Guyana Times - Tuesday, July 6, 2021

P13 NGSA students to tackle 2nd mock exam on July 7, 8 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4700

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

New Caricom Chairman calls for climate reparations for Region Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police probing cyberbullying of rape victim

…“I am traumatised all over again” – victim tells probation officer P14

Rejected Police promotion list

New Caricom Chairman, Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

…urges regional approach to tackling COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy …Heads of Govt recommit to strengthening Caribbean

ExxonMobil to now drill Sapote-1 well Page 7

…abandons Jabillo-1 well after coming up dry Haresh Singh murder

Police probing claims of live streaming of PME by Attorney

…but no evidence on his FB page Page 2 found – source

Children hospitalised with COVID-19 had comorbidities – Health Ministry See stories on page 10

…1464 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana

…no fatalities for 2nd day

P9

Suspended Paul Slowe wants Top Cop to disobey President’s order

Labourer chopped, beaten during row over money owed for "weed" P10 Teens, 1 other injured in Bartica motorcycle P10 collision MMA-ADA registers record high rental revenues from P15 farmers …credit given to Govt’s fees reduction

Permanent labour Office opens in P12 Region 2

4 Joint Services ranks facing causing death by dangerous driving charges P8

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Haresh Singh murder

Police probing claims of live streaming of PME by Attorney …but no evidence on his FB page found – source

Murder accused: Gladston Henry, also called “Gladwin Henry”

I

n light of new claims that Attorney-atLaw Patrice Henry had live-streamed the post-mortem done on the bodies of Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry on September 9, 2020, the Police are trying to verify this new piece of information.

Attorney Nigel Hughes is presently representing

Gladston Henry also called “Gladwin Henry” - brother of slain teen, Isaiah Henry.

Gladston Henry has been charged along with three others and remanded for the murder of 17-yearold Haresh Singh, whose battered body was found on the same day of the post-mortem of his brother Isaiah Henry.

Hughes has contended that on the September 9, 2020, his client was at a relative’s home viewing the live stream of the post-mortem.

But according to the Police, a live-stream of a post-mortem was never done in the past due to the nature of the exercise. However, Guyana Times understands that permission was granted for a recording to be done by family members who were present but not livestreamed.

“At no point in time, was a live stream done… there were a lot of people at the post-mortem who

Murdered: Haresh Singh

had their phone out but, I couldn’t recall anyone going live on social media,” a source close to the investigation told this newspaper.

The source added that going live would have been too graphic to be on social media.

Nevertheless, the Police have checked the attorney’s social media account for any evidence of him going live on September 9,

2020, but none was reportedly found.

“If Mr Henry went live, everyone who knows about social media, will know that the live feed will remain on the page…the Police are investigating all possible leads with respect to the live stream,” the source added.

In addition, Hughes also told the Director of Public Prosecutions that Inspector Rodwell Sarrabo was at the Henry’s at No 3 Village in the presence of the murder suspect, who along with 10 others were allegedly looking at the post-mortem.

Calls by this publication to Attorney Patrice Henry on Monday went unanswered.

2 places at the same time theory

In fact, the Police source recalled that the Inspector visited the home of Isaiah Henry on September 9, 2020, with a team of Police Officers to collect several relatives including the father of Isaiah Henry and the brother of Joel Henry to take them to Georgetown to witness the post-mortem.

On their way to the city under Police escort, the entourage was blocked but the relatives of the slain Henry cousins exited the vehicle and spoke with the protesters who let them through. Guyana Times understands that Police collected the relatives at about 05:00h and they arrived at the Memorial Gardens two hours later.

The post-mortem got underway until after 08:00h on September 9, 2020. The Police source noted that Inspector Sarrabo could

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes

Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry

not have been in two places at the same time. “He was at the Memorial Gardens all the time… the only time he was in Berbice on September 9, 2020, was to collect the relatives.”

did he inform any of the investigators that he was elsewhere during the time of the murder and that he had an alibi. It was subsequent to the interviews that his Attorney Nigel Hughes informed investigators that Henry had an alibi and that there were witnesses.”

“Contrary to allegations…inferring that the GPF is either not disposed to or capable of conducting a fair or reliable investigation based on forensic evidence into either the murder of Haresh Singh or the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry, the GPF pellucidly states that the investigations into these crimes were meticulously and assiduously conducted with efficiency and professionalism and charges were preferred after the requisite legal advice was sought and obtained,” the Police said in a statement.

The battered body of Singh was found on a dam along No 3 Village.

After months of investigations, the Police had arrested three men - Phillip Anderson, Joel Gittens and Charles Scott. During interrogation, Anderson reportedly admitted that he was involved in the plot to kill Singh and implicated Gladston Henry.

Anderson claimed that the teenager was attacked, pulled off his motorcycle and lashed to the head. The main instigator, he added, was Henry, who was bent on getting justice for his brother, Isaiah Henry.

After the confession, the Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Henry’s arrest but within a few hours, he turned himself in with his attorney, Nigel Hughes.

The four men were subsequently charged following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

‘Alibi’ witnesses

Following the claims made by Hughes, who presented a number of persons as alibi for Gladston Henry’s whereabouts on the day Haresh Singh was murdered, the Police have arrested and questioned them for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

It was reported that alibi witnesses were subjected to a video interview after which they were released on bail. The matter is still under investigation.

The action of the Police came after the GPF found that the alibis provided by the alleged witnesses were investigated and found to be unverified.

Police noted that during investigations into the murder of Singh, Gladston Henry called “Gladwin Henry”, while in Police custody, exercised his right to remain silent. “At no time

3 New Caricom Chairman calls for climate reparations for Region NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, July 6 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:30 – 15:00h and Wednesday, July 7 – 02:30h – 03:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, July 6 – 14:25h – 15:55h and Wednesday, July 7 – 15:20h – 16:50h.

…urges regional approach to tackling COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy …Heads of Govt recommit to strengthening Caribbean

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Easterly to West NorthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 14:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres.

Low Tide: 07:42h and 19:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.95 metre.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

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New Caricom Chairman, Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

T

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) on Monday held the opening ceremony for its 42nd meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, where a number of issues from COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy to the effects of climate change on member states were discussed.

New Chairman of Caricom, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne pointed to the floods in Guyana and Suriname that have devastated households, to highlight the vulnerability of Caricom states to the ravages of climate change.

“As I speak, several of our member states are recovering from the effects of hurricane Elsa. I take the opportunity to offer the solidarity and support of (my) Government and the entire Community… the recent volcanic eruptions in St Vincent and the Grenadines and the flooding in Guyana and Suriname, which displaced thousands of people and destroyed agriculture production, provide further evidence of the ongoing challenges besetting our member states,” he said.

According to the Caricom Chairman, the time has come to explore climate reparations from developed countries who are main contributors to greenhouse gases, to vulnerable states bearing the brunt of the effects.

“The causes of the climate crisis have already been scientifically established and the time has come for those countries irresponsible enough to continue their damaging emissions and practices, to be held accountable.”

“It is my view that real progress on the climate crisis will only be made when the major polluters are made legally liable for the damage caused… this is a call for climate reparations that Caricom must take up urgently and engage in vigorous diplomatic outreach to build international consensus on this issue.”

President Irfaan Ali with members of his Cabinet and other officials during the Caricom Heads of Government meeting

COVID

Meanwhile, Browne also urged his fellow Heads of Government to consider the question of how the region can best tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and increase access to and use of the COVID vaccine. He also urged those who are reluctant to be vaccinated, to rethink this approach.

“I urge those who are reluctant to take the jab, to think again. I appeal to your better nature and your appreciation of the wellbeing of yourself, your family and your fellow citizens. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”

According to Browne, a regional approach to tack-

ling vaccine hesitancy among citizens is also important, if countries in the region are to achieve herd immunity and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Browne noted the economic importance of economies being able to breathe again and for jobs to be retained. He also pointed to the importance of education, which has been disrupted to various degrees around the world by the pandemic, to return to normal.

“In our tourism-based economies, the resumption of regional travel is one key element in getting economic activity back to normal.

Increased movement of people within our community

would be a major boost to our economies in seeking to rebound. To assist in this regard, we need to immediately establish common or harmonised health protocols for travel, that are clear to the public and communicated widely.”

“The discriminatory practices of banning travel from member states with elevated levels of COVID, while accommodating guests from countries of higher risk, should be discouraged.

Air transport is the oxygen that keeps tourism alive and functioning in our region. We need to care for it,” Browne said.

TURN TO PAGE 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Caricom Single Market and Economy T

he issue regarding the slow pace of implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) again took prominence at the 42nd annual meeting of Caricom leaders, where Caricom’s outgoing Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque himself admitted that “much more” could have been achieved.

The CSME, conceived in 1989 and given various priority areas for focused attention over its existence, is intended to better position Member States to grow by accessing and using their combined, rather than individual, resources. Its successful legal and institutional measures and mechanisms include transforming regional arrangements into domestic law.

It is meant to be an integrated development strategy that is intended to benefit the people of the Region by providing more and better opportunities to produce and sell goods and services and to attract investments. It is built on five core regimes – free movement of capital, free movement of goods, free movement of skills, the provision of services, and the right of establishment.

It is well accepted that the rate of implementation of the CSME is not at the level where stakeholders would like it to be. In fact, some persons have claimed that they are yet to be directly touched by the benefits of the CSME. Hence, the Region’s private sector, and more importantly, citizens themselves, have in the past and continue to call for better results from Governments and policy-makers.

No other than the Caribbean Community Secretary General LaRocque has, over the years, said that while the regional grouping has significantly advanced the CSME, “we must do better”. He has always stressed the need for more work to be done to fill the existing gaps.

At Monday’s annual meeting, LaRocque, who has served 10 years as the Head of the Caricom Secretariat and who will be demitting office this month, said: “A lot of time and effort have been spent putting in place policies, programmes and systems for the Private Sector, labour and the overall population to benefit from the CSME.” Even though much is yet to be achieved regarding the implementation of the CSME, its successes thus far cannot be underestimated. For instance, agreements were made to establish and operationalise various Community institutions needed for the effective operation of the CSME. These include the Barbados-based Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, the Caricom Competition Commission headquartered in Suriname, the Caricom Development Fund in Barbados, and the Trinidad and Tobago-based Implementation Agency for Crime and Security.

From all indications, work has advanced in shaping regional policies and strategies in the productive sectors to achieve increased production, competitiveness, and exports of goods and services. In agriculture, the focus has been on addressing the constraints to reducing the Region’s high food import bill, increasing exports, and achieving food and nutrition security. In the services sector, it was highlighted that strategic plans are being developed for professional, cultural, entertainment and sports, health and wellness, educational, financial, construction, tourism, and ICT services.

Additionally, under CSME provisions, Member States have also moved towards the use of common embarkation/ disembarkation forms and the introduction of Caricom/nonCaricom lines at immigration points at ports of entry.

Over the years, there has been quite a lot of talk about the CSME and its benefits; the time has come for action.

Governments and policymakers must place greater focus on advancing the CSME so that citizens of the Region could enjoy its full benefits.

President Joe Biden is seen with members of the Washington Nationals baseball team called “The Racing Presidents” after speaking at an Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House, July 4, 2021, in Washington. (VOA photo)

Cryptocurrencies’ dream of escaping the global financial system is crumbling …as digital currencies break through to the mainstream, it’s becoming clear that their future is far from stateless

By Quinn Slobodian

S

ince a mysterious figure named Satoshi Nakamoto first created bitcoin after the 2008 financial crash, cryptocurrencies have multiplied. There are now thousands of coins in circulation, with names that sound like jettisoned intergalactic missions: Libra, Ethereum, Stellar, Auroracoin. Though they differ in branding, almost all cryptocurrencies share a common fantasy: to remove the money supply from the hands of politicians and sidestep the financial institutions that govern the movement of cash across the Earth. But it’s recently become obvious that cryptocurrencies can escape neither of these things.

Indeed, the libertarian dream shared by their early proponents appears to be dying at the very moment cryptocurrencies have broken through to the mainstream.

“Stablecoins” are pegged to the value of national currencies, while the US Federal Reserve is developing its own digital currency. Elsewhere the Bank for International Settlements recently lent its support to central bank digital currencies for the first time.

These developments turn the original purpose of stateless money on its head. Even El Salvador’s recognition of bitcoin as legal tender is being criticised by true believers for forcing consumers to accept the cryptocurrency, thus undermining the very principle of choice.

Despite crypto’s futuristic branding, its intellectual origin story is more mundane.

The idea of a stateless money supply first arose in debates over a common European currency. While the 1992 Maastricht treaty paved the way for the introduction of the euro in 1999, this wasn’t the only currency model on the table at the time. A lesser-known idea, proposed by the German

economist Herbert Giersch in 1975, imagined a parallel currency called the europa that would circulate alongside and compete with national currencies rather than replacing them. Along with fellow economist members of the neoliberal Mont Pelerin Society, Giersch thought what he called “currency competition” in the title of a 1978 book would gradually draw people away from their lira, francs and drachmas.

Giersch’s student Roland Vaubel, who would help found the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party nearly four decades later, was drafted by the European Commission to explore the idea. Meanwhile, in 1976, Friedrich Hayek, who was in regular contact with Giersch and Vaubel, published two pamphlets with the rightwing Institute of Economic Affairs. Hayek’s essays – one on “choice in currency”, the other on “the denationalisation of money” – became touchstones for those who wanted to bring stateless money into existence.

But once it was clear that the euro had beaten out the europa, libertarians began to look elsewhere for places to experiment. By the second half of the 1990s, the Internet seemed to offer a space that lay beyond national sovereignty and earthly territory.

In 1996, the internet activist John Perry Barlow proclaimed that “legal concepts of property, expression, identity, movement, and context” do not apply online. Some libertarians went further than Barlow and pragmatically observed that the old laws of property might be more secure than ever in cyberspace, where users could escape the reach of national Governments and taxes. In 1998, the runner-up for the Mont Pelerin Society’s Hayek prize forecast that the Internet would “undermine the monopoly supply of mon-

ey by Governments and allow people to choose between different private money suppliers”.

This vision of money without States was captured in a 1997 libertarian manifesto written by the investment adviser James Dale Davidson and former Times editor William Rees-Mogg (father of the Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg). Disguised as an airport paperback, The Sovereign Individual: How to survive and thrive during the collapse of the welfare state predicted that the Internet would “denationalise” money. People could forgo reliance on the legal tender approved

by Governments and instead use immaterial “cybercash”, which the authors imagined as “encrypted sequences of multihundred-digit prime numbers”. Cybercash, they argued, “will bring Hayek’s logic vividly to life”.

Their book proved popular with a little-known venture capitalist in San Francisco’s Bay Area. The young Peter Thiel was enthused by Davidson and ReesMogg’s vision for a nationless digital currency, and in 1999 he launched PayPal, bringing their prophecy closer to reality. Thiel’s company was just the beginning of what would later become a proliferation of different digital currencies.

But in recent months, a less starry-eyed future for crypto has come into focus. The first flaw in the bitcoin model used by the majority of cryptocurrencies is, ironically, a consequence of its own success.

Solving the equations to acquire new bitcoins (referred to as “mining”) requires large volumes of computer hardware that frequently overheats and is extremely energy intensive. Estimates put the annual energy usage of bitcoin mining between that of Sweden and Malaysia.

And as these “mines” multiply, their operations begin to

stretch and even overwhelm national power grids. Iran banned bitcoin mining last month after it led to blackouts and possibly the shutdown of a nuclear reactor.

Multiple provinces in China, one of the world’s biggest producers of bitcoin, banned mining too, leading to reports of miners relocating their hardware to sites of more traditional underground extraction in Canada, South Dakota, and Texas.

Chinese crackdowns are extending to holdings in crypto too, sending the value of bitcoin tumbling. South Korea recently seized tens of millions of dollars of crypto assets from its wealthy citizens in a clampdown on tax avoidance – precisely what the techno-libertarians hoped “digital cash” would make impossible. And earlier this month, the US Justice Department announced it had managed to track down and recover most of the ransom paid in bitcoin to hackers of the Colonial Pipeline. The traceless currency leaves a trail after all.

Chained to the Earth by cables and wire, crypto is more likely to live on as an extension of the nation state than as a means of escaping it. Like goldbugs before them, crypto fans may have to acclimatise to their hobby horse being, at best, a volatile new asset class for high-risk hedging rather than a truly alternative global currency (though even on this, opinions differ). Most travellers to the crypto craze since its initial spike in late 2017 seem to be drawn not by the possibility of bringing Hayek’s vision to life, but by a willingness to take risks for speculative payoffs. Indeed, the future for crypto now looks less like a techno-utopian dream or libertarian fantasy, and more like subordination to the very thing it was designed to overthrow: the nation state’s monopoly over the money supply. (The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

5

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

Police were prevented from processing Henry cousins’ crime scene by protesters Dear Editor, Please allow me space in your edition to express some thoughts on incidents of public disorder that occurred in Region No 5 during 2020/2021.

The Mahaica-West Berbice, Region No 5, of Guyana is a geographical area that has enjoyed relative peace historically.

Residents of the rural farming communities that comprise the region tolerated each other despite their different ethnic and religious identities and other differences. There is far more cooperation than conflicts within the communities and among them. Political leadership was the major contributing factor to the isolated incidents of public disorder experienced by some communities of the region over time.

One can speculate that such political leadership was, in significant ways, once again present and influential in the protests that commenced in that region during the grossly unusual, by any standards, General and Regional Elections that lasted five months between when votes were cast and results were declared in 2020.

The deductions that I have made were done by navigating through publicly available information and referencing them against my more than thirty-three years of law enforcement experience. I am cognisant of the fact that modern technology in communications is like a coin with two sides. It brings with it both positive and negative sides. Electronic and social media appeal to people of all walks of life but while they help persons to be better informed, enlightened and abreast with developments around the world, it also serves as a medium for misinformation, propaganda and fake news.

The first set of contemporary disorder in the region was in solidarity to other protests countrywide that were related to peoples’ dissatisfaction with the delay in the declaration of the March 2, 2020 elections results.

In some cases, protesters got disorderly and blocked main public roads in places around the country. This was the case at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, where the Police who were deployed to restore order clashed with protesters resulting in Police Sergeant Iberan and Constable Fraser being chopped by protesters and Constable Grant being beaten by them on March 6, 2020, the said date and place where protester Sewdat Hansraj was shot and killed

by the Police.

The second set of disorder began on August 30, 2020, simultaneously in Belladrum and Paradise Villages, West Coast Berbice and in Mahaicony. These protests were subsequent to the Police arresting Mr Clairmont Mingo, the Guyana Elections Commission Returning Officer for Region #4 of the March 2020 elections, on allegations of electoral fraud.

Placards held by the protesters that read “Free Mingo Now,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “The Crime Chief is PPP Stooge,” are all indicative of political leadership of the protesters. In all three areas, protesters blocked the roads by burning tyres across them. Police Constable Ross was injured when protesters at Belladrum threw bricks and bottles at the police ranks who responded and 49 year old Collis Reynolds was injured by shotgun pellet as the Police opened fire on the protesters in their efforts to control the violence.

The third and most intense wave of disorder commenced at Cotton Tree village on September 6, 2020, subsequent to the discovery of the bodies of cousins and murder victims Joel Henry and Isiah Henry. Their bodies were discovered in a clump of bushes near a coconut farm aback of the said village. The disorder intensified on the following day after a visit to the homes of relatives of the Henry cousins by leaders of a political party. Roads were blocked by residents of several villages and many suffered violence at the hands of protesters.

On September 8, 2020, for example, a motor lorry valued $5.5 million driven by Owen Carmichael who was transporting a load of paddy, was stopped by the protesters at Hopetown village public road. The protesters robbed him of his gold jewellery and cellular phone and parked the lorry crossway on the road before vandalising it. On the said day, Brian Kendell was assaulted and robbed of several items which he had in his car by protesters who were armed with guns and who had blocked the road at No 4 Village bridge, West Coast Berbice. Also, a house at No 22 Village, West Coast Berbice, was also set on fire that day; On September 9, the following day, 17-yearold Haresh Singh was murdered at the back of No 3 Village. On the said day, Predipaul Harigobin was beaten and killed by protesters at Bath Settlement Public Road. Jagdat Khaloo, Ricardo Shiwlall, Devan

Karran, Sathul Shivchand, Marlon Dharamai and Seve Karran were charged by the Police with his murder in September 2020.

On March 30, 2021, Sooroojdeo Deochand was murdered in his home at No 3 Village. Mark Henry, a relative of the deceased Joel and Isiah Henry, was charged with his murder. Media reports indicated that his murder was an act of revenge for the murders of the Henry cousins. Then, on June 29, 2021, Phillip Anderson, Joel Gittins, Glaston Henry and Charles Scott were charged with the murder of Harish Singh. Once again media reports suggested that Singh’s murder was an act of revenge for the murder of Joel and Isiah Henry.

I made my deductions of these horrible events while acknowledging the fact that the Police are still collecting evidence in ongoing investigations and that several gaps existed in the related set of information that is available publicly. My take is that perhaps Joel Henry and Isiah Henry became aware of evidence suggesting that syndicates of an organised criminal enterprise is operating in their community. They understood the security threats posed to their community by such enterprise and maybe, driven by altruism, decided to do something about it. It may have been either through motivation by adventure or by a lack of sufficient trust in the authorities or both that they apparently decided to act independently in taking away the incentives for the criminals to operate in their community by destroying their field of cannabis. The two paid the ultimate price for the heroic efforts. Akash Singh, Vinood Gopaul and Anil Sanchara were charged with their murders in January 2021.

The high level of mutilation of the bodies of the two Henry’s coupled with the “X” shaped wound on the forehead of each of them, are indicators that the perpetrators did not just wanted to kill them but they wanted to kill them in a way to make a statement to others (Ie “don’t mess with us”).

Statement killings are the modus operandi of persons involved in organised crime similarly as mass killings are the modus operandi of terrorists. Kaieteur News, in its September 15, 2020 edition, reported that the Henry cousins were killed elsewhere and dumped at the location where the bodies were found. While this also indicated a nexus to organised crime, the newspaper article

also revealed a possible link between the murders and cannabis cultivation.

A lingering question in the minds of many is what was said to the relatives and sympathisers of the Henry families by the politicians when they visited that caused the intensification of the violence. The New York Times newspaper dated September 11, 2020, stated that former President Granger backed the protesters and quoted him as saying to reporters “we have to establish some self-defence in our society to protect our children, protect our women, our young people” during his visit on September 7.

President Granger demitted his office as President of Guyana, which he held for five years, one month prior to this incident. What therefore was the threat that the residents of the community needed to defend themselves against? Why did he not establish a mechanism to protect them from such threat while he was in office?

In my privileged position as Commissioner of Police, until my retirement in 2018, I attended the weekly National Security Committee meetings that were chaired by President Granger. At no time did and issue of security of any community in Region No 5 arise. Consequently, no security threat was defined and no action plan was developed in the absence of such need.

Narratives such as race hate and communal conflicts were peddled after the former President’s visits. These narratives ignored facts and sought to justify the violence.

A video that I saw showed the father of one of the deceased Henry cousins dispelling assertions that the community was experiencing any such race hate or communal violence. In fact, he (the father) said that some of his best friends are of East Indian descent and reside in the community. Were the last set of protests related to race hate and communal conflicts or was it a case of people in small communities that allows for mutual monitoring responding to politically motivated sentiments with a trust developed through romanticised political leadership? While mutual monitoring premised on rational thinking that if a member does not respond in like manner as the group, the others will know and the member will attract negative consequences, trust developed through romanticism of leaders is neither necessarily based on the integrity of the leader nor the leader’s hon-

esty, selflessness, or concern for the welfare of the followers. Action in such cases is driven entirely by emotions.

Was it also the case of a continuous trend of election related violence in which the murders of the Henry cousins were used as a platform to express emotions relating to the outcome of the 2020 elections? It should be noted that post-independence Guyana has experienced violence prior to the declaration of the results in every election until 1992 when the violence was present but occurred after the declaration of results. This latter trend continued to today with the exception of 2015 when the only two recorded incidents of violence were on Elections Day. I allow you to draw your own conclusions in your own time.

To a large extent, wherever one ends up in life has a strong nexus to the actions they take on what was said by those they chose to listen to. I strongly believe that in this set of unfortunate circumstances, had residents in the region been advised differently by their leaders, that is, on the basis of careful analysis of the facts and visible indicators, Haresh Singh, Predipaul Harigobin, Jagdat Khaloo, Ricardo Shiwlall, Devan Karran, Sathul Shivchand, Marlon Dharamai, Seve Karran, Sooroojdeo Deochand, Mark Henry, Philip Anderson, Joel

Gittins, Gladston Henry and Charles Scott would have likely been living normal lives today.

Before public criticisms about cases built on confessions alone and a lack of forensic evidence, as I anticipate will appear in the near future, just remember that according to media reports, during the seven days of protests the Police were prevented from properly processing the scene where the bodies of the Henry cousins were found and that people were trampling all over the scene. That therefore, would have likely destroyed valuable forensic evidence that may have existed. The circumstances outlined also behoves me to recognise the outstanding work of the detectives involved in the investigation and their leadership as well as to encourage the Guyana Police Force to work assiduously in closing the trust gap between the organisation and the various communities of Guyana.

Experiences around the world and in Guyana have revealed that public trust in the Police served to reduce the responsiveness of communities to leaders that have ulterior motives.

Sincerely, Seelall Persaud, DSM MBA Retired Commissioner of Police

We must build strong walls against racial conspirators Dear Editor, As Guyanese, we must stand firm against racism by the APNU/AFC and their surrogates, particularly those who promulgate from the comfort of their basement dwellings in the US. We must weed them out, thereby sending the clear message that racism, racial discrimination and racial incitement to violence will not be tolerated.

We must boycott those political talking-heads that only see things through their racist ideologies. We must tell them to “get from here” with their racist ideologies that seek to keep Guyana backward.

That brings me to the Ethnic Relations Commission. This entity needs guidance on how to do its job. It is not doing a good job. I feel the problem lies in the will of its members to

confront the issue frontally.

Look for instance you have people like Facebook activists in Guyana and New York saying some of the most abominable things about the PPP, its Government and East Indian politicians.

These men, through their inciting and hate-filled ranting, are seeking to divide the population along ethnic lines.

Freedom of speech and expression does not give one the right to spread lies, fairy tales, and half-truths about an issue or person. Where is the ERC on this issue?

I am saying that we are all Guyanese. We are supposed to coexist as one people with a common destiny.

We must build strong walls against the racial conspirators of our time.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

6

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Sonnet 134:

Question 1

So now I have confessed that he is thine Monday’s answers i)

120 students

ii)

253 students

By William Shakespeare

So now I have confessed that he is thine, And I my self am mortgaged to thy will,

Architect shapes

Myself I’ll forfeit, so that other mine Thou wilt restore to be my comfort still: But thou wilt not, nor he will not be free, For thou art covetous, and he is kind; He learned but surety-like to write for me, Under that bond that him as fast doth bind.

The statute of thy beauty thou wilt take, Thou usurer, that put’st forth all to use, And sue a friend came debtor for my sake; So him I lose through my unkind abuse.

Him have I lost; thou hast both him and me: He pays the whole, and yet am I not free.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil to now drill Sapote-1 well …abandons Jabillo-1 well after coming up dry

O

il giant ExxonMobil, which has been drilling the Jabillo-1 well in the Canje Block offshore Guyana almost simultaneously with its other wells, has found no evidence of oil in commercial quantities.

This is according to Westmount Energy Limited, which is an indirect partner in the Canje Block alongside JHI Associates.

According to a missive, JHI informed Westmount that the Jabillo-1 well, which was drilled to a depth of 6475 metres, was found not to have commercially viable oil. As a consequence, the well will be plugged and abandoned.

“Project operator Exxon will now switch attention to the Sapote-1 well, more than 100 kilometres away, to test the largest prospect to date on the Canje Block.

Sapote-1 is located closer to Exxon’s Upper Cretaceous discoveries in the Stabroek Block,” Westmount said in their missive.

“It is described as an in-

Eco CEO Gil Holzman

dependent multi-layer prospect, which will evaluate several Upper Cretaceous targets. It is anticipated that Sapote-1 will be spudded in mid-August using the Stena DrillMAX drillship, with results due to follow in October.”

In a statement released

by Yahoo Finance, Eco Atlantic’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gil Holzman

admitted that while the update on the Jabillo well is disappointing, it is part and parcel of the nature of oil exploration.

“Our stakeholders continue to support our exploration efforts and look for us to continue to define these near-term high impact opportunities. Our next focus is the Sapote-1 prospect to be spud in the upcoming weeks which brings us another opportunity to share in what we hope to be another major ExxonMobil led discovery,” he said.

“JHI was carried on the Jabillo-1 well and this is just the first in a series of exploration wells that Eco expects to be involved in this year and next. Guyana has proven to be one of the most prolific hydrocarbon regions on the globe and the high discovery ratio continues and the company continues to be excited about its near-term future prospects on both the Orinduik and the Canje Blocks.”

According Holzman, the Saopte-1 well is adjacent to

Guyana working to remove trade barriers within Caricom – Finance Minister

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh speaking with farmers at Black Bush Polder, Berbice, Region Six

A

s Guyana celebrates Caricom Day, the country is simultaneously working to remove trade barriers that exist within the regional bloc.

This is according to Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh.

He made the disclosure on Saturday in Black Bush Polder, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice Corentyne).

He alluded to the fact that many trade barriers exist within Caricom that frustrate the movement of goods from Guyana.

“And once that is achieved it means that there is a bigger market in the Caribbean for the crops

that you are growing.”

According to Minister Singh, the Government of Guyana also has a role to play in not only making it easier for trade within Caricom but also finding markets for Guyanese producer.

“It is very important that we try to find these markets and secure these markets so that when you grow your produce and we are able to package that produce and export it, that we have markets that are paying good prices,” Singh told the farmers in the BBP. Caricom is an organisation of fifteen states and dependencies throughout the

Caribbean, with primary objectives to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, to ensure that the benefits of integration are equitably shared, and to coordinate foreign policy.

It was established in 1973 and seeks to operate as a regional single market for many of its members. As such, the Caricom Single Market and Economy was established.

It is estimated that Caricom imports in excess of US$5 billion in food annually. More than eight of the fifteen members import more than 80 per cent of the food they consume. (G4)

Jabillo-1 was drilled by the Stena Carron

existing discoveries and will be spudded in mid-August 2021. According to him, the drilling targets in the region have proven that they hold hundreds of millions of barrels of oil and oil equivalent and the company therefore looks forward to success from Sapote.

“I am happy that we managed to become a part of JHI and the Canje Block exploration program in time that offers our stakeholders a stream of high impact catalysts and an ongoing drilling program operated by ExxonMobil.”

“I have a great confidence that our Canje Block exposure will yield great re-

turns and oil discoveries as it also paves the way to a broader exposure and collaboration in the GuyanaSuriname Basin,” Holzman said.

It had been reported in March that Exxon was engaged in drilling the Jabillo-1, using the Stena Carron drillship, between March 10 and March 27.

The Stena Carron, after drilling the Jabillo-1 well and maintenance activities, was scheduled to resume drilling on the Koebi-1 well.

The Jabillo-1 well happens to be the second of three exploration wells Exxon had scheduled for drilling in the Canje Block

in 2021. The other two are the Bulletwood-1 well and the still to be drilled Sapote-1 well. Like Jabillo, Bulletwood-1 had also come up dry.

The Canje Block is currently operated by local ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (35 per cent), with Total (35 per cent), JHI (17.5 per cent) and Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc (12.5 per cent) as partners.

Westmount Energy owns an indirect interest in the Canje Block as a result of its 7.2 per cent interest in the issued share capital of JHI Associates. (Jarryl Bryan)

8 NEWS 4 Joint Services ranks facing causing death by dangerous driving charges TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rumble…

Y

Charged: Joel Simon

F

our Joint Services ranks have been arraigned for causing death by dangerous driving charges thus far for 2021. These are Policeman Stephan Ramsay, Police Constable Joel Simon, Fireman Kevin Bizeth, and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank, Jason Butters.

They have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. In February, Ramsay was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on January 5, 2021, at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he drove a minibus belonging to the GPF in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 59-yearold Dulmattie Boodlall, of Lot 950 Block Y Section C, Golden Grove, EBD. He was released on $600,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of his trial.

Boodlall was struck down by the minibus bearing registration number PWW 7172, which is attached to the GPF as she was attempting to cross the public road. It was reported that on January 5, 2021, the minibus was proceeding along the roadway when the driver alleged that the wom-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Dead: Ameena Sooklall

Dead: Navindra Ramnarine

Dead: Akese Jerome

Dead: Antonia Henry

an was approaching a pedestrian crossing.

Police said that the bus was about eight feet away from the crossing when Boodlall started to cross the road on the pedestrian crossing from west to east.

On seeing this, the driver swerved to avoid a collision but ended up hitting the woman.

As a result of the impact, she fell onto the roadway and received injuries about her body.

She was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

In addition, GDF Lance Corporal, 23-year-old Jason Butters was slapped with a similar charge in March.

It is alleged that on December 15, 2020, at the McDoom Public Road, Greater Georgetown, he drove motor car PPT 4166 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of 33-year-old Ameena Sooklall of Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara resident was granted $150,000 bail after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Police have stated that on the day in question, Sooklall was an occupant of the vehicle driven by Butters when it crashed into a concrete median.

Reports are the acci-

dent occurred in the vicinity of the New Gafoors access road, McDoom Public Road.

Butters related to ranks that he was heading north along the roadway at a moderate rate of speed when he suddenly felt drowsy.

According to a Police statement, “his eyes closed and he lost control of the vehicle and collided with the concrete median at the centre of the road.” The vehicle received extensive damage, leaving the driver and the other occupants with injuries.

Meanwhile, in May, 24-year-old Police Constable Joel Simon who fled the scene after hitting down a pedestrian was granted $400,000 bail.

Simon denied the charge which stated that on May 8, 2021, at Better Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he drove motor pickup bearing registration number GPP 8699 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Navindra Ramnarine.

Simon was also charged for being an unlicensed driver, breach of insurance, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to render assistance. He also pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Ramnarine, 50, a fisherman, of Third Field, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was killed while crossing the road at Better Hope, ECD. It was reported that Ramnarine was struck by a Toyota Tundra pick-up while it was

Dead: Dulmattie Boodlall

overtaking another vehicle.

The now-dead man was dragged approximately 100 feet from the initial point of impact. He was then run over by the vehicle which later sped off the scene.

Ramnarine reportedly had been visiting relatives in Better Hope.

A few days after the accident, Simon, who is attached to the Brickdam Police Station, surrendered to the Police in the company of his lawyer, stating that he had been the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. This was only after the registered owner reported that the vehicle that had been involved in the accident belonged to him.

Also in May, fireman Kevin Bizzeth was charged with three counts of causing death over the horrific accident at Kairuni SoesdykeLinden Highway that resulted in the deaths of three people.

The Rainbow City, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) resident was released on a total of $900,000 bail.

It is alleged that on May 23 he drove motor car PHH 6628 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the deaths of Antonia Henry, 87, her daughter Melina Emmanuel, and her granddaughter, Akese Jerome, eight.

Police had said motor car PHH 6628, which was being driven by Bizzeth was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road at a fast rate of speed when he lost control and collided with the left side curb of the road.

The motor car then ploughed into a group of persons, all relatives, who were sitting on the side of the road on the said curb.

The girl was picked up in an unconscious state, placed into a passing vehicle, and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Henry and Emmanuel were pronounced dead on arrival at the McKenzie Public Hospital.

…in Queens’ concrete jungle? our Eyewitness looked at a GUYANESE protest – LIVE – from his home in Guyana to all the way in South Ozone Park, Queens – almost 3000 miles away!

Courtesy of social media. Ain’t this wonderful? Just goes to show that while some bemoan that Guyanese in NYC are split between Brooklyn and Queens, they’ll still get together for that quintessentially Guyanese practice: “byusing” out each other!! Over the last four decades it had been demonstrably clear that Guyanese hadn’t dumped their political loyalties with their move up north.

If anything, they became more rabid.

The occasion for the clash was a visit to Queens by AG Anil Nandlall – evidently for a wedding – but a PPP democracy support group organised a meeting to bring supporters up to date on goings on back “home”. The said supporters, of course, also witnessed last year – live on social media – the PNC’s rigging attempt and its denouement in the Granger-Harmon-provoked W Berbice ethnic beatings – following the murders of the Henry cousins and Haresh Singh. Matters that are still such hot items in the news that the residents of the aptly designated “Reg 11” were anxious to get the inside scoop. From the “Unruly Stallion’s mouth, so to speak!

The PNC supporters from Brooklyn, in the meantime, had likewise been kept in the loop on matters from “back home” via social media – especially from a couple of NYC Facebook warriors who evidently appeared to be actually making a living off their Broadcasts. And – with the monetising demands of grabbing viewers and market share – were even more tendentious and extreme in their PNC support. Ever since the PPP’s democracy group had publicised their upcoming meeting with the AG, one of the PNC Facebook Warriors – who had HIS own democracypromoting outfit – had been rallying PNC supporters to assemble at the Dining Hall where the AG would be giving his report.

Your Eyewitness, then, starved for live entertainment – How much surfing can you do on Netflix? – looked forward eagerly to the Clash of East (Queens) vs West (Brooklyn) Overseas Guyanese. Well, all he can say is that it was a damp squib….A VERY damp squib. And imagine this was on the American July 4th weekend when there should’ve been “ the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air”!!

Just a disappointing 30 or so PNC supporters schlepped over from Brooklyn –- to be exhorted by the organisers with bullhorns on the dastardly deeds the PPP were alleged to be inflicting on their cohorts in Guyana.

In the meantime, the PPP supporters were amiably ensconced inside the Hall and being regaled not only by Nandlall – but also virtually, by President Ali! It’s a tale of two cities? …in the Courts Ever since the PNC was blindsided by the No Confidence Motion – “bring it on, big boy!” crowed Amna Ally! -- it picked the Courts as the arena to confront the resurgent PPP. Your Eyewitness could only figure Granger was imitating his mentor “Fat Boy” Burnham to intimidate the Judiciary. So the “33-not-greater-than-32” saga played out to its inevitable denouement! But at least the other cases were all constitutionally grounded with possibly colourable ambiguity – allowing their dull counsels to be lectured to by the CCJ! And having lost every one of those Quixotic jousts, the PNC was duly ejected from office. The country’s moving along while the PNC implodes from its contradictions within and without! But there’s a new and worrying development. The party partisans seem to be moving to test the Courts on criminal law. Where there’s always been the insistence on certainty, lest the barbarians break through the gates.

So what’ll be the criminal law equivalent of 32-not-themajority-of-65? …in sugar There’s a lot of ink being spilled on sugar and the sugar industry. Can anyone say if the rains continue into August whether we will produce even half of the already historically low projections?

Relief for the workers?

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rejected Police promotion list

Suspended Paul Slowe wants Top Cop to disobey President’s order

President Dr Irfaan Ali

S

uspended Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Paul Slowe on Monday defied his suspension by Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali and wrote acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hopie attempting to instruct him to act on the Police promotion list that the PSC had sent out.

Slowe was suspended by order of the President since last month.

In his letter to the Police Commissioner, Slowe urged him to prepare a Special Promotion Order that would inform the officers who are in line for promotion. Slowe reminded Hoppie that his office was sent the list of officers to be promoted on June 28, 2021 and moreover, his office acknowledged receiving the promotion list two days later.

President Ali issued an order suspending the PSC on June 16, using his powers under Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana.

Slowe is yet to challenge the President’s order in court. Despite this, however, Slowe in his letter urged Hoppie to act.

“As you are aware, you are required to cause a Special Promotion Order to be prepared so that the

Suspended PSC Chairman, Retired Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe

promoted ranks and other members of the Force can be informed of the promotions.

The Quartermaster also uses the Special Promotion Order to issue badges of rank to the newly promoted ranks,” Slowe said in the letter.

“The lawyer to the Police Service Commission, Mr. Selwyn Pieters, copied you on a letter, which was sent to President Mohamed Irfaan Ali informing him that his purported suspension of the Police Service Commission was unconstitutional and of no legal effect. He also informed the President that the Police Service Commission will continue to do its work until the end of its term in August, 2021.”

Threaten legal actions

Slowe told the Police Commissioner that by not acting on the suspended PSC’s letter and ensuring the preparation of the Special Promotion Order, he was “defying the legitimate action of the Police Service Commission in promoting ranks of the Guyana Police Force.”

“This letter is to inform you that the Police

Acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie

Service Commission expects you to cause the Special Promotions Order to be published forthwith, and that you give instructions to the Quartermaster to issue the newly promoted ranks with their badges of rank,” Slowe informed the Commissioner.

Slowe went on to threaten Hoppie with legal action to compel him to obey the PSC. According to Slowe, who is himself a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hoppie has until July 6 at 12:00h to respond.

Slowe, along with several members of the Commission, and retired and serving officers are currently facing criminal charges before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. They have been implicated in a $10 million fraud over duties delegated to them for revising the Police Force’s Standing Order.

It is alleged that the officers collected payments amounting to $10 million, but never provided the Force with a revised Standing Order. He has also been accused of sexually assaulting a female officer, something he has de-

New Caricom Chairman...

Secretary General

Meanwhile, Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque also referenced the flooding in Guyana and Suriname, noting that St Vincent and the Grenadines has also had to contend with the passage of Hurricane Elsa, which also affected several other Caricom countries. This came even as the island was still dealing with the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

“The vulnerability of our member states can never be in doubt. At times like this, the true spirit of our Community is demonstrated as member states are always the first responders,” the Caricom Secretary

General said.

On the issue of COVID-19, LaRocque urged the region to design a pathway to recovery that will not only resuscitate the regional economies but also enhance the resilience of the region and build on what was previously there.

Coming out of the first day’s discussions, Caricom Heads of Government recommitted to strengthening and rebuilding their countries in the wake of the several natural disasters that have wreaked havoc across the region in recent months.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd,

FROM PAGE 3

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond and other officials attended the virtual meeting.

The meeting is being held on the heels of the 48th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community. This year also marks 20 years since the adoption of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

nied.

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier General Mark Phillips had written to Slowe and the PSC’s Commissioners at least twice, asking them to show cause why they should not be removed.

The PSC was suspended

by President Ali on June 16, 2021, after he had followed the constitutional process involving each member being asked to show cause why he should not be suspended. This decision of the President was communicated to each member of the PSC by a letter bearing that date which was dispatched

and received.

Despite this suspension, however, the PSC went ahead on June 28 and released a list of officers it deemed worthy of promotion for 2020. The list was released not long after acting Chief Justice Roxanne George dismissed a case brought by Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus, who was seeking to block the promotion list on the basis that he was being bypassed for promotion by the PSC. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has, however, since rejected this list as unlawful

and illegal, with Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, issuing a statement reminding the PSC that it is suspended and as such, cannot issue any list.

“The said decision of the President can only be rescinded, revoked, setaside, or reversed by the President himself, or by a court of competent jurisdiction. No person, let alone, a constitutional commission, will be allowed to become judge, jury, and executioner in our constitutional democracy. The Rule of Law simply does not permit it,” Nandlall had said. (G3)

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1464 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 5 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

94

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1449

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

14

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

1

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

10,443

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

9946

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

20,389

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

18,304

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

234,255

FULLY IMMUNISED

112,371

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

478

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2022 REGION 1

1236

REGION 2

569

REGION 3

2337

REGION 4

9379

REGION 5

677

REGION 6

1600

REGION 7

1267

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

1521

REGION 10

1423

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer

Union/Caricom Agreement, Guyana is procuring 148,000 doses of vaccines – a portion of which will include Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccines.

The COVAX mechanism, which had sent over 62,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, is expected to make another delivery this month.

The facility had committed to sending vaccines to cover 20 per cent of the eligible population.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.

health.gov.gy.

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

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) some 183,368,584 confirmed cases were reported along with 3,975,503 deaths. For the Region of the Americas, confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 72,917,979 with a death toll of 1,917,766.

Meanwhile, the Organisation has been track-

ing COVID-19 virus variants since June 2020, sharing more than 52,000 viral sequences from Latin America and the Caribbean. It continues to monitor variants of concern in 43 countries and territories that have detected the Alpha variant.

The Gamma variant has been reported in 29 countries while the Beta strain has been detected in 18 countries. The newest variant of concern, Delta, has been reported in 14 countries, including Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Canada, Chile, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA, Barbados, Peru and Sint Maarten. (G12)

Children hospitalised with COVID-19 had comorbidities – Health Ministry …no fatalities for 2nd day

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.

F

rom the 20,389 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that were detected locally since the pandemic unfolded, 1464 remain active and are being monitored by the Health Ministry.

Monday’s updated dashboard showed 11 new cases being detected in one day after 276 persons were swabbed. There were no new fatalities and the death toll remains at 478.

Fourteen persons are seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, while another 94 are in institutional isolation, 1449 are in home isolation and one person is in institutional quar-

antine.

Out of the 193,582 persons that were tested for the virus since March 2020 – 9946 males and 10,443 females were positive.

New cases

An analysis of new cases showed two in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); four in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

No new cases were recorded in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni),

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

In Guyana, over 234,000 persons from the adult population have taken their respective first doses while more than 112,000 have returned for their second doses. Currently, Sinopharm, AstraZeneca and Sputnik V jabs are being used.

With a purchase of 400,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines, 305,000 doses arrived in tranches with the remainder expected to arrive soon. Last week, 100,000 doses of the Chinesemanufactured Sinopharm vaccines were delivered.

Through an African

T

he Health Ministry has informed that all four children who were recently hospitalised after contracting COVID-19 had underlying comorbidities.

Sounding concern over this trend was the Health Ministry via a statement, amid recent statistics which show that 1500 children were infected between March 2020 and this year.

“When the Minister made the disclosure, it was the first time the country had four COVID-19 hospitalised children, and apart from COVID-19, each of these children had underlying comorbidities,” the Ministry disclosed.

Recorded cases of children contracting the novel coronavirus globally has seen a sharp jump from 2020 to this year, amid the circulation of variants and other factors.

The percentage of infection among children in Guyana is not unlike what has been seen in other countries over time. In 2020, globally, children accounted for three to 12 per cent of COVID-19 virus detection rates. In 2021, the rates have jumped to 22 per cent in most countries due to various COVID-19 variants.

“In all our engagement with the public, we tried to explain this risk that children face…The recent more aggressive cases in adults and now some children underline the caution the Minister and the Ministry have been vigorously making the last several months

that there is a more aggressive form of COVID-19 virus circulating in Guyana,” the missive cautioned.

In Guyana, among the total detected cases so far, positive children represent about seven per cent. Even though Guyana has recorded children testing positive for COVID-19 in the past, as did every single country in the world, it was pointed out that the increase in hospitalisation of children with COVID-19 is worrying.

Since the epidemic started, between five and 10 per cent of positive cases in Guyana have been children - between newborn and 16 years of age. Most of the cases have been asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and were only detected through the Ministry’s surveillance programme, such as testing in school dorms.

“While the Ministry in the past did not disaggregate the total results as per age group in our daily reporting, we highlighted those occasions when children were found positive for the COVID-19 virus, even if our reporting did not keep a running count.”

The statement also added that the COVID-19 virus is transmissible across all age groups. In children, the disease is usually mild and often asymptomatic.

However, in rare cases, children can become seriously ill and need hospitalisation and intensive care. One of the possible adverse outcomes has been termed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

The overall mortality of MIS-C is approximately one to two per cent.

“It is also the reason why we have been pushing the vaccination programme so robustly among our people.

Right now, the responsible thing is for us to encourage persons to get vaccinated to prevent hospitalisation and deaths.”

As of July 2, within the age group of one month to four years, 287 children were infected – comprising of 148 males and 139 females. Between the five to nine age group, there were 524 infections after 273 males and 251 females were infected. From 10 to 14, 342 males and 414 females tested positive, amounting to 756 persons.

After disclosing these figures, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony called on parents and guardians to ensure that kids follow the COVID-19 measures in light of this new development.

“I think it’s important that we take the necessary precautions, especially with our children to make sure that they are protected, they wear a mask when it’s necessary because the virus as can see can affect children and I don’t think a lot of people have paid attention to that and therefore it’s time that we pay some attention to this, especially now that we’re seeing not just the mild cases in children but we’re seeing more severe forms of covid among the children population,” he was quoted as saying. (G12)

11 Gun, ammo missing after retired cop’s car broken into NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he firearm and ammunition belonging to a retired Police Officer along with other items were reportedly sto-

len after his car was broken into during an outing with relatives at Dakara Creek, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)

Teens, 1 other injured in Bartica motorcycle collision

T

wo teens and another man are now nursing injuries about their bodies following a motorcycle collision on Sunday along Fifth Avenue and Third Street Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The injured teens were identified as Ransford Williams, 16, and Jadon Joseph, 15, both of Second Avenue Bartica while the third person is Mark Griffith, 28, of Third Avenue Bartica.

Based on reports received, Williams was riding an unregistered motorcycle and was at the time carrying Joseph as the pillion rider.

They were reportedly proceeding along Third Avenue while another motorcycle bearing registration number CJ 3669 ridden

by Griffith was proceeding along Fifth Avenue.

However, Griffith reportedly failed to conform to a stop sign and as a result, he collided with the two teenagers. Due to the impact, the three men fell onto the road’s surface and sustained injuries about their bodies.

They were all picked up and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where they were treated and admitted.

Griffith and Joseph are suffering from lacerations and trauma to their heads while Williams was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital suffering from haemo tumour (haemangioma) to the head and a broken left leg.

An investigation is currently underway.

Labourer chopped, beaten during row over money owed for “weed”

T

he Police are on the hunt for a couple who reportedly chopped and beat a labourer whom they claimed owned them $160 for “weed” he had purchased. The incident took place on Sunday evening at the couple’s No 79 Village Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) home.

The injured man is Collin Smartt also called “Rastaman”, 36, of Little Africa, Corentyne, Berbice.

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 20:30h, the now injured man went to the home of the two suspects to purchase marijuana.

However, on his arrival, the male suspect enquired about the money he had owed him on a previous transaction. This reportedly led to an argument between Smartt and the two

suspects.

It was at that time the male suspect armed himself with a cutlass and chopped Smartt to his right hand, thus severing the index finger and causing injuries to the middle finger.

In addition, the female suspect picked up a piece of wood and dealt the victim several lashes to his back.

Persons intervened and managed to stop the suspects from further injuring the labourer.

The injured man was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

He was subsequently admitted a patient.

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

Attempts to arrest the two suspects proved futile.

on Sunday.

The incident reportedly took place between 15:40h and 17:00h.

Based on reports received, the 59-year-old retired Police Officer along with a 48-year-old Police Inspector and other relatives went to the creek for an outing.

However, the retired of-

ficer parked his motor car bearing registration number PPP 1014, leaving his 9mm semi-automatic pistol and magazine carrying 10 live rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment.

They, nevertheless, secured the car and went to the creek, which is about 75 feet down a hill. Police stated that the motor car was

out of their sight due to the location.

After they were finished swimming, they returned to the car and noticed that the right-side small glass to the back door was broken and the right-side passenger door was partly open.

Upon making checks, they realised that the firearm and ammunition along

with three mobile phones, National ID card, Police and Republic Bank cards, driver’s licence, one brown hand bag, a pair of reading glasses, a quantity of clothing and a sum of cash were missing.

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

WCD vulcanising shop burglarised

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he Police have launched an investigation into an alleged burglary committed on a vulcanising shop at Middle Street, Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Sunday.

Based on reports received, the 38-year-old victim checked his premises the previous day and everything was intact.

However, on the day in

question at about 23:30h, he made another check and it was then he realised that two buckets of 1540 oil, two buckets of 68, grease, one NP grease and one green gas cylinder were missing.

He immediately lodged a report at the Den Amstel Police Station. The scene was visited by the Police and statements were taken as investigations continue.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New hotline launched to combat human trafficking

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

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n observance of World Day against Trafficking In Persons on July 30, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud recently launched the “592STOP” hotline during an outreach at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Friday last.

This initiative is aimed at encouraging persons whose first language is either Spanish or Portuguese, to report any case of human trafficking 24 hours a day.

During the launch, Minister Persaud emphasised the Government’s zero tolerance attitude towards human trafficking.

Minister Persaud pleaded with those in attendance to recognise the signs and

forms of human trafficking as she outlined some of the activities being held this month including “Through My Lens.” This initiative enables persons to get a first-hand mental image of the severity of the crime and the devastating impact it has left on the lives of survivors.

Minister Persaud noted that Guyana has retained its Tier 1 status due to its fulfilment of minimum standards to curb TIP as announced by the US state Department and as such, lauded the efforts of the Countering Trafficking In Persons (C-TIP) department.

“Even though it may be a bit hard or difficult you can still report and work

with law enforcement agencies to have more convictions of traffickers,” she noted.

Head of the C-TIP Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin gave an overview of the work of the unit and shared vital information on the number of reported cases, convictions and how persons can access assistance and support from the unit.

She also mentioned that there will be an awareness drive-by activity in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and more training of stakeholders.

So far, training has been done with the Joint Forces, regions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) along with public awareness through engagement in public spaces in various regions.

Persons who attended the event were able to access many of the services offered by the Ministry. They had an opportunity also to interact with Minister Persaud, get vaccinated, free eye tests, blood sugar and pressure checks.

Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to call and report all suspicious TIP activities to the Ministry’s TIP hotline numbers: 227-4083, 623-5030 or 624-0079 (Spanish hotline).

Persons can also visit the TIP Guyana Facebook page.

As part of the launch persons in attendance were asked to open umbrellas or wear hats that bore the message “Stop the Trafficking of Persons”

Permanent Labour Office opens in Region 2

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The new Region Two Labour Office

overnment has established and commissioned a permanent Labour Office in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) with the aim of improving labour relations within the region and providing more accessibility to residents who wish to have Labour issues resolved.

The office, which was commissioned last week, will house the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), Labour and Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Officers stationed in Essequibo, as well as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Cooperative Officers.

During the opening ceremony, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton told the gathering that Essequibians will now be able to access all Labour, Occupational

Safety and Health (OSH) and co-operative matters under one roof and as such will not have to travel out of the region to seek Labour services.

He also stated that the initiative stemmed from the PPP/C manifesto to safeguard workers’ rights by re-establishing the Labour Ministry and strengthening its capabilities to safeguard the wellbeing of workers and ensure citizens can access those services provided by the agency.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary within the Labour Ministry, Bishram Huppen emphasised that the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) established within Labour Ministry aims to train persons who are interested in several practical courses that can create busi-

nesses and job creation for Guyanese.

Adding her voice to the establishment of the Labour Office, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva related that it was challenging to reach out to persons individually, but with the development of a permanent office in the region, it will become an ideal programme that will form corporations.

Meanwhile, President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce Industry (ECCI) said that the ECCI is pleased to lend their support to make the endeavour more successful and is happy to share their ideas permanently.

Also at the opening of the office were Commander Crystal Robinson, Labour Officers and staff of the Board of Industrial Training.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NGSA students to tackle 2nd mock exam on July 7, 8 P reparations are underway for the second mock examination on Wednesday and Thursday, for students sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year.

In the first session last June, over 90 per cent of students wrote the examination in their classrooms while the remainder opted to write the examination at home.

This time around, Education Minister Priya Manickchand detailed that

this option is also available.

If they write it at home, each subject will be written one day later than the original date in order to maintain the integrity of the exam.

This option to write at home will not be available for the actual NGSA examinations, which will be written on the August 4 and 5.

“Students will either have to write the exam at school or not write it at all and be placed according to the Ministry’s policies.

Students are not mandated

to wear uniforms. They may wear whatever they have once it is covering as we all understand decent to be.

This option to wear regular clothes will be available also for the exams in August,” Manickchand stated.

More than 400 pupils missed last month’s mock exam due to the floods that are affecting several communities across the country and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Just over 12,000 pupils wrote the mock exam on the first day, accounting

“Learning new skills is essential to advancing your career” – Labour Minister

Some of the cosmetology trainees that are participating in the cosmetology class in Region Two

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abour Minister Joseph Hamilton has called on Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) youths to learn new skills to advance their career.

He made the call during a visit to the region last week, where he urged youngsters to participate in free training courses offered by the Labour Ministry through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The Minister noted that all training programmes offered through the BIT are available to young people along with anyone else who are interested.

During an interaction with trainees from a cosmetology class that commenced two weeks ago, Hamilton said “when thinking of things to do daily, most times, you will not put learning a new skill on your to-do list... But you could be missing out on something great, both personally and professionally.”

He also noted that learning something new “helps you grow as an individual, improves your knowledge base and gives you access to new and different opportunities, and can also potentially earn more money”, adding that gaining a skill can help persons get promotions and make them more marketable in the field of work, since it is important for persons to be accredited and certified so that they can gain a job with the skills

they acquire.

“It diversifies your job options, helps you develop new techniques to keep up with the fast-changing world, helps you grow as an individual, and improves your knowledge. You can potentially earn and save more money.”

The BIT programme facilitates training opportunities in numerous courses including sewing, make-up artistry, fibreoptic technician, welding, electrician, installation of solar panels, and many more interesting courses that are beneficial.

Currently, ten persons are being trained in a four-month cosmetology course at Charity and the Government is focusing to train persons living in the hinterland areas, especially Pomeroon.

Meanwhile, the cosmetology trainer, Keziah De Silva said that the training will begin today, July 6, and the practical classes will be held four to five days per week from 09:00h to 14:00h over the next four months.

“I cannot wait to actually start the course... For me it is exciting and I enrolled in such a course because of my passion and dream to open a salon and soon accept real clients. When I was small, I was always excited to play with nail polish and paint mom’s toes... It’s always my thing,” Romesa, one of the participants said.

Another participant, Jem

Cannay, said that besides having a passion for hair, make-up, nail designs, there are many other reasons to pursue a career in cosmetology. She said that assisting other people to look and feel good will be fun and fulfilling. The trainee added that she enrolled in the course because she will learn new skills and her interest and career opportunity will be awaiting her in the future.

for some 85 per cent of the 14,000-plus pupils who are listed to sit this year’s NGSA. This means that more than 2400 children were absent from the mock exam.

Of this figure, it was noted that some 420 pupils did not write the examination.

Manickchand had later pointed out that the Ministry would be reaching out to those pupils who did not turn up to ascertain the reason behind their absence and to give assistance if needed.

The placement examination would consist of Papers One and Two. Additionally, some 14,300 Grade Six students will be writing the assessment – an increase over last year, when 14,032 candidates wrote the exam.

Each student attending a public school was supposed to receive a care package, containing past papers and all the requisite textbooks.

Since classrooms have been closed until otherwise decided, the virtual NGSA booster platform was launched to enhance learning and providing additional practice among students sitting the assessment this year.

Since the closure of primary schools last year owing to the advent of the

COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, their only reopening was to facilitate last year’s NGSA sitting. It was facilitated under strict dis-

tancing and sanitisation protocols in order to protect students. Sinks and other hygiene units were established prior to the exams.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police probing cyberbullying Convict appeals 15-year sentence over killing of drinking buddy of rape victim …“I am traumatised all over again” – victim tells probation officer

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he Guyana Police Force is probing allegations of cyberbullying by a female rape victim.

On Friday last, a Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD) minibus driver was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for raping the girl when she was just 15 years old.

A 12-member jury found that 44-year-old Inteaz Mohamed raped the girl between September 1 and 30, 2014, and January 1 and 30, 2015. The verdicts on both counts were unanimous. The convicted rapist was sentenced to 25 years in prison on each of the two counts by Justice Brassington Reynolds. The sentences will run concurrently.

In a victim impact statement, the victim said that “Inteaz Mohamed family members are out to destroy my character. They are scandalling my name and publishing my name along with my picture.” According to her, after Mohamed was convicted of the crime, several fake Facebook profiles surfaced, circulating her name, photographs, and information about the incident.

The victim alleged that Mohamed’s family have also reached out to her workmates spreading rumours.

“I am traumatised all over again. I am emotionally stressed and I am scared to go to work because every day I’m being bullied…

There is no end to my problem and his family will continue to destroy my character,” the victim impact statement reads.

Convicted rapist: Inteaz Mohamed

A probation officer disclosed that the matter has since been reported to the Police Cybercrime Unit.

Facts presented in court revealed that Mohamed and the girl are known to each other.

At that time, he operated a school bus and would transport the teenager to and from school. In September 2014, Mohamed picked up the girl from school, transported her to a dark, bushy area, and raped her. The court heard that Mohamed threatened to kill himself and the young girl if she told anyone about what had happened.

Again, in January 2015, Mohamed picked up the girl from lessons, took her to the same location, and raped her. The following month, the girl’s elder brother started to pick her up from lessons. This continued until she finished school.

Mohamed got a hold of

her phone number and began harassing her. Sometime after, he went to her home while her mother was out and gave her a letter, and threatened to kill her if she disclosed its content. The girl later confided in her brother. A Police report was made and Mohamed was arrested and charged.

Through a victim impact statement, the young girl expressed how the actions of Mohamed have affected her. “Being raped was the worst and most painful thing I ever experienced.

I felt scared, helpless, and traumatised. He [Mohamed] was a monster to me. I was depressed dealing with the painful memories by myself; it was difficult. I felt like my body wasn’t mine anymore.”

The young lady said that she is unable to forgive the man for what he has done to her. She revealed that due to the sexual violence meted out on her, she is not only unable to trust another person but is also suffering from sleep deprivation as she is haunted by memories of the ordeal.

The victim said, “I was living in fear every day. Fear took over me, many nights I cried myself to sleep. Inteaz continued to harass me, him being in front of me every day was torture to deal with.” Expressing satisfaction with Mohamed’s convictions, she added, “I am now pleased he is away from me.

I can finally resume my life where I can continue my studies. I am hoping that he is kept away from me for as long as possible so that I can be safe and live my life…” (G1)

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34-year-old father of four who is serving a 15-year prison term for killing his drinking buddy has approached the Guyana Court of Appeal in a bid to have his sentence reduced. In April, Eustace Abrams was indicted for the June 15, 2017 murder of 40-year-old Orlando La Cruz.

He, however, opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. Given his guilty plea, Abrams in a Notice of Appeal is contending that the sentence imposed on him is excessive. The sentence was handed down by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Demerara.

It was reported that on the day in question at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North

Jailed: Eustace Abrams

West Cruz mock when

District (NWD), La was lying in a hamat his mining camp Abrams and another

man, Joseph Kerr, visited.

They began consuming alcohol. It was reported that shortly after, Kerr asked the now dead man to perform oral sex on him.

However, when he refused, they got into an argument during which Abrams gave Kerr the cartridge to load a shotgun. Kerr shot La Cruz to the neck after which he and Abrams made good their escape. La Cruz was later discovered in the hammock bleeding.

He was rushed to the Matthews Ridge District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

After four years on the run, Kerr was arrested and charged with La Cruz’s murder in May. Following a court appearance, he was remanded to prison. (G1)

SNF spearheads “Bread Basket” which benefits those affected by COVID-19

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he Sonia Noel Foundation and Women Across Borders have teamed up with Le Treats Bakery in another exciting initiative called “Bread Basket”.

The main objective of this charitable mission is to provide complimentary bread, buns, and sandwiches weekly to people who are in need.

The project started a few months ago and was triggered by the challenges faced due to the pandemic.

The bread is given to community leaders to distribute to their communities on Fridays.

“We believe this small gesture of benevolence can benefit less fortunate communities around our beautiful country Guyana. Let’s ‘break bread’ with our underprivileged and demonstrate that we are our brother’s keeper in this land of six races,” Founder of Women Across Borders, Sonia Noel stated.

Many areas within

SNF Founder Sonia Noel

Region Four and Eight as well as various communities in Berbice, Linden, Kwakwani have benefited thus far with more to be added to the list in the coming weeks.

The divine order Americabased Guyanese co-author of Women Across Borders, Desiree De Florimonte related “I believe in making lives better and this is an honour to contribute to Bread Basket. I applaud Sonia for this initiative”.

The bread goes to families and the buns and sandwiches with a beverage (compliments CIDI and Lipton Tea) go to the homeless.

“What a difference one bread can make and to be a part of this mission and a co-author for Women Across Borders is a big blessing to my life,” New York-based Trinidadian Leela Ramasir stated.

Initiatives such as these can effectively improve our

neighbourhoods and communities. It can also prevent people from going hungry, she added.

Sonia Noel Foundation has the vision to add other items to this project and would have expressed gratitude to those who have and continue to support it.

“Experiencing the smiles on the faces and the display of gratitude when the homeless are given something to eat tugs at my heartstring.

So, I don’t have any pic to share because we decided not to take a single pic with anyone during this mission,” Noel added.

Joanne Prescod, the owner of Le Treats Bakery, has collaborated with SNF before and was happy to be included in another meaningful project since she believes in giving back.

Those who are interested in making a difference can contact the Sonia Noel Foundation on telephone number 684-8129.

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TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MMA-ADA registers record high rental revenues from farmers …credit given to Govt’s fee reductions

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eneral Manager (acting) of the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) Mahendranauth Ramjit said farmers in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are demonstrating their commitment to partnering with the Government towards the development of the local agriculture sector.

The payment of drainage and irrigation charges by farmers to the MMA-ADA is a critical part of the operational capacity of the entity – and with the Government reducing those charges from $15,000 per acre to $3500; farmers have begun honouring their financial obligations to MMA. Despite the floods which have been acknowledged as a national disaster as declared by President Dr Irfaan Ali, the MMA-ADA is reporting that its rate collection from farmers for the first half of the year is at an all-time high – with 55 per cent of the year’s projected collection already received from farmers.

MMA-ADA General Manager (acting) Mahendranauth Ramjit

According to Ramjit, the farmers have demonstrated their commitment to the partnership between them and Government in ensuring agricultural development in the region.

He explained that farmers have been coming forward to pay their land taxes following massive upgrades to the drainage and irrigation structures in the MMA scheme which Government

implemented through the direction of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha when he took office last year.

According to Ramjit, farmers have been cooperating with the MMA in terms of helping the agency to generate revenue.

He noted that some 700 miles of canals have been cleared in the MMA scheme for the year.

As a result, farmers have paid more than $168 million of the $304 million projected for the year 2021.

“This has helped us to be able to carry out most of our maintenance work to some of our structures and access dams and canals. I must thank the farmers for their contribution and for being in partnership with the MMA,” Ramjit said in an exclusive interview.

Ramjit said those farmers who have not been forthcoming with payments need to come on board and enable the agency to carry out more development work for farmers who cultivate in the scheme.

Meanwhile, Agriculture

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha was loud in his praise of the Region Five farmers who heeded the call to partner with Government in the development of agriculture in the region.

However, he is calling on defaulters to also support the partnership.

“I want to continue to encourage the farmers. As a matter of fact, we have two new excavators at MMA and we will be buying another two so MMA will have a fleet of machinery but we can only provide the services if the farmers help us to form this partnership. I am heartened to know that the farmers are coming forward – they are listening to my plea and they are coming forward to pay. I want to ask them to continue.”

Referring to a commitment made by the People’s Progressive Party while in Opposition, that it was going to reverse land rental to what they were in 2015 should the Party be elected to office, Mustapha noted that land charges have been reduced significantly.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Those charges have been reduced by more than 80 per cent.

“That is a tremendous reduction and because of that more money is now in the pockets of the farmers, so I want to ask, plea and appeal to them to continue to pay their arrears and continue to pay the rental charges so that MMA and other similar agencies can have funds to do work in these areas,” the

Agriculture Minister added.

The MMA has already begun the work of rebuilding the damaged dams and bridges following the floods to ensure farmers have access to their lands.

The MMA-ADA is an Authority set up specifically to administer agricultural development in Region Five and is responsible for over 800 miles of drainage and irrigation canals. Its responsibility spans from the east bank of the Mahaica River to the west bank of the Berbice River and from the Atlantic seaboard to about 30 miles inland.

According to Ramjit, the MMA has been on the ground working shoulder to shoulder with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to help flood-stricken farmers do what is necessary to empolder and/or drain water from flooded lands and homesteads.

Nevertheless, he said the MMA will be forging ahead with its capital works programme for the remainder of the year.

Fort Ordinance housing project

Contractors’ access route established after residents complain of road damage

Minister Collin Croal inspects ongoing works at Fort Ordinance, along with regional officials

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he Housing and Water Ministry is putting in place steps to address the concerns of residents due to the damages made to the main access roads by contractors at Fort Ordinance in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The area was visited by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and technical staff attached to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

During the visit, Croal commented that contrac-

tors will enter through the main access road and utilise the last cross street to get to the project site, adding that when exiting, they will utilise the middle road.

The Minister further stated that new housing developments are being undertaken in Phases Three and Four, Fort Ordinance, as part of the Government’s delivery of 10,000 house lots annually, hence the accessibility to and from the sites is a major component in the completion of the project.

He further noted that the commencement of minimal maintenance works by the Regional Democratic

Council (RDC) is expected to correct damages caused to the road networks and upon completion of the Housing Project, comprehensive remedial works will be done.

Moving forward, residents in the area will also be engaged by the CH&PA, RDC of Region Six and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), as part of a sensitisation and consultation process for the successful completion of the project.

Damaged roads

Quite similarly, the construction of the $2.3 billion four-lane highway that

would link Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and the roadworks ongoing on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, has forced commuters to use alternative access roads, which are in a deplorable state.

Commuters and drivers alike in these areas are complaining bitterly about the state of these alternative roads.

When this publication visited two of the identified areas - Front Road, West Ruimveldt and Eccles Dump Site Road, East Bank Demerara, drivers were seen navigating large potholes.

Alternative access roads – Front Road, West Ruimveldt and Eccles Dump Site Road, East Bank Demerara, which are in a deplorable state

16 NEWS More could have been done to move CSME forward – Caricom SG TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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aricom's outgoing Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque says “much more” could have been achieved within the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the time had come to allow member states who could proceed to the ideals of the initiative to do so.

Speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 42nd annual meeting of Caricom leaders, LaRocque nonetheless insisted that the regional integration movement had been a catalyst for significant improvement in the lives of the people of the region.

LaRocque, who is demitting office later this month after serving two five-year terms as the region's top public servant, said that the CSME, had been the driving force behind several policies, programmes and systems for a further deepening of the integration process.

“A lot of time and effort have been spent putting in place policies, programmes and systems for the private sector, labour and the overall population to benefit from the CSME,” LaRocque told the opening ceremony of the 42nd annual meeting of Caricom leaders.

The CSME, which came into being in 2006, allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region, and LaRocque said that the categories of free movement of skills have been expanded and that a protocol outlining the rights of spouses and dependents who accompany the skilled worker to

another member state has been agreed.

He said new business opportunities have been created. A public procurement protocol opening a market estimated at five billion US dollars for businesses within the member states has been signed, and the online dashboard advertising tenders has been established.

Major legal instruments

The outgoing secretary general said that the aviation sector has also been liberalised with the coming into force of the Multilateral Air Services Agreement.

“It is my expectation that as more airlines make use of this agreement, it will allow for greater choice of movement throughout our community and contribute, with competition, to lowering airfares,” LaRocque said, adding “these are but some examples of what has been put in place within the last decade for the people of our community to be able to realise the benefits of the CSME as a lived experience”.

He said other steps have been made to buttress the welfare of the people of the community and that there has been progress in greater cooperation among member states to combat crime in the region, as well as building a legal architecture.

“Three major legal instruments were agreed to in this regard. I refer to the Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty, the Treaty with Respect to Return and Sharing of Recovered Assets from Criminal

Activity, and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty,” LaRocque said, noting that these treaties provide the regional law enforcement and justice systems with the tools to engage those whose criminal activities respect no borders.

But he acknowledged that he would be the “first to recognise that more could have been accomplished, particularly with the CSME”.

“A lot of preparatory technical work has been done, and redone, by the Secretariat. But because of our decision-making process, we can only move as fast as the slowest member state.”

LaRocque said that in order to drive the integration process forward, “the time has come to consider favourably the concept of enhanced cooperation to allow those who are ready to go forward to do so”.

He recalled that the issue was discussed as early as when the original Treaty of Chaguaramas was being revised and that it has been referred to at various times as circles of integration or the coalition of the willing.

“I believe this must be pursued. But we must maintain the integrity and fundamental principles, goals and objectives of the revised treaty. We must also put greater focus on prioritising, especially bearing in mind resource constraints,” the Dominican-born Caricom secretary general added.

Covid-19 and climate change

He told the opening of the two-day virtual meeting that the regional leaders were gathering at a time when the Caribbean is still dealing with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as climate change, particularly with the hurricane season that started in June, ending six months later.

He said Guyana and Suriname had to deal with flooding in recent times and St Vincent and the Grenadines has had to contend with the passage of Hurricane Elsa, which also affected several other Caricom countries, while still dealing with the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

“The vulnerability of our member states can never be in doubt. At times like this, the true spirit of our community is demonstrated as member states are always the first responders,” he said.

But LaRocque said that even as the region recovers from the impact of COVID, “we must design a recovery that will not only resuscitate our economies but also enhance the resilience of our community”.

“It is our duty to fortify our community against the factors that threaten its viability and the sustainable well-being of our people. That is the priority which not only has brought us here at this time, but which is the driving force of our integration movement,” LaRocque said, adding that “it is also the priority that has engaged me as secretary-general over the past

Caricom's outgoing Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque

decade, along with making the integration movement a lived experience for the citizens of Caricom”.

He said that to help achieve this, Caricom has embarked on much needed community reform, guided in large measure by the community's first-ever strategic plan, which is built on the resilience LaRocque said that the involvement of the stakeholders at the national and regional levels has also been pursued with the engagement of the private sector, labour, civil society and the youth.

“Their voices are now heard around the table at our Ministerial Councils, and in the case of the private sector, labour and civil society, they have been welcomed again to the forum of the heads of Government.

“I have been energised by the vitality and ideas of our youth with whom I have interacted throughout my tenure. I have been struck by their immense pride in being part of the Caribbean Community and their desire for integration to work for them.

“It is to provide them with the tools to fulfil their

ambitions that the Human Resource Development Strategy 2030 was devised.

That strategy, and its accompanying action plan, provides for a globally competitive, innovative and seamlessly integrated education system to drive inclusive sustainable development in our region.”

Do more with less

But LaRocque, said that the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat has had to do more with less. “During my terms of office, the financial resources available to the Secretariat declined by 25 per cent, due largely to a decline in donor resources, and we also experienced a resulting decline in our staff head count.”

“But the demands and the output of the Secretariat have not declined. As a matter of fact, they have increased. This is due to the dedication of our staff and to the introduction of greater efficiencies in the manner in which we work. This is part of the reform proves of the Secretariat.”

He said that an assessment of the Secretariat's processes and systems has been undertaken. This has resulted in proposals for a redesign of its structure and business operations, some of which have been implemented. The objective is to make the Secretariat more efficient, strategic, agile and effective.

In his address, LaRocque expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the regional leaders “for bestowing on me the great honour of allowing me to serve you.

“Your unstinting support and the confidence you reposed in me was a constant source of strength during my tenure,” he said, adding “I must also pay tribute to the staff of the Caricom Secretariat.”

“These dedicated and committed public servants work tirelessly, through long hours, in their determination to ensure that integration is beneficial to the people of our community. I leave fully confident that the community and its Secretariat could not be in better hands than that of my successor, Dr Carla Barnett,” he added. (CMC)

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TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tourism boost as Canadian, German visitors return to Jamaica

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ourism stakeholders are upbeat this morning following yesterday afternoon's arrival of Air Canada's Dreamliner flight from Toronto, Canada, at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.

Shortly after the Air Canada flight, Condor from

Frankfurt, Germany, also arrived at the airport, much to the delight of players in the tourism sector.

Air Canada will call at the Montego Bay airport once per week while Candor will visit twice weekly.

An elated Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett pointed out the significance

of the Air Canada flight, which he said, among other things, signals the return of the Canadian market — the destination's second-largest tourism market, behind America.

“I am pleased to welcome the return of Air Canada to Jamaica after the six-month hiatus from January this

year and now the reopening of the borders to allow for tourist travel,” said Bartlett.

“The importance of this particular arrival today [yesterday] is that it brings a new equipment into the mix, the Dreamliner. It is the first time that Air Canada would be using a Dreamliner into Jamaica. It will bring 296

Some 150 students missing after gunmen raid Nigerian school – parent, administrator

A

bout 150 students are missing after armed men raided a boarding school in Nigeria's Kaduna state, a parent and an administrator said on Monday, and police said they were in hot pursuit alongside military personnel.

The attack on the Bethel Baptist High School is the 10th mass school kidnapping since December in northwest Nigeria, which authorities have attributed to armed bandits seeking ransom payments.

Dozens of distraught parents gathered at the school compound, some weeping and crying out, standing in groups awaiting news. Discarded sandals lay strewn nearby. Dormitories containing metal bunk beds and cupboards were deserted.

"May God take away their tears and the suffering that they will face in the

hands of the kidnappers," said a woman pointing at a hole in the school's perimeter where the attackers entered.

His voice breaking, parent John Evans said he had recently told his daughter that God would protect her while she studied at the school.

"Just this morning at about 6, I received a phone call that they have entered the school...kidnappers, that all our children are packed (taken), including my daughter," he said.

"We rushed down here, we confirmed that they are all packed."

Police said gunmen shooting wildly attacked overnight and overpowered the school's security guards, taking an unspecified number of students into a nearby forest. A police statement said 26 people including a female teacher had been rescued.

Reverend John Hayab, a founder of the school, told Reuters about 25 students had managed to escape while the school's other students remained missing.

Roughly 180 students attended the school and were in the process of sitting exams, according to Hayab, whose 17-year-old son escaped, and parent, Hassana Markus, whose daughter was among those missing.

Local residents who declined to be identified told Reuters that security officials had cordoned off the school after the attack, which took place between 11 p.m. on Sunday and 4 a.m. on Monday morning.

Kaduna authorities ordered the immediate closure of Bethel Baptist and 12 other schools in the area after Monday's kidnapping, without saying when they may reopen.

Armed men, known locally as bandits, have made an

industry of kidnapping students for ransom in northwest Nigeria, with Kaduna state particularly hard hit.

They have taken nearly 1,000 people from schools since December last year, more than 150 of whom remain missing.

Kidnappers have also targeted roads, private residents and even hospitals; in the early morning hours of Sunday, gunmen abducted six people including a 1-year-old child from a hospital in Kaduna state.

In February, President Muhammadu Buhari urged state governments "to review their policy of rewarding bandits with money and vehicles," warning that the policy might boomerang disastrously. The unrest has become a political problem for Buhari, a retired general and former military ruler who has faced mounting criticism over prominent attacks by the gangs. (Reuters)

Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon (left) greets O'Brian Clarke shortlly after he disembarked from an Air Canada flight at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay Airport yesterday. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

passengers and it commences the return of the Canadian market. We are excited about that prospect because today it begins the start of yet another series of new flights coming into Jamaica,” said Bartlett.

Senior advisor/strategist in the tourism ministry, Delano Seiveright echoed similar sentiments.

“Our tourism sector has been propped up by the US market for several weeks and months so we are really happy about this slow but steady return of the Canadian market and the Air Canada flight between Toronto and Montego Bay,” said Seiveright.

For her part, Angela Bennett, regional director of tourism for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), said the agency is expecting a good performance from the Canadian market for the coming winter season.

“We are high on Canada and we are expecting it to perform exceptionally well this winter. We have secured

over 280,000 seats into the destination this winter and already today [yesterday] — as you [can] see — one of our key partners, Air Canada, has flown that Dreamliner into the destination with a 60 per cent capacity.

“This aircraft is their new, modern, sleek aircraft.

It holds 298 seats and I am very excited to welcome this aircraft into Jamaica,” said Bennett.

“There is a surge in bookings coming into Jamaica from Canada and this has happened since the Government of Canada has lifted the restrictions on international travel, the main one being the three-day mandatory quarantine for all Canadians returning to Canada who are fully vaccinated.

“So we are expecting all our airline partners to be flying back to Jamaica this winter, and we salute Air Canada and West Jet to be the first to fly back to Jamaica into Montego Bay.” (Jamaica Observer)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Regional

Honduran construction firm executive Brazil’s Bolsonaro faces guilty of environmental activist’s murder more corruption accusations

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro looks on during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 29 [Adriano Machado/Reuters]

B

razil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has been accused of being involved in a scheme to skim salaries of his aides while a federal deputy, Brazilian website UOL reported on Monday, heaping more political pressure on the farright leader.

Citing what it said were audio recordings of Bolsonaro’s former sisterin-law explaining his role in

the alleged racket, UOL said the racket involved hiring close associates as employees and then receiving a cut of their public salaries back from them.

The UOL report is the first time Bolsonaro has been directly implicated in such a scheme, known locally as rachadinha.

Rio de Janeiro State Prosecutors have formally pressed charges against federal Senator Flavio

Bolsonaro, the President’s eldest son, over his alleged participation in a similar racket when he was a state lawmaker.

Monday’s report comes as Bolsonaro is facing widespread public anger and mass protests over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic – and fielding questions about alleged corruption in the Government’s vaccine procurement efforts.

The populist leader was elected in 2018 on a promise to root out corruption after several high-profile scandals rocked Brazil.

But Bolsonaro’s handling of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 524,000 people across the South American nation, has caused a steep decline in his popularity – and he faces a Senate commission investigation into his Government’s pandemic policies.

Thousands of people protested across Brazil during the weekend to demand his resignation over the crisis.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Restriction of civic space in Venezuela is worrying, says UN Human Rights Chief

R

estrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday.

Bachelet’s office said it documented 97 incidents of “stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the Opposition” from June 2020 to May 2021.

The vast majority of those incidents involved individuals criminally charged for “legitimate forms of civic engagement”, Bachelet said.

The arrest of three members of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) FundaRedes was a “worry-

ing example” of this kind of criminalisation, she said.

Javier Tarazona, the director of NGO FundaRedes, which has been the most active entity denouncing abuses and illicit activities by irregular Colombian armed groups in Venezuela, and two others were charged with instigation of hatred, treason, and terrorism on Saturday.

The report also raised concerns about conditions in detention centres, due process, and access to basic services, and called for vaccines to be available to all.

“I call for all detained persons to be guaranteed access to adequate food, water, sanitation, and sanitary care,” said Bachelet.

In response, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry released a

statement on Twitter, saying “from a handful of alleged complaints of human rights violations, they made unverified accusations”.

It said the report is part of a “lie constructed to artificially feed a case before the International Criminal Court, with the political objective of destabilising the country’s democratic institutions”.

The high commissioner did welcome some actions she saw as progress, including Police and justice reforms, a downward trend in alleged deaths in protests and security operations, and some improvement in impunity, noting the conviction of a Police Officer who killed a protester in 2017. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A

Honduran construction firm executive has been found guilty of being a collaborator in the 2016 killing of Indigenous environmental activist Berta Caceres, a court ruled on Monday, in what Caceres’ supporters welcomed as a “victory”.

David Castillo is the former head of Desarrollos Energeticos (DESA), which ran the US$50 million Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam project.

Caceres, a longtime environmental activist and Indigenous leader, was fatally shot in 2016 in her home in the town of La Esperanza after leading opposition to the project, which would have built a dam on

the Gualcarque River on the ancestral lands of her Lenca people.

Lenca activists had said the project would cause major disruptions to their water and food supply and that the builders did not consult the area’s Indigenous groups.

Seven other men have already been convicted and sentenced for playing a role in her killing, which drew international condemnation and widespread calls for justice.

Castillo was originally charged with being the mastermind behind the murder, but was found guilty of being a co-conspirator on Monday.

His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 3.

Caceres had taken on en-

vironmental causes since the early 1990s, beginning with illegal logging, and won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her efforts to organise resistance to the dam.

Rights groups say Carceres had endured years of threats and harassment

by DESA dating back to at least 2013.

The Expert Observation Mission, a coalition of international human rights and legal organisations that has been following the trial, said the evidence presented showed that Castillo had coordinated “a long campaign of surveillance, harassment and threats” against Caceres. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Fast-moving Atlantic Storm Elsa makes landfall in Cuba

T

ropical Storm Elsa has brought “flooding rains” and strong winds to Cuba after making landfall near the island nation’s Bay of Pigs on the south-central coast, as forecasters said the storm is expected to move toward the United States.

The storm was moving over mainly rural areas to the east of Havana after making landfall near Cienega de Zapata, a natural park with few inhabitants, on Monday afternoon.

By late afternoon, Elsa’s maximum sustained winds had slowed to 85 kilometres per hour.

Cuban officials had evacuated 180,000 people as a precaution against the possibility of heavy flooding from a storm that already battered several Caribbean islands, killing at least three people.

“We continue with maximum attention focused on the track of Storm Elsa through Cuba,” Cuban President Miguel DiazCanel tweeted. “Authorities are working all over the

Large clouds hang over Havana, Cuba, before the passage of Tropical Storm Elsa, on July 5 [Yamil Lage/AFP]

country.”

In Havana, shops were still open on Monday morning as residents headed out under increasingly swirling skies in search of bread and other crucial supplies.

Others took the opportunity to clear rooftops of debris that the storm could turn into projectiles.

Overall there was a reluctance among Habaneros to take this early storm too seriously – but the city’s provincial defence council (CDP) told residents that

while “the winds will not be strong … there may be heavy rainfall with danger for vulnerable homes and buildings”.

Municipal workers had been on the streets for several days clearing storm drains, and brigades were assembled in case of landslides. A further brigade was called up “for minor tasks: falling walls, stairs, balconies”, all three of which are major concerns during storms in the crumbling city.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Antigua’s Prime Minister assumes Caricom to receive 800, 000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from African Union chairmanship of Caricom

T

he Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has assumed the chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Browne, who will serve for the next six months, succeeds the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley.

The new Caricom Chairman is expected to tackle certain issues during his tenure, these include the reduction of intra-regional air travel taxes, the potential for a regional medicinal cannabis market, and the sustained threat to regional development with respect to de-risking.

In a statement from the

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Guyana based Secretariat of the regional body, Browne, who holds responsibility for Services in Caricom’s Quasi Cabinet, will chair the virtual 42nd meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government which began on

Monday.

This year’s meeting will mark the 48th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The official opening session of this year’s conference will include remarks from Browne, as well as former Caricom Chairman, Dr Keith Rowley, and Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

The upcoming meeting will be Ambassador LaRocque’s last in the role, as he is set to be succeeded by Dr Carla Barnett, the first woman and Belizean to be selected for the post.

She will assume office on August 15 and become the eighth Secretary General in CARICOM’s history. (CMC)

T

he former Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley said Saturday that the 15-member regional integration grouping will receive at least 800, 000 doses of vaccines to help curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the African Union later this month.

In addition, Rowley, who handed over the chairmanship of Caricom to his Antigua and Barbuda counterpart, Gaston Browne on Monday, said that the Region would also receive 400,000 doses in August and a further half a million in September.

He said the vaccinations, coupled with existing supplies from other sources, would help the Region move towards herd immunity by the end of the year.

“Virtually, all of my Chairman’s effort in Caricom was on vaccines for the na-

tions of Caricom and during this month of July, we are expecting an improvement in the forecast we had made, because initially I had told you the vaccines we were going to get from the African purchase would have been coming here towards the end of August.

“I have had significant conversation with . . . President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa where the vaccine is being produced and he has given me the commitment that whatever Africa produces, Caricom will get a portion of it,” Rowley said.

He told reporters that subsequent meetings with officials of that programme “as late as yesterday, I have had confirmation that that situation is very positive at the moment and the first shipment to Caricom would not be in August, but in July. (Excerpt from Nations News)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices accelerate rise as OPEC+ calls off output talks

O

il prices rose on Monday, driven higher after OPEC+ nations called off talks on output levels, meaning no deal to boost production has been agreed.

Brent was up 94 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at US$77.11 a barrel by 1652 GMT, trading around 2-1/2 year highs. US oil gained US$1.11, or 1.5 per cent, to US$76.27 a barrel.

OPEC+ Ministers abandoned the talks and set no new date to resume them, after clashing last week when the United Arab Emirates rebuffed a proposed eight-month extension to output curbs.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, agreed on record output cuts in 2020 to cope with a COVID-induced price crash.

The producers have been gradually easing the output restrictions, but a plan on Friday to lift output by about 2 million barrels per day (bpd) from August to December 2021 and to extend the pact on a series of gradual output shifts to the end of 2022 was blocked by the UAE. The prospect of OPEC+ not adding the extra barrels to the market next month boosted prices, but also added volatility, said Rystad Energy oil markets analyst Louise Dickson, noting that prices briefly turned negative.

"The fact that the meeting got postponed today and the time it took for this to be announced shows that there are some negotiations on the sidelines," she said.

ING Economics said OPEC+'s failure to come to a deal may provide some brief upside to oil prices but said "it could also signal the beginning of the end for the broader deal, and so the risk that members start to increase output."

Thin trading on a US holiday to mark Independence Day added to volatility, and prices could move sideways in the near term on "buyer fatigue" after a long bullish trend, said RBN Energy senior analyst Martin King.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Energy Minister of Saudi Arabia, the biggest oil exporter in OPEC, called on Sunday for "compromise and rationality" to secure a deal.

The standoff coincides with uncertainty about the course of the pandemic and concerns about the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

But positive European economic data offered some support. Euro zone businesses expanded activity at the fastest rate in 15 years in June as easing coronavirus restrictions revived the service industry, a survey showed on Monday.

In the United States, energy companies increased oil and natural gas rigs for a third week out of the last four. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID: Most rules set to end in England, says PM

F

ace masks will no longer be legally required and distancing rules will be scrapped at the final stage of England's COVID lockdown roadmap, Boris Johnson has confirmed.

The rule of six inside private homes will be removed and work-from-home guidance abolished as 16 months of on-off restrictions on daily life end.

The PM said he expected the final step would go ahead as planned on July 19.

This will be confirmed on July 12 after a review of the latest data.

Further updates on school bubbles, travel and self-isolation will follow in the coming days, Johnson told a

Boris Johnson announces plan "for living with COVID"

Downing Street news conference.

He said that even after the removal of the legal requirement to wear a face covering, he would continue to wear one himself in crowded places "as a courtesy".

Johnson said the ability to end a vast majority of legal restrictions in England was thanks to the success of the vaccine rollout in weakening the link between cases and deaths.

But he warned cases were predicted to rise to 50,000

a day later this month and that "we must reconcile ourselves, sadly, to more deaths from COVID".

The Prime Minister explained: "If we don't go ahead now when we've clearly done so much with the vaccination programme to break the link... when would we go ahead?"

Self-isolation orders for those who test positive would continue, Johnson said, but he suggested there would soon be new rules for fully-vaccinated contacts.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid told MPs he would probably make an announcement regarding a new regime for close contacts on Tuesday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Airlines to be charged more for pollution under EU’s Green Deal

A

irlines in the world’s biggest carbon market will eventually have to pay for all the pollution from their planes as the European Union strengthens its climate policies under the Green Deal.

A proposal by the European Commission includes a gradual phase-out of emission allowances for carriers, and will be part of measures to be announced on July 14, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The package

will also introduce stricter demands on companies in the transport sector to use cleaner fuel.

The planned clean push also includes strengthening and expanding the bloc’s carbon market, creating a new emissions-trading programme for buildings and road transport and setting new emissions standards for cars.

The Commission wants to oblige fuel suppliers to blend an increasingly high level of sustainable avia-

tion fuels into existing jet fuel sold at EU airports, said the person, who asked not to be identified because talks on the draft laws are private.

Cleaner fuels will also get preferential treatment under EU’s new energy taxation framework.

The legislative push is aimed at aligning the European economy with a new goal to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 55 per cent by 2030 from 1990 levels. The previous ob-

jective was a cut of 40 per cent.

That package will also include proposals to increase the share of renewable energy, boost energy efficiency and toughen national emissions-reduction goals.

The Commission will aim to make the transition in a “fair, cost-efficient and competitive way,” it said in the draft document that will be sent to national governments and the European Parliament next week.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indonesia copes with oxygen shortages as COVID cases quadruple

I

ndonesia is struggling with one of Asia’s worst coronavirus outbreaks as new cases more than quadrupled in a month, prompting a critical shortage of oxygen in several areas.

At least 33 people died at a hospital in Yogyakarta when its supply ran out over the weekend and the Government on Monday asked oxygen producers to send all their supplies to

Taliban aim to present written peace plan at talks as soon as next month – spokesman

T

he Taliban plan to present a written peace proposal to the Afghan Government side as soon as next month, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgents said even as they make major territorial gains in the breach left by departing foreign forces.

Hundreds of Afghan security force members have fled into neighbouring Tajikistan in the face of Taliban advances since the United States vacated its main Afghan base, centrepiece of US and NATO might for almost two decades in the country, as part of a plan to withdraw all foreign troops

by Sept 11.

While the transfer of Bagram Air Base to the Afghan army added momentum to a Taliban drive to

Taliban delegates shake hands during talks between the Afghan Government and Taliban insurgents in Doha, Qatar, September 12, 2020

seize control over new districts, Taliban leaders renewed the long-stalled talks with Afghan Government envoys in Qatar's capital Doha last week.

"The peace talks and process will be accelerated in the coming days...and they are expected to enter an important stage, naturally it will be about peace

plans," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told Reuters on Monday.

"Possibly it will take a month to reach that stage when both sides will share their written peace plan," he said, adding that the latest round of talks were at a critical juncture.

"Although we (Taliban) have the upper hand on the battlefield, we are very serious about talks and dialogue."

The upsurge in fighting and the flight of thousands of members of the tattered Afghan security forces have raised grave doubt about the US-backed peace negotiations, which began last year under the then-President Donald Trump's Administration.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

People queue to refill oxygen tanks as Indonesia experiences an oxygen supply shortage [Willy Kurniawan/Reuters]

hospitals and clinics.

The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 has led to a huge increase in infections across the country.

On Monday, Indonesia reported 29,745 new infections and 558 deaths, both daily records, after the Government last week ordered new virus curbs in the hard-hit capital, Jakarta, across Java, and on holiday island Bali.

Mosques, parks, shopping malls and restaurants were shut in hotspot areas, while non-essential employees were ordered to work from home.

Bambang Harymurti, a public affairs analyst in

Jakarta, told Al Jazeera the situation on the ground is getting worse.

“If you look around, many hospitals are either closed because they are so full they don’t admit any more patients and they are asking people to donate oxygens.

The Government is asking people not to buy oxygen because hospitals need them,” he said.

“And in fact, the authorities said the Police might have to raid many places

by Thursday if this situation where people are lining up to buy oxygens and essential medicine [continues]. Medicine prices are sky high now.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Reach out to someone who can offer sound advice. Clear up a work-related situation before agreeing to something that may stand between you and a job prospect. Personal improvements will be heartening.

When in doubt, take a step back and let matters unfold naturally. Don’t feel pressured to get involved in something that is costly or doesn’t line up with your beliefs.

Take better care of yourself and avoid unpredictable situations. Pay attention to detail, and respectfully present your thoughts. Tell the truth and stand behind your word.

Do what feels right and makes you happy. Take responsibility for your life and your livelihood. Step into the spotlight if it will help you reach your objective. Don’t let anyone meddle in your affairs.

Work to improve your relationships with honesty and integrity. Limit overspending and taking on responsibilities that don’t belong to you. Choose to be fair, not generous.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Nothing will be as it appears. Double-check information and don’t rely on others.

Spend more time on details, and use your imagination to outsmart someone who offers an exaggerated point of view.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Stand alone and finish what you start. Don’t listen to someone who can’t support their claims. Choose peace over chaos, and you’ll come out on top. Romance is favored.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll face opposition if you are too open about your intentions. Iron out any foreseeable problems before you share your plans. Changes you make at home will improve your lifestyle.

Leave nothing to chance.

SAGITTARIUS State the facts and proceed to (Nov. 23the finish line. Your strength Dec. 21) and courage will motivate others to help you reach your objective. Beware temptation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Cut your overhead and free up cash for something you want to do that will improve your life and an important relationship. Trust your intuition to help you make the right decision.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Spend more time at home or with someone who makes a difference in your life. Discussions will lead to plans that will add stability to a meaningful relationship. Listen to your heart.

PISCES

Be careful what you say.

Sensitive issues will erupt if you don’t choose your words wisely. Someone you think you can trust will let you down or lead you astray. Verify all the information you receive.

(Feb. 20March 20)

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

I

When is it?

All you need to know for Australia's Windies tour

t all starts in St Lucia on July 9, after which five T20 matches will crammed into eight days at the one venue.

Then, after a quick break to switch camps to Barbados and gather some breath, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in five days will follow in a whirlwind tour.

An 18-man Australian squad (plus two travelling reserves) flew out of Brisbane for a 16.5-hour chartered flight to St Lucia.

They have a little over a week to clear quarantine, acclimatise and train together before the games come thick and fast.

The Caribbean is 14 hours behind Australia's eastern seaboard, but don't worry – we've done the hard work on the time zone conversions. The good news is Cricket West Indies have done Aussie fans a solid and scheduled all their T20 matches for evening clashes under lights, which makes for a pretty friendly start time of 9.30am AEST in the winter mornings.

T20 series (all matches at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia) First T20: July 10, 9:30am AEST (July 9, 7:30pm local) Second T20: July 11, 9:30am AEST (July 10, 7:30pm local) Third T20: July 13, 9:30am AEST (July 12, 7:30pm local) Fourth T20: July 15, 9:30am AEST (July 14, 7:30pm local) Fifth T20: July 17, 9:30am AEST (July 16, 7:30pm local) ODI series (all matches at Kensington Oval, Barbados) First ODI (D/N): July 21, 4:30am AEST (July 20, 2:30pm local) Second ODI (D/N): July 23, 4:30am AEST (July 22, 2:30pm local) Third ODI (D/N): July 25, 4:30am AEST (July 24, 2:30pm local)

How can I watch?

21

The West Indies have been broadcasting their home series against South Africa into Australia on their YouTube channel, but it remains to be seen if that practice will continue for the matches against Aaron Finch's men, given the complex and ever-evolving world of international broadcast

rights.

As of right now, Cricket West Indies has no agreement in place for the series to be aired on any broadcaster in Australia. But the News Corp-owned Foxtel and Kayo have a history of securing last-minute deals with overseas boards to keep their tradition of showing Australia's overseas matches. So, for now it's a matter of 'watch this space' and we'll update as soon as there is confirmation.

Who's playing?

Much of the buildup to this series from an Australian perspective has been about who is not playing, so let's get that out of the way first: Steve Smith has an elbow injury, so he was ruled out of touring. Pat Cummins is staying behind with his pregnant fiancée, and David Warner is also skipping the tour to spend more time at home with his three young daughters.

Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson – who all played at the Indian Premier League (IPL) – have all opted out of touring, while Daniel Sams, who contracted COVID-19 in India ahead of the IPL, made himself unavailable for selection back in May on well-being grounds.

So, to answer the question, who is playing is a bunch of players very hungry and highly motivated to unseat some familiar faces and cement spots in the Australia squad for a T20 World Cup later this year.

While this series does include three important ODIs that will count towards qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup (more on that below), this series is very much focused around the build-up to the T20 World Cup. The selectors and Captain Finch have both said international form will be hard to overlook and places – especially those in the troublesome middle order – are now up for grabs.

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (Captain); Ashton Agar; Wes Agar; Jason Behrendorff; Alex Carey; Dan Christian; Josh Hazlewood; Moises Henriques; Mitchell Marsh; Ben McDermott; Riley Meredith; Josh Philippe; Mitchell Starc; Mitchell Swepson; Ashton Turner; Andrew Tye; Matthew Wade and Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserves: Nathan Ellis and Tanveer Sangha.

What about the opposition?

The West Indies love the T20 format and have all their big guns on display for this series, which for them is the middle series in a run of 15 T20 matches.

The Windies have a frightening array of batting talent at their disposal, and gave a glimpse of what they are capable of in their opening T20 against South Africa when they chased down the target of 161 with 30 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand.

Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher, and Nicholas Pooran have all been in good form so far for a Windies side that still boasts the likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Captain Keiron Pollard, as well as all-rounder Jason Holder.

West Indies T20 squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain); Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain); Fabian Allen; Dwayne Bravo; Sheldon Cottrell; Fidel Edwards; Andre Fletcher; Chris Gayle; Shimron Hetmyer; Jason Holder; Akeal Hosein; Evin Lewis; Obed McCoy; Andre Russell; Lendl Simmons; Kevin Sinclair; Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr.

The Stat

Australia have not played the West Indies in a 20-over match since the 2014 T20 World Cup and have not played a T20 in the Caribbean since 2012. Apart from their match at the 2019 ODI World Cup, the two teams have not met in any format since 2016.

Who should we keep an eye on?

Given the fight for spots at the T20 World Cup, there's plenty. Dan Christian has a knack for winning titles, as his nine domestic T20 trophies across

his journeyman career can attest. Experience and poise under pressure cannot be underrated in the T20 arena, and his inclusion could prove to be the missing link for Australia.

Likewise, Ashton Turner, who made a habit of puttinag in impressive performances batting at number six with the Perth Scorchers, is another who could force his way into the reckoning with performances on this tour. Turner didn't play a game on the New Zealand tour in February, but with Maxwell and Stoinis out of action, this could be his time to step up.

Josh Philippe has made a steady start to his international career, but is yet to set it alight like he has in the Big Bash League (BBL).

With a tour of England last winter and five games in New Zealand now under his belt, the expectation is there he will start putting performances on the board, but where in the line-up will his opportunities come?

With the ball, the continued development of Riley Meredith as he plays more international cricket will be one all of Australian cricket will be following closely, but

perhaps the most interesting in terms of Australia's T20 World Cup aspirations will be Mitchell Swepson.

The Queensland leg-spinner did well in his surprise inclusion to face India at the start of last summer, and with all five matches at the same venue – plus with the T20 World Cup now confirmed to be played in spin-friendly conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – how Australia use him alongside front-line spin pair Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar will be intriguing.

And there's three ODIs as well?

That's right. While all the focus is on the build-up to the T20 World Cup and Australia's need to get that XI sorted, it's important to not overlook the three 50over games Australia will play in Barbados at the back end of this trip.

They will count towards the ODI Super League, a largely overlooked league table from the International Cricket Council (ICC) that will determine the qualification process for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

The top seven teams, plus hosts India, will automatically qualify for the ODI

World Cup while the bottom five teams will need to go through a qualifying tournament to reach the showpiece event.

Australia have so far played six ODIs that count towards the Super League (three each against England and India) and have won four of them to currently sit joint second on the table on 40 points. The West Indies have 30 points with a 3-3 record, and with net run rate the tiebreaker, currently sit seventh.

It's hard to read too much into the table at the moment with so few matches played – teams are meant to play eight three-match series each – but as we saw with how close qualification to the World Test Championship final became, nobody can afford to drop points anywhere.

Qantas Tour of the West Indies 2021

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (Captain); Ashton Agar; Wes Agar; Jason Behrendorff; Alex Carey; Dan Christian; Josh Hazlewood; Moises Henriques; Mitchell Marsh; Ben McDermott; Riley Meredith; Josh Philippe; Mitchell Starc; Mitchell Swepson; Ashton Turner; Andrew Tye; Matthew Wade and Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserves: Nathan Ellis and Tanveer Sangha.

West Indies T20 squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain); Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain); Fabian Allen; Dwayne Bravo; Sheldon Cottrell; Fidel Edwards; Andre Fletcher; Chris Gayle; Shimron Hetmyer; Jason Holder; Akeal Hosein; Evin Lewis; Obed McCoy; Andre Russell; Lendl Simmons; Kevin Sinclair; Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. (Cricket Australia)

Hemraj, Marshall lead...

Hemraj, in particular, was instrumental with the ball as he made an early breakthrough with the new ball. From there on, nothing much could be done for the Eagles as the Cavaliers clipped their wings . Nedd and even Christopher Barnwell were among the wickets. Nedd in particChristopher Barnwell has been ular was hard to pick among the runs as well as he frustrated the clueless Eagles batscould only post 99-8 in their men. In the end, the Eagles 20 overs. Nedd bowled 3-11

FROM PAGE 22

and Hemraj 2-25 while Barnwell, Nikhil Dutta and Paul Wintz supported with one wicket each.

Heading into bat, the Cavaliers were confident in their approach as Hemraj anchored the innings with a patient 17 and Lewis assaulted the Eagles bowlers with a fiery 77 off 28 deliveries, inclusive of five boundaries and nine towering maximums.

Cavaliers ended on 105 without loss in 6.3 overs.

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TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

Hemraj, Marshall lead Cavaliers to semi-finals … Rutherford, Nedd play part as well

Chandrapaul Hemraj was instrumental with the ball

plus would have been perfect. But the Cavaliers showed that they are not only a batting unit but a bowling unit as well. Hemraj, again with the new ball, maintained his

he action continued in the LA Open T20 tournament, which saw the Somerset Cavaliers maintain their unbeaten streak in the quarter-finals against RDU SAMP to book their spot in the semi-finals.

This was thanks to Chandrapaul Hemraj, who was brilliant with the new ball and Xavier Marshall, who was aggressive with the bat.

RDU SAMP Sherfane Rutherford blasted a batted first, as setquick-fire 28 for his side ting a total seemed the most feasible choice line and length and picked and anything around 180- up early wickets to leave

Karima Gore chipped in with two. This left the RDU SAMP with a score of 81 all-out.

T h e Cavaliers needed 82 for victory, and they chose to open with Kennar Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford.

The pair blast-

A

good eye-opener to show that cricket does not play on paper.”

Opener Evin Lewis was the standout batsman for West Indies, top-scoring with 52 on Saturday to post his second half-century of the series and end with 178 runs at an average of 35.

However, no other batsm a n passed 100 runs with Pollard managing 66 from four innings, Vice Captain Nicholas Pooran getting 71 runs also from four Opener Evin Lewis was the standout batsman for West Indies

outings and Lendl Simmons, 72 from three innings.

Veteran Chris Gayle once again struggled, scoring 56 runs from four innings, and with meagre returns of 29 runs from three innings in the previous series against Sri Lanka last March, his form will now fall squarely under the spotlight.

Pollard said while the bowlers had excelled, the batting group were still repeating mistakes which were ultimately leading to defeats.

“The young bowlers – (Obed) McCoy bowling well throughout the entire series and showing that type of consistency [was a positive],” Pollard pointed out. “(Kevin) Sinclair in the couple games that he played, Bravs (Dwayne Bravo) coming time and time again in

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Xavier Marshall scored 43 off 19 in the quarter-final bout

Marshall came to the crease, and like a rocket blasted off and finished the game in 7.5 overs.

Marshall ended on 43 not out, off 19 balls, with the Cavaliers on 86-2.

Earlier in the day, the Somerset Cavaliers stormed to yet another comprehensive win. This was made

Chandrapaul Hemraj has captained his team to the semi-finals and they have remained unbeaten thus far

SAMP in a spot of bother.

Even with big names such as Kirk Edwards, Ashley Nurse, and Rayad Emrit, the SAMP had no answer to the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers spinners were in charge, because even after Hemraj bagged 4-25 in the opening overs, Ashmead Nedd was once again among the wickets and chipped in with one, Nikhil Dutta bagged two and

Pollard urges introspection for batsmen after bleak showing

disappointed West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard on Saturday admonished his batting group to take a critical “look at themselves”, and hinted at changes following the 3-2 series defeat to South Africa in Grenada.

Tasked with chasing 169 for victory at the Grenada National Stadium in the decisive fifth Twenty20 International, West Indies collapsed to 143 for nine to suffer a 25run defeat.

For the home side, it was the third time in the series they had failed to chase a total of 160-odd, and Pollard said the effort from the batsmen had not been good enough.

“I thought we set up the game pretty well. At the 14-over mark we needed [66 from 36] deliveries with guys in the shed, more often or not you win games like that – on pitches like this knowing that one of their main bowlers (Anrich) Nortje didn’t play and he has been fantastic for them,” Pollard said afterwards.

“That’s the disappointing factor that guys didn’t take the opportunity this time to show that we learned from what transpired throughout the entire series.

“We’ll have some introspection to do; guys need to look at themselves and what they have to offer for us, and this series was a

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all five games, I think, was fantastic.

“The disappointing factor was our batting unit for two series in a row, we weren’t able to look like we’ve learnt much from what has transpired.

“It is what it is. It’s good we can have these kinds of outings and hopefully we can regroup because in about five or six days’ time we have the Australians in the Caribbean.”

The five-match series is one of three which West Indies are scheduled to play in coming weeks, as they beef up preparations for the T20 World Cup in October.

And while he said he was clear on the core of the squad for that assignment, Pollard said performances in the series against the Proteas were cause for a rethink of certain positions.

“Obviously, there are some areas to be filled [and] there are a couple guys who we might have to look at by force, because of what has transpired, but for us, we have an idea of what we want to do but these series are very, very important,” he explained.

“You’ve got to show that we actually want it as individuals, and the guys selected now is not the be all and end all, and the ones who are actually going to take that plane.

“So I like to deal with the present, so for us now, the South Africa series is done, we have another series here [against Australia] and the World Cup is in October.”

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Ashmead Nedd has taken nine wickets in five games

ed off from ball one; however, Lewis departed for 7, but Rutherford continued on his way. Rutherford contributed 28 off 19 to lead the charge.

But it wasn't over, Xavier

possible by Hemraj, Lewis and Nedd.

The MCP Eagles took to the crease and from ball one they began to lose wickets.

TURN TO PAGE 21

Timehri Panthers receive boost

From left: Panthers Secretary Iyodele Hamilton, EBFA President Kevin Anthony, Panthers President Adrian Gonsalves and Timehri Panthers founder Egan Simon

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

T

he Timehri Panthers President Adrian Gonsalves, Sports Club received a who thanked Simon and asboost on Sunday, July sured him that the equip4 when the founder of the ment would be put to good club, Egan Simon stopped by use. In response, Simon said to present football and phys- that the Panthers family was ical fitness equipment to the close to his heart and the club.

The equipment presented included footballs in three sizes, training ladders and hurdles, pee wee booths, first aid kits, cones, training DVDs, waEBFA President Kevin Anthony (third ter bottles, goalright ) addresses the small gathering keeping gloves and coaching whiteboards. club could expect many more On hand to witness the such contributions in the fupresentation were mem- ture. It was decided by the bers of the club. The cere- Panthers executive on the mony was also graced with suggestion of Simon to dothe presence of East Bank nate some of the balls to felFootball Association (EBFA) low East Bank clubs.

President Kevin Anthony, This will be done at a later who, in remarks, thanked date. The event was chaired Simon for his contribution to by Panthers Vice President the Panthers and, by exten- Clayton AD Lambert and the sion, East Bank Football. vote of thanks was moved by Also speaking to the Panthers Secretary Iyodele gathering was Panthers Hamilton.

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NYSCL Independence Cup 2021

Regal Legends muscle their way to maiden title

s Captain Regal Legend al (right) dy ar H Mahendra Legends receives the NYSCL om trophy fr Ferrier ic Er t en id Pres

– Latif, Ramdeen rule their zone

R

egal Legends played unbeaten to lift their first New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup title when the annual tournament ended on Sunday, July 4 in Queens, New York. Also outstanding individual performances from Surujdeo Ramdeen and Richard Latif helped their teams to come out on top when play ended in fading light on the historic day in America.

In the final played at the Roy Wilkins Park, Regal Legends were sent in by Williamsburg and raced to 237-4 from their 20 overs. Opener Unis Yusuf blasted the top score of 94 before he was bowled in the 18th over, falling six short of a well-deserved century. The pugnacious knock from Yusuf was laced with seven sixes and five fours as the man who hails from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) finished the tournament with 215 runs from four innings. Also cashing in on the runs fest were other in-form batsmen, with Eric Thomas scoring 72 not out and Rudolph Baker, a cameo of 29. Thomas chalked up 140 runs from three innings while Baker, who got 85 not out against Rockaway Legends, finished the three-day tournament with 172 runs from his three innings.

In reply, a tired-looking Williamsburg Legends laboured to 95-8 from their 20 overs, handing Regal Legends a huge 142-run victory. Opener

S Sackichand threatened mo- adjudged the Most Valuable mentarily with 27, but the Player of the Tournament. climbing required run rate, In the open category, heat, tight bowling and excellent fielding were too much to handle and the final panned out to be a one-sided affair.

Bowling for the new champions, were left-arm spinner Laurie Singh (2-14) and Captain Mahendra Hardyal (2-20) while David Harper (13); Thomas (1-11); Yusuf (111) and Parsram Persaud (123) supported. Thomas and Harper finished the tournament with six wickets each, Hardyal and Throy Kippins four each, and Singh and Persaud three each.

Williamsburg were the Richard Latif (right) collects third opponent of Regal the Man of the Final trophy Legends that failed to get past the 100-run mark.

Rockaway Legends folded Richard “Mr Cricket” Latif for 30 chasing 254, Marine played a lone hand in the final Masters limped to 80, batting at the same venue to snatch first; only semi-finalist NYSCL victory from the jaws of deLegends with 105 (chasing 201 feat to give NYSCL All Stars to win) reached triple figures a close victory with two balls against the clinical Regal bowl- to spare over Kingsmen All Stars. Chasing 195 for victory, ing attack.

The Legends now join the the game seemed over when Regal Open (2017) and Regal NYSCL All Stars had their top Masters (2017) teams to win and middle orders back in the hut, but the experienced Latif the Independence Cup. At the presentation cere- kept his cool and backed himmony, Thomas was reward- self to finish the job. With 39 ed for the best bowling figures runs needed from three overs, in a match 4-4 against Marine Latif hit a six in the 18th over, Masters while Yusuf was followed up by another six and named Player of the Final for then a four in the next over his innings of 94 runs and one to bring the equation down wicket. Yusuf was also reward- to eight runs to win from the ed for scoring the most runs last over. The Campbellville, in the tournament and was Georgetown resident then

picked the gaps in the final over for singles and doubles to bring the equation down to one run required for victory from two balls….then a wide was delivered to end the drama. Latif finished on 78 not out. The elegant right hander was then the big winner at the awards ceremony, collecting prizes for the Player of the Final (78* and 2-13); Most Runs in the Tournament (180); Most Wickets in the Tournament (8) and the Most Valuable Player. Greg Singh of West Bank Demerara, also playing for NYSCL All Stars, won the prize for the Best Bowling Figures in a match – 4-11 against Florida All Stars while former Guyana and

West Indies youth player Zamal Khan, representing Kingsmen, won the prize for the highest individual score – 92 versus Fire Links.

In the masters (over45) category, New York League side Cricket Doctors came out winners after stopping Corriverton Knight Riders in the final.

Another Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) player was instrumental in his side’s success. Surujdeo Ramdeen who plays for Regal Masters in Guyana, bowled the Cricket Doctors to the championship with inspirational figures of 3-10 in the final.

The right-arm leg-spinner picked up key wickets to reduce the opposition to de-

Wimbledon: Djokovic cruises past Garin and into last 8

“It's very remarkable”– Hutson N …on Jasmine and Aliyah Abrams’ Olympic qualification

L

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

ater this month, Guyana is expected to see a bit of history in the making, as siblings Jasmine and Aliyah Abrams set out as part of Guyana’s Olympic Games contingent.

Specialising in the 100m and 400m sprints respectively, Jasmine and Aliyah are said to be the first set of siblings that will represent Guyana at the same time in the Olympic Games.

When asked about the achievement, Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Aubrey Hutson said it was remarkable.

“I think it's very remarkable,” Hutson told Guyana Times Sport in an invited

comment.

Aliyah, who represented Guyana at the 2016 Games in Rio, had qualified for the Tokyo 2020 event since 2019, while Jasmine had competed at a series of major events across the Region, in hopes of making enough ranking points to qualify.

This speaks directly to the siblings’ work ethic and focus for the sport – traits that Hutson admires.

“I've been communicating and, you know, dealing with these two athletes and I think, Guyana couldn’t deserve better ambassadors for our sport. They're very simple, loving and charming people to deal with and I admire that humility that they approached the sport with,” Hutson praised.

The AAG President went on to add, “I think the future is very, very bright for them once they can improve on their performances, but when it comes to attitude I think they've got it all right.

They've got it down perfect.”

As such, the AAG President has no qualms or questions about their abilities and is hoping for exemplary results at the international Games later this

Jasmine Abrams

Aliyah Abrams

month.

“And, you know, we can only hope and pray for good things for them, and I know they're committed to doing the work, both Jasmine and Aaliyah, are, you know, hard workers. Really and truly fight for every ounce of position that they attain,” the AAG boss told this publication.

It was revealed last week that Jasmine had acquired 1177 points and ranked 86th in the women’s 100m event, in order to join her sister at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Children of Guyana-born Claudia and Denzel Abrams, the siblings have chosen to represent Guyana on the internation-

al stage.

Only recently, Jasmine ran away with a bronze medal at the South American Senior Championships in the 100m event. On the other hand, both women copped first place in their pet events at Guyana’s National Senior Track and Field Championships.

The siblings will be joined by boxer Keevin Allicock, table tennis prodigy Chelsea Edghill, fellow sprinter Emanuel Archibald and swimmers Andrew Fowler and Aleka Persaud, who will comprise Guyana’s contingent to the Olympics.

The Games are set for July 23 to August 8 in Tokyo, Japan.

feat, eight runs short of victory. His accurate bowling earned him the Player of the Final and Most Wickets of the Tournament (6) prizes.

The occasion was the 25th staging of the Independence Cup, which coincides with the US’s Independence anniversary. This year’s tournament saw 18 teams participating across three venues in Brooklyn and Queens. There were eight Open teams, four Masters teams and six Legends teams.

At the closing ceremony, NYSCL President Eric Ferrier thanked the teams for their participation, congratulated the winners and was in high praise for the committed sponsors. Ferrier also pledged another mega tournament in 2022.

ovak Djokovic cruised into the quarter-finals of Wimbledon with a routine straight-sets win over Cristian Garin.

Djokovic is bidding to tie Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with a record 20th grand slam championship by defending his 2019 title.

Since losing the opening set of the tournament to Jack Draper, Djokovic has been in imperious form, and he eased past Garin on Centre Court on Monday.

This was not vintage Djokovic, but his consistency on serve, strength on the return, and remarkable movement skills helped him secure a 6-2 6-4 6-2 triumph to set up a last-eight meeting with Andrey Rublev or Marton Fucsovics.

Djokovic raced into a commanding position in the first set, winning the opening eight points of the match.

Indeed, Garin, aiming to reach the quarter-finals of a grand slam for the first time, appeared overmatched, winning only 10 points on serve as Djokovic took the first set with ease.

But the Chilean warmed to the occasion and displayed his resilience by saving three break points to hold for a 4-3 lead in a game that lasted over 10 minutes.

Garin's resistance was broken in his next service game through some deft Djokovic touches at the net and, after serving out the second, he broke in style in the first game of the third and raced through to a 50th grand slam quarter-final.

Data Slam: First serve fires Djokovic to half-century

Djokovic faced two break points in a one-sided contest, with Garin rarely able to threaten his first serve.

Indeed, Garin won 13 points on return and only three of those came against the Serbian's first serve in a performance he will surely want to forget.

By contrast, Djokovic won 48 per cent of points on Garin's serve and, save for the second set, rarely had to expend much energy in bringing up his half-century.

Winners/Unforced errors

Djokovic – 28/23 Garin – 14/26

Aces/Double faults

Djokovic – 9/1 Garin – 2/5

Break points won

Djokovic – 5/12 Garin – 0/2 (Sportsmax)

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

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

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“It’s very remarkable” – Hutson Pg 23

Hemraj, Marshall lead Cavaliers to semi-finals … Rutherford, Nedd play part as well

…on Jasmine and Aliyah Abrams’ Olympic qualification

NYSCL Independence Cup 2021

Regal Legends muscle their way to maiden title

Champions! Regal Legends after winning the Independence Legends Cup

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

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