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PRESIDENT ATTENDS FUNERAL OF HARESH SINGH Pg2

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Guyana gets new Director of Sport

POLICE HUNT LUSIGNAN PRISON ESCAPEE Pg4

35 new cases of COVID-19

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PRESIDENT ATTENDS FUNERAL OF HARESH SINGH

President Irfaan Ali

resident Irfaan Ali attended the funeral service of Haresh Singh, which was held today, September 23 at Persaud’s Funeral Home, New Amsterdam. The President expressed his condolences to the relatives gathered to say their final goodbyes and called

on all Guyanese to place their focus on healing and unifying the country. The President assured that the Government would remain committed to fostering national unity “through policies and programmes, through social efforts and the merging of cultures” and the creation of a single Guyanese identity. “In memory of these young men, our focus has to be on healing, on bringing our country together, and on unifying our efforts to ensure we do not have a repeat of these incidents… we have to do these

things, in addition to ensuring justice is served for these young men.” Haresh Singh, 17, was killed at Number 3 Village, West Coast Berbice during protests that were started in response to the murders of Joel and Isaiah Henry just days before. President Ali also joined the families of the Henry boys to pay his respects at Sandy’s Funeral Home on September 13. President Ali also said he would ensure that those affected and injured during the unrest would receive the necessary assistance from the

government. “In addition to visiting the families and attending the funerals of Isaiah, Joel and now Haresh, I have had the chance to talk with many of the persons who were injured and cannot fend for themselves because of those injuries. At some point also, we have to have the healing process there. I want all of these persons who were affected to know that we are going to connect with them, to find ways we can help as a Government.” The government has requested assistance in the investigations of these murders from the British

President Irfaan Ali with family members

Government and the Regional Security Service (RSS). In an interview with the Caribbean Times News, yesterday, President Ali assured that justice for the murdered teens will be served. The President gave an update on the process of acquiring aid from the British government and

RSS saying, “I am happy to report to you that we are making great progress. From CARICOM itself, we are hoping that we can have a team very shortly; we are finalising the Terms of Reference, and we signed an MOU. On the British side, we have received a very positive response.”

Guyana gets new Director of Sport

Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., has revealed that an individual has been identified to fill the position of Director of Sport. The position has

been vacant since the former Director of Sport, Chris Jones, was removed in August. The appointment of the new Director is still awaiting approval from Cabinet.

Ramson Jr. also stated that he would like the appointment of the Director to follow the appointment of the Board of the National Sports

Commission(NSC). A list of potential Board members has been prepared for consideration by the Cabinet but there have been criticisms by

several members on the listed individuals and the direction the NSC should take. Speaking about the delay in the appointment process, Minister Ramson said

that the Ministry has done a lot of things in the time since the swearing-in last August and had been taking care of other pressing matters.

Guyana’s COVID cases are on par with global trends—Health Minister

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony has said that while the number of cases is going up people should recognize that a number of cases listed have actually recovered. “Our recovery rate is close to 80 per cent and that is in keeping with international norms. We also have a number of active cases. Currently we have 500+ active cases. This accounts for just under 20 per

cent of the cases that we currently have. “And the mortality rate is (just over two percent). When we look at what has happened with the pandemic. Globally, the number we have is approximately the same with the global trends.” But Guyana’s figures are high when compared with some countries with larger populations. Dr Anthony insists that the recovery rate is

remarkable. He said that his government has set up a team that meets every week to undertake an epidemiological assessment of the pandemic. He said that the ensuing analysis would determine the direction in which the government should go. “Many of the orders that we have issues are based on the guidance from the technical team of epidemiologists that we have been working with. “We will continue to be guided by their recommendations and once those recommendations come to me I would then forward them to, or discuss them with the government.”

At issue is whether there should be a total lockdown in the face of the spiraling cases. There is the accusation that the government is sacrificing protection against COVID for the economy. “We have to find a balance between lives and livelihood. Lives mean that we must protect the Guyanese because we don’t want anybody to get infected, hospitalised or in an ICU. “We have to work on continuing to protect the lives of people. We can do so with the preventative measures that we have been talking about,” Dr Anthony said. He said that the focus should be on personal safety. People must work and they have to do so in a

safe environment. “It’s not enough for Government alone to be involved. We have to embrace a whole society approach where every single person in our society must take on this responsibility to fight against the transmission of COVID-19 in Guyana.” And while there is talk about prevention the situation at the Lusignan Prisons is frightening. As of yesterday, 140 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19. This started from an initial two. “Some of those persons have been isolated at Lusignan itself because we have set up some isolation facilities there. Others

have been taken off the Lusignan Prison and are in a secure location where they are receiving medical assistance. “We have doctors who are working 24 hours at that facility along with other medical personnel.” Dr Anthony said that his Ministry has been working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to institute measures at the other prisons. He said that the conditions at the other prisons are known. They are overcrowded so any infected going there could cause a spread. The plan is to have sanitation stations at these institutions and to have the prisoners wear masks.

GTT restores landline services to customers in Region Three ahead of schedule Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) restored landline services to customers in Region Three on Sunday, completing underwater repairs ahead of schedule. For some time now the telephone company has been like he dog chasing its tail. It has been forced to constantly replace vandalized cable. On Sunday evening, the company announced the full restoration of telecommunication

services to the area, days earlier than anticipated. On September 8, 2020 suspected sabotage to a fiber-optic cable belonging to GTT impacted over 25,000 customers in West Demerara. Within 24 hours, mobile and internet services were restored but landline service remained impacted. “We have since been able to restore landline services to all communities and are thankful to

GTT Technician

our technicians for ensuring that this restoration was done ahead of schedule,” said PR Manager at GTT, Jasmin Harris. Harris explained that to fully restore service to Region

Three, approvals from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was necessary. Divers had to map the points of the damage to begin splicing and repairs.

“GTT apologizes to its customers for the major service disruption and calls on communities across Guyana to work together to prevent future acts of sabotage,” Harris

stated. “We all have a responsibility to be vigilant, to prevent service disruptions that negatively impact a range of customers – including children reliant on telecommunications for their learning,” Harris stressed. “It’s unfortunate the state in which we retrieved our cable – let’s avoid these unnecessary disruptions and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she added.

POLICE HUNT LUSIGNAN PRISON ESCAPEE A manhunt has been launched for Lusignan Prison escapee, Leroy Graham, 23, who fled the East Coast

Demerara facility early this morning. Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels said Graham was

remanded on an armed robbery charge on August 20, 2020. Graham’s last known address is

Middle Walk, Buxton. Anyone with information that could lead to Graham’s recapture is urged to

contact the Lusignan Prison Operations Room on 220 4173 or the nearest police station.

FORMER EDUCATION MINISTER WORRIED ABOUT GUYANA LOSING THE GAINS OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS

Dr. Nicolette Henry

Former Education Minister, Dr. Nicolette Henry, is supportive of the pupils who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment Examinations. “They would have written this examination during the worst pandemic

of our time, a major public health crisis. It would be more than appropriate to say congratulations to also the parents, the administrators in the education sector, and all of the stakeholders who may have been responsible for the results.

“I would have recognized from taking a look at what is there so far, that we are really making progress in terms of reducing the inequities and disparities primarily from two perspectives. “I have seen that the public schools are holding their own again, given the fact that over a decade or so ago we saw that.” Ms Henry said that during the past decade the private schools were the top performers. This was changed over the past two years and continues this year. “It is indicative of

the fact that if we are to commit ourselves to have the right policies I place then our pupils who are disadvantaged, who are marginalized, who attend public schools can have that full and equal opportunity as their counterparts that are in the private school system.” She said that good performances were not only recorded in Georgetown. This has been a drive-by the Coalition to narrow the divide between hinterland schools and those along with coastal Guyana. “It is my hope that moving forward that

the gains we have made in education will continue, and that we will see our students given the kind of support and tools so that they can continue in that trajectory Ms. Henry was involved in the debate on Budget 2020. She said that an examination of what is being presented has raised questions about the seriousness in relation to the pursuit of education. “The more I look at what the education sector is offering to the of this country in 2020 I cannot help but ask ourselves if we are going to make

PPP must respect constitution —says Roysdale Forde SC

The APNU+AFC Coalition calls on the PPP to respect the Constitution of Guyana. We demand that the PPP does not trifle with the Constitution and fulfil their obligation under the law. Article 219 (3) of the Constitution provides that where at any time Parliament has been dissolved before any provision or any

sufficient provision for the carrying on of the Government of Guyana, the Minister responsible for Finance may authorize the withdrawal of such sums from the Consolidated Fund which may be necessary for the purpose of meeting expenditure on the public services until the expiry of a period of three months

commencing with the date on which the National Assembly first meets after that dissolution. However, a statement of the expenditure so authorized SHALL, as soon as practicable, be laid before the National Assembly by the Minister responsible for Finance or any other Minister designated by the President and, when the statement

has been approved by the Assembly, that expenditure SHALL be included, under the appropriate heads in the next Appropriation Bill. To date, no minister has laid before the National Assembly any statement in accordance with and as is REQUIRED by Article 219 (3) of the Constitution. The National

retrograde steps in education. “Obviously the policies and programmes have not been properly thought out. There is an absence of critical programmes so those gaps are going to result in further inequities and of course, given the whole COVID-19 epidemic, there are so many things that are happening.” Many of the pupils and students have not been accounted for in the new school year, largely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the pupils are not in school.

Roysdale Forde SC

Assembly cannot therefore be expected lawfully to approve any such expenditure. To proceed otherwise would be a breach of the Constitution.

We call on the Government to lay before the National Assembly a statement as required by Article 219 (3) of the Constitution.

50 LLB graduates signal intention to become prosecutors Nandlall, has said that 50 law graduates from the University of Guyana (UG) have indicated their interest in being trained to serve as prosecutors. Attorney General, Anil Nandlall Nandlall Attorney General made this and Minister of Legal disclosure during his Affairs, Mohabir Anil address at the Budget

2020 debates on Friday. The graduates, all holders of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees, will have to undertake a one-year accredited prosecutorial training programme at UG. This will soon be implemented through Support from the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme

This programme is funded by the Inter-American Bank (IDB), aimed at strengthening G u y a n a ’ s prosecutorial services. Graduates who are selected will be hired as prosecutors in the Magistrates’ courts in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Police Force.

The AG said one of the goals of the initiative is to address the overcrowding of local prisons. Guyana’s prison population significantly surpasses the world’s average with a rate of 264 per 100,000 and an occupancy level of 137.5 per cent. Nandlall attributed this to an over reliance

on custodial sentences and the overuse of pretrial detention in the criminal justice system. The AG first spoke of the initiative at the commissioning of the Court Superintendent Office at the Brickdam Police Station earlier this month.

and $100,000 for his wrongful arrest on August 21, 2020. Jones claims that on August 20, 2020 at or about 18:30hrs during a power outage, the police who were armed, cordoned off his premises and demanded entry. They failed to provide a search warrant which led him to deny them access. He made an application to the High

Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature and was granted an interim conservatory order to prevent the defendants from entering his premises. The police trespassed on his premises by jumping the fence and wrongfully seized his property. The police also wrongfully restrained, arrested and detained him. Jones is also seeking to be awarded for exemplary damages since ‘the execution of the search, entry and arrest were violent, aggressive, arbitrary, unconstitutional and devised to invoke, and did invoke fear into him and his family.’ Additionally, Jones has asked for interest on all damages awarded, costs and any other orders the court sees fit.

Police were sent to Jones’ home after an audit document was released by Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy. The document stated that “a physical inspection of the assets purchased revealed that items valuing $4.084M were still not put into use, since these items were stored in a room at the residence of the beneficiary Mr. Christopher Jones.” Jones said that the correct procedures were followed to obtain the items and there was nothing irregular about the transaction. The items were procured under the Ministry of Social Protection’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme.

Chris Jones files lawsuit against seizure of items, arrest

Christopher Jones

Opposition Parliamentarian Christopher Jones has filed a lawsuit against the State for unlawfully searching his home and seizing barbershop equipment which was being kept there. He claims the actions of the Police were a violation of his constitutional rights and is asking the High Court to grant an order for items to be

returned. The lawsuit was filed on August 31, 2020 on behalf of Jones by his attorneys, Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels and Kezia Williams against the Acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Inspector Rodwell Sarrabo, Assistant Superintendent of Police Chibanauth

Singh; Corporal Singh and the Attorney General Anil Nandlall. Jones is seeking payment of damages in excess of $100,000 for the seizure of 16 barber chairs and two air conditioning units valued at $4.8 million; damages in excess of $100,000 for trespass to his home at 609 Conciliation Drive, Tucville, Georgetown

Letters

Nailing the lies being peddled By Sir Ronald Sanders

Dear Editor, Governmental infrastructure “decayed” over the past five years due to incompetence, nepotism – Nandlall Headlines like these are upsetting! How can one be so barefaced to make these wild and baseless utterances? From the time this illegal and dead regime came to office every day is something negative about the coalition government. They have not outlined a plan to the citizens how they intend or will be rolling out the promises. Days into office Guyanese were inundated with “treasury empty”, but yet the following were done: $600M given to GuySuCo to pay employment costs and other administrative costs. In excess of $20b was approved for constitutional agencies at the first sitting of the 12th Parliament. Therefore, the big question to ask is, if the treasury is empty, where the above sums came from? At least not from the PPP.

Commenting on the above statement by Mr. Nandlall. Everyone who has eyes to see is aware of what the Coalition did over the last five years. One should not fall prey to this. When we took office in 2015, the Moruca main bridge was made from lumber and was in a bad state. The people are now enjoying a solid concrete bridge made possible by the coalition. Residents in East Berbice, Region Six suffered for years under the PPP when they pleaded by way of protestations and other actions to have their roads done. They failed those people. It was the coalition that spent in excess of $1b to construct the road, install lights, and construct bridges and culverts. Region Four, Sophia area. Residents protested and requested for their roads to be done. They too were denied. The then Minister of MoPWs, Mr. Robeson Benn insulted residents and with an outburst to them, “Let PNC fix it”. Well, indeed the roads were fixed

with the inclusion of culverts, bridges, and installation of lights by the Coalition. Mocha, EBD was given a solid structural concrete bridge. Lights were installed for the very first time on the main access road. Lights installed for the first time on the #19 Road, Region Six. I don’t know whether the illegal regime visited Region 10, Kwakwani and Ituni, and Region Nine lately. Well my reminder to them is that they failed to maintain those corridors. It was the Coalition that invested heavily with the use of local funds to ensure reasonable mobility to those areas. Rather than taking 15hrs to Region Nine, you can now do so in 12hrs. Traveling to Kwakwani is now less than two hours from Linden and I can say the same for Ituni. Prior to the coalition coming to office, Guyanese were experiencing major electrical woes. Much was spent to maintain the gen-sets at GPL. Region Two

got a new power plant in Anna Regina. A sum of $800M was spent to ensure the supply of reliable and efficient electricity to residents of Anna Regina to Charity. Another major sum was spent to construct a new power plant in Bartica, Region Seven. Let’s asked the big Attorney General, prior to August 2, 2020, were Guyanese in these areas or regions complaining? My simple answer to this is No! Because the Coalition fixed it! Stellings were constructed. When last did this illegal regime visit Bartica? The coalition inherited a delapidated structure from the PPPC post in May 2015. Today, the Management of TnHD along with residents of Bartica are happy for what the Coalition did

and the change of the aesthetics. The other started by the coalition is the Leguan Stelling currently being reconstructed. The waterfront development at Supenaam. Has the illegal regime visited that area? There are comforts the traveling public can now enjoy. The installation of solar grids on public buildings, schools and health centers just to name a few. I like many Guyanese could attest to the many achievements under the Coalition government over the last five years. When you see such headlines like the one above by Anil, one must ask questions, whether, or if these people are for real and on which planet are they surviving? They have no issues or complaints to make since they inherited a roadmap from the Coalition. Rather than building on

what they found, it’s all about seeking to destroy, undo and spread propaganda, which they are noted for. I can only identify and attribute these irresponsible utterances by Anil to the PPPC, since what I have outlined above are just a few of the achievements by the Coalition. I wish to remind and also to encourage Mr. Nandlall and colleagues to take time to do a proper assessment of their ministries before opening their mouths. My advice to them is to stop peddling misinformation to our people. Guyanese are smart and with the improvement of technology, they cannot and should not be made fools. It is time we call them out! They are the ones who are incompetent and confused. Annette Ferguson, MP

Govt to spend $95M on vehicles

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has put aside $95 million in the 2020 budget to buy new vehicles for the President, Prime Minister, Vice President and other top officials of the government. Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, said that the vehicles returned to the government were in poor condition. “When former Ministers submitted their vehicles we found cracked windshields, the seats were damaged and stained and ripped up – we don’t know who did that – and when some of the Ministers got into the vehicle

and drove down the road they discovered different size tires on the vehicle and radios damaged… so this money is to do some repairs and purchase new vehicles.” Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, asked Teixeira to provide more details related to the spending of these

funds to purchase the vehicles. Teixeira said the vehicles would be used to serve top government officials including the President, but could not give more details about their procurement. “I’m not aware of the type or the cost. Because of the urgency to get the

budget and get the money we had to rush and put in allocation because there was a problem and we had to attend to the safety and security of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister so this allocation is here for that purpose because we had five weeks to bring the budget.” The allocated

funds are supposed to be spent between October and December 2020. The three-month period for procurement and purchase of vehicles was also o concern to Patterson. Patterson also pointed out that the details of the vehicle purchase should be made available in order to go out to

public tender. Teixeira said that in 2021 the government will make all details related to the purchase available. She assured that a procurement process would occur before the allocation was put to a vote and passed with a majority from the government side.

Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to published them adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com 7

35 new cases of COVID-19

The Ministry of Heath recorded 35 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday September 22. Five of the cases were from Region Three, 26 were from Region Four,

one from Region Five, one from Region Six and two from Region Ten. The total number of recorded cases in the country is now at 2,437. A COVID-19

surveillance officer attached to the Ministry of Health also tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. The officer informed the Ministry that she

was in contact with a family member who was tested positive. All staff within the department were tested and sent on home quarantine pending results. The death toll has

risen to 69 with the deaths of a 74-yearold woman from Region One and a 25-year-old man from Region Four. There have been 30 deaths recorded so far in the month of

September. As of September 22 12,454 persons have been tested for the coronavirus. 1,361 persons have recovered which leaves 1,007 active cases in the country.

HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today is the Fall Equinox, which means the Sun is opposite your sign. For the next four weeks, your focus will be on partnerships and close friendships. This is your best chance of the year to learn more about yourself through your intimate oneto-one encounters with others.

The Sun is in your sign for the next four weeks giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. It will attract important people and favourable circumstances to you. It will also encourage you to express yourself and tell it like it is! Enjoy!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

For the next four weeks, you will want to manage your life efficiently. You will work hard for yourself and others. You will strive to make every action count because you want to get the most bang for your buck. (Why not improve your health as well?)

Your birthday is approaching, which means your personal year is coming to an end. Use the next four weeks to think about what you want for your new year ahead. Define some goals because they help to clarify future decision-making. They give you a sense of purpose and help to keep you on track.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

The next four weeks are fabulous for you because the Sun is in your fellow Air Sign! Plus, it will travel through the most fun part of your chart! Accept invitations to party. Enjoy sports, social time and fun activities with kids. Yippee!

Your popularity is strong in the next four weeks. Everyone wants you on their team Enjoy schmoozing with others because if you socialize extensively, it will benefit you. (Also examine your friends because they are a reflection of who you are.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your attention now shifts to home, family and your private life in the next four weeks. Many of you will be involved with a parent more than usual. Grab every opportunity to relax and cocoon at home among familiar surroundings. “Alone, at last.”

For the next four weeks, the Sun is at the top of your chart, which is the only time all year this happens. When this occurs, it (symbolically) shines a spotlight on you that is flattering! Bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs are impressed! Expect to be asked to take on increased responsibilities.

The next four weeks are fast-paced and busy! Short trips, errands, appointments, plus increased reading, writing and studying will accelerate the tempo of your days. This is a good time to express your opinions and enlighten others about what matters to you. “Now hear this…”

You want to do something different in the next four weeks. You want to get outta Dodge for a change of scenery! You want stimulation and adventure! At the very least, learn something new. Sign up for a course. Talk to someone who knows big words.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You will be more passionate and intense in the next four weeks in part because you will deal with financial issues and something to do with shared property. You might also deal with shared responsibilities. Meanwhile, your sex drive is hot!

Finances and money issues are your focus for the next four weeks. Think about our earnings and assets, and also your possessions. For example, do you own your stuff or does it own you? Obviously, what you own should make your life easier. Does it?

Fry Bread

Amerindian Recipe

INGREDIENTS • vegetable oil (for frying) • 2 1⁄2 cups flour • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon oil • 1 cup warm milk DIRECTIONS • Heat oil in skillet until hot, but not smoking, over med-high heat. • In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients to make dough. • Shape into round disks. • Fry shaped dough in hot oil until brown and crispy. • Serve hot. Traditionally you would eat this with stew.

SPOT The difference They are 5 differences