50 minute read
vaccine P endangering
FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Persons who refuse COVID-19 vaccine endangering lives of others – Ramsammy
Former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said that Guyana could only get out of the pandemic if persons adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Health Ministry and by taking the vaccine.
Those who refuse to take the vaccines, the former Minister, who now functions as an advisor to the current Health Minister, said, are endangering the lives of others and he called them reckless.
Dr Ramsammy noted that it is a life-or-death decision that has to be made literally, adding that each time persons leave their homes, they should be wearing a face mask and also ensure that they are following the Public Health guidelines. The former Health Minister made these comments while addressing the Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) COVID-19 Taskforce, pointing out that those who want to make the wearing of face masks an option were making living an option.
According to the former Health Minister, the novel coronavirus existing in Guyana in April 2021 is not the same virus that Guyana was dealing with in March 2020. "This is a virus that is now attacking young people and making them sick. This virus is not only making people sick, it is making them sick faster and deteriorating more rapidly," he explained.
In noting that previously the virus was affecting older persons with comorbidities, Dr Ramsammy pointed out that healthy young persons were now being affected by the virus.
He noted that it does not necessarily require comor-
CDC warns of heavy rainfall, flooding this weekend
The National Weather Watch Centre has reported that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected this weekend from Friday to Sunday.
According to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), coastal areas should receive heavy rainfall particularly in the early-morning hours, with up to four inches of rain over a 24-hour period.
In addition, it was noted that above-normal high tides are forecast and could likely lead to flooding in low-lying, poorly-drained, and riverine areas.
The CDC said there was also a possibility of landslides in hilly areas as well.
Residents are advised to take all necessary precautions, especially drivers and road users.
The CDC will provide more updates as they become available. bidity to make persons sicker.
Therefore, the continued non-compliance with the public health measures is not only putting people's lives at risk but putting other people's lives at risk.
Some, he said, may argue what they do with their lives is their own business. "And, therefore, the Government has taken a decision to strengthen compliance. That is why the Joint Services is now making sure that enforcement is more rigid," the former Health Minister said.
In Region Six, Ramsammy pointed out that several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have been making arrangements to facilitate vaccinations. This, he said, is in addition to the other facilities set up across the region.
On Saturday, the Fyrish/Gibraltar NDC, Kilcoy/Chesney and the municipality of Rose Hall Town will be hosting a com-
Former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy
munity vaccination programme.
Meanwhile, the Port Mourant/Johns NDC, No 52/74 NDC and the Corriverton municipality are all planning similar exercises.
In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) similar programmes have been arranged by NDCs and today, a similar programme is expected to be held at Bush Lot.
Today, Dr Ramsammy added that staff members and students of the University of Guyana, who are 40 years of age and over, will be given their COVID-19 shots.
He said it was hoped that 250,000 Guyanese would receive the first dose of the vaccine by June 11, and more than 100,000 would be fully vaccinated.
In August of this year according to the former Health Minister, Government is hoping to have between 450,000 persons and 550,000 persons vaccinated. Those are the numbers needed to get close to herd immunity, Dr Ramsammy explained.
Breaching COVID-19 guidelines
Eight Lindeners who attended private parties were recently charged with breach of restriction on social activities for violating the COVID-19 curfew. Six of the offenders appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where they pleaded guilty to the offence and were each sentenced to perform 20 hours of community service. The offenders were Leandre Richards of 228 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden; Dexter Armstrong of 231 Coomacka Mines; Jermaine Peters of 33 Amelia's Ward; Shane Bizzeth of 198 Third Street, Silvertown; Nickoli George of 14 West Watooka and Jacob Williams, also of 14 West Watooka.
Two others, who were charged – Kester Greene of Lot 434 Wisroc Housing Scheme and Roylon Adolph of Industrial Area – failed to appear in court. Their cases were adjourned to April 13, 2021. (G13)
Mon Repos bar robbery Waitress, man taken into custody
Awaitress and a man are currently in custody after they were accused of orchestrating a robbery at a Mon Repos bar.
Reports are that the robbery occurred on Wednesday about 20:25h at Sita’s Bar, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
According to the Police, a 34-year-old of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was among friends at the bar when he noticed the waitress talking to a man who then collected her phone and used it.
Following the phone call, the man claimed that a fully-masked man in a black hoodie who was armed with a firearm along with two others – one dressed in an orange hoodie and another in a black hoodie, both armed with cutlasses – ran into the bar.
Police said one of the men then robbed the 34-year-old man at gunpoint, relieving him of $260,000; one Microsoft Lumina cellphone valued $127,000 and one LG Aristo cellphone valued $47,000 while the other two bandits targeted the other patrons at the bar. The men then made good their escape. No one was injured during the ordeal. Police said that the waitress and the man were contacted and a search was conducted on their homes, but nothing of evidential value was found.
Nevertheless, they are being held at the Beterverwagting Police Station where they remain in custody.
Police investigations are ongoing. (G15)
FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM GRA, GEA Heads facing contempt proceedings over failure to obey High Court orders
Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George
Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, are facing contempt of court proceedings over their failure to comply with two Orders made by Chief Justice Roxane George, SC.
The proceedings were filed by Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon on behalf of Atlantic Fuels Incorporated (AFI), whose main director is former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr Richard Van West-Charles.
In a court order dated February 3, 2021, Justice George had ordered Statia and Sharma to immediately release over $80 million worth of diesel that the two state agencies had unlawfully seized from the fuel company.
In another order dated March 15, 2021, the Chief Justice had further ordered Statia and Sharma to pay $12,825,000 in storage costs to AFI, and another $113,500 for every additional day that the fuel is held. The State agencies, according to Dhurjon, are yet to comply with the Orders of Court.
On November 1, 2020, AFI imported diesel fuel into Guyana. The GEA had said then that after it had investigated, it was revealed that the fuel was purchased from Staatsolie, a Surinamese company, and not Global Oil, as was represented in documents submitted by AFI. Consequently, the 635,353 litres of diesel were seized by the GRA.
AFI, however, refuted making any false allegations, and filed a lawsuit against Statia and Sharma. The lawsuit was heard by Justice George, who declared that the fuel was the property of AFI, and that the GRA and the GEA acted illegally, unlawfully, and unconstitutionally in their actions to prevent the marking and clearance of the fuel so that the company could successfully import it. Justice George had therefore ordered that the fuel be released forthwith, since, among other things, over $20 million had been paid in fees and taxes for its importation.
Following the Chief Justice’s ruling, Statia and Sharma had filed an appeal against the judgment at the Court of Appeal. By way of a summons, they had also applied for a stay of execution of the judgment. The application for the stay of execution was dismissed on March 4, 2021 by Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud.
However, AFI’s lawyer had given an undertaking that he would not seek to enforce the Orders of the Chief Justice before March 15, 2021, thereby allowing Sharma and Statia to make another application for a stay of execution, this time before the Chief Justice.
Counsel for AFI has said no such application had been made by either of the defendants. As a consequence, on Wednesday Dhurjon filed Contempt of Court proceedings in which he is asking that Statia and Sharma be imprisoned and fined for disobeying the Orders of the Chief Justice.
In the Contempt of Court application, Dhujon noted that despite the Orders of the Justice George, the fuel has not been released and remains under seals affixed by GRA at the Chinaa Zhonghao Inc. storage facility, incurring at least $113,500 in storage fees with each passing day.
According to the lawyer, nothing of the $12,825,550 owed to AFI by Statia and Sharma has been paid. The Chief Justice had ordered that they are liable jointly and severally for the payment of the sum. Further, the lawyer said, the company has not received any word or correspondence from either Sharma or Statia concerning their fulfillment of the two Court Orders.
Both Orders of Court have been served on Sharma, Dhurjon said. However, concerning Statia, the lawyer said attempts to have the Orders of Court served personally on him have been unsuccessful, “as his employees and/or agents would prevent Marshals from having physical access to Mr. Statia.”
In the application, Dhurjon notes that Sharma and Statia have come to know about the Orders rendered by the Chief Justice, since they have given their counsel instructions to file an appeal against same. Taking this into consideration, he is asking that the two Government officials be held in Contempt of Court.
“Statia and Sharma are both in contempt of court for their willful and intentional neglect, disregard, breach and failure to obey two Orders of Court, and ought to be held in contempt and committed to prison, lest their disrespect to the Honourable Court, to the Constitution of our land, and to the very rule of law be condoned,” Dhurjon deposed.
In the circumstances, he is seeking an order that both Statia and Sharma be held in contempt of court for disobeying the orders of the Chief Justice. He is seeking another order that they be committed to prison and be made to pay a fine for being in contempt of court, having flouted the Court’s Orders.
The lawyer wants another order commanding them to obey the orders of court, failing which they shall face other punitive and/or corrective sanctions. Counsel also wants the Court to award costs against them.
During the proceedings before the Chief Justice, Statia was represented by Attorney-at-law Judy Stuart-Adonis, while Sharma was represented by Attorney-at-law Coleen Sparman-Stephen. (G1)
Commissioner General of GRA, Godfrey Statia CEO of GEA, Dr Mahender Sharma Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon
Region 6 Chairman calls out security companies for late payment of workers
Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Chairman David Armogan has expressed concern about the untimely payment of employees by security companies.
Armogan made mention that the workers of a security company which provides services for Government buildings were not being paid for their services. This particular company, he said, is the largest security service provider in Region Six as well as Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).
The company provides security services for Government facilities including schools, health centres, and hospitals.
However, he noted that sadly, many of its guards have gone months without receiving their salaries.
In fact, according to the Regional Chairman, many of them are not paid overtime for the long hours they work.
“Sometimes two to three months after people are not being paid for work done, and these people are working 12-hour shifts and they work very hard. Some of them work from 6 pm until 6 am. To be doing that for two or three months without being paid, it means that your utilities will be disconnected,” the Chairman said.
Scores of guards connected to this particular service have reported to <<<Guyana Times>>> that their telephone, Internet, water and all other essential services are affected by late salaries.
“GWI doesn’t wait until you get paid to give you your water supply. GPL doesn’t wait on you to give you electricity. So, what you find too is that all these poor people who are doing this type of work; they get disconnected and they have to also pay a reconnection. So, it is additional hardship on these people,” Armogan said.
The Regional Chairman noted that the Government was in the process of accepting bids for security companies to take over the job. However, there is no guarantee that the same company will not win the tender.
“These security companies; the one that is presently involved and those that may be coming, they would have to understand that people will have to be paid on time. So, they must have some kind of fund available. You should not be coming in broke and then hope that when the Government would pay you, you [pay] the workers. They should have one month lay money so that if the Government pays you one week late, you would still have money in the system,” he said.
Many of the workers attached to the said security company and even others claim that National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions were being deducted from their wages and salaries, but were not being paid over to the NIS.
“All of those things are being looked at the moment. The Ministry of Labour which was discontinued by the last Government has now been put back into position under this new Government, because we recognise the importance of labour to this economy and the protection of workers’ rights in this country. That is why this Government has taken that decision to ensure that the Ministry of Labour has been put there to ensure that the workers’ rights are being protected at all levels,” the Chairman pointed out. (G4)
Region Six Chairman David Armogan
Regional
Gonsalves issues evacuation order for St Vincent
St Vincent Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has issued an evacuation order effective immediately.
Safe areas are those from North Union to Kingstown, on the Windward side of the island, Barouallie to Kingstown on the Leeward side and the Grenadine Islands.
He made the announcement on the advice of the country’s disaster officials, after Professor Richard Robertson, the lead scientist monitoring the volcano, reported further activity at La Soufriere.
“I hereby order as follows: 1) the evacuation of all premises in the areas designated as the red zone on the northeast and northwest of St Vincent and the evacuation of the area itself . . . and 2) the exclusion of persons, vessels or vehicles from such premises and areas, save and except for the purpose of effecting the said evacuation,” he said.
Gonsalves added that while the evacuation order would be published today, it would take immediate effect.
“I want to urge all our people to be calm, do not panic, be disciplined, be orderly.”
The Prime Minister said Royal Caribbean was offering three of its ships, two of them expected to arrive this morning, while Carnival Cruise Line has also indicated that by this evening, two of its cruise ships would be in the country to transport evacuees.
“The cruise ships of Royal Caribbean will be first used to transport the persons from St Vincent and the Grenadines who are to be evacuated to other countries in the region who have offered temporary hospitality, namely St Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and Antigua,” he explained, adding that the British Virgin Islands has also offered assistance, but arrangements have not been made.
Gonsalves indicated that other Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and St Kitts and Nevis have also offered support. (CMC)
La Soufrière Volcano in St Vincent. (NEMO)
Tobago mother told: Stay away from daughter, 7
A39-year-old woman was ordered not to communicate with her seven-year-old daughter after she appeared before a Scarborough Magistrate charged with child abandonment.
The order was made by Magistrate Jo-Anne Connor, who also set bail for the woman at TT$50,000.
The mother will return to court on May 3.
Police said she was arrested on March 31 by the Tobago Division Child Protection Unit (CPU) after social workers went to her home.
It is alleged that at 14:00h that day, the child reportedly told the social workers her mother left her at home that morning, saying she was going to the bank. But police said when the social workers visited the home, the girl’s mother had not returned.
PC Mitchell of the Tobago Division CPU later arrested and charged the woman with cruelty to a child. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Jamaica will not be significantly impacted by latest US travel advisory – official
Senior advisor and strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright
Senior advisor and strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright has moved to assure that tourism arrivals to the destination will not be adversely affected as a result of the latest raising of Jamaica’s risk assessment to the ‘Level Four: COVID-19 Very High’ category by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
In fact, he explained that the latest advisory places over 150 countries across the globe at level four, similar to Jamaica.
“The level four categorisation by the CDC is in line with most countries in the world, that’s the alignment that pretty much every other country in the world has been given, including Antigua, Barbados, Canada Costa Rica, St Lucia, the Turks and Caicos Islands, France, Germany — are at level four, just like Jamaica,” Seiveright pointed out.
“Very few countries are at level 1, level 2, and level 3. So, the level 4 categorisation is in line with what had existed before.”
The senior tourism advisor went on to note that many visitors around the world, including Americans, make their decisions to travel “based on their own analysis of the situation before deciding on where to vacation”.
“Many Americans, despite the travel advisories over the years that have impacted many countries around the globe, have made their own decisions as it relates to travel. And as the case is now, there is an increasing number of Americans that are intent on visiting Jamaica and that have already made their bookings to visit Jamaica and will continue to make bookings to visit Jamaica. That will remain the same,” he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
After weighing guidance, Costa Rica to use AstraZeneca vaccine
Costa Rica will use AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine after assessing guidance from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the risks of possible side-effects, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, European and British medicine regulators said they had found possible links between the vaccine and extremely rare cases of brain blood clots, while emphatically reaffirming its importance in mass vaccination against COVID-19.
Costa Rican authorities will begin distributing 43,000 doses of the vaccine which arrived on Wednesday, the first delivery under an agreement for a million vaccines with the COVAX mechanism of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Costa Rica intends to vaccinate 70 per cent of its population via the COVAX contract, along with direct purchases of one million AstraZeneca doses and four million from US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer.
Health authorities will administer the AstraZeneca vaccine in two shots, with 12 weeks between the first and the second. The public will know which brand of vaccine they will receive, but will not get to choose it, said Roberto Arroba, a senior Health Ministry official. (Reuters)
Mexican Senate leader suggests postponing debate on landmark cannabis bill
If passed, the law would decriminalise cannabis for recreational, medical and scientific uses, creating a huge market that foreign companies are eager to tap
Mexico’s Senate majority leader said on Thursday lawmakers may postpone the debate on a landmark bill that would decriminalise cannabis, a potential setback to creating one of the world’s largest markets for the plant.
The bill, already approved by the Lower House, could instead be picked up by the Senate in September, Ricardo Monreal, who leads President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), told a news conference.
Monreal cited “inconsistencies” in the legislation due to modifications made by the Lower House before it was approved on March 10.
“I prefer ... that we give ourselves a pause, some time,” Monreal.
“The Senate must act with a lot of caution on this one,” he said, adding that various companies and lobbyists were arguing for their interests.
The bill, which Congress approved with 316 votes in favour and 127 against, is backed by Lopez Obrador’s administration and marks a major shift in a country bedevilled for years by violence between drug cartels.
If passed, the law would decriminalise cannabis for recreational, medical and scientific uses, creating a huge market that foreign companies are eager to tap.
Monreal said that the Supreme Court, which had given Congress until December 15 to approve the regulations, should extend its deadline. (Reuters)
Judge warns accused “stuck” in England
An accused man who claimed he was stuck in England as a result of a lack of flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been warned to present himself to the Number 4 Supreme Court in Barbados next month or risk having a warrant issued for his arrest.
Shane Greene, of Ashby Land, Christ Church, appeared via Zoom from England on Wednesday, where he said he had been having difficulties in getting a flight back to Barbados.
He had been in England since last year.
Greene, along with Akem Marvon Waithe, of Greens, St George, is jointly accused that being present together with other people on September 1, 2016, they used unlawful violence and their conduct taken together was such as would cause people present to fear for their personal safety.
Waithe is solely accused of using a firearm, on the same date, without the required licence to do so. (Nation News)
19 Around the World
OILNEWS
Big Oil set to return to profit in 2021
Vitol, Shell and Exxon are all expected to announce profits in Q1 2021 following a turbulent 2020. The three companies are profiting from increased oil demand and a rise in oil prices, giving analysts hope for a strong year in oil and gas. Shell announced this week that it expected to make its first profit from oil production in the first quarter of 2021 since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s upstream unit, which mainly manages crude exploration and production, has gained from the surge in oil prices over the past few months.
Shell’s statement comes despite targets being hindered by the winter storm that hit Texas in February, decreasing the company’s production by around 20,000 barrels per day of oil in the first three months of the year, reducing its expected earnings by around $200 million.
Shell was hit hard as oil demand decreased in Q2 of 2020, despite steadily picking up again in the second half of the year before stricter pandemic restrictions were reintroduced. Although Shell remained stable overall, its upstream unit suffered a loss of US$1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2020.
BP Plc, another company that was struck hard by the pandemic, announced this week that it has reduced its net debt to US$35 billion a year earlier than anticipated, meaning the company can recommence share buybacks.
Exxon Mobil Corp, the largest oil producer in the US, is also expected to profit from the increase in demand and oil prices, to earn an estimated US$2.55 billion in profit in the first quarter of 2021. The company’s stock has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year, jumping from US$41.50 at the beginning of January to US$56.71 this Wednesday.
To date, Vitol has invested around $1 billion in green projects, as part of the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio. The company has been primarily focusing on wind, solar and biogas projects across the U.S., which strongly support President Biden’s plan to increase renewable energy production over the next decade. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
Armed clashes break out in Myanmar, US expands sanctions
At least 11 demonstrators were killed in clashes with security forces in a town in northwest Myanmar after truckloads of troops arrived to quell a protest against the ruling military junta, domestic media reported on Thursday.
Protesters armed with homemade guns, knives, and firebombs fought back against the troops in the town of Taze and more soldiers were brought in, the Myanmar Now and Irrawaddy news outlets said.
Fighting carried on into Thursday morning and at least 11 protesters were killed and about 20 wounded, they said. There was no word of any casualties among the soldiers.
It took the toll of civilians killed by security forces to more than 600 since the junta seized power from the elected Government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group.
Taze is near the town of Kale, where at least 12 people were killed in a similar clash between troops and protesters on Wednesday, according to news media and witnesses.
The incidents could signal a new phase in a struggle in which the Opposition has largely used peaceful means of protest despite the lethal actions of the security forces.
“People will try to defend their own lives and their rights,” said a former Government Minister who belongs to the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of lawmakers representing the ousted civilian Government.
“People will not wait for CRPH to act,” the Minister told Reuters. “The CRPH cannot stop the possible armed resistance by the people, from the people.”
The junta could not be reached for comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Northern Ireland leaders struggle to quell worst violence in years
Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government put aside factional differences on Thursday to call for calm after frustration among pro-British unionists over post-Brexit trade barriers helped trigger some of the worst violence in the region in years.
Despite the appeals, clashes spread further into Irish nationalist areas on Thursday night where Police responded to petrol bomb and stone attacks with water cannon. The White House joined the British and Irish Governments in urging calm.
Hundreds of youths in the British province’s capital Belfast set a hijacked bus on fire and attacked Police with stones on Wednesday in scenes reviving memories of decades of sectarian and political strife that claimed some 3600 lives prior to a 1998 peace deal.
A week of violence has injured 55 Police Officers and seen boys as young as 13 and 14 arrested on rioting charges.
“We are gravely concerned by the scenes we have all witnessed on our streets,” the compulsory coalition, led by rival pro-Irish Catholic nationalists and pro-British Protestant unionists, said in a statement.
“While our political positions are very different on many issues, we are all united in our support for law and order and we collectively state our support for policing,” the statement said.
The British and Irish Prime Ministers held talks, while the White House Press Secretary said the Biden Administration was concerned. The US State Department warned that the Good Friday Agreement, the 1998 peace accord, must not become “a casualty” of Brexit.
Irish nationalists Sinn Fein and others accused First Minister Arlene Foster’s Democratic Unionist Party of inflaming hostilities with their opposition to the new trade barriers that their supporters feel erase part of their UK identity. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The US State Department warned that the Good Friday Agreement, the 1998 peace accord, must not become “a casualty” of Brexit.
Merkel urges Putin to pull troops back from Ukraine border
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday to pull back a military buildup near the country’s border with Ukraine amid heightened tensions in the conflict-stricken Donbas region.
Ukrainian Government troops have battled Russianbacked separatists in the country’s eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which form part of Donbas, since the rebels seized a swathe of territory there in April 2014.
Fears of an escalation in hostilities have mounted in recent weeks, with Ukraine raising the alarm about an increase in Russian forces along the countries’ shared border and renewed frontline clashes.
“The Chancellor demanded that this build-up be unwound in order to de-escalate the situation,” Germany’s Government said in a readout of a telephone call between Merkel and Putin.
The Kremlin, for its part, said in its readout of the phone call that “Vladimir Putin noted provocative actions by Kyiv which is deliberately inflaming the situation along the line of contact”.
Also on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the United States was discussing Russian troop movements with its NATO allies.
“Russia now has more troops on the border with Ukraine than at any time since 2014,” Psaki told reporters, referring to the period when Russia annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine.
“Five Ukrainian soldiers have been killed this week alone. These are all deeply concerning signs,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew to the front line of the Donbas conflict on Thursday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
DR Congo: Dozens detained in Beni during anti-UN protests
Police in the eastern Congolese city of Beni have detained dozens of people and fired live rounds to disperse protesters demanding the departure of the United Nations peacekeeping mission for its failure to stop the bloodshed in the region, according to local authorities and witnesses.
Hundreds of young people have been protesting for days in several cities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), angry that the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, has not prevented a wave of civilian killings by armed groups.
“We only demand two things: for MONUSCO to leave and for the Congolese Government to take its responsibility so that we can have peace,” said Clovis Mutsova, a member of youth activist group LUCHA.
Some 330 people have been killed so far this year in the violence, according to the Kivu Security Tracker, which maps unrest in the region.
“Young people have barricaded almost all the roads to ask the UN mission to leave this region plagued by massacre,” Beni Mayor Modeste Buhindo Bakwanamaha told the Reuters news agency.
“This morning the Police are clearing the blocked roads, that’s why there is shooting all over the city,” Bakwanamaha added. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Welcome package launched for people from Hong Kong
Britain pledged 43 million pounds (US$59 million) to help people arriving from Hong Kong find jobs, houses and schools under an initiative allowing millions to resettle after China’s imposition of new security laws in the former British colony.
An escalating row with Beijing over reforms in Hong Kong has seen Britain open its doors to potentially more than five million people, offering them the chance to live and work in the country and eventually apply for citizenship.
The bulk of the money announced on Thursday will be spent by local government on programmes to help with English language support and housing costs for new arrivals. The Government will also launch 12 virtual regional offices to provide help with tasks like registering for healthcare and schools.
These ‘Welcome Hubs’ will also provide advice on how to set up businesses in Britain.
“This programme will ensure British National (Overseas) status holders and their families have the very best start as soon as they arrive, and support to help them find a home, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity,” ?said Communities Minister Robert Jenrick. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US gun violence: Biden takes action on “international embarrassment”
US President Joe Biden has issued an order targeting homemade guns, known as "ghost guns" because they are unregistered and untraceable. "Gun violence in this country is an epidemic, and it's an international embarrassment," he said on Thursday.
The President is enacting new measures through an executive order, meaning he does not need approval from Congress.
It includes efforts to set rules for certain guns, bolster background checks and support local violence prevention.
However, the President will have an uphill task. The right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment to the US Constitution and many people see gun control laws as infringing on this constitutional right.
On Wednesday, anoth-
US President Joe Biden
er mass shooting made the headlines, with five people, including two young children, killed in South Carolina. The suspect has been named a former NFL player Phillip Adams.
This followed two mass shootings in March, which left a total of 18 people dead – one in Boulder, Colorado and the other in Atlanta, Georgia. (Excerpt from Reuters)
ARCHIE
DILBERT
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
YESTERDAY'S WORD - SEDATIVE
SUDOKU
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (May 21June 20)
Adjust your lifestyle and how you relate to others. Focus on fitness, health and exploring the things that bring you the most joy. Don’t share secrets or let anyone take advantage of you.
Don’t rely on others. If you want to change, roll up your sleeves and put in the time and effort to make it happen. Keep your plans simple, reasonable and practical.
Broaden your horizons. Keep up with technology, trends and how to use your skills to make a profit. Be aware of any limitations or rules that could stand in your way. Work with people you trust.
CANCER (June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Do sufficient research. Take the initiative, and don’t rely on someone to do things for you. Using force will work against you. Look for an innovative way to use your skills.
Stop worrying about what others do; concentrate on your abilities. Educational pursuits, personal growth and self-improvement are favored. Think about your relationships with others.
Remain calm, regardless of what others do or say. Go about your business and make changes that suit your lifestyle and goals. Invest more time and money in acquiring skills and knowledge.
You’ll receive false information. Verify what you hear before you spread the word. A joint venture or shared expenses will cause stress. Take measures to counteract anyone trying to push you in the wrong direction.
Get involved in something you believe in or can do to help others. Sharing information and skills will lead to unexpected rewards. You won’t welcome a lifestyle change, but it will be to your advantage in the end.
Take a moment to consider what’s fact and what’s fiction. You’ll be given mixed messages by people you think you can trust. Look at every angle and bide your time. Look for a unique way to put your skills and ideas to use. Refuse to let anyone discourage you from doing your own thing. A domestic change will pay off.
Take care of personal business. Refrain from sharing secrets or letting others get involved in your plans. It’s best to have everything in place before you go public. Surprise will be your friend.
An emotional situation will develop if you aren’t upfront regarding your plans. Keep everyone in the loop and deal with issues as they arise, and you will accomplish the most. Play it safe.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20- Feb. 19)
PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)
NBA ROUNDUP… Fit-again Durant helps Nets to victory
Kevin Durant came off the bench and scored 17 points on his return from a 23-game injury lay-off to help the Brooklyn Nets thrash the New Orleans Pelicans 139111.
Durant hit all five of his shots, including two three-pointers, after being introduced in the second quarter.
It was just the second time in the 32-year-old’s career that he came off the bench in a game.
“I just wanted to go out there and dive right into the action,” he said. “I expected to come out here and play the way I played. I wasn’t trying to ease into the game.
“The game was fastpaced already, so, from watching it from the bench, I knew exactly how I needed to approach it. It was pretty cool coming off the bench, I can’t lie,” he said.
The two-time NBA champion, who also came up with seven rebounds and five assists, had not played since 13 February because of a hamstring strain.
But while Nets head coach Steve Nash said it was good to see Durant back “with a big smile on his face”, the Nets will now be without point guard James Harden for at least 10 days because of a hamstring injury.
Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said his side “got dominated at both ends of the floor”.
Brooklyn also ended Zion Williamson’s 25-game run of scoring 20-plus points on 50% shooting or better.
Williamson, who finished with just 16 points on four of 12 shooting from the floor, is tied with former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal for the longest such streak in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Devin
French Open postponed by one week
…in hope more fans can attend
Matches at the 2020 French Open were played in front of a maximum capacity of 1,000 fans
The French Open has been postponed by a week in the hope that by a week,” FFT President Gilles Moretton said. “It will give the health The 2021 tournament is now due to finish just two weeks before the start of more spectators would be permitted to attend.
The Grand Slam tournament at Roland Garros will now run from 30 May to 13 June, with qualifying being the week before.
France is in a third nationwide lockdown amid a surge in coronavirus cases, which President Emmanuel Macron previously said he expected to end in mid-May.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has said postponing was the “best solution”.
“I am delighted that the discussions with the public authorities, the governing bodies of international tennis, our partners and broadcasters, and the ongoing work with the WTA and ATP have made it possible for us to postpone the 2021 Roland Garros tournament situation more time to improve, and should optimise our chances of welcoming spectators at Roland Garros, into our newly-transformed stadium that now covers more than 30 acres. “For the fans, the players and the atmosphere, the presence of spectators is vital for our tournament, the spring’s most important international sporting event.” In 2020, the French Open was postponed to the autumn because of the pandemic. Rafael Nadal won the men’s singles title - his 13th at Roland Garros - while Polish teenager Iga Swiatek won her first Grand Slam title in front of a crowd of 1,000 fans, which was the maximum permitted at the time. Wimbledon. Its postponement is set to have an impact on the ATP and WTA calendars, with the grasscourt season scheduled to start on 7 June with tournaments in s-Hertogenbosch, Stuttgart and Nottingham. The ATP and WTA governing bodies have said in a joint statement that they were “working in consultation with all parties impacted by the postponement”. British tennis’ governing body, the LTA, has said: “The decision to move Roland Garros will obviously create a knock-on effect for the summer grass-court season. We are currently looking at the implications for our events, and if we will need to make changes to our calendar.” (BBC Sport)
Kevin Durant (seven) was one of seven Brooklyn players to score double figures against New Orleans
Booker and Chris Paul led the Phoenix Suns to a 117-113 overtime win over the visiting Utah Jazz in a game between the NBA’s two best teams.
Booker scored 35 points and Chris Paul contributed 29 points and nine assists as the Suns, who have the NBA’s second-best record, held on for their seventh victory in a row. Donovan Mitchell registered 41 points and eight rebounds for the NBAleading Jazz, and forced the game into overtime with a clutch three-pointer.
Utah, however, never led in overtime, with Booker getting the Suns off to a quick start with a lay-up, while Paul finished it off with free throws late on. (BBC Sport)
India legend Tendulkar leaves hospital following coronavirus infection
Tendulkar scored a record 100 international centuries during his 24-year career
India legend Sachin Tendulkar has been released from hospital a remain isolated while continuing to rest and recuperate”. in 2013, is widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen. He scored a week after he was admitted after having contracted COVID-19.
Tendulkar, 47, said on 27 March he had tested positive, and was taken to a Mumbai hospital six days later “as a matter of abundant precaution”. The former batsman says he has returned home, and “will “I would like to thank everyone for all the good wishes and prayers,” he said. “I remain ever grateful to all the medical staff who took such good care of me and have been working tirelessly for over a year in such difficult circumstances.” Tendulkar, who retired record 15,921 runs in 200 Tests and another 18,426 runs in 463 One-Day Internationals. India is seeing a spike in coronavirus cases, with an average of more than 90,000 daily cases in April. The Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on Friday (today). (BBC Sport)
GUYANATIMESGY.COM Kohli and Sharma face off in superstar-laden
IPL 2021 opener today
Rohit Sharma
Big picture
It's only been five months since the Mumbai Indians won their fifth title in Dubai, and the IPL is back already. It's back and it's back home, but the eerie, not-of-this-world feeling that accompanied the 2020 edition of the tournament will persist, simply because the world hasn't changed all that much in the interim.
You might even ask if India, which has recorded over 100,000 new COVID-19 cases each day since April 4, should be hosting the IPL at all right now. Time and the rigorous protocols that cricket has honed over these months of the pandemic will answer that question.
For now, turn your attention to Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, the first stop in a tournament that will be played entirely on neutral grounds. If the pitch plays true to its recent nature, it will present Mumbai and Royal Challengers Bangalore a rigorous test of their adaptability.
To different extents, both teams are built for their high-scoring home grounds. Chennai is different. Chennai is all about spin. Of the 11 Indian grounds that have hosted IPL matches since the start of 2018, spinners have both the best average (19.52) and economy rate (6.16) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Unless the pitch has drastically changed in character since India's Test series against England, expect to see both teams pick a third spinner, and expect a somewhat attritional contest to kick the tournament off.
But it's still only matchday 1, so no prediction - conditions, selections, form, matchups - can be made with any confidence. Sit back instead, switch on your televisions, and forget - for a few hours - the world outside your windows.
In the news
If Quinton de Kock and Adam Milne serve the seven-day quarantine in their hotel rooms, they won't be available for the game on Friday. However, ESPNcricinfo understands that de Kock flew into India on a chartered flight from South Africa, and with entry and exit points that are separate from the regular
airport, he may not have to serve the quarantine, and is likely to be available for the first match.
Devdutt Padikkal has rejoined the Royal Challengers squad after recovering from COVID-19. The opener trained with his team-mates on Wednesday, and should be fit to play. They will also be without Finn Allen and Adam Zampa, who are yet to complete their quarantine upon
arriving in India.
Likely XIs
Mumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Hardik Pandya, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 James Neesham, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Nathan Coulter-Nile/ Jayant Yadav, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Devdutt Padikkal, 3 AB de Villiers, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), 6 Daniel Christian, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Kyle Jamieson, 9 Navdeep Saini, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal.
Strategy punt
Where will Glenn Maxwell bat? He struggled as a death-overs hitter for Kings XI Punjab last season, and has lately been at his best for Australia at No. 4, a position that generally gives him a little more time to get settled at the crease.
Given this, there's a case to be made for Maxwell to bat ahead of AB de Villiers, who struck at an incredible 224.70 in the death overs last season, but went at only 133.72 in the middle overs.
In recent years, Virat Kohli's strike rate against spin has declined significantly. From an imposing 147.90 in the three years from 2015 to 2017, it has fallen to 117.97 since the start of 2018.
Kohli has indicated that he would open the batting during this IPL. If he does do that, Mumbai could start with the left-arm swing of Trent Boult from one end and either Krunal Pandya or Rahul Chahar - both turn the ball away from the right-hander - from the other, giving themselves the option of keeping one or two of Jasprit Bumrah's overs for later.
Stats that matter:
* Mumbai have won eight of their last 10 meetings with Royal Challengers Bangalore, and of the two games they lost, one was via the Super Over last season. * Mumbai, however, have lost each of their last eight season-openers in the IPL. * Of the six venues that will host this year's tournament, the MA Chidambaram Stadium has been Virat Kohli's slowest scoring (strike rate 111.49). (ESPNCricinfo)
… Big-hitting sides begin the season in slow, turning Chennai
An explosive opener is expected today Virat Kohli
Brave Bolisetty a bright spark for NY Tri-State
Arecent unbeaten 52 from Anirudh and the contest began when Dongre Bolisetty led the New York Tri- took the explosive route, spanking John State Under-15 team to a 91-run Persuad for three consecutive boundarwin over a combined Georgetown XI in ies in the third over of the day, before a fixture played at the Everest Cricket he was undone in the flight of Latif, Club. who made the breakthrough at 22-1.
His “player of the match” effort was Captain Nayan Elamurugan (1), decorated with six boundaries, and he was bowled by the fearless leggie Latif. featured in a 56-run stand with left- Srivastava counter-attacked and clobarm spinner Ansh Rai, who scored an bered a free-hit for the game’s lone unbeaten 13. maximum, but Gainda had the final
The lads from New York slumped to say when the former was removed for 105-9, and clawed their way back into 14 at 56-3. Rao was bowled by Gainda the contest to end on 161-9. at 66-4, before Saharsh Shwethan (3)
Contributions came from Tannish was bowled by Romeo Deonarine with Dongre, who slammed four boundaries the score on 69-5. in a shot-filled 19; Ali Virk (17), Utkavsh The 13-year-old Bolisetty, who stood Srivastava 14 and Mukund Rao (13). tall and pulled Jerimiah Williams for
The Everest wrist-spinner four to reach his half century from 74 Nityanand Mathura claimed 3-27, while balls, found a reliable partner in the fi11-year-old Reyaz Latif of Transport nal man Rai, and the pair carried the Sports Club had 2-25. Off-spinner Arun score to 161 with a brave final wicket Gainda (2-19) also supported the collec- partnership. tive effort. In pursuit of the chase, Joshua
National U-19 female off-spin- Persaud (2) and Raul Prashad (5) gave ner Omadive Matadin, who hails from the city side a poor start. Deonarine Berbice, was the lone female in the and captain Mathura carried to score to game, and she claimed Ali Virk with a 48 before Deonarine (13) was trapped return catch ending with 1-4 from her at the wicket. three overs. At the end of the match, trophies
The GT combined unit fell for 80, were presented by Ramesh Sunich with only opener Romeo Deonarine (13) of the Trophy Stall. The Man-of-theand John Persaud (11) reaching double Match was Bolisetty, who showed great figures, as Elamurugan and Srivastava talent as he collected a trophy, while picked up two wickets each. The GT there was one also presented to the lads asked the NY Tri-State to bat first, winning team.
Fruta Conquerors were ready!
– Sampson confident as Fruta await new tournament dates
Not without its challenges, the Fruta Conquerors Football Club was pumped up about participating in the now postponed CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield tournament.
Featuring 14 Caribbean teams, the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield, which was slated for play from April 23 to May 7, has been postponed until further notice.
The Fruta Conquerors Football Club, based in Tucville, Georgetown, would have been Guyana’s representative to that competition.
Guyana Times Sport reached out to the Club’s Head Coach Sampson Gilbert, who opined that the CONCACAF organisation was forced to make the decision since many teams were experiencing travel difficulties among other issues.
“During that period of time, CONCACAF observed that a lot of other countries might have been experiencing difficulties. They even had the two teams from Jamaica who pulled out of the Champions League, CONCACAF Champions
Fruta Conquerors Head Coach Sampson Gilbert
League, and other countries would have been experiencing those difficulties,” Gilbert explained.
“So, I thought that, based on all that is going on, CONCACAF thought it prudent to cancel the tournament until there are more conducive circumstances existing in the football community, in the world generally.”
While expressing confidence in the Tucville-based unit, Coach Sampson explained that the club had to make adjustments to their training schedule owing to the current severity of the pandemic.
Coach Sampson gave the following assurance, “Undoubtedly Fruta Conquerors are ready. As of now, because we're still in preparation mode, the fact
Pools to remain closed for foreseeable future
The Olympic size pool at the National Aquatic Centre
The situation regarding the training of local swimmers will remain the same for the foreseeable future, according to Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) President Dwayne Scott.
All local public pools have been closed to swimmers since March 2020, and with their inability to train in the water, the local swimmers had become antsy, especially with other sport disciplines being afforded the opportunity to train.
Giving an update to this publication on that situation, Scott highlighted that the National COVID-19 Task Force is adamant about its position and swimmers’ safety.
“The current situation with the local facility…remains the same, there’s been no changes because, at the Task Force level, they have maintained that they need to make sure the athletes are first safe,” Scott indicated to <<Guyana Times Sport.>>
He continued, “And the only way they can be safe is to be at home, exercising and adhering to the COVID protocols.”
However, the local duo that will be competing for Olympic qualification are the only swimmers that are being allowed to use the local facilities.
“The Olympic athletes have access to the facility, so they continue to do their work out with the coaches,” Scott confirmed.
Meanwhile, Leon Seaton is currently based in Florida, where he will train until he returns in June for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
Aside from the group of Olympic hopefuls, Scott explained, there is much to worry about with regard to the training situation, since the Olympic Games are the only pressing international competition on the swim calendar.
“We don’t have a lot to be worried about, except that we don’t have sufficient competitions locally for our Olympic hopefuls, and that would come to the detriment of Andrew and Jamila, who
GASA President Dwayne Scott
definitely need to have competition-level activity so that they can improve their times and their standards,” the GASA boss shared.
While the Olympic Games are set for July 23 to August 8, the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Swimming Championships are currently scheduled for August 13 to 15.
Back in March, parents and swimmers attached to the Dorado Swim Club protested the current closure of public pools in front of the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal. The group argued that swimming is a safe sport to return too, giving pool dimensions and spacing and the unlikelihood that the virus can be transmitted in chlorinated waters. that there are some alerts with regards to variants of the coronavirus that could affect you adversely, we're observing all the protocols, and we will not be training as consistently as we would have wanted to, had the tournament being coming up on the 23rd.”
Nonetheless, whenever CONCACAF is ready for the towurnament to be played, Fruta Conquerors would also be ready. And, in Sampson’s eyes, the team would be bringing their ‘A’ game to the competition.
“We are going to look at the whole scenario and look at our training schedule from a more objective perspective based on the tournament’s postponement. But then we need to still keep ourselves prepared, because whenever the tournament is being held, we want to be able to compete.
Clarifying what he was saying, he added, “Not just to participate, but actually project to win this tournament. So, our readiness is obvious. We continue to prepare, but obviously, like I said, we've cut down on our training time.”
Being Guyana’s reigning Elite League Champions, this was the second consecutive time that Fruta Conquerors qualified for the tournament.
Drawn in Group C, the Guyanese club would have come up against Hope International FC of St Vincent and the Grenadines and SV Racing Club of Aruba.
Thus far, the team has been supported by donations from the Guyana Lottery Company and the Everest Cricket Club. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, upon visiting the team during a practice session a few weeks ago, has also pledged Government’s assistance for the team.
(Jemima Holmes)
Not enough openers knocking down the door
– says a concerned Roger Harper
By Brandon Corlette
The opening partnership of the West Indies Test team has been a concern over the past years, and with John Campbell's recent failures, that concern remains.
Lead selector of the West Indies, Roger Harper, has said this opening slot remains a concern, but it was pleasing to see captain Kraigg Brathwaite getting some big scores. "I think it has been a concern for a while. It was pleasing to see the captain get some big scores, but we need the partnership on the whole to be solid," Harper disclosed on the recent Mason and Guest Radio programme.
Against Sri Lanka, Campbell scored 68 runs in four innings at an average of 17. With four carbon copy dismissals, he certainly is under the pump, and a possible axe looms for the Jamaican when South Africa tour the Caribbean later in June.
His Test record is also inferior. After 30 innings, the left-handed Campbell has amassed 640 runs with two half-centuries, at an average of 23.70. "We were delighted to see Campbell applying himself and being more patient, but we need some more positive returns," the Guyanese Roger Harper has said.
Asked what is being done to sort out this opening partnership problem, Harper responded: "It is something we are looking at. We are looking at our best options. At the moment, from a red ball perspective, we don't have enough openers who are knocking down the door in terms of performances."
It is still uncertain if a Regional 4-Day tournament would be played in 2021 before the South Africans enter the Caribbean, but reflecting on the openers’ performances in the truncated 2020 Regional 4-Day tournament, which seems a life-time ago, axed veteran Devon Smith was the best opening batsman, with 649 runs.
Campbell, playing for the Jamaican Scorpions franchise in the 4-Day tournament, was the next best opener in terms of runs, with 491. Sheyne Mosely scored 490 runs in that last 4-Day tourney, and was rewarded with a spot in the Test side, batting at number three in Bangladesh, where he failed.
Kieran Powell scored 429 runs at 30.6 with three fifties in the last 4-Day tournament. In addition to Powell, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tevin Imlach and Tagenarine Chanderpaul are also promising openers who have the temperament and showed and played red-ball cricket.
The versatile Trinidadian Joshua Da Silva, who performed exceptionally well in Regional cricket, has shown his ability to bat at the top of the order. His 4-Day stats were superior to most of the Region’s batsmen, when he scored 507 runs at an average of 50.7.
Since making his Test debut in New Zealand, Da Silva has proven his worth, and is also willing to bat at any position the team requires.
For the next Test assignment, it will be interesting to see the selectors’ choice. The likes of Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer are also options that could be considered to open the batting along with captain Kraigg Brathwaite.
