Guyana Times - Tuesday, October 19, 2021 New

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

Issue No. 4805

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

PRICE

Guyana should be part of global oil supply chain – Jagdeo

WHAT'S INSIDE:

1 killed, friend hospitalised following bee attack P27

See story on page 3

...declares no slowing down of oil production

Irregularities in award of contracts in APNU-controlled Region 10 – PAC hears ...AG unable to find reasons why lowest bids not accepted

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Page 11

TGA resumes flights to P10 Suriname with connections to Europe, Asia Linden nurses charged for forging COVID vaccination P8 booklets

2021 Mid-Year Report

NAREI pumps $602.8M into non-traditional crops P10 cultivation

His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali arrived in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai 2020 Expo. Shortly after his arrival, he met representatives of the Ministries of Presidential Affairs and Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

The Guyanese Head of State is expected to deliver an address to the Guyana National Day, which will be held at the Guyana Pavilion tomorrow. He will also participate in a number of other engagements during the visit

HSS, Sewa donate oxygen plant to Ocean View facility – to cut cost to procure oxygen

See story on page 13

5 men succumb to COVID-19 …59 new cases detected in 24h, Page 7

active cases now stand at 3907 Page 27

Diaspora shows significant interest to invest in Guyana – Foreign Secretary

GCCI lobbies for Guyanese to enjoy visafree travel to England P22 Sophia man charged for stealing from employer P23

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Oct 19 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Wednesday, Oct 20 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Oct 19 – 15:35h – 17:05h and Wednesday, Oct 20 – 16:05h – 17:35h.

Guyana should be part of global oil supply chain – Jagdeo ...declares no slowing down of oil production this up? Will they be willing to do that? So that has to be the core of our argument, without disputing the science or arguing against global carbon prices… once there is a market, we should be part of the supply chain,” the Vice President

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

starting on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project.

Back in May 2019, EEPGL was granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go ahead with its Liza Phase 2 Development offshore Guyana.

with approximately 30 wells – 15 productions, nine water injection and six gas injection wells.

The US$9 billion Payara development, the third development, will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600

The oil company had said that the project will have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon had also revealed that the Liza Phase 2 development was funded at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion, for the Liza Unity FPSO vessel. For the Phase 2 Development, six drill centres were planned, along

million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

The Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day (bpd) of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted.

Winds: South-Westerly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 09:28h and 21:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.54 metre.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

02 13 16

23 25 28

FREE TICKET

05 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

04 07 12 16 25 LUCKY 3

1

1

4

7

Afternoon Draw

2

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 03 08 09 16 17 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

06 08 11 12 14 13

01 05 15 17 21

9

3 Afternoon Draw

5X Afternoon Draw

3

4 Evening Draw

3X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$84.33/barrel

-0.63

Rough Rice

$249.53 /ton

+0.11

London Sugar

$520.00/ton

+1.38

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1768.20

$1769.20

Low/High Change

$1760.00 +3.70

$1772.00 +0.21%

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

W

hile there have been calls from certain quarters for Guyana to slow down and even halt oil production until various conditionalities are satisfied, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that Guyana will do no such thing.

During an interview on Asaase Radio in Ghana, where he flew for a threeday visit over the weekend, Jagdeo spoke about the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

“Our argument is that if we follow through with the logic of what the IEA said and the IPC, that you should not spend any money on the exploration and development of fossil fuel.

Effectively they are calling for a monopoly for the existing producers, a $4 trillion industry,” Jagdeo said.

“So Saudi Arabia, the United States, Russia, Norway, Venezuela, can continue to meet the global demand and there will be a demand for fossil fuel in the near future because the demand is growing because the world is not decarbonising the key sources of emissions as rapidly as they need to.”

Jagdeo explained that there are three key sources of carbon emissions, including burning fossil fuel for energy, for transport and deforestation and land use. He noted that enough is not being done to reduce these instances. This is something that is likely to be addressed at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, Scotland, next month.

“Not enough is being done to get renewable energy to meet current demand, not enough on transportation and deforestation. The world will continue to need fossil fuel and the only people who can benefit from this are the existing producers. What about us, whose GDP and our people have a legitimate expectation.”

“Who will pay us for the opportunity cost of giving

Liza Destiny FPSO

explained.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being banked in the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling recently

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 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

The lessons of the Prophet

T

oday, Muslims observe Youman Nabi. The day is very significant to our Muslim brothers and sisters as it marks both the birth and death anniversaries of Islam’s Holy Prophet Muhammad. More importantly, its significance offers many pertinent lessons in humility, contentment, respect and love among mankind.

Prophet Muhammad was born in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia on 12th of Rabi-Al-Awwal (3rd month on the Islamic Calendar), 571 AD and died at the age of 62 in Medina.

The Prophet is seen as the perfect role model and the lessons taught by him can be beneficial to all mankind – caring for the less fortunate, duty to one’s parents, respect for all, mercy and forgiveness, care for the sick, charity, prayers and fasting to name a few. These principles have formed the basis of Islam and are also the foundation of becoming better individuals, thereby shaping better societies which we can all be proud of.

Prophet Muhammad has indeed left an excellent example of how a leader of a country should act and behave.

Modesty, frugality, fairness, mercifulness, and practising what is demanded of others were some of his watchwords. In reflecting on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet, there are universal lessons of forgiveness and tolerance which Guyanese could seek to emulate in building a prosperous, modern, and united country.

Youman Nabi’s celebration is, therefore, an opportunity for the persons not only to understand the message of the Prophet Muhammad, but to put it into practice in our everyday life and dealings with our fellow citizens.

The moral teachings of the Prophet Muhammad are not mere theories but practical manifestations of moral principles which are universally relevant and applicable for all times. For example, the Prophet’s message of peace is particularly relevant today as you cannot change someone’s heart by use of force, but through humility and kindness.

Just recently, President Irfaan Ali underscored the importance of our leaders taking up the responsibility and leading the charge towards achieving national unity. He was quoted in the media as saying that this task rests entirely on the shoulders of leaders.

On this basis, he called on all Guyanese to break down those invisible walls and bring our people together, saying: “we owe this to the legacy of those who worked tirelessly, and selflessly, we owe this to our future generation, and we have to fix it now and fix it in this generation, and to not leave this burden upon those who will come after us.”

He said that the time has come for citizens to reflect with honourable intentions and a passion and commitment to achieve what those who struggled selflessly wanted to achieve – the unification of our people. “It is the most pressing issue for us as a people. We talk a lot these days about economic bonanza that will come about, the great wealth that will come, about lifting our people from poverty.

But today I say to you, the greatest of tasks and challenge for all of us is unification of our people.”

The Prophet’s message of peace, understanding, respect, care, and compassion for all mankind is more relevant today than it ever was.

We had said before that Guyana is now once again on a democratic path. We have yet another glorious opportunity to fashion a society that is modern, inclusive, progressive, and one in which all citizens can be proud. This, of course, can only be achieved if all Guyanese work together in the national interest.

On this auspicious occasion of Youman Nabi, we extend best wishes to all Guyanese, particularly the Muslim communities here in Guyana and across the Diaspora.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday met with HE Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana to discuss several areas of collaboration especially in the oil and gas sector in Guyana

Christian only prayer at MoE programme Dear Editor, On October 14, Guyana hosted CXC in the declaration of the 2021 CAPE and CSEC results - broad outlines of which were presented. The programme began with prayers, Christian only prayers. We can only imagine what would be the reaction of this nation if it was Muslim prayers only, or God forbid, Hindu prayers only.

This, we know, is not an infrequent occurrence in Guyana where prayers are required at functions of State agencies. Others are excluded. In a programme broadcast to the entire region and beyond, the organisers did not see it fit to include prayers from representatives of other religions, giving the impression that we are still in a de facto Christian State in which

others have a dubious existence at best in the margins.

This de facto Christian nature of the State is seen in other practices, such as the Christmas time lighting up of Government buildings including Parliament Building, the Demerara Harbour Bridge and other prominent locations. But, for Divali, which is the festival of lights, the disdain is hardly concealed.

Dr Baytoram Rambharak has written a brilliant biography on Dr Jung Bahadur Singh detailing his struggles to break the chains of cultural and religious domination and for the recognition of Hindu and Muslim beliefs and practices. Ms Lea Ventre has recounted this struggle in a lengthy letter to the Stabroek News (15/10/21), reminding us that he, “was at the

forefront of the civil fight for Hindu and Muslim rights”.

One wonders what Dr Singh would have to say if he learned that more than seventy-five years after his death at a major function on education only Christian prayers were said, with all others being dis-invited.

In this matter, the final responsibility obviously lies with the Ministry of Education but we also have to be cognisant of the reality that despite its best intentions to promote inclusion and respect for diversity, there are those within the system who are relentless in their efforts to subvert, or, as the call has been recently made, to “undermine” policies.

There is clearly in Guyana an internal system of cultural and religious hegemony that

persists across many State institutions. The colonial State by its own self-definition was a Christian State dedicated to saving the souls of the heathens, and for many in the country’s public institutions this continues to be so.

Seventy-five years after Dr JB Singh, and more than one hundred and eighty years since the arrival of the first Indians, the struggle for recognition and an equal place at the table continues. Hindus have just completed the fortnight to honour their pitris or ancestors. The greatest homage we can pay to them, such as Dr JB Singh, is never to relent in this struggle. No one is going to give us our rights on a platter.

Sincerely, Swami Aksharanand

The lawlessness in La Grange Dear Editor, The lawlessness in Palmer’s Street, La Grange, is beyond anything we have ever seen.

The street, on the surface, appears to be a peaceful, multi-ethnic and multicultural settlement, but at nightfall, it transforms into a lawless, putrid and scornful place.

Several days ago, a popular bar owner along with her sister and nephew were assaulted and robbed. Two days prior to that, a sand truck owner was forced to expel two bandits from his property. They were trying to invade his home after stealing truck parts. Last Saturday around 23:00h, a car load of heavily intox-

icated men stopped in the street, exited and began partying on the roadway.

All attempts by residents to have them lower the volume were met with threats of buggery, kidnapping, murder and invasion.

At the end of the street, is a “club” that operates with no respect for villagers. This literal bottom house rum shop is not soundproofed and therefore, the noise that emanates from there is overbearing. Editor, we don’t have to remind you of what comes out of the mouths of drunk men. Children, who live in close proximity to this “club”, are exposed to the vulgar utterances and actions of intoxicated men

and, not so often, women. The Police do nothing.

The “club” is housed at the premises of a senior Police official. It is a mystery how a licence was issued to the owners of this bar given the foregoing. Then again, we’re only assuming that the owners have licences to operate.

The “club”, however, is very strict in adhering to the curfew, but their patrons move to the street to continue their partying after the establishment closes. Herein lies the problem. The street is littered with empty beer bottles, plastic, condoms and tissue every morning. Something needs to be done and it must be done

urgently, because we the residents can longer tolerate this kind of torment.

We’re calling on the Police to address this matter and other relevant authorities to act with haste. Given the apparent increase in crime in the street, we’re asking that there are more patrols and a probe into the operation of this club.

We need peace, Editor. We are hardworking individuals who love the comfort of our homes after a long, hard day of work, but what we get is torment. Peace is being denied. Please help us, someone.

With regards, Villagers of Palmer’s Street, La Grange

Youman Nabi

Messages

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Youman Nabi should be used to strengthen will to follow Prophet Muhammad’s example – CIOG A

ssalaamu-Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi WaBarakatuh.

May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah (swt) be with you all.

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam and humanity, on this joyful occasion of observing the birth and life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw), I extend to you on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana greetings on this auspicious occasion of YoumunNabi. I pray Allah (swt) will increase us in love for the final Messenger to Humanity, Prophet Muhammad (saws). May Allah (swt) bless us and accept all our devotion and service. Ameen.

More than fourteen hundred years ago, Allah (swt) bestowed his greatest mercy upon humanity by sending the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to teach the message of the Qur’an and guide humanity with his exemplary conduct.

The Prophet (saw) was destined to be the best human ever to live on Earth— the most virtuous, the most patient, the most loving, the most courteous, the most merciful among men, the best to his wives, his friends, his family, the most honest, the most trustworthy, and so much more that even his enemies testified to it. The Prophet’s (saw) character was of such high moral excellence that Allah (swt) confirmed his greatness.

And you are of the highest standard of character (Quran 68:4) Prophet Muhammad (saw) lived among his people with such high moral character they called

him al-Amîn — the Trustworthy. He was decisive and whole-hearted in everything he did. He spoke when he saw benefit and spent long periods in silent contemplation.

His speech was comprehensive, being neither wordy nor abrupt. He had a mild temperament and was never harsh nor cruel, never coarse nor rude.

He expressed gratitude for everything given to him.

People entered his gatherings as seekers and left enlightened. He never stood nor sat without mentioning the name of Allah (swt).

He never reserved a special place for himself in a gathering. He gave each of those who sat with him full attention. Voices were never raised in his presence.

The aged were respected for their age and the young were shown compassion for their youth. His wives and companions spoke of his humor and cheerfulness.

Once an old woman asked him if she would enter paradise and he replied, “Old people don’t go to heaven!” The woman was crestfallen with the answer he had provided, to which he added with a smile, “You shall enter paradise in the prime of your youth.” And

once a gruff desert Bedouin came into the mosque and prayed out loud saying, “O God forgive me and Muhammad (saw) and don’t forgive anyone else.”

Hearing this the Prophet (saw) laughingly observed, “You are limiting the vast mercy of God.” The Prophet’s (saw) love and compassion for his fellow beings and his concern for their welfare in all spheres of human endeavors were paramount.

He was a ruler concerned with the welfare of his subjects, and he continually sought improved relationship between members of the Muslim community and those of other faiths, preaching and practicing brotherhood, tolerance, and patience. His dying words were, “Treat your women well, and do not oppress your servants, the prayer, the prayer, don’t be neglectful of the prayer. O God, my highest compan-

ion, my highest companion.”

The occasion of celebrating the birth and life of our Master and Guide Prophet Muhammad (saw) should be used to strengthen our will to follow his example. Are we emulating him by trying to be merciful to our fellow man? If we aren’t, we should understand that our adherence to his tradition is wanting.

Let us reflect on some of his messages: “..verily, Allah is kind and He loves kindness and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides [kindness]” “Wealth, social position and racial superiority do not give special status to anyone; all of you are equal in the eyes of God. It is only the path of righteousness, which makes you a distinguished human being.”

We should remember

that our love for the Prophet (saw) will be a means of our being with Him (saw) God Willing. Let us spend these days in increased prayer upon the Prophet (saw), as Allah (swt) commanded us in the Holy Quran Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56 Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe!

Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.

This is a unique command from Allah (swt).

One in which Allah (swt) commands us with an act in which He (swt) and His (swt) Angels are performing. Remember that when we send blessing on our Beloved Rasoolullah(saws), Allah (swt), His Angels, and His Messenger send mercy on the one who invokes blessings. Such a person’s wrongdoings are expiated, his good deeds are increased and purified, his status elevated, his wealth increases, it removes hardships of poverty and the suppliant attains proximity and closeness to Rasoolullah (saws) on the day it most matters.

The blessings (themselves) seek forgiveness for him and his sins are forgiven.

Whomsoever makes it his complete regimen by day and night, both his worldly and otherworldly matters are taken care of; it is a source of protection from turmoil on the day of reckoning. Rasoolullah

(saws) will testify on that day of judgment for such a person and His (saws) intercession will be granted for him.

Our undying love for Prophet Muhammad (saws) is the framework by which every Muslim lives his life; and what a beautiful life we will have if we pattern ourselves by the most beautiful example depicted to us by our Beloved and final Messenger Muhammad (saw).

I ask Allah (swt) to bless all of you and join us in praising our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw): O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad, who opened what was closed and sealed what was before. He makes the truth victorious by the truth and he is the guide to Your Straight Path. And bless his Household as it befits his immense stature and splendor.

Oh Allah! Bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever he is remembered, and bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever he is not remembered.

May the Peace and Blessing of the Most Merciful be upon each and everyone.

Wa-AlaikumusSalaamWaRahmatullahi WaBarakaatuh.

Al-hajjshahabudeen Ahmed, President, CIOG

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Page

Foundation

I

f you have been to the seashore, you may have noticed that the water level changes throughout the day. Sometimes the water is high, and sometimes the water is low. This pattern of rising and falling sea level is known as the tides. When the water level is high, we call it high tide. When the water level is low, we call it low tide. In between high tide and low tide, tidal currents move water toward or away from the shore.

Scientists have a special name for the difference in water level between high tide and low tide. They call it the tidal range. For example, if the water is 75 centimetres (cm) deep at high tide and 25 cm deep at low tide, then the tidal range is 50 cm (75 cm - 25 cm = 50 cm).

Tides result from a gravitational tugof-war between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. The Moon's gravitational force is slightly stronger on the side of Earth that is closer to the Moon than it is on the side of Earth that is farther from the Moon.

This small difference in the strength of the Moon's gravitational force pulls Earth's oceans into an elliptical shape. As a result, water "piles up" in the oceans on opposite sides of Earth, as shown in Figure 2, below. The two long ends of the stretched-out, elliptical shape are called the tidal bulge. High tides happen close to where each end of the tidal bulge is located. Low tides happen in between, where the ocean is thinner, because of the pile-up of water at the tidal bulge.

By Vachel Lindsay

Materials and Equipment

• Computer with internet access • Lab notebook • Graph paper and coloured pencils

Experimental Procedure

In this science project, you will gather data from two different sources. To keep your data organized, make two data tables like Tables 1 and 2, below, in your lab notebook. One data table will be for tides during the first quarter moon (neap tides).

The second data table will be for tides during the full moon (spring tides). You will need about 13 rows in each data table.

Table 1. Am example data table for recoding dates, hights, and tidal ranges for neap tides (you will need to add more rows to your data table).

Table 1. Am example data table for recoding dates, hights, and tidal ranges for spring tides (you will need to add more rows to your data table).

It is time to start collecting data! Search online for a "moon phases calendar" for the current year. You will find many websites that display a table of moon phases and dates throughout the year. Figure 4 shows an example.

Write the dates of all of the first quarter moons for the entire year in your data table titled "Tides During the First Quarter Moons".

Write the dates of all of the full moons for the entire year in your data table titled "Tides During the Full Moons".

Go to the NOAA Tide Predictions website, which predicts the timing and height of tides in a variety of places.

Click the state or island you would like to see predictions for. Any state or island will work, so pick one that interests you.

Next, click on the name of a station.

This will open a page with predicted tide heights and times for that particular station.

Download the tide predictions by clicking the orange "Annual PDF" button in the "Published Tide Tables Formats" box (outlined by a red box in Figure 5, below).

Use the predictions in the "Annual PDF" to fill in the "Height of High Tide (cm)" and "Height of Low Tide (cm)" columns of your "Tides During First Quarter Moons" data table.

Find the dates on the tide table that match the dates of the first quarter moons you wrote in your data table.

Write the height of the first high tide and first low tide for each of the dates in your data table. See Figure 6, below, for an example of where to find this data.

Figure 6. In your data table, write the height of the first high tide and first low

Two old crows sat on a fence rail.

Two old crows sat on a fence rail, Thinking of effect and cause, Of weeds and flowers, And nature's laws.

One of them muttered, one of them stuttered, One of them stuttered, one of them muttered.

Each of them thought far more than he uttered.

One crow asked the other crow a riddle.

One crow asked the other crow a riddle: The muttering crow Asked the stuttering crow, “Why does a bee have a sword to his fiddle?

Why does a bee have a sword to his fiddle?”

“Bee-cause,” said the other crow, “Bee-cause, B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B-cause.”

Just then a bee flew close to their rail:— “Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ZZZZZZZZ.” And those two black crows Turned pale, And away those crows did sail.

Why? B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B-cause.

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B-cause.

“Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ZZZZZZZZ.”

tide of each day with a full moon or first quarter moon. Be sure to record height in centimetres (cm) not feet (ft).

Repeat the procedure in step 6 to fill in the "Height of High Tide (cm)" and "Height of Low Tide (cm)" columns of your second data table, "Tides During Full Moons."

All of the columns in your data tables, except for the last one, should now be filled in. Finish your data tables by calculating the tidal range for each day, using Equation 1, below. Write the number in the "Tidal Range (cm)" columns.

Now it is time to analyse your data. Make a graph with the date on the x-axis (horizontal) and tidal range on the y-axis (vertical). You can make a graph by hand.

Use one colour to plot tidal range vs. the dates of the first quarter moon (the data points from Table 1).

Use a different colour to plot tidal range vs. the dates of the full moon (the data points from Table 2).

Remember to include a legend on your graph explaining what the colours mean. (Sara Agee, PhD, and Terik Daly, Science Buddies

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 men succumb to COVID-19 …59 new cases detected in 24h, active cases now stand at 3907

T

he Health Ministry on Monday announced that five men who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died, thus taking the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 875.

The patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

Three of these persons were unvaccinated, one was partially vaccinated while the fifth’s status is unknown.

A breakdown showed one new case for Region One (Barima-Waini); 21 for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 19 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); four for Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); eight for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 12 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Active cases are at 3907. There are 107 hos-

uptake or 72.8 per cent.

Second doses are at 231,729 or 45.2 per cent of the adult population. For the Pfizer vaccine, 26,391 doses or 36.2 per cent have been administered to children; with 17,379 children returning for their second dose.

Regional first dose uptake is 79.1 per cent for Region One, 59.3 in Region Two, 69.1 per cent in Region Three, 81.6 per cent in Region Four, 72 per cent in Region Five, 73.5 per cent in Region Six, 72 per cent in Region Seven, 45 per cent in Region Eight, 73 per cent in Region Nine and 32.5 per cent in Region 10.

If anyone is displaying

SEX

AGE

REGION

DATE OF DEATH

VACCINATION STATUS

Male

64

Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara

October 17

Unvaccinated

Male

69

Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara

October 17

Unvaccinated

Male

68

Demerara-Mahaica

October 17

Partially Vaccinated

Male

79

Demerara-Mahaica

October 18

Unvaccinated

Male

34

Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara

October 07

Unknown

UnknownHowever, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that 59 new cases were recorded in one day with the total confirmed cases in the country moving to 34,514 – 16,329 males and 18,185 females.

There are 24 patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 3722 in home isolation, 127 in institutional isolation and six in institutional quarantine. The data showed that 29,766 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus while 338,892 have been tested.

pitalised cases across the country, inclusive of 72 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. There are 24 persons in the ICU and six maternal cases.

“We’re seeing an increase in cases in Region Three, Region Two, Region 10. These are the areas where we see cases going up. We have to be careful in those regions and make sure that people are adhering to the precautions and getting vaccinated,” warned Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday.

Vaccination statistics show a 373,398 first dose

any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD OCTOBER 18, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

59 127 3722 24

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

18,185

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

16,329

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

34,514

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

29,766

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

373,398

FULLY IMMUNISED

231,729

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

875

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1566

REGION 2

1358

REGION 3

4715

REGION 4

16,502

REGION 5

1219

REGION 6

2448

REGION 7

1721

REGION 8

541

REGION 9

2434

REGION 10

2010

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WCB man gets 4 years for armed robbery, possession of firearm – accomplice remanded to prison

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arlon Vossey, 20, of No 5 Village, West Coast Berbice, was on Monday sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment while his accomplice, 21-yearold Shaquille McDonald of Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, Georgetown, was remanded to prison on an armed robbery charge.

The two men appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Lambert where Vossey pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

McDonald, however, pleaded not guilty.

They were charged under Section 222 (c) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01. In addition, Vossey also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence. He was again sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment and fined $100,000.

Charged: Marlon Vossey

Charged: Shaquille McDonald

Both sentences will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, since McDonald pleaded not guilty, he was remanded and will make his next court appearance on November 8.

The third suspect is expected to face crimi-

nal charges after he is discharged from the hospital.

It was reported that the three men were arrested on Friday last after executing a daring robbery on a Good Hope, Essequibo Coast businessman and his family. The men reportedly stole $1.8

million in cash and jewellery during the robbery.

The 46-year-old businessman reported that $1.5 million in cash and three gold chains were taken from his residence in the wee hours of Friday. He recalled at about 01:30h on the day in question, he woke up to use the washroom during which he was confronted by the three men.

He was reportedly held at gunpoint and lashed to the face. During the ordeal, the businessman reportedly ran upstairs and began to scream for assistance, thus resulting in the men making good their escape.

It was later the victim realised that the money and jewellery were missing. The Police were called in and based on information received, the suspects were arrested and charged.

Linden nurses charged for forging COVID vaccination booklets

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wo nurses attached to the One Mile Health Centre, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), were on Monday charged for forging COVID vaccination books.

Thirty-three-year-old Sandrene Chapman and 27-year-old Anastasia McKenzie virtually appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

They were not required to plead to the charges when it was read to them. They

Charged: Sandrene Chapman

Charged: Anastasia McKenzie

were each placed on 200,000 bail and will return to court on November 23, 2021. They were also instructed to report to the McKenzie Police Station every first Monday of the month until the determination of the matter.

Back in August, health authorities reported that they were investigating reports of individuals forging and selling the COVID-19 vaccination cards and as such warned of stern consequences for those involved.

TURN TO PAGE 11

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Confusion...

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…in policing our Eyewitness isn’t that confused about the seeming confusion about policing in Guyana. After all, he’s known for a long time that for most of the recruits to the GPF, being a policeman is just another hustle! At least, when the Brits were ruling, we knew the Police were always on our tail – but they were consistent.

They operated on the premise that what was good for the Brits was good for Guyana. It was a kind of equal opportunity “keeping us in their place”.

But nowadays, whose interest is the Police serving?

Certainly not the Government’s – as some from the Opposition quarters are insisting fervidly. Think about it.

Would the Government host a meeting by the President of the land on the Essequibo and then instruct a bunch of SWAT Police to barge in on a businessman in the middle of the night and shoot him dead?? Didn’t think so! And to make matters worse, they haven’t even announced what’s the status of the “investigation” into the shooting.

Then take the biggest botheration for most ordinary Guyanese – who’ve now moved up the economic ladder and own cars. It’s the dread of being hustled on the road by the traffic cops for no other reason than to provide them with a “Granger”. That is, the green-coloured $5000 dollar bill. They insist that’s the price of the Chinese Fried Rice they just gotta have. Your Eyewitness recently tried to question as to why he was being pulled over – since he’s read that just a handful of their speed guns were calibrated. And just brandishing them like Ninja Nunchucks doesn’t calibrate them! Surely, these shenanigans don’t benefit the Government, do they?

But your Eyewitness understands where the Opposition’s coming from. During their 28-year stint at the wheel – through their nefarious, dastardly doings – they used the Police as their special goon squad. Their speciality were delivering condign beatings to attendees at Opposition meetings; raiding private hovels to seize flour and sardines; eavesdropping on conversations in rum shops to “carry-news” on neighbours whose tongues might’ve been loosened – and every now and then, assassinating suspected “subversives”. The kind of folks who’d let themselves be used like this couldn’t be exactly top drawer, could they?

To the PNC, it’s unbelievable that after their 23 years in charge, the PPP wouldn’t be doing the same as they did with the Police to do their bidding. Maybe it’s possible that the Police themselves are confused!! They can’t believe that they should “serve and protect”, not those in power – but the people! It’s up to “we the people” to insist they stick to the straight and narrow.

And we don’t facilitate their craving for “fried rice”! …in the PNC Those who think the PNC’s gonna disappear have another think coming. If it ever does, it’ll be – as they say in the business world – a “cancel and replace” proposition.

That is, a whole new party will have to come along and replace what it stands for completely. And what does it stand for? Well, Guyanese just wanna be represented “by their own”. And while the PPP’s done a good job of splintering away some of the PNC’s base, the majority will remain skittish. Just as the PPP’s base shifted, but returned between 2015 and 2020.

But this confusion in selecting a new leadership isn’t helping either the old or a new PNC taking root. The “hold me, loose me” attitude of Granger and Harmon as to their intentions has really thrown some for a loop. From what’s developing, it looks like Norton’s the front runner to take over…but in addition to the aforementioned dyspeptic duo, Volda’s gonna be a wild card.

That’ll guarantee another period of marking time. …on Spanish working girls The Spanish PM plans to re-criminalise prostitution in his country. Seems that since the oldest profession in the world was legalised some years ago, 300,000 prostitutes are selling their services.

Competition’s not good?

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

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2021 Mid-Year Report

NAREI pumps $602.8M into non-traditional crops cultivation

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he National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has expended some $602.8 million at the end of June this year to further diversify Guyana’s production base and ensure food security.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha remains optimistic that his Ministry will continue to accelerate efforts to meet the dietary demands of all Guyanese.

He said following his appointment as Minister, it was discovered that most of the programmes to rural and hinterland communities

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha examining seedlings during a recent outreach

were halted by the previous Government.

“This significantly affected agricultural development

in this country. Since taking office in 2020, we have not only re-started these programmes, but we have also revamped them and introduced new ones to ensure that everyone benefits.”

Already, NAREI has provided technical assistance and knowledge-sharing to hundreds of farmers countrywide.

The 2021 mid-year report showed that designs were given to farmers for the construction of 97 shade houses in all regions. Shade houses were constructed for demonstration purpose at Hosororo, (Region One), Paramakatoi,

Some seedlings

(Region Eight) and three at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

With the continued push for fruit cultivation, the agency made available hundreds of low-cost seedlings at all NAREI nurseries with 54,915 plants sold for some $13.7 million. During the review period it was discovered that technical support was provided to 16,284 farmers.

Over 1357 farmers from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 benefitted from training sessions in pest and disease management, climate smart agriculture, good agriculture practices and crop husbandry systems, among others.

Further, it was highlighted that of the targeted 1000 acres of new coconut cultivation for the year, 766 acres were cultivated, bringing the national coconut acreage to 29,802 acres.

The Minister reiterated that Government has given prominence to the coconut industry by allocating $70 million to Hope Coconut Industry Limited to promote expansion, inter-cropping, utilisation of coconut by-products, and increase production and productivity.

According to the report,

the construction of the coconut nurseries in Wakenaam, Leguan; Canal No 2, Polder; and No 63 Village, Corentyne, are expected to be completed in the second half of this year.

It said too that “trials for intercropping in the coconut industry commenced on the coastal soil with bora and hot peppers and on the sandy soil with peanuts and red beans, with a view to expanding intercropping cultivation in the coconut fields.”

Accordingly, about 0.7 tonnes of fresh ginger roots were processed and dried at Hosororo and sent to manufacturers to assess the quality. In March, 655 cuttings of black pepper were distributed to the farmers of Regions One and 10 for cultivation.

To date, there are 575 black pepper cuttings at Mon Repos and 3654 at Hosororo.

There are 45 nutmeg trees in Hosororo between five farmers, with an expected yield of 1000 nutmeg per tree per crop. In the second half of 2021, about 222 nutmeg seedlings will be planted at the Hosororo demonstration field.

Mustapha said as time progresses there will be a drastic change in the provision of extension support services.

TGA resumes flights to Suriname with connections to Europe, Asia

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eginning October 28, 2021, Trans Guyana Airways will resume 2 weekly flights to John Adolf Pengel International Airport, Suriname, from Eugene F Correia International, Guyana.

These flights will facilitate travel to and from Suriname as well as connections to Europe and Asia.

“Trans Guyana Airways prides itself in taking great care to protect the health and safety of its customers and staff. Our procedures are updated regularly in keeping with the most current guidelines from Government and international agencies with particular emphasis on controlling the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandem-

ic. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff is our number one priority,” the airline noted in a release to the press on Monday.

The flights are set for Sundays and Thursdays and require all passengers to be fully vaccinated or present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

On this note, the airline said that arrangements can be made to facilitate a PCR test for an additional fee for passengers departing from Ogle.

Travellers are asked to contact the Commercial Department of Trans Guyana Airways on telephone number 592-222-2525, or via email at commercial1@transguyana. net or WhatsApp 592-6839413.

NEWS

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Irregularities in award of contracts in APNU-controlled Region 10 – PAC hears ...AG unable to find reasons why lowest bids not accepted

Public Works Minister & PAC member Juan Edghill

Governance Minister & PAC member Gail Teixeira

situation was on Monday flagged by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), whereby millions of dollars worth of contracts were not being awarded to the lowest responsive bidder and there are no minutes to explain why.

The Region 10 Regional Administration was on Monday summoned before the PAC, to answer for some of the findings in the 2016 Auditor General report. One of the findings was that 14 contracts totalling $38.5 million were awarded in 2016 to neither the lowest or most responsive bidders.

Additionally, 17 contracts for the execution of drainage and irrigation works as well as road works were awarded. These contracts were also not awarded to the lowest or most competitive bidders.

Contracts for the delivery of public works and services are usually awarded by the Tender Board to persons who make the lowest bids while satisfying all the criteria on the tender. In the case of Region 10, however, there were no minutes to explain the Tender Board’s decision, prompting PAC Member Juan Edghill to seek answers from Regional

Executive Officer Dwight John.

“Since my assumption of office, we have a dedicated Tender Board Secretary that takes care of all the minutes. It is well recorded and all Tender Board members would sign after perusing said minutes,” John said.

But John’s predecessor, Gavin Clarke, was adamant that minutes were taken in 2016 by a staff who was assigned to this role.

Ultimately, Edghill issued a stern reminder that contracts must be awarded to the lowest or most competitive bidders.

“The procurement Act says that is how you award a contract, to the lowest or the most competitive bid.

The Auditor General is saying it did not happen. And in order for us to be able to verify justification for why it did not happen, the justification is found in the minutes.

And the minutes did not state. And the fact that the minutes did not state it, it is left open. And he (Auditor General) is asking that the minutes state it.”

“So the process is left to still be judged, because from the submissions that were made, the only reason the Auditor General can know it didn’t go to the lowest or

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Linden nurses charged...

FROM PAGE 8

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony reminded the public that in Section 240 of the Criminal Offences Act, Chapter 8:01, forgery is an offence and as such, warned of the penalties persons will face if they are caught forging the vaccination cards. “…you can be prosecuted for forgery and the fine, if you’re found guilty of forgery, would be up to three years’ imprisonment. And if you forge a vaccination card, you will be liable to this type

of punishment if caught. So, I want to encourage people: desist from such practices because when we catch you, you are going to feel the full brunt of the law,” the Health Minister declared.

He went on to say that the punishment, “…goes to the people who have access to the vaccination card and the people who are buying the vaccination card”. In fact, several persons were already charged for attempting to sell vaccination booklets.

most responsive is because he was able to see the scores and the bid prices of all the bidders,” Edghill explained, noting that this also makes it almost impossible for aggrieved bidders to file a protest with the bid protest committee.

PAC member and Public Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira meanwhile urged the new REO to take heed of the lessons from 2016, to make sure they are not repeated going forward.

“I think that for the new REOs and so on, the lessons that we find in 2016 should be a caution to them to ensure that they don’t fall into the same habits as previously,” Minister Teixeira exhorted the regional team.

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NEWS

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HSS, Sewa donate oxygen plant to Ocean View facility – to cut cost to procure oxygen

Left to right: Khandai Seenanan; Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Coordinator Ravi Dev

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ith the contribution of an oxygen plant by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) in collaboration with Sewa Guyana, the Infectious Diseases Hospital will be able to cut costs on spending to procure oxygen.

At a press conference on Monday, it was revealed that the plant has already been procured but officials are awaiting logistical arrangements to have it airlifted here.

While the exact cost was not divulged, it was mentioned that a plant of this nature would cost in the vicinity of US$150,000 with equivalent sums to have it shipped.

HSS Coordinator Ravi Dev informed that the plant was sourced from India after the Health Ministry indicated the need for such a system.

“The plant has already been sourced. It’s just a matter of getting a flight. It’s in the hands of DHL and it will be flown into Guyana. You can imagine the expense of flying it but at this juncture, we need to ensure that our Infectious Diseases Hospital is supplied with its independent source of oxygen,” Dev noted.

When it arrives, an engineer from India will commission the plant. This new addition will occupy 512 square feet and be capable of supplying 800 litres of oxygen per minute. The calculations show that some 50 patients can be attached simultaneously.

In Guyana, arrangements are being made in the meantime. According to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, it will significantly cut costs for purchasing oxygen.

“We were anticipating a Delta surge and we were talking about the needs we would have in case such a surge occurs. Earlier in the year when we were contemplating this, one of the areas where we thought we might be challenged was in the area of providing adequate supplies of oxygen.

The COVID-19 hospital at Liliendaal, we do have close to 200 beds and we have been buying oxygen for that facility. Our ICU setup there, we have moved it from eight beds to now about 52 beds and therefore, providing constantly the amount of

oxygen is a very expensive exercise,” he shared.

Dr Anthony added that once the plant is installed, it will complement the operations at the specialised facility.

“We hope that we will overcome those logistical difficulties and once that happens, that plant would be in Guyana and with the assistance of the Indian engineer, we will be able to get that up and running.”

Both organisations are working in conjunction with the Ministry to help with lifting awareness and collaborating at vaccination events.

Some 496,580 KN95 masks; 14,856 handsanitisers; 11,150 wipes; 342 gowns and 2248 bottles of liquid soap among other items have also been donated.

Last August, the Health Ministry had requested technical support from PAHO to assess the oxygen supply infrastructure in the health system, to determine measures to scale up distribution of oxygen in the country.

PAHO deployed a team within days to assess current medical oxygen supply capacities and proposed recommendations to improve epidemic response.

A checklist was prepared to gather information on quantitative consumption measurements, including litres of oxygen consumed per week, the number of oxygen points and additional data to measure oxygen consumption and project an increase in demand.

The second component consisted of a nine-day site visit conducted by the team to the 16 most important regional and district hospitals across the ten administrative regions of Guyana, with the primary purpose of assessing the oxygen supply infrastructure within the hospitals, such as the system of distribution and areas where oxygen is required.

In addition, other areas of hospital management were inspected, such as the stability of the electricity supply from the national grid and emergency generators, sterilisation equipment and techniques, water supply, and the availability of qualified and trained technical staff to manage the facilities.

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$7.3M vehicle donated to boost healthcare delivery in Reg 1

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony hands over the keys of the vehicle to Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley

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he Health Ministry on Monday handed a brand-new Nissan Frontier vehicle valued at $7.3 million to Region One

(Barima-Waini) in order to boost the provision of health services there.

The vehicle was handed over to the Regional

Chairman Brentnol Ashley, who expressed his gratitude and noted that the vehicle will help boost the delivery of healthcare in the region.

“I am very grateful on behalf of the people of Region One, more so the regional health department, for this simple handing over of this vehicle, which will boost our health services delivery… and we’re very grateful to the Government for making this available and assure the Honourable Minister of

Health and the Government that it will be used to its fullest potential and for the purpose of this being given to us.”

Meanwhile, for his part, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony explained that this is just one way in which Central Government intends to help in the improvement of the healthcare system in the region.

“Apart from improving some of the infrastructure that we have there like the

Port Kaituma Hospital and the Mabaruma and Kumaka District Hospitals and some of the health centres, we also want to make [sure] they have a good transport infrastructure as well,” Dr Anthony explained.

“Over the last year we have been able to donate ambulance, a boat and some other transport equipment to the region and today we're adding to what we’ve already given,” he added.

Moreover, the Health

Minister posited that Central Government will continue to make such donations to the region.

“In the coming year, we are going to continue to get more things done for Region One and all of that is done with the idea of helping to increase our coverage in the region, and to make sure that quality health services are available to each of the communities regardless of how far you are from the (health) centres.”

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NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoH, RAD-AID partner to expand radiology capabilities in Guyana

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he Health Ministry on Monday announced a new partnership with the radiology non-profit organisation, RAD-AID International, to increase and improve radiology capabilities and services throughout Guyana.

The collaboration entails the expansion of medical imaging equipment, Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), electronic health interconnectivity, community outreach, as well as clinical education for nurses, technologists and physicians.

The partnership builds upon RAD-AID’s work to establish Guyana’s first radiology residency at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) since 2017, which recently graduated Guyana’s first class of in-country trained radiologists.

Over the last four years, RAD-AID also implemented and supported new computed tomography (CT) services and PACS in GPHC, New Amsterdam and Bartica Hospitals, along with training of physicians, nurses and technologists for IV contrast procedures, radiologic/ultrasound image-quality, patient-safety, and women’s health outreach (with support from Ambra Health, Philips, Bayer and Google Cloud).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, RAD-AID increased remote teaching and clinical support to Guyana’s hospitals, and delivered innovative medical imaging artificial intelligence implementation and training (with support from Densitas, Koios Medical, and Qure.ai).

The Health Ministry and RAD-AID aim to leverage these achievements to

scale up healthcare resources in Guyana’s low-resource hospitals and facilities. The Ministry is working with RAD-AID to expand healthcare accessibility among medically underserved communities in Guyana, accelerate technology adoption for modernising the country’s health information platforms, and connect tertiary care institutions with regional and district health facilities.

“Radiology (imaging diagnostics) is a critical part of quality medicine. With this collaboration, we seek to elevate both technology and human resource capacity throughout the country, bringing better healthcare to people,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated “We are delighted to collaborate with Guyana’s Ministry of Health for advancing radiology health services and capabilities in Guyana,” Founder and CEO of RAD-AID, Dr Daniel J Mollura stated.

“This new partnership will enable RAD-AID to extend the progress at GPHC, New Amsterdam, and Bartica Hospitals, to other health institutions throughout Guyana. We look forward to strengthening technology, innovation, and education for Guyana’s health workers and patients.”

CWC taxi driver chopped to face during argument

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taxi driver is now nursing a chop to his face following an argument with a man who rode into the door of his car at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday evening. The injured man was identified as 27-year-old Safar Dillawar of CWC. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 20:30h, the victim was reportedly seated on a culvert in an access street in Crabwood Creek when the suspect rode into the door of his car that was parked along the street.

This resulted in an argument between them.

Police stated that the suspect left the scene and soon after returned with a cutlass in his hand which he used to inflict a single chop to the victim’s face and made good his escape.

The injured man was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital by his brother where he was treated and admitted a patient under observation. His condition is regarded as serious.

Based on information received, the suspect was contacted and taken to the Springlands Police Station where he was placed into custody pending an investigation.

The Health Ministry intends to make state-of-theart X-rays and other imaging diagnostics such as CT, MRI and Ultra Sound more accessible in all regional hospitals.

The Ministry of Health is also phasing out old technology, phasing out the need for imaging films and use of chemicals which constitute an environmental hazard.

22 NEWS GCCI lobbies for Guyanese to enjoy visa-free travel to England R TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

eminding that in the past, Guyanese enjoyed visa-free travel to England, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said it is lobbying for the return of this arrangement, especially in light of the increased business activities which are slated to take place between the two nations.

GCCI President Timothy Tucker recently told Guyana Times that his organisation

cacy was done on October 4 when the GCCI met with new British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller.

“We’ve lobbied for the re-institution of issuing of visas in Georgetown, barring that there’s no visa lifting, because we know up to 1992, it wasn’t a requirement for a visa to go to England, you could’ve gone there with your Guyanese passport. After 1992, when we got back free and fair elections, a visa re-

“continues to lobby for the removal of visa requirements to England.” The latest advo-

quirement was reinstituted,” Tucker explained.

Meanwhile, Tucker high-

between the two countries, how Guyanese products can enter the UK market, how Guyanese can tap into the West Indian and Caribbean market in London, how we can have direct flights from Georgetown to London, how we can have direct shipping from Georgetown to London,”

GCCI President Timothy Tucker

lighted that with the development of Guyana’s economy, the GCCI finds it necessary to ask that such barriers be removed in order to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

“Being part of the Commonwealth, we find it necessary, especially on the new windfall of Guyana, the higher movement of Guyana from a low-income to upper middle-income country, we believe that it’s the time that these barriers and hurdles be

removed and more embracement of the two countries happen.”

Apart from this, the GCCI Head explained that the business organisation has been engaging with the British diplomat on a number of other sectors.

“In our discussions, we discussed how we could build capacity in the local Private Sector through training, through access to training courses, access to cooperation, a better trade relation

Tucker surmised.

“I’ve also stressed that it’s very important that we have a better relationship with Great Britain in terms of the tourism sector, how do we get them to access our markets, how do we go to London as a tourist destination as well,” he added.

Taxi driver freed on narcotrafficking charge after prosecution fails to prove case

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Freed: Benny Cumberbatch

charge for trafficking in narcotics against 40-year-old taxi driver Benny Cumberbatch has been dismissed owing to the prosecution’s failure to prove its case. In December 2018, Cumberbatch appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the offence.

Police had alleged that on December 13, 2018, at Little Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he had 12 pounds of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Cumberbatch had initially pleaded not guilty to the allegation and a trial commenced thereafter.

The case for the prosecution was that on December 13, 2018, Police ranks acting on information stopped motor car HC 6869 which was being driven by Cumberbatch, in the vicinity of Little Diamond, EBD. Police said that a search was conducted on the person of the defendant but nothing illegal was found.

However, a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be narcotics was found in the back seat of the vehicle. As such, Police said that the narcotic was seized.

The prosecution had contended that after the drug was found, Cumberbatch told Police ranks “Leh we work out something nah”.

In his defence, Cumberbatch testified that the motor car is owned by his sister, who would from time to time rent the vehicle to different persons. He testified that on the day in question, he collected the car from one Mr Duncan at the Soesdyke Junction, East Bank Demerara.

He testified that he did not check the trunk, neither the back seat of the vehicle. He further de-

nied knowing that the illicit drug was stored in the car since it was concealed in an area that is not exposed to the ordinary view. To this end, Cumberbatch’s lawyer, Bernard Da Silva, presented a no-case submission.

Therein, the lawyer argued that the evidence adduced by the prosecution, taken at its highest, failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that any act by his client satisfied the elements of the charge. The lawyer submitted that there was no evidence such as voice or video recordings, contemporary notes, or a diary entry in support of the purported oral statement made by Cumberbatch.

Notably, the lawyer argued that his client vehemently denies making any such statement. “The words purportedly uttered by [Cumberbatch] bear no admission to knowledge and control of any narcotic and can only invite speculations as to the meaning intended.

Maybe he was imploring the investigating ranks to expand their investigations to get the real culprits of this crime.”

According to the defence counsel, the lapses and disjointed evidence prove to be fatal to the prosecution’s case and only added to the lack of fairness, balance, credibility, and corroboration in the collective testimonies of the prosecution’s witnesses which consisted mostly of Police ranks.

As such, the lawyer submitted that his client should benefit from the doubts created in the prosecution’s case and asked that the charge against his client be dismissed. Having examined the evidence in the matter, the Magistrate upheld the submission of no case to answer and dismissed the charge against him

23 Health Ministry urges HIV patients to get vaccinated H NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has called upon HIVpositive persons to get vaccinated against COVID-19, since an immune-compromised situation can escalate contraction of the disease.

The Minister pointed out that persons suffering from HIV are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. This can be exacerbated if they are not taking any medications for their condition.

“HIV is considered one of the diseases that would put persons at a higher risk of getting COVID-19.

Generally, people who are HIV positive, in some cases if they’re not getting their medications or they’re not taking their medications, their immune system would be compromised.

That would then put them at a disadvantage because they can easily get other types of infections.”

According to him, the benefits of taking the vaccine will offset any tem-

porary symptoms when the shot is administered.

Moreover, the vaccines offered in Guyana are safe.

“It is recommended that persons with HIV take the COVID-19 vaccine because it’s going to protect them.

The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweighs the risks. In some cases, persons who would have had their immune system compromised, it is also recommended that they get a third dose or a booster shot.

Any one of the vaccines

that we are currently using for the adult population can be used for HIV patients.

Currently, we’re using AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V and J&J vaccines.”

Meanwhile, when asked about any interference between HIV medications and the vaccines, the Minister said, “The mechanisms of action are totally different.

Vaccines help to stimulate the immune system so that your body can produce antibodies that can fight off

DPP appeared in 14 matters at Appeal Court, 2 at CCJ

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he office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reported that it appeared in 14 matters at the Guyana Court of Appeal during June, July, and August 2021. The matters were for the offences of murder, sexual offences, robbery under arms, and fraudulent conversion.

Of these 14 matters, three appellants were allowed their appeals in part.

The Court of Appeal affirmed their convictions but varied their prison sentence.

Another six appellants were allowed their applications; two of them were granted leave to file for an extension of time to appeal.

Four appellants were allowed to file and serve notices of appeal, while another two appellants withdrew their application to appeal. An application to appeal against conviction and sentence will proceed. An appeal against sentence filed by three convicts who were sentenced to death is in progress.

In another matter, the State had appealed against an order by a High Court

Judge to release a murder accused from prison. In June, the appellate court overturned that order and ruled that the accused surrender himself to the prison authority.

During this time, the Demerara Full Court sat three times to hear matters for the offences of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and illegal arrival and crossing a land frontier. One appellant was allowed his application to appeal against conviction and sentence.

The Demerara Full Court quashed and set aside his conviction. The other two appellants, a foreign couple, were allowed their applications to appeal their sentences that were reduced to time served and were subsequently deported. The Berbice Full Court also sat six times during this period.

The court heard appeals for the offence of abusive language, threatening behaviour, assault causing actual bodily harm, dangerous driving, and possession of narcotics for the purpose of

trafficking.

The court allowed two applications. In one of the applications, the appellant’s conviction was affirmed but his sentence was varied.

The other appellant had his conviction and sentence set aside. The court dismissed two other applications because they had no jurisdiction to hear them. Two appellants withdrew their application to appeal against their sentences.

Meanwhile, in June and October, DPP Shalimar AliHack, SC, appeared before two matters at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). One of these is an appeal filed by US-based Guyanese businessman Marcus Bisram against a ruling of the Court of Appeal to surrender himself to the prison authority.

The other appeal is that of Calvin Ramcharran v the State. Ramcharran was convicted of raping a woman and assaulting her so as to cause her bodily harm during the furtherance of the rape. He was granted leave to appeal against his sentence. This matter remains in progress.

COVID-19. Antiretrovirals work differently. They interrupt the life cycle of HIV. Therefore, their actions are totally different and there’s no interaction between the two.”

He said the first thing an HIV patient can do to protect themself is to “Go and get vaccinated”.

A few months ago, a World Health Organisation report confirmed that HIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for both severe or critical COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission and in-hospital mortality. Overall, nearly a

quarter - 23.1 per cent of all people living with HIV who were hospitalised with COVID-19, died.

The report was based on clinical surveillance data from 37 countries regarding the risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV) admitted to hospital for COVID-19.

It found that the risk of developing severe or fatal COVID-19 was 30 per cent greater in PLHIV compared to people without HIV infection. Underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are common among PLHIV. Among male PLHIV over the age of

65 years, diabetes and hypertension were associated with an increased risk of more severe and fatal COVID-19. These conditions are known to put people at increased risk of severe disease and death.

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed 34.7 million lives so far. To reach the new proposed global 95–95–95 targets set by UNAIDS, countries need to redouble efforts to avoid increasing HIV infections due to HIV service disruptions during COVID-19 thereby slowing down the public health response to HIV.

Sophia man charged for stealing from employer

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North Sophia, Greater Georgetown man appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where were more than a dozen charges were read to him which alleged that he stole over $300,000 from his employers.

Darrell LaFargue,23, appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IssacsMarcus. He pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that between August 21, 2021, and September 4, 2021, at Regent Street, Georgetown while being employed as a

Darrell LaFargue

clerk/servant at Queensway Security Service Inc., he stole $362,314 in cash.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell told

the court that she intends to present 40 more similar charges against LaFargue.

She said that when the allegations were put to him, he gave a caution statement.

In the end, the defendant was granted bail totalling $600,000.

Conditionality of the bail is that he reports to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown every Friday until the hearing and determination of his trial.

LaFargue’s case will be called again on November 1.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

26 NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-Police Sgt acquitted of murder to sue State after jailed from 2015-2021 …in the absence of evidence, he should not have been charged – High Court Judge

Confessed killer: Colin Grant Justice Jo Ann Barlow

Former Police Sergeant Colin Bailey (centre) with his lawyers Ronald Daniels and Konyo Sandiford during the press conference held at Hughes, Fields, and Stoby Law Office in Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown

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ormer Police Sergeant Colin Bailey, who was freed last Wednesday after spending almost six years on remand for the 2013 murder of his 36-year-old reputed wife Surmattie Ramnaress said he will be filing a lawsuit against the State for prosecuting him even though there was no evidence linking him to the crime.

In February 2016, Bailey, 57, was charged with Ramnaress’ murder which occurred between August 30 and 31, 2013, in the county of Demerara. Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in November 2016, a Magistrate, having found that there was sufficient evidence against Bailey and his co-accused Colin Grant, committed them both to stand trial for the capital offence at the High Court in Demerara.

On October 6, State pros-

ecutors presented the murder indictment against Bailey and Grant at the High Court. A jury was empanelled by Justice Jo Ann Barlow to hear the case.

However, on October 12, Grant opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He will be sentenced on November 2.

As such, Justice Barlow proceeded with the trial against Bailey. But on October 13, State prosecutors, after calling several witnesses, conceded that there was no evidence linking the former cop to the crime.

Considering this, Bailey’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes, submitted that there was no case for his client to answer.

Accordingly, Justice Barlow directed the 12-member jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty and Bailey was set free. The Judge, in brief remarks, ex-

pressed that she was upset with the fact that Bailey was charged and forced to spend several years in jail, even though there was no evidence against him. To this end, she implored prosecutors to thoroughly examine depositions/indictments before presenting cases.

“This must not happen again”

“I must plead to the prosecutorial arm of the State to examine the material.

Examine the committal records, examine all other relevant material carefully, and fulfil the constitutional mandate that dictates that no one should be before the courts unless there is some lawful reason for that person to be there.”

Regarding the aforesaid, the Judge said “this is not too much to ask” given that every civilised society must have a system that ensures, for its citizens, that mea-

sure of security. In the absence of sufficient evidence, Justice Barlow stressed that Bailey should not have been charged and placed before the court.

Directing her comments at the State prosecutor, the Judge said, “this must not happen again”. The Judge was keen to point out that she was in no way trying to blame the prosecutor who presented the matter before her but rather requested the prosecutor to convey the court’s dissatisfaction to her superiors.

The Judge noted that presiding over Bailey’s matter was “a waste of judicial time” since the former policeman should not have been before the court from the inception. Justice Barlow said given what transpired in this case, she will take on the task of getting familiar with depositions before starting trials.

The High Court Judge made it clear that she will take “drastic measures” if there is no evidence. She went on to reason that a case with no evidence to substantiate a charge “is giving john public false hope.” She added, “This is saying to john public, we have a case, but john public does not know that there was none”.

In the end, Justice Barlow said that prosecutors must be able to stand and present cases that can be properly presented, presided over, and properly deliberated on by a jury if the matter gets to that point.

CoI

Meanwhile, Bailey’s lawyers including Hughes, Konyo Sandiford, and Ronald Daniels believe that there is something fundamentally wrong with Guyana’s justice system in light of a citizen being charged, committed, and indicted when there is no evidence connecting them to the offence.

When this happens, the lawyers pointed out that “it sends the wrong message to society and persons believe that the system of trial by one’s peers is broken, persons cast aspersions at the Judiciary because these persons do not know that from its inception the case was doomed to fail.”

“This is a case where the constitutional body tasked with preferring lawful indictments following lawful

committals has failed Mr Bailey,” the lawyers noted. Against this backdrop, the lawyers are calling for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The lawyers are further calling for an investigation into how many citizens are in or were in the same state as their client and what is the way forward. The three defence counsel said that their client was put in this position because the DPP’s office which is tasked with ensuring that a person is only before the court if there is evidence linking them to the crime, did not thoroughly peruse the evidence.

The lawyers stopped short of identifying former accused persons who were in the same position as Bailey, but disclosed that the “court knows of instances in another county where this exact situation occurred.”

Moreover, the lawyers pointed out that the chill observations by Justice Barlow that there were other persons in a similar position in another county, “is an indictment on the justice system in Guyana where miscarriages of justice facilitated by the State continue unabated.”

In the circumstances, the lawyers held a press conference on Monday during which they echoed the pleas made to the office of the DPP

by Justice Barlow. “…examine the material if you have anything to do with the initial charge, no charge should be instituted where there is no evidence, examine the committal record, examine all other relevant material carefully and fulfil the constitutional mandate that dictates that no one should be before the court unless there is some lawful reason for that person to be there.”

Addressing reporters at the media briefing, Sandiford pointed out that there will always be advice from the office of the DPP before a murder charge is laid. Added to that, she said the DPP’s office is also duty-bound to peruse the committal records before presenting an indictment.

Considering this, the lawyer asked, “How is it that we can concede on the 13th of October 2021? How can you stand and concede there was no evidence to charge?

There was no evidence to commit and there was no evidence to indict. And he

Dead: Surmattie Ramnaress

[Colin Bailey] sat there in prison for almost six years.”

It was really bad

Meanwhile, Bailey in brief remarks, like many other inmates, detailed the horrors of life behind bars.

Having been housed at three different prisons, the former Sergeant revealed that he was attacked by other inmates, suffered a heart attack, and even contracted the novel coronavirus while incarcerated.

“It was really bad there for me because it is strange the things you see, the things you do, how you have to conduct yourself: eating, sleeping, bathing talking to people… you might very well speak to a prisoner now and he responds to you; but the very next morning you are in a for a slap or a cuff or a cuss out.”

For the most part, he had nothing good to say about prison officers. The former cop had always professed his innocence. In 2015, Bailey was charged with bribery and corruption and subsequently dismissed from the Guyana Police Force where he had served for almost 20 years.

Body found

The lifeless body of Ramnaress, called “Savita”, was found at around 10:00h on August 31, 2013, at her Lot 2430, 21st Avenue Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara home.

Her throat had been slit, her head bashed in, and her hip disjointed. Sections of her property had been destroyed by fire.

The bottom flat of the house had been completely drenched with kerosene, and the entire house had been ransacked, which suggested that the woman was robbed before she was killed.

The perpetrators had also set alight a bond behind the house, and it was completely destroyed.

After the robbery, the killers escaped in one of the woman’s motor cars.

Recordings from the internal and external surveillance cameras were missing.

From the inception, investigators believed the robbery might have been an inside job since there was no sign of forced entry into the premises.

The woman’s property was protected by a high grill fence and an alarm system, which according to neighbours did not go off during the night of the gruesome murder.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Diaspora shows significant 1 killed, friend hospitalised interest to invest in Guyana following bee attack – Foreign Secretary

A Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (centre) poses with members of the Diaspora

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ollowing two high-level Government engagements with the diaspora in the tri-state area of the United States of America, Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud said the diaspora has demonstrated “significant interests” in investing in Guyana.

During a recent interview on the National Communications Network (NCN), Persaud recalled the recent Government engagement with the New York diaspora and the GuyaneseAmerican Chamber of Commerce (GACC).

The meeting was led by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips with support from Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira and Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal.

During the meetings, the diaspora was apprised of the business opportunities in Guyana, as well as visions and plans for each sector of the economy.

“There will be greater clarity on the opportuni-

ties. How you can do business in Guyana with ease.

There will be a range of opportunities, not only in oil and gas, but also in food production. Food prices are expected to increase and places like Guyana stand to gain from that moment. We have the potential to satisfy that demand,” the Foreign Secretary relayed.

He said the President Irfaan Ali-led Government has already conducted successful engagements with the Florida business community, US investors and Central America, among others.

This was achieved as part of the Government’s promise to enhance diaspora involvement in Guyana.

“As we are bringing in forest investors. It is important that we target the Guyanese diaspora. We should not ignore this rich resource base that we call the global Guyanese diaspora, and as much as possible we want to reach out and let them know what the opportunities are,” the Foreign Secretary said.

He added that a number of missions have been

planned to engage the diaspora. To this end, he said the Guyana-American Chamber of Commerce is already tasked with identifying other follow-up activities. He noted too that a slew of investors has submitted proposals to either set up shop or partner with locations to benefit from business opportunities in Guyana.

“We are serious and we are committed, and these two high-level interactions were just the recent part of a continuous ongoing programme that will only escalate to ensure that the Guyanese diaspora is given the opportunity to complement and support, and also to make their input, whether it is investment or skills in the transformation agenda that is taking place in Guyana as our economy grows,” Persaud articulated.

In the region, the Foreign Secretary related that the diaspora unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in discussions with the diaspora in Venezuela, Brazil and the Caribbean on business opportunities, as well as offering support for natural disasters.

Essequibo man acquitted of rape

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27-year-old man was on Monday acquitted on a rape charge by a 12-member jury.

Troy Tulsaram, a truck driver of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was on trial for the offence before High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court in Suddie.

It was alleged that on April 23, 2018, in the county of Essequibo, he engaged in sexual penetration of a woman without her consent. Upon his indictment, he pleaded not guilty.

The short facts are that the man and the 18-year-old woman are known to each other.

Tulsaram’s lawyer,

Jerome Khan, said the prosecutor contended that his client went over to the woman’s house and raped her.

However, the defence counsel disputed the facts.

In so doing, he argued

that among other things, the medical examination conducted on the woman did not find any bruises to her vaginal area. State Counsel Tiffini Lyken appeared for the prosecution.

Sirpaul “Rishi” Hemraj, John Sutherland and Dorothy Adams

nother bee attack, this time on the East Coast of Demerara, has left one man dead and another seeking medical attention. The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday along the Montrose Seawall, ECD. The dead man has been identified only as “Sonny”.

Guyana Times understands that residents reportedly rescued the friend after he was attacked on Sunday afternoon. At that time, the residents contacted the beekeepers to remove the bees and as they turned up to do so, they stumbled upon the man’s body.

The now dead man and his friend reportedly lived in

a makeshift camp along the seawall.

This is the fourth person who died during a bee attack in the past two weeks.

Two weeks ago, 57-yearold John Sutherland of Eversham, Corentyne, Berbice, and 58-yearold Dorothy Adams of Rotterdam, East Bank Berbice, were killed during separate bee attacks in Berbice. A few days later, 62-year-old Sirpaul Hemraj, former Head of the Black Bush Water Users Association, and resident of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, was attacked and killed by bees.

It was reported that Hemraj left the Mibicuri

NDC Office on his motorcycle in the company of two others, to make checks on an excavator which was doing drainage works in the backdam.

Hemraj was sitting on his motorcycle while the other men were overseeing the work of the excavator when suddenly someone started to shout, “Bee!” Everyone began to run to safety, but Hemraj was left behind.

When the others returned to the location, they observed Hemraj lying on the ground covered in mud, with swellings about his body. He was rushed to the Mibicuri Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Youman Nabi allows for renewal Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): of mindsets to follow the path The Unextinguished Light of virtue and peace – PPP

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n the occasion of Youman Nabi, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wishes to extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese, more particularly, our brothers and sisters of the Muslim communities both here in Guyana and overseas.

Youman Nabi is a very sacred occasion to Muslims across the world since it marks both the birth and death anniversaries of Islam’s Holy Prophet Muhammad. Its observance allows for worship and reflection on his exemplary life and inspiring teachings.

The messages that are associated with Youman Nabi, offer guidance to

all of mankind and are invaluable to the realization of universal peace and togetherness thereby enabling opportunities for forgiveness.

Youman Nabi, like other national observances, is invaluable to the promotion of unity through participation and increases the potential for the building of tolerance which is vital to the realization of national harmony. This will take a collective effort and will redound positively for our country.

Cognizant of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (OHBP), the PPP also believes that the occasion of Youman Nabi allows for the renewal of mindsets to follow the path of virtue

and peace as epitomized in the religion of Islam.

All are therefore urged to use the occasion for meaningful reflection, for spiritual advancement and to heed the many lessons of humility, contentment, respect and love among mankind.

Our Party is also aware of the impact the ongoing COVID19 pandemic has on events associated with national observances. The Party is confident that, despite the challenges, the spirit and significance that Youman Nabi embodies will remain vibrant and relevant to our personal and collective development.

Once again, best wishes.

life like that of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the final emissary of God Almighty, is an example to emulate in every aspect of life. The auspicious occasion of Youman Nabi allows Muslims around the world to rekindle their connection with Islam’s ideal Prophet.

And so, on this auspicious day, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation – Guyana seize this opportunity to extend Youman Nabi greetings to the nation of Guyana, His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali and family, distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, and all peoples of this beautiful country.

The earth was enveloped in layers of darkness prior to the arrival of Prophet

Muhammad (PBUH).

Humanity was blinded by oppression, immorality, violence, and ignorance until the light of Islam shone through the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). That light is still burning today, and that example continues to inspire.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sent as a “mercy to mankind”, initiated a vast transformation in human life - from the individual, the family, society, and nation. He embodied an awakening that continues to influence the entire world to this day. Besides championing the rights of the vulnerable, he also freed the slaves, and abolished harsh practices against women and children.

In all his interactions, be it with family members, friends, and/or opponents, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exhibited the highest ethical standards. Thus, he was able to disseminate his message by using his high character and moral principles. As

a result, despite his passing many centuries ago, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continues to live among us via his teachings.

As Muslims, it is our duty to embody this paradigm in our everyday lives and show the world, through our behaviours and actions, that we are followers of a prophet revered for his character and morals. This, dear brothers and sisters, will be a fitting tribute to the man on whom Almighty Allah conferred the honour of the “Best of Creation.”

Today and every day, we pray that Almighty Allah exalts the mention of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) among the highest company of angels, and that Allah’s peace and blessings be on him, his family, his Companions, and all those who revere and follow him until the Day of Judgement.

Hajji Dr Roshan Khan Snr

Youman Nabi brings hope and peace – GAWU

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t is now beyond repute – and dispute – that the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, On Who Be Peace (OWBP), is one of mankind’s most seminal and life changing figures contributed to this world as we know it.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes Guyana’s Muslim community, including hundreds of its own members, on the occasion of the Birth of their Prophet – Youman Nabi.

The celebration of a birth is always tinged with joy of hope, new beginnings, fresh starts and the advent of things to come. However, it is what actually transpires after a birth – that period until death – that we must concern ourselves with.

The history of the Prophet’s birthday is traced

to around AD 570. First, observed during the thirteenth century, the earliest Muslims used up one whole month to do this. Later, it was the sound teachings and admonitions of Islam’s Founder which scholars and the faithful study to meaningfully observe his momentous birth.

GAWU embraces the teachings of the Prophet (OWBP) with respect to the search for personal and universal peace. Recent conflicts illustrate that even the powerful cannot win hearts and

minds, cannot change people’s preferences with the force of guns and bombs. As the Prophet (OWBP) teaches, humility and peaceful engagement is the way to understanding and mutual respect.

If there is one precept the followers of Islam can perpetuate it is the pathway to peace.

GAWU invites Guyanese Muslims to both disseminate and implement messages and techniques of peace. If peace is promoted and achieved – from the political and constitutional to the local and national – everything else our society needs can fall into place – increased production, security, investment, national well-being.

May the celebration and worship on this glorious birth anniversary be used to engender and maintain Guyanese peace.

Prophet Muhammad’s teachings still relevant and meaningful – ERC

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he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends greetings to all Guyanese, particularly the Muslim community, in observance of Youman Nabi; the birth and death anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Commission notes that the observance marks another auspicious occasion accorded equal public holiday status given to other festivals of the major religions in the country. The ERC overwhelmingly supports continued preservation of the country’s religious diversity and urges reflection by all Guyanese on

the significance of Youman Nabi.

The Holy Quran refers to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a mercy to mankind and the ERC supports the teachings of the Holy Prophet; they embrace love and respect for each

other to reform mankind’s behaviour and the acceptance of God and his commandments. Youman Nabi serves to reinforce those teachings today among Muslims and all Guyanese which, centuries later remain relevant and continue to be a meaningful guide to all.

The ERC is certain that in heeding those lessons, all Guyanese will be better positioned to foster unity and harmony. The Commission reminds once more of taking the necessary steps to remain safe from COVID-19 during this national observance.

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Youman Nabi reminds that Prophet Muhammad was a fighter for social justice – APNU/AFC

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n the occasion of Youman Nabi also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, Muslims here in Guyana and around the world gather in groups in masjids and other places to reflect on the life and the tremendous work of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who is known as the final messenger of Islam. During the activities that portray this reflection, we commemorate the birth anniversary of this noble personality, who has been described as

a mercy to mankind.

On this auspicious occasion, as we remember Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon

Him) who is recognised and accepted as being fair, truthful, kind, patient, trustworthy, and generous among other

great qualities, we encourage you to emulate the attributes of his character that will lead us to a unified and harmonious Guyana. The APNU+AFC coalition recognises the contributions of this noble prophet of Islam especially as he encouraged mankind to practice enjoining good and forbidding that which is wrong.

These were the qualities that empowered Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to fight for and represent the oppressed people, he bestowed a place of honour for women and girls in the society as he ensured that all cruelty and exploitation on them were abolished. He was a champion

against social injustices; such as racism and discrimination as he taught everyone around him that the religion of Islam recognises and appreciates the diversities of all mankind.

Today in Guyana, it is evident that we have moved away from the guiding principles of this noble Prophet, as we are witnessing daily the oppression of brothers and sisters whereby injustices are inflicted upon them because of their ethnicity, political affiliation, geographic location, and social status.

The APNU+AFC coalition takes this opportunity to call on all Guyanese, as we reflect on the life of Prophet

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) let us use the practices of his life and demand justice for our people so that we can exemplify our motto One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

Today, as we commemorate the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) the APNU+AFC coalition extends best wishes to all Guyanese here and in the diaspora especially our Muslim brothers and sisters and encourages each one of us to be our brothers and sisters’ keepers as we strive for a united and harmonious Guyana.

May the Guidance of Almighty God be with us all.

Remember the moral pathways outlined by Prophet Muhammad – IAC Muslims added value to the nation’s moral

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he Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to extend greetings to all Guyanese especially those who are adherents of Islam, on the occasion of Youman Nabi, a national holiday which commemorates the birth of (and the death) the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon).

The IAC recognises that followers of Islam were present in this country since the days of slavery, as many of the enslaved Africans were Muslims.

The IAC also recognises that new influxes of Muslims to this country occurred during the period of indentureship, as approximately one out of every five East Indian immigrants was a fol-

lower of the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon).

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to remember the moral pathways outlined by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon) in which he called upon all mankind to the way of peace and to the belief in supreme being, and thus reminded them of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equal-

ity and concerned for the dispossessed and the poor.

The IAC, in this significant commemoration of one who arguably is the greatest human who ever lived and who preached the value of love, sacrifice and compassion, to be positively influenced, so that our everyday interactions with each other, irrespective of ethnic religious and class origins.

The IAC is therefore pleased to join with Muslims here and worldwide to observe this auspicious day, and urge that special prayers be offered for peace, so that our country can move forward with prosperity.

Happy Youman Nabi from the IAC.

compass with 5 core beliefs – GTUC

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he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends Youman Nabi greetings to our Guyanese brothers and sisters, more so the ones from the Muslim community.

As the nation marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the founder of the faith and last Prophet from God (Allah), even as there is merriment given what his birth represents, the significance of same should not be overlooked. Our Muslim brothers and sisters have added value to the nation’s moral compass with the faith’s five core beliefs, viz: -Profession of Faith (shahada); Prayer (salat); Alms (zakat); Fasting (sawm);

and Pilgrimage (hajj). And to these the GTUC implores our brothers and sisters to apply in the nation’s quest for peace, goodwill and equality amongst all Guyanese.

As the third largest religion in Guyana - a nation plagued with injustices, the value of social equality which is preeminent in Zakat cannot be underestimated or ignored in these trying times. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), floods, high unemployment, discriminatory cash grant distribution, escalating crimes, other natural and manmade disasters have occasioned socio-economic challenges that could hinder realising the aspiration of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

Attention to the nation’s plight requires the utilisation of a political system that values social equality as centre to development.

It is such a value that must guide the distribution of national resources, and the management of the economy to ensure all are treated with dignity and respect.

This expectation is more pronounced given the nation is led by a man of the faith.

As Guyanese celebrate this holiday, Youman Nabi, let us do so mindful of the value of Zakat and hope its principle would guide President Irfaan Ali’s management of the nation’s resources and the welfare of all the people of Guyana.

Happy Youman Nabi!

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Host venues confirmed for England’s T20I, Test series tours to West Indies in 2022 …T20I series to be held in Barbados; Richards-Botham Trophy Test matches in Antigua, Barbados & Grenada

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ricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the match schedule and venues for the much-anticipated England T20 International (T20I) and Test tours of the West Indies in January and March 2022.

The England Men’s Series in the Caribbean forms a focal point for one of the West Indies Men’s busiest-ever years of international home series cricket.

England will arrive in the Caribbean to play the first-ever five-match T20I series between the two teams. All five matches in Barbados will be played across a nine-day period from January 22 to January 30, 2022, including two consecutive weekends of backto-back T20I cricket.

Following West Indies’ white-ball tour of India in February 2022, the West Indies will welcome England back to the Caribbean for a three-match Test series to compete for the newly-created Richards-Botham Trophy. This new trophy honours two legends of cricket, Sir Vivian Richards and Lord Ian Botham, whose friendship and onfield heroics became synonymous with some of their respective teams’ greatest Test match moments.

The much-anticipated Test series will start appropriately at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) in Antigua on March 8, 2022 before moving to the Kensington Oval in Barbados for the second Test starting on March 16. The third Test match will bowl off on March 24 on the “Spice Isle” of Grenada at the National Cricket Stadium. The Test series is a key fixture in both teams’ International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship schedule, which will determine the best Test match cricket team in the world by 2023.

Initially, official West Indies tour operator and licensed ticket partner packages will go on sale, with details to come in the next seven days. Online ticket sales will commence in mid-November through

The Grenada National Stadium

CWI’s new ticket platform.

Fans can sign up to receive the first news of tickets going on sale at Windies’ website.

CWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnny Grave said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the venues for this extended West Indies v England T20I and Test Series. The history and rivalry between the two teams create great anticipation for fans here in the Caribbean and around the world. These fixtures are part of a bumper year of international home cricket running from January to August in the Caribbean.”

Grave added: “A West Indies v England home Test series is the biggest sporting and sports tourism event in the Caribbean. Dating back to 1930 when the first England team visited, these fixtures are steeped in history and a new chapter in this great rivalry will be written, this time with the prize of the new Richards-Botham Trophy. Celebrating these two heroes of cricket and lifelong friends with the new trophy, staging world-class cricket and hosting thousands of England fans will be a welcome boost for cricket and for the whole Region.

We are all really looking forward to welcoming fully-vaccinated England fans who can not only enjoy some winter sun and Caribbean hospitality but also some worldclass cricket with both these England Tours, as well as the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup that will also take place in the West Indies in January next year.”

The West Indies v England T20I and Test series will be broadcast exclusively live on BT Sport in the United Kingdom, as well as with CWI’s exclusive broadcast partners in key territories around the world.

ENGLAND TOUR OF WEST INDIES 2022 MATCH SCHEDULE

West Indies v England T20I series, all played at the Kensington Oval, Barbados Saturday, January 22 – 1st T20I West Indies v England

Sunday, January 23 – 2nd T20I West Indies v England Wednesday, January 26 – 3rd T20I West Indies v England Saturday, January 29 – 4th T20I West Indies v

England Sunday, January 30 – 5th T20I West Indies v England West Indies v England Test Series March 1-4 – Four-day

warm-up match at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua March 8-12 – 1st Test Match, West Indies v England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua March 16-20 – 2nd

Test Match, West Indies v England at Kensington Oval, Barbados March 24-28 – 3rd Test Match, West Indies v England at National Cricket Stadium, Grenada

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman steer Pakistan to victory after West Indies struggle to 130 P

akistan brushed defending champions West Indies aside in their first warm-up game, crushing Kieron Pollard’s side by seven wickets with 27 balls to spare. In a comprehensive all-round bowling performance, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali found themselves among the wickets while keeping the run-scoring down, before a majestic half-century from Babar Azam, and an unbeaten 24-ball 46 from Fakhar Zaman put West Indies out of their misery.

Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik (right) and Fakhar Zaman (second right) along with West Indies’ players walk back to the pavilion after the game

West Indies had won the toss and opted to bat

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Lendl Simmons c Haris Rauf b Shaheen Shah Afridi 18 Andre Fletcher b Hasan Ali 2 Chris Gayle b Haris Rauf 20 Roston Chase c Shaheen Shah Afridi b Imad Wasim 9 Shimron Hetmyer c Babar Azam b Shaheen Shah Afridi 28 Nicholas Pooran † c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 13 Kieron Pollard (c) b Haris Rauf 23 Hayden Walsh not out 0 Extras (b 4, lb 6, w 7) 17 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.50) 130/7 Did not bat: Ravi Rampaul, Obed McCoy, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell, Evin Lewis, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Andre Fletcher, 2.5 ov), 2-30 (Lendl Simmons, 5.6 ov), 3-44 (Roston Chase, 10.2 ov), 4-63 (Chris Gayle, 13.1 ov), 5-93 (Nicholas Pooran, 17.2 ov), 6-108 (Shimron Hetmyer, 18.4 ov), 7-130 (Kieron Pollard, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-0-41-2 Imad Wasim 3-0-6-1 Hasan Ali 4-0-21-2

Haris Rauf 4-0-32-2 Shadab Khan 2-0-7-0 Mohammad Hafeez 3-0-13-0 PAKISTAN INNINGS (TARGET: 131 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Mohammad Rizwan † b Rampaul 13 Babar Azam (c)st †Pooran b Walsh 50 Fakhar Zaman not out 46 Mohammad Hafeez c Hetmyer b Walsh 0 Shoaib Malik not out 14 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 5) 8 TOTAL (15.3 Ov, RR: 8.45) 131/3 Did not bat: Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Haider Ali Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Mohammad Rizwan, 5.3 ov), 2-94 (Babar Azam, 11.5 ov), 3-94 (Mohammad Hafeez, 11.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Ravi Rampaul 3-0-19-1 Obed McCoy 3-0-18-0 Roston Chase 3-0-25-0 Hayden Walsh 3.3-0-41-2 Oshane Thomas 3-0-26-0

first, but found themselves tied down by a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.

Andre Fletcher fell cheaply while Lendl Simmons and Chris Gayle found themselves bogged down, the pair scoring 38 runs between them in 53 deliveries as West Indies fell well behind the rate. Pakistan’s control over the innings continued almost unabated until the final over of the West Indies innings, when five successive fours by Pollard at Rauf’s expense pushed them to 130.

That sort of chase is exactly what Babar and Mohammad Rizwan excel at, and they got Pakistan off to an assured start before Ravi Rampaul cleaned up the Pakistan wicketkeeper. It ushered in Fakhar, though, who freed his arms with carefree abandon, taking the attack to Hayden Walsh in particular as Pakistan began to hurtle to victory. Babar, at the other end, played a characteristically controlled, effective knock, scoring 50 in 41 balls to break the back of the chase.

West Indies got some joy when Walsh dismissed him and Mohammad Hafeez off successive deliveries, but by then the intensity of the contest had all but disappeared.

Shoaib Malik got some batting practice while Zaman lashed Walsh for one more six, getting Pakistan off to the perfect start while leaving the defending champions with much thinking to do. (ESPNcricinfo)

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Boys’ squash team added to Guyana’s Junior Pan Am Contingent A s the time nears for the first-ever staging of such an event, Guyana’s team for the Junior Pan American Games continues to grow, with the Junior’s Boys Squash team earning their tickets.

With the team qualifying for the multi-sport event, slated for November 25-December 5 in Cali, Colombia, the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) hosted a playoff at the home of Squash, the Georgetown Club, in order to identify a three-man team for the Pan American event.

The Junior Boys’ Squash

Michael Alphonso

Samuel Ince- Carvalhal

team will comprise Shomari Wltshire, Michael Alphonso and Samuel Ince- Carvalhal.

Following strict COVID-19 guidelines, a small number of contenders battled for a spot to represent Guyana at the

Shomari Wiltshire

upcoming Cali games.

Squash star Shomari Wiltshire was exempt from the qualification process owing to his stellar reputation in the sport. As such, the teenager secured his spot

“with previous outstanding performance and his consistent reign at the head of the Junior team”, a GSA statement revealed.

With the remaining two places to be filled, Ince-

Carvalhal, Nicholas Verwey, Alphonso and Mohryan Baksh played a round-robin competition that concluded on Saturday morning with a clean sweep for InceCarvalhal, who won all three of his matches to earn his place in the junior squad.

Meanwhile, Alphonso defeated Nicholas Verwey and Baksh, to fill the remaining spot.

Verwey battled valiantly against Ince- Carvalhal and Alphonso, pushing both matches to 5 setters, and young Baksh rallied well with the older boys in his, games.

In Saturday’s competition,

31

Ince-Carvalhal overcame Baksh in their first match, 10-12, 11-2, 11-2 and 114. Alphonso then defeated Verwey 11-13, 13-11, 1214, 11-3 and 11-4. Alphonso returned for his second victory, this time against Baksh in sets, 11-7, 11-4 and 11-6. Ince-Carvalhal continued to keep his slate clean with a hard- fought victory over Verwey 11-5, 9-11, 8-11, 11-3 and 11-9.

Meanwhile, Verwey registered a win over Baksh in straight sets, 11-8, 11-2 and 11-5, while Ince-Carvalhal defeated Alphonso 11-5, 112, 11-3.

Persaud edges out stiff competition Bartica's oldest football club to emerge winner of Trophy bounces back with new structure Stall Golf Tournament

W

olves United Football Club is Bartica's oldest, dating back to the '70s. Today, in spite of many challenges, the club is still alive, restructured and promising to lift itself among the town's top clubs once again.

On Sunday, the club met and held its Annual General Meeting, resulting in a new Executive Committee being identified to lead the club for the coming term.

The following are the new office bearers: President: Nigel Forde Vice President: Alwin Martinborough Secretary: Jacqueline KaiserThomas Treasurer: Randy Lewis Committee Members: Mark Richards, Moonaff Ali, Tyrone

Club Executive Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud hands the first-place trophy and voucher over to Videsh Persaud

T

he action continued on Saturday last at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) as the Trophy Stall Golf Tourney ended with a bang. Left-handed hard hitter Videsh Persaud edged out Hilbert Shields and Ayube Subhan to win his second tournament in four weeks.

Playing alongside Ronald Bulkan, Mike Mangal and club VP Paton George, Persaud started slowly, but stormed back on the back nine to steal the first-place trophy along with best net back nine.

The three winners shared all six trophies and vouchers with veteran Shields capturing the lion’s share, winning three prizes. Other good performers included former Guyana Open champ Avinda Kishure with the overall low gross score of 72, Avinash Persaud, club captain Patrick Prashad, Tom Watkins, Kasim Khan, and Ronald Bulkan.

The results for the day were as follows: * 1st: Videsh Persaud, Net 65 / Gross 88

Hilbert Shields accepts the second-place trophy from Club Executive Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud

Ayube Subhan accepts the third-place trophy from Club Executive Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud

* 2nd: Hilbert Shields, Net 65 / Gross 81 * 3rd: Ayube Suban, Net 66 / Gross 78 * Best Net Front-9: Hilbert Shields * Best Net Back-9: Videsh Persaud * Nearest To the Hole: Hilbert Shields The first-place winner carted off a trophy plus a $5000 voucher, while the second-place winner got a trophy plus a $4000 voucher, and third place received a trophy plus a $3000 voucher.

The best net front nine winner received a trophy plus a $1500 voucher and the best net back nine winner received a trophy plus a $1500 voucher, and the player nearest to the flag received a trophy plus a $1000 voucher.

The points chase is heating up in anticipation of next weekend’s GTT Guyana Open,

where the top golfers from Guyana, the Caribbean and others from around the world will compete for the coveted prizes.

This weekend’s tournament was generously sponsored by Trophy Stall, a longtime friend to golf and all sporting activities in Guyana.

The sponsor is committed to continuing to be a part of the growth of golf in Guyana.

The players who have participated in tournaments from September 18 to October 25 would be eligible for consideration for free entry as a player in the Guyana Open Tournament via a competition format.

The points for free entry will be for the 10 best net scores for each tournament. Also, points will be awarded to the top five players of the day, based on their net scores. The player who accumulates the most points at the end of the exercise will be declared the winner, and can participate in the Guyana Open without having to pay the tournament fee.

Lovell The new President thanked the members for keeping the club going and promised to work for the upliftment of the club. The club also identified its

coaches, and set training days and the date for its next meeting.

Seven out of Bartica's eight clubs have completed the process of holding their respective AGMs.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

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

Persaud edges out stiff competition to emerge winner of Trophy Stall Golf Tournament Pg 31

Pg 31

Boys’ squash team added to Guyana’s Junior Pan Am Contingent Pg 30

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