Guyana Times - Tuesday, May 10, 2022

GNBS greenlights PGI “Only Coconuts” products

P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5004

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

Norton agrees to hand over APNU/AFC SoPs at debate with VP Jagdeo Page 11

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Woman killed, 2 injured after drunken driver crashes into P2 concrete culvert Peacemaker stabbed to P2 death in Bartica

Serious crime P10 up, road fatalities down in Reg 5 – Police

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton engaged in an animated informal discussion at European Day cocktail reception at the Back Magenta (Georgetown Club), Camp Street on Monday evening. Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

300 foreigners, locals registered for massive Agri Forum …over 7 Heads of State to attend & Expo …with 70 small agro-processors on board

Woman gets $500,000 bail for Nigg fatal accident P13

…Magistrate recuses self from trial

Page 3

PAC statutory meeting Guyana inks Air Services Agreement with Saudi Contractors who owed money were allowed Arabia Page 7

to bid for more contracts in Reg 8

Page 10

Chinese Landing land dispute

UNCERD calls for rights of Indigenous people to be protected – Village Council calls for revision of Amerindian Act See story on page 9

GPSCCU-Trevor Benn dispute

Benn ousted for breaching confidentiality policy – credit P15 union

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Peacemaker stabbed to death in Bartica A

miner who attempted to make peace between his friend and another man was fatally stabbed on Sunday evening between 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Dead is 24-year-old Alston Seon of Bartica. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 1:30h, Seon and four others were at the corner of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue, Bartica, liming when the suspect approached one of his friends and began to threaten him saying that he was going to “buss his throat”.

As such, Seon intervened

and warned the suspect to desist from making the threats.

The suspect retaliated by whipping out a knife from the waist of his pants and dealing Seon one stab to his rightside chest.

Seon reportedly fell to the ground and was picked up by his friend and taken to the Bartica Public Hospital where he succumbed. A post-mortem performed on the body of Seon by pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

The suspect was arrested and is presently in custody pending charges.

Dead: Alston Seon

Woman killed, 2 injured after drunken driver crashes into concrete culvert

O

ne woman is now dead while two others are injured after the car in which they were travelling crashed into a

utility pole at the Hand-enVeldt Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), in the wee hours of Monday.

The dead woman has been identified as 44-yearold Shazie Hoosain of Green Field, ECD. Injured are the driver of the motor car, 22-year-old Saif Arjune, and a 16-year-old boy. At the time of the accident, a 19-year-old was also an occupant of the motor vehicle.

Based on reports received, the motor car, PJJ 485, driven by Arjune, was proceeding along the Handen-Veldt Public Road allegedly at a fast rate of speed, when he lost control and crashed into a utility pole after which the car slammed into a concrete culvert.

As a result of the impact, the driver and other occupants sustained injuries about their bodies. Police ranks who responded reportedly pulled the injured persons from the wreckage and took them to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where Hoosain was pronounced dead on arrival.

Arjune and the teenager suffered broken right legs and were subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted.

Following the accident, a breathalyser test was administered on the driver and the results proved that he was over the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Hoosain’s body was taken to the Jerrick’s Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

3 300 foreigners, locals registered for massive Agri Forum & Expo NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, May 10 – No closure and Wednesday, May 11 – 00:30h – 02:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, May 10 – 11:15h – 12:45h and Wednesday, May 11 – 12:35h – 14:05h.

…over 7 Heads of State to attend …with 70 small agro-processors on board

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Westerly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:00h reaching a maximum height of 2.15 metres.

Low Tide: 18:08h reaching a minimum height of 1.0 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

10 11 14

19 24 25

FREE TICKET

05 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

12 14 18 21 23 LUCKY 3

3

3

5

1

Afternoon Draw

2

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 02 03

5

07 11 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

01 09 11 13 17 13

02 03 06 12 17

5

5 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

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1 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$105.94/barrel

-6.09

Rough Rice

$301.32/ton

-0.61

London Sugar

$520.50/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1856.40

$1857.40

Low/High Change

$1845.60 +2.30

$1871.60 +0.12%

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Preparations underway for the Agri Investment Forum and Expo

G

uyana has taken a lead in driving the region’s agri-food agenda, and the flagship Agri Investment Forum and Expo slated for next week has already accumulated attention from foreign investors.

The inaugural event is set for May 19 to 21, 2022, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

During an inspection of the expo site on Monday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha divulged that over 300 investors and participants have already registered. Most of them are overseas-based but locals are now getting on board.

Some 70 exhibitors are already on board, having secured their booth, but the aim is to have 100.

Additionally, approximately 70 small Guyanese agro-processors will be part of the event.

“We are moving very effectively. Almost all the booths are in place. To date, we have close to about 300 organisations and investors who have already registered and most are from overseas.

Now we are seeing a number of Guyanese being registered. I’m hoping by the end of registration, we will have a lot of investors and persons who would be participating,” he told media operatives.

He added, “There are a number of small agro-processors who wants to come on board. As the time comes closer, the interest is building up. We are seeing more and more people coming on board to register.”

Apart from local input, investors will be arriving from as far as Israel, Ghana, Cameroon, Canada and the United States among other nations, to be a part of the exposition.

“This investment forum will be the first of its kind in Caricom and the response that we have received so far has been massive. It shows that the Caribbean needs something like this. It will be the first of its kind in this part of the region and will be continuous, where we can always have investment,” Mustapha also noted.

In addition, seven Heads of State in the Caribbean

Community (Caricom) have indicated their participation, along with several regional Ministers of Agriculture.

The region has taken a position to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 – a feat that can be achieved through such initiatives.

“You can see the importance of this event to Caricom because they recognise that this is forum that will not only create investment for Guyana but the Caribbean.”

Partnering with the Agriculture Ministry to execute the expo is the Private Sector Commission and other private sector bodies.

Chairman of the PSC, Paul Cheong asserted that while oil is a depletable resource, agriculture is sustainable and makes use of the advantageous climate that Guyana possesses.

“We think it is something

that is going to push the agriculture sector in Guyana.

We know the huge potential that we have with the large amount of arable land, fresh water and sunlight. We’re confident that this now will drive the agriculture sector.

This is all in line with what is happening in the country in general. A lot of focus has been on Guyana in the last couple of years and agriculture is just one of the sectors,” Cheong expressed.

Back in March, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced a US$100 million (GY$20.7 billion) Special Concessional Financing Package geared at helping to transform agriculture in the region which is aimed at reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

He was at the time addressing the 33rd InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of

Government of Caricom in Belize.

The President had stated that there had been concrete progress in access to financing for agriculture investment, financing through a facility called the Caricom Sustainability Agriculture Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”), using Republic Bank Limited as a lender.

This is a special facility designed for agriculture activities including, but not limited to, development of priority crops, capital equipment for farming, feeder roads to provide access to arable lands, bulk storage for crops, processing plants and shade house farming.

This provides funding for up to five years for repaying up to GY$2 billion to Guyana and US$100 million to all Caricom member states, with interest rates as low as 2.5 per cent.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

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

Serious cause for concern

O

ver time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many persons were brutally killed, in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues, despite awareness efforts and the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse with regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This, therefore, gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.

Many reasons have been promulgated for what can deter an abuse victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture; shame; dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself, precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question of whether the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging; while the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers and, to a lesser extent, their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding in better shaping of lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative, for the benefit of all, to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what obtains in the developed nations. However, there must be something tangible, in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not in any way suggesting that there is no effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending on the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of the adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of having the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorisation, some aspects had made news internationally, prompting a local organisation to call for suicide to be made a national priority, given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.

It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It was not going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximise the effectiveness of information gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, to help break social inhibitors where necessary, and to better edify.

It is no different from domestic violence. While there is a disadvantage in being unable to accurately quote figures, based on extensive research, if available, on the number of people lost, injured, and disfigured, and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, it must be extremely high in proportion to our population. Clearly, the highest number would be those who are left traumatised.

This, therefore, must be seen as a serious cause for concern and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated.

Vatican Swiss Guards at the Pope Paul VI Hall on the occasion of their swearing-in ceremony, at the Vatican (Aleteia photo)

Trade unions must engage the Government in a strategic dialogue Dear Editor, Today, as we are confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is required of us to work closely to protect and uphold the values upon which trade unionism was built.

To build resilience, to face crises now and in the future, drawing on lessons learned and experiences from the world of work.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts everywhere. The pandemic has touched nearly every aspect of the world of work, from the risk of transmission of the virus in workplaces to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) risks that have emerged as a result of measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. Shifts to new forms of working arrangements, such as the widespread reliance on teleworking, have, for example, presented many opportunities for workers but also posed potential OSH risks, including psychosocial risks and violence in particular.

Proposals

As a global effort to build a truly sustainable COVID-19 recovery effort.

Here we can offer some ideas and proposals that are consistent with the existing global policies. These proposals are shaped with several goals in mind – to advance protection policies and solutions; to improve the working and living conditions of our people; to educate and mobilise our people; to increase the size and strength of our constituencies; and to build durable alliances with other constituencies who share our vision of the sustainable world.

Meanwhile, trade unions will continue to work with the Global Union Federation (GUF) and International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC) in their efforts to make protection a core trade union concern that can engage workers at the grassroots. A “whole economy” approach to the COVID-19 reductions makes it imperative that

the trade unions engage in a strategic dialogue with other constituencies to develop a coherent and shared trade union message.

Many trade unions now recognise the need to pursue a change of direction, one that involves working with others to bring into being a new economy based on sustainability sufficiency, and social solidarity.

This kind of social growth will only happen if economic life is made much more democratic and more responsive to social and health needs. Trade unions and their allies in society embody many of the principles around which a new economy can be built, and we must assert those principles via major expansion of public ownership, development of the social economy, more community control, and strict regulation to enforce measures that advance sustainability.

Trade unions are well suited to that challenge. As trade unions’ constituency, they have been in existence for decades. They have been and are at the forefront of many long-term struggles for social justice in different parts of the world.

Main actors

The main actors involved in the energy transition base their decisions mostly on economic, geopolitical, or environmental considerations. Some countries, mainly in Europe, see renewables as an opportunity to reduce their dependence on imports of other forms of energy. Green financial funds seek to influence the policies of companies in which they hold investments to leverage these companies’ market power to promote environmental change.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) advocate greater use of clean energy to mitigate the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels. However, none of these actors has the impact of the transition on workers at the cen-

tre of their concerns. Both the destruction of fossil fuel jobs and the precarious conditions of “green” workers are not addressed by these institutions in their energy transition reports. In the face of that, the union movement developed in the 1990s the concept of Just Transition, to provide a framework for discussions on the types of social and economic interventions needed to ensure workers’ livelihoods during climate change processes. At the turn of the millennium, thanks to the efforts of national unions and labour federations, the Just Transition was increasingly considered at the international level – especially during the United Nations climate negotiations and discussions on sustainable development.

Even so, it was only in the second half of the following decade that there would be more active and coordinated efforts to integrate the Just Transition into the international circle and to seek the inclusion of the concept in United Nations procedures and agreements.

Environmental concerns

An important moment in this regard was the merger of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Labour in 2006, which gave rise to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

From the beginning, ITUC has put environmental concerns at the centre of its agenda. Given its growing importance in the international debate, the United Nations climate process has become a privileged place for ITUC and other union organisations to boost the Just Transition agenda. Consequently, and within the international climate community, Just Transition has been increasingly framed and recognised as the contribution of the trade union movement to the international climate debate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

5

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

Trade Unions must engage...

Killing coolies using the “leaden argument”

By Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association

T

he “Girmit” or Indentured Agreement authorized jail and fines against the Girmitiyas for breaking its terms. But the planters broke then with impunity every day for the seventy-nine years

Maxim Gun hauled along Canje road to intimidate Rose Hall strikers in 1913 of Indentureship. Take for example the stipulated “Number of Hours per day” which were 7 hours in fields. By defining a particular “task” as a day’s this invariably took about 12 hours to complete, and the Girmitiya could do nothing about it. If the task was not complete there was no pay.

While technically the Girmitiya could take the manager to Court this was like trying the Devil in hell, since the manager would sit next to the Magistrate, who might have had breakfast with him.

Plantation

Year

# killed

# injured

Devonshire Castle, Esseq Coast

1872

5

7

Non Pariel. ECD

1896

6

59

Friends EBB

1903

6

7

Lusignan EBD

1912

1

-

Rose Hall, Canje B/ce

1913

15

39

Ruimveldt, EBD

1924

13

18

Leonora WCD

1939

4

4

Enmore ECD

1948

5

14

Since any protest of their working conditions on the plantations could be defined as an “overt rebellion” and result in the armed police being called out and the Riot Act read. If not shot and killed, the lengthening of their indentureship term ensured immigrants did not lightly embark upon such actions. Yet, since the immigrants did protest hundreds of times, one could only imagine the provocations.

DID YOU KNOW? After the Devonshire Castle killings The Colonist, a paper friendly to planter interests exulted, “The leaden argument has brought submission quicker than all honeyed words that could have been used.”

After the 1948 funeral for the Enmore martyrs Dr Jagan wrote, “There and then, I made a silent pledge I would dedicate my entire life to the cause of the struggle of the Guyanese people against bondage and exploitation.’

In a leaflet produced for the Copenhagen climate conference in 2009, the ITUC presented Just Transition: The active presence of the union movement in the international negotiating circle, its sustained efforts to integrate environmental and climate concerns within the union community, and its successful efforts to include the language of the Just Transition in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change also contributed to further securing the concept within and outside the union movement. The reference to Just Transition in the Paris Agreement’s preamble further legitimised the concept and encouraged a wider range of stakeholders to use it. This was complemented by the compatibility of the concept with the theory of voluntary and bottom-up change of the agreement, and the broader narrative about the combined economic, social and environmental benefits of climate action, especially in the field of energy.

Just Transition Silesia Declaration

In this sense, another moment worth mentioning is the “Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration”, a document prepared by the trade union movement for the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP 24) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Katowice, Poland. This document was signed by over 50 countries, emphasising that “the Just Transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are crucial to ensure an effective and inclusive transition to low greenhouse gas emission and climate-resilient development, and to enhance the public support for achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement”.

Given its growing acceptance in the international political arena, the term “Just Transition” has gained multiple approaches over the years.

Deployed within a wide range of ideological views, the demands for a Just Transition can vary “from a simple demand for job creation in the green economy to a radical analysis of capitalism and opposition to market solutions”. Despite the diversity of meanings endorsed to “Just Transition”, in general terms, two broad definitions prevail: (1) The first is based on the term as it emerged from the North American labour movement in the late 20th century, in part in response to the environmental movement.

This background shapes the stricter definition of the term – the idea that workers and communities affected by the intentional change in activities related to fossil fuels should receive support from the state;

IndustriALL’s concept

(ii) A second broader definition of “Just Transitions” requires thinking of justice

in a more general sense, and not just for affected workers.

It emphasises the importance of not continuing to sacrifice the well-being of vulnerable groups for the sake of others, a practice that has been usual in the fossil fuel economy.

Despite these different approaches to Just Transition, this adopts the concept presented by IndustriALL when discussing Just Transition.

The technology revolution and a greater ongoing digitalisation of production – that is likely to deepen in the future - cannot exclude workers from this process. Therefore, in IndustriALL’s view, the Just Transition must also be characterised by a sustainable industrial policy that promotes much-needed social justice and benefits for workers. Accordingly, IndustriALL proposes that: (i) Climate change must guarantee broad social participation; (ii) The transition must consider improving the livelihoods of vulnerable workers and small producers; (iii) The sustainable and resilient infrastructure to be distributed fairly; (iv) Access to ecological services and products (is) to be guaranteed at a viable price; and, (v) Tax reforms must consider progressive ecological taxes. To ensure the implementation of this agenda, greater participation by union representation is crucial, especially in the renewable segments that have a significant share of highly precarious work (as in the case of biofuels). On the one hand, this would allow greater protection of this type of work and a greater capacity for organising the workforce with the aim that the energy transition does not mean a great unevenness of the employment structure in the energy industry.

Fight against poverty

The Trade Unions have been paying considerable attention to the question of how the world economic system can be improved. Our starting point is to fight against unemployment and poverty.

Economic growth is not an end in itself; it is means of ensuring that people all over the world, can enjoy a decent life from the fruits of their labour.

Many others also have ideas about changing the world economy, but I am afraid far too few share our fundamental conviction about the primacy of ensuring full employment and a decent standard of living for all. If we achieve nothing else in our country.

I hope we will get the message across that in far too many countries, unemployment, is a scandal, a waste, a calamity, and a threat to society and to the individuals who make up the distressing statistics of the jobless.

However, fighting speeches from trade unions do not create new jobs. While making people aware of the dangers of mass unemployment, we need at this time to offer solutions. And in the modern interdependent world, that means international solutions.

The big industrial countries must also take urgent steps in cooperation with the developing world to resolve the debt crisis. Lower interest rates, cheaper dollars, some growth in world trade, and the fall in oil prices will ease the difficulties many countries like Guyana have in paying off their existing debts. But if present policies are maintained, it will be a long, slow process and some oil exporters will face even more difficult conditions in these Caribbean

FROM PAGE 4

Regions. We believe that the economic and social crisis of the developing world requires a move from what is in effect still crisis management tactics to a multilateral strategy for employment, adjustment, and growth. What we are looking for is a major increase in the lending power of the multilateral institutions – the World Bank, Regional Development Bank, and IMF – and new mechanisms for the restructuring of existing debts. We must move to a situation where the repayment and interest rates of the developing world are reduced to a level commensurate with their ability to pay and grow.

However, the process is of such importance to the creation of jobs and the improvement of living standards that unions can no longer simply sit back and criticise the failures of others.

Cooperation

Furthermore, one of the key elements of a successful transformation will be the cooperation and active involvement of workers in the process.

Commitment, participation, and cooperation do not come automatically at the push of a button. It must be built up through discussion, exchange of information, and agreement both at the workplace and in national policy-making.

The trade union movement has throughout its history played a key role in the development of the social and political structures in Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Sherwood Clarke General President Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union

Less unequal

On the other hand, it would enable greater action with governments, guaranteeing not only an ecologically sustainable future but also a less socially unequal future for all workers. These elements could serve to some extent the distributed interests of different workers. When it comes to energy transition in this, dimension is also considered, that is: whether or not this process considers aspects related to the interests and objectives of the working class.

This is important because, in our perspective, the energy transition must be looked at in a much broader than a simple change in the source of energy. It must also consider the negative impacts of transition on different parts of society and the economy and the real possibilities of overcoming them.

Today must agree that the clock cannot and will not be turned back. We have to look to establish a new basis for the development of both Guyana, the Caribbean, and the world economy as a whole.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:33 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

Page

Foundation

◄

I

n this fun and easy engineering science experiment, we’re going to see if paper can hold your weight.

Materials: Scissors Cardboard Large round can Rubber bands Masking or duct tape Small board big enough to stand on Instructions: Cut a strip of cardboard about 4 inches by 12 inches.

Wrap the cardboard around

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

SCENE II. Another part of the island.

Enter STEPHANO, singing: a bottle in his hand STEPHANO I shall no more to sea, to sea, Here shall I die ashore-This is a very scurvy tune to sing at a man's funeral: well, here's my comfort.

Drinks Sings The master, the swabber, the boatswain and I, The gunner and his mate Loved Mall, Meg and Marian and Margery, But none of us cared for Kate; For she had a tongue with a tang, Would cry to a sailor, Go hang!

She loved not the savour of tar nor of pitch, Yet a tailor might scratch her where'er she did itch: Then to sea, boys, and let her go hang!

This is a scurvy tune too: but here's my comfort.

Drinks CALIBAN Do not torment me: Oh! STEPHANO What's the matter? Have we devils here? Do you put tricks upon's with savages

the can.

Secure the cardboard with the rubber bands.

Tape the cardboard together so it stays securely in place.

Now remove the can and place the board on top of the cardboard circle.

Carefully step on top of the board.

The cardboard circle will hold your weight.

throughout the entire cylinder shape. This is called load distribution. Engineers think about load distribution when they design and build structures such as buildings and bridges to avoid collapses and structural failures.

Make this a science project: Create different shapes like triangles and squares. Try getting the cardboard wet.

How it works: Try shorter and The cylinder shape of the taller cardboard cardboard ring you created c y l i n d e r s . is incredibly strong because (sciencefun.org) it disperses stress evenly

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali

and men of Ind, ha? I have not scaped drowning to be afeard now of your four legs; for it hath been said, As proper a man as ever went on four legs cannot make him give ground; and it shall be said so again while Stephano breathes at's nostrils.

CALIBAN The spirit torments me; Oh! STEPHANO This is some monster of the isle with four legs, who hath got, as I take it, an ague. Where the devil should he learn our language? I will give him some relief, if it be but for that. if I can recover him and keep him tame and get to Naples with him, he's a present for any emperor that ever trod on neat's leather.

CALIBAN Do not torment me, prithee; I'll bring my wood home faster.

STEPHANO He's in his fit now and does not talk after the wisest. He shall taste of my bottle: if he have never drunk wine afore will go near to remove his fit. If I can recover him and keep him tame, I will not take too much for him; he shall pay for him that

hath him, and that soundly.

CALIBAN Thou dost me yet but little hurt; thou wilt anon, I know it by thy trembling: now Prosper works upon thee.

STEPHANO Come on your ways; open your mouth; here is that which will give language to you, cat: open your mouth; this will shake your shaking, I can tell you, and that soundly: you cannot tell who's your friend: open your chaps again.

TRINCULO I should know that voice: it should be--but he is drowned; and these are devils: O defend me!

STEPHANO Four legs and two voices: a most delicate monster!

His forward voice now is to speak well of his friend; his backward voice is to utter foul speeches and to detract. If all the wine in my bottle will recover him, I will help his ague. Come. Amen! I will pour some in thy other mouth.

TRINCULO Stephano!

STEPHANO Doth thy other mouth call me? Mercy, mercy! This is a devil, and no monster: I will leave him; I have no

long spoon.

TRINCULO Stephano! If thou beest Stephano, touch me and speak to me: for I am Trinculo--be not afeard--thy good friend Trinculo.

STEPHANO If thou beest Trinculo, come forth: I'll pull thee by the lesser legs: if any be Trinculo's legs, these are they. Thou art very Trinculo indeed! How camest thou to be the siege of this moon-calf? can he vent Trinculos?

TRINCULO I took him to be killed with a thunder-stroke. But art thou not drowned, Stephano? I hope now thou art not drowned. Is the storm overblown? I hid me under the dead mooncalf's gaberdine for fear of the storm. And art thou living, Stephano? O Stephano, two Neapolitans 'scaped!

STEPHANO Prithee, do not turn me about; my stomach is not constant.

CALIBAN [Aside] These be fine things, an if they be not sprites.

That's a brave god and bears celestial liquor.

I will kneel to him.

WORD SEARCH

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana inks Air Services Agreement with Saudi Arabia T

he Guyana Government has signed an Air Services Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote and facilitate the expansion of international air services opportunities between the two countries.

Guyana is currently represented at the Future Aviation Forum 2022 in Saudi Arabia among 60 countries and 2000 participants. Public Works

Minister Juan Edghill is accompanied in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority's Air Transport Management Director, Saheed Suliman.

On Monday, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh Al-Jasser opened the forum which is organised by General Authority for Civil Aviation in Riyadh. The conference focuses on three main aspects: innovation, growth and sustainability

in the civil aviation sector.

“The event will witness signing of over 50 Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding in addition to launching several important policies and strategies for the civil aviation sector, and the signing of a large number of partnerships between the public and private sectors,” the Public Works Ministry announced on Monday.

Presently, there is no

Reg 5 storm victims receive assistance from CDC Public Works Minister Juan Edghill with Minister of Transport and Logistic Services for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser during the signing

R

Residents collect zinc sheets on Monday

esidents of Bath Settlement who had their roofs torn off by the recent storm on Monday received zinc sheets from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), with more assistance promised.

The storm which on Friday night ripped through sections of Planation Hope and Experiment also caused massive destruction to utility poles.

In addition, zinc sheets for 18 homes were ripped off and two buildings were blown to the ground.

Following the relief drive on Monday, Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal congratulated the Government on its quick response, noting that after the CDC did an assessment, twenty families were in need of building material.

“The Ministries of Local Government and Public Service and in general the Government of Guyana acted to ensure that the necessary support is being given.

Also, the Office of the Prime Minister got fully engaged and as such, we would have received the necessary approval and assistance.”

Ramphal pointed out that families would have received hampers which were made available through the CDC. Food hampers and

One of the houses that was damaged by the freak storm

cleaning hampers were given to fifty families who were affected in the two communities.

“I noticed that we have persons here who we would have not engaged before.

We are working with a list of twenty families. The other persons we will engage you to see how we can assist,” the Regional Chairman told residents who had gathered at the distribution centre where the zinc sheets were being uplifted from.

Meanwhile, Captain Lakshmar Persaud of the CDC explained that it is hoped that there will be more engagements with the community so that the affected people will be able to get back to a state of normalcy as soon as possible.

“Today we will deal specifically with the zinc sheets so that those persons who have not done any repairs can ensure that you can get that process moving forward and for those that would have already completed their repairs, at least you would get your material and you can decide how you will move forward with that.”

The regional administration also assisted with transporting the material from the distribution centre to each family’s house.

Ramphal also promised to provide labour for those who were in need of labour to get their houses fixed.

The residents who suffered from the storm have expressed gratitude to the CDC for their intervention.

direct flight operating between the two countries.

With the new document, airlines can now ply the route, thereby widening connections, trade and economic growth.

Within the past two years, Guyana and Saudi Arabia have intensified their collaboration and continue to enjoy cordial and mutually beneficial relations. In February, a visiting delegation led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Member of the Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers, Adel Ahmed al-Jubeir was engaged

by President Irfaan Ali. The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry had said that it would “serve as an impetus for the further enhancement of relations between the two countries.”

Apart from putting Guyana on the global map, the new oil industry has created a ripple effect for investments in various sectors and from wide-ranging international partners. In

aviation, the country has managed to sign pacts with several new carriers, some of which have already commenced operations to new destinations.

Last year, seven airlines signalled their interest in operating here: FlyAllWays, InterCaribbean Airways, One Caribbean Limited, Jetair Caribbean, Skybus Airlines, Sky High Aviation Services and Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. InterCaribbean Airways Limited, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and FlyAllways received Cabinet approval to operate locally. FlyAllways, which is Surinamese-owned, was also granted approval to operate in Guyana.

A few months ago, the Government signed an open skies agreement with Colombia, while also promising to fast-track the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria that had been in limbo since 2014.

Last week, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

Guo Haiyan told Guyana Times that airlines should seek to make travelling between the two countries more convenient.

Eventually, the Chinese Ambassador hopes that as demand grows, there will be an increase and easier access to flights between the two countries.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport was expanded with other modernisation works carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), in preparation for this massive influx of new carriers and increased travel activity.

When the Government entered office, there was a list of 71 critical works and a master list of 1500 works that were incomplete. Back in December, the Public Works Ministry had entered into an agreement with CHEC for the contractor to undertake some US$9 million in additional works to further extend the airport at no cost to the State.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man arraigned for murder of Sophia labourer

O

Murder accused: Denzil Haynes

ne week after turning himself over to the Police, murder accused Denzil Haynes was

arraigned for the capital offence on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Haynes, 24, of North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on April 16, at North Sophia, he murdered Yardan Jacobs, 27, also of North Sophia.

Haynes, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva, was remanded to prison until June 2.

Shortly after the killing, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had issued a wanted bulletin for Haynes, who surrendered at the

Killed: Yardan Jacobs

Brickdam Police Station last week Tuesday in the company of his lawyer.

Haynes reportedly went

into hiding after the shooting incident. It was reported that Jacobs succumbed to his injuries almost two weeks after he was shot.

Police said that the incident occurred at around midnight while Jacobs was hanging with a group of persons at the Tanary Area in the community. Jacobs’s cousin, Steve Bacchus, was also shot.

Reports are that Jacobs had gotten into an argument with an individual, and Bacchus had subsequently intervened, causing the suspect, believed to be Haynes, to whip out a firearm and discharge several rounds in their direction before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction.

Duo to face jury for murder of Professor Mars – pleads not guilty to murder charge

Dead: Professor Pariedeau Mars

T

wo young men will go on trial from Monday, May 16, 2022, for the murder of 75-year-old Professor Pariedeau Mars who was found dead in his Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home back in 2016.

Paul Chance and Andre Benjamin, both 21 years old, were arraigned before Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon on Monday. They pleaded not guilty to the joint charge

Jailed: Nikisha Dover

which alleged that they murdered the elderly man in May 2016 during the course/furtherance of a robbery.

A 12-member jury was thereafter empanelled to hear the case. Chance and Benjamin are being represented by Attorneys-atLaw Ronald Daniels and Kiswana Jefford while Senior State Counsel Abigail Gibbs is appearing for the prosecution.

Back in 2019, 21-yearold Naomi Adams, 23-year-

Jailed: Naomi Adams

Jailed: Orin McRae

old Nikkisha Dover, and 22-year-old Orin McRae, who had been jointly charged along with Benjamin and Chance, confessed to the crime. Initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, the trio opted to plead guilty to the

Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, was found bound and beaten in his home at about 18:30h on May 12, 2016, by his wife upon her return from Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

He was subsequent-

Murder accused: Paul Chance (right) and Andre Benjamin

lesser count of manslaughter upon their arraignment before High Court Judge Navindra Singh.

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 spent on remand from each of the sentences imposed.

It was reported that Mars also known as “Perry” of

ly rushed to a private city hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations revealed that Dover was known to the now dead professor as she would frequently visit his home. It was further revealed that she conspired with McRae and others to rob the elderly man who was at home alone on the day in question. An iPhone, cash, laptop, and gaming console were among the items stolen from Mars’ home.

Telling it…

T

…like it is he UN-sponsored commemorative “Days” are usually innocuous events that let various and sundry interest groups tell the world they’re alive and (possibly) kicking. Now don’t get your Eyewitness wrong…he has absolutely nothing against these goingson and he himself throws in his two cents on causes he supports. Like violence against women, for instance – as in the “Intimate Partner Violence” (IPV) commemorated recently.

So, when he sees the firestorm raging in Guyana about “press freedom” ,the first thing he wondered was why there wasn’t this kinda buzz about “IPV”? We’re all solipsistic! Now, mind you, as a card-carrying member of the “Fourth Estate”, he has skin in the game…but there are priorities in life, no? So, let’s talk about this whole “free press” business. Like with everything else, nothing’s really “free”. The Press is owned by somebody or group – private persons, corporations, or even Governments! – and they’ll inevitably have their perspective on matters.

Which controls their curating of the news – picking from the billions of things happening in the world to print. So, even though the NYTimes speaks for the press when they boast about publishing “all the news that’s fit to print”, it’s the owners – read publishers – who decide what’s “fit”! So, the curating becomes filtering!!

Let’s start right there with the NYTimes. Did you realise it’s owned by a NY Jewish family and in every edition, they’ll have a positive article about Israel or Jews? Can someone find me a newspaper or TV station in the entire world that doesn’t have its own slant on things?? So, let’s not get on our high horses with our drawers in a knot about “bias” in the press. Just consider who publishes the paper and factor in their “perspective” when we consume their news. Now on to the next issue being raised – the Government press being biased in favour of the Government. Well…hello?? Just read the above!!

Now since the theme of this year’s Press Freedom Day was “Journalism under digital siege”. This was supposed “to spotlight the multiple ways in which journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks on journalists.” Now, right away your Eyewitness hopes you can see the premises of this perspective. It declares that journalism is “under digital siege”.

Now for sure, this Pegasus spyware’s been used to spy on some journalists. But wasn’t the question posed by the GPA to the President – whether his Government’s spying on Journalists like the question, “have you stopped beating your wife?”

What exactly could the President say that would satisfy the GPA? Be like George Washington and admit he cut down that cherry tree?

But there’s no evidence any tree was cut in Guyana!! …on women’s rights They say when countries up north catch a cold, we sneeze…. or something to that effect!! You know… whatever happens there, we feel its effect here. So now that a leaked document from the US Supreme Court suggests they might be ready to overturn their landmark Roe v Wade case. a strong murmur’s rising here from certain quarters. Now that case delineated the parameters of the factors that must be taken for women to abort their foetuses. Pretty much making a Solomonic Judgement between the rights of the mother versus the rights of the child.

Most critically, the 1973 case turned on a “right of privacy” that the Justices decided all women possessed over their bodies. Now the Americans might be debating that “right” till the cows come home, but your Eyewitness wants to know what that has to do with us in Guyana?

Our Termination of Pregnancy Act was legislated on completely different grounds.

We have enough challenges of our own without importing America’s!! …on Amerindian land rights This UN CERD’s decision to demand our government explain their position on mining permissions on lands near Amerindian settlements is crucial.

One wonders what this same agency has said about the Russians taking over Eastern Ukraine!!

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

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

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese Landing land dispute

UNCERD calls for rights of Indigenous people to be protected – Village Council calls for revision of Amerindian Act

T

he United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) has written the Government of Guyana regarding a longstanding dispute in the Region 1 (Barima-Waini) village of Chinese Landing.

In the missive, seen by this publication, UNCERD Chair Verene Shepherd stressed the need for the rights of Chinese Landing and the Wapichan Indigenous people to be protected. They urged that no decisions related to the interests of the Indigenous people be taken without their informed consent.

Back in the 1990s, permission was given by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to a miner to operate within the boundaries of the village titled land. However, the village has been up in arms over this approval, which they said did not have the consent of the Village Council.

When the GGMC had taken steps to issue a Cease Work Order (CWO) to the miner, however, the case had been taken to the High Court, which had ruled in

his favour. The High Court decision was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. However, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) reversed this in 2017.

“It is alleged that the judicial decision has precipitated increased unwanted mining activity in the lands lawfully held by the Chinese Landing Indigenous community, which would irreparably damage its traditional way of life and its environment. It is further alleged that the judicial decision has also resulted in an upsurge of a series of incidents of intimidation and assaults on residents of the community, by miners and members of the Guyanese Police Force,” The UNCERD Chair said.

“The Committee has also

received additional information related to mining projects on Marudi Mountain and its impact on Wapichan Indigenous peoples. The Committee profoundly regrets the State party’s lack of reply to its letters of 17 May and 14 December 2018, regarding this situation.”

Reference was also made

by Shepherd to a 2021 agreement with the company Romanex Guyana, Aurous and the Rupununi Miners Association allowing for the expansion of mining activities at Marudi Mountain.

According to Shepherd, this agreement was made without consulting and seeking the consent of the Wapichan Indigenous peoples.

Among the UNCERD recommendations was for the Government to consider

the suspension or revocation of mining concessions affecting Chinese Landing, until free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) is granted by the Indigenous people.

They also called on the Government to “refrain from approving projects and granting mining permits or concessions within the lands of Indigenous peoples, whether titled or not, without obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of the affected Indigenous peoples.

A call was also made for the investigation of any incidents of threat and violence against the residents. They also recommended amendments to the Amerindian Act of 2006, with the participation of the Indigenous people and reminded of the need for the Government to reply to the “List of issues” prior to submission of the 15th and 16th periodic reports.

In the wake of the UNCERD missive to the Government, which was dated April 29, the Chinese Landing Village Council also sent a letter in which they alleged they have faced intimidation and physical assaults and called on the

Government to rescind the mining licences issued on their lands.

“In the 1990s, the Government sold part of our customary lands to a miner as a concession without consulting us and without our consent. Even worse, those concessions were inside our titled lands. The mining that has been happening on our lands has been destructive and caused numerous environmental, health, and social issues in our community.”

“These recommendations come just a week after we learned that a different international body, the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), also issued a decision condemning the Government for failing to respect the rights of Isseneru Village and the

rights of all Indigenous peoples in Guyana,” they also wrote.

According to the Council, these recommendations strengthen the calls Indigenous peoples have been making for revision of the Amerindian Act to better protect their rights.

Additionally, they expressed support for Isseneru village and other Indigenous communities.

“We call upon the Government to respect these decisions and to act quickly to fulfil its obligations. Specifically, we call for the cancellation of mining concessions granted without FPIC and for full reparations for all villages that have been faced with the same rights violations as Isseneru, including our village of Chinese Landing.”

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PAC statutory meeting

Contractors who owed money were allowed to bid for more contracts in Reg 8

Region 8 REO Peter Ramotar

W

hile contractors being overpaid is a common phenomenon in Guyana, letting them continue to bid for contracts while still owing money is less common. This, however, has been happening in Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) level which is controlled by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change

(APNU/AFC).

Officials from the RDC made their appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday. During their appearance, questions were raised over findings in the 2017 Auditor General report.

The Auditor General had found cases of millions of dollars in overpayments being made to contractors. In one case, a mobilisation advance of $2.2 million was still to be recovered. PAC member Ganesh Mahipaul read out these infractions.

“Then when you look at the 2017 report, you see the regional administration was still to recover overpayments totalling $17.6 million, made on the following contracts during the year 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. What are you doing sir, as the REO? What systems do you have in place to recover these outstanding amounts?”

Despite them owing mon-

PAC Chairman Figueira

Jermaine

ey, however, these contractors were still allowed to bid for contracts. According to Regional Executive Officer (REO) Peter Ramotar, individual contractors have been clearing their debts.

These individual contractors, who Ramotar named, include Garraway, who has paid 50 per cent of the overpayment. Another contractor who Ramotar said paid off some of his debt was

Nand Singh. However, the REO admitted that the contractors have no formal, contractual obligation to repay the overpayments.

“The only system at hand is that we engage the contractors who are available, by writing or having discussions with them and encouraging them to liquidate… which is happening. There are some who are paying.”

“There is (an agreement for contractors to repay money as they get more work) but we didn’t put that in the contract document. But we have that verbal agreement that payment will be made,” Ramotar said.

Questioned by PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira whether it would not be better to put the repayment terms in writing, Ramotar agreed. The REO committed to seeking advice from the Finance Secretary on how to make these repayments contractually binding.

Meanwhile, as the PAC debated the best approach

Former Region 8 REO Carl Parker

to close the paragraphs, mention was made of former REO Carl Parker. PAC Member Vishwa Mahadeo stressed the importance of making contact with former officers in order to bring closure to the Auditor General’s findings.

“If we could get these officers, the REO is stating he made attempts to contact. I know previously the PAC would have also made attempts to contact the offi-

cers. And let’s see if we can get them and get the questions cleared up.”

Ramotar confirmed that he made efforts to contact his predecessors, including former REO Gavin Gunga, who was present during the sitting. However, he noted he does not have a working number for Parker.

“My understanding is he may be in an area where the cell service may not be as good as it should be. I haven’t been able to get in touch with him,” Ramotar said.

According to Figueira, the next step should be to consolidate the unanswered questions pertaining to Parker’s time as REO and send them to him.

He noted that if the answers aren’t satisfactory, PAC will reinvite all the accounting officers to appear before it again. According to Figueira, newspapers would be used to broadcast a message to Parker if necessary.

Additionally, he said that the PAC itself would also undertake to find him.

Serious crime up, road fatalities down in Reg 5 – Police

P

olice Division Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has recorded a 37 per cent increase in serious crime for the year thus far when compared to the previous year.

In addition, there was also a 20 per cent reduction in road accidents and a 50 per cent reduction in road fatalities.

This is according to Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon during an episode of the “Police and You” programme.

He related that the increase in serious crimes is attributed to the large amount of rape reports received.

“Surprisingly we have a 37 per cent increase in crime, but there is a catch to that. Comparatively, when you look at the stats for last year and this year, like I said, we’re at a 37 per cent increase, the thing about it is that we’re seeing an increase in statutory rape or rape per se,” the Commander related.

He noted that if the rape figures are to be taken out of the equation, the region’s crime rate would go down since the region is below its figures in sensational crimes such as robberies as com-

Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

pared to the previous year.

“When there were three [in Region Five] reported for last year, we’re now at nine. If we are to take away those rape figures, out of the nine rapes, we have seven that are statutory rapes… if we take away that seven, our crime figures should be something like minus 5-10 per cent,” he said.

The Commander noted that they are working on taking the increasing number of statutory rapes down,

but the Commander thinks that the matter calls for more parental control.

“We have had several public engagements. We had a public discourse with [the] Child Care Protection Agency, the welfare officer of Region Five, along with some religious organisations. We had in excess of 120 parents and children gathered there.

Even as of yesterday we had a representative from the DPP office, along with the school welfare officer, visited several schools in the region. So, we have been doing things, but I think it calls for more parental control, some more social control coming out of the communities [themselves],” the Commander said.

When asked if the COVID-19 lockdown was a contributing factor to the rise in statutory rape, Simon said that it is unclear, but comparisons are to be made since schools have been reopened.

Meanwhile, there has been a 20 per cent reduction in roadway accidents and a 50 per cent reduction in fatal accidents for the first quarter of 2022 as compared to 2021.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Norton agrees to hand over APNU/ AFC SoPs at debate with VP Jagdeo

A

night at a European Day cocktail reception saw Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton committing to having a public debate once Norton agrees to hand over the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Statements of Poll (SoPs) from the 2020 elections.

The Vice President and Opposition Leader engaged in an animated informal discussion at the cocktail reception, hosted at the Black Magenta (Georgetown Club), during which they discussed the 2020 elections and Norton challenged Jagdeo to the debate.

“If you accept the observation report, I would bring the Statements of Poll. Did you agree to Order 60? In that law, did it not state the process? Did the process go through? Those are the questions. Whenever you’re ready, I’m prepared to debate you in public, with a proper moderator,” Norton said.

While Jagdeo said he is willing to debate Norton, he made it clear that he would only do so if Norton provides his party’s 2020 Statements of Poll. Norton agreed to hand over the Statements of Poll at the end of the debate.

Last year, as part of the probe into former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, Statements of Poll for the country’s largest voting district, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

This came after act-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton during their informal discussion

ing Chief Justice Roxane George ordered the release of the documents to the Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to facilitate the Police investigations.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, and then Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie had filed an application requesting certified copies of

the SoPs and Statements of Recount (SoRs). However, Lowenfield had staunchly opposed their release.

Following the conclusion of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections which were embroiled in controversy, Lowenfield was among several high-ranking GECOM officials who were investigated and placed before the courts.

Lowenfield was also

charged with forgery for allegedly uttering forged documents on two occasions purporting to show that they were a true report of all the votes cast at the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Lowenfield’s report to GECOM had claimed that the APNU/ AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 166,343 votes. How he arrived at those figures is still unknown.

The certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also proved that former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo heavily inflated the figures in Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district – in favour of the then caretaker APNU/AFC regime.

While APNU/AFC initially claimed that their SoPs showed them winning the elections, they have always refused to show their SoPs publicly – further confirming that they are aware they lost the elections.

Mingo stands accused of failing to follow the stipulated process of adding up the SoPs for his District, while Lowenfield is accused of aiding in his noncompliance. Lowenfield is

accused of also breaching his functions when he neglected to provide proper and lawful directions, instructions and guidance to the officers and employees of the Secretariat in the performance of their statutory duties during the process of the adding up of the votes recorded in the SoPs for Electoral District Four.

The CEO is also accused of deliberately choosing to neglect the complaints of discrepancies in relation to Mingo’s numbers, in spite of protests from contesting parties other than the APNU/AFC. He is also accused of failing to adhere to a court order, issued by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, to prevent him from declaring the results of the election until Section 84 of RoPA has been complied with.

Rather, Lowenfield has been accused of preparing a final report pursuant to Section 99 of RoPA containing all of the unverified votes as declared by Mingo, ultimately declaring the APNU/AFC as the winners of the elections.

12 NEWS Chinese Ambassador supports “One Guyana” initiative TUESDAY, MAY 10,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– Guyana and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties

E

xpressing support for the “One Guyana” initiative, the Chinese Embassy here is hoping to raise more awareness of its culture, especially as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

The 50-year relationship between Guyana and China has tremendously benefitted both countries. Another major milestone is the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Chinese people to Guyana, which will be celebrated next year.

In this regard, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan during a recent interview with Guyana times, indicated that it is important that the Chinese culture be more integrated into the national culture.

"Next year we will celebrate the arrival of Chinese to Guyana for 170 years, so Chinese is one of the six people but now there is this idea of one Guyana, Chinese Guyanese are part of Guyanese,” she said.

A descendant from the original batch of Chinese who came to Guyana, Melanie McTurk had expressed in an interview with a local media outfit that the Chinese

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan

culture and contributions to Guyana are often overlooked.

She had expressed “We are only recognised when it comes to a festival or holiday. I would like to see it recognised as a genuine part of our culture and heritage.”

With Guyana and China celebrating this year, 50 years of diplomatic relations, the Chinese Ambassador explained that there are a lot of activities lined up – which will help to bring more attention to the connections be-

tween the two nations.

“Besides the park, there are also some other projects under discussion, for example sports facilities, a working team will come to the visibility study and together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation we have planned a series of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary, for example, we have friendship table tennis tournament has been held February and there will be a Chinese film festival, an online culture performance, online photo exhibition, and the embassy will donate a pavilion to commemorate our friendship to the Guyanese side,” she stated.

The Chinese Government earlier this year had announced upgrades for the Joe Viera Park, which according to the ambassador is not only in light of the 50-year relationship, but has been on their agenda for some time now.

“Although COVID-19 is still not over yet, two working teams has come, they have finished their concept note and they’re busy with the concept design, and now they’re busy with the de-

tailed design and we hope that construction will commence as soon as possible this year.”

Ambassador Haiyan reminded that Guyana was one the first countries in the Caribbean to approach China for diplomatic relations and throughout their relationship, the Chinese Government has continued to urge investors to seek opportunities in Guyana.

The 50-year fruitful relationship has seen Guyana benefitting from a number of grants, funds and loans from China and also led to Guyana being one of the first countries to receive China’s COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic period.

She said that the two countries complement each other’s economy, in terms of these investment opportunities.

“I believe China and Guyana are opportunists for each other because the two economies are highly complementary.”

“We regard Guyana as a very important partner in this region and we are happy to see Guyana is playing a more and more important role in development and so we ready to work with Guyana and for better cooperation,” she added.

Charges yet to be laid in probe of 2017 school feeding scandal – Accountant General advises Ministry to pursue matter with Police

Children participating in the school feeding programme

T

he appearance of officials from the Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Monday before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed that charges are yet to be laid concerning the probe into the 2017 school feeding scandal.

In fact, officials have no update from the Police about the investigation.

During Monday’s sitting of the PAC, the Region 8 officials were asked about the school feeding programme.

Specifically, they were asked for an update on the investigation into the $52.5 million fraud concerning the Region 8 school feeding programme at Kato.

Accountant General Jennifer Chapman confirmed that charges have not been laid and recommended that the Permanent Secretary follow up the matter with the Police. Additionally, Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha confirmed that he too would be seeking answers.

“The matter was handled by the Ministry of Communities at that time, where they recommended the audit proceed with a special audit. The special audit was completed. The matter was handed over to the Police. And an investigation was conducted. However, charges were not instituted.

Therefore, I would recommend that the PS write to

the Commissioner of Police to follow up on what is the current status of the investigation,” Chapman said.

“I will also follow up with the Police. Because I had requested the report last week and the AG forwarded it to me. So, I will also follow it up, so we can bring closure to this matter,” Pasha said when given the opportunity.

A 2017 Commission of Inquiry into the education sector had recommended an investigation into the school feeding programme to ensure Government was getting value for money.

Following this recommendation, State auditors had embarked on said investigation. They had reportedly found major “spending” inconsistencies plaguing the programme in Region Eight during the period 20162017.

Notwithstanding the lofty ideals of the programme, coordinators in the red-flagged region were reportedly abusing the responsibility and power vested in them. Particular scrutiny was brought to bear on the expenditures for each meal and that revealed costs were inflated. This had raised further queries as to whether the correct procurement procedures were followed during the award of the contracts.

Millions of dollars ($1.3 billion and $1.9 billion in 2016 and 2017, respectively) were injected into the

initiative, which was implemented in the 10 administrative regions following its relaunch in 2010 by former President and now Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

According to media reports, funds allocated to the feeding programme for the Kato Secondary School were even diverted to other areas.

When it was released, the AG’s 2017 report had found that $52.5 million was still unaccounted for in the controversial programme.

It was noted that State auditors examined the records of 11 schools in Regions Seven and Nine. Some $73.6 million was allocated to the programme in those schools which was supposed to go towards feeding 2189 students.

But the report revealed that key documentation, such as bank reconciliation statements, was not presented to the auditors. As such, the AG could not even determine whether the sum, which was received by eight schools, was ever deposited into the bank in one lump sum.

The National School Feeding Programme targeted all nursery and primary school students in Grades One and Two. It was implemented in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10 and Georgetown.

Regions Seven, Eight and Nine were treated separately. The meals consisted of biscuits and juices.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GNBS greenlights PGI “Only Coconuts” products – facility to have 70% Guyanese workforce

(L-R) GNBS Executive Director (ag) Ramrattie Karan, PGI General Manager Lesley Ramlall, GMSA Executive Director Nizam Hassan and Minister Oneidge Walrond

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recision Global Inc (PGI) on Monday received its certification from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark on its products branded “Only Coconuts”.

The company joins two others which have met the quality requirements of the Made in Guyana Certification Programme.

The certification ceremony was held at the PGI’s Swan Creek, Marudi, Soesdyke-Linden Highway manufacturing facility. In her feature address, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond noted that the Government supports initiatives which foster the competitiveness of local companies.

“We are pleased to see this kind of response to this certification programme

hygienic conditions.”

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), which was key in the establishment of the Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme, was represented by its Executive Director, Nizam Hassan.

In brief remarks, he committed to supporting the

The coconut chips

produced with due care for our environment and for the lives and livelihoods of workers and communities,” the Minister said.

According to Walrond, coconut products are in high demand regionally and internationally. This she said, is reflected in the close to 10,000 metric tonnes of coconuts exported in 2020, as she urged the company to invest, inno-

The coconut oil packaging

because we wish to see the Private Sector sharing in that vision whereby “Made in Guyana” is globally recognised as synonymous with quality, sustainable products, ethically

Tourism Industry & Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond hands over the Made in Guyana Certificate to PGI General Manager Lesley Ramlall. Also in photo are GNBS Executive Director (ag) Ramrattie Karan

vate and expand their operations.

The Made in Guyana Mark will be placed on the labels of PGI’s virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, desiccated coconut, refined co-

conut oil and coconut chips.

Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan highlighted that “the GNBS aims to help local businesses achieve a sense of pride and a higher level of competitiveness,” which will help to increase value added products produced locally and drive the use of local content.

The certification is valid for a period of one year and is open to all local manufacturers. Among the requirements to become certified, manufacturers must use at least 60 per cent raw materials from Guyana and employ 70 per cent Guyanese staff.

In accepting the certificate, General Manager at PGI, Lesley Ramlall pointed to the work done by the company’s management and staff to ensure compliance. He said, “to be approved for the Made in Guyana Certification Mark is a clear indication of our commitment to ensure that our products are of the highest quality; so, every consumer that consumes our products must have that level of confidence that the product was manufactured under the strictest of

programme and extended congratulations to the company. The event was also addressed by Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PGI, Ravi Annand who joined virtually. The Made in Guyana Certification Mark was unveiled by First Lady Arya Ali at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards Ceremony in October 2021.

It is a registered Mark

that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products.

The Made in Guyana Certification will be monitored through surveillance visits by the GNBS to ensure the approved quality is maintained.

Woman gets $500,000 bail for Nigg fatal accident …Magistrate recuses self from trial

Charged: Khamwattie MangarKarpen

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hirty-five-yearold Khamwattie Mangar-Karpen, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol thereby causing the death of Rajendra Andy Khadaroo at Nigg Public Road, Corentyne, last week, was granted bail when she appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

She appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh who read the charges to her. Police stated that Mangar-Karpen drove in a

dangerous manner, under the influence of alcohol, thereby causing the death of Khadaroo.

She was represented by Attorney Rohan Jagmohan and was not required to plead to the causing death charge. She was granted bail in the sum of $500,000. The female driver pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and was placed on $20,000 bail.

Following the accident, Police had stated that she was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

In fact, a breathalyser test conducted showed 94 and 98 micrograms, respectively.

It was reported that on Friday last, she drove motor car HB 9593 in a dangerous manner, resulting in the death of 41-year-old Rajendra Andy Khadaroo of Albion, Corentyne, Berbice.

The incident occurred at about 05:00h along the Nigg Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, as Khadaroo was making his

Dead: Rajendra Andy Khadaroo

way home from the masjid on his motorcycle. Prior to the accident, the woman was seen leaving a night spot.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Singh has recused himself from trying the case, stating that the accused and the now dead man were personally known to him.

He referred the matter to the Chief Magistrate at Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for it to be re-assigned.

It will come up in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on May 25.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Health Ministry focuses on strengthening COVID surveillance – 3 new cases recorded in 24h

D

eveloping mechanisms to make early detections of COVID spikes is on the agenda of the Health Ministry, with focus now heavily placed on enhancing its surveillance system.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony underscored on Monday that Guyana recognises the challenges in relation to monitoring COVID-19. The capacity to detect, treat and monitor the pandemic locally has been developed throughout the past two years along with the development of infrastructure to support this mechanism.

Now, the Government is looking at increasing its surveillance for early detection.

“Moving forward, what we have done and what we’re working on is how to better strengthen our surveillance system so that we can have an early warning system, where if there is anything happening, we will be able to detect it early. Having that information early, we would be able to take the necessary measures in terms of limiting the spread of the disease,” the Health Minister highlighted during the COVID update.

Dr Anthony underscored that with a robust laboratory capacity developed specifically to test for the disease, the country is now equipped should future pandemics arise.

“We have also been working on developing our labo-

ratory capacity. So, our laboratory services now are much better than they were two years ago. We have lots of capability in terms of doing PCR, which is a very important test in regards to COVID. In future pandemics, depending on what it is, I think using PCR techniques would play an important role. If we strengthen our capacity to use PCR and to have this capacity at the regional level, it would help us in future pandemics.”

The management of COVID has been enhanced with the Infectious Diseases Hospital, which handles primarily infected patients.

The Minister said resources for COVID management should not only exist in Georgetown but in all administrative regions.

“The infrastructural work that we’re doing at our regional hospitals, we will be able to cater to patients with infectious diseases. We have also been able, over the last two years, to strengthen our cold chain and to able to store vaccines at different temperature ranges,” he added.

Meanwhile, it was shared that the Ministry is also aiming to rehabilitate patients who have suffered from long COVID. Training will be offered to physicians in the near future to better understand, detect and handle such cases.

“We’re spending a lot more time now focusing our attention on the rehabilita-

tion of these patients. In the first week of June, we will have training for physicians and this would be done for Guyanese physicians. We’re hoping that with the training, a lot more of the medical doctors would become familiar with long COVID. Hopefully, they’ll be able to detect it and offer proper treatment to these patients,” the Minister detailed.

COVID statistics

Only three persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Guyana within one day, the Health Ministry reported on Monday.

The dashboard showed deaths at 1228 after no fatalities surfaced. Meanwhile, two persons are in the Intensive Care Unit, three in institutional isolation, 124 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

Out of the 63,586 persons confirmed positive in the country, 62,229 have recovered. A total of 29,284 males and 34,302 females were infected within the past two years. Additionally, 604,718 swabs were processed to detect the virus.

Latest vaccination statistics indicate that 440,713 persons or 85.9 per cent of the adult population have taken a first dose while second doses account for 340,305 or 66.3 per cent.

For the 12 to 17 group, 25,305 persons or 34.7 per cent are completely vaccinated.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD May 9, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

3

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

124 2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,302

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,284

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,586

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,229

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2520

REGION 2

2500

REGION 3

8081

REGION 4

31,455

REGION 5

2384

REGION 6

5824

REGION 7

2424

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4038

REGION 10

3474

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

440,713 340,305

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

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.

Alternative housing solutions for Amelia’s Ward squatters – after intervention by Housing Ministry

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CH&PA CEO Sherwyn Greaves in discussion with some aggrieved squatters

ome 16 persons who have come forward to lay claim to structures that were demolished during an exercise in a squatting area at Phase 4, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, were part of a “fruitful” discussion with Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Sherwyn Greaves on Monday.

The CEO along with Housing officials engaged persons at the Regional Housing Office, Linden, where they highlighted their plight and were informed of the Ministry’s approach moving forward.

“The engagement was very fruitful. I came in with some trepidation of hostility but there was nothing like that and I must commend the people for that,” the CEO stated.

Greaves outlined to residents, that while the exercise was unfortunate, it was necessary as the area was ear-

marked for a new thoroughfare and the agency could no longer sit by and hold back development.

When the occupational survey was done in mid-2021, there were no structures in the path of the road, however, squatters in the area were advised against erecting new structures, and making additions to existing structures.

“These structures weren’t here when we first visited in December 2021, they are new structures and unfortunately, they fell directly where the roads were going and had to be moved…Nevertheless, those persons will be reallocated house lots in other locations so that they will not be out of residence.”

Of the 16 informal settlements, only two habitable structures existed at the time of demolition, while the other structures varied from chain-link fences to wooden and concrete foundations.

However, the CEO has committed to providing alterna-

tive housing solutions for all persons affected. The allocation of the house lots is expected to begin as early as Friday.

While the affected persons have agreed to the suggested resolution to the matter, the CEO pointed out that the issue of squatting is causing major setbacks in the housing drive for the region.

He noted that while there are genuine instances where persons are forced to occupy lands illegally, this practice cannot and would not be encouraged.

Greaves further explained, “last year we allocated 400 house lots in Amelia’s Ward and we cannot give persons access to those lots because of those persons who are squatting. Now we have to move around that and we have to constantly be changing our plan and it is unfair to those 400 people to be affected by a few so as a result those actions were taken.”

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPSCCU-Trevor Benn dispute

Benn ousted for breaching confidentiality policy – credit union

Trevor Benn

T

revor Benn was ousted as Chairman of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Unit (GPSCCU) because he also wanted to simultaneously hold the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

He had also, among other things, beached the organisation’s confidentiality policy on numerous occasions.

This was revealed by a majority of GPSCCU’s Board members at a press

the fact that the governing co-op laws do not allow us to do this”. She added that subsequently a motion was put to the Committee of Management (CoM) by GPSCCU’s Vice Chairman, Patrick Mentore to have the CEO and Chairman positions merged. But the motion was voted down, she said.

The interim Vice Chairman is currently performing the duties of the Chairman. Pollard also addressed the recent appointment of Adeola GriffithLewis as the GPSCCU’s CEO. She said, “The organisation structure was revised to a Chief Executive Officer instead of a Secretary/Manager. It was agreed and approved at the Board level based on a recommendation that was sent by the Administrative SubCommittee to advertise the post internally.”

She related that it was further decided that the panel for selection of the CEO post would consist of Administrative Sub-Committee mem-

The Guyana Public Service Co-operative headquarters on Hadfield Street, Georgetown

conference held at the credit union’s Hadfield Street, Georgetown headquarters on Monday to “correct misinformation” being peddled about Benn’s removal.

At a recent meeting, the Management Committee of the GPSCCU passed a NoConfidence Motion against Benn. But although he was removed as Chairman, Benn remains a member of the Management Committee.

Secretary of GPSCCU's Management Committee, Gillian Pollard on Monday explained that the relationship between Benn and other Directors began to slide after he lobbied among Board Members to have him hold both the positions of Chairman and CEO. This, she noted, would make Benn answerable to himself and give him ultimate power and authority.

Pollard said that many of the Directors refused to accept Benn’s proposal “based on its illegality and

Credit

Union

bers, the Chairman or Vice Chairman, and a member from the Credit Union League. Both Benn and the Vice Chairman declined to be part of the panel, she said, adding that the Board by majority gave approval for the Chairperson of the Credit and Loans Committee and a member of the Finance Sub-Committee to be on the panel.

According to her, six persons from within the GPSCCU initially applied for the CEO post but one of the applicants later withdrew. Pollard noted that through a “transparent and thorough process” the panel recommended that Griffith be appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

Coup d'état Meanwhile, Benn is questioning the legality of the motion of no-confidence against his leadership as Chairman. In fact, he maintains that the No-

GPSCCU Management Committee Secretary Gillian Pollard

Confidence Motion is null, void, and of no effect because the correct proce-

dures as outlined in the Cooperative Societies Act were not followed.

Addressing reporters from a catwalk on Hadfield Street, he described the motion of no-confidence as a “coup d'état”, adding that “I am at a loss why this may have happened”.

Since 2021, Benn said that he has been performing the duties of CEO unofficially while still carrying out duties as the elected Chairman of the Management Committee.

He said that several months ago, he approached the CoM to merge the positions of CEO/Chairman.

“The CoM voted against this request. The CoM then requested that the position be advertised inter-

GPSCCU CEO Adeola Griffith

nally. I decided against applying for the post since if I was the successful can-

didate, I would have to relinquish my position on the CoM,” Benn added.

He noted that the Human Resource Department was solely tasked with the CEO recruitment process, and at no time had he “instructed or inserted” himself. At the end, he said he was given a one-page document with scores and a recommendation for the position.

But Benn pointed out that when he requested the score sheets to support the recommendation, the interviewing panel refused to provide them.

Under Griffith’s stewardship as GPSCCU’s Senior Finance Officer, approximately $100 million was reportedly unaccounted for.

TURN TO PAGE 16

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$46.3M seed paddy dryer, pre-cleaner for Black Bush Polder farmers

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$46.3 million 10-tonne seed paddy dryer and pre-cleaner will soon be accessible to a number of rice famers within the Black Bush Polder area in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The machine will assist paddy growers who are affected by high transportation cost to move their produce to the Number 56 seed processing facility.

The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has already awarded the contract to SuperBrix to supply, deliver and install the heavy-duty apparatus.

The GRDB has also

awarded a $26 million contract to VR Construction Inc, to construct an all-weather road at Burma Rice Research Station, Region Five.

With such a thoroughfare established, farmers will spend less time travelling to their farmlands. It means that they will also have more time on hand and can double up on the amount of produce they would normally bring out daily.

An insectary will also be constructed at the Burma Rice Research Station by Monohar Services, to the tune of $23.1 million. The screen house is the primary requirement for the bi-

ological control programme for the paddy bug.

Meanwhile, Guydrones signed a $7.3 million contract with the Ministry for the supply, delivery and demonstration of one agricultural drone for the research station.

The Agra T20 agriculture drone will enhance the management of pests like paddy bugs, optimise field management and disperse weed controls or fertiliser.

Additionally, a $17.1 million drying floor will be constructed at Somerset, Region Two, by Yudhisthir Seecharan Contracting and General Supplies.

In October 2021, the Agriculture Ministry, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the commissioning of the $10 million drying floor at Riverstown, along the Essequibo Coast, last October

through the GRDB, commissioned a $10 million drying floor at Riverstown, along the Essequibo Coast.

There, Minister Zulfikar

Mustapha noted that once farmers make requests for these types of facilities, the Government will work to facilitate them.

Benn ousted for...

FROM PAGE 15

Breach of confidentiality

Also at the presser, Pollard and Board member Jermaine Hermanstyne said that it was brought to their attention that confidential information about the GPSCCU was made public by Benn. They said that the information was being discussed on a popular online programme that was “villainising members and using derogatory names to describe Directors of the Board”.

However, Benn pointed to several instances in which private information was leaked.

In one case, he said, “The HR Division had reason to investigate a staff member for allegedly submitting false receipts for meals and gas. The CoM instructed the HR Division to discontinue the investigation of the staff member and have him return to work. This information was known by persons outside of the Committee before it was properly discussed by the CoM.” Highlighting another occurrence, Benn added, “A meeting with the Minister of Labour arranged by members of the CoM, I became aware of the meeting several days before the formal invitation was received. The meeting date and agenda were correct as communicated by the non-member.”

He went on to say that many members of the credit union have sent him messages and have also called him indicating that Loan Committee members are saying that he is “holding up” their application by not signing. He also noted a case in which information was posted on social media by a pastor associated with a

member of the CoM on the voting outcome of a meeting held on April 21. “It was the first time I saw the information,” said Benn.

Lawful

Another Board Member, Attorney-at-Law Leslyn Noble told reporters that the motion of no-confidence is valid as the correct procedure as outlined under Rule 43 of the co-op law, was followed. In closing, Pollard said that the Board is committed to providing the credit union with good governance and leadership through the appointment of the CEO as well as the development of corporate policies, procedures, and controls necessary for the prosperity of members.

In doing so, we will strive to ensure that everyone involved with the management and operation of the credit union act honestly, in good faith, and in the best interest of the credit union and our members,” she assured. Benn, on the other hand, is of the firm conviction that the motion against him is as a result of his attempts to rid the credit union of corrupt practises.

Benn, a former Head of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), was elected Chairman of the GPSCCU in 2021 after his team won all the spots on the 12-member CoM. The GPSCCU is gearing up to host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2021 as soon as the audit for that year is completed. Pollard has since advised the Committee to elect a new Chairperson as soon as possible. This will be discussed at a Board meeting scheduled for Saturday.

17 Marcos, son of strongman, triumphs in Philippines presidential election NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

to focus on completing Duterte's multibillion-dollar infrastructure upgrade and to seek close ties with China, but some say existing problems of corruption and nepotism in the Philippines could worsen.

A major boon for Marcos was him securing the President's daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, as his running mate, tapping her father's vast support and helping Marcos to make inroads in new voter territory.

The unofficial count showed Duterte-Carpio had won the vice presidency with more than triple the votes of her nearest opponent.

Marcos was criticised Presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, the son and namesake of the late dictator, casts his vote in the 2022 national election at Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, May 9, 2022

F

erdinand Marcos Jr clinched a stunning runaway victory in the Philippines' presidential election on Monday in the first win by a majority since a 1986 revolution that toppled his late father's two-decade dictatorship.

An unofficial tally showed Marcos, popularly known as "Bongbong", had surpassed the 27.5 million votes needed for a majority, setting the stage for a once-unthinkable return to rule of the Marcos family, 36 years after its humiliating retreat into exile during a "people power" uprising.

"I hope you won't get tired of trusting us," Marcos told supporters in remarks streamed on Facebook, a platform at the core of his political strategy.

"We have plenty of things to do," he said, adding "an endeavour as large as this does not involve one person."

Marcos Jr had 29.9 million votes, double that of Leni Robredo, the Vice President, with 93.8 per cent of the eligible ballots counted, according to the unofficial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) tally. Turnout was about 80

per cent.

An official result is expected around the end of the month.

Despite its fall from grace, the Marcos family returned from exile in the 1990s and has remained a powerful force in Philippine politics, retaining its influence with vast wealth and far-reaching connections.

Marcos Jr has served as a Governor, Congressman and Senator; his sister, Imee, is currently a Senator and mother Imelda, the influential power-broker and widow of the late dictator, served four terms in Congress. Marcos Jr's son Ferdinand Alexander was poised to win a seat in Congress on Monday.

Strongman approach

Marcos, 64, has presented no real policy platform, campaigning on a simple but ambiguous message of unity.

His six-year presidency is expected to provide continuity from outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte, whose ruthless, strongman approach proved popular and helped him to consolidate power rapidly.

Analysts expect Marcos

for skipping presidential debates and made few media appearances during the campaign, enabling him to limit scrutiny and control his message via a network of influencers and bloggers granted broad access to his events.

His camp insists it has not engaged in disinformation.

The Marcos family lived famously opulent lifestyles, but denies siphoning off billions of dollars of State wealth while at the helm of what historians consider one of Asia's most notorious kleptocracies. Many of Marcos Jr's supporters are convinced those past narra-

tives of the former first family were lies peddled by his opponents.

As the votes poured in, supporters outside the Marcos campaign headquarters jumped, waved flags and chanted "Marcos, Marcos, Marcos" ecstatically.

"We are very happy because of his wide lead... unity really prevailed," said Melai Ilagan, 20.

"Bongbong Marcos's wish that we all unite is becoming a reality."

Though Marcos refrained from giving a victory speech, his son, Ferdinand, said it was time to revel in their win.

"We should celebrate because I can say we already won," he told supporters.

"Let us make true the promise of BBM, we will all rise again," he said, referring to his father.

The win avenges Marcos Jr's loss to Robredo in the 2016 vice presidential election, a narrow defeat by just 200,000 votes that Marcos fought unsuccessfully to overturn.

In a clear swipe at Marcos, Robredo urged supporters to keep up the fight for the truth.

"We have many more things to fight for. Do not let go," she told a news conference. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

Regional

Ecuador prison riot: More Shock as dead baby found in downtown Kingston than 40 inmates killed

A wounded inmate is moved from a truck to a waiting ambulance by paramedics

A

t least 43 inmates have been killed in Ecuador’s latest deadly prison riot, the Public Prosecutor has said.

A fight broke out between rival gangs Los Lobos and R7 at a prison in Santo Domingo, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of the capital Quito.

Ecuador is battling a wave of gang violence, and has recently seen its most deadly prison riots in history.

Parts of Ecuador are under a state of emergency be-

cause of the rising crime that has shocked the country.

A total of 108 inmates escaped the prison during the riot and remain missing, the local Police Chief says.

An additional 112 prisoners made it out before being recaptured, he added.

Scores were injured in the riot, but the exact number is still unclear.

Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo reported that, according to the National Police Commander Fausto Salinas,

the incident was triggered by a brawl involving the transfer of an inmate known as Anchundia into the prison.

He had been one of the ringleaders who had caused a previous prison riot in April, the paper said.

Pictures from outside the prison show bloodied inmates being carried from trucks to waiting ambulances. As news of the riot spread throughout the community, many relatives gathered outside the facility, distraught and desperate for news.

President Guillermo Lasso sent his condolences to the families of those who died, and said it was the “unfortunate result of gang violence”.

Ecuador’s Interior Minister, Patricio Carrillo, wrote on Twitter that the Government was working “to overcome the problems of the prison system, but it is complex to find quick solutions in an environment of... violence”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang abducts 17 people from tourist bus

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Haitian gang infamous for kidnappings for ransom has seized at least 17 people from a tourist bus they were travelling in.

Eight of the passengers are reportedly Turkish nationals, the remaining eight are Haitian and the driver is from the Dominican Republic.

They were kidnapped in the same area outside the capital, Port-au-Prince, in which a Dominican diplomat was abducted last month.

The diplomat was freed after four days.

Dominican newspaper El Día described the Turkish nationals as “missionaries” who had crossed into Haiti from

neighbouring Dominican Republic.

But the Turkish consul in Haiti said they were “with an organisation promoting education”.

Haitian media said they were seized in Croix-des Bouquets, the stronghold of the 400 Mawozo gang.

Kidnappings for ransom have surged in Haiti in the past two years.

More than 1200 people, 81 of them foreign nationals, were abducted last year, according to Haiti’s Centre for Analysis and Research on Human Rights.

Among the foreigners kidnapped last year were 17 Christian missionaries from the US and Canada. The

400 Mawozo gang demanded US$1 million for the release of each of them.

The missionaries were eventually all freed after four months in captivity, but it is not clear if any ransom payments were made.

But while the kidnappings of foreigners have shone a spotlight on the power of Haiti’s gangs, it is Haitians themselves who are feeling the brunt of the violence.

United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, warned last week that half a million children have lost access to education after 1700 schools closed in the capital and the surrounding area due to gang shoot-outs. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Cuba’s Saratoga Hotel: Firefighters search rubble after blast, death toll rises to 35

F

irefighters are searching the rubble of the Saratoga Hotel in the Cuban capital, Havana, after a huge blast ripped through the building on Friday.

At least 35 people were killed in the explosion, which is thought to have been caused by a gas tanker parked outside the hotel.

The Saratoga is one of Cuba’s most exclusive fivestar hotels.

The local mayor said that the search would continue until all victims had been located.

On Monday, rescue workers said that they had found four more bodies in the rubble.

The 19th-Century hotel in Havana’s old town had been closed for renovations and

Locals said the force of the blast was such that they thought it was an earthquake

most of the victims were construction workers and staff.

State TV said there was hope that some people could have survived the blast in the building’s basement, but officials said they feared there could also be more bodies among the ruins.

Four children, a pregnant woman, and a 29-year-

old Spanish tourist who was walking past the building are among the victims.

Scores were also injured and 24 remained in hospital on Sunday.

The first four floors of the landmark were completely gutted and its façade was blown off. (Excerpt from BBC News)

S

hock and disbelief gripped residents of downtown Kingston on Monday following the discovery of the remains of a newborn boy on Temple Lane in the district.

The body was discovered after dogs bit open a bag.

The Police were subsequently alerted and, upon their arrival, found the dead baby wrapped in a newspaper inside the bag.

Police suspect that the body was dumped at the location on Sunday, which was celebrated as Mother’s Day.

As the scene was being processed, onlookers expressed shock at the discovery, some of them visibly disturbed.

“Jesus!” one woman yelled. “Have mercy, God have mercy!”

Dorothy, a vendor who plies her trade near where the body was discovered, said she thought it was “a joke” when informed by a taxi driver that there was a dead baby in a bag.

“God know mi think ah joke him ah mek, mi never believe him,” said Dorothy, who also theorised that the

baby was dumped overnight.

“Mi come here after 5 (in the morning) and mi si (the bag)… Is in the night (the person) put it there,” she added.

In the meantime, social media was flooded with reactions to the news.

“Look how much people woulda want that baby dear God,” entertainer Cecile said.

State Minister Juliet Cuthbert Flynn reacted with a crying emoji, while another person added: “This just hurt my heart.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Massive search under way for T&T toddler

A

massive search, spanning over six hours, was under way on Monday for two-year-old Kimani Francis, who disappeared from his home at 10th Street, Techier Village, Point Fortin, Trinidad at 10:00h.

Newsday understands that ordinary citizens joined in the search alongside Police Officers with tracker dogs, a National Security helicopter, drones, and members of several hunters’ and hikers’ groups.

A river near the toddler’s home was searched extensively, as well as the Heritage field in Guapo.

But up to press time the child was still unaccounted for. (Trinidad Guardian)

Missing: Kimani Francis

Colombian environmental activists deluged by threats

Many Colombian activists are increasingly worried that they could be targeted for their work [Inigo Alexander/Al Jazeera]

E

nvironmental activists Fabian Urquijo and Jhordan Peinado, who hail from Colombia’s Santander region, received an eerie warning in February.

They were named in a pamphlet shared by the Gulf Clan paramilitary group, warning that they would be killed if they did not give up their activism. More than 20 other local activists were also named in the pamphlet, which was distributed throughout their neighbourhood.

“It was a difficult moment,” Peinado told Al Jazeera. “Given what we do, we’re aware that these threats happen – especially in a country where leading social and environmental

struggles create many problems.”

The pair have since fled their hometown of Barrancabermeja, fearing for their lives.

And this is by no means an isolated case: Many Colombian activists are increasingly worried that they could be targeted for their work, as recent data from Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) and Corporacion Compromiso, a local NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), reveal a sharp increase in threats and violence towards environmental defenders.

The stakes for activists in Santander are especially high. Over the past 18

months, the JEP recorded more than four dozen threats against activists across the region.

Corporacion Compromiso reported even higher numbers, citing 68 threats towards environmental defenders in Santander in the opening three months of 2022 alone – a significant increase from 2021, when it documented a total of 70 incidents in the whole year.

Colombia is known as the world’s deadliest country for environmental defenders, and Santander’s Magdalena Medio region, located in the country’s north, has become a hub for many threats. The area comprises the heart of Colombia’s petroleum industry. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil tumbles about 6% as China COVID lockdowns weigh

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il prices sank about 6 per cent on Monday alongside equities, as continued coronavirus lockdowns in China, the top oil importer, fed worries about the demand outlook.

Brent crude fell US$6.45, or 5.7 per cent, to settle at US$105.94 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell US$6.68, or 6.1 per cent, to settle at US$103.09 a barrel.

Both contracts have gained about 35 per cent so far this year.

Global financial markets have been spooked by concerns over interest rate hikes and recession worries as tighter and wider COVID-19 lockdowns in China led to slower export growth in the world's No 2 economy in April.

"The COVID lockdowns in China are negatively impacting the oil market, which is selling off in conjunction with equities," said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associated in Houston.

Crude imports by China in the first four months of 2022 fell 4.8 per cent from a year ago, but April imports were up nearly 7 per cent.

China's Iranian oil imports in April came off peak volumes seen in late 2021 and early 2022 as demand from independent refiners weakened after COVID lockdowns pummelled fuel margins and on growing imports of lowerpriced Russian oil.

Wall Street stock indexes fell and the dollar hit a twodecade high, making oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, lowered crude prices for Asia and Europe for June.

In Russia, oil output rose in early May from April and production has stabilised, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak was cited as saying, after output fell in April as Western countries imposed sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Last week, the European Commission proposed a phased embargo on Russian oil, boosting Brent and WTI prices for the second straight week. The proposal needs a unanimous vote by EU members this week to pass.

The European Commission is considering offering landlocked eastern European Union states more money to upgrade oil infrastructure in a bid to convince them to agree, an EU source told Reuters.

"The EU oil embargo will trigger a seismic shift in the European and global crude markets, which Rystad Energy expects could see as much as 3.0 million bpd (barrels per day) of EU crude imports from Russia cut by December 2022 in a full-fledged implementation of the policy," said Bjørnar Tonhaugen, Rystad Energy's head of oil market research.

German officials are quietly preparing for any sudden halt in Russian gas supplies with an emergency package that could include taking control of critical firms, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Japan, top five crude importer, will ban Russian crude imports "in principle", Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, adding this would take time. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin's Victory Day speech leaves no clue on future escalation

V

ladimir Putin exhorted Russians to battle in a defiant Victory Day speech on Monday, but was silent about plans for any escalation in Ukraine, despite Western warnings he might use his Red Square address to order a national mobilisation.

In Ukraine, there was no let-up in fighting, with Kyiv describing a steppedup Russian offensive in the east and a renewed push to defeat the last Ukrainian troops holding out in a steelworks in ruined Mariupol.

Monday's annual parade in Moscow - with the usual ballistic missiles and tanks rumbling across the cobblestones - was easily the most closely watched since the 1945 defeat of the Nazis that it celebrates.

Western capitals had openly speculated for weeks that Putin was driving his forces to achieve enough progress by the symbolic

Russian MSTA-S self-propelled howitzers and a Tor-M2 surfaceto-air missile system drive in Red Square during a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in central Moscow, Russia May 9, 2022

date to declare victory - but with few gains so far, might instead announce a national call-up for war.

He did neither, but repeated his assertions that Russian forces were again fighting Nazis.

"You are fighting for the Motherland, for its future, so that no one forgets the lessons of World War Two. So that there is no place in the world for executioners, castigators and Nazis," Putin said from the tribune

outside the Kremlin walls.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his own speech, promised Ukrainians they would triumph.

"On the Day of Victory over Nazism, we are fighting for a new victory. The road to it is difficult, but we have no doubt that we will win," said Zelenskiy, in plain army garb with his shirt sleeves rolled up.

In a clear reference to Putin, Zelenskiy added: "The one who is repeating the horrific crimes of Hitler's regime today, following Nazi philosophy, copying everything they did - he is doomed."

Putin's war has killed thousands of civilians, sent millions fleeing and reduced cities to rubble. Russia has little to show for it beyond a strip of territory in the south and marginal gains in the east. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Macron urges creation of ‘European political community’ beyond EU

F

rance’s President Emmanuel Macron has said it will take “decades” for a candidate like Ukraine to join the European Union, and suggested building a broader political community of democratic states around the bloc.

Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday, Macron called his re-election last month a signal that the French had wanted more Europe.

“Even if we gave them candidate status tomorrow,” he said on Monday of Ukraine, “we all know perfectly well that the process of allowing them to join would take several years, in truth doubtless several decades.”

But Macron noted the urgency of giving Ukraine and other EU hopefuls, like Moldova and Georgia, a

France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during the Conference on the Future of Europe [Ludovic Marin/various sources/AFP]

place in the heart of Europe.

Rather than bringing down stringent standards to allow countries to join more quickly, he suggested creating a parallel en-

tity that could appeal to countries who aspired to join the bloc or, in an apparent reference to the United Kingdom, countries that had left the union.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, in part to thwart Kyiv’s tilt towards integration with the EU and NATO, and Georgia and Moldova are also partly occupied by Moscow’s troops.

Just ahead of Macron’s speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that the EU executive would give its “opinion” on Ukraine’s membership bid in June.

But Macron, in a speech endorsing calls for a treaty change to further strengthen the EU’s federal integration, said the bloc, “given its level of integration and ambition”, could not be Europe’s only organising body. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mahinda Rajapaksa: Sri Lankan “Like a prison”: Shanghai, Beijing PM resigns amid economic crisis ratchet up COVID restrictions S

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hina's two largest cities tightened COVID-19 curbs on Monday, fuelling public angst and even questions about the legality of its uncompromising battle with the virus that has battered the world's second largest economy.

In Shanghai, enduring its sixth week of lockdown, authorities have launched a new push to end infections outside quarantine zones by late May, according to people familiar with the matter.

While there has been no official announcement, res-

idents in at least four of Shanghai's 16 districts received notices at the weekend saying they wouldn't be allowed to leave their homes or receive deliveries, prompting a scramble to stock up on food. Some of these people had previously been allowed to move around their residential compounds.

"Go home!" a woman shouted through a megaphone at residents mingling below an apartment block impacted by the new restrictions on Sunday, a scene that might baffle other areas of the world

that have opted to open up and live with the virus.

"It was like a prison," said Coco Wang, a Shanghai resident living under the new restrictions. "We are not afraid of the virus. We are afraid of this policy."

Meanwhile, in the most severe restrictions imposed in Beijing so far, an area in the southwest of the capital on Monday forbade residents from leaving their neighbourhoods and ordered all activities not related to virus prevention to halt. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned amid mass protests at the Government's handling of a deepening economic crisis.

The move came as the island was placed under curfew after violent clashes between Rajapaksa supporters and anti-Government protesters in Colombo.

Five people have died, including a ruling party MP, and more than 190 injured in violence in the capital.

There have been protests over soaring prices

and power cuts since last month.

The island nation is facing its worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.

Rajapaksa, 76, sent his resignation letter to his younger brother President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, saying he hoped it would help resolve the crisis, but the move is highly unlikely to satisfy Government opponents while the latter remains in power.

Earlier on Monday, Police and army riot squads were deployed following violence outside the Prime

Minister and President's offices in Colombo. Police fired tear gas and water cannon at hundreds of ruling party supporters after they breached Police lines and attacked anti-Government protesters using sticks and poles.

On Monday night AFP reported that shots were fired inside the grounds of the Prime Minister's residence as Police struggled to stop protesters from getting inside the inner security ring of the home where Rajapaksa is holed up with some loyalists. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

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DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Be positive, regardless of what others do or say. An emotional situation will escalate if you become emotional or act hastily. Consider your objective and what it will take to succeed.

(March 21-April 19) Refuse to let anyone limit what you can do or put demands on your time.

Don't pout if things don't go your way; choose an alternative route and move along. Act on intelligence, not on emotion.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

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You can be friendly without putting yourself in harm's way. Approach projects and responsibilities with an open mind and turn some of your unique ideas into something tangible.

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Personal growth and a healthy attitude will make you attractive. Romance is featured.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

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(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

It's up to you to bring about change.

Prioritize your agenda, and don't stop until you are happy with the outcome. A unique approach to an old idea or method will emphasize your character and talent Dedicate time, not money, to a worthy cause or something you want to pursue.

A kind gesture will help you win favors.

A challenge at home will turn in your favor if you make positive suggestions.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Spend time with people who lift your spirits. Dismiss anyone trying to dump their responsibilities on you. Strive for equality and work toward a goal that brings you joy.

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(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

21

Cummins stuns Mumbai again despite Bumrah's stunning five-for I t's a rare old funk that Mumbai Indians find themselves in this season. Not even a performance for the ages from Jasprit Bumrah could extend their dead-cat bounce of a return to form, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) responded with a ferocious bowling display of their own – backed up by excellent fielding including two game-sealing run-outs in as many balls – to keep alive their own fading playoff hopes with an improbably comprehensive 52-run win.

Such is the runaway nature of this year's top four that KKR still need favours from the teams around them to get back into full title contention. But at least, with 10 points now from 12 games, they haven't been condemned permanently to also-ran status just yet, thanks to a brace of hard-hitting 43s from Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana that proved sufficient to post a passable total of 165 for 9. That score, however, was roughly 30 runs less than might have been anticipated once Bumrah had finished his rampage. In the space of nine balls, he dynamited five wickets for four runs –- doubling his tally for the season in the process, having managed just five all told in his first 10 outings of Mumbai's non-starter of a season.

However, that effort was later matched in tag-team fashion by KKR's own heavyweights, Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. The former was used like a bite of reality with a wicket apiece in each of his first two overs, before he presided over a chaotic denouement in his uncompleted third; the latter purred into the endgame with a burst to

Jasprit Bumrah bagged 5-10

rival Bumrah's intervention – three in his third over as an uncomfortable chase became an impossible one. It's been that sort of a season for the IPL's most storied champions.

Bumrah blitzes KKR's lower order There are match-ups, and then there are match-ups.

Bumrah to Russell, in the 15th over of a well-established first innings, is very much of the latter variety.

Bumrah had bowled a solitary over up until his reintroduction, conceding five runs in the process including a sweetly-timed boundary first ball. He returned with KKR ominously placed on 136 for 3, and with Russell already swinging from the hip with a monstrous second-ball six to his name. What came next was simply dynamite viewing.

Bumrah's opening gambit was a howling yorker, as pinpoint accurate as such things are possible to be. Russell did exceptionally to dig it out from under his toes with the straightest blade of his career.

But it was just a one-ball reprieve.

SCOREBOARD

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Venkatesh Iyer c Sams b Kartikeya 43 Ajinkya Rahane b Kartikeya 25 Nitish Rana c †Ishan Kishan b Bumrah 43 Shreyas Iyer (c) c †Ishan Kishan b Ashwin 6 Andre Russell c Pollard b Bumrah 9 Rinku Singh not out 23 Sheldon Jackson †c Sams b Bumrah 5 Pat Cummins c Tilak Varma b Bumrah 0 Sunil Narine c & b Bumrah 0 Tim Southee c Pollard b Sams 0 Varun Chakravarthy not out 0 Extras (lb 1, w 10) 11 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.25) 165/9 Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Venkatesh Iyer, 5.4 ov), 2-87 (Ajinkya Rahane, 10.2 ov), 3-123 (Shreyas Iyer, 13.1 ov), 4-136 (Andre Russell, 14.2 ov), 5-139 (Nitish Rana, 14.5 ov), 6-156 (Sheldon Jackson, 17.1 ov), 7-156 (Pat Cummins, 17.3 ov), 8-156 (Sunil Narine, 17.4 ov), 9-164 (Tim Southee, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Daniel Sams 4-0-26-1 Murugan Ashwin 4-0-35-1 Jasprit Bumrah 4-1-10-5 Riley Meredith 3-0-35-0 Kumar Kartikeya 3-0-32-2 Kieron Pollard 2-0-26-0

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (Target: 166 runs from 20 overs) Rohit Sharma (c) c †Jackson b Southee 2 Ishan Kishan †c Singh b Cummins 51 Tilak Varma c Rana b Russell 6 Ramandeep Singh c Rana b Russell 12 Tim David c Rahane b Varun 13 Kieron Pollard run out (Varun/SS Iyer) 15 Daniel Sams c †Jackson b Cummins 1 Murugan Ashwin c Varun b Cummins 0 Kumar Kartikeya run out (Rahane/†Jackson) 3 Jasprit Bumrah run out (Singh) 0 Riley Meredith not out 0 Extras (b 1, lb 7, w 2) 10 TOTAL 17.3 Ov (RR: 6.45) 113 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Rohit Sharma, 0.6 ov), 2-32 (Tilak Varma, 4.6 ov), 3-69 (Ramandeep Singh, 10.3 ov), 4-83 (Tim David, 12.2 ov), 5-100 (Ishan Kishan, 14.1 ov), 6-102 (Daniel Sams, 14.4 ov), 7-102 (Murugan Ashwin, 14.6 ov), 8-112 (Kumar Kartikeya, 16.6 ov), 9-113 (Kieron Pollard, 17.2 ov), 10-113 (Jasprit Bumrah, 17.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Tim Southee 3-0-10-1 Pat Cummins 4-0-22-3 Andre Russell 2.3-0-22-2 Sunil Narine 4-0-21-0 Varun Chakravarthy 3-0-22-1 Venkatesh Iyer 1-0-8-0

Bumrah went hard into the pitch next ball, luring a wild swipe across the line as Kieron Pollard steadied himself to swallow a vital chance at long-on.

Three balls later, and a wellset Rana drifted into Bumrah's sights –= he'd picked up his own tempo with four sixes in eight balls, driving Pollard to distraction in the process to reach 43 from 25. But Bumrah had the answer for Rana's skittish footwork – a grille-seeking bouncer, gloved uneasily through to Ishan Kishan, whose conviction in the appeal was upheld by UltraEdge. It was game-changing stuff from Mumbai's mightiest weapon, and he was only just getting started.

After a break to switch ends, the first ball of Bumrah's third over was fast and fierce, skidding yet still rising into Sheldon Jackson's flighty pull to deep midwicket, where Daniel Sams made a tricky chance look simple with a well-timed swoop to his left. He then greeted Pat Cummins – remember him? – with a fizzing bouncer that the new man did well to duck, but then sent him on his way one ball later with another rockhard length – even a man with a 15-ball 56 to his name couldn't manage more than a cramped scuff to square leg.

Bumrah's coup de grace was an utter snorter. Round the wicket, as completely at Sunil Narine as it could possibly have been, as Narine reared back into his crease to ride the bounce but managed only to splice a looping chance through to the bowler as he charged by in his followthrough. As performances go, it deserved distinctly better than a 5/10. But, to judge by Mumbai's run-chase, it needed to have been 10/10 to give his team a chance.

Cummins takes his cue Hard lengths you say?

Cummins may not have enjoyed his own evening in the firing line, but KKR's most thoroughbred fast bowler was clearly taking notes while Bumrah was busy scalping him. In a reintroduction that had uncanny parallels to that of his opposite number, Cummins returned in the 15th over with a match-up of his own in mind.

Kishan had eased along to

a 41-ball half-century, showing unflustered accumulation after the controversial firstover demise of his captain and opening partner Rohit Sharma, who was adamant he hadn't nicked the nipbacker from Tim Southee that offered up a range of white noise on UltraEdge.

But there was no controversy about the ball that blasted Kishan from the crease – a body-cramping bouncer that Rinku Singh at square leg did wonderfully to claw in as it swirled out of the floodlights.

It was the fourth time in 21 balls that Cummins had got his quarry, and at a cost of 22 runs all told, and at 100 for 5, it was a destabilising blow to KKR's hopes.

Five balls and two more wickets later, the chase had been

Ashwin had the right idea as he shaped inside the line for an uppercut, third man had merely to hop on the edge of the rope to drag down the third wicket of the over, and leave Pollard with too much to do.

Iyer fires to give KKR their chance Iyer has had an underwhelming IPL to date – and his absence from the side for the last two matches had been symptomatic of a side that has churned through 20 players in 11 games, more than any other outfit, and with even now no real sense of what their best XI looks like. Mind you, his only previous score of note, an unbeaten 50 from 41, had also come against Mumbai in their first meeting of the campaign. And perhaps

Pat Cummins bagged 3-22

diverted off a cliff. An exchange of singles was all Sams could muster in his time at the crease, as Cummins targeted his helmet and picked off the feathered top-edge. And though Murugan

S

uryakumar Yadav, the Mumbai Indians middleorder batter, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after sustaining an injury to a muscle in his left forearm.

He picked up the injury during Mumbai's game against Gujarat Titans on May 6, when he scored an 11-ball 13 in a fiverun win for his team.

A statement from Mumbai Indians before their game

emboldened by what he witnessed from the non-striker's end on that occasion – namely, Cummins' aforementioned match-swiping – Iyer resolved to be more forthright on his return

against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday evening said that the decision to remove Suryakumar from the squad had been taken in consultation with the fitness team of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This is the second time Suryakumar has been sidelined because of an injury in recent months. Before the start of the IPL, he spent three weeks recovering at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru after suffering a hairline fracture on his thumb on February 22 in the final match of the T20I series against West Indies.

Nitish Rana scored 43

to the top of the order at the expense of Baba Indrajith.

It may not have seemed likely at the time, but it was the powerplay that won it for KKR – and with each of his 43 runs from 24 balls coming while the field was up, Iyer's onslaught was pivotal. His opening gambit was a flat-batted pull for six off the legspinner Ashwin, whom he also drove through the covers in his first over, before he turned his attentions to the pace of Riley Meredith, including with a stunning ramp – more of a fullblooded uppercut to be fair – high over fine leg for another six.

Sams and Kartikeya Singh were launched for Iyer's third and fourth six to keep his innings galloping along, before the two men combined to curtail his onslaught with a topedge to cover. But Rana got the memo with a second-ball drive for four to set up his own key performance, and put the seal on a six-over total of 64 for 1 – KKR's best start of the competition.

As it transpired, Mumbai barely managed twice that total in the whole of another faltering display. (ESPNcricinfo)

He was forced to miss the first week of the tournament as a result, and got into Mumbai's XI only for their third game of the season, against Knight Riders on April 6.

Despite playing only eight games, his 303 runs – at an average of 43.28 and strike rate of 145.67 – made Suryakumar the team's second-highest run-scorer in what has been a forgettable season for the fivetime IPL champions, who have struggled to lift themselves off the bottom of the points table.

Suryakumar is now in a race to be fit for the five T20Is India play at home against South Africa from June 9, with an eye on the T20 World Cup that comes later in the year.

(ESPNcricinfo)

22

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

West Indies announce men’s squad for ODI tours to the Netherlands and Pakistan … Shepherd given nod, Hetmyer unavailable

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Romario Shepherd has been included for both tours

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel on Monday announced the West Indies senior men’s squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) tours of the Netherlands and Pakistan.

The West Indies will visit the Netherlands for three ODIs on May 31, June 2 and 4, followed by another three ODIs on June 8, 10 and 12 in Pakistan.

The tour of Netherlands will be the first-ever ODI series between the two teams and will be played at the VRA

Cricket Ground, Amstelveen.

The matches in Pakistan will be played at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi. Both series form part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI Super League, where teams will have the opportunity to earn points to secure one of the top seven places, excluding hosts India, to gain automatic qualification for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Three newcomers have been named in the ODI squad – fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis as well as specialist batter Keacy Carty. Both Seales and Lewis have played at the Test level.

Carty is the first player from St Maarten to be selected for the West Indies Senior Men’s team.

Lead Selector, Dr Desmond Haynes said: “We were impressed with Carty and the

Lead Selector Desmond Haynes

way he goes about his innings; we saw several glimpses of his ability the way he played against England earlier this year for the CWI President’s XI. We hope that giving him this opportunity, he will recognise the importance of representing West Indies. We think he is a young batsman with great promise, and this is the kind of tour he can show he fits in.”

Haynes added: “We also have a very good group of

Tertiary/University Basketball League

Week 4 brings the heat as UG, NATI record wins

young fast bowlers who have demonstrated their ability and we want to use these two tours to give them opportunities in the 50-over format. We have a week in the Netherlands and another week in Pakistan and this should provide them with quality opposition to bowl against as we build towards the Cricket World Cup in 2023.

Phillip has been around for some time, and we know what he can offer; Seales has been very good in Test cricket and Lewis is making a return to the West Indies set-up following some good performances.”

All-format all-rounder Jason Holder is being rested to manage his workload while Shimron Hetmyer is also unavailable for selection to be at home for the birth of his first child. Evin Lewis was not considered for selection after failing to meet CWI’s fitness criteria. (Windies Cricket)

Shimron Hetmyer is also unavailable for selection to be at home for the birth of his first child

FULL SQUAD

* Nicholas Pooran (Captain) * Shai Hope (Vice Captain) * Nkrumah Bonner * Shamarh Brooks * Keacy Carty * Akeal Hosein * Alzarri Joseph * Brandon King * Shermon Lewis * Kyle Mayers * Anderson Phillip * Rovman Powell * Jayden Seales * Romario Shepherd * Hayden Walsh Jr

Full match schedule

West Indies tour of Netherlands * May 31: 1st ODI at VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen * June 2: 2nd ODI at VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen * June 4: 3rd ODI at VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen West Indies tour of Pakistan * June 8: 1st ODI at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi * June 10: 2nd ODI at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi * June 12: 3rd ODI at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi

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Game two’s leading men Kadeem Dover and Charles Williams share the spotlight

Game one Player of the Game Shaquawn Gill scores a pair of his game-high 42 points

Shaquan Gill led all scorers with a game-high 42 points and 8 steals. Graig Harlequin chipped in with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double. Hailie Caesar contributed 12 points to UG’s total. The top man for PMTC was Angelino Ramdial with 16 points; Shaquan Lucas had seven points and 10 rebounds.

Price

In the second game, New Amsterdam Technical Institute dominated a good Guyana School of Agriculture team 108 points to 68 points. Kadeem Dover, the former Kwakwani all-star, put up a career-high 43 points (which included seven three-pointers). Captain Charles Williams continues to have an outstanding tournament with his third double-double from as many games – 21 points and 15 rebounds. Contributing to the win also were L Simon 16 points and 11 rebounds and Qwesi Joseph with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

The final round of robin games will be played next Sunday, May 15 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall starting at 14:00h. * Game 1: Government Technical Institute v Port Mourant Training Centre * Game 2: Guyana School of Agriculture v Linden Technical Institute * Game 3: New Amsterdam Technical Institute v University of Guyana The tournament is sponsored by National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, Fireside Grill, and Banks DIH Ltd.

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he Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary on Sunday became the hub of entertainment as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) commenced “Gymkhana 2022” after a two-year hiatus owing to COVID-19.

The ground was buzzing with scores of people from all walks of life waiting to be dazzled by the daring stunts and thrilling activities put together and performed by members of the Force.

The activities include plaiting of the maypole, obedience drill and scent work by the canine section, dances, acrobatics, musical chairs, greasy pig, dirt bike display, and agility. On the more competitive side, there were a late-for-work race, an egg-and-spoon race, bun-eating competition and the equestrian event, among other exciting activities.

Spectators were able to participate in the egg-andspoon race, bun-eating competition, and catching of the greased pig with cash prizes awarded to the winners. To keep patrons entertained, added attractions such as pony rides, trampoline, and bouncy castles were also available. (MOHA)

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23 Bramble, Singh strike half-centuries on 15-wicket day TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ronsford Beaton removed Akshaya Persaud

Beaton destroys the stumps (Brandon Corlette photos)

n the opening day that saw a majority of poor batting, 15 wickets fell in the final Guyana Harpy Eagles practice match at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. However, Anthony Bramble and Vishual Singh stood tall and scored halfcenturies.

Bramble was unbeaten on 67 which included 10 fours from 90 balls to lead Leon Johnson’s XI 158-5 from 41.3 overs, replying to Tagenarine

recall to the team after sorting out his bowling action issues, claimed 2-20 while the probing pacer Nial Smith had 2-17 on day one. He bowled a testing spell to skipper Johnson, who was dropped twice in an over off Smith.

Earlier in the day, the young Chanderpaul top-scored for his side with 22. That innings saw a host of batsmen getting starts but failing to score big.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Kemol Savory made 19, Kevlon Anderson scored 18, Kevin Sinclair made 15 and Smith scored 12. Most of the batsmen had soft dismissals.

Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club versatile player Junior Sinclair continued to press a case for selection. He claimed 4-44 in nine overs while new kid on the block Demetri Cameron had 3-23 in 11 top overs. Keemo Paul had 2-19 while Clinton Pestano had 1-10.

The action resumes today from 10:00h as Guyana Harpy Eagles continued preparation for the remaining three rounds

Chanderpaul's XI’s 119 all out in 39 overs.

Singh was run out for the score of 50, which had eight fours in 98 balls. He was instrumental in giving his side a 39-run lead. Tevin Imlach (15), Chandrapaul Hemraj (6), Leon Johnson (4) and Akshaya Persaud (0) were the other dismissed batsmen for Johnson’s XI. Ronsford Beaton, who looked quick and has decided to show why he earned a

Anthony Bramble and Vishual Singh struck half-centuries

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of the Regional Four-Day Championship from May 18 in Trinidad.

Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Leon Johnson

Demetri Cameron claimed three crucial wickets

(Captain), Keemo Paul (Vice Captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble,

Hunter bags Novices Championship Overall trophy … Fitzpatrick crowned Miss Bikini, Williams cops Mr Linden

GABBFF President Keavon Bess (left), Romeo Hunter (centre) and Organising Secretary Videsh Sookram (right)

NSC pumps $1.8M into Independence Three-Stage race

he Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) on Monday pedalled away with $1.8 million in support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) towards the hosting of this year’s Independence Three-Stage road race.

This year’s race will start on Saturday at Corriverton from 07:30h and proceed to the finish in New Amsterdam.

The second stage, also on Saturday, will pedal off at 14:00h (2:00 pm) from Rosignol to Georgetown for the finish at Carifesta Avenue.

On Sunday, the third and final stage will commence from Kara, Linden (from 07:30h) to Homestretch Avenue.

GCF President Linden Dowrich received the NSC’s cheque from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, and Commissioner, Cristy Campbell at the Commission’s Main Street, Georgetown location.

Ninvalle said while this was the NSC’s first support for the local Cycling Federation for this year 2022, it would certainly not be the last.

The country’s Director of Sport said the NSC has been very supportive of all disciplines in Guyana and the Independence Three-Stage race was an important event on the local sporting calendar.

According to Ninvalle, “This particular event has received support from the National Sports Commission for a

Men’s Physique winner Shahan Bacchus (Emmerson Campbell photo)

O NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell (left), along with Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle handing over the Commission’s $1.8 million cheque to GCF President Linden Dowrich (centre)

considerable amount of years and I think this is something that we want to continue as being a partner with the Guyana Cycling Federation.”

Meanwhile, Dowrich thanked the Commission for their continuous support in ensuring that one of the marquee events for the GCF was materialising once again.

Last year, We Stand United cyclist Briton John clocked six hours, 56 minutes, and 57 seconds (6:56:57) across three stages to take the event’s

overall title.

Jamual John placed second in a time of 6:57:09 and Paul DeNobrega third in a time of 7:01:56.

Raynauth Jeffrey placed fourth with an overall time of 7:02:17. Team Evolution’s Christopher Griffith finished six seconds behind Jeffrey for the fifth overall position (7:02:23).

Overall, Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s Suzanne Hamilton finished ahead of Shenika Teixeira and Aneisha Crandon in the female battle.

Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Demetri Cameron, Antony Adams, Kevin Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton.

n Saturday night, the entire mining town of Linden was set ablaze as they came out to witness the highly- anticipated National Novices and Mr Linden Championship at the Lichas Hall.

The event saw 15-year-old Romeo Hunter dominating his opponents to take the Novices Championship Overall trophy.

In the Men’s Fitness category, Romelton Siland emerged victorious. Heading to the Junior Physique, Joshua Alexander and Matthew Sukhai, both of V Fitness, copped first and second place respectively. In the Under-143 category Miguel Robeiro came in first while in the Under-176 category, Royan Purandat of Azam Gym came in first. Hunter, of Unity Gym, stole the first-place position in the

Miss Bikini Cassia Fitzpatrick (Emmerson Campbell photo)

Novices Championship Overall winner Romeo Hunter (Emmerson Campbell photo)

Junior Bodybuilding category, while in Under-165 lbs contest, Ronel Parris of Fellowship Gym took the crown and Randy Halley of Universal Gym bagged second.

In the 177 lbs and over category, Berton Halley of Total Fitness Gym came in first while Teshan Rodney of Razor Fitness claimed second.

In the Men’s Physique category, a total of 11 athletes graced the stage, but, in the end, Shahan Bacchus of Azam Gym emerged victorious, while Shavin Green and Sweet Sajar bagged second and third place respectively. In the Miss Bikini category, Cassia Fitzpatrick of Unity Gym copped first while Shinana Liverpool of Perry’s Fitness, settled for second.

Liverpool was also able to bag the titles of Miss Linden Best Legs and Bikini Wellness. In the Mr Linden contest, Omisi Williams of Perry’s

Fitness stormed to the title and Randy Halley took second.

Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) President Keavon Bess said, “We, as members of the executive, felt the competition went well; we were impressed with the turnout of the athletes we got, especially in the Men’s Physique category.

That category was the biggest with a total of 11 athletes for the night and the stage was not even big enough to accommodate them… we are very happy how everything went and we felt that we pulled off a very tight and smooth competition and we were able to finish the competition in a reasonable timeline; at the same time, we were able to keep a tight competition; from beginning to end, it was entertaining.”

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

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

Athlete with pacemaker participates in bodybuilding competition …sets goal of representing Guyana

Tashan Rodney

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etermined to send a message of inspiration to others who have to make certain big health-related lifestyle changes, an athlete who is living with a pacemaker participated in the novice championships held at Lichas Hall in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Tashan Rodney placed second and has qualified for the intermediate category, which will be contested later this year.

He wants to inspire others

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to continue living their best lives even after they would have experienced certain setbacks.

His story…

“I was there for about 48 hours in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit], the sergeants came to me and said that they believe I need a pacemaker, because my heart rate time was flattening. The funny thing about that was that for the first time in my life I had to make a decision as to if I wanted

FM Anthony Drayton

he National Open and Women’s Chess Championship Qualifiers began on Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence with the first four rounds being concluded over the weekend.

In the Open qualifiers, FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton is leading, having played unbeaten so far. In round four, the two players favoured to win faced off in the tournament-deciding match: FM Drayton and Candidate Master (CM) Wendell Meusa. Renowned for their skill and respected for their rivalry, they faced off in the classical format after two years of quarantine. Drayton with the white pieces led a solid opening to which Meusa reciprocated.

Meusa played one inaccuracy, and Drayton struck. Drayton began his attack on Meusa's king

to live or if I wanted to die...”

A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest to help control the heartbeat. It's used to prevent the heart from beating too slowly.

Rodney got involved in bodybuilding five years ago and had dedicated his life to it, but after two years he developed a rare medical condition that resulted in his heart beating too slowly. As such, he had to get a pacemaker.

Following the surgery, he became incapable of doing things for himself and could not even lift his hand.

At 27, then, Rodney refused to live his life as a dependent.

One of the first things he did was to return to the gym, but all he could do was to sit and watch the equipment – he says that is where he found peace of mind.

“I remember two years ago I was told that I am not supposed to be weight lifting or doing strenuous things to my body – but I did it. It is always mind over matter; you telling yourself what you feel like you can do and what

Frankie Farley v Godfrey Taylor

as his pieces surged into black's territory. Lanes of attack opened and pressure began to apply.

Meusa defended well, securing the squares around his king and trading off Drayton's attacking pieces for his defenders, but the damage had been done. In the aftermath of the attack, Drayton's remaining pieces captured pawns and began to claw away a material advantage in the endgame. This advantage multiplied, and Meusa resigned as Drayton's pawns stormed down the board on their way to promotion. Meusa gained three points with his wins against Frankie Farley, Justino De Silva and Loris Nathoo. Drayton also racked up wins against Ethan Lee, Roberto Neto, who are on three points each, and Rashad Hussain, who is on two points. Other players close to the top are Nathoo and

Rai Sharma, who are both on 2.5 points. Veteran player Errol Tiwari also competed, along with Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) President Frankie Farley, with both gaining two points after four rounds. De Silva, Godfrey Taylor, and Juniors Mayas Khan and Ethan Persaud are on 1 point each.

In the Women’s tournament, Jessica Callender also leads the table on four points after four rounds. She defeated Anaya Lall (three points), Pooja Lam (three points), Waveney Johnson (two points) and received a free point from a bye. In round three of the tournament, the 14-year-old Lam faced off against Callender.

The two young women were considered to be two of the strongest in the country, and it was possibly the tournament deciding match. The game began and Lam

you are capable of. You need to do it efficiently and educationally.

You need to educate yourself on the overall aspect of the health of your body.”

According to Rodney, training puts him in his comfort zone.

He told Guyana Times Sport that he is of the belief that he has a calling to inspire others to become better versions of themselves.

The decision to compete was made after people noticed the progress he was making with his body since having the pacemaker installed.

“They noticed how I have been transitioning in a short period of time. An individual said to me it is ‘now or never’. I will never forget that day – I never really thought of the importance of the now or never term, but then it really hit me differently and I thought about it – it is not just about me entering a competition and making a name for myself, it is about me being able to put my story out there to show that anything is possible – you just have to put your mind to it,” the

bodybuilder says.

Winning is not his main goal, though he hopes to do so, but Rodney says he will be taking to the stage on Saturday to act as an inspiration to others.

While Rodney is of the view that bodybuilding is one of the healthiest sports one can participate in, he is also of the view that many may approach the sport with the wrong aim.

Apart from bodybuilding, Rodney functions as a fitness trainer.

“I always tell people who come to me and say that they want to look like a certain individual, that they need to get that out of their mind. You should try to be a better you. You want to be a better version of you. You don’t want to be that person, because you can be better than that person. If a person is thinking of becoming like someone they admire, then they are going to fail just by telling themselves that they want to look like someone else. No one should try to chase after how the presentation of someone is,” he noted.

Waveney Johnson v Jessica Callender

with the white pieces played her opening. Perhaps it was unfamiliar territory for Callender, because an advantage was achieved for Lam very early on in the game.

Lam went in aggressively, sensing weakness in Callender's position.

Unfortunately, disaster struck for Lam. Callender's counterplay led to Lam blundering a piece. Lam's wonderful attacking game ended in disaster as she resigned a few moves later, letting Callender get away. Waveney Johnson and Adia Alphonso also played in round three, where another wonderful attacking game took place. Both sides played a solid opening, but it set the stage for an exciting middle game. In an exchange, Alphonso blundered a piece, giving Johnson the momentum to strike.

Alphonso played well to avoid being checkmated, but she was still

This, Rodney pointed out, has to do with the mental health of the individual.

Mental health, he highlighted, is a very important aspect of the sport.

“Before you come into a gym, you have to have a strong mindset. This doesn’t mean that you are self-driven or ambitus – it is you being disciplined.”

Rodney advises that persons should find the most positive ways to deal with their mental health which can help them to have a more positive outlook on life.

He says the choice he had as to whether he wanted to live or die is not a choice given to many.

“People don’t have that choice every day. It is very unique to me and I find that the gift that I received I need to use to inspire others and show them that it is not the end; even though sometimes it is tough. I did not give up, so you can do the same.”

His ultimate goal is to represent Guyana as a bodybuilder. (G4)

Pooja Lam v Angel Rahim

down material.

The middle game ended and the endgame began. Johnson had the clear advantage, but converting a winning game to a win is sometimes the hardest thing to do in chess. Alphonso's cunning led to Johnson blundering the material back, leaving the game equal. It was then time for Alphonso to shine. What could only be more experience in endgames led Alphonso to a winning position. A material advantage was achieved and that advantage multiplied.

Alphonso converted the game to a win via checkmate a few moves later. Alphonso would then go on to face Johnson's sister in the next round, but unfortunately lost that game. Eleven-year-old deaf player Anaya Lall racked up impressive wins against Adia Alphonso, Maliha Rajkumar and Alexia McAdam.

Also on three points is Nellisha Johnson, with Adia Alphonso, Maliha Rajkumar, and Angel Rahim on two points respectively.

Elizabeth McRae, Gabriel Oliver and Alexia McAdam are all on one point each. However, with this only being the halfway point, it is still anyone’s game. Action continues on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15. The final four rounds over the two days will determine which players go on to compete in the national tournaments for a shot at the respective championship titles.

The top nine players from the Open Tournament will take on defending champion CM Taffin Khan who is expected to defend his title. Meanwhile, reigning women’s champion Sasha Shariff will face the top nine finishers from the Women’s Qualifier in hopes of retaining her title.

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