Guyana Post Newspaper

Keeping you updated on current events...

ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER

Sunday January 31, 2021

EXXONMOBIL TEMPORARILY INCREASES FLARING

Pg2

Pg2

Ministry waiting on confirmation of seizure of another vessel by Venezuelan authorities Pg3

Pg3

Cyclist killed in hit and run accident

Pg2

Fake CANU cop fined Pg3 $4000,000 Argentina imposes new tax on wealthies t Pg3

Guyana Post Sunday January 31, 2021

EXXONMO BIL TEMPORAR ILY INCREASE S FLARING

E x x o n M o b i l announced on Friday afternoon that it has been forced to increase its flaring of natural gas aboard its oil production vessel, Liza Destiny.

The company said in a

statement that there was a technical issue regarding a seal on the gas compressor on Liza Destiny and that problem led to a temporary increase in flaring above pilot levels in order to maintain safe

operations.

Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, said the company is disappointed that the unexpected issue has occurred and they’re working diligently with

the vessel’s owner and the equipment vendor to understand and fix the issue as quickly as possible.

Exxon has informed the relevant government authorities and is

providing them regular updates.

The company did not say if the increase in flaring has impacted its oil production offshore Guyana.

ExxonMobil’s flaring

practices continue to be a point of concern for local environmentalists and the impact it could have on the environment.

He added that the Caracas Embassy has reached out to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry to speak with the Vice Minister but, “so far, there was nothing coming from the Ministry in Venezuela.

So, I would suggest we treat it as unconfirmed

reports… I can only speak definitively when I speak to the Foreign Ministry.”

The Guyana government is also working to have the crew released of the two other Guyanese fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – which were intercepted on January 21 while operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the Venezuelan navy.

Venezuelan Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Relations, Jorge Arreaza, has made assurances that the crew members were being treated with the utmost

respect for their human rights and that their early release was being pursued.

However, the fishermen have since been brought before a Venezuelan court and reports from Caracas suggest that the men could be detained for an additional 45 days pending investigations.

Additionally, photos and videos which have been circulating on social media of Venezuelan naval forces reportedly “patrolling the disputed waters” were dismissed

by Minister Todd as fake news. The photos and videos were from a training exercise conducted by the Venezuelan navy in 2019.

Ministry waiting on confirmation of seizure of another vessel by Venezuelan authorities

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd said that Guyana is still awaiting official confirmation of reports of a third Guyanese fishing vessel being seized

by Venezuelan authorities.

It was reported that the Guyana-registered fishing boat ‘Miss Annie’ – GR972360 – and its info@guyanapostonline.com

seven-member crew were detained by the Venezuelan military on Monday. The reports sated that the vessel was seized and its crew members detained by river patrol ranks of the Venezuelan National Armed Guards after it was intercepted in Mariusa, Tucupita, Delta

Amacuro, Venezuela.

Minister Todd said on Friday that Guyana’s Embassy in Caracas reported that they saw media reports that the vessel was apprehended in Venezuelan waters and the coordinates show that they were in Venezuelan waters for illegal fishing.

2

Guyana Post Sunday January 31, 2021

Cyclist killed in hit Fake CANU cop fined $4000,000 and run accident

Travis Wickham, a 29-year-old welder of Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was killed after being involved in a hit and run accident at Foulis, ECD.

The accident occurred on Thursday at around 05:00 a.m.

Wickham was riding his bicycle towards the Foulis Gas Station when a car attempted to overtake a bus, and struck him off

A Man, who is not a stranger to the court, had an arrest warrant issued for him over pretending to be a Custom Anti-Narcotics Officer and tried to abduct a young man.

The accused 37-yearold, Kevin McDonald, aka Brother Fraud from Nabaclis, was subjected to his first court hearing today on the matter but his bike and into the path failed to even show up to answer to his charge of of another bus.

The driver of the car two counts of attempted fled the scene and has not abduction.

As such, an arrest yet been arrested warrant was issued for

his arrest by Magistrate, Leron Daly.

It was a week ago, McDonald who showed up in a white car along with some handcuffs allegedly pretended to be a CANU Officer and tried to arrest Ryan Gonsalves, sometime around 13:45 PM at Middle and Thomas Street.

It was during that time, Donald told the Gonsalves that he was wanted to be questioned for Narcotics and would be taken to the Brackdam Station.

The young man

however refused and was later being forced into the car when a police patrol vehicle pulled over and Donald made his escape.

The matter was later reported and Donald was arrested soon after, placed on station bail, was told to show up in court but never did so.

Donald, who is no stranger to law enforcement, was found guilty of trying to forge several Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Receipts and was slapped with a $400,000 fine

Argentina imposes new tax on wealthiest

BBC News- A one-off tax on Argentina’s richest people comes into effect to help pay for medical supplies and relief for businesses struggling due to Covid-19. info@guyanapostonline.com

Those with assets of more than 200 million pesos ($2.3m; £1.67m) will have to pay about 3% on assets declared within the country and over 5% on assets held abroad.

It will apply to around 12,000 people.

The government hopes to raise around $3bn. The money will also help fund scholarships and social aid.

Senators passed the one-off levy – dubbed the “millionaires’ tax” – by 42 votes to 26 in December.

The measure, brought in by centre-left President Alberto Fernández,

3

has been criticised by the opposition, which described it as “confiscatory”.

There have also been concerns raised by the Argentine Rural Society that the tax could be made permanent.

But the country has been badly hit by the pandemic, which has deepened already high rates of poverty. Almost 40% of the country’s population lives under the poverty line, while the unemployment rate sits at 11%.

Oxfam’s annual report on economic inequality said Argentina was showing the way towards

progressive taxation of the rich as the key to an equitable recovery from the current crisis.

“A tax on the excess profits earned by corporations during the coronavirus pandemic could generate $104 billion – enough to provide unemployment protection for all workers, and financial support for all children and elderly people in the poorest countries,” the report stated.

Argentina has almost two million confirmed cases and more than 47,000 deaths from the virus.

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

GTT COMPLETES 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO GUYANA On Thursday January 28, 2021, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), commemorated its 30th anniversary of providing telecommunication services to the people of Guyana, keeping them connected to each other and the world.

While reflecting on the integral role GTT has played in supporting the evolution of the country,

GTT PR Manager, Jasmin Harris, acknowledged the company’s three decades of expanded service and investment in the national telecommunication infrastructure, the generations of Guyanese served and the multitude of GTT employees who have been part of the company’s journey.

“This is a celebration of the pride of being a born and bred Guyanese

entity, and the nostalgia of having grown and achieved together over the years. Significantly also, it is a celebration that envisages a brighter future for Guyanese, through advanced technology, enhanced services and continued investment, managed by a team committed to continuous learning and the pursuit of complete customer satisfaction,” Harris said.

The 30th anniversary milestone is being marked just a few months after the full liberalisation of the local telecoms sector, and also comes ahead of imminent internet service upgrades from GTT. Harris shared that the GTT team is excited about the future, and would continue to give the highest priority to meeting and exceeding the demands of customers.

“We acknowledge that service to our customers is of paramount importance.

We have been here for the Guyanese people through the years, and service improvements will continue to propel us into the future.

Our recently launched ‘Together we Rise” brand campaign is a clear demonstration of our collective and nationalistic focus; we are part of the

fabric of this land,” Harris stated.

As GTT’s 30th celebrations continue, there would be tangible rewards, and special offers for customers, including double credit and other surprise offers that the company hopes would result in customer delight.

The Hess Exploration company is currently investing a huge amount in its Guyana operations.

The company has a 30% interest in the Stabroek Block and has allotted more than 80% of its capital and exploratory budget of US$1.9 billion for 2021 to its offshore

blocks.

John Hess, CEO of the company said: “the majority of our 2021 budget is allocated to Guyana, where our three sanctioned oil developments have a Brent breakeven oil price of between US$25 and US$ 35 per barrel”

US$670 million or 35% of the budget will go towards production, US$780 million (41%) for offshore Guyana developments and US$450 million (24%) for exploration and appraisal activities.

US$235 million will be put towards developing

the Payara project which has the capacity to produce up to 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day, with the first production expected in 2024.

Chief Operating Officer of Hess, Greg Hill, said the company’s focus in 2021 will be on advancing to first oil in the Liza

Phase 2 project by early 2022 and the Payara project in 2024. They will also invest in engineering and design work for future development phases on

the Stabroek Block and an active exploration and appraisal program, with up to 15 wells planned on the Stabroek Block.

Hess investing more in Guyana’s offshore oil operations

info@guyanapostonline.com

4

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

Health Minister refutes claims of breaching COVID-19 Guidelines Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has refuted claims appearing in some sections of the Opposition controlled media of breaching the COVID-19 protocol on January 28 at Parliament.

According to the Minister, at no time did he ever refuse to be sanitized before entering the Parliament Chambers.

“This morning when I came, my temperature was taken by a nurse and then I went through the sanitization station,” the Minister said.

“Media entities and citizens in general are advised to refrain from publishing unverified and misleading statements and desist from spreading rumours,” he further

stated.

As the country continues to battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health (MOH) encourages everyone to wash or sanitise their hands often, wear a mask correctly and consistently, and maintain a minimum of six feet distance from others when in public.

Amendment to Fiscal Management & Accountability Act (FMAA) tabled by Finance Minister – allows for streamlining of budget process for Constitutional Agencies

– ensures Parliament has comprehensive view of Budget in approval process

An Amendment to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) to ensure the streamlining of the budget process in relation to constitutional agencies was today tabled in the National Assembly by Senior Minister in the Office of the President

with responsibility for Finance – Dr. Ashni Singh.

The critical piece of legislation cited as the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act 2021 seeks to amend the FMAA Chapter 73:02 to allow for the correction

of a number of anomalies relating to the budget process applicable to constitutional agencies.

According to the Finance Minister the amendment is necessary as it ‘seeks to streamline the Budget process particularly in relation to constitutional agencies

while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of the independence of the agencies’.

Arising from the 2015 amendment to the FMAA by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC), constitutional agencies’ budgets were

required to be sent to the National assembly in advance of the submission of the rest of the National Budget. This two-stage process resulted in a fragmented and inefficient process for consideration of the National Budget and denied the Parliament an opportunity to view

and consider the budget in a comprehensive manner.

The proposed amendment is important as well especially with Budget 2021 in its preparation mode and slated for presentation to the National Assembly in February, 2021.

Guyana’s sugar, wood in high demand in UK ─ exporters urged to take advantage of EPA

by Alexis Rodney

Dr. Diana Glasgow.

Guyana’s sugar and wood species are in high demand in the United Kingdom, the Department of Foreign Trade has revealed. Local exporters are being urged to explore value-added production to take advantage of that demand and capitalize on Guyana’s

preferential access under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The call came from Dr. Diana Glasgow – Director of the Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the second trade talk between the Ministry and the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

The virtual discussion focused on the CARIFORUM-UK EPA and provided the private sector with crucial trading

features with the UK and assess its implications for continued trade with that country.

Dr. Glasgow said the United Kingdom is one of Guyana’s key trading partners, accounting for about four per cent of this country’s export. Guyana exported about US$13 million worth of goods to the UK during the third quarter of last year.

The main exports included rice, sugar, molasses and honey, alcoholic beverages, wood and gold. These five

products accounted for 98.7 per cent of Guyana’s total exports to the UK. Sugar led at 32 per cent, alcoholic beverages at 25.

5 per cent, rice 24. 2 per cent, gold 9.38 per cent and wood at 7.4 per cent.

However, Dr. Glasgow said there are several areas which Guyana could take advantage of in the UK market, given their demands.

“Some of the products they are currently demanding from Guyana include wood, rum, sugar.

There is scope for us to examine value-added activities in these areas

5

and further exploit the preferential access that has been afforded to us under the agreement,” she said.

The European Union and CARIFORUM countries signed the EPAin 2008. The comprehensive agreement provided the basis for trade with the United Kingdom and other European countries.

Following the UK’s referendum to exit the EU, the UK and CARIFORUM embarked on rolling over the CARIFORUM/EU agreement’s terms into the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, signed by Guyana in

March 2019 and ratified

by Ministerial Order in December 2020.

Dr. Glasgow said other mechanisms allow Guyana and the UK to cooperate and support each other economically. The UK-Caribbean forum is a mechanism that promotes dialogue and interaction between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

The UK Caribbean Cooperation is an investment of £300 million in vital new infrastructure in the Caribbean, including roads, bridges, and ports to help drive economic growth and development.

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

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

NEW SOPHIA WELL TO BE ACTIVATED IN ONE WEEK A new well in the compound of the Sophia Water Treatment Plant was, on Thursday, pump tested – signaling its readiness to be put into operation within a matter of one week.

Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Incorporated – Mr. Shaik Baksh on Wednesday, January 27 visited the Sophia facility to witness the production capacity of the well.

The activation of this well would provide a great relief to the residents of Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Turkeyen, Pattensen and surrounding areas, who have been experiencing a reduced level of service for some time.“This well has been dormant here for well over three years in this treatment plant compound so with the collapse of the well in North Ruimveldt, we had to move expeditiously to activate

this well and I’m happy to report that the well is functioning properly and the production is good,” Mr. Baksh posited.

He added that customers can look forward to increased hours of service and water pressure in their homes, in excess of 10 feet, providing that certain factors are taken into consideration. These include repairing leaks and metering customers to promote conservation.

Mr. Baksh said, “I want to call on the residents of Sophia to settle their outstanding balances in a timely manner because it’s quite costly to operate this plant and provide treated water. This will help GWI to help them.”

GWI’s Georgetown Regional Manager Mr. Curtis Niles pointed out that it is necessary for customers to help the utility to identify leaks in Sophia.

“So as we come and we repair those leaks, the level of service will significantly improve.

Because of the improved pressure, lines that have been tampered with, will now tend to leak so we will have three to four teams working in the

community to repair those leaks and raise your level of service,” Mr. Niles explained.

The CEO expressed satisfaction that the works to activate the well and install the transmission are being done by in-house staff, while Engineer

Rochelle Hopkinson noted that the well is performing beyond their expectations.

One of the water sources for the communities is the North Ruimveldt Number 2 well, which is currently out of operation following the collapse of the well

casing. GWI continues to work assiduously to ensure that customers in the aforementioned communities have access to an adequate supply of water within the timeframe outlined.

Standing Order limits Opposition motion on Henry cousins’ murder – motion cannot proceed as matter is in court…

The Standing Orders of the National Assembly have prevented a motion brought by Opposition Member of Parliament – Hon. Mrs. Geeta ChandanEdmund condemning the killings of Joel and Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh from going through The Speaker of the National Assembly – Hon. Manzoor Nadir Thursday said since the motion has been overtaken by developments and to entertain it as this time, would put the Assembly in contravention with its own Standing Orders.

“We are aware that three persons have been charged in respect to the murder of these young men and have been placed on remand ahead of intended preliminary inquiry. The police have stated publicly that they are in search of additional info@guyanapostonline.com

suspects,” the Speaker noted As such, entertaining the motion would jeopardize the ability of the justice system to conduct fair trials of persons before the court.

The killings received widespread condemnation in and out of Guyana.

The Speaker also drew attention to motions prohibited by Standing Orders. Standing Order 33(1) states “on a motion made and when necessary seconded, the Speaker shall propose the question to the Assembly and after debate, he shall then put the motion for a decision by the Assembly.” He said while the Standing Order allows members of the National Assembly a right to move motions, it is “not absolute.”

“In these circumstances, it is limited by Standing

Alexis Rodney

Order 26(g) which states “in order that a motion is admissible, it shall satisfy the following conditions.

It shall not relate to any matter which is under adjudication by a Court of Law.” Given that persons have been charged for the murders and are now before the court, Mr. Nadir said the motion could

not be heard. He further explained: “The legal effect of that motion is not capable of being allowed at this time. This Standing Order gives effect to the sub judice principle, which relates that public statements must not be made regarding a pending case for fear of their impact on public opinion.”

He said the National

6

Assembly is one of three co-equal branches of Government and is therefore, one of the most powerful state entities. It is not surprising that the Standing Order also limits other rights on the basis of the sub judice principle.

Earlier this month, Vinod Gopaul, Anil Sanchara and Akash Singh were arraigned

for the brutal murders of the Henry cousins.

The cousins were found murdered in Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice on September 6, 2020. A few days later, Haresh Singh’s body was found at a Number Two Village backdam.

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

20 PERSONS RECEIVE $1M EACH FROM SBB UNDER THEIR GREEN TECH FUND

An awardee receives her certificate from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce - Hon. Oniedge Walrond.

CEO of the Small Business Bureau - Mr. Lowell Porter The Small Business Bureau (SBB) has granted 20 persons a total of $20 million grant through its Green Tech Fund. The beneficiaries each received $1 million at a ceremony hosted on Monday. The grants are for existing and start-up businesses that are technology and environmentally based.

Ms. Kaimwantie Seenarine, of “Smart Learning Guyana” will develop a mobile app that will help children in Guyana. The App will cater primarily for children who do not have regular access to the internet.

She explained that once the app is downloaded, it could be used without internet access.

An awardee receives his certificate from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce – Hon. Oniedge Walrond.

“We are actually going to take concept from schools and convert it into more interactive selflearning system. We are trying to help children learn independently because during this COVID-19 time and

many children do have assistance from teachers directly so we will be teaching them to be more independent learners,” she said.

An awardee receives her certificate from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce – Hon. Oniedge Walrond.

Ms. Cherryann Greene, who will be launching her business under the name “Ridealong Gy”, said the aim is to reduce the carbon emission foot print that have far ranging environmental and health effects “by promoting more pedal cycling in and around Georgetown. I will also aim to collaborate with other small businesses like myself to promote, health and fitness and tourism in Guyana”.

Ezee Loans, owned

by Mr. Rupesh Ganpat who worked 10 years in the banking industry, developed an app to guide individuals through the loan process.

CEO of the Small Business Bureau – Mr. Lowell Porter “The application is

going to allow you to put in the pertinent information and guide along if you are going qualify and also, I am to partner with the bank as well so that they can take another step and guide the individual,” he told DPI. Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce representative Mr. John Edghill told the awardees that the Bureau and the Government was there for the people.

Ms. Cherryann Greene receives her certificate from Mr. John Edghill – Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development.

“Through the Small Business Bureau and other agencies under our remit we will increase access to finance we will increase entrepreneurship skills development to all entrepreneurs both budding and potential.”

CEO of the Small Business Bureau – Mr. Lowell Porter said the agency will continue to promote businesses that are innovative and environmentally friendly.

He said the Government

An awardee receives his certificate from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Hon. Oniedge Walrond.

An awardee receives her certificate from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce - Hon. Oniedge Walrond.

7

is willing and ready to support more innovative businesses.

The Bureau will be following up with the awardees to ensure they follow through with the grant and there is a threemonth time frame by which they have to set up or at least start. The Bureau will also work with them in this area.

Ms. Cherryann Greene receives her certificate from Mr. John Edghill - Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development.

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

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

OPPOSITION MOTION ON LUSIGNAN SHOOTING DEATHS FAIL

The Government through its majority vote has denied a motion put forward by the Opposition APNU-AFC for a commission of inquiry to be conducted into the Lusignan unrest that saw two inmates losing their lives.

The motion was put forward by Opposition Member of Parliament, Hon. Geeta ChandanEdmond.It was denied by the Government on the basis that the focus now should be on reform and not a COI. In her presentations to the house yesterday, MP. Edmond said

that the COI is one of significant since there was a lack of information surrounding the matter of public concerns as the circumstances of the death of several prisoners and injuries of inmates, at the Lusignan Prison, as to prevent such occurrence again.

She said regardless of who the persons are or what they have done, lives were lost and cannot be given again, and by extensions will bring some closure to the family members of the now-dead inmates.

“It is important in the public interest to know and

to understand the specific facts and circumstances that led to the shooting and the subsequent death to prisoners, so as to prevent a recurrence…

This motion centers on our duty, as members of the national assembly, to confront and interrogate issues of national importance. We must therefore recognize that the sanity of human lives must be respected. Life cannot be restored if it has been lost…

When we were bringing this motion, it was really to give the family members and by extension the people of this country the

opportunity to hear what happened truthfully, and to ensure that there is no recurrence” MP Edmond emphasized.

With the motion put forward by MP Edmond, the PPP/C Government, with majority seats in parliament, denied the motion going forward.

As such, MP Edmond said that this brings great disappointment in the Government as they seem not to care but to place those who seek answers in an unwarranted and inconvenienced manner by not responding.

“I’m disappointed and I had really hoped that the

Robbery suspect killed by police The Guyana Police Force is currently investigating the shooting of a wanted man by Police.

According to police, 22-year-old Sherwin Filley was wanted for robbery, robbery with violence, and three counts info@guyanapostonline.com

of wounding committed on a 50-year-old resident of Vryheid’s Lust.

The incident occurred at around 1:00 a.m. Friday morning after Officers acted on information received and went to an abandoned wooden shack at the Ogle Seawall.

Police said Filley was locked inside the building and they decided to force open the door and attempt to apprehend Filley, who was armed with a cutlass.

Filley attacked the officers and a round was fired which hit him in his eye. Filley fell to the

ground and was then taken to the Georgetown Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

8

Government would have understood that this was an opportunity to make certain things public, which they have not done so far.

It is my view that the honourable members on that side of the house seem to think that they have to go through, and unwarranted and inconvenience to respond to the cries for justice or to a COI, this is fauld view look” IN response, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn noted that while it is regrettable that two persons lost their lives during the unrest, the Government could not support the motion.

“While we continue to work at improving the conditions, the welfare and the housing of both the prisoners and the staff, I think it would be wrong for us to get bogged down in the Commission of Inquiries.

And, given the fact that we do not have a properly constructed document with respect to the ‘whereas’ clauses and the solutions, I am not in a position to support the undertaking of any Commission of Inquiry,” Minister Benn maintained.

Minister Benn reminded the house that a COI which was conducted into the Camp Street unrest in 2016. He added that the recommendations from that inquiry were

never implemented and that the administration would be examining those recommendations.

It was back on September, 29 2020 when two inmates were shot and killed, while some others were injured in the process after they would have protested about the state they are in knowing the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the prison.

This unrest came just four days after the prisoners refused meals and pelted prison officers following the announcement that two of their fellow prisoners were positive with the novel Coronavirus.

On the day of the incident, Minister of Health, Frank Anthony, and Minister Benn visited the prison by request from the prisoners. It was sometime during their discussion with the prisoners, the prisoners became upset with what they had heard and started to throw objects in the direction of the Ministers.

The Ministers quickly ran for cover as the unrest continued, and the Guyana Prison Service said they had to use deadly force and later shot and killed inmates Earl Graham, 51 and Winston Herbert, 21.

These actions were widely condemned by civil society and as such would have called for answers.

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

National Assembly speaker addresses social media posts by MPs During Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, addressed complaints about the social media posts of several Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Speaker said that although the posts were

made by the MPs in their private capacity, they should still reflect the esteem of the office they represent. The Speaker noted that the posts were inaccurate on the concerns of the government’s business and the business of the House, and were also inflammatory.

The Speaker said he was of the view that the House could not compel the Members to stop posting, remove the offending posts or offer an apology in the Parliament, but, he urged the MPs to be careful the accuracy of the information they publish and to take into account

the responsibilities of the offices they hold and represent.

The Speaker had previously issued warnings to MPs in September 2020, noting that breach of privilege is a serious offence Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

Cicely Tyson, Pioneering Hollywood Icon, Dies at 96

Emmy and Tonywinning actress Cicely Tyson, who distinguished herself in theater, film and television, died on Thursday afternoon. She was 96.

“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” her manager – Larry Thompson said in a statement. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life.

Today she placed the last ornament – a Star, on top of the tree.” Her memoir “Just As I Am” was published on Tuesday.

Tyson broke into movies with the 1959 Harry Belafonte film “Odds Against Tomorrow,” followed by “The Comedians,” “The Last Angry Man,” “A Man Called Adam” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.”

Refusing to participate in the blaxploitation movies

that became popular in the late ’60s, she waited until 1972 to return to the screen in the drama “Sounder,” which captured several Oscar nominations including one for Tyson as best actress.

Variety reviewer A.D. Murphy enthused that the film was “outstanding” and added, “The performances of Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson, as the devoted though impoverished parents, are milestones in their own careers.”

Despite her achievements onstage and in films, however, much of the actress’s best work was done for television. In addition to “Miss Jane Pittman,” she did outstanding work in “Roots,” “The Wilma Rudolph Story,” “King: The Martin Luther King Story,” “When No One Would Listen,” “A Woman Called Moses,” “The Marva Collins Story,” “The Women of Brewster Place,” “The

Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” and the TV adaptation of “Trip to Bountiful.”

Throughout her career Tyson refused to play drug addicts, prostitutes or maids, roles she thought demeaning to Black women. But when a good part came along she grabbed hold of it with tenacity.

Onstage she was in the original 1961 Off Broadway production of Jean Genet’s “The Blacks” and, decades later, she won a Tony for her starring role in a revival of “The Trip to Bountiful.”

In television she nabbed the first recurring role for an Black woman in a drama series, “East Side/West Side,” and the actress later won two much-deserved Emmys for 1974’s memorable “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” She was nominated a total of 16 times in her career, also winning for supporting actress, in 1994 for an

adaptation of “Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All”; she was nominated five times for guest actress in a drama for “How to Get Away With Murder.”

The actress became a household name thanks to her starring role in “Miss Jane Pittman.”

The TV movie, in which a 110-year-old woman recalls her life, required her to portray the heroine over a nine-decade period.

Writing about Tyson’s performance, Pauline Kael compared her “to the highest, because that’s the comparison she invites and has earned.”

She remained an occasional presence on the big screen as well in films including “A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But a Sandwich,” Richard Pryor comedy “Bustin’ Loose,” “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “Hoodlum.” Tyson returned to Broadway in 1983 to star in a brief revival of “The Corn Is Green.”

On television she also appeared in the title role of “Ms. Scrooge,” a genderreversed adaptation of Charles Dickens, as well as telepics including “Benny’s Place,” “Playing With Fire,” “Acceptable Risks,” “Heat Wave,” “Duplicates,” “A Lesson Before Dying” and “The Rosa Parks Story.”

In 1994-95 she played a Southern attorney in NBC’s brief, civil rightsthemed legal drama “Sweet Justice,” and

9

she appeared in a 2009 episode of “Law and Order: SVU.” In her 70s, Tyson worked more in film than at any other time in her career, thanks in part to Tyler Perry: She appeared in his films “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005), “Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and “Why Did I Get Married Too?” (2010) as well as in the 2012 Perry starrer “Alex Cross,” which he did not direct. The actress also had supporting roles in “Because of WinnDixie,” “Fat Rose and Squeaky,” “Idlewild” and 2011’s “The Help.”

And capping an already-impressive career, Tyson won the Tony for best actress for her role as Carrie Watts in the 2013 revival of “A Trip to Bountiful,” then repeated the performance in a 2014 Lifetime TV adaptation.

Born in East Harlem to West Indian immigrant parents, Tyson rose from humble beginnings.

After graduating from high school she worked as a secretary for the American Red Cross before becoming a model; at the top of her game she appeared in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

She studied at the Actors Studio and with Lloyd Richards and Vinnette Carroll, who featured Tyson as Barbara Allen in a 1959 Off Broadway revival of the musical “The Dark of the Moon.”

She segued into the variety

show “Talent ’59” on Broadway and appeared in a production of “Jolly’s Progress” in which she also understudied Eartha Kitt, before a role in “The Blacks” ignited her stage career.

In 1961 Tyson was one of the original cast members in “The Blacks,” which ran for two years at the St. Mark’s Playhouse.

Her co-stars included Roscoe Lee Browne, James Earl Jones, Godfrey Cambridge and Raymond St. Jacques. The role of Virtue won her the Vernon Rice Award, a feat she repeated for the 1962 production of “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl.”

She starred with Diana Sands in the 1963 Broadway production of “Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright,” which closed during a newspaper strike, and later that year appeared Off Broadway in “The Blue Boy in Black” with Billy Dee Williams.

She moved on to Carroll’s musical “Trumpets of the Lord” (she also appeared in the 1968 Broadway staging) as well as the 1966 production of “A Hand Is at the Gate,” the 1968 play “Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights” and the 1969 program of Lorraine Hansberry readings “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” Tyson was also one of the founding members of the Dance Theater of Harlem in 1969.

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

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

China to “no longer recognize” British overseas passports in Hong Kong

China, on Friday, said it will “no longer recognize” the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers, as Britain prepares to offer millions of former colonial subjects a way to escape Beijing’s crackdown on dissent.

From Sunday, those with a BN(O) passport and their dependents will be able to apply online

for a visa allowing them to live and work in the United Kingdom. After five years they can then apply for citizenship.

The new immigration scheme is a response to Beijing’s decision to impose a sweeping national security law on the city last year to snuff out huge and often violent democracy protests.

Britain accused China of tearing up its promise ahead of Hong Kong’s 1997 handover that the financial hub would maintain key liberties and autonomy for 50 years.

It argues it has a moral duty to protect its former subjects. But, on Friday Beijing hit back ahead of the upcoming change. “From January

31, China will no longer recognize the so-called BN(O) passport as a travel document and ID document, and reserves the right to take further actions,” Foreign Ministry spokesman – Zhao Lijian told reporters.

It is unclear what China’s declaration means in practical terms. But, around 300,000 people are

expected to leave Hong Kong for Britain using a new visa route which opens on Sunday. Boris Johnson said the move – which was announced in the wake of Beijing’s national security law being imposed on Hong Kong last year – honored the “profound ties of history and friendship” between the UK and its former colony. Hong Kongers with British National (Overseas) status and their dependents are eligible for the visas. After five years they will be able to apply for settlement, followed

by British citizenship after a further 12 months.

Although there are 2.9 million BN(O) citizens eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.3 million dependents, the Government expects take-up of the offer to be far smaller.

Meanwhile, the former head of a Chinese Stateowned asset management company was executed Friday, on charges of

taking bribes…in an unusually severe penalty for a recent corruption case.

Lai Xiaomin of China Huarong Asset Management Co., was among thousands of officials snared in a long-running anti-graft campaign led by President Xi Jinping.

Others including China’s former insurance regulator have been sentenced to prison.

And, a man who was beaten, slashed, stripped and robbed by a violent mob in Manhattan Chinatown is a known gang member with a lengthy criminal record, according to police sources. The brazen attack, which was caught on surveillance video, occurred at Canal Street and Allen Street around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 22. when a group of individuals assaulted the 26-year-old male victim and removed his cell phone, pants, underwear and shoes!

Capitol Police bolstering travel security for lawmakers The Capitol Police are stepping up security at Washington-area transportation hubs, and taking other steps to safeguard traveling lawmakers…as Congress continues to react to this month’s deadly assault on the Capitol.

Capitol Police will be stationed at area airports and Washington’s Union Station railway hub on busy travel days, the House’s chief law enforcement officer wrote in an email obtained Friday

by The Associated Press.

Timothy P. Blodgett, the acting Sergeant at Arms, wrote that officials were setting up an online portal so lawmakers can notify them of travel plans and urged legislators to report

threats and suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, “AOC’ tells Ted Cruz she doesn’t want to work with him on “Robinhood” probe, because he “almost had me murdered” during the Capitol riot. Ms. OcasioCortez again called for

Mr. Cruz to resign.

And, the Minneapolis Police Department would be replaced with a new entity responsible for “various public safety functions”. This is under a draft ballot measure introduced by three council members. What’s

happening: The proposed charter amendment would maintain a division with police officers but remove a requirement to maintain a minimum head count based on population.

How we got here: The lawmakers who drafted the measure – Phillipe

10

Cunningham, Steve Fletcher and Jeremy Schroeder – were among those who vowed to “begin the process of ending” MPD following George Floyd’s killing.

Schroeder said the revised approach will “expand our public safety

toolbox,” making the city “safe and equitable for all.” The other side: Frey told The Star Tribune he’s concerned the change would “dilute accountability by having the head of public safety report” to both him and the 13-member council.

What’s next: The proposal is subject to review by the council and the city’s Charter Commission before appearing on the November ballot. Authors say this year’s timeline means the proposal can move ahead with or without the commission’s support. Ultimately, voters would have to sign off.

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

Pelosi signals support for reconciliation bill to pass coronavirus relief without Republicans

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

Congressional Democrats are preparing to leave Republicans behind as they push forward with another COVID-19 relief bill.

With a 50/50 party split in the Senate, congressional Democrats have spent the past week discussing using a budget reconciliation bill to pass their COVID-19 relief with just a simple majority.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) affirmed in a Thursday

press conference that Democrats would pass the reconciliation “if we need it” – but some centrist Republicans reportedly aren’t thrilled.

As Punchbowl News reported Thursday morning, “there’s frustration on the Republican side” of the so-called “Sweet 16” of bipartisan centrist senators with this plan.

These centrists – namely Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski

(R-Alaska), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) – “say Democrats are moving way too quickly toward budget reconciliation, which they take as a signal that Democrats have no interest in the GOP’s support,” sources told Punchbowl News.

Murkowski publicly said Wednesday that it would be “wise” for President Biden “to work to try to get a bipartisan proposal,” especially given his Inauguration

Day comments regarding “unity and working together.”

But as Democrats see it, there’s no time to waste.

COVID-19 continues to spread rampantly across the U.S., vaccine distribution is lagging, and millions of Americans are still out of work.

There’s also slim chance Republicans will agree to more than a $500 billion relief bill, while Biden is pushing for a $1.9 trillion package and soon-to-be Budget Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wants to toss a $15/hour minimum wage into the mix.

Meanwhile, at a White House briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary – Jen Psaki said President Biden will use his executive authority to reverse some policies of the Trump administration and overturn “harmful, detrimental and immoral” actions of the discredited Trump administration

COVID-19 Update January 29

The Ministry of Health recorded 90 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday January 28. Four cases were recorded in Region One, one in Region Two, seven in Region Three, 66 in Region Four, eight in Region Six and four in Region Ten. info@guyanapostonline.com

The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now 7,470.

The COVID-19 death to is currently at 175.

As of January 28 there have been 47,957 persons tested for the virus. 6,534 persons have recovered leaving 761 active cases in

the country.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, revealed on Thursday that several prisoners at the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast of Demerara, the Timehri Prison on the East Bank of Demerara, and the New Amsterdam Prison

in Region Six, have tested positive for COVID-19.

16 cases were recorded at the Lusignan Prison and the infected persons have been isolated in a special part of the prison.

200 inmates previously tested positive for the virus after a screening and testing campaign for COVID-19 was initiated in the Lusignan Prison in September 2020.

33 prisoners tested positive at the Timehri prison and are isolated in a special area from the prison population.

Four prison officers and one inmate at the New Amsterdam prion also tested positive for the virus

11

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

Israeli embassy blast in Delhi: What we know so far…

By hindustantimes.com | Edited

by Arpan Rai, New Delhi

The blast caused by a “very low-intensity improvised device” shattered the windscreens of three cars parked in the area, Delhi Police officials said adding that there were no injuries

An explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi was reported on Friday evening, prompting authorities to scale up the security and sound a high alert in the national capital.

The blast caused by a “very low-intensity improvised device” shattered the windscreens of three cars parked in the area, Delhi Police officials said adding that there were no injuries.

Israel said it is treating the blast as a terrorist incident. “Israel is treating a small bomb blast near the Israeli embassy in Delhi today, which did not injure anyone, as a terrorist incident,” news agency Reuters quoted an Israeli official as saying.

Here is what we know so far about the blast near the Israeli embassy: The Delhi Police said that the low-intensity improvised device went off at 5.05 pm near 5, APJ Abdul Kalam Road near Jindal House. No one was injured and there was no damage to any property but window panes of three vehicles parked nearby were shattered, officials said.

Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation, Delhi Police said in a statement.

National Security Adviser –Ajit Doval, Delhi

Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava and Chief of the Intelligence Bureau – Arvind Kumar have briefed Union Home Minister – Amit Shah about the blast.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said an alert has been issued at all airports, important installations and government buildings after the blast and that enhanced security measures have been put in place.

The blast came on the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Israel on January 29, 1992.

The investigation is being monitored by all rank agencies.

The National Investigative Agency (NIA) has also been roped in, officials said.

The Delhi Police was informed of a “bomb blast” in the area and senior officials. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – Pramod Kushwah rushed to the spot officials said.

CCTV cameras on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road are being checked to ascertain the sequence of events, officials said.

Forensic experts of Delhi Police are also on the spot to lift the samples of the explosive.

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

IPL 2021 auction: Five released players who will find it tough to find a buyer

As we gear up for the IPL to return to India, here is a list of five players who may struggle to find a team in the auction on February 18. We’re on the road to Indian Premier League 2021. The first pit stop ahead of the 14th edition of the IPL is the players’ auction, which is scheduled to take place on February 18 in Chennai.

Last week, as all eight teams announced a list

of released and retained players, some very big names were left out, including the dangerous Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, James Neesham among others. While some exclusions were surprising, others were on expected lines. As we gear up for the IPL to return to India, here is a list of five players who may struggle to find a team in the auction.

1. Harbhajan Singh: Harbhajan Singh is 40 years old, and having missed the last IPL due to personal reasons, the door seems to be shutting quickly of the veteran offspinner. In the two seasons he played for CSK, the franchise saw him as an asset who could be backed without playing any form of cricket the entire year, but given CSK’s aim at rejigging the franchise,

the off-spinner could well have played his last IPL game.

2 Murali Vijay: Murali Vijay was another experienced batsman released by CSK. His last valuable season came in 2016, when Vijay plundered 453 runs for Kings XI Punjab.

However, Vijay has since fallen flat in his IPL curve, getting limited opportunities. After not

playing a single game in 2017, Vijay featured in one game in 2018, two in 2019 and three in 2020. Vijay isn’t playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament either, and if all these factors are to be combined, he is a likely candidate to go unsold on February 18.

3 Karun Nair: Karun Nair has gone without a 50-plus score in the last 10 of his T20 outings. In fact, his highest score has been 27 against Jammu Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In IPL 2020, he played just four games, scoring 16 runs. The year before, Nair got to play just one match even as the team grappled with middle-order batting woes. With absolutely no form or runs behind him, Nair might sit out of IPL 2021.

4 Jason Roy: Even though the hard-hitting England opening batsmen, the star of their 2019 World Cup campaign, Jason Roy, has shown promising form

in the Big Bash League, chances of him getting picked in the IPL are slim.

It stems mostly out of the team combination of all eight IPL franchises, who seem to be more or less sorted as far as their opening combination goes. In 2018, Roy played only five games for Delhi Capitals, scoring 120 runs, while not getting a single match the last two editions.

5 Kedar Jadhav: Kedar Jadhav was at the centre of a meme-fest last IPL, when his slow batting for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals.

However, Jadhav recently scored consecutive halfcenturies for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but is it enough for team to show interest in him? Unlikely. At 35, Jadhav’s bane seems to be his fitness, and with stakes so high, teams might be unwilling to take that risk with him.

India vs England: Jofra Archer reveals why matches “will not be one-sided” India will be missing the services of Ravindra Jadeja, but they will be glad to have R. Ashwin back in the squad after he missed the fourth Test in Brisbane with a back injury.

India will host England for a full-fledged tour in February and March. The first Test of the tour will begin on February 5th with India and England locking horns in Chennai.

Both teams are on a high after winning their respective Test series against Australia and Sri Lanka. With the matches being played in India, spin

is expected to play a big role during the Test series.

India will be missing the services of Ravindra Jadeja but they will be glad to have R. Ashwin back in the squad after he missed the fourth Test in Brisbane with a back injury. He is the leading wicket-taker for India and is one of the most dangerous bowlers on spinning tracks.

However, England pacer Jofra Archer believes that his team have enough options in the spin department as he said that matches “will not be onesided” if there is spin on the pitches.

12

“I’ve played lots of Indian Premier League here but nothing in terms of first-class cricket, so the challenges of bowling with a red ball will become clearer.

“In the IPL the batters have to come at you, whereas in Test cricket they can sit on you for a full session if they want and if the pitch is dead there is nothing you can do about it. “So let’s hope we get some good wickets with a little bit of pace for the bowlers.

“Or even some turn, because if they spin, the matches will not be one-

sided. We have good spinners in our squad and India won’t out-spin us,” Archer wrote for Daily Mail.

Archer was rested along with Ben Stokes and Rory Burns for the Test series in Sri Lanka and would be eager to get on the pitch for his country.

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

Guyana Post Friday January 29, 2021

STATEMENT BY BELIZE IN SUPPORT OF GUYANA

Belmopan. January 26, 2021 – The Government of Belize has registered its serious concern regarding official reports of 12 Guyanese nationals and their vessels, the “Lady Nayera” and the “Sea Wolf,” which were intercepted by the Venezuelan Navy the “Comandante Hugo Chavez GC 24” in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and subsequently detained at Port Guiria, Venezuela on Thursday, January 21, 2021.

Hon. Eamon Courtenay – Minister of Foreign

Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration met with the Venezuelan Ambassador to Belize – H.E. Gerardo Argote, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 24, 2021 for an explanation of his Government’s action.

Minister Courtenay took the opportunity to condemn this latest flagrant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela. Belize called for the immediate release of the illegally detained Guyanese nationals and their vessels and urged the Government of Venezuela

to respect international law and ensure a peaceful resolution of this incident.

Belize reiterates its unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the process underway before the International Court of Justice to finally and peacefully resolve the controversy between the two countries.

Minister Courtenay has remained in close contact with his colleague Hon. Hugh Todd – Foreign Minister of Guyana, on this matter.

Statement by the Caribbean Community on detention of Guyanese Fishing Vessels and Crew

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expresses grave concern at the escalation of tensions between Guyana and Venezuela caused by the interception and detention in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone of two Guyanese fishing vessels by a Venezuelan naval

info@guyanapostonline.com

vessel on January 21, 2021.

Recalling its statement of January 12, 2021 in which it had firmly repudiated any acts of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana, CARICOM urges the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and to desist from aggressive acts that will seriously undermine the peace and security not only of Guyana and Venezuela but the entire Caribbean region. Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community

calls for the immediate release of the crew members and vessels. were purchased for him by the State with approval from former President Ramotar.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs, under the leadership of Basil Williams, had contended

13 2

that there was no evidence of an agreement between Nandlall and Ramotar.

Additionally, such an agreement would have been a violation of the Financial Management and Accountability Act. Magistrate Azore had ruled that sufficient evidence was provided by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)

for Nandlall to answer to the charge. Nandlall then approached the High Court and Court of Appeal to challenge the Magistrate’s decision but both Courts ruled to not intervene in the ongoing matter.

Nandlall then moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to appeal the ruling from Appeal Court

Guyana Post Friday January 29, 2021

FOREIGN MINISTER ENGAGES OPPOSITION MP ON GUYANA -VENEZUELA BORDER CONTROVERSY

-Discusses recent developments, detained crew and vessels

Further, the Foreign Minister reiterated the Government’s position on inclusive governance and called for similar engagements from other Shadow Ministers to their subject Ministers Ms. Desir expressed the Parliamentary Opposition’s firm support on the Guyana – Venezuela bordercontroversy and registered

The Honorauble Hugh Todd – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Wednesday met with Ms. Amanza Walton-Desir – ShadowMinister of Foreign Affairs of the Parliamentary Opposition, during which they discussed the recent

actions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy.

The Foreign Minister provided an update on the detainment of the crew and vessels and the Government’s efforts to ensure their safe return.

her concerns about the welfare of the fishermen.

Minister Todd and Ms. Walton-Desir echoed the need for a bipartisan approach between Government and the Opposition, on matters related to the Guyana – Venezuela border controversy and welcomed continued dialogue on the matter

Minister Todd engages in a discussion with Opposition MP – Ms. Amanza WaltonDesir on the recent detainment of Guyanese fishermen

“NOT A BLADE OF GRASS” PART2 A feature article by leon saul

Brazilian government delegations have met with Guyana and Suriname about a possible Venezuelan military incursion into Guyana!

A Brazilian delegation’s recent quick trip to Guyana and Suriname suggested things are moving beneath the surface of the border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.

The visit’s purpose was to discuss border security info@guyanapostonline.com

with the Guyanese and Surinamese governments.

However, an unconfirmed report in Brazilian newspaper – O Antagonista claimed the real reason behind the visit was to share information that Brazil’s intelligence services had learned about Venezuela considering a military incursion into Guyana!

But, the United States of America (USA) has

reinforced its commitment to regional security, through a new agreement with Guyana. Guyana and the United States of America (U.S.A) have added new features to its longstanding militaryto-military cooperation with the signing of an Acquisition and CrossServicing Agreement on Tuesday, January 12, 2021; strengthening security collaboration to combat shared transnational threats.

The agreement was signed by Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, Admiral Craig S. Faller on behalf of the Department of Defence of the United States of America and Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess on behalf of the Co-operative

Republic of Guyana.

Admiral Faller was in Guyana for a threeday visit and engaged in the signing event at State House as part of his planned activities.

In brief remarks after the signing, Brigadier Bess said Faller’s presence in Guyana symbolizes the excellent relations between the militaries of the USA and Guyana.

He said through the agreement, the two militaries will now be able to expand its partnership on issues like climate change, terrorism, trafficking narcotics and small arms and human trafficking among others.

“The GDF welcomes the increase cooperation…we now have greater predictability in our defence partnership and it is a formal basis

14 3

for the exchange of services,” Brigadier Bess said. Meanwhile, Admiral Faller underscored the signing as a pivotal step forward together. He believes it builds on the momentum started with the visit of U.S Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo and reinforces the U.S commitment to regional security. “This is a new era of defence partnership,” he added.

The agreement is expected to pave the way for exchanging goods or services of equal value to support future bilateral defence cooperation. It will facilitate and increase interoperability, readiness, and effectiveness of the respective military forces through increase logistic cooperation.

The agreement allows for flexibility in identifying

ways to support bilateral security cooperation. In this instance, the U.S. can provide fuel and meals to partner nations, like Guyana, to support U.S. led counter-narcotics operations in international waters, or the U.S. can loan specialized aviation maintenance equipment.

The agreement creates new opportunities to successfully plan and conduct future cooperation activities and further strengthen the security partnership.

The agreement will streamline the process of exchanging goods or services of equal value, allowing for greater focus on the resulting defence cooperation activities and goals. So, to answer the billion-dollar question: Would Venezuela invade Guyana? The answer is: AT ITS OWN PERIL!

Guyana Post Friday January 29, 2021

$4.4 BILLION FOR HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS ON THE EAST COAST DEMERARA – MINISTER CROAL

Those are the areas we are developing the infrastructural work now to ensure those persons who were allotted for those areas can access and start building. It is intended we will be spending G$4.4 billion on infrastructure work alone for those communities on the East Coast for which we have made allocations for house lots.

“Construction for those areas that we have made allocations have already commenced and, by the latter half of this year, all of those infrastructure work will be complete and you will be able to have a fully developed area for which you can do your

construction,” he said.

The work, which falls under the Ministry’s 2021 work programme, includes the construction of roads and drainage channels and access to water and electricity.

“When we give you communities, we want to give you complete communities so that you will not have an excuse as to why you are not able to access your facility,” Minister Croal said.

The Government is committed to clearing the backlog of house lot applications in the system and is looking to acquire more lands for development.

This, Minister Croal

said, would be done with assistance from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited.

The PPP/C Administration has pledged to allocate 50,000 house lots over five years, as outlined in its manifesto.

To date, through the President’s “Dream Realized” initiative, over 3,600 house lots have been delivered over four months across three regions.

In the 2020 Emergency Budget, the Government

FIRE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN info@guyanapostonline.com

building materials to make building homes more affordable. The Government also increased the mortgage

Ministry’s Community Relations Department, which deals with issues concerning encroachment and squatting.

The

implemented several measures to make homeownership affordable for all. This includes the reversal of the value-added tax on

interest relief ceiling from $15 million to $30 million.

Also in attendance today were representatives from the Guyana Water Incorporated and the

Government is hosting outreaches countrywide to ensure it has continuous engagement with residents and communities.

Renita Joseph, her husband and their two young children – ages 10 and three – are now homeless after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their two-storey house at Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara.

03:00h on Thursday while the family was asleep; they barely made it out of the house alive.

“We were all sleeping and it [the fire] was approaching my room,

which is the first room in the house and I saw the big flame and I just was able to grab my daughter and run out of the house from the back door,” her husband and their 10-year-old son was sleeping in a room at the back of the house; it was only when she safely made it outside that she realised they were still in the house. she began shouting for them until they woke up

and ran to safety. The family was not able to save anything Guyana Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene and managed to extinguish the fire, the house and everything inside were already destroyed.

Guyana Police Force and Fire Service continue to investigate the cause of the fire

4 15

Guyana Post Friday January 29, 2021

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE HUGH HILTON TODD, MP., MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Colleague Members of Parliament, You are aware that on January 7, 2021 the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela announced during a meeting of the National Defence Council that he had established “a new maritime territory” of Venezuela. This territory is called “Territory for the development of the Atlantic Façade “in order to provide adequate protection and safeguard the jurisdiction of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”.

Following the announcement of President Maduro’s Decree of 7 January 2021, there was increased

activity in Guyana’s maritime space by Venezuelan Navy vessels and other Venezuelan State assets. Such illegal activity continues to undermine Guyana’s development, by threatening Guyana’s sovereign rights of its maritime space and hindering economic activity.

Proving this threat is the unfortunate incident of 21 January 2021, when two Guyanese fishing vessels, namely, Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf, were intercepted

by Venezuelan naval vessel, Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, off the coast of Waini Point (well within Guyana’s territory). The crew and both vessels were

illegally detained by the Venezuelan Government and are currently still in detention at Port Guiria.

Guyana has strongly condemned the illegal detention of its citizens and the illegal seizure of their fishing vessels by the Venezuelan navy.

As I speak, my Ministry continues to engage the International community to resolve this issue in the most peaceful and diplomatic manner.

At his request, I had a virtual meeting with my Venezuelan counterpart, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, on 25 January 2021, to discuss the detention of the fishing vessels and crew and status of their release.

Individual Member States of CARICOM and the Community as a whole, have denounced the action taken by Venezuela calling upon them to release the crew and vessels.

The Organization of American States has also issued a statement in which it points out that “resolution of the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana is a matter that lies under international jurisdiction, and cannot be settled by unilateral action.

Any attempt to derail this international legal process such as the decree, issued by the Maduro regime is

contrary to international law and standards, and has no legal bearing on significance.” We are encouraged that the international community is seized of this matter and has encouraged Venezuela to release our Guyanese nationals and their fishing vessels and to desist from actions that violate international law and threaten the peace and stability of the region.

Guyana values highly the support which it has received and continues to receive from individual member states of the international community such as Belize, Brazil, Canada, France, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United

States of America, as well as through regional and international groupings of CARICOM, the OAS, the Commonwealth, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union in its strenuous endeavours to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

FRANCE SUPPORTS GUYANA ON THE “FISHERMEN’S DETENTION” BY THE VENOES! Ambassador of the French Republic to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana – His Excellency Antoine Joly, Wednesday called on Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Hon. Hugh Hilton Todd. They discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation, among other mutual areas of interest.

Minister Todd provided an update on the Government’s ongoing

efforts to ensure the early release of the crew and vessels following their detention by Venezuela on January 21, 2021. He said that Guyana would continue to apprise the international community as events unfolded.

Ambassador Joly conveyed the support of France with Guyana on this matter. He expressed his solidarity with the detained fishermen and their families.

The Foreign Minister

alluded to the efforts underway by Guyana and Suriname to bridge the Corentyne River thereby connecting the Guiana Shield.

The Ambassador conveyed France’s interest in the project and underscored the importance of infrastructure in regional development. Minister Todd welcomed France’s expression of cooperation and interest in investment.

The Minister and

Ambassador also discussed the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, and possible areas of cooperation including technical cooperation, education, and military training.

Guyana and France established diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967. The relationship between the two countries also covers the engagement between Guyana and French Guiana.

People are central to the PPP/C Govt’s programmes, policies – Minister McCoy

of the Prime Minister – Hon. Kwame McCoy says the people are the focus of the PPP/C Government’s programmes and policies, and it has ably demonstrated that since taking office in August.

While the Government Minister of Public has embarked on largeAffairs within the Office scale projects to transform info@guyanapostonline.com

and modernize Guyana, the Minister said it has also been addressing challenges at the community level, which have affected people for years.

“We will never take all the confidence the people placed in us; we will never misuse it. We

will never treat people in a way that suggest we have no care and concern for their wellbeing,” Minister McCoy said, during an interview with US-based broadcaster Mr. Farook Juman on Wednesday.

The Minister said what distinguishes the PPP/C from the Coalition

16 5

is its response to the people’s needs. Now, even in Opposition, the Coalition has done nothing constructive, he said. Their very actions or inaction have suggested that they have no interest in the people of Guyana.

“We have a duty as a party in Government, to

make sure that we never falter along those lines.

We stick to our promises.

We deliver to people. We are there with then in thick and thin. We understand people’s issues, and the most important thing is that we are always doing for the people,” Minister Con’t pg17

Guyana Post Friday January 29, 2021

Govt’s narcotics amendment bill removes jail time for small amounts of marijuana -counselling, community service proposed -reoffending and prison overcrowding addressed

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs has released the amended Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021, which will see persons in possession of 15 grams of cannabis or less being given mandatory counselling.

Currently, possession of 15 grams or less could attract a prison sentence between three to five years and a fine of no less than $30,000!

The amendments are meant to reduce the

burden on the justice system, the amendment bill states. It covers issues like marijuana possession, recidivism and prison overcrowding.

This would not only save the State money, but would also help to keep families together and rebuild communities affected and disadvantaged by the incarceration of persons, especially youth.

Clause 4 of the Bill amends section, 4(1) and (2) of the Principal Act. It now excludes from the offence of possession of any narcotic, defined to

include cannabis, under subsections (1) and (2), to simple possession. This however, cannot exceed the specified amount listed separately under the new subsections (2A) and (2B).

“Under the new subsection (2A) the possession of a quantity of cannabis or any substance held out to be cannabis which does not exceed fifteen grams is punishable by mandatory counselling for a period to be determined by the counsellor,” the document stated.

Further, under (2B) the possession of any quantity of cannabis or any substance thought to be cannabis which exceeds 15 grams but does not exceed 30 grams, is punishable by community service. This includes employment in

by Felecia Valenzuela

a public work under the Extra-Mural Work Act, Cap. 11:02, for a period not exceeding six months.

“Public work is defined by section 2 of the ExtraMural Work Regulations, Reg. 8 of 1998, to include any work on State or Government land or any property belonging to, or rented or leased to the State or with the permission of a local government authority, on any land or any other property belonging to, or rented or leased to, the local government authority.”

Clause 5 of the Act has also been amended.

Section 5(2)(e) has been amended to increase the quantity of cannabis, in relation to the burden of proof being placed on a person to prove that the person is not in possession of cannabis for

the purpose of trafficking.

This concerns an amount more than 30 grams. The amount in the Principal Act is 15 grams.

Clause 6 amends section 12 to remove the fine and term of imprisonment for the smoking, inhaling, sniffing, or otherwise using cannabis, being found in a place used for that purpose, or being the owner, occupier, or concerned in the management of any place used for preparation of cannabis for that purpose.

Further, while the clause removes the fine and term of imprisonment for smoking cannabis in places where cigarette smoking is also banned, it imposes a $10,000 fine for a first offence and a $20,000 penalty for a second and subsequent offences.

Finally, the bill also caters for those instances where an offender may refuse to consent or breach an order of mandatory counselling or community service. The amended Act would grant the court the discretion to order the offender to pay a fine of $250,000 where it sees fit.

People are central to the PPP/C Govt’s program.....

Con’t from Pg16 McCoy said.

Under the previous administration, only a small group of people benefitted.

On the other hand, the PPP/C Government presented an emergency budget in 2020 that helped all Guyanese, after just a few months.

The Minister referred to the Government’s $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash info@guyanapostonline.com

grant, the $15,000 per student school grant and a range of provisions such as the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on water and electricity, the removal of corporate tax on private education and private healthcare, the removal of VAT on all exports and the reversal of land lease fees.

Minister McCoy also noted that the Government implemented

a coordinated approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This was evident with the massive increase in testing and the acquisition of more polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines to conduct the test.

The Minister also highlighted the Government’s inclusive approach to development.

In preparing for the 2021 budget, President

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali consulted the small political parties. The only party absent was the APNU+AFC Coalition, which rejected the invitation, The Minister said.

Minister Mc Coy added that the PPP/C Government’s inclusionary leadership style goes beyond political parties. “We believe strongly that you cannot

17 6

build a country with the absence of these things.

Otherwise, we will end up speaking to ourselves if we do not include and involve people. We are working for people; we are working to develop people, it is them we have to communicate with to have their ideas and their input,” the Minister said.

Since taking office, President Ali has held

three massive outreaches in Region Two, Six and Ten. Additionally, Government Ministers have embarked on outreaches countrywide for continuous engagement at the community level.

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

info@guyanapostonline.com info@guyanapostonline.com

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;

18 2

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.”

“We have been Con’t on pg19

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 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

19 3

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.

Con’t from pg18

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

info@guyanapostonline.com info@guyanapostonline.com

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

20 4

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 info@guyanapostonline.com

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

5 21

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

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.

6 22

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 info@guyanapostonline.com

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

7 23

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.”

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 But in an interview with 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

info@guyanapostonline.com info@guyanapostonline.com

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

24 8

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 info@guyanapostonline.com

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,

9 25

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.

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

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

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

26