Guyana Times - Tuesday, August 25, 2021

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4750

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Guyana receives over 146,000 doses of Pfizer from US Govt − available to every child 12 years and above

PRICE

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− over 4000 students already granted consent to take vaccine

Guyana to pursue closer ties with UAE on energy, LCDS among other areas – Pres Ali ...as new UAE Ambassador to Guyana accredited

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$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

China donates $20M in medical supplies to P19 Guyana

COVID death toll surpasses 600 after 4 more die − 134 new infections detected in 1 day P11

Linden man P10 injured in failed execution attempt Domestic worker remanded P16 for allegedly stealing baby from employer His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Non-Resident Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Guyana, His Excellency, Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Alsuwaidi in discussion at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive on Tuesday. The President and the Ambassador exchanged pleasantries and spoke about bilateral collaboration between the two countries

2000 Policemen to be trained to better deal with domestic violence −896 cases reported so far for 2021 −as COPSQUAD2000 launched Multimillion-dollar gold heist

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Lance Corporal dies after losing control of car at Hauraruni Page 10

Top Cop praises Major Crimes Unit for breakthrough in case Page 18

− dispels notion that gold dealers leading investigation

Man granted bail after P16 attempting to murder friend Pensioner robbed after collecting $187,000 pension P17

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Aug 25 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Thursday, Aug 26 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Aug 25 – 06:00h – 07:30h and Thursday, Aug 26 – 06:35h – 08:05h.

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 21 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:13h and 18:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.69 metres and 2.63 metres.

Low Tide: 12:06h reaching a minimum height of 0.57 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS 04 08 14 18 19 23

FREE TICKET

01 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 07 14 22 25 LUCKY 3

7

4

6

5

Afternoon Draw

8

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 04 06 08 13 15 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 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

$68.75/barrel

+5.19

Rough Rice

$240.93 /ton $479.10/ton

0.00 -0.91

London Sugar

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1801.90

$1802.90

Low/High Change

$1784.20 -3.60

$1807.90 -0.20%

− available to every child 12 years and above − over 4000 students already granted consent to take vaccine

By Rupa Seenaraine

FERRY SCHEDULE

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Guyana receives over 146,000 doses of Pfizer from US Govt T

he United States Government’s contribution of 146,250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday which signals a turning point in Guyana’s vaccination campaign as children aged 12 and above are targeted.

Receiving the tranche were Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Mark Cullinane; Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and other officials.

In trials, the double-dose component has shown to be around 95 per cent effective, and is one of two vaccines approved for children by the Food and Drug Administration.

Speaking at a press conference after the vaccines arrived, the Education Minister stated that this will allow for the vaccination of children 12 years and above – a plan which Government has been concocting for some time. Once realised, schools can be reopened in a safe environment.

While just over 56,000 students are enrolled in secondary schools across Guyana, anyone in the age category is eligible for the vaccine. Some from the primary level, TVET, Cyril Potter College of Education and University of Guyana are included in the radar.

“We are very grateful to the United States Government and people for this donation. It is one that will help us to vaccinate all of our over 12 students, which would amount to 98 per cent of the secondary population in Guyana. If every parent and student were to consent to being vaccinated in that age cohort, we could resume secondary school with normalcy. That would allow us to take back much of what COVID has taken from us,” Manickchand noted.

She further stated, “It is a vaccine that will be administered by the Ministry of Health to any child between the ages of 12 and 18, regardless of whether they’re in school.”

However, the Minister reported that since the distribution of consent forms for parents or guardians to decide whether their child would take the shot, over 4000 have returned in the positive.

“We have a few thousand students, where we have already received written consent of their parents. We hope that we see this expanded across every community, every level that fits into that age cohort. We could say with sureness from the Ministry of Education that

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony with Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Mark Cullinane receiving the vaccines

we have sent to every school and every parent, and we hope every parent has been able to access it, the forms that would allow them to consent.”

Once the rollout starts, health officials will visit the respective schools, and parents are to be present when their child takes the jab. The Minister assured that any questions pertaining to the vaccine can be clarified by officials.

“We will come with the Ministry of Health, village to village, school to school, to make sure that everyone who wishes to access and

benefit from this vaccine, can. We will come again when it’s your second dose.

By October, we should be able to start rolling out to schools across the country.

We are not at the end of this.

We are, as a Government, making ourselves and the professionals accessible and available to answer any questions that people might have on the vaccines or around COVID.” Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony used the platform to report that with the circulation of deadlier strains, children are getting infected and de-

veloping severe forms of the virus. For this, the vaccines have arrived at an opportune time.

“We have seen in Guyana, since this pandemic started, we’ve had more than 4000 children - male and female - under the age of 18, who were infected with the coronavirus. This represents a real threat to our children and while with the original variants, they might have had a mild form of the infection, with the Delta variant, you can have a very severe form of the infection,” Dr Anthony noted.

Whilst vaccination of children will not be mandatory, the Ministry is urging parents to consider the benefits that this vaccine will provide to their children and consent to the vaccine being administered to their children.

Parental consent forms for this vaccine have been delivered to schools and can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website at: https:// education.gov.gy/covid-vaccine. Parents can also fill an e-form which can be submitted to indicate their consent. This can be accessed at: https://education.gov.gy/ PfizerRegistration. Also, if parents are unable to submit the physical copies, they can take a photograph of the completed form and submit it via WhatsApp to phone number: 652-9144.

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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

Mental health challenges to populations

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ecently, much discussion has been had locally about the mental health of citizens. While the topic was categorised as ‘taboo’ in many cultures, it came to the fore as the COVID-19 pandemic took centre stage. It is well known that the pandemic has taken a severe toll on the mental wellbeing of persons all over the world.

For example, the initial challenge of dealing with the lockdown measures, the fear of being infected with the virus, or having to deal with the death of a loved one has caused tremendous stress and anxiety on many. All of this is added to the economic pressures that are brought on due to persons not being able to go out and work to support themselves and families.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations, or many are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) survey, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93 per cent of countries worldwide, while the demand for mental health services is increasing.

A survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services, and underscores the urgent need for increased funding. The survey was published ahead of WHO’s Big Event for Mental Health? a global online advocacy event on October 10 that will bring together world leaders, celebrities, and advocates to call for increased mental health investments in the wake of COVID-19.

According to WHO, the survey was conducted from June to August 2020 among 130 countries across WHO’s six regions. It evaluates how the provision of mental, neurological and substance use services has changed due to COVID-19, the types of services that have been disrupted, and how countries are adapting to overcome these challenges.

It was reported that over 60 per cent of countries reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people, including children and adolescents (72 per cent); older adults (70 per cent), and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services (61 per cent).

More than a third (35 per cent) reported disruptions to emergency interventions, including those for people experiencing prolonged seizures; severe substance use withdrawal syndromes; and delirium, often a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Additionally, 30 per cent reported disruptions to access for medications for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

Around three-quarters reported at least partial disruptions to school and workplace mental health services (78 per cent and 75 per cent respectively).

WHO had previously highlighted the chronic underfunding of mental health. The Organisation had pointed out that, prior to the pandemic, countries were spending less than two per cent of their national health budgets on mental health, and were struggling to meet their populations’ needs.

The pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services; for example, bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear are triggering mental health conditions, or exacerbating existing ones.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with preexisting mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. They may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes, and even death.

WHO has issued guidance to countries on how to maintain essential services, including mental health services, during COVID-19, and recommends that countries allocate resources to mental health as an integral component of their response and recovery plans.

The Organisation has also urged countries to monitor changes and disruptions in services, so that they can address them as required.

It should be pointed out that although 89 per cent of countries reported in the survey that mental health and psychosocial support are part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17 per cent of those countries have full additional funding for covering these activities. This all highlights the need for more money for mental health. Spending two per cent of national health budgets on mental health is not enough, according to WHO. As stated by WHO, those who do invest in mental health would reap rewards. Pre-COVID-19 estimates reveal that nearly US$1 trillion in economic productivity is lost annually from depression and anxiety alone. However, studies show that every US$1 spent on evidence-based care for depression and anxiety returns US$5.

As part of continued celebrations of India’s 75th Independence anniversary, the High Commission of India on Tuesday celebrated Raksha Bandhan with His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali. Female members of the High Commission tied Rakhi on the President’s hand in the presence of High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sravana during July or August, and is symbolic of the love and bond between a brother and a sister.

Cutoff date for free vaccine

Dear Editor, What are the costs of vaccine hesitancy? Some costs are easily computed in terms of dollars, and some costs cannot be translated into monetary terms. Who will pay these costs is an interesting question.

Storage of vaccines that should/could have been utilised had it not been for hesitancy is costly, use of purpose-built storage facilities, special freezers with appropriate backup power generation, specialist staff to monitor and control retrieval and security all have costs.

These facilities were supposed to be short-term, as it was anticipated that Guyanese would appreciate the efforts to vaccinate the entire population and participate eagerly; instead, vaccination slowed to a crawl, and it has taken the implementation of regulations requiring

persons to show proof of vaccination to get the inoculation drive moving again.

Delivery of vaccines requires transportation and medical personnel to administer injections. Again, these are costs that have increased due to prolonged programmes.

There was an appropriate hue and cry over the price paid for the Sputnik V vaccines, which prompted the Irfaan Ali administration to provide a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the decision to pay above the suggested market price. Will we now ask who will pay the costs outlined above, caused by hesitancy and the spread of deliberate misinformation?

I would suggest that a cut-off date for free vaccinations for adults be announced, and thereafter individuals be charged a fee

that increases with time as a fair solution. After all, taxpayers’ money is not meant to be wasted because of ignorance and politically motivated mischief.

In the category of costs that cannot be recovered monetarily is the loss suffered by our children, who were kept at home for the protection of their parents and older family members.

The risk posed to children is minimal, and to remain unvaccinated is to ask your child to sacrifice her/his education, sport, and socialisation (childhood) upon your altar of ignorance.

Shame on any parent, teacher, or health worker who refuses to inoculate!

Shame!

The health sector was in difficulty before COVID-19, but managed the pandemic well. However, more can be done with the enormous

amount of data gathered by the Ministry of Health.

Can they let us know how many persons are hospitalised in the COVID Centre?

Of those, how many are vaccinated? My information is that no fully vaccinated person has died from COVID-19 to date; it would be useful to have that important fact confirmed publicly by an official Government source.

Dr Rochelle Walensky of the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) said on July 19th, 2021, “There is a clear message coming through; This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Six weeks later, we can remove ‘becoming’ and ‘unvaccinated’ can be substituted by a wide variety of unflattering words. Get vaccinated, the life you save can be your own.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

Cash relief to farmers is welcome Dear Editor, I am sure you know by now the PPP Government is rolling out its relief measures for farmers who were affected by the floods. Also, the Government has been coming in for praise and commendation from the farmers.

As expected, some of the farmers’ names did not feature on the various lists.

These farmers were told that, once they make a verifiable claim, the authorities would reach out to them.

Other farmers had legitimate concerns which could be addressed properly if they are willing to wait on the system.

Suddenly, an AFC activist started to make claims on social media that caught the attention of his Opposition colleagues. These divisive politicians are circulating these comments to justify their own narrative of non-support and corruption.

Editor, while I agree with people voicing or expressing their feelings about issues relating to transparency, there is a time and place for it. These people have to take the right approach and channel to get an audience with the right persons and authorities, if they want the issue addressed. They must not go on Facebook and other social media platforms to

make accusations. It is not advisable.

Secondly, I do not think Mr. Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Sherod Duncan should be saying anything about this cash relief to the farmers. They are the last Parliamentarians I expect to talk about accountability, transparency, and corruption.

As Parliamentarians, these politicians and the APNU/AFC cabal should know how to verify and sanitise these claims. If they have any integrity, then they would stop sharing these posts.

They could pick up the

phone and call a Minister to let them know what is happening.

They also can use the Parliament to ask questions about the criteria used to come up with these names.

But do not spread falsities about the project to get cheap political points.

Finally, this relief will benefit 52,000 households.

It is expected to have some hiccups, but responsible politicians would not behave in this lewd, cunning, and selfish manner. Stop stirring the pot and making public mischief!

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

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

CXC syllabus Dear Editor, Professor Kumar Mahabir from Trinidad appeared before the Caribbean Examination Council in 2017, and supported with extensive research his position that Indian History, heritage and culture were underrepresented or excluded from the CXC, CXEC and CAPE history and other syllabi.

COVID and the Internet have resulted in this issue being discussed throughout the globe by many organisations, including the Indian Diaspora Council International and IndoCaribbean Cultural Centre regular zoom public meetings each Sunday at 3.00pm.

Dr Vishnu Bisram has also recently revisited this issue Guyana Times May 11, 2011) and concurred that the CXC Syllabus and Curriculum discriminated against Indians and Portuguese.

Prior to independence in many Caribbean countries, the history of England that had colonised us was taught at the GCE level. However, since the 1960s, when most of the nations attained independence, while there were some adjustments to incorporate the African pre- slavery experience and afterwards, that of the indentured servants who had been brought from Bharat (India) subsequent to the abolition of slavery was almost completely blanked.

More significant for our Caribbean region, by 1917, about 239,000 reached the shores of Guyana, the most in the Western Hemisphere; and another 290,000 reached to Suriname and other WI islands.

Surely the best place to teach their descendants and make them proud of their history and culture would be in the classroom. But this is yet to happen. Even after the Caribbean Examination Council was set up in 1972, the process still resulted in the present situation described by the researchers above.

While nations like Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad have significant populations who can trace their ancestry to India, and must have representatives on the board, one has to question what the process of appointment is, and what qualifies one to be an expert.

Unlike in the last century, this one is overflowing with Professors, research materials, and book writers specialising in Indo-Caribbean History, some of whom have retired, and may even volunteer their expertise to effect necessary changes.

Education is certainly one way of changing an individual, and also the society in which they live - a fact recognised by all progressive governments.

Issues facing this region may vary slightly from country to country, but they generally include political violence, racism, alcohol and

drug abuse, lack of respect for the rule of law, religious conversion, suicides mostly among youths, corruption.

Recent communication from CXC advised that the history examination syllabuses are being reviewed for CSEC and CAPE, and that body has invited submissions by stakeholders on or before August 30 to be considered by the panel of experts.

Comments and suggestions regarding syllabus and curriculum development can be sent to CXCWZO@CXC. ORG for the Barbados office, and NYEARDE@CXC.ORG for the Jamaica office.

Hope the immediate stakeholders, teachers, parents, students take advantage of this opportunity to make their views known, and keep themselves updated on the changes.

Sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo BA, LLB

Optimism in air as Guyana aims to meet local demand for livestock feed by 2023 Dear Editor, We will not dispute that Guyana, even though advancing in technology, is still a country that is steeped in livestock, nationally and individually.

We all know, too, that even though we are managing fairly well, we can do far better in terms of exacting a bigger profit margin in this area. Well, it seems as though our dream may be realised quite soon, and I am saying this based on a commitment made by His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali. According to the Head of State, the local demand for animal and bird feed is soon to be met, as trials are ongoing for soya and corn crops. The President is quite optimistic that production would come on stream by 2023, and this

industry would indeed get a deserved fillip. In fact, so close is this realisation that local Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and his Surinamese counterpart Parmanand Sewdien signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost agricultural trade between Guyana and Suriname, as well as to find foreign markets for their produce.

All of this I gleaned from the recently held joint press conference that was hosted by the Guyana Head of State, and with his Surinamese counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

From a Guyana perspective, rearing livestock is traditionally profitable, and with our vast land-

The Government is standing by the farmers’ side Dear Editor, The Government has kept its word to the farmers and people by giving us a fresh opportunity to restart our village economies and livelihoods that were drastically affected by the floods over the last three months.

Two months ago, I was in despair because all of the cash crops I had worked so hard on had been swept away by the constant rains and subsequent floods. My brothers who farmed the lands faced a similar ordeal. Then suddenly I read that farmers all across Guyana were affected, and were looking all around for some assistance.

I paid attention to the TV, and just as I was watching the news, I caught President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement. I was overjoyed. I called my brothers to tell them what the President said: we were going to be helped to get restarted with money.

At first nobody wanted to believe me, but I said I have confidence in the President and Government. Even the shop owner in my area said the PPP was only promising, and they were not delivering.

I said to myself, “I hope the President means what he says, and does not listen to Opposition politicians, because if they only know what we go through in the sun and at night tending to our farms, they would never talk like that”.

Today, we are all extremely overjoyed for the support received in Region 6. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government, for looking out for the “small man” and seeing their plight.

This is what I voted for; a Government that cares and sticks to its words and promises. Now I am no longer in despair. I am open to making new invest-

ments in the agriculture industry, which my family depend on to survive.

Farmers from Auchlyne, Yakusari, Johanna, and Mibicuri must give a special shout-out to the Government, because the timing of this cash grant relief is excellent.

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

mass, we should venture more and more in this area.

Too many times we have been stymied for some silly reason, and with hope for greater productivity and profit, smuggling of meat from Suriname will be nullified.

In terms of agriculture, the industry is gaining momentum as it should be, since food security is a major world issue, and the sooner Guyana can foster a healthy agricultural climate, the better it will be for both national and external gains.

In fact, President Ali noted that “…extensive discussions were held, and the two countries have agreed on a strategy that would see them supporting each other in entering the North American,

European, and regional markets.”

Of immediate interest is that Guyana and Suriname would shortly examine the possibilities in the poultry sector, so as to harness the potential in satisfying requirements of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This will point us in the direction of truly regaining the tag of the “food basket of the region”.

I call on all stakeholders to work assiduously in ensuring all the soya and corn requirements for the poultry industry, the feed for the livestock industry, be produced locally by 2023, as our leaders want to take Guyana to the next level.

Respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Page

Foundation

Exploring gravity

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ravity is an invisible force that pulls objects toward each other. On Earth, gravity continuously pulls us and everything on Earth (and in Earth’s orbit) down towards the ground. The closer an object is to Earth, the more its gravity pulls on it. To explore space, spacecrafts have to over-come Earth’s gravity, have kids build a model rocket to explore the force and thrust needed to launch a real rocket into space.

Supplies

• Straight, jumbo size (smoothie) straws • Flexible drinking straws, standard size (standard straws need to slide inside the jumbo straws easily without too much extra space) • 2 adhesive labels, 1” x 2.5” (for each rocket) • Modeling clay (small ball to fill the end of the smoothie straw) • Scissors • Small stuffed animal (optional) • Masking tape • Tape measure You'll need some space for launching the rockets!

Get kids thinking

Check kids understanding of gravity. Do they think things just naturally fall? They should understand that objects and people “fall” towards Earth because of gravity.

Watch this Crash Course Kids video: Defining G r a v i t y (https://youtu. be/ljRlB6TuMOU) or try a Demonstration: Hold up a small stuffed animal. Drop it on the floor and ask kids: What happened? Talk about how the force of gravity continuously pulls

things down towards the ground. Next, toss the stuffed animal up into the air and then let it fall to the ground and ask kids how the toy fell to the ground this time. Talk about the force you used to toss the stuffed animal up and the force of gravity that pulled it down to the ground.

Now kids are ready to launch! Have them bend the neck of the flexible drinking straw to a right angle.

Next, they should slide the long end of the straw into the base

Epic family tale

of the rocket. Before anyone blows into the short end of the drinking straw to launch, make sure everyone has plenty of room and that no one is in the way of an incoming rocket.

Count down 10-9-8-7-65-4-3-2-1, blast off!

After this initial test flight, measure out a flight zone with masking tape so kids can see how far their rockets travel in future flights. Have them launch again. Encourage kids to make observations about their rocket launch. Ask kids: Where did it go? How high? How far down the flight zone?

What could you change about your rocket or your launch to make it go higher or travel farther? Talk about how the clay prevents the air from escaping from the rocket and is pressurized, producing a force — thrust.

Give kids a chance to modify their rockets, try different launch angles, blow harder, or redesign something different to test. Let them keep launching and revising and then discuss how their ideas and changes worked or didn’t work.

Imagine writing an epic tale that tells the history of your family. What would it be like, and why?

By Emily Dickinson A Bird, came down the Walk He did not know I saw He bit an Angle Worm in halves And ate the fellow, raw, And then, he drank a Dew From a convenient Grass And then hopped sidewise to the Wall To let a Beetle pass He glanced with rapid eyes, That hurried all abroad They looked like frightened Beads, I thought, He stirred his Velvet Head. Like one in danger, Cautious, I offered him a Crumb, And he unrolled his feathers, And rowed him softer Home Than Oars divide the Ocean, Too silver for a seam, Or Butterflies, off Banks of Noon, Leap, plashless as they swim.

WORD SEARCH

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana to pursue closer ties with UAE on energy, LCDS among other areas – Pres Ali ...as new UAE Ambassador to Guyana accredited

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new United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Guyana was on Tuesday accredited, with President Dr Irfaan Ali committing to working with the Arabian federation in areas of mutual interest such as renewable energy and the Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The accreditation of Ambassador Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Alsuwaidi took place at the Office of the President where the President also committed to travelling to Dubai, one of the UAE’s seven countries, for Expo 2020 Dubai later in the year.

“Both of our countries share similar objectives. On the mitigation of climate change effects, Guyana is on a path to transforming our economy to low carbon sustainable development trajectory, through the prioritisation of the Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy,” Ali said.

“I hope that we can work together to develop our collaboration in this area.

The impending establishment of our mission in Abu Dhabi is testimony to my Government’s commitment to give practical meaning to its relations with the UAE. I wish to congratulate the UAE on its hosting of Expo Dubai 2020. And I look forward to being in Dubai this October to attend this event.”

Meanwhile, Ambassador Alzaraim Alsuwaidi conveyed “the warmest greetings” on behalf of his Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to President Ali. “I would like to seize this opportunity to convey that the President desires the partnership to be focused on developing bilateral relations between the UAE and Guyana,” the UAE Ambassador said during the ceremony.

It was announced at the start of the year by Foreign

The UAE Ambassador handing over his letters of credence to President Irfaan Ali

Affairs Minister Hugh Todd that Guyana would be moving to set up two embassies in the middle eastern states of Qatar and UAE. Todd had said that this would be done by 2021 year end.

In November of last year, His Highness, Sheikh

Ahmad Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had led a high-level delegation to Guyana for a three-day State visit.

The visiting envoy met with members of the Cabinet, includ-

ing Minister Hugh Todd, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, Housing and Water Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and other Government officials.

During their stay, the UAE team had engaged in high-level talks with Guyanese officials on a number of areas of mutual interest, including oil and gas.

And it has been posited by experts that there is much Guyana can benefit from through increased collaboration with the UAE. This is particularly so in the oil and gas sector.

Guyana, with its oil and gas industry, has been spared the economic pain suffered by many of its regional counterparts. For instance, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had previously noted that Guyana, unlike 19 other countries, did not record any increase in its debt to Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.

In the CDB’s 2020 Review and 2021 Outlook Regional Report, the Bank noted that on average, the regional debt to GDP ratio increased from 66.5 per cent to 79.5 per cent among 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

Guyana, which is also a BMC, was able to avoid this altogether and was, in fact, the only BMC surveyed by the CDB to record economic growth for 2020, with 26 per cent. The economies of the other BMCs contracted by 12.8 per cent on average due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the CDB, Guyana’s economic growth was driven solely by the start-up in first oil, though this growth was still lower than expected due to the declining oil prices that were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic last year. It means, however, that Guyana is uniquely positioned as an investment destination.

In one year

PPP Govt has laid the foundation for massive job creation – Finance Minister

...as he tours BPO investment that created over 300 jobs in 1 year

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ontending that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has laid the foundation for massive job creation, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh toured Midas BPO, a Business Processing Outsourcing company that has created over 300 jobs in just one year.

According to Singh, the Government has established a business-friendly environment that calls to investors. He noted that the PPP Government’s pro-business stance has been a policy position.

“Jobs have been created since we came back into office. We’ve done a number of things to lay the foundation for job creation. First of all, you have to signal that you are a business-friendly Government, you are eager to attract investments and you are supportive of investments in Guyana,” he said.

According to Minister Singh, the BPO sector is uniquely poised to deliver thousands of high-quality jobs and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has long recognised this opportunity. He pointed to the fact that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Midas BPO, Malcolm Sobers, is a product of the BPO industry.

“In terms of (Midas), this is a relatively new operation. This operation started in August and I was very pleased to meet with Mr Sobers and hear from him the story of the establishment of his operations and the growth and expansion.

they are having with the leaders of the sector.

Meanwhile, Midas BPO’s CEO was in agreement that the Government has created the right environment for business. In fact, Sobers made it clear that he is looking to expand his workforce.

“We started in the end of August 2020 as a BPO company here in Guyana and

From left: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh; GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Midas BPO CEO Malcolm Sobers

It’s a remarkable story and I commend him.”

“He started in Guyana, in one of the call centres we attracted in our previous term in office. He began his relationship with the sector. He has since worked in the sector, in and outside of Guyana and has a vast amount of experience in the sector.”

In fact, the Finance Minister said the CEO’s plan is to move upwards in the New Market Street building and when the capacity has been reached, to expand outwards to other locations. The Minister expressed hope that there

would also be a decentralisation of BPOs, outside of Georgetown.

“We’ve seen some excellent developments of BPOs like this in Georgetown, but we would like to see these developments in a more decentralised way. So we’re looking for similar developments in other parts of Guyana. Region Two, Three, elsewhere in Region Four, Region Six, Region 10.”

“These are all heavily populated regions, with lots of young people looking for work. With young people who have relevant skills for the sector,” he said, adding that this is a conversation

we’ve started with 20 employees. We’re just over 300, over 3 locations – one in Grove, Lombard Street, and here in New Market Street.

We just opened our new space here in New Market Street. We’re looking to grow to 1000 employees by the end of the year,” Sobers said.

While on the campaign

trail, the PPP had made it a point to promise to create 50,000 jobs in their first term of office. Steps to fulfil this have included reopening closed sugar estates, tax and other measures designed to facilitate more private investments across various sectors and a massive housing drive.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Don’t...

B

…knock our forests ack in the day, when President Jagdeo floated the idea that Guyana could make money by simply not cutting down its forests, a lot of folks in the chattering class hooted in derision!! Well, he had the last laugh when Norway forked out US$250 million for us to do just that!! This was more money by far than was hauled in after the first year of oil production in 2020!! Jagdeo, of course, was crowned “Champion of the Earth” by TIME magazine, and was feted like the Climate Change royalty he was!

As a world leader, he was far ahead of the curve in appreciating the factors driving global warming upwards - and what could be done to mitigate it before we reach a catastrophic tipping point. Forests acted as “carbon sinks” by sequestering the element carbon in the molecular structure of trees - which otherwise would’ve been in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Countries that were net carbon dioxide emitters would have to be sanctioned to reduce their emissions. It was pragmatically agreed they could also PAY countries like Guyana not to cut down their forests!! While it might have appeared that we were letting emitters get away with (climate) murder…hey…we didn’t set the (REDD) rules!!

But, even more valuable that the money - if that can be imagined! - was the institutional memory we acquired in dealing with the Norwegians. While the 2008 economic crash in the Developed World put a damper on their agreements to increase payments for “carbon sinks”, the massively disruptive weather patterns from climate change have focused their attention wonderfully!!

New Climate Change talks (COP26) are scheduled for November. The big emitters would be under pressure to cut their emissions while still trying to come out of their economic and COVID slumps!! What can they do? Well… pay countries like Guyana for not deforesting through carbon credits!! While our deforestation has actually slowed, next door Amazon has destroyed 810,000sqkm of forests!! That’s almost THREE TIMES GUYANA’s area!!

This brings up another facet of our forests that’ll earn us brownie points (and money!) - reforestation - that is, by allowing the forests to regrow, or planting new trees. And here we’re ahead of the game. One report announced, “In Guyana, where the recovering forests are older and so have had time to capture more CO2, nearly a quarter of deforestation emissions have been offset, the highest of any Amazonian country. Nature-based solutions will be at the forefront of discussions at COP26!!

What this means is that by us switching to solar, wind, hydro and gas power- generation - as we’re doing - we can have our (energy) cake and eat it too!!

Who says money doesn’t grow on trees? …be too proud In the poem “Ozymandias”, Shelly reflected on the folly of rulers who believed they’d live forever, and treated their subjects with cruelty and harshness to fulfill their oversized egos. Ozymandias was actually Ramses II of ancient Egypt, and the poet was looking at his massive statue fallen in ruins in the sands of the desert - but with his characteristic sneer still visible on his stone lips.

“Nothing beside remains. Round the decay/ Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare/ The lone and level sands stretch far away.” The poet then quotes the ironic inscription: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;/ Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair”!! But even in the time of Ramses, wasn’t it said, “Vanity of vanities…All is vanity”?

So, what brought on this bleak reflection on the delusion of leaders about their mortality? Mostly the constancy of the tendency into the present!

From Burnham in his mausoleum to those who’d return women to the Stone Age. …hide The PNC Central Executive Committee - with proper quorum and all that - has called for Congress to be convened in November, to deafening silence from Granger.

He should remember boxing great Joe Louis’s advice to Billy Conn: “You can run, but you can’t hide!

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2000 Policemen to be trained to better deal with domestic violence – 896 cases reported so far for 2021 – as COPSQUAD2000 launched

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud (centre) with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn (right) and Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie Both senior and junior Police Officers are being trained under COPSQUAD2000

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he Human Services and Social Security Ministry in collaboration with the Home Affairs Ministry on Tuesday launched a new training programme called COPSQUAD2000 which will see 2000 policemen becoming better equipped to deal with domestic violence cases.

During the simple launching ceremony, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn explained that this initiative is crucial, especially in light of recent statistics which show that more than 800 cases of domestic violence have been reported for the year so far. This represents a 22 per cent increase in domestic violence reports when compared to the same period last year.

“I want us men to stand up and admit to our faults as men and to talk about, work

along the pathways of having a critical improvement in this problem and that the persons in society have to be the best representative in this matter and to represent the change which we want in society,” he added.

On this note, he called on the Police to be proactive and vigilant when such reports are made at the station and not simply send the victim back home “to get more licks.”

“In terms of our approach now, the reason we’re having it, given the statistics, relates to failure in policing, failings in the society and fundamental failures of our men folks,” Minister Benn stated.

However, with cases of domestic violence on the increase in Guyana, Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud wants 2000 officers to be trained

before the end of 2021 and called for a conscientious effort to be made for each reported case to be treated with the level of seriousness and urgency that it requires.

This, she noted, is in keeping with the ill effects that domestic violence brings with it including instability in families, disruption of lives, psychological and physical scars, and even death.

The new initiative seeks to ensure that once a domestic violence matter is brought to a Police station, it will be handled in a manner that accords with international best practices.

“We must not be happy with any level of mediocrity; we must not accept any level of doing lesser than we should,” Minister Persaud charged the senior and junior officers in attendance

who hail from hinterland and coastal areas.

Once the policemen complete their training, the participants will receive a badge that will make them easily identifiable to those who turn up to make reports. Following the training, Minister Persaud stressed that the officers will be held accountable for the cases going to them.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie noted that domestic violence has been placed under the microscope by the Ministry which recently launched its

914 domestic violence emergency hotline, among other laudable initiatives.

According to him, statistics for January to June this year reveal that in 2020, there were 733 reports of domestic violence compared to 896 reports in 2021. As such, he implored the officers to make good use of the training and to share it with junior officers so that they can become well rounded and effective in carrying out their duties.

The training will be conducted both in person and online and will be done in

batches of 30 for a maximum of eight days for the junior officers and five days for the senior ones.

The training will deal with interrogation, assessment of safety, how to counsel and respond to people who come to make complaints, and how to write case reports.

The Ministry, with its own set of trainers to complement the initiative, will be working with the Police Force to train instructors so that there will be continuity of the initiative.

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lance Corporal dies after losing Linden man control of car at Hauraruni injured in failed

Dead: Wilmont Ward

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Lance Corporal attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Tuesday morning killed after he reportedly lost control of the car he was driving along Hauraruni on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The dead man has been identified as 26-year-old Wilmot Anthony Ward of Central Amelia's Ward,

Linden. The accident occurred at about 07:00h and involved motor car bearing registration number PLL 6077, owned by the now dead GDF rank.

Police stated that at the time of the accident, Ward was allegedly speeding along the roadway when he lost control of the motor car. The car reportedly toppled several times before crashing into a tree.

However, Ward reportedly fell onto the roadway in the vicinity of Scotty’s Creek, resulting in him sustaining bodily injuries.

He was picked up in a semi-conscious condition and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving medical attention. His body was later transported to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

An investigation has been launched into the fatal accident.

Back on in April, Lancelot Giddings, 26, a GDF rank died after crashing into a pedestri-

execution attempt

A

The car after crashing into a tree

an and a car on the Liliendaal Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.

It was reported that Giddings, of Prince William Street, Plaisance, was driving along the Liliendaal Railway Embankment when a pedestrian attempted to cross the road but instead, he walked into the path of Giddings’ motorcycle, which resulted in the rank losing control and crash-

ing into a motor car.

He was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Hospital.

Then in May, 24-year-old Private Kwasi Rodriguez of Albouystown was killed in an accident at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. Police had stated that Rodriguez was on his motorcycle driving at a fast rate when he collided with a motor car.

38-year-old man is now nursing a gunshot injury to his right knee after a man who he and his friends had taunted earlier in the day opened fire on them at Block 22 Wismar, Linden.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on Monday at about 16:00h, the 20-year-old suspect was taunted by the injured man and his friends as they walked through the area. At the time, they reportedly shouted his name and laughed at him.

However, at about 19:00h, the victim was with his friends looking at a movie when the suspect, who was dressed in female attire - long blue skirt, a grey jacket and a gold-coloured wig - walked up to them, whipped out a handgun from his waist and discharged three rounds in their direction.

The victim was reportedly struck to his right knee during the shooting incident. After committing the act, the suspect started to run but the intended target gave chase during which he observed him pulling off the wig.

The suspect managed to make good his escape.

The injured man was escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was treated and sent away. Meanwhile, the matter was reported and based on information received, the Police went to the suspect’s home and while approaching the house, the suspect was seen running into a dark gully area and escaped.

The Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID death toll surpasses 600 after 4 more die – 134 new infections detected in 1 day

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 24 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

134

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

96

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1325

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

22

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

7

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

12,633

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,873

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

24,506

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

22,462

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

301,368

FULLY IMMUNISED

153,840

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

601

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1349

REGION 2

722

REGION 3

2870

REGION 4

11,211

REGION 5

805

REGION 6

2019

REGION 7

1327

REGION 8

382

REGION 9

2221

REGION 10

1600

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

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he Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that four more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus have died, thereby taking the country’s death toll over the 600 mark.

In the month of August, 55 individuals have succumbed, with a total of 601 since the first death in March 2020.

The latest deaths are two women: a 93-year-old from Region Three and an 80-year-old from Region Four. They died on August 22 while an 83-year-old from Region 10 died on August 20 and a 52-year-old from Region Four died on August 22.

However, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that 134 new cases were detected within the course of one day –raising the total confirmed positives to 24,506.

There are 22 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 96 in institutional

isolation, 1325 in home isolation and seven in institutional quarantine. Since the pandemic started, 256,764 individuals were tested – of which 11,873 males and 12,633 females were positive.

A regional breakdown of new cases showed that two persons have tested positive from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 25 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 77 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); five in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 11 in Region Six (East Berbice-

Corentyne); five in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); four in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

No new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini).

Meanwhile, second doses of the Sputnik V jabs are now available in limited quantities across the regions. According to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, while authorities are aware of the current “anxiety” in

accessing the last jab, vaccines will arrive every week and sent to the various immunisation centres immediately.

“We have an allocation mechanism that we distribute to the different regions so that persons in those regions can have access to the vaccine. We have just received 5000 doses and we started this morning (Tuesday) to give those doses out and I hope people can bear with us. I understand the anxiety but as soon as we get these vaccines, we’re making them available to people.”

Even with the Sputnik V second component available, he noted that persons who received their AstraZeneca and Sinopharm jabs are yet

to return for their last shot.

A completely immunised person would have superior protection against the virus as opposed to one shot.

“We also have a lot of persons who would have received their first dose of AstraZeneca or Sinopharm and they need to get their second dose. Many of those persons are getting due and we want to encourage them to make sure they come back and get their second dose.

You’re not going to get fully protected unless you get both doses.”

He noted that while the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccines would mostly be used for those remote communities, it will be available for the public “in a very limited way”. With an

efficacy of 66.3 per cent, the Minister noted that this varies depending on the variant in question.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health.gov. gy Persons with comorbidities have been asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to since this category of person is at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Duo injured after minibus ECD man nabbed with ganja turns turtle, driver flees during Police operation

The minibus after crashing into the trench

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he Police are hunting for the driver who fled the scene after crashing a minibus, leaving two persons injured along the Adventure Truck Line Dam, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Injured are Akash Persaud, 17, and Michelle Gouveia, 30 – both residents of Adventure, Essequibo Coast. The incident occurred on Monday at about 17:30h and involved the minibus

with registration plates BJJ 4666 driven by a 23-year-

old of Adventure, Essequibo Coast.

Police stated that the minibus was proceeding along the said access road when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, thus causing it to topple several times before coming to a halt in a nearby trench.

Immediately after the accident, the occupants were taken out of the minibus to the Suddie Public Hospital where they were treated and admitted as patients.

The Police have confirmed that the driver has since gone into hiding.

T

he Police have arrested a 41-year-old man following the discovery of a quantity of ganja at his Granville Park, East Coast Demerara (ECD) premises on Monday.

Police stated that between 14:00h and 16:00h, a party of policemen acting on information received, went to the suspect’s home where a search was conducted.

During the operation, several transparent plastic wrappers containing the cannabis were found.

The cannabis and the suspect were taken to the Beterverwagting Police

The ganja that was found during the Police operation

Station where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 204 grams.

He remains in custody and is expected to be charged shortly.

Man busted with ecstasy during Police roadblock – tells Police son has cancer and he was doing “a lil hustle”

A

33-year-old man was arrested after he was nabbed with a quantity of ecstasy tablets in his possession on Monday at Helena # 2 Public Road,

Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, Police intercepted a motor car bearing registration number HC 8851

during a roadblock exercise in Helena with the driver and four passengers.

During the exercise, a search was carried out of the said car and a black plastic bag was uncovered in its trunk. Upon enquiries, the 33-year-old man claimed ownership.

TURN TO PAGE 16

The ecstasy tablets found in the man’s possession

15

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Jordan brazenly insults the Guyanese people, particularly supporters of the PNC

T

he President is busy securing direct cash grants for all the Guyanese people; no matter where they live, what their ethnicity or religion, who they voted for. Ministers have been in places like Linden, South Georgetown and Buxton, and in every single community in Guyana.

While Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo has been busy ensuring the Amaila Hydroelectric plant becomes reality finally, and President Irfaan Ali is concluding arrangements for the start of the Corentyne River Bridge, other Government Ministers are finalising arrangements for the new Demerara River Bridge; the Linden-to-Lethem Road; new bypass roads connecting the East Coast to the East Dr Leslie Ramsammy Bank Demerara, by-passing Georgetown’s traffic; building new hospitals at Bartica, Suddie and West Demerara; building new high schools around the country.

These are just a few transformative projects that represent an unprecedented dizzying pace of development in Guyana.

In the midst of this dizzying pace of development, the PNC continues its campaign of lies, lies and more lies. The latest lie comes from the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who has rightfully earned the title of one of the worst Finance Ministers Guyana has ever had. He took a flourishing economy and stagnated it. Without oil and gas, which started under the PPP in 2014, and without the success of Guyana’s rice farmers, the economy would have been in negative growth between 2015 and 2020.

Jordan was part of the conspiracy to hide the $US18M Exxon signing bonus. He had previously justified the secrecy by insisting the money was a gift from EXXON. Last week, given another chance to apologise for hiding the EXXON $US18M, Jordan again said he really thought the money was a gift.

Jordan did not shock any of us with this lie. It seems every time Jordan speaks, it is another lie that comes out of his mouth. Last week, Jordan belittled the cash grants the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government has been making in its first year in Government. More than US$110M would eventually be distributed once the Government completes the distribution of all the cash transfers announced within its first year. Jordan had the audacity only a shameless man could conjure when he declared that had he still been Minister of Finance in a PNC Government, he would have given out a larger COVID-19 relief cash grant than the $25,000 per family the PPP Government gave out.

He further declared that he would have given it out as a monthly relief check for six months, and after those six months, would have considered another six months. Given his and APNU/AFC’s track record, who believes Jordan?

For five months, as COVID-19 locked down Guyana, APNU/AFC were busy trying to rig an election, with no consideration for a cash grant for the Guyanese people. Jordan’s brazen lies insult Guyanese citizens, particularly the PNC supporters. More than 30% of the Guyanese voting population have been loyal to them for more than 60 years.

The PNC have never once shown loyalty to their supporters in the same way their supporters have shown to them. For five years in Government, not once, not a single time, did Jordan and the Grangerled APNU/AFC (PNC) Government provide a single dollar in cash transfer to Guyanese citizens. In fact, when they gave themselves (the cabinet, that is) a more-than-100% pay increase, their justification was that it was necessary to prevent Ministers from being corrupt.

The result was that, between 2015 and 2020, Guyana experienced corruption that reached unimaginable heights.

At the time, then Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo explained to public servants that the promised large increase in public servants’ salaries would be coming, but that the treasury was broke and the public servants must wait. They did wait, waited for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The big public servants’ increases never materialised.

When farmers such as those in Mahaicony, Black Bush Polder and Region 2 suffered massive damages because of floods in 2016, what was Jordan and the PNC Government’s response? Increase in land lease rates, removal of agricultural subsidies the farmers benefited from for twenty years previously under the PPP Government. Jordan’s Finance Ministry instituted increases in more than 200 taxes. VAT was introduced for water, electricity and data acquisition and education.

A fierce battle led to the eventual withdrawal of the education VAT. When more than 7,000 sugar workers were fired from their jobs, the severance they were entitled to had to be fought for. Eventually a court had to intervene and force the Government to pay in 2018, a payment that was still outstanding for some workers in 2020.

Yet this man brazenly went on TV and said he would have given out more than the PPP Government is presently giving out. The cash transfers being given out are not handouts. They are being given out to help families cope with the crisis of a pandemic, climate change, and the stagnant economy that Jordan and his cohorts left for the PPP Government to rescue.

This shameless man continues to egregiously insult every single Guyanese citizen, but particularly those people that have given the PNC loyal support for more than 60 years. Every day, with every lie, the PNC move close to irrelevance.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man granted bail Domestic worker remanded for after attempting allegedly stealing baby from employer to murder friend T

T

wenty-three-year-old Joshua Preme, a carpenter of Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice, was on Monday released on $50,000 bail by Magistrate R Singh on an attempted murder charge.

Preme appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Monday, August 9, 2021, he wounded 39-year-old Jagdeo Ganesh at Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice.

It was reported that Ganesh, also known as “Chucks” was admitted to the hospital after he was brutally chopped to his body by his friend during a heated argument.

According to reports, the suspect and victim are known to each other and on the day in question, the now injured man was riding his bicycle on his way home from

the supermarket when he was confronted by the accused, who was armed with a dagger.

This reportedly led to an argument between the two men during which the accused dealt several chops about Ganesh’s body, causing him to become severely injured.

After committing the act, the suspect made good his escape on foot.

The injured man was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted.

Meanwhile, following the incident, Preme made good his escape but after almost two weeks on the run, he was arrested and charged.

He is expected to make his next court appearance on September 9, 2021.

hirty-five-year-old Gangadai Rhajcoomar, a domestic worker of Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Monday remanded to prison after she was slapped with a child stealing charge.

She appeared before Magistrate Ali Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Guyana Times understands that the accused was hired by Joyce Hutson, 43, a housewife of Naamryck Backdam, EBE, to take care of the child. On July 9, the woman reportedly went out and upon returning home, she saw her baby and the domestic

worker missing.

A report was immediately made and an investigation was launched.

After one week, the child was reportedly found but Rhajcoomar was nowhere in sight. The domestic worker was arrested on August 17 by a rank of the Brickdam Police Station.

When contacted, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), Ann Greene explained that the matter is gaining the attention of the agency. “She (Rhajcoomar) claimed that the child was given to her to take to the hospital but after the Police investigations, the charge was instituted…”

Meanwhile, after investigation, Rhajcoomar was arraigned at Leonora Police Station with the offence of child stealing contrary to Section 90 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01.

Guyana Times further understands that Rhajcoomar is well-known around Georgetown for soliciting. She also has a child but now that she was remanded to prison, the Child Care Director explained that once the extended family is willing to take care of the child, there is no need for the agency to take custody of her.

Rhajcoomar will make her next court appearance on October 7, 2021.

Man busted with ecstasy...

A further search was conducted on the bag during which another black plastic bag was found, hidden in a right-side shoe uncovered therein.

Further inspection revealed a quantity of blue, green and yellow tablets suspected to be ecstasy.

The suspect was told of the offence committed, arrested, and taken to the Mahaica Police Station where he was cautioned.

During interrogation, he reportedly told the Police that his son was diagnosed with cancer and he was doing

FROM PAGE 14

“a lil hustle” to offset his son’s medical expenses.

The tablets were counted in his presence, amounting to 88 tablets which when weighed totalled 38 grams.

He is expected to be charged shortly.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anna Regina vendors refuse to move to facilitate road works luctance of the vendors to move.

“We will no longer allow any further delay and the road work will commence shortly. Vendors on the road shoulders will have to demolish all wooden stalls and The rehabilitated tarmac which is available to vendors

V

endors who are occupying the old market at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast are refusing to move to facilitate rehabilitation works on the deplorable roads in the area.

The main reason for their reluctance is the fear of the losses they will incur and more so, their inability to meet the needs of their

families.

The vendors have rejected the Mayor and City Council’s decision to have them move and have promised to protest until permission is granted to remain at the present location.

Mayor of the Township, Rajendra Prabulall had stated that the construction of the new road in the vicin-

Stalls at Anna Regina old market Some stalls that are being erected at the edge of a trench in the area

ity of the old market was cancelled for the past three weeks as a result of the re-

Pensioner robbed after collecting $187,000 pension

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72-year-old man who had just collected $187,000 in pension was on Monday robbed of it all by a lone bandit.

The robbery took place at about 11:00h after the pensioner exited the Leonora Post Office, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Based on information gathered, the victim visited the Post Office where he

collected his NIS, Senior Citizen, and Public Servant Pension, which amounted to $187,000 in cash.

After collecting the money, the elderly man secured it in a black purse and proceeded to a pharmacy opposite the Leonora Fire Station to purchase some medication.

As he was about to enter the pharmacy, the suspect grabbed the pensioner’s

purse containing the money and started to run away.

The pensioner then ran behind the suspect but the perpetrator reportedly entered a black motor car bearing registration number PSS 2700 - which was parked in front of the Leonora Fire Station - which drove away.

The matter was reported to the Police and an investigation was launched.

occupy the tarmac at Bush Lot,” the Mayor had stated.

He added that over $1 million was spent to upgrade the Bush Lot tarmac to accommodate the vendors who are now reluctant to occupy the facility.

On Tuesday, several vendors vented their concerns including a butcher, Mohamed Wazeer, who stated that he has been plying his trade at the location for the past 40 years. However, he agreed that it is time for the roads to be fixed.

He added that vendors could occupy space at the Cotton Field tarmac to sell their produce, saying that the market road is in a deplorable state.

“I support the Mayor and City Council’s decision for them to move in order to facilitate the rehabilitation of the road and if I can move all of them can move... Anna Regina needs to develop and not look like a shanty town,” Wazeer noted.

Meanwhile, a provision and vegetable vendor, Sattie Lall related that the Council charges them $2000 per day to vend and with the high price of provisions, there are slow sales. “If we move, most of our usual customers will no longer purchase produce from us,” she stated.

Another vegetable vendor related that vending is her living. She is a single mother of two and noted that vending provides the necessities for her family

to be comfortable. She also noted that business is slow most days, thus resulting in her taking home her vegetables.

“We need the roadside vendors to move... Because of them, there is no sale inside the market. Everybody that visits the market purchase their fruits, vegetables, provision, and clothes right by the road side...

People hardly come in the market to purchase from the vendors in here... We need sales also not only them,” a clothes vendor told Guyana Times.

With the reluctance of the vendors to move, the Mayor and City Council is prepared to do everything in its power to start construction as soon as possible.

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multimillion-dollar gold heist

Top Cop praises Major Crimes Unit for breakthrough in case – dispels notion that gold dealers leading investigation

P

olice Commissioner Nigel Hoppie on Tuesday stated that the Force’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) is leading the investigation into the multimillion-dollar robbery committed on Wallison Enterprise while at the same time praising the Unit for the role it played in apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Major Crimes Unit would have played a significant role and they continue to play a significant role in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Police Force has been leading the investigation as they are mandated to do in law and they are continuing to do that,” the Top Cop said.

Hoppie, at the time, was responding to questions from reporters in relation to the Police’s role in the investigations. There have been speculations that the Police Force is taking a backseat in the investigations and that several prominent persons in the gold industry are leading the effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.

However, the Commissioner reiterated that the Police Force is the only body legally mandated to investigate the crime and they are doing exactly that.

However, Home Affairs

Minister Robeson Benn related that the investigations are ongoing but reserved his comments on the issue. He, however, said that there were serious security deficits at the gold establishment in relation to the way customers and clients are being processed.

He also added that while some of the money has been recovered, none of the gold was found as Police remain on the hunt for the other two persons who were caught on camera and the driver of the getaway car.

On August 10, 36-yearold Delroy “Bug” Jackson and Peon Lee also known as “Nino Brown”, both security officers attached to the business and 32-year-old Keyon King, a serving GDF Sergeant were remanded to prison in relation to the robbery.

Police stated that on Thursday, August 5, 2021, while being armed with guns and in the company of each other, they robbed Francis Santos Lumes of 60 ounces of raw gold valued at $20 million and $38 million in cash. In addition, they robbed Fernanda Carmicheal of a cell phone valued $350,000. Further, it is alleged that the men robbed Francis Santos Lumes of a gold chain val-

ued at 140,000, a gold ring valued at $60,000, and $14,000. Finally, they were accused of robbing William Da Silva of a cell phone valued $60,000.

The three men had confessed to the daring robbery.

It was reported that on the day in question at about 10:00h, three armed men went to the Lot 23 Gordon Street business and indicated that they had gold to sell.

However, within minutes of entering the establishment, they held several staff members at gunpoint and demanded that they open three safes where the money and gold were secured.

After committing the robbery, the armed men bound and gagged the cashier and two other staff members after which they locked them in a room. Moments after escaping in a white motor car, the cashier managed to free herself and raise an alarm.

The Police were called in and immediately one of the two security guards was arrested. Based on intelligence and information received, the detectives went to a house in B Field Sophia where they conducted a search and found some personal items belonging to the owner of the business. There, another security guard was taken into cus-

tody.

The security guards were, however, interrogated during which one of them confessed to being part of the plot to rob the establishment.

Following leads, the detectives turned up at the home of the GDF sergeant at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), where a search was conducted in the house but nothing substantial was found.

Nevertheless, during a search in the yard, the detectives noticed a disturbed

piece of land and decided to dig. It was then, a bucket was found buried, which, when checked, contained $15 million in $5000 notes and an additional $3 million in $1000 notes.

The bucket was reportedly wrapped in two black garbage bags while the money was neatly packed in transparent bags.

The operation was conducted by members of the Major Crimes Unit and members of the business community, especially the gold industry.

Following the successful operation, the Sergeant along with his wife were arrested. During interrogation, he told investigators that he was part of the initial plan to rob the gold establishment but he was not involved in committing the act.

The Sergeant also related that his wife was not aware of the robbery and as such, requested for her to be released.

The Police were subsequently told that the other two robbers are ex-military personnel. As information became available about their whereabouts, Police went to a village on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) but no arrests were made.

Only last week, Police stated that Antonio Maraj, also called “Pluckin” or “Thuggy”; Jamal Hazel, and Dequan King, also called “Titus” or “Quanie”, are still on the run They are wanted by the Police for questioning in connection with the multimillion-dollar gold heist committed on Wallison Enterprise of Gordon Street, Kitty. The three men wanted by Police in connection with this robbery were previously charged with a spate of armed robberies dating back to 2017.

Argentina deploys White Helmet humanitarian mission to Haiti

The aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti on August 14, 2021

A

n Argentine Air Force flight departed from the El Palomar Airport on a humanitarian mission on Saturday last, which consisted of the deployment of an emergency medical team to provide health support.

Foreign Minister Felipe Solá and Defence Minister Jorge Taiana bid farewell to the squad of 24 volunteers who boarded the Hercules plane of the Argentine Air Force that carried them to their destination.

This mission, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, with the operational coordination of the White Helmets Commission

and the Ministry of Defence (Air Force), is in response to the earthquake that occurred in the Department of Nippes, Haiti, on August 14, 2021.

The team led by Ambassador Marina Cardelli, President of the White Helmets Commission, consists of highly trained health and logistics personnel (volunteers) who have extensive experience in international missions.

It is estimated that the mission will last 15 days with the possibility of an extension of 20 days and aims to establish medical assistance that the Argentine State has prepared: 3 pairs

of canine brigades (volunteer team) to search for victims, the deployment of the field hospital transport and distribute donations and provide logistical support.

In addition, due to the ongoing political crisis in Haiti, which was aggravated by the recent assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, the Argentine Ambassador to Haiti, Cesar Faes, will travel to Corail, for the duration of the Argentine humanitarian mission.

This White Helmets mission reflects the historical ties of the Argentine Republic with the friendly nations of the Caribbean community (Caricom).

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Infectious COVID-19 China donates $20M in variant likely already in medical supplies to Guyana Guyana – Dr Anthony ...active cases jump from about 800 to 1300 in a week

I

nfections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are taking a climb again, reflected in recent figures which were released by the Health Ministry.

In Tuesday’s COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony indicated that this trend could be linked to the circulation of a more infectious variant in the country.

Statistics show that there are over 1300 active cases of the disease in Guyana, a sharp jump from just 800 last week. While no genomic sequencing has been conducted to definitively indicate the presence of a more infectious variant, he indicated that the figures point in this direction.

“As of last week, our numbers were relatively low; meaning that it dropped to about 800 or so.

Then we started seeing an increase in those numbers, in new cases, and that is very instructive. It’s telling us that we have a more infectious variant that is now in Guyana and we all know that in many countries around the world, that the Delta variant is becoming the dominant variant.”

He reminded that the Delta variant, which is twice as contagious as other strains, is already circulating in a majority of countries around the world including Guyana’s neighbour, Brazil. This is causing more infections, hospitalisations and deaths;

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

especially for the unvaccinated population.

“Delta is now in more than 140 countries and as that variant becomes the dominant strain that is circulating in the country, we’ll see that it is going to cause more infections and deaths. What we have seen in other countries is that among the unvaccinated people, we are going to see more cases among them, both infection, hospitalisation and deaths.”

Because of the evolution of the virus, the health official pointed out that anybody who is unvaccinated will get infected.

There are currently over 110 vaccination sites across the country, where COVID-19 shots can be obtained. Dr Anthony urged persons to consider this opportunity and not fall

prey to the unsubstantiated myths and rumours that are circulating in the public domain and social media.

“You can start the process by getting one of the first dose of a vaccine. We have the AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, some J and J; and this is available to anyone. There is no rational reason why you should be without a vaccine…Many of those persons who are creating the confusion have already received their vaccines.

They’re not representing your interest. They’re representing their own selfish whatever it is that they’re trying to do. We shouldn’t be caught up in that,” he urged Guyanese.

Since the virus was first detected in the Wuhan province of China, there have been several mutations.

From the first-discovered Alpha strain in the United Kingdom last year, authorities have moved to trace the Beta and Gamma variants. However, the Delta variant has been dominant in many countries, including the US and UK. It has caused a resurgence of the infections in Portugal and current spikes in Russia.

The Delta variant, which was first detected in India, is said to be the most contagious yet as authorities continue to track the spread which it has caused.

In fact, the transmissibility is said to be twice higher than the UK’s Alpha variant.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony receives the donation from the Chinese Government

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he People’s Republic of China, through its Medical Brigade in Guyana, on Tuesday donated a quantity of medical supplies to bolster the local healthcare system.

Among the items sent are equipment, surgical instruments and COVID-19 testing materials, totalling US$100,000.

Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Chen Xilai, who was at the handing over ceremony, stated that “The Chinese Government is a people-centric government. We are

taking care of the lives of every person. That is what we have said and that is what we have been doing for many decades. Our goal is always that we should not left any country behind in fighting against COVID-19 or in the process of national development.”

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, on the other hand, stated that apart from human resources that have been sent to Guyana from China, the country also prioritises other necessary medical resources to improve patient care.

“Since 1993, we have had this close partnership where doctors from China would come to Guyana on a yearly basis and would work with teams here to improve healthcare. One of the legacies of those visits is not only working with patients but in the areas where they have worked, they would identify special needs and when possible, help us to source that equipment.”

He positioned that both countries share a bilateral relationship that extends beyond the health sector.

“We have a longstanding relationship and over the years, persons who have migrated, come here and work would help us to develop this country. Now, we have a strong relationship with China to make sure that we develop in mutually beneficial ways.”

Over the past years, the brigade has managed to complete a significant number of procedures across the various institutions. As they prepare to return home, another batch will soon take up residence in Guyana.

20

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

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CALVIN AND HOBBES

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SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get your facts straight and share your findings with important people. Leave nothing to chance when dealing with romantic issues.

State what's on your mind, and offer a concrete plan.

Keep personal information to yourself, and it will make it easier to convince others to leave you alone to pursue what you want. Use discretion regarding your finances, passwords and medical history.

Considering your options will lead to new and exciting possibilities. Reaching out to people who can help will pay off. Don't be afraid to try something unusual or unexpected.

Refuse to let emotional matters escalate. It's essential to recognize what you can do, come up with a plan and implement a change that will stop others from taking advantage of your kindness.

Learn through observation and experience.

Friends, family and allies will offer sound advice and whatever help you need to deal with any changes you face. Out of adversity comes opportunity.

Participate in matters that concern you. Refuse to let anyone take care of your money, medical or contractual issues. An unexpected opportunity will help you decide a course of action.

Pay more attention to the people you love and take better care of yourself and your emotional well-being.

Focus on physical fitness, healthy routines and taking responsibility for your happiness.

Take nothing for granted when dealing with friends, relatives or loved ones.

Choose your words wisely, leaving no room for error or misinterpretation. Be direct at all costs.

Tidy up your space and SAGITTARIUS spend time with a loved (Nov. 23one. The key to happiness Dec. 21) is doing what brings you joy with like-minded people.

Personal achievements look promising, and romance is favored. .

CAPRICORN Check out a unique way

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SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

to increase your assets. Don't rely on someone who has let you down or disappointed you. Change begins with you. Set the rules, and live life your way.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Mull over contracts, financial documents and medical records, and you'll find a way to save time and money.

A joint venture will help you reach your goal quicker than if you go it alone.

PISCES

Concentrate on what's possible. Be honest with yourself and with others, and it will be easier to bring about positive change.

Intelligence and action will get you where you want to go.

(Feb. 20March 20)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

Shaheen Afridi, Nauman Ali bowl Pakistan to series-levelling win You wouldn't have blamed Pakistan for believing they were on the cusp of a serieslevelling win, but the heavens chose that moment to open, and within moments, it had gone from bright sunshine to an absolute downpour.

Holder jogged back off alongside the dismissed Mayers, while Babar Azam followed in his wake, remonstrating with the umpires; after the drama around the wet outfield, thoughts must invariably have turned to a victory snatched from under his side's noses.

But it was only a cloudburst, to Pakistan's relief, and an early tea later, back Nauman Ali's late introduction worked immediately for Pakistan

2

005, 2011 and 2021.

Three two-match series in a row, West Indies took the lead in a home series, only for Pakistan to drag them back to parity.

Rain, wet outfield, poor light all conspired to try and deny Babar Azam's side triumph in this Test, but Pakistan's positive approach and relentlessness in pursuit of a result were rewarded with a hugely gratifying 109-run win.

Shaheen Afridi was the hero, finishing with a match haul of 10 wickets as the West Indies folded against a wellrounded attack. It meant they will have to wait a few more years to record a first Test series win over Pakistan since 2001.

At the start of the day, Pakistan needed nine wickets, West Indies needed 280 runs.

For a brief while on the fourth evening, Pakistan were slightly jittery in the face of West Indian resistance. It remained

that way for a brief spell this morning, as Alzarri Joseph and Kraigg Brathwaite kept the bowlers at bay. Each struck a boundary to get the ball rolling, and with the ball losing its shine, West Indies appeared to be making progress.

But once Afridi bounced Joseph out, the innings changed colour. Hasan Ali hadn't enjoyed a particularly memorable series until Tuesday, but it took just one ball to make an impact towards levelling the series.

Nkrumah Bonner played down the wrong line and was struck dead in front; Hasan didn't even bother to appeal as he set off to celebrate. The umpire made Pakistan review, but there was no redemption for Bonner.

Faheem Ashraf at the other end should have seen off Brathwaite, but while one Pakistan opener simply cannot drop a catch in the slips, Brathwaite's outside edge looped to the other one. Abid

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 329 RUNS) Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c Fawad Alam b Nauman Ali 39 Kieran Powell run out (Shaheen Shah Afridi) 23 Alzarri Joseph c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 17 Nkrumah Bonner lbw b Hasan Ali 2 Roston Chase c Imran Butt b Hasan Ali 0 Jermaine Blackwood c †Mohammad Rizwan b Nauman Ali 25 Kyle Mayers c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 32 Jason Holder c Fawad Alam b Nauman Ali 47 Joshua Da Silva † c Faheem Ashraf b ShaheenShah Afridi 15 Kemar Roach lbw b Shaheen Shah Afridi 7 Jayden Seales not out 0

Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 5, w 1) 12 TOTAL (83.2 Ov, RR: 2.62) 219 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Kieran Powell, 12.6 ov), 2-65 (Alzarri Joseph, 23.5 ov), 3-69 (Nkrumah Bonner, 27.1 ov), 4-73 (Roston Chase, 31.4 ov), 5-101 (Jermaine Blackwood, 46.3 ov), 6-113 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 52.3 ov), 7-159 (Kyle Mayers, 65.3 ov), 8-199 (Jason Holder, 76.2 ov), 9-212 (Kemar Roach, 81.6 ov), 10219 (Joshua Da Silva, 83.2 ov) BOWLING Mohammad Abbas Shaheen Shah Afridi Hasan Ali Faheem Ashraf Nauman Ali Fawad Alam

O-M-R-W 14-3-42-0 17.2-5-43-4 14-6-37-2 13-5-36-0 22-7-52-3 3-1-3-0

Ali put down a dolly, perhaps illustrating why Imran Butt had dived so spectacularly in front of him in the first Test. To rub the point home further, when Roston Chase offered up a chance the following over, Butt dived adroitly to his right as Pakistan had another wicket.

Blackwood and Brathwaite have been West Indies' brightest batting sparks this tour, and for more than an hour, they kept Pakistan waiting for another breakthrough. It came from an unlikely source - their left-arm spinner Nauman Ali who flighted the ball to draw the batter forward and induce an outside edge to the keeper.

Brathwaite appeared to be the focal point of resistance when the middle session began, but a rare loose shot a few overs in allowed Pakistan to chisel their way into the lower order. A loose, uppish slash to point found Fawad Alam, and Pakistan were sniffing at the prospect of finishing the game off before tea.

But Mayers, who was yet to score a run this series, found a bit of rhythm, and alongside Jason Holder, began to hunker down. The runs came from time to time, but they weren't a priority, and as Nauman's effectiveness wavered while the quicks tired, West Indies were raising local hopes of taking the game deep and infusing concern amongst the fielding side.

Abid Ali's butterfingers didn't help, the opener putting down his second catch of the day, this time a routine grab at short leg after an inside edge from Mayers.

It was down to Shaheen Afridi - who else? - to give Pakistan a lift, coming with an exquisite off-stump delivery that shaped away from the lefthanded Mayers. The batsman went for an expansive drive, only to see it take a feather off the outside edge, triggering relieved Pakistani celebrations.

out they came. The darkening skies added dramatic flair to the occasion, and for a while, Holder made hay while the sun didn't shine. He targeted both quick and slow bowlers alike, and rode his luck on occasion, no more so than when Afridi failed to gobble up a chance on the boundary.

Butt aside, Pakistan's lacklustre fielding was thematically consistent, and with no clear notion of when time might run out, there was always the danger it could cost them once more. But with Azam having turned to the spinners to rush through till the new ball became available, Holder's extravagance got the

21

Kraigg Brathwaite held the West Indies innings together during his time at the crease

better of him.

He had pierced Nauman through the covers the previous delivery, but, three runs shy of a half-century, found Fawad at cover the next ball. From that point on, Afridi took over with the new ball, summarily removing Kemar Roach and Joshua Da Silva to close the game.

Test cricket in these two nations might have been set back over the past few decades, but over yet another humdinger of a series, there was nothing to separate West Indies and Pakistan once more.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Carlos Brathwaite isolating after COVID-19 case on flight from UK …doubtful for Tallawahs' opening match on Friday

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arlos Brathwaite has been forced into isolation, and is in doubt for Jamaica Tallawahs' opening match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Friday, after a positive COVID-19 case was reported on his flight from the UK to St Kitts and Nevis.

Brathwaite travelled from Manchester to Basseterre ahead of the CPL, after captaining Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

A fellow passenger tested positive for COVID-19, and he was told to isolate until further notice.

"My tests have been negative, as far as I know," Brathwaite said. "We've been asked to be in quarantine. I still don't know the full extent of it; I've just been told I need to continue to quarantine, as opposed to being allowed to walk around the hotel, as was initially allowed. So, I'm just as much in the dark as you are, unfortunately."

Speaking from his hotel room following the announcement that he had re-signed with Sydney Sixers for the upcoming BBL season later in the year, the allrounder said he was unsure whether he would be available for the Tallawahs' opening clash with Saint Lucia Kings on Friday.

"Not sure," Brathwaite said.

"I haven't actually received anything official yet to know when day one is, and how many days of quarantine, etc.

So yeah, I'm just skipping in my room and doing sit-ups, and hoping to be at least physically ready to go if I can."

Brathwaite and Andre Russell have been retained

by Tallawahs after they were knocked out in last season's

semi-final by eventual champions Trinbago Knight Riders. He believes Knight Riders won't have it all their own way this season.

"The tournament is going to be interesting," Brathwaite said. "I don't think it will be an undefeated run to the finals as Trinidad had last year. I think it will be a little closer. I think all the teams are more evenly matched."

Brathwaite said runs from the top order will be key to Tallawahs' chances, given the quality of the allrounders and spin-bowling.

"I feel as though we have a few potential match-winners.

Myself, Russell, Rovman Powell obviously in the middle. Our spin attack, we've lost Mujeeb and we've lost Sandeep, but we

have Qais Ahmad, Veerasammy Permaul and Chris Green. So, when you look at it, that's a real balanced spin attack, left-arm orthodox, right-arm offspinner, leg-break bowler.

"I think we just need to get some runs at the top of the order, and middle order to provide a good platform. I think too many times last year we were 30 for 3, 40 for 4 and we didn't really have a good platform to go on and get big scores.

"So, this year, (we’re) setting a good platform; and if we add the firepower that I know myself, Russell and Rovman can give, added with the spin stocks that we have and the whole bowling unit actually, I think we'll do well."

(ESPNcricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

2 test positive as CPL players arrive in St Kitts and Nevis rewards, such as free tickets, VIP experiences, etc.

Created by Chiliz, the leading blockchain provider for the global sports and entertainment industry, Socios.com has multiple office locations around the world, and has already opened new regional headquarters in Madrid, Istanbul, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. The company will open a new office in North America in the near future.

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, has said: “The fans of Hero CPL are central to our success and our future, and we are really excited at the prospect of giving them

M

ost of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cohort have arrived in St Kitts & Nevis ahead of the tournament, which gets underway on 26 August 2021.

255 travellers have arrived and entered the tournament bubble, and following a rigorous testing process, there have been two cases of COVID-19 detected. A comprehensive contact tracing process has taken place, along with additional testing, and no further cases have been identified.

The two individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are isolating as per the comprehensive protocols that have been put together by the tournament organising committee, Hero CPL’s medical advisors and the health authorities in St Kitts & Nevis.

Michael Hall, Hero CPL’s Tournament Operations Director, has said: “The two positive cases were identified quickly following on-arrival testing, and were flagged with Hero CPL while inroom quarantine was still taking place for those individuals. The tournament bubble remains intact, and there has been no exposure to the wider public in the Federation. We are looking forward to getting the cricket underway on the 26 August.”

Hero CPL teams up with Socios. com to increase fan engagement

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Socios.com, the leading blockchain provider for the sports industry, have announced a partnership that would see the CPL join a roster of 50+ sport

organisations worldwide in leveraging blockchain technology to engage with their fans.

Hero CPL is one of the world’s most popular T20 cricket tournaments, with over 500 million viewers tuning in to the tournament in 2021. This partnership would allow its millions of fans to enjoy new and exciting opportunities to engage with the organisation.

Hero CPL joins a 50+ strong network of major sporting brands who have embraced Socios.com to improve engagement with their global fanbases, including football giants FC Barcelona, Paris SaintGermain, Juventus, AC Milan, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Valencia CF, and the Argentina and Portugal National Teams, Formula One™ teams Aston Martin Cognizant and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, MMA giants UFC and PFL, as well as up to 10 top NBA franchises.

Socios.com is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform that leverages blockchain technology to provide the world’s leading sporting organisations with the tools to engage with their global fanbases. They are the creators of Fan Tokens, digital assets used by major sport brands to increase fan engagement and boost their digital revenue, thanks to the Socios.com app, home to a growing digital community of over 1,2 million sport fans that are enjoying unprecedented opportunities to engage with the brands they love.

These opportunities include having a say and a vote in a number of fan-related decisions through regular polls, access to exclusive promotions and discounts, and the chance to win unique prizes and

Lady Jags confident but cautious following CONCACAF draw

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embers of the Guyana senior women’s national team are confident of delivering a strong performance in the first stage of the region’s revamped qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, following the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship qualifiers’ draw last weekend.

The Lady Jags will face Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Nicaragua and the Turks and Caicos Islands in Group F of the regional qualifiers, which will be played in November 2021 and April 2022. The six winners of each group will progress to the CONCACAF W Championship – the next step on the journey to the World Cup, the 2024 Olympics, and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. “I am excited to see the teams we've been grouped with for the first round. Each of these nations will bring different challenges, and I feel (that), with the group we have, this will be a great test to help prepare us for the next phase of qualifiers,” said Lady Jags star Kayla De Souza.

“Dominica and Turks and Caicos are nations that will give us a challenge right from the start. These two games will allow us to grow as a team as we prepare to face the likes of Trinidad and Tobago later on our qualifying journey. I am confident with the leadership of our staff and veterans, mixed with our

up-and-coming talent, we will be able to find the right solutions to perform,” she said.

The Lady Jags are ranked 88th in the world by FIFA and 15th in the region by CONCACAF, although a lack of game time for many Caribbean national teams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic makes it difficult to gauge current form.

However, a strong performance by Guyana’s upcoming talent in the nation’s first appearance at the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s U20 Championship – where the team reached the quarter-finals – bodes well for the future.

“While they have not played since 2018, the senior women’s team is looking forward to their opening round games to build on the momentum from the U20 tournament results,” said Head Coach Ivan Joseph. “We have a lot of preparation to do in

order to be ready for the opening round games against Dominica as well as Turks and Caicos. We will approach our goal of qualifying for the tournament one step at a time.

“Our number one priority is to select our team from a quality pool, and have a team camp in early fall prior to our opening home and away stance,” Joseph said. “We have been waiting for this tournament for over three years. Our women feel like we have something to prove, and won’t be satisfied with anything but our best effort.”

Domestic-based Lady Jags and female youth national players have already started training at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC) under the guidance of Akilah Castello, who is in charge of the Guyana-based programme.

“It’s a tough group, with some challenging teams in it, but

we’ve been doing a lot of work at the NTC with the girls, and they’ll certainly be well prepared for the games,” Castello said.

The domestic-based players have been working on building their fitness and enhancing their technical and tactical skills after an enforced long break caused by the pandemic.

The spirit among the group is positive as they push for selection in the final squad.

“I think we got a fairly good group, but we have to ensure we win our first two matches,” said GFF administrator and Lady Jags forward Lakeisha Pearson.

“Nicaragua will be a tough match, but I believe we can come out on top because we’ll have a chance to see them play before our match, so we’ll have a good game plan.”

The GFF is planning to relaunch the GFF-Always National Women’s Development League, alongside youth competitions for girls, as soon as approval for the safe return to play is granted by the authorities. The U17 female national team will also be in action this year in regional CONCACAF competition.

“We’re excited about the launch of the new senior women’s national team competitions scheduled for 2021 through 2024, which will give our Lady Jags a platform to excel in the new CONCACAF women’s ecosystem,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

even more opportunities to be involved in the tournament. We are very excited to be the first cricket league to partner with Socios.com, and we are very much looking forward to start working together.”

Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz and Socios.com, said: “We are very proud to welcome the CPL to our growing roster of global sport brands. The CPL is a young and innovative competition that is very much aligned with our emphasis on tech-led innovation, and fully understands the huge potential global fan engagement offers.”

(CPLT20)

Mohamed highlights ORSCA 20 overs with unbeaten double century

T

he action in the 2021 edition of the Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association’s (ORSCA’s) 20 overs regular season competition matches continued with a bang as Guyana-born Ramiz Mohamed slammed a belligerent 201 not out on Sunday for Sunshine against Island Boys.

Mohamed cracked 18 sixes and 11 fours as his team whipped Island Boys by a massive 271-run margin at Firgrove Public School ground in North York, Toronto.

Sunshine rattled up a formidable 341-2 from the allotted overs, and then dismissed the opposition for 70 in 17 overs. Notably, Avish Rukhram hit a magnificent 237 for Steel City Warriors in 2016, while Shiraz Hamid struck 207 in 2017 to be the other batsmen to chalk up double-centuries since the formation of ORSCA in 2010.

Mohammed also received solid support from Hemnarine Chattergoon, a former Guyana youth player, whose 77 was decorated with four sixes and a similar number of fours to blaze the innocuous attack.

Chattergoon was forced to play second fiddle during Mohamed’s entertaining innings at the other end.

They two also featured in a flamboyant 256-run secondwicket stand, and skipper Anil Mahadeo joined the run-fest as well by scoring a rapid 28 not out, while the aggressive Anil Etwaroo, Mohamed’s opening partner, chipped in with 21.

Shazim Ibrahim claimed both

Ramiz Mohamed

wickets, but conceded 50 runs off three overs.

When Island Boys batted, Raymond Abedeen and Ahmad Khan made 16 and 15 respectively to be the only players hitting double-digits.

Rajendra Dhoray grabbed four wickets for 18 runs from four frugal overs, while Rajesh Willie and Deonarine Sookhu supported with two scalps each.

Mohamed also made a great impression in 2019 by scoring back-to-back softball centuries in one day, but in different tournaments. Sunshine have been unbeaten in the regular season, and are now the grand champions, having copped the most points at the conclusion of the preliminary round. The playoff segment is slated to bowl off soon.

This is the first time Sunshine have participated in the roundarm league.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

By Jemima Holmes

W

ith a somersault and a smile, Kevin Sinclair has charmed his way into the hearts of many Guyanese cricket fans.

This charm does not come unwarranted, as the bowler proved to be effective in his Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut in 2020. Picking up 5 wickets in as many games, with an economy of 4.35, Sinclair proved to be a newfound gem for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) last year, and even brought an electrifying celebration along.

The 21-year-old’s performance in the CPL, and previously in the Regional Super 50 tournament, have earned him a senior call-up with the West Indies T20I team.

Before his departure for St. Kitts and Nevis, Sinclair had an enjoyable chat with Guyana Times Sport, in which he gave the fans some hints on what to

expect in this 9th edition of the Hero CPL. For Sinclair, his Amazon Warriors’ debut was a buzz of a feeling, but, upon reflection, it is a stepping stone that he is very grateful for.

“Playing my first game, it was really electrifying, I really felt like I belonged to that level.

I had a good year last year, you know; it boosted my confidence, yes,” Sinclair explained.

He went on to share, “Hence, in the Super 50 level, and getting opportunities to represent West Indies. So, I think it did a great lot for my cricket. So, I must say thanks to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”

Still on the topic of West Indies cricket, the spinner spoke about his time with the team this year, as he played his first international game in Maroon colours. About the camp, Sinclair sees it as a constant

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

learning opportunity that would be conducive to any youngster’s career.

Sharing what he’s been able to grasp while on tour with the Men in Maroon, Sinclair stated, “It’s a general thing, to be honest. In terms of my batting, bowling and fielding, getting tips from different individuals in the team, and more so learning from everyone, because everyone has a level of knowledge that they know about the game. So, it’s about learning from each and everybody, and I think that the stage I’m at right now, I’m really developing on and off the field.”

He added with his usual smile, “I should say it’s a very good learning environment for any youngster, and I’m learning a lot from the West Indies set up,” Sinclair is most often seen running up from either end of the pitch, with deceiving deliveries that can trap any batsman; but what most don’t

know about the youngster is his ability to wield the bat.

On his batting performances, which have been few over the past year, Sinclair is hoping to ‘show-up’ for the Biggest Party in Sport.

“I’m always ready for the opportunity. Once it’s given, I’m just looking to go out and do my best. I know much people (don’t) know my potential with the bat, and they haven’t seen it at the Regional level and the International level, so I think this year is going to be a very good year for me to come with the bat,” he related to this publication.

The Biggest Party in Sport wasn’t the same in 2020 without its fans; and even more than the cricketers on the field of play, the GAW bowler thinks that the fans are the ones who got lucky this year.

Sinclair commented, “It’s going to be a really good opportunity for them. Here, in Guyana, we had three games

GFF kicks off annual FIFA Member Association Refereeing Course

with the international team, people were very much alive, coming out and watch cricket after so long with the pandemic. So, I think it’s good for them to come and be part of the cricket, especially with the Biggest Party in Sport, CPL.” About his fellow players, he said, “I think it’s going to be good, not for the spectators (only) but for the players too, with people cheering them on and everyone coming to support the teams.” Aside from his bowling, Sinclair’s visibility went through the roof when he executed a perfect somersault after picking up his first CPL wicket in 2020. He instantly became the talk of the town, with cricket enthusiasts looking forward to witnessing the bowler’s flips and tricks as he celebrated his success in his own unique way. And the back flips won’t stop soon, as Sinclair sees it as part of his trademark.

“I’m not planning to bring

23

Kevin Sinclair was awarded for the Best Celebration in CPL 2020

too much this year, or change it, or bring something new.

It’s part of me, and I’m going to continue with it, you know; that’s my trademark, and I’m going to continue with it,” he explained.

When asked about any plans to switch it up, the question was met with another smile.

“I might bring something else, you never know, just keep your eyes open,” he teased with a laugh.

…ahead of return to play

FIFA Referee Instructor Peter Prendergast leading a session at the FIFA Member Association Refereeing Course

T

he Refereeing Department of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Monday commenced a weeklong, annual FIFA Member Association Refereeing Course, a crucial milestone in the return to play that provides match officials with clear guidance and training for the proper officiating of football matches.

The top-level, intensive course that runs from August 23 to August 27 at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, EBD features sessions from FIFA Referee Development Officer Javier Santos, FIFA Referee Instructor Peter Prendergast and FIFA Fitness Instructor Alan Brown, as well as GFF Referee Instructors Ingram Johnson and Sherwin Moore.

“It is very important to have this in-person course after more than one year that football stopped because of the pandemic,” FIFA’s Santos said.

“We need to see the referees on the field of play and their fitness capacity. We came here to test the referees and to find new talent for the many future competitions we have in the region. In the past, we had many referees from Guyana

participating, but now we need to see more, so this is a recruitment programme.”

During the week, Guyana’s match officials will be instructed on recent changes to the laws of the game, and how to best apply them, alongside a focus on important areas such as the offside rule and fouls.

The programme also features fitness tests as part of a holistic theoretical and practical course that helps participants to better understand and execute their vital role on the field of play.

“This course is geared towards ensuring that our match officials have a common and uniform understanding of the interpretation of the laws of the game,” said Dion Inniss, GFF Head of Refereeing, and Executive Committee member.

“Our hope is that they would leave here with one knowledge – that the laws of the game should be implemented in one common way.

“The GFF continues to ensure that whenever the authorities say it’s a go for us to return to play, our coaches, our players, our administrators, our match commissioners, and certainly our referees are geared up to be

ready in the starting blocks. This programme is just one of many developmental programmes that we are having, to ensure that when the time comes, we are raring to go.”

Currently, Guyana has three match officials on the prestigious FIFA Refereeing International List, which enables referees to wear the FIFA badge and to officiate at international matches: Sherwin Johnson, Maurees Skeete and Kleon Lindey.

“As a referee, you have to be current and up-to-date with the laws of the game,” said FIFA referee and Upper Demerara Football Association course participant Skeete.

“We can see how football is improving rapidly, so we need to be on top at all times. This course is important, because we have FIFA instructors to guide us and teach us with all the new materials, and to give us a fresh understanding of the laws of the game and how to apply them.

“I’m excited to have this course, and I am looking to grab and gain all the knowledge and experience that I could, so I could better myself and also the junior referees around me, and

even t h e players and coaches too,” she said.

GFF President Wayne Forde has said the in-person course would provide vital support and training for Guyana’s new and experienced match officials, as the Federation puts all the elements in place to ensure a safe and well-managed return to competitive football.

“Our referees have to be in tip-top shape to perform the critical duties of a match official,” said President Forde. “We have a very robust and aggressive competition calendar in place, once we are given the permission to get football back to the pitch, so it is important that we not only have our experienced officials being trained and getting back to work, but we are also doing a lot of work behind the scenes to bring new officials to the game.”

C

handrapaul Hemraj has been a star at the top of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ batting lineup since joining the team in 2019. Paired with Brandon King at the top of the order, it was all eyes on them as they destroyed powerplay after powerplay.

Hemraj’s big head-turner, however, came as he showcased his proficiency in the spin bowling department, making him a coveted talent for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, the 27-year-old expressed hopes of churning out the runs in this year’s 9th edition of the CPL. With 439 runs and 6 wickets across two seasons for the Warriors, the Guyanese is hoping to help the team clinch the championship this year.

Hemraj is hoping to make his mark with the bat, and hopes to keep the pressure off of himself, but his main goal is all-round consistency.

“I think I could get some good scores, but that’s something I don’t want to put myself under pressure. I just want to go out there and enjoy every bit of it,” this opening batsman has said.

About his bowling, the left-arm orthodox spinner related, “I always enjoy bowling, whenever I get the opportunity, I will try to make the most of it.”

Most instances of Hemraj’s excellent batting came in tandem with Brandon King’s over the past two years. Speaking about their job at the top of the order, Hemraj noted that the onus is on the pair to get the momentum going.

“I think it’s important to start well. From the very first game, I think it’s important for us to get the starts and give the team momentum going forward,” the Guyanese has explained.

The batsman is not heading into the CPL 2021 rusty, having featured in several leagues and tournament in the Caribbean and the United States in the past months. This constant exposure to the game, according to Hemraj, would stand him in good stead in this CPL season.

“You know it’s important to gain experience, get in some cricket coming into this tournament. Likewise, from last year, we didn’t have much cricket because of COVID. So, I think it was good to get some cricket coming into this tournament,” he explained.

With 50% seating capacity expected at Warner Park in St. Kitts during the Hero CPL, it will be welcomed with open arms by Hemraj, who is a ‘fan’ of the fans’ presence.

When asked about playing with fans in the stands again, Hemraj answered, “Yeah, definitely, it’s always nice playing in front of a crowd. I’m very much looking forward to it.” He continued, “When you think about it, it’s a huge motivation that you know wherever you go there’s so much people that support Amazon Warriors. And I think it’s going to be nice for us to give them something to cheer about this year.” (Jemima Holmes)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

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

The acrobatic Sinclair has lots in store for CPL 2021 Page 23

Lady Jags confident but cautious following CONCACAF draw

Page 23

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