Guyana Times - Tuesday, June 28, 2022

$60,000 national minimum wage to take effect from July 1 P10

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

Issue No. 5053

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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Suriname Energy Summit

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Regional energy strategy to be presented shortly – Ali …will connect oil & gas producers in Region

Former pastor appeals 40year sentence for raping P2 schoolgirl

See story on page 3

Submitting misleading information carries $10M fine – Local Content Secretariat to RAMPS Logistics Page 7

…as company retreats from discrimination claims, says cooperating with state’s “reasonable request” for documents

2008 murder of GDF rank

Ex-soldier recalls patrol coming under fire from gunmen in Buxton P8

Storm wrecks several houses at P11 Sophia

Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel AA Hinds, OE, meets with US President Joe Biden. The meeting was arranged after COVID-19 had led to the suspension of in-person accreditation of Ambassadors. President Biden has now commenced meeting more than 100 Ambassadors accredited during that period (US Department of State photo)

Driver dies after hitting dead cow

Page 10

Teixeira warns 3-year-old accounting officers attempting about refusal to to cross road appear before PAC ‘alone’ struck down Page 9

…says Committee has powers to suspend, have them arrested

See story on page 2

23-year-old dies after mining pit P16 collapses CANU busts Eccles man with cocaine, ammunition P16

2 NEWS 3-year-old attempting to cross road ‘alone’ struck down TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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three-year-old boy is now dead after he was struck down by a motor car after he attempted to cross the Canefield Public Road, East Canje, Berbice.

Dead is Daniel Major of Second Street, Islington Village, East Bank Berbice (EBB). Reports are that the accident occurred about 19:45h.

According to Police, the car, HA 9700, was driven by a 21-year-old of Goed Bananen Land, East Canje.

Reports are that the car was proceeding north along the Canefield Public Road, when Major, who

was alone, attempted to cross and ended up in the path of the car.

The driver told Police that in an attempt to avoid hitting the child he applied the brakes and swerved left but despite his efforts, the right front of the car hit Major.

As a result of the impact, the child received injuries about his body.

He was picked up by the driver in an unconscious state and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was admitted to the accident and emergency unit.

He, however, succumbed to his injuries on

Dead: Daniel Major

Monday about 10:45h. A breathalyser test conducted on the driver showed no trace of alcohol.

Justice

Meanwhile, the child’s mother, Ester Safford told Guyana Times that based on her knowledge, her son was with his stepfather.

She said they had gone to a supermarket to purchase a candle to celebrate the youngest of her six children’s first birthday.

“They go out to buy a candle for my small son, the little baby, yesterday (Sunday) was his birthday,” she cried.

Safford explained that

Major would have turned four and started school in September.

“I just want justice for my son…he wudda been going to school for September, now my son can’t go to school anymore,” the distraught mother said.

Safford, who works as a security guard, said she was not sure about what transpired, since her son’s stepfather remained at the Police Station and has not been able to communicate with the family.

The body of Major is at the Hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Former pastor appeals 40-year sentence for raping schoolgirl

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n appeal lodged by former Pastor Andrew Hannibal, who was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2018 for raping a schoolgirl, was recently called at the Court of Appeals for reports/directions. Hannibal was found guilty as charged by a jury for raping a 15-year-old girl between January 29, 2016 and January 31, 2016, in Berbice.

High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon sentenced the rapist to 40 years in prison,

ordering that he serves 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.

“Your Honour and members of the jury, I never knew this day would come. When I would have found myself in such a situation and have to experience such a decision.

As a community leader and a pastor for over 29 years, never did I thought this day would come. I am very sorry; it is very painful. I know the community has lost its confidence in the church because of the expectations of me. All I ask for is leniency,

Child rapist Andrew Hannibal

so I can serve the time and resume back to society as a brand-new man,” Hannibal had said in response to the verdict.

Shortly after his conviction, the convict, however, mounted an appeal against his conviction and sentence, contending that, among other things, there were discrepancies in the prosecution’s case, that the trial Judge failed to adequately direct the jury, and that his sentence was manifestly excessive.

During the trial, it was

revealed that the victim’s sibling awoke one day and discovered that she was not in bed. When she was found, the teen would later confess that she was with Hannibal.

Certain information disclosed by her led to a report being lodged at the Blairmont Police Station and a medical examination being done on her which proved that she had genital injuries. It was reported that Hannibal is the founder of a church at Rosignol, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

(G2)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, June 28 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Wednesday, June 29 – 03:30 – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, June 28 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Wednesday, June 29 – 17:10h – 18:40h.

Suriname Energy Summit

Regional energy strategy to be presented shortly – Ali …will connect oil & gas producers in Region

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 16:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.38 metres.

Low Tide: 09:44h and 21:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.71 metre and 0.84 metre.

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali, presently leading a delegation to the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition, has said that a regional energy strategy that will connect the oil and natural gas producers in the region will be presented in a few weeks.

The Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition 2022 is currently ongoing in Paramaribo, Suriname from June 27 to 30. President Ali, in his address to participants, spoke of the efforts of the oil and

and an integrated regional project can provide. He explained that this was one of the topics of discussion, when Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Keith Rowley paid a visit to Guyana last month for the Agri-Expo and Summit.

“And we’ve started some discussions with Suriname on our combined ability to work with Brazil on creating an energy corridor and unlocking the potential for a series of manufacturing and industrial development.”

“Recently, Prime

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Minister Rowley was in Guyana. And we initiated some discussions too, in the interest of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, working along with us in unlocking some of these potentials,” President Ali said.

Strategic

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

President Ali interacting with exhibitors and other officials at the summit

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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gas countries in the region, including Guyana, to come up with a joint plan of action.

These countries include Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and even Barbados, which has natural gas potential… most of whom are Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries. According to the President, a full strategy on energy will be presented in Suriname in a few weeks.

“In the midst of global crises, Caricom members like Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Barbados with the possibility of natural gas, we have to come together to advance a solution not only for the region but one that incorporates Northern Brazil especially,” President Ali said.

“And that is Guyana and Suriname must work aggressively. We must remove bureaucratic delays and advance this project with dynamism and aggressively.

And also, we have to work on unlocking our natural gas potential… right here in Suriname, we’re hoping that a full strategy can be presented on energy and that strategy will be made available.”

According to President Ali, they are paying keen attention to the opportunities that the regional strategy

Meanwhile, Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, in his remarks, said strong strategic alliances combined with the generation of cheap energy will ignite new industries, create regional opportunities and guarantee prosperous lives for those in the region while adding sustainable revenue opportunities.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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

Lifestyle changes

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

he issue of recycling is becoming a major concern for both the general public and the economy. Scientific research has suggested that due to lifestyle patterns of citizens, the earth’s natural resources are being depleted too quickly to sustain a healthy balance. The earth’s natural resources are being consumed at a rate that reinforces the idea that we are living for today and future generations will be paying for the consequences that result from our lifestyle choices.

For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the build-up of garbage in and around the city continues to be repeated.

Governments and businesses all over the world are realising how serious the problem is, and are taking steps towards putting policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the environment is protected from various forms of pollution. Recycling, along with reducing consumption, has proven to be an effective way to counter the damage we have been doing to the earth for centuries.

A major part of recycling relates to how best we can recycle much of what we use, instead of turning it into unusable waste. For the sake of emphasis, recycling is important as a means of reducing poisonous emissions into the atmosphere, and also to postpone depletion of our natural resources.

Guyana has indeed taken some time to get “on board”, while many companies and individuals in other parts of the world are improving their recycling habits by coming up with more ways to reduce and reuse what they use. In essence, while there has been much talk about the need to recycle certain products to save our environment from further damage, in a practical sense, the concept has not as yet taken much root here. Only a handful of companies have shown that they are really serious about moving in this direction.

For example, in a bid to support the efforts to sustain and maintain a clean and healthy environment through the provision of proper disposal mechanisms and technology, one local company had launched a line of biodegradable products called Eco Pak. The Eco Pak products consist of bio-degradable table ware, including bowls, boxes, and cups which are all environmentally friendly products because of the materials and the process utilised to manufacture them.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had, in the past, made an offer of tax-free concessions to individuals and businesses willing to invest and set up recycling plants for plastics and Styrofoam. This was viewed as a good start, and from all indications, a few companies had expressed an interest in taking up the offer. However, we are not certain how far these companies have actually gone ahead with actual implementation of the project ideas.

That being said, if we are serious about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, consumers must demand that businesses engage in practices that are more ecofriendly. For example, consumers must be encouraged to purchase from companies that manufacture more ecofriendly products.

As part of efforts to spread the message of recycling, a comprehensive education and public awareness campaign would need to be carried out, using every available means.

Following this, the authorities should explore setting up recycling centres across the country, since it makes no sense preaching about recycling if the necessary infrastructural support system is not present.

In addition to its positive impacts on the environment, recycling brings in a lot of money for many countries.

Companies make huge sums from basically utilising the materials that could otherwise have been thrown away.

As this publication has previously said we believe there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations, and local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and municipalities in every region start the conversation with citizens about recycling. This should be done with direct involvement of the decision-makers. Certainly, everyone prefers products that are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner, and wants a better, cleaner, and healthier environment.

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s service is indisputable testimony to his vision, commitment to Guyana

By Gerry Gouveia

L

et me begin by saying that I am proud to call Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo a friend.

I watched him grow from a young man into the giant of the man he is today.

I came to know him as a young President of Guyana and I as a young Private Sector leader.

It was 1996, I had just returned from planting the Guyana flag on Mount Roraima to mark our 30th Independence Anniversary and I was being interviewed on the TV about the expedition I led.

Jagdeo called into the TV programme to publicly congratulate me and to say thank you.

He was the Minister of Finance and he told us during the call that he had himself just returned from Paris where he was negotiating the terms of debt relief for Guyana.

Over the years, together, we toiled every day, he from the Government side and I from the private sector side, we worked every day and every night, over the past 25 years, working to make Guyana a better place.

I worked alongside him as a private sector leader and as a military trained jungle pilot, I flew him in my own planes, day and night, high in the mountainous regions of Guyana as well as into the wide-open savannah of the Rupununi.

He sat behind me in the aircraft, never showing any signs of concern for his own safety or fear as he watched me, as I battled the thunderstorms and navigated through the night skies, over the mountains, descending and landing into every region and every village across Guyana and I watched as Guyanese from all walks of life, greeted him and welcomed him in their villages and embraced him with love and with hope. I started my own company, Roraima Airways, in 1992 with my wife Debbie, 30 years ago. The Guyanese economy was in a struggle and our own company was struggling for survival.

I knew Guyana needed a change in leadership, we needed a fearless leader, a leader who had entrepreneurial skills but most importantly we needed an unreasonable leader.

Leaders that are 'un-

reasonable' motivate; they do not settle for mediocrity. Their desire and passion to excel have no limit.

‘Unreasonable' leaders are not shackled by the expectations of others, but exude confidence about their own abilities and the people they lead. 23 years ago, Jagdeo came along and he was the leader we were looking for at that time. He was versed in the art of being ‘unreasonable'.

I suspected that while he might have read the book by Gary Chartrand “Unreasonable Leadership” Jagdeo was a natural in the art of leadership and more importantly, the concept of ‘unreasonable leadership’.

Twenty-three (23) years ago he stepped forward and dared to dream for Guyana and its people, a dream that

introduce ourselves to the world as disciplined, industrious, productive and worthy global citizens.

As a new and young President, he was battling on several fronts: 1. He was battling with a collapsed economy, the country had no money 2. He was battling with a political opposition that was strong and led by Desmond Hoyte 3. He was battling with a hostile private sector that was now re-emerging from the challenges of total political domination of the 70s and 80s.

4. He was also battling with the old guard in his own party who was not pleased with his new approach to economic development and his new embrace of the western democracies.

Gerry Gouveia congratulating Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in August 1999 when he became President of Guyana

was far beyond the average Guyanese man's expectations and far beyond the vision of many of Guyana’s leaders before him.

He would set goals at all levels of economic and social development that appears too ambitious but nevertheless, these goals were attained through his own self-belief, and firm insistence and his own hard work.

He demonstrated a serious impatience with stupidity and mediocrity.

This was a young leader who inherited a bankrupt country that had lost all international financial credibility, with an international reputation that was in ruins. Guyana was ladened with financial debt, which we were repaying at the rate 95 cents on every dollar earn, we had no foreign currency.

Guyana was drowning in debt.

Bharrat Jagdeo was a leader who truly believed in Guyana's potential.

He was not satisfied with the old Guyana ..he seems not to want the old Guyana to be our legacy to the world?

Bharrat Jagdeo did not stop there, that was only the beginning.

He insisted that we re-

Every day of his presidency he woke up to a new challenge.

However, he never seems daunted, in fact, I would venture to say, every day he seems more and more determined to face off and face down the naysayers.

He also faced some of the greatest and most dangerous and violent challenges to the security of the state and to his own safety during the dark days of the jail break in 2002 and the criminals that roamed the East Coast Corridors calling themselves “revolutionary fighters”.

They wreaked havoc across the land, they terrorised the nation and challenged the security of the State, but Jagdeo as President, stood strong and stood firm and eventually Guyana won.

As President, he led the way and indeed, he was the driving force behind the development of a modern Guyana.

Dr Jagdeo has received several prestigious international awards for his work and leadership especially in the areas of the environment and sustainable development.

He was declared Champion of the Earth by Time Magazine which is a

tremendous recognition and honour.

He is certainly among the most influential politicians in the post indolence era of the Caricom region.

Today Jagdeo continues to provide his vision and ideas on the modernisation of Guyana as he provides support and advice to the team led by President Ali. President Ali, even as he is creating a new dispensation of leadership never before seen in Guyana, taking Guyana to new and greater heights, he is fortunate to have a mentor and advisor and Vice President such as Jagdeo who brings five years of experience as Minister of Finance, 12 years’ experience as President of the republic and 5 years’ experience as Opposition Leader.

I am a strong believer in freedoms in all its forms including and more importantly press freedom.

But with freedom comes responsibility and the press, while enjoying its freedom, has a responsibility to be fair and balanced and not to eschew recklessness.

I would say that VICE News violated some of the basic tenets of the news profession.

Fortunately enough, Jagdeo, in his most relaxed and unguarded moment as he sat in his own home talking to a man he thought was his friend, not knowing VICE News was secretly videotaping him, but never for one second, did he say or do anything that could have tarnished his unblemished reputation or his integrity.

I found him to be a man of great integrity, pride, honour and self-esteem when I first met him and I still feel the same way today in 2022.

Both of us could have chosen to live anywhere else in this world as we got older, but we both chose to remain in Guyana and continued working day and night to contribute to protecting our democracy and making Guyana a prosperous country, where our young people could find work, buy a house, buy a car, travel and live happy lives right here in Guyana.

No human being is perfect and I am sure he would tell you that there are some things he thinks he should have or could have done differently.

However, he has proven to be a visionary and transformative leader.

His accomplishments in terms of improving the quality of life of Guyanese over the years serve as indisputable testimony to his vision, ability to get things done, capacity and commitment to Guyana.

I am proud to call him a friend.

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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

Erroneous reports on oil sector have to stop

Dear Editor, Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey

Statia issued a statement on June 25th, 2022 in which he clarified that the 2% royalty paid by ExxonMobil

and its partners is not recoverable as cost oil.

Mr Statia’s response followed, as one local media

house rightfully put it, “a series of erroneous reports in the Kaieteur News on the royalty payment.”

Exxon needs to pivot quickly

Dear Editor, The recent documentary on Exxon that also discussed Guyana was concerning. Their energy portfolio is not transitioning as quickly as it needs to, while their research and growth initiatives are out of sync with what is needed to improve the health of the planet and its people. Continuing to focus on biofuel that leverages our forests which help reduce the damage that fossil fuels have caused to the climate is going to accelerate the problem being faced by the planet and its occupants, including the animals. At the same time, they

are pushing the use of chemicals and petroleum-based products in our daily lives via several high consumption industries without providing a solution for the current and future waste problems that have resulted in plastics polluting our land and seas. The surge in petroleum product related cancers and the unhealthy impact on our food, needs to be a higher priority in Exxon’s portfolio strategy.

As mentioned previously, Exxon has shown that it has the capability to work effectively on our sea floor, yet wave energy is not a top priority in its portfolio develop-

ment. Where are the plans to harness the increasing energy in the climate as seen in the super hurricanes and increasing level of wave energy? If Exxon is truly a technology company, then they should be amongst the leaders in developing solar, wind and wave energy harnessing technology. Their internal portfolio development and acquisition pipeline strategy needs to be in tune with the future needs of our planet and its inhabitants. The new Board members that are environmentally friendly have to help drive the cultural change required at Exxon.

Making money is important,

but it must be done sustainably and with good corporate stewardship that keeps the long-term health of its consumers in mind. Exxon must show that its leadership can make the company a game changer while addressing the urgent need to course correct towards an environmentally friendly way in which the planet fuels its energy needs. Only by pivoting quickly towards wave, wind and solar will Exxon be able to gain a responsible leadership position in the energy industry.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

He was very clear in pointing out, “that the 2% Royalty payment currently adds to the Government’s take. Hence the Guyana Government presently receives a total of 14.5% in Royalty and Profit Oil (2% plus 12.5%), and not a total of 14.25% as being reported in some quarters.”

“The parties that constitute the contracting consortium, like other companies in Guyana are subject to the Income Tax Act and are required to file returns, pay taxes and maintain books and records. Royalty is a tax-deductible expense pursuant to Section 16 of the Income Tax Act, Cap. 81:01, when filing corporation tax returns in Guyana,” he further posited.

Having had the facts outlined and the erroneous article repudiated, you

would think that the guilty parties would’ve retreated or at least apologize.

Instead, they just moved on to another set of outlandish and inaccurate claims.

On a daily basis the nation is treated from one sensationalist, often inaccurate, statement to the next, particularly emanating out of the Kaieteur News, which provides a ready platform for those commonly referred to as The Usual Suspects (TUS) and The Lunatic Fringe (TLF).

This has to stop.

Personal interests should be put aside as the damage being done by these sensationalist and erroneous publications to the country’s image may be far-reaching.

Sincerely Yours, Andron Pires

Regional energy strategy to...

FROM PAGE 3

After the opening ceremony, President Ali took a tour of the exhibits, where he interacted with representatives from a number of companies, including those from Suriname and a few from Guyana.

There has been talk of an energy corridor for some time, with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) conducting both baseline and pre-feasibility studies. Guyana is in fact a party to a Memorandum of Understanding on the Northern Arc (Arco Norte) Interconnection Project which seeks to evaluate the feasibility of a possible collaboration on the energy transmission system for the electric interconnection of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the northern cities of Brazil.

The Bank had stated that the main benefits of such a project would be lower-cost generation for all countries involved; potentially lowered electricity prices for consumers in Guyana and Suriname; more secure supply; reduced carbon dioxide emissions and export earnings, especially for

Guyana.

Guyana meanwhile plans to pipe gas from the Stabroek Block offshore, where oil production and exploration activities are ongoing. Similarly, Suriname is also a new oil frontier. With the growing hydrocarbon discoveries offshore these two neighbouring countries, expectation is that the gas in the Guyana-Suriname basin would be used to power this Arco Norte corridor.

The scope of the US$900 million gas-to-shore project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

It features approximate-

ly 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from the Liza Destiny and Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the

shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline will continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd.

The pipeline route onshore will follow the same path as the fibreoptic cables and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which will house the gas-to-shore project. (G3)

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 11:53 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:45 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 00 :00

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Submitting misleading information carries $10M fine – Local Content Secretariat to RAMPS Logistics …as company retreats from discrimination claims, says cooperating with state’s “reasonable request” for documents

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rinidadian company RAMPS Logistics, which had alleged that they were being wrongly denied a Local Content Certificate and complained of “dark forces” in Guyana, has since climbed down from their stance after a letter was sent to them by the Local Content Secretariat detailing all the documents the company has still not

information pertaining to this, was also not submitted.

“RAMPS Logistics only submitted a draft of an unsigned financial statement which still did not set out the total number of shares issued and who were allocated those shares. RAMPS Logistics submitted a (certified) Notice of Change of Directors… the initial submission contained infor-

and senior management positions, and at least 90 per cent of non-managerial and other positions, as detailed in Section Two of the Act. According to Pertab, the information submitted by the company fails to meet the 75 per cent threshold.

All of the above, according to Pertab, led to RAMPS’ application for the certificate being refused. In the

RAMPS Logistics CEO Shaun Rampersad

submitted to qualify for the certificate.

The letter under the hand of Local Content Secretariat Director Martin Pertab, which was seen by this publication, reveals that RAMPS Logistics is still to submit an amended Articles of Incorporation or corresponding resolution proving that a Guyanese holds 51 per cent beneficial ownership of the company.

It is also yet to submit signed, filed and certified company resolutions or evidence of shares transfer to Deepak Lall, the Guyanese national that RAMPS claimed they sold the 51 per cent shares to. Their most recent annual return, which would have shown relevant

mation showing that only 40 per cent of the Board of Directors were Guyanese.”

“Deepak Lall was not on that list of Directors at that time. RAMPS Logistics resubmitted another Notice of Change of Directors which included Deepak Lall to increase the initial 40 per cent of Guyanese nationals to 60 per cent with 3 Guyanese nationals and 2 non-Guyanese nationals sitting in the executive management of RAMPS Logistics.”

According to the Local Content Act, for a company to be considered a Guyanese company, Guyanese must own 51 per cent voting rights and shares in the company.

Further, Guyanese must hold 75 per cent executive

letter, RAMPS was also warned about submitting misleading information.

Summary conviction for such an offence under the Local Content Act carries a $10 million fine.

“An examination of the declaration of beneficial ownership dated March 30, 2022, and filed in the Commercial Registry, did not show the individual who has beneficial ownership in RAMPS Trinidad. Further, the information on the declaration was inconsistent for the place and date of birth of RAMPS Trinidad with information contained in the Articles of Incorporation of that company.”

“Your client is also reminded of the offences set

out at Sections 6 (7) and 23 (2) and (3) (a) of the Act… (including) the offence of submitting any false or misleading information for the issuance of a certificate of qualification to be registered on a local content register,” Pertab also wrote.

Not long after the letter surfaced, RAMPS released a brief statement in which they acknowledged that the requests for information by the Local Content Secretariat was a reasonable one they were making

efforts to comply with.

“A couple hours ago, we received a response from the Local Content Secretariat’s Director, Mr Martin Partab, detailing why RAMPS Logistics Guyana was denied entry into its Local Content Registry. The letter included reasonable documentation requests that our lawyers are already working on submitting.”

“We are grateful for the prompt response by the Secretariat since we held our press conference on June 23rd, 2022. We look forward to working together to promptly resolve this situation. RAMPS Logistics Guyana is committed to meeting all reasonable and lawful demands of the Secretariat,” the company further said, also expressing appreciation for everyone who echoed their sentiments and began a “critical discourse” on local content.

During a press conference on Wednesday, RAMPS Logistics Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaun Rampersad had claimed that it followed

Local Content Secretariat Director Martin Pertab

all the requisite guidelines but Government denied its Local Content Certificate, via an “automated” email, without any explanation.

After revelations that the company was fined $20 million by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for violating local customs laws and failing to report a vessel it represents, departed Guyana, Rampersad then claimed that this matter was settled and that “dark forces” were conspiring against the company. (G3)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2008 murder of GDF rank

Ex-soldier recalls patrol coming under fire from gunmen in Buxton F

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) private Marlon Simpson told a jury on Monday that he and his colleagues travelled from the Force’s Coast Guard headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown, to Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on January 8, 2008, in response to a loud blast—a signal of “100 per cent alertness”. He was at the time giving testimony in the trial of a mass killer, Mark Royden Williams. Williams, called “Smallie”, who is on death row for killing 12 persons, including three Police ranks during the 2008 Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) massacre, is currently on trial before Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon for the January 23, 2008 murder of GDF Corporal Ivor Williams who was shot and killed by gunmen at Buxton, ECD. Williams has pleaded not guilty to a charge for the capital offence, and is being represented by lawyer Nigel Hughes.

State Counsel Latifah Elliott and State

On death row: Mark Williams, called “Smallie”

Counsel Muntaz Ali are the prosecutors.

Media reports from 2008 stated that at around 08:30h, several gunmen ambushed a GDF vehicle. The gunmen and the soldiers were engaged in a shootout during which Ivor Williams was fatally shot.

Simpson testified that on that fatal day, he and eight other ranks responded to

the loud blast by travelling to Buxton and upon arrival, they heard rapid gunshots.

Shortly after, the witness said that “Corporal Williams shout that he get knock” and was later seen hanging out of the vehicle without his weapon—an AK 47 rifle.

As a result, Simpson said that he and the other ranks drove to Brush Dam where they formed an “all-round defence” as the gunmen continued firing at them.

“I saw someone run. And we returned fire,” he recalled, adding that Corporal Williams, who was bleeding from the chest, was eventually taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he later died.

After his evidence-in-chief, Simpson was cross-examined by the accused’s lawyer.

In 2017, Mark Williams and Dennis “Anaconda” Williams were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the 2008 Bartica massacre which left 12 persons, including three policemen, dead. Following a trial, they were found

New war…

W

Dead: Ivor Williams

guilty of the killings by a jury. The two Williams convicts have since filed an appeal against their conviction and sentence. That case is yet to be called at the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

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

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

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

Moreover, in February 2019, Mark Williams and Sherwin Nero, called, “Catty” or “Pussy”, were both found not guilty of the murder of businessman Kumar Singh, which occurred on August 30, 2007. Reports indicate that 51-year-old Singh, also known as “Mango Man”, of Lot 51 Craig Milne, Cove and John, ECD, was shot and killed by bandits. And, in May 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) restored the acquittals of Mark Williams and James Hyles, called “Sally”, for the slaying of 11 persons, including children in the January 2008 Lusignan, ECD massacre.

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

…Hot and Cold

ell, if former World Bank chief economist Stiglitz can talk about it, your Eyewitness guesses the sky won’t fall if he talks about the new Cold War that’s upon us – even as a very hot one’s playing out in Europe. This new Cold War, we’re told, is between the US plus its “Western allies” and the rampant China out in the East. And while the “West is west, and the east is east”, it does look like the twain are meeting in several theatres – hot and cold!!

Now this is the weirdest Cold War ever!! The first one was between the US/West and the USSR where the latter presented an in-your-face challenge to the former on all fronts – militarily, ideologically, politically, economically and every other “ally” you could think about, after WWII!! We natives in the colonies during that Cold War were used as proxies to fight most of their battles. Our riots of the sixties that spit us apart to this day is a grim reminder that when the elephants fight the grass gets crushed!!

Now this Cold War’s weird because up to the seventies, China was wallowing in poverty like the rest of us that they called the “Third World”. The USSR and her satellites in Eastern Europe were the “Second World”. But it was President Nixon of the US who flew to China in 1972 and brought them out of the cold and into the UN system of nations. But more than that, they allowed their industrial companies to set up shop in China to “exploit” its cheap labour. And before you could say “chow mein”, China had become the “factory” of America and the West!!

And since China was shipping oodles more goods to them than they to China just as quickly China had trillions in credit (represented by their currencies as “foreign reserves”) sloshing around in their pockets! So, rather than taking on the West in a military hot war – like they did in 1950 in the Korean War – China launched a Cold War on the economic front with something called the “Belt and Road Initiative”!!

And the irony is the US and EU allowed their factories to rust away so Walmart and Amazon are still stocking their shelves and warehouses from China!!

So, even as they try to pummel their old adversary Russia in Europe in a hot war, the West just fired a salvo at China in the Cold War. US President Joe Biden and other G7 leaders relaunched the newly-renamed “Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment”. They said they’ll fund infrastructure projects to the tune of US$600 million in the Third World.

They were kind, however, and said, “lesser developed countries”!! …against corruption In the Bible, the head Honcho, his heir, and his prophets assure us: “the poor will always be with us”. And they’re just as grim about corruption. Right there in the first book, the Big Guy “… observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt”. And to make sure we understood corruption was a hydra-headed monster, in Timothy, there is a pretty graphic description: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unfeeling, uncooperative, slanderous, degenerate, brutal, hateful of what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, and lovers of pleasure.”

But we can never give in, can we?? Just as they’re fighting poverty, our Finance Minister took on corruption: “We in this Government believe very strongly and we are fully committed to the importance of the fight against corruption in all of its forms and we believe equally …the most effective instruments in the fight against corruption (are) openness, transparency, and accountability…”

La luta continua!! …against the US$ So, China wants to replace the US$ as a reserve currency?? Well, they gotta run massive, sustained trade deficits (like the US does) to get its currency held widely abroad. That means exporting jobs.

Nah…didn’t think so!!

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

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teixeira warns accounting officers about refusal to appear before PAC

…says Committee has powers to suspend, have them arrested

G

overnance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has warned accounting officers who refuse to come before the committee that the PAC has powers to have them arrested if they continue refusing to comply.

Teixeira issued that warning during the opening of an anti-corruption workshop sponsored by her Ministry on Saturday. She reminded that when these officers are called to appear before the PAC, it is because they must answer to discrepancies with public funds, as highlighted by the Auditor General.

“We have been having problems now, for example, where former REOs or former Chief Accounting Officers are refusing to come before the PAC. We have powers in the PAC, for example, they can actually charge someone and also keep them suspended and arrested for one week.”

“For example, if they refuse to come before the commission as accounting officers. We have not invoked

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

that. But it is becoming sorely more tempting to do that when former accounting officers and former REOs are refusing to come before the PAC,” Teixeira also said.

She noted that the PAC and the office of Auditor General are very much intertwined and expected to collaborate, without infringing upon each other. For instance, while the PAC has supervisory functions over the Audit Office, it is still expected to not interfere in the Auditor General’s work.

“Both are oversight bodies. One is constitutional, one is not but is provided for in the Constitution, that is the Public Accounts Committee.

The Public Accounts Committee approves, for example, the Auditor General’s staff organisational structure. And the Auditor General can hire who he wants up to a certain level.”

“Up to a senior level. And the PAC approves the methodology for hiring the persons. Now, that was

something we need to look at, in terms of does that in any way violate the independence of the Auditor General. And these are the areas that are sometimes pinpointed in the convention reviews of Guyana.”

During the workshop, attendees were guided by a 26page document containing facts on Guyana’s anti-corruption framework. It is understood that a similar session will be held later this year for the wider participation of civil society stakeholders.

The workshop also featured Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who in his address had said that the Government is thoroughly committed to fighting corruption at the institutional level and will go the route

of introducing new regulations, among others, if it has to.

In his address, Singh admitted that some of the institutions of State are still relatively young and require strengthening. According to the Finance Minister, technology offers almost limitless potential in increasing the effectiveness of Government operations.

“We as a Government are under no illusions that our work is done in this regard. We are constantly examining these legal frameworks that have now been put in place. With a view to identifying areas of potential strengthening.”

“And improvements.

Areas that require elaboration, in some cases by way of subsidiary legislation, regu-

lations. Areas that perhaps require guidelines to be issued to operationalise them more effectively. Other approaches and techniques that can be utilised,” Dr Singh had said.

But also, the Minister had noted that the political will to govern in a transparent and accountable way is a necessary component in the fight against corruption.

This also goes hand in hand with democracy and respecting the will of the people.

Last year, Guyana scored 39 and was ranked at 87 out of 180 countries that were studied in the Transparency International (TI) index. It is a significant improvement compared to previous years.

Guyana had a score of 29 and a ranking at 119, back in 2015. (G3)

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$60,000 national minimum Driver dies after hitting dead cow wage to take effect from July 1 A

mid finalisation of the increase of the national minimum wage to $60,000 monthly, Government has signalled that it will take effect from July 1, 2022.

An order in the Official Gazette, signed by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, officially confirms the increase for employees. It has been made under the Labour Act, in exercising the powers of Section 8.

It indicates that the minimum rate of wages payable to an employee shall not be less than $347 per hour or $2776 per day. This translates to $13,880 weekly and $60,147 monthly.

If a worker is receiving wages higher than prescribed in the order, the employer is required to continuing paying the said worker at that higher rate.

It should not be reduced on the account of the new order.

Moreover, the normal work week shall be 40 hours, and shall not exceed five days per week and any hours of work beyond the standard working period shall be paid at the rates set out in the Factories Act and the Labour Act; or any other law or collective bargaining agreement in force.

It has been explicitly

stated that any employer that contravenes the provisions of the order shall be liable upon summary conviction to a fine of $50,000 for the first offence. For any second or subsequent office, they will be slapped with a fine of $100,000 or imprisonment for one month.

Categories of workers to benefit from this increase include those in seafood processing, domestic work, internet or café services, call centres, janitorial, schools, hospitals, machine shops, cement factories, auto body shops, wash bays, taxi services, welding, vulcanising, day care, wildlife farms, tour operators, bakeries, filling stations, drug stores, cinemas, sawmills, water factories, scrap metal, radio stations, television stations,

casinos, manufacturing, construction, food processing, hospitality, entertainment, ice factories, sanitising, agriculture, retail or wholesale trade, hotels, liquor stores, night clubs, parlours, restaurants, taverns, discotheque, canteens, tailors, security services, garment making among others.

The private sector’s minimum wage was last increased in 2017, from an hourly rate of $202 to $255, taking the monthly wage from $35,000 to the current $44,200.

Shortly after taking office in August 2020, Minister Hamilton had announced the increase of the private sector minimum wage to $60,000. However, while an order to this effect was made, there was no time-

line set for its enforcement.

This was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on businesses.

When the country began opening up last year, these talks resumed. The Labour Minister had been re-engaging the private sector on enforcing these increases.

The public sector minimum wage currently stands at $70,000, and even with this increase for private sector workers, it would still be less. The private sector’s minimum wage was last increased in 2017, from an hourly rate of $202 to $255, taking the monthly wage from $35,000 to $44,200.

Hamilton had previously explained that this increase to $60,000 would impact about 10 per cent of private sector workers, who are currently being paid below that wage level.

Last year, when Government announced a seven per cent retroactive salary increase for all public sector workers, it sparked conversations about pay in the private sector.

In fact, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) had called on private businesses to follow suit in order to attract and retain their workforce. (G12)

Dead: Vishraykanand Narayan, called “Vish”

T

he driver of a motor car is now dead after he hit a dead cow on the Mocha-Diamond bypass road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is 43-year-old Vishraykanand Narayan, called “Vish”, of Downer Street, Grove, EBD. His 46-year-old wife and a passenger in the vehicle were injured in the accident which occurred about 00:30h on Sunday.

Reports are that motor car PGG 9779 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the new Diamond access road when it struck a dead cow that was lying on the same side of the roadway.

As a result of the impact, Narayan lost control of his vehicle which toppled sev-

eral times before crashing into a concrete culvert.

Narayan and his wife were picked up in conscious condition by public-spirited citizens, placed in an ambulance and taken to the Diamond hospital.

His wife and the other passenger were treated for minor abrasions about the body and sent away while Narayan was admitted a patient suffering from a fractured shoulder and pelvis along with other injuries and was later transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital.

He was admitted to the male surgical ward, where he later succumbed to his injuries about 06:55h on Monday.

Police have launched an investigation. (G2)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Storm wrecks several houses at Sophia

Sophia resident Leroy Vandiding

Sophia resident Bernard Samuel

By Amar Persaud

S

everal residents of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, are now counting their losses after heavy winds damaged their houses.

Bernard Samuel, 67, of C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Monday morning left in shock after the roof of an opposing house was completely blown off and found its way on top

of his.

This led to a series of damages to his home which he shares with his wife. The entire western side of the roof collapsed.

“The roof from there (the opposing building) sail over the wire here and land on the western part of my house. After the noise and the rain, I thought was a thunderbolt and then when I come out, I saw [what happened],” Samuel related.

“My water tank damage

too and the back step broken, the concrete, because of the weight, it cracked,” he added.

The pensioner and his wife are now faced with some $150,000 in damages. Samuel is hoping to get compensation from the owner of the house from which the roof was blown off. He related that the owner has been cooperative so far and has even provided a carpenter to assess the damages.

“I tell he that he got to do

something about it because I can’t sleep with my windows like that, so he said he gon send the men them just to put in something

temporary,” Samuel said.

Meanwhile, this publication spoke with the owner of the house from which the roof blew off. Leroy Vandiding,

39, was adamant that the roof was sturdy. He is in shock that the winds were strong enough to rip off the roofing. Vandiding is also facing costly damages.

Other residents in the area are also facing minor damages such as broken widows and pipelines due to this unexpected disaster while others were at the time without electricity.

“About 2 o’clock this morning we had some heavy rain, with some heavy winds and I got up to drink some water, next yuh know, I see my roof start flying with the heavy winds…that’s about it, there is nothing more to tell, it’s a natural disaster,” Vandiding expressed.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 manslaughter convicts for sentencing today

Dead: Pariedeau Mars

T

wo manslaughter convicts are scheduled to be sentenced today at the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon.

Timothy Paul Chance and Andre Benjamin, both 21 years old, though initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter mid-way through their trial, changing their not-guilty plea to guilty.

They admitted that on

Manslaughter convicts: Timothy Paul Chance (right) and Andre Benjamin

May 12, 2016, at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, they unlawfully killed 75-yearold Professor Pariedeau Mars during the course/furtherance of a robbery.

Upon the direction of the trial Judge, the mixed 12-member jury, therefore, returned guilty verdicts in respect of both men for the lesser offence. The duo will be sentenced after probation and psychological reports on them and a victim impact statement are presented to

the court.

Back in 2019, 21-year-old Naomi Adams, 23-year-old Nikisha Dover, and 22-yearold Orin McRae, who had been jointly charged, along with Benjamin and Chance, also confessed to killing the elderly man. Initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, they, too, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when they appeared before Justice Navindra Singh.

TURN TO PAGE 14

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regularisation of over 200 households in No 5 Village to commence on July 11 A fter decades of occupying land in No 5 Village in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), without any documentation to show ownership, over 200 households will soon be regularised commencing July 11.

The announcement was made on Saturday by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall during a meeting with residents.

Homeownership is something that the President and the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has been advocating for since taking office in August 2020. After the lands are regularised, residents will be presented with certificates of title, making them legal proprietors.

The AG explained that a survey of the entire area will be done first followed by individual lots to kick-start the process for persons to receive their certificates of title.

Nandlall further enlightened residents that according to the law, they are deemed squatters. However, he not-

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

ed that Government is determined to make them owners of the land they are occupying. As such, residents were encouraged to fully participate to ensure the process is a success.

“This thing cannot happen without your cooperation, and the speed that it takes will depend upon how speedily you are going to cooperate with the process. Sometimes we are very frustrated because we do not get the cooperation from you, and if one of you does not cooperate, it may affect a whole host of others because sometimes the houses are in one line and you’re

holding up the process, will hold up the process for others.”

The process of regularisation began over a year ago at Cotton Tree Village and is aimed at capturing all the surrounding communities, including No 3, 4 and 5 Villages.

The Attorney General said he was instructed by President Ali to visit communities countrywide to identify legal issues people have in relation to land. He said once the Government is able to intervene, it would try to resolve the matter as far as possible.

Following the announcement, residents welcomed the process. Parbatia Misir has

Residents of No 5 Village at the meeting

been in the area for close to four decades without proper documentation.

“I think it is a very good exercise the Government is doing and I am glad because every day you see people fighting with their neighbour, so I think it is a very good idea.”

Lelon Johnson, a resident

in the community for the past 60 years, shared similar sentiments. He said, “the process is a good process because everybody would be able to get the title for their land and you would be able to go to the bank that you can obtain a loan.”

Since taking office, the Government has stressed

the importance of homeownership. Only last year, 53 Enterprise families on the East Coast Demerara obtained their certificates of title for the land they bought and occupied over 20 years ago.

The process was spearheaded by the Attorney General.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 28,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

15 new COVID-19 cases surface from 154 tests – Health Ministry GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD F rom 154 tests that were processed for COVID-19, 15 of them returned with a positive result on Monday.

This data was shared in the Health Ministry’s dashboard, which showed deaths remaining at 1251. The confirmed cases have moved up to 67,114 – a gender makeup of 30,786 males and 36,328 females.

There are five patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 27 in institutional isolation, 883 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine. In one day, 57 recoveries took the total recovered patient toll to 64,948.

Meanwhile, 657,552 test samples have been processed since the virus surfaced in Guyana.

A breakdown of new

cases showed five in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); six in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Infections did not increase across Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Latest vaccination figures show that so far, more than 443,000 or 86.4 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while over 342,000 or 66.8 per cent of persons 18 years and over are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents be-

tween the ages of 12 and 17, just over 25,500 or 35 per cent are fully vaccinated. Vaccination is also available for children within the ages of five and 11 years, hundreds of whom have already received a first dose. In addition, in excess of 67,500 persons have returned for their third-dose booster shots thus far.

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) figures, about 540 million confirmed cases were reported globally along with 6.3 deaths.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are pegged at over 161 million with a death toll of 2.7 million.

The World Health Organisation estimates are

2 manslaughter convicts...

Adams, being the first to confess to the crime, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while her co-accused, Dover and McRae, were each jailed for 12 years.

It was ordered that the prison authorities deduct the years each of them spent in pre-trial custody from their sentence.

It was reported that Mars,

also known as “Perry”, of Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, was found bound and beaten in his home about 18:30h on May 12, 2016, by his wife upon her return from Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). He was subsequently rushed to a private city hospital where he was pronounced dead

FROM PAGE 12

on arrival. Investigations revealed that Dover was known to the now-dead professor as she would frequently visit his home.

She conspired with the others to rob the elderly man who was at home alone.

An iPhone, cash, laptop, and gaming console were among the items stolen from Mars’s home. (G2)

JUNE 27, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

27

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

883

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,328

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,786

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

67,114

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

64,948

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2560

REGION 2

2892

REGION 3

8397

REGION 4

33,326

REGION 5

2466

REGION 6

6472

REGION 7

2475

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4076

REGION 10

3564

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

443,529 343,324

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1251

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

that between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of COVID patients experience a variety of mid- and long-term effects, collectively known as post COVID-19 condition or “long COVID.” This can be prevented with vaccination and timely booster shots.

It further related that although post COVID-19 condition is more common

in patients who developed the severe form of the disease, there are reports of individuals who had moderate illness but experienced some after-effects, mainly respiratory, neurological, and psychological. Post COVID-19 functional impairment can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, including work or household chores. It can

also impact professional performance and hinder social interaction.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

(G12)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New infrastructure to provide access for Reg 3 farmers to transport produce tive,” Minister Edghill told the farmers.

The Public Works Minister underscored that building such infrastructure and improving access will ultimately support the 25 per cent by 2025 agenda that President Irfaan Ali is leading in the Caribbean to slash the Region’s food import bill.

If farmers are able to produce and transport their goods in a timely manner, the country will be one step closer in leading this change.

“We will look [at] all suggestions to help you come up with a viable solution.

Minister Juan Edghill engaging residents of Hubu and Parika

A

ccessibility for farmers to transport their produce from the riverine communities along the Essequibo River to Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) can be expected with the construction of new infrastructure to service them.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engaged residents within the riverine communities of Hubu and Parika Backdam on Sunday with the intention of addressing their concerns and setbacks brought on by lack-

ing infrastructure.

This decision came after farmers decried that the current wharf, used to transport their goods to the mainland, is situated near a koker.

When the sluice is opened, it hinders them from accessing the wharf.

According to the Public Works Ministry, residents were given one month to decide on a number of ideas to be considered by the Government, regarding the construction of either a wharf or a road to serve persons, especially farm-

ers who have to frequently bring their produce out to the mainland.

Once realised, the benefit will extend to Saxacalli, Bonasika, Hog Island, Fort Island and other riverine settlements.

“I am going to ask that from among yourselves, who are going to be the beneficiaries, [to] name five people who are going to work with my engineers and within one month, they have to go through this entire place, review it and come up with the best option and best alterna-

Guyana to procure COVID vaccines for children 6 months to 4 years old

T

he United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently given emergency use authorisation for the immunisation of children six months to four years old, using the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines manufactured for this age cohort.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said Monday that the Ministry is currently seeking to procure the vaccine for its younger population.

Even as Guyana faces some challenges in acquiring vaccines for children, the Ministry continues to collaborate with international partners to ensure citizens receive the important jabs.

“We have started a process of trying to access the vaccine for the six months to four years age group, and in fact we’re right now trying to determine what quantities we’ll ask for, so this week we will put in that order, and hopefully in the next

two months or so we will be able to get some of these vaccines,” the Minister is quoted by DPI as saying.

On June 21, 2022, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) authorised the rollout of approximately 10 million doses to children in the United States. In the DPI report, Dr Anthony noted that studies have shown that the vaccine is very effective in boosting the immunity of this young population.

Therefore, the Ministry is making every effort in procuring the vaccines since “this is another group of people that we would like to get vaccinated,” Dr Anthony explained.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister is urging pregnant mothers to get vaccinated, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, as this will enable infants to develop antibodies that can protect them against the deadly virus.

“One way of getting them

protected is to make sure that the mothers, during pregnancy, that they take their vaccines and it has been shown that if mothers take their vaccine in the third trimester that their children would have enough antibodies to protect them over the next six months.”

The Ministry has been vaccinating children from five to 11 years old. To date over 3000 children have been inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine.

For adolescents, 47.9 per cent took the first dose and 35.1 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Anthony is appealing to eligible persons to get their booster doses. He noted that more persons are being hospitalised, even those who were vaccinated with the primary vaccine.

He reiterated that immunity drops approximately six months after vaccination, as such, it is important for persons to get the booster shot.

Ultimately, what we want is for you to benefit. We want to see agriculture expand…

We want you to plant more.

We want you to produce more. We want your goods to get to the market but at the same time, we don’t want anybody to lose their life and we don’t want to waste money. We want to be able to do what is beneficial to all the people.”

At the 32rd InterSessional Conference of the Caricom Heads of Government, a special ministerial task force was established and tasked with guid-

ing the transformation of the regional agri-food system towards full commercialisation. A prime focus was to address the rising food import bill and to stimulate investment in agriculture and food production.

By the 33rd Sessional Conference, President Irfaan Ali had presented a detailed plan for commercialising the agri-food sector and at the same time, attaining the vision for reducing the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. Emphasis was placed on countries and their respective target areas.

1-month amnesty for seafarers to get their licences in order

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eafarers have been given one month to renew their licences, free of cost. The amnesty period was announced by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, as part of “Day of the Seafarer”, which was observed on June 25.

The Minister said that the amnesty period would begin on Monday, adding that the decision was taken in recognition of the critical role played by seafarers.

“For all those whose licence and books are not in order, that perhaps we can give a one-month amnesty.

That everybody who comes in to get themselves organised, they can do so for free for the next month… that is one way of getting everybody registered, getting everybody in line so that nobody can make the excuse

they did not have the money or the fees,” Edghill was quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The amnesty period will provide for unlicensed seafarers to acquire their licence and discharge book free of cost. The cost of acquiring a licence range from $12,000 to $30,000 and is valid for three to five years, while the cost for a discharge book is about $8000.

Maritime Administration (MARAD) Director General Stephen Thomas said there were only about 300 registered seafarers.

The Director General said operators of all vessels were required to have certification based on the size and trading area of the vessel.

He said the amnesty period provided the opportuni-

ty for all those in the sector to be in MARAD’s system.

“We would not be able to complete all the exams, but once you come and apply during this time then you would be entitled to the benefits of the amnesty,” Thomas said in the DPI report.

“We hope the seafarers can come, they can feel at home, they can feel comfortable by coming and visit us at MARAD. We waivered the payment of the fees to process the documentation to have them certified and licensed so that we can keep a proper record on them. It is not to spy on them, but it is to support them,” he said.

Minister Edghill also committed to engaging seafarers so as to address their working conditions and other issues.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CANU busts Eccles man 23-year-old dies after with cocaine, ammunition mining pit collapses

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O

The house in which the cocaine and ammunition were reportedly found in Eccles

fficers of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Monday found a quantity of cocaine and ammunition at a house

located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

This is according to a brief statement from the unit but it did not state the

quantity of cocaine and ammunition that were found.

Andrew Morgan, who resides at the house, has since been arrested.

23-year-old miner died on Sunday after he was covered in slush when the walls of the mining pit he was working in collapsed.

Dead is Akeem Khan of Lot 37 Old Housing Scheme, Bartica.

According to Police, the incident occurred at about 16:30h at Sand Hill Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

According to Police, Khan was the owner of the dredging/mining operation at Sand Hill.

Enquiries revealed that at the time of the incident, Khan was jetting in his mining pit at Sand Hill Backdam with a 25-yearold employee when the walls of the pit began to cave in.

Khan and his employee reportedly began to run but the victim’s feet became caught in the jetting hose and he was covered by the sand.

Police said that the employee raised an alarm and another miner in the area responded and they began

to dig for the victim.

After about 10 minutes, the victim was found motionless. A report was made to the Bartica Police Station.

Khan was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

US abortion ruling ignites legal battles over state bans

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attles over abortion shifted to state courts on Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to the proce-

dure nationwide, as judges blocked statewide bans in Louisiana and Utah and clinics in Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi and Texas sued seeking similar relief.

The six are among the 13 states with "trigger laws" designed to ban or severely restrict abortions once the Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v.

Wade ruling that recognized a right to the procedure, as it did on Friday. In Louisiana, abortion services that had been halted since Friday began resuming after Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Robin Giarrusso on Monday issued a temporary restraining order blocking the state from carrying out its ban.

The order came shortly after Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport - one of Louisiana's three abortion clinics - sued, arguing Louisiana's trigger laws "lack constitutionally required safeguards to prevent arbitrary enforcement." Later on Monday in Utah, 3rd District Court Judge Andrew Stone, at the request of a Planned Parenthood affiliate, issued a temporary restraining order that would allow abortion services to resume in the state after a 2020 ban took effect on Friday.

"Today is a win, but it is only the first step in what will undoubtedly be a long and difficult fight," Karrie Galloway, president and

CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, said in a statement. Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said his office was "fully prepared to defend these laws in our state courts, just as we have in our federal courts."

Republican Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes did not respond to requests for comment. The rulings came as a flurry of lawsuits were filed nationally challenging Republican-backed abortion laws under state constitutions after Friday's ruling by the conservative-dominated U.S. Supreme Court.

In Republican-led Texas, where a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy went into effect last year, a judge in Harris County will hear arguments on Tuesday on whether to block officials from enforcing pre-Roe v.

Wade abortion prohibitions.

Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton had said in a Friday advisory that while the state's 2021 trigger ban would not take effect for 30 days after the Supreme Court's ruling,

prosecutors could immediately pursue cases based on pre-1973 laws.

In Idaho, a Planned Parenthood affiliate asked the state's highest court to block enforcement of a "trigger" law banning abortion that the Republicancontrolled state legislature passed in 2020 due to take effect Aug. 19.

Similar lawsuits were filed by abortion providers asking state courts to block enforcement of "trigger" bans in Kentucky and Mississippi.

"To be clear, there is no right to abortion contained in the Commonwealth's Constitution - and we will stand up against any baseless claim to the contrary," Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said in a statement.

Abortion rights advocates plan to challenge an Ohio ban on abortions after six weeks that took effect on Friday, and in Florida, a group of abortion providers went before a judge on Monday to argue a challenge to that state's ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

In states where federal court orders were blocking abortion restrictions based on the Roe precedent, those orders are now being lifted. South Carolina's ban on abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected is now in effect, Attorney General Alan Wilson said on Monday, after a federal judge put on hold an injunction that had prevented its implementation. (Reuters)

FEATURE

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

SUBSTANCE MISUSE (DRUGS ABUSE) • • • • • • • • lants • •

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

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ubstance use disorder (SUD) is a disorder involving the continued use of substances despite personal, professional, and health-related problems caused by the usage, which negatively affects a person’s day-to-day life. Substance use disorder can lead to short- and long-term negative health effects. These effects can be physical and mental, and can range from moderate to severe.

Generally, drug misuse, or SUD, refers to the use of psychoactive drugs, which are substances that affect the brain. The effects on the body depend on the type of substance a person uses and their health history.

SUD PREVALENCE

SUD is more common in males. More than 760,000 people have died from opioid overdoses since 1999. In 2018, two out of three overdoses had links to opioid use.

Examples of common psychoactive drugs include:

Alcohol Cannabis Cocaine Heroin Hallucinogens Inhalants Prescription opioids Prescription stimuMethamphetamine Tobacco or nicotine

RISK FACTORS FOR DRUG MISUSE

Certain factors may increase an individual’s risk for SUD. These risk factors include: • Family history of substance use • Difficulties with parental monitoring • Parent’s substance use • Family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity • Association with substance-using peers • Lack of school connectedness • Academic achievement difficulties • Childhood sexual abuse • Mental health issues

more awake or sleepy • Improved sociability • Pain relief • Changes in the appearance of a person’s body When chronic substance use occurs over a long period, these short-term physical effects may cause longterm changes to a person’s brain and body. The specific physical effects of substance use may vary among individuals, and depend on the substance, dosage, delivery method, and length of use.

Substance use can sometimes lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

MENTAL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

Psychoactive drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body.

Taking different drugs may cause: • Changes in coordination • Blood pressure and heart rate changes • Feelings of being

Long-term SUD may affect a person’s memory, behaviour, learning, consciousness, and concentration.

Substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids are psychoactive drugs that may change an individual’s brain function and structure after chronic

use. This can result in cognitive and behavioural changes and deficits that may remain even after someone stops using. The exact mental or cognitive effects of SUD may vary, depending on the type of drug and the duration of use.

SUD may also exacerbate symptoms of other mental disorders, and early drug use is a strong risk factor for the later development of substance use disorders.

It may also be a risk factor for developing other mental illnesses.

For example, frequent cannabis use in adolescents can increase the risk of psychosis in adulthood in individuals who carry a particular gene variant.

To get a diagnosis of SUD, a person has to qualify for 11 criteria that the DSM5 outlines.

• Using more of a substance than a person intends, or using it for longer than they mean to • Trying to cut down or stop using the substance,

but being unable to • Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance • Needing more of the substance to get the desired effects (tolerance) • Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance • Spending more time getting and using drugs, and recovering from substance misuse • Continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems • Giving up important or desirable social and recreational activities due to substance use • Using substances in potentially harmful settings that put a person in danger • Continuing to use despite the substance causing problems to physical and mental health

GETTING HELP

Finding the right treatment programme may feel overwhelming. Here are a few things a person can consider when seeking treatment for SUD. • Consider whether inpatient or outpatient services would be most suitable.

• Find local treatment centres using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment finder tool.

• Know that subsidised treatment centres and programmes may be cheaper.

• Look for programmes that use evi-

dence-based strategies.

treatment

TREATMENT

SUD is a complex but treatable disease that affects a person’s cognitive function and behaviour. No single treatment is right for everyone. However, effective treatment for SUD should address all of a person’s mental and physical health needs.

Treatment aims to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with drugs, helping them live productive lives in relationships with their families, work, and society. Treatment may involve some of the following components: • Medications: Can help minimise withdrawal symptoms and prevent the return to unsafe use.

• Behavioural counselling: Helps individuals modify their attitudes and behaviours related to substance use, increase healthy life skills, develop problem-solving skills, and stick to treatment plans.

• Group therapy: Gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.

• Additional support: May include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated with SUD, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

Regional

Bolsonaro, Putin discuss Tropical storm warning issued for Trinidad and Tobago global food security

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ussian President Vladimir Putin and his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro, discussed global food security and confirmed their intention to strengthen their strategic partnership, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Putin assured Bolsonaro in a phone call that Russia would fulfil all its obligations to supply fertilisers to Brazil, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The South American leader confirmed his call with Putin during an event on Monday.

“I just had a phone call with President Putin of Russia, in which we talk-

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro shake hands during a news conference following their talks in Moscow, Russia, February 16, 2022 (Sputnik/ Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via Reuters)

ed about food security and also energy security,” Bolsonaro said, adding that

his Agriculture and Energy Ministers were also on the call. (Reuters)

he Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office has placed the country under an orange-level tropical storm warning.

It said this meant that storm conditions were likely over the warning area within 36 hours.

In a release, it said the tropical wave has been upgraded to potential tropical cyclone #2, which means that the system was not yet a tropical cyclone but has the potential to intensify to a tropical storm

at short notice.

“Periods of heavy to intense showers and/or thunderstorms are likely, which can result in rainfall accumulations in excess of three inches. Gusty winds in excess of 70km/h can be expected. These wind gusts are capable of breaking tree branches, displacing unsecured roofs and loose outdoor objects, and can even topple over unhealthy trees. The risk of landslides/landslips is likely in areas so prone, and sea conditions can be-

come occasionally rough.”

The Met Office said people should prepare to protect lives, livelihood, and property.

“Plan your evacuation to a shelter if it becomes necessary. Always have emergency supplies of food and water on standby.

Secure loose outdoor items and livestock. Do not wade or drive through floodwaters. Pre-position sandbags if your area floods, and monitor river levels.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Piarco accused could walk Crew member on flight to St Lucia free after Privy Council ruling tests positive for monkeypox T

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ealth authorities in St Lucia have increased surveillance for monkeypox after being alerted to the fact that a crew member on a flight to the island has since tested positive for the virus.

However, according to the officials, the individual did not disembark from the aircraft when it arrived.

A statement issued on Monday by the Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Ministry disclosed that the Epidemiology Department was alerted to the situation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“As obtained with infectious diseases, the required contact tracing process is

currently being undertaken by the contact tracing team within the Ministry of Health. All identified contacts of the case shall be contacted by the Ministry of Health and placed in quarantine and monitored over a 21-day period,” it said.

The Ministry added that with the significant increase in the number of cases of monkeypox confirmed globally in recent weeks, St Lucia has strengthened the capacity to manage individuals who are either suspect or confirmed cases.

It said the protocols that are in place for COVID-19 have been modified to allow for the management of monkeypox.

“Any person exposed

to monkeypox shall be placed in quarantine and monitored by the Home Monitoring Team of clinicians. The capacity for testing for the monkeypox virus exists within the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and as such, samples will be taken from any individual who exhibits symptoms while in quarantine/isolation and shall be sent directly to CARPHA for testing,” the Health Ministry said.

It added that Victoria Hospital has assigned a dedicated ward exclusively for the care and management of anyone who receives a positive test result. (Excerpt from CMC)

Probe launched after 4 killed, 70 injured in Colombia bullring collapse

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probe was launched after four persons were killed and about 70 injured on Sunday when part of a stand collapsed at a bullring in the town of El Espinal, Colombia, provincial officials said.

Videos posted on social media showed the section of the stand toppling forward into the ring, where locals were participating in a bull-running event tied to the feast day of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

“There are four dead at this moment – two women, a man, and a minor,” Tolima Provincial Governor Jose Ricardo Orozco told local Blu Radio.

No one remained trapped in the wreckage, Major Luis Fernando Velez, director of civil defence in the province, told local Caracol television, and several people reported as missing have been found.

he Trinidad and Tobago State’s 22-year-old criminal case against a former Government Minister and a group of businessmen arising out of the construction of the Piarco Airport terminal building has been thrown out by the Privy Council on Monday. They had been charged with a multiplicity of offences.

In a 26-page ruling, the Law Lords wrote that the decision of late Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls to commit the accused to stand trial was tainted by apparent political bias.

The decision comes on the heels of a US Judge’s ruling disqualifying Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, and the US law firm Sequor Law from a multimillion-dollar civil asset forfeiture case, on the basis of Armour’s previous work as an Attorney for one of the defendants.

The Piarco Airport (Roger Jacob file photo)

That matter is under appeal in the US. The case has been dragging on for the last 18 years.

The latest blow to the State’s case threatens to derail another set of criminal charges still under challenge in the local courts, legal sources said.

The Privy Council, in its analysis of the appellants’ case, linked the conviction of former Prime Minister

Basdeo Panday, the move to impeach former Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, McNicolls’ corruption claims against Sharma and the intervention of former Attorney General John Jeremie. The panel supported the position that there was sufficient information in the public domain to support a claim of apparent bias. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Ecuador’s Indigenous leaders agree to meet with Government

E People gather near the rubble of a grandstand that collapsed in a bullring during the celebrations of the San Pedro festivities, in El Espinal, Colombia, June 26, 2022 (Reuters/Cristian Parra)

“The emergency has been overcome at the site of the incident. More or less 70 people were injured,” Velez said.

Ambulances were sent from the nearby cities of Ibague and Melgar to help

the injured, who have overwhelmed El Espinal’s hospital, Velez said, adding he did not know exactly what the stand was constructed with but it appeared to be wooden boards. (Excerpt from Reuters)

c u a d o r e a n Indigenous organisations said on Monday they would meet with the Government to discuss demands for lower fuel and food prices which have sparked two weeks of protests, hitting the country’s weakened economy and threatening its oil production.

President Guillermo Lasso late on Sunday announced a 10-cent per gallon cut to gasoline and diesel prices, the latest concession to try to quell the sometimes-violent demonstrations, which began on June 13.

At least seven people have died in connec-

tion with the marches and the country’s oil output has been halved, with the Energy Ministry saying a production halt is possible today if road blocks and takeovers of oil wells continue.

Lasso, whose adversarial relationship with the national assembly has worsened during the protests, has also withdrawn security measures and announced subsidised fertilisers and debt forgiveness.

Indigenous groups led by organisation CONAIE said in a statement earlier on Monday that the price reduction to US$2.45 per gallon for gasoline extra

and US$1.80 per gallon for diesel was not enough.

But in the afternoon the groups said they would attend a meeting with Government officials set for later in the day, even as backers marched in Quito in rejection of the new prices.

“We will drive results for the 10-point agenda, we call on our mobilised supporters to be vigilant,” CONAIE said on Twitter.

Having to cut oil production amid globally high prices “is a crime”, Italo Cedeno, the Manager of State-run oil company Petroecuador, told a local television station. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises US$2/bbl after G7 vows new Russian sanctions

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il rose US$2 a barrel on Monday on the prospect of even tighter supplies loomed over the market as the Group of Seven nations promised to tighten the squeeze on Russian President Vladimir Putin's war chest while actually lowering energy prices.

Brent crude futures settled US$1.97, or 1.7 per cent higher, at US$115.09 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude closed up US$1.95, or 1.8 per cent, at US$109.57 a barrel.

The group of wealthy nations vowed to stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes", proposing to cap the price of Russian oil as part of new sanctions to hit Moscow's finances.

"I think if they were to implement a price cap on sale and purchase of Russian oil, it's difficult for me to imagine how this is going to be implemented, especially when China and India have become Russia's biggest customers," said Houston-based oil consultant Andrew Lipow.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia analyst Vivek Dhar noted that there was "nothing stopping Russia from banning oil and refined product exports to G7 economies in response to a price cap, exacerbating shortage conditions in global oil and refined product markets."

The international community should explore all options to alleviate tight energy supplies, including talks with producing nations like Iran and Venezuela, a French presidency official said. Both OPEC members' oil exports have been curbed by US sanctions.

Both crude benchmarks closed down for the second week in a row on Friday as interest rate hikes in key economies strengthened the dollar and fanned fears of a global recession.

Recession fears and expectations of more interest rate hikes have caused volatility and risk aversion in the futures markets, with some energy investors and traders paring back, while spot crude prices have remained strong on high demand and a supply crunch.

For now, pressing supply worries outweighed growth concerns.

Members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, will probably stick to a plan for accelerated oil output increases in August when they meet on Thursday, sources said.

The producer group also trimmed its projected 2022 oil market surplus to 1 million barrels per day (bpd), down from 1.4 million bpd previously, a report seen by Reuters showed.

OPEC member Libya said on Monday it might have to halt exports in the Gulf of Sirte area within 72 hours amid unrest that has restricted production.

Adding to the supply woes, Ecuador also said it could suspend oil production completely within 48 hours amid antiGovernment protests in which at least six people have died.

Traders also waited for news on when market-moving US Government oil inventory and other data would be published after it was not released last week due to server issues.

US crude oil, distillate and gasoline inventories likely fell last week, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 13 killed in Russian missile strike on shopping mall, Ukraine says

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wo Russian missiles slammed into a crowded shopping centre in the central Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk on Monday, killing at least 13 people and wounding 50, the regional governor said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said more than 1000 people were in the shopping centre at the time of the attack, which witnesses said caused a huge fire and sent dark smoke billowing into the sky.

A Reuters reporter saw the charred husk of a shopping complex with a cavedin roof. Firefighters and soldiers were pulling out mangled pieces of metal as they searched for survivors.

"It is impossible to even imagine the number of vic-

Rescuers work at a site of a shopping mall hit by a Russian missile strike, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kremenchuk, in Poltava region, Ukraine, June 27, 2022

tims ... It's useless to hope for decency and humanity from Russia," Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Dmytro Lunin, governor of the central Poltava region,

World faces “ocean emergency”, UN warns, as activists urge action

Ocean Rebellion activists outside the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon protest against what they describe as a “war on fish” [Pedro Nunes/Reuters]

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he world is facing an “ocean emergency”, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has warned, as thousands of activists, scientists and leaders gathered at the UN Ocean Conference in Portugal’s capital to call for strengthening sea-protection measures.

“We have taken the ocean for granted,” Guterres told policymakers, experts and advocates at Monday’s opening plenary in Lisbon, describing how seas have been hammered by climate change and pollution.

“I am urging all participants at the UN Ocean Conference to right these wrongs and do our part for the ocean. We must take action and turn the tide,” he said.

Drawing people from more than 120 countries, the fiveday Ocean Conference is focused on restoring the health of the oceans, which cover 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface

Toxic gas leak at Jordan's Aqaba port kills 11, injures hundreds

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leak of toxic chlorine gas at Jordan's Red Sea port of Aqaba has killed 11 people and injured more than 250 others, state media report.

Authorities said a chemical storage container fell while being transported as a result of a crane malfunction.

CCTV footage showed the container being hoisted into the air and then suddenly dropping on to a ship and exploding.

A large cloud of bright

yellow gas is seen spreading across the ground, sending people running for safety.

State media said 199 of the injured were being treated at local hospitals for chemical exposure.

Some were reportedly in a critical condition.

Chlorine is a chemical used in industry and in household cleaning products. It is a yellow-green gas at normal temperature and pressure, but is usually pressurised and cooled

wrote on Telegram that 13 people had now been confirmed killed by the strike, adding that it was too soon to talk of a final death toll as rescuers continued to trawl through the rubble.

Lunin also wrote on Telegram that 21 people had been hospitalised, and 29 others had been given first aid without hospitalisation.

Ukraine's air force command said the mall was hit by two long-range X-22 missiles fired from Tu22M3 bombers that flew from Shaykovka airfield in Russia's Kaluga region.

Russia's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, wrote on Twitter, without citing evidence, that the attack was a "Ukrainian provocation."

Russia, which has captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Sievierodonetsk after a weeks-long assault, has stepped up missile strikes across Ukraine in recent days. (Excerpt from Reuters)

for storage and shipment.

When chlorine is inhaled, swallowed or comes into contact with skin, it reacts with water to produce acids that damage cells in the body. Inhaling high levels of chlorine causes fluid to build up in the lungs - a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary oedema.

Residents of Aqaba city, which is 16km (10 miles) north of the port, were advised to stay inside and close windows and doors

following the leak.

Aqaba's southern beach, which is only 7km away and is a popular tourist destination, was also evacuated as a precaution, AFP news agency reported.

The Civil Defence Department sent specialist teams to the port to deal with the leak and clean-up operation.

The container was filled with between 25 and 30 tonnes of chlorine and was being exported to Djibouti.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people.

Oceans are home to an estimated 700,000 to one million species and produce more than half of the world’s oxygen. However, they have been facing the impact of climate change, including global warming, pollution, and acidification.

On a beach in Lisbon on Monday, activists with the Ocean Rebellion group held a demonstration carrying placards that read, “As the sea dies, we die”.

The conference, which is

jointly hosted by Portugal and Kenya, is set to adopt a declaration that, though not binding on its signatories, could help implement and facilitate the protection and conservation of oceans and their resources, according to the UN. The declaration is due to be endorsed on Friday.

At the event, Guterres appealed to governments and companies to commit more funds to help create a sustainable economic model for managing the oceans.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sri Lanka stops fuel supply to non-essential services as crisis worsens

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ri Lanka will shut schools and only allow fuel supplies to services deemed essential like health, trains and buses for two weeks starting today, a Minister said, in a desperate attempt to deal with a severe shortage.

Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis, with foreign exchange reserves at a record low and the island of 22 million struggling to pay for essential imports of food, medicine and, most critically, fuel.

Industries like garments, a big dollar earner in the Indian Ocean nation, are left with fuel for only about a week to 10 days. Current stocks of the country will exhaust in just under a week based on regular demand, Reuters calculations show.

Sri Lanka will issue fuel only to trains and buses, medical services and vehicles that transport food starting today until July 10, Bandula Gunewardena, the spokesman for the

Government Cabinet, told reporters.

Schools in urban areas will be shut and everyone is urged to work from home, he said. Inter-provincial bus service will be limited.

"Sri Lanka has never faced such a severe economic crisis in its history," Gunewardena said.

Autorickshaw driver WD Shelton, 67, said he had waited in line for four days for fuel.

"I haven't slept or eaten properly during this time," he said. "We can't earn, we can't feed our families."

The Government is talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a possible bailout, but many people can't wait that long and demand for passports has surged.

The navy in the early hours of Monday arrested 54 people off the eastern coast as they tried to leave by boat, a spokesman said, on top of 35 "boat people" held last week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

You've got your finger on the pulse.

Use optimism and intelligence to get others to contribute to your plans. Don't get angry at the wrong person. Personal gain is near.

(March 21-April 19) Having a good attitude will help you navigate life. Don't feel obligated to bend every time someone puts pressure on you. Be reasonable but also direct about what you want. Compromise will be key.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

You can be a superstar if you direct your knowledge, experience and dedication toward something meaningful. Look at the big picture, and call on associates you trust to contribute something substantial.

Situations will not be as they appear.

Question anyone offering something too good to be true, and don't let gullibility get you in trouble with someone who can influence your reputation or status.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Focus on acquiring knowledge, skills or information that can improve your health and well-being. Speak to experts, map out what's possible and maintain a sensible budget.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pay attention to detail and do your best to minimize whatever you can wherever possible. Your actions will have a more significant effect on what you are trying to accomplish than will your words.

Someone close to you will be a poor influence or liability. Distance yourself from anyone lacking restraint or trying to bully you into something that isn't in your best interest.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) An open mind will inspire unique concepts. Toy with existing possibilities and gather information that helps you develop your ideas. Address a domestic issue that could lead to problems if ignored.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Pull in the best minds to help you get what you want. Create an inviting space, and you'll be surprised how quickly things transpire. A partnership looks promising.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Keep the peace, regardless of what others do. You'll come out on top. Make work and getting things finished on time your priorities. Don't be distracted by tempting invitations.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- SUPPORT

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Move things around to make your workspace or home more convenient.

Don't let what others do lure you off course. Put your energy where it will bring the highest return.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Don't let extravagance win, and don't be tempted by what others have or do.

Follow the path that helps you further your long-term plans. A physical or mental challenge will put you at risk.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

21

Walsh hails Berbice’s cricket legacy …urges players to develop a culture of commitment, hard work, and discipline

"I

would really like to visit Berbice not for three days, but for about a week as I am really impressed with what is going on here. Continue to work hard, remain focused and remember that total commitment and discipline are the keys to success."

These were the words of legendary West Indies player Courtney Walsh as he spoke to dozens of Berbice youth players at the St Francis Community Developers Hall in Rose Hall Town during a three-hour visit to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

The legendary former fast bowler and West Indies Captain readily accepted an invitation from BCB President Hilbert Foster to visit the Ancient County for an inspirational session with

Saintalene Foster presents a special gift to Walsh on behalf of the BCB

Nandu, Crandon help JB Masters to 2 victories

junior players. Walsh was accompanied by West Indies female physiotherapist Neil Barry Jr and West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer.

Walsh was involved in an informative segment with Foster, who asked numerous questions on the importance of education, physical fitness

and discipline; his legendary career; how to deal with the media and the role of a sport ambassador among others.

Walsh advised the attentive audience to work on all aspects of their game on a daily basis for about three hours and to use disappointments as an incentive to better themselves. Warning that a cricketing career is just for a short period, he urged players to make sure that they pursue their education with a passion. This, he stated, would assist them to have a life after the end of their cricketing career.

Walsh spent a long time speaking to the nine Berbicians who gained selection to the national Under-19 team for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) tournament in Trinidad. He urged them to stick to the basics, to remain focused at all times and to work hard on the weak areas of their game. Captain of the team, Ashmini Munisar expressed thanks to Walsh for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet

Courtney Walsh receives the BCB’s highest award, Tribute to Hero from Board Secretary Angela Haniff

with them and impart his vast knowledge to them.

She stated that members of the team gained a lot of wisdom from Walsh and she was confident that it would improve their cricketing career.

Meanwhile, the BCB honoured Walsh with its

highest award, Tribute to Hero. Board Secretary Angela Haniff inducted Walsh as the 32nd awardee and he also received a special gift and commemorative plaque to mark his visit to the homes of Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredericks, and Alvin Kallicharran.

Looknauth’s century fails to save MMZ as Perez takes Everest ACS over the line Matthew Nandu

Royston Crandon

uyana and West Indies Under-19 allrounder Matthew Nandu and former Guyana and West Indies One-Day player Royston Crandon churned out excellent performances for JB Masters in the continuation of the 2022 Toronto District Cricket Association Super9 50-over competition.

On Saturday, at King City, JB Masters beat Toronto Cricket Club by 177 runs while at the Iceland venue the following day, JB Masters whipped Mississauga Ramblers by nine wickets.

For Saturday’s game, Crandon slammed a cameo 33-ball 58 laced with five sixes and four fours while Nandu hit 46 as their team piled up a massive 308-8 from their 50 overs and then bowled out Toronto Cricket Club for 131 in the 28th over. Other notable scorers were Canadian player Saad Bin Zafar with 76 while skipper Varun Sehdev contributed 53.

Seamer

Matthew Seepersaud grabbed three wickets for 61 from his maximum 10 overs. In Toronto’s innings, Raghu Soogoor made 50 as Trinidadian fast bowler Allert Atiba took 4-39 while leg-spinner Kairav Sharma had 3-26 from six overs.

On Sunday, Nandu scored an unbeaten, impressive 36 as JB Masters got the better of Mississauga Ramblers in 11 overs. The Ramblers combine only made 64 off 28 overs, with Jash Shah scoring 20. Sharma led the way with 3-9 from four overs while Sehdev collected 3-16 in his eight-over spell. Sheel Patel also claimed 2-14 from six overs. Another exGuyana fast bowler Jeremy Gordon represented JB Masters as well and took 1-5 from three overs. Gordon has represented Canada at the highest level. The competition continues on Sunday as JB Masters collide with Centurions Cricket Club at King City.

G

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he action got off to a bang on Sunday in the NYNCL 30-over competition as talented Guyanese all-rounder Richie Looknauth registered a fighting century only to see his team suffer defeat thanks to an aggressive 91 from his fellow Guyanese Raymond Perez.

MMZ CC won the toss and decided to send Everest ACS in to bat, as the match got off to a rather unfortunate start. At the toss, MMZ skipper Kelvin Shewprasad submitted his list of players only to make mention of one player twice. After much debate, the umpire declared that MMZ would, therefore, have to play with 10 players, leaving out the talented Andy Mohammed.

Openers Perez and Freddy Pestano then took to the crease and smashed the ball to all parts of the ground.

They were able to register a healthy 96-run partnership before Pestano fell for 38, nevertheless, Perez continued to play his natural game. Marvan Prashad (19) and Andrew Davis (31) were

Raymond Perez match-winning 91

scored

a

the next two wickets to fall as the 10-man MMZ showed much fight. However, Perez was still at the crease and despite a couple of wickets tumbling, he continued to pick the gaps with ease and precision. Eventually, Perez was dismissed for a well-played 91 off 67 deliveries, his innings including 11 boundaries and four maximums. With the tone already set by Perez, Marinaro Dixon (40) and Chatram Balgobin (53) propelled their team to 288-5 in their allotment of 30 overs. Ansar Yasmin bagged 2-46, while Richie

Richie Looknauth scored 101 in a losing effort

Looknauth, Shewprashad, and Keith Eddie bagged one wicket each.

Heading into the chase, MMZ needed 289 for victory off 180 balls, a task that seemed like a mountain.

But despite the absence of Andy Mohammed, they had Guyana’s very own Ronaldo Renee, Ushardeva Balgobin and Looknauth, a trio who could decimate any bowling attack once they got going.

But the tide would turn in a different direction as the Everest bowlers sent back Renee (0) and Balgobin (2) to the pavilion. To make matters worse, they had

MMZ reeling at 21-3 inside the first five overs. In came Looknauth to the rescue, his 101 came off 67 balls, inclusive of nine boundaries and six maximums. His innings frustrated his opponents, as at one point, he looked as though he would singlehandedly take the game away from Everest.

But when Looknauth fell, no other player could contribute anything and eventually MMZ were restricted to 2388 in their 30 overs, Andre Stroll was the leading bowler with 3-42 as MMZ lost by 50 runs.

22

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Representatives of the cricket clubs pose with Shimron Hetmyer and Courtney Walsh after the presentation

A

Hetmyer hands over the educational grant to Ashmini Munisar

total of 17 cricket clubs in the New Amsterdam/ Canje sub area on Friday last benefited from a donation of a box of red balls under the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/ Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer Cricket Development Trust Fund.

The presentation was done at the St Francis Community Developers with legendary West Indies cricketer Courtney Walsh and current batting star Shimron Hetmyer in attendance.

BCB President Hilbert Foster

disclosed that the Hetmyers in 2022 are investing $1.5 million in the second edition of their cricket trust fund, with a total of $1 million being used to assist close to 90 cricket clubs with a box of red balls. The balls would be used by the respective clubs to either organise practice sessions with their members or to participate in second-division tournaments organised by the proactive Board. Among clubs receiving balls were Edinburgh, Mount Sinai, Tucber Park,

Pathfinders, Goed Bananen, Young Warriors, Guymine, Kendall's Union Sports Star, and Kendall's Union Cricket Club.

Foster stated that to date, the BCB has already handed over balls to 28 clubs in the Upper Corentyne area and another 14 in the West Berbice subassociation. Another 20 from the Lower Corentyne area would shortly receive theirs under the fund. The BCB President stated that the remaining $500,000 would be invested into the Board’s pro-education programme and a female cricket tournament involving three teams later in the year.

The Hetmeyers last year launched the trust fund with an initial $1 million and this year increased it by $500,000 as they were very impressed by the way it was organised.

Nirvani Hetmyer has made it quite clear that the couple, who recently became parents, have full confidence in BCB President Foster. She stated that they would continue to finance the trust fund as long as Foster remained at the helm of the Board.

The BCB also handed over a cheque for $100,000 to national female player Ashmini Munisar as part of the fund.

The donation would assist the national Under-19 Captain to successfully complete her studies at the Guyana School of Agriculture. The BCB, over the past four years, has assisted hundreds of youth cricketers with educational grants and even has a University of Guyana scholarship programme. Foster urged Munisar, who made her senior debut this year, to focus on her educational and cricketing careers. Munisar expressed gratitude to Foster, the Hetmyers and the BCB for investing in her studies and she committed herself to making them all proud.

Clarke earns long-awaited Pro Card …set to participate in Pro Worlds this November

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

hey say good things come to those who wait. This can be said about Kerwin

Clarke.

The talented bodybuilder, who is by no means ordinary has shown time and time again that once he sets his mind on

something, he will achieve it.

On June 25, 2022 at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federationsanctioned Hercules Charlie Carollo Legacy Classic, which was

T

Complete list of results: U-11 girls’ singles 1st – Eva Bowling 2nd – Kristin Bhagwandin U-11 boys’ singles 1st – John Thomas 2nd – Francis Thomas 3rd – Lester Thomas Manvir Sharma U-15 girls’ singles 1st – Mishka Beharry 2nd – N a v e a h Eastman 3rd – Malia Hayley Himanshi Kumar U-15 boys’ singles 1st – Aiden Bhagwandin 2nd – Gabriel Felix 3rd – Nikolas Pollard Nathan Morrison U-19 girls’ singles 1st – Mishka Beharry 2nd – Alima Eastman 3rd – Naveah Eastman Alyssa Dick U-19 boys’ singles 1st – Matthew Beharry 2nd – Jonathan Debidin 3rd – Manav Sharma Jonathan Robinson U-23 girls’ singles 1st – Priyanna Ramdhani 2nd – Mishka Beharry 3rd – Alyssa Dick

Priyanka Shivnath U-23 boys’ singles 1st – Akili Haynes 2nd – Tyrese Jeffrey 3rd – Jaurel Hendricks Matthew Beharry Open women’s doubles 1st – Priyanna Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj 2nd – Christina Kumar & Anna Perreira 3rd – Ayanna Watson & Emelia Ramdhani Priyanka Shivnath & Mishka Beharry Consolation open men’s doubles 1st – Matthew Klautky & Nkosi Beaton 2nd – Andrew Browne & Jason Stephney Open men’s doubles 1st – Marlon Chung & Jonathan Mangra 2nd – Akili Haynes & Tyrese Jeffrey 3rd – Jaurel Hendricks & Matthew Beharry Veerendra Bhagwandin & Anthony Stephens

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The victors of the GBA’s World Badminton Day tournament alongside Sol Guyana’s Earl Carribon

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Ramdhani, Haynes, Beharry grab prizes in World Badminton Day tourney

he Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) concluded its Total Solutions-sponsored World Badminton Day tournament on Saturday, after a handful of exhilarating final matches.

Eva Bowling and John Thomas emerged champions of the Under-11 singles, while Mishka Beharry and Aiden Bhagwandin championed the Under-15 category.

Beharry returned in the Under-19 division for another win, while Matthew Beharry was the male victor.

Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes took top honours in the Under-23 singles, while Ramdhani returned with Ambika Ramraj for a women’s open doubles win.

In the men’s open doubles, Marlon Chung and Jonathan Mangra finished ahead of the competition and the pair of Matthew Klautky and Nkosi Beaton won the consolation competition.

While Total Solutions was the title sponsors, Sol Guyana and Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall sponsored other prizes. Priyanna Ramdhani, who recently completed her tertiary education with a 3.8 GPA overall in Business Management/Sports Management, was presented with a special prize compliments of Sunich’s Trophy Stall.

Sol Guyana’s General Manager, Earl Carribon presented gift vouchers on behalf of the company to the winners of the men’s open doubles consolation competition and the winners of the men’s and women’s open doubles.

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held at the Bronx Community College Theatre, Clarke won the overall competition, which saw him earn his Pro Card rank and invitation to the Pro Worlds slated for Los Angeles, California, November 20, 2022.

The competition was by no means easy, it was rigorous and required not only showcasing your best package on stage but also having strong mental focus, all qualities that Clarke possesses. Prior to this event, Clarke had to pass his polygraph test, which rigorously focused on the use of banned substances, in order to earn a spot onstage.

He then competed in the men’s bodybuilding open class, winning the middleweight category and from there, winning the overall.

He then had to produce samples for further testing.

When asked how he felt after gaining his Pro Card, Clarke said, “Being able to get my Pro Card is just a blessing in disguise along my fitness journey. In terms of the work, the work is now going to get more complicated than it was. The head judge and the entire panel gave me their view and they were all happy with my package and how I displayed details in each comparative pose.

I will continue to work diligently and continue to work smart.

The lead-up to this would have been overwhelming, through adversity, through good times, in adversity meaning that I had to exit Guyana to see a chiropractor

to rectify injuries that I would have inherited over time in the sport of bodybuilding.”

According to Clarke, while the feeling of victory was great, it was a late decision to do this event which tested his knowledge and experience. He noted that he contracted the influenza one week prior, which forced him to not deplete the way he should; however, he trusted himself and put forward his best package.

He further divulged that he was extremely grateful to the Almighty for his continuous blessings, because without Him nothing is possible. He also showered much praise on his very good friend Rawle Green, who encouraged him to be part of the event; his brother Kereon Clarke, who always takes time out to be part of his contingent and ensures that he is stage ready; Hugh Ross, who has always been a mentor to him; and a plethora of others. Clarke then explained that his result was proof of all the work that everyone has been putting into his success.

For Clarke, his vision will now be focused on Pro Worlds, which means that his journey has now begun and he will be putting in a lot of work and making the necessary sacrifices to be successful.

In closing, Clarke said, “I would also like to thank my sponsors – Champ Fitness, Max Consultancy Accounting Services, Fitness Express, and Fitness53.”

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23

Tournament Ambassador Chris Gayle to focus on 6ixty in 2022

T

he 6ixty is delighted to announce that Chris Gayle, the leading T20 player of all time, will be the Brand Ambassador for the new 60-ball tournament which gets underway in St Kitts and Nevis on August 24, 2022.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Gayle have confirmed that he will not play in the CPL this year, to concentrate instead on The 6ixty for the 2022 season.

Gayle said: “I am going for the shorter format this year.

I am genuinely excited about the current innovations in the 6ixty and seeing how they play out. In particular, I am looking forward to the mystery team ball and hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls to unlock a third powerplay over.”

Gayle, the self-proclaimed “Universe Boss”, will be playing in the tournament and will be acting as host for the six teams.

Gayle has the most runs, most hundreds, most sixes, and the most scores of fifty or more in T20 cricket so he perfectly suits The 6ixty, “Cricket’s

Power Game”.

The tournament will feature six men’s teams and three women’s teams who will be fighting for their own version of the Universe Boss trophy, named in Gayle’s honour.

Gayle has been working

with the tournament organisers to develop this innovative and exciting format.

Fans can look forward to the following at the 6ixty: - Each batting team have six wickets – at the fall of the sixth wicket they are all out - Each batting team have two powerplay overs. They can unlock a third powerplay by hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls. This extra powerplay over can be taken at any time between overs 3 and 9 - There will be 30 balls bowled from one end before the action switches to the other end for the final 30 balls - The 30 balls will be delivered as 5 separate overs, with no bowler being able to bowl more than 2 overs for the innings.

- If teams do not bowl their overs within the allotted time a member of their team is removed from the field for the final six balls - Fans will vote for the timing of a “Mystery Free Hit” where a batter can’t be dismissed by the bowler Gayle said: “It is a great feeling to actually have a trophy named after The Universe Boss, something fantastic, and I am really and truly looking forward to it. I am sure people will ask if this is real, a trophy named for Chris Gayle. Yes, it is happening, and I am really happy about it. I am looking forward to all the innovations.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerritt said: “Chris has been the most

prolific run scorer in white-ball cricket and has served West Indies outstandingly well in all versions of the game. The 6ixty is a perfect way to pay tribute to Chris and to thank him for his many years of his entertainment of CPL and West Indian fans everywhere.”

Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell said: “Chris Gayle has been such a huge part of the CPL’s success, and we are delighted he has agreed to be a big part for this exciting new opportunity in the Caribbean for cricket.

There is no one who better represents “Cricket’s Power Game”, and partnering with him for this event is hugely exciting. We can’t wait to watch Chris smash even more sixes at The 6ixty.” (CPLT20)

West Indies seal 2-0 series National Senior Athletics Championships…

Archibald, Aulder are male, win over Bangladesh female National Champions

T

he West Indies secured a 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh after a comprehensive 10-wicket win on day four of the second Test at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on Monday.

Bangladesh started day four on 132-6, trailing the Windies by 42 runs with Nurul Hasan on 16 and Mehidy Hasan yet to score.

After the entire morning session was delayed by rain

A

Sir Curtly Ambrose (left) presents Kemar Roach (right) of West Indies with a shirt for taking 250 Test wickets; he also bagged 3-54 on day 4

off 50 balls as the tourists were dismissed for 186 with Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales doing the damage with three wickets each.

Needing just 13 runs to win, West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell made short work of the total to secure the win and a 2-0 series triumph.

Final scores: Bangladesh 234 and 186, West Indies 408 and 13-0. (Sportsmax)

Alzarri Joseph picked up 3-57

Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas go head to head in the 10K race

race, clocking 2:16.78. However, McPherson made the 400m event her own, crossing the line in 56.38s for first place. Collia Rowe and Analissa Redmond were second and third in 57.10s and 57.14s respectively.

Chantoba Bright was outshone twice, in the long and triple jumps, coming second to Natrena Hooper. Hooper

Jayden Seales took 3-21

Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan blasted 60 off 50 balls

and a wet outfield, proceedings got underway after lunch with the Windies quickly cleaning up the Bangladesh tail with the wickets of Mehidy Hasan (4); Ebadot Hossain (0); Shoriful Islam (0); and Khaled Ahmed (0).

Nurul Hasan was the only batsman to offer any resistance for Bangladesh with an aggressive 60 not out

fter a scintillating weekend of track and field action, the duo of Emanuel Archibald and Natasha Aulder, both of the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC), were named the male and female National Champions, while Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Aubrey Hutson rated the event a success.

Olympian Archibald clocked 10.38s in the men’s 100m sprint on Saturday and then followed it up with a winning 7.90m leap in the long jump, to solidify his hold on the Paul Arthur Trophy as Champion Male of the National Senior Championships.

Meanwhile, Aulder was the woman to beat in the field events, throwing 11.22m and 37.37m for first in the shotput and discus events, respectively.

Devaun “Scooby” Barrington celebrates as he crosses the line

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 2ND INNINGS Tamim Iqbal c †Da Silva b Roach 4 Mahmudul Hasan Joy c Blackwood b Roach 13 Najmul Hossain Shanto c † Da Silva b Joseph 42 Anamul Haque lbw b Roach 4 Litton Das lbw b Seales 19 Shakib Al Hasan (c) c Campbell b Joseph 16 Nurul Hasan †not out 60 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c † Da Silva b Joseph 4 Ebadot Hossain c Reifer b Seales 0 Shoriful Islam lbw b Seales 0 Khaled Ahmed run out (sub [JD Campbell]) 0 Extras (b 9, lb 1, nb 3, w 11) 24 TOTAL 45 Ov (RR: 4.13) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Tamim Iqbal, 2.4 ov), 2-22 (Mahmudul Hasan Joy, 6.3 ov), 3-32 (Anamul Haque, 8.5 ov), 4-57 (Litton Das, 19.5 ov), 5-104 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 29.6 ov), 6-118 (Shakib Al Hasan, 33.1 ov),

7-148 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 39.2 ov), 8-169 (Ebadot Hossain, 42.2 ov), 9-174 (Shoriful Islam, 42.4 ov), 10-186 (Khaled Ahmed, 44.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 13-1-54-3 Alzarri Joseph 14-2-57-3 Anderson Phillip 5-1-23-0 Jayden Seales 8-2-21-3 Kyle Mayers 5-1-21-0 WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (Target: 13 runs) Kraigg Brathwaite (c) not out 4 John Campbell not out 9 Extras 0 TOTAL 2.5 Ov (RR: 4.58) 13 Did not bat: Raymon Reifer, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Joshua Da Silva †, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip BOWLING O-M-R-W Ebadot Hossain 1.5-0-9-0 Khaled Ahmed 1-0-4-0

CARIFTA gold medallist Anisha Gibbons was the only one to pip the Champion Female, in the javelin event. Gibbons threw 43.89m for first, while Aulder threw 32.29m for second. Stacy Wilson completed the podium with a 26.80m throw.

Back on the track, Keliza Smith added another sprint double to her name, stopping the clock at 11.53s in the 100m and 24.29m in the 200m for her victories. Juvonna Corlette and Tonya Rawlins made up the 100m podium with times of 11.63s and 12.00s. The podium was the same in the 200m, as Cornette and Rawlins clocked 24.44s and 25.41s for second and third.

Aliyah Moore was a force to reckon with in the middle and distance races, winning the 1500m and 5000m with times of 4:52.30s and 20:41.65s. She was second in the 800m event with 2:13.25, crossing the line after Joanna Archer with 2:12.24.

CARIFTA 2022 medallist Naris McPherson was third in the 800m

leaped to 6.10m and 12.86m respectively, while Bright leaped 6.00m and 12.65m for two silvers.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) won the anticipated 4x100m relay in 48.46s, two split seconds ahead of Running Brave Athletics Club (RBAC) in second.

PPYC were third with a time of 50.15s.

After finishing second in the 100m in 10.42s, Noelex Holder clocked 21.37s for second in the 200m, trailing Loneil Marks in 21.34s. Revon Williams was third with 21.57s.

Michael James took top honours in the 400m event in 48.01s, followed by Simeon Adams in 48.13s and Lennox Douglas in 49.16s.

Devaun “Scooby” Barrington, raced away with the 800m title after pipping Nicholas Daw near the line in 1:52.07. While Daw came in second (1:52.91), Simeon Adams was third in 1:55.45.

Marlon Nicholson opted to take on only the 5000m

distance race, clocking 15:59.80 for the win. Odwin Tudor was a close second in 16:01.80, while Cleveland Thomas settled for third in 16:10.50.

Meanwhile, Winston Missigher, who finished fourth in the 5K, moved up to first place in the 10K race, crossing the line in 32:45.32, while Thomas was second in 32:48.67.

National record holder Leslain Baird made light work of the competition once again, throwing 66.02m for the win.

In second place was Joshua Tappin with a 62.46m throw and Tremaine Beckles was third, after making a 60.16m mark.

After the hectic weekend, AAG President Hutson was pleased with the competition they were able to put on.

“Well, it’s good. With a lot of athletes aiming to go to World Championships, Commonwealth and other championships later down in the year like the South American Games, it’s good to give them this level of competition,” he said.

Hutson further stated, “A lot of them did pretty well. I know Emanuel Archibald was hoping to do a little better than what he would have done – but hey, what you put in, you’ll get out.

Juvonna Cornette coming home and Chantoba Bright being here in preparation for the Caribbean Games, it’s a good opportunity for them to be here and showcase their skills.”

Clubwise, PPYC led the way with 352 points, while GDF accumulated 247. RBAC was next with 120. Hopetown Flames and Upper Demerara Secondary followed with 29 and 27 points respectively.

The next activity on the AAG’s calendar will be the National Junior Championships next weekend, tentatively scheduled for July 8-10.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

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

West Indies seal 2-0 series win over Bangladesh Pg 23

The “Men in Maroon” wrapped up the second Test match in the Padma Bridge-Dream Fulfilled-Friendship series one day early, with a comprehensive 10-wicket win over Bangladesh on Monday afternoon, at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Page 22

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…set to participate in Pro Worlds this November

National Senior Athletics Championships…

Archibald, Aulder are male, female National Champions

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