Guyana Times - Wednesday, May 11, 2022

EU Ambassador commits to P9 supporting “One Guyana” initiative

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

Issue No. 5005

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

PRICE

Following parliamentary approval

US$200M transferred from NRF to Consolidated Fund See story on page 3

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Environmental impact of gas-toenergy project will be minimal – ExxonMobil P10 2 busted P15 with ganja, bulletproof vest

…to be used for development projects IACHR on Isseneru land dispute

Govt reiterates commitment to Indigenous rights, rule of law Page 2

COVID-19 cases on the rise again – Health Minister P20 Guyana will tap into viable regional market by prioritising poultry – P18 Mustapha

Page 16

Use technology to stay connected with constituencies – CPA to local MPs

Over 600 children in conflict with the law over past 3 years Page 7

…as Juvenile Drug Treatment Court launched

Knife-toting bandits rob female students leaving classes

Page 11

$140M modern building for GTI in 9 months

P17

Anger management programme P8 reducing violence in prison – GPS

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IACHR on Isseneru land dispute

Govt reiterates commitment to Indigenous rights, rule of law P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips has assured that the Government fully intended to respond to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which has recommended reparations for the Indigenous village of Isseneru.

The Prime Minister gave this assurance while making a presentation on day one of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Seminar. In his presentation, Phillips made it clear that the Government intended to

respond to IACHR by June 20.

“I wish to assure you that with regard to the Isseneru issue, we, unlike what was represented, have until June 20 to respond to the recom-

mendations of the InterAmerican Commission for Human Rights. A response that we’ve committed to ensure be handed in before the deadline of June 20,” he said.

The Prime Minister

also used the opportunity to reiterate the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s commitment to not only local law but international law concerning Indigenous rights.

“So, I take this opportunity to assure all present, in person and virtually, that the Government of Guyana, and the parliamentarians that represent the Government, is committed to upholding the rule of law in Guyana and upholding international law,” Phillips said.

The Prime Minister was responding to Opposition

Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Henry, who, in a presentation preceding him, raised the issue. Back in April, IACHR, which is an organ of the Organisation of American States (OAS), had ruled for the Government to provide reparations to the Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) village of Isseneru.

Isseneru had approached IACHR, arguing against the granting of mining permits on ancestral lands without prior consultation or consent.

This came after rulings from the High Court, which had upheld the granting of the

mining concessions.

This exchange between the Prime Minister and MP Henry comes following the recent missive from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN CERD), which wrote the Government of Guyana regarding a longstanding dispute in the Region One (Baraima-Waini) village of Chinese landing.

In the missive, seen

by Guyana Times, UN CERD Chair Verene Shepherd stressed the need for the rights of Chinese Landing and the Wapichan Indigenous people to be protected. Shepherd urged that no decisions related to the interests of the Indigenous people be taken without their informed consent.

Back in the 1990s, permission was given by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to a miner to operate within the boundaries of the village’s titled land. However, the village has been up in arms over this approval, which it said did not have the consent of the village council.

When the GGMC had taken steps to issue a Cease Work Order (CWO) to the miner, the case had been taken to the High Court, which had ruled in his favour. The High Court decision was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. However, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) reversed this in 2017.

“It is alleged that the judicial decision has precipitated increased unwanted mining activity in the lands lawfully held by the Chinese Landing Indigenous community, which would irreparably damage its traditional way of life and its environment. It is further alleged that the judicial decision has also resulted in an upsurge of a series of incidents of intimidation and assaults on residents of the community by miners and members of the Guyanese Police Force,” the UN CERD Chair said.

“The Committee has also received additional information related to mining projects on Marudi Mountain and its impact on Wapichan Indigenous peoples. The Committee profoundly regrets the State party’s lack of reply to its letters of 17 May and 14 December 2018, regarding this situation.”

Among the UN CERD recommendations was for the Government to consider the suspension or revocation of mining concessions affecting Chinese Landing, until free, prior and informed consent was granted by the Indigenous people.

They also called on the Government to “refrain from approving projects and granting mining permits or concessions within the lands of Indigenous peoples, whether titled or not, without obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of the affected Indigenous peoples”.

(G3)

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, May 11 – 00:30h – 02:00h and Thursday, May 12 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, May 11 – 12:35h – 14:05h and Thursday, May 12 – 13:20h – 14:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 13:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres.

Low Tide: 06:40h and 19:06h reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metres and 0.87 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

10 11 14

19 24 25

FREE TICKET

05 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

02 06 11 18 21 LUCKY 3

0

8

1

2

Afternoon Draw

0

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03 05 06 07 09 12 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

01 02 06 10 14 13

02 03 06 12 17

8

7 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

5

7 Evening Draw

3X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$102.46/barrel

-3.40

Rough Rice

$305.15/ton

+0.09

London Sugar

$518.00/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1833.30

$1834.30

Low/High Change

$1831.50 -4.70

$1866.40 -0.26%

Following parliamentary approval

US$200M transferred from NRF to Consolidated Fund …to be used for development projects T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has made its first withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), with US$200 million being withdrawn in accordance with parliamentary approval being granted as part of the Budget 2022 process.

In a statement from the Ministry of Finance, Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh announced that the first draw down was made in keeping with the NRF Act 2021. Pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act 2021, US$200 million (or GY$41.7 billion) has been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund.

According to the Ministry, this is to finance national development priorities.

“This transfer was made in accordance with the strengthened legal architecture of the NRF Act 2021 and follows the publication in the Official Gazette of all petroleum revenues paid into the Natural Resource Fund during the period 1 January to 31 March 2022.”

“The NRF Act 2021 which came into operation on the 1 January 2022, represents a significant improvement in transparency and accountability and the overall management of the natural resources wealth of Guyana for present and future generations,” the Ministry said.

It has always been known that Budget 2022 would be the first budget to be financed partly

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

by Guyana’s oil revenues, to make it Guyana’s first withdrawal from the NRF since the country started collecting oil revenues in early 2020. At the time, parliamentary approval was granted for a total of US$607.6 million to be transferred during the fiscal year 2022.

While the withdrawal rule restricts withdrawals from the Fund to deposits made in the previous fiscal year, the first schedule of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021 allows an exception in the first year, giving the Government the latitude to withdraw the total balance in the Fund at once. The Ministry of Finance had said that such a withdrawal is pertinent to address Guyana’s pressing development needs.

The NRF has already received inflows for at least 10 oil lifts since ExxonMobil started production in the Liza 1 Development, as well as

interest earned. It had been announced that the fund had a $150 billion closing balance at the end of March 2022.

The Bank of Guyana had released the first-quarter report on the NRF back in April. In it, it is explained that the fund had a starting balance of $90.9 billion at the start of the 2021 fourth quarter and a balance of $150 billion at the end of the 2022 first quarter.

The Bank also revealed that Guyana is expected to earn millions from 12 crude lifts planned for this year. These lifts, each of which amounts to 1 million barrels of crude, will presumably come from both the Liza 1 and 2 Developments.

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.

Since Exxon found crude in commercial quantities offshore in 2015, there have been 28 oil finds to date in the Stabroek Block and an estimated recoverable resource of over 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

United States oil giant, ExxonMobil is currently undertaking four production projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara and Yellowtail in the oil-rich block. Production capacity is currently at 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) with the Liza Destiny FPSO in operation.

Meanwhile production only recently started in the Liza 2 Development, which is said to produce even lighter crude than Liza 1. It is also estimated that with the Yellowtail Development project on stream, production will climb to 810,000 bpd by 2027. The US oil major anticipates at least six FPSOs producing 1 million bpd by 2030.

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

Exxon, through its local affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. (G3)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

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

T

Alcohol kills

his year has already seen many major accidents. On our roadways daily, there are a high number of traffic offences.

The issue of alcohol and the massive damaging effects it is having on individuals and communities has once again been brought to the fore as several drivers have been caught drinking and driving. More unfortunate is that some of these were involved in fatal accidents.

Drunk driving is one of the most troubling traffic offences. Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous, and drivers with high blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) are at greatly increased risk of being involved in car accidents and sustaining highway injuries and/or vehicular deaths.

Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is fully preventable. Although the proportion of alcoholrelated crashes locally may not be as significant as they are in other countries, those that occur are still worrying.

Unfortunately, in spite of these concerns, alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious national problem that tragically affects many victims and their families.

The approach to combat drunk driving is severely lacking; and were the Police more prepared for this battle, then, as the holidays approach, public messages via the media would have been issued to citizens to constantly remind drivers about the impacts of drunk driving and what the law’s position on it is. Cautioning drivers every time about getting behind the wheel after surpassing the drink limit is necessary, as every year there are scores of young and new drivers who are not familiar with these issues, or the reality of the roads.

With the passage of the drunk-driving law over 10 years ago, implementation of the breathalyser test, and heavier fines for drinking and driving, it was thought that this particular offence would have decreased. These measures would not yield the best results if they are not used in a more holistic plan that aims to make the roads safer. Drivers need constant reminders about the dangers of drunk driving, and the Police must have plans that proactively seek out drunk drivers before they drive off.

Drunk driving aside, World Health Organisation (WHO) data had shown that alcohol kills a whopping three million people worldwide each year — more than AIDS, violence and road accidents combined. It was stated that men are particularly at risk.

According to the WHO, alcohol causes more than one in 20 deaths globally each year, including drunk driving, alcohol-induced violence and abuse, and a multitude of diseases and disorders. Men account for more than three quarters of alcohol-related deaths.

Here in Guyana, there are many social ills affecting citizens, and alcohol abuse is seen as one of the contributing factors.

Owing to poor lifestyle choices such as alcohol abuse, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) have resulted in large numbers of our young people dying. Another significant number has also fallen ill and, therefore, cannot contribute to their families or the development of their communities in any way.

WHO has, over the years, been urging countries to do more to counter harmful drinking and to reach a goal of cutting global consumption by 10 per cent between 2010 and 2025. It is also urging countries to tax alcohol and ban advertising of such beverages to reduce consumption.

However, this is not enough, there is need to push for a change in attitude and lifestyle changes in general, especially among the younger segment of our population.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant programmes and policies, and put in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing the harmful use of alcohol, this burden must also be shared by other stakeholders too, such as religious groups, the Private Sector and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs),

Students and a teacher view a booth at the Blindness Awareness Month launch, on Monday, which was hosted by the Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired in collaboration with the Education Ministry’s Special Education Needs Unit (Education Ministry photo)

Differing “Blackouts – a leadership industry”

Dear Editor, While I imagine that the editorial carried by one of the daily newspapers on May 02 under the caption, “Blackout – a leadership industry”, might have been written in a fit of great anger after a most aggravating loss of electricity supply (blackout), I must point out how wrong, inaccurate, and unhelpful that editorial is.

As the editorial speaks about successive PPP/C Governments and having been the Minister Responsible for Electricity from October 1992 to May 2015, I sense an obligation, and beg for an opportunity to say something reassuring to my fellow Guyanese people.

The editorial must have been written in such anger that memory, reason, and facts were thrown to the winds. Our GEC/GPLgrid electricity supply was tremendously improved over the 1992-to-2015 period: from about 75,000 families receiving electricity about 60% of the time to 175,000 families receiving electricity about 95% of the time. The PPP/C Administration was certainly not “a crooked cover under which there is the pretence of doing something better for Guyanese plagued by blackouts for decades”.

The proportion of Guyanese households on the grid in the coastal grid area was increased from about 50% to about 90%. 100,000 of our Guyanese families re-

ceived grid electricity for the first time, and all had supply improved to about 95% of the time.

That was truly a period of great improvement. Yes, the PPP/C carefully spent lots of money - millions of dollars - in bringing about the improvements above.

It was money well spent in installing step by step new generation, transmission facilities, and abandoning or upgrading much of what we found, and in regular payments to purchase fuel.

I assure my fellow citizens that GPL was not “machinery, one of the many but one of the bigger ones through which the leaders of the country rob the people blind”.

There was no robbery.

During the period, Guyana was in a World Bank/IMF monitoring programme.

Most of the projects were financed through the IDB, which kept a continuous review of total management, including all spending from all sources.

We, PPP/C, have not been taking the Guyanese public for a ride. A quality electricity supply takes a lot of money and trust.

When GEC/GPL was offered for privatisation, one attractive consortium which had been prequalified declined to submit a final proposal, saying that it had been mulling on, and was finally yielding to the observation that there are often social and political troubles in a society with a GDP less than

US$3,000 in getting the citizens to pay the prices required for the good quality electrification they want.

In 1992 Guyana was just getting to a GDP of US$300, and we were at about US$41,000 at the time of the privatisation, October 1st, 1999.

We, PPP/C, from 1992 to 2015, put a lot of thought and time and work in getting as good electricity as we could for our Guyanese people, in our Guyanese circumstances of the day.

The editor’s assertion about “blackout” being improved during the five years of the Coalition in office is an assertion that should be demonstrated.

My recall is different, and the Coalition inherited a very much improved wicket anyway.

Allow me to refer to two news articles subsequent. The article telling of Giftland having generation problems and falling short of its publicised intended electricity deliveries to GPL shows what a real challenge it is. The report by the CEO of GPL, about an increase in the number of trips of the GPL grid caused by large infrastructure and other equipment coming into contact with GPL transmission and distribution and other equipment, is a good indication that things are taking off (not orderly enough) in our country.

I have no doubt that with experience, improved communications, and aware-

ness between GPL and all contractors and investments over the next two years, to increase the stability of the grid, such trips will be reduced. And we look further out, towards the coming on line of the Wales gas-generated electricity and Amaila hydro in the next four to seven years.

Editor, history, and fate have thrown to us Guyanese the challenge of knitting ourselves together as a nation. It is a challenge that most of us are accepting and are taking up, and we are making much progress. My concern is that your editorial “Blackouts – a leadership industry” (and other editorials), playing fast and loose with facts and feelings, even if driven by your understandable frustrations, would have unravelled billions of person-hours knitting ourselves together; undermining the confidence that we will make good of the recent fortunate strikes of oil off our shores. To use the words in that editorial – “That Editorial is the Greatest Robbery of Hope and Trust in our Guyana, in our People and Country.

On my figuring, you owe our Nation an apology.

Sincerely, Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minister, Former President, and Former Minister responsible for GEC/ GPL

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

5

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

Get it fixed

Life on the Plantations: housing and health B y G uyanese

L

of

I ndian A ncestry A ssociation

ife on the estates was hard and miserable.

Accommodations for indentureds was either too confined and disgustingly filthy, or none was provided for them; and in cases of sickness, there was the most culpable neglect. The lot of workers

Typical logie during indenture

was living and reliving the monotonous cycle of toil and recovery. Their base was the “logie” (barrack), a long one- or sometimes two-structure building containing five to thirty 'living units', each consisting of a door and one window. There was “Chulha”, or earthen cooking frames, in a protruding “cow mouth” along a corridor in front of all the logie’s rooms.

Space inside was limited. Three to four souls – either a family or single men – on an average shared. They had to use the bush for latrines. Water supplies from canals were often polluted, and the food was dull and below standard.

Disease was rampant. There were yellow fever, malaria, dysentery, cholera, and hookworm to name a few. There were “hospitals”, but very bad ones; and still the Girmitiyas usually went to hospital on an average twice a year. Besides poor sanitation, unsuitable diet, overcrowding, bad water and endemic disease all jeopardised the indentureds’ health. The chief scourge was 'intermittent fever' (malaria), since quinine was always in short supply. In 1874 alone, there were 51,434 cases of malaria treated in the estates’ hospitals. It was only in 1945, with the introduction of DDT, that the scourge was controlled.

Women had to show up for work within days of giving birth, and the babies were kept in “creches”.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Many indentureds suffered from complaints like ulcers, hookworm, dysentery or anaemia. In 1886, out of an indentured population of 69,290, 17,144 cases of illness were reported by the Medical Officer.

•

During the Influenza epidemic of 1918, once year after the end of Indentureship, most of the 12,000 fatalities were from the sugar plantations.

Dear Editor, They are at it again!

This time, over Guyana Power and Light, with accusations and finger-pointing and counter-accusations and more finger-pointing.

In the meanwhile, the situation continues, and both citizens and businesses are suffering.

Accusations and finger-pointing never solved anything, and to engage

in the senseless cross-exchanges could mean you share part of the problem on both sides. But the bigger responsibility is on the holder of the seat of power to get the problems fixed.

Get it fixed as quickly as possible. This situation has been ongoing for far too long.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Pioneer Woman 09:30 Prime Series - Blippi's Educational Adventures for Kids 10:00 House Hunter Renovation 11:00 Paternity Court 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 Movie - Blue Smoke (2007) 13:30 Wheel of Fortune 14:00 The Thundermans S2 E16 14:30 The Evermoor Chronicles S1 E14 15:00 Indian Soaps 16:00 Lost in Space S3 E4 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 From the Pavilion 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 JB & Salim 22:00 The Bold Type S4 E14 23:00 You S2 E10 00:00 Sign off

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

Page

Foundation

◄

I

n this fun friction science experiment, we are going to build a CD Hovercraft that will glide and buzz around by using airflow to reduce friction.

Materials:

A CD or DVD Duct Tape A birthday party balloon A pop-top cap from a bottle of dish soap

Instructions:

Centre the pop-top cap over the hole in the middle of the CD. Use the duct tape to secure the cap in place. Make sure your seal all of the gaps airtight to prevent any air from escaping.

Push down on the pop-top cap to make sure it is closed.

Inflate the balloon. Twist the end to keep the air from coming out, but do not tie it closed.

Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the

CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY

SCENE II

STEPHANO How didst thou 'scape?

How camest thou hither? swear by this bottle how thou camest hither. I escaped upon a butt of sack which the sailors heaved o'erboard, by this bottle; which I made of the bark of a tree with mine own hands since I was cast ashore.

CALIBAN I'll swear upon that bottle to be thy true subject; for the liquor is not earthly.

STEPHANO Here; swear then how thou escapedst.

TRINCULO Swum ashore. man, like a duck: I can swim like a duck, I'll be sworn.

STEPHANO Here, kiss the book.

Though thou canst swim like a duck, thou art made like a goose.

TRINCULO O Stephano. hast any more of this?

STEPHANO The whole butt, man: my cellar is in a rock by the sea-side where my wine is hid. How now, moon-calf!

pop-top cap. Be sure not to let too much air escape from the balloon.

Adjust the balloon so it stands up straight and centred over the CD. Place you CD Hovercraft on a smooth surface and open the pop-top by pulling it up.

Give your CD Hovercraft a gentle push and observe what happens.

How it works:

The airflow from the deflating balloon creates a cushion of air under the CD Hovercraft. This reduces friction and allows the CD Hovercraft to glide around until the balloon deflates.

Make this a science project:

Test different sizes of balloons. Can you add things like fins to the CD Hovercraft to change its behaviour in any significant way?

Try the CD Hovercraft on different types of surfaces. Test to see if the CD Hovercraft works on water. (sciencefun.org)

how does thine ague?

CALIBAN Hast thou not dropp'd from heaven?

STEPHANO Out o' the moon, I do assure thee: I was the man i' the moon when time was.

CALIBAN I have seen thee in her and I do adore thee: My mistress show'd me thee and thy dog and thy bush.

STEPHANO Come, swear to that; kiss the book: I will furnish it anon with new contents swear.

TRINCULO By this good light, this is a very shallow monster!

I afeard of him! A very weak monster! The man i' the moon! A most poor credulous monster! Well drawn, monster, in good sooth!

CALIBAN I'll show thee every fertile inch o' th' island; And I will kiss thy foot: I prithee, be my god.

TRINCULO By this light, a most perfidious and drunken monster! when 's god's asleep, he'll rob his bottle.

CALIBAN

“Education breeds confidence.

Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” – Confucius

I'll kiss thy foot; I'll swear myself thy subject.

STEPHANO Come on then; down, and swear.

TRINCULO I shall laugh myself to death at this puppy-headed monster. A most scurvy monster! I could find in my heart to beat him,-STEPHANO Come, kiss.

TRINCULO But that the poor monster's in drink: an abominable monster!

CALIBAN I'll show thee the best springs; I'll pluck thee berries; I'll fish for thee and get thee wood enough.

A plague upon the tyrant that I serve!

I'll bear him no more sticks, but follow thee, Thou wondrous man.

TRINCULO A most ridiculous monster, to make a wonder of a Poor drunkard!

CALIBAN I prithee, let me bring thee where crabs grow; And I with my long nails will dig thee pignuts; Show thee a jay's nest and instruct thee how To snare the nimble

marmoset; I'll bring thee To clustering filberts and sometimes I'll get thee Young scamels from the rock. Wilt thou go with me?

STEPHANO I prithee now, lead the way without any more talking. Trinculo, the king and all our company else being drowned, we will inherit here: here; bear my bottle: fellow Trinculo, we'll fill him by and by again.

CALIBAN [Sings drunkenly] Farewell master; farewell, farewell!

TRINCULO A howling monster: a drunken monster!

CALIBAN No more dams I'll make for fish Nor fetch in firing At requiring; Nor scrape trencher, nor wash dish 'Ban, 'Ban, Cacaliban Has a new master: get a new man.

Freedom, hey-day! heyday, freedom! freedom, hey-day, freedom!

STEPHANO O brave monster! Lead the way.

Exeunt

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 600 children in conflict with the law over past 3 years W ithin the last three years, over 600 children have been in conflict with the law. This trend has prompted the launch of the country’s first Juvenile Drug Treatment Court, a facility aimed at rehabilitating young drug abusers for their reintegration into society.

On Tuesday, the Judiciary of Guyana launched 12 courts to deal specifically with juveniles who are substance abusers.

These courts are located in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Whim, Fort Wellington, Linden, Lenora, Wales, Vreed-enHoop, Suddie, Charity, Sparendaam, and Vigilance.

The mission of the initiative is to reduce crime and substance use among adolescents through thera-

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards

disorder. However, in order to benefit from the assistance, the juvenile must plead guilty to the offence committed.

The offender must also be assessed and produce a drug test taken under controlled conditions within 24 hours of applying to the court.

The court that was launched in Georgetown

peutic interventions and judicial supervision.

These will also include youths who are charged with minor or nonviolent criminal offences and may have serious drug abuse disorders.

The courts will offer treatment for this kind of

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards said since 2019, the number of young people that find themselves in drug use and committing offences of the law stands in the 600s.

This is with the exception of 2022.

“If we look at the summary of offences for 2019, we have 38 males, and 58 females engaged in matters of a summary nature. On the indictable side, we have 83 males and 63 females; a total of 343 cases. In 2020 we have 26 males and eight females for indictable offences. For the summary matters, 82 males and 50 females; a total of 166 cases.”

“2021 we had 21 males, one female involved in indictable matters; summary matter 51 males, and 43 females. A total of 116 cases,” she said.

She said the most important factor garnered from the statistics, is that the numbers seem to be dropping.

From 2020 to 2021, the cases dropped by 50. As such, Cummings-Edwards said she hopes that the judicial system continues to see a reduction in the number of cases, now with the implementation of the Drug Treatment Courts.

“Those summary matters, for which attention will be focused, and for which our Juvenile Drug Treatment Court would pay particular regard,” she said.

She mentioned that in the court there will be no human rights or administrative breach, and participation will be voluntary.

In the courts, young people will be given an opportunity to express their views on their behaviour and will be given help when necessary.

The court will operate in unison with several agencies, including the Child Care and Protection Agency, the Ministries of Education and Health, the Police Force, and the Salvation Army.

The treatment plan has four stages which will last for about 10 months or more. It will also be supervised by a team.

These include a State counsel, probation and social officers, drug abuse treatment providers, the case manager, representatives from the Ministries of Education and Health, and family members.

The idea to establish a Juvenile Drug Treatment Court was birthed in August 2020 by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, and it is with the hope that it will be a success.

This is the second drug treatment court that was launched in the last three years.

The first adult drug treatment court was

launched on October 21, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Two Magistrates: Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse and Magistrate Rhondel Weever preside over the court. From the inception of the programme to March 2022, 15 persons formally applied to participate. All of the applicants were males between the ages of 18-60 years old.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the programme just as it was about to gain traction. Operations were suspended in March 2020, but shortly thereafter recommenced utilising virtual hearings.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anger management programme reduces violence in prison – GPS …as 27 inmates graduate from training

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he Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has announced that an anger management programme that they have recently launched in the prisons has contributed to a reduction in the frequency of prisoner-to-prisoner violence at various prisons in Guyana.

The programme was conducted by Empower Guyana and was well received by the inmates at the location, who are now considered Peace Ambassadors.

On Thursday last, 27 inmates graduated from the 12week anger management programme, and their families were able to attend.

At the graduation ceremony, Officer in Charge of the Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections, Marielle BristolGrant stated that enhancing inmates’ ability to manage their emotions is paramount to promoting peace within their respective prison environ-

The inmates that graduated from the anger management programme

ments.

She added that this is considering the fact that they are living amongst people of different walks of life, with varying morals and values.

Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of the Lusignan and Georgetown B Prison (ag) SOP Carlton Cameron in his remarks commended the inmates on their commitment and highlighted the change in their general behaviour within the prison.

The Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot reminded inmates of the transition to corrections and the emphasis that has been placed on training programmes. He urged them put into practice the coping skills and diffusion tactics garnered during the twelve weeks, to promote peace within the prison as well as when they return to society.

The anger management programme is currently ongoing at all prison locations.

Earlier this year, the GPS was tasked with the responsibility of preparing inmates for re-integration into society.

As such, the Government adopted a policy of prisoners’ reform, which is done through the provision of training opportunities, allowing inmates to acquire basic income-generating skills and improve their literacy levels while serving their sentences.

To this end, the Government increased the budgetary allocation in the area of training for inmates; earmarking a sum of $88.9 million to train prison inmates in an effort to further reduce recidivism and support reintegration through the Fresh Start Initiative.

Training in the field of carpentry, joinery, block making, tailoring, digital skills, cosmetology, crops husbandry, and, cosmetology have already commenced.

Rumble...

Y

…at Black Magenta our Eyewitness didn’t even know that bastion of colonial privilege - the Georgetown Club, which didn’t even accept the low-born Scottish sugar plantation overseers - is now the “Black Magenta”. Imagine that!!

Your Eyewitness discovered this name change - the final act of “decolonialisation?” - when he read about the dustup the other night between VP Bharrat Jagdeo and newly appointed LoO, Aubrey Norton!

At first he did a double-take, since the image conjured up by the name “Black Magenta” was of a Brazilian strip club in Alberttown!! With “waitresses” to cater to all your whims and fancies! Now, your Eyewitness is only reporting on what he’s heard, OK? Anyhow upon closer reading, he realised someone was rebranding the venerable stiffupper-lip institution by using the name of British Guiana’s most famous (and expensive @US$9.5M) postage stamp - the Black on Magenta. Anyhow, back to the rumble between Jagdeo and Norton, which confirmed the new dispensation!

The occasion was to commemorate “Europe Day”.

So maybe it was because the Brits had Brexited the EU we finally had a good, old-fashioned, Guyanese-style argument between two of our top politicians? Without all those “Robert’s Rules of Order” taking all the meat out of the cook-up!! When your Eyewitness was a bare-kneed schoolboy, he’d learn that parallel lines never meet. Well, in Jagdeo and Norton, we had the social equivalent of parallel lines, and the EU bash made them converge - if not exactly meet!!

And boy, you should’ve seen the fireworks – which, thanks to the recently much-maligned social media platforms, your Eyewitness could see almost in real-time!! There they were - Jagdeo in front of Norton and their “seconds” quickly forming a ring around them. It was definitely a Rumble in the Magenta!! Jagdeo maintained his calm, and in fact had a smile on his face throughout the raucous encounter. Norton, on the other hand, surprisingly appeared to lose his cool and appeared quite flustered. For a fella who sports a formidable street-cred reputation, Norton shoulda known that in these matters, the whole point is to not lose composure - no matter what the provocation.

The argument, not surprisingly, was about the elections - which Norton and company have claimed were rigged by the PPP. Jagdeo wanted to know if all of the foreign observers - including the EU’s - hadn’t verified “no rigging”? Norton fell into the trap, demanded a debate, and asked about the “recount” - which he felt supported their contention. Jagdeo quickly agreed to the debate, but only if Norton produced his party’s SOPs. Norton had to agree - even though he thought he’d saved face by saying he’ll produce them AFTER the debate.

But he’ll HAVE to produce them!! At last!! …in Philippines Before there was the “Rumble in the Jungle”, there was the “Thriller in Manila” - both, of course, featuring the Greatest - Muhammad Ali!! Well, looks like there was another thriller there, with the old dictator Ferdinand Marcos’s son - Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr - just coming out way ahead of his competitor - 30 million to 14 million! - for the Philippine Presidency!! Imagine that!! Only 35 years ago, his father and mother (who’s still alive!) epitomised the venality and profligacy of Third World dictators, and now their son’s gonna be ELECTED President!!

With the US$10 billion they’d stolen and secreted, after they returned to the Philippines in the nineties, they quickly integrated themselves into their old networks. Bongbong’s sister and mother played a great role in rebranding their past over social media. Bonhbong’s running mate was Sara Duterte Carpio, the daughter of the populist outgoing president!!

Marcos’s platform was on “the good old days” under his father. Hopefully, that doesn’t mean that thousands will be tortured again and billions would be stolen!! …in Rio Well, talking about rehabilitation and forgiveness!

Brazil’s ex-President Lula’s gonna be running against Bolsonaro in their upcoming presidential race.

He left in disgrace on corruption charges, but the judicial system pronounced in 2021 that his rights were violated. Technicality.

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, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU Ambassador commits to supporting “One Guyana” initiative

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uropean Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó has committed his support to build “One Guyana”.

He verbalised his commitment on Monday at a cocktail reception in celebration of European Day and the EU’s 50th anniversary of its presence in Guyana.

On Monday, the EU celebrated 70-plus years of “peace and unity in Europe” alongside the 50-year Guyana relations celebration. A cocktail reception was hosted at the Black Magenta (Georgetown Club) at which Ponz Cantó said that he was committed to building President Dr Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative.

“Europe will always be there at your side, and there will also be many opportunities; there are already many opportunities and there is a space for everyone. I look forward to see, and the sooner the better, the fruits of Guyana’s efforts in the form of inclusive and sustainable development, prosperity for all the Guyanese, and I am sure that very soon we will see the new wealth riches cascade down all the citizens of beautiful Guyana, and Europe will be there to help in difficult times as we have done, to partner for mutual benefits in good times,” the EU Ambassador said.

The Ambassador noted that this would be done in a way that was also beneficial to Guyana, adding that this was the EU approach.

“We want to help whatever you want to go ahead [with] good governance, predictability for investments, cooperation, promoting our joint interests in the benefit of the citizens. We want more Europe in Guyana, we also want more Guyana in Europe,” the Ambassador explained.

Ambassador Ponz Cantó said that Guyana could continue to count on the EU for the many different roles it played in helping the country.

“I am very happy to say that since last the year, the European Union delegation has the full diplomatic president status thanks to the Government of Guyana for which I am very grateful. We have achieved a lot together over the years, thanks to those who preceded us and thanks to all those who are working hard today. We have covered, developed cooperation; we have helped Guyana with the seawalls which protect the lives of Guyanese citizens. We have helped also with many other cooperation efforts. We have contributed also to your effort of civil society to improve the situation.

And you can count on us to continue,” Ponz Cantó said.

Ensuring democracy

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo attended the recep-

tion on behalf of President Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips.

He thanked the EU for the role it played to ensure freedom and democracy in Guyana and said the Ambassador was personally involved in ensuring democracy was not disturbed during the 2020 elections.

“Many people would not know, but the European Union team after the debacle at GECOM, after the blatant attempt to steal the elections, they stayed on in a very industrious way. They were there every single day trying to ferret out information

about what was really happening,” the Vice President said.

Europe Day commemorates the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, to ensure a postwar Europe, which is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.

Support

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) stands with EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó and Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd

Only a few days ago, the Chinese Embassy here expressed support for the “One Guyana” initiative and is hoping to raise more awareness of its culture, especially as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. (G2)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Environmental impact of gas-to-energy project will be minimal – ExxonMobil

A

s Guyana moves to establish a gas-to-energy initiative, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) – commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana, is required to engage stakeholders in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can give its

stamp of approval.

A total of 11 public meetings have been arranged for coastal regions. On Wednesday, two were held in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The application for the gas-to-energy project was submitted in June last year by ExxonMobil, and it was then determined by the EPA that the EIA was re-

quired. The gas-to- shore project will see natural gas from offshore Guyana being extracted and transported as liquid gas. The offshore pipeline will extend from the Estabrook Block and come onshore west of the Demerara River. The natural gas plant will be located along the West Bank of the Demerara River. It is expected it will be constructed over

three years, with the pipeline component targeted to be completed by 2024 – 195 kilometres of 12-inch pipe would run from the offshore vessels, with most of the pipeline running directly on the seabed.

The project has an estimated life cycle of at least 25 years.

The public consultations on Tuesday were held with fisherfolk and other interested stakeholders at the Number 66 Fisherman Co-op and with other stakeholders at the Rose Hall Primary School.

Through its partner, Environmental Resources Management (ERM),

ExxonMobil Guyana says that there will be moderate impacts from plant activity while the rate of risk from planned activity is also moderate. The project is also expected to both negatively and positively impact economic conditions in Guyana. According to ERM consultant Todd Hall, the environmental impacts are twofold. “The impacts might be related to noise, because there will be sound coming from it, but we have modelled that sound and we have determined that only in rare instances will there be sound levels that would affect resi-

dents that are close enough to the facility to have a perceived impact of a certain level. There will also be a few more cars on the road; more so during the construction stage because you will have 500 to 800 workers involved,” he pointed out.

Anna Sundby, who leads the social economic team on the project, explained that a wide range of socioeconomic issues were considered and how they might affect persons living close to the project and who might be involved in activity in close proximity to the project area.

TURN TO PAGE 16

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Knife-toting bandits rob female students leaving classes T

wo female students attached to the Critchlow Labour College were robbed at knifepoint after leaving classes on Monday evening. The incident took place in front of the College on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, at about 21:00h.

The two victims – a 20-year-old of Camp Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, and a 28-year-old of Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were attacked and robbed by eight men on bicycles.

and $8000 cash.

Police stated that the victims had finished classes and were waiting on transportation to head home when they were approached by the perpetrators.

The 20-year-old woman was relieved of a Samsung Galaxy cell phone and

$23,000 in cash while the 28-year-old was robbed of a Samsung A30 cell phone

One of the suspects who was armed with a knife, pointed it at the victims in a menacing manner while the other gang members relieved them of the mentioned articles.

After relieving the victims of their valuables, the suspects then made good their escape. The matter was reported to the Police and an investigation was launched.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

49 young people commence training at Zara Computer Centre in Wismar

The young people and officials from the Guyana Police Force at the Zara Computer Centre in Wismar

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hree weeks after the Zara Computer Centre was commissioned at the Wismar Police Station, 49 youths and young adults were enrolled to commence classes on Monday.

The group will be the first batch of civilians to commence computer studies at the centre, which was handed over to the Force’s Regional Division 10 by representatives of the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation.

The centre is fully furnished and equipped with

Some of the young people in the centre as class commences

30 new computer systems, one 65-inch Samsung smart board, one projector with screen and a server room.

The construction of the centre is geared at assisting members of the community, especially the youths and ranks within the Division who are studying at tertiary institutions and need to conduct research.

Chief Training Officer Keithon King said he had been waiting in anticipation for the Zara computer training programme to be introduced in Regional Division 10.

“When they were setting up that centre in Essequibo, it was our classroom, so we had to get a plan B. At the time, myself and staff, and stakeholders, converted the bottom flat of that building to a classroom to accommodate the Zara centre which had a stipulated time to finish so that training could commence. Sergeant Handover, who did his initial training at that college, capitalised on the training and the learning opportunities. Today, he’s now the coordinator for all the Zara centres within the Police environment,” King had stated.

On the other hand,

Deputy Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus said the idea to have a computer centre at Wismar was born under the Force’s strategic plan to foster partnership.

“We understand that in order to harness our youths and have them engaged in positive activities is to seek out every means possible at our disposal to do so. The computer centre is one of our primary tools to help develop our youths and keep them focused on positive activities and away from crime and social disobedience,” Brutus said in brief remarks.

He said the Force relies on NGOs to help in whatever way they can to foster development. With the launch of IT training programmes some years ago, the Zara Group of Companies has trained thousands of young people.

Zara Computer Centre was established 39 years ago by a Guyanese family mainly involved in real estate. To date, the company has collaborated with several agencies including the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and the Guyana Police Force, to provide training programmes countrywide.

NEWS

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Aubrey Norton disgraced the PNC’s supporters and again insulted all Guyanese

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t was not funny, even though many Guyanese laughed when they heard the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, insisting he would release APNU/AFC’s “winning” SOPs. It was sheer arrogance, disregard, and disrespect for the Guyanese people. It was a disgrace for the PNC’s supporters, because, once again, their leader, this time a new one, insists on dragging them through the manure. We all know that had they had “winning” SOPs, those would have surfaced early on March 3, 2020. They had many opportunities, with observers and others around, to show their “winning” SOPs. It would be the first time in history that a political party, especially one as obsessed with power as the PNC, would have hidden their “winning” SOPs. Norton claimed he would release the SOPs if Bharrat Jagdeo agree to debate him, but only release such SOPs after the debate. If Norton is an Opposition Leader of Dr Leslie Ramsammy any worth, he would want to debate Bharrat Jagdeo anytime, anywhere. Given an opportunity to release the SOPs and gain the opportunity to debate Bharrat Jagdeo should be an opportunity an Opposition Leader would relish and would seize with gusto. But clearly, Norton has no such desire. An Opposition Leader of any worth would not set any precondition for a debate with the leader of the governing party. The PNC supporters have been left, since March 2, 2020, without any leader who is willing to take up their cause.

Aubrey Norton was chosen as the leader of the PNC precisely because the supporters of the PNC lost confidence and felt abandoned by the leaders who ignored them between 2015 and 2020, who governed as if the Government was only for a few select people, and who took them into a losing election on March 2, 2020. Everywhere in the world and throughout Guyana’s history, whenever an Opposition Leader was given an opportunity to debate and/ or to garner the attention of the country through debates or through other means, that Opposition Leader is obligated to seize the opportunity. Norton should show his supporters that he would find a way around the mountain on their behalf. If all that stands in his way to debate Bharrat Jagdeo is the release of the SOPs, why would he not want to release those “winning” SOPs? On March 3, the evening of the Tuesday following the March 2 elections, as Mingo started the declaration of Region 4 results, one would have thought that APNU/AFC, with their “winning” SOPs would have done everything possible to have Mingo smoothly and quickly complete the exercise of legal declaration. After all, with their “winning” SOPs, the completion of the exercise on March 3 would have seen David Granger sworn in for a second term as early as March 4th, 2020. The PPP was there with their SOPs, GECOM was reading out, through Mingo, their copies of the SOPs, and the observers were there with their copies of the SOPs. There was no dispute in the numbers at that point. The conspiracy to thwart the completion of the exercise started on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2020, when all kinds of excuses were made to adjourn the process.

With their “winning” SOPs, what on earth would have stopped them from joining with the other political parties to insist that Mingo continued that night? Why would they, with their “winning” SOPs, not want Mingo on Tuesday evening or on Wednesday, or at any time, to use the SOPs to declare results? Why would they defend Mingo’s use of a spreadsheet and hide their own SOPs? It is laughable, but the loyal PNC supporters, who carried an albatross around their necks for decades because they all knew that the PNC had rigged election after election between 1968 and 1992, could not be amused. The rigging attempt not only took place in front of the world, but it has to rank as the most brazen and clumsiest rigging attempt ever in the history of rigged elections.

One would have thought that, given how clumsy it was, the new leader of the PNC, the new Opposition Leader, would want to put the scandal and disgrace behind him and behind his supporters.

One would have thought that, by now, the PNC and its leaders, and particularly Norton, would want to move on and become engaged with real issues. None of the people Norton today leads cares about his “winning” SOPs. They want him to discuss real issues, issues that matter to the country and to the Guyanese people, including his supporters. Instead of addressing these issues, he continues to heap disgrace on his supporters. His own supporters are laughing at him.

While those “winning” SOPs gather moss somewhere wellhidden, there are things he needs to do to gain the confidence of his supporters, the way Bharrat Jagdeo did as Opposition Leader between 2015 and 2020. He can start by apologising to the Guyanese people for negotiating a “bad” deal with EXXON; by apologising to the sugar workers and their families; by apologising to all the small businesses that closed during APN/AFC’s term in office, for the multitude of corrupt transactions that took place under their watch. It is a good place to start, rather than insulting people with his claims of having the “winning” SOPs well-guarded.

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

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2 busted with ganja, bulletproof vest at Meadow Bank

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wo men, a 36-yearold and a 30-year-old, were on Monday taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of ganja and a bulletproof vest among other items during a raid at Meadow Bank, Georgetown.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 10:00h, Police ranks were conducting patrol through a street in Meadow Bank when they observed two males carrying a blue plastic barrel onto an empty plot of land.

Upon seeing the ranks, the two men left the barrel in the yard and ran out empty-handed.

Based on reports received, the two men were apprehended and taken to the empty plot of land where

The bulletproof vest and other items found in the barrel

they located the barrel under a black covering.

As such, the ranks opened the barrel in the presence of the two men. Inside was a crocus bag which contained five brown bulky parcels of the cannabis. In addition, there was a multi-coloured

bag containing one camouflage hat, shirt, pants, mask, gloves, a bulletproof vest, and one pair of black boots.

At that time, the men were told of the offence and they denied having knowledge of the content of the barrel.

The cannabis unearthed

The two males, along with the narcotics and other items, were taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station, where the ganja was weighed in their presence and amounted to 18 pounds. Police are continuing their investigations.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Use technology to stay connected with constituencies – CPA to local MPs

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he Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has commenced a training seminar for local Members of Parliament (MPs), where they will be educated on parliamentary procedure, committee work and the role of the Speaker, among other things.

The training is being conducted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), with the opening ceremony attended by MPs from both sides of the aisle. In his presentation, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock

Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong

Issacs was optimistic that the training would aid in the de-

velopment of the members and parliamentary staff. He The MPs attending the training session

also hailed the valuable role the CPA places in training parliamentary staff throughout the region.

“The staff are also exposed to parliamentary procedure, practice and training in other jurisdictions, enabling them to function more effectively upon their return,” Issacs said in his presentation.

“The workshops and seminars are not limited to our staff gaining knowledge, but also allows them to share their experiences and our best practices. We at the Parliament Office continue to avail ourselves of further interactions to aid in the development of our members and staff.”

Meanwhile, InterParliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong praised the role that technology has played in bridging the digital divide for parliamentary work.

According to him, technology can allow parliamentarians to stay connected with their constituencies in a seamless fashion.

“During the pandemic, we saw how Parliaments were innovating, transforming their working methods in order to stay relevant, in or-

der to stay alive and contribute to the efforts that were intended to stem the pandemic,” Chungong said.

“So, we ignore digital technology at our own risk and peril. We need to accelerate this digital transformation, that will allow us, among other things, reach out to communities, canvas the views more than ever before. I think we can count our blessings, given the fact that sometimes travelling physically to your constituencies can be onerous and time consuming.

Among the matters that were covered on Tuesday, was basic procedural training and training on committee work.

The respective roles of the Speaker and the Clerk, were also covered in the training, which will last for two days.

The 12th Parliament has been one of the most dramatic ones in recent memories, with sittings being disrupted by MPs who disregard the Standing Orders. The most recent instance where the Standing Orders were disregarded and an MP had to be disciplined was Alliance For Change (AFC) MP Sherod Duncan, who was suspended on February 9 for disrupting the parliamentary session.

Duncan is one of eight APNU/AFC MPs already before the Privileges Committee, for the infamous Mace grab of December 29, 2021, when Opposition members protested the hearing of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, which they wanted to be sent to a parliamentary Special Select Committee for review.

The coalition MPs stood banging on their desks when the Bill was called up for debate and subsequently gathered in the pit of the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where National Assembly sittings are being held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bill was eventually passed late into the evening but not before the Opposition’s protest escalated into a physical confrontation with Parliament staff after an MP snatched the Parliament Mace from in front of Speaker Nadir.

The other APNU/AFC MPs sent to the Privileges Committee include Chief Whip Jones, Annette Ferguson, Ganesh Mahipaul, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, and Maureen Philadelphia. (G3)

Environmental impact of...

“Most of the impacts of the project are going to be related to the construction phase where people who are living near to where the pipelines are being built are going to be disturbed by noise and construction activity. There will be a greater degree of impact for a few people – there are a few households down by the energy plant and the material offloading facility and there will be some people who will need to be relocated,” she explained.

Sundby pointed out that the land those persons were currently occupying was Government-owned land. She said ERM was working with EEPGL, to work with the Government of Guyana on the resettlement process to ensure that it was done to a high standard.

“In terms of benefits, there will be some economic benefits through employment and business opportunities during the construction phase and then fewer jobs but more consistent jobs during the op-

FROM PAGE 10

Persons at Tuesday's EIA public presentation held at Number 66 Fisherman's Co-op Complex

erational phase, ” Sundby highlighted.

Estimates put the operational workforce at 40-50 persons. According to Hall, efforts are being made to limit the environmental impact during the construction phase.

Similar public engagements are planned for residents of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

On Monday, a similar engagement was held in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). On

Tuesday, fisher folk expressed concern over the type of pipelines that would be used.

There is also concern that the standards met in more developed countries will not be implemented in Guyana.

This is in light of the fact that the EPA in Guyana is not funded like similar agencies in more developed countries. Following Monday’s engagement in Region Five and Tuesday’s engagements in Region Six, some are of the view that the presentations were not tailored for the local audiences. (G4)

NEWS

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$140M modern building for GTI in 9 months

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n the next nine months, students attending the Government Technical Institute will benefit from a brandnew building.

The $140 million project is part of a public-private partnership between the Education Ministry and the Ken Subraj Foundation, which was set up by a former student of GTI. Once completed, the building will boast an oil and gas laboratory, lecture theatres, smart classrooms, Welfare Unit, and an administrative block among many other amenities, the Education Ministry said.

On Tuesday, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed followed by a sod-turning ceremony at GTI’s Woolford Avenue,

The sod being turned for the $140 million building at GTI’s Woolford Avenue compound (Education Ministry photo)

Georgetown compound.

Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Alfred King reiterated the Ministry’s mission to improve technical and vocational skills training throughout the country.

He noted that with the current developmental trajectory the country is on, it is important to modernise education delivery and to equip persons with the necessary skills needed to take advantage of the opportunities.

“The working environment is dynamic and is evolving and for our training to meet the needs of the learners and possible employees and to of course be relevant, then we will have to be at the cutting edge knowing what is required to take us to that next century,”

King is quoted as saying in a release from the Education Ministry.

Similarly, Deputy Chief Education Officer responsible for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DCEOTVET), Dr Ritesh Tularam deemed the project “momentous” as it will ensure the equitable and quality deliverance of TVET education.

During brief remarks at the sod-turning ceremony, GTI Principle, Dr Renita Crandon expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff and students of the institution.

Avinash Construction and Scrap Metal Company Inc has been contracted to undertake the project and has committed to completing it within the stipulated timeframe.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana will tap into viable regional market by prioritising poultry – Mustapha

F

ulfilling the local demand for livestock feed is just a stepping stone in entering the regional poultry market, which is being satisfied primarily by imported stocks.

Touted by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during an engagement with the media, it was outlined that it is a huge market that Guyana can tap into.

Presently, only two per cent of the poultry demand is being met by local producers; the remainder is imported.

As such, Guyana will aid in lowering the food import

bill in the Caribbean region.

“One of the prioritised commodities is poultry. We are importing 98 per cent of the poultry meat that comes into the Caribbean.

Whereas, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, Belize, Barbados, Suriname have the potential of satisfying the local demand in the Caribbean.

That is why we’re looking at the linkages like starting to produce corn and soya.

Corn and soya will be a big thing to help us develop the livestock industry,” said the Agriculture Minister.

It has been reported that

Guyana is looking to meet the feed demand of the local livestock industry, and with diversification into soya and corn crops, authorities are optimistic that production would come on stream by 2023. Government has said it is aiming for the country to be an exporter of soya bean in the next five years.

It was only last year that harvesting started at a 115acre soya bean and a fiveacre corn pilot project in Ebini, Upper Berbice River – a joint venture between various local and foreign investors – aimed at prov-

ing all raw materials for the production of livestock and poultry feed for the local sector.

The initiative is being developed by a consortium of investors that includes the owners of Guyana Stock Feed Ltd, Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and Bounty Farm Ltd, along with the Brazilian-owned NF Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Blackbelly Sheep project is also in the cards, which Mustapha continues to push during talks with local

and foreign stakeholders.

He has reiterated, “We are looking in partnership with Barbados to develop a brand for the Black Belly Sheep, creating a new brand rather than bringing the New Zealand lamb to this part of the world. Those are the things that we are talking about and we have the potential.”

With respect to the Black Belly Sheep Project, President Irfaan Ali had provided statistics to show that the project, once implemented and expanded, could earn US$43 million

in annual revenue. By year four, he was optimistic that operating expenses would amount to US$24 million and beyond year four, US$30 million.

The project is also expected to provide employment for close to 4500 persons, directly and indirectly.

Farmers need only come with their land and register with the Government and already, 78 of them have done so. The Government also wants to provide targeted support to women and youths, in this project.

(G12)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20 NEWS COVID-19 cases on the rise again – Health Minister GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD T WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he public has been advised to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines that they have been flouting in recent time, in wake of statistics which show positives on the rise again.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony informed in Tuesday’s briefing that active cases have reached almost 200 after 42 new infections surfaced in one day.

Dispersion of new cases indicate that three were detected in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 25 in Region Four (MahaicaBerbice); 13 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Three persons are hospitalised at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

“You can see this is an increase from the cases that we have been seeing over the last couple of weeks. This is a significant increase and we have to be mindful of that. One of the things that I want to urge people is to start taking precautions,” Dr Anthony highlighted.

As of Tuesday, the confirmed cases since March 2020 have reached 63,628.

The updated dashboard shows fatalities at 1228.

There are three persons in

institutional isolation, 150 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

Some 62,244 of the 29,303 males and 34,325 females that were infected with the virus have recovered.

In Guyana, 605,461 tests have been processed to date.

The Minister pointed out that within recent weeks, persons have been discarding the public health measures recommended to keep them safe. If this continues, he noted that infections can rise.

“Over the last couple of weeks, people have discarded a lot of the public health measures that we have been telling them

May 10, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

42

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

3 150 3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,325

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,303

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,628

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,244

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2520

REGION 2

2500

REGION 3

8085

REGION 4

31,479

REGION 5

2384

REGION 6

5837

REGION 7

2425

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4038

REGION 10

3474

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

440,713 340,305

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

to use, especially wearing masks when you’re in an indoor environment and around people. A lot of persons have been ignoring that particular measure. If we continue to do so, there are chances that you can get infected.”

Vaccination

In Guyana, 440,814 first doses and 340,221 second doses were distributed to adults. This is approximately 85.9 per cent and 66.3 per cent, respectively. For children aged 12 to 17, 25,309 or 34.7 per cent are completely vaccinated. Booster coverage is 63,173.

“Our vaccination boost-

er rates are relatively low so I would really want to urge people to come and get their booster doses. That is also very important…It is relatively low compared to the persons who received their first doses. There is a lot of room for improvement here and I hope that people would understand, now that we’re seeing an upward trend in the cases,” the Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, travel guidelines have remained the same. Persons coming into the country are required to produce a negative PCR or antigen test within 72 hours, with proof of full vaccination. The guidelines

vary for outgoing passengers, depending on the requirements of their destination.

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

Global figures show that almost 515.7 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 153.9 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths. (G12)

IDB Lab launches call to manage chemicals, hazardous waste in Caribbean

I

DB Lab, the innovation laboratory of the InterAmerican Development Bank, convened the BlueTech for Waste Challenge, an initiative to find innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainable management of chemicals and hazardous waste in 12 countries in the Caribbean. This call is made in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through its Global ISLANDS programme, in order to protect human health and the environment and address the climate vulnerabilities of the region.

The call, a release from the IDB said, is aimed at startups with ready to implement models, small and mediumsized companies, NGOs, corporations, and other organisations in the private sector that offer innovative solu-

tions to face the challenge posed by waste from lubricants, tires, electrical items and electronics, used and end-of-life vehicles, as well as industrial, organic and municipal, medical, pesticide, and plastic waste that may contain hazardous substances.

Such solutions must be scalable, sustainable, and promote the economic and social inclusion of poor and vulnerable populations.

Initiatives from any of the 12 countries in which the projects will be implemented can apply to this call: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Organisations from any of the other 48 member countries of the IDB may also participate

if they do so jointly with an organisation registered and located in one of the twelve countries indicated.

The selected proposals will be able to receive financing to implement their projects, which will be provided by the IDB/IDB Lab and the GEF (with the exception of Haiti and Jamaica, which will receive support from the IDB/IDB Lab). In addition, the selected organisations will be included in the IDB Lab network of global innovators for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, best practices, and the creation of contacts in events organised by the IDB Group and its partners. The call for proposals closes on May 31, 2022 (12 am EDT) and the announcement of selected proposals will be made between July and August.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants…

21

Gill’s 63*, Rashid’s four-for lead Gujarat Titans to playoffs It was tough going for Shubman Gill, but he did eventually get to his half-century

the joint-third most in an innings this season, with Gill alone hitting 31 of them. Miller and Gill put on 52 in 41 balls, while Rahul Tewatia's cameo - after he was dropped by Deepak Hooda - and

Wade.

Dayal struck twice in the powerplay, having Quinton de Kock and Karan caught at cover point and deep third respectively, and was unfortunate to concede 24 runs, with 10 of them coming from false shots immediately before he dismissed those two batters.

With Mohammad Shami banging away on a hard length and inducing a top-edged pull from KL Rahul once the pressure burst the pipe, Titans had taken three wickets in the powerplay.

Rashid rolls through

Rashid Khan (right) bagged 4-24

G

ujarat Titans have booked their spot in the playoffs in their first IPL season by comfortably defending 144 on a spinning pitch in Pune, as Lucknow Super Giants collapsed to 82 all out.

The IPL's newest franchises knew that the winner of Monday night's game would officially seal a spot in the playoffs as well as take big strides towards a top-two finish, and the game looked in the balance after Titans posted the joint-lowest total batting first this season in Pune, while losing only four wickets in a curious innings.

Shubman Gill batted through the 20 overs for 63 not out off 49 balls, as Titans focused on keeping wickets in hand and rotating strike after choosing to bat, but the value of his innings became fully apparent only when Super Giants crumbled against spin in the chase.

Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore, the left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu on debut for Titans, finished with combined figures of 6 for 31 from 5.5 overs, as they ran through Super Giants' middle and lower order. The convincing margin between the teams dented Super Giants' net run rate and left them looking over their shoulders at Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with their hopes of a top-two finish - and qualification for the first qualifier - taking a significant blow.

Titans eye singles, not boundaries

Hardik Pandya became the first captain this season to choose to bat, in a night game against Punjab Kings last Monday, and did the same again a week on, suggesting that the success of teams when batting first in Pune had played a role in his decisionmaking.

His side got off to a slow start, reaching 35 for 2 after the powerplay, with the two Khans Mohsin and Avesh - each taking an early wicket. Mohsin could have had a second, which would have seen Gill dismissed first ball, but Karan Sharma put down a tough chance diving forwards at deep third man at the end of the first over.

Hardik set about rebuilding with Gill, but fell immediately after the strategic timeout in edging Avesh behind, and with Rashid carded at #7, Titans were cautious in their approach. They opted to rebuild by knocking the ball around, rather than playing with much attacking intent, and David Miller's six over cover was the only one of their innings.

Krunal Pandya, who had bowled a solitary over in Super Giants' last two games, rolled through his four overs for 24 runs.

With Ravi Bishnoi dropped, he was the only spinner they used.

The 61 singles they hit were

Jason Holder's expensive final over of 16 runs ensured Titans reached a score that looked somewhere near par.

Dayal returns

Yash Dayal, the left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, had not played for Titans since their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, missing their last three games with a niggle, but returning as Titans reshuffled their side, leaving out Lockie Ferguson, Sai Sudharsan and Pradeep Sangwan for Dayal, Kishore and Matthew

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Super Giants had, to date, shown few signs of vulnerability against spin, but crumbled against Rashid and Kishore on what Rahul called "a tricky and challenging pitch", which offered plenty of assistance for spinners throughout.

They were 44 for 3 when Rashid came on to bowl the eighth over, but were 70 for 9

after the first ball of the 14th.

The first two wickets were stumpings by Wriddhiman Saha: Krunal was foxed by a googly and overbalanced, while Ayush Badoni found himself halfway down the pitch as Kishore tossed one up and beat him in the flight.

Hooda, Marcus Stoinis and Jason Holder were Super Giants' last hopes, but Hooda called Stoinis through for an impossible second run, and left him stranded mid-pitch as Miller's throw came in from square leg; and Holder was trapped stone-dead by a fast, flat legbreak from Rashid.

Kishore grabbed another, as Mohsin fell to a wild heave, before Hooda fell top-edging off Rashid.

Avesh's consecutive sixes denied Rashid a hat-trick, and took some of the shine off his figures, but a sharp take by Saha via a thin inside edge ensured he finished with 4 for 24 - remarkably, the first time in his 88-match IPL career that he had taken a fourwicket haul. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

GUJARAT TITANS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Wriddhiman Saha †c Avesh Khan b Mohsin Khan 5 Shubman Gill not out 63 Matthew Wade c †de Kock b Avesh Khan 10 Hardik Pandya (c) c †de Kock b Avesh Khan 11 David Miller c Badoni b Holder 26 Rahul Tewatia not out 22 Extras (lb 1, w 6) 7 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.20) 144/4 Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Wriddhiman Saha, 2.4 ov), 2-24 (Matthew Wade, 4.2 ov), 3-51 (Hardik Pandya, 9.1 ov), 4-103 (David Miller, 15.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohsin Khan 4-0-18-1 Dushmantha Chameera 4-0-34-0 Avesh Khan 4-0-26-2 \Krunal Pandya 4-0-24-0 Jason Holder 4-0-41-1 LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS INNINGS (Target: 145 runs from 20 overs Quinton de Kock †c Sai Kishore

b Yash Dayal 11 KL Rahul (c) c †Saha b Mohammed Shami 8 Deepak Hooda c Mohammed Shami b Rashid Khan 27 Karan Sharma c Miller b Yash Dayal 4 Krunal Pandya st †Saha b Rashid Khan 5 Ayush Badoni st †Saha b Sai Kishore 8 Marcus Stoinis run out (Miller/†Saha) 2 Jason Holder lbw b Rashid Khan 1 Mohsin Khan c Rashid Khan b Sai Kishore 1 Dushmantha Chameera not out 0 Avesh Khan c †Saha b Rashid Khan 12 Extras (w 3) 3 TOTAL 13.5 Ov (RR: 5.92) 82 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Quinton de Kock, 3.3 ov), 2-24 (KL Rahul, 4.5 ov), 3-33 (Karan Sharma, 5.5 ov), 4-45 (Krunal Pandya, 7.3 ov), 5-61 (Ayush Badoni, 10.5 ov), 6-65 (Marcus Stoinis, 11.2 ov), 7-67 (Jason Holder, 11.6 ov), 8-70 (Mohsin Khan, 12.6 ov), 9-70 (Deepak Hooda, 13.1 ov), 10-82 (Avesh Khan, 13.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Shami 3-0-5-1 Hardik Pandya 1-0-8-0 Yash Dayal 2-0-24-2 Alzarri Joseph 2-0-14-0 Rashid Khan 3.5-0-24-4 R Sai Kishore 2-0-7-2

22

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

The Anand Premier League in India…

Guyanese Jonathan Foo slams 61 and bags two for Samp Army E

xplosive Guyanese batsman Jonathan Foo has made an immediate impact at the Anand Premier League (APL) in India, where he is playing for the Samp Army.

Foo slammed a 31-ball 61, and claimed 2-15 to help his team to a 10-run win.

Batting first, Samp Army posted 157-7 in their allotted 20 overs, while VCA Avengers were restricted to 147-8 in their 20 overs.

Samp Army lost two wickets in the powerplay with the score on 39-2, and lost another wicket at 40-3. But Foo, batting at number six, showed his versatility in rebuilding the innings for the team.

He slammed six maximums and two fours in his 61, and was supported by opener Abishek Yadav, who made 23 from 19 balls, while Sanjay Stanley made 21.

Pradeep Yadav had 2-14 in three overs, while Shivam Bhardwaj had 2-11 in four top overs, including two maidens.

In response, VCA Avengers failed to chase 158.

They lost Anant Bhardwaj for six early, but opener Mohit Mongia made a solid 55 from 42 balls in an innings decorated with seven fours and two sixes.

He got support from Shivalik Sharma, who made 33 from 27 balls, and Pradeed Yadav, who made 17.

The Avengers’ lower/middle order failed to contribute, as a collective effort from Samp Army restricted them. In addition to Foo's 2-15 from two overs, Pathik Prajapati had 2-7 in four overs, with one maiden. Navin Stewart, a former Trinidadian national player, is also in the Samp Army, and he bowled superbly to end with figures of 1-27 in four overs. He bowled well in the death overs, and was instrumental in the Samp Army's win.

Foo is hoping to continue scoring runs, as he did in the United States of America and the last Jonathan Foo time he played for Guyana and other teams.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

114 learners take PE Golf at CSEC

T

he Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education combined forces with the Guyana Golf Federation and the Nexgen Golf Academy during the pandemic to create history this year, with 114 learners from President's College, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary, and Rosignol, Friendship, and Wisburg Secondary schools deciding to take golf as their PE elective.

Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary (ARMS), having placed second in the National Golf School Competition in 2021, delivered on their potential to become the number one golf school in the country by leading the nation in CSEC golf with 51 students opting for golf.

Rosignol Secondary was second with 38. According to Rosignol's PE teacher Kevon Jawahir, "The entire class wanted to do golf, and we travelled several times to the Nexgen Golf Academy to practice.

All my students were hooked on the game after the first session."

Golf has traditionally not been a popular sport among the general public, because it has been viewed as an 'elite' sport, with high fees and the need to join a private club to play. This perception was radically changed when the GGF and Nexgen Golf Academy, at the urging of Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson in 2020, created a programme in conjunction with the MoE’s Allied Arts Unit to allow access to the sport by anyone who had an interest.

The programme, which came at a welcome time, when virtually all sporting activities had ceased due to COVID-19, was quickly adopted by Ms. Barker-King, head of the MoE’s Allied Arts Unit, and became one of the fastest growing sports,

with secondary schools in all but three regions now active in teaching golf to their 11th and 12th grade learners.

The model public/private partnership saw Nexgen Golf Academy providing training, equipment and facilities, and the MoE providing PE Teachers and resources for the 'Train the Trainer' programme, which allowed the sport to reach into 102 secondary schools in just 15 months.

"It's a great relationship that draws on the strength of each other, the equipment and knowledge provided, and the Human Resources to develop the sport, provided by the Ministry of Education," said Ms. Barker-King, head of the Allied Arts Unit. "We expect that golf will be introduced to our primary school learners in July, and expanded to Grades 7-12 in the secondary schools."

Once these plans are realised, golf would be placed as one of the most involved sports, with over 35,000 learners having access to the sport, and the demand for golf-friendly playgrounds across the country would increase drastically.

The Guyana Government, through the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has demonstrated its commitment to development of sports in the country, and plans are in place for inclusion of a golf course in the Silica City project.

However, with the rapidly increasing popularity of the game among locals and expats, it would be expected that many more golf course communities would have to be built to accommodate the demand.

For more information on how you can learn the game or sharpen your skills therein, contact the Nexgen Golf Academy via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp on 645-0944, or visit them at the Scouts Association Ground on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Harpy Eagles’ final practice match…

23

Chanderpaul compiles commanding century (00) gift their wickets to bowlers.

Nandu was softened up by a brisk Sylus Tyndall, who sent down bouncers and then forced the West Indies Under-19 batsman to

Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored a fine century

By Brandon Corlette at Providence, EBD

T

he young Tiger Tagenarine Chanderpaul roared at the National Stadium at Providence, EBD with a fine century on day two of the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ final practice match.

The left-hander scored a sound, unbeaten 139 from 229 balls, which he compiled in batting for 307 minutes. His innings included 18 fours and one six, and saw his team, Chanderpaul's XI, reach 2455 after 72 overs at stumps on day two, replying to the Leon Johnson XI’s first innings score of 202 all out. Chanderpaul's XI are heading into the third day with a lead of 162 runs and five wickets in hand.

Resuming the second day on 158-5, Leon Johnson’s XI made 202 all out in 56.5 overs. Anthony Bramble, who was on 67 overnight, was dismissed for 77, trapped in front by his club-mate Gudakesh Motie.

Keemo Paul was dismissed the same way by the same bowler, Gudakesh Motie, for 24, as wickets

Kemol Savory scored 49 (Brandon Corlette photos)

tumbled in the morning session.

On day one, Vishaul Singh had made an even 50.

Ronsford Beaton claimed 3-41 in 14.5 overs, while Gudakesh Motie took 3-43 in 13 overs, and Seamer Nial Smith claimed 2-28 in ten overs. At lunch, Chanderpaul's XI were 49-0 after 12 overs.

Chanderpaul looked fluent on 37 from 47 balls, while Matthew Nandu was on 11.

Before the lunch interval, Chanderpaul took on pacer Demetri Cameron, whom he struck for three fours in an over.

In the afternoon session, he struck Adams for a sweet six over long-on, followed by a four. Perhaps he was sending a message after the Lead Selector had made it known that he thought the young Tiger was struggling.

Chanderpaul watched youngsters Matthew Nandu (23), Mavindra Dindyal (21) Kevlon Anderson (07) and Sachin Singh

National Novices and Mr Linden bodybuilding Championships…

Bess impressed with talent showcased …Intermediate and Mr Berbice Classic, CAC next on GABBFF agenda

Many athletes turned out for the event

T

he mining town of Linden last Saturday witnessed the National Novices and Mr Linden Championships being staged at the LICHAS Hall, and Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) President Keavon Bess has noted that he and his executives were extremely impressed with what they had seen.

In an interview with this publication, Bess was asked what he thought of the level of talent he had witnessed on display, and he said, “As it relates to the talent we saw on stage, we were very impressed. We were impressed that, even coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to put 33 athletes on stage.

“The young man that won the overall championship, Romeo Hunter, is only 15 years old, so that in itself is very impressive. The young man that came in second, he is all the way from Essequibo, and we only found him a month ago from a visit that the executives carried out.

“That is one of the benefits of the outreach. We went to Essequibo not knowing the names of the different gyms, and we were impressed with what we found. We are glad that, as a result of the outreach missions that we do from time to time, we are able to discover such a gem of an athlete, because he has a far way to go.”

Bess also said he was really impressed with the audience in attendance, as he labelled attendance one of the high points of the show. Further, he explained that with the restrictions being eased since the pandemic, things can be a bit more relaxed, and persons can engage with each other and be vociferous and support the athletes on stage.

Bess has had high praise for the Linden audience, for their support of the event, and he noted that the GBBFF is ecstatic to have had them at the event.

According to Bess, next on the GABBFF agenda is the Intermediate and Mr Berbice Classic. “We intend to make Berbice the home of the Intermediate Classic, so that competition goes to Berbice in July 2022, and we have already worked out the logistics,” Bess posited.

He further divulged that, with everything set, the GABBFF will be seeking to engage the stakeholders and athletes. he was also confident that when the competition commences, there would be a massive turnout from Berbice, and the show would be a success.

Bess also shared that, after the competition, the GABBFF will be sending a team to represent Guyana at the CAC in Barbados from July 27 to August 1, 2022.

play a loose shot and get caught at backward point for a 48-ball 23. His innings had four boundaries in all.

Dindyal, batting at #3, again looked promising, but he left a straight ball and was bowled by Antony Adams for 21 from 33 balls.

He struck three fours, including a sweet on-drive, off the quick Tyndall.

Promising Berbice batsman and former West Indies Under-19 player Kevlon Anderson continued to struggle, and was eventually given out leg-before after a 23-ball seven.

Savory then partnered Chanderpaul, and the duo added 96 runs. Chanderpaul was fluent throughout, but on returning to the wicket after the tea interval, while he was on 92, it took him a while to reach his century. He reached the landmark with a cut shot for four, and he ensured there was no further hiccups at stumps.

Savory was removed by Paul

when the score was at 242-5, just before the close of play. The wicketkeeper batsman from Essequibo made his 49 from 96 balls, and had seven fours and one six to his

name.

Tyndall, Paul, Adams, Joshua Jones and Junior Sinclair each took one wicket.

The match will continue from

10:00h today at Providence, as Guyana Harpy Eagles continue to prepare for the restart of the Regional Four-Day Tournament, from May 18 in Trinidad.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

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

Guyana Harpy Eagles’ final practice match…

Chanderpaul compiles commanding century

Harpy Eagles are expected to depart for Trinidad shortly

Page 23

The Anand Premier League in India…

Page 22

Guyanese Jonathan Foo slams 61 and bags two for Samp Army

National Novices and Mr Linden bodybuilding Championships…

Bess impressed with talent showcased

GABBFF President, Keavon Bess

…Intermediate and Mr Berbice Page 23 Classic, CAC next on GABBFF agenda

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