Guyana Times - Sunday November 8, 2020

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Mastering the art of making diyas Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4463 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

President Ali introduces measures to boost construction sector …removes VAT on stones with immediate effect Page 10

Govt warns contractors about hiking prices after low bids

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PRICE

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

City Hall must rid itself of political directives – P23 Dharamlall …says financial support will come only after audit

Guyana has P27 877 active COVID-19 cases Mother finds P25 missing son in GPHC morgue

…to take strong stance against errant contractors - Edghill

Time for United States to $30M Bamia unite – President-elect Biden Health Centre

commissioned

Port Mourant Overseer fired over unaccounted P26 monies …as records disappear

Orealla-Siparuta residents call for secondary school, road to Corriverton P22

…Kamala Harris makes history Page 29 as US' 1st woman VP

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Bartica, Wakenaam, Mahdia, Leguan to get solar farms – VP

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11-year-old dies from cancer complications after testing positive for COVID-19 P21

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, November 8 – 10:30h – 12:00h and Monday, November 9 – 11:00h – 12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, November 8 – 10:20h – 11:50h and Monday, November 9 – 11:40h – 13:10

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 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to SouthEasterly to East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 09:58h and 22:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.13 metres and 2.2 metres.

Low Tide: 15:50h reaching minimum a height of 1.13 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

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FREE TICKET

21 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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Afternoon Draw

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Govt warns contractors about hiking prices after low bids

…to take strong stance against errant contractors – Edghill

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he Government is making it clear that the days of contractors inflating bills of quantities and not being held accountable for contractual breaches are over, as it intends to take a strong stance against such actions.

Giving this assurance was Public Works Minister Juan Edghill in an interview with this publication.

According to Edghill, contractors will not be allowed to collect taxpayers’ hardearned money and then rip them off.

“The issue is delivery for the people. No contractor will be allowed under my watch, to collect taxpayer’s money, make a profit and

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interest off of it by parking it somewhere and not do the work. So that is the warning, that is very clear,” Minister Edghill said.

“You collect taxpayers’ money, you sign a contract, you don’t deliver on it, you will be terminated and you will have the penalty that will be imposed for not performing the job. Nobody will

Evening Draw

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SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$39.45/barrel

-3.75

Rough Rice

$223.34/ton

-0.18

London Sugar

$400.30/ton

+2.67

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1949.80

$1950.80

Low/High

$1935.80

$1961.20

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Change

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

ate.”

Recently, the Legal Affairs Minister had cause to terminate a number of

The contract to construct the new Health Ministry HQ had to be terminated recently over project delays and inflated costs

DRAW DE LINE

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take our money, taxpayers’ money, squat on it and the people are suffering.”

The Minister noted the importance of guarding against contractors who are awarded contracts on the basis of being the lowest responsive bidder but then turn out to be the most expensive. He noted that in such a case it wouldn’t make sense to award the contract to them.

“That’s a matter that I’ve addressed, even with the inhouse engineers. Because a contractor can’t inflate a bill, without the engineers that are supervising, authorising that kind of a variation. And we have a system. It’s unfair for a con-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

tractor to come in cheap, get a job and then have a variation that ends up being the most expensive. So those are not things we will toler-

contracts which had been delayed and for which the costs had become inflated.

One such contract was for

the construction of the new Public Health Ministry headquarters.

The contractor was awarded the contract since 2017, to construct the Public Health Ministry’s head office building at Lot 1 Brickdam for the sum of $356.8 million. Works commenced on July 19, 2018, and the contractor was supposed to complete the project within a year.

However, in September 2020 and despite receiving $308.4 million for advance payments and mobilisation expenses, as well as two extensions totalling 317 days, permanent works are only 70 per cent completed at the site. To make matters worse, the bill of quantities had jumped, with an additional $513.3 million in costs being required.

As such, Attorney General Anil Nandlall wrote to the contractor and instructed them to stop all works, secure and vacate the site as soon as possible.

According to Nandlall, the Government is not only terminating the contract but would also be instituting legal proceedings against the contractor for breach of contract and liquidated damages.

Government also recently terminated contracts to build the St Roses High school, which was being built by Courtney Benn Construction and the Yarrowkabra Secondary School, which was being built by BK International, over project delays. (G3)

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

A transformational US election

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fter a few nail-biting days, it has finally been announced that Joe Biden, at the head of the Democratic ticket, has won the US Presidency. After spending a whopping US$14B during a campaign that began on projections and expectations that they would overwhelmingly thump incumbent President Donald Trump and his Republican Party, the elections were still poised on a knife’s edge to the end.

The perceived wisdom among Democrats was that they would do very well if the number of voters increased. But while this was achieved, Trump and the Republicans were remarkably able to actually increase their total votes in comparison with 2016. No one can accuse them of being an “unpopular” or “discredited” party in America, going forward. They retained their majority in the Senate, and whittled away the Democratic majority in the House. This would ensure that a Biden administration would still have to negotiate with the former to pass spending and other bills.

What was most phenomenal, however, was the sterling performance of the Republicans in demographics that were assumed to be completely alienated from them: Blacks and Latinos. They increased their share of votes in these two key groups, compared to 2016. Republicans are now beginning to label their party as “multi-racial and working class” to combat the stereotype of them being a “rich white-man’s party”.

What the election has also demonstrated is that Trump’s populist approach will not be a flash in the pan; we can only expect more of the same, whether or not he returns to the hustings in 2024. Trump was able to identify and tap into a huge swathe of American voters who were very uncomfortable with the perception that America was losing its primacy in the world. For many of those supporters, whether White ethnics who were not college educated, or even African- and HispanicAmericans who were able to have a modicum of selfpride by identifying with a powerful America, Trump’s message of “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) resonated.

While some rail at the “polarisation” of American politics, what we are witnessing is a dissipation of the liberal hegemonic premises of an elite that has governed America after WWII. That elite, starting with Eisenhower and Kennedy, opposed the other hegemonic power, the USSR, in a Cold War that became very “hot” in the rest of the world, especially the “Third World”, including Guyana. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the success of Japan and the Far Eastern “Flying Geese”, combined with the rise of China as an economic and political powerhouse, created new challenges for the American ruling elite, especially its political directorate.

Ronald Reagan’s ascension to the American presidency in 1980, along with Margaret Thatcher’s assumption of the Prime Ministership of Britain, ushered in the neo-liberal response to those challenges.

Detente with Russia was the political innovation, while the Washington Consensus was the economic paradigm they imposed on the rest of the world. In Guyana, for instance, then President Desmond Hoyte had to accept the conditionalities of the IMF in their Economic Recovery Programme.

The collapse of the neo-liberal order with the developed world’s financial collapse in 2008 is still playing out with Trump’s rise, and his present continued success is a symptom of the underlying morbidity. The nativism of Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and his trumpeting of American exceptionalism worked because of the deep fears engendered in the US as to its future in a newly uncertain world. These will become staples of American politics which Biden will have to grapple with, not only because of the political opportunism, but because he has to deal with their reality in a pragmatic way. He cannot bury his head in the sand in the new America that he has inherited.

In terms of the rest of the world, Biden was a past chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and we can be assured he would work to defend America’s interest, including in Guyana, quite vigorously.

Emerged turbulence in national elections demands new approach for global recognition Dear Editor, The emerged turbulence in several national country elections demands a new approach for global recognition.

Here at home, the truth is under attack by a few persistent PNC-hopefuls who still glorify the glaring, inept and flagrant attempts of their colleagues to hijack the true results of the Guyana 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The lead orchestrators in this regard continue to tug a string around the necks of those caught-up supporters who are blinded by their duplicitous propagandistic diatribes.

Perhaps it is their only hope of holding on to a few in a futile effort to shield their nakedness.

It is known that some of the key players who acted in a cohort with the shameless PNC operatives were radically exposed by contesting parties jointly with the international community. These dishonest perpetrators have now turned to social and other selective media platforms to deliver their own distorted and hypocritical sermons of devotion.

Significant, however, is the need to ensure all cracks in the abused electoral system are filled, and all such future violations MUST be prevented.

The serious, fraudulent attempts by the PNC, lead arm of APNU/AFC, have been to subvert and

derail the electoral process, and this is not okay.

Neither is it correct for Guyana to move forward with the same system and a slap on the hands of the same personnel in control of our elections machinery at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Further, the difficulties that the world is witnessing with the Elections in the United States of America must open our eyes to a better system.

Editor, preparation for elections must be thorough and transparent. Following the ongoing investigations, which are no doubt justified by the rancour and intolerable behaviour of some GECOM staff, major overhauls must be undertaken in the interest of establishing an electoral system that would earn the confidence of the populace, and deliver free and fair results. We must never again be at the mercy or whims and fancies of one corrupt Chief Elections Officer and the many permutations of his shady practices.

The Chairperson should no longer delegate the central function of selection, employment, and balance of permanent and temporary staff to be employed by this key institution. The potential candidates must satisfy certain publicly advertised criteria, and be subjected to disqualification by the Commission on proof of breaches. It is the hope of many Guyanese

that the imposition of sufficiently strong penalties following the ongoing investigations would serve to deter fraudulent actions and declarations by all persons submitting applications to, and working at, GECOM. The process for finalisation of the list of voters must be acceptable to the contesting political parties and in keeping with the laws. Hence, systems must be put in place to make transparent these procedures. Elections Day staff must be credible, and any staff found guilty of malpractices must be appropriately sanctioned.

However, in countries where “rigging” is suspiciously common, the legal system must be amended and imposed such that anyone caught in wrongdoing is condignly dealt with as an example to the nation.

The social media platforms are filled with comments regarding the ongoing elections in the United States of America.

Comparatively, however, there are not too many criticisms of the electoral staff.

In Guyana, it is crystal clear that the senior staff in particular are indeed untrustworthy, while some others hired temporarily have displayed high levels of unprofessionalism. The CEO’s public admission of improprieties under his supervision leaves much to be desired, and questions

his functional efficacy.

Here we witnessed the irresponsible and disrespectful behaviour of some political leaders, whose utterances served only to weaken public confidence and motivate political violence. Political leaders must not undermine public confidence in the democratic process. The false claims of dead voters and valid and legal votes must not be used to confuse the public. Granger claimed that he won the Elections, and then he was faced with the world calling on him to produce his statements of poll. Granger and his cohorts were caught blatantly trying to alter the elections’ results, and by extension steal the Government.

Here, at home, Mr. Granger deliberately interfered with the electoral process when he appointed Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM, which facilitated the wanton hiring and firing of staff. The PNC operatives were given a field day to hire and spend money as they wished. Going forward, these approaches have to be countered swiftly without holding the nation to ransom. There must also be the role of observers and diplomats towards authenticating the process relative to holding of free and fair elections.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Harmon should know American Presidents are not “briefed” by foreign politicians Dear Editor, The irony of Joseph Harmon’s hurried congratulatory letter to American President-elect Joe Biden cannot be lost on all with knowledge of Guyana’s recent electoral travails; for it would seem that President Trump would be replicating claims and legal manoeuvres made by the Granger/ Harmon group.

So, what exactly is Harmon hoping to achieve, given that Biden would certainly have no empathy with riggers and election thieves. America is built on democratic principles, and those do not vary on party lines. Fraud is fraud, and is viewed as such by the American establishment, be it Republican or Democrat.

In his haste to position himself and others who lost their US visas because of their attempt to gain elect-

ed office by fraudulent methods, Harmon committed a faux pas by saying “The APNU+AFC Coalition also looks forward to briefing you and Vice Presidentelect Harris”.

American Presidents are not “briefed” by foreign politicians. Maybe Comrade Harmon has forgotten about his relinquishment of American citizenship.

Harmon also insults the American nation when attempting to curry favour by saying that Biden has “the unenviable task of restoring the United States’ status and reputation globally”, for America remains the leading nation in the world, and is the undisputed economic and democratic superpower.

Harmon may, in the future, want to seek advice before putting pen to paper in such reckless fash-

ion. The nation of Guyana is still reeling from the effect on her reputation caused by the train-wreck known as the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Who can forget Karen Cummings at the Ashmins Building? And for those who forgot about Guyana, a recent article in the Washington Post reminds all too graphically “Then-President David E. Granger, on the cusp of losing, baselessly blamed votes by dead people and noncitizens in the March elections” then states that democracy was achieved.

“After a laborious recount and a feud in the courts, Granger ultimately backed down after a five-month standoff, allowing opposition candidate Irfaan Ali to be sworn in as president in August. That happened in no small part due to US pressure.

“The Granger government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo said in July, as he announced new visa restrictions on “individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana”.

Given the likelihood of similar claims and legal challenges by the incumbent Trump against President-elect Biden, it is unlikely that Harmon and his ilk can/will find favour within the Democratic camp. It would have been more helpful for Harmon if he had shared democratic principles with the president-elect, instead of only the same first name.

It is too soon to ask for that visa back Joe…way too soon.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

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8 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Motorcyclist dies 26 days after being hit by RDC vehicle

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motorcyclist, who was struck down and dragged by a speeding funeral home vehicle along the Devonshire Castle Public Road, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on October 12, 2020, has succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Dead is 56-year-old Tulsie Maniram of Lot 290 Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. He took his last breath on Saturday

Dead: Tulsie Maniram

morning at about 05:00h without regaining conscious-

ness since the accident.

Maniram, also known as “Bully,” was struck from his motorcycle by the van, which is owned by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Reports are that on October 12, Maniram was proceeding south along the eastern side of Devonshire Castle Public Road on motorcycle CJ 6341, while the van, GNN 5061, was proceeding in the same direction.

The driver of the van claimed that he lost control of the vehicle while nego-

tiating a turn and collided with the rear of the motorcycle.

As a result, Maniram fell onto the roadway and ended up under the hearse and was dragged for some distance. The hearse then toppled and came to a halt in a trench located on the eastern side of the road.

Maniram was removed from under the vehicle in an unconscious state and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital but was transferred to the GPHC for further medical attention. (G1)

One hundred days of…

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…cleaning the PNC’s Augean Stables ack in the days of yore, the standard for cleaning up “messes” was set by Hercules, who was given - as one of his “labours” - to clean up the stables of King Augeaus, whose horses had been dumping their stuff for a hundred years! Well, the PNC had only five years at the helm, but, in that time, have done so many “dirties” that they’ve made the Augean Stables look like an army barracks just before inspection!!

So, of course, just as the PPP had to clean up 28 years of PNC “dumping” after 1992, once again, that’s become their sorry lot. There was one of the highest debt rates in the world - US$2.1B; collapsed bauxite, sugar and rice industries; massive squatting, hunger and nakedness after the PNC’s “feed, house and clothe the nation”; and so on and so forth.

It fell to the PPP, mainly under Jagdeo, to clean up those particular Augean Stables - which he did! And transformed Guyana from a “Highly Indebted Poor Country” to an “Upper Middle- Income Country” by the time he demitted office in 2011.

So here it is, they’re at it again under another young PPP President - Irfaan Ali. And there’s another Greek anecdote to describe his task: the story of Sisyphus. As a punishment for what the Gods decided was a transgression, Sisyphus was given the task of rolling a large boulder uphill; but every time he reached the top, it rolled downwards, and he had to repeat his task again, and again, and...! It seems as though the PPP inherit a Sisyphean task every time the PNC get back into office and are forced to leave!!

Today happens to be 100 days since the PPP have been at it in this iteration. But while they’ve hit the ground running, it’s pretty hard to make headway when the ground is covered with horses’ stuff! And what stuff!! The Treasury’s empty; lands worth billions have been given away for a song; the PNC are stirring up racial animosity on West Berbice; the COVID-19 pandemic runs unabated; businesses are falling under because of the said pandemic; the PNC riggers have to be taken to court for attempting to derail Guyana’s democratic trajectory; and so on, and so forth.

But even while dealing with the PNC’s sh*t, the PPP have reopened the PNC-shuttered sugar estates; renegotiated with EXXON on Payara, and as a quid pro quo, gas will be brought ashore to generate electricity to cut its cost by three quarters.

And for the ordinary folks, VAT has been removed from a welter of goods and services they use daily.

Let the good times roll! …PNC internecine warfare But while the PPP are trying to fix the country, the PNC have their own challenges. They didn’t heed the old folks’ warning that “all smart flies end up in cow’s posterior orifice”! First, Granger thought he was slick to use his powers as PNC leader (obtained via a rigged internal election) to exclude the CHAIRMAN OF THE PNC - Volda Lawrence from Parliament!! And that separated him and his coterie from the largest PNC base in the country - Georgetown controlled by Volda.

And while that bloodletting’s flowing, another front has opened up. Former Mayor of our not-so-fair city, Patricia Chase-Green, a one-time protege of seemingly Mayor-forlife Hamilton Green, took on some of her colleagues in the City Council on several appointments. Her former mentor Green immediately informed her (using the royal plural): “We are very disappointed that she is being disloyal to the group to which she belongs”.

Chase-Green responded by questioning the “loyalty quotient” of Green’s forming the GGG to challenge the PNC under Hoyte!

Ouch!! …fighting drug smuggling Your Eyewitness is still trying to figure out how 11 TONNES of cocaine were transported from Brazil or Colombia into Guyana without being detected.

What happened to all those (expensive) drones Ramjattan bought for surveillance of our borders?

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

NEWS

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$30M Bamia Health Centre commissioned A

$30 million health centre has been commissioned at Bamia, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The facility was commissioned by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony when he travelled to the mining town on Friday to hand over a ventilator and oxygen concentrator to boost COVID-19 treatment in the region,

the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

Minister Anthony told the health workers at Bamia that the facility would better provide primary healthcare for the area. Primary healthcare is the backbone of the healthcare system, he said.

“You can do a lot of preventative work at the primary care level, and if we

are very effective at the primary care level, it prevents a lot of complications and would prevent a lot of diseases from going upwards in the chain.

So, what you do here is extremely important and therefore, we want to work with you, want to facilitate you to ensure that you can do your jobs better,” Dr Anthony is quoted as saying by DPI.

Minister Anthony acknowledged that a major challenge during the pandemic was a slowdown in the national vaccination programme. He, therefore, called on primary healthcare workers to restart this exercise.

“We want you to speed up or accelerate that process so that we keep those high numbers that we always get when we do our

immunisation programme for the children. So, we’ll work along with you, the services that you offer here whether it’s antenatal, postnatal, other primary care services, we’ll see how we can collaborate with you to make that better,” he said.

Dr Anthony, the DPI report stated, also encouraged the healthcare workers to capitalise on the

training opportunities the Government is offering to improve and expand their skillsets.

Bamia is located about half a mile from Amelia’s Ward. The new Bamia Phase Three Health Centre caters to about 1500 residents. It will also serve neighbouring Bamia Drive, Phase Two and Three Amelia’s Ward and Bamia Highway.

10 NEWS President Ali introduces measures to boost construction sector SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…removes VAT on stones with immediate effect

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has removed Value Added Tax (VAT) from the importation of stones to aid in the revival of the construction industry given the shortage the market is currently experiencing.

This order was made

by President Dr Irfaan Ali last week in the exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 98 (1) of the Value-Added Tax Act, through amendments to the Section.

The Section was amended to say: “…zero-rated for the purpose of Section 17 is importation of stones of a type and quality used in construction and housing, provided that: A Certificate of Caricom Origin is submitted by the importer in accordance with Section 15 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01…”

Additionally, President Ali ordered that the removal of the tax takes effect immediately until June 30, 2021.

This is a measure that will no doubt revitalise the

construction industry, which has been stagnating due to a shortage of stones on the local market compounded with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) looking to distribute 10,000 house lots over the next year and 50,000 lots over the next five years, the construction industry is expected to see a boom.

During a recent Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) event, President Dr Irfaan Ali had disclosed that the

The construction sector is expected to see a boom

Government is currently working on a series of initiatives aimed at financing projects for the local housing sector.

Among the initiatives being considered is the establishment of a Diaspora Housing Fund. The Head of State had also revealed that Government is looking at other areas of securing financing for the housing sector. This includes efforts to raise some US$250 million for housing projects.

Last month, Government published invitations for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from interested parties to finance housing development. Entities desirous of participating in this financing activity are invited to submit a proposed term sheet detailing: interest rate and terms; detailed term sheet clearly outlining assumptions and expectations; time period to conclude financing; capability

and experience of participating entity, and such other terms and conditions as may be relevant.

Government will then assess the EoIs and select the parties to negotiate/participate in a Housing Financing Development Plan.

According to the President, the response to this initiative has been overwhelming.

Further, President Ali also highlighted that they are also reaching out to bilateral partners to secure funding for his Administration’s housing programme.

In fact, the Head of State had revealed that this was the subject of a conversation he had with the Emir of Qatar, His Royal Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, via telephone.

During the conversation, Ali had requested that financing from the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) be considered to expand Guyana’s housing programme.

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State has a duty to address all imbalances caused by its past discriminatory actions

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his article addresses a letter written by Mr Tacuma Ogunseye, in which he says that “the major hindrance to unity and progress (putting aside foreign influence and dictates) is the unwillingness of race groups to accept that there is need for adjustments in historical advantages they achieved in the colonial arrangement of the economy and the state. Each group wants to retain its advantages and seek to move forward without adjustments in the economic, political and social spheres.”

There are two questions that arise. Firstly, what exactly are these “advantages” that need to be “adjusted”; and secondly, what is Government’s role in facilitating necessary “adjustments” to create a more equitable society?

One aspect that comes to mind is the overwhelming African-Guyanese staffing of the coercive arms of the state, the Public Service, and other state bureaucratic institutions, such as GECOM. Ravi Dev These disparities started as a colonial ploy to “divide and rule”. For instance, the Police Force was launched in 1839 with a majority of Barbadians, commanded by British officers, to deal with expected disorders by the newly freed slaves. But after the latter circumstance never materialised, African-Guyanese were henceforth preferentially recruited to keep the Indian Indentured labourers “in line”, with the “leaden argument” when called upon.

In 1965, as a precondition to independence, an ICJ Commission recommended that for the next five years, 75% of recruits and cadets be Indian-Guyanese, until they reached their proportion in the populace. However, Ken Danns showed that between 1970 and 1977, while the size of the Police Force was doubled by the PNC Government, 92.2% of recruits were African- Guyanese, with only 7.84% being Indian-Guyanese. The same was true for the other armed forces launched by the PNC. In terms of rectifying this anomalous situation after free and fair elections in 1992, the 2004 Disciplined Forces Commission Report, which was unanimously approved by the National Assembly in 2010, had recommended that the Armed Forces should aim at achieving greater ethnic diversity. It does not matter whether one group does not want to give up its “advantage” or not: the state was given a mandate to equitably compose all state institutions.

I believe that another “advantage” that Tacuma was alluding to is the greater preponderance of Indian-Guyanese in the private sector, especially in business and agriculture, than African- and Amerindian-Guyanese. While this circumstance was due more than anything else to Indian exclusion from the state sector by the colonial administration, it should not be forgotten that that state also used a variety of stratagems in the post-slavery era to discourage African-Guyanese away from those areas. Remember the flooding of villages like Plaisance, and the denial of credit?

Historically, institutional and cultural structural features subsequently developed that discouraged African-Guyanese participation in business and analogously Indian-Guyanese participation in the state sector, especially in the Disciplined Forces. Sequestered in the interior, the Indigenous Peoples were peripheralised from both state and private sector initiatives, and are the most disadvantaged. The state has a duty to create equity in these areas because of its past discriminatory actions in creating the disparities.

We have suggested that entrepreneurial and affirmative action programmes be rolled out in areas where the Government should increase African-Guyanese and Indigenous Peoples’ participation in farming and business. For instance, the Caricom Development Fund’s (CDF’s) $2.6B Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) programme, which the APNU/AFC Government implemented since 2017 to develop sustainable farming in the African villages of Ithaca, Buxton, BV and Mocha, can be extended to other groups. Ethnic Impact Statements should be issued to monitor compliance.

Tacuma alluded to a recommendation he had made in the 1990s in reference to Indigenous Peoples being allowed to move away from the “one man one vote” system of democracy and “be allowed more representation in parliament than their numbers (would permit) in the present governance system.”

He buttressed this call by noting, “our Indigenous Peoples were the first Guyanese to consciously engage in resistance against European colonial conquest – the first Guyanese to die in defence of the country.”

While I agree with his assessment of the contributions of our Indigenous Peoples, I wish Tacuma would expand on exactly how this extra representation for them would be achieved.

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14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parishram the Potter

By Rupa Seenaraine

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he lighting of diyas is a centuries-old tradition that is synonymous with the celebration of Diwali – a popular Hindu festival.

Regarded as the Festival of Lights or Deepavali, earthen lamps or “diyas” are filled with oil and lit using a cotton wick – creating a spectacle

for both the young and old. It symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

On the night of Deepavali, the corners of houses are adorned with these lamps – as the celebrations reach its pinnacle. There are tales of persons in the community making their own back in the olden days. Even today, some persons still uphold that tradition. However, many persons have adopted the new tradition of purchasing their little earthen lanterns.

Here in Guyana, handmade diyas are produced by skilled potters, individually crafting them as per the necessary dimensions and other requirements.

Guyana Times ventured out to Tuschen on the West Coast of Demerara, to capture the work of 62-year-old

The kiln is ignited to bake the clay lamps

Parishram – who has been in the trade for over two decades.

He recalled learning the art whilst living on the quiet island of Wakenaam in the

Essequibo River. Parishram said it took some time to master the entire process, after which, he carried this talent to his new home in Tuschen.

At his residence, there are many tools and contraptions which are needed to bring his work to life.

However, the process is also a complex one.

Parishram first begins with sourcing clay. He takes a boat and travels to Hogg Island where the material is easily accessible. Men would assist him in gathering some 200 bags of the clay and it is transported to Parika. It is stored at his house until ready to use, whether to make diyas or other articles.

For three months in the year, there is a rush to make diyas for the impending Diwali season. To start, the clay is kneaded. He weighs and parcels them. It

proximately 3500 diyas, for about six hours. They remain in the kiln for about three days before they’re finally removed.

Parishram supplies wholesale outlets and other stakeholders with his products. He works with strict orders to ensure that clients are satisfied. While some diyas are sold as they are, he has also explored the concept of decorating his products with paint and glitters – which is also in demand.

This came with the pressure of constant reinvention to remain relevant and stay above competitors.

Speaking about the demand for diyas now, he said it has dwindled somewhat due to the proliferation of artificial lights, which are manufactured to replicate the original. People tend to gravitate towards these new inventions, since they can

A diya in the making

is placed on a special pottery wheel and the diyas are shaped.

He makes the standard diyas and larger ones. There are those with four corners and another that comprises two individual wicks. They are put to dry in the sun for a few days.

The potter explained that in unfortunate weather conditions, it takes longer to dry the clay lamps.

“Just for about three

be lit with just a switch and can withstand heavy winds.

Moreover, a lot of people are getting involved in pottery.

“There is no big demand now as it was before. People bringing in things that you can light with current or batteries and people mostly going with that. But people still have function and they have to buy in small quantity. Diya not selling like before and then also, plenty people making them now.

He also decorates some with paint and glitter

months, it does be really busy making diyas. Sometimes for the whole day, even in the night when I get a big order.

The work depends on the sun. If we don’t get sun to dry it, we got to wait. It does take like two days to dry,” he explained.

He packs the diyas in a box when they are completely dry until there is a large amount. Then, it is baked in a kiln, which can hold ap-

It slow up a bit now,” he explained.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also dampened the trade, since many persons are restricted from organising functions with large masses.

This has caused a reduction in sales, when compared to last year. Nevertheless, the elderly man continues the trade and makes a variety of other items such as vases and religious items.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pandit Rajin Lalaram during one of his yajna sessions

By Pandit Rajin Lalaram

D

ating back centuries ago in ancient Bharat, now India, the historic events connecting to the mighty churning of the ocean in a fierce battle between the Devtas (Gods) and Daanavs (demons) resulted in a victory for the Devtas as Maa Lakshmi emerged from the ocean in pure bliss. On this occasion, the Devatas celebrated the return of the Goddess of light to the land.

In demonstration of an honourable welcome, those gathered lit earthen lamps and chanted praises. The celestial beings rained down flowers from the heavens and exalted her majesty and glory.

Centuries later, the world looks forward to such a blissful, sacred and festivity-rich

around the world in which we live today. The deeper philosophical values of this celebration, therefore, seeks to inspire celebrants to deconstruct these systemic barriers and contribute to a world that is free, fair and just for all irrespective of race, caste, class, gender orientation as well as geographic location.

Very unique to this celebration is the preparation for the lighting of the earthen lamps, the “diya”. A vessel that is primarily made of clay and uniquely shaped and baked into firmness.

Traditionally this has been the centre of the celebration, and still is, though local producers have suffered a decline in demand due to the rush for the technologically modified semi-electric lamps which do not really create the ambience and evoke the

Pandit Lalaram with a devotee

celebration laced with immaculate decor, motorcades, fireworks, drama, music and irresistible vegetarian cuisines each year.

Diwali, though originated in the East, has become amalgamated into the wider diverse cultural tapestry of the West, particularly the Caribbean and North America, where most of the Indians settled during the Colonial Indentureship regime.

The word “Diwali” or “Deepavali” etymologically in their construct translate to mean “a row of light”.

Literally, an illumination that dispels darkness.

Metaphorically, darkness connotes ignorance, hostility, arrogance, injustice, illegality, inequity, intolerance and restriction to one's fundamental freedoms, entitlement, choices and expressions.

Incidentally and quite unfortunately, these are constructs and systemic issues which still inhibit human growth and development

emotions relative to those created by the sight and interaction with the “real clay diyas”.

One may enjoy a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the festival by grasping the philosophical representation of the diya.

So, it is a composite of four elements.

There is the diya itself, the oil, the wick and the flame. The diya is a symbol of our human construct. It reminds us that we are in fact a composite of the five elements birthed in nature ie earth, air, liquid, heat and ether. It also reminds us that human life is transitory and will at some point dissolve into nothingness and that each of us has a specific purpose to fulfil.

Secondly, the oil is symbolic of the conscious mind.

Our mind must be naturally healthy, disciplined and enabling towards achieving our goals and aspirations.

An unstable mind, one that is restless and replete with negative traits would be syn-

onymous to fuel that is highly flammable and hazardous.

Imagine if one were to use gas or methylated spirits to fuel a diya instead of ghee or coconut oil.

Then there is the wick.

The wick represents the intellect, intuition and reasoning - once projected in the right direction, one will ultimately realise his/her divinity and lead a successful human life. Divinity is represented by the flame. Hence, we are drawn to the reasonable conclusion that where harmony exists among the body, mind, intellect and

soul, human life is a noble and prized experience.

In Guyana, no doubt, Diwali is an anxiously awaited festival. Lasting for five days, Hindus engage in various acts of charity, fasting, devotional prayers, social and familial bonding. Over the years, not only has the festival been observed by just Hindus but all Guyanese are now joyously part of the celebration.

It is a time for reflection and resolution. Families strengthen their bonds, neighbours and friends shed hatchets and communities

unite in one national pride and purpose. These values are even more pronounced as we celebrate this year in a global pandemic. I, therefore, urge that we make this Diwali an occasion for giving, for looking out for our neighbourhoods, our children, the elderly, our families and friends with disabilities and do something that will impact their lives in a positive way.

On the occasion of Diwali 2020, I wish you and your families Maha Latchmi Maa's blessings in abundance. May the sacred light,

as we shall ignite on Diwali night, illuminate our hearts, minds and consciousness so that we embody and share the virtues of peace, goodwill, love and gratitude to all.

Shubh Diwali!

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By Dr Kumar Mahabir

W

hen novelist Edgar Mittelholzer penned these words in 1963, he was referring to the cultural stereotypes of Indian Guyanese. By that time, Indians had long demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit that guided their willingness and steered their ambition, leading them to shatter the image of the hapless “coolie” who crossed the “kala pani” in search of opportunities outside of Mother India. Indians have long since earned a permanent place in Guyanese society.

In a recently published book, Jung Bahadur Singh of Guyana (1886-1956), Dr Baytoram Ramharack examined the life experiences of one of Mittelholzer’s socalled “coolies”, whose legacy was shaped both by the indenture and post-indenture experience in Guyana.

What emerged from this narrative is a clear recognition that even though Dr Jung Bahadur Singh (JB Singh) may not have been as well-

known as contemporaries like Cheddi Jagan, his contributions to the historical development of Guyana stands tall among the leaders of Guyanese society. With this publication, JB Singh’s legacy has now been recorded as part of the historiography of Indians in the Caribbean.

Born in 1886 as “Dina Nath alias Jung Bahadur Singh” to parents of Nepalese extraction, Dr Jung Bahadur Singh (JB Singh), grew up in Good Fortuin, an old Dutch plantation (the family later moved to Vreed-en-Hoop).

He served as a member in the British Guiana Legislative Council for 23 years, after being elected in 1930, until his electoral defeat in 1953.

As a legislator, JB Singh was a sitting member on almost every parliamentary committee, during which time he represented the members of the multi-ethnic Demerara-Essequibo constituency faithfully and with pride. His ideological perspective was influenced and contoured by his cultural beliefs and his experience as a ship doctor on the immigra-

tion ships on which he ac- parliamentary records and companied Indians as they the writings of JB Singh. As travelled from India to the the subtitle of the book notes, British colonies, as well as Dr JB Singh ought to be celon the ships that returned ebrated as a “politician, ship the girmitiyas (contract la- d o c t o r , bourers) to Mother India. l a b o u r He was among the few qual- l e a d e r , ified medical doctors who and proinitially returned to serve tector of Guyanese after graduating Indians” from Edinburg University i n in 1919. As a founder of the B r i t i s h Sanatan Dharma Maha Guiana.

Sabha, JB Singh demon- A restrated a steadfast commitment to his Recently published Hindu values. He book, Jung Bahadur was a strong advo- Singh of Guyana cate for the right of Indians to be cremated as part of the last markable funeral rites of Hindus. His leader in most persistent and deter- the Indian mined efforts, however, were c o m m u reflected in the struggle to nity, and as secure the right to univer- someone well respectsal adult suffrage, a struggle ed by African leaders, JB championed later by Cheddi Singh emerged as a trusted Jagan. mediator helping to use his Dr Ramharack has pains- “good offices” to resolve latakingly provided hidden de- bour disputes between sugtails about the various roles ar workers in his constitthat characterised the legacy uency and management of JB Singh, by relying on in- long before the formation terviews, archival materials, of the Man Power Citizens' Association (MPCA) led by Ayube Mohamed Edun. He subsequently became a leading member of two labour unions, the British Guiana Labour Union, as well as the British Guiana Workers'

League (formed in 1931).

Dr JB Singh was elected seven times to serve as President of the British Guiana East Indian

Association (BGEIA), the preeminent organisation, initially established in Berbice in 1916 by JA Luckhoo, Madhoo Lall Bhose (a Bengali), and others to protect the interests and rights of Indian Guyanese. It is ironic to note that JB Singh may have contributed towards the political career of a young Queen’s College graduate, Cheddi Jagan, whose father endorsed JB Singh’s

advice to “send the boy abroad” to study after they sought his guidance in 1935.

As history would have it, JB Singh was defeated by a PPP-supported candidate in the 1953 elections which was held under universal adult suffrage. Jagan described the election between JB Singh and his party’s hand-picked candidate, Fred Bowman, as an election which was “the most significant”, bringing an end to JB Singh’s tenure as a member of the British Guiana Legislative Council.

When JB Singh died in 1956, he was honoured with the largest funeral procession in the country which The Daily Argosy described as one “witnessed by thousands of people gathered from all over the colony”. He became the first Indian to be granted official permission post-humously to be cremated in British Guyana.

Like Clem Seecharan’s discovery of “Bechu”, the “enigmatic Bengali” who was the lone Indian voice that advocated for the rights of indentured Indians, Dr Ramharack must be complimented for undertaking this formidable task. History has come alive with this timely historical and political biography of an iconic Indian Guyanese.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FIRECRACKERS/FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON COMPANION ANIMALS Dear “PET CARE” reader, instead of continuing with “Puppy Ailments” this week, allow us to document some comments on the Misuse of Fireworks, Squibs and Other Explosive Devices, especially as these relate to our pets – not lastly since Diwali and Christmas celebrations are literally right around the corner.

Firstly, let me emphasize what you in all likelihood already know. Dogs (to a lesser degree, cats) hear and smell better than humans. They are much more sensitive to noise.

Secondly, although the focus today is on fireworks, which have become patently associated with celebrations of any kind (from christenings to Christmas), I am including in this topic all types of commercial and man-made, fun-producing explosions and explosive devices as well as other noise makers, such as party horns, whistles and sirens.

Mention was made above of dogs having an extremely developed sense of hearing. The noise that emanates from a firecracker/squib/explosive “toy” not only terrifies your pet, but it also makes the animal temporarily, and, perhaps chronically, mentally unhinged. Moreover, dogs especially, it seems, perceive an explosion as a threat to which they must react. So, they bark loudly and incessantly, and become uncharacteristically aggressive (“fight” response); or they cower and run and hide (“flight” response). Whichever response, it is an expression of fear and anxiety. Some dogs tremble and whine pitifully.

In exceedingly traumatic cases, the extreme responses of dogs (mainly fatal) to the terrifying loudness include: - jumping off verandahs; - running away from home; - impaling themselves on fences surrounding the home; - hanging themselves with their leashes; - suffocating themselves in trying to force through kennel bars.

It is not a singular occurrence that a dog would get lost and be found (if it is lucky) miles away from home.

Never in the recent decades have I not received calls from good Samaritan rescuers who have lost dogs in their possession and want me to help find the owners. I can never understand how a pet caregiver could spend thousands of dollars, purchasing a puppy, caring for it, allowing it to become a loved member of the family – only to lose the animal wandering away from home, because it seeks to escape the torture of ear-splitting sounds.

I recall, some decades ago, at one New Year’s Eve celebration where a dog broke through a glass door and, lacerated and bleeding, was trying to escape the fireworks noise. That nursing mother entered the Pegasus Hotel Ballroom - spattering blood on the fine clothes of the revelers while creating general mayhem among the celebrants.

Luckily, the Manager’s wife – an ardent dog lover – made facilities available, so that I could staunch the bleeding and stitch up the poor animal.

In a nutshell, any sudden and extremely loud noise can cause great turbulence in a household with canine (and feline) companion animals. Dogs have been presented to vets exhibiting, in addition to the symptoms described above, - diarrhoea; - drooling; - paw injuries from digging up of the earth or rough ground surfaces; - face, neck and body lacerations from over-vigorously trying to break out of the kennel or glass window.

Q: How does one best protect pets from the effects of celebratory instruments of noise?

A: On the days before, during and immediately after the Diwali, Independence Day, Mashramani, and Christmas celebrations, inter-alia, you

might wish to reinforce your TLC (Tender Loving Care) towards your pet(s) – lots of petting, speaking and soothing of your ward(s). You might wish to bring the animal(s) into the house. I usually recommend placing an appropriately sized box with a blanket/towel in the bathroom – or even in a secluded cupboard or under the bed.

A thick blanket can be placed over the windows to dampen the noise.

Please do not ask your vet to give you strong sedatives (even anesthetics) for the animal. That may be placing the vet not only in an embarrassing situation, to say nothing of possible compromising his/ her professionalism. There is a calming natural supplement called Melatonin which might be acquired over the counter.

The dosage is 1-4 mg according to the animal’s body weight.

Your vet will advise you more exactly. I should mention that, early in my career, I used to prescribe chamomile tea (a naturally sedative herb). Do not use Benadryl. Ask your vet for advice before trying to introduce chemical or natural sedatives that are commercially produced.

Q: Are certain breeds more vulnerable to loud noises.

A: If the noises are loud enough, all breeds are susceptible. My own experience is that German Shepherds Labradors, some Spaniels, and most small, cute breeds like the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, etc. exhibit intense forms of anxiety.

Please also note that the framers of our laws in their wisdom, and via the advocacy and contributions of the Humane Societies in Guyana, have in their collective wisdom banned the free-for-all import and sale of fireworks and squibs and other forms of explosive toys.

Regrettably, those who are supposed to protect and serve do not take too seriously the agony experienced by both pet and caregiver. The perpetrators (both urban and village folk) are not arrested for the overuse and abuse of explosive devices.

It is my view that conscience, caring and discretion must serve as the guiding principles. If a caregiver in your neighbourhood begs you to ease with the explosions, because the noise produced is traumatically affecting the pet animals, how difficult is it to discontinue the explosive devices after a short while.

Let me finally advocate that if your friend explodes a squib near to your pet or ties an active firecracker/sparkler to the tail of an animal, just to see how the poor animal reacts and just for the fun of it, then that persons is no friend. In essence, one has to question that person’s own mental stability.

Dear pet caregiver, enjoy the wonderful companion animal which you have chosen to be a part of your family. Do not create or assist in creating an environment – Diwali or no Diwali, Christmas or no Christmas, etc. – that is inimical to the happiness and well-being of you, your family member(s) and your neighbours.

Happy Diwali, all.

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FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s 1st zero-waste store aims to reduce plastic use

By Rupa Seenaraine

S

ingle-use plastics have become a common material in many packaging plants, and also constitutes as one of the key pollutants globally, especially in oceans where marine life is threatened.

In Guyana, the Jars Zero Waste Store was recently launched to demonstrate how easy it is to purchase items which are not processed in heavy plastics, thus creating a positive impact on the environment.

Owner of the establishment, Alana BunburyWalton told <<<Guyana Times>>> exclusively that the idea came about after noticing the large masses of plastics, especially bottles, lining the streets and waterways. Since she was already conscious of her own plastic footprint, Bunbury-Walton said she decided to launch the zero-waste store.

“The idea of a zero-waste store was born out of a genuine concern for the amount of plastic in our society and the way we dispose of it.

Founder of Jars Zero Waste Store, Alana Bunbury-Walton

Single-use plastics is currently a global problem.

Almost everything we purchase is either made of plastic or is heavily packaged in plastic. Locally, we see the way plastic bottles and other plastic waste litter our streets, drains and sea defences. After adopting a few personal habits of my own aimed at preventing single-use plastic, I decided to share with Guyana, how it is to become zero waste-conscious. That was the beginning of the Jars Zero Waste Store,” she explained.

The store was opened just over a week ago but planning commenced since the latter part of 2019. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, some of their plans were halted. As such, another location for the venture was identified, and the business was opened at Lot 46 Garnett Street, Georgetown.

While speaking on some of the products that are offered, Bunbury-Walton detailed, “Relying on the principles of zero waste, which reduce, refuse, recycle, reuse and compost, we sought out products that were eco-friendly and added health foods as well.”

Refill is offered on a number of products, especially those that are locally produced. Consumers are just tasked with measuring the amount of product that they need and place it in a reusable container.

Customers are encouraged to bring their jars or bottles, to refill locally produced detergent, which comes in eight different products. Their dry goods include oats, rice, quinoa,

flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seed, nuts from the Pomeroon region inclusive of almonds, pecans, and peanuts; beans, spices, couscous, pasta, and coconut oil.

Coffee beans are also sold and can be ground at the store.

Meanwhile, there are eco-friendly plastic alternatives, such as stainless-steel reusable straws, reusable cotton face pads, shampoo bars, tea diffusers and utensils with wooden handles.

The founder told this publication that they are seeking to curb the longterm effects of using and disposing of plastics. This is even more important, given the limited recycling opportunities.

“Because of the limited recycling opportunities here, we are faced with the tough task of dumping tons of plastic in our landfill. A plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose while a plastic bag takes 10 to 20 years.

Imagine the impact that this is already having on our environment.”

Thus far, many Guyanese

The business offers a variety of dry goods and eco-friendly products

have shown interest in the zero-waste establishment, and were inclined to learn about the concept and the products offered. The mother of two shared that they are looking forward to increased support to create a new movement.

Those desirous of getting involved in zero-waste living can easily develop small habits over time, which includes taking a reusable shopping bag to the market and refusing plastic bags.

The United Nations Environment Programme has reported that only nine per cent of the world’s nine billion tonnes of plastic has been recycled. The remainder ends up in landfills, our oceans and waterways, and the environment. The material is one which does not biodegrade, but merely breaks down in small pieces referred to as microplastics.

Local eco-friendly businesses can also feature their products in the store.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS - LOWER BACK PAIN

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam Medicine, Endocrinology & Diabetes

L

ower back pain is a common cause for visits to the doctor as well as the most common cause of job-related disability. At least 80 percent of persons worldwide will experience low back pain in their lifetime.

Most lower back pain is the result of an injury, such as muscle sprains or strains due to sudden movements, or poor body mechanics while lifting heavy objects.

Lower back pain can also be the result of certain diseases, such as: • SciaticaPinched

Nerve • Arthritis of the back • Cancer of the spinal cord • A ruptured or herniated disc • Kidney infections • Infections of the spine Acute back pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, while chronic back pain is pain that lasts longer than three months.

Lower back pain is more likely to occur in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. This is partly due to the changes that occur in the body with aging. As persons grow older, there is a reduction in the fluid content between the vertebrae in the spine. This means discs in the spine experience irritation more easily. In addition, more muscle tone is loss, which makes the back more prone to injury.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN?

• Strains The muscles and liga-

ments in the back can stretch or tear due to excessive activity. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the lower back, as well as muscle spasms. Rest and physical therapy are remedies for these symptoms.

• Disc injury The discs in the back are prone to injury. This risk increases with age. The outside of the disc can tear or herniate. A herniated disc, which is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the cartilage surrounding the disc pushes against the spinal cord or nerve roots. The cushion that sits between the spinal vertebrae extends outside its normal position.

This can result in compression of the nerve root as it exits from the spinal cord and through the vertebral bones. Disc injury usually occurs suddenly, after lifting something or twisting the back. Unlike a back strain, pain from a disc injury usually lasts for more than 72 hours.

• Sciatica

Sciatica can occur with a herniated disc if the disc presses on the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve connects the spine to the legs. As a result, sciatica can cause pain in the legs and feet. This pain usually feels like burning, or pins and needles.

• Spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis is when the spinal column narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Spinal stenosis is most commonly due to degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. The result is compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or soft tissues, such as discs.

Pressure on the spinal

nerves causes symptoms such as numbness, cramping, weakness These symptoms may be felt anywhere in the body.

Many people with spinal stenosis notice their symptoms worsen when standing or walking.

• Abnormal spinal curvatures Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis are all conditions that cause abnormal curvatures in the spine. These are congenital conditions that are usually first diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. The abnormal curvature causes pain and poor posture because it places pressure on muscles, ten-

dons, ligaments, and vertebrae • Other conditions A number of other conditions causes lower back pain.

These conditions include: • Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.

• Fibromyalgia is long-term pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, and tendons.

• Spondylitis is inflammation of the joints between the spinal bones.

• Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function.

Although aging is the primary cause of the condition, the location and rate of degeneration are specific to the individual.

Additional health conditions that can cause lower back pain include: • Kidney and bladder problems • Pregnancy • Endometriosis • Ovarian cysts • Uterine fibroids • Cancer CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11-year-old dies from cancer complications Berbice construction worker nabbed with ganja after testing positive for COVID-19

A

A

n 11-year-old girl, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), died from complications due to cancer on Friday.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh told this publication that this case would not be treated as a COVID-19 death, since it is not the direct cause of death.

“She died of the cancer so this will not be considered a COVID-related death. She just happened to be positive but the complication is because of the cancer,” he stated.

It was reported that the young girl died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she was taken on Wednesday for treatment of complications caused by cancer. She was admitted to the regular Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a routine

COVID-19 test was conducted. The results came back positive on Thursday and she died the following day.

The child was reportedly suffering from leukaemia but remained undiagnosed until she visited the medical institution this week.

Currently, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll is at 134 after two more persons died from the virus on Friday. (G12)

25-year-old construction worker has landed himself in hot water after he was nabbed with a quantity of ganja.

Reports are at about 22:45h on Saturday, a party of Police was patrolling in the vicinity of Besty Ground, East Canje, Berbice, when they observed a man walking along the road acting in a suspicious manner.

As a result, the lawmen stopped the man and conducted a search on him and his belongings and discovered a small black bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Police on Saturday said that the man was arrested and identified himself as a construction worker of Besty Ground, East Canje, Berbice. The suspected cannabis weighed 32 grams.

HEALTH TIPS - LOWER BACK...

Diagnosis of Back Pain

A complete medical history and a thorough physical examination is done to determine where the pain is felt. A physical exam can also determine if the pain is affecting a person’s range of motion. Reflexes and sensations are also explored to determine if the lower back pain is affecting nerves.

Unless there is concerning or debilitating symptoms or neurologic loss, a doctor would monitor a patient’s condition for a few weeks before sending for testing. This is because most lower back pain is resolved using simple self-care treatments.

Certain symptoms require more testing, including: • Lack of bowel control • Weakness • Fever • Weight loss • Recent severe trauma to the back • One-sided pain • A history of cancer or steroid use • Pain resistant to treatment Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs may be necessary for underlying severe issues such as: • Bone problems • Disc problems

• Problems with the ligaments and tendons in the back

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

• Home care Self-care methods are helpful for the first 72 hours after the pain begins. If the pain does not improve after 72 hours of home treatment, then further treatment is needed.

Stop any normal physical activities for a couple of days and apply ice to the lower back. Ice is recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours, then switching to heat. Alternate ice and heat to relax muscles. The RICE protocol — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — is recommended within the first 48 hours.

Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or Panadol, Voltaren, to relieve pain.

A warm bath or a massage can often relax stiff and knotted muscles in the back.

Medical treatment

There are a number of possible medical treatments including: • Medications • Medical gels and appliances • Physical therapy Some medications in-

clude: . Muscle relaxants . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Aspirin • Narcotic drugs such as codeine for pain relief • Steroids to reduce inflammation • Corticosteroid injections Physical therapy, including: • Massage • Stretching • Strengthening exercises • Back and spinal manipulation • Yoga • Walking

Surgery

For severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is usually only an option when all other treatments fail. However, if there is loss of bowel or bladder control, or a progressive neurological loss, surgery becomes an emergency option.

PREVENTION OF BACK PAIN

There are many ways to prevent lower back pain.

Practising prevention techniques may also help lessen the severity of one’s symptoms if presented with a lower back injury.

Prevention involves: • Exercising the muscles in the abdomen and back • Losing weight if overweight • Lifting items properly by bending at the knees and lifting with the legs • Maintaining proper

The ganja that was found in the construction worker’s possession

The suspect is presently in Police custody and is being processed for court. (G1)

FROM PAGE 20

posture • Sleep on a firm surface • Sit on supportive chairs that are at the correct height • Avoid high-heeled shoes • Quit smoking, Nicotine causes degenera-

tion of spinal discs and reduces blood flow.

It is also possible for lower back pain to develop with no definitive cause. When this happens, the primary focus is on treating the symptoms, rather than the cause of the symptoms and the patient’s overall health.

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Orealla-Siparuta residents call for secondary school, road to Corriverton R

esidents of Orealla and its sister village – Siparuta - have called for a secondary school to be constructed in the community.

The Amerindian village of Orealla, situated 50 miles up the Corentyne River, is home to some 1500 persons and its sister village – Siparuta – which is six miles further, is home to some 500 persons.

Both Siparuta and Orealla have primary schools.

However, the Orealla Primary is equipped with a “Primary Top”, meaning it caters for students from Grades Seven to 10.

During a recent visit to the community by Natural Resources Minister Vikram Bharrat and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, residents asked them to make representation at the Government level for a secondary school to be established at Orealla.

One resident of Siparuta,

Residents at the meeting with Ministers Vikram Bharrat and Zulfikar Mustapha

Yonette Stass, told the Ministers that many children are denied the opportunity of a secondary education because their parents cannot afford to have them attend secondary schools on the Corentyne Coast.

This, she explained, is as a result of high maintenance/ support cost.

“We need to have this school going in Orealla so that we can have our children who finish school get jobs and students here who learn better at home can benefit from that,”

Stass said.

Meanwhile, Gladis Felix, a pineapple farmer, expressed disappointment at the way students who utilise the facilities at the Amerindian Hostel in Corriverton are being treated.

One of her main concerns is the quality of meals being offered to the children who reside there. The hostel is under the control of the Region Six administration.

“As parents, we communicate and hear each other’s stories. Some children say they

get raw bakes to eat, no good food…If it is that they just put somebody there because they tried to put them into a job, but we need people who can treat these children well; especially with their meals,” Felix said.

Residents also complained that the children who stay at the dorm would sometimes pool their transportation allowance to purchase dinner. “…the children say they are seeing stuff going there but they are not benefiting from it,” the parent complained.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Navindra Persaud, who was also a part of the visiting team, has since been asked to address the issues at the hostel.

According to Minister Mustapha, the Government has been paying much emphasis on the dietary supplies for the hostel and called on the REO to launch an investigation.

Meanwhile, Toshao Carl Peneux, while addressing the two Government Ministers, said that a petition has been signed by residents of both communities for a secondary school at Orealla.

Siparuta Primary School

“Our students have been suffering tremendously because you do not have a secondary school and now with COVID-19, they cannot go out there. We only have a secondary department, so, our children are not receiving a secondary education. The few who are going to secondary schools and the Corentyne Coast are also suffering because their parents find it very hard to support them,” Toshao Peneux said.

He said they are also petitioning for the Government to give consideration for the road from Orealla to Moleson Creek.

“We are being intimidated on the river by the Surinamese

military. This is the system that we have now, the Toshao, which is me, I have to make a request to the CDC [Civil Defence Commission] for any boat to travel. The CDC will send a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and they will send that request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suriname who would eventually give the final answer to the request. This takes about three days. If we have an emergency here what happens? It is not easy for us to move,” he stated.

The Corentyne River is the only access for residents of both Siparuta and Orealla to get to Corriverton where they conduct their business. (G4)

23 City Hall must rid itself of political directives – Dharamlall NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…says financial support will come only after audit

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ocal Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall has voiced concerns of the level of political directiveness at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), noting that it is counterproductive to good governance.

He made these remarks during a recent engagement with the media, sharing that

it is one of the reasons in which financial undertakings and overall management will be scrutinised via an audit.

“One of the reasons that we called for an audit is because we do not believe city hall is above board in terms

of their decision-making and financing. We also believe that the Council itself imposes its values on the administration of City Hall. That incongruence cannot be part of the principles of good governance,” Minister Dharamlall expressed.

He said it is to the extent that “political directives are forced upon the administration of City Hall”. He went

on to say that officers must conduct themselves professionally.

“City Hall should not be doing so. The Administration is comprised of professional people and they must do their work professionally.”

Audit

The Ministry would have written the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, seeking an audit into the operations of all 10 municipalities across Guyana. Thus far, Sharma has responded to say that they will commence soon. This is not just a financial audit, but one that will identify the inefficiencies of the municipalities.

Dharamlall positioned that until the audit is complete, Government will not provide support to the institution – which has often failed to demonstrate accountability.

“The Auditor General has responded to me, to say that they will begin auditing and City Hall is one of those to be audited. I think as soon as the audit is complete, then we will be in a better position to provide support because City Hall is an institution which engages in activities that are

Major of Georgetown Ubraj Narine

counterproductive to good Government. Some of those hinge on unlawfulness and illegality and why should we provide support to an institution like City Hall that does not subscribe to accountability,” the Minister noted.

He went on to say that they have provided resources to the Council, which they should have been expending

at this point in time. The administrative building that is under construction on the premises of City Hall is also as a result of the Ministry’s intervention.

When questions were raised about the lack of documents, the Minister said there is ample information to carry out such.

“I think there’s enough documentation at City Hall for a proper audit to be done.

We will not have the elements of the Council standing in the way of the audit being completed properly and actions to be taken.”

Just over one week ago, the cash-strapped City Hall appealed to Government to bail it out as its monstrous debts are piling up. Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine pleaded with Government to bail out the entity by allocating funds to the Council which is faced with over half of a billion dol-

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

lars in debts that continue to climb.

Of this sum, $100 million is owed to garbage collection contractors, $400 million is owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and over $20 million in retroactive salaries is owed to staffers of the City Constabulary. Narine reported that the Mayor and City Council was struggling to pay staffers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in it recording a 78 per cent decrease in revenue earnings.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother finds missing son in GPHC morgue

By La’Wanda McAllister

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22-year-old man of Annandale on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), who was missing for days, was found dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday morning.

The man was last seen alive at home on November 1.

Dead is Kellon Crawford, a labourer of Annandale South, ECD. When Guyana Times visited the home of the dead man on Saturday, his mother, Chandrawattie Dhanraj, said her son left home on Sunday at about 10:30h to visit a friend.

She said she was expecting her son to return home during the evening as he had to work the following day. “… I didn’t find him from then, the rain fall from then (Sunday) and whole day on Monday. Then on Tuesday morning I go and pick up a friend that he does lime with, and I told him that I didn’t see Kellon nowhere since Sunday… so we went to all them friends… I didn’t find him,” the grieving mother related.

She said she then proceeded to the Vigilance Police Station to make a report, but she was sent to the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station instead. However, upon arrival there she was sent back to Vigilance Police Station. There, she said the police took the report but

advised her to search for her son herself.

The woman further related that a friend subsequently told her that there were two accidents on Sunday evening, and she should check the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“When I reach at the hospital (GPHC) the security run through the book and he said there was two accidents at Annandale and one they pronounce dead, and the other one in the ward. So, I went and I had a picture … them boys that does carry them dead, when the boy see the picture he said yes that is the boy and he break up Dead: Kellon Crawford bad,” she explained.

Dhanraj said she then She said after that, her went to identify the body family has not been able to and confirmed that it was come to grips with the death indeed her son.

of the 22-year-old.

According to the tearful mother, since the accident, no police officer has told her how her son died, and who is the suspect. She said when they revisited the scene, it was as if an accident never occurred there. All of the debris was removed from the scene, and there was no mark to indicate where her son was left after the accident.

She said all that was at the scene was a broken fence which the vehicle that hit her son had crashed into.

The woman said she was told by residents that they saw her son at the scene of another accident on Sunday night where a 14-year-old boy was struck down on the Annandale Public Road.

However, he was struck down and killed on his way home.

Dhanraj said shortly after finding her son, they went back to the police and relatives were told to go to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“Why I must go to the DPP, the DPP did not knock down my son and kill him… put your foot in my shoes, your child died...Imagine they get the video and it was only yesterday [Friday] they send it out… they didn’t even say this missing person and they didn’t find his relative. If I didn’t go, I would not have known my son dead,” the grieving mother said.

Dhanraj said the death of her son has shattered her

family since he was the main breadwinner for the home.

She said she is a widow and is renting a home she will no longer be able to afford, now that her son is dead.

She said she cannot afford to bury her son.

“Yesterday (Friday) they PM (post-mortem examination) him and now I can move him to the parlour…

Even to my son phone when I call it is ringing and they said it damage - they don’t want to give me it,” she said.

The family is calling for justice for Crawford.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Regional Commander Khali Pareshram on Saturday confirmed that a suspect was arrested and release on station bail pending investigation.

26 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bartica, Wakenaam, Mahdia, Leguan to get solar farms – VP

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has announced Government’s plans to establish several solar farms in remote sections of Guyana, which will extend the hours of power supply and reduce costs.

This was noted during his press conference on Friday, where he revealed that a 1.5-megawatt solar farm was already approved for Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), with similar projects underway for Mahdia in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Leguan and Wakenaam.

“In the Bartica area, what was approved recently is a project that will start very soon for the 1.5-megawatt solar farm. We’re doing the same through another project, moving to install about half-megawatt of solar in Wakenaam.

We’re now exploring plans for a similar-sized capacity for Leguan. There is some funding for Mahdia already to do a solar farm,” Jagdeo told media operatives.

According to him, the units are smaller but would significantly reduce the cost of power supply to these areas.

While this form of renewable energy will be available in the daytime, fossil fuel will only be used at night. Thereafter, batteries will be installed to store the solar energy.

“These are smaller units that would help significantly to bring down the cost of the supply. They don’t have batteries so they run during the day. You still have to run the fossil fuel systems in the evening but it would extend the hours of service that people have in these communities, particularly during the day until we put in the units with batteries that can store the solar power.”

Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

The Vice President also shared their progress in getting the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project back on stream, which has started with the review of documents.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has contended that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project could have been generating about 50 per cent more electricity than the entire Guyana Power and Light supply at the time in 2012. But

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

the project was scrapped by the coalition Administration, which had controlled the National Assembly by a oneseat majority. Now, it is being resuscitated.

“We have started reviewing the documents to chart a pathway to hydropower development back again because hydropower is crucial. Given our capability and our abundant water resources, we believe that hydropower has an important part in our energy mix in the future. Apart from that, it is renewable and environmentally friendly.”

Within the past weeks, contracts were approved to establish a hydropower station

at Kumu, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) producing 1.5 megawatts of power. Meanwhile, rehabilitation was done at Moco Moco to offer another 0.7 megawatt.

“That gives you 2.2 megawatts of power and then just last week, it was a 1-megawatt solar farm which will supply power during the day.

Considering the peak demand in Lethem is about one megawatt, we’d have almost double the capacity of what they have, all coming in from renewable energy,” the VP acknowledged.

It was noted that Government has already reviewed the current energy

system, given the fact that the Guyana Power and Light is struggling to provide reliable electricity.

“We have reviewed the entire energy mix of the country.

We’ve started working on each of the large baseload systems.

We have a clear vision of what we want in each of these isolated communities and we’ve started implementing projects in this regard.”

Government is currently purchasing power from the Giftland Mall, in order to satisfy the current demand until the 46.5-megawatt plant at Garden of Eden is operation-

alised. This is pegged at $35 million per month.

To cater to the demand during the Christmas season, plans are underway to purchase another 10 megawatts from MACORP. The plans to offer reliable electricity has also prompted the PPP/C Government to start working on its gas-to-energy project, which it is looking to implement early next year. Currently, with Guyana generating at nearly 17 to 20 cents per kilowatt/hour, this project is expected to cut the cost of electricity in the country by more than half. (G12)

Port Mourant Overseer fired over unaccounted monies …as records disappear

The ledger that was missing

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he acting Overseer of the Johns/Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is being investigated for alleged misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement.

Following an investigation into the missing Port Mourant Market receipt book, a decision was taken by the Council to terminate the Overseer.

The receipt book was reported missing by the Overseer.

According to documents seen by Guyana Times, several receipts issued to stallholders do not have matching figures on the duplicate which is retained in the receipt book.

Similar discoveries were made in the receipt book in which payments for property taxes are recorded. When compared with the original receipts issued to the property holder, some inaccuracies were discovered.

In one instance, on October 13, 2020, Davindranauth Jeewth reportedly paid $7782 in property taxes for the years 2017 through 2020.

On the duplicate receipt, there is what appears to be an alteration, with a line drawn across 2017, 2018 and 2019.

There was also an alteration to the amount received.

The sum of $1875 is recorded instead. When questioned by Vice Chairman, Imran Ally, about the missing $5907, no answer was provided by the Overseer.

In another instance, Chattagoon Paltoo has a receipt station that he would have paid $6225 as property tax for a specified period. But the amount recorded on the delicate differs.

This publication was also provided with copies of receipts that suggest the receipts issued to vendors at the Port Mourant Market had the duplicate altered as well.

Also, the amount recorded on the ledger did not match the amount on the vendors’ receipts.

Following an initial in-

vestigation conducted by the Vice Chairman and other Councillors, the Overseer was asked to provide answers the following day.

However, that day she reported to the Council that the ledger, which was the basis on which some of the accusations were being made against her, had gone missing only hours after she was seen in possession of the book by the Vice Chairman and Councillors.

Strangely, however, the Council asked the Overseer to report the missing ledger to the police and she did.

Meanwhile, the Council has since held an emergency meeting last week, where a decision was taken to dismiss the Overseer with immediate effect in accordance with the Public Service Rules. At the time, the Overseer was on leave and was not present at the meeting.

Further, this newspaper understands while the decision was taken to dismiss the Overseer, the letter of termination has not been sent to her since the NDC has no staff to type and issue the letter.

Back in June, the previous NDC Overseer was fired, for the second time, over claims of abuse and fraud.

Since then, this current Overseer, who had held another position at the NDC, had been acting as the Overseer.

She was one of several persons who had applied for the job and was interviewed.

However, no appointments were made and the NDC has also failed to fill other vacancies it has.

With the firing of this second Overseer, there is currently no staff at the Johns/ Port Mourant NDC. There are reports that Councillors have been going to the office to assist.

This publication understands that the office is only opened in the afternoons when the Councillors are available. (G4)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana has 877 active COVID-19 cases …11 in ICU

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he number of active COVID-19 cases in Guyana is now at 877, as 27 new positives were confirmed on Saturday.

Latest statistics confirmed that there are now 4484 total confirmed cases of the virus.

A gender contraction model indicated that 2350 males contracted the life-threatening virus when compared to 2134 females.

The Health Ministry published its latest dashboard, which showed the number of deaths remaining at 134. The most recent deaths were that of a 58-year-old man from Region Four and a 56-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini), who both died at medical facilities on Friday.

Meanwhile, 11 persons are now seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There are 73 persons in institutional isolation, 753 in home isolation and 40 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has recorded 3511 recoveries and 21,754 persons have been tested thus far.

A breakdown showed that 10 new cases were detect-

ed in Region One (BarimaWaini), four in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 10 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The cases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remained at 378, 139, 376 and 150 respectively.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony would have announced that they’re looking to start transferring patients to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, in this new week.

Equipment was being installed at the facility and once the transfer is made, it would ease the burden off the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Speaking on the staffing capacity at the new facility, he said some will be transferred from GPHC while

there were some new recruitments.

“In terms of staffing, we do have the staff that are currently operating at the Georgetown Hospital at the Infectious Diseases ICU. Those staff would be going across to man the new ICU that we have and also, we had a number of persons that we brought on, maybe about a month ago, so they will continue to be part of the staffing arrangements,” Dr Anthony had said.

Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No

10), which are in effect until November 31, 2020. This

order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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. (G12)

28 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen hospitalised after accident with Bartica Mayor

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19-year-old motorcyclist is now nursing injuries after he was involved in an accident at Four Miles Potaro Road, Bartica with Mayor and Town Council vehicle.

Reports are the accident occurred at about 18:20h on Tuesday. According to Police, pickup PWW 7126 was pro-

ceeding north along the western side of Four Miles, Potaro Road while the motor Jeep PTT 8073 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road, followed by the motorcycle. Pickup PWW 7126 is owned by the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and was being driven by Mayor Gifford Marshall.

According to the driver of

Jeep PTT 8073 he was blinded by the light of the pickup that was driven by Mayor Marshall, and as such he slowed and felt an impact to the rear of his vehicle. As a result of the collision, the motorcycle reportedly lost control and collided with the right side of the pickup (PWW 7126). The teen motorcyclist then fell onto the roadway, and injuries about his body.

He was picked up by the driver of the jeep and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was admitted.

Police on Saturday said that breathalyzer tests were conducted on the drivers and they were all found to be below the prescribed limit of alcohol. The mayor and the driver of the jeep have since been released on self-bail, pending investigation. Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Police probing murder at Baramita

A

19-year-old motorcyclist is now nursing injuries after he was involved in an accident at Four Miles Potaro Road, Bartica, with a Mayor and Town Council vehicle.

Reports are the accident occurred at about 18:20h on Tuesday. According to Police, pick-up PWW 7126 was proceeding north along the western side of the Four Miles, Potaro Road while

the motor Jeep, PTT 8073, was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road, followed by the motorcycle. Pick-up PWW 7126 is owned by the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and was being driven by Mayor Gifford Marshall.

According to the driver of Jeep PTT 8073, he was blinded by the light of the

pick-up that was driven by Mayor Marshall, and as such he slowed and felt an impact to the rear of his vehicle. As a result of the collision, the motorcycle reportedly lost control and collided with the right side of the pick-up (PWW 7126). The teen motorcyclist then fell onto the roadway, and received injuries about his body.

He was picked up by the driver of the jeep and tak-

en to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was admitted.

Police on Saturday said that breathalyser tests were conducted on the drivers and they were all found to be below the prescribed limit of alcohol. The Mayor and the driver of the jeep have since been released on selfbail, pending investigation.

Investigations are ongoing.

(G9)

Revamping the Tourism Sector (Part 2)

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igitalisation and innovative solutions provide a unique opportunity to scale up operational procedures that make travel safe and seamless, while mitigating the possible impacts of new protocols in terms of increased waste generation, water and energy use. Electronic check-in at hotels and touchless border control and airline boarding can advance safety and security while minimising waste.

Additionally, necessary health and safety protocols may lead to more waste, including masks, gloves, gowns, food packaging, and other disposable protective equipment. There may also be a rise in water scarcity and waste management.

Bringing Sustainable Consumption and Production Models (SCP) and circularity into the heart of tourism design, operation and supply chain is therefore fundamental to ensure increased efficiency in the use of resources, food production and supply, consumables, and the sound management of energy, water and waste.

Strengthen coordination, partnerships and solidarity for socio-economic recovery

To boost business recovery and traveller confidence, socio-economic recovery programmes and travel protocols could be developed and implemented through strong national and international cooperation and coordination, a whole-of-government approach, public/private sector partnerships, and community engagement.

Full coordination with health authorities and international cooperation, and on consumer protection policies and travel restrictions are essential to promote safe travel, build confidence, and accelerate recovery as tourism restarts. The lifting or imposing of travel restrictions should be fully coordinated among countries to ensure the safe restart of tourism. Effective reopening and recovery plans and policies would require structures that are more dynamic and agile, and that allow for better coordination among all stakeholders – including different ministries and public authorities – to advance safety and security, respond to market behaviour and shifts, and move towards more sustainable consumption and production practices.

Particular attention should be given to most sensitive/ vulnerable destinations in recovery phase.

Boosting competitiveness and building resilience

The crisis has revealed the need to rethink the structure of tourism economies, to improve competitiveness and build resilience. To that end, the sector could: * Adopt new policy frameworks that are more conducive for a sound and resilient business environment * Support the development of tourism infrastructure and quality services that enable the development of other related sectors and facilitate investment for local MSMEs * Provide alternative income sources for tourism-dependent communities to build crisis resilience * Invest in education and skills development - including for women - in all areas, to promote added value jobs and resilience; for instance, language skills development * Establish an inclusive model of productive linkages between the tourism sector and the rest of the economy - especially transport and trade sectors through various goods and services * Diversify markets and products, address seasonality, and promote all-yearround demand * Improve the inter-linkages between enhanced transport and connectivity and tourism, and strengthen resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure as an enabling factor to steer the tourism sector on a more sustainable and inclusive path * Improve the visitor experience through new experiences, including cultural heritage and expressions and creative industries * Promote domestic and regional tourism, where possible * Repurpose skills and competencies to diversify beyond tourism, and establish “smart sector mix” in places where tourism has become the sole economic activity * Enhance the overall competitiveness of MSMEs, and advance the formalisation of the sector; and * Create early warning systems for tourism-based companies and destinations’ risk assessments.

This crisis also calls for a stronger framework to measure the full impacts of tourism and to build evidence-based policies. Tourism could step up data intelligence systems, science-based approaches, and assessment mechanisms based on clear indicators and targets, such as the ongoing process to adopt the Measuring Sustainable Tourism Initiative, which aims to measure the three dimensions of tourism sustainability – economic, socio-cultural and environmental – and the UNWTO International Network Sustainable Tourism Observatories.

Supporting developing countries with their statistical capacities, and strengthening the deployment of digital and other emerging technologies and tools for monitoring and reporting are essential for the sustainable planning and management of tourism.

Advancing innovation and the digitalisation of the tourism ecosystem Recovery of tourism destinations and companies would be fully dependent on their capacity to take advantage of technology to better understand and monitor travellers’ needs and trends, create and market innovative experiences, use digital platforms to enhance the competitiveness and agility of MSMEs to reach customers. Artificial intelligence and big data can help manage flows and protect communities and resources.

Recovery packages could have a special focus to maximise the use of technology; advance the digitalisation of MSMEs; promote network processes to create innovative solutions; and invest in digital skills, particularly for workers, including female and youth, temporarily without an occupation and for jobseekers. Building tourism innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems can help advance digital transformation. Innovation focus on adopting digital models for managing the sector and creating new jobs, as well as new sustainable products and experiences that link travellers with nature and creative industries, can empower communities and promote safe journeys through technology.

Fostering sustainability and inclusive green growth

The crisis offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform the relationship between the tourism sector and nature, and so contribute more fully to Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Enhancing sustainable regional tourism development provides considerable benefits: from making tourism-dependent regions less vulnerable to economic threats to using resources more sustainably, creating green jobs, and enhancing transport connectivity. Tourism should shift towards a resilient, resourceefficient and carbon neutral sector, building existing efforts, including aligning with the One Planet Network Sustainable Tourism Programme.

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is an economic and financial analyst, lecturer and business & financial consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@ gmail.com.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Time for United States to unite - President-elect Biden …Kamala Harris makes history as US' 1st woman VP

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oe Biden has won the race to become the next US president, defeating Donald Trump following a cliff-hanger vote count after Tuesday’s election.

The BBC projects that Biden has won the key battleground of Pennsylvania, propelling him over the 270 electoral college vote threshold required to clinch the White House.

The Trump campaign has indicated their candidate does not plan to concede. Biden said it was now time for America to “unite and heal”. “With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation,” he said.

Record turnout in the face of “unprecedented obstacles”, he said, showed democracy “beats deep in the heart of America”. His running mate, Kamala Harris, is set to become the first woman vice-president. The result makes Trump the first one-term president since the 1990s. The BBC’s projection of Biden’s victory is based on the unofficial results from states that have already finished counting their votes, and the expected results from states like Wisconsin where the count is continuing. His projected wins in Pennsylvania and now also Nevada take him to 279 electoral college votes.

The election has seen the highest turnout since 1900.

Mr Biden has won more than 74 million votes so far, the most ever for a US presidential candidate.

Offering his congratulations, former President Barack Obama, with whom Mr Biden served two terms as vice-president, said: “I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote.”

Biden supporters have been gathering in the streets on New York and other cities to celebrate victory.

Trump has drawn more than 70 million, the second-highest tally in history.

President Trump had falsely declared himself the winner of the election when vote counting was unfinished. He has since alleged irregularities in counting, but has not presented any evidence of election fraud.

After Biden was projected to win he remained defiant, saying Biden was “falsely posing as the winner” and insisting the election was “far from over”.

His campaign has filed a barrage of lawsuits in various states. The response from senior Republicans has been muted. Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tweeted that “the media doesn’t decide who wins elections, voters do”.

But Senator Mitt Romney, a critic of Trump, congratulated Biden and Ms Harris.

He said he and his wife “know both of them as people of good will and admira-

ble character”.

The election was fought as coronavirus cases and deaths continued to rise across the United States, with President Trump arguing a Biden presidency would result in lockdowns and economic gloom. Joe Biden accused the president of failing to impose sufficient measures to control the spread of Covid-19.

At the age of 78, Biden will be the oldest president in American history. Joe Biden’s projected victory after four days of painstaking vote-counting is the denouement of an extraordinary campaign, conducted during a devastating pandemic and widespread social unrest, and against a most unconventional of incumbents.

In his third try for the presidency, Biden found a way to navigate the political obstacles and claim a win that, while perhaps narrow in the electoral college tally, is projected to surpass Trump’s overall national total by at least four million votes.

With his projected victory, Joe Biden becomes the oldest man ever elected to the White House. He brings with him the first woman vice-president; whose multi-ethnic heritage carries with its numerous other firsts.

Biden can now begin the arduous task of planning the transition to his new administration. He will have just under three months to assemble a cabinet, determine policy priorities and prepare to govern a nation facing numerous crises and sharply divided along partisan lines.

Joe Biden has been dreaming of the White House for most of his 50 years in the public arena.

With this prize of a lifetime, however, come the challenges of a lifetime. Usually the losing candidate concedes but Trump has vowed to contest the election results on several fronts.

A recount will be held in Georgia, where the margins are tight, and Mr Trump wants the same in Wisconsin. He has also vowed to take legal action to the Supreme Court, alleging voting fraud without evidence.

If the election result is challenged, it would require legal teams to challenge this in the state courts. State judges would then need to uphold the challenge and order a recount, and Supreme Court justices could then be

asked to overturn a ruling.

Meanwhile, votes in some states are continuing to be counted and results are never official until final certifi-

cation, which occurs in each state in the weeks following the election.

This must be done before 538 chosen officials (electors) from the Electoral College - which officially decides who wins the election - meet in their state capitals to vote on 14 December.

The electors’ votes usually mirror the popular vote in each state. However, in some states this is not a formal requirement.

The new president is officially sworn into office on 20 January after a transition period to give them time to appoint cabinet ministers

and make plans.

The handover of power takes place at a ceremony known as the inauguration, which is held on the steps of the Capitol building in

Washington DC. After the ceremony, the new president makes their way to the White House to begin their four-year term in office. (BBC)

30 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

East La Penitence, Mon Repos ALL YOU NEED markets set for upgrade TO KNOW

T

he East La Penitence, Georgetown, and Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara markets have joined the list of markets slated for major infrastructural upgrades come 2021, under the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry’s work programme.

The upgrades, which will also benefit the East Ruimveldt and Albouystown markets, will see some $14 million expended on repairs to the roofs, lighting and other measures. The East Ruimveldt and Albouystown markets are set to be completed by yearend.

Minister within the Ministry of Local Government

and Regional Development, Anand Persaud told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday that the initiative is another demonstration of the Government’s response to vendors’ concerns since no repairs had been done to these structures for several years.

Works to address lighting issues are set to start on the East La Penitence Market by the second week of November.

This will allow vendors to ply their trade during the evening.

The Ministry will also be assessing the Stabroek Market to determine its needs.

Additionally, DPI reported that the Minister said while he has not made an of-

ficial tour of the Kitty Market, Georgetown stallholders had voiced concerns about the stall fees imposed by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. The fee, he explained, excludes the provision of water or electricity, which he believes is unacceptable.

“I will be reviewing that at a ministerial level to see what can be done to make sure that those vendors and market is being occupied by stallholders. The sole responsibility for markets come under the Mayor and City Council but as a responsible Government and as a responsible Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development – that is something we will be looking

at hopefully in next year budget,” he is quoted as saying.

In 2018, the then Communities Ministry had signed a $25 million contract with BML Architects and Engineers Consultancy and Contracting Services for phase one of the rehabilitation of the Kitty Market.

The $240 million project, based on the engineer’s estimate, caters for over 100 stalls, including fresh fruits and vegetables, a fish/meat section, clothing and grocery vending. Plans also include the creation of a public health department, market clerk’s office and revenue collection section and a conference hall to host community events.

ABOUT GIS

“T

he world is getting smaller”. This statement holds true, as, with technological advancement, we are now able to chat with our families and friends in real time across continents.

More so, we can use Google Earth to take a virtual tour of any country on the Earth without having to leave the comforts of our living rooms.

The advancement in technology is making the world more connected and more accessible. One such technology is the Geographic Information System (GIS), which can do numerous things, such as: help citizens predict areas of flooding, and map soil quality to ensure efficient land use.

But what exactly is GIS? A Geographic Information System is a framework for gathering, managing, and analysing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data, analyses spatial locations, and organises layers of information into visualisations using maps and 3D scenes.

With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations, thereby helping users make smarter decisions. Further, GIS allows for people to view data as maps, rather than columns of numbers, making it easier to read and understand. ● screen) ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

How is GIS data collected?

Digitising (the process of tracing GIS data directly on the LiDAR (images) Drones Global Positioning System (EPA primarily utilises this format) Satellites (remote sensing) Why is GIS important?

Informs decision-making Provides accurate data location Increase efficiencies Can reduce cost of services Coherent management of resources Improves communication Vital for accurate record keeping

Types of datasets captured through GIS Technology ● Land cover ● Climate ● Ecosystems ● Energy ● Infrastructure ● Marine resources ● Biodiversity ● Research ● Health ● Demographics ● Manufacturing/Industries ● Education GIS in environment and natural resources’ management GIS helps in identifying the impact of human behaviour on natural resources, and leads to more effective utilisation of the same. Data about natural resources could be collected through remote sensing, aerial photography or satellite imagery, and is then mapped using GIS technology. The major application of GIS in natural resource management is in confronting environmental issues like a flood, landslide, soil erosions, drought, earthquake etc. It also addresses the current problems of climate change, habitat loss, population growth, pollution etc., and provides information about land area change between time periods.

The information obtained from GIS helps to study specific areas, and monitoring can be done in and around those areas. It provides relevant information about the environmental condition and policy, including conservation programmes. Maps in GIS provide the information of location and current resources.

Along with the aforementioned applications, GIS can effectively aid in wastewater management, oil spilling, sewage treatment etc. Hundreds of thousands of organisations in virtually every field are using GIS to make maps that communicate, perform analysis, share information, and solve complex problems around the world. This is changing the way the world works.

At the EPA, we place high value on evidence- based decision making, and use GIS as one of the tools in the process. Our officers in the GIS Unit collect and analyse data that include but is not limited to: ● Complaints hotspot mapping; ● Environmental inspections; ● Biodiversity research conducted; ● Water sampling locations; ● Disease outbreaks; ● Oil wells and drill sites; ● Identifying potential and suitable landfill sites; and ● Mapping coastal change and trends.

GIS Day – Discovering the world through GIS The third Wednesday in November each year is designated internationally as “GIS Day”. On this day, users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) celebrate the technology and its multiple applications in the real world. The recognition of this day was initiated on November 1 9, 1999 by the combined efforts of the National Geographic Society, Association of American Geographers (AAG) and Esri, one of the leading GIS service providers. If you’re interested in learning more about GIS Day, then check out this website https://www.gisday.com/en-us/resources HAPPY WORLD GIS DAY IN ADVANCE FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF EPA! References https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/history-of-gis https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview https://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/GIS https://www. geospatialworld.net/blogs/managing-theenvironment-using-gis/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN; or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

31

Golf brings out “the goodness in all” T

he attorney-at-law Christopher Ram, of the accounting firm Ram & McRae, having always been a leader in supporting the rights of those less privileged, saw the opportunity to continue his philanthropy when he started using the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue recently.

In an early Sunday morning practice session with Ramesh Dookhoo, the longtime friends, who shared common roots in Alexander Village, decided to undertake the role of providing access to the sport of golf to children from the Albouystown/ Alexander Village areas.

Ram and Dookhoo have undertaken to fund a monthly programme that would allow kids to learn the game

at no cost to them. This incredible gesture of generosity would provide access to equipment, balls, and lessons for kids who would normally not have the opportunity to partake in a sport like golf.

"I have always supported the idea of rooting for the underdog, those most unlikely to win; and knowing how golf can make a difference in the way people act, think, and contribute to society, this is a simple decision," said Mr. Ram. "Ram & McRae are involved in many other philanthropic projects, and this is one that we will support, because it is a game that many dream of playing but previously could not access," he continued.

Honorary Secretary of the Public Service Commission,

Albion cricketers to commence individual training as BCB season looms

Ramesh Dookhoo, was laudatory of the efforts being made by the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy.

"The convenience of having a cen-

tral location in Georgetown to give everyone access to the sport has made a huge difference that is visible to myself and hundreds of new players. With the Covid restrictions, I really enjoy the ability to spend a few hours in the open air close to home, and be able to participate in the sport I love. So, sharing this joy is a win-win for everyone!" he said.

Dookhoo reminisced that

Chairman Clifford Reis of Banks DIH had sought to develop a regular youth programme, but distance and lack of a consistent development pro-

gramme had led to the effort being discontinued.

"With this facility meeting the standards we desire, and location being the key factor, I hope to see many other companies joining the effort to grow the game," he declared.

President of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy, Aleem Hussain, hopes that other likeminded business persons and organizations would join

these gentlemen in their efforts to improve access to all those kids w h o

would like to be a part of the fastest growing sport in Guyana.

"When you consider the numbers, staggering growth of 350% in just four months, this sport has excelled in reaching new players, development of players, and moving the agenda forward, especially in light of the current Covid guidelines," he explained.

Hussain reminded: "Golf training at the Academy & Driving Range is one of the best ways to get exercise,

learn a new sport, and have lots of fun for all ages in a socially distanced environment."

With plans to expand teaching the sport in at least five regions over the next few months, it is expected that the goals set by the GGA to teach 2,000 new players the game by end of 2021 would quickly become a reality, in light of the fact that over 400 have started in just four months!

"We envision school tournaments, inter-region and national championships as we build towards a national team that will eventually represent our country at the Olympics. This is a sport that provides many benefits, especially for women in education at top universities worldwide." said Hussain.

"It’s also a great opportunity for business networking and deal-making that has long been unavailable to members of the general public," he added.

For information on how you can partake in the sport, get lessons or practice, stop by Woolford Avenue, call 645 0944, or visit the Facebook page of Nexgen Golf Academy & Driving Range.

One for the future: Marvan Prashad, looking forward to senior cricket into playing senior cricket.

"I am looking forward to it. After Under-19 cricket, it's senior cricket; so, you have to step up your game from now," Prashad disclosed.

Having played for Berbice youth teams in various intercounty matches, Prashad credits his knowledge to the top coaches under whose direction he has played.

His dream is to play for the West Indies team in the future. Sharing some positive

T

he Albion Community Centre Cricket Club has issued a notice for its members which reads as follows: Cricketers of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) are asked to commence individual physical training in preparation for the commencement of the 2020 cricket season, to be announced by the BCB. However, the club’s official training/practice will not commence until such time as the green light is given by the relevant authorities.

It should be noted that the ACCCC will, at no time, compromise the health and safety of its members, moreso during this current COVID-19 pandemic.

The ACCCC will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Berbice, and will make a determination pertaining to the resumption of training/practice at the appropriate time.

Based on the recently gazetted National COVID-19 Guidelines for the period November 1 to 30, 2020, sporting events are permitted subject to the approval of the Minister of Health and in compliance with any guidelines that the Ministry of Health may issue. However, every person or organizer hosting an approved sporting event shall be responsible for ensuring that the measures under the issued guidelines, as well as any guidelines that the Ministry of Health may issue, are complied with.

At this point in time, the ACCCC is not equipped to fully comply with the measures outlined in the gazetted National COVID-19 Guidelines (for the period November 1 to 30), nor is the club aware of the other guidelines that the Ministry of Health may want to enforce.

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brother, and he has been one of the main reasons why I have been successful thus far," Prashad explained.

Baksh is expecting great things from Prashad, whom he regards as a specially gifted cricketer. Marvan is himself a committed individual, having played the role of captain for Berbice. Baksh also noted that Prashad has been displaying the right attitude towards improving his game, and that has reaped success for him.

Shabeer Baksh and Marvan Prashad

G

uyana youth cricketer Marvan Prashad has been successful at the junior level, having represented Guyana at that level, and churning out centuries therein on the local scene.

A classy right-handed batsman who plays his local cricket for the Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club (BCCCC), Marvan has disclosed that he is looking forward to playing senior cricket and is hoping his transition thereto is a smooth one.

Prashad recently enjoyed enormous success in the New York National Cricket League, where he was able to showcase his enviable batting prowess. Reflecting on that experience, Prashad said it was priceless to rub shoulders and play with some national and international guys in the

Prashad prepares to face National player Nial Smith in a first division encounter

United States of America, and he has gained great knowledge from those encounters.

While understanding the importance of consistency, Prashad, who also played for the West Berbice team in the Cricket Guyana Inc Franchise, told this daily publication that he is focusing on remaining disciplined as he transitions

sentiments on his journey at the BCCCC, where he started at around age nine, he has described the BCCCC as his second home. His mentor Shabeer Baksh has been instrumental in his career.

"Shabeer has been a fantastic individual. (He is like) my second father and bigger

The classy Marvan, an eyecatching cricketer, has one more year in Under-19 cricket, and will be aiming to make the most of his opportunities.

The entire BCCC family is hoping to see him eventually representing Guyana and the West Indies. (Brandon Corlette)

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

Azruddin Mohamed continues to revolutionise motor racing in Guyana

Y

oung entrepreneur Azruddin Mohamed, son of prominent businessman Nazar Mohamed, has undoubtedly not only elevated the standard of motor racing in Guyana, but has revolutionised the sport – and all in just a few years!

As a child growing up, Azruddin always had a liking for fancy and powerful vehicles.

In fact, at the age of nine, he started to drive his father’s car after washing it. Today, the motor sport fanatic owns some of the most exotic vehicles on the local scene, including Mercedes Benz, GTR, Raptors, Hummer and Super Amphibious Airboats.

This young businessman’s obsession with motor racing all started about seven years ago, when he attended an international meet at the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. He immediately fell in love with the sport, but had no idea he would have been influential in revolutionising it in a way that would massively attract Guyanese and international audi-

ences.

With much enthusiasm, Mohamed bought several GTR motorcars and a fleet of superbikes. After some research and connections overseas, he engaged several top drivers from the United States of America, Canada and England. This was done to bring some versatility to the sport, and more so to make it more competitive.

This mission was obviously achieved, and without a doubt, his entry into the arena has impressed the big guns while simultaneously encouraging others to up their games.

He next focused his attention on enhancing the infrastructure of not only the race track, but also the drag race pad, since these were each in a severely deplorable state.

At that time, the infrastructure was not conducive for international competition, and to an extent was not such as would attract international competitors.

Using his own financial and human re-

sources, he upgraded the facilities and made sure that a proper drag race tract was erected - one conformable to international specification.

Further, he constructed his own pavilion, which has modern washroom facilities, and imported modern equipment to sweep, clean and blow-dry the tract. Azruddin has, without a doubt, spent enormous sums of money to make motorsport in Guyana what it is today.

A few years ago, he lobbied the former administration, and now he is engaging the present Government, to resurface the entire race course.

Back in March 2020, at a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) ral-

ly at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), the then presidential candidate, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, had assured motor racing fans that he would upgrade the South Dakota Circuit to international standards once elected to office. Now that he is the serving President of this nation, the motor racing fraternity would hold him to his promise.

Notwithstanding, the young professional Azruddin Mohamed would like to see more business owners and establishments supporting motor racing in Guyana, since it can become one of the biggest tourism events.

“There are many poor guys who love this sport and need corporate sponsorship to improve the performance of their vehicles.

Some businessmen prefer to stockpile their wealth, while we will all die and leave everything behind. We should all try to impact the lives of others through whatever means,” an impassioned Azruddin has added. (Bhisham Mohamed)

Former national athlete donates running shoes to local clubs

L

ocal athletes in and out of Georgetown will benefit from a timely donation of running shoes from former national athlete Robert Bacchus Bynoe.

The presentation of more than one dozen shoes will benefit the following clubs: Super Upcoming Runners Track Club, Titans United Athletic Club, and Running Brave Athletic Club.

The donation was received by Cornell Rose, Junior Cornette and Julian Edmonds, respective coaches of the clubs.

Currently living and working in the United States as an accountant, Robert Bynoe enjoyed his glory days in sport in the 90s.

A former student of the St. Roses High School, Bynoe still holds the national record for both senior and junior high jump. The former athlete explained that he is all too familiar with the constraints of not having accessible resources, and for that reason, he decided to give back to his countrymen.

“As a young man not having come from the wealthiest of families, I was fortunate to have my talents recognised and fostered by some very generous people, (who) helped me along my journey. Without them, the man before you probably wouldn’t have existed, and that is why I’m delighted to make this presentation today to young athletes and pay it forward,” Bynoe stated.

Further, he shared, “I fully understand the needs of our local athletes, and I know first-hand what education and opportunity can bring. I stand here today having benefited from the (Guyana) Amateur Athletics Association’s network, the

Robert Bynoe (left), handing over a pair of shoes to AAG President Aubrey Hutson (right) and a coach (centre)

organisation’s resourcefulness, diligent coaches, supporters, and a lot of improvising on my part due to lack of facilities.

“I’m happy to see that we’re turning the corner in a different era, and athletes have got a lot more going for themselves and support today.”

Meanwhile, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson, in accepting the donation, declared that it has come at an opportune time, and how it will be utilised.

“These shoes, I mean right now we’re in the cross-country season, so they’re going to come in very, very handy for athletes who are going to be going out there to train, and even compete in. we’re very honoured to know that we have in our presence still the record holder at high jump,” Hutson said.

He added, “What we’re looking for at this time in our sport is for folks like you to be role models.”

The AAG President went on to express his gratitude to Bynoe on behalf of the AAG and the athletes.

“But all in all, in a nutshell, I want to say thank you very much for this timely donation; and the Athletics Association of Guyana and the clubs that are affiliated to us, and the athletes by extension, we are really and truly happy. Thank you!” the AAG President stated.

Hutson also shared that he is hoping to have portraits of national athletes and record holders mounted at their respective alma maters, and that Bynoe’s portrait would be among the set.

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