Guyana Post Newspapers

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Keeping you updated on current events...

Monday January 25, 2021

ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER

ICJ postpones Monday’s case management hearing to Feb 26 Pg2

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PPPC hauls another former Minister before the courts

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Pg2 Singh – Dr. Ashni

MURDERED HENRY COUSINS KILLERS ARE NOT THE RIGHT PERSONS—SAYS RELATIVES Pg3

Legal framework for Financial Services Sector

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FRANCE INTERESTED IN BUILDING Pg4 BRIDGE BETWEEN GUYANA, SURINAME Pg3

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

ICJ postpones Monday’s case management hearing to Feb 26

The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) continuation of its hearing into the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy, which was supposed to get underway today with a case management hearing, has been postponed to February 26, 2021.

This was confirmed

by Guyana’s Agent on

court may have.

Guyana approached the World Court in 2018 seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs

the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy – Carl Greenidge. The Agent, who is also the Government’s Advisor on Borders, noted they were informed by the ICJ of the postponement ahead of time.

The case management conference was initially scheduled for Monday, after being postponed from January 15 for undisclosed reasons. At the time, Greenidge had noted that at the upcoming case management conference, the Court will decide on the time to be allotted to each of the parties, they will find out whether Venezuela will participate and they will also give an opportunity to clear up any matters to deal with the procedures which the parties or the

to Guyana and not Venezuela.

However, earlier this month the Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela issued a decree claiming sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River – a move which President Dr. Irfaan Ali has staunchly rejected.

The Guyanese leader declared, on January 9, that Venezuela’s maritime border claim is a “legal nullity” that will not be recognized by Guyana or any other State in the world. He added that while this latest move by the Spanish-speaking nation is “deeply disturbing”, it will not deter Guyana’s resolve to seek a final and binding resolution at the

ICJ. However, in the past few days, there has been an escalation of tension, brought on by Venezuela’s detention of the 11-member crew of two Guyanese-registered fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – off the coast of Waini Point in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Meanwhile, the Ministerial Advisory Committee met last Friday to discuss the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, a statement from the Department of Public Information (DPI) revealed.

The committee is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Hugh Todd and cochaired by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance – Gail Teixeira.

During the meeting, the legal team updated the committee on the upcoming case management and other related matters. The case management hearing on the Guyana’s substantive case before the World Court now comes up on January 26.

It was initially scheduled for two weeks earlier, but was postponed after Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro renewed claims to Guyana’s maritime border west of the Essequibo Coast.

Guyana approached the World Court seeking

a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

Guyana’s March 2018 application to the ICJ was filed based on the recommendation of the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, following a failed good offices process between the neighbouring states. In a majority decision on December 18, 2020, the ICJ ruled that it has jurisdiction to adjudicate over the border controversy case.

This was after Venezuela, which has refused to participate in the legal proceedings, wrote the court to say that the UN SG 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.

The ICJ found that both Guyana and Venezuela consented to judicial settlement when they signed the Geneva Agreement since the judicial process via the ICJ is one of the means available to the Secretary General in determining the controversy. Hence, the Court’s decision is binding on both parties.

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PPPC hauls another former Minister before the courts

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, under the APNU-AFC along with former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams were both released on $200,000 bail each this morning after being charged for fraud.

Adams and Patterson were charged with conspiring with each other and persons unknown to defraud the DHBC of over $163 million about a feasibility study under the APNU-AFC Government for the Harbour Bridge.

The two appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after the Chief Magistrate recused herself. They were not required to plead as the charges were laid indictable According to the charge sheet, it was noted that two between November 18, 2016, and February 1, 2018, at Georgetown, conspired with each other and with other persons unknown to defraud the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation of $162,635,015.

After the charges were heard, the two were placed on $200,000 bail each and ordered to return to court

on February 15.

According to the reports, the charges stemmed from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation Asphalt Plant and represented a project about a feasibility study and design for a new bridge which was not a function of the said Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, one of which it contented could not have been done since Asphalt Plant could not be used since it was not functional and the monies could have not being used.

The People’s Progressive Party which was in opposition at the time had raised some concerns about the contract and those concerns triggered an investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit.

Back them, Legal Advisor to the police, Justice Claudette Singh advised that no charges should be laid since, the awarding of the contract was done in a legal manner to a company that conducted the study.

However, with the PPP/C now in Government the matter regained interest, as the two were today both charged.

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana calls for immediate release of fishing crew, vessels detained by Venezuelan navy

The Government of Guyana is insisting on the immediate release of the crew and vessels detained by a Venezuelan naval vessel! It further exhorts the Government of Venezuela, and its agents, to behave in a manner consistent with international law and good neighbourly relations. The international community will be kept informed of all actions undertaken by Venezuela to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

The Ministry of

Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has confirmed reports that two Guyanese registered fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, were intercepted

by Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24 on Thursday January 21, 2021.

The Captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria, where the boats and crew have been

detained. To date, the Government of Guyana has not been informed by the Government of Venezuela of the detention of its nationals.

The Venezuelan vessel was illegally manoeuvring within Guyana’s EEZ and Contiguous Zone when it intercepted, boarded and commandeered the Guyanese fishing vessels.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently seeking to ascertain the status and welfare of the crew members.

Guyana condemns in the strongest possible

terms this wanton act of aggression by the Venezuelan armed forces against Guyana and Guyanese citizens.

This Venezuelan action amounts to an interference with the sovereign rights of Guyana in its EEZ, contrary to international law.

It is noted that this latest hostility follows closely on the heels of a Decree recently issued

by President Nicolas Maduro which purports to establish “a new maritime territory” of Venezuela called “Territory for the development of the Atlantic Façade”, encompassing Guyana’s territorial waters, EEZ and continental shelf, as well as its land territory west of the Essequibo River.

Guyana has emphatically condemned this Venezuelan Decree as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and sovereign rights, and of fundamental rules of international law.

DOMINION VOTING SYSTEMS SUES FOR US$1.3 BILLION RUDY GIULIANI OVER FALSE ELECTIONS CLAIMS! WA S H I N G T O N Dominion Voting Systems, an election equipment manufacturer that became the target of wild conspiracies pushed by former President Donald Trump and his allies, sued Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani for defamation on Monday!

Dominion said in a 107-page complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that “as a result of the defamatory falsehoods peddled by Giuliani”, in conjunction with other Trump allies and pro-Trump media outlets, “Dominion’s

founder and employees have been harassed and received death threats, and Dominion has suffered unprecedented and irreparable harm.”

“Dominion brings this action to set the record straight, to vindicate the company’s rights under civil law, to recover compensatory and punitive damages, and to stand up for itself, its employees, and the electoral process,” the lawsuit says.

The company accuses Giuliani, who helped fuel Trump’s lie about a stolen election, of making false and defamatory statements

about Dominion on his Twitter account, on his radio and podcast shows, in televised media appearances and at the rally that Trump held before his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Dominion is seeking more than US$1.3 billion in damages, according to the complaint, which was first reported by The New York Times. The company also said it is demanding a trial by jury on all claims.

Dominion said Giuliani and his allies created and spread what it calls the “big lie,” in which it “deceived millions into

believing that Dominion had stolen their votes and fixed the election.”

The suit says Giuliani, in addition to demanding a reported $20,000 a day to represent Trump, “cashed in” on the conspiracy by hosting a podcast where he advertised supplements, gold coins, cigars and protection from “cyber thieves.”

By Rebecca Shabad - Congressional reporter for NBC News, based in Washington.

Kevin Collier and Allan Smith contributed.

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Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

Dubai to invest in corn, soya bean cultivation locally…

by Kellon Rover

-Brazil’s investment doing well at Ebini – Local farmers urged to start cultivation

Minister of Agriculture - Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha says Dubai, United Arab Emirates has signaled its interest to cultivate corn and soya bean locally to boost Guyana’s poultry industry.

The emphasis on these two commodities is especially relevant since Guyana spends almost US$25 million annually to import those commodities for livestock feed.

“These are new and important crops for us in this country and we will continue to encourage investment in this aspect,” Minister Mustapha revealed in a recent interview.

“We already have an investor from Brazil who is doing corn cultivation in the Ebini area, located in upper Berbice River and I am looking forward to see more companies coming on board,” Minister Mustapha added.

To this end, he reiterated the importance of farmers capitalizing on the budgetary measures meant to encourage them to start cultivation.

The Government, in the 2020 Emergency Budget, also removed value-added tax (VAT) on agriculture machinery, fertilizers, agrochemicals and pesticides, making it more feasible for such investments. Additionally, the PPP/C Administration has reversed land lease fees across all sectors and water charges back to 2014 rates.

Minister Mustapha said now is an exciting time for agriculture in Guyana and farmers should “think big” and expand their crop repertoire.

“I am seeing a very challenging future ahead, but not only challenging alone. I am seeing a future where agriculture will once again make its input and stamp its foot print in our country’s economy over the next five years.

I am very excited to be sitting at the helm to lead us to this transformation.”

Dr. Oudho Homenauth - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), told DPI that Guyana must cultivate about 8,000 - 10,000 acres of corn and soya bean to become self-sufficient.

There are farmers who have already shown their interest in cultivating 40 to 50 acres of corn. They will be provided with seeds and materials as incentives from the Agriculture Ministry. This move by Government will also allow them to have more spending power and they are assured of a permanent market for their produce.

Meanwhile, the Ministry says other areas Dubai hopes to make major investments in are fertilizer production and assemblage, organic poultry rearing, coffee, cocoa, spices and online agriculture and product development.

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

MURDERED HENRY COUSINS KILLERS ARE NOT THE RIGHT PERSONS—SAYS RELATIVES

Two weeks after three cousins, Isaiah and Joel men charged are their Guyana Police Force and persons and also change men were charged for Henry, family members relatives’ killers. As such Government to facilitate the narrative of the story. the murders of the two are not buying that the they are calling on the the charging of the rightful In a peaceful protest outside the Office of the President, protestors again called on the President to honor his word in getting to the bottom of the crime.

Speaking to the media about the matter, the mother of Isaiah said that by Alexis in no way the current Rodney evidence has pointed towards the killers of S e n i o r the boys, and as such, it Minister with believes those charged are responsibility not the killers since in their for Finance in confession statements do the Office of the not add up.

President – Dr. “If you kill my child Ashni Singh says you have to know what the Government the evidence they go will be pursuing a down with, they didn’t legal framework go down with no blue to guide the jersey or no white jersey. functions of Isaiah goes down with financial services his brother’s green jersey sector. and Joel goes down with a Dr. Singh was Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President – Dr. Ashni Singh green and white shirt, now part of a virtual if you are the killer don’t roundtable with the webinar that the going forward,” he told regional and domestic say it’s green because they Latin Finance officials Government finds it the webinar. banks. did not go down with blue on Wednesday, January “absolutely important” to “We will do what it jerseys.

Dr. Singh said for 20 where the country’s have a modern financial too long the sector has takes to ensure that that “You understand what finance and investment services sector. been focusing only on framework is in place. We I’m saying, you are in light of the emerging “What we will do is traditional retail banking. are open to conversations the rightful killer come oil and gas sector, was ensure that we put in He added that the on ways in which the straight, confess. I like to discussed. place a legal framework Government recognizes sector can be innovated see the replay where they The Finance Minister that is facilitated for the need to grow and adapt from the public policy catch them, I would like to said the opportunities this transformation. So, to a modern economy’s side; things that we can see that as a mother” the for growth, expansion we’re going to make sure realities. That, he said, will do to promote greater mother of Joel Henry said. and innovation in the that we have in place soon become a reality. innovation without She added that financial services sector a legal framework that The Finance Minister compromising stability. under contrast also, the are endless for local and is suitable to a modern said there are massive And that’s a narrative that the crime international players. He financial sector, but also potential and demand conversation where you was stemmed from a said international players a legal framework that for more activities in know we are literally marijuana field dispute could either do business ensures preservation of investment banking. The having right now with must not be peddled since with existing operators stability of the sector as Government is moving the sector and with other the evidence also has not or potentially enter well because obviously, ahead on this front, as players in the market.” Dr. pointed to that. the market at the right you want to make sure there have already been Singh noted.

“Joel don’t drink he opportunity. that you safeguard the engagements with several don’t smoke, and the point Dr. Singh told financial sector stability major international, where they say that it’s

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR – DR. ASHNI SINGH

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ganja when we go down at the back dam, you understand, Mr. Caesar said we cannot go or we are gonna tamper with evidence.

“Eleven days after these boys pick up when eleven days later they came, they went to the back with the drone, they had joint service police and soldiers and they did not find any ganja field. So, where the ganja story coming up from?”

The mother maintained that as now no ashes were found in the area the incident took place and as such that narrative must not be carried by the authorities.

The two teenage cousins, Isaiah and Joel Henry, were found murdered in the Cotton Tree Back Dam, West Coast Berbice back in September one day after they went to pick coconuts in the number #3 Village backdam.

Joel and Isaiah were found mutilated with multiple chops wounds including slashes to their neck and backs, while on the other hand.

Since then, there have been multiple protests in the Berbice area and recently at the Central investigation department.

Sometime after three men were charged, however, the family of the two dead cousins has since rejected the claims of two of them being instigated in the murder.

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

A Tribute Allsop

Desmond Allsopp, AA, 1926-2021

We learnt of the passing of a great Guyanese gentleman, Philip Alsopp, this week. He departed this earthy plane to join the great majority in the other world.

Truly, we can sum up this tribute to a friend who possessed great engineering skills and the art of diplomacy by simply saying that ‘a cedar of Lebanon has fallen.’

I knew Philip all my life growing up in Charles Street, Charlestown where he and his family lived in a delightful cottage immediately east of our yard next to our home. A simple fence dividing the two properties.

Philip, his siblings, Richard and Bertie, with their parents brought

a level of dignity and sobriety to the hustle and bustle of Charlestown in those days.

Later, our paths coincided when he was Chief Works Officer, and I held the Ministerial portfolio of Works, Hydraulics and Supply.

It is there, my regard for Philip grew tremendously.

It was soon recognized that the Ministry and the Government could rely absolutely on the advice and recommendations of Philip Alsopp.

This was useful at a time when we were busy constructing or rehabilitating our roads along the coast even as we ventured to build hinterland roads and airstrips.

I can recall on no occasion that we had to regret any engineering advice given by this patriot Philip Alsopp.

His virtue was that he also had a penchant for seeing things done on the ground and when it was agreed that we needed to have a convenient link between a location in the Upper Demerara River and a place on the Essequibo River, after examining available maps, etc., one early morning a team with support staff left Wismar on foot determined to find a location either on the eastern bank of Essequibo River or near to the Essequibo Bank as an accessible roadway to the Potaro and other parts of the Hinterland.

Four persons reached that point ahead of other members of the team.

They were Philip Alsopp, Parliamentary Secretary, the Late William Haynes, Photographer Sydney Qualis and myself.

To honour him, that important connecting spot was named Alsopp

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

Point and a signboard was erected.

To talk about Philip Alsopp could consume volumes.

I remember that he led a team that was seeking to identify quarry equipment to cope with a serious challenge we had, since the stone at Tiperu was unusually tough, and ordinary crushing equipment did not last long.

Recognizing his calm and competence, Philip was also identified to be an Ambassador.

We know that Guyana has lost a good Engineer, a reliable Professional and a decent, affable citizen.

To the entire family circle, on behalf of my wife, family and many who worked with him at the Ministry and benefitted from his knowledge, I tender condolences confident that he has gone to a good place.

Philip could be uttering the words of Prophet Kahlil Gibran, “ I have passed a mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the Firmament of complete and unbound freedom: I am far, far away, my companions, and the clouds are hiding the hills from my eyes.”

Hamilton Green

Four fined under Racial Hostility Act

Four people who were deemed as individuals of interest by the Ethnic Relations Commission over racial outbursts online have been charged and fined $100,000.

The four individuals appeared before the Chief Magistrate and all pleaded guilty to the charge. Those charged were Tiffany Greene, Lashona Chester,

Stacy Smarte, and Glynis Gibson.

According to the charge it was noted that all four of the accused during March 2020, on their Facebook page, caused racial or ethnic violence or hatred and exciting hostility or ill-will based on race.

As such, due to the dour guilty pleas, all

UG medical student drowns at St. Ignatius Creek

Kimberlee Yow

Kimberlee Yow, a 24-year-old medical student at the University of Guyana, drowned on Sunday during an outing with friends. The incident is said to have occurred at around 18:00hrs at a creek in St. Ignatius, central Rupununi, Region nine (Upper Takutu-Upper

Essequibo).

Yow, of St. Ignatius Village, was a third-year medical student of the University of Guyana.

Though she previously resided in Georgetown where she attended the Turkeyen campus, she returned to St. Ignatius during the COVID-19

pandemic and was been completing her studies online.

It was reported that at around 15:00hrs on Sunday, Kimberlee was picked up by a group of friends to go swimming.

However, shortly after 18:00hrs, the young girl’s sister received a call indicating that Yow had drowned.

The details relating to the drowning are still not clear. Yow’s body is currently at the Lethem Public Hospital mortuary.

Police investigations are ongoing.

St. Ignatius Creek

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Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

UNICEF hands over equipment to strengthen Ministry of Health’s cold chain capacity for vaccine management …will aid in COVID-19 vaccination campaign

UNICEF Representative Nicolas Pron (right) and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony (left) at the handover of two solar fridges and 50 vaccine carriers to the Ministry of Health on Friday, January 22

UNICEF on Friday last handed over two solar fridges and 50 vaccine carriers to the Ministry of Health. These items will support the ministry’s Expanded Programme of Immunization and strengthen its cold chain capacity.

The solar fridges will be deployed to Regions

Seven and Eight, and the vaccine carriers will be distributed to all administrative regions.

Nicolas Pron - UNICEF Representative, handed over the equipment to Minister of Health – Dr. Frank Anthony.

“They are primarily for the COVID-19 vaccine but they are also

for the sustainability of the Expanded Programme of Immunization,” said Pron.

“Immunization is one of the most costeffective, sustainable, public investment one country can make to save the lives of many children and of course the goal here is save the lives of all children in Guyana and

their relatives in the fight against COVID-19.”

In welcoming the donation, Minister Anthony said it comes at an opportune time, as Guyana’s National COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce is examining the options for vaccines and preparations are ongoing to prepare for the roll out of the programme.

“This has been a very timely donation because once we start doing that, we will be able to utilize these pieces of equipment to administer the vaccine,” said the Minister.

He added that UNICEF has been an integral partner in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The work that you have funded here and have done here

is already helping us to make sure that we respond more appropriately to COVID-19 in Guyana,” said Minister Anthony.

Noting UNICEF’s vast experience with vaccination and immunization, the Minister said that outside of COVID-19, there are plans to examine other areas where UNICEF can assist, and the ministry is looking forward to working with UNICEF. Provision of the equipment followed a request from the health ministry. The solar direct drive fridges each have a 99-liter storage capacity.

Solar Direct Drive refrigeration systems are a new generation of solar powered refrigeration systems and do not require

a battery to store energy.

The vaccine carriers, meanwhile, can keep vaccines at the correct temperature for over 40 hours while travelling.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF has partnered with national authorities on the response to the crisis. Initiatives included surveys to understand the situation, monitor the behaviour change continuum and make evidence informed interventions, communication and public awareness campaigns, provision of PPE kits for frontline workers, support to ensure continuity of learning, as well as support to ensure that services for children continue, among others.

France interested in building bridge between Guyana, Suriname

Suriname’s Public Works Minister – Dr. Riad Nurmohamed and Guyana’s Public Works Minister - Juan Edghill planting the flags of the two countries at Long Island, Corentyne River

France has expressed an interest in building the Corentyne River Bridge which will link the South American nations of Guyana and Suriname, according to a statement posted by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The statement noted that Minister of Public

Works - Juan Edghill Monday morning met with Ambassador of the French Republic to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana - His Excellency Antoine Joly and team.

The visiting delegation comprised the Ambassador, along with Mr. Jean-Francois Gerin, Mr. Christophe Sureau,

Mrs. Christine Sureau, Mr. Yorgo Hernandez and Mr. Philippe Lamouret.

“The French Ambassador shared interest in the maintenance of Guyana’s vessels and building of the Corentyne River Bridge,” the statement revealed.

It was explained that during the meeting, prospective areas for

future collaboration were discussed. Minister Edghill said the French will be more than welcome to submit their Expressions of Interest for that project, as well as other projects on the transformational agenda of the Government.

The Public Works Minister also expressed his interest in building the capacity of the local workforce through collaboration with the French. He pointed out the importance of maintenance works to the local fleet of vessels, especially since two are currently in dry dock, awaiting repairs.

The Ambassador welcomed the thought of collaboration between the two countries in the near future.

In October 2020, Suriname’s Public Works Minister, Dr Riad Nurmohamed and

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Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had visited the site of the proposed GuyanaSuriname River Bridge across the Corentyne River.

In November 2020, Guyana and Suriname signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the bridge. The MoU was signed by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Ramdin, at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo.

In December 2020, Canada had expressed an interest in constructing the bridge. During an exclusive interview with Inews Guyana – an online publication, outgoing Canadian diplomat Lilian Chatterjee had explained that the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) is among several

organizations interested in building the bridge.

The Corentyne River Bridge will not only link the two neighbouring countries of Guyana and Suriname, but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guyana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

With the Government seeking Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to design the upcoming Corentyne River bridge, outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee had revealed that the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) was among those interested in building the bridge.

She explained that the CCC, which is Canada’s commercial arm, is also

Con’t on Pg9

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced he had tested positive for COVID-19

Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador

A day after Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced he had tested positive for COVID-19, he was absent for the first time in his two years in office from his daily news conference.

Having shaped an administration so reliant on himself for everything from setting priorities to making public statements, López Obrador’s absence felt all the greater. It comes as his country registers its highest levels of infections and deaths to date.

López Obrador, who has been criticized for his handling of Mexico’s pandemic and for not setting an example of prevention in public, announced the diagnosis Sunday on his official Twitter account, saying, “The symptoms are mild but I am already under medical treatment.”

José Luis Alomía Zegarra, Mexico’s director of epidemiology, said the 67-year-old López Obrador had a “light” case of COVID-19 and was “isolating at home.”

On Monday, Interior Secretary Olga Sánchez Cordero said the President had designated her to hold the daily briefings until his return. She said López

Obrador was well and strong.

Politicians and local leaders on Monday condemned rioters who clashed with police in about 10 towns and cities across the Netherlands a day earlier, on the second night of a coronavirus curfew.

CITY HALL “It is unacceptable,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. “This has nothing to do with protesting, this is criminal violence and that’s how we’ll treat it.”

Worst hit was Eindhoven, where police clashed with hundreds of rioters who torched a car, threw rocks and fireworks at officers, smashed windows and looted a supermarket at the southern city’s railway station.

“My city is crying, and so am I,” Eindhoven Mayor John Jorritsma told media Sunday night. In an emotional impromptu press conference, he called the rioters “the scum of the earth” and added “I am afraid that if we continue down this path, we’re on our way to civil war.”

The rioting coincided with the first weekend of the new national coronavirus 9 p.m. to 4:30

a.m. curfew, but mayors stressed that the violence was not the work of citizens concerned about their civil liberties.

“These demonstrations are being hijacked by people who only want one thing and that is to riot,” Hubert Bruls, mayor of the city of Nijmegen and leader of a group of local security organizations, told news talk show Op1 on Sunday night.

Amsterdam police arrested 190 people amid rioting at a banned demonstration Sunday.

Meanwhile, Canada Post has asked 350 of its employees and contractors who work the afternoon shift to selfisolate after a COVID-19 outbreak at their largest facility, located in Mississauga, it confirmed Sunday.

Spokesperson Phil Legault confirmed the number to the Star in an email, and also noted that they are following other recommendations from the Peel Public Health unit as well, including voluntary rapid testing of employees as well as safety protocols

focused on washrooms, lunchrooms and locker rooms.

SHARE YOUR LONG-TERM CARE STORY And, down under…

Australia has suspended its partial travel bubble with New Zealand after New Zealand reported its first coronavirus case outside of a quarantine facility in two months.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said Monday the suspension would last for three days and was being implemented out of an abundance of caution.

Travelers affected need to cancel or face two weeks in quarantine upon arrival.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she’d told Morrison she had confidence in New Zealand’s systems and processes, but it was up to Australia to decide how they managed

two weeks in quarantine, she tested negative twice.

She developed symptoms at home later and tested positive. Officials say the woman appears to have caught the more infectious South African variant of the virus from another traveler on her secondto-last day in quarantine, and they’re investigating how the health breach happened.

Australia’s medical regulator has approved use of its first coronavirus vaccine, paving the way for inoculations to begin next month.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration on Monday gave provisional approval for people aged 16 and over to use the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

Residents and workers at aged-care facilities, frontline health care workers and quarantine workers are among the

their borders.

Health officials in New Zealand say genome tests indicate the woman contracted the virus from another returning traveler just before leaving quarantine.

However, there was no evidence the virus has spread further.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the 56-year-old woman had recently returned from Europe.

During her mandatory

groups b e i n g prioritized for the first doses.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the development. He said Australia was among the first countries to complete a comprehensive process to formally approve a vaccine rather than just grant an emergency approval.

Australia has an agreement for 10 million

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doses of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine and an option to buy more if supplies allow.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Monday the country overall had secured 140 million vaccines, one of the highest dosing rates per head of population in the world.

The biggest of the preorders, conditional on regulatory approval, is 53.8 million doses of the vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, 50 million of which would be made in Australia in a partnership with Melbourne-based biopharmaceutical company CSL. Australia is aiming to complete inoculations

by October. The nation of 26 million people has reported fewer than 30,000 virus cases and a little over 900 deaths.

But, there are 747,383 confirmed cases in Canada (63,668 active, 664,621 resolved, 19,094 deaths).The total case count includes 13 confirmed cases among repatriated travelers.

There were 4,852 new cases Sunday from 51,308 completed tests, for a positivity rate of 9.5 per cent. The rate of active cases is 169.38 per 100,000 people. Over the past seven days, there have been a total of 37,536 new cases. The seven-day rolling average of new cases is 5,362.

There were 120 new reported deaths Sunday.

Over the past seven days there have been a total of 1,054 new reported deaths. The seven-day rolling average of new reported deaths is 151. The seven-day rolling average of the death rate is 0.4 per 100,000 people. The overall death rate is 50.8 per 100,000 people. There have been 17,050,539 tests completed.

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

BIDEN REVERSES TRUMP’S TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

President Joe Biden WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order repealing the ban on transgender people serving openly in the military, a ban that former President Donald Trump had put in effect, the White House said.

In a statement, the White House said Biden’s order “sets the policy that all Americans who are qualified to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States should be able to serve. “President Biden believes that gender identity should not be a bar to military service, and that America’s strength is found in its diversity,” the White House said.

Biden’s order “immediately prohibits involuntary separations, discharges, and denials of reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to gender identity,” the White House said. The order also directs the immediate “correction of” military records for any who had been affected

by Trump’s ban.

Biden’s action to reverse the ban had been widely expected. He had vowed to reverse the Trump administration’s

transgender military policy “on Day One” of his administration, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Inauguration Day that the move was imminent.

Psaki said last Wednesday that the action would be among the “additional executive actions” that will be taken “in the coming days and weeks.”

During his Senate confirmation hearing last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he supports reversing the ban. “If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve, and you can expect that I will support that throughout,” he said.

Human rights groups immediately lauded the move by Biden. “Today, those who believe in fact-

based public policy and a strong, smart national defense have reason to be proud. The Biden administration has made good on its pledge to put military readiness above political expediency by restoring inclusive policy for transgender troops,” said Aaron Belkin, Director of the Palm Center, a nonpartisan organization that studies LGBTQ military issues.

“The ban will now be replaced with a single standard for everyone that, as in the successful previous policy, will apply equally to all service members.”

“President Biden’s reversal of the Transgender Military Ban is a huge step towards full equality for the LGBTQ community and serves to make us stronger as a nation,” said Erin Uritus, the CEO of Out & Equal Workplace

Advocates, a LGBTQ workplace equality advocacy organization.

Trump, in a series of unexpected tweets in July 2017, announced transgender people would be barred from serving in the military “in any capacity,” reversing a policy decision announced by the Obama administration in June 2016.

While the Trump administration maintained its policy was not a “ban,” it did prevent transgender people who plan to pursue gender-affirming hormones or surgery from enlisting.

Transgender individuals who were already serving openly were grandfathered in, meaning they could continue to serve. But those service members who came out as trans after the policy could not pursue transition and were required to serve as their assigned sex at birth.

Thousands of transgender people already serve in the military.

A 2016 Department of Defense survey estimated that 1 percent, or 8,980, active duty troops were transgender. Using the same data, the Palm Center, which studies LGBTQ people in the military, estimated that an additional 5,727 transgender people were in the Selected Reserve, bringing the total estimated number of transgender troops serving in 2016 to 14,707.

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$12M COVID-19 isolation facility commissioned in Region Two – to expand care, suppress spikes

Minister of Health – Hon. Dr Frank Anthony

Minister of Health – Hon. Dr Frank Anthony on Saturday, January 23 commissioned a G$12 million COVID-19 isolation facility at the Suddie Public Hospital, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two).

The facility was previously the hospital’s maternity waiting home before renovations started in November.

It has 20 rooms which can accommodate two persons each. It is expected to be fully operational next week once it is retrofitted with the necessary equipment.

During the commissioning ceremony, Minister Anthony commended the Region for its efforts to ensure the facility was completed.

Currently, there are 18 active cases in Region Two. “We refurbished it with COVID-19 in mind. We have not seen that much of a spike in Region Two, but we just wanted to make sure that if there is a spike of COVID-19 cases that the Region is very well prepared,” Dr. Anthony said. He added that the new facility would also enable the Region to better monitor infected

persons, who have been isolating at home.

“The hospital beds here for Covid patients have been quite limited, so this is going to allow us to extend the number of beds that we have since it has space for 40 patients.

We have taken all the precautions, so you have areas where the medical staff will be sanitized upon entry as well as designated areas for the used PPEs… “It’s purpose-built to handle infectious diseases and complies with all the requirements for infection control and prevention and that’s why it’s important that the Region have such a facility,” the Health Minister said.

Meanwhile, DirectorGeneral of Regional Health Services – Dr Vishwa Mahadeo said the realization of the facility is another demonstration of the Government’s efforts to ensure equitable access to health services.

In addition to Region Two residents, persons from outlying communities in Region One would also benefit.

Minister Anthony also called on the Regional Task Force to lead by example by observing the COVID-19 guidelines.

Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana Post, Monday January 25, 2021

Further infrastructure works slated for Charity River dam

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development - Hon. Nigel Dharamlall

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will soon begin further rehabilitation works on the river dam at Charity, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two).

Minister, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall stated that the initiative began in 2020 where the Ministry undertook emergency works which saw several upgrades to cap and resurface countless

potholes alongside the embankment.

“Minister within Ministry of Public Works - Hon. Deodat Indar and I had a reconnaissance mission along the Charity River dam to inspect the

areas and so this year we will be working to have some preliminary interventions done along with Charity,” the Minister added.

Such works, he said, is to ensure businesses can comfortably transport their goods at a lower cost.

The road is one of the Region’s most important thoroughfares as it allows boats from various ports to offload goods, which Minister Dharamlall says helps both the regional and national economy.

Minister Dharamlall said the initiative is in keeping with the PPP/C Government’s commitment to transform the country’s economy. To this end,

the Ministry handed over additional resources to several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to help them execute their infrastructure works.

Regional Executive Officer Mr. Devanand Ramdatt said he is happy for the intervention.

“We have been asking the Government for assistance to address this for some time now since our residents were being affected whenever there is a high tide which causes flooding. So, we are grateful that the Government was able to intervene to solve this,” he said.

Since 2015, the Charity River dam has been sinking despite all efforts

to build and reinforce it.

During high tides, the Pomeroon River would usually overtop the dam contributing to flooding in the area. This in turn threatens residents’ livelihood through the destruction their livestock and other valuables.

In 2017, the then APNU+AFC government undertook temporary works on the Charity River dam to prevent the Pomeroon River from overflowing the sunken dam. In 2020, the works to address this issue began on January 21 and was to be completed by August 21 last. However, it was extended to December 31 last.

by Neola Damon

“They’ve been very transparent in their process. They’ve been doing Expressions of Interest. They’ve been doing bids and tenders.

So, we’ll see who they select for that and other infrastructure projects,” Chatterjee said.

“Ali’s Administration hit the ground running when they got elected and sworn in. And they’re doing a lot on the infrastructure side, all at the same time. So, I think in a few years, you’re going to see all those changes.”

Besides the Corentyne bridge, the Government is also looking to build a new bridge across the Demerara River. The Government is aiming to have a new fixed span, four-lane bridge constructed over the Demerara River that will be able to bridge the East and West Banks of Demerara from Nandy Park to La Grange, reduce traffic build-up and last for at least the next 50 years.

According to the Government’s invitation for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) and prequalification of qualified contractors, firms are being sought to

submit proposals for both the design of the bridge and for available financing options.

On Friday, it was revealed that forty-two bids were submitted to the Public Works Ministry for the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge. The bids were removed from the tender box, counted and stamped in the presence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and contactors at the Public Works Ministry, Wights Lane, Kingston.

Other upcoming projects include the Diamond/Ogle bypass road.

The bypass project will see some 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares.

This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara.

These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown. These connections will prove crucial in diverting traffic.

France interested in building bridge........

Con’t from Pg6

collaborating with another very large Canadian company for the contract to build the Corentyne River bridge. Ultimately though, Chatterjee noted that it is up to the Governments of Guyana and Suriname to choose the best contractor for the job.

“We’ve expressed interest verbally and the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a governmental organisation, is working with a very large private sector company in Canada and they’ve just put out an Expression of Interest,” the High Commissioner explained.

“So, I fully expect

that they will do this, in terms of an Expression of Interest to build the bridge between Guyana and Suriname. And then it’s up to the Governments of Guyana and Suriname, who they will choose to build the bridge.”

Inews senior journalist, Jarryl Bryan speaking with outgoing Canadian High Commissioner Her Excellency, Lilian Chatterjee Back in October, President Dr Irfaan Ali had held a virtual meeting with High Commissioner Chatterjee and representatives of the CCC to discuss several major infrastructure projects in Guyana,

including the Corentyne River bridge.

President Ali had pointed out that Guyana is focusing on key catalytic infrastructure needs which are important relative to Guyana’s population and size, following a brief presentation by CCC representative, Andrew Shisko.

Prior to the Government’s consultation with CCC, Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Suriname’s Public Works Minister, Dr Riad Nurmohamed, had visited the site of the proposed Guyana-Suriname river bridge across the Corentyne River.

With the recent commitments to bridge Guyana and Suriname over the Corentyne River within five years, this project is expected to open up the pathway for other major developmental projects including the much-anticipated deep-water harbour project in Guyana.

The bridge will not only link the two neighbouring countries but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guyana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

Transparency & accountability Meanwhile, Chatterjee lauded the transparency surrounding the project and also expressed the view that the President Dr Irfaan Ali Administration has hit the ground running since coming to power as it relates to infrastructural projects. She noted that there are several such projects which are being done simultaneously.

9

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