Guyana Times - Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Increased P vaccination needed among health-care workers – WHO

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…amid high infections, deaths

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

Issue No. 4806

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

Govt in bilateral talks with Dubai for closer economic ties – Ali …says UAE investors expressing “aggressive” interest in Guyana

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P11 Vessel transporting stones goes up in flames

See story on page 3

Lethem P11 mechanic caught with stolen vehicle

Motorcyclist's arm amputated after collision with motor car at LBI P2 President Irfaan Ali, along with Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was given a guided tour of Guyana’s Pavilion by Commissioner General for Guyana at Expo2020 Dubai, Chevon Lim. The President also took time out to explain some of the exhibits and crafts on site while explaining that Guyana’s theme – “Home of nature, land of opportunities” to the delegation, and provided information on the many investment opportunities in the country (Office of the President photo)

Guyanese, UAE companies in joint $1B manufacturing facility venture …will service not only Guyana but Caribbean Teen shot by Govt signs cattle ranger agreement with during dispute Int’l Solar Alliance …aims to connect services countrywide to solar energy over cows See story on page 7

See story on page 7

Page 10

18-year-old among 2 new deaths …over 2300 new COVID-19 infections so far in October

Page 9

7 foreign P9 nationals picked up during TIP sting operation …3 Guyanese detained for operating TIP ring Missing 14-year-old

Police charge relatives for "stalking" suspected TIP P14 house

Teixeira warns another motion to remove PAC Chair could be P17 looming

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Students can commence queries, reviews – CXC

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he Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has outlined the process by which candidates of the 2021 exams can request any queries or reviews to address any concerns about the grades they were awarded.

In a release on Monday, CXC said it “provides valid and reliable examinations and certificates of international repute for students of all ages, abilities and interests. However, we understand that at times candidates may have questions about the grades they received.”

If a student attended the examination but received “Absent”, they may submit a query to have that result in-

vestigated. Candidates are not required to pay for this service. Queries may be submitted through schools for inschool candidates, or through the Ministry of Education for private candidates.

“Ungraded” indicates that a School-Based Assessment (SBA), multiple choice paper or supporting documents were not submitted on behalf of a candidate. They can submit a query to have this result investigated. Candidates are not required to pay for this service.

The same aforementioned process applies for submission.

If there are any questions about the grade received, and a student would like to have a script reviewed, they may

submit a request for a “Script Review”. The cost per review is US$30.

“Please note that a review of your script may result in your overall Grade either increasing or remaining the same. If your review results in an increase in your overall grade, you will be refunded the review fee.

Reviews may be submitted through schools for inschool candidates or through the Ministry of Education for private candidates,” said the Council.

This year, the candidates and entries for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) measured 27,715 and 110,020

respectively. In relation to the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), there were 103,445 candidates and 502,859 subject entries. It was the lowest cohort in four years.

Some 4,839 CSEC SBAs or five per cent of the intended target were not submitted to teachers. Some 31,270 CAPE students did not submit their SBAs to teachers, but there was a 92.3 per cent submission.

In 2021, there was a reduction in the SBA requirements by as much as 50 per cent in some instances. The requirements for specific subjects were also reduced due to the prevailing COVID-19 circumstances, specifically for modern languages.

In this year’s CSEC and CAPE, Guyana has secured higher performances than the regional averages. These scores come amid 2020’s debacle where a total of 20 schools in 15 subject areas had received ungraded results and subjects. These revelations had sparked widespread public outrage, with other students demanding answers from the examinations body as they relate to the poor grades assigned. Over 11,400 were then resolved by CXC. Since the results were officially announced last Thursday, the top performers are yet to be released. Since then, clarification has already been sought by the Education Ministry for instances of ungraded results issued. (G12)

Motorcyclist’s arm amputated after collision with motor car at LBI

Dead: Devaskar Jetoo and Nazad Ali

Dead: Eon Howard, Bhickram Singh and Deocharran Dass

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orty-one-year-old Randy Rutherford of Rasville, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown is in serious condition after reportedly being struck down along the La Bonne Intention (LBI) access road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) by a motor car driven by a drunken man on Monday evening.

Based on reports received, motor car PRR 3440, being driven by a 25-year-old man of Mon Repos North, ECD, was proceeding north along the LBI access road when motorcycle CH 8019, being driven by Rutherford, allegedly overtook a lorry and ended up in the path of the motor car.

In the resulting collision, Rutherford reportedly fell on the roadway and sustained injuries about his body.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted a patient suffering from an amputated left hand, broken left foot, and other injuries about his body.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motor car proved that he was un-

der the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He remains in custody pending charges.

Over the past weekend, taxi driver Devaskar Jetoo of New Road, Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara and 24-year-old Nazad Ali of Atlantic Gardens, ECD died following a three-vehicle smash-up in the vicinity of the Liliendaal Railway Embankment, ECD. In another accident, 38-year-old Deocharran Dass of New Providence, Mahaicony, ECD and 31-yearold Bhickram Singh of Mortice Branch Road, Mahaicony were killed after the car in which they were travelling ran off the Mahaicony Branch Road and ended up in a trench.

Also, over the weekend, 48-year-old Eon Howard of Samaroo Street, B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown died after he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and it crashed in the vicinity of Carnegie School of Home Economics in Georgetown.

It has been reported that all these accidents involved motor vehicles speeding.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Oct 20 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Thursday, Oct 21 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Oct 20 – 16:05h – 17:35h and Thursday, Oct 21 – 16:30h – 18:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: West South-Westerly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.71 metres.

Low Tide: 09:59h and 22:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.58 metre and 0.47 metre.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Govt in bilateral talks with Dubai for closer economic ties – Ali

…says UAE investors expressing “aggressive” interest in Guyana

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali, currently in Dubai for the 2020 World Expo, has revealed that Guyana is in bilateral discussions with Dubai/the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore ways the two States can enjoy closer economic ties.

President Ali made this revelation during a press conference with the Guyanese delegation attending Dubai Expo 2020.

He explained that Guyana has much to offer, from its oil and gas sector to its agricultural capacity.

And partnering with Dubai, which is a thriving oil producer, would certainly be of benefit to Guyana. The President explained that they have already started engaging different arms of the State and talks are at the bilateral level.

“We have started this process, even before the Expo. I must say we have had very aggressive interest from various investors in the UAE. Government arm investors also. Let us face the facts. You have in the UAE a very modern system, technologically driven.

A very efficient system. And many areas of development, you have specialised yourself.”

“Whether it’s the smart grid, the one card information management system, or oil and gas, shore-based facility, deep water port, and all of these areas, engagements have already commenced with various arms of the Government.

We’re now at a bilateral Government to Government level,” he said.

According to the President, these engagements allow them to explore how they can share experiences and a mutual development framework. Ali noted that these discussions are also taking place at the Private Sector level. In fact, he made it clear the importance of the Private Sector and urged them to get on board.

“We have very sophisticated investors here, investors with the capital. But important to those investments would be local content. And that is why it is so important that the local Private Sector is here,” President Ali said.

“The head of our airport authority is here. The head of the local Private Sector arm for oil and gas is here.

We have investors in the oil and gas sector. And we want to bring the private sectors of both countries together, to drive this development agenda. And we’re here to share the vision and open the opportunities.”

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Since then, the local oil and gas sector has grown, to the point

President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali being escorted by officials in Dubai

where Exxon has said most of the services it relies on to operate will be available in Guyana by next year.

Already, ExxonMobil has established an ambitious oil exploration plan for 2021 offshore Guyana. Over the past few months, Exxon has been drilling simultaneous deep-water wells in both the Stabroek and Canje Blocks.

In March 2021, ExxonMobil secured a sixth drillship, the Noble Sam Croft, for exploration and evaluation drilling activities offshore Guyana. Exxon has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling recently starting on the sec-

ond one, the Liza Phase 2 project.

Back in May 2019, EEPGL was granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go ahead with its Liza Phase 2 Development offshore Guyana. The oil company had said that the project will have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Exxon had also revealed that the Liza Phase 2 development was funded at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion, for the Liza Unity FPSO vessel. For the Phase 2 Development, six drill centres were planned,

along with approximately 30 wells – 15 productions, nine water injection and six gas injection wells.

The US$9 billion Payara development, the third development, will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

The Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day (bpd) of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 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

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No shame in asking for help

t should come as no surprise to anyone that Guyana suffers from the debilitating epidemic that is suicide. We are touted as the country with the highest per capita rate of suicide in the Caribbean.

Earlier this year, a young mother in Linden fed her children – aged 8 years and 6 months respectively – a poisonous substance, before consuming it herself. That 24-year-old mother, Temicia Sampson, and her younger child subsequently succumbed.

There have been many other incidents of a similar nature this year.

It seems that regardless of how hard we try to prevent this scourge, persons, regardless of their expected wisdom and age, are finding it necessary to go down this route.

Suicide, the act of intentionally taking one’s life, is attributed to many factors, including despair, mental disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and addiction, among many other factors too numerous to mention. The World Health Organization (WHO) posits that more than 800,000 persons commit suicide every year, which equates to one death every 40 seconds.

According to the WHO, globally, among young adults 15 to 29 years old, suicide accounts for over eight per cent of all deaths, and is ranked as the second leading cause of death. Among adults aged 30 to 49, it accounts for more than four per cent of all deaths, and is ranked as the fifth leading cause of death.

Contrary to what many may think, persons who commit suicide or persons who show signs that they may likely commit suicide, as for example saying that they want to die or are willing to take their lives, do not really want to kill themselves.

Research has shown that people who talk about committing suicide are really reaching out for help, since they might be suffering from anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, which might be occasioned by a multitude of factors, such as job loss, discrimination, and even an unstable economic environment, among many other factors.

According to the health body, suicide impacts the most vulnerable of the world’s populations, and is highly prevalent in already marginalised and discriminated groups of society.

“It is not just a serious public health problem in developed countries; in fact, most suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, where resources and services, if they do exist, are often scarce and limited for early identification, treatment and support of people in need. These striking facts and the lack of implemented timely interventions make suicide a global public health problem that needs to be tackled imperatively.”

The WHO has identified a host of measures to be used which might mitigate the prevalence of suicide, some of which include creating national strategies for suicide prevention; restricting access to the most common means of suicide, including pesticides, firearms and certain medicines; incorporating suicide prevention as a central component in health services; providing medical follow-ups for persons who have attempted suicide; identifying and treating mental health and substance abuse disorders as early as possible; and responsible reporting on suicide by the news media.

Guyana Governments past and present have, over the years, instituted a host of mechanisms to deal with the epidemic, including incorporating mechanisms advanced by the WHO, but suicide still remains a predominant feature on the tapestry of Guyana’s social fabric.

Some scholars have argued that the mechanisms which are being advanced would do no good for Guyana, since they are addressing only the symptoms of suicide, and not the disease itself.

Moreover, there is a need to change how we, as Guyanese, are socialised about suicide, possibly incorporating within our homes, schools and religious education systems from a young age social teachings that are often overlooked, such are building confidence, self-esteem and tolerance, etc.

By reinforcing positive behaviours and displacing negative stereotypes over a period of time, change would take place, as the populace would have more defined coping mechanisms to deal with the stresses associated with life, and would be less inclined to choose the option of death.

President Dr Irfaan Ali held bilateral discussions with the Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo2020 Dubai, HE Reem Al Hashimy. The Guyanese Head of State and the UAE Senior Minister discussed areas of cooperation and strengthened collaboration. The two officials exchanged gifts. President Ali presented a painting depicting the country’s jaguar and harpy eagle titled “Elusive” by talented Guyanese artist Dillon Craig (Office of the President photo)

China’s global climate change challenge to the West …the West should respond to Beijing’s pledge not to fund coal plants by pressuring its Private Sector to follow suit

By Kevin P Gallagher

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n front of the world’s leaders at the United Nations General Assembly last month, China’s President Xi Jinping pledged that his country “will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad”. This decision is a major step towards aligning global finance with our collective climate and development goals and it could help build momentum for Private Sector defunding of coal energy production as well.

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, China’s two global policy banks, the China Development Bank and the ExportImport Bank of China, have brought a stepwise increase in public finance for energy and infrastructure that has been filling major financial gaps and fostering economic growth in emerging markets and developing countries.

At Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, we compile databases that track China’s overseas development finance in general and energy in particular. According to our research, these two banks provided upwards of US$460 billion to foreign governments between 2008 and 2019, roughly equivalent to what the World Bank has distributed during the same period.

We also estimated that between 2007 and 2016, China’s policy banks provided some US$197 billion in finance to foreign Governments for energy – nearly matching the total financing of all the major Western-backed Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) combined.

In work with Princeton University colleagues, we found that Chinese finance was the equivalent to 42 per cent of the power generation capacity financed by the 10 largest MDBs. While China must be credited with filling infrastructure finance gaps in a growth-enhancing manner, the composition of that finance, especially in the energy sector, is concentrated in heavily carbon-intensive sectors.

Coal, oil, gas, and hydroelectric power in tropical forests dominate Chinese energy financing. Such financing poses risks to the global climate, public health, and biodiversity.

Around the time of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, most of the MDBs started phasing out overseas coal finance, and in May 2021 the G7 pledged “to take concrete steps towards an absolute end to new direct government support for unabated international thermal coal power generation by the end of 2021”.

Then China’s announce-

ment came in September this year. Initially, there was some concern that the language of the pledge did not appear as clear as that of the G7. Some wondered if pledging not to “build” new coal plants truly meant financing coal.

However, shortly after’s Xi’s UN speech, the Bank of China announced that it would stop financing overseas coal mining and power plants this year. In one fell swoop, China matched the G7 pledge and upped the game to where the real action is – in the commercial and Private Sector.

More than 80 per cent of all newly-added coal generation capacity outside China between 2013 and 2019 was financed by non-Chinese entities.

Among the largest lenders to the global coal industry are Japanese firms such as Mizuho Financial and SMBC Group and American financial giants such as Citigroup, Bank of America, and JP Morgan.

The Bank of China was also among the top lenders to the coal industry until its recent pledge.

Now that the world’s major governments have led by example and banned overseas coal plants, and the Bank of China has joined them, it is time for the Private Sector to follow suit. Without private financial institutions buying into defunding coal en-

ergy production, we will not meet our global climate and development goals.

Moving forward, two things are imperative.

First, the West must put pressure on the Private Sector to phase out coal as well. Second, rather than turning off the spigot, global financial actors need to shift the composition of energy finance towards cleaner energy such as wind and solar power.

China and the West should not cut off energy finance to countries in need. Rather, they should replace coal finance with support for wind and solar power, two industries where China is most dominant.

In a recent paper, we found that there are renewable energy opportunities worth US$1 trillion in developing countries, based on these countries’ own plans through their Nationally Determined Contributions for the Paris Agreement. Given China’s dominance in these sectors and the prowess of its policy banks, if it channels its tremendous capital, technology, and know-how towards these plans, it can dramatically expand green energy access throughout the developing world.

Such a move is not only good climate policy, but good banking. The West should follow suit. (Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

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

Golden small-scale hydro-power opportunity Dear Editor, The Government, in partnership with the IsDB, recently placed an advert in the paper for hydropow-

er design and construction services. Upon seeing this, I started to reel.

In my letter to the Editor, titled, “Will

Guyana take advantage of these remarkable victories in sustainable energy generation?”, I present the current view of renewable

Traffic and traffic-related issues Dear Editor, There is urgent need for a total reorganisation of the way traffic and its related issues are handled in our country. I am speaking from the standpoint of the use of our roads, traffic offences, to the establishment of a traffic department.

Let me enumerate these issues: 1. There should be the setting up of a traffic department solely for the purpose of the issuing of licences and driving permits. I am talking about the removal of this aspect of licensing from the GPF. Some are of the certain fact that many of the operators of vehicles on our roads got their driver’s licence through fraudulent means, the creole version of that is “they bought their books.” The GPF is seen in a negative light when it comes to the certification of drivers. In the circumstances, they have come in for heavy criticism by users of our roads; that is, by pedestrians and motorised traffic alike. The general consensus is that many persons driving in Guyana are not certified as competent to be on our roads. And in my view, to end all of this,

there should be the setting up of a Department of Motor Vehicles to eliminate this malady plaguing our traffic department.

2. Secondly, the penalties for drunk driving and unlicensed drivers, in my humble view, should be the instant revocation of their licences. No one has any right being behind the wheel of a potentially dangerous machine while inebriated, period. End of discussion! This ageold endemic situation has plagued us for too long, and it is high time for us to ‘get rid’ of the offenders. At this point, I call upon our judicial system to impose heavy penalties on those breaking the law, too many lives are being lost to such wanton lawlessness on our roads.

The slogan “If you drink don’t drive, and if you are driving don’t drink” must be adhered to at all times.

3. There should be the constant issuance of tickets for speeding on our roads. While some drivers use our roads with due care and caution, there are those who are in the constant habit of commandeering their vehicles in a reckless manner right before traffic cops. They

believe that the roads and highways are race tracks.

I am therefore calling on the authorities to rein in this reckless endangerment to the lives of our road-using public. And the time to do so is now!

4. I am on record as calling for the establishment of roundabouts.

Right from the very start, I have championed the move to construct these traffic regulators. I am talking about the construction of such fixtures at major junctures on our road network. It is cheap (there is no need for traffic lights), it reduces the incidents of speeding, and it is an excellent regulator of traffic. Roundabouts keep the movement of traffic in a sustained manner.

5. Old and existing traffic signs should be repainted, while there should be the mounting of others, especially on our newer roads.

As we move along this road of progress, our infrastructure should mark the signature imprint of modernisation. At the same time, we must work to reduce the barbarity and carnage on our roads.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

energy implementation in the context of a traditional power grid.

Power coming from solar panels will be mediated by software systems being powered at first by batteries at home. These home systems use the internet to signal the transfer of power across the network, sharing power among homes when panel production exceeds consumption and battery storage. Together, and at given moments, all the homes in a battery-networked neighbourhood may produce more power than they consume. This excess of power would then be transferred to nearby consumers - like dense, more vertically-constructed population centres that lack rooftop space, or industrial estates; or, in the case of Australia, entire city centres. Homeowners may even earn money by gener-

ty fluctuates constantly, and grid operators must ensure that the supply of electricity meets demand at all times. When consumers turn on air conditioners at mid-day, grid operators must increase electricity production to compensate.

Typically, this is done through “dispatchable” generation, which can adjust output as needed. The most common dispatchable sources include natural gas and hydro-electricity.

When intermittent sources are introduced to the mix, grid operators are forced to rely more heavily on dispatchable sources to ensure sufficient electricity supply. If intermittent sources make up only a small share of overall production, this problem remains very manageable.

However, as renewables continue to grow, smoothing out the gap between supply and demand becomes

more challenging. Years ago, some critics had suggested that this would limit renewable sources like wind and solar to a negligible role in the grid. While renewables now play a major role in many grids, variability remains a challenge at high penetration rates.

While our quest for a clean and green energy source is getting some positive vibes, the renewable energy industry is also open for investment. Just like any other investment, the renewable energy sector (solar, wind, geo-thermal) requires you to consider the investment horizon and risk tolerance. In fact, you should start with the least risky investments that offer a maximum time horizon.

The economic growth of renewable energy has been outstanding. With the passage of time, more and more individuals are in-

Turbulent turbine does not block waterways. Turbines can be instantiated almost indefinitely along the sides of streams, meaning that you can add more and more turbines over the long term, to the same stream. These ‘top-down’ turbines are a demonstrated solution that protects wildlife, does not adversely affect the flow of an attached stream, and can be scaled to meet any power requirement, large or small.

Here is a link to a very friendly page on their site, where organisations can submit details about proposed hydropower projects https://www.turbulent.be/for-whom. If the Government is already on to this, then colour me excited.

Sincerely, Emille Giddings

No change to education system Dear Editor, There will be no change to the education system in Guyana at the national and/or institutional levels; the only change will come from individual parents/guardians who choose to accept a change in the definition of education from “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university” to “education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits.

Education can take

The future never looked brighter for renewable energy in Guyana Dear Editor, Renewable energy is taking over electricity grids around the world. Wind and solar energy now provide almost 10 per cent of global electricity, compared to less than 1 per cent just 15 years ago.

This dramatic transformation has been powered by increasingly low costs.

According to data from the International Energy Agency, wind and solar now provide electricity cheaper than virtually all other forms of power. However, there is one major drawback — intermittency.

Unlike many other sources, wind and solar do not provide power on a steady and predictable schedule. Instead, the electricity generated by a wind or solar farm depends on the weather.

This presents a challenge for grids.

Demand for electrici-

ating power for the grid.

At the utility scale, software will allow wind, solar, fuel and other sources to co-operate in an intelligent manner. Wärtsilä tested such a software system in an undisclosed location. In that test, fossil fuel generator usage was cut back by 80%. They used the same dual-fuel engine deployed here in Guyana.

In that same letter, I briefly mentioned Turbulent turbines. I feel urged to suggest that this solution might be ideal for rural communities in need of hydropower solutions.

Turbulent is a company based in Belgium with experience delivering hydropower implementations in the region, more specifically in rural communities in low-income countries.

They recently deployed one of their turbines in neighbouring Suriname. The

vesting in this field to get their share. For instance, investing in the solar power sector is a great idea to multiply your money without any serious risk.

Guyana will complement this strategy with the development of renewable energy sources to sustain its growing energy demand. The future never looked brighter for renewable energy in Guyana.

Historically, Guyana has been reliant on diesel and heavy fuel oil to power its economy, which not only emit more carbon, but are also more expensive. By developing its wind resources along the Atlantic shoreline, installing solar panels in the hinterland, building solar farms and developing a large-scale hydro project, Guyana would “green” its grid in the future.

Sincerely, David Adams

place in formal or informal settings, and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered “educational”.

In my considered opinion, there is no “one size fits all” means of preparing children for the transition to productive and purposeful adulthood; a recent letter by an academic on this subject completely avoids mention of morality and ethics in the educating of our nation’s children. Given his actions in

the lead-up to, and during, the 2020 elections, one can only assume that those lessons were never received.

We must do more to produce better citizens.

I urge all parents/ guardians to consider what sort of individual you want your child to become, and to recognise the value of individualism, morality, ethics, creativity, mental and physical health to his/her personal development and longevity.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

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T

Foundation

his project is all about heat transfer. How can you cool off a can of soda to take it from room temperature down to a nice, cold, drinkable temperature quickly, with materials that are readily available in your house?

In order to get the most out of this project, you will need to do some background research on heat and heat transfer. Here is a quick summary, so that you can be familiar with the terms you will encounter. All matter is made of atoms and molecules that are constantly in motion. Even in solids, the molecules are constantly vibrating. Heat is a measure of the average molecular motion of matter. Heat can be transferred from one piece of matter to another by four different methods: • Conduction • Convection • Evaporation • Radiation

from a liquid, they take away energy from the liquid, cooling it.

Radiation is the final way to transfer heat. For most objects you encounter every day, this would be infrared radiation: light beyond the visible spectrum. Incandescent objects – like light bulb filaments, molten metal, or the sun – radiate at visible wavelengths as well

Conduction is heat transfer by direct molecular interactions, without mass movement of matter. For example, when you pour hot water into a cup, the cup soon feels warm. The water molecules colliding with the inside surface of the cup transfer energy to the cup, warming it up.

Convection is heat transfer by mass movement. You've probably heard the saying that "hot air rises."

This happens because it is less dense than colder air. As the hot air rises, it creates currents of air flow. These circulating currents serve to transfer heat, and are an example of convection.

Evaporation is another method of heat transfer. When molecules of a liquid vaporise, they escape from the liquid into the atmosphere. This transition requires energy, since a molecule in the vapor phase has more energy than a molecule in the liquid phase. Thus, as molecules evaporate

Experimental procedure

Materials and equipment

To do this experiment you will need the following materials and equipment: • 12 cans of soda at room temperature • Instant-read digital thermometer, such as a digital pocket thermometer • Two Styrofoam coolers • Ice cubes • Water • Clock or timer • Plastic wrap 1. Do your background research so that you are knowledgeable about the terms, concepts, and questions, above.

2. Prepare an ice-only bath by adding enough ice to a Styrofoam cooler to completely cover three cans of soda.

3. Prepare an ice-water bath by adding the same amount of ice to a second Styrofoam cooler, then covering the ice with water.

4. Use the instant read thermometer to measure the starting temperatures of: • the freezer compartment, • the refrigerator, • the ice-only bath, • the ice-water bath, and • each room-temperature can of soda.

You'll need to open the cans of soda to take the temperature of the

liquid inside. To minimise evaporation, cover the opening with a wad of plastic wrap after taking the temperature.

In each case, make sure that the temperature has stabilised before recording the result. For example, it may take a minute or two before the ice-water temperature reaches equilibrium when the water is first added to the ice.

5. Place three cans of soda in each of the cooling devices to be tested, i.e.: • The freezer compartment • The refrigerator • The ice-only bath • The ice-water bath 6. Note the starting time for each cooling device.

7. At regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes), quickly remove each set of cans from their cooling device and measure the temperature of the soda. Note the time and temperature reading, then quickly put the cans back in the cooling device. Tips: • Minimize the amount of time that the refrigerator and freezer doors are open.

• It is a good idea to periodically re-check the temperatures of the cooling devices.

8. The experiment is complete when the temperature reading of the soda stabilizes.

9. For each cooling device, calculate the average temperature of the three soda cans for each time point.

10. Make a graph of the average temperature of the soda (y-axis) vs. elapsed time (in minutes) since the beginning of the experiment.

Use a different symbol and colour for each cooling device.

11.

Which cooling method worked the fastest? (Andrew Olson, PhD, Science Buddies)

By Edward Lear There was an old man on the Border, Who lived in the utmost disorder; He danced with the cat, and made tea in his hat, Which vexed all the folks on the Border.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese, UAE companies in joint $1B manufacturing facility venture …will service not only Guyana but Caribbean

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oming out of Guyana’s participation in the Dubai World Expo 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Joint Venture has been signed that will see a Guyanese company partnering with Unidome Global DWC LLC, to construct a US$5 million manufacturing facility.

The signing of the agreement took place at Unidome Global ’s MENA headquarters, between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based company and Guyanese engineering and construction firm Global Infrastructure Solutions Guyana Incorporated.

It was explained in a statement from Smart City Clearing Company that the US$5 million investment will allow Unidome to create a state-of-the-art biaxial voided slab technology to build and develop infrastructure for Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

“This technology will become a critical building block as Guyana pursues an aggressive plan of building a deep-water harbour and a 100-mile deep-water natural gas pipeline as well as numerous shore bases and industrial zones throughout the world’s fastest growing oil producing nations,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Peter Ramsaroop spoke of the importance of the investment, in the context of Guyana’s blooming oil and gas industry.

“With many shore bases coming on line and over 2000 hotel rooms in development, technologies like Unidome and partnerships with local Guyanese companies like Global Infrastructure Solutions

Guyana Inc are critical to Guyana’s long-term success,” Dr Ramsaroop said.

Troy Phillips, who is the CEO of Global Infrastructure Solutions, meanwhile expressed appreciation for being a part of the historic partnership, which will “bring best practices and unique technologies to Guyana”.

Smart City Clearing Company Ltd and its affiliate Sc3 Guyana Inc added that “Unidome’s cost effective and environmentally friendly technology both will help reduce the cost of infrastructure development while simultaneously helping to foster Guyana’s net zero emission goals.”

Sherwin Sandy of Guyanese-based Sandcorp Development Inc, who was in attendance, will be helping to develop the Unidome Manufacturing facility as part of a large industrial park that is being developed in conjunction with Acarai Properties Guyana Incorporated. He expressed excitement at the initiative.

“Historically Guyana couldn’t afford to attract light manufacturing, I am excited to be working with both Global Infrastructure Solutions Guyana Inc and Unidome Global DWC LLC to be one of the founding tenants of a new industrial park that we are in the process of conceptualising and developing to help support Guyana’s growth,” he said.

It was explained that the operations will service not only Guyana but the Caribbean region. Unidome Global CEO Khalid Al-Qaqa noted that the decision was taken to establish the facility in Guyana, which he described as the world’s fastest growing economy.

The Unidome technology works by limiting one of the largest contributors to CO2

emissions in the construction industry by decreasing the total amount of concrete needed in projects for which it is used.

“It does this by creating biaxial voided slabs that are lighter and allow for greater distance between a building’s structural columns.

One container of Unidome eliminates 30 truckloads of concrete which helps to reduce construction costs by almost 30 per cent and greatly reducing the amount of CO2 emissions that each new project generates,” the company said in its statement.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from both the Government of Guyana as well as The

Sc3 Managing Director Gavin Smith and Global Infrastructure Solutions CEO Troy Phillips participating in the Unidome signing ceremony

Emirati Government. The Guyana delegation was led by Dr Ramsaroop and representatives from the Guyana Private Sector including Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Paul Cheong and Senior

Vice President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Captain Gerald “Gerry” Gouveia Jr. Appearing on behalf of the Dubai South Logistics District was CEO Mohsen

Ahmad as well as Director of Business Development, Logistics Dubai South, Tari Badri. The agreement comes in the wake of the President Dr Irfaan Aliled delegation to the Dubai World Expo 2020. (G3)

Govt signs agreement with Int’l Solar Alliance …aims to connect services countrywide to solar energy

T

he Guyana Government has signed a Grant Agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a solar demonstration project at the Orealla Health Centre, Region Six, with the ultimate aim of spreading solar power countrywide, particularly when it comes to Government services.

This is according to Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar, who attended a virtual side event of the Fourth Assembly of the ISA on Tuesday where the signing ceremony was held.

During the ceremony, Minister Indar thanked the ISA and highlighted that the implementation of this project will go a long way in making sure that citizens at the grassroots level gain access to clean energy to make their lives easier.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar

“With the solarisation of health facilities being done in Guyana through funding provided by the ISA, the Government hope to see a similar impact in the lives of Guyanese. It is the Government’s aim to replicate the work being done

in many different parts of the country so that we could broaden the scale of impact.”

“This project adds to the efforts the Government of Guyana is already undertaking to deploy solar energy solutions as a means of providing access to clean energy, ensuring energy security for all Guyanese and businesses, and driving a just transition away from primitive sources of energy,” Minister Indar explained.

Indar also expressed the hope that Guyana will see many more such initiatives from the ISA, which would aid in moving the country towards its strategic objectives

of a clean and green energy future for the country.

The Minister also noted the importance of Guyana building capacity to customise these renewable energy technologies to the needs of the populace, without having to outsource such services According to a statement that was released, the objective of the agreement is for ISA to provide technical and financial support to countries who sign on, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as well as increase their market access to solar technology.

TURN TO PAGE 10

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS

Trio get 72 months each for robbing ECD service station

ss

Being realistic…

V

S

ecurity officer Sahied Clarke, 25, taxi driver Seon Peters, 24, and Vanburn James, 30, were each sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment on joint armed robbery charges after pleading guilty to the charges read to them by Magistrate Fabyo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, ECD. The charges to which they pleaded guilty detailed that on October 2, 2021, they robbed several persons, including two pump attendants, at the Chico Ramas Gas Station at Coldingen, ECD while being armed with handguns.

They were, however, arrested and charged several days after that incident.

After entering a guilty plea, they were each sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment on each charge, and the sentences will run con-

Charged: Seon Peters, Sahied Clarke and Vanburn James

secutively.

It was reported that four people, including a pump attendant attached to the Chico Ramos Gas Station at Coldingen Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were robbed by four unidentifiable males who were all armed with handguns.

The 37-year-old male pump attendant was relieved of $50,000 cash, while a 50-year-old self-employed male of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) was robbed of $75,000 cash, a BLU cellular phone, and a grey A95 Samsung Galaxy smart phone.

A 29-year-old male truck driver of Bush Lot Village, WCB was also robbed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Bluetooth headset, $50,000 in cash, and a wallet containing his National Identification Card and driver’s licence.

Moreover, a 23-yearold male, also of Bush Lot Village, WCB was relieved of his valuables.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 20:35h, the driver of motor lorry GPP 9555, along with two other occupants: a 50-year-old male and a 23-year-old male, stopped at the said gas station to purchase fuel.

The driver and the two occupants exited the vehicle and went to the western side of the gas station to make the purchase at the mini mart.

While purchasing the fuel, the occupants observed that the engine of the motor lorry was turned off. They immediately walked back to the eastern side of the gas station, where the 50-yearold was confronted by one of the men, who demanded money and other valuables

from him.

The suspect then dealt the 50-year-old one lash to his head with what appeared to be a handgun, then emptied his pockets.

The suspect thereafter went into the cabin of the lorry and removed the phones and other items belonging to the two victims.

A second suspect then assaulted the 29-year-old driver, placing his hand into the man’s pockets and taking away his money.

The third suspect, the Police have said, placed his hand into the 23-yearold’s pocket and relieved him of his valuables as well.

Thereafter, he dealt him one lash to his forehead with the hand gun. The other occupants were also beaten.

After committing the act, the suspects ran and boarded a silver car which was parked about 50 feet away from the service station, and made good their escape.

…on oil P Jagdeo made our country’s policy on oil production crystal clear: we’re going to try to pump the black gold out as much and as fast as is possible!! Drill baby!! Pump Baby!! And why not?? The man also made that crystal clear. Whether we like it or not…whether we want it or not…the world is going to keep on using fossil fuel for decades into the future. This is a fact of life - don’t let anyone tell you differently. Did you remember all the grand promises made at the Paris COP 21 in 2015? Well, is case you forgot, not a single one of them was fulfilled by the biggest transgressors. And that’s the way the cookie will continue to crumble.

And somebody will supply that market, whether we bow out or not. So, what should we do, leave our oil in the ground to let a few companies become monopolies and make windfall profits?? And that while we remain a povertystricken country, where one-third of our population have to live on less than US$1.90 daily?? That is, only Gy$400 - which can’t even buy a veggie fried rice?? Ah… what the heck!! Your Eyewitness just doesn’t get the kind of thinking that wants us to sacrifice our last chance to live in dignity after four hundred years of slavery and indentureship.

During that time, all the countries we emulate used their resources and - more to the point - ours from the colonies to develop their economies. We were like children with our noses pressed on shop windows looking in at their fantastic lifestyles.

Do these people who want to halt our oil production really believe the countries that did the most damage to the atmosphere to bring on global warming will compensate us for our sacrifice?? That’s what Jagdeo wants to know. Why hasn’t any of them stepped up to the crease to make us that offer we just can’t refuse on our lost “opportunity coat” if we were to stop drilling?? The problem with these “oil leavers” is they aren’t living that life of barely hanging onto sanity by one’s fingernails. And that’s so even though they have a word for that condition - precarity. This just allows them to ignore the people who experience it by removing the images conjured up by that other word, “poverty”.

What the “oil leavers” should be doing is to pursue the suggestion by Global Witness that the circumstances surrounding the oil contract must be investigated. The Government’s going after those who concealed the US $18 million “freck” - whether out of embarrassment or guilt.

But we let the fella who signed away our birthright get away with murder. …about Janet Jagan There was a poignant tribute to the late Janet Jagan in the letters’ column by Clement Rohee, who had grown up at her feet in the PPP. Today would’ve been her 101st birthday.

Your Eyewitness noticed that Rohee complimented her (among other things) for being “attractive”. He wondered how Janet (as everyone called her) would’ve reacted? Was she one of those women who saw such compliments as condescending?

While your Eyewitness can’t pretend to have known her personally, she did strike him as a no-nonsense person who would’ve given short shrift to such “bouquets”. But her beauty - as defined by the then dominant Eurocentric standards - did serve her well. All of the books and articles by the British and Americans dwell on her looks. It must’ve meant something. Her sobriquet was the “Blue-Eyed Bhowgie” who hobnobbed with the PPP huddled Indian masses, partook of their simple fare, and even slept in their logies when she was mobilising back in the day.

She was quite a draw.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

…on new voters list Aspiring PNC leader Aubrey Norton wants a new voters’ list from house-to-house registration. But this would mean disenfranchising overseas Guyanese, unless the constitution is changed.

Is he willing to engage the “illegally installed cabal” on this?

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

18-year-old among 2 new deaths …over 2300 new COVID-19 infections so far in October

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oronavirus deaths for October have reached 78, after two more persons succumbed to the virus. Guyana’s death toll is now 877.

New deaths were announced on Tuesday by the Health Ministry. An unvaccinated 18-year female died on October 19 while a par-

al isolation, 3512 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. This represents 3653 active cases. Out of the 16,369 males and 18,239 females that contracted the virus, 30,978 have recovered.

Some 340,480 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was de-

tistics show a 373,398 first dose uptake or 72.8 per cent.

Second doses are at 231,729 or 45.2 per cent of the adult population. For the Pfizer vaccine, 26,391 doses or 36.2 per cent have been administered to children; with 17,379 children returning for their second dose.

This week’s breakdown

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD OCTOBER 19, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

94

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

tially vaccinated 50-year-old male succumbed on October 18. They both hailed from Region 10.

This publication understands that the latter was the Head Teacher of Mackenzie High School, Haslyn Small. He was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and suffered from other underlying illnesses.

For the month of October, there have been 2307 new infections – 94 of which were recorded on Tuesday.

A total of 23 persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 118 in institution-

tected here.

Regionally, a breakdown showed 10 new cases in Region One (BarimaWaini); 12 for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); five in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 35 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); six in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica); 23 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); two in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Recent vaccination sta-

of vaccination statistics would have shown Regions Two and 10 lagging behind in the national immunisation campaign, with 59.3 and 32.5 per cent respectively. These areas have seen a jump in infections over the last few weeks. On the other end of the spectrum, Region Four is leading with 81.6 per cent while other regions are moving apace.

In Monday’s briefing, it was pointed out that persons suffering from HIV are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. This can be exacerbated if they are not taking any medication for their condition.

7 foreign nationals picked up during TIP sting operation …3 Guyanese detained for operating TIP ring

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olice conducted two sting operations at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, and at the Benhab Bar and Night Club, Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara, where a total of seven female foreign nationals were picked up and interviewed.

An investigation was launched into the alleged Trafficking-in-Persons (TIP) ring operating out following the arrest of the persons on Friday.

A bartender, proprietor and a taxi driver were detained by the Police for questioning and remain in custody to assist with investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Just last month, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Counter Trafficking in Person (C-TIP) unit hosted a two-

day training for Special Constables.

Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud had stressed on the need for perpetrators to be identified and prosecuted.

“Identifying the traffickers is the biggest problem, but if they’re not stopped more will join them.

The only way to end this is to put these people behind bars; if they feel they can get off, they won’t stop. Let’s go out there stronger together. Trafficking in Persons is a heinous crime against people,” Minister Persaud had told the participants.

According to her, it was important for the re-migrants to be trained because when they come to the country they must understand its policies, laws, and procedures. “The community engagement is the best. We’re trying different avenues of how we engage people,” she said.

Additionally, Head of the Special Constabulary and Special Superintendent Owen Trotz called attention to the number of underage girls from Venezuela who are working at wash bays and other businesses with little pay.

He added that he also noticed that the people who come from Brazil, Dominica,

and other countries to practice prostitution here, are often treated badly.

The C-TIP unit also concluded training with the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force, among other agencies.

118 3512 23

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

18,239

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

16,369

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

34,608

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

30,078

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

373,398

FULLY IMMUNISED

231,729

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

877

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1576

REGION 2

1370

REGION 3

4720

REGION 4

16,537

REGION 5

1225

REGION 6

2471

REGION 7

1723

REGION 8

540

REGION 9

2435

REGION 10

2011

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had shared, “It is recommended that persons with HIV take the COVID-19 vaccine because it’s going to protect them.

The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweighs the risks. In some cases, persons who would have had their immune system compromised, it is also recommended that they get a

third dose or a booster shot.

Any one of the vaccines that we are currently using for the adult population can be used for HIV patients.”

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

visit www.health.gov.gy All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene. (G12)

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen shot by cattle ranger Man killed by bees at Montrose during dispute over cows identified as pensioner

A

13-year-old lad was on Monday shot while he was assisting his father to look for their cows at Duck Creek, Corentyne River, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The Police have said that the alleged shooter is employed by a businessman of Grant 1806 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice and resides on a farm at Duck Creek, where he and two others look after his employer’s cattle.

The teen’s father also rears animals on a portion of land next to the businessman’s property, and, from time to time, his cows would allegedly damage the businessman’s fence and enter his property.

On Monday, at about 7:00h, the teen’s father, together with the teen and two workers, went into the businessman’s property to look for his cows when the sus-

pect, brandishing a shotgun, confronted them.

Based on reports received, an argument ensued between the teen’s father and the armed man, during which the teen’s father instructed him to use his mobile phone to record the suspect with the gun.

In retaliation, the armed man reportedly discharged six rounds in the direction of the teen and his father, resulting in the teen sustaining gunshot injuries to his

right foot.

Soon after the shooting, the suspect went into hiding, while the injured teen was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

The matter was reported to the Police, and an investigation has been launched.

Ranks reportedly went to the scene, but there was no sign of the shooter. However, one of his colleagues was arrested and is assisting Police with the investigation.

Unidentified man found dead at EBE foreshore

A

so-far-unidentified man was on Monday found floating at the Vergenoegen foreshore, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and he is suspected to have drowned.

After the Leonora Police Station had received a report from an unknown call-

er at about 14:30h, who informed that the body of a man was seen floating at the Vergenoegen foreshore, Police ranks went to the location and found the man’s body, clad in a red short pants, floating face downwards.

The body was retrieved

from the water and checked for marks of violence, during which it was observed that parts of the skin on the face had been removed.

The body has been taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, where it awaits positive identification and autopsy.

O

Sirpaul “Rishi" Hemraj, John Sutherland and Dorothy Adams

ne day after a dead body was found in a bee hive along the Montrose Seawalls, East Coast Demerara, the deceased man has been identified as 66-year-old Haniff Mohamed, a pensioner.

The Police have said that the man’s body was discovered at about 17:15h on Monday in a motionless state at the Montrose Seawall with what appears to be bee stings about several parts.

Based on investigations, several residents were reportedly attacked and stung by bees in the area between 9:00h and 18:00h on Sunday.

Due to the attacks, the bee catcher was alerted to tend

to the bees, and upon his arrival on the seawalls at about 17:15h on Monday, Mohamed’s body was seen lying motionless on the ground.

Mohamed was picked up by public-spirited persons and taken to the GPHC, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

He had last been seen alive on Sunday at about 20:00h. His body is at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem.

This is the fourth person to have died during a bee attack in the past two weeks.

Two weeks ago, 57-yearold John Sutherland of Eversham, Corentyne, Berbice and 58-yearold Dorothy Adams of Rotterdam, East Bank Berbice were killed during separate bee attacks in Berbice. A few days later, 62-year-old Sirpaul Hemraj, former Head of the

Black Bush Water Users Association and resident of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, was attacked and killed by bees.

It was reported that Hemraj had left the Mibicuri NDC Office on his motorcycle, in the company of two others, to make checks on an excavator which was doing drainage works in the backdam.

Hemraj was sitting on his motorcycle while the other men were overseeing the work of the excavator when suddenly someone started to shout, “Bee!” Everyone began to run to safety, but Hemraj was left behind.

When the others returned to the location, they observed Hemraj lying on the ground covered in mud, with swellings about his body. He was rushed to the Mibicuri Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Govt signs agreement with...

FROM PAGE 7

Additionally, ISA will provide support for resilience building in sectors such as agriculture and health, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and will “foster innovation in business model, finance, technology and implementation modalities.”

Guyana, it was explained, had submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the installation of a 9kWp Grid-tie Solar Photovoltaic System at the Orealla Health Centre, Region Six. This application was approved by the ISA. “The solar PV system will have an accompanying Battery Energy Storage System of 37kWh to facilitate back-up storage at the health centre for periods of power outage or cloud cover.

This intervention is geared at fostering improvement in the provision of health services and an overall increase in socio-economic development within the community.”

Since the return of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to Government, there has been a concerted push towards renewable energy.

This has included pushing ahead with the gas-to-shore project, which will use gas from the Stabroek Block oil fields for power onshore.

Besides the gas-toshore project and various hydropower projects at Kumu falls and Moco Moco, the Government is also bringing back the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP). In fact, bidding was recently opened for the construction of the project, as well as supporting infrastructure to transmit the power to the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The project entails the construction of a 165 MW installed hydro dam, plant and related works, as well as transmission lines and structures from Amaila Falls in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to Sophia, Greater Georgetown. (G3)

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vessel transporting stones goes up in flames A

V i n c e n t i a n registered vessel transporting stones went up in flames in the wee hours of Tuesday at the Gafoors Complex at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The vessel Sydney Marie, bearing IMO number 7432317 and Official number 400913, is owned

by Odin’s Trading of Main Street, Charlestown, St. Vincent, and is captained by 56-year-old Vincentian Richard Bynoe.

This publication was informed that the Guyana Fire Service received a report that the vessel was on fire on Tuesday at about 3:31h, and water tenders from the Diamond and Timehri Fire Stations responded to the distress call. Upon arriving at the scene, it was determined

The generator room that was destroyed by the fire on Tuesday

that the fire was started by an overheating generator in the forepeak of the ship.

The generator was severe-

ly damaged, and a quantity of rope was completely destroyed by the fire.

The fire fighters went

into action and were able to contain the fire to one area, and, more importantly, saved the vessel from complete destruction.

The Fire Service, in a release, stated the no one was injured during the operation, but seafarers are urged to follow basic rules which would, in the end, prevent accidental fires from starting on vessels.

These rules include prohibition of open flames on ships or in cabins, such as candles, cigarettes, or incense sticks, unless they are lit in the presence of people and are extinguished before leaving; ensuring that circuit overloading is avoided at all costs; avoid carrying oil rags into cabins or accommodation areas where the possibility of accidental flames is higher; not

leaving oil pans unattended in the open; following all safety procedures while performing maintenance operations like welding or gas cutting, where flammable material is involved; and having complete understanding of fire-fighting equipment and basic training.

Back in June, 60-yearold Seepersaud Persaud of River’s Town, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Mark Mangal and 29-yearold Damon Dias of Sarah Johanna, EBD were killed after a vessel transporting fuel burst into flames at Friendship, EBD. Following investigations, it was revealed that the explosion came from the engine room. A hose that was connected to the fuel pump and partially

burnt-out, along with the remains of a yellow plastic bottle nearby, was found in the engine room.

The Police have said that of the control valves in the vicinity of the fuel tank, the only one which was found open was the gasoline tank valve.

The owner of the vessel disclosed that all of the valves should have been closed, and the hose must be connected to the fuel pump only when discharging fuel.

As a result, checks were made in the boat captain’s motor car, PTT 2965, and five six-gallon bottles and one five-gallon bottle with suspected gasoline were found in the trunk. It was further established that the men were pumping fuel without the owner’s permission.

Lethem mechanic caught Alleged alcoholic with stolen vehicle collapses, dies in yard

A

39-year-old mechanic was on Monday taken into Police custody after he was found driving an allegedly stolen motor vehicle along the Moco Moco Road in Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Reports are that a team of Police ranks, acting on information received, went to Moco Moco Road, Central Rupununi and confronted the suspect, of Culvert City, Central Rupununi. At the time, he was driving a Montana Conquest motor vehicle bearing registration number NAW 2497, which is suspected to have been stolen.

The mechanic, when questioned, claimed he had bought the vehicle from another man of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, for $120,000 more than a year ago.

He was arrested, and the motorcar has been lodged at Lethem Police

A

n alleged alcoholic reportedly collapsed and died in his yard after reportedly complaining of feeling a pain in his chest.

The dead man has been identified as 53-year-old Rabindranauth Nypaul, called Charlie, of No. 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The allegedly stolen motor vehicle which the mechanic was driving at the time of his arrest

Station while checks are being made for the alleged

seller. Investigations are ongoing.

Anna Catherina man injured in hit-and-run

F

ollowing a deadly weekend in which there were five fatalities in separate vehicular accidents, another man is in a critical state after being involved in a hitand-run accident on the Anna Catherina Public Road, West Coast Demerara on Monday evening.

The injured man has been identified as 49-year-old Trevor Albert of Lot 6 Anna Catherina, WCD. The Police have said that on Monday at about 18:30h, an unknown motor vehicle was proceeding west along the Anna Catherina Public Road when it hit the pedestrian, who was on the other side of

the road, and drove away.

The injured pedestrian was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens and taken to Leonora Cottage Hospital, but due to severity of his injuries, was transferred to the West

Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he was admitted a patient is stable condition.

The vehicle involved in the accident has not yet been located, but Police investigations continue.

The Police have said that the now dead man lived alone, and had been a heavy drinker of alcohol. On the day in question, at about 13:00h, Nypaul was walking within his yard when he reportedly collapsed and became motionless. Prior to him falling to the ground, he had complained of feel-

ing a pain in his stomach.

He was picked up and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body did not have any marks of violence, and no foul play is suspected. A post mortem is expected to be conducted on the body shortly.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2

Scenes from Guyana Nation

Guyana's culture and rich biodiversity on display during the N

13

2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

nal Day at Dubai Expo 2020

National Day celebrations at the Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday

(Office of the President photos)

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Missing 14-year-old

Police charge relatives for “stalking” suspected TIP house

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t is now one week since a 14-year-old girl of Jetty Squatting Area, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, went missing.

The child reportedly disappeared after dropping her little brother to school and now her family is pleading with the public to help them find her.

Fourteen-year-old Varshnie Ramdass, a student of Windsor Forest Secondary School on the West Coast of Demerara went missing on Wednesday, October 13.

The young lady had earlier in the day dropped her brother off at the Vreed-enHoop Primary School. Since then, the child never returned home and all efforts to locate her have proven futile.

The girl’s mother, Pinkey

Ganga told Guyana Times that her daughter was last seen at about 11:30h and she was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a grey top.

The woman related that she and her daughter had plans to visit the Vreed-enHoop Secondary School for her to be enrolled there.

“On Tuesday morning I told her to go to Vreed-enHoop school and find out… when she found out, she said that they said they were going to registration on the Wednesday… so she had to drop her brother and come back home so that we can go and talk to the Head Mistress. She left and she never come back,” the woman said.

The worried mother also revealed that the day her daughter went missing, she recalled giving her $15,000,

Missing: Varshnie Ramdass

her personal documents and a one pennyweight gold chain to put in a pouch, which she was carrying at the time.

She said before her daughter went missing, she had no problems at home, and did not show any signs

of frustration or sadness.

“She didn’t seem like anything was wrong … she always had a shoulder purse so said when she come back, we don’t have to look for nothing else so everything was already in the purse…

Varshnie them father died and I does get public assistance for Varshnie other brothers and sisters and everything was in the same bag that she leave with.”

“She doesn’t have no friend or nobody that she does leff house or go by neighbour place and keep company. She is not like that, anything else not she… that is how she does behave,” the woman said.

The woman added that calls were made to relatives and close friends but no one has seen or heard from her. As such, a missing person’s report was made at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.

“She give we a complain about couple months ago that a boy use to mo-

lest her and her stepfather meet with the boy parents and complain. She said she don’t like the boy and how he would approach her. She said that he like she but she too small for that. We went to his mother and we tell them and they apologise,” the grieving mother explained.

The woman said since her daughter’s disappearance, they have been receiving phone calls from persons saying that they saw Ramdass in the company of the said man, or a man fitting his description. As such, she visited his home, and they were told by his grandmother that she has not seen him for days.

Ganga said that she also went looking for her daughter in Crane, WCD, where it is being alleged that the man took her.

“This is a house where people accuse a woman of keeping young girls and putting them to sell their body.

The Police cooperate with

us… we went and get two Police at Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station and we went to the house in Crane and they searched but nobody was there,” she explained.

The missing child’s mother said she is unaware if her daughter is being held against her will, but, if she is not, she is pleading with her to come home.

The woman said some family members were also arrested and charged on Monday, after revisiting the Crane house on several occasions with the aim of finding her daughter. Relatives said that the house is reportedly a known haven for Trafficking in Persons activity. Police were unable to comment on the matter on Tuesday.

Anyone who might have seen Varshnie Ramdass or have any information on where she is, is asked to call telephone numbers: 6038147, 673-3793, 636-3133, 602-0570 or the nearest Police station. (G9)

15

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

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Congratulations to students, parents, Minister Priya, MoE – APNU/AFC out of place

unreservedly congratulate the Guyanese children, their parents and teachers on their performance in the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) exams of 2021. The Minister and her team at the Ministry of Education did an excellent job in ensuring a smooth NGSA 2021. Gratitude is also due to the CXC Team that administered the exams from start to finish.

The Guyanese children, as they often do, made Guyana proud.

From CXC’s announcement last week, it appears that in the imminent announcement of CXC and CAPE results for 2021, Guyanese children will top the Caribbean. Guyana is anxiously waiting to celebrate our children again in a few days. In a world where bad news dominates, this week and in coming days, our children have made, and will make, us proud, no “ands, ifs and buts”.

The leadership of Guyana’s Dr Leslie Ramsammy Opposition must begin to learn time and place. The conditional congratulations were simply out of place. There must be times when this country stands as one. Our children did good enough for Guyana to have the willpower to stand as one. The Opposition, therefore, squandered another opportunity to demonstrate that Guyana comes first. Using anything and everything to find something to be critical, politicising anything and everything, is not a winning strategy to gain the controls of Government. In fact, it is wearisome, exasperating, and plain stupid. CXC conducted Guyana’s NGSA 2021 as they have done for several years, but this year they were given more autonomy than ever, to ensure no one in Guyana can and could interfere.

Minister Priya Manikchand and her team must be congratulated for placing responsibility for Guyana’s NGSA entirely in the hands of one of the world’s most prestigious examination authorities.

Because of COVID-19, the education sector in countries around the world has been severely disrupted. Studies have confirmed learning losses among children in every country where such studies have been done, mainly in developed countries, but also in some large developing countries. It is expected that learning losses among children eventually will be confirmed for every country.

As for assessment exams, thousands around the world have been deferred and cancelled. It is remarkable, therefore, that Guyana was able to conduct its National Grade 6 Exams (commonly called the Common Entrance Exams) and the children performed as well as in any previous year. It is a tribute to the children who were able to write the exams, and to their parents and teachers. That more children scored higher marks to obtain places in Grade A schools, that qualification marks were good enough to place most children in a secondary school, means Guyana is making accelerated progress in removing Primary Tops, which provided a level of secondary education. For this alone, our children and their teachers deserve our unconditional support and congratulation.

It has been more than eighteen months since COVID-19 has brought chaos to our classrooms. Around the world, more than 2 trillion hours of in-person schooling have been lost. COVID-19 has been a direct assault against the right of children to an education.

It has been a challenge for governments in their pursuit to ensure every child has an education. Online education became, and continues to be, the alternative, but after eighteen months, it is clear there is no substitute for in-person education, even if online education remains a good addition. In any case, around the world, one in three children had no access to online technology. As much as we tried, many children in Guyana had major difficulties with online education. That our NGSA 2021 children confronted the COVID-19 chaos and came out on top is not merely testimony of the resilience of our children, but signals that our children are capable of heights we have not yet dared dream of.

In a global survey done by Save the Children, it was found that seven out of every ten children have learnt little during the pandemic so far. There were many reasons for this deficit in learning.

Almost half of the children claimed they could not understand the homework. Almost half confirmed they either had no access to, or only limited access to, the internet. More than 25% of the children had no one at home to help them. Around the world, access to school materials became, and is still, an issue. Most of the children with little internet access, with no one to help, without school materials, are children from poor families. COVID-19 did not cause, but did expose, this poverty and inequity that still exists decades after we vowed at the UN to eliminate poverty and inequity. We have failed miserably.

Every day, in Guyana and around the world, we see the mounting deaths from COVID-19. But the end story will show that our children are among the biggest victims. Their lives are being impacted before their own eyes and in front of all of us in ways that are profound. In the end, our children will live with learning losses that will impact their socio-economic status for the rest of their lives. It is why we must do all we can now to alleviate the impacts of COVID-19. It is why we must take hope, and we must be grateful that our children were undaunted by COVID-19 at NGSA 2021. Congratulations to every child that sat the NGSA – you did Guyana proud.

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Increased vaccination needed “Umbrella Dread” confesses, among health-care workers – WHO remanded for killing reputed wife …amid high infections, deaths

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he World Health Organisation has amplified calls for health workers to get vaccinated, in light of growing trends which indicate increased infections and deaths among this subset.

“Health and care workers are the foundation of health systems and the driving force to achieving universal health coverage and global health security. Their commitment and professionalism throughout the pandemic are evident to all: extraordinary people, performing extraordinary work. However, too many of them have become infected, ill or died as a result of COVID-19,” said the agency.

The WHO estimates that between 80,000 and 180,000 healthcare workers could have died from COVID-19 in the period between January 2020 to May 2021, converging to a medium scenario of 115,500 deaths.

“These deaths are a tragic loss. They are also an irreplaceable gap in the world’s pandemic response.

Encouragingly, the reported rate of infections and deaths among health and care workers has reduced over time: but the world cannot be complacent. More work is needed to minimise the risk of infection in the work-

place.”

As of September 2021, available data from 119 countries suggest that two in five health and care workers were fully vaccinated on average, with considerable difference across regions and economic groupings. Fewer than one in 10 have been fully vaccinated in the African and Western Pacific regions, while 22 mostly high-income countries reported that above 80 per cent of their personnel are fully vaccinated.

The Steering Committee of the International Year of Health and Care Workers, in coordination with a press conference with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus, also issued a joint statement underscoring their deep concern about the probable number of deaths, the overall low rate of vaccinations and the vaccine inequities among health and care workers in low- and middle-income countries.

The Joint Statement called for immediate and concrete action to protect health and care workers, strengthen data collection and reporting on infections, ill-health and deaths among health and care workers due to COVID-19; protect health

and care workers during and beyond the current global COVID-19 pandemic; and accelerate the vaccination of all health and care workers in all countries.

“Failure to take action undermines the physical, mental, and social well-being of those individuals we depend upon to manage the pandemic. Recognition and commemoration are not enough. It is our moral obligation to protect and invest in health and care workers.

And we must move forward together,” said the WHO. A few weeks ago, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had disclosed that a majority of persons in the sector have been vaccinated. He explained that this leaves the unvaccinated health workers in the minority.

With the Delta and other variants proving to be even deadlier – the Health Minister shared concerns if health workers remain unvaccinated and remain on the frontlines.

As of August 1, the Guyana Government mandated that healthcare workers be vaccinated against the life-threatening virus.

Failure to do so would mean that they would be required to submit regular PCR tests to prove that they were not infected with the disease.

(G12)

J

ust after a post-mortem examination confirmed that Denise Vieira, the 47-year-old businesswoman of Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) who was found dead in her home on Wednesday, was choked and beaten to death, her reputed husband confessed to killing her and was charged.

According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was asphyxiation due to compression injuries to the neck, which is consistent with choking, compounded by blunt trauma to the head and face.

Marvin Verbeke, 33, called “Umbrella Dread” during Police interrogation told officers that the killing happened Wednesday at their home.

According to the man, he wanted to scare Vieira and snuck up behind her and placed his arms around her neck. It was then the woman began resisting and it resulted in them fighting.

He told Police that during the fight he began choking the woman as she kept on fighting. He alleged that he had only choked her to stop her from retaliating.

Shortly after, the duo fell to the floor, where Vieira allegedly hit her head and became motionless. The man said he then released her neck and realised that she was already dead.

Dead: Denise Vieira

He claimed that upon realising she was motionless he panicked and began to shake her in an attempt to revive her. However, his attempts proved futile.

The 33-year-old man then told Police that he left her in the house and went out outside and made checks around the yard before going to a nearby shop where he was reportedly hanging out with friends.

In previous reports, Police had explained that about three months ago, the woman had moved out of the house she shared with the man to live in a separate structure in the same yard.

The woman, who operated a shop, reportedly moved

out due to an ongoing domestic dispute with the man.

On the day in question at around 13:00h, a neighbour heard the woman telling the husband “Get out my (expletive) place, leff me alone.”

The husband then left her house and proceeded next door where he was liming with some friends.

At around 13:45h, a customer went to the woman’s home/shop and that customer’s calls went unanswered.

This was communicated to the husband who went over to investigate. It was then he allegedly discovered the woman dead on the kitchen floor with blood oozing from her mouth, nose and about her face, Police said.

He reportedly attempted to revive her but she was unresponsive. A report was then made to the Police by neighbours.

Suspecting foul play was involved, the husband was arrested and he denied the allegation.

However, following his confession, he was remanded to prison on Monday after he was charged with the offence.

Verbeke appeared at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce via Zoom and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on January 12, 2022. (G9)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teixeira warns another motion to remove PAC Chair could be looming …as Govt, Opposition sides trade barbs on motion to increase sittings

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ccusing the Opposition of continuously violating the standing orders of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Governance and Public Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira has warned that another motion to oust the Chair of the Committee could be looming.

The Chairman of the PAC is A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira, who only took over in July after the previous Chairman, David Patterson, was removed. According to Teixeira, however, Figueira seems to be following in the footsteps of his predecessor.

“A decision was made on October 11 in the Committee, without any discussion or any attempt to reach consensus on having meetings twice weekly… they attempted this before and they knew the

PAC member Gail Teixeira

Government was not in support, neither the constitutional body heads. I brought a motion to rescind the motion of October 11, in keeping with the standing orders. And although hotly debated in the beginning, Figueira did agree he needed more time to review it.”

According to Teixeira, Figueira agreed that the motion would come back at the next statutory meeting of October 25. This was

PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira

PAC member Ganesh Mahipaul

agreed to, after which the PAC continued dealing with the 2016 Auditor General Report.

“Regrettably, when we came near to the end, Mr Figueira shut off the live stream, told the media to leave and proceeded to adjourn until Friday, October 22. Despite him being reminded he had made a commitment to October 25, the statutory meeting on

Monday. He proceeded to walk out the meeting.”

“This is reminiscent of what we went through in the PAC with Patterson as the Chair. Once again, APNU/ AFC cannot be trusted with anything, even a simple motion to rescind a decision… so we will now start down a road that is familiar and if this behaviour continues,

Nestlé Vision to Reality: Start-Up Challenge

Guyanese innovators cop 2nd, 3rd prizes in Caribbean

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daiah Fyffe and Crystal Charles, two Guyanese innovators, emerged second and third place winners, respectively, in the recent Nestlé Vision to Reality: Start-Up Challenge, which began on June 7 in collaboration with Junior Achievement (JA) Jamaica.

The programme consisted of eight (8) weeks of entrepreneurship workshops, covering key topics such as strengthening business ideas, business ethics and planning; all intended to help participants to turn their ideas into viable business ventures.

The winners were announced on October 6, at the Nestlé Caribbean Youth Summit.

Fyffe and Charles won US$2000 and US$1000, respectively.

Fyffe copped the second-place prize with “Wild Rupununi”, a start-up company that combines the drying of fruits and vegetables with the cash trade system to offer a solution to post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables.

Using the sun drying method, it partly preserves the nutritional quality of fresh products, especially minerals and fibres, while tackling seasonal scarcity of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Meanwhile, Charles copped the third place with her environmentally friendly and biodegradable invention “ENBIO”. Her invention is a multi-product sisal production business aimed at cultivating and process-

ing sisal fibres to produce value-added products such as bioplastics and cardboard packaging.

The awardees expressed how grateful they are for the opportunity and how the training and experience will help perfect their businesses.

Fyffe said “The experience at JA was awesome.

It was informative and once paired with a mentor, that was an added benefit that boosted my confidence to try harder to make it work”.

“Throughout this whole journey I have learned that if you want something, then you must have the confidence and belief to pursue it no matter how unrealistic it may seem.

That’s why although some of my objectives may take a while to come into fruition, I will still endlessly pursue them,” Charles posited.

The Nestlé Vision to Reality competition engaged participants between the ages of 18-29 from across four Caribbean countries – Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Guyana.

In Guyana, the programme was coordinated by !nnovate Guyana/GEDT, where staff and volunteers from Guyana and the diaspora delivered training sessions.

A total of 23 participants were mentored.

The training and mentoring sessions concluded on September 30 with a Pitch Competition, where the top three entrants from each

country, including Guyana, competed for a grand prize in funding. !nnovate Guyana is a platform that showcases Guyanese inventiveness. !nnovate Guyana consists of the Guyana Innovation Prize, which supports ag-science and ag-tech start-ups; !nnovate Guyana TV on YouTube; the Economic Development Accelerator for growing agro-processors; the Global Entrepreneurship Network Guyana chapter; and the Executive Volunteer Corps, which engages the diaspora and friends of Guyana to support innovators in Guyana’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. !nnovate Guyana is offered by the Guyana Economic Development Trust (GEDT), an independent US and Guyana initiative.

Meanwhile, JA Jamaica is a registered non-governmental organisation and a member nation of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the world’s largest organisation dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programmes.

JA’s programmes help to prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs that make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.

we have no qualms of going to the House once again to remove the Chairman of the PAC.” However, PAC Member and APNU/AFC Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul released a statement in which he was adamant that Figueira was not bound to hold the next meeting on October 25, like he had agreed. He also argued that the twice weekly meetings are necessary considering the PAC’s backlog.

“At the close of the day’s business the Chairman adjourned the meeting to Friday, October 22, 2021, in keeping with the resolution of the Committee.

For clarity, it must be understood that not because the Committee accepted unanimously to allow the Chairman the time he requested to address Ms

Teixeira’s motion, it means that the resolution can be breached,” Mahipaul said in his statement.

Teixeira had previously tabled a motion of no-confidence against Patterson at a Committee meeting in February this year but his Opposition colleagues refused to take up his seat, arguing steadfastly for Patterson to be retained.

Then at subsequent meetings, Patterson failed to put the issue on the agenda.

This resulted in Teixeira tabling the No-Confidence Motion against Patterson in the National Assembly in June. After a marathon session that featured lengthy and heated debates that ran into the wee hours of June 15, the motion was passed by a 34 to 31 majority in the National Assembly.

Security guard beaten by bandits

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security guard of Unity Mosquito Hall, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is now nursing serious injuries about his body after he was brutally beaten by bandits while on duty on Saturday.

The 57-year-old man, Sarwan Persaud, who is attached to Ramotar and Sons Contracting Services in Unity, ECD, was attacked after the bandits invaded the business place.

Relatives of the man told Guyana Times that Persaud along with two other workers were keeping guard at the business place at the time.

Persaud was reportedly keeping watch on the second floor of the building, while his colleagues were dispatched at other sections. At around 11:00h the man left his post to go to the washroom, when he was confronted by three bandits who were armed with knives and a gun.

The injured man’s family believes that the culprits were “timing him” before they made their attack.

Persaud, upon seeing the men, attempted to retaliate, when he received a sound beating. The man’s family said he was gun-butted and tied up while the men demanded that he hand over the keys to the building and other valuables.

However, with great disappointment, the perpetrators discovered that the security guard had no access to the building, and continued to beat Persaud.

The bandits then left the man while they broke into the building and began ransacking it. <<<Guyana Times>>> was made to understand that the men were searching the building for more than three hours.

Persaud was then blind-

Sarwan Persaud after he was beaten by the bandits

folded, stomped in the back and beaten brutally as he begged mercifully for the men to spare his life.

At the time his colleagues were not aware of the incident, since they were some distance away.

After hours of searching, the bandits made good their escape, leaving Persaud tied up and bleeding profusely.

It was after the men left, he managed to untie himself and raise an alarm.

He was rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital, ECD, where he was seen by a doctor and admitted a patient.

He was subsequently discharged.

A report was made to the Police and an investigation has been launched. (G9)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

Regional

Haitian gang demands US$1M each Brazil’s Bolsonaro should face for 17 kidnapped US missionaries homicide charge for COVID-19 errors, says Senate report T Haitians protested against rising violence, fuel, and food shortages at the home of acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on October 19 [Matias Delacroix/AP Photo]

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gang that kidnapped members of a Christian missionary group from the United States is demanding US$17 million in ransom per person, a top Haitian official told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The official, who was not authorised to speak to the press, said someone from the 400 Mawozo gang called in the ransom demand shortly after kidnapping the missionaries on October 16.

A person in contact with the Christian Aid Ministries, who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, confirmed

the ransom demand to the AP. Haiti has descended into increasing lawlessness following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July and a magnitude-7.2 earthquake in August.

Kidnappings by armed gangs have spiked, amid fuel and food shortages and a new wave of migrants leaving the impoverished Caribbean island nation.

Haitian workers went on a general strike on October 18 to protest worsening insecurity and gang violence after the abduction of the Christian missionaries.

“Many people, includ-

ing CAM management and Haitian and US authorities, are working diligently to bring our loved ones home safely,” Christian Aid said in a statement on Tuesday without acknowledging the ransom request.

The adults being held captive range in age from 18 to 48, while the children are aged eight months, three years, six years, 13 years and 15 years, according to the statement. Sixteen of the abductees are Americans and one is Canadian.

The group was returning from visiting an orphanage when they were abducted on October 16, the Ohio-based organisation said.

“This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti,” the ministry said, adding that the missionaries were most recently working on a rebuilding project to help people who lost homes in the earthquake.

The US has sent a team of FBI agents and Department of State diplomats to Port-auPrince to work with Haitian authorities.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Senator leading a probe into Brazil’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has recommended that President Jair Bolsonaro be charged with homicide over what his report says are Government errors that led to the deaths of thousands.

Bolsonaro has dismissed the probe as politically motivated. It is highly unlikely that he will face a trial on any such charges, which would have to be brought by Brazil’s Prosecutor General – a presidential nominee whom he appointed.

The nearly 1200-page

document, prepared by Opposition Senator Renan Calheiros, alleges that Bolsonaro deliberately turned down early offers to purchase vaccines, delaying Brazil’s inoculation campaign and costing an estimated 95,000 lives.

The report says Bolsonaro was guided “by an unfounded belief in the theory of herd immunity by natural infection and the existence of a treatment”.

“Without the vaccine, deaths would be stratospheric, as they turned out to be,” the report adds.

Ecuador’s President declares state of emergency over drug violence

Colombian Govt “responsible for kidnap, attack and rape of Journalist”

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he Inter-American Court of Human Rights has issued a ruling holding Colombia’s Government responsible for the kidnap, torture and rape of a Journalist by paramilitary groups in 2000.

Jineth Bedoya, a reporter at the time for the El Espectador newspaper, was investigating a weapons smuggling ring when she was abducted and assaulted by far-right militia members.

The paramilitaries, some of whom have since been convicted, were among the forces that fought left-wing militias in Colombia until their official demobilisation in

2006.

The ruling on Monday said the attacks against Bedoya “could not have been carried out without the consent and collaboration of the [Colombian] State, or at least with its tolerance”.

The court, an autonomous body of the Organisation of American States (OAS), added that the State’s further failure to investigate threats against Bedoya in the wake of the attack violated her “rights to judicial guarantees, judicial protection, and equality before the law”.

While three paramilitary leaders were later convicted for their roles in the abduc-

tion and attack, the court also ordered Colombia to “punish those remaining responsible for the acts of violence” and called for other measures, including the creation of a training programme for public officials and security forces focused on violence against women.

Bedoya, now 47, hailed the decision, saying she had faced two decades of “persecution, intimidation and constant threats” while seeking justice for the attack, in which she was tortured and raped for 16 hours before being left naked on the side of the road. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The draft report still needs to be voted on by the Senate and could be vetoed and altered. The vote is scheduled to take place next week.

The presidency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bolsonaro told supporters the probe was a “joke” and said he was not concerned about it.

At over 600,000 people, Brazil has the second-highest death toll worldwide due to COVID-19, behind only the United States.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

So far in 2021, approximately 200 inmates have died in violence in Ecuador’s prisons [File: Fernando Mendez/AFP]

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cuador’s President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency as the country grapples with a surge in drug-related violence, and ordered the Police and military onto the streets.

“Starting immediately, our armed forces and Police will be felt with force in the streets, because we are decreeing a state of emergency

throughout the national territory,” Lasso said in a speech on Monday broadcast by the State channel EcuadorTV. “In the streets of Ecuador there is only one enemy: drug trafficking,” the right-wing leader declared, adding that “in recent years Ecuador has gone from being a drug trafficking country to one that also consumes drugs”.

Earlier on Monday,

Lasso named a new Defence Minister as the country reels from a substantial prisons crisis.

In recent months, Ecuador has also been faced with deadly violence in its prisons, prompting Lasso to also declare an emergency in the prison system and deploy troops to secure jails and prevent riots.

In September, at least 116 inmates were killed and dozens more injured at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, in the deadliest outbreak of prison violence in the country’s history.

So far in 2021, approximately 200 inmates have died in violence in Ecuador’s prisons, which have become a battleground for thousands of prisoners with ties to powerful Mexican drug cartels.

More than 100 also died in violence last year alone, including many who were beheaded. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Giant waterspout spotted Argentina food chamber knocks back Government price freeze plan off coast of Tobago

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Tobago fisherman was left in awe on Monday morning after a huge waterspout developed over the western end of the island.

National Geographic describes a waterspout as “a column of rotating, cloud-filled wind. A waterspout descends from a cumulus cloud to an ocean or a lake. Waterspouts are similar to tornadoes, but are usually smaller and less intense”.

The waterspout was spotted just after 09:00h by motorists and residents near the Store Bay area.

Fisherman and tour oper-

A waterspout in western Tobago on Monday (Photo courtesy phoneaidtt)

ator Romell Rivers was at the Store Bay Beach Facility when the waterspout developed.

He told Newsday, “I was just here when I see like the water from the sea look like it started to evaporate and go up into the sky. I’m out in the sea and I see all kind of thing, including these things, but this was the biggest one I’ve ever seen.”

Newsday understand the waterspout was seen as far as Pigeon Point Heritage Park and other areas in Crown Point and Bon Accord.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

A

rgentina’s umbrella food industry chamber said on Tuesday that a Government proposal to freeze prices on some 1650 food and household goods fell short of an offer the sector could accept and criticised officials for pushing a one-sided deal.

The standoff is a blow to the South American country’s centre-left administration, which is looking to freeze prices to tamp down resurgent inflation ahead of crunch midterm elections in November, where it is expected to face losses in Congress.

The Government had flagged talks with the Coordinator of the Food Products Industries of Argentina (COPAL) on Monday to advance toward a deal it hopes will help rein in monthly inflation that spiked to a lofty 3.5 per cent in September. COPAL, however, said in a statement that the call from the Government for price freezes did not give the food and beverage sector enough guarantees. The body says it represents 35 chambers and over 14,500 food and beverage companies.

“The approaches made so

far reflect the lack of will on the part of the authorities to make an agreement with the sector,” COPAL said, criticising the Government for not taking proposals from companies in the sector into account.

“The industry is not the cause of the inflation, but suffers its consequences,” COPAL President Daniel Funes de Rioja added in the statement.

COPAL said the food and beverage industry was “willing to reach an agreement on price freezes”, but called for “genuine dialogue instead of unilateral decisions”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Brent crude closes above US$85 a barrel for 1st time in 3 years

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he global benchmark Brent closed above US$85 a barrel for the first time since October 2018 amid a stronger equity market and ongoing concerns around a worldwide energy crisis.

Brent crude futures eked out a 0.9 per cent gain on Tuesday after a choppy session, while the US benchmark crude closed at a fresh seven-year high. Risk-on sentiment prevailed in the broader markets as equities rose and the US dollar weakened. Meanwhile, Russia signalled that it won’t go out of its way to offer European consumers extra gas to ease supply tightness unless it gets approval for a controversial pipeline.

“Crude price volatility is here to stay as demand uncertainty remains elevated over the short-term,” said Ed Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp. “There is a lot of noise in all this morning’s headlines, but given the relentless winning streak, oil prices are ripe for significant rounds of profit-taking.”

Crude has advanced for the past eight weeks as the energy crisis — prompted by shortages of natural gas and coal — coincided with a rebound in demand from key economies emerging from the pandemic. Russia indicated its keeping a tight grip on gas supplies to Europe and OPEC+ hasn’t pumped enough crude to meet its production targets, exacerbating a tight supply situation. It’s “possible” that oil will hit US$100 a barrel this winter, according to commodities trader Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. West Texas Intermediate for November delivery rose 52 cents to settle at US$82.96 a barrel in New York. Brent for December settlement advanced 75 cents to end the session at US$85.08 a barrel.

In exchange for upping supplies, Russia wants to get German and European Union approval to begin using the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Europe, according to people close to state-run gas giant Gazprom and the Kremlin. Gazprom PJSC’s gas exports to its main markets fell in the first two weeks of October to the lowest since at least 2014 for the time of year.

Technical indicators are showing that crude is in overbought territory. West Texas Intermediate’s 14-day Relative Strength Index is holding above 70, signalling oil may be due for a pullback.

Meanwhile, in the US, analysts surveyed by Bloomberg estimate a crude stockpile gain of 2.25 million barrels last week. The industry-funded American Petroleum Institute will release inventory data later Tuesday, while the US Government will release its weekly tally today. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around the World

FBI raids Washington, New York homes linked to Russia's Deripaska F

BI agents on Tuesday raided Washington and New York City homes linked to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire under US sanctions who once employed Paul Manafort, a chairman of Donald Trump's 2016 US presidential campaign.

Two sources familiar with the investigation said the US Attorney's office in Manhattan, also known as the Southern District of New York, is leading the probe related to Deripaska, a metals industry magnate with Kremlin ties.

In Washington, FBI agents sealed off and searched a mansion in one of the US capital's wealthiest neighbourhoods, carrying boxes out of the house, which had yellow "CRIME

An FBI agent mans his post as the US law enforcement agency conducted a raid at Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska's home in Washington, US, October 19, 2021

SCENE DO NOT ENTER" tape across the front, and towing away a vehicle.

A spokesperson for the US Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed the agency was conduct-

ing a court-authorised law enforcement activity at the home, which the Washington Post has previously reported was linked to the Russian oligarch.

The reason for the search-

ussia, China and Pakistan are willing to provide aid to Afghanistan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, but Moscow said it was not yet ready to recognise the Taliban Government.

The promise of humanitarian aid and economic support came after talks between Russian, Chinese and Pakistani officials, who will be joined by representatives of Afghanistan's Islamist rulers at a meeting in Moscow today.

But Russian Foreign

I

Israeli forces seen raiding the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem in June [Ammar Awad/Reuters]

ple on Monday – both male and female – beating passersby with batons, chasing after children, raiding the main commercial street, and indiscriminately firing tear gas and sound bombs at families They also attacked medical staff.

es was unclear, and the FBI spokespeople gave no details.

A representative for Deripaska said the homes being searched belong to relatives of the oligarch.

Washington imposed sanctions on Deripaska, 53, and other influential Russians because of their ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin after alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election which Moscow denies.

Deripaska once employed Manafort, who was convicted in 2018 of criminal charges arising from the US investigation into the alleged interference but was pardoned by then-president Trump in December. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Taliban gets aid promise but not recognition on eve of Moscow talks R Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia was withholding recognition from the Taliban while waiting for them to fulfil promises they made when they took power, including on the political and ethnic inclusivity of the new government.

Critics say the former rebel movement is backtracking on pledges not to side-line women and minorities, or persecute foes.

"Official recognition of the Taliban is not under discussion for now," Lavrov told reporters. "Like most of other influential countries

in the region, we are in contact with them. We are prodding them to fulfil the promises they made when they came to power."

In mid-August, the Afghan Government collapsed as the United States and allies withdrew troops after 20 years on the ground, leading the Taliban to seize power in a lightning offensive.

Russia, which fought

Local media said medical workers dealt with five rubber-coated metal bullet wounds and 19 sound bomb shrapnel injuries, as well as dozens from physical assault.

At least two local journalists were violently ar-

rested while covering the events.

There have been arrests every night and day at the Damascus Gate and the surrounding areas as Palestinian anger mounted over the desecration of graves in a historic Muslim cemetery near the Old City, parts of which are being built over to make a national park. The Israelicontrolled Jerusalem Municipality began the latest round of excavations in the cemetery on October 10.

The situation has escalated in recent days, however, with Israeli forces violently raiding and clearing Palestinians out of the few public spaces available to them in occupied East Jerusalem, including Damascus Gate and Salah al-Din Street. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

its own disastrous war in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989, is trying to seize the diplomatic initiative to avoid instability in the wider region that could damage its interests. In particular it is worried by the possibility of Islamist militants seeping into the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, a region Moscow views as a defensive buffer. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Facebook settles US worker's discrimination claims

Violent Israeli raids in occupied F East Jerusalem wound dozens sraeli forces violently raided Damascus Gate and surrounding streets in occupied East Jerusalem for the second day in a row during a Palestinian national holiday for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

Matters visibly escalated in the area on Monday evening when Israeli occupation forces wounded at least 49 Palestinians and arrested 10, according to local media.

On both Monday and Tuesday, activities for families and children were taking place at Damascus Gate, one of the few public spaces where Palestinians in the city gather, to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday.

Widely circulated images and videos showed Israeli forces violently arresting and assaulting young peo-

19

acebook has agreed to pay a record US$14.5 million (£10.1 million) to settle claims it discriminated against US workers in its hiring practices.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) had claimed the tech giant routinely overlooked US workers in favour of foreign ones on temporary visas.

It is the biggest penalty of its kind issued by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division.

Facebook said it "strongly believes" it met the Federal Government's standards.

"Companies cannot set aside certain positions for temporary visa holders because of their citizenship or immigration status."

The US tech sector often uses temporary visas, including the H-1B, to bring highly skilled foreign guest workers to the US. It argues they are vital, because there are not enough American science and engineering graduates to fill the jobs available in areas such as artificial intelligence.

But critics say the laws

governing temporary visas are lax, and make it too easy to replace US workers with cheaper foreign labour something US law prohibits.

In October last year, the Trump Administration tightened the requirements for H-1Bs - something some interpreted as being an attempt to deter foreign workers.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that from January 2018 until September 2019, Facebook had "refused" to recruit, consider or hire US workers for more than 2600 jobs.

It also claimed Facebook used recruiting methods "designed to deter US workers from applying to certain positions", such as requiring applications to be submitted by post only.

The DOJ said this violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which prohibits employers from discriminating against workers because of their citizenship or immigration status. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Set your sights on what you want, and don’t stop until you are satisfied. Make a promise to a loved one, and you will receive the support you require to reach an important milestone.

Don’t stumble when precision and detail are required.

Put a safety net in place and proceed with confidence.

Keep moderation in mind and communicate what you want to do in simple terms.

Put your energy where it counts. You’ll gain recognition for what you accomplish, not from what you neglect to finish. An opportunity to use your skills and your intelligence is apparent.

Lean on someone who has relied on you for support. The assistance you receive will encourage a unique relationship to develop. The chance to make a positive move looks good.

Recognize the changes going on around you and gravitate toward what makes you feel comfortable. Home improvements will pay off.

Romance will bring you closer to a loved one.

Take good care of domestic matters and your physical well-being. Don’t get into an emotional tiff with a friend or relative. Keep the peace and go about your business.

Concentrate on self-improvement.

Don’t limit yourself because of someone else’s decision. Finish what you set out to do. Personal growth and self-improvement will be enlightening and give you a unique perspective.

Refuse to let uncertainty be your downfall. Map out a path that will take you from where you are to where you want to be. Make decisions based on your needs. Doing your homework will be necessary.

Focus on efficiency and SAGITTARIUS getting along with those you (Nov. 23live or work alongside. Don’t Dec. 21) let an outsider interfere with your plans. Be specific about what you want and how you expect to reach your target.

Romance is encouraged.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) MONDAY'S WORD -- OPPROBRIOUS

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

Leave nothing to chance and choose your battles wisely. Emotions will surface, causing disputes with friends and relatives if you don’t play fair. If you want something, offer incentives.

Put on your happy, optimistic face, and charge forward with enthusiasm. Your attitude will make a difference when faced with controversy or opposition. Know what you want and pursue it with gusto.

Play to win when dealing with challenging situations.

(Feb. 20Use your insight and unique March 20) outlook to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.

Take the necessary precautions when in crowded areas.

PISCES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

21

Berrington and Davey star as Scotland get past spirited PNG

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apua New Guinea threatened a late heist, courtesy of the big-hitting Norman Vanua, after stumbling to 35 for 5 in a 166-run chase, but Scotland's experience and excellent work up until then helped them prevail for their second win of the T20 World Cup, and PNG's second loss.

Scotland now top Group B, but in minimising the margin of defeat, PNG may have ensured they will have to wait till the end of their final game to see if they can progress to the Super 12s. In case there is a three-way, on two wins each or on one win each, it will come down to net run-rate.

For PNG, this was a massive improvement from their tenwicket pounding against Oman.

In Vanua and Chad Soper, who had an excellent game with bat and ball, they had two heroic performances that nearly helped them achieve the impossible. In the end, they fell 17 runs short, having to rue their top order meltdown.

When Josh Davey, the fast bowler, picked up the final wicket

to finish with 4 for 18, the relief in the Scotland camp was palpable.

PNG's early strikes George Munsey looked to premeditate, and picked up two boundaries, courtesy of slog sweeps off legspinner Charles Amini, but he fell soon after as he top-edged a heave to square leg in the fourth over. It came on the back of left-arm seamer Kabua Morea giving PNG their first World Cup wicket. Beaten on the outside edge on Sunday, Kyle Coetzer was deceived by a slower delivery that nipped back in to beat his inside edge this time.

Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross, in his 50th T20I, then needed to rebuild, as Soper's accuracy and late movement kept them honest.

Berrington and Cross rescue act Having struggled early on to gauge the pace of the pitch, Berrington, who had scored five runs in ten balls, broke the shackles by launching legspinner Lega Siaka for a big six down

the ground. It proved to be the trigger for him to get going. His quick footwork to fully go back or get right to the pitch helped negotiate the spinners.

And Cross's tactful strike rotation ensured Scotland didn't get stuck. He launched the half-century stand off just 44 balls by muscling a slog sweep into the stands, Amini coming in for special treatment. His four wicketless overs would eventually cost 41.

highest for any wicket in T20Is. An excellent final over from Nosaina Pokana, wherein he executed his yorkers well, and tight bowling from Soper that included the wickets of Calum MacLeod and Berrington in the space of three balls, denied Scotland a final kick after they looked set for 180-plus at one stage. Morea picked up three wickets in his final over, with the batters looking for the big hits.

He finished with 4 for 31.

The acceleration Scotland smashed three fours and three sixes between overs ten and 13, picking up 42 off those in all to signal a significant shift in momentum. Cross was a beneficiary of some friendly long-hops that he put away over the ropes, and PNG's sloppy outfielding also contributed to the run-bleeding. Ironically, it was a long hop that had Cross pulling one to the lone man on the leg side at deep midwicket for a 36-ball 45 in the 15th over.

It brought an end to the 92-run third-wicket stand, Scotland's

PNG's sorry collapse PNG came out swinging, lost shape, and lost wickets.

The openers fell inside four overs, Assad Vala sparkled briefly before hitting to mid-off, Amini was brilliantly run-out by Michael Leask's rocket throw from the deep as he wandered out for a second, and Berrington plucked a one-handed stunner at backward point. PNG were 35 for 5 inside the powerplay.

Canada-based Guyanese softball cricketers dominate CPSCL presentation

Vanua, Doriga's fightback Faced with a steep ask, Vanua struck a few meaty blows to keep PNG's interest fluttering. His takedown of Brad Wheal in an 18run over brought the equation down to 62 off the last five overs.

His mantra was simple: clear front leg, keep stable base, and swing like a golfer. As the runs suddenly cascaded, Kiplin Doriga found his hitting range against legspinner Chris Greaves as the 16th over went for 16.

Suddenly the pressure was on Scotland, as the pair raised a half-century stand off just 25 balls. Then the Mark Watt-Matt Cross combine dealt a massive blow to remove a charging

Doriga, Cross collecting a full and wide half-volley way outside off to effect a smart stumping.

It deflated PNG, who eventually went out with their heads held high. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD SCOTLAND INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) George Munsey c Siaka b Soper 15 Kyle Coetzer (c) b Morea 6 Matthew Cross † c Amini b Atai 45 Richie Berrington c Amini b Soper 70 Calum MacLeod c Morea b Soper 10 Michael Leask run out (Vala/†Doriga) 9 Chris Greaves c Siaka b Morea 2 Mark Watt b Morea 0 Josh Davey c Siaka b Morea 0 Alasdair Evans not out 0 Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 3) 8 TOTAL(20 Ov, RR: 8.25) 165/9 Did not bat: Brad Wheal Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Kyle Coetzer, 2.2 ov), 2-26 (George Munsey, 3.4 ov), 3-118 (Matthew Cross, 14.3 ov), 4-151 (Calum MacLeod, 18.2 ov), 5-153 (Richie Berrington, 18.4 ov), 6-158 (Chris Greaves, 19.2 ov), 7-165 (Michael Leask, 19.4 ov), 8-165 (Josh Davey, 19.5 ov), 9-165 (Mark Watt, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Nosaina Pokana 4-0-37-0 Charles Amini 4-0-41-0 Kabua Morea 4-0-31-4 Chad Soper 4-0-24-3 Lega Siaka 1-0-8-0 Simon Atai 3-0-20-1

PAPUA NEW GUINEA INNINGS (TARGET: 166 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Tony Ura b Davey 2 Lega Siaka c †Cross b Wheal 9 Assad Vala (c) c Wheal b Evans 18 Charles Amini run out (Leask/†Cross) 1 Sese Bau c Wheal b Greaves 24 Simon Atai c Berrington b Davey 2 Norman Vanua c †Cross b Davey 47 Kiplin Doriga †st †Cross b Watt 18 Chad Soper c †Cross b Davey 16 Nosaina Pokana run out (Evans/Wheal) 1 Kabua Morea not out 6 Extras (lb 2, w 2) 4 TOTAL (19.3 Ov, RR: 7.58) 148 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Tony Ura, 1.3 ov), 2-20 (Lega Siaka, 3.3 ov), 3-30 (Assad Vala, 4.5 ov), 4-33 (Charles Amini, 5.3 ov), 5-35 (Simon Atai, 5.6 ov), 6-67 (Sese Bau, 11.3 ov), 7-120 (Kiplin Doriga, 16.2 ov), 8-128 (Norman Vanua, 17.6 ov), 9-135 (Nosaina Pokana, 18.4 ov), 10148 (Chad Soper, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Brad Wheal 4-0-41-1 Josh Davey 3.3-0-18-4 Alasdair Evans 3-0-22-1 Mark Watt 4-0-23-1

“He just needs to believe in himself” — Sir Viv says of Hayden Walsh Jr

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Champion team Young Warriors carted off three trophies

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ormer Albion first-division cricketer Roopnarine Lalbehari has captured several trophies at this year’s Canada Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL) presentation and awards ceremony, which was held on Saturday evening at Kalypso Hut Restaurant and Lounge in Mississauga, Toronto.

Lalbehari also took home the prize for the Most Valuable Player for the year, after topping the batting average.

From six matches, Lalbehari made 265 runs, including a best of 117 not out in the Red Zone category. He also dominated with the ball by claiming 15 wickets from six games as well.

Moreover, he was awarded the most economical bowler with impressive figures of 6-8, 5-14 and 5-20 as he represented his team, Cambridge Boyz.

He also took home a prize

for hitting 21 sixes in the 20-over competition.

In the Blue Zone category, Jack Mohabir was the top batsman, having accumulated 216 runs, with a highest score of 101. He played for Shawson, while another Shawson’s player, Mohan Budhram, led the bowling with 12 scalps in the same zone.

Other outstanding individual performances were recorded as well as team performances.

Young Warriors emerged the champion side, having won the T-10, 100-ball and Grand Champion competitions. The Purple Cup Trophy went to Leguan Boyz.

President of the CPSCL, Patrick Singh, in his remarks, congratulated the champion teams and the awardees. Singh, another Canada-based Guyanese who hails from Wakenaam, also

thanked the sponsors.

Acting Consul General of the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, Gerald Whyte, also congratulated the awardees, and spoke about the unity cricket normally brings.

“It [is] an activity that brings people from different backgrounds together, be it religion, race/ethnic make-up, culture, social status, political persuasion and so forth.

Although it may be competitive, it creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and possesses a unifying element which brings our diaspora and segments of the society closer together,” Whyte told the gathering.

Tracey RamsubaghMannette, the Consul General of the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Toronto, was also in attendance, and the sentiments she expressed to the invitees were similar to Whyte’s.

ntigua and Barbuda’s National Hero Sir Vivian Richards has had nothing but commendations for fellow Antiguan cricketer Hayden Walsh Jr as the young cricketer is gearing up to represent the West Indies in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Walsh Jr is the first person from that state to be named to a World Cup squad, and following his recent performances, he has garnered the attention of one of the greatest West Indian cricketers, Sir Vivian Richards.

Sir Viv revealed that he is in fact a huge fan of the youngster, and even gave him some brief advice for his upcoming stint.

“What I know about Hayden Walsh — and I am a fan, because I am a fan of the fielding department as well — and he brings a lot of energy to the team.

There’re some guys who are not as mobile in the team at present, and when you have guys like him and the other guy from Jamaica in the field, they send that motivating factor. What you miss on the roundabout you hopefully pick up on the straight.

He is just blessed with that energy that you have in the field, and I have always been a fan of good fielders,” Sir Viv said.

“There are some things that have been said about his batting, and he can bring much more once he starts believing in himself much more, regardless of whatever the situation is; and I think a perfect example would be what himself and Alzarri would have achieved bringing West Indies home against England. That should be a motivator that it can be achieved,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Master Blaster also agreed with recent comments made by another cricketing great, Sir Andy Roberts, about the fact that sportsmen and women who would have

contributed greatly to the country are not getting the recognition they deserve.

He said that while he agrees there have been some athletes who have gotten recognition, more can be done.

“I would say that Andy is correct in certain areas, but at the end of the day, there are some who would have gotten a little more exposure than some, and attention is basically paid to these individuals, but there is no doubt that regardless of whatever level that you may have represented the country, there should always be that respect and the things that representing the badge comes with. It is of importance to just continue the interest, to let people know that I, too, can achieve, and this is what happened, and these are the things that would have happened when I represented my country and represented my country well,” Sir Viv said.

The West Indian great was speaking on the Good Morning JoJo sports show when he made those comments. (Adapted from the Antigua Observer)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

GRFU President Ryan Dey grateful to sponsors experience for the new guys, and I think (that) by the showing of our last game, we are on the right path.”

Dey also said that although the team had had to train in such a short period, it is his belief that their performance did not have to do with the training time, but with the conditions they had to endure by not having the permission from the Task Force to engage

T

he Green Machine recently competed in the Rugby Americas North 7s championships and copped 5th place out of a total of nine teams.

GRFU President Ryan Dey is thankful to the sponsors that made the trip possible, and is adamant that more games domestically and regionally would help the Green Machine to be back on track.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Dey related that for the first time ever, the local contingent was unable to play competitive rugby for a period of close to two years - basically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibited full contact sports from being played, causing the Green Machine to be at a standstill for that period.

“I think it was the first time for most of the guys (to be) not

playing competitive rugby in close to two years. For us, well it’s back to the drawing board, continue trying to get better, because we have a Super Sevens tournament coming up in February in Mexico. In terms of the positives that we have gathered from the competition, I think that it is that we can still play and compete at a high level with the best teams in the Caribbean. It was a good

in contact sport, hence it hindered them a lot.

He relayed that in the future, for the team to perform better, their being involved in a lot more games, both domestically and regionally, would be beneficial.

Further, Dey adverted that, on behalf of the GRFU, he is extremely grateful to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Hon Charles

Ramson Jr; Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle; the Guyana Olympic Association and Damen Shipyards for making their journey possible.

“To the potential sponsors, if you’re looking for a team to take your brand to the farthest reaches of the Earth, you should invest in the Green Machine; you won’t regret it,” GRFU President Ryan Dey has said.

Pathera Solutions makes significant contribution to RHTY&SC cricket teams’ 2021 Christmas programme — as 2021 edition is launched

Team USA Men’s Squad named for T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in Antigua

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…Singh, Carmichael selected

SA Cricket today announced a 14-man Men’s National Team that would represent the United States at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier, to be held in the twin-island state of Antigua & Barbuda from November 7th to 14th.

A new captain has been named for the T20I format, with Monank Patel taking the reins as the leader of this United States team for the first time.

Saurabh Netravakar will remain as the USA One Day International captain, and the two leaders would work closely together with the split captaincy roles in the two primary formats for Team USA. Aaron Jones retains the ViceCaptain role he had in Oman, where he played an important off-field role, after being injured before the start of that CWC League 2 series.

It is a strong squad, with the team boosted by the return of Ali Khan, Ian Holland and Rusty Theron, who are all available for the assignment in Antigua after being unable to travel with the ODI squad to Oman last month.

Xavier Marshall returns to the team after a stellar Minor League season, and Trinson C a r m i c h a e l ’s showing across the summer in the same competition has also led to his selection.

The tour of Antigua will be the second tour under the leadership of the USA Cricket Men’s Head Coach J Arunkumar, after last month’s tour of Oman that saw USA win

3 and lose 3 of their One Day Internationals in Muscat.

With two places on offer at the ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in the first half of 2022, the tournament is a huge opportunity to take the first step towards qualification for a global event.

The USA touring party will get together for a preparation camp and for practice matches towards the end of October, and then arrive in St. John’s, Antigua on November 4, where they will have two training days in the superb local facilities prior to the event commencing.

USA Cricket would like to thank Cricket West Indies and ICC Americas for scheduling in such a way so as to facilitate the early departure of the USA squad from the competition, to ensure that all 14 players can play in the USA Cricket Men’s National Championships, which have been rescheduled to now commence on November 15th at the MLC National Cricket Center at Prairie View Cricket Complex in Texas.

Chair of the Men’s National Selection Panel, Michael Voss, has said, “The appointment of Monank Patel as USA’s new T20I Captain comes after 50Over captain Saurabh Netravalkar requested the opportunity to focus fully on his bowling in the shortest format of the game. He had done that with great success during the recent Minor League Cricket competition, and the Selection Panel was fully supportive of his decision.

“Aside from recent performances with the national team on its ODI tour of Oman, there have been some fantastic performances across the summer in the

inaugural season of Minor League Cricket, and which the Selection Panel took into account as part of its selection process.

We were especially pleased that the overall competition for places in the Men’s T20 National Team is stronger than ever before, and there is no doubt a number of players were considering themselves very unlucky to miss out, but they will continue to be monitored and will remain very firmly in the minds of the Selection Panel moving forward.”

Richard Done, USA Cricket Operations Director, added, “The return to T20 International cricket offers our players a significant opportunity to amend for the huge disappointment of failing to get through the Americas Qualifier in 2019.

It’s never an easy task in these qualifying events, but there is a major reward with the chance to advance to the Global Qualifiers, which will decide the places for the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup. The Selection Panel has named a strong squad that will travel to Antigua, and we are definitely boosted by the return of Ali Khan, Ian Holland and Rusty Theron, who all have great experience globally and in T20 cricket.”

Team USA Squad * Monank Patel (Captain) * Aaron Jones (Vice Captain) * Ali Khan * Elmore Hutchinson * Gajanand Singh * Ian Holland * Jaskaran Malhotra * Karima Gore * Nisarg Patel * Rusty Theron * Saurabh Netravalkar * Steven Taylor * Trinson Carmichael * Xavier Marshall The full schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier will be announced

by ICC in the coming weeks.

RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah receiving donation from two representatives of Panthera Solutions, while Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster looks on

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he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) is widely known for its policy: all members are mandated to participate in programmes that make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the less fortunate and the elderly.

Every year, the club and its 12 cricket teams undertake a total of 700 activities under a wide range of sub-headings, including sports, education, social, coaching, community development, publications, prolife and charity, among others. One of the largest programmes the club undertakes each year is its annual Christmas Outreach Programme, main objectives of this multi-milliondollar programme being to make a positive difference in the lives of the poor during the festive season, to promote the real tradition of Christmas, and to place a smile on the faces of those who need it most.

The club has been hosting these programmes since 1990, and the reach of these programmes has expanded over the years.

The programme also includes the hosting of the very popular Christmas Village in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School. The cricket teams first hosted the Village in 2015, and, over the last six years, it has developed into the most popular Christmas programme in Berbice. It is visited by thousands of kids and their parents. It involves the transformation of the compound with fairy lights and inflatable characters, among other attractions.

On Friday last, the club and the cricket teams officially launched the 2021 edition of the Christmas Programme at the head office of official sponsor Farfan and Mendes Ltd at Providence,

East Bank Demerara. There, Panthera Solutions, a member of the Farfan & Mendes Group of Companies, handed over a cheque for $315,000 to RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah. The donation would be used to assist the teams to prepare food hampers and provide toys for children of less fortunate families.

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has said that this year’s edition of the Christmas Programme would involve the distribution of 1000 food hampers, 7000 Christmas toys, the handing over of two homes to less fortunate families, and the distribution of bicycles, clothing, footwear and educational materials.

The programme would also include the distribution of hundreds of special Christmas gifts, donations to churches/ clubs, providing 500 Christmas morning breakfast to senior citizens, hosting of a Christmas Concert, and if permission is granted, the hosting of the seventh edition of the popular Christmas Village.

Foster expressed gratitude to the management of Panthera Solutions for the donation, and noted that this is the third successive year that the company has come on board with the programme.

Established in Guyana in 2019, Panthera Solutions is a joint project between Farfan and Mendes and the Crosbie Company of Canada. It provides industrial solutions and valueadded services to Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

Foster has said that Farfan and Mendes is the longest serving sponsor of the club, and has been supporting since 1995, when it donated a grass cutter.

The company became an official sponsor of the club in 1997, and has been sponsoring the under-15 team since then.

Panthera Solutions General Manager Andrew Dinsdale has said the company is delighted to assist the club and the cricket teams to make a positive difference during the festive season. The company, he disclosed, has great respect for the RHTY&SC, and is very impressed with the way it conducts its business.

He noted that the company is also a co-sponsor of the club’s annual magazine, and had also sponsored a cricket development project earlier in the year.

The 2021 Christmas Programme would start on the 1st of December and end on Christmas morning. More than 240 members are expected to be involved in this, the largest Christmas outreach programme in Berbice.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Coach Dover optimistic ahead of U20 Qualifiers

By Jemima Holmes

…welcomes large number of hinterland players in training camp

T

he CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Qualifiers are less than a month away, and it is ample time that the local U20 team gets down and dirty with their preparation.

Following weeks of tryouts and assiduous work, Under-20 Head Coach Wayne Dover has admitted that the task ahead of the team is quite a difficult one.

Nonetheless, Dover remains optimistic as he whips his team into shape.

Come November, a Guyanese male under-20 football team will set out to do the unthinkable - qualify for the Under-20 World Cup and Olympics at once. Having commenced their training months ago, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has even scouted overseas talents and included them in a local ongoing training camp.

As the setup is expected to transform into a full-time camp soon, Under-20 Head Coach Wayne Dover says the task ahead is a tough

U20 Men’s Head Coach Wayne Dover

one for Guyana’s teenage ballers, but it is a fantastic achievement.

“That would be a fantastic thing to happen for us as a football nation to actually qualify for a youth championship. However, I must say that the task is not an easy one. We've noticed that recently CONCACAF has changed the situation, where many of the lads out there is from 18 years old downwards. So, we’re there with a number of young kids with a huge responsibility of fetching the nation in the Under-20 World Cup qualifier. And the thing that is more

Glimpses of th e U20 team in action at the GFF’s Providen ce Training Ce ntre

troubling to us is the fact that CONCACAF also made this championship turn into the Olympics qualifier. So, these lads are qualifying this nation for two major tournaments at the age of 18, 17, 16. That is, that is a travesty to me,” the Coach told sports journalists at the GFF’s National Training Centre on Monday afternoon.

Like many other aspects of life, the coronavirus pandemic has affected the way that the GFF has operated in its scouting exercise. For this reason, Dover disclosed, they resorted to Talent ID initiatives.

“We saw many countries come back from a break and start the season. Unfortunate for the Caribbean nations and probably some of the North Americas, we haven't fully start back, so, definitely that has played a part in pegging back stuff,” Dover revealed.

The Head Coach went on to add, “And we had to resort to the talent identification across the nation as well as North America to arrive at a squad to actually start this preparation. So, the pandemic I have heard it say, and it's kind of disrupt life many people.”

However, this particular process had led to the selection of a number of talented players from the hinterland regions, a situation that Coach Dover highly appreciates.

“I thought they came out and they adapted well, you know. Immediately we saw a few of them made an impact in the training. But I must say too that in my entire time in football, I think this is about the first and I've seen so many

hinterland players in a national team at any one time. So, this is to me, this argues well for the people in the hinterlands, that they are producing and we just need to continue to go there and tap into the rich talent that is hidden, and has been hidden for so many years,” he said on the matter.

Aside from the inclusion of hinterland players, a number of foreign-based players are training in Guyana with the locals, a move which will see them adjusting properly to tropical conditions.

Dover stated, “And we didn't want a situation where they come in just before the departure, and then they struggle in this tropical side of the world, where the character adjusted the heat. And we already saw a couple of them in the session on Saturday who was struggling a bit with the heat.

And we’re only hoping that they quickly overcome the conditions and they integrate properly with the team, so that we could get maximum effort from them when the championships start.”

Soon enough, the camp will be cut down to a 20-man squad. It is a moment that the Head Coach is dreading, given the immense talent on show.

The Coach touched on this topic while sharing about the atmosphere in training.

“It's very nervous time. It's on the eve of breaking down the squad to the final 20-man, and you know while some are eager to hear these names call, some

are very nervous, and we could all know that is part of it. So, I'm feeling emotional because I know some of the lads will have to leave today,” Dover stated.

He continued, “However, I spoke to them and I let them understand that it's not the end of the day, it's not the end of the world for them. And they need to continue working, keep their phones on, and wait for the next phone call.”

Quizzed about his thoughts on the team’s chances, an optimistic Dover disclosed that team members would be putting their best foot forward.

“We will enter the tournament being very optimistic and looking to try to qualify and go to the next round, which is the championship round to qualify for the World Cup and the Olympics. And we will give it our best shot to get there,” the Head Coach shared.

The Under-20 tournament is scheduled for November 5-14 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Guyana has been placed in Group D with Nicaragua, Cayman Islands and the U.S Virgin Islands.

action at the e U20 team in Glimpses of th Centre ng ni ai Tr ce GFF’s Providen

Haslim leads Majestic to comfortable win over WCW

…new outdoor tables available in Roosevelt Island

C

elebrating the 50th biennial anniversary of ping pong diplomacy, the International Table Tennis Foundation (ITTF) is proud to be part of the official dedication of the “The Chief” George Braithwaite Table Tennis Court.

Taking place on Oct. 23 in New York, USA, the event honours the life of George Braithwaite, an original member of Nixon’s “Ping Pong Diplomacy” team in 1971.

Born in Guyana, Braithwaite racked up an extraordinary career in table tennis. In addition to his role in the Ping Pong Diplomacy, he also received USATT Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards, was a member of the US National Team in 70+ international championships, and received Sportsman of the Year Award from the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

The October 23rd observance will serve as the official dedication of three permanent stone tennis tables in Capobianco Field, Roosevelt Island, as well as the announcement of The George Braithwaite Community Service Award and Scholarship for high school seniors. The day’s free events include a short programme of memories, music, dance, poetry, and refreshments, as well as complimentary play on three tables.

In addition, participants would receive free instructions for those who wish to improve their table tennis skills.

“Braithwaite gave everything he had, using the sport of table tennis to foster peace, diversity and equity. We need to keep his torch lighted to continue the work he started,” said Thomas Hu, event organizer, head of the American Youth Table Tennis Organization (AYTTO).

About AYTTO: American Youth Table Tennis Organization is 501c3 not for profit dedicated to teaching table tennis, teamwork, and table tennis-related STEM to school-age students.

The organisation provides a pathway for young

students to learn competitive table tennis, and sponsors the George Braithwaite Community Service Award.

About The George Braithwaite Community

Service Award: A $5,000 scholarship awarded to high school seniors over 18 on track to apply for, or are enrolled in, an accredited college, university, or technical trade school, who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the AYTTO programme, including helping students improve their table tennis skills and sportsmanship; or strengthening, improving, or growing the AYTTO programme.

Applicants must be U.S residents and nominated by the AYTTO board, NCTTA board or coaches, teachers and parents of youths participating in the AYTTO programme. (ittffoundation.org) George Braithwaite

The victorious Majestic CC

T

he action in the NYNCL League & Rockaway Group T20 Cup continued over the weekend at Cunningham Park on 73rd Ave, New York. this fixture saw Majestic CC duke it out with West Coast Warriors in a thrilling encounter.

In the end, it was the Majestic side that copped an easy two points over their opponents, thanks to the brilliant efforts of Wasim Haslim, who smashed a quickfire 73.

West Coast Warriors won the toss and elected to bat. They soon found themselves in a spot of bother, as wickets began tumbling one after the other. Guyanese Akshaya Persaud scored 28 runs off 32 deliveries, but was pegged back and unable to score freely. Safeek Deonarine chipped in with a run-a-ball 22, but Ucil Armstrong’s 26 off 23 and Jonathan Rampersaud’s 30 off 20 were able to take their side to a respectable 135-4 in the allotted 20 overs.

Bowling for Majestic, Karamchand Ramnarine took 2-17, Avi Dhanpaul took 1-27 and Chris Patadin took 1-25.

In batting, Majestic needed a bit more that a

Wasim Haslim

run a ball to emerge victorious. It was a target that wasn’t too far out of reach for them, but Haslim came to the crease and the rest was history as he began smoking the ball to every part of the ground. He was able to play a handy knock of 73 off 38 deliveries, inclusive of five boundaries and six towering maximums.

Chipping in, Derick Narine produced 36 off 29, and Majestic ended on 138-2 in 15 overs.

Jonathan Rampersaud bagged 2-22.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

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

Coach Dover optimistic ahead of U20 Qualifiers Page 23

…welcomes large number of hinterland players in training camp

GRFU President Ryan Dey grateful to sponsors

Pg 22

Gajanand Singh

Team USA Men’s Squad named for T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in Antigua …Singh, Carmichael selected

Page 22

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