Guyana Times - Tuesday May 24, 2022

Essequibo tourism to get marketing boost with P17 Kaietour app

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

See story on page 3

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5018

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

Repsol starts drilling new well in Kanuku Block offshore Guyana

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

VP Jagdeo P16 meets Uitvlugt Sugar Estate workers – discusses ways in which assistance can be provided

…drilling of Beebei-1 well to conclude in July 2022

Overtopping of Brazil rivers lead to severe flooding in Reg 9 – several families relocated to shelters – more rainfall predicted over the next 24h

See story on pages 12 & 13

Manslaughter convict gets P19 13 years for raping teen girl at knifepoint

Emergency help sent to Mahaicony as floodwaters P2 rise

An aerial view of the severe flooding in several areas in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), including its central business hub at Lethem (Xstreamgraphics photo)

Guyana to participate Edghill urges Lindeners at Summit of to invest in the Americas hotels, other next month services along – Pres Ali Linden-to-Mabura Road CDB, experts to examine proposals for …on heels of regional discussion at regional food security Agri-Investment Forum in Guyana Page 16

Trampling on P18 crime scenes ruins cases – Head of Crime Lab …results in forensic evidence being tampered with

Page 9

...says will continue regional policy to support dialogue between Cuba & US

Page 7

P16 Parfaite Harmonie family terrorised, robbed during home invasion

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Emergency help sent to Mahaicony as floodwaters rise ...homes in Rockstone inundated – CDC

One of the clogged drains being cleared Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal on the ground assessing the situation

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mergency assistance has been sent to Mahaicony following a rise of water in some communities as a result of heavy

rainfall experienced over recent days.

Flood relief hampers have been distributed to the affected residents and several exca-

vators have been dispatched to the affected areas following persistent rains on Sunday.

The areas affected include Abary, Calcutta, Catrine, Recess, Novar, Dundee, Airy Hall and Huntley. Machinery was reportedly sent to the

communities on Sunday evening.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said the Regional Democratic Council is spearheading the operation and is receiving assistance for the MMA and the National

The overtopping drain

Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

“The excavators have been deployed to the area to assist with cleaning clogged drains and canals. Also, proper monitoring of sluices in the

area would be done and every effort the RDC and the governmental level will be done to ensure that the water [level lowers] in a timely manner and for the livelihood of persons to be back to normalcy.”

Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) along with other agencies have been engaged to assess the damages done to cash crops and other farmers within the affected area.

Apart from the heavy and continuous rainfall, the current spring tide has resulted in a lower level of drainage.

“Some of these areas the water has already recessed,” the Regional Chairman said.

“The CDC has also been engaged and cleaning hampers will be distributed to those households that were affected. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Ramphal noted.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer at NDIA Lionel Wordsworth visited some of the affected communities on Monday afternoon and has since stated that the agency will be taking a mobile pump to Mahaicony to assist with drainage.

Meanwhile, the Toshao at Rockstone, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) has confirmed that some homes are flooded due to recent heavy rainfall.

According to the Civil Defence Commission, three homes are reported to be inundated but the residents have chosen to remain in their homes and manage the situation.

“Water is said to be approximately one (1) foot in height, and houses along the banks of the creek have accumulated flood waters in their yards. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is working with the Toshao and Regional Authorities to monitor the situation and render aid if necessary,” the CDC reported.

In addition, it stated that heavy rainfall is expect to continue during the next 24 hours and residents countrywide are advised to take all necessary precautions and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

Around the same time last year, heavy rainfall persisted countrywide, and almost all administrative regions had been severely affected by intense flooding.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, May 24 – 00:30h – 02:00h and Wednesday, May 25 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, May 24 – 12:05h – 13:35h and Wednesday, May 25 – 13:05h – 14:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers and light cloud during the day. Expect light rain showers at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 12:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.23 metres.

Low Tide: 18:13h reaching a minimum height of 0.94 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

01 08 11

16 20 28

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22 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

02 11 12 14 18 LUCKY 3

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02 06 08 11 13 14 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

02 04 05 08 09 13

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$113.42/barrel

+0.77

Rough Rice

$309.74/ton

-0.45

London Sugar

$552.00/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1850.60

$1851.60

Low/High Change

$1842.80 -2.90

$1866.30 -0.16%

Repsol starts drilling new well in Kanuku Block offshore Guyana …drilling of Beebei-1 well to conclude in July 2022

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panish oil company Repsol Exploration, which drilled its first development well in the Kanuku Block offshore Guyana in 2019 through its local arm, has moved to explore a new well in the Block that will conclude next month.

This was announced by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), in a notice to mariners in which notified that exploration drilling on the Beebei-1 well site will last from May 21, 2022 to July 15, 2022.

It was explained by MARAD that “the well site is situated approximately 72 nautical miles (133.344 kilometres) from the Coast of Guyana and covers an area of 0.29 square nautical miles (1 square kilometre).”

Exploration activities will incorporate the use of the Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Polaris. The notice from acting Harbour Master Glasgow Archer warned that “all mariners are required to stay clear of this [drilling] vessel and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity.”

In February 2020, Repsol had applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to drill a number of wells in the Kanuku Block, one month after it was announced that the oil found in the previous well it had drilled would not be commercialised.

According to the EPA, Repsol applied to drill and appraise multiple exploration wells in the Kanuku Block. It was noted that the exercise could affect air and water quality, as well as wildlife. As such, the Agency noted that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was needed.

In September of 2019, Repsol had started drilling the Carapa-1 well in the Kanuku Block. That well alone was reported to cost US$20 million and was drilled using the Valaris EXL II jack-up rig. However, while approximately four metres of net oil pay was found, British-owned Tullow Oil, which owns a stake in the Kanuku Block alongside Repsol, had announced that it would not be commercialising the well.

Repsol is the operator of the Kanuku Block, with a 37.5 per cent stake. Tullow Guyana BV also holds an equal 37.5 per cent stake while Total E&P Guyana BV has the remaining 25 per cent. When it comes to Tullow, Carapa was its third oil find offshore Guyana.

However, in November, Tullow revealed that samples from its previous discoveries at the Jethro-1 well in August and Joe-1 well in September in the Orinduik Block showed heavy crude with high sulphur content – a variety of oil that is less

The vessel that will be used during the exploration activities

economically viable than the light, sweet crudes found

by US oil giant ExxonMobil right offshore Guyana in the neighbouring Stabroek Block.

Guyana has been declared one of the fastest growing economies in the hemisphere, with growth projections of 47 per cent, on the back of the oil industry offshore Guyana and specifically, the oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

The oil-rich Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

ExxonMobil, through subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the

operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipated at least six projects offshore Guyana would be online by 2027. The Liza Phase 1 project has been producing oil since 2019 and production started this year on the Liza Phase 2 project.

It is expected that production will increase to 220,000 barrels of oil per day with the Liza Unity Floating

Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The third project –the Payara Development – will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, is now slated to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 targeted.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 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

Economic benefits of gasto-energy project

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he gas-to-shore project is touted to transform the energy landscape and bring immense benefits to the country, both at the household level and for the business sector.

The primary objective of this project is to significantly reduce the country’s energy cost by a minimum of 50 per cent. Of recent though, some observers and commentators alike have vehemently criticised and labelled the project a “white elephant” in the making. However, these commentators have not considered or care to consider whether the project will yield any positive impact on the overall economy and translate, ultimately, to tangible benefits for every Guyanese.

An assessment of one financial analyst who conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the project presents an alternative view though the cost used in the analysis did not consider several other cost elements such as the cost for the onshore infrastructure and the cost for piping the gas to shore. Of note, the cost for piping the gas to shore which will be a recurring cost after the project is operationalised will be part of the operating cost and not part of the development cost.

The analyst sought to quantify to some degree what the net benefits of this project could bring about for every Guyanese, for the business sector and the country at large. As such, a costbenefit analysis is NOT to be confused with that of a cash flow projection of the project. Importantly, in order for the project to be considered feasible, it should be both financially and economically viable.

In the case of the gas-to-shore project, the following not exhaustive economic benefits can be obtained: * Savings in fuel import bill, * Contribution to tax, * Payroll/income at the household level (microeconomic impact) * Savings in household expense on electricity expense, thus more disposable income for other purposes * Savings in operating and production cost for firms, thus freeing up more cash flow/liquidity for investment in other areas; * Savings in energy cost, by at least 50 per cent, will drive and make more attractive investments across all sectors, especially in manufacturing, by virtue of they aiding greater national competitiveness, etc.

One computation based on some reasonable, realistic and pragmatic assumptions of the cost-benefit analysis considering the economic benefits of the project alone exclusive of the profit/loss to be generated could potentially result in the following outcomes: 1. Savings on fuel import bill which is currently US$630 million; conservatively, the country can save 25 per cent or more of this sum annually: 25% x US$630M = US$157M (per year) x 25 years = US$3935 million; 2. Savings in household electricity expense, assuming an average cost of $20K per household, 50% of this would work out to $10K x 300K households = $3 billion in annual savings for every household x 25 years = G$75 billion or US$349 million; 3. The savings that could be derived in public debt if Guyana had to borrow the required capital for the pipeline infrastructure and a quantification of the interest on that loan amounting to US$115M + capital of US$1.3 billion; 4. Savings in production and operating cost for the manufacturing and wider business sector, amounting to US$1.4 billion over five years; and 5. The level of increased domestic and foreign investment that a more competitive environment owing to cheaper energy, will promote: a reasonable assumption of US$2.3 billion over five years, which is in line with recent historic trends.

Net Benefit (Present Value) would amount to US$3.0B/ G$656B. This net benefit, based on these relatively conservative assumptions and calculations over the life of the project at 25 years, has a present value (PV) of US$3 billion/G$656 billion, representing 1.5 times the estimated development cost and 37.5 per cent of (2022 GDP).

In the soft glow of a setting sun, a farmer guides his cattle homewards and keeps watch over them as they move along steadily, passing by the lush rice fields (Esther Nankoo photo)

Open letter to President Ali

Dear Editor, We note with alarm certain recommendations by the USA for amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) regarding the management of future pandemics. The amendments are set to be adopted at the WHO’s 75th World Health Assembly Meeting being held from Sunday, May 22, 2022, to Saturday, May 28, 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.

In particular, the draft Articles 12, 13, 48, 49 and 53 of the captioned recommendations are of greatest concern.

Adoption of these amendments will result, in essence, in the individual member states of the WHO, including Guyana, ceding their sovereignty in relation to the man-

agement of public health emergencies of international concern to the Secretariat of the WHO and in particular, the Director General of the WHO, who are all unelected and foreign individuals.

We view this as wholly unsatisfactory and urgently request the Government of Guyana to reject these proposals. We recommend that the Government of Guyana examine the deliberations of the WHO’s own Review Committee, which has initially found that the existing IHR (2005) was entirely adequate for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and that any deficiencies in executing the protocols of the 2005 Regulations were due to the “unawareness” and non-compliance on

the part of both the WHO and the Member States.

This recommendation represents an appropriate alternative that will both serve the best interest of the people of Guyana and retain our national sovereignty.

Moreover, the Review Committee on the functioning of the International Health Regulations (2005) clearly stated that as it reviewed the IHR, article by article, it “found that much of what is in the Regulations is well-considered, appropriate and meaningful in any public health emergency of international concern” and as such that there be no changes in the regulations.

(ANNEX Report of the Review Committee on the Functioning of

the International Health Regulations (2005) during the COVID-19 response.

Final Draft, 30th April, 2021 Annex A74/9 Add.1 Page 7) Finally, surrendering our national sovereignty to the WHO Secretariat and its Director General, as proposed by the USA, is even more concerning in light of the fact that it is unclear whether the countries that followed the WHO’s recommendations for managing the COVID-19 pandemic experienced the best outcomes.

Humbly submitted, Lionel Etwaru, Peter Persaud, Roger Williams, Bernice Walcott, Valerie Leung, Shirley Elinor Jordan

The Leader of the Opposition talks before he thinks... poor soul!

Dear Editor, When Aubrey Norton got trapped in a sidebar with Vice President Jagdeo he blurted out that he was in receipt of the winning SoPs of the March 2020 elections, however, when he realised that he would be hard-pressed to prove that gaff, he quickly changed his story by saying he has the Statement of Observation or SOO to

prove it.

So, Mr Norton was right when he spoke, but how "right" is he before a civilised audience is left to be seen.

The problem with Norton is that the nature of the man has caused him to - as the proverbial saying goes - put his foot in his mouth, because in no way, shape, or form an election is decided on a Statement

of Observation (SOO). He has to take that backwardness someplace else!

But even if we are to take Mr Norton's word for it and view the Statement of Observation, we are directed to that statement by all the observers both local and international who concluded that Election 2020 was free fair and successful. So the drivel Mr Norton is peddling has to

be discarded forthwith.

What the Opposition Leader is attempting to do is to keep his supporters in a stupor that they can in a court of law, present a "Statement of Observation" and somehow win the election on a technicality.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

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News

Barbados’ PM makes 1st purchase as Stabroek Online Marketplace goes live

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Abolition of Indentureship

By Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association

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he system of Indentureship to provide labour to British colonies started in 1834 to Mauritius and was extended later to other colonies – eg in 1838 to Guyana and 1845 to Trinidad and Jamaica. The last indentured labourers’ contracts were commuted on January 1, 1920, and the overall system ended.

The end of Indian Indentureship had its genesis in the politics of India rather than any struggle in the countries to which Girmitiyas had been shipped. It was placed on the agenda of the Indian National Congress by Mahatma Gandhi, who had gone as a lawyer to South Africa in 1893. He protested after he was unceremoniously kicked off a train for believing he was “British” and could travel first class like whites and was not seen as a “Coolie” Girmitiya.

It was only after indentureds spontaneously joined Gandhi’s protest, that the latter’s eyes were opened up to the plight of the former: on the plantations their very humanity was denied.

Gandhi was in touch with Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a “moderate” in Congress. Gokhale initially saw Indentureship as hindering Indians from being accepted as British, because the “coolies” were not distinguished from “other” (read “elite”) Indians.

He sought amelioration of the conditions under which the coolie laboured, and called for the abolition of Indentureship to Natal only as a tactical measure, after the Government of Natal had imposed restrictions on the movement of “free” Indians.

Abolition there was achieved in 1910.

1912, Gokhale extended his callGopal Krishna Gokhale to the entire system of Indentureship, and other members of the Congress, such as Madan Mohan Malaviya, took up the cause. On March 20, 1916, after Gokhale had passed away and Gandhi had returned to India (both in 1915), Malaviya introduced a motion in the Indian Legislature for the cessation of Indentureship. Governor General Charles Hardinge agreed in principle.

During WWI, “Coolie ships” had been commandeered to transport Indian soldiers to the Middle East and Europe. On March 12, 1917, Secretary of State Austen Chamberlain authorised the Government of India to issue orders under the Defence of India Act to stop recruitment. On March 20, an order was made by Viceroy Chelmsford in the Legislative Council for no further recruitment or shipment of Indians for labour.

Last ship: SS Ganges arrived April 18,1917

On March 8, the last ship, the SS Ganges, had sailed to British Guiana and Trinidad. On January 1, 1920, the system was abolished completely. Abolition had ended with not a bang, but a whimper.

It had no impact in Guyana, because each Indian immigrant had his personal “abolition” at the end of his ‘Girmit”: five years.

DID YOU KNOW? •

In 1919, AG Nunan along with BGEIA executives Dr Hewley Wharton, Parbhu Sawh and Joseph A Luckhoo went to India to argue for renewed Indian immigration as farmers. Gandhi disagreed and the “Luckhoo-Nunan Scheme” was abandoned.

•

In 1924, a delegation of Nunan and Luckhoo along with BGEIA members Mahedoe Panday and Caramat Ally McDoom made another attempt to the Indian Government to reopen immigration. In 1926, 50 families with 173 persons arrived under the new scheme.

uyana’s newest e-commerce business place, Stabroek Online Marketplace (SOM) on Thursday last officially went live to the public where the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Motley, upon the invitation of President Dr Irfaan Ali, made the first purchase on the platform.

The first purchase was an oil painting named “Cultured Frog” by Guyanese artist Diana Luke-King.

SOM went live on the opening day of the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) held from May 19-21, 2022.

SOM is an e-commerce platform created mainly to facilitate Guyanese businesses buying and selling across local, regional, and international borders. The platform also includes another division, Stabroek Travel an E-Booking platform for local tour experiences and accom-

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Motley making the first purchase on the SOM website

modation.

SOM was part of an estimated 300 participants, including regional businesses and organisations present for the three-day event.

“SOM was delighted to participate in this inaugural event as we sought to showcase Guyana’s agro-processors and producers of food items on the international market. Guyana once was referred to as the breadbasket

of the Caribbean and slowly we are returning to those glorious days. With the right kind of investments happening and with the right people having dialogues we can begin to see the policies being implemented to ensure food security,” SOM’s Chief Executive Officer, Althea Toney stated.

Toney further added that, “At SOM we want to make sure that our local producers

of food have access to the regional market thereby assisting in achieving the goals set out by Caricom to reduce the region’s food import bill by 2025. Additionally, the private sector’s involvement in assisting Caricom is essential if we want the 2025 goal to be achieved and I believe this forum provides an excellent platform for essential decisions to be made by our regional stakeholders and governments”.

The inaugural AgriInvestment Forum and Expo forms part of a wider plan, as the Caribbean Community (Caricom) advances efforts to reduce the region’s multibillion-dollar food import bill some 25 per cent by 2025.

Patrons who visited the booth were also encouraged to sign up as well as sell their products or services on the SOM portal. Sellers who register now on SOM will receive a free 30-day subscription.

Many women still suffer from economic abuse in the rural areas of Guyana Dear Editor, When people think about domestic abuse, most people think about verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. Few people think about economic or financial abuse. Economic abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse, occurring in ninety-nine per cent of domestic violence situations.

Economic abuse involves maintaining control over financial resources, withholding access to money, or attempting to prevent a victim from working and/or attending school in an effort to create financial dependence as a means of control. Economic abuse is a very common reason vic-

tims stay in abusive relationships.

Since Avon, the cosmetic company has closed down for years, many women have remained housewives. Every housewife in Guyana needs a part-time job, especially women with large households of more than two children. Therefore, with these part-time jobs the vice president, Hon Bharrat Jagdeo implemented, many women across the regions should take immediate advantage as quickly as possible.

I urge women with large households who have more than two children to help your children more often in obtaining the resources they need for schooling

Doctor needs to step back Dear Editor, The doctor claiming political gimmicks and racial discrimination in the path to block her licence to practice needs to step back and do some serious self-introspection, in order to step out again.

While it cannot be denied her right to work is enshrined in the Constitution, it seems the good doctor is not entirely blameless and may have in some ways contributed to her present situation.

Certainly, getting into a 'big Facebook drama' with a colleague over another colleague, escalating to a 'big

cuss out' is not behaviour and conduct of a true professional as it is not only a blemish on one's character, but it brings the organisation into ridicule and disrepute. The account did not say whether the other party involved in the 'Facebook drama' was called before the Council to explain her conduct or if any disciplinary action was meted out.

It is hoped this matter is resolved satisfactorily and the doctor can pick up her life once again. I wish her all the best.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

and for themselves.

The famous actress, Preity Zinta is a humanitarian for women’s empowerment. While receiving her honorary doctorate at the University of East London, she mentioned in her speech, “When growing up a girl is dependent on her father, when she is

married, she is dependent on her husband and when she is old she is dependent on her son. Women should not be dependent, instead they should be the master of their own destiny."

Yours sincerely, Ann Singh

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stay Woke 08:30 MasterChef Junior 09:30 National Geographic 10:00 House Hunter Renovation 11:00 Paternity Court 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 Movie - Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery (2022) 13:30 Wheel of Fortune 14:00 The Thundermans S2 E23 14:30 The Evermoor Chronicles S1 E23 15:00 Indian Soaps 16:00 Richie Rich S1 E5 16:30 Inspector Gadget S1 E5 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 CNN 18:30 Teaching the Truth in Love 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 For Better or Worse S5 E14 21:00 Dynasty S1 E22 22:00 Blacklist S5 E7 23:00 The Vampire Diaries S5 E4 00:00 Sign off

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

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his is one of the easiest and most impressive sound science experiments for kids. All you need are a few easy-to-obtain items to create this sound experiment. Not only does this experiment sound surprisingly similar to a train horn, but it provides an extra learning opportunity as the vibrations which create the sound are visible and easy to investigate.

Materials:

1 cardboard toilet roll 1 balloon 1 large milkshake straw. A regular straw will also work.

Optional – Masking or painters tape.

This may be required to reinforce your cardboard toilet roll.

Instructions:

Cut the rounded end off of the balloon.

Do not cut off the end of the balloon with the mouth that you use to inflate.

Stretch the cut-off end of the balloon over one end of the cardboard toilet roll.

Do your best to position the neck of the balloon near the edge of the toilet roll and avoid centring the neck over the middle of the toilet roll if possible.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY Act 5. Scene I. Before PROSPERO’S cell.

SCENE I. Before PROSPERO’S cell.

Enter PROSPERO in his magic robes, and ARIEL PROSPERO Now does my project gather to a head: My charms crack not; my spirits obey; and time Goes upright with his carriage. How’s the day?

ARIEL On the sixth hour; at which time, my lord, You said our work should cease.

PROSPERO I did say so, When first I raised the tempest. Say, my spirit, How fares the king and’s followers?

ARIEL Confined together In the same fashion as you gave in charge, Just as you left them; all prisoners, sir, In the line-grove which

Insert about an inch of the straw into the mouth of the balloon. You do not want the straw to come out on the other side of the balloon.

Pinch the balloon around the straw to keep any air from escaping.

Hold the cardboard toilet roll with your other hand so it is close enough to your face that you will be able to blow into the straw.

Pull the straw and balloon so they become stand straight out from the stretched surface of the balloon and become slightly taunt respectively.

Blow firmly and steadily into the straw.

It may take several attempts to make a sound. Once you begin hearing sounds, adjust the tautness of the straw and balloon. You will be able to see the surface of the balloon vibrate as you adjust the sound.

Once you get the hang of it, with a little extra force you can create an impressively loud sound that closely resembles a train horn.

Optional – Your balloon may cause the cardboard toilet roll to lose shape and potentially collapse. Simply add a few layers of tape to reinforce the toilet roll to add some extra strength.

weather-fends your cell; They cannot budge till your release. The king, His brother and yours, abide all three distracted And the remainder mourning over them, Brimful of sorrow and dismay; but chiefly Him that you term’d, sir, ‘The good old lord Gonzalo;’ His tears run down his beard, like winter’s drops From eaves of reeds. Your charm so strongly works ‘em That if you now beheld them, your affections Would become tender.

PROSPERO Dost thou think so, spirit?

ARIEL Mine would, sir, were I human.

PROSPERO And mine shall.

Hast thou, which art but air, a touch, a feeling Of their afflictions, and shall not myself, One of their kind, that relish all as sharply, Passion as they, be kindlier moved than thou art?

How it works:

The taunt balloon creates a membrane that vibrates easily. As air is forced through the straw, it travels quickly over the surface of the balloon in a way that creates thousands of tiny vibrations. The vibrations create sound waves that come together to make the loud and impressive train horn sound. The sound is further amplified by the tube making it even louder.

Make this a science project:

Try a bigger tube. Try a conical shaped or different shaped tube. Try other materials like wax paper to try and create a surface that will vibrate and create sound.

Try different sized and shaped balloons.

Try different sized straws and lengths of straws. (sciencefun.org)

Though with their high wrongs I am struck to the quick, Yet with my nobler reason ‘gaitist my fury Do I take part: the rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance: they being penitent, The sole drift of my purpose doth extend Not a frown further. Go release them, Ariel: My charms I’ll break, their senses I’ll restore, And they shall be themselves.

ARIEL I’ll fetch them, sir.

Exit PROSPERO Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes and groves, And ye that on the sands with printless foot Do chase the ebbing Neptune and do fly him When he comes back; you demi-puppets that By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make, Whereof the ewe not bites, and you whose pastime Is to make midnight mushrooms, that rejoice To hear the solemn curfew;

by whose aid, Weak masters though ye be, I have bedimm’d The noontide sun, call’d forth the mutinous winds, And ‘twixt the green sea and the azured vault Set roaring war: to the dread rattling thunder Have I given fire and rifted Jove’s stout oak With his own bolt; the strong-based promontory Have I made shake and by the spurs pluck’d up The pine and cedar: graves at my command Have waked their sleepers, oped, and let ‘em forth By my so potent art. But this rough magic I here abjure, and, when I have required Some heavenly music, which even now I do, To work mine end upon their senses that This airy charm is for, I’ll break my staff, Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, And deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my book.

Solemn music

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CDB, experts to examine proposals Guyana, T&T looking to establish ferry facility to for regional food security …on heels of regional discussion at Agri-Investment Forum in Guyana

The Caribbean Development Bank

T

he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has said that it has assembled a team of experts who will examine proposals for improving regional food security, on the heels of the discussions that have been had in Guyana during the recently concluded Agri-Investment Forum and Expo.

In a statement, the Bank announced that the team of experts will examine strategies for transforming the agri-food sector, with an emphasis on improving cross-border trade, with a view of assisting the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in its commitment to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

The experts will speak at the 52nd Annual Meeting with Food Security Seminar on June 1, 2022, in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CDB Vice President of Operations, Isaac Solomon, who will be speaking at the event described the webinar as timely.

“The flow of goods in the Caribbean remains hamstrung by an inadequate logistics ecosystem while countries continue to encounter challenges related to infrastructure and activities along the value chain.”

“The Region’s private sector, which is comprised primarily of Micro Small

and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is faced with constrained access and limited penetration of markets within and beyond Caricom,” Solomon said.

It was explained that representatives of the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), the private and public sector will be attending the seminar and will seek to identify opportunities for unlocking regional markets for agrifood MSMEs. “Discussions will also explore how the region can increase trade in agriculture and its related commodities and support intensified efforts to achieve food security and increase the participation of MSMEs and the private sector.”

“Recommendations from the business sector to unravel problems at each point in the logistics ecosystem restricting the movement of goods from the producer to the shipper, to the port and then to the shelves will be presented,” they further explained.

Meanwhile, regional infrastructure inclusive of road networks, seaports and airports, existing warehousing, storage and distribution centres, regulatory agencies including border security agencies and other elements of the logistics net-

works will be examined.

When it comes to discussions on regional food security, CDB noted the importance of addressing the logistical challenges that connectivity places on regional trade. This means that the seminar will build on the successes of various countries in the agriculture sector and examine the role of regional institutions in supporting the objectives of regional governments.

This seminar is intended as the first of several to be held as part of the Bank’s Annual Meeting of its highest decision-making body, the Board of Governors. The 52nd Annual Meeting is being held after a two-year hiatus of in-person events due to prevailing travel restrictions.

“This year’s meeting and related activities revolve around the theme measure better to target better and will chart a course for adaptation and resilience as the Bank intensifies support its Borrowing Member Countries to close distance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” CDB explained.

“The SDG in focus at this webinar is SDG two - ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The webinar entitled, Regional Food Security: Streamlining

Logistics to Bring Products to Market will be streamed on the Bank’s social media platform.”

The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the CDB is scheduled for June 14-16, 2022. The CDB’s reference to “25 per cent by 2025” has its genesis in the Guyana Government’s aggressive campaign to dismantle regional barriers to agricultural trade. President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that in the next four years, with the assistance of more diversified crops, Guyana would aim to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent.

Months after assuming office, President Ali had charged the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry to assess and address the hurdles related to exporting food and agricultural products to markets within the Region. As such, concerns about barriers to trade in some Caricom markets were raised with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) earlier this year.

The Ministry subsequently formed a National Working Group on Barriers to Trade against Exports from Guyana. According to the assessment on market access by the Working Group, most of the challenges found were related to technical measures including sanitary and phytosanitary measures. It also found several technical and administrative regulations that were all hampering the export of Guyanese products.

transport people, goods

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley at the signing of the MoU on Sunday at State House, Main Street, Georgetown

W

ith Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago making dynamic moves to strengthen collaboration in several areas, specifically agriculture, the possibility of establishing a ferry facility as an experiment to move people, goods and services between the two territories is being explored.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement Sunday, during a joint press conference with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, at State House.

“Transportation and logistics, agri-food system, agri-business, movement of goods and services are all important areas,” the President stressed.

“We have decided that we are going to drive the agenda, we are going to drive the policy direction, and once that commitment is there, the opportunities can be mind-blowing.”

An overwhelmingly impressive experience in the food sector is what President Ali envisions. And the fact that Caricom has established certain targets and timeframe in achieving those, demonstrate seriousness.

“We cannot address any

issues unless we create the platform, the vehicle that would allow us to do that,” Dr Ali noted.

He said Guyana and the Twin-Island Republic have shared a long and glorious history of working together, and the efforts will continue in pushing the agenda, which will realise the aspiration of the two countries.

“I am very confident that once we stick to the task that is before us, once our Ministers of Foreign Affairs move together in a projectised manner, looking at outcomes and working under critical path, ensuring that wherever there is a slip on that critical path it is corrected, we can only achieve success,” President Ali added.

Prime Minister, Dr Rowley added that in the future there will be tremendous cooperation between the young people of the two countries and that training will be provided in several areas.

Earlier on Sunday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Caricom nations which, among other things, addresses non-tariff barriers and other hindrances to the flow of goods and services.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Discontinuation of charge against Attorney

DPP’s Office assures public it remains apolitical, devoid of prejudice can boast of its professional approach to all cases receiving attention. The DPP’s Office reassures the public that it will continue to remain apolitical, and act in a lawful and professional manner devoid of any prejudices,” it added.

T

Does not fit criteria

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

F

aced with widespread backlash in light of its decision to discontinue a private criminal charge against Attorney-atLaw Nirvan Singh whom a Woman Police Constable has accused of exciting racial hostility against her, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has assured that it remained apolitical and would continue to discharge its functions devoid of prejudice.

In a statement issued on Monday, the DPP’s Chambers stated that it has observed reports in the media and otherwise about the matter that has no basis in law. Against this backdrop, the DPP’s Office stated that it would not be intimidated, or hindered by cheap and baseless attempts on partisan positions in carrying out its constitutional functions.

The statement noted that the Office would continue to operate in accordance with the Constitution and the relevant laws concerning each case and would continue to uphold the rule of law as it was mandated to do.

“The Office of the DPP

Last Friday, the Office issued a statement explaining why it advised the Police not to charge Singh.

The statement specifically addressed “Police v Nirvan Singh”, a file that was sent to the Chambers for advice by the Police on April 11, and did not directly touch on the reason for dropping the charge.

However, the private criminal charge filed by Policewoman Shawnette Bollers’ lawyer, Eusi Anderson, and the DPP’s advice to the Police were both pursuant to Section 2 of the Racial Hostility Act. The DPP’s Office, in its previous statement, said that it advised the Police against charging Singh because the evidence is inconsistent and does not fit the criteria for an offence under the Act. DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, did not provide a reason for discontinuing the charge other than stating, “In the exercise of the powers conferred on me by Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution…, I hereby discontinue the charge in the above matter”, in an April 27 letter addressed to the Chief Magistrate. The private criminal charge, which was filed on April 4, was read to Singh on April 20 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge had stat-

Attorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh

ed that on March 20, 2022, at Middle and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, by words spoken by him in a public place, Singh wilfully excited and/or attempted to excite racial hostility and ill will against Bollers on the ground of her race as an Afro-Guyanese, by using words directed to her and published by him. She had alleged that Singh referred to her by the following phrases: “black monkey”, “monkey”, and “black people have no purpose in life”. She also accused the lawyer of spitting on her. These, she contended, are contrary to the Racial Hostility Act. Singh is the son of retired Justice Carl Singh, a former Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice.

Lawsuit

The cop has since instituted civil proceedings against Singh. In a defamation lawsuit filed at the Demerara High Court, she is seeking $150 million in damages. She argues that the words uttered by Singh, in their natural and ordinary meaning, were understood to mean

Policewoman Shawnette Bollers

that she was not a human being, and by extension, not worthy of recognition for her humanity or human dignity.

The Policewoman had alleged that Singh approached her and chased her off of his father’s property where she was conducting security duties, forcing her to abandon her post. She complained that in chasing her, the lawyer spoke to her in an “aggressive and loud manner” while hurling several racist remarks at her. She said the tirade lasted for about 14 minutes, after which she left the scene and walked a couple of miles to another location in Georgetown in the dark of night alone.

But Singh had denied the allegations, stating, “I wish to say that the racist conduct of which I am accused in no way reflects my philosophy or personal values. More importantly, it would be an indictment on my parents and elders, given their efforts to ensure that my upbringing would produce in me a person of the highest moral, ethical, and professional conduct”.

Challenge

Bollers’ lawyer, in a press statement on Monday, said that the DPP’s statement explaining her decision to annul the charge contains a factual matrix that is convoluted and replete with critical omissions. According to Anderson, the foundation for the reason is tenuous in law, noting that the forum to address such an issue is not the court of public opinion but rather a court of law.

As such, he said his client, who is profoundly hurt by the imposition of yet another burden in her quest for justice, has instructed him to challenge the DPP’s decision.

He added that if it became necessary, Ali-Hack would face legal action in both civil and criminal jurisdictions.

The Policewoman has already vowed to challenge the decision all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Meanwhile, during a protest outside the DPP’s office last Thursday, Bollers accused Ali-Hack of denying her of her right to be heard in court. Among those criticising the DPP’s decision is the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition.

How will it end…

…between GY and TT? he last time Trinidad’s PM Keith Rowley – he’s actually from Tobago – was in Guyana, he sounded like a real prophet!! Reacting to Granger’s rear-guard actions to scuttle the Caricom recount of the 2020 votes that’d been “Mingoed”, he intoned, “This will not end well”! And so said, so done!! However, he returned to Trinidad leaving Mia, Golding and Arthur to do most of the heavy lifting so Guyana remain on the democratic path.

Between then and now, however, things between Rowley’s PNM and the new Irfaan Ali’s administrations haven’t been exactly hunky-dory! What made it testy some felt was those relations between the PNM and the PNC had historically been much closer than with the PPP. They felt this mirrored the parallel ethnic politics that played out in the two countries – and conversely, the PPP was closer to the UNC. Be that as it may, but back in 2018, Rowley and Granger had signed a wide-ranging MoU. The DPI’s summary should be very instructive in view of the latest iteration: “interests expressed in Agriculture, Youth, Sport, Security, among other areas; Guyana’s natural resources and Trinidad’s entrepreneurial skills to be combined for benefit of both states; the two sides will not be hampered by bureaucratic impediments – PM Rowley”.

Granger was quite effusive: “He described the meeting as a reassertion of Guyana’s Caribbean identity, noting that there is much to be learnt from Trinidad and Tobago, one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean, in terms of manufacturing, export, education and standard of living.”

He concluded: “Guyana is an arduous CARICOM state, we have abundant raw materials, natural resources (gold, diamonds, timber, manganese, bauxite) …we are confident that by collaborating we will be able to combine the natural resources of Guyana with the entrepreneurial expertise, capital and investment from Trinidad and Tobago.” Now we all know that not a damned thing happened after all those uplifting sentiments!!

And, Dear Reader, that’s why your Eyewitness isn’t too moved by the new MoU signed by PM Rowley and Pres Ali. Been there…. done that!! Some might say that the best-laid plans of Rowley and Granger were waylaid by the Charrandas NCM vote three months later – and its denouement that “didn’t end well” for Granger. But your Eyewitness thinks it’s more structural.

The PNM’s bankrolled by TT’s French Creole elite who own all the big businesses in TT and they’re the ones who are controlling the spigot of “non-tariff barriers” that keeps out our products. And which is why our Private Sector was up in arms against an MoU!!

Rowley can never change THAT state of affairs.

The mouth (and politics) is muzzled by the campaign contributions! …with COVID-19?

It would appear that the COVID-19 pandemic’s petering out after 6.28 MILLION deaths – 1 million in America and 1221 here. While there’s a new spike in infections – including here in GY – they don’t seem to be too deadly.

But after we found out the Germans had killed 6 million Jews during WWII, there were all sorts of inquiries to find out how that happened. Reparations were paid and all that.

So, what about COVID? Are the deaths caused by it any less valuable? Shouldn’t there be an inquiry into that causation? After all, while we know that it originated in Wuhan, China, there have been persistent reports that Western interests were supporting research into the virus!!

Even though it might seem like locking the lab after the virus has escaped, it should help with security in the future.

What we do know is these sorts of experiments will continue whether we like it or not. Forget the medical reasons – military imperatives top all.

At least we CAN patch identified lapses. …in Ukraine The Ukraine Govt has refused the Russian offer to craft a “diplomatic” end to the war. They really believe they can beat back the Ruskies? Or did that US$40 Billion infusion go to their head?

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

9 Guyana to participate at Summit of the Americas next month – Pres Ali NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

...says will continue regional policy to support dialogue between Cuba & US sis of whether Cuban and Venezuelan leaders are excluded. Among the leaders who have threatened boycotts if Cuba and Venezuela are excluded are Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Bolivian President Luis Arce and Antigua, and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Besides Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, mere hours after he left Guyana following the successful conclusion

President Dr Irfaan Ali

G

uyana will be attending the Summit of the Americas, which is being hosted by the Organisation of American States (OAS) in the United States (US), next month. And according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, Guyana will continue to back the regional policy of supporting dialogue between Cuba and the United States (US).

In a side interview with members of the media on Sunday, Ali was asked about the Inter-America summit, which several other countries have said they will boycott.

The President made clear, however, that Guyana will be attending and will be at the table, pursuing its interests.

“I want to say that we have worked with Heads of Caricom, in relation to the summit of the Americas, we have examined the issues that surround Cuba for example, we’ve raised those with the US Government, Caricom Heads and we raised those issues.”

“We have seen some movement in the positive direction.

What we want is to see this continued and to see an aggressive move… we believe that this is a positive step in the direction,” President Ali said.

According to President Ali, he is unaware of whether Cuba will be attending the summit. However, he noted that Guyana will continue to advance the consensus among regional leaders on the need to forge greater cooperation and a clearer framework to improve dialogue with Cuba and the US. “We will continue to represent the decision of Heads (of Government of Caricom) that is we must forge a stronger relationship and lay the framework through which there will be enhanced cooperation and advancement of the dialogue with Cuba and the US.” “There are a number of issues that we have to discuss as a region, including climate change, food security, energy. And we want to be part of those conversations and in that light, we’ll be attending this summit,” the President explained.

Several regional leaders have already threatened to boycott the event on the ba-

of the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, also confirmed that he would be attending the summit.

“I will be attending the summit and I expect that if not all, a majority of my Caricom colleagues will be there and we have serious and interesting matters to engage the US on and we look forward to that,” Rowley told Trinidadian media.

Venezuela has been embroiled in deep economic and political turmoil over the past

few years, following an election that the United States and other members of the international community have said was not credible.

The country has been beset by protests, hyperinflation, and large sections of the international community backing Juan Guaido as the interim President of the country, even while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro remained in power.

All of this has come even as Guyana pursues its case

before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it is seeking a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award which established the location of the land boundary between the then-British Guiana and Venezuela remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela, as is being claimed by the Spanish-speaking country.

Guyana moved to the World Court in 2018, after exhaust-

ing all means of negotiation with Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the US has had an embargo in place against Cuba, a long-time ally of Guyana, since 1962.

Relations between the US and Cuba had thawed under the Barack Obama Administration, before being tightened up again under his successor. However, there have in recent times been signs of the US seeking to accommodate Cuba at the Summit of the Americas.

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Overtopping of Brazil rivers le – several families relocated to shelter – more rainfall predicted over the next 24h

S

everal villages in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) are under water as a result of the recent heavy downpours that resulted in nearby rivers in Brazil overtopping into the Takutu River.

This overtopping ultimately caused the river to overflow its banks.

Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, when contacted on Monday, explained that the excess water was coming from the Amazon through the Rio Negra and the Rio Branco backing up into the Takutu River.

He stated that while the rainfall has eased, “water is still coming in from Brazil’s end.”

Some heavily impacted areas, the Chairman revealed, include Lethem, St Ignatius,

Several areas in Region

Tabatinga and Bashaidrun.

In some of these areas, residents have been experiencing as much as five feet of floodwaters.

“Within 12 hours we had five feet of water,” Allicock said at the time. As a result of this, several families were forced to relocate over Sunday evening and throughout Monday. “We moved out about 12 families last night and we have more to move today (Monday).”

“As the water comes into the people’s homes, we are relocating them to the shelter,” the Regional Chairman related.

He also revealed that a number of farmlands in the deep south area have been inundated.

“Thirty-five farms flooded in Bashaidrun and Deep South.

The well that the people de-

pend on is submerged so everything is contaminated,” he said.

Nevertheless, Allicock noted that they were working assiduously to bring relief to the affected residents as they were preparing food packages to be distributed to the families who were placed in shelters.

“We’re acquiring food packages, so we’ll have to shuttle it in by ATVs – that is the only way we’ll be able to get that there now and then we’ll have to get a boat and engine to shuttle things to the families that are on the islands that is what we’re looking at right now.

“We already have some (food packages), but we’ll have to acquire more so we can get it down and other flood relief; the business people would mostly donate to CDC [Civil Defence Commission] and they would

NEWS

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ead to severe flooding in Reg 9

n Nine are under water

transport to the region and we would do the distribution,” he further explained.

“So, we have people working around the clock there, assisting people to move out and relocate,” he added.

The Regional Chairman also urged persons to proceed with caution in these areas, especially those traversing the areas nearing the airstrip and the Lethem Radio Station as the roads to these areas were completely submerged.

“People in the region got to be careful: the water near to the airport is about knee height for some and higher for some people so they have to be careful. They got to walk with the water gears and rain gears, because rain might just hold up for a couple of hours and then come again, but we have to

monitor,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CDC, in a statement, indicated that a shelter has been set up to house the affected residents.

“Working with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Lethem Town Council (LTC) and Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD), a shelter managed by the LTC, to house approximately seven families has been established at the Tabatinga Sports Complex in Lethem. Impacted residents have transitioned to the facility today (Monday),” the statement said.

The CDC also indicated that it has activated its Regional Disaster Risk Management Centre (RDRMC) to serve as an additional shelter to accommodate more displaced persons

who were set to be housed there on Monday.

“The CDC is also working with regional and municipal authorities to deliver water purification tablets, water containers, cleaning hampers and other essential supplies. Two small-engined boats will also be deployed by the CDC to aid the RDC. Volunteers from the CDC Volunteer Corps, along with an experienced shelter manager, are assisting the Town Council to coordinate the relief effort.”

The CDC further revealed that the Hydrometeorological Service forecasted significant and consistent rainfall countrywide throughout the following 24 hours and as such, the Commission, along with relevant agencies, would continue to monitor all 10 Administrative Regions.

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VP Jagdeo meets Uitvlugt Sugar Estate workers – discusses ways in which assistance can be provided

The affected workers at the meeting

Members of the head table at the meeting

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday met with workers from the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate who have been unable to work as a result of the factory experiencing mechanical problems, thus resulting in it falling behind its production target.

While the media was not invited to cover the meeting, a post on the VP’s Facebook page stated that the meeting

was held in order to discuss ways in which assistance can be provided to those affected.

It was reported that a turbine gear in the factory broke, resulting in grinding operations being left at a standstill back in March.

Despite the gear being replaced, there have been challenges since the part was manufactured decades ago and the manufacturer

has gone out of business.

Prior to this mechanical issue, grinding operations had resumed after suffering the same fate.

Estate Manager Yudhisthira Mana, back in April, had stated that the fabrication of the two parts is vital to the operations of the facility.

“The part that was damaged in the factory is one that is over 50 years old. It

is one that normally don’t be on ordering and safe keep because it’s rarely been damaged, and so to say just have one on standby to replace, we don’t normally have that,” he said.

It was reported in sections of the media that Mana noted that to even source a unit for the machine, Nexus Engineering had to do “reverse engineering” because there was no technical blueprint that could have been used to replace the part of

the 50-year-old machine.

“Since the part failed, GuySuCo engineers and Nexus Engineering Company, we are all working together 24 hours a day to get it right,” Mana has related to the State’s media.

He disclosed that even as operations at the estate remain halted, decisions were taken to ensure that those persons who were affected by the disruption can still earn from the estate.

Nevertheless, since March, the estate has not been in

operation, thus leaving sugar workers at wit’s end.

At the meeting on Monday, the Vice President was accompanied by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar.

Edghill urges Lindeners to invest in hotels, other services along Linden-to-Mabura Road

T

he Linden-to-Mabura Road Project is a part of the puzzle that will open access to markets, enhance tourism, and boost connectivity beyond the coastline.

As the project comes on stream, Lindeners are poised to capitalise on the flurry of developments that will manifest along this route, should they take up the opportunities that are presented in the immediate future.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill noted during the recent contract signing that the road would be frequented every day, especially for the transport of goods.

And with the rise in tourism in the region, Linden does not have enough hotel capacity.

As such, he urged the township of Linden to align and benefit from this development by investing in hotels and other services that will be critically needed.

“Linden is not going to be an abandoned place, but rather, Linden needs to be positioning herself for the benefits that will come as a result of this road…I want you to envisage 100 containerised trucks per day minimum coming through from Brazil. They have to come through Linden. You better get your restaurants open.

They will need fuel stations.

They will have to be serviced. They will have to have rest stops along this road.

“There are nine rest

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

stops that will be built and if you got 100 trucks coming through with goods, that is only the business. But what about the tourists? You don’t have enough hotels in Linden to accommodate tourists that will be coming as a result of this road,” Edghill pointed out.

Potential housing areas will also be opened up once the road is completed, thereafter creating a wider need for services such as hardware, quarrying, lumbering, construction, supermarkets, and hospitals among others.

“It is time for people to make investments.

Whenever you build a road, people would be able to go live. Development is going to start happening along the road, because people would be able to get access to their homes, into the township, supplies, services, hospitals.

So, housing and other development will take place along

the road,” the Minister said.

This linkage, according to Public Works Minister Edghill, was also embarked upon with the intention to serve as a connection to the touted deep-water port in the Berbice River.

“You will see that there will be many businesses that will cause traffic because the same businesses that have to sail seven days through the Amazon to get out into the sea would be able, by the way of trucks, to get to our deep-water harbour in 18 to 20 hours. They will have access to ocean-going vessels to deal with exports and trade. This road must be accompanied with an understanding that it is intricately linked to the establishment of the deep-water harbour,” he explained.

The US$190 million contract was signed on Friday with Brazilian company Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. for the construction of the 121-kilometre road.

In addition to the contract signing, a sod-turning ceremony was held at the Wisroc Junction in Linden, marking the starting point of the road construction process.

The project is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via a US$112 million loan, a grant to the tune of £50 million (US$66 million) from the United Kingdom under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIPF), and an input of US$12 million from the

An aerial view of the Linden-to-Mabura Road

Guyana Government.

With a 7.2-metre-wide carriageway, the Lindento-Mabura Road will feature a cycle and pedestri-

an lane measuring 2 metres wide, along with 10 bus stops outfitted with ramps for persons with disabilities.

Additionally, a number of

bridges and culverts along the way will be replaced, and some 123 lights would be installed.

Parfaite Harmonie family terrorised, robbed during home invasion

A

La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) family was on Sunday evening terrorised and robbed after three gunmen invaded their property.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 20:45h.

At the time of the incident, 46-year-old Suresh Balram along with his wife, Bibi Balram, 40, and their two daughters, aged 15 and 17, were at home.

The family members were relieved of several mobile phones, a pair of spectacles; US$125, $60,000, a quantity of Digicel and GT&T phone cards and over

$1.2 million in gold jewellery.

Police stated on the day in question, the victims were at home in the living room in the lower flat of the house when they were confronted by the three men - who were all armed with guns.

Upon entering the house, the men held the victims at gunpoint during which Bibi Balram was dealt one blow to the face with a handgun, thus causing her to receive injuries.

One of the men then dealt Suresh Balram one lash to his head with a gun as they demanded money and jewellery.

The perpetrators then demanded that the victims lay face down on the floor and tied their hands behind their backs.

The men then ransacked the house and grocery store before making good their escape. However, the victims managed to untie themselves and raised an alarm.

Checks were made and it was then discovered that the items mentioned were missing. The Police were contacted and an investigation is underway. The husband and wife were taken to the West Demerara Hospital where they were treated and sent away.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

40 benefit from CIOG-US New Police Youth Group formed Embassy photography training at Campbelltown Village, Mahdia

F

Persons who participated in the three-day training programme

orty persons from several organisations benefited from a three-day training programme organised and executed by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in collaboration with the US Embassy to Guyana Military Information Support Team at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) located on Woolford Avenue.

Over the three days, the class was taught by Dontre King (Team member of the Military Information Support Team), the various aspects of photography and how to use and apply such aspects in business adver-

tisements, social media, and general daily life.

The class also received training in first aid by Dr Anish Bhagwandeen (Anaesthesia/ICU/BLS Instructor) of the American Heart Association.

A total of forty persons participated in the training and received a certificate in both Photography and First Aid at the end of the training period.

The Mayor and City Council Georgetown, Guyana Cancer Foundation, Guyana Cancer Society, Guyana Medical Relief, SEWA International, Dauntless Professional Therapeutic

Bodyworks, Meten-MeerZorg Islamic Academy, AlGhazali Islamic Academy, along with CIOG Education, and Dawah workers and various medical personnel and small businesses took part in the training that was held from May 18 to May 20.

“CIOG and its collaborating partners remain committed to building and strengthening partnerships for a stronger and brighter Guyana and wish to express thanks to all the participants for their support and cooperation in making the training infinitive a successful one,” the charitable organisation said in a released statement.

Members of the newly-formed Police Youth Group and officials of the Guyana Police Force and Village Council

J

ust a week after a Police Youth Group was established in the village of Micobie on the lower Potaro River in the Potaro-Siparuni Region, another was over the weekend launched at Campbeltown located north of Mahdia.

The group comprised 80 youths who will participate in events organised by the Force and more so, the community. These include pageantry, educational competition, sports competitions, educational classes and site visiting, just to name a few.

The youths will also partici-

pate in various competitions against other groups.

At the launch, Assistant Superintendent of Police Oswald Pitt spoke to the youths on topical issues including domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy among other topics.

The officer also spoke extensively to the youths on the importance of school and education, adding that education is the most important key in unlocking prosperity.

Pitt also assured the youths that the Regional Police Administration

Essequibo tourism to get marketing boost with Kaietour app and unique tourism inventory is not readily available for booking and purchasing online and, therefore, invisible to global tourists, ultimately resulting in little to no business”, he pointed out.

Kaietour.com has filled a long-needed gap in the industry. Tourism service providers should sign onto the app so as not to remain invisible and miss out on the lucrative potential of tourism. The platform offers a

From left: Special Projects Manager Neil Bacchus, Kaietour founder Salaudeen Nausrudeen and Region Two Vice Chairman Humace Oodit

T

he Region Two Tourism Association and the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) are exploring the potential of using Kaietour.com, the Guyanacentric global travel booking app, to boost the development and marketing of tourism opportunities in the county.

Kaietour founder Salaudeen Nausrudeen and Special Projects Manager Neil Bacchus provided an in-depth overview of the tourism opportunities in Essequibo and discussed the many benefits that Kaietour.com brings to tourism operators including hotels, resorts, taxis, car rentals, and tour operators.

“Leave the sales and marketing of your tourism product to Kaietour.com, that is at the core of our technology and process, we do that very well. We want you to deliver the most awesome, seamless and enjoyable tourism experience to tourists and

guests to Essequibo… And that enjoyable experience starts with the booking – the ease of searching, finding and paying for your vacation to Essequibo,” said Nausrudeen.

Endorsing the value the app brings to Essequibo tourism were Region Two Tourism Association Executive Member Feona Sukdeo; Regional Vice Chairman of Region Two (Supenaam-Pomeroon), Humace Oodit, and the ECCI. Tourists from the Diaspora and around the world would now be able to search, find, book and pay for Guyana’s and Essequibo’s unique tourism products through Kaietour. com – available at www.kaietour.com and on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

The innovative online travel booking platform was launched in March and has since seen significant traffic and interest in Guyana.

Kaietour.com took two years

and more than $60,000,000 to develop and launch.

Kaietour.com helps travellers to easily search, find, book and pay for travel to Guyana or anywhere else in the world with a wide selection of flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, tour packages, and even taxi services. It is an easy and free platform for Guyanese tour operators, hotels, resorts, local airlines, car rental companies, and taxis to list their products and services to attract global tourists, of which the Diaspora is a significant segment.

Nausrudeen said more than 90 per cent of global travel is booked online since it puts the power of options and flexibility in the hands of tourists.

“Kaietour.com was developed because Guyana’s tourism operators, especially those further away from Region Four [DemeraraMahaica], like Region TwoEssequibo, are at a disadvantage. Essequibo’s rich

complete booking experience, including full pre-payment, negating the need for any cash transactions by travellers while in Guyana.

Kaietour.com’s extensive global inventory includes 900-plus airlines worldwide, flights from and to 185-plus countries, connections to 500,000 hotels worldwide, hotels in more than 20,100 cities, the largest source of deeply discounted rates, car rental brands and car rentals in over 160 countries.

of Region Eight and the Guyana Police Force as a whole will support them in their education and also assist them in other areas.

Meanwhile, Community Relations Officer, Sergeant Hakim in brief remarks urged the youths not to see the Police as an enemy but to see them as a friend.

He also urged them to be brave and have a bold spirit as those two qualities will contribute to them developing into great products of their community. He added that the future of their community and country lies within their hands and the power is with them to make a difference and contribute meaningfully to their community.

The group was formed at the community centre ground in the presence of Assistant Superintendent Oswald Pitt, Subordinate Officerin-Charge Regional Police Divisional Headquarters No 8 and Community Relations Officer, Sergeant Hakim; Community Relations Representative, Woman Lance Corporal Persaud along with members of the Village Council and Community Policing Group.

3-day programme underway in preparation for rollout of renewed curriculum

Educators at the three-day programme being hosted at NCERD

T

he Education Ministry on Monday embarked on a three-day programme in preparation for the rollout of the renewed curriculum.

The programme is being held in the National Centre of Educational Resources Development’s (NCERD) auditorium and is being facilitated by NCERD, Mindbloom Consulting and St Francis Xavier

University.

Over the next three days, educators from all eleven education districts will be provided with an introduction to the renewed curriculum and the curriculum framework on which it is built.

They will also explore instructional strategies to support the principles of learning, assessment and inclusivity that support the renewed curriculum.

The purpose of the programme is also to develop a repository of resources for Master Trainers to use during sessions with principals and teachers to prepare them for the implementation of the renewed curriculum.

Among those present included senior teachers, lecturers from the Cyril Potter College of Education, retired teachers, and education specialists.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

News

Trampling on crime scenes ruins cases – Head of Crime Lab

…results in forensic evidence being tampered with

T

he tendency of the public to trample on crime scenes in their bid to understand what has transpired or in some cases, loot the belongings of victims, is a practice in Guyana that can prove costly to the Guyana Police Force in closing cases.

Head of Police Crime Lab, Assistant Superintendent Ray Marcurius in a programme by the Guyana Police Force on Monday shared this position as he called on persons to desist from such behaviour.

In Guyana’s context, examining society and the culture, Marcurius stressed that swarming the scene for photos and other information becomes an obstacle in executing the Police’s work and to ensure justice for victims and their families.

“Most times, persons have this tendency that they want to rush to the location. They want to be there and see, put it on TikTok or Facebook. This now would harm the investigation. It makes it more difficult for the Police because you have to get the crowd back, rather than focusing on the investigation. A lot of time is lost focusing on the crowd when all the resources should have been focused on the scene itself. I think this is an area that we would benefit not as the Police Force but as a country to have that kind of cooperation,” he discussed.

Patterns of persons pillaging the belongings of those involved in

Head of Police Crime Lab, Assistant Superintendent Ray Marcurius

incidents such as shootings, accidents, or other unfortunate events have also unfolded in Guyana.

Reminding that it is an offence, Crime Lab Head appealed to persons to desist from such practices as they can impact the case.

“This is an offence and those persons can and will be prosecuted. In addition to the crime, the damage that they would do is much greater sometimes than the items that they would have stolen. A lot of times, evidence is contaminated at the scene; valuable evidence that may be able to solve the crime. That is where the majority of the disruption happens…

It misleads the investigation, wasting time going after that the bystander rather than the real perpetrator.”

The Crime Lab Head detailed, “What you do is weaken the case.

The Police would have less forensic evidence to present to a court and jury. You end up with a case that will be dismissed because of insufficient evidence.”

He has credited a “reasonably good” relationship with the media in respecting the cordons and boundaries of crime scenes but signalled that there is always room for improvement and support, such as educating the public on trespassing and securing scenes.

While movies and fictional series might give persons the interpretation that cases are closed quickly, Marcurius emphasised that building an actual case takes much longer.

“There is a certain due process that you need to follow…You have to build a case that would be able to stand up to scrutiny. That alone takes time. You have to work with several different agencies, wait for testing to be completed, and files that have to go to the Director of Public Prosecutions. There is a lot of steps that have to be taken to safeguard [the case],” said the Assistant Superintendent.

Since Guyana’s geographical makeup include mountains, savannahs, and dense forests, he explained that the Guyana Defence Force would lend a hand to reach those challenging areas to process scenes.

The law enforcement agent noted, “We have a good relationship with the Guyana Defence Force, especially in terms of transportation to hinterland areas. We would set up a team. They would have to be equipped with all the necessary kits. They would do the

A Guyana Times file photo of investigators processing a crime scene

processing of those crime scenes.

It depends on the type of scene you’re going to. There are a lot of factors that would determine how you would equip yourself.”

As technology improves, criminals also improve their “tactics”.

This, Marcurius, underlined, calls for improvement in the conduct of the GPF and the approach to such cases.

“We are doing that. We have continuous training going on. As of present, we have approximately 70 ranks – new crime scene investigators being trained at the training centre. We have to improve our manpower and capabilities to constantly keep up with crime. It is a never-ending process.”

In Guyana, a number of specialists work with detectives to

process criminal cases. It is a slow process, allowing for attention to details and factors which may assist investigators in closing the case and apprehending the perpetrator. In this case, securing the scene and collective evidence becomes of paramount importance.

“No crime scene investigation is exactly the same…In crime scene investigation globally, securing a crime scene is very important. You have transit evidence that are easily destroyed, such as fingerprint and not only easily destroyed but easily contaminated as well…The way our perpetrator leaves a crime scene could be able to establish a modus operandi. It is very important that those items at the scene is not tampered with,” he underscored.

MoH monitoring over 550 active COVID-19 cases – 21 new infections recorded within 24h

A

ctive COVID-19 cases have taken a jump with the heightened reports of new cases in the past week. Thus far, over 550 active cases are present in Guyana.

On Monday, there were 21 new positives, with confirmed cases at 64,297.

New statistics provided by the Health Ministry has shown that 29,582

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

males and 34,715 females are now infected with the virus. However, the death toll remains at 1231. The latest fatalities are two women who died on Friday last.

There are three persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 21 in institutional isolation, 527 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine. To date, 62,515 persons have recovered.

Meanwhile, 620,491 coronavirus tests have been processed since the virus was detected here back in March 2020.

An analysis shows new cases dispersed across four administrative regions, with two in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); four in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 13 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The other regions did not report any increases in positives.

In Guyana, most recent vaccination figures indicate that over 441,000 first doses and 340,500 second doses were distributed to adults. This is approximately 86 per cent and 66.4 per cent, respectively.

For children aged 12 to 17,

more than 25,000 or 34.7 per cent are completely vaccinated. Booster coverage has surpassed 63,000.

These numbers have been stagnant within the past weeks, as authorities urge Guyanese to get boosted.

The World Health Organisation has published its latest comprehensive set of World Health Statistics to 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic – which led to an estimated 4.5 million excess deaths in that year. These disruptions are likely to set back global progress on both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy made in the first 20 years of the century.

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

Global figures show that almost 521.6 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 155.4 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MAY 23, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

21

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

21

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

527

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,715

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,582

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

64,297

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,515

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2520

REGION 2

2530

REGION 3

8146

REGION 4

31,886

REGION 5

2400

REGION 6

5958

REGION 7

2427

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4043

REGION 10

3501

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

441,071 340,572 1231

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.

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

19

News

Manslaughter convict gets 13 years for raping teen girl at knifepoint C

orwyn Arthur of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), who is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for manslaughter, has been jailed for another 13 years, six months for raping and assaulting a teen girl at knifepoint.

The incident took place almost nine years ago, on December 17, 2013, in Linden. Arthur, called “Cross Eye” was found guilty of the offences by a 12-member jury in March following a trial before Demerara Sexual Offences Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It was reported that the girl, then 16, was walking home from a friend’s birthday party that night when she noticed a heavily tinted car driving behind her. Arthur, whose face was covered, came out of the car and attacked her with a knife. While running away from him, she tripped and fell onto the roadway. It was then Arthur dragged her into the bushes and attempted to pull off her underwear. The victim had managed to raise an alarm, but Arthur, in retaliation, dealt her one blow to her head with the knife he was carrying and demanded she give him what he wants.

He then slashed her on the forehead with the knife and raped her without using a condom. After committing the act, he asked her if she had money and a Blackberry phone before making good his escape. He was later arrested and identified by the victim, who is now 24, as the man who raped her, by several identification marks, in-

Manslaughter/rape convict: Corwyn Arthur

cluding a scar on his abdomen.

Sentencing hearing

During a sentencing hearing on Monday, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry considered a number of aggravating and mitigating factors in arriving at an appropriate sentence for the convict.

The aggravating factors included Arthur’s lack of remorse, his previous conviction for manslaughter, the use of a dangerous weapon to commit the crime, the psychological effects the incident has had on the victim, the permanent scar she received on her face from the brutal attack and the fact that he had unprotected sex with her, exposing her to sexually transmitted diseases.

Meanwhile, a probation report on Arthur that was presented to the court earlier this month revealed that he has two children. Members of his community described him as a very mannerly person.

Similar reports about him came from prison officials

who said he was cooperative and not known to get into conflicts with prison officers and other inmates. A probation officer who interviewed the rapist said that he has shown no remorse, maintaining that he did not rape the woman.

For her part, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry noted that Arthur’s later expression of remorse was nothing more than “lip service”. She did, however, observe that he has been taking steps while incarcerated to lead a productive life and used this as a mitigating factor.

In the end, Arthur was sentenced to 13 years, six months, and 18 months on the rape and assault charges, respectively. The sentences will run concurrently.

However, the 13-year sentence will only take effect after he completes serving the 15-year sentence for manslaughter. State Counsel Mohammed Ali in association with State Counsel Nafeeza Baig and State Counsel Latifah Elliot appeared for the prosecution while Arthur was represented by Attorneyat-Law Madan Kissoon.

Arthur, who was acquitted on a rape charge in 2009, has a similar charge pending against him.

Victim’s story

For the 24-year-old rape survivor, her life will never be the same as her mind continues to replay the tormenting events of the night she was held at knifepoint and raped.

Although almost nine years have passed since the

High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry

dreaded incident, the young lady shared that she is still forced to live with those memories. Instead of going through a trial, she said she wished Arthur would have pleaded guilty to the crime.

“I still have a mark on my forehead from him hitting me and pulling me through the bushes. I wish none of it happened,” she shared. She shared that people would see the mark on her face and ask her “like you had a bad fight”.

But their endless questioning would bring back so many terrifying memories that she would just laugh them off.

“Since this incident happened, I have never loved anybody. I don’t know why; I have no feelings. I have a son; he is five months old and it’s so hard to love him and show him all the love. It’s so hard for me to show my son all the love because he deserves it,” she wrote in her impact statement.

In addition, she constantly questions how a man could do something “so bad to hurt you and take all the feelings

away from you”. The young woman, who now has a fivemonth-old baby, expressed that she never thought something this bad would happen to her.

“You never know, one day you’re all happy and then it could just happen to anybody. I never thought it could happen to me; he just took all of my happiness from me.” After she was brutally raped, the young woman said she did not want to go back to school because everybody was talking about it and had their “own story”.

“I was scared to go back to school. I eventually went because I had to go to lessons.

I made up my mind to go face everybody. It was hard for me. A lot of days I wasn’t even in my right mind; I was just sailing. A lot of times I was just thinking about all the things the individual told me and thanking God for life; I could have died,” she added.

“I couldn’t talk about my story until now. It was hard being around males because all I could think about was that I am going to get hurt.

If I talked about what I went through, I wanted nobody to pity me.” According to her, her late mother and her sister helped her to get through the ordeal.

She said what happened to her has made her sister overprotective.

Until now, she shared that people in her community still talk about the incident, and the males in her community would shun her. “…it was something I had to deal with.

My mother was very helpful, and she told me I know my

truth and I know my story.

A lot of times it would get to me, but I still never let negativity and what people say get to me. I never let it get to me to kill myself.”

Now that she has finally received justice, she is a little sad that her mother is no longer here to see it. She said her mother went with her to every court hearing and listened to her.

“I never received counselling, but my mother was a big help because she would ask me a lot of questions and have me talk about my feelings. Talking to my mom at first, I used to cry all the time.” By constantly talking to her mother about what happened, she was, however, able to tell her friends her story. But this, she noted, was not an easy task for her.

Previous sentence

Arthur is currently serving a 15-year jail term for stabbing his ex-lover’s husband to death in 2018. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge, admitting that on May 10, 2018, he unlawfully killed 40-year-old taxi driver Claude De Jonge, also known as “Sonno”, of Linden.

It was reported that De Jonge was stabbed to death while at the home of his girlfriend, who reportedly once shared a relationship with Arthur. De Jonge was found lying motionlessly in a pool of blood next to the front door of the house. At the time, he was clad in trousers and his body bore several stab wounds to the neck, shoulders, and abdomen.

US Southern Baptists ignored, covered up sex abuse claims

L

eaders of the United States’ largest Protestant denomination – Southern Baptists – for decades ignored or covered up sexual abuse allegations against top clergy, according to a new report.

Survivors repeatedly shared allegations with the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), only to be met with “resistance, stonewalling, and even outright hostility”, according to the report released on Sunday

by Guidepost Solutions, an independent firm contracted by the SBC following an outcry over the allegations and the prospect of the executive committee investigating its own conduct.

The report said the executive committee, which largely controlled the denomination’s response to any allegations, “were singularly focused on avoiding liability”.

“In service of this goal, survivors and others who reported abuse were ignored,

disbelieved, or met with the constant refrain that the SBC could take no action due to its policy regarding church autonomy – even if it meant that convicted molesters continued in ministry with no notice or warning to their current church or congregation,” it said.

Those abused varied in age and included children, according to the report. Interviewed survivors “spoke of trauma from the initial abuse, but also told us of the debilitating effects that come from the response of the churches and institutions like the SBC that did not believe them, ignored them, mistreated them, and failed to help them,” the report said.

Meanwhile, lawsuits against the church were denigrated as “opportunistic” and not having merit, according to the report.

The scandal echoed that of the Roman Catholic Church, which has been rocked by a deluge of allegations of sexual abuse, spurred by a 2002

report by the Boston Globe newspaper that documented a decades-long campaign of coverups. The US Catholic Church has since paid an estimated US$3.2 billion to settle clergy abuse cases, according to BishopAccountability. org, which tracks the issue.

“An apocalypse” The SBC claims 13 million members in the US and 40 million worldwide.

In its report, Guidepost Solutions said staffers on the executive committee of the SBC maintained a list of Baptist ministers accused of abuse, but there is no indication they “took any action to ensure that the accused ministers were no longer in positions of power at SBC churches”.

The alleged abuses and institutional inaction gained national attention in 2019 when a landmark report from the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio ExpressNews documented hundreds of cases, including several in which the alleged perpetra-

Christa Brown, who said she survived sexual abuse as a teenager at a Southern Baptist Convention church, has said a new report that details decades of cover-ups by the denomination's leadership “fundamentally confirms what Southern Baptist clergy sex abuse survivors have been saying for decades” [Julie Bennett/ The Associated Press]

tors remained in ministry.

Russell Moore, the former head of the SBC’s public policy wing who left the denomination after accusing the leadership of stalling efforts to address the sex abuse crisis, described the findings as “an apocalypse”.

“As dark a view as I had of the SBC Executive Committee, the investigation

uncovers a reality far more evil and systemic than I imagined it could be,” Moore wrote in Christianity Today.

Survivor Christa Brown, who said she was sexually abused as a teen by the youth and education minister at her SBC church, said the report “fundamentally confirms what Southern Baptist clergy sex abuse sur-

vivors have been saying for decades”.

“I view this investigative report as a beginning, not an end. The work will continue,” she told the Associated Press news agency. “But no one should ever forget the human cost of what it has taken to even get the SBC to approach this starting line of beginning to deal with clergy sex abuse.”

SBC President Ed Litton in a statement on Sunday, said he is “grieved to my core” for the victims.

He called on Southern Baptists to lament and prepare to change the denomination’s culture and implement reforms.

“I pray Southern Baptists will begin preparing today to take deliberate action to address these failures and chart a new course when we meet together in Anaheim,” Litton said, referring to the California city that will host the SBC’s national meeting on June 14 to 15. (Al Jazeera and News Agencies)

20

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Pick up the pace and finish what you start. Your relentless attitude will draw others to your side and help you outmaneuver anyone who tries to come between you and victory.

(March 21-April 19) Leave nothing to chance and be ready for unexpected changes or interference.

Know what you want and prepare to do whatever it takes to get it. A personal improvement will give you confidence.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Listen to reason, while also going your own way. Follow your heart and use your skills to promote what you want.

Let your voice be heard by those who can impact your life.

(May 21-June 20) Embrace change and enjoy the ride.

Use your skills to get ahead and to help others. Implement innovative ideas into your everyday routine. Standing out in the crowd will make you feel good.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Be open and receptive to what others have to say, but be resourceful about what you want to pursue. Don’t let what others do lead you astray or make you second-guess your plans. Trust and believe in yourself.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Get out there and strut your stuff. Be part of the solution, share your thoughts and act when action is needed. Don’t limit what you can do; ask for assistance if you need it.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Your discipline and persistence will pay off. Speak up and fight for what you want. Your keen perception will help you stay focused and remain mindful of what others need and want.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Take the path that you find most inviting. Looking at something from a different angle will change how you perceive yourself and your future. Change begins with you, so don’t dawdle.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Concentrate on home and family.

Success requires a good foundation and trusted allies. Romance and self-improvement are in your best interest.

Encourage everyone to do their best.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take a moment to evaluate what’s happening. Don’t get into a no-win situation. Keeping the peace will help you get things done and save face. Anger and revenge are wastes of time.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- GALLEONS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Rethink your strategy, and you’ll come up with an alternative plan that will help you sidestep situations and people detrimental to what you are trying to achieve. Follow your muse!

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Don’t lose sight of your target.

Establish what you want to do and speak to those who can help your dreams come true. Don’t hesitate when you know in your heart that change is in your best interest.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

21

Women's T20 Challenge 2022

Vastrakar's four-for gives Supernovas a winning start

A

powerful batting performance set up victory for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Supernovas in the opening game of the Women's T20 Challenge 2022, as they successfully defended 163.

That had looked unlikely when Smriti Mandhana raced off the blocks in Trailblazers' chase.

What went wrong for the Trailblazers in the chase?

Everything.

Faced

Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored with 37

Hayley Mathews bowled figures of 3-29

with an imposing target, they were first pushed on the backfoot by Pooja Vastrakar's three-wicket burst from which they never recovered. They had started the chase with some promise as Mandhana and Hayley Mathews put on a steady 39-run opening stand before Vastrakar struck.

Pooja Vastrakar bagged 4-12

What did Vastrakar do?

With her mix of cutters, Vastrakar first had Mathews nicking behind when she jumped out to attack. In her next over, she struck a double blow

the brunt of the early attack. Dottin even struck three boundaries in an over from Renuka and was the dominant partner in a 50-run stand that came in just the fifth over. But that

She got injured at the wrong time: Walsh hoping Hector will rebound

W

est Indies women’s cricket team Coach Courtney Walsh is hopeful that Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector could rebound from an untimely injury and continue to make progress, adding that once fit, the all-rounder could impress in the regional competition slated for Guyana in June.

“I was pleased with how she was coming along, but I think she got injured just before I left here, that was the report I got. So, I am looking to see if she is going to be in the regional set-up – if she is fit enough, because that would be her next step now to see how she does in that, but unfortunately for her, she got injured at the wrong time, but hopefully once, everything works out well for her, she can play regional in Guyana, and we could have another good look at her, but potential-wise, she has got what we are looking at,” he said.

Hector was omitted from the senior women’s team ahead of their 2022 World Cup campaign earlier this year, with Walsh suggesting then that the player had some work to do.

Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show at the time, Walsh said there were a number of young players set to burnt on to the scene this year, many of whom he suspected would feature in the regional Under-19 tournament.

“There are a couple of youngsters out there we had invited to the camp, and some

A late collapse

Deandra Dottin blasted 32 off 16

Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector (left) is seen with team-mates Kycia and Kyshona Knight during the T20 series against Sri Lanka Women at the Coolidge Cricket Ground back in 2017

of them are looking to take part in the Under-19s later on this year, and, hopefully, go to the Under-19 World Cup, and they are very enthusiastic players and I am really enthused with what I have seen from them. They want to play cricket and so the more chances they get to play is the more they will improve, and I am sure there are others we didn’t get the chance to see, but the level of enthusiasm shown by these players is great. I am just eager to see them play and to get our Under-19 competition going and our regional team going,” the Coach said.

Walsh further said the development of young talent was important as the Region continued to rely heavily on the more seasoned veterans at the highest level.

“We have the experienced players that we have always been relying on, but although a couple of players had sort of put their hands up throughout the qualifiers and the

tournament, we lacked a little bit of consistency with that, but one of my main concerns is that if all of the senior players leave at once, we are going to have a big void, so we need to start building around that so we could have some depth in our squad, and create a lot more competition within the squad. I believe if you have people vying for the space and challenging each other, and even if someone gets injured, you know you have a solid replacement and that is the sort of thing you want to put in place, so in the last couple of tours, yes, it’s more or less the same set of players who have put their hands up,” he said.

Walsh, who claimed 519 wickets in 132 Tests, and another 227 in 205 OneDay Internationals (ODIs), said he was anticipating the return of the regional competition following a two-year absence owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Antigua Observer)

were made to slow down with that double blow. But it soon turned into an upward swing with Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur putting on a brisk partnership. The former was adventurous with her footwork especially against spin, hitting five boundaries in a 19-ball 35. When she was adjudged lbw on review against Salma Khatun, the mantle of aggressor was taken on by Harmanpreet who led the charge in the end overs, including backto-back swept boundaries.

with Priya Punia taking near-identical catches.

Mandhana first mistimed a loft and saw Punia pouching a low catch at mid-on, and Sophia Dunkley followed suit while trying to smash a length ball and hitting to mid-off.

A never-ending collapse

Only Jemimah Rodrigues showed some resistance in the middle order with a 21ball 24, but at the other end, the screws were tightened by the spinners – Sophie Ecclestone and Alana King.

The Supernovas also held on to all their catches, even sharp ones as only the number 10 beyond the top three of the Trailblazers managed to even get to double figures and were condemned to a 49-run loss.

How did the Supernovas get to that imposing total?

To register the then-highest score in the Women's T20 Challenge, a lot of things went right for the Supernovas right from the onset. The first was the tone set by the openers in a blistering opening stand inside the powerplay.

What did they do?

Both Deandra Dottin and Punia went searching for the boundaries right from the onset with medium-pacer Renuka Singh bearing

also led to a wobble when Renuka made amends of sorts to have Dottin run out with a direct hit, which was soon followed by Punia being bowled by Mathews.

The middle order powers on

With a quick start under their belt, the Supernovas

In the penultimate over, Harmanpreet was involved in a big debacle with Ecclestone that led to her run- out. This was followed by a three-wicket final over bowled by Mathews, who trapped Ecclestone lbw first ball. Supernovas ended up losing their last five wickets for just eight runs to be bowled out for 163, which was short of what they were threatening to get, but a winning score nevertheless.

(Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

SUPERNOVAS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Priya Punia b Matthews 22 Deandra Dottin run out (Sharmin Akhter) 32 Harleen Deol lbw b Salma Khatun 35 Harmanpreet Kaur (c) run out (Reddy/†Ghosh) 37 Sune Luus c Renuka Singh b Gayakwad 10 Alana King c Mandhana b Salma Khatun 5 Pooja Vastrakar c †Ghosh b Poonam Yadav 14 Sophie Ecclestone lbw b Matthews 5 Taniya Bhatia †not out 1 Meghna Singh run out (Dunkley/†Ghosh) 2 V Chandu lbw b Matthews 0 Extras 0 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.15) 163 Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Deandra Dottin, 4.6 ov), 2-63 (Priya Punia, 7.1 ov), 3-100 (Harleen Deol, 11.2 ov), 4-121 (Sune Luus, 14.3 ov), 5-128 (Alana King, 15.3 ov), 6-155 (Pooja Vastrakar, 18.4 ov), 7-160 (Harmanpreet Kaur, 18.6 ov), 8-160 (Sophie Ecclestone, 19.1 ov), 9-163 (Meghna Singh, 19.4 ov), 10-163 (V Chandu, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Renuka Singh 2-0-22-0 Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4-0-34-1 Arundhati Reddy 2-0-19-0 Hayley Matthews 4-0-29-3 Poonam Yadav 4-0-29-1 Salma Khatun 4-0-30-2

TRAILBLAZERS INNINGS (Target: 164 runs from 20 overs) Smriti Mandhana (c)c Punia b Vastrakar 34 Hayley Matthews c †Bhatia b Vastrakar 18 Jemimah Rodrigues c Deol b Meghna Singh 24 Sophia Dunkley c Punia b Vastrakar 1 Sharmin Akhter b King 0 Richa Ghosh †c Dottin b Ecclestone 2 Arundhati Reddy st †Bhatia b Ecclestone 0 Salma Khatun c Ecclestone b Vastrakar 0 Poonam Yadav c Deol b King 7 Renuka Singh not out 14 Rajeshwari Gayakwad not out 7 Extras (lb 4, w 3) 7 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.70) 114/9 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Hayley Matthews, 4.6 ov), 2-63 (Smriti Mandhana, 7.2 ov), 3-65 (Sophia Dunkley, 7.5 ov), 4-67 (Sharmin Akhter, 8.4 ov), 5-72 (Richa Ghosh, 10.2 ov), 6-72 (Arundhati Reddy, 10.3 ov), 7-73 (Salma Khatun, 11.5 ov), 8-86 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 13.5 ov), 9-94 (Poonam Yadav, 16.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W V Chandu 3-0-26-0 Meghna Singh 3-0-16-1 Sophie Ecclestone 4-0-19-2 Pooja Vastrakar 4-0-12-4 Alana King 4-0-30-2 Deandra Dottin 2-0-7-0

22

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

M

ajor League Cricket (MLC), the first professional Twenty20 Cricket League in the US, has announced that it has completed an initial close of a US$44 million Series A and A1 Fundraising Round led by a group of mostly IndianAmerican business leaders.

With an additional commitment of US$76 million in further fundraising over the next 12 months in place, MLC plans to deploy more than

Satya Nadella

Ross Perot Jr

US$120 million to launch the country's first-ever professional Twenty20 cricket league and open a new era for the world's second most popular sport in America, MLC said.

"The significant funding committed by an outstanding group of investors will allow Major League Cricket to build first-class facilities and accelerate the sport's development across the country, bringing world-class professional cricket to the

world's largest sports market,” MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan said.

The investor group comprises leading business executives and successful tech entrepreneurs who have led some of the world's most prominent companies.

Prominent names include Microsoft Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Satya Nadella; Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen; Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, founding Partners

at Milliways Ventures and Rocketship VC; Anurag Jain; Tanweer Ahmed; Baheti family and Ross Perot Jr. Funding will be used to develop cricket-related facilities including stadiums and training centres in eight cities across the US including Seattle, New York, San Jose, and Houston.

In 2024, the US will cohost the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup with the West Indies. (India Journal)

2022 Royersford Tower Health Bike Race…

Joelyn Joseph cops 3rd place in Master’s 55+ (cat 1-4) Class

U

S-based We Stand United (WSU) Cycle Club member Joelyn Joseph, a two-time Olympian (1980 and 1984) continued his good showing on the USA circuit when he ended third in the 2022 Royersford Tower Health Bike Race held on Sunday in Royersford, Pennsylvania.

Competing against 38

starters with 29 completing the race, Joseph, the 2019 International Cycling Union (UCI) Men’s 60-64 sprint race silver medallist at the Manchester Velodrome in the United Kingdom, took the final podium spot on Sunday in the 20-mile contest in the Masters 55+ (cat 1-4) event.

Taking on peers younger than himself, the Linden-

born cyclist held his own and employed a number of strategies from his wideranging reservoir to take the bronze medal. He was timed at 41.57.1 in the race, which was won by Jeff Miesemer in 41.32.0; the second place was occupied by John Bertolini (41.34.0).

Joseph, also a 2017 UCI Masters Track Cycling World

Berbice thrash Demerara to take GCB Female Inter-county title …Gajnabi adjudged MVP

Championships silver and bronze medallist in Los Angeles, USA, commented: “The racecourse was tougher than it looked, there were four left turns and two right turns with a slight uphill every lap to manoeuvre. I managed to apply my experience and came out with a medal which was satisfying. The weather conditions were very hot; this was the first hot temperature – 89 degrees, for the season.”

Joseph has indicated that it was now on to the Somerville Criterium Memorial Day race, which is set for this weekend.

WSU Joelyn Joseph (right) shares the podium with the first and second-place finishers

Barbados Pride remain on top after 3rd round

B

T

Katana Mentore was the player with the most runs, scoring 198

he action in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Female Inter-county 50over tournament continued at the Providence Stadium, where Berbice and Demerara laid it all on the line, to see who would be crowned champions. In the end, it was Shabika Gajnabi and her team-mates who led from the front to take Berbice over the line.

Demerara took to the crease as they aimed to post a mammoth total against the mighty Berbicians. The two teams who remained unbeaten in the competition showed that they were not there to play, but to fight hard. Demerara openers Mandy Mangru and Lashana Toussaint shared a 50run partnership to set the tone; however, when Mangru fell for 30, that was it for the Demerara innings. Wickets began to fall at will as the Berbicians applied pressure; Shanetta Grimmond and Gajnabi bowled a tight line and length to halt the flow of runs. Tousaint then switched to the anchor role as no other player offered her support; in

Gajnabi was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Tournament with 173 runs and 5 wickets

the end she was only able to score 37 off 76 deliveries as Demerara were restricted to 93-9 in 26.2 overs. Bowling figures for Berbice were Grimmond (3-6); Gajnabi (221); Plafinna Millington (1-17) and Ashmini Munisar (1-16).

The rains then came and

total being so small and the score at 76-2, Gajnabi dug deep and produced a brilliant 44 off 34 deliveries to guide her team home. Berbice ended on 93-3 in 12.3 overs.

At the end of the tournament, Gajnabi was adjudged the Player of the

Shabika Gajnabi hit the winning runs in her unbeaten 44; she also bagged 2-21

the game was shortened to a 45-over affair, in which Berbice needed a meagre 93 for victory. Grimmond blasted an 11-ball 22 at the top of the order before being run out and Katana Mentore only scored 19 as she fell victim to Cherry-Ann Fraser. But with Demerara’s

Tournament as she scored 173 runs and bagged five wickets; Heema Singh of Demerara was the leading wicket-taker with seven wickets; and Mentore was the player with the most runs scoring 198. Gajnabi also earned Player of the Match for her 44 and 2-21 in the final.

arbados Pride are holding on to a slim lead – less than a point – in the standings of the Regional First- Class championships following a third-round shock defeat by Guyana Harpy Eagles on Saturday.

Despite the loss, the defending champions, who scored 266 and 291 in their two innings, remain on top of the six-team table on 47.2 points.

Harpy Eagles (41.4 points) are still in the fourth position they started in, this round. Right behind the tournament leaders on 46.4 points are Leeward Islands Hurricanes, who crushed T&T Red Force by 187 runs on the fourth and final day of their encounter at the Diego Martin Complex.

Red Force, who were dismissed before lunch for 271 in their second innings to taste their first defeat of the four-day championship, are now third in the standings, on 43 points, switching with Hurricanes the positions they were in going into this third round.

Jamaica Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes remain the last two teams after their match at the Brian Lara Stadium

that lasted just three days, although this time the latter is bottom of the table.

Scorpions fast bowler Derval Green and off-spinner Jamie Merchant wrecked the Volcanoes batting with five-wicket hauls to propel their side to an innings and 14-run victory on Friday.

Scorpions, who ended the second round in last position, are now fifth (29.6 points) while Windward Islands Volcanoes (15.6 points) have dropped to sixth.

The fourth and final round of the championships will be held June 1-4.

The match-ups will be Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, T&T Red

Force and Guyana Harpy Eagles at Queen’s Park Oval, and Windward Islands Volcanoes and Barbados Pride at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex. (CMC)

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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

H

adi’s World Inc, a subsidiary of Mohamed’s Enterprise, on Monday sponsored Guyana’s team for the upcoming Pan American Championships in Mexico.

The sponsorship cheque was handed over to Ijaz Cave, a member of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF), who is also a member of the four-man squad, at Mohamed’s Enterprise, Lombard Street, Georgetown.

At the handing-over ceremony, Mohamed’s Enterprise Managing Director Nazar “Shell” Mohamed related that he understood the importance of supporting athletes while noting that he

was once involved in cricket as a young man while his son, Azruddin, was a national table tennis player.

He added that the sponsorship was a demonstration of his commitment to sport in general.

He, nevertheless, stated that there needed to be a holistic approach to develop sport and this included the involvement of corporate Guyana.

“I would like to see sport in Guyana really raise to a higher level, so we can win gold medals, we can win very competitive competitions, and we can be like Jamaica,” the businessman added.

“But this is something that needs the input of not only us or a few sponsors

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

that I’ve been seeing in the media. This needs to be done by a great portion of our business community.”

Meanwhile, GMMAF President Gavin Singh expressed gratitude to Mohamed for his tangible contribution to the team.

“I am appreciative of the sponsorship, one that will go a long way in aiding the team’s sojourn to Mexico,” he said.

Further, he added that GMMAF and Mohamed’s Enterprise have discussed the possibility of partnering for upcoming local events hosted by the Federation.

Meanwhile, Cave, one of the athletes heading to the Championships in Monterrey, Mexico, lauded Mohamed for his sup-

G

port, which he described as timely.

The entire contingent of

athletes will be announced shortly.

Apart from Mohamed’s Enterprise,

KFC Guyana is the other company that has so far assisted the team.

…“it should be a quality final and a quality third-place play-off” – YBG co-founder

YBG co-founder Chris Bowman Marlon Nicholson, Independence 10K winner

quired.”

In the race were the likes of Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas, who have won many a race between them, in spite of this, the 26-year-old Nicholson was able to find the right formula to beat experience.

“As an experienced man, you know you learn from them. As I compete with them, I get to strategise myself every time I run,” he explained.

Nicholson went on to say, “For me, I had to stay close coming down in the race. You don’t want to be far off, so staying close was a better option for me. So, when I decide to move, I’m going. That’s just exactly what I planned, so I did it.”

Missigher, who led the race for the majority of the 10K, found himself beat on the last lap, having to settle for second place.

About his race, Missigher said, “It feels great. Nevertheless, I’m disappointed, but I still appreciate the second place.”

Speaking on the rainy conditions on Sunday, Missigher said, “It was fatiguing, but as distance athletes we have to prepare

Nazar “Shell” Mohamed hands over the sponsorship cheque to Ijaz Cave in the presence of GMMAF President Gavin Singh

UG, GTI book spots in Tertiary Basketball League final

Nicholson, Missigher appreciative of 10K finishes uyana Defence Force (GDF) athlete Marlon Nicholson is enjoying his spot at the top of the local 10K rankings, after pulling off backto-back wins in 2021 and 2022.

Nicholson ran 34:30.79 on Sunday morning to clinch the top spot in the Ex-Athletes and Friends Independence 10K Road Race, beating an experienced field of competitors.

When quizzed by Guyana Times Sport about his emotions following the win, Nicholson shared his excitement.

“Feels great, you know, after a long time. From since 2019 Joint Service, I’m now coming back. Last year 10K was a bit of experience and coming back this year and winning the first 10K for the year, it’s a great feeling,” the athlete said.

He added, “I was preparing for this 10K early in January coming on to now.

So, I was well-prepared.”

Continuing on what comprised his preparations, Nicholson shared, “You could say plenty endurance runs. I had to get fitness, so a lot of speed work [was] re-

23

for any weather – rain, dew, sun, or snow. Distance athletes don’t have any specific weather.”

When asked about his race plan, he detailed it, but was quick to admit that he did not do enough to execute well.

“Actually, I start the race. I carried the race from scratch ‘cause I know he was the stronger guy in the race. He’s very strong. He’s an 800 [metres] and 1500 [metres] athlete, he’s very strong over the finishing, so I decide to take the race earlier to take more speed out of him,” Missigher explained.

“That was the direct plan, but just that he’s a bit stronger than me right now, in terms of his core, his abs, everything is built up, due to the work that he put in in the gym sessions.”

With regard to his preparations, Missigher believed that he did not do enough.

“It wasn’t much, you know. In terms of training and gym sessions, I wasn’t getting to do enough training, but I come out here this morning and gave it my all,” the athlete declared.

O

n Sunday the action continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the inaugural Tertiary Basketball League. The University of Guyana put a stop to the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) and Government Technical Institute (GTI) blindsided Linden Technical Institute (LTI) in two intense semi-final battles to secure their spots in the final set for June 5, 2022.

In the earlier match-up, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) leader Shaquawn Gill scored a game-high 27 points and 15 rebounds, with good support from Timothy Richmond (15 points and 16 rebounds) and Thariq Duncan (12 points) for UG as the University defeated NATI 77 points to 71 points.

For NATI, Charles Williams finished with 27 points and Kadeem Dover with 20 points.

In the second semi-final, GTI maintained a perfect record with a comfortable win over rivals LTI 73-69. Kobe Tappin was the lead man with 20 points, with Rakin Mc Donald (16 points and 12 rebounds) and Royon Shortt (16 points) playing equally important roles. For LTI, Shamar Savory finished with 23 points and 20 rebounds and Damarcus Adams 22 points and 7 rebounds.

Giving his view on what to expect in the finale on June 5, 2022, co-founder of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), Chris Bowman said, “They have responded well.

Shaquawn Gill scored 27 points

It’s been very competitive as we have seen a high level of competition. What we are witnessing is the future of Guyana basketball. What should they expect from the finals? A really good final (with) the top two teams in the tournament – GTI, which is the number one team as they got to the final unbeaten, and UG, who would feel that by birthright as the highest learning institution in Guyana, they should win this competition as they have the resources such as the players and coaching staff.”

Bowman noted that he expected the final to be great, and encouraged all basketball lovers to come out and watch the games as they would discover that Guyana has a lot of talent. He further explained that club officials who are looking to recruit new players should come out as talent was not only exhibited by the top two teams but throughout the entire league.

“The guys from Berbice are really talented, they don’t have the same resources, but just imagine if they had those things. So, the talent level and the level of play on the court has been very high, comparative, in my view, of any basketball you will watch at the Sports Hall. So, it should be a quality final and a quality thirdplace play-off,” Bowman shared.

The final and thirdplace game will be contested Sunday, June 5 from 16:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The third-place play-off will see NATI locking horns with LTI. The tournament is sponsored by National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, Fireside Grill and Suites, and Banks DIH Ltd.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

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

UG, GTI book spots in Tertiary Basketball League final Page 23

…“it should be a quality final and a quality third-place play-off” – YBG co-founder

CM Wendell Meusa and Anthony Drayton

Jessica Callender and Sasha Shariff

CM Taffin Khan

andidate Master (CM) Wendell Meusa and Nellisha Johnson are currently leading in their respective tourneys, the Gaicosponsored National Open Chess Tournament and KFC Guyanasponsored Women’s Chess Championships.

Four rounds have been played so far, with both tournaments commencing Saturday, May 21 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The two tournaments are being run concurrently, with the top 10 qualifying players participating in each tournament and will conclude on Sunday, May 29, 2022. The players are vying for the titles of National Chess Champion and Women’s National Chess Champion for 2022 respectively.

inaccuracies by Khan allowed Meusa to scrape a small advantage. Khan's solid play continued to slip and Meusa struck without hesitation. His white pieces stormed Khan's king and his advantage began to snowball. Pawn after pawn fell as Khan's king ran for safety. In an attempt to finish with stylish efficiency, Meusa sacrificed material as his position was already dominant.

Even though the computer analysis indicated that Meusa had not only sacrificed material but also his winning chances, it would be highly unlikely that a human player could defend that position. As exceptional of a player that Khan is, the position ended in victory for Meusa – a fitting result for a wonderful attacking game of chess.

had traded her defensive pieces with Shariff's attacking pieces, diluting the attack altogether.

Unfortunately for her, Shariff had other plans. In the end, Callender had lowered the odds of her losing in the short term, but had destined her loss in the long term. Shariff led the position into the endgame with an extremely powerful chain of pawns, one of which was a passed pawn. The passed pawn's power rose at every piece exchange, giving Shariff an undeniable edge. But disaster struck for Shariff when she blundered her pawn. The game was now even, but there were enough pieces available for something to go wrong.

Time on both players' clocks was low, sowing the seeds of fear and doubt.

The advantage swung back and forth, as both players missed devastating winning moves against the other in a highly-complicated endgame.

C

National Open Tournament Meusa is currently the only player in the Open tournament

standing undefeated. So far, he has defeated Rai Sharma, Godfrey Taylor, defending champion CM Taffin Khan and FIDE Master Anthony Drayton who placed first in the qualifying tournament. Loris Nathoo and Frankie Farley both follow closely behind Meusa on three points each. Ethan Lee and Khan are on 2.5 points each, with Drayton and Roberto Neto on two points each. The remaining participants are Sharma, Taylor, and Errol Tiwari. Taylor and Tiwari entered the competition owing to the withdrawal of Rashad Hussain and Justino DaSilva.

Meusa faced Khan, the defending chess champion, in round three on Sunday, in what was more than likely the championship deciding match. Khan, with the black pieces, chose a solid and closed approach against Meusa, and the two entered the middle game in an equal position. Tiny

National Women’s Tournament Johnson is so far undefeated in the women’s tournament. She has defeated her sister Waveney

Johnson, Adia Alphonso, Maliha Rajkumar, and Angel Rahim. On three points are Lam and defending women’s champion Sasha Shariff. After a long intense showdown, Lam and Shariff drew their match against each other, earning a half point each. The defending women's chess champion played the white pieces against the Women's Qualifiers winner Jessica Callender. The game began with an unorthodox but equal opening by the players and they began the middle game in an even position.

By opposite side castling, Shariff made her intention very clear that an attack was coming, and that it was coming fast. In an attempt to defend, Callender rerouted her pieces, but only worsened her position via tiny inaccuracies. Shariff's pieces lunged at Callender's King. Pawns marched and pieces infiltrated, but alas, Callender's defence held. She

The final missed opportunity landed in front of Shariff, who agreed to a draw in a completely winning, but complicated and terrifying position, letting Callender get away.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) wishes to thank its sponsors Gaico Construction and KFC Guyana for their support of the tourneys. The Federation is extremely grateful to these companies for providing the opportunity to its chess players, who once again are able to participate in over-the-board tournaments, and looks forward to continued partnerships in the future. At the conclusion of the National Tournaments, along with the points from its Grand Prix Tournaments, the GCF will determine the members of its 10-member Olympiad team destined for Chennai, India in July/August 2022 to participate in the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad.

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