Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Bandits hijack taxi, drive away with passenger

Thursday Edition December 31, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 52

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

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Online readership yesterday, 113,723

Guyana to audit in excess of US$6 billion more of Exxon’s costs Opposition wants temporary Snr. cop moves to VP Bharrat Jagdeo...

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health workers hired by court over ‘unfair’ Volda Lawrence to be paid practices in year-end - Health Minister says: “No payment unless police promotions employment contracts are provided” p.

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Cop in custody after robbing sleeping man

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CARICOM urged to rely Beepats to build on COVID measures, Marriott Four Point as rich nations Sheraton hotel and hoard vaccines resort near CJIA p.

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International Men’s Day p.8 celebration...

Demerara Harbour Bridge boss used $900K company funds to gift himself gold bracelet

- Audit Report reveals Please Tune in to Kaieteur Radio @ 7:20 pm tonight for a presentation from Mr. Glenn Lall, who will explain some key issues on oil and gas in direct response to remarks made by our VP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 31, 2020

Land of Canaan man killed by speeding car

A

Land of Canaan man on Tuesday died after a speeding car collided with him on the Kuru Kururu p u b l i c r o a d ,

Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The victim has been identified as Bheesham Nandram, 32, of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. Nandram was

yesterday morning identified by his mother Indira Bangatt, 53, of the same address.

According to police, a 42 year-old man of North Road

Bourda, Georgetown, the driver of the motorcar, was placed in custody and is assisting with the investigation.

About 21:00 hours on the

Kuru Kururu Public Road, the 42 year-old man was proceeding west along the southern side at a fast rate of speed.

The driver alleged that Nandram suddenly ran from north to south into his path and as a result the front left side of the car collided with the pedestrian, causing him to fall on to the windscreen and then on to the road surface, receiving injuries about his body.

Nandram was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

When Kaieteur News reached out to relatives of the deceased, his father, Kawal Nandram, stated that after they found out about the accident, they went to the accident scene where they saw one side of the deceased's footwear.

“We went up to the station and when we pass

Dead: Bheesham Nandram back the boots was gone…in the morning [Wednesday] we went to the hospital and identified the body,” the man added.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver and no trace of alcohol was found. An investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

PAGE 03

VP Bharrat Jagdeo...

Guyana to audit in excess of US$6 billion more of Exxon’s costs

By Kemol King

G

uyana has in excess of US$6 billion of oilrelated expenses to audit from ExxonMobil and Stabroek block partners, affiliates and subcontractors, according to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

This was revealed during a recent interview on the Kaieteur Radio show, Guyana's Oil and You, hosted by Kaieteur News' Senior Journalist, Kiana Wilburg.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned Guyana four years ago that one of the most

critical challenges it faces is conducting effective cost audits. The Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil only gives the nation a two-year window to contest unreasonable and/or inflated costs.

If it doesn't audit within the period specified, Guyana will have to accept all the costs and repay every cent to ExxonMobil from the sale of its crude, even if the costs are inflated. This is a matter of national concern, as every cent Guyana is robbed decreases its profits from the sale of the Stabroek block crude.

Guyana has not audited any of the expenditures

Exxon claims it has made on the three oil developments, Liza Phases One and Two, and Payara. Those add up to US$18.5 billion.

The Vice President said that US$8-9 billion in expenditures are claimed to have been made in total, so far, and have to be audited.

He explained that this includes expenditure on the three wells ExxonMobil already received development approval for – Liza Phases One and Two, and Payara.

“You've had 8-9 billion of expenditure made so far, of the 20 billion programme for the three wells. Only US$1.6 billion has been audited…”

The US$1.6 billion covers pre-contract costs.

“We still have another six point something billion dollars to be audited, that we have to get to, of expenditure that's already made,” Dr. Jagdeo told the Kaieteur Radio panel.

He agreed that Guyana dropped the ball on audits of Exxon's costs, and placed the blame squarely at the feet of the former David Granger administration. He said that the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) had urged the government repeatedly to begin audits on the costs ExxonMobil is claiming.

“What we have to do is to build a capability to do

Opposition wants temporary health workers hired by Volda Lawrence to be paid yment contracts are provided'

plo - Health Minister says: 'No payment unless em

An aerial view of one of the villages in Moruca

By Sueann Wickham

M

inister of Health, Dr. F r a n k Anthony, has responded to a call from Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, asking the Health Ministry to pay temporary health workers employed by former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, who are owed their salaries.

During an AFC press conference on December 18 last, Lowe stated that following a spike in COVID19 cases in Moruca and Santa Rosa in June, the Kumaka District Hospital had requested more staff to handle the influx of cases.

According to the AFC executive, 30 temporary workers were employed but to date, only three of them were paid.

“Twenty-seven of them were never paid.

The regional authorities were asked to look into the matter, including the RHOs (Regional Health Officers) but so far nothing positive has come forth. Therefore, the Alliance For Change is calling on the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, to personally look into this matter, with the aim of ensuring that these persons are paid what is owed to them. Since they were temporary staff, we expect the Ministry to retain them only when they are needed.

But they have worked and now they need to get paid,” she stated.

When Kaieteur News contacted the Health Ministry for a response to Lowe's statement, it was revealed that Ministry officials were made aware of the issue and several persons

have come forward with reports, but none of them provided a written contract of employment.

In fact, a Ministry official told this newspaper that they also could not find any records of such employment arrangements.

“The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has himself indicated that the Ministry will consider any submissions for payment that has merit, based on a written employment contract, which would mean there was prior approval,” the official shared.

It was stated that the Ministry is now left with the task of verifying employment matters where people may have legitimately worked, but were not told or given the terms and conditions of their employment, which includes the amount of money they

were supposed to be paid.

The official noted that if (continued on page 20)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo audits within the period specified by the contract,” The Vice President said.

Government, he said, is currently doing that, so that time doesn't run out on Guyana.

“Not to wait like six years or seven years,” he said, “and we are busy doing that.”

T h e p r e v i o u s administration allowed years to pass before it contracted a firm to audit the supermajor's pre-contract costs alone. So far, the firm contracted by the previous administration in November, 2019 – IHS Markit – has completed the audit of US$1.6 billion. The initial report was only submitted early this year.

The Government is set to review a draft report from Markit – the second report in the process, which it accepted from the firm – after which it will submit the document to Exxon and its partners for comments.

The government has made some adverse findings, according to Jagdeo, including issues with expenses it doesn't consider recoverable, but which Exxon intends to recover.

After Exxon's comments are made, the government is supposed to instruct Markit to submit a final report.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

EIA - the latest unwanted guest EIA stands for Economic Impact Assessment, a choking mouthful that is better conveyed through its initials, EIA. A crude attempt at phonetic sounds results in something that comes out and over as EEEEE-Aye-Aaay. However, given what has been happening with EIAs as of recent, the Guyanese colloquialism of ‘hi yahhh’ (even hi yagaah) fits best, as it relays what is happening, and the related concerns that spill into our environment.

The long and short of the EIA story, is that it is being short thrift, as in bypassed and overlooked. We get the impression that EIAs are being disdained, as holding up the works, and simply so much bother over nothing. And about being overly concerned for the welfare of the less endowed. That is, those with less means, less education, less energy, less awareness, and less clout to pressure powerful people and shake things up. After all, it is poorer people being discussed, that are involved and impacted, and they can be counted on to toe the party line when push comes to shove, which means elections.

As we have pointed out at different times in this paper, we keep hearing that when an EIA would make sense, that it is not necessary. Not done or necessary for the facility at Rome in Agricola; or for a storage facility for hazardous materials by the John Fernandes Group at Plantation Fairfield, Mahaicony; and it was only after objections by residents of Peter’s Hall that retreat occurred.

With due regard to the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that entity seems to have been reduced to a rubberstamp. Just clear the way as quickly as possible and quietly, too, and get the job done with the minimum of bureaucracy and delay. His Excellency, President Ali, did promise something about dismantling onerous regulations.

From all indications, he has fulfilled that promise exceedingly well, with watchdog agencies in place reduced to being formality and ceremony. They are quickly developing a reputation for having neither bite nor bark. In other words, minimum regulation is the way to go, and zero regulation is the best of all worlds.

Just don’t tell that to those who are in possible harm’s way. That would be those lowly citizens who could benefit from the results of comprehensive and genuine EIAs. They have great potential to come out on the losing side of this or that plant, be it chemical or otherwise. This is commonsense, and EIAs should be part of standard practice in this society. But we frequently hear that they are not necessary. The questions that we place before a public that should be alarmed is this: who is saying so?

That they are not necessary? On what authority and vision?

We have the troubled feeling that this is what sells well with Exxon and affiliates. It could be argued, that it is why President Ali fumbled around the continuing presence of one Dr. Vincent Adams, an outstandingly qualified Guyanese, who have what it takes to be a pit bull for Guyana. Guyanese better understand this quickly and completely: what the Americans want, the Americans get.

By extension, what Exxon wants, it gets too, in this weak country with a subservient government, all too willing to kowtow to the whims and will of Exxon and the rest of that Fortune 500 brigade that fall over themselves to get to the fleshpots of Guyana. This is what pleases America.

In Exxon’s eyes, any EPA is unwanted baggage, a presence to be tolerated by studiously ignoring. The company’s fingerprints will never be on any of its dealings with Guyana’s EPA. It is too slick and sophisticated for such amateur hour missteps. But its iron hand around the necks of the President and Vice President leave red and revealing welt marks. No Guyanese should need an interpreter from Foreign Affairs, since locals are smart enough to read the signs.

That is exactly how our political leaders in one government after another have behaved with this oil of ours, and its many downstream and associated by-product businesses. This PPP/C government has made surrender into an art form. It has a head of the EPA, who may be

In some countries, the political elite view democracy as a ‘terrible encumbrance Dear Editor, As we approach the end of 2020 we are reminded that in any society where the political, economic, social and cultural and rights of a people are trampled upon, democracy is threatened.

Furthermore, whenever or wherever attempts are made to deny a people their fundamental right to elect a government of their choice and to turn democracy upside down there is bound to be rebellion. President JF Kennedy once warned Latin America’s military dictators; “If you don’t have evolution, you are bound to have revolution.”

Democracy and freedom are inextricably linked. And while they appear to be elusive and not ‘around the corner,’ for the people of some countries, the fact that they have stepped up their struggle towards the establishment or reestablishment of democracy.

Let’s wish them every success in 2021 The recent election in the United States, culminating in the vote count at the Electoral College, must have raised eyebrows of millions around the world including we

Guyanese.

From a global perspective, America’s recent electoral process has the potential to rekindle the old adage; ‘Whenever America sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold’.

So much for the good and bad of America’s global reach and influence.

The problem is, with seventy million Americans believing that the election was rigged against the Republican Presidential candidate, as against eighty million believing it was free and fair, the reality is, doubts exist among a huge swathe of the American electorate about the freeness and fairness of their electoral process.

That election has left millions of Americans asking searing questions about what went wrong, if anything at all.

Political and economic developments in America in 2021 will determine whether answers to those questions will be provided to the satisfaction of those who feel cheated.

But there is a danger. The danger lies in the question whether recent events in America, will lead 2021

presidential wannabes in other countries into temptation? In other words, will those, captivated by the lure of power and status and infected by red carpet fever, be tempted to take a page from the GOP 2020 election play book?

But whatever the designs of those who seek to thwart the will of the people, we must remind them of the fall of Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Said Bouteflika of Algeria, Yaha Jammeh of The Gambia, Omar Bashir of the Sudan, Rafael Caldera of Ecuador, Silvio Berlusconi of Italy and David Granger of Guyana.

They were all compelled to step down by the force of people’s power and international solidarity.

In the meanwhile, Ortega of Nicaragua, Maduro of Venezuela, Assad of Syria, Cha-o-cha and the Monarchy of Thailand, Zelenski of the Ukraine and Imran Khan of Pakistan, continue to hold on to power in the face of persistent domestic and external pressures.

In some countries, the political elite, in cahoots with law enforcement, view democracy as a ‘terrible encumbrance.’ In others,

those in power are convinced that, notwithstanding a politically polarized society ravaged by political distrust and an unrelenting ‘war of words,’ the delivery of goods and services will ultimately decide who wins and who loses.

But it is not only the erosion of long-standing democratic norms, a lack of confidence in state security apparatus and a shaky judiciary that renders a democracy fragile.

It is all about who governs and in whose interest. The Black Lives Matter protests in the US, mass protests in Hong Kong, Thailand, Argentina and Lebanon, to mention a few, demonstrate that regardless of how glittery a society might appear to be, the underbelly of its democracy may very well prove that ‘All that glitters is not gold.’

But there are other challenges inherent in democratic governance. The formation of a pro-democratic coalition of eleven armed groups ahead of elections in the Central African Republic, known as the country with ‘the most neglected conflict (Continued on page 6)

Merely increasing wages will not impact lives Dear Editor I refer to a short letter to the Editor, “Raising minimum wages might not necessarily help the poor,” written by Mr. Shawn Ori in response to an editorial: “Minimum wage – how far can it go?”

Mr. Shawn Ori’s simple yet interesting piece hit the heart of the situation as it exists in Guyana. In our economy today, the minimum wage currently stands at $44,200 a month. I am convinced that this is not enough. While there is talk of an increase to $60,000 per month, I would like to give my personal opinion on this by stating it is the government that should strive to reduce the cost of living. The increase in wages should not be the main focus.

Persons need the empowerment of their monies and their earnings. Giving an increase would only cause inflation, as every other

conceivable item would also increase almost instantaneously. The extra money that the workers seem to have received might now be what I call “more colored paper money in hand or just play money.” The benefit of the rise will only dissipate, and there will be no proper effect. This is the crux of the issue that I would like to touch on.

As a result of this increase, I foresee landlords would increase their rent simply because of the cost of purchasing their products to maintain their properties.

Products such as paint, nails, construction materials, and labour will also increase. The price of vegetables and fruits would also increase automatically. It is indeed sad to say, but NIS will increase instantaneously sooner or later. Guyana Power and Light Inc. and Guyana Water Inc. would salivate to gain their

kindly compared to our sentinels in the hours when the moon is up. That is when they go down, as in restful slumber. The snoring of the EPA from the head downwards is being heard increasingly across wider swaths of Guyana: a plant there, a factory there, and whatever else that is unknown at this time, wherever it is likely to provoke the least interest and resistance. Not Bel Air or Section “K” and, God forbid, Pradoville. We have one for the EPA and our fellow Guyanese: how about Pradoville for a chemical plant site? It could be a fine example of leading from the front.

share of the meager, almost non-existent power of the pittance provided to the workers. Costs for virtually everything would rise instantaneously, with stores and companies adding even more to increase their profits while at the same time covering the expense of the increase.

As I mentioned above, the most critical aspect is to increase the value of money or the spending power of the citizens of the country. The most important thing is for the government to reduce the cost of purchasing the United States dollar, which fluctuates between $205 and $230 dollars according to the desperation of the buyer of the United States currency.

The government must lower the cost of living in such a way that the poor or the small may prosper. The reality is that even if the minimum wage goes up to $60,000 and the cost of living does not increase, it would still be difficult for a small family to survive on bills or expenditures such as rent, transport, power, water, food, just to name a few.

This, in my opinion, is a terrible situation. The system will increase wages and continue to offer useless colored paper money as

wages but the cost of living increases. It all seems to me, therefore, to be a pyrrhic victory. It would be like pulling wool over people’s eyes by giving them an increase but the money has no power.

Furthermore, this increase at this time will be very difficult to maintain business since the economy is currently broken and struggling with COVID-19 and the volcanic tornado in the form of political and economic mismanagement of the economy of the country during the 2015-2020 era. I wish to commend the government of Guyana, comprising its dynamic team of ministers who have been fanning out to the various regions of Guyana to listen to the people while creating projects to excite local economies within these regions. The excitement of the people is at a high level at this moment and this mood needs to be consistent and even climb higher through services and attention to the people of this country.

Guyana is at the height of greatness, and our people need to see and feel the reality of the development and dynamism in the environment by holding something (Continued on page 5)

Thursday December 31, 2020

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Kaieteur News

The year 2020 was mixed with advantages and disadvantages Dear Editor, If the APNU+AFC provided an earful to listen to the downside of our beloved country Guyana in the leap year 2020, then, the PPP/C Party did provide a mouthful to talk about on the other side of the coin. To narrate on the upside of this dear land of ours in a trying and testing year when it is easy to conjure only negative things happening, it is a relief and change to welcome anything beneficially positive. The best thing that happened in Guyana was the swearing in of a new and legitimate, duly elected president, Dr. Irfaan Ali, replacing a “Sanctimonious Gangster” for a caretaker president, Mr. David Granger, who had to unwillingly demit the office of the president, after squatting in office for five months and being ordered to “step aside.”

This good turn materialized due to the PPP/C Party winning the General and Regional Election held on March 2nd and defeating the APNU+AFC to form the new government.

But this would not have been possible had it not been for many stakeholders condemning and preventing the APNU+AFC and some GECOM officers and employees from attempting to rig and defraud the election process. Guyana has a better reason to smile because many people, places and parties contributed to uphold democracy and to support

the Guyanese people in the struggle to prevent dictatorship, defend freedom and maintain peace. Those playing significant roles include diplomats from the ABCE, CARICOM, OAS, AOL, ACP, UN, The Elders, all the then opposition parties, the vigilantes keeping watch on the ballot boxes, most local organizations, media personnel and the people of Guyana at home and abroad. One of Guyana’s proudest moments remains in the fact that, not a single Head of State for any Regional or International country supported Granger and his APNU+AFC in their fishing expedition, when they attempted on numerous occasions to deny the freewill of the Guyanese people and to undermine democracy in the country. Responding to Granger with, “The truth hurts” according to past Chair of CARICOM, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Motley.

The world did not budge but stood beside Guyana to fight against APNU+AFC’s tyranny and bullies. Also, Granger could not find an ally from any of his CARICOM friends who turned their backs on him.

On another positive note, it was good to see GECOM Chair, the honorable judge (retired) Claudette Singh, enforcing her power to direct the CEO, Keith Lowenfield, to produce a final report as per the findings of CARICOM recount election result, which

enabled her to declare the PPP/C as the winner of the election. On a high note was to see so many women and young people appointed as MP’s by the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC. Guyana rejoiced also in the dismissal of APNU/AFC’s victimized charges politically motivated, brought against President Irfaan Ali, AG Mr. Anil Nandlall, Finance Minister Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington.

Definitely, climbing up the scale was the PPP/C government successfully piloting an emergency $330 Billion budget to cover the remainder of the year from September to December’2020.

Guyanese had a lot to cheer about on learning that the many taxes imposed on them by the APNU+AFC government were removed, reduced and reversed to the status of 2014 when the PPP/ C was in government.

The Granger government had punished the nation for five years and, the revenue demanded and squeezed from the people’s blood, sweat and tears were squandered by the callous and unscrupulous administration. Guyanese had to pay to upkeep the exuberant and exorbitant good life style of the APNU+AFC. The Value Added Tax was removed from a number of goods and services including water and electricity rates, exports, hinterland travel, medical supplies and building and

...Merely increasing wages will From page 4 tangible in their hands so that they can provide wealth to their families while feeling a sense of joy and victory as Guyanese men and women.

At this juncture, I would also implore the government, as I did years ago, to set up a system that teaches ordinary people to use the money to invest in places like Banks, New Building Society, Guyana

Power and Light Inc. (when it becomes profitable, as in the United Kingdom as it relates to electric power).

Shares may be purchased from companies in Guyana, thereby providing additional cash flow to companies in the form of investments and ensuring annual returns.

It is my prayer and desire that, after teaching people how to be prudent in their

financial expenditure, the Government of Guyana can begin to provide every citizen of this country with an annual income similar to what is done in places such as Kuwait and well-managed oil nations such as Norway and others, all of which for a better Guyana and Guyanese citizens!

Yours truly, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

construction. Fees for the rental of agricultural land, irrigation and drainage have been reduced to 2014 figures.

50,000 house lots have been identified for housing and the MIR was increased to $30 Million. The three sugar estates closed by the APNU+AFC government will be opened incrementally and some $7 Billion was already disbursed to Guysuco and already almost a thousand workers were reemployed.

The 25 percent corporate tax on educational institutes was removed and the uniform voucher allowance was doubled to $4,000 per child.

Also, a cash grant of $15,000 will be made available for all public school students, effective from Jan.1st. The PPP/C government announced that 20,000 scholarships will be available and education should be free at UG from 2024.

The indigenous people had a lot to cheer about with some $800 Million allocated to the ADF and, the reemployment of some 2,000 CSO’s who were fired by the APNU+AFC government.

Pensioner ’s allowance increased to $25,000.

Guyanese applauded on learning from President Dr. Irfaan Ali that there will be massive development in infrastructure transformation plans, including new schools, hospitals, roads, highways, police stations, a new Demerara River high-span bridge, bridging Guyana and Suriname, and a deep water harbour. A new city along the Linden-Soesdyke was also

announced and the construction of more international hotels and another airport in Lethem. A hall mark achievement in 90 days was the liberalization of the telecommunications sector, bringing an end to GTT’s 30 year monopoly in Guyana. A professionally structured committee was implemented to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and a cash relief of $25,000 was disbursed to over 150,000 Guyanese householders so far. Suriname’s new President has already visited Guyana, US Secretary of State, the United Arab Emirate and many other financial investors from around the world, all interested in investing in Guyana. Guyana has earned US$200 Million in revenue from its controversial oil industry and plans are afoot for the gas to shore project.

The mining, bauxite and forest industries have started to expand with previous established companies.

Guyana should be proud to end the year on a happy and high note to learn the International Court of Justice ruled that, it has jurisdiction on the matter over the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

The PPP/C government’s generosity was extended to include bonuses to the Police, the Army and front-line workers. After suffering, struggling and suffocating from the strangulation of APNU+AFC’s knee on Guyanese neck, Guyana was privileged and heartened to know that Guyana still has

many kind hearted people who genuinely care and are concerned about the welfare of the poor, underprivileged, handicapped and less fortunate. Many announced and unannounced Guyanese reached into their personal pockets to take care of their fellow Guyanese from all walks of life, from all villages and all ethnicities and, to share in their plights. The PPP/C Party and government, employers, organizations, institutions, houses of worship and private citizens gave generously in cash, clothes and food hampers to the needy in society in all three counties.

The APNU+AFC was limited and selectively involved. This charitable drive was caused by the hardship brought on by the APNU+AFC administration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This 2020 leap year did share its pros and cons with Guyana and served its advantages and disadvantages.

The expressed fear of a leap year myth did materialize and pervaded with its perilous qualms, psalms singing, open palms for help, distribution of alms, a calm after the storm, curious peeping Toms, not wanting to bid salaam and a jam-packed program for the next year.

While many are sadly not with us to ring out the old year, hopefully, you may find something to cheer to ring in the New Year. May God bless all. Happy New Year Guyana.

Yours truly, Jai Lall

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

The way Guyanese act is not conducive to accelerated development Dear Editor, Guyanese are not a disciplined people. It is well understood that there had to be a high level of resentment of authority in all post-slavery societies – for who would want to work for a family or class of persons that once forced one or one’s parents to work on pain of punishment or even death?

That said, the way Guyanese operate today is not conducive to the accelerated development that is about to mushroom before our very eyes in real time.

Despite higher levels of criminal violence in both Jamaica and Trinidad, the people of both of those nations are more courteous and more orderly in their dayto-day interactions with each other.

I have spent many lengthy periods in Jamaica, amounting to many years all told over some 20 years, and I have con c l u d e d t h a t Jamaica’s criminal violence has its roots in the stark wealth imbalance there coupled with its high population density (644.2 persons per square mile).

Trinidad & Tobago likewise has a high population density (686.4 persons per square mile) and has experienced at least 6 decades of sustained prosperity fueled by its oil.

The wealth imbalance existing in Trinidad & Tobago is not as obvious as Jamaica’s because of the generally higher prosperity level, but in

reality it is probably even greater there – generating arguably more individual greed coupled with the power to buy and readiness to accept a contract on another’s life.

Guyana for its part is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world with 4 persons per square mile, the same as Surinam and Canada.

Only Mongolia, Namibia and Australia have population densities less than 4 persons per square mile.

I suppose Jamaicans and Trines’ just had to get along being so ‘cramped’ together.

They cultivated habits of courtesy that make daily interactions smoother – like saying “please” without a bullying overtone and “thank you” without an overtone of grudge.

Is this because of the impact of tourism? Loud as both Jamaicans and Trinidadians are, you would not see their drivers driving fast in the lane designated for oncoming traffic to try squeeze in front of the line waiting at traffic lights on red!

Guyanese are generally indifferent to queues.

Guyanese, including government departments, generally see no point in replying to written communications or to fulfilling clear promises to return a phone call or provide an update.

There was a time when Guyanese were required to stand for the playing of the National Anthem in cinemas and at public events generally. People got used to it and did so without any fuss – and National Service had discipline as one of its aims.

That was in a time when it was hoped that Guyana could do like China, Cuba or Singapore – but the peoples of those countries are culturally disciplined and do not enjoy the freedom to opt for indiscipline as do those who live in countries that mirror the outlook of Western democracies.

There came a time also when Guyanese saw good reason to emigrate in droves – a brain drain that continues to this day – and so went our plumbers, masons, and UG and GTI graduates to other countries.

With nobody to pass on trade skills to apprentices, Guyana had to make do with contractors who were merely enterprising chancers who never had inculcated in them any tenets of professional discipline.

These guys have no governing bodies to account to – our attorneys are not accountable to any disciplinary body either – so routinely do substandard work without regard to building regulations or any other material considerations

such as accurately estimating required materials and building to agreed completion deadlines.

Unauthorized projects such as building extensions, the occupation of government reserve land close to roadways and business enterprises emanating loud noise or toxic odours, generate problems from time to time – even where the law is crystal clear! Surely it is problematic to tell someone who opened a sports bar 10 years ago without any official (or indeed citizens’) objections that suddenly his business is unlawful.

In a country soon to be awash with oil money and where one can already do just about anything so long as one can pay to do it, we are but a short step away from becoming much worse than both Jamaica and Trinidad where criminal violence is concerned.

If, God forbid, that turns out to be what our imminent prosperity has in store for us, it would seem that it is not in our national

psyche to smoothen the stresses of daily living by treating each other with common courtesy.

It should become a priority of our education system to teach our schoolchildren the practical benefits of being courteous. That might lead future generations to be better disposed to acquiring a disciplined outlook that will have a positive knock-on effect on indigenous Guyanese participation in the infrastructural and progressive development of our country.

As things now stand, Guyana will have to rely very heavily on skilled and disciplined foreign workers and the growing cohort of naturalized Guyanese who already possess those attributes.

It is now time to align with our President and encourage diaspora Guyanese to return home, eschewing Freddie K i s s o o n ’s oft-stated parochial views in that regard.

There is risk in

business and there is risk in moving your life from one country to another – but having to deal with mindless discourtesy whilst sharing one’s skills a n d i n v e s t i n g o ne’s finances, whether grand or moderate, ought not to be a factor that Guyanese desirous of returning home should have to consider in making their risk assessment.

I wish all my countrymen and countrywomen a happy, productive and prosperous 2021. Those who already know better should make the effort to be courteous to others – even without expecting the same courtesy in return.

The discipline required for such a progressive outlook would be good preparation for us all.

We need to be ready to embark upon the road to developing a collective national mindset that would enable Guyanese to actively participate in, and benefit directly from, the imminent massive development of our richly-blessed country.

Yours truly, Ronald Bostwick

...In some countries, the political elite view democracy From page 4 on earth’ is a good example that shows how democracy can provide a platform for armed groups to participate in the electoral process. The decision of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and former leaders of the Tupamaros of Uruguay to participate in the electoral process in Colombia and Uruguay respectively are recent examples of how democracy expresses itself.

Thanks to international TV networks, we witness on a daily basis how democracy is either undermined or denied in some countries.

And, contradictory as it may seem, we see how high levels of poverty and corruption can coexist and flourish in a democracy.

Take for example oil rich Nigeria, where there appears to be a strong coterminous link with democracy and corruption.

Incidentally, questions have been asked whether corruption really impedes a country’s growth and development and whether some degree of corruption should be given the Nelson’s eye.

By the way, experience in some democracies have demonstrated that the rule of law may not necessarily be democratic, in other words, a seemingly strong legal

system can throttle the democratic will of the people.

This was clearly demonstrated when in March 2019, Guyana’s Court of Appeal held that half of sixtyfive is thirty-four.

In retrospect, had there been, what is described in some quarters as ‘mutual toleration and institutional forbearance’ and by extension, their co-existence with our country’s political culture, it is quite possible that our country could have been spared the agony of its recent torturous electoral experience. It is precisely for this reason that questions are being asked about the state of mutual toleration and institutional forbearance in Guyana.

In Guyana, the dream economy, the dream job, the dream home and future dreams of all Guyanese beckons with the advent of a booming oil and gas industry.

However, so that these dreams do not become unfulfilled, much depends on how public sector investment projects, private p u b l i c private partnerships as well as the direct revenue earnings from oil lifts amounting to US$185,338,324.42 held t h u s f a r, i n G u y a n a ’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, a r e utilized in 2021 and beyond for the benefit of all

Guyanese.

Correspondingly, will be the importance attached to the growth and development of our country’s human resources As we approach the new year, the nascent national euphoria should be tempered, knowing that as an oil producing nation, safeguarding of our country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty will assume much greater importance.

Guyanese must take nothing for granted. We must be prepared for the unexpected and not brush aside potentially dangerous possibilities saying ‘when we come to that bridge we will cross it.’ National security threats of an internal and external nature can threaten our fragile democracy.

Those who advise government on national security matters must recognize that threats to our national security should not be viewed only through the prism of elections. Elections are just one aspect of our democracy. There are other components of our democracy to which due care and attention must be paid.

Happy New Year to all Guyanese at home and abroad!

Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

The 2019 Audit Report recently presented to Parliament covering the billions of Guyana dollars spent in 2019 is a damning report.

It shows gross mismanagement of public money and the sort of missing information that indicates corruption and that is just from a sampling of government spending.

What is going to happen when we have to audit the billions of US dollars from Exxon?

We have to audit many times the amount in the national budget in a relatively short time, with the very same resources?

The high end capacity needed to audit Exxon does not exist in the public and private sector in Guyana combined, and the short two-year period allowed for audits means we are setting up to fail.

We need to revisit and renegotiate the audit period for the oil and gas sector so that we get a fair chance at seeing if Guyana is getting real value for money.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday December 31, 2020

Snr. cop moves to court over 'unfair' practices in year-end police promotions S

e n i o r Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus, has moved to the High Court in a bid to block promotions for senior members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) until the decision not to promote him is recanted. Brutus' case is among a series of lawsuits filed in the High Court by police officers to block the promotions.

The court cases follow a recent row by top ranking officers of the GPF over promotions.

Earlier this month, seven senior police ranks wrote to the Police Service Commission (PSC) through their attorney, C. V. Satram, demanding all promotions be halted until outstanding disciplinary matters they are involved in, are concluded.

The ranks all hold senior positions and have matters that go as far back as 2016.

That request was formed on the basis that the PSC is allegedly using the pending matters the ranks are involved in as a direct means to stifle their promotions.

As such, in the Fixed Date Application (FDA) set to be heard by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire at 10:00 hours today, Brutus outlined what he calls an irrational and unlawful practice of the PSC in the deliberation of its annual year-end promotions.

According to FDA filed

Senior Superintendent of Senior Superintendent of Police, Kurleigh Simon Police, Calvin Brutus by his attorney, Brutus contends, among other things, that the practice of the Commission not to promote police officers with pending disciplinary complaints regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints perpetuates a permanent injustice against him and others who are scheduled for promotions.

He is therefore seeking several declarations from the Court, including a declaration that the policy of the PSC not to promote, or consider for promotion, ranks with pending disciplinary matters before it, is unlawful; a declaration that he is entitled to be promoted to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police; and an order of Certiorari quashing, nullifying and/or cancelling

the decision of the PSC denying his appointment to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Additionally, the officer wants the Court to give several orders, including an order of Certiorari quashing, nullifying and/or cancelling the decision of the PSC to promote Edmond Cooper, Philip Azore and Kurleigh S i m o n , S e n i o r Superintendents of Police to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police; an order of Mandamus compelling the Commission to reconsider its decision not to promote him in accordance with law and in accordance with his legitimate expectation; a declaration that he was entitled to be heard in accordance with the principles of natural justice

Senior Superintendent of Police, Phillip Azore

Senior Superintendent of Police, Edmond Cooper

prior to the decision taken by the Commission denying his promotion to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police; and a declaration that he is entitled to be heard in

p e r s o n o n a n y reconsideration of the matter; a declaration that the Commission contravened his fundamental right to equality and equal protection

of the law guaranteed by Article 149 D of the Constitution of Guyana; a declaration that the policy of the Commission not to promote or consider for promotion ranks with disciplinary matters is irrational and unlawful; and consequential order pursuant to Article 153 of the Constitution directing the Commission to appoint him in the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

In supporting documents for his application, Superintendent Brutus e x p l a i n e d t h a t recommendations for promotion made in respect of him and Fazil Karim B a k s h , S e n i o r Superintendent of Police and head of the Special (continued on page 11)

Int'l Men's Day celebration 2019…

Demerara Harbour Bridge boss used $900K company funds to gift himself bracelet - Audit Report reveals

G

eneral Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), Rawlston Adams, honoured himself in a rather unique fashion for International Men's Day 2019 with a bracelet worth a whopping $897,000 using funds from the company.

That discovery only came to light after the special team recently appointed by Public Wo r k s M i n i s t e r, J u a n Edghill, to investigate an alleged racket at the Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant did a little digging.

Yesterday, at the handing over ceremony of the report containing the findings, head of the team, Chateram Ramdihal, shared some details.

He stated, “We found that the Harbour Bridge went about buying gifts for their staff during International Men's Day November of 2019. It was the Board's request that any gifts purchased must be approved by the Board.”

However, those purchases were not given a stamp of approval by the Board.

Ramdihal added that, “We came across an alarming gift

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Rawlston Adams to the value of $897,000, a bracelet that was purchased for the General Manager and approved by the General Manager.”

He explained that in normal circumstances, approval for such a large purchase comes directly from the Board. If no Board is present, the matter is escalated to the Public Infrastructure Minister who was David Patterson at the time.

But Adams apparently bypassed all these levels and presented himself with the high-priced gift.

Gifts were also said to have been purchased for other members of staff to commemorate the day but no details were given to outline what those were and the costs.

Kaieteur News attempted to make contact with Adams for a comment on the issue, however, his phone was turned off.

Adams was, nevertheless, quoted in other sections of the media as saying that the Harbour Bridge Board will later issue a statement providing an explanation for the $897,000 purchase.

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Trade unions have colonized the workers!

I

f you are serious about having a long career with very little risk of being removed, then you should consider becoming a trade union leader. It is one of the few jobs in Guyana, where you can occupy office for as long as you please.

Becoming a trade unionist guarantees you a lifelong job, with overseas trips and the distinct possibility of having your face appear in the newspapers on May Day. Unions once used workers' Day as a show of force.

Today it has been reduced to a farce and turned into one big fete.

Some trade union leaders have dropped anchor in their positions. Some of them have been around for eternity and when they do pass to the Great Beyond, there is no guarantee that their successors will be any different.

It is harder to dislodge a trade unionist than it is to get a bald headed man to remove his hat. Some of them have grown roots in their unions and do not appear to know when to retire.

The trade unions for sure are not going to advocate term limits. Their leaders enjoy unlimited security of tenure. Sure enough, they can be removed via elections. But, how often does this happen?

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) once

Dem

boys seh...

D

em boys see a nice Cricket Band at King's Jewellery wah dem like.

Dem wondering when is de next International Men's Day so that dem gan get big wuk in de government and have de company pay for de band.

When de man at de Harbour Bridge shake yuh hand is a golden handshake you get.

De Habour Bridge is a nice company fuh wuk fuh.

If dem giving such expensive present fuh a day wah not many people know about, imagine wah dem gan

struggled for democracy.

But so far, it has failed – not because it never tried – to impose democracy within the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC).

It is something of an anomaly that the largest trade union in Guyana, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU), has never held the Presidency of the Trade Union Congress.

The rules have always been stacked against that union to deny it the Presidency. If anything exposes the undemocratic nature of the trade union movement, it is this fact.

Trade unions no longer have any teeth. To use a popular phrase, they are 'toothless poodles.' They have outlived their usefulness to the working class and have become burdens rather than helpful to workers.

The employers now wield the upper hand. The strike weapon has become more of a political weapon; it has been blunted as an industrial relations measure.

Self-interest and conflict of interest have become pronounced in the trade union movement. Trade union leaders continue to pop up as candidates for political parties.

One leading trade union figure went as far as endorsing a political party.

Those practices used to be acceptable during the Cold War when trade unions were

expected to side with working class parties.

Unfortunately, the Cold War has ended but nobody told some of these trade unionists.

Wo r k e r s a r e b e i n g recolonized by trade unions.

The trade unions exercise control over workers who have little say in the positions adopted by some unions. The trade union movement is an albatross around the necks of the working class.

The trade union movement has little to show for its more than 100 years of existence. It has been a failed movement. To think that the politicians, who so many persons like to stigmatize as being corrupt, could have achieved more than the trade union is a shocking indictment against the workers' movement.

If there any gift which the workers of this county owe themselves, it is to break free of the shackles of trade unions. There is nothing that the trade unions can do for the workers, which the workers collectively and without the union cannot do for themselves. If the truth were told, workers are much better off without their unions.

It is time for the workers to cut the gravy line for some of these union leaders. It is time for them to exert their right to refuse to be part of a movement which has done precious little for workers.

But its leaders have achieved

Meet de man with de golden handshake give for Christmas.

One time, at another company, there was a plump secretary. And de boss had a few words with she one day.

He give she some advice.

De next day, she come in with all kinds of jewellery on de body. De boss ask she, “Why are you wearing so much jewellery to work?”

“But you told me to accessorize.”

“Not accessorize,” shouted the boss, “Exercise!”

Dem boys seh gold expensive. When dem boys guh to dem jewellery store is only fuh window-shop.

Dem boys remember de time a lady walk into a jewellery shop and lean over to look at a ring in de showcase.

While bent over, she lets out a ripper of a fart.

Shocked, she looks at de clerk who appears not to have noticed.

“Excuse me sir," she asks, "How much is this ring?”

The clerk walks over, looks her in the eyes and says: "If you farted when you saw it, you'll mess yourself when you hear the price."

Talk half and leh me know when de Harbour

a comfortable life within trade unions.

The trade union movement has nothing to offer workers anymore.

These unions are “like a dog without a bite.” They have passed their best and their best was never good enough.

There is not going to be a renaissance in the trade union movement. There is

not going to be reform. The old timers will hold on to power for dear life and will frustrate the noble youngsters who ought to be have been given a chance.

No one takes trade union leaders seriously anymore.

They are not shapers of public opinion. And this is in the digital age, when even the most ignorant are having

their say on social media.

Workers have only their union dues to lose. It is time to liberate themselves from the new colonizers – the trade union movement.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday December 31, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Dance freely tonight because you are free T

onight, maybe hundreds of thousands of young Guyanese will frolic through the night till morning.

When they awake, they will touch ground in a free country. A majority of these sporting folks would have no experience of what Old Year's Night was in the late seventies and early eighties.

This was a time when there was nothing to celebrate on Old Year's Night. The country was swimming in the doldrums of life. Supermarkets hardly existed. The municipal markets hardly had goods. I remember one Christmas season in 1984, the year President Burnham died, people had to line up for cooking oil at the state owned Coop Complex on Regent and Light Streets. In front of me was Dr. James Rose, years before he

became Vice Chancellor of UG. Guyanese lived like this at that time, because one man determined the direction of Guyana's economy - President Forbes Burnham. He was not elected. He had no intention of allowing Guyanese to vote for politicians of their choice. Read now a little story that you should reflect on before you go dancing tonight, because that story is part of a wider tidal wave that almost swept away this country earlier this year.

During the cruel consequences of the ban of a number of imported foods like flour, onions, garlic, canned food, split peas, etc., the ruling PNC called a special meeting where all party officials and leading state managers were present.

There was only one topic for debate – the implications of

the food ban and the decision to either retain or remove it.

Of all the people that attended that meeting, one is still in the news – Vincent Alexander. Of course, Robert Corbin and Hamilton Green were there. Because of Granger's position in the army, he would have been there.

President Burnham urged all attendees to speak frankly and openly. The consensus was that the food ban was hurting the image of the PNC and destroying the morale of the security forces. There were analyses from the floor urging the repeal of the embargo because the trade in contrabands was more advantageous for Indians than Blacks. Some delegates argued that the restrictions were enriching Indians.

There were factual dimensions to this claim, because Indians in Berbice

were in control of the Suriname-Springlands trade route and they had the police and soldiers in their pockets.

After Burnham listened, he and he alone made the decision – the embargo would remain. It was dissolved after Burnham's death, was welcomed by the country and President Hoyte did the final rites.

Why did Burnham defy the consensus in his party? It has nothing to do with the state of his deteriorating mental health, although that was obvious to the society and the diplomatic c o m m u n i t y. B u r n h a m knew that he could not have lost power over his political depravities, because there were no free and fair elections.

As you dance tonight, remember the words of one of Burnham's demonic protégés who wrote a condemnatory column on me in this newspaper yesterday. His name is Lincoln Lewis. Here is what he wrote and

remember his words now and forever; “I repeat with the same conviction, that President David Granger should have cancelled the elections.”

Do the young people have

Frederick Kissoon any idea, no matter how small, what would have been the consequences for the future of this country, one of which is that you may not have had any need to dance away the night on this very date? If the man who lost the 2020 election had cancelled the results, then it was the

seventies and eighties all over.

One man, the president, David Granger, like one man, the president in the seventies and eighties, Forbes Burnham, would have decided the shape of our lives and the shape of the life of Guyana. There is a huge difference between then and now. Burnham got his way and even got rid of Walter Rodney. But in 2020, Granger would not have been allowed to reincarnate into Forbes Burnham.

The young generation in the PPP and other opposition parties and the Guyanese people who have no experience of the 1970s and 1980s and the world would not have allowed it. Granger did not heed the asinine advice of Lewis because he knew only a sick mind would say such a thing.

Granger knew too that in the 21st century, the world would not have allowed him to rule without being duly elected. So as I conclude this article, you should dance frenetically because Burnhamism isn't coming back, rigged elections isn't coming back. You are free.

Guyana was saved in 2020.

Enjoy that freedom and preserve it with all your might until you die.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday December 31, 2020

Beepats to build Marriott Four Point Sheraton hotel and resort near CJIA B

e e p a t s Distributing C o m p a n y yesterday announced that it would be entering the hotel industry with the intent of establishing a Marriott Four Point Sheraton Airport hotel and resort in close proximity to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

In a press release, the company explained that Dennis Beepat, head of the Beepats Marketing and Distribution company, had purchased a huge tract of land in the proximity to the CJIA with hopes that one day his children or grandchildren would be the beneficiaries of a large-scale project in the future.

With the advent of Guyana's new oil industry and the promising expansion of the tourism industry that dream is coming to reality.

The Beepats are aiming to utilize more than 100 acres of land to develop an airport hotel and resort.

The company was said to have partnered with Arthur

Warren Consultants, who have secured their Letter of Intent (LOI) from Marriott's Four Point Sheraton among a few other four star rated hotels for this project.

It said that the resort is earmarked to have an official water amusement park accompanied by a wide range of other attractions including ATV trails, bicycle trails, zip lining and a lazy river.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Beepats also plan to create a blue water white sand lagoon on the property developed by a United States firm. The airport hotel amenities will be similar to that of all four star hotels with pool, gym, conference centre, restaurant, et al, catering to accommodate business personnel, airline crews and staff, diplomats and other travellers.

“The vision will allow the hotel to cater for the potential influx of visitors, while providing a vacation destination for all Guyanese, Caribbean and foreign

Go-invest Head, Peter Ramsaroop (extreme right), and representatives of the Beepats Company pose for a photo op after inking the agreement

visitors to enjoy,” the release outlined. It added that the airport hotel and resort would be able to be a hub for eco tourism where visitors can launch visits to all of Guyana's interior locations.

Jonathan Beepat, who is

set to be spearheading the Beepats' hotel expansion project, stated, “We were very pleased and applaud the government's efforts in being transparent to issue the RFP for Hotel Projects for all Guyanese entrepreneurial

minds to have this opportunity.

We decided to take advantage of the vision, which our father, Dennis, had begun in the acquiring of land in the Timehri area many years ago. While we

will be new to the hotel industry, we know and understand Guyana as we have been rooted here for generations and are accustomed to its business climate.” “ We w i l l n o t b e reinventing the wheel, but rather utilizing our resource pool of partners in their respective fields that have the experience and knowledge of establishing and managing international branded hotels, resorts, and amusement parks around the world. It will be a multimillion dollar project and we believe that we too can add value to the landscape for Guyanese and foreigners alike to enjoy in our beautiful country.

We wanted to focus on providing value for our fellow citizens and thus why we decided to create a resort with the many amenities such as the lazy river, water park, blue lagoon, et al so that Guyanese may have an international destination experience right in their own backyard.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

Cop in custody after robbing sleeping man

D

elroy Chapman, a 25-year-old p o l i c e Constable, is now in custody after he allegedly robbed a man of his valuables. The incident, according to reports, occurred at Crane, West Coast Demerara, while the victim, 25-year-old Leroy De Santos, was asleep in the policeman's car.

Based on information received, De Santos, a barber of Ocean View Uitvlugt, was robbed sometime around 20:00hrs on Tuesday.

Reports are that on the day of the incident at around 18:15hrs, the police constable, who is stationed at the Tactical Services Unit of Blue Berry Hill, Linden, and the victim, were in the company of others, imbibing alcohol at Parika.

Sometime later, De Santos left with the suspect in motor car HB 3949 for Uitvlugt. However, De Santos ended up falling asleep on the way.

Upon reaching Crane, the suspect turned on to the Crane Old Road and stopped his car where he reportedly pulled off De Santos chain from his neck. De Santos reportedly told police that he was awaken by what was taking place and managed to

In Custody: Police Constable, Delroy Chapman pull back part of the chain.

He further reported that when he exited the car, the suspect sped off but lost control of the vehicle and ended up in a nearby trench.

After making checks, the man discovered that his wallet, with $50,000 inside, was missing. After a report

was made, the suspect was contacted and told of the allegations to which he denied any involvement. He was later arrested and taken into custody at the Vreed-enHoop Police Station.

(Alliyah Allicock) An investigation is ongoing.

Bandits hijack taxi, drive away with passenger

A

rmed bandits on Tuesday robbed a taxi driver of his white Toyota Premio car and drove away with his passenger.

The taxi driver, Kevin Hope, 34, was robbed around 20:30 hrs. at Good Success, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to police, Hope was hired to pick up a male passenger from a hotel

in Georgetown to head to Good Success.

He reportedly picked up the passenger around 20:00 hrs.

Half of an hour later, when he arrived at the location, Hope said that two men, one armed with a handgun, approached his car.

The armed man reportedly dealt Hope a blow to the head with the gun and

then discharged a round in the air before ordering him to step out of the car.

Scared for his life, Hope said that he complied and the bandits entered the car and drove off with the passenger still inside.

During the ordeal, the taxi driver said that he also lost his cell phone worth some $48,000 and $2,000 cash. (Shervin Belgrave)

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday December 31, 2020

CARICOM urged to rely on COVID measures, as rich nations hoard vaccines

By Kemol King

T

he Caribbean Community (CARICOM)'s outgoing Chair and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has urged that the

region rely on the safety measures it has implemented to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, while it prioritises acquiring resources needed to obtain more vaccines. His advice comes as human rights organizations are sounding

the alarm on access to COVID-19 vaccines being skewered in favour of the global North.

Dr. Mohga Kamal Yanni, from the People's Vaccine Alliance, a confederation of global human rights organisations, said a few

weeks ago: “Rich countries have enough doses to vaccinate everyone nearly three times over, whilst poor countries don't have enough to even reach health workers and people at risk.”

Dr. Gonsalves, whose time as CARICOM Chair is slated to end today, noted that the region is looking to receive its share of the vaccine through the COVAX facility – a programme launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission and France in response to the pandemic. It is meant to provide equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. The programme is meant, among other things, to be a lifeline for some poor nations. It will help those countries to find access to concessional financing.

Guyana is one of the countries looking to access vaccines through the facility, and will have to wait months for its quota.

“We look forward to receiving our share through the COVAX Facility…” Dr. Gonsalves said. “However, the quota for our Region will only cover 15 percent of the population. We therefore cannot let our guard down.

We must maintain the discipline to ward off the worst effects of the virus.”

He took the opportunity to contend that the basis on which the COVAX facility determines which countries

CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves access the vaccines via concessional funding should be amended. Currently, the St. Vincent PM said that the financing instrument for the COVAX facility is utilizing gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as the basis on which to determine which countries access the vaccines.

He said, “The Community is advocating strongly for the development and use of a Universal Vulnerability Index as the main criterion to determine access to such funding.”

“The overall economies of our countries have been hard hit, particularly those directly and indirectly dependent on the tourism, travel and entertainment sectors.

The global spread of COVID-19 was propelled by

Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima travel, and the curtailment of that activity has acutely affected the Caribbean, which is the world's most tourism and travel dependent Region.”

While poor countries wait for vaccines, the People's Vaccine Alliance is calling on vaccine producers to share technology through t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization COVID-19 Technology Access Pool so that more vaccines can be rapidly developed for the benefit of more people.

Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Winnie Byanyima, noted in a statement earlier this month that rich nations, representing 14 percent of the world's population, have bought up 53 percent of all the most promising (continued on page 18)

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday December 31, 2020

Dunae Trading hands over prizes to winners in 'Tidy Up and Win Promotion'

D

unae Trading, the local distributor of the Tidy Up detergent line, held a handing over ceremony on Monday for its grand prizewinners i n t h e ' Ti d y U p a n d Wi n Promotion.'

The promotion, which ran from November 16 to December 21, saw each customer gaining entry via a coupon once they spent $1,500 or more at any of the “Tidy Up” locations throughout the country. After amassing almost

5,000 coupons during that period, three Grand Prize winners were selected.

A washing machine was won by Sharon Low-a-Chee, a Smart television was won by Nalanie Sookra and a microwave was won

by Trevor Moore.

There were also 20 consolation prizes awarded to persons across Guyana.

The company's Marketing Manager, Loreann Baptiste, said, “the support from customers was

overwhelming during this difficult year” and acknowledged that the success of the promotion could not have been possible without them.

She also reminded everyone that “once you refill with Tidy Up you are a winner.”

Winner of the Smart television, Nalanie Sookra

Winner of the microwave, Trevor Moore

Winner of the washing machine, Sharon Low-a-Chee

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday December 31, 2020

Woman sets house on fire after argument

ANSA McAL donates 100 tablets to Education Ministry From left: Managing Director of ANSA McAL, Troy Cadogan; member of ANSA McAL Foundation, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

T

he ANSA McAL Foundation y e s t e r d a y donated 100 electronic tablets to the Ministry of Education.

The tablets were purchased with funds raised from the 'ONE YARD' virtual benefit concert, which aired on October 30, 2020, ANSA McAL disclosed yesterday.

The concert, which was powered by the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, showcased some of the best

talents in the region and had the very important objective of facilitating access to remote learning for children throughout the Caribbean during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Managing Director of A N S A M c A L Tr a d i n g Limited, Troy Cadogan, said that the company is “elated” to help Guyana's young people with their learning.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, said that the donation was a timely one and that the Ministry

aims to start distributing tablets in the hinterland areas.

A N S A M c A L F o u n d a t i o n m e m b e r, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, was also present and shared similar sentiments regarding developing Guyana's youth with the best possible tools to aid their learning during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, the tablets will be distributed to various schools around Guyana.

CARICOM urged to rely on COVID...

From page 14 vaccines.

She said that the treatments have to be available to all, and that that can be helped once pharmaceutical corporations relax their monopolies on medicines, by sharing their knowledge.

“As we learnt from the

HIV crisis,” she said, “this monopoly costs many lives.

If history has taught us anything, it is that pharmaceutical corporations create and protect monopolies to maximise profits as a goal higher than improving public health.”

Byanyima said that the

world's best chance of beating COVID-19 is ensuring that everyone is safe, and that if serious action is not taken, the current response to COVID19 will only reinforce and lay bare global inequalities.

She said, “We must have a #PeoplesVaccine, not a profit vaccine.”

The two-storey building engulfed in flames

A

woman is now in custody after she allegedly set a house on fire after having an argument with her reputed husband.

Kaieteur News understands that the fire started sometime around 21:00hrs at Lot 3725 Christiani Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. As a result of the alleged arson on the two-storey house, the woman, her reputed husband, their child and the tenant that lived downstairs are now homeless.

According to a man, he heard the couple arguing and

later saw the husband leave.

“I hear the man and he woman arguing and after they stop arguing he left the area.”

The man told Kaieteur News that moments after the husband left he saw a light coming from the upper-flat of the building but, “We didn't suspect anything until t h e f i r e s t a r t spreading…after the fire start spreading she run out the house screaming.”

The man added that persons in the area then entered the house and fetched out some of the furniture and appliances

before the fire destroyed it.

The fire service was summoned.

When the ranks from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) arrived, the building was already engulfed in flames.

About an hour later the ranks were able to control the blaze but the building was already destroyed.

Meanwhile, persons in the neighbourhood apprehended the woman and carried her to the police station. She was arrested placed in custody and an investigation was launched into the alleged arson.

(Renay Sambach)

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Guyana lacks capacity to test for new variant of COVID-19 - Health Minister

T

he Minister of Health, Dr. Frank A n t h o n y , yesterday announced that Guyana's health system does not hold the capacity to test for the new variant of COVID-19 that was first found in the United Kingdom (UK).

This new variant, according to reports, is much more contagious, meaning that it is more easily transmitted.

The new variant is a mutation of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-Cov-2) and persons can be re-infected with it, according to Dr. Anthony.

“We don't have the capabilities of doing genetic testing and therefore we don't know the types of variant that are circulating because the types of test that you need to do that are very specialized (and) we don't have that capability here,” the Health

Minister disclosed.

However, in light of Guyana lacking that capability, he stated that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) could do testing for the new strain.

“It is sometimes very important to understand the variants of the virus that are circulating in a country and that would also mean that you would have to get an ongoing surveillance to track what is happening and we also don't have that capability,” the Health Minister said.

Last week, Dr. Anthony revealed that the Ministry of Health is currently seeking recommendations from CARPHA, as it relates to

taking flights from the United Kingdom (UK). He had stated that as a result of the new variant being spread in the UK, flights from that country could be adjusted since it brings a high risk of imported cases. However, that will be done based on the recommendations from CARPHA. He had further stated that Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Grenada have already restricted flights from the UK, but before Guyana makes a decision CARPHA recommended that, they observe the situation and “get more scientific information.”

“Once we confirm some of the mutations and

understand the impact that these mutations may have, then we'll be able to make a more definitive p r o n o u n c e m e n t , ” D r.

Anthony had disclosed.

He also noted that some countries in Europe, Canada, Russia, and a few others have restricted flights too.

Additionally, he said that the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, will be meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the new variant of the

disease and they will examine possible safeguards for the country. In the meantime, CARPHA is having its virologist collaborate with virologists from the Pan American Health Organization. CARPHA had also stated that as of December 13, a total of 1,108 persons were infected with the new variant of the disease.

It is still being investigated and is being referred to as SARS-CoV-2

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony VU1 202012/01. (Sueann Wickham)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday December 31, 2020

St. Francis NGO partners with UN for Spotlight Initiative to tackle violence against women and girls T

By Malisa Player-Harry

he St. Francis Community Developers led

by Alex Foster has partnered with the United Nations and two of its partners - the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations International Children Fund (UNICEF) to launch the Spotlight Initiative.

The programme will focus primarily on violence against women and girls, particularly in vulnerable areas.

The Spotlight Initiative in Guyana seeks to address the root causes of violence against women and girls (VAWG) with an emphasis on prevention. It will introduce and expand on preventive measures, address legislative and policy gaps, improve institutional capacities, augment service delivery systems, especially in remote communities, enhance data collection and use, and build a stronger civil society response to ensure justice is delivered to women and girls experiencing multiple forms of discrimination and violence.

The project, which was implemented and supported to the tune of $10M, is set to kick off this week with two sites already identified, according to Alex Foster.

One of the sites will be in the bottom flat of the St. Francis building in Port Mourant, Berbice and the other is set

A section of the gathering at the launch of the Spotlight Initiative

up at 25 Charles Place, New Amsterdam (NA), Berbice.

The project is also divided into two phases, a pilot for NA (Education Department Road to Angoy's Avenue) and for Port Mourant (Rose Hall and Port Mourant).

“The project is supported by two of the UN implementing partners, U N F PA a n d U N I C E F (represented by Mr. Bynoe and by Ms. Nicola respectively), both supporting to the tune of $10M for the first four months of the project. St Francis will be working with the United Bricklayers and for UNICEF, we will be involved in behavioural change activities and a number of prev e n t i o n strategies to be achieved through outreach and collaboration with several partners across the region

and further afield,” he stated at a simple launching ceremony attended by key persons in the society.

Foster stated that the behavioural change activities would be implemented during the same time that the support services coming from the UNFPA aspect of the project will be implemented.

UNICEF will be funding the behavioural change aspect of the project, which is mostly the field aspect.

“There are behavioural change officers that will be visiting New Amsterdam and will be visiting Rose Hall and Port Mourant as they collect information and try to influence behavioural change at all levels with government partners, religious institutions, sports clubs, youth clubs,

Health Ministry records 18 new COVID-19 cases

T

he Ministry of Health yesterday recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases.

This is according to the Ministry's daily dashboard update. The new cases have increased the total number of confirmed cases to 6,391.

According to the dashboard, 5,809

persons have recovered from the virus and 38,018 persons have been tested since March.

Further, it shows five persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, one in institutional isolation, 26 in institutional quarantine and an additional 340 persons in home isolation.

Opposition wants temporary health workers...

From page 3 any member of the previous administration can point to these employment records, the Ministry wo u l d w e l c o m e s u c h information since t hey are of the view that these persons deserve to be paid.

They will have to ensure

they provide sufficient information, indicating what work was done and t h e period in which the w o r k w a s c a r ried out.

Further, it was stated that Dr. Anthony has assured that the Health Ministry will honour any leg i t i m a t e c o n t r a c t o f employment once

work had been completed “as per agreed terms and conditions of employment.”

It was also disclosed that the issue of payments for temporary staff is existing within several r e g i o n s besides Region One a n d M i n i s ter Anthony has already met with some of the affected workers.

individual's family and the direct persons who are affected by gender-based violence. We also will be providing full-time counselling at NA, so very shortly, as soon as this week, we will access funds and install at Bricklayers the

services of a landline for internet and likewise here at St. Francis.”

Foster mentioned too that the first four months of the project would run from December 2020 to March 2021, but in January “an aggressive marketing

strategy will begin” with monthly programmes to address various components of the project and efforts to advocate for support from the public. Training will also be done, he said, for staff “so that they can be able to respond to the public, the beneficiaries of the programme.”

Those persons who have been recruited to be a part of the programme were presented with Samsung Tablets and Samsung A21s cellular phones to assist them in carrying out the mandate of the programme.

The initiative comes at a time when there is a daunting number of reported violent acts committed against women and girls, predominantly by their partners.

Just a few days ago, a woman was murdered in a most brutal way by her partner; he also killed her 11year-old daughter.

Businesswoman tied to bed and strangled…

Albouystown man committed to stand trial

O

n Tuesday, more than a year after Malcolm Cully, 28, a water vendor of Cooper Street, Albouystown, Georgetown was charged for the 2014 murder of business woman, Sumintra Dinool, he committed to stand trial in the High Court for the offence.

Cully was initially charged with Shaheed Alli, 30, of Albouystown on April 2, 2019 in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

The charge alleged that Cully and Alli between June 14, 2014 and June 15, 2014 at Barr Street, Albouystown murdered Dinool in the course or furtherance of a robbery. They were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

However, days after the two men were remanded to the Lusignan Prison for murder, Alli was killed after a brutal attack at the prison.

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder was being conducted by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

On Tuesday, the Magistrate ruled that there is sufficient evidence against Cully for him to stand trial in the High Court.

As such, Cully was

Murder accused, Malcolm Cully committed to stand trial before a judge and jury at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

Kaieteur News had reported that Dinool, 65, lived with her son and on June 15, 2014 her motionless body was discovered tied to a bed in her home. According to reports, the deceased son was out all night when the incident took place.

Upon his return he allegedly opened the front door with his keys but did not notice anything amiss until

Dead: Sumintra Dinool he went into his room and found it ransacked. He decided to check on his mother and found her dead with her hands bound and her mouth gagged.

Robbery appeared to be the motive since electronic equipment, including a flatscreen television set and other items, appeared to be missing. However, some money was reportedly found in the slain woman's bedroom. In 2018, Cully was freed of an attempted murder charge.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

Snr. cop moves to court over 'unfair' practices in year-end police promotions From page 8 Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) have been ignored by the Commission in its decision to appoint officers to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He said that it has been the practice of the Commission not to promote police officers with pending disciplinary complaints regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints. “ T r i v i a l a n d unsubstantiated complaints have been accorded the same weight as grave or serious allegations of indiscipline in denying promotion to those against whom disciplinary complaints have been lodged which the Commission,” Brutus said in the claim, noting that he was appointed to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police in 2015.

He explained that it was in October 2019, that it was alleged by the Deputy

Commissioner – Administration, that he committed a breach of discipline. The Commission appointed Assistant Commissioner AndriesJunor to investigate the allegation.

A breach of discipline notice was not served upon Brutus until October 2020.

However, he said that the investigation has not progressed beyond the issuance of the breach of discipline notice.

The officer explained further that in keeping with its practice, the Commission purportedly refused and/or failed to consider and/or denied him for promotion to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police relying on the said allegation of indiscipline.

This, he says, is a frivolous allegation and he knows of no other reason why he was denied the promotion he was recommended for.

PAGE 21

Convict appeals 88-years jail sentence for Old Year's Day murder of ex-girlfriend

M

urder convict, Jermaine Maynard, has asked the Appeal Court to overturn the 88-years jail sentence, which was imposed on him by Justice Navindra Singh, for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Carlissa Mathews.

Matthews was shot in the head in the vicinity of the Stabroek's Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) by Maynard on December 31, 2013.

Maynard, 50, was found guilty of murder by a mixed 12-member jury before Justice Singh in January 2016. Maynard is now asking the Court of Appeal to set aside and/or reverse his conviction and sentence.

Among other things, he is contending that the trial judge made several errors in law when summing up the evidence to the jury. The murder convict further argued that the 88-years jail sentence is manifestly excessive. His attorney, Nigel Hughes, is expected to present submissions when the case comes up at the Appeal Court

Sentenced: Jermaine Maynard

Dead: Carlissa Mathews

on February 1, 2021.

Throughout his trial in the High Court, Maynard had maintained that he is not the person who killed Matthews.

However, the victim's mother, Carol Kennedy, recalled that Maynard pulled out a gun from his side and shot her daughter outside KFC. The woman had informed the court of the abusive relationship, which her daughter shared with

Maynard. At one point of her testimony, Kennedy recalled the shooter standing over her daughter even after she was injured, and pressed on the trigger of the silver pistol; the gun clicked three times.

She remembered that at that stage she started to advance toward the shooter but her fiancé Collis Bruce, who was also standing outside the KFC outlet on Water and Croal Streets, Georgetown

kept her back, telling her that Maynard was still armed and could shoot her as well.

Meanwhile, reports had indicated that minutes before the shooting, Maynard approached his 20-year-old ex lover, and was seen briefly talking to her. He had requested a private audience with Matthews but she refused. Moments later Maynard pulled out a gun and shot her to the head.

Matthews was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she succumbed early New Year's Day 2014. Maynard fled the scene after the shooting but was nabbed at the 'back track' crossing at Springlands, Corentyne on January 2, as he was about to board a boat to Nickerie, Suriname.

Reports also indicated that this was not the first time Maynard was found guilty of such crime.

He was previously found guilty of killing another woman, with whom he had shared a relationship and supposedly loved.

PAGE 22

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

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NEW DELHI - (Reuters) Talks between India and China have yet to make headway to end a standoff on a disputed section of their Himalayan border, India’s defence minister said yesterday, as thousands of troops from both sides faced a freezing winter in the mountains.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there had been “no meaningful result” from several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at deescalating the worst border confrontation between the nuclear armed neighbours in decades.

“If the status quo continues, it is obvious that the deployment won’t come down,” Singh said during an interview with Reuters partner ANI. But, he said, both sides were still exchanging

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh messages over the border situation and another round of military talks was in the offing. Tensions soared in June, after troops clashed in hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan valley in Ladakh, abutting the Chinese-held Tibetan plateau.

Twenty Indian soldiers

were killed, with China suffering an undisclosed number of casualties, and both sides ramped up their military presence, moving men, weapons and supplies to the high-altitude desert region.

Officials in New Delhi said last month that Indian

and Chinese officials had held several parleys to discuss ways to implement a staggered withdrawal.

“Our expectation is that some positive result can be achieved through talks,” Singh said.

India has positioned around 50,000 troops in the contested area, some at altitudes of over 15,000 feet (4572 m), where scarce oxygen and freezing winter temperatures can be lifethreatening.

India and China share an undemarcated 3,800-km long border, where their troops previously adhered to longstanding protocols to avoid the use of any firearms on the frontier. But tensions have flared since the Galwan incident and both militaries, who fought a border war in 1962, accused each other of firing in the air in September.

Russia signs Bolivia vaccine deal but confusion remains over dosages MOSCOW/LA PAZ (Reuters) Russian sovereign fund RDIF agreed to supply Bolivia with 2.6 million doses of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, RDIF said yesterday, but an apparent discrepancy in numbers overshadowed the announcement of the South American nation’s first major vaccine deal.

RDIF said the agreement would make it possible for more than 20% of Bolivia’s population to access the vaccine and supply would be facilitated by the Russian fund’s international partners in India, China, South Korea and other countries. Bolivia’s population is 11.35 million and 20% would be 2.27 million people. Bolivian President Luis Arce, who took office last month, said the deal was for 5.2 million doses for 2.6 million people, or double the quantity RDIF described.

“With this contract we are guaranteeing 5,200,000 doses for the Bolivian people,” said

Bolivian President Luis Arce Arce in a signing ceremony that was also attended by the Bolivian vice-president and health minister, the CEO of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev and officials from the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Arce said Russia would send 6,000 doses, for 3,000 “treatments”, in January to vaccinate its most vulnerable

populations, 1.7 million doses by the end of March and the rest “between April and May.” Asked for confirmation of the number of doses, the Bolivian health ministry said the contract stipulated 5.2 million doses for 2.6 million people.

RDIF did not respond to

a request for clarification.

The Bolivia deal is latest sign the Russian vaccine is making inroads in Latin American nations eager for more immunization capacity, including neighbouring Argentina and Venezuela.

On Monday, Reuters reported that Russia’s first big international shipment of its coronavirus vaccine last week - 300,000 doses sent to Argentina - consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose.

Unlike most other COVID19 vaccines, which are given as two shots of the same product, Sputnik V relies on two doses delivered using different inactive viruses, known as vectors.

President Vladimir Putin has referred to a singlecomponent option as a “light-vaccine”, which he said would provide less protection than the two components, but “will still reach 85%” effectiveness.

Bolivia, which has endured periods of political and social disruption since contested elections in 2019 saw longtime president Evo Morales leave office, an interim government installed and then a fresh government elected led by Arce, has struggled to secure bilateral deals for vaccine supply.

The government has said it also hopes to vaccinate up to 20% of its population in the first quarter of next year through the global COVAX initiative, which is backed by the World Health Organization and seeks to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines.

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

Thursday December 31, 2020

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Kaieteur News

‘WI must keep working’ - CWI chief selector Harper insists ability to earn during global pandemic a positive SportsMax - Cricket West Indies chief of selectors Roger Harper believes the opportunity for cricketers to earn, despite the ongoing global pandemic, should be seen as a positive with many others not so fortunate.

R e c e n t l y, several players, including team c a p t a i n s J a s o n H o l d e r, Kieron Pollard, and Roston Chase have pulled out of the upcoming tour of Bangladesh after citing health and safety concerns.

With the team about to embark on its third tour in a few months, concerns have been raised regarding the mental effect of having to quarantine for weeks at

a time, in order to take part in these competitions.

The West Indies were one of the first teams to resume playing international cricket when they toured England in July, under heavy quarantine restrictions.

The Windies then managed to keep busy with a tour of New Zealand earlier this month and are lined up to tour Bangladesh next month.

While admitting that it was a concern that CWI took seriously and one that was still being assessed, Harper insists things have to be looked at in a positive manner in light of the uncertainty the pandemic

has unfurled.

“If you look at things from the other perspective there are a lot of people looking for the opportunity to work and continuing to do.

I still think cricket is providing that opportunity for several people,” Harper told members of the media following the naming of an adjusted West Indies squad on Tuesday.

“I know there is a vaccine on the horizon and in some places, it’s being doled out.

We don’t know how long before it gets to this region but if cricket is going to survive, we have to seek every opportunity to play the

Thursday December 31, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Issues regarding love and romance should be going well for you now, Aries. You will find that your natural tendency to ground and plan is working perfectly.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is an excellent day for you. You will find that things automatically flow your way.

You will receive more attention than usual and be the center of any flattering discussions.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may want to escape into your dreams today. Trying to do something practical may be met with opposition, as the general mood of the day calls for things to be more ethereal and elusive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may feel a bit lazy and unmotivated today, Scorpio.

It could be hard to drag yourself out of bed. In terms of love and romance, there's apt to be some tension.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You will be able to find a greater connection to your inner soul today, Gemini. You will also find that you're more psychic than usual. Trust your intuition.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may have many irons in the fire today. People and projects could demand your attention, yet you may feel so dreamy and unmotivated that it could be hard to make progress on any of them.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Love and romance are apt to be going quite well for you now, Sagittarius. You should find that it's easier to be yourself in a partnership. Let your romantic side shine through.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel a great deal of nervous energy today, Capricorn. Tension could come to you from all angles. Indecisiveness might be your biggest problem.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This is going to be a great day for you, Leo. Strangely enough, you will find that tension may help you get things done.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Issues having to do with love and romance are in your favor today. You're more in touch with your emotions.

You will find that your attitude toward love is more grounded than usual.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may need to let go and release your control, Virgo.

You know what you want, so just trust your intuition. If you continue to let your brain do all the work, you will probably miss valuable information.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may not feel in sync with the day's energy, Pisces.

Something about it may not sit right with you. Your natural instinct to want to take the lead may be overshadowed by an unwillingness to even get up.

sport at the international level and continue to perform. Life in the general sense is being affected because several people are out of work and would love the opportunity to work.”

As part of attempts to mitigate the situation, the CWI has included a psychologist as part of the touring management team.

Roger Harper Cricket West Indies chief of selectors.

...NBA roundup: Bucks set three-point From page 26 Cameron Johnson added 18 as host Phoenix tried an alternate approach and earned an easy win over New Orleans.

The Suns’ talented guard duo of Devin Booker and Chris Paul took more of a back seat. Booker finished with eight points, his lowest total since April 2019, while Paul had nine points and nine assists.

Zion Williamson scored 20 points and Brandon Ingram added 13 for the Pelicans, who fell for the second time in the past three games, with both losses coming on the road.

New York Knicks 95 Cleveland Cavaliers 86 Julius Randle scored a game-high 28 points and recorded his first triple-double of the season as New York frittered away a 16-point, second-quarter lead before gradually pulling away from host Cleveland.

With their second straight win, the Knicks got to .500 at 2-2 — the deepest into a season they have been at .500 since they were 18-18 on Dec. 30, 2017. Randle finished with 12 rebounds and tied a careerhigh with 11 assists. Elfrid Payton finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Reggie Bullock had 17 points.

Andre Drummond had a double-double for the Cavaliers with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Collin Sexton led Cleveland with 20 points, and Darius Garland scored 17.

Orlando Magic 118 Oklahoma City Thunder 107 Nikola Vucevic scored 28 points to lift Orlando to a road win over Oklahoma City, and the Magic improved to 4-0 for the first time in their 32-year history.

The game was tied early in the fourth quarter, but as usual, Orlando closed strong.

The Magic outscored Oklahoma City 31-22 in the fourth.

During its hot start, Orlando has scored at least 30 points in the fourth quarter in each game while outscoring the opposition by at least nine

points every time.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Thunder. Isaiah Roby added 19 points and seven boards in his first career NBA start.

Chicago Bulls 115 Washington Wizards 107 Zach LaVine scored 23 points, Coby White added 18 and Chicago pulled away for a win over host Washington.

Bulls forward Otto Porter Jr. scored 16 points, including 14 in the first half, against his former team. Wendell Carter Jr. posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds to help Chicago notch its first victory in four games under coach Billy Donovan.

Russell Westbrook finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists to record his third triple-double in as many games since joining the Wizards. Bradley Beal scored a game-high 29 points for Washington, which has lost its first four games of a season for the first time since 2012-13.

In other results: Boston Celtics 116 Indiana Pacers 111 Golden State Warriors 116 - Detroit Pistons 106 Los Angeles Clippers 124 Minnesota Timberwolves 101 Sacramento Kings 125 Denver Nuggets 115 Philadelphia 76ers 100 Toronto Raptors 93 (Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Thursday December 31, 2020

Lewis Hamilton knighted as Newcastle frustrate Liverpool in stalemate Rob Burrow becomes MBE

B

BC Sport Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

The Briton, 35, sealed a seventh drivers’ title at the Turkish Grand Prix in November - equalling Michael Schumacher ’s championships record.

Rugby league legend Rob Burrow is made an MBE for services to rugby and his awareness campaign since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

British Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong also becomes an MBE. The former British number one, 37, represented Great Britain in the event previously known as the Fed Cup - before becoming captain in 2016.

Others made an MBE include former Tottenham and Chelsea striker Jimmy Greaves and ex-Wolves midfielder Ron Flowers, both World Cup winners with England in 1966.

Greaves, who later became a popular television personality, suffered a severe stroke in 2015 and his son Danny said of the MBE: “We are very, very proud of Dad. Always have been, always will be.

“At almost 81 to receive an honour from Her Majesty the Queen is just something very, very special.”

Following rugby union side Exeter Chiefs’ domestic and European titles last season, director of rugby Rob Baxter is made an OBE while captain Joe Simmonds becomes an MBE. “I couldn’t quite work out if it was real or whether it was spam or someone having bit of a prank,”

Lewis Hamilton was knighted in the New Year’s honours. (PA) Baxter said of the moment he received the news.

“It turned up by email and not in an official letter.

You download it, read it and check who it has been emailed from with a Google search.

“I was sat there with my wife, both of us in a slightly bemused state. My family are delighted.”

Former England captain Gillian Coultard has been appointed an MBE for services to football, along with former Swansea City and Wales forward Alan Curtis.

Chairman of the Racecourse Association Maggie Carver has been made a CBE, as has former jockey Bob Champion and chief executive and secretary of the R&A Peter Dawson.

Promoter Barry Hearn becomes an OBE for services to sport, having been involved in boxing, snooker and darts among other sports.

“It has been a great joy to be involved in such a wide range of sports for over 40 years,” said Hearn.

“To be recognised for that work is an honour.”

Former Rugby Football League chairman, exFootball Association chief

executive and former BBC head of sport Brian Barwick, now chairman of football’s National League, receives an OBE. Meanwhile, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby chair Kevin Aitchison is made an MBE, and footballer-turned-boxer Curtis Woodhouse is among those to receive the British Empire Medal.

Hamilton honoured after historic year Hamilton won his first world title with McLaren in 2008, with further successes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

He clinched a seventh world championship and became the most successful F1 driver ever when he won the Turkish Grand Prix in November 2020.

The Mercedes driver had already surpassed S c h u m a c h e r ’s r e c o r d number of race wins the previous month, with H a m i l t o n ’s t o t a l n o w standing at 95.

After the Istanbul victory Hamilton said he felt like he was “only just getting started”, adding: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible.”

He said he would “love to stay” in F1 and wanted to continue to campaign for change when it comes to human rights, diversity and environmentalism.

Incoming F1 chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said: “Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car.

“What he has achieved is phenomenal, with still more to come. All of us at Formula 1 congratulate him on this well deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021.”

NBA roundup: Bucks set threepoint record in rout of Heat The Milwaukee Bucks made an NBA record 29 3pointers while routing the host Miami Heat 144-97 in a wire-to-wire victory on Tuesday night.

The Bucks shot 56.9 percent from long distance (29-for-51) and got 3pointers from 12 different players — everyone who saw the court except for twotime NBA Most Valuable P l a y e r G i a n n i s

Antetokounmpo. The old NBA mark of 27 3-pointers was set by the Houston Rockets on April 7, 2019, against the Phoenix Suns.

The Heat, who eliminated the Bucks in five games in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, will get a rematch with Milwaukee on Wednesday night when the teams meet again in Miami.

Khris Middleton led the

Bucks with 25 points while going 4-for-5 on 3-point attempts. Jrue Holiday added 24 points and hit 6 of 10 from long range. Miami, playing without Jimmy Butler (sprained right ankle), was led by Tyler Herro’s 23 points and seven assists.

Phoenix Suns 111 - New Orleans Pelicans 86 Jae Crowder scored a season-high 21 points and (Continued on page 25)

Liverpool failed to score in a Premier League game for the first time this season. (Getty Images)

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BC Sport Newcastle United held Liverpool to a goalless Premier League draw at St James’ Park to ease the pressure on boss Steve Bruce.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah missed two key opportunities either side of half-time while United’s Fabian Schar denied Sadio Mane a tap-in with a timely clearance off the goalline in the 80th minute.

Roberto Firmino also went close midway through the second period, failing to hit the target after Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow was stranded following a corner.

And the Brazil forward then saw his 88th-minute header superbly denied by Darlow as the hosts held on to a well-earned point.

Points and a performance from Newcastle Newcastle boss Bruce came into this fixture under pressure, with his side’s style of play being heavily criticised in recent weeks.

The Magpies’ December had included just one win and a defeat in the Carabao Cup to Championship side Brentford.

And as expected they sat back and defended in numbers, having only 27% of possession in the opening 45 minutes.

But they did have chances, Callum Wilson who returned to the starting line-up - forced Liverpool keeper Alisson into a fine save from a tight angle after 11 minutes.

And Ciaran Clark was also denied by the goalkeeper, Alisson flying to his left to keep out the defender’s header after 79 minutes. Newcastle’s point owed a lot to 30-year-old Darlow, whose string of second-half saves kept the league-leaders at bay.

The draw takes Bruce’s side to 14th, four points from the top half, but more importantly, eight points off the bottom three.

Burns dumped as Warner, Pucovski return for Aussies AFP - Australia Wednesday included David Warner and Will Pucovski in their squad for the third Test against India, with selectors ditching Joe Burns after an u n d e r w h e l m i n g performance.

Warner will return as he continues recovering from a groin injury, while Pucovski is also expected to be fit to face India, Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Fast bowler Sean Abbott had also recovered from a calf strain and returns to the squad.

But out-of-form Burns was released after struggling in the first two Tests.

“Unfortunately, Joe’s returns haven’t been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of,” national selector Trevor Hohns said.

Although Warner was still recovering from his injury, selectors were hoping the opener would be fit for the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given

David Warner is back in the Australian squad © Getty Images every chance to play,” Hohns said.

The selection of Pucovski clears the way for the 22-year-old to make his test debut, after a blow to the helmet in a warm-up match earlier this month saw him sidelined.

Australia won the opening Test in Adelaide by eight wickets, with India levelling the series on Tuesday with an eightwicket win in Melbourne.

Despite an outbreak of Covid-19 in Sydney, Cricket

Australia has confirmed the Third Test will be held at the SCG on January 7, with players expected to arrive on January 4.

The virus cluster, which emerged earlier this month, has forced authorities to put parts of the city in lockdown and place restrictions on travel to other states.

But officials were still confident the test would be able to go ahead before the teams travelled to Brisbane for the final Test on January 15.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

PAGE 27

UG Economic Society encouraged by GGA/Nexgen GA

Members of the University of Guyana Economic Society trying their hand at the sport.

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embers of the University of G u y a n a Economic Society were encouraged to take up the sport of golf following a fund raising activity which was held recently at the Nexgen Golf Academy and Driving Range on Woolford Avenue.

The idea of a bake sale paired with a day of Golf was proposed Govindra Raghubansi-Project Coordinator to President of the Guyana Golf Association Aleem Hussain who quickly

encouraged the group by offering the location for their event so that it would have a greater value and appeal for their supporters.

Over 30 persons supported the event and most were given lessons by Hussain, before they proceeded to share an afternoon of competition and lots of fun, picnicking under the trees and enjoying time together. “This was a chance for all of us to relieve a lot of stress from studies and we definitely want to do this

again,” said Govindra.

President of UGES Yasmin Fazil said that she rated the experience a 10/10 and would absolutely recommend it to everyone since it accomplished the goals set by the executive team, a successful fundraiser and leads of fun for the students. “This was one of our best activities in terms of participation and feedback from the students and they all indicated that they would love to return and play Golf.

Something I myself didn’t

Members of the University of Guyana Economic Society at the driving range expect that I would be able to do!”

H u s s a i n s a i d , “ We continue to demonstrate that golf is a sport that persons of all ages and especially those who have never played before can enjoy, and we live up to the promise that in less than 5 minutes, we can teach anyone how to hit the ball and start having fun.”

The Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy has been extremely active in 2020 despite all the obstacles

sports in general has faced and is the only organization that has seen its participation in the sport grow by over 400% in a single year. From golf camps to charity events and competitions, the Nexgen Golf Academy has shown community involvement and dedication to development of the sport, taking full advantage of being one if the only covid19 compliant activities.

With the emphasis on schools, women and children, Hussain said he

feels confident that by the time he hands over leadership of the Association, Guyana will have accomplished great strides in the sport of Golf with plans to develop interschool, inter-region and a national championship leading to development of an Olympic team.

For more information about the sport, how to play, learn or host an event, visit their Facebook page Nexgen Golf Academy or call 645 0944.

In Simone Biles’ path, a fearless young gymnast learns new 2020 routine (Reuters) y-La Morris has always been special. She was “a little older than one” when she crawled to the edge of her bed and did the splits, according to her mother, Likisha McCormick, and was three years old when she mastered the cartwheel, able to flip around the length of a football field.

“I used to tell my coworkers every day and they all kept saying, put her in gymnastics.

I’m like, I can’t afford gymnastics. Gymnastics is very expensive,” said McCormick, who lives with Ty-La in New Windsor, more than an hour north of New York City.

Raw talent met opportunity two years ago when Ty-La, who is now 13, began classes at the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, which offers free and discounted classes for children in Detroit and in New York - and is now fighting to serve hundreds of students amid the COVID19 pandemic.

“Trying to keep these kids together has been what I’ve been working the hardest to do,” said founder Wendy Hilliard, a Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnast, who rolled out “Zoom” classes as the pandemic sent

Gymnasts Hailey Montero, Rylee Bailey and Miranda Ortiz train at the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, which offers free and discounted classes for children in Detroit and in New York, in New York, U.S., December 2, 2019. (REUTERS/Idris Solomon)

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families indoors and later found spaces across the New York City metro area for her students, including a tennis court in the Bronx and a gym in Yonkers.

Throughout the year, she’s fought to find those facilities for her students to keep them competitive and in shape, as more affluent private gyms that serve

predominantly white communities have the resources to stay open.

“I’m so frustrated that the priority - you know, if you have money, stuff like that, you can have your kids do these extra activities and other kids can’t if they’re urban kids or they don’t have the spaces,” said Hilliard.

“We’ve been trying to navigate that part.”

For Ty-La Morris, a fearless tumbling and trampoline gymnast who dreams of attending UCLA, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant adapting to a social life on Zoom after the coronavirus shattered daily routines.

“They were having their

regular meeting times (online) every day, even though it’s probably just stretching or whatever,” said McCormick.

“The first time they had a meeting at a gym, they were just ecstatic to see each other.

They were overjoyed.

And I’m like, this hurts because they’re really close.”

She draws her inspiration from Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic all-around champion, and earned the nickname “Gabby” from her former cheer squad.

“She would tell me, ‘Oh, mom, I’m going to the Olympics. I’m going to buy you a house, car and everything is going to be good. I’m going to the Olympics,’” said McCormick.

Ty-La, who said she’s also drawn comparisons to 2016 Olympic champion Simone Biles, said a full - a tumbling move where a gymnast flips backwards and twists - was her favorite move that she has learned through her classes at Wendy Hilliard Foundation.

She has also formed rock-solid bonds there with other students.

“We are very close. We (are) like brothers and sisters,” said Ty-La, who does abdominal workouts and push-ups to stay fit at

home, on top of the instructional videos posted online by the Wendy Hilliard Foundation.

She has picked up new skills during 2020, despite the numerous hurdles that come with training in the middle of a pandemic, learning how to do a front full, double backs and more.

“I just always wanted to do gymnastics because I just love to flip,” said Ty-La, “And now I’m doing it.”

Athletes like Douglas and Biles ushered in an era where Black excellence in gymnastics has been frontand-center for Ty-La and aspiring gymnasts her age, said Hilliard, who was the first African-American woman to represent the United States Rhythmic Gymnastics team.

And in a year when Biles’ Olympic dreams were postponed, it was her candor outside of the gym - opening up about her mental health and wellness - that once again lit a path.

“Seeing her be so strong was very helpful because it was like even the greatest gymnast in the world is struggling,” said Hilliard.

“You know, the time is different for us. You can sit up and take off six months a year and move on. But a kid who’s like nine years old a year is so long.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Thursday December 31, 2020

Pandemic and Jaguars title loss were the lows of 2020 for Guyana’s cricket

Deandra Dottin

- 12 players opt out of Bangladesh tour as Permaul recalled

By Sean Devers The year 2020 is finally, thankfully over! In what for most, has been a forgettable year, normal life around the World was disrupted by the deadly COVID-19 Pandemic which ravaged the global population, causing more deaths than the Spanish flu, 100 years ago.

Tw e n t y - t w e n t y - o n e arrives with hopes of a better year, free of the devastating Virus, but the reality is that the World will have to adapt and adjust to living with new norms and that will include the sports fraternity which came to a screeching halt in March.

In their limited opportunities on the field in 2020, the West Indies continued its apparent terminal decline losing four of the five Tests they played in England and New Zealand and all three of the T20s in New Zealand, while defending Regional FirstClass Champions Guyana Jaguars were dethroned with two rounds remaining.

Jaguars’ five-year winning streak was broken

by Barbados who claimed their 21st Regional FirstClass title as the Jaguars finished fourth with 91.8 points from eight matches with three wins and three loses and two draws.

In the last round before the tournament was halted due to the pandemic, Barbados bowled out Guyana for their second lowest total of 55 (lowest 41 vs. Jamaica at Sabina Park) at Providence where Guyana were dismissed (in 2014) for 67 chasing 69 to win.

Barbados made 174 with

Leon Johnson

Kraigg Brathwaite top scoring with 48. Keemo Paul took 3/62 for the Jaguars who were blasted out for 55 in 28.1 overs as Shimron Hetmyer struggled for 55 balls to top score with 14.

Kemar Roach had 5/20 for the Bajans who in their second innings, led by 84 from Brathwaite, reached 210 in 66.3 overs. Paul captured 4/52 for the South Americans who were bowled out for 94 batting a second time with only Paul offering any resistance with a cameo 22-ball 36. Kemar Roach finished with 4/36 to give the visitors victory by 235 runs.

These results for West Indies fans at home and in the diaspora were almost as depressing as the continued rise in Covid cases in Guyana and globally.

The year commenced for West Indies cricket with the

We s t I n d i e s M a s t e r s participating in the Over-50 World Cup in South Africa and the 54th edition of the Regional First-Class tournament being played in the West Indies.

The Over-50s Cricket World Cup was staged in and around Cape Town and was cancelled because of the Covid-19 virus during the course of the third round of matches which were then abandoned after the first innings. West Indies were in pool ‘B’ along with England, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Wales and Namibia.

The Regional First-Class four-day tournament started on January 9, 2020 and was scheduled to conclude on April 5, however, on March 13, Cricket West Indies suspended the tournament, for a minimum of 30 days, due to the COVID-19 pandemic before cancelling the final two rounds on March 24 with the Bajans on an unassailable lead on the points table with 134.8 points. Second placed Trinidad & Tobago finished on 94.6.

The Jaguars started their title defence auspiciously when, led by a Man-of-theMatch performance from Debutant pacer Nial Smith, they defeated the Leewards by 10 wickets in Antigua.

The genuinely quick Smith, the son of former National Coach Albert Smith had 655, but they lost their second game to Barbados and only managed two more wins from their next six matches.

There were a few bright spots for the Jaguars but inconsistency throughout the tournament let them down this year. In the fifth round in Grenada, Jaguars Skipper Leon Johnson scored an

Jermaine Blackwood Veerasammy Permaul

unbeaten 189 against the Windwards to reach 6,000 first-class runs. Chris Barnwell scored 107 in the same game when Guyana made their highest total in the six-team tournament as they reached 426 in the drawn encounter.

But only Johnson and Barnwell scored centuries for Guyana and passed 400 runs; Johnson made 472 runs from eight matches with one century and three fifties, while Barnwell scored 437 from eight matches with one ton and two half-centuries.

Vishaul Singh with 381 runs from seven matches with three fifties, was in the aggregate for Guyana but only Chanderpaul Hemraj (329 from 6 matches with three 50s), Anthony Bramble (339 with two 50s) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (315 from 8 matches with three 50s) of the others, reached 250 runs with Hemraj’s average of 36.55 being the best by a Guyanese this season.

Playing against host Jamaica, left-arm spinner Permaul captured 7-59 and 8-18 to register the second best match figures in West Indies Regional Cricket since 1966. Permaul, with a possible four more innings to bowl, was on track to break his own record of 67 wickets which he captured in 2015.

He ended with the most wickets this season with 50, the third time he has taken 50 scalps in a single season.

Permaul joined offspinner Shane Shillingford and left-arm spinner Nakita Miller as the only bowlers with 500 regional first class wickets and bagged three five-wickets and two 10wicket hauls in the truncated 2020 season.

Smith had 20 wickets from seven games and recorded two five-wicket hauls but only Bajan born left-arm pacer Raymon Reifer with 16 from seven matches, passed 15 wickets for Guyana.

0ff-spinner Kevin Sinclair made his first-Class debut against Barbados at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on January 16 and finished the season with 12 wickets from six matches, while Pacer Keon Joseph also ended with 12 wickets for Guyana. Wicket-Keeper Anthony Bramble scored 339 runs with two fifties and had 27 dismissals including five stumpings.

Twenty-four centuries registered with five batsmen scoring two tons, while Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood scored 768 runs to be the tournament’s leading batsman with one century and six fifties, while Bajan Kyle Mayers with 654 runs including two tons and five fifties was second in the runs aggregate. The ever green Devon Smith was the other batsman with 600 runs, scouring 649 with a century and four half-centuries.

Permaul’s 50 wickets were the most, while pacer Chemar Holder and Akeil Hosien, with 36 wickets each, were the other bowlers in the tournament to take more than 35 wickets.

On the International arena West Indies and England became the first teams to compete in a Test with England winning the last two Tests after West Indies had won the first Test to take the series 2-1 in July.

England’s Benn Stokes was the only batsmen in the three-series to reach 300 runs with 363 with a century and a fifty at an Average of 90.75, while Blackwood, who made two half-centuries in 211 runs was the leading

batsman for the West Indies.

Pacer Shannon Gabriel (11), Skipper Jason Holder and fellow Bajan Roston Chase with 10 each were the best West Indian bowlers.

West Indies traveled to New Zealand and the two times World Cup Champions lost all three of the T20 matches and were beaten in both Tests by an innings to lose all five international matches on the tour.

The West Indies Women toured England for a fivematch T20 series which commenced on September 20 and despite Deandra Dottin’s two fifties in her 185 runs from five innings to end as the leading run-scorer, no other West Indian batsman reached 100 runs the visitors lost all five games.

The year ended with the selection of the West Indies team to tour Bangladesh with Test captain Jason H o l d e r, l i m i t e d - o v e r s captain Kieron Pollard, and Test vice-captain Roston Chase are among 12 players who have pulled out of next month’s tour of Bangladesh amid Covid-19 concerns.

Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran are the other players who declined the opportunity to tour due to Covid-19 related concerns, while All-rounder Fabian Allen and wicketkeeperbatsman Shane Dowrich are unavailable because of personal reasons.

Permaul with 18 wickets from six Test matches, was recalled for a Test tour for the first time in five years and is the lone Guyanese selected in the Test squad, while Romario Shepherd in the only Guyanese in the ODI squad. Three ODIs and two Tests will be played and the tour begins with the first ODI on January 20.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 31, 2020

PAGE 29

New Zealand has nail-biting win in 1st test against Pakistan

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P - New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs in the first cricket test which ended very late on the f i f t h d a y We d n e s d a y, achieving their third straight win in three home tests this summer and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-test series.

At the same time New Zealand overtook Australia to claim the No. 1 world ranking in tests for the first time in its history.

The victory wasn’t the emphatic one New Zealand likely had envisaged when they came to the fifth day of a test match for the first time this season holding a sizeable advantage.

Having been set 373 to win, Pakistan was 71-3 — still 301 runs behind — and the New Zealand bowlers who had dismissed Pakistan for 239 in its first innings to give the home side a 192-run lead, still held the upper hand.

Pakistan finally was out for 271 at 6.36 p.m. local time with fewer than five overs left in the day’s play and a draw beckoning.

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner dismissed No. 11 batsman Naseem Shah to clinch the win after Naseem and Shaheen Afridi had defied New Zealand for almost eight overs as the number of balls remaining in the day dwindled.

“There was a huge effort from the bowlers to get us across the line but a lot of credit goes to Pakistan for the way they fought in that

second innings,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said.

“For all money it was going to be a draw until late in the piece.

“We were lucky to be on the right side of the result when we were up against a very tough side.”

The final day didn’t unfold in quite the way New Zealand had hoped or even begun to expect when Trent Boult dismissed the overnight batsman Azhar Ali (38) in the second over of the day.

The early blow seemed to make a quick resolution more likely.

But Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan, who came together when Azhar was out, took the script New Zealand had conceived for the day and almost turned it on its head.

Far from capitulating quickly, the fifth wicket pair established a magnificent partnership under pressure and led one of the finest acts of resistance a New Zealand test has produced on its last day.

In conditions which were never congenial for batting — the ball still occasionally reared from a length or jagged from a crack in the Bay Oval pitch in Mount Maunganui - they batted through all of the first two sessions and into the last to fuel Pakistan’s hopes a draw.

There were a minimum of 90 overs to be bowled when the day began, more than enough for New

Zealand to achieve the seven wickets in needed for a draw.

For the batting side, a long day stretched ahead and an effort an effort of enormous character would be required to survive the day.

A Pakistan win likely was off the table even at the start. With more than 300 runs needed for victory on a wearing day pitch, an attempt to reach the winning target likely would have wise.

Instead, Fawad and Rizwan put on 165 for Pakistan’s fifth wicket. More importantly, they defied the New Zealand bowlers for 285 minutes — almost five hours — taking Pakistan into the final session with six overs still intact.

At that point the match seemed in the balance. New Zealand had taken only one wicket — Azhar’s — in the first two sessions and that had become a remote memory when the last session began.

Fawad and Rizwan’s stand had begun to seem impregnable.

They had assembled a 50 partnership from 132 balls, their century stand from 270, 150 runs together from 328.

Throughout the day there were moments of alarm or danger when the ball beat the edge or grazed the stumps.

But the pair batted on and on and their endurance lifted Pakistan’s spirits.

Fawad, who bats out of an unorthodox full frontal stance with his back to his stumps and almost directly

Birthday boy Kyle Jamieson looks on as Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam pinch a run © Getty Images

facing the bowler, was still able to produce a full array of shots.

He reached his half century from 149 balls early in the second session, then his century — richly deserved — his 102 coming from 236 balls with 14 boundaries.

It was his second century in only his sixth test.

Rizwan, whose 71 in the first innings helped Pakistan avoid the follow-on, posted his second half century of the match, 60 runs from 156 deliveries.

New Zealand finally made the breakthrough and separated the pair near the middle of the final session when Kyle Jamieson trapped

Rizwan lbw.

His appeal was declined by the on-field umpire but upheld under review.

Fawad followed quickly for 102, caught by wicketkeeper B.J. Watling from the bowling of Neil Wagner, still laboring with two broken toes.

Jamieson removed Yahir Shah (0) and Wagner dismissed Faheem Ashraf (19) who had top-scored in the first innings with 91 and was the last recognized batsman. Santer trapped Mohammad Abbas (1) lbw.

Naseem and Shaheen rattled New Zealand’s nerves with their late partnership but Santner finally broke through,

dismissing Naseem caught and bowled.

“I’m not disappointed, that’s the beauty of test cricket,” said Rizwan, who captained Pakistan for the first time.

“The New Zealand team did more hard work than us so they deserved to win.”

Scores: New Zealand 4 3 1 ( Wi l l i a m s o n 1 2 9 , Watling 73, Taylor 70, Nicholls 56, Afridi 4-109, Yasir 3-113) and 180 for 5 dec (Blundell 64, Latham 53, Naseem 3-55) beat Pakistan 239 (Ashraf 91, Rizwan 71, Jamieson 3-35) and 271 (Alam 102, Rizwan 60, Southee 2-33, Jamieson 235, Santner 2-52, Wagner 255, Boult 2-72) by 101 runs.

GFF/K&S/MCYS Bounce Back Football

ExxonMobil and Tiger Rentals are the latest corporate entities to support

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e s t e r d a y , Communications M a n a g e r o f ExxonMobil, Nicholas Yearwood and General Manger of Tiger Rentals, Shane Singh presented sponsorship cheques to President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde.

Yearwood and Singh both expressed gratitude for being a part of the supporting cast for the twoday, four-team Bounce Back Football tournament which kicked off on Tuesday and concludes tomorrow at the National Stadium.

The pair also stated that they look forward to building a stronger partnership with football and the sports fraternity in the New Year.

Forde thanked Yearwood and Singh on behalf of the respective companies and used the occasion to underscore the safety of players competing in the tournament.

“It is also important for me to use this occasion to state that the

ExxonMobil’s Communications Manager, Nicholas Yearwood hands over sponsorship to GFF President Wayne Forde. Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major shares the moment.

Bounce Back football event is being organised and managed in the

strictest possible compliance with the conditions that was outlined by

the Covid-19 Task Force.

We can assure the players and

the parents of the players that this event is being managed responsibly and we are not putting anyone at risk.”

Forde added that he would be happy to share with anyone the protocols that the GFF has developed with UEFA and how that is informing the decisions that the Federation is taking to manage the tourney.

All players were tested for Covid-19 prior to the event which is a collaborative effort involving the GFF, Kashif and Shanghai Organisation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The final of the tournament between Linden All Stars and GT All Stars is set for tomorrow, New Year’s Night from 18:00hrs at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence where the action would be carried live via NCN Ch. 11, Enetworks and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Facebook page.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Thursday December 31, 2020

2020 Basketball Year in Review

A year of shutdown and networking along with personal and national triumphs Patience is a virtue that everyone in Guyana’s basketball has needed in 2020.

The Guyana basketball stars saw their season cancelled a week prior to its start. Patience in quarantine has also been mandatory.

Some talents were still active, like Anthony Moe who was able to play in the Nicaraguan league - Liga Superior de Baloncesto (LSB) where he averaged 20.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.1 assist for the UNAN Leon basketball club that

finished third.

National standouts Stanton Rose made his debut in the NCAA after transferring to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, USA along with Kevon Wiggins transferring to Lamar College in Lamar, Colorado, USA. Local players needed patience too, as the pandemic cancelled seasons at all levels.

And, with the absence of p l a y, t h e G A B F t o o k advantage of the opportunity to network and collaborate

with peers and partners in multiple virtual meetings, clinics, and workshops.

Members of the Guyana basketball fraternity attended virtual clinics and workshops offered by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Central America and Caribbean Basketball Confederation and the Guyana Olympic Association. A variety of topics were presented by experts across the world with focus on National Federation d e v e l o p m e n t . To p i c s

included media and marketing, coaches and game officials’ fundamentals, event management, sports psychology, anti-doping a w a r e n e s s , Wo m e n i n Basketball, digital assets, local government partnership and community relations to name a few.

As part of the Stay Ready campaign, the federation completed three virtual activ ities n amely, th e National Skills Challenge, Tricks for Kicks – Trick Shot Challenge and the Uniform Design Challenge.

The Guyana U17 men and women’s national teams received a special invitation to compete in the virtual FIBA World U17 Skills Challenge but had to withdraw from the challenge due to COVID-19 shutdown.

The winning team from the Antilles 3x3 National Qualifier attended the IBF Antilles 3x3 Hoops Final February 28 – March 2, 2020 in Guadeloupe. The 3-day event was made up of a Youth Leadership and Life Skills Workshop and a 3×3 mixed nations basketball tournament.

Participants

GABF aiming to complete all postponed local events in 2021.

were able to learn about the IBF’s Basketball for Good mindset and encouraged to think about how Basketball can be used as a tool to influence positive change in their lives and in their communities. Guyana’s Timothy Richmond received the male ‘Basketball for Good’ award.

The GABF signed a fiveyear partnership with Genius Sports. Genius Sports will provide a digital platform including FIBA LiveStats, FIBA Organizer, Game Center, FIBA LiveStats Widget, and access to the FIBA Statistician Network.

The partnership is valued at US$182,000.

The first virtual AGM was held with focus of implementing its new strategy, prioritising the empowering of subassociations, Women in Basketball and enlarging the GABF family.

On a positive note, Guyana received their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifier ticket, where the senior men’s national team is awaiting an appeal decision from the National COVID19 Task Force to restart training in 2021. The first FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifier is schedule for 17-21 February, 2021 in El Salvador. The GABF also qualified for the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup, with the first qualifier scheduled for April 2021.

Sileena Arjune was accepted to the FIBA

Americas Adelante Forum for Women in Basketball.

T h e Wo m e n ’s F o r u m comprises of female participants from thirtyeight (38) National Federations from the Americas. Workshops were hosted with topics such as Youth Development by Dawn Smyth, NBA; Officials Development by Nadine Crowley, Canadian Sports Board; Women in leadership by Cynthis Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO; Marketing your project by Andrea Perez, VP Jordan Brand; and How to be an effective sports leader by Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General to name a few.

During the break, Sileena was placed in a cohort with colleagues from Aruba, Dominica Republic and Guatemala, with similar interest of 3x3 development.

Looking to 2021, the GABF intends to execute all 2020 cancelled events with focus on 3x3, youth and women’s basketball. 2021 FIBA events include the FIBA Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifiers, FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup Qualifier – CBC, FIBA 3x3 Nations League, Centrobasket U15 and U17 Championships, and the CBC U14 and U16 Championships. Nonqualifying regional events include the Inter Guiana Games, South American Games (3x3), Caribbean Games (3x3), and the IBF Antilles 3x3 Finals.

National Blitz Chess C/ship set for today The Guyana Chess Federation will be hosting its National Blitz Championship today at the Guyana National Stadium from 11:00hrs.

The tournament will be contested in the open and juniors categories and will

be played for nine rounds, Swiss system, Fide rated.

Registration fee is $500 while the juniors will be free. Time control is eight minutes + two seconds.

Interested Players can contact Rashad on 658-3004 for registration.

Thursday December 31, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Badminton Association launches Air Badminton programme

Players and officials at the launch of the Air Badminton programme on Tuesday last at the National Park.

The Guyana Badminton Association has launched the Air Badminton programme The New Outdoor Game at the National Park on Tuesday 29th of December 2020.

Air Badminton was inaugurated by the B a d m i n t o n Wo r l d Federation (BWF) and HSBC jointly who launched the new outdoor game, and a new outdoor shuttlecock, the Air Shuttle, at a global launch ceremony outside the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China recently.

Air Badminton is an

ambitious new development project in partnership with HSBC, BWF’s Global D e v e l o p m e n t P a r t n e r, designed to create opportunities for people of all ages and ability to play badminton on hard, grass and sand surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, playgrounds and beaches around the world. The project has been five years in the making, starting with a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock with i n c r e a s e d d u r a b i l i t y, stability and wind resistance to allow people to have a

more positive experience of badminton outdoors.

BWF President and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games men’s singles gold medalist Poul-Erik Høyer officiated at the launch and said Air Badminton provides a pathway for increased global participation in the sport, while opening up doors for a new, highly attractive form of competitive badminton.

“This is a momentous occasion for badminton.

Strategically, Air Badminton will allow us to fulfill our overall objective of putting a

badminton racket in the hands of as many people as possible,” he said. “Given that most people’s first experience with badminton comes in an outdoor environment, we are now making it easier for everyone to access the sport through a new outdoor game and new shuttlecock, the Air Shuttle.

In the future, we see Air Badminton as an exciting, new, energetic version of the sport. Overall, the aim is to inspire more people to play more badminton in more places.”

GBA president Gokarn

Ramdhani noted, “We are very happy to have gotten this project off especially during this Pandemic situation which caused our Sport to be on hold since April 2020. This New Outdoor Game was implemented by the World Badminton Federation and it’s a great way to keep the players active and motivated until we can restart our Normal Training.

We congratulate the players who participated and their commitment shows just how much they missed playing and all eager to come

out to hit the specially designed Shuttlecock which can withstand the wind to a point.” The GBA would like to give Special thanks to Colonel Nazrul HussainCOVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Marvis Hoppie - National Park Commission, Mr. Carlton Joao-Banks DIH and the GBA Executives for their assistance in having the programme launched here.

The GBA is also extending best wishes to all the Athletes, Coaches, Administrators and the MEDIA for a Happy New Year 2021.

rt Spo

The New Zealand players converge on Mitchell Santner after he took the final wicket. (Getty Images)

Fawad Alam celebrates his century as Mohammad Rizwan looks on, New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Mount Maunganui, Day 5, December 30 2020 © Getty Images

New Zealand has nail-biting win in 1st test against Pakistan Shane Singh, General Manager of Tiger Rentals of 176 Middle Street, hands over cheque to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major of the K&S Organisation.

GFF/K&S/MCYS Bounce Back Football

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