Guyana Times - Tuesday August 10, 2021

P7

GBTI taxed profit grows to $632M in half-year report Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4735

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

PRICE

Skyrocketing shipping costs

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

President announces $4.8B reduction in import taxes, duties …trade-off to be passed on to citizens

Guyana indebted to Sir Lester for unflinching support on P2 int’l stage – President Ali

Page 3

PNC Executive charged for submitting false P invoice to GEA 34

Petroleum US$436M in Amendment Guyana’s Natural Bill passed Resource Fund after fiery …as country earns US$79.6M for 7th oil lift debates Page 5

Housing development project

Cummings Lodge farmers get $25M P2 compensation from Govt

Page 7

…as APNU/AFC withholds support from transformative projects

26-year-old among new P36 COVID-19 deaths

Guyanese returning from abroad must be vaccinated to enter Guyana – Edghill Page 38

…as Jagdeo condemns Opposition’s exploitation of vaccination fears …says regulations modified from APNU/AFC’s draconian measures

Brother jailed for chopping sister P34

President Dr Irfaan Ali gifts outgoing Caricom Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, a Winslow Craig sculpture - "Strength and Wisdom" - as a parting gift during a farewell courtesy visit to State House on Monday. The assorted wooden sculpture of Silverballi and Saman, which represents Guyana and the other 14 member states in the regional body, was specially crafted for the SecretaryGeneral. (Office of the President photo)

Motion for dismissal

Lowenfield withdraws case to block GECOM Commissioners from exercising constitutional power

Mayor fails in P37 attempt to remove Town Clerk from statutory meeting Kitty gold establishment heist

Trio confess to P38 robbery Page 33

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana indebted to Sir Lester for unflinching support on int’l stage – President Ali …his death a huge blow to Caribbean – VP

F

ormer Prime Minister of Antigua, Sir Lester Bryant Bird died on Monday morning at the age

of 83.

He was the Caribbean island’s second Prime Minister.

As condolences poured out throughout the region and beyond, President Dr Irfaan Ali described the

former leader as a “good friend of Guyana” and the Guyanese people.

In his message of condolence, President Ali said that Bird stood firmly and consistently with Guyana in defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity, raising his considerable voice in the UN, the Commonwealth and other hemispheric fora.

“Sir Lester opened the doors of Antigua and Barbuda to many thousands of Guyanese at a time of economic decline... and in so doing, cemented his legacy as a true integrationist, which will forever be marked in the annals of history,” President Ali said, adding that Guyana is in indebted to Sir Lester and Antigua and Barbuda, not only for the generosity towards Guyanese at a time of need, but for the un-

flinching support of Guyana on the international stage.

“The records show that he was highly regarded by all of Guyana’s Executive Presidents with whom he served... On behalf of the people of Guyana and on my own behalf, I extend sincere condolences to Sir Lester’s family, friends and the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time,” President Ali said in his condolence message.

Meanwhile, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo also extended condolences to Sir Lester’s family, friends, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

“I was greeted with the sad news of the passing of former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bryant Bird…His passing is a huge blow to

The late Sir Lester Bryant Bird

Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean,” the Vice President posted on social media.

Meanwhile, Antigua Observer reported on Monday that a release from the Office of the Prime Minister indicated that Sir Lester died at about 06:00h on Monday.

Sir Lester, the newspaper reported, has had a long battle with health complications.

Housing development project

Cummings Lodge farmers get $25M compensation from Govt

I

n order to progress with works at the Cummings Lodge New Housing Development area on the East Coast of Demerara

Minister Collin Croal handing over a cheque to a farmer

(ECD), the Housing and Water Ministry on Monday provided financial compensation to several farmers who were utilising these lands.

Government is working to construct some 190 elevated houses in the community for the working class over plots 1767 and 1768.

However, it was previously found that farmers had occupied some of these lands.

As such, Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues said an assessment was conducted by the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI) on the value of the crops. Both parties reached a consensus and financial compensation was offered to these farmers.

Rodrigues told the farmers, “We stand with you. We want to help you and we would come with a peaceful solution; a resolution that would be of benefit to you and your satisfaction as we proceed…With this development in this area, we are creating hundreds of jobs for people in this area. We are getting the economy going again. These lots that we

have put aside for the construction of homes will provide middle-income homes for hundreds of families.”

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Collin Croal said with this issue out of the way, land clearing can now continue for the developmental works that are planned for the area. He noted that the opening of lands in this area will bring employment and other benefits to residents. On the farmers’ perspective, he outlined that they can use the compensatory package to develop another area to earn a livelihood.

Along with housing initiatives, he highlighted that road works are also in the pipeline for this community to the tune of $550 million.

“Over $550 million of road works within Sophia community area all geared towards the upliftment of the entire environment and community. At the same time, 1768 will have the construction of close to 200 moderate income houses that create opportunities for people living right here in Sophia,” he explained.

TURN TO PAGE 7

NEWS

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Aug 10 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, Aug 11 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Aug 10 – 05:05h – 06:35h and Wednesday, Aug 11 – 05:50h – 07:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 17:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 10:59h and 23:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.61 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

07 11 16 19 20 24

FREE TICKET

21 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, AUGUST, 9, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

07 08 17 21 24 LUCKY 3

6

7

3

9

Afternoon Draw

4

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 06 08 13 15 18 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

06 07 11 13 14 13

Friday, August 6, 2021

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$69.04/barrel

-2.40

Rough Rice

$241.02 /ton

-0.13

London Sugar

$459.60/ton

-0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1732.30

$1733.30

Low/High Change

$1723.60 +2.70

$1753.60 +0.16%

Skyrocketing shipping costs

President announces $4.8B reduction in import taxes, duties …trade-off to be passed on to citizens

W

ith the aim of cushioning the high shipping costs due to the global pandemic, President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced several reductions to shipping-related charges to the tune of $4.8 billion in order to bring relief to citizens and businesses.

While these reductions would result in the treasury losing a consequent $4.8 billion in revenues, they are necessary for dealing with the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the statement, the Government continues to monitor the effect it has on household income, the Private Sector and the economy on the whole.

“In this regard, we have recognised the marked increase in shipping costs from some countries which has moved from an average of 2500 to as much as 15,000 US dollars per 20-foot container and from 3500 to over 20,000 USD for a 40-foot container.”

“Duties, Excise Tax and Input VAT are calculated utilising the cost, insurance and freight of imports, thereby allowing for the increased cost of freight to be passed on to the consumer by the importer,” the statement said.

According to the Office of the President statement, in light of this the President has instructed that further reliefs be granted and the freight charges be reduced to pre-pandemic levels when calculating Custom Duties, Excise Taxes and Input Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported goods.

“Consequently, the relevant aspects of the Customs and Value Added Tax Acts will be amended to reflect this concession. This measure will allow for a saving of $4.8 billion to the consumer and business community over the six-month period, thereby reducing revenue collections by the similar amount of $4.8 billion.”

“Government agencies will be tasked to ensure that such savings are passed on to the consumer and not pocketed by unscrupulous importers. This concession is effective on all invoices dated August 11, 2020 and continues in effect until January 31, 2022,” the statement said.

Fuel

When it comes to fuel, the prices for which have hiked in recent times, the Government is also monitoring this development.

According to Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in

an interview with this publication, the system whereby they reduce Excise Tax when global prices are high and increase the tax when it is low is still in place.

“We as a Government had put in place an arrangement whereby, we adjust the Excise Tax, depending on the world market price for oil. And this is a mechanism we put in place since we were last in Government.

And it’s a mechanism we have reactivated since we returned to Government.”

“Essentially how the mechanism works is that

when gas prices are low, we adjust the Excise Tax rates upwards. When gas prices are high, we adjust the Excise Tax rates downwards. Essentially, we cushion the impact of the world market price on the consumer,” he said.

According to the Minister, the Government continues to monitor oil prices closely, including the oil prices on the world market and the fuel prices at the pumps or the local markets. Oil prices have particularly been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Dr Irfaan Ali TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 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

Climate change: edge of extinction

T

he UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on Climate Change which was been released has laid a damming reality for vulnerable counties with some even being warned of being on the edge of extinction if no action is taken soon.

Many leaders have since referred to the content of the report as a wakeup call for the world as it lays the blame with “unequivocal” evidence of increasing temperatures at the feet of humans. According to the report in two decades, temperatures are likely to rise 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

For years, there has been much talk about climate change and the devastating impact it is having and is likely to have on communities and the world as a whole. However, while Governments and policy-makers are busy debating the issues at the national and international levels, many believe that enough is not being done in terms of designing and implementing critical projects at the community level to encourage and sensitise individuals about the need to play their part in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In fact, it could be argued that, on the global level, not many persons are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves. Citizens still do take the issue for granted and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns and so on.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if persons continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves would be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace. For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption, but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, Governments can set the framework with their policies; set targets, define standards, give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions, but, in the end, the consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not. The highly-touted green model reduces our ecological footprint, emits less greenhouse gases, uses less energy and raw materials, and can create new sources of growth and employment.

In essence, achieving economic growth and sustainable development require that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. As stated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the efficient management of our shared natural resources and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants are important targets to achieve this goal.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources would be multiplied by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every individual does play a crucial role in defining his/her own consumption patterns, and can, in a way, also contribute to the fight against climate change.

For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilised, and the money that is saved on energy could instead be used to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that, on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get persons to change lifestyles and to work towards a climatefriendly environment, the task would be much easier if they are educated about the role they can play and the benefits of their own action.

Here, in Guyana, at an individual level we still continue to be reckless in our care for the environment.

For sure, there is need for more effective public education campaigns on climate change, and to highlight the effects of poor environmental practices. There is also need for more green projects to be implemented at the local level to encourage communities to work towards achieving a cleaner and healthier environment.

The Imam of Masjid Al Abidin of Queens, New York on Monday donated a 20-foot container of supplies to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to aid flood relief efforts. The supplies were handed over by Imam of Masjid Al Abidin, Shaykh Safraz Bacchus, at the Sophia Exhibition Centre and were received by CDC Public Information Officer Patrice Wishart (DPI photo)

GTU now stands exposed as the PNC’s political scapegoat Dear Editor, The Guyana Teachers’ Union now stands exposed as a political scapegoat of the PNC, given its recent pronouncement, “Teachers, we will stand with you should there be any attempt to make vaccination mandatory for returning to the classroom”.

This should be contrasted with the President’s statement, in which he urged teachers to show leadership and get vaccinated.

He explained the dangers of the GTU’s stance, when he summed up that “because vaccines inoculate everyone against this dreaded deadly virus, all of us should be troubled by those who refuse to be vaccinated. The unvaccinated are now as deadly as the virus itself, for they are not only susceptible to infection, they will carry it… the Government has a responsibility to defend the health of all”.

We are our brothers’ keepers, and it is our duty to encourage them to get vaccinated, the GTU’s statement defies the commitment it has made to ‘embark on a sensitisation campaign to better inform teachers of the facts surrounding vaccination and

the importance and benefits of being vaccinated.’

It runs contradictory, and implies that ‘it’s okay not to be vaccinated, and the Government cannot force you to’.

This type of defiance sends the wrong message to teachers. Teachers are required to set good examples, and are role models for our children. When they do not become vaccinated, many of our children will want to do that, and the ‘unvaccinated’ will indeed be “as deadly as the virus”, and will be carriers.

When our very education system, which is supposed to be in the forefront of the effort to encourage the vaccination drive, is playing politics with our children’s future, then indeed “the Government has a responsibility to defend the health of all”.

Indeed, the time has come for vaccination to become mandatory. The decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate should no longer be an individual’s decision.

To allow any individual that choice is tantamount to not only being ‘tyrannical’, but dictatorial on the part of the GTU. The Government must act to protect everyone, and mak-

ing it mandatory should now be the way forward.

World leaders are now beginning to realise that COVID-19 vaccination must be made mandatory.

The UK Government has passed a new legislation which will be effective from November 11th; it requires people working in care homes to be vaccinated, to protect them from the risk of death and serious illness that can arise from contracting COVID-19. France has agreed to legislate similarly. Whilst the GTU has said, “Our teachers are no different, since some of our members have reservations due to personal illnesses and/or fear,” it needs to understand that the fear of far worse personal illnesses to our people are a lot more real than imaginary.

An article published by McKinsey and Company submitted that, “despite pockets of concerns, consumer confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is increasing as more real-life experiences accumulate on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines” (https://www. mckinsey.com/industries/ pharmaceuticals-and-medical-products/our-insights/ getting-to-work-employersrole-in-covid-19-vaccina-

tion#).

Teachers must use the research tool to gather and sift information, so as to make informed decisions.

They must not be misled. I am very disappointed that my erstwhile colleagues would fall for such cheap political garbage.

The Government, as an employer, has a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its employees, and any visitors to their premises, such as customers, suppliers and the general public. Should this not apply to the teachers and the school environment?

What about the responsibilities of the teachers as employees? It is your responsibility to ensure not only your well-being, but that of your colleagues and those under your charge, your students.

As our cases of infection and death from COVID-19 climb rapidly, and as we are now threatened by the Delta variant, imagine how ridiculous it is that it is mandatory to be fully vaccinated to enter a night club or a sports stadium, but not so to enter a classroom.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

US$436M in Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund …as country earns US$79.6M for 7th oil lift

By Jarryl Bryan

N

atural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has revealed that US$436 million, deriving from seven oil lifts since Guyana started producing oil, currently sits in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) following the receipt of payment for the latest lift.

The Minister made this revelation at the 31st sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, during his preamble before the second reading of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill.

The Ministry has also released a statement detailing when Guyana got its oil lifts and how much money was earned. The most recent oil lift from the Liza Destiny FPSO was on July 3rd – the third for this year and seventh in total.

Guyana received US$79.6 million for the lift, which has taken the money earned from the 7 million barrels of oil lifted by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to US$388.7 million. This is outside of other sums of money the country earned from royalties and in-

terest, the total of which was provided by the Minister.

“Before the elections in 2015, Guyana struck oil.

Guyana became a country that will soon be an oil producing nation. In June of 2016, the Production Sharing Agreement was signed by the then Government with EEPGL to begin production.

Production actually started in December of 2019.

“To date, we would have completed seven lifts, which is equivalent to seven million barrels of oil, equating to over US$400 million, which now sits in our Natural Resource Fund. To be precise, US$436 million,” Minister Bharrat said in the National

Skyrocketing shipping costs

Assembly.

The Government, in the statement, reiterated its promise to manage the nation’s patrimony to the benefit of all Guyanese, as well as providing updates on oil lifts and sales as may be necessary to ensure that all stakeholders and members of the public are informed.

Transparency and accountability

During his address to Parliament, Minister Bharrat also stressed that the PPP Government is intent on increasing transparency and accountability through the legislative process before it embarks on spending this money.

FROM PAGE 3

President announces $4.8B...

“We continue to monitor prices. What has essentially happened is that world market prices have been increasing very steeply in recent weeks and months. A couple months ago we did reduce the Excise Tax rate.

We reduced it from 50 to 35 per cent. That helped, but of course prices have continued to increase,” he said.

“I would say it’s something we continue to monitor closely. And depending on how it evolves we’ll make the appropriate decision at the appropriate time. But we are monitoring the situation very closely. We’re keeping a close eye on world market oil prices and prices at the pump.”

PSC

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) released a statement in which they lauded the Government for the measures announced on Monday and their continual efforts to bring economic assistance to the people.

According to the PSC, these measures are likely to be welcomed by the business community and consumers.

“Notably, the PSC had crafted several proposals regarding the issue of shipping cost. The PSC is

pleased to see that this proposal was largely considered and implemented.

This decision will certainly stimulate economic activity and promote growth and enhancement within the Private Sector while facilitating consumer saving. To this end, the PSC urges the business community to ensure that consumers benefit from all savings made as a result of this tax relief,” the PSC said.

GCCI

Additionally, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said that it has been keenly observing and analysing the prevailing market conditions which have been severely afflicted by the global pandemic, noting that it observed shipping prices increasing by six and in some cases, ten times the pre-pandemic level.

This, it stated, created a sharp impact on the cost at which products are being provided on the domestic market.

The GCCI said that the announcement by President Ali will ease the burden of increased shipping cost by restoring shipping charges to the pre-pandemic level of charges. This is expected

to ease the burden on both the Private Sector and consumers.

“The GCCI would like to thank the Government of Guyana for this relief measure which can be expected to stop any potential erosion to welfare of the citizens of Guyana as a result of the global environment,” the GCCI said in a statement.

GOGEC

The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber also congratulated the Government, with President of the Chamber Manniram Prashad commending the President for his “statesman-like action” to address the increases.

“His instructions to reduce shipping costs to pre-pandemic levels is most welcome by GOGEC. This action will reduce significantly the price on most commodities and will benefit all Guyanese especially the poor and vulnerable.”

“However, the relevant agencies should be vigilant and make sure that these reductions are passed on to the consuming public and unscrupulous importers do not profiteer from this noble gesture by the Government,” Prashad said. (G3)

“Important to note, Mr Speaker, is that since taking office just over a year ago, the PPP administration has not spent a single dime from the Natural Resource Fund.

We have not embarked on a squandermania of the oil revenues.

“We have not misused the oil revenue. We still have every single dollar from the direct proceeds of the oil and gas sector in the natural resource fund, which will be spent to ensure that every Guyanese benefits,” Bharrat said.

It was only a few days ago that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo spoke to the issue of the funds from oil and gas. He recalled the systems being put in place by the Government, including the Petroleum Commission and, importantly, the legislation for the Natural Resource Fund.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

“The money that is there, we decided that we will come up with a programme. That programme for spending will have to go through a parliamentary process. So, right now, we’ve accumulated the money. Anytime we utilise funds from that pool of resources, they will have to go through a transparent process.

“That includes publicly identifying the project, saying how much will be utilised, ensuring that the Auditor General is also aware of the processes involved. It would require parliamentary approval,” the Vice President said.

Guyana commenced producing oil in 2019, and earned money from the first 1 million barrels of oil lifted the next year. So far, all of Guyana’s oil revenue is being held in the NRF, which is banked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

It is expected that once the Natural Resource Fund Act, which stipulates that various committees must be established to provide oversight for the fund, is reviewed, it will be brought to the National Assembly by the current Government and pave the way for the fund to be accessed.

6

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

Page

Foundation

S

tudents will demonstrate their understanding of camouflage by designing a snake or butterfly that blends into a classroom "habitat".

Materials

One box of assorted coloured toothpicks Outdoor grassy area or a large piece of fabric Paper snake or butterfly patterns for each student Markers, crayons or coloured pencils Scissors

Instructions

Introduction to camouflage: 1. Begin by presenting the students with a box of coloured toothpicks. Make sure there are green toothpicks included in with the other colours!

2. Count how many toothpicks there are of each colour; write the total for each colour.

3. Spread the toothpicks randomly over a large area of grass. If no grass is available, use a bare patch of earth with some tan toothpicks, or a large piece of fabric with a background colour the same as one of the colours of toothpicks.

4. Give the students 10 seconds to collect as many of the toothpicks as they can find.

5. Count the number of each colour toothpick that the students retrieved. Compare this to your original count.

Which toothpicks were the easiest to find? Which were more difficult? Why? 6. Introduce the concept of camouflage as an animal adaptation. Explain that many animals have colours or markings on their fur, feathers, scales or skin that enable them to blend in with their habitat (the place where that animal lives). Ask the students how camouflage helps an animal survive. Ask for examples (a motionless green frog at the edge of a pond; drab brown feathers on most incubating female birds; winter white/summer brown colours of the arctic fox and ptarmigan, etc). (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

BY NAOMI SHIHAB NYE

Standing outside staring at a tree gentles our eyes We cheer to see fireflies winking again Where have our friends been all the long hours?

Minds stretching beyond the field become their own skies Windows doors grow more important Look through a word swing that sentence wide open Kneeling outside to find sturdy green glistening blossoms under the breeze that carries us silently And there were so many more poems to read!

Countless friends to listen to.

We didn’t have to be in the same room— the great modern magic.

Everywhere together now.

Even scared together now from all points of the globe which lessened it somehow.

Hopeful together too, exchanging winks in the dark, the little lights blinking.

When your hope shrinks you might feel the hope of someone far away lifting you up.

Hope is the thing?...

Hope was always the thing!

What else did we give each other from such distances?

Breath of syllables, sing to me from your balcony please! Befriend me in the deep space.

When you paused for a poem it could reshape the day you had just been living.

Source: Poetry (March 2021)

WORD SEARCH

7 Petroleum Amendment Bill passed after fiery debates NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as APNU/AFC withholds support from transformative projects

A

proposed amendment to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, to give the Government more oversight over how licensees in the oil and gas sector utilise the lands they have been allocated, has been passed in the National Assembly.

The bill was presented by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who noted the importance of the legislative amendment in giving the Government greater ability to protect the citizens.

“In simple terms, this act is basically giving oversight to the Government in the acquisition of private land to facilitate the laying of the pipeline to realisation of the power-generation plant.

Previously, the licensee could act upon themselves.

However, we see it fit that we play a role, so we could protect the rights of

our citizens and private land owners, so we can ensure they are fully compensated, so as to facilitate this project,” Bharrat said.

The main Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) was, however, not enamoured with the bill.

Several of their Members of Parliament (MPs) also attacked the projects that would be facilitated by the bill, with former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson railing against the US$900 million gas-to-shore project.

“The US$900 million is a burden on the Guyanese public. No one has spoken of the cost of the generators, or how they will get power across the river… This amendment, as innocuous as it seems, has serious implications going forward,” Patterson said.

His successor, Public

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Works Minister Juan Edghill, drew parallels between the coalition’s non-support of the gas-toshore project and another potentially transformative project that they had opposed, the Amaila Falls

GBTI taxed profit grows to $632M in half-year report

T

Minister

on State land, Government land, or land that is otherwise controlled or under the management of the Government of Guyana.

Based on the amendment, the Minister would have the power to grant permission to the licensee to land, install or operate any pipeline, fibre optic cable or similar infrastructure on or through the said land.

It would also empower the Minister to order the licensee to maintain, inspect, repair or renew such infrastructure.

The amendments also speak to the granting of consent to the Minister and a petroleum licensee for use of land by the private owners or lawful occupiers of said land in aid of petroleum operations.

It was only a few days ago that the Government issued an order to compulsorily acquire land that would be used to build the US$900 million gas-to-shore project and lay the gas pipeline

Housing development project

GBTI HQ

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and its subsidiary has recorded yet another growth in its profits for the first half of the 2021 financial year; and according to GBTI Chairman Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, the bank is optimistic about its performance for the rest of the year.

According to the Chairman’s Report and financial statements published in Guyana Times, GBTI’s Net Profit after Tax for the six months ending June 30, 2021 was $632 million. This represents an increase of 18 per cent over the corresponding period in 2020.

Stoby also reported that the financial institution’s total assets similarly grew by 15 per cent to $139 billion. Additionally, deposits recorded at the end of this period stood at $119 billion.

The GBTI Board, which approved these financial statements on July 21, further declare an interim dividend of $3.5 per share.

Hydropower Project (AFHP).

“I was a part of the 10th Parliament when the 165-Megawatt AFHP did not receive the National Assembly’s support because the then APNU-AFC combined failed to support a clause that will pave the way for Guyana to have its dream realised,” he said.

“I remember, during that debate, members of the governing side, even with a oneseat majority, indicated that cheap, reliable and renewable electricity is a dream dating way back to the years of then President Burnham.

And even though those arguments were made… they turned around and killed it,” Edghill said.

The bill, which was subsequently passed, is seeking to amend Section 52 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Chapter 65:04, which deals with the restrictions in place on petroleum licensees. It specifically targets work done by a petroleum licensee in furtherance of its operations

Natural Resource Vickram Bharrat

“The bank’s improved performance is influenced by an improving loan portfolio as well as more favourable market conditions. We anticipate a similar trend for the rest of the year as the local economy continues to grow,” the Chairman said in his report.

It was reported that the local economy was projected to grow by 20.9 per cent, with the non-oil economy growing by 6.1 per cent - a significant reversal of the 7.3 per cent contraction in 2020 due to the outbreak of a global pandemic and the effects of Guyana’s tumultuous 2020 elections which ran on for five months.

For this year, the global growth is projected at 6 per cent, moderating to 4.4 per cent in 2022, reflective of additional fiscal support in a few large economies, the anticipated vaccine-powered recovery in the second half of 2021, and continued adaptation of economic activity to subdued mobility.

Nevertheless, GBTI posted a $1.365 billion prof-

it at the end of the 2020 financial year, which saw a 7.9 per cent decline from the previous year.

The bank’s interest income reduced to $4.670 billion last year, compared to $4.778 billion recorded in 2019.

A similar trend in the interest expense for 2020 saw only $670.9 million registered – a significant drop from $763.1 million in 2019. This resulted in the net interest income for last year being $3.999 billion, against $4 billion the previous year.

Moreover, 2020 also witnessed a reduction in other income to $1.437 billion from $1.674 billion, and operating expenses to $3.8 billion from $4 billion.

In 2020, GBTI had also recorded basic earnings per share at $34.15, compared to $37.09 the previous year.

Similarly, there was a loan provisioning last year to the tune of $228.6 million against a net recovery of $19.2 million in 2019. (G8)

from Nouvelle Flanders on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) to Canal Number One Public Road on the West Bank thereof.

The gazetted order which was made under the hand of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on August 6 is in keeping with the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act (Chapter 62:05). In the first instance, it describes the proposed gas pipeline route as public work.

The order also authorises the Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) to inspect the land together with his agents or workmen for the purposes of surveying the land.

“Overall, the amendment of Section 52 ensures that the Government has oversight over the exercise of the licensee’s rights over private land. Accordingly, the amendment further strengthens and protects private proprietary interests as enshrined in Article 142 of the Constitution of Guyana.”

The amendment comes ahead of several oil-based projects coming on stream, including Exxon’s US$900 million gas-to-shore project.

The gas-to-shore project is a game-changing initiative that would see gas from the Liza Field offshore Guyana being pumped onshore to generate power.

The main objective of the initiative is to transport sufficient gas from the Stabroek Block’s petroleum operations to supply some 200-250 megawatts of energy to the national grid, leading to a significant reduction in electricity costs.

FROM PAGE 2

Cummings Lodge farmers...

Some $25 million in compensation is expected to be distributed and the individual compensation for each farmer ranges from $100,000 to $5.6 million based on claims and the NAREI assessment.

Back in November, President Irfaan Ali had announced that land clearing works started for new housing schemes at Mon Repos and Cummings Lodge. He noted that the Government’s housing programme will create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction and home improvement sectors.

Moreover, the construction sector will be key to driving growth in Guyana’s non-oil sectors.

As part of the PPP/C Government’s ambitious plan to make available over 50,000 house lots over the next five years to citizens, the Housing Ministry had commenced steps to access 6356 acres of lands to help satisfy this demand. In addi-

Minister Susan Rodrigues handing over a cheque to a farmer

tion to other areas, the lands were being sought between Golden Grove and Peters Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and between Ogle to Cummings Lodge on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), for the development of additional housing schemes.

Croal took the opportunity to point out that the sector is moving at an unprecedented rate like never before recorded in history.

“The rate of development within our housing sector is at a pace that in no previous period in the history of our housing sector that you have ongoing now. Even now, while we have ongoing infrastructural works for existing areas, already the project department is involved in the proprietary for those areas for which we allocated this year, which will form part of next year’s infrastructural works.” (G12)

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GTT employees to get salary increases

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he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph has on Monday announced that its employees would be getting salary increases.

In a release, the telephone company said that following the agreement to increase salaries for GTT’s union members, to ensure fairness for non-union members, it will increase the basic salaries of all employees for the year ending September 2021.

GTT’s Human Resource Director Tiana Gurcharran has said that a review of all employees’ basic salary levels, except for those of man-

agement, would be done in September, and any resultant salary increase would be paid on October 1, 2021.

“We want to positively impact the lives of our trusted employees, which is our promise to all GTT employees, and we also want to ensure that our pay levels are commensurate with market rates in Guyana,” Gurcharran is quoted as saying in the release.

She is also quoted as saying that a review of the remuneration of GTT’s senior management personnel would be done, closer to the end of the year.

GTT’s Human Resource Director Tiana Gurcharran

On July 23, 2021, the telephone company signed an agreement with the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union (GPTWU) that led to pay increases for GTT’s union members. The agreement led to a four percent increase of basic salaries for the year ending September 30, 2021 and a six percent increase of same for the year starting October 1, 2021.

Additionally, a comprehensive review of overall remuneration of union members will commence, and be concluded by January 31, 2022.

Examining…

Y

…the PNC’s electile dysfunction our Eyewitness received a ton of positive feedback on his naming of the nature of the PNC’s obsession with rigging elections - “electile dysfunction”. It’s a truism that, until a thing is named, we might be affected by “it”, we may be suffering from “it”, but bereft of a name that points to (and identifies) its nature, we really can’t analyse it to deal with those consequences. It’s just a nebulous worry. The label “electile dysfunction” tags the PNC’s behaviour as a pathological condition when it comes to elections. It’s a conditioned Pavlovian reflex induced after so many riggings and manipulations starting from the attempt to oust Cheddi as PPP leader at the Metropole Cinema in 1954!

PNC leaders are impelled to treat democratic norms as a botheration, and do whatever’s necessary to seize power.

Anyhow, your Eyewitness just caught the tail-end of an interview of VP Jagdeo, in which he elaborated a bit on some of the background goings-on within the PNC camp during their Mingo electile dysfunctional behaviour between March 3 and Aug 2 2020. That (in)famous “5-month-wait-for-elections-results” got us our second mention in the Guinness Book of Records - the first being the 900+suicides at Jonestown! Burnham’s PNC, of course, also played a key role in that record!

What Jagdeo revealed was that there were definitely “camps” within the PNC over the execution of the rigging. Granger at the centre - playing the army general depended on information from the battleground to make his strategic decisions. His challenge, however, was that his right-hand aide de camp - Lil Joe Harmon - had so much at stake personally that his judgement couldn’t be trusted. Self-interest trumps everything - even decades of loyal service - when it comes to the PNC. Machiavelli is the guiding light!

So, what was Granger to do? Well, Jagdeo revealed, he just decided to bug Lil Joe’s phone and, for good measure, those of Volda Lawrence and Raphael Trotman! Volda wasn’t a surprise…we all knew that after her fisherwomanstyle cuss down at Ashmin’s she was an erectile dysfunction hard liner. But Trotman of “Nassau” fame?

Whatever happened to the rapprochement between the two card-carrying members of the League of Coloured People to cause that level of distrust? Gotta be Trotman’s insatiable ambitions - as an acolyte of Burnham, he rivalled Granger’s. The latter couldn’t have forgotten Trotman walking out of the PNC after he didn’t get the leadership nod over Corbin. Corbin wasn’t LCP material who deserved to rule over him! So infra dig!!

So, this war-break in the PNC’s top layer didn’t just erupt after Aug 2. The cracks had surfaced during the electile dysfunction meltdown.

…the (PNC) rebels’ programme It’s all so exciting to be living in Guyana right now. As a Star Wars buff, your Eyewitness can’t help noticing the opposition against Granger’s leadership modelling their activities on those of the rebels against the evil Emperor Palpatine. Right now, they aren’t attacking the Emperor’s home at Coruscant (at Pearl - not the Pearly Gates!) but are mobilising in some of the smaller satellite planets -like Buxton and Victoria.

They’re also using social media in the same manner as the Star Wars’ Com-links to get their message at light speed across the world. In this way, they not only inform the faithful about their cause, but collect loot to fund their activities. So what are some of those activities?

As explained earlier, negatively, to delegitimise every initiative of the PPP -like flood relief, COVID vaccination etc - as biased against African-Guyanese! And positively, to demand a return of all “Ancestral Lands”. All culminating, of course, in a massive march down Regent Street!!

Take that, Lord Granger and Count Jagdeo!! …the Police Quick Response Your Eyewitness has often criticised the Guyana Police Force - as “tough love”. But he also gives them their “jacket” when they perform their duties professionally.

And cracking the gold-dealer’s robbery was done very professionally.

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

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Motion for dismissal

Lowenfield withdraws case to block GECOM Commissioners from exercising constitutional power

C

hief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield on Monday withdrew an application he filed at the Demerara High Court to block Governmentnominated GECOM Commissioners Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj from voting on a motion they tabled calling for his dismissal. Applying to withdraw the case was his lawyer, Nigel Hughes, who indicated that certain circumstances have overtaken his client’s application.

As a result, High Court Judge Jo Ann Barlow discontinued the case. She also discharged an injunction that was granted on July 29 restraining GECOM from entertaining any deliberations on the motion until the court rendered its ruling which was scheduled for Monday.

The termination of the case comes less than one week after Shadick and Gunraj submitted an amended motion to the court which is now calling for Lowenfield to be fired in accordance with Clause Nine of the terms of his employment contract, instead of him being summarily dismissed pursuant to Clause 10.

In an affidavit, GECOM Chairperson Justice (retired) Claudette Singh had outlined that the CEO’s contract of employment provides two bases for termination.

She firstly pointed to Clause Nine which states that his employment may be terminated by way of three months’ notice in writing on the following grounds: (1) If in the reasonable opinion of Guyana Elections Commission, the Chief Elections Officer/Commissioner of Registration is guilty of misconduct; (2) If in the reasonable opinion of Guyana Elections Commission the Chief Elections Officer/Commissioner of Registration has failed to comply with the terms of this contract, or (3) Where in the reasonable opinion of Guyana Elections Commission the Chief Elections Officer/Commissioner of Registration is in breach of any clause or obligation in this contract.

The second basis is pursuant to Clause 10 which states his contract may be terminated without notice for gross misconduct, provided that, he must be given a written notice setting out clearly the reason for the termination of his contract and be allowed to respond.

Given that the motion was amended to include Clause Nine, GECOM’s lawyer Kim Kyte-Thomas had submitted that Lowenfield’s application had no merit and as such urged the court to dismiss it.

In June, PPP/C Commissioners Gunraj and Shadick tabled a motion containing 20 grounds on which they called for the CEO’s dismissal.

The Election

Commissioners, who are both lawyers, had submitted that Lowenfield breached his functions, duties, responsibilities, and obligations regarding the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

But in seeking to have Shadick and Gunraj blocked from voting on the motion, Lowenfield had argued that their participation in the deliberations of their complaint against him is in breach of the rules of natural justice.

He had argued too that their participation in the deliberations on their own complaint infected the deliberation of GECOM with bias.

The CEO had contended that their participation in the hearing of the motion is a breach of the implied terms of his employment because he is entitled to a fair hearing of his response to any complaint of gross misconduct made against him. Against this backdrop, Lowenfield had asked the High Court to grant an order restraining Gunraj and Shadick from voting on the motion to dismiss him.

Constitutional duties

Attorney General Anil Nandlall had previously reminded that the plethora of legal cases that followed the 2018 No-Confidence Motion (NCM) established the independence of GECOM from outside interference.

Moreover, he noted that it is a common practice whether at GECOM or in the National Assembly that those moving a motion are the ones who must debate it.

The AG noted that GECOM is insulated from “the direction or control of any other person or authority” by the Constitution.

Nandlall cited Article 226 (1) of the Constitution of the Guyana, whereby GECOM is empowered to make rules and regulate the procedure of the Commission. According to the AG, it is important that logic and common sense follow the law.

The AG also noted that the Commission is empowered to regulate its own procedure, adding that Article 226 of the Constitution sets out GECOM’s process for determining questions and voting between the six Commissioners and the casting vote of the Chairman.

The Attorney General had also cited Article 161 of the Constitution, which empowers GECOM with responsibility for its officers in the Secretariat. Nandlall noted that Article 161 (A) (1) specifies that GECOM has disciplinary control over its staff.

Following the tabling of the motion, GECOM Chairperson wrote to Lowenfield, asking him to show cause why he should not be dismissed. The CEO was later instructed to proceed on annual leave pending an investigation into the allegations against him and

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

a final decision on his employment.

Similar motions have been tabled by the Government-nominated Commissioners calling for the dismissal of Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, and Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, who like Lowenfield, are accused of attempting to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in fa-

Attorney-at-law Bibi Shadick

Attorney-at-law Sase Gunraj

vour of the then caretaker APNU/AFC regime.

Hughes had previously stated that the court decisions on Lowenfield’s application would apply to the motions seeking the dismissal of Myers and Mingo.

Meanwhile, the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have hired a team of special prosecutors to prosecute the electoral fraud charges against Lowenfield, Myers,

Mingo, GECOM clerks Denise Bob-Cummings and Michelle Miller, GECOM Elections Officer Shefern February and Information Technology Officer Enrique Livan, APNU/AFC activist Carol Joseph, and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson and former Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

The more than 25 matters are currently before three Magistrates – Chief

Magistrate Ann McLennan and Magistrates Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and Leron Daly.

Lowenfield’s election report claimed that the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes at the March 2, 2020 National and Regional Elections.

How he arrived at those figures is still unknown as the certified results from the recount exercise supervised

by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also proved that Mingo heavily inflated the figures in Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting District – in favour of the then caretaker APNU/AFC Government. (G1)

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Brother jailed for PNC Executive charged for submitting false invoice to GEA chopping sister

P

eople’s National Congress executive and former Chairman of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van West-Charles, who is a Director of Atlantic Fuels Incorporated was on Monday charged for submitting a false invoice to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Van West-Charles, 72, of Lot 301 Meadowbrook Drive, Georgetown, was hauled before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He denied the charge which stated that on November 13, 2020, he submitted invoice #100 to the GEA of 295 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, regarding a shipment of diesel claimed to have been purchased from Global Oil NV knowing the same to be false or misleading. The offence is contrary to Regulation 70 (2) of the

Dr Richard Van West-Charles

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulation 2014.

Van West-Charles was released on $100,000 bail and returns to court on August 16.

The charge against the former GWI Chairman was filed by Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Dr Mahender Sharma. Van West-Charles was represented by lawyer Siand Dhurjon. This is not the first time the fuel company has been accused of giving false information to authorities.

In January of this year, 67-year-old Eugene Gilbert,

who is also one of the company’s Directors, was charged and released on $300,000 bail after it was alleged the company made a false declaration to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The charge stated that on November 12, 2020, at GRA’s Camp Street, Georgetown headquarters, Atlantic Fuels caused to be made and subscribed a false declaration on invoice #100, contrary to the Customs Act. The invoice amount was US$200,000, which is equivalent to GY$40,000,000.

Guyana Times understands that the invoice was for 635,353 litres of diesel which was sourced from a company in Suriname.

Atlantic Fuels Inc claimed that it shipped the fuel from company A for one price, but GRA said that it shipped it from company B for another price.

That charge was laid under Section 217 (1) (a) of the

Customs Act, which reads: “Any person who, in any matter relating to the customs, or under the control or management of the Comptroller – (a) makes and subscribes, or causes to be made and subscribed, any false declaration; or…”

On summary conviction, the person is liable to a fine of $25,000, together with imprisonment for three years.

Atlantic Fuels Inc has been embroiled in controversy ever since it obtained its fuel licence in 2016.

In 2019, the company had been under GRA’s radar for under-invoicing and falsifying invoices. As a result, GRA went after the fuel company for taxes for that year.

Van West-Charles was appointed as GWI CEO a month before he gained his fuel import licence.

Atlantic Fuels Inc has its headquarters at Lot 16 Sublot A Mudlot, Kingston, Georgetown. (G1)

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday sentenced a man to 20 months behind bars after he pleaded guilty to wounding his sister. Kevearl Sandiford called “Wannie”, 24, of Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), admitted to wounding his sister Dante Fraser, a security guard, on August 6.

The Police prosecutor told the court that whenever Sandiford smokes marijuana he would arm himself with a cutlass and threaten to kill his mother. On the day in question, at around 07:40h, Fraser went home from work and was told by her father that Sandiford assaulted her.

The woman then informed her father that she would report the matter to the Police. However, this angered Sandiford, who picked up a cutlass and chased his sister out of the house. As

Jailed: Kevearl Sandiford

Fraser ran out of the house, she fell and her brother stood over her and fired several chops about her body.

According to the prosecutor, Fraser received injuries to her fingers and lower back.

The prosecutor said that public-spirited citizens transported her to the Linden Hospital Complex. A report of the incident was subsequently lodged with the Police. As a result, Sandiford was arrested and charged with the crime. (G1)

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Jury convicts “Chuckie” for 2016 murder of aunt

A

Demerara High Court jury on Monday convicted a Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown man of the 2016 murder of his aunt, who was strangled to death. Kevin Mohan, 27, was on trial for the capital offence before Justice Sandil Kissoon and had pleaded not guilty to the charge upon his indictment.

After the jury delivered its verdict, Mohan, who was facing his second trial for the offence as his initial trial ended in a hung jury, exclaimed, “I get jail innocent! The only person that can judge me is the almighty Allah.” The

had said that Kevin Mohan confessed to killing his aunt during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the woman sustained a chop wound to her head and one in the vicinity of her temple, along with

Convicted Killer: Kevin Mohan

Dead: Anita Mohan

convicted killer was further remanded to prison until August 26, when he will be sentenced.

Based on reports, the battered body of 48-year-old

Anita Mohan was discovered in a pool of blood in the kitchen of her Lot 315 South East Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown home on September 4, 2016. Police

Armed bandits rob Chinese supermarket

T

wo armed men on Sunday robbed a 37-year-old Chinese businesswoman who operates a supermarket in Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Police on Monday said that at about 19:16h, the businesswoman was in the supermarket behind the counter attending to customers when one of the suspects, who was armed with a silver handgun, walked into the supermarket, went

up to the counter, pointed the weapon at her and demanded that she hand over her money.

The victim, who told Police that she was fearful for her life, ran out from behind the counter and went further into the supermarket.

The perpetrator then went behind the counter and collected the canister with $30,000 in cash and an undisclosed amount of GTT and Digicel phone cards, while the other suspect who was outside ran into the yard of the busi-

ness place, where he confronted a Police Constable who was sitting outside the supermarket and ordered him to lie on the floor in front of the supermarket.

The suspects then made good their escape on foot. The entire ordeal was captured on the CCTV cameras affixed on the supermarket.

The area was searched for the two suspects but they were not located.

Investigations are in progress

a stab wound to her chin and one in her mouth.

A portion of her tongue was severed, and she was strangled.

Throughout his trial which lasted for about two weeks, Kevin Mohan was represented by Attorney-at-

Law Damien Da Silva, while State Counsel Lisa Cave and Muntaz Ali appeared for the prosecution. To prove their case, the prosecutors called 11 witnesses, inclusive of Police ranks, civilians, and a medical doctor. (G1)

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26-year-old among new COVID-19 deaths A

26-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) is among two new COVID-19 deaths which were reported as at Monday. Those deaths have moved the country’s death toll to 561.

The other fatality was a 66-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

They both died on Sunday while receiving care at medical facilities.

There has been an increase of 12 new cases, and confirmed cases in the country have climbed to 22,992.

There are 12 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 86 in institutional isolation, 691 in home isolation, and six in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has tested 235,511 persons thus far, of which 21,637 have recovered.

Of the new cases, six were from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), four from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), and two from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

There has been no new case in Region One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Some 267,150 persons, or 54.9 per cent of the adult population, have been vac-

cinated in Guyana, of which 144,324 or 29.6 per cent have received their second dose.

Masks mandatory

In the latest COVID-19 briefing on Monday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said vaccinated persons should wear their masks, especially when indoors, as mandated under new guidelines by the Center for Diseases Control (CDC).

“You should make sure that you wear your mask, because the Delta variant is very contagious, and masking plus vaccination would help to protect you,” he posited.

Apart from the current accepted vaccines, foreigners who have been

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 9 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

12

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

86

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

691 19

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

11,801

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,193

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

22,992

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

21,637

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

260,403

FULLY IMMUNISED

143,302

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

561

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1316

REGION 2

643

REGION 3

2630

REGION 4

10,353

REGION 5

769

REGION 6

1929

REGION 7

1282

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

2131

REGION 10

1561

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

immunised with other developed vaccines would be treated on a case-bycase basis, but authorities would have to be informed beforehand.

“We know that, depending on where a traveller might be coming from, that there might be other vaccines that they might have used; so, persons travelling in from India might use COVAXIN, which has not really received its WHO ap-

proval as yet, but it’s pending approval. Persons travelling from Cuba might have received one of the vaccines developed in Cuba. So, once we know, we’ll treat those on a case-by-case basis,” he promised.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674

immediately, or visit www. health.gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene. (G12)

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Mayor fails in attempt to remove Town Clerk from statutory meeting mous one.

“That decision was unanimously voted in favour of, and when I said unanimously, there were seven commissioners who were present at that time, and all seven of them voted in favour of having Ms Jerrick return to her substantive position. That

Mayor Narine and Councillors departing after Monday’s statutory meeting was adjourned

Interim Town Clerk Candace Nelson

T

he Local Government Commission’s decision to appoint Candace Nelson as the interim Town Clerk for the Georgetown Municipality was protested again on Monday by Mayor Ubraj Narine and Councillors, who claimed that she is not qualified for the post.

Some 25 workers of the Mayor and City Council protested with placards at the Kitty Market in Georgetown, where a statutory meeting was scheduled to be held at 14:00h. However, at around 14:45h, Councillors voted in favour of Mayor Narine having the meeting adjourned, as their attempts to remove Nelson were unsuccessful.

Before the meeting commenced, the Mayor and Councillors had said they did not recognise the appointment of Nelson and, as

such, they asked her to “step down” to allow the meeting to be chaired by the Deputy Town Clerk, who was given such duties in the past.

However, Nelson, who was appointed after the Local Government Commission wrote to then acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick and instructed her to return to her substantive position of Assistant Town Clerk effective from July 28, refused to be moved.

“The law does not speak to an interim or illegal Town Clerk,” Narine said to Nelson, while urging her to withdraw from the meeting to allow the Deputy Town Clerk to take charge.

The Mayor told Nelson that legal proceedings have been filed before the Chief Justice, challenging her appointment, and he demanded that Nelson leave the meeting. Standing at their seats waving their placards, Councillors shouted at Nelson, “We do not recognise you!”

The interim Town Clerk then informed the meeting that she was not leaving, as her lawyers have advised her that there is no court order restraining her from participating in the meeting.

Narine also instructed the Chief Constable, a male, to remove Nelson from the meeting, but when the Chief Constable approached Nelson, she told him to “stand down”. She also told this to a female City Police rank, who was also given orders to remove her.

With all efforts to remove Nelson proving futile, the Council adjourned the meeting to later this month.

Nelson was appointed by the Local Government Commission in July, and Sherry Jerrick, who served as Town Clerk, was reverted to her previous position. Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Julius Faerber, said last week that the decision to remove Jerrick was a unani-

“Big John” wanted for Sophia mechanic’s murder

Wanted: John Kennedy, aka “Big John”

P

olice in Georgetown are on the hunt for John Kennedy, called “Big John”, who is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of 21-year-old Jaleel Leow, who was gunned down in Sophia last week.

A wanted bulletin has been issued for 38-year-old Kennedy, whose last known address is Lot 751 Field 8, Section ‘B’, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of John Kennedy is asked to contact the Police, on the following telephone numbers: 226-7065, 227-1270, 2267476, 226-7065, 227-9271,

227-1611, 227-1149, 2271270, 225-6940-9, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911, or at the nearest Police station.

Leow, a mechanic of Dennis Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, was shot four times on August 2.

The incident occurred at around 17:50h while the young man was hanging out with a group of people at ‘B’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

At the time, the suspects were identified as “Double Clip” and “Brainer”.

The Police have said that Leow was liming with a female shopkeeper and several other mechanics by her house when the group was approached by the two suspects, who arrived on bicycles.

Armed with two cutlasses, one of the suspects went up to the shopkeeper and asked, “Problem you want?”

The woman responded in the negative, and she and her party began to retreat into her yard.

The other suspect then pulled out a handgun from his pants waist and walked up to the Leow, who was walking into the yard at the time. He discharged two

was the situation that occurred,” he had told a press conference.

Faerber has pointed out that the decision to appoint Nelson is in keeping with the authority vested in the Local Government Commission under Sections 12 and 13 of the Local Government

Commission Act. Section 13 (2) states thus: “The Commission shall have power to deal with all matters relating to staffing of Local Government organs, and in particular shall be responsible for employment, transfer, discipline and dismissal of staff.” (G1)

Tuschen man wanted for murder of fuel tanker driver

A

Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo man is wanted by the Guyana Police Force for questioning in relation to the murder of a fuel tanker driver.

Laurel Samaroo, 31, of Tuschen New Scheme, was found dead in a parked truck on the Tuschen Public Road last month. He had a wound to his head at the time of the discovery.

On Monday, the Police issued a wanted bulletin for 23-year-old Shyiem Allison called “Shem” of Lot 4351 Tuschen New Housing Scheme.

Initial Police reports revealed that at about 21:00h on July 23, Samaroo uplifted a fuel tanker from Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and proceeded to his home at Tuschen.

However, sometime around 02:00h the following day, the truck was observed parked on the Tuschen Public Road by the owner, a businessman of Parika.

Upon checking the vehicle, the owner opened the

driver’s side door, where he observed Samaroo lying in the vehicle’s front seat and he appeared to be sleeping.

He attempted to wake the man but that proved futile.

The businessman immediately contacted the Leonora Police Station and the Police were summoned to the scene.

Upon arrival, detectives examined the body for marks of violence and what appeared to be a wound to the right side of the victim’s head was seen.

Further checks were made around the area and a black haversack, wallet and keys belonging to the victim were found behind a stall in the market area.

The body was subsequently escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, and later to the Ezekiel Funeral Home.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Samaroo found that a blunt trauma to the head resulted in bleeding in his brain.

Government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as cere-

Wanted: Shyiem Allison

bral haemorrhage, said it was due to blunt trauma that was caused by a heavy instrument.

Nevertheless, anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Shyiem Allison is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-7065, 227-1270, 2267476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 227-1611, 227-1149, 2271270, 225-6940-9, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Dead: Jaleel Leow

rounds, which struck Leow to his upper back.

Leow fell to the ground, and the gunman discharged two more rounds, which hit him to his upper chest.

The injured man managed to get up and run to the back of the yard, where he collapsed.

The shooter had also fired another shot at another man from the group, who was standing by the roadside. However, the bullet just grazed the man to his right upper hand.

The shooter and his accomplice then mounted their bicycles and made good their escape. (G8)

Closing date for applications is Tuesday August 31, 2021

38 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese returning from abroad must be vaccinated to enter Guyana – Edghill …as Jagdeo condemns Opposition’s exploitation of vaccination fears …says regulations modified from APNU/AFC’s draconian measures

T

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

o control infections stemming from COVID-19 and variants of concern which have been devastating health systems globally, Government has enforced stringent vaccination measures for travellers entering the country.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told the media on Monday that Guyanese living abroad would have to be vaccinated before they’re accepted into the country.

With positive cases rising every day, he pointed out, millions of dollars are being spent to treat these patients.

“It is costing millions, and what we have is a lot of antivaxxers who reside in North America, who want to use the regulations that are now in place to satisfy their vacationing in Guyana without having to be vaccinated, making noises that they’re not foreigners, they’re Guyanese. That’s where the issue is, but the Immigration (Dept) will be able to determine (their status). When you leave Guyana, you have a stamp,” the Minister shared.

When asked about those persons who would have left Guyana unvaccinated for business or other purposes, he expressed, “A short trip, the Port Health will deal with that, and the Port Health has been advised. If before the regulations came into place a businessman went to Miami for shopping and he wasn’t vaccinated, when he arrives here, the Port Health will deal with that.”

A person is considered vaccinated if they had received at least one dose of either the AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Sinovac-Corona, PfizerBioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson jabs.

Current travel requirements call for Guyana to accept a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. As at August 8, a decision has been taken that persons must be vaccinated as well.

At the level of Caricom, it has recently been decided that persons within the region be allowed to travel freely, regardless of which vaccine they had been administered. Only Trinidad and Tobago has opposed this position.

Guyana has also had specific measures installed against Trinidadians, detailing that persons must be fully immunised if they’re entering the country from that twin-island republic.

Meanwhile, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has called out instigators of the APNU/AFC-led protest over Guyana’s COVID-19 measures for their double

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

standards. In a post on social media, the Vice President said the PPP/C Government continues assiduously with its efforts to ensure that Guyanese lives are saved by securing COVID-19 vaccines and advancing an aggressive vaccination campaign across the country.

As such, he questioned, “Where were the protest actions after former President David Granger, on March 16, 2020, signed an Order, whose preamble sought to justify depriving Guyanese of “personal liberty” and “freedom of movement”? It is absolutely abhorrent that while every effort is being made to save lives, politically-aligned elements are instigating protests.”

Granger’s Order, which was gazetted on March 16, 2020, authorised the then Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, to, among other things, destroy the personal effects, goods and buildings of Guyanese “exposed” to infection from COVID-19; conduct house-to-house visitation; restrain, segregate and isolate persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19; and prohibit or restrict the movement of persons as well as public of private conveyances within and to and from areas deemed infected.

Expressing his infuriation at the double-standard of APNU/AFC, Jagdeo noted, “The naysayers protesting the push for increased vaccination against COVID – ironically clad in mask and face shields – remained silent in the face of Granger’s draconian order.”

He reminded that the pandemic remains a threat, where people are continuously losing their lives. The Ali-led Administration commenced its vaccination campaign back in February, and, to date, over 260,000 persons have received their first dose. In addition, over 143,000 are fully vaccinated.

“I appeal to all our people to ensure that they are vaccinated, so that our country can move faster to achieving herd immunity and to ensure that we reduce the number of lives being lost as a result of this global pandemic,” Jagdeo has said. (G12)

Kitty gold establishment heist

Trio confess to robbery − to be charged today T

he Chief Security Officer, who was also the personal security guard of the businessowner, has confessed to being the mastermind behind last week’s daring multimillion-dollar robbery of the gold establishment in Kitty, Georgetown.

Investigators on Monday also obtained confessions from another security officer who was attached to the business, and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant who was found with some of the stolen money buried in his yard. The two men admitted to being part of the plot to rob the

ranks realised that the area was freshly dug. Further inspection led to the discovery of the bucket with some of the stolen loot.

The Chief Crime had indicated on Sunday that the GDF Sergeant’s wife, who is also a serving member of the army, was also taken into custody as accessory to the robbery.

Further, this publication was told by Police sources that they were also provided with information that implicates two other ex-GDF ranks, who had executed the daring heist. As such, a team of Police went to a village on the East Coast of Demerara

The $18M recovered from the GDF Sergeant’s residence

gold establishment.

Guyana Times understands the two security officers are former army members.

The three men are expected to be charged sometime today and placed before the courts.

On Saturday night, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit of the Guyana Police Force unearthed $18 million of the $38 million that was taken during last Thursday’s robbery.

The money was found buried in the backyard of the GDF Sergeant’s home at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Based on a video seen

by Guyana Times, the money was neatly wrapped in transparent plastic and placed in a bucket. The bucket was then wrapped in two black garbage bags and buried in a hole.

When contacted on Sunday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that after the robbery, initial investigations led ranks to Sophia at one of the suspect’s homes, where several items from the robbery were found. He further stated that with additional intelligence gathered, investigators went to the soldier’s residence.

This newspaper understands that several members of the business community, particularly the gold industry, had also travelled to the area with investigators on Saturday night to arrest the GDF rank. During this time, a search was conducted on his premises but nothing was found.

However, checks in the yard revealed a disturbed area and upon checking,

At the time, another employee and a man were in the office, and they were also held at gunpoint even as the cashier was ordered to open the two metal safes. After collecting the valuables, the bandits locked the victims in the office and made good their escape.

The victims managed to set themselves free, and the cashier raised an alarm and the security officer went to their rescue.

However, based on CCTV footage seen by Guyana Times, at about 10:04h one man entered the establishment and started to speak with an employee, Wazim

The gold establishment where the multimillion-dollar heist was executed last week

in pursuit of the two others but that was futile.

Guyana Times understands that one of the wanted ex-military personnel involved in the robbery was previously charged for armed robbery.

On Thursday last, three armed men who posed as customers robbed Wallison Enterprise of $20 million in gold and $38 million in cash.

The Police had reported that at about 10:00h on the day in question, the three suspects arrived at the Gordon Street business in a white car, and entered the compound through the main gate, after indicating to the security guard that they had gold to sell.

The suspects then entered the waiting area, where they spoke to the female cashier and showed her a small package which they claimed contained the gold they wanted to sell.

Immediately after, they whipped out their guns, and ordered her into an office where the money and gold were secured.

Kassim, about selling gold.

Soon after, he was joined by a second person, and later by a third.

Upon entry of the third man, the visitors all went into their bags and pulled out firearms. Thereupon, they held Kassim at gunpoint and tied his hands behind his back.

Having donned masks and dark shades, the three armed men then entered another section of the establishment and held three other employees at gunpoint.

They then tied up a female and another male employee, and started to demand money and gold.

After committing the heist, the men relieved the victims of their cell phones, before using duct tape to gag the employees prior to locking them in one of the offices and making good their escape.

The Police were immediately contacted and soon after, the security officer who was on duty at the time of the robbery was arrested.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

39

GFF referees ramp up preparations for return to play with CONCACAF Seminar

T

he Guyana Football Federation has completed a high-level, CONCACAFfacilitated referees seminar this weekend, the first in-person referees programme since 2019, as the nation’s match officials accelerate their preparations for the highly-anticipated return to play.

The sessions, including fitness, classroom and on-field time at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, were facilitated by CONCACAF Elite Assessor and Head of Refereeing for the Bahamas Football Association, Dianne FerreiraJames – a Guyanese national who has refereed at every tournament level in the FIFA and CONCACAF competitions roster.

“The session has achieved its first objective, which is to ensure the referees come together in fellowship for the sharing of knowledge,” said GFF Executive Committee member and Head of Refereeing Dion Inniss.

“The aim of the Refereeing Department is to ensure we have fit, highly motivated and competent referees taking charge of the

sport in all its forms in Guyana,” he said.

“This programme will go a far way in ensuring that.”

During the seminar, which ran from 6 8th August, participants had the opportunity to review and revise the laws of the game, enact match scenarios, and discuss challenging moments that arise during competitions, such as offside decisions, fouls and handballs.

“I was very impressed with the level of the referees despite the pandemic,” said Ferreira-James. “Many of them would have been reading the laws of the game and trying to stay updated. It was very interactive, and they were very receptive. I am hopeful that this group of referees will continue to grow and make the GFF Refereeing Department one to reckon with in CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA.” While the GFF has conducted online courses for its referees, the seminar was the first delivered face-to-face since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The GFF will host

its annual Referees Assistance Programme (RAP) later this month as another big step towards the eventual resumption of play, which requires the green light from the national authorities.

“This course puts them in good stead.

Our match officials will be well prepared to ensure they do well in that RAP,” Inniss said.

Participant Kenisha Prescott, 24, has said the seminar was “very informative”, and she described it as a “very good initiative.”

“It was needed at this moment, because we have been away from football for a while,” she said. “These sessions build on our knowledge and give us insights into what other referees might think, and also clear up some gray areas.”

GFF President Wayne Forde observed that the sessions were a vital part of getting ready to deliver competitions as soon as the authorities grant approval to the Federation’s “return to play” roadmap, which was developed in conjunction with UEFA. “This event is just the beginning in a series of referee training programmes that will take place over the coming months as we prepare to get back to competition,” he said.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Indies announce ‘To create a champion, West 17-member provisional we need a team’ squad for Betway Test

By Jemima Holmes

− Swim Coach Shawn Baksh

W

hile Swim Coach Sean Baksh is satisfied with the recordbreaking swim of Guyana’s 15-year-old Olympian Aleka Persaud just about two weeks ago, he is already planning how he can better the teenager’s star quality.

In explaining Aleka Persaud’s preparation for the recently concluded Tokyo Games, this Coach has noted that Aleka’s preparation was a community effort - the same kind of collaboration needed to create champions, he said.

“To create a champion, we need a team of people. It’s not a single-person job, it’s not an Aleka job; it’s a group of people, including the media, the Government of Guyana, the GOA. She needs a nutritionist, she needs a trainer, she needs a massage therapist, she needs somebody to work with her mentally. All those things.”

The Coach continued, “Her mother plays a very important part; she has to take care of the school work and ensure Aleka does the school work. It’s a team sport. Although it’s a single individual swimming, it’s a team thing.”

Coach Baksh has revealed that a development plan has been crafted that would propel Guyana’s young swimmers to the next level. He explained, “We have had talks with the GOA through the President of the Swimming Association. The GOA did ask for a development plan for our athletes, not Aleka per se, but we are preparing that document, which includes Aleka, and we will be approaching them shortly.”

This plan is not only catered to Aleka, as Baksh believes there needs to be other strong local swimmers, not only to equip Aleka with great training partners, but to simultaneously push the sport forward.

“It is very important for her to continue to train at high levels, or compete at high levels, or else she’s going to fall back. We have to have

good training partners for her here, and we also have to have them do the same things that she’s doing for the sport to move forward, not just to be here, but we need to develop a corps of athletes - not just one single person or two, we need to develop a corps so that there’s always somebody coming up behind somebody, and that is our work currently,” Baksh explained.

Further, he said, “We do have a few, and we’ve shortlisted 18 athletes at the moment for development purposes.”

As testament to how Aleka’s memorable Olympic performance has motivated other swimmers, Baksh stated, “Aleka has motivated the athletes… they’re all swimming fantastic (times) in the pool. They’re all looking up to Aleka, they all want to do the same things that Aleka did, and they’re all putting their best foot forward. They’re coming out, they’re training, and that’s the most we can ask for at the moment.”

In regard to sponsorship, Baksh related the struggles Aleka’s team had in getting her to adequately prepare for the Olympics.

However, they are still committed to working along with the Government of Guyana, he said.

“We are currently speaking with the Government, we are going to be looking for sponsors for the other stuff. I did try the GOA (Guyana Olympic Association) for the two meets, we got no assistance,” the Coach disclosed.

He added, “The Puerto Rico meet was mainly funded by her parents, and the Bahamas meet we did get some sponsorship from corporate Guyana, thanks to Modern Optical Service, Power Producers and a few other friends of mine that came in and chipped in. So we got to the Bahamas, and she did break the record there, and the Olympics was the icing on the cake.”

Aleka’s next stop will be the Junior Pan American Games, and Baksh is certain she would be able to topple a few more national records. The first ever edition of the Junior Pan American Games is scheduled for November 25 to December 5, and Persaud is currently expected to participate in three events.

FIDE International Tournament…

Wins for Rajkumar, Zhang and Shariff as focus shifts to Under-12, Under-16 players

F

ollowing the stellar performances of their Under-10 counterparts, Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) players for the Under-12 Open and the Girls Under-16 competitions recently commenced their participation in the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE’s) Cadet and Youth World Cup online tournament.

With four rounds thus far completed in two days, the Under-12 boys were able to secure 3 points; one each for Mahir Rajkumar, Alexander Zhang and Omar Shariff. The first-round victory for Rajkumar was an upset that was welcomed by the Guyana team with victory over India’s Ashwath Mittal.

Rajkumar seized the moment when his opponent blundered on move 22 in not advancing his knight and missing the mate that was being set up, which Rajkumar took along with the Queen.

Alexander Zhang played well with the black pieces to win his round 3 game against Aponte Tores of Puerto Rico.

In round four, Omar Shariff played with the white pieces and got his name among the points with a meaningful victory over his opponent Tores (the same opponent faced by Zhang in the third round from Puerto Rico). Maciah Enoe, the fourth member of the team, was still to score after some tough games in the early rounds.

In the girls U16 competition, Adia Alphanso and Aniyah Couchman were having a tough time facing some talented players to go without winning a game for the four rounds completed. In round one, Adia Alphanso played brilliantly until she ran into time trouble and went down in her game against Greece’s Ernie Ergazki.

The performance of the Under- 10 team gave the Guyana boys and girls some hope. In a recap of that category, Aqualani Swammadha starred their campaign, as he put on a good show to end his ten games on five points.

Series

K

INGSTON, Jamaica – Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel today announced the 17-member provisional squad for the Betway Test Series against Pakistan, starting on Thursday, August 12.

Fast bowler Chemar Holder and middle-order batsman Shamarh Brooks have been recalled. Holder made his Test debut in New Zealand last year, but has since not featured. Brooks last played in New Zealand, and has earned a recall following a polished century in the Best v Best four-day match last week.

Two experienced players, left-hander Darren Bravo and fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, will not feature in the upcoming two-match

FULL SQUAD

• Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain) • Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain) • Nkrumah Bonner • Shamarh Brooks • Rahkeem Cornwall • Roston Chase • Joshua Da Silva • Jahmar Hamilton • Chemar Holder • Jason Holder • Shai Hope • Alzarri Joseph • Kyle Mayers • Kieran Powell • Kemar Roach • Jayden Seales • Jomel Warrican

series.

Roger Harper, Lead Selector of the Senior Men’s Team, has said: “Chemar Holder returns, having recovered from his injury. He will bolster the fast-bowling department.

Shamarh Brooks batted his way into the provisional squad by scoring an accomplished century. He will certainly add some depth to the squad’s batting.

“Shannon Gabriel has been given time to rehab fully and build his conditioning, so he was not be part of the preparations for the Test series against Pakistan, which included the Best v Best game.

Darren Bravo has been part of the ‘bubble’ from the preparation camp leading into the Betway Test series against South Africa, and has been given a break.”

Harper added: “I expect the team to be highly competitive in every department, while playing with passion, purpose and determination.

I look forward to the batsmen stepping up as they did in the series against Bangladesh and against Sri Lanka earlier this year in Antigua.”

The two-match Betway Test Series will be played at Sabina Park from August 12-16 and from August 20-24. The Betway Test Series forms the first of six Series in the new cycle of the International Cricket Council World Test Championship to find the best Test match cricket team in the world.

West Indies will take on Pakistan for WTC Points starting Thursday

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