Guyana Times - Monday, November 9, 2020

P14

Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris taught her daughters resilience Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4464

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

President Ali congratulates US Presidentelect Joe Biden — First Lady says Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking barriers Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CANU issues P11 wanted bulletin for businessman for Belgium cocaine bust

P10 Guyana records 30 new COVID-19 cases, 11 remain in ICU

President Ali P9 lauds sacrifice of veterans on Remembrance Day

President Irfaan Ali lights the National Diya at Rahaman’s Park on Sunday to usher in the Festival of Lights that will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Also in photo are Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa; HSS Representative Ravi Dev and First Lady Arya Ali. The event was organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service — HSS) (Photo by Dexter Ceres)

Fire guts Regent Street …as schools reopen today for CSEC, CAPE students businesses Returning President’s Page College 10 students to be housed on campus

Woman arrested after caught on camera attempting to P8 rob store

Page 2

Sanitation worker killed after metal lift collapses at Liliendaal Page 7

Robbery P12 convict caught red-handed after breaking into house

2 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire guts Regent Street businesses

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he Sachi building, located on Regent Street, Georgetown, which was destroyed by fire about nine months ago, was on Sunday evening once again gutted along with another business.

The fire started sometime around 20:30h at Lot 136 Regent Street, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the fire started in a large enclosed tent operated by Sachi’s and quickly spread to the neighbouring three-storey building.

That building housed several small businesses including a variety store and Sam Tronix – an electronic store. The fire has left businessmen counting their loses which is estimated to be in the millions.

At the scene, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told reporters that the building was “severely damaged”. He added that the fire had also “penetrated” the building next door.

“There was some damage to the goods on that eastern wall but we managed it. We have the fire under control,” he stated.

Firefighters had to cut into the building to put out the fire inside the building.

According to the Fire Chief, after the first report was made of rubbish burning next to the Sachi building, a unit from Alberttown was dispatched. Upon arriving at the scene and observing the two top floors of the three-storey building engulfed in flames, backup was requested. Fire tenders from the Central, Campbellville and West Ruimveldt Stations were dispatched to

Firefighters making attempts to put out the blaze

the area.

“We went into a very aggressive fire fighting to prevent this fire from spreading; as you can see these buildings are very close here…

Water support from GWI (Guyana Water Incorporated) was excellent and we’re using water from the canal on South Road,” he added.

Gentle went on to say that in addition to winds posing a challenge, firefighters found difficulties in locating the fire hydrants.

“We had to do some debris clearing [to access the hydrant] … This is a situation we’ve encountered more than once – not only garbage but building materials. Even old derelict cars and so on, we find that they’re blocking the hydrants… Most of the hydrants have some level of vandalism on them and that is deliberate,” the Fire Chief noted.

To this end, Gentle called on persons to be more responsible.

“A fire hydrant is not there for somebody to use to park cars next to it and so on. It’s there for fires – like when we have these situa-

tions here and when we get there and those hydrants are not functional or cannot be located then it delays our response and our fire attacks,” he asserted.

At the time, the Fire Chief could not say where the fire began. He related that investigators will have to follow up with the caller who made the initial report to determine the origin.

Meanwhile, the manager of Sam Tronix, Sharafat Ali – an Indian national – told Guyana Times that they had only been operating the electronic business for about 10 months now.

He related that he was informed of the fire sometime around 20:00h and when he got to the scene, the building was already engulfed in flames.

“When I come there was already fire in the building…We had everything in there – lots of computers and phones and so on…

Everything’s gone now,” he lamented.

As news of the fire spread, several businessmen and women rushed to the scene to check on their businesses.

Also at the scene were Region Four Commander, Simon McBean and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn. The Minister lauded efforts by the Guyana Fire Service to contain the blaze to one building.

“I’m satisfied that a great effort was made by the Fire Service [to contain the blaze] and also by the police for keeping control of the area. You know we’re just about 150 feet east of the GuyOil Gas Station on Regent Street so we had those considerations too in case the fire had spread. So I’m pleased so far that we’re getting better at this,” Benn stated.

While the firefighters managed to contain the blaze, up to late Sunday night they were at the scene to ensure it was all doused.

The building on fire

Back in February, the Sachi building, which was rented to a Chinese national, was completely destroyed in an early morning fire. Suspected to have started inside the building, the flames quickly extended to other parts of the structure.

The Fire Service had

ruled that as an arson case.

The Fire Chief had said that evidence was found to support that the fire was deliberately set on the ground floor and several other parts in the building. Acidic bottles and torches were reportedly discovered in the building by investigators.

Pensioner found dead in apparent suicide

A

64-year-old shopkeeper was on Thursday last found dead in her Marlborough, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) home.

Mainawatty Paul also known as “Michelle” is suspected to have committed suicide but the police are awaiting the post-mortem to determine a way forward.

The woman was found shortly after her husband left their home to uplift his COVID-19 cash grant.

Investigators have revealed that Paul left a letter behind on a wooden table in her home moments before she allegedly took her life.

The content of the letter was not released to the media.

The woman’s 63-yearold husband told Police

that he left his wife at home alone and travelled to the Marlborough Nursery School, Lower Pomeroon River, to collect his cash grant and when he was finished, he returned home around 16:00h, only to find his wife’s motionless body.

As such, the man raised an alarm and his neighbours quickly came to his assistance. Police ranks were also summoned to the

scene.

Paul’s body was examined for marks of violence but none found was found.

She was escorted to the Charity Cottage Hospital where she was seen and pronounced dead.

The body of the deceased was then taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

Investigations into the alleged suicide are ongoing.

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, November 9 – 11:00h – 12:30h and Tuesday, November 10 – 00:30h – 02:00h and 11:30h – 13:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

President Ali congratulates US President-elect Joe Biden – First Lady says Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking barriers

Monday, November 9 – 11:40h – 13:10h and Tuesday, November 10 – 12:45h – 14:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to Southerly to East South-Easterly to Easterly to East NorthEasterly to North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:22h and 23:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.18 metres and 2.26 metres.

Low Tide: 17:19h reaching minimum a height of 1.07 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020

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President Irfaan Ali

H

is Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali has joined world leaders to congratulate the new United States President-elect Joe Biden after he defeated incumbent President Donald Trump.

Biden and his running mate and Vice Presidentelect, Kamala Harris were projected winners of the US 2020 Elections after he had surpassed the 270 electoral vote thresholds to secure the White House as the 46th President of the United States of America.

In a correspondence dated November 7, 2020, President Ali extended best wishes to Biden for a successful term in office and added that he is looking forward to working with the new Administration to further strengthening relations between Guyana and the US. “I look forward to working closely with you to confront critical strategic matters of interest to the international community including the COVID 19 pandemic. Further, Guyana looks forward to consolidating and stretching our bilateral ties with the United States of America in the ensuing years,” President Ali

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

posited.

During his acceptance speech on Saturday evening, Biden said he was humbled by the trust and confidence Americans placed in him and pledged to be a President who will unify and not divide.

“I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation – the middle class.

To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home. It is the honour of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision. And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time…

I ran as a proud Democrat.

I will now be an American President. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me – as those who did,” the President-elect said.

Meanwhile, his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris has made history as the United States’ first female, and first Black and South Asian Vice President.

First Lady Arya Ali, in her congratulatory message posted to her Facebook page on Sunday, said: “VP Harris represents a generation of women, who are not just offering hope and inspiration to girls and women around the world, but are breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings.”

According to Mrs Ali, while this milestone is a celebration for women in the United States, the significance of VP Harris’ achievement to the Caribbean must

First Lady Arya Ali

also be acknowledged.

Harris bears Jamaican heritage and according to Guyana’s First Lady, “We take real pride in a daughter of this great region.”

In her acceptance speech

President.

“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent a clear message – dream with ambition, lead with conviction and see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before. But know that we will applaud you every step of the way,” she asserted.

Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness tweeted on Saturday that he is proud the first female Vice President of the US bears Jamaican heritage.

US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris

on Saturday evening, Harris said that Biden had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exist in the country and selected a female as his Vice

“Her ascension to this role is a monumental accomplishment for women all over the world and I salute her,” the Jamaican leader stated.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

100 days of rebuilding hope

T

omorrow, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, installed when President Irfaan Ali was sworn in on August 2, will complete 100 days in office.

This is against a backdrop of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) blatantly attempting to rig the elections in front of representatives of more than 100 nations. It was a grim reminder that the PNC, under its new leadership of David Granger and Joseph Harmon, had not changed the modus operandi of their party from their 1974-1992 long stint at the helm.

The new administration was soon plunged into a crisis created by the PNC when the two named leaders callously exploited the grief of the families of the Henry cousins, who had been most brutally murdered in the backlands of West Berbice. Violent protests broke out as the solitary Public Road was blocked by burning debris and tyres and Indian Guyanese drivers and occupants of traversing vehicles were brutally assaulted and, in several instances, their vehicles and contents were torched. The Government has promised an inquiry into what can more appropriately be described as “riots” and it is the expectation of this newspaper this will be launched without further delay. As we have seen in the PNC’s post-1997 election protests, these actions can segue in further mayhem that can rip our social fabric asunder.

But in spite of this challenge, the PPP/C Government appointed a new Cabinet that was a mixture of experience and youth, which bodes well for the country. The experience will ensure that programmes can immediately be implemented and the youth will provide the energy to fuel that immediacy. There are so many examples that abound of the developmental thrust, but a few examples should suffice to illustrate the point.

First and foremost was the reopening of three of the four sugar estates that were arbitrarily and unilaterally shuttered by the PNC-led departed regime. They threw 7000 sugar workers into the breadlines – if Guyana had breadlines, which it does not. There were no provisions for alternative employment for these fired workers and the social dislocations and trauma were there for all to see in the three years since the closures. It extended beyond the workers into the communities’ businesses, which were sustained by their traditional spending. There was an injection of $5 billion into GuySuCo to jump start the reopened estates, as opposed to the PNC-led coalition sequestering the $30 billion bond that was floated on GuySuCo’s assets.

There was also a review of the contract with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) in their Payara field in which they undertook to immediately reduce flaring and to make arrangements for the excess natural gas retrieved along with the oil to be piped ashore. This natural gas would then be used to generate and feed some 200-250 MWh of electricity into the grid to bring down the cost of electricity from $52/kh to $14/kh – a reduction of 371 per cent. This would not only bring relief to our beleaguered citizens in terms of no blackouts and lower prices, but would facilitate new manufacturing businesses, since lower energy costs have always been identified as the single biggest hurdle for such activities.

Telescoping a process that usually takes months, the new administration passed a $329 billion Budget towards the end of September. This addressed the needs of the ordinary citizen, battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the business community that suffered a double whammy since they also had to deal with the previously anti-business PNC regime. It authorised a most welcome cash transfer of $25,000 to every household in the country as well as a $15,000 cash grant and a $4000 uniform voucher for schoolchildren. These will prove to be welcome boosts at both the individual and business levels. For the Indigenous Peoples, who remain the most deprived group in Guyana, there was an infusion of $800 million into the Amerindian Development Fund.

There is finally hope in the Guyanese people that their long darkness will be dissipated.

President Irfaan Ali scores high among NY Guyanese as 100 days near

Dear Editor, It is traditional to assess or take stock of the performance of a new Administration around its 100 days in office. November 9 would be the 100th day since President Irfaan Ali’s swearing-in on August 2, some five months after the impasse during which several attempts were made to rig the outcome of the election.

A survey being conducted by this writer in New York and in Guyana finds soaring performance ratings for President Ali and his Government (Administration respondents praise President Irfaan, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, among others, for rescuing the country from poor governance of the predecessor regime and the dire straits of the economy).

The respondents in the survey overwhelmingly said that the PPP has done a much better job managing the affairs of the country than the APNU/AFC coalition and that peoples’ lives are much better now than under the preceding regime.

Respondents described the President and his team as “action-oriented”. They said there has been much progress in the country since

August 2 even though a budget was not approved till a month later.

In New York, the survey interviewed 102 Indians, 54 Africans and Mixed, and 6 Amerindians. The data for the survey in Guyana is being processed.

The US and other countries intervened to protect democracy in Guyana and the survey revealed that foreign (US) involvement was welcomed by (some 70 per cent) Guyanese in the NYbased diaspora.

The New York survey finds that a lot of goodwill was generated for the change in Administration given the misbehaviour of the coalition during the five months election impasse. With regards to numbers, a large majority supports the change in Administration with almost every Indian and Amerindian approving of the change along with a fifth of the Africans and Mixed population. Almost every Indian and Amerindian gave a thumbs up to the performance of President Ali (72 per cent approval rating) and the Government (71 per cent approval rating).

The President has come in for a lot of praises from those interviewed: described as young, intelligent, dynamic, balanced, matured,

sincere, passionate, dedicated, and committed to national development and harmonious inter-ethnic relations.

They noted he has been helping all Guyanese irrespective of ethnicity. Some said he talks passionately of helping all Guyanese and that they see it in his face and communications. He is on the right track in terms of economic reforms especially in lowering taxes. A large majority approved of the budget (69 per cent). And he has signalled that he wants a trustworthy electoral system that will inspire confidence in all Guyanese. Some 68 per cent support prosecution of election riggers and 65 per cent feel election will not be free and fair if the riggers remain at GECOM. Some 70 per cent want electoral reforms.

The President is seen as very pro-active and going out in the communities. They like the idea that he is taking Government to the doorsteps of people. Respondents said the President seems committed to democratic governance and electoral and constitutional reforms.

Respondents praise his and the Vice President’s ability to access resources from friendly countries like India, USA, Canada, and the UK for Guyana to address

pandemic issues. In spite of constraints of the pandemic, the Government is forging excellent international relations and signing accords with several countries.

President Irfaan has been able to secure foreign assistance from several countries for development programmes. He pulled off the biggest achievement in diplomatic relations - a visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the first visit to Guyana of an American Cabinet member. There is overwhelming approval (70 per cent) for US involvement in the election to secure the democratic outcome and for Pompeo’s visit.

Respondents overwhelmingly approved the performance of Anil Nandlall as well as to the granting of Silk (Senior Counsel) status to him and Timothy Jonas.

The President disappoints the diaspora in one area - many complain that the Administration has not appointed qualified individuals from the diaspora to positions as promised during visits to and engagements with diaspora especially in North America. Many also complain about the handling of the oil contracts.

Dear Editor, President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill’s infrastructural development proposal for Guyana would benefit workers directly and allow for jobs that lead to sustainable careers.

It also seems likely that the programme would create new opportunities and challenges for the nation’s education and training system, especially the career and technical education system in our high schools and in sub-baccalaureate post-secondary education.

The inherently temporary nature of an infrastructure boom also raises a longer-term set of opportunities and challenges for creating sustainable career pathways for infrastructure workers, especially for workers at the high school and sub-baccalaureate level.

There is no doubt that the infrastructure boom would result in up-skilling for the workers involved. While a majority of the jobs would go to workers with only high school and short-term training, their limited formal preparation would give them access to highly valuable work experience and state-

of-the-art technology as well as the formal and informal training available on the job.

As a general rule, we must encourage employer-based learning system which is roughly equivalent in scale to the entire post-secondary education system that has positive impacts on career sustainability. After all, many of us learn job-related skills in secondary and post-secondary schools for months or years but we learn on the job for decades.

The longer-term challenge will be whether those skills learned on and off the job are transferable to careers available when the infrastructure boom is over.

The high school educated workers left behind in the shift from a manufacturing to a service-based economy were not highly educated, but they were highly skilled as a result of years of learning on the job and technological change. Ultimately, technology eliminated their jobs, and their skills, although considerable, were not transferable to the new high-tech service economy.

Infrastructure jobs would likely boom and then decline, except for a growth in the share of workers neces-

sary to maintain, repair, and update infrastructure. Our historical experience, especially in manufacturing, suggests that many of the skills obtained in the boom were not transferable to the modern high-tech service dominated economy.

As in our manufacturing past, future dislocation and wage losses after an infrastructure boom would be concentrated in the male workforce, given the dominance of males in infrastructure occupations. If we are to look at the historical evidence this will suggests further caution. Male high school graduates have always been more likely to for-go post-secondary education or training to get jobs with good entry-level wages, oftentimes in occupations without strong longterm career pathways.

The long-term problem is not necessarily a lack of jobs for experienced infrastructure workers but a mismatch between the skills of dislocated infrastructure workers and the jobs available, especially at the sub-baccalaureate level. Over the next five years, there will be lots of good jobs that require less than a baccalaureate degree but will require some educa-

tion or training beyond high school. Many of these jobs are unlikely to be in blue-collar infrastructure occupations. Most of these good sub-baccalaureate jobs are in occupations like white-collar office jobs, accounting and finance, healthcare, and information technology. Through 2025, the economy will create more than 50,000 middle-skill job openings, including 10,000 openings from newly-created jobs and thousands of job openings from baby boomer retirements.

In conclusion, it seems reasonably clear that infrastructure jobs are good jobs for those who get them and bring long-term economic and social gains for the rest of the country. But we do not want this infrastructure boom to be a false dawn for Guyanese workers. The challenge we face is building an effective education and training system to prepare workers for them and an effective retraining system to provide for successful labour market transitions when the boom in infrastructure jobs is over.

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

Guyana’s new infrastructure jobs lead to sustainable careers

Sincerely, David Adams

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Eliminating electoral fraud and financial mismanagement Dear Editor, The 2020 electoral fraud and the terrible financial mismanagement have caused a breakdown in society which must urgently be remedied. we will make suggestions how this could be done, firstly by dealing with electoral fraud and then financial mismanagement.

1. Electoral fraud GECOM needs to be reformed immediately if we are to hold LGE. It was announced that there would be an international Commission of Inquiry to report how GECOM could be improved. Most of

GECOM’s procedures are quite good but they go awry because of the personnel who work them. The following could be done: (a) GECOM staff mirroring the composition of the population. The staff of GECOM should be recruited on the bases of merit and mirror the racial composition of the population. At the moment, the overwhelming majority of GECOM staff are drawn from one racial group. If they are drawn to mirror the racial composition of the population, fraud would be stymied.

Eventually, when things become equilibrial, then there

would be no need to think of recruiting on a racial basis. (b) Staff better qualified, paid and sharper discipline. The staff should be better qualified than the public service and their pay should be higher. Disciplinary penalties should be more stringent and the courts should be more involved in this regard. (c) Penalties must be a deterrent. Penalties for electoral fraud should be so severe that they would deter others from getting involved. The courts should not fail in their national duty. (d) Oath of democra-

Congrats to President-elect Joe Biden; US’s 1st Caribbean roots Black female, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Dear Editor, Like our fellow Caribbean immigrants across the US and the Caribbean, we are celebrating, like the spirit of Caribbean immigrant Alexander Hamilton is undoubtedly celebrating this Saturday, Nov 7, 2020, as Senator Kamala Harris became the US’ first female Vice President-elect and the first with roots that stretch directly to the Caribbean.

Alexander Hamilton came to America from the Caribbean as a young man, as did Kamala Harris’ father, Dr Donald Harris, who came from Jamaica two centuries later, ploughing the path for his daughter, American-born Kamala Harris.

We stand proud with him as Caribbean Americans as we see history in the making, and we the American Caribbean Diaspora, claim her proudly.

Caribbean-Americans have contributed greatly to the shaping of American democracy from the famous, Hamilton, who might as well have been the first Caribbean-American President of the United States. In retrospect, he was certainly the most brilliant Caribbean-American Founding Father.

Now, almost 250 years later, Kamala Harris, of Caribbean descent, may well achieve that distinction, after first serving as the first female, and Black female, Vice President beginning January 20, 2021.

Imagine the possibility that the first woman President of the United States could very well also be the first Caribbean American President?

What we know for sure is that the goalpost has moved, the pendulum has shifted, the people have mandated and triggered change. We certainly look forward to the coming years and the mandate from the

new progressive Democrats.

We celebrate, as in the “Politics of Joy” by Hubert Humphrey, one of the great liberal leaders, the conscience of this country.

This shows political morality and how it can be achieved. There is no real lack of global opinion, that America needs to be unified as a nation and reclaim its global presence. Likewise, Caribbean organisations must be engaged towards growth in the region to help us maintain our economies there.

There is no denying that the Joe Biden-Harris ticket was helped unreservedly by the Caribbean immigrant and Black voting base across the country, especially in areas like Philadelphia and Atlanta’s suburbs, in a historic election that saw the most votes cast. The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris team now has a mandate to deliver for a demographic that has too often felt used and discarded by the Democratic party.

We at Invest Caribbean believe the time for change is now. The Black and new progressive Democrats have spoken by casting their vote. We expect change and we will hold our new leaders accountable for the Black agenda, including the Caribbean agenda in the Diaspora and the region.

The Joe Biden and the Kamala Harris team could significantly help with the change towards the small Caribbean developing economies. The Caribbean is currently dealing with a number of issues affecting their society. In the coming days, Invest Caribbean will reach out to our new leaders, as we have done in the past, to address some of our issues not only as the Caribbean Diaspora, but as citizens of America, who must be counted at the table.

We will look towards to our very own, Caribbean

descent Kamala Harris, reaching out to her roots and moving the goalpost towards progress in the region. Every Caribbean voter who stood in line for hours, every Caribbean advocate who helped to organise and get the word out, should take a bow right now. This is your moment too. You helped restore America’s democracy and steer this country towards real social changes, progress and growth.

We believe that “Black Lives Matter;” We believe that: “Caribbean American contributions matter,” and we believe, “Investing in the Caribbean matters.”

Caribbean Americans and the Caribbean have been allies to America and will continue to be present in the democracy of America.

We are looking for America to restore the values of America that we hold dear.

The Caribbean Diaspora holds no exception to this mandate.

But as we celebrate, we must also recognise we have to get to work, beginning today, to craft our own agenda forward that will address the needs of our community - both as Caribbean and Black and for our Caribbean region. Never again must the Caribbean and Black vote be taken for granted.

On behalf of the people of the Caribbean and Caribbean Americas across these United States, Invest Caribbean proudly salutes the beautiful, the brilliant, the first female, Caribbeanroots US Vice President, Kamala Harris.

And we look forward to bringing the Caribbean Diaspora and the Caribbean together in a virtual celebration of their inauguration on January 17, 2021.

Respectfully, Felicia J Persaud and Dr Sheila Newton Moses

cy. All GECOM staff must take an oath to uphold democracy and never to undermine it. Betrayal of the oath should attract harsh punishment. (e) The full force of the law must be fairly used on those before the courts for electoral fraud. This would help to strengthen Guyana’s democracy. (f) The enormous financial expenditure accorded to GECOM should be carefully monitored and audited to prevent waste and theft.

2.

Financial fraud.

Financial fraud of the kind recently exposed is due to: (i) Ministers and public servants have a deep mindset that the State is all-powerful and no one could restrain the State.

They also feel that those

who operate within the parameters of the State like themselves could do as they like with impunity. They could act recklessly and illegally and there would never be any sanctions. (ii) Ministers and many modern public servants are ignorant of the financial regulations and the law under which they must operate. This ignorance had led them to act in subjective and corrupt ways. (iii) After independence, the financial regulations and controls were consciously ignored or broken down and this led to the growth of a culture of financial laxity and bribery which we are now suffering.

This situation could be addressed by: (a) Widespread public education as to the pow-

ers of the State and how it could be restrained. Such education could be done in the schools, the media and the public service. (b) Reprinting the financial regulations and general orders in thousands of booklets to give every public servant including the regional officers. There should be regular short sessions to discuss and explain these regulations and orders. (c) Senior officers in the public service must constantly enforce discipline in their departments. (d) Those persons who are before the courts for financial improprieties will have to allow the law to take its course.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

Aspects of the American election mirror what transpired here in Guyana Dear Editor, Guyana has had some notable firsts during this century and the election saga that recently ended here was no different - our election story hit the world stage like lightning. In some instances, it was with a good message, however, in others it left a bad and unsavoury taste in our mouths, chief of which was the great reluctance by one party to accept defeat.

However, today I shall speak of another first and that is how Guyana’s election fiasco mirrored that of the USA. I am talking about the stark realities of a loss staring you in the face, yet you keep shouting from the top of your lungs that you have won, yes, this was the situation in Guyana as well as in the mighty USA. Now, in normal circumstances, one would expect the one who lost the race to do the honourable thing and bow out gracefully, but this was not the case in Guyana.

When the PNC-led coalition lost, they did not concede and kept setting up roadblocks along the way frustrating the process at every turn. Such was the situation in the great USA where Trump was adamant that he will win and was digging in his heels as the legitimate “owner” of the White House.

In the first instance when he realised that defeat was upon him, he blurted out that there should be a halt to the counting of the votes. Stop the counting of the votes, he shouted while his ardent supporters started a ruckus in the streets.

There was a similar situation here in Guyana also where the PNC said that there should be no recount, just blind acceptance of Mingo’s mangle and Lowenfield’s jangle. In

fact, this is one of their filings in the election petition that there should never have been a recount, which makes this whole affair revealingly stupid! But all of this does make sense to them.

How else could one determine the results of an election if the votes aren’t counted? Votes make for an election and the counting of those votes determines the winner. So, this crazy guy called Donald Trump was either high on something or plain stupid, to say the least. Whichever way the diagnosis went he was up against it and the truth was soon about to sink in.

Now, in the final stages of his rantings when down on the canvas he shouted out again, that there were

“dead voters on the list.” I think this one caught my attention the strongest, that is, dead voters on the voting list, because, from all appearances, this seems to have been a scene taken straight from the PNC’s election book of 2020.

So, this loose cannon of an American President would have had some long-distance training from Harmon and his PNC Comrades here. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, in like manner all sick jokes must come to an end also, the facts show that the PNC did lose the election and so did Trump, he too lost as the story comes to a screeching end.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

6

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN Give ordered pairs A= B= C=

D=

Plot on the grid below

E=

A = (– 5, 1) B = (– 1, 5) C = (– 2, – 2) D = (– 5, – 5) E = (4, 1) F = (3, 2) G = (4.5, – 4) H =(2, – 2)

S Friday’s answers

A = (– 4, 4) E = (3, 3)

B = (– 4, 2) F = (2, 2)

C = (– 1, – 1) G = (3, – 2)

H

old up a small stuffed animal.

Drop it on the floor. What happened? The force of gravity continuously pulls things down towards the ground.

Next, toss the stuffed animal up into the air and then let it fall to the ground.

How did the toy fall to the ground this time? Research the force you used to toss the stuffed animal up and the force of gravity that pulled it down to the ground.

Jump straight up as high as you can.

How did you feel? How much energy did you use to jump? Were you able to jump very high? How does a rocket get so high? Why can’t you jump as high?

It takes an incredible amount of energy to launch a rocket to overcome Earth's gravity. In a rocket engine, when ignited rocket fuel heats up, rapidly expanding gases are forced out of the tail of the rocket. This generates the upward thrust which pushes the rocket into the air.

In this activity, use moving air blown through a straw to provide the thrust.

D = (– 4, – 3) H =(2, – 4)

Now you are ready to launch! Bend the neck of the flexible drinking straw to a right angle. Next, slide the long end of the straw into the base of the rocket.

Before you blow into the short end of the drinking straw to launch, make sure you have plenty of room and that no one is in the way of an incoming rocket.

Count down 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, blast off!

You need a jumbo straw, small clay ball, and labels.

Use the clay to stop up one end of the straw. This is the nose of the rocket.

Fashion a nose cone by cutting one of the labels in half and wrapping it around the top of the straw, covering the clay.

Cut the remaining label in half. Use those halves along with the half label left over from the nose cone to make fins. Fins are at the opposite end of the rocket’s nose. Attach one end of the label to the straw, fold and crease the piece in half, and attach the remaining bit of label to the straw. Position three fins around the base of the straw. (See photo).

What did you observe?

Measure out a flight zone with masking tape so you can see how far your rocket travels in future flights.

Launch again.

Where did the rocket go? How high?

How far down the flight zone? What could you change about your rocket or your launch to make it go higher or travel farther? Modify your rocket, trying different launch angles, blowing harder, or redesigning something different to test. Keep launching and revising and then discuss how your ideas and changes worked or didn’t work. (Excerpt from startwithabook.org)

ome cranes saw a farmer ploughing a large field.

When the work of ploughing was done, they patiently watched him sow the seed. It was their feast, they thought.

So, as soon as the farmer had finished planting and had gone home, down they flew to the field, and began to eat as fast as they could.

The farmer, of course, knew the cranes and their ways. He had had experience with such birds before.

He soon returned to the field with a sling. But he did not bring any stones with him. He expected to scare the cranes just by swinging the sling in the air, and shouting loudly at them.

At first the cranes flew away in great terror. But they soon began to see that none of them ever got hurt. They did not even hear the noise of stones whizzing through the air, and as for words, they would kill nobody. At last they paid no attention whatever to the farmer.

The farmer saw that he would have to take other measures. He wanted to save at least some of his grain.

So he loaded his sling with stones and killed several of the cranes. This had the effect the farmer wanted, for from that day the cranes visited his field no more.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt begins process to draft Data Protection Bill — as tenders sent out seeking consultant

F

rom the liberalisation of the telecoms sector to the increase in distance learning during the COVID-19 era, much is happening in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

With this in mind, the Government is moving towards a bill for the protection of data.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit, technical and legal assistance is being sought to draft the Data Protection Bill. According to the unit, the consultant will review, revise and develop policies and regulations on data protection, privacy and access to information.

The unit reiterated the Government’s commitment to developing a sustainable ICT sector, while stressing

the importance of having the necessary legislation in place to protect citizens.

The consultancy is for an eight months’ period.

“Data protection is of paramount importance and with the increase in data sharing due to increased online activities and e-commerce, comprehensive data protection legislation is imperative,” the unit said in its notice.

“Data protection is becoming more and more valuable to Governments and the Private Sector since unauthorised and careless processing of personal data can be of great harm to individuals and companies.”

During the 2020 emergency budget debate, Prime Minister Mark Phillips had said during his budget presentation that monies would be set aside for

the drafting of such a bill.

He had cited the increasing storage of electronic information online by citizens and the need to protect them.

“The policy work would continue through the end of this year with the development of draft legislation and explanatory memoranda for ever-increasing electronic information being provided by our citizens and being utilized by the Government’s other sectors,” Phillips had said in September.

After the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Prime Minister Mark Phillips came to power, it took them Following liberalisaless than three months to tion, it did not take long liberalise the telecommufor GTT to promise ennications sector and bring hanced service and 5G inan end to the Guyana ternet for Guyana. Other Telephone and Telegraph Internet Service Providers Company’s (GTT) thir(ISP), like E-Networks and ty-year monopoly in Digicel Guyana, have reGuyana.

ceived the requisite licences and are looking to expand, ushering in a new age of telecoms competition.

Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gregory Dean, had said following liberalisation that his company plans to finally land a subsea fibre optic cable in Guyana, while also expanding its service.

“We would like to upgrade the services we are currently offering, that is in terms of upgrading our current mobile data network.

But then we’d also like to get into additional services.

Digicel has always been interested in going to remote areas as well,” Dean had said during an interview with the State media.

“We are in the middle of the upgrade of our network and I think it’s the biggest upgrade we’ve had for

the network in quite some time. We’re hoping to have that completed in the next two to three months,” he had also said.

The former Government had passed the Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill since 2016, which was supposed to liberalise the telecoms sector. However, the former Government, for some inexplicable reason, hesitated to sign the commencement orders for over four years.

They had claimed that the liberalisation of the sector was heavily dependent upon the settlement of a US$44 million tax claim against GTT by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). However, the PPP Government had no problem issuing the commencement orders on October 5, without compromising on the taxes owed by GTT.

Sanitation worker killed after metal lift collapses at Liliendaal

A

sanitation worker was on Sunday killed after the external lift he was using at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, collapsed on Sunday.

The dead man has been identified as 29-year-old Kevin Smith of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, the now dead man was part of a team of sanitation workers who were contracted to clean the hospital. At about 08:00h on

the day in question, the now dead man reported for work and began to clean the lower flat of the building, while other workers were cleaning the third flat.

However, at about 13:00h, he was asked to take some cleaning materials to the third flat.

As such, he used the stairs to the third flat where he delivered the items.

Infectious Diseases Hospital

Upon doing so, he reportedly used the metal lift located on the northern side of the building to return to the ground floor.

In doing so, the cord from the metal lift reportedly burst, thus causing the lift to go down at a fast rate of speed. Smith reportedly received injuries and was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

where he was seen by a doctor on duty but died while receiving treatment. Doctors have since confirmed that the injured man sustained severe internal injuries as a result of the fall.

His body is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman arrested after caught on camera attempting to rob store

R

anks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have arrested a woman in connection with an attempted robbery at the American Home and Beauty Center located at 72 Robb and Wellington Streets, Georgetown.

So far, the suspect’s name has not been released, but Guyana Times understands that the woman identified herself as “Ashley Williams” to the store owners.

However, this publication was also informed that the woman visited the store to purchase some items on Saturday but reportedly stayed in the store after it had closed. It was then she attempted the daring robbery.

In CCTV footage seen by this publication, the woman was seen coming out from her hiding space in the evening, when the store was empty. She was later

to open the cash registers but failed. She was later seen taking several items from the store’s shelves and showcases.

Some of these items include hair, makeup, clothes, earrings, snacks, and curling irons. She was later cornered by security personnel who were alerted.

This publication was also informed that after the woman was caught, she was told by the store owners that if she had taken anything to eat, she would have been forgiven. She remains in custody as investigations continue.

The woman trying to break into the cash register at the store

seen walking around using a flashlight to see her way around, since the store was completely dark.

Shortly after, the woman walked around to ensure that no one was in the store, and made several attempts

“Grasie” arraigned for murder of drinking buddy

A

fisherman who allegedly stabbed his drinking buddy during an argument was remanded to prison on Friday.

Twenty-year-old Saif Khatoon, also known as “Grasie” of Lot 102 Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), appeared before Magistrate Zamilla AliSeepaul in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on November 1, 2020, he murdered 20-year-old Keron Williams.

The court heard that on the day in question, the now dead man and several friends were imbibing alcohol when an argument broke out.

During the argument, the now dead man threw a bicycle at the suspect, “Grasie,” and in retaliation, he picked up a knife and dealt Williams several blows to his upper body.

It was reported that after the stabbing incident, the other friends disappeared from the scene, leaving the injured young man on the ground.

He was, however, found by a few other friends who took him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Magistrate Ali-Seepaul, after listening to the facts of the matter, remanded “Grasie” to prison. The case was adjourned until November 17, 2020.

To go or not to go...

A

...from the White House? s soon as the press started projecting a win for Biden, incumbent President Donald Trump signalled he won’t be “conceding”. The question, of course, is if he sticks to that, “what then?” The first thing we have to deal with is whether there’s any law stating he must “concede” that he lost. And the answer is “No!” Yup! That right! Trump would be breaking no law if he sits tight. Up to now, all of the previous 43 Presidents who lost – or decided not to run – did issue “concession” statements and congratulated the other guy (and they’ve all been “guys”) in the race. So, this “concession” statement must be seen as what it is – a custom. But what democratic governance has shown – especially in the British system that’s considered the fountainhead of parliamentary governance – is that customs are as important as the stated law. As a matter of fact, England doesn’t even have any “stated law” (otherwise known as the “Constitution”!). Everyone’s supposed to “do the right thing”. Gentleman’s agreement and all that, old chap!

In the US, however, they DO have a Constitution – and, as a matter of fact, they were the ones to INVENT Constitutions as the instrument to determine what folks in Government ought or ought not to do. So, from this perspective, the US Constitution (20th Amendment) simply states that the incumbent remains in office AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES until noon of Jan 20 of the year following the elections. The Constitution also permits him to challenge the results of the elections –- as when he said, “Beginning Monday, our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated!”

But that ain’t gonna be so easy. He’ll have to start in the lower courts with specific claims about the count or the process to which he’s objecting. His people (Republican supporters) already brought a plethora of these cases in several states during the count – and they were all dealt with. The same will apply to any case Trump might file and while he’s said these will go all the way to the Supreme Court, that’s not a certainty.

In 2000 when Democratic candidate Al Gore challenged the count in Florida which showed George W Bush with just 500 more votes than his count and went to the Supreme Court to stop a recount, the Court split 5-4 with Gore losing. It’s very unlikely that the Supreme Court – even with a majority of Conservative members right now – will overturn the count in more than one state – as is necessary to change the result.

Biden’s gonna be President for the next four years. ...till Jan 20, 2021 But with all the arguments about the Courts and what they’ll decide – Trump still has two full months to go as President plus to take all sorts of moves and make all sorts of decisions. He has now become, in US political parlance, a “lame duck” President...who theoretically has diminished INFLUENCE – but NOT diminished POWERS!!

For instance, Trump is free to make decisions with little fear of consequence, such as issuing executive orders, pardons, or other controversial edicts.

Not too long ago on his last day in office Jan 20, 2001, hours before he officially demitted office, outgoing lameduck US President Bill Clinton was widely criticized for issuing 140 pardons and other acts of executive clemency – including for two former close colleagues, donors, fellow Democratic members, and his own half-brother. But his decisions weren’t reversed!!

With all the accusations swirling about him and his dealings with Russia and China for instance, do not be surprised if Trump makes similar actions! ...and it’s “no go”?

If Trump refuses to leave on Jan 20, what then!?

Biden said the military would remove Trump “with great dispatch”.

But more likely, the Secret Service, which protected him till then, will escort him out of the White House.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali lauds sacrifice of veterans on Remembrance Day

P

resident Irfaan Ali on Sunday lauded the sacrifice made by the men and women who laid their lives down in service to the Commonwealth

during World Wars One and Two in order to ensure that peace and freedom around the world.

The Head of State was at the time speaking at

The Cenotaph decorated with wreaths on Sunday

a wreath-laying ceremony, which was held at the Georgetown Cenotaph (War Memorial) on Sunday.

He was joined by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, other government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) among others.

During his brief address, President Ali posited that Guyana will forever be indebted to those veterans for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom during World Wars I and II. “We also recall with gratitude those who, through the years, have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression, wherever these exist.

Their examples strengthen our resolve to maintain our efforts for a world at peace with justice and prosperity for all people,” he asserted.

The Guyanese Leader went onto pledge the rededication of Guyana and its people to the search of peace everywhere. He also

Dept of Environment, Climate Change Office to be merged

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday last announced that Government would be merging the Department of Environment and the Office of Climate Change to ensure a focused approach in tackling climate change.

Jagdeo disclosed that there had been a great deal of overlap between the two existing departments.

“A lot of people working on projects in a very isolated way, almost in silos without any order or regard as to the outcome. So, there has not been a clearly defined goal of what we want to achieve.”

According to the Vice President, the Green State Development Strategy formulated by the APNU/AFC Administration was loosely defined and without a project for it to be effective. He said many people were clueless about how their work fitted into the strategy based on the feedback he received.

Jagdeo related that President Irfaan Ali made it clear that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) would be the main document guiding the country’s climate actions domestically.

He noted that through the LCDS, Guyana was able to secure funding from Norway through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) during the previous PPP/C stint in office.

The Government, he said, is working to revitalise that partnership.

“We have written to

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Norway; we got a reply, so we are looking to re-engage with Norway soon on the engagements that we have and a review of the last programme. We are looking to negotiate a new programme that will bring additional funding for the country and initiatives.”

Under GRIF, projects identified included grants to small businesses, a centre for biodiversity studies, ICT for vulnerable communities and Amerindian Land Titling.

“We have spent the last few months reviewing them because they are stalled. Even though we had US$17 million assigned to the telecommunications project, US$4 million has been spent, but a lot of the equipment is just sitting in a bond. So, we now have to swiftly get these 200 hubs created in the hinterland areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vice

President Jagdeo revealed that the previous APNU/ AFC Administration misused money received through the Fund.

“Money that [Guyana] earned from Norway was spent on hosting conventions… a lot of trips for the staff at Lands and Surveys to travel the world without focusing on the things that matter… I am telling you this is because we stood still for five years and we have just had a few short months to re-engage in this area,” he disclosed.

The LCDS, he said, would be expanded in the areas of biodiversity, water management and other sectors. Jagdeo added that the Government is creating a coordinated and efficient mechanism to deal with climate and environment-related issues. (Extracted and modified from the Department of Public Information)

President Irfaan Ali at the Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday

renewed the commitment to the development and wellbeing of this “beloved country.”

Remembrance Sunday is commemorated on the second Sunday of November.

Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day, is observed on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countries to honour those who died in the Wars. British Guianese soldiers served and fought in Egypt, France, Belgium, and East Africa.

The Remembrance Day or ‘Poppy Day’ is observed each year on the second Sunday in November to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers from the two World Wars (1914-1918 and 19391945).

However, this occasion is commemorated on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countries around the world to honour those who died in the wars Guyana’s oldest World War II veteran is Benjamin

Durant, who will celebrate his 102nd birthday in the coming week. There are currently nine surviving veterans in Guyana.

President Ali led the charge in laying the wreath at the War Memorial on Sunday, followed by Prime Minister Phillips and members of the Diplomatic Corps, including British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee, U.S Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch and Indian High Commissioner, Dr K.J Srinivasa.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Godfrey Bess, Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie and a representative of the Guyana Veterans Legion also laid wreaths.

Sunday’s event was scaled down and had to be observed with adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines.

President of the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL), Lieutenant Colonel (retired), George Gomes, told the Guyana Times that the pandemic has severely impacted this year’s Remembrance Day observance.

However, he noted that this is such a significant activity that they could not have ignored it.

“We were unable to take Poppies out to the schools. We were not able to carry out our annual Poppy Drive, which is on the Saturday before Remembrance Day. But Remembrance Day cannot be ignored and this year, 2020, marks 75 years since World War II ended, and there is no way we could have gone without observing that,” he noted.

Nevertheless, the GVL President is optimistic that next year’s Remembrance Day activity will be held with its usually grandeur.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Contract with Canadian company

Landing equipment installed at CJIA – Public Works Minister

L

ast year, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) signed a contract with a Canadian company for the supply of equipment intended to aid in landing planes.

It turns out that this contract has been fulfilled.

In a recent interview with this publication, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill was asked for an update on this project. He noted that based on the information he would have received; the equipment was installed.

“Myaunderstanding is that that equipment would have been in place. There was equipment that was procured for GCAA to help with safe landing and that is in place,” Edghill explained.

The firm in question, IntelCan, is based in Montreal, Canada.

According to the particulars of the contract they signed on July 18, 2019, they were tasked with

supplying and installing upgraded Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at CJIA, Timehri, East Bank Demerara by February 2020.

The ILS is an approach which employs two radio signals that provide a pilot with vertical and horizontal guidance during the landing phase of an aircraft. The localiser (LOC) provides azimuth guidance, while the glideslope (GS) defines the correct vertical descent profile.

Following the upgrade and extension of the runway at CJIA, the acquisition of this new and modern ILS system will enhance the landing capability of aircraft at the CJIA to alleviate the need for diversions of aircraft in minimal weather conditions.

It was expected that with the acquisition of this improved system, CJIA’s ability to facilitate safe landing and avoid having to divert

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport

aircraft in minimal weather conditions would have been improved.

In addition to the ILS, the aviation systems were supposed to also be boosted with a Digital Automatic Terminal Information System (D-ATIS) to provide pilots with real-time information on weather and safety.

At the time of the contract, this information was provided to pilots by the Air Traffic Controllers without

automation. In the future, the D-ATIS will provide automatic data to the aircraft every hour.

“Key features of D-ATIS are reduction of the workload for Air Traffic Controllers and pilots, provision of timely, accurate, and updated information and reducing the likelihood of human error and runway congestion during the transmission of data to pilots and improving air safety and efficiency,” GCAA had said at

the time.

“The acquisition of D-ATIS will align the GCAA with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Interoperability Plans, which aims to provide a seamless operation and experience for pilots operating in any part of the world.”

While the CJIA has benefitted from this upgrade of its landing and digital systems, the same cannot be said for the US$138 million

China Export/Import Bank (EXIM) funded airport expansion project.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had toured the CJIA expansion worksite back in September, where he had read the riot act to the contractor, consultants and other officials. Among his concerns had been the deviation from the terms agreed upon in what was a fixed price contract.

CHEC was, therefore, tasked with submitting a revised work plan that included the original design, such as facilities for eight air bridges, an extended runway, taxiways, and aprons with capacity for eight standing aircraft.

Additionally, it was expected that CHEC would make provision for the reconstruction, not renovation, of the terminal building. It was also expected that the company would have submitted this work plan within five days of August 28.

Guyana records 30 new COVID-19 Returning President’s College students to be housed on campus cases, 11 remain in ICU …as schools reopen today for CSEC, CAPE students

G

uyana recorded 30 new novel coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 4514.

According to the Health Ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard, this figure comprises some 2368 males and 2146 females.

However, only 852 of these cases are currently active, with 11 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 841 persons in isolation: 63 in institutional isolation and the other 778 in home isolation.

There are also 49 persons in institutional quarantine.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 134 after the latest fatalities were recorded on Friday when a 56-yearold man from Region One (Barima-Waini), and a 58-year-old male from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) died.

To date, some 3526 persons have recovered from the life-threatening virus.

Guyana has tested a total of 22,092 persons thus far for the novel coronavirus.

A breakdown of the 30 new cases shows increased cases in six of the 10 administrative regions across the country.

These include five new cases in Barima-Waini; one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 15 cases in DemeraraMahaica; four each in Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and one case in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

The figures remained the same in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Nine (Upper Takutu-

T

Upper Essequibo) at 91, 33, 79 and 376, respectively.

Since taking office, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has embarked on a massive testing drive to ensure that all positive cases, especially asymptomatic cases, are detected. This has resulted in a high number of cases being detected.

Authorities have been pleading with, and reminding Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9). This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of face masks when leaving home; the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 49,578,590 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 1,245,717 deaths.

The Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean has been identified as the most affected region by the virus. WHO also reported on Sunday that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Region increased to 21,370,015 while the death toll has gone up to 654,512.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

he 290 students set to return to President’s College for classes today will be housed in the school’s dormitories under strict guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This was revealed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who met with the students’ parents on Sunday.

Addressing parents at the Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara school, the Minister said the Ministry would, with parents’ permission, test and quarantine each student to ensure they are not carriers of the virus.

“The reality is that if we test a large enough number, some people will have a positive result because you are coming from all over this country that has positive cases and so they will be tested and quarantined for a bit,” Manickchand said.

Alternatively, parents could choose to have their children attend the school closest to them.

“We are not going to be coming after anyone in any truancy campaign to lock you up or charge you to inquire why you did not send your children. The choice is up to you; we feel that we have to provide the option for parents and students who cannot access education through Zoom, internet or any other option but … you do not have to do this,” Minister Manickchand explained.

Several measures have been taken to keep both teachers and students safe through the installation of sinks with running water, distribution of care packages which include masks and shield, vitamins and sanitisers.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand addressing parents at the meeting

Markings were also set out to keep students at least six feet apart. This will allow 15 to 20 or even 20 to 25 students in a class depending on its size. The school also received an $18 million allocation to boost its internet connectivity and to print worksheets.

Personnel from the Region Four Regional Democratic Council will also do daily check-ups at the school.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who accompanied the Education Minister, told the gathering that the students would be subjected to PCR tests administered by a medical team stationed right at the school.

The results will be available today, and those who test positive would be isolated.

“We want to do that in a very safe environment, and when we mean safe, we want to ensure that all of the things that we do here, especially for those in the dorms, that they follow all of the protocols that we have in place to ensure that they remain safe,” Dr Anthony said.

The Health Minister added that the students would have to observe the protocols in place, including wear-

ing masks, sanitising their hands and social distancing.

As it relates to a positive case, those who live nearby will be given the option to be isolated at home and will be provided with medical supplies.

Meanwhile, those from the outlying regions will be catered for at the Government’s isolation facilities at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre or the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal. Special spaces will be set up at those facilities for the children to receive instructions.

On October 31, the Education Minister announced that schools would reopen for classroom instruction for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Since then, there have been numerous multi-stakeholder engagements with the Health Ministry, regional education officials, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), the Guyana Teachers’ Union, parents, students and other parties.

(Extracted and modified from the Department of Public Information)

NEWS

11

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CANU issues wanted bulletin for businessman for Belgium cocaine bust

T

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has issued a wanted bulletin for Marlon Primo in connection with the massive drug bust in Belgium on Wednesday last with more than 1 tonne of cocaine.

CANU said Primo is a resident of Lot 701 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and of 69 Atlantic Village, ECD. He is also the proprietor of MA Trading, located at 35 Factory Road, Paradise, ECD. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Primo is asked to make contact with CANU Headquarters on 227-3507, 226-0431. Two scrap metal dealers were already arrested and questioned in relation to the shipment.

Wanted: Marlon Primo

ever.

It was reported that counter-narcotics prosecutors tracked the transatlantic journey of 11.5 tonnes of cocaine from Guyana, on the northeastern coast of

an estimated street value of €900 million or US$1.06 billion. The drugs were disguised as scrap metal and placed inside a steel container, which was, in turn, packed into a sea container and loaded into a transatlantic vessel.

According to the report, the massive load of cocaine left Guyana in late October, and prosecutors were able to track it following the dismantlement of a drug trafficking gang led by a former Belgian counter-narcotics chief, which revealed the existence of tight-knit links between criminal gangs and counter-narcotics and law enforcement officials.

The reports stated that three police officers, a port manager, and a lawyer were among some 20 other criminals arrested as part of

The ship on which the large quantity of cocaine was found

On Thursday, the Brussel Times reported that Belgian authorities had intercepted a vessel that allegedly left Guyana in October with a whooping 11.5 tonnes of cocaine - the largest drug bust

South America, and seized it upon its arrival at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, on Wednesday last.

Federal prosecutors told Belgian media that this is “the largest overseas drug bust ever, worldwide” with

an operation targeting the “well-structured” criminal organisation suspected of orchestrating large and “regular” drug shipments from South America to Belgium.

However, the re-

cord-breaking shipment was expected by law enforcement officials as it is suspected it left the port of Guyana after the drug gang’s arrest in Belgium, with drug gangs unable to intercept it once at sea, De Standaard reported.

The dismantlement of the drug gang in late September led to the arrest and indictment of 22 people, with three people still in the Netherlands awaiting extradition.

This major drug bust comes on the heels of one in August in Hamburg, Germany, where authorities discovered 1.5 tonnes of cocaine in a container of

The cocaine that was found in one of the containers on the vessel

rice shipments. The cocaine had a street value of around

€300 million and had originated from Guyana.

Robbery convict caught redhanded after breaking into house

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ays after being released from prison for simple larceny, a Corriverton man is back in Police custody after he was caught red-handed with a quantity of household items he reportedly stole after he broke into a house.

The 53-year-old man, who is wanted for a number of breakages in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was arrested on Sunday with the stolen items in his possession.

The police stated that the alleged burglary was committed on the dwelling house of 39-year-old Hasena Mohamed of Lot 517 Block 19 Line Path, Corentyne.

On Sunday morning, Mohamed discovered that her house was broken into and a number of items missing. Among them were a quantity of groceries, four pairs of pants, cosmetics and a briefcase along with

Robbery convict Sureshchand Lachman

$20,000 in cash.

Based on information received, Police went to the Lot 108 No 79 Corriverton home of Sureshchand Lachman called "Rice" where he was allegedly found with the stolen items.

He has since been charged and is expected to be placed before the court during the week.

The convict is wanted for questioning in relation to several breakages and was previously convicted for three counts of breaking and entering and larceny committed in 2019.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

It was reported that he had broken into the Number 37 Village, Corentyne home of Puneshnie Hitnarine and stole a number of items including cash.

He also went to the East Bank of Berbice where he also broke into the home of Kissoondat Sookhoo at Lot 6 Friends Village and carried out a similar act. Latchman was also charged for committing a similar crime on Navashkar Sahadeao of Lot 30 Susannah Village, East Coast Berbice.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Minister Dharamlall meets Industry residents over construction on disputed land

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n light of concerns with the construction of a structure on disputed land at Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall assured residents on Saturday that the situation is being addressed.

Minister Dharamlall met with residents at the construction site located at Area J Industry, ECD. Last Thursday, the Industry/ Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) issued a cease order to a resident, Roland Dhanraj, who had erected an illegal edifice.

This matter was brought to the attention of Dharamlall in August 2020 after he instructed a technical staffer from his Ministry to investigate the matter.

“The problem we have here is where an individual claims ownership via transport, whether legitimate or not, of this piece of land.

That transport dates back to April 2014. The residents here are claiming that since then that individual has been trying to do construction but they have protested against it,” the Minister added.

Only recently, the Minister said construction was started on a huge fence.

“In our investigations, the NDC did not receive a plan from the individual

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall (second from right) meeting with residents

nor ownership documents and so I instructed my officers to meet with the NDC on November 5 and for them to get a cease order against the construction. We also were able to get the police involved. The cease order was served upon the individual who claims ownership of the land, and we are where we are at this point.”

The Minister further stated that due to miscommunication between the NDC and the residents, they wrongly believed that the Ministry was not addressing the matter.

“The process takes a while. Investigations have to be done, notices have to be served, and that basically took the better part of a month and a half and so we are at a point now where the NDC has been instructed to ensure that they de-

termine the authenticity of the person’s transport and the origin of the transport.”

The Minister has also engaged the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Radha Krishna Sharma, on the issue. This was followed by a visit to the area in September where it was revealed that the sale was done by the Guyana Sugar Corporation and not NICIL. “The entire construction is illegal because there is no plan. There is no approved plan and there is no permission so as we move forward, I think the NDC will have to take more condign action against this individual to possibly demolish if they determine that they are in contravention of a construction permit.”

Baramita miner allegedly took own life

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22-year-old Punter of Baramita, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), reportedly took his own life on Saturday last. The dead man has been identified as Kelvin Williams of Last Restore, Baramita, NWD. Based on reports received, the man’s body was found in a camp in the area at about 17:00h.

The police stated that

Williams and several of his friends were imbibing alcohol at a neighbour’s residence when he told his friends that he was finished drinking for the night. As such, he went home.

However, about an hour later, one of his friends went to the camp and called out to the man but there was no answer. Sensing that something was amiss, be entered the camp and it was then, he

made the discovery.

An alarm was subsequently raised, and persons rushed to the camp.

The police at Baramita Police Station were summoned to the scene. The district Medex visited the scene and pronounced Williams dead. The body was escorted to the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem.

Investigations are ongoing.

Residents have also complained of flooding following prolonged downpours. The Minister pledged to send engineers to the area to assess that situation.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament, Sheila Veerasammy, who resides in the area, questioned Dhanraj’s access to the land.

“He [Dhanraj] had no right to come here because this is the seventh bed, it’s title land. What we are questioning here is how did he come about getting transport in a community that is sugar welfare owned?”

Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram asserted that the section of land should be barricaded and signs posted until the documents produced can be verified. He is optimistic that the portion of land can be developed properly after the matter is resolved and a drainage assessment conducted.

Minister Dharamlall further noted that the NDCs are functionaries of the Ministry and must en-

The disputed land

sure due process.

“In so far as we are concerned as Government, everything that has to be done must be done legally, and it must be done legitimately, irrespective of who you support, irrespective of who you are, irrespective of how rich you are. Our intention is people must live safely and securely in our communities.”

He also noted that there are similar issues in other areas. “The NDC in BV/ Triumph, the APNU/AFCcontrolled NDC leased land to someone for $500,000 per year and that is a prime location that could have

cost tens of millions of dollars,” he explained.

The Minister also cited another case in Courtland/ Fryrish, in another APNU/ AFC-controlled NDC, where an individual is claiming prescriptive ownership of more than 600 acres of NDC pasture lands for livestock owners.

“If you are genuinely representing people, do so without any political interference because the politics ended when you got elected. Now, it’s time for us to serve our people,” he said.

The Minister then called on NDCs to enhance their service to the people.

GDF Captain is newest Attorney-At-Law

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uyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain, Texine Daw was admitted to practice as an attorney-at-law in the courts of Guyana on Thursday last. Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law Melissa Yearwood-Stewart and Solicitor General Nigel Hawke to Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Captain Daw enlisted in the GDF as a soldier in 2008. However, she always aspired to become an officer and was granted the opportunity which saw her successfully completing the Standard Officer’s Course.

The former St Joseph High School student began reading for her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Guyana. She was successful and was the recipient of the ProChancellor’s Medal for Best

GDF Captain, Attorney-at-Law Texine Daw

Graduating Law Student in 2018.

She acquired her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School on September 4, 2020.

“I was supposed to have become a teacher since most of my family are teachers,

but deep inside I wanted to carve my own path. It was while I was in 6th form at Saint Stanislaus College.

I realised that I was interested in law so I set my goal to becoming an attorney-at-law and set out to achieve same, Captain Daw said.

She continued, “I am equally happy with being a military officer. The values and standards of the GDF has shaped me into the individual I am today. I am grateful for the Guyana Defence Force for the opportunities afforded to me and the discipline and consistency which helped me to persevere throughout my studies.”

Captain Daw is the mother of a three-year-old son and hails from Helena No 2 Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Shot Albouystown man to undergo surgery to remove bullets

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The US Embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Programme organised a food drive in Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). US$5000 worth of locally-purchased rice was distributed to 150 families, alleviating food insecurity in an area vulnerable to COVID-19-induced economic stressors

hirty-year-old Devon Cromwell of Cooper Street, Albouystown, who was shot twice to the abdomen at Victoria Street Albouystown, Georgetown, remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and is expected to undergo a surgery soon.

According to his mother, Shannon Greaves, her son is now responding and is slowly recuperating but she noted that he is awaiting surgery to have the lodged bullets removed.

The woman added that she is disappointed at the manner in which the police are handling the investigation, noting that since the incident, no one has contact-

Injured: Devon Cromwell

ed her and more so, the suspect remains on the loose.

In a previous interview with Greaves, she had stated that she was at home on the day in question when she received news that her son was shot and injured.

Upon arriving at the scene,

she found her son lying in a pool of blood.

He was subsequently picked up and rushed to the GPHC, where he was admitted a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

On his way to the hospital, the injured youth reportedly told his mother who had shot him.

Greaves had further told this publication that her son and the shooter had an old grievance that dated back six to seven years.

She said that both her son’s father and the suspect’s father had brought them together and resolved the matter, but the suspect bore the malice to this date.

The mother continues to plead for justice.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from Remembrance Day for fallen World War I & II soldiers

His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and members of the Discipline Forces at the ceremony on Sunday

US Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency, Sarah-Ann Lynch paying her tribute

Prime Minister Mark Phillips laying his wreath

President Irfaan Ali making his floral tribute on Sunday to the fallen heroes

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency, Lilian Chatterjee placing her wreath

Outgoing British High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency, Greg Quinn

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency, Dr KJ Srinivasa

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Godfrey Bess

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris taught her daughters resilience

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e now know that Senator Kamala Harris will be the next Vice President of the United States. Harris made history – she will be the first Black, first female, and first Indian American to serve just a heartbeat away from the nation's highest office.

In her work as a prosecutor, Senator, and on the campaign trail, Harris often discussed how paramount this familial background is in shaping her beliefs.

Specifically, Harris credits much of her success to her mother, who passed away in 2009. The Senator once called Shyamala Gopalan Harris, "the reason for everything."

Maya Harris, Harris's sister once tweeted, “You can’t know who Kamala Harris is without knowing

US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, along with her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris and sister, Maya Harris

nutrition and endocrinology.

It was 1958 when Gopalan entered the US and, at the time, most Indian households didn’t have phones. The only way for a young Gopalan to stay

Her success in this field took her to universities around the world, where she continued conducting research and teaching. She worked at the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin, spent time in France and Italy, and then received tenure at McGill University in Montreal. Gopalan brought her two daughters with her to Canada. Kamala lived there from age 12 until high school graduation.

Gopalan's breast cancer research was notably influential. Her work "sparked many advances regarding the role of progesterone and its cellular receptor in breast biology and cancer," said Breast Cancer Action's obituary. "The world of women affected by breast cancer changed for the better because of [Gopalan's] presence in it."

grandparents, my mother developed a keen political consciousness. She was conscious of history, conscious of struggle, conscious of inequities. She was born with

mother developed an incredibly close relationship, one that Kamala still views as incredibly formative.

In her speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Senator Harris extensively discussed the impact her mother made on her life. She noted how Gopalan's grit and strong moral code shaped her both as a person and a politician.

"Even as she taught us to keep our family at the centre of our world, she also pushed us to see a world beyond ourselves," Harris said of her mother. "She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility."

While Harris clear-

States of America."

ly misses her mother, who passed away in 2009 from colon cancer, she places great value on continuing her legacy.

"My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning.

And oh, how I wish she were here tonight, but I know she's looking down on me from above. I keep think-

say I am Shyamala Gopalan Harris’s daughter. As I continue the battle for a better health-care system, I do so in her name." Harris continues to speak about her mother often, whether through social media, political ads, or public addresses. Gopalan clearly made a major impact on her daughters' lives, and continues to do so.

ing about that 25-year-old Indian woman – all of five feet tall –who gave birth to me at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California," Harris said. "On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United

"She was the kind of parent who if you came home complaining about something, she’d say 'Well, what are you gonna do about it?'" Harris wrote in a 2019 Instagram post. "So I decided to run for President of the United States." (Annie Goldsmith: Town & Country)

Harris continues to honour her mother's legacy

Gopalan passed away at age 70, but 11 years later, both of her daughters make clear that their mother's influence is constantly present in their lives.

In a 2018 New York Times op-ed, Senator Harris wrote about her mother's battle with cancer in the context of healthcare accessibility and in inspiring her political career. "And though I miss her every day, I carry her with me wherever I go. I think of the battles she fought, the values she taught me, her commitment to improve health care for us all," Harris wrote. "There is no title or honour on earth I’ll treasure more than to

Gopalan was a civil rights activist and met her husband at a protest

who our mother was.”

Shyamala Gopalan Harris immigrated to the United States from India

Born in Madras (now Chennai), India, Gopalan was just 19 years old when she left India alone. Having graduated from Delhi University, she went to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her doctorate in

in touch with her family was through handwritten letters, known as aerograms, which often took about two weeks to arrive. But despite the distance, the family remained close.

She was a worldrenowned scientist

After receiving her PhD, Gopalan stayed at UC Berkeley and became a breast cancer researcher.

In the 1960s, Gopalan met the man who would become her husband and the father of her children: Donald J Harris. Both were immigrants (Harris from Jamaica) getting doctorates at UC Berkeley and were actively involved in the civil rights movement; they met at a protest. The pair married in 1963 and remained involved in the movement, even bringing their daughters along from time to time.

“That’s how they met – as students, in the streets of Oakland, marching and shouting for this thing called justice, in a struggle that continues to this day,” Harris said in her first public remarks as Biden’s running mate. “And I was part of it. My parents would bring me to protests – strapped tightly in my stroller.”

Gopalan and Harris eventually divorced in the early 1970s, when Kamala was seven, but Gopalan continued fighting for racial equality. She mentored students of colour, counselled African-American women battling breast cancer, and instilled political activism in her daughters.

"My mother had been raised in a household where political activism and civic leadership came naturally," Harris wrote in her 2019 autobiography, The Truths We Hold. "From both of my

a sense of justice imprinted on her soul."

She mentored countless students

According to her obituary, Gopalan spent much of her time as a scientist teaching and helping students in her lab. Many of these students had backgrounds similar to her own.

"Often of colour and the first in their families to pursue careers in science, these students eagerly sought Shyamala's mentorship, which often stretched beyond the lab to encompass lessons in life," the obituary said. "Whether helping a student negotiate the UC bureaucracy, find an affordable apartment, or enjoy a home cooked meal, Shyamala was there."

Gopalan was also known for her work ethic and dedication to her students.

According to the Los Angeles Times, after she had back surgery, Gopalan worked from an adjustable mattress in her Oakland apartment, a sea of papers spread around her.

Harris and her mother were very close

After Gopalan's divorce, she raised Kamala and Maya mostly as a single mother. Because of this arrangement, Harris and her

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bell helicopters sale

APNU/AFC denies initiating process to purchase Bell helicopters – former Govt was looking to purchase heavy-lift helicopters – Harmon

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n light of the announcement that Guyana will be purchasing four Bell military helicopters as part of a deal to boost Guyana’s military capabilities, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon on Saturday said that the former Government was not seeking to purchase this modernised model but rather, heavy-lift helicopters.

The former Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency under the APNU/AFC Government stated that disccussions were initiated under the previous Administration but the agreement was approved under the new PPP/C Government to the tune of US$256 million.

The deal was made with the United States (US) Department of Defence and include four helicopters, including two Bell 412Epi and two Bell 429 helicopters, plus related equipment.

At a recent press conference, Harmon noted “I’m not aware that an approach was made to purchase helicop-

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon ters like this. I’m aware that at every stage along the way, we were interested in what we call heavy-lift helicopters that will do search and rescue and troop changeovers.”

While Harmon could not say how much the helicopters of their choice would have cost, he said the coalition’s plan was to sell the unserviceable ones in the air corps and use the funds to purchase accordingly. He said the exact model was

never considered.

“We never got to a point to say whether we were buying this or that,” Harmon then clarified.

According to the Department of Defence, colloquially known as the Pentagon, the US Congress received the required certification informing them of the possible sale of the helicopters.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of Guyana, which is expected to grow to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

The sale will improve Guyana’s capability to meet current and future threats.”

“Guyana will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence; conduct maritime surveillance, patrol, and interdiction; counter narcotic trafficking and transnational criminal organisations; deter regional threats; and support

coalition partners overseas.

Guyana will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the DOD also said, adding that the sale will not alter the basic balance of military power in the region.

According to the Department, the principal contractor will be Bell Helicopter Textron Incorporated (BHTI). It added that the quoted cost is the highest estimation of quantity and dollar value, while the actual cost may be even lower depending on several factors including Guyana’s requirements if and when the sales agreement is concluded.

It was announced last year November that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) would be selling an unserviceable Bell helicopter, as part of its plans to upgrade its aircraft fleet. Back in September 2017, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field had cause to

lament the deteriorated state of the GDF’s helicopters.

He had said at the time that Guyana did not have an adequate search-and-rescue helicopter, that there was no navigational aid at the main airport outside a certain radius, and that this risky situation has been ongoing for years without rectification.

With the advent of the oil and gas sector and the heating up of Venezuela’s claims against Guyana, it has become increasingly clear that Guyana must build its defence capabilities.

During his visit this year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed a maritime

patrol pact with Guyana to guard against narcotics and other regional security threats.

According to President Dr Irfaan Ali, the maritime pact would see joint patrols to interdict narcotics trafficking. The President also noted that it would allow for the improvement of technical and human capabilities in monitoring Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

That move, he noted, augurs well for stronger collaboration and broader technical assistance to help combat both domestic and transnational organised criminal networks.

10 years later

Persons with Disabilities Act lacking implementation – rights activist ...says Public, Private Sectors still reluctant to employ disabled people

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ovember 2, 2020, marked ten years since the Persons with Disabilities Act was passed in the National Assembly and ascended to by former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

It provides for equal treatment, opportunities and access to services for those persons living with disabilities in Guyana. The Act was passed two years after the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) was established.

Programme Coordinator at GCOPD, Ganesh Singh stated that there has been minimal implementation with respect to the Disabilities Act. In this regard, Singh is calling for it to be activated in several areas, including education, employment, housing, public assistance and accessibility.

“For me, I am not satisfied and we have not achieved much over the last 10 years.

However, I am optimistic that the disability landscape will change positively in the coming years,” expressed Singh who has been continuously advocating for equal rights for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

“Disability rights are human rights,” he noted.

Employment The legislation states that PWDs are to be employed without any discrimination. However, this is far from reality. In fact, Singh disclosed that a majority of PWDs are still unemployed.

“Both the public and private sectors still have reservations in employing PWDs. This reluctance is grounded

in the negative perception that exists and have existed for decades - viewing PWDs as being dependents and not individuals that can be productive independent individuals,” Singh added.

Notwithstanding this, he related that strides are being made in having more PWDs employed through various initiatives. According to Singh, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), approximately 400 PWDs from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, have been trained in various skilled areas since 2016.

“Some of these individuals have been able to gain some level of employment.

Others have been able to establish their own small businesses. However, the majority of the trainees have not been able to gain meaningful employment,” he pointed out.

Another positive, he added, are efforts being made by First Lady, Arya Ali to engage the Private Sector to employ these people. In this regard, he said that a list of PWDs who need employment has been submitted to the Office of the First Lady to be used for lobbying the Private Sector agencies.

Singh further pointed out that GCOPD has been engaging various stakeholders in levelling the playing field in terms of employment for persons with disabilities.

The organisation, he added, recently had a productive meeting with the President of the American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) in Guyana, Zulfikar Ally.

He said that Ally promised to engage his membership to support the employment of PWDs. Also, Singh noted that Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Public Service Minister Sonia Parag have committed to working to get more PWDs employed within the public sector.

Poverty

As a direct consequence of the unemployment of PWDs, the majority live in poverty.

They receive approximately $9000 per month through the “Public Assistance Grant” programme from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. But according to Singh, this sum is “woefully inadequate” to cover the basic monthly needs of persons living with disabilities.

In light of this, he explained that most of them supplement their meagre income with charitable donations and support from friends and relatives. Since this is not the most dignified manner of living in the eyes of Singh, he stated that GCOPD proposed for the PPP/C government to establish a disability grant that is separate from the public assistance which should at least be equivalent to the old-age pension.

The Government is supportive of this idea and this was communicated by Public Infrastructure Minister Juan Edghill during a meeting with GCOPD, he in-

formed.

Accessibility

The majority of buildings for public access are still being constructed without accommodations for wheelchair users and other PWDs. In light of the foregoing, Singh noted that the Ministry of Housing needs to ensure that all building plans for buildings for public access have accommodations for wheelchair access and other accommodations in their designs before their plans are approved.

“Additionally, the building codes should be modified if necessary, to comply with the contents of the disability Act in the area of accessibility.”

According to him, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has committed to ensuring that some traffic lights at busy intersections that are used by blind and visually impaired persons are retrofitted with devices to give an audible signal when it is time to cross the road.

He disclosed that the Public Works Ministry has also committed to having pedestrian crossings at intersections frequented by blind persons modified to have tactile strips to help with navigation.

Education

Under the Persons with Disabilities Act, the Education Ministry is required to formulate and implement a national Special Education Needs (SEN) programme for the education of Children with Disabilities (CWDs). While he acknowledged the Ministry for mak-

Programme Coordinator at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Ganesh Singh

ing some strides in fulfilling this provision, Singh stressed that a lot more work is still needed.

Some of the progress made includes the employment of Region SEN officers that work with the regional education departments to implement the programme in each region and the establishment of SEN schools in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

However, Singh pointed out that more needs to be done especially in the allocation of more resources to the SEN sector, the training of teachers in the field of SEN, the establishment of a system of inclusive education in Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

The Programme Coordinator at GCOPD is also calling for the improvement of existing systems for SEN in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

In addition, he is also calling for the revision of the curriculum that guides teaching in the SEN schools; more children with disabilities entering the mainstream schools; making more mainstream schools accessible with ramps and accessible washrooms, et cetera to accommodate children with disabilities.

Meanwhile, on the issue of housing, Singh was keen to point out that there are many PWDs that need their own homes. He added that these persons have applied for house lots several years ago, but are still awaiting a response from the Ministry.

He expressed that he is grateful to Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues, who has committed that the Ministry will prioritise applications by PWDs and ensure that their needs are included in the new housing policy.

In its congratulatory message to President Irfaan Ali, GCOPD said that it is looking forward to a productive partnership with Government as it seeks to create equal opportunities for PWDs, which will ultimately create a more inclusive and accessible Guyana.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana looking to Linden hire cars to strengthen ties with SVG relocate to initial area – as President congratulates PM Gonsalves on successful re-election bid

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resident Irfaan Ali has extended congratulations to Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who was recently re-elected to office for the fifth consecutive time.

Dr Gonsalves created history in the region when he led his Unity Labour Party (ULP) to a comfortable victory at the November 5 general election. Preliminary figures released by the Electoral Office revealed that ULP won nine of the 15 seats in the Parliament – representing three more seats than the one-seat majority he had at the last two elections.

In a congratulatory letter to Dr Gonsalves, the Guyanese Head of State said: “The resounding approval which you have received from the electorate constitutes an endorsement of your policies and a mandate to continue to lead the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for the next five years.”

President Ali further

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

related that he looks forward to working with Dr Gonsalves, who currently holds the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“I am also eager to join with you in advancing the ideals and the goals of the regional integration movement. The extant threats which now confront the region require wise and prudent leadership and I am

confident that you are suited to guide the regional integration movement in addressing these threats over the next year,” Ali stated as he wished the SVG Prime Minister a successful tenure and continued progress and prosperity for his people.

Dr Gonsalves had played a critical role and was one of the regional leaders who was outspoken against attempts to steal the March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Leader was among a high-level delegation of five regional Heads – led by former Caricom Chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley – who had travelled to Guyana back in March to resolve the impasse and had been vocal in the following months when Guyana was embroiled in a political and electoral deadlock.

However, his position had placed him on the receiving end of attacks.

But he had dismissed those criticisms of Caricom is interfering with Guyana’s in-

ternal affairs.

“We’re not interfering.

We’re affected; it’s part of us. Guyana has the headquarters of Caricom. Guyana is a foundation member of Caricom. Guyana is a signatory to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. There are certain things which we are enjoined to do together, Guyana is a signatory to the Charter of Civil Society in which we have to hold free and fair elections,” the Caricom Chair had stated.

Dr Gonsalves had also condemned vile attacks that had been launched against leaders in the region as well as staff of the Caricom Secretariat located at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

He had expressed deep concerns at reports that politically-aligned persons in Georgetown had been threatening, defaming, and verbally abusing leading personalities in the Caricom Secretariat, including Secretary General LaRocque.

British diplomat strengthens relations with Linden during recent visit

O

utgoing British High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Greg Quinn recently visited several agencies in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), during a two-day outreach last week.

On the first day, Quinn paid a courtesy and farewell call to the Office of Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell where discussions were held in regards to the role of the British High Commission in Guyana and support the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) can garner from the Commission.

Arrindell noted that she was grateful for the visit and wished the Ambassador well as he departs Guyana.

“So Mr Quinn visit was to just say goodbye to municipalities as he is returning, his stint is over. We talked about what the British High Commission can do

The outgoing British High Commissioner received a gift from Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell during his visit last week

for the municipality and for the Guyana Association of Municipalities and we shared discussions on what are some of the things the Commission can work on with us; what are some of the events, the type of activities that they’ll become involved in and we wished him all the best in his endeavours as he moves forward”, the Linden Mayor, who is also President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities, noted in response to the visit.

On the second day, Quinn met with members and executives of the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development (LCICD) including President Victor Fernandes, Secretary Staydon Payne, Senior Vice President Lyndon Younge and Advisor Norville Fredericks where similar discussions were held.

provided for parking

Mayor Waneka Arrindell meeting with hire car operators

H

ire cars that operate in the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), are expected to return to the initial parking area that was set aside and managed by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

This was recently revealed by Her Worship the Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell. Presently, hire cars are mainly operating from the former park situated along Co-op Crescent Road at Mackenzie.

There has been some controversy over this in the past as drivers have complained bitterly about having to utilise the more organised line system within the Linden-Georgetown minibus park.

in Linden. We have found that those cars which traverse, because they come under the hire car licensing system, they can park anywhere that hire cars are.

However, we have an official Georgetown park...and so we have been working for several months and trying to come up with a system where we can return those persons to the correct park so that we can relieve that congestion along the riverfront”, Arrindell stated.

“Also, the beautification of the riverfront and what we envision our riverfront will look like does not work out with that heavy congestion during the day. So, the police were on the ground... looking into how we can have this done so we can remove that congestion and

The Mayor in discussion with senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force

The Mayor noted, however, that the Co-op Crescent area is becoming congested and as such, a meeting was set up with members of the Police Regional Headquarters and the Council's Constabulary department to discuss the situation and relocation.

“The Linden Mayor and Town Council has been trying to remove the congestion on the riverfront, that has happened with the accumulation of the number of cars that we have

function effectively,” she added.

The Mayor noted that concerns were raised by drivers over the co-existence of all of the vehicles on the park. The decision to have the drivers relocated went into effect from September 2017, however many hire car drivers were not in support of it. Back then, issues such as safety and other concerns were raised and drivers gradually reverted to utilising the Co-op Crescent area.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4-year-old distribution system blamed Region 10 observes for frequent power outages in Berbice Remembrance Day 2020

T

he frequent blackouts experienced by residents of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is as a result of the way the distribution system was set up and according to Region Six Chairman David Armogan, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has failed to address the issue from the onset.

On Thursday, Armogan told he Regional Democratic Council Meeting that this was indicated to him by officials of the power company.

“They have not done anything to it. So, they are having distribution problems and because we are linked to so many other places, when there is a trip off somewhere, the entire system goes off.

What they are trying to do now is some delinking.”

Currently, GPL is in the process of the delinking the Skeldon power generating system from the Number 51 Power Station.

“There will still be a link but what they are trying to do is to link it directly to the

enced as many as six blackouts within a 12-hour period. Most of the power outages targeted the Upper Corentyne.

However, rural communities along the Corentyne Coast also experienced frequent power outages.

In some rural communities, power was off for long periods.

However, those communities were still better off than those which have no access to GPL power. Armogan noted that a new electrifi-

cation project is currently being undertaken in East Canje.

Thus far, the utility poles have already been erected.

Some 50 households are expected to benefit from that project. “We are trying to improve things day by day to ensure that people are more comfortable,” Armogan noted.

Apart from the inconsistent supply of electricity, there have also been frequent disruptions in the supply of potable water to residents of the Region.

The Chairman recently received an update from both GPL and the Guyana Water Inc in relation to the frequent power outages and water distribution disruptions.

“Once GPL is off, it means that GWI is off because their system is operating under GPL. So, what you find is that both essential services are knocked out once GPL is off,” Armogan added.

more years!"

His commitment to the game show was a two-way street. When Trebek took a brief medical leave in 2018 to have surgery for blood clots on his brain after a nasty fall, "Jeopardy!" never aired episodes with a guest host. He also suffered mild heart attacks in 2007 and 2012.

Trebek started his career on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1961 announcing the news, and quickly gained fame after hosting the high school quiz show, "Reach for the Top." He introduced himself to US audiences in 1973 when he hosted a new NBC show called "The Wizard of Odds."

That would lead to work on a variety of game shows, including "High Rollers" with his trademark curly hair and classic 'stache and a brief fill-in stint for Chuck Woolery on "Wheel of Fortune".

Then, when the "Jeopardy!" gig – a revival of the old show – came up, Trebek got the call.

The show gained immense popularity with

Trebek at the helm, dominating the evening game show biz along with “Wheel”.

Trebek – winner of 6 Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host -- set a Guinness World record in June 2014 for most episodes (6829) of a game show hosted. Despite his unprecedented and hugely successful run, Trebek never viewed himself as a celeb or the "star" of the show.

He said as much to Harvey Levin for an episode on "Objectified".

Trebek also told Levin he was seriously considering retirement before signing a contract extension. He seemed serious at the time, naming two potential replacements: LA Kings announcer Alex Faust and CNN legal analyst Laura Coates.

Important to note: "Jeopardy!" producers say they are not announcing a new host right now.

Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Ontario, Canada. He majored in philosophy at the University of Ottawa, but he had serious ambitions about a career on TV. He became a naturalised US citizen in 1998, but not before running the Olympic Torch in 1996 as it made its way to Atlanta.

Trebek – who was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2017 for his iconic achievements -- married Elaine Kares in 1974 and they divorced in 1981.

He married again in 1990 , this time to Jean Currivan, with whom he had two children: Matthew and Emily.

He was 80. (TMZ)

Region Six Regional Chairman David Armogan

Skeldon Generation Plant so that will ease the blackouts in the Corriverton area as well.” This new set-up, Armogan noted, will allow for residents on the Upper Corentyne to have direct access to power coming from the Skeldon Generation Plant.

“I think that the electricity in the Skeldon area will improve drastically because of what they are trying to do right now,” the Chairman added. In recent times, some communities have experi-

Jeopardy star, Alex Trebek, dies at 80

A

lex Trebek – the revered and beloved "Jeopardy!" host since 1984, whose calm but witty presence was mustsee television for millions of Americans – has died, TMZ has learnt.

A "Jeopardy!" spokesperson told TMZ on Sunday, "Jeopardy is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends."

The TV icon had been battling stage four pancreatic cancer since announcing the news back in March 2019. He immediately started chemo after the diagnosis, but made no plans to retire and continued hosting his game show, as impressively as ever.

Trebek powered through for a full year -- despite what he called "massive attacks of great depression that made me wonder if it was really worth fighting on" – because he said he realised giving up on life would be a betrayal to his wife, God, and other cancer patients.

He pointed out the odds of surviving a second year with pancreatic cancer were just seven per cent, but he hoped he'd be able to celebrate that milestone too. Sadly, he took a turn for the worse.

Trebek continued to host "Jeopardy!", recently beginning his 37th season, and earlier this year, he shot the epic “Greatest of All Time” tournament on prime-time television.

"Jeopardy!" says Trebekhosted episodes will air through December 25th. His

Jeopardy star Alex Trebek

last day taping in studio was October 29.

The show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, says, "Working beside him for the past year and a half as he heroically continued to host "Jeopardy!" was an incredible honour. His belief in the importance of the show and his willingness to push himself to perform at the highest level was the most inspiring demonstration of courage I have ever seen."

After his initial diagnosis, there were several ups and downs for Alex. In May 2019, he announced his tumours had shrunk more than 50 per cent, obviously a great sign of progress, but his numbers declined and he began another round of chemotherapy a few months later. Still, he maintained a positive outlook and did a lot of good throughout his ordeal.

His soothing and reassuring voice was on display when he announced having cancer.

Trebek – who was signed to host the show through 2022 – joked, "Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy!' for three

Regional Chairman Deron Adams

O

fficials of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) joined the rest of the country in observing Remembrance Day 2020 on Sunday.

A simple yet significant ceremony was hosted at the Mackenzie Cenotaph where officials including Regional Chairman Deron Adams and Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell paid tribute to the fallen heroic soldiers who died in World Wars 1 and 2.

Speaking at the event, Regional Chairman Deron Adams said he was honoured to join with others to celebrate and commemorate the lives laid down so many years ago to preserve freedom, democracy, dignity and social justice for all “Over 700 soldiers from the then British Guiana travelled to the war front to place their lives on the line to guarantee the qual-

ities of life we all enjoy to this day. It is this selfless sacrifice that we commemorate today, and which commands my respect as we mark this solemn occasion.

Originally called Armistice Day, to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month - Monday, November 11, 1918,” he stated.

He noted that in Guyana, the event is held on a Sunday closest to the date for persons to recognise and honour those who would have perished in the wars.

“We stand on the shoulders of great men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect generations to come, and for this, we say a heartfelt thank you as we commit to ensuring that their memories live on forever,” Adams added.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Regional

Storm Eta hits Cuba after New travel protocols for T&T devastating Central America T

C

uba is being battered

by Tropical Storm Eta bringing high winds and heavy rain.

It is expected to cause a dangerous storm surge and flash floods in the country.

Eta has already passed through parts of Guatemala where 150 people are dead or missing.

It is expected to head over southern Florida where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are currently in place.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm was passing over Cuba with sustained winds of 100 kilometres per hour (65mph).

It warned that “significant, life-threatening flash and river flooding will be possible in Cuba”.

A dangerous storm surge will raise levels by as much as two to four feet above normal tide levels along the coast of Cuba, the NHC said.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel tweeted on

Storm Eta is expected to cause dangerous flash floods in Cuba

Saturday that “in the face of Eta, there is no time to waste and protection is the priority”.

Storm Eta made landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday as a Category Four hurricane with winds of 140mph and torrential rains. It then weakened into a tropical depression as it moved into neighbouring Honduras and later Guatemala.

It has since gained strength, turning into a tropical storm again.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said around 100 people were

feared dead in Quejá in the central region of Alta Verapaz alone. Some of the houses in Quejá are under 15 metres (50 feet) of mud.

He said that rescue efforts were limited by the country having only one helicopter adequate for these operations.

Panama has reported 17 deaths and 68 people are missing, Security Minister Juan Pino said.

In Mexico, officials in the southern state of Chiapas said the storm had claimed at least 20 lives. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bolivia’s socialists sweep back to power as Arce sworn in as President

B

olivia’s Luis Arce was sworn in as President on Sunday, ushering the country’s powerful socialist party back into power a year after long-term leftist leader Evo Morales was ousted amid angry protests that sparked off a political crisis.

Arce, 57, was inaugurated in a ceremony in the highland city of La Paz, in front of Heads of State from Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, and Spain, as well as senior officials from Chile, Iran and the Government of Venezuela’s

Nicolás Maduro.

The unassuming and bespectacled former Economy Minister, feted as the architect of Bolivia’s rapid growth under Morales, comes into office facing the huge task of healing the divisions of a political crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have before us the great challenge of rebuilding our economy again, of generating certainty, of generating growth,” Arce told a packed assembly of lawmakers and guests in Congress alongside

his Vice President David Choquehuanca.

Arce pledged to “defeat” the pandemic in a country which has one of the worst death tolls per capita, and to heal political rifts and “put an end to fear” after deadly violence last year.

“I believe in justice, not in fostering an environment of resentment and revenge that does not respect the diversity of thought, where being from another party or political colour makes you the object of hatred. That must end,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he Trinidad and Tobago Government on Saturday outlined new protocols for entry into the country as it eased slightly some of the existing measures in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, speaking at a news conference, made it clear that it would be impossible for all nationals wanting to come home for the Christmas Season to be accommodated.

“This is the demand of the pandemic,” Rowley said as National Security Minister Stuart Young announced that the new measures would go into effect from November 15.

Young said that persons entering Trinidad and Tobago would now have to be in possession of a negative PCR test done two

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

days prior to arrival and that they would be placed in State quarantine facilities, mainly hotels, for the next seven days, and released only after testing negative after the sixth day in quarantine.

Young said that as of last Friday, 13, 042 nationals and residents applied to re-enter the island and that 7204 exemptions were granted.

But he said he has no-

ticed a new situation, where many persons who had been allowed to leave the country, were now trying to re-enter as quickly as possible having completed the purpose of their visit overseas.

Young made it clear, these people would have to join the queue of persons wishing to return home. He said Trinidad and Tobago were undertaking repatriation flights from Barbados and the United States and to lesser extent Canada every 10 days.

“It would not be possible for everybody who wants to come home for the Christmas to do so,” Rowley said, announcing also that restaurants would now be allowed to have in-house dining at 50 per cent capacity, with the relevant social distancing in place.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Bolsonaro’s support falls in some of Brazil’s main cities – polls

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s support has fallen in some of Brazil’s biggest cities, surveys said on Sunday, suggesting a previous bump may be short-lived as the country still grapples with a brutal coronavirus outbreak.

Previous polls have seen the far-right former Army Captain’s support rise, despite what is widely seen as his poor handling of an epidemic that has now killed more than 160,000 Brazilians.

Polls on Sunday suggested that support may be waning.

According to a Datafolha poll, undertaken at the start of November and published in the Folha de S Paulo newspaper, his support in Sao Paulo fell to 25 per cent

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

from 29 per cent, while in Belo Horizonte it fell to 35 per cent from 40 per cent, compared with a previous poll taken September 2122. The margin of error was three percentage points, it said.

In Recife and Rio de Janeiro, his support was

more stable, the polls showed.

Meanwhile, a separated compilation of data by pollster Ibope, collated by the G1 website, showed on Sunday that Bolsonaro’s support has fallen in seven state capitals.

The largest drops in support occurred in the cities of Salvador and Rio Branco, in which Bolsonaro’s popularity fell by seven percentage points.

While Bolsonaro has been criticised by health experts for minimising the severity of the coronavirus and opposing lockdowns in order to keep the economy going, his popularity has been bolstered by a 322 billion reais (US$58 billion) payments programme, analysts say. (Excerpt from Reuters)

3.4 magnitude earthquake felt in Jamaica Trinidad: Muslims’ lawyer requests travel documents for 70 from Syria

T

A

minor earthquake was felt in sections of Kingston and St Catherine this afternoon.

According to the

Earthquake Unit, the 3.4 magnitude quake was felt about 14:59h.

The epicentre was located approximately sev-

en kilometres northwest of Trinityville, St Thomas.

It had a focal depth of 6.9 km. (Jamaica Observer)

he Immigration Division has been called upon to provide travel documents for 70 people in Syria’s Al Hol refugee camp to come home or face legal action and being reported to the United Nations.

That’s the ultimatum from Attorney Criston Williams acting for the 70.

Williams wrote Chief Immigration officer Charmaine GandhiAndrews on the issue last Monday seeking a response by today, latest. Up to Saturday, he had no reply.

The development has arisen while Government’s

Team Nightingale continues verifying people said to be T&T nationals who are in Middle East refugee camps – a task that started in 2019 after the Muslims of T&T (MOTT) group wrote the Government seeking help to bring home 68 – mainly women and children – from Al Hol. The camp houses surviving relatives of ISIS soldiers and other people.

Sunday Guardian broke that story in 2019 following which National Security Minister Stuart Young said the Government had to verify if people were nationals. Since then, Team Nightingale – comprising

Immigration, security and other agencies – has been doing that including speaking with T&T-based relatives.

Young said last Friday, “Our security agencies and teams set up to do the necessary work with respect to those persons who may be T&T citizens who went out to war and conflict zones to join ISIS, is ongoing.

“We’ll continue to act responsibly and do the work that is necessary to balance the competing agendas with the priority being to protect the safety and security of T&T.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS OPEC would miss “friend Trump”, wary of strains under Biden, sources say

K

ey members of OPEC are wary that strains in the OPEC+ alliance could reemerge with Joe Biden as US President, sources close to the organisation said, and would miss President Donald Trump who went from criticising the group to helping bring about a record oil output cut.

Biden could modify US diplomatic relations with three members of OPEC - de facto leader Saudi Arabia, and sanctioned countries Iran and Venezuela, as well as with key non-OPEC producer Russia. Russia is the leader of oil producers allied with OPEC, a group known as OPEC+.

Strict enforcement of US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela has kept millions of barrels of oil per day off the market, and if Biden should relax measures on either in years to come an increase in production could make it harder for OPEC to balance supply with demand.

Biden has said he would prefer multilateral diplomacy to the unilateral sanctions Trump has imposed, although that may not mean a relaxation in sanctions any time soon. In his campaign, Biden said he’d return to Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal if Tehran resumes compliance with the pact.

Trump quit the pact in 2018, reimposing sanctions that cut Iran’s oil exports. Some in OPEC fear that a return of Iranian volumes will add to oversupply without cutbacks elsewhere and worry about Moscow’s continued participation in OPEC+.

Biden has named Russia as Washington’s most serious global threat. During his campaign, he also pledged to reassess ties with Saudi Arabia.

Trump in April was involved in talks that led to a deal in which the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Saudi Arabia worked with allied producers led by Russia to agree a record oil supply cut as the coronavirus outbreak hammered demand.

Trump stepped in to put political pressure on Saudi Arabia and Russia to end a dispute that had sparked a price war and resulted in both countries planning to raise output just as the pandemic led to restrictions on travel - and consequently in demand for fuel.

For Trump, the motivation was to raise global oil prices and prevent bankruptcies and hundreds of thousands of job losses in the US energy industry as the election loomed.

Trump has been a proponent of the oil and gas industry, rolling back environmental regulations and rejecting mainstream science on how emissions are causing global warming.

The OPEC+ alliance has been propping up oil prices since 2017 and any developments that threaten the future of the alliance could weaken the market, with significant implications for OPEC and other producers, governments and traders.

Trump engaged more actively with OPEC than his predecessors, often taking to Twitter to comment on production decisions and oil price moves. Biden is seen as more likely to keep the cartel at arm’s length.

Still, despite Biden’s campaign comments on the US-Saudi relationship, a radical reset is viewed as unlikely. Gulf regional sources and diplomats have told Reuters a Biden win would not upend decades-long alliances.

And a source familiar with Iranian oil thinking welcomed Biden’s win but said he doubted sanctions would be lifted swiftly. This would give OPEC+ members long enough to adjust their deal to make room for more Iranian oil. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden and aides plan for the “hard work of governing” a divided US

A

day after clinching the US presidency, Democrat Joe Biden and his advisers were working on Sunday on how to address the nation’s coronavirus crisis while reinforcing his intention to bridge America’s gaping political divisions.

In a speech in his home state of Delaware on Saturday, Biden delivered a message of unity and conciliation, declaring that it is “time to heal” the nation and reaching out to Americans who voted for Trump and to congressional Republicans.

“The work starts right away,” Biden Deputy Campaign Manager Kate Bedingfield said on Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” programme.

Biden on Saturday made clear that tackling the pandemic was a top priority. Bedingfield said Biden

planned to launch a coronavirus task force today to plot the way forward, led by former surgeon general Vivek Murthy and former Food and Drug Administration commissioner David

Kessler.

Biden has promised to improve access to coronavirus testing and, unlike Trump, to heed the advice of leading public health officials and scientists.

Biden and his advisers also will move forward with the work of choosing officials to serve in his administration.

Unlike other past defeated US presidential candidates, Trump has not made a concession statement or reached out to Biden.

Biden has said he plans to sign executive orders repealing a ban on travellers from several Muslimmajority nations, rejoining an international climate accord, reversing Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation and buttressing a programme protecting from deportation “Dreamers” immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.

A Biden adviser said he intends to follow through on these plans soon after taking office. (Excerpt from Reuters)

man Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

“Army troops were rushed to the area and militant movement was tracked by surveillance devices. A heavy gun battle followed in which three militants were killed,” he said.

Four army soldiers were killed in the gun battle, he said.

This is the highest number of army casualties along the LOC in Kashmir since

April.

Five Indian troops and an equal number of rebels were killed in April when armed individuals were confronted

by Indian troops in the area.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training rebels to attack Indian soldiers and other targets in the region, a charge Islamabad denies.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but the rivals each claim the region in its entirety.

The two countries have fought three wars, two of them over control of Kashmir, since British colonialists granted them independence in 1947.

Rebels have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Democratic 2020 US presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife Jill celebrate onstage at his election rally, after the news media announced that Biden has won the 2020 US presidential election over President Donald Trump, in Wilmington, Delaware, US, November 7, 2020

Gun battle in Kashmir kills 4 Indian soldiers, 3 rebels

F

our Indian army soldiers and three rebels were killed in Kashmir, an Indian Defence Ministry spokesperson said, in the bloodiest gun battle in the disputed region since April.

An army patrol noticed suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LOC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan, in the early hours of Sunday, Defence Ministry spokes-

Global coronavirus Ethiopian PM replaces cases exceed 50 million top officials as conflict in after 30-day spike Tigray region escalates

G

lobal coronavirus infections exceeded 50 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, with a second wave of the virus in the past 30 days accounting for a quarter of the total.

October was the worst month for the pandemic so far, with the United States becoming the first country to report more than 100,000 daily cases. A surge in Europe contributed to the rise.

The latest seven-day average shows global daily infections are rising by more than 540,000.

More than 1.25 million people have died from the respiratory disease that emerged in China late last year.

The pandemic’s recent acceleration has been ferocious. It took 32 days for the number of cases to rise from 30 million to 40 million. It took just 21 days to add another 10 million.

Europe, with about 12 million cases, is the worst-affected region, overtaking Latin America.

Europe accounts for 24 per cent of COVID-19 deaths.

The region is logging about 1 million new infections every three days or so, according to a Reuters analysis. That is 51 per cent of the global total.

Denmark, which imposed a new lockdown on its population in several northern areas, ordered the culling of its 17 million minks after a mutation of the coronavirus found in the animals spread to humans.

The United States, with about 20 per cent of global cases, is facing its worst surge, recording more than 100,000 daily coronavirus cases on the latest seven-day average, Reuters data showed. It reported a record of more than 130,000 cases on Saturday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

E

thiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his Army Chief, the Head of Intelligence and the Foreign Minister on Sunday as the military continued a fiveday-old offensive in the restive Tigray region with a new round of airstrikes.

Abiy gave no reasons for the personnel changes, which come as he pursues a military campaign against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a powerful ethnic faction that led the ruling coalition for decades until Abiy took office in 2018.

The President of the Tigray region, Debretsion Gebremichael, who is also Chairman of TPLF, told Reuters that TPLF would keep on defending itself until federal authorities agree to negotiate.

Abiy’s office announced that Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen had been appointed Foreign Minister, while Deputy Army Chief

Birhanu Jula was promoted to Army Chief of Staff.

Temesgen Tiruneh, who was President of the Amhara region, was named new Intelligence Chief.

Amhara regional state forces have been fighting alongside their federal counterparts against the TPLF. Debretsion told Reuters that the Federal Government was still pounding some targets with airstrikes. “Federal control is zero within Tigray,” he said.

Ethiopia’s neighbours fear the fighting could spark a civil war in Africa’s second-most populous nation and destabilise the Horn of Africa region.

Tensions escalated after Tigray held a regional election in September, which the Federal Government called illegal. On Wednesday, Abiy launched military operations in Tigray in response to what he said was an attack on federal troops.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Don’t fold under pressure or give in to unfair solutions. Initiate plans that will lead to better days ahead. You can find solutions to the problems that have been bothering you.

If you reach out to youngTAURUS sters, close friends, relatives (April 20and loved ones, you’ll come May 20) up with new ways to remain close and connected, regardless of distancing regulations put in place.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Make positive changes at home. Keep your money and possessions in a safe place.

Choose to do your own thing, and budget wisely. Keep the peace, but don’t give in to peer pressure.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A change to how you earn your living may pan out as you had hoped. Consider a new way to improve your resume and pick up skills and knowledge to help you head in a more suitable direction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Look at all angles of every situation, and you’ll come up with a diplomatic plan that will gain you much-needed support. Romance is featured.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

Show compassion when dealing with emotional issues.

Self-improvement projects are favored. Offer love and understanding over criticism and discord.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Problems will mount if you don’t make lifestyle adjustments. Indulgence will lead to criticism and opposition. Stop procrastinating; align yourself with like-minded people and get moving.

Do your best to improve meaningful relationships.

Communication is vital if you’re going to gain support.

Present what you have to offer. Positive change is heading your way.

Embrace change, be open SAGITTARIUS to learning something new and update your skills to (Nov. 23Dec. 21) reflect current trends. Selfimprovement will lead to compliments and boost your ego. Romance is on the rise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Address money matters, and implement a plan to lower your overhead. Shared expenses could turn into a problem. Do your best to keep the peace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don’t let someone distract you. It’s essential to stay on top of your responsibilities. Moderation will be necessary financially, emotionally and physically.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- FARRIERS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A change of pace will give you time to figure out your next move. Strive to protect yourself from someone trying to take advantage of you.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

21

“Good things don’t come to those who wait, but to those who go and get them” – David Mohamed wins Online Transformation Challenge/Competition

By Timothy Jaikarran

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hile many are at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, or awaiting their turn as gyms have reopened at 50 per cent capacity, David Mohamed, a regular citizen just like the rest of us, dug deep and won the Online Transformation Challenge/Competition hosted by YouTube fitness influencer/entrepreneur Christian Guzman.

Every year, Guzman, who owns a brand called Alphalete Clothing and several gyms, usually hosts an online competition called Summer Shredding. Mohamed took keen interest in the contest and signed up. He sent in a video of what he looked like before he began the challenge, knowing that he would destroy the competition despite the difficulties ahead. When talking about challenges, one would ask what type of challenges? But Mohamed did face them as the competition took place when all gyms in Guyana were closed making the task extra hard.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport when asked his reaction to winning the competition, Mohamed said, “For me the experience has been very challenging, when I signed up – which was in April – 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation, all gyms closed. I was unable to buy what I

wanted, because I had to go into work and from there, it was straight home. With no

gym, I had to get up and run four to five km every morning. Another challenge is I had to

Substitute Messi helps Barcelona to 1st league win in 5 games

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alf-time substitute Lionel Messi turned the game around for Barcelona as they beat Real Betis for a first La Liga win in five games.

Ousmane Dembele gave Barca the lead with a powerful effort and Antoine Griezmann had a penalty saved.

Antonio Sanabria smashed home an equaliser just before half-time. But Messi came on at the break and had a hand in Griezmann's equaliser and scored twice himself before teenager Pedri hit a late fifth.

The Barca Captain dummied Alba's pass, taking two defenders and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo out of the equation, to leave Griezmann with a tap-in. He then put Barca ahead from the penalty spot after Aissa Mandi was sent off for handling Dembele's shot on the line –- a decision

made after a lengthy video assistant referee review.

Messi played a one-two with Sergi Roberto, who backheeled the ball into his path and he smashed it into the roof of the net. That was his first goal of the season for club or country which was not a penalty. The previous six had all been from the spot.

He thought he had a hat-trick afterwards, but his goal was disallowed for a Roberto offside. It was a much-needed win for Ronald Koeman, whose side had only picked up two points from the previous four league games.

They move up to eighth, one point behind Real Betis. (BBC Sport)

drive around to see which one of my friends had a private gym that was not opened to the public. This was a challenge indeed as I had to be hopping around the place looking for somewhere to work out. I even had to improvise at home and make equipment at times as the challenges I faced weren’t easy.”

He went on to state that his eating habits played a vital part in his results as he would skip breakfast and after that, eat five meals for the rest of the day for six days a week. These meals would usually be chicken breast and salad with black coffee (two of the meals) while before and after gym he would consume chicken and rice or protein shake and in the evening, he would eat six boiled eggs.

With all the challenges, Mohamed still came out on top, he showed grit and determination as he had his eyes on the prize and there was nothing that was going to stop him from getting what he wanted. At all times in his head, he would repeat his mantra which was, “Good things don’t come to those who wait, but to those who go and get them.”

At the end of the competition, Mohamed walked away with the top prize of US$2000.

Interested individuals can follow Mohamed’s journey on his Facebook page at DAM Fitness.

Mahmudullah tests positive for COVID-19, will miss PSL

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angladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad will miss the chance to take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) play-offs as he recently tested positive for COVID-19, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed to Cricbuzz on Sunday. ''Mahmudullah was tested corona positive and will not be able to take part in the upcoming PSL play-offs,'' said a BCB official.

Mahmudullah and Tamim Iqbal were picked as replacements for the last leg of the competition, scheduled from November 14-17. Lahore Qalanders had picked Tamim to replace Chris Lynn while Multan Sultans roped in Mahmudullah in place of Moeen Ali. The board had given the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Tamim and Mahmudullah to take part in the PSL, since the tournament does not clash with the upcoming Bangabandhu T20 tournament.

On November 14, table-toppers Multan Sultan will take on Karachi Kings in the first qualifier, followed by the eliminator clash between Lahore Qalandar and Peshawar Zalmi. The second eliminator will be held on November 15, and the final on November 17.

England's Liam Livingstone has withdrawn from the upcoming playoffs and has been replaced by his compatriot, 23-year-old pacer Saqib Mahmood. Livingstone was expected to be back for the playoffs, but has had to pull out after being named in England's limited-overs squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. (cricbuzz) Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Dhawan, Hetmyer, Stoinis and Rabada CLASSIFIED take Delhi Capitals to their 1st IPL final ADS T

he Delhi Capitals came into Qualifier 2 having won just one of their last six games, and another defeat would have left everyone writing their campaign off as a squandered opportunity.

But here they are now, in their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) final, one win away from glory.

Their performance in this Qualifier was like their season in miniature: they flew out of the blocks, then stuttered, but they kept themselves in the game and won the key moments.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had won their last four games on the trot, began poorly – with ball and bat as well as in the field – and made up ground later on, but it was not quite enough.

Two key tactical moves paid rich dividends for the Capitals. They opened with Marcus Stoinis for the first time in the season, and he, along with Shikhar Dhawan, rewarded them with their best powerplay of the season. They also brought Shimron Hetmyer back into their side, and his late hitting ensured the Capitals put up a challenging total despite a significant slowdown through the second half of their innings.

Stoinis contributed heavily with the ball as well, taking two wickets in the fifth over of the Sunrisers innings, and then coming back to remove Kane Williamson just when he seemed set to pull off his second chasing masterclass in two games.

Stoinis and Dhawan set the tone The Capitals' run of poor form coming into this game had included three games

the air, within range of Holder stationed at an unconventional short mid-on, only for the ball to burst out of his outstretched right hand.

Then Sandeep lost his line, strayed too straight, and conceded back-to-back boundaries either side of deep square leg. Stoinis then went after Holder and smacked three fours and a six in the fourth over. Dhawan joined in the fun too, picking up three fours – one of them courtesy of a misfield at short fine leg from T Natarajan – and a slogswept six in the next two overs, and the Capitals ended up with not just their most productive powerplay of the season, but also only their third wicketless one, ending it 65 for 0.

See off Rashid, feast on Nadeem, slow down at the finish Rashid Khan had not bowled a single powerplay over this season, coming into this game, and he did not bowl one here either. Perhaps it was a missed opportunity from the Sunrisers, who instead used the already smarting Sandeep and the left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem in the fifth and sixth over.

Rashid came on immediately after the powerplay, and struck in his second over, bowling Stoinis with a quick legbreak that ripped past the closed face of his bat. But while he continued to test the batsmen, they didn't look to go after him, and he ended his four overs with figures of 1 for 26.

The Capitals would not have minded that, given their start, and they made up against

Rabada and Stoinis strike early By the end of the powerplay, the Sunrisers seemed almost out of the contest. Kagiso Rabada struck with his first ball, a full inswinger that moved late, to bowl David

where they had lost by 59, 88, and 57 runs. They did not want to be chasing again, and the toss went in their favour.

And at one point, it seemed as if everything would go in their favour.

Sandeep Sharma and Jason Holder kept the Capitals' openers to just 11 from the first two overs, and the pressure produced a chance in the third over. Sandeep had bowled inswing to Stoinis with a 5-4 leg-side field, initially achieving an immaculate line, and an attempt to break the shackles led Stoinis to hit into

the unfortunate Nadeem, who the Sunrisers ostensibly used to target the right-handed Stoinis and Shreyas Iyer, but who ended up running into the left-handed Dhawan instead.

By the time he bowled his fourth over, Hetmyer had replaced Iyer and there were two left-handers at the crease, but the Sunrisers didn't have a sixth bowling option to turn to.

Nadeem struggled for control right through, and he finished with figures of 4-0-48-0, with Dhawan tonking him for 29 off 14 balls.

At the 16-over mark, the

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Shikhar Dhawan on the go

Shimron Hetmyer scored an aggressive 40 at the back end of the innings

Warner off his pads, and Stoinis struck twice in his first over – the fifth of the innings – to remove Priyam Garg and Manish Pandey after a brief flurry of boundaries from the second-wicket pair.

At the six-over mark, the Sunrisers were 49 for 3, already needing more than 10 an over.

This was a far more challenging task than the one Williamson and Holder had pulled off against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator.

Marcus Stoinis scored 38 and bagged 3-26

FOR SALE

Capitals were 145 for 2, and 200 seemed on the cards when Natarajan and Holder conceded a combined 31 from the 17th and 18th overs, with Hetmyer rampaging his way to 34 off 15. But Sandeep and Natarajan came back strongly in the last two overs largely by nagging away in the blockholes, with the left-armer Natarajan more or less nailing six yorkers in the final over. Only 13 came off the last two, and no boundaries.

The Capitals had made 102 in their first 10 overs, but only 87 in their last 10.

Williamson's last stand But the game was not over yet, not as long as Williamson was in the middle. He kept finding ways to hit boundaries, picking up minor errors in line or length and creating scoring opportunities with his footwork. He shovelled Rabada over midwicket after stepping across his stumps, hit Axar Patel and Praveen Dubey for straight sixes after stepping out to them, and helped Stoinis over backward square leg with an impudent flick over his shoulder.

The departure of Holder in the 12th over – when the equation was 100 from 50 balls – did not stop the Sunrisers either, with Williamson now joined by Abdul Samad, who tore into Anrich Nortje in the 15th over, pulling him for a disdainful six before cashing in on width to pick up back-to-

back fours. With 10 coming off the next over from R Ashwin, the Sunrisers needed 51 from 24.

Then Stoinis came back, and made Williamson lose his shape for once, with a full, wide slower ball that he carved into the hands of deep cover.

The game was not completely safe yet, as Rashid showed with a six and a four off Ashwin in the 18th over to bring the task down to 30 off 12. But the batsmen simply had to keep swinging, and after another six from Samad – off a borderline high full-toss – the big hits kept ending up as catches on the boundary, with Rabada picking up three such wickets in the 19th over to wrench the Purple Cap off Jasprit Bumrah.

The eventual winner of that contest will be known on Tuesday. (ESPNcricinfo)

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SCOREBOARD DELHI CAPITALS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) MP Stoinis b Rashid Khan S Dhawan lbw b Sandeep Sharma SS Iyer (c) c Pandey b Holder SO Hetmyer not out RR Pant † not out

38 78 21 42 2

Extras (b 1, lb 2, nb 2, w 3) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.45) 189/3 Did not bat: AM Rahane, P Dubey, AR Patel, R Ashwin, K Rabada, A Nortje Fall of wickets: 1-86 (Marcus Stoinis, 8.2 ov), 2-126 (Shreyas Iyer, 13.6 ov), 3-178 (Shikhar Dhawan, 18.3 ov) BOWLING Sandeep Sharma JO Holder S Nadeem Rashid Khan T Natarajan

4-0-30-1 4-0-50-1 4-0-48-0 4-0-26-1 4-0-32-0

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (TARGET: 190 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) PK Garg b Stoinis DA Warner (c) b Rabada MK Pandey c Nortje b Stoinis KS Williamson c Rabada b Stoinis JO Holder c Dubey b Patel Abdul Samad c sub (KMA Paul) b Rabada Rashid Khan c Patel b Rabada SP Goswami † c Stoinis b Rabada S Nadeem not out Sandeep Sharma not out Extras (lb 1, w 5) TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.6) Did not bat: T Natarajan

17 2 21 67 11 33

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

11 0 2 2

6 172/8

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (David Warner, 1.1 ov), 2-43 (Priyam Garg, 4.4 ov), 3-44 (Manish Pandey, 4.6 ov), 4-90 (Jason Holder, 11.4 ov), 5-147 (Kane Williamson, 16.5 ov), 6-167 (Abdul Samad, 18.3 ov), 7-167 (Rashid Khan, 18.4 ov), 8-168 (Shreevats Goswami, 18.5 ov) BOWLING R Ashwin K Rabada A Nortje MP Stoinis AR Patel P Dubey

3-0-33-0 4-0-29-4 4-0-36-0 3-0-26-3 4-0-33-1 2-0-14-0

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

BCB Patron Minister Vickram Bharrat contributes $1M to SPL

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

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atural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat on Saturday last was declared the Patron of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) at the St Francis Community Developers Hall, Rose Hall, Berbice.

Bharrat also made a significant contribution of $1 million towards the BCB’s Semi-Professional League (SPL) that will start in 2021, where players across the Ancient County for the first time will be paid per match played in the First-

Division tournament.

During his remarks, Minister Bharrat noted that it has always been his intention to assist the cricketing fraternity and he was pleased to be a BCB Patron, to oversee the Board reaching greater heights. Minister Bharrat also made known his commitment to working with youths of the area, ensuring that their skills are developed in order to see overall development of sport.

The Minister stated that

The Bharrat family with members of the BCB after the swearing-in ceremony (Brandon Corlette photos)

he would do his utmost, along with Government, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and corporate community, to ensure that cricket was played to the highest levels and players were adequately rewarded.

“I believe that in my capacity that I can play a meaningful role in this area. I make a commitment to the BCB that even af-

ter I stop being patron, I pledge to continue to support the BCB. You have this commitment on behalf of the Government of Guyana – a higher standard of cricket is expected by next year,” Bharrat said.

He also urged the present generation of cricketers to set better examples and be good role models, ensuring that the next gen-

eration of Berbice cricketers would move to unprecedented highs. The Minister donated several pieces of cricket gear, which would be distributed to less-fortunate youth who have an avid interest in the sport.

As Patron of the BCB, the Minister will now be a public face of the Board, function as a positive role model and mentor for young cricketers, help

identify opportunities for development, and address ceremonies and prepare the Patron’s message for all BCB publications.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, who continues to make a difference in cricket, expressed gratitude to Minister Bharrat as the BCB continues its upward journey in taking cricket to greater heights. (Brandon Corlette)

Michael Holding appointed “He knows what it takes to score big runs” – WI Coach Simmons MCC Foundation patron

M

ichael Holding, the former West Indies fast bowler turned broadcaster, is a passionate advocate for equality in cricket and the wider community.

At the start of England's international season and following the death of George Floyd in Police custody in the USA, he and fellow Sky Sports commentator Ebony Rainford-Brent gave powerful accounts of their experiences of racism.

Holding subsequently criticised teams for not continuing to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement as West Indies, England and Ireland had earlier in the summer.

Holding said he was "thrilled" by the opportunity to join the MCC Foundation's work to "make cricket a game that champions respect and equality for all".

"Cricket has the power to heal divided communities, give hope in the most desperate of circumstances, and transform lives," Holding said. "There is much pain and prejudice in our world, but the Foundation is empowering and inspiring young p e o p l e through cricket, so that they may build a

brighter future."

The MCC Foundation, which is the Marylebone Cricket Club's charitable arm, runs a number of initiatives including offering coaching and playing opportunities to State-educated cricketers and mental health workshops.

MCC Foundation Director Sarah Fane said: "Over the past year, important conversations around equality and diversity have occupied the public's consciousness.

These have been discussed and felt across all areas of society.

"While cricket is more diverse than it has ever been, we recognise there are inequalities which still dog the sport, and we are determined to play our part in changing the landscape, so that cricket becomes a reflection of the diversity of our nation.

"I was deeply moved by Michael's dignified and enlightening contribution to the debate on racism during the England-West Indies Test, and am proud to have him as our patron."

Holding's appointment follows that of actor, mental health advocate and cricket enthusiast Stephen Fry last month.

They join Claire Taylor, Mike Brearley, Mike Atherton, and Mike Gatting as patrons.

(ESPNcricinfo) Michael Holding

glad to have Bravo back

W

est Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons has expressed optimism that the team have added needed firepower to its batting lineup following the return of talented batsman Darren Bravo, ahead of the New Zealand series.

The 31-year-old Bravo, along with Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul, declined to take part in the team’s tour of England earlier this year, citing health concerns owing

Darren Bravo

to the ongoing pandemic.

Despite winning the first Test with a commendable performance, the West Indies batting line-up went through its typical struggles in the next two, as the series went to England 2-1. The WI’s batting performance in the England series was among their worst on tour since 2000, with the top six averaging just 28.66 and no century in the entire threegame series.

With such performances,

it is little wonder Simmons is excited to get back a couple of his key batsmen.

He is confident Bravo and Hetmyer can make a difference.

“He (Bravo) has always been important, to the Test team especially, and it’s good to have him and Shimron back in the squad,” Simmons told members of the media on Friday.

“Where the batting is concerned, it will be pressure on people to hold their places; in order to hold their places, they will have to score runs and that is a big plus for us,” he added.

“He is a huge plus for us in these situations. He has done well here. He is one of the only batsmen that have high averages in international cricket, so he knows what it takes to score big runs at this level, so it’s good to have him back.”

(Sportsmax) Coach Phil Simmons

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

BCB Patron Minister Vickram Bharrat contributes $1M to SPL

See story on page 23

“He knows what it takes to score big runs” – WI Coach Simmons glad to have Bravo back Pg 22

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