Guyana Times - Wednesday May 26, 2021

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4659

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

President Ali urges unity as Guyana weathers postIndependence challenges Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GGMC Prosecutor charged for P8 bribery

Govt terminates $857M P23 Good Hope School contract – to institute legal proceedings; orders BK International to leave site immediately

– says National Awards to be announced shortly President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Culture Minister Charles Ramson Jr and Heads of the Joint Services on Tuesday evening at the flag-raising ceremony to usher in Guyana's 55th Independence Anniversary

Economic independence for Guyana a real possibility – Opposition Leader Page 5

...urges prudent management of oil resources Page 20

Haitian nationals not banned from entering Guyana – GPF Page 21

30 inmates of NA Prison trained in digital technology

17-year-old among 7 dead from COVID-19 …taking death toll to 368

See story on page 19

No evidence of gold entering Guyana’s supply chain from P28 Venezuela – VP Jagdeo ...working on re-establishing partnership with Royal Canadian Mint

P17 Chinese supermarket, others robbed by armed bandits Govt will not be a scapegoat P15 for M&CC mismanagement – President Ali ...says Central Govt remains committed to improving conditions in city

Relative arrested for allegedly P14 raping 11-year-old

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NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, May 26 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Thursday, May 27 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

President Ali urges unity as Guyana weathers post-Independence challenges – says National Awards to be announced shortly ly our elderly and vulnerable. However, the active participation of all is required to deploy the protective measures of masks, physical distancing, hand washing and using sanitisers.”

According to the President, 20 per cent of Guyanese have already been

Wednesday, May 26 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Thursday, May 27 – 17:00h – 18:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Expect thundery showers during the day. There will be light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 16:38h reaching a maximum height of 2.75 metres.

Low Tide: 10:10h and 22:24h reaching minimum heights of 0.3 metre and 0.5 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

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FREE TICKET TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

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DAILY MILLIONS

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COVID

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PAY DAY

PAY DAY FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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uyana celebrates 55 years of Independence today, with President Dr Irfaan Ali urging Guyanese to come together and be united as the country faces a myriad of post-independence challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his Independence Day address, President Ali noted that Independence was a celebration of a great victory won by the forefathers who all united to end colonialism and to fashion Guyana’s destiny. He noted the importance of Guyana uniting now.

“Now, it falls to us to keep faith with them and all the great Guyanese of our past.

To do so, we must recall the spirit of common purpose that motivated them. And in recalling that spirit, with pride and respect, we must commit to continue the journey they began, realising our hopes and aspirations for the future of our much-loved Guyana,” he said.

According to President

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President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at the flag-raising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday evening

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Ali, unity is also required if Guyana is to surmount the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world.

“Like every other country in the world, we are fighting an unseen but ever-present enemy in the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 16,000 of our people have been infected with the dreadful coronavirus and, sadly, over 360 of them have died. We mourn those deaths and sympathise with the families who have lost loved ones,” he said.

“I plead with all to help stop these deaths; stop the tears of anguish; stop the grief. Your Government has instituted measures to try to protect every person in Guyana, particular-

vaccinated… a significant accomplishment in a world where less than one per cent of people in the developing countries have access to vaccines, and where recent World Health Organisation (WHO) studies suggest that more than six million people have died globally.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

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

Guyana’s Independence T

he Dutch, English, and French established colonies in what is now known as Guyana, but, by the early 17th century, the majority of the settlements were Dutch. During the Napoleonic wars, Britain took over the Dutch colonies of Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, which became British Guiana in 1831.

British Guiana became a Crown colony in 1928, and in 1953 it was granted home rule. In 1950, Dr Cheddi Jagan became leader of the newly-formed People's Progressive Party (PPP), which struggled for human rights and Independence. In the 1953 elections, Dr Jagan was elected Chief Minister. The British, however, suspended the constitution and Government within months, and installed an interim Government. In 1955, the PPP split, with ambitious member LFS Burnham breaking off to create the People's National Congress (PNC). In 1961, Britain granted the colony autonomy, and Dr Jagan was elected Prime Minister (1961–1964). Strikes and rioting, later proven to be the result of covert operations, forced Dr Jagan to make compromises inimical to his leadership in efforts to save his supporters from destruction. In 1964, Burnham succeeded Dr Jagan as Prime Minister - a position he retained after the country gained full Independence on May 26, 1966. British Guiana was renamed Guyana after Independence.

Guyana was a land roamed by its indigenous peoples, who comprised several tribes that lived sustainably in the rainforests.

However, man’s lust for adventure and wealth brought the Europeans to these shores. With initial cajolery and barter, then trickery when they discovered the rich agrarian lands in these regions, the European nations tried to enslave the freedomloving native tribes, with scant success, to farm the riverine areas.

Subsequently, enslaved Africans were transported to these colonies to work on the sugar plantations. After manumission, satisfying their desperate need for freedom, with monies they had saved literally from the sweat of their brows, they bought lands and contrived village structures, and their endeavours at farming provided sustenance out of the plantation landscape.

This left the plantocracy in a quandary. They needed a workforce that could withstand the burning sun and labourintensive work of sugar cultivation and production; heralding the indenture of Chinese, Portuguese and Indians. However, only the Indians had the fortitude to work under the gruelling conditions imposed on the indentured servants. The Chinese and Portuguese became the merchant class.

These are the peoples who comprise the Guyanese nation.

The fact is that, even with the granting of the instruments of Independence by Great Britain, this country did not achieve real freedom, but was ruled by an iron fist under a dictatorship.

Down the corridors of Guyana’s history, the dictatorship continued to act in ways inimical to Guyana’s developmental trajectory, because the Guyanese people have become mere statistics – in the words of one politician, “collateral damage” in the drive of pseudo-leaders for self-aggrandisement/ empowerment and wealth-acquisition.

After 28 years of PNC rule, October 5, 1992 heralded the dawn of a new era as a PPP/C coalition Government – a combination of the PPP political construct and civil society, took the reins of administration, subsequent to which the country’s developmental paradigm began climbing on an upward trajectory that was near-miraculous.

The vehicle taking this nation on an inexorable climb toward eventual attainment of individual and national progress and prosperity was taken over by the PNC-led APNU/AFC in 2015.

Many questionable things happened during the period 20152020, forcing much discussion in Guyana as to whether the country was once again seeing the ghost of dictatorship of the past.

When PPP/C was restored to Government after agonising post elections of 2020, the Irfaan Ali-led administration once again was constrained to clean up the Augean stables that is the aftermath that is Guyana under PNC rule.

The success of this Herculean task is clearly visible as the visionary PPP/C leadership continues to guide this nation’s fortunes inexorably on an upward trajectory of social development and economic stability and growth.

August of 2020 conferred democratic norms and conventions once again restored to Guyana.

His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips and his wife, Mignon BowenPhillisp at the flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday at Kingston, Georgetown

Vic Persaud loved serving country Dear Editor, I knew Vic Persaud from the time he first became Chief of Protocol to the first of all the Presidents of Guyana whom he served. I have long regarded him as the very finest of public servants who have ever served our country,

and probably ever will.

As our President, in honouring Vic at the Brickdam Cathedral farewell for him, so aptly described him, he was an “exceptional professional with great integrity”.

Vic remained at his post much much longer than he

needed to have done, because he simply loved serving his country, and Guyana will always thank him and remember him. They say “no one is irreplaceable”. In the case of Vic Persaud, the service he gave his country, and the manner in which he gave it,

disproves that rule.

My deepest sympathy to his wife, his children, and all of his family. I thank you for sharing Vic with us. May he rest in peace.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Return the vehicle/s or be prosecuted

Dear Editor, I was really taken aback when Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during his last press conference, informed the nation that “some people connected to the (then) Government (A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change-APNU+AFC)” have been most exploitative and illegal in their dealings.

The VP pointed out that “…if they have a contract from the Ministry of Public Works for $2 million, they

get a Landcruiser for duty-free for the project…” then certain conditions kick on when the project is completed. The rule is that “… when vehicles are acquired under such duty-free terms, there are certain guidelines that apply in relation to a person/company keeping the imported item…” (that is) “When the project comes to an end, they are supposed to either…re-export it, or pay the taxes.”

This is so ‘scampish’, as we say in colloquial terms. I

hope that something will be done quickly about this situation, and that the perpetrators will be held accountable, and if necessary, the vehicle/s will be confiscated.

The reason is that not only is such a practice both immoral and illegal, but we are talking about “hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes are unpaid…by these friends of the former ministers, and now Members of Parliament.”

Generally, across the world, one may not use

Government purchasing authority or a Government charge card for personal acquisitions. The general rule is that when leaving Government service, one cannot remove Government property or files, and cannot even use Government copiers to make copies of files.

So, this ‘keeping the vehicle’ evil must be dealt with.

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

GECOM must act decisively on Lowenfield et al

Dear Editor, I am a son of this soil and a tax paying Guyanese who keeps abreast with the political, economic and social developments in this country.

And we are almost a year into the PPP’s term in office, and there is one question for which I am dying to know thye answer: Why are Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers and the embattled Region 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo still on the job or employed

by GECOM? And why is it “okay” with the powers that be at GECOM to have this state-of-affairs continue into oblivion? These officials cost us many sleepless nights and delayed our elections’ results, and tried to derail our democracy. These individuals preyed on our innocence and the fact that we put our collective trust in GECOM to get the results right the first time and declare them.

Is it a hard task to dismiss or fire them? Is it not wise to point out all the breaches

which they committed and severe ties with them? Help me to understand how these individuals are able to hold our electoral system to ransom and keep us in political gridlock.

Well, GECOM will have to find a way out of the hole that it is in, so that we can hold our Local Government Elections and General Elections too. I don’t think the PPP would go to another election with those persons at the helm, regardless of what GECOM or APNU+AFC says.

I don’t think the people of this country would stand for it!

I want to urge the Commission and the Secretariat to part ways with these individuals who caused the people to think “Guyana is not a real place or country” because of how it is handling these crimes.

Do it for the good of our democracy; do it for Guyana’s independence.

Sincerely, Attiya Baksh

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Economic independence for Guyana a real possibility – Opposition Leader ...urges prudent management of oil resources

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n the occasion of 55 years since Guyana gained political independence, the burgeoning oil and gas sector presents Guyana with a very real opportunity to achieve the economic independence that has been enjoyed by other oil-producing nations.

This is according to Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon in his Independence Day message.

According to him, it is important that Guyana prudently manages its oil and gas resources to ensure this economic independence is brought about.

“Today, for the first time in our history, economic independence is a real possibility given our abundant

oil and gas resources. This possibility, however, has come about when the issues of the negative global consequences of fossil fuels are a growing global concern.”

“The issues of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic could not be more present nationally and beyond. Guyana therefore has a sharpened responsibility to ensure that we mitigate the proven downside of oil by the responsible management of its extraction and the monies garnered from it,” Harmon said.

In contemplating what political independence in 1966 meant, Harmon noted that a number of freedoms were introduced that were important symbols of

nationhood. These included Guyana’s own national flag, national anthem, motto and other emblems. However, economic independence did not automatically follow.

“Guyana had a high standing in the international community as we chartered a course to pursue our national interest; we were dependable partners in the fight for decolonisation. The 55 years that followed independence were marked by significant points. But as was the case in many post-colonial countries of that era, we struggled across partisan and racially charged political lines to realise true independence.”

“Guyana’s population is less than a million. In light

President Ali urges unity as...

He also reminded that Guyana has already purchased tens of thousands of vaccines, and the Government is sparing no expense in buying more. According to him, the objective is to inoculate everyone from the COVID virus.

“The length of this battle depends on how soon each of us is fully vaccinated, liberating ourselves to return to a high level of normal life, and protecting others from infection. In the past, we have immunised generations of our people from measles, mumps, typhoid, polio, yellow fever, meningitis, diphtheria, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases, proving that vaccinations save lives.”

“I urge that we all recognise the value to our own lives, to the lives of our family and friends, to our livelihoods and to the betterment of our country by vaccinating to defeat the coronavirus, as we have defeated so many others in the past,” the President said.

New city

According to the President, the Government is hard at work as it is not only combating COVID-19, but also lifting Guyana’s healthcare to international standards. According to him, there is significant Private Sector interest in hospitals. Not only that, but the Government is also focused on other areas of advancement.

This includes free university education, improving educational infrastructure, energy, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

He noted that Guyana cannot be a nation that produces oil and gas which earns considerable sums of money without passing on the benefits to the people.

“Our financial resources must be utilised to improve

the quality of life for all our communities. We fought for Independence to give our people the quality of life of which they had been deprived. If Independence is to have any real meaning, it is to uplift our people from the ravages and limitations of the past, and to give them a better life with better opportunities under better circumstances,” the President said.

“We also need to build new communities further inland from our coastal belt to spread out our population, reduce prices for land and housing, and ease traffic congestion. In other words, we must use the land space with which we have been blessed as Guyanese to create new and improved living conditions. New areas of growth and population centres. That is why, apart from the infrastructure build-out upon which we are embarked, we will also establish a new city.”

According to Ali, the Government will incentivise the Private Sector and persons wishing to own their own homes to choose locations in the new city where the Government will also provide major facilities such as a hospital, schools and other community amenities.

“My fellow Guyanese, I have said it before, and I repeat it now. This is an exciting time, with exciting prospects. Every person in our society now has real economic opportunities to grow and develop, and to contribute to the enlargement of our national wealth.

“We are on the cusp of being an economically-strong Guyana, with opportunities for growth and development of all Guyanese. We want not only an economically-strong Guyana, we also want a powerful Guyanese nation in which there is no distinction of race, no determination by colour, no dif-

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ferentiation by creed.”

Awards

of decades of outward migration, it is incumbent, therefore, on the Government in particular, to offer security and a sustainable future to those Guyanese who have remained,” Harmon also said in his message.

When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, Harmon noted that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition will redouble its efforts and encourage all citizens to join the national push for increased vaccinations. He noted that Guyana cannot afford to lose another citizen.

“I take this opportunity to single out the efforts of the doctors, nurses and

The President also recalled that in the course of Guyana’s independent history, many persons contributed immensely to the social and economic development of our country and to the wider global society. He noted that it, therefore, behoves the country to celebrate their contributions.

“On this 55th anniversary of our Independence, it is right that we should honour some of these persons who have shown their devotion to Guyana and Guyanese, benefiting us all. Therefore, national awards, for their out-

standing contribution would be announced shortly. It is only we ourselves who can either spoil Guyana’s future or make it glorious.

“Our country will not be built by the negativity of naysayers, poor losers, and purveyors of destruction. I ask you to remember that our nation has endured and triumphed over colonialism and exploitation, over political differences, over social discord at home and challengers from abroad. Yet, we are still here, still living together, still working together, still looking toward tomorrow. It is our job to carry on this great enterprise.”

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$68.65/barrel

+0.28

Rough Rice

$219.38/ton

-0.36

London Sugar

$455.90/ton

+1.45

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1905.80

$1906.80

Low/High Change

$1873.00 +7.00

$1908.10 +0.37%

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

other health workers who have been at the forefront of our fight against this virus.

Today, they should be recognised as national heroes.

They go well beyond the call of duty to save lives and ensure essential services,” he said.

“I also take this opportunity to highlight the efforts of members of the Disaster Management Teams, Disciplined Service personnel, sanitation workers, delivery staff, transportation, and aviation personnel, providers of various services, Government employees, social service organisations, NGOs and generous citizens who have demonstrated solidarity and care for their fellow citizens.”

On the issue of social cohesion, Harmon said that social ills such as intolerance and bigotry must be dealt with decisively without blaming and shaming.

He urged that Guyana not sweep it back under the car-

pet, but rather commit at every level—personal, institutional, political, governmental, social—to consciously, resolutely, and patriotically rid our society of this divisive affliction.

“I cannot think of any Guyanese who does not recognise that ethnic insecurity has been the root of our historic barrier to nation building. This old colonial curse has been the mill stone to our joint and just development,” the Opposition Leader said.

“Finally, it is the generational duty of all Guyanese to commit to a model of economic development now that we have the financial resources, a model that should not replace the old masters with new masters who are even less concerned about our wellbeing.

We must raise our voices, commit to new efforts as we did some 55 years ago when we hoisted the Golden Arrowhead.”

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Foundation ◄ Tuesday’s answers

Question 1

From Pakaraima’s peaks of pow’r To Courentyne’s lush sands, Her children pledge each faithful hour To guard Guyana’s lands.

To foil the shock of rude invader Who’d violate her earth, To cherish and defend forever The State that gave them birth.

We’ll forge a nation’s mighty soul Construct a nation’s frame; Freedom our everlasting goal, Courage and truth our aim, Unyielding in our quest for peace Like ancient heroes brave, To strive and strive and never cease With Strength beyond the slave.

On the map of Guyana, pinpoint the general location of your community.

Guyana, climb the glorious perch To fame, prosperity; Join in the universal search For world-wide comity.

Your people what soe’er their breed Their hue or quality, With one firm never changing creed The nation’s unity.

WORD SEARCH

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8 NEWS GGMC Prosecutor charged for bribery T Independence…

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Prosecutor attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) who was arrested for bribery during a Police sting operation was on Tuesday released on $150,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Sherwin Crandon reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Kitty, Georgetown, he corruptly obtained 300,000 from Viveka Singh as an inducement for forbearing to prosecute and to cause the matter to be dismissed against

he revealed that in 2019, he was charged for illegal mining at Blackwater, Mahdia in Region Eight ( P o t a r o Siparuni).

The gold miner revealed that Crandon informed him that he was willing to dismiss the case if he was paid $300,000.

GGMC Prosecutor Sherwin Crandon The gold miner told inSingh for illegal mining.

It was reported that vestigators that the official Singh visited the Criminal agreed to meet with him Investigation Department around 16:00h on May 19, (CID) Headquarters where 2021, at a popular bar locat-

ed at Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, to collect the “bribe money”.

With this information, Police executed a sting operation during which Crandon, 44, of George Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown, was arrested. After a search was conducted on his person, the $300,000 was found.

The officer reportedly admitted that he was prosecuting an active matter against the gold miner and admitted that he collected money from the man. However, the Prosecutor reportedly told CID ranks that he was actually borrowing the money from the miner.

Crandon will make his next court appearance on June 8, 2021.

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…for whom? ell, here we are…Independence Day! When you woke up this morning, didn’t you feel that frisson of excitement coursing through your body? And jumped out of bed all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed? Or did you – like your Eyewitness – just wish you didn’t have to get up to face the same old trials and tribulations that make life in Guyana such a living hell?

Like risking life and limb – literally – to get to work in any part of the country. Does Independence mean we’ve achieved victory of mind over matter, and can hurl our vehicles into traffic with an abandon that defies the laws of physics, much less the traffic laws of the land? You’d think that after being ruled by the British for almost 200 years, we’d have picked up that quintessentially British habit of queuing up – whether at the market or at the DHB – wouldn’t you? But if you think that it means you’re still a hopeless colonial subject and don’t realise that Independence means you can – and SHOULD – “bore” to the head of any line! Or throw the wrapping of whatever you’ve just eaten out of your car windows…

Anyhow, your Eyewitness can hear you mutter, “Enough with the kvetching! Surely, there must be SOME positives that came out of our Independence.”

Well, it’s now three hours after he wrote that sentence, and he must confess he’s stumped! He was looking out his office windows. At Independence, Georgetown was such a beautiful city, with its canals and lovely colonial buildings. It was known far and wide as the “Garden City”. Now, City Hall is a living testament of its fall into the “Garbage City”. Never mind the dozens of multistoreyed boxes popping up all over the place. Obviously, their owners haven’t noticed the demise of shopping malls!

And let’s not get started on our living conditions. At Independence, our bauxite workers were some of the highest paid workers in the Caribbean. After 24 years of the PNC rule following Independence, look where they are now – even though they named their town after the dictator Burnham!! While the sugar workers were worse off in wages and working conditions, at least 28,000 of them still had jobs. Today, 7000 of the remaining 14,000 were thrown into the streets by the PNC when they shuttered more than half of the sugar plantations!

And your Eyewitness isn’t even going to mention the COVID-19 pandemic – which he was told is an “act of God?” – even as others insist it’s an act of the Chinese!

But the way things are going, that may be a distinction in search of a difference! Money makes the world go round!

And us Independent, no? …and togetherness At Independence, there was much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth at our “lack of unity”.

Some fella said we got a “state” but not a “nation”.

Meaning that the PPP had devised and the British had bequeathed a flag, a Motto, a Coat of Arms, a Constitution, a National Song etc – the paraphernalia of statehood – but we Guyanese were racially divided.

Ironically, the same people wringing their hands were the ones who’d actually CAUSED the divisions!!

In 1953, there were no divisions when the united PPP overwhelmingly won the elections, were there? It was only when Burnham pulled out – after he demanded “leader or nothing” – that the serpent of division entered our politics.

And that position has never left the PNC he created in his image, has it? Democracy means taking a chance and convincing the majority of the people to vote for you. But, for the PNC, that means they MIGHT lose.

And this they’ll never accept. So, the divisions will always be there! …and blackouts GPL announced they’re about to install another 46MW of generating capacity to our grid. And we know 250MW will be added at Wales. But does this mean the end of blackouts? Independence?

Not if the transmission isn’t fixed?

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

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14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Relative arrested for allegedly raping 11-year-old A

close family member of an 11-year-old girl was taken into custody for allegedly raping her on several occasions in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). Based on reports received, the sexual assaults were committed between August 2020 and May 2021.

Police stated that the sexual predator would continuously have sex with the child, who would report same to her mother but she was reportedly scolded for doing so. After the complaints to her mother fell on deaf ears, she reportedly confided in another fam-

ily member and the matter was reported to the Police.

As such, the child was taken to the hospital where a medical examination was conducted which proved that she was sexually active. The suspect was subsequently arrested as investigations continue.

Reports of child rape continue to increase based on information released by the Guyana Police Force.

Thus far for 2021, there have been several reports of rape allegedly committed on underage girls by grown men, including close relatives.

In some instances, it

was reported that the rape resulted in pregnancy. In late February, a close relative of a 10-year-old girl was arrested by the Police after he allegedly raped her while she was left in his care.

The child was reportedly left unconscious after the incident.

It was reported that after the man committed the act, he reportedly threatened to kill the child if she reported the matter to anyone. Nevertheless, the violated child confided in her grandmother, who immediately lodged a report at the nearest Police station.

Also in February, it was reported that a 12-yearold girl from North West District (NWD) was pregnant after she was allegedly raped by a man over a period of time. It was reported that the incident took place in 2020. The Police, at the time, confirmed that the girl was five months pregnant.

In March last, a security guard from Region One was taken into Police custody for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.

Meanwhile, in early April, the Police Force announced that an investigation into the rape of two

underage girls in Region One (Barima-Waini) was ongoing. Police said that the two girls under the age of 16 had been raped by adult males on different occasions. One of the girls was allegedly raped several times by a close family member.

According to Police, the suspect began engaging in sexual activity with the minor during December 2020 and committed the offence several times after. The girl eventually confided in a female relative, who immediately reported the matter to the Police In the second incident,

the Police said the child alleged that on April 6, she was sexually assaulted.

The victim immediately informed a parent who subsequently reported the matter to Police. At the time of the report, checks were made for the suspect but he was not found.

And on Friday, the GPF said that its ranks in Region One are currently investigating another case of sexual activity with a child by a family member.

The perpetrators in these cases are normally prosecuted and the matters are heard in-camera.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt will not be a scapegoat for M&CC mismanagement – President Ali ...says Central Govt remains committed to improving conditions in city

P

resident Irfaan Ali said that while the welfare of the city remains paramount, Government will not allow itself to be used as a scapegoat when the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) fails in fulfilling its responsibility and mandate.

These were the sentiments of the Head of State as he responded to a recent statement made by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine in which he claimed that the President is starving the Mayor and City Council of resources.

“Let me be very clear, this Government cares tremendously about our city, but we will not allow ourselves to be used as a scapegoat in the city not fulfilling its responsibility and mandate or in the city converting everything into political opportunism or a political football. As President, we’re not going to allow the Mayor to get away with a statement like this.”

Central Government to the rescue

The President reiterated that whilst the City Council is not fulfilling its responsibilities in the maintenance of the environment and its infrastructure and the cleaning of drains, Central Government has embarked on a massive programme to clean the city, to clean and maintain the roadways, establish roundabouts, and maintain drainage.

“We have invested in pumps to ensure, as far as possible, we have improved the drainage situation in the city to prevent flooding. These are the necessary investments because as a Government the city reflects who we are as a country too. But the mismanagement of the City Council cannot be passed on to Central Government.

And we have to address this; we have to address this honestly.”

He pointed to the array of programmes already implemented to engage communities in the cleaning-up of various wards in the city, including South Georgetown, Sophia and Albouystown.

“But this is the responsibility of the City Council, and the City Council continues to fail the people of the city and every time they fail the people of the city, they try to pass the buck on or pass the burden on.”

The President added too that the Government is fully committed to ensuring that City Hall is restored.

“That is a project we have budgeted resources for in the budget and we are going to work on implementing.”

Record of discrepancies

President Ali reminded that Central Government has a responsibility to en-

sure that resources are spent for what they are budgeted for and to ensure that there is accountability and transparency. He pointed to the discrepancies uncovered at City Hall over the years.

“In accordance with Section 177 of Chapter 28:01 of the Laws of Guyana, the Council is required to prepare accounts yearly and submit same for audit no later than four months after the end of the year. The Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown has breached this provision and continues to do so.”

He highlighted that in 2004, in the last audited financial statement, a disclaimer of opinion was issued by the Auditor General – a disclaimer is where the information submitted cannot stand up to scrutiny; in 2005, again a disclaimer opinion was issued; 2006 to 2011, no financial statements were submitted; 2012 to 2015 financial statements were submitted but the information required could not have allowed auditors to express an opinion; 2016 to 2020, again, no financial statements were submitted for the period.

President Ali also revealed that in 2019, following an investigation of the M&CC, several discrepancies were revealed and reported to the Audit Office.

These include failure to remit workers’ National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, failure to remit workers’ Credit Union contributions, failure to remit workers’ Guyana Revenue Authority Pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E) deductions, failure to effect payment of retirement benefits (gratuity) to a number of workers, issues surrounding the number of contracts in keeping with financial regulations, transparency, and accountability, waiver of rates and taxes, rental of wharf facilities and the granting of leases.

He added that as recent as March of 2021, a special audit commenced, and again similar issues were uncovered with regard to the National Insurance Scheme, Guyana Revenue Authority, and monies not paid over.

“All of these were issues highlighted, where transparency, accountability and clear violations and breaches were found, yet, Central Government continues to transfer resources to the city. But how long must we, as a people, and as a Government allow this blatant disregard for transparency and accountability, this blatant disregard for the rules and laws governing the financial accountability of the Mayor and City Council? There must come a time when things will come to a head and these things have to be fixed. We cannot contin-

President Irfaan Ali

ue this level of mismanagement.”

President Ali reiterated that while his Government is desirous of “nothing short of an excellent relationship with the city”, it will not be blamed for the city’s mismanagement nor will they disregard all of these discrepancies over the years and continue to transfer money blindly while knowing of all of the irregularities.

“So, I just want to make it very, very clear, that we want a partnership for the development of the city, but

we cannot allow the City Council to continue to blatantly disregard what is out there in terms of its responsibility and in terms of its fiduciary responsibility. And we will not allow the Central Government to be used as a political football. Notwithstanding all of this, we are moving forward with a plan and programme to improve the welfare, well-being, living conditions, and standard of the people of the city and those who use the city and we are sparing no resources in achieving this.”

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Chinese supermarket, others robbed by armed bandits

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he Police are investigating several armed robberies which occurred over the past two days where persons were relieved of their valuables.

Police stated that on Monday, a businessmen and a security guard were attacked and robbed by three gunmen who invaded the RI RI FU supermarket at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Based on reports received, about 07:20h on the day in question, the businessman opened the supermarket and went to the cash register where he observed three men walking into the establishment.

The Police stated that the men assaulted the unarmed security guard, causing him to fall to the floor. The perpetrators then tied him up along with the businessman, and placed them on the floor but not before terrorising the businessman.

The bandits eventually made off with $660,000 in cash; a quantity of Digicel phone cards valued $120,000; and three cell phones.

A female employee, after arriving at work, discovered the men lying on the ground and as such untied them.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Police.

Also on Monday, a 31-year-old taxi driver attached to the GR Taxi Service was robbed by three armed bandits who posed as passengers.

The incident occurred at around 19:45h at First Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

Based on reports gathered, the taxi driver picked up two men and a woman who requested to be taken to Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

Upon their arrival at their destination, one of the suspects, who was seated in the front passenger seat, placed the gearstick into park. At that time, one of them held the taxi driver at gunpoint while the other two suspects searched the vehicle.

The men relieved the man of a Samsung J7 smartphone, and black wallet containing $10,000 in cash and documents.

One of the perpetrators then lashed the taxi driver to his head after which they made good their escape on foot. A report was made at the Agricola Police Outpost.

However, during a Police patrol, the victim pointed out one of the suspects. He was arrested and is assisting Police in their investigations.

Meanwhile, also on Monday, an Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) woman was robbed of her jewellery while at the Enmore bus park in Georgetown.

Police stated that the victim was reportedly sitting in a parked minibus when the bandit pushed his hand through the window and grabbed the gold band she was wearing at the time.

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19 May is now deadliest month with 67 COVID deaths NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as 7 more die, taking death toll to 368

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even persons, including a 17-year-old boy, who tested positive for COVID-19 have died, thus taking the death toll to a whopping 368. With the new deaths, May is now the deadliest month, with 67 recorded deaths.

April, up to Monday, was deemed the deadliest month, with 66 persons dying due to COVID-19.

The latest victims were two women, a 63-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 53-year-old from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). They reportedly died on Saturday.

Then on Sunday, a 58-yearold female from Region Four and a 76-year-old from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) succumbed.

On Monday, three males: a 17-year-old from Region Four, a 78-year-old from Region Five and a 75-yearold from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) died.

These patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at the respective medical institutions.

Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive.

New statistics provided by the Health Ministry on Tuesday showed that 85 new cases were detected in one day. This means the total confirmed cases in the country have now increased to 16,320.

There are 19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 94 in institutional isolation, 1783 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine.

Some 14,053 of the 8115 males and 8205 females that tested positive have since recovered. Guyana has tested 147,283 persons since the virus was detected here.

An analysis of new cases showed that two cases were reported in Region One (Barima-Waini); 19 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 43 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); six in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); five in

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), eight in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and one in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Cases remained the same in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) at 456 and 732, respectively.

Meanwhile, 187,234 persons have received their first dose of the vaccine which is equivalent to 38.5 per cent of the adult population. From this number, 58,380 are completely immunised.

This was shared by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday’s briefing. He added “We are increasing steadily, nationally and in some regions. Every region is doing better. Region 10 at one point, we were at nine per cent. That has increased marginally. We have a lot more work to be done in Region 10 and we appeal to everyone to come out and get their vaccines.”

He added that the vaccines have proven to return countries to normalcy if a significant percentage of the population is immunised. Guyana can mirror these results if people take the shots.

“These countries that have substantially immunised their population are showing that this is possible. The United States, Israel are good examples of the power of vaccination. Having seen those examples, we can do the same because the Government of Guyana has committed to procuring vaccines for everyone, every adult in Guyana. There is no excuse why you shouldn’t come and get your vaccines,” the Minister reiterated.

Today, another vaccination outreach will be done at the Guyana National Stadium commencing at 09:00h.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

20 NEWS 30 inmates of New Amsterdam Prison trained in digital technology T WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

hirty inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison completed a 15-week Digital Skills Training Programme organised by the Home Affairs Ministry’s Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), in collaboration with Avasant Foundation of the United States of America

(USA).

The programme was funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) with the main objective of aiding the rehabilitation and social transformation of the inmates upon their return to society.

The inmates received training in Web

Design and Development, Entrepreneurship, Office 365, Leadership Skills and Social Behaviour, Customer Service, Communications, Sales and Marketing, Mathematics and English.

At a simple ceremony on Friday last at the New Amsterdam Prison, Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon

The inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison with officials on Friday

Elliot congratulated the inmates.

Elliot noted that the Guyana Prison Service is on a trajectory to improve the image of the organisation, through fulfilling the mandate of providing skills training opportunities for inmates, aiding their rehabilitation and better equipping them to make meaningful contributions to society upon re-entry.

The Project Manager of the CSSP, Vishraj Singh, also commended the inmates for their commitment and determination towards achieving a major milestone.

He encouraged them to always push themselves to achieve more and reminded them that knowledge is pow-

er and education is the key to success.

Meanwhile, IDB’s country representative, Sophie Makonnen, who joined the ceremony virtually, acknowledged the work of the Government of Guyana in the rehabilitation of inmates.

She emphasised the importance of the Digital Skills Training Programme, noting that digital skills are no longer an option in the world today but an imperative.

Several inmates during the ceremony expressed their gratitude for the Digital Skills Training Programme, noting that they would have learnt many skills for the first time, such as designing a web page among others.

Woman struck down by car while attempting to cross road

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65-year-old woman is currently hospitalised after she allegedly walked into the path of a motor car on Monday evening along the La Penitence Public Road, Georgetown.

Police said that at the time of the accident, the car was being driven by a 65-year-old resident of Wortmanville.

According to reports, the motor car was driving along the La Penitence Public Road when the now injured woman attempted to cross the road and walked into the path of the said motor car.

As a result, the left side of the front of the motor car came into contact with the woman, who fell into a nearby drain where she sustained injuries.

She was then picked up in a conscious condition by the driver with the help of EMT technicians, placed into an ambulance and tak-

en to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was seen and examined by a doctor, who treated and admitted her as a patient.

Based on reports received, she is suffering from a broken right knee.

Following the accident, a notice of intended prosecution was served on the driver. He remains in custody assisting with investigations.

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Haitian nationals not banned from entering Guyana – GPF

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ollowing an article that was published by another section of the media on Tuesday, which stated that Guyana has placed an immediate ban on Haitian nationals coming to the country, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since condemned the “irresponsible and mischievous” report.

The article stated that the ban was communicated to Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie by Minister

of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Tuesday morning.

However, in response, the GPF stated that it has not been directed by any authority, neither has the Commissioner of Police been instructed by the Home Affairs Minister to ban Haitian nationals from entering Guyana.

“There is no ban on Haitian nationals seeking to enter Guyana. The Police Force is categorically refuting such allegations which

are being peddled on social media by irresponsible, mischievous and misleading media reporting,” the statement read.

In fact, the Police clarified that between Sunday, May 23, and Monday, May 24, 2020, a total of 17 of 61 Haitian nationals who had arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, were refused entry into the country since they

did not satisfy immigration requirements.

“Having not been landed, the 17 Haitians have been kept at the airport awaiting a return flight to their Port of Embarkation for their journey to Guyana. They have since departed aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight from the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, at 14:40h on Tuesday,” the Police stated in a release to the media.

Further, the Police stat-

ed that those who were detained were fed and accom-

modated by the airline and the Home Affairs Ministry.

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COVID-19 challenges

UNICEF calls on CXC to adjust exam plans, content

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he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has made an appeal for the upcoming Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations to be adjusted and the current design modified to ensure that students are not further disadvantaged during the pandemic.

Students will be sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) this year under the same traditional concept used by the exam body for years.

In a statement signed by Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Nicholas Pron as well as other regional counterparts, calls were made for CXC and the Education Ministers to simplify the content.

“UNICEF is calling on CXC and the Ministers of Education to make adjustments to the content and administration of these exams, in line with recommendations provided by the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) to ensure that the Region’s school students are not further disadvantaged,” the agency noted.

It was recognised that efforts were made already to reduce certain requirements for these examinations and making concessions. This includes providing the topics for the papers, extending

submission dates for some subjects, facilitating deferments to 2022 if students meet specific criteria as well as current discussion to postpone the exams. However, there are still a number of issues which require more substantial changes and flexibility.

No changes have been made for the Paper One, which will still cover the entire syllabus, and no clear structure on how those students who choose to defer will be supported to sit the exams at a later date in 2022.

In addition, natural disas-

ters such as the recent eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent have had an additional negative impact on the learning of thousands of students.

“As we are aware, the current pandemic context has further exacerbated the gaps in preparedness amongst the most disadvantaged students. This year, there is a higher risk of those students in vulnerable conditions never sitting the exams. This could seriously affect not only their further education at higher secondary or tertiary levels, but their future,” UNICEF said.

It added, “As these high stakes exams are scheduled to proceed amidst a significant disruption to schooling at varying degrees across the Caribbean since early 2020, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and continued partial

or full school closures, the heightened risk of being further left behind, in particular students from lower-income households, who continue to experience major challenges in accessing online learning is an important consideration.”

It was pointed out that teachers, parents, and students themselves repeatedly expressed their worries about the low levels of preparedness, as the pandemic and the related impact on education prevented students from attaining learning outcomes as desired. If the ex-

ams were to be implemented as decided, the main concern is the low level of preparedness could affect thousands of students across the Region.

“Given these circumstances, UNICEF is calling for an equitable approach to these critical examinations, which takes into account the unequal access to learning due to the digital divide, the reduced curriculum coverage, and the high psycho-emotional stress, among other consequences of the prolonged school closure due to the pandemic,” the statement advised. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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Govt terminates $857M Good Hope School contract – to institute legal proceedings; orders BK International to leave site immediately

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K International is once again in the spotlight, this time with the Government’s decision on Monday to terminate the company’s $857 million contract to construct the Good Hope Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

According to correspondence from Attorney General and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, which was addressed to BK’s owner Brian Tiwarie, the $857 million contract (US$4 million) is being terminated on the grounds of fundamental breaches in the contract such as not maintaining a security bond and delays.

“The Government of Guyana intends to institute legal proceedings against BK International Incorporated to enforce all the provisions of the said contract and shall claim compensation and liquidated damages for the breaches thereof occasioned,” the letter said.

“Please vacate the site immediately.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education has been instructed to take possession of the site immediately,” Nandlall also informed the businessman in the letter.

The contract for the Good Hope Secondary School was awarded to BK since October 2018, under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government and was supposed to have been completed since January 2020.

However, there has been talk of challenges faced by the contractor.

Like the state-of-the-

art $1 billion Westminster Secondary School that was completed in April 2021, funding for the Good Hope Secondary School was provided by the World Bank under the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP). The school was supposed to have the capacity for 800 students and ought to have included classrooms to cater for students with disabilities and modern Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET).

Back in April, Education Minister Priya Manickchand had updated the media on the Good Hope Secondary School where she stated that the construction process continued to present challenges, but she was hopeful that the school could also be ready for September to serve the students of Region Four. The Minister had also said that the completion of the Good Hope Secondary School would allow the Ministry to close all Primary Tops on the East Coast of Demerara.

The Good Hope Secondary School is not the only school whose construction was plagued with problems when the PPP entered office. Nor is it the only school contract that has been pulled from BK International due to contractual breaches. On assuming office in August 2020, the Education Minister had stressed Government’s zero tolerance for delayed works and warned contractors to ensure that work was done within the contractual time line.

In November of last year, the Legal Affairs Ministry had cause to terminate a number of contracts in-

UNICEF calls on...

CXC and the subject Ministers were asked to further simplify the content and the methodology of the exams across all subjects and adapt the timeline to the challenges currently faced by the students to ensure equitable accessibility and participation for every student.

This includes, as per the CUT recommendations, that Paper One should only test rationalised topics that are tested in Paper Two and not the entire syllabi as the said syllabi would not have been completed; removing all hurdles in Paper Two including compulsory questions and ensuring that no one question item should test two or more content areas.

Recommendations also called for an extended start of the examination by three weeks and release of the rationalised board topics immediately to students and teachers in order to facilitate effective preparation.

The suggestions continued, “Children who are participating in exams in 2021, regardless of the form the exam takes, should be provided with support to ensure they are mentally prepared and have the tools to deal

FROM PAGE 22

with the added stress of being examined at this time…

Governments should guarantee that all children who decide to defer the sitting of exams to 2022 will automatically continue to be registered at their current schools.”

Where a student defers his/her exams to 2022, UNCEF said provisions should be made to ensure financial costs related to schooling are minimised.

Services for children who benefited from social protection programmes for which their eligibility is based on age or school attendance, which would have ended in 2021, should be continued.

“These are unprecedented times and will collectively require us to adapt and recreate normalcy and routine, for the many lives disrupted. A moment like this calls for innovative approaches, to stem the effects of COVID-19 on generations to come.

UNICEF stands committed to support ongoing efforts whilst making the call for equity and inclusivity, especially for those children and young people, who are now at heightened risk of being left behind.”

BK’s Brian Tiwarie has had another contract pulled from him

herited from the previous Government which had been delayed and for which the costs had become inflated.

One such contract was BK’s

contract to construct the Yarrowkabra Secondary School.

The Attorney General wrote the contractor a letter dated November 1, 2020, terminating the Yarrowkabra Secondary School contract.

However, the Education Ministry only managed to take control of the site after contactor BK International finally vacated the location weeks later.

Nandlall had contended in the letter that the company had committed a fundamental breach of the terms of the contract and as a result, the Government of Guyana exercised its right to terminate the contract. In the said letter, the contractor was advised to remove all machinery and equipment from the site.

But on November 10,

2020, the consultancy firm visited the site and observed that the company was still progressing with works despite the contract being terminated. In a letter dated November 11, 2020, the consultancy firm wrote the Managing Director of BK International Inc, Brian Tiwarie, informing him that pursuant to Clause 40.5 [Termination] “the contractor is to stop the works immediately, make the site safe and secure and leave the site as soon as reasonably possible.”

Another school contract that had to be terminated was one for the construction of the St Roses High School.

The contract for this project was awarded since August of 2018. However, the contractor only managed to complete a small fraction of

the works it was contracted to do.

Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited (CBCSL), the contractor that was initially awarded the over $350 million contract through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to construct the school, was subsequently booted off the project.

It was revealed in November that Nandlall on behalf of the Government, wrote to the company informing them that the contract was being terminated on the grounds that they had failed to complete the project in a timely manner and in accordance with work schedules. Government has since announced that it is settling out of court with Courtney Benn Contracting.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Small States need greater access to financing – Ali tells UN Roundtable ….if Paris climate accord, Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has warned a United Nations Roundtable on the extractive sectors that greater access to financing from the global community is imperative for small States such as Guyana, if the ambitious goals of the Paris climate accord and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be realised.

During his virtual address to the Roundtable, President Ali said that the success of Guyana’s efforts would depend on the degree of international support it received when it came to financing for development and climate action. Guyana, he noted, is similar to other small States in this regard.

“Without greater access to financing, efforts by small States to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Agenda will be derailed,” President Ali said.

“Guyana, therefore, takes this opportunity to reiterate its appeal for the

full implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development; greater grant-based financing for adaptation, and the establishment of a Climate Change Vulnerability Fund and greater ambitions under the National Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement on climate change,” the Head of State declared.

The President also urged that the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) mechanism be operationalised so that Guyana could continue trading in carbon credits.

This is a programme that Norway established via an agreement with Guyana in 2010. According to the programme, Norway agreed to pay Guyana US$250 million over a period of time for maintaining its low deforestation rates.

“The extractive sectors are pivotal to the post-pan-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

demic recovery. I do believe that there is a model for sustainably developing these sectors in a manner that would contribute to mitigating climate change. I wish to share with you, briefly, one such model which Guyana is pursuing,” President Ali said.

“For many small States like my country, Guyana, the extractive sectors re-

main an important economic lifeline. They are vital sources of investment, growth, and foreign exchange to support the livelihoods of large numbers of our citizens.

Nevertheless, we also recognise the imperative of mainstreaming environmental protection and sustainable practices within those sectors.”

The President also noted that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) prioritises actions and “aims to transform Guyana’s economy on to a low-carbon, sustainable-development trajectory, while simultaneously combating climate change”.

He explained that by Guyana adopting this strategy, local forests would continue to provide environmental services to help in mitigating climate change.

“The LCDS promotes the sustainable development of our extractive sectors in order to ensure low levels of deforestation and forest degradation. The Strategy is an

example of the type of action being taken by small States to help reduce their carbon footprint and provide the world with environmental and ecosystem services whilst fostering sustainable development.

“The convening of this Roundtable is an acknowledgement of the importance of the extractive sectors to global recovery. With the support of the international community, including the United Nations system, the extractive sectors can provide the surety that post-pandemic recovery does not derail sustainable development or the efforts to stem the climate crisis.”

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is presently aiming to implement Phase Two of the LCDS. As such, it has been re-engaging the Kingdom of Norway, which was the source of the funds with which Guyana planned to implement various developmental projects, including the Amaila Falls

Hydropower Project.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had confirmed in March that Government had already re-engaged Norway to start Phase Two of the LCDS, which had been replaced by the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

At a press conference last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said the LCDS would be the main document guiding the country’s climate actions. He had also said that the LCDS would be expanded in the areas of biodiversity, water management, and other sectors.

Jagdeo had added that the Government was creating a coordinated and efficient mechanism to deal with all climate and environment-related issues. In this regard, the Government had merged the Office of Climate Change and the Department of the Environment.

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“Our historical partnership is being further strengthened” – India tells Guyana on Independence Anniversary …Caricom lauds Guyana as a valued regional member

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ndian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa in his congratulatory message to President Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana for Independence Day pointed towards renewed partnerships between the two countries since the formation of their historical relationship.

In his statement, the diplomat said India is committed to cooperation and support in key areas that will enhance the country’s socioeconomic fabric.

“Our historical partnership is being further strengthened by new projects and I sincerely believe that the Guyanese path to development and progress will have India as its partner in various sectors.

Strengthening more people-to-people ties, assistance in skills and upgrading capacity building, especially in key sectors like agriculture, education, oil and gas, MSMEs will be a cornerstone of our relationship,” the High Commissioner penned.

In addition, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) also congratulated Guyana on the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary.

In his message, the Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, lauded the country’s pivotal role in shaping the regional integration movement.

“Guyana has progressed markedly since becoming a nation. Guyanese have made their mark globally

in diplomacy, the arts, academia and sport. A valued member of the Caribbean Community from its inception, Guyana has played a pivotal role in shaping our regional integration movement. In addition, being host of the Headquarters of the Caricom Secretariat confers both a symbolic and a physical dimension to the centrality of its role.”

It went on to say that the Community looks forward to Guyana’s continued contributions, especially in capacity as the Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture and Food Security in the Quasi Cabinet of the Conference of Heads of Government.

“Those priority areas have taken on increased im-

portance under your leadership, as the Community seeks to address and recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Excellency, the Caribbean

Community pledges its continued support and commitment to the people and Government of Guyana, especially in relation to the preservation of the coun-

try’s territorial integrity. We extend our best wishes for the prosperity and security of Guyana on this momentous occasion and beyond,” LaRocque added.

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GTUC calls for “New era of transformational development beckons” – PPP/C joining of hands to redouble efforts O in nation-building T n the mark of 55 years since Guyana rose as an independent state, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic says the country is unleashing its vast potential within reach as it stands on the cusp of unprecedented transformational development.

It is now a time when the ‘new era of transformational development beckons’, and selfless struggles remain a revered source of inspiration in moving the country forward.

In a statement, the PPP/C said, “Our developmental trajectory has, undoubtedly, imbued all Guyanese with a tremendous sense of optimism, pride, expectation, and confidence that our individual and collective dreams and aspirations for a prosperous nation will be realised.”

The Party went on to say that the 55 years since the Golden Arrowhead was first hoisted in May 1966 were not without challenges. But with resiliency, the people managed to overcome dark periods in Guyana’s histo-

ry.

“Our nation and its people were tested at various points, but on every occasion, despite the severity of what

confronted us, our resilience and indomitable will to rise to those challenges and to forge ahead prevailed.

It is demonstrative of our resoluteness as a people to work assiduously and to sustain our efforts to build a brighter future for all.”

Within this same time, the Party added, there were periods when much was achieved – a period that saw our physical and social infrastructures being transformed through sustained

growth and development – and there were periods of regression.

“There were periods when our freedoms were suppressed and periods when they were restored.

There were periods when pride was lost and periods when it returned after relentless struggles.

However, throughout these times, our people never allowed hope to slip away, and remained steadfast in their commitment to nation-building and the advancement of all.”

It added, “The fact that our freedom and nascent democracy were vigorously defended is testimony to our collective resolve and the value we, as a people, attached to our democratic principles. This is not dissimilar to the values which those who led the struggles and fought valiantly for Independence would have attached to breaking the shackles of colonialism.”

Discontinue creating obstacles to undermine democracy – GAWU

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in its message, said this is a time for reflection of the consensus among leaders that ‘we needed to shed the constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped’.

“Independence brought us, and we joyfully welcomed our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities for a free and prosperous future. The onus was now ours to chart our own course, and it was recognised that national independence needed to be strengthened by economic independence and social justice,” GAWU noted.

It was pointed out that Guyana has made significant strides since its Independence coronation, with suc-

cess across several sectors on both the local and international stages.

“Though disheartened by the nefar- i o u s efforts of a few, we are heartened by the expressions of our people to protect and consolidate our democratic foundation.

Today, our Union stands in support of reforms that will enhance our democracy in our people’s interest and well-being.

As an independent nation, we have faced trails and setbacks of one kind or another, punctuated by periods of marking time, economic and social

decline, at the same time, we recognise there have been very many significant achievements in o u r endeavours to overcome the negative legacy of colonialism and fulfill our development obligations.”

Apart from the question of economic and social advancement, GAWU said there is need to discontinue acts and obstacles which undermine the fragile democracy, measures that bring hardships on working people. It also called for an involved approach in the decision-making process at various levels of our society.

We must remember those who protect the nation from COVID –PNC

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he People’s National Congress shared similar sentiments, as it noted, “Guyana was able to make a good start as an independent nation, despite emerging from the worst period of civil violence, economic bankruptcy and political turmoil. It became respected

for its efforts at advancing the cause of the small

developing states, particularly in Africa, the

Caribbean and the Pacific.”

The party added that Independence Day is a reminder to the nation of the debt to doctors, nurses and other workers in the public health system that have been protecting people from the pandemic.

he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) added that this country is a nation founded on the principle that despite different historical experiences, and having people from different places, everyone must be able to peacefully co-exit, equally participate in the business of the state, and enjoy exact protection under the laws.

“The aspirational ambition to forge “One People One Nation One Destiny” out of diverse experiences but common humanity remains

elusive. And to the extent where this exists, the very foundation that spurred the fight for nationhood is being threatened.

“The GTUC therefore takes the opportunity to call on every worker, every citizen, to let us join hands in redoubling our efforts to build a nation, borne out of a history that “…our heroes of yore, /Both bondsmen and free, laid their bones on your shore. / This soil so they hallowed, and from them are we…" Guyana belongs to all of us,” it said in a statement.

We must remember the freedom that was birthed out of patriotic struggle – ERC

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eanwhile, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) recognised that the attainment of our Independence entailed a prolonged period of sustained struggles by many patriotic sons and daughters.

“Their selfless efforts were focused on the betterment of all of their compatriots; for the realisation of a nation free from the bonds of colonialism, and one that will always remain the cherished home of its diverse people. Their success remains that beacon of inspiration, epitomising what can be achieved when we work together in the best interest of Guyana and Guyanese.”

Every anniversary,

it said, brings that pertinent reminder of the freedom that was birthed out of patriotic struggle sustained by the underlying bonds of brotherhood.

“It is those bonds that we all must endeavour to build upon and strengthen, so as to expunge the seeds of division from our society. While our history will reflect the challenges in this regard, it must also serve as an impetus to fortify us with tolerance, to fully understand and appreciate our invaluable diversity, and what it means to us as a nation. This enhances our capacity to shed prejudices, thereby creating an environment in which harmony can prevail,” the Commission relayed.

28 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No evidence of gold entering Guyana’s supply chain from Venezuela – VP Jagdeo

...working on re-establishing partnership with Royal Canadian Mint

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ollowing allegations last year of gold being smuggled into Guyana from its Spanish-speaking neighbour, Vice President Bharrat

Jagdeo has stated no evidence has been found of gold entering Guyana from Venezuela.

He made this pronouncement during a press confer-

ence on Friday. It follows reports back in October that the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) was investigating reports of gold from the neighbour-

ing country being smuggled through Guyana. At the time, however, Government had said no evidence of this was found.

“We have been looking at a situation… there were claims that gold from Venezuela was coming into [Guyana] but… we’ve found no evidence of that,” the Vice President said during the press conference.

Further, the Vice President said Guyana’s relationship with the Royal Canadian Mint is still not fully repaired. He explained that in addition to the allegation, “there were oth-

er issues about cost for them to do it and stuff like that.”

Back in October, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had said that there was no substantial evidence of gold smuggling into Guyana.

In fact, the Minister had noted that there is evidence to say the opposite.

“As it is now, there is no substantial evidence to point to gold coming across the border from Venezuela. If you ask me if there is enough evidence to say the opposite, that Guyana gold is leaving our borders and going to Brazil

and Venezuela. That is happening right now, which we’re trying to deal with,” Bharrat had told reporters.

The Minister had pointed out that it would be difficult to differentiate between gold originating in Guyana and in Venezuela but noted that there were concerns expressed by local dealers and the Royal Canadian Mint, which refines Guyana’s gold.

“The Gold Board is looking at previous declarations and other information they have on dealers. And they are satisfied that at this point, it is not true that gold is coming from Venezuela,” the Minister said at the time.

Last year, small- and medium-scale miners dominated gold declarations. They increased their production to 485,552 ounces of gold for the year 2020 – representing 75 per cent of the country’s total production. 584,291 ounces of gold were declared to the Guyana Gold Board in 2020.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Narine’s 164 & 2-32 blindside Intruders – Dhanpaul, Vantull, Patadin also contributed gun, as even they knew that the total was impossible to chase. They still had to make an effort, but the Majestics not only boasted good batters, but bowling as well.

The Majestics were able to restrict their opponents to 129 all out in 27 overs, with Dhanpaul bagging figures of 2 for 6, Narine bagging 2 for 32, Danniram Sewnarain bagging 3 for 12; while Robin Rooplall, Shafeek Khan and Saadiq Khan each bagged a wicket.

This is the fourth week of the competition, and the Damion Vantull scored 45 runs off 14 balls

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ver the course of the last weekend, the action continued in the Caribbean Fest 40-Over Tournament 2021 with the Majestics Cricket Club battling their Intruders counterparts in a one-sided affair at the Cunningham Park on 73rd Avenue.

In the end, a brilliant all-round performance from Derick Narine, Avi Dhanpual and Damion Vantull saw Majestics over the line.

The red-hot Chris Patadin scored a quickfire 46

Avi Dhanpaul scored 37 and bagged 2-6

With the game reduced to 30 overs because of the blistering 94-degree temperature, the Majestics side took early control of the game when Chris Patadin scored a quickfire 46 off 27 balls, inclusive of 9 boundaries and one maximum, while Narine completely stole the show by producing 164 majestic runs off 62 deliveries, inclusive of 21 boundaries and 9 maximums.

The Majestics’ assault was far from finished with

the departure of Narine, as Dhanpaul scored a 20-ball 37, Vantull blasted a 14-ball 45, and Dedinauth Persaud scored 56 off 24 deliveries to have Majestic post a total of 417-7 in their allotted 30 overs.

All of the Intruders’ bowlers were sent to the cleaners, as the Majestics side was just too strong for them.

Needing 418 to win off 30 overs, the Intruders were staring down the barrel of a

Majestics Derick Narine scored side cur164 and bagged 2-32 rently has the top run-scorers in first and second position, and the top wicket-taker as well, all of whom are Guyanese.

Patadin has scored 297 runs in his four innings, with a high score of 152; while Narine has scored 263 runs with a high score of 164.

In the bowling department Dhanpaul has played in all four matches and has bowled 25 overs for 100 runs while picking up 10 wickets.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

GKC creates history again …another 3 seventh-degree Black Belt holders for Guyana

istory was again created when the Guyana Karate College (GKC) produced three new seventh degree Black Belt holders, bringing the total to four in Guyana.

John Fernandes, Aubrey Bettencourt and Tejram Harichand were all promoted to the IKD distinguished international karate rank, making them, according to protocol, accountable to the International

Justin Burrowes and Jodi Munn-Barrow, winners of the 2021 Alliance National Amateur Golf Championships

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were lots of good moments in the tournament, I made a lot of mistakes that, had I been at my best, I know I would have avoided them,” he said.

“Hats off to Justin, he played really, really well!

I just would have liked to have been closer to him coming into the last day, but I do take some pride in knowing that I finished runner-up in this event four of the last five years, so there are always positives and negatives."

Zandre Roye scored 70 on the final day for a total score of 303 to claim third. He had scores of 76, 82, and 75 for the first three days.

Mention must be made of 15-year-old Aman Dhiman, who posted the second lowest score of the championship, a four-under-par 68 on the third day, as well as the best score for that particular day. He sent down five birdies on holes 1, 2, 4, 7 and 16, and only one bogey on hole number 10.

The top two in the Men Senior 7-12 category were Thajae Richards, who had a total of 337, and Richard White, who had a total of 370.

The Men Senior 0-12 category, which was played over three days, was shared by former Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron (245) and Tony Allison 83 (245), while Vikram Dhuman 78 (245) was third.

The Men Super Senior 0-12 category, also played over three days, was topped

by Mike Boyd (235), while George Hugh (240) and former JGA president Wayne Chai Chong (240) were tied for second.

The Men Super Senior 13 and over had one participant, Desmond Brown, who had a three-day total of 282.

(Sportsmax)

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Karate Daigaku (IKD) led

by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, M.S., 9th Dan. The five-part final examination and results’ announcement took place at a unique moment in history: the combined dan ranks – 3 x 7th dan = 21 dan total, took place on the 21st hour of the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century, at the Transport Sports Club GKC dojo on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The grading panel con-

Justin Burrowes completes dominance with 20-stroke win of Alliance National Amateur Championships

ustin Burrowes has won the Alliance National Amateur Golf Championship at the Caymanas Golf Club. He did so by a massive 20 strokes to claim his second title in three years.

Burrowes led on all four days of the championship, but Sunday's round was his most impressive. He shot seven birdies and just one bogey in his final round 66 for a four-day total of 278.

He had birdies on holes 2 and 6, and a bogey on five for a one-under-par 35 on the front nine, but saved the best for last with birdies on 10, 12, 13, 14 and 17 on the back nine for five-under-par 31, to close the round.

Overall, his scores on each of the four days were 73, 69, 70 and 66, to be 10 under for the tournament.

"Today (Sunday) was a great day. I felt like I was able to put everything together for once in the past four days. I drove it well, hit it well, putt it well, and made a lot of crucial putts, especially coming down the stretch,” he said. “That was the only real difference between today and the other days.

“I just want to thank my coach, parents, and all my supporters, because without them this would not be possible," he declared.

By contrast, William Knibbs, the 2020 national champion, had a rough championship, posting scores of 74, 79, 70 and 75 for a combined total of 10 over par 298. He was particularly hurt by his second-day performance on hole number 10, at which he required six extra shots on a par-four hole.

“Where the performance this week in the tournament is concerned, whilst there

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Left; Aubrey Bettencourt, Dr Guy Low, Frank Woon-A-Tai, John Fernandes Tejram Harichand and hidden is Chereram Mortley, 5th Dan

sisted of Shuseki Shihan in person and by Zoom: IKD Deputy Chief Master Maureen Woon-A-Tai, 8th Dan; Keith DaCosta, 8th Dan; Charles Woon-A-Tai, 8th Dan; and GKC First Deputy, Josef Woon-ATai, 8th Dan, who are all Guyanese and Members of the distinguished IKD Senate, the second-highest authority of the IKD. Since his arrival in Guyana more than two months ago, Shuseki Shihan (World Chief Master) Frank Woon-A-Tai has been training and preparing the Seventh Dan candidates for the historic day. The trio has also earned the International title of Shihan (Master).

The karate masters began training with Sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai at the Archbishop of the West Indies’ lawns during the early 1970s. John Fernandes, CEO of Astro Arts, earned his first dan black belt from Master Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th Dan, on June 18, 1975.

Hotel Owner and CEO Aubrey Bettencourt earned his on July 26, 1975, and Psychotherapist Tejram Harrichand earned his on March 20, 1976.

They now join the master’s Rank of Seventh Dan with Dr. Guy Low, Medical Doctor and Assistant Professor at the University of Guyana. Doctor Low earned his First Dan on November 11, 1974. These four masters are all senior to any other current IKD Seventh Dan master in

Guyana except for Master Amir Khouri, Seventh Dan of the YMCA dojo.

There is a five-step process to achieve Kodansha (High Dan rank) level: 1. The candidate must be recommended by a member of the IKD Shihan-kai (Master’s Committee).

2. The candidate must be invited to the Rank by Shuseki Shihan.

3. Training and guidance begin for the new Seventh or Eighth Dan candidate.

4.

Presentation of

ject one to be stripped of rank and be dishonourably discharged. This is like a doctor losing their licence to practise medicine, disbarment of a lawyer, or being stripped of rank in the disciplined forces.

The Guyana Karate College is exceptionally proud that its masters and all students have direct lineage to the Founder of Karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi, and the Founder of World Traditional Karate, Master Masatoshi Nakayama, 10th

This historical photograph shows 24-year-old Frank Woon-A-Tai, second dan, posing with Masters: Teruyuki Okazaki, Masatoshi Nakayama, and Yukichi Tabata at Legionnaires Hall, Georgetown, 1974

Dissertation.

5. Final Physical Exam (may be in three parts) and Dissertation Defense.

The new Certified Karate “Master” is now subject to the International Rules and Regulations regarding the Code of Conduct for Shihan(s). After three warnings, failure to comply with these rules may sub-

Dan, who visited Guyana in 1974 and again in 1979.

Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai studied karate for 40 years under Master Teruyuki Okazaki and other Japanese Masters.

His teachers also included legends - Masatoshi Nakayama, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Yutaka Yaguchi.

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NSC Board made official

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Members of the NSC Board

he new National Sports Commission has been set in stone following the publicising of the Government Notice in the Official Gazette.

Dated May 20, and signed

by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, the notice indicated that Guyana’s Cabinet considered the Memorandum presented by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport,

Charles Ramson Jr, and approved the appointment of six persons to the National Sports Commission Board.

The tenure of the board will be two years to the current date, ending the life of the board in May 2023.

The Commission consists of renowned football organizer Kashif Mohammed, who will act in the capacity of Chairman; Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)

President Bissoondyal Singh, Guyana Lawn Tennis Association President Christy Campbell, Guyana Hockey Board President Phillip Fernandes, Chartered Accountant Cheteram Ramdial, and Dellon Davidson.

This development will now pave the way for the appointment of a Director of Sport. The Board is expected to meet and consult before appointing the candidate.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

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31

Maximo keen on bridging gaps in Golden Jags team G

olden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo’s intent to develop the national team and the level of local football takes many aspects into account.

It is, by now, no secret that Marcio Maximo is passionate about the subject of development, and, as such, the Senior Men’s National Football Team’s Head Coach has some policies that he believes would benefit the Golden Jaguars

same level that we have.

We need to select players who are at a higher level (in order) to improve our local players’ level and improve our group as total.

I think that’s why it’s our philosophy to try bring players from high divisions.

“Guyana doesn’t have many, but we still try to discover players, even young players, to help us improve, especially our local group.”

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo

down the line.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Maximo explained that he is keen on fixing the age gaps in the team, making way for development in all departments of their game.

“All teams should normally improve always.

You don’t have teams that stay completely developed, all teams must improve, some more than others.

Our team is so young - the average age is 23 years old - and now you fix the gap that you have before,” Maximo explained.

“Because we don’t have many players, even overseas, at 23 or 24. Overseas, most of the players are 28, or less than 23; that is the focus that we put in now.

Of course, we keep the balance for experience, but most should be young players, and they should improve in all departments,” he said.

Currently, a few young international players are training with the local arm of the team. According to Maximo, this move is aimed at bringing the locals’ play up to international standard.

Maximo commented, “We add something for our local players, because it no makes sense (to) bring players who (are at) the

On the topic of the upcoming games and the possibility of seeing more locals in the starting XI, Maximo shared that it is a process, but some surprises might be in store.

He answered a probe by stating, “This is (a) process! You can’t…it’s not indicative that you take guys straight from the training to lineups without many friendly matches, without some experience. We need to do it gradually, first the guys come to appearance in some parts of the game, and after come to the lineup. It’s a process.

“I think (that), for the next game, (There are) some surprises about players. We’ll have some surprises,” Maximo hinted.

The Golden Jaguars are scheduled to clash with St Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico on June 4 and 8 respectively. The venue for those games is yet to be communicated officially.

Guyana, with 3 points, currently sits in third position in the Group, which is being led by St Kitts and Nevis with 6 points.

Trinidad and Tobago are second with 4 points, while Puerto Rico are fourth with 1 point and the Bahamas trail because they are yet to win a game.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

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

guyanatimesgy.com

– Amir turns out for Tridents, Lamichhane for TKR

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he Guyana Amazon Warriors will see the experienced Shoaib Malik turning out for them in this year’s edition of the Hero CPL. Malik was central to the success of the Amazon Warriors in 2019, when they won 11 consecutive matches.

Malik has played 417 T20 matches, and has won 12 trophies in the format.

Having made his CPL debut in 2013 for the Barbados Tridents against the St

Lucia Zouks, Malik announced himself at the “Biggest Party in Sport” with a player-of-thematch performance on CPL debut when he hit a brilliant 78 from 51 balls in his first ever CPL match. He has since played five seasons for the Tridents, but he played his first season for the GAW in 2018, when he played five matches before he was called upon for overseas duties with Pakistan.

In 2019 he led the Warriors, and saw them wrapping up 11 successive games in a row; and come 2021, he will be hungry to make it 12 in 12.

Playing for the Warriors in

2019, Malik scored a total of 317 runs at an average of 63.40, with a strike rate of 124.31.

He also had a high score of 73*, and showed his versatility with the ball as he bowled a total of 13 overs in his 12

matches and bagged 6 wickets with an average of 14.16 and an economy rate of 6.29. His best bowling figures were 1-5.

Even as the CPL 2021 tournament approaches, Malik has continued to show his experience and skill, as he is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League, which is set to recommence on June 1, 2021. Of the 5 matches Malik has played in the PSL, he has scored 101 runs at a strike rate of 124.69 and an average of 33.66.

While it is still early in the tournament, Malik never ceases to impress, and with

him in such form, it bodes well for the Warriors franchise.

He has shown his consistency in the past, and will bring his experience to the fore in the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2021 edition.

Also, in other news, the Barbados Tridents have secured the services of Pakistani leftarm seamer Mohammad Amir.

With 220 T20 wickets to his name, 59 of them coming in international matches, Amir has a huge amount of experience and a track record of success across the globe.

Sandeep Lamichhane joins the Trinbago Knight Riders for

the 2021 season. He played in the Hero CPL for the last three seasons, impressing with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Barbados Tridents, and Jamaica Tallawahs. The leg-spinner has become a regular in T20 tournaments around the globe, and will add potency to the Knight Riders’ attack.

The 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League will take place in St Kitts & Nevis in August and September. The complete squads for Hero CPL 2021 will be revealed on the draft show, which will be broadcast on Friday 28 May at 9am ECT | 2pm GMT | 6:30pm IST.

Romello Crawford declared official winner of National Senior Road Race – GCF rules after UCI review

Sunday’s Road Race was done by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Romello Crawford is the 2021 the Guyana Cycling Senior National Cycling Champion Federation forthwith complied with the ruling. he Guyana Cycling Briton John was thus releFederation has just gated to fourth place and has completed the Senior National been fined $20,000.

Cycling Championships, The cyclists assembled for which ended in controver- the start of the race at the sy. After a review of the pro- Banks DIH Rotunda Square

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Part of the action that caused the controversy

ceedings, Romello Crawford has been declared winner of the Senior National Cycling Championships for 2021.

After the review of

at Thirst Park, and the race commenced at 07:30 hrs. The race proceeded along the East Bank road to the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, and turned

around at Kuparuni for the return to Banks DIH for the finish. There were 22 participants, but 9 completed the race.

During the sprint to the finish line in the last few kilometres, an infringement occurred which resulted in a protest being lodged by two (2) of the four (4) cyclists.

Unofficial Results:

* Briton John 4:17:07 * Romello Crawford * Paul DeNobrega * Christopher Griffith * Walter Grant-Stuart 4:17:20 * Deeraj Gharbarran 4:20:35 * Adealie Hodge 4:29:03 * Curtis Dey * Jamual John On reviewing the finish at the line and the footage from the rear cameras, it became evident that Briton John started the sprint and deviated from his line on multi-

ple occasions, resulting in him obstructing the other competitors during the sprint.

In a report submitted by the Racing Secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Malcom Sonaram, it was said, “I asked Mr. Andrew Arjoon, who was the second Commissaire at the event, to join me in reviewing the camera footage, and he declined, as two (2) of the cyclists involved were from his club and (his reviewing of the footage) may be deemed a conflict of interest. I acknowledged, and proceeded to Mr. Joseph Britton to pass on the information. The media intercepted me and questioned about the decision, and I offered based on my position as a Commissaire. I stated that based on the protest by the cyclists, Romello Crawford and Paul DeNobrega, I re-

GCF officials and the riders in deep discussion on Sunday

viewed the finish line and rear camera footage which revealed Briton John deviating from his line on multiple occasions and, as such, based on UCI Rules, the prescribed penalty would…and a fine.

“However, I stated that this would be his third offence, and, as such, I implemented the last clause of the penalty, which was a disqualification and fine.”

Upon review by the Guyana Cycling Federation President Linden Dowridge, it was agreed upon that new results would be recognised

as the official results, and disciplinary measures which have been decided upon in accordance with the UCI rules and regulations would be upheld. After the review, it was ruled that John had breached the rules and was relegated to fourth place and fined G$20,000. Hence the official results now read Crawford finishing in a time of 4:17:07, followed by DeNobrega, Griffith, John, Grant-Stuart (4:17:20), Deeraj Gharbarran (4:20:35), Adealie Hodge (4:29:03), Curtis Dey and Jamaul John.

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