Guyana Times - Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Online booking, ticketing system being discussed for Essequibo ferry users P19

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4743

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

Govt working to mitigate threats to rising prosperity – Jagdeo tells int’l forum See story on page 3

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo along with Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and CEO of GO-Invest meeting with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and his team

…highlights policies to manage oil resources, avoid Dutch disease

Surinamese President expected to launch Guyana – Suriname Business Council during State visit

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: $2.6B new support measures

Rollout P7 to begin immediately in transparent, accountable process Pedal cyclist dies after P11 riding into path of motorcar

P10 Woman busted with over 4.8kg cocaine in milk packets

Page 9

Taxi drivers robbed of P14 motorcars by knifewielding, guntoting bandits

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, along with Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, his wife Mignon Bowen-Phillips and First ladies Arya Ali and Mellisa K Santokhi-Seenacherry at State House on Tuesday evening

4 women are latest Mahdia family drinks poisonous COVID-19 deaths, substance as 100 new cases …Health Ministry preparing for ‘cure’ for COVID-19 Delta variant surge – Dr Anthony See story on page 19

…1 dead, 3 treated, discharged

See stories on pages 13 & 18

Mabura-Lethem Road

Repairs to collapsed P19 section expected to be completed in 3 days – Edghill

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Aug 18 – 00:30h – 02:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h and Thursday, Aug 19 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Aug 18 – 12:55h – 14:25h and Thursday, Aug 19 – 14:10h – 15:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers and thundery showers during the day. Expect light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Southerly to Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.21 metres.

Low Tide: 06:32h and 19:00h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 and 1.03 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

12 13 15 22 25 28

FREE TICKET

20 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

05 13 16 23 26 LUCKY 3

5

2

2

1

Afternoon Draw

2

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 04 05 07 10 18 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY Friday, August 13, 2021

05 08 11 13 16 13

03 06 10 11 20

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

$69.03/barrel

-0.70

Rough Rice

$242.60 /ton $496.30/ton

-0.09 +1.06

London Sugar

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1788.60

$1789.60

Low/High Change

$1780.30 +2.50

$1796.40 +0.14%

Govt working to mitigate threats to rising prosperity – Jagdeo tells int’l forum …highlights policies to manage oil resources, avoid Dutch disease

N

oting that Guyana faces numerous threats to its growing economic wealth, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday night told an international forum that all efforts will be deployed to ensure the country prospers in the years to come.

The Vice President was fielding questions during an event organised by the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies under the title “Climate Change Aspirations and the Viability of Small Developing Countries: A conversation with the Honourable Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana.”

Asked what is the biggest threat to the country’s growth and prosperity, Jagdeo listed a number of factors including climate change, human smuggling, and drug trafficking.

On the issue of climate

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo meeting with members of the Diaspora who attended the Rice University lecture

Vice President speaking at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies under the title “Climate Change Aspirations and the Viability of Small Developing Countries” on Tuesday evening

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo meeting with Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner

change, he pointed to the 2005 floods which wiped out the equivalent of 60 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He then highlighted that the country continues to face climate change-related threats, making reference to the recent floods which affected all regions of Guyana.

Another major threat highlighted by the Vice President is that posed by Venezuela. “Venezuela has had its eyes on our territory for a very long time,” Jagdeo noted. He explained that the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and expressed hopes that a favourable resolution will be reached soon.

“Thankfully…we have peace on our borders,” he added.

“So, these are threats that are there constantly, when you’re in Government, you have to tackle all the time.

But I think, overall, I think we can mitigate those threats and ensure that our country keeps accumulating wealth,” Jagdeo expressed.

Oil resources management The Vice President also addressed the issue of the country’s oil resources, noting that they will be “judiciously

managed”.

According to the former Guyanese Head of State, the management of these resources would require “a lot of fiscal discipline and transparency”.

This would require significant legislative reform, the Vice President said as he explained that the country’s existing Petroleum Act was passed since 1986.

“So, we’re busy working to ensure we have a modern Petroleum Act,” Jagdeo said.

He noted too that efforts are underway to create an improved Natural Resource Fund.

“[It must be] structured in a way where it keeps politicians at arm’s length in a model similar to Norwegian model,” Jagdeo explained.

He pointed out that so far, all of the resources from the country’s profit oil and royalties have gone into the Fund which has not yet been touched. He noted too that every time the country gets a new payment, it is announced so the nation can be informed. Guyana has so far received payments for seven oil lifts and the current sum in the Natural Resource Fund stands at US$436 million.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 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

Regional food security

D

ue to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the Region and the world at large, the issue of agriculture and food security has not been talked about much.

This was high on the agenda on Tuesday when President Dr Irfaan Ali met with Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.

President Ali again reiterated that Guyana is also working diligently on a regional approach to food security, as our Agriculture Ministry will support the work of the Community in pushing this agenda.

Guyana have always maintained that food security for the Region is as important as any other matter, and must be treated as such by Governments and other development partners.

We have, over the years, been at the forefront in pushing for an effective agriculture and food security strategy. Since in December 2020, at the Seventh virtual Summit of the Heads of State of Caricom and the Republic of Cuba, President Dr Irfaan Ali had brought the issue of regional food security again into the spotlight. The President used the opportunity to press the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to review the inter-regional trade mechanism and its food security, in an effort to strengthen the bloc and place greater focus on an Agriculture and Food Security Strategy.

We believe Regional Heads need to place more emphasis on developing their agriculture sector and making the kinds of investments necessary to ensure the Region is not only food secure, but that we produce enough to tap into export markets, so as to earn foreign exchange.

It could be recalled that, in 2002, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who at the time had lead responsibility for Agriculture in the Caricom quasi-Cabinet, had sought assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to boost the Region’s efforts to ensure it is food secure. One year after, he proposed that the Region build on its past efforts to develop a common agriculture policy, and requested that the IICA and the FAO support the Caricom Secretariat in developing a framework for repositioning agriculture in the Region.

In underlining the problems that the agriculture sector faces in the Region, Jagdeo had stressed that, in the changing global environment, the sector was neither providing for food security nor earning the foreign exchange needed to cover the Region’s growing food import bill.

In addition, at a Caricom Heads of Government Conference in Grand Anse, Grenada, Jagdeo had presented a paper titled “A Framework for the Repositioning of Caribbean Agriculture”. In that framework, he had stressed the need for a regional policy and strategy aimed at strengthening food security and alleviating poverty; and in January 2005, the President’s proposal was formally dubbed the “Jagdeo Initiative”, with the theme being “Strengthening Agriculture for Sustainable Development”.

The declining role of agriculture in the Region, the continuing loss of preferential markets for the Region’s traditional products, and the rapidly-increasing extra-regional food import bill are among the serious and challenging issues highlighted in the Initiative. However, while there has been much banter on the topic, it is not clear what concrete actions (if any) have since been taken to strengthen the Region’s agriculture sector and to bring it to a level envisaged in the “Jagdeo Initiative”.

Regional Governments would need to show by their actions that they are willing to go beyond the rhetoric. Guyana has made tremendous efforts to ensure it produces enough to meet the demands of its citizens.

As we are presently doing, other countries would need to organise themselves and their individual farming sectors, and encourage young persons to embrace new technologies to see farming and agriculture as a business. By doing so, the Region would not only be ensuring there is enough food to satisfy the demands of its people, but the surplus of what is produced could be exported.

Several years after, many of the proposals detailed in the Jagdeo Initiative are still relevant, and perhaps even more needed now, considering the changing global dynamics relative to countries producing enough to meet the needs of their populations and to satisfy export markets.

We agree with President Ali’s statement that “The solution exists.

What is required is the political will and the financing to give effect to what needs to be done to develop the Region’s food systems. I believe that the time has come, and the time is ripe for us to do so,” is another reminder of Guyana’s commitment to the issue of food security.

President Dr Irfaan Ali ushered in Raksha Bandhan celebrations after a ceremonial “rakhi” was tied to his wrist by two sisters from the Brahma Kumaris. The two sisters – Paramdoi Persaud and Elisabeth Mahadeo – visited President Ali at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, where they presented him with the “rakhi” ahead of the day of celebration on Sunday (Office of the President photo)

Welcoming assistance for vulnerable Guyanese

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) recognises and welcomes the announcement by His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali in advancing assistance to vulnerable Guyanese.

The decision to provide oldaged pensioners, public assistance and disability recipients a grant of $25,000, as well as covering the cost of electricity for citizens consuming 75 kilowatts of electricity, would undoubtedly go a far way in alleviating some of the challenges poorer Guyanese confront at this time.

We learnt from the President that the announced initiatives will put some $2.6B in the pockets of ordinary Guyanese. The latest announcement comes on the heels of reducing freight assessment charges, which we were told would cost the Government some $4.5B. Thus, in the space of a few days, the Government,

through the two initiatives, have released some $7.1B into the hands of Guyanese.

Of course, those initiatives cannot be disconnected from other measures in recent times. We have seen the restoration and increase of the public school and uniform grant; the increases in old age pension and public assistance, as well as the reversal of several anti-people measures imposed on ordinary Guyanese by the former Coalition Government.

We noted that, following the President’s announcement, some of the usual suspects were offering their criticisms. While we recognise and respect their right to their views, at the same time, we measure their present utterances with their actions when they had occupied more powerful positions in the land.

Indeed, it is quite revealing that some who sought to impose hardship and burdens are now decrying efforts to uplift the well-being of Guyanese.

The Federation, at this

time, looks forward to further reliefs being granted to our working people. We urge positive consideration of extending the electricity subsidy to all Guyanese, irrespective of their consumption.

The FITUG also seeks to have the Government assess the excise taxes levied on fuel with a view to reducing the rising cost. This, we note the Minister of Finance recently indicated, was attracting Government’s attention.

Moreover, we suggest that the school child cash grant be extended to private school pupils. We are aware of many poorer families seeking private education for their children, and undoubtedly, the grant would help to ease their woes. This, too, we have seen Government indicating is in their thoughts.

We, however, believe a more lasting and appropriate measure would be the approval of the outstanding hike in the national minimum wage to $60,000 per month. We rec-

ognise that the non-implementation stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the business sector.

Though we are aware that the pandemic is still with us, we cannot ignore media reports adverting to the healthy returns enjoyed by many enterprises.

We note, too, the plans by many businesses to expand their operations. For us, it indicates that the business environment has improved, and is improving. In such circumstances, there is a clear need to ensure that our workers, who contribute to those successes, are rewarded appropriately.

It is in this regard that we urge the Government to move with alacrity in adjusting the national minimum wage.

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

Inaccurate information provided by Mayor on security

Dear Editor, It has been brought to the attention of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown that Mayor Ubraj Narine, who is currently in the United States of America for a rally organised by GOAR, has issued a statement via social media, saying that security has been withdrawn from his residence at Pigeon Island, on the East Coast of Demerara.

While the Council is

aware that City Constables have been instructed to provide security services at the Mayor’s residence, which is beyond the boundaries of the city, no action has been taken by the city’s administration to withdraw any of the Constables that are based at the Mayor’s home. In fact, at the very time His Worship was making that allegation, Constable Welch, who is attached to the City Constabulary Department,

was present at the Mayor’s residence, providing security services.

The Council is not sure about the source of information which led the Mayor to believe that security services have been withdrawn from his home.

However, this inaccuracy provides an opportunity for the Council to appeal to individuals to confirm the truth and accuracy of information which is purported to be coming from

the City Council.

Anyone should feel free to check with the Office of the Town Clerk to ascertain the veracity of any statement, written or oral, made in the name of the City Council.

Sincerely, Candace Nelson Town Clerk (ag) Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali, Caricom SG discuss food security, regional development P resident Dr Irfaan Ali assured newly appointed Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett of Guyana’s continued support for regional development.

The Head of State gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by Dr Barnett at the Office of the President on Tuesday.

“We are very pleased to have you at this critical time for the community and even for us here in Guyana,” President Ali said, adding that as a member of Caricom, Guyana will look to enhance the regional community.

“I have made it very clear that our prosperity will be shared with the region, and that the region will benefit from a stronger Guyana.”

Food security

President Ali explained that Guyana is also working diligently on a regional

the opportunity to update Dr Barnett on Guyana’s development agenda along a low carbon development pathway.

“We are pursuing an expanded agenda, and our intention is to continue on the Low Carbon Development Strategy, but an expanded strategy, especially taking into consideration the blue economy and balancing oil and gas with our focus on the environment.

So that is a very important part of what we are seeking to achieve.”

Regional development

President Irfaan Ali greeting newly appointed Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett

approach to food security.

As such, he informed that the Ministry of Agriculture will support the work of the Community in pushing this

agenda.

Low Carbon Development Strategy

The President also used

Govt working to mitigate...

Improve lives

With the right management of these resources, the Vice President is confident that the country can avoid the Dutch disease and provide improved lives for every citizen.

He said the Government’s aim is to manage the oil resources in such a manner that it creates generational wealth.

“We don’t see ourselves wealthy as yet…the magnitude that will see major flows to Guyana is now coming for the next few years,” he posited.

“We still have US$300US$400 million a year now. It’s not a lot of money and many people will think that the wealth will come tomorrow or that it’s here today and suddenly we have to start splurging…[but] we have to live within our means for quite a while into the future,” he explained.

Jagdeo also emphasised that the oil resources will be used to improve the quality of healthcare offered in all regions of the country, offer first-class education to the citizens, enhance public infrastructure, and invest in the non-oil economy.

“The resources must help us to do two things, to keep the economy diversified – the non-oil economy, so that the wealth created in this short period could continue to grow… and used to ensure we create enough opportunities in other sectors of the economy; agriculture, ICT, tourism, etc that can continue to generate wealth for the

future for our people,” he noted.

Jagdeo said the goal is the have the country’s nonoil economy generating as much wealth as the oil economy.

Energy

On the topic of energy, the Vice President noted that Guyana can balance its status as an oil-producing State while honouring its global commitment to fight climate change.

In this regard, Jagdeo explained that the oil resources will help the country in its energy transition which will include a mixture of natural gas, hydro, solar and wind power.

Moreover, he said this combination can drastically reduce the cost of electricity in the country - which is one of the highest in the re-

gion.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged that the country’s oil and gas industry will result in increased emissions.

With regards to regional developments, the Head of State said that Guyana is also concerned with the situation in Haiti following the devastating earthquake on Saturday.

He said that while his Government is spearheading a national relief effort, officials are also working

FROM PAGE 3

“Oil and gas will bring increased emissions and the regulatory agencies and these companies will have to start looking at cutting-edge technology that are less polluting and we’ve had that discussion with them already and there is a serious effort to address this,” Jagdeo said.

He noted too that “globally, we still believe that you must remove the subsidy from exploration and fossil fuel. We believe in a carbon price…we believe that you need a proper carbon price to cause the massive transformation and the investments and the right signals globally.

Moreover, Jagdeo said he believes the country can achieve all these objectives.

“Our crude is light, sweet crude which is cheaper and less polluting than crude that is produced anywhere in the world…”. (G11)

with Caricom for a regional approach to assistance.

The two leaders also discussed upcoming events and regional participation and representation at international events, including at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, 2021.

President Ali stressed the importance of a regional approach at COP26.

“I think that we should find some way in which all of us, all the Heads, include these items in our presentation so that the noise gets louder. So, we welcome you.

We know that you are very capable and strong, and you have all that it takes to lead the region in the right direction.”

Energy sector

The President also pointed to the visit by Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and explained that over the next few days, the two countries will discuss their joint approach to the energy sector.

The President also invited Dr Barnett to collaborate in finalising the design of the Secretary General’s official residence, to be constructed at Sparendaam on the East Coast of Demerara.

“I am very pleased that we had the opportunity to meet so early; it’s important, and we look forward to working with you on all the regional initiatives.”

In her remarks, the Secretary General, who took office on Monday, thanked President Ali for his warm

welcome while she acknowledged that there is a lot on the agenda, particularly with matters concerning Haiti and the events unfolding there, including the upcoming elections. She also spoke about the Region’s preparations for COP26.

Sustainable development

Dr Barnett pointed to the strides made by Guyana in addressing its sustainable development agenda.

“An interesting thing that you mentioned just now actually came up in our discussion with the Secretariat yesterday; the need to balance in our energy development, the carbon-based, and environment because there needs to be a balance and there can be a balance in which both things can evolve. I am really very interested in learning about what your approach will be. Guyana really has led the way in terms of its approach to sustainability of the natural environment.”

She also expressed gratitude for Guyana’s efforts in assisting Haiti while she explained that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Civil Defence Authority are organising the response in that country. She further explained that the Haitian authorities are pushing for a more coordinated relief effort.

“The Secretariat is geared up to do what we need to do,” the Caricom Secretary General assured.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

Page

Foundation H

ave you ever walked across a large

park- ing lot on a sun- ny day and felt like you were roasting? That's because the asphalt gets really hot in the sun! Streets, buildings, and parking lots can get so hot that they raise the average temperature of urban areas by a few degrees. Do you think natural materials also heat up in the sun, or only man-made materials? Do this activity to find out!

What you need Sunny day Partially shaded area outside with at least two different ground covers (dirt, grass, rocks, concrete, etc.)

Wire What you do Find a line on the ground where an area in the sun meets an area in the shade. Place your wire on this line.

Then, find a spot where you can take a big step into the shade and take this step.

Find a spot in the sun where the earth is covered with the same material (for example: if in step one, you chose an area covered by concrete, the second area must be covered by concrete

A

as well). Choose one that is at least one big step away from a shaded area.

Think about: Does the spot in the sun look different compared to the spot in the shade?

Why do you think this is the case? Do you think these spots will feel different too?

Touch both places with your hand and compare how they feel.

Think about: Does one feel warmer than the other? If so, which one feels warmer? Why would this be the case?

If it is possible and you have permission, dig up about one inch of surface material and feel the layer beneath it.

This may not work in some locations or with some materials (for example: you shouldn't dig holes in a public park, and you can't dig holes in concrete).

Think about: For the material in the sun, do the surface and the layer underneath feel similar, or is one warmer? Do you note the same findings for the material in the shade?

Find a different material: one spot where the earth is covered with this material in the shade and one in the sun.

Repeat previous steps with this material.

If you can, repeat this investigation with a third material: include water, soil or another natural material!

Think about: Do you see a pattern? Why would this happen?

G o back to the wire you placed at the edge of

the shade. Can you see how the edge of the shade moved? If it hasn't moved, wait 10 minutes and then come back.

Think about: Why would the edge of the shade move?

Depending on which way the shadow moved, you now have a new area in the shade that was recently in the sun, or vice versa. Investigate how this area looks and feels, compared to areas that have been in the sun or the shade for a long time.

What happened?

Did the materials look brighter and lighter in the sun? Did they also feel warmer? That is expected.

Our sun radiates light to earth.

When this light hits soil, pebbles, grass, cement, or any other material that covers the earth, part of it bounces back.

This reflected light makes the material look brighter and lighter. The other part of the light gets absorbed or sucked into the material and warms up its surface.

That is why materials in the sun feel warmer when you touch them. As warm materials heat up the air surrounding them, the area around them starts to feel warmer, too.

Maybe you noticed that when the sun initially shone on a material, it became just a little bit warmer, and after a while became much warmer. Warming is a process that takes time, just as when a material in the sun moves to the shade, it cools down gradually.

(Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies)

ncient Egyptians did not fully understand the importance of the human brain and discarded it during the process of mummification, even though they kept other organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and lungs. List all of the things our wonderful brains do.

By Robert Frost Spades take up leaves No better than spoons, And bags full of leaves Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise Of rustling all day Like rabbit and deer Running away.

But the mountains I raise Elude my embrace, Flowing over my arms And into my face.

I may load and unload Again and again Till I fill the whole shed, And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight, And since they grew duller From contact with earth, Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use, But a crop is a crop, And who’s to say where The harvest shall stop?

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$2.6B new support measures

Rollout to begin immediately in transparent, accountable process F inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Tuesday assured that there will be a transparent and accountable process in the distribution of the new measures announced

by President Dr Irfaan Ali which will see some $2.6 billion in support being given to the vulnerable groups of the Guyanese society.

The measures include a one-off $25,000 cash grant for persons with disabilities and on public assistance as well as for pensioners and one month’s free electricity for households utilising not more than 75kwh.

The cash grant for persons with disabilities and recipients of public assistance is projected to benefit some 25,000 persons while the cash grant for pensioners will target 65,000 persons.

The one-month free electricity is estimated to benefit some 40,000 households.

According to the Finance Minister, there are multiple layers of scrutiny to ensure the intended beneficiaries get what they are entitled to receive.

“What we have to do and what we have always done is put in place a mechanism that is robust, that will withstand scrutiny, that is auditable…we’ve done this with multiple initiatives. We’ve done this with the COVID-19 cash grant…we’re doing it

right now with the “Because We Care” cash grant,” Dr Singh said during an interview with a social media commentator.

“As we have always done, we ensure that we put in place a mechanism that delivers this support in the most timely and efficient manner to beneficiaries but maintains the necessary safeguards to ensure the integrity of the programme,” he added.

Immediate rollout

The Finance Minister said the Government’s intention is to have these measures rolled out immediately.

In the case of the cash grants for pensioners and public assistance recipients, he explained that these persons will be able to collect their monies through the same process by which they collect their pensions and public assistance.

Guyana Times made efforts to clarify from the Minister about the exact processes and timelines by which the intended beneficiaries can access these new measures. However, up to press time, the information requested was not forthcoming.

But during his interview, the Finance Minister indicated that the measures will be delivered as soon as possible.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

Economic stimulus

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister explained that these cash transfers are part of Government’s aim to provide additional sup-

port to the most vulnerable groups in society while also stimulating economic activities which will contribute to growth in all sectors.

He explained that when direct cash transfers are provided for various groups such as to parents of schoolaged children, pensioners or public assistance beneficiaries, these citizens in turn use their cash grants in the markets, supermarkets and shops.

“They buy some goods with it (basic necessities), they go to the shops, they go to the service providers, and it then multiplies itself over in the economy. The person in the market gets more sales, they then (with such sales) go to the wholesaler and they buy more. The wholesaler then goes to the manufacturer and he or she buys more, and more eco-

nomic activity is stimulated,” the Minister noted.

He also contrasted his Government’s approach to improving the lives of citizens to that delivered by the former APNU/AFC Administration.

“We have delivered in one year far more than they delivered in five years.

Consider that what we have done is 1. Reduce taxes on the things that matter the most to people and 2. Deliver support to people at a level that cumulatively, over the fiveyear period that the APNU/ AFC were in Government, did not deliver,” the Finance Minister said.

As to how the various cash grants and other measures will be sustainable on a long-term basis, the Finance Minister explained that the interventions may seem like an immediate cost to

the treasury but that these measures will in fact stimulate more economic activities, provide a boost to various sectors and even create more jobs.

“When you reduce taxes and reduce the cost of doing business, or when you deliver support to households, that money doesn’t vanish into thin air, it stimulates economic activity. So, by reducing the cost of construction - you stimulate home construction activity, by reducing the cost of mining activities or the cost of agriculture, by removing taxes on heavy equipment, you stimulate economic activity. So, while there may be an immediate or short-term fiscal cost, the real impact is in the stimulation of economic activity that then generates jobs that then generates incomes,” Minister Singh posited. (G11)

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Complaint against AG to NYPD dismissed as “frivolous and vexatious” – GPF

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday revealed that a complaint filed against the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, to the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been dismissed.

APNU/AFC Oppositionaligned Rickford Burke had been propagating claims that Nandlall is wanted by the NYPD for alleged aggravated assault which was reportedly committed in July 2021.

Nandlall himself had since dismissed those claims as untrue. “Absolute nonsense!” Nandlall had said about the allegations during his social media programme “Issues in the News”.

The GPF, in its press statement on Tuesday, explained that the Attorney General had made a request for the organisation to look into the matter.

Upon investigating, the GPF said it found that while a complaint was made by Burke, the matter was dismissed by the NYPD as

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC

“frivolous and vexatious”. “…the Guyana Police Force enquired from its counterpart law enforcement agency in the United States of America, whether a report was made of and against Mr Nandlall, with the New York Police Department during the month of July 2021; and, whether Mr Nandlall is wanted by any law enforcement agency in the United

States of America,” the Police explained.

“In response thereof, the Guyana Police Force was duly informed that a report was made against Mr Nandlall at a precinct in Brooklyn by a Rickford Burke and that the said report was dismissed as frivolous and vexatious,” the Police noted.

Additionally, the GPF said Nandlall was never “wanted” by any law enforcement agency in the USA in respect of that report. According to the GPF, the offence complained of was “non-arrest-able”.

At the time of the allegations in July, the Attorney General had told News Talk Radio Guyana that “what

you are reading are the products of demented minds; the product of people who have serious mental health issues and all I can advise is that they seek serious clinical medical attention.”

Burke was among a group of persons who had been protesting outside of an establishment in Queens, New York, where the Attorney General had been meeting with the diaspora.

During the Attorney General’s trip to New York in July, he was honoured with a citation by the New York State Assembly for his role in protecting the rights of Guyanese. The honour was presented by Assembly Woman Jenifer Rajkumar.

(G11)

61-year-old man killed in WBD smash-up

A

s the carnage continues on Guyana’s roadways, a 61-yearold man was on Tuesday morning killed in a two-vehicle collision along the Stanleytown Access Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Dead is Tribohan Sobah of Lot 676 Belle West Housing Scheme Canal No 2 Polder, WBD. Based on preliminary investigations by the Police, on the day in question at about 06:30h, a motor lorry bearing registration number GWW 1737, driven by a Parika resident, was proceeding along the Stanleytown Access Road while the motor car, PHH

3499, driven by the now dead man, was heading in the opposite direction at a fast rate.

Police stated that Sobah attempted to overtake another car and whilst doing so, he collided with the right-side front of the lorry.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the motor car sustained injuries about his body and face and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

The driver of the motor lorry was arrested and is assisting with investigations. (G10)

Pandering...

O

…to local extremism ld time consummate politician and long-term Congressman Tip O’Neil - who was in Congress for 34 years and was Speaker for a decade - offered an aphorism on American political longevity that has stood the test of time: “All politics is local”. Meaning that before you can strut and remain on the national stage, you first gotta win your local primaries as a candidate to represent your party!! And this means earning the loyalty of your LOCAL voters!

The very ambitious Congressman Hakeem Jeffries is trying to be a consummate politician, and, from his base in Brooklyn, he’s been very careful to be solicitous of his constituents’ concerns. Those constituents include his home base in Prospect Heights and the contiguous majority African-American and CaribbeanAmerican Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Canarsie, East New York, Ocean Hill, Spring Creek, and East Flatbush bases. These are the stomping grounds for most African-Guyanese NYC immigrants, and have one of the largest numbers of Projects that house some very desperately poor persons.

So the point of all of this is that, when Jeffries bounded onto that stage at Grand Army Plaza to hysterically scream about “PPP’s anti-Black racism”, he was being cranked up and was pandering to his Brooklyn Guyanese constituents.

He figured he was playing good ole American politics by genuflecting to “local politics” and shoring up his base for the Congressional elections coming up next year. But he seemed to have forgotten that those voters aren’t the totality of what it’ll take to get him re-elected. There’s a large swathe of his district in mostly white Queens neighbourhoods of Bergen Beach, Gerritsen Beach, Howard Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin and the mixed neighbourhoods like Clinton Hill, Flatlands, Fort Greene, Ozone Park, Brighton Beach, and Coney Island. There’s a whole lotta PPP supporters in Ozone Park.

His strident invocation of racism isn’t playing out well in the latter communities, and his opponents are taking note. Those voters don’t want to import the polarisation of some foreign “Third World” states to muddy Brooklyn waters. Jeffries seems to’ve forgotten that, back in the day, clawing his way into and up the slime of Assembly Politics, he’d damningly accused his opponent Green of injecting Zimbabwe’s politics into Brooklyn by endorsing the election-rigger Mugabe.

Here, Jeffries is implicitly endorsing the Guyanese riggers who want our 2020 democratic votes rejected!! By so demanding, he’s somersaulting on his just-as-strident 2020 denunciations of foreign “interference” in our elections by now demanding it!!

He’s allowing his “friendship” with a two-bit Guyanese hustler fighting for relevance to take him down a very slippery slope.

Jeffries should remember that Tip O’Neil also advised, “Keep it business, not personal.”

…to anti-Democrats is dangerous There are many lessons coming out of the debacle in Afghanistan, and as a minnow swimming between sharks in a globalised world, we need to take heed of them. One lesson comes from Doug Lute, a US Army General who helped direct Afghan war strategy during the Bush and Obama administrations. “The principle of war stands — moral factors dominate material factors. Morale, discipline, leadership, unit cohesion are more decisive than numbers of forces and equipment. As outsiders in Afghanistan, we can provide materiel, but only Afghans can provide the intangible moral factors."

And since “politics is war by other means”, the advice is also appropriate for America in its relations with Guyana.

If they want to support democracy here, they should remember how the PNC consistently frittered away their material help between 1964 and 1992, and again between 2015 and 2020. It all boils down to the “moral factors”, rather than all the material assistance.

The PNC remains fundamentally and irretrievably as anti-democratic as the Afghan warlords.

…to politics Your Eyewitness understands that most of politics is psychological, but he still can’t get over the residents of Georgetown keeping themselves in thrall to the PNC after decades of their neglect.

Cutting their noses to spite their faces?

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

9 Surinamese President expected to launch GuyanaSuriname Business Council during State Visit NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President made his first visit to Guyana for the inauguration of President Ali back in August 2020 – following the tumultuous fivemonth long election process.

During that visit, the two Presidents engaged in a series of meetings with stakeholders on a number of issues. In fact, the Guyanese and Surinamese Presidents met with members of the Guyanese Private Sector and diplomatic community during which business and commerce opportunities, among other mutual areas of benefit, were discussed.

As newcomers in the oil and gas sector, the two countries are looking to tap into each other’s Private Sectors to peddle sustainable de-

President Santokhi during the inspection of the Guard of Honour

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

S

uriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi arrived in Guyana just before 15:00h on Tuesday, officially commencing his four-day State visit aimed at furthering the relationship between the two countries.

President Santokhi was welcomed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony who is also acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Surinamese leader will be in Guyana until August 20 and is expected to meet with President Dr Irfaan Ali to review the progress made on the Guyana-Suriname Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP).

Additionally, both South

American Presidents are expected to launch the Guyana-Suriname Business Council on Thursday, in the interest of further advancing business relations among the two countries.

During his time in Guyana, President Santokhi and his high level team including Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Albert R Ramdin; Natural Resources Minister, David Abiamofo; Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, Parmanand Sewdien; Public Works Minister, Riad Nurmohamed; Transport, Communication and Tourism Minister, Albert E Jubithana; representatives of the State Oil Company of Suriname and members of the Private Sector out of Paramaribo, will be meeting

with Government and the local Private Sector bodies.

Both Presidents Ali and Santokhi and their respective Ministers are expected to assess several areas under the SDCP platform, including foreign policy, political dialogue, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, security and Private Sector enhancement.

Based on the preliminary itinerary, Presidents Ali and Santokhi will hold a joint press conference on Thursday followed by the signing of two agreements – a trade agreement in agriculture and the other in health.

Today, the visiting Head of State will spend the day at the Office of the President where he will engage in a series of meetings with the Government and Private Sector.

The Surinamese

Suriname’s First Lady Mellisa K Santokhi-Seenacherry at CJIA

velopment and further strengthening bilateral ties.

President Ali had said at the time that Guyana and

Suriname must not compete but complement each other as they embark on this new development trajectory.

Meanwhile, during President Ali’s recipro-

cal visit to Paramaribo last November, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to facilitate the joint bridging of the Corentyne River.

Speaking about the visit, President Ali told reporters on Monday that the visit is an important one in advancing collaborative agreements between the two countries.

“Suriname is also going be a big player in the oil and gas sector. The two countries both have small populations, similar challenges, similar opportunities ahead.

So, we have to see how we can merge our thinking and ensure the policies reflect that integrated approach we want to bring betterment for all the people of the two countries,” Ali had said. (G2)

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman busted with over 4.8kg cocaine in milk packets

A

Barbados-bound passenger was on Monday arrested at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport as she attempted to smuggle 4.876 kilograms of cocaine in Fernleaf Milk packets.

The woman was intercepted by members of the

Police Narcotics Branch as she was about to board a Caribbean Airlines flight to Barbados.

Based on reports received, at about 10:10h on the day in question, a search was carried out on the luggage of a 34-year-old self-employed female of New Street

The Fernleaf packets containing cocaine

Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice after she was seen acting in a suspicious manner. The search unearthed 12 Fernleaf packets among

clothing and other items.

As a result of the discovery, ranks reportedly opened and tested the contents of two of the Fernleaf packets, and

the contents turned out to be cocaine, and not milk. As a result, the woman was told of the offence committed, arrested and cautioned.

The Police have said that, initially, the woman remained silent, but after interrogation, she buckled under pressure and claimed that a male had given her the packets to drop to someone in Barbados. Acting on the information provided, the male was contacted, told of the offence, and arrested.

During questioning, he admitted to giving the woman the stuff to take to Barbados, but denied having any knowledge of the cocaine.

They both were taken to the Criminal Investigations Department Narcotics Branch, where the cocaine, when weighed, amounted to 4.873kg.

Charges are expected to be laid shortly as investigations continue. (G10)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pedal cyclist dies after riding into path of motor car

A

pedal cyclist lost his life on Monday after he reportedly rode into the path of a motor car along Melanie Damishana Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The dead man has been identified as 42-year-old Shazin Hussain of Enterprise Squatting Area, ECD. Based on information received, at about 17:00h on the day in question, the motor car bearing registration number PXX 5404 driven by a 27-year-old man of Mahaica, ECD, was proceeding along the Melanie Damishana Public Road when it is alleged that the

As such, the pedal cyclist fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries about his body. The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

However, a breathalyser test was administered on the driver of the motor car but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

The car that was involved in the accident

pedal cyclist rode across the road and into the path of the

motor car, resulting in a collision.

Shop owner arrested after ganja found on premises

A

The ganja that was found at the supermarket on Monday evening

43-year-old shop owner was arrested on Monday evening after a quantity of marijuana was found at her business place at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Police stated that on the day in question at about 20:20h, a party of policemen conducted a search on the

premises of a supermarket of the said location. During a search in one of the iron cages, a large transparent ziplock bag was observed on the upper shelf.

The bag was examined and several smaller ziplock bags containing the marijuana were unearthed.

The owner of the establishment was told of the al-

legation and cautioned but she denied having knowledge about the suspected cannabis.

Nevertheless, she was arrested and escorted to the Sparendaam Police Station where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 80.5 grams. She remains in custody pending investigations.

The pedal cycle which the now dead man was riding at the time of his demise

Duo injured after ATV drops into pothole

T

wo men have been injured after the AllTerrain Vehicle on which they were travelling dropped into a pothole at Falls Top Main Access Road, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The injured men are Orson Speede, 28, who was driving the ATV, and Roberto Miggins, 30, both of Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma, NWD. Based on reports received, the vehicle CH8356 was proceeding along the western side of Falls Top Main Access Road at a fast rate of speed when the driver allegedly hit a pothole and lost control of it.

As a result, both men fell on the roadway and sustained

injures about their heads and bodies.

They were picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Port Kaituma District Hospital, where they were treated and admitted as patients. The condition of each is regarded as stable.

Just two days ago, 20-yearold Mahendra Deopaul of Lot 267 La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD died when the motorcycle he was driving became uncontrollable after it dropped into a pothole along the La Parfaite Harmonie public road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

It was reported that the now dead man was spotted by the Police driving motorcy-

cle CK 5677 without wearing a safety helmet, and a Police mobile pickup approached him with its flashlight on.

As the ranks attempted to intercept the motorcycle, Deopaul drove away at a fast rate of speed in a bid to evade the Police. The Police vehicle pursued him, and during the high-speed chase that ensued, Deopaul’s motorcycle dropped into a pothole and became uncontrollable, causing him to fall on the roadway.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.

12

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Health Ministry preparing for Delta variant surge – Dr Anthony

…says unvaccinated persons putting themselves at risk

T

he Health Ministry is preparing for any surges that may arise from the circulation of the Delta variant, by putting systems and human resources in place at the designated COVID-19 facilities.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony indicated during Tuesday’s briefing that medical workers from the Cuban Medical Brigade will be utilised to boost Guyana’s capacity in the intensive care department.

The new addition, he added, are skilled to monitor critical patients.

Speaking on the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, he explained, “We have expanded that unit to have now about 45 beds with ventilators and monitors and so forth.

When you have a patient in the Intensive Care Unit, it’s quite an intensive process, meaning that the doctor-nurse ratio per patient

is almost like a one-on-one ratio. So, you need a lot of people to be able to monitor these patients.”

He added, “We have been using local staff but in addition to the local staff, we thought it would be best if we can complement it with the new doctors that came in from Cuba…These (the intensivists) are doctors who will be working primarily in the Intensive Care Unit and they understand how to use things like ventilators and so forth. They would be ideal to work in this particular area.”

The Delta variant, first detected in India, has a higher transmissibility rate and has proven to be even deadlier than other strains.

As such, the Minister cautioned that unvaccinated persons would be at a higher risk of succumbing if they were to contract this variant.

“When the Delta variant gets here, unvaccinat-

ed people are going to have a much difficult time and we have the vaccines available and we really need people to understand that it’s necessary to get their vaccines and come out and get their vaccines. Without that, you’re at risk of getting sick and seriously ill. If you get seriously ill, you will be hospitalised and you also stand the risk of dying from COVID. This can be avoided if you take the vaccine, get both doses of it and make sure you’re protected.”

With continuous campaigning and sensitisation methods to elevate vaccination numbers, Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) are still lagging behind.

Dr Anthony divulged, “Unfortunately, that message is still not getting through to some regions so I’m still saying in Region 10, the uptake is the lowest across the country and in Region Eight, it is also quite low. I really urge the leader-

ship in these regions to encourage the citizens within their communities to get out and get the vaccine…While we are preparing for such a surge, we would be happy if such a surge does not occur and the only way to prevent that from now occurring is that we have to get more people vaccinated.”

Vaccination statistics show that 290,779 first doses have been administered across the country, representing 59.7 per cent of the adult population. Second doses are at 146,691 persons or 30.7 per cent.

Regional first doses show 72.9 per cent for Region One (Barima-Waini), 51.6 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 57.2 per cent in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 63.7 per cent in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 59.5 per cent in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 65.2 per cent in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 61.5

per cent in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 39.7 per cent in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 69.1 per cent in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 21 per cent in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Meanwhile, the uptake of vaccines has been progressing, with Monday recording one of the highest turnouts at the various sites.

“We have been seeing a steady set of people coming to get vaccines. Just yesterday, we recorded one of the highest numbers of persons coming to ger vaccines. We had 5505 persons who received vaccines yesterday…

Just looking at these first dose numbers, we still have a long way to go because on average, it’s 59.7 per cent for first dose, with Region 10 having the lowest amount of persons receiving their first dose vaccine. That’s quite unfortunate that we’re still having a slow uptake.” (G12)

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Taxi drivers robbed of motorcars by knife-wielding, gun-toting bandits

A

21-year-old taxi driver was on Monday evening robbed of his Toyota Premio motorcar, PXX 4041, by two men, one of whom was armed with a knife.

The incident occurred at about 18:45h along the Cove

and John Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, the taxi driver was at Hope Turn, ECD when he observed two potential passengers signalling him to stop. Upon stopping, the men joined the

car and asked to be taken to Strathspey Village. One of the men reportedly sat in the front passenger’s seat while the other sat at the back behind the driver.

As the victim was driving along the Cove and John Public Road, the passenger

The car that was taken from the 60-year-old taxi driver

seated behind him held him at knife point and demanded that he stop the motorcar. Out of fear for this life, the driver complied, and upon stopping, the two men forced him out of the vehicle and then drove away.

The man, however, made his way to a Police Station and made a report.

Meanwhile, a 60-year-

old taxi driver of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBD) was also robbed of his Toyota Wagon, HC 9708, by a lone gunman at Victoria Seawalls, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday.

The Police have said that the suspect and a female had allegedly joined the victim’s car at Parika,

The car with its music deck missing

and they had journeyed to Georgetown.

TURN TO PAGE 16

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 vaccine

Patients with brain, heart conditions should not take jabs until full recovery – CMO

P

atients currently suffering from an acute cardiac or acute cerebrovascular event, or those with an active infection have been asked to wait until they are completely recovered before taking a COVID-19 vaccine.

This information was communicated by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh in an updated list of vaccination exemptions that were documented in a memorandum.

It was pointed out that these patients cannot receive the vaccine until they have recovered and receive clearance from their attending physician.

Those with any clotting disorder, such as haemophilia should be given clearance from their physician before receiving the vaccine. This also applies to persons receiving chemotherapy or dialysis.

Meanwhile, there is no contraindication to receiving vaccines during the period of breastfeeding or during pregnancy. It is, however, advised that clearance be sought from their doctor before receiving the coronavirus vaccine. Mothers who do not wish to be vaccinated can be exempted for a period of six months from the date of delivery. On the oth-

Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh

er hand, pregnant mothers can be exempted for the duration of their pregnancy.

It was recommended that persons who tested positive for COVID-19 can receive their vaccines as soon as they recover, that is, 14 days after testing positive.

Individuals who received blood transfusions are eligible for the vaccines post two weeks. Additionally, persons can donate blood after immunisation.

“For persons who are exempted for reasons mentioned above and other underlying illnesses not listed herein, should present a certificate of exemption from a fully registered medical practitioner,” the CMO noted.

The World Health Organisation has outlined that people should take the vaccines available, even if they would have contracted the disease and subsequently recovered.

“It is important to be vaccinated as soon as possible once it’s your turn and not wait. Approved COVID-19 vaccines provide a high degree of protection against getting seriously ill and dying from the disease, although no vaccine is 100 per cent protective,” the Organisation advised on its website.

It also added that peo-

ple with pre-existing conditions of any kind, including auto-immune disorders are clear to take their jabs.

These conditions include: hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver and kidney diseases that are stable and controlled. People with comorbidities are vulnerable to contracting the worse form of the virus and it is essential that they protect themselves.

In fact, since the commencement of Guyana’s vaccination campaign, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has called on Guyanese with underlying illnesses to get inoculated and reduce the existing risks.

Government has intensified the vaccine requirement in order to access services across the country. For Ministries and other State agencies, unvaccinated persons are required to make an appointment before visiting to conduct their respective transaction.

Meanwhile, dining is only permitted for vaccinated persons, with the exception of children. Patrons must have in their possession, an official identification document in addition to their vaccination card.

In order to transport members of the public, the gazetted document stipulates that every operator and conductor of any public transportation service shall be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document and their vaccination card.

Meanwhile, casinos, betting shops or cinemas have been given the greenlight to operate but only at forty per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status. Caribbean Cinemas have already indicated their intention of reopening theatres this week.

(G12)

Taxi drivers robbed...

FROM PAGE 14

Upon arrival in Georgetown, the driver was instructed to taken them to several other locations, including in Alberttown and Sophia, before being instructed to take them to Golden Grove, then to Victoria, ECD. Upon arrival at Victoria, the male entered a yard which had a wooden house.

When he returned to the car, he pointed a handgun at the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle. The victim was allegedly instructed not to make any

sound, or else he would be shot.

The victim complied with the order, and handed over his mobile phone and $5000 in cash. The suspect then entered the car and drove away in the direction of the main road.

A report was made to the Police, and an investigation has been launched.

The motorcar was subsequently found at Drill Access Road at Mahaicony, ECD with its left and rightside rearview mirrors and music player missing.

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man who walked Miner busted with ganja after evading cops into Court with cutlass asking for Magistrate jailed The Police have said that on August 9, 2021 at about 8:00h, Mootoo entered the compound of the Whim Magistrate’s Court via the front gate with a cutlass concealed, posing as a person

managed to escape.

Nevertheless, on August 13, acting on information received, Police went to Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, and, after an hour’s surveillance, the sus-

Julius Anthony Mootoo

A

man who walked into the compound of the Whim Magistrate’s Court brandishing a cutlass and asking for Magistrate Renita Singh was on Tuesday sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Julius Anthony Mootoo, 39, of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, was arraigned before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh on charges of causing public terror and carrying an offensive weapon.

A

The ganja that was found on the miner The two cutlasses that Mootoo had in his possession on August 9 and 13

attending court. However, upon entering the compound, the suspect brandished the cutlass and enquire about the whereabouts of Magistrate Renita Singh.

Upon seeing this, the clerk of court raised an alarm and summoned the Police, who immediately intervened and secured all the persons in the compound.

The ranks reportedly made attempts to arrest the man, but he

pect was spotted with a cutlass in his hands. He was arrested and taken to the Whim Police Station, where he was profiled and placed in custody.

Subsequently charged, he appeared before Whim Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh and pleaded guilty to the charges read to him. As such, he was sentenced to spend the next 18 months in prison.

32-year-old pork-knocker was on Monday busted with a quantity of ganja at Jumbie Backdam, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

According to the Police, on the day in question at about 11:00h, the Corporal and a party of Police were on patrol duty at the above-mentioned location when the suspect was observed riding a Honda motorcycle, CK 5145, with several bulky black plastic bags on his lap.

The suspect was signalled to stop but he refused, turned in the oppo-

site direction and rode off at a fast rate of speed but the Police went after him.

He was finally intercepted and a search was conducted on his person and on the five plastic bags that he was carrying at the time.

The bags were opened in his presence and the cannabis was unearthed. He was arrested and taken to the Mahdia Police Station where the ganja was weighed in his presence and amounted to 2620 grams.

He is expected to be charged shortly.

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 women latest COVID-19 deaths, 100 new cases

F

our more womin Region One (Barimaen have sucWaini), 13 in Region AUGUST 17 UPDATE Three (Essequibo Islandscumbed to the West Demerara), 66 in novel coronavirus – DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL 100 the latest deaths that NUMBER OF NEW CASES Region Four (DemeraraCONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 have moved the counMahaica), three in Region NUMBER OF PERSONS IN 91 try’s overall death INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION Five (Mahaica-Berbice), REGION 1 1338 rate to an alarming five in Region Six (East REGION 2 681 NUMBER OF PERSONS IN Berbice-Corentyne), two 582.

940 REGION 3 2721 HOME ISOLATION The Health in Region Seven (CuyuniREGION 4 10,764 Ministry announced NUMBER OF PERSONS IN Mazaruni), six in Region 12 REGION 5 782 that these persons COVID-19 ICU Nine (Upper TakutuREGION 6 1965 died on August 15 and NUMBER OF PERSONS IN Upper Essequibo) and 6 included a 34-year- INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE four in Region 10 (Upper REGION 7 1305 Demerara-Berbice). old and 44-year-old REGION 8 380 There were no new from Region Three TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY 12,168 GENDER (FEMALES) REGION 9 2160 positives in Regions Two (Essequibo IslandsREGION 10 1579 West Demerara) TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY (Pomeroon-Supenaam) 11,507 and 70-year-old GENDER (MALES) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni). and 71-year-old TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE 23,675 SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 Vaccination sites from Region Four IN GUYANA SINCE 2020 PANDEMIC across Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Wear a face mask.

22,050 (Demerara-Mahaica) Since Sunday, NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet. nine fatalities were TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED and Six (East Berbice290,779 Wash your hands or use handreported. For the Corentyne) are currently sanitizer out of stock of the Sputnik month of August FULLY IMMUNISED 149,691 If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

V second doses, the thus far, deaths have TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS 582 Health Ministry also inclimbed to 33.

Infections in- GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181. formed on Tuesday. Some creased by 100 with5000 of the second compoat 1043: 12 patients in the Some 246,894 individuals in the course of one nent would have arrived day, after 2010 persons Intensive Care Unit (ICU), were tested since March 2020 in the country and were diswere swabbed for the virus. 91 in institutional isolation, – of which 11,507 males and tributed across the country.

Another shipment is slated to Consequently, confirmed cas- 940 in home isolation. Six per- 12,168 females were positive. sons are also being monitored New cases were spread arrive within the near future. es rose to 23,675.

Active cases are pegged in institutional quarantine. across eight regions, with one Both doses of the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm jabs are still available, along with first dose Sputnik V.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD

Vaccinating children

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has expressed that the Education Ministry has been working aggressively as the country moves closer to vaccinating children.

“So far, the Ministry of Education has really done a good job in getting those letters out. They continue to make sure that by all means possible, every parent would receive such a letter and once they get those letters, hopefully they will be able to make a decision on what they’ll do – whether they’ll allow their child to get vaccinated,” the health official posited during the latest coronavirus briefing.

When this leg of the vaccination campaign materialises, he had urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children take the Pfizer jabs.

“From the Government’s perspective, we’re urging all parents to really get their child vaccinated because this will allow us to reopen school in a very safe environment and children would be protected. We’re anticipating that we’ll get the Pfizer vaccine quite soon and once we get it, we want to roll out the immunisation for children, between 12 years and 18 years.”

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 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. (G12)

Ramsammy’s Ruminations APNU/AFC distribute lies, President Ali rolling out largest cash transfer ever

L

et us be pellucid: never, in the history of any country in Caricom, has there ever been a larger direct cash transfer from Government’s treasury into the pockets of citizens than has occurred in Guyana over the last twelve months. More than $US110M ($G22B) has been transferred out of the bank account of the PPP Government directly into the pockets of Guyanese citizens. Every Guyanese family is benefiting from President Irfaan Ali’s programme of direct cash support. No matter where people live in Guyana; no matter their race, their religion; and no matter who they voted for in the March 2020 elections, or which political party they support, everyone is benefiting.

While President Ali and his PPP Government are busy putting cash directly into people’s pockets, the leaders and MPs from APNU/AFC, the Opposition Party, are busy Dr Leslie Ramsammy shamelessly distributing lies and propaganda. While they clumsily deem Dr. Irfaan Ali an “installed” President, day after day, issue after issue, they have nothing substantive to object to, and so they resort to the only weapon they have left – lies, lies and more lies.

In just one year, President Irfaan Ali and his PPP Government have transferred $22B in cash from the Government’s account to people’s pockets. Within the last forty-eight hours, President Ali announced new cash transfer measures amounting to an additional $2.6B, targeting the most vulnerable in the Guyanese society – oldage pensioners, persons in receipt of public assistance and those living with disabilities, and households consuming less than 75 kilowatts per month. More than 65,000 old-age pensioners will receive a cash grant of $25,000, or an extra month’s pension this year, at a cost of $1.6B. Just over 25,000 persons who are in receipt of public assistance, and persons living with disabilities will also receive a cash grant of $25,000, amounting to $600M. More than 40,000 households consuming less than 75 Kw per month will have one month of their electricity bills paid by the Government, amounting to $200M. This latest round of cash transfers from Government accounts into the pockets of ordinary Guyanese citizens follows other cash transfers, such as the education cash grants, the COVID-19 relief cash grants, the cash grants for households which suffered flood damages, cash grants for farmers who suffered losses because of the recent floods, cash grants for miners who suffered losses from the recent bad weather. The more-than-$22B distributed or being distributed by the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government in just twelve months represents the largest direct cash transfer from the Government treasury into people’s pockets ever in Guyana’s or CARICOM’s history.

The APNU/AFC Opposition is in a quandary. President Irfaan Ali has shown that he is a people’s President. He has rapidly won over large swaths of Opposition supporters because they recognise that President Ali is genuinely a caring man. The only weapon available to APNU/AFC is a desperate one – lies. They shamelessly lie. But their supporters everywhere in Guyana have not, and are not, buying the lies. When, for example, APNU/AFC tried the lie that the PPP Government is distributing COVID-19 cash relief to only PPP supporters, their own supporters who received their cash grants did not have to look far to know that APNU/AFC MPs were lying. With their lies not gaining any traction among their supporters, APNU/ AFC now are focusing on selling their lies to their supporters in the diaspora.

This past weekend, a number of junior PNC (APNU/AFC) backbencher MPs and the PNC Mayor of Georgetown travelled to Brooklyn to march with a few PNC supporters, vulgarly and shamelessly spreading lies and propaganda. Senior PNC MPs and leaders could not go because their visas were taken away. One of their brazen lies to the diaspora is that the PPP’s cash transfer programme was just a giving away of oil money to PPP supporters.

Every family in South Georgetown; every family in Buxton; every family in Linden; every family in Victoria; every family in Golden Grove, in Dartmouth, Den Amstel benefited similarly to every family in other parts of Guyana. Are these families all PPP supporters? Every family of the 200,000 children in schools received a $19,000 cash grant, amounting to more than $3.5B. You mean every family of a school child is a supporter of the PPP? Yet, these same politicians spreading racist propaganda want the world to accept their spurious claim that they won the March 2020 elections.

The fact is that the PPP Government and President Ali, without yet resorting to OIL money, is ensuring that every Guyanese benefits from Government’s resources. President Ali is ensuring that, at a time when COVID-19 and bad weather have devastated the livelihoods of Guyanese families, he and his Government care and will always stand with the Guyanese people. The supporters of APNU/AFC know that, in five years, the then President Granger and his Government not once gave people any direct support. That Government took away more than 35,000 jobs, including jobs from sugar workers, jobs from bauxite workers, jobs from call centres in Linden. That Government gave themselves more than 100% pay increase.

In contrast, President Irfaan Ali is ensuring unprecedented cash transfers to every Guyanese family. The Guyanese people are looking on with pride as the People’s President walks among them.

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$2.6B in new measures is much-needed Mahdia family drinks poisonous relief to an impoverished, marginalised substance as ‘cure’ for COVID-19 community – persons with disabilities …1 dead, 3 treated, discharged

T

he Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) on Tuesday lauded the measures announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali that would assist this vulnerable section of society, but called on the Government to provide more assistance in the near future.

President Ali, on Monday night, announced three new measures which would see some $2.6B being injected into the hands of some vulnerable groups within the Guyanese society. These measures include a $25,000 one-off cash grant for all pensioners, a $25,000 oneoff cash grant for persons with disabilities and on public assistance, and one month’s free electricity for households consuming less than 75kwh a month.

In a press statement reacting to the announcement, the GCOPD said the initiative is “significant” and will bring “much needed financial relief” to an “impoverished and marginalised” community.

The GCOPD explained that most persons with disabilities (PWDs) did not benefit from the $25,000 COVID-19 cash relief grant since many of them do not head households.

The organisation has said it is pleased that there finally are measures available that would directly benefit PWDs. “The GCOPD is pleased that this new cash relief measure is specific and targeted to the community of PWDs,” the organisation has said.

The GCOPD has noted

GCOPD Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh

that, as an umbrella body for 24 disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) across Guyana, it is appreciative of the various measures implemented by the Ali Administration to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities since assuming office in August 2020.

“We are optimistic for the future of PWDs in Guyana, and we pledge our partnership with the Government to promote and fulfill the rights of PWDs,” the organisation has expressed.

Other assistance

In an invited comment, GCOPD Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh told Guyana Times that the community has been calling for a monthly disability grant. He said that while PWDs are pleased with the new measure, they are still hopeful that the monthly grant would be available in the near future.

“We are hopeful that, in the not-too-distant future, once the economy gets better, we can be able to get

such a grant. A monthly disability grant is something that is needed, because the majority of persons with disabilities are impoverished,” Singh explained.

In August 2020, the GCOPD had issued a statement calling on the new People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration to provide greater assistance to PWDs. In addition to a monthly grant, the organisation had called for the provision of low-income housing and more employment opportunities for persons living with various forms of disability in Guyana.

Additionally, the GCOPD had called for improvements in the delivery of education to children with disabilities, provision of assistive and mobility aids, modification and enforcement of building codes to promote accessibility to public buildings, allocation of small contracts to companies owned and operated by PWDs, and to promote small business development in the disability community.

In his announcement, President Ali has said the cash grant for the elderly will benefit some 65,000 persons, while the grant for persons on public assistance will go towards some 25,000 persons.

However, in December 2020, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had revealed that there are some 50,000 persons living with a disability in Guyana.

It is currently unclear which PWDs would benefit from the grant, and how the rollout would be executed. (G11)

F

our members of a Mahdia family (Region Eight, PotaroSiparuni) were recently hospitalised after they had consumed a poisonous substance which they believed to be a cure for COVID-19.

One of the family members, Muriel Edwards, 43, has since succumbed, while the other three have been discharged from the hospital.

Reports indicate that a male relative had died on August 10, and the family believed that it was as a result of COVID-19. As such, they had, on August 13 between 08:30 and 10:47h,

consumed a traditional Indigenous substance which they hoped would prevent them from contracting the disease.

Police on Tuesday evening said that enquiries disclosed that the juice from a vine, which is usually extracted and used to poison fish and which is used in small quantity mixed with water for medicinal purposes to treat tuberculosis and high blood pressure, was consumed by the family.

The four relatives fell sick, and were taken to the Mahdia Public Hospital but Edwards was pronounced dead on arrival.

When contacted, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Peter Ramotar confirmed that the incident had occurred and he explained that the first family member who died had subsequently tested negative for COVID-19.

“It’s a tradition with the local Indigenous People where they will resort to herbal treatment, and the person that died might have overdosed,” the REO said.

A post-mortem was conducted on Tuesday and the cause of death is ruled inconclusive.

Samples were taken and dispatched to the lab for further testing.

Mabura-Lethem Road

Repairs to collapsed section expected to be completed in 3 days – Edghill

Online booking, ticketing system being discussed for Essequibo ferry users

P

ublic Works Minister Juan Edghill has announced that discussions are ongoing to develop an online booking and ticketing system for persons seeking to utilise the ferry services to travel to and from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

He made the announcement during a recent visit to the region to commission several roads in the region.

According to the Minister, talks are ongoing between the Public Works Ministry and the Tourism, Commerce and Industry Ministry. He said such a system will reduce delays, long lines and unnecessary waiting among commuters.

“We want to be able to provide a modern service to Essequibians and other Guyanese using the ferry which will include booking

The section of the Mabura-Lethem Road that collapsed

A

and online ticketing,” he explained.

“If we had online booking, we would know we could only carry 54 vehicles per a trip, we’ll be able to tell number 55 that you not gonna be on this [one],” he added.

“People’s lives will be at ease. The delays in having to line up to pay and all the rest of it, all of that we’ll be able to do online. So we’re examining closely improv-

ing the ferry service,” the Minister assured.

He noted too that “I like a system where there is fairness and everyone is treated with dignity and pride, for me every Guyanese is a VIP meaning a Very Important Person so we want to be able to put that in place”.

On a daily basis, there are three scheduled ferry trips from Parika to Supenaam and vice versa.

section of the Mabura to Lethem Road which was washed away due to heavy rainfall is currently being repaired and works are expected to be completed in three days.

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who is urging commuters to be patient.

“We are just asking people for their patience. It’s something that happened that we did not expect and we’re trying to get it done as soon as possible. We have a contracting firm that has been maintaining and doing several works,” he explained.

The contracting company is Mekdeci Machinery & Construction Inc and the total cost of the works is estimated to be in excess of $15 million.

“The repairs are ongo-

ing, the contractor is on site, we’re trying to get it fixed and closed up to get traffic moving. Materials and everything is on site and the contractor is working,” the Minister assured.

Nevertheless, he noted that the team is facing some challenges in conducting the repairs.

“It’s a flooded area, there’s a waterflow and all the rest of it that caused the damage, we have to build dams and so to cut off the waterflow and the rest it. So it’s not just going and repair the roads, we first of all have to get the culverts replaced to deal with the water and so on,” he explained.

The Public Works Minister had previously underscored the importance of this road link.

“It’s an important link.

We gotta make sure we get fuel and so on into Lethem.

To keep power and supply going. We gotta ensure that goods are getting into the interior area. So, we’re sparing no effort to getting it fixed,” he had noted.

On Friday last, the Public Works Ministry received reports that the Mile 42 Culvert of the Linden Mabura corridor had washed away due to heavy rainfall.

“This washout was as a result of exceptionally heavy rainfall which caused the natural waterway which runs below the road to swell.

The high volume and pressure overwhelmed the multiple lower-level culverts and then subsequently started overtopping the roadway, eventually taking the entire section with it,” the Ministry had explained.

20

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

Around the world

Taliban, striking dovish tone, pledge peace and women's rights under Islam

T

he Afghan Taliban said on Tuesday they wanted peaceful relations with other countries and would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law, as they held their first official news briefing since their shock seizure of Kabul.

The Taliban announcements, short on details but suggesting a softer line than during their rule 20 years ago, came as the United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway.

As they rush to evacu-

York: "We will need to see what actually happens and I think we will need to see acts on the ground in terms of promises kept."

The UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session in Geneva next week to address "serious human rights concerns" after the Taliban takeover, a United Nations statement said.

The European Union said it would only cooperate with the Afghan Government following the Taliban's return to power if they respected fundamental rights, including those of women.

"The EU calls on the

Taliban forces patrolling in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 16, 2021

ate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unravelling of women's rights.

During their 1996-2001 rule, also guided by sharia (Islamic law), the Taliban stopped women from working and meted out punishments including public stoning. Girls were not allowed to go to school and women had to wear all-enveloping burqas to go out.

"We don't want any internal or external enemies," the movement's main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said.

Women would be allowed to work and study and "will be very active in society but within the framework of Islam", he added.

In response, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New

Taliban to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Several women were ordered to leave their jobs during the Taliban's rapid advance across Afghanistan. Some are fearful that, whatever the militants say, the reality may be different, but others are defiant.

Afghan girls' education activist Pashtana Durrani, 23, was wary of Taliban promises.

"They have to walk the talk.

Right now they are not doing that," she told Reuters.

Taliban spokesman Mujahid said the group would not seek retribution against former soldiers and members of the Western-backed Government, and was granting an amnesty for former Afghan Government soldiers as well as contractors and translators who worked for international

Oil posts longest run of losses since March as recovery sputters

These women and children were among those trying to get to the airport on Monday

forces.

"Nobody is going to harm you, nobody is going to knock on your doors," he said, adding that there was a "huge difference" between the Taliban now and 20 years ago.

Mujahid said private media could continue to be free and independent in Afghanistan and that the Taliban were committed to the media within their cultural framework.

He also said families trying to flee the country at the airport should return home and nothing would happen to them.

Mujahid's conciliatory tone contrasted with comments by Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who declared himself the "legitimate caretaker President" and vowed that he would not bow to Kabul's new rulers.

It was not immediately clear how much support Saleh enjoys in a country wearied by decades of conflict.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the Taliban should allow all those who wanted to leave the country to depart, adding that NATO's aim was to help build a viable state in Afghanistan.

The alliance also said the Taliban must not let Afghanistan become a breeding ground for terrorism again, warning that it retained the military power to strike any terrorist group from a distance.

Under a US troop withdrawal pact struck last year, the Taliban agreed not to attack foreign forces as they leave.

The decision by US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the deal

struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US allies.

German President FrankWalter Steinmeier said "the images of despair at Kabul airport shame the political West", referring to the anarchic scenes on the runway on Monday.

US forces took charge of the airport - their only way to fly out of Afghanistan - on Sunday as the militants wound up a week of rapid advances by taking over Kabul without a fight.

The US State Department said later on Tuesday that Washington had completed a draw-down of embassy personnel from Kabul and those diplomatic personnel remaining were assisting the evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies.

US military flights evacuating diplomats and civilians restarted earlier in the day after having been suspended on Monday due to chaos at Kabul airport.

US troops had fired warning shots to disperse crowds and people clung to a US military transport plane as it taxied for take-off.

The US Air Force said on Tuesday it was investigating the circumstances surrounding human remains that were found in the wheel well of one of its C-17s that flew out of Kabul.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the Taliban had told the United States it would provide safe passage for civilians to reach the airport. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haiti earthquake: Tropical Storm Grace hampers rescue

R

escue work following the deadly earthquake which struck Haiti on Saturday has been hampered by heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Grace.

Tens of thousands of people left homeless by the quake had to decide whether to brave the storm under flimsy tarpaulins or risk returning into buildings damaged by the tremor.

At least 1419 people are known to have died in the 7.2-magnitude quake.

More than 6900 were injured, and an unknown number are still missing.

Rescue workers dug through rubble on Monday in a desperate attempt to find survivors before the

Rescue workers in Les Cayes raced to find survivors before Tropical Storm Grace hit

heavy rains were able to turn the earth into cloying mud, making locating those buried even more difficult.

At 06:00 GMT Tuesday, Grace, which has been upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm,

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

was west of the city of Les Cayes and moving further westward towards Jamaica, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC had earlier predicted that Grace could dump up to 25cm (10 inches)

of rainfall over the worst affected area. It is feared the deluge could trigger landslides.

On Twitter, Haiti's civil protection agency urged "good neighbours whose space has not been affected" to help shelter displaced people.

The south-west of Haiti appears to have suffered the worst of the damage from the quake, especially around the city of Les Cayes Homes, churches and schools were among buildings flattened in the quake.

Some hospitals were left overwhelmed and in need of supplies as they struggled to treat the injured.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

O

il fell for a fourth day, marking its longest run of losses since March, pressured by a rising dollar and economic data illustrating the US recovery’s uneven path.

Futures declined 1 per cent on Tuesday. The dollar climbed, weakening the appeal of commodities priced in the currency. US retail sales fell in July by more than forecast, while factory production strengthened the most in four months. Data from China on Monday revealed a slowdown in the economy last month.

“Poor data coming out of China is ground zero for reignited global concern surrounding COVID-19,” said Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at Price Futures Group. “Although indicators in the US shows a better situation than China, as the second largest economy, what happens in the region has huge market impact.”

After a vigorous rally in the first half of the year, crude’s advance has been checked in recent weeks. The Delta variant has spurred fresh curbs on mobility in many nations including China, harming energy consumption. Against that backdrop, JPMorgan Chase & Co has been among banks reducing oil price forecasts.

“China is the world’s engine for participated demand growth,” said Thomas Finlon, Director of Energy Analytics Group LLC. “When demand shows signs of a downturn, you can be sure the effects will spread.”

WTI for September delivery fell 70 cents to settle at US$66.59 a barrel.

Brent for October slipped 48 cents to end session at US$69.03 a barrel.

While demand has been challenged, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies including Russia have stayed the course in relaxing their output curbs imposed in the early phase of the pandemic. Supplies will rise by 400,000 barrels a day this month.

With prices softening, OPEC+ delegates said they don’t see a need to accelerate the revival of output, despite a call from US President Joe Biden last week for the cartel to restore more production to bring gasoline prices down. The group’s next regular meeting is set for Sept 1. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Strengthening Storm Grace pummels Jamaica with heavy rain, wind

People who have lost their homes in a 7.2 magnitude quake sit under plastic sheets in a makeshift camp as tropical depression Grace passes through the area, in Les Cayes, Haiti August 16, 2021

T

ropical Storm Grace pounded Jamaica with heavy rain and wind on Tuesday after causing flooding in parts of Haiti, which is scrambling to deal with a major earthquake at the weekend that killed more than 1400 people.

Grace, which is expected to become a hurricane by the time it hits Mexico's Yucatan peninsula on Thursday, was by late morning about 110 miles (177 kilometres) east of Montego Bay with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85km/h), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Higher gusts were reported.

"A whole heap of water is on the road. Trees are broke down, and the place a floodout," said Yankee Paul Junior, 21, a tax collector who was stranded in Jamaica's eastern parish of St Thomas. "I'm stuck and I want to go work."

Footage and images broadcast on social media showed downed trees and flooded roads, and several major arteries in Kingston were impassable, making it potentially hard for Jamaicans to get home in time for a 7 pm curfew under COVID-19 restrictions.

Romayne Robinson, a meteorologist with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, said he expected conditions to continue to be challenging for the next six to 12 hours.

"It's a good idea for everybody to stay put and ride out the storm," Robinson said.

The Miami-based NHC said tropical storm conditions were spreading over Jamaica.

The country's meteorological service said between four and six inches of rain could fall, which risked causing major flooding and landslides.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Stick to your original plans, regardless of what others do, and an opportunity will present itself. Take charge physically to gain respect and the support you require.

You’ll have tunnel vision TAURUSwhen it comes to getting what (April 20- you want. Your mind is workMay 20) ing overtime, and your ability to find what you need to get ahead will be on target. The time is right to bring about change.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

A partnership opportunity looks interesting, but ask pertinent questions and get what you want in writing.

Someone will lead you to believe you are getting a better deal than what’s on the table.

Don’t upset a friend or family member. If something isn’t right, fix it yourself. Draw on experience to get things done on time. The less interference you allow, the sooner you’ll reach your target.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take a moment to consider how to use your time and money efficiently. Trying to outdo someone could turn into a costly venture. Use your intelligence and physical attributes to get your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

A change will give you a boost. Whether you make a move, redecorate or make your space more comfortable, the results will ease stress and make you happy. Don’t wait for someone to make the first move.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Keep your emotions tucked away. Focus on personal growth and physical improvements, and you will enhance your morale and gain the confidence to follow through with your plans.

Don’t miss an opportunity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take a closer look at your finances. Go over your expenses and consider where you can cut corners. Taking care of such matters will relieve stress and help you put your money to better use.

Gathering information SAGITTARIUS from a reliable source will (Nov. 23help you avoid being takDec. 21) en advantage of by someone persuasive or manipulative.

Refuse to let anyone put you down or cause you to question your capabilities.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

List what you want to pursue and knock off one thing at a time. Pay attention to detail, and leave nothing to chance. The change you bring about will help you be more efficient and frugal.

You’ll obtain fascinating insight into solutions that help you make medical, financial or contractual improvements. Don’t let someone take the lead or push you in a direction that doesn’t suit you.

Call in the best of the best (Feb. 20- and work side by side to help a March 20) cause you believe in. Your input and enthusiasm will lead to new beginnings and better friendships. A positive change will encourage additional income.

PISCES

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

Two wins in two days for WI Masters CLASSIFIED ADS T he West Indies Masters Over-50 Team opened their tour of Toronto, Canada with two contrasting victories in two days.

Their first game ended in a convincing 133-run win over the Scarborough Cricket Association Masters XI in a 30-over match played at the L’Amoreaux Park on Sunday, August 14.

Batting first the WI Masters posted a commanding 218 for the loss of only 5 wickets in their full quota of overs. Former Guyana player Sudesh Dhaniram rolled back the years with a polished 59.

In reply, the SCA Masters, who never challenged the total, ended on 85 all out in 29.3 overs, with Ross Seeraj top scoring with 33.

The second game, played at Danville Park on Monday August 16, turned out to be a lowscoring, nail-biting, 45-over affair.

Batting first after being sent in, the WI Masters were bundled

The WI Masters posing for a team photo before their first practice game at the L’Amoreaux Park in Scarborough, Ontario on Sunday, August 14

out for a meagre 89 off 19.1 of their allotted overs.

Vejai Seonarine, batting at number 6, led the way with 36, and was later named Man-ofthe-Match. Opening the bowling, Ian Baldeo picked up three wickets for the Canada Over-45s.

In reply, the Canada Over-

45s were prevented from scoring freely throughout their innings, due to some very tight bowling from the WI Masters, and were bowled out for 87 off 43.5 overs.

Leading the bowling for the WI Masters were Mohan Harihar, with 3 for 21 from 8.5 overs, and former Guyana player Sunil

Former Afghanistan football captain fears for players left behind – "I have not been able to sleep, I have been crying and feeling helpless," she says

K

halida Popal, the former Afghanistan national women's team captain, has reflected on the shocking developments that have unfolded in her home country as the Taliban return to power after 20 years.

Now based in Denmark, the women's team director is desperately trying to help and advise her players, fearing what the Taliban rule may mean for women in the country.

"I receive messages from players from Afghanistan who are crying, saying, ‘We are abandoned and stuck at home, not able to get out’. They are afraid," Popal, 34, told BBC Sport.

"All the dreams have just gone. It is just like a nightmare. Players are sending their videos and saying, 'The people I talked against are now outside my door. I cannot breathe, I am so scared, and I don't see any protection’,” she disclosed.

"What is happening right now is back to square one. We feel the show is over."

Popal has closed down the national team's Twitter account to "protect" the team, for fear of identifying current or past players - and she is advising players to delete their social media too.

"We encouraged women and girls to stand up and be bold, and now I am telling them to take photos down, shut down your social media, and try to shut down their voices. This causes so much pain," she added.

"The players have been so vocal (in) standing up for women's rights, and now their lives are in grave danger," she lamented.

Popal has lived in Denmark since leaving Afghanistan in 2011 and seeking asylum in 2016. She says the

withdrawal of international troops, led by US and UK forces, after a 20-year presence in her home country has now heavily compromised the safety of women and girls.

During their previous rule, from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban stopped girls from receiving any form of education. Women were not able to leave the house without being accompanied by a male relative. They were not allowed to work, were forced to wear a full body and face-covering burqa; and punishments and beatings were commonplace for those who defied the extreme Islamist rulings.

Popal added: "After the last 20 years of women standing up for rights and freedom, we never thought we would be left alone. Those women took the risk, put their faces out there, and now their identities are exposed.

"All we hear is, 'We don't have national interest in Afghanistan anymore'. Nobody is talking about (protecting) the women activists, the players, the journalists who are at risk."

Popal was pivotal in forming the first Afghanistan women's football team in 2007.

Despite having to keep their practices quiet so as not to alert the Taliban forces, Popal and her team-mates soon realized that football could be their chance to make a difference and inspire the next generation of female athletes in the country.

Team members were accused of flouting religious beliefs, but knowing they were doing nothing wrong, they formed a national side. Their first game was against an International Security Assistance Forces team at the Ghazi Stadium in Kabul in that same year. Afghanistan won 5-0, and since then, the team have played multiple international matches.

"I remember we went to an international tournament and we stood under our flag," she told the BBC in 2017. "I remember the first time we heard the national anthem, it was emotional. We were all crying because it was such a great achievement for us."

Four years later, Popal is now having to call upon sports bodies such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to show their support and help protect the people most at risk in Afghanistan - including the team she helped build.

"Help us protect those women whose identities are exposed. Help us get our players safe," she pleaded. (BBC Sport)

Dhaniram, with 2 for just 7 runs off his 9 overs.

Captain Zaman Amin and Shivnauth Seeram also chipped in with two wickets each.

Manager of the WI Masters, Raj Singh, has said he was happy with the way the players have been able to adjust to the conditions, knowing that COVID-19 has prevented many of them from playing in their respective domestic leagues.

“Everyone has gelled really smoothly, and it has turned out to be the perfect start to our preparations for our tour to South Africa in 2021,” he noted.

Captain Amin, echoing the sentiments of Singh,

congratulated the team on their two wins and lauded their fight-back in the game against the Canada Over-45s.

“We never gave up! We believed that the two-paced wicket gave us a chance to defend our score,” he added.

The WI Masters are touring Canada in a trilateral series in Toronto, featuring the hosts and the USA. The first-placed team will automatically qualify for the final, while the semifinal will feature the secondand third-placed teams on Thursday, August 19.

The tournament ends the following day, and will be followed by a closing ceremony.

The games for today, Tuesday, August 17, will see the WI Masters take on Canada Over-50s, while the USA will come up against the Canada Over-45s. All the games are being played at the Danville ground in Mississauga.

The WI Masters full squad reads: Zamin Amin (captain), Imtiaz Rick Ali, Sudesh Dhaniram, Sunil Dhaniram, Kenny Girdharry, Brijmohan Harihar, Krishna Harricharan, David Malvern, Walter Persaud, Curtis Richards, Rajendra Daniel Sadeo. Shiv Shiwnauth Seeram, Vejai Seonarine, Balwant Roy Singh and Daniel Singh.

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‘She was on the cusp of needing surgery’ – How a physiotherapist helped rescue Sherika Jackson’s Olympic dream

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hree-time T o k y o Olympic medallist Shericka Jackson h a s impressed m a n y

spectators with her speed at the recently concluded Games, but many were left even more a st o n i s h e d Shericka Jackson by the s u p e r b conditioning that saw her participate in four events.

Jackson claimed a bronze medal in the 100m, competed in the first round of the 200m, and claimed gold in the 4x100m, before being part of a bronze medal-winning team in the gruelling 4x400m relays.

It was a remarkable achievement, particularly considering that, only a year ago, a troublesome injury had threatened to seriously curtail her participation in the Tokyo Games.

Jackson suffered from severe shin splints, a condition that affects the tibia and produces sharp and razor-like pain along the bone.

With heavy demand placed on the legs by track athletes, the condition can, at worst, be debilitating enough to require surgery, or, at the other end of the spectrum, certainly prevent the runner from delivering their full potential on the track.

When the athlete showed up at the offices of Physiotherapist and Performance Enhancement Specialist Yael Jagbir in September of last year, her condition was

much closer to needing surgery.

“It was pretty severe, because if I even touched the area it was painful, and she was unable to continue her season because of the pain she was in. She would have trouble warming up and things like that, so it was very severe initially,” Jagbir told SportsMax.TV. “I’ve seen stress fractures that you definitely need surgery. If hers wasn’t treated properly, it could have led to her needing to do surgery on her shins. It was right on the cusp of that point that she would have needed surgery,” she added.

However, after months of highly specialised treatment from Jagbir, the athlete slowly began to see improvement, and the painstaking work really paid off in April, with the Olympic qualifiers just a few months away.

“Three months, between September to November, we were doing some very intense work, some pool therapy, land-based therapy.

I was also doing treatment modalities to promote healing for the stress fractures,” Jagbir explained. “When November came, she went back to training. We continued working with some modifications. In December, she did an X-ray, and the X-ray showed that they were seeing signs of healing, and that was the first time she was seeing healing in the shin from when it first started in 2019,” the doctor explained.

“We just kept working. Her work ethic is impeccable, so it was a good team effort. In April, when she did another X-ray, by that time the pain in the shin had really started to subside, she was able to train and able to sprint. When she went for the repeat X-ray in April, it showed no signs of fractures. That was amazing!

“That was a miracle for those fractures to heal while she was actually training; it’s really amazing.”

Typically, a 400m runner, Jackson dropped down to the sprints for Jamaica’s national championships, where she surprised many by placing second in both the 100m and 200m sprints. The rest, as they say, is history.

(Sportsmax)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ICC Men's T20 World Cup…

23

Defending Champions WI bowl off T20 World Cup against England on October 23 …India oppose Pakistan in Dubai on October 24

D

efending champions West Indies will take on England in their first game of the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, October 23. This was confirmed today as the ICC unveiled the complete schedule of the 16-team marquee event.

The two-time World Champions will look to get the defence of their title off to a winning start in what would be a rematch of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016 final at Eden Gardens, when the WI snatched the title from England, thanks to a superb Man-of-the-Match display by Marlon Samuels and Carlos Brathwaite’s four

event in the UAE and Oman.”

Pollard added: “We have a particularly interesting Super 12 group, which sees us come up against Australia, England and South Africa. We can’t wait to get started! West Indian cricketers have always played an exciting brand of cricket, and I am sure our fans in the Caribbean and all over the world are highly anticipating seeing us in action”.

West Indies are the only team to win the ICC T20 World Cup twice. They did so in 2012 against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa in Colombo, and, four years later, against England in Kolkata. On both occasions, Daren Sammy was the captain. They also

consecutive sixes in the last over.

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard has said: “We are excited to begin defence of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title later this year. T20 cricket is dynamic, and the international scene is highly competitive, with players constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation; and we are expecting a spectacular

reached the semi-finals on two other occasions – in 2009 in England and 2014 in Bangladesh.

(Windies Cricket) India vs Pakistan in Dubai on October 24 The India vs Pakistan Super 12s Group 2 game at the Men's T20 World Cup 2021 will be played on October 24 in Dubai.

The date was confirmed as the ICC announced the tournament schedule on Tuesday. The tournament's first round kicks off on October 17 in Oman, with Oman taking on Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh playing Scotland. The final will be played in Dubai on November 14, with November 15 marked as a reserve day.

The Super 12s - round two of the tournament, with two groups - will begin on October 23, with Australia facing South Africa in Abu Dhabi and England up against West Indies in Dubai.

India vs Pakistan aside, another big-ticket encounter in this round includes England and Australia playing in Dubai on October 30.

England and Australia are part of Group 1 in the Super 12s, along with South Africa, West Indies and two qualifiers from the first round of games. India and Pakistan are in Group 2, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifiers.

The top-two teams from the two Super 12 groups will play the semi-finals. The first on November 10 in Abu Dhabi and the second on November 11 in Dubai. Like the final, both the semi-finals will have reserve days.

The tournament's first round features Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia in Group A, and Bangladesh, Scotland, PNG and Oman in Group B. Oman and UAE are cohosts for the tournament, with the first round being played in Oman, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The second round is spread around the three UAE venues of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai.

This will be the first time

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says there will be no reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo

R

Ronaldo and Ancelotti won the Champions League together at Real in 2014

eal Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a return to the club.

The Juventus forward, 36, has 10 months remaining on his contract in Turin, and has been linked with Real, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City.

In a rare move, Ancelotti has responded to the rumours in a tweet on Tuesday. "Cristiano is a Real Madrid legend, and he has all my love and respect. I have

never considered signing him. We look forward. #HalaMadrid," he wrote.

Ancelotti's tweet appears to have been prompted by a report by Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, which claimed on Monday night that a reunion between Real and Ronaldo was a possibility, three years after he left the club to sign for Juventus in a £99.2m deal.

Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United in July 2009, and went on to score a club record 450 goals in 438

games over the following nine seasons. In his time with Los Blancos, Ronaldo also won four Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles. One of those Champions League trophies was won under the guidance of Ancelotti, during the Italian's previous spell in charge.

Speculation over Ronaldo's future has intensified in the days since great rival Lionel Messi left Barcelona and joined PSG on a two-year deal. (BBC Sport)

in over two years that India and Pakistan will play each other, their last meeting being at the 50-over World Cup in England in 2019.

As has been the case often in the past many years, bilateral ties between the two countries are on hold because of political tensions, meaning they only face each other only in multi-team tournaments, like the World Cups.

This edition of the World Cup was initially scheduled to be held in Australia in 2020, but was postponed because of the pandemic. Then it was slated to be played in India this October, but again complications triggered by the pandemic forced a venue change. Incidentally, 2021 was also due to feature a T20 World Cup as per previous ICC schedules, and that second tournament will now be played in Australia late next year.

C

Sammy tags West Indies as favourites Daren Sammy, the two-time T20 World Cup-winning West Indies captain, who unveiled the schedule in a virtual function on Tuesday, along with Dinesh Karthik and Isa Guha, told T20 worldcup.com that he expects West Indies to grab the most attention at the tournament.

"When you look at West Indies - and I might sound a bit biased - in the last [three] tournaments, we have managed to get to the final 4, win in 2 out of that (2012 and 2016),” Sammy said. "Our players - the calibre of players we have - when you look at captain [Kieron] Pollard, ‘The Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Evin Lewis, I could go on… it's a long list of guys who can take the attack to you.

"But in this stage, every team looking at the group stages

would be thinking, 'Wow, you got to start well'. And I expect England and West Indies to come out of that group (Group 1 in the Super 12s). (I predict that the team) that tops this group gets to the final."

Karthik said he expected Group 2 in the Super 12s to be highly competitive as well: "If five Asian teams come through and you have New Zealand there…that's a tougher group.

I am looking forward to some high-octane action.

"It's going to be a close call for me between Pakistan and New Zealand [with India being the other team to get through from Group 2 to the semis]. My heart says I would love to see a Pakistan there, but New Zealand find ways to always punch above their weight. They are a pretty well-rounded team, with a great leader in Kane Williamson."

(ESPNCricinfo)

Guyana’s ‘Showstopper’ for World Powerlifting Championships

arlos ‘The Showstopper’ Peterson-Griffith is the lone Guyanese who would be representing the Golden Arrowhead at next month’s World Powerlifting Championships in Sweden.

This is an undertaking that he hopes would be record breaking.

Following his participation in the FESUPO/NAPF PanAmerican Regional Powerlifting Championships, ‘The Showstopper’ will continue to be busy for the next few weeks, as he heads to Halmstad, Sweden for the International Powerlifting Federation’s (IPF’s) powerlifting championships.

The Championships would be staged from September 23 to October 3, and Peterson- Griffith is hoping he can rewrite the International equipped deadlift and squat records.

In regard to being the chosen one to represent Guyana at this event, Peterson-Griffith had this to say: “Being selected as an athlete to compete at Worlds, yes, it’s one of my main dreams come true once again. With that being said, it’s not a walk in the park, you have USA, Canada, Algeria, Bulgaria, Sweden and Ukraine standing among the top 5 in the world.”

He added, “The only thing I must say that they have in front of me is the bench- press. As time, it will grow for myself. I’m not a good bench-presser at this moment, but my numbers will increase in due time.

“As mentioned earlier, I’m looking forward to break the deadlift record and also the squat record.”

Peterson-Griffith is contesting in the 93kg deadlift and squat categories.

Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Peterson-Griffith

Intent on making his mark in the IPF world, the Guyanese strongman shared his hopes that powerlifting would someday becoming an Olympic sport, so that he might attain his Olympic dream.

“Worlds is one of the biggest events besides Olympics. Only few athletes have stepped up to that arena. Mr Randolph Morgan, and I believe Mr. (Mervin) Spongy Moses doing the equipped segment,” the strongman shared.

Regarding his Olympic hopes, Peterson-Griffith said, “I’m the only Guyanese thus far to portray it in the classic segment. I’ve qualified for both, but I’m looking forward more for the classic, cause that is the discipline that will be going for the Olympics, by God’s grace. That’s after the summit at the end of November. Hopefully, we get Powerlifting in the IOC, so

we’re able to step up the game a bit more.”

However, getting PetersonGriffith to the IPF Championships was no easy task, as told by the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s (GAPLF’s) President, Gordon Spencer.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that he gets accepted to the tournament, because it wasn’t easy at first. The General Secretary (of the GAPLF) and I spent 72 hours continuously with the officials until we were able to get Carlos accepted as a participant,” Spencer told a press briefing over the weekend.

While Peterson- Griffith will be the only athlete in Sweden along with a manager and referee, a 10-member team is currently representing Guyana in Florida at the Pan Am Regional Championships.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

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

Green moves to Tallawahs as CPL confirms final squads Chris Green

Tim Seifert

W

ith the beginning of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2021 being just 9 days away, the organisation has released the final squad lists ahead of the 9th edition of the tournament.

Many of the tournament’s six teams have revealed alterations, which have been described by CPL as necessary as a result of changes to players’ availability.

Nonetheless, the tournament continues to feature some big names, with the best in the Caribbean and around the World still on board.

Local franchise the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) are the only team without changes, with the likes of Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez locked in.

The newly rebranded Barbados Royals have made two changes with the

introduction of New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips and Englishman Jake Lintott. This means that Chris Morris and Shafiqullah Ghafari are no longer available to the Bajans.

Former GAW captain Chris Green moves to the Jamaica Tallawahs alongside Shamarh Brooks. They replace No. 1 ranked T20 and ODI allrounder Shakib Al

Glenn Phillips

Hassan and Ibrahim Zadran respectively.

For the St Lucia Kings, it appears as though Matthew Wade will miss out on the Biggest Party in Sport, with SingaporeanAustralian batsman Timothy David being named as his replacement.

The Trinbago Knight Riders have two changes.

Tim Seifert who w a s previously released by the franchise has been recalled, and Yasir Shah returns following stints with the team in 2015 and 2017. Missing out will be Sikandar Raza and Sandeep Lamichanne.

The team with the most changes are the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who have had to swap 4 players.

Ravi Bopara, Paul van Meekeren, Fawad Ahmed and Asif Alli will get their time in the Caribbean sun, while Rassie van

der Dussen, Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be absent from this year’s action.

The Hero CPL will bowl off next Thursday morning, August 26, with the Warriors taking on the Knight Riders from 10am local time. The tournament is being played exclusively at Warner Park, Basseterre, in St. Kitts and Nevis in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

As had obtained in the CPL, 2020 season, the ‘bio secure bubble’ would be utilised.

The full squads are as follows:

Timothy David

JAMAICA TALLAWAHS

SAINT LUCIA KINGS

ANDRE RUSSELL CHRIS GREEN CARLOS BRATHWAITE ROVMAN POWELL HAIDER ALI CHADWICK WALTON FIDEL EDWARDS QAIS AHMAD JASON MOHAMMED MIGAEL PRETORIUS KENNAR LEWIS SHAMARH BROOKS VEERASAMMY PERMAUL ABIJHAI MANSINGH JOSHUA JAMES KIRK McKENZIE RYAN PERSAUD

FAF du PLESSIS KEEMO PAUL WAHAB RIAZ TIMOTHY DAVID ANDRE FLETCHER KESRICK WILLIAMS USMAN QADIR SAMIT PATEL OBED McCOY RAHKEEM CORNWALL MARK DEYAL ROSTON CHASE JAVELLE GLEN KERON COTTOY JEAVOR ROYAL KADEEM ALLEYNE ALZARRI JOSEPH

ST KITTS & NEVIS PATRIOTS DWAYNE BRAVO CHRIS GAYLE EVIN LEWIS FABIAN ALLEN RAVI BOPARA PAUL van MEEKEREN SHERFANE RUTHERFORD SHELDON COTTERELL FAWAD AHMED DEVON THOMAS RAYAD EMRIT ASIF ALI COLIN ARCHIBALD JON-RUSS JAGGESAR DOMINIC DRAKES JOSHUA DA SILVA MYKILE LOUIS

BARBADOS ROYALS GLENN PHILLIPS JASON HOLDER THISARA PERRERA MOHAMMAD AMIR JOHNSON CHARLES SHAI HOPE OSHANE THOMAS KYLE MAYERS HAYDEN WALSH, JR AZAM KHAN RAYMON REIFER JUSTIN GREAVES ASHLEY NURSE JAKE LINTOTT NYEEM YOUNG JOSHUA BISHOP SMIT PATEL

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS KIERON POLLARD RAVI RAMPAUL SUNIL NARINE COLIN MUNRO YASIR SHAH DARREN BRAVO LENDL SIMMONS KHARY PIERRE ISURU UDANA TIM SEIFERT ANDERSON PHILLIP DENESH RAMDIN TION WEBSTER AKEAL HOSEIN JAYDEN SEALES LEONARDO JULIEN ALI KHAN GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS NICHOLAS POORAN SHOAIB MALIK IMRAN TAHIR SHIMRON HETMYER MOHAMMAD HAFEEZ BRANDON KING NAVEEN UL HAQ ROMARIO SHEPHERD WAQAR SALAMKHIEL CHANDRAPAUL HEMRAJ ODEAN SMITH NIAL SMITH GUDAKESH MOTIE ANTHONY BRAMBLE KEVIN SINCLAIR ASHMEAD NEDD

26 players selected for WI Rising Stars U19s High Performance Camp …Nandu, Thorne among Guyanese to get the nod

Matthew Nandu

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ricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the 26-member squad to continue preparing for the West Indies Rising Stars U19s tour of England next month.

The squad was selected following targeted coaching sessions and an eight-match trial series in Antigua last week. The players will now continue training and planning sessions this week, and a final 18-member squad for the tour

to England would be named at a later date.

Head Coach Floyd Reifer said: “The screening trials went very well. We saw some excellent performances, and it was not easy to cut down the large number of such talented young players. You could see the enthusiasm was high in all the players, and the spirit was high in all the teams. We have to do everything we can to encourage all of the players who came to continue working on their game.

“A more intensive camp has started, (wherein) we will push forward to improve the skill set, the mindset, and the tactical awareness of the 26 players before cutting the squad further. More will go into the tactical sessions as we work towards the Tour of England and onto the ICC U19 World Cup. “We will also promote the West Indian brand of cricket that we want to play going into that World Cup, without

Isai Thorne

neglecting the fundamentals.”

The West Indies Rising Stars U19 tour of England will feature six Youth One-Day Internationals at The County Ground in Beckenham, and The Polo Farm in Canterbury from Saturday, September 4 to Friday, September 17. The West Indies Rising Stars U19s High Performance Camp is a key part of the CWI investment in developing and preparing

the players for the ICC U19 World Cup, to be played in the West Indies early next year.

U19 Rising Stars’ Squad Onaje Amory, age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm offspin) Anderson Amurdan, age: 18 (Right-hand opening bat) Ackeem Auguste, age: 17 (Left-hand bat/right-arm legspin)

Justin Beckford, age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm offspin) Teddy Bishop, age: 18 (Right-hand opening bat) Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, age: 17 (Right-hand bat/wicketkeeper) Jaden Carmichael, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm spin) McKenny Clarke, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm fast) Rivaldo Clarke, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/wicketkeeper) Amrit Dass, age: 18 (Righthand bat/left-arm chinaman) Giovonte Depeiza, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm spin) Nathan Edwards, age: 16 (Left-hand bat/left-arm fastmedium) Andel Gordon, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm medium-pace) Sion Hackett, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast) Justin Jagessar, age: 16 (Right-hand bat) Jordan Johnson, age: 16

(Left-hand bat/right-arm legspin) Kyle Kissoondath, age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin) Johann Layne, age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm fast-medium) Nicholas Lewin, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin) Anderson Mahase, age: 18 (Left-hand bat/left-arm spin) Matthew Nandu, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin) Shaqkere Parris, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/wicketkeeper) Kelvin Pittman, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm fast-medium) Isai Thorne, age: 16 (Righthand bat/right-arm fast) Shiva Sankar, age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast) Vasant Singh, age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin)

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