Guyana Times - Tuesday May 4, 2021

Ramesh Persaud new DDL Managing Director Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

P16

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4637

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

InterCaribbean Airways gets approval to operate in Guyana

PRICE

Page 3

Berbice woman attacked, stabbed …harsher penalties must be used to stop by ex-lover violence against women – Minister Persaud Pages 10 & 12

20-year-old died of single gunshot to head – PME

GDF selling off old Bell aircraft

4 COVID-19 deaths in 1 day, 46 new cases

Suspected P12 thief shot by businessman Bartica teen critical after losing control of motorcycle P10 P15 SleepIn owner, cashier, patrons on bail for breaching curfew

Page 12

Taxi driver P9 hijacked by ‘passengers’ Govt to toughen regulations for travel agencies

Pages 2 & 14

…as arsonist attempts to torch wanted man's grandmother's house

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P9

…to join FlyAllways as regional carrier; talks ongoing with Virgin Atlantic

Linden shallow grave murder

$80 VAT INCLUDED

P17

…139 persons succumbed to date for 2021

World Press Freedom Day

Diplomats hail local media as integral to democracy Pages 7 & 16

… More must be done to preserve viability of independent media – GPA ...Govt recommits to doing more to ensure press freedom

“Magga Man” gets 2 life P17 sentences for “cold, calculated and brutal” killings

…“You’re heartless”– dead man’s wife to killer

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden shallow grave murder

Arsonist attempts to torch wanted man grandmother's house

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Wanted: Shaquawn Alleyne

olice in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident whereby the

home of octogenarian pensioner Mary Alleyne was set on fire in the wee hours of Monday.

Alleyne is the grandmother of wanted man Shaquawn Alleyne, who Police are currently hunting in connection with the murder of Shonette Dover, whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave in his backyard last Friday.

According to Police, the property, which is located at Block 22, Wismar, Linden, came under attack about 04:30h when a curtain, which was hanging along a set of windows, was set alight from the outside.

A lone male was reportedly seen running away from the scene afterwards.

Quick action and assis-

tance from neighbours led to the extinguishing of the fire.

One of the woman’s grandsons told Guyana Times that the perpetrator broke some louvre windows from outside and threw a container of gas inside. He said his father and stepmother were inside, asleep at the time and were awakened by the noise. The family then contacted the Police.

Alleyne’s grandson said that there was no major damage on the inside of the home. The young man said that his grandmother was not at home at the time of the incident, adding that he was at his apartment when he received a call from his stepmother informing him

The window curtain that was set on fire

of the incident.

Police have since launched an investigation.

Almost one month after she was reported missing, the decomposed body of 20-year-old Dover was

The broken louvre windows

found in a shallow grave in her boyfriend’s backyard on Friday. The discovery was made after the dead woman’s 15-year-old relative confessed to investigators that she witnessed the sus-

pect, 21-year-old Alleyne, “accidentally” shooting Dover while he was cleaning a gun. The couple lived together at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden. (G13)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 4 – 00:30h – 02:00h and 11:30h – 13:00h and Wednesday, May 5 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 12:30h – 14:00h.

The Bridge will also be closed for maintenance from 22:30h on Tuesday to 04:30h on Wednesday.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 4 – 10:50h – 13:20h and Wednesday, May 5 – 12:10h – 13:40h.

InterCaribbean Airways gets approval to operate in Guyana

…to join FlyAllways as regional carrier; talks ongoing with Virgin Atlantic

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:35h and 23:40h reaching maximum heights of 2.12 metres and 2.06 metres.

Low Tide: 16:55h reaching a minimum height of 1.06 metres.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 DAILY MILLIONS

01 02 06 09 11 LUCKY 3

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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

$67.29/barrel

+0.06

Rough Rice

$247. 5/ton

+0.04

London Sugar

$461.20/ton

-0.26

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1789.80

$1790.80

Low/High Change

$1772.40 -3.10

$1799.20 +0.17%

InterCaribbean Airways

I

nterCaribbean Airways Limited, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and FlyAllways two regional airlines that had expressed an interest in establishing flights to and from Guyana - are the latest airlines to receive Cabinet approval to operate locally.

This was revealed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during an engagement on Monday with a number of other airlines on industry issues. He informed them of the Government’s vision for the aviation sector, as well as the operators lined up to provide a service to the country.

“Since we’ve reopened the airports, we’ve facilitated more than 60,000 passengers who’ve entered Guyana. That number is rapidly going to grow. We’re engaging new airlines to come to Guyana. We’ve just approved, at the level of Cabinet, two new airlines to operate. InterCaribbean and FlyAllways.”

“There are applications for other airlines that we’re considering. We’re continuing the conversation with Virgin, which has to go to the next level. The next stage is a call between the CEO of Virgin Atlantic and myself, to see if we can get some accommodation on the way forward,” the Minister further explained.

Meanwhile, the Minister also spoke of the expansion ongoing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). According to him, the Government is looking to have flights from the Eastern world, including the Middle East, from where there has been much investor interest since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) came to power.

“With the expansion of CJIA, we’re also looking to have flights coming from the East. Not just Europe and the North, but from the East. Businesses coming to Guyana are also coming from that direction. Guyana will still be promoted as a hub for regional travel and international connectivity.”

“We still want Guyana as a link between the Caribbean and South America. We still want to ensure we can bring

in the wider body jets, carry more passengers, with capacity for greater cargo and to bring costs down on the economy of scale,” the Minister said.

FlyAllways, which is Suriname owned, was granted approval to operate in Guyana only last month.

According to Edghill at the time of the announcement, FlyAllways would operate the Suriname, Barbados and Curacao route out of CJIA. A number of commercial carriers have already reintroduced flights to and from Guyana since the Government moved to reopen the ports. One such airline was American Airlines, which restarted late last year.

Eastern Airlines also introduced four flights weekly from Miami and New York, while COPA Airlines started three flights weekly from Panama. And Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) also started flying between CJIA and the Lester B Pearson International Airport in

Toronto, Canada.

CAL said flights would be operated each Monday and Friday, with connections available from Trinidad and Barbados. CAL also reintroduced its commercial service between Guyana and New York, which took effect on October 19 following the reopening of the country’s international ports in September.

JetBlue also launched its commercial flight between New York and Guyana in December of 2020. The airline announced that flights would initially be operated up to four times weekly, with seats available for purchase

starting on October 27.

JetBlue had originally announced the new route between New York City and Georgetown in September 2019, but temporarily paused the sale of seats and adjusted the launch schedule in response to changes in global travel demand.

Local authorities had closed the country’s borders – including the two main international airports – since March 2020, after the first imported case of COVID-19 was detected. From then to August, the CJIA recorded losses of over one billion dollars due to the pandemic. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

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

Save our women

I

t is quite heart-breaking every time to read in the media that one of our women was killed simply because of her decision to end a relationship and move on with her life.

Within a matter of days, the nation was greeted with shocking details of two women – 20-year-old Shonette Dover and 44-year-old Nicola Sueanna Wilson. Both women were killed in a most brutal way at the hands of their partners. In the case of Dover, her life was snuffed out without the decency of a proper burial, but rather was discarded in a shallow grave in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and left to rot.

These two most recent cases are just a few of the long list of women who have been murdered over the years, most times during domestic disputes. Over the years, there were countless stories reported in the media of some form of gender-based violence; with women especially being at the receiving end of the beatings; and in some cases, even ending up dead.

The victims’ stories have been heartbreaking as many of them were killed after years of abuse and perhaps with very little help from those who should have provided the muchneeded support mechanisms.

In many of these cases, children are often witnesses of brutality against their parent. In the case of Wilson, her 14-year-old son rushed to her aid, but was helpless after he, too, was threatened with death. There was a similar situation with another boy who went to the aid of his mother in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as she was being stabbed by his father. In that case, the child pushed his father aside while telling his mother, covered in blood, to run for her life. The magnitude of the impact of this on that child, and other children who witness these incidents, cannot be underestimated. Those ghastly images, especially when life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising. When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated thereby aiding to better shape lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital.

The bottom line is that something must be done urgently to arrest the situation, as it is clear that what currently obtains has not been very effective. While protection orders have been effective to an extent; quite often the abusers do not abide by them; hence the need to undertake an urgent review of mechanisms currently in place to protect women from being killed.

Violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another. Numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming.

Over the years, the United Nations has been pushing countries towards implementing proactive measures to combat domestic violence. These measures have included criminalising gender-based violence, hosting massive public awareness campaigns and providing training to equip both men and women to act as first responders and to support victims of the scourge at the community level.

Additionally, this newspaper had stated before that one of the greatest challenges Guyana faced in countering domestic violence was in changing the attitudes of the Police, Magistrates, social workers, and health-care providers.

Importantly, too, is that the lackadaisical attitude of neighbours, relatives, and community leaders who are, in most cases, aware of domestic abuse cases, but yet choose to remain silent also needs to change. Everyone needs to be proactive in their response to the scourge.

We urge the Government to reconvene a stakeholders’ engagement to tackle the issue of domestic violence. The aim should be to reassess and modify current strategies, taking into account the lessons learnt from past experiences.

We need to pool our efforts and resources together to save our women.

Ethnic San Chi women dressed in traditional costumes play a friendly football match as part of the Soong Co festival celebrations in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province (AFP photos)

Guyanese should fully support development of natural gas industry Dear Editor, I have been involved in the natural gas sector for many years in Trinidad and I have seen the immense and tremendous benefits that natural gas has brought to the economy and living standards of T&T. Therefore, I am amused and bemused at the arguments against the development of a natural gas industry in our neighbour Guyana.

Much more so, they proposed the relatively small project to bring a mere 50 million cu ft of

gas a day onshore, while in Trinidad we are bringing about 4 billion or 4 thousand million cu feet of gas a day onshore from a variety of offshore fields using a huge network of offshore wells, pipelines, platforms and compressors.

This pipeline network feeds the gas onshore running through a wide range of cross-country terrain which is well maintained and accident-free.

Also, a huge range of large, medium and small industries use gas as the feedstock and it also sup-

ports one of the largest raw gas processing plants in the Caribbean – Phoenix Park gas processors.

Among the industries are cheap electricity generation (2200 MW), LNG (liquefied natural gas), ammonia, methanol, urea butane, ethane propane and a host of other petrochemicals.

Many other small industries that contribute to the economy and the self-sufficiency of the country are supported such as glassmaking, cement, clay blocks, paint making, hot and cold mix asphalt plants, canning

industries, food processing and drying and a host of other small industries.

I would therefore encourage Guyanese of all backgrounds to fully support the development of the natural gas industry in Guyana and the gas to shore project and to say that I and a group of other professionals from Trinidad are ready to support with technical and other advice to get the project off the ground.

Sincerely, Sat Sukdeo Chaguanas Trinidad

“Arrival Day” or “Indian Arrival Day”?

Dear Editor, May 5 was officially designated a public holiday, “Arrival Day” in 2004. But before then and since it has been commemorated across Guyana as “Indian Arrival Day”. How did this dichotomy come about? On April 14, 2003, the PPP Government established a Special Select Parliamentary Committee, of which I was a member, “To Review The Public Holidays Act, Chapter 19:07”. More specifically it was to consider making May 26 a permanent public holiday (Independence Day) and May 5 to commemorate the arrival of Indians to Guyana.

The rationale for considering the holiday was stated in the introduction of the Report of the Special Select Committee: “Guyanese of Indian origin, who form a large portion of the country's popu-

lation, had for a period of in excess of the past forty years, been calling for 5th May to be declared a statutory public holiday, in observance of the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers who came to the then British Guiana in 1838.” Yet the Govt’s Resolution (No 12 of 2003) April 14, 2003, to establish the Committee declared that it should review as a possible public holiday “Arrival Day, that is to say, the 5th May, or, if that day is a Sunday, the following day.”

In its conclusions, the Committee noted: “While the aforesaid recommendation (on the holiday be named “Arrival Day) is in keeping with our mandate, the Committee wishes to note that all the submissions favouring 5th May as a Public Holiday recommended that it be designat-

ed "Indian Arrival Day" as is the case in Trinidad and Tobago.” It was presented to the National Assembly on April 29, 2004, and approved. The first “Arrival Day” as a public holiday was officially observed on May 5 of that year.

The decision was clearly actuated by a desire of the PPP Government not to possibly alienate other Guyanese groups who had also arrived as indentured servants. But in the years since, none of the other groups - such as Portuguese and Chinese whose arrival dates were respectively on June 3 and Jan 12, took the opportunity to commemorate the occasion on May 5.

In fact, there were expressions from individuals from those communities expressing disagreement that their arrivals should be conflated or subsumed with a date that clearly marked the

Indian Indentured’s arrival to Guyana.

In 2017, President David Granger established a precedent when he issued a public notice in early January 2017 to the effect that Jan 12 was henceforth designated as “Chinese Arrival Day” but not a public holiday. Later, on February 27, 2017, he proclaimed May 3 each year as Portuguese Arrival Day. The days have since witnessed commemorative activities by those communities.

It is my considered view, that the Guyanese community would almost universally support the reconsideration of the name of the May 5 holiday as “Indian Arrival Day”. And I submit that the time has come for the Government to officially rectify the anomaly.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

5

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

PPP/C Government has restored confidence in Guyana’s scholarship programme Dear Editor, As the Government of Guyana launches the Guyana Online Academy of Learning to provide 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese, an opportunity was created for every Guyanese to apply and pursue any of the programmes being offered through five internationally acclaimed universities.

These are the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), the University of Applied Sciences (IUBH), the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the JAIN “Deemed To Be” University.

These programmes will be offered from the certificate level up to the PhD level. The timeline for completing these programmes range from two

months to three years This initiative is President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government of Guyana’s way of providing opportunities to Guyanese for training, academic growth and lifelong learning.

It is expected that over time, more universities will come on board to provide additional programmes in various areas to Guyanese. This is unlike the former APNU/ AFC Government’s scholarship programme whereby Ministers and their families were mostly the beneficiaries of millions of dollars’ worth in scholarships paid for by taxpayers.

One can easily compare the 54,000 certificates issued to ordinary Guyanese under the COURSERA initiative by the PPP/C then and now the GOAL initiative which sees

the Government of Guyana intent to provide 20,000 scholarships that will be offered over five years, with 4500 of those scholarships to be awarded in 2021 alone.

This is no secret that this initiative is the brainchild of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo who are both aware of the challenges people in different regions in Guyana had accessing tertiary education. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has always prioritised education and has made strides since gaining office in 1992.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Ministers recognize through education Guyana has a brighter future, recognising the need to give education equally to every Guyanese, not just a catego-

ry of Guyanese who are able to get it, but those of you who cannot even connect to the internet.

As Government Ministers travelled to the various regions and communities to officially roll out the 20,000 online scholarships initiative. They are giving hope to Guyanese who cannot access the internet by providing internet service to those regions and communities in an effort to ensure they conveniently attain or achieve that higher education.

Most recently Public Works Minister Juan Edghill urged Lindeners and residents of Kwakwani to take full use of the opportunities provided by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative, as the programme was officially launched in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-

Berbice). While addressing residents of Region 10 he indicated how happy he was that Region 10 was granted access to the programme, which will see 20,000 Guyanese being given the opportunity to pursue a free certificate, diploma and other educational courses online.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government believes in equal opportunity and equal access. Ensure the people of Region 10 are not left behind and have the opportunity under the PPP/C Government to uplift themselves through education.

It must be crystal clear to every Guyanese that through the Government scholarship programme, Guyanese from all walks of life can decide to walk through the door of educational upliftment and advancement, where it would not cost anything but their commitment and dedication to study.

The Government of

Guyana will fund every dollar for your scholarship.

This is the approach and commitment by the PPP/C Government taken to enhance all Guyanese educational opportunities for the future.

I encourage interested Guyanese young or old, rich or poor to make use of the online portal at guyanagoal.org which is now open for applications.

In keeping with the PPP/C Government’s commitment to develop Guyanese of all walks of life and increase access to opportunities through education, the PPP/C Government has established the correct approach in rolling out 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese to enable their educational and professional advancement within the next five years, restoring confidence in Guyana’s scholarship programme in the future.

Dear Editor, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the residents of the Mahaica-Berbice region (Region Five) to publicly say thank you to the Prime Minister, Hon Mark Phillips MP, for his visit to Region Five on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Mr Prime Minister, your one-day visit to this region speaks volumes of you and the PPP\C Government’s commitment to govern Guyana for all Guyanese. The residents of Region Five were longing for such a visit for the past five years from the former PM but guess the then PM was only thinking about himself and not Guyana or Region Five.

Why do I say that? As the former PM Rep in Region Five under the coalition, I can recall that I have made several requests for the then PM to have a field visit in the region.

That visit would have afforded him the opportunity to meet with the residents and listen to their many concerns. But my request was like water on a duck’s back.

In fact, the former PM never had a one-day field visit/ community meetings across Region Five during his tenure.

He always said he was busy but we all know what he was busy doing - nothing.

Hon Philips, not only have I seen and heard you as you reassured Region Five of the Government’s commitments towards developing the region.

But I saw action just after you spoke at Dundee, Mahaicony and elsewhere.

Many of the residents that came out and highlighted their concerns were very pleased that you took the time to sit and listen to them as they shared their plight with you. Mostly they were pleased that you immediately addressed some of their matters while assuring the others to have their matters looked into.

I must say that I was very

pleased to see you interacting with shoppers and vendors at the Mahaicony Branch Road Market and the several businesses that you visited to look into their operations as you braved the sun and the rains.

Many business owners that wanted to invest heavily and are doing so presently were longing to have that interaction where they could have been afforded the opportunity to sit and have a one-onone discussion with someone that holds the second-highest office in this land.

Mr Prime Minister, your day’s visit to the various villages in Region Five saw cash crop, rice and poultry farmers, millers, sugar workers, pensioners and all other residents, no matter their political affiliation, who had issues that needed to be addressed attend and were given the opportunity to voice their concerns.

Thank you, Hon Prime Minister, for your visit to Region Five and please, we the residents hope that you will continue to make such visits to Region Five more often.

Before I end, I must say that what you have done in one day the former PM never did in his Five years in office.

I have always said in the past five years and always will continue to say, “never forget who put you there and never forget where you came from”.

Well, that is what happened in the past five years, all of the then Ministers and PM forgot who put them there and where they came from.

I hope Hon Prime Minister, you won’t be like those visionless and self-centred former Ministers and PM that were in Government for the past five years.

Thank you for your visit PM and do stay safe.

Dynamic, solution-driven, proactive, visionary new ERC needed Very pleased with PM’s Region 5 visit

Dear Editor, I am advised that the current Board of Commissioners at ERC has come to an end.

In the weeks coming I shall be offering a few interviews on my stint. I am thankful to have served and appointed as the youngest Commissioner in Guyana. Certainly, I have left wiser but immensely disappointed at our performance in many instances. Having completed degrees in management, I have developed an intolerance for inefficiency, incompetency and ineffectiveness. Further, as core values I hold, I value transparency, accountability and openness in public bodies. Regrettably, many times, these could not be achieved given the challenges of such a diverse body and the pace it took to make a single decision. Then, the presence of a cabal. I get impatient by weak leadership.

Could we have done more?

Yes! Were there challenges beyond our control? Yes! I thank the many who have supported me by way of advice, criticisms, sending in concerns, etc I thank the nominating and voting bodies who have believed in me. I remain ever willing to serve. I thank the many kind staff members too.

My hope is that we do not have a repeat of some of the last Commissioners in the new body. This nation must ensure that we have dynamic, energetic, determined, solution-driven, proactive, visionary, hard-working, objective persons to serve on this im-

portant body. I still believe that fixing our race issue is an achievable goal.

Whether we have left the ERC in a better or worst state will be a matter of public perception. I am humbled by the many meaningful contributions I was able to make amidst an often toxic environment. I will never forget those “o he is young and inexperienced” stereotyping statements. But I prevailed. There were many times, I asked myself “what else does a young person need to be doing in order to be listened to”. Then I coined this expression, that “an appointment for a young person neither sufficient nor adequate in a world dominated by thinkers of yesteryear”.

Then there were comments such as “Deo bai, you really rocking up the boat”, “Deo, keep the independent thinking going”, “Commissioner, your thinking is much needed”; those kept me grounded and motivated.

The 2020 General and Regional Elections affected Guyanese deeply and unfortunately, many constitutional bodies could not pass that impartiality test. Since the passing of the no-Confidence Motion, ERC began to succumb to pressures. It took as much as 4 hours to get a simple press release out! But, that’s how democracy works.

Regardless, if I return or not, I shall continue to play my part in ensuring we build a Guyana where everyone, irrespective of his/ her ethnicity, religion, gender, polit-

ical persuasion, can all benefit from equal opportunity and a “piece of that pie”. This is 2021, discrimination should be a thing of the past.

I have made a personal list of recommendations as I depart. Many other recommendations were made via the national conversation such as the need to collect data, constitution reform, etc.

Changes within ERC

1. The office of ERC Chairman should be full time.

2. The Constitution should clearly define the function of the Secretariat.

3. ERC should expand its services to the 10 administrative regions.

4. (Omitted for public consumption).

5. There is a need to immediately address the inadequacy of the HR Policy document.

6. Professional development must be prioritised among staff.

7. Roles of Commissioners should be defined by law.

8. While ERC has commenced prosecution, other powers such as subpoena witness should be considered.

9. There is need for a new building to allow for expansion.

10. Implementation of Sub Committee protocol document as drafted by yours truly.

11. Implementation of Strategic Plan.

12. Work on Image and branding repair.

13. Adopt code of conduct for staff as drafted by yours truly.

14. For continuity, a Board should come to an end when a new one is formed.

15. Develop a software to monitor complaints.

Changes outside of ERC

1. There is need for affirmative action be taken to bring diversity in public sector.

2. More research done on matters affecting Guyanese.

3.

The need for a Memorandum of Understanding to be developed with different countries as it relates to persons making racially insensitive statements living outside of Guyana and in order to hold them accountable.

4. Stronger penalties for public officials who make racially insensitive comments.

5. Establish Regional Ethnic Relations Committee.

6. Incorporate a race relations component within the school curriculum.

7. Develop a working relationship with Facebook Inc in an effort to better monitor and censor race hate comments.

8. Develop a working relationship with other Ministries to address issues relating to the distribution of public goods.

9. Reward companies for promoting equality and ethnic diversity in employment.

10. Engage the grassroots in race relation discussions.

Sincerely, Deodat Persaud ERC Commissioner

Late and great broadcaster Ishri Singh Dear Editor, I sincerely thank all those who wrote and paid tribute to Bhai Ishri Singh, master broadcaster blessed by Saraswati Mata with the gift of a truly golden voice that enticed listeners to keep tuned in.

As a youngster in the 1970s, I listened along with other family members to his

radio programmes playing a great mix of Indian filmi and classical music at a time when GBC and Radio Demerara provided “ in-home” entertainment to the Guyanese populace in absence of television.

When Shri Eshriji migrated to the USA it was a great loss to his multitude of radio fans and there was a ma-

jor vacuum created upon his departure. Other big-name radio personalities at the time in the sphere of Indian music were Ayube Hamid and journalist/broadcaster Chandrapaul Persaud to name a few.

However, while tributes have come from mainly USbased persons, I was hoping that other colleague broad-

casters who worked with Ishri would pay their own tributes as well as give us some of their personal memories, a few who are still alive and here in Guyana are also wellknown broadcasting personalities Ron Robinson, Rovin Deodat and Vic Insanally.

Yours sincerely, Christopher Persaud

Sincerely, David Adams

With regards, Abel Seetaram Former Region Five RDC Councillor

6

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

Foundation ◄

Page

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Question 1

ACT I

SCENE I Continued. Elsinore.

A platform before the castle.

HORATIO: Well, sit we down, And let us hear Bernardo speak of this.

BERNARDO: Last night of all, When yond same star that's westward from the pole Had made his course to illume that part of heaven Where now it burns, Marcellus and myself, The bell then beating one,-Enter Ghost MARCELLUS: Peace, break thee off; look, where it comes again!

BERNARDO: In the same figure, like the king that's dead.

MARCELLUS: Thou art a scholar; speak to it, Horatio.

BERNARDO: Looks it not like the king? mark it, Horatio.

HORATIO: Most like: it harrows me with fear and wonder.

BERNARDO: It would be spoke to.

MARCELLUS: Question it, Horatio.

HORATIO: What art thou that usurp'st this time of night, Together with that fair and warlike form In which the majesty of buried Denmark Did sometimes march? by heaven I charge thee, speak!

MARCELLUS: It is offended.

BERNARDO: See, it stalks away!

HORATIO: Stay! speak, speak!

I charge thee, speak!

Exit Ghost

Monday's answers

E

veryone has a favourite family recipe, something wonderful that is cooked up for special friends or special occasions.

What’s your favourite family recipe? Does it have special meaning for your family?

For this writing prompt, you’ll need a kitchen partner — your mom, dad, grandparent, or older sibling — to help you cook this delicious dish. Write up the reci-

pe, the directions, and one descriptive sentence about the experience of cooking and sharing the food with others.

Include a drawing if you like.

Elements: • Title of Recipe • List of ingredients and amounts needed • Steps in the recipe • Descriptive sentence (Adapted from startwithabook. org)

MARCELLUS: 'Tis gone, and will not answer.

BERNARDO: How now, Horatio! you tremble and look pale: Is not this something more than fantasy?

What think you on't?

HORATIO: Before my God, I might not this believe Without the sensible and true avouch Of mine own eyes.

MARCELLUS: Is it not like the king?

HORATIO: As thou art to thyself: Such was the very armour he had on When he the ambitious Norway combated; So frown'd he once, when, in an angry parle, He smote the sledded Polacks on the ice.

'Tis strange.

To be continued

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

World Press Freedom Day

More must be done to preserve viability of independent media – GPA …Govt recommits to doing more to ensure press freedom

W

ith May 3 marking World Press Freedom Day, messages lauding the achievements and work done by the fourth estate have been pouring in.

The Nazima Raghubir-led Guyana Press Association (GPA), in its message also highlighted some of the challenges the press faces.

On Monday, the GPA noted that the media has an important role as the disseminators of information to serve the public interest.

This is particularly so in the current COVID-19 pandemic, when the public depends on the press to provide accurate information.

“This task has become most important in the period of the pandemic when the public depends on journalists to provide accurate information to counter not only the anti-vaxxers but also those who churn out misinformation and disinformation,” the GPA said in its statement.

“States like Guyana have a critical role to facilitate this public good to the wider public. In this regard, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) urges the Guyana Government to create a greater public awareness about the access to in-

GPA President Nazima Raghubir

formation mechanism so that not only journalists but the wider public can maximise its use.”

The GPA also urged the Government to create greater public awareness about the access to information mechanism. Additionally, they called on the political parties to make themselves more available for interviews and to review the Cyber Crime Act to remove clauses that restrict free speech.

“We want to take this opportunity to request that the Government as well as the Opposition review the Cyber Crime Act with the

intent to remove any clauses that restrict the freedom of expression. We feel that any restriction on freedom of expression and the freedom to receive and impart information opens the door to abuse by officialdom,” the GPA said in their statement.

“Finally, if freedom of expression is to be the source of a meaningful public good, the State, the business community and the practitioners must see themselves as being inextricably linked to the cause for the benefit of all. The GPA also calls on political parties, State or otherwise to ensure all media have timely and adequate access for interviews as well as press engagements.”

Nevertheless, the press agency also had some words of advice for media practitioners. Among the GPA’s recommendations was that media entities be mindful of their content and ethics surrounding reporting on sensitive issues.

“In an age when some media practitioners are driven merely by a few lines to catch social media eyes, we have to be more aware of the information we put in the public domain. We have to [be] respectful of per-

Gunmen attack, rob ECD businessman

T

wo gunmen on Sunday evening executed a daring robbery on a businessman and his son at their Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Based on reports received, at about 19:45h, the two masked men confronted the businessman, Wayne

Evans also called “Rasta Man” and ordered him into the house.

However, the businessman’s son opened the door from the inside and one of the armed men discharged a round in the young man’s direction but it hit the floor instead. The young man reportedly ran to safety but

the armed men relieved his father of a $75,000 gold chain he was wearing.

As they made good their escape, the men discharged another round at the businessman’s son but he was unharmed.

The Police were contacted and have launched an investigation into the robbery.

sons faced with trauma, our treatment of victims of sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking and most importantly understand our role in the protection of minors and how they are portrayed in the stories we write.”

Govt recommits

Meanwhile, Public Affairs Minister within the Office of Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy also on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day made it clear that President Dr Irfaan Ali is committed to his manifesto promise of ensuring press freedom.

He said the Government is planning to do its part to build capacity within the public and private media, including the establishment of a broadcast academy. And when it comes to increasing access to information, McCoy said that the Government will restore the functionality of the constitutional office of Commissioner of Information.

“In fact, it was the PPP/Civic Government that created the first-ever constitutional office of ‘Commissioner of Information’ which allowed for free public access to all

Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy

State information. This office was dismantled by the Granger-led coalition Government in its first few months, a travesty which President Ali is committed to reversing and restoring shortly.”

McCoy also recalled developments after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office, such as the appointment of Directors of Public Affairs and Digital Infrastructure and Online Engagement. Their mandates include managing an open platform for information sharing of Government content.

“Training of new jour-

nalists and broadcasters, including women, for absorption across both the public and private media spectrums will be undertaken.

Capacity building through industry training and international scholarships, including for online work, are being facilitated for direct benefit to members of Guyanese media fraternity and indeed all Guyanese,” he said, referring to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative.

He noted that a Broadcast Academy will be established, to facilitate world-class industry professional training and exposure for current and new broadcasters. “…the Government is facilitating full access to the free press on a regular basis on State matters and those related to the COVID 19 pandemic and has already taken steps to strengthen relations and build capacity with the Guyana Press Association.”

McCoy took the opportunity to salute all professional media workers in good standing, particularly media veterans and stalwarts with 30 years and over of diligent, exemplary service in disseminating information for the public good.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS Trial of convict accused of killing Recognising... fellow inmate ends in hung jury S T he trial of robbery convict Akeem Edwards, who is accused of killing his fellow prison inmate ended on Monday with a hung jury. Edwards was on trial for the capital offence before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the High Court in Essequibo.

It is alleged that on September 14, 2014, in the county of Essequibo, Edwards murdered 21-yearold Teon Smith. Following deliberations, the jury was unable to arrive at a unanimous verdict which is required for murder. Instead, the jury was split - 11 guilty to one not guilty.

Murder accused: Akeem Edwards

In the circumstances, Edwards was further remanded to prison pend-

ing another trial at the next practicable session of the Essequibo Criminal Assizes. After he was arraigned before the Judge, Edwards, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

State Counsel Tiffini Lyken appeared for the prosecution. During the trial, the prosecution called 12 witnesses, the majority of whom were prison officers.

According to reports, Smith was stabbed to death

by Edwards during an argument at the Mazaruni Penitentiary. It was reported that the incident escalated when Smith went to

retrieve a cell phone from a known hiding spot but could not find it.

Smith then accused Edwards of removing the phone. It was reported that during the lunch break at the penitentiary, Edwards armed himself with a knife and dealt Smith several stabs about his body. The injured inmate was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

At the time of his demise, Smith was serving a five-year prison sentence for armed robbery. His alleged killer is also serving a similar sentence for the same offence.

...the Press o yesterday was “World Press Freedom Day”. As a card-carrying member of the fraternity, your Eyewitness followed the messages by the big ones a bit desultorily to see where the wind was blowing. Why “desultorily” you ask, Dear Reader? Well, let’s face it... everybody and their uncle know that press freedom is one of the prime indices in measuring freedom and everybody’s gonna be politically correct!!

So, rather than go by their words, let’s look at their actions. And your Eyewitness isn’t going to return to the bad old days when the PNC of Burnham banned newsprint –- and in effect closed down all other presses than the Chronicle they’d nationalised. And used as their mouthpiece! Ordinary folks used it as toilet paper – and not only because that item was banned. Since that rag was filled with news of the PNC leaders’ doings, it was certain that when used in morning ablutions, one of the latter faces would be appropriately smeared! Passive-aggressive maybe...but quite satisfying!

Anyhow, of recent we could see that the PNC hadn’t changed their spots towards the press. This was seemingly ironic since their leader Granger had received a scholarship in his dotage in 1996 to study “Journalism” in America. He returned and produced a magazine called Guyana Review – which was basically used to publish pieces from his history studies at UG, on African Guyanese.

But maybe it was because he studied journalism in America that he realised how powerful the press can be towards exposing the hypocrisy and cant of political leaders. There, of course, the role of the press is openly acknowledged. It’s promoted as the protector of the interests of the people against an always potentially tyrannical Government. The press actually gets rewarded for exposing governmental excesses. Granger would’ve been taught – as he sat in his classroom – of the Washington Post getting America’s highest journalism prize – the Pulitzer – for revealing that the Watergate break-in of the Democratic Party Campaign HQ was linked to the Govt. Gave the suffix to all future Govt scandals – like Braceletgate!!

Anyhow, now you know why Granger only held three press conferences while in office for five years!! Scared stiff! Compare that with President Ali already hosting several formal and informal ones. But our local press need to follow the path blazed by the Americans. They don’t have to practise yellow journalism, but they certainly should pull off some scabs from sores that are being covered up by the “big ones” in society. And even their own.

Wasn’t there that story of one “Facebook” broadcaster who was kidnapped? Who followed up? Especially since this was used to illustrate that kidnapping was on the rise in Guyana!

The press must press more. ...Indian Arrival Day There’s this saying, “if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck then it’s most likely a duck”!

And along these lines, your Eyewitness believes that if – after eight years of commemorating what the Government insisted on calling “Arrival Day” – only people who look “Indian”, sing “Indian”, dance “Indian” and talk about their “fore-parents” from India – isn’t it time the Government acknowledges the public holiday as “Indian Arrival Day”?

OK, OK, your Eyewitness gets it. Being an Indian-backed Government in ethnically-divided Guyana, the PPP didn’t want to be seen as “favouring” their own at the expense of the “other” indentureds. But isn’t lumping Chinese arrival (Jan 12) and Portuguese Arrival (May 3), with that of Indians (May 5), still “favouring” the last group??

After 2015, the PNC recognised “Chinese and Portuguese Days” on the dates of their actual arrivals, but not as Public Holidays. They referred to May 5th as “Indian Arrival Day”.

Why not just make this official? ...defenders of democracy The President had said his Government would be officially recognising those who defended our democracy when it came under attack by the PNC between March 3 and August 2, 2020.

We’d better hurry up before Sarah-Ann leaves.

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF selling off 6 arrested for traffic violations in Region 6 old Bell aircraft S

The GDF aircraft currently up for sale

A

s the Guyana Defence Force upgrades its fleet of aircraft, it is now accepting tenders for a Bell 412 model that was previously used in operations.

The unserviceable aircraft, with registration 8RGFP Year 1982, has a seating capacity of 13 passengers and two crew members. Tenders are to be submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance no later than May 4.

Last November, it was announced that Guyana would be the recipient of four Bell military helicopters, plus support equipment, as part of a US$256 million sale approved by the United States (US) Department of Defense to boost Guyana’s military capabilities.

The details of the sale were announced in a Department of Defense (DOD) statement. According to the particulars of the sale, Guyana would get four heli-

copters, including two Bell 412Epi and two Bell 429 helicopters, plus related equipment.

Later in March, the acquisition of the Bell 412EPI helicopter arrived to boost the GDF Air Corps’ capabilities.

The Bell 412EPI is termed a dual-use helicopter. It is a platform that has been designed by Bell Helicopters USA in compliance with regulatory standards that can satisfy both civilian and military use with only minimal adjustment. It is primarily a medium-lift helicopter and is well adapted for operation in harsh and demanding environments.

At that time, President Irfaan Ali said there is need to analyse the new requirements of the security systems based on the developmental path. He had explained that Guyana has a lot more economic assets to protect while alluding to the impending development

that comes with Guyana becoming an oil-producing nation. Additionally, the President said that being prepared for the security challenges requires a modern forward-looking security architecture and that is what his Government is working on building.

“We realise and we know that our defence architecture has to be supported by the best diplomacy and the greatest of partnerships. We have to have partnership, we have to recognise also that we have to have trusted partners, it is very important in our defence,” Ali was quoted.

The President added that the Air Corps has the capability to maintain the new helicopter not because they are just responsible but because they have been trained to ensure that the assets they are provided with are properly maintained.

Back in September 2017, former Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field had cause to lament the deteriorated state of the GDF’s helicopters. He had said at the time that Guyana did not have an adequate search-and-rescue helicopter, that there was no navigational aid at the main airport outside a certain radius, and that this risky situation has been ongoing for years without rectification.

ix persons were arrested on Sunday evening for a number of traffic offences including two for driving under the influence of alcohol in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Police stated that 21-year-old Aaron Dindyal of Line Path Corentyne and 55-year-old Boodnarain Lall of Queenstown, Corentyne, Berbice, were charged after their alcohol levels were above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. Both men will make their appearance at the Springlands Magistrate Court on May 11 and May 4, 2021, respectively.

In addition, the Police also charged two persons for driving an unlighted motor vehicle and another two for driving an uncertified motor

vehicle.

Earlier in the year, ranks of the Guyana Police Force Regional Division Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) arrested a total of 147 persons for various traffic violations. Also, 181 persons were issued with tickets and seven summonses were administered by several stations within the region.

Police in that region have been conducting several road exercises throughout the region with the aim of reducing disobedience of the traffic laws As recent as last month, 29 persons who were in breach of traffic and road laws were arrested during three separate enforcement exercises.

Of this total, 25 drivers were arrested within the

Regional Division 4C particularly at Beterverwagting and the Vigilance Police Stations.

During the operation at Beterverwagting, Police arrested eight drivers for breach of condition of road service while one driver was arrested for the prohibition of a tinted motor vehicle.

In addition, at Vigilance, seven drivers were arrested for the prohibition of tinted motor vehicle, while two were arrested for failure to produce their driver’s licence.

One person was also arrested for poor maintenance of motor vehicle, another for untidy conductor, along with two for overloading and one for amendment of entry. Two persons were also arrested for breach of prescribed fitness.

Taxi driver hijacked by “passengers”

A

man was relieved of his Toyota Allion motor car bearing registration number PZZ 3220 by three passengers at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Saturday evening.

Based on reports received, Delroy Adonis, 33, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), who operates a private hire service, reportedly

picked up a passenger from Vreed-en-Hoop who requested to be taken to Diamond, EBD. On their way to the destination, the passenger requested for Adonis to pick up a male and female. Adonis reportedly complied but shortly after entering the car, the driver was held at gunpoint and ordered to stop and exit the vehicle.

Upon doing so, Adonis was relieved of his Samsung A20 smartphone and $15,000 in cash by the perpetrators who made good their escape with the motor car. The Police were subsequently contacted and due to their swift response; the motor car was found abandoned along Craig Public Road.

An investigation is underway.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 4,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Harsher penalties must be used to stop violence against women – Minister Persaud

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

Dead: Nicola Sueanna Wilson

Dead: Shonette Dover

uman Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud is calling for violence against women to be stopped through intervention and greater penalties as prescribed in the law.

In a social media post following the spate of domestic violence cases, some of which ended in murder, the Minister condemned recent reports whereby women were killed at the hands of their partners. She added that these incidents further affect others in the household, especially children.

“The continuing horrific murder of women in Guyana by their husbands and part-

ners needs to stop. Each of their lives is priceless. If there is a disagreement and she wants to leave because of years of abuse, let her. If there is an argument, do not use your fists or weapons or words to harm or kill. She is not your property to be used and abused. Her life matters to all of us in this country,” Dr Persaud outlined.

The Minister called on persons in abusive relationships to seek help immediately before the situation is fatal. There are several mechanisms, through shelters and programmes, which women can use to find refuge.

“I appeal again to people, when you know someone is liv-

ing with an abusive partner, maybe for some reason they can’t report it - you call 914 before they end up dead! If it’s your family member or friend call, report or encourage them to call 914. We are ready to help - with shelter or whatever is needed to get them out of the abuse that turns deadly quickly.”

Law enforcement officials were advised to report these matters and treat them with seriousness. According to Dr Persaud, the full extent of the law should be imposed on those culpable of such offences to prevent a recurrence.

“I appeal to the Police to take those reports and treat them with all seriousness and do not

H

dismiss, ignore or be unjust to persons who report abuse. We will continue to provide training for the Police…The law has the provision for harsher penalties and must be used as it was intended to stop this violence.

When women and girls continue to be murdered, the entire country is in pain.”

She added, “Join me and help us to stop this senseless slaughter of our women by their significant others - report it, encourage them to leave and get to safety and call 914. No system is perfect, but we must keep on trying and working together un-

til we save each life. This fight requires all the people, the law and all the agencies to work together.”

On Saturday night, the body of 44-year-old Nicola Sueanna Wilson, a mother of four, was found lifeless after she was brutally stabbed by her boyfriend before making his escape.

The incident occurred at the woman’s Lot 57 D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown home.

The suspect, Lawrence Brummell, a plumber who shared a relationship with the woman for over 10 years, then reportedly left the scene and

drank a poisonous substance.

He died the following day.

One day prior, the decomposed body of 20-year-old Shonette Dover, a bartender of Canvas City, Linden, was discovered in a shallow grave in her boyfriend’s backyard one month after she went missing.

The body was reportedly found after the victim’s 15-yearold sister who witnessed the murder broke her silence during interrogation. She confessed that she saw when the suspect, Shaquawn Alleyne shot her sister, and later dug a hole in his backyard and buried her sister.

Bartica teen critical after losing control of motorcycle A

teenager was admitted to the Intensive Care Until (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital in a serious condition after he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle he was riding on Sunday along Beacon Trail, Four Miles, Potaro, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Injured is 19-year-old Leon Chand of Mongrippa Hill, Bartica. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 15:30h,

Chand and pillion rider, 21-year-old Vijay Khan of Bartica were reportedly travelling down a slope on the motorcycle when Chand allegedly lost control.

However, to avert danger, Khan reportedly jumped off the motorcycle bearing registration number CK 4360 but Chand and the motorcycle ended up on the southern side of the trail where he sustained injuries to the head and abrasions about the body.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was treated and later referred to Georgetown to seek further medical attention. Police have confirmed that Chand is listed in a stable but serious condition.

Khan, on the other hand, was unharmed. The motorcycle, however, was extensively damaged. An investigation has been launched.

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TUESDAY, MAY 4,, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

wanted for break and Peacemaker attacked, Man enter among 3 arrested chopped by brother during Police operations – mechanic chopped during argument at Bartica

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s a result of trying to make peace between his brother and another man who were arguing during a drinking spree at Orange Walk in Matthews Ridge, North West District (NWD), a man is now hospitalised after he was attacked and chopped.

Twenty-four-year-old Gavin Daniels of Airstrip Matthews Ridge, NWD, was reportedly chopped to his left jaw and left hand by his brother, who later fled the scene.

Based on reports received, the suspect and an identifiable male were consuming alcohol at a shop in Orange Walk when an argument broke out between them. As a result, Daniels intervened with the aim of making peace but instead, his brother chopped him.

The injured man was

taken to the Pakera District Hospital by relatives where he was treated and admitted a patient in a stable condition. The Police are on the hunt for the suspect as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, in another incident, 44-year-old Andrew Hodge, a mechanic of Byderabo Road, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), was attacked and chopped during an argument at Kalcoon Village, Mazaruni River.

Police stated that Hodge

and the suspect were socialising when tempers flared, which led to the suspect arming himself with a machete and dealing the victim several chops to both his hands.

As a result, one of Hodge’s fingers was completely severed.

Hodge was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was treated and remains a patient in a stable condition. The Police are in pursuit of the perpetrator, who fled the scene.

The motorcycles that were seized during the Police operations

T

hree persons were on Sunday taken into custody following Police operations in several areas within Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) in search of narcotics, drugs, guns and ammunition, stolen articles and wanted persons.

The areas targeted were Angoys Avenue, New

Amsterdam, Berbice; Fort Ordinance, and Cumberland East Canje, Berbice, and Brothers Village, Glasgow Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Berbice (EBB).

During the operation, two 21-year-old males were arrested with a quantity of narcotics in their possession. In addition, a 41-yearold man was taken into cus-

tody after he was wanted in connection with a break and enter and larceny.

The Police also unearthed four motorcycles suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

However, the three suspects were told of the offences and taken into custody as Police continue their investigations.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 4,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4…139COVID-19 deaths in 1 day, 46 new cases persons succumbed to date for 2021 F

our more fatalities from the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday pushed the country’s death toll to 303.

It marked the fifth death for the month of May thus far, as persons continue to lose their lives to the life-threatening disease. For April, 65 persons succumbed.

Recent fatalities are a 53-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man from Region Four ( Demera ra-Ma ha ica); a 67-year-old man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and a 56-year-old man from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). They all died while receiving care at a medical facility.

The first death for the month was a 75-yearold female from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) who died on Saturday.

Guyana has recorded 139 new deaths in a mere four months of 2021. In comparison, 164 deaths were recorded from March to December in 2020.

New cases

Another 46 cases were confirmed on Monday, raising the total confirmed positives to 13,564. These emerged after 834 samples were collected and sent for testing. Active cases are now at 1814.

In the facilities, 14 pa-

tients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 95 in institutional isolation, 15 in institutional quarantine and 1727 in home isolation. Some 11,383 of the 6785 males and 6733 females have recovered completely. To date, Guyana has tested 124,340 individuals.

A breakdown of new cases showed that two were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), five in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 18 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), two in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), 15 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) still stand at 797, 257 and 542.

Speaking on the coronavirus and children was Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday, who noted that they can be carriers of the virus. Guyana

has not witnessed many cases where kids would have developed a severe form of the virus but in the event of associated symptoms, parents are asked to get them tested.

“Children react a little bit differently than adults.

There haven’t been cases of severe form of the disease in children. Nevertheless, children can be carriers of the disease and pass the disease onto adults. It is important that we also monitor what is happening with children and if they do have symptoms pertaining to COVID, that we test them to understand whether they have or don’t have the disease,” he disclosed.

If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

The gazetted COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 17) state that the curfew remains from 22:30h to 04:00h

for the month of May. Only essential services are authorised to operate on a 24-hour

basis. Other services are expected to close operations by 21:30h.

28-year-old woman was on Sunday evening attacked and stabbed by her ex-lover at her Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje home. The injured woman has been identified as Shanaz Mohamed.

Police stated that on the day in question between 20:30h and 21:00h, the suspect visited the woman’s home and accosted her.

During the commotion, he reportedly held onto her hair, pulled out a knife and stabbed her to the face, neck, right hand and the back of her head. After committing the act, the perpetrator made good his escape.

The injured woman reportedly raised an alarm and neighbours went to her rescue. She was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public

Hospital where she was treated and admitted a patient. Her condition is listed as stable. The suspect has since gone into hiding.

This attack came less than two days after the brutal murder of 44-yearold Nicola Wilson at her D’Urban Street, Lodge home on Saturday evening by her partner who accused her of being unfaithful.

The mother of four and the owner of Blue Flame snackette located at Vreeden-Hoop on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), was stabbed multiple times to her body and left in a pool of blood on the stairs.

It remains unclear as to what spurred an argument between the two, who shared a relationship for more than 10 years, but the dead woman’s 14-yearold son who witnessed the

incident said he heard his mother scream and when he went to investigate, he saw the suspect choking her.

The teenager recalled that the man then whipped out a knife and stabbed Wilson in the region of her heart and face. The teen also related that the suspect oftentimes hit his mother.

The teen reportedly tried to save his mother, but the suspect attempted to harm him too, and he had to retreat.

Meanwhile, after committing the act, the suspect, 50-year-old Lawrence Brummell of Williamstad Street Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, reportedly ingested a poisonous substance. He was admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he subsequently died.

suspected burglar is now nursing gunshot injuries to his arm, back and abdomen after he attempted to break into the home of a businessman on Sunday evening at Settlement, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

According to information received, the businessman, Sheldon Baharally, 33, alleged that shortly after midnight on Sunday, he confronted someone who was

attempting to break into his home.

The businessman, who is a licensed firearm holder, reportedly discharged several shots in the direction of the perpetrator, who made good his escape.

As such, the matter was reported and the Police turned up at the location to commence their investigations.

However, acting on information received, detectives went to the home of a 20-year-old man in the

Barima River and observed that he was nursing gunshot wounds to his arm, back and abdomen.

Upon inquiring about the injuries, the young man reportedly told detectives that he was at a house the previous night and was shot. He was immediately arrested and taken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital where he was treated and admitted under guard.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

Berbice woman attacked, Accused chain snatcher stabbed by ex-lover granted $150,000 bail A

A

19-year-old teen who was previously charged for his involvement in multiple robberies was on Monday hauled before the court on a charge of similar nature.

Daniel McArthur of Lot 27 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was not required to plead to the indictable count of simple larceny.

The allegation against the teen stated that on April 29, at North Road, he stole from the person of Janetta Morris, two gold chains; one valued $126,000 and another valued $98,000.

The teen was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who appeared virtually. Todd, in his bail application, told the court that McArthur is currently in the process of learning a trade.

He said the teen is actively working to reform himself and doesn’t have any convictions. It was against this background that the attorney pleaded for reasonable bail for his client.

Meanwhile, the Police prosecutor objected to bail stating that on the day in question, when McArthur snatched the virtual complainant’s chain, he was chased and caught by a bus conductor who witnessed the crime. He further said that after, the defendant was positively identified by the VC at the Police station. The

Accused chain snatcher: Daniel McArthur

prosecutor added that many other persons had witnessed the incident.

Further, he said that the defendant admitted to the crime while he was in Police custody.

The prosecutor said that the defendant told officers, “yes I did grabble the lady chain, but I ain’t got it here”.

Meanwhile, McArthur’s attorney maintained that the teen did not admit to the crime while in Police custody. He further questioned the accuracy of the prosecutor’s facts since he explained that his client was caught immediately after he allegedly stole the items yet none was recovered on his person.

Despite the prosecution’s objection, the teen was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. Magistrate Isaacs

also ordered that the defendant should not come within 100 feet of the complainant, her residence and her place of employment.

The matter has been adjourned to May 17.

In October 2019, McArthur along with two others were arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly, where they were jointly charged for robbery.

The charge had alleged that on October 17, 2019, at Camp Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of each other, they robbed Ethan Mookho of two cellphones valued $298,000.

They all pleaded not guilty.

Further, another charge against McArthur alleged that on October 11, 2019, at Georgetown, he stole one handbag valued $5000, a phone valued $65,000 and $2000 from Juliette Wills.

To this charge, the teen also pled not guilty.

Nevertheless, McArthur and the other two defendants were remanded to prison. Sometime later, when they made their second court appearance, they were all granted bail.

However, when the trio reappeared in court in March 2020, McArthur’s bail was revoked by Magistrate Leron Daly, when it was revealed that he was being questioned at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court in connection to another robbery. (G15)

Suspected thief shot by businessman A

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 4,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ministerial outreach to Linden bolsters COVID-19 vaccine uptake …over 142,000 persons receive 1st dose countrywide awareness on the importance of getting inoculated.

“We recognised that we haven’t been seeing many persons coming forward for their vaccination. While most regions now would have accounted for maybe 30 per cent of their adult population getting the first dose of the vaccine, what we have noticed in Linden is that they’re about 8.6 per

some 119 persons took the vaccine in Linden across 11 health sites – the highest daily figure recorded.

“We did a lot of work talking to people. We ended up at the end of yesterday with 119 persons taking their first dose and I think that’s a positive step. This has been the highest in the region so far where people came out and took their vaccines. We will continue to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill urging residents in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony engaging residents of Region 10

H

aving recognised that the vaccination uptake in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) was lagging behind, a ministerial team on Sunday visited the township and successfully raised the daily threshold through sensitisation.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had previously indicated that Linden had recorded lower statistics during the COVID-19 vacci-

nation campaign. The figures showed that only eight per cent of the adult population had turned up to get immunised.

As such, he was accompanied by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd; Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai; and Junior Local Government and Regional Development Minister Anand Persaud to raise

Youngsters showed up to take their shots on Sunday during the outreach

cent of the adult population…We wanted to go up there and encourage people to get their vaccines,” the Minister noted.

By the end of the day,

encourage persons.”

Dr Anthony has detailed his plans of visiting all administrative regions to carry out such exercises. This has been backed by efforts from

other Cabinet members in ensuring that the country achieves herd immunity.

He underscored, “With more people understanding the importance of getting the vaccine, we should start seeing more people taking their vaccine…My plan is to go to all the regions. I have been visiting and talking to people in some of the regions but my colleagues have also been going out and talking about vaccination. As a Government, we want to encourage everyone to take the vaccines and if we are going to get to herd immunity, it would mean that most of the adult population would have

to take their vaccine.”

As of Sunday, some 142,869 persons received their first dose – approximately 28 per cent of the adult population. Of this number, 5035 already returned for their second jab.

Health officials are expecting this number to rise significantly this week.

“What we noticed is that on the weekend, there is usually a drop off in terms of uptake and during the week, that would tend to increase, so we’ll be expecting that there will be more people coming forward during this week,” the Minister noted. (G12)

Linden devastating fire

Govt will assist fire victims to rebuild – Finance Minister REO. I said to please find a location at least where the family can sleep... First of all, the most important thing is for you to have a place to stay, to keep your children safe...,” the Minister said.

He noted that further arrangements would be put in place while an assessment was done of the property to see what could be done to assist them in rebuilding.

The Minister noted that it was indeed a terrible loss, but assured the affected occupants that they would soon get back a roof over their heads.

“You have to be grateful that everybody is safe...

There was no loss of life or

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh at the fire scene on Sunday

I

n light of a fire that destroyed a Linden home leaving at least 11 persons homeless, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh assured the occupants that the Government would provide the necessary assistance.

The two-apartment building, located at Lot 146 Dageraad Avenue, Mackenzie, was completely destroyed by fire of unknown origin on Sunday.

The Minister who was in the community for a vaccination outreach upon learning of the devastating fire, visited the victims. The home had been occupied by Latoya and Shellon Kato, two single cousins and their children.

Dr Singh consoled the women and their children who have lost practically everything as a result of the blaze.

It was reported that the fire started about 13:00h.

At the time, the two women, who worked as security officers, were at work, but their children were at home.

The Minister told the women that assistance would be provided through Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Dwight John. He noted that sleeping and other temporary arrangements would be provided for the family until their home is rebuilt.

“When I heard about the fire, I already spoke with the

Some of the occupants of the home destroyed by fire

anything,” he stated.

Dr Singh encouraged the women to stay strong as he

reiterated that Government would assist them.

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TUESDAY, MAY 4,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden shallow grave murder

Killing lover’s reputed husband

20-year-old died of single “Cross Eye” begs court for gunshot to head – PME mercy, jailed for 15 years …cops seek legal advice on teen, suspect’s father

Wanted: Shaquawn Alleyne

P

olice continue the search for wanted man Shaquawn Alleyne, in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, whose decomposed remains were found in a shallow grave aback his Canvas City, Linden home last Friday.

The suspect’s father and a 15-year-old relative of the dead woman remain in Police custody.

Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Commander, Senior Superintendent Hugh Winter told Guyana Times on Monday that Police have sought legal advice on the way forward in relation to charges against

the two. Police had indicated that the teen led them to the shallow grave where the missing woman’s remains were buried after confessing to being at the scene of the crime when she died on April 3, 2021.

Alleyne’s father is alleged to have instructed his 19-year-old son to bury Dover after he reportedly told him that he shot her by accident and that she was already dead. The teen and Alleyne’s father were taken into custody for questioning, following the unearthing of the 20-year-old woman’s remains.

The Regional Commander said Police were hoping to nab the suspect soon. It is widely speculated that he was attempting to flee, or may have already fled, to French Guiana after an alleged voice note recording of him alluding to this recently surfaced. In relation to this, the Commander said Police were unclear if that was so.

“We are not sure, but we still are pursuing any lead that we have. The matter is still under investigation right now,” the Regional Commander said.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination (PME) con-

Confessed killer: Corwyn “Cross Eye” Arthur

Dead: Shonette Dover

ducted on Dover’s body on Monday revealed that she died as a result of a single gunshot injury to the head.

The examination was conducted about 11:00h at the Memorial Gardens Mortuary, Georgetown by Dr Nehaul Singh in the presence of Police. According to a Police report, the doctor also extracted three ribs from the body and handed them over to the Police to be analysed for DNA identification. Dover’s body is presently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and was expected to be handed over to her family later for burial.

A

15-year prison term was on Monday imposed on Corwyn Arthur, who has pleaded guilty to killing his lover’s 42-year-old reputed husband, Claude De Jonge.

Though initially indicted by State Prosecutor Lisa Cave for murder, 34-year-old Arthur called “Cross Eye” elected to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

He admitted that on May 10, 2018, in the county of Demerara, he unlawfully killed De Jonge, also known as “Sonno”, a taxi driver of Lot 915 South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Media reports are that De Jonge and Tonya Samuels were involved in a long-term

relationship.

The woman also shared a secret relationship with Arthur, who would frequently visit her home at Cinderella City, Mackenzie, Linden.

According to reports, on the day in question, Arthur visited the woman’s home where he saw De Jonge and got angry.

The confessed killer left the home and later returned armed with a knife. While De Jonge and his reputed wife laid in bed, Arthur entered their home through an open bedroom window.

He stabbed De Jonge several times about the body and then escaped, leaving the injured man lying in a pool of blood.

A post-mortem examination gave De Jonge’s cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds.

Probation report

At Monday’s sentencing hearing, the court heard through a probation officer, that Arthur served in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for seven years, but left because of the meagre salary. According to a probation officer, Arthur’s family members described him as a very caring and helpful young man but noted that he has problems with anger management.

Similarly, the probation officer disclosed that mem-

Dead: Claude De Jonge called “Sonno”

bers of the confessed killer’s Amelia’s Ward, Linden community said he was mannerly. Officials at the prisons also shared similar sentiments about Arthur.

The probation officer told the court that prison officials indicated that Arthur was a cooperative inmate who exercised patience and demonstrated the ability to resolve issues.

She said that those officials indicated that whenever Arthur was negatively confronted by other prisoners, he would report it to the prison authority instead of retaliating. Arthur serves as a prison orderly and he also operates the brush cutter. De Jonge’s relative said he was loving, hardworking, and helpful.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SleepIn owner, cashier, patrons on bail for breaching curfew to operate 24 hours. As such, she asked for the dismissal of the matter against her client.

Meanwhile, the Police prosecutor told the court that a file containing charges for curfew breaches at the SleepIn Hotel has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice as to whether the defendants are to be charged or not.

As such, Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus released Bacchus on $10,000 bail.

Similarly, the hotel’s cashier was also released on $10,000 bail. Shontelle Marshall, 33, denied the charge which stated that on March 12, at SleepIn, Church Street, Georgetown,

SleepIn International Hotel and Casino Inc

T

he owner of the popular SleepIn Hotel, along with the hotel’s cashier and two patrons, were before the court on Monday after they were charged for breaching the national COVID-19 curfew.

The charge against the proprietor, Clifton Bacchus, stated that on March 12, at SleepIn, Church Street,

Georgetown, he breached the curfew imposed between the hours of 10:30 pm and 04:00 am.

After the charge was read by Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus, Bacchus entered a not guilty plea.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s attorney, Latchmie Rahamat, told the court that the charge against her client

is unlawful. The attorney argued that Bacchus was being charged under the same section of the law which lists his business as an essential service.

Rahamat explained that according to the stipulated guidelines, hotels, interior lodges and guest houses are listed as essential services and are granted permission

Fisheries sector to receive a boost with planned upgrades to aquaculture station

she breached the curfew imposed between the hours of 10:30 pm and 04:00 am.

Additionally, the hotel’s patrons, Tyson Wickham and Althea Agard, also appeared for breaching the curfew.

Thirty-eight-year-old Wickham and 25-year-old Agard both pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

However, a not guilty plea was entered by the presiding Magistrate as the validity of the charge is still in question.

It is alleged that on April 2, at SleepIn, Church Street, they breached the curfew imposed between the hours of 10:30 pm and 04:00 am Like the proprietor and the cashier, the patrons were

also granted bail in the sum of $10,000 each.

The matters have all been adjourned to May 17. (G15)

The GRC is a charitable non-governmental organisation (NGO) that renders assistance to any person/ family whose life becomes disrupted by any form of disaster – natural or manmade, wherever it occurs throughout the 10 regions of

Guyana.

The GRC has been providing almost 100 per cent coverage for all fires and providing much-needed assistance, irrespective of race, religion, political affiliation or any other distinguishing factor. (G15)

Clifton Bacchus

GRC helped 21 families affected by fires

D

espite being unable to host fundraisers due to the current pandemic, the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) has still managed to assist a total of 21 families who have been affected by fires during the first quarter of 2021.

The charity continues to provide limited assistance of food hampers, clothing, shoes and miscellaneous items which are donated.

As such, the GRC continues to thank its donors for their contributions in these most challenging and unprecedented times.

For the period January 2021 to March 2021, the families who received assistance were from Regions one (Barima-Waini), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

“Cross Eye” begs...

W

The Satyadeo Sawh Aquaculture Station

ith Government announcing transformative measures for Guyana’s aquaculture sector, the Satyadeo Sawh Aquaculture Station is expected to benefit from a series of upgrades during the year.

The Department of Public Information reported last week that the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry inked a $39,912,372 contract with Doodnauth Construction and Supplies, which will undertake the upgrades, and expansion to the Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara facility.

During the contract signing, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha stressed the importance of having those projects completed in a timely manner.

With the project scheduled to start next week, the Minister said the works are intended to increase the

aquaculture station’s current capacity.

“The expansion of the Satyadeo Sawh Aquaculture Station will double the present capacity of the facility and improve its ability to deliver on a wider selection of species for research, and make available to farmers for grow-out. Species that will be targeted are lukanani, patwa, tambaqui, kreketeh/snail, hassar, and arapaima. Upgrades to the facility will include the construction of seven 46’ x 23’ concrete ponds, the construction of 540 feet of earthen road, as well as the erection of a 1690 feet fence,” Mustapha is quoted by DPI as saying. He also said the upgrades were in keeping with Government’s plan to further develop the country’s aquaculture sector.

Apart from contracted works, the Minister disclosed that the National Drainage and Irrigation

Authority would also be assisting the Fisheries Department with clearing 7.5 acres of land for the expansion and the construction of 23 earthen ponds of various sizes.

These works are expected to be completed by the first week in September of this year.

Over the last eight months, the Government has taken several steps to reorganise and rejuvenate the sector.

Additionally, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali had announced that Government will soon launch an aquaculture master plan that will see the sector taking off.

President Ali had noted that as a result of climate change and the changing landscape of the global fisheries industry, the Government was encouraged to come up with innovative ways to transition to an aquaculture-based operation.

While he had no biological children, the probation officer said that De Jonge parented Samuels’ children and his nieces and nephews. The probation officer revealed that Arthur and De Jonge were not known to each other before the triangular love affair. Samuels, on the other hand, told the probation officer that both men were good to her since they provided financial support to her and her children.

Charlene De Younge, the now dead man’s sister said that his memories will live on. “It is very sad to learn about how he died. It broke my heart when he died.

He had a cruel and painful death and did not deserve it.

I have had sleepless nights trying to grapple with his passing,” the grieving woman cried.

“I’m sorry”

When given a chance to address the court, Arthur said, “I would like to give my remorse to the deceased’s family. I am sorry for my actions. I was in a position where either one of us could

have lost our lives. I am sorry for that.”

“I am kindly asking you to be lenient with me,” Arthur pleaded as he begged Justice Sandil Kissoon for leniency. Arthur’s lawyer Rachael Bakker told the court that her client is attending anger management classes so that he could be a better person when he is released back into society.

First and last time

Justice Kissoon in sentencing the killer noted that the country at this juncture is confronted with a wave of killings and acts of brutalities. The Judge pointed out that in each matter, the sentence imposed has to be in accordance with the particular circumstances.

In Arthur’s case, Justice Kissoon noted that the mitigating factors were “overwhelming.” Among other things, he pointed to Arthur’s “expression of real remorse.” The Judge further pointed out that Arthur was a member of the Disciplined Forces for seven years and has no previous convictions.

Moreover, the Judge also

FROM PAGE 14

took into consideration his early guilty plea, his “relative youth” at the time he committed the offence, and the favourable probation report. According to Justice Kissoon, these factors infer that there is much scope for Arthur’s reform for rehabilation and reintegration into society.

Justice Kissoon disclosed that the only two aggravating factors, in this case, were the use of a deadly weapon to commit the crime and the multiple injuries De Jonge sustained.

“Mr Arthur, let this be the first and the last time sir. Never again! You have been given an opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. Please make use of that opportunity. I must never see you again in any courts in any jurisdiction in this country,” said Justice Kissoon to Arthur.

In the end, Arthur was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

The prison authorities were ordered to deduct the time he spent in pre-trial custody from the sentence. This case was called at the High Court in Demerara.

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TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

World Press Freedom Day

Diplomats hail local media as integral to democracy …laud role played by media in 2020 fight for democracy

W

ith Monday marking the 30th World Press Freedom Day, members of the diplomatic corps residing in Guyana have been extending messages lauding the achievements and work done by the fourth estate.

In a video broadcast, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana Fernando Ponz-Canto hailed the work done by the media in Guyana, particularly during last year’s fight for democracy and called press freedom a fundamental right.

“I want to highlight and commend the important role the media in Guyana played, in particular during and after the General Elections of 2020. This was fundamental and essential in this important process, which led finally to the declaration of results.”

“And I want also to

EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz-Canto

praise the fundamental role of Guyanese media in promoting progress across the board. In the pandemic context, the media also has a fundamental responsibility to play. And I have to say, if the media is disseminating the right messages, success

is almost guaranteed,” PonzCanto also said.

According to him, the EU remains committed to providing support to media not only in Guyana but around the world. Ponz-Canto explained that this support includes providing funding for capacity building workshops.

“With free journalism, the European Union reaffirms now its determination to defend press and media freedom within its borders, but also worldwide. In partnership with our friends, the authorities and civil society.

Keep up the great work,” he explained.

Canada

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Mark Berman also extended best wishes on World Press Freedom Day, noting that journalists play an essential role in the daily

lives of everyone.

According to him, this is particularly evident in the way the media has been an inextricable link between the authorities and the public in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Berman noted that this year’s World Press Freedom theme, “Information as a Public Good” is highly relevant.

“Around this time last year, the world was stunned by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We looked to the media as a key source of information as we looked to learn as much as possible about this virus,” he said.

“Since then, we’ve all stayed glued to our media outlets, whether by television, radio, newspaper and now - more than ever, the internet and social media - for updates about new developments, infection rates, vaccines and lockdown orders.

The media has been essential in ensuring we receive timely and reliable information so that we can make informed decisions about our own safety.”

According to Berman, journalists have put themselves on the front line of the

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Mark Berman

pandemic by continuously working to deliver vital daily updates, telling important stories that affect society and dispelling false information over the past year.

And like his EU counterpart, Berman praised the role the media has played in returning democracy to Guyana. He also urged that the sacrosanct independence of the media be respected and preserved.

“Journalists have also remained on top of other key issues affecting our society.

In the past year, journalists

in Guyana and Suriname played a key role in ensuring democracy as both countries held national elections. The media brought us the stories from all sides, and asked key and tough questions to keep our politicians and public officials accountable,” he said.

“In these matters, and others, we have seen that information is indeed a public good and Canada will continue to support the independence and freedom of the press, and the respect for journalists… we also condemn any attempts to stifle or limit the press and we encourage our partners and friends to support the vital work that our journalists play in the Caricom region, and around the world,” Berman added.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day is the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Press. With that declaration, the United Nations (UN) declared that World Press Freedom Day would be celebrated every 3rd of May. (G3)

Ramesh Persaud new DDL Managing Director

T

he Demerara Distillers Limited Group has appointed Ramesh Persaud as its new Managing Director, with effect from Monday.

According to the company, it has steadily been growing and expanding, and the decision to appoint a Managing Director was made in light of this rapid development.

DDL Chairman, Komal Samaroo, in welcoming Persaud to the Group, said, “I am delighted to welcome Mr Persaud to the DDL Group at this time as we prepare to embark on the next phase of expansion and modernisation of the Group. We have a very ambitious agenda over the next five years with several projects identified. Mr Persaud’s addition to the leadership team will certainly place us in a strong position to successfully achieve our goals”.

New DDL Managing Director Ramesh Persaud

Persaud is the newest addition to the executive team, which includes Director/ Company Secretary, Allison Thorne; Director of Marketing, Sharda VeerenChand; Director of Human Resources, Moneeta SinghBird; Director of Technical

Services, Sharon Sue-HangBaksh; Chief Production Officer, Shaun Caleb and Chief Financial Officer, Vasudeo Singh.

The new Managing Director, a Chartered Accountant, and the holder of an MBA from Heriot-Watt University has many years of executive experience. He joins the DDL Group from IPED, where he served as Chief Executive Officer since 2010.

Commenting on his appointment, Persaud said “Demerara Distillers Limited is known for delivering impressive results for its shareholders through its visionary leadership, committed team and quality products. The company is consistent in meeting and exceeding expectations of customers both in local and international markets. It is an honour and privilege for me to be joining the leadership team in this great company. I look forward to making a meaningful contribution as we continue to navigate the path of opportunities that will come our way.”

Persaud is currently the Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and sits on several Boards, including Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo); TOPCO (a Subsidiary of the DDL group), and CAGI, among others. He is also a former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission.

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TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to toughen regulations for travel agencies G

overnment will be putting in place new regulations to guide the operations of local travel agencies, as the local aviation sector continues to expand.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met travel agents on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), to address the numerous complaints of their failure to promptly issue refunds. Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field also attended the meeting. While acknowledging the critical role of the industry in the local economy, Edghill said there needs to be firmer internationally recognised regulations in place, where the rights of consumers are protected.

“Our Government is pro-business. We want to improve the environment for business development, the ease of doing business, we don’t want to put burdens on people, but we want to ensure people are in compliance,” he is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying. Edghill said the legal architecture under which travel agencies operate is very vague. However, the Sale of Travel Tickets Act empowers the Minister to implement regulations as he deems fit. He said consultations will commence shortly between representatives from the Ministry, GCAA and travel agents, on the specific regulations to be implemented.

“So, the conversation about the Minister making

Some of the travel agents at the engagement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (DPI photo)

regulations to ensure that we are properly regulated, I don’t want it to be a ‘top down’ where I sit in my office with

some legal people and write regulations.

That must come of consultations to find out what

are the areas that need to be regulated, what needs to be strengthened, what needs to be changed,” he explained.

At the end of the discussions, Edghill said there must be a draft regulation and compliance document that will reflect the input of all relevant stakeholders in the industry.

“So, we are not going to encourage monopoly. We are not going to encourage elitism and we are going to keep the door business open, but we also want everybody who is in practice, in compliance… So I am suggesting that the work of this team wrap up in no longer than six months,” he added.

He also urged the travel agencies to regularise themselves, so that they could participate in those consultations.

Agencies that have not yet registered with the Ministry have 30 days to do so.

“Magga Man” gets 2 life sentences for “cold, calculated and brutal” killings …“you’re heartless” – dead man’s wife to killer

A

glimpse into the prolonged criminal lifestyle of 34-year-old Orpheus Johnson was revealed on Monday when two life sentences were imposed on him for two counts of manslaughter.

Also known as “Magga Man” and “Orphe”, Johnson of Craig, East Bank Demerara, was indicted for two counts of murder last month by State Prosecutor Lisa Cave. He, however, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on June 21, 2015, at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he unlawfully killed Travis Rudder. He also pleaded guilty to the other charge, which alleged that on April 22, 2015, at Agricola, EBD, he unlawfully killed Gladstone George.

It was reported that Travis Rudder, his reputed wife, Mowanza Gill, and their 18-month-old son Jaheal Rudder were shot while they were sleeping at their Nandy Park, EBD home on Father’s Day of June 2015. Johnson went to Rudder’s home where he opened fire on the couple and their baby through a window.

As a result of the attack, Rudder was shot 21 times about his body. His reputed wife was reportedly shot seven times to her legs. Their 18-month-old son received injuries to his stomach and leg.

The family was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where the older Rudder was pronounced dead on arrival. Gill and her baby were admitted in serious condition but they survived.

Meanwhile, Johnson shot at George several times while he was a passenger in a minibus that had stopped at Agricola. Johnson walked up to the window and discharged several rounds at George. The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he too was pronounced dead on arrival.

Moreover, Johnson was also indicted on two counts of attempt to commit murder committed on Gill and her son.

To these charges, the confessed killer also pleaded guilty, thereby admitting that on June 15, 2015, at Nandy Park,

Jailed: Orpheus “Magga Man” Johnson

he discharged a loaded firearm at Gill and little Rudder with intent to murder them.

“You’re heartless”

Meanwhile, in a very emotional statement to the court, Gill told Johnson that he was heartless. She also asked him why he would want to hurt her and her family. “I have suffered so much pain by the hands of this man [Johnson]. I am still going through the trauma to this date. There are so many questions from my son that I cannot answer because of not knowing the reason why someone would want to hurt us.”

She added, “You have murdered my son’s father, hurt my baby and me. I am still living in fear because of you and your actions. My son is without a father. You have my son living with a bullet in his stomach…

My son was just 18 months old.

You are heartless. I still cannot stand on my feet because of you.”

“Why would you want to do something like this to us?” a teary Gill asked while demanding answers from Johnson who appeared in court via Zoom. “I need answers… My son and I cry every single day… You have cost us so much damage as a family. I have faith in God because he has brought us through to see this day. I know you will never get another chance to hurt another family,” the grieving woman ended.

Criminal lifestyle

A probation report detailed how Johnson, a father of three, lived a life of crime. Following the death of his mother when he was just age three, Johnson was abandoned by his father.

His childhood and adolescent years were spent in a dysfunctional family environment as he was forced to live with relatives.

At age 14, he dropped out of high school and commenced doing odd jobs around his neighbourhood. Soon after, he developed delinquent tendencies causing him to appear in the courts. In 2015, he was committed to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) for simple larceny.

While officials at that institution said Johnson was quiet and withdrawn, they commended the efforts he made in doing his chores, and for encouraging others to do theirs.

Information from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters revealed that Johnson was a person of interest since 2002, as he was reportedly the leader of a gang that operated in Craig, Kaneville, and Agricola.

CID records also revealed that he was involved in several criminal activities, namely, robbery under arms, possession of illegal firearm, and ammunition for which he was convicted.

According to the probation officer, although Johnson’s family members reprimanded him for his delinquent lifestyle, he continued along that path.

The officer noted that while Johnson was incarcerated, the mother of one of his children attempted to smuggle marijuana into the prison for him.

The probation officer noted that his [Johnson] “situation was also compounded by the fact that he had no proper guidance and supervision during his childhood years.

Hence he developed delinquent traits which resulted in him being committed to the NOC with the expectation that he would be reformed…”

Nevertheless, she pointed out that after Johnson was discharged from the correctional facility, “he gravitated to adult criminal activities.” She further pointed out that Johnson was previously charged with murder, but was acquitted by the jury giving him an opportunity to redeem himself and live a productive life. But instead, the probation officer noted that Johnson chose crime.

Johnson was previously in-

Dead: Travis Rudder

dicted for the April 2009 murder of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara resident Brendon Charles whose lifeless body was discovered in a yard a short distance from his home.

After a trial, a jury at the High Court in Demerara found him not guilty.

“It wasn’t my fault”

Even though he has pleaded guilty to the charges, Johnson still maintained his innocence. In fact, when given a chance to address Justice Sandil Kissoon, the killer said, “I am innocent of this charge sir and I am very sorry to the family that got hurt and everything. It wasn’t my fault and them things sir. Just being at the wrong place at the wrong time mek I get caught up in this story here. I am very sorry sir…”

Cold, calculated, and brutal

Noting that Rudder was shot some 21 times while he laid in bed with his family, Justice Kissoon said that the circumstances of this case reflect a “cold, calculated and brutal slaying”. According to the Judge, it also shows that no compassion or consideration was given to the occupants of the home.

“The other aggravating factor that arises is a plethora of previous convictions; armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition and more importantly the fact that this accused [Johnson] has been convicted previously of offences involving fear and/ or violence, to wit, armed robbery,” the Judge added.

He said that the records of Johnson “speaks to a life of crime.” Moreover, Justice Kissoon said “it demonstrates and reflects an unwillingness

to reform, to rehabilitate or reintegrate into society. On each occasion members of society have each paid a penalty for attempts to treat this accused in the most humane fashion and to gave him a second, a third, and a fourth opportunity to change…”

“These killings and the circumstances of the attempt to commit murder speaks to brutality. Remorseless, callous, and merciless acts. Merciless acts of killing by this accused were demonstrated and indifference of the sacredness of life of his fellow man, of his neighbour and others in his community and which was extended on an 18-month old infant,” Justice Kissoon added.

What is worst, the Judge noted, is that [Johnson] “is a healthy man with a healthy mind.”

“This accused must feel the full force of the brunt of the law,” Justice Kisson declared as he sentenced Johnson to life imprisonment on each of the two counts of manslaughter. The two life sentences will run concurrently and Johnson

Dead: Gladstone George

only becomes eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 30 years in jail.

Johnson was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 20 years on each of the two counts of attempt to commit murder.

Like the life sentences, these two sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The two life sentences and the two 20 years’ jail term will run concurrently. The prison authorities were ordered to deduct the time Johnson spent on remand awaiting trial. Johnson was represented by Attorney-atLaw Racheal Bakker. (G1)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

Regional

Colombian protests continue after Suspected migrant boat breaks Government withdraws tax reform up off San Diego, killing 4

V

iolent protests continue around Colombia as unions make more demands of the right-wing Government of President Ivan Duque following his withdrawal of a proposed tax reform that sparked widespread public anger.

The Government said the tax reform aimed to stabilise a country economically ravished by the coronavirus pandemic, but the working and middle classes said the plan favoured the rich while placing more pressure on them.

An array of new or expanded taxes on citizens and business owners and a reduction and elimination on many tax exemptions, such as those on product sales, angered many.

Finance Minister Alberto Carrasquilla submitted his resignation on Monday evening, after spending most of the day in meetings with Duque. “My continuance in the Government will complicate the quick and effective

F

A protester stokes a fire during a protest against the tax reform in Bogota [File: Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters]

construction of the necessary consensus,” Carrasquilla said in a Ministry statement, as reported by the Reuters news agency.

But experts say demonstrations are expected to go on. Alicia Gomez, a 51-yearold cleaner who supports the protests, told Al Jazeera that Colombians were tired of the Government “putting more taxes” on the population, which was already struggling owing to the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have to keep fighting because if we don’t they’re going to take our rights away completely,” she said.

Duque previously insisted that the reform would not be withdrawn, but continuing protests, deaths and international condemnation of alleged human rights abuses against protesters

by Police saw the President concede on Sunday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US to press El Salvador’s President for “more constructive behaviour” – official

T

he Biden Administration plans to engage with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to encourage “more constructive behaviour” after he removed the country’s leading Prosecutor and lawmakers aligned with him voted to remove top Judges on

the Supreme Court, a senior White House official told Reuters on Monday.

Echoing the criticism expressed on Sunday by US President Joe Biden’s top aides, the official said of Bukele, who has high poll ratings: “What we have found is that popularity does not give you

carte blanche to undermine democratic institutions.”

The White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not address a Reuters question of whether El Salvador’s Government would face any consequences if such actions continue. (Reuters)

Venezuela to begin clinical trials of Cuba’s vaccine candidate

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enezuela will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate Abdala this month, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday, as the country plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate four million people.

Cuba in March approved late-stage trials of Abdala, named after a poem by the 19th-century Cuban independence hero Jose Marti.

The trials are to be completed in July and the first results published in August, according to Cuban State media.

“We will be starting a clinical study with this vaccine, but simultaneously, adapting our national vaccine laboratory to produce, if all goes well as we hope, doses for four million people,” Alvarado told Venezuela’s State television.

Alvarado spoke at Venezuela’s main airport in the capital Caracas, where he announced that the country had received another 50,000 Russian Sputnik V vaccines. He said the na-

our people died and some two dozen people were injured after a boat got into trouble off the coast of San Diego in a suspected smuggling operation.

The overcrowded 40-foot (12m) cabin cruiser broke up on a reef near Point Loma on Sunday morning, tipping some 30 people into the water, officials said.

A major rescue operation was launched to help the injured on shore and retrieve seven people from the sea.

Officials said the boat captain was in custody on suspicion of smuggling.

"Every indication from

our perspective is that this was a smuggling vessel used to smuggle migrants into the United States illegally," Jeff Stephenson, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, said.

"We haven't confirmed the nationality of the people involved, but our agents are with many of them at the hospital and the man who we believe was the operator... The investigation's still unfolding."

Rescuers were alerted to the incident near the Cabrillo National Monument, at about 10:30 local time (17:30 GMT).

Rick Romero, of the

San Diego Fire Rescue Lifeguard, said first reports indicated three or four people needed help, but they quickly realised it was "going to be a bigger situation with more people".

"Once we arrived on scene, the boat had basically been broken apart," he said. "Conditions were pretty rough: five to six feet of surf, windy, cold."

He said people were in the water being taken out to sea by the rip current, while people on shore needed CPR and treatment for hypothermia and other injuries.

(Excerpt from BBC)

Antigua’s PM considers mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations

P

rime Minister Gaston Browne has warned of the possibility of implementing a mandatory vaccination programme in Antigua and Barbuda as he criticised people who were encouraging others not to participate in the national vaccination programme aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“This is not a threat,” Browne said on his weekend radio programme, saying that the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the socio-economic development of the island since the first case was diagnosed here last March.

“We are struggling on a monthly basis to meet salaries and wages and you are telling me that Antigua and Barbuda as one of the hardest-hit countries, one of the most vulnerable, you are telling me we have the luxury of not getting vaccinated.

“Well, I want to say definitively to the people of Antigua and Barbuda that we do not have the luxu-

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne

ry of not getting vaccinated and if we do not get the herd immunity perhaps in the next 60 to 90 days, there is going to be weeping and gnashing of teeth in this country,” Browne said, adding “that is the reality of it”.

“So people need to take responsibility and go out there and get vaccinated.

You got to do it for yourself, for your children, your friends, the entire community and also for future

generations because, as I said, the economic and social scars they are getting deeper and deeper day by day.

“This type of hesitancy and reluctance to get vaccinated is just totally unacceptable. I mean we have been trying to avoid introducing any mandatory requirements for vaccinations, but I want to signal here, if we have to do it, we will do so. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Tobago’s opposition leader: PM pushing dependence on Government The Government of President Nicolás Maduro expects to begin receiving vaccines from the global COVAX vaccine programme by July [Miraflores Palace/Marcelo Garcia/Handout via Reuters]

tion has now received a total of 1.48 million coronavirus vaccine doses.

Alvarado also said the new vaccine shipment would be used to inoculate the nation’s approximately 360,000 health workers, as well as begin the process of vaccinating older adults and at-risk individuals.

The Government of President Nicolás Maduro expects to begin receiving vaccines from the global COVAX vaccine programme

by July, the Health Minister

added, without saying which vaccines would be arriving.

Maduro, whose nation’s economy is in a brutal recession marked by hyperinflation in March, said he would not allow the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following reports of blood clotting.

Official data shows that the nation is suffering from a second wave of COVID-19 infections, with a weekly daily average of more than 1200 new infections.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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obago's Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) political leader, Watson Duke says the Prime Minister was attempting to promote a "dependence mode" among citizens by further tightening commercial and public health restrictions.

Duke spoke briefly with Newsday after Dr Keith Rowley announced a total discontinuation of food services and non-essential retail business during a media conference on Monday.

In his address, Dr Rowley said normal social services would continue, while the Finance Ministry was allocating additional public funds to people af-

fected by loss of income, particularly in light of the newest public health measures.

Dr Rowley also stressed that all decisions were being made through thorough consultation with the Health Ministry's top experts.

Duke disagreed, saying Dr Rowley continued to make decisions about commercial and public health restrictions "unilaterally" without the input of important stakeholders outside the Government.

"COVID involves all of society and crosses partisan lines," Duke said.

"Therefore, all stakeholders should be given an op-

portunity to share their (views) in this national challenge. I would say, not just the Government, but NGOs, trade unions, churches, etcetera...The major groups come up with a way to treat with this (together).

"There is no think tank. There used to be ODPM (Office of Disaster and Preparedness Management) involved."

Duke, who is also President of the Public Services Association, also disagreed with the latest restrictions imposed on all food outlets, saying they could cause more damaging ripple effects. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises over 1% as demand hopes bolster sentiment

O

il rose more than 1 per cent on Monday as Chinese economic figures and US vaccination rates pointed to a strong rebound in demand in the world's two largest economies.

Investors remain wary, however, over record-breaking infection rates in India, the third-largest fuel importer worldwide, along with higher OPEC+ oil supply.

Brent crude rose 80 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to settle at US$67.56 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate rose 91 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to settle at US$64.49 a barrel.

The United States and China, the world's top two oil consumers, are expected to drive a recovery in demand from the coronavirus pandemic.

"Even as COVID-19 cases hit record levels this week, oil prices have moved higher on growing vaccination numbers in developed markets," a BofA Global Research report said.

"Recent data points to the high effectiveness of vaccines at preventing infections and fatalities."

About a third of US residents have been fully vaccinated, Reuters' coronavirus tracker showed.

Meanwhile, Chinese crude imports averaged a seasonal record in February and March from increased car sales, a recovery in local travel and a strong industrial backdrop, BofA Global Research said.

Still, parts of the world such as India are seeing rising coronavirus cases. India on Monday reported more than 300,000 new coronavirus cases for a 12th straight day. The new wave of the virus has already led to a drop in fuel sales in April.

"India jitters are currently stopping oil prices from rising further," said Rystad Energy analyst Louise Dickson.

Brent has rallied almost 30 per cent this year, recovering from last year's historic lows thanks to record supply cuts by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, together known as OPEC+.

However, OPEC+ decided last week to stick to a plan to boost supply slightly from May 1 and OPEC's production climbed in April, led by a boost from Iran, a Reuters survey found.

Tehran and world powers are holding talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal that could add to global oil supplies should an agreement be reached. Iran's chief nuclear negotiator on Saturday said that Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and most individuals and institutions to be lifted. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Congo declares end of Ebola outbreak that killed 6

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he Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday declared the end of an Ebola outbreak that infected 12 people in the eastern province of North Kivu and killed six of them.

The outbreak was contained using Merck's Ebola vaccine, which was given to more than 1600 of the patients' contacts and contacts of contacts, the aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), said.

The cases were genetically linked to the 2018-20 Ebola epidemic that killed more than 2200 people, the second-highest toll recorded in the disease's history.

The latest flare-up emerged on Feb 3 in the city of Butembo with the death

of a woman whose husband had contracted the virus in the previous outbreak.

The virus can remain in certain body fluids, including semen, of a patient who has recovered from the disease, even if they no longer have symptoms of severe ill-

ness.

"I am pleased to solemnly declare the end of the 12th epidemic of Ebola virus disease in North Kivu Province," Health Minister Jean-Jacques Mbungani said in a statement.

"Despite the security con-

Child sexual abuse: 4 held in German-led raid on huge network

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erman Police have arrested three men and a fourth is being held in Paraguay for allegedly running one of the world's biggest online networks for sharing images of child sex abuse.

The international operation, involving several police forces, targeted a dark net platform called Boystown, which has now been taken down.

Officials say Boystown had more than 400,000 registered users.

They say some images showed the most serious sexual abuse of young children.

The dark net is an internet area beyond the reach of mainstream search engines.

The German-led investigation involved law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands, Sweden,

At least 26 killed in Bangladesh boat crash

A

t least 26 people have been killed after a speedboat packed with passengers collided with a vessel transporting sand in the latest maritime disaster to hit Bangladesh.

Police said on Monday the speedboat carrying about 36 passengers from the town of Mawa slammed into the other vessel on the Padma River near the rural town of Shibchar.

“We have so far recovered 26 bodies, including a woman. We have also rescued five injured people, including three children,” Police official Amir Hossain said.

Hossain said the bow of the passenger boat was destroyed when the speedboat smashed into the side of the transport vessel and quickly sank.

The speedboat was carrying passengers in violation of Government restrictions during a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, said Rahima Khatun, a top Government official in the area.

Divers and local people

Thermometers are pictured at the entrance of an Ebola Treatment Centre in the Eastern Congolese town of Butembo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, October 4, 2019

text and the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapidity and efficiency of the response put in place by the government and its partners made it possible to defeat this pandemic in less than three months," he said.

The response was often hampered by insecurity caused by armed groups and social unrest limited the movement of health workers, the World Health Organisation said in a statement.

"Although the outbreak has ended, we must stay alert for possible resurgence and at the same time use the growing expertise on emergency response to address other health threats the country faces." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Australia, the US and Canada.

The EU police agency Europol said it will also examine intelligence gained from the operation, and "more arrests and rescues are to be expected globally" on that basis.

Several related paedophile chat sites on the dark net were also dismantled,

Europol said.

German Police say three men detained since midApril are believed to have run the paedophile network: one aged 40 from Paderborn, one aged 49 from the Munich area and a 58-year-old from north Germany who has been living in South America for several years. He was detained in Paraguay's

Concepción region under an international arrest warrant, and German authorities have asked for his extradition.

The fourth suspect is a 64-year-old from Hamburg who was allegedly one of the most active members, responsible for more than 3500 posts. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Moderna deal, Swedish donation boost COVAX vaccine programme

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oderna will supply 34 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine this year and Sweden has donated one million AstraZeneca shots to the global COVAX programme, which has struggled to secure enough supplies to inoculate the world’s poorest people.

The advance purchase agreement between Moderna and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, comes just days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced emergency approval of the vaccine, The rollout of Moderna vaccines for the United Nations-backed COVAX

scheme, which aims to deliver vaccines to lower-income countries at the same time that rich countries have access, is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, and the vast majority of the doses in the deal – 466 million – are planned for next year.

Stephane Bancel, the Moderna CEO, expressed support for the COVAX mission and called the deal “an important milestone” to ensure access to its vaccine worldwide.

“We recognise that many countries have limited resources to access COVID-19 vaccines,” Bancel said in a statement.

“We remain committed to doing everything that we can to ending this ongoing pandemic with our mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.”

Gavi CEO Seth Berkley said the agreement was a “further step in the right direction”.

The deal expands the programme’s pipeline of vaccines to eight and contains options to potentially access doses of variant-adapted vaccines in the future, Gavi said.

The pharma company said the doses were offered “at Moderna’s lowest tiered price, in line with the company’s global access commitments,” without specifying.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

New Zealand’s Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile

A man walks past the mangled remains of the speedboat that overturned after hitting a cargo boat in River Padma at the Kanthalbari ferry terminal in Madaripur

retrieved 26 bodies from the water and were searching for those still missing.

Witness Abdur Rahman said there was a loud noise when the boats collided and the vessels then overturned.

“When we rushed to the spot we found the speedboat torn into two pieces.

Hundreds of villagers immediately started conducting rescue work before they were joined by police and the fire brigade,” he said.

Bangladesh is building

the country’s largest road and railway bridge near the spot where the accident happened, and police said officers were immediately at the scene.

Construction work has slowed ferry transport on the river, prompting many to make the journey on the less-safe speedboats, which take only about 15 minutes to make the crossing in contrast to up to two hours on ferries. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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ifferences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing’s role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing.

In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree",

but added these differences need not define their relationship.

"It will not have escaped the attention of anyone here that as China's role in the world grows and changes, the differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile," Ardern said.

"This is a challenge that we, and many other countries across the Indo Pacific region, but also in Europe and other regions, are also grappling with," she added.

In comments that sparked some reaction among Western allies, Foreign

Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said last month she was uncomfortable expanding the role of Five Eyes, which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States.

“This speech appears to be crafted to deflect surprisingly sharp and severe criticism from commentators after Mahuta’s remarks last month,” said Geoffrey Miller, international analyst at the political website Democracy Project.

However, the comments do not change New Zealand's overall shift to a more Chinafriendly, or at least more neutral position, he said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Take advantage of any opportunity to talk to someone who is doing something you want to pursue. The information you receive will be valuable and could put you in touch with someone who can help you get ahead.

Do and spend only what’s necessary. Live within your (April 20means, and don’t promise the May 20) impossible. Put your energy where it counts, and be innovative when handling administrative or work-related matters.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Take care of your responsibilities to avoid backlash. A steady (May 21- pace forward will override anyJune 20) one’s attempt to make you look bad. Keep everything in perspective; if you exaggerate, someone will question your validity.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Show everyone how original you are by presenting your ideas with pizzazz. A little extra oomph will set you apart from any competition you encounter.

You can make a difference.

Too much of anything will LEO lead to a loss. Get your priorities (July 23Aug. 22) straight, and don’t feel the need to buy love, friendship or support. Trust in your ability to get things done and forge ahead.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take a proactive approach to get things done. Talk is cheap if you don’t follow through. Be direct, make your move and reach your target with the least amount of dialogue.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Do something you enjoy, but don’t be excessive. It’s essential to keep the peace and live up to your promises.

Discipline and hard work will bring you the highest returns.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Extravagance will lead to stress, overreaction and problems with people affected by your decisions. Clear up financial, emotional or health issues to eliminate stress and difficulties.

You’ll get a glimpse of the SAGITTARIUS big picture if you take a step (Nov. 23back, reorganize and adjust Dec. 21) your plans accordingly. Trust in yourself, not in someone trying to manipulate you.

Push for what you want

CAPRICORN and believe in, and you will transform the way you live (Dec. 22and the direction you take.

Jan. 19) It’s time to eliminate what no longer works for you. Positive changes can be made!

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You’ll get ahead if you think matters through and use your discipline and innovative ideas to reach your goal. Don’t be afraid to branch out or take a chance.

Your charm will be hard to resist, but if you try to take (Feb. 20advantage of someone, you March 20) will eventually pay the price.

Do what’s best and fair for everyone involved in your plans.

PISCES

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

21

Amid COVID-19 concerns, IPL may shift entirely to Mumbai R

elocating the Indian Premier League (IPL) to Mumbai has emerged as a serious option for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as it looks to minimise the risks after several COVID-19 related cases were reported from both the venues currently hosting the tournament.

If things go to plan, Mumbai could be hosting matches as early as the coming weekend.

This will necessitate a rejigged tournament schedule, with multiple doubleheaders. There is also a likelihood of the IPL final being moved from May 30 to early June.

The biggest challenge for the BCCI in making its Mumbai plan work is to create the IPL bubble, which mainly entails finding hotels for the eight teams to be housed in and preparing the stadia. Luckily, in

Mumbai has three venues available

terms of match fitness, all of the three key grounds in Mumbai – Wankhede, DY Patil and Brabourne – were utilised during the first leg of the IPL in April.

While the Wankhede hosted 10 IPL matches, the other two grounds, and the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Ground in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, were used by various teams for training purposes.

It is understood that the BCCI team made calls on Monday to various big ho-

tels in Mumbai to verify if they were capable of satisfying the various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) needed to create a team bubble. No BCCI or IPL official was available for comment. Franchises, too, have not heard of the plan formally, but some say they will not be surprised if the Mumbai plan was acted on.

It would mean ditching the two-venue caravan model and reverting to the BCCI’s original plan, when

it was working out the IPL schedule, of having Mumbai as the hub. The schedule eventually released, on March 7, had six venues – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Chennai and Mumbai hosted the first leg while the second leg is being played currently in Ahmedabad and Delhi.

The IPL’s next stage is meant to be in Bengaluru and Kolkata, from next week. However, with India being enveloped by a second wave of the pandemic and the first cases emerging of the IPL bubble being breached, franchises, players, and even some within the BCCI remain concerned about the pitfalls involved in travelling.

When the IPL began, Mumbai was the worst-affected metro in India, with almost 10,000 new cases ev-

NBA round-up

Lakers lose again with LeBron ankle worry, Giannis outduels Durant in Bucks-Nets battle

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he Los Angeles Lakers slumped to their sixth loss in seven games, with LeBron James finishing their 121-114 defeat to the Toronto Raptors injured in the locker room on Sunday.

James left the court in the fourth quarter due to a sore right ankle, the same ankle which sidelined the Lakers superstar for 20 games until his return against the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

The four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) played 28 minutes, scoring 19 points with seven rebounds and six assists, but he could not inspire reigning NBA champions the Lakers to reverse their worrying form ahead of the playoffs.

Toronto forward Pascal Siakam was exceptional with a season-high 39 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, while veteran guard Kyle Lowry also had a double-double with 37 points, including three three-pointers, and 11 assists.

The result means the Lakers slip to 36-28 and sixth spot in the Western

Conference, while Raptors are 27-38.

Giannis comes out on top against KD

the

Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 49 points as the Milwaukee Bucks overcame the star-studded Brooklyn Nets 117-114 in their heavyweight Eastern Conference meeting. Making his return after a minor ankle issue, two-time reigning MVP Antetokounmpo also had eight rebounds and four assists, while Khris Middleton contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds in a key supporting role. Durant did his best to lift the Nets with 42 points and 10 rebounds.

Joel Embiid had his 14th game with 30 or more points and 10 rebounds, with only Antetokounmpo having more this season, as the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers won 113111 in overtime against the San Antonio Spurs. MVP hopeful Embiid finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds after OT, with Seth Curry adding 22 points.

Devin Booker had 32

points to lead the high-flying Phoenix Suns to a 123-120 victory over the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder.

The New York Knicks kept up their hot run with a 122-97 win against the Houston Rockets, fuelled by All-Star Julius Randle’s 31 points in three quarters.

CJ McCollum (33 points); Damian Lillard (26 points and 13 assists) and Jusuf Nurkic (14 points and 11 rebounds) combined to lead the Portland Trail Blazers past the Boston Celtics 129-119. Jayson Tatum’s 33 points were not enough for the Celtics. Per Stats Perform, the Trail Blazers are the first team in NBA history to have four consecutive home losses immediately followed by four straight road victories.

From hero to zero

Dorian Finney-Smith nailed the game-winner for the Dallas Mavericks against the Washington Wizards on Saturday. But he struggled in the 11199 loss to the Sacramento

Kings. Finney-Smith was one-for-seven shooting in 35 minutes, missing all five of his three-point attempts for just three points.

Timely tip from Simmons

Ben Simmons tipped home in the nick of time after Embiid’s attempted buzzer-beating shot missed in the 76ers’ win over the Spurs.

Sunday’s results

Milwaukee Bucks 117114 Brooklyn Nets Portland Trail Blazers 129-119 Boston Celtics New York Knicks 122-97 Houston Rockets Philadelphia 76ers 113111 San Antonio Spurs (OT) Phoenix Suns 123-120 Oklahoma City Thunder Sacramento Kings 11199 Dallas Mavericks Miami Heat 121-111 Charlotte Hornets Toronto Raptors 121-114 Los Angeles Lakers (Sportsmax)

ery day. It is now acknowledged that a corner has been turned in this respect – Monday’s case count was 2662, the lowest daily tally since March 17. It was a steep drop from a month ago – 11,163 COVID-19 cases on April 4, the highest-ever number for the city.

The impact on the WTC final

If the IPL is stretched beyond May 30, it is bound to potentially have an impact on the World Test Championship (WTC) final, between India and New Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22. With the

UK recently blocking travel from India, the ICC, the WTC host, is currently negotiating quarantine norms and exemptions with the British Government for the members of both teams who are currently playing in the IPL. One BCCI official, though, pointed out that moving the IPL to Mumbai could offer the advantage of the Indian and New Zealand players flying direct to England instead of the potential two-leg journey if the IPL final were to be played in Ahmedabad, as scheduled. (ESPNcricinfo)

PSG face anxious wait over Mbappe fitness for Man City semi-final

P

aris St-Germain face an anxious wait to see if Kylian Mbappe will be fit to face Manchester City in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg.

The striker, 22, missed Saturday’s win over Lens with a calf injury.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino says his top scorer will be monitored in training before a decision is made on his availability for the tie in Manchester.

“We need to assess Kylian,” said the Argentine, whose side trail 2-1 from the first leg.

“Today, he is going to start an individual training session and see if he can be with the team. There is still one day and we will see and decide if he is going to be available.”

France international Mbappe has scored 37 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions this season, including eight in 10 Champions League matches.

PSG are looking to reach the final of the Champions League for the second year running, having lost to Bayern Munich in Lisbon last season.

To do so, Pochettino is urging his side to be more clinical than they were in the first leg in Paris.

“We will try to give trust and confidence to the players,” he added.

“The intention is to deprive them of the possession, but it is a challenge. They have played six years under the same philosophy with Pep. “We are trying to get more balance. We need to be ready to suffer in some moments of the game. We need to be clinical and aggressive.”

“We approach this like any other game” – Manchester City boss Manchester City came from behind to win the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Paris St-Germain 2-1 last Wednesday City will treat the second leg “like another game”, says manager Pep Guardiola as they bid to reach their first Champions League final.

“We arrive in a good moment and I said to the guys, ‘Don’t think too much to win the game’,” said Guardiola.

“It is the same message of the last six months.”

Guardiola won the competition twice with Barcelona, but this is the furthest he has got in five attempts with City.

“We approach this game like another game,” he added.

“We start with a small advantage, but we have to play to win the game. This is all we are going to do.”

The Premier League leaders have no fresh injury concerns, with Guardiola resting Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden for City’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

Chakravarthy, Warrier test positive for CLASSIFIED ADS COVID-19; KKR v RCB rescheduled NOTICE

M

onday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad has been rescheduled after the Knight Riders’ spinner Varun Chakravarthy and seam bowler Sandeep Warrier tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the first instance of positive COVID-19 cases within an IPL team bubble since the 2021 season started.

It is believed that Chakravarthy recently left the IPL’s biosecure bubble through the official green channel to get a scan on an injured shoulder and that is where he might have been exposed. An IPL statement on Monday said the two players had been “found to be positive in the third round of testing in the last four days”. Barring

five days initially to every two days for the second leg of the tournament, during which the teams shifted from Chennai and Mumbai to Ahmedabad and Delhi (matches began at the last two venues on April 26).

The Knight Riders are currently seventh on the points table, having won only two of their first seven

Sandeep Warrier

Varun Chakravarthy

Chakravarthy and Warrier, the rest of the Knight Riders contingent’s latest tests came out clear.

The IPL confirmed the developments, saying in a statement that “Knight Riders have now moved towards a daily testing routine to identify any other possible cases” and that its “medical team is also determining the close and casual contacts of the two positive cases during the 48 hours” prior to testing. The entire Knight Riders’ con-

tingent has been put in a five-day quarantine in their hotel rooms in Ahmedabad.

That will be over on May 6, two days before their next match, on May 8 against the Delhi Capitals.

Under the IPL’s “green channel” protocol, a player requiring treatment – usually scans – is taken in a vehicle (which is in the bubble with a driver), clad in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to the hospital. The testing/treatment is done by medical personnel with PPEs and masks and the player returns in the same bubble vehicle.

The latest development came almost a week after Hemang Amin, the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) interim Chief Executive Officer, had reassured all teams that they were “totally safe” in the IPL bubble. The BCCI has also reassured all players and franchises that the 2021 IPL would carry on despite India being caught in the grip of a deadly second wave of the COVID-19 infection.

Amin had added that, “to be extra vigilant”, the IPL had “strengthened” the testing process, increasing its frequency from every

matches and go up against the high-flying Capitals next. The Capitals were also their opponents when they last played, on April 29. The Capitals, who played the Punjab Kings on Sunday evening, were tested a day after that Knight Riders contest, with everyone coming out clear.

(ESPNcricinfo)

European Super League: Premier League brings in new owners’ rule to stop repeat

Application for money lender certificate. Pursuant to section 4 of the Money Lender Act. I Cerdric Joel Weeks of lot 8 Den Amstel, Old Rd., West Coast Demerara, Guyana, am hereby giving notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the West Demerara Magisterial District for a Certificate under the Money Lenders Act, authorizing the grant to me for a Money Lender License to carry on the Business of a money lender under the business title, “WEEKS FAST CASH PAWN SHOP”, at Y Blankenburg, Public Road, WCD, Guyana. Notice of any objection to the application should be sent forthwith to the Clerk of the Court of West Demerara Magisterial District and a copy of such notice should be sent to the subscriber, Cedric Joel Weeks (applicant) dated at West Demerara on this day April 21, 2021.

TAXI SERVICE Elegant Cabs. 231-1494 / 226-4277, Cell #: 625-6600. 24 hrs.

WANTED 219-5000, 227-2100 Wanted: Contract Cars Tel: 614-6202

T

he Premier League is to bring in a new owners’ charter to stop future attempts to join a breakaway Super League.

It follows Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham agreeing to join the failed European Super League last month.

All owners will have to sign up to the new rule “committing them to the core principles” of the league with breaches punished by “significant” sanctions.

The Football Association (FA) said an inquiry into the six clubs has started.

“The actions of a few clubs cannot be allowed to create such division and disruption,” the Premier League said.

“We are determined to establish the truth of what happened and hold those clubs accountable for their decisions and actions.”

The FA added: “We wrote to all of the clubs to formally request all relevant information and evidence regarding their participation.

“Once we have the required information, we will consider what appropriate steps to take.”

The Super League proposal, which also included some of Europe’s biggest clubs, collapsed within 72 hours after widespread criticism from fans, players, and governing bodies and politicians.

There have been various calls for sanctions

against the clubs, including points deductions, relegation, and bans from European competitions.

The executives at the six clubs involved in the collapsed breakaway have been forced to resign from advisory roles at the Premier League.

Most of the clubs apologised and Manchester United’s Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward resigned.

In its statement, the Premier League said it would also introduce “additional rules and regulation to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected”.

Both the FA and the English top-flight said they were seeking help from the Government to bring in legislation to protect the football pyramid and “the integrity of the football community”.

“The events of the last two weeks have challenged the foundations and resolve of English football,” the Premier League said.

“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in the future.”

The Premier League also said it “recognises the strength of feeling” among fans, but urged protests to remain peaceful.

It follows the protest by Manchester United fans on Sunday which resulted in two Police Officers being injured and caused the club’s match against Liverpool to be postponed.

(BBC Sport)

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MACORP open to collaboration with sport federations

O

nly last week, Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) kick-started yet another partnership in the sports arena. On the heels of its collaborative scholarship initiative with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), MACORP has asserted that it would continue contributing to sport.

This practice, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Guillermo Escarraga, will only intensify in years to come.

Escarraga told Guyana Times Sport in an invited comment that this was so as the company was committed to its corporate social responsibility and using its resources to develop sport.

“We are a corporate and socially responsible company and we know that sports bring many benefits to the communities and that’s what we want to play a role [in], that we do our part as a company with some of the resources we have available, for the development of the various sports,” Escarraga told this publication.

He continued, “So, we will continue engaging the associations; we will continue supporting their efforts. Specifically for the Guyana Football Federation, we know they have a plan and that’s what we really like to see – that there’s a structured plan, that there’s some goals to be achieved and once

we see those initiatives, for sure we will be more than happy to support.”

Another initiative that Escarraga welcomed was the move to involve younger players in the sports of football and golf. He noted that sport should be accessible to all ages.

“It’s very nice that there’s a facility that’s accessible and it’s also very nice that there are initiatives in place to bring more younger players to the game. I think that’s the right move, and it’s the right age to start golf.”

He went on, “So, we’re very, very pleased with the efforts some of the associations have started and we fully support those efforts as well.”

Going forward, MACORP is said to be open to collaboration with local sport federations, for development purposes.

The MACORP boss commented, “We believe that sports play a very important role in the development of the youth and every time we have the opportunity to collaborate with the federations, we will be more than happy to do so. Because we think that this is a way that we can make a contribution to the development of those youths.”

“We’re open to this type of collaboration with the various sports in Guyana,” Escarraga asserted.

Last week, MACORP signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) with the GFF, sealing 10 scholarships for local football players. The scholarships, which are open to male and female players, are in the fields of Excavator Operator and Technicians for the Caribbean.

The company has had a stellar track record in sport, maintaining in excess of a decade-long relationship with the golf fraternity and acting as part sponsor for the GFF’s Super 16 Year End tournament in 2019. Its most remarkable achievement, however, could be its involvement in the re-digging of the Lusignan Golf Course in 2017, which made the nine-hole course an all-weather facility.

Dwayne Bravo “will be missed”, says Trinbago "Grateful for Massy Knight Riders Manager Colin Borde sponsorship" – LGC boss

D

wayne Bravo will not be appearing for the Trinbago Knight Riders in this year's edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.

On Friday, the former TKR Captain, who led the TT franchise to victory in 2015, 2017 and 2018, revealed that at his own request, he had been traded to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) for the forthcoming season.

Bravo’s request to change teams was agreed on by TKR management.

In return, SKNP traded wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin to TKR. Ramdin is also a former TKR player, who represented the franchise from 2016 to 2019.

Bravo had contributed to the TKR, four-time winners. since the inception of the CPL in 2013.

At the 2020 CPL, which was held in a bio-secure bubble without spectators in Trinidad only, Bravo was replaced as skipper by countryman Kieron Pollard. The latter led the TT franchise to a historic fourth title, the most won by any competing team thus far.

TKR Manager Colin Borde said the animated but talented all-rounder would leave a void in the team set-up. But TKR remain intent on retaining the CPL title when this year’s competition bowls off in St Kitts on August 28.

“Dwayne will be missed for this massive contribution to TKR and its successes over the years.

He has bright vibrancy, enthusiasm, energy, skill, leadership and, above all, humility in his approach to the game and the team members,” said Borde.

The TKR Manager also welcomed Ramdin back to the squad and believes he would be a crucial asset to helping them go all the way at the 2021 edition.

In 2019, Ramdin was not retained by TKR, after spending the past four years there. He was immediately picked up by SKNP and featured under their banner in 2020.

Borde added, “Having Ramdin back with us is having one of our

after successful tournament

Dwayne Bravo

TKR Manager Colin Borde

sons come back home. His experience and affection for playing for the local franchise will only benefit us in every aspect.

“His role on the field in keeping it all together has been proven time and time again, and we are so happy to be reunited with him.”

Rayad Emrit, who also joined up with SKNP alongside Ramdin last year, welcomed Bravo’s addition to the squad. SKNP had a rough season in 2020, as they finished bottom of the table, recording more losses than wins.

Emrit thinks Bravo’s involvement, backed by his experience, will provide the franchise with bolstered firepower, both with the bat and ball.

“To have Dwayne in our team, someone with over 500 T20 wickets, is going to be a very good addition to our team. He has great experience and has played in every single condition in T20 cricket.

“To have him to work with us, the team and the younger players, is a really good signing and addition to our squad,” said Emrit.

Losing Ramdin, however, would be a big blow to the team, since he has been versatile behind the wicket and put on some good displays with the bat at last year’s tourney.

“We’ve lost probably the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the Caribbean. Losing Ramdin…it’s

hard to lose Ramdin. But on the other hand, we got someone like Dwayne and we’re very excited to have him in our set-up,” Emrit added.

This year, the CPL will be hosted in its entirety at Warner Park in St Kitts. The 33-match tournament will allow fans to attend at up to 50 per cent capacity of the 8000-seat venue – once they present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

With the tournament now being hosted in the SKNP backyard, Emrit remains optimistic the squad will fuse all these elements together to create a more comprehensive competitive unit.

“We (SKNP) just have to wait and see what the future holds for us. We’re playing in our backyard in St Kitts, with some supporters, so hopefully that 12th man can really push us on and we can start doing what we haven’t done in the past – which is getting titles.

"It’s good to have Dwayne around now,” Emrit continued.

The TKR statement also reaffirmed that Pollard would remain as skipper while spinner Sunil Narine would serve as Vice Captain.

The statement concluded, “We welcome back Denesh Ramdin to the TKR family and look forward to the 2021 season and defending our title.” (TT Guardian)

Naro Dhanpat was the winner of the Massy Group tournament

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) has successfully hosted a plethora of golf tournaments for the year 2021.

It recently concluded the Massy Group tournament, which saw Naro Dhanpat (hc 9 gross 78 net 67) taking the win with a better back nine than Mike Guyadin, who came in second.

At the end of the tournament, LGC President Patanjilee Persaud said, "We saw stiff competition, from all sections and levels of the competitors. We saw even in the hunt, the low handicap was in the hunt for the titles; as a matter of fact, first to third resulted in a zero to nine handicap, so actually it went well and I think the course played excellent. It was a little soggy in terms of walking, but everything else played excellent and this goes to show the different climatic conditions affect the way you play, chip and drive. So, all in all, it was very entertaining."

The LGC boss also expressed his appreciation to the sponsor. He noted that the members should also consider this when do-

ing business as the Massy Group has become a local entity despite being based in Trinidad as the company has shown its commitment in other sports in addition to golf. Persaud went on to state that Massy Group was a company that one could rely on to sponsor tournaments and even provide sponsorship when there was a need for responsible corporate initiatives.

"The tournament was wellturned-out; we saw a total of 44 players all competing for top honours. We at the LGC want to commend the members for sticking around for the presentation. We want to commend Massy Motors, who was represented by Director Laknaraine Shivraj, who has taken the initiative to recognise the sponsorship. He has promised in future that other branches of Massy can join. So, I am pretty sure that even in our big tournaments like the Guyana Open we can depend on them and lean on them for part sponsorship," Persaud opined.

The LGC is appreciative of the kind gesture of sponsorship.

All COVID-19 measures were followed at the tournament.

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

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Dwayne Bravo “will be missed”, says Trinbago Knight Riders Manager Colin Borde

MACORP open to collaboration with sport federations

Pg 23 MACORP CEO Guillermo Escarraga

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“Grateful for Massy sponsorship” – LGC boss after successful tournament

Amid COVID-19 concerns, IPL may shift entirely to Mumbai GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

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