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14NEWS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ECD among communities severely affected by flooding

The Civil Defence Commission has deployed assessment teams to affected communities to accurately capture the impact of Monday’s heavy downpours on public and private infrastructure.

Along the East Coast of Demerara, the hardest-hit villages were Mon Repos North (35 households), Good Hope (140 households), Annandale North (140 households), and Goedverwagting (eight households).

Meanwhile, in Region Five, the hardest-hit villages were De Edward (13 households), and Rosignol (75 households). Further assessments are set to commence at Bath Settlement.

Cleaning and sanitising hampers were distributed to affected households.

The CDC is advising residents of riverine, low-lying and flood-prone areas to take all necessary precautions and to contact the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 6231700 and 600-7500, should they be affected.

Meanwhile, a special bulletin from the Agriculture Ministry’s hydrometeorological service on Monday said that Guyana is now transitioning into the secondary or short rainy season which typically lasts from mid-November to January. It noted that an increase in rainfall activity is expected over the coming weeks and into the next three months. “Seasonal climate models are indicating wetter than usual or above normal rainfall for this wet season. The rainy and or wet conditions usually experienced this time of year

A house along the East Coast of Demerara which was flooded on Monday

will be coupled with a moderate to strong La Niña throughout the 2020/2021 rainy season,” the bulletin noted.

As a result, it added that there will be an increase in rain days (days with more than 1 mm of rainfall) and high-intensity rainfall events during

Forty-eight-year-old Maxwell Usher was on Monday further remanded to prison for the murders of his ex-lover, Imogene Gordon, 49, and her boyfriend, Royston John.

He made his first appearance on March 24, 2020, before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court after he was slapped with two counts of murder.

It is alleged that Usher murdered the duo on March 17.

When the matter came up for hearing on Monday, Magistrate Fortune was forced to adjourn the matter to November 16 as the prison was experiencing power outages which caused disruptions to the virtual hearing.

The bodies of Gordon, of Lot 177 Prosville, Wismar, Linden, and John, of East Berbice-Corentyne, were discovered at about 21:00h this season; these rainfall events are likely to be accompanied by high winds which may threaten the integrity of man-made structures. The increase in rain days and rainfall intensities is likely to result in an increase in flash flood potential as the season progresses.

During this season, night-time temperatures are also expected to be on March 17 at the woman’s Prosville home with multiple stab wounds after Police were summoned to the scene.

John was reportedly discovered lying on his back at the door of the lower flat of the incomplete two-storey building while Gordon was discovered lying face down in the lower flat.

Post-mortem examinations conducted on the bodies of the two have since given the cause of death as multiple incise wounds, which include cuts and stabs.

Police who were summoned to the scene had discovered a knife some six feet away from Gordon’s body. The knife is suspected to be the murder weapon.

A neighbour recalled hearing the woman screaming prior to the bodies being discovered while indicating that her cell phone calls went unanswered. cooler than usual in Region Eight (Potaro-Sipiruni), but warmer than usual in the other regions. Daytime temperatures (in the absence of rainfall) are expected to be warm as usual in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and southern Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), but warmer than usual in other regions (in the ab-

Linden man further remanded for murders of ex-lover, new boyfriend

sence of rainfall).

The neighbour then called the Wisroc Police Outpost and lodged a report.

Usher was arrested a day after the incident in the vicinity of Prosville, where the incident occurred, and was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was treated for a gaping wound in the hand.

Information revealed that just recently, Gordon had filed a police complaint against Usher, with whom she had once shared a common-law relationship. Reports are that the woman had complained that he threatened to chop off her hands and feet.

He was arrested and charged in connection with these allegations on March 10 and later appeared at Linden Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess, where he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was placed on a six-month bond to keep the peace. (G1)

NEWS15 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM PPP Govt has not “used a single dollar” from oil money – Bharrat

The People’s parency and accountabiliProgressive Party ty is of paramount imporGovernment has not tance when dealing with the used a “single dollar from Natural Resource Fund. the oil proceeds as of today” “Of course, the country Natural Resources Minister has needs. The country is Vickram Bharrat said on going through its own crisis Monday during a visit to with the COVID pandemic. Orealla, Region Six (East We have a transformational Berbice-Corentyne). set of investments that need Bharrat and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha visited the community – Orealla-Siparuta – located to be made now, to create opportunities for the future, that would require us reaching into as much resources Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on a boat ride to the Orealla-Siparuta community along the Corentyne River. as we can,” Ali said. the President had said. vestors who are seeking to The Minister also spoke “But importantly, is The Natural Resource develop the Tarakuli bauxabout the transportation also the issue of transpar- Fund Act stipulates that ite deposit near the Oreallaof the community which he said will benefit from the oil Minister Vickram Bharrat speaking with two villagers on Monday ency and accountability. Ensuring that the systems various committees must be established to provide overSiparuta community. “It (Tarakuli) is one of and gas proceeds. ceived approximately work must be set up, in- and institutions are in place sight for the Fund. It is ex- the largest bauxite depos-

He noted that Orealla US$150 million for three clusive of establishing a before we utilise any re- pected that this legislation its remaining in our counmay not be “directly in- cargo lifts and two royal- Petroleum Commission, so sources. So that our coun- will be reviewed by the cur- try that is untouched,” the volved in oil and gas but you ty payments for its oil and that the Government can ac- try and our people can un- rent Government. Minister said, adding that will benefit from the pro- all deposited in the Natural cess the billions of Guyana derstand and it is done in an the bauxite in that area is of ceeds from oil and gas,” add- Resource Fund. dollars sitting in the NRF open and transparent way Bauxite very high quality. This, he ing that the sector will be After taking office, in the United States (US) and there’s no secrecy be- Meanwhile, also on said, had led to discussions managed in a transparent President Dr Irfaan Ali Federal Reserve bank. hind the use of any resourc- Monday, the Natural on the setting up of an alumanner. said that while Guyana has President Ali made it es. So those are the things Resources Minister an- mina plant, which will add

So far, Guyana has re- needs, a transparent frame- clear that the issue of trans- we’re putting in place now,” nounced that there are in- value.

APNU/AFC land scandal Former Minister denies wrongdoing

…says matter will be addressed at "appropriate time"

Former Finance imately $64 million in payMinister Winston ments. Jordan has denied In a statement on any wrongdoing in National Sunday, Attorney General Industrial and Commercial Anil Nandlall had anInvestments Limited’s nounced that Government (NICIL) transferring of would be taking legal action State land without receiving against those involved in the full payments. controversial land transac-

This comes after the tions. Government announced that He had explained that it would be pursuing legal the Government had sought action against him and other independent legal advice officials. In a letter sent out which recommended that by Jordan on Monday, he de- there is a case to be made nied committing any wrong- against former officials indoings in relation to issu- cluding Jordan. ing vesting orders for land Former Finance Minister According to Nandlall, during the controversial pe- Winston Jordan the independent legal adriod after the March 2 polls. vice which was given is that

Additionally, he claimed further. However, he added the former Finance Minister that certain allegations cryptically that the matter along with Heath-London, made against him regarding would be addressed "at the acted recklessly and in bad his role in the sale of prime appropriate time." faith by processing these

State lands are defamatory.

According to him, he has always strived to carry out his duties to the best of his ability. In his letter, the former Minister noted that he has received advice from legal counsel, preventing him from delving into the issue

Between Jordan and former Head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London, the pair vested almost 100 acres of prime State land in Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to eight different companies. All told the total value of the lands is $2.9 billion. But NICIL only received approxland deals, actions which have resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the State. As a result, the Attorney General will commence civil proceedings to, inter alia, recover the said parcels of land and claim compensation against those implicated, in-

File photo: Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan and former NICIL Head Colvin Heath-London at a sod-turning ceremony at Plantation Ogle

cluding Minister Winston Jordan,” Nandlall stated.

“Additionally, each of these matters will be passed to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), for their investigations and any consequential actions which may flow therefrom,” he also made clear in the statement.

The AG has since done just that, with it being revealed on Monday that letters have been dispatched to SOCU Head, Senior Superintendent Faizal Karimbaksh and Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, asking for criminal investigations to be conducted.

Data released by Nandlall showed that over the past year, NICIL has transferred land worth hundreds of millions of dollars, to various companies. However, NICIL has collected money representing only a fraction of the value of the lands in question.

This was all done after the elections, at a time when the Government should not have been engaged in any such transaction.

Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Incorporated (CMEI) received 21 acres of land valued at $632.8 million, after paying a total of $19.4 million. Cardiology Services Incorporated received eight acres of land valued at $240 million, after paying $15 million.

Supergraphics Enterprise received five acres valued at $175 million, after paying $8.9 million. And BK Marine Incorporated, which

is owned by well-known contractor Brian Tiwarie, received 2.5 acres with an offer price of $202.6 million, for $20.2 million.

As of October 12, 2020, five companies - Navigant Builders Incorporated – the developers of Windsor Estates; Cardiology Services Incorporated; the Corum Group, American Marine Services Incorporated and Supergraphics Enterprise - have since surrendered the lands back to NICIL.

16NEWS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Only 2 institutions licensed to conduct Today is E-Day PCR tests – Health Minister for United States

Health Minister Dr there are trained personnel there are stabilising but of- …early ballots surpass 95M Frank Anthony on to conduct the tests. ficials have noticed spikes in Monday said that “Again, this is a very neighbouring communities. the Polymerase Chain specialised process, and During Monday’s Reaction (PCR) test is the therefore, you have to get COVID-19 update, Minister gold standard for detect- the staff who understand Anthony reiterated that ing COVID-19 and only how to do PCR testing,” the medical teams were already two local institutions are li- Minister is quoted by DPI as on the ground to assist the censed to offer the test lo- saying. local staff to curb the curcally. Those institutions are He added that the rent situation, according to the National Public Health Ministry has trained 30 peo- DPI. Reference Laboratory ple in this regard. “We have set up mediand the Eureka Medical “You can have people cal teams there, so that in Laboratory. who are a little bit over-ex- case anybody deteriorates

As such, the Minister is uberant, and they are ad- from maybe the mild form urging that members of the vertising falsely. So, people of COVID-19 to the more sepublic visit only licensed fa- have to be aware of that,” vere form, we will be able cilities. Dr Anthony is quoted by a Department of Public Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony Minister Anthony added. Currently, the National Public Health Reference to detect this and take the appropriate action,” Dr Anthony is quoted as sayInformation report as saying that there are several have, whether you have the PCR machine, if it’s workLaboratory can conduct 450 to 600 tests per day. ing. Minister Anthony gave Voters wait in line to cast their ballots during early voting at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma, US criteria which must be met before an institution can be authorised to perform the test. “There are various stages of setting up this service. What is required is that the Ministry would have to send in a team to the facility to check exactly what you ing properly and whether you have the biohazard cabinets so that you can do the extraction of samples,” he explained, adding that these are all specific laboratory processes which must be observed. Another important component is ensuring that Minister Anthony is hopeful that this increases to 1200 by the end of the month. Kwebanna cases stabilising Meanwhile in giving an update on the COVID-19 situation at Kwebanna, Barima-Waini (Region One), Dr Anthony said that cases assurances that the teams were ready to tackle emergencies. As of November 1, Kwebanna had 62 active cases. Last week, Kwebanna was on a complete lockdown after cases in the community suddenly spiked. More than 95 million Americans had cast their votes in the 2020 presidential election by Monday, according to a tally by the US Elections Project at the University of Florida, a harbinger of what is expected to be the highest turnout of modern times. shows Biden ahead, 51% to 43%. But the race is still a toss-up in battleground states that decide the election through the Electoral College, including Arizona, Florida and North Carolina. A large number of Trump’s Republican supTrio jailed for escaping from Lusignan Prison Just a day before Election Day, the record-breaking number is equal to 69% of porters are expected to turn up in person to vote on Election Day after Trump the entire voter turnout for sowed distrust, without ev-

Three men, who had the 2016 election. idence, of mail-in voting by escaped from the A sharp increase in mail- asserting it was riddled with Lusignan Prison on in and early in-person vot- fraud. September 23 and October ing was largely prompted by Democrats have largely 21, 2020, respectively, were the coronavirus pandemic, embraced early voting, not jailed on Monday. which has killed more than only because of the pandem-

Jailed are 23-year-old 230,000 people in the United ic, but also because of steps Leroy Graham of Middle States and continues un- the Trump administration Walk, Buxton, East Coast abated in many U.S. states. has taken to slow down the Demerara (ECD); Alex President Donald processing of U.S. mail. Mathias of Good Hope Trump, his administration Experts predict turnDock Yard, Essequibo, and criticized for its handling out will easily surpass Arnold Kennedy of Lot 487 of the COVID-19 outbreak, the 138 million who votZeeburg Housing Scheme, trails Democratic challenger ed in 2016. Only 47 million West Coast Demerara Joe Biden in national opin- votes were submitted before (WCD). They all ap- ion polls. A Reuters/Ipsos Election Day four years ago. peared before Magistrate poll taken on October 27-29 (Reuters) Fabayo Azore at Vigilance Magistrate’s Court where they admitted to the charge Charged: Leroy Graham Charged: Alex Mathias and Arnold Kennedy 11-year-old struck down of escaping from lawful cus tody. - each. Kennedy was previous- on Corentyne highway The charges against ly charged for the July 18, them stated that they es- 2020 murder of 20-year-old caped from lawful custo- Alvin Seenarine, also called dy on September 23 and “Chockoloo,” while Mattias October 21, 2020, respec- was on remand for the murtively. der of Kevin Bettencourt. Magistrate Azore sen- Meanwhile, Graham tenced Graham to two was sent to prison on years’ imprisonment while August 20, 2020, after beKennedy and Mathias were ing charged with armed sentenced to three years robbery. (G1)

An 11-year-old lad is now hospitalised after he was struck down by a car along the Number 50 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The accident occurred at around 13:30h on Monday.

Reports are that a hire car was proceeding along the public road when it is alleged by the driver that the child ran across the road.

The driver said this caused him to swerve in an effort to avoid a collision. However, the vehicle still collided with the young pedestrian, causing him to fall onto the road.

The motor car, which had four adult passengers, landed in a trench.

The young man was subsequently picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor and later transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

The child is suffering from a fractured right shoulder. He regained consciousness and is regarded as stable.

Meanwhile, the taxi driver has been arrested as investigations continue.

T&T national dies on repatriation flight India, US sign key military deal, symbolising closer ties

ACaribbean Airlines repatriation flight from the JFK airport in New York to Trinidad was rerouted to Puerto Rico on Saturday night when one passenger on board began having severe medical issues.Guardian Media spoke to one passenger on board, who said the elderly man appeared to have died by the time the aircraft landed in Puerto Rico.The passenger said the man did not receive any medical treatment while the plane was in the From left: US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Indian Defence air and when the aircraft Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar address a joint press landed, paramedics came The path of the Caribbean Airlines repatriation flight from JFK to conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi

onboard but after their iniPuerto Rico India and the US signed Jaishankar and Rajnath tor of the Asia programme tial assessment, they did not ger shared voice clips with disembark from the aircraft. a key defence deal late Singh respectively, termed at the US-based Wilson attend to the man. the deceased man’s son ap- Guardian Media lost contact last month in a move the partnership significant. Center.

The passenger said the pealing to Puerto Rican au- with the passenger on board seen as a last-ditch push by “At a time when it is par- India has long attemptman’s son, who was also on thorities to allow his father’s after the instruction to dis- the Trump administration ticularly important to up- ed to balance its relations board, begged the first re- body to continue to Trinidad. embark was given. (T&T to score a foreign policy suc- hold a rules-based interna- with the US and China, with sponders to assist his fa- Around 1 am local time, the Guardian) cess just a week before the tional order, the ability of whom it shares a 3,500kmther.The distraught passen- passengers were ordered to US elections. India and the US to work long (2,100 miles). But Experts say the Basic closely in defence and for- India’s military standoff in Gunmen storm Kabul University, Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial eign policy has a larger resonance,” External Affairs June on its western border with China seems to have killing 22, in 2nd deadly attack Cooperation (BECA) deal will bring the two countries Minister Jaishankar said at the Ministerial Dialogue in pushed New Delhi towards the US, which has been tryon students in just over a week closer to each other and help them counter China. The deal, announced New Delhi. “Together, we can make a real difference when it ing to bolster allies against an increasingly assertive China. At least 20 Indian Gunmen stormed Kabul University, killing at least 22 people including students in their classrooms, on Monday and Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for what President Ashraf Ghani called a “despicable act of terror”. In a video message, Ghani, who once lectured at the university, announced a national day of mourning to during the bi-annual socalled “two plus two” meeting in New Delhi, will give Indian military access to data that are considered vital for the firing of missiles, armed drones and other targets with precision. Both the countries, represented by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper and their Indian counterparts Subrahmanyam comes to regional and global challenges, whether it is in respecting territorial integrity, promoting maritime domain awareness, countering terrorism or ensuring prosperity.” “The BECA deal is a game-changer. It is the last of the foundational defence agreements to be signed between the US and India, and one that India had long resisted signing,” said Michael Kugelman, deputy direcsoldiers were killed in the deadliest border standoff in nearly 50 years. Thousands of military personnel continue to remain at the disputed border near Ladakh region. “The US will stand with the people of India as they confront threats to their sovereignty and to their liberty,” Pompeo told reporters in New Delhi. (Al Jazeera) honour the victims and offered his “condolences and profound sympathies to the others before Afghan secu- 24. Islamic State claimed reAfghan security forces leave the site of an incident after an attack at the university of Kabul, Afghanistan November 2, 2020 Queens woman thought to nation” and the families of the victims. Gunmen barged into rity forces shot the gunmen dead, the Health Ministry said. sponsibility for that attack, without providing evidence. Taliban insurgents is- have jumped to her death was Kabul University in the morning, killing students The attack was claimed by Islamic State, the jihadist sued a statement condemning the latest attack and de- killed by boyfriend – NYPDin their classrooms and fir- group’s Amaq News Agency nying any involvement.

ing on others as they fled, said. Amaq said the gunmen Violence has plagued A Queens woman Marrano, spoke lovingly of said it was his first arrest. officials and witnesses said, targeted a gathering being Afghanistan while thought to have her daughter just hours af- Coworkers said Marrano in what was the second at- held to mark the completion Government and Taliban jumped to her death ter the funeral Monday. “My had been with Levine for five tack on an educational insti- of a training course at the negotiators have been meet- was actually beaten and daughter was a beautiful years but they had never tution in the capital in just university. ing in Qatar to try to bro- choked by her boyfriend — bright shining star,” she told met him. Belinda Crouther, over a week. A suicide bomber killed ker a peace deal and as the and then thrown from her the Daily News. “She loved a fellow dental hygienist,

The three attackers killed 24 people including teen- United States brings home sixth-floor apartment, police her family and her friends said Marrano brought a lot at least 22 people, including age students at an educa- its troops. (Excerpt from said Monday. and her brother very much. of joy to the office. students, and wounded 22 tion centre in Kabul on Oct Reuters) When police found She loved to dance and trav- “She was so funny,” 37-year-old Danielle el.” Crouther said. “She loved to NYC’s COVID numbers continue to Marrano mortally injured outside her building on Ocean Promenade in Then breaking down in tears, Karen Marrano conceded the family was devasdance and sing.” Levine, who is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, told inveshover at undesirable levels – Mayor Rockaway Park about 2:40 p.m. Oct. 26 they at first thought she’d jumped in a tated by the loss. “We can’t handle it. We can’t,” she wept. tigators he put Marrano into a headlock, pulled her hair and stole her cellphone, a exceeded the city’s safe- but the other two key suicide attempt. She was Marrano’s boss, Brooklyn criminal complaint against ty threshold, Mayor Bill de COVID measures have re- rushed to Jamaica Hospital, dentist Jim Sarji, said him charges. Blasio said Monday. mained below what the city where she died six hours lat- Marrano, a dental hygien- Authorities said in the According to the most defines as a relatively safe er. ist for 15 years, was a great complaint they found evirecent figures, the average threshold. Still, one of those Hospital workers worker who was cherished dence of the fierceness of the daily number of new COVID measures, the percentage of reached out to cops after doc- by patients. struggle. Clumps of the viccases over a 7-day stretch residents testing positive for tors found she suffered four “This is so tragic,” Sarji tim’s hair were on the floor hit 593 — well over the city’s COVID citywide, also has de skull fractures, two of which said. “Everybody loved her. and there was a large round 550-case threshold. Blasio worried. The accept- were inconsistent with inju- All the patients loved her. dent in the wall. The figure is “causing us ability threshold for that ries from a jump or acciden- Even after quarantine, she The city Medical concern for sure,” the may- measure is 5%. On Monday, tal fall. All four fractures was very busy and scared to Examiner deemed her death or said. “Some of that comes it hit 2.08%. The 7-day roll“were fatal and contributed return to the office, but ev- a homicide, finding she died from just a lot more testing, ing average of that metric is to her death,” according to erybody asked for her.” from multiple blunt impact and a lot more testing is a 1.81%. court papers. Marrano’s boyfriend, injuries. good thing,” he said. “But we “We want to start knockSources said Marrano Shmuel Levine, 34, under Levine, 34, has been are watching that number ing down that seven-day was thrown from a window questioning, admitted to charged with murder, robNYC Mayor Bill de Blasio carefully.” rolling average, but we’re or balcony. The sources said killing her, saying he lashed bery and assault, the Queens One of New York City’s key COVID-19 measures has once again The daily number of cases has exceeded 550 several times over the last month, keeping a very close eye on the situation,” de Blasio said. (NY Daily News) she also suffered fractured ribs, a fractured humerus and cuts near her armpits. Marrano’s mother, Karen out after she admitted to cheating on him, prosecutors charge. He was arrested the day of her death. Cops District Attorney’s office said. He’s being held without bail. (NY Daily News)

18 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Regional

Evacuations underway in Nicaragua, Honduras as Hurricane Eta barrels near

Nicaragua and Honduras on Monday scrambled to evacuate citizens from their Atlantic coasts as Hurricane Eta barrelled closer and the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of flash floods and “catastrophic winds” in Central America.

The storm, a devastating Category Four hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, was expected to slam the north-east coast of Eta is the 28th named tropical storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, tying an all-time record set in 2005 Nicaragua late on Monday who presides over one of tres (12 to 18 feet) above noror early Tuesday, the Miami- the poorest countries in the mal tide levels, NHC said. based NHC said. Americas. In Honduras, the

Describing it as a “major On Monday afternoon, Government has placed five hurricane”, NHC said Eta’s strong winds and heavy Atlantic coast regions on rains may cause “life-threat- rains lashed Nicaragua and red alert, its highest warnening storm surge, cata- the Government put regions ing, and evacuations were strophic winds, flash flood- in the hurricane’s path on underway, local authorities ing and landslides” in red alert. It has evacuat- said. parts of Central America. ed about 3000 coastal fam- Adverse weather conJamaica, southern Haiti, ilies and sent in supplies ditions on Monday forced the Cayman Islands, and to help residents prepare Honduras to shutter some El Salvador, and southern for the storm’s impact, Vice of its ports, while several Mexico may also be hit. President Rosario Murillo towns on its Atlantic coast

Eta was poised to be one said. were already suffering from of the most powerful hur- Eta could also trig- flooding, the Honduras ricanes to hit Nicaragua ger “destructive” waves in Permanent Contingencies in years, and may test Nicaragua, while water lev- Commission (COPECO) President Daniel Ortega, els could reach 3.7 to 5.5 me- said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Tourists fined in Bermuda as Minister warns quarantine dodgers

Health Minister the outcome of today’s court anyone during the gatherKim Wilson sent a decision. ing,” the spokesman said. warning to people “The prosecution of The seven confirmed tempted to breach strict these individuals demon- cases were among 2561 test quarantine regulations af- strates that Bermuda takes results that came back to ter two visitors from the the protection of our bor- health officials between last United States were fined ders and the health of our Friday and Sunday. More in Magistrates’ Court on people extremely serious- than 85,000 tests have been Monday. ly. I greatly hope that fur- carried out so far.

Her warning came ther breaches will not occur Four of the cases – one as Bermuda recorded a and potential offenders are a visitor and three returnsharp jump of seven new now dissuaded from such ing residents – came on the COVID-19 cases in the actions,” she added. British Airways flight from space of three days, taking The two visitors, who London last Tuesday. All the island’s confirmed total have tested clear so far, tested positive on their day to 206. were fined US$2500. four check-up.

Speaking after the vis- A government spokes- There are 21 active casitors broke isolation on woman said the Crown had es, all of whom came in Sunday to go to a wedding, asked for a fine of US$3000 from overseas, made up of Wilson said “although it to be paid by the defendants 13 returning residents and is disappointing that two who appeared in court on eight visitors. Nine people of our visitors broke their Monday. have died from the disease quarantine requirements “The defendants stat- in The Bahamas. (Excerpt this weekend, I commend ed they didn’t mingle with from CMC)

Amazon fires: Year-on-year numbers doubled in October

The number of fires blaz- blame. as flawed. He has also said ing in Brazil’s Amazon In July, the Government the criticism levelled against region in October 2020 imposed a 120-day ban on his Government over the fires was more than double those setting fires and deployed was “disproportionate”. in the same month last year, the army to badly-hit areas, While the figures for satellite data suggests. but the latest figures from October – traditionally a

The Institute of Space Brazil’s National Institute of month when rains bring Research said there were Space Research (Inpe) sug- some relief – are particularly 17,326 fires in the Amazon, gest the measures have not alarming, those for the year compared to 7855 in October curbed the blazes. so far are also worrying envi2019. Data released by Inpe on ronmentalists.

Satellite data also sug- Sunday suggests there were According to Inpe, 93,485 gests that there was a re- 2856 fires in the Pantanal re- fires have been recorded in cord number of fires in the gion in October, the biggest the Amazon so far this year – Pantanal wetlands last monthly figure since records 25 per cent more than in the month. began over 30 years ago. same period in 2019, when

Campaigners say the President Jair Bolsonaro President Bolsonaro’s hanGovernment is failing to has not commented on the lat- dling of the forest fires drew stop the rise in fires, but the est figures, but has previous- international condemnation. Government denies it is to ly dismissed data from Inpe (Excerpt from BBC News) Windrush: At least nine victims died before getting compensation

At least nine people have died before receiving money applied for through the Windrush compensation scheme, according to Home Office figures.

The Windrush scandal saw deportation threats made to the children of Commonwealth citizens.

Despite living and working in the United Kingdom for decades, many were told they were there illegally beCampaigners take their case to Downing Street cause of a lack of official paperwork. The Government apologised in 2018 and the compensation scheme was launched. It was intended to help those who did not have the right documentation to prove their status in the UK. It’s also meant to compensate victims for things such as loss of earnings and periods of detainment. But the Home Office figures, released to the BBC under Freedom of Information laws, show that in addition to people dying before they receive any money, fewer than five people have been offered the top level of “Impact on Life” payment. These payments reflect how badly a claimant’s life was affected and range from Level 1 – essentially a minor inconvenience worth £250, to Level 6 – a profound and likely irreversible impact worth £10,000 or more. More than 1500 claims have been made using the scheme, with 250 being offered an “Impact on Life” payment. The figures are correct as of August 31. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Machu Picchu reopens after 8-month COVID-19 closure

Officials held a special ceremony as the site reopened

Machu Picchu, the Rediscovered in 1911 ancient city high by a US explorer, the site in the Andes is the most recognisable mountains, has reopened ruin from the Inca Empire, after nearly eight months which dominated the of closure owing to the coro- Andes from the 1430s until navirus pandemic. the 1530s.

Peruvian authorities or- Archaeologists believe ganised an Incan ritual to Machu Picchu, meaning old thank the gods on Sunday mountain in Quechua, was as the major tourist attrac- built as an estate in the tion once again allowed vis- 15th century for the Incan itors. emperor Pachacuti. It was

But numbers will be re- abandoned a century latstricted to just 675 tourists er when Spanish invaders a day for safety reasons, conquered and colonised around 30 per cent of pre- the region. vious capacity. Now it is a major draw

The citadel was des- for Peru’s tourism indusignated a Unesco World try. Tens of thousands of Heritage site in 1983. people in the mountainous

Cusco region rely on visitors for their livelihoods and have suffered owing to the coronavirus lockdown closure this year.

Reporters and tourists arrived for the ceremony on Sunday morning after a 90-minute trip from the Incan village of Ollantaytambo.

“Today, Machu Picchu reopens,” Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rocio Barrios said in a speech. New health and safety protocols show they are opening “with responsibility and great prudence”, he added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China, Jamaica exploring greater collaboration in bilateral trade – Shaw

Industry, Investment The Minister discussed was Jamaica’s 4th largest and Commerce Minister the matter during a vir- trading partner behind the Audley Shaw says he is tual meeting with China’s United States of America, committed to exploring the Ambassador to Jamaica, the United Kingdom and possibilities of pursuing Tian Qi on Friday, October Canada. greater cooperation with 30. The Ministry noted the Government of China in Shaw said that Jamaica that China was also the several areas of trade and, and China have “enjoyed largest trading partner in particular, assistance long-standing trade rela- in the English-speaking with the export of pork to tions at the bilateral level”. Caribbean. (Excerpt from China. He also noted that China Jamaica Observer)

OILNEWS

Oil steadies as US presidential election looms

Oil prices edged up on Monday, shaking off earlier losses, as the United States heads into a contentious US presidential election.

The oil market has been under pressure in recent days, hit by concerns about weaker fuel demand as several European countries went into lockdown to curb the coronavirus. New infections spiked in the United States as well.

Brent crude rose 18 cents to US$38.12 a barrel by 11:10 am EST (1610 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate rose 18 cents to US$35.97 a barrel.

Both contracts fell more than US$2 earlier in the session.

Oil pared some losses after Japan’s export orders grew for the first time in two years and China’s factory activity rose to its highest in nearly a decade in October. Further, US manufacturing activity accelerated more than expected in October, with new orders jumping to their highest level in nearly 17 years.

US stock indexes, which energy futures at times track with, rose on Monday. Analysts said the election outcome most likely to shake equity markets in the near-term would be if there is no clear winner tonight, as several states remain where votes will need to be counted.

President Donald Trump will face off against Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the election, which has spiked concerns nationwide about turbulence and protests stemming from the results.

“The concerns over oil supply and demand fundamentals ... are going to play second fiddle to the U.S. presidential election and to how risk markets will react to the outcome,” said BNP Paribas analyst Harry Tchilinguirian.

Countries across Europe have reimposed lockdown measures to try to slow COVID-19 infection rates that have accelerated over the past month.

Global oil trading companies and analysts expect further demand destruction because of the resurgence of virus cases, though estimates differ.

Vitol sees winter demand at 96 million barrels per day (bpd) while Trafigura expects demand to drop to 92 million bpd or lower.

Rystad Energy sees demand peaking in 2028, instead of in 2030, and sees a slower recovery next year.

“The lockdowns will stunt economic recovery in the shortterm and in the long-term and the pandemic will also leave behind a legacy of behavioral changes that will also affect oil use,” said Rystad Energy’s Artyom Tchen.

Libyan supply stands at about 800,000 bpd, up more than 100,000 bpd from a few days ago, a Libyan source told Reuters on Saturday.

That, and the recent rebound in US operating rigs, is worrying investors concerned about supply again outpacing demand.

Output from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose for a fourth month in October, a Reuters survey found.

OPEC and allies including Russia are cutting output by about 7.7 million bpd to support prices. This OPEC+ group is scheduled to hold a policy meeting on Nov 30 and Dec 1, with some analysts expecting a postponement of plans to ramp up output by 2 million bpd from January.

Top managers of Russian oil companies discussed with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak a possible extension of current oil output restrictions into the first quarter of 2021, Interfax news agency reported. (Excerpt from Reuters)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 19 Around the World

Rescuers race to save whales in Sri Lanka’s biggest stranding

Rescuers and volun- Dharshani Lahandapura teers were racing to told AFP, adding that the save about 100 pi- cause of the stranding was lot whales stranded on Sri not known. Lanka’s western coast in the “We think this is simiisland nation’s biggest mass lar to the mass stranding in beaching. Tasmania in September.”

The short-finned pilot The beaching of 470 pilot whales began beaching at whales in a remote harbour Panadura, 25 kilometres in Australia’s southern is(15 miles) south of Colombo, land state of Tasmania was shortly before dusk on the country’s largest. Monday and within an hour, About 110 of the creatures their numbers swelled to ap- were saved in a days-long proximately 100, local police rescue effort. chief Sanjaya Irasinghe told the AFP news agency. “With the help of loSri Lankan volunteers try to push back a stranded short-finned pilot whale at the Panadura beach Pilot whales, which can grow up to six metres (20 feet) long and weigh a tonne, cals, we are trying to push whales.” tion, said it was the largest are highly social. them back [into the ocean],” Sri Lanka’s Marine single pod of whales strand- The causes of mass strandIrasinghe said. “But they Environment Protection ed in the country. ings remain unknown dekeep getting washed ashore. Authority (MEPA), which “It is very unusual for spite scientists studying the We are getting help from was sending its officials to such a large number to reach phenomenon for decades. the navy to rescue these help with the rescue opera- our shores,” MEPA chief (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Dozens killed in “brutal” western Ethiopia attack

Armed men in western not yet known. Amnesty, killed”, in a “massacre” that caster, Amhara Mass Ethiopia have round- citing survivors, said on involved up to 60 “armed Media Agency, said ethnic ed up and executed Monday at least 54 members and unarmed assailants”. Amharas were targeted. dozens of men, women and of the Amhara ethnic group There has been no claim Since December 2018, the children, in a “brutal” attack – Ethiopia’s second-largest of responsibility, but the Ethiopian army has been officials blamed on an armed – were killed. Earlier, the Oromia regional govern- deployed in western and group that is active in the Ethiopian Human Rights ment said the attack- southern Oromia to combat region. Commission (EHRC) said ers belonged to the Oromo the OLA’s armed campaign.

According to Amnesty in a statement the official Liberation Army (OLA), an The incident is likely to International, Sunday’s at- death toll stood at 32 people armed group blamed for kid- further ramp up pressure on tack on Gawa Qanqa village but the actual number could nappings and bomb attacks Abiy, winner of last year’s in Guliso District of West be much higher. in western and southern Nobel Peace Prize, to imWellega Zone took place a The commission said the Ethiopia. prove security in a country day after Government forces victims “were dragged from Survivors of the attack struggling with rising ethunexpectedly left the area. their homes and taken to who spoke to the Amhara nic violence. (Excerpt from

The exact death toll was a school, where they were region’s affiliated broad- Al Jazeera)

Vienna shooting “apparent terror attack” – Interior Minister spokesman told AP news agency that at least one suser Oskar Deutsch said on Twitter that it was not clear pect was taken into custo- whether the Vienna synady after the incident, which gogue and adjoining officalso sparked attention be- es had been the target of an cause of its vicinity of a syn- attack, and said they were agogue. closed at the time. (Excerpt Jewish community lead- from Al Jazeera)

Armed police patrol at the area around the state opera in central Vienna following a shooting near a synagogue

Several people, including a police officer, have been injured in central Vienna amid exchanges of fire, the city’s police department said, while the Interior Minister has called the incident “an apparent terror attack” carried out by several men.

Interior Minister Karl Nehammer on Monday told Austrian broadcaster ORF: “At the moment I can confirm we believe this is an apparent terror attack.”

Earlier, the city’s police department said on Twitter that the exact circumstances of the incident were still being determined.

“Shots fired in the Inner City district – there are persons injured – KEEP AWAY from all public places or public transport,” read the police tweet.

Austrian news service APA, quoting the Interior Ministry, said one attacker was killed and that another is believed to be on the run.

Kronen Zeitung newspaper reported a large police operation in Schwedenplatz square.

Vienna Police urged people not to share video and photos via social media.

“This jeopardises police forces as well as the civilian population,” they said on Twitter.

The Interior Ministry

Ravaged by 1st wave, Italy ill-prepared as 2nd

COVID assault hits

One month ago, ern hemisphere countries the World Health are also facing a coronavirus Organisation post- resurgence. But just as Italy ed a video praising Italians’ became a symbol of the per“strong and effective re- ils of the virus, so its inabilsponse” to the coronavirus ity to protect against a secpandemic. ond wave has underscored

At the time, Italy had one Europe’s failure to use the of the lowest infection rates summer lull to bolster its in the Western world and defences, notably in tracing appeared to have learnt the and testing. lessons of the first wave, “It is a monumental dewhich killed more peo- bacle. The fact that Italy ple than anywhere else in is in the same situation as Europe except Britain. other countries in Europe

Now it appears that Italy, is no comfort to me,” viahead of the rest of Europe rologist Andrea Crisanti when COVID-19 arrived, told Reuters. “We had five was simply behind the curve months to strengthen our when it roared back as sum- surveillance, tracking and mer ended. New cases are prevention systems and inrising at record rates, hit- stead we are heading toting 31,758 on Oct 31 against wards a new lockdown.” around 2500 at the start of The Government said it the month, while deaths are wants to avoid another naup tenfold to more than 200 tional lockdown and denies a day. failing to anticipate a second

To be sure, many north- wave. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ARCHIE

DILBERT

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21-

July 22)

LEO (July 23-

Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-

Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-

Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-

Nov. 22) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-

Dec. 21) (Dec. 22-

Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-

Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20-

March 20)

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CAPRICORN

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Jason Holder: from unsold at the auction to key performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Jason Holder wouldn't have been in the United Arab Emirates had Mitchell Marsh not hurt his ankle. He might not have featured in the playing XI had Kane Williamson's thigh injury not forced a rejig of plans.

But here he is and, though he may not have taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 by storm, he has made enough important contributions in a short time to keep the Sunrisers Hyderabad alive in the tournament.

Over the years, the Sunrisers have been a bowling team. But when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was ruled out because of a thigh injury and Siddarth Kaul failed to step up, their fast-bowling resources seemed bereft of experience. Although Sandeep Sharma swung the new ball and T Natarajan nailed the yorkers at the death, the Sunrisers lacked the glue to keep their seam attack together.

That aside, the Sunrisers’ problems were manifold. In the absence of an experienced Indian batsman, their mid-

dle order was looking shaky. That meant Williamson could not be dropped. With David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan being shoo-ins for the other overseas spots, Holder had to wait on the sidelines.

At the very first opportunity he got – as a replacement for the injured Williamson against the Rajasthan Royals – Holder made an impact. Playing his first IPL game since 2016, Holder picked up three wickets and effected a run-out as the Sunrisers restricted the Royals to a below-par 154 for 6, which Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar helped chase down with ease.

Before the IPL, Holder had a successful outing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where he led the Barbados Tridents. Although the Tridents finished second from last, Holder was their best player with 192 runs at an average of 21.33 with a strike rate of 140.14 and 10 wickets at an economy of 6.63. But having not been bought at the IPL auction, Holder had other plans: when he was called up as a replacement for Marsh, he was on a vacation. "I left a vacation to come here and play; I left the missus," Holder said to the IPL website after the Royals game. "It was hard enough making the decision to come over and play. I am glad I did, and to get the opportunity tonight and making use of it, it is a pleasing feeling."

In the next match, against the Kings XI Punjab, he again made telling contributions. Using the slower ball to good effect, Holder picked up the wickets of Chris Gayle and Chris Jordan and, suddenly, the Sunrisers seemed to have found the leader of their pace attack.

Even though the Sunrisers lost that game chasing a paltry 127, the team management quickly understood Holder's role was important: he provided balance and experience in both the bowling and batting departments.

When Williamson returned, the Sunrisers made room for Holder by replacing Bairstow with Wriddhiman Saha. Leaving Bairstow out was a gamble, but Saha's 87 off 45 balls ensured it paid off as the Sunrisers beat the Delhi Capitals emphatically.

Before Holder came into the side, the Sunrisers were forced to save Sandeep Sharma's two overs for the backend of the innings. But with Holder and Natarajan now sharing the responsibility at the death, Warner could use Sharma and his swing for three overs upfront. That resulted in the Sunrisers picking up the most wickets (41) by any team in the second half of the tournament, with

Estwick backing Pooran for Test debut soon

West Indies Assistant Coach Roddy Estwick Council (ICC) event in the United Arab Emirates, wants to see highly-regarded left-hander said the quality of Pooran’s preparation made him Nicholas Pooran playing the longest for- the ideal candidate for the longest version. mat within a year. “What I like about him is his

The 25-year-old has so far only played inter- preparation – his attention to denational white-ball cricket for the West Indies, but tail,” Estwick explained. Estwick said the Trinidadian was a “tremendous play- “He’s a hard-working guy and he er” who possessed the ability to excel in Tests. wants to learn; he wants to talk, he wants

“I saw him at age 17 play one of the best innings to discuss cricket and for any young man, I’ve probably ever seen, in Sharjah in the 2014 that’s the way forward. [Under-19] World Cup,” Estwick said ahead of West “My dream would be to see Nicholas Indies’ departure for the tour of New Zealand. Pooran playing Test cricket within the next

“How exciting was that carrying the team on 12 months, because I think he is that good his own and making [143] out of 208 and it just where he can play all formats of cricket.” shows you what a tremendous player he is, Pooran has been named in the Twenty20 and he’s just gone from strength to strength.” squad for this month-end three-match series

Pooran has emerged as one of the West against New Zealand, and is expected to join the Indies’ most consistent batsmen of recent in Caribbean side after fulfilling his commitments One-Day Internationals where he averages to Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League 49 from 25 matches. (IPL).

Ironically, he made a ‘duck’ on his debut White-ball Captain Kieron Pollard, along with last year January against England, but went Test Captain Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, on to hit a hundred and five half-centuries en Keemo Paul and Oshane Thomas are all also camroute to averaging 44 in the calendar year. paigning in the IPL, and will also join the touring

His form has prompted calls from legendary party in New Zealand afterwards. former players like Michael Holding for his inclu- West Indies will also play two Tests against sion in the Test team, despite having played only the Black Caps in the tour which runs from three First-Class matches six years ago. November 27 to December 15.

Estwick, who was Head Coach of the West Indies The Caribbean-based players departed the Under-19 squad at the 2014 International Cricket Region on Tuesday. (CMC) Holder, Sharma, and Rashid Khan leading the way with eight scalps each and Natarajan just behind at seven. They also have the best average (21.00) and best economy rate (7.23) in that period.

Against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Holder proved his worth with the bat as well after registering figures of 2 for 27. The Sunrisers were playing with only four established batsmen and all of them were back in the hut at 87 for 4 in a chase of 121. The scenes of their botchedup chase against the Kings XI would have flashed in front of their eyes, but, valuing his experience, the Sunrisers promoted Holder ahead of Abdul Samad.

Holder used his long levers to smash three sixes and a four in an unbeaten 26 off 10 balls and, with calmness, took the panic-stricken Sunrisers home. "It has been a while since I played in the IPL," he said after the victory. "For me, I was just longing for another opportunity and I got an opportunity this time. So just trying to make the most of it."

In the 2020 IPL auction, Holder had listed his reserve price at INR 75 lakh, but, despite being consistently ranked among the top two all-rounders in Test cricket, a format in which he is the West Indies Captain, Holder didn't attract any bids.

This is his second stint with the Sunrisers – he played for them in 2014 as well. But having come in without any expectations this time, he has become an unexpected key performer for them.

The pitches in the UAE have offered bounce and pace to seamers, which has worked in Holder's favour. He has also been tasked with playing cameos in the lower order, which he is more than capable of. With eight wickets in four games and a decisive knock with the bat, Holder has definitely made the most of his chances.

On November 5, Holder will turn 29. An advance birthday gift would be helping the Sunrisers make the play-offs by registering victory in their final league match today against defending champions and title favourites Mumbai Indians. (ESPNcricinfo)

Charges dropped against Barnwell

International and er, the matter was heard Guyanese cricketer on October 30, 2020 at the Christopher Barnwell Georgetown Magistrates’ is now a happier man as Courts by Magistrate charges that were laid Rondel Weever and the against him for a March charges were dropped 23, 2019 incident have against Barnwell. The been dropped. Magistrate found that the

It was reported that on Prosecutor failed to prove March 23, 2019, Barnwell the elements of the offence. engaged in a matchup Barnwell was representwhich saw the Police Force ed by Attorneybattle another team in a t - L a w a friendly encoun- Savannah ter. It was alleged Barnwell. that during the fixture Barnwell caused bodily harm to Trevor Benn as this stemmed after an argument between the two. The matter was henceforth reported, and Barnwell was charged. Later that year, Barnwell appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus and was charged with assaulting a Police Officer.

One year lat-

Dhawan, Rahane fifties seal 2nd place for Capitals; RCB make play-offs too

Virat Kohli with Marcus Stoinis and Rishabh Pant of Delhi Capitals after the match

Half-centuries from Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan ensured the Delhi Capitals finished second on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 points table as they beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets in Abu Dhabi.

They will now face the table toppers, the Mumbai Indians, in the first qualifier in Dubai on well to keep Padikkal and Josh Philippe quiet at the start. It was not that the two did not show any intent; Philippe, in particular, played many a pull and drive, but struggled with timing and placement. With just 25 on the board at the end of the fourth over, Philippe tried to loft Kagiso Rabada inside-out, but failed to middle it. Prithvi Shaw backtracked at covers to cling on to deploy drive, chip, cut or late cut to find the square boundary. But once the field was spread out, R Ashwin and Axar Patel varied their pace intelligently to strangle the Royal Challengers. Virat Kohli tried to take on Patel. Using his feet, Kohli tried to loft him over long-on, but the ball hit the inner half. However, Anrich Nortje lost his footing while taking the catch and the ball popped out of his hands.

Thursday.

While they lost, the Royal Challengers also sealed a playoff spot by taking the game deep enough to ensure their net run rate stayed above that of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who are currently fourth.

After being put in, the Royal Challengers never really hit the top gear despite Devdutt Padikkal's half-century and AB de Villiers' 35 off 21 balls towards the end. Whenever the Royal Challengers tried to break free, they were pegged back by a wicket or two. As a result, they could manage only 152 for 7.

Once Dhawan and Rahane put the Capitals on the victory path, the next number for the Royal Challengers was 17.3. They needed to stretch the game at least till 17.3 overs to ensure their net run rate stayed above the Kolkata Knight Riders'. Despite the dew, the Royal Challengers spinners – Shahbaz Ahmed, Washington Sundar, and Yuzvendra Chahal – stepped up and made sure the Capitals reached their target only in 19 overs.

the chance, giving Rabada his first wicket in the powerplay this season.

Padikkal, though, didn't miss out whenever an opportunity

Capitals thwart Royal Challengers' attempt to accelerate

With the Royal Challengers on 60 for 1 after 10 overs, Kohli tried to cut loose. He started with driving Rabada over extra cover before clearing long-on against Patel. But his charge was cut short by someone who had never dismissed him in T20s before. Ashwin got Kohli out for the first time in 20 innings as he failed to clear deep midwicket.

Padikkal too struggled after his initial burst. From being 21 off 14 balls at the end of the powerplay, he managed only 29 in the next 27 balls. He brought up his fifth half-century of the season – off 40 balls – but fell on the next ball to Nortje. The Royal Challengers promoted Chris Morris, but he too departed in

Ajinkya Rahane raises his bat after scoring a fifty Shikhar Dhawan raises his bat after scoring a fifty

ensure the Royal Challengers crossed 150.

Dhawan gets Capitals off to quick start

After fetching two ducks in his last two innings, Dhawan was welcomed with a low full toss from Morris, which the batsman dispatched through covers. Two balls later, Morris overpitched again and Dhawan drove it through covers. In the next over, Shaw too hit Mohammad Siraj for a couple of fours before the bowler straightened one off the seam to beat the outside edge to hit the off stump.

The wicket didn't deter Dhawan, who kept finding boundaries from the other end. After a slow start, Rahane too hit his stride and the two took the side to 53 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.

Kohli brought on the spinners to stem the flow of runs. While there was little turn on offer, the move worked as the Capitals managed only two fours from overs 7 to 11. Still, both Dhawan and Rahane brought up their fifties in 37 balls to keep the Capitals ahead of the asking rate.

Spinners save the day for Royal Challengers

With their 88-run stand for the second wicket, Dhawan and Rahane had brought down the equation to 46 required from 45 balls when the former lapped Ahmed to short fine leg. Two overs later, Shreyas Iyer too holed out against Ahmed, while Sundar got Rahane on the second ball of the 18th over. After Dhawan's dismissal, the Capitals failed to hit a single boundary till the penultimate over as Ahmed, Sundar, and Chahal combined to concede only 79 in 12 overs while picking up three wickets. That enabled the Royal Challengers to sneak into the playoffs, even though they couldn't stop the Capitals' victory march. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

ROYAL CHALLENGERS

BANGALORE INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM)

JR Philippe c Shaw b Rabada 12 D Padikkal b Nortje 50 V Kohli (c) c Stoinis b Ashwin 29 AB de Villiers † run out (Rahane/†Pant) 35 CH Morris c †Pant b Nortje 0 S Dube c Rahane b Rabada 17 Washington Sundar not out 0 I Udana c Iyer b Nortje 4 Shahbaz Ahmed not out 1

Extras (b 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.6) 152/7

Did not bat: Mohammed Siraj, YS Chahal

Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Josh Philippe, 4.1 ov), 2-82 (Virat Kohli, 12.3 ov), 3-112 (Devdutt Padikkal, 15.4 ov), 4-112 (Chris Morris, 15.6 ov), 5-145 (Shivam Dube, 18.6 ov), 6-146 (AB de Villiers, 19.2 ov), 7-150 (Isuru Udana, 19.4 ov)

BOWLING

DR Sams R Ashwin A Nortje K Rabada AR Patel 4-0-40-0 4-0-18-1 4-0-33-3 4-0-30-2 4-0-30-0

DELHI CAPITALS INNINGS (TARGET: 153 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS)

PP Shaw b Mohammed Siraj 9 S Dhawan c Dube b Shahbaz Ahmed 54 AM Rahane c Dube b Washington Sundar 60 SS Iyer (c) c Mohammed Siraj b Shahbaz Ahmed 7 RR Pant † not out 8 MP Stoinis not out 10

Extras (lb 3, w 3) TOTAL (19 Ov, RR: 8.1) 154/4 6

Did not bat: AR Patel, DR Sams, R Ashwin, K Rabada, A Nortje Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Prithvi Shaw, 1.5 ov), 2-107 (Shikhar Dhawan, 12.4 ov), 3-130 (Shreyas Iyer, 16.2 ov), 4-136 (Ajinkya Rahane, 17.2 ov)

BOWLING

CH Morris 2-0-19-0 Mohammed Siraj 3-0-29-1 Washington Sundar 4-0-24-1 I Udana 2-0-24-0 YS Chahal 4-0-29-0 Shahbaz Ahmed 4-0-26-2

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GFF President hints at massive support for RMAs

It was recently disclosed exclusively to Guyana Times Sport that the Regional Member Associations (RMAs) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) are in for some support.

GFF President Wayne Forde let the cat out of the bag during an interview with this publication, while sharing that the support was multifaceted.

The holistic support that the RMAs will soon benefit from is expected to boost their capacity.

This disclosure was made by President Forde, who shared that the support would be more than just the usual training and equipment.

“In another couple of, maybe in another week or two weeks, we will be making public the tremendous and unprecedented support that the Regional Member Associations will be receiving. Not just in equipment, in training and all the tools that they need to operate their football, but also in funding,” Forde revealed.

Revealing a little more about the project, Forde noted that the cash and kind that would be provided could be seen as an avenue for the RMAs to do some catching up after the time lost to the coronavirus pandemic that has halted football for over eight months.

“You will know exactly what amount will be allocated to various categories of competition and you’ll also know the tools that we’ll be giving to the Regional Member Associations and our affiliates to ensure they can now go out and execute and accelerate the work that we have to tion of FIBA’s Restart Guidelines – authored by Dr Peter Harcourt, FIBA Medical Commission Chairman following consultations with FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG), Medical Commission and Players Commission – has taken a step in the right direction.

The guidelines are primarily for national federations who are looking for guidance on the restart of basketball activities/competitions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now available for national federations and leagues.

The purpose of these guidelines are to offer dia n d

do to give ourselves some chance to catch up on the time lost in 2020,” the GFF President said.

The GFF boss went on to share that he anticipated the announcement would be one that would be greatly appreciated by football enthusiasts and the general public.

“I think that will be a very interesting sharing of information that we’re sure the entire public will be pleased as to how those plans will unfold,” Forde explained.

There are nine RMAs that fall under the GFF: the Bartica, Berbice, East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Essequibo/Pomeroon, Georgetown, Rupununi, Upper Demerara, and West Demerara

A Tribute to George Braithwaite — By Errol Caetano, Guyana’s former Caribbean Champion representative and Canadian national team member

In respect to my good friend George Braithwaite. I was introduced to George when I was 15 years old at the CNE in Toronto by Derek Wall, another old friend that has passed.

Seeing that we were both from British Guiana, now known as Guyana, we slowly developed a friendship and, over the years, became not only good friends but also competitors.

I admired George not only for his talent, but his dedication to the sport and to his training. He was strict with himself, both physically and mentally. Anyone who knew George would agree with me, he was in it one hundred and ten per cent.

George was not only a table tennis player but a track and field star as well back home. A natural athlete that once he put his mind to something he would not quit until he had completed it to the best of his ability.

We had many hard-fought matches and many good times together. In 1971, we were lucky enough to be invited to China after the world championships in Nagoya, Japan. George was on the American team and me on the Canadian team; it was a life-changing experience not only for us but I think for the sport in North America.

In 1972, I was invited to play for Guyana in the Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Trinidad where I had the honour of playing with George not only as a teammate but also playing in the doubles event with him. The team consisting of George, Gordon Stevens, Garth Isaacs, and myself were fortunate enough to win the team event – the men’s doubles and I managed to beat Robert Earl of Barbados in the final of the men’s singles. It was a very successful tournament for Guyana, and George was very proud of that.

We were then invited back to Guyana following the tournament for a little celebration, where we spent a few quality days together.

George then returned in later years to win the singles title himself and that's the determination I am speaking of: never quit until you succeed.

One more thing I would like to say about the Chief: he was so approachable, he would speak to anyone at any time whether it was for some advice or just a question. BUT my hat is off to George, he would practise with anyone who asked him and I will tell you from experience, not many players would and that is one thing I took from George, never put anyone down who is trying to get ahead in the sport; you don't realise how important that few minutes are to them.

Rest in peace, my good friend; you have touched many people's lives in a positive way.

GABF sets guidelines for return to basketball

The second edi-

rection The last 3x3 activity held was in 2019 Football Associations. (Jemima Holmes) advice ball, tions and leagues: als in a mass gathering is for the that considered as important as restart h a v e FIBA Return to Basketball the other factors for risk asof bas- been provid- Guidelines 2.0 sessment. ket - ed by those * Inclusion of the aspect In commenting on the ball ac- national fed- regarding the COVID-19 guidelines, the GABF notes tivities erations and spread through aerosol; it considers the well-beand com- leagues and ing as well as the mental petitions. which have * Addition of specif- and physical health of all It is im- resumed ic risk mitigation consid- involved in our sport to be portant to their basket - erations to support profes- of paramount importance. note that ball activities and compe- sional leagues as well as We are thankful to the exthe guide- lines titions. The World Health national competitions in perts from the FIBA, WHO, are not intended to replace Organisation (WHO) has their restarts the NBA and other nationthe guidance and restric- revised the first version of al federations and leagues tions of the Government the Risk Assessment Tool Basketball Risk involved in this important of Guyana via the Health for sport event organisers Assessment Tool 2.0 work. In addition to the Ministry and the Culture, to provide an overview of * Inclusion of the as- FIBA Repository of Restart Youth and Sport Ministry. the process for determin- pects regarding the pos- Protocols made available

The FIBA COVID-19 ing the risk of COVID-19 sibility of modification of recently, we hope this secMAG has been regularly re- spread. The FIBA MAG has event delivery format; ond edition of the Restart viewing the latest scientif- reflected the following up- * Addition of the Guidelines will further asic knowledge as well as all dated scientific evidence on Decision Tree; and sist you as you plan your the information including both COVID-19 and mass * Addition of the Risk restarts and, therefore a know-how, best practices gatherings, as well as the Communication tab as safe return to basketball and challenges in the con- valuable input and feed- communication of the and 3x3 basketball competext of the return to basket- back from national federa- COVID-19 risk to individu- titions.