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Wednesday Sept. 29, 2021
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DR. BALWANT SINGH HOSPITAL PIONEERING COMPLEX HEART SURGERIES
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GEORGETOWN MAGISTRATES’ PEOPLE WHO BREACH COVID COURT AND COURT OFFICE GUIDELINES WOULD BE Pg3 FOR A WEEK CLOSED EXPOSED IN THE PRESS
Thursday Sept. 30, 2021
DR. BALWANT SINGH HOSPITAL PIONEERING COMPLEX HEART SURGERIES
World Heart Day 2021 is being observed today, September 29, under the theme ‘Use Heart to Connect’. This year’s observance is about individuals connecting with their hearts, ensuring that it is being cared for, and leveraging the power of technology to link every heart, everywhere. World Heart Day promotes a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits with a major goal being to increase public knowledge about the relevance of healthy eating and physical activity in lowering the
risk of heart disease. Medical studies have confirmed that altering lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heartrelated disorders by 50%. This is the view of Professor Dr. Prashant Vaijaynath, Cardiac Surgeon from India, who has recently conducted at least six (6) complex heart surgeries in Guyana with a team of surgeons at the Balwant Singh Hospital. Some of those include pediatric Cardiac Surgery and a Mitral Valve Replacement. In a recent release, featuring Dr. Vaijaynath, he noted that the current
COVID-19 health crisis has brought to light the critical need to create new and innovative ways to bring heart health awareness to more individuals, especially those with limited access to resources and medical care. World Heart Day 2021 mandates the power of digital health to promote worldwide awareness, prevention, and management of Cardiovascular Diseases. Taking a closer look at the Guyana situation, heart health is not widely discussed and many persons suffer silently.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed Ischemic Heart Disease and Hypertensive Heart Disease among the top leading causes of death in Guyana. World Health Organisation statistics show that in 2016, 34% of all deaths in Guyana were related to Cardiovascular Diseases, making it the leading cause of death in the country at that time. Today, updated statistics contribute to worldwide numbers, compiled by the CDC, recording a heart disease-
related death every 36 seconds. With this information, Dr. Vaijaynath sought to dispel myths about heart health. “A 45-minute brisk walk or aerobic exercise is beneficial to your heart health. However, weightlifting and gym workouts aren’t always beneficial to your cardiovascular health. It’s also a myth that women are less susceptible to Cardiovascular D i s e a s e … Cardiovascular Disease is six times more common in women than breast cancer,” Dr. Vaijaynath noted. Here is where he emphasized for a cardiac check to be a priority when medical check-ups are being conducted. He believes that the more people keep abreast with their heart health, the better chance they have of preventing a disease or heart complication due to poor health. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, any form of Heart complication counts as a comorbidity to persons who would have contracted the virus with high chances of landing in the Intensive Care Unit and even resulting in death, the virus places tremendous pressure on the heart and an unhealthy heart does not
have a good chance. This is not limited to persons over the age of 50. Anyone and everyone can be affected. Dr. Balwant Singh Jr, Chairman of Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital had mentioned that “Another fallacy is that young people are immune to heart disease. It’s no longer true that cardiovascular problems affect just people in their 50s and 60s. “Even people in their 30s are experiencing these issues these days. Indeed, they are prone to sudden heart attacks that can be fatal due to lifestyle behaviors such as junk food, alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.” To this end, a few heart-healthy tips were recommended and they include a healthy and balanced diet, staying hydrated, limited sugar consumption, and exercise. For those recovering from COVID-19 and who have been diagnosed with heart complications, Professor Dr. Vaijaynath further recommended a minimum of eight hours of sleep, stress management, keeping up with prescribed medication and doctor’s advice, and most importantly, eat healthily.
GEORGETOWN MAGISTRATES’ COURT AND COURT OFFICE CLOSED FOR A WEEK This closure is as a precautionary measure given exposure to the Covid-19 virus, and to effect sanitization of the Court building and office. The usual precautions and protocols are being adopted. Urgent matters will be done by way of remote hearings during this period for the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The filing of urgent matters including The Judiciary wishes that the operations of the Court and office will 30th September 2021 Domestic Violence to inform all Court users Georgetown Magistrates’ be closed effective to October 4, 2021. applications and serious
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matters may be affected by making contact with the Principal Clerk of Court by telephone or email via the information listed below. Persons who have in-person hearings scheduled in this court during this period may contact the Principal Clerk of Court or their Attorneys-at-Law. Payments for maintenance and uplifting of bail monies at Georgetown Magistrates’ court will resume on October 5,
Thurssday Sept. 30, 2021
People who breach COVID guidelines would be exposed in the press With Guyana seeing an increase in cases and deaths resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the National Task Force through its difficulties to deter persons from breaching the COVID-19 Measures has made a decision to now made public in the newspapers and on the Guyana Police Force Facebook Page the names and occupations of persons who breach the measures. It has been over one and half years since the Government imposed a national curfew and other related guidelines under the public ordinance law. Those included the restriction on mass gathering, compulsory wearing of masks, and a national curfew from 10 pm to 4 am. These along with several other measures were implemented to curb the
spike in cases and death. The Government, through the task force, which includes the Guyana Police and the Guyana Defense Forces has been working to enforce the measures
and those who are found guilty of the breaches are expected to either pay a fine, do community service, or some like penalty. However, even with current guidelines, many
persons still continue to commit breaches. They attend parties and other mass gatherings. Some would be later arrested. Those arrested however only represent a small fraction of
people for breaking the measures since some on seeing the forces would normally try their best to evade the lockups. The task force at a recent meeting has now made a decision
to publish the name, occupation, and measure that was breached on the Police Facebook Page and in the newspapers. Guyana thus far since March 2020 has recorded over 30,000 positive COVID-19 cases along with close to 800 deaths. The said numbers, according to the Ministry of Health, do not seem to be on the decline any time soon and that has triggered the Ministry along with its stallholders to find ways to curb the spread. One of the measures includes the vaccination of the majority of the population.
RELIGIOUS LEADER ARRESTED OVER RAPING 17-YR-OLD BOY A religious leader has found himself in some hot waters after he was arrested over allegations of raping a 17-yearold boy at a religious function. Reports are that the incident occurred in Region Six on September 24. At the said time, it is
alleged that the religious leader used his religious standing to gain the trust of the family at a religious function. He later dismissed the other family members before committing the act. The matter was reported and the suspect was arrested.
Man charged with drinking buddy’s murder
After being the one to report the chopping to death of their relative, a Hope Estate man was
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The accused, 48-yeartoday charged for the old Sahadeo Persaud, who murder of his drinking appeared in the Cove and buddy five days after the John Magistrate’s Court murder.
before Magistrate Fabayo Azore was not required to enter a plea to the charge. It is alleged that Persaud on September 21, last, at Hope Village, East Coast Demerara chopped his friend, 32-year-old Pradesh Ramgobin of Block 5 Hope, East Coast Demerara. With no requirement to answer to court as yet, Persaud was remanded to prison until 30th November 2021 Reports are that Ramgobin would
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normally go out with his friends to consume alcohol. On the day in question around 17:00hrs, he left to do the same. Sometime later it was reported that he told his mother that he was going to ‘lime’ with friends and would be back later that evening. His relative waited for his return, but he never showed up that evening. Investigators stated that around 08:30hrs the following morning, Persaud showed up at
Ramgobin’s house, and notified his relatives that he was chopped to death. He told them where Ramgobin’s body was. The relatives immediately notified police and ranks were dispatched to the location, where they found his body in a house clad in blue underwear, and on a blood-splattered bed. Crime scene experts noted that Ramgobin’s body bore two chops and other injuries.
Thursday Sept. 30, 2021
JAMAICAN SUES STATE, WINS $3.1M JUDGEMENT
Jamaican national, Sandra Russell, who was kept in police custody for an additional eight months after she had completed serving a sentence of three and a half months for trafficking 70 grams of marijuana, has been awarded $3.1 Million in damages by Chief Justice, Roxane George. The woman had claimed in excess of $70M for false imprisonment
and for being subjected to inhuman treatment while there. On May 20, 2013, Ms. Russell came to Guyana and on June 25, 2018, she was held at Omai landing with 70 grams of marijuana and later taken to court. She pleaded guilty to the crime and was slapped with $135,000 along with eight months’ imprisonment but she
only spent five months at New Amsterdam Prison based on good behaviour. She was subsequently released on November 10, 2018. She was then taken to immigration to be deported. However, she then was sent to East La Penitence Station pending a charge of overstaying since she never had applied for an extension of stay in Guyana and had been in Guyana for five years. She was released from the station on July 7, 2019, but was never taken to court for any other offences. Then woman through her Lawyer, Darren Wade, sued the state. Ms. Russell contended that her fundamental rights as guaranteed under Articles 139, 141, and 148 of the Constitution were breached, encroached, and infringed by the Guyana Police Force and Immigration Officers.
The Applicant sought some $10M per day for every day she spent in unlawful custody, an excess of $20M for inhuman and degrading treatment suffered by her, and in excess of $20M for the breach of her Freedom of Movement. She was however one awarded $3.1 Million after Justice George thought the sum was too exorbitant. In response to the claims, the Attorney General Chambers who defended the state said that what was done was in accordance with the law. The state sought to justify its action by noting that Ms. Russell never produced documents of identity, even though she was claimed she was Jamaican. The state also said that Ms. Russell didn’t seek an extension to remain in Guyana but was in the country. The state further contended that Ms.
Russell didn’t have any resources to get home; she did not have a passport and the information provided for her family did not help to find her family. All the efforts during the eight months were to verify her identity. However, in the ruling Justice Gorge ruled that Ms. Russell was indeed unlawfully detained and is in fact entitled to redress by the state. Justice George pointed out that while she agrees that time should be taken to verify the woman’s nationality, the time period was too long. Justice George explained that while there are provisions for an extension to be granted; none was granted and for a period of five months Russell was unlawfully detained. She further explained that Ms. Russell should have been taken to court to be charged, knowing
that she was in Guyana illegally. Justice George lashed out at the State for its contention that the situation at the station cannot be counted based on the fact that others have endured the same treatment and have not complained. Justice George pointed out that, Guyana did not uphold several UN Humans Rights, that are in fact in the constitution of the country. The judge said that Guyana must not continue its state of affairs in the prison and that better must be done to correct it. The third world state notion cannot be condoned as an excuse not to do better. As such, $3.1 was awarded to her on each day she spent in jail, the state is also ordered to pay the court $250,000 in cost. Ms. Russell however is expected to leave the country.
18 Police Officers Graduated From The COPSQUAD Initiative That Targets Domestic Violence
Eighteen members of the Guyana Police Force on Saturday received their certificates and a badge for completing the COPSQUAD2000 initiative. The training program was launched last month by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Through COP SQUAD, at least one officer at every police
station across the country will receive specialized training on how to address issues of domestic violence. The Guyana Police force is expected to train at least 2,000 officers by the end of this year. The graduation exercise took place at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Kingston and saw in attendance Home
Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie. While the COP SQUAD provides adequate training for participants, Minister Benn expects police officers to better communicate with victims of abuse, whilst eliminating the stigma surrounding domestic violence reports.
Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie stated that this training will properly equip officers with the skills to ensure that domestic violence reports are handled accordingly. For the period September 2020September 2021, 17 persons have been killed as a result of domestic violence. Meanwhile, domestic
violence reports have sharply increased by 12% for the period January- August 2021, as compared to 2020. Nevertheless, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is playing an integral role in providing technical assistance and training, which seeks to ensure that once a domestic violence
matter is brought to a police station, it will be handled in a manner that accords with international best practices. The training deals with interrogation, assessment of safety, how to counsel and respond to people who lodge complaints, and how to write case reports.
SHUNNING PROFESSIONALISM FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY
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Guyana is probably the country with an abundance of talented people. The reality is that the man in the street does not see these talented people. In fact, older people are now wondering whether it would not be long before mediocrity becomes the new norm. The government must have determined that there was more than enough talent to keep the wheels of the country turning because it quickly removed some of the talented people who were in the system. It then set about replacing them with people it feels comfortable with. Of course, some of these new employees are the beneficiaries of elections promises. I listened to the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Vincent Adams, talking about his removal from office. Undoubtedly, he has been the most qualified head of the EPA. He resurrected a dead agency at a time when Guyana is preparing to become an oil-producing nation. He spoke of the EPA is a revolving door
for staff members who simply wanted a stepping stone. The result is that precious little got done. In fact, the EPA was largely ignored by all and sundry. It was merely required to rubber-stamp certain government pronouncements. Vincent Adams changed that to the point where the EPA began to make an impact on national life. It challenged Exxon Mobil to do the right thing by paying for its indiscretions in the industry. It flared gas to the extent that the environment was threatened. The Vincent Adams-led EPA made the company pay. It even threatened to take the company to court for some other indiscretion. That has changed. I am left to wonder whether Dr. Adams’s removal was due to pressure on the government. Of course, the government claimed that Dr. Vincent Adams was a political appointee. It did not stop to consider that Dr. Adams had responded to an advertisement for the job, that he was interviewed by a panel,
and that he was the most qualified applicant. There is a new Director of the Environmental Protection Agency but the EPA is once more a toothless poodle. In fact, it has lapsed into obscurity and the government seems content. At least it does not have to pacify Exxon Mobil. It is the same in numerous other areas. In the field of communication, English has all but disappeared. There is no relationship between subject and verb, no question of tense, and of course, pronunciation is no more a sign of knowledge. There are new heads in radio, television, newspaper, and public information, all chosen by the government. The COVID-19 situation is horrible. I am not sure whether it is due to the absence of a national plan or simply a case of Guyanese bad luck. Not so long ago I complained that people were no longer dying by the twos but by the fours. I should have shut my mouth. People are dying in droves. More than 100 people will die this month. The irony is that the government is linking the deaths to the vaccination. You die if you are unvaccinated. But people also die if they are vaccinated. That is when the government talks about underlying conditions. The records will show that about 60 percent of the population is either diabetic, hypertensive, or both. Most of us have underlying conditions. So vaccination or not we are likely to die if infected. At least the Minister of Health said as much when two fully vaccinated people died from COVID-related illness.
Yet, there is the drive for everyone to be vaccinated. I am vaccinated. There is talk about herd immunity. There will be no herd immunity because the variants are different from the original virus. But we can only hope that there will be some protection against COVID. The authorities are saying that wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing is not enough. There is another issue that I find worrying. There was the COVID relief distribution. Some people got and many did not. Both President Irfaan Ali and the Opposition Leader called for an audit. The AuditorGeneral has come back to say that COVID has impacted his ability to audit the distribution. So as long as there is COVID-19 there can be no successful audit. Many dishonest people would be able to escape. However, this should not be the end of the audit. My belief is that even if the auditors take two years, they must complete this audit. A lot of money was voted for the relief. It is now the same thing with the flood relief. A lot of money has been set aside. Some people are complaining that they have been badly assessed. If indeed COVID is a limiting factor, how could anyone be successfully assessed? But the Agriculture Minister says that he would correct the situation. Would he go into the fields to visit every affected farmer despite COVID? He may wish to take the Auditor General with him.
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Tuesday Sept. 28, 2021
Guyana to release CSEC, CAPE and NGSA results by Oct. 15.
The Ministry of Education announced on Saturday, that the Caribbean Examination Council has chosen Guyana as the host country to ‘release’ this year’s CAPE and CSEC results on October 14, 2021. In addition, NGSA is expected to be released on October 15; with raw exam scores coming from Barbados. The Caribbean Examination Council’s (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) were written during June -July this year. The examinations were written at a later date this year due to the effects, consequences, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Caribbean and the world. The Ministry of Education announced on Saturday, that the Caribbean Examination Council has chosen Guyana as the host country to ‘release’ this year’s CAPE and CSEC results on October 14, 2021. These results will be available to candidates on the CXC’s online portal from October 15, 2021. The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) was equally affected by the pandemic and was written on August 4-5 of this year. Since 2016, CXC was contracted by the Government of Guyana to develop, administer and mark this examination/assessment annually. This year to further
advance the transparency and integrity of the examination/assessment, CXC’s responsibilities were extended and increased to include verification of raw scores. Additionally, to conduct and manage all reviews or appeals after the results are published and further to present the data and analysis of each year’s assessment. The Ministry of Education has been informed by CXC that the raw scores will be ready and sent from Barbados to Guyana by Tuesday, September 28, 2021, after which the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) will standardize the scores and offer placements according to the scores, and print results’ slips. In addition, from this year: 1. NGSA candidates will NOT be penalized with their raw scores because they were older than 12 years 6 months at the end of March of the year, the examination was written. 2. The standardized scores per subject will be rounded up to the nearest whole number and the TOTAL score will be given as a decimal number thereby offering candidates more fairness. The Education Ministry also encourages this year’s NGSA, CSEC and CAPE candidates to return all textbooks and resource materials to their respective schools. Failure to do so may result in being unable to access results
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