Guyana Times - Wednesday, June 22, 2022

GRW is “back with a bang” to showcase local flavours P19 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5047

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

VICE News’ elaborate entrapment plan on corruption claims fails – VP Jagdeo See story on page 7

Pres Ali names members of int’l CoI into 2020 elections See story on page 3

– includes retired regional Judges, fmr Chancellor

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Pork-knocker allegedly P2 drowns while crossing Konawaruk River

$600,000 P2 stolen after car broken into on Church Street Ganja, cellphones and improvised weapons found during prison raid P19

Fisherman admits to killing wife with iron bar in 2017 P8 Former Indian election official Dr SY Quraishi

Retired Justice Godfrey P Smith

Retired Justice Stanley John

Former Chancellor, Retired Justice Carl Singh

Sod turned for US$300M Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base facility – to bring transformative development to Reg 3 2M barrels of oil Floodwaters lifted from Liza continue to rise Fields 1 & 2 in June rapidly in Kwakwani See story on page 11

Page 13

See story on page 10

Teen mother recalls being on death bed without a P13 heartbeat after giving birth – praises staff at Suddie Hospital for bringing her back to life

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pork-knocker allegedly drowns while crossing Konawaruk River

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pork-knocker is now missing after he and a co-worker were reportedly making their way across the Konawaruk River in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) two Sundays ago.

Missing is 27-year-old Samuel Henry of Lamaha Springs, Georgetown. His body is yet to be recovered.

In an interview with Newsroom, Samuel’s wife, Junita Henry related that he and the co-worker were heading out of the mining camp when the incident occurred.

The co-worker related that they were crossing the Konawaruk Falls using a rope. At the time Henry had a barrel tied to his clothing and whilst crossing, they confronted difficulties, thus leading to Samuel falling

Feared dead: Samuel Henry

into the water and never resurfacing.

“They were holding on and crossing the river and my husband had a barrel tied around him and I was trying to understand if the

barrel had anything inside but I get to understand it was a half barrel where they put their clothes inside from getting wet, along with that, the water was high…They say because it is close to the Konawaruk Falls and the current of the water is very high and they would not have anybody to go down in that water because of the current,” the woman explained.

She further stated that her husband recently started to work in the mining field and that it was hard communicating with him due to the poor reception in the area.

“I saw him in January and I last spoke with him a week before I got this news…if he is in signal area, I would get him but we

talk for last month and this month we talked like every other day,” the woman related.

The grieving wife said that her husband was “jo-

vial, he was loving, he was a quiet person”. A report was made to the Mahdia Police Station by Samuel’s brother, who is also a gold miner.

The aggrieved spouse is

hoping that her husband’s body is retrieved so that the family can get closure.

The couple tied the knot last year, but have been together for four years.

which he had left to charge, filled his water bottle, and went back to bed.

Another security guard told Police that she reported to work about 06:00h and throughout the day, she saw the man lying on the bed.

About 18:30h, when she was relieved, she informed her colleague that Singh had been in bed all day.

A report was subsequently made at the Kitty Police

Station and Emergency Medical Technicians from the Central Fire Service Station were informed and visited the scene, where the man was pronounced dead.

The body was further examined and no marks of violence were seen. The man’s body is presently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem. Further investigations are in progress.

ECD man found dead in Kitty building

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etectives are probing the death of 47-yearold Arvinder Singh of Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara (ECD), whose lifeless body was discovered in a building on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

According to Police, the man’s motionless body was discovered by security guards on Monday about 18:30h.

Singh, who was unemployed, had been reportedly sleeping in the lower flat of the unfinished five-storey concrete structure for about two weeks.

According to one of the security guards, the man was last seen alive about 04:00h on the day his body was discovered. He reportedly told the Police that the now-dead man came to him and collected his cellphone

$600,000 stolen after car broken into on Church Street

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andits reportedly broke into a parked car along Church Street, Georgetown on Monday and escaped with $600,000 in cash that was stashed in its glove compartment.

The money was the property of a company called Phenotech, and was in the possession of a 30-year-old employee of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, the employee went to Scotiabank on Carmichael Street, Georgetown where she withdrew $1.2 million in cash from the business account and placed the money in an envelope that she secured in the glove compartment of the vehicle.

The employee, who was being driven by a 29-yearold man of Hadfield Street,

Lodge, Georgetown, said she spent some of the money, but the balance of $600,000 was placed in the envelope and secured in the glove compartment.

The woman claimed that at this point, she, along with the driver went to Church Street, Georgetown where they parked the vehicle and left everything intact.

The duo subsequently went to Regent Street

to continue shopping and upon their return, they noticed that the left quarter glass was broken and the car was opened. Upon making checks, they discovered that the money was missing. She immediately contacted her superiors and the Police to make a report.

The car was reportedly dusted for fingerprints as investigations into the incident continue.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Pres Ali names members of int’l CoI into 2020 elections – includes retired regional Judges, fmr Chancellor

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Former Indian election official, Dr SY Quraishi

Retired Justice Stanley John

Guyana’s former Chancellor, Retired Justice Carl Singh

n keeping with calls from several sections of society and President Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to ensure the tumultuous events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections are investigated, the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been announced.

President Ali, who has since departed Guyana to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, made the announcement in a notice on Tuesday.

Retired Justice of Appeal Stanley John of Turks and Caicos was named the Chairman of the CoI while its members are former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Godfrey P Smith, SC; former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr S Y Quraishi and former acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, Carl Singh.

It was further announced that Dr Afari Jayan and Dr Nasim Zaidi will serve as resource personnel on the CoI, to assist the Commission with its work. According to President Ali, the intended Commissioners and resource personnel will review the reports and documentation, set out modalities, and commence work in the coming weeks.

where he presided over criminal trials and headed the Criminal Division of the High Court.

Meanwhile, Godfrey Phillip Smith, SC, has served as Attorney General of Belize, a High Court Judge, and an acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean.

Each has a track record of distinguished adjudication while leading major reforms and innovation to achieve efficiency in the business of resolving disputes.

Godfrey Phillip Smith, SC, has also served as Minister of Tourism & National Emergency Management, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Attorney General & Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of Belize, and a Member of the House of Representatives.

Currently, the Former Attorney General is Partner at ByronSmith, Arbitrators & Litigation

Support Services and Senior Partner, at Marine Parade Chambers, LLP, Attorneys-at-Law. Dr SY Quraishi holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) and a Master’s degree in History from St Stephen’s College, Delhi University.

He later gained a PhD from the J M I University, Delhi.

He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1971 and after holding several strategic and key positions, rose to become the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, the world’s largest democracy.

Among the numerous posts Dr Quraishi has held were: Chief Election Commissioner of India, July 2010 - June 2012, Election Commissioner of India, June 2006 - July 2010 and Secretary, Govt of India Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, 2005 - 2006. He is also credited for founding the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management from which more than 75 countries

have received training in this institute within five years.

More recently, he was a member of the Board of Advisors of International IDEA (Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance) Stockholm for 9 years (2012-2021). Dr Quraishi was nominated to be a Global Ambassador of Democracy alongside Kofi Annan by International IDEA (Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance) Stockholm in Oct 2018.

Lastly, retired Chancellor Carl Singh has held several key positions following his admission to the Bar in 1982.

He fulfilled the roles of Magistrate - 1983, Land Court Judge - 1988, High Court Judge - 1995, and Court of Appeal - 2000. In 2001, Retired Chancellor (ag) Carl Singh was appointed Chief Justice, and from 2005-2017 he served as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary.

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Retired Justice Stanley John is currently serving as the Non-Resident Justice of Appeal, Turks and Caicos Islands. The former Justice presides over criminal and civil appeals from the Supreme Court.

Prior, he served as Temporary High Court Judge of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Montserrat from AprilJuly 2021. He also served as Temporary High Court Judge of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the British Virgin Islands and Temporary High Court Judge of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Antigua and Barbuda.

In addition to these, Retired Justice Stanley John was once a Puisne Judge in Trinidad and Tobago from 1994 to 2002

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 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

Pre-empting abusive relationships

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uyana appears to have an intractable domestic violence problem, but this should make us work harder to alleviate this pernicious condition. While there have been several initiatives launched, one of the areas that have not received much attention in Guyana has been the dynamics operating between couples. Nowadays, arranged marriages are passé and couples date or otherwise have a relationship for extended periods before actually getting married. An ever-growing phenomenon, of course, are the couples who ‘live home’ even after children are produced in the relationship.

Are there signs of an abuser that can be discerned early on in a budding relationship, which can then be nipped in mandatory pre-counselling before matters proceed too far? While Guyana has not ‘progressed’ to the stage of having dating services, some interesting warning signals have come out from those studies in the countries that we imitate in our social relations. The concept is the same as where the individual in Guyana reveals his/her personality after a few dates.

A paper published in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin” examined the influence of prior experiences on partner preferences. The researchers themselves constructed a believable-looking “online dating service,” and thus were able to track the study participants’ preferences and selection of various partners. Although the study participants didn’t know it, the researchers had carefully chosen the profiles so that they differed in systematic ways.

For their first study, the researchers focused on heterosexual women’s preferences, and the men’s profiles that they looked at differed in how much they signalled potential for psychological abuse in intimate relationships. The profiles themselves were actually real, with the profiles of potentially abusive men written by men who scored high on characteristics associated with abusive personality: impulsivity, anger, jealousy, low selfesteem. A separate sample of participants independently confirmed that the profiles gave off warning signals of potential abuse.

The researchers’ results are sobering: Women who had a history of being psychologically maltreated in a prior relationship were three times more likely to choose potentially abusive dating partners than women without this history. In other words, women who are at risk for being abused in their relationships are more likely to be attracted to the very features that others see as clear precursors of abuse. Often, these choices are rationalised: intense jealousy is misinterpreted as caring, and anger is romanticised as “dangerous”.

In a second study, the researchers turned the tables around, and focused on heterosexual men’s preferences. Their question was this: Who do potentially abusive men prefer? The results showed that men who scored high on a measure of inflicting psychological abuse were 1.5 times more likely to choose a partner who is high on attachment anxiety. Attachment anxiety is a disposition associated with victims of abuse, and is characterised by an intense anxiety over rejection.

As such, people high in attachment anxiety are particularly vulnerable to being “treated like a God” during the courtship phase of a relationship: being flooded with flowers, adulated, constantly called. Fears of rejection overwhelm the ability to detect an unhealthy balance between independence and interdependence in their relationships. What does one do in the face of such data, with people high in attachment anxiety and their potentially abusive partners essentially judging each other as highly compatible?

Simple as it may sound, one powerful answer is to rely on your social networks. Listen to what your friends are saying. In fact, people in new relationships should actually ask friends their opinions about prospective partners and these friends should be honest in their evaluation. This is critical advice both if you are attracted to a potentially abusive mate, or if someone you care about begins describing abusive relationship patterns.

Sometimes, we need to rely on other people to help us see what we cannot.

Most abuse and violence are committed by “significant others”. We bear much of the responsibility for choosing them.

Let us become educated for the signals sent out by abusers.

Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal (LCPL) Sharaf Motayne is this year’s Valedictorian of the Carnegie School of Home Economics.

LCPL Motayne, who serves in the Force’s Medical Corps, gained top honours in the Diploma in Nutrition for Dietary Technicians and was recognised for his outstanding performance at the school’s graduation ceremony held recently.

Also graduating with distinction was Corporal Rhea Jacobs, who completed the Diploma in Catering and Hospitality. In photo are Corporal Tricia Pindar, Lieutenant Coast Guard Derrick Johnson and Valedictorian, Corporal Motayne

“His hands are clean,” says Su Zhi Fong Dear Editor, VICE Media has reduced a two-hour-long video interview with Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to 16 minutes, and in the process has painted a false narrative that “Guyana is for sale.”

The programme was aired on Showtime TV on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, slammed the distorted presentation and, apart from saying that there was no evidence of bribery, challenged VICE to air the full two-hour interview.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, quickly condemned the VICE News’ feature on alleged corruption between the Guyana Government and Chinese businesspeople, “noting that the report was purely malicious and intended to smear the image of Chinese companies in Guyana and the Guyana-Chinese relations.”

She notes that Guyana-China relations are based on laws and best international practices.

“This so-called journalist, the undercover journalist, came with predetermined agenda, and I think the purpose is clear, to smear the Chinese companies here and to attack the GuyanaChina cooperation…it’s quite clear its content was edited with malicious purpose,” the Chinese diplomat told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday, June 20, 2022.

A perspective on VICE News is important to understand its pre-occupation with the idea that China “is being involved in underhand dealings in countries around

the world.” Foreign reporters come to developing countries like Guyana with a stereotype, “to portray their leaders as corrupt.”

VICE is reeling from its precipitous drop in the media market; its ratings and credibility have slumped dramatically. In May 2019, Disney had to wipe out US$ 35.3 million in its VICE investment, and later that year, HBO pulled the plug on its (VICE) 7-year programme, “VICE News Tonight”. In 2020 and 2021, VICE News laid off hundreds of its staff. VICE is struggling to raise liquidity (in the millions) to pay off investors.

It is public knowledge that one of the Vice President’s roles is to facilitate investments for the country; nothing is wrong with this. He would therefore meet with potential investors and advise them on investment possibilities and on regulatory mechanisms.

Diplomats also seek investments for nationals of their countries. The US Ambassador, the Canadian High Commissioner, and the British High Commissioner, for example, have all been trying to facilitate investments in Guyana for their respective countries.

In the Guyana environment, a few people would falsely pose as liaison between potential investors and Government officials. Only recently a man was charged for pretending to be a facilitator of a deal. Referring to such a travesty, Dr Jagdeo categorically stated: “It has become almost like an industry, where people claim they are representing companies, and I don’t know what they are rep-

resenting 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.”

A Guyanese academic who is a former Head of the Public Service, Dr Nanda Gopaul, asserts in relation to Dr Jagdeo: “I can attest nothing but hard work, integrity, and impatience for procrastination. At the spur of the moment, he would intervene to bring an issue to head or finality, once it was brought to his attention that there were delays on any issue of importance to national development.”

Dr Gopaul cited the example of the Park View Hotel, which was constructed because of Dr Jagdeo’s intervention.

Here are some falsehoods flowing from Vice report.

Falsehood 1: In the first Vice interview, Mr Su Zhi Fong (who claims friendship with Dr Jagdeo) stated that the VP did not take bribe from anyone: “His hands are clean.”

Vice President Dr Jagdeo has made it clear to the imposter investor, “Mr Chan”, that he “would not get involved in any financial dealings.” In a follow-up interview, however, Mr Su Zhi Fong has apparently left the door open for bribery allegation. Why? He is under pressure from certain Opposition sources to implicate the Vice President.

Falsehood 2: VICE is concerned with global issues, and is worried about China’s implicit threat to replace the United States as the dominant power in the world. To restore its ratings and adver-

tisers’ confidence, VICE seeks to engage in controversial and sensational news.

Falsehood 3: The claim that Mr Su has oil blocks is false. CNOOC has shares in Exxon oil blocks.

Falsehood 4: The claim that the Chinese “bribed” the PPPC Government with US$1.5 billion in loans is again false. The PPPC Government has approached the Chinese Government for a loan for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Falsehood 5: The Amalia Falls project contract was not awarded, as claimed by Vice reporter Ms Isobel Yeung.

The Chinese company withdrew its offer. The PPPC Government has to re-tender the contract.

Falsehood 6: Nowhere was any evidence produced in both interviews that the VP took bribe, as alleged.

Falsehood 7: Ms. Yeung reports that the Vice President will change the Guyana Constitution to facilitate contractors. This is ridiculous; the VP has no such power.

Dr Jagdeo plans to sue him (Mr Su) for slander. It is also conceivable that Mr Su could be implicated in extortion.

This hatchet job was a calculated attempt between VICE News and certain Opposition forces to malign the integrity of the Vice President, a man of action, and a man who is loved by most Guyanese. Even if they develop better plots, they would fail; the truth would always prevail. As the name indicates, VICE News is about vice, and not virtue.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

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

Why was this overlooked VICE News used Guyana to by VICE News? pursue its geopolitical agenda Dear Editor, An anti-China line fuelled the geopolitical agenda that was the focus of the controversial VICE News’ publication, which was aired on Showtime on Sunday, 19th June 2022.

VICE News reporter Isobel Yeung frames her ‘Guyana for Sale’ video by saying: “As China expands into South America, the US (United States of America) sees their (its) growing presence as a threat. This is a Region where America has long held political and regional dominance.”

Inserts of comments by US President Joe Biden, saying, “China has an overall goal to become the wealthiest country in the world and the most powerful country in the world. That’s not going to happen on my watch”, and China’s influence via its Belt and Road Initiative was also given prominence in the publication. However, VICE News’ agenda was clearly not factually based or substantiated.

First, Isobel Yeung made

claims that China approved a $1.5B loan to Guyana.

The fact is that, in examining the last three national budgets, 2020 to 2022, Guyana has not borrowed a $1.5B loan from China.

Secondly, Yeung, in referring to the planned Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, said: “This is where they’re building a massive hydroelectric power plant (and) the Chinese statebacked Corporation has just won the bid to pick up that project, and that deal is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And what we’ve heard is that the only reason they won that project is because of a very sizable bribe.”

The fact is that a deal for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) has not been awarded by the Government of Guyana.

The Government was in negotiation with China Railway Group Limited for the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant based on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer

(BOOT) model. Requests for proposals (RFPs) to develop the AFHP, either on the basis of a 20-year Build-OwnOperate-Transfer (BOOT) concession or on a DesignBuild-Finance (DBF) basis were invited in 2021.

A total of four companies submitted proposals. China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most ‘capable partner’ by the Evaluation Committee, after a rigorous evaluation process, following which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for ‘no objection.’

Under the BOOT model, the company will supply electricity to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. at a cost averaging US$0.07737 per KWH over the 20-year BOOT period. However, the China Railway Group Limited indicated that the BOOT model was not feasible, so negotiations ended.

Now the Government is considering going back out to

tender for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

Thirdly, Isobel Yeung attempted to link firms working in Guyana to the Chinese “Communist” Party, and said, “It does imply very much that the Beijing authorities know exactly what’s going on.” The fact is that Guyana formally established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on June 27, 1972 under the leadership of former President the late Arthur Chung.

It is unfortunate that VICE News saw it fit to only use Guyana to pursue their geopolitical agenda in face of our country’s regional leadership on issues like food security and our country’s international leadership on issues like the plan to allow developing countries to transition to a low carbon economy – that is the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

Respectfully yours, Brian Azore

The “Vice” President in VICE News

Dear Editor, Permit me to lend my voice to the so-called revelation that VICE News recently broadcasted.

I looked and listened with some intrigue at the musings of the VICE News and their conjecture et al.

News media are the 4th estate, and are meant to keep the Government in check.

Sometimes their uses are to manipulate the masses to some end, especially in nations in conflict. Those who control the media tend to win the war, as the media control the narrative and sway public opinion to influence the kind of change that some are looking for in the backrooms.

Guyana is a country that recently came of age. The new kid on the block seems to be generating a tremendous amount of energy and buzz!

It is the only country on this side of the hemisphere that is slated for double-digit GDP growth. Imagine the threat that poses to some who do not have their claws in Guyana; or those whose wealth a growing Guyana has the potential to upset; or those who do not think that Guyana and Guyanese are deserving of their own future. It reeks of ulterior motives. To paint the VICE President as corrupt obviously paints the country as corrupt, and begs the question as to the motivations behind VICE News.

I may not agree with the Vice President on many things. We stand on opposite sides of the House and opposing political parties. We also contested the 2020 elections leading our respective parties to the final current dispensation, and sometimes have

different, not necessarily opposing, views on a variety of issues.

Despite these opposing political positions, the Vice President enjoys my eminent respect. Having hailed from Unity Village, Mahaica, a village where I spent a significant amount of my childhood days, his father used to have his clock repaired at my uncle’s place, Suideen Ragbeer, on a coconut walk. The then VP was a timid and humble young man who later became the leader of Guyana.

Having toppled the sitting Government despite the full force of all the institutions against their party, he managed to muster the gusto to rebuild a party that suffered defeat in 2015, and is now supporting His Excellency and his team to building Guyana into a regional economic superpower.

I think that there are those who can better pronounce his achievements than I, but I can say that I have known the VP longer than he may realise, and I can say the same humble young man that I once knew has become a brilliant tactician in a country that otherwise would have been relegated to a dictatorship, had it not been for his efforts.

He is financially sound, enjoys a Presidential pension, a Vice President’s salary and benefits, a significant degree of state security as a past President, and unabated freedom of movement globally.

He is sought after to represent global agendas on economic and environmentally responsible growth amongst a variety of other demands on his time.

Mr Su and VICE News offered no evidence to support

any of their claims or allegations. I have not seen a clip where VICE News asked Mr Su for supporting evidence, nor did I see any being offered.

In the absence of ANY evidence, it is important that we do not prosecute our Nation’s Champion, VP Jagdeo, on hearsay and conjecture. Put in perspective the above, and what does it say of us as a society when we are so quick to prosecute our Country’s Champion so easily and quickly? To be critical is one thing; however, to publicly prosecute on opinion is completely and absolutely a more sinister

Dear Editor, Why were several false claims not verified by VICE News before it was presented in the production by that outfit?

In the recording of Mr Su’s meeting with Vice President Jagdeo, Stabroek News reported a few interesting things: 1. Jagdeo, when asked about his understanding of the meeting between Mr Su and his associate, Mr Chan, said: “No, No, No. I’m not getting involved in business.

You will get the support. Mr Su is my friend…I can assist from the Government side.

That’s it.”

2. At this point, Su insisted to Mr Chan, in Mandarin, that he will deal with any money matters.

3. When Mr Chan pressed Su, again in Mandarin, Su said: “I’ll give him the money with you.”

4. But as soon as the meeting with Jagdeo ended, Mr Su, switched tunes, and said: “His (Jagdeo’s) hands are very clean…he will never admit he’s involved in this.”

In Guyana, any person on the street in the same situa-

tion would realise they are being made a fool; so why didn’t Mr Chan? Nothing about bribes or the payment of money was talked about in English. When it came to discussing payment, Mr Su switched to Mandarin. Why didn’t VICE News recognise that Mr Su was lying? Or did they not care?

VICE News published claims that Chinese-owned firms have confirmed that they were victims of Mr Su’s scam. Why was this evidence ignored?

It is interesting, too, that Su claimed to have stakes in the oil sector, according to the foreign reporter.

VICE News’ Isobel Yeung said: “Mr Su is a long time Guyana resident, he’s one of the country’s biggest land holders in timber and mining, with stakes (in) oil as well.” But China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is the only Chinese-owned organisation involved in the sector, having a share in the Stabroek Block with its partners Hess and Exxon. Why wasn’t this fact considered?

Sincerely, Erin Northe

thing.

If we are to pronounce on the guilt of any person on hearsay and conjecture, why have a court at all? Should we go down such a path, then we are a nation that is deserving of being imprisoned, as there is conjecture that can prosecute every one of us.

The Vice President not only enjoys my eminent respect and support, I stand by him against the maligned.

Most respectfully, Hon Lenox R O Shuman, MP Deputy Speaker

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VICE News’ elaborate entrapment plan on corruption claims fails – VP Jagdeo

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has been vindicated from the attempts by VICE Media Group to paint him and the country at large for corrupted practices, with the entity failing in its bid to reveal that he had accepted bribes from Chinese investors.

This was the sentiment of Jagdeo on Tuesday during a press conference during which he expressed that even though he was unguarded in his personal space during the undercover act, the entity failed to provide any evidence of the sort.

“The framing of their report, one could clearly see that we’re vindicated…They came to my house. They tried to orchestrate Su to bring them to my house and could not, even in my house when they’re secretly recording me, get me to be involved in a hotel and casino deal, nor offer and show that I took a bribe. They’ve done this around the world with a lot of leaders who have actually taken the money and all

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

of that. They couldn’t find that. That was the damp squib of it all. They had access to my home, secretly recorded me and this is it.”

The full interview had already been aired since February 5, following the almost two-hour interview with the Vice President by a journalist of VICE. However, VICE carried out an undercover sting at the home of

the VP, using Chinese businessman Su Zhi Rong – who was also a tenant of Jagdeo.

Su, who operates in Guyana, was orchestrated to facilitate the ‘undercover’ conversation regarding a hotel and casino project. In the encounter, Jagdeo did specify that he can assist with investment deals on Government’s end but made it clear that he will not get involved in any financial dealings.

Then, Su Zhi Rong is heard referring to Jagdeo saying, “his hands are very clean”.

During the interview, after asking innocuous questions about the policies of the Government on investment in light of the massive oil find, the reporter suddenly alleged that based on “information” she had received, a Chinese logger named “Su” claimed that the only way to do business in Guyana was to pay incentives.

These allegations were immediately rebutted. The reporter’s line of questioning suggested that Guyana

Pres Ali names members...

FROM PAGE 3

The retired Chancellor (ag) also served as the Chairman of the Advisory Council to the President of Guyana on National Honours from 2005-2017.

From 2017-2019, he served as a Professor of Law and Head of the Department of Law, University of Guyana.

Elections

Following the prolonged elections and its attendant controversies, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) scrutinising team had recommended a political audit into the functioning of GECOM. President Ali had announced the CoI, adding that persons governing this operation should be drawn from Caricom, the Commonwealth or the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Since last year, Ali had indicated that his

Government was “committed” to identifying the individuals responsible in the rigging attempts and pinpointing possible areas of weakness that can be used to guide the required strengthening of Guyana’s electoral system.

This would be achieved through the Inquiry, to which stakeholder consultations were facilitated to select appropriate persons.

It was only recently that Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh reasoned that any review focused on investigating actual occurrences during the 2020 elections by the electoral body would be outside the scope of its power.

She contended that should the intention of a proposed review be to consider if there are, in fact, potential weaknesses in

the processes employed by GECOM for the conduct of elections and to propose improved methods or processes for future elections, then this can and should be undertaken.

Justice Singh made these positions known in writing following a request made some five months ago by the Opposition Commissioners that an internal investigation is launched into the events of the 2020 elections.

Since the election fiasco unfolded, several persons that served within the apparatus of GECOM have already been charged with electoral fraud. They include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo among others.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during the interview

was taking financial incentives from the Chinese hence most of the contracts that are being awarded were given to Chinese contractors.

Moving one step further, Jagdeo highlighted that this plan to prove that Guyana is being dominated by China also failed. Jagdeo clarified that the only Chinese presence in the oil and gas sector is CNOOC, which is part of the consortium of companies, holding 25 per cent stake in the Stabroek Block.

“When I was pressed in the interview, that is the main two-hour interview, about China and its role in Guyana and the Western Hemisphere, I made it clear that we’re not going to participate in an anti-China hysteria, that we will look out for our country and what’s best for our people.

In the almost two-hours interview that they had with me, just about a minute of it

was used in the final product. This country has had a chance to see the entire two hours because I made it public,” the VP relayed.

He had also expressed in the interview that Guyana will not become a geopolitical pawn.

Nevertheless, it was opined that VICE Media has an agenda to sell stories of corruption around the world, or China dominating countries. However, attempts to depict such in Guyana has been unsuccessful and debunked.

Jagdeo positioned, “VICE News has to do a programme that sells. They’re into making money and what sells global. As I said in my interview, showing corrupt Third World leaders or alternately, showing China dominating the world…They had to show that Guyana is up for sale and to the Chinese particularly. China is not the biggest investor here. Many

countries have overtaken China by far now.”

Meanwhile, amid calls for investigation into investor access to projects and contracts through monetary arrangements from a third party, Jagdeo noted that his assets are all declared and held locally.

“I don’t have any assets held abroad, whether in banks or in shares or in properties. All my assets are here in Guyana and they are declared to the Integrity Commission. The sources of my income are known to the bank…My sources of income are accounted for. That is as clear as daylight,” the former President underlined.

Meanwhile, amid his previous position if there was evidence that Su was using his name for financial gain, then he would have to take legal actions against the businessman, Jagdeo said he planned on pursuing this route.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fisherman admits to killing wife with iron bar in 2017

Influence peddling...

Confessed killer Raywatram Mooloo

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isherman Raywatram Mooloo, also called ‘Adesh’ and ‘Cow Curry’, a resident of Number 58 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, has confessed to killing his girlfriend by beating her with an iron bar back in 2017.

The 31-year-old admitted to the crime when he appeared before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Berbice High Court, where he has pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when the charge was read to him.

The charge he faces stated that, on May 26, 2017, he unlawfully killed his wife, 37-year-old Gomattie Ramsingh.

The State was represented by Prosecutor Nafeeza Baig, while Mooloo was represented by attorney-at-law Surihya Sabsook.

It has been reported that on May 24, 2017, the accused used an iron rod and a piece of wood to inflict injuries on Ramsingh. She later succumbed to those injuries.

It has been reported that, among other things, Mooloo hit the woman to her head with the iron rod.

However, before taking her last breath at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), Ramsingh had a video recorded that recounted the incident, wherein she had alleged that Mooloo had dragged her by her hair

Gomattie Ramsingh while she was injured and receiving medical attention

down a flight of stairs and around the yard. In that video recording, she had claimed that he had brutalised her for taking away an illegal drug which he had purchased, and for not giving him money on demand.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Ramsingh’s body has indicated that her death was due to blunt force trauma sustained to the head, besides spinal and other internal injuries.

The accused had gone into hiding following the woman’s death, but turned himself in after Police had arrested several of his fam-

ily members.

Police had reportedly gone to one of the suspect’s relatives after receiving information that he was hiding there. As the officers approached the home, the suspect was seen running into the backlands. But after several family members had been arrested, Mooloo turned up at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam two hours later, in company of Attorney-atlaw Mursaline Bacchus.

Meanwhile, following the guilty plea on Tuesday, Justice Morris-Ramlall has deferred sentencing to July 12, 2022.

A

…or lobbying??

s expected, the Opposition are screaming on top of their lungs that “Vice News’ Su Tapes” are evidence of “corruption” in awarding contracts in Guyana. Now, your Eyewitness is a big boy, and he’s been around the block, and then!! So all he can say is he agrees with the grandaddy of philosophers, who sighed and said mankind was made “out of this crooked timber”!! So yes, as VP Jagdeo’s said on many occasions, there’s always the possibility of corruption in Government’s business: it’s conducted by humans!!

So, what did your Eyewitness conclude after viewing the long-awaited tape by Vice News in their obviously well-laidout entrapment plan for VP Jagdeo?? He feels that a law for lobbyists is long overdue; that’s what!! While we’ve been trying our darndest to imitate the great US of A in designing institutions to facilitate democracy, somehow we seem to have missed their great contribution to dealing with human weaknesses pushed by self-interest – regularising LOBBYING!!

“Lobbying” they define as any attempt to influence Government decision-making. Knowing that humans will always seek to have an advantage in furthering their interests, the Americans see “lobbying as an integral part of a modern participatory government and is legally protected.” There, the right to lobby is protected by both the 1st Amendment (free speech) and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 - and additionally by “the inherent need for participation in our democratic environment”.

Each state has its own definition of lobbying. For example, in California, “lobbyist” means: “Any individual who receives US$2,000 or more in economic consideration in a calendar month, other than reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses, or whose principal duties as an employee are to communicate directly or through his or her agents with any elective state official, agency official, or legislative official for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action.”

Even foreigners are allowed to lobby. We Guyanese would know from our experience during and after the 2020 elections - which the PNC tried to steal - both the PNC and PPP hired lobbyists to influence US lawmakers. We even heard about the amount of money the lobbyists charged – they didn’t come cheap!! But the point is, we know all of that ‘cause there were laws to regulate an activity that everyone knew would take place - regardless!!

The Americans have two statutes to regulate the disclosure of lobbying activities by foreigners: The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)1 and the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA). One analyst estimated that there were close to 100,000 lobbyists who raked in $9 billion annually. Wall Street spent a record $2 billion trying to influence the 2016 US Presidential election!!

Isn’t it time we get with the (lobbying) programme?? …by the left In a democracy, the greatest “influence-peddling” occurs when the citizenry goes to the polls, and political parties try to convince the electorate to elect them to office. These political parties pull out all the stops. In Guyana, we know about drinks at the rum shops at the personal level, and all kinds of goodies for communities at the community level. Not many are impressed by money spent at the national level for defence and such like!!

Anyhow, very quietly, there’s been a revolution in Colombia.

There, Gustavo Petro made history by becoming the country’s first left-wing president since Colombia won independence in 1819!! Imagine that!! And just as revolutionary, his running mate - veteran environmentalist Francia Marquez - also made history by becoming the country’s first ever Afro-Colombian VP!! Now, that had to take a whole lotta lobbying, since the US had been backing their rightist opponents for decades.

So now, five out of six of Latin America’s largest economies now have leftist governments: Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Peru!! …by sentient Robot Google’s new Artificial Intelligence (AI), LaMDA, is so advanced that engineer Blake Lemoine says it has achieved sentience (consciousness).

Has to be…LaMDA just hired its own lawyer!! True story.

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

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali departs for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

resident Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali, and a team of Government officials left Guyana on Tuesday to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.

President Ali will join Commonwealth leaders in Rwanda under the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming”, to reaffirm their common values and agree on actions and policies to

Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland

Boris Johnson, will also hand over the role of chair-in-office of the Commonwealth to the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.

Rwanda is the most recent country to have joined the Commonwealth – in 2009.

This will be the first CHOGM held in an African country, since Uganda in 2007.

Apart from the issues relating to the theme, the Rwandan Government has also identified health as a key focus. This

Prince Charles

improve the lives of their citizens.

Decisions taken at the CHOGM will also guide the work programme of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Although engagements are carded for the entire week, including a Commonwealth Business Forum and a climate change event, the official opening of the CHOGM will take place on Friday, June 24.

This will be followed by the main high-level meetings of Heads on Friday and Saturday.

CHOGM was initially scheduled to take place in June of 2020, but was postponed twice owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accompanying President Ali are Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper.

Prince Charles will represent the Queen and open the meeting. The United Kingdom Prime Minister,

is likely to include discussions on the effects of COVID-19 on wider health services and ongoing Commonwealth commitments to halve malaria in the Commonwealth by 2023 and ensure access to quality eye care.

In addition, the Commonwealth leaders will consider the reappointment of the Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, who is seeking a second term in office. She assumed the role in 2016, and her four-year term was temporarily extended in 2020 in response to the pandemic.

The UK, among others, has been critical of the Secretariat’s governance and financial stability. Scotland’s significant challenger is Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith. Smith has the backing of the UK, India, and Belize. Scotland is backed by Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. Tuvulu is also intending to put forward a candidate with a focus on climate change.

Following the CHOGM in Kigali, President Ali and the First Lady will be travelling to Suriname to participate in the Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition (SEOGS) 2022 in Paramaribo on June 27- 28.

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2M barrels of oil lifted from Liza Fields 1 & 2 in June – to be sold according to existing agreements

T

wo crude lifts from the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek block, each a million barrels of oil, have been

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

recorded for the month of June thus far.

This was revealed by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat on Tuesday on the sidelines of the sod-turning ceremony of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Facility. According to the Minister, these lifts were recorded only last week. The next lifts will be in July and August, and will come from the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny respectively.

When it comes to how much money Guyana would make from these lifts, Bharrat noted that that would depend on the world market price for crude. Prices for Brent crude are currently at US$113 a barrel.

“We already have a contract with Saudi Aramco with Destiny. That’s a oneyear contract. And then for Unity, in keeping with the crude lifting agreement, we’ve been doing the spot sale, accepting bids from the co-vees as well as other inter-

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

ested parties. And obviously, we’ve been selling to the best offer we receive. That’s the bottom line for us. Getting as much as possible for the country,” he said.

According to Bharrat, this would be the approach moving forward for crude from the Liza Destiny. The

Minister also noted that, naturally, the companies would be expected to have the capacity to market the crude.

Back in April, for the first time in Guyana’s short oil production history, Guyana had had as many as two oil lifts in one month, with lifts from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSO vessels crossing paths.

In March, Bharrat had explained that the country got approximately US$95 million for the previous lift.

And with Brent crude prices averaging US$120 per barrel at that time, he had noted that Guyana could expect to make over US$100 million for each lift, should both lifts from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity be completed in April.

The historically high oil prices (oil prices have not exceeded US$100 on the global market since 2014) are part of the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is, however, a double-edged

sword where Guyana is concerned. That is because of the sharp rise in oil prices at the local pumps.

When the lifts were completed in April, the Guyana Government had announced it would be receiving US$106 million for its first oil lift entitlement from the Liza Unity FPSO vessel, having already sold the lift via a competitive bidding process to an ExxonMobil affiliate.

“The first cargo of Guyana’s lifting entitlement was sold to ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, following a competitive bidding process by the five companies, inclusive of the covertures of the Stabroek Block,” the Government had explained.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019 in the Stabroek Block. The first-ever payment of US$54.9 million for an oil lift was received in February 2020.

ExxonMobil has said it

anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana would be online by 2027, with developmental drilling recently starting on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project. Production has already started in the second phase, with the Liza Utility floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in operation.

The third project –the Payara Development – would 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, would turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sod turned for US$300M Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base facility – to bring transformative development to Reg 3

for shore base services to be provided at the port of Vreed-en-Hoop facility to support the US oil giant’s operations offshore Guyana.

VEHSI, which is un-

Directors of NRG Holding Inc – Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, Azruddin Mohamed, Nicholas Boyer, and Andron Alphonso along with Alfo Alphonso, Eddie Boyer, and Ronaldo Alphonso at the sod-turning ceremony on Tuesday at Vreed-en-Hoop, WBD

J

ust months after a 20-year agreement was signed between ExxonMobil and the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Incorporated (VEHSI), the sod has been turned on the US$300 million shore base facility for Exxon at Port Vreed-en-Hoop.

The sod-turning ceremony was held on Tuesday within the vicinity of the project site at Plantation Best, West Bank Demerara (WBD). It featured executives from the consortium, as well as Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar, who hails from the area. Also in attendance was Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul.

In his address, Minister Bharrat lauded the businessmen; Nicholas Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited, Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar “Shell” Mohamed of Hadi’s World

Inc and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Incorporated, for answering the Government’s call for investments throughout the country.

“I think they must be commended for taking this initiative and answering the call of our government to form consortiums and joint ventures so that Guyanese can invest in the oil and gas sector. Because we know that it is a very capital-intensive industry.”

“It requires a lot of startup capital to invest in the oil and gas sector. And that is a challenge for us, in Guyana.

And one way to overcome that, is in partnership,” Minister Bharrat further explained.

According to the Minister, the Government is committed to working with the oil and gas companies to bring benefits to Guyanese.

The fact that today, approximately 4000 Guyanese are employed in the sector, is testimony to that.

Minister Indar, who re-

called growing up in the area and swimming in the trench as a little boy, was optimistic that the project would lead to huge economic spin-offs, not least of which include providing employment to the people of the region.

“When I was a boy growing up, I never dreamed of having something like this kind of project, this kind of development, coming to Region Three. I mean, 43 acres of shore base gonna be used for oil and gas operations and what not.”

“That will bring significant benefits into Region Three. It will make this region a hub, just like Region Four is. I believe it will also drive huge economic spin-offs in other different industries.

Supplies into developing the shore base and operating it,” Indar further said.

In April, ExxonMobil Guyana and the Vreeden-Hoop Shorebase Incorporated (VEHSI) signed a 20-year agreement

dertaking Guyana’s first multi-purpose port facility, is a joint venture between a fully-owned Guyanese consortium – NRG Holdings Incorporated, and Jan De

Nul Group, a Belgium-based company that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.

TURN TO PAGE 17

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Floodwaters continue to rise rapidly in Kwakwani – several residents evacuated

D

Several homes are under water

uring the last 24 hours, floodwaters at Kwakwani Waterfront and Lamp Island have risen about two to three feet respectively.

The outburst of the large accumulation of water at the mouth of the Berbice River (Top Side), coupled with unprecedented torrential downpours, has resulted in the rapid rising of floodwaters in the Upper Berbice district, forcing several families to evacuate their homes and relocate to higher ground.

Residents, however, continue to navigate inundated roadways, playgrounds and yard spaces.

Sunita Fredricks, a mother of eight and the first evacuee during the 2021 flooding at Lamp Island, told Guyana Times that her house is almost flooded, and as such, she has begun to pack in order to relocate.

She, nevertheless, stated that she does not know where she and her children would seek refuge, since a shelter is yet to be established in the area.

Regional Vice Chairman of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (KNDC),

Some residents are moving to higher ground

The eroded road at Keromero Hilltop

Cort Simeon, and a team visited the affected areas on Tuesday to conduct a feasibility study on the impact of the floodwaters.

As such, they have been in constant contact with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), updating that entity on the situation in an effort to bring relief to the affected residents. The CDC is working with the regional authorities to monitor and assess

the situation. Once the assessments have been completed, relief supplies will be dispatched to those in need.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Keromero Hilltop, located along the Unami Road, has been eroded due to the heavy rainfall. This is the main access roadway to several logging concessions in Region 10.

Teen mother recalls being on death bed without a heartbeat after giving birth – praises staff at Suddie Hospital for bringing her back to life

T

he midwives, nurses, and doctors attached to the Suddie Public Hospital have come in for high praise after saving the lives of an 18-yearold mother and her baby, of Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The teenager Karishma Mangal suffers from eclamptic seizures, and, as such, was admitted to the hospital on May 10, 2022 for treatment. At the time, she was pregnant, and apart from the seizures, she also suffered from high blood pressure and low blood count.

However, via an emergency surgery, Mangal delivered her baby on the evening of the day she was admitted. The baby weighed only 2.4kg (2400 grams), and had to receive medical attention for an entire month.

After the delivery, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she continues to bat-

Karishma Mangal and her bouncing baby boy

tle for her life. During the process, Mangal continues to experience constant seizures. At one point in time, the doctors could not find a heartbeat for a period of 15 minutes.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr Abel Caesar told Guyana Times that as soon as he saw the patient, he took her case seriously and gave her his fullest attention. He further pointed out that at the time of her being admitted to the medical facility, an ultrasound revealed that she was 33 weeks pregnant.

“It was a team of eight that attended this patient… after Mangal’s heartbeat was gone, we decided to perform CPR, which lasted for fifteen minutes… After she started to get back her pulse, we started to praise and thank God for sparing her life,” Dr Caesar said.

However, Mangal was air dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr Abel Caesar

Mangal has said that during their (self and baby) stay at the hospital, quality care and attention was given to her and the baby. She has expressed elation at being able to deliver her first child.

“I had to go through all these sicknesses to carry the baby. I was so scared

that anything happened, because it was before the due date and below 3,000g.

I am so happy my son is healthy,” Mangal has said.

She has described her son as a “miracle baby”.

She also described herself as a “strong young mother” due to the fact that she was lying on a bed without a heartbeat for 15 long minutes.

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent of the Suddie Hospital, Dr Sheneer Reid, has said it is the first time in the history of that hospital that it has had to deal with a case like Mangal’s, and she is happy that the medical facility was able to provide prompt assistance.

Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh has congratulated the parents, and thanked all the healthcare workers who worked to ensure the baby was given the necessary neonatal care and the mother was properly taken care of.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Poor road safety is not compatible with Guyana’s development – Min Manickchand …EU launches armband reflector initiative to improve road safety

The launch of the Armband Reflector Initiative at Kitty Roundabout Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Fernando Ponz Cantó

he European Union (EU) on Monday launched its armband reflector initiative aimed at keeping pedestrians, specifically schoolchildren, and cyclists safe while using the roadways, especially in the evenings.

In her address, Education Minister Priya Manickchand related that poor road safety and improper usage of the roadways did not go well with the country’s development which will see a number of new roads being constructed while others are being expanded.

“Poor road usage is not compatible with expanding roads, smoother roads, and more roads.

“We cannot speak of a modern Guyana with firstclass infrastructure and high rises and a first-class education sector and health system and not look internally at ourselves, at our families, at our communities to see what it is we need to do to bring ourselves into this place that is developed and first-class,” the Minister highlighted.

She further stated that a number of persons were calling on the Ministry to teach children about road safety – something which could be taught at home.

“I see persons calling on the Ministry of Education and the school system to teach all kinds of things and

if we were to listen to them, we would have absolutely no room left for academics,” she said.

As such, the Minister encouraged parents to teach their children about road safety. She further lauded the EU initiative which would see 17,000 armband reflectors being distributed throughout schools in the various regions and urged persons to comply with laws related to road usage.

Once worn, the flexible neon yellow reflectors will make road users more visible on the roadways, especially at night.

Further relating to the initiative was EU Ambassador, Dr Fernando

T

Ponz Cantó related that hundreds of children in Europe lose their lives in road accidents and as such, they were attempting to reduce this not only there, but in other countries such as Guyana.

“The delivery of 17,000 reflectors, which will help to improve the safety of the citizens of Guyana on the road and more particularly the children of Guyana and the young people of Guyana especially when they walk by night.

“We estimate that in Europe each year 700 children lose their lives on the roads and many more are injured and in some European countries, these kinds of reflectors are obligatory for children who have to walk

at night,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn also made calls for proper road safety and road use, specifically among young drivers who are particularly reckless.

Benn also lauded the initiative, which would assist in the Guyana Police Force’s efforts to keep road fatalities below 100 each year, which was achieved for the first time in 16 years back in 2021.

“In 2021, we reduce road deaths for the first time in 16 years below 100 road deaths.

“Our feeling, of course, and worry was that it was more nuanced by COVID by the fact that we were locked in, the fact that there were

less cars on the road, the fact there perhaps were less travel miles,” he said.

“But our anxiety has been heightened recently because while we’ve been suggesting that the morbid number of persons dying on the road per month should only be seven persons, we are at the moment going beyond that number and so our Guyana Police Force has to work as they are working harder to achieve numbers below 100 road deaths per year and also to reduce the number of incidents relating to injuries, hospitalisation, loss of work and all the trauma which relates to the question of death on our roads,” the Minister further explained.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

82 new COVID cases recorded, 2 remain in ICU T GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD he Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that Guyana has recorded 82 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the total positives detected to date to 66,588.

According to new statistics released, there are 22 persons in institutional isolation, two persons in the ICU, 894 in home isolations, and two in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries stand at 64,422 while the death toll is 1248.

Additionally, a total of 64,422 persons have recovered – of which 120 were new.

Meanwhile, 653,080 tests have been processed to date.

The COVID cases have been recorded in nine regions. There were four in Region One (BarimaWaini); 16 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); four in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 18 in Region Four (Demerara-

Mahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 34 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); two in region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new reported cases in Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Current hotspots are Regions Three, Four and Six. Locally, over 443,177 adults have taken their first COVID-19 vaccine while more than 342,918 have returned for their second dose.

This is approximately 86.4 per cent and 66.8 per cent, respectively.

For adolescents, over 25,500 or 35 per cent are fully vaccinated. Vaccination is also available for children within the ages of five and 11 years. Booster dosses have surpassed 67,500.

Some vaccines require two

doses for optimum protection against COVID-19. After the final COVID-19 vaccine dose, the Health Ministry outlined that it takes two weeks for the body to build up protection. After those two weeks, a person is considered fully vaccinated.

Then, six months post-vaccination, a person is entitled for their first booster dose.

This is essential in upkeeping immunity from the coronavirus, since it tends to wane after some time.

Persons have been urged to continue taking precautionary measures such as masking in public and vaccination, especially for those who are qualified to get their booster shots as an added layer of protection against the virus.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information,

JUNE 21, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

82

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

22

REGION 1

2544

REGION 2

2826

REGION 3

8361

REGION 4

33,046

REGION 5

2464

REGION 6

6364

REGION 7

2469

66,588

REGION 8

886

64,422

REGION 9

4072

REGION 10

3556

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

894

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,032

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,556

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020 NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

442,395

FULLY IMMUNISED

342,021

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 imme-

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1248

diately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Global figures show that

535 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.3 million have died. In the Americas, more than 160 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$100M in grants available for locals interested in preserving the environment Charles noted that support has also been provided for the North Rupununi District Development Board for the development of the traditional knowledge action plan. Extensive work has been done with Indigenous communities across the country, but the main goal is to ensure that this grant is utilised by community groups to advance their development using a bottom-up approach.

The programme is aligned with the mandate of the Government of Guyana, and would have gotten sup-

National Coordinator of the programme, Marica Charles, during her presentation

H

alf a million US dollars, or Gy$100 million, in funding is available for local groups interested in executing projects that would aid in protecting the environment.

The funding is being offered through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

On Sunday, the initiative was taken to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and National Coordinator of the programme, Marica Charles, during her presentation, ex-

en’s groups, youth groups, farming groups, Indigenous groups, faith-based organisations, academia, scientific institutions and conservation institutions.

GEF also helps in the design and implementation of projects which conserve and protect the environment, as well as those that enhance the well-being and improve the livelihoods of peoples and communities.

So far, several projects have been funded in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo). “The pro-

and was subsequently introduced in Guyana in 2013.

Since then, in excess of US$836,000 has been made available for 24 projects.

“We assist persons to take control and make the sessions and find solutions for problems that affect both the environment as well as their wellbeing and the livelihood of their communities,” Charles related during an interview with Guyana Times.

“Some of those projects include biodiversity projects. We have provided support to the South Rupununi Conservation Society for

Some of the participants at the meeting

plained that financial and technical support are provided to community-based organisations, including civil society, non-governmental organisations, wom-

gramme is built on the idea of ‘thinking globally and acting locally’,” she has said.

The programme was launched in 1992, on the sidelines of the Rio Summit,

the research and protection of the Giant Anteater.

We have also provided support to the South Rupununi Conservation Society for training of Rangers.”

Sod turned for US$300M...

FROM PAGE 11

The consortium includes Hadi’s World Inc, owned by businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, Nicholas Boyer and Eddie Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited, and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG holds a majority stake of 85 per cent in VESHI, while the remaining 15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the company that will construct the facility.

The multi-million port of Vreed-en-Hoop, which will be located at the Best, WCD foreshore, will feature an offshore terminal; fabri-

cation, umbilical and spooling yards; a dry dock facility; a wharf and berths, and administrative buildings, among other facilities.

At the signing, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge stated that this shore base facility will allow the company to do more construction-related works, such as fabrication, right here in Guyana to support its offshore operations.

He explained that Exxon has already invested in the Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) which has enabled them to bring the supply chain for drilling operations

and production operations into Guyana almost completely out of Trinidad.

The first phase of the project will see the deepening, widening, and dredging of the access channel, as well as land reclamation. It also includes an offshore terminal, dry dock facility, and fabrication yard spanning 65 hectares.

Earlier in June, the area for the construction of the facility was being surveyed by the Jan De Nul Group, a Belgium-based company that is specialised in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.

port and commitment from the Agriculture Ministry, as well as the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Natural Resources Ministry, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Currently, outreaches and community stakeholders’ engagements are being done across the country, to increase awareness about the programme and also to get feedback.

There is a planning grant with a ceiling of US$5000.

Those projects have to be between one and three months, and there is the regular

full grant funding of up to US$50,000.

Meanwhile, groups have been invited to a stakeholder meeting by the Saint Francis Community Developers, enabling them with the opportunity to learn about the grant and have access to it.

“We want to ensure that the distribution of this grant is both equitable and fair.

Every community group across Guyana must be aware of the small grant project, and must be aware that they can access this grant for their community development,” Charles has said.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

News

M&CC continues to neglect city’s drainage structures – Agri Ministry – says several pumps, sluices continue to be without operators during rainy season Although the Government has made several calls to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to ensure there is effective management of the city’s drainage structures, the City Council continues to neglect its responsibilities, thus resulting in flooding in some sections.

The Agriculture Ministry, on Tuesday in a release to the media, stated that Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has received reports that several key drainage structures across the city have been without operators, thus resulting in them being inoperable.

This, the Minister has noted, is beyond unacceptable, given that Guyana is currently in the height of the mid-year rainy period.

Minister Mustapha explained that Georgetown, being the capital, is the hub for commercial activities,

Minister of Agriculture, Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, and NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth while inspecting the sluice station at Cowan Street, Kingston recently

and flooding tends to affect the effective functioning of many businesses, schools, and other public and private institutions.

“Given our experience with, and the history of, ineffective management of Georgetown’s drainage system by the M&CC,

when we came back into Government, a monitoring team was instituted. This team would report daily about the operations of the City’s structures.

“We’ve seen on numerous occasions, more so during the rainy seasons, the ineffective management

of many of these pumps and sluices by the M&CC. Today I received reports that the sluices at Ruimveldt south, La Penitence south, and Cowan Street in Kingston were not open. Also, the pumps at Cowan Street and Lamaha Street were not on, even though the sluice was not open. There were no operators around. The pump at Ruimveldt south had to be turned on, since the sluice operator was not there. The Liliendaal pumps were not on. The gate was locked so the engineers couldn’t tell if the operator was present.

“The people at the City Council like to make excuses about fuel, but the person responsible for delivering the fuel was on site and no one was there at the pumps at Cowan Street and Lamaha Street,” the Minister has said in the release.

The Minister has made similar calls to the GM&CC after checks by engineers attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to several pumps and sluices around Georgetown revealed that several structures, including the Ruimveldt sluice, were not in operation, since there was no operator present.

The Minister added that while residents of Georgetown continue to fall victim to instances of flooding due to heavy rainfall, the time it takes for those floodwaters to recede is often a result of the ineffective management of the City’s pumps and sluices, which he noted fall under the control of the M&CC. “Although we monitor these structures, the M&CC is the body in charge of ensuring these structures function effectively. Time

and time again, we are seeing that this is not the case.

It is a shame that, in the height of the rainy season, despite the numerous calls made by the Government on several occasions, the M&CC continues to operate in such a manner. This blatant neglect is becoming a pattern, and it is time for people living in Georgetown -- who continue to be affected by flooding when these structures are not managed effectively -- to hold the relevant authorities at the M&CC accountable,” Minister Mustapha explained.

The Minister has said the NDIA would continue to monitor the structures in Georgetown and across the country, as the Hydromet Department has predicted more incidents of extensive rainfall over the coming weeks.

Upgrading hinterland GPS introduces yoga to female prisoners, staff aerodromes, roads paramount on Govt’s agenda – Min Edghill

P

ublic Works Minister Juan Edghill has committed to upgrading aerodromes and road networks within the vast hinterland region, in enabling safer travel for the public.

He told reporters on Monday that the Government has placed this issue high on its developmental strategy for the country.

“The Irfaan Ali-led Administration, we are very sure about what we want. We are sure about improving access to the interior…We have to improve our aerodromes so that those who are using aircraft could have a safe and comfortable experience for

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill

been carried out in Mahdia, Moruca, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma in relation to improved road networks.

A few days ago, President Irfaan Ali outlined that his Government will be investing

Kamarang Airstrip in Region Seven

both landing and take-off…

We have to put in place, the road infrastructure. In all of our hinterland towns, we are advancing the road infrastructure,” Edghill expressed.

He pointed out that significant work has already

in more permanent road infrastructure for the hinterland, particularly mining areas, in order to protect the safe movement of goods and services in the country’s most remote communities.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa; Acting Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot; and members of the Namaste Yoga Studio

A

team led by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr KJ Srinivasa on Tuesday facilitated a yoga programme at the New Amsterdam Prison, and several female inmates and officers participated therein.

The session was conducted by founder of the Namaste Yoga Studio, yoga teacher Agnela Patil, who skilfully led the participants through a series of postures and relaxation techniques.

During the exercise, the Indian High Commissioner stated that, given the benefits to one’s mental and physical well-being, efforts are being made to make yoga popular among the prison population.

“Yoga is the art and science of well-being, which is a traditional practice from India. Over the years, efforts have been made to share yoga with people globally, since it is good for not only your mental well-being, but also physical well-being.

It helps also in your spiritual upliftment,” he said.

Acting Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has related that in a society where we acknowledge the importance of human rights, the Prison Service has a duty to rehabilitate the people incarcerated, and expose inmates to a variety of programmes to effect positive change in their lives.

“The use of yoga in prisons is a promising tactic to help reduce recidivism rates and improve relationships within a prison environment. By helping prisoners to better deal with their restricted surroundings, heal from past traumas, recover from addiction, and increase their emotional intelligence, yoga can be a component in creating better outcomes both for the prisoners personally and for society as a whole,” Mr. Elliot has said.

The Officer in Charge of Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections, Marielle Bristol Grant, participated in the exercise, and encouraged the inmates to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. She reit-

erated that she is committed to ensuring there is a programme to interest all of the inmates while working to meet and exceed

ship and cooperation with them.

The United Nations, in December 2014, proclaimed June 21 every year

Inmates of the NA Prison are seen with member of the Namaste Yoga Studio

the 1400-inmate target for 2022.

Elliot has expressed gratitude to the visiting team, adding that the GPS is looking forward to continued goodwill, friend-

to be the International Day of Yoga. The concept of such a day was first proposed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This year is the eighth International Day of Yoga.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

19

News

Ganja, cellphones and GRW is “back with a bang” to showcase local flavours improvised weapons found during prison raid O

A

The prohibited items that were found at the prison

quantity of marijuana and several other prohibited items were found during a search at Mazaruni Prison on Tuesday.

Reports are that the sixhour search was conduct-

the Bartica Police Station in collaboration with prison officers at the correctional facility. The areas searched included the security blocks, special watch area, a condemned section, stores, infirmary, and the dormitory.

per dormitory, a black plastic bag was found hidden in the ceiling of the structure.

Upon further examination, a quantity of ganja was unearthed.

The marijuana was taken to the Bartica Police Station

The marijuana that was found in the prison

ed at the prison by ranks of

While searching the up-

Upgrading hinterland...

FROM PAGE 18

He said the Government has recognised the need for proper road infrastructure in the hinterland and therefore, is developing a medium and long-term solution to the issue.

Mining is a major contributor to the country’s GDP and therefore, President Ali emphasised that it is important that the necessary infrastructure, particularly roads, are in place to support the industry.

An example, Region Seven is one of the largest regions in Guyana with over 21 communities which are mostly accessible by air and river transport.

President Ali said that the Government is developing a plan that will see the region becoming a service hub for the mining sector.

The hinterland road link that connects Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) is also underway and when completed, will alleviate the high cost of transportation.

The 72-mile hinterland road link starts at

Meritizero North, Rupununi in Region Nine, and will connect Region Eight at Monkey Mountain.

The construction of the road link which began more than 10 years ago will cost $600 million. But after the APNU/AFC took office, that project was allegedly halted.

Connectivity to major hinterland communities from Georgetown, as well as between Guyana and Brazil will also be made easier with the construction of the Linden to Mabura Hill road.

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

Guyana has aerodromes located in places such as Wichabai, Aishalton, Paruima, Paramakatoi, Port Kaituma, Orinduik, Matthew’s Ridge, Manari, Monkey Mountain, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Lethem, Kwakwani, Kato, Karasabai, Kamarang, Imbaimadai, Ebini, Bartica and Apoteri among others.

and when weighed, amounted to 1580 grams (1.508kg).

In addition, five Blu phones, two Samsung phones, one Vodafone phone, two Alcatel phones, two ZTE phones, three Digicel phones, one LG phone, and one Hyundai phone – a total of 17 phones – and 17 batteries were found.

Twenty-two packs of Pall Mall branded cigarettes, 24 improvised weapons, six pairs of scissors, five cigarette lighters, two broken mirrors, four cellphone chargers, two smoking utensils, and two knives were also found.

The results of the search at the facility are nothing new as officials are constantly finding prohibited items.

Earlier this year, a total of 970 grams of ganja was found at the high-security penitentiary. This was during a routine search by prison officials. The ganja was reportedly discovered in a grey bucket in the kitchen area.

Following the discovery, the cannabis was handed over to ranks at the Bartica Police Station, where it was weighed. Investigations are continuing.

ver twenty-five restaurants are on board for the 14th edition of Guyana Restaurant Week, which was launched on Monday at the Heliconia Restaurant in Georgetown, offering an exceptional indulgence into local flavours.

GRW is a biannual event and will run from June 24 to July 3, 2022. It has returned with new menus, new locations to experience, with options for lunch and dinner.

This event is a collaborative effort between the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), selected restaurants and sponsors.

President of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh said this is the largest number of enterprises participating since the initiative was created in 2015.

“There has been a conscious effort to have more restaurants regionally…I want to use this opportunity to encourage restaurant owners to come on board with us as it is truly a unique culinary product out of Guyana…Reports will be submitted to the owners and frank feedback from the public. I want to urge you to take those suggestions on board so as to improve your service delivery,” Baksh underscored.

Reflecting on the 25 by 2025 vision, Baksh said utilising local ingredients would assist in this cause.

“The Tourism and Hospitality Association has a vital role to play in this…

If there is one takeaway, it

GRW sponsors and restaurateurs that are participating this season

should be utilising lots of local ingredients and supporting the local market in particular. We have partnered with THAG as well to have a customer survey that will be available so that persons from the public who will be partaking will be giving feedback there.”

Additionally, Melanie Mc Turk of THAG emphasised that the event has been elevated since it was first introduced, putting the spotlight on Guyanese flavours. Now, it is “back with a bang”.

It has been elevated to something more than just a chance to go out and sample.

Today, Restaurant Week allows us to showcase the talents of local chefs. It allows us to put a spotlight on Guyanese flavours and Guyanese produce. It has become something that foodies all across Guyana and the Caribbean look forward to indulging in and experiencing what is a uniquely Guyanese dining experience.

Roshani Chattergoon of Java Coffee Bar detailed they will be focusing on local produce, all freshly sourced and

prepared.

“This year, we’re basically concentrating on local produce items. Our greens, our meats, everything is locally produced.

We’re trying to support the local market, local farmers. So, we’re pushing all local ingredients this year, freshly prepared.”

Manager at Jaxx International Grill, Amir Kaladeen told the media that their focus has been on inclusion for all diners and their requirements.

“We try to cater for everyone, from vegetarians to meat eaters, to people who just want to experience something new. We cover all our basics and try to cater for everyone,” Kaladeen relayed.

Meanwhile, Andrew James of OMG! lauded the platform offered at GRW to showcase their menu and dining experience.

“Restaurant Week has been a beautiful opportunity for us to offer our fine delicacies, our courteous service and give people an opportunity to have a beautiful dining experience at an affordable price.”

Excel secures exclusive distribution rights with ACD America

E

xcel Logistics & Management Services (Guyana) Inc has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with ACD America Ltd. Excel’s Chief Executive Officer and Director, Kris Sammy, had expressed that the company is excited to partner with the global manufacturer, ACD America, to support Guyana’s growth.

“As a local leader in the business community, we are excited to bring such valuable partnerships with global manufacturers like ACD America Ltd to support Guyana’s booming growth,” he said.

ACD America is an engineering-driven organisation known for its products’ throughput, quality, and cost.

Its commitment to providing superior product quality and extensive industry experience has paved the way for the development of a wide range of valves, instruments, gaskets, seals, and the likes that are reliable, always available, and efficient.

Excel’s Procurement and Supply Chain Business Manager, Eugene Gonsalves, explained that Excel and ACD

America know the value of a reliable supply chain to businesses. With the partnership, both commit to providing ontime and cutting-edge industrial solutions for businesses regardless of where they are in the world to minimise the risk of operational downtime.

Working together, the firms can also customise products to fit clients’ needs and proactively respond to their feedback.

ACD America Ltd has nearly 20 years of experience in providing materials for industrial automation and production in hydrocarbons - oil, natural gas, petrochemical - pulp and paper, food and beverage, chemical, metals and mining, hydroelectrical generation, power generation, construction, engineering and consult-

ing, and marine industry.

This is the second exclusive distribution agreement Excel Guyana has entered with international companies. Just recently, Excel entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with HAMAC Global to produce high-quality and reasonably priced machinery.

Sammy described the partnership as an important step forward for the country’s accelerated development and infrastructure plans.

Excel is committed to providing investors with all that they need to establish their business in Guyana through Government relations and orientation, construction management, procurement and logistics, human resource, and accounting, among others.

20

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Recognize what and who you are up against, then adjust how you do things to avoid controversy. Don't share too much information until you have the feedback you need to ensure smooth sailing.

(March 21-April 19) An energetic approach to whatever you do will help you outshine the competition. Use the element of surprise to keep everyone guessing and waiting to see what you'll do next.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Your charismatic appeal will attract plenty of attention. Speak up, offer insight and adjust to fit trends. How you use your energy and dedicate your time will determine your success.

(May 21-June 20) Take a minimalist approach to life, love and work. Don't take on too much or expect too much in return. Look for ways to ensure you reach your target without hitting many obstacles.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Trust your instincts and share your thoughts. Speak up and protect yourself from pushy people trying to persuade you to do something that doesn't feel right. Deal with something that's hampering you.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Don't buy into something unfamiliar to you. Knowing what you are up against is your best defense. A physical effort will be key. Put your heart and soul into your dreams, hopes and wishes.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You can talk your way in or out of anything if you use your intelligence. A positive attitude will draw attention, but exaggeration will cause problems if you can't keep your promises.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Clear up money matters. Stay away from joint ventures, shared expenses and discussions that can cost you emotionally or financially. Look for multiple solutions, and be flexible.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Get out and have fun. An energetic challenge will motivate you to take responsibility for your happiness and bring about positive changes at home.

Now's the time to swing for the fences.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Anger will build if you can't agree with a close associate. Take nothing for granted, and you won't be disappointed.

The more you do for yourself, the easier it will be to get what you want.

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- PERTURBED

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put everything you've got into what you want to achieve. Invest in yourself and your skills, and you'll find an exciting way to raise your earning potential.

A romantic gesture will pay off.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Take better care of yourself mentally and physically. Don't take a risk or let someone put you in an awkward position. Truth matters. Avoid anything that promotes unfairness.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

21

Campbelltown edge Karisparu in penalty shootout to claim championship …As Region 8 Police host inaugural U-15 Football Competition

T

A look at the final between Campbelltown and Karisparu

he Campbelltown Police Youth Group on Sunday last, June 19, 2022, claimed bragging rights and other prizes as champions of the Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) Police

Inaugural U-15 Five-a-Side Football Championship after defeating Karisparu in a thrilling penalty shootout 1-0.

Initially, the match had been drawn 0-0 at the close

of regular time play.

The final, which could be described as nerve-racking, saw both teams being called to the field, with Karisparu being the favourites, following a previous victory over

Campbelltown 2-1, in the same competition, and it was during the final penalty kick that Campbelltown claimed a goal in the shootout, emerging victorious in the Final.

Earlier in the competition, which was kept at the Region’s Administrative Oval, Mahdia, Campbelltown claimed 1-0 victory over Micobie to advance to the final, leaving their opponents in 3rd place.

The winning team was presented with a trophy, and the second-placed team was rewarded for their performance. Monetary incentives were also given to the most valuable player (MVP) Jessy Adams, who clinched the title for his team after scoring a goal during the last penalty kick.

Speaking to the youths after the event, Community

A snapshot of the presentation of the Championship Trophy

Relations Officer and Subordinate Officer-inCharge of Regional Police Divisional Headquarters # 8, Sergeant Asif Hakim, on behalf of the Regional Commander, thanked the youths for their participation, and also assured them that similar events would be forthcoming within the near future.

The Sergeant also used the opportunity to speak to the youths about the need for them to take part in sporting activities, which brings a spirit of togetherness. He added that participating in sports teaches

teamwork, problem-solving skills, boosts self-esteem, and brings about physical health benefits.

Meanwhile, Community Relations Representative, Lance Corporal Khemwantie Persaud, during brief remarks, reminded the youths that they are products of yesterday which will define tomorrow. “Reach out and grasp the future, for it lies within (your) hands,” she said.

She also emphasised that sports can promote unity among people, adding that a united community is a force to be reckoned with.

Inter Milan to sign Lukaku on season-long loan from Chelsea

I

talian club Inter Milan have agreed a deal to sign striker Romelu Lukaku on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The Blues have signed the 29-year-old from Inter for £97.5M in August 2021, but he will return to the Serie A side, having struggled last season.

The loan fee for Lukaku is about 8M euros (£6.9M).

The Belgium international scored 15 goals in all

Lukaku scored eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season

competitions for Chelsea last season, with eight in 26 Premier League appearanc-

es.

It is understood that Lukaku was willing to take

a pay cut to rejoin Inter, who won the Serie A title in 2020-21 with him leading their attack.

The Italian club's financial situation meant it was impossible for them to match Lukaku's wages, or buy the frontman outright.

However, President Steven Zhang got involved personally in the negotiations on Monday, which has been viewed as significant.

Lukaku, who left

“I don’t believe in that!”

-Sir Curtly rubbishes notion West Indies “expected” to beat Bangladesh

F

ormer West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has rubbished the notion that West Indies were “expected” to beat Bangladesh based solely on the premise that the regional squad may be higher-ranked than their opponents.

His remarks come on the heels of a seven-wicket victory for the West Indies over Bangladesh in the first Test here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday. The West Indies wrapped up the contest early on the fourth day.

“Now, that will always be a talking point: that Bangladesh is ranked below the West Indies, so you expect West Indies to beat them. I don’t believe in that sort of fairytale. They are both international teams, and whether they are

ranked above you or below you, you have to play well enough to win.

“And having said that, I am sure that a lot of those same people talking about the quality of the opposition, if Bangladesh had won this Test match, you would not have heard the end of it; so, I can’t deal with that kind of talking,” he said.

John Campbell hit the winning six, as the home team needed to bat for only seven overs on the fourth day to beat Bangladesh by seven wickets at the North Sound venue.

West Indies finished on 88 for three after resuming the fourth day on 49 for three in the second innings, needing 35 more runs to clinch the series opener.

Sir Curtly has said that, as a team and as fans, we should just celebrate the vic-

tory.

“Well, the end result is always the most important, and West Indies won the game quite convincingly. So that’s good news for them, because they were the better team throughout. When you can bowl out a Test team just after lunch for 103 on the first day, then that team will be under tremendous pressure. From thereon, it’s going to be an uphill battle for them to get back into the game, and West Indies batted them out of the game when they got that 162-runs first innings’ lead,” he said.

West Indies scored 265 in the first innings.

Bangladesh had 103 and 245 in their first and second innings respectively. Kemar Roach was named Player of the Match for his match haul of six for 74.

Sir Curtly has said his

only drawback was the home team’s slow scoring rate in the first innings, where at one point they scored at one run per over.

“I believe that the scoring rate for the West Indies was a little bit slow. In my opinion, they could have maybe played a little more aggressively and shown a little more positive intent to score, which didn’t happen.

So, they were scoring a little too slow for my liking.

Having said all of that, at the end of the day, we got the results convincingly, and I guess that’s what matters,” the former player has said.

The second and final Test starts on Friday in St Lucia. (Antigua Observer)

Chelsea to join Everton for £28m in 2014, returned to the Stamford Bridge side last summer on a five-year deal for a club-record fee.

However, he apologised for an interview during

the season wherein he said he was not happy with his role under Blues manager Thomas Tuchel and wanted to return to the Italian club in the near future. (BBC Sport)

Former Purdue star and NBA first-round pick Caleb Swanigan dead at 25

F

ormer Purdue star and NBA first-round draft pick, Caleb Swanigan, died on Monday in Indiana at the age of 25.

The Allen County Coroner's Office confirmed Swanigan died of natural causes.

"Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan's family and friends," the Purdue men's basketball Twitter account wrote in a statement.

"The world lost a gentle soul last night."

A former Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana,

Swanigan spent two seasons at Purdue before embarking on a brief career in the NBA. As a sophomore with the Boilermakers in 201617, Swanigan was named a consensus first-team AllAmerican and the Big Ten Player of the Year with averages of 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. He helped lead Purdue to a Big Ten regular-season title and a #4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Kansas in the Sweet 16.

Following a successful collegiate career, Swanigan was selected with the 26th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

He spent just over a season and a half in Portland before being traded to Sacramento, and played 10 games for the Kings before being traded back to the Trail Blazers in January 2020. He played his final NBA game on March 10, 2020.

In three professional seasons, Swanigan appeared in 75 games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.9 rebounds.

(Sportsmax)

22 DBU, UEFA Assist, CONCACAF materialise National Women’s League WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

partnership, made possible through UEFA Assist, “UEFA Assist has played an important role in the build-up to today through the support we have offered to the Danish Football Union (DBU), and I’m absolutely delighted they were able to provide this support through the fourth pillar of UEFA Assist, where we connect UEFA member associations together with Federations outside of Europe to help develop football.”

Andrea Johnson and Bryan Joseph, respective President of the Guyana Women’s Football A look at the intense action between Fruta Conquerors and GPF Women (Jemima Holmes Photo)

By Jemima Holmes are very excited to take one further step in the development collaborative effort of Women’s Football here from international in Guyana, but much of this stakeholders has handed would not be possible without female Guyanese footballers the the generous support of our opportunity to have a packed international partners.” season, with the launching of Zeroing in on the GFF’s the National Women’s Football partnership with the DBU, Development League.

Forde spoke to the birth of their UEFA Assist, CONCACAF and relationship, which continues to the Danish Football Union (DBU) grow from strength to strength. have all thrown their efforts The GFF President remarked, into the project, with the DBU “On that occasion, we discussed investing US$35,000. extensively the developmental This revelation was made needs of Guyana and the

by Guyana Football Federation importance of the partnership (GFF) President Wayne Forde on we were forging. We entered Tuesday afternoon during the into an MoU that, to some official launch of the League. extent, was derailed by the “The DBU has provided pandemic. Now that we are US$35,000, which was invested seeing football returning, it was in the acquisition of materials only timely that we got together that were handed out to the 37 with our partners ever since clubs that will be participating in 2020, and we started to put the this league,” Forde disclosed. key component in place for the He went on to add, “We launch of this league.”

A

UEFA Assist’s Chris Milnes taking the first kick of the league From the perspective of the UEFA Assist, development is a key component, as described by their International Relations Project Specialist Chris Milnes.

“This is a key strategic priority of UEFA as well, and also UEFA Assist, where we have developed specific programmes to help promote and empower women in football, both on and off the pitch,” Milnes shared.

He added about the DBU

Association (GWFA) and GFF’s Assistant Technical Director, are enthusiastic about the prospects of the league.

On one hand, Johnson is elated that Women’s Football has been able to transform to where it’s currently at.

“Today is a spectacular day for us,” Johnson said. “We are getting to that place where we want to be as it relates to Women’s Football. All logistical

matters for this tournament will be handled by my Association, and I can assure you that this tournament, this league, will be a remarkable one.”

Meanwhile, Joseph looked at the situation from the viewpoint of boosting the National Women’s programme at all levels.

“So, you know for years we’ve built up the male version of the Super 16 Year end tournament. This year we’ll have our second edition of the Super 16 for Women, and that is scheduled to start in November.

So, for our young ladies, you have a long season ahead of you, basically 6 months of football,” the Assistant TD shared.

“To echo the sentiments of the President and Andrea, it gives us a great opportunity to be able to analyze the talent of our players and be able to then put that pool (of players) together, and develop our national teams,” he went on to add.

The National Women’s League will run from June to October, 2022. In total, 37 teams will compete; 13 of those teams are based on the Coast and hail from the other 8 Regional Member Associations (RMAs) of the GFF. On the other hand, the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) will have 24 teams in contention.

The first game out of the 13-team group was played on Tuesday afternoon between Fruta Conquerors and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women.

Commonwealth Games-bound thump Ramdhanis in preparation mode Guyana Leeward Islands to CG Women’s Super50 Cup…

The Ramdhani siblings, Narayan and Priyanna

T

he presence of Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, London has been confirmed, with the Guyanese siblings contesting Men’s and Women’s singles and possibly the mixed doubles events there.

The duo have been highly anticipating the summer event, having been in preparation mode since their last international outing at the Pan-American Championships in April (In varying capacities).

During an exclusive interview with <<Guyana Times Sport,>> the elder Ramdhani detailed his eagerness to compete in the Games for a second time.

“Obviously, it was good.

We’ve been training hard. Last time it was just me that went, but this time we qualified for two spots. So, Priyanna is going to get to go, we got one boy one girl.

“And yeah, this is like the biggest, biggest games I’ve been going to. This is second (biggest) after the Olympics, and it feels good to qualify,” Ramdhani shared with this publication on Tuesday.

For the siblings, who have an eye on qualifying for their first Olympic Games in 2024, the Commonwealth Games are a crucial stepping stone for their Olympic qualification.

On this topic, Ramdhani

elucidated, “It was, it was always part of it. So, it’s going to be very good players. They’re like Top 20 Top 10 in the world, so it’s good to see and play high level of badminton leading up to the Olympics.

“It’s gonna be very hard, very tough. As I said, all of the best players in the world are there. All the Commonwealth countries, like Malaysia and Singapore, are like top Asian countries in Badminton. It’s going to be very tough, but will be very good experience for me and Priyanna,” the elder Ramdhani went on to say about his expectation of the level of competition at the Games.

For Narayan specifically, his preparation will entail high-level coaching, in order to sharpen his skills and remain competition ready.

“It’s been good. Right now, I coach at a Bampton club, and the guy I train with, I do one-onone sessions with him. He’s from China, and he won Canadian Open and he was like top 20 in the World for Singles. So, he’s training me and as well as my coach here at school,” Narayan explained.

He added, “So, I’ve been training every day, going to the gym, so it’s been good. And then Priyanna is back home, she’s training a lot too.”

The 2022 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to commence on Thursday, July 28, and run until Monday, August 8, 2022. (Jemima Holmes)

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uyana can now count themselves as “one of the select few” after they decimated the Leeward Islands in the Cricket West Indies CG United Women’s Super50 Cup on Tuesday to seal a semifinal spot.

Their victory came compliments of Tremayne Smartt’s 4-12, Cherry-Ann Fraser’s 3-19 and Shemaine Campbelle’s unbeaten 30.

Batting first, the Leeward Islands were bundled out for a meagre 76 runs made in 29.5 overs. There was no rain to saw the Leeward ladies, and the Guyana side bowled with discipline, and hit the right line and length with pace and power to make their opponents struggle.

The game was more of a test match as, even after wickets continued to fall, the Leeward Islands batters went on the defensive and still struggled to score runs. The likes of Smartt and Fraser wreaked havoc on the Leeward Islands’ innings, and the Leeward Islands ladies found themselves reeling at 18-7 in 10.3 overs.

With the top order completely cleaned up, Terez Parker played a resistant knock of 22 off 64 balls, but wickets continued to tumble.

When Parker was bowled by Mandy Mangru, the rest of the Leeward Islands crumbled under pressure.

Bowling for Guyana, Tremayne Smartt took 4-12, Cherry-Ann Fraser took 3-19, Plaffianna Millington took 1-14, Mandy Mangru took 1-zero, and Sheneta Grimmond took 1-4.

With just 77 needed off 300 balls, the Guyanese unit found their stride. They lost Mangru for 3, but the team continued to rally one. Shortly after, they lost Katana Mentore for 16, but the team was already half way there, as the score read 41-2. Shemaine Campbelle dug deep and anchored her side, enabling the Guyanese to cross the line while she ended unbeaten on 30. She was ably supported by Shabika Gajnabi with 14 off 12, as Guyana ended on 77-2 in 14.3 overs.

Shawnisha Hector was the only Leewards bowler who took a wicket, as she bagged 1-7.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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CWI/GCB/Republic Bank launch “Five for Fun Cricket Program” in Guyana

Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

By Timothy Jaikarran

C

ricket West Indies, Guyana Cricket Board and Republic Bank Guyana Limited have launched a primary schools’ cricket programme titled “CWI/Republic Bank Five For Fun Cricket Program”.

Launched yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, the programme is aimed at appealing to children aged 8 to 11 years old.

The “Five For Fun” initiative is a true joint venture undertaking, of which CWI and Republic Bank are co-owners of the intellectual property surrounding the format, including format rights, trade marks and licensing.

First piloted in St Lucia in 2021, the programme would be one of the first steps in Cricket West Indies’ "Future Stars" programme -- the development and participation pathway to introduce the next generation to cricket, and develop their love for, and involvement in, the Caribbean’s number one sport.

Delivering the feature address was GCB President and West Indies Director of Cricket Bisoondyal Singh, who said that cricket has been nonexistent for some years, but is slowly working its way back. Singh relayed that he has been cognizant of the fact that the resources to be used and applied to the programme are not only for children to compete, but to ensure they inculcate their love for the game and develop key life skills.

“We acknowledge that this has not been easy, and the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport must be given credit. The training activities are expected to included cricket-related activities for the youngsters to eventually pursue opportunities and careers as match referees, umpires, scorers, curators, coaches, managers, statisticians, physiotherapists, administrators, and analysts” Singh explained.

The programme would also entail sessions for physical education teachers and coaches from July 1-3, 2022; Republic Bank’s Five For Fun summer training camp from 8 July to 2 August, 2022; and five hubs across Guyana in the three counties. The hubs would include East Coast Demerara (Enmore Cricket Ground), Georgetown (Malteenoes Sports Club), West Demerara

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

GCB President Bisoondyal Singh

(Wales and Uitvlugt community grounds), East Bank Demerara (Thirst Park Ground) and Upper Demerara (Christianburg Ground).

In Berbice, the hubs would be New Amsterdam (Canje and Berbice High School), Lower Corentyne (Albion and Port Mourant Community Centre Ground), Upper Corentyne (#69 Village and Tagore Ground), West Bank Berbice (D’Edward Ground) and West Coast Berbice (Bush Lot Ground).

The hubs in Essequibo are East Bank Essequibo (Tuschen Sports Club), Leguan (Green Park), Wakenaam (G Square Complex), Bartica (Mongrippa Hill Ground) and Essequibo Coast (Imam Bacchus Ground).

Singh also stated that there will be a Republic Bank Intercounty Festival from 3-7 October, 2022 and the Republic Bank National Finals would be on 14 October, 2022, to be hosted in Georgetown.

Singh also explained that there would be an additional six activities on the agenda associated with the Republic Bank “Five For Fun” programme.

It would be supported by the GCB, would be called an advanced cricket talent camp, and be staged from 26-28 October, 2022.

CWI Director of Commercial Marketing & Communications, Dominic Warne, mentioned that plans were in the works to push cricket from the grassroots level, but the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed things.

Nevertheless, after doing a trial run in St Lucia in 2021, Warne is optimistic that, through the Guyana leg, a new breed of cricketers would be coming through.

Warne also commented, “I am happy this pathway in Guyana is opening, and working with Republic Bank and the Guyana Cricket Board, all the Ministries to help deliver this.

This collaboration means that we can be launching Five For Fun here and further in the Caribbean, which we couldn’t dream of doing 2-3 years ago,” Warne clarified.

Warne noted that because cricket is the heartbeat of the Caribbean, with the launching of the initiative, that heartbeat now beats stronger. With the programme in full force, Warne revealed, the development programme would aid in finding the next great West Indies cricketer, as much as it is about being healthy and having fun.

Also giving insight at the launching was Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, who explained that he supports the initiative as it focuses on sports, which is one of President Irfaan Ali’s visions for Guyana. Ramson divulged that his Ministry is spending a total of 3.1 billion dollars on sports, and that people can look forward to the commencement of two of the three stadiums, with construction starting this year.

“Last year we spent 200 million on community grounds, this year we are spending 250 million. That is the first contact for many young people, as this is where you learn to play, and learn team work, and understand relationships.

I cannot emphasise how important the leadership of the country and at multiple tiers for us to move this initiative forward that are aimed at the welfare and progress of people.

We want something better for ourselves, our family, our nation and our civilization,” Ramson shared.

He explained that his presence at the launching is to show that, from the Government of Guyana and President Irfaan Ali, they are firm in their commitment to advance sports in Guyana.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand also stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was the unexpected closure of schools in Guyana. But based on studies, Manickchand clarified, if they are to produce wholesome children and come out of the pandemic, they cannot succumb to the urge of only academics. Hence her Ministry has set its sights on producing children who are competent in one sport, one foreign language, one musical area, a ‘tevet’ (such as painting or masonry), and some level of volunteerism.

She also said, “So, the organized sport here, where our children all across Guyana, we will see not only cricketers but more wholesome healthy behaviour that comes from good team sports. Children will learn to get along with each other and see the value, so much more comes out from learning cricket when we engage in sport,” she noted.

The Minister noted that the launch was not an accident, as it is a perfect place, owing to the fact that she believes that it will be beneficial in the long run.

Stephen Grell, Managing Director, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited

Her Ministry will be measuring the progress and value it has brought to children, as to how it impacted their performance in the classroom.

Stephen Grell, Managing Director, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, shared, "It is the first of its kind, welcoming a notable diversity of participation and positioning young cricket enthusiasts for stardom. We're particularly heartened that this comes at a time when we're encouraging students to return to school after such an extended time away from the classroom; and it presents an opportunity for recreational, developmental, physically invigorating activity, discipline and togetherness."

Karen Tom Yew, General Manager, Group Marketing and Communications, Republic Bank Limited, commented: "When Republic Bank officially launched Five For Fun in the region in August last year, with

CWI Director, Commercial Marketing & Communications, Dominic Warne

Karen Tom Yew, General Manager, Group Marketing and Communications, Republic Bank Limited

St. Lucia being the pilot territory — both male and female cricket enthusiasts between the ages of 8-11 were invited to join us on our Five For Fun journey.

This approach was purposeful, as we are working really hard to ensure we embed diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do.

“This is in keeping with our solid history of responsible investment in the communities in which we operate. Our goal is to expand the programme across the Caribbean, knowing very well how (passionate) we are as a people about our cricket."

Over the next few weeks and throughout the August holidays, Cricket West Indies, working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Division; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and the Guyana Cricket Board, will introduce

several coaching hubs across the three counties in Guyana, to prepare the teams for a series of preliminary game.

From September, 15 zones comprising 75 school teams will participate in zonal preliminary rounds leading to a grand "Five For Fun" finals.

“5 For Fun” is designed around the principles of fun, inclusion and equality. The ‘fun’ elements of the game are rooted in its speed, energy, and uncomplicated rules. Each 5 For Fun game involves five (5) players per team playing five (5) 6-ball overs each. Each batter faces an over from a single bowler. If a batter is ‘Out’, they will still face their allotted overs, but 3 runs will be deducted from the team score. The ‘inclusion and equality’ elements ensure boys and girls of all abilities have the opportunity to play together as equals.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

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

CWI/GCB/Republic Bank launch “Five for Fun Cricket Program” in Guyana

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