Guyana Times - Tuesday, August 9, 2022

34 additional secondary schools likely to offer CVQ …assessment begins

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

See story on page 7

P12

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5095

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

Money from LCDS 2030 to be handled with highest transparency – Dr Singh

House approves $44.7B supplementary funding

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

16-year-old among 2 remanded for NWD teen’s P8 murder

See story on page 3

Damaged P17 Mora Bridge repaired

…Opposition a no-show

Corentyne woman stabbed to death by ex-husband $4B in funding $3.4B to be injected to ease ‘cash into GuySuCo flow’ at GPL See story on page 9

See story on page 7

Page 2

…Rose Hall Estate to be reopened soon – Agri Minister

Mother of 3 stabbed to P16 death

Security firms warned to follow SOPs when handling firearms P10

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$4B in funding to ease ‘cash flow’ at GPL

T

he Guyana Power and Light received an additional $4 billion in funding on Monday, when the National Assembly ventilated the supplementary budget.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, reiterated to the House that when Government assumed office, a number of state agencies had been bankrupt. GPL had accumulated receivables, only from its Private Sector entities, in excess of $12 billion. A “tremendous” liquidity and cash flow crisis had then followed at the company.

He explained that this was a cascading problem, because a number of oth-

er agencies that owed amounts to the GPL were in turn facing similar states of financial distress. “We have been faced with the task of addressing this chronic problem, and we have set about doing so diligently,” Dr Singh relayed.

With this sum now allocated to the utility company, the Finance Minister said, a better cash flow would materialise.

“Of course, the challenges at GPL have been compounded by the fact that the fuel price on the global market has increased tremendously.

We have, as a matter of policy, given a commitment that we will absorb this increase,

and not pass it onto the consumer…

“This $4 billion represents a further effort to liquidate longstanding liabilities that are owed to GPL, and ease the cash flow challenges,” he explained.

Reports are that, at the end of 2019, the power com-

pany was owed $17.7 billion, of which $13.1 billion was racked up by the APNU/AFC Administration.

When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration took office in August 2022, GPL had just about $1.9 billion in its bank account, and that amount was sufficient to take care of the company’s expenditures only until October. At that time, the utility company was running at a loss of just about $8.7 billion.

It has been announced that planned infrastructural upgrades being undertaken at GPL in 2022 would see the company reducing its loss of generation capacity and improving its ability to transmit power to cater to demand. Those plans include reinforcing of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) through the upgrade of several integral transmission and distribution locations.

A $10 billion power plant located at the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL’s) Garden of Eden Power Station was also introduced

by Government. This stateof-the-art power plant, constructed by Wärtsilä, is operable by dual-fuel energy, meaning it can utilise heavy fuel oil and natural gas simultaneously. (G12)

Repeat offender slapped with armed robbery charge remanded

Robbery accused Ryan Pompey

T

wenty-four-yearold Ryan Pompey of Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who in 2019 was jailed for three years for robbery with violence, is back in court on a similar charge.

Arraigned before City Magistrate Annette Singh, he denied the charge, and was remanded to prison.

It is alleged that on August 6, at North Road, Georgetown, while armed with a knife, he robbed Shane Paul of $45,000 in cash.

Pompey claimed he was making his way to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to treat his injuries

when the hospital’s security guard informed him that someone had identified him as the person who had stolen their phone.

The Police Prosecutor objected to the accused being granted his pre-trial liberty by citing the serious nature of the offence, Pompey’s previous conviction, and the fact that he had been positively identified by the virtual complainant. According to the prosecutor, Pompey had also assaulted Paul during the robbery.

These objections were upheld by Magistrate Singh, and Pompey was remanded until August 15.

Pompey was sentenced in 2019 to three years’ imprisonment for robbery with violence.

He had pleaded guilty to robbing a man on Regent Street, Georgetown while making use of personal violence. Court facts had revealed that while the victim was waiting to board a minibus, Pompey had approached and relieved him of his cellphone and money, before pushing him to the ground.

However, while trying to flee, Pompey was caught by public-spirited citizens, who removed the stolen phone from his crotch and gave it to the victim before handing him over to the Police. (G1)

NEWS

3

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Aug 9 – 01:00h – 02:30h and Wednesday, Aug 10 – 01:30h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Aug 9 – 14:15h – 15:45h and Wednesday, Aug 10 – 15:10h – 16:40h.

…Opposition a no-show

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: South South-Westerly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 14:31h reaching a maximum height of 2.36 metres.

Low Tide: 07:57h and 20:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.73 metre and 0.87 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 06, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

03 07 09

12 18 22

FREE TICKET

11 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

01 06 10 14 17 LUCKY 3

6

3

3

1

Afternoon Draw

9

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04 09 10 14 18 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 05, 2022

05 06 10 11 17 13

05 07 09 13 14

9

7 Afternoon Draw

2x Afternoon Draw

4

4 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change % +1.79

Crude Oil

$96.65/barrel

Rough Rice

$308.88/ton

-0.08

London Sugar

$545.70/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1788.90

$1789.90

Low/High Change

$1771.10 -0.30

$1791.20 -0.02

House approves $44.7B supplementary funding G

overnment has secured a total of $44.7 billion in funding from the National Assembly in a supplementary budget that will enable continued expenditure for this 2022 fiscal year in a number of developmental areas.

The National Assembly on Monday approved the Financial Paper No 1 of 2022. Of the $44,794,011,175 billion, $12.2 billion are current estimates and the remaining $32.5 billion are capital estimates.

For the Agriculture Ministry, a total of $1.908 billion was approved for support to the Black Belly Sheep Project and $300 million to support fisherfolks. There also includes operational expenses for other agencies such as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) - $1.2 billion, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) - $44.1 million and the Mahaica MahaiconyAbary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) - $218.9 million.

Meanwhile, $4.439 billion will go to the Public Works Ministry for rehabilitative works on 28 pontoons of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), for the acquisition of spares and the completion of rehabilitation of ferry vessels, and for upgrading of roads and drains in several communities for which some $3 billion was granted.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told the Assembly, “Apart from the hundreds of roads that we’ve already done since coming into office, the backlog is great. What we’re trying to do here now is to do what should have been done in those communities during the period 2015 to 2020.

Selective communities had works done during that period. In this dispensation, all communities are benefitting…The Government of Guyana wants to fix every road in every community. My mandate is to ensure that it happens.”

To facilitate the completion of the critical sea and river defence works as well as new works to address areas of erosion along the Mahaicony shoreline, an additional $550 million was approved. Some $525 million was also sought to facilitate the advancement of preliminary works to support the East Coast-East Bank Road Linkage project.

In addition, supplementary funds to the tune of $21

billion for the Housing and Water Ministry was requested and of that amount, $15.9 billion is to facilitate infrastructural works in new and existing housing areas, as well as to promote the housing programme.

The remaining sum is for works in the water supply sector including the completion of water supply interventions in hinterland areas, and resources to increase treated water coverage through the construction and upgrading of water treatment plants as well as improving and expanding water supply systems in underserved and unserved areas.

Other funds listed in the Financial Paper include $50 million for the Office of the Prime Minister; $40.5 million for the Finance Ministry as well as another $6 billion current estimates which include $4 billion to pay electricity arrears to Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL).

Meanwhile, $700 million is being sought for the Human Services and Social Security Ministry to facilitate public assistance to persons living with disabilities.

Public Service Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud outlined, “That’s actual money going into the hands of persons living with disabili-

ties to cater for the kinds of needs that they will require; whatever they need to make their lives better and to improve their quality of life.”

The Education Ministry is requesting $307 million for the construction of a primary school in Wakenaam and to purchase school furniture for the reopening of school.

Another $216 million was requested for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to procure tools and machinery for training programmes, maintenance of the State’s swimming pools and upgrading of community grounds.

TURN TO PAGE 8

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

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

International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples

T

oday Guyana joins the rest of the world to observe International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples 2022, themed: 'The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation & Transmission of Traditional Knowledge'.

On August 9 each year, this worldwide celebration is observed, as this date coincides with the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. This Working Group was created to provide an opportunity for Indigenous People to share their experiences and raise their concerns for the attention of the international community. Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, in her message, said: “Women have a significant role to play in the development of their countries, and we have continued to shatter the glass ceiling in every regard. It is no different for Amerindian women, who have had the starting line pushed back even further, but have managed to shine in every sector. At every level of our country, it is pellucid that Indigenous women are taking up their rightful positions. In the Government, we have several Indigenous female Ministers and Members of Parliament, and at the local level, there continues to be an increase in the number of women taking up leadership roles as Councillors, and even Toshaos. Specifically, with the continued deliberate actions to promote and preserve Indigenous traditional knowledge, the role of Indigenous women as a pillar of their communities cannot be overemphasised.”

If one can recall, at the launching of Amerindian Heritage Month after he was sworn into office, President Irfaan Ali had laid out his administration’s plans and programmes for the development of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples for the next five years.

It was indeed a detailed plan which included several critical components aimed at ensuring that Guyana’s First Peoples are not excluded in any way from the national development agenda.

To its credit, the PPP Government has acknowledged that land is central to Indigenous Peoples’ development, and always treated Amerindian Land Demarcation and Titling as a priority.

Further, it was very encouraging that, since taking office, the PPP Government has restored several development projects which were scrapped by the former APNU/AFC Government. These include: rehiring of the approximately 2000 Community Support Officers (CSOs) who were terminated by the previous APNU/AFC Government when it took office in 2015; reintroducing Community Development Plans (CDPs) to ensure that Amerindians are able to determine the sustainable livelihoods they desire; and returning to the ground-breaking partnership forged through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and advance the innovative “OPT IN” feature, which allowed villages to benefit directly from the proceeds of carbon-trading services.

In his address, the President had also promised that Amerindians can look forward to improvements in social services such as education, health care, and water. He said that health facilities would be increased, upgraded and better equipped to provide enhanced and more accessible health care across the hinterland. This indeed is badly needed, as many hinterland residents have to travel extremely long distances to access basic medical services.

Many health institutions in the hinterland still do not offer the level of services required by patients, and hence patients are forced to travel to Georgetown at a very high cost.

The same situation exists as it relates to educational opportunities for Amerindian students. Many hinterland schools still do not have a full complement of trained teachers, and are not equipped with IT technology, thereby limiting the student’s ability to achieve their full potential. Amerindian students must be able to have the same access to educational opportunities as others in any part of the country.

That said, we believe there is need for more collaboration between the Government and other development agencies to support and fund community development projects, skills training etc, that would see Amerindians having better access to opportunities to advance their lives.

Also, the relevant Ministries, such as Amerindian Affairs and Labour, along with the responsible NGOs, must step up their efforts to ensure that Amerindians are not exploited in any way.

Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips meeting with new President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, over the weekend. The Prime Minister also met with new Vice President, Francia Marquez. The Prime Minister represented the Government of Guyana at the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday in Bogota, Colombia (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

After years of torture, I broke free of the tyranny of calorie-counting

By Amelia Tait

W

hen science fiction writers imagine great, grandiose methods of social control – matrixes! Microchips!

Really big bros! – they ignore one powerful form that already exists: the humble calorie.

Very little is more distracting, maddening, soul-destroying or totalitarian than the seemingly random number (egg: 155! Freddo: 95!) that is assigned to everything we eat. It is a number that will affect your body and – although it shouldn’t be the case – the way others around you value it. If you have ever counted your calories, and if you have ever restricted them, then you have lived under a brutal regime. I’m really truly sorry. I wish no one had ever told you that calories exist.

I feel this way because calories once consumed me. As an anorexic teenager, I knew the number assigned to lettuce leaves, clementine segments, single yoghurt-coated banana chips, and a Haribo sweet sucked for a second before being spat into the loo. I wasted so much time on minute-by-minute mental maths that I was dis-

tracted in class, my breath reeking of hunger as I muttered numbers to myself.

It breaks my heart to think of the great minds similarly wasting away; the fingers lifting up flaps on the backs of packets before a snack is returned to its shelf. Think of all of the other things that humans – and yes, especially women – could have done if they didn’t spend their time counting calories. Think of where those minds could have been put to use.

I began to properly recover from my eating disorder when I was 18, but although I stopped meticulously counting calories, I still made rough approximations in my head. I didn’t want to lose weight any more, but I didn’t want to gain it: my new housemates in my student halls would remark on my couscous and salads. But slowly, slowly, counting slipped my mind. At 21, I fell deeper in love than I ever knew was possible, and calories ceased to exist.

I mean it. At the beginning of my eat-whatever-you-like era, I got into the habit of buying a tub of cake icing, pouring in some hundreds and thousands, and devouring the lot with a spoon. Have you ever heard of any-

thing more wonderful? It made me far happier than any number on a packet or scale ever did. I don’t do it any more – mainly because I don’t want to die – but what a perfect end to calorie-counting.

Because here’s the thing about calories: they’re bollocks. They’re completely oversimplified to the point of uselessness. Some dude in a laboratory in the 1800s came up with a system for totting up calories in food – and then almost 200 years later, the US Government basically guessed that a typical adult needed 2,000 calories a day. In recent years, leading academics and obesity experts have asked for the “antiquated” idea of calorie-counting to be dropped.

But don’t wait for food packaging to be updated – drop calories yourself. Blur your eyes. Run through the red light of the traffic light label! Today, it’s my firm belief that calories don’t exist unless you look at them, like some kind of Doctor Who villain.

It’s only when you start thinking about calories that they gain any power over you – and what they do to your brain is far worse than what they could ever do to your body.

This is why it’s so distress-

ing that the Government has forced large restaurants to display calories on their menus, despite evidence that this policy has little effect on obesity, but is demonstrably dangerous for people with eating disorders.

I know it’s not easy to wake up one day and just give up thinking about calories – especially if counting them has been a part of your daily life for decades. Still, I desperately wish everyone could break free from their tyranny, as I consider it one of the best things I ever did. In the last decade, I have never once woken up and missed calorie-counting. I have never longed to look at a label and divide 100g by the weight of the packet.

When I was a teenager, I got it into my head that every woman has an eating disorder, and that I’d be counting calories for the rest of my life. It’s difficult to describe how thrilling it is that these numbers no longer have a hold on me. It feels like freedom, it feels like weightlessness, it feels like hundreds and thousands cascading into a tub of soft sugar. (The Guardian) (Amelia Tait is a writer on tech and internet phenomena)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

5

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

Continue to discourse with NIS needs to clarify a view to helping industry whether policy Dear Editor, It is a fact that significant damage was done to GuySuCo in the period 2015-2020. The performance data is there to confirm or dispute this claim. In the said period, I shared several commentary pieces and analyses of GuySuCo’s performance and strategic positions. With a change in Government in 2020, renewed political will and new management, there was an abundance of enthusiasm, optimism, and energy in the sugar belt.

This led to a legitimate expectation for this new team to focus on stopping the decline in the industry as a first step, and to formulate a practical & realistic roadmap to reposition itself.

Sadly, after two years of Government’s unequivocal financial support to new management, we are nowhere close to realising those expectations.

In fact, the industry is in a worst state than it had been in 2020.

There is documented evidence that, over the last two years, the Corporation spent an inordinate amount of time and energy to showcase itself

on social and mainstream mediums, more than any other management group had done, and in any period in GuySuCo’s history.

It appears that the intent was to direct the minds of citizens into believing that this new management team is very active, efficient, innovative, and is delivering results.

In reality, there is a big disconnect between performance and media narrative. Editor, the Corporation will provide, and continues to provide, all sorts of justification and explanation for its mediocre performance, such as rainfall disaster, inability to till and plant, labour shortage, union non-support, sugar hoarding, smuggling, etc.

However, it is my considered view that poor decision-making is the major contributor to its performance.

Recently, the Corporation presented data to justify impact of rainfall on sugar output, and quoted literature in an attempt to explain cause of low production. In its analysis, the Corporation omitted the fact that, in 2008, when rainfall was 3002.1mm

(highest in recent times), Albion, Blairmont & Uitvlugt Estates produced 55,454 tonnes, 32,410 tonnes and 15,760 tonnes sugar respectively. This means that these 3 GuySuCo estates produced 103,624 tonnes sugar in a year that recorded the highest rainfall in recent times. Given this fact, I challenge GuySuCo to share with this nation the projected sugar production for 2022.

In comparing output for high rainfall years, I am challenging the Corporation once more to provide data on the 3 operating estates for years 2008, 2021 and 2022 for the following key performance indicators: rainfall, tonnes cane per hectare, sucose % cane, tonnes cane per tonne sugar, average grinding hours per week, cane production cost per pound, sugar production cost per pound, and total tonnes of bagged

and packaged sugar produced.

The sugar shortage is a self-inflicted problem caused by the Uitvlugt mill gear fiasco. Again, if GuySuCo’s in-house experts had made the right decisions in December 2021, when the problem was first observed, Uitvlugt would have operated for more time in its first crop, making more sugar available in 50kg format for local consumption.

Unfortunately, performance of the Corporation is such a national embarrassment at this time that a leading Opposition MP was forced to issue a call for his former party member and comrade to resign or be fired from GuySuCo. It cannot get worse.

However, let us continue to discourse with a view to helping the industry.

Yours faithfully, Sookram Persaud

has changed for pensioners overseas

Dear Editor, As I understand it, any NIS pensioner who makes in excess of 750 contributions is entitled to one per cent on every 50 contributions in excess of the 750.

However, several persons have complained that, despite making in excess of 750 contributions, they are being paid the minimum pension at age 60, especially as it relates to those who had migrated prior to age 60.

To illustrate my point, let me give an example: John started to work at age 25, and contributed to NIS until age 50, when he migrated. By that time, he had accumulated 1250 contributions. For the last three years, his contribution was at the maximum ceiling, which un-

der normal circumstances would have qualified him for the maximum pension. However, at age 60, when John applied for his pension, two things happened: (A) He was paid the minimum pension, despite being qualified for the maximum at age 50, and (B) he was paid the minimum pension despite making in excess of 750 contributions.

I am not aware if the policy under both aspects has changed for those who reside overseas, or if persons who complained have not made the necessary contributions, but because of the complaints, can NIS please clarify.

Sincerely, D Sookdeo

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 11:45 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 0:00

(Sign on) Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stay Woke MasterChef Junior National Geographic House Hunter Renovation Paternity Court Divorce Court President’s Diary R/B Movie - The Engagement Back-Up (2022) Wheel of Fortune The Thundermans S4 E19 Liv and Maddie S2 E3 Indian Soaps Weekly Digest R/B Henry Danger S1 E6 Inspector Gadget The Young & The Restless CNN Teaching the Truth in Love The Evening News Stop Suffering Brooklyn Nine-Nine S5 E10 Dynasty S2 E10 Blacklist S5 E15 The Vampire Diaries S5 E18 Sign off

6

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

Page

◄

Power Up Maths Power Up Maths PowerTest Up Maths Module Module Test Module Testnumbers: Change to mixed

Foundation

Module Test

Change50 to mixed 21 numbers: 43 235 Change 1) 14 to mixed 2) 10 numbers: 3) 7 4) 20 50 21 43 235 1) 1450 2) 1021 3) 7 434) 20235 1) 2) 3) 4) 14 10 7 20 Change to improper fractions: Change to improper fractions:1 7 8 16 5) Change 4 6)to 7 improper 7) 10 fractions: 8) 20 21 9 24 2 7 8 16 1 5) 4 7 6) 7 8 7) 10 16 8) 20 1 6) 79 7) 1024 8) 202 5) 421 21

9

24

7 1

9 18 81 19

Materials: Wint-O-Green or Pep-O-Mint lifesavers dark room mirror

2

Add or subtract and reduce result to simplest form: mplest form: Add to 1simplest form: 7 or1 subtract 81and 19reduce 1 result 5 2 reduce 9) Add + or subtract 10) -and11) + result 12)to -simplest form: 1 7

2 6

) 36 x

72 ÷

2 1

6 5

3 6 1 2

9) 1 7+ 7 1 10) 9 81- 181911) 2 1+ 6 5 12) 3 1- 6 2 9) + 10) - 11) + 12) -

7 35

8 1

1

7

9

18

2

6

3

6

Multiply: Multiply: 6 1 5 7 13)Multiply: x 6 14) 4 x 25 15) 100 x 20 16) 36 x 35 1 6 1 5 7 13) 1 6x 6 14) 4 1x 25 15) 100 x 20 5 16) 36 x 35 7 16) 36 x 13) x 6 14) x 25 15) 100 x 1

4

20

Process: Go to a really dark room and stand in front of the mirror. Wait a few minutes until your eyes get accustomed to the darkness.

Put a Wint-O-Green or a Pep-O-Mint lifesaver in your mouth.

While keeping your mouth open, break the lifesaver up with your teeth and look for sparks. If you do it right, you should see bluish flashes of light.

Explanation: Why does this happen? When you

break the lifesaver apart, you’re breaking apart sugars inside the candy. The sugars release little electrical charges in the air. These charges attract the oppositely charged nitrogen in the air. When the two meet, they react in a tiny spark that you can see. (weatherwizkids.com)

35

Divide: Divide: 2 3 10 8 17)Divide: ÷ 9 18) 4 ÷ 75 19) 40 ÷ 20 20) 72 ÷ 1 3 2 3 10 8 17) 3 2÷ 9 18) 4 3÷ 75 19) 40 ÷ 2010 20) 72 ÷ 1 8 17) 3 ÷ 9 18) 4 ÷ 75 19) 40 ÷ 20 20) 72 ÷ 1

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

By the Brothers Grimm

The wolf and the wild a bush, and the wolf boar were first on the jumped up into a tree. ground; and when they Sultan and the cat soon Create a ratio and reduce to simplest form: espied their enemies came up, and looked Create a ratio and reduce to simplest form: rm: Create a ratio and reduce to simplest form: coming, and will saw about and wondered that 21)21) 9 9persons were invited totoMary’s birthday party.

How much of the cake eachthe person receive if Create a ratio and reduce simplest form:How persons were invited to Mary’s birthday party. much of cat’s long tail standing no one was there. The thday party.

How much of the cake will each person receive ifamong the will person receive if to the cake is divided equally the cake iseach divided equally among the guests and birthday 21)cake 9 persons were invited Mary’s birthday party.

Howgirl? much of theincake will each if the theyperson boar,receive however, the 21) guests and birthday girl?invited to Mary’s birthday party. How straight 9 girl? persons were much of the cake air, will each person receive if had not ests and birthday the cake is divided equally among the guests and birthday girl? thought she was carrying quite hidden himself, for 22)22) InInthe church’s parking lot, there are 6 black carsbirthday and 10 silver-grey cars.

Express this as a ratio. the cake is divided equally among guests girl? the church’s parking lot, there are the 6 black cars and and 10 sila sword for Sultan to fight his ears stuck out of the 6 black cars 10 silver-grey cars.

Express thisare as a6 ratio. ver-grey Express this as a ratio.

22)and In cars. the church’s parking lot, there black cars and 10 silver-grey cars. Express this as a ratio. with; and every shethisbush; and when he shook 22) In the church’s parking lot, there are 6 black cars and 10 silver-grey cars.time Express as a ratio. limped, they thought she one of them a little, the Determine if the following proportions are equal (write yes was or no): picking up a stone to cat, seeing something are equal (write yes or no): Determine proportions are1equal or no):at them; so they move, and thinking it was 7 1 if the 8following 160 1 9 2 (write yesthrow if the =following proportions are=equal (write yes or no): 23)Determine = 24) 25) = 26) said they should not like a mouse, sprang upon it, 42 7 9 180 2 18 3 6 1 2 1 9 1 2 26) 3 = 6 23) 7 7= 1 1 24) 8 8= 160 = 2 this way of fighting, and and bit and scratched it, 160 25) 1= 9 26) 1 2 18 3 = 6 23)4242 =7 7 24)9 9 =180 25) = 26) 180 2 18 3 6 the boar lay down behind so that the boar jumped

up and grunted, and ran away, roaring out, “Look up in the tree, there sits the one who is to blame.” So they looked up, and espied the wolf sitting amongst the branches; and they called him a cowardly rascal, and would not suffer him to come down till he was heartily ashamed of himself, and had promised to be good friends again with old Sultan.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Money from LCDS 2030 to be handled with highest transparency – Dr Singh

F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has positioned that Government’s reintroduced and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 Bill is the gateway to earn for climate services offered by Guyana to the world.

Last month, the Bill was laid in the National Assembly by the Finance Minister following seven months of consultations.

During Monday’s sitting, Minister Singh debated, “The 2030 LCDS articulates a clear mechanism for mobilisation of resources for earning of revenue by our country and of course, the global context has also been changed. So, the LCDS has itself been updated and expanded to take

account of those realities.”

Guyana can earn not just through arrangements like the one with Norway,

but through an open-market arrangement. Like the initial LCDS, Dr Singh said the updated version “goes

to the core” on justice and fairness.

“The reality is that forests are an extreme part

and one of the most effective means in the global climate solution. From a global justice and fairness perspective, forests should and must be renumerated for the global climate services they’re providing.”

The Finance Minister has assured that monies earned through the LCDS will be processed through the highest level of accountability.

“We will ensure therefore that the revenues that we earn through the LCDS are processed through the most rigorous of accountability systems and be fully incorporated into the budgetary process,” he told the House.

The LCDS 2030 seeks to create a new low-carbon economy in Guyana by es-

$3.4B to be injected into GuySuCo …Rose Hall Estate to be reopened soon – Agri Minister

Plans are underway to resuscitate the Rose Hall Estate

C

ontinued efforts to recapitalise the sugar industry has led to an injection of an additional $3.5 billion to the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

The monies were made available under approvals for the Agriculture Ministry under the supplementary budget. According to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, these sums allow for resources so that the factories can operate at its optimum.

This amount is a breakdown of $1.4 billion to support the sugar industry and another $2 billion for operational expenses of GuySuCo. “This money will be expended to continue the recapitalisation of GuySuCo because when we took Government in 2020, these factories were performing just between 45 to 49 per cent capacity. What we have done over the last two years is seen a number

of critical parts that were missing and in almost running at the end of its life.

We have seen it rehabilitated and the factories are now moving to make sure we have it at 100. This is a continuation,” Minister Mustapha told the National Assembly on Monday.

Turning his attention to the Rose Hall estate, Mustapha underscored that works are moving apace to have the facility up and running. Over half

of the retrenched workers have been reemployed.

“Rose Hall Estate will be reopened. That’s a commitment of this PPP/C Government. We have reemployed 692 out of 1038 persons. A number of works have already been carried out.”

To date, there are 582 hectares of land that was tilled, 527 hectares planted, two kilometres of all-weather roads rehabilitated, eight kilometres of access dam rehabilitated, 16 of 39 timber bridges repaired, 17 drainage channels cleaned, three access dams completed, among others.

“The factory rehabilitation programme is 58 per cent completed and we have a number of works that have already been completed…We’re on track to reopen this estate. As a matter of fact, many persons in this country would have realised that the area was made a ghost town, with

the entire village economy in East Canje came to a halt. Many persons had to leave the area. We’re seeing now once again the area is moving up,” he added.

The former APNU/AFC Government had closed the Wales Estate in 2016, and subsequently shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon estates. The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion estates currently operating. After taking office, the PPP/C Government announced in the 2020 Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected immediately into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates.

After entering office, Government also injected some $600 million into the Corporation to assist with the payment of wages and salaries for employees. (G12)

tablishing incentives which value the world’s ecosystem services, and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at its core. In Guyana’s case, it is about harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem services to build a long-term, low-carbon diversification opportunity.

Guyana, along with a number of other countries, gave its full support at the United Nations 26th Conference of Parties (COP26), held in Glasgow, Scotland, to play its part in protecting against climate change.

In fact, over 130 leaders, representing more than 90 per cent of the world’s forests, have committed to work together to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. Countries have also committed to the funding pledge of US$12 billion between 2021 and 2025 to finance forest-related matters.

The LCDS was first launched on June 8, 2009, with the revised version being published in May 2010.

This version was subsequently launched in March 2013. The new draft is intended to continue and build upon the work started in 2008.

Between the period of 2009 to 2015, Guyana earned US$212.52 million in forest service payments from Norway, to be invested in the LCDS. This has created low-carbon jobs; enabled Amerindian villages to receive legal titles for communal lands; rehabilitated the Cunha Canal to protect against flooding; and started to equip Amerindian and hinterland communities with renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

(G12)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16-year-old among 2 remanded for NWD teen’s murder T wo persons, including a juvenile, were on Monday remanded to prison for the murder of 18-year-old Jude Christino, who was chased and stabbed to death last Wednesday, following an argument at Kumaka Water Front, Mabaruma, North West District (NWD).

Charged are a 16-yearold boy and Wayne Da Silva Called “Monkey Man” of Hobo Hill, NWD. They appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court.

They were not required

Dead: Jude Christino

to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that they murdered Christino on August 3. The accused teen, who was represented by defence counsel Bernard Da Silva, was remanded to a juvenile holding centre while his co-accused was remanded to prison.

Attorney DaSilva has asked for his client to undergo a psychological evaluation.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 02:00h, Christino and two males were engaged in a heated argument. In an attempt to escape the two men, Christino ran away,

House approves $44.7B...

Under the Health Ministry, $332.6 million was sought for the Government’s collaboration with the US-based Mount Sinai International.

Earlier this month, Guyana signed an agreement with Mount Sinai and Fess Corp to transform the country’s healthcare system. The collaboration will see the establishment of Centres of Excellence for heart and cancer care as well as discounts for Guyanese patients at the Mount Sinai facility.

For the Home Affairs Ministry, $22.4 million in capital and another $838 million in current estimates are being requested. Another $100 million is being sought to cover legal fees under the Legal Affairs Ministry.

Supplementary funds to the tune of $36.8 million were also earmarked in the Financial Paper for Regions

One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) to expand their respective work programmes.

This supplementary funding follows the massive $552.9 billion Budget that was laid and passed in the National Assembly for 2022.

“No-show”

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) was a no-show at Monday’s sitting – a move which was hinted at since last week by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.

When the parliamentary sitting commenced at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, only the Government side was present as seats from the Opposition remained empty.

This comes on the heels of remarks from the Opposition

but the suspects pursued him. Christino was reportedly cornered, and the two men started to beat him.

An eyewitness told Police that one of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed the teen to his neck, causing him to collapse, before fleeing the scene. Police later arrived at the scene and escorted Christino to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Following investigations, the juvenile and Wayne Da Silva were arrested and prosecuted. (G1)

FROM PAGE 3

Leader where he signalled their intention at such actions at a rally last week.

The boycott comes in wake of the National Assembly’s decision to suspend eight APNU/AFC Members of Parliament, connected with the infamous stealing of the mace.

Last month, the National Assembly adopted a report from the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges, which recommended the suspension of Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, Sherod Duncan, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, and Maureen Philadelphia over their conduct in the House on December 29, 2021.

Chief Whip Jones, Mahipaul, Duncan and Singh-Lewis have been suspended for four consecutive sittings each over

their attempts to disrupt the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill and ignoring the authority of the Speaker on December 29, 2021.

MPs Ferguson and Jordan are suspended for six consecutive sittings over severe and egregious violations by removing the Parliamentary Mace from its rightful position, not only damaging the object, but also injuring and assaulting a staff of the Parliament Office.

Meanwhile, SaraboHalley, who entered the Communication Control Room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and destroyed several pieces of audio-visual equipment, is suspended for six sittings.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Philadelphia is facing a suspension for six consecutive sittings for verbally assaulting a Parliament staff. (G12)

Moving on...

I

…with Indigenous Peoples

n case you missed it, today is “International Day of Indigenous Peoples”, and as is usual, the UN has declared that the world commemorate the occasion every year on Aug 9. And, if nothing else, it should make you think a little outside of the box – here, our little Guyana box – about Indigenous Peoples the world over. And that’s the point, isn’t it?? You have to THINK about Indigenous Peoples – even though they were the First Peoples everywhere because they aren’t dominant enough ANYWHERE to have them on your mind unprompted.

Sadly, in the consciousness of most folks, they’re like the forest, in which most of them live – just there. But think about it: the world was theirs, until the rest of us moved in!! So, today, you have 500 million of them pushed to the periphery of whichever place you think about, and 7.5 billion of us dominating them.

But hold it!! Didn’t the rest of us come from somewhere?? Weren’t we “indigenous” there?? Aren’t we assured that all of us came out of Africa?? And as such, we’re all indigenous to Africa, aren’t we?? But that’s not how the powers-that-be classify us, do they?? From where your Eyewitness sits -behind his keyboard - it looks like “Indigenous” refers to those who remained in the forests or whatever parts of the world no one else wants to live!! So, by definition, being “indigenous” simply means “underdeveloped” – by all that “development” means today.

And that’s something else, ain’t it?? Did you realise that, even in Europe, there’s an “Indigenous” group??

That’s right – the Laplanders or Sami people, who’ve been pushed to the very top of that curved peninsula of Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark and parts of Russia. There are less than 80,000 of them left, but - believe it or not - they have the same gripes that the Aboriginals of Australia have against those descendants of British convicts who took over the continent.

Over in India, Indigenous Peoples were in the news a couple of weeks ago, when one of their 100 million was elected President. They’re still the poorest of the poor, and are as scorned as, say, the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, or Africa, or anywhere else are!! In Africa, we’ve heard about the Pygmies, haven’t we?? And in Canada the Inuits? Or the Incas of Peru or the Aztecs of Mexico?

Shouldn’t we begin to think of them every day of the year?? And maybe we’ll earn the moral right to complain about the injustices perpetrated on “us”?? …with that Deep Water Harbour That Deep Water Harbour in the mouth of the Berbice River’s gotta be rivalling that Highway from Linden-toLethem in terms of how long we’ve been waiting for them to become reality. But, at long last, the bids are out for the Linden-to-Mabura leg of the Highway - with financing and contractors and everything else in place. So, what’s it with the Berbice Harbour??

CGX had stepped up to the crease as part of the development of their oil concessions off the Berbice coast.

They’d be killing two birds with one stone – using it as a shore base and also for shipping rice etc. - and charging fees for the service. But it appears that after going as far as clearing the land and building a road, etc…the project just can’t get off the ground. (Forgive the pun!!)

Well, Pres Ali has made the right decision, to signal other interested parties to get their ducks in a row if CGX continues stumbling. You see, dear reader, the Berbice Harbour’s not just for shipping our stuff, but to earn revenue by giving Brazil an outlet to the Atlantic!!

It’s not only “drill, baby drill!!” but “diversify, baby… diversify!!” …from ethnic conflict??

Well, today Kenya goes to the polls. As your Eyewitness has been keeping you posted, all kinds of arrangements – including power-sharing – have been tried since that country became independent. But the ethnic challenge remains.

Quo vadis??

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne woman stabbed to death by ex-husband

Ramchandar’s aunt, Anita Thirbhowan

Dead: Cindy Ramchandar

A

Corentyne woman was on Monday stabbed to death by her ex-husband from whom she had separated two months ago.

Dead is 24-year-old Cindy Ramchandar of Number 47 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports are that the suspect used his car to hit the woman off of her motorcycle before fatally attacking her with a knife.

According to reports, at about 07:00h, the young woman left home on her electric bike to drop off her three-year-old niece at her parents’ home, which is one street away.

While in front of the child’s mother’s home, her

ex-husband reportedly drove up and struck her off of the bike.

He reportedly exited the car, attacked the woman with a knife, and stabbed

her several times before fleeing the scene.

“I don’t know who call the boy and tell him that this gyal going by them to drop the child over there…

but the boy get some details because he is not living at Rose Hall so he could reach so fast. He come from till in New Amsterdam and wait in front of the health centre. That is where he catch the gyal, she go with a red scooter and he push down the scooter and he stab she,” Ramchandar’s aunt, Anita Thirbhowan, told reporters.

According to her, the couple were married two years ago but separated two months ago.

During their marriage,

Dead: 24-year-old Cindy Ramchandar and her now wanted husband in happier times

Ramchandar suffered constant abuse at the hands of her husband. Thirbhowan said the last time a knife was used in the attack and it left her with several marks on her body.

“She meet very hard times since she married with this boy and his parents them, that is why she mummy bring she back here before them people do she anything. This boy use

to work on a ship. Is come out he come out. I don’t know how he know that the girl going and drop off the child…the boy say that he don’t want her and so she bring away she stuff,” the aunt added.

The couple had no children. The Police are on the hunt for the suspect, who is said to be living in East Canje, Berbice. (G4)

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Security firms warned to follow SOPs when handling firearms

A

s part of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Strategic Plan, which encourages collaboration through structured and developmental approaches, a meeting was held on Monday at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown, to identify issues and concerns and offer suggestions related to security needs.

Deputy Commissioner “Operations” (ag) Ravindradat Budhram, at the meeting, told the representatives of private security firms that recently there has been a sharp rise in incidents involving private services performing their tasks, which has also required the attention of the Criminal Investigations Department and has prompted this meeting.

According to Budhram, while it is the responsibility of private firms to pro-

Representatives of private security firms at the meeting

vide quality service to their clients, it is also critical to improve training in their organisation in order to improve the quality of service provided.

Budhram pointed out that whenever persons are on duty or when they are being relieved of their duties, the actions taken to secure firearms oftentimes are not in keeping with the procedures or the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that need to be followed. This, he said, needs to be corrected.

Budhram further encouraged the proprietors and chief security officers of the private security firms to conduct frequent training within their organisations to enhance efficiency and further noted that, apart from the standard training, his office “will coordinate refresher training for members of the security sector.”

Deputy Commissioner “Operations” (ag) Ravindradat Budhram

Use of sirens

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Dennis Stephen reiterated that the use of sirens and flashing lights on security vehicles is not in compliance with the laws of Guyana.

According to Stephen, security vehicles are not considered “emergency vehicles” like those used by the Police, ambulance and Fire Service. Private security services must therefore adhere to all applicable laws

and regulations regarding traffic and refrain from operating vehicles with sirens and/or flashing lights.

The issuance of precepts, accountability with armoury, security posture, and roles and responsibilities of the security firm; among other pressing issues, were highlighted and addressed.

The representatives during the discourse made suggestions to improve the quality of security personnel by incorporating statement writing, concealing carrying of firearms, observation skills and techniques, the ability to lead and work in or with a team, communications skills, honesty, and integrity into the training programme.

A suggestion to have a constructive comprehensive training programme established for chief security officers was also welcomed by the Deputy Commissioner,

who noted that there is sufficient military and paramilitary experience in the respective security firms that can collaborate and contribute to the development of such a programme.

During his brief remarks, the Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit, Brian Lowenfield, stated that recommendations are usually forwarded to the respective security firms at the end of each training. He further emphasised that these recommendations should not be taken lightly.

In closing, Budhram thanked the representatives from the various security services for attending the meeting and also noted that he is looking forward to strengthening the partnership and having more collaborative efforts between the private security services and the Guyana Police Force. (G2)

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police Service, Integrity Commissions

CJ sets August 23 to rule on legality of appointments …members were vetted by National Assembly, are of good standing – AG

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

President Dr Irfaan Ali

ruling by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, on the constitutionality of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s appointment of Pastor Patrick Findlay as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), and his appointment of the Integrity Commission, is set for August 23.

The ruling stems from a Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, who is asking the High Court to quash the appointments on the ground that the Head of State failed to engage him in the constitutionally required process of meaningful consultation.

Besides Findlay, the new members of the PSC are: Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway, and businessmen Ernesto Choo-a-Fat, and Hakeem Mohammed.

Meanwhile, the Integrity Commission has Demerara Bank Corporate Secretary Chandra Gajraj as Chairperson, along with Mohamed Haniff, lawyer and former Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas, Hardesh Tiwari, and Reverend Wayne Chris Bowman as members.

The two constitutional commissions were appointed on May 31.

Article 210 of the Constitution mandates

that “the Police Service Commission shall consist of – a Chairman appointed by the President acting after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition from among members appointed upon nomination by the National Assembly”.

Norton, who is also the leader of the PNCR—the largest party in the APNU/AFC coalition—contended that he was not afforded a “reasonable opportunity” to express a considered opinion on the matter of consultation concerning the appointments of the PSC and Integrity Commission.

He deposed that President Ali did not provide adequate information to him in respect of the President’s rationale, reasons, and/or grounds having regard to the respective persons’ suitability and/or competence for appointment to the respective public offices.

A

No reasons

During a virtual hearing on Monday, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who is representing the Opposition Leader, said that President Ali did not provide any rationale for choosing Findlay to be Chairman over the other three nominees.

“The President as the person initiating the consulta-

tion process never provided the criterion, never provided any factors which would be … of substantive importance in making a decision at the end of the consultation process,” Forde told the Chief Justice.

Relying on case laws, Forde reasoned that the concept of the meaningful consultation process does not mean that the President “can pick whatever person he wishes for whatever reason”, noting that the process must be transparent and characterised by accessible flow of information.

He said that the Opposition Leader was only provided with the Curricula Vitae (CV) of the four persons after making a “specific request” to President Ali for the documents.

Forde noted that the day before the PSC was appointed, Norton wrote to President Ali requesting the reasons for the recommendations of those nominated but was informed

by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, that there is no obligation for the President to disclose this.

Against this backdrop, Forde argued that the spirit and letter of the Constitution in respect of consultation and meaningful consultation were violently violated by the President. Forde said that his submissions about the PSC also apply to the appointment of the Integrity Commission.

Good standing

Interjecting, the Chief Justice pointed Forde to Teixeira’s letter dated May 13 in which it was noted that the persons nominated to constitute the Integrity Commission were “persons of good standing”. She reasoned that this phrase can also apply to the nominees for the PSC. “This [letter] is saying that they are people of good standing. Isn’t that a reason [for the appointment]?” she asked Forde, who replied, “This does not necessarily constitute a

Chief Justice Roxane George, SC

reason for the appointment.”

“Why not?” the Chief Justice queried, adding that: “I’m saying that this is a person of good standing; that is why I have chosen them. You might have an erroneous view of the good standing but that is the reason advanced.” Forde, however, maintained his position.

Approved by National Assembly

For his part, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, submitted that the nominees for the PSC including Findlay were nominated by the Appointments Committee of the National Assembly. He argued that overall, the consultation has to be fair but it does not have to be perfect.

“The names were examined and approved by the Appointments Committee of which the Opposition Members are part. That Committee prepared a report and presented it to the National Assembly. The

National Assembly approved that report unanimously containing the four names. The Leader of the Opposition was in the National Assembly…,” said Nandlall.

As such, he argued that Norton “had a hand” in the selection of the nominees for the PSC. He stated that there were a number of exchanges via letters between the President and Opposition Leader on the appointment of the PSC and Integrity Commission.

Nandlall added that Norton replied to the May 13 letter until May 30, requesting reasons for the nomination.

“If Mr Norton felt that they were not people of good standing, he had a responsibility and indeed a duty to so state and he had two weeks to say so. He never responded after that until the [30th of] May…not a single word about the nominees, that they were improper, that they were not suitable, they were unfit, nothing at all…” the Attorney General submitted.

While the four nominees for the PSC came from the National Assembly, the Chief Justice noted, however, that meaningful consultation between the President and the Opposition Leader is still constitutionally required. In conclusion, the Attorney General argued that the Opposition Leader was afforded a reasonable opportunity to participate in the consultation process.

Orders

Norton, among other things, is seeking an order

Roysdale Forde, SC

quashing the appointment of Findlay and Gajraj as the Chairmen of the PSC and Integrity Commission, respectively, and an order declaring that all actions taken by Commissions are null, void, and are of no force and effect.

Norton has also tried to link Findlay’s appointment to his political affiliation.

He has accused the President of tainting the PSC, since according to him, Findlay, is a politician, who was a candidate for the PPP/C at the 2011 and 2015 national elections and was previously appointed as Permanent Secretary by the ruling party.

Noting that the Constitution contemplates that the PSC is not politicalised, he pointed out that up to May 2021, Findlay identified himself as a member and supporter of the PPP/C. Norton has also asked the Chief Justice for an interpretation of the term “meaningful consultation”.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

34 additional secondary schools likely to offer CVQ …assessment begins

Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson (left, centre) with other officials at the pre-stakeholder meeting on Monday

A

pre-stakeholder meeting to begin the assessment of 34 secondary schools in Guyana to offer the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) was on Monday hosted between the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Ministry of Education, and the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

Giving an overview of what the meeting entailed was Linda StuartDoman, CVQ Auditor and a Manager in the Syllabus and Curriculum Development Department of CXC. According to StuartDoman, the pre-stakeholder meeting allows CXC to provide an overview of the audit procedure and to clarify any concerns stakeholders may have regarding the audit instrument and the processes to be executed. Further, she said it focuses on assessing the readiness of the institutions to deliver the regional occupational standards and to implement the CXC quality assurance criteria in training candidates pursuing programmes for CVQ certification. She noted that the process has various stages which will include physical site visits to schools.

Presently, eight schools in Guyana are offering CVQ certification in four areas.

The Ministry intends to add 34 more schools to that list with the bigger aim to eventually have CVQ programmes offered in every secondary school across Guyana so that each child can exit secondary school with both a CXC certificate and a CVQ certificate.

Secondary schools from each Education District are included.

Secondary education programme

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson said that following a deliberate review of its secondary education programme, the Ministry is determined to ensure that all the students are offered

a secondary level education that will make them academically and economically viable.

He said that countries with similar historical timelines as Guyana that have invested heavily in TVET in their formal education system have lower unemployment rates.

According to Dr Hutson, Guyana can ill-afford not to invest in TVET, as the data support the argument that the time is right for Guyana to move in this direction.

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tularam said that the meeting marked a historic engagement for the Ministry and the Ministry’s TVET Unit as the second phase of pre-readiness audits begins for the additional 34 schools in 12 CVQ occupational programmes.

These programmes are crop production, aquaculture, commercial food preparation, housekeeping, plumbing, masonry, garment construction, fish handling and processing, furniture making, livestock rearing, customer service, business administration, data administration, fabric design, metal work engineering and agro-processing.

He said that in 2021 the Ministry’s TVET Unit moved to have eight secondary schools and Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) to satisfy the pre-readiness audit requirements for the smooth implementation of the CVQ programmes. As such, CXC gave Guyana the green light to commence for the first time, the implementation of the programmes.

As a result, 119 students had successfully secured registration for the CVQ level one programmes in the four occupational areas; commercial food preparation, furniture making, fabric decoration, and crop production, according to Dr Tularam.

Further, Dr Tularam stated that the ultimate intention of the Ministry is to

ensure that every secondary school must consciously and proactively strive to ensure that the CVQ programmes are institutionalised and form part and parcel of the schools’ programmes.

The Director of the CTVET, Patrick Chinedu Onwuzirike said that once the programmes are implemented properly, employers will receive a stock of well-prepared human resources. He said that TVET is industry-led and is informed by market intelligence information which says what skills are needed by industries during specific periods.

Onwuzirike added that TVET and the CVQ will not only reduce unemployment but will attract further investment to the country.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CXC, Dr Wayne Wesley said that CXC is transforming for greater regional impact.

He said that part of the Council’s strategic agenda is to provide and facilitate access to educational services and products that will enable Ministries of Education to offer a convocation, such as CVQ through a secondary education system.

Dr Wesley said that the Council is extremely pleased to see the Ministry of Education taking such a bold step in ensuring that there is a comprehensive approach to human capital development.

“It is highly commendable to see the action being taken for the preparation and expansion of the Caribbean Vocational Offerings to 34 [schools], representing the skills necessary not only to equip students with the requisite skills to take advantage of emerging job opportunities but also to advance the economic development of the country,” he expressed. (G2) Regional Education Officers, TVET instructors and teachers from the various schools were also present at Monday’s engagement.

13

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$100,000 disability cash grant distribution begins next week

P

Dr Vindhya Persaud

arents across Guyana of children living with disabilities will receive a $100,000 one-off cash grant next week, a demonstration of the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to delivering support

to vulnerable groups.

The announcement was made by Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud during the 49th sitting of the National Assembly on Monday.

“The President was able to declare that every child living with a permanent disability will benefit from $100,000 as a one-off cash grant. I am happy to say that this distribution process will commence next week and we will be going to every region,” Dr Persaud said.

The distribution exercise is inclusive and will provide relief to parents and caregivers, enabling them to provide the best level of care to children with disabilities.

The initiative will add some $700 million to the pockets of families with persons living with disabilities, which is “a pivotal move” by the Government, the Minister stated.

Government has put systems in place to ensure the distribution process is hassle-free, as persons living with a disability only need

a medical report and completed application form to register at the National Commission on Disability (NCD).

Once registered, persons will automatically be eligible to benefit from public as-

sistance.

Meanwhile, some 8000 Guyanese living with disabilities have already benefitted from the Government’s public assistance system.

Government is projecting that 7700 more persons

with disabilities across the country will benefit from public assistance.

This would place an additional $646 million of disposable income into the hands of persons to improve their livelihood.

7 new COVID-19 cases recorded; 1 in ICU GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 8 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

7

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

13

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

442

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

38,023

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

32,136

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

70,159

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

68,431

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

444,977

FULLY IMMUNISED

344,642

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1272

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2682

REGION 2

3100

REGION 3

8630

REGION 4

34,946

REGION 5

2546

REGION 6

6934

REGION 7

2620

REGION 8

888

REGION 9

4321

REGION 10

3692

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.

G

uyana’s confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen to 70,159 after seven new cases have been recorded within the last 24 hours. The number of active cases stands close to 450.

As of now, 442 persons are in home isolation, 13 in institutional isolation, two in institutional quarantine, and one in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

To date, some 68,431 persons have recovered from the life-threatening virus.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Guyana, a total of 679,598 tests were conducted of which 32,136

males and 38,023 females tested positive.

A breakdown of the new infections shows one case for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), and three each for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

There were no increases in the other seven regions across the country.

According to the Health Ministry on Sunday, Guyana recorded its latest COVID-19 death, an 87-year-old male from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), who succumbed on Saturday, August 6, taking the number of COVID-19

deaths to 1272 in Guyana.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is pegged at over 169 million with a death toll of 2.7 million. Globally, the confirmed positives stand at over 571 million with more than 6.3 million reported deaths.

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 at 231-1166, 2267480, or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Fight for Indigenous women’s rights is still a challenge – ABCE countries

T

he United States, Canada, United Kingdom and European Union on Monday said that protecting the rights and preserving the culture of Guyana’s Indigenous people is critical.

Today is International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and in observance of the day, the ABCE Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Guyana – Sarah-Ann Lynch; Fernando Ponz Canto; Mark Berman and Jane Miller in a joint message applauded the recently concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC),

cision-making as we work together in partnership to enhance their socio-economic development, empowerment, improved governance and, importantly, the preservation and transmission of their traditional knowledge for today and future generations,” the statement said.

The joint statement acknowledged that the Amerindians, Guyana’s Indigenous people, were the first to set foot on the country’s soil, honoured their contribution to the country’s diverse culture and its development.

“We would like to pay our

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

File photo: Indigenous women from Karisparu, Chiung Mouth, and Itabac Village in Region Eight in 2021

adding that it is essential that the voices of Indigenous people are prominent to enhance their participation in decision-making processes.

“We therefore reiterate our support for Guyana’s Indigenous peoples’ rights and aspirations, and their full participation and de-

respect to the Indigenous peoples of Guyana as the first peoples to this beautiful country, and to honour them for the achievements and contributions they have made and continue to make to this land, in particular their commitment, leadership and stewardship

demonstrated over decades for a more sustainable, safer, cleaner environment for us all, but also their contributions to business, culture, art, language, tourism, cuisine, medicines and traditions and other.”

The statement further highlighted the tremendous

UK High Commissioner Jane Miller

contributions of Indigenous people around the world and importance of supporting them in the fight against the many challenges they face.

“Indigenous peoples all over the world, with their traditional knowledge, are recognised as distinct peaceful peoples in harmony with nature and the environment where they live, conscious of their collective human connections to their land and its surroundings and the richness of their culture.

“However, we are also aware Indigenous communities throughout the world face challenges. Improving security of land tenure, strengthening governance, promoting public investments in infrastructure, and supporting Indigenous systems for livelihoods are critical in advancing the quality of life within these communities,” it explained.

Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman

Indigenous women

The ABCE statement also address the crucial role of Indigenous women in their families, communities and culture as a whole.

“The fight for Indigenous women’s rights is still a challenge and therefore particularly important to support. Indigenous women are known to be the backbone of their families and peoples’ communities and play a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of traditional ancestral knowledge,” it stated.

As such, the ABCE counties stated that these women deserve all possible support for them to “be more empowered and resilient to the many challenges they face and stand resolute in promoting and preserving their traditional knowledge.”

“Indigenous children de-

EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz Canto

serve to experience, benefit from and value the legacy of the unique cultures, languages, arts, cuisine, medicines and traditions as a whole, for these are also key elements that identify them as Indigenous peoples. In addition, Indigenous women are often taking a lead in the defence of Indigenous lands and territories and advocating for Indigenous peoples’ collective rights worldwide,” the statement said.

The statement pointed out that the fight against discrimination, marginalisation, and violations of Indigenous rights is a global priority, and must be acknowledged.

“We must work in collaboration to prevent exploitation of their land and natural resources. Their leadership in this endeavour must also be recognised,” the ABCE statement added.

“Because We Care” cash grant

More than 5000 assisted through MoE helpline T he Education Ministry has said that more than 5000 persons were assisted through its “Because We Care” cash grant helpline which was put in place to ensure the smooth flow of the distribution.

According to the Ministry, the helpline addressed concerns and provided the necessary information surrounding the said cash grant which was rolled out last week at the various schools across Guyana.

The MoE said the cash grant helpline which was set up before the official commencement of the cash grant distribution, has received and processed more than 3500 calls and 4000 WhatsApp messages.

“Before the commencement of the distribution exercise on August 2, the helpline was set up to respond to questions and concerns parents and guardians had about the grant. An advertisement was circulated

A parent signing for the cash grant

to more than 800 schools and on social media,” the Ministry said in its statement.

It explained that the dedicated operators were available from 08:00 am to 07:00

pm, Sunday to Sunday, answering questions and providing guidance on all issues related to the distribution of the “Because We Care” cash grant.

“The helpline was in-

strumental in the smooth administration of the distribution exercise,” the MoE noted.

According to the statement, parents from across the country have since com-

mended the Ministry on the efficiency of the process and noted that it was quick, easy and hassle-free.

The Government initially aimed to distribute a total of 193,679 “Because We Care” cash grants and school uniform allowances this year.

This was estimated to be at a cost of over $5.8 billion.

Each child in the public and private school system would receive $30,000 – $25,000 as the grant and $5000 as an allowance for school uniform.

Education Minister Priya Education during the wrap up of the cash grant last week, noted that the Education Ministry is committed to ensuring that all parents receive the “Because We Care” cash grants and uniform allowances.

She had stated that the MoE would seek to address the issue of late registration and those parents who did not receive, owing to other

reasons.

“We’ve had parents coming to say that they registered late and parents coming to say, particularly from private schools, that their names were not on the register for one reason or the other, so we’re going to have to look at what we have remaining and whether we can serve all of those persons still in a second goaround,” the Education had Minister explained.

“So, there is to be two second tranches to be done, the first one being people who are legitimately on the list, but could not get here for whatever reason… they’re at work, they’re in the hospital, whatever, and we’ll announce those dates shortly and then the second one, we’ll look to see whether the people who were not registered on time didn’t do what we asked them to do, if we have enough in our budget to serve them,” the Education Minister related at the time.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother of 3 stabbed to death Trump says FBI raided his Florida home

A

mother of three was stabbed to death on Monday evening during a fight in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Dead is Vanessa Anderson.

Reports are that

Anderson and one of her neighbours were in a heated dispute when a fight ensued.

According to reports, the neighbour’s sister then ran out with a knife and handed it to her sister, who stabbed

Anderson.

The injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspects have since turned themselves in to custody.

T&T woman found dead, months after prison release for husband’s murder

S

ix days after she went missing, murder convict Kareen Ramlal was found dead in a bushy area off Penal Rock Road on Sunday.

Her body was decomposed and wrapped tightly in a black tarpaulin. Her identification card, her phone and her shoes were also recovered from the scene.

Ramlal, 43, had been employed as a security guard after she was released from prison in December, having served a sentence for the murder of her husband Anil Jadoo.

She was found following a joint search by the Siparia CID headed by Insp Junior Marcelle, the Hunters Search and Rescue Team led by Captain Vallence Rambharat and the TTPS Air Support Unit.

Speaking to Guardian Media, Rambharat said the search began around 7 am and ended at 2:32 pm when Ramlal’s body was found off Bobb Trace near the 8-mile mark, Penal Rock Road, Penal. She was wearing a white top and jeans.

Rambharat said there was no scent where the tarpaulin was found but it was

Kareen Ramlal

only when the tarpaulin was moved that the stench became evident.

Ramlal’s daughter Kerryann Jadoo, 20 and son Kevon Ramlal, 24, went to the scene.

“It is a tragic situation to see two young children lose their mother in this way, especially since they lost so many years with her being incarcerated and now that she is out, they have lost her,” Rambharat said.

Ramlal lived in an apartment at Orange Grove Trace, Pasea, Tunapuna.

In March last year, she and her co-accused, Geewan Pardassie and Ramdaye Ramlal pleaded guilty to the murder of Ramlal’s husband Anil Jadoo.

During a virtual hearing

before Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas for the May 2006 murder of Jadoo, the court heard that he was abusive to his wife.

The court heard Ramlal’s mother allegedly cooked a meal of stewed goat and rice and poisoned Jadoo’s portion with Lannate pesticide.

Pardassie was given the tainted meal to deliver to Jadoo.

He later told police that Jadoo ate some of the food but refused to finish the meal as he did not like how it tasted.

Pardassie allegedly told police that he waited until Jadoo went to sleep and then hit him several times with a piece of wood he found in the yard.

Considering the amount of time Ramlal spent in pre-trial, the judge said that such a sentence would be 24 years but because of the guilty pleas, they would get a one-third automatic reduction of the sentence.

After that, each accused was made to serve only one year and two months’ hard labour, which began in March last year.

Ramlal was released last December. (T&T Guardian)

F

Former US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort is seen in Palm Beach, Florida

ormer U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that FBI agents raided his Mar-aLago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Law enforcement officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump's claims.

The focus of the investigation was not immediately clear. Here is a look at some of the probes and lawsuits that Trump faces. The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration in February notified Congress that it had recovered about 15 boxes of White House documents from Trump's Florida home, some of which contained classified materials. The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee at that time said it was expanding an investigation into Trump's actions and asked the Archives to turn over additional information. Trump previously confirmed that he had agreed to return certain records to the Archives, calling it "an ordinary and routine process." A congressional panel probing the Jan. 6, 2021, assault by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol is working to build a case that he broke the law in trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

Vice chair Liz Cheney has said the committee could make multiple referrals to the Justice Department seeking criminal charges against Trump, who accuses the panel of conducting a sham investigation. In a March 2 court filing, the committee detailed Trump's efforts to persuade then-Vice President Mike Pence to either reject slates of electors for Democrat Joe Biden, who won the election, or delay a congressional count of those votes.

Trump's efforts likely violated a federal law making it illegal to "corruptly" obstruct any official proceeding, or attempt to do so, said David Carter, the California federal judge overseeing the case.

In the March 2 filing, the committee said it was likely that Trump and others conspired to defraud the United States. That law criminalizes any effort by two or more people to interfere with governmental functions "by deceit, craft or trickery."

In addition to Trump's efforts to pressure Pence, the committee cited his attempts to convince state election officials, the public and members of Congress that the 2020 election was stolen, even though several allies told him there was no evidence of fraud. The committee cannot charge Trump with federal crimes.

That decision must be made by the Justice Department, led by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

If the Justice Department brings charges, prosecutors' main challenge will be proving that Trump acted with corrupt intent, experts said.

Trump could defend himself by arguing he sincerely believed that he won the election and that his well-documented efforts to pressure Pence and state election officials were not meant to obstruct Congress or defraud the United States, but to protect the election's integrity.

Trump also could be charged with "seditious conspiracy," a rarely used statute that makes it illegal to overthrow the U.S. government by force. To prove this, prosecutors would need to show Trump conspired with others to use force, said Barbara McQuade, a law professor at the University of Michigan and a former federal prosecutor.

Multiple participants in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol have been charged with seditious conspiracy.

Wire Fraud

Democrats said in a June hearing of the Jan. 6 committee that Trump, a Republican, raised some $250 million from supporters to advance fraudulent claims in court that he won

the election, but steered much of the money elsewhere.

This raises the possibility that he could be charged with wire fraud, which prohibits obtaining money on "false or fraudulent pretenses," legal experts said.

Georgia election tampering probe

A special grand jury was selected in May to consider evidence in a Georgia prosecutor's inquiry into Trump's alleged efforts to influence the state's 2020 election results.

The investigation focuses in part on a phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, on Jan. 2, 2021.

Trump asked Raffensperger to "find" the votes needed to overturn Trump's election loss, according to an audio recording obtained by the Washington Post.

Legal experts said Trump may have violated at least three Georgia criminal election laws: conspiracy to commit election fraud, criminal solicitation to commit election fraud, and intentional interference with performance of election duties.

Trump could argue he was engaging in free speech and did not intend to influence the election.

New York criminal probe

Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, has been investigating whether Trump's family real estate company misrepresented the values of its properties to get favorable bank loans and lower tax bills.

Two top lawyers who had been leading the investigation resigned in February, throwing the probe's future into question, but Bragg's office has said it is ongoing.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and said the probe is politically motivated. (Excerpt from Reuters)

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Damaged Mora Bridge repaired Kenyan presidential wildcard

plans 4-day weeks, cannabis farms

M

T

he Mora Bridge, located in the vicinity of Toka and Yakarinta villages in the North Rupununi Wetlands of Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) has been repaired, and is again usable following emergency works done on the substructure.

Repairs became necessary following major damage done to the bridge by a Brazilian truck laden with corn, which broke a beam and fell off the bridge while attempting to cross. Later, two other trucks caused more damage, and eventually rendered the bride impassable.

The Public Works Ministry awarded a $12M contract to Lumber King Enterprises, which began work on August 5.

The repairs entailed replacing all damaged beams and installing new deck planks and running boards.

The repaired Mora Bridge

Barbados’ lone monkeypox patient recovers

B

arbados’ only confirmed case of Monkeypox, a Barbadian man in his twenties, has fully recovered.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness also disclosed that there have not been any associated cases with this index case which was reported three weeks ago.

People who have a travel history and who are ex-

periencing any unexplained rash, swelling of the lymph nodes or who have been in contact with anyone with a rash, are advised to seek medical attention at their nearest polyclinic.

Surveillance at the ports of entry has been enhanced as the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to be in an alert state for Monkeypox. (BGIS)

any perceive him as immoral, outright crazy or both.

But George Wajackoyah, one of four front-line presidential candidates in Kenya, is pressing on, hoping to become the fifth elected president and solve the country’s debt burden by legalising cannabis farming and exporting hyena testicles. Tuesday’s presidential vote is seen as a straight contest between Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, but less has been said about the other two – David Mwaure, a conservative clergyman, and Wajackoyah.

But the latter, a 62-yearold professor of law and former policeman whose unconventional campaign so far has taken the road less travelled, away from the insult hurling that is rife in Kenya’s political campaigns.

In 10 years, the national debt has gone from 2 trillion shillings ($16.8bn), or 40 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), to 9 trillion shillings ($75.5bn), or 67 percent of GDP, and analysts say the next president faces a tall order in reviving Kenya’s economic fortunes.

“The growing of marijuana … will enable this country to pay its outstanding debts, and ensure Kenyans

have enough money wherever they are so that we can sustain and arrest the [debt] situation,” Wajackoyah said. “China in 2021 planted 169,000 acres of marijuana and made $1.2bn in returns,” he added, referring to Kenya’s top creditor.

“Here is China that we are 9 trillion shillings in debt, meaning we are spending China’s marijuana money on our projects.”

He plans a large-scale export of hyena testicles and snake venom to give Kenya enough export revenues and legalise cannabis farming for medicinal purposes, which, he says, would fetch Kenya 9.2 trillion shillings ($77.2bn) a year.

The proceeds would help clear Kenya’s debt and afford each citizen 200,000 shillings ($1,679) in annual dividends, he has said.

Unsurprisingly, that has stimulated a national debate on the subject and his candidacy has cultivated a small and growing followership. A seasoned lawyer, Wajackoyah shocked many when he promised to suspend the constitution for a month if elected and to hang convicted criminals to death with rope made of hemp.

But young people have been excited by his promise to institute four-day working weeks and his campaigns

have been more like music concerts than rallies.

Sandwiched between young ladies dressed in skimpy crochet outfits and Rastafarian colours, the sexagenarian has shown up in bars and nightclubs, dancing to blaring reggae music before addressing his audience.

He wore a durag and a T-shirt to submit his presidential nomination form for the Roots Party at the office of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

And despite being a proponent of cannabis legalisation, he says he neither smokes nor drinks and is also a vegetarian.

Multiple local reports have indicated that he has 16 degrees, including a doctorate from Walden University in the United States as well as an advanced diploma in French from the University of Burundi. He speaks English, French, Swahili, Luhya and Luo. He grew up on the streets of Nairobi and has told reporters that he was only three years old when his parents abandoned him after their divorce. He claimed to have taken to the streets while trying to locate his mother who was rumoured to have moved to Uganda. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Third oil storage tank collapses Chile sinkhole grows large enough to in Cuba terminal following swallow France’s Arc de Triomphe fire, spill – Governor

Fire is seen over fuel storage tanks that exploded near Cuba’s supertanker port in Matanzas, Cuba, August 7, 2022

A

third crude tank caught fire and collapsed at Cuba’s main oil terminal Matanzas, a local governor said on Monday, as an oil spill spread flames from a second tank that caught fire two days earlier in the island’s biggest oil industry accident in decades.

Cuba had made progress fighting off the raging flames during the weekend after drawing on help from Mexico and Venezuela, but late on Sunday the fire be-

gan spreading from the second tank, which collapsed, said Mario Sabines, governor of the Matanzas province, about 60 miles (130 kms) from Havana.

Matanzas is Cuba’s largest port for receiving crude oil and fuel imports. Cuban heavy crude, as well as fuel oil and diesel stored in Matanzas, are mainly used to generate electricity on the island.

Sabines compared the situation to an “Olympic torch” going from one tank

to the next, turning each into a “caldron” and now encompassing the area covering three tanks and with flames and billowing black smoke making tackling the situation “complicated”.

Cuban State-run television has covered the unfolding disaster live since Saturday and President Miguel Diaz-Canel has been a constant presence there, highlighting the economic and political importance of the situation.

The Communist-run and heavily US sanctioned country is all but bankrupt and blackouts, gas and other shortages already had created a tense situation with scattered local protests following last Summer’s historic unrest in July.

Residents expressed fear that the crisis will worsen as the hottest months of the year bear down.

“Oh my God, no lights and no gas, that is what this means,” Havana resident Pia Ferrer exclaimed in an upscale neighbourhood of Havana. (Excerpt from Reuters)

It’s like a warzone – Haitians surrounded by turf wars

P

acked with close to 400 parishioners, Sunday mass on 24 July was like any other at the Assembly of God on the outskirts of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, Pastor Samuel Lucien says.

All until, just after midday, a group of balaclava-wearing armed men entered the church and killed Police Inspector Réginald Laleau.

The 45-year-old led a unit which regularly patrols territory controlled by one of the capital’s most feared gangs, called 400 Mawozo.

After murdering Inspector Laleau, the gunmen left the church, taking

his body with them.

Later that evening, 400 Mawozo shared a video showing the gang’s leader next to Laleau’s tortured body, threatening to kill everyone in his policing unit.

Even before 400 Mawozo had posted its gruesome warning, police officers knew they had become targets. ??Outmanned and outgunned by the well-armed gangs, officers, who earn less than US$100 (£82) a month on average, are demanding the Government do more to back them up.

While Lazarre said he still believes that the Haitian Police can solve the current security crisis, mur-

ders like that of Inspector Laleau are a brutal sign of the control that gangs now exert in Haiti’s capital.

An estimated 60 per cent of Port-au-Prince is now classed as “lawless” by human rights groups.

Once buzzing with nightlife, the city centre now looks and feels like a ghost town. The shops are shut and many residents have abandoned their homes out of fear of being caught in the crossfire.

On the outskirts, huge swathes of the community are living hand to mouth, without electricity or access to clean water. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A sinkhole that was exposed last week, at a mining zone close to Tierra Amarilla town, in Copiapo, Chile has doubled in size, August 7, 2022

A

sinkhole in Chile has doubled in size, growing large enough to engulf France’s Arc de Triomphe and prompting officials to order work to stop at a nearby copper mine.

The sinkhole, which emerged on July 30, now stretches 50 meters (160 feet) across and goes down 200 meters (656 feet).

Seattle’s Space Needle would also comfortably fit in the black pit, as would six Christ the Redeemer statues from Brazil stacked headto-head, giant arms outstretched.

The National Service of Geology and Mining said late on Saturday it is still investigating the gaping hole near the Alcaparrosa mine

operated by Canadian company Lundin Mining, about 665 km (413 miles) north of Santiago.

In addition to ordering all work to stop, the geology and mining service said it was starting a “sanctioning process.” The agency did not provide details on what that action would involve.

Lundin did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The company last week said the hole did not affect workers or community members and that it was working to determine the cause.

Lundin owns 80 per cent of the property and the rest is held by Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd and Sumitomo Corporation.

Initially, the hole near

the town of Tierra Amarilla measured about 25 meters (82 feet) across, with water visible at the bottom.

The geology and mining service said it has installed water extraction pumps at the mine and in the next few days would investigate the mine’s underground chambers for potential over-extraction.

Local officials have expressed worry that the Alcaparrosa mine could have flooded below ground, destabilising the surrounding land. It would be “something completely out of the ordinary,” Tierra Amarilla Mayor Cristobal Zuniga told local media. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolivia’s “Death Road” once haunted drivers, now it’s a wildlife haven

B

olivia’s decision to open an alternate route to its historic “Death Road” - a serpentine dirt path across the towering Andes hills known for its deadly cliffs - has led to a resurgence of wildlife in the area, according to an environmental group.

The route was once a key road frequented by heavy trucks connecting Bolivia’s capital La Paz to the country’s Amazon rainforest. But its deadliness earned it the nickame the “Death Road”.

Between 1999 and 2003 hundreds of Bolivians died trying to navigate it.

By 2007, Bolivia opened

an alternate route, leaving the original road as mostly an attraction for cyclists.

That not only saved lives but also helped nature, according to a new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

“The fauna, when this road was still functioning, it was being affected by the pollution that vehicles generated, the noise and dust,” said Maria Viscarra, a biologist who participated in the study.

The WCS set up 35 camera traps along the route and found 16 species of mammals and 94 species of wild birds.

“Today, heavy haul trucks don’t go through this road anymore. Biodiversity has come back to the area and you can see birds like hummingbirds, toucans, parrots,” said Guido Ayala, a biologist with the WCS. While the road is no longer used by many drivers, the route is still dotted with crosses, a way to memorialize those who died on its path.

“It is so nice that we have a place close to the (capital) La Paz, some 50 minutes away, where one can come and see nature in a beautiful way,” Ayala added. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil’s jiujitsu world champion Leandro fatally shot Bahamas migrant arrests soar in

B

razil’s eight-time jiujitsu world champion Leandro Lo has been fatally shot in a Sao Paulo club, his family’s lawyer said.

Lo was out with friends on Sunday for a concert at the Clube Siria, a sport and social club in Brazil’s biggest city, when the attacker approached their table and began making threatening gestures with a bottle, said lawyer Iva Siqueira Junior.

Lo, who won International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) world titles in five different weight classes

from 2012 to 2022 – an alltime record – pinned the man to the ground “to stop the situation and avoid a fight”, Siqueira added.

He said Lo’s friends then helped both men up and urged the attacker to calm down and leave.

“At that exact moment, the guy allegedly turned around, pulled out a gun and shot Leandro in the head,” Siqueira told the AFP news agency.

The jiujitsu champion was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced brain dead, he said.

An off-duty Police officer has been arrested

for allegedly shooting the 33-year-old, after turning himself in to the authorities, local media reported.

A Sao Paulo court ordered the 30-year-old suspect detained for 30 days pending further investigation, the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported.

With roots in Japanese judo, Brazilian jiujitsu developed in the South American country in the early 20th century, and is one of the most popular full-contact sports, featuring prominently in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

2022 amid spike in sea voyages

T

he Bahamas has apprehended more migrants so far this year than in the previous three calendar years combined, according to figures released to Reuters, amid a steady rise in sea-bound vessels seeking to reach the United States.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has apprehended 2250 migrants between January and August, compared with 2235 total apprehensions for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 calendar years, according to fig-

ures provided by the RBDF. “The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has seen a significant increase in irregular migration primarily from the Republic of Haiti and Cuba this year in comparison to the past two years,” RBDF Commodore Raymond King told Reuters.

The figures show that 39 vessels were intercepted in 2021 compared with 15 in 2020 and six in 2019.

RBDF apprehended 1644 migrants in 2021, 249 in 2020 and 342 in 2019.

Haiti’s rampant gang violence and an ongoing economic crisis in Cuba have led to a steady increase in risky sea voyages by migrants seeking to reach US shores on rickety vessels.

Seventeen people including children and a pregnant woman died after a boat carrying dozens of Haitian migrants capsized off the coast of The Bahamas last month, leading prosecutors to charge four men with manslaughter.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises nearly 2% on strong economic data, but trade choppy

O

il prices rose nearly 2 per cent on Monday in volatile trading, bouncing off multi-month lows touched last week, as positive economic data from China and the United States fed hopes for demand despite nagging fears of a recession.

Brent crude futures settled US$1.73, or 1.8 per cent, at US$96.65 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude was at US$90.76 a barrel, up US$1.75, or 1.97 per cent.

Last week, fears that a recession could dent energy demand pushed front-month Brent prices down 13.7 per cent to their lowest since February. It was Brent's biggest weekly drop since April 2020, and WTI lost 9.7 per cent.

Both contracts recouped some losses on Friday after jobs growth in the United States, the world's top oil consumer, unexpectedly accelerated in July.

"Once again the macro influences have seeped back into this market especially as it relates to Friday's employment number the economics of that should be giving us much better gasoline demand than we're seeing," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

On Sunday, China also surprised markets with faster-thanexpected growth in exports.

China, the world's top crude importer, brought in 8.79 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in July, up from a fouryear low in June, but still 9.5 per cent less than a year earlier, customs data showed.

In Europe, Russian crude and oil products exports continued to flow ahead of an impending embargo from the European Union that will take effect on Dec 5.

Last week, the Bank of England warned of a protracted recession in Britain.

In terms of US production, energy firms last week cut the number of oil rigs by the most since September in the first drop in 10 weeks.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs said they believe the case for higher oil prices remains strong, with the market in a larger deficit than they expected in recent months. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Scientists urge global action after “historic” US climate bill

S

cientists welcomed the passing of US President Joe Biden’s “historic” climate bill while calling for other major emitters – namely the European Union – to follow suit and implement ambitious plans to slash emissions.

The bill, which would see an unprecedented US$370 billion invested in cutting United States emissions 40 per cent by 2030, should provide a launch pad for green investment and kick-start a transition towards renewable energy in the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter.

It passed the Senate on Sunday night after months of arduous negotiations and only after a number of tax and energy provisions were tacked on to Biden’s original proposal.

Michael Pahle, from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said the bill was particular-

ly relevant to EU lawmakers, who he said were on the verge of adopting “the world’s most ambitious climate policy” in the form of the bloc’s “Fit for 55” plan.

The EU initiative – which envisages a 55 per cent emissions fall by 2030 – has no set budget as yet.

But a recent assessment found member states would need to spend 350 billion euros (US$357 billion) more each year than they did between 2011-2020 in order to hit the climate and energy targets.

Although acknowledging the bill represented progress, scientists were quick to stress it was far from perfect.

Michael Mann, director of Penn State’s Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media, said the bill’s commitment to building new gas pipelines was “a step backwards”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russian weapons in Ukraine powered by hundreds of Western parts, report says

M

ore than 450 foreign-made components have been found in Russian weapons recovered in Ukraine, evidence that Moscow acquired critical technology from companies in the United States, Europe and Asia in the years before the invasion, according to a new report by Royal United Services Institute defence think tank.

Since the start of the war five months ago, the Ukrainian military has captured or recovered from the battlefield intact or partially damaged Russian weapons. When disassembled, 27 of these weapons and military systems, ranging from cruise missiles to air defence systems, were found to rely predominantly on Western components, according to the research shared with

A view showing the area near the regional administration building which city officials said was hit by a missile attack in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 1, 2022

Reuters.

It is the most detailed published assessment to date of the part played

by Western components in Russia's war against Ukraine.

About two-thirds of the components were manufac-

tured by US-based companies, RUSI found, based on the weapons recovered from Ukraine. Products manufactured by the US-based Analog Devices and Texas Instruments accounted for nearly a quarter of all the Western components in the

weapons.

Other components came from companies in countries including Japan, South Korea, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

"Russian weapons that are critically dependent upon Western electronics have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians," Jack Watling, a land warfare specialist at RUSI, told Reuters.

While many of the foreign components are found in everyday household goods such as microwaves that are not subject to export controls, RUSI said a strengthening of export restrictions and enforcement could make it harder for Russia to replenish its arsenal of weapons such as cruise missiles.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John dies at age 73

O

livia Newton-John, star of Grease and multi-platinum selling singer, has died aged 73, her family said.

In a short statement, her

husband John Easterling said she had passed away at her California ranch on Monday morning.

"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for

Gaza hospital at breaking point after Israeli bombardment

A

Mayar Ashkinan, 10, pictured with her grandmother at the hospital

mina Ashkinan’s grandchildren were playing in front of their house at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday when an Israeli strike came from the sky.

Mayar was immediately taken to the operation room. Her condition, along with that of her brother, has since stabilised but Ashkinan is still worried.

For days, Palestinian health officials had been issuing warnings of an imminent stop in the provision of medical services due to the lack of fuel needed to operate the electricity generators in hospitals and health facilities across Gaza. The Strip’s only power plant had shut down on Saturday, days after Israel stopped the planned transport of fuel into the territory.

“The situation is so sad and unimaginable,”

Ashkinan, 65, said at the hospital. “No human being can bear what we bear – from the war going on against us, the defenceless civilians, or from the constant power cuts or the running out of fuel?

“What is our fault, and what is the fault of our children, for all this to happen to them?”

The Israeli bombardment of Gaza was the worst since an 11-day war in May last year that killed more than 260 Palestinians and wounded some 2000 others.

The latest onslaught began on Friday, when Israel launched what it said was a “preemptive” operation against Islamic Jihad.

Palestinian observers said the attack was weeks in the making by the Israeli Government, calling it a deliberate act to gain legitimacy ahead of new elections in November. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer," the statement said.

"We ask that everyone please respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time."

An actress and singer, Newton-John achieved commercial success as a country singer and sold millions of records.

But it was her role as Sandy in the film adaption of Grease that catapulted her to worldwide fame.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s, Newton-John became a leading advocate for

cancer research.

Her efforts in the field were recognised by Queen Elizabeth, who honoured her with a Dame in 2020 New Year's Honours list.

John Travolta, who starred opposite NewtonJohn in Grease, wrote on Instagram that she "made all of our lives so much better".

"Your impact was incredible. I love you so much," he wrote.

"We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!" (Excerpt from BBC News)

“Storm is gathering” – Singapore PM warns of risk of US-China miscalculation

S

ingapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday warned of the scope for miscalculations over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which he said were unlikely to ease soon amid deep suspicion and limited engagement between the United States and China.

In a televised address ahead of the city-state's national day today, Lee said Singapore would be buffeted by that intense rivalry and tension in the region, which should prepare for a future less peaceful and stable than now.

"Around us, a storm is gathering. US-China relations are worsening, with intractable issues, deep suspicions, and limited engagement," Lee said.

"This is unlikely to improve anytime soon.

Furthermore, miscalculations or mishaps can easily make things much worse."

Lee said economic challenges were more immediate

and that Singapore's outlook has "clouded considerably", adding that the Government will roll out more measures in coming months to help people cope with rising prices.

Singapore's inflation has reached more than a decade-high in recent months, and its central bank tightened its monetary policy on July 14 in an off-cycle move to cope with the cost pressure.

The city-state has earlier announced support package for mainly lower-income groups to help mitigate increased living costs from inflation and rising energy prices.

"The world is not likely to return anytime soon to the low inflation levels and interest rates that we have enjoyed in recent decades," he said, adding the country of 5.5 million people must plan far ahead and transform industry, upgrade skills and raise productivity. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Put your emotions on the back burner and do the right thing. Don't let the changes others make mess up your plans. Follow through with what makes sense to you. Nurture and conquer.

(March 21-April 19) By disregarding negativity, you'll find a unique way to use your skills.

Promote yourself instead of helping someone move into a position you want.

Do what's best for you.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Take ownership of the way you present what you want others to experience.

Your hands-on approach will give you the additional push to move forward.

Don't underestimate your willpower to win.

Pay attention to what others say and do, and you'll uncover what's missing that can make a difference between getting things done on time or falling short of your mark. Dance to your unique beat.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

The possibilities you encounter will be endless. Believe in your ability to get things done and to enlighten yourself along the way. Show compassion, and you will receive the same in return.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Say something and end a troubling situation. Avoid joint ventures or splitting an expense that isn't as applicable to you as it is to someone else. Take charge, make a positive change and relax.

How you treat your peers or those you live with will determine who includes you in their plans. Criticize less.

Willingly do things that help you win favors from those who matter. Say no to temptation.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Getting along is half the battle when trying to get things done that require assistance. Don't take on responsibilities that infringe on time you've already allocated elsewhere.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Spend more time at home or with friends or relatives who offer solid advice and hands-on help. Don't trust someone who tries to manipulate you to change how you think, live or act.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don't let someone dictate how and what you strive to achieve. Voice your opinion, live up to your standards and follow your heart. Romance will enhance your personal life.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be willing to give others the freedom you wish for yourself, and you'll eliminate friction. Take care of matters personal to you. Don't change what doesn't require altering.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) You'll get help, but it won't be cheap.

Expect to give something in return, and you'll gain respect and find a workable solution for additional concerns.

Networking will present possibilities.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

21

– for her outstanding value to West Indies Women’s Cricket

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday expressed gratitude to Deandra Dottin for the valuable contributions and numerous outstanding performances she made during her stellar 14-year career as a member of the West Indies Women’s Team.

This dynamic allrounder announced her retirement from international cricket last week, and Jimmy Adams, CWI Director of Cricket, has said: “On behalf of all here at CWI, I want to congratulate Deandra on what has been an outstanding career, covering almost a decade-and-a-half, during which time she has contributed immensely to Barbados and West Indies cricket.

Her outstanding achievements on the field of play are a testament to her dedication, commitment, and hard work, which were the hallmark of her approach to the game. We

wish her all the success possible in her future endeavours.”

Courtney Walsh, West Indies Women’s Head Coach, has said: “Deandra is one of the most athletic and dynamic players in the history of women’s cricket, and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate her on what has been 14 years of performance excellence for the West Indies. During my time as Head Coach, I have been able to see her brilliance up close on the field, and she always gave it everything.”

Dottin made her international debut in Ireland in June 2008, and was a fixture in the team in both One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals since. She played 143 ODIs and 124 T20Is for West Indies. She is a three-dimensional player: as a powerful batter, brisk medium-fast bowler, and livewire in

the outfield, which enabled her to quickly rise to be rated among the best allrounders in the history of the women’s game.

In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), she made 3,727 runs, with a top-score of 150 not out, and took 72 wickets, with best figures of 5-34. In T20 Internationals (T20Is), she made 2,681 runs, with two memorable centuries, and also took 62 wickets, with best figures of 5-5.

Her finest hour came when she was part of the West Indies team which defeated Australia to win the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in Kolkata in April 2016. She also had one of the most memorable feats in cricket history - which catapulted her to stardom - when she made her maiden T20I century: 112 not out off 45 balls against South Africa in St. Kitts in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2010. (Windies Cricket)

14-year-old Alexander Leung stuns impressive field of seniors

Fraser-Pryce runs another 10.67 to win in Hungary

T

S

Regan Rodrigues Memorial 44-mile cycle race…

he talented Alexander Leung of the We Stand United cycle club on Sunday stunned a field of senior cyclists way above his age and experience when he copped the overall title in the 17th annual Regan Rodrigues Memorial cycle race held on the West Demerara roadways.

Crossing the finish line in first position at Schoonord, where the 44-mile race commenced before turning back at Bushy Park, Parika on the upward journey, Leung stopped the clock at one hour, 41 minutes, 28.45 seconds (01h: 41m: 28.45) to finish ahead of Alex Mendes, Kemuel Moses, Paul DeNobrega, Segun Hubbard and Deeraj Garbarran in that order.

After the race, Leung expressed gratitude to his parents Maria and Engelbert, his brother Lee, and his teammates for their support on race day.

“The race was a bit challenging, I must say,” Leung

Alexander Leung

said after his victory.

“It was really hard to establish the break going up; and, coming down, the breeze was hard, but with the help of my teammate Briton John, everything came true.

“It (feels) really good to win a senior race, because not every day you see a 14-year-old pick up a bike and go and ride and win a senior race.”

By virtue of his overall success, Leung became the automatic winner of the Junior category, winning ahead of Aaron Newton and Sherwin Sampson, who ended in second and third place respectively.

Mendes and Hubbard took respective first and second places in the Veterans race, followed by Kwame Ridley in third and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam in fourth.

Ian Jackson copped the award for the oldest cyclist to participate in the race.

Sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited, the race was coordinated by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.

Businessman Regan Rodrigues, who passed away in August 2004, had served as President of the Carlton Wheelers cycling club, and had also been a champion race car driver.

– Jackson, Broadbell also score impressive victories

helly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Rasheed Broadbell have all scored impressive victories in their respective events at the 12th Gyulai Istav Memorial in Hungary on Monday.

The 2022 World 100m champion has made running 10.6s a habit this year following yet another time of 10.67 at the meet, where she had run 10.82 to finish second to Elaine ThompsonHerah in 2021. Back then, Thompson-Herah had won in a meet record time of 10.71.

The 35-year-old FraserPryce eclipsed that record after achieving her fifth time this year under 10.70 seconds, having run 10.67 in Nairobi in May, 10.67 in Paris in June, 10.67 in Eugene in July, and a worldleading 10.66 in Silesia on Saturday. No other woman in history has run as many

times under 10.70s in any one season.

The USA’s Tamari Davis finished second in 10.92, while Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji was third in 10.99.

Yohan Blake (10.03) and Ackeem Blake (10.05) were fourth and fifth respectively in the men’s 100m, won by the USA’s Marvin Bracy in 9.97. Trayvon Bromell finished second in 10.01, the same time as Elijah Hall as 0.04 separated second to fifth.

Shericka Jackson cruised to victory in the 200m in 22.02, finishing well clear of Kambundji at 22.45 and Kaylia Whyte of the USA, who was third in 22.46. Tynia Gaither of the Bahamas was fifth in 22.63.

Erriyon Knighton won the men’s 200m race in 19.88. Aaron Brown finished second in 20.24. Alexander Ogando was third in 20.46.

Fresh off his Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles title, which he won in a championship record of 13.08, Rasheed Broadbell came from behind to edge World Champion Grant Holloway at the line and win the event in 13.12.

Holloway was given the same time, while Daniel Roberts was third in 13.13.

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn won the hurdles in a slightly windy 12.27, over Kendra Harrison at 12.49 and Nia Ali at 12.60.

Commonwealth Games champion Janieve Russell clocked 54.14 for second place, and Rushell Clayton finished third in 54.45 in the 400m hurdles race, more than two seconds behind Olympic, World Champion and world-record holder Sydney McLaughlin, who established yet another meet record with her time of 51.68. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

A snippet of the 3rd place action, in which Golden Grove came out successful

By Jemima Holmes

T

he Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) of Linden last Sunday emerged victorious in the “Battle of the Multis”, played out at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, when they got past North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary in the Milo Schools Under-18 Football tourney to register backto-back liens on the trophy at stake.

In the process, CWSS have reinforced the belief that they are the best secondary school

Christianburg Wismar revelling in their back-to-back Milo Championship titles

football team in

Guyana.

Christianburg Wismar had an easy route to the final, not conceding a goal in the competition, while contrastingly, North Ruimveldt battled tooth and nail on multiple occasions to reach within an inch of the elusive title.

For CWSS, it was a storied title defence on Sunday last, as they were finally made to work hard for their victory.

With both teams being tactically sound, North Ruimveldt employed a solid defence for most of the first half, and Christianburg Wismar

did likewise. However, at some point, North’s formations began to unravel as CWSS adjusted their plays through the midfield, inching closer and closer to their intended target.

The CWSS breakthrough came in the 40th minute, when Ryan Arthur took a set piece and executed a well-placed strike into the breeze. Brief contact with a North Ruimveldt defender did the trick for CWSS, and Arthur claimed the team’s first goal of the final.

CWSS held on to their lead for the remainder of the first segment, but a ferocious North Ruimveldt team came out to hunt in the second segment, and

repeatedly threatened the 1-0 score line, finally getting their breakthrough in the 61st minute when another set piece - which the Linden goalkeeper could not hold on to - did the trick. As a result, Yannick Norton needed only to tap the ball across the line for the equaliser.

But the Christianburg Wismar team soon got another lead, as Jamil James found the back of the net in the 75th minute to again put pressure on North Ruimveldt, whose resurrection skills could not match those of the heroics they had pulled off in the semifinal against Dolphin.

Moreover, Akeem Perreira had an off-day, as North missed

A glimpse of the action in Sunday’s Milo

m a n y chances to bring the score even at to 2-2.

The final nail in the coffin was a simple free kick, sent directly to goal by CWSS captain Omarion Ramsammy in the 90+1 minute.

A few seconds later it was all over, and CWSS were Milo Champions again with a 3-1 victory.

In the presentations, Ramsammy of the CWSS was adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while the CWSS goalkeeper was adjudged the best in the truncated tournament.

Akeem Perreira of North snagged the “highest goalscorer” accolade with 7 goals in

final

the 2022 tournament.

The victory means CWSS went back to Linden $300,000 richer, while North Ruimveldt pocketed $200,000.

In the third-place playoff, a single goal did the trick for Golden Grove Secondary. Kelvin Ricardson found the back of the net quite early, in the 10th minute, to secure Golden Grove’s third place finish; which caused them to Walk away with $100,000, while fourth place finishers Dolphin Secondary had to settle for $75,000.

Each team was given a trophy to accompany their cash prize.

Asanti Conway elated at copping silver at CAC 2022 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India… …says competition made her realise the sky is the limit

By Timothy Jaikarran

A

nother bombshell female bodybuilder, Guyana’s Asanti Conway, participated in the recently held CAC 2022 Bodybuilding Championships in Barbados, and impressively walked away with a silver in the Junior Wellness Category.

According to Conway, she is thankful for the experience the competition had afforded her, as she was able to go toe-to-toe with expert bodybuilders from around the Caribbean.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, she was asked for her views on bagging silver at the competition, and she said, “I am extremely elated to be accepted in this line-up to compete with all these experienced competitors. The opportunity to be onstage to compete against expert bodybuilders from different countries has made me realise the opportunities I have been afforded just by entering the bodybuilding and fitness fraternity.

“CAC is without a doubt my biggest accomplishment in my years of bodybuilding.

I consider myself a baby in the field, since I am still learning so much; however, I do find it an opportunity to showcase my canvas, which is my body, to the world in another country.”

Conway further stated that copping a silver in a new category and in a new country is her biggest accomplishment yet, as, by doing this, it has now changed her mindset, with the sky being her limit.

She has promised to continue pushing on until she meets ‘the top’, as the CAC has helped her uncover new potential, while she has met new people with a wealth of knowledge. She explained that, for many years, Miss Bikini had been her category, but since she decided to enter the Wellness category, her eyes have been opened, as she now realises that her body is worth so much more than what she had limited it to.

Conway has said that she does feel rewarded, since it takes a lot of work to produce the masterpiece she had presented on stage in Barbados. She noted that, prior to the competition, she had felt a bit insecure with her height, when she saw the other competitors. However, after her presentation, she felt as though she had unlocked a treasure chess of confidence and poise.

“I honestly felt like the sexiest giraffe with the best body on stage. My level of sexiness moved from zero to 100. This helped me realise how much (I) can benefit from experience and exposure.

I feel like this is the best I have ever looked in my three years of competing, as I felt pampered and appreciated,” she has said.

According to this abundantly talented woman,

her motivation stems from reflecting on where she came from and where she is today. She explained that, as a child, her height and size had always dissuaded her from being the best version of herself, but now she understands that the power of the mind, coupled with strong will, is bigger than what any weight or size can do.

In her three years of competing, Conway has continually turned heads, proving that size and height are not negative factors, and self-confidence has now taken its rightful position in her life.

Conway also commented, “It’s not always about having a sexy body, but more so having a healthy lifestyle while learning to be different. It takes a lot of discipline and self-motivation to hit the gym hard, and to stay away from all those tasty foods.

But when I think of confidence, health and sexy body, I always say, ‘Why not?’

“My highest point in the competition is that I stood a chance in the top three, even though the competition was bigger and the competitors were taller. I felt like I went to the Olympics and I got a silver medal, this is definitely more than what anyone would want when doing what they really and truly enjoy most.”

Conway has showered much praise on God, and her mother, whom she credits for remembering her in prayer. She has also singled out Mark Perry and Aubrey Casanova, who have been encouraging her, and her trainer Fizal Bacchus.

Conway was sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise, Top Brands, Medi-Care, and King’s Pharmaceuticals and Supplies.

Team Guyana scores points in Round 9

Anthony Drayton

I

n Round 9 of the ongoing FIDE Chess Olympiad, Guyana's Open team scored 1.5 points against Suriname, while the Women’s team drew twice against Guam.

CM Taffin Khan drew his match with Surinamese FM Viresh Giasi, while FM Anthony Drayton (1928) was victorious over CM Romario Sanches (2066) to earn a point for the Open team. Drayton and Khan are each on 3.5 points.

The Open team is set to face Burundi, seeded at 173, in the next round. Players are Taffin Khan, Anthony Drayton, Loris Nathoo and Ethan Lee. On the Women’s side, 12-year-old Anaya Lall drew her match with Guam's Jasmine Ramas, earning herself a half-point, while, in a tense five-hour battle, Guyana's Sasha Shariff forced a draw from Ruth Nacario, despite her opponent holding a winning position throughout the endgame.

Taffin Khan

Guyana’s Pooja Lam, Sasha Shariff, Jessica Callender and Anaya Lall are set to play next against Timor-Leste, seeded at 116.

Meanwhile, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has been re-elected for a second term in the presidential elections held on Sunday, August 7th.

The final round in this Olympiad will be played on August 9th at 10:00 IST at the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre. The Closing Ceremony follows at 16:00 IST. Links to live games can be found on the Guyana Chess Federation’s Website: www. guyanachess.org.

CLASSIFIED ADS BROKERAGE SERVICE Essential Customs Brokerage Already Shipped? No Problem Get all vehicles and heavy machinery processed and cleared off the wharf for only $20,000.

Special Discounts on the clearing of 20ft and 40ft containers, skids, boxes and pallets. For more info contact 684-9994 or 639-0910

SERVICE Astrology and Spiritual Healer Pt. Mohan: +592-692-1009 If there is any problem in your life, he will get the solution. Please contact spiritual healer, regarding health, love, business, husband and wife problems, etc. Address: Georgetown, Guyana.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

President Ali announces plans for football development them to regions, so they will work to develop more talent,” President Ali stated, adding that retired national players would be kept in mind for this initiative.

It has been disclosed that the venue for the Upper Mazaruni Games would be the first of several grounds to be upgraded to FIFA standards by

the Government. The President explained, “You will see in next year’s budget that we are going to upgrade the Kamarang Centre into a FIFA-standard facility, with the lights and everything, as a central place in which football will develop.

“And not only for football, to develop the entire area with the facilities that will support other

sport disciplines,” the President added, as he expressed intentions to have one such facility in every administrative region in Guyana.

Aside from those plans, President Ali handed over on the spot a cheque worth $1.5M to finance hosting of the Upper Mazaruni District Games.

The Guyana Cup 2022 is on!

President Dr Irfaan Ali and GFF’s Wayne Forde taking a photo opportunity with players competing in the Upper Mazaruni District Games (OP Photo)

By Jemima Holmes

P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced, for sport in general and football in particular, a number of developmental initiatives that would transform the landscape of sports in the country, especially in Indigenous communities.

While delivering the feature address at the opening of the 23rd Annual District Games of the Upper Mazaruni in Region 7 last Sunday, President Ali unveiled several plans that would be rolled out for the development of sport across the country. High on the agenda is a ‘One Guyana’ Football Cup, an initiative that the President and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) boss Wayne Forde had alluded to a

few months ago, after having had discussions.

“The ‘One Guyana’ Football Cup will see every single region in this country participating.

If we are to build football, we have to identify talent from all across the regions in Guyana.

We have to bring those talents, nurture the talent, support the talent, and then put the talent forward for our national teams,” President Ali announced.

He added that the competition would see a team from every administrative region competing.

The President has also expressed intention to curate a development programme for 50 footballers. Guyana’s Head of State shared, “We will develop a pool of at least 50 players, and that 50 players will go in a special

development programme that the Government will work with our local football association, so that we could develop them, so that we can make them competitive, so that we can get the right environment in which they can develop this great skill in football.”

President Ali also mused on implementing, for national players, a stipend programme that would afford them the opportunity to be part of the development process for the next generation of players.

“Let us identify national players that we have in all these areas across the country. Let us bring the national players to one pool, and let us then put them on a stipend programme which the Government will support. And we will assign them to schools, we will assign

Family fun and birthdays at “the cricket” this summer

Hero CPL’s Head of Marketing, Chris Watson

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has long been known as “the Biggest Party in Sport”. This summer, the party has got even bigger with the introduction of the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) and the SKYEXCH 6IXTY. To help celebrate 10 years of Hero CPL and the arrival of these new tournaments, the 10am matches will be a party for children and their families.

For all of the game days at the SKYEXCH 6IXTY and Massy WCPL, and during the morning matches for the Hero CPL, 10am tickets would include activities such as face-painting; sweet treats like snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn; children’s entertainers; and live music and dancers*.

There will be matches in St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana in 2022. And in addition to all these familyfriendly events, there will be plenty of giveaways from the

tournaments’ sponsors.

2022 represents the 10th anniversary of the Hero CPL, and to mark this special

they would each be given a CPL goodie bag. If you have someone who is having their 10th birthday while matches are on in your country, you can email info@cplt20.com to request a spot at one of the games.

Chris Watson, Hero CPL’s Head of Marketing, said: “We are so excited to be bringing fans back into the grounds for 2022, and it is very important to us that we give families a chance to enjoy the Biggest Party in Sport. These activities,

The 10am matches would be a party for children and their families

occasion, the tournament is inviting those who are celebrating their 10th birthday, while matches are taking place in their country, to have a party at a CPL game. The birthday boy or girl can bring four friends to the match, and

combined with world class cricket at a very affordable price, make these games a great chance to bring the whole family to the CPL, WCPL, and The 6IXTY.” (CPLT20.COM) *Activities differ depending on location

Owners and sponsors of the Banks DIH Guyana Cup, the most anticipated race on Sunday, August 14

T

he stage is set for one of Guyana’s principal horseracing events - The Guyana Cup - to be hosted in 2022.

The draws have been completed by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) with much pomp and splendour on Sunday last at the Pegasus Hotel, with Ministers of Sport and Finance, Charles Ramson Jr. and Dr. Ashni Singh, in attendance.

As he delivered the feature address, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr indicated that strides are being made to regularise this sport.

“What I would like to also state for the record and publicly is that we have started to engage with stakeholders in the move towards the modernisation of the sport. That is something very important. It’s very important to regulate the sector, and that’s not something for anybody to be worried about, I can give you the assurance,” Minister Ramson Jr. revealed.

The Sport Minister further stated, “What that would do is take us into the modern world in relation to horse-racing, and when we are progressing as a country. There’ve been many countries that have used various sectors in relation to sport and have turned it into a business.”

Minister Dr Singh spoke fondly of the sport, which he said he has known since boyhood days.

“I grew up as a child looking forward eagerly to the big horse races at Bush Lot, and then of course there were many other horse owners on the Corentyne Coast. This was something I looked forward to as a child, and I must admit that I’ve never quite shaken that childhood

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

habit. For me, racing is a big thing,” Dr. Singh declared.

“But let me say that horse-racing has a long and distinguished tradition in Guyana,” he later added.

With The Guyana Cup returning for its 14th staging next Sunday, August 14, the JJTRC has left nothing to chance.

Three feature races and a packed entertainment segment are set to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club, located at Lot 22 Plantation Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice.

The Val’s Construction Sprint Classic would be run over five-and-a-half furlongs for a purse of US$10,765. The draw witnessed the animal “Looking to Heaven” of the Jumbo Jet Stables being drafted in stall 1, “Lady Bird” of Ephraim’s Thoroughbred Stables in stall 2, R&R Syndicate’s “Early Bird” in stall 3, Rising Sun’s “Signal Note” in stall 4, Jagdeo’s “Nuclear Fire” in stall 5, Jumbo Jet’s “Regal Intention” in stall 6, and “Convertor” of the Singerz Stables in stall 7.

The Associated Construction Services’ Derby carries a higher purse, US$17,940, and would be contested over one mile.

In the draw, Jumbo Jet’s “Like A Million” has been placed in stall one, and N. Dookie’s “Irish Princes” in stall 2. The horses occupying stalls 3 to 8 have been listed as: A Rampersad’s “Glamorous

Star”, “Amazing Grace” of PHVH Stables, “Black Time” of Shocking Stables, Bronson Cheefoon’s “Heartland”, Martin Pestano’s “Judge Not”, and Shaun Mohammed’s “Colour of Sacrifice”.

The Banks’ DIH Guyana Cup, with a purse of US$35,880, would be contested over a mile. “Calibogue Sound” of the Slingerz Stables has been drawn in stall one, Master Z’s “Everesting” is in stall 2, “Alado” is in stall 3, Shaun Mohammed’s “Memories” is in stall 4, Night Eyes’ “Jessica’s Pride” is in stall 5, “Detroit Steel” of Simply Royal is in stall 6, Queen Domina of Slingerz Stables is in stall 7, Jagdeo’s “Our Stuie” is in stall 8, Asif Kahdeer’s “Settling Star” is in stall 9, Jumbo Jet’s “Vera’s Finally” is in stall 10, and Jagdeo’s “Wild Texas Tom” is in 11.

Troy Peters of Banks DIH has underscored the company’s interest in the growth and development of this sport. He said: “Our company has been a major sponsor for this event over the years, and we are very happy with the growth it has made; and we continue to offer this kind of assistance to see horse-racing develop and match other major horse-racing events around the world.”

Aside from the feature races, Jumbo Jet has lined up dancehall artiste Skillibeng to perform after the races.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

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

President Ali announces plans Page for football development 23

Page 22 GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.