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Wednesday January 28, 2021

HIGH COURT COLLECTS SOPS, SORS

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GREATER INCLUSION LEADS TO GREATER PROSPERITY -PRESIDENT ALI – SMALL PARTIES PRAISE GOVERNMENT’S “INCLUSIVITY” IN BUDGET 2021 ENGAGEMENT Pg2

Sourav Ganguly taken to hospital following chest pain Shai and Kyle Hope test positive for COVID-19 info@guyanapostonline.com

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Prime Minister commends resilience of Lusignan massacre survivors – says Govt’ will ensure such an incident neverPg2 recurs Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

HIGH COURT COLLECTS SOPS, SORS

Following an order by the Chief Justice,(ag), Roxane George, SC for the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) to hand over all the Statement Polls and Statement of Recount from the March 2020 Elections, the process has started today and are set to conclude today also.

As such, with such compliance, GECOM,

and the Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield are expected to fulfill the submission deadline before January 29.

With high-level security at the high court, CEO, Lowenfield said that all SOP and SOR are being lodged and recorded in their correct manner, a process that is expected to be concluded today.

On the contrary, while

GECOM is expected by law to keep the documents for the prescribed time, CEO Lowenfeld said that while GECOM would have considered such it has to abide by the ruling of the court.

“The Law is very clear, as the duration that the CEO is to hold these records, it is very clear.

However, if the Chief Justice has ruled then the

CEO had to acquiesce to the ruling of the Chief Justice,” Lowenfield said.

In all some 2,339 Statements of Polls (SOPs) and another 2,339 Statements of Recount to be handed over to the court.

Lowenfield said the GECOM Secretariat has made copies of the documents to keep for its records.

The order came after Chief Justice under the notion of safekeeping has ordered the original SOP and SOR to be held by her court as evidence in the court following the filing of the elections by the former Government APNU-AFC. This also comes on the heels of Chief Justice dismissing elections petition 99 after a defect in

service, as prescribed by law was found.

Former President, David Granger, who was not served on time while being a party was seen as defective as such throwing that case out leaving elections petition 88 standing.

This caused the APNUAFC camp resorting to the option of appealing that decision.

GREATER INCLUSION LEADS TO GREATER PROSPERITY -PRESIDENT ALI – SMALL PARTIES PRAISE GOVERNMENT’S “INCLUSIVITY” IN BUDGET 2021 ENGAGEMENT

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali from His Excellency Dr. representatives Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Guyana’s small political Tuesday reiterated his parties, who were invited commitment to engaging to discuss Budget 2021. all stakeholders to ensure Along with Budget that Government’s plans discussion, the small and programmes reflect parties were also briefed the priorities of the people. on the development in The Head of State Venezuela.

“You are all stakeholders gave this assurance during a working lunch in this process. And as at State House with we have embarked on

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Budget 2021, I thought it necessary that at least we have a working lunch and examine some of your thoughts, some of what you see as priorities, so that we can have a discussion, so that we can consult, so that we can arrive at a programme in which all of Guyana feel as if they’re part of it.”

Present at the engagement were representatives from A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), the Citizenship Initiative (TCI), the New Movement (TNM), United Republican Party (URP) and Change Guyana.

The Head of State was joined by members of the Cabinet, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance – Hon. Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance – Hon. Gail Teixeira; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister – Hon. Kwame McCoy; Minister of Agriculture – Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha;

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Minister of Foreign Affairs – Hon. Hugh Todd and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs – Hon. Pauline Sukhai.

President Ali pointed to the importance of “collective ownership” of the development trajectory, which he said will not only lead to greater prosperity and prospects but will pave the way for the opportunity to unify the people of Guyana.

“And that is the greatest project we have that is utmost on my mind. We can build a country that is strong, prosperous and economically viable. That takes critical thinking, that takes vision, that takes clarity, that takes action, but coming together and unifying requires a bit

more.”

The President emphasized on the need to break down “selfish barriers” and to embrace new ways of thinking and behaviors in order to achieve this.

He said the Government’s approach moving forward will be to engage in an innovative manner, which is being initiated by the Budget 2021 discussions.

“These are some of the things that we want to capture in an innovative and new manner, not only in Budget 2021, but in the agenda moving forward…so, it is my honor and privilege to once again engage with you in this forum.”

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Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

Prime Minister commends resilience of Lusignan massacre survivors

– says Govt’ will ensure such an incident never recurs

do not do that which is necessary to ensure there is not a recurrence.

It is clear that this was not a mere crime. It was an act of immense hatred, a manifestation of unimaginable cruelty and a human rights tragedy,” he said.

AG Nandlall said if everyone does not take up the mantle of rehabilitation, reform and introspection and do all that is necessary to mould Guyana into a cohesive unit, then the country will continue to have violent, cyclical manifestations.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Bishop

Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Wednesday evening commended the resilience demonstrated by the relatives and friends of the 11 Lusignan villagers who lost their lives during a massacre committed there 13 years ago.

During a “Night of Reflection” held to honor the victims, and to demonstrate support for the survivors, the Prime Minister said the Government is committed to ensuring that such an incident never recurs in Guyana.“We are reminded of these dark times, not to dwell on them, but to be guided by the lessons learnt as a nation and as a Government, that such a time must never recur, it must not happen again, that is our commitment, that all our efforts and our

resources must be focused towards ensuring that our citizens must never again live in the fear that had been cast over this country during that era.”

PM Phillips said although it was at a colossal cost, the event gives everyone an enduring warning to be proactive and to remain vigilant so that the nation and its people are always protected.

“Even as we protect our citizens, our unity as a people must accompany those efforts.

Strife and interpersonal confrontations must be set aside so that we can focus our energies on healing, but it is not just healing that we need, we must build. We must build this nation on a foundation of these painful, but sturdy lessons, lessons that will guide us on how not to

repeat these mistakes.”

The Prime Minister was joined by several of his Cabinet colleagues, representatives of the Ethnic Relations Commission, family, friends and the community of Lusignan.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs – Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall said the event has scarred the psyche of the nation permanently.

He called for introspection and reflection to see whether as a society we have learnt any valuable lessons from the incident.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affair – Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall delivers his address at the memorial ceremony “How else can we pay respect and homage to those who perished, if at least as a society, as a people, we

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affair – Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall delivers his address at the memorial ceremony

Hon. Anand Persaud encouraged citizens to be more vigilant and to be their brother’s keeper. He also called on citizens in all villages across the country to form themselves into policing groups.

On Saturday, January 26, 2008 gunmen stormed

Juan Edghill – a former Chairman of the Ethnic Relation Commission, urged Guyanese to foster peace and unity among themselves.

Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development –

GREATER INCLUSION LEADS TO GREATER PROSPERITY......... reaching out and trying our best. I invited former President Granger to a meeting that he did not attend; and then we have the one component of the Opposition who are still mischievously peddling the agenda that the Government is illegitimate…so we have to deal with things in info@guyanapostonline.com

context. That narrative has to be corrected.”

In his remarks, Dr. Ashni Singh emphasized on the importance of the engagement in finalizing Budget 2021. “In order to ensure that we outline that vision in the most comprehensive way possible and in order to ensure that we identify the

most critical interventions that are needed now and that are needed to lay the foundation going forward, we want to ensure that you get the widest possible cross-section of views.

“You are important stakeholders and we would like to hear from you.” The Minister further asked those in attendance

the village of Lusignan and murdered 11 people, including five children.

The deceased are 48-yearold Clarence Thomas, 12-year-old Vanessa Thomas, 11-year-old Ron Thomas, 32-yearold Mohandan Goordat, 10-year-old Seegopaul Harilall, four-yearold Seegobin Harilall, 52-year-old Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 11-year-old Raywattie Ramsingh, 56-year-old Seecharran Rooplall, 22-year-old Shazam Mohammed and 52-year-old Shaleem Baksh.

Several of the children were murdered in their

to share their visions of Guyana’s future and to highlight the critical needs of the country.

Dr. Singh also used the opportunity to express appreciation and a sense of “indebtedness” to those present for their role in ensuring that Guyana remains a democratic country. He said too that

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sleep. The memorial was hosted by the Indian Action Committee (IAC) at the Lusignan Massacre Memorial Arch, which was erected in memory of those killed in 2008.

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the victory is one that must be preserved going forward.

Meanwhile, Minister Teixeira expressed her appreciation to the representatives present for acknowledging the invitation by the President.

She noted that the engagement was integral for the country to move

forward in an inclusionary manner.

“For me and my sector, governance, this is a very important meeting in terms of inclusion, in terms of involvement and in terms of being able to sit down and to come up with what is in the best interest of our country and our people.

Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

GNBS URGES MANUFACTURERS TO USE ITS CONCRETE BLOCK TESTING SERVICE - AS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS POUR IN

Public Relations Officer – Mr. Lloyd David

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is advising manufacturers and contractors to utilize its concrete hollow block testing service as it receives numerous complaints from consumers about the quality of blocks being offered for sale.

Public Relations Officer – Mr. Lloyd David says

the GNBS is now fully capable of testing the compressive strength of locally manufactured concrete hollow blocks.

Hollow blocks of common sizes including three inches, four inches and six inches can be tested “We believe that concrete block makers need to understand the

strength of the blocks they are making, which ultimately will benefit the consumers because they will not have to buy blocks that are defective and weak in strength Sometimes, when you buy the blocks, they are weak, all fall apart in their hands. The GNBS has been receiving a number of complaints regarding this and we believe that it is important that we offer such a service,” Mr. David said A laboratory technician from the Industrial Metrology and Testing Department measures a concrete block.

As such, the GNBS is encouraging local manufacturers, domestic block makers, contractors, and homeowners, who

have long called for this service, to submit samples to its laboratory for initial or routine testing.

“The process is simple. If a block maker comes to the GNBS and we recognize that the blocks are not meeting the requirements, the moisture content and so is not adequate, we will offer guidance to those manufacturers.

What we are advocating now is for manufacturers to come and get their blocks tested so that they can understand the requirements. By understanding that and not reaching the requisite pounds per square inch (PSI), you will need to strengthen the blocks and make them better,” Mr. David said. The

of an all-weather road for farmers to transport their produce to market.

One farmer pleaded for the Minister’s help to clean the cattle pasture in the community. Others called for stern action to be taken against persons found littering along the roadways and canal, which has contributed to flooding and inadequate irrigation for farmlands.

Resident Mr. Krishna Mathura At a packed pavilion in the Windsor Forest Community Centre, Minister Mustapha said “a new wind is blowing in the Agriculture sector” and “hope will be restored” to resounding applause. He noted that the PPP/C administration is leading from the front and has been addressing residents’ concerns since it took office in August.

“You have seen a total change of Government attitude toward the population.

People’s standard of living has already started to improve.

I want to tell you that these issues that you have raised here are things that we can and will address,” he said.

After instructing the NDIA to start drainage works in the area on Wednesday, Minister Mustapha also called for a committee to ensure that the emergency works meet residents’ approval.

“I understand that by

A laboratory technician from the Industrial Metrology and Testing Department measures a concrete block. compression testing machine Mr. David said the GNBS is also now able to certify blocks tested under its certification programme.

Manufacturers and even smaller suppliers can submit one to five blocks for quality testing, and 10

blocks for certification.

In addition to concrete blocks, the GNBS has a range of standards for building materials such as nails and zinc. The Bureau is working to improve testing facilities for all building materials to ensure consumers benefit from quality products.

the first week in March people will start to reap their paddy here so between now and March, we will repair the dams and you will have proper surfaces to travel on to bring out your paddy to the road. We will ensure as a Government, that we provide the necessary infrastructure and implement the necessary and supportive mechanism.”

Farmers were also asked to identify an area within the district for the Ministry to establish a check structure (a device inserted into a canal to control water flow, pressure and direction).

This will allow them to utilize the water more efficiently by regulating its flow.

Farmers can also expect an enhanced extension service by workers attached to their areas.

The Minister emphasized the need for extension workers to be more

responsive, and said that farmers would eventually be assigned to specific extension officers.

A section of the gathering at the engagement Tuesday afternoon Minister Mustapha’s engagement at Windsor Forest follows closely on his visit to Lowlands, East Coast Demerara where he hosted a similar outreach.

He has also visited several other communities across the regions, and those engagements resulted in works that brought relief to scores of residents and farmers.

The Minister was accompanied by the Director-General in the Ministry – Mr. Madanlall Ramraj and heads of several agriculture agencies including the NDIA, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

Minister Mustapha engages Windsor Forest residents, farmers – excavator to start drainage work Thursday

by Kellon Rover

Minister of Agriculture – Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha

Minister of Agriculture – Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, engaged residents and farmers of Windsor Forest and nearby West Coast Demerara communities, where he committed to ensuring that urgent drainage and irrigation works are conducted to bring relief to residents.

The Minister instructed the National

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Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to dispatch an excavator to the community on Wednesday to start clearing the canals.

During the afternoon engagement, residents voiced concerns about several drainage challenges and called for dams’ urgent rehabilitation. They also called for the construction

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Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

Albouystown lauds Works Ministry for $15.9M Hogg Street bridge

Residents and commuters who traverse through Albouystown, Georgetown are lauding the Ministry of Public Works for the construction of a new, $15.9million concrete bridge at Hogg and Sussex streets.

The eight-week contract which was executed by Devcon Construction, is complete and the bridge would soon be reopened to vehicular traffic.

Ms. Carol La Rose, a

pensioner who hails from West Ruimveldt, told DPI that the new bridge is already making the daily commute on her bicycle much easier. “I used to gah push the bike over the bridge, couldn’t ride like how I ride just now.

So, I can ride now. I thank God for that The bridge was terribly bad and then now I could ride through it yesterday, and I come through it today. I enjoy the riding up and down,”

she said.

On Hogg Street, Mr. Trevor Beepat, a mechanic of 20 years says his business relies on access to the bridge. However, over the past few months, his customers had been forced to use alternative routes to access his services due to the derelict bridge.

“For the past five months the bridge break down and I thought it woulda do before Christmas, but it never.

Now I see they start. It nice. It very good,” he said.

Mr. Beepat is also optimistic that the new bridge would reduce the traffic in the area as commuters often use Hogg Street during rush hour to avoid the traffic snarl on nearby Saffon Street Minister Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill first indicated that steps would

be taken to fix the bridge during an outreach to the area on December 4.

During that site visit, he chided the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for dereliction of duty since the bridge falls within its purview.

Monies for the fixing of this bridge should have come from the Mayor and City Council. The Mayor and the City Council are not doing their work. Pensioner, Ms. Carol La Rose The people are suffering.

These residents require better,” Minister Edghill had said.

The Minister then directed his officers to assemble a competent team of engineers who specialize in building bridges, to bid for the works through a restricted tendering process.

Minister Edghill is expected to commission the new bridge in approximately two weeks. Mechanic, Mr. Trevor Beepat

Gov’t commits support for National Oil Spill

by Godfrey Broomes Committee – Prime Minister

Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has affirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the National Oil Spill Committee (NOSC) to build and strengthen Guyana’s mechanisms for spill management.

Prime Minister Phillips made this statement during the virtual orientation session of the National Oil Spill Committee, aimed at informing stakeholders of their roles to ensure effective oil spill management.

The exercise also saw the formal launch of

the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and gave the Committee credence to carry out its mandate.

The Committee’s primary responsibility is to recommend changes to, and implement and maintain the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the National Oil Spill Committee, noting that the best protection against disasters is preparation and mitigation.

“It cannot be ignored

partnerships to manage oil spills. The Government is committed to providing these resources and equipment to minimize environmental damage.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Oil Spill Committee – Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said the Civil Defence Commission is engaged in discussions with the US State Department and Coast Guard to assist with capacity building.

“Some of the capacity building requirements are new and very technical and

would require specialized and appropriate training and equipment that is not readily available in country,” he said.

Director Craig said Guyana would seek support from the International Maritime Organization and the Regional Maritime Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre.

The National Oil Spill Contingency Plan outlines the agency roles and responsibilities for monitoring, preventing,

and, when necessary, responding to both onshore and offshore spills. The final draft of the Plan was presented to the Government on October 2 last, following nationwide consultations.

The Plan is to be treated as an evolving document, with mandatory reviews and updates every three years.

Guyana’s emergence as an oil producing nation necessitated the establishment of the Committee and the Contingency Plan.

that this industry also presents new threats and risks for our nation, which need to be effectively managed to ensure that our resources and ecosystems remain safe.

Oil spills, if not addressed adequately can devastate marine environments and organisms, and result in billions of dollars in cleanup, and short- and longterm recovery costs.”

The Prime Minister said the committee has an immense task to lessen the adverse impacts of an oil spill. He urged Chairman of the National Oil Spill Committee, Lieutenant Colonel the body to continue building capacity through Kester Craig Tucville, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 592-623-9971

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Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

MAN BATTERS VAGRANT TO DEATH

The Guyana Police Force this morning arrested a South Ruimveldt Man, who allegedly bricked a Vagrant to his death outside Teleperformance Building.

That dead vagrant was identified “Curl up toe”,

who is also said to be in his 40’s Reports are that it was just around 3:30 this morning, when a 27-year-old suspect from Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown approached the man, who was at the time

Another COVID death recorded

One more person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) died today. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 175.

The latest fatality is a 65-year-old male from

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) who died while receiving care at our medical facility.

He is the fifth person to die from COVID this week

asleep on cardboard.

At that moment, the suspect dealt several lashes to the vagrants and several blows to the head with a rock causing him to fall unconscious, soon after which the suspect made his escape.

That suspect was soon

old from Region 10 and a 58-year-old from Region Four on January 26.

The 58-year-old who died on Monday was a staffer of the US Embassy in Georgetown. The US Embassy’s spokeswoman confirmed the employee’s death but offered no other details. The man reportedly worked at the embassy for over thirty years.

AS of January 26 there have been 47,096 persons tested for the virus. 6,455 persons have recovered leaving 717 active cases in the country

US Embassy staffer succumbs to COVID The Ministry of Health recorded 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday January 26.

Three cases were recorded in Region Three, nine in Region Four, eight in Region Five, four in Region Seven, one in Region Eight, and four in Region 10. info@guyanapostonline.com

The total number of cases recorded in Guyana is now 7,346.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 174 with the deaths of four men; a 78-year-old from Region Six and a 60-year-old from Region Four on January 24; a 74-year-old from Region

10 and a 58-year-old from Region Four on January 26.

The 58-year-old who died on Monday was a staffer of the US Embassy in Georgetown. The US Embassy’s spokeswoman confirmed the employee’s death but offered no other details. The man reportedly

PENSIONER

after arrested in Charlotte Street and currently being questioned.

CCTV footage in the area is said to have recorded the entire ordeal, as the matter continues to be investigated.

COVID-19 Update January 27 The Ministry of Health recorded 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday January 26.

Three cases were recorded in Region Three, nine in Region Four, eight in Region Five, four in Region Seven, one in Region Eight, and four in Region 10. The total number of cases recorded in Guyana is now 7,346.

The COVID-19 death toll has increased to 174 with the deaths of four men; a 78-year-old from Region Six and a 60-yearold from Region Four on January 24; and a 74-year-

RAPE SENTENCE CONFIRMED FOR

worked at the embassy for over thirty years.

AS of January 26 there have been 47,096 persons tested for the virus. 6,455 persons have recovered leaving 717 active cases in the country.

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Kenrick Morrison

A Pensioner, whose quest was to have the appeal court overturn a seven-year sentence for having sexual activity with an underage girl has been thrown out.

Kenrick Morrison, who said to be in his 70’s after approaching the high court had his sentence affirmed by the court.

Morrison was convicted on the charge that on February 12, 2013, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

In late September 2015 on the conclusion of his trial in the high court, Morrison was found guilty of the offence by a 12-person jury at the High Court in Demerara and was slapped with a sevenyear jail sentence by Judge Jo-Ann Barlow.

Morrison contended that trial Judge Jo-Ann Barlow misdirected the jurors when she made errors while summing up the evidence.

The sexual convict further argued that the trial judge’s summing up was unbalanced as it was in favor of the prosecution.

Before passing the sentence on Morrison, Justice Barlow noted the strict view the law and

society take regarding such offenses against children and added that the sentence must be reflective of this view.

That further, the judge strongly upbraided Morrison for the position of trust he breached in committing the crime.

The judge had noted too that the offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years but held that no mitigating factors were presented to the court on the convict’s behalf.

As a consequence, Morrison was sentenced to serve seven years behind bars for the offence.

However, in 2017, he was granted bail and was released from prison.

The appeal was heard

by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

During the virtual hearing, chancellor Cummings-Edwards noted that there was no miscarriage of justice and, as such, dismissed the appeal.

Given that he is out on bail for two years, the Chancellor said she hopes the convict surrenders to authority to serve his time.

Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

Man robbed of cellphone by two bandits John Benjamin, a 40-year-old labourer of Old Road La Retraite, West Bank Demerara was attacked and robbed last evening by two bandits on the La Retraite Public Road.

Benjamin was sitting under a shed, when around 08:30 p.m. two men approached and asked him about a man named “Devon”.

After he explained that he does not know anyone by that name, one of the perpetrators grabbed Benjamin by the neck and pulled his phone out of his hands.

Benjamin resisted but was slashed under the chin by the second perpetrator who had pulled out a knife.

The suspects then ran to a car that was waiting nearby and escaped.

The Alcatel cellphone which was stolen was valued at $27,000.

Benjamin raised an alarm and was escorted to the Wales Police Station and reported the incident before being taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Investigations into the robbery are ongoing.

Farmer’s decomposed body found at Rotterdam

East Coast Demerara was found on Monday morning at Rotterdam, West Coast Demerara.

The body was discovered at around 10:00 a.m. by Ramnarine’s employer.

It was reported that Ramnarine, a farmer, and The decomposed body Ramnarine of Virginia his employer left Cane of 50-year-old Ramkarran Village, Cane Grove, Grove and went to the

Rotterdam Backlands earlier this month. They would usually farm rice in the Backlands.

The employer said he returned home on the same day and left Ramnarine to look after the crops and remained in constant contact with him. The employer told investigators that he had

last spoken to Ramnarine about four days before the body was found and returned to check on him after being unable to reach him.

After he arrived he could not locate Ramnarine and decided to check around the sheep pen where he discovered the body.

The discovery was then reported to police.

Due to the decomposition of the body, no marks of violence were seen by police.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing. The body is currently at the Bailey’s Funeral Home awaiting a postmortem examination.

Amanda Gorman, 22, “did not predict” the world’s response to her poem at Biden inauguration: “This has really touched people”.

Amanda Gorman reflects on making history as the youngest inaugural poet at 22 years old. (Photo: Getty Images Amanda Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in history when she presented her work: “The Hill We Climb” at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Still, the 22-year-old was surprised by the response she received from people in attendance, and those who watched from home hours after she took the podium.

“I understood in some capacity that I was making

history as the youngest inaugural poet. I didn’t know really what that history would look like or the impact it would have. I just remember finishing, going back to my holding room and just swiping up my Instagram, [thinking] I wonder what people are saying. And just my apps, my phone, not functioning,” she said during an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday.

“My phone was basically a brick, like all the apps I typically use had crashed, I couldn’t look at my photos, anything like that. And I hadn’t expected that. I thought, oh maybe I’ll get a few thousand more followers. To get millions and millions of followers in under 48 hours was just, I think, that was the moment I went, ‘Wow, this has really touched people in a way that I did

not predict.’”

Although Gorman’s performance seemed flawless to anybody who watched the young woman speak and listened to the incredible words that she wrote, she did admit that she didn’t get to practice nearly as much as she would have liked to.

“I was stressed, very much so. And I think there’s not only the writing and the construction of the poem, for me the kind of performance and spoken word element of it is just as important. So I really wanted to practice that but whenever I wanted to there was an interview or my mom knocking on my door, bless her heart,” she explained. “And I kind of had to be like, ‘Mom, maybe stay in your hotel room for like an hour. I need to practice this.’ So I didn’t really get to practice it as much as I would’ve liked to before I did it, so

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I’m really glad that I was still able to kind of stick the landing.”

She also recalled just how invigorating it was to step up to the podium where she spoke, looking directly at the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial which were in her line of vision. “Just feeling part of that history as the descendent of a slave,” she said. “I also smile because when I got up to the podium I heard people below, which you can’t really see, clapping for me. And it was just this really surprising moment that, wow, people are really excited to hear what I have to say, to hear poetry. What an opportunity for our country and the world. So I kind of giggled to myself and then got going.”

And while her mother was busy being a fan of Jennifer Lopez and fiancé Alex Rodriquez who sat

By Kerry Justich

nearby, Gorman recalled being more interested in the interaction between Barack and Michelle Obama.

“I remember Michelle Obama being close and she kind of kept yelling at Barack like, ‘Stop hugging people, stop getting close to people.’

And then when I was done, she kind of pushed him out of the way and gave me just the biggest, warmest Michelle Obama hug,” Gorman said.

“I had met Michelle a few times before, not Barack. And whenever I meet Michelle I hope that she forgets meeting me because I just want a doover, I just want a clean slate. I just want to do it right this time. But she always remembers and she’s always great. And when I hug her, I’m so short my forehead is like in her belly button and it’s the best feeling.”

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

Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

ZLATAN IBRAHMOVIC POSTS ANTI-RACISM MESSAGE AFTER ROMELU LUKAKU EXCHANGE IN TUESDAY’S MILAN DERBY

Zlatan Ibrahmovic posts anti-racism message after Romelu Lukaku exchange in Tuesday’s Milan derby The pair’s heated conversation was picked up by the television cameras with no fans in the stadium and Ibrahimovic has subsequently faced criticism on social media for his choice of words.

Max stake varies. See bet slip for details. Odds subject to fluctuation.

Further T&Cs apply. 18+ Ibrahimovic responded on social media on Wednesday, saying: “In Zlatan’s world there is no place for racism. We are all the same race – we are all equal.” The former Sweden international had one more quip for

Lukaku, adding: “We are all players some better than others.”

Ibrahimovic and Lukaku got into a fiery exchange on Tuesday night AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on his Twitter on Wednesday: “In Zlatan’s world there is no place for racism.

We are all the same race – we are all equal.” He later added: “We are all players… some better than others.”

Ibrahimovic, who gave Milan the lead, was sent off after picking up a second yellow in the second half, while Lukaku levelled with a penalty before Christian Eriksen’s stoppage-time winner sent

Inter through with a 2-1 win.

The Coppa Italia clash came with the sides also fighting at the top of the Serie A table, with leaders AC Milan two points clear of second-placed Inter at the halfway stage of the season.

Lukaku and Ibrahimovic have said a few things down the years Lukaku and Ibrahimovic’s encounter at the San Siro was the latest chapter in their running saga which began when the two were teammates at Old Trafford.

Lukaku said in an interview with Tiki Taka ahead of their first encounter in Serie A: “Ibra is a champion, I respect

him. In Manchester I could train every day with h im, that was the most beautiful thing for me. It will be nice to play against him. He is a great champion and professional.

“For me it’s not normal that he can do those things at his age. He works a lot; he always gave me advice when we played together in Manchester.”

But in an interview with

La Gazzetta dello Sport in 2019, the 39-year-old Swede was far from complimentary when discussing Lukaku’s technique and said he made a bet with the forward while the pair were together at United – which was turned down.

“I will say this on Romelu: don’t expect good technique from Lukaku. His best strength is sheer power. If only he’d listened to me,”

Ibrahimovic said.

“At Manchester United, we made a bet: ‘I’ll give you £50 for every decent first touch you make’. “He replied: ‘What do I win if I get them all right?’ I told him nothing, he would simply become a better player. For the record, he never accepted the bet!

Perhaps he was afraid of losing?! Joking aside, Lukaku has this mad hunger to prove himself to the world and I’m sure he will do well at Inter too.”

Back in February 2020, Lukaku scored in the final minute to complete a 4-2 win over Milan and he posted on social media a “new king” was in town, inferring he had dethroned Ibrahimovic in the Italian city. Ibrahimovic and Milan had previously stated the Swede’s second spell with the Rossoneri marked the “return of the king”.

Shai and Kyle Hope test positive for COVID-19 West Indies opener Shai Hope and his brother Kyle have

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been ruled out of the Barbados squad ahead of the Regional Super50 Cup, after testing positive for COVID-19. The players had undergone testing on Sunday, ahead of the tournament scheduled to begin next week in Antigua.

“The Hope brothers, Shai and Kyle, have tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss the Cricket

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West Indies (CWI) CG Insurance Super50 Cup in Antigua, February 7 to 27,” the Barbados Cricket Association said in a statement.

“Shai and Kyle Hope will be placed in isolation in accordance with Government of Barbados protocols,” it added. The players had undergone testing on Sunday, ahead of the tournament scheduled to begin next

week in Antigua.

Wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott and top-order batsman Zachary McCaskie have been named as a replacement for the duo in the 15-man squad.

Shai has represented West Indies in 34 Tests, 78 ODIs and 13 T20Is while Kyle has featured in five Tests and seven ODIs

Guyana Post, Wednesday January 28, 2021

Sourav Ganguly taken to hospital following chest pain BCCI President and former India Captain – Sourav Ganguly has been hospitalized again, after he complained of chest pain on Wednesday

update from the hospital, the 48-year-old’s condition is stable.

morning, according to his family sources.

Sourav Ganguly had suffered a mild heart attack and undergone a quick primary angioplasty on January 3 to clear a blocked coronary artery.

It is learnt that Ganguly felt uneasiness Tuesday evening, and felt mild chest pain Wednesday morning…after which his family members decided to take him to Apollo Hospital.

According to the latest

“There is no change in his parameters since his last hospitalization and vital parameters are stable,” read the official statement from the hospital.

Ganguly underwent angioplasty on his right coronary artery at Woodlands Hospital earlier this month after he suffered a mild heart attack while exercising at his Behala residence.

He was discharged a few days later but attending doctors advised him angioplasty on other coronary arteries as well.

According to PTI, the Kolkata Police created a green corridor for smooth travel

from his Behala residence to the hospital off the E M Bypass. Noted cardiologist Devi Shetty is set to arrive in Kolkata Thursday after which an angiogram will be conducted on Ganguly.

A nine-member medical team was formed and opinions were sought from

renowned experts and Devi Shetty, R K Panda, and Shamin K Sharma cardiac surgeons including Samuel Mathew, and from New York before a Aswin Mehta from India stent was implanted.

ICC ODI RANKINGS: VIRAT KOHLI, ROHIT SHARMA RETAIN TOP TWO SLOTS India cricket captain – Virat Kohli and senior batsman – Rohit Sharma retained their number one and two positions, respectively, in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen, while pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained at the third spot in the bowler’s list. Kohli, who had scored 89 and 63 against Australia in his last two ODI appearance, has

870 points to his kitty.

Rohit, who missed the tour of Australia due to an injury and has not featured in any one-day game since the COVID-19 pandemic began, remained at the second spot, five points ahead of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam (837). New Zealand’s Ross Taylor (818) and Australia skipper Aaron

Finch (791) round up the top five in the batsmen’s list.

Ireland all-rounder Paul Stirling gained eight slots to reach 20th place after scoring 285 runs against Afghanistan which included centuries in the second and third matches. Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi (70th to 66th), Rashid Khan (96th to 89th) and

Javed Ahmadi (103rd to 99th) have also gained in the rankings for batsmen.

Among the bowlers, Bumrah remained the best placed Indian, occupying the third spot with 700 points. New Zealand pacer Trent Boult (722) and Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman (701) occupy the top two spots.

Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz,

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who was the most successful bowler in the recently concluded series against the West Indies, has progressed nine spots to take fourth position after grabbing seven wickets, including a haul of four for 25 in the second ODI that won him the player of the match award.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s six wickets in the series has

lifted him from 19th to eighth position.

Other Bangladesh players to gain in the latest rankings update include Shakib Al Hasan (up 15 places to 13th among bowlers) and Mushfiqur Rahim (up one place to 15th among batsmen) after their player of the match performances in the first and third matches respectively.

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