Guyana Times - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

NGSA results expected

by September 15 P15

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

Issue No. 5082

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

Guyana is a "strong partner" to the US – Secretary of State to Pres Ali

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CANU intercepts motor vehicle with $10M worth P14 of ganja

Page 3

74-year-old unvaccinated man succumbs to COVID-19 P11 …79 new cases recorded; oxygen plant arrives in Guyana

Colonel Hussain new Director General of CDC

ExxonMobil makes 2 more discoveries offshore Guyana

Page 10

Vice President sues Su Zhi Rong for defamation Page 7

P7

Charrandas Persaud wins defamation lawsuit against Ramjattan

Page 17

…slaps Chinese businessman with $50M lawsuit …court awards $7M in damages

FBI offers P8 assistance to investigate, prosecute and secure convictions in white-collar crime

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 Guyana is a “strong partner” to the US – Secretary of State to Pres Ali NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, July 27 – 02:30h – 04:00h and Thursday, July 28 – 03:00h – 04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, July 27 – 16:15h – 17:45h and Thursday, July 28 – 16:50h – 18:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect thundery showers and partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Westerly to West South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 15:57h reaching a maximum height of 2.32 metres.

Low Tide: 09:30h and 21:42h reaching minimum heights of 0.8 metre and 0.9 metre.

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

06 11 16

26 27 28

23

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

01 09 11 12 14 LUCKY 3

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8

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$104.40/barrel

-0.72

Rough Rice

$307.44/ton

+0.89

London Sugar

$509.60/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1719.40

$1720.40

Low/High Change

$1713.50 +2.10

$1728.60 +0.12

President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

U

rgent solutions to climate change and energy took centre stage on Monday, when President Ali met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC. In his remarks, the US Secretary of State said that Guyana has been a very strong partner for the United States and is in many ways a global leader.

The two countries, he added, will continue to advance discussions and collaboration in areas for cooperation.

“Guyana has been a very strong partner for the United States and in many ways, a global leader. We’re working together in our region and beyond to try to find solutions to urgent challenges, to include climate, food security, energy security. We’re working on each of these together and I think coming out of the Summit of the Americas, there is a lot more energy in those efforts,” he underscored.

In the weeks ahead, Blinken hinted that several initiatives between the two countries will materialise.

Particularly, climate change and energy have been important topics during this current visit to deepen bilateral engagements.

The United States, he emphasised, is “very eager to continue to deepen and strengthen the partnership,” which will also redound to the benefit of the region given the fact that Georgetown, the country’s capital, is also the seat of Caricom.

Meanwhile, President Ali has committed to working jointly in areas of mutual collaboration for not just Guyana, but the Caribbean Community.

“We look forward to discussing how jointly we can continue to work on the issues of food security, climate, financing, working in the region in terms of debt crisis facing Caricom, but more importantly, finding a balanced development strategy, and in doing so, stay-

ing true to the value system, principles that both of us believe so strongly in—that is a democratic society where transparency, accountability, and strong governance support for the development of Guyana.”

President Ali introducing Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd to US Secretary of State

The President noted that the discussions this week are a continuation of the dialogue between the two countries, which was initiated during June’s Ninth Summit of the Americas, in which critical issues for

Caricom as a region were identified, which include food security, energy security, financing, and the issue of climate change.

He reminded that Guyana is already providing leadership, including on issues of the environment, while pursuing the country’s development agenda.

“We are pursuing an energy path that seeks to balance our newfound natural resource of oil and gas, but we are not doing that at the detriment of our credentials on environment and climate change. As you rightfully pointed out, our forests store 19.5 kilotons of carbon. We are a net zero country.” (G12)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

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

T

Balancing the fight

he world continues to be engaged in a battle with the deadly coronavirus pandemic which has so far resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of infections worldwide. While the coronavirus pandemic has caused great panic and worry and brought into focus the capacity of health systems in various countries, the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic is also a serious health concern which cannot be taken lightly.

The reality is that TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause from a single infectious agent, even though the disease is curable and preventable. For this reason, Governments and health partners must not allow the coronavirus pandemic to overshadow TB and, therefore, every opportunity must be used to increase public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of the disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that prior to COVID-19, many countries were making steady progress in tackling TB, with a nine per cent reduction in incidence seen between 2015 and 2019 and a 14 per cent drop in deaths in the same period. High-level political commitments at global and national levels were delivering results, the WHO stated.

However, a more recent report from the WHO shows that access to TB services remains a challenge, and that global targets for prevention and treatment will likely be missed without urgent action and investments. According to the WHO, approximately 1.4 million people died from TBrelated illnesses in 2019. Of the estimated 10 million people who developed TB that year, some three million were not diagnosed with the disease, or were not officially reported to national authorities.

About 14 million people were treated for TB in the period 2018-2019, just over one-third of the five-year target (20182022) of 40 million, according to the report. Some 6.3 million people started TB preventive treatment in 2018-2019, about one-fifth of the five-year target of 30 million.

The report highlights those disruptions in services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to further setbacks. In many countries, human, financial and other resources have been reallocated from TB to the COVID-19 response, and data collection and reporting systems have also been negatively impacted.

According to the report, data collated from over 200 countries has shown significant reductions in TB case notifications, with 25 per cent to 30 per cent drops reported in three high-burden countries – India, Indonesia, the Philippines – between January and June 2020 compared to the same six-month period in 2019. These reductions in case notifications could lead to a dramatic increase in additional TB deaths, according to WHO modelling.

However, in line with WHO guidance, countries have taken measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on essential TB services, including by strengthening infection control. A total of 108 countries – including 21 countries with a high TB burden – have expanded the use of digital technologies to provide remote advice and support. To reduce the need for visits to health facilities, many countries are encouraging home-based treatment, all-oral treatments for people with drug-resistant TB, provision of TB preventive treatment, and ensuring people with TB maintain an adequate supply of drugs.

The WHO End TB Strategy aims for a 90 per cent reduction in TB deaths and an 80 per cent reduction in the TB incidence rate by 2030, compared to the 2015 baseline.

Even though Guyana still has a far way to go, this country can boast of tremendous progress made in its fight against TB; and all efforts must be made to ensure these gains are not reversed. It could be recalled that the actual number of new TB cases diagnosed by the National TB Programme (NTBP) rose steadily throughout the 90s. However, with some key interventions by health authorities; annual cases declined from 2008 and stabilised for years thereafter due to further Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) expansion.

Funding remains a crucial factor in fighting TB. All partners can help take forward innovative approaches to ensure that everyone suffering from the disease has access to TB diagnosis, treatment and cure. Governments and NGOs may have the best ideas to tackle TB, but it makes very little sense if there are inadequate financial resources to ensure their effective implementation.

Further, ending TB will only be achieved with greater collaboration within and across Governments, and with partners from civil society, communities, researchers, the Private Sector and development agencies. This means taking a whole-of-society and multidisciplinary approach, in the context of universal health coverage.

Exercise Tradewinds preparation: As preparations for Exercise Tradewinds 2023 heighten, members of the coordinating team – Guyana Defence Force, the Civil Defence Commission, USSOUTHCOM and US Army South – recently conducted a series of Strategic Site Surveys to assess the possibility of including a Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) serial as part of the exercise (GDF photo)

Monkeypox is truly an emergency. The WHO was right to raise the highest alarm …supporting the people most at risk of this awful disease is the only way to reduce its impact and stop its spread

By Devi Sridhar

P

robably the last thing you want to hear is that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared another disease – this time monkeypox – to be a public health emergency of international concern.

Monkeypox is a virus similar to smallpox that causes fever, swollen lymph nodes and distinctive rashes on the face, palms, the soles of the feet and genitalia. Gay and bisexual men are most at risk, as are other men who have sex with men.

It can be a serious disease with the case fatality rate around 3-6 per cent, although the vast majority of people manage to recover at home without hospitalisation or medication.

This WHO declaration is unusual in that the Organisation’s Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, overruled a split emergency committee (an expert advisory committee from around the world in virology, epidemiology and public health) to insist that the loudest alarm bell should be rung. His justification was: “We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little and which meets the criteria in the international health regulations.”

For a disease to be called a public health emergency of international concern, it has to meet a high threshold. It must be an “extraordinary event” that consti-

tutes a public health risk to other countries through the international spread of disease, requiring a coordinated global response.

Given how many disease outbreaks occur, often hundreds a month, this alarm bell has been rung sparingly for diseases such as polio, COVID-19, Ebola, Zika virus and H1N1 swine flu.

Since the first human case was discovered in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, monkeypox outbreaks have largely been contained and limited to roughly a dozen African countries. In recent weeks, the number of cases has risen to more than 15,000 across the world.

Dr Tedros’s concern now is with the increase in cases, and how the virus is spreading rapidly across the world through sexual contact networks.

A new research paper on 528 monkeypox cases in 16 countries lays out that 98 per cent of the people infected were gay or bisexual men, 75 per cent of them were white, and 41 per cent had HIV. No women were among the cases, and 95 per cent of cases were thought to be linked to sexual transmission. These findings are crucial in developing an effective and tailored public health response to contain spread which needs to largely focus on the current highest-risk group: men having sex with men (MSM).

While some have suggested it is homophobic to note that MSM are the group at highest risk, others have noted that homophobia is recognising

this pattern of spread and not doing anything about it. It is standard in public health when tackling infectious diseases to identify which groups are most at risk and offer support to reduce the negative impact the disease can have.

Think of flu vaccination campaigns tailored to protect pregnant or older people – some of the highest-risk groups for illness and death from influenza.

This is also a disease that could easily spread beyond the MSM community, given its usual transmission pattern is through household members, close contacts, and healthcare workers.

This is an emergency quite distinct from COVID-19 and polio, which are also current public health emergencies being tracked by the WHO. Fortunately, we have an effective vaccine – developed for smallpox – that has been approved for the prevention of monkeypox as well. However, availability is limited even in Britain.

The necessary response to monkeypox is intense vaccination efforts within the MSM community and ensuring adequate supply and access to all who need it. There needs to be clear messaging and education to raise awareness about symptoms and testing, and support for those who want to isolate and need to take time off work.

Just telling people not to have sex hasn’t worked well: this has been clearly shown by the HIV response and the failure of abstinence-only approaches. It’s

more effective to show how to reduce risk and protect oneself.

With fatigue setting in after years of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health leaders don’t want to cry wolf. However, this is a dire situation and a true global emergency, as stated clearly by the WHO. Rather than fatigue, cynicism and fatalism, it’s time for Governments to step up a tailored response. It won’t involve lockdowns or restrictions, but surveillance, testing, provision of self-isolation support, clear messaging and outreach to the most at-risk groups, and most importantly targeted vaccination.

West African countries have been struggling with monkeypox for years. This has drawn little attention from richer countries and the disease was allowed to simmer there without much investment or provision of vaccination. Monkeypox is a reminder that a disease circulating anywhere, however far from us we may think it is, is only ever a plane ride away, and that bugs don’t respect national boundaries. The entire history of humankind surviving these sorts of disease outbreaks shows that the best approach is collective; that if a fire is raging in your neighbour’s garden, the imperative is to help them put it out. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it could be your house on fire next. (The Guardian) Professor Devi Sridhar is Chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

5

News Over US$10M in flaring fines paid by ExxonMobil …Liza 1 & 2 currently at 220,000 barrels per day E

xxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has finally installed its new flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and reduced its flaring, but not before having to pay out over US$10 million in fines to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

On Tuesday, EEPGL Production Manager Mike Ryan shared information with the media on the Liza Destiny FPSO that services the Liza Phase 1 development. He explained that since Exxon installed a new flash gas compressor on the vessel, flaring has been reduced to pilot levels.

“I’m really happy to say that we met our expectation of delivering, installing and starting it up in July. And we’ve achieved background flare now on Liza Destiny. It’s a remarkable accomplishment by quite a lot of people, over a journey that has been challenging. But relentlessly pursuing the background flare target and really happy to say we’ve achieved that.”

“The operation on Liza Destiny has been going smoothly, very safe operation. We’ve gone over a thousand days now without a recordable incident, which is really world class performance. And we should be really proud of all the Guyanese work-

EEPGL Production Manager Mike Ryan

ing on Liza Destiny,” Ryan said.

He noted that in the wake of some production optimisation, they are currently producing approximately 140,000 barrels per day on the Liza Destiny, which is above their regional targets. Combined with the Liza Unity FPSO, both the Liza Phase 1 and 2 projects are producing over 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

The production manager further revealed the cumulative fines Exxon has had to pay to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirmed the increased fines in May when the updated permit for Liza 1 took effect. According to him, up until June over US$10 million in flaring fees have been paid.

According to Ryan, they are in an endurance run where they observe how the flash gas compressor is performing. When

it comes to the old flash gas compressor, Ryan said this would be upgraded in Germany and then used as a spare.

Last year, the US oil giant had sent the Liza Destiny gas compressor for repairs in Germany after it developed technical issues, resulting in increased flaring. But after reinstallation in April, technical issues were still encountered, forcing the company to significantly drop production to as low as 30,000 barrels per day.

By May, production went up and flaring was at approximately 15 million standard cubic feet of gas.

Over the following months, Exxon had brought the compressor online and cut down its flaring by 96 per cent.

Last year, Ryan had explained that there were six operational gas compressors including the flash gas

Exxon Headquarters

compressor, two main ones and injection gas compressor, and that flaring had been reduced to approximately 6 million cubic feet per day.

The oil company had said that a new redesigned flash gas compressor was being manufactured. This compressor, the company had said, would reduce flaring once it arrived in the country. The compressor in question arrived in Guyana this year.

Exxon has come under criticism over its increased flaring in recent years, with environmentalists up in arms over the harmful effects it has on the environment. When

the EPA started reviewing the Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 development, the agency had said that they were looking to include some strong measures aimed at preventing any activity that could harm the environment.

Last year, the EPA had amended the Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 Development Project after the oil company had been flaring excessively following technical issues with its gas compressor on the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel on two separate occasions in 2021.

The regulatory body engaged EEPGL to modi-

fy the permit back in May 2021 to include specific regulatory requirements for flaring of associated gas offshore Guyana, in accordance with the EPA’s legislation.

These were missing from the original permit that was issued under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration. At the time, a cost of US$30 per ton of carbon emission was agreed upon, but the fee was then increased to US$45 during discussions with the operator over the August-September 2021 period. (G3)

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 (2018) 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 17:45 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:30 22:30 23:30 00:00

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

Page

Foundation

◄

Multiplying fractions: Reciprocals To multiply fractions, treat the numerators and the denominators as two different multiplication exercises. Multiply the numerators to find the numerator of the product. Then multiply the denominators to find the denominator of the product.

You may need to multiply reciprocals. Reciprocals are two fractions that look like upside-down reflections of one another. The numerator of the first is the denominator of the second and the numerator of the second is the denominator of the first.

Step 1: Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 26 x 2 = 52 You could go through the steps of multiplying the numerators (2 x 8 = 16) and then multiplying the denominators (8 x 2 = 16). Notice the products are the same. When multiplying reciprocals, the product of the numerators and the products of the denominators will always be the same.

Exercises: Multiply

By

the

Brothers Grimm

CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY

As he came to the next village, he saw a scissor-grinder with his wheel, working and singing, “O’er hill and o’er dale So happy I roam, Work light and live well, All the world is my home; Then who so blithe, so merry as I?” Hans stood looking on for a while, and at last said, “You must be well off, master grinder! You seem so happy at your work.” “Yes,” said the other, “mine is a golden trade; a good grinder never puts his hand into his pocket without finding money in it— but where did you get that beautiful goose?” “I did not buy it, I gave a pig for it.” “And where did you get the pig?” “I gave a cow for it.” “And the cow?” “I gave a horse for it.” “And the horse?” “I gave a lump of silver as big as my head for it.” “And the silver?” “Oh! I worked hard for that seven long years.” “You have thriven well in the world hitherto,” said the grinder, “now if you could find money in your pocket whenever you put your hand in it, your fortune would be made.” “Very true: but how is that to be managed?” “How? Why, you must turn grinder like myself,” said the other; “you only want a grindstone; the rest will come of itself. Here is one that is but little the worse for wear: I would not ask more than the value of your goose for it—will you buy?” “How can you ask?” said Hans; “I should be the happiest man in the world, if I could have money whenever I put my hand in my pocket: what could I want more? There’s the goose.” “Now,” said the grinder, as he gave him a common rough stone that lay by his side, “this is a most capital stone; do but work it well enough, and you can make an old nail cut with it.”

Hans took the stone, and went his way with a light heart: his eyes sparkled for joy, and he said to himself, “Surely I must have been born in a lucky hour; everything I could want or wish for comes of itself. People are so kind; they seem really to think I do them a favour in letting them make me rich, and giving me good bargains.”

WORD SEARCH

7 Vice President sues Su Zhi Rong for defamation NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…slaps Chinese businessman with $50M lawsuit cent example of someone be-

O

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ver a month after Chinese businessman Su Zhi Rong was broadcast by VICE News attempting to implicate Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in his schemes by claiming to act as his middleman in securing investments, Jagdeo has slapped the businessman with an over-$50 million lawsuit.

According to the Statement of Claim, Zhi Rong made false and slanderous statements about the claimant, Jagdeo.

The Statement of Claim also contains transcripts from interviews Su Zhi Rong had with the VICE News correspondent, Isobel Yeung and a Mr Chan.

In these conversations, the businessman presented himself as the middleman between Jagdeo and potential investors, while at the same time soliciting cash from the undercover VICE News agents. According to the court filing, Su Zhi Rong’s utterances gave the impression that the claimant accepts money to render assistance to investors and that Zhi Rong was his broker to negotiate such underhand deals.

“The statements made, expressed and uttered by the defendant in the visual and audio recorded conversations and/or discussions and/ or interviews between Isobel Yeung and the person referred to as Mr. Chan clearly imputed criminal and unlawful conduct on the part of the claimant and the said words were calculated to disparage the defendant personally and,

in the office, he held,” Jagdeo’s Statement of Claim states.

“The defendant at the time of making the slanderous and defamatory statements of the claimant acted in a reckless and indifferent manner as regards the possibility of the statements being recorded and/or repeated and/or published to others.”

In the proceedings filed by Jadgeo, he is claiming damages in excess of $50 million for the slanderous and defamatory statements made, expressed and uttered by Su Zhi Rong in a series of recorded conversations and/or discussions and/or interviews held sometime on or about the month of January, 2022 in Guyana.

These recorded conversations and/or discussions and/or interviews were aired, broadcast and published by VICE News on or about the June 19, 2022, and again on or about July 7, 2022, on American television channel, Showtime, social media platform, YouTube, and other media platforms under the title, “Guyana For Sale” and “Undercover in Guyana: Exposing Chinese Business in South America”.

Jagdeo is also claiming aggravated and/or exemplary damages; an injunction restraining the Su Zhi Rong whether by himself, his servants, or agents or otherwise, from further publishing or causing to be published the said or similar words defamatory of the claimant; costs; interest on all sums awarded at the rate of 6 per cent per annum from the date of judgement until fully paid; and such further or other orders as the court deems just and convenient. Jagdeo is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Manoj Narayan.

Su Zhi Rong is a businessman and a national of the People’s Republic of China. He is also a citizen of Guyana by naturalisation, of Lot A, Block 2 Public Road, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

Accusations

The full interview was aired February 5 following the two-hour interview with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo by a journalist of VICE Media Group, which was conducted on February 1, 2022.

In the interview aired by Showtime television network, Su Zhi Rong, who operates in Guyana, claimed to be close friends with Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

In the same breath, however, he also made clear in the undercover interview that Jagdeo does not take bribes.

In the preview released ahead of the full airing, Su Zhi Rong is also heard referring to Jagdeo saying, “his hands are very clean.”

At no point in the full recording of the episode did VICE News present any evidence of wrongdoing or corruption on Jagdeo’s part. In the full recording, however, Su Zhi Rong was recorded using Jagdeo’s name in trying to negotiate a payment from the undercover VICE operator posing as a Chinese investor.

When the Vice President was visited at his house by Su Zhi Rong and the undercover VICE crew (the journalist posed as the secretary of the undercover investor), Jagdeo in the secretly recorded conversation did specify that he can assist with investment deals but made it clear that he will not get involved in any financial dealings.

“No no, I’m not getting involved with business… my thing is that I’m in Government. So, I assist from the Government side. That’s it,” Jagdeo said, after which Su Zhi Rong spoke to the Chinese ‘investor’ in Mandarin to further solicit the bribe, so that the Vice President could not realise that he was being used.

Persons falsely using Jagdeo’s name to solicit money from investors is nothing new and in fact Jagdeo had cause to publicly warn investors during a press conference earlier this year, not to fall for this scam.

During his press conference, Jagdeo had given a re-

ing arrested at Office of the President, for this very offence. The Vice President recalled that the man, who was a complete stranger to him, took a photo next to him and then later used this photo to collect money from companies on the false promise that he knew Jagdeo and could act as a liaison between them and the Vice President.

“He then showed up here, because my secretary called and arranged a meeting. He showed up with another per-

Chinese businessman Su Zhi Rong

son he was conning, bringing to the meeting. And he was arrested right here,” Jagdeo had said.

“So, this is going on, it has become almost like an industry, where people claim they are representing companies and I don’t know what they are representing to these people.

So, if anyone is stupid enough to lose your money by thinking you will get any preferences, because someone arranged a meeting with some policymaker, it’s your loss,” Jagdeo had said. (G3)

Colonel Hussain new Director General of CDC

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips along with the CDC’s new Director General, Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain and Deputy Director General, Major Loring Benons on Tuesday

P

rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips on Tuesday officially announced the appointment of Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain as Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The announcement was made during an officiating ceremony at the CDC headquarters in Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Colonel Hussain, who retired in 2019, has 35 years of service in the Guyana Defence Force. He is trained and has both local and overseas experience in disaster management.

The experienced Hussain also functions as the Director of the COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat, the Office of the Prime Minister said on Tuesday.

At the ceremony, Colonel

Hussain pledged to “do my best as the Director General”.

Prime Minister Phillips, under whose purview the CDC falls, said that Guyana’s developmental drive would bring new challenges to the Commission and that the CDC would continue to play an important role in navigating the country through those challenges.

He noted that Colonel Hussain brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new portfolio and is committed to strengthening disaster risk management and the functions of the commission.

The occasion was also used by the Prime Minister to underscore the importance of the commission, the scope of its work and the teamwork needed to execute

its objectives.

The Prime Minister, who is currently fulfilling the role of President, also expressed the Government's appreciation to the outgoing Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, who retired earlier this year.

“As the Prime Minister with the responsibility for disaster risk management in Guyana, I would personally like to thank Colonel Craig for his service not only to the Guyana Defence Force, but also to the Civil Defence Commission. We are thankful for his service, particularly as Director General before he chose to retire.”

The Prime Minister also announced that Major Loring Benons would continue to serve as the Commission's Deputy Director General.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FBI offers assistance to investigate, prosecute and secure convictions in white-collar crime

G

uyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, on Monday met with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Legal Attaché, James Markley; FBI’s Assistant Legal Attaché, Derek Kreitensteid, and Mayan L Shih of the US State Department.

During the meeting, the US team raised a number of areas in which they have been cooperating with the Government of Guyana over the years, such as rendering mutual assistance in criminal matters, extradition, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, trafficking of narcotics, and firearms, tracing proceeds of organised crime and forfeiture of assets; and countering Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and cyber-related criminal activities.

The team, however, indicated their interest in intensifying their relationship with the Government in the investigation, prosecution, and securing of convictions in these types of offences.

Nandlall signalled the Government’s continued commitment to the upholding of the rule of law in all its facets, including the pursuit of all forms of criminality, in particular organised crime.

The Attorney General discussed the various policies and training pro-

The leaders…

I

grammes being pursued by the various law enforcement agencies intended to augment the State’s capabilities to investigate, prosecute and convict for criminal conduct, as well as the Government’s robust legislative agenda.

In particular, Nandlall emphasised that cyberspace was the new emerging platform for the commission of serious criminal offences in Guyana and indeed globally.

He pointed to many persons who use social media platforms, in particular in the United States of America to spew

racial hostilities and create ethnic strife among segments of Guyana’s population, inciting and aiding and abetting riotous conduct and even domestic terrorism in Guyana.

Nandlall informed the team that the State of Guyana has already lodged formal complaints with various important offices and agencies in the United States on this matter, including the FBI and he was using this opportunity to reiterate those reports requesting actions from US authorities against these perpetrators who operate with impunity from the United States.

…go to Washington

n the 1939 classic movie, “Mr Smith goes to Washington”, the idealistic but very naïve Jimmy Stewart wants to do a good deed for his constituency back home after he goes up to the Senate. But the fella he thought was all for the people turns out to be anything but…and Jimmy has to take him on to save his honour and his constituency’s. Well, our young President Ali and his team – including VP Jagdeo – also went to Washington to represent their constituency – the entire Guyana.

But some from our community – some PNC types in the NY metro area specifically – don’t respect the ancient and time-honoured premise of politics – that when it comes to folks on the outside, we bury our internal differences and present a common front to them. We’re all Guyanese, aren’t we? After all, when we put down our political opponents to outsiders do they think more favourably about our native land?? Never!!

Now it’s no secret that the US is rallying countries around them – in what they see is a looming geopolitical High Noon – against a China moving into a more fractious direction. Call it Cold War II or what you will, there’re still some lessons or two to be gleaned from the first iteration.

One of which is that there’s gonna be some locals who’ll try to make some personal hay for their ambitions rather than our national good. Burnham wrote the book on THAT frame of mind, didn’t he?? Sold out our country for a mess of pottage and never mind it destroyed our social, political, and economic foundations!!

Now who in their right minds can say that our political leaders – on both sides – don’t think we have to cleave to the side of the US. If for no other reason that we share the same ideal of democratic governance which the US defended for us last March 2020!! All Guyanese should be grateful to the US for this. Now we know the PNC “tried a thing”; the PNC know they “tried a thing” and the US, along with the rest of the world, know the PNC “tried a thing” on the elections. But they were caught with the smoking gun in their hands – with no need to test their hands for gunpowder residue!! Forget the Court challenges – that’s just to save face with their constituency!!

So what’s the point of their overseas supporters claiming the PPP leaders were summoned for a dressing down for all kinds of perfidies committed in Guyana??

They’re the ones in the hot seat!! The US is concerned about energy, our commitment to security in general and food security in particular!!

Gwan da side with the fearmongering!! …changed the name??

While there’s been a storm in a teacup raging in the media about changing the name of the Police Training Institute (PTI) from “Felix Austin PTI” to Police Training Academy”, everyone’s missing the point. It doesn’t matter WHAT you name the PTI – and your Eyewitness has absolutely no problems with the present name – it’s what you teach in the Institute that’s important!!

And just like fire’s inevitably present whenever you see smoke, the unprofessionalism that typifies the GPF today begins right there in the Institute when those impressionable youths are looking up worshipfully at Police Instructors dropping gems of (police) wisdom!! Your Eyewitness wants to begin with a simple example: How is it that even the greenest of cops speaks to civilians like they were all hardened criminals about to attack them with their shivs? If, for instance, the instructions were specifically to say “yes, sir” or thank you ma’am”, wouldn’t we see some actually two-way conversation with cops??

And let’s not talk about the shakedowns!! …extend the Building Expo They say New York’s so nice, they had to name it twice!! New York…New York! Well, seems the International Building Expo at Providence was so nice they had to run it twice!!

Take a bow, organisers!!

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

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Robust scrutiny of oil funds will guarantee transparency, accountability – Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali in dialogue with Ambassador Thomas A Shannon Jr at the Wilson Center

Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds chats with Ambassador Thomas A Shannon Jr at the Wilson Center

haring Government’s plans to ensure transparency and accountability in the oil sector, President Ali said his Administration has adopted a three-prong approach to cover all bases, thereby enabling the funds to be properly managed.

President Irfaan Ali was facilitated in a discourse with the Woodrow Wilson Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Tuesday, as he continues high-level talks with US officials in Washington, DC. “Ensuring transparency and accountability requires the population to have access to information. There can be no secrets. The population must be aware of what is coming. The second issue is transparency.

In addressing transparency, one of the key aspects in the oil and gas sector is the reach and

ery cent spent from the revenue would go through a parliamentary process because it has to come through the national budget. That is the greatest level of scrutiny.”

He added, “The national budget is subjected to parliamentary debate and approval. So, the resources that is coming, the resources that is coming to be invested into the country and the transformation of the country passes through that parliamentary process, the approval system, because the budget has to be approved. So, the parliamentary oversight is there. All of these things we have put in place.”

This month, Government withdrew another US$200 million, equivalent to GY$41.7 billion, from the Natural Resource Fund in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund (NRF)

S

level of involvement of politicians in Government. Thirdly, a clear approach to how revenues are utilised for development and transformation of the country,” the Head of State divulged.

He pointed to legislation, such as the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021, which speaks to the publication in the Official Gazette of all petroleum revenues paid into the Natural Resource Fund.

In addressing management, he mentioned the Board of Directors which were appointed in keeping with this legislation, that is responsible for reviewing and approving the policies of the fund and separating the management of the fund from the subject Minister.

“We removed the political hand, that is a major international issue in the process. This is the greatest scrutiny and ev-

Act. Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had announced that, pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act 2021, a further US$200 million, equivalent to GY$41.6 billion, has been transferred from the Natural Resource Fund to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

Looking at overall policies, President Ali opined that this process cannot be done outside of a global environment.

“If you look at one of the major challenges in the world today, you would see many countries are having difficulties with cost of living. It started with the pandemic. We’re not even out of the pandemic and then we had the supply chain crisis. That brought the manufacturing crisis…Then the war in Ukraine. This combined together creates policy formulat-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in conversation with the President, Director, and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Ambassador Mark Green

ing headache, especially for developing countries,” he shared.

Local content

The Guyanese leader also touched on the Local Content Policy, stating that it was crafted in a way which does not “ignore reality”. In areas which Guyana lacks expertise, the framework recognises that.

“In the development of the local [content policy], we understand it has to be a graduated process. There are certain areas that are considered the carved-out areas, where we believe we have enough local capacity to effectively and efficiently provide those services.

There are certain areas which we lack the capacity and we know that we have to have that capability, technology coming in from outside.”

Businesses involved in this

process can then benefit from the transfer of knowledge, providing gradual capacity building.

Dr Ali further highlighted, “The local content is also built in a way that encourages investors to look at Guyana as an operational zone and not just a transactional zone…What we have done is that we have created an environment in which those companies would see it viable to do the manufacturing and value-added in Guyana, creating a whole new demand structure.”

During these bilateral talks to strengthen US-Guyana relations, the President is joined

by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud. (G12)

10 NEWS ExxonMobil makes 2 more discoveries offshore Guyana O WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

il giant ExxonMobil has made two new discoveries in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, marking its sixth and seventh discoveries for the year and bringing its total discoveries in the Stabroek Block to 33.

In a statement on Tuesday, ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) announced the discoveries of oil at its Seabob and KiruKiru wells. The Seabob-1 well, drilled by the Stena Carron ship at a depth of 4660 feet, encountered 131 feet of oil.

Exxon Upstream Company President Liam Mallon

On the other hand, the Kiru-Kiru-1 well, drilled by the Stena DrillMAX at a depth of 5760 feet, encountered 98 feet of oil. Drilling operations meanwhile continue at this well. With these discoveries, Exxon has now made a total of 38 discoveries overall in Guyana’s waters. According to ExxonMobil Upstream Company President Liam Mallon, Exxon and its partners will continue to accelerate exploration and production.

“ExxonMobil and its partners continue to accelerate exploration, development and production ac-

The Stabroek Block

tivities for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the people of Guyana. The resources we are investing in and discovering offshore Guyana will provide safe, secure energy for global markets for decades to come,” he said.

According to Exxon, their 2022 investment plans include further exploration drilling and resource development in Guyana, where it is already increasing production at an accelerated, industry-leading pace.

“Two Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating offshore Guyana — Liza Destiny and Liza Unity — have exceeded their initial combined production target of 340,000 barrels of oil per day,” Exxon said in their statement.

Closely monitor

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Ministry in a statement following the announcement by ExxonMobil lauded the company for the oil finds. According to the Ministry, they will continue to closely monitor the exploration drilling.

According to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, the new discoveries will continue Guyana’s ascendancy as an oil-producing and exporting nation with the internationally sought after medium sweet crude. He also noted that this will boost Government’s efforts to diversify away from oil and focus on worldclass healthcare, infrastructure, and other social services to enhance the lives of all Guyanese.

“Government will continue to work with local stakeholders and international partners to ensure all petroleum activities are conducted in keeping with the best environmental and sustainability practices,” the statement said.

In April of this year, Exxon had announced three oil finds in the Stabroek Block. The three discoveries are southeast of the Liza and Payara developments and at the time had brought the tally of discoveries made

by ExxonMobil in Guyana in

2022 to five. The Lukanani well was spud and completed the Noble Tom Madden, while Barreleye was drilled by the Stena DrillMAX and Patwa by Noble Don Taylor.

ExxonMobil, in its statement announcing those three new discoveries offshore Guyana, had said that the finds would increase its estimate of the recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to nearly 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

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

Exxon, through subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

So far, Exxon’s total investments in Guyana total GY$1.3 trillion on its own and over GY$3 trillion with its partners. Additionally, the joint venturers’ exploration and production plans up to 2025 will likely increase their investments to more than GY$6 trillion.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling having been recently started on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project. Production has already started in the second phase, with the Liza Unity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in operation.

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

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

11 74-year-old unvaccinated man succumbs to COVID-19 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…79 new cases recorded; oxygen plant arrives in Guyana

G

uyana has recorded 1271 deaths from COVID, after a 74-year-old man succumbed on Monday.

His death was announced by the Health Ministry on Tuesday. He was unvaccinated and hailed from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Meanwhile, 79 new coronavirus infections have been reported, to which 69,547 confirmed cases are now in the country. From the dashboard, 17 persons are in institutional isolation, 724 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine.

There are two patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

Additionally, 65,533 persons have recovered while 674,485 tests have been pro-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

cessed to date.

An analysis shows new cases dispersed among eight administrative regions, with three in Region One (Barima-Waini), two in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 24 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), seven in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), 19 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 17 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

No new cases were detected in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Oxygen plant

On Tuesday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony informed that the $31 million oxygen plant that was donated for the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Liliendaal has arrived.

The oxygen plant was procured by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and Sewa International Guyana and donated to Guyana coming to the end of last year. However, Guyana was not able to receive the plant earlier due to shipping and logistical problems brought on by the pandemic.

Anthony stated that with the arrival of the plant, they are now awaiting the engi-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 26, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

79

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

17

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

724 2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

37,673

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,874

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

69,547

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

67,533

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2668

REGION 2

3059

REGION 3

8566

REGION 4

34,608

REGION 5

2540

REGION 6

6686

REGION 7

2581

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4288

REGION 10

3665

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

444,857 344,517 1271

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

neers from India to have it installed, which will then enable the Ocean View facility to produce its own oxygen.

Vaccination

In terms of vaccination 444,857 or 86.7 per cent of the adults have received the first dose of a COVID vaccine while 344,517 or 67.2 per cent have received two doses.

For the 12 to 17 age cohort 35,350 or 48.5 per cent have received a first dose vaccine while 25,856 or 35.5 have received two doses. For five to 11 age cohort, 5955 or 5.8 per cent have received a first dose vaccine while 1285 or 1.3 per cent have received two doses. So far, 7778 booster doses have been administered.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are pegged at over 168 million with a death toll of 2.7 million. Globally, the confirmed positives stand at over 565 million with more than 6.3 million reported deaths.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

(G12)

12

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 to vie for Miss Guyana World 2022 title T

en young ladies from Guyana and further afield will take centre stage on August 21, 2022, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) when they compete for the coveted title of Miss Guyana World 2022.

After a rigid screening process of 48 contestants from across the world, only 10 were given the green light to vie for the crown.

The 10 finalists are Andrea King, Anjanie Lall, Arian Richmond, Emaley Nurse, Ester Marslowe, Crystal Collymore, Malinda Ho-A-Lim, Naina Pai, Reshaunna Jones and Trevlind Harry.

The finalists will be sashed on August 1 at the Ramada Princess Hotel as regional ambassadors, as each contestant will be assigned to one of the ten administrative regions in Guyana.

“After a break due to

the COVID-19 pandemic, Miss World Guyana is back and is extremely delighted to partner with some of Guyana’s primer entities to bring what we describe as an evolution industry, Miss World Guyana 2022.

Our national competition will see 10 empowered and diverse candidates inaugurated as regional ambassadors,” Chairman of Miss Guyana World Franchise, Dave Lalltoo explained.

Further, it was announced at a press conference on Monday, that the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel will be the official home of Miss Guyana World 2022. A number of other sponsors were also revealed.

In addition, the official meet-and-greet location for the contestants will be at the Giftland Mall.

However, a host of events is already set in mo-

Miss World Guyana 2022 finalists

Trinidad’s oilfields union backs GAWU for better labour standards in oil sector

GAWU President Seepaul Narine and OWTU President General Ancel Roget with other officials at the signing

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union in Trinidad and Tobago to enable better standards of working in the local oil sector.

At the signing ceremony on Tuesday, President General of OWTU, Ancel Roget pointed out that multinational companies are appearing to capitalise on the oil wealth but workers must not settle for low wages, inadequate work standards or be left disadvantaged.

With decades of experience in lobbying for workers’ rights in Trinidad’s oil sector, this wealth of knowledge is being transferred to GAWU to have uniform standards in Guyana.

“That is the experience we do not want to befall our Guyanese brothers and sisters, that all of that wealth would have been extracted and the Guyanese people would be no better off.

So, that is why we want to share our experience to en-

sure that from the quickest possible time, they get the benefit of that very important sector.”

He noted that the union has been able to set standards in Trinidad to ensure that the population is not exploited and benefit from their wealth. Over in the twin-island republic, Roget said they were able to correct practices that could have left citizens without any tangible benefits.

“If today, there are standards within industry, it came about as a result of the standards set by the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union and everybody would have followed though. What we want our comrades to benefit from is our knowledge with respect to health and safety, how to deal with industrial relations, how to get the best for their workers and more importantly, to not have our comrades in Guyana doing menial work.”

This partnership will enable GAWU to focus on other factors, such as expatriates employed in jobs which the local workforce is capable of doing.

President of GAWU, Seepaul Narine underscored that workers in Guyana’s petroleum industry are not treated in accordance with the labour laws, hence the need for such intervention.

“We recognise that the industry is growing at a fast pace and we also recognise that in the industry, many of the contractors who are supplying the labour force are not treating workers decently. They are denying them their PPE, overtime payment, annual leave and many other things that are in the law. So, we decided that it has reached the point whereby we have to be able to step up our level of representation to the workers.”

In a statement, GAWU also added, “For the unions, to share expertise and experience in advancing the rights and protecting the gains of workers within our unions and countries.

The parties will also consider other appropriate and relevant collective actions in the interest of working-class protection and the development of Guyana’s Social Economy.”

tion as the contestants are one step closer to the crown.

On August 5, there will be a head-to-head and debate challenge where the contestants will voice their passionate opinions.

August 6 will be the fitness competition followed by a meet-and-greet on July 7.

Zoning in on Coronation Day, on August 13 will be the talent segment of the pageant while on August 18, there will be a charity dinner where the contes-

tants will have an opportunity to showcase what they hope to achieve through their charitable work.

The crown to be worn by the queen is estimated at US$8000 while the queen will walk away with $5.5 million in cash and prizes.

Some of the sponsors include, Fernandes Guyana Enterprise as the official diamond sponsor while Nand Persaud and Company Limited was announced as the official platinum sponsor.

Further, Windsor Estates is the official Gold Sponsor. Sports Gym is the official sports and fitness gym of the pageant.

Professional Prints and Designs was announced as the official branding partner of this year’s Miss World Guyana.

The Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport; and Tourism, Industry and Commerce were also announced as sponsors of Miss Guyana World 2022 pageant.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CANU intercepts motor vehicle with $10M worth of ganja

T

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has intercepted a motor vehicle with a quantity of ganja during an operation conducted at Dochfour Village, near the Hope Canal on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), on Sunday.

Based on information received, during that operation, as the driver brought the vehicle to a stop, he exited same and made good his escape along the mud dam.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 15 parcels of cannabis contained in two bags in the trunk. The motor vehicle and the cannabis were escorted to CANU Headquarters in

The ganja that was found in the car

Georgetown, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 33.4 kilograms, which has a street value of $10 million.

The drug enforcement unit has meanwhile issued

wanted bulletins for Akeen Daniels, called ‘Chicken’, and Shawn Sears, called ‘Shawn Storm,’ respectively of Lots 489 and 416 Trafalgar Village, West Coast Berbice,

in relation to this interception.

Guyana Times has only recently reported that the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit

(CANU) had seized a whopping 2238 kilograms of cannabis for the period January 1 to this present day. This showed a 475 per cent increase in seizures when compared to the same period in 2021, when 471 kilograms of cannabis were seized.

In addition, 11 kilograms of cocaine were seized in 2021, but for the first half of 2022, this drug enforcement unit has intercepted 89 kilograms of same. This showed a whopping 800 per cent increase in seizures when compared to the corresponding period in 2021. With respect to ecstasy, less than half a kilogram has been intercepted.

According to information re-

ceived, 62 cases were made out against drug traffickers, and 22 convictions have to date been made.

64 per cent of CANU’s drug interceptions were made in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), while 24 per cent were made in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Five per cent of the interceptions were made in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), while the remaining seven percent were made in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

TURN TO PAGE 17

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations NGSA results expected by September 15 Jordan says economic growth …as marking of answer sheets wrapped up arking of the 2022 National in Guyana is a mirage – he Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) papers concluded on needs cataract surgery Monday and students can expect their

M

T

wo contrasting statements made by prominent persons are of note this past week. The British High Commissioner marvelled this past week about the massive construction taking place in Guyana. High Commissioner Jane Miller marvelled about the massive infrastructural transformation taking place in Guyana over the last two years.

Indeed, no two-year period in the history of this country has shown as much infrastructural development as is occurring right now, even before the second anniversary of President Irfaan Ali’s term in office.

But, according to Winston Dr Leslie Ramsammy Jordan, the former Minister of Finance in the failed APNU/ AFC Government, the growth that the PPP Government is celebrating and that persons like Her Excellency Jane Miller is awed by is nothing but a mirage.

Winston Jordan has chosen to be blind. Between 2006 and 2015, we roamed the country to bring patients to Port Mourant Ophthalmology Center for cataract surgery. By 1992, there were more than 20,000 backlog cases of cataract cases. By 1997, that backlog was about 16,000 cases. By 2006, it was down to 8,000 cases. By 2010, Guyana had almost eliminated the backlog.

The hurtful truth is that the Port Mourant Ophthalmology Hospital stopped doing any cataract surgery after 2015. Outside of two outreaches, one by a missionary group and one by the US Medical Corp, no cataract surgery was done at this specialised institution between 2015 and 2020, causing the backlog of cataract surgery cases to return. This is the APNU/AFC’s legacy. The Minister of Finance during the period 2015 to 2020 was Winston Jordan. It appears that he is today suffering from myopia and cataract. He can feel assured that the present health sector can offer him quick relief. Cataract surgery is available free of charge in the public health sector again, after Jordan’s party was dumped by the Guyanese people.

Jordan, as usual, put his foot in his mouth again for the umpteenth time this past week when he claimed that the massive GDP growth, now pegged at more than 57% for 2022, is nothing but a mirage. Hopefully, he watched on TV, listened to the radio stations, and read the newspapers about the outstanding success of the Building Expo which was held on the tarmac of the National Stadium between July 22 and July 26. We can assure Jordan that the International Building Expo 2022 was not a mirage.

The Building Expo was last held in 2013 when Guyana’s present President was Minister of Housing. It has made a triumphant return.

However, no one in 2013 could have imagined what the Building Expo 2022 would have looked like. The massive Building Expo 2022 gave Guyanese a glimpse of the Guyana of the near-future. Building Expo 2022 is a measure of the development taking place in Guyana.

The Guyanese people came out in unprecedented numbers to give witness to the new Guyana.

This was no mirage. While Jordan urges Guyanese to ignore what they see and feel, and claimed that the 57% increase in the GDP predicted for 2022 is nothing but a fiction of somebody’s imagination, the Guyanese people have shown that their confidence in Guyana’s economy is no mirage.

Jordan and his colleagues in the PNC are so mesmerised by what is taking place in Guyana that they have become confused.

The construction of the Linden-to-Mabura Road as the first phase in the construction of the road to Lethem is no mirage. He and his PNC colleagues can jump up and down all they want, they can scream to the heavens all they want, the road to Mabura is real, and is a measure of the development taking place in Guyana.

Soon the reconstruction of the Linden Highway would begin.

The Road from Eccles to Mandela Avenue is now traversed by thousands of vehicles every single day. Construction has started for the road from Ogle to Diamond. Soon the reconstruction of the Corentyne Highway would begin. Also, construction of the Schoonord-to-Parika road will soon begin, as would the construction of the new Demerara River Bridge.

In a matter of days, the President will turn the sod for the first ever Pediatric and Maternal Hospital in Guyana. Soon after, he will turn the sod for the construction of six new regional hospitals.

Also on the agenda is a new Bartica Hospital and upgrading of the Linden, New Amsterdam and Georgetown hospitals. The entire infrastructure for health is being transformed.

This is what real development looks like. Between 2015 and 2020, the most noteworthy thing about health was the several scandals and corruption, such as renting an old house for $15M per month and procuring medicines worth less than $100M for $605M. Yet, less than two years into President Ali’s term, the whole health sector is set to be transformed. This is no mirage.

While Jordan speaks of a development mirage, thousands of Guyanese are building homes, acquiring cars, improving their vocational and academic qualifications and starting businesses.

At the same time, more people are taking loans and mortgages, and fewer people are failing to make payments on their loans.

More jobs are being created as the construction boom continues to increase. New international hotels, shopping malls etc. are springing up everywhere and every day. This is no mirage. Even the blind can feel the development.

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

results on or around September 15, according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

On Monday, Manickchand in a social media post announced that the marking of the 2022 NGSA would have concluded and that expecting students will receive their performance results for the exams in September. However, she noted that several processes are yet to be completed.

“Visited the NGSA marking centre again today (Monday). Very happy to report that marking will conclude today but several processes still to be completed. Results are expected on or around Sept 15,” the Minister’s post read.

More than 16,000 students across Guyana sat the 2022 NGSA on July 6 and 7.

Last year, the examination was postponed for nearly five months due

Education Minister Priya Manickchand visiting the NGSA marking centre

to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 NGSA was written in August.

The 2022 examination was prepared similarly to the 2021 examination, covering topics up to the Grade Five level based on the consolidated

curriculum.

The Education Minister, however, had said that she anticipates positive outcomes, given the resources and the many initiatives applied to prepare students for the major examination.

(G2)

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

International Building Expo 2022 exceeded expectations – Minister

T

he International Building Expo 2022 concluded on Tuesday, and according to officials, it exceeded expectations.

At the closing ceremony of the expo, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal stated that the event was very fruitful.

He stated that all spaces offered as booths or stalls for exhibits were utilised by Government entities and local, regional and international companies and businesses.

The Minister went on to explain that the cost for the event was fully covered by the fee charged to the exhibitors for utilising the booths.

“We had international persons who were here as a part of the expo, we had local companies, we had regional companies or businesses. So, in all, all of the

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal at the closing press conference of the International Building Expo 2022

booths available for this expo were utilised.”

“The total booth space that was available and utilised were 356, so we had 356 various exhibitor spaces that were utilised.”

“Any expo of this magnitude, it’s a costly exercise and so this expo was not run by Government input, the actual expo was all done utilising funds from

the persons who would have had to pay for their respective spaces, even the extension for the for two days,” the Minister explained.

He stated that the expo also attracted some foreign investors.

The expo was scheduled to come to an end on Sunday but was extended for an extra two days, which the exhibitors com-

mended, according to the Minister.

Croal, while expressing his gratitude to the exhibitors, specifically emphasised the contribution of the financial sector to the expo and the Ministry’s housing initiative as a whole.

“The contribution of the financial sector, this must not be de-emphasised because their partnership with the Government, their partnership with the Ministry. And then you had a further announcement of the reduction in terms of the mortgage rate which therefore provides more opportunities for persons to make a decision, not confining themselves to what is may be considered the low-income bracket,” he highlighted.

“Every time we have a reduction in the mortgage lending rate apart form the opportunity of more disposable income for those individuals, the key from all of that is that their horizon and the parameters which they can make their decision is much more avail-

able to them,” the Minister added.

“Dream Realised”

Meanwhile, speaking on the “Dream Realised” initiative aspect of the expo, the Minister stated that the majority of the house lots that were allocated and titles that were given are located in new areas in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (DemeraraMahaica), for which persons can now immediately access loans through financial institutions and begin construction.

“The areas that were allocated or titles that were distributed on the Dream Realised activity, those are new areas, for which persons can now go and build.

“On the East Coast, you had Annandale, Mon Repos, Vigilance, Bladen Hall, Stratspey.

On the East Bank; Great Diamond, Little Diamond.

On the West Coast of Demerara which is Cornelia Ida, Edinburgh, Anna Catherina, Meten-

Meer-Zorg, these are new areas that start up. So, there’s a correlation in this in terms of the areas that we have now complete, so all of those persons immediately they can access loans and they can start construction.”

Also speaking on the “Dream Realised” aspect of expo was Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority Sherwyn Greaves, who highlighted that they have come close to achieving their target of distributing 5000 house lots and 3000 land titles.

“Our Dream Realised activity that was completed yesterday, it was in our opinion a resounding success and the testimonials from persons who would have been allocated house lots and would have received their titles only reinforced that.”

“We were able to allocate close to 5000 house lots over the days and we even continued allocating today so we may surpass the target actually,” he added.

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Charrandas Persaud wins defamation lawsuit against Ramjattan …court awards $7M in damages

G

uyana’s High Commissioner to India, Charrandas Persaud, has won what was originally a $30 million lawsuit against Alliance For Change Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, albeit with a reduced award of $7 million.

Back in March 2019, Persaud filed a $30 million lawsuit against then Public Security Minister Ramjattan for libel committed after the passage of the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018. In the wake of his vote, Ramjattan would go on to be quoted in various news outlets making the defamatory statements against Persaud cited in the case.

There was one statement in a December 2018 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, titled “Cops closing in on Charrandas”. The court documents also included examples from the Stabroek News edition of January 2019, “Ramjattan: Charrandas

Persaud is a villain not a hero”. There is even slander claimed from the visual medium of a Globespan live programme.

“The claimant contended that these published statements were intended to and had the effect of "lowering his reputation, character, morality and honesty as an attorney at law in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public." The claimant further contended that all of the publications were blatantly false assertions. He claimed that both in their natural and ordinary meaning and by innuendo and implication are understood to mean that the claimant was dishonest and accepted monetary or other inducements or benefits for his yes vote in favour of a motion of no confidence against the Government,” the court document states.

In his defence, Ramjattan had claimed fair comment, as well as claiming that the

assertions were of a political nature and that he did not, in fact, have anything to do with the newspaper articles.

However, Puisne Judge JoyAnn Barlow found in favour of Persaud.

One of the court’s assertions was that Ramjattan’s referral to Persaud and 30 pieces of silver, could only be taken to mean that Ramjattan was accusing the former AFC MP of taking a bribe, which was designed to slander him.

“This court in assessing this matter found that an award of $7,000,000 (seven million dollars) is appropriate in the circumstances of this case. The court further orders that the defendant do refrain from making statements that suggest that the claimant was in any way compensated financially for his role in the No-Confidence Motion.

The defendant shall pay to the claimant costs in the sum of $150,000 (one hundred fifty thousand dollars) on or before

CANU intercepts motor vehicle...

FROM PAGE 14

Seizures were made at wharves, rivers, farms, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), along roadways, and on the premises of private properties.

Further, CANU has seized 16 firearms for the year thus far. CANU Head, James Singh, during a telephone interview with Guyana Times, has praised the multi-agency approach adopted to fight drug traffickers.

“We have better coordination with the various agencies – the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Guyana Defence Force – and the results have been overwhelming… We also have international co-operation in terms of sharing intelligence, training of staff, and other collaborations.

“Recently, agreements (have been) signed

by Minister Benn and his counterpart in Brasilia to strengthen cooperation, and we have similar agreements with Colombia, Suriname, and other countries,” Singh revealed.

In addition, several other factors have been helpful

in regard to combating drug trafficking, including the establishment of a Maritime Section at CANU, joint establishment of a Container Scanning Unit, the presence of CANU personnel at key locations across the country; and, more importantly, improved relationship with the public.

25th August 2022.”

Persaud had voted in favour of the no-confidence vote brought by then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo which led to the toppling of the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government in December 2018.

Following Persaud’s vote against the APNU/AFC, Ramjattan had admitted in January 2019 that there was an ongoing probe against Persaud, who by then had been expelled from the AFC party.

Persaud had responded to the Minister’s accusations by pointing out that he took the conscious vote to eliminate the sufferings of persons in Region Six after the Government unilaterally closed down several sugar estates.

Hours after his historic vote, Persaud boarded a plane at the Eugene F Correia Airport, where he left the country for Canada.

High Commissioner to India Charrandas Persaud

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

In an interview with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) following the vote, Persaud had said he made the move to leave Guyana since he was fearful for his own safety because of Guyana’s history of political assassinations.

The CBC reported that Persaud added that the feeling only got stronger after the vote when he said another MP told him he would be dead

that night.

“It was not an idle threat I entertained…Thank God for the advent of cell phones. Too many people were watching internationally and locally,” he told CBC. Persaud added that he did not take any chances and after the sitting, he went directly to the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown where he flew to Barbados and then Toronto. (G3)

18

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Bankers and business leaders Colombia’s next Government must focus on tackling say Brazil’s democracy criminal groups, UN says in “grave danger” C T op Brazilian bankers and businessmen issued a letter on Tuesday in defence of Brazil’s electronic voting system that has been attacked by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, and warned that the country’s democracy was in “grave danger.”

The manifesto, signed by some 3000 leading Brazilian figures, did not mention Bolsonaro by name, but clearly addressed the situation he has caused by questioning the voting system ahead of the October 2 election and attacking Supreme Court Justices who oversee the elections in Brazil.

Their letter referred to “unfounded attacks” on the voting system, which Bolsonaro claims is vulnerable to fraud, and “insinuations” that the election results will not be respected.

It was signed by Roberto Setubal, Chairman of Itau Unibanco; Walter Schalka,

Itau Unibanco Chairman Roberto Egydio Setubal

chief executive of pulp and paper multinational Suzano Papel e Celulose SA and Guilherme Leal, co-chair of cosmetic maker Natura & Co among other business leaders.

Former central bank president Arminio Fraga and former Finance Minister Pedro Malan also signed, as did six former Justices of Brazil’s Supreme Court, and popular singer Chico Buarque.

Bolsonaro, who is trailing former leftist President

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the polls, has frequently criticised the voting system and proposed that the armed forces be involved in counting the votes.

He has called for protests on September 7 to back his allegations, less than a month before Election Day, raising fears that he will refuse to accept defeat and could try to trigger a coup or encourage a mob of supporters to take to the streets. (Excerpt from Reuters)

olombia’s next Government must prioritise dismantling illegal armed groups and criminal gangs, a report from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Tuesday, with rising violence devastating rural communities.

Violence in Colombia fell dramatically following the 2016 peace deal between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, but illegal armed groups and criminal gangs have expanded their presence over the past two years, according to the re-

port.

“The State’s predominantly military response has failed to stop the groups’ expansion, with the limited presence of civilian institutions exacerbating the situation,” the OHCHR said in a statement accompanying the report.

Tackling violence and dealing with the presence of armed groups is expected to be a priority for Gustavo Petro, the 62-year-old economist set on August 7 to become the first leftist President in South America’s second most-populous country.

The OHCHR said it verified the killings of 100 community leaders in Colombia

in 2021 and has received reports of 114 such killings in the first half of this year, of which it has verified 22.

The Government of outgoing President Ivan Duque did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

As well as implementing the 2016 peace agreement, Petro should diminish and dismantle illegal armed structures, which include dissident FARC groups that reject the accord and drug-trafficking gangs, as well as consolidate the State presence in areas most affected by violence, the report recommended. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haiti gang violence: 209 killed in Cité Soleil in 10 days

With food and water supplies disrupted owing to the violence, UN aid agencies have delivered essentials

M

ore than 200 people have been killed in gang violence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, in the space of 10 days, United Nations figures reveal.

Almost half of those who died were residents without ties to the gangs which are fighting for control of the Cité Soleil neighbourhood, the UN says.

Locals say they are running out of drinking water and food as deliveries have been halted amid the shootouts.

One resident described

his life as “a cycle of fear, stress, and despair”.

Gang violence had already shot up since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse by mercenaries a year ago, but it has reached shocking new levels since a battle erupted on July 8 between two criminal alliances, known as G9 and G-Pèp.

The UN says that 209 people were killed between July 8 and July 17, of which 114 were gang members.

A further 254 people have sustained gunshot wounds, more than half of them res-

idents without links to the gangs.

A youth leader from Brooklyn, the area within the sprawling Cité Soleil neighbourhood which has been worst hit by the fighting, described how his life had changed.

“I go to bed and wake up to the sound of gunfire, which is very stressful. But even if the shooting terrifies me, I try to use the rhythmic sounds of bullets being fired to lull me to sleep; this is the only way I can survive,” the young man told the UN. “Sometimes you can use music to escape the constant shooting noise, but not when shots are being fired so close to your house; it’s just too loud,” said the man, who withheld his real name for security reasons.

About 3000 residents have been forced to flee.

Many have nothing to go back to after their homes were destroyed or burned down by the gangs. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Shenseea gets first MTV Video Music Award nomination

I

n March, MTV named dancehall star Shenseea as their global Push Artiste of the Month. At that time, the Shenyeng Boss also performed “R U That”, one of the singles from her debut album, ALPHA. Fast forward four months and that same performance has earned Shenseea her first MTV Video Music Award nomination.

The announcement was

made on Tuesday as the VMA’s unveiled their full list of nominees. Shenseea, the only Jamaican on the list, is nominated in the category “Push Performance of the Year”.

The nomination makes Shenseea the first Jamaican artiste to be selected for the internationally acclaimed award.

Shenseea is nominated with the likes of US singer/songwriter Muni Long,

Doechii, Omar Apollo and several other international acts.

Voting for the VMAs is now open. Persons can vote up to 20 times per day.

Voting is done via mtv. com The 2022 MTV VMAs will take place on Sunday, August 28. It will be broadcast live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

(Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US to sell additional 20 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve

T

he Biden Administration on Tuesday said it will sell an additional 20 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of a previous plan to tap the facility to calm oil prices boosted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and as demand recovers from the pandemic.

The Administration said in late March it would release a record 1 million barrels of per day of oil for six months from the SPR, held in hollowed-out salt caverns on the coasts of Louisiana and Texas.

The United States has already sold 125 million barrels from the reserve with nearly 70 million barrels already delivered to purchasers, a senior administration official told reporters.

The SPR releases have been a "supply lifeline" to oil and refining companies as the industry continues to get oil production back online after declines during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the official said.

The US Energy Information Administration, the statistics arm of the Energy Department, said this month that US oil output will rise to more than 11.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2022 and to nearly 12.8 million bpd in 2023, from about 11.2 million bpd in 2021. That compares with a record near 12.3 million bpd in 2019.

The United States will take bids in autumn to begin the process of buying back 60 million barrels of crude for reserve, a first step in replenishing the stockpile after the 180-millionbarrel release, the Department of Energy said in May. The department will soon propose a rule to help put oil back into the SPR, where levels have sunk to 475.5 million barrels, the lowest since June 1985, by allowing it to enter forward contracts to purchase oil in future years at fixed, preset prices.

"What it means in practice is that producers would have more certainty about future demand for their product, and that would encourage investment in production today," a senior US official told reporters.

Oil purchases to replenish the SPR will not be competing with demand for oil in the near term as they will likely take place after fiscal year 2023, an official told reporters.

A US Treasury Department analysis showed that the SPR releases, along with coordinated releases from international partners, have reduced gasoline prices at the pump by as much as 40 cents per gallon, compared to what they otherwise would have been.

International oil prices fell on Tuesday on the SPR sale and on consumer concerns about inflation and interest rates.

Brent crude futures settled at US$104.40 a barrel, down 75 cents. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Far from Ukraine, Russia plans big eastern war games next month

R

ussia plans to hold strategic military exercises in the east of the country starting next month, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday, thousands of miles from the war in Ukraine.

The "Vostok" (East) exercises will take place from Aug 30 to Sept 5. They appear intended to send a message that Russia, despite the costly five-month war in Ukraine, remains focused on the defence of its entire territory and capable in military terms of sustaining "business as usual".

But that may be a challenge given Moscow's heavy losses in men and equipment in Ukraine - including troops and hardware sent there from the eastern military district where the war games will take place.

ers stormed and looted the UN mission's local headquarters and a logistical base in the city of Goma. At least five people were killed, officials said.

Then on Tuesday the protests intensified.

"They are teargassing us because we came to say that Monusco does not help us.

They've been in Congo for 22 years and nothing works," protester Anselme Musimbwa said.

Another demonstrator, Jack Sinzahera said: "We

"A lot of troops and gear from the eastern MD (military district) have already been deployed, rotated, lost and killed in Ukraine since

February, so this will be interesting to see what they can salvage," said Mathieu Boulegue, a military specialist at London's Chatham

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak debate scrapped after host Kate McCann faints

T

he latest Tory leadership debate between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss has been cancelled after the presenter fainted on air.

The Sun and TalkTV debate, hosted by journalist Kate McCann, abruptly halted around halfway through after a loud crash was heard.

TalkTV said McCann was "fine" but the channel had been given medical advice not to continue.

"We apologise to our viewers and listeners," the channel added.

The leadership candidates tweeted that they were relieved to hear McCann was fine, and indicated they would be happy to stage a rematch.

The TalkTV present-

DR Congo protests: 10 die in fresh anti-UN demonstrations A t least 10 people have died during protests against a UN peacekeeping force in Butembo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Police say.

Seven of the dead were civilians while the others were UN personnel.

Local media said the protesters in the eastern city were shot by peacekeepers. But the UN mission, Monusco, has not responded to these reports.

There has been a recent upsurge in violence in the area, as locals accuse the UN of being ineffective.

The east of DR Congo remains volatile with more than 100 active rebel groups.

This was the second day of protests with people calling for the UN to withdraw its peacekeepers from the area.

On Monday, the demonstrations, called by the Government's youth wing, turned violent when protest-

A Russian service member is seen on a BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle during drills held by the armed forces of the Southern Military District at the Kadamovsky range in the Rostov region, Russia, February 3, 2022

House think-tank.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry emphasised that its capacity to stage such drills was unaffected by what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

It said Russia had not cancelled any training activities or international cooperation, and the exercises would be supplied with all necessary personnel, weapons and equipment.

CIA Director William Burns said last week the United States estimated that 15,000 Russian troops had been killed in Ukraine since February - as many deaths as the Soviet army sustained in a decade of war in Afghanistan from 1979 - and three times that many may have been wounded. (Excerpt from Reuters)

have our own police that will look after our security and property, we don't want anything to do with Monusco."

On Monday, Monusco head Khassim Diagne said that it was "not in chaos and confusion or division that we will make progress towards stabilisation and peace.

There have been protests against the UN over the years in Goma and other towns in the east of the country, but not on this scale or level of violence. (Excerpt from BBC News)

er had been due to cohost the debate alongside The Sun's political editor Harry Cole, but he pulled out after testing positive for COVID. Before it was halted, the latest televised debate between the two candidates had been covering tax, the state of the NHS and rising living costs.

They had been about to begin a section on the UK's support for Ukraine when the debate went off air.

The candidates displayed a more conciliatory tone, in contrast to the fierce clashes that had marked Monday's debate on BBC One. However, opinion polls have suggested Truss is

the current favourite of the 160,000 or so Tory party members who will pick the eventual winner.

Members will be able to vote by post or online form early August until 2 September, with a result announced three days later. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Know what you must do to overcome adversity and make amends. Stand behind your statements, but don't ignore outside input. Networking will help you figure out who can help you.

(March 21-April 19) Set boundaries, but don't limit what you can achieve. Anger and instability will settle in if you aren't smart about handling others. Choose your battles and allies wisely.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20) You'll be your own worst enemy if you don't stick to the truth and honor your promises. Diligence and discipline will help you advance; bold but empty statements will work against you.

(May 21-June 20) Use creative input to your advantage. Take what others offer and turn it into something spectacular. Your insight will draw attention and encourage others to look up to you.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Conflict will make you think and spark new beginnings. Don't waste your time on anger. If you use your energy to accomplish your goals, you will find the quickest route to happiness.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Be part of the solution and make a difference. A change you make will bring positive results. Sharing with a loved one will bring you closer and help you make financial adjustments.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You'll overreact if given the chance.

Think matters through, and don't act on assumptions. Look inward and concentrate on self-improvement. Discipline will be key.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Actions will speak louder than words.

Live up to your promises and set high standards. Don't let anger set in when doing your best and keeping a positive attitude are what's needed.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be smart with your cash. Pay attention to detail and set practical goals.

Turn your attention to home and family and ways to improve relationships and living arrangements.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Plan the changes you want to enforce.

Live within your means, and refuse to let anyone talk you into something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Personal improvements will add to your popularity.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) When in doubt, sit tight and wait to see what happens. Take the high road, regardless of what others do, and you'll have no regrets. A job opportunity or financial gain looks promising.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Engage in something that inspires and motivates you to head in a new direction. A change will boost your morale and help you move on from situations holding you back. Let go of the past.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

21

BCB cricketers to benefit from Queensway donates $500K to national team visit of Indian High Commissioner 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad, Chennai, India: July 28 to August 10…

-BCB presents highest award to Dr KJ Srinivasa

Dr Srinivasa posing with BCB executives and other special guests during his visit to the BCB

F

ollowing a courtesy visit made by Indian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), cricketers in the ancient county are expected to benefit from educational scholarships to India.

The Indian diplomat was a recent special guest of the proactive Berbice Cricket Board in a visit made at the St Francis Community Developers Complex in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six, wherein he was conferred with the BCB’s highest award - The Tribute to Heroes.

BCB President Hilbert Foster has said he invited Dr KJ Srinivasa to make the visit in order that the BCB might develop a working relationship with the Indian High Commission, an entity which represents the most passionate cricketing nation in the world.

In a comprehensive and wellarticulated opening speech, Foster stated that the overall history of the BCB dates back to 1939, when a group of persons founded the first cricket board in Guyana. The main objectives of that board were to represent the interests of Berbice players and to promote the development of the game.

The board produced its first Test cricketer in 1948 when John Trim of Port Mourant represented the region, and has since produced 19

other Test players and numerous others at the junior, ODI, 20/20 and female levels.

Among the legendary players produced by Berbice are Rohan Kanhai, Joe Soloman, Ivan Madray, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredricks, Alvin Kallicharran, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Narsingh Deonarine and Shimron Hetmyer.

Foster has informed Dr KJ Srinivasa and his visiting delegation, which included Second Secretary Sunil Kumar Singh, of his administration’s successes over the last four years, and has also unveiled several major upcoming developmental programmes, which include coaching in primary and secondary schools, and assistance to schools.

The setting up of a kiddies’ cricket academy consisting of 100 kids between the ages of eight and 12 years old is also a priority in the near future. Under this programme, the kids would be under proper coaching supervision every weekend, with the aim of correcting their techniques early.

Further, the BCB has announced that special emphasis would be placed on ensuring that all Berbicians understand their roles as sports ambassadors.

On behalf of the BCB, West Indian female player Shabika Gajnabi presented Dr Srinivasa

with the Tribute to Heroes Award, along with a BCB medal, while BCB Secretary Angela Haniff presented the diplomat with a special gift a portrait of Indian National Hero Mahatma Gandhi.

In an equally well-articulated response, Dr Srinivasa expressed admiration for the work of the BCB, and said he has been following the progress of the game in that county. He congratulated Foster and other executives of the BCB for their passion and dedication to the game and its players; and, to loud applause, announced that Berbice cricketers could apply for scholarships from his country as part of the BCB’s Say Yes to Education programme.

That recommendation was readily and enthusiastically accepted by the BCB and its President.

The two delegations also discussed a wide array of possible areas of cooperation which would assist in the overall development of Berbice cricket.

Foster has expressed deep gratitude to Dr Srinivasa for accepting his invitation, and also for extending a hand of cooperation to the BCB. Among the special guests at the ceremony were Dr Gomathnayagam Subramanian and Father Ramesh Vanan, both Indian nationals based in the county of Berbice. Dr Subramanian is the Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, while Father Vanan is Priest of the Roman Catholic Church at Port Mourant. They both hailed the work of the BCB and the impact it has been having on the lives of youths.

Q

ueensway Group of Companies has donated half a million dollars to the local team set to compete in this year’s FIDE Chess Olympiad, to be hosted in Chennai, India from July 28 to August 10.

Nearly 200 countries are set to compete in the 44th edition of this biennial event, and the ten-member team that would represent Guyana includes Guyana’s youngest-ever National Women’s Champion, 14-year-old Pooja Lam, as well as Women’s 2020 Champion, Sasha Shariff.

Also on the women’s team is Nellisha Johnson, who is no stranger to this event, having competed in the 2018 Olympiad.

Present on the team as well is Jessica Callender, who competed in the last two FIDE online Olympiads.

The women’s team is rounded out by its youngest member, 12-year-old Anaya Lall, who is the only deaf chess player to ever represent Guyana in an international event.

The men’s team features Candidate Master Taffin Khan and Fide Master Anthony Drayton, neither of whom is a stranger to this event, and both of whom would be aiming for higher chess titles this time around.

Seasoned players Roberto

The ten-member team posing with GCF President Frankie Farley

Neto and Loris Nathoo, who each have have an extensive list of victories under their respective belts throughout the years, have yet again shown their prowess at the game by qualifying to represent Guyana in this event.

Last but not least is Ethan Lee, who has represented Guyana multiple times in regional chess events, and had finished in top positions for most of this year’s chess events, including the National Junior Qualifiers and Championships.

The Queensway Group of Companies (QGC), owned by patriotic Guyanese, provides a range of goods and services to the local market; including security, import and distribution, transportation and equipment rental, alternative energy solutions, mining and quarrying,

and real estate and medical care. Part of the QGC’s Mission Statement is a recognition of the Group’s responsibility to not just customers and employees, but also to the wider society.

The Guyana Chess Federation, elated that the Queensway Group of Companies has chosen to assist the country’s young chess players in their journey to represent Guyana, even as these players strive to developing themselves through advancement of the sport, wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to the Queensway Group for its generous contribution towards the team’s travel expenses.

The Olympiad team has already departed Guyana, and is expected to arrive in Chennai on July 27th (today).

22 DDL on board ExxonMobil U14 tournament GCB names U-19 team to play in GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

behalf of Petra and the entire football fraternity, we want to thank you in a big way.”

The Boys and Girls Under-14 tournaments were scheduled to commence this Saturday, July 30, but the organisers, Petra, are gauging the persistently adverse weather pattern before making an official announcement about the start of the tournament.

“Once the weather holds, we will make that decision as soon as possible, either tomorrow or Thursday. If not,

DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills handing over the sponsorship to Petra’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of Co-Director Troy Mendonca

T

he Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) have locked in their support for the ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Schools Under-14 Football tournament, as had happened in previous years, when they made their support for the tournament official on Tuesday morning at their offices at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

This tournament is set for a tentative start this weekend.

From the inception of this tournament, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) have always played a supporting role, especially in providing refreshments for the participants.

Speaking at Tuesday morning’s press conference, Brand Manager Larry Wills highlighted the company’s

willingness to contribute to the development of young athletes.

“The last time we would’ve sponsored this tournament would’ve been, I believe, in 2019. the pandemic…that everything would’ve been on a halt, but I’m really glad that we’re able to resume and continue to support the development of kids and sports throughout Guyana,” Wills explained.

He added, “It is something that we pride ourselves in: giving back to communities, giving back to the kids to ensure that they get that opportunity to develop the skills necessary in schools, national and international.”

In his remarks, Petra Co- Director Troy Mendonca took time to shed light on the value of DDL’s support,

DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills

while extending gratitude to the company. Mendonca said, “We want to say how important this contribution is. We want to continue to encourage you to give your support, because it’s not just a contribution, it’s an investment in these players, and we’ve seen so many players come through the ranks. So, on

Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca

2022 CWI regional tourney

…Mohabir leads second national team within a year

Alvin Mohabir will be leading the national U19 team

T

Mavendra Dindyal

we’re forced to push back again, because we want to make sure that the facility is properly prepared,” Mendonca informed about the effects of the weather.

In total, 24 Boys’ teams and 8 Girls’ teams would be competing in these ExxonMobil Under-14 tournaments.

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named the U-19 team that would be participating in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) 2022 regional tournament scheduled for St. Vincent & the Grenadines from August 7 to August 28, 2022.

The Junior National Selection Panel, chaired by Andre Percival, has selected a strong team which comprises an excellent mix of skilled players who are capable of adapting to different game situations.

Alvin Mohabir, who leads the current Guyana Under-17 team, will be captaining this U-19 team, his being conferred with the distinction of being selected to captain two national teams within a giv-

Isai Thorne

en year. He will be supported by Vice-Captain Jonathan Rampersaud, and West Indies Under-19 express fast bowler Isai Thorne, who missed out on the ongoing Regional Under-17 tournament because of injury, has been included in the squad.

This team includes five players who are currently participating in the CWI Regional Under-17 Tournament being played in Trinidad and Tobago. Apart from the captain, these include Rampertab Ramnauth, Mavendra Dindyal, Zachary Jodha and Bruce Vincent.

The team will be coached by former national senior team player Andre Percival, while Budhesh Chatterpaul would serve as team manager.

The players in the team are: Rampertab Ramnauth, Tommani Caesar, Mavendra Dindyal, Zachary Jodha, Mahendra Gopilall, Sachin Balgobin, Zeynul Ramsammy, Shamar Yearwood (W/K), Jeremy Sandia, Bruce Vincent, Rivaldo Phillips and Isai Thorne.

The standbys are Joash Charles, Jadon Campbell, Sanjay Algoo, Goucharran Chuli, Leon Cecil and Shiv Harripersaud.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

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WI vs India: 2022 ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…

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Pooran oozes confidence as Hetmyer passes fitness test …Motie ruled out of ODI Series

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nings, as he doesn’t need to study about the strike rate, but just be out there for the team. Pooran was confident in stating that, once Hope is at the crease, he is going to score runs for the West Indies, which is what matters the most, as he is an important factor of the team.

With eight T20I games coming up and four more ODI games as well, the addition of The Sixty and CPL, Pooran has declared that the players need to be manage and be smart about it at the

Kyle Mayers comes in at third with 114 runs

est Indies will take on India in the final One Day International match today from 09:30 hrs in Port of Spain, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. India has already bagged the series 2-0, but West Indies white ball captain Nicholas Pooran is contending that the confidence level of his team is still high heading into this final game, despite suffering back-toback losses to India.

“The confidence level is still there. The guys are obviously hurt; (those) two losses hurt us a lot, but that is another game and another experience and another opportunity for us to learn. This game keeps teaching us different things every single opportunity we get, and I am just happy that we have had that experience.

“It is difficult to lose, but, as a group, (we) understand, and as I keep telling them, winning and losing (are) contagious, and at the moment

we are losing. But in terms of the confidence level, all the guys are ready for the challenge,” Pooran has said.

The Windies skipper also divulged that, with the opportunity to bat first and chase in the series, they are still figuring things out, but he is confident that, with the current crop of players, things will be figured out.

Addressing the role of Shai Hope in the team, Pooran explained that his role is to bat through the in-

West Indies white ball captain, Nicholas Pooran

Shai Hope is the leading run-scorer with 122 runs

Alzarri Joseph is the second highest wicket-taker in the series, with 4 wickets

Commonwealth Games 2022…

Abrams, Allicock to carry Guyana’s flag …Athletes, coaches pumped up ahead of opener

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ith the exception of Badminton and Athletics, members of Guyana’s Commonwealth Games contingent are settling into the athletes’ villages in Birmingham, England ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony.

Guyana’s flag-bearers have been assigned, as the athletes jumped into final training. 400M specialist Aliyah Abrams and pugilist Keevin Allicock will be responsible for carrying the Golden Arrowhead at the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games on Thursday, July 28th. The Opening Ceremony will commence at 2pm local time.

Meanwhile, in the ath-

Coach Sean Baksh

letes’ villages, members of Guyana’s contingent, who arrived between Monday and Tuesday, are putting the icing on the cake in terms of preparation.

The Table Tennis team witnessed the arrival of Chelsea Edghill on Tuesday, and got down to business.

Coach Idi Lewis, although criticising aspects of their preparation, has indicated that his team would be hunting medals, come Friday.

“As I said before, Table Tennis does really well at these games in the past, and I think we have a very strong team coming into these Commonwealth Games. So, I look forward to repeat performance,” the Table Tennis

Coach said during an invited comment.

Lewis further stated, “Of course, I’d like my team to be a lot better prepared, so we could really come here to hunt. I want to be in a position where we’re here hunting medals. I know my guys always do pretty well at the Games, so I’m looking forward to a repeat of that.”

Swimming Coach Sean Baksh, also super confident, has noted that he expects personal best times from his 4-member team.

“So far, they’ve trained well and they’ve put in a lot of work, and I expect them to do - every one of the athletes here - to do a personal best, and we’ll see how far they can get through the rounds. They should do pretty good,” Coach Baksh opined. “I expect that they would push a little bit more and get their time to come down,” the Coach reiterated about the effect the international games will have on his team.

Guyana is being represented at the Commonwealth Games by 32 athletes, spanning 7 sport disciplines. The Games will run from July 28th to August 8th.

end of the day.

The West Indies have had “two close encounters” in the first two ODIs against India, according to Pooran, who referred to the defeat the West Indies had experienced at the hands of Bangladesh.

“We know the conditions would not have allowed us to play the way we would have liked to, but we learned a lot there (in Guyana). Coming up here, we were looking for better wickets, and the

Queen’s Park Oval offered us that. I think that is a big tick in the box for us, as we asked for good wickets and we got good wickets, and we came out and I still feel we batted better,” Pooran has said.

The West Indies skipper is also been optimistic that wherever the team has to play in the future, there would be good pitches, not only for the West Indies, but for the other team as well. He was careful to explain that he was not asking for any home advantage, but just for good cricket pitches and for things to continue going the team’s way.

Pooran also shared news on a few West Indians, such as Jason Holder, who had contracted COVID-19 but is now considered fully recovered. Pooran also relayed that Guyanese Gudakesh Motie is out of the series, due to a fractured finger; Keemo Paul has

recovered from his hamstring injury and is fit to play, and Shimron Hetmyer has passed his fitness test, which would see him up for selection.

Questioned on Hetmyer’s result, Pooran commented, “With him passing his fitness test, he is now up for selection. I am happy that he came and did put the work in, and that says a lot about him. So, I’m looking forward for him to be up for selection, and hopefully he can do well for West Indies and continue to put smiles of people’s faces and entertain.”

The leading run-scorer for the West Indies in this series is Shai Hope with 122 runs, while Kyle Mayers comes in at third with 114 runs. In the bowling department, Alzarri Joseph comes in second with four wickets, one behind India’s Shardul Thakur.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

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

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Shimron Hetmyer has passed his fitness test, which means he is up for selection

WI vs India: 2022 ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…

Pooran oozes confidence as Hetmyer DDL on board ExxonMobil U14 passes fitness test Page 23

tournament

…Motie ruled out of ODI Series

Commonwealth Games 2022…

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Aliyah Abrams

…Athletes, coaches pumped up ahead of opener

Keevin Allicock

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