Guyana Times - Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Michael P Brotherson appointed Consul General of Guyana in NY 9

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

Issue No. 5067

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

Over $50B invested in Indigenous communities in 2 years – Ali

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fire caused by kerosene lamp leaves 2 homeless P11

See story on page 3

31 new COVID-19 cases, over 750 active cases P18 being monitored North Ruimveldt man busted P19 with gun, ammo

…grants, titles distributed to communities in Regions 2, 7, 9 …as Toshaos get 50% increase in stipend

2 more gold companies entering Guyana’s market

Page 7

…to start exploration in Region 7 Cuyuni area

2 life sentences for man who raped, robbed woman at gunpoint Attempts to rig 2020 elections “We’re going to try Scope of CoI must for another BOOT encompass all arrangement” – VP issues – Pres Ali See story on page 8

Page 2

See story on page 7

…says Commission currently finalising ToR …as Govt set to retender Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

Gunmen rob gold miner of over $1M in jewellery P13 Police raids in Region 3 unearth ganja, unlicensed P10 motorcycles

US-based Guyanese P9 couple killed in fiery crash

OPR probing claims of cop burning teen in lock-ups P9

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Attempts to rig 2020 elections

Scope of CoI must encompass all issues – Pres Ali …says Commission currently finalising ToR

T

he Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, must be in-depth and deal with all the issues that surrounded the conduct of the elections, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali. President Ali expressed this view on the sidelines of an event on Monday.

According to him, it is important that the ToR scope is all encompassing. However, he could not give a definitive timeframe for when the CoI would be ready to begin.

“The names are now out there. So, the commission-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Chairman, Retired Justice Stanley John and other members Retired Justice Godfrey P Smith; Former Indian election official, Dr S Y Quraishi and Guyana’s former Chancellor, Retired Justice Carl Singh

ers… the Chairman, I’m sure. I spoke to him a week ago. They are now working together, talking to each other. And crystalising the Terms of Reference.”

“The Terms of Reference have to be in keeping with all the issues around the elections… this is a process with the commissioners. So, I won’t be able to give you the date now (for the start of the CoI). But definitely work has started.”

When it comes to the fact that court matters are currently ongoing that pertain to the elections, President Ali noted that the

Government is cognisant of this. However, he pointed out that having promised a CoI, the Government is just delivering on this promise.

“I promised a CoI. So that is why there is a lot of work going on now on how that Terms of Reference is developed,” President Ali further informed the media.

Since the announcement of the CoI, stakeholders from several sections of society have noted the importance of a comprehensive inquiry into the elections, which resulted in an over five-month delay before President Ali could be sworn

in in August of 2020.

Last month, President Ali had announced the long-awaited CoI. The inquiry will be chaired by Retired Justice of Appeal Stanley John of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The other members are former Attorney General, High Court Judge, and acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Justice Godfrey P Smith, SC; former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr S Y Quraishi; and former acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh.

Additionally, it has been

noted that former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr Nasim Zaidi; and Ghanian Election Administrator Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, who was appointed a Commonwealth Advisor to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) leading up to the 2020 elections, will both serve as resource personnel to the CoI. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had subsequently explained that works are expected to commence soon to establish the ToR for the CoI before the

four-member team begins the probe.

“The Terms of Reference will have to be drawn up, and that will determine the jurisdiction and the parameters within which the Commission of Inquiry will conduct its work,” Nandlall had said during his weekly programme – Issues In The News.

Following a largely smooth polling day on March 2, 2020, Guyana was thrown into a tumultuous five-month political and electoral impasse after the then incumbent APNU/AFC regime attempted to steal the election.

It was found during a subsequent national recount process that former Returning Officer for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo had heavily inflated the votes in favour of the coalition party.

Since the election fiasco unfolded, several persons that served within the apparatus of GECOM have already been charged with electoral fraud. These include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former PNCR Minister Volda Lawrence, and Mingo, among others. (G3)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, July 12 – 02:00h – 03:30h and Wednesday, July 13 – 02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, July 12 – 15:20h – 16:50h and Wednesday, July 13 – 16:20h – 17:50h.

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 partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.52 metres.

Low Tide: 09:04h and 21:22h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.71.

Over $50B invested in Indigenous communities in 2 years – Ali …grants, titles distributed to communities in Regions 2, 7, 9 …as Toshaos get 50% increase in stipend

I

t was revealed during the opening of the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) that the Government has, in the past two years, invested over $50 billion in Indigenous communities and $1.7 billion in economic boosting investments, all part of its commitment to the development of Indigenous communities.

During the conference, which started on Monday and is being held for five days at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), President Dr Irfaan Ali iterated to the hundreds of Indigenous leaders, how important their rights are to

President Dr Irfaan Ali hands over the grant for the Mashabo Extension

made it clear, for Amerindian villages, water will remain a social good.”

cial good and value, not as an economic commodity.”

The

Distribution

conference,

which

saw two absolute grants and five certificates of titles being distributed to the Indigenous leaders from Regions Two, Seven and Nine.

The villages of Capoey (extension) and Mashabo (extension) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were the recipients of grants.

Meanwhile, certificates of Titles were given to MainstayWhyaka (extension) and St Monica (extension) in Region Two; Tassarene and Kangaruma in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Yupukari (extension) in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

The President also announced an increase in stipends for the Toshaos, from

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the opening of the NTC

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the Administration. Ali said the Government takes seriously all issues affecting the Indigenous people, from land titling to economic empowerment.

He gave some insight into exactly how much the Administration has spent on Indigenous communities, though he shied away from comparing it to the previous five years. All he would say is that persons would be “mesmerised” if a comparison was done, but it would enable them to make a determination on which Administration has the welfare of the Indigenous people at heart.

“In less than two years, when you take the current and capital expenditure, in less than two years your Government has invested more than $50 billion in Amerindian communities and Amerindian people.”

“If you look at that as a percentage of the whole budget, you will be blown away.

And at a different forum, we'll do the political comparison. But if you look at that as a percentage of what was invested between 2015 and 2020, you would be mesmerised,” President Ali said.

Other investments President Ali spoke of was in the area of water, explaining that the Government intends to ensure Indigenous communities have 100 per cent access to clean water by 2025.

“If you look at water, we have been able to increase our coverage in less than two years, in terms of access to water in hinterland communities, from 46 per cent to 63 per cent. And the target is to take it to 75 per cent by the end of this year. We have

“What that means is that for your villages, as long as we’re here, you will not have to pay for that water.

That will be a cost that the Government will absorb for you. For you and your communities, it (water) will be treated primarily for its so-

Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the opening of the National Toshaos Conference (NTC)

attracted Toshaos and village leaders from over 200 communities, is being held for the first time since 2019.

Meanwhile, the opening of the five-day conference also

$30,000 to $45,000. Their deputies also received an increase from $20,000 to $30,000.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 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

I

Indigenous communities

n a passionate address at the opening of the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) 2022, President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated the Government’s commitment to treat all members of the Indigenous community with equal respect.

He also revealed that in the past two years, the Government has invested over $50 billion in Indigenous communities and $1.7 billion in economic boosting investments.

To quote President Ali: “The commitment of every successive PPP/Civic Government was to do the best we can do for Amerindian communities and Amerindian people. Not just because we want to do it, but because you are no different from the rest of the population. And you must be treated with the same respect, with the same dignity and honour like all of the population. Those are the fundamental principles that we adhere to – that we support.”

He also spoke of his Administration’s plans and programmes for the development of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples and 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, and many are optimistic that the President’s vision will indeed come to fruition.

From the President’s message, it is quite clear that he has a full grasp of the challenges facing hinterland communities.

The Head of State said: “We fought hard so that you could have equity; we fought hard so that you can be a part of the process of development…. The Government will work every single day to uphold the delicate balance of promoting livelihood and securing your cultural identity and the environment.”

There is no doubt that much more needs to be done, both in terms of policy design and implementation, and resource allocation, to ensure economic vibrancy in Indigenous communities and the rights of Indigenous peoples are fully protected.

For example, the issue of land titling has always been a matter of concern to Indigenous communities. However, under the A Partnership from National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government, no real progress was made in ensuring that Amerindian lands were demarcated and titled. As a matter of fact, that project was ground to a halt.

To its credit, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government – both present and past - has always acknowledged that land is central to Indigenous peoples’ development and always treated Amerindian Lands Demarcation and Titling as a priority. In this regard, the President handed out certificates of Titles to Mainstay-Whyaka (extension) and St Monica (extension) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Tassarene and Kangaruma in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Yupukari (extension) in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

In his address, the President also reminded the leaders that the NTC provides the perfect opportunity for the Government to listen to ideas, needs, and perspectives from the respective leaders, craft a plan of action and allocate resources to improve the lives of every Amerindian community across the country.

He said too that more resources were earmarked to further enhance the quality of life in several areas, including agriculture, education, health, housing infrastructure, and tourism.

Indeed, in the area of health services, hinterland communities badly need more services as many residents have to travel extremely long distances to access basic medical services.

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

The same situation exists as it relates to educational opportunities for Amerindian students.

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 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), must step up their efforts to ensure that Amerindians are not exploited in any way.

guyanatimesgy.com

Scenes from the opening of the National Toshaos Conference

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

5

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GAWU says GuySuCo's statement meant to deceive and mislead

Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes note of the press statement from Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) titled “GuySuCo sets the records straight”.

In our examination of the statement, we noticed that the Union and its representative on GuySuCo’s Board received special attention in relation to procurement and decision-making. Who knows what were the GuySuCo’s motivation/s?

Our Union has full confidence that any decision made by its member will result in benefit to Guyanese and Guyana. In addition, the Union has always been forthright and honest in its assessment of the sugar company’s performance and leadership and will continue to do so without fear or favour.

Articulated Tractors

A substantial section of GuySuCo’s missive focused on procurement of articulated tractors to undertake mechanical tillage operations and the touted impact those tractors would have on low production and productivity levels. The statement pointed out that the Union’s representative “played a leading role” in the procurement of tractors. This statement, in our view, is a desperate attempt to create a perception that the Union’s representative was directly involved in purchase of articulated tractors, which is now subjected to intense debates.

In trying to absolve itself from the current debates, the Corporation deliberately chooses to omit other pertinent facts associated with GuySuCo’s Procurement Committee recommendations.

We are aware that delib-

erations of the Corporation’s Procurement Committee remain confidential and, therefore, to disclose content of those discussions which came to our hand would be unethical and improper.

Nonetheless, we understand that the Committee, comprising several board members, extensively and intensively debated purchase of articulated tractors. These debates eventuated on a course of action that advised on purchase of a small quantity of tractors against a larger quantity recommended by the Executive Management.

The Committee’s intent, from what we gather is to allow the type of tractors to be evaluated within Guyana’s context before making further decisions on purchase.

It appears to us that the Procurement Committee was prudent in its decision-making.

Absence of Tillage

The Corporation bemoaned an absence of tillage arising from the absence of a suitable fleet of tillage tractors. But the data supplied by the GuySuCo seems to paint a different narrative.

For instance: * At Albion, the tillage tractor fleet was available 72.8 per cent of the 46 available opportunity days during the 2021 second crop * But the fleet was only utilised 37.1 per cent of the time * It informs that the fleet though available was not operable for substantial periods of time * Notwithstanding the operational deficit, the estate realised 78.4 per cent of its tillage target * Had utilisation been improved, it is fair to conclude that the tillage target could have been realised and surpassed

Looking at the data, from the other estates, the same yardstick could be utilised.

It then begs the question as to whether the adequacy of tillage tractors is really the sole issue for poor production.

2022 Production Levels

The Corporation lamented the impact of 2021 floods and failure of the gear at Uitvlugt Estate as the reasons for its 2022 first crop production, which yielded a historical low of just over 13,000 tonnes sugar.

GuySuCo asserted “…that these scientific facts were lost on the Sugar Unions…”.

From this pronouncement, it appears, that either the Corporation is out at sea on its operations, or it seeks to hoodwink and mislead the nation.

In determining its production target, the Corporation would evaluate the quantity and quality of canes within each field it intends to harvest. These evaluations are done on a field-by-field basis and aggregated to estates and industry targets before harvesting commences.

Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the many “sugar professionals and experts” in the Corporation must have recognised the condition of fields and formulated an estimate that is realistic and attainable for 1st crop 2022. The reality is the targets set by the ‘sugar professionals and experts’ were not achieved. To compensate for the inaccurate estimate, the Corporation resorted to harvesting of immature canes slated for second crop 2022 harvest at Albion and Blairmont Estates.

In relation to Uitvlugt Estate, the ‘sugar professionals and experts’ were at work again. We learnt that they were well aware of the

mill turbine gear condition and damage sustained in the latter part of 2021. The “sugar professionals and experts” advised on welding repairs against procurement of a new gear to make the unit operable for first crop 2022.

The nation is aware of the fiasco that ensued where the Estate had to abandon its first crop because the welded and locally fabricated gear failed. If a new gear was ordered when the damage was observed, the aborted first crop or at least part of it could have been salvaged.

Industry’s Challenges

GuySuCo continues to highlight tillage as a major obstacle in improving production and contends that aged machines are unable to complete tasks. According to the statement, the machines were “fully depreciated” and “aged 8 – 12 years”.

GuySuCo further argues that the aged machines contributed to ratooned canes as old as 12 years.

Interestingly, despite the age of the machines, average cane yield data was improving before a sudden precipitous decline emerged.

The data, in our view, demonstrates that tillage is not the only challenge.

But in our view more serious agronomic issues need to be addressed in addition to tillage. We ask whether the ‘professionals’ are giving these issues the attention they require.

Reduction in Cultivation

Recently the GAWU has learnt the industry has taken a decision to temporarily abandon lands which have canes higher than five (5) years old. We have learnt that at Albion some 3080 hectares equivalent to approximately one-third of the cultivation was abandoned.

Over $50B invested in Indigenous...

FROM PAGE 3

Senior councillors of Amerindian communities will meanwhile benefit from a $15,000 to $25,000 hike in their stipend, while the stipend for regional councillors from the 10 administrative regions will move from $10,000 to $30,000. As Ali put it, this is the Government fulfilling its commitment to the Indigenous people.

“These are commitments we have made and commitments we have fulfilled. Not just because we want to do it, but because you are no different from the rest of the population, and you must be treated in the same respect, with the same dignity and honour like all of the population.

Those are the fundamental principles that we adhere to, that we support,” he said.

This year’s conference is being held under the theme

“Good Governance and Fast-Tracking Amerindian Development.”

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and other Ministers of Government and members of the diplomatic corps were present at the opening of the

NTC. While there had been some criticism that the conference is being coordinated by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and that the NTC was not involved enough in the preparations, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lenox Shuman, himself a former Vice

Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, noted that based on information reaching him, efforts were made to involve the NTC. “In the absence of a substantive NTC executive, who do you consult with? Based on the information I got, the Ministry had reached out to the NTC secretariat for a variety of things, which the secretariat did not provide. So, it fell on the Ministry to undertake the planning of the conference,” Shuman said.

He nevertheless welcomed the hosting of the conference and the fact that it could be held despite COVID. Additionally, Shuman noted that the Indigenous leaders have a great opportunity to air their concerns and consolidate their grievances, allowing the Government to act on it. (G3)

At Blairmont, it is said a similar proportion was also abandoned. It is said these major decisions affecting production and productivity were taken without the consent or knowledge of the Board of Directors. Such decisions have major implications for production and productivity, but it is unclear what factor/s informed the decision-making. With GuySuCo’s own admission on the problems associated with tillage, it will be interesting to know what plans the company has to bring those abandoned lands back into the cultivation, failing which these estates will permanently have a significant amount of lands unavailable for cane cultivation, We learnt that the decision to abandon cane fields came against the background of lower cane productivity. Again, the data we obtained does not support this contention. Data obtained for the recently concluded 2022 first crop indicated that fifth ratoon and older canes were yielding 34 tonnes cane per hectare (tch) while 4th ratoon canes are yielding 32 tch. With such yields, it is logical for anyone to question the rationale of abandonment. Additionally, we understand that the field abandonment programme has taken place in a haphazard manner. Usually when fields are abandoned, they are flooded. This assists in stemming the proliferation of weeds and grass as well as preventing an upsurge in rodents.

We have recently learnt that estates are confronting a major upsurge in rodents which are known to inflict significant damages on young canes. A source has informed GAWU that it caused the corporation not too long ago to approve an emergency purchase of rodenticide to combat the situation.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo sounded the need for the strengthening of the GuySuCo management some months ago. Given recent events and outcomes from guidance emanating from the ‘sugar professionals and experts’ we believe there is an immediate need to strengthen management.

The industry desperately needs requisite know-how and skills.

GAWU’s examination of the statement reveals several troubling issues which the GuySuCo has not addressed.

Our Union remains a vested stakeholder interested in the success of the sugar industry. We are heartened by the commitment of President Irfaan Ali who at the Enmore Martyrs observances pledged to work alongside the GAWU and others to return the sugar industry to viability. We remain committed to such engagements and believe collaboration can have a positive impact.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Multiplying Whole Numbers

W

hen you multiply whole numbers, start by lining up the numbers correctly. It is easy to line the numbers up if you are multiplying by a 1-digit number.

W

e like to use this technique, and variations on it, to help students understand the offset printing process. Offset printing is how picture books, and many professionally printed paper materials, are created.

Here's a rundown of the materials, process and variations you might try at home or in your class.

Materials:

Multiply the 5 in the first line by the 5 in the second line. 5 x 5 = 25.

You cannot write 25 in the ones place, so you do just what you did when adding. You write the 5 and save the 2 for the tens place. Keep that 2 in mind. Go back to the first line, and move one digit to the left to multiply 8 x 5, which is equal to 40. Then you are ready to add that 2. You get 40 + 2 = 42. Write the 2 in the tens place and set the 4 aside. Now go back to the first line again, and move one more digit to the left. Multiply 4 x 5 = 20. But remember the 4 you set aside. So 20 + 4 = 24. The product, or answer to this multiplication problem, is 2425.

When you are multiplying a number by a 2-digit or 3-digit number, you have to be careful to line up the place values correctly.

Construction paper or magazine pages for the stencils Scissors Watercolour paper, cardstock, or heavy drawing paper to print onto Red, blue and yellow tempera or poster paints (or magenta, cyan, yellow and black if you want to more closely replicate the offset printing process colours) Brayers or small foam rollers from a craft or hardware store 3 plastic plates, or foam trays.

Anything non-absorbent with a bit of a rim works well.

Remember : Always multiply the entire top number by just one bottom digit at a time. Use a different line for the product of each bottom digit.

Exercises

By

Process:

Start by cutting shapes out of pieces of construction paper.

Both the negative and positive shapes can be used as stencils. Then, arrange or overlap your shapes on a larger piece of paper.

Prepare each of your paints in a separate paint tray. Start with one or two spoonfuls of paint along the top of the tray.

Roll your brayer back and forth, in one tray to coat it evenly with paint. Then roll the brayer slowly over your stencils. Cover the whole surface of the paper or just an area.

Peel away the stencils to reveal the print you created. While a brayer is not in use, rest its handle on the edge of the tray to help keep your hands clean.

Overlap multiple colours or a variety of stencils to create a unique print with depth and contrast. Use a separate brayer when rolling out each colour to avoid unintentional mixing. You might want to let your paper dry for a couple of minutes between each colour.

the

Brothers Grimm

"I don’t know how that may be," said she. "Never is a long time. I am king, it is true; but I begin to be tired of that, and I think I should like to be emperor."

"Alas, wife! Why should you wish to be emperor?"

Said the fisherman. "Husband," said she, "go to the fish!

I say I will be emperor."

"Ah, wife!" Replied the fisherman. "The fish cannot make an emperor, I am sure, and I should not like to ask him for such a thing."

"I am king," said Ilsabill, "and you are my slave - so go at once!" So the fisherman was forced to go; and he muttered as he went along, "This will come to no good, it is too much to ask; the fish will be tired at last, and then we shall be sorry for what we have done." He soon came to the seashore; and the water was quite black and muddy, and a mighty whirlwind blew over the waves and rolled them about, but he went as near as he could to the water’s brink, and said, "O man of the sea!

Hearken to me!

My wife Ilsabill Will have her own will, And hath sent me to beg a gift of thee!"

"What would she have now?" Said the fish. "Ah!" Said the fisherman, "she wants to be emperor."

Explore some more

What new shapes can you make when you overlap stencils?

What new colours can you make by overlapping colours?

Design a pattern by repeating the same stencils across the paper.

Try cutting a stencil in a new way – folding, cutting into the side, cutting out one shape to make another. (carlemuseum.org)

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

"Go home," said the fish, "she is emperor already.

"So he went home again, and as he came near he saw his wife Ilsabill sitting on a very lofty throne made of solid gold, with a great crown on her head a full two yards high; and on each side of her stood her guards and attendants in a row, each one smaller than the other from the tallest giant down to a little dwarf no bigger than my finger. Before her stood princes, dukes, and earls.

The fisherman went up to her and said, "Wife, are you emperor?""Yes," said she, "I am emperor."

"Ah!" Said the man, as he gazed upon her. "What a fine thing it is to be emperor!"

WORD SEARCH

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We’re going to try for another BOOT arrangement” – VP …as Govt set to retender Amaila Falls Hydropower Project T

he Guyana Government has decided to retender the contract for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) as the current agreement with China Railway First Group Limited (CRFG), has come to an end.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who spoke with reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday.

The Vice President explained that Government is looking to significantly cut

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

carbon emissions locally by 2030 and the AFHP would have been a critical project in achieving this target.

“Amaila was part of the energy mix to allow us to cut our emissions by 70 per cent and still triple in capacity. So

2 more gold companies entering Guyana’s market …to start exploration in Region 7 Cuyuni area

B

arrick Gold Corporation, a Canadian company with operations around the world, is among the latest large scale gold mining companies that have re-entered Guyana’s market and is, in fact, expected to start exploration very soon near the Karouni mining site in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

In an interview with this publication, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat provided some insight into the current state of the gold mining sector by pointing out that one of the most recent re-entrants into the sector is Barrick Gold Corporation, which partnered with Troy Resources last year.

“There’s Barrick Gold.

As you’re aware we had the mining conference in Canada recently. I had a conversation with Omai Gold Mine that is continuing exploration. To date they have already made a discovery of close to 1.5 - 1.6 million ounces.”

“I also had meetings with Barrick Gold, which is one of the largest gold mining companies in the world.

They will start exploration activities very soon; in properties they would have acquired next door to Troy

Barrick’s operation in Guyana before the 2018 withdrawal

Resources in the Cuyuni area. Their exploration activities should start soon,” Bharrat said.

While Barrick’s partnership with Troy Resources is a new one, the company is actually no stranger to Guyana. Back in 2018, Barrick withdrew from Guyana after spending US$7.1 million on the Arakaka gold project, where it was in a joint venture with Alicanto Minerals.

And when Alicanto found gold in Arakaka in 2020, it had attributed previous exploration work done by Newmont and Barrick Gold Corp that provided them with the necessary data inclusive of geochemistry, geophysics, and camp infrastructure, for making the find. According to Alicanto,

this all provided them with an excellent platform for discovering the gold.

Meanwhile, Bharrat also spoke of Troy Resources which has been under a period of care and maintenance since last year, during which a skeleton staff remain in place.

There is also Zijin Mining, which took over Guyana Goldfields’ operations at Aurora Gold Mine in 2020.

“With the gold mining, as you’re aware we have two large companies, two large gold companies. Zijin and Troy Resources. However, Troy Resources has been under care and maintenance. We’re working with them to ensure that they go back into production as soon as possible.”

TURN TO PAGE 19

we’re moving forward in the solar component, the gas component, we had the setback on Amaila, we’d expected it to go through but we’ll have to go out back [to tender],” Jagdeo said.

He added, “70 per cent by 2030 because we hope to get it in by 2030 so we still can achieve. It’s still on the card, but currently the project is not moving forward.”

In May of this year, Jagdeo had disclosed that the AFHP is at risk of being delayed and possibly retendered, as CRFG had difficulties in meeting the contract obligations and wants the financing model changed.

CRFG had indicated to the Government that it is unable to execute the project in keeping with the Build-Own-OperateTransfer (BOOT) model and instead wanted to enter into an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with the Government for the project’s development.

On Monday, Jagdeo explained that the agreement with CRFG has ended and that the Government is yet to decide when the project will be retendered and what model will be used in the new contract.

“That’s ended because, as I said a couple months ago, they want to change the model and we can’t change the model.”

“So, we have to go back to the drawing board and then possibly retender at some point in time in the future. So, right now we’re still deciding whether we’ll go out to tender and in what forms but most likely it will be BOOT again… we’re going to try for another BOOT arrangement,” he added.

Nevertheless, he indicat-

ed that the Government will direct its focus now on the gas-to-energy project.

“We’ve been busy trying to move forward the gas-to-energy project as you could see… the President made some announcements recently so now that we have gone out to tender, we’re expecting bids to come in by September and also by the end of August to get bids in for a project management crew that will oversee that project.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali had recently made it clear that the government will continue to pursue the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), even if it means it has to keep retendering “again and again”.

“Let me be very clear: we are not going to abandon this project,” the Guyanese Head of State told a gathering of Private Sector officials and diplomats during an event at State House. “If we have to go out again and again, we are going to, because we know the studies and everything, including the independent review by Norway, has point to this project as being good for Guyana, being good for the environment, and bringing greater prosperity,” he reasoned. “So, this project will get underway,” President Ali had affirmed.

The revival of the 165-megawatt AFHP was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in its manifesto. The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration, but was scrapped by the coalition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

AFHP is expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that is affordable and reliable, and is envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs, while removing dependency on fossil fuels.

It is expected that the AFHP will be based on a BOOT model, wherein the company would supply electricity to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc at a cost not exceeding US$0.07737 per kWh, and wherein the company would provide the entire equity required by the project and undertake all the risks associated with the project.

The AFHP was first identified in 1976 by the Canadian company Monenco during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana. Various studies have since justified and strongly supported the construction of the AFHP. One such study is an independent assessment conducted by Norconsult, a Norwegian engineering and design consultancy firm that was contracted by the Government of Norway. That report had concluded that the only realistic path for Guyana moving towards an emission-free electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential, and the fastest way forward is through the AFHP.

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 life sentences for man who raped, robbed woman at gunpoint

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36-year-old man formerly of Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was sentenced to two life terms on Monday by the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara after he was convicted of raping and robbing a 20-year-old woman at gunpoint. The man, Ronald Armstrong called “Sargie”, was found unanimously guilty of both offences which occurred on January 22, 2013, back in June.

Presiding Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced the convict to life imprisonment on both charges, ordering that he is to begin serving the sentence after he completes a four-year jail sentence for an earlier conviction on a robbery under arms charge.

The Judge, in her sentencing remarks, said the court was compelled to impose a sentence that is commensurate with the serious nature and prevalence of the offences. In arriving at an appropriate penalty, she also considered the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma the woman was left to endure; that a deadly weapon, a gun, was used during the commissioning of the offences; and that Armstrong committed the

Jailed: Ronald Armstrong

crimes while he was on bail for other offences.

According to the Judge, the convict expressed no remorse for his actions, and given his previous brushes with the law, there is a high likelihood that he will re-offend.

“In this case, the aggravating factors greatly outweigh the mitigating factors,” said the Judge while noting that the court must protect society from persons like Armstrong.

Sadistic monster

In her impact statement read by the prosecutor State Counsel Caressa Henry, the rape survivor described

Armstrong, a former labourer, as a “weak-minded, deranged, sadistic monster and a pitiful excuse of a human being”.

Although the incident occurred almost a decade ago, the woman, who is now 29, shared that she is still a sad, anxious, and broken person who was once whole. While she accepted she has to live with this, she, however, said this is her rapist’s “cross to bear.”

For years, she explained that she blamed herself for what happened to her. “I blamed myself, I was angry at myself, I questioned everything I did and did not do, every action…” But with time, she said, she has finally allowed herself to be angry at Armstrong.

Recounting the ordeal, the victim pointed out that when she screamed, the perpetrator stuffed her mouth with cloth, while pointing a gun at her then eightmonth-old baby. She recalled that all her attempts to get away from him were unsuccessful.

“I couldn’t protect myself and it kills me. I felt like I died that night. A piece of me did die that night,” she added.

Notwithstanding, she said that she is thank-

ful that her daughter has no recollection of the horrible incident.

According to her, returning home after the incident was equally distressing due to the trauma. She shared that she felt uneasy around her father, husband and brother, and other men.

“I hope every day that you are tormented by your violent actions. I hope you can’t sleep at night because of what you did to me. I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive you. But I want to forget you because when I think about you and your actions towards me, it makes me sick to my stomach,” the woman told Armstrong, who appeared in court virtually.

Even though she is still undergoing therapy, the rape survivor noted that she is scarred for life and still feels broken. She added that Armstrong may have wounded her body but not her spirit.

“I am alive; I am determined and I will empower myself. I wish you a very long life in jail Ronald Armstrong!” she ended.

Facts

According to court documents, the woman was at home on January 22, 2013, with her baby and sister who were both sleeping. While the victim was in the bathroom doing laundry, she was confronted by Armstrong, who was armed with a gun, and two other men.

Armstrong demanded gold and other valuables from the woman while threatening to injure her baby if she did not cooperate. Afraid for her life, she handed over several pieces of gold jewellery her baby was wearing as well as some she had stored in a cabinet.

He then pulled her into a bedroom, placed her on a bed, and raped her until she passed out. The victim was revived by her sister, who was also raped by one of Armstrong’s accomplices after the men left the house.

The men robbed the women of two televisions and two laptops.

Armstrong was represented by defence counsel Everton Singh-Lammy.

He is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for two counts of robbery under arms.

While armed with a knife, he robbed two elderly women, in 2020, of $50,000 and a cell phone valued at $20,000. The robbery occurred at their Friendship, EBD, home.

Meanwhile, in July 2014, he was jailed for 50 months after he was found guilty of trafficking 181 grams of marijuana and conveying 32 packs of cigarettes into the prison. (G1)

Remembering…

W

…fallen Police

hile the GPF’s been rightfully receiving heavy flak for their unprofessionalism, the ceremony “honouring” Policemen killed in the line of duty since 1913 reminds us of the sacrifice they’ve also made.

The number’s now 65 since 1913. One suspects that the organisers began their body-count from then because the numbers killed from the GPF’s formation in 1839 to that point could be counted on the fingers of their hands.

But what your Eyewitness found surprising was the two speakers failing to mention our very recent history, when the most Police ranks were murdered in the history of Guyana. In a ten-month period in 2003, for instance, FIFTEEN Policemen were murdered – 30 to 2006!! After all, they heard and read ad nauseam about the Police and “Phantoms” killing 400 black youths – now morphed into 1400! Even the 400 Black youths” killed was debunked by the SN which showed 151 innocent persons were murdered by bandits; 239 persons were killed during confrontations with Police and in “unexplained circumstances” plus the 30 Police!!

With most of their relatives in the audience, wouldn’t they’ve wanted to know why their loved ones were killed by the so-called “Buxton Freedom Fighters” formed around five prison escapees?? Don’t the Police deaths deserve an equal-opportunity mention? One hears from the partisans of the “400” about Policemen acting outside of their remit and becoming judges, juries and executioners. But in the absence of any comment by the Police reps about the criminals among the 400, one’s left to conclude they were innocent choir-boys out picking daisies!

Such a one-sided narrative implicitly and explicitly demonises the Police, and has to demotivate the conscientious ones from vigorously performing their duties.

Is this a factor that contributes to the extraordinary number of law enforcement officials who have been caught recently making “runnings”? Another missing part of the narrative is what happened to all those youths who were willingly recruited into the services of the “Freedom Fighters”? Like being lookouts and snitches.

Are they now all grown up and continuing the traditions they were exposed to? Are we now still reaping the harvest from the poisoned tree planted in Buxton and like Agricola etc? If your Eyewitness were the Top CoP, he’d have invited Basil Williams and ex-CoP Winston Felix to explain their (in) famous taped conversation about the Agricola Massacre.

He’s sure the families of the dead Policemen from that era would’ve liked to know exactly what went down there… since the motivations were the same.

But, instead, we had what was just another “heading off” of the Guyanese people from discovering the roots of the cancer, which is still metastasising and lurking to strike when deemed necessary.

Like the W Berbice and Mon Repos Ethnic Riots.

…AFC’s charm Well, seems that to overcome its “Dead Meat” status – not to mention the stench!! – the AFC’s about to go a-courting!! It announced it’ll be divorcing its PNC “partner” (nowadays one has to be gender neutral!!) this year end when their pre-nup agreement expires. Your Eyewitness wonders whether it’ll be allowed to keep the property it acquired during the marriage – what was it? 9 seats??

But then again, the marriage might never have been consummated, since Nagamootoo got shafted immediately after they won in 2015!! But he seemed to’ve disappeared from the scene – unless he’s playing possum.

So what’s the field like for the AFC – since they announced they’ll be casting their net among the “small parties”?? The first thing that came to your Eyewitness’s mind when he heard that statement was the said small parties must’ve immediately started running for the hills!!

In the first case, most – excepting ANUG/LJP - were unable to muster even a few hundred votes.

Looks like the Dead meat’s gonna rot some more!! …mother of Parliaments Tory Minister Lia Nici insists that Labour Dep Leader Angela Rayner (and front bencher) opened her legs in House of Commons to distract Boris.

As if he weren’t already distracted!! But then again…!!

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

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US-based Guyanese couple killed in fiery crash Michael Brotherson appointed Consul General of Guyana in NY

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The vehicle that was involved in the crash

Travis Williams and Shenella Braithwaite

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US-based Guyanese couple was on Monday morning killed in a fiery accident in New York (NY).

Dead are 45-year-

old Travis Williams and 35-year-old Shenella Braithwaite. The accident occurred at about 01:14h in Suffolk County, New York.

According to a New York

OPR probing claims of cop burning teen in lock-ups

Injured: Jahiem Peters

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement on Monday said the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) will be investigating what transpired with a teen detainee in the Vigilance Police Station lock-ups.

In the statement, the GPF said Johiem Peters, a 17-yearold of Annandale, East Coast Demerara has accused a Guyana Police Force rank stationed at the Vigilance Police Station of torturing him.

“The Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is looking into his claim. The inquiry has so far shown that on July 10, 2022, at around 10:30hrs, Peters was arrested pending an investigation into an allegation of an alleged robbery under arms in which he was recognised as one of the attackers and was assisting the Police with the said investigation,” the statement read.

Peters told investigators that while he was detained, two of his friends – names withheld – were also brought into custody.

Police said they were sitting on the prisoner’s bench in front of the lock-ups with another male detainee when Peters asked one of them for a cigarette lighter and his friend gave him a lighter.

“The other prisoner admitted to seeing when Peters’s friend gave him the cigarette lighter but claimed that he only heard Peters screaming while he was alone in the cell.

The Police officer on duty at the Vigilance Police Station rushed to the cell and removed Peters while his shirt was still on fire,” the statement from the GPF read.

Peters, who was subsequently questioned by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), claimed that he had been smoking in the lock-ups when he fell asleep and the cigarette caught on his shirt.

Two other civilian witnesses informed the investigators that they heard Peters screaming from his cell while they were at the station and that when the Police on duty took him outside, they saw fire on his shirt.

Meanwhile, the young man stated that he was beaten to say he set himself on fire.

He claimed “I went inside the lock-up and them man beat me… after the policeman (name mentioned) come in the lock-up now, he want knock me to talk about some gun and I tell he me ain’t know about no gun and me and he start to scuffle… I end up and tek off meh jersey and that catch fire… when the ambulance come, they tell them I burn meh self… they end up and beat me fuh say duh.”

The man reportedly left his home on the ECD on Thursday and was heading to Georgetown, when he, along with two others were picked up by Police and taken to the Vigilance Police Station.

Police report, their ranks were called to the Southern Parkway, Eastbound, in the town of Islip for a report of a car crash.

When the troopers arrived, they said a Land Rover SUV was observed against a tree, fully engulfed in flames. At the time, it was being driven by Williams.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Williams was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control and went off of the road, slamming into a tree.

As a result, the car caught afire. Emergency services responded within minutes and Braithwaite was tak-

en to the Good Samaritan Hospital, NY, where she later died. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigations have been launched into the crash.

Meanwhile, on social media, family and friends of the victims were seen offering condolences to the parents of the now-dead couple.

One person said: “Since I’ve woke up and heard the bad news of my beautiful home girl passing my head can’t stop hurting me.

Called you and sent a message with only one tick. It’s like it’s so unreal to see all these reposts of you as I scroll through FB…”.

he Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry announced on Monday that Ambassador Michael Brotherson took up his appointment as Consul General at the Consulate General of Guyana in New York, USA. A career diplomat, Ambassador Brotherson joined the Foreign Service in 1991 as an entry level Foreign Service Officer II. Over the years, he was elevated to several senior positions within the Ministry, including Senior Foreign Officer in the Office of the President, where he was part of the team that oversaw the launch of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

Most recently, Ambassador Brotherson served as the Director of the Department of Bilateral Affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry.

Ambassador Brotherson’s career within the Foreign

Guyana’s Consul General in New York, Michael Brotherson

Ministry has seen him serve in many other important posts, including Consul General of Guyana in Barbados, Lead Negotiator for Guyana on the UN Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, Head of the Diaspora Unit, Head of Public Affairs and Information Unit, and Counsellor at Guyana High Commission in London, among others.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police raids in Region 3 unearth ganja, unlicensed motorcycles

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everal raids were conducted in numerous communities in Regional Division Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and have unearthed a quantity of marijuana, as well as unlicensed motorcycles.

Reports are that a party of Police ranks conducted an intelligence-led operation on Sunday between 10:00 and 16:00h.

The first raid was done at Tuschen Market Square, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), where a search was conducted on a 21-year-old self-employed man of Tuschen, EBE. During the search, a wrapped brown paper parcel was found that contained leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis.

The 21-year-old admitted ownership and was escorted to the Leonora Police Station where the narcotics were weighed and amounted to one gram.

Meanwhile, in Vergenoegen, EBE, a 19-year-old was intercepted while riding his motorcycle in front of the Two Brothers Gas Station, without a licence plate. He was

The motorcycles that were found during the raid

searched and nothing illegal was found. However, when questioned further about the motorcycle he was riding, he indicated that he was an unlicensed rider, and the motorcycle had no documents.

He was subsequently escorted to the Leonora Police Station.

Meanwhile, several persons at a “fowl ring” were searched by the Police ranks during which one gram of marijuana was found on a 35-year-old male of Tuschen, EBE. The man was told of the offence, arrested, and then escorted to the Leonora Police Station.

At De Kinderen, WCD, a search was conducted on a 25-year-old man and one gram of cannabis was found on his person and he admitted ownership. He was told of offence committed, arrested, and escorted to the Leonora Police Station where the marijuana was weighed in his presence.

Another search was also conducted at De Kinderen, WCD, in an abandoned lot covered with trees and bush, where two black plastic bags tied about six feet in the air

The ganja that was found during the raid

on a tree was found.

Upon further checking, a number of seeds, leaves, and stems of cannabis were found inside. It was collected and taken to the Leonora Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 4651 grams.

Meanwhile, at Parika, EBE, a search was conduct-

ed on the home of a 52-yearold self-employed man of Peter Street, Parika, EBE, where a black motorcycle was discovered. When questioned, the man was unable to produce any documentation for the motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken and lodged at the Parika Police Station.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire caused by kerosene lamp “They got the wrong man” – soldier’s alleged killer tells jury leaves 2 homeless

On death row: Mark Royden Williams

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ark Royden Williams, who is currently on death row for killing 12 persons during the 2008 Bartica Massacre, has adamantly denied fatally shooting Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal Ivor Williams, claiming that “they [investigators] got the wrong man”.

Williams, called “Smallie”, was led into evidence by his lawyer, Nigel Hughes when his trial for the January 23, 2008 fatal shooting continued on Monday before Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon. During his unsworn testimony, the accused also denied knowing about the killing. The soldier was shot dead by gunmen during a military operation at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Following his testimony, the murder accused was cross-examined by the prosecutors, State Counsel Latifah Elliott and State Counsel Muntaz Ali. The trial continues on Wednesday at 09:00h.

In 2017, Mark Williams and Dennis “Anaconda” Williams were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the 2008 Bartica Massacre, which left 12 persons, including three Policemen, dead.

They were found guilty of the killings by a jury.

The two men have since filed an appeal against their conviction and sentence.

That case is yet to be called

at the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

On February 17, 2008, gunmen carried out a brazen attack on the community of Bartica while members of the mining community were watching a game of 20/20 cricket on television.

On that fateful night, Police Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne were fatally shot. Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh were the civilians killed.

Then, in 2021, Mark Williams was found not guilty by a jury of the December 16, 2007 murders of 35-year-old Rajesh Singh and 25-year-old Fazal Hakim, which occurred at Triumph, ECD. Another man, Michael Caesar, called “Capone”, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter over the deaths of Singh and Hakim.

In February 2019, Mark Williams and Sherwin Nero, called “Catty” or “Pussy”, were both found not guilty of the murder of businessman Kumar Singh, which occurred on August 30, 2007.

Singh, 51, also known as “Mango Man”, of Cove and John, ECD, was shot and killed by bandits.

In May 2013, Mark Williams and another man, James Hyles, called “Sally”, were found not guilty of murdering 11 persons, including children, in the January 2008 Lusignan, ECD massacre.

Following the men’s discharge, the State appealed their acquittals to the Court of Appeal, arguing, among other things, that several material irregularities had rendered the not-guilty verdicts unsafe and unsatisfactory.

The appellate court unanimously allowed the State’s appeal, thereby remitting the matter to the High Court for a new trial. But Mark Williams and Hyles appealed that rul-

Killed: GDF Corporal Ivor Williams

ing to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which, in May 2018, restored their acquittals.

In 2017, Mark Williams was among the high-profile prisoners who escaped after a fire gutted the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown. He was, however, apprehended weeks later by Police ranks while he was on board a public minibus on the Weldaad Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB). (G1)

A

Remnants of the house after fire swept through the structure

kerosene lamp was the cause of a fire at Lovely Lass, West Coast Berbice (WCB) in the wee hours of Monday, which devastated a two-storey house.

According to information received, the house was owned by Ismay Dalrymple, who resided on the upper flat. Clayton Webster resided on the ground floor.

Divisional Fire Officer

(Berbice) Clive Mc Donald informed that the fire was reported about 03:22h.

Responders were dispatched to the scene, and fought the blaze. However, the wooden and concrete building with its contents were completely destroyed.

An investigation has led to the conclusion that the cause of fire was a kerosene lamp and ignited combustibles.

It was reported that residents in the community were not aware of the contact number for fire stations in close proximity. Hence, a call was made to an off-duty fireman who reported the fire.

The New Amsterdam Fire Station can be contacted on 333-2261-2, Rose Hall Fire Station on 322-5707-8, Corriverton Fire Station on 339-2021, and Onverwagt Fire Station on 328-2657. (G12)

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Senior Police promotions

Judge stays decision for challenge to President’s suspension of PSC to proceed …pending Full Court ruling on applications filed by AG

H

igh Court Judge Gino Persaud has stayed his decision to proceed with the hearing of the challenge to President Dr Irfaan Ali’s June 2021 suspension of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

This is until the Full Court rules on Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s application for leave to appeal that court’s ruling, upholding his decision to the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

The Judge granted the stay of execution on Monday in the case of the PSC and Paul Slowe v the Attorney General, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips.

In that case, Slowe, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and immediate past Chairman of the PSC, is seeking an injunction preventing the recently reconstituted PSC from promoting senior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). However, days after Slowe filed the case to block the promotion of the ranks, the acting Police Commissioner announced the promotion of 97 senior Police officers since there

on the Attorney General’s applications this Thursday.

The matter in which Slowe is seeking injunctive relief against the PSC will come up for hearing on July 22.

Public interest

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

was no court order preventing him from doing so.

Besides an application for leave to appeal, Nandlall has also asked the Full Court to stay its May 9 decision to uphold the March 9 ruling of Justice Persaud in which he held that he will proceed with hearing Slowe’s challenge to the President’s suspension of the constitutional commission.

In light of the Full Court’s decision, Justice Persaud’s ruling stands.

The Full Court will rule

Before Justice Persaud, Nandlall had contended that, given the three-year life of the previous PSC had expired in August 2021, during the course of Slowe’s challenge, the case was dead, and should be struck out.

In his ruling, however, Justice Persaud had held that the issues raised in the challenge are matters of public interest. Relying on several local, regional, and overseas case laws, he had reasoned that the issue of the legality of the [Commission’s] suspension “…should be heard and determined on its merits, being a matter of public interest”.

To hold otherwise, the Judge had noted, would be to leave the legality of the suspension hanging – never to be adjudicated upon simply because of the inescapable fact that the life of the Commission had come to an

High Court Judge Gino Persaud

end after these proceedings were filed.

“This does not seem to me either logical or fair, but rather an affront to fairness; natural justice; access to justice; and, indeed, the rule of law. A hearing and determination would serve to bring clarity to the role of the Executive in such instances, and ensure that the constitutionally-granted autonomy of the PSC remains protected,” Justice Persaud had reasoned.

Grounds

In the grounds in support of his new application, Slowe said that on August 9, 2018, he, and retired Assistant Commissioners of Police Clinton Conway, Vesta Adams, and Claire Jarvis were appointed Commissioners of the PSC by former President David Granger.

According to him, as part of the duties, they drafted a list of 132 Police officers to be promoted, and sent it to the PSC’s Secretary to have it sent to then Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie for the promotions to be effected.

However, Slowe said, the list was never sent to the Secretary and was leaked to Assistant Commissioner

of Police Calvin Brutus and then to the public.

Then, on June 16, 2021, President Ali “unconstitutionally and illegally” suspended the PSC by sending individual letters of suspension to its Commissioners, Slowe submitted.

The promotions list was publicised on June 28, 2021, hours after Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, had dismissed a challenge filed by several senior Police officers who were aggrieved by their non-promotion. The challenge had delayed the promotion of ranks by more than six months. Later that day, the Government rejected as unlawful and illegal the list of purported promotions.

Fraud charges

President Ali had suspended the PSC after its Chairman Paul Slowe and Commissioner Conway, were slapped with fraud charges. They, along with other retired and serving members of the GPF, have been implicated in a $10 million fraud over duties delegated to them for revising the Police Force’s raft of Standing Orders. It is alleged that they collected payments amounting to $10 million, but never provided the Force with a raft of revised Standing Orders.

In addition, Slowe is facing three counts of sexual assault. It is alleged that on three occasions in 2019, at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, he sexually assaulted a senior Policewoman by rubbing her left leg and foot without her consent.

Inevitable difficulty

The retired cop, in his new case, submitted that he has been advised by his lawyers, and believes, that the injunction would assist in preserving the status quo of the pending proceedings. He reasoned that should the in-

Paul Slowe

junction be refused, the reconstituted PSC would be allowed to promote officers, causing inevitable difficulty at the end of the pending matter.

“When the promotions from the previous list are effected and those said officers were promoted, the previous list which this matter touches and concerns, especially since from the previous list they may have been promoted, making them eligible for promotion to a higher rank.”

Slowe pointed out, “For example, if a Sergeant was on the previous list promoted to the rank of Inspector, he would be entitled to not be promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent and not be promoted twice on two separate lists as an Inspector.”

The former PSC Chairman further pointed out that if the injunction is not granted, and this matter is subsequently completed and the previous promotions on the past list are effected, there would be inevitable issues as to which officers are of a higher rank than others, if the promotions would be backdated, and there would be future problems as to who will be entitled to be Commanders and even the Commissioner of Police.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gunmen rob gold miner Judge stays decision... of over $1M in jewellery

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30-year-old gold miner of Section B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Saturday robbed of $1.1 million in gold jewellery by three men, all of whom were armed with guns.

Reports are that the victim was standing in his yard and saw the perpetrators walking on the street heading east when they suddenly turned into his yard.

In the ensuing confrontation, the suspects whipped out their handguns and pointed them in the direction of the victim, demanding that he hand over seven gold chains valued at $1.1 million.

Police said at the time, the miner was wearing the jewellery. But

Slowe contended that under the Civil Procedure Rules, the High Court has the authority to grant an interim injunction restraining the PSC from promoting members of the GPF until the hearing and determination of the legal challenge to the Head of State’s suspension of the PSC.

Appointment

the miner refused to hand over his jewellery, and one of the perpetrators pulled the articles from the

man’s neck. They then made good their escape. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

On May 31, President Ali swore in the members of the PSC at the Office of the President.

They are Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway, businessmen Ernesto Chooa-Fat and Hakeem Mohammed, and Pastor Patrick Findlay, who will serve as Chairman.

Shortly after the members took the oath of office, Opposition Leader

FROM PAGE 12

Aubrey Norton threatened to take legal action, citing that President Ali was carrying out constitutional duties without engaging him.

Norton has since filed legal proceedings in this regard.

But the President responded by stating that the development of the country will not be held hostage by political objects.

The PSC is a constitutional body established under Article 137 (1) of the Constitution, and has been given the authority under Article 212 (1) subject to the provisions of Article 211 (1) to make appointments to any office in the Police Force of or above the rank of Inspector, and exercise disciplinary control over and to remove persons holding or acting in such offices. (G1)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 12,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Think outside the box” – Hamilton urges women to undertake male-dominated jobs I

n bringing training to Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) residents that will ultimately create employment in skill-based fields, women have been urged to step into fields that are societally labelled as male-dominated.

The Board of Industrial Training has introduced the Entrepreneurial Network of Seventh-day Adventists (LENSA) training programme, for the residents of Region 10.

In his address, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton said that an inclusive environment is essential in welcoming women to skillbased fields. On the oth-

er hand, he encouraged females to step out of gender stereotypes and undertake new opportunities.

“We have not yet created the conditions to allow them to participate in that skillset. Women, come out of this narrow path that men and society have set for you, determining what type of training you will get and what type of job you will get.

Think outside the box,” he urged.

Minister Hamilton also added that support should be provided at all levels to encourage such undertakings. In response, this would alleviate the shortage of skillsets within the la-

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

bour force, and contribute to meaningful employment for

scores of females.

“I believe we have a responsibility and a duty to ensure that the same support females gave to us over the decades, we give them that support so that they can climb any mountain and any dream they set themselves, they can succeed in it.”

“We cannot continue to operate in society and keep females out from certain types of training and jobs.

We will not be successful.

How do you keep more than half of the population out of some skillsets and then you wonder how we don’t have enough electricians in the region? It is because you’re

not allowing 50 per cent of the people to be trained,” he added.

The initiative enables opportunities in various TVET occupational areas annually, leading to employment for the residents in the region. The partnership will target training and skills development, through competency-based training, that will produce the enhancement of interpersonal and professional skills needed to increase efficiency in services.

The Board of Industrial Training and the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, going forward will work closely to iden-

tify prospective facilities to carry out training, recruit qualified individuals to train persons desirous of learning a skill, provide technical assistance for specialised training geared towards building professional skills and make materials and basic tools available for each course.

Hamilton added, “Pay some attention to jobs where real money exists...

We’re stalled as a nation because we have paid attention only to one side of educational development. We have to redefine what education is at the level of the regional administration, national administration.” (G12)

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

News

31 new COVID-19 cases, over 750 active cases being monitored

C

onfirmed coronavirus positives in Guyana is now pegged at 68,225, after 31 new persons were infected as of Monday.

This data was included in the Health Ministry’s daily dashboard showing 31,316 males and 36,909 females testing positive to date. Some 66,209 have recovered, leaving more than 750 active cases.

A breakdown of new infections reflected 11 for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), six for Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and 14 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

Death toll from the virus remains at 1262, but five persons are being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit. There are 35 persons in institutional isolation, 714 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine.

To date, 666,023 test samples have been processed.

Latest vaccination figures show that so far, more than 443,000 or 86.5 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while some 343,000 or 67 per cent are fully vaccinated.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 11, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

31

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

35

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

714 5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,909

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,316

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

68,225

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

66,209

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2619

REGION 2

2991

REGION 3

8493

REGION 4

33,936

REGION 5

2490

REGION 6

6576

REGION 7

2526

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4101

REGION 10

3607

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

444,911 343,698 1262

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.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, over 35,000 or 48 per cent of them have received their first dose, and of that amount, some 25,600 or 35.2 per cent are fully immunised.

In the 5 to 11 age group, over 4000 children are inoculated. Administration of the second shot is now due for some persons.

Moreover, approximately 68,000 persons have returned for their booster shots thus far.

Last week, the Government of South Korea delivered 40,800 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana, which will be utilised to continue the Health Ministry’s robust immunisation campaign.

Today, another quantity of vaccines will be handed over from the United States of America.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover completely, especially if they are vaccinated. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.

Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovas-

cular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. To prevent the disease from developing into a severe form, it is recommended that vaccines be taken, as well as follow-ups with booster shots.

These jabs can be accessed from any vaccination site established by the Health Ministry across the 10 administrative regions.

At the appropriate timing of six-month intervals, booster doses are recommended.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Global figures show that 552 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.3 million have died.

In the Americas, more than 164 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

(G12)

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

19

News

North Ruimveldt man 2 more gold companies... busted with gun, ammo A

FROM PAGE 7

North Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident was arrested after a 9mm Glock pistol with the serial number filed off along with six matching rounds of ammunition were found in his possession.

The intel-led bust was made at about 00:40h on Sunday. Based on reports, Police ranks went to Kitty Public Road in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy, where they observed an Allion motor car proceeding in a western direction.

The vehicle, which was driven by the 29-year-old suspect of Osamo Street, North Ruimveldt, was intercepted and a search was carried out but nothing illegal was found.

The gun and ammo that were found in the man’s possession

A subsequent search, however, was carried out on the man, which led to the discovery of the 9mm Glock pistol and the six matching rounds of ammunition.

The 29-year-old sus-

pect was immediately arrested, and escorted to the Kitty Police Station. He was subsequently escorted to Brickdam Police Station, where he was placed into custody pending charges.

(G9)

150 million more people affected by hunger since pandemic – new UN report

T

he United Nations has highlighted the glaring impact of COVID-19 on hunger, showing that 150 million more people are affected since the pandemic.

The 2022 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report presents updates on the food security and nutrition situation around the world, including the latest estimates of the cost and affordability of a healthy diet.

It was jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It stated that the number of people affected by hunger globally rose to as many as 828 million in 2021, an increase of about 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This data provides evidence that the world is moving further away from its goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. The report also looks at ways in which governments can repurpose their current support to agriculture to reduce the cost of healthy diets, mindful of the limited public resources available in many parts of the world.

Statistics show that as many as 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021 – 46 million people more from a year earlier and 150 million more from 2019.

After remaining relatively unchanged since 2015, the proportion of people affected by hunger jumped in 2020 and continued to rise in 2021, to 9.8 per cent of the world population. This compares with eight per cent in 2019 and 9.3 per cent in 2020.

Around 2.3 billion people in the world (29.3 per cent) were moderately or severely food insecure in 2021 – 350 million more compared to before the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic. Nearly 924 million people (11.7 per cent of the global population) faced food insecurity at severe levels, an increase of 207 million in two years.

The gender gap in food insecurity continued to rise in 2021 - 31.9 per cent of women in the world were moderately or severely food insecure, compared to 27.6 per cent of men.

Almost 3.1 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2020, up 112 million from 2019, reflecting the effects of inflation in consumer food prices stemming from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to contain it.

Furthermore, 149 million children under the age of five had stunted growth and development due to a chronic lack of essential nutrients in their diets,

while 39 million were overweight.

Looking forward, projections are that nearly 670 million people (eight per cent of the world population) will still be facing hunger in 2030 – even if a global economic recovery is taken into consideration. This is a similar number to 2015, when the goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition by the end of this decade was launched under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Guyana has already been proactive at the national and regional levels in efforts to achieve food security. The country also committed this year to do the same on the international field to curb the ongoing food crisis around the world.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is the lead Head of Government responsible for Agriculture and Agriculture Diversification and Food Security, is currently advancing Caricom’s strategy on the AgriFood Systems Agenda: Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security.

The agenda aims to commercialise the agri-food sector, boost food supplies, and enhance food and nutrition security in the region; and reduce the food imports by 25 per cent by 2025. (G12)

Graphic of the Toroparu mine

“Both companies, however, are venturing into underground mining for the very first time in Guyana.

So that will see a significant increase in production, once we reach to the production stage, we will see a significant increase in the production of gold,” Minister Bharrat also said.

Canadian company Gran Colombia Gold Corp, which is operating in Guyana, is meanwhile partnering with another recent entry into Guyana’s market, ETK Incorporated, for work on the Toroparu mine.

Already, Gran Columbia has found gold in its Toroparu project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) that may even present

opportunities for underground mining.

“The other gold mine that I spoke of, we’re expecting at least two or three other large companies investing in Guyana.

As it is now, ETK partnering with Gran Columbia, they’ve already started some amount of work in the Toroparu mines.”

“That’s in the Region Seven, Cuyuni area. A number of equipment is already here in the country.

So, we know for sure they are already starting work on developing that mine and going to production at some point in the future,” the Minister further explained.

Last year, Gran

Colombia had announced that it completed its twophase diamond drill programme, with 114 drill holes. According to the company, the drilling programme confirmed the presence of deposits that could be mined through underground mining.

Gran Columbia Executive Chairman Serafino Iacono was quoted as saying that last year’s discovery reaffirmed the company’s confidence in the high-grade gold potential of the project. He further explained that they are working on an updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment. (G3)

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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Putin expands fast-track Russian citizenship to all of Ukraine

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree expanding a fast track to Russian citizenship to all citizens of Ukraine, a document published on the Government’s website showed.

Until recently, only residents of the self-proclaimed breakaway territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) in eastern Ukraine, which Russia seeks to “liberate” from Kyiv’s control, as well as the Russian-occupied regions of Kherson and Zaporizhia, were eligible for the simplified procedure.

Between 2019 – when the procedure was first introduced for the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk –

Blank Russian passports are pictured during production at Goznak printing factory in Moscow, Russia [Maxim Shemetov/ Reuters]

and this year, more than 720,000 residents of the rebel-held areas in the two regions – about 18 per cent of the population – have received Russian passports.

In late May this year, three months after Russia

invaded Ukraine, the fasttrack procedure was also offered to residents of the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. A month ago, the first Russian passports were reportedly handed out there.

The decree on Monday

ordered that “all citizens of Ukraine” be given “the right to apply for admission to the citizenship of the Russian Federation in a simplified manner”.

Ukraine condemned the decree as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“The mentioned decree is another encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, incompatible with the norms and principles of international law,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“Ukrainians do not need Putin’s citizenship and attempts to impose it by force are doomed to failure,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

Kuleba called Monday’s decree “worthless” and proof of “Putin’s aggressive appetites”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil steadies as China COVID fears face tight supply concerns

O

il prices were little changed on Monday as markets balanced an expected drop in demand due to mass testing for COVID-19 in China against ongoing concerns over tight supply.

Brent futures for September delivery gained 8 cents, or 0.1 per cent, to settle at US$107.10 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 70 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to settle at US$104.09.

With the US Federal Reserve expected to keep raising interest rates, open interest in New York Mercantile Exchange

India to surpass China as most populous country in 2023, UN report says

I

ndia is set to surpass China as the world's most populous country in 2023, with each counting more than 1.4 billion residents this year, a United Nations report said on Monday, warning that high fertility would challenge economic growth.

The world's population, estimated to reach 8 billion

by Nov 15 this year, could grow to 8.5 billion in 2030, and 10.4 billion in 2100, as the pace of mortality slows,

said the report released on World Population Day. India's population was 1.21 billion in 2011, according to the domestic census, which is conducted once a decade. The Government had deferred the 2021 census due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world's population was growing at its slowest pace since 1950, having fallen below 1 per cent in 2020, UN estimates showed.

In 2021, the average fer-

TPS protection for Venezuelans extended

T

he United States has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela for an additional 18 months, shielding Venezuelans residing in the US as of early March 2021 from potential deportation.

In a statement on Monday, US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said that Venezuelans in the country as of March 8 last year would be eligible to apply.

Majorkas said the move was “??one of many ways the Biden Administration is providing humanitarian support to Venezuelans at home and abroad”.

TPS is a designation that allows the US Government to shield foreign nationals already in the country from deportation when it is deemed not safe for them to return to their home countries due to armed conflict, natural disaster or other temporary conditions.

Venezuela is experiencing a widespread refugee crisis, as escalating violence, a lack of access to basic goods, including food and medicine,

and political uncertainty have pushed more than six million people to flee the country, according to the United Nations.

Last month, thousands of migrants – mostly from Central America and Venezuela – set off on foot from southern Mexico towards the US border in search of asylum.

But Monday’s DHS order does not re-designate TPS for Venezuela, meaning that those who have come to the US since March 8, 2021, will not be eligible, drawing criticism from migration advocates.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, said on Twitter that this means “none of the 150,000+ Venezuelans who entered since then will qualify”.

Immigration rights groups and some US legislators, including members of President Joe Biden’s own Democratic Party, had called on the administration to re-designate Venezuela to widen the scope of the protections. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

tility of the world’s population stood at 2.3 births per woman over a lifetime, having fallen from about 5 births in 1950. Global fertility is projected to decline further to 2.1 births per woman by 2050.

The United Nations said more than half of the projected increase in the global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in eight countries - Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia,

India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Countries of sub-Saharan Africa are expected to contribute more than half of the increase anticipated through 2050.

However, the population of 61 countries is projected to decrease by 1 per cent or more between 2022 and 2050, driven by a fall in fertility. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haiti gang violence leaves more than 50 dead, Mayor says

G

un battles between rival gangs have killed more than 50 people since Friday near Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, a local mayor said on Monday, amid a continuing escalation of violence gripping the Caribbean nation.

Shootouts between gangs in the impoverished suburb of Cite Soleil have also left more than 100 people wounded, according to Cite Soleil Mayor Joel Janeus, adding that 50 of those are in critical condition.

"People who were hunkering down during the shootings, the bullets went through their roofs and killed them," Janeus said in a telephone interview. "People who are trying to flee the (area), they get hit by bullets."

Gangs have also blocked

access to Varreux fuel terminal, Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported.

West Indies Group, a Haitian conglomerate that owns the Varreux terminal, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The office of Prime Minister Ariel Henry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The violence appears to be the result of a confrontation between the G9 and the GPEP gangs.

Gang violence has spiked since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated a year ago in a night-time raid, creating a political vacuum and leading criminal groups to expand their control of the country's territory (Excerpt from Reuters)

(NYMEX) futures fell on July 7 to its lowest since October 2015 as investors cut back on risky assets.

Last week, oil speculators cut their net long futures and options positions on the NYMEX and Intercontinental Exchanges to their lowest since April 2020.

"The oil market is being pulled in two directions with exceedingly tight physical fundamentals set against forwardlooking demand concerns and signs of price-induced demand destruction," analysts at EBW Analytics said in a note.

The market was rattled earlier in the session by news that China had discovered its first case of a highly transmissible Omicron subvariant in Shanghai that could lead to another round of mass testing, which would hurt fuel demand.

"The combined impact of concerns of global economic slowdown and a renewed COVID outbreak could hardly come at a worse time for oil markets," Investec Risk Solutions said in a note.

Also putting pressure on oil was a rise in the US dollar against a basket of other currencies to its highest since October 2002. A stronger dollar reduces demand for oil by making the fuel more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Euro zone Finance Ministers said the fight against inflation was the current priority despite dwindling growth in the bloc, as they were informed of a deteriorating economic outlook by the European Commission.

The market remains jittery about plans by Western nations to cap Russian oil prices, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning that further sanctions could lead to "catastrophic" consequences in the global energy market.

JP Morgan said the market was caught between concern over a potential halt to Russian supplies and a possible recession.

"Macro risks are becoming more two-sided. A 3 million barrel (bbl) per day retaliatory reduction in Russian oil exports is a credible threat and if realized will drive Brent crude oil prices to roughly US$190/bbl," the bank said in a note.

"On the other hand, the impact of substantially lower demand growth under recessionary scenarios would see the Brent crude oil price averaging around US$90/bbl under a mild recession and US$78/bbl under a scenario of a more severe downturn."

Questions also remain about how long more crude will flow from Kazakhstan via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).

Supply has continued so far on the pipeline, which carries about 1 per cent of global oil, with a Russian court overturning an earlier ruling suspending operations there.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, meanwhile, said that a deal was close with Moscow to buy much cheaper diesel from Russia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

21

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Look for answers, take control and learn about health, stress management and how to achieve a fulfilling, happy life. By being responsible for your decisions, you’ll feel better about yourself.

Set your sights on your goal and make whatever changes necessary to get what you want. An assertive attitude will help you push your way past slowpokes holding you back.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Take charge, and don’t rely on others to do things for you. Look at the scope of what you want to achieve.

Focus on the details that will get you to your destination; your long-term plan will lead to victory.

Trust in yourself. Don’t follow anyone or give others control over what happens to you. Overreacting will lead to problems. Distance yourself from temptation, and do your best to declutter your life.

Put your responsibilities behind you before you head out to do something more enjoyable. Your leisure time will be significantly more fun if you have a clear conscience.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Take a hint from someone you respect. Making comparisons can help you visualize what makes you happy and how to accommodate your needs.

Put an end to what is no longer working for you.

Concentrate on who and what you want to be, and map out a responsible plan that encourages you to apply your skills and experience to achieve your goals. Arguing won’t solve problems.

Revise your plans to fit any changes that pop up. Staying on top of situations will help alleviate stress. Be innovative, use your imagination and learn as you go. Change begins with you.

Overspending and underestimating will wreak havoc on your life if you lack discipline. A tight schedule will help keep you on the straight and narrow and set your mind at ease.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Talk things through to make sure you are on the same page as the people around you, then proceed to the finish line. You’ll accomplish your objective if you are earnest and focused.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Dig deep and you’ll discover you have the answers you need to get on with your life. Evaluate, plan and move forward with confidence knowing that you are doing what’s best for you.

Keep trying until you feel comfortable with the results. Share your thoughts with people in situations similar to yours. You will find out how to resolve anything standing in your way.

22

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GFF/DBU/UEFA Assist Women Development League

Santos storm back from a goal and 2 players down to beat Bartica All-Stars Bartica All-Stars who lacked the energy to stave off the resurgent city ladies.

Fresh players were

whistle, it was sheer for the Santos girls they left the ground the speedboat back

delight and as to join to the

Santos and the Bartica All-Star players in battle on Saturday at the Bartica Community Centre Ground

C

ontesting the feature game of a double header in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women Development League, sponsored by the Danish Football Union (DBU) and UEFA Assist, on Saturday last at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, city side Santos showed some determination and grit when they upstaged home team Bartica All-Stars 2-1 after finding themselves playing with nine players from the 35th minute.

In testing conditions, and having to deal with the boisterous fans, Bartica AllStars took the lead on the half-hour when they were awarded a penalty. The shot was originally blocked by Santos’ goalkeeper, but the alert Ohara Oselmo pounced on the rebound to slot the ball home.

The reaction of some of the Santos players did not go down well with the referee as they were not in favour of the kick from the penalty mark and the subsequent jostling with the goalie and Oselmo.

This resulted in the referee having to issue a straight red card to Santos’ Afena Baptiste for violent conduct.

Baptiste’s exit brought initial pressure on the team and if that was not enough, five minutes later, another Santos player, Akeelah Vancooten, arguably their best player, was given her marching orders.

However, despite being on the back foot for the remainder of the half, Santos were able to weather the storm. They came out with renewed vigour in the second half, and while they were two players less, it was the

Fruta Conquerors’ Nikasi St Jules (#6) powered her way past these Potaro Strikers to score her side’s final goal in their 10-1 win on Saturday

introduced by the Santos Technical staff, and it brought the desired results. Otalia Thompson knotted the score in the 51st minute at the end of one of many early runs into the home team’s final third.

Capitalising on that momentum a mere three minutes later, the Santos side took the lead for the first time in the match when Rayanna Harris rocked the back of Bartica’s net with a well-taken shot.

The lead was never relinquished even as the Bartica All-Stars tried their utmost to salvage another goal in the final moments of the match. At the final

city, they were still rejoicing.

In the first match, it was another easy triumph for Fruta Conquerors who trounced Potaro Strikers 10-1. For the conquering Conquerors, Sandra Johnson led with a hat-trick (13th, 59th, 60th); there was a brace each for Jessica Teasdale (11th, 41st) and Nikisa Wayne (12th, 58th).

One goal each was recorded by Shennel Daniels (10th), Shanic Thornhill (24th) and Nikasi St Jules in the 82nd minute. Potaro Strikers got their consolation goal from Jonell Pollard in the 46th minute.

Also on Saturday, up at the St Cuthbert’s Mission Ground, home team Pakuri Jaguars romped to their first win of the League with a 7-0 triumph over the visiting Essequibo

All-Stars.

Over at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara, the Guyana Defence Force (4-0) got past Orealla Falcons who fought well against the more experienced GDF team. The consistent Abiose Heywood netted a hat-trick, with the other goal coming off the boot of Anastasia Horsham.

In the other match at the NTC, New Amsterdam United and Coomacka United of Linden battled to an exciting 1-1 stalemate. Sasha Loo broke the deadlock for New Amsterdam United in the 18th minute, but their joy was curtailed one minute later when Coomacka United’s Jade Simmons found the back of the net. Neither side troubled the scoreline again.

Following are the latest Points Standing Club

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Fruta Conquerors

5

4

0

1

55

5

+50

12

Police FC

3

3

0

0

26

1

+25

9

GDF FC

3

3

0

0

12

0

+12

9

Pakuri Jaguars

3

2

0

1

10

5

+5

6

Santos FC

4

2

0

2

12

18

-6

6

NA United

1

0

1

1

3

11

-8

1

Coomacka United

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

Bartica All Stars

1

0

0

1

1

2

-2

0

Orealla Falcons

2

0

0

2

1

7

-6

0

Essequibo All Stars

1

0

0

1

0

7

-7

0

Potaro Strikers

2

0

0

2

2

26

-24

0

1

0

0

1

0

19

-19

0

Milerock W Moruca Swan

National youth cricketer benefits from We need to start asking some questions: ABCA Head to push for grassroots Project Cricket Gear for Young and funding based on CWI bid agreement Promising Cricketers in Guyana

D

emerara Cricket Club’s compact young opener Jadon Campbell is the latest youth cricketer to benefit from Project Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana. The prolific opener was recently selected to represent Guyana in the upcoming Regional Under-17 Tournament to be held in Trinidad.

On receipt of one pair of cricket shoes, the talented Campbell, who is also a wicketkeeper, gave thanks to the initiative, a joint venture by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.

“I wish to maintain the rich history of my club and follow in the footsteps of Lance Gibbs, Roy Fredericks, Roger Harper, Travis Dowlin and many others,” he added.

Aaron Beharry, a representative of the project, stated that they were pleased to help young and talented cricketers in Guyana. “This initiative is to help identify and nurture young talents and at the same time, encourage them to educate themselves,” Beharry added.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $170,000 in cash, two trophies, 11 pairs of cricket boots, 17 pairs of

batting pads, 19 bats, 13 pairs of batting gloves, 19 thigh pads, one wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard, six cricket bags and two helmets. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth of gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicketkeeper-batsman.

To date, 37 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from three junior gear bags, two trophies, one arm guard, 13 bats, one box, two helmets, 10 pairs of cricket shoes, nine pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and 11 pairs of batting gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each while Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club (RHCCCC) received white cricket shirts, a pair of junior batting pads, a pair of wicketkeeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails.

Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana under the project. Skill, discipline, and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done

across the country and club leaders assist to identify talent. Progressive and wellmanaged clubs will also benefit.

The organisers of the project took the opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Chin Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Denesh Chandrapaul, and Dr Cecil Beharry. The media was also thanked for the role it has been playing in promoting the project. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing to the project can contact Anil Beharry on 6236875 or Kishan Das on 1-718664-0896.

A

Leon Rodney

ntigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) President Leon Rodney said the body was yet to benefit from an initiative announced in 2020 by Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerritt, where countries that successfully bid to host international matches are asked to invest a portion of the bid fees into the development of cricket in their respective territories.

“The reality is that based on the understanding and the way in which the MoUs are signed, the CWI would have said let’s avoid the bidding process now, but you would have to take or should take those monies and put it into grassroots or the development of cricket, and not CWI … and then the Government should

channel those monies through the ABCA for that development or even into schools’ cricket,” he said.

Skerritt, in August of 2020, said CWI was removing the bid process and that successful Governments should, in turn, invest a portion of the funds they would have used to secure the bid into grassroots cricket.

Despite the country’s hosting of several international matches and series since then, Rodney said the Association has seen no benefits. The cricket boss said he, however, intended to enquire of the proper authorities as to the possible availability of funds.

“That is something I guess we need to start asking some questions by saying, for example, that we have

this women’s programme we are doing now and we need $200,000 over the next two years or $500,000 over the next three years to make that development a reality, but it is what it is at the moment,” he said.

Skerritt said, back in 2020, that the initiative was geared towards encouraging Governments to focus on the development of the game, facilities, and players in their respective territories. (Antigua Observer)

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ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival

23

Aroaima, President’s College, Kwakwani bag titles in respective categories

Kwakwani won the Girls’ Division President’s College are the Boys’U-16 champions

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t was a night to remember in the ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival as the grand finale in the Girls’ Division, Boys’ U-16 and Boys’ U-18 brought these categories to a close.

Kwakwani, President’s College and Aroaima walked away with the spoils.

In the Girls’ Division, Kwakwani duked it out with Queen’s College in a onesided affair that ended 46-17.

Queen’s College had no reply as Kwakwani trampled them with ease in the first half; at half time, the scoreline was 27 points to 4 points in favour of Kwakwani. From there, QC could not pick themselves up and the Kwakwani ladies put the final nail in the coffin to secure the title. Leading the scoring for Kwakwani were Shania Sears (26 points, 10 rebounds) and Natalya Clarke (10 points, 9 rebounds and 11 steals). While shooting for QC was Cianna Barkoye with 6 points and 9 rebounds. Sears took home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Scorer awards, while Clarke bagged the B e s t Defender and most assists prizes.

I n t h e B o y s ’ U-16 c a t e g o r y, President ’s College a n d KidRock

Academy did not disappoint as their finale had the entire crowd on their feet. The encounter saw President’s College overcome KidRock 65 points to 54 points. At half time, the scores were close as the teams were in the hunt for the title. With PC leading 24-21, they just managed to hold on to the very end. Scoring for PC were DeJaun Grant (26 points, 6 rebounds); Aiden Semple (16 points, 5 rebounds) and Abeil Ward (7 points, 17 rebounds).

Scoring for KidRock were Elisah Robertson (18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals) and Stephen George (9 points, 9 rebounds). Grant received the MVP, Best Scorer, and Standout Player awards.

Heading into the last final, which was the Boys’ U-18, Aroaima defeated President’s College 103 points to 52 points. The U-18 final definitely brought the heat as the best match was definitely saved for last. At half time, the scores read 59 and 19 s in favour of Aroaima, who further extended their lead in the second half. The firsttimers were in a class of their own as they dismantled a wellcoached President’s College team, who came into the tournament as the defending senior champions. Aroaima also defeated six-time champions Kwakwani and

Aroaima are the Boys’ U-18 champions

five-time champions Linden Technical Institute in winning their maiden championship.

Scoring for Aroaima were Kasim English, who topscored with 37 points and 14 rebounds; Kemol Grimmond (national 3x3 Caribbean Games bronze medallist) with 28 points, 8 assists, 15 rebounds; Adi Donald with 19 points and Kelon Phillips with 14 points. Shooting for President’s College were Kemol Mentore (24 points,13 rebounds) and Grant, the U-16 MVP, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Phillips won the tournament MVP and Best Scorer awards and Grimmond won the finals’ MVP and most assists awards.

The other special awards that were given out were: * Best Emerging Team – Christ Church Secondary * Best Uniform Team – The Bishops’ High School * Best Fan Support – President’s College * Sportsmanship Team – President’s College * Sportsmanship Individual – Ronoko Vaughn (PC) * Senior Class – Ronoko Vaughn (PC) * Standout Players – Kassidy Woolford (GT Academy Girls), DeJaun Grant (PC U-16), and Demitri Rankin (Christ Church U18) * Best Coach – Willon

Hemraj’s 130 propels Cavaliers to victory in US Minor League

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uyana Amazon Warriors opener Chandrapaul Hemraj blasted a scintillating century over the weekend for the New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers in the US Minor League Atlantic Conference, which was played at the Howe Athletic Complex.

New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers won the toss and elected to bat against the Empire State Titans. The Cavaliers were off to a flier as Hemraj and Abhishek Prabhu made the Titans pay for their wayward bowling.

The duo unloaded a 160-run partnership before Hemraj, who was the aggressor, fell for a well-played 130 off 54 balls. His aggressive knock included one boundary and 16 towering maximums, all at a strike rate of 240.74.

With the score at 160-

1 in 13.2 overs, Prabhu and Xavier Marshall carried on with individual scores of 42 and 41 runs respectively.

This propelled the Cavaliers to 233-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Ariful Haque was the standout bowler with 2-49 from his four overs.

In the chase, the Cavaliers were excellent in the field as they restricted the Titans to 160-9 in their quota of overs, winning by 73 runs.

Najaf Shah (2-21), Umaid Asif (2-33), Imrul Hashib (332), Burhan Saeed (1-36) and Hemraj’s four overs that went for only 35 played a major role in the Cavaliers’ victory.

To date, Hemraj has played nine matches, scoring 238 runs at an average of 26.44 and a strike rate of 180.30, he has also bagged a total of four wickets and six catches.

Cameron, President’s College

ExxonMobil Guyana is the major sponsor of this year’s tournament with support also coming from the

National Sports Commission, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, and Banks DIH Ltd.

GFF/Blue Water Female U-15 Tournament

Chase Determinators and East Ruimveldt take full points

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hase Determinators and East Ruimveldt Empress pulled off contrasting wins when play in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Blue Water Female U-15 Tournament, organised by the Guyana National Women’s Football Association (GNWFA), continued on Saturday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Chase Determinators squeezed past Tutorial Thunders by the narrowest of margins, 4-3, in a pulsating encounter. Martha Chance accounted for three of the winning goals with the other scored by Angela Perez. Tutorial Thunders got their goals from Ceryah Pearson with a double and Shenelle La Fleur.

East Ruimveldt Empress were in royal form as they waltzed to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over

Chase Determinators dictating the flow of the game against Tutorial Thunders

Campbellville United on account of a brace from Dellana Small; her

team-mate, Miranda Cox backed her up well with the other goal.

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

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

Inexperience hurting West Indies in ODI format Story and photos by Brandon Corlette

S

hai Hope's 96 matches is the most by a West Indian in this current West Indies One-Day International (ODI) squad. Alzarri Joseph has 47 matches under his belt and Nicholas Pooran has played 44 ODI matches, while Rovman Powell has 41 matches under his belt.

The next player in the squad in terms of most matches played in ODIs is Akeal Hosein, a man who made his debut in 2021, and has 21 matches under his belt. It is safe to say that this current crop of ODI players is an inexperienced bunch, and that inexperience is hurting West Indies, hindering them

St Martin’s lone International player Keacy Carty pulls one at Providence during a net session

from performing at their best on a consistent basis in this ODI format.

In terms of age, most of these players are in their mid20s, Shamarh Brooks is the

oldest player in the squad at age 33 while Kyle Mayers and Hosein are aged 29. In terms of batting averages, Hope has a staggering average of 50.63 while Brooks, who played 13

matches, has an average of 43.5.

Among the batsmen with 10 or more matches, those are the top averages. Pooran, who arguably is the most talented batsman in the team, has an average of 34.8, and his form in this format has dipped in recent times.

West Indies lost the first ODI against Bangladesh by six wickets, even though it was a reduced game, the batsmen lacked that "dig-deep" attitude.

Despite the surface not being perfect for strokeplay, the batsmen were required to adjust to the Providence pitch and play fighting innings.

That was not the case.

However, Pooran and his men will have an opportunity to redeem themselves, and beat Bangladesh for the first time

Newton, Smith, Harvey among stars at National Juniors Keliza Smith, Attoya Harvey, and Ezekiel Newton were some of the names that stood out over the weekend as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hosted its National Junior Championships, from Friday through Sunday last.

The Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was set alight over the three-day event, which resulted in the Running Brave Athletics Club (RBAC) cementing their place as the best club, at least for another year.

Running Brave’s Smith sprinted away with gold medals in all the female 18-19 events, in the absence of any real challenge.

Smith clocked 11.66s, 24.67s, and 55.53s in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events for gold.

In all three races, she was trailed by fellow Running Brave athlete Karese Lloyd, who clocked 11.95s, 25.97s, and 1:00.93 for her silver medal performances.

In the younger category,

Keliza Smith (Jemima Holmes Photo)

for first place. Springer placed second in the 100m with a time of 12.41s, while third place was occupied by Nalicia Glen (Bladen Hall) in 12.74s.

In the male sprints, Bladen Hall’s Ezekiel Newton raced to a 10.55s victory in the 1417 division, returning a better first-place performance than even the 18-19 sprinters. The next best finishers in that race were Running Brave’s Shaquan Nelson in 11.10s and Melech

Attoya Harvey crosses the line ahead of Narisa McPherson (file photo)

Quanna Taylor of Titans Track Club took gold in the 100m with a time of 12.05s, but had to settle for second in the 200m, clocking 25.62s. She was pipped on the line by Tiana Springer, who crossed the line in 25.59s

Baryon in 11.23s.

Newton extended his heroics to the 200m event, going sub 22 in 21.75s for first place. Omar James and Jaheel Cornette were second and third

with 22.07s and 22.64s.

Osa Blair (Police) won the 1819 100m race in 10.67s, followed by his clubmate Shamar Horatio in 10.74s and Osrick Pellew (Ruralites) in 10.91s. Horatio moved up to first place in the 200m, clocking 21.66s, while Blair clocked 21.76s for second.

Simeon Adams of RBAC was third in 22.14s.

Attoya Harvey was the star of the middle and distance show, grabbing gold in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m races.

She recorded 2:28.79, 5:17.51 and 12:04 for her string of first places.

In the 800m, fellow RBAC athlete Narisa McPherson finished second in 2:30.36, while De Challengers’ Marissa Thomas was third in 2:32.37.

Thomas pulled off a secondplace performance in the 1500m, stopping the clock at 5:23.72. McPherson completed the podium with a time of 5:32.72.

Christianburg Wismar’s Shaqua Tyrell showed her dominance in similar events, crossing the line first in the 800m and 1500m of the older category. Tyrell stopped the clock at 2:23.68 and 5:04.00 respectively, for gold.

Javon Roberts also had a great outing over the weekend, picking up double gold, in the 800m and 1500m events.

The Running Brave athlete stopped the clock at 2:05.66 and 4:40.47, respectively. In the 800m, Ruralites’ Timothy France and RBAC’s Samuel Booker were second and third with times of 2:05.75 and 2:06.49.

Meanwhile, Booker took second n the 1500m with 4:40.85 and Hopetown Flames’ David Bovell was third in 4:43.88.

In other events, Stafon Roach was unbeatable in the sand pit, clinching gold in the Long and Triple Jumps. In the former event, Roach of Mercury Fast Laners leaped 7.08m for the win, while Melon Lowenfield (GDF) and Wesley Tyndall (RBAC) completed the podium with 6.91m and 6.68m jumps.

In the triple, a 15.39m leap earned Roach the gold, while his clubmate, Trevon Hamer was second with 14.05m.

The Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) swept the boys’ 1417 shotput and discus throws.

On both occasions, Brandon Fraser was at the top of the podium, following 8.96m and 22.34m throws in shotput and discus respectively. Donte Garraway’s 7.81m and 17.73m throws earned him second place in both events.

In the discus, Isaac Powley was third with a 15.23m throw, while Assani McPhoy placed similarly in the shotput, throwing 7.76m.

At the end of the weekend’s action, the Running Brave Club emerged on top with a 32-medal count. Police Progressive Youth Club were second with 22 and Hopetown Flames third with 7 medals.

West Indies Batting Coach Mony Desai sharing some tips with Brandon King

in an ODI after suffering series defeats home and away. Back in 2020-21, West Indies toured Bangladesh and lost 3-0 with an unfamiliar team, and in 201819, West Indies lost 2-1 in the Caribbean with a much more experienced team.

If this West Indies team beat Bangladesh in this ODI series, that will be a great accomplishment, since the West Indies is the world number nine

"In hindsight, they [runs] weren't enough, but it was difficult to play on that pitch.

Bangladesh played well. The conditions changed from the time we batted. That said, we should've played well in the powerplay overs. Everyone knows how Gudakesh bowls.

So, to play in front of his home crowd was nice," Pooran said.

Bangladesh Captain Tamim Iqbal shared Pooran’s sentiments

Gudakesh Motie bowls during a net session on Monday

ranked team and this series is not a part of the Super League.

On Monday, a few of the batsmen were seen in an intense net session at Providence under the guidance of Coaches Roddy Estwick, Mony Desai, and Rayon Griffith.

about the Providence pitch. "The wicket was difficult for both the teams. Winning the toss was the best part of the game. As a team, we didn't get greedy looking at the pitch. [on the runout] It's not a blame-game here. These

Brandon King prepares to bat

The West Indies should expect a diet of spin, and from the Bangladesh seamers, a lot of cutters will be served up. After the last match, Pooran said the pitch was difficult and the runs were insufficient for the West Indies.

things happen. [On Nasum] He has been doing well in T20s.

Good to see him bowl," Iqbal said after the match.

The second ODI will bowl off on Wednesday, July 13 from 09:30h, and both teams will be hoping that the rains stay away.

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