benefit no one. It obstructs work and it causes employees to suffer, to lose wages. And therefore, at any instance, when the Ministry of Labour can intervene to ensure we can bring parties together to work out all the pressing issues, to ensure they don’t have to go into combat, we’re always pleased.

“The recent function of the Ministry of Labour is to ensure that we manage labour relations in a way that it contributes to the development of the country. The agreement is welcome. And as Minister, I look forward to other combatants that they can sit down and negotiate and dialogue and come to a middle to resolve these issues,” Hamilton said.

NAACIE General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar (left) with acting Chief Labour Officer Michella Baburam following the signing of the agreement

Acting Chief Labour Officer Michella Baburam also commended GPL and NAACIE for arriving at an amicable agreement, and encouraged both parties to continue their negotiations on future proposals – negotiations which the Labour Ministry stood ready to facilitate.

GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer Renford Homer, meanwhile, noted that the company was heartened that the negotiations for wages and salaries for 2020 were amicably concluded. He reiterated that the power company was intent on continuing discussions with the union to establish a three-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) by mutual consent.

Last month, a number of

GPL workers had protested on Main Street, Georgetown for the finalisation of long-awaited salary increases. Workers were peeved because of reports that GPL Directors got their own increases before them, although the company has vehemently denied claims that a 12 per cent increase in basic salaries was given to these Directors.

For its part, GPL had made it clear at the time that the protests were unnecessary, since negotiations were ongoing. GPL had explained that it made proposals to NAACIE in 2020 for a three-year CLA that would cover from 2020 to 2022.

The proposal had included a restricted performance-based incentive that

would have positively impacted the annual salary increases. According to GPL, negotiations resumed in March 2021, and there was mutual agreement on 66 clauses and disagreement on only two clauses: across-the-board increases and the performance-based incentive. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 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

Protecting the vulnerable

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ubsequent to a meeting between Guyana’s First Lady and US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, the US Embassy issued a brief statement on issues the two discussed, to wit, “…a vision for Guyana’s future and the common areas of interest between the United States and Guyana”.

A statement from the Office of the First Lady specified that during the meeting, First Lady Arya Ali expounded on her ‘One Guyana’ platform, which seeks to examine biological and environmental factors that cause individuals to be excluded from various aspects of society, in particular differently-abled persons and children.

Mrs Ali has only months ago become First Lady of Guyana, but the interest she is taking in the vulnerable in society speaks volumes for her future engagements in the office she now holds consequent to her husband’s election to high office.

Her interest in the welfare of the vulnerable in society, especially children, would most likely extend to the eradication of the practice of child prostitution and trafficking of persons in Guyana. If she investigates these atrocities, she would be distressed and disgusted at the inhumane and cruel actions of perpetrators who prey on the vulnerable and helpless in society.

Unquestionably she would strongly object to the practice wherein persons try to use children as prostitutes – male or female, especially since she feels so strongly about the protection of children and ensuring that they have the requisite quality of childhood that would ensure a healthy combination of mental, psychological, emotional and physical growth.

Child prostitution and trafficking in persons are absolutely heinous crimes that proliferate worldwide, and in some societies where poverty is dire, some parents feel driven to sell their own children for pittances – destroying their own children for temporary relief from their pecuniary circumstances.

Many children have been kidnapped and sold; many have been sexually exploited by their own relatives or trusted persons in their lives; many persons, adults and children have been tricked into slavery - where they are taken away to distances and situations from which they find it impossible to escape, and are forced into virtual servitude either to sexual predators, or as slave labourers.

In Guyana many impoverished persons, especially children and females, have been lured away from their rural or hinterland homes with the promise of jobs or by other means, only to sometimes find themselves in horrendous situations.

The previous Government had been plagued by some public servants not delivering on their mandate. In the Child Protection Services this lackadaisical, laissez faire attitude was a contributory factor that led to the saga of suffering and eventual murder of Neesa Gopaul, which was condemned in no uncertain terms by former Social Services Minister Priya Manickchand.

This high level of incompetence has undoubtedly caused some animosity by the public, and distrust. Manickchand had directed some caustic remarks at the non-functionality of that department, which precipitated an unfortunate series of incidents that eventuated in the abuse and murder of Neesa Gopaul.

Many have tried and failed to eradicate this heinous scourge, even in societies more developed than ours, and it is highly commendable for Guyana’s First Lady to undertake this massive responsibility, by which she seeks to provide a platform for empowerment/education and extrication from exploitation and abuse of the voiceless and vulnerable.

Perhaps her zeal and passion may achieve what others have failed to accomplish – make Guyana a safe haven for the vulnerable in society.

Aquarist Jeremy Simmons is watched by Marcelo Noone-Taylor as he plants corals rescued from illegal trading, in a seven-metre-long reef tank ahead of ZSL London Zoo's reopening of indoor exhibits in London, Britain (Reuters/Peter Nicholls)

Time for Georgetown to move to forefront of innovation

Dear Editor, Once again, the Georgetown Municipality has put forward a most uninspiring, unimaginative, and impractical budget for 2021. This is not surprising, as those presenting the estimates of income and expenditure represent a bygone era.

The first question to be asked is: Why is the budget for this year being prepared and presented in the middle of the year? What were they doing for the first half of the year? Living on borrowed, unregulated and non-budgeted funds. Of course, the pandemic will be used as a puerile excuse.

Quite disappointingly, the high points of this twoand-a half-billion-dollar budget were the proposed collection of a $100 fee per week per household for refuse collection, and the downsizing of its staff.

Whilst municipalities all across the globe are working to push the boundaries on what it means to become a modern city, the Council is patting itself on the back for

planning to buy a few garbage trucks. Cities are using their forward-thinking and innovative efforts in technology, architecture, city planning, and social issues to become models of modernity, Georgetown is instead waiting on handouts from central Government, and moaning when it doesn’t get it on time or with the rapidity it expected.

With Guyana on the cusp of economic transformation, with the discovery of large amounts of oil discovered offshore Guyana, everyone (with the exception of the City Council) knows that they will see, in the next five years, an explosion of housing construction and the foundation being laid for manufacturing and industrial development in and around Georgetown.

The Council should be mindful of its own role as a partner in national development, and fashion a stronger, more business-and-investor-friendly budget.

In terms of its proposal to downsize its staff, one can only hope that the ‘Fat Cats’ will be the first to go, and

not the poor sanitation workers, day care staff, security guards and janitors. Over the last six years, a tremendous amount of featherbedding was done with the creation of a lot of fancy positions with super salaries and huge allowances. These persons just attend a lot of meetings, eat a lot of food, and hardly do any real work. The discrepancy between the number of productive employees and the indolent, bloated managerial staff is what needs to be addressed. As they say, “All Chiefs, not enough warriors.”

Just look at the new Human Resources Department, which was a small Personnel Section up until a few years ago, being allocated a whopping $435M. And finally, someone at City Hall realises that it is more economically viable to carry out the garbage collection and disposal services themselves. This, however, is after literally throwing billions of dollars down the drain contracting out these services. It should be noted that, up until the 1990s, the

Council had its own equipment to manage the garbage collection and disposal service, Incinerator and landfill sites. That was until some ‘brainiac’ came along and decided to fill people’s pockets at the expense of the citizenry.

The idea to charge the one hundred dollars per week per household would not only be double-dipping, but would be downright illegal, as charges for solid waste management are already included in the property rates citizens have to pay to the Council. And so what happens if someone refuses to pay this extra charge? Will their refuse not be collected?

It is time that Georgetown, our capital city, moves to the forefront of innovation.

Shiny skyscrapers are being incorporated into this old city. Georgetown needs to stride towards becoming a new, modern city with technological advancements, social progress, and modern Guyanese architecture.

Dear Editor, I have noted opposition to the proposed electoral reform project in Guyana. The stance of the opposers is that the project should not go forward, and that it is led by the International Republican Institute (IRI). Many of those who have voiced such objections were central players and beneficiaries of last year’s rigging attempt, so it’s no surprise that they are against putting measures in place to prevent a recurrence. What I find duplicitous, though, is their opposition to the IRI’s

involvement in this project that will be spearheaded by the Government with the involvement of the political opposition. It was this very IRI which spearheaded and funded the “Vote Like A Boss” campaign in 2015. All those now crying foul were supportive then. What caused the change?

It is important to note that the electoral reform project would encourage the involvement of civil society organisations (CSOs) so as to ensure that the reform is in line with regional and inter-

national standards. The US Embassy spoke about the project recently, saying it would allow for GECOM, the Attorney General’s Chambers and CSOs to collaboratively consolidate and improve local electoral and constitutional law knowledge. It would also improve collaboration for joint advocacy actions, while promoting reform through citizen engagement.

In this regard, I strongly oppose the position taken by the WPA, ACDA, GHRA and the others, as I recognise the importance of this project as

we move forward as a country. This project, which is slated to last about 18 months, would strengthen the capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Attorney General’s Chambers in relation to electoral processes, so that we do not go down the same road we did in 2020. The only way to ensure that does not happen is to have proper electoral reform, and the IRI is here to assist with just that.

Sincerely, Jermain Johnson

No opposition to IRI when it funded “Vote Like A Boss” in 2015

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 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

Too lazy to apologise Dear Editor, Racially stereotyping Indians as ‘a bunch of mentally lazy people’ who cannot think for themselves and are willing to let the PPP do their thinking is utterly reprehensible and unjustified.

It is certainly Amanza Walton-Desir who should be classified as an indolent thinker who lacks the intellectual capacity to analyze and interpret the mindset of Indians. But it is always easy to use derogatory terms and attempt to degrade others. This is the gutter mentality!

Walton-Desir should study the historical data which clearly showed that the Indians in Guyana have been highly critical of the PPP when they made a wrong decision, and many even unhesitatingly moved

to other political parties, most notably the Alliance for Change (AFC) which coalesced with the PNC- dominated APNU to oust the PPP/C from power in 2015.

This type of defection can be traced back to the 1960s when leading PPP members defected to the PNC. Some big names such as the late Ranji Chandisingh and Vincent Teekah immediately come to mind. In 2013, Ralph Ramkarran wrote in his ‘Conversation Tree’ that ‘the PPP has suffered from it more than any other political party to date… it (the PNC) encouraged defections from the PPP, even of the most junior members, offering jobs and positions.

After 1964, when the PNC assumed political office, ‘defections’ to the PNC, which had been sporadic, then in-

tensified’. Mr Ramkarran himself defected from the PPP, as did Nagamootoo and Ramjattan. Whilst this would be deemed opportunistic, it cannot be classified as being ‘mentally lazy’ or having a ‘house slave mentality’.

The opposite is true of PNC members defecting to the PPP, which is never significant. This defection to other parties has served to highlight the strength and resilience of the PPP. It has now become the accepted fact that it is the PPP alone which can take this country to racial unity and socio-economic progress. The Party survived the worst threats to its existence from 2011 to 2020, but survived, and it was not because of mental laziness.

It is important to note

that this defection continued until recently. It is unimaginable to fathom the indignity and numerous hardships which Indians faced during the 28 years of PNC dictatorial rule, yet, in 2015, many were quite willing to vote for the same PNC disguised as the APNU. Although some high-profile Indians in the AFC were academically opposed to coalescing, they yet supported it openly on the 2015 campaign trail. It must be recalled that Mr Khemraj Ramjattan had prognosticated that the AFC would become ‘dead meat’ but it did not until it was clear

that the AFC had become totally consumed and subservient to the PNC. This can hardly be classified as being ‘mentally lazy’. Later on, many of these became totally disappointed when the PNC of old surfaced and began a most corrupt period of governance, reminiscent of the dictatorship rule from 1968 to 1992, and moved back to the PPP for the 2020 elections.

Now that the Indians who defected had returned to the PPP, they are now labelled as ‘mentally lazy’.

How convenient! Indians, like all other races, have always been in the forefront

of change in this country, and sometimes to their detriment; yet they continued to exhibit the fortitude to attempt to change the status quo of their situation.

However, I am yet to hear from members and supporters of the PNC about the 5-month-long attempt to rig the 2020 Elections. In some of their minds, it was just a figment of the PPP and their supporters’ imaginations.

Ms Walton-Desir should not be asked to apologise, some people are mentally lazy to do even that!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Part II

Tuesday’s answers 1) 25% 2) 15 % 3) three-tenths

WORD SEARCH

The Sun now rose upon the right: Out of the sea came he, Still hid in mist, and on the left Went down into the sea.

And the good south wind still blew behind, But no sweet bird did follow, Nor any day for food or play Came to the mariner's hollo!

And I had done a hellish thing, And it would work 'em woe: For all averred, I had killed the bird That made the breeze to blow.

Ah wretch! said they, the bird to slay, That made the breeze to blow!

Nor dim nor red, like God's own head, The glorious Sun uprist: Then all averred, I had killed the bird That brought the fog and mist.

'Twas right, said they, such birds to slay, That bring the fog and mist.

The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow followed free; We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea.

S

pend a little time thinking about just what makes a hero and who your personal heroes might be.

Then, write a general description of heroes.

Down dropt the breeze, the sails dropt down, 'Twas sad as sad could be; And we did speak only to break The silence of the sea!

All in a hot and copper sky, The bloody Sun, at noon, Right up above the mast did stand, No bigger than the Moon.

Day after day, day after day, We stuck, nor breath nor motion; As idle as a painted ship Upon a painted ocean.

Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink.

The very deep did rot: O Christ!

That ever this should be!

Yea, slimy things did crawl with legs Upon the slimy sea.

About, about, in reel and rout The death-fires danced at night; The water, like a witch's oils, Burnt green, and blue and white.

And some in dreams assurèd were Of the Spirit that plagued us so; Nine fathom deep he had followed us From the land of mist and snow.

And every tongue, through utter drought, Was withered at the root; We could not speak, no more than if We had been choked with soot.

Ah! well a-day! what evil looks Had I from old and young!

Instead of the cross, the Albatross About my neck was hung.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 charged for $19.4M fraud involving forged GRA cheques

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ive persons – four men and a woman – have been charged for forging $19.4 million worth in cheques in the name of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and cashing same at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

They are Romeshchand Singh, 40, of Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Komalram Persaud, 25, of Grove, EBD; Devindra Moteeram, 24, of East La Penitence, Georgetown; Anush Khan, 29, of Diamond, EBD; and Shareesa Tappin, 26, of Clifford Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The accused made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday where the charges were read to them by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

The first charge stated that between October 28, 2020 and May 11, 2021, Singh conspired with Tappin, Persaud, Moteeram and Khan to forge one Bank of Guyana (BoG) cheque for $9,550,000 in favour of Tappin purporting to show that same was issued by the GRA’s Internal Revenue Department knowing same to be false.

They were not required to plead to the indictable

charge, but Singh, Persaud, Khan and Moteeram were released on $300,000 bail each while Tappin was remanded to prison.

The second charge was made out against Singh, Persaud, Moteeram and Khan which stated that on May 11 at GBTI with intent to defraud, they utter to Afsaanah Azimullah, a bank teller, one forged BoG cheque for $9,875,000 in favour of Tappin purporting to show that same was issued by the GRA knowing same to be forged.

On this charge, they were also placed on $300,000 bail each.

The fraud was unearthed after an employee of the GBTI called to GRA to confirm the issuance and the amount on the cheque to be encashed. That was the fourth cheque the perpetrators had forged as three others had already been cashed.

The cheques were cashed at different branches of GBTI – one at the Diamond, EBD location and the others at its Regent Street, Georgetown location.

In a letter to the BoG on the issue, GRA Boss Godfrey Statia confirmed that the cheques were forged since GRA cheques are stamped “not negotiable” which

means that the banks are not allowed to cash them but deposit it into the payee’s account.

Further, it was pointed out by the GRA Head that the signatures of the payee on the cheques in question do not clearly match that on their ID cards. It was against this backdrop that Statia said the fraud was perpetrated as a result of negligence at best or collusion at worst on the part of the commercial bank.

He added that the fact that the bank employee would call to verify the authenticity of the cheques shows that there are rules and operating procedures in place to minimise or prevent such occurrences.

Further, the GRA Head requested the BoG to ensure such requests are accepted from its account, and that the commercial bank is liable for the fraud.

Guyana Times understands that the money that was debited from GRA’s account in the fraudulent transactions will have to reinstated.

Meanwhile, the defendants will return to court on June 21, 2021.

Since, the fraud was made public, BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga has warned local commercial

banks to exercise due diligence to avoid any acts of fraud.

Dr Ganga had reportedly met with the executives of the bank and cautioned them to be diligent against such acts in the future.

“I have spoken with the bank involved and I have indicated to them that there is need to have more training and more awareness in terms of how one looks at certain cheques and other instrument of payments,” the Central Bank Head had told this publication.

He added, “You really have to be on your Ps and Qs with respect to those who try to beat the system with this kind of fraud. We haven’t had much in recent times, but it’s an eye opener, obviously, that you have to be on the lookout.”

The BoG Governor noted that such acts of fraud are prevalent at various commercial banks. As such, he noted that from the Central Bank’s end, “We continue to ensure that we have high standards in terms of the quality of cheques that are in the system, and we encourage [commercial banks] to ensure that due diligence is being done when you are intermediating a cheque or any form of payment”.

Read the fine print...

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…on economy “growing” ver the years, your Eyewitness has been railing about a seemingly esoteric subject of measuring the performance of our economy. Now, we all have a vested interest in this metric, since one would expect that as the economy grows, we should presumably have a chance of doing better. A chance. So, every year, we get bulletins from the Government or from the multilateral institutions like the World Bank or the IDB etc, on the status of our GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) or the GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT (GNP).

The GDP is basically the total value of all the goods and services produced within our borders, and the GNP is the total value of the same, but produced by Guyanese nationals – persons or corporations. So, back in the day, when we’d just gotten independence, we used to get all kinds of advice on how to increase our GDP by inviting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Problem was that these foreign companies like Alcan in bauxite or Bookers in sugar (and everything else) would send all their profits back to their “home” countries. Apart from the very minimum wages they paid their local workers, what did they do for us?

And so, when you hear all these fantastic sounding numbers, like the latest one from the IDB, that our GDP grew last year by 43%, and you know that almost all of that “growth” was from oil, of which we are only keeping a measly 14.5%, let’s not get too excited. Cause you know that the 85.5% of the profits are going straight to the US and China. (Most folks somehow forget that CNOOC owns 25% of the Stabroek Block!) Look at the fine print and you’ll see that the “non-oil” economy, on the whole, actually SHRUNK by over 7%!!

So, between the two, your Eyewitness always felt the GNP was a better metric – on the assumption that local business owners would invest their profits here, employ more Guyanese, and create a virtuous circle. The bottom line should be whether our lives – we, the people’s lives - were improving or not. So, a further distinction has been made between “growth” and “development”. The first referred to the economy, and the second referred to people. And it was out of these concerns that the UNDP started their “Human Development Index”.

This index combines four major indicators: life expectancy for health, expected years of schooling, mean of years of schooling for education, and Gross National Income per capita for standard of living. Gross National Income per capita – that is, how much each one of us actually makes.

For the record, we’re still ranked 122 out of 189 countries - way below even next-door Suriname! …on same-sex relations Monday was International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. And the Western envoys called upon the authorities to decriminalise same-sex relations.

Now, isn’t this a shame and a disgrace? Why should it take foreigners to tell us we should not discriminate against fellow human beings and citizens to choose whom they will have sex with? Isn’t that a private matter? Isn’t that their human right?

Most of the resistance seems to be coming from the Pentecostal wing of the Christian Church in Guyana. The problem with their stance is that these folks are using a text - the Bible – which was used to justify the enslavement of tens of millions of Africans for hundreds of years. This crime against humanity found “justification” in the same book with the story of Noah and his sons – that now tells them that human beings should be condemned to damnation for following inclinations with which they are born.

Doesn’t the source of their objections at least make them question their hostility? …on COVID-19 So, the authorities are finally accepting that we have one or more variants of COVID-19 circulating in Guyana?

What to do?

As an editorial in this newspaper suggested, let’s use the “SOCIAL VACCINE” in observing the protocols.

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 more death, 102 new COVID-19 cases recorded …169,000 persons vaccinated

D

eaths from the novel coronavirus in May has raced to 46 in under three weeks, with the latest fatality announced as of Tuesday.

The Health Ministry informed that as of May 17, a 56-year-old man from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) is the latest person to succumb to the virus.

This amounts to 345 deaths since the pandemic started.

While April was seen as the deadliest month with 66 fatalities, May has been creeping rapidly with several people losing their lives after testing positive.

On Sunday, it was three persons: a 68-year-old man and 45-year-old woman from

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 60-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Another 102 new cases were also recorded on Tuesday, propelling the total confirmed cases to 15,454. There are 14 patients seeking treatment in

the Intensive Care Unit, 111 in institutional isolation, 1732 in home isolation and seven in institutional quarantine. In total, 13,252 persons recovered completely.

Since the pandemic started, 139,212 individuals were tested – of which 7718 males and 7736 females were positive. Guyana currently has 1857 active cases.

New cases

New cases spanned across eight administrative regions, with two in Region One (Barima-Waini), four in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 72 Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), four Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), six in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), eight in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

In Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni), there are still 416 and 273 reported positives.

Recent statistics are that some 169,000 persons have since received their first dose of the COVID vaccine, representing 34.5 per cent of the adult population.

From this figure, 34,317 have returned for their second dose.

Over the period of Guyana’s vaccination campaign, scores of outreaches have caused the vaccination uptake to grow. But in the event that these teams do not return, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony advised that persons should turn up to the nearest health centre when their second dose

date approaches, rather than waiting.

“Don’t wait until we come back to your community. If there is a neighbouring site where they’re doing vaccinations, come to it so that you can get your second dose. We don’t want people to delay too long to get their second dose. Once that date is coming close, you can come a little bit before or a little bit after.

That’s okay as well,” he guided.

Missing a dose completely is a situation which the Ministry is trying to mitigate. Dr Anthony reiterated that unless both doses are administered, a person would not be fully immunised. Immunisation offers signification protection from the virus, prevents people from dying or getting hospitalised.

The Minister stressed, “These vaccines work with the booster dose, which is the second dose.

That is what will take their levels of immunity up so you get more antibodies in your system and the duration of that immune response would be more sustained. If you just get one dose, yes it would stimulate your immune system but that response is not going to be durable and it’s not going to be as effective as if you get both doses.”

On Monday, 67,537 Sputnik V vaccines arrived in the country and forms part of 235,463 jabs that have been delivered from a State purchase. Government

had first purchased 200,000 doses and then secured another 600,000 for Guyana.

The shots will continue to arrive in tranches, enabling immunisation for 400,000

persons.

COVAX is close to delivering on its promise of 100,800 doses; which adds to donations made my India, China and Barbados. (G12)

10 NEWS Guyana engages PAHO on presence of Brazilian COVID-19 variant W WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ith the PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO) recently indicating that the Brazilian variant (P.1) of the novel coronavirus is circulating in Guyana, the Health Ministry has now engaged the agency for information on this disclosure.

Advisor on emerging viral diseases at PAHO, Dr Jairo Mendez Rico, has claimed during the webinar for journalists that the Brazilian variant of the disease is present in Guyana. According to him, 37 countries in the Americas have reported the presence of the variant as well.

Asked in Tuesday’s coronavirus update about this revelation, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the Ministry is unaware of such news, and has since asked PAHO to submit a report.

“We don’t know what are the different types of variants, if there are any, that are circulating in Guyana, because from the limited amount of gene sequencing that was done on 10 samples,

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

we were not able to identify any such variant. This is really news to us. I have since asked PAHO for a report pertaining to this disclosure, and we’re awaiting PAHO’s response,” Dr Anthony has said.

The four variants of concern include those that originated in the United Kingdom (B 1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1), and

India (B.1.617). Dr Rico has noted that these variants can increase in lethality or change in clinical patterns in ways that could affect control measures, including vaccines.

“So far, 37 countries and territories have confirmed the presence of one or more of the four variants of concern.

Variant B.1.1.7 was confirmed in 34 countries; variant B.1.351 in 17; variant P.1 in 21 countries, and variant B.1.617 in eight countries,” a statement from PAHO has notified.

For variants to be detected, samples need to undergo genomic sequencing to examine the strain. Guyana has sent only 10 samples to CARPHA, which returned negative for variant presence last February. The Health Ministry has since been unsuccessful in sending more samples to other agencies.

“Getting genetic sequencing is not an easy process.

We continue to try to work with agencies that can get this done for us, but, so far, we have not succeeded in get-

ting samples to these agencies,” Dr Anthony outlined during the update.

The Organisation had shared that the higher the transmission level within populations, the more likely it is that viral mutations would occur. The experts agreed that slowing or halting transmission is the only way to avoid the appearance of new variants.

It has been recommended that all public health measures be maintained where the virus is circulating, regardless of the variant.

These measures include using face masks; maintaining physical distancing from oth-

PAHO Advisor, Dr Jairo Mendez Rico

ers; avoiding crowded, closed spaces; opening windows for ventilation; hand hygiene; and getting vaccinated when vaccines become available.

It has also been recommended that epidemiological and genomic surveillance be strengthened to reduce the spread of the virus and its possible mutations.

Countries in the Americas first began using genomic surveillance during outbreaks of cholera years ago, and this continued with outbreaks of influenza, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. This long experience is now being applied to keep a close look at SARS-CoV-2.

Mechanic shoots carpenter during row over game of pool

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43-year-old carpenter is currently hospitalised after he was shot to his abdomen by a mechanic during a row over a game of pool.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

According to information received, the mechanic and the now injured man had an argument over a

game of pool, during which the mechanic whipped out a handgun from his waist and discharge a round at the carpenter, hitting him to the abdomen.

After committing the act, the mechanic entered his white Fielder wagon and sped off the scene. The carpenter, on the other hand, was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast

Demerara (WCD), where he was treated and admitted a patient.

He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment. His condition is listed as serious.

The matter was reported to the Police and a manhunt has been launched for the perpetrator.

11 Single father attempts suicide, feeds toddler poison T NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into an alleged suicide attempt committed by a man who also attempted to take the life of his toddler.

Reports are that the incident occurred on Tuesday morning along the East Coast of Demerara.

Guyana Times understands that the man admitted to ingesting a poisonous substance and later feeding same to his toddler.

The condition of both victims is regarded as stable, while they remain in a medical facility under observation.

The man reportedly told Police that with the recent suicide death of his wife in February, he was burdened with the care of their offspring – all toddlers – and he could not cope.

This is the second parent who this month has ingested a poisonous substance and had fed same to their child.

Just a week ago, a teen mother of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) fed her baby a poisonous substance, after which she ingested same.

The identity of the mother has not been released to the media; however, the Police have said that both the mother and baby were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) after they were found vomiting.

They were immediately treated and placed under observation at the medical facility, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Prior to this incident twenty-year-old

Temecia Sampson of Phase 1B, Wisroc Squatting Area, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) had fed her eight-year-old daughter and six-month-old son a poisonous substance before ingesting same. This incident occurred last month.

The woman and her two children were immediately

admitted to hospital, with the mother’s condition being listed as critical. It was reported that the woman showed no sign of improve-

ment, and never regained consciousness.

She and her six-monthold son subsequently died, after being hospitalised for a few days. Her eight-yearold daughter survived the ordeal.

In April 2018, 25-yearold Hofoswana Awena Rutherford killed her two children by feeding them with carbon tablets.

The woman was subsequently sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 98 years’ imprisonment on two counts of manslaughter.

On the first count, the killing of four-yearold Hodascia Cadogan,

Rutherford was sentenced to 45 years’ jail; while on the second count, the killing of one-year-old Jabari Cadogan, she was ordered to serve 53 years’ jail time.

After hearing the verdict, Rutherford had collapsed on the floor when the 12-member jury unanimously found her guilty on both counts on March 15, 2018.

According to reports the jury believed the State’s evidence that the mother had given each of her children half of a tablet of aluminium phosphide (rat poison) on March 27, 2014 at Supply Branch Road, Mahaicony, ECD. (G9)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Disciplinary action for local authorities violating regulations – LGC …hosts outreach in Region 2

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he Local Government Commission held a discussion with the chairpersons, overseers and deputy overseers from the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and Township, during their first outreach in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Speaking at a small gathering at the regional State House, Anna Regina, on Tuesday, Chairman of the LGC, Julius Faerber said that the body was very dormant and less visible in the

past and as such, they are now ensuring that community leaders present in the commission will be provided with requisite training that is required. He also stated that they are ensuring that policies of the Government are adhered to and as such if local bodies are violating the rules and regulations, the team will take disciplinary actions.

“I would like to let you know that one of the roles of the LGC is to provide you with essential training that

is needed. However, it’s our duty to employ as well as sanction persons who failed to complete their duties in a respective manner,” the Chairman said.

Meanwhile, the LGC Deputy Chairman, Norman Whittaker said that the team will work in ensuring that the leaders from the various NDCs understand their roles and functions to be performed. He noted that they will accommodate several training programmes to ensure that the leaders

Some of the chairpersons, overseers and deputy overseers at the Local Government Commission outreach in Region Two

are knowledgeable on their roles so that their tasks are

Desist from using certificates with incorrect names – Registrar General

P

ersons who are in receipt of a birth, marriage or death certificate with incorrect names or other information have been asked to desist from using them in transactions until the errors are corrected.

Registrar General Raymond Cummings made this appeal on Monday, as he outlined that there is a mountain of certificates used by the populace which does not correspond with that in the General Register

Registrar General Raymond Cummings

Office system.

“There are too many certificates with errors or too many people using names that are not listed in our system and thing that was the name they were given. And then when we check our system, we find there are differences either in the spellings or the variations of the spelling of the name,” he expressed.

If a person would like to have their document corrected, they can contact the

office and a legal process will facilitate the changes.

Cummings has encouraged for this to be done before using the document to conduct any business.

“We need persons who may have had certificates with varying spellings and so on to make contact with us so we can have these things clarified in our system. There is a legal process that allows persons to have those errors corrected.”

TURN TO PAGE 16

accomplished at a high standard.

Whittaker, therefore, urged the community leaders to conduct more field visits and engage the people in decision making. He also encouraged the NDCs to always have a copy of the Commissioner Act in their possession.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Commission Nickalai Pryce gave a brief history of the LGC. He explained that the Commission was established on October 23, 2017, and commenced under the hand of the past Minister, which effectively brought into existence and operation of the LGC Act. Pryce further noted that the Commission is vested with regulatory power over all governance

issues and ensures the effective functioning of all local organs, which includes the municipalities, the NDCs and the Amerindian Village Councils.

“The Local Government Commissioners body operates as a constitutional and regulatory agency empowered to deal with all matters relating to regulations and staffing of the Local Government organs. However, the eight Commissioners were appointed by His Excellency President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana pursuant to the LGC Act on April 21, 2021,” Pyrce told the gathering.

The Regional ViceChairman Humace Oodit, who represented the Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva showed appreciation and welcomed the Commission team on their first outreach in Region Two. He said that the RDC is happy for the encouragement, training guidance and full support that the Commission body will provide for the NDC leaders, which will further benefit the local organs in the region.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Govt commits to developing pasture The riggers continue to want a system which permits rigging of elections in Guyana

for Wales backlands’ residents

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he very ones who tried to manipulate the results of the March 2020 elections are now trying to stop any reform that makes rigging of a Guyanese election more difficult. They are trying their best to block any reforms that would create more transparency and accountability. Just like David Granger blocked the Carter Center and other legitimate observers from observing the recount last year, he now wants to block the CCJ from any Guyana elections’ matter. His handpicked Leader of the Opposition and his party and the APNU/AFC coalition have also objected to the IRI being engaged in the process leading to electoral reforms.

Those who have been guilty of rigging elections in Guyana are Dr Leslie Ramsammy desperate to stop any reform that would make it impossible for them to manipulate elections.

It cannot shock anyone that there are people in Guyana who would oppose the International Republican Institute's project to work with GECOM to ensure the electoral platform is made stronger and reduce any attempt from within and from outside of GECOM to manipulate the process and the results of elections in Guyana. Such initiatives should invoke unanimous support, not provoke rejection. The IRI's involvement should not, and cannot, prevent other initiatives. In fact, the more the better. GECOM and Guyana are not investing any money in the IRI's initiative. The IRI initiative does not prevent the EU, Caricom, the Carter Center, the UN, or other legitimate interlocutors from becoming involved in strengthening the electoral system of Guyana. The IRI played a role in the restoration of democracy in Guyana in 1992, as part of the Carter Center's efforts to create a level playing field in Guyanese elections. They continued to play significant roles in the Guyanese electoral system and process. In 2011 and 2015, they were important players in the "Vote like a Boss" elections. The IRI campaign then clearly was helpful to bring out young voters that favoured the PNC. What has changed to make IRI an enemy? It is simple - the same people who continue to carry the stamp of election riggers like an albatross around their necks for decades in Guyana, the same ones who tried desperately to rig the March 2020 elections, have nightmares that the electoral system can be made foolproof against rigging.

These same riggers also do not want any involvement of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Clearly, the riggers are becoming desperate. They see a groundswell in activities that aim to reduce the opportunities for skulduggery; they see a movement towards making the electoral system less susceptible to manipulation from within and outside of GECOM. The riggers know that the only ones who benefit from a weak system, from a system that provides opportunities for rigging and manipulation, are those in the PNC and political stakeholders who are beholden to the PNC. So, if there is anyone who is flabbergasted that the PNC including their beholders like the AFC, the WPA (with barely a handful of followers now), and the various one-man political parties the likes of Lincoln Lewis, who is desperately seeking relevance, the ones who for five years were missing in action (MIA) and who were somewhere in the wilderness or on Mars, such as the Guyana Human Rights Association, ACDA and Red Thread - is against the IRI helping to create a rig-proof election process, do not waste your time. These riggers see this as personal assault on their "right to rig" elections. The PPP want to govern, but they are deep into the values of democracy; they have been victims multiple times of rigged elections.

Thank God that Guyana has a judicial system that permits appeals, and that the appeals can be taken all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). For more than two decades, during the People's National Congress dictatorship, appeals could not be made outside of Guyana. The Burnham dictatorship had ended all appeals to the Privy Courts of the UK, a mechanism that still exists for most Caribbean countries. Thank God Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP saw the wisdom that appeals cannot be limited to only the Guyanese courts. Had it not been for the CCJ, Guyana would still be under the tight control of another dictator, David Granger.

In 2015, APNU/AFC attained power in elections which many suspected were subjected to manipulations of the Region 4 results. The PPP pointed out that the declared results for some polling stations did not match the certified Statements of Poll, but the PPP accepted the declarations made by GECOM. In keeping with election laws and the constitution, the PPP challenged the results through an election petition. It is now six years since that petition was made. The petition is still languishing somewhere in the judicial system. It was never heard, because everyone knows that the declared results for Region 4 would have been seen to be different from the signed SOPs for several polling stations in that region. The reforms are intended to remove such skulduggery.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha meeting with residents of Catherine Savannah, popularly known as Wales backlands, on Tuesday

By Lakhram Bhagirat

F

ollowing Guyana Times report, “Wales backlands’ residents appeal for urgent assistance to save livelihood, road”, which highlighted the plight of the residents in the remote section of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with residents on Tuesday.

The community known as Catherine Savannah and the surrounding area is inhabited by just over 170 residents and they are claiming, among other things, their livelihood is being threatened by a coconut developer.

The residents there are all former workers of the Wales Estate and after it was closed down by the David Granger Administration in December of 2016, they resorted to farming and livestock rearing since there were not many opportunities afforded to them.

They utilised abandoned cane fields to rear their cattle and have since accumulated just over 500 heads.

However, a developer approached the villagers and informed them that he was leased some 2000 acres of land to plant coconuts under the APNU/AFC Administration. The man then occupied the plot that the residents were using to raise their livestock so they decided to move to another plot.

About a month ago, the man began moving the residents’ cattle from the other plot, informing them that he received the go-ahead from the authorities to develop another block with coconut.

Apart from the issue with their cattle, the community is plagued by an impassable roadway and they have no access to potable water and electricity.

Meanwhile, a senior Government official previously told this publication that after the current Administration took office, an evaluation was conducted into the status of all developers occupying lands, which were granted via lease under the APNU/AFC Administration. While that evaluation has been completed, the final process of balancing the investment made thus far versus the occupancy needs of local farmers is yet to be done. In this particular case, the of-

ficial noted, the developer has made significant investment in the area already.

This, the official said, will now have to be balanced with the occupancy needs the farmers living there.

In early May, this publication visited the remote community and spoke to the residents there. Their issues were related to both the Agriculture Minister and Junior Public Works Minister. It has since resulted in Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha meeting with representatives of the residents on Tuesday morning.

The residents’ group was led by Sasenarine Khanai – a farmer and resident in the community for over 10 years – and they met with Minister Mustapha, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Dr Dwight Walrond, and members of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board of Directors at the Ministry of Agriculture Regent Street and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown Office.

Following the meeting, Minister Mustapha told Guyana Times that he made a number of commitments to the residents – some of which are to be implemented immediately and some long term.

“This matter was brought to my attention (by Guyana Times) because that Saturday (May 8) I was going up Berbice when you called me and immediately, I asked Dr Waldron - who is the Deputy CEO of GLDA to make contact with those persons which he had done and he provided me with a report,” Mustapha said.

He said that based on the report, the lands that the residents were occupying falls under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) – which his Ministry has no control over. However, he explained that the have already commenced work with the farmers to ensure that they get access to lands to develop a pasture for the residents.

“They have made an application for another portion of land. They received a response from NICIL and NICIL said that land was also allocated to an investor so they are in a plight and a dilemma as to where they will take their cattle…I will

work with these farmers although the land they are looking at would have been earmarked for an investor.

Dr Walrond would have visited the area and he advised that there are State lands behind the NICIL land and today they would have worked with Dr Walrond to send in an application to Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) and

there have had no access to water or electricity despite the neighbouring community of Vive La Force – just less than 5 miles away – having access to all of those necessities.

Minister Mustapha said he has committed to reaching out to his colleague Ministers of Public Works Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar, Housing and Water Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues to see how they can improve the lives of the residents there.

“I am also looking to see how I can help because they said they also need some help with the road so I am working with my colleague Minister at Public Works to see how we can help these people because they told me they are in difficult circumstances there and also I would be asking my colleague Ministers at Housing and Water to see how they

A section of the road

I will be speaking to the Commissioner of lands hoping that we can have permission to start to help developing that pasture. So, I am committed to earmark an excavator there permanently to develop that pasture there for them so they can put their 500 head of cattle and if they want to increase them,” the Minister committed.

He added that the Government is committed to expanding investments in the livestock industry in an effort to attract investors and as such the development of the pasture is only timely.

Collaborative approach

The community is accessible by two means – one is a boat from the East Bank of Demerara over the Demerara River and into the community and the other is by the dirt road. However, with Guyana in its official rainy season and the developer using the road to move heavy machinery, the road is now impassable.

There are ditches as deep as three feet in the road and certain parts are completely impassable.

The only access for villagers is by boat to Land of Caanan, EBD, and then to the various places for business. This mode of transportation is extremely costly to villagers who already have limited access to resources.

In addition, the residents

can assist there. But for temporary relief I have directed an excavator to go on the road to at least track out the water on the road right now so that you can get that portion dry and as long as it is dry, we are going to grade it for them temporarily so that they can have access to the area,” he said.

Pleased

Meanwhile, resident and spokesperson for the community group, Sasenarine Khanai told Guyana Times after the meeting that they were pleased with the commitment by the Minister and look forward to working with him.

“He met with us along with the members of the GuySuCo board, Mr Walrond from the GLDA and we expressed our concerns and the Minister gave us some valuable feedback that the Ministry would get involved and they would see if they can get a designated area for the cattle.

Also, his input reached out to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing and Water where he would advise the Minister to send over representative to see if they can provide us with an all-weather road and water and electricity which we are thankful for,” he said.

Khanai added that the residents are pleased that a solution seems to be on the horizon.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

290,000 packets of improperly-labelled cigarettes destroyed and dealers of cigarettes to become familiar with the tobacco regulations in order to ensure imported cigarettes are fully in compliance therewith at the time of importation. Meanwhile, GNBS Inspectors will remain vigilant to ensure there is no prevalence of noncomplying

T

Stockpiles of non-comply cigarettes which were intercepted and destroyed

he Product Compliance Department of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has ordered the destruction of 290 cases (290,000 packets) of imported cigarettes in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Branded US Mild 1 and imported by a city business, the cigarettes were destroyed in an inferno at the Lethem dumpsite in the presence

of the GNBS Inspector stationed in the Region.

During routine surveillance inspections, the GNBS detected the sale of the cigarettes in the Lethem area, and the product was subsequently examined for compliance with the Tobacco Regulations of 2018.

The examination found the product to be not in compliance with labelling and marking requirements. As

a result, the aforementioned quantity of the non-complying product was seized by the GNBS and was prohibited from being sold in Guyana.

After a prolonged period of storage, a decision was taken by the distributor in conjunction with the GNBS to destroy the items.

In light of this seizure and destruction, the GNBS is strongly urging importers

cigarettes on sale in the city and in other outlying areas.

The GNBS monitors the labelling and quality of products to ensure consumer protection. In addition to cigarettes, the national standards body monitors domestic electrical/ electronic appliances, weighing and

Desist from using...

He added, “One of the things I want to encourage persons is if you received a certificate, and the information on that certificate does not correspond with the information that you think it is, do not go using that certificate and then after say ‘this is not my certificate’.

You need to immediately contact us so that whatever is the error or you perceive the error to be, it can either be corrected in our system.”

During a pandemic, services offered by the GRO were digitalised – an advantage in preventing lines and large gatherings. The Registrar General said the

measuring devices, textiles, garments, footwear, safety helmets, safety matches, new and used tyres, gas stoves, electrical equipment and fittings, PVC pipes, furniture, Christmas trees and decorative lighting outfits, cellular phones and gold jewellery.

FROM PAGE 13

public should make use of these online platforms.

“We do quite a lot of work online now. We launched those platforms last year November but it has taken traction and we are actually responding quite a lot to the queries we’re getting online and through these platforms. We want to encourage people to use it, not to necessarily visit us because with the COVID-19 pandemic raging, we need to have the least persons as possible coming to our office,” Cummings detailed.

It was reported that the distribution of computer-generated certificates

commenced this week. The computer-generated certificates, typically issued for births, deaths and marriages, will now have enhanced security features such as a QR code to the top left-hand corner of the certificate and invisible markings, readable only under a black light.

When scanned, stakeholders seeking identification will be able to authenticate the document provided.

The certificates to be issued are similar in colour and size to the ones presently being issued and all information will be printed by computer.

17 Intense rainfall leaves Kwakwani under floodwaters NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…CDC conducting assessments, providing relief

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s numerous communities across the country continue to deal with the effects of the prolonged inclement weather pattern, for residents of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community of Kwakwani, the situation is no different. Owing to heavy rainfall over the past few days, the riverine community is presently battling massive flooding, with homes and infrastructure being affected. The Kwakwani area is no stranger to floods, especially in areas such as Lamp Island and Waterfront areas, which are usually more prone to flooding. These two areas are presently the most affected. Residents of Lamp Island have refused to relocate to higher grounds despite advice from regional officials in the past to do so. In response to the flood situation, Regional Vice Chairman Douglas Gittens on Tuesday indicated that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was in the process of preparing hampers for affected residents of Kwakwani. He said the Community Development Council (CDC) also took cleaning materials and supplies to assist with the situation.

In response to flooding in Linden, Councillor Michelle Daniels recently visited the communities of Amelia’s Ward, Watooka and Fair’s Rust. It was reported that at Amelia’s Ward and Watooka, poor maintenance of the soakaways and the clogged drainage systems have contributed to retarding the flow of runoff after

Floodwaters left persons trapped in their homes at Kwakwani, Region 10

heavy rainfall. The RDC in a statement said it will be pursuing the clearing of these structures by those persons who had been engaged to do so in the past, since it does not have resources to address these situations allocated in its budget.

“These projects would have fallen to the CDCs or the Community Infrastructure Programme (CIP) workers in the recent past. Notably, the Silvertown Community has not reported any significant impact of flooding, most likely attributable to the self-help work done in that community recently,” the statement read.

Several other communities affected by flooding were also visited by Councillors Franklin Carew and Coretta BraithwaiteWalton. Carew visited the “alleys” at Wismar and reported that flooding had impacted households in the area even with the construction of drains at Third Alley.

The RDC said these drains were improperly constructed and the regional administration was tasked with ensuring that the engineer collaborates with the contractor to ensure this problem is solved.

Councillor BraithwaiteWalton also visited her area of responsibility and observed significant flooding of

the bottom floors of homes at Rainbow City and Old Kara Kara. The RDC said the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has been informed of the occurrences in these areas as well as at Watooka, West Watooka, Block 22, Canvas City, Aroaima and Kwakwani and has responded to provide cleaning supplies to those in need.

Gittens also toured the Watooka area to observe how the community’s drainage structures were handling the heavy rainfall currently being experienced. It was noted that large scale maintenance efforts are needed to address the situation. The RDC has noted that since this work is usually financed at the level of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and maintained through the engagement of the Community Development Councils and the CIP workers, a collaborative effort by these agencies, with robust monitoring from the RDC is needed.

Assessment

Meanwhile,

the

Civil

Defence Commission (CDC) in a statement on Tuesday noted that it dispatched an assessment team to affected areas across the region over the past week. The CDC said following comprehensive assessments, cleaning hampers were distributed to residents in Block 42 (70), Rainbow City (12), West Watooka (13) First to Third Alley (67) and Siberian Village (26), with the total number of hampers distributed being 188.

Cleaning hampers were also distributed in Kara Kara (22), Ladernsville (30), and Kwakwani (30).

“CDC received reports that Kara Kara, Blueberry Hill, Block 42, Siberian Village and Ladernsville (Region 10 areas) all experienced flooding as a result of heavy and consistent rainfall, and overflowing of nearby creeks and rivers.

Approximately 100 households and farmlands of Kara Kara were impacted, including latrines,” the CDC said.

It noted that the Community Development Council Chairman indicat-

ed that the sanitary situation is their main concern since latrines almost always overflow during floods. “In Blueberry Hill and Block 42 numerous households were affected, and residents there indicated that there were improper channels for the flood waters to recede in a timely manner. At least 20 households were impacted in Siberian Village, but residents and members of the Community Development Council cleaned the clogged drains in the area allowing the water to recede quickly.

In Ladernsville, 10 households were affected and residents there indicated that there are insufficient drains to facilitate proper water recession,” a statement from the CDC said.

It continued by stating that the CDC is continuously monitoring the situation in Region 10 and is working in tandem with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Community Development Council to receive timely updates. (G13)

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Minister, contractors meet to ensure timely completion of Eccles-to-Mandela Ave Highway A s works move apace on the construction of the $2.3 billion four-lane highway that would link Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, Housing Minister Collin Croal on Monday engaged contractors to ensure a timely finish.

Along with Housing Ministry Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Minister Croal discussed how the Ministry could support the works so that

the December 2021 deadline is met. The contractors were also given a platform to raise issues that are affecting the smooth execution of the project. Both contractors and the Ministry’s Projects Department have committed to collaborating to achieve the set standard.

Meanwhile, the Minister pleaded with residents of Caneview Avenue in the vicinity of Plaza Bridge, David Rose Street , South Ruimveldt Gardens to be patient as the works are carried out. A series of consul-

tations to generate feedback from the community will soon be organised.

With construction looming, the Minister explained that trucks will be traversing the area to facilitate the massive development works on the four-lane highway. He assured that the Ministry would be collaborating with the Public Works Ministry to correct any defects that may arise from this activity.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the team of contractors along with Surveyors from

Trio charged for fatal stabbing of minibus driver

T

hree men were on Monday arraigned for the murder of 38-yearold Marcus Thomas, a minibus driver who was brutally chopped to death at Kuru Kururu Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The trio, Kevin O’Neil, 21; Anall Hope, 19; and a 17-year-old of First Dam Alliance Road Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared at Providence Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman where they were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

They were all remanded to prison. Hope and O’Neil will make their next court appearance on June 10, 2021, at the Diamond/ Grove Magistrate’s Court, while the teenager is expected to return to court on May 24 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court be-

Dead: Marcus Thomas

fore Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The men are being accused of chopping Thomas to death on May 11, 2021.

It was reported that the three young men were arrested at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), for the murder. They are all sea-

men.

Thomas was reportedly chopped to death moments after he exited his vehicle at Kuru Kururu, SoesdykeLinden Highway. The man was attacked by the suspects who are known to him.

Based on reports, the incident might have stemmed from an old grievance back in 2020.

Guyana Times had previously reported that the men had made three attempts on the man’s life in the past.

The most recent attempts were back in August 2020.

The suspects had allegedly chopped him to his belly and head, and he had to be rushed immediately to the hospital.

Shortly after, two of the suspects who had committed the act were arrested but were later released on bail.

The third suspect succeeded in evading Police.

Contractors meeting with the Housing Ministry’s team

the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) visited the construction site to ensure proper alignment in keeping with specifications.

In April, the Ministry inked the $2.3 billion contracts in six lots for the construction of the new road link between Eccles and Mandela Avenue. Contracts were signed with Guyamerica Construction Incorporated ($555 million); MTSUL Construcoes Limited, M and P Investment Incorporated, and Cobra Eireli ($364.4 million), Puran Brothers Disposal Incorporated ($360.2 million); Collin

Talbot Contracting Services and Eron Lall Civil Engineering Works ($256.7 million); Aronco Services Incorporated ($471 million) and JS Guyana Incorporated ($352.4 million).

The scope of works includes land clearing and drain cleaning; construction of 5.4 kilometres of earthen drains and 200 metres of reinforced concrete drains; construction of culverts; 2.8 kilometres of four-lane rigid pavement carriageway with two no parking lanes; installation of street lights and 12 heavy-duty composite bridges.

Works are expected to be

completed by December 10, 2021 and have been divided into six lots: Lot 1- Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Lot 2 – Agricola, Greater Georgetown; Lot 3 – Rome, Greater Georgetown; Lot 4 – Houston South, Lot 5 – Houston North, Greater Georgetown; and Lot 6 – South Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown.

The Eccles-to-Mandela Highway was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali in January when he visited the proposed sites for the road.

The Head of State had noted at the time that this project would ease congestion along the EBD corridor.

Teen confesses to killing another as revenge for brother

A

19-year-old labourer on Tuesday confessed to stabbing 17-yearold Clive Osborne to death during a fight at a shop on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, (PomeroonSupenaam).

This occurred on June 2, 2019.

The teen suspect, Richard Harrychand, formerly of Supenaam, appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Suddie High Court for murder but opted to plead

Dead: Clive Osborne

guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Prosecutor Tiffani Lyken represented the state, and the sentencing was adjourned until June 2, 2021.

It was reported that on the day in question, Osborne was with a group of friends when he was stabbed to his head, chest and abdomen by Harrychand.

Reports are that Harrychand and the now dead teen were involved in an argument when he reportedly who whipped out a knife and dealt Osborne several stabs about his body.

The teen was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Meanwhile, at the Suddie High Court on Tuesday admitted to the crime while telling the court that he did as revenge for his brother.

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Troy Resources faces delays in Region 7 underground gold mine – pre-feasibility study, ore reserve at mine to be released soon

A

ustralian mining company Troy Resources has hit a snag in its preparations for what was supposed to be its first underground mine in Guyana, the Smarts Underground Prospect in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Troy Resources announced in its market update that previous timelines for starting production at the underground site would be delayed listing a number of underlying factors.

These factors include additional drilling being requested by the geotechnical consultants and the resource calculation, as well as lack of contractors and service providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was noted that despite these setbacks, all the signs point to the Smarts Underground mine being a very valuable asset.

According to Troy, approximately 290,000 ounces of gold have been mapped at the site.

“The geotechnical work il-

lustrated that ground conditions for underground mining are excellent. However, previous estimates around the time of completion of reserve calculations, economic assessment and the commencement of production will not be achieved,” Troy Resources said.

It was also noted by Troy that they have been trying to get a permit for the underground mine for some time now. One key challenge has been that there has never been an underground mine developed in Guyana.

According to the Australian company, this means that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has no experience in this area.

However, the Government is highly supportive of the project and has already issued the company a permit to commence infrastructure works.

“Troy is working closely with GGMC and other Government departments to assist in the formulation of a set of Mining Regulations

The Karouni, Smarts Underground Mine in Region Seven

for underground mining operations in Guyana,” the company told the market.

They noted that they are close to announcing the results of a pre-feasibility study and initial ore reserve. Capital costs and other logistics have either been completed or are being finalised currently.

Following several challenges in 2019 and the tragic death of a geologist on site, Troy Resources had resumed operations at its Karouni goldmine after rais-

ing approximately US$10.3 million in investment funds.

Troy had announced finding high-grade gold at its Karouni, Smarts Underground mine, in November of last year.

According to a report, the mining company encountered 7.08 g/t from a drill hole named SDD191, with a depth of 172 metres.

That drill hole also produced findings of 2.26 g/t at 52.7 metres, 12.98 g/t at 144 metres and 2.35 g/t at 234 metres. A second drill hole

assay, labelled SDD192, saw the company encounter 6.58 g/t of gold at 104 metres and 2.59 g/t at 111.

The Smarts deposit started out as an open-pit location. But Troy has always had its eyes set on the future of underground mining. Last month, it had announced the discovery of some 131.93 grams per tonne of gold.

Managing Director Ken Nilsson had described it as spectacular.

“Throughout my career, which has spanned multi-

ple mining operations across multiple continents, I have only once previously been involved in the drilling of a hole with results anywhere near as spectacular as those from SDD189,” Nilsson had said last month.

Out of the 634,905 ounces of gold declared in 2019, Troy Resources as one of Guyana’s largest gold producers accounted for a large portion of it. The company, which is Australian-owned and has its operations in Region Seven, reported production figures of 58,118 ounces of gold from its Karouni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) mine for 2019. In 2018, their gold production figure was 70,207.

Last year, however, it was the small- and medium-scale miners who dominated the gold declarations.

They increased their production to 485,552 ounces of gold for the year 2020 – representing 75 per cent of the country’s total production.

584,291 ounces of gold was declared to the Guyana Gold Board in 2020.

Virtual learning in Region Corentyne businessman, 6 worrying – REDO 2 others found guilty of murdering CWC trader

Region Six Education Officer Bhagmattie La Cruz

I

n light of the COVID-19 pandemic, across the country teaching is being done virtually, but according to Regional Education Officer (REDO) of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Bhagmattie La Cruz, participation by students is worrying.

She made this announcement based in the Education Ministry’s fortnightly report in class instruction which showed that just over 50 per cent of students at the secondary level have been attending school. With respect to the primary level, the situation is even more worrying.

According to La Cruz, the Region has about 7000 students at the secondary level and in excess of 11,000 at the primary level while at the nursery level there are just over 3000.

Addressing the media, she pointed out that there were 1674 students at grade six who are preparing for the National Grade Six

Assessment (NGSA). Of that number, 91 per cent have been uplifting their learning material.

At the nursery level, about 90 per cent of parents uplift the learning material but only about 70 per cent return the material for the teachers to mark.

For those children between Grades One and Five, the Ministry has not been able to make the material available for the current school term.

The same applies for those in levels 7, 8 and 9. La Cruz pointed out, “So, what we are using is the soft copies. So, largely it is virtual teaching that is happening at those levels except the Grade Six where they have hard copies of the material.”

The education official added that there have been a system in place to monitor virtual teaching.

“We have a standard data sheet which is sent out to the schools, so the head reports by class.”

According to La Cruz, at the primary level, the percentage that participates is about 60 to 70 per cent or below.

“And the difficulty stems from the fact that the students would actually join the class, but they do not participate actively and so our figures don’t look very good.”

Given the current situation, the Regional Education Officer said that mechanisms would be put in place to address the challenges.

“What we would have been doing when we had the worksheets, along with the welfare unit and teachers from the schools, go into the community based on tracing where’s the parent where the parent had not been coming forward to uplift, and so they go out to them…,” she explained.

Nevertheless, Region Six Chairman David Armogan stated that parents should take the responsibility in ensuring that the work that the teachers give to their children was completed in a timely manner and returned to the teachers.

“So that the work can be assessed and then discussion can take place as to improvement.”

This, he said, is vital because if students have not been doing their homework on their worksheets they would be losing out and would not be able to follow when they return to school.

“There is a continuation of schoolwork, but the only thing is that it is not in the classroom,” the Chairman added.

Murdered: Shameer Ali Mursalin

A

Corentyne businessman and two of his employees were on Tuesday found guilty of murdering a Crabwood Creek (CWC) trader after a three-week long trial at the Berbice High Court.

The jury found that Dennis Veerasammy and two of his employeees, Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser, shot and killed Shameer Ali Mursalin on October 24, 2015, at his Crabwood Creek home.

The matter was heard before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall while the State was represented by Tuanna Hardy. Attorneyat-Law Brandon DeSantos represented Veerasammy while Attorney-at-Law Chandra Sohan represented Harrinauth and Fraser.

The prosecution’s case

was that Veerasammy and Mursalin had an ongoing feud and on the day in question, Mursalin’s lifeless body was discovered by his sister lying in a pool of blood.

The State presented 11 witnesses to prove its case with the key witness, Ricky Profit, relating that he witnessed the execution-style killing.

However, his evidence had come up for scrutiny after the defence pointed out that Profit did not give the Police a statement until April 2016, which was six months after the murder took place. If fact, after Police arrested Veerasammy in October 2015, Profit went into hiding.

Profit subsequently visited the Police headquarters and gave a statement which led to the arrest of Harrinauth and Fraser.

The prosecution also presented statements to suggest that both Harrinauth and Fraser implicated each other. Nevertheless, the trial Judge advised the jury not to consider those statements after the officers who presented them gave their evidence and were questioned by the defence.

The jury was to determine whether Profit’s evidence could be relied on.

Throughout the trial, the trio maintained their innocence stating that they never gave statements to the Police and also claimed that they had alibies at the time

Murder convict: Basheer Harrinauth

of the shooting.

Following the unanimous decision of the jury, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall ordered probation reports for all three convicts. They are expected to return to court on June 2 for sentencing.

20

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Concentrate on personal gain, self-improvement and spending time with the people you love. The way you approach a project will affect the way it turns out.

Give your all.

A change may excite you, but think about it careful(April 20ly. Put your energy where it May 20) counts, and keep your emotions out of the mix. Pay attention to hazardous health situations.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Express your thoughts openly and honestly to avoid (May 21- being left in a vulnerable posJune 20) ition. Take control, and use common sense to navigate your way forward. A disciplined attitude will be a must.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Don’t feel tied to old ideas if you have a better plan.

Expand your interests, mind and awareness. Collaborating with someone just as enthusiastic as you will give you a needed boost.

Control your emotions.

LEO Be realistic and honest about (July 23what you can and cannot do.

Aug. 22) Less talk and more action will make a lasting impression on someone who counts. It’s time to take care of business!

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself, and you will accomplish what you set out to do without interference. Stick to what’s doable, and don’t make promises you cannot fulfill.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Chat about your dreams, hopes and wishes, and embrace the future with bright eyes and an open heart. Set goals and head to the finish line. Peace, love and understanding will be musts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Express your feelings. Find out where you stand, and make positive changes. Clear up unfinished business, and move forward with anticipation.

Follow the path that leads to happiness and enlightenment.

Emotional matters will SAGITTARIUS spin out of control. Say less, (Nov. 23observe more and don’t get Dec. 21) involved in other people’s business. Focus on personal gains, self-improvement and protecting what’s yours.

Keep impulsive spending

CAPRICORN to a minimum. Make changes (Dec. 22that encourage you to live withJan. 19) in your means. Engage in activ-

ities that aren’t costly and that bring you closer to someone you love.

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

Revisit situations that puzzle you, and you’ll discover something that will help ease your mind. Discuss your wants and needs with someone who can help you figure out a way to excel.

Keep life simple, honest and cost-efficient. Don’t let (Feb. 20March 20) anyone talk you into something that isn’t in your best interest. Focus on taking better care of yourself. Let go of the past.

PISCES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

No de Villiers’ comeback as CSA names squads for West Indies tour A

s Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the red and white-ball squads for their upcoming tour of West Indies, they also confirmed that AB de Villiers, who'd dropped several hints over the last few months of staging an international comeback in the white-ball formats, has decided "once and for all" that his retirement would remain final after discussions with the board.

"We (Head Coach Mark Boucher and him) are lined up to have a chat sometime during the IPL. But yes, we've been talking about it already," de Villiers, who retired from international cricket in May 2018, had said on the sidelines of an IPL match last month. "Last year, he asked me if I would be interested, and I said, 'Absolutely!'. And come the end of the IPL, we will have a look at where we are at with regards to my form and my fitness.

"Also, the situation with his team, he's got to look at his guys who have been performing well over the last while. If there's no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it will be fantastic if all those things fall in place.

Waiting for [the chat with] Bouchy towards the end of the IPL, and we will then plan accordingly."

Knight, Matthews smash half-centuries in 1st practice match growing and high-performing cricket pipeline," Victor Mpitsang, CSA's Convernor of Selectors, said in a statement.

South Africa Test Squad to the West Indies

The Temba Bavumaled white-ball squads to the Caribbean and Ireland retained Sisanda Magala and Lizaad Williams, both of whom made their debut in the recent series versus Pakistan, where six of their regular players had left mid-way to go to the IPL. The only difference between the two white-ball squads is Keshav Maharaj, who's been rested from the fivematch T20I series that follows the two Tests against the West Indies.

The Test tour will mark the first time Dean Elgar would be leading the side after being appointed the permanent skipper in March, taking over the reins from Quinton de Kock.

Natal off-spinner Prenalan Subrayen has received his maiden call up in what is already a pret-

ty heavy spin department with the presence of Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, George Linde, along with the part-time spin options of Aiden Markram and the skipper himself.

The Test squad has a fair bit of inexperience, with the likes of Kyle Verreynne, Keegan Petersen, Saral Erwee, Marco Jansen and Lizaad Williams being the other uncapped players included.

"The Caribbean is well known for its low and slow wickets, and we have ensured that we have chosen the personnel needed for every eventuality on this very important excursion. While there aren't any (ICC World Test Championship) points to play for, it is still of vital importance for South Africa to produce winning results through a steadily

COVID squeeze being felt, but...

“We’re constantly having to pull up stumps and ship the circus down the road to another venue, and so on. So it’s always been a challenge for the CPL, and that challenge has just been exacerbated over the last couple of years because of the pandemic.”

He added: “I don’t think it is a secret that last year our players and everybody involved in the tournament were asked to take a 30 per cent pay cut to what they were normally accustomed to receiving.

“We’ve pegged that back a bit this year, and that number is at 20 per cent at the moment, but I think that’s the clearest indication of the fact the pandemic is squeezing anybody who is trying to put on a major

21

sporting event, not just the CPL.” Organisers successfully staged the popular Twenty20 franchise tournament in Trinidad and Tobago last year at the height of the pandemic, with players and officials entrenched in a bio-secure bubble and guided by strict Government health protocols.

And while strict health protocols will obtain for this year’s edition, the fact that St Kitts and Nevis currently have no active cases of COVID-19 – and have recorded only 44 infections since the start of the pandemic – has further boosted the confidence of organisers.

Hall said the Trinidad experience had been a critical learning curve.

“This is not our first rodeo, and interestingly and positively, this is not our first rodeo staging a tournament in the midst of a pandemic. We did it successfully last year, and we learnt a number of important lessons from doing it last year,” Hall said in an interview with Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest.

“One of the primary considerations in hosting the tournament and looking to St Kitts and Nevis as the host country is the fantastic job that they have done in managing the pandemic.

There are zero active cases in the country and…I think about 40 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

“So we have a duty of care to go to St Kitts and

Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Peterson, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Prenelan Subrayen, Marco Jansen.

South Africa T20I Squad to the West Indies

Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.

South Africa will play two Tests against West Indies starting June 10 in St Lucia, followed by five T20Is in Grenada. (Cricbuzz)

FROM PAGE 22

Nevis and protect that enviable record that they have established, and we’re going to work very closely with the authorities there to make sure we have protocols in place that will allow us to do just that.”

The challenge of staging cricket during the pandemic was underscored only last month when the lucrative Indian Premier League had to be suspended because of a surge in COVID-19 cases across India, which resulted in positive cases among some franchises.

And, last March, the Pakistan Super League was also halted when players tested positive.

The ninth edition of the CPL is expected to bowl off on August 28 and feature 33 games. (CMC)

K

Part of the action

yshona Knight and Hayley Matthews have registered half-centuries in the first practice match of the West Indies Women’s high-performance camp in Antigua.

Head Coach Courtney Walsh opened the camp with a 35-over match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to ease the players back into the rigours of international cricket.

Captains Hayley Matthews and Anisa Mohammed commandeered teams that saw the ideal combination of returning experienced players and the new players to camp. The veterans put their hands up in this opening match, with Matthews and Knight taking the lead.

Rashada Williams, the wicketkeeper/batter from Jamaica, showed her patient batting, reminiscent of that of Stafanie Taylor.

Williams supported her captain Matthews as the pair, along with extras, took their team to 100 before the loss of Williams’s wicket in the 20th over.

Aaliyah Alleyne was the next batter into double figures, with 17 for Matthews XI. Matthews XI posted 160/8 from their 35 overs.

Matthews top-scored with 54 from 69 deliveries, which included six fours. Right-arm medium pacer Shanika Bruce was the main destructor for Mohammed’s bowling XI, finishing with figures of 4/34 from 5 overs and scalping a hattrick in the process, followed by Steffi Soogrim with 2/27 from 7 overs.

In their run-chase, Mohammed’s XI got off

to a steady start, courtesy of Reniece Boyce and Kyshona Knight. Boyce posted 19 from 17 deliveries, which included two fours before she was bowled by Aaliyah Alleyne for 19. Knight then carried her bat in taking her team to victory.

Anisa Mohammed added a valuable 35 from 49 with Knight, to ensure that their team secured the first win of the camp with 2.1 overs to spare.

Knight finished the innings not out on 61 from 91 deliveries, which included four fours, while Mohammed posted 35 from 49 deliveries, also striking four fours.

Mohammed’s XI won by 4 wickets, finishing on 163/7 from 32.5 overs.

Bowling for Matthews XI, Alleyne, Cherry Ann Fraser and Karishma Ramharack each took 2 wickets.

Coach Walsh gave CWI Media his comments: “I thought the game (went) very well. I was very happy with some of the batters getting some runs, and we had two major partnerships. The ladies are showing that they’re doing what we have been asking them to do, which is one of the positives so far. We had a couple ladies getting wickets as well. We saw a hattrick, and the backing up in the field was what we have been drilling home.

We still have some areas to tighten up on, but it’s not a bad start. So, all in all, it was a good first official match of the camp.”

The second practice match will be a 40-over contest at the same venue on Friday. (Windies Cricket)

22 Hetmyer, Sinclair in Windies CLASSIFIED ADS 30-man T20 provisional squad for summer schedule T GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

TAXI SERVICE GR Taxi 227-1982,225-7878

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel announced a provisional 18-man squad ahead of three back-to-back fivematch T20 International (T20I) Series against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan.

The expanded squad maintains the blend of experienced players and exciting young talent as the West Indies continue preparations in the build up to the defence of their ICC T20 World Cup title, to be held in India in October-November 2021.

Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. return alongside most members of the squad that featured in the 2-1 T20I Series victory against Sri Lanka in March.

The provisional squad will quarantine and train in St. Lucia ahead of the first T20I Series against South Africa starting on June 26 at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium. The official squad will subsequently be selected and announced ahead of each Series.

CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper has explained the thinking behind naming this squad: “The Provisional T20I Squad was put together with all T20I Home

where we have identified those who we will look to be the core of the squad to defend our World Cup title, so we want to make sure the upcoming matches create that environment — the way we train, the way we plan, the way we execute and the chemistry within the group.

“We won five years ago, so the next few weeks and months will be major stepping stones on the road towards defending our title and being World Champions for a third time.”

The Men in Maroon

are the defending ICC T20 World Champions, having lifted the title in 2012 and in 2016.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been working closely with regional Governments, their Ministries of Health and CARPHA to ensure the training camps and matches can proceed within a bio-secure environment. All players and support staff will undergo rigorous COVID-19 testing prior to and during each of these engagements.

(Windies Cricket)

T20I MATCH SCHEDULE: West Indies vs South Africa * June 26: 1st T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium * June 27: 2nd T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium * June 29: 3rd T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium * July 1: 4th T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium * July 3: 5th T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium

Series Matches against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in mind. This gives us the opportunity to continue to build towards the upcoming World Cup, and to determine our best squad and our ideal eleven.”

West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons is confident going into the summer and looking forward to the World Cup. He commented: “These

upcoming T20Is are crucial in terms of our preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup. We have assembled a very solid squad — with experienced world-class match-winners and some exciting young talented players, ready to explode onto the global stage and do great things for West Indies cricket.

"We are at that point

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West Indies vs Australia * July 9: 1st T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia * July 10: 2nd T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia * July 12: 3rd T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia * July 14: 4th T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia * July 16: 5th T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia West Indies vs Pakistan * July 27: 1st T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados * July 28: 2nd T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados * July 31: 3rd T20I, Guyana National Stadium * August 1: 4th T20I, Guyana National Stadium * August 3: 5th T20I, Guyana National Stadium

COVID squeeze being felt, but CPL organisers still confident – Hall

D

irector of operations, Michael Hall, has said the Caribbean Premier League continues to experience the economic fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but remains confident this year’s showpiece in St Kitts and Nevis would be a success.

For the second straight year, players and officials would be subject to a pay cut, and even though fans could return for this year’s tournament, they will have to be fully vaccinated, and intake would be limited to only half the capacity of the Warner Park venue.

Hall pointed out that all global sports events staged in the pandemic environment had taken a financial hit, and the CPL was no different.

“Even more so in the case of the CPL, our brand is that we’re the biggest party in sport, and obviously you can’t have a party if you don’t have guests at the party,” the veteran Jamaican administrator said in reference to the absence of

ECC on non-selection of Shimron Hetmyer to Test squad

CPL tournament Operations Director Michael Hall

fans.

“And so the atmosphere is not there. CPL is punching above its weight. We play in a small market in terms of attendance, we play in economies that are generally weaker than where the other leagues take place.

“When the CPL is in full swing and we’re playing across the six territories in the Caribbean where franchises are domiciled, we probably have higher costs of running the tournament than any league does, because we’re not playing in a contiguous land mass.

TURN TO PAGE 21

T

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel has named a 30-man squad for a three-week HighPerformance Red-Ball training camp in St Lucia.

The camp commenced on Sunday, May 16, in preparation for the upcoming Test Series against South Africa.

Talented, performing Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer, who lost his retainer contract for the 2021-22 season, has again been snubbed and not been selected for the camp.

The Everest Cricket Club has sounded its dismay at this development in the following words.

The Everest Cricket Club (ECC) registers its dismay and disappointment at the non-selection of Hetmyer for the camp, given the 24-yearold’s pedigree. Everest also

supports the position of the GCB on the issue of criteria and consistency in the selection process Hetmyer has been a tremendous talent for West Indies, and it is bewildering how a player of his calibre is not among the top 30 in the Caribbean preparing for any international series.

His fitness should not be used as a fault, since it should be the intention of a HighPerformance camp to aid in the player’s further development.

Given the pandemic and a load of limited-overs cricket for the West Indies on the horizon, most importantly, the defense of the World T20 title come October-November, it would have been wise to have one of your most destructive batsmen in a high-performance camp.

The pros outweigh the cons of allowing Hetmyer simply to return home and possibly join the squad of the Twenty20 International series against South Africa, rather than making the investment in him to help improve and in turn be more consistent for West Indies. His inclusion would also be a boost and motivation for the other players Furthermore, the ECC is calling for CWI to have fairness in their selection criteria.

The ECC will support any system which seeks to create one of meritocracy, but it must be transparent and all should be held to the same standards.

What raises further eyebrows is that the camp has selected players who have excelled at this year’s Super50 tournament in Antigua or are regular members. (ECC Release)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

World Cup 2022

“We’re still in the race,” says Head Coach Marcio Maximo

By Jemima Holmes

W

ith two more games to go in the first stage of their World Cup 2022 qualifying quest, Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo was as cool as a cucumber as he highlighted that the National team are still ‘in the race’.

Soon after their return to Guyana from the Dominican Republic, where they played to a 3-0 loss against Trinidad and Tobago and a 4-0 victory against the Bahamas, the Senior Men’s National Football team got back to training locally in preparation for the second leg of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Now, two weeks away from their encounters with St. Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico, Head Coach Marcio Maximo is quite optimistic about Guyana’s chances of qualifying.

“We are very progressed in the local team and the overseas group.

We are still proposing to renew both groups to put team in more intense and competitive place. We’re still in the race, because we lose the first match but we recover in the second match. I think that we are in normal process,” the Golden Jags Head Coach posited during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Monday.

“The place is still open, because the three teams have chances - St Kitts, Trinidad and Guyana,” Maximo added.

The locally based players, along with some young international faces, are currently training at the GFF facility at Providence.

According to the Coach, he has been impressed by

that he is still focused on maintaining a balance between development and competitiveness when the Jags hit the playing field.

“The strategy will always be competitive.

You know, in our first game, we didn’t play comMarcio Maximo having a chat with his troops during a practice session petitive, the secthe commitment and compet- answered in the affirmative. ond match we reitiveness of the bunch.

“It’s a lot! A lot! Because newed and recovered, and we The Head Coach boasted, we renewed the local pro- played competitive. But like “The training here continues gramme many times, but I told you, it’s a development to be very intensive train- now we have players that are process, that’s sometimes ing. The guys show beauti- used to it. Players that are normal in this process,” the ful commitment, and I hope 22, 21 years old coming back Head Coach shared, emphathat they continue to fight for to the programme, I think sizing his usual mantra, “It’s places until the last round, is that maintains our future,” necessary to talk to the peoour target.”

Maximo answered. ple that we’re preparing the While admitting that he foundation of Guyana footWhen probed by this publication about whether or not has a strategy for tackling ball. We prepare the future of he has noticed improvements St Kitts, who currently lead Guyana football but we don’t in the group, the Head Coach Group F, Maximo shared forget the present. Guyana

is always a good representative in the competitions, but in the same way, you should renew to guarantee it.”

The Golden Jaguars are scheduled to battle St Kitts on Friday June 4 and Puerto Rico on Tuesday June 8 at venues ‘to be confirmed’. As previously mentioned, St Kitts and Nevis are the Group leaders with 6 points drawn from 2 wins in 2 games. A win against Guyana and a draw against Puerto Rico set Trinidad and Tobago at second with 4 points, while Guyana sits at third with a win and a loss.

Puerto Rico is fourth with 1 point, following a loss and a draw, while the Bahamas are yet to register a point after two losses.

While each team has two games to play in the second leg, it is unclear whether Trinidad’s fielding of an illegal player would interfere with the current standings.

Chess returns to the board with Independence competition

T

he country’s top-flight chess players will converge on the National Stadium at Providence for another six rounds of chessboard action this weekend.

This time around, the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is looking to commemorate Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary with an International Chess

Federation (FIDE) rated Independence Tournament.

The six-round tournament will be open to both junior and senior players competing in those respective categories in a Swiss System game format.

The first day of competition will be this Saturday, May 22nd, with Rounds One and Two being con-

tested. The following day, Sunday May 23rd, will see competition in Rounds Three and Four. Then on Independence Day itself, Wednesday May 26th, the players will return to put the black and white pieces to work for Rounds Five and Six. Each round will begin at 10am and 2pm respectively

“LGC is on track,” says Club Secretary

By Timothy Jaikarran

A

s of recent, the Lusignan Golf Club hosted yet another successful golf tournament (Genuine Auto Spares Golf Tournament) on May 15th, 2021. The tournament was made extra special as, on May 14th, 2021, MACORP donated tee signs to the club to aid the golfers. From this it was seen that the LGC is on track when it comes to its goals of attaining corporate sponsors and elevating the game of golf.

LGC Secretary Chet Bowling

Some of the recently-concluded action at the LGC

In an interview with this publication, LGC Secretary

Chet Bowling noted that the LGC’s expectations are always huge when it hosts

its tournament as lots of top golfers and their families come out to enjoy themselves in a COVID-19compliant environment.

He related that the LGC is on par with its goal of gaining corporate sponsors as it continues to notch up its sponsorship levels and go for greater things.

“Whenever we host competitions, to the competitors I will say that there will be fierce competition, as there are good prizes up for grabs, so definitely there is going to be a peak in interest, and all competitors need to bring their ‘A’ game. The Club is on course as it hasn’t missed a weekend since March, 2021 and we have sponsors booked into June, 2021. So, what we are doing is that we are building up good momentum to even attract larger and more corporate sponsors for our Guyana Open event in October 2021, so we are right on track” Bowling opined.

Bowling was also optimistic that while the big brands are coming on board with the LGC, they are also witnessing smaller brands recognising the value of working with LGC to increase their visibility in the marketplace; hence he is confident that the club will see more of this in the future.

on each day.

GCF Director of Tournaments, Rashad Hussain, explained that a longing for in-person competition (as opposed to online games) by players fuelled the idea for the Independence Tournament.

“We’ve played the last few tournaments online, and persons have been requesting the over-the-board tournaments. Since the pandemic began, we have played about 5 tournaments

and have not encountered any issues, so I foresee this tournament being another successful one,” Hussain shared.

Looking at the coming months, Hussain is optimistic about the plans that the GCF is yet to roll out. He commented, “I am hoping that we can have a vibrant summer for chess, both with tournaments and the hinterland outreach programme that the federation is currently working on.”

Registration fees for the senior category of the Independence Tournament is set at Gy$500, with the junior participants being allowed to compete at no cost.

Additionally, prizes for the top three finishers in both categories would be awarded.

For further information and registration purposes, the Competitions’ Director Rashad Hussain can be contacted via call or WhatsApp on 658-3004.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

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

St Lucia Zouks announce 2021 retentions

World Cup 2022 Pg 23

…Sammy to take up T20 Cricket Consultant and Brand Ambassador role

T

he St Lucia Zouks have announced their retentions for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League, which gets underway on 28 August in St Kitts & Nevis.

Daren Sammy will take up the role of T20 Cricket Consultant and Brand Ambassador

The Zouks have announced that they will be retaining the core of the team which took them to the 2020 Hero CPL final.

Andre Fletcher, Kesrick Williams, Rahkeem Cornwall and Roston Chase will be returning to the Zouks for this season, having impressed last year.

They will be joined by Obed

McCoy, Mark Deyal and Javelle Glen.

The Zouks have 10 spots left to fill in their squad and the remaining players will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the leadup to Hero CPL 2021, St. Lucia Zouks will be making further announcements, all of which are expected to lend to the team’s success this year.

The heartbeat of St. Lucia Zouks, Captain Daren Sammy, will no longer be a player.

However, he will be assuming the new role of T20 Cricket Consultant and Brand Ambassador.

Daren Sammy said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have led and been a part of the St Lucia Zouks from its inception.

Even though some may say good things must come to an end, it will not be in this instant. St Lucia Zouks and I will always be a team. But since venturing into coaching, I realise I have a new

Pg 22

Hetmyer, Sinclair in Windies 30-man T20 provisional squad for summer schedule

“We’re still in the race,” says Head Coach Marcio Maximo Chess returns to the board with Independence competition

passion that can allow me to still contribute and play a part in taking the franchise forward on its quest to winning a CPL title and developing future stars!”

Coach Andy Flower shared a personal message to Sammy on his newest appointment, expressing: “I

Pg 23

have loved my interaction with him. Thank you very much for what you have done, and look forward to working with you in the future. Preparations are ongoing as the franchise works aggressively on identifying exceptional players to bring the team to victory.”

The winners’ row at the most recent GCF competition. From left are Irshad Mohamad (winner); Keron Sandiford (1st place Junior); Marlon Williams (sponsor) and Ricardo Narine (2nd place junior)

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