Guyana Times - Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4813

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

Second FPSO, Liza Unity, arrives See story on page 9

… production starts next year of 220,000 barrels oil per day … to produce approximately 600M barrels of oil

Act now or consign humanity to doom! – President Ali tells UNGA’s high-level climate action forum …recommits to expanding LCDS to more environmental services See story on page 3

Govt’s energy plans will improve standard of living –... says Prime Minister Govt pushing ahead with Page 13

Amaila Falls Hydro Project

Deputy Speaker writes President on confirmation of judicial appointments — calls for President, Page 7

Opposition Leader to meet

2 women die of COVID, death toll now 899— 66 new cases detected in 24h

Page 19

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Electrical pedal cyclist killed by P18 reversing truck Linden man P slapped with 18 rape charge

Essequibo P2 boat operator attacked, shot by gunman

Linden man P2 busted with $1.8M in ganja granted bail

Preparatory P road works 11 for Corentyne River Bridge commence

P12 Police Constable critical after being stabbed by brother

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo boat operator attacked, shot by gunman Hospital.

Guyana Times understands that the businessman had returned home from work just after midnight, and as he entered his house, he was confronted by the armed bandit.

As a result, a scuffle ensued between the victim and the gunman, during which

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The businessman’s home

speedboat operator was in the wee hours of Tuesday attacked and shot by a lone gunman at his home at Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-

Supenaam).

Injured is Mohammed Gafoor, also known as “Temor”, a father of three.

He is presently in a stable condition in the men’s ward at the Suddie Public

An injured Mohammed Gafoor at the Suddie Hospital on Tuesday

the gunman gun-butted the victim and shot him to his left arm before fleeing the scene. It was later related that the armed man escaped with $700,000 in cash along with a gold chain belonging to the businessman.

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

Linden man busted with $1.8M in ganja granted bail

The illegal drug that was found in the car

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hirty-one-year-old Roylon Adolph of Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden, who was busted with $1.8 million worth of compressed marijuana, was on Tuesday placed on $250,000 bail after his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Adolph pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on October 22, 2021, at D Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he had in his possession 4.296kg of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

He was represented by Attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, who made an application for bail on ground that the narcotics were not found in his client’s possession.

Adolph’s matter has been adjourned until November 22, but he is to report to the CANU Headquarters every Friday until the determination of the matter.

It was reported that CANU ranks were conducting an operation in the area when they carried out a search on a white Toyota Fielder Wagon that was parked in front of a shop at D Field, Sophia.

At the time, Adolph and a passenger were with the shop owner, Kacy Bowen, at his premises.

During the search, the ranks unearthed eight bulky parcels containing cannabis. The three men were subsequently arrested and taken to the CANU Headquarters along with the cannabis, which was examined and weighed.

The narcotics amount-

Roylon Adolph

ed to 4.296 kg of cannabis “poppy”, valued at over $1.8 million.

Adolph is well known to the ranks of CANU, since he had been charged for a matter of similar nature back in June, 2020.

Adolph, who was employed at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) as a driver, was on June 21, 2020 nabbed by Policemen with a large quantity of ganja on the Schoonord Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

According to Police reports, at about 16:30h on that day, ranks on mobile patrol observed motor car PVV 3686 with the RDC 10 logo parked alongside another car bearing registration number PXX 6972 at the said location.

As the ranks approached the two vehicles, the RDC vehicle hurriedly pulled off in an effort to evade the officers, but was pursued by the ranks, who managed to intercept the RDC vehicle at a dead end of the road.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Oct 27 – 09:30h – 11:00h and Thursday, Oct 28 – 10:30h – 12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Oct 27 – 08:25h – 09:55h and Thursday, Oct 28 – 10:00h – 11:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:15h and 20:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 metres and 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 14:00h reaching a minimum height of 1.11 metres.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

03 09 12

13 14 15

FREE TICKET

28 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

08 16 18 22 25 LUCKY 3

9

4

6

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Afternoon Draw

9

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 11 12 14 16 18 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021

01 02 03 07 08 13

09 10 15 16 21

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4 Afternoon Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$86.40/barrel

+0.47

Rough Rice

$244.22 /ton

+0.13

London Sugar

$505.40/ton

+0.96

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1794.00

$1795.00

Low/High Change

$1781.80 +0.80

$1087.50 +0.04%

Act now or consign humanity to doom! – President Ali tells UNGA’s high-level climate action forum …recommits to expanding LCDS to more environmental services

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nderscoring the importance of global players taking action now or otherwise “consign humanity to doom”, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday recommitted to expanding his country’s flagship Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to capture wider environmental services.

He made the remarks during his address to the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Thematic Debate: “Delivering Climate Action: for People, Planet and Prosperity”.

“Guyana is expanding its Low Carbon Development Strategy into a comprehensive framework to include protection of biodiversity, freshwater management, and the protection of the marine economy. The fate of humanity is in our hands. We must not disappoint. The time for action is now!” the Guyanese Head of State declared virtually before the international forum.

Ali had previously committed to broadening the LCDS to include topics such as water resources management, climate resilience, biodiversity, and the marine economy.

The LCDS was launched in 2009 with the aim of transforming the country’s economy to a low carbon, sustainable development trajectory, while simultaneously combating climate change.

In its current state, the LCDS aims to protect and maintain the forests in an effort to reduce global carbon emissions and at the same time attract payments from developed countries for the climate services that the forests provide to the world.

According to President Ali, “climate change continues to be one of humanity’s foremost existential threats”. He told the UNGA Debate that “despite setbacks occasioned by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, global greenhouse gas emissions have rebounded”.

He noted that this event is a welcomed curtain-raiser as the world approaches the 26th Session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26).

President Ali lamented that it is disturbing that the world is not on track to achieve the global temperature goals set under the Paris Agreement, pointing out that “science has emphasised the importance and urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5°?? by the end of this century to avoid irreversible changes in our environment”.

The Guyanese Head of State underscored those deep emissions reductions are “needed now” if the world is to realise this target.

“We must deliver an outcome at COP26 that demonstrates our resolve to protect human life and biodiversity,” he contended.

Against this backdrop, the Head of State listed several targets which he believes

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Thematic Debate: “Delivering Climate Action: for People, Planet and Prosperity”

COP26 must achieve.

“COP26 must restore confidence in international cooperation such as that which will led to the historic Paris Agreement and on climate change: COP26 must manifest a revitalised spirt of international solidarity and more equitable sharing of responsibilities, particularly on the part of the world’s largest emitters; COP26 must be underscored by an emphasis on implementation and honouring commitments; and COP26 must result in decisions that would allow for the transfer of financing and technologies to support mitigations and adaptation in small states,” the Head of State added.

Tragic for Small Island Developing States

President Ali further pointed out that the global failure to take bold actions on the issue of climate change will be “tragic for all” but especially for Small Island Developing and Low-Lying Coastal States.

He noted that these countries are already threatened by rising sea levels and extreme weather events such as flooding, droughts and more intense hurricanes. Guyana is no exception, with its MayJune floods of this year being declared a Level Two disaster.

In this regard, the Guyanese leader posited that

his country will continue to play its part in reducing emissions and providing the world with critical climate and ecosystem services.

He emphasised that the LCDS stands as a model of the significant contributions small States can make in promoting climate action aimed at reducing emissions and increasing climate resilience.

“Delayed climate action is unthinkable. We are faced with no other choice but to act now or consign humanity to doom,” President Ali said.

“Failure to ramp up our overall ambitions will result in higher and unbearable economic and environmental costs.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 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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Psychological effects of COVID-19

t is well known that the pandemic has taken a severe toll on the mental wellbeing of persons all over the world.

For example, the challenges of dealing with the lockdown measures, the fear of being infected with the virus, or having to deal with the death of a loved one have caused tremendous stress and anxiety on many. All of this is added to the economic pressures that are brought on due to persons not being able to go out and work to support themselves and families.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations, or are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) survey, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide, while the demand for mental health is increasing.

The survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services, and underscores the urgent need for increased funding.

According to WHO, the survey was conducted among 130 countries across WHO’s six regions. It evaluates how the provision of mental, neurological and substance use services have changed due to COVID-19, the types of services that have been disrupted, and how countries are adapting to overcome these challenges.

It was reported that over 60% of countries reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people, including children and adolescents (72%), older adults (70%), and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services (61%).

More than a third (35%) reported disruptions to emergency interventions, including those for people experiencing prolonged seizures; severe substance use withdrawal syndromes; and delirium, often a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Additionally, 30% reported disruptions to access for medications for mental, neurological and substance use disorders. Around three-quarters reported at least partial disruptions to school and workplace mental health services (78% and 75% respectively).

WHO had previously highlighted the chronic underfunding of mental health. The organization had pointed out that, prior to the pandemic, countries were spending less than 2 per cent of their national health budgets on mental health, and struggling to meet their populations’ needs.

The pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services; for example, bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions, or exacerbating existing ones.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke.

People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. They may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes, and even death.

WHO has issued guidance to countries on how to maintain essential services, including mental health services, during COVID-19; and recommends that countries allocate resources to mental health as an integral component of their response and recovery plans. The Organization has also urged countries to monitor changes and disruptions in services, so that they can address them as required.

It should be pointed out that although 89% of countries reported in the survey that mental health and psychosocial support are part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17% of these countries have full additional funding for covering these activities. This all highlights the need for more money for mental health. Spending 2% of national health budgets on mental health is not enough, according to WHO. As stated by WHO, those who do invest in mental health will reap rewards. Pre-COVID-19 estimates reveal that nearly US$1 trillion in economic productivity is lost annually from depression and anxiety alone. However, studies show that every US$1 spent on evidence-based care for depression and anxiety returns US$5.

In photo (from Left-Rright): National Director Hashim Alli; Mr India Guyana 2021, Mario Moonsammy; Miss Teen India Guyana 2021, Beauty Roshani Razack; Miss India Guyana 2021, Maya Persaud; Mrs India Guyana 2021, Melessa Seupaul and Vice President Melicia K. R Partab-Alli. The winners were crowned on Sunday evening at the Ramada Princess Hotel

GECOM Chairperson responds to Stabroek News’ editorial Dear Editor, It is commendable that the Stabroek News Editor took the time to critically analyse and contextualise a UWI Cave Hill Campus virtual presentation by Political Scientist Professor Cynthia BarrowGiles and Law Lecturer Dr. Ronnie Yearwood in its 24th October, 2021 Editorial Column titled, “Politics and the Courts.”

Notably, the Editorial quoted Professor BarrowGiles’s view that “it was GECOM which should have had an overriding role to play in the developments that took place in the wake of the 2020

elections, but that it had been sidelined.”

This statement is quite accurate, I dare say to those who understand, respect, and are obligated to the Constitution.

However, I am perplexed that the Stabroek News Editor, who seemingly does not understand the concept of obligation to the Constitution and respect for the Court, went on to express the view that, “it might be remarked that under the current arrangements what matters is the resolve and fortitude of the Chairman, and under extreme pressure Justice Claudette Singh

shied away from doing what was necessary at the very earliest stages of the crisis last year. As things stand, it is not a post for the faint-hearted.”

Although the Commission has repeatedly justified its actions at that point, I believe the Stabroek News Editor has conveniently missed it. In this regard, I take this opportunity to remind all Guyanese that, on 5th March, 2020, a mandatory injunction was granted by the Court against the Commission and Chief Election Officer, which as a consequence impeded my intervention and

by extension that of the Commission to implement a legally guided decision and approach to finalise the electoral process.

As a former Law Officer and a retired Justice of Appeal, I wish to categorically state that I will always uphold and respect the Laws of Guyana; and whether strong or weak, whoever is the Chairperson of GECOM must also abide by the Constitution and decisions of the Court.

Justice (retired) Claudette Singh Chairman, GECOM

Equal treatment needed Dear Editor, The question of same treatment by our institutions has been raised once again with the incident involving the attempted arrest of former Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Paul Slowe.

Let me say that I agree that Mr. Slowe should not have been arrested. After all, he returned voluntarily to answer the charges made against him.

Indeed, he was entering the court on his own when the arrest was attempted.

The same situation

existed in the case of Dr Ashni Singh and Mr Winston Brassington, both of whom, like Mr Slowe, returned from abroad on their own to answer charges made against them. However, they were put in handcuffs and had their feet chained.

More recently, the owner of Sleep In hotel went to the court on his own steam to answer charges of COVID violation. He needed to walk less than six steps, but was put in handcuffs and

leg irons. The Police officer who put Mr. Bacchus in chains told him he was sorry, but was under orders to do so.

Clearly, we have a difference by our Police and courts in how our citizens are being treated.

I wonder if Dr Singh and Mr. Brassington were treated that way because they worked far beyond the call of duty to develop our country during a PPP/C administration?

Were they punished for being PPP/C supporters?

It appears so.

Mr Bacchus is known to have many friends, including leaders in the PPP. Was putting him in chains to walk about five steps a deliberate attempt to embarrass him because of his association? It appears so.

We need to be even-handed, professional, and reasonable in dealing with these issues.

Stop the double-standards!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 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

Drugs to crime Common enemy: the COVID-19 virus

Dear Editor, COVID-19 is unlike any crisis we have experienced.

It brought our nation to a standstill, compelled us to stay home, adapt to new norms, and overcome countless challenges.

Everyone I know has a story to tell, and every story shared connects us to someone’s lived experiences, fears and hopes. Although these stories we experience are preserved, they continue to service as reminders of what living through COVID-19 pandemic means to all of us.

More importantly, these stories reflect how our shared experiences have strengthened our resolve and inspired us to take action.

Our reflections and contributions connect us to each other as individuals and as communities, and enable us to look forward with hope as a nation.

The death of Mackenzie High School Principal Mr Haslyn Small to COVID-19 complication made me realise that COVID-19 has torn a particularly lethal path through those with diabetes, including many who never caught the virus.

That’s because when the pandemic hit, people with

the chronic disease were already in worse shape than in previous years.

It took the deadly disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic to expose a deeper, more intractable public-health crisis: For more than a decade, the world’s richest nation has been losing the battle against diabetes.

COVID-19, which has killed more than 600,000 people in the United States, has had an especially devastating impact on the millions of living Americans with diabetes. Health professionals and scientists noticed early on that many severely ill coronavirus patients also had that chronic disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites research showing that 40% or more of the people who died with COVID-19 also had diabetes.

And those numbers don’t reflect the damage the pandemic inflicted on diabetes patients who never got sick from the virus but fell victim to the isolation and disruption it caused.

Deaths from diabetes surged by 17 per cent. We see younger people – ages 25 to 44 – suffer the sharpest increase, with a 29%

jump in deaths. By comparison, all other deaths except those directly attributed to the coronavirus rose 6%, Reuters found.

COVID-19 has affected many facets of our lives.

Public health measures rolled out to stop the spread of the virus have impacted the way we work, connect with others, and socialise.

The pandemic has changed the way we’ve been able to celebrate milestones in our lives, and, importantly, the way we’ve been able to grieve losses.

Let’s care, appreciate and support each other during this period in order to emerge stronger!

To fight against the COVID-19 and minimise its transmission, we are currently at a phase where we have to do more to care and support each another. Contribute our ideas, time or resources to support the vulnerable among us. Appreciate our frontliners who are working hard to keep us safe. If you see a neighbour, colleague or community in need, do give a helping hand. Together, we can keep safe, stay healthy, and emerge stronger as one Guyana!

I realise that, in the midst of these trying times,

many of us do try to extend a helping hand while looking out for each other. It makes me learn and realise the impact one can make even by a small simple gesture of checking up on others, of standing in solidarity with those in need by donating. All these can make a huge impact on how strong we can stand as a community.

People seem more aware and considerate because of a common enemy: the COVID-19 virus. I feel assured that Guyanese have awoken from a self-centred lifestyle. I realise we need to learn how to start a conversation without getting on each other’s nerves.

The fast-paced lifestyle in which we assume that everyone holds the same values that we hold should be reviewed. The misunderstanding, jibing and sarcasm hidden behind anonymous identities on social media is a widespread problem we need to address.

Let’s use this opportunity to grow as a nation towards an entrepreneurial culture that embraces failure, and celebrates creativity and innovation.

Sincerely, David Adams

Where is the younger generation of PNC leaders?

Dear Editor, I read with interest that the PNC leadership duel is heating up in the lead-up to congress this year, but I want to know where are the youth representation in the leadership race?

Where are the bright and young people that this party has within its fold?

Have they been silenced?

Why haven’t they jumped up and run for the top three post in the PNC? Is it because they are too shy, or are they afraid? What is the deal with the Thandi McAllisters, Christopher Joneses, Amanza WaltonDesirs, Ganesh Mahipauls, Annette Fergusons, and Vanessa Kissoons of our time?

I will seek to tell you what is going on, if they are not man enough or woman enough to tell your readers what is going down. I think the old guards and big wigs are blocking them and consuming all the attention.

The PNC is a party that does not give any youthful or youth-spirited individuals a chance to lead. It stifles all their talents and ideas with the internal political rancor and bitterness.

We saw it with the Kissoon/Solomon issue, and Thandi McAllister said it best when leaving the party: “After very careful and agonising consideration, I concluded that the present direction of the leadership is ill-suited to the fulfilment of the aspirations of young people in Guyana, the enhancement of the party’s supporters, and the advancement of the nation.”

That explains the quietness and silence from the defunct Guyana National Youth and Student Movement and its so-called leaders. Youths are a main part that will have their say in the PNC primaries and congresses. The youth vote basically makes up 41% of the voting population come

Wait for legislative changes

Dear Editor, GECOM should halt the process of hiring a new Chief Executive Officer until legislative changes are made to split the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Elections Officer, and the National Commissioner of Registration.

Currently, one person wears all three of these hats, and there can be no better example of why the jobs/responsibilities should not reside with one person than the 2018-2020 election.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

2025. If the PNC refuses its youths in this manner and only puts old faces and elderly comrades to the polls, it will no doubt have a lethargic and lax energy right up to the polls. PNC can never win elections again

with this crop of old, racist, tired and spent men.

Could some younger people please offer up themselves for the post of leader?

Yours truly, Suraj Singh

Dear Editor, Reports of drug busts have intensified in the news lately.

With a Brickdam Police Station displaced and rising gun crime throughout the capital and beyond, what are citizens to make of these events?

Seeing that the scaled Police station Brickdam was, up until its devastation by fire, primarily paper-based, I am also left to wonder why. Why, in the year 2021, is policing not supported by a more convenient way of dealing with the boring stuff - the paperwork?

Further, recent reported events leave me to wonder about the state of crime analysis. I am not a crime fighter myself, but I am aware of the applications of data science in crime fighting. Any kind of analytical work in law enforcement would depend primarily upon data.

Paper source trails won’t cut it, neither would mere “computerisation”. I am aware that there are other possibilities for data science in crime fighting too crime prevention being one of those possibilities.

My hope is that there are minds in the Force who see the value of data, and are also integrated enough to apply the thinking of modern systems to the duties of law enforcement, with or without computers - though computer systems would unlock many possibilities.

Could properly collected and managed policing data play a role in understanding the possible consequences of our devel-

opmental actions? Would growth in low-income housing result in the intensified use of banned substances? We are trying our best to respond to a strong demand for housing; but, in so doing, would we inadvertently intensify the use of drugs? At what rate might this be expected? Would the disruption of $2M in drugs create $2M in gun crime?

Could there be an observed increase in the rate of crime for a given increase in the rate of inflation? Could our lack of monetary independence be the stage floor upon which our crime rates rise?

Police Forces that provide the kinds of services that enable us to answer broader questions tend to also become friendlier in their approach, and are more readily welcomed throughout the communities they serve. With a wider range of services and a certain closeness with their communities, Police become keepers of safety and peace.

I look forward to this kind of future for the Guyana Police Force. For now, my thoughts and prayers go out to our brave officers as they contend with bolder, more organised criminals; youth unemployment; possible rising inequality; possible increased foreigner populations; spillovers from Maduro’s Venezuela and elsewhere, and all the other complex pressures that come with being a part of the Western world.

Sincerely, Emille Giddings

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deputy Speaker writes President on confirmation of judicial appointments – calls for President, Opposition Leader to meet

Deputy Speaker Lennox Shuman

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eputy Speaker Lennox Shuman, in a missive penned to President Dr Irfaan Ali, has called for the confirmation of the various judicial appointments and the Commissioner of Police, all of whom are currently filled by persons in an acting capacity.

Shuman, who leads the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and joined with two other small parties to take a seat in the National Assembly, reminded the President that currently, the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice, the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Staff are all acting.

With the exception of the Police Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie, these acting appointments were all inherited by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

Government when it took office in August of 2020.

According to Shuman, so many acting appointments contribute to a weakened Judiciary.

“Your administration marked the completion of its first year in office on 2 August 2021, and despite calls by the previous President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, and the current President, Justice Adrian Saunders for the confirmation of substantive appointments of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice made under the previous administration, there has been no movement on these critical appointments.”

“The Constitution of Guyana provides that the Court of Appeal shall consist of a Chancellor, Chief Justice and such number of Justice as shall be prescribed

by Parliament. It also provides that the Judges of the High Court shall be the Chief Justice and such other Puisne Judges as may be prescribed by Parliament (Articles 124 and 125 of the Constitution).”

Shuman noted that the situation of Judges holding acting positions as Chancellor and Chief Justice has been an issue since 2005. He noted that the Constitution provides for all courts and judicial officers to be free and independent from “political, executive and any other form of direction and control”. Shuman

President Dr Irfaan Ali

also recalled the words of the then CCJ President, Sir Dennis Byron.

Sir Dennis said: “This situation has moved well beyond what ought to be acceptable in a modern democracy where respect for the rule of law is maintained. The Constitution envisages the Judiciary of Guyana to be headed by officials who are substantively appointed and enjoy all the legal and institutional mechanisms to secure their tenure. Anything otherwise is, to my mind, a violation of the spirit and intent of the Constitution.”

Shuman also urged the President to have consultations with Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, which is a constitutional prerequisite for confirming persons to these judicial posts.

However, the President has previously indicated that

Harmon’s refusal to recognise the Government is a stumbling block in these consultations.

“I urge Your Excellency to urgently confer with the Leader of the Opposition with a view to securing his agreement for substantive appointments to these positions. The failure to rectify the omission to fill these positions with substantive appointments means the continuing violation of the spirit and intent of the Constitution,” Shuman said.

“Excellency, I have noted your position in relation to the Leader of the Opposition. I have also noted the constitutional requirements for consultations with the Leader of the Opposition on certain appointments. I wish to underscore that in his accepting the role of Leader of the Opposition, Harmon has acknowledged the legitimacy of your administration and as such leaves no obstacle in undertaking the consultative process for such appointments.”

According to Shuman, in view of the absence of any constitutional requirement for the Opposition Leader to publicly acknowledge the legitimacy of the Government, the path for consultation is unobstructed.

The procedure for the appointment of Chancellor and Chief Justice are outlined in Article 127 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 127 (1) states: “The Chancellor and the Chief

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonnette Cummings-Edwards

Justice shall be appointed by the President after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Over the last 16 years, Guyana has failed to appoint a substantive office holder to the position of Chancellor of the Judiciary. The position of Chancellor of the Judiciary has not had a substantive office holder since 2005 – retired Judge Desiree Bernard served from 20012005 when she left to serve as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

After then, several other Judges were appointed to act in the position including the current Chancellor, Justice Cummings-Edwards, who was sworn in by former President David Granger on March 27, 2018, following the retirement of Justice Carl Singh, who was also never confirmed even after

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

acting for a decade.

Additionally, Chief Justice Roxane George was appointed in an acting capacity under the Granger Government.

Brigadier General Godfrey Bess, the current acting Chief of Staff, is also a Granger appointee.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man sentenced to 4 years for narco-trafficking

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igel Clarke was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul when he appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

He was reportedly charged on July 19, 2021, for possession of 9260 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. However, on his second court appearance on Monday, he reportedly changed his plea to guilty

Nigel Clarke

Quacy Weeks

and as such, he was sentenced and fined $30,000.

Meanwhile, Quacy Weeks was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Faith McGusty when he appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court on an armed robbery charge.

He was arrested on October 22 after be reportedly robbed Amrita Sahadeo. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and as such was remanded to prison.

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Looking closer at…

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...“tribal politics” oysdale Forde has to be either a very brave man or a very imprudent one. Your Eyewitness returns to his endorsement of Joseph Harmon for the leadership of the PNC when he took a shot directly at his major rival, Aubrey Norton. “Essential to consolidating the gains of the People’s National Congress Reform is recognising that the PNC is not a tribe. We must not use statements, we must not use euphemisms, we must not use the word ‘grassroots’ to mean a return or an acknowledgement that the People’s National Congress Reform is a Black people party. It is not a Black people party. It has not, it has never been, and it must never be. A leader that is tribal, a leader that is tribalist, cannot advance the cause of the people that support the People’s National Congress”!!

His imprudence was to openly call Norton a “tribalist”, which, coming from anyone outside the African-Guyanese community would’ve been “fightin’ words”! Forde is using the word “tribe” as a trope for signalling a very negative, or backward state of social organisation. And this kind of thinking about tribal people was imposed on us natives during the colonial era by the Europeans, who kept us in mental slavery after the chattel slavery. What exactly was or is - so bad about “tribes” - especially in Africa, where the word was used as a slur most insidiously?

So, the Ibos and Yorubas and the Bagandas are African tribes…so what?? Didn’t they have a way of life that was their culture? Didn’t they have philosophical positions on how we ought to organise ourselves that are based on seeing all of us as interconnected? Ubuntu? How different were, or are, they from the English, or French or Scots etc? Didn’t they all start as “tribes”? But then the African tribes were more enlightened, weren’t they? Weren’t the European even more warlike than African tribes with their HUNDRED YEAR WAR? Did African tribes kill millions in WORLD WARS? All the various “Greek city states” that we hear about ad nauseum, weren’t they “tribes”? But that’s the point, ain’t it?

By loading the word “tribe” with all the negatives in human collectives, those slapped with the label today are “outside the pale”. So, let’s talk about politics. When the Brits insisted on Brexit because they were totally against all those Poles coming into their land, weren’t they being “tribal”? Ditto for all those right-wing yahoos who want all them furriners thrown out of America!! They don’t get the irony that they’re living in a land that was occupied by Native Indians!!

But they were living in “tribes”, weren’t they? C’mon Roysdale, you gotta come better!! …at UG’s maintenance Your Eyewitness was taken aback by the news that UG spent $1.6B on “maintenance” in six months!! Wow!! Talk about “high maintenance”!! Reading closer, he learnt that “maintenance includes repair works, cleaning, weeding of lawns, purchase of materials and stationeries, and other materials needed for the institutions’ operations.” All of which are utilised by “100 permanent and part-time staff for eight broad maintenance areas, and these are: carpentry, plumbing and electrical maintenance, maintenance of grounds and estates and the maintenance of buildings.”

Quite expansive - apart from being quite expensive eh? The conundrum presented apart from the high outlay is that, right now, UG doesn’t have any face-to-face classes - everything is being done online. But let’s be fair…just because students don’t show up doesn’t mean that the UG administration can let the place fall into the gutter. This is the tropics…and the bush is always threatening to take over.

So, let’s be fair…let’s ask UG to explain the high outlay before crucifying them. …stress levels So the Public Accounts Committee’s goings-on are too stressful for the clerk who has has to record their utterances.

Is it because of the cuss words? All she has to write is “expletive deleted”!! Followed by “dittos” Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Second FPSO, Liza Unity, arrives …production starts next year of 220,000 barrels oil per day …to produce approximately 600M barrels of oil

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he Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will be producing oil in the Liza Phase 2 development, has arrived in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana and is expected to commence operations by 2022 with a production target of 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

In addition, it is expected to produce approximately 600 million barrels of oil. The Natural Resources Ministry in a release stated that it welcomes the arrival of the Liza Unity floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana after travelling for approximately 53 days and in excess of 11,000 nautical miles on its journey from Singapore.

The Liza Phase 2 development will be supported by a total of six drill centres and approximately 30 wells. This includes 15 production wells, nine water injection wells and six gas injection wells. Phase 2 start-up is expected in early 2022 and will develop approximately 600 million barrels of oil. Liza Phase 2 is expected to cost $6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion for the Liza Unity FPSO. However, christened by First Lady Arya Ali earlier this year, the SUSTAIN-1 certified vessel will now be connected to the spread mooring before preparation for testing and commissioning. In his statement on the vessel, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Production Manager Mike Ryan expressed pride.

“I’m so proud of the Unity team. The sail itself is long.

The advent of COVID-19 was challenging, but the team was resilient, pushed through and delivered a beautiful FPSO that’s here in Guyana,” Ryan said.

“We’re all really excited that she’s joined the neighbourhood next to Liza Destiny, and we’re really looking forward to the next few phases as we bring this FPSO online into 2022. The standard for operational excellence set with the construction of the Liza Unity demonstrates the level of quality that we aspire to meet on every aspect of our projects,” he also said.

The Liza Unity FPSO has been awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the Classification Society for the unit. It is the world’s first FPSO to achieve such recognition for sustainability for its design, documentation and operational procedures.

This means that the design and construction of the unit is assessed against and adheres to the requirements of the ABS Guide for Sustainability Notations, aligned with the applicable United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to Ryan, Exxon remains committed to sustainable oil exploration and production.

“We remain committed to producing the energy which is essential to modern life and economic development, in a way that helps protect people and the environment. The development concept and our work on the Liza Unity FPSO has been guided by our enduring values: personnel safety, operational quality, executing

on commitments to shareholders and resource owners, and bringing energy to the world while respecting our commitment to the environment and communities in which we operate,” he said.

More than 2860 Guyanese have worked on ExxonMobil Guyana’s exploration and development activities in

The Liza Unity FPSO in Guyana’s waters

Guyana.

The Production Manager noted that Guyana should be proud of the strides made when it comes to local content.

“Guyana should be very proud of the Guyanese who are offshore, the Guyanese who are on the Liza Destiny and on all of our drill ships and support vessels. It is one team, it’s a big family that we have and we’re committed to delivering to Guyana,” Ryan said.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caricom applauds “strength of character”, as Vincentians celebrate 42nd Independence Anniversary

Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett

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aricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett has congratulated the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines on its 42nd Independence Anniversary, noting that the resilience displayed in overcoming the recent traumatic volcanic eruption in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is a fine example of the people’s strength of character.

Dr Barnett’s congratula-

tory message to St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, also expressed Caricom’s pride in the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council and the leadership exercised during its presidency.

She also noted that Caricom has benefitted greatly from St Vincent and the Grenadines’ invaluable contribution towards fostering regional integration, especially in fulfilling

its responsibility within the Caricom Quasi-Cabinet for Transportation.

“I join with the Caribbean Community, in extending best wishes to the Government and People of St Vincent and the Grenadines for the country’s continued advancement and well-being”, the Secretary General said. St Vincent and the Grenadines marks its independence anniversary today, October 27.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Preparatory road works for Corentyne River Bridge commence

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ith a contract yet to be awarded for the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River, preparatory works on the Guyana side of the bridge have already begun to facilitate the infrastructural linkage.

This is the Moleson Creek Road and the first phase will see a road being constructed from Moleson Creek to El Dorado.

However, the initial stage will see the current access way being upgraded where all types of vehicles can use it. This phase is being divided into three sections.

The first contract has been awarded to Shaffeeulleah Sawmills – a company from Crabwood Creek which supplies all road construction material, and will see 2500 metres of the existing roadway being developed into an all-weather road. The project is expected to last for six months.

Junior Director Iquraan Shaffeeulleah said even though work commenced last week, they are facing major challenges. He nevertheless stated that currently, they are excavating the road to about four feet.

“After that, we will compact it with white sand followed by laterite and white sand mixed, compacted as well and then crusher-run on the last phase.” He said that

after decades of complaining, their only road is now becoming accessible.

Wendy Degoeas, 40, who has been living at Moleson Creek for the past 31 years, expressed appreciation while thanking the Government for answering their pleas.

“We really punish in here for years.”

Explaining some of the difficulties they are forced to endure to get on with their daily lives, Degoeas said they would have to walk through the mud for about one mile until they get to the road where the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service is.

She explained that school children would also have to walk that distance until they get to an area where they wash off and get into their school clothing.

The residents of Moleson Creek make a living by farming and because of the state of the road, on many occasions they use boats to take their produce along the Corentyne River for a mile until they get to an area where the highway from the Ferry Stelling is.

As such, some residents have reported that on numerous occasions their boats turned over with all of their farm produce.

Corentyne boat builder injured during row with elderly man Works being done on the access road

the current inclement weather is posing a huge challenge for them.

His brother, who is another Junior Director in the construction company, Ilyaas Shaffeeulleah, stated that they intend to make up for the time lost as a result of the weather and they intend to take full advantage of the dry days and work longer hours.

The project is scheduled to be completed in six months.

Back in April, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had announced that the plan is to have the entire roadway to El Dorado upgraded to an all-weather road and then work will commence to have the road developed into a highway from Moleson Creek to approach to the GuyanaSurname Bridge.

Meanwhile, residents of Moleson Creek have expressed delight at the fact that

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63-year-old man was taken into custody after he reportedly injured a boat builder at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, on Saturday evening during an argument over animals.

The injured man has been identified as 30-yearold Sunil Sopoi of Grant 1782, CWC. Based on reports received, the victim and the suspect were engaged in a heated ar-

gument over the suspect hitting one of the victim’s goats.

Police stated that during the argument, Sopoi was armed with a piece of wood while the suspect was armed with two pieces of wood that had nails on them. The suspect reportedly dealt the victim several lashes to his left hand.

In addition, the suspect pulled out a cutlass from his pants waist and dealt the victim several lashes about

his body and head.

As a result, public-spirited persons intervened. The injured man was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was treated and transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

He remains a patient at the medical facility in a stable condition.

A report was subsequently made and the elderly man was contacted and arrested pending charges.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NGSA 2022 set for July 6 & 7 Police Constable critical after – Education Minister meets with Grade 6 teachers

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

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s dates for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) have been set, the Education Ministry on Monday virtually engaged Grade Six teachers across the country to discuss the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results and more so, find solutions to improve the performances in 2022.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand told the teachers that work must be done to move each child from where they are now to a much higher level as they prepare to write the examination.

“Think of each student and devise a plan to assist each child based on their weaknesses. Our aim is to ensure every secondary school child is prepared

for secondary school. Please look at your children with a different eye so that you can prepare your children to enjoy a better life in the future,” Manickchand stated.

Further, she told the teachers that Monday’s meeting will not be the first and last as she believes that better outcomes will come if there is a collaborative effort.

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is set for Wednesday, July 6, 2022, and Thursday, July 7, 2022.

However, the dates are subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation.

M e a n w h i l e , Manickchand explained that the 2022 examination will be prepared similar to the 2021 examination, covering topics up to the Grade

Five level based on the consolidated curriculum.

The teachers were also asked to make a note of the students in their class who need textbooks so that they can be sourced and provided.

She thanked the teachers for the tremendous work that they did over the past year and also during the years prior in contributing to the development of Guyana by educating the nation’s children.

Statistics for 2021 showed that of the 14,400 candidates who were expected to write the exams, only 95 per cent turned up at the 503 examination centres across Guyana.

The Ministry had stated that 33 of the 503 examination centres were new and were established across the eleven education districts to facilitate candidates writing the examination. This was done to make the lives of children and their parents easier by eliminating the burden of having to travel long distances to get to their respective centres which were not the schools they attended.

In addition to the examination centres, the Ministry of Education has established emergency centres that can accommodate those candidates who may have tested positive for COVID-19 or are in quarantine.

being stabbed by brother

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Police Constable attached to the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, was on Monday evening stabbed by his brother during an argument at Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice.

The injured rank, who has been identified as 29-year-old Raul Rodrigues of Canefield Settlement, was also beaten by his brother-in-law.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 18:00h, the suspects and the Police rank had a misunderstanding. This reportedly led to a scuffle. It was at this time, the 22-year-old brother of the victim armed him-

Injured: Constable Raul Rodrigues

self with a knife and stabbed the victim several times to his abdomen and once to his right-side leg.

In addition, the 24-yearold brother-in-law who resides at the said address reportedly dealt the victim several cuffs about his body following his failed attempt to bring peace between the two brothers.

Due to the injuries sustained, Rodrigues was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The two suspects were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

Man wanted for raping minor in Region 2 nabbed on EBD

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hirty-four-year-old Hemraj Sankar also called “Raymond”, who was wanted for questioning in relation to a matter of rape of a child under 16 years committed in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was on Monday arrested on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Police stated that the act was reportedly commit-

ted on the minor in 2016.

However, on Monday at about 17:00h, a party of policemen from the Golden Grove/Diamond Police Station were on patrol when they came upon the suspect who was identified as the wanted man.

As such, he was arrested and transferred to Region Two for the continuation of the matter.

Rape accused: Hemraj Sankar

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt’s energy plans will improve standard of living – Prime Minister ...says Govt pushing ahead with Amaila Falls Hydro Project

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rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Tuesday said that the Government is committed to pursuing an energy transition plan that is centred on providing affordable, stable and reliable energy.

The clean energy mix would also aid in eradicating poverty while improving the standard of living of Guyanese.

The Prime Minister made these comments while delivering remarks at the third meeting of the Global Commission on PeopleCentred Clean Energy Transitions.

Phillips, who represents Guyana on the Commission, said that the Government has begun the implementation process of several clean energy programmes, particularly in remote hinterland communities, which are too far away to connect to the national grid.

He said too that community members will be trained to install and maintain the technology as part of an initiative to create jobs. The initiative would also link energy access projects to productive activities such as ICT, commerce, and agro-processing to allow for greater community ownership and sustainability.

“Specifically, the projects entail the installation of 13 solar PV farms, the provision of 30,000 solar home systems for hinterland communities, the installation of 20 mini-grids solar PV systems for public and com-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

munity buildings, the installation of more than 180 solar PV standalone systems for the Government’s ICT hubs, and the installation of a three MW grid-connected solar PV system at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.”

He noted that the solar PV installations will result in approximately 46.4 MW of installed solar PV capacity and are expected to be commissioned within two years. Additionally, the Government would continue to push ahead with its hydropower projects including the 165 MW Amaila Falls project.

“Ongoing hydropower projects include the installation of a 150-kw hydropower station at the Kato Falls that will be completed in 2022; the rehabilitation of the Moco Moco hydropower project with an installed

Teen arrested after robbing friend’s brother

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19-year-old suspect was arrested after he reportedly carried out a robbery on a patron at a popular bar at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, on Monday evening.

Manhar Ramratty was reportedly robbed of $172,000 in cash, one black backpack containing one GBTI bank card, one National Identification card and one COVID-19 vaccination card.

Police stated that the victim was at the bar consuming alcohol but he reportedly took off his backpack and rested it on a nearby stool.

The victim subsequently

saw his brother passing and invited him to take a drink with him.

However, the suspect entered the bar and was talking to the victim’s brother who bought him a bottle of beverage after which he picked up the victim’s bag and left with it.

A Police report was made and the suspect was contacted and his home searched during which the backpack containing the victim’s documents was found in his living room. The money was not in the bag.

The suspect was arrested as investigations continue.

capacity of 0.7 MW and the construction of a 1.5 MW hydropower station at Kumu.”

The Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions brings together 30 Government leaders, Ministers and prominent thinkers to discuss clean energy solutions.

The Commission was convened by the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr Fatih Birol, in January of this year.

During the meeting, the body launched 12 recommendations for a people-centred transition to clean energy. The recommendations were divided into four key areas: decent jobs and worker protection; social and economic development; equity, social inclusion and fairness and people as active participants.

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NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations 12,000 farmers in C’bean to benefit from Even Granger does Canada-funded agriculture project not trust his PNC comrades around election process

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he People’s National Congress announced that its longoverdue congress will be held on December 11, 2021.

The election for the party’s leadership is up for grabs. The present leader is still missing in action (MIA). He has not said if he is still interested in the leadership of the party, or if he will throw his support to the man who has stood by his side through thick and thin – Joe Harmon. David Granger took a leave of absence, and therefore he is the MIA leader at this time. Volda Lawrence, the acting leader of the PNC, has so far not indicated if she Dr Leslie Ramsammy is running for the leader’s position or for anything else, including as the Chairperson of the party, a position she presently holds. Aubrey Norton, who has been fired more than once by the PNC, wants to be the leader now. Back in the early 1990s, he was famously fired by Desmond Hoyte, who asserted that Norton was his “creature,” and therefore he, Hoyte, had the absolute freedom to fire him. “Baby Doc” Van West-Charles is also running for the party’s leadership.

Granger barely lifted his head above the surface this week to do two things. First, he tried to have the PNC Congress postponed again, so he could hold on a little longer as the leader. Most persons want to know why would David Granger want a job that he has not been performing for a very long time now. He was an MIA Leader of the Opposition before 2015, an MIA President between 2015 and 2020, and now an MIA Leader of the PNC. Now he wants the party to defer their congress and the election for leadership for another few months. He knows well about deferring and postponing things.

We cannot forget he postponed the constitutionallymandated elections after the No-Confidence Motion on December 21st 2018. That election was illegally postponed for more than a year, with the help of the courts in Guyana. Is Granger scared of losing his job, or is it that he wants to defer the elections so that he could scheme for a rigged electoral process? After all, we all now know that one of the reasons for the reluctance to hold the elections by March 2020, after the December 21st 2018 No-Confidence Motion, was that his party needed time to consolidate the rigging machinery in GECOM. Many Guyanese suspect there are people in the PNC who want more time so they can mess with the party elections.

During this latest foray above the surface, the second thing Granger did was to demand a number of people be excluded from any role in putting together the party’s congress, but especially in coordinating the party’s election for leadership.

He does not trust his own party people. Specifically, he does not want Aubrey Norton, Van West-Charles, Winston Felix, Mortimer Mingo and others to be anywhere near the electoral process for party leadership. Why does Granger, the leader of the PNC for the time being, want to keep these fellas far from the electoral process? Does he think they will rig the elections against him or his handpicked replacement? It is a sad day when we all in Guyana, including the PNC leader, are on the same wavelength in the belief that the party’s senior leaders and members are not to be trusted around an electoral process.

Karma is a terrible thing. Granger tried rigging the elections in Guyana when, in June 2018, he arbitrarily rejected eighteen outstanding citizens for the position of Chair of GECOM, and illegally and unconstitutionally appointed James Patterson as the Chair. Patterson’s mandate then was clear; he was supposed to set up the rigging machinery, but Granger’s calculation that Patterson would have been able to completely set up GECOM’s rigging machinery backfired. The Caribbean Court of Justice intervened and called out the fraud. When his colleagues tried to rig the results between March 2 and August 2, 2020, Granger stood by silent, MIA. Today, Granger is afraid that the “creatures” who were supposed to rig the 2020 elections might now want to rig the party’s internal elections.

While hilarious, it is at the same time tragic. But the tragic story here is that this is the PNC in its finest colours – it is a party steeped in rigging elections. Even more tragic is that the thing they have been known for throughout their 64 years’ history – rigged elections – they still cannot do it well. Between 1968 and 1992, they had rigged five elections, including a referendum.

None of this rigging was done in any smart way. They were blatant and clumsy. In 2020, they tried the same clumsy way of cheating. The whole world saw them doing the rigging in plain sight. It was so clumsy that their own people were too ashamed to defend them. Now even Granger is afraid that the PNC is incapable of conducting a free and fair elections, even if it is their own internal party elections.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

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he World University Service of Canada (WUSC) on Tuesday hosted a virtual exercise to launch its five-year Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project that is set to benefit some 12,000 women, youth (both female and male), and marginalised men in Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Dominica, and St Lucia.

Persons who will benefit from the programme, which is being funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to the tune of CAD$20 million, will be exposed to an agricultural project that will increase their impact on agricultural markets in the Caribbean while developing more environmentally-sustainable and climate-resilient domestic agricultural markets for economic growth.

While delivering the feature address at the launch, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said, “The need to increase livelihoods, opportunities, and capacity for women and youths to participate in inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural market systems are goals that are linked with the Ministry’s vision of having a competitive, dynamic, and diversified socially-inclusive and environmentally-sustainable agri-food system.

The Government of Guyana aims to help farmers grow more, be better connected to markets, thereby earning more and living better lives. At the same time, the Private Sector has a role to play as enablers in this system to increase their productivity, improve the quality of their production, and their reliability as suppliers, and help build strong producer organisations to access the markets,” Minister Mustapha noted.

The SAC project was designed to facilitate linkages between key market actors; strengthen their capacity through training, information-sharing, and outreaches; and foster climate-resilient approaches at every stage and via a wide range of key market actors in the

agricultural market system.

This approach is expected to help increase productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector, mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce the Region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, and foster climate-resilient agricultural markets that offer increased equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic benefits for women and youth.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman said that there was an urgent need to build back better as Guyana’s agriculture sector charted a path to recovery given the challenges brought on by the countrywide impacts of this year’s May-June flood coupled with the ongoing pandemic and issues of climate change.

“The launch of the SAC project is particularly timely as we consider the challenge Guyana’s food production system faced in 2021 with the countrywide impact of the May to June 2021 flood coupled with the ongoing global pandemic and the issues of climate change. As the sector charts a path to recovery and resilience, there is an urgent need to “build back better”. Building back better requires a transformative agenda that involves making food production more diverse or sustainable, more efficient, and more inclusive. Inclusion of women and especially Guyana’s

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman

Indigenous communities are essential across many rural farming communities of Guyana; women are wellknown producers of cash

crops or vegetables, not only to feed their households but also to supply traders and markets,” Berman explained.

In addition to achieving economic benefits for targeted agricultural markets actors, the SAC project also aims to pursue environmental sustainability in relation to Guyana’s commitment to carbon emissions and mitigation, pursue climate resilience, and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.

It is expected that by the end of the programme lifecycle, there will be increased equitable participation of women and youth in agricultural markets.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

17 New medical laboratory, jewellery establishment certified by GNBS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Owner of D S Ramdeholl & Son, Jewellery, Deepnarine Ramdeholl and his son Sachin Ramdeholl, pose with the plaque handed over by the GNBS

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aresworth Medical Centre Laboratory and D S Ramdeholl and Son Jewellery are the most recent businesses to be certified by the National Standards by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

The GNBS certified Caresworth Medical Centre Laboratory on Tuesday to the GYS 170:2009 Standard – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.

The scope of the certification covers Haematology, Serology, Urology, Microbiology and Immunology.

The Certificate along

with a plaque was handed over by Head of the GNBS’ Certification Services Department, Andrea Mendonca to General Manager of the Laboratory, Bibi Nafeeza Bacchus at the facility’s Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown location.

Bacchus, in an invited comment, said she is proud of this achievement since it will promote accuracy and efficiency, and increase clients’ confidence in the services offered by the laboratory.

“It is indeed an excellent feeling to have been able to achieve certification, though we are such a small organ-

isation. It was not an easy task but with the efforts from our staff and guidance from the GNBS, we were able to make it,” she said.

The laboratory certification is valid for two years during which, the GNBS will routinely conduct audits to ensure that the clinical facility continues to maintain the requirements of the standard.

Also on Tuesday, the GNBS certified D S Ramdeholl and Son Jewellery to the GYS 50:2010 Standard – Specifications for gold articles. The business, which is located at 74 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was

Phlebotomist at Caresworth Medical Centre Laboratory, Sadiyah Baksh: General Manager Bibi Nafeeza Bacchus: Laboratory Manager and Microbiologist Elizabeth Taylor and Quality Manager Lendon Wilson pose with a plaque handed over by the GNBS

granted permission to use the GNBS Standards Mark on its 12 karat and 14 karat jewellery.

Owner of the business, Deepnarine Ramdeholl and his son Sachin Ramdeholl expressed heartfelt gratitude to the GNBS for working with them to achieve certification of their product.

The senior Ramdeholl said he took over his business from his father who always insisted on acquiring and maintaining standards. “This is a wonderful feeling to receive this certificate and I see the confidence in my business increasing.

Thanks to the GNBS for this great opportunity as well,” he said.

Head of the GNBS Certification Services Department, Andrea Mendonca congratulated both businesses for the efforts made to achieve certification of their services and product.

“We want to thank you for choosing to uphold standards in your operations.

We want to commend you and may you continue to strive for excellence and maintain this certification,” she encouraged.

Other laboratories, which are not yet certified

are encouraged to engage the GNBS Certification Services Department to become recognised as meeting the requirements of the National Standard. Surely, it will increase confidence in the test results provided.

Finally, in addition to gold jewellery, the GNBS certifies PVC pipes, concrete hollow blocks and bathtub & shower units under its Product Certification Programme.

Businesses engaged in manufacturing these products are also urged to pursue certification to increase customers and confidence in the items produced.

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News

Electrical pedal cyclist Man busted with stolen killed by reversing truck motorcycles at home

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ays after he was struck down by a truck along the Chesney Housing Scheme Access Road, Corentyne, Berbice, electrical pedal cyclist Ramesh Approo succumbed to his injuries. The accident reportedly occurred on Saturday but he died while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police stated that on Saturday at about 17:30h, the motor lorry bearing registration number GJJ 7885 was proceeding along the Chesney Access Road, Corentyne, Berbice, at a normal rate of speed but reportedly stopped and while in the process of reversing, it collided with the pedal cyclist.

As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist and the pillion rider received injuries about their bodies.

They were both picked up in a conscious state and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where they were both seen treated and

Approo was admitted a patient. His pillion rider was treated and sent away.

Due to the injuries Approo received, he was transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital then to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted in

the ICU suffering from a broken pelvis and punctured kidney.

He reportedly took his last breath at about 06:00h on Tuesday. Following the accident, the driver of the truck was arrested pending charges.

Linden man slapped with rape charge

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ay Williams was on Tuesday slapped with a rape charge and he was remanded to prison by Magistrate Wanda Fortune when he appeared virtually at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Williams was charged for the offence of Rape of a Child Under 16 Years, Contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03.

He was not required to plead to the indictment and was remanded to prison until November 3, 2021.

The two motorcycles that were found on the premises of the suspect

A

Rape accused: Ray Williams

25-year-old man of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice, was on Tuesday arrested after Police found two motorcycles on his premises suspected to have been stolen.

Police stated that on the day in question, a party of policemen went to the home of the suspect and conducted a search

for arms and ammunition, narcotics, stolen articles and wanted persons.

However, during the search, one black CB1 motorcycle bearing registration number CJ 392 and one blue and white motorcycle with trade plates marked “Rock” were found.

The ranks informed the suspect that they were un-

der the suspicion that the two cycles were stolen and as such, he was arrested.

In addition, he was told of an allegation following the investigation of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking which occurred on Saturday. The motorcycles were lodged as investigations continue.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

19

News

2 women die of COVID, death toll now 899 – 66 new cases detected in 24h

T

he Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that two women who were tested for the novel coronavirus have died thus taking the total number of deaths to 899. One of the women was unvaccinated while the immunisation status of the other is unknown.

The fatalities are a 62-year-old woman from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 60-year-old from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). They both died on Monday.

However, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that 66 new cases were recorded in 24 hours.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country now stands at 35,170 - 16,623 men and 18,547 women. There are 23 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with four persons in institutional quarantine, 76 in institutional isolation, and

3239 in home isolation.

Guyana has conducted 348,832 COVID-19 tests thus far. To date, some 30,933 persons have recovered from the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, with US health advisers meeting on Tuesday to debate whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should grant emergency authorisation to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, Guyana’s Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony is already anticipating an approval and indicated that the country is prepared to begin such a rollout from next week.

“Starting from next week, we’re already examining the possibility of doing the vaccination for the 11 to 5 age group because we’re anticipating that the US FDA would approve the Pfizer vaccine for this age group as well,” he revealed on Tuesday during an update on the

COVID-19 situation here.

The coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech is currently approved in the United States for people aged 12 and older.

This vaccine is also already being used in Guyana to immunise its adolescent population.

In Guyana, 26,966 or 37 per cent of that age cohort have received a first dose while 17,489 or 24 per cent are fully immunised.

However, Dr Anthony has already expressed concerns over an apparent slowdown of the uptake of the vaccine among this population and he noted that authorities are working closely with the Education Ministry to boost the numbers.

In this regard, the Health Minister encouraged parents to ensure their children are immunised so that they can stand a better chance at fighting off the disease.

According to reports,

COVID vaccines: FDA panel approves Pfizer jabs for children 5 and up

P

aediatric doctors could soon find themselves on the front lines of a US Government plan to get some 28 million schoolaged children in line for their coronavirus jabs.

Advisory Boards to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday decided that the benefits of jabbing children between five and 11 years old with the Pfizer vaccine outweigh any other health risks.

The decision now awaits further approval from the full FDA and CDC. Both agencies are expected to

follow the vaccine panel's recommendation.

Data from the company's clinical trials found that a paediatric dose of the vaccine - one third of that given to adults and adolescents - was safe and 90 per cent effective.

If health officials approve the jab, 15 million doses will go out to paediatric offices, children's hospitals and pharmacies around the country.

Among those between five and 11 years old, there have been about 1.8 million COVID cases confirmed in the US, according to the CDC. Fewer than two hundred have died, and most of those had underlying

medical conditions.

Some medical experts say that, given the persistence of the Delta variant and the return to in-person schooling, vaccinating children is a crucial next step in fighting the pandemic.

On Tuesday, an independent advisory committee to the FDA voted to recommend an emergency use authorisation for the Pfizer jab for children between five and 11 years old.

The CDC will follow suit on November 2, meaning jabs for five-year-olds could begin as soon as November 3. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Japan's Princess Mako defies odds to marry college sweetheart, gives up title

J

apan's Princess Mako, the emperor's niece, married her college sweetheart on Tuesday, giving up her royal title and saying she was determined to build a happy life with her "irreplaceable" husband after a tumultuous engagement.

In a news conference with new husband and commoner Kei Komuro marked by unusual candour for Japan's royal family, Mako said her marriage to Komuro had been inevitable despite the widespread opposition to it.

Mako - now known as Mako Komuro - was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) earli-

er this year after an engagement plagued by a money scandal, intense media scrutiny and a three year separation from her fiance.

"Kei is irreplaceable for me. For us, marriage is a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts," Mako told a news conference.

She said "incorrect" reporting on her new husband had caused her "great fear, stress and sadness".

"The flow of arbitrary criticism of Kei's actions, as well as one-sided speculation that ignored my feelings, made falsehoods somehow seem like reality and turn into an unprovoked story that spread," she added.

The two, 30, were married in the morning after an official from the Imperial Household Agency (IHA), which runs the family's lives, submitted paperwork to a local office registering their marriage.

Royal marriages usually involve a series of formal ceremonies and a celebration, but the two forewent all rituals and even turned down the $1.3 million usually given to women who leave the family.

During the news conference, Komuro pledged to protect and support Mako.

"I love Mako. I want to spend the only life I have with the one I love." (Excerpt from Reuters)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD OCTOBER 26, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

66

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

76

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

3239

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

23

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

18,547

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

16,623

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

35,170

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

30,933

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

377,614

FULLY IMMUNISED

237,997

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

899

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1597

REGION 2

1420

REGION 3

4781

REGION 4

16,755

REGION 5

1262

REGION 6

2555

REGION 7

1732

REGION 8

564

REGION 9

5441

REGION 10

2063

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.

Pfizer has said its research showed that younger children should get a third of the vaccine dose currently being given to the older age group.

While initial research had shown that children are at lower risk of contracting the virus and if they do, they get the milder form of the disease, the situation has been

changing with the spread of the variants.

To date in Guyana, over 5000 children have been infected with the virus and some of them have also died.

Improvised shotgun found in Wismar backlands

The improvised weapon found during the Police operation

T

he Police discovered one improvised 12-gauge shotgun during an operation at Wismar Backlands, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), on Tuesday.

Police stated that on the day in question between 05:00h and 11:00h, a par-

ty of Police ranks who were conducting a patrol exercise at Wismar Backlands, Linden, came upon a makeshift camp.

The ranks proceeded to the area where they observed living accommodations including kitchen utensils and hammocks. A

further search unearthed the improvised 12-gauge shotgun wrapped in plastic in the camp.

The weapon was taken to Wismar Police Station where it was marked, sealed and lodged. At the time of the operation, no one was at the camp.

Elderly brothers slapped with felonious wounding charge

S

ixty-six-year-old Daniel Rose of Smythfield New Amsterdam, Berbice, and Patrick Rose, 62, of Kaneville, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were both granted bail in the sum of

40,000 each on a felonious wound charge.

They reportedly appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh on Tuesday where the charge was read to them. They reportedly committed that act on the victim on October 20, 2021.

However, the two men were not required to plead to the charge when it was read to them. They were nevertheless, released on bail and are expected to make another court appearance on November 26, 2021.

20

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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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)

It's OK to say no; being a people pleaser can be exhausting. Stop and consider doing what pleases you for a change. Channel your energy into something that brings concrete results.

A friend or relative will offer unusual insight into how you can use your experience, knowledge and skills to get ahead. Don't resist change; seize an opportunity to show others what you have to offer.

Jealousy will play a role in how well you interact with others. Maintaining a positive attitude and recognizing others' accomplishments will help you maintain healthy relationships.

Stop and think before you say or do something you'll regret. Getting into an emotional spat with someone will lead to a power struggle that will be difficult to win.

Keep the peace.

An energetic approach to whatever you do will help you avoid disappointment.

Don't wait around for someone to pitch in and help.

Take care of unfinished business yourself.

You'll get the help you require if you team up with someone who shares your beliefs and sentiments. Take your time when dealing with work-related matters. Make decisions based on facts.

Keep your thoughts to yourself. If you say something while under emotional duress, you will have regrets. Be a good listener and take the time to sort out what matters most.

Explore the possibilities and learn all you can to ensure you make good decisions. Take the path that leads to knowledge and experience. Be honest and do what makes you happy.

Take a second look at a SAGITTARIUS deal that sounds too good (Nov. 23to be true. Making an imDec. 21) pulsive move will result in disappointment. Use your intelligence and charm to outmaneuver someone trying to take advantage of you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

A discussion will turn into a debate. Do your best to keep the peace and avoid a feud that can disrupt a partnership. A compromise may not be ideal, but it will help you avoid regret.

Set a goal and don't stop until you reach it. Leave nothing unsaid or to chance.

Take care of pressing details to avoid having your plans stymied by protocol.

Get involved in something that concerns you. You can (Feb. 20make a difference if you are March 20) part of the solution. How you handle medical and financial situations will affect your relationship with a loved one.

PISCES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

21

Haris Rauf headlines Pakistan’s second win of game in World Cup A lot of Pakistan’s success is built on a bowling line-up that has more to offer than an Amazon sale. Shaheen Afridi brings the swing, Haris Rauf brings the pace, Hasan Ali brings the bustle, Imad Wasim brings the control, and Shadab Khan brings the magic. New Zealand went up against all of that and came away battered and bruised, their total of 134 just barely keeping them in the game.

Pressure game

Pakistan were in control of the game ever since they won the toss and chose to bowl. Eleven of the 20 overs they bowled went for six runs or fewer.

New Zealand tried their best to disrupt a bowling line-up in prime form. They made Daryl Mitchell open the batting for the first time in his professional career; it didn’t work. They punted on James Neesham at No. 4; it didn’t work.

The pressure that kept piling on them even had an effect on their captain. Kane Williamson, after nudging a back of a length ball into the off side, set off for a single that he normally never would have. But here, with all run-making avenues blocked, he took a few too many paces down the pitch, and was sent packing by a Hasan Ali direct hit.

New Zealand were in

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Martin Guptill b Haris Rauf 17 Daryl Mitchell c Fakhar Zaman b Imad Wasim 27 Kane Williamson (c) run out (Hasan Ali) 25 James Neesham c Fakhar Zaman b Mohammad Hafeez 1 Devon Conway c Babar Azam b Haris Rauf 27 Glenn Phillips c Hasan Ali b Haris Rauf 13 Tim Seifert †c Mohammad Hafeez b Shaheen Shah Afridi 8 Mitchell Santner b Haris Rauf 6 Ish Sodhi not out 2 Extras (b 1, lb 5, nb 2) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.70) 134/8 Did not bat: Tim Southee, Trent Boult Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Martin Guptill, 5.2 ov), 2-54 (Daryl Mitchell, 8.2 ov), 3-56 (James Neesham, 9.1 ov), 4-90 (Kane Williamson, 13.1 ov), 5-116 (Devon Conway, 17.1 ov), 6-116 (Glenn Phillips, 17.3 ov), 7-125 (Tim Seifert, 18.6 ov), 8-134 (Mitchell Santner, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-1-21-1 Imad Wasim 4-0-24-1 Hasan Ali 3-0-26-0 Haris Rauf 4-0-22-4 Shadab Khan 3-0-19-0

Mohammad Hafeez

2-0-16-1

PAKISTAN INNINGS (TARGET: 135 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Mohammad Rizwan †lbw b Sodhi 33 Babar Azam (c) b Southee 9 Fakhar Zaman lbw b Sodhi 11 Mohammad Hafeez c Conway b Santner 11 Shoaib Malik not out 26 Imad Wasim lbw b Boult 11 Asif Ali not out 27 Extras(lb 2, w 5) 7 TOTAL (18.4 Ov, RR: 7.23) 135/5 Did not bat: Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Babar Azam, 5.1 ov), 2-47 (Fakhar Zaman, 8.6 ov), 3-63 (Mohammad Hafeez, 10.6 ov), 4-69 (Mohammad Rizwan, 11.4 ov), 5-87 (Imad Wasim, 14.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Santner 4-0-33-1 Tim Southee 4-0-25-1 Trent Boult 3.4-0-29-1 James Neesham 3-0-18-0 Ish Sodhi 4-0-28-2

the middle of a decent sequence at the time, smashing four fours and a six in nine balls. Since that wicket, in the 13th over of the game, there were only three further boundaries.

Pace is pace yaar

Rauf began the game with a 149 kph yorker that literally took Martin Guptill out of the game. He survived that ball, but wouldn’t field in the second innings. High pace is a point of difference in T20 cricket. It’s the reason Pakistan invested in a bowler w h o only

Pakistani fans posing before the game Haris Rauf is jubilant after picking up a wicket

The end

turned professional a mere three years ago.

And while Rauf can set the s p e e d gun on fire, here three of his four w i c k ets came through slower balls. It was a sign of his evolution and an understanding of the conditions in Sharjah. One of his balls at 149 kph - was lashed for four by Mitchell Santner in the 20th over. Immediately, he pulled his pace back. The batter was through with his shot too early. The stumps were in all kinds of disarray.

And Sharjah kept screaming “Haaaaris! Haaaaris!

Haaaaaris!”

A traditional strength - fielding - and one of a more recent vintage - Ish Sodhi’s legspin - allowed this game the veneer of a contest.

Pakistan went into the last five overs need 44 runs to win.

And in conditions that were slow and low, that tends to be a tough ask, unless someone goes berserk.

So Asif Ali wound up those big strong arms of his and launched the second and third balls of the

17th over clean out of the park.

He came into the World Cup on the back

victory.

Pakistan have played 13 T20Is in the UAE since 2016. They have now won

Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali get together after seeing Pakistan through

of a woeful CPL. But here he was dismantling one of New Zealand’s best fast bowlers in Tim Southee to usher his team to a flawless

every single one of them. If they keep this up, there’s going to be a nice, shiny trophy just waiting for them. (ESPNcricinfo)

South Africa confirm absent De Kock refused to take the knee

S

outh Africa’s Quinton de Kock opted out of Tuesday’s T20 World Cup game against West Indies because he refused to take the knee.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) initially revealed that De Kock was unavailable for South Africa’s Group 1 match at Dubai International Stadium for “personal reasons”. That came after the CSA Board on Monday came to an agreement that all Proteas should take the knee before their remaining World Cup games as a consistent and united stance against racism.

Quinton de Cock

Some players had not taken the knee prior to the loss to Australia on Saturday, and wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock had previously declined

to make the gesture. CSA have now confirmed that former captain De Kock refused to go along with the order.

A CSA statement said:

“Cricket South Africa has noted the personal decision

by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to take the knee ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies.

All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to take the knee in a united and consistent stance against racism. This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes, because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together.

“After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. The board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism. The board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps.

“All players are expected to follow this directive

for the remaining games of the World Cup. CSA thanks all other Proteas players for agreeing to unite and make such an important public stand against racism.”

CSA Board Chair Lawson Naidoo earlier stated: “A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us.

Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism.” (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

S

outh Africa rallied to complete a third successful chase against West Indies in four attempts and get their T20 World Cup campaign on track. They did it against the backdrop of turmoil: first, an instruction from the CSA Board that the team must collectively take a knee before matches at this tournament, and the options of raising a fist or standing to attention were no longer available to them, followed by Quinton de Kock sitting out the match as a result. de Kock had previously made no gesture in support of anti-racism, and a decision on his participation in the rest of the tournament is expected once team management has reported to the board. de Kock was replaced

by Heinrich Klaasen behind the stumps, who made one fumble, but was otherwise tidy, and Reeza Hendricks at the top of the order, who set the tone for the chase.

Lewis scored a half century

and 20th overs, to fall short of what might have been a par score - 160. Hendricks's 39 laid the groundwork for South Africa, before an 83-run stand between Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram sealed victory in the 19th over.

Lewis sparkles, Simmons doesn't Lewis and Simmons laid a solid foundation for West Indies when they shared in

Anrich Nortje was named the Player of the Match for his 1 for 14 from four overs

South Africa's attack kept West Indies to a modest 143, despite an onslaught from Evin Lewis. Lendl Simmons was too slow, Chris Gayle did not come off, and West Indies lost 8 for 64 between the 11th

their highest opening stand, 73, in a partnership of two parts. Lewis was the aggressor and smashed 56 off 35 balls, with all of his five fours and two sixes coming on the leg side, while Simmons bided his

time, scoring only in singles.

Simmons was dropped by Klaasen on 4, off the bowling of Anrich Nortje, and had crept to 13 off 28 balls when Lewis holed out to deep midwicket.

Simmons was out three overs later for a 35-ball 16, the joint-longest in terms of balls without a boundary in men's T20 World Cups, and the third slowest World Cup innings after facing 30 or more balls.

South Africa's comeback With a platform to launch from, West Indies sent in Nicholas Pooran at No. 3, above Gayle, to take on the spinners. That made it the first time Gayle has batted outside the top three for West Indies in a T20I. It didn't really work for either of them. Pooran scored 12 before being caught

by David Miller at long-off, but Gayle was there as West Indies entered the final three overs, and had threatened with a six off Tabraiz Shamsi. He became the first wicket in a good deathbowling effort from Dwaine Pretorius, who had Gayle caught behind off a slower ball before Anrich Nortje bowled Andre Russell with a pinpoint yorker, Shimron Hetmyer was run-out, and Pretorius took two-in-two in the last over.

South Africa claimed 5 for 22 in the last three overs.

Hendricks hits out, then Hetmyer takes it low Hendricks would not have played this game if de Kock had not pulled out, but Hendricks

made the most of his early opportunity. He went into this game needing seven runs to reach 1000 T20I runs, and got there off the seventh ball he faced when he stepped out to hit Akeal Hosein over long-on for the first six of the innings.

Hendricks went on to show off his pull, late cut and loft over cover, and took South Africa close to halfway before falling to a good catch. In the tenth over, Hendricks pulled Hosein to deep square-leg, where Hetmyer dived forward and got his hands under the ball on the dive. The soft signal was not out, but television replays confirmed the catch was clean, and Hendricks was dismissed for 39.

Magnificent Markram Markram has become South Africa's highest T20I runscorer in 2021, is their highest run-scorer in the format in any calendar year, and has adapted to his role down the order with ease. He arrived at the crease with South Africa needing 83 runs off 10.4 overs and had a little bit of time to settle in. His first shot in anger was to send a full Hayden Walsh Jr delivery over long-on for six, before he meted out the same treatment to Kieron Pollard, over square leg, and then to Ravi Rampaul, over midwicket.

Markram provided a perfect foil for van der Dussen, who is not known for scoring overly quickly, and allowed the innings to find a balance

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Lendl Simmons b Rabada 16 Evin Lewis c Rabada b Maharaj 56 Nicholas Pooran † c Miller b Maharaj 12 Chris Gayle c †Klaasen b Pretorius 12 Kieron Pollard (c) c van der Dussen b Pretorius 26 Andre Russell b Nortje 5 Shimron Hetmyer run out (Miller/†Klaasen) 1 Dwayne Bravo not out 8 Hayden Walsh c Hendricks b Pretorius 0 Akeal Hosein not out 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 7 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.15) 143/8 Did not bat: Ravi Rampaul Fall of wickets: 1-73 (Evin Lewis, 10.3 ov), 2-87 (Nicholas Pooran, 12.2 ov), 3-89 (Lendl Simmons, 13.2 ov), 4-121 (Chris Gayle, 17.1 ov), 5-132 (Andre Russell, 18.2 ov), 6-133 (Shimron Hetmyer, 18.4 ov), 7-137 (Kieron Pollard, 19.2 ov), 8-137 (Hayden Walsh, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Aiden Markram 3-1-22-0

CASH transforms into ‘power zone’ for volleyball action

F

ollowing a series of exhibition games over the past months, volleyball at the club level will take the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) by storm this weekend.

Sponsored by North Nation Inc, the inaugural Power Zone Volleyball Tournament is scheduled for Sunday October 31st at the aforementioned venue on Homestretch Avenue.

The highly anticipated tournament will feature four teams from across Guyana; namely, the Castrol Strikers volleyball club, Eagles volleyball club, Young Achievers volleyball club and Port Mourant Training Centre.

The event will take on a round-robin format, where each team will play all of

the others once. Thereafter, the top two teams emerging

from that stage will battle each other for bragging

rights, among other spoils.

The volleyball action is expected to begin at 9:00am and continue for the remainder of the day. The sizzling final is tentatively set for 15:45hrs.

According to the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), the team lists have been confirmed, and are as follows: Castrol Strikers volleyball club: Vance Harding, Quyntin Williams, Nicholas Khan, Omari Joseph, Andre Jagnandan, Shane Jones, Mickel Besson, Oswart Dash, Lerone Souvenir, Devon Bowman, Kirby Richards, Clement Choo-shee-nam, Fernando D’Agrella and Breyon Barnett.

Eagles volleyball club: Dexter Hoppy, Carlos De La Toore, Kristoff Shepherd, Quacy Matheson, Adriel

between big hits and careful accumulation. They put on 83 runs off 57 balls to guide South Africa to a convincing win.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Moore, Travis Stanley, Travis McRae. Ian Bagot, Jaleel Roberts, Richard Telford, Michael Adolph, Dominic Bowen, Akeem Bowlin and Bepaul Bandu.

Young Achievers volleyball club: Kemraj Singh, Juan Reynoir Calzado, Tyrese Farley, Geno Carrol, Corwin Richards, Klondike Rodney, Ryan Mangrau, Rick Ritchie, Wendell Austin, Ryan Munroe, Creston Rodney, Devendra Samaroo, Victor Rogers and Kevin Vieira.

Port Mourant Training Centre: Shemroy Ross, Devendra Latchman, Ronaldo Bobb, Levi Nedd, Daniel Joseph, Steffon Norah, Andy Rohoman, Dequan Gray, Lucris Brummel, Latchman Gurdin, Jared Jhingree, Jason Seelochan, Marcellous Hector and Shaquan Lucas.

Kagiso Rabada Anrich Nortje Keshav Maharaj Tabraiz Shamsi Dwaine Pretorius

4-0-27-1 4-0-14-1 4-0-24-2 3-0-37-0 2-0-17-3

SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS (TARGET: 144 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Temba Bavuma (c) run out (Russell) 2 3 Reeza Hendricks c Hetmyer b Hosein 39 Rassie van der Dussen not out 43 Aiden Markram not out 51 Extras (lb 1, w 8) 9 TOTAL (18.2 Ov, RR: 7.85) 144/2 Did not bat: David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen †, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Temba Bavuma, 0.6 ov), 2-61 (Reeza Hendricks, 9.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Akeal Hosein 4-0-27-1 Ravi Rampaul 3-0-22-0 Andre Russell 3.2-0-36-0 Hayden Walsh 3-0-26-0 Dwayne Bravo 4-0-23-0 Kieron Pollard 1-0-9-0

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

GTT gives LGC $3M for sponsorship of GTT Guyana Open

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT) has invested $3M in the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) as that club gears up to host the highly anticipated GTT Guyana Open, which is scheduled for this coming week, October 30-31, 2021, and will commence at 6 am daily.

Handing over of this cheque was done at the GTT main office at 79 Brickdam, Georgetown.

In remarks at the handing over, GTT’s Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, reminded everyone of the personal commitment to sports in Guyana made by both the GTT and himself.

“We are extremely proud to be the title sponsors of this event.

It is obviously one of the biggest, if not the biggest golf tournament in Guyana, and (is) played on the best facility for golfing in Guyana.

At GTT, we have three main promises, and one of them is that we are going to do the works for them, and sponsorship is our way of expressing and showing that

C

LGC President Patanjilee Persaud

commitment.

“Obviously, there is PinkTober, but today we are talking about sport. We are committing $3M to the Lusignan Golf Club for this tournament. We are going to be deepening our relationship with golf in Guyana. We think it is a fantastic sport; it teaches people some valuable life lessons.”

Ferguson also challenged the LGC to go even younger, in terms of youth golf being played. He relayed that the sport is fantastic, and it is his belief that kids being

LGC Club Captain Patrick Prashad

Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson

exposed to the sport at an early age is a great thing.

Ferguson also noted that he is looking forward to the weekend, once the weather permits, and he said the company is

…Knight, Grimmond Campbelle in squad, Fraser, Gajnabi in travelling reserves

ricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Selection Panel today named a 15-member squad and three reserves for the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan Women and to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2021 in Zimbabwe.

Three players will also be travelling with the squad as reserves.

The touring squad sees a return for Shemaine Campbelle, who missed the home series against Pakistan Women and South Africa Women due to injury. Campbelle impressed the selectors and coaches in the lone practice match before departure by striking a century in 107 deliveries, which included 12 fours and a six.

Also returning to the squad is captain Stafanie Taylor, who missed the recent series against South Africa in Antigua.

Ann Browne-John, Lead Selector, has said: “The upcoming Pakistan series and World Cup qualifiers are crucial as the team works towards participation in the Cricket World Cup in 2022. It is important to note that Shemaine Campbelle is once again fit and available after being away through injury. She is one of

the senior players, and has shown herself to be one of the premier wicket-keepers in the world. She scored runs in the practice match since her return.”

Browne-John added: “The captain, Stafanie Taylor, who missed the South Africa series, is also back, which also serves to strengthen both the batting and bowling. The squad has a mix of senior and developing players, and particular mention must be made of two young players: Qiana Joseph and Rashada Williams, who had very encouraging series against South Africa, and hopefully they will go from strength to strength.”

The West Indies Women are due to arrive in Pakistan on 1st November for three (3) ODIs from 8 to 14 November, scheduled to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi. The West Indies Women will travel directly to Zimbabwe after the ODI Series for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2021 from 21 November to 5 December. They will be one of ten teams, along with Pakistan, aiming to secure one of three qualifying places for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in February 2022.

The West Indies Women last toured Pakistan in January 2019 for three T20 Internationals in

Karachi. (Windies Cricket) Full Squad * Stafanie Taylor (captain) * Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain) * Aaliyah Alleyne * Shemaine Campbelle * Shamilia Connell * Deandra Dottin * Sheneta Grimmond * Chinelle Henry * Qiana Joseph * Kycia Knight * Kyshona Knight * Hayley Matthews * Chedean Nation * Shakera Selman * Rashada Williams Travelling Reserves * Cherry Ann Fraser * Shabika Gajnabi * Karishma Ramharack FULL MATCH SCHEDULE 1st ODI – 8 November at National Stadium, Karachi 2nd ODI – 11 November at National Stadium, Karachi 3rd ODI – 14 November at National Stadium, Karachi ICC WOMEN’S CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFERS- ZIMBABWE 21 November - 5 December

proud to be associated with the tournament.

LGC President Patanjilee Persaud thanked the telecommunications giant for its investment in one of Guyana’s leading golf tournaments. He relayed that the club is the finest destination for golfing in Guyana, and stated that the club is making it its duty to have GTT proudly advertised.

“GTT and Lusignan Golf Club are proud to bring this national event, which is held once a

year. GTT is launching their new fibre cable, and we are happy to partner with them, and we welcome their joint cooperation with the Lusignan Golf Club for this GTT Guyana Open Championship” Persaud added.

LGC Club Captain Patrick Prashad, who was also present, gave a brief overview of the rules and regulations of the event. Prashad noted that the tournament will be played over 36 holes within a two-day period; each day, a total of 18 holes will be played. Prashad added that in the end this will determine the best golfer who participated in the tournament, male and female (this will incorporate the gross score). Prashad reiterated that the person with the lower handicap has the advantage of

winning the tournament.

He further said, “At the moment, a total of 60-odd players have registered; 25% of them will fall into that category to determine the best male player. We have six female players, and there are four of them contending for that championship. In the event there is rain and the tournament cannot be completed, the results will be determined via 18 holes.”

Citizens from various countries have shown their interest in the lucrative tournament. Alongside Guyana, countries such as Canada, USA, Colombia are participating. The club has noted that in order for everyone to be given a fair chance, the golfers will be placed in flights. Individuals with handicaps ranging from 0-36 will be given a level playing field to participate and win net prizes and gross prizes for both days.

The flights in the men’s category range from 0-9, 10-18 and 19-28 handicap, while with the ladies it will range from 0-36 handicap because of the small field.

Even though the tournament will feature the lowest handicap to win, the club has noted that it will not leave out the other participants in the net scores; hence, they will be eagerly contesting against each other to win these prizes. A total of 40 prizes will be handed out at the end of the tournament.

GOA hails Paris’s contributions to boxing with ‘ambassador’ status

T

he services of Guyana’s in the ‘heyday’, when our boxers Parris, and this is the way that lone Olympic medalist were actually being trained and boxing will be going,” the BGA Michael Parris have been coached here in Guyana, and I boss said.

Expounding on that note, hope he could retained by the Guyana Olympic be utilised,” Ninvalle divulged, “We’ve found Association (GOA), as President Y a s s i n that AIBA has said also, even our of the GOA, K.A. Juman-Yassin, national tournaments, there hopes that Parris can contribute must be prize monies for our to the development of local national tournaments. So, as it boxing. is in the World Championships, Renowned Guyanese boxer where we have our fighters Michael Parris will, for the having a chance and opportunity next year or so, take on a new to fight for US$100,000, role within the sport of boxing US$50,000 or US$25,000, through the Guyana Olympic when it comes down to the Association (GOA). level of the Caribbean Parris, who won Guyana’s Championships and the lone Olympic medal - a AMBC Championships bronze - in the 1980 Olympic and our National Open, Games in Moscow, Russia, there will have to be has long expressed his monetary rewards for willingness to assist in the the winner of each sport, and will now be category. given the chance.

“I can see this being In making the a fillip and injecting announcement, GOA much more energy President K.A JumanGuyanese Olympic medalist Michael and enthusiasm into Yassin highlighted that Anthony Parris donning his medal the sport of boxing,” Parris was trained Ninvalle concluded. locally in Guyana’s Two years after winning ‘heyday’ of boxing, and, as such, commented.

It is understood that the Guyana’s only Olympic Games he hopes the GBA would utilise veteran boxer will receive a medal in 1980, Michael Parris Parris’s expertise.

“Michael Parris is now, I stipend for his work with the moved on from his amateur boxing career, turning pro until could say, an ambassador to the local Association.

Guyana Boxing Association 1995, when he retired from the GOA for now until the end of next year,” the GOA President (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle sport. The bantamweight fighter announced. He added, “We shared that he is pleased with had 48 bouts in his amateur hope that associations, the development, especially career and 29 in his professional especially the Guyana Boxing the strides being made to years. He won the National Association (GOA), could utilise reward local boxers and officials Bantamweight title first in 1983, and then went on to become him, so that they could get the monetarily.

“We’re glad that you a four-time title winner in his experience and the enthusiasm.

“I know he wants to give could’ve seen it fit to, more or weight class. (Jemima Holmes) back a lot to boxing. He grew up less, provide a stipend for Mr.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

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

Page 22

GOA hails Paris’s contributions to boxing with ‘ambassador’ status Pg 23

GTT gives LGC $3M for sponsorship of GTT Guyana Open

Page 23 LGC PRO Anasha Ali accepting the sponsorship cheque from GTT Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, alongside LGC President Patanjilee Persaud (2nd from left) and Club Captain Patrick Prashad

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