Guyana Times Friday, September 4, 2020

Over 23 years of experience as a lawmaker makes me a good fit – new House Speaker Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4398

P9

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Incompetence, nepotism under APNU/AFC rule ruined governmental infrastructure – Nandlall

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Lowenfield’s assistant remains in P14 custody as probe into electoral fraud intensifies

Page 7

Paul Cheong appointed Chairman of GuyOil

COVID-19 P15 death toll now jumps to 44

See story on page 12

… 19 new cases detected in 24 hours

– Manniram Prashad returns as Chair of Gaming Authority

Morocco King Ruling on congratulates jurisdiction President Ali, wants likely by to start “new chapter” year end – with Guyana Greenidge

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case

See story on page 10

1 dead, 2 injured in Rupert Craig Highway smash-up See story on page 11

P3 GuySuCo heading for worst production in history – GAWU ...blames management for state of affairs

See story on page 13

P2 Billions in ganja destroyed by Police along Berbice River

Cyclist dies P10 1 day after being struck by speeding car

2 NEWS Billions in ganja destroyed by Police along Berbice River FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A portion of the dried cannabis

P

olice in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and agents of the Police Narcotics Branch on Thursday conducted a drug eradication exercise at De Veldt, Berbice River, where 337, 263 ki-

Based on reports received, the exercise lasted for approximately 11 hours.

The exercise was conducted at three different areas and uncovered 10 fields with 251 earthen banks measuring 42 feet by 20

In addition, five camps were found along with a drying area. In one of the camps, an estimated 2500 pounds of dried cannabis was found.

A nearby clump of bushes was searched and one Maverick 12-gauge shotgun, along with 49 live cartridges, was found.

A nursery with approximately 200,000 seedlings was also discovered. Police have confirmed that the estimated weight of the dried cannabis was 337, 263 kilograms.

The ganja and camps were destroyed by fire while the firearm and ammunition along with a mobile phone were confiscated and lodged

A section of the cannabis cultivation at De Veldt, Berbice River

pending further investigation. At the time of the raid, no one was arrested.

A

The gun and ammunition found during the operation

lograms (almost 742,000 pounds) of ganja with a street value of billions was discovered and destroyed.

feet long with approximately 211,220 cannabis sativa plants ranging from two to six feet in height.

Berbice woman busted with 21 grams cocaine

One of the camps destroyed by fire

Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) woman was arrested following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine in her possession on Wednesday.

Based on reports received, on the day in question about 21:00h, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), acting on information received, went to a house at Princetown, Corentyne, where they conducted a search of the woman and her belongings.

During the search, five parcels of a “whitish, rocklike� substance suspected to be cocaine were unearthed.

As such, the woman was immediately arrested, told

The cocaine found on the woman

of the offence and was taken to the Springlands Police Station, where the substance was weighed in her presence and amounted to 21 grams.

The Berbician is expected to make her court appearance today.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 4 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, September 5 – 08:00h-09:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 4 – 05:30h-07:00h and Saturday, September 5 – 06:00h-07:30h.

GuySuCo heading for worst production in history – GAWU ...blames management for state of affairs

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Westerly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.64 metres.

Low Tide: 11:31h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.58 metre and 0.55 metre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$44.07/barrel

- 0.82

Rough Rice

$222.39/ton

+0.10

London Sugar

$353.60/ton

- 1.53

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1935.90

$1936.90

Low/High

$1920.50

$1947.00

Change

+4.70

+0.24%

GAWU’s production estimates based on the trend observed over the last five weeks

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) says the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is heading towards its worst production in history, and blamed the “lackadaisical” attitude of the leadership of the Sugar Corporation for this state of affairs.

In a statement on Thursday, GAWU lamented

that GuySuCo has failed to meet its already lowered revised production target. At the beginning of the year, GuySuCo had set a target of 114,162 tonnes sugar – 46,475 tonnes in the first crop and 67,687 tonnes in the second crop.

However, it only managed to produced 37,015 tonnes of sugar during the first crop – a deficit of some 9,460 tonnes sugar. The corporation then said in July that the second crop will 69,480 tonnes of sugar.

But according to GAWU, the second crop target should be a total of 72,767 tonnes sugar, that is, 67,687 tonnes (the initial target) and 5,080 tonnes (which was the projected production from the 66,000 tonnes of canes that were not harvested during the first crop).

The estimated production for sugar industry this year is 70,928 tonnes of sugar, but actual production thus far is 46,535 tonnes – a deficit of 24,393 tonnes.

Moreover, the Union went onto note that as of Thursday September 3, 2020 the second crop is in its fifth week and only 9,519 tonnes sugar have been produced thus far of which 1,326 tonnes were produced in this week alone.

Based on the figures presented by the Union, the estimated crop production from the three estates – Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt – is 40,863 tonnes of sugar. But actual production as at the week ending

August 28, 2020 was only 8,193 for all three estates – a variance of 28,587.

GAWU said GuySuCo’s major problem continues to be the lack of quality canes in its fields resulting in the cane yields being woefully under target.

“We believe the data is instructive and points out that, though, the Corporation is apparently producing higher quantities of canes; those

canes do not have the sucrose content that is expected. At the end of the day, the company is in the business of producing sugar however, the data suggests that the cane crop has considerably higher fiber (bagasse) than normal… Should these numbers hold it would mean that GuySuCo would pro-

duce 77,878 tonnes sugar for year 2020,” the Union said.

In its missive on Thursday, GAWU blamed the management of GuySuCo for inadequate crop management.

“As we consider what is transpiring, it is apposite to point out that the canes harvested now, have been planted and nurtured in 2019 and first half of 2020. The fruits of those efforts are now being reaped. Clearly, it appears to us that there was inadequate or improper crop management for which detailed explanations must be provided. It seems to us that a lackadaisical attitude has percolated deep into the psy-

che of those charged with managing the Corporation,” the union asserted.

Moreover, the union added that the similar attitude is continuing now as no estate has tilled any land although harvesting operations are ongoing for about a month now. Tilling and subsequent planting are critical operations for the industry to regenerate and produce cane and sugar effectively and efficiently. The absence of such crucial work, either by design or accident, tells its own tale and demonstrates that all is not well, GAWU pointed out.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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

Correcting lapses

T

he comments by Attorney General Anil Nandlall: that the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration inherited a governmental infrastructure that is “rotting and has decayed” over the past five years, comes as no surprise.

It is unbelievable, the quality of work that is being carried out by some contractors engaged in public infrastructure projects, most of which cost the treasury millions of dollars.

All around the country, one can point to numerous examples of substandard work for which contractors were paid huge sums. In fact, in some cases, they were even overpaid.

In many cases, very little action was taken against these errant contractors by the APNU/AFC Administration for not meeting their contractual obligations, resulting in them walking scot free. In fact, some persons would even be shocked to learn that these same persons who have done poor work, or left work incomplete, were awarded additional contracts.

Year after year, the Auditor General would highlight a number of examples of substandard or incomplete work in construction projects across the country - whether they be schools, hospitals, roads, bridges etc.

The AG pointed, on more than one occasion, to some instances where projects were incomplete or left abandoned, even though contractors were already paid huge sums to do a proper job. Many had asked what actions are being taken against these contractors by the then APNU/AFC to recoup these monies, or what sort of systems have been put in place to ensure these contracting firms are debarred from bidding for future projects.

At several sittings of the then Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and regional officials to address several irregularities, it was pointed out that, in the past, sums of money were overpaid to contractors in mobilisation fees – which is a fraction of the contractual cost that is paid to the contractor to get his/her equipment to the site where the project is to be implemented. In some cases, sums of money over the standard or required amount are paid to the contractor, and the works are still not completed.

This certainly is unacceptable. And while tax payers have used different forums to complain previously, the relevant agencies have a duty to ensure that public monies are well spent and accounted for.

From what is gathered, there were several lapses in the national procurement system under the APNU/ AFC administration, which this new Government needs to correct urgently. For example, it is clear that there are poor monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure contracting firms carry out works as per contractual agreement. Also, there seems to be no strict policy to penalise and/or debar contractors for failing to meet their contractual obligations.

Prior to coming out of office, the then Public Infrastructure Ministry, which is now the Public Works Ministry, had said it was in the process of establishing a database which would keep a track record of the number of projects awarded to local contractors, and their performance with respect to each. It would also be helpful if procuring entities keep a proper record of the performance of companies with regard to projects awarded. This could be used as an effective measure to better inform the process for selecting competent contractors to handle Government projects.

One had hoped that the relevant mechanisms would have been put in place with the aim of ensuring these lapses are corrected. The Public Works Ministry, under its new leadership, now needs to re-examine and implement effective measures for blacklisting, so that contractors who are consistently delinquent could face the requisite level of debarment. A contractor found to have a record of producing poor and incomplete work cannot, and should not, be awarded additional contracts.

First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Arya Ali on Thursday met with representatives from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Seawalls and Beyond, to solicit ideas and offer support for the development of tourism in Georgetown. In photo, Mrs Ali received the latest edition of Explore Guyana from President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar (OP Photo)

Guyana salutes the original inheritors of this sacred land

Dear Editor, September month is declared “Amerindian Heritage Month.” This auspiciousness was the brainchild of the PPP/C Party in 1995, and was birthed by the late founder/leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan, himself a past President of Guyana.

The coming of the Indians is celebrated in the month of May as “Indian Immigration Day”, and August month is known for “Emancipation Day,” in recognition of the freedom of African slaves. The history of this nation also incorporates the Europeans, Portuguese and Chinese.

Should there not be a particular month dedicated to each of these ethnicities also as inclusivity? We are no longer a land of six people, but more people, now that there is a 20 percent representation of a mixed race that is so affluent in our society and crucial to the voting electorate.

How do we identify the conception of the “Dougla” initiation? Perhaps this class is the silent deciding factor in determining the strength of the country to unite and not divide, to catapult a future generation, and to be the catalyst for peace, and not conflict.

Entering the picture also is the influx of our neighbours, Surinamese, Brazilians and Venezuelans. The mixture of Guyanese and our neigh-

bours will again produce another mix. Guyana is set to become the seat of cosmopolitan, if it is no so already, taking into consideration the togetherness of other nations.

No wonder the problem with ExxonMobil is no longer a Guyanese fight, but an international affair. The pie is not only huge, but of variable consolidation.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his greetings, rightly said the Indigenous People must have their integrity restored, dignity and birth right. After all, they are the true owners and founders of this land now called Guyana. It had belonged to their great, great, great, great, great grandparents, and land entitlement should not be spontaneous, but instantaneous and automatic.

Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman and other members of the dynasty have the real right over any recent car owner or acclaimer to stake a claim for land lordship in any part of this land.

But, no, they don’t. We can learn a lesson in modesty and selflessness from them, despite the fact that we deny them property entitlement.

They also never had any paperwork to provide as proof. Their culture is the living proof. Guyana needs to foster greater responsibility to harness this rich heritage and provide for their welfare.

The PPP/C Government has an attractive manifesto, which includes taking care of their interests, and President Ali has incorporated its priority to ensure that the hinterland is not overlooked, because the development of Guyana relies on the people of the interior and their environment.

It is only the PPP/C Party that can see “eyeball to eyeball” with all the communities in all the regions.

They are committed to a cause for all the genuine reasons, and there is nothing selfish, greedy or discriminative about their intentions.

President Irfaan Ali and the First Lady have already begun reaching out to the people of this land as they had promised; and are ready, willing and capable to effect changes that would positively affect Guyanese lives.

Their visits have been very receptive, cordial and significant. There is nothing deceptive about meeting the people, but to stay in touch with the masses and get direct feedback. A programme to care and share has been established from day one.

They are the forefront leaders, while others are mere followers and have a vision to dream only, and are not capable of exercising this determination for the real, right and meaningful purposes, except for selfishness and advertisement.

A lost cause is worthless, because you need to strike the iron when it is hot. No wonder the PPP/C Party won the election, because the majority of Guyanese trust them to get the job done in the legitimate way.

The PPP/C party does not have to lie and cheat its way in order to win the hearts of the Guyanese people, nor does it have to apply cosmetics.

As Guyana salutes the original inheritors of this sacred land, let us also commend the members of the PPP/C Party for their foresight to have the strength and determination to undo a wrong, and to not want to deny the Indigenous People their entitlements.

Rehiring those 2,000 CSOs fired by the APNU/ AFC Party is moving in the right direction, along with all the other ambitious benefits that President Ali has outlined.

It will be a remarkable feature for all those achievements to materialise, for the Amerindians deserve nothing less, but even more.

May all of Guyana hold the welfare of each Guyanese close to our hearts, so that Guyana can remain truly united as one people in one nation with one destiny. The history of the Indigenous People needs to be publicised more.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

5

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

Why APNU/AFC lost the 2020 elections (Part 2)

Dear Editor, The sudden closure of the sugar estates in Berbice highlighted many areas of concern. Some of those are as follows: The sudden closure of the sugar estates in Berbice to those affected was a kind of hatred or vengeance, because it is known that these people are a major support block of the PPP/C. They felt hated and betrayed, especially from the AFC faction of the coalition. The fact that not even Government officials or AFC leaders in the Region Six area were informed was quite disheartening.

Mr. Charrandas Persaud knew of this development only from the newspapers.

His life was later threatened, and that later led him to find a way to exact vengeance on the APNU+AFC. As for the few seats gained by the coalition through the AFC, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan caused the supporters of the AFC in the region to regret that they had ever voted for a party that had little power in the coalition.

There was no plan in place to educate people on alternative occupations. The fact remains that there was no medium developed to provide reasonable plots of land for independence and/or prior education in the principles of cooperation.

These workers were an-

noyed because they had to fight to get their severance.

Please note, severance is very different from compensation. Severance is what they had earned; compensation, or a gift, would have demonstrated gratitude for their decades of service to the industry that kept this country alive and well.

It is a fact that after taking power, the Government abandoned the rice farmers.

Instead of getting the price hikes that were promised, they were left with the millers, with the need to find their own markets.

Sugar workers and rice farmers believed they were being exploited by the AFC, and deceived by the coalition. They were left to wander in the wilderness in depression and suffering, in suicides and darkness. No effort was made to include depression counselling or grant scholarships to the children of these workers.

I wrote in the media that the industry should be kept alive before the factories and the fields deteriorate, carbonise, and be sold off to convert these lands, or part thereof, to rear cattle for dairy and meat.

Black belly sheep, a delicacy in the world, could have been reared; or fish could have been produced using the canals that were cleverly built by the British colonial masters. With the support of friendly countries such as Holland, Australia,

New Zealand, we could have started manufacturing canned, condensed, and evaporated milk products for local and foreign consumption.

But your Government at that time did not see what people like me saw. If the Government did not want to be involved in these productions, it could have provided the necessary support and trade with the people to make these products. The factories that were left to rot could still have produced some sugar, with alternative goods stated in the aforementioned. The factory, one or part thereof, could have been used to dehydrate fruits and vegetables. Canning of fruit and vegetables and, as I said earlier, canning of meat in a number of ways. This also include canning of fish products while at the same time complying with the regulations of the USA and the Europeans, so that we can export frozen or processed fish, such as tilapia, catfish, and armored catfish, aka hassar.

Infrastructure

Your Government has forgotten that infrastructure such as roads and canals are important not only in the areas of its supporters, but for all of Guyana.

Indigenous peoples

It is known that the Indigenous Peoples were and are the most discrimi-

nated, exploited, and abused by the Conquistadors and left to wander with little support from the various governments, in particular the APNU+AFC coalition.

Hundreds of them were terminated from their jobs when your Government took office in 2015. The backlash was seen in the 2020 elections by the Indigenous Community against the APNU+AFC coalition. The last-minute attempts at bribery were seen for what they were.

I know it is a very painful time for the APNU+AFC camp, and I have always said openly that I have friends in both the PPP/C and the PNC. And everybody knows that even if I disagree with a point of view and/or a political entity, my ethos, moral upbringing, and my spiritual compunction would always be just for all institutions and others. I will always be impartial and fair, whether I disagree or agree with a certain point. I have no bias towards a particular institution, and I speak about what I see is right and true. As my Creator states in the Holy Quran: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not (personal) inclination, lest you not be just. And if you dis-

tort (your testimony) or refuse (to give it), then indeed Allah is ever with what you do, Acquainted.” (Quran 4:135) Of course, some weak-minded political adherents would think I do not like their party. If anything, I simply have little respect for the AFC, but even if I have to sit as an authority to judge something - for or against them - it would always be a matter of compunctions of true justice.

My message to you, to the coalition, to all politicians, to all humanity, but firstly to myself, is that our successes or our failures come from our own minds.

Eventually, the seeds you plant will bear fruit, or not.

Either you could not get fruits because the seeds did not grow, or you got fruits but they were bitter and useless; or you got fruits that were succulent, wholesome and nutritious.

I write this in the form of intellectual metaphorical wisdom. From the moment the coalition took office, you started to put things in place to secure yourselves.

You, the coalition, began at GECOM when you were obviously trying to put who you wanted in office. You eliminated people who were qualified for political appointments. One could have seen that your plans were for manipulation.

Instead of offering service to the people and win-

ning the hearts and minds of the people, you began to fortify the compound of the Ministry of the Presidency and fortify it as if you wanted to keep revolutionary fighters away. Too many people were terminated, and then you started to disaffect some of the people you suspected might not have been on your side — people who were independent mostly, and who made independent comments and spoke fairly. So, in my opinion, you planted these seeds of desperation, and everything you did was as if you were trying to use the situation, including the political parties.

My point is that we, as human beings, are creating our destiny through our thoughts and our hearts.

If the intent of the heart is good, then things turn out to be good. But when you try to fortify yourself and put yourself in a clandestine way, people will know, and then the universe knows, then Divine retribution is effected by the universe.

As you tried to affect and conspire to disaffect others, you were actually conspiring against yourselves. This is a simple procedure to teach us that we are the creators of our own futures. So do, please, blame yourselves for the loss of the 2020 elections.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan

Concerns on Dr Adams’s academics and tenure

Dear Editor, There have been mixed reactions to the termination of Dr Vincent Adams at EPA. Some were critical of his removal, while others welcomed it. There are those who said he was too political, having campaigned for the then incumbent APNU+AFC. And some questioned his professionalism as well as his competence for the job.

I do not know Dr Adams’s academic credentials, and it would be unfair for me to pass judgment on this gentleman, but relevant questions were raised about his education, expertise, and job performance. Also, Adams embroiled himself in controversy by plunging deep onto the political scene and remaining silent on electoral fraud.

Information about Adams’s academic background popped up in the media in Google. He received a Bachelor’s degree (presumably on a scholarship) in the early 1980s. This was a time when students of one ethnic group were the recipients of scholarships, or Government paid their tuition at UG. The deprived and destitute Amerindian and Indian communities did not get special grants or scholarships to

pursue college education.

Adams also received Government scholarships to pursue post-graduate studies in America. He did not return to Guyana to honour the agreement of the scholarship, but opted instead to remain in America and serve that country. Like others who unilaterally broke the terms of the scholarship, he was supposed to compensate the Government for the funds spent on his education.

When Dr Jagan became President in 1992, he forgave those students who had received scholarships but violated the terms and remained overseas. With Dr. Adams being an Executive member of the APNU+AFC, which gave him the student scholarships in an earlier incarnation, does he have a problem with only one ethnic group getting almost all scholarships? That ethnic trend recurred over the last five years, with Adams being an officer of the Government for two years and being silent on the issue as well as over rigging of elections and defiance of democratic principles relating to defeat in a no confidence motion.

What is his position on ethnic diversity and balance in employment and scholar-

ships?

Adams is touted to be an energy expert, but is hired in an environment capacity, with questions being raised about his suitability for the task. That would be misplacement. What were his job ratings like in America where he worked 30 years, and in Guyana, where he worked two years? After his appointment, he jumped into politics, campaigning for the party that hired him. That in and of itself is/was a conflict of interest that requires he should voluntarily demit office.

Questions were raised about whether his political affiliation impacted on his professional handling of Exxon. One must balance the preceding Government’s sweetheart negotiation and signing of the Exxon agreement with the loose enforcement of various rules pertaining to water discharge in the ocean and flaring.

Questions were raised regarding why Adams was not tough on Exxon during the time his party was in office.

Was he restrained from EPA enforcement? He started acting tough after APNU lost office.

Questions were raised about his management style

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 17

at EPA. The private sector had complained vociferously how they were treated, and about arrogance, lack of interaction, and limited knowledge on environmental matters, among other things.

One media speaks of Exxon getting an insurance policy. Was there an insistence at EPA that Exxon get an insurance against oil spill to fund damages? Why aren’t people who suggested the idea getting credit for it, instead of attributing credit to the wrong person? If there wasn’t an insurance, why was it not exposed prior to August 2020?

On environmental insurance, there was a massive cyanide spill in the interior that caused untold damage and Government expenditures to clean up. For years, the public could not consume fish or the fresh water from the rivers. The Government had to pay for cleanup of the environment. It was suggested at that time that companies operating in Guyana obtain an insurance against environmental spills to spare Government the cost of cleaning up. It was with that experience in mind that some outside of EPA suggested that there must be an insurance policy. Some individ-

uals I spoke with informed me that they insisted that Exxon take out an insurance against oil spill, and brought the idea to the attention of EPA. Would insurance be enough to indemnify Guyana? I do not know if the Exxon Agreement has a mandatory insurance clause.

It should, and if not, it should be added. When I went to stakeholders’ conference on environmental impact, I learn that the contract places onus on clean-up of oil spills on the Government.

That Exxon agreement was accepted by the preceding Government, and Adams did not question its flaws.

The President Ali Government asked Adams to go on leave because of its own reasons. There would have been a thorough evaluation of him. Clearly, the Government lacks confidence in him. No need for further distraction on his retention there!

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

6

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Page

Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN 3-5

Estimating sums and differences of fractions and mixed numbers Shh! What can you hear?

3-5

1) 2 1/21 - 1 1/3

3-5

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8 4/10 Shh! What can you hear? Set off on a sound hunt!

Example: Estimate 51 8/9 - 39 2/8 Step 1: Estimate the difference of whole numbers. soundtohunt!

51Set – 39off canon be a rounded 50 – 40 = 10.

Example: Estimate 1/9 + 4/8 + 6/7 Step 1: 1/9 is not much more than 0

4/8 is 1/2 6/7 is very close to 1

3) 13 1/2 - 9 7/14 Shh! What can you hear?

Shh! What can you hear?

4) 4 1/2 + 4 2/6

Step 2: Then estimate the difference of thequ elching S fractions: is almost 1 .

Tw eet8/9 ing

2/8 is equal to 1/4 . 1 - 1/4 = 3/4

Step 2: Add 0 + ( 1)/2 + 1 = 1 ( 1)/2

Tweeting

5) 6 5/10 - 5 7/12

Step 3: Add the differences.

A good estimate would be 10 chin=g10 3/4 qu+el3/4

3-5

6) 25 1/8 + 7 8/24

S

Squelching

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ting

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Exercises: Estimate

MIXED NUMBERS: To estimate mixed numbers when you are adding, start by estimating the total of the whole numbers, start by estimating the total of the whole numbers. Then estimate the total of the fractions. Add 3-5 your two estimates together. See the subtraction example.

FRACTIONS: When you add or subtract fractions, ask Is each fraction closest to mixed numbers, first subtract the whole numbers, then subtract the fractions.

Chirping 3-5

Shh! What can you hear?

3-5

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Feel free to copy and share this for personal and educational use – and don’t forget there are loads moreDid brilliant activities to download on our website! you hear any other sounds?

Shuffling

Feel free to| copy and share this5301 for personal| andnaturedetectives@woodlandtrust.org.uk educational use – woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives 0330 333

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Buzzing

Chirping

Chirping

Shh! What can you hear?

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Buzzing Rustling

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poor fisherman, who lived on the fish he caught, had bad luck one day and caught nothing but a very small fry. The fisherman was about to put it in his basket when the little fish said: “Please spare me, Mr Fisherman! I am so small it is not worthwhile to carry me home. When I am bigd... I shall make you a much better meal.” hearger, lso But the fisherman quickly put the fish into his basIa ket.

“How foolish I should be,” he said, “to throw you back. However small you may be, you are better than nothing at all.”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Incompetence, nepotism under APNU/AFC rule ruined governmental infrastructure – Nandlall U

pon assumption to office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration inherited a governmental infrastructure that is “rotting and has decayed” over the past five years owing to the previous Administration’s “incompetence, abuse of power, nepotism and corruption”.

This is according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who painted a very troubling picture of the current state of affairs in relation to the National Treasury and governmental institutions.

“As soon as we got into the Government…we begun to work, we discovered very quickly that the treasury was empty, that the productive sectors were dormant, that business and commerce are at their all-time low and that the morale of the peo-

ple are beaten and broken,” the Attorney General asserted during a recent interview on State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) TV. According to Nandlall, in almost every area of governance, there is evidence of neglect and mismanagement.

“So, in every Ministry you found rot…basically nothing happened in five years, we knew from the Opposition, we were seeing this from the outside, we were hearing about it, but when we entered into the Government itself and we were able to examine the structures and the apparatus within the Government, then we were able to realise and ascertain the level of destruction which has taken place,” he asserted.

Nandlall further pointed out that the extra-budgetary funds left by the then PPP/C

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Government “billions of dollars, were empty”.

He explained that it was necessary for the Government to move quickly into activating the constitutional processes by bringing the Parliament into motion so as to kick-start Government after a five-

month protracted delay.

The first sitting of the 12th Parliament, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Tuesday, saw the approval of a total of $11.2 billion for 16 constitutional agencies for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year.

GuySuCo heading for worst...

“It seems to us that there is really no effort by the Corporation’s leadership to aggressively and meaningfully address the challenges. Rather it appears that the laid-back attitude has taken grip in the organisation’s structure because the perennial whipping boys such as strikes and bad weather are the identified causes for non-achievement of targets at end of crops.

Clearly, as the data bears out, the problem is much more fundamental and there appears no emphasis to meaningfully address those realities but rather to engage in a vicious cycle which serves to push the industry further down the

path of unsustainability,” the missive detailed.

GAWU further posited that this situation brings into focus the commitment of the Corporation’s leadership, many of whom championed and enabled estate closures resulting in massive layoffs.

To this end, the union noted that all the talk about a smaller, efficient and resilient Corporation stands nakedly exposed today and is yet another indicator that those at the helm cannot be entrusted with the responsibility and authority to retrieve the company from its present morass.

Nevertheless, GAWU said it hopes the situa-

tion will improve drastically and has even indicated its concerns to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on the emerging trend, that is, GuySuCo not being able to realise this year’s revised and lowered sugar production target.

Only last month, Minister Mustapha pledged to restructure the management at three existing estates and work towards ensuring that GuySuCo returns to a state of profitability.

During a press briefing with reporters, the Agriculture Minister lamented on the poor financial position of the heavily indebted and cash-strapped sugar corporation.

FROM PAGE 3

He explained that the Capital programme has suffered from a lack of funding with the Corporation only being able to spend $82 million from a budget of G$3.24 billion due to external funding not being made available.

According to Mustapha, this has already negatively impacted the first crop of 2021 which will continue to be weak due to low achievement of tillage and replanting targets thus far for this year.

A complete national ‘emergency’ budget is expected to be presented in the National Assembly by the end of September.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had affirmed that the Government would be pushing a progressive, robust parliamentary agenda, in line with its manifesto promises. “(Expect) a lot of progress. Big focus on development. Implementation of the plans that we campaigned on,” Jagdeo said.

“It will be an aggressive agenda…in that budget, you are going to see a lot of our manifesto promises fulfilled, although it’s an emergency budget. We need to have a stimulus package ready for the Private Sector to resume economic activity.”

Soon after the new Government was installed, President Irfaan Ali established a four-member ‘spe-

cial technical’ team to conduct a rapid assessment of 19 key State-owned entities.

The team – comprising Certified Public Accountant Nigel Hinds, Chartered Accountant and Attorneyat-Law Christopher Ram, financial consultant Sasenarine Singh and Public Communications Consultant Kit Nascimento – reviewed the operations, policies, and programmes of the various entities and has since submitted its findings to the President.

President Ali had commissioned the review to get a better understanding of the agencies’ functioning over the past five years.

While the contents of the report have not yet been made public, it is understood that the team discovered gross mismanagement of financial resources at the various State entities.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Top Cat” arraigned for shooting at cop, possession of illegal gun & ammo they were read to him.

The Police stated that on August 27, 2020, at East Ruimveldt, Castello had in his possession one .9mm pistol along with six match-

were on patrol in the East La Penitence area when they saw Castello, who was wanted for questioning into the murder of Navindra Samaroo. Samaroo was fa-

Spayed and neutered...

T

Charged: Wayne Castello

Murdered: Navindra Persaud

wenty-seven-yearold Wayne Castello, also called “Top Cat”, was on Thursday remanded to prison after he was arraigned for illegal possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.

He was also arraigned for discharging a loaded firearm at a Police Officer.

Castello, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charges when

ly fell to the ground and was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted under guard. He was subsequently released and charged.

Meanwhile, with respect to the murder charge, legal advice is being sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Castello will make his next court appearance on September 23, 2020 before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

T

The illegal gun and ammunition found on Castello

ing rounds when he was not a licensed firearm holder.

Further, the Police stated that on the same date and location, he discharged the loaded firearm at Police Officer Kester Cosbert with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause actual bodily harm.

The court heard that on the day in question, Officer Cosbert and other ranks on

tally shot during a robbery on July 23 at Middle Road, La Penitence.

The ranks exited the patrol vehicle and Castello, upon seeing them, discharged several rounds in their direction.

In retaliation, Cosbert returned fire, with one of the bullets hitting Castello in his left leg below his knee. He reported-

two of his stepfather’s teeth.

Johnson, of Lot 33 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts, where the charge was read to him.

Police stated that on June 11, 2020, at Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm on Michael Thomas.

The court heart that on the day in question, Thomas went into his home and saw his stepson in the company of a female. He asked both of them to leave his home, and proceeded outside.

The teenager, who armed himself with a stick, exited the house and dealt his

Teen who allegedly knocked out stepdad’s teeth released on bail

E

ighteen-year-old Courtney Johnson was on Thursday released on $45,000 bail after he was arraigned for assault, allegedly knocking out

stepdad a lash to the face.

The man later realised that two of his teeth had been knocked out.

He was taken to the hospital where he was treated and sent away. The matter was reported, and the teenager was arrested.

The court was also informed that on August 28, 2020, the teen chopped his stepdad on the hand. That matter is being investigated.

The teen was released on bail after he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He will make his next court appearance on October 16, 2020.

...poodles in the ERC wo bits of news collided in your Eyewitness’s head yesterday as he perused the dailies while trawling for fodder for his ruminations. One was about this NGO that’s going around the country spaying and neutering poodles and dogs. You know, ensuring the critters can’t do what they’re supposed to do, which comes naturally to them and is what they do best! - for free. The other was about the ERC announcing they were “dealing with instances of racism” that erupted during the post-elections PNC’s fivemonth war of attrition. Your Eyewitness wondered whether the NGO had ambled into an ERC meeting when they were constituted back in Feb 2018 and neutered and spayed them all!!

The context for your Eyewitness’s conjecture was the aforementioned “war of attrition” - of the PNC, in pursuit of their barefaced elections’ heist. And which provided the stimulus for the racist eruptions, which could’ve all be avoided if the ERC had done the job they were supposed to do when they were created as a constitutional body back in 2001. Every year without fail, once they were constituted, they would receive their funding to the tune of $250 million - but God knows what they did with the money. They had to’ve been neutered!!

Anyhow, after a hiatus of seven years, when they didn’t meet because the PNC refused to recognise them, they were relaunched in 2018 by the new PNC government. The Chairman was Bishop John Smith, an old chum of David Granger - which fact we know, since the latter was the chief guest at the former’s lavish 75th birthday bash at the Ramada, and confirmed the relationship. The said birthday bash took place on March 7th 2020, when Mingo had done the dirty with the SOPs and the world was denouncing Granger’s obscene rig.

Anyhow, back to the ERC’s abdication of their responsibilities, which led to the worst racial outbreak since the 1960s. In Oct 2018, PPP commissioners in GECOM, led

by Robeson Benn, accused GECOM of racism in its hiring practices in its Secretariat, and hauled the Organisation before the ERC. GECOM’s Granger-hand-picked Chairman, James Patterson, airily dismissed the charge before and during the hearings. More specifically, when questioned why he chose Roxanne Myers over Vishnu Persaud for the post of DCEO, he said he found the latter “shifty” on his qualifications even though they’d never met!! He’s now been convicted of defamation!

The same stonewalling was done by GECOM’s Human Resource Manager Marcia Crawford, who refused to submit records of hiring practices and, along with Myers, refused to even appear before the investigative sub-committee.

Yet the ERC, under John Smith, exculpated GECOM of ethnic bias!!

And the rest is (sordid) history!! ...but still guilty It’s your Eyewitness’s contention that history will judge and not kindly - all those who participated in that shameful episode in Guyana’s history. And that’s the ironic fact the PNC and GECOM’s history of fraud has now becomes part of the history of our country - like Jonestown. The law enforcement officials are to be complimented for dealing with the fraudsters in GECOM condignly - by bringing criminal charges against Mingo, Lowenfield, and their underlings.

What’s most incredible, however, is that individuals who’ve positioned themselves as potential leaders of this country - by seizing control of the PNC - can barefacedly defend the fraudsters as “honest and decent”. But, then, these PNC leaders had declared Granger to be infused with “honesty, integrity and dignity” - even as he pulled the strings from behind scenes to control all those GECOM officials as if they were mere puppets!

And in truth they were. If the Sanctimonious Gangster had an ounce of integrity, he would ask to be in the docks! ...in the AFC Even when he became PM, Nagamootoo was so neutered he couldn’t even complain that he was never allowed to chair Cabinet, as promised in writing by Granger.

Pathetic!!

Could Ramjattan say what role he’ll play in Parliament?

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 23 years of experience as a lawmaker makes me a good fit – new House Speaker

N

ewly-appointed Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir has shut down claims that he is unsuitable for the position, saying that with more than two decades of experience as a lawmaker, he is more than qualified and competent to head the legislative arm of the State.

Noting that having a legal qualification may be helpful, Nadir was adamant that to become Speaker of the National Assembly, such a qualification was not mandatory.

“I have been a lawmaker for over 23 years, and perhaps that qualifies me to hold two PhDs in law-making; and the Legislature is the law-making arm of the State,” Nadir asserted during an interview on Wednesday evening on Globespan.

“I have had some exposure, and while serving 23 years in previous Parliaments has given me quite a bit of experience, I think my reliance on that experience and the experiences of public life would make me a good fit for this position,” the new Speaker contended.

The House Speaker

was also supported by A New and United Guyana Chairman Timothy Jonas, who expressed that Nadir’s service in public life, more particularly his experience as a parliamentarian makes him immensely qualified for the prestigious position.

According to Jonas, who is a lawyer by profession, he was surprised that people ask the question about Nadir’s ‘’legal qualifications” because no such qualification is required to be appointed Speaker of the House.

“The Speaker assists with procedures, with making decisions on procedures and Manzoor, by virtue of his many years of experience, is eminently qualified in my view to do it,” he declared.

He further explained: “The people who talk about having a legal qualification to sit in Parliament missed, to me, what is one of the largest ironies of democracy in the Western system; which is that of the three arms of the State – the Judicature, the Legislature and the Executive – it’s only the Judiciary that got any academic requirements to get the job; any of the others, anyone can do it, once you

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

get enough votes.

“And for that reason, the people who sit in Parliament and are supposed to be making laws and passing laws, those people have never

drafted a single piece of legislation…what they do is that they get lawyers from the Parliamentary Council …to draft laws, often borrowed from other countries,” Jonas contended.

With the support of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Nadir was elected Speaker of the 12th Parliament on Tuesday while Opposition Member of Parliament and Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Leader Lenox Shuman was elected as Deputy Speaker.

Moments after he secured the position, Speaker Nadir promised to be impartial in the execution of his duties and to work with all sides to ensure that the 12th Parliament was the “most successful” ever.

Nadir posited that as Guyana continued to transform into a more vibrant and

stronger democracy within an oil economy, it was of utmost importance that the 12th Parliament be effective, successful, and exemplary.

“As we embark on the commencement on the agenda for this Assembly, I’m enthused and dedicated to making this 12th Parliament one that will positively impact on pertinent issues such as constitutional reform, legislative reform, and the implementation of new laws that cater for our changing realities,” he said.

On this note, Nadir, who has been in politics for some 40 years, said: “I’m committed to working with all sides of the House to ensure that this 12th Parliament be inscribed in our history as being one of the most successful ever.

“Having sat in this House

for 23 years plus as a member both on the Opposition and Government sides, I understand the importance of this position. I promise to be impartial, fair and just while upholding the laws, rules, and procedures in the execution of my responsibility as Speaker of this noble House.

The veracity of this noble institution must and will be upheld at all times during my tenure.”

The new Speaker went on to congratulate all the first-time Members of Parliament, telling them that the responsibilities that come with membership of the National Assembly require dedication, unbiased dialogue, integrity and, most importantly, acting in the best interests of the people of Guyana – without whom they would not be there.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Morocco King congratulates Cyclist dies 1 day after being President Ali, wants to start struck by speeding car “new chapter” with Guyana A 52-year-old cyclist who was struck by a speeding car along Dennis Street, Georgetown on Tuesday succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The dead man has been identified as Joseph Semple, of Section C Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Based on information received, on the day in question about 18:30h, the now dead man was riding his pedal cycle along Dennis Street when he was struck

President Dr Irfaan Ali

King Mohammed VI of Morocco

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali has received a congratulatory letter from the King of Morocco, who expressed hope that the two nations can start a “new chapter” of co-operation.

In his letter, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco said, “We keenly look forward, in the Kingdom of Morocco, to working with the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to start a new chapter in our relations based on dialogue, consultation and full respect for our countries’ peculiarities and immutable values. This should help us fulfil our people’s aspirations for fruitful co-operation rooted in the principles of South-South solidarity.”

King Mohammed VI also expressed his “warmest congratulations” to President Ali, and extended best wishes for his success in high office.

Guyana and the Kingdom of Morocco established formal diplomatic ties on

December 14, 2012. On the fifth year of diplomatic relations, in December 2017, Guyana accredited a new Moroccan Ambassador, Mr. Nabil Adghoghi. The new ambassador had said there is potential for significant cooperation between Guyana and Morocco, noting that his country has a keen interest in developing partnerships in agriculture, fisheries, maritime transport, professional training, water management, student exchanges.

“Guyana has been playing an important role in regional and international relations, especially in the formulation of development policies… Morocco launched in November in Brasilia, negotiations for free trade agreement with Mercosur [Common Market of the South] to which Guyana is an associate member. This framework will automatically impact the development, economic and commercial ties between our two countries,” the Moroccan diplomat had stated.

P

down by motor car PXX 5407, driven by a 30-yearold resident of Pattensen, Greater Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that the car was reportedly travelling at a fast pace at the time of the collision.

Police stated that while in the vicinity of Black and White Access Road, the pedal cyclist reportedly rode across the road and ended up in the path of the motor car.

As a result, the front right-side bumper of the car

struck the left side of the pedal cycle, causing the cyclist and his bicycle to be tossed some distance away.

With severe injuries about his body, Semple was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a semi-conscious state, and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He took his last breath about 16:50h on Wednesday.

The driver of the motor car remains in custody assisting with the investigation.

investigation thus leading to the arrest of the motorcyclist.

He added that the suspect was placed on bail pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward.

It was reported that on August 26 about 19:30h, the toddler was holding her 13-year-old sister’s hand while standing on the roadway at Kariako Village when the motorcycle, ridden by a 25-year-old man, crashed into them.

Police reports revealed, as a result of the impact, the child fell to the roadway

with injuries to her head and body. The toddler was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to her home before being rushed to the Kumaka District Hospital for medical attention.

However, the child was pronounced dead on arrival at the health facility.

On Wednesday, an autopsy performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as multiple head injuries.

The child’s body was handed over to relatives for burial.

Motorcyclist involved in death of 1-year-old placed on station bail

T

he motorcyclist responsible for the death of one-yearold Neshia Alexander of Kariako Village, Barama River, North West District (NWD), was arrested, but later placed on station bail.

The accident, which occurred on August 27 at Kariako Village, also left the now dead toddler’s 13-yearold sister injured.

Regional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan told Guyana Times that a team of Police ranks travelled to the area and conducted a thorough

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead, 2 injured in Rupert Guyana Marriott Hotel sends home 40+ Craig Highway smash-up employees amid COVID-19 pandemic

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The vehicle landed in the middle of the road after flipping

By Rupa Seenaraine

C

onfusion, distress and a mistaken identity surrounded a fatal accident on Thursday afternoon, after a pedal cyclist was killed by an overtaking pickup along the Rupert Craig Highway, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The dead man was eventually identified as 40-yearold Navindra Doray of Lot 101 Block ‘S’ Sophia, Georgetown.

According to reports received, the accident occurred at about 13:15h in the vicinity of Yokohama Trading and involved a Tacoma pickup, bearing registration number GTT 8153 which was driven by a 25-year-old Trinidadian national of Oronoque Street, Queenstown.

Initial reports from the Police indicate that Doray was travelling on his bicycle as the vehicle was driving at a fast rate; they were both going in the same direction.

However, the pickup attempted to overtake several vehicles on the inside, and in so doing, collided with the pedal cyclist.

Upon impact, Doray was flung in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle then slammed into Yokohama fence and flipped several times in the air before landing on the right side in the middle of the roadway.

The occupants, 31-year-

Eyewitness: Rohan Persaud

old Bradley Farley and 25-year-old Kareen Mc Fee, were picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were treated and admitted for bodily injuries.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, commuters and onlookers gathered in their numbers to view the wreckage and the dead man’s body lying on the roadway.

The body was picked up and taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home to await a post mortem.

Rohan Persaud, an eyewitness who was driving his minibus at the time of the accident, explained that the pickup overtook his vehicle and slammed into the pedal cyclist. He recalled being scared for his life and immediately initiating the brakes.

“From UG Road, I see he was trying to pass some vehicle…I see he undertake me

and hit the boy down. The boy skate on the road. When I do observe, the vehicle pitch into the wall and then turn. I slow down. Next thing I see, the vehicle spinning, spinning going,” Persaud explained.

The visibly shaken man noted that he left the scene thinking that he could have been caught in the smash-up.

He indicated that a woman and her child were also on the roadway, and his attempts were to save them.

“The speed that I took off with, I never drive so fast in my life. If he had only connected with me, then the lady and her son would’ve get hit.”

Mistaken identity

Meanwhile, in a case of mistaken identity, the now dead man was initially identified as a 43-year-old man of North Sophia, Georgetown.

His relatives, including his mother, sister, brother and nephews, showed up at the scene and confirmed his identity.

They were inconsolable after being convinced that it was their relative. However, Police later indicated that it was the wrong person.

Investigation into the fatal accident continues.

ver 40 employees of the Guyana Marriott Hotel were sent packing during the week in a decision which the hotel stated was an executive one in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guyana Times understands that all those fired were Guyanese who had worked in the lobby, restaurant, banquet, housekeeping and finance departments. In addition, some of the staff in the lower level were dismissed, as well as a few managers.

Senior Director of Public Relations for the Caribbean and Latin America, Kerstin Sachl, when contacted on Thursday, stated that while she could not comment extensively on the issue, the decision to terminate the services of the employees was terminated as a result of the impact of the pandemic.

“Business levels have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic, and continue to determine hotel operational and staffing adjustments,” she told this publication.

Guyana Times understands that due to the coronavirus pandemic, profits which the hotel would usually garner have been at their lowest. Closed airports mean that foreigners are not permitted to travel, leaving the five-star hotel unoccupied. As such, there is no significant income stream, other than the local needs.

But even the restaurant and rooms are not in demand due to the current situation.

With these unfolding events, the Marriott was grappling to keep its doors open and services afloat.

During the initial months, employees were placed on

The Marriott Hotel

rotation and given a cutback on their salaries. This came with assurances that they would not be fired.

However, they showed up to work this week only to be told that a decision was made to have them retrenched. They were given one month’s salary, asked to clear their personal belongings, and then told to leave.

Without warning from management, many staffers have come out to question this sudden move, since the overseas staff are still employed.

While their jobs were considered redundant, the sacked persons argued that there are several foreign workers under the same portfolio, and that magnitude of persons is not needed at this time. These persons are hired to cater for large events, even though none is booked at this time.

This has raised eyebrows among those dismissed, citing that it was unfair.

The Atlantic Hotels Incorporated (AHI) is the NICIL special purpose company that owns Marriott, a 197-room hotel

that opened in 2015, whose financing structure had depended on a casino and entertainment centre to make enough money to repay up to US$30 million in debts to the banks and other creditors.

Last February, AHI reportedly scrapped its plans to construct the casino, despite the previous rationale that this would make the hotel financially viable.

Atlantic Hotels Inc had previously faced several setbacks regarding the entertainment complex and casino. In 2017, an advertisement by the company stated that it was “interested to receive EoIs (Expressions of Interest) from either persons or companies, either individually or as part of a joint venture/ consortium”.

AHI had said preference would be given to submissions by applicants who are established in the gaming and entertainment industry.

The tender itself was eventually scrapped under dubious circumstances involving a rival casino and a coalition Government minister.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Paul Cheong appointed Chairman of GuyOil – Manniram Prashad returns as Chair of Gaming Authority

A

ccountant Paul Cheong has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil).

The last Chairman of GuyOil was Mark Bender.

The other GuyOil Board Members are Shameer Hussain, Abina Moore, Vishnu Bandhu, Akanni Blair, and Dru Bahadur.

Cheong’s appointment took effect on August 27, 2020 and will last for a period of one year, ending on August 26, 2021.

Only recently, concerns were raised over what appeared to be political appointees at GuyOil under the previous David Granger-Administration.

According to reliable sources, a niece of former President Granger is employed as a senior functionary with the State-owned company. This newspaper was told that the current employment of Marketing Manager Jacqueline James is also raising eyebrows.

James is the wife of outgo-

Paul Cheong

ing Police Commissioner Leslie James, who was appointed by the former President in 2018, and was sent on 306 days of accumulated, pre-retirement leave on August 2, 2020. He is scheduled to reach the age of retirement in April 2021.

Other questionable appointments include the hiring of Attorney-atLaw Suzanne Bullen as Company Secretary. Bullen previously worked at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB)

as the Legal Officer.

That was until she was implicated in the 2017 money laundering probe surrounding gold dealer Saddiqi “Bobby” Rasul and sent on administrative leave by the Natural Resources Ministry in order to facilitate an investigation.

In fact, it is understood that from a list of current staff at GuyOil, the new Government was able to decipher the appointment of 12 political appointees for whom opportunities were created back in 2017.

According to sources, the salaries of these appointees do not commensurate with the work they do or industry averages.

Meanwhile, Cheong was also recently appointed Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Gaming Authority

Meanwhile, former Trade and Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad has

been appointed Chairman of the Gaming Authority – a position he had held under the former Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

He has replaced Attorney Roysdale Forde.

The other members of the Board of Directors of the Gaming Authority are Abena Moore, Genevieve Blackman, Sase Gunraj, and Mark Conway.

The appointments, as published in the Official Gazette, took effect from August 27, 2020 and will last one year, ending on August 26, 2021.

The Gaming Authority of Guyana was launched on December 1, 2008, and is the Supervisory Authority for betting shops, casinos and lotteries under the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. In 2019, then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had listed the Gaming Authority, under the chairmanship of Forde, as an agency culpable of corrupt

Manniram Prashad

actions.

He was referring to reports that the owner of the Sleep-In Hotel franchise was denied his licence to operate a casino after he refused to pay a large sum of money to see his application through.

In 2016, hotelier Clifton Bacchus was denied permission from the Gaming Authority to commence operations, having invested millions into developing a state-of-the-art casino,

which remains closed.

Under the then PPP/C Administration, provisions were made for only three casinos to be operational in every region. While the Ramada Princess Casino was functional, the Marriott Hotel had signalled interest along with Sleep-In Hotel.

As part of the requirements, prospective casino owners were asked to construct a hotel with no less than 150 rooms and other requirements to encourage economic activities and they would be granted a licence to operate.

The former Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon had expressed concerns that there has been a surge in the number of betting and gaming shops in Guyana.

But Jagdeo had contended that this is because of the slackness in having companies pay the bribe without making any investments that could provide services or employment to Guyanese.

Grades 2, 4 & 9 Assessments will not be written in 2020

T

he Education Ministry on Thursday announced that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to affect the sector, there will be no sitting of the Grades Two, Four and Nine Assessments this year.

Students, parents, and teachers were advised that for the 2019-2020 academic year, the Assessments would not be administered to all cohorts of students who should have written them.

“The absence of these as-

sessments will have no negative impact on the learners’ records,” the Ministry clarified.

The Ministry has been working to deliver the curriculum on other platforms, especially through the use of technology. In light of

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

the coronavirus pandemic, the possibility of facilitating physical classrooms was dismissed for the month of September after analysing the risks.

Earlier this year, students across the country sat the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

(CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

These were facilitated after the COVID-19 pandemic reached Guyana’s shores and were carefully monitored through implemented guidelines.

To facilitate the exams amid the coronavirus threats, the Ministry had

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mandated that only examination candidates, invigilators and other authorised persons be allowed into the school compounds. All other persons, including parents, media personnel and the general public were advised not to enter any school compound. Along with this, desks and benches were placed six feet apart, with adequate hand-washing facilities at the entrances.

Some students were provided with packages and masks.

As the Ministry deliberates on the reopening of schools, it was indicated that they would be closed for September.

Teachers of Grades Five and Six were given a chance to share their concerns with Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Friday, as it pertained to examinations and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 800 educators and senior officials joined in addressing the situations facing the different regions, and how they can be solved to continue class sessions, specifically for children scheduled to be sitting the National Grade Six Assessment next year.

Since mid-March, schools have been closed as a measure to ease the spread of the coronavirus. Online platforms were enabled as the new tool to reach students, but there have been some setbacks.

Minister Manickchand noted that a massive training programme will soon be launched to enable teachers to get the training required.

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case

Ruling on jurisdiction likely by year end – Greenidge participate in the proceedings. However, Greenidge said he is still hopeful that the Spanish-speaking nation would participate in the matter. “…We [Guyana] have the arguments that we have presented to the court.

tween Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana at Geneva on February 17, 1966, which “provided for recourse to a series of dispute settlement

Adjudge and declare

In identical letters to Guyana and Venezuela, he communicated the terms of his decision that, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the Geneva Agreement, the controversy shall be settled by recourse

by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Agreement, and Venezuela enjoyed full sovereignty over the territory west of that boundary. And that Guyana and Venezuela were under an obligation to fully respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial

UN Secretary General, António Guterres

Advisor on Borders, Carl Greenidge

he International Court of Justice (ICJ) is likely to rule by the end of 2020 on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case filed by Guyana, who is asking for a final pronouncement on the validity of the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) regarding the boundary between the two countries.

This is according to recently appointed Advisor on Borders, Carl Greenidge.

On June 30, 2020, the ICJ, which has its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, heard oral arguments via video conference from Guyana’s legal team headed by Sir Shridath Ramphal on the question of its jurisdiction to adjudicate in the matter.

The case is premised on a border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela in which the Spanish-speaking country has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which more than eight billion barrels of oil have been discovered.

When contacted on Thursday, Greenidge told <<Guyana Times>> that such cases could take an average of up to six years to conclude, while noting that it depends on the complexity of the case and whether both countries participate in the proceedings.

“On average, the court takes about six years plus to conclude such matters.

Yes, it can take as long as six years. It depends on how complex the case is. [As it relates to when the court is] due for its decision as it regards to jurisdiction…one would expect sometime between now and this quarter,” the Advisor on Borders noted.

The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has claimed, in a letter to the ICJ, that the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, exceeded his authority under the 1966 Geneva Agreement when he referred the case to the ICJ, and therefore the court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter.

On this basis, Venezuela has indicated that it will not

or using force against any person and/or company licensed by Guyana or engage in economic or commercial activity in Guyanese territory as determined by the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement, or in any maritime areas appurtenant to such territory over which Guyana had sovereignty or exercised sovereign rights, and shall not interfere with any Guyanese or Guyaneseauthorized activities in those areas.

Guyana is finally asking the ICJ to declare that Venezuela was internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence.

T

Given how we have arrived at this point, Venezuela is not in a position to say that they are not bound by the decision of the court, because they have agreed to a process, they have participated in the process up to now.

Whether or not [Venezuela] participates, it make no difference to the capacity of the court…,” Greenidge emphasised.

The Agreement to resolve the controversy over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana, commonly known as the Geneva Agreement, is a treaty signed in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17, 1966 that resolved the disagreement between Venezuela and the United Kingdom regarding the border between Venezuela and British Guiana.

Legally binding

On March 29, 2018, Guyana filed an application instituting proceeding against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In its application, Guyana requested the Court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the Award regarding the boundary between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela, of October 03, 1899.

Guyana claimed that the 1899 Award was “a full, perfect, and final settlement’ of all questions relating to determining the boundary line between the colony of British Guiana and Venezuela. Guyana asserts that between November 1900 and June 1904, a joint Anglo - Venezuelan Boundary Commission had “identified, demarcated and permanently fixed the boundary established by the Award” before the signing of a Joint Declaration by the Commissioners on 10 January 1905 (referred to as “the 1905 Agreement”).

Guyana contends that, in 1962, for the first time, Venezuela had contested the Award as “arbitrary” and “null and void.”

This, according to Guyana, had led to the signing of the Agreement to resolve the controversy be-

mechanisms to finally resolve the controversy.

Guyana, therefore, argues that pursuant to Article IV (2) of the Agreement, the Secretary General is empowered to decide on the settlement to be employed should there be any issues arising from that Agreement.

According to Article IV (2 ) of the Agreement: If, within three months of receiving the final report, the Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela should not have reached agreement regarding the choice of one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, they shall refer the decision as to the means of settlement to an appropriate international organ upon which they both agree or, failing agreement on this point, to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations. If the means so chosen do not lead to a solution of the controversy, the said organ or, as the case may be, the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall choose another of the means stipulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and so on until the controversy has been resolved or until all the means of peaceful settlement there contemplated have been exhausted.

Guyana further submitted that the Geneva Agreement had authorized the United Nations Secretary-General to decide which appropriate dispute resolution mechanism to adopt for the peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary-General Guterres determined that the good offices process had failed to achieve a peaceful settlement of the controversy. He then took a formal and binding decision, under Article IV, paragraph 2 of the Agreement, to choose a different means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter.

to the ICJ. In its Application, filed “pursuant to the SecretaryGeneral’s decision”, Guyana requested the court to adjudge and declare that the 1899 Award was valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, and the boundary established by that Award and the 1905 Agreement was valid and binding upon the two countries.

Further, Guyana is asking for a declaration that it enjoyed full sovereignty over the territory between the Essequibo River and the boundary established

integrity in accordance with the boundary established by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Agreement.

Guyana also wants the court to declare that Venezuela had to immediately withdraw from and cease its occupation of the eastern half of the Island of Ankoko, and each and every other territory which was recognized as Guyana’s sovereign territory in accordance with the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement.

Furthermore, Guyana also wants the court to declare that Venezuela had to refrain from threatening

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lowenfield’s assistant remains in custody as probe into electoral fraud intensifies

GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

P

ersonal Assistant to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Duarte Hetsberger, is still in custody as the Police Force continues to probe allegations of electoral fraud committed at the March 2 poll.

During the 2020 elections, repeated attempts were made to alter the results of the election in favour of the APNU/AFC Coalition, even though the PPP/C was the clear winner.

Hetsberger, who served as the Personal Assistant to Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield,

was taken into custody on Tuesday for questioning as the ongoing electoral fraud probe continues.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Thursday confirmed to Guyana Times that Hetsberger remains in custody as the investigation continues. And it is likely that the Police would approach the High Court for more time to detain Hetsberger, since the 72-hour detention period will soon expire.

Already, several staff members of the Elections Commission have been hauled in for questioning, with three of them being placed before the court on fraud charges.

These include Registration Officer Sheffaun February, Information Technology (IT) officer Enrique Livan, and embattled Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, who is at the centre of the allegations.

The three were arraigned on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, and were placed on bail.

In addition to the four charges filed by the Police against him, Mingo is also facing private criminal charges, along with People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence, in relation to the unverified declaration of results for Region Four.

Lawrence was arraigned last week at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and was placed on bail during her arraignment.

Meanwhile, the two oth-

District 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo

er GECOM staffers who were also taken in for questioning are Carolyn Duncan and Michelle Miller – both Registration Officers.

So far, no charges have been instituted against them.

These arrests were made after the Guyana Police Force commenced an investigation into the role played by CEO Lowenfield and RO Mingo in the blatant attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The Police had stated that “formal reports” were received alleging “criminal conduct” by Lowenfield and Mingo as well as others in relation to the elections and the

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

events that followed thereafter.

“As a result, legal advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), and the Guyana Police Force was advised to launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations” in accordance with its mandate.

However, Lowenfield was already slapped with private criminal charges for fraud, misconduct in office, and breach of public trust, which were filed by private citizens Josh Kanhai and Desmond Morian. He is currently on $450,000 bail.

But Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, has indicated that in the exercise of powers vested in her under Article 187 of the Constitution, she would take over the private criminal charges currently pending against Lowenfield in the Magistrates’ Courts.

Following an almost flawless polling day, the tabulation of the results for Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district – become a matter of controversy after RO Mingo declared unverified results for the region.

The declaration made by Mingo, which was subsequently set aside

by Chief Justice Roxane George, was signed by Lawrence – the lone representative of the political parties that contested the elections.

The other parties had objected to the declaration after the verification process was not fully complied

Personal Assistant to the Chief Elections Officer, Duarte Hetsberger

with by the RO. Even the election observation missions had also rejected the declaration, saying that the results lacked credibility and transparency.

It was Mingo’s attempts to alter the results of the elections that led to the National Recount, which ultimately proved the major differences in the figures being called by the RO and those representing the actual numbers of votes cast.

The 33-day recount exercise, agreed to by then President David Granger and then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, confirmed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

NEWS

15

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 death toll now jumps to 44 …19 new cases detected in 24 hours

G

uyana’s COVID-19 death toll increased to 44 after two new deaths were recorded on Thursday.

The Health Ministry announced that at midnight, a 67-year-old man of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and a 48-year-old male of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) died while receiving care at the designated medical facility. Prior to this, the last death was reported on Tuesday.

In addition, the country has also confirmed that 19 new cases were recorded over the past 24 hours thus raising the figures to a startling 1401. Statistics from the Health Ministry’s dashboard showed 691 males and 710 females have been infected thus far.

There are 14 persons in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Meanwhile,

67 persons are in institutional isolation, 98 in institutional quarantine and 471 in home isolation. The total recovered cases stand at 779 – an increase of 61.

A further dissection of the figures showed that two new cases were detected in Region One (BarimaWaini), one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 14 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The other regional figures remain the same with 14 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); eight in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 16 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); 23 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); 243 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 75 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). To date, 8918 tests have been conducted.

As Guyana continues to respond to the pandemic with interventions to curtail the deadly virus, the Health Ministry earlier this week addressed concerns about testing for COVID-19.

Within the last few weeks, it was noted that a plethora of concerns and even misinformation were circulating about the different testing methods and laboratory confirmation.

It assured members of the public that the test conducted by the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) is the molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Ministry has also noted that antibody rapid tests were available, which may indicate if someone was exposed to the virus.

The Ministry has a process to register these new test

Montrose Mandir hosts 2nd Gita recitation

T

he Montrose Bhakti Bhavan Mandir recently hosted its second Gita recitation competition, which saw participation from both children and adults.

One of the organisers, Pandit Mahadeo Brijmohan, told Guyana Times that the competition was divided into pre-primary to adult-level participants, and saw a total of 32 persons partaking. These persons hailed

from Montrose, La Bonne Intention, Success and Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara; Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara and Belle West on the West Bank of Demerara.

The recitation was judged by Guruji Purushotam Shivraj with input from Viraat Sabha President, Pandit Ravi and Yoganand Persaud.

Brijmohan said that they were hoping to make

this event a national one by 2021, where all other temples would be invited. Last year, it was piloted for the first time and was dubbed a success.

He said the main purpose of the competition was to encourage Hindus to use the Bhagavad Gita as their hand manual. By the age of 18, a devotee will get the opportunity to study all 18 chapters of Bhagavad.

Shop owner arrested for accidentally shooting miner

A

shop owner who accidentally shot Lloyd London, 34, a miner of Heaven Hill, Matthews Ridge, North West District (NWD) on Monday last during an argument at ChiChi Backdam was arrested.

Regional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan told Guyana Times that lawmen travelled to the man’s house, located at Chi-Chi Backdam,

on Wednesday and conducted a search, but found nothing illegal.

He was taken to the Port Kaituma Police Station pending the investigation into the shooting.

It was reported that on Sunday about 21:00h, London and a co-worker were consuming alcohol in the suspect’s shop. However, at approximately 03:00h on Monday, the co-worker got into a heated argument with

the suspect who ran into his shop, armed himself with a handgun, and returned.

He then discharged a round in the direction of his opponent , but it missed him and instead struck London on the left instep.

London was rushed to the Port Kaituma District Hospital by a public-spirited citizen; he was admitted a patient and was subsequently discharged.

kits and allow their use for screening purposes only.

These rapid tests are not recommended to diagnose COVID-19.

With more cases being recorded, the Health Ministry has now begun utilising the billion-dollar Centre for Disease Control and Prevention located at Liliendaal, Greater

Georgetown, with the first batch of COVID-19 patients shifting there on Tuesday.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony toured and inspected the facility on Sunday, and revealed that it currently had 197 beds, and would see 50 per cent usage during Phase One. This, he pointed out, will remove the burden from Georgetown

Public Hospital thus allowing them to cater for more severe cases and nonCOVID-19 patients.

During his inspection, Minister Anthony also identified electricity and water availability and proper sewage as hurdles that have delayed the transfer of patients to the new facility that was formerly the Ocean View International Hotel.

Nevertheless, the Health Ministry has been working assiduously with the Public Works and Housing and Water Ministries to fix the issues that have posed challenges to the facility becoming properly and fully equipped to accommodate COVID-19 patients.

The facility possesses an isolation unit and a section to house patients awaiting their COVID-19 test results.

Dr Anthony conveyed that other works were in progress to ensure the facility was suitably prepared in the event that more patients needed to be transferred from the GPHC. Members of the public are asked to adhere to all the recommended COVID-19 control measures, including staying at home if possible, wearing a face mask when out in public, practising good hand hygiene and observing physical distancing.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rice harvesting commences in Region 6

$50,000 bail for teen who picked handcuffs, escaped from Police Station

Farmers record 10% damage due to paddy bugs A

teenager appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was arraigned for escaping from lawful custody.

Joshua Haynes, 19, of 178 Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on August 30, 2020, at Ruimveldt Police Station, while being in custody pending investigations into a simple larceny allegation against him, he escaped.

Based on reports, on the day in question, Police ranks, acting on information, went to Albouystown, Georgetown, where they arrested Haynes on an allega-

Harvest commences

W

ith the commencement of paddy harvesting in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), damage due to paddy bugs has so far been recorded at 10 percent. However, farmers are expecting to get better results as harvesting continues.

Just less than two percent of the crop has been harvested so far, with over 24,400 hectares of rice under cultivation for the current crop. An average of 40 bags per acre is being harvested.

However, paddy bug infestation has been a major concern for rice farmers, especially last year, when millions were lost.

In fact, collectively, rice farmers had spent in excess of $1.5B last year to control the bugs. Nevertheless, President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), Leeka Rambrich, has noted that the current situation is not worrying, despite the 10 percent damage.

“We have seen the first set of harvesting coming into the mills with very high paddy bug damage, over ten per-

During the court hearing, the Police Prosecutor raised serious objections to Haynes being released on bail. His lawyer, Stanley Moore, however, countered those objections arguing that his client was a suitable candidate for bail.

Presiding Magistrate Leron Daly overruled the prosecutor’s objections and granted the defendant bail in the sum of $50,000.

Conditions attached to bail require him to lodge his passport with the court and report every Monday to the Ruimveldt Police Station. He is due for another court appearance later this month.

Residents, family rebuild Amelia’s Ward home destroyed by fire

cent, but we are averaging off presently five to four percent. Think that is a good indication. It is always expected that in the first harvesting there is a high incidence of paddy bugs. We are still at the initial stage of harvesting, harvesting has just commenced,” Rambrich emphasised.

The RPA President has called on farmers not to be alarmed. “We are anticipating an average in the Region of about three percent damage,” he said.

Harvesting has commenced in Black Bush Polder and in the front lands in the No. 52/74 Corentyne areas.

However, the access to fields

is a major concern at this time.

According to Rambrich, because of the state of some of the access dams, farmers are finding it very difficult to harvest.

“In some instances, they have to use two and three tractors to pull one bulk load of paddy. It is not economical, but this is the way that they have to do it,” he explained.

The RPA has discussed the issue with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

Cabinet has recently approved $29 million for rehabilitation works to access dams in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six.

lunch bag.

Soon after, the driver stopped the car and the victim was pushed out onto the roadway. The car then sped away.

Persons who were nearby observed what had transpired and went to the victim’s assistance. She then borrowed a cellphone to contact her relatives, who went to her aid. The matter was reported to the Leonora Police Station.

Police later intercepted the motor car at the Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara

(WBD) junction and arrested three suspects.

The suspects are a 32-year-old taxi driver of D’Urban Street, Georgetown; a 23-year-old labourer of Parfaite Harmonie, WBD, and a 23-year-old female vendor of Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The victim’s items were recovered in their possession.

The motor car was impounded as investigations continue.

The trio is expected to make their court appearance shortly.

Female passenger robbed by knife-wielding bandits

A

prompt response by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) resulted in the arrest of three persons who reportedly robbed a 22-year-old woman of her belongings on Wednesday.

Taliya Kamrudin, of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was standing along the public road awaiting public transportation when a grey Toyota 212 motor car stopped to pick her up.

Under the impression that the vehicle was a private hire taxi, she entered the car and sat in the back seat along with a male. A female was seated in the front passenger seat.

However, as the car continued its journey, the male in the back seat whipped out a knife and threatened to kill Kamrudin. He then relieved the woman of several items, including her phone, handbag, jewellery, cash, and

tion of simple larceny. He was accused of stealing an item from Colin Deby.

As such, he was taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station and placed to sit on a bench. He was handcuffed to a metal bar.

However, a few minutes later, Police observed Haynes playing with the handcuffs; soon after he unlocked them and ran out of the Police Station compound. Alert ranks gave chase after him.

He was recaptured and taken back into Police custody. While back in custody, Haynes told Police ranks that he was frustrated and wanted his freedom.

Residents assisting to reconstruct the house that was destroyed by fire on Wednesday

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esidents of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have pooled their resources to assist an Amelia’s Ward family of seven who lost their home to a fire on Wednesday afternoon.

The residents and family members have already commenced the reconstruction of the home of 42-yearold Melissa McKinnon, a security guard attached to the Amelia’s Ward Nursery School.

The wooden house: Lot 1651 Central Amelia’s Ward that McKinnon shared with five of her children, went up in flames at sometime between 14:00h and 15:30h. after she left for work. At the time, two of her teenage children were at home.

It was reported that at approximately 10:00h, the male teen left his sister at home to visit a friend’s, and at about 14:00h, his sister secured the house and made her way to her mother’s work place a short distance away.

It was during this time that the mother received information that her house was completely burnt. The fire was extinguished by fire fighters who arrived at the scene.

However, the community quickly pooled together resources to assist the fam-

ily, and were in the process of laying the foundation for a new home on Thursday when Guyana Times visited. The family is staying with relatives and neighbours.

A resident, Garfield Jones, told this publication that there has been an outpouring of assistance for the family so far.

“We, as neighbours, we think it’s only fair that we show respect…to fulfill this desire, because this is a family who needs the support. We’d even like for the Government of Guyana and responsible citizens to focus and understand the situation when you have a fire…

It could happen to anybody.

At the said time, we’re looking to contribute everything. As for me, I’m looking to contribute my labour and my time. Some people contribute money, materials, but it’s a collective community project because of a disaster.

“So, I’m appealing to people responding for these things, like the fire relief, to look into the interest of the people”, he noted.

Jones also urged the Government and other persons in the community to support the family with the reconstruction efforts. He said that persons have donated concrete blocks, ce-

ment, and other building materials.

The woman’s father, Nelson McKinnon, said his daughter is well loved around the community, as is shown in the outpouring of support.

“They contribute meaningfully, that we feel confident in getting things done as fast as possible.

Because it was only yesterday that the fire was here, and as you can see, foundation is already dug and we’re laying the steel. Then we would be mixing the cement to cast the foundation.

The people around giving us strength…once you got the unity in the system of helping people, that’s about it…everybody is chipping in with something”, he noted.

The elder McKinnon said the family is also receiving assistance from other family members overseas.

Meanwhile, McKinnon’s teenage daughter said the family is coping, but her mother is frustrated over the situation. She noted that the family is thankful for the support given.

“We’re coping fine.

‘Thank you’ to the neighbourhood and everybody who supported us, and the donation that they have made. We’re still giving thanks to God”, the teen said.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

17

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

I think UG Vice Chancellor’s appointment should be reaffirmed!

Dear Editor, There was published in the Guyana Times of September 2, 2020 a recent letter with the odious title “Should the UG Vice Chancellor’s appointment be revoked?”

In that letter, the writer called for revocation of Professor Paloma MohamedMartin’s appointment as the Vice Chancellor of UG on ground that her late husband, Professor Tony Martin, was Afrocentric and, by extension, aligned with the PNC. A few things are wrong here. Prof Tony Martin was not Guyanese. He never lived in Guyana, and was never politically associated with any party in Guyana.

Professor Paloma MohamedMartin stands on her own as an outstanding and productive scholar. She has earned her degrees—undergraduate, MA, and PhD- from established and highly reputable institutions. She has no need to stand in her late ex-husband’s shadow.

Secondly, the letter revealed its odious and divisive ambition by equating Afrocentricity with racism.

The Afrocentric turn has been the most emancipating development in the EuroAmerican academy since World War II. It is clearly recognised that the demand for an inclusionary curriculum was a refreshing contribution to the human intellectual project.

Until the emergence of the African American Studies initiative in the late 1970s, the Euro-American academy proffered a Eurocentric approach to knowledge. The African experience was absent; it was not considered

relevant. There was ignorance of this essential aspect of humanity.

The objectives of the fledgling academic field were spelt out in Maulana Karenga’s seminal publication, Introduction to African American Studies. Among them were to create and mould inclusive academy to assemble and create a body of knowledge which would contribute to intellectual and political emancipation; to develop mutually beneficial relationships between the campus and the community; and to establish a legitimate, respected and permanent discipline. Clearly, this represented a strategy for filling a deficiency in the Euro-American academy.

One outcome of this critique of the Euro-American academy has been the growth of inclusion. Today it is not strange to find Latin American, Asian, Women and Gender Studies programmes in the American Academy. These achievements stand on the shoulders of those pioneering scholars such as Blassingame, Dubois, Woodson, Hare, and Martins.

It must be appreciated that the penner of the letter to the <<Guyana Times>> was exercising her freedom of speech - a right that is enshrined in the Guyana Constitution. Going with this right and other rights is the expectation of responsibility. The caution to do due diligence (conduct research) before we say or write stuff that can injure the reputations of individuals and institutions is appropriate here.

Such is the case with this embryonic and seem-

ingly partisan motivated campaign against the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The University of Guyana needs space to breathe and grow.

For more than 50 years, the institution has been an unfortunate site in Guyana’s political machinations.

Despite these dramas, one must be proud of its alumni, who have demonstrated innovation and achievement around the world. There are a few who have returned to Turkeyen and silently led, clearly not for material rewards, but because of service to the nation. Paloma Mohamed is among that number.

I write this because I have been closely associated with the University of Guyana for more than twenty years, and am aware of the calibre of person that Professor Paloma Mohamed is. I have been aware of her capability since she was an intern at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation at the High Street location during the early years of the 1980s.

The University of Guyana that I have interacted with has always been in a crisis mode. It was in that state in 2000 when Dr. James Rose was the Vice Chancellor. It was in that condition when Professor Carrington was the Vice Chancellor. It continued to be in that condition under Professor Ivelaw Griffith.

My engagement with UG has not been superficial. For twenty years, it has engaged all levels of the institution, the leadership, the faculty, and students.

In the early years of the 21st century, circa 2006, I conducted, on behalf of

UNESCO, an assessment of the once pioneering Center for Communication Studies (CCS). That assessment was part of UNESCO’s evaluation of the state of communication education and training programmes in the Caribbean that had received UNESCO investments. I had previously conducted similar assessments in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. My findings on Guyana were devastating. The Center for Communication Studies was under-resourced, the curriculum in need of review, and the physical facilities derelict. In simple terms, the unit was not fit for purpose and not capable of leading Guyana’s engagement with the emerging interconnected global communication environment. The report identified opportunities for quickly alleviating the condition.

About two years later, I received a call from the then Dean of the Social Sciences faculty, Dr. Michael Scott, indicating that the CCS was about to collapse and the university needed urgent help to ensure that the students currently in the programme could complete the courses they needed for graduation with the undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees offered. It was in that crisis that I reconnected with Professor Mohamed.

She had returned to Guyana, recently completing a Ph.D. at the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine), and was delivering on a commitment to return to UG after graduate studies. She had made the commitment to Dr. Scott after completing her undergraduate degree.

She, along with a small

Legal or illegal logging? Which is it?

Dear Editor, I wish to respond to the article carried by Guyana Times newspaper on Sunday August 30, 2020 under the caption “Illegal loggers, exorbitant fees, affecting investment in the forestry sector”, which was penned by the director of large logging company A. Mazaharally & Sons Ltd (AMSL), Mr. Ahmad Mazahar Ally.

The question I ask is: “Is it legal or illegal logging if a contract is in force?”

The article, penned on August 30, 2020, highlighted the views that illegal logging is a major reason for the downfall in the forestry sector, as these activities, and I quote, “manipulate and cheat the system to its disadvantage”. In essence, the article purports that illegal logging robs and cripples the forestry industry in Guyana.

Ironically, the very company which penned the article is considered a perpe-

trator of the very acts it so blatantly outlines – robbery and manipulation.

When facing troubled waters in 2018, AMSL entered into contractual agreements (which in essence amounts to subletting, and is illegal, according to forestry laws) with small logging operators in the Essequibo Region, from whom they demanded payments of surety in exchange for permission to harvest and extract lumber from the concessions granted them under the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

However, at the time of extraction, they refused every one of these operators the requisite removal documents for produce, while at the same time they refused to enter any further sort of repayment agreement for monies spent.

It is these same small logging operators & companies they (AMSL) now label as illegal operators, who have decided to take action

after enduring months of agony.

These questions are therefore asked: At which point in operations did the activity become illegal? On what grounds were the contracts terminated? When?

Why? And why no notice?

What measurement does the company use to determine the legality of logging operations, especially since the company is no law abider itself in keeping with the regulations of the Forestry Commission? How is it that the breach of contract in one regard does not warrant another?

It was once said by a great and wise teacher: “He that is without sin, cast the first stone”. AMSL, as a local logging company, has failed not only the Guyana Forestry Commission, but also the Guyanese public at large over the last four (4) decades, as it continues to hold on by some strange means to large parcels of

rich forested lands without working them.

This not only denies Guyanese jobs, and the economy its due circulation of money, but also deprives others in the logging industry of acquiring any lands for their sustenance and operations. This shameful behaviour by the now sanctimonious company is what strangles the forestry industry, and the Guyana Forestry Commission is deprived of its fair and much deserved share of revenues.

Now, that’s illegal!

Had they not inactively and greedily pursed up for themselves these large masses of land, three hundred and fifty million ($350,000,000) dollars of Guyanese hard-earned tax dollars would not have been required to “bail-out” the failing logging industry.

Sincerely, Essequibo Loggers

Small

team of fellow CCS alumni, launched Project Phoenix, the strategy for the rehabilitation and growth of the Center for Communication Studies. This was done spectacularly. In a few short years, she garnered international funding and mobilised domestic resources to upgrade the curriculum, initiate research, and launch a transforming program of faculty development. By 2012, She and her team had put CCS on an upward trajectory, and, in the process, won respect for UG in major regional and international academic circles. It was therefore not surprising that in time this talent as a team player and an innovative leader would be deployed as Dean of Social Sciences, and recently as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Philanthropy, Alumni, and Community Engagement). As the DVC in the Griffith administration, her performance and productivity revealed a solid scorecard, especially the metrics of resources mobilised for UG. The year-long process that led to her appointment as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana was a public one. I even posted the Call for applications on my Facebook page.

Then the public presentations by the short-listed applicants were public on the Zoom platform. Clearly, her qualifications, experience, and demonstrated tradition of service to the nation contributed to the appointment.

This interpretation is in harmony with recent declarations by the Council of the University of Guyana, the

university’s highest governing authority.

The Council of the University of Guyana has also addressed the other insinuation, that decisions made during the nation’s recent political crisis are illegal. Addressing that issue directly, the council has stated: Since it is the Council which appoints, the Acts and Statutes do not provide for the Vice Chancellor or any staff of the University to be political appointees.

Therefore, the period in which a Vice Chancellor is appointed is not germane to any political process. The nation expects the University to perform its duties regardless of changes in Government.

Professor MohamedMartin has held this appointment for less than six months. No other Vice Chancellor has had to administer the institution during a global pandemic. She has hit the ground running, and with the authority of the Council of the University of Guyana, has continued to assemble a team of qualified and tested faculty members to lead the university into the future.

She heads what is probably the most crucial institution at probably the most critical moment in Guyana’s history. We need stability at UG, not the perpetuation of the crises that characterised the past 20 years.

I think the UG Vice Chancellor’s appointment should be reaffirmed!

Sincerely, Vibert C Cambridge, PhD, AA

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Regional

Jamaican elections: Warner hospitalised for COVID-19 JLP wins in landslide A T

he Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was returned to office in Thursday’s General Election, with a landslide victory that People’s National Party (PNP) Vice President and campaign co-director Phillip Paulwell described as “shocking”.

With 6841 of 6978 boxes counted at 21:10h, the JLP had won 35 seats compared to the PNP’s 14.

The victory was also significant for the number of big PNP scalps taken by the JLP, among them Peter Bunting in Manchester Central, Wykeham McNeill in Westmoreland Western, Luther Buchanan in Westmoreland Eastern, and Fenton Ferguson in St Thomas Eastern.

Earlier on Thursday, addressing Journalists before he marked his ballot at Mona High School in St Andrew Eastern about

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Andrew Holness arrives at the JLP headquarters (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

10:30h, Holness repeated a statement made to the Jamaica Observer two days ago, that the JLP was moving to increase the 34-to-29 margin that it held in the last Parliament.

While not giving an exact figure, Holness quipped that

40 was in the ballpark when asked if that was the number of seats the JLP was eyeing.

According to Holness, he was heartened by the heavy early turnout amid reports that the process has been largely peaceful. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bolivian families turn to makeshift graves as cemeteries fill during pandemic

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esperate families in Bolivia are turning to makeshift graves to bury their loved ones, with cemetery space at a premium as the coronavirus pandemic keeps the South American nation in its grip.

Local officials said families were creating clandestine graveyards or sneaking into the cemeteries of the capital, La Paz, in early morning or overnight hours to dig unofficial graves for their relatives.

“They want to bury on top of other graves. For ex-

ample, they uncover the grave and want to put the body a metre (3 feet) deep, not even 2 or 3 metres,” said Omar Arce, President of a local council, adding that Police were forced to move the bodies later.

Bolivia, which has one of the highest regional rates of extreme poverty, has struggled to free itself from the weight of the pandemic as political tensions simmer ahead of a general election.

Government officials said in August that cases accelerated among the population of 11.6 million after

protests linked to the postponement of the election until October 18 due to the spread of the virus.

Cemeteries in La Paz are now struggling to accommodate a 580 per cent increase in demand for new burials, according to Rene Sahonero, a Health Ministry official.

Dealing with the clandestine graves is a heart-breaking dilemma for local authorities, who said many families had no other options for giving their loved ones a proper burial.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexico eyes October start for phase 3 trials of Russian coronavirus vaccine – Minister

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exico said on Thursday that it planned to take part in stage 3 trials of the Russian coronavirus vaccine in October, part of the nation’s efforts to secure supplies of possible future COVID-19 vaccines.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that if the Mexican regulator permitted it, the Russian vaccine can be brought to Mexico and several thousand volunteers will “test that vaccine in our country as close as next month”.

Ebrard has previously said that 2000 Mexican volunteers would take part in clinical trials of Russia’s “Sputnik V” vaccine.

The race to produce a vac-

close relative of former People’s P a r t n e r s h i p Minister Jack Warner Wednesday evening confirmed that he had been hospitalised for the treatment of COVID-19.

“He is coping. He had a few issues of concern prior to the COVID diagnosis, but he is a fighter,” the relative said, after social media reports first circulated Wednesday that Warner had died before suggesting he was hospitalised on Tuesday for COVID-19.

The development came after Warner, 77, had said last Monday he had been tested for COVID-19 at a private institution after two of his employees tested positive recently. Two days later, he said that he’d spent a nerve-wracking 48 hours awaiting the test results, but these showed he was negative. He said his wife Maureen, driver and others close to him had also

tested for the virus and were all negative. He’d told the T&T Guardian that he would have still self-quarantined for seven days after the tests.

But Wednesday, several social media reports alleged that Warner had “died” and it was later reported that he had been hospitalised with the virus.

Sports fraternity sources stated that following Warner’s first COVID test, he continued to feel unwell and went back for a second test at a private insti-

tution in West Trinidad on Tuesday – and that result proved positive. The sources also said that he’s since been hospitalised and is being treated for the virus.

Warner’s communications manager Michelle Borde-Harvey did not comment on the reports, but told the T&T Guardian that Warner was resting comfortably.

“He isn’t saying anything to media right now, but when he’s ready he will speak,” Borde-Harvey said.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Barbados to open Embassy in Ghana

Barbados’s Health and Wellness Minister, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic

B

arbados’s Health and Wellness Minister, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic announced on Monday that Barbados has established an embassy in Ghana and the opening is scheduled for October.

The announcement came at a luncheon hosted by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to welcome 49 Ghanaian nurses at the institution.

The nurses are part of a 95-member contingent on a two-year-assignment in Barbados to help bolster the island’s nursing complement.

Their specialities include paediatrics, ophthalmology, surgical intensive care, and accident and emergency.

Acknowledging the cultural and historical bonds between Barbados and the African continent, the Minister shared that there were further plans to establish another embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

“This is a very serious undertaking by the Government of Barbados to really have those connections and those ties, and to cement something that should have been cemented

really several years ago,” he told the visitors.

Bostic further disclosed that negotiations had begun to establish a direct air route between Barbados and Ghana.

Meanwhile, he welcomed the nurses to the healthcare system in Barbados, noting that theirs would be a vital role in a system, which though “very good”, lacked sufficient human resources.

“And even with your presence here, we are still short of nurses. It is a global problem and we have suffered, but we don’t intend to suffer for too long, because we are taking some steps to make sure that we establish some sort of a nursing school in this country that would allow us to produce more nurses, some for export and some for here in Barbados,” he revealed.

Bostic urged the Ghanaian and local nurses who attended the luncheon to work hand-in-hand to ensure the success of the project. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Trinidad: Police find 2 Venezuelan quarantine escapees

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Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard

cine has become a contest for influence and prestige among major powers, while developing economies are trying to ensure a fair distribution of the medicines.

Mexico has engaged in a diplomatic push to forge

COVID-19 vaccine alliances across a wide ideological spectrum of countries from France to Cuba as a World Health Organisation (WHO) vaccine initiative is expected to fall short of its needs.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

wo of the three Venezuelan teenagers who escaped from the quarantine facility at Canada Hall, University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus have been found.

They were found in Santa Cruz last Friday.

The girls, aged 14, 15 and 17, did not show up for breakfast and could not be found on August 25. A nurse reported them missing to St Joseph Police.

There has also been an

increased Police presence at the quarantine facility since the escape, Newsday was told. Police said the search was “based on information; it’s like a needle in a haystack,” and several areas have already been searched and more will be searched during this week for the third girl who escaped.

They reminded the public that anyone sheltering her could be charged with aiding and abetting. The girls breached the quaran-

tine order, but when asked if they would be charged, Williams said no, “because of their circumstance”.

Asked to clarify the circumstances, he preferred not to go into details as to why they will not be charged or where they are being held now.

He said they had completed their state quarantine and would not have to return to the facility they escaped from.

Investigations are ongoing. (T&T Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil closes slightly lower

O

il prices fell on Thursday, at one point touching their lowest since early August as US unemployment data fed fears of a slow recovery for the economy and fuel demand a day after weak US gasoline demand data.

Brent crude fell 30 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to US$44.13 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled 14 cents, or 0.34 per cent, lower at US$41.37 per barrel.

Both benchmarks fell more than two per cent earlier in the session.

US stock prices sank as investors sold high-flying tech stocks and worried about economic recovery after Labour Department data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment reached a seasonally adjusted 881,000 for the latest week. Continuing claims remained high, with millions out of work.

A day earlier, both oil benchmarks fell more than two per cent after US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed domestic gasoline demand last week fell to 8.78 million barrels per day (bpd) from 9.16 million bpd a week earlier. Consumption of other oil products also fell. (Excerpt from CNBC)

Greece, Turkey set for “technical talks” on Mediterranean tension

Greek and French vessels sail in formation during a joint military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea [File: Greek Ministry of Defence Handout/Reuters]

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ATO members Turkey and Greece have agreed to hold “technical talks” on ways to de-escalate military tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea over disputed gas exploration activities.

Tensions are running high over Turkey’s drilling activities, which Greece and Cyprus say violate their sovereignty, and both sides have deployed warships in a show of force, raising fears of conflict erupting by accident.

“Following my discussions with Greek and Turkish leaders, the two allies have agreed to enter into technical talks at NATO to establish mechanisms for military de-confliction to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the eastern Mediterranean,” NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement on Thursday.

“Greece and Turkey are valued allies, and NATO is an important platform for consultations on all issues that affect our shared security.”

With the talks set to be of a technical military nature, they are unlikely to bring a complete solution to the complex, long-running rivalry between Greece and Turkey. But observers hope they will at least offer an opening for further dialogue.

The decision to hold talks comes after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the two sides to reduce tensions and open diplomatic channels to ease the crisis.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Facebook to freeze political ads before US presidential election F

acebook has announced that it will not take on any new political ads in the seven days prior to the US election on November 3.

However, the firm will still allow existing ads to continue to be promoted and targeted at different users.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg revealed the measure in a Facebook post.

He said that he was “worried” about divisions in the country potentially leading to civil unrest.

He added that Facebook would also label posts from candidates attempting to declare victory before the votes had been counted.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote that the election would not “be business as usual”

ly said ads placed by candidates would not be factchecked.

The new steps could serve as a precedent for how the firm handles elections elsewhere in the future.

Facebook also revealed that it would remove videos of President Donald Trump encouraging voters in North Carolina to vote twice, which is illegal.

Any videos of Trump’s comments without contextualising information would be taken down, the firm said in a statement: “This video violates our policies prohibiting voter fraud and we will remove it unless it is shared to correct the record.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

The social network has faced criticism for allowing political ads to be “micro-targeted” on its platform so that they are only seen by small communities rather than debated more widely in the days after they appear.

The Mozilla Foundation has claimed that this makes it easier for politicians and their supporters to parade fiction as fact and avoid being called out on it until it is too late, particularly as Facebook has previous-

Centers for Disease Control suggested one could be ready just ahead of the November presidential election.

Johnson & Johnson said on Thursday its experimental coronavirus vaccine prevented hamsters from getting severely ill, as the drugmaker seeks to begin large, late-stage studies in humans later this month.

Meanwhile, China has offered experimental vaccines to aviation industry workers, in a push to inoculate

high-risk groups to prevent a possible resurgence as economies reopen.

In other updates: * India reported another record daily jump of 83,883 infections, taking its tally to 3.85 million, just 100,000 behind Brazil, the world’s second most affected nation. * Israel will impose a partial national lockdown next week to battle a coronavirus infection surge, the head of its pandemic task force said on Thursday.

* South Africa’s auditor general said that some of the money in its 500 billion-rand (US$30 billion) COVID-19 relief package may have been fraudulently paid to improper beneficiaries. * Britain is putting 500 million pounds (US$666 million) into trials of rapid COVID-19 tests and into population-testing for the disease, the Health Ministry said on Thursday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ic - -would increase fraud and disrupt the November 3 election, although experts say voter fraud of any kind is extremely rare in the United States.

The President said people could mail in their ballots as early as possible and then follow up with a trip to the polls to see whether their mail-in vote was tabulated.

“If it has you will not be able to Vote & the Mail In System worked properly,” Trump said in a lengthy tweet.

“If it has not been Counted, VOTE (which is a citizen’s right to do).”

If the mail-in ballot gets to election officials after a person votes at the polls, the in-person vote will be ignored, he said.

“YOU ARE NOW ASSURED THAT YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED, it hasn’t been ‘lost, thrown out, or in any way destroyed’.”

Trump first made the suggestion during his trip on Wednesday to Wilmington,

North Carolina.

“Let them send it in and let them go vote,” he said in an interview with WECTTV. “And if the system is as good as they say it is then obviously they won’t be able to vote” in person.

Voting more than once in an election is illegal and in some states, including North Carolina, it is a felony not only to vote more than once but also to induce another to do so. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

76 nations commit to global COVID-19 vaccine allocation plan

S

eventy-six wealthy nations are now committed to joining a global COVID-19 vaccine allocation plan co-led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that aims to help buy and fairly distribute the shots.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said on Thursday there was no political pressure on the US drugs regulator to quickly approve a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus disease, after drugmakers and the

Trump rows back on comments suggesting Americans vote twice

U

S President Donald Trump said on Thursday that people who vote early by mail should show up at polling places and vote again if their ballots have not been counted, a walk back from previous comments a day earlier when he suggested residents vote twice to test the mail-in system.

Trump has repeatedly asserted, without evidence, that mail-in voting – expanded by some states because of the coronavirus pandem-

Kremlin tells West not to rush to judge Indian Prime Minister Modi's it on Navalny as sanctions talk starts Twitter account hacked

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ussia said on Thursday the West should not rush to judge it over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and that there were no grounds to accuse it of the crime, as talk in the West of punishing Moscow intensified.

The Kremlin was speaking a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Navalny had been poi-

soned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him and that she would consult NATO allies about how to respond.

Navalny, 44, is an outspoken opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has specialised in high-impact investigations into official corruption. He was airlifted to Germany last month after collapsing

on a domestic Russian flight after drinking a cup of tea that his allies said was poisoned.

Berlin’s Charite hospital, which is treating Navalny, has said he remains in serious condition in an intensive care unit connected to an artificial lung ventilator even though some of his symptoms are receding. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

witter has said that an account for the personal website of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been hacked.

A series of tweets were sent from the account asking followers to donate cryptocurrency to a relief fund.

Twitter said it was aware of the activity and had taken steps to secure the compromised account.

This is the latest high-pro-

file Twitter security breach after similar attacks in July on US presidential hopeful Joe Biden and Tesla founder Elon Musk.

The account, with more than 2.5 million followers, is the official Twitter handle for Modi’s personal website.

His personal Twitter account, which was unaffected by this incident, has more than 61 million followers.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Being argumentative or pushy won’t help you get your way. Be helpful, understanding and willing to work with others. Take care of your health and physical well-being. Avoid risk.

Plan carefully. Adhere to TAURUS a budget, and don’t promise (April 20more than you can deliver.

May 20) Don’t let yourself get caught in something that may be harmful to you emotionally or physically. Avoid arguments.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Strive to get things done on time. Consider what you want and how to go about getting it without taking a risk. Patience and truth will be required if you want to avoid uncertainty.

Keep your emotions in check. If you overreact or take on too much, you’ll regret it. Making home improvements and dealing with contracts and personal finances will improve your life.

Keep an open mind and learn from experience. Be willing to do the work yourself to achieve your objective. If you rely on someone or you follow instead of lead, you will have to backtrack.

Don’t make promises you cannot keep. Concentrate on making changes that will bring you peace of mind and improve your life. Strive to keep the peace without sacrificing your own goals.

Look over personal papers, and update anything in need of it. A change that will lower your expenses will put your mind at ease. Take better care of your health and physical well-being.

A change will be good for your morale. Think about who you like to spend time with and the activities that bring you the most joy. Be honest with yourself as well as others regarding your needs.

Take on projects that will help cut your overhead or improve your home.

Refuse to get caught in someone else’s plans instead of focusing on what you want to happen.

Think twice before you engage in an emotional battle with a loved one. Listen, be patient and try to find a workable solution. Getting along will be far less stressful in the end.

Put your heart into whatever you do. Focus on making money and handling your finances properly. Don’t give in to temptation or someone playing games with you. Take extra precautions when in public.

Be careful what you agree to when asked for help. Make suggestions rather than donating your time or cash. Spend more time with a loved one who brings out the best in you.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

21

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia wants strict control of IPL bio-bubble K

ings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Thursday said the COVID-19 positive cases in the Chennai Super Kings’ contingent could have hit any of the eight franchises, and he wants only those people in the IPL bio-bubble who are "really required" to be with the players.

Thirteen members of the CSK contingent, including two players, tested positive for the virus last week, raising safety concerns for the tournament, taking place in the UAE amid the pandemic.

"The CSK incident has taught us that it can happen to anyone, even when the best of precautions are taken; and therefore, we must be more compliant and rigid on the bio-bubble protocols. We need to ensure only those who are really required to be with the players are part of the bubble," Wadia told PTI. The franchises' non-player and non-coaching staff include team operations manager and social media specialists. The cricketers are also required to spend time with the marketing staff during photo shoots, which will be held closer to the IPL’s September 19 beginning. The CEOs and owners, most of whom are yet to reach the UAE, are also allowed in the bio-bubble, but any violation of the BCCI's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) will send them into a seven-day quarantine.

"The number of staff outside of the teams and their support staff and the match officials should be limited to the absolute minimum," the BCCI SOPs say.

When asked if he would be travelling for the tournament, Wadia said: "I have not finalised my plans, but I normally don't interact a lot with the players. I have spoken to Anil Kumble (head coach) twice so far, just to check what is going on. I am very comfortable interacting on Zoom and other (online communication platforms)."

Wadia asserted that there is nothing to worry about in the wake of developments at Super Kings, as positive cases have also been found in major European football leagues on resumption. Even NBA players have tested positive.

"The BCCI has put internationally established protocols in place," Wadia said.

"If you look at the football leagues, there were cases in the beginning and the highest of precautions were taken. There are so many variables (in the current situation that) I don't think people need to worry at all. Things will get better and smoother as we go forward."

The teams will have to cope with a financial hit, as their share from the BCCI central revenue pool stands reduced after new title sponsor Dream11 paid nearly half (INR 222 crore) of what Vivo was paying.

Ness Wadia believes IPL 2020 is not under threat despite the COVID-19 cases in the CSK camp (Getty Images)

The teams will also lose out on the gate money, with the tournament held overseas and in front of empty stadiums.

Delhi Capitals Chairman Parth Jindal has predicted a 30% drop in teams' revenues in case the BCCI doesn't compensate them.

Wadia said his team also is seeking compensation from the board, but he also chose to look at the brighter side.

"Every problem is an opportunity for someone else. So now everyone (potential sponsors) is trying to take advantage of the situation," Wadia said. "We do hope that BCCI compensates in some form or manner, be it this year or next year, for the hit we are taking. But I would rather look at a glass half full than half empty. At the least, the IPL is happening after all that we have gone through this year." (ESPNcricinfo)

DO MORE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Chelsea’s Werner scores, but Spain UEFA Nations League 2020/2021…

— Sebastian Vettel challenges Formula 1

F

errari's Sebastian Vettel says Formula 1 faces "big challenges" to secure its future in the context of the world's environmental problems.

"Being critical, you could ask where F1 is and what place it fills; you need to be serious about that," Vettel said. "There are some big questions to be answered to make sure this sport is still around in years to come."

Lewis Hamilton has said F1 would "have to continue moving in the direction of going electric at some stage".

F1 last year launched a plan to become carbon neutral by 2030, and among the sport's plans are a move towards synthetic fuels when the next engine formula is introduced later this decade.

These use carbon captured from the atmosphere in their manufacture.

The turbo-hybrid engines introduced into F1 in 2014 have led to a revolutionary step forward in efficiency. Normal roadcar engines are in the region of 30% thermal efficiency - the conversion of

fuel-energy to power - but F1 engines are above 50%.

Vettel, however, believes F1 should move further in this direction. "F1 is held around the globe every year and in many different countries, and as a global sport, we should act responsibly," the four-time champion said.

"F1 should be setting examples rather than reacting to pressure from the outside.

When it comes to the environment, we are burning fuel which is a very small amount of the total carbon footprint, but still we need to start acting more and more, setting the right example, not just on carbon footprint, but on other things; small things, but I do think every little bit makes a difference.

“The amount of plastic bottles we consume during the weekends, there are solutions to

that. How we power some panels in the paddock, there are solutions to that. F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport in terms of the development of the cars, and when you talk about the cars, there is more than can be done to have a greater relevance in the future."

Hamilton also backed Vettel's views on consumables, pointing out that before the coronavirus pandemic stopped anyone but essential personnel from attending races, there was "a huge amount of waste that comes away from the weekend in terms of food, for hospitality services, plastic bottles. I can't imagine how many thousands of plastic bottles come from each weekend.

"F1 should definitely be working with organisers - and I am sure there are - to make sure they operate as cleanly a s possible, a n d minimise waste," he added. (BBC Sport)

denies Germany with equaliser

N

ew Chelsea signing Timo Werner scored for Germany, before Spain rescued a point with a 95th-minute equaliser in the Nations League in Stuttgart.

Werner showed why the Blues have paid £54m for him when he drilled past David de Gea inside the penalty area.

Leeds United's club record £26m signing Rodrigo missed two fine chances for Spain, before heading into the path of Jose Gaya, who made it 1-1. The Valencia defender scored with almost the last kick of the game. It was a dramatic end to an eventful match.

Both teams were returning to international action for the first time in almost 10 months.

It was the first game of Luis Enrique's second spell in charge of Spain, and there were several positives for the former Barcelona boss, not least the performance of new Manchester City signing Ferran Torres.

City's £20.87m winger

Germany were playing for the first time since November 19, 2019

produced a confident display on the right, before switching wings after 17-year-old Barcelona player Ansu Fati came on for his senior international debut at the start of the second half.

In contrast, forward Rodrigo wasted a glorious chance at 0-0 when he took too long to get his shot away in front of a gaping net, before having another chance blocked by keeper Kevin Trapp after getting behind Germany's defence.

Spain keeper De Gea produced several fine saves, in-

cluding a flying stop, to keep out Leroy Sane.

This was the first competitive meeting between the two European powerhouses since Spain overcame Germany in South Africa on their way to winning the 2010 World Cup. Germany's side was largely deprived of players from Bayern Munich following their Champions League triumph in Portugal last month.

Ukraine beat Switzerland 2-1 in the other game in Group A4. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

“It’s okay to accept failure, but it’s how you bounce back,” Dottin says on upcoming series

H

aving arrived in the UK a few days ago, the West Indies Women have begun training for their T20 Series against the English Women. Allrounder Deandra Dottin is in high spirits about the impending series, which will be played in Derby.

Following the announcement of the tour weeks ago, an 18-member squad of the West Indies Women arrived in England on Monday, August 31, for a five match Vitality T20I series.

The Windies Women are being housed in a bio secure facility at the Incora County Ground, Derby, where they will remain for the duration of their stay. The team has since been able to train and oil their gears ahead of the beginning of the tournament, on September 21.

During a virtual interview on Thursday, all-rounder Deandra Dottin underscored the importance of the tournament.

“I think it’s very important,” she said. “It’s very good to actually get in some crick-

et with what’s going on with COVID-19 and stuff. But I think it’s a chance for both teams. As you know, all games are being televised, and it’s worldwide stuff; it’s more exposure,” Dottin said.

The West Indies women’s fortunes during the T20 world Cup earlier this year were dismal, as the team was knocked out early. On this topic, Dottin noted that their performance at the World Cup is not reflective of the quality of the team.

“To me, the girls were pretty good, but I would say that that time wasn’t our time.

So, I just think that there’re areas that we need to work on, and it just so happened that the areas we need to click didn’t; so, we just needed to go back to the drawing board,” she answered.

She further commented, “It’s okay to accept failure, but it’s how you bounce back.”

Dottin, who sustained a shoulder injury and had undergone surgery and rehabilitation, returned to cricket in January of this year. And she quelled doubts about what

her contributions may entail by sharing that she is fit to bowl and bat.

“I’m feeling pretty good at this moment. You know, it’s been a long time that I haven’t been out here.

I’m working on specific stuff as in strengthening back my injury and getting back out there.

My form is there, but there’s still more areas that I can improve on. But all in all, I’m feeling pretty good, and I’m glad to be in England to play this series.” <<Assessing the opposition>> Dottin fully expects England to put up a

challenge, and she is confident that the West Indies women will be ready to take them on.

“I think our chances are very good. At the end of the day, we came here to play cricket. We’re not taking anybody for granted, or underestimating any of the girls on the England team.

We just came to play hard cricket, and that’s what we’re

actually going to play,” Dottin affirmed.

The Windies Women will play England on September, 21, 23, 26, 28 and 30 at the same venue.

Full Squad: Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Chedean Nation, Natasha McLean, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, LeeAnn Kirby, Sheneta Grimmond, Karishma Ramharack, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Kaysia Schultz

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MATCH SCHEDULE Vitality T20I Series Monday September 21: 1st Vitality IT20, England v West Indies

Wednesday September 23: 2nd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Saturday September 26: 3rd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Monday September 28: 4th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Wednesday September 30: 5th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies

Sorana Cirstea defeats ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS Johanna Konta in 2nd KNOCKED OUT OF CPL 2020 round of US Open 2020 — after washout in Tarouba

S

orana Cirstea knocked out Britain's Johanna Konta in three sets at the US Open 2020.

Ninth seed Konta led by a set and a break, but the Romanian world number 77 fought back to win 2-6, 7-6, (75) 6-4 at Flushing Meadows.

It is a second early exit in a Grand Slam in 2020 for 29-year-old Konta, who lost in the first round of the Australian Open in January.

"My opponent played better than me, that's really about it," said Konta. "She obviously raised her level, and then we were battling toe-to-toe. She was better in the end.I did the best that I could. I really fought hard."

Cirstea, 30, will next play Czech 20th seed Karolina Muchova.

Konta, a quarter-finalist in 2019 at Flushing Meadows, had won their two previous meetings, including a controversial Fed Cup rubber in 2017, when Romania captain Ilie Nastase was sent off after swearing at the umpire and abusing Konta and Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong.

Konta was visibly upset, and the umpire halted the match for 25 minutes, with Cirstea later claiming the Briton had "overreacted".

There was no hint of controversy about their meeting in New York, with Konta seemingly set for a routine win as she broke Cirstea's serve three times in the first set, and then again, to lead 2-1 in the second set. However, Cirstea broke back immediately, and upped her level to turn the match around.

Konta had break points at 4-4 and 5-5 in the second set, but could not convert, and was taken to a tie-break.

Cirstea dominated it, and although Konta saved three set points, Cirstea levelled the match with an ace on her fourth opportunity.

Poorly executed drop shots were an issue for Konta in the final set, and one particularly feeble effort helped Cirstea get the first break for 2-1.

Konta levelled immediately, but was now routinely having to fight to hold her own service games, winning only 34% of points on her second serve during the match.

She fought back from 0-30 down to go 3-2 up, but a gripping seventh game - which lasted more than 10 minutes proved pivotal, Cirstea converting her sixth break point by superbly picking up a volley.

Konta had three break-back points in the next game, but they were quickly snuffed out as Cirstea held for 5-3.

Excellent serving allowed the Briton to stave off two match points in her next service game, but Cirstea was not fazed, as she coolly sealed victory with an ace in two hours and 49 minutes. (BBC Sport)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

T

Chris Lynn

he St Kitts and Nevis Patriots made a healthy start, but after 5.4 overs, the rain came down over Tarouba to stop their innings, and their CPL campaign in its tracks.

With only three points - including one from the washed-out game today - from nine matches, the Patriots have no hope of making the semi-finals. The Jamaica Tallawahs, meanwhile, remain in the fourth

Evin Lewis

place on the table, with seven points from their eight matches.

Before the rain, Evin Lewis had struck two boundaries in the first over - bowled by Fidel Edwards to get the Patriots on their way. It was opening partner Chris Lynn, however, who had the bigger impact on the powerplay. He pulled Mujeeb Ur Rehman for four, then launched him for two successive leg-

side sixes to finish the fifth over, before Lewis blasted Veerasammy Permaul down the ground for six in the following over.

Just as it had begun raining boundaries, however, the clouds unleashed, and no further play was possible. The rain was so steady that the groundstaff were unable to remove the covers at any stage to attempt a resumption.

(ESPNcricinfo)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Lights out for Tridents as Warriors cruise to victory

Romario Shepherd bowled with steam to pick up three wickets

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors ended the campaign of CPL 2019 defending champions Barbados Tridents with a six-wicket win in Match 26 of the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League, played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

semis on Tuesday September 8, Hetmyer showed his ability to play more cautious cricket, and was supported

by Ross Taylor as Warriors ended victorious on 90-4 in 14.2 overs.

Carbon copy batting

After hours of rain, mitigated by some good drainage and efficient work by the groundsmen, the Warriors opted to field first when play

packing for a golden duck. Tridents began to play a carbon copy innings with the bat, and were quickly reduced to 28-3 when Test batsman Shamarh Brooks played a soft stroke off Green and found a jumping Ross Taylor.

Justin Greaves looked clueless against the magician Imran Tahir, and was undone by a googly that bowled him all ends up for 10.

At 28-4 after 6.1 overs, the Tridents leading batsman this season, Kyle Mayers, came to the crease but went quickly, as he struck Sinclair for a six down the ground but he failed to read Tahir. When the left-handed Mayers departed for seven, the score was 37-5 in the ninth over.

After the drinks break, the jaded Jason Holder gifted his wicket to the impressive Shepherd. Mitchell Santner and Nyeem Young added 30 runs together, but the Warriors kept the floodgates open and the wickets kept coming.

Sinclair celebrated with a double somersault when he removed Santner in his final over by destroying his stumps. At 69-7, Young played the shot of the Tridents’ innings when he struck Green inside out for a maximum over cover, which was only the second six of the Tridents’ innings.

A West Indies U-19 player, Young showed confidence but lacked experience. He was cleaned up by star leggie Tahir at 78-8 in 17.4 overs.

The Tridents’ lower-order batsmen struggled to get the ball away, and eventually the 20 overs expired with the Tridents on 89-9.

Cleaned up! Pooran celebrates a Tridents wicket

four overs, including one maiden. The Tridents’ performance was their third sub-100 score this season.

Hemraj in promising start, Hetmyer in takeover

Pursuing this small score of 90, Warriors lost Brandon King for a duck when he was bowled all ends up by a Santner arm-ball. Birthday boy Hemraj, however, took number one T20 bowler Rashid Khan to the cleaners, slamming him for 15 runs in the fourth over.

At commencement of his innings, Hetmyer dealt with the short ball defensively.

Hemraj, on the other hand, continued to ride his

included two sixes and three fours. Sherfane Rutherford, returning to the starting XI, was promoted to number four, but that experiment failed and his poor tournament continued. Rutherford lacked the back-and-across movement, and was taken at slip off a full Holder delivery.

At 40-3, Nicholas Pooran partnered Hetmyer, but the lone centurion this season skied one and departed for a

SCOREBOARD TRIDENTS INNINGS J Charles † c Taylor b Shepherd JP Greaves b Imran Tahir Rashid Khan c King b Shepherd SSJ Brooks c Taylor b Green KR Mayers c Hemraj b Imran Tahir JO Holder (c )c Green b Shepherd MJ Santner b Sinclair NRJ Young b Imran Tahir AR Nurse not out RA Reifer run out (Rutherford/†Pooran) Extras (w 1) TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 4.45) Did not bat: HR Walsh

Led by Imran Tahir and Romario Shepherd, who shared six wickets, the Warriors bowlers restricted the Tridents to 89-9 in 20 overs; while a level-headed Shimron Hetmyer scored an unbeaten 32 to lead the Warriors to their fourth win in a row.

As Warriors hit the refresh button to prepare for the

began. Familiar new-ball bowlers Kevin Sinclair and Chris Green began proceedings for the Warriors, but it was Romario Shepherd who struck twice in consecutive balls.

Shepherd sent back one of the Tridents’ most dangerous batsmen, Johnson Charles, for 10, and the promoted Rashid Khan was sent

10 10 0 8 7

Imran Tahir was superb with 3-12

The Warriors bowlers looked a formidable unit, with Tahir leading the way with 3-12 in four overs, and Shepherd claiming 3-22 in

luck after he was dropped, and played an attacking innings. He was, however, removed with a Holder shortball for a 22-ball 29 which

BOWLING CJ Green K Sinclair R Shepherd Imran Tahir Naveen-ul-Haq

WARRIORS INNINGS BA King b Santner C Hemraj c Young b Holder SO Hetmyer not out SE Rutherford c Nurse b Holder N Pooran † c Brooks b Reifer LRPL Taylor not out Extras (b 1, lb 5, nb 1, w 5)

0 29 32 1 0 16 12

3 18 18 7

TOTAL (14.2 Ov, RR: 6.27) 90/4 Did not bat: K Sinclair, CJ Green (c), R Shepherd, Naveen-ul-Haq, Imran Tahir

7 1

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Brandon King, 0.1 ov), 2-35 (Chandrapaul Hemraj, 4.3 ov), 3-40 (Sherfane Rutherford, 6.1 ov), 4-49 (Nicholas Pooran, 7.4 ov)

89/9

Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Johnson Charles, 2.2 ov), 2-14 (Rashid Khan, 2.3 ov), 3-28 (Shamarh Brooks, 5.2 ov), 4-28 (Justin Greaves, 6.1 ov), 5-37 (Kyle Mayers, 8.5 ov), 6-39 (Jason Holder, 10.2 ov), 7-69 (Mitchell Santner, 15.5 ov), 8-78 (Nyeem Young, 17.4 ov), 9-89 (Raymon Reifer, 19.6 ov)

Lights out for Reifer, who was run out

duck at 49-4 in 7.4 overs.

Hetmyer and Taylor continued to keep the score ticking and capitalising on the wet conditions. The duo played risk-free cricket, and ensured the Warriors faced no further hiccups; thus the Warriors stormed to another win, and head to the semis with great confidence. They ended their league stage with six wins and four defeats.

4-0-17-1 4-0-23-1 4-1-22-3 4-0-12-3 4-0-15-0

BOWLING MJ Santner JO Holder Rashid Khan RA Reifer NRJ Young

3-0-25-1 4-1-10-2 3.2-0-23-0 3-0-16-1 1-0-10-0

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

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Lights out for Tridents as Warriors cruise to victory

ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS KNOCKED OUT OF CPL 2020 — after washout in Tarouba

Pg 22

Pg 22

“It’s okay to accept failure, but it’s how you bounce back,” Dottin says on upcoming series

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