Guyana Post Newspapers

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ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPERS

Monday November 30, 2020

AFC condemns PPP for its anti-regional integration posture ETHNICIZATION POLICY OF THE PPP POLICE SEARCHING FOR DRIVER IN HITAND-RUN ACCIDENT

FIRE DESTROYS PART OF NATIONAL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL BUILDING Pg2

Pg2

MINER FOUND WITH OVER 500G OF MARIJUANA

NIGERIAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ONLINE SCAM

COVID CASES CONTINUE UPWARD TREND 1

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

Guyana Post, Monday November 30, 2020

AFC condemns PPP for its antiregional integration posture

The Alliance For Change (AFC) condemns in the strongest possible terms any action by the controversial PPP Government that would result in Haitian nationals requiring a visa to enter Guyana. It is anti-regional integration, it is against the principles of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and shows total disregard and contempt for the valiant struggle of those who

fought to unite the peoples of the Caribbean.

The AFC wishes to remind the PPP Government that the free movement of people has long been viewed by all Governments of the Region as critical to regional integration and to be mindful that the CSME abolishes discrimination on grounds of nationality in all member states.

Article 45 is most pellucid, “Member States

commit themselves to the goal to free movement of their nationals within the community.” As a signatory to the CSME and a forerunner in regional integration, Guyana has an obligation to uphold all principles of the CSME. Since the earliest attempts of regional integration with the establishment of the West Indian Federation through to the establishment of the

CSME, Guyana has been at the forefront in uniting the peoples of the region.

The PPP must not be allowed to destroy these efforts. This situation has become even more acute by the arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention of Haitians entering Guyana.

The AFC calls on Regional Heads of Government, the Caricom Secretariat, Heads of Regional institutions and the people of the Region to condemn the racially biased and provocative actions of the PPP. We call on the Caricom Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting of Heads of Government to address this matter.

FIRE DESTROYS PART OF NATIONAL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL BUILDING

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of a fire of unknown origin which occurred about 20:30 hrs Thursday evening in the National Psychiatric Hospital at Fort Canje, Berbice.

The fire destroyed part of the roof of the Chalet 4, Male admission ward, which is a flat concrete and wooden structure that is situated on the eastern side of the compound.

Reports are that the fire was first spotted by a patient who informed the head nurse that smoke was seen coming from the washroom.

Checks were made and it was noticed that smoke was emanating from the roof of the washroom.

An alarm was raised and the Guyana Fire Service was summoned.

It responded with two fire tenders from the New Amsterdam Fire Station.

The fire was extinguished with damage contained to the roof the said building.

The scene was visited by Superintendent Roberts, Inspector O’Donoghue and a party of policemen.

No one was injured and investigation are continuing.

ETHNICIZATION POLICY OF THE PPP The AFC wishes to point out to the Guyanese people that the policies of the Irfaan Ali’s Jagdeoled administration are clearly revealing patterns dangerously discriminatory; and, with a loaded ethnicisation about them.

The PPP Government’s intentional action and policy, since its disputed installment into office, has seen an unwise, unjustified dismantling of projects and policies of the previous APNU/AFC Administration which were directed to benefit the country and its people as a whole and not any ethnic grouping in particular.

Firstly, the significant move to reopen the closed sugar factories in the face of cogent and compelling evidence that this will result in a massive misspending of the country’s monies just

to create jobs for its East Indian base of support is stupendously ill-advised economics.

So the underlying reason is but a sectarian spending...giving red meat to its Indo-Guyanese base. The world market price for sugar is half of production costs. Where will the profits from an increased production come from?

The crisis in sugar was completely at the hands of the PPP. Millions of US dollars were borrowed from the EU, the Chinese, the IDB and the CDB for the sector, a huge chunk for the then new Skeldon Factory.

Over $1B was given per month for 36 months by the APNU+AFC Government in its first 36 months to attempt to save it.

It was not viable. And that is why it was right-

sized. To continue to take money out of the Treasury, in the first case $5B from September to December 2020; and, as we are now told by Agriculture Ministry officials, another $25B and more for Ashni Singh’s come back Budget just to continue in 2021, is but shovelling hard earned resources down a black hole.

The new GuySuCo’s CEO blundering and babble must never be given any credence nor credit. Propagada will not make Sugar profitable.

The monies being pumped into GuySuCo to buy votes would be better spent assisting former employees if the sugar industry to develop medium scale greenhouse farms, assist them to access market opportunities with the FPSOs that will be operating off shore Guyana, provide training

and business grants that could see the former sugar workers becoming entrepreneurs providing services to Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

This type of assistance would ensure former sugar workers their economic independence and that their children would not be beholden to any political party.

Secondly, the AFC sees the recent spate of terminations of public servants, substantially of one ethnicity, Afro Guyanese, in these savage COVID times as provoking trouble.

Several hundreds have had to suffer. The justification as revealed by the Governance Minister, surprisingly, is that the dismissibility at pleasure doctrine is back in full force.

This is an exercise of executive lawlessness.

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This makes a mockery of the insulation created by the various constitutional service commissions, Public, Police, Teacher and Judicial, set up to prevent the politicisation of appointments and dismissals.

A cycle of hatred can be created from this uncalled for development which can segregate our Community further. The rule of law must govern such a policy which affects the employ of so many and on whom thousands depend on.

Outside of this category of terminations, there is the instance of the Head of the Environmental Protection Agency being released from employ whilst his technical and professional qualities were needed in negotiating the Payara Production Agreement.

Guyana has been the worse for this.

Thirdly, instances of this badge of ethnicisation have occurred in the area of squatting. The AFC has noticed the regularisation of squatters at Conservancy Dam Canal No 1 with provisioning of lights and water and the several at West Demerara from Ruimzight to Mary, Zeelugt, and Parika where East Indians are predominant.

Yet at Success, East Coast Demerara, where Afro Guyanese brothers and sisters were conducting same, they are being shot at by the Police and flooded out.

Right thinking Guyanese of all ethnicities must condemn this destructive polarising development.

It is provoking an explosion in an already tense national situation

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

Guyana Post, Monday November 30, 2020

POLICE SEARCHING MINER FOUND WITH OVER FOR DRIVER IN HIT- 500G OF MARIJUANA AND-RUN ACCIDENT

Police are attempting to locate and arrest the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit and run accident on Friday.

A pedestrian, Kayum Ali, was killed on Friday at around 09:50 p.m. along the Hydronie Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

The vehicle was allegedly speeding along

the eastern side of the roadway when it struck Ali who was standing on the median of the road.

The vehicle then flipped and crashed into a nearby shop.

Ali sustained injuries about his head and body and was taken to Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead

on arrival.

After the accident, the driver exited the car and fled the scene on foot.

The vehicle was lodged at Leonora Police Station to be examined by a licensing and certifying officer.

Investigations into the incident are still ongoing.

A 22-year-old miner was arrested on Friday after being found with marijuana in his possession at the Itaballi Checkpoint in Region Seven.

A statement from Police said that a search was conducted on a motor lorry and its passengers at

the checkpoint at around 11:00 a.m.

During the search, a black plastic bag was found which contained three scotch-taped plastic parcels and 55 small Ziploc plastic parcels. The parcels were opened in the presence of the miner and were found to contain

545g of cannabis.

The suspect was told of the offence and arrested. He later admitted ownership of the items.

He is currently in Police custody at the Bartica Police Station, pending charges.

COVID CASES CONTINUE UPWARD TREND

NIGERIAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ONLINE SCAM

Uche Raymond Okoye

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has stated that Uche Raymond Okoye, also known as Uche Parker, a Nigerian national has been arrested and charged as part of a criminal organisation that has allegedly scammed unsuspecting Guyanese victims out of millions of dollars. Okoye also allegedly entered Guyana from Brazil illegally.

The criminal network is suspected to involve Nigerian nationals who solicit cash from their victims by promising high valued merchandise to be delivered following the payment of a charge or fee. So far, millions of

dollars have been taken from four victims.

The organization has been operating in Guyana over the last six months and has connections to the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, the United States of America and other countries.

Okoye appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to two counts of obtaining money by false pretence, one count of demanding money by menace, and one count of illegal entry into Guyana.

The GPF said that

more charges would be presented against Okoye as the investigation continues.

An alarm was issued to citizens, especially women, on Thursday about a scam involving persons pretending to be of Nigerian nationality who will make contact through Facebook and Whatsapp and offer to send a package of gifts to the victim.

They are then threatened with potential prosecution due to the contents of the package and made to pay sums of money to several individuals in order to avoid prosecution and uplift it.

The Ministry of Health recorded 34 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday November 27. Two cases were recorded in Region Three, six in Region Four, 25 in Region Six and one in Region Ten. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now 5,310.

The COVID-19 death toll is currently at 150.

As of November 27

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there have been 29,154 persons tested for the virus. 4,272 persons have recovered leaving 888 active cases in the country.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that the lockdown in the villages of Orealla and Siparuta in Region Six is not necessary at this time.

“We did not require them to lockdown the area. We did not advise

them of a need to do a lockdown but I guess they have that right as a Village Council to make those decisions,” the Minister said on Friday.

Dr. Anthony did note that a medical team will remain in the communities to continue monitoring the situation and conduct further testing.

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

Guyana Post, Saturday November 28, 2020

World Bank approves USD7.5M for COVID-19 Emergency Project

The World Bank has approved US$7.5 million to support Guyana’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.

Tahseen Sayed, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean said, “The

World Bank is working with member countries in the Caribbean to help them respond to COVID-19 and prepare for a resilient recovery. This financing for Guyana will help the country tackle the current

crisis and handle future emergencies.”

The COVID-19 Emergency Response Project will strengthen laboratory capacity, support screening and surveillance, improve

contact tracing, and equip healthcare facilities for more effective treatment and care of COVID-19 patients. The project will also expand contact tracing and psychosocial support to vulnerable households in local communities and the hinterland regions.

The project will also help to prepare the health system for the effective deployment of a safe and approved COVID-19 vaccine.

In July 2020, Guyana also benefitted from a US$1 million grant through the World Bankadministered Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF), which was disbursed to PAHO/ WHO.

OVER 150 WEAPONS MISSING FROM GPF

Minister Robeson Benn

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has stated that six ranks attached to the Tactical Services Unit of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are in custody in relation to the disappearance of over 150 firearm from the GPF. The disappearance of the firearm was revealed following an audit into the Police Force. The weapons were either seized from criminals and were to be exhibits in cases, or were firearms lodged by private citizens.

Subject Minister Robeson Benn assured that all efforts would be made to track down the missing firearms and that the financial aspect of the audit into the GPF will be permanently placed continue. here at the Aurora Mines to ensure that the regulations are followed and to advise and guide the company as to daily operations.”

The Environmental Protection Agency would A 38-year-old man also be engaged to address is wanted by police for any environmental allegedly killing his matters.

Additionally, the mother and injuring four-year-old Ministry is seeking to her granddaughter. partner with the company The deceased woman to develop the GGMC is 62-year-old Jennifer mining school.

OVER 500 GUYANESE RE-EMPLOYED BY AGM After laying off most of its employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) has re-employed 587 Guyanese.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, visited the company’s mining operations on Monday to recommission their Processing Plant. The Minister said that the number of re-employed workers was pleasing as

AGM had initially stated that only two to three hundred Guyanese would be re-employed before December.

AGM was recently acquired by Zijin Mining Group Company Limited, a Chinese company, and is looking to start full operations by mid-2021.

Once mining operations begin an additional 200 Guyanese are expected to be employed.

The Minister did

note that Guyana did not have the capacity to regulate underground mining; there have been discussions on increasing the local capacity and to have experts brought in to assist with the regulation of mining operations.

On the issue of safety an agreement was reached between the company and the Ministry for “two GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) Mines Officers who will

Guns that have previously gone missing from the custody of the Joint Services have been linked to criminal activities.

The 2018 Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Lindo Creek massacre revealed that a number of weapons and ammunition which were stolen in February 2006 were later used to commit crimes.

The 2019 audit into the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was the last audit into the operations of the Police Force. It revealed a number of financial irregularities which led to the removal of the then SOCU Head, Sydney James.

MAN WANTED AFTER KILLING MOTHER, ASSAULTING NIECE

“Judith” Anderson who lived in the twostorey house with her granddaughter.

The incident occurred at their home at Good Intent, West Bank

Continued on pg5

POLICE FIND GUNS AND AMMUNITION IN BERBICE RIVER RAID where they found a partly

Anumber of guns and ammunitions

A number of guns and ammunitions were unearthed by police while millions of dollars’ worth in ganja was destroyed during a drug eradication exercise up the Berbice River.

The raid was conducted between 03:30hrs and 18:15hrs on November 25. The party of policemen under the command of a

Superintendent of police conducted the exercises at DeVeldt and Gateroy Village up the Berbice River.

According to information the police acting on intelligence went to a house at DeVeldt Village in the Berbice River. As the ranks approached the building they noticed

a male running away from the house and into the nearby bushes. The ranks immediately gave chase but were unable to apprehend the man.

The police subsequently searched the premises and found a number of firearms and ammunition concealed under the floorboards; Found were :-one

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double barrel 12 gauge shotgun with number SESPRR; one 20 gauge shotgun with Number 200109495; one .32 shotgun with number 98015SB; two OPS air guns.

Also found were nine 12 gauge, one 20 gauge and five .32 cartridges.

The police proceeded to Gatetroy Village,

harvested marijuana field and a camp with approximately 300 plants measuring about four to six feet in height The plants which had an estimated value of $3.4 million and the camp were both destroyed by fire.

The guns and ammunition were taken to the Central Poli

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

Guyana Post, Saturday November 28, 2020

MAN ARRESTED AFTER ROBBING CDC WARNS AGAINST TRAVEL TO JAMAICA, OTHER CARIBBEAN COUPLE OF OVER $3.4 MILLION COUNTRIES

The lack of political will in CARICOM to agree to common COVID-19 protocol standards is perhaps the biggest failure of this pandemic, said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism.

Bartlett was responding to the placing of several CARICOM and other Caribbean countries under the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Level 4 COVID-19 High-Level risk assessment.

Under this assessment, the CDC advises that travellers should avoid all travel to the destinations listed.

The CARICOM countries placed under Level 4 are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Belize, Suriname,

Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos. Other Caribbean countries on the list are Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Sint Maarten, St Eustatius, Saba, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Antigua and Barbuda has since been reevaluated.

“I think that while countries have a responsibility to citizens to review from time to time the status of countries that they interact with, the absence of any standardisation that enables us to measure effectively where we all stand is a concern because it leads to arbitrariness sometimes and a level of confusion globally as to how travel and tourism should be effected,”

Bartlett told Loop News.

Bartlett was not too worried about any fallout from the advisory, however, stating that Jamaica has had designations of this type before and it doesn’t significantly affect the visitor flow.

“Jamaica as a destination is well known, we have managed the protocols extremely well and established some innovations that are enviable in the world such as the resilient corridor.

We have established Jamaica Cares, an endto-end health security programme which will protect visitors who come and removes the burden of managing the pandemic from the taxpayers of the country,” he said

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a 49-year-old businesswoman and her 40-year-old husband of Mabura, Linden.

The incident occurred on Tuesday around 11:00 p.m. as the couple was arriving home.

They had conducted some transactions throughout the day and upon arriving at their home, they were confronted by two bandits, one of whom was armed with a gun.

One of the bandits, who was armed with a gun, began to hit them with the weapon and then relieved them of their belongings.

The bandits then fled the scene on the motorcycle.

The stolen items included two cellular phones valued $28,000 and $36,000 from Ramall; a cellphone valued at $35,000 and $3,000 in cash from Raghemoudan; jewelry valued at $90,000, and a phone valued at $20,000 from Jaipaul;

and a cellphone valued at $7,000 and $ 45,000 in cash from Pitamber.

After the victims made a report to the police and the area was searched. Two residents of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo – who matched the descriptions given by the victims – were taken into custody.

They were also found with a motorcycle that matched the description of the one used by the bandits.

The incident is still being investigated

confronted a suspect who fired several rounds at the police as he tried to escape.

He was apprehended and searched, uncovering a bag containing over $2.3M, a .38 revolver with five live rounds, and other items.

The Police Force also said the motorcycle used in the crime was stolen from a 30-year-old resident of Buck Hall, Wismar Squatting Area.

Police are still searching for the second suspect.

Evirmiusa L. Haberuntili, tabesil icaurbena, unium

MAN WANTED AFTER KILLING MOTHER....

Continued from pg5

Demerara between 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday and 12:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Anderson was last seen alive by her daughter at around 12:00hrs on Wednesday.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), said the suspect is allegedly a drug addict who would steal items from his mother.

At around 12 p.m. on Thursday, another of the

woman’s sons, Mark Anderson, said was contacted by someone informing him that his brother had assaulted the young girl and her grandmother.

After rushing over to her home he discovered her body under a pile of clothes near a wardrobe in her bedroom. Police were called to the scene and, after examining the

body, found several small circular injuries on her face and chest.

The woman was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead while the child was treated for her injuries and sent away.

The suspect has not yet been found and investigations are ongoing

COVID-19 UPDATE NOVEMBER 27

FOUR PERSONS ROBBED Four persons were attacked and robbed by armed bandits along the Meten-Meer-Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara on Tuesday evening. The victims are Shiradatt Ramlall, 25; Aneela Raghemoudan, 33; Paul Jaipaul, 25; and Lohouna Rakesh Pitamber, 29.

The four of them were heading home along the road when they were approached by two men on a motorcycle around 06:30 p.m.

The armed suspect threatened the woman with the weapon and demanded that she hand over her belongings. The suspect also fired several shots into the air.

The woman gave them a bag containing $3.4M, a quantity of raw gold valued $800,000 and a wedding band valued $80,000.

The bandits then escaped on a black motorcycle.

Police ranks later responded to information they received and

The Ministry of Heath recorded 40 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday November 26.

One case was recorded in Region Two, one in Region Three, four in Region Four, 26 in Region Six, two in Region Seven, one from Region Eight, three in Region Nine and two in Region Ten. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now 5,276.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 150 with the deaths of a 69-year-old man from Region Two and a 53-year-old woman from

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Region Four. There have been 25 deaths recorded so far in November.

As of November 26, Thursday, 28,878 persons have been tested for the virus. 4,252 persons have recovered leaving 874 active cases in the country.

The Orealla/Siparuta Village Council decided on Thursday evening to completely lock down the village of Siparuta from 6:00 a.m. today.

The decision was taken after 20 new COVID-19 cases were recorded at the Amerindian Settlement The total number of cases in the community

stands at 50. Its sister village of Orealla has nine confirmed cases.

A gate has been constructed across the Terrakulli Bridge which links the villages of Orealla and Siparuta. Toshao Carl Peneux said the gate is being guarded by Police officers to prevent persons moving from one village to the other.

Peneux also highlighted that persons from Siparuta who tested positive with the coronavirus had not been adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Health

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

Guyana Post, Saturday November 28, 2020

The Haitian people: sadly and badly in need of a champion

By Sir Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are entirely his own) Human rights and constitutional violations in Haiti have been ignored for too long by the Organization of American States (OAS).

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has also avoided dealing with incendiary political issues in Haiti.

Meanwhile, more suffering is being piled on the poor people of Haiti whose body count from malnutrition and organized violence continues to grow. Against this background, it is not surprising that Haitians are seeking every means of escape from their homeland.

In desperate situations, criminals take advantage of the vulnerable. Thus, a brisk trade has begun in trafficking young Haitians – this time into the Caribbean. Evidence of this is the discovery by police in Guyana on November 7 of 26 Haitians, including two boys and five girls who were being transported to the Brazilian border by a human trafficking ring.

Both the OAS and CARICOM are obliged under their charters and declarations to call to account member states whose governments act unconstitutionally or take actions that violate the human, civil and political rights of their people.

The two organizations were active and vocal throughout the fivemonth impasse in the Guyana elections, from March to August this

year, and afterwards.

During that entire period, the constitutional and electoral situation in Haiti was worse. But not a word of condemnation of the Haitian Presidency was uttered by either body.

Haitian President, Jovenel Moïse, has been running the country by decree with no elected parliament since 2019, amid accusations of corruption, protests and the deployment of the military which has been accused of atrocities.

The Chair of CARICOM did publicly declare, in January 2020: “CARICOM is deeply concerned at the continuing unsettled political, economic, humanitarian and social situation in its Member State, Haiti. Indeed, we are particularly concerned about the several incidents of violence and the associated and tragic loss of life”. Since then, CARICOM said nothing more.

Yet, four months later, in its April 2020 update on Haiti, the World Food Programme said that almost four million Haitians need urgent food assistance, and that at least one million of those are suffering from severe hunger.

President Moïse has been close-mouthed about the gangs that, according to the Miami’s Herald’s Jacqueline Charles (a Haitian expert), “have been on a rampage in poor neighbourhoods — kidnapping, raping and killing at will”.

An Editorial in the Trinidad Express Newspaper pointed out on November 25, “The US position is particularly hypocritical in the context of its backing of Haitian President, who has been ruling by decree since dismissing parliament, and who continues to preside over unending human rights abuses and the rise of Tonton Macoute-style

death squads.”

It is well known in the OAS that it is the US government that is principally behind no action on Haiti by the organization whose Secretary-General, Luis Almagro, has been ardent in calling out other countries, particularly Venezuela and Nicaragua, on human rights.

The US and the “Lima Group” of countries in the OAS have been dependent on Haiti’s vote to secure the bare majority needed to secure adoption for controversial resolutions against the Venezuelan and Nicaraguan governments.

Hence, the suffering of the poor people of Haiti is ignored.

Whether by coincidence or cooperation, on the same day – October 29 – US Under Secretary of State, David Hale, and Secretary-General Almagro urged Moïse to hold “overdue legislative elections as soon as possible”.

Moïse has ignored them, continuing to operate with untrammelled power, including by making appointments of personal loyalists to key posts in violation of the Constitution which requires such appointments to be approved by the Senate.

Recently, he appointed the Commander of the Armed Forces, the Head of the Police Force, the Governor of the Central Bank, and the chairman of the National Credit Bank. The holders of these offices were all appointed without the senatorial ratifications required by the constitution.

Consequently, they are not vested with the administrative and financial independence necessary to carry out their duties as guaranteed under the Constitution.

They are instruments of the President, vulnerable to his sole dictates.

Unrest and violence

continue as groups demonstrate against corruption and call for elections. The Police have been active in breaking up protests, reportedly shooting dead one protestor and injuring two more on November 18.

Even within the Police force, protestors exist.

A secret group called “Fantom 509” has been actively protesting poor wages and conditions. The recently appointed Police Commissioner, Leon Charles, commanded his officers to confront and lock up colleagues who are “Fantom 509” members.

On Friday, October 30, President Moïse officially put the Constitution of Haiti “on hold”. He formed a committee, to “revise” the draft of a new constitution, which, reportedly, was drafted by persons appointed by him.

In any event, the President has no authority to modify, reform or change the Constitution.

This unconstitutional behaviour is yet another dangerous threat to democracy and political stability in Haiti if it continues unchallenged.

It violates both the Charter of the OAS and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. It is also inconsistent with the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society. At the very least, they should rebuke Moïse for his violations of the constitution.

It is unlikely that between now and January 20, when US Presidentelect Joe Biden assumes the Presidency, that there will be any movement by the US government – by itself or in the OAS – to address the plight of the Haitian people.

Nonetheless the OAS – and CARICOM within it – should act.

The Haitian people are not a political problem; they are human beings sadly and badly in need of a champion.

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POLICE ISSUE WARNING ON NEW ONLINE SCAM

The Guyana Police Force has issued an alert to citizens, particularly women, of a scam being performed by persons suspected of pretending to be Nigerian.

According to the police, the suspect sends a Facebook friend request to the intended victim and once it is accepted they request their phone number for communication via WhatsApp. Over time the suspect, who apparently resides overseas, expresses an amorous interest in the intended victim and indicates that they would be sending gifts for the victim, including jewellery.

The victim would later receive a call from someone claiming to be employed at a shipping

company informing them that a box has arrived at the airport for them but customs officials scanned the box and observed that it contains money.

The victim is then threatened with potential prosecution and informed that they will have to pay sums of money to several individuals in order to avoid prosecution and uplift the box. The money is to be sent to the identified persons through Money Transfer Services or a Post Office.

After the money is sent, the suspect is never heard from again and the victim is defrauded of his or her money.

No information on the number of persons affected by this scam was released by the police.

POLICE INVESTIGATING KIDNAPPING OF INFANT Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Royston AndriesJunor, confirmed that police are investigating the kidnapping of a newborn girl on November 24, last, at the Tuschen Squatting Area, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The mother, 19, told investigators that she was at home around 08:45 p.m. when the child’s father entered the house and demanded that she give the baby to him.

The mother refused to hand over the child, causing the father to take out a gun and point it at her. He then took the child and fled from the house.

The kidnapping was

reported to the police and a search was started for the suspect. He was later intercepted in public transportation, with the baby being held by a female passenger in the vehicle.

They were taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station and questioned.

The female passenger claimed that she did not know the suspect and that he asked her to hold the baby just before the vehicle was stopped. This was also confirmed by the suspect.

The child was returned to her mother and the father remains in police custody.

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

Guyana Post, Saturday November 28, 2020

AFC condemns PPP for terminating Dr. Vincent Adams, others

Adam’s Note Book In the run up to the 2015 elections the talk was about the level of corruption that existed in Guyana. The people were so riled up that they called on the new government to jail all those found guilty of corrupt practices.

There were probes into land deals that saw some political leaders acquiring property that many could only dream of. Ordinary people suddenly became filthy rich and the ordinary man could only sit and talk.

There were probes and there was some police action. People like Bharrat Jagdeo, Dr Roger Luncheon, Anil Nandlall, and Irfaan Ali found themselves on the other side of the law. Jagdeo faced a private criminal charge in Berbice but not for one moment was he detained by the police.

Irfaan Ali faced 18 fraud charges and appeared in court but never for one moment was he required to spend time in police custody. The same could be said for Anil Nandlall.

Many people employed by the Guyana Rice Board were placed before the courts. One of them was a Deputy Permanent Secretary.

It must have been a respect for people’s liberty and a firm adherence to the tenet that a person is innocent until proven guilty that none of these people ever spent a night in the police lockups.

When they appeared in court they were released on their own recognizance.

One person was asked to post substantial bail.

That was former Minister Jennifer Westford. She was charged with larceny of public funds. But even she was not required to spend a night in jail.

The government changed this year but for some, memories don’t leave. I could imagine the festering anger on the

part of Bharrat Jagdeo, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali and the others at being challenged to defend their innocence. They simply could not wait to grab the reins of power to exact their revenge.

The first thing that happened was that they got some people to file private criminal charges against those elections officials who participated in the March 2 elections.

Even with the private criminal charges the courts set bail that made some people shiver. Forget about recognizance.

Volda Lawrence was a Minister of Health; that mattered not. She was asked to post substantial bail on each charge she faced.

Clairmont Mingo was the Region Four Returning Officer. The angry horde tore into him like hyenas.

And they got the police to do what they themselves would have liked to do if only they had the authority to. The Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, was not spared.

What brought the glaring witch-hunt to the fore was the fact that the state then filed charges similar to those filed by the private sponsors. The charges brought by the police mirrored those brought by the private citizens.

So people were charged twice for the same offence. The courts also doubled the punishment.

The courts always say that bail is to ensure one’s appearance in the courts.

In this case although the parties were on bail, some having sped a few days in the prison cells, they court imposed even more bail.

It seemed as if the courts were being instructed by the state or that the magistrates simply did not want to rock the boat.

There were other targets. People had their contracts terminated for no

other reason than they were perceived to be supporters of the coalition. Vincent Adams was terminated because, according to the president, he was a member of the Alliance for Change.

The icing on the cake was the detention of Colvin Heath London. He was head of the Special Projects Unit. He had nothing to do with NICIL until this year but Anil Nandlall still seething from the criminal charges brought against him, called on the police to arrest Heath London.

There is nothing to charge Heath London with but the aim is to ensure that they lock him up, even if only for a few days. So Heath London is in custody answering mundane questions. Even his interrogators were not sure about what they wanted to know.

The police proceeded to hold him for three days.

Acting on the instructions of the people who hold the reins of power the police were advised to seek an extension of the time for them to keep Heath London in custody.

The intervention of attorney at law Nigel Hughes put a spanner in the works so Heath London was released on bail set at $200,000. He was asked to return for further questioning. He has not been charged.

The exercise is seen as an attempt to destroy Heath London’s reputation.

The saga does not end there. Attorney at Law James Bond was also taken into custody.

The state is alleging a conspiracy to defraud.

Where the coalition had a healthy regard for people’s liberty the Irfaan Ali administr ration has no consideration.

Dr. Vincent Adams

The Alliance For Change strongly condemns the unlawful dismissal of Dr. Vincent Adams as Director of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Dr. Adams is, without question, the most qualified Environmental Engineer and Petroleum Engineer in the country, who returned after an outstanding career of fine service in the United

States to serve the people of Guyana.

“During his career in the United States, Dr. Adams worked at the highest levels of Government and enjoyed enviable professional recognition the world ove,” the AFC stated.

There can be no legitimate explanation for Dr. Adams’s dismissal as, despite his political views, he served objectively and

with distinction.

“The words of President Ali, that he would be offered a position to which he is eminently qualified have proven hollow and false.”

“Unfortunately, if this is the leadership that Guyana has to offer, then the nation will undoubtedly suffer. There is a distinct absence of dignity and decorum and in its place unbridled crassness, pettiness, vindictiveness and small-mindedness which has become the principal characteristic of the Ali regime as it carries out a campaign of ethno-political purging of mammoth proportions.

“There is only so much that a people can take and the Alliance For Change calls on President Ali, and his Government, to take stock and pay very close attention before it plunges this country into a dark chasm of inevitable ethnic strife and conflict.

JAMES BOND ARRESTED FOR QUESTIONING

Mr. James Bond

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed that Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), James Bond, has been arrested for questioning in relation to

7

what the government is calling land giveaways conducted under the APNU/AFC Coalition.

Several plots of State land on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) were leased by individuals and then resold for a large profit, the Irfaan Ali government is contending.

Two businessmen, Eddie Doolal and Avalon Jagnanan, were questioned by police.

They reportedly identified Bond as the person who arranged the deals. Both men said Bond directed them to apply to NICIL for the land, after which he found buyers for them.

Life 1 Pharms Incorporated, which Jagnandan heads, leased a

total of 15 acres of land at Peter’s Hall, EBD, for the sum of US$11,700. This land, referred to as plots “A17”, “A18” and “A19”, was then transferred to another person for $100.

A-Z Pharmaceuticals, run by Doolal, also leased three plots of land at Peter’s Hall for US$11,700 a year from NICIL. The company then also transferred the land to an individual for $100.

And former head of the Special Projects Unit was released from police custody on $200,000 bail, Monday morning. But he was ordered to return to CID Headquarters Tuesday afternoon for further questioning.

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

Guyana Post, Saturday November 28, 2020

APNU+AFC vehemently condemns detention of former NICIL CEO

Former Chief Executive Officer of NICIL Mr. Colvin Heath London

The PPP regime’s campaign of terror against the public service and Afro-Guyanese continues to intensify with wanton disregard for the constitutional rights of persons and the law, according to the Coalition.

“The APNU+AFC Coalition vehemently condemns the detention of former Chief Executive Officer of NICIL Mr. Colvin Heath London,” the coalition said in a press statement.

“Mr. London was detained on Friday, November 20 and remains in police custody with no clear reason or explanation. This is another spurious set of trumped up concoctions aimed at terrorising AfroGuyanese specifically, and perceived supporters of the APNU+AFC Coalition generally.

“Mr. London is not a politician; he is a highly regarded professional who worked tirelessly on

behalf of the people of Guyana.”

The coalition said that the PPPregime’s campaign of terror, victimization and persecution has now ensnared Mr. London.

“It is clear that the PPP regime will do whatever it can in their attempt to taint the good professional reputation of Mr. London in their pursuit of vendetta against the APNU+AFC Coalition whose record in government they are jealous of, cannot match and are seeking to also taint.

“This is obscene and contemptible and we demand Mr. London’s immediate release from custody.”

Colvin Heath London voluntarily attended the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Headquarters Eve Leary on Friday November 20, 2020 at 8.30 AM in the company of his Attorneys at law.

He was arrested immediately, upon arrival for the offence of conspiracy to defraud.

Attorney for HeathLondon, Nigel Hughes, during the day he was questioned extensively in a video recorded interview on the following issues only.

Whether he was aware that a clause which requires Lessees from NICIL to secure permission in writing from NICIL before subletting the leased property was included in contracts of four companies.

Whether he knew Horace James, CEO of NICIL Whether he knew where Horace James was.

Whether he knew James Bond.

Whether he knew Timothy Fisher Sworn Land Surveyor.

Whether he knew various executives of companies which had

DOCTOR FOUND DEAD IN HOME

leased land from NICIL. Some of these leases had the clause which required the written permission from NICIL before subletting and some did not.

Whether he was aware of any Board or cabinet approval for the leases which did require written permission of NICIL before they could sublet the properties.

Mr. Heath London after being informed that he was a suspect and was entitled to exercise the right to silence accepted the invitation of the investigating Officers of the Guyana Police Force and exercised his right to silence.

Mr. London was questioned until 6.30 PM on Friday the 20th November 2020.

AT the time of the execution of the leases subject of the interrogation, Mr. London was not the Chief Executive Officer

of NICIL. That office was held by Mr. Horace James now deceased. Mr. London was head of the SPU. Counsel for Mr. London pointed out to and provided the investigating ranks with electronic copies of NICIL’s Board minutes and records dated the 15th January 2018, a date prior to the no confidence motion, which recorded the following discussions and decisions of the Board of NICIL. NICIL’s CEO (Horace James) duly informed the newly appointed Executive Head of the NICIL/SPU of plans on stream for the Peter’s Hall area to be designated as an industrial park in support of Guyana’s new O&G sector.

The CEO (Horace James) opined that nation’s inability to secure capital to facilitate business alliances such as Continued on pg3

GLDA SEIZES OVER 700 LBS OF ILLEGALLY IMPORTED MEAT

Medical Doctor and University lecturer, Dr. Wesley Torrington

Medical Doctor and University lecturer, Dr. Wesley Torrington, was discovered dead in his Roxanne Burnham Gardens home on Friday morning.

The 60-year-old man served as a Dean at the Lincoln Medical

University in Guyana.

He was last seen alive by a neighbour on Monday. At the time, Torrington, who lived alone, told his neighbour that he was unwell.

The neighbour decided to check on him after not seeing Torrington over the

past few days. After not getting a response, Police were called to the home and they discovered the body.

The initial report from Police said that there were no signs of forced entry into the house and no signs of foul play.

Agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) have arrested a 19-year-old woman and her partner, 33-yearold Nyron Wilson, after discovering suspected amphetamines and

8

methamphetamines and a small quantity of suspected marijuana.

During a raid on Friday at the couple’s ‘C’ Field, Sophia home, the drugs were found in one of the bedrooms. Both pills

and the powdered form of amphetamines were found.

The couple remains in custody and is assisting with the investigation.

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

Guyana Post, Wednesday November 25, 2020

KILLING OF BLACK MAN BY GUARDS THREE MORE DIE AT BRAZIL SUPERMARKET SPARKS OF COVID-19 PROTESTS

Protestors

(BBC News) The brutal killing of a black man at the hands of two white security guards outside a supermarket has sparked outrage across Brazil.

The killing happened on Thursday, the eve of Black Consciousness Day, and spurred anti-racism protests on Friday.

Footage showed Joao Alberto Silveira Freitas, 40, being repeatedly punched in the face by the guards at a Carrefour store in Porto Alegre.

One of the guards, it has emerged, was an off-duty military police officer.

They were arrested, and the Brazilian subsidiary of the French supermarket

group Carrefour said it had cut ties with the security firm that provided the guards.

Brazil has a long legacy of racism. It was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery, in 1888.

Brazilians have traditionally been taught that they live in a racial democracy – President Jair Bolsonaro denies racism exists – but activists say that perception is slowly changing.

Video of Thursday night’s attack in the southern city of Porto Alegre was circulated on social networks and on Brazilian media – sparking outrage.

It showed Mr Silveira Freitas, a welder, being repeatedly punched in the face and head by one security guard while being restrained by another.

Another employee appeared to be alongside filming the incident.

Reports said security had been called after a female worker at the supermarket had been threatened by a man.

On Friday morning, protesters gathered outside the Carrefour in Porto Alegre and in the capital Brasilia, chanting and carrying signs which read “Ashamed of being white” and “Please stop killing us”. Protests were

being called for in other cities.

The Black Lives Matter movement, which has gained momentum worldwide since the killing of George Floyd in the US in May, has resonated with many Brazilians.

In 2019, police in Brazil killed nearly six times as many people as in the US and most of them were black.

Many took to social media to condemn Thursday’s killing, including Brazil international footballer Richarlison Andrade.

“It seems that we have no way out… not even on Black Consciousness day,” the Everton player tweeted.

“In fact, what conscience? They killed a black man, beaten in front of the cameras. They beat him and filmed. Decency and shame have been lost to violence and hatred.”

been 971 cases recorded over the last three weeks.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 147 with the deaths of an 89-year-old man from Region Six, a 29-year old man from Region Seven and an 88-year-old woman from Region Ten. As of November 22 there have been 27,566 persons tested for the virus. 4,019 persons have recovered leaving 967 active cases in the country.

The Guyana Police

Force arrested 116 persons who were found violating the national COVID-19 measures in Regions Five and Six. The arrests were made as part of the enforcement exercise of Operation COVI-CURB – which was designed to keep people safe by spreading awareness on maskwearing, social distancing among other measures.

The arrested persons have been placed on bail, pending charges.

APNU+AFC vehemently condemns detention of former NICIL CEO continued from pg3

joint venture arrangements may be stymied. It was therefore put forward by the CEO (Horace James) that lease transactions should be amended to facilitate subletting thus creating a more competitive platform for local companies and nationals to benefit from this new business opportunity.

Decision Points.

NICIL CEO would treat with commissioning of valuation and survey reports, preparation of leases to qualified applicants to facilitate onward subletting by all approved leases Industrial Parks Lease Transactions to be formulated immediately for the Peter’s Hall area and such areas as Berbice info@guyanapostonline.com

and Demerara were also slated as possible industrial park developments sites to be commissioned The above NICIL Board Note dated the 2nd January 2018 approved and stamped by the CEO (Horace James) 12th January 2018 and received

by NICIL/SPU on 15th January 2018 is attached for your benefit.

Upon the request of Counsel for Mr. London that he be admitted to bail on Friday the 20th November 2020 he was informed that a decision had been taken that he should not be admitted to bail and no reason for his detention was provided.

Mr. London was transported to the Brickdam Police station where he was detained.

On Saturday the 21st

November 2020 the clothing and personal items which had been lodged by Mr. Hamilton in the presence of his counsel the night before had mysteriously disappeared and could not be located.

Mr London was denied the opportunity to take a shower or perform the basic personal hygiene measures before been taken away to CIF HQ for further questioning.

The mysterious disappearance of his personal property including his tooth brush and other personal property was duly reported to the investigation rank.

The questioning of Mr. London continued with the further questioning about leases which did not contain the requirement to seek the written approval

of NICIL before subletting of the property.

During the questioning of Mr. London he was confronted by the legal officer of NICIL. The questioning of Mr. London was completed for the day after four hours.

A request for his admission to bail was again denied.

To date the only allegation which has been put to Mr London is that the clause which required the written permission of the lessee to sublet was not included in some contracts.

It was pointed out to the investigating ranks that the omission of the clause which did not require the written permission of NICIL is not a criminal offence and had been

9

sanctioned by the Board as per the board decision.

Counsel for Mr. London further requested the identification of any instrument which purported to prohibit, restrict or circumscribe the inclusion of a clause which permitted the subletting of properties which had been leased by NICIL. The Investigating officer said that he had not been provided with these.

Upon further inquiry about the identity of the complainant Mr. London was informed that the current board of NICIL had made the complaint.

It has subsequently come to the attention of the lawyers for Mr London that an application to extend the time for his detention is being prepared by Lawyers for

the state.

No reason has been provided for the detention of Mr London for carrying out the policy of the Board of Directors for decisions taken prior to the No confidence motion.

The State has not lost any revenue neither has any allegation to date to Mr. London that the rent was below the market rate.

It is noteworthy that former CEO of NICIL for several years, Winston Brassington testifying under oath on the 12th November 2020 said in relation to NICIL and its powers “the articles of incorporation which guide the operations of the entity (NICL) gives it broad and sweeping powers to do practically anything under the sun.”

UWI to support Guyana’s human resource development

Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles

(Caribbean News Global) KINGSTON, Jamaica, (JIS) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has been invited by president of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, to help drive forward Guyana’s human resource development strategy.

Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, held a virtual meeting with Dr Ali on Thursday, November

5, 2020, in which they discussed a strategy for the country’s future described as “exciting, sustainable, and on the cutting edge of Caribbean governance.”

The UWI is currently negotiating an agreement with the government of Guyana to help to train up to 20,000 nationals over the next five years, through The UWI Open Campus. This represents an opportunity not only

to help build a fellow CARICOM nation’s capital infrastructure for economic, social and cultural development, but also to bring the University’s internationally recognised brand of excellence into the country.

The diversity and richness of The UWI’s academic programmes, which have been carefully curated over decades, is

well suited to help support the people of Guyana during this phase of their development.

Dr Ali has called upon The UWI to be “very aggressive” in producing the business plan that will allow it to deliver.

He has identified all areas of human resource development that Guyana is urgently in need of. In response, Vice-Chancellor Beckles has assured the president that The UWI sees Guyana as part of its environment. In fact, some decades ago, Guyana was once a contributing member of The UWI, but opted to take a different path for philosophical and ideological reasons.

Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r Beckles is excited by this “grand invitation” to enter Guyana to assist with its rebuilding process, thus helping the people of Guyana to meet their full potential as members of one of the most dynamic states in the region.

He says, “This is as

EARLY RELEASE FOR 65 NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS

Georgetown Prison

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has released 65 non-violent offenders in keeping with efforts to reduce overcrowding in

all prisons.

The inmates released were convicted for nonviolent offences and were near the end of their

sentences.

Director of Prisons (Ag.), Gladwin Samuels said the decision was taken to provide more space for

prisoners as the Prison Service implements the COVID-19 measures.

In October, more than 290 inmates at the Lusignan Prison tested positive for the disease.

Several Prison Officers were also affected. The affected inmates were isolated and some were relocated to other facilities to ensure adequate spacing among prisoners to stem transmission of the disease.

The Ministry of Health had also deployed a team of doctors and nurses to the facility to complement staff there, and to train prison personnel to boost the efficiency of daily sanitation exercises.

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exciting as anything we have done in any region in the world, because we are on the margin of one of the largest societies, one of the biggest economies and, arguably, one of the most dynamic going forward.”

The UWI is greatly honoured to be part of Guyana’s roadmap to development.

A meeting is being planned between The UWI and relevant ministers of the government of Guyana shortly. Vice-Chancellor Beckles is confident that the Council of The UWI will endorse this worthwhile and muchneeded project. He has already spoken with The UWI’s Chancellor, Robert Bermudez, who agrees that it must and should be undertaken.

The collaboration between The UWI and Guyana is particularly exciting in the context of The UWI’s Triple A Strategy, which focuses on revitalising Caribbean development through

the application of three areas of focus: Access, Alignment and Agility.

At a point in Caribbean history when the region is facing significant challenges due to the global economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and political upheaval in countries that are major trade partners, such as the United States, the relevance of The UWI’s input and influence is even greater.

In the words of ViceChancellor Beckles, the Caribbean is at “a moment of convergence”, a point in its collective history in which intraregional collaboration and mutual support will be the key to successful nation-building.

The UWI’s role in propelling the people of the region along a progressive path to prosperity has never been more important.

TEEN PLACED IN CUSTODY FOR ACCIDENTALLY KILLING FRIEND

Police have taken a 16-year-old suspect into custody to assist in the investigation of the death of 15-year-old, Rocky Sawh.

Sawh died after being shot to the head on Tuesday evening.

Sawh was invited by the suspect to his home at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, for a sleepover. The two teens were said to be home alone.

Police said the suspect breached the lock of a wardrobe where a licensed .32 Taurus Pistol, owned by his father, was stored.

The teen was showing the

weapon to Sawh when he accidentally pulled the trigger.

Sawh was shot to his right side head and fell to the ground. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and admitted in a serious condition. He succumbed to his injuries at around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sawh’s body is currently at the Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem.

The .32 Taurus Pistol with seven live matching rounds, a spent shell and 149 .32 rounds were retrieved from the scene.

Guyana Post, Wednesday November 25, 2020

DETERMINES Biden names first female CANU THAT DRUGS SEIZED BELGIUM WERE 4-star admiral to Pentagon INSHIPPED THROUGH GUYANA transition team

Retired Admiral Michelle Howard

The first AfricanAmerican woman to command a U.S. Navy ship and the first woman to achieve four-star rank in the Navy has been appointed to Presidentelect Joe Biden’s transition

team to the Department of Defense.

Retired Admiral Michelle Howard joins more than 20 others making up the “Agency Review Team” for the Pentagon.

According

to Biden officials, they will be responsible for reviewing current operations in the Department of Defense in order to ensure a “smooth transfer of power.”

The team will be

led by Kathleen Hicks, currently director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Ms. Hicks earlier served as undersecretary of defense for policy in the Obama Administration.

Most of the members of the Pentagon transition team are women and Washington, D.C. think tanks like Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and the RAND Corporation are well represented on the list.

CNAS official Ely Ratner – also on the list – was Mr. Biden’s deputy national security advisor from 2015-2017.

Retired Admiral Howard’s last assignment was commander of U.S. Naval Force in Europe.

She had previously served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. She retired in 2017 after more than 30 years of service and is currently a professor in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.

MAN REMANDED TO JAIL FOR MURDERING WIFE The man who is accused of knifing his wife to death has been remanded to jail. Taijram Rahim, called ‘Sunny’, 32, a cane cutter of Lot 7 Marcy Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Peter Hugh in the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court.

He is accused of killing his wife Amrita Rahim called “Sally “, 28, and a mother of three on the evening of Friday November 13 following a misunderstanding at their home.

According to information the couple and their three children went to a birthday party which was held in the said yard. info@guyanapostonline.com

The family subsequently left for home. An argument developed between the woman and her husband who accused her of infidelity. As the argument intensify the woman went and lie down on the bed during which time the man went into the kitchen and returned with a knife which he used to stab her on her left breast.

An alarm was raised by one of the children who noticed what took place.

Relatives who lived in the said yard responded and found the victim in an unconscious state.

She was picked up and placed in a taxi and rushed to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead by

on arrival.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and placed into custody.

A post mortem examination conducted on the woman’s body gave the cause of death as

perforation of the heart as a result of a stab wound.

Rahim has been remanded to jail until December 29 when the case is expected to be called again.

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Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, has said that the investigation into the recent drug bust in Belgium has revealed that Guyana was used as a transshipment point.

The shipment of 11.5 tons of cocaine that was seized reportedly originated from Guyana and was intercepted when it arrived at the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. The drugs were valued at over USD$1.06 Billion.

The investigations conducted by CANU have determined that the drugs were imported into Guyana from another country and then loaded into the container and vessel that departed from Guyana in September.

Images of the container after it was scanned had been removed and Singh said that this makes the work of the Unit even tougher. He also added that it definitively proves that there was collusion

between the “big fishes” and staff members of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

GRA staff members were detained and subsequently released following the end of the 72-hour detention period. Singh did say that very little information was obtained from their interrogation. The GRA will now have to conduct an internal probe to determine the parties who were responsible.

Singh said that CANU will continue to work along with their counterparts in Belgium to bring closure to the case.

A search is also ongoing for the shipper of the container, Marlon Primo of Lot 701 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and of 69 Atlantic Village, ECD. He is also the proprietor of MA Trading, located at 35 Factory Road, Paradise, ECD.

TEENAGE EMPLOYEE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER $900,000 STOLEN FROM HIS EMPLOYER A teenage employee of a rice farmer was taken into custody for questioning after $900,000 was found to be missing from the home of his employer.

Abdool Nazim, 72, of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was at home on Monday with the teen and another employee. He left to go plough his rice field in the Windsor Forest Backdam with the other employee between 8:00h and 12:00h and forgot to lock the door to the house. The teen was left with instructions to spray the rice field.

Later in the day, the teen met with him at the

Backdam and told him that someone broke into the house. After returning to his home, Nazim found the place ransacked with several drawers and a briefcase- which contained the money- out of place.

After finding the $900,000 in cash missing, Nazim questioned the teen who denied any involvement.

Police at the Den Amstel Police Station have begun investigations.

The teenage employee was questioned and released into the custody of his aunt. He is expected to return for questioning.

CPL RECORDS ‘INCREDIBLE INCREASE’ IN VIEWERSHIP IN 2020

ADAM’S NOTEBOOK The race and subsequent election of Barack Obama to the White House was the one occasion many vividly remember. Indeed, Guyana has long been looking at the election of the president of the United States.

For some reason Guyanese believe that the president of the United States would somehow impact life in Guyana.

Because of the ethnic composition of the country, Guyanese overwhelmingly favour the Democrats. Perhaps it is because the Democrats have the reputation of being more tolerant of Black people. And to clear the air on Black people, it is apposite to note that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is called a Black person.

After the elections in Guyana and the studied intervention of Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, many Guyanese feel that Pompeo’s actions have come back to bite him.

The very words he uttered to the Coalition—every vote must count—form the backbone of the argument for President Donald Trump to demit office.

Pompeo must not have seen it coming but when it came he was called on to recognize his very utterances a few months earlier in the case of Guyana.

Indeed the situation is different because there were invalid votes cast in the Guyana elections.

Pompeo went scurrying to find similar occurrences in the United States. One must now wonder whether his present reaction would have been the same. One now wonders whether he would have been as vehement about getting Trump to concede defeat.

The vehemence that followed the regime change in Guyana has left some tongues hanging.

There have been reports of some 800 public servants being terminated. Many of these were contract employees.

Some years ago there was talk about reducing the number of contract employees in the public service. Contracts allowed the employer to pay salaries beyond the range of the public service scale.

Back then the argument was that the government would have been unable to attract the necessary skills at the level of the public service pay scale.

What the propagators of the contract employee did not say was that the system opened the door for the appointment of political hacks and servants.

The result is that there has been a radical sweep of contracted public servants.

Many had contracts in force so the immediate conclusion was that they had underperformed at their duties. Then it dawned that nearly all were people of African ancestry.

Most were highly skilled and were proficient at their jobs.

No one could point to any underperformance. This took many back to 1992 when some highly skilled people were terminated.

In one case a Permanent Secretary who had skills desperately needed within Caricom, and whose local service was terminated, was immediately snapped up by Grenada.

President Cheddi Jagan realized the error and tried to woo back the Permanent Secretary.

There was a similar case this time around.

That matter is still in the balance. The highly skilled individual is needed. He was sent on leave but somehow, his termination was not ratified. Suffice it to say that there is acknowledgement in the corridors of power that his skills are needed.

When President Irfaan Ali took the oath of office he vowed to rule on behalf of all Guyana. The actions of his government suggest otherwise. They seem to suggest ruling on behalf of political supporters. How else can one explain some of the appointments?

Two days ago the political opposition tabled two motions in the National Assembly. This is all well and good except that there is the fear that the motions would not be heard.

This contention was made clear before. When United Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, was coming to Guyana the opposition tabled a motion seeking to have it heard as urgent and private. With two days to go, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir informed that the motion needed to be modified. It was modified and returned.

Lo and behold, with less than 24 hours before the visit the motion was not considered urgent.

Pompeo came; his discussions were kept from the opposition who were not invited. It was a sad day. It was the first time that a foreign dignitary came on what was tantamount to a state visit and the opposition was ignored.

That could have been an oversight until once more the government refused to invite the opposition to the annual Remembrance Day observations. This, too, was history-making.

And it did not stop there.

The Chief Citizen of the country, the Mayor of Georgetown was also not invited.

If the government is an Old Boys’ Club then one can understand ignoring some sections of the society. But the government is supposed to be all-inclusive. President Irfaan Ali said so. But then again, what is a word?

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw an incredible 67% increase in Television, Streaming and Digital viewership in 2020, reaching 523.5 million viewers and passing half a billion for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The research was independently compiled

by YouGov Sport, a division of SMGInsight, one of the world’s largest and most respected research firms.

The 2020 Hero CPL was the first franchise T20 tournament to take place since the lockdown and travel restrictions resulting from COVID-19, with all 33 matches played in a secure bubble at two venues in Trinidad and Tobago.

Since the tournament’s inception, the Hero CPL has long been regarded as one of the premier events in world cricket. This leap

in viewership shows how popular the tournament has become in all corners of the globe.

Key drivers include a big linear viewership increase in India of 81% to over 74.9m, growth of 62% in the UK as well as significant increases across the Caribbean, South Africa and in other key markets in Asia.

As well as the major broadcast deals in key cricketing markets, games were also shown live on Facebook and YouTube, meaning no matter where you were in the world you could follow the Hero CPL. The innovative Hero CPL social media channels also helped drive this year’s audience growth with engaging content being produced both during and outside of the tournament with all the major social media platforms showing

significant advances in audience engagement levels.

Hero CPL’s COO, Pete Russell, said: “We are delighted to have seen such a massive jump in viewership for 2020, and passing that 500 million figure is a huge landmark for us as a tournament.

“The interest in Hero CPL has never been higher and that puts us in a fantastic position moving into 2021 and beyond. The tournament has grown in stature and reputation every year and we are certain that will continue to be the case.

“We are delighted with the linear television and streaming numbers as well as the fantastic growth we are seeing across our digital channels and are excited about our upcoming plans for this year to make our content even more accessible and engaging.” (CPL)

ANOTHER COVID DEATH The Ministry of Health recorded 24 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday November 18. By today, there was another COVID-19 death.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 144 with the death of a 60-year-old woman from Region 4 on Wednesday.

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Eight new cases were recorded in Region Four, one case in Region Six, one in Region Seven and 14 cases in Region Eight by yesterday.

The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now 4,914. Region Four still contains the highest number of recorded

cases at 2,362 followed

by Regions One and Seven with 812 and 419 respectively.

As of Wednesday there were 25,756 persons tested for the virus. The number of active cases in the country is 808.

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

Australian mining company announces large gold find in Guyana

Australian mining company, Alicanto Minerals, reported the finding of a maiden resource of 500,000 ounces at its Arakaka gold project, in Guyana.

An independently calculated maiden resource for the project estimated it to be 9.1 million tons with a grading of 1.8 grams per ton(g/t) of

gold for 520,000 ounces of contained gold.

The resource estimate was created from data collected by Alicanto and the previous owners of the project, Barrick Gold and Nordgold.

The Managing Director of Alicanto, Peter George, said this maiden resource would most likely be the first of a rapidly growing

inventory at Arakaka.

“This resource is shallow, the mineralisation remains open in all directions, and we already have numerous intersections outside the resource which will form part of the next estimate.

We also have multiple walk-up targets with multimillion-ounce bulk tonnage potential that

remains to be drilled.”, George said.

The announcement from Alicanto comes a few days after Troy Resources, another Australian mining company, announced that it had found around 15 g/t of milled ore at their Karouni Smarts Underground mine in Region Seven.

IRAQ HANGS 21 ON TERRORISM CHARGES IN LATEST MASS EXECUTIONS

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq hanged 21 convicted terrorists and murderers on Monday, an interior ministry statement said, the latest in a series of mass executions it has carried out since defeating the Islamic State group in 2017.

Among those executed at a prison in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya were people involved in two suicide attacks that killed dozens of people the northern town of Tal Afar, the statement said.

It gave no further details of the identities of the people who were executed or the crimes for which they were convicted.

Iraq has put hundreds of suspected jihadists on trial and carried out several mass executions since defeating Islamic State fighters in a 20142017 U.S.-backed military campaign.

Human rights groups have accused Iraqi and other regional forces of inconsistencies in the judicial process and flawed trials leading to unfair convictions. Iraq says its trials are fair.

Islamic State captured a third of Iraq in 2014 and was largely defeated both there and in neighbouring Syria over the following three years.

CANU REOPENS INVESTIGATIONS INTO GERMANY DRUG BUST

Germany in a shipment of rice from Guyana

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh has reopened the investigations of the 1.5 tons of cocaine which was seized in Germany in a shipment of rice from info@guyanapostonline.com

Guyana.

The container in which the cocaine was found had made several stops after leaving Guyana and before arriving in Germany. Because of this the initial investigation

ruled out the possibility of the drugs originating in Guyana.

Singh today said that the reopening of the case is based on new intelligence.

The seizure in Germany was conducted after

investigators at the Joint Customs and Police Investigation Group received a tip-off about drug smuggling and after searching the container found 47 large packages hidden between the rice

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sacks and inside those, 1,277 smaller packages of cocaine. The drugs were valued at over US$300M. Just over a week ago another shipment of drugs, which was linked to Guyana, was

seized in Belgium. 11.5tons (23,000 pounds) of cocaine were found in a container which was supposed to have a shipment of scrap metal.

The drugs were valued at US$1,068,156,000.

HURRICANE IOTA RAPIDLY WEAKENING OVER NICARAGUA (Loop News) Hurricane Iota has been downgraded to a category one hurricane as it journeys west over Nicaragua.

The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said Iota’s maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 85 mph (135 km/h) with higher gusts.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the centre and tropicalstorm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 965 mb (28.50 inches). Additional rapid weakening is expected

today into Wednesday and Iota is forecast to dissipate over Central America by Wednesday night.

At 7am EST, the centre of Hurricane Iota was located inland over Nicaragua about 15 miles (25 km) west-northwest of El Pia and about 90 miles (145 km) west-southwest of Puerto Cabezas.

NHC said Iota is moving toward the west near nine mph (15 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue during the next day or so.

On the forecast track, Iota will move farther inland across northern Nicaragua today, and move across southern

Honduras tonight and Wednesday.

Iota is expected to produce the following rainfall accumulations through Thursday: -Honduras, northern Nicaragua, southeast and central Guatemala and southern Belize: 10 to 20 inches (250 to 500 mm) with isolated maximum totals of 30 inches (750 mm).

-El Salvador and Panama: four to eight inches (100 to 200 mm), with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches (300 mm).

-Southern Nicaragua and Costa Rica: three to five inches (75 to

125 mm), with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches (250 mm).

This rainfall will lead to significant, lifethreatening flash flooding and river flooding, along with mudslides in areas of higher terrain.

A life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels by as much as five to 10 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras.

Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

PERU’S INTERIM PRESIDENT RESIGNS AFTER FIVE DAYS

Peru’s interim president Manuel Merino

(CNN) Peru’s interim president Manuel Merino resigned Sunday, after being in office for only five days. His decision followed nearly a week of violent protests in the country following the impeachment of former President Martin Vizcarra.

“I want to make it known to the whole country that I irrevocably present my resignation for the office of the presidency and I call for peace and unity for all Peruvians. My commitment is with Peru and I will do everything in my power to guarantee a constitutional succession and for Congress to

determine in order for Peru to move forward,” Merino told the nation.

Merino was the President of Congress until being appointed interim president after Congress impeached former President Martin Vizcarra over corruption allegations on Monday.

Vizcarra has denied the allegations.

Vizcarra’s impeachment sparked protests across the country starting Monday and continued for six nights in a row, leaving at least two people dead and 94 injured on Saturday night.

The prosecutor’s

office has opened an investigation into both deaths. Peru’s Office of Ombudsman has been monitoring the protests and called to stop the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters on social media.

Protesters, opposition parties and civil society called Vizcarra’s ouster a legislative coup and refused to recognize Merino as the new president. Among those who called for Merino’s resignation was the mayor of Lima Jorge Muñoz, Nobel Prize winner and influential Peruvian figure Mario Vargas Llosa, and

OVER 480 LBS OF EXPIRED MEAT SEIZED BY GLDA

the Peruvian National Assembly of Regional Governors.

Merino became Peru’s third president in less than five years. Vizcarra took office in 2018 after former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned amid corruption allegations and impending impeachment.

Vizcarra was Kuczynski’s Vice President.

In his final address Sunday, Merino said all Cabinet members had presented resignation offers as the crisis unfolded, but that he intends to keep ministers in place until the situation is cleared in order to avoid creating a power vacuum.

At least eight Cabinet ministers were confirmed to have resigned between Saturday and Sunday according to state press agency Andina.

Following Merino’s resignation, Congress called for a plenary session on Sunday to discuss the appointment of the next president.

Presidential elections are scheduled for April of next year.

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The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Ministry of Health, on Monday, seized 483 pounds of expired and undocumented duck meat from a city business.

The meat was imported from the United States.

Dr. Ozaye Dodson, the Ministry’s Director of Veterinary and Public Health, said they were notified by the GLDA of the sale of the product in major supermarkets.

Because the items were undocumented they were not considered wholesome for human consumption in Guyana.

The products will be confiscated in accordance with the Animal Health Act and the Public Health Ordinance. Dodson also said that he hopes the activity will let the country see that they are concerned about the safety of items which are not produced locally. The expired goods will be disposed of and the inspection will continue.

CEO of the GLDA, Dr. Grayson Halley, said his department is planning to conduct more inspections

during the Christmas season.

Speaking on requests made to import meat products or live animals, Dr. Halley said, “We do a general risk assessment to identify what disease may be prevalent in relation to that particular meat and if we are satisfied, and there is no risk to our local population or animals, we issue the ‘no objection letter’.

The letter will then go to the Public Health Department of the Health Ministry and they will do the additional requisite procedure.”

Deputy CEO of the GLDA, Dr. Dwight Walrond, said that there will be no compromise from the GLDA on public health since business owners are aware of the content of the Animal Health Act. “We have a population who depends on us to protect them and we have to do whatever it takes to ensure that the population’s health is protected, and we will do that without any fear or favour.”, Dr. Walrond added.

The world waiting to breathe normally again (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are entirely his own) Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries should by now have worked out a strategy for securing the early attention of U.S. President-elect, Joe Biden, and the team working on his transition into the White House and to the helm of government.

This has not happened.

The usual practices and traditions associated with transitioning from one administration to another after a Presidential election have not been observed.

President Trump has not conceded the election.

His Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, told a news conference: “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.” At best, Pompeo’s remarks can be interpreted as conviction that Trump’s threatened legal challenges of the elections will prevail. info@guyanapostonline.com

But 17 lawsuits filed in various state and federal courts have not disproven the legitimacy of the votes cast or the voting process.

They have also not substantiated allegations that Trump’s election observers didn’t have access to the counting of votes or that mail-in ballots were fraudulently cast.

On December 14, the electors from each of the States will gather, as the College, to declare the 46th President of the United States. Biden needed only 270 votes— he has 306. His election is, therefore, a foregone conclusion.

Yet, Biden and his team have been denied the normal support and engagement by the incumbent administration, including offices at which they can be reached. Only limited contact has been possible with Biden’s election campaign office which is not equipped to handle the flood of communications from around the world.

CARICOM countries are not alone in not being able to engage Biden and his team. Every other country and region is facing a similar situation.

A pause has occurred across the globe as governments and the citizens of their countries watch in bewilderment as the United States pitches from one bizarre uncertainty to another.

This situation undermines the standing of the United States in the world, but it also delays global action at a time when it is much needed.

It makes global planning and actions difficult, underscoring the pivotal role that the U.S. plays in all aspects of international life.

What the US government says and does in the world matters.

But US positions change on many issues when administrations change.

For instance, Biden and Trump have vastly different attitudes to global issues such as Climate Change, the development of oil and gas as against renewable energy, and multilateral cooperation rather than unilateral action.

In this connection, governments and international agencies need to talk early with any incoming US administration not only to get an appreciation of its

By Sir Ronald Sanders

policies and priorities, but also to present their own views for consideration.

It is no secret that some of Joe Biden’s declared policies coincide more closely with those of Caribbean governments than President Trump’s.

Among those policies are Climate Change and an effective multilateral system.

Much has been made by some commentators about the potential for trade and aid between CARICOM and the U.S. under a Biden administration. However, not much is likely to change on either front.

The United States is the greater beneficiary of trade with CARICOM. In 2019, the US enjoyed a trade surplus with the 14 independent CARICOM countries of $8.1 billion.

For the first ten months of 2020, the US trade surplus already stands at $5 billion, notwithstanding the effects of COVID-19 on CARICOM economies.

These are not aberrations; they are perennial.

U.S. aid to the CARICOM area in 2019 was a mere 0.0095% of its aid to the world. Of the $298.8 million provided to all 14 CARICOM countries, $236 million

went to Haiti alone. The remaining 13 countries divided $62 million, with Jamaica getting the lion’s share of $28 million or 44.5% of it.

Eight countries got less than $2 million each, mostly to stop drugs from transiting the Caribbean to the U.S. It is on other issues that CARICOM countries should seek a beneficial arrangement with a Biden administration, principally Climate Change which poses an existential threat to the region.

CARICOM countries have faced resistance from the present U.S. government to every attempt they have made to gain remedial attention to the calamitous effects that Climate Change has on them. Not surprisingly, CARICOM governments would like early contact with representatives of the Biden team to set out their peculiar concerns.

Beyond this urgent issue, substance needs to be given to the mantra that the Caribbean is the “third border” of the U.S. The Caribbean cannot provide security to the U.S. from drugs, organized crime, refugees, and instability on its doorstep unless the

region is itself secure.

To achieve that security, the economies of CARICOM countries need to be strengthened so that they increase employment and reduce poverty and crime.

Their debt has to rescheduled with aged ones forgiven, especially now when their economies are battered

by COVID-19; their vulnerabilities have to be recognized and factored into their eligibility for concessional financing from international agencies; the myth of CARICOM countries being ‘major money launderers’ also has to be dispelled and restrictions on correspondent banking relations have to be lifted.

These are issues of mutual benefit to the U.S. and CARICOM countries that should be placed before President-elect Biden and his team as they prepare to take office and make policy decisions.

Other regions of the world have their own agenda for discussion.

The world waits for an end to the U.S. imbroglio so that it can breathe again.

ANOTHER WOMAN MURDERED

BY HUSBAND Another woman has been murdered by her jealous husband who accused her of infedility.

Dead is Amrita Rahim, called “Sally”, 28, a housewife and a mother of three of Marcy Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

The police are investigating the circumstances which led to her death reportedly caused by her 32-year- old husband, Taijram Rahim, a cane cutter.

The incident reportedly occurred around 23:45 hrs on Friday at their home.

The house is situated in a yard which has more than one house. Earlier in the

He is accused of robbing Khemraj Tulsi, 34, a goldsmith of Lot 79 Corten Street, Springlands, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice. The incident is said to have occurred on December 19, 2019.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. He was found guilty as the trial continued.

However, the convicted

and ran away.

An alarm was raised by one of the children who noticed what took place.

Relatives who lived in the said yard responded and found the victim in an unconscious state.

She was picked up and placed in a taxi and rushed to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect was subsequently arrested, placed into custody. He is assisting Police with the investigation.

The woman’s body is at Bailey’s Funeral Home where it awaits Post Mortem examination.

COVID-19 UPDATE NOVEMBER 16

CORENTYNE MAN JAILED, ORDERED TO PAY $1M COMPENSATION

A Corentyne resident who robbed a goldsmith before escaping has been jailed and ordered to pay compensation.

Ramdat Persaud, 31, a labourer of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was on trial before Magistrate Alex Moore in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on a charge of robbery under arms.

afternoon the couple and their three children went to a birthday party which was held in the said yard.

They reportedly imbibed alcoholic beverages.

The family subsequently left for home. Around 23:45 hrs an argument developed between the woman and her husband. The woman became annoyed and threatened to leave the house as the argument got more intense.

She eventually went to her bed. The man went into the kitchen and returned with a knife which he used to stab her on her left side breast. The man then left the house

man was not in court and was sentenced in his absence. He was sentenced to two years’ in jail and ordered to pay compensation to the Virtual complainant in the sum of $1M. In default he is to serve a further 18 months in jail.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The Ministry of Health recorded 161 new cases of COVID-19 over the last three days. 62 cases were recorded on November 13, 70 cases of COVID-19 on November 14 and 29 cases on November 15.

24 cases were recorded in Region One, two in Region Two, eight in Region Three, 88 in Region Four, one in Region Five, four in Region Six, five in Region Seven, 11 in Region Eight

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and 18 in Region Ten. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now 4,823.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 140 with the death of a 47-year-old woman from Region 7 on Saturday.

As of November 15 there have been 24,664 persons tested for the virus. 3,777 persons have recovered leaving the number of active cases at 906.

Persons are reminded to observe the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No.11), which are in effect until November 30, 2020 and emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMS WILL NOT BE WRITTEN IN MARCH/APRIL 2021 most likely be pushed back to later in the year or an alternate form of assessment would be used to assign students to high schools.

“The exams will not be written in March/April.

We’re definitely going to be postponing it, if we write it at all. It is our exam. We can set it; we can determine how we write it and whether we write it.

“It’s a placement exam and there are other ways Minister of Education, Grade Six Assessment April 2021 due to the that we can place students fairly, into secondary Priya Manickchand, Examinations will not coronavirus pandemic.

The examination would schools and we’re looking has announced that the take place in March or

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

at that.”, the Minister said.

This year’s Common Entrance exams were postponed for over two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With schools being closed since March and

parents urging for children to return to school, the Minister added that more consideration would have to be taken before making a decision to return the Grade Six students to classrooms.

GENERATORS FOR GARDEN OF EDEN POWER PLANT ARRIVE

The Five Wartsila generators

Five Wartsila generators, which will be used to upgrade the efficiency of the Garden of Eden power plant have finally arrived in the country.

Each of the generators has the capacity to generate 9.3 megawatts (MW) of power and are the main components of the project to upgrade the power plant to 46.5MW.

The generators were procured by the previous APNU+AFC government and arrived from Finland on November 5. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works,

Deodat Indar, witnessed the offloading of the generators at the East Bank Demerara facility on Wednesday.

Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.,

reminded citizens that the upgrade to the almost 50-year-old power plant would not be completed until the end of April 2021.

Minister Indar said that currently, engineers are carrying out work both below and above ground at Garden of Eden and additional interconnection will need to be done before the 46 MW can be suppied.

Indar said the power generated would be added to the current Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), but the old transmission lines will have to be upgraded to effectively move power from the generators to households.

Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Albert Gordon,

said the project was on schedule and highlighted its significance since it would provide additional reserve capacity, replace old parts being used and save on fuel use.

The upgrade to the plant is the first step in the transition to the use of natural gas which would greatly reduce the cost for the generation of power.

The Divisional Director of Engineering Services, Ryan Ross, who is responsible for the Wartsila project, echoed that this was GP’s largest project to date. Ross added that the project was currently 58 percent complete and the team of sub-contractors was working hard to complete the project by the due date.

TRUMP’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ASKS A NEW YORK JUDGE TO DISMISS A LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY EDDY GRANT …at issue is the use of “Electric Avenue” Donald Trump still thinks he can win this one. We’re of course referring to the lawsuit that was filed against his

presidential campaign for using the 1983 hit “Electric Avenue” in a campaign video.

On Wednesday night, amid legal challenges around the nation focused

on the results of voting, Trump also filed a dismissal motion in New York court with respect to the copyright case brought

by Eddy Grant. The motion argues that Trump

should escape the lawsuit on fair use grounds.

Unlike many past challenges to use of music by politicians, this controversy has nothing to do with what’s played

over the loudspeakers of a campaign rally. As such, Trump is unlikely to argue he had license to the song nor assert any fancy counterclaim premised Continue on pg18

International recording Artiste Eddy Grant.

TRUMP’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN....

Continue from pg17

on performance rights consent decrees.

Instead, Trump is actually trying a fairly straightforward defense even if other politicians have tried and failed here before.

His campaign argues that it was transformative to use the song over a cartoon version of Joe Biden driving an old-fashioned train car interspersed with his rival’s speeches.

“The purpose of the

Animation is not to disseminate the Song or to supplant sales of the original Song,” states the motion.

The motion points to lyrics from “Electric

Carnival”: “[N]ow in the street, there is violence … And a lots of work to be done.”

“These lyrics, however, stand in stark juxtaposition to the comedic nature of the animated caricature

of Former VP Biden, squatting and pumping a handcar with a sign that says, ‘Your Hair Smells Terrific’, and to the excerpt of the overlayed speech that references ‘hairy legs’ and kids playing with his leg hair.

“Obviously, Mr. Grant’s purpose of creating a meaningful song for the pop music market is completely different from the Animation creator’s purpose of using the song ‘to denigrate … Former Vice President Joseph Biden.’”

Trump shoots for a pretty liberal — yes, we’ll use that word — reading of copyright fair use.

“Here, a reasonable observer would perceive that the Animation uses the Song for a comedic, political purpose — a different and transformed purpose from that of the original Song,” continues the motion.

As for another fair use factor, the effect of the use upon the potential market, Trump’s campaign ignores licensing and focuses just on sales.

To whit: “Here, finally, it is utterly implausible that fans of Mr. Grant’s music,

or pop music listeners in general, would opt to acquire the Animation in preference to the Song, in order to watch the Animation and thereby to hear the warped snippet of the Song accompanied Former VP Biden’s voiceover. Therefore, the Animation does not affect — much less usurp — the market for the Song and does not offer a market substitute for the Song.”

The Trump campaign is represented by Peruff Saunders, and with no signs of settling, musicians could be in line for a welcome ruling on copyright and politics.

Upper Corentyne Sports China’s Sinovac vaccine trial personality dies in road halted in Brazil accident

Dead is Sherwin Murray, called “Chest” of Bengal (No43) Village, Corentyne Berbice.

A 38-year-old father of four is now dead following an accident between a motorcycle and a Motor Lorry on the No 47 Public Road, Corentyne Berbice.

Dead is Sherwin Murray, called “Chest” of Bengal (No43) Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Police are investigating the fatal incident which occurred about 22:10 hrs on Tuesday 10th November.

Information revealed that Murray was riding his motorcycle No CG 612 about 22:10 hrs on the No 47 Public Road,

Corentyne, Berbice.

The lorry No GNN 9131 which is owned

by Balram Singh of lot 182 ‘B’ #47 Village, Corentyne, Berbice was parked on the said road.

It was reported that Murray was proceeding north on the western carriageway when he apparently lost control of his motor cycle and collided with the front of the lorry which was parked on the parapet.

Following the collision, Murray sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body. He was found

lying on the bike.

Murray was an ardent sports personality and a popular figure in the Upper Corentyne area. He was subsequently picked up and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital by ranks from No 51 Police Station where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Murray is the son of popular Community activist and Sports Personality Linden Murray.

The body at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting post mortem examination.

(BBC News) The Brazilian clinical trial for a Chinese Covid-19 vaccine has been suspended after health authorities reported a “severe adverse” incident.

Brazilian health regulator Anvisa said the incident took place on 29 October, but did not give further details.

The CoronaVac vaccine, developed by the Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech, is one of several in final-stage testing globally.

Sinovac says it is “confident in the safety of the vaccine”.

The firm has already been using it to immunise thousands of people at home in an emergency use programme.

Brazil has been one of the countries worst

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affected by coronavirus, recording more than 5.6m confirmed cases – the third highest tally in the world after the US and India – and nearly 163,000 deaths so far, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.

On Monday Anvisa said it had “ruled to interrupt the clinical trial of the CoronaVac vaccine after a serious adverse incident”.

It did not reveal what happened, nor where it took place. Late-stage trials for the Sinovac vaccine are also being conducted in Indonesia and Turkey, but neither of these countries have announced a suspension.

Indonesia’s stateowned Bio Farma said on Tuesday that its own

Sinovac vaccine trials were “going smoothly”, according to Reuters news agency.

Dimas Covas, the head of Butantan, the medical research institute conducting the Brazilian trial, told local media that the trial’s suspension was related to a death.

However, he insisted that the death was not related to the vaccine, Reuters said.

Sinovac said on Tuesday that it was communicating with Brazil about the reported incident.

“We learned the head of Butantan Institute believed that this serious adverse event (SAE) is not related to the vaccine,” it said in a statement. “The clinical study in Brazil Continue on pg19

China’s Sinovac vaccine..

POLICE ARREST HAITIANS WHO Continue from pg18 ENTERED THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY is strictly carried out in by AstraZeneca, saying

Some of he Haitians who reportedly entered Guyana illegally were arrested at the Mabura Trail (Region 10) on Sunday.

Twenty-six Haitians who reportedly entered Guyana illegally were arrested at the Mabura Trail (Region 10) on Sunday.

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) intercepted two minibuses of foreign nationals on the Mabura Trail around 9:30 p.m. The Haitians were detained after it was discovered that they had entered the country illegally via Suriname.

Police also said that the

buses were on the way to Brazil at the time of interception.

The arrested foreign nationals were taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where they are being interrogated and face possible prosecution and deportation.

In 2019, former Citizenship Minister, Winston Felix had revealed that between January and July 2019, over 7000 Haitian nationals who entered the

country were unaccounted for. Foreign nationals overstaying their time in the country is a constant issue with increasing numbers since 2015.

In 2015, there were 770 arrivals and only 136 departures; in 2016, 722 arrivals with 451 departures; in 2017, 3515 arrivals and 291 departures; and in 2018, 1237 arrivals with only 85 departures.

The large number of unaccounted Haitians had raised major concerns for

the People’s Progressive Party/Civic while they were the Opposition.

Felix had stated that the unaccounted Haitians might be leaving through unauthorised ports in Guyana to go to other countries.

Felix also noted that the legislative adjustment to Schedule II of the Immigration Act, Cap 14:02, might have been one reason for the influx of Haitians into Guyana.

The Act was amended to include Haiti as beneficiaries to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which facilitates free movement within the region and automatic entry and stay of six months in Caricom countries.

Prior to the amendment, nationals of Haiti were required to have a visa and were only allowed to stay for up to 90 days or three months.

accordance with GCP (Good Clinical Practice) requirements and we are confident in the safety of the vaccine.”

Butantan has said it will hold a news conference on Tuesday at 11:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

A pause in a clinical trial is not unusual. In September, the UK paused trials for another Covid-19 vaccine after a participant had a suspected adverse reaction.

The trials for the vaccine being developed

by AstraZeneca and Oxford University were resumed a few days later after regulators said it was safe to continue.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has been open about his preference for the vaccine being developed

his government would not buy a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine.

CoronaVac is one of around a dozen vaccines in the final stage of testing – known as a phase 3 trial – around the world.

This is a crucial point in vaccine development, where some experimental vaccines will fail.

The news of its suspension in Brazil came shortly after a rival vaccine developer, the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer, said its own vaccine candidate had shown 90% effectiveness.

Last month the Oxford vaccine trial reviewed the death of a volunteer in Brazil, saying an assessment had revealed no safety concerns.

Man attempts suicide after murdering teenage girl

Regent St. fire was Miner, woman robbed electrical in origin at Ogle seawall

The fire which destroyed Sachi’s building on Regent Street a few days ago was determined to have been caused by an illegal electrical connection in the shopping tent facility which was set up in the lot next to the building.

Fire investigators concluded that the fire

started at the tent facility and quickly spread to the building next door which was completely destroyed.

The Sachi’s Store was ravaged by another fire in February this year. The owners recently decided to set up the tent facility.

The February fire was found to have been started deliberately.

Police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred on Monday night at the Ogle seawall. The victims were Cleveland Mentore, 35, a gold miner of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Shelly Thomas, 29, of Industry, ECD. According to a statement from Police, the couple was on the seawall near the Shell Gas Station around 21:30h. Mentore had parked his car with the engine on when two men, one armed with a handgun, confronted them.

Cleveland then ran away after noticing the handgun and threw a glass bottle at the suspects

from a safe distance. The armed suspect responded by firing two shots in his direction.

The suspects then searched Thomas before escaping East in Cleveland’s car. The vehicle, at the time, contained: a 32″ Samsung television valued $140,000; a stabilizer valued $12,000; a speaker box valued $12,000; and two cellular phones – a Samsung A2 Core valued $30,000 and a Samsung Galaxy 8 Note valued $200,000.

The investigation is underway and no arrests have been made as of yet.

A 34-year-old man is currently hospitalised under police guard for the murder of 16-yearold, Sanesha Lall, of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast.

It was reported that Lall and the suspect had previously been in a relationship together.

The murder occurred around 09:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the teen’s home. The suspect entered the young girl’s home, went into her bedroom and stabbed her multiple times to her body with a Rambo knife.

He then fled the scene driving a blue minibus.

The teen was rushed to the Suddie Hospital where

she was pronounced dead.

Around 12:20 p.m., police found and arrested the suspect at Better Hope Backdam, Essequibo Coast. Police noticed the man vomiting a green substance and after being questioned he admitted that he consumed a poisonous substance in an attempt to end his life.

He was then taken to the Suddie Hospital and admitted under guard.

A search of the vehicle revealed an Indezone bottle and a black Rambo knife.

The teen’s body is awaiting a post mortem examination and investigations are ongoing.

GUYANA FOREVER INDEBTED TO FALLEN WORLD WAR HEROES – PRESIDENT ALI Dr Mohamed Irfaan yaing a wreath Ali Cenotaph Sunday morning,

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali says Guyana will forever be indebted to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

In return, he said the country rededicates itself to the search for peace and

renews its commitment to the development and wellbeing of the state.

The Head of State paid homage at the Georgetown Cenotaph Sunday morning, to the hundreds of then British

Guianese who died in the first and second World Wars.

“We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom. We also recall

with gratitude those who through the years have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression, wherever these exist,” Dr. Ali said.

The President said the example of the fallen strengthens “our resolve, to maintain our efforts for a world at peace, with justice and prosperity for all people.”

The Commander-in-

Chief was joined by Prime Minister, Hon Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, Police Commissioner (Ag.) Nigel Hoppie, President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lt. Col. (ret’d) George Gomes, and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, who also laid wreaths.

Remembrance Sunday is commemorated on the second Sunday of November. Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day, is observed on November

11, annually, by Commonwealth countries to honour those who died in the Wars. British Guianese soldiers served and fought in Egypt, France, Belgium, and East Africa.

Of the hundreds of war heroes who returned, nine veterans remain.

The oldest, Mr. Benjamin Durant, will celebrate his 102nd birthday on November 15.

CHURCH THIEF President Ali urges Guyanese to use Diwali JAILED FOR THREE to reflect on inner light YEARS

President Dr Irfaan Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese to introspect on their lives to find their inner light—which can promote harmony, selflessness and lead to a sense of consciousness.

The Head of State made this call during the Sixth Annual National Diya Light-Up at Rahaman’s Park. The event was organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sanghinfo@guyanapostonline.com

Guyana (Hindus for Selfless Service-HSS). ”My brothers and sisters, as a country and as a people, we must contemplate on this inner light. Each one of us must contemplate individually on that inner light and ask ourselves some very searching questions. Is my inner light contributing positively to the people of society, to the people of my community? Is my inner

light selfish or selfless?

Is my inner light in the cause of my country or in the cause of something individualistic?”

President Ali pointed to the importance of reflecting on the best pathway for personal development, community development and the development of Guyana.

Towards this end, he said that the first step is in acknowledging that our

actions may be harmful to our society and our nation. ”Unless you bring yourself to the position of acknowledging that you did something that caused harm to society and country then you cannot go on this road to reconciliation because that light within you is kept in darkness.”

The President assured that his Government is willing to embrace all Guyanese and push forward with the achievement of a singular vision where all are connected and united.

He emphasised too that leading a country and being part of a country requires all to collectively manoeuvre beyond obstacles in order to achieve true potential. ”I believe that we have it in us to take this country to the next level in a dignified manne

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A man who is well known to the authorities and made it a habit to break and enter the Church of Latter Day Saints in his area on a regular basis was subsequently caught and charged.

Raymond Chung, 55, of Lot 14 Pitt Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice is charged with three counts of breaking into a place of divine worship on three separate days. He was found guilty of brake and entering the Church of Latter Day Saints at Lot C3 Vryheid Street, New Amsterdam.

He appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

The first charge read that between September 12 and September 13, he broke and entered the church and stole one pack of milk, one pack sugar, half roll electric wire,

some pens and a tea flask, one-wheel Barrow, a quantity of sandpaper and sanding disc, two-gallon polish, an electric fan, a set of curtains, some kitchen utensils, bathroom maps and shower curtains.

He was sentenced to one year in jail.

He is further charged with between October 4, and October 5, he stole one wheelbarrow, eightgallon paint, a quantity of putty, one gallon thinner, a coil electric cable, a quantity of led bulb and a bale of toilet paper.

He was sentenced to a further one year in jail.

He was further charged with between September 27 and September 28 he again broke and entered the Church and stole one electric kettle, a number of electrical fittings, and a quantity of plastic chairs.

He was sentenced to a further one year in jail

St. COVID pandemic Regent building and the curfew destroyed by fire extension Dr. the Hon. Karen Cummings, MP

To the Editor and Fellow Guyanese Fellow Guyanese, it has been noted that the curfew time has been extended further to10:30 pm to 4am. It has also been observed that the COVID -19 deaths for the month of October was 124 with 4, 162 confirmed cases and to date as of November 8, 2020, the deaths are at 134 with 4516 confirmed cases. We have seen an uptick of COVID – 19 deaths in Guyana. Region 4 being the epicenter with 2139 cases followed

by Region 1 with 772, Regions 7, 9, and 3 with 382, 376, and 348 cases respectively. The Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony says, “We must balance the COVID-19 pandemic with economic recovery.” I wish to say that this statement will not be realized unless the common sense measures are enforced: strategic lock down, wearing of masks, physical distancing, and the washing of hands for at least for 20 seconds.

Those basic things must be drilled into the Guyanese psyche.

This government has shown that it is not serious and that it is incapable of bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control.

The extension of the curfew hours means that they are sending mixed messages to the populace.

The young people will feel that they are invincible, and that they can go out as they will, with no dire consequences. In addition, the small gatherings seen in social clubs and bars which are indoors will become hot spots or clusters for the spread of COVID 19. Persons who engage in such delinquent info@guyanapostonline.com

behaviors and attend these super spreading events will no doubt affect the vulnerable at home – the elderly, persons with comorbidity or underlying health conditions who will certainly be at a high risk for the disease.

On Sunday November 7, 2020 two of my colleagues, MPs Coretta McDonald, Maureen Philadelphia, and I visited the President’s College at Golden Grove Village on the East Coast Demerara, having gotten a wink that students from some COVID-19 at risk communities of the hinterland and the outskirts of the village were in the dorms mixing and mingling with other student without their being first tested for COVID-19.

Careful examination revealed that at least four students displayed symptoms of COVID-19 from Kato village, Region 8 and were referred to the Georgetown hospital for management for COVID-19.

It was subsequently found that the students were COVID-19 positive. As the incubation period, the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms, for this dreaded pandemic is 4-14 days, it is hoped that many more students who are asymptomatic at present do not later test positive for COVID-19 as the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 PCR tests offered to the students were not mandatory by the Education Ministry.

It is the wish of the APNU/AFC Coalition government, that good sense will prevail and the present illegitimate government will not be

foolhardy by ignoring the science or the WHO guidelines that help to check the spread of this deadly disease. The Public health mantra is to have healthy people in healthy communities, and to empower communities to have healthier schools.

So Mr. Health Minister, it is not simply about balancing health with economics. Public health must take priority over profits. Covid-19 will impact economics. If stringent measures are not enforced, we will have a sick nation and there will be no trade or commerce to keep the economy afloat. Rather, there will be the converse effect leading to a total shut down of the country.

I appeal to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who should know better. Do the research, follow the science of COVID-19.

Take a leaf from the pages of countries such as Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, and Iceland, and other countries such as Norway, Uruguay, Switzerland, and Germany who successfully have this pandemic under control.

Minister of Health, the Coalition government is asking that you be engaged with experts in the field of medicine who are unhappy with one death by COVID-19; have mandatory measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. One cannot sit idly by and be comfortable and expect that COVID-19 will be whisked away and disappear.

Article 148 (3) ( b) of the constitution provides that a person may be deprived of his or her freedom of

movement through the imposition of restrictions by law on the person’s movement or residence within Guyana that are reasonably required in the interests of public health.

The APNU/AFC Coalition government calls on the current\ government to be strategic and have plans and policies to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana.

We ask that there be better coordination between the hinterland and the coastland in terms of the management of COVID-19 cases. We call on you to expand the capacity for diagnosis and treatment and pay attention to the borders and entry points.

We call on this government to pay the frontline workers the overdue risk allowance which has been passed in the recent budget debate and remains outstanding.

We call on this illegal government to commence the cash transfers of $25,000 to each household especially in Region 4, the epicenter of the COVID -19 Pandemic.

We call on you to remove the burden of cost to the persons who home isolate saving the government approximately $25, 000. We also call on the Minister of Public Health to build public trust by educating the citizenry on the new COVID-19 vaccine which is expected to arrive in Guyana the first semester of 2021.

We ask that the Minister of Health Take the Necessary Action Now and save the people of our nation from dying prematurely form COVID-19.

Sachi’s building on Regent Street was ravaged by a fire which started Sunday night.

Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle said that the Fire Service received reports about a pile of rubbish on fire in an empty lot at the side of the building at around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

When firefighters arrived on the scene the building was already engulfed in flames.

More firefighting units were called to assist and to prevent the fire from spreading.

The second firetruck that arrived was unable to connect to a fire hydrant

immediately since it had to be cleared of garbage which was blocking it.

The Fire Chief noted that this was a recurring issue with some fire hydrants being blocked similarly with garbage or abandoned vehicles.

While the building was destroyed by the fire, firefighters managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the neighbouring Doray’s building and the nearby Guyoil gas station.

The Fire Chief said that a full investigation into the origin of the fire is underway. This was the third fire to occur along Regent Street shopping area this year.

Another COVID death The Ministry of Heath recorded 57 cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. 27 cases were recorded on Saturday November 7 and 30 cases were recorded on Sunday November 8.

15 cases were recorded in Region One, four in Region Two, two in Region Three, 25 in Region Four, one in Region Five, one in Region Six, four in Region Seven, four in Region Eight, one in

Region Ten. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now 4,514. There have been 352 cases recorded so far in November.

The number of recorded COVID-19 deaths is currently 135.

As of November 8, there have been 22,092 persons tested for the virus. 3,526 persons have recovered from the virus leaving 853 active cases in the country.

Leader of the Opposition letter to President-Elect Joseph R. Biden

President-Elect Joseph R. Biden, Delaware,UnitedStates of America Dear Excellency,

President-Elect Biden,On behalf of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

Coalition and the people of Guyana, I am honoured to congratulate you on being elected the 46th President of the United

States of America.

Kindly also accept congratulations on the election of Senator Kamala Harris as your Vice President.

Her election is indeed historic as the first woman and first person of colour to be elected to the Vice Presidency.

As you are aware, the United States is home to the largest Guyanese Diaspora who make up hundreds of thousands of our brethren and sisters.

Consequently, it is no surprise that the people of Guyana, both here and in the United States, rejoice at the welcome news of your election to

the White House.

Our nation looks forward to engaging with you, Vice President-elect Harris and your Cabinet in strengthening bilateral relations and building a stronger and more unified CARICOM and Caribbean basin.

The APNU+AFC Coalition also looks forward to briefing you and Vice President-elect Harris on the political situation in Guyana.

We commit to working with you to rebuild trust between our peoples, strengthening goodwill and re-establishing constitutional democracy and social cohesion in

Guyana after a recent period of political and social turmoil and distress.

I wish you a successful term in the White House as you embark on serving the people of the United States, providing hemispheric and global leadership and the unenviable task of restoring the United States’ status and reputation globally.

Yours sincerely, Hon. Joseph Harmon MSM, MP Leader of the Opposition Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Import tax on Government purchases stone removed

US$2.5M generators

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, said on Friday that the Government has purchased additional generator sets through MaCorp Ltd. at a cost of US$2.5M. The generators will be used to increase the power capacity of the Guyana Power and Light

(GPL) company and are expected to be installed by the end of the month.

Vice President Jagdeo said the purchase of the generators was to ensure there would be adequate emergency power for Christmas and the New Year.

The Vice President also

added that the previous administration had paid for a Wartsila generator to produce 46 megawatts of power but there were no preparations made to install the generator once it arrived.

“The engine is here in the country but it will have to sit and wait for as much

as five months while the civil works are being done to accommodate it.”

The Vice President also said that sources of hydro and solar energy are being looked at to help reduce the overall cost of electricity and provide more reliable power.

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Taxes on the importation of stones were removed earlier this week by President Irfaan Ali and will remain in effect until June 30, 2021.

This decision was made to provide a boost to the country’s construction industry.

There have recent complaints concerning the shortage of stones and the delay in its arrival to the country.

The President exercised powers conferred to him by section 98 (1) of the Value Added Tax Act,

stating, “Zero-rated for the purpose of Section 17 is importation of stones of a type and quality used in construction and housing, provided that a Certificate of CARICOM origin is submitted by the importer in accordance with Section 15 of the Customs Act…” Guyana’s construction sector is expected to experience increased activity with various developmental and infrastructural projects being discussed by the government.

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

PRES. IRFAAN ALI WANTS GAS TO SHORE PROJECT COMPLETED BY 2023 President Irfaan Ali said that he is hoping for the completion of the ongoing gas-to-shore project by 2023.

The President said there are two advisory committees currently working on the project, one focused on local content and the other on the gas-to-shore project.

The gas-to-shore project advisory committee is headed by former

National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) head, Winston Brassington.

“What I know is they’re doing the ground work in terms of getting the information.

Because before we move to strong negotiations, we have to get the information together,” the President said.

The project involves running a 120-mile-long

pipeline from the Liza field to the shore, which has been determined to be ‘technically feasible’.

Discussions on the project will continue with ExxonMobil, which is producing oil in the Stabroek block. The President wants to ensure that at least by the end of 2023, the gas to shore project will be completed and operational and can provide the country with

natural gas-powered energy.

Natural gas is not a renewable source of energy but is composed mostly of methane and small amounts of hydrocarbon. It can provide a large amount of energy when burned while producing emissions containing a significantly lower level of carbon dioxide, compared to oil.

Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) also has plans to construct a

46-megawatt, dual engine generator at its Garden of Eden power plant by April 2021. The engines will be capable of using both Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and the natural gas being piped in from offshore Guyana.

ExxonMobil officials have said that using natural gas to power the generators that provide electricity to consumers across the country will be cleaner by up to 50 percent when compared

to using heavy oil. Using natural gas would also be a cheaper option than heavy oil.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is one of several private companies that have begun the transition to using natural gas.

Last year, the company commissioned Guyana’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) gasification terminal.

RSS TEAM RECOMMENDS POLICE FORCE DO ADDITIONAL WORK President Irfaan Ali disclosed yesterday that the five-member team sent by the Regional Security System (RSS) to assist with the investigation of the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Haresh Singh, has recommended that the Police Force do additional work in the investigations.

The RSS team was led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police

and comprised of officials from countries within the Regional Investigative Management Systems (RIMS). The team was in Guyana from September 28 to October 6.

President Ali said he was briefed on the contents of the report which the team handed over to the Guyana Police Force.

“They recommended some additional work to

be done but in total they were satisfied with the work the local police have done,” the President said.

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, said the police are still pursuing various leads regarding the murders of the teens.

Several persons had previously been arrested in Connection with the Henry murders but were released following the end of the 72-hour holding period. No arrests have

been made for the murder of Haresh Singh.

On September 6, the bodies of Isaiah and Joel Henry were found in the backlands of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, after relatives went in search of them almost one day after they were reported missing. They had left their home in Number Three Village to pick coconuts in the backlands, but did not

A 15-year-old schoolboy of New Amsterdam, Berbice is now in a serious condition in the New Amsterdam Hospital after he was injured in a fight with a 41-year-old man from the said town.

The police say that they are investigating the wounding of the 15-yearold student by the 41-year-

old man of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam Berbice, which occurred around 18:00 on Sunday at Pope Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Reports are that the victim and his friend were standing on Pope Street. During that time the suspect passed and told the victim that his mother who is a nurse, has

return. The location where the murders happened has still not been discovered by police.

On September 9, 17-year-old Singh was found murdered at the Number Three Village backlands. It is suspected that his death was in retaliation for the murders of Isaiah and Joel, since he was related to one of the suspects initially held by

the police.

Additionally, an Argentine team of Forensic Anthropologists has suffered a setback due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in that country. The team was due in Guyana two weeks ago. Once the team arrives, they will examine the areas where the bodies of the teens were found for any forensic evidence.

School boy injured in fight with 41-year-old man

info@guyanapostonline.com

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COVID19. The victim did not take the remarks lightly and an argument ensued which ended in a scuffle.

It was reported that during the fight the suspect used an ice pick which he had concealed in his pants waist and dealt the victim a stab to his left side chest, injuring him in the process.

The injured teen was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he has been admitted in a serious condition.

The accused, who is a known character, was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

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

JOE BIDEN BEATS DONA THE 46TH PRESIDENT O

J

oe Biden has won the 2020 presidential election, the Associated Press projected Saturday, sending President Trump to a bitter defeat four years after he shocked the world by winning the White House with a victory over Hillary Clinton.

Biden crossed the 270-vote threshold in the Electoral College on Saturday after the AP called Pennsylvania for him. He was also able info@guyanapostonline.com

to capture Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona, states that Trump carried in 2016.

Other states remain too close to call, and the Trump campaign has filed multiple lawsuits to contest the legitimacy of certain ballots. The fate of those challenges was obscured after Biden was projected to have won the Electoral College.

“I am honored and humbled by the trust the American people

have placed in me and in Vice President-elect Harris,” Biden said in a statement. “In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted.

Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America.

“With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation,” the presidentelect continued. “It’s time

for America to unite. And to heal.”

He added: “We are the United States of America.

And there’s nothing we can’t do, if we do it together.”

Biden now holds the record for the most number of votes cast for any presidential candidate in history — more than 74 million — shattering the previous mark (69,500,000) set by Barack Obama in 2008.

The former vice

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president, who turns 78 this month, won his bid for the White House on his third attempt, becoming the oldest person ever elected president in the U.S. His running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., is the first Black woman and first Asian American elected vice president in U.S. history.

Trump, however, has signaled that he is not likely to concede defeat quickly.

In a Wednesday tweet, the

hereby claim the State of Michigan if, in fact, there was a large number of secretly dumped ballots as has been widely reported!”

Hours earlier, the Trump campaign announced it would seek a recount in Wisconsin, another state the AP said Biden had won.

On Thursday, as it became clear that his early lead in states like Pennsylvania and Georgia

president declared without evidence that he had won in Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina.

“We have claimed, for Electoral Vote purposes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (which won’t allow legal observers) the State of Georgia, and the State of North Carolina, each one of which has a BIG Trump lead,” Trump wrote in tweets that were quickly flagged on Twitter as containing disputed or misleading election information.

“Additionally, we

was eroding as more ballots were tabulated, Trump posted a dramatic tweet that read, “STOP THE COUNT!” Then in a White House speech without precedent in American history, Trump flailed at the media, pollsters, election officials, mail-in voting, judges and Democrat-led U.S. cities Thursday evening, as his rival Joe Biden continued to inch toward a win in the 2020 election.

“If you count the legal votes, I easily win,” Trump said, though no state allows the counting

ALD TRUMP TO BECOME OF THE UNITED STATES of illegally cast votes. “If you count the illegal votes, they can try to steal the election from us.”

The president portrayed the counting of legally cast mail-in ballots as improper — an assault on American democracy by the president himself.

“Our numbers started miraculously getting whittled away, in secret,” Trump said, again without evidence. “This is a case where they’re trying to

coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 234,000 Americans and infected more than 9.5 million in the U.S., including him.

Throughout the pandemic, Trump sought to downplay the virus, mocking Biden for wearing a mask and falsely claiming that the United States is “rounding the corner” on the pandemic at a time when cases and deaths from COVID-19

steal an election. They’re trying to rig an election.

And we can’t let that happen.”

Biden’s election was as much about rallying support among Democrats, independents and even some Republicans with a message of unity as it was a repudiation of Trump, whose approval rating, according to Gallup, never hit 50 percent.

In poll after poll leading up to Election Day, large majorities of voters disapproved of Trump’s handling of the

continue to rise.

As the race for the White House pushed into October and November, the country set a string of new daily records for coronavirus cases and saw a dramatic spike in states that Trump needed to win to secure his reelection.

After recovering from his own bout with the disease caused by exposure to the coronavirus — which led to a three-day hospitalization and forced the cancellation of one presidential debate — the president returned to the

campaign trail in midOctober, holding rallies where he and many of his supporters eschewed the recommendations from public health officials to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

The Biden campaign offered a sharp contrast, adhering to guidelines from Trump’s own Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avoiding large rallies and making attendees at campaign events wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Biden overcame numerous attacks from Trump on the campaign trail, including claims of cognitive lapses (Trump branded him “Sleepy Joe”) and questions about his son Hunter’s business dealings in Ukraine and China. Trump even called on Attorney General William Barr to launch an investigation into the Bidens just two weeks before Election Day. (Barr did not.)

Trump, who sought to paint his opponent as a closet socialist being manipulated by the progressive wing of his party, falsely claimed that Biden wanted to “defund” the police and argued that a Biden presidency would “destroy” the suburbs and embrace antifa.

He also floated wild conspiracy theories and disinformation about Biden and other Democratic figures that had been promoted by right-wing activists on social media.

But none of the punches managed to land, infuriating the president and the GOP. “If I lose, I will have lost to the worst candidate, the worst candidate in the history of presidential politics,” Trump said at an Oct. 17 campaign rally.

The president also

accused Democrats of trying to “steal” the election, falsely claiming that mail-in voting would lead to widespread fraud.

The pandemic caused many states to expand early-voting options, and a record 101 million ballots were cast either in person or by mail before Election Day. In 2016, Trump won office by riding a populist message against a deeply unpopular establishment candidate in Clinton. But polls showed Biden as being far more popular with the electorate than the former secretary of state, giving him more ways to win the election.

Biden, a Scranton, Pa., native, began his presidential campaign in April 2019, joining an already crowded field of Democrats with a video denouncing Trump for his response to the violent white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., in August 2017.

While speaking out against the violent clashes that erupted among white supremacists and counterprotesters, Trump infamously said there were “some very fine people on both sides.”

“With those words, the president of the United States assigned a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it,” Biden said in the video. “And in that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.”

He carried that message into the general election campaign, promising that his election would “restore the soul of the nation.”

Biden shrugged off disappointing performances in early primary and caucus states like Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, gaining his footing after

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a crucial win in South Carolina, where he was buoyed by the support of African American voters wary of the candidacy of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who had emerged as the frontrunner.

Biden went on to control of the race, winning 10 of 14 states on Super Tuesday in March.

Sanders dropped out of the race and quickly endorsed Biden, paving the way for his nomination.

In August, Biden, who had promised to pick a woman as his running mate, announced his choice of Harris shortly before the Democratic convention. The senator from California, who lost her own bid for the 2020 Democratic nomination, had clashed with Biden during the first primary debate by attacking his record on race.

But after ending her campaign, she endorsed the former vice president and stumped for him in Michigan ahead of Super Tuesday.

While Biden enjoyed a wave of support among Democrats, he was also backed by “Never Trump” Republicans who opposed the president from the start of his term or became disillusioned by what they considered to be his chaotic and divisive style of governing.

During the campaign, Biden was endorsed by dozens of Republican former national security officials, U.S. attorneys and governors, including former Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich, former Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, former Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake and Cindy McCain, the widow of the 2008 Republican nominee for president, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Biden now faces the enormous challenge of attempting to unify a

country deeply divided by partisan politics. While that reality predated Trump’s time in office, it also crystallized over the last four years.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born in Scranton, Pa., on Nov. 20, 1942, to Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Biden (née Finnegan) and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. He was raised in Scranton and New Castle County, Del. Biden studied at the University of Delaware before earning his law degree from Syracuse University in 1968.

He married his first wife, Neilia Hunter, in 1966. They had three children: Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III (born 1969), Robert “Hunter” Biden (1970) and Naomi Christina Biden (1971).

A month after he won his first race for the U.S. Senate in 1972, Neilia and Naomi died in a car accident that also injured his sons.

During his six terms in the Senate, Biden commuted by train between his Delaware home and Washington, D.C. — 90 minutes each way.

He met his second wife, Jill, in 1975, and they married in 1977, having a daughter, Ashley, in 1981.

Biden mounted two unsuccessful presidential bids, in 1988 (which was marred by a plagiarism scandal) and 2008 (which he lost to Barack Obama, who ultimately picked him as his running mate).

He flirted with the idea of running again in 2016 but was too grief-stricken over the loss of his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

“Beau should be the one running for president, not me,” he told MSNBC host Joe Scarborough in Januar

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

Essequibo man killed by speeding car Police are investigating the death of a 59-yearold man who was hit by a speeding car while riding his bicycle on the Essequibo Coast Public Road.

The deceased is Tulsiram Rajkumar,

called Otam, of Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast.

The driver of the car was a 57-year-old man, also from Golden Fleece.

Police said the car was speeding north along the road and Rajkumar was heading in the opposite

direction. The driver claimed that Rajkumar suddenly swerved into the path of his vehicle.

The vehicle hit Rajkumar and he was flung onto the western lane of the road.

He sustained injuries to his head and body.

He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the car was arrested at the scene

Zeta rapidly strengthening, hurricane conditions expected today (Loop News) Tropical Storm Zeta is rapidly gaining strength.

Hurricane conditions and storm surge are expected across portions of the Yucatan Peninsula later today.

A Hurricane Warning continues for the Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Dzilam and Cozumel.

Hurricane conditions are expected there by late today.

A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 1-3 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast in the Hurricane Warning area near and to the north of where the centre makes landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula. info@guyanapostonline.com

A Tropical Storm Warning continues for Pinar del Rio Cuba, and for Mexico from south of Tulum to Punta Allen and from west of Dzilam to Progreso. Tropical storm conditions are expected within the Tropical Storm Warning area of Mexico by late today and could occur in the warning area of western Cuba beginning later today.

At 5 a.m. EDT, the centre of Tropical Storm Zeta was located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea about 210 miles (340 km) southeast of Cozumel, Mexico.

Zeta is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h). On the forecast track, the centre

of Zeta will move near or over the northern Yucatan Peninsula later today or tonight, move over the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, and approach the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday.

Data from an NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Tropicalstorm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles (185 km) from the centre.

Strengthening is forecast, and Zeta is expected to become a hurricane later this morning.

Additional strengthening is expected before Zeta moves over

the Yucatan Peninsula.

Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts of 12 inches, are possible through Tuesday along and east-northeast of Zetas track across the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and central to western Cuba.

Zeta is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength when it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday, and there is an increasing risk of storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.

Residents in these areas should monitor the progress of Zeta and updates to the forecast.

26

Guyana records another COVID-19 death The Ministry of Health recorded three new cases of COVID-19 on Monday October 26. One case was recorded in Region One and two cases in Region Four. The total number of cases in Guyana is now 4,026.

The death toll has risen to 121 with the death of an 82-year-old man from Region Four. 41 COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded so far in October.

As of October 26 there have been 18,489 persons tested for the virus. 3,009 persons have recovered leaving the number of

active cases in the country at 897.

The Ministry of Health continues to ask persons to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 9), which are in effect until October 31, 2020.

The measures emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

GPHC DEBUNKS FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA POST

APNU CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF TOURISM MINISTER

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has addressed the circulation of a post o n

social media claiming that today, two persons who came to the GPHC to be tested for COVID-19

wish to assure the general public that no such incident occurred at the GPHC. The post is entirely fabricated and fallacious. Management strongly condemns this mischievous and reckless action.”

“Once again, we wish to appeal to the general public to desist from making false claims that peddle misinformation and induce panic. We urge persons to act responsibly and refrain from sharing this misleading post.”

collapsed and died.

The post also claims that doctors at the GPHC suspect that the persons succumbed to COVID-19.

The GPHC said in a statement, “We

COVID-19 Update October 23 The Ministry of Heath recorded 27 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday October 22. Four cases were recorded in Region Three, 21 in Region Four, one in Region Six and one in Region Seven.

The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,877.

There have been 118 recorded COVID-19 deaths. 38 deaths were recorded over the last three weeks.

As of October 22 there have been 17,625 persons tested for the virus. 2,853 persons have recovered leaving the number of active cases in the country at 906.

The Ministry of Health has said that there have been considerable achievements in its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said the regions have been

doing well in containing the disease but also acknowledged that there would be spikes in infections.

The Minister pointed to a reduction in the number of positive cases in Region Nine with a change from close to 100 active cases to six active cases.

Region One has one of the highest number of COVID-19 cases with Kwebanna being among the most affected villages.

Dr. Anthony said a health team will be dispatched to boost the medical workforce in the Region.

Once someone tests positive, they will be isolated at home; Contact tracing is done, and their relatives are informed about how to protect themselves. There will also be strict monitoring of persons entering and leaving the community.

The Minister added that these methods have

27

Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Waldron

The APNU/AFC Coalition has called for the resignation of Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Waldron, following inquiries into the relinquishment of her dual citizenship.

Minister Waldron said in a statement regarding her citizenship, “I wrote to the US Consular Office on August 18 renouncing my citizenship to the United States of America with immediate effect.

“I was thereof informed of the administrative procedure I must comply with to obtain a Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States. I complied with that process

by August 27. I have since received the Certificate of Loss of Nationality.

“I took the oath to the National Assembly on September 1. That was after I renounced my citizenship of the United States of America.”

The APNU/AFC Coalition responded to

the Minister’s statement saying that renouncing citizenship was a process and “a person’s dual citizenship comes to an end at the time of the dated renunciation certificate, not at the time when one decides to embark on the process.”

The coalition also said that Waldron’s statement shows that she was still a citizen of the United States when she became a Minister and was sworn in as a Member of Parliament.

APNU/AFC Member of Parliament and shadow Attorney General, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, said the same rules governing elected members would apply to Minister Walrond even though she is a Technocrat Minister.

The Court of Appeal ruled in 2019 that someone who holds dual citizenship cannot be elected to a position in the National Assembly.

proven effective in other villages with a reduction in the number of cases after two to three weeks.

Minister Anthony also said that the challenges of dealing with the disease have been reduced with the capacity to now conduct tests at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, which has been boosted with three Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

machines. The Ministry was also successful in procuring adequate test kits and reagents to ensure there are sufficient stocks available.

The Minister reiterated the call for Guyanese to do their part to reduce transmission of the disease by wearing masks and sanitising or washing their hands thoroughly.

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