Guyana Post Newspaper

Keeping you updated on current events...

ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER

Friday March 5, 2021

Irfaan Ali says Harmon must recognize the

government as legitimate

Guyana Issues Protest Note Speaker suspends House in to Venezuela in Response to face of Kwame McCoy alleged Fighter Jets over Eteringbang assault

Guyana Post Friday March 5, 2021

UN rights investigator calls for tough sanctions on Myanmar

he United Nations human rights investigator on Myanmar said on Thursday the military there has murdered, beaten and unlawfully arrested protesters since it seized power in a coup on February 1 and called for wide-ranging punitive sanctions.

Thomas Andrews urged the UN Security Council to impose a global arms

embargo and targeted economic sanctions on the military rulers and refer alleged atrocities to the International Criminal Court for prosecution.

The UN investigator’s statement came after police broke up demonstrations with tear gas and gunfire in several cities across Myanmar.

Protesters had returned to the streets undeterred by

the bloodiest day yet in a crackdown on opponents of last month’s military coup.

The UN said 38 people had been killed during Wednesday’s demonstrations, far more than the 23 believed to have been killed up until March 1.

The military seized power alleging fraud in

an election won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s party last November. The army has defended measures to quell protests and said it will not let Myanmar’s stability be threatened.

Activists said they refused to accept the military rule and new elections promised by it, voicing determination to press for the release of the detained Aung San Suu Kyi, 75, and recognition of her election victory.

“We know that we can always get shot and killed with live bullets but there is no meaning to staying alive under the junta,” activist Maung Saungkha told the news agency Reuters.

Police opened fire and used tear gas to break up protests in Yangon and the central town of Monywa, witnesses said. They also opened fire in the town of Pathein, west of Yangon, and used tear gas

in Taunggyi in the east, media reported.

Big crowds gathered peacefully for rallies elsewhere, including the second city of Mandalay and in the historic temple town of Bagan, where hundreds marched carrying pictures of Aung San Suu Kyi and a banner saying: “Free our leader”, witnesses said.

A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.

The UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, called on the security forces to halt what she called their “vicious crackdown on peaceful protesters”.

She said more than 1,700 people had been arrested, including 29 journalists.

“Myanmar’s military must stop murdering and jailing protesters,” Bachelet said in a

statement.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people attended the funeral of a 19-year-old woman shot dead in Mandalay on Wednesday, who was photographed wearing a T-shirt that read “Everything will be OK”.

After her death, the slogan went viral as a symbol of defiance.

On Wednesday, police and soldiers fired live rounds with little warning in several cities and towns, witnesses said.

“Myanmar’s security forces now seem intent on breaking the back of the anti-coup movement through wanton violence and sheer brutality,” said Richard Weir, a researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party said in a statement that flags would fly at half-mast at its offices to commemorate the dead.

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. BLOCKED MYANMAR JUNTA ATTEMPT TO EMPTY $1 BILLION NEW YORK FED ACCOUNT - SOURCES

WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Myanmar’s military rulers attempted to move about $1 billion held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York days after seizing power on Feb. 1, prompting U.S. officials to put a freeze on the funds, according to three people familiar with the matter, including one U.S. government official.

The transaction on Feb. 4 in the name of the Central Bank of Myanmar was first blocked by Fed safeguards.

U.S. government officials then stalled on approving the transfer until an executive order issued by President Joe Biden gave them legal authority to block it indefinitely, the sources said.

A spokesman for the New York Fed declined to comment on specific account holders. info@guyanapostonline.com

The U.S. Treasury Department also declined to comment.

The attempt, which has not been previously reported, came after Myanmar’s military installed a new central bank governor and detained reformist officials during the coup.

It marked an apparent effort by Myanmar’s generals to limit exposure to international sanctions after they arrested elected officials, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who had won a national election in November. The army seized power alleging fraud, claims that the electoral commission has dismissed.

A spokesman for Myanmar’s military government did not answer repeated calls seeking comment.

Reuters was unable to reach officials at the

central bank.

The United States, Canada, the European Union and Britain have all issued fresh sanctions following the coup and the army’s subsequent deadly crackdown on demonstrators.

The United Nations said on Thursday that at least 54 people have been killed since the coup. More than 1,700 people had been arrested, including 29 journalists.

Announcing a new executive order paving the way for sanctions on the generals and their businesses, Biden said on Feb. 10 that the United States was taking steps to prevent the generals from “improperly having access” to $1 billion in Myanmar government funds.

U.S. officials did not explain the statement at the time, but an executive order issued

the next day specifically names the Central Bank of Myanmar as part of Myanmar’s government.

The order authorizes the seizure of assets of Myanmar’s post-coup government.

Two sources told Reuters the executive order was designed to provide the New York Fed with the legal authority to hold the $1 billion of Myanmar reserves indefinitely. ‘ C U R R E N T EVENTS’ Myanmar’s reserves would be managed by part of the New York Fed known as Central Bank and International Account Services (CBIAS), where many central banks keep U.S. dollar reserves for purposes such as settling transactions.

An attempt to empty the account was made on Feb. 4, but was

blocked automatically by processes that had been put in place at the New York Fed before the coup, two of the sources said.

One source said that was because transactions involving Myanmar require extra scrutiny as the country last year was placed on the international Financial Action Task Force’s “gray list” for money laundering concerns, in part because of the risk of proceeds from drug trafficking being washed through its banks.

CBIAS’ compliance manual, made public in 2016, says New York Fed guidelines include provisions for responding to developments in account-holding nations.

“When appropriate,” it says, the bank’s legal department “will be in communication with the U.S. Department of

State in order to clarify current events and any changes that may affect the central bank and corresponding control of the FRBNY account.”

The State Department declined to comment on this story.

Myanmar’s generals appeared to be firmly in control of the Central Bank of Myanmar at the time of the attempted withdrawal.

When the military took charge in Myanmar on Feb. 1, it installed a new central bank governor and detained key economic officials, including Bo Bo Nge, the reformist deputy governor and Suu Kyi ally, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

As of Thursday, he remains under detention, according to the association.

Guyana Post Friday March 5, 2021

COVID-19 DEATH RATES 10 TIMES HIGHER IN COUNTRIES WHERE MOST ADULTS ARE OVERWEIGHT, REPORT FINDS

CNN)The risk of death from Covid-19 is about 10 times higher in countries where most of the population is overweight, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Obesity Forum.

Researchers found that by the end of 2020, global

Covid-19 death rates were more than 10 times higher in countries where more than half the adults are overweight, compared to countries where fewer than half are overweight.

The team examined mortality data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU)

and the World Health Organization (WHO) and found that of 2.5 million Covid-19 deaths reported by the end of February, 2.2 million were in countries where more than half the population is overweight.

In an analysis of data and studies from more

than 160 countries, the researchers found that Covid-19 mortality rates increased along with countries’ prevalence of obesity. They note that the link persisted even after adjusting for age and national wealth.

The report found that

every country where less than 40% of the population was overweight had a low Covid-19 death rate of no more than 10 people per 100,000.

But in countries where more than 50% of the population was overweight, the Covid-19 death rate was much higher -- more than 100 per 100,000.

The researchers say that being overweight can also worsen other health issues and viral infections, like H1N1, flu and

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

The World Obesity Forum suggests prioritizing those living with obesity for Covid-19 testing and vaccination.

“An overweight population is an unhealthy population, and a pandemic waiting to happen,” the group writes.

In the US, close to threequarters of the population is either overweight or obese, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

a result of the quake.

‘Bumper to bumper’ traffic New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Instagram: “Hope everyone is ok out there.”

The three earthquakes all came during early hours at magnitudes of over seven.

The most powerful, at 8.1 magnitude, struck at around 08:30 (21:30 GMT) near the Kermadec Islands, 1000 km (621 miles) north-east of New Zealand.

While earlier tsunami warnings had been called off, the third quake prompted the National Emergency Management Agency to send out a new alert and tsunami sirens sounded in some areas.

“People near coast from the Bay of Islands to Whangarei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay, and Great Barrier Island must move immediately to nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible,” the agency said.

It said “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges” were expected and the first wave may not be the

largest. “Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat is real until this warning is cancelled,” the agency said.

Local media reported gridlock in towns such as Whangarei and Whakatane as people tried to flee their homes, schools and workplaces.

In nearby Ohope town, resident Leslie Peake was quoted by the New Zealand Herald as saying the traffic was “bumper to bumper” with “huge queues of people evacuating”.

New Zealand’s civil defence department have advised people to walk or cycle to avoid getting caught in traffic as they evacuate to higher ground.

Just last week, New Zealand marked the 10th anniversary of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that destroyed parts of Christchurch in the south Island, killing 185 people.

New Zealand earthquakes: Tsunami warnings raised after series of quakes

New Zealanders have been told to move away from coastal areas of the North Island after three powerful earthquakes shook the region.

The national emergency agency warned of a info@guyanapostonline.com

tsunami threat with “unpredictable surges” expected along the east coast.

There were reports of chaos in some towns as hundreds of people tried to reach higher ground.

South Pacific islands have also been warned to prepare themselves for waves as high as 3m (10ft).

As yet there are no reports of any damage or dangerous wave surges as

3

Guyana Post FridayMarch 5, 2021

Irfaan Ali says Harmon must recognize the government as legitimate

Leader of the opposition, Joe Harmon

President Irfaan Ali

With leading Opposition APNU-AFC calling for a unilateral approach to confront the oil and the gas companies, President Irfaan Ali has insisted again that unless that opposition sees them

legitimate administration, only then can the Government can see them as being a part of that process.

President Ali, while responding to questions from the media said that

the Opposition must come to a realization that there is a legitimate Government and as such, they should recognize the Government for who they are.

Only then can a unified front towards the oil

company happen.

The Leader of the opposition, Joe Harmon, who since March 2020 Election in which APNUAFC lost the seat of government had noted that there was too much

illegal activity during the election. The result is that the coalition cannot see Irfaan Ali regime as legitimate.

But President Ali has been insisting over time that unless the Opposition sees them as legitimate only then can meaningful consultation happen, especially with the leader of the opposition.

“The leader of the Opposition needs to recognize the Government and the President and I don’t want implicit recognition. He must go out there in public and say, yes the Government is legitimate and that he is recognizing the Government.”

Ali added that given the unwillingness of the Opposition Leader Joe Harmon and his party

members to see the Government as legal, the Opposition can only now make those suggestion in parliament.

“They can make all their suggestions to parliament, their parliamentary committee and so forth and so on, right. What Mr Harmon has to do is the right thing; correct the mischief that he embarked on by trying to push a narrative that he knows is false. He must recognize the legitimate Government and a legitimate president.”

Just a few days ago, former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, at the budget debate said that given how the oil company, Exxon, continues to act there must be a united action front against them

Guyana Issues Protest Note to Venezuela in Response to Fighter Jets over Eteringbang

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and enezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Edgardo Diaz Monclus

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Edgardo Diaz Monclus, to hand over a protest note and register the Government of Guyana’s condemnation of the recent violation of Guyana’s sovereignty.

Minister Todd informed the Ambassador that on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at approximately 13:20 hrs, two Venezuelan Sukhoi SU 30 fighter jets, flew over the community of Eteringbang and the airstrip at a very low altitude. The fighter jets then circled the location

once before proceeding in an easterly direction.

The Minister voiced the Government’s concerns on the act of aggression and stated that such an action was a clear violation of Guyana’s territorial space as well as International law and convention.

Further, the Foreign

Minister noted that this act not only challenged the good neighbourly relations but, by extension peace and stability of the region.

He reiterated President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to engaging with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest for the better and prosperity of

4

the people of Guyana and Venezuela.

A m b a s s a d o r Monclus registered his disappointment in hearing of this development.

The Ambassador mentioned that he is only aware of a reconnaissance mission within Venezuelan territory to monitor

narco-trafficking and illegal activities.

He said that Venezuela was committed to peaceful relations with Guyana and committed to transmitting the information from the Foreign Minister to his Capital. He promised to provide feedback in a timely manner.

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

5

Guyana Post Friday March 5, 2021

SPEAKER SUSPENDS HOUSE IN FACE OF KWAME MCCOY ALLEGED ASSAULT

Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir was forced to suspend the sitting of the National Assembly after APNU-AFC Members of Parliament stood their grounds to address the assault of one of its members by a PPP/C Minister The incident occurred during the sitting of the Committee of Supply when it was brought to the Speaker’s attention that Opposition Member of Parliament, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley was assaulted by the Minister within the Minister of the President responsible,

Speaker’s attention that Opposition Member of Parliament, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy. Mc Coy allegedly hit the Opposition MP to her face with his phone.

Initially, the Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, insisted that the issue would have to be taken up outside the Committee of Supply.

But Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones maintain his ground. The Speaker had said to him that the matter will be dealt with but he would have to first dissolve the Committee of Supply and reconvene the Assembly.

“Mr. Speaker we have 18 Members of Parliament who are standing on their feet, Sir, and in keeping with the standing orders, we must be heard,” Jones told the Speaker as MP Members all shouting their disapproval.

Unable to restore order, the speaker got up and walked out; the session was suspended.

Ms. Sarrabo-Halley has since provided a statement to the police on the alleged incident.

McCoy has denied that he assaulted the Opposition MP.

Caricom obesity levels highest compared to the rest of the world

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says obesity is now a critical issue for developing countries, including member states, especially since the disease is affecting a significant number of children.

The agency made the statement as the world commemorated World Obesity Day today, observed under the theme “Every Body, Needs Everybody”.

According to the agency, the Caribbean has some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in the Americas with adults, ranging from 18.9 per cent in Antigua and Barbuda

to 31.6 per cent in the Bahamas.

It noted that, alarmingly, overweight and obesity prevalence levels in children aged five to nine years in Caricom countries are increasing, with the highest in the Bahamas at 39.5 per cent and the lowest in Saint Lucia at 26.1 per cent.

“The prevalence of obesity in Caribbean children is two to three times higher than the world. With the obesity epidemic in children and adolescents, the future seen through the risk factor lens for non communicable diseases (NCDs) looks dismal, as these young persons will be the future working generation but living with higher

rates of NCDs,” the CARPHA said.

The agency said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of people with obesity, and other NCDs. “It is not yet clear why there is a link between COVID-19 and obesity; however an increased susceptibility to respiratory problems, inflammation, and immunological disturbances in people living with obesity may all be contributing factors. Obesity also has a number of NCD co-morbidities such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease which have also been shown to increase risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes,” the agency added.

Bagotstown man believed strangled, 10-yr-old son makes discovery

A father of three was this morning discovered by his 11-year-old son dead in the Bagotstown area. He was suspected of being strangled. Dead is 31-year-old, taxi driver Raoul Anthony Melville.

Initial reports suggest info@guyanapostonline.com

that Melville body was discovered just after 8:00 hours today. The dreaded news was relayed to the dead man’s mother by his 11-year-old son.

The mother made check for herself and found her son motionless

on the ground with the house ransacked.

“I left everything I was doing cause it’s early in the morning. And, when I run over the music was on loud. I call out to my son and I said “Tony” and he didn’t respond,” The mother of the dead man related to Guyana Post The mother added that she had called out to the brother of the dead man, who also confirmed that Raoul was dead.

On examining the body, the family said that the body bore some bruises to his neck,

which suspected that someone had broken his neck or strangled him.

There were bruises on his back and bloodstains in the area.

The mother suggesting what may have led to his death said that he was murdered by some men with whom he had a confrontation just a few days ago, over damaging his car.

“There is evidence that he was murdered; all the evidence is there that he was murdered… they pull him off the bed.

How they pull him that how the netting threw-

5

off and come halfway in the hall.

“The bed sheet was on the ground, the clock for the wall fell down and break up to pieces, the TV on the ground and a chair was over him…There were marks of violence, his neck was black and blue as if someone broke his neck. On the back of his neck, there was blood; the blood is still on the carpet.”

Following the death of her son, the mother related that she in the past would have sympathized with mothers when

they would have lost their children but never realized that this would have hit her so close. She is calling for justice for her son.

“This is not something for a mother to wake up to see. This is the most disgusting thing a mother could wake up and see, that her child died in this kind of manner. It’s the hardest, this is not easy…I need justice, justice must prevail because he was murdered.”

Detectives are now looking into any possible lead.

Construction ongoing on the Santa Rosa main success roa

5

Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to have publish them ExxonMobil Oil Rig

adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com info@guyanapostonline.com

6