Guyana Times -- Friday, December 18, 2020

P13

Sergeant Melanie Hale adjudged “Best Cop” for 2020 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4503

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

President Ali confers AG, Timothy Jonas, Jamela Ali with silk Pages 3&7

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Berbice fatal accident…

Cop gets bail on 3 counts of causing death by dangerous driving

P17

Haitians P14 “disappear” from city guest house – Nandlall

Murders of Henry boys, Haresh Singh…

...Head of State has power to appoint Senior Counsel – High Court rules ...Head …calls for increased transparency in appointment process

Businessman to develop $900M luxury community in Essequibo …major employment opportunities to be created Page 10

Embattled GECOM prioritises building 5-storey complex

Page 14

— says will be guided by local Police on matter

P13 Murders increase by 27.69% in 2020 – acting Top Cop

Nude woman found murdered in bed See story on page 2

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

ICJ to deliver ruling on jurisdiction today

Govt committed P17 to offer assistance with investigation – President Ali

Fisherman P8 charged for attempted murder of wife Page 2

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nude woman found murdered in bed

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46-year-old security guard was taken into custody for the murder of a woman whose nude body was found on her bed at her South Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home on Friday last.

The dead woman has been identified as 53-yearold Marlyn Singh also called Jean. Based on reports received, on the day in question, the dead woman’s brother went to the Turkeyen Police Station and reported the death of his sister, who was last seen alive on December 10, 2020.

After the report was made, the Police found the body naked lying on the bed. The body was examined, but no marks of violence were seen.

However, a post-mortem conducted on the body of the

Dead: Marlyn Singh, also called “Jean”

now dead woman proved that she died as a result of asphyxiation due to manual strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

The Police have since ar-

rested the security guard, who is currently assisting with the investigations.

However, the Guyana Times understands that the suspect was arrested on Thursday and has since confessed to the murder. He reportedly told detectives that he strangled the woman with whom he shared a relationship after she did not want to have sexual intercourse with him.

A police source stated that on the day in question, the man scaled the woman’s fence and entered her home via the verandah. Nevertheless, the suspect told investigators that after strangling the woman, he left her motionless on the bed and went home.

It was until the following morning; the woman’s body was discovered.

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

ICJ to deliver ruling on jurisdiction today

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he International Court of Justice (ICJ) will today deliver a ruling on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case filed by Guyana, asking for a final pronouncement on the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 as it relates to the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

The decision will be handed down by ICJ President, Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf during a public sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague at 10:00h Guyana Time.

The hearing will be livestreamed on the court’s website and the UN Web TV as only limited persons will be allowed in court owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 30, 2020, the ICJ, which has its headquarters in the Netherlands, heard oral arguments via video conference from Guyana’s legal team headed by Sir Shridath Ramphal on the question of its jurisdiction to adjudicate in the matter.

ICJ President, Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf

The case is premised on a border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela in which the Spanish-speaking country has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which more than eight billion barrels of oil have

been discovered.

After a failed good offices process between the two neighbouring countries, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, in 2018, had referred the border controversy matter to be resolved by the World Court.

Shortly after, Guyana filed a case seeking a final and binding judgment that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

On June 30, 2020, the ICJ held its first public hearing of the border controversy case via video conference on whether it has jurisdiction to adjudicate the case on the border controversy between the neighbouring States.

Venezuela has since indicated that it does not accept the jurisdiction of the court.

3 President Ali confers AG, Timothy Jonas, Jamela Ali with silk NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 18 – 04:30h-06:00h and Saturday, December 19 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 18 – 06:45h-08:15h and Saturday, December 19 – 07:30h-09:00h.

– need for transparency in appointment process highlighted

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers will prevail during the day, with lightly cloudy conditions at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:52h and 19:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 12:37h reaching a minimum height of 0.81 metre.

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Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall receiving his instrument of appointment from President Irfaan Ali

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening conferred Attorneys Anil Nandlall, Timothy Jonas and Jamela Ali with the dignity of Silk, officially known as Senior Counsel. This was done at State House, where the Head of State emphasised the importance of having an effective and efficient legal system in which the public has confidence.

According to President Ali in brief remarks, Public confidence in the administration of justice would be enhanced by the presence of persons who embody the high standards and traditions of legal excellence and service, within the legal system.

“Such standards of excellence and service are reinforced by appointments based on merit, and which can inspire greater respect for, and confidence in, our legal system. The title of Senior Counsel has long been associated with such standards of distinction. The title is a recognition accorded to those who exemplify high standards of excellence and experience in the legal profession,” he stated.

The President further noted that such conferment of ‘Silk’ is not just a mark of quality, but also enhances public trust and greater confidence in the efforts to ensure a more efficient and effective system in Guyana.

The Head of State said the three newly appointed Senior Counsels are deserving of their conferrals.

“Their record of excellence and sterling service exemplifies the high standards to which the legal profession aspires. The conferment of Senior Counsel on these three legal luminaries is meritorious and deserving,” President Ali asserted.

Nandlall, who currently serves as Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, has 22 years of service in the legal profession, while Jonas has 24 years and Jamela Ali has 21.

Their appointments

President Ali handing over the instrument of appointment to Senior Counsel Timothy Jonas

Attorney Jamela Ali was also conferred with silk by President Ali on Thursday at State House

were first announced back in October, and was based on “their demonstrable knowledge of, and learning in, the law and on account of their exemplary erudition and diligence in the practice of the law, and by virtue of their distinguished contributions to the growth and development of Guyana’s jurisprudence and constitutional democracy.”

The honour of Silk is conferred on distinguished lawyers. This status is recognised by the courts and gives recipients privilege and respect.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

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

Continued road carnage E

very year, usually around this time, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) releases statistics on road accidents over the past year – and to the surprise of no one, it’s almost always bad news – the carnage has worsened on our roadways – more people are dead, dying or injured when compared to the loss of life and limb in previous years.

Over the past few days, more than eight persons have lost their lives and more than a dozen more have been injured as road fatalities skyrocket.

On Wednesday, acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie revealed that “in terms of traffic [statistics], we have recorded a 21 per cent increase in fatal accidents which has resulted in 15 per cent increase in the road fatalities”.

The reasons for the high rates of road accidents are well known, and there is no need to rehash them here, except to say that while there are various factors which impact on road safety, there is little doubt that the single most important in a general sense is enforcement of the traffic laws. The Government has enacted the relevant legislation in relation to driving under the influence, loud music in vehicles, overloading, speeding, etc, but if the laws are not adequately implemented, they become useless.

In tacit acknowledgment of this fact, acting Police Commissioner Hoppie noted that “When we rolled out our Christmas plan, we featured heightened intelligenceled operations where ranks would be involved in emphasised foot, bicycle, vehicular, mounted, canine and marine patrols, and road blocks and traffic control, while maintaining vigilance in relation to the continued enforcement of the COVID-19 restrictions”.

According to the Top Cop, “We intend to learn from the challenges we have faced with the aim of improving our performance and building on our successes. We intend to improve on public trust and confidence.”

It would be interesting to find out how many of the drivers/conductors who are stopped for breaking traffic laws are actually charged and brought before the courts.

It should also be mentioned here that, in some cases, Police Officers themselves are engaged in breaking the traffic rules; eg by speeding or driving under the influence, and hence are the source of some of the accidents we currently experience.

The perceived endemic corruption in the organisation, and the traffic section in particular, must be addressed in a systematic way, or we will not achieve the desired results.

We had also made the point before that Guyanese need to move away from the culture of disregard and irresponsibility in relation to using the roadways. The Education Ministry and other relevant stakeholders should examine the possibility of strengthening the school’s curriculum with the aim of increasing knowledge, skills and understanding among children and young people about the responsible use of our roadways. Similar efforts should also be made targeting the adult population, as they, too, are sometimes found to be irresponsible when using our roadways.

For a small country such as ours, we cannot afford to continue along this path. The number of deaths and disabilities as a result of road accidents is indeed very worrying, and something must be done urgently to bring a halt to the level of irresponsibility and recklessness on our roadways. May the Top Cop’s plans succeed.

Members of staff of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) presented gifts collected from the bank’s Annual Staff Gift Giving to the Guyana Red Cross for distribution to the less fortunate children in various communities. The bank thanked staffers for their generous love and support, and Red Cross for bringing a smile to those it will touch through this kind gesture

The ERC is like a tiger without teeth Dear Editor, If the article published in Stabroek News, that the one-term former APNU+AFC Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, is being probed by Election Relations Commission (ERC) over her incendiary social media post “calling for an undesirable and dangerous action which can potentially impact negatively on ethnic relations” is accurate, then a thorough investigation is warranted.

However, it begs the question as to what the ERC means by an “investigation.”

Since its formation as part of the Herdmanston Accord brokered by Caricom on January 17, 1998 and assented to by President Bharrat Jagdeo on August 11, 2000, the ERC has accomplished very little, if anything. The ERC was founded in the aftermath of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-induced protests and riots following the 1997 General Election, which they claimed was fatally flawed.

It was officially launched in 2003, and was supposed to be independent and autonomous, but is it? Its performance since then can hardly be described as satisfactory, but more like a failure.

The ERC’s mandate, as adumbrated in Article 212A of the Constitution, is wide-ranging and includes the widest possible participation of Guyanese civil society, defined broadly to include non-governmental organisations; religious Christian, Hindu and Muslim groups; labour unions; Private Sector; youth groups; women’s organisations; and Afro-

and Indo-Guyanese; and Indigenous/Amerindian bodies.

Its primary goal is to identify and analyse factors that have inhibited the attainment of harmonious relations between ethnic groups, particularly the barriers to their participation in any social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political endeavours, and make recommendations to the National Assembly how these factors should be overcome.

After an hiatus of eight years, between 2010 and 2018, the ERC was reconstituted by the APNU+AFC Government in 2018 with the promise to finally address the ethnic and racial divide and fears that drove the political system in Guyana, especially during elections. It never did.

Truth be told, the ERC - like so many organisations established by the Government - is like a tiger without teeth; which means it is either powerless to act, or is reactive instead of being proactive. Simply put, the ERC has been a complete failure, in that it would inform the public that it has launched an investigation but would not reveal its findings to the public, or if it has completed the investigation.

It must be concluded that the ERC never really fulfilled the promise of its formation, and blame should be laid squarely at the feet of the two main political parties for selfish, bigoted and partisan political reasons that are well known to the public.

During the five-month

combative warfare waged

by APNU/AFC to remain in office through rigged elections, the ERC had numerous opportunities to intervene in the racially-charged environment created by social media and some politicians, but it never did. The ERC should have also intervened and prevented the racially-charged violence that ensued in the aftermath of the brutal slaying of the Henry cousins at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, and the vicious murders of Haresh Singh and Prettipaul Hargobin; but it did not.

The ERC is a status-quo organisation to showcase the Government’s stance against

racism and inequality, but there is not one iota of evidence to justify its existence.

It is time for the Government to re-evaluate the role and functions of the ERC to make sure that it is worth spending more than $200 million of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money annually on an organisation that continues to malfunction, if not irrelevant to society. It is not worth it.

It is our opinion, as well as many in the public, that the Government should stop the wasteful usage of the taxpayers’ money to prop-up the functionless ERC. Yours truly, Dr Asquith Rose

Different justice for different folks Dear Editor, Reference is made to news item, “Police commander busted with smuggled liquor offers to pay taxes” (GT Dec 17). The Commander Keithon King and two other officers caught with the illicit ‘uncustomed’ liquor in a vehicle remain on the job.

What is troubling is the treatment meted out to Police Commander Keithon King contrasts sharply with that meted out to Motie Dookie, who was caught in a similar incident three years ago. Dookie, who was at the time, in December 2017, head of the SWAT team, was also caught with uncustomed liquor. He was taken into Police custody and charged, then he was

immediately sent on leave by the APNU-led regime.

Dookie was subsequently removed from his post. His liquor, dozens of cases of whiskey, was confiscated.

Can GRA say what became of the liquor?

The King and Dookie incidents are identical, but the responses from the Police, GRA, and Ministry of Home Affairs are different. Clearly, there was discriminatory treatment and handling of two identical matters. Is there different justice for different folks?

There must be uniform enforcement of the law – penal code as well as fines and GRA actions. Justice must be ‘blind’, as I learnt in my constitutional law courses.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

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

We must be smarter and Does God need a place of worship? more inclusive in our fight against COVID-19 Dear Editor, While medical professionals stare down round two of our COVID nightmare, the arrival of a vaccine in Guyana is like the bright star on top of our Christmas trees this holiday season.

Indeed, it is a beacon of hope for so many whose loved ones have been seriously afflicted by the disease, or who have cared for these patients for the past nine months. It is imperative, then, that we learn from the bumps in the road that occurred with testing roll-outs earlier this year.

When negative national headlines surrounded communities in local regions that suffered the most - where the consequences of socioeconomic disparities created a horrific storm of disease transmission our Government was on its heels instead of on its toes when attempting to right the course.

We need to proactively adjust the sails this time around, in order to be highly effective in creating buyin for the vaccine’s use and distribution in our very diverse communities. This is particularly a challenge in rural core areas and hinterland neighbourhoods where

the Indigenous population is large, and that challenge would be exacerbated when we have to adjust to their need and hope they understand the full scope of COVID or why there was such a big deal when it hit those communities.

In order to have better outcomes, we need to go the extra mile in different communities of our regions with digital video communications, mailers, and multilingual media entities to reach those we didn’t metaphorically capture in the pandemic period. Further, effective communication also includes having the right messenger.

In some communities, there may not be an influential Government official.

Indeed, the cultural aspects of medicine are often overlooked in the midst of a pandemic, when time is of the essence. Yet, revered religious leaders or well-known community organisers might be the best persons to connect with marginalised communities and work through cultural hesitation towards medical treatments.

As we look to undertake mass vaccination operations, it would be good to immediately start connecting with those influencers

of faith in our communities - some may even be social organisations - to create a more cohesive and effective community response.

Government needs to engage and empower other community leaders, and here I can speak for Region 10, where we have our Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr D John, our Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr G Harris, and the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Linden Hospital Complex already leading the fight against COVID-19.

Our Government must support these leaders by giving them the opportunity to perform their jobs based on the dynamics of our region’s requirements, and not act as though Government alone has the right answers.

We all can agree that 2020 was a year of challenges, including many that would stick around in 2021. Yet, as we enter the new year, we should vow to be smarter and more inclusive in our approach to beating the COVID-19 pandemic, so as to ensure we lift up everyone in our communities, both rich and poor, and take them across the finish line.

Sincerely, David Adams

Different justice for...

The law does not distinguish between two persons.

People cannot be prosecuted and persecuted because they belong to a particular race or class or position or affiliation or support a different party or government.

Everyone should be treated similarly under similar conditions when they break similar laws. GRA must dispense with justice fairly! In addition to the police and law, the handling of both cases should also be matter for ERC and the Home Affairs Ministry.

The criminal justice system is not just it seems.

There is need for stricter enforcement of the law across the country irrespective of ethnicity and political affiliation. Being a police officer does not give one the power to smuggle alcohol or any goods. There must be demonstrative effect in the response to dissuade such il-

legal activities. Otherwise, smugglers will not take the law seriously. Political and GRA connections should not excuse wrong doing.

Otherwise, there would develop a mafia type enterprise that existed during the 1980s.

On the issue of confiscation of alcohol, back in 2014 and 2015, I recall reading in the papers of hundreds of cases of whiskey being seized for evading duties, smuggled into the country.

These were kept in a government bond.

After the change in administration in May 2015, the liquor disappeared for the victory celebration as well as for the 50th anniversary Independence Celebration in May 2016.

There was supposed to be an investigation and people held accountable for disappearance of the whiskey.

Can police and GRA advise

FROM PAGE 4

on the status of the investigation?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, Although this topic may be didactic, I believe many would concur, while there still are many who would declare that it is not necessary to go to a temple, church or other place of worship in order to worship God. But while this discourse will continue unabated, we should always be cognisant of the quote, “There can be no progress without head-on confrontation.” Therefore, in light of this, and with specific reference to the opinions below, the question that probably dwells within most Godfearing devotees is, “Does worshipping God need a place of worship?”

In the Bhagavata Gita, Chapter 18 Text 45, it is stated, “Sway sway karmanyabhiratah sansinddhin labhate narah”, which translates as, “A person attains perfection by devoting his life toward his own duty where ever God has kept him.”

Yet another quote from the Bhagavata Gita, Chapter 18 Text 46, states, “Yatah pravritirbhutanam yena sarvamedam tatam, Swakarmana tamabhyarchya siddhiam vidanti maanawah”, which translates as, “From whom proceeds the activities of all beings, and by whom all this is pervaded, worshiping Him from the place he has placed you, through your true karma and honesty, you can please God and attain perfection”.

The above Sanskrit quotes undoubtedly indicate that God does not necessarily dwell in a temple or any man-made structure. To many, God is omnipresent (always present), omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnificent (all creative). In reality, God

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he heart of the devotee flows with love of the Lord through constant remembrance and recitation of His name. Out of this stream of love devotion e m e r g e s .

One who is nourished by the nectar of devotion will have no desire for anything else.

Affection, attachment, and desire are natural qualities in man. When these qualities are directed towards God, and when one is continuously engaged in good deeds, these qualities acquire purity and sacredness.

The devotee is ever conscious that the universe is a manifestation of the Divine and is permeated by Him. His life is based on the recognition of the immanence of God in everything. This state of mind is called Prema Advaitam (unity in love). Through this love, the devotee experiences his oneness with the Divine.

Enjoying the bliss of this experience, the devotee does not even desire liberation from birth and death; unremitting love of the Lord is everything for him. Such devotion is known as Ananya Bhakti (Total devotion to One and One only). (Divine Discourse, Jan 19, 1986)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

is everywhere, and dwells in our hearts regardless of where we are.

To further elucidate on my discourse, there are many who would conclude that they do not necessarily have to go to a temple, church, synagogue or any other place or worship to worship God. Worshipping at home does not preclude anyone from their beliefs, and just because one does not go to a temple, church or synagogue is not indicative that one is not following one’s religion.

Many feel that praying at home, doing their pujas, participating in kirtans and hymns irrespective of one’s religious affiliation is more comfortable, and they can find their own inner peace when the demands of society are taken into consideration.

However, praying in a temple, church, mosque or synagogue has its advantages. It is believed that these places of worship are very sacred. The atmosphere that blankets these places of worship is very overwhelming, and there is a sense of peace, bliss and happiness than one experiences praying there that one does not experience while praying at home. In addition to the propagation of our religions and cultures,

these places of worship are very instrumental in dealing with life’s problems; one can make friends and share ideas and ideology there. Further, these places of worship set examples that become inspiration for others. People who are trying to make their lives better, people who want a positive change, are going to be impacted by an example of someone who is committed to regular church attendance.

Also, in today’s society, we are faced with numerous challenges - whether health problems, financial issues, conflicts within our families – and when we meet at these places of worship, we have an opportunity to encourage one another; and that is part of what attending temples, churches and synagogues is about.

Everyone has the prerogative to attend a place of worship to worship, depending on one’s religious affiliation and conviction; but attending a place of worship versus not attending a place of worship can be a point of discussion, when the consensus of most is the belief that God is here, there and everywhere.

Sincerely, Mani Jadunauth

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄ Circles cont’d

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circle’s circumference and area are calculated by using a special long decimal, written as the Greek letter π, pronounced pi. To make calculations easier, pi is often rounded to 3.14. Pi is the ratio of a circle’s diameter to its circumference – a ratio that is exactly the same for every circle.

Calculating the circumference and area of a circle is actually fairly easy to do. A circle’s circumference = pi times its diameter (πd). A circle’s area = pi times the square of its radius (π r2).

Example: If a circle has a radius of 5cm, you can find its circumference by multiplying the radius x 2 and then multiplying that number x π.

Its circumference = (2 x 5) π cm = 10 π = 31.40cm To find this circle’s area, you have to raise its radius to the second power and then multiply that times π. In this example, its area = (5 x 5) times π square cm = 25 times π = 78.5cm.

Exercises: Calculate 1) Calculate the circumference and area of a circle with a radius of 3m.

1) 3)

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Making a Journal:

1. In your water log, list all the places where you encounter water in the environment. (ex: rivers, rain, shower) 2. Place a bucket outside to measure and record rainfall or place a graduated cylinder of water in a room and measure the amount that evaporates each

FOR CHILDREN

2) Calculate the cir- 2 ) cumference of the circle below. Use 3.14 for π.

3) Calculate the circumference and area of a circle with a diameter of 53cm.

4) Name the chord shown in the figure below.

5) What is the perimeter, or circumference, of a circle whose diameter is 24cm.

4)

Thursday’s answers 6cm OA and OB

o build awareness of how you see and use water, keep a daily water journal, using the format published yesterday.

Younger kids might draw a way they see water in their home or environment.

Share their journal entries with a partner or with the class.

Æsop’s Fables

2) 4)

AB AB, BC, CD, DE, EF and FA

day.

3. List the ways you use water each day.

4. Discuss the connection between the water we see outside and the water we use inside. Where does the water in your house come from?

How does it get there?

5. Discuss why it might be important to conserve water. Challenge yourself to use less water the following day.

7. At the end of the week, consider making a graph of the total amount of water that your family used each day. (Adapted from chicagochildrenmuseum.org)

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ne moonlight evening as Master Fox was taking his usual stroll in the woods, he saw a number of pheasants perched quite out of his reach on a limb of a tall old tree. The sly fox soon found a bright patch of moonlight, where the pheasants could see him clearly; there he raised himself up on his hind legs, and began a wild dance. First he whirled ‘round and ‘round like a top, then he hopped up and down, cutting all sorts of strange capers. The pheasants stared giddily. They hardly dared blink for fear of losing him out of their sight a single instant.

Now the fox made as if to climb a tree, now he fell over and lay still, playing dead, and the next instant he was hopping on all fours, his back in the air, and his bushy tail shaking so that it seemed to throw out silver sparks in the moonlight.

By this time the poor birds’ heads were in a whirl.

And when the fox began his performance all over again, so dazed did they become, that they lost their hold on the limb, and fell down one by one to the fox.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Head of State has power to appoint Senior Counsel – High Court rules …calls for increased transparency in appointment process rious.

Power to appoint

High Court Judge Nareshwar Harnanan

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he High Court has ruled that the Executive President of Guyana is vested with traditions that flow from royal prerogatives, statutes and the Common Law to appoint Attorneys-atLaw to the dignity of Senior Counsel, otherwise known as conferring silk.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, who underscored the need for increased transparency in the process and criteria for the bestowing of silk.

The ruling comes five months after newly-appointed Senior Counsel Timothy Jonas filed an application challenging former President David Granger’s conferral of silk in December 2019, on Attorneys-at-Law Stanley Moore, Roysdale Forde, Jamela Ali, and Murseline Bacchus.

Jonas was seeking an Order of Certiorari to be directed to Attorney General Anil Nandlall quashing as unconstitutional the conferral of silk on the four lawyers. Jonas had argued that the appointments were done in violation of Article 122 of the Constitution as the then President, a member of the Executive, trespassed into the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature.

He contended that the decision to appoint Senior Counsel lies within the province of the inherent discretion of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature.

Justice Harnanan, however, disagreed with the lawyer’s arguments. The Judge dismissed Jonas’s application which he deemed unmerito-

In arriving at his decision, Justice Harnanan placed heavy reliance on the Republic Act, the Civil Law of Guyana Act, and the Common Law. Providing historical background on the appointment of silk, the Judge explained that the prerogative to appoint Queen’s/King’s Counsel originated with the monarch, and in Guyana’s case, was exercisable by the Governor-General, who was the Queen’s representative in British Guiana.

The Judge explained that the powers of the Queen were exercisable by the Governor-General according to the Guyana Independence Ordinance 1966, whose powers include the prerogative to appoint Senior Counsel.

When Guyana gained Republican status in 1970, the Judge noted that the prerogative powers once exercised by the Queen were transferred to the Executive President of Guyana pursuant to the Republic Act and the Civil Law of Guyana Act. The Judge pointed out that Section 7 of the Constitution of Guyana outlines that existing law, including the Civil Law of Guyana Act, and the Republic Act shall continue in force on and after the promulgating of the 1980 Constitution of Guyana Act as if they had been made in pursuance of the Constitution.

“The conferral of silk is the exercise of the prerogative power of the sovereign. It is acknowledged that the President of Guyana is an Executive President who possesses a wide range of powers including those retained from both the Governor-General and the Crown,” the Judge noted.

Citing from the book Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law, Justice Harnanan said, “…under the Common Law, the prerogative powers were invested in the President upon the State becoming a Republic. Upon becoming a Republic, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago removed the Crown as Head of State and vested the exercise of the prerogative in the Republican State exercised by the new President”.

The Judge said that Section 22 of the Civil Law Act, which was enacted in 1970, gave statutory recognition to the Common Law concerning the prerogative conferred upon the Crown in Guyana.

Therein states: “Except specifically enacted nothing in this Act contained shall be deemed to limit or restrict the royal prerogative as hitherto enjoyed by the British Crown under the RomanDutch Law Act of Guyana, and except as aforesaid that prerogative shall as from the date aforesaid comprehend all the pre-eminence and all the special dignities, liberties, privileges, and powers conferred upon the Crown by the Common Law of England”.

Section 4 of the Republic Act reads: “Where under any existing law any prerogative or privilege is vested in Her Majesty the Queen or the Crown in respect of Guyana that prerogative or privilege shall, on the appointed day, vest in the State and subject of the Constitution or any other law, the President shall have the power to do all things necessary for the exercise thereof.”

“This court also agrees conclusively with the contention that there existed, and continues to exist, a prerogative power in the Crown recognised by the law to confer upon members of the practising Bar the status of Senior Counsel. That power

by Section 4 of the Republic Act was transferred and vested in the President as Head of State of Guyana. Therefore, the President of Guyana had and continues to this day, have the power to appoint members of the Bar to the dignity of Senior Counsel,” Justice Harnanan held.

No trespass

Jonas had further argued that the Judiciary is exempted from Executive control which was made even more clear with the enactment of the 1980 Constitution.

Against this backdrop, he said that purported appointments by the former President trespassed on the doctrine of separation of powers by seeking to dictate to the Judiciary how it must conduct a function of the administration of justice. There

Jamela Ali

were also contentions that the prerogative power to appoint Senior Counsel infringed upon the sovereignty of the people guaranteed under Article 9 of the Constitution.

But Justice Harnanan stated that Jonas failed to establish how this prerogative power prevented a judicial officer from exercising their judicial power independently, how the court is subject to political or executive control or how this power interfered with the courts’ administrative management.

“This is no circumstance on the record that establishes an intrusion into the remit of the Judiciary as set out in Article 122 A. It is the court which remains in control of its processes and not dictated in any way by the exercise of the prerogative by the President,” the High Court Judge held.

“While the Constitution imposes sovereignty on the people, such sovereignty is to be exercised by representatives one of whom is the elected President. There is no inconsistency between the Republic Act and Article 9 of the Constitution. This court

does not find the complaint by [Jonas] to be meritorious.

There are no issues of unconstitutionality in the appointment process.”

Transparency

Justice Harnanan admitted that the manner in which the appointment of Senior Counsel is done is “somewhat opaque”. “This may lend itself to the perception that persons who are undeserving of this esteemed honour may benefit from patronage or another. There is nothing unsavoury in the manner of appointment as it follows on the traditions which have flowed from royal prerogative.”

Notwithstanding, he said the court believed that the time for reform of the process of appointment of lawyers to the status of Senior Counsel was opportune.

“There is a need for increased transparency of the required criteria, the nomination and election process of deserving counsel to be bestowed the honour of taking silk. This court welcomes the remarks by the Attorney General Anil Nandlall when he indicated in his oral ar-

President Ali confers AG, Timothy...

Thursday’s conferral of Silk came hours after the High Court ruled that the President of Guyana has the power to confer lawyers with the dignity of Senior Counsel, otherwise known as Silk.

Jonas had filed legal proceedings to have the court quash the appointed of four lawyers to the status of Senior Counsel in 2019 by former President David Granger, deeming it unconstitutional.

However, Jonas told reporters following the conferment ceremony that he was never going after the four attorneys, but was merely trying to ensure transparency

in the process of appointing Senior Counsel.

“What happened over five years is, we saw a fair amount of arbitrariness [and] lack of transparency with what was done… I decided that the next go around I would make an approach to the court to challenge the process so that the court can make a pronouncement on what the process should be… It has nothing to do with the individuals, it had to do with the process,” he asserted.

According to the newly appointed Senior Counsel, the absence of transparency is the cause for corruption is the

country. To this end, he noted that he would be “lobbying” for there to be standard regulations in the appointment process.

“We must not have any more surprises [in the conferral of Silk]. There were no surprises today. Nandlall is eminent, he’s deserving.

Jamela is eminent, she’s deserving… Good people have been overlooked before, that mustn’t happen… So, at long last, there is a predictability in the process, but we need to make sure that it is transparent enough that no one is surprised when they see who turns up to the party,” the at-

torney posited.

On this note, Jonas suggested that a committee be set up to oversee the process.

That committee should comprise the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice, a judge, three Senior Counsels and the Attorney General.

“Let them agree who to invite to apply, and then by majority, in a secret meeting, let them decide and make that proposal to the President.

What happened before was that the judges were invited to submit names [of lawyers], but the names [appointed] did not concur with what the judges submitted, and that

guments that a review of the manner of appointment is near,” Justice Harnanan said in closing.

These proceedings come nearly eight months after Jonas had his Senior Counsel appointment withdrawn by then President Granger after he announced his affiliation with A New and United Guyana (ANUG) – a new political party formed to contest the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Apart from the Attorney General, other respondents in these proceedings included Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo, Senior Counsel Andrew Pollard, Senior Counsel Stephen Fraser, Senior Counsel Stanley Moore, Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran and the Guyana Bar Association.

After a 20-year hiatus, former President Granger conferred the title of Senior Counsel on nine lawyers in 2016. Among those recognised for their exceptional legal expertise were acting Chief Justice Roxane George and Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory.

FROM PAGE 3

shouldn’t be,” he posited.

In fact, the newly appointed Senior Counsel disclosed that when he was offered the appointment, he informed President Ali that he would not accept it until the judges give their imprimatur.

“This was back in October.

He called me the next day and he said he’s received written confirmation from the Chancellor that the judges had approved my nomination, and therefore I told him I’m willing to go ahead, subject to the pending litigation… To be judged by a jury of your peers means people who know what you know and who are compe-

tent to assess you must be the ones to make the decision,” he contended.

Nevertheless, Jonas said he is satisfied with the process of his appointment, which he noted is in accordance with the court’s ruling.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Nandlall also told reporters on Thursday that while there are different mechanisms in place in other Commonwealth countries in regard to the conferment of Silk, there will have to be discourse on the way forward in making future appointments in Guyana.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fisherman charged for attempted murder of wife

K

rishna Nandalall, a 44-year-old fisherman of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne, was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Thursday charged with the attempted murder of his wife.

Rajwattie Punie, a 35-year-old housewife, was left in critical condition after she was stabbed multiple times by the man on December 2. She has since been released from the hospital and was said to be recovering.

Nandalall, who had gone into hiding since the incident some two weeks ago, surrendered himself at the Whim Police Station on Wednesday, in the company of his lawyer, Rodwell Jagmohan.

The lawyer asked the

The accused, Krishna Nandalall and his injured wife, Rajwattie Punie

court to consider bail for his client, since he presented himself to the Police. The Attorney also noted that the

accused’s spouse has been discharged.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Orin Joseph ob-

jected to bail and told the court that the suspect was on the run for some two weeks after committing the act.

The Prosecutor also told the court that the accused inflicted 28 stab wounds on his wife and he had threatened to kill her earlier in the day before committing the act.

As such, bail was refused and Nandalall was remanded to prison. He will have to return to court on January 11.

It was reported that on the day in question, the couple had an argument and shortly after, the fisherman was seen coming out of the house and into the yard where Punie was and he began stabbing her. It was the couple’s teenage son who pushed his father off of his mother.

Drawing the line...

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…on law and order our Eyewitness is flummoxed by the latest episode in the “Henry Boys’ Murder Exploitation” saga. We all know, of course, that it all started with the unspeakably brutal slaying of the two Henry cousins at the backlands of West Berbice. There was also a third brutal killing on another youth - one Haresh Singh - in those same backlands; but you’d be forgiven if you’ve forgotten him, since it clearly slipped the minds of those crying out for “justice for the Henrys”.

And that’s the essence of the shameful denouement to these murders, isn’t it? It’s pellucid that to those rising up in righteous indignation, some lives matter more than other lives in God’s green earth! And it’s also pellucid whose line matters more to these worthies! Notably, Granger, Opposition Leader Harmon, and their camp followers, who pronounced - without a shred of evidence - that the killings of the Henry cousins were “politically motivated”, and most specifically were linked with the PPP! Of course - as they fully well knew it would - this led to riots in which IndianGuyanese - who were all deemed to be supporters of the PPP - were given condign beatings.

The GHRA was clearly in hibernation during the mass human rights’ violations of the assaulted citizens - by persons caught on cameras but never prosecuted by the Police - but suddenly sprang (such as its 80-year-old, one-man organisation could “spring”) into action to denounce Police “inaction” in solving the murders. The Police weren’t lax on prosecuting the beatings! The GHRA geezer demanded the Government bring in an Argentine anthropological forensic team specializing in “cold case” DNA identifications.

Anyhow, one forensic scientist came, saw, and was reporting on whether he’s conquered (cracked) the case (he’d not) at the Brickdam Cathedral, attended by relatives of the three murdered youths. Returning to West Berbice, the Henrys’ car was stopped at a road block near the Sparendaam Police Station. The driver, one of the murdered Henrys’ brothers, couldn’t produce his driver’s licence, and - as is legally permitted in this offence - was taken to the Police station.

And this is where matters went farcical. From a video seen by your Eyewitness, the driver resisted going into the station, and physically pushed a Policeman. All hell broke loose, as the mother entered the fray and yanked off a Policeman’s reflective vest.

Now, this is the point your Eyewitness wants to make.

He understands the Henry family are in mourning. He understands the Police can be brusque. But he understands also that when the Police make exceptions in applying the law, folks like the GHRA scream “Unprofessionalism”!

So, why’s the GHRA not denouncing “unprovoked Police brutality”? Should those in mourning be given a free pass?

What’s the line between law, order and crass opportunism? …on equality before the law Lest it be said that your Eyewitness is trying to score brownie points with the Police, in the interest of justice, fair play and equality of treatment before the law, he’ll dissect the recent (shameful) case of the Commander of Region 9 - busted as he was transporting 30 cases of Black Stone Whiskey back to Georgetown. Now, as a (high) officer of the law - especially one posted at a border crossing - the Commander would CERTAINLY know that liquor must have a custom stamp on each bottle. Which, in this case, (all thirty cases!) was missing.

Initially, he claimed he was transporting the spirits for folks who’d paid for them, but then backtracked (on the backtracked liquor!) and said he’ll pay the duties. Now your Eyewitness knows “too late” shall be the cry! Cause just a while back, when another Commander (of SWAT) was busted with 30 cases of Johnny Walker Black, he was immediately reassigned.

And then fired! …on fake posts Over the last year, as political temperatures rose precipitously, social media became a thermometer to gauge the phenomenon. Your Eyewitness learnt about “fake accounts”.

But the former Minister of Telecommunications will now explain how a POST in an AUTHENTIC account can be doctored!!

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

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Embattled GECOM prioritises building 5-storey complex

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mid serious criticisms over the manner in which it managed the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has commenced steps to construct a five-storey multipurpose complex at Lot 41 High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown.

In an advertisement published in the Wednesday, December 16, 2020 edition of the Stabroek News, GECOM says it intends to prequalify consulting firms to design and provide a cost for the building.

According to the ad, pre-

qualification will be conducted through prequalification procedures specified in the Procurement Act 2003 and is open to all bidders, subject to provisions of Section IV (Eligible Countries) of the said document.

GECOM says that qualification requirements include: firms’ experience, CVs of key personnel and any other information that may be deemed necessary at this stage.

Applicants are asked to submit their expressions of interest no later than 13:00h on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

However, questions are

The existing building at High Street

being raised as to whether construction of a multipurpose complex should be a priority for the elector-

al body at this stage, considering the fact that some of its top officers are facing charges in relation to elec-

toral fraud.

Among other key stakeholders, President Irfaan Ali had said that public trust in GECOM Secretariat has been eroded significantly following the recent post-elections events and the electoral machinery must, first of all, be fixed before there was any talk about commencing the process to have Local Government Elections (LGE).

While the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has indicated that it will be ready for the LGE at the constitutionally- due date, it had said that it would be a waste of time to go to the polls with the same controversial persons at the helm of the Secretariat.

“Before we get a voters’ list, you have to have a system that the population has trust in, you can’t have a system where there is very little trust in that system. And the trust in the Secretariat

at GECOM has been eroded significantly,” the President had said.

He had asserted that as a country, Guyana would need to put the necessary safeguards in place at the Secretariat, since “that is the system that would give you the end product, that is the system that will be in charge of giving you a voters’ list”.

President Ali had further highlighted that while the composition of the GECOM Commission was one issue that would have to be addressed, what occurred postMarch 2 went beyond the Commission as the electoral machinery itself was compromised.

The Government had also announced that it would take steps to have an international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events during and after the March 2, 2020 polls.

Missing man found floating in Lanabali River

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he lifeless body of a man who reportedly went missing was found floating in the Lanabali River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Tuesday.

The body of Ned Fredricks was pulled from the river after he was discovered by fishermen who were patrolling the area.

Based on reports received, the now dead man was found clad in a blue jersey and short pants. His daughter was informed about the discovery, since there was a missing person’s report out on her father at a Police station.

At the time of the discovery, the body had blisters.

An investigation has been launched.

Just about two weeks ago, the body of 52-yearold Chabilall Kumar, of Welfare Street, New Area, Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, was found in a trench at Palmyra, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

It was reported that the

Chabilall Kumar found floating

was

also

man was an epileptic case and was also a heavy drinker. He reportedly left his home on December 6, 2020 to go fishing and was found on December 7, 2020.

Police had confirmed that the body bore no marks of violence. Following the discovery, several persons in the area were questioned, but no useful information was gathered. A post-mortem proved that he died by drowning.

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12 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s 1st oil & gas publication launched “E nergy”, the first publication in Guyana covering the rapidly-developing oil and gas sector, has been released by Energy Guyana Magazine Inc – which is a 100-per cent Guyaneseowned company.

The magazine, which will be available digitally and in print, focuses primarily on developments in the energy sector with special attention being paid to the emerging oil and gas industry in Guyana.

A copy of the publication was handed over to President Dr Irfaan Ali, on December

16 by Editor-in-Chief Gwen Evelyn and Managing Partner of Energy Guyana Inc, Chris Chapwanya.

“This publication is both timely and relevant. The country is still in its first year of oil production and, as such, there exists an insatiable appetite for reliable and accurate information about developments in the sector,” the President said in a message provided for the inaugural edition of the publication.

Evelyn said the Energy Guyana team expects that the publication would become the must-read quarter-

ly for a broad cross-section of persons interested in the energy sector, including decision makers and industry leaders in Guyana and overseas.

“In addition to oil and gas, the publication will focus on Guyana’s journey towards the development of cleaner and more affordable energy sources and the significant impact this will have on the growth of the economy and emergence of new industries,” Mrs Evelyn said.

She pointed out that the first edition focuses on local participation in the oil and

gas industry with emphasis on both individuals and companies which have been making significant strides since the 2015 Liza discovery.

“We also intend to not only talk the talk but walk the walk,” the Editor-inChief said, pointing out that all stakeholders involved in the production of the magazine are Guyanese, including CinNex Inc, which provided layout and design services; a team of writers, proof-readers and editors, and Sagacity Inc, which is responsible for marketing.

Energy is also actively en-

Editor-in-Chief Gwen Evelyn presents a copy of the new publication “Energy” to President Dr Irfaan Ali while Managing Partner of Energy Guyana Inc, Chris Chapwanya looks on

gaging local partners as it rolls out the printed edition of the magazine.

“We have strong involvement at the local level with the support of international companies. This, we believe, is an effective approach for delivering the best product,” she said.

Commenting on the inaugural edition, Chapwanya noted, “The role of entrepreneurs, emerging companies and how Guyanese are positioning themselves to ben-

efit from the growing opportunities in the country will continue to be of significant importance. The Energy Guyana team is excited to be playing a role in this regard and Sagacity Inc is thrilled to be associated with this project.”

The e-magazine version of “Energy” is available free of charge to readers anywhere in the world with Internet access. The magazine can be accessed online at http:// www.energyupdate.gy

Presidential Guards injured after high winds dislodge guard hut

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wo Presidential Guards were injured on Thursday morning after heavy winds dislodged a guard hut in which they were stationed.

A statement from President Dr Irfaan Ali informed that the incident occurred at his Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) residence. Information suggests that the two guards were stationed in the structure when high winds dislodged it.

A team was immediate-

ly dispatched to access the situation, and the injured ranks were taken for medical treatment. They were later transferred to a private institution for further care.

The Head of State has reassured that their injuries are not life-threatening.

“While I have been assured that their injuries are not life-threatening, I will personally check in with the ranks following Cabinet meeting today (Thursday). I wish them a speedy recovery,” the President has said.

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Murders increase by 27.69% in 2020 – acting Top Cop

Sergeant Melanie Hale adjudged “Best Cop” for 2020

…86.5% increase in cocaine seizures recorded

Acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie

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cting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie on Thursday related that the Force has seen a 27.69 per cent increase in murders for the period January 2020 to present when compared to the same period last year.

Women being murdered by their spouses catered for more than a quarter of the total number. However, the force has recorded a 71.4 per cent increase in its clear-up rate, and an 83.5 per cent increase for robbery under arms where firearms were used.

Despite this, there was an overall decrease of 4.3 per cent in serious crimes committed for the period January 2020 to present.

Further, the acting Top Cop reported that there was a decrease of 8.9 percent in break and larceny, with a 6.1 per cent decrease in burglary when compared to the corresponding period.

In relation to illicit substances, there was an 86.5 per cent increase in cocaine seizures from January to present. This amounted to 489.87 kilograms and resulted in 39 persons being charged, with 28 cases made.

A total of 758.77 kilograms of cannabis were seized for the year thus far which represents a 21 per

cent increase when compared to the same period in 2019. Some 418 persons were charged and 308 cases were made. For ecstasy, a total of 313.35 were lodged with 10 persons charged.

With respect to cannabis eradication, the Police conducted 38 operations which saw the destruction of 314 acres comprising 534, 712 plants. This amounted to over one million kilograms while dried cannabis weighed 266, 607 kilograms.

Meanwhile, in the traffic department, an increase of 21 per cent in fatal accidents were recorded. It shows that 120 accidents were recorded for 2020 when compared to 99 for 2019. There was a consequential 15 per cent increase in fatalities, showing 130 for 2020 compared with 113 last year.

The acting Top Cop said that the Force has performed creditably despite these challenges. He shared that in spite of some unsavoury incidents, they have been able to maintain a safe and secure environment within the country.

“We are aware that more needs to be done, but we are also aware that we have prevailed,” he positioned.

Only last week, the acting Police Commissioner revealed that foreign nationals

have predominantly found themselves in exploitative sex and labour situations in Guyana.

In analysing statistics from 2018 to present, he said there were 632 suspected victims of human trafficking, of which foreign nationals accounted for 579. According to him, these persons are nationals of Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti.

For the reporting period, 84 reports were accepted, which led to 58 court cases and only six convictions, he disclosed. There are still cases pending before the courts.

Nevertheless, he said that these numbers show that a considerable amount of work is being done by local and international stakeholders to win the fight against human trafficking, which has resulted in Guyana sustaining its Tier 1 ranking.

The Force is continuing with its strategic plan which runs from 2019 through 2021 under the five pillars namely: operational priorities, developing our people, partnership, performance and infrastructure.

In the area of domestic violence, the Force has a unit in each policing region which is working closely with the Human Services and Social Protection Ministry and plays an integral role in the monitoring of activities specific to the recently-established 914 Hotline.

Members of the Force were reminded of their responsibility to act professionally at all times and to treat each report and reporter with the highest level of professionalism.

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Awardees with senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force

he Best Cop prize, which is awarded annually by the Guyana Police Force, was on Thursday awarded to Woman Detective Sergeant Melanie Hale, who has been lauded for her instrumental effort in solving several high-profile murders.

She is currently serving in Region Number 4 ‘A’, and as part of her prize, Hale received a plaque, trophy, $250,000 from the Guyana Police Force, a trip to the Kaieteur Falls from the Roraima Group of Companies, and $150,000 from Queensway Security Service Inc. The annual prize-giving ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary. Present were Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, National Security Advisor to the President, Captain Gerry Gouveia; and senior ranks of the Force.

Some 2997 ranks were awarded with more than $23 million in cash and incentives for their outstanding work and dedication to service. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions only a few of the ranks were present to receive their awards.

Ranks from all ten administrative regions were also awarded with plaques and money for their exceptional work in crime fighting, anti-narcotics exercises, traffic control, and enhancing the

Best Cop, Woman Detective Sergeant Melanie Hale, receiving her award

safety of their communities in which they serve. These ranks were awarded Best Cops for their Regions, and also for Community Policing Groups.

Hale has thanked the Force’s Administration for recognising her efforts, and highlighted her award as a sign of gender equality in the Guyana Police Force.

“It shows clearly that there is gender equality in the Guyana Police Force, and it is evident that women can be just as disciplined, efficient, hardworking, professional, and above all productive, as their male counterparts in the field of law enforcement,” Hale stated.

The Runner-up prize went to Detective Sergeant Leon George, who has been a member of the Force for the past 13 years and is attached to

the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Golden Grove Police Station.

He was instrumental in solving a number of robberies, murders, seizures of narcotics, and also dismantling a ring of persons who were involved in the theft of motor cars.

He received a plaque and $200,000 from the Guyana Police Force, and $100,000 from Queensway Security Service Inc. Delivering the feature address to the audience was acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, who charged the ranks to be professional when dealing with members of the public.

He also recognised the challenges ranks face, but also acknowledged that, overall, their performance has been creditable.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Businessman to develop $900M luxury community in Essequibo …major employment opportunities to be created

Businessman Tamesh Jagmohan

we wanna have development in this country, we have to have speed. Three years of

From L-R: Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, Principal of Jagsville, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan, S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services Representative, Mr. Suresh Jagmohan and Regional Chairman of Region Two, Ms. Vilma Da Silva, at the sod turning ceremony

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local businessman has embarked on an initiative to develop a gated, luxury community at Windsor Castle on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

It would be the first such community to be established in the Cinderella County.

The community, dubbed “Jagsville”, will be developed by the Jagmohan family, and will feature 171 house lots as well as a swimming pool, playground, and a tennis court. It is anticipated to cost some Gy$900 million.

House lots will range from 5000sqft to 43,560sqft.

Some 50 percent of the house lots will be made available to

the Government under a private-public partnership.

Local contractors have already been engaged, and it is envisioned that this initiative would create numerous jobs for the locals during the construction phase.

The principal, Tamesh Jagmohan, delivering brief remarks during a sod-turning ceremony on Wednesday, lamented that it took him some three years to get approval for this project from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

“To my disappointment, three years after, we couldn’t get that approval,” he explained, noting that his com-

pany had applied for approval to embark on the project in 2017.

“We revisited this project within months of the new Government being installed, and we were able to receive the permission for this project on or around December 10 of this year. I am extremely thankful for that,” he posited.

The businessman explained thus: “From December 10 to now, we have mobilised our equipment, secured our raw materials, engaged all the agencies necessary for this housing project, and we are days away from serious movements and actions. If

a simple approval can really dampen one’s spirit. It’s not a case where we wanted a free piece of land. We acquired this land with our own resources, and its transported; and a simple approval should have never taken so long,” the businessman stated. “We could have had families already installed in those homes,” he added.

Notwithstanding, the businessman noted that he is looking forward to breaking ground and making the project a reality.

Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, has welcomed this multi-million-dollar private

sector initiative as yet another demonstration of investor confidence in the Irfaan Ali-led Administration. He said the new scheme will boost the national housing drive and will help the Government to realise its manifesto promise to provide sustainable housing solutions for the nation. “[It is] a very important investment for the people of Essequibo and Guyana…

It’s important because while you have investments at the Government level, equally important is investment by private sector, and that is why we welcome this initiative,” the Minister said.

Haitians “disappear” from city guest house – Nandlall

The guest house on South Road where the Haitians were staying

T

he 26 Haitians who were detained and subsequently released by local authorities pending the determination of court proceedings have left their city dwelling.

This is according to Attorney General Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, who told reporters on Thursday that the persons have disappeared from the guest house on South Road, Georgetown, where they were staying.

“The information I’ve now received is that they’ve all disappeared… they have left,” the Attorney General disclosed.

Meanwhile, when this publication visited the guest house, it was confirmed that the 26 Haitians, including children, were no longer there. Guyana Times was told that two Route 94 mini-buses (which operate the Georgetown to Lethem route) on Thursday afternoon picked up all the Haitians from the South Road building and left.

It is unclear whether those persons are still in the country.

When contacted, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said he was not aware of any development with respect to the Haitians.

It was initially reported that the Haitians were using Guyana as a transit point to get to Brazil and other countries.

However, Nandlall had previously pointed out that Government is grappling

with immigrants abusing Guyana as a transit point, and noted that the Brazilian Government had complained about this practice.

“We have a complaint from the Brazilian Government to say that Guyana is being used as a trans-shipment point for people-smuggling into Brazil, and we are being blamed for this. We are not an island, we are a mainland, and we have extraordinarily wide borders that are almost impossible to monitor and police,” he had said during an interview with Trinidad’s Morning Edition last week.

The 26 Haitians were suspected to be victims of human trafficking and were detained by the Guyana Police Force and subsequently placed in protective custody at the Hugo Chávez Centre since last month.

It was reported that 13 of the Haitians were first picked up by Police, acting on reasonable suspicion and information, at a hotel on South Road and taken to be interviewed by agents of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) unit.

The remainder were picked up on November 8 after being intercepted at a Police roadblock in Linden. At the time, the Police became suspicious that they were being smuggled to Brazil through the Georgetown-Lethem route.

Chief Magistrate

Sherdel Issacs-Marcus had subsequently issued deportation orders after being approached by the Immigration Office.

However, the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana successfully approached acting Chief Justice Roxane George on December 3, to block the deportation until the constitutionality of their detention comes up for the hearing of arguments.

However, with the ongoing court case, a decision was taken to release the Haitians, since it cannot be determined how long the legal proceedings would last.

Government had said last week that the Haitians had requested to be transported to an address of their choice. As such, last Thursday they were dropped off at the guest house on South Road.

Nandlall told reporters that the Haitians were entitled to six months’ stay in Guyana, noting that they were legally allowed to stay in Guyana for several months more.

“If they’re no longer here, not only the case ought to go, but the Government’s position has been vindicated,” he asserted.

Nevertheless, the Attorney General noted that with the case coming up today, the court will be informed of their disappearance, and those who had petitioned for them will have to now answer to the court.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

RT-PCR test not accepted for travel purposes – Health Minister clarifies …as Guyana records 159th COVID-19 death, 26 new cases

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ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony has clarified the difference between the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and the RT-PCR, noting that the latter is an antigen test that is not permitted for travel.

On Thursday, he said persons will not be allowed to travel with an antigen test, which is the same as the

RT-PCR tests being done locally.

He shared that persons should understand the difference between the two tests, and be mindful of the required one to ease the confusion.

“There have been some travellers who would go to the labs to get the test done, and sometimes the labs tell them that they’re doing RT-

PCR; but when they use the term RT-PCR, in a lot of cases, it refers to Rapid Test PCR. That is an antigen test, and it is not the one that we require. So, this is something that people must understand. You have to get the right test, because if you come to the airport with an antigen test, then you would not be allowed to travel,” the Minister shared.

In addition to the mandatory protective gears that have to be worn onboard the aircraft, passengers have to be in possession of a negative PCR test, which can be done in two categories.

The first is within 72 hours of the flight; and if that is negative, the passenger would be processed and allowed to leave freely. The second test is within seven days of travelling. In the latter case, persons would have to undergo a second test upon arrival in Guyana. They would have to pay for that test, and until the results are available, they would have to remain at the airport.

“Once you have the right test, then you go through all the procedures and come on the flight. Upon arrival here in Guyana, we have a Port Health Department that is at the airport, and you are required to meet with the Port Health officials and they will go through a screening with you. They have a questionnaire for each passenger.

If they determine that you need that second test, then Eureka (Labs) would be able to take the swab to do this test. That is a totally private arrangement.”

The Minister explained that in this private arrangement, the Government is not collecting the money from the tests, but the private laboratory is.

“We are not responsible

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

for those payments. Those payments are made to the private sector laboratory that then would be able to do the test for them,” he highlighted.

Since the reopening of the two major ports – the Cheddi Jagan and Ogle International Airports - back in October, Dr Anthony noted, the process is much smoother. Since the airports reopened, 20 positives were detected.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry on Thursday evening reported that one more person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has died. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 159.

The latest fatality is a 56-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who died while receiving

care at a medical facility.

In addition, 26 new COVID-19 cases have brought the total of positive cases to 6042. Eight persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 35 in institutional isolation, 644 on home isolation, and 70 in institutional quarantine.

A breakdown shows that three new cases were detected in Region 4 (DemeraraMahaica), one in Region 6(East Berbice-Corentyne), one in Region 7 (CuyuniMazaruni) and 24 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

In addition, 919 cases were detected in Region 1 (Barima-Waini); 423 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 69 in Region Five (DemeraraMahaica), 183 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 391 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

egies against this virus.

PAHO has led hundreds of trainings and donated millions of PPEs and diagnostic tests, and issued more than 100 pieces of technical guidance to ensure that health workers understand the latest science and can access the latest tools they need to safely combat this virus.”

This week, some of the most vulnerable people in our region are already receiving COVID-19 vaccines, with millions more doses expected early next year.

Global partnerships like the COVAX Facility are also pooling resources, expertise and efforts to ensure

that countries have equal access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines under the same timelines.

Dr Etienne has said that even as vaccines are rolled out, “countries cannot get complacent, they should continue to promote the appropriate public health measures to control cases, such as mask-wearing and social distancing. Patients will need to be tested, isolated, cared for, and we must continue to quarantine suspected cases. None of this can stop, or we risk too many lives. I am concerned about all the work ahead; it won’t be easy nor quick.”

COVID-19 vaccines will not be a "quick fix" for the Americas – PAHO Director

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne

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OVID-19 cases in the Americas represent roughly half of all infections detected worldwide, and the vaccines will not be able to provide a ‘quick-fix’ to resume normalcy.

This is according to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr Carissa Etienne, who noted that this is the most extraordinary public health crisis in this lifetime,

and it is a huge undertaking to get everyone immunised.

“This pandemic stands out in both scale and impact. And it has put a spotlight on two of the longstanding challenges of our region: inequality, and underinvestment of our health systems…

“While we hope 2021 will usher in a new chapter in our fight against this virus, protecting the millions

of people in our region with COVID-19 vaccines will be a huge undertaking; so we must be patient, and remain realistic that COVID-19 will be among us for some time, so our work to control it cannot, and must not, stop,” Dr Etienne shared.

COVID-19 was declared a global crisis less than one year ago, and within that time, the Americas has recorded nearly 31 million cases and 787,000 deaths.

The PAHO Director noted that 2021 is a time to address the longstanding challenges of inequality and underfunded health systems.

Meanwhile, progress made in managing other diseases could be lost as attention focuses mainly on the pandemic.

“I hope that, as we look back on it, we remember it not only as the year that brought us COVID-19, but the year we finally decided to make health our top priority. Health systems across our region struggled to manage the influx of COVID-19 cases due to limited supplies, space and staff. The COVID-19 response also disrupted the essential health services that people depend on to manage conditions

like HIV, TB, as well as diabetes and hypertension,” Dr Etienne highlighted.

She added that, in the early stages, PAHO helped member countries obtain access to PCR tests; developed a laboratory network to detect cases in cities and rural areas; trained health workers, and assisted in delivering resources and support.

The number of ICU beds in Latin America nearly doubled this year, thanks to countries’ swift efforts.

“PAHO was able to support readiness assessments in more than 500 public hospitals in our region that helped shape country strat-

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New UNICEF country 2 Cubans, 1 Haitian ordered deported for illegally entering Guyana representative presents credentials to Minister Todd

Michelane Aluminet

Javier Lezcano Diaz

Bcisuloto Perez

wo Cubans and a Haitian who were on Thursday found guilty of illegally entering Guyana were ordered deported when they appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Rosemary Bcisuloto Perez and her husband Jesus Javier Lezcano Diaz of Cuba and Michelane Aluminet of Haiti entered Guyana from the Corentyne River and disembarked at Springlands, Corentyne on December 4, 2020 without the consent of an Immigration Officer.

M a g i s t r a t e

Rabindranath Singh found them guilty and ordered them to pay a fine of $20,000 each with an alternative of one-week imprisonment.

Further, the Police were ordered to deport them to their native countries forthwith.

However, Jesus told the court that he and his wife came from Suriname and wanted to be deported back to Suriname but in response, the Magistrate advised him to make his way back to Suriname if he wanted, but that would be after arriving in his home country.

Earlier this month, Guyana has blocked the entry of more than 1000 Cubans who say they want to come to the American embassy to seek asylum in the United States.

However, it is believed that the Cubans wanted to enter Guyana and then make their way to Brazil.

The Surinamese Government had agreed to provide humanitarian assistance to the group of Cuban migrants stranded at the country’s western border with Guyana.

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UNICEF country representative Nicolas Charles Alfred Pron presenting his credentials to Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd

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he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) country representative Nicolas Charles Alfred Pron on Thursday presented his credentials to Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd.

Pron will serve as the UNICEF Country Representative to Guyana and Suriname, with respon-

sibility for Caricom. He has been attached to UNICEF for the past 25 years in various capacities.

Minister Todd welcomed the new UNICEF representative and expressed his appreciation for the good cooperation between the Government and UNICEF in Guyana. He underlined the importance of the work of the organisation and laud-

ed the ongoing collaboration for the rights of children and women.

Pron expressed his eagerness to continue the work of UNICEF in Guyana – to ensure the rights of children are respected at every level. He also shared details of the supporting role that UNICEF plays to ensure COVID-19 awareness in Guyana.

Logger found dead after arguing with girlfriend

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he body of a teenage logger of Ituni Backlands, Upper Demerara River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was found on Monday last.

The dead man has been identified as 19-year-old David Sylvester Moses of Ituni.

Based on information received, on the day in question about 22:00h, the now dead man and his 33-year-old girlfriend of Rosignol, West Coast Berbice (WCB) were engaged in a heated argument. This led to a scuffle between the couple.

Relatives of the dead man reportedly told Police that they were awakened by the noise.

As such, his mother went over to the couple’s house and tried to restore normalcy.

Moses later left and went into his bedroom and about 10 minutes later, relatives heard a loud noise and upon checking, they

saw him lying on the ground in a motionless state.

An alarm was immediately raised, and the Police were summoned. Moses was picked up and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), where he was pronounced dead.

Investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, on the said day, 21-year-old Naresha Permaul, of Nigg Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice, was also found dead.

On the day in question, Permaul and her 10-year-old cousin reportedly fell asleep and about 01:00h, the child woke up to use the washroom and observed that the victim was not moving.

She reportedly raised an alarm and the woman was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Both incidents are reportedly suicide-related.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Girl, 6, found unconscious in Cop gets bail on 3 counts swamp placed into father’s custody Berbice fatal accident…

of causing death by dangerous driving

Steve Ramsarran and his daughter Shania

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Killed: Reyon Moriah, Jessica Gallaway, and GDF rank Kwesi Lewis

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olice Constable Simion Alder was on Thursday placed on $300,000 bail after being arraigned at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on three counts of causing death by dangerous driving. The 21-year-old cop was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

It was reported that Constable Alder of Scottsburg, Corriverton, Berbice was allegedly intoxicated when he crashed the motorcar he was driving into a motor lorry that was parked along the Whim Public Road, Corentyne Berbice. The accident occurred in August 2020.

At the time of the accident, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank Kwesi Lewis; Reyon Moriah, 25, of Circle

Street, Corriverton, Berbice; and 20-year-old Jessica Gallaway of David Street, Rose Hall Town, Berbice were also occupants of the motorcar. They all died.

According to reports, motorcar PGG 9262 crashed into motor lorry GJJ 5939.

Eyewitnesses said that while they were assisting the driver of that motorcar, the vehicle Constable Alder was driving, motorcar PWW 582, came crashing into the rear of the motor lorry.

The constable has already been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded not guilty to this charge, and has been placed on $20,000 bail.

Further, Constable Alder has been charged with driving an uninsured motor ve-

Police Constable Simion Alder

hicle. He pleaded guilty to that charge, and was fined $20,000.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Senior Counsel Shalimar Ali-Hack, has recommended that Constable Alder be charged.

he Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has ordered that 6-year-old Jenita Shanaya Ramsarran, who was knocked unconscious by her mother and then dumped in a swamp, be placed into the custody of her father.

In the meantime, the DPP is awaiting a psychiatric report on the girl’s 25-year-old mother, who has since confessed to beating the child with a piece of wood and leaving her in a swamp near their home at Goed Bananen Land, East Canje Berbice.

Relatives have confirmed that the child has regained consciousness.

After the child was found, her mother was taken into Police custody. The woman admitted that she was angry that the child had soiled her clothing while playing in the yard.

She told the Police that she had asked her daughter to remain in the yard and

not to get her clothes messy, since she was dressed to go out with her father, Steve Ramsarran, who has visitation rights.

She claimed that when she noticed the child playing outside the yard, she picked up the piece of wood and went after the girl.

“She don’t hear, so I just clap two lash pon she,” the woman said in a shocking revelation. She also revealed that she was scared because she thought her daughter was dead after she fell from the blow to the back of her head.

So, she dumped the child in the swamp, and went back home like nothing ever happened. Neighbours have since alleged that on several instances, the child received beatings at the hands of her mother.

The little girl’s father, who has been spending most of his time at her bedside, said he is now fearful for her life if she is allowed to continue residing with

her mother.

The couple, who have two children, have been separated for more than three years.

Ramsaran wanted both children, but the couple mutually agreed that their fiveyear-old daughter would live with him while Shania stays with her mother.

“I have to take this opportunity now to get my daughter out of this mess,” he stated.

Ramsarran recalled one occasion when, after much probing, his daughter admitted that her mother had badly beaten her. He said that when he confronted the mother, she told him that the little girl is “bad, and don’t listen” to her.

Little Shania sustained injuries to her head and face. Both of her eyes are also swollen. It is more than likely that her mother, who has since been released on station bail, would be charged with attempted murder.

Murders of Henry boys, Haresh Singh…

Govt committed to offer assistance with investigation – President Ali — says will be guided by local Police on matter

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is Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday reiterated that his Government is ready and willing to assist the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with whatever help it needs in the ongoing investigation into the murders of Isaiah Henry, his cousin Joel Henry, and Haresh Singh.

The Head of State made this declaration while fielding questions from journalists on whether his Government would be taking up the offer of assistance extended by the Argentine Forensic Anthropologist in probing the killing of the teens.

“First of all, let me say that the Government has facilitated the RSS (Regional Security System). In some component of the investigation, I know the Police Force has reached out to the FBI, and that is a continued collaboration. The investigation is ongoing, and the

Police would determine and advise me on what additional help is needed,” he said.

The President also emphasised that it is not a matter of whether the Government is or is not in favour of utilising the expertise of the Argentines, but rather, Government is awaiting the advice of the Police on what additional help is needed.

“I have told the Police that whatever additional help they need, and we can facilitate, we will.”

On September 6, 2020, the mutilated bodies of the Henry cousins were found in the backlands of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice (WCB). They had left their Number Three Village, WCB home some days ago to pick coconuts in the backdam, but did not return home.

Their butchered bodies were found in clumps of bushes partially covered in mud after relatives went in

search of them on a Sunday.

Post-mortem examinations conducted on the bodies of the teenagers revealed they had died from haemorrhage and shock. 16-year-old Isaiah had sustained a severed spine between the second and third vertebrae, and a number of chop wounds to his head.

The body of 19-year-old Joel had a total of 18 wounds.

He, too, had suffered a severed spine between the first and second vertebrae. It is believed that after sustaining wounds to the head, he fell to the ground and then got the wound that severed his spine.

The murders sparked widespread protest action, particularly along the West Coast Berbice corridor, with persons blocking the road and burning debris while calling for justice.

The situation escalated as protesters blocked traffic along the WCB roadway

while robbing, beating and extorting from innocent commuters. Millions of dollars were also lost as vehicles went up in flames.

As the unrest continued, 17-year-old Haresh Singh of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) was found dead hours after he had left home on his motorcycle to attend his farm in the backdam.

It was reported that the sound of Haresh’s motorcycle stopped along the dam, and shortly after, his family members saw a fire blazing on the dam. Suspicious that it was the motorcycle, relatives went to investigate, and discovered the motionless body of the teenager and the torched motorbike.

The teen was bleeding through his nose and had

wounds to his head, ears, neck and hands. According to the family, there was also an “X” on his neck. They then rushed the 17-yearold to the New Amsterdam Hospital, but he succumbed on the way.

Several persons have been arrested, but were subsequently released. To date, no one has been charged for the gruesome murders.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

Regional

Mexico is increasing its minimum Barbados slips in UN HDI rating wage by 15% starting Jan

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B

Barbados and The Bahamas are tied in the 58th position

arbados has fallen two places in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI).

In the ranking contained in the just-launched UNDP Human Development Report for 2020, Barbados and The Bahamas are tied in the 58th position, with Trinidad and Tobago next in

line with a ranking of 67 out of 189 countries.

According to the UNDP’s website: “The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and have a decent standard of living. The HDI is the geometric mean of normalised

indices for each of the three dimensions”.

Barbados’ life expectancy stands at 79.2 per cent, 15 expected years of schooling and a gross national income per capita at Bds$14,936. In 2019, Barbados had a birth life expectancy of 79.1, 15 expected years of schooling and a gross national income per capita at $15,912.

(Nation News)

USAID gives funds to help Haitian students avoid COVID-19

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he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is helping Haitian students return to school safely and be better prepared to learn for the 2020-2021 academic year through the distribution of books and essential sanitary supplies.

USAID has partnered with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to distribute French and Creole reading, learning, and teaching materials to first and second grade students and teachers in 600 schools throughout Haiti.

According to USAID, the initiative will help keep students learning in a safe environment while preventing the spread of COVID-19.

USAID has also partnered with the Caris Foundation and UNICEF to distribute handwashing stations, buckets, soap, chlorine, and COVID-19 awareness pamphlets to 300 schools in five depart-

According to USAID, the initiative will help keep students learning in a safe environment while preventing the spread of COVID-19

ments.

So far, UNOPS has distributed the first and second grade curriculum materials from the USAID and Haitian Ministry of Education (MENFP)sponsored literacy programme, M’ap li net ale (Haitian Creole) and Je parle bien français (French) to the 600 schools supported

by USAID and other organisations.

In addition, USAID and its partners will continue to help Haitian stu-

dents learn better throughout the year through the Strong Beginnings programme, in partnership with University of Notre Dame in the United States.

The programme has been proven to improve first and second grade literacy through a scripted curriculum that includes textbooks, classroom libraries, and structured reading teacher guides to improve children’s writing and reading in Creole and French.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Panama-flagged cargo ship capsizes off Vietnam, 15 sailors missing

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t least 15 sailors were missing on Thursday after a Panamaflagged cargo ship capsized in rough seas off Vietnam, Vietnamese state media said.

The incident happened off the central province of Binh Thuan when the Xin

Hong with 11 Chinese and four Vietnamese sailors onboard was transporting 7800 tonnes of clay from Malaysia to Hong Kong, Nhan Dan newspaper reported.

Sailors had contacted Vietnam for help earlier on Thursday when the ship began to list in rough seas, the

report said.

Vietnam has sent a rescue team, including a coast guard vessel, to search for the missing sailors, the report said, adding that the team had found an inflatable life raft near the sinking ship with no one inside.

(Reuters)

he Mexican Government announced the country’s daily minimum wage will rise by 15 per cent in January to the equivalent of about US$7 a day.

The new wage still amounts to less than US$1 an hour. But the increase is well above the country’s current 3.3 per cent inflation rate.

Minimum wages on the northern border, which are higher due to higher costs of living, will also rise 15 per cent to about US$10.70 a day.

President Andres

Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday the business sector had proposed an increase of 10 per cent, but was outvoted by labour and Government representatives on the tripartite commission that determines minimum wages.

Lopez Obrador said, “workers are going to get an increase that is still, on the world scale, shameful.”

Mexico’s minimum wage is the lowest in the Americas — on par with Haiti — and the lowest in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

But the Mexican

Employers’ Federation said the increase and the coronavirus pandemic could force hundreds of thousands of small companies out of business.

“With the lack of Government support and now, with an irrational, illogical increase in the minimum wage with no gradual stages, there is an increased risk that 700,000 business could disappear within the next three months,” the federation said in a statement.

Mexico’s economic output shrank by 18 per cent.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Maradona’s body “must be conserved” for DNA test, Judge rules

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he body of football legend Diego Maradona “must be conserved” pending a paternity case, an Argentine court has ruled, halting cremation plans.

Maradona died from a heart attack last month, aged 60.

Responding to a lawsuit filed by a woman who says Maradona could be her father, the court said a DNA sample of the footballer must be submitted.

He had two daughters from a marriage. After his divorce he recognised paternity of six more children.

The case was brought by a 25-year-old, Magalí Gil,

who is not among them.

Gil, who was adopted, says her birth mother contacted her two years ago to say that her father “may be Diego Maradona”.

In a video posted on Instagram, Gil said it was a “universal right” to know “if Diego Maradona is my biological father or not”.

After his death on November 25, Maradona was buried in a private cemetery near Buenos Aires. A court ruled on November 30 at the time that his body not be cremated until all necessary forensic tests had been carried out.

Wednesday’s ruling has extended that ban for the

foreseeable future.

Reuters news agency says Maradona’s lawyer told them that DNA samples of the football great already exist. An exhumation of his body would therefore not appear necessary.

Maradona left behind a complicated financial legacy which is being fought over by his recognised children and those who are currently going through the courts seeking recognition.

His death caused huge shock not only in his native Argentina, but around the world with hundreds of thousands of fans gathering to pay their tributes.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Stranded Trinis home in time for Christmas

Several repatriation flights had been scheduled before Christmas Day

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ver 100 Trinidad and Tobago nationals were expected back home this week, as the Government continued its repatriation exercises for the Christmas period.

In fact, over 400 nationals, some of them stranded abroad by the COVID-19 virus since the borders were closed in March, will be back before home before Christmas Day – although they will have to spend the festive season in quarantine.

During a COVID-19 me-

dia briefing on Wednesday, Principal Medical Officer Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards explained that several repatriation flights had been scheduled before Christmas Day. She assured that the exercises to bring nationals back home would not burden the parallel health-care system, as there were available spaces throughout State quarantine facilities.

She said at present, the Health Ministry had 13 State and State-supervised facilities with two of the fa-

cilities being reserved for high-risk populations such as the elderly and persons who may not be able to quarantine among typical population.

According to Dr AbdoolRichards’ timeline, hundreds of nationals from high and medium-risk countries were expected to be granted border exemptions over the coming days.

“It is important to note that we have three repatriation exercises scheduled for the next five to six days.

This evening (yesterday), we have a repatriation exercise of approximately 132 persons from New York City. On December 18th, we have another repatriation exercise with persons from Barbados and yet another exercise on the 19th from Miami.”

Dr Abdool-Richards said another exercise has also been planned to repatriate nationals from Canada.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices climb past 10-month record on rallying global markets

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il extended gains from the highest settlement in almost 10 months after broader markets rallied and American crude stockpiles declined more than expected.

Futures in New York rose 0.5 per cent to above US$48 a barrel. Crude inventories dropped by 3.14 million barrels last week, more than the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey.

Equity markets rallied and the dollar fell as optimism grew around a US$900 billion US spending package, while Europe expedited the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine before Christmas.

Oil is up more than 30 per cent since the end of October on optimism about a sustained recovery in demand as the world gets vaccinated, but the market is still facing a number of near-term hurdles including an OPEC+ supply hike next month. The International Energy Agency warned this week that the crude glut left behind by the pandemic won’t clear until the end of 2021.

“It is not only hopes that the stimulus package will be approved in the US that are pushing prices up; US inventory data have also lent positive impetus,” said Commerzbank AG analyst Barbara Lambrecht.

The physical market, meanwhile, is robust. India’s refineries are running at full tilt and Asian demand has driven the price of Russian, Middle Eastern and US barrels higher.

There are signs, however, of weakening consumption from some countries in the region including South Korea, as the coronavirus stages a comeback. (Excerpt from Bloomberg)

India’s Supreme Court declines calls to ban farmers' protest

Farmers insist that the new laws will leave them at the mercy of big corporations

I

ndia’s Supreme Court on Friday declined calls to ban a weeks-long farmers’ protest and asked the Government and unions to help form a committee of experts to mediate between them.

“We make it clear that we recognise the fundamental right to protest against a law. There is no question of balancing or curtailing it.

But it should not damage anyone’s life or property,” Chief Justice SA Bobde said.

Thousands of farmers angered by three agricultural laws that they say threaten their livelihoods have intensified their protests by blocking highways and camping out on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi.

Petitioners had ap-

proached the Supreme Court to complain that the protests had hampered drivers and made it difficult for people to access emergency medical services.

“We are of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of peace either by the protesters or the Police,” Bobde said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Administration in September introduced the farm bills that the Government says will unshackle farmers from having to sell their produce only at regulated wholesale markets and make contract farming easier. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Macron tests positive for COVID-19, European leaders rush for tests

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resident Emmanuel Macron tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday, prompting a track-and-trace effort across Europe following numerous meetings between the French leader and European Union Heads of Government in recent days.

Macron, who will turn 43 on Monday, is running France remotely and has gone into quarantine at the presidential retreat of La Lanterne close to the Palace of Versailles, the presidency said.

A presidential official described Macron as tired and having a cough. His wife Brigitte tested negative, but was also self-isolating,

President Emmanuel Macron

staying at the Elysee palace in central Paris.

In the early evening, Macron spoke to a conference on French foreign aid policy via video link. Dressed in a roll-neck sweater and suit jacket, the President sat behind a

desk and wore a face mask, showing no visible sign of the illness.

“This diagnosis was made following a PCR test performed at the onset of the first symptoms,” Macron’s office said, declining to give further details of his condition or the symptoms he had.

Macron will cancel all upcoming trips including a December 22 visit to Lebanon where he has led international efforts to resolve a deep-rooted political crisis.

Closer to home, Macron’s COVID-19 infection spurred other leaders to take their own tests.

Macron joined all but two

of the EU’s 27 leaders at a summit in Brussels late last week to discuss climate change, the EU budget, and Turkey.

The presidential official said it was almost certain Macron was infected at the summit given the timing of his symptoms.

Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and others were seen initially mingling in the summit room with their face masks on, and Macron was filmed giving fist-bumps to other participants. The German Government said Merkel tested negative for the coronavirus after the EU summit. (Excerpt from Reuters)

2nd COVID-19 wave Historic Native hits West & Central American “pick for Africa as weather cools Biden Cabinet”

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second wave of coronavirus infections is hitting West and Central Africa, and experts are warning it could be worse than the first as cooler weather descends on a region where most countries cannot afford a vaccine.

Nigeria, Niger, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo and Democratic Republic of Congo are all at or near record levels of infection, data compiled by Reuters shows.

Infections in Senegal are also rising fast.

Compared to the United States and Europe, the region has so far been spared the worst of the pandemic. West and Central African countries are reporting between dozens and a few hundred

new daily cases – still only a fraction of the more than 600,000 cases reported globally each day – although testing rates in Africa are among the lowest in the world.

But as temperatures drop, and Governments struggle to enforce months-long restrictions, some experts fear this surge will be worse than the first.

Many African countries lack the financial clout to secure vaccine purchase agreements with drug companies.

Some could wait months if not years for access to vaccines through the World Health Organisation’s COVAX programme – unlike richer nations where inoculations are already underway. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Deb Haaland will play a crucial role in implementing Biden's environmental policies

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resident-elect Joe Biden will nominate a Native American to serve as his Interior Secretary, leading the agency governing public lands, US media say. If confirmed, Congresswoman Deb Haaland will be the first indigenous person to lead the department, which also

plays a key role in Native American affairs.

She will also be the first Native American in a Cabinet Secretary role.

Native rights groups and progressive Democrats had pushed for the New Mexico lawmaker's nomination in recent weeks.

"It would be an honour to move the Biden-Harris climate agenda forward, help repair the government to government relationship with Tribes that the Trump Administration has ruined, and serve as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in our nation's history," Haaland said in a statement quoted in the New York Times.

Haaland, 60, is a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe and made history as one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress in 2018.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

“We are not afraid”: Wuhan residents say they hope WHO team finds virus origins Nigeria school attack:

W

ith investigators from the World Health Organisation (WHO) set to visit China next year, residents of Wuhan are saying they want the team to come to the central city, hoping they could prove the virus did not originate there.

An international team of investigators is expected to travel to China in January, the WHO said on Thursday, more than a year after the first identified cluster of COVID-19 infections was linked to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan.

“I welcome them to come.

We also want to know how it developed, specifically where it came from, if the source of the virus is here,”

said a Wuhan resident surnamed Wan, as he walked to work on Thursday morning.

“My feeling is that it is not from there,” he added, referring to the seafood market.

The WHO did not confirm whether its team will go to Wuhan, saying that discussions on the itinerary were ongoing. A two-member WHO team visited China in July, but did not visit Wuhan.

Reuters reported earlier, citing a member and diplomats, that a team of 12-15 international experts will visit Wuhan to examine evidence, including human and animal samples collected by Chinese researchers, and to build on their initial studies.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Hundreds of boys freed, local authorities say

H

undreds of schoolboys kidnapped last week from a boarding school in north-western Nigeria have been released, local authorities have told the BBC. A spokesman for the Governor of Katsina state said 344 had been freed and were all in a good condition.

However, other reports suggest some remain in the hands of their captors.

The attack was claimed by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which hours earlier released a video apparently showing some of the boys.

In his statement, the spokesman, Abdul Labaran, said the boys were being tak-

en to the regional capital Katsina City, and would soon be reunited with their families.

He said the clip released by Boko Haram was authentic, but a message seemingly from the group's leader Abubakar Shekau was, instead, by an impersonator.

The authorities have previously given a lower figure than locals for the number abducted and it is unclear if all are now safe.

Labaran said none of the kidnapped boys had been killed, contradicting a boy shown in the video who said some had been killed by Nigerian fighter jets. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

You are heading into an upswing that can change your life forever. Whether you decide to learn something new, change your job or better your lifestyle, the results will be terrific.

Be careful not to take TAURUS on more than you can han(April 20dle. Make sure you underMay 20) stand what’s required before you begin a project.

Ask questions to avoid being put in an awkward position.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Someone will let you down if you believe everything you hear. Show compassion, but don’t take on troubles that don’t belong to you. Focus on what you want and how best to achieve your goals.

Pay more attention to learning, advancement and personal growth. Look for opportunities, and don’t hesitate when something good comes along. Broaden your horizons and do your best to manage stress.

Focus on exercising, finishing a project or making plans with someone special. An energetic approach will lead to positive changes. Romance and kind gestures will lead to happiness.

Someone close to you will withhold information that can affect a decision you are trying to make.

Look for expert advice to avoid being manipulated.

Proceed with caution.

Look at the choices you have and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Don’t feel that you must act in haste. Time spent with a loved one will ease stress.

Slow down, take a deep breath and rethink your plans. A creative outlet will open your mind to options you haven’t considered. Avoid making a change merely for change’s sake.

Put your plans in motion.

You’ll have what it takes to win favors and persuade others to invest in your ideas.

Love and romance are encouraged, and a promise will change your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Align yourself with people who share your work ethic, and strive to reach a common goal. Set up a space at home that caters to health, fitness, personal growth and advancement.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Stop worrying about what others are doing. Your approach to a project will be crucial. Take physical action and get things done.

Concrete results will impress someone you want on your team.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t trust a peer who is competing with you. Be secretive about your intentions, and don’t share your ideas until you are ready to present what you have to offer. Don’t make any rash moves.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

21

India v Australia: 1st Test…

Relentless Australia power ahead – with late scalps of Kohli, Rahane

I

t was eagerly anticipated, and the opening day in Adelaide delivered. When the Test has played out to a conclusion, it may be that a 20-minute period either side of the new ball being taken under lights becomes key.

During this phase, Virat Kohli was run out, having produced a masterful 74; and then the man involved in the mix-up, Ajinkya Rahane, who will take over the captaincy, departed to Mitchell Starc.

Kohli, who may have been given out on 16 had Australia opted to review a glove off Nathan Lyon, and Rahane added 88 to take India to 3 for 188 at the brink of the second new ball, following a stand of 68 between Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, Australia's nemesis of the 201819 series. That stand repelled the attack until the ball become softer.

Then, under the night sky, it became 6 for 206 through a mixture of India's own mistakes - as Rahane sold out Kohli over a run to mid-off - and the expected threat of Australia's quicks with a pink ball under lights. Starc and Josh Hazlewood made the incisions, before Wriddhiman Saha, who was preferred over Rishabh Pant, and R Ashwin did well to remain intact, carrying India's hopes of 300-plus with them.

Australia's frontline quicks were helped to be fresh for the second new ball by the nine overs sent down by debutant

Nathan Lyon whips the bails off as Virat Kohli is left stranded mid-pitch

Cameron Green, whose bowling restrictions were eased as he sent down a five-over spell in the afternoon - the first time he had bowled more than four in a burst this season. While he had a few issues with no-balls, there was plenty to be encouraged by, with good pace, a challenging line, and conceding under two runs an over.

Both captains wanted to bat first, and it was Kohli who had the choice, but Australia could not have wished for a better start when Starc, pre-empted by Ricky Ponting on commentary, found the sizeable gap between bat and pad into Prithvi Shaw’s stumps via an inside edge.

One of India's big pre-Test debates was Prithvi Shaw vs Shubham Gill, and the second innings of this match may dictate how much that dominates the build-up to the second Test.

The opening session (and most of the day) became the best of nip-and-tuck Test cricket, as India managed just two boundaries in the first 25 overs.

There were nervy moments along the way: Pujara edged just short of Tim Paine before he had scored; Mayank Agarwal might have been taken at short leg had Travis Head stayed lower; another Pujara edge didn't reach third slip, and he also clipped wide of leg gully.

Australia's pressure was rewarded when Pat Cummins produced a beauty that nipped back between bat and pad to remove Agarwal. After the first break, Cummins then hustled Kohli with the short delivery, India's captain fending in front of short leg, and then awkwardly playing a ball behind square.

The contest between Cummins and Kohli was a

matter of the best vs the best.

When Cummins was rested, he had figures of 11-6-12-1.

The contest with Lyon was no less compelling, as Pujara especially was initially keen to try and attack the off-spinner.

In the 36th over, when Hot Spot picked up the small flick of Kohli's glove down the leg side through to Paine, Lyon barely appealed, Paine was interested, but it was hardly a full-throated shout from the Australians.

It was Lyon who did break through when Pujara, having started to rekindle memories of two years ago for the Australian bowlers, got a thick edge into his pad that looped to leg slip.

It wasn't given on-field, but Pujara was almost walking and it was the simplest of reviews and decisions for the TV umpire.

By the second break, India were still scoring at less than two an over, but with the final session came the promise of things quickening, and so it transpired. Firstly, there was Kohli and Rahane taking a little more advantage of an older ball, even as the lights started to take over from day time. Kohli, who also took a painful blow on the glove from Starc, went to his fifty from 123 deliveries, the second slowest of his career, but there were a few crisp boundaries, not least a pull off Starc through midwicket.

Australia had managed to keep a hold of the run-rate

throughout, so the game never got away from them, even during the two lengthy stands, but the gift they were handed when Rahane initially called his captain for a run before saying no could not have come at a better time.

Rahane was then trapped plumb by Starc's fourth delivery with the new ball - a bad period for him, compounded by the wasted review - and India were no

doubt left with a feeling of what might have

been.

However, there should be a few more twists a n d turns to come y e t before we know if it really was decisive.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Day One Prithvi Shaw b Starc 0 Mayank Agarwal b Cummins 17 Cheteshwar Pujara c Labuschagne b Lyon 43 Virat Kohli (c) run out (Hazlewood/Lyon) 74 Ajinkya Rahane lbw b Starc 42 Hanuma Vihari lbw b Hazlewood 16 Wriddhiman Saha † not out 9 Ravichandran Ashwin not out 15 Extras (b 2, lb 7, nb 7, w 1) 17 TOTAL (89 Ov, RR: 2.61) 233/6 Yet to bat: Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami,

Jasprit Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Prithvi Shaw, 0.2 ov), 2-32 (Mayank Agarwal, 18.1 ov), 3-100 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 49.4 ov), 4-188 (Virat Kohli, 76.6 ov), 5-196 (Ajinkya Rahane, 80.4 ov), 6-206 (Hanuma Vihari, 83.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 19-4-49-2 Josh Hazlewood 20-6-47-1 Pat Cummins 19-7-42-1 Cameron Green 9-2-15-0 Nathan Lyon 21-2-68-1 Marnus Labuschagne 1-0-3-0

Delayed Australian Open 2021 to start on February 8 T

he Australian Open will start on 8 February next year, after being pushed back three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The first Grand Slam of the 2021 season was scheduled to take place in Melbourne from 18 to 31 January, 2021. The four-day men's qualifying event has been moved to Doha in Qatar, and will start on 10 January. Players will arrive in Melbourne on 15 January for a 14-day quarantine period under local coronavirus rules.

The news was confirmed when the ATP announced the schedule for the first seven weeks of the men's tour next year. The season will start with events in Delray Beach in the United States and Antalya in Turkey on 5 January.

There will be two tournaments in Melbourne starting

on 31 January; one of them is the relocated Adelaide International, while a condensed 12-team ATP Cup will take place from 1 to 5 February.

"The reconfigured calendar for the start of the 2021 season represents a huge collaborative effort across tennis, under challenging circumstances," ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said.

"Health and safety will continue to be paramount as we navigate the challenges ahead."

Analysis

(Done by Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent) As painstaking negotiations continue between Tennis Australia and the Victorian state government, we do at least now have firm dates for a delayed Australian Open.

There was initial opposi-

tion to the quarantine rules, from male players in particular. They will be tough for elite athletes in the build-up to a Grand Slam, but nothing like as tough as they are for Australian citizens returning home.

With only 1,000 people allowed into Victoria for the tournament itself, qualifying will take place in the Middle East, withthewomen's event scheduled for Dubai.

During 14 days of quarantine, players must stay in their rooms for 19 hours a day.

They will be allowed out only for practice, gym work, and to dine on site.

According to a recent letter sent to players and seen

by BBC Sport, only one mem-

ber of their team will be able to join them at the venue. And for the first week of quarantine, a player must practise with the same partner each d a y .

Any breaches will b e

ing the threat of deportation.

And then, after a fortnight in which players will hopefully have returned five negative COVID PCR tests, they will be free. There will be no bubble: players will be able to stay and eat where they wish.

The ATP says all tournaments from the European clay-

court

met with a range of sanctions, includ-

swing in midApril are planned to take place as originally scheduled".

But there are still question marks

over what happens after the Australian Open. The Indian Wells tournament will not take place in March, and tournament owner IMG has been investigating whether it can move the Miami Open to the Middle East: a region which will host a lot of tennis in the first quarter of 2021. (BBC Sport)

22 Hutson pleased with staged South American 10K road race

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

– impressed by youngsters’ performances

P

resident of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, is pleased to have gotten some competition going before the end of 2020. He is even more elated that the recently concluded South American 10K road race was smoothly run off.

“I’m very, very happy! I must say, ‘Thanks!’ to the members of the LOC, who have done a lot of work over the last couple of days. I know, personally, I would have been engaging the COVID-19 Task Force, cause that’s the biggest hurdle that we had to cross. And I think we’ve done a great job here today,” Hutson said when asked about the hosting of the South American 10K road race on Sunday last.

Elated that the AAG was able to comply with all the stipulations of the COVID-19 guidelines, Hutson shared his thoughts on Sunday’s competition.

“Being President of the AAG, you know, congratulations to the winner. My own insight, I thought Cleveland

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

Thomas was a better conditioned athlete, but it continues to show that Missigher is really a fierce competitor, and once you come to run with him, you really have to bring your ‘A’ game. If you don’t do that, you will lose,” Hutson said.

He also explained that while the times clocked are good locally, more international competition is the only remedy to bettering this aspect of the race.

“It’s something that we continue to talk about. Some of the coaches are critical of the AAG for having athletes running that slow, but they

have to realise that it’s their athletes, and they are not training them well enough to run faster,” Hutson declared.

The AAG President has thus posited, “The thing that can spike this up for us is international competition.

We know what we would’ve seen in 2015 with the two guys coming in from Peru, and it was our intention, if the borders were open, to have that kind of competition here today (Sunday).”

The AAG boss was also happy with the stellar performances recorded by youngsters like the

US Open T20 cricket…

Trevon Griffith guides 22 Yards to victory

G

uyanese batsman Trevon Griffith spanked an unbeaten 50 to guide his team, 22 Yards, to a seven-wicket victory over Afghan Zwanan in the latest match of the US Open T20 tournament played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night.

Chasing a small target of 103 for victory, Griffith recorded 50 not out off 38 balls, with two sixes and four fours, to guide 22 Yards to 103/3 and a win of the match with six overs to spare.

Jasdeep Singh was earlier great with the ball, snaring 3/16, with former West Indies Test leg-spinner

D e v e n d r a Bishoo supporting with 2/16.

Ashmead Nedd, the West Indies under-19 player and Guyana Amazon Warriors spinner, claimed 2/26, and there was also a two-wicket burst from Asad Ali. SCORES: Afghan Zwanan 102 all out (19.4) (Cody Chetty 51, Jasdeep Singh 3/16, Devendra Bishoo 2/16, Asad Ali 2/25, Ashmead Nedd 2/26) vs 22 Yards 103/3 (14) (Trevon Griffith 50no) - 22 Yards won by 7 wkts.

Meanwhile, in another fixture, bowler Leonardo Julien staged one of the best comebacks in the history of T20 cricket when he took his team, Brampton Pacers, to a nerve-wracking four-

run victory over the powerful Atlanta Param Veers in their second match of the US Open T20 tournament played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale, USA on Wednesday.

Chasing 158 runs for victory, Atlanta Param Veers were struggling on 63/8 when Emrit a n d

Hosein came together to take them to the threshold of victory before Emrit and Hosein were dismissed. The Trinidadian pair added 88 runs in eight overs and five balls to take

the score to 151. Emrit then departed for 41 off 31 balls, with three sixes included.

It went down to the last over, with seven needed and Khary Pierre and Akeal Hosein doing battle. Julien held his nerve and Hosein was bowled with one ball left, leaving his team four runs short.

Julien, bowling offspin, finished the match with 4/23.

Earlier, it was two Trinidadians in William Perkins and Mark Deyal who set the Pacers’ total. Perkins slammed 73 off 54 balls, which included three sixes and six fours, while Deyal, who was declared “man of the match” in their first win on Tuesday, supported with 62 off 44 balls, which included two sixes and seven fours. They added 134 runs for the third wicket in 14.3 overs.

Damian Ebanks was very good with the ball, claiming 5/13 while Hosein took 2/34.

SCORES: Brampton Pacers (20) (William Perkins 73, Mark Deyal 62, Damian Ebanks 5/13, Akeal Hosein 2/34) vs Atlanta Param Veers 153 all out ( 1 9 . 5 ) (Rayad E m r i t 41, Akeal Hosein 41, Leonardo Julien 4/23, Junaid Siddique 3/19) - Pacers won by 4 runs. Rayad Emrit just failed to bring it home

Tyrell sisters, Sheama and Shaqua, and Odida Parkinson. He listed some measures, like better technical instruction, that would lend to improving the younger crop of athletes.

“What we have to continue to look for (are) the successors, the people who are going to replace the Cleveland Fordes and the other athletes too as they move off. Even in the sprinting events too, we have a good young crop of athletes coming up. We…have seen them in the schools’ nationals that (had) taken place

this year,” Hutson said.

Further, he stated, “We’ll continue to do whatever we can do to let the talent continue to come out. We’re working with our coaches, trying to put together a proper club structure, that when these athletes come out to train, they have a proper environment and the right technical information coming from the coaches.”

The South American 10K 2020 was championed

by Winston Missigher and Sheama Tyrell in the respective male and female categories. (Jemima Holmes)

Russia banned from Tokyo Olympics and Qatar World Cup, as CAS announces verdict

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R

ussia will be barred from competing as a nation at the Olympic Games, the Winter Olympics, and football World Cup over the next two years, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) partly upheld a suspension imposed on that country for breaching anti-doping rules.

Russia was, in 2019, handed a four-year ban from major international sporting events by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

WADA declared the Russian AntiDoping Agency (RUSADA) non-compliant over inconsistencies in anti-doping data discovered during an investigation. At the time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reiterated its support for Russia's ban, which meant athletes would be unable to compete under the Russian flag at the 2020 Olympics or the 2022 Winter Games.

In a landmark move on Thursday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed Russia would be banned, albeit with the time frame cut from four years to two. That will still discount Russia from participating in the Tokyo Olympics – pushed back to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic – plus the Winter Games in Beijing in 2022, and the next World Cup. Russia will, however, be able to compete at the Euro 2020 football finals, which is also scheduled to take place next year, having been another event impacted by COVID-19. This is because WADA's international standard for code compliance by signatories does not list UEFA as a "major event organisation".

PUPPIES FOR SALE Russian athletes wishing to compete at the Tokyo and Beijing Games would be able to do so, but only under a neutral banner.

CAS stated in its announcement: "This panel has imposed consequences to reflect the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance [to the WADC] and to ensure that the integrity of sport against the scourge of doping is maintained.

"The consequences which the panel has decided to impose are not as extensive as those sought by WADA. This should not, however, be read as any validation of the conduct of RUSADA or the Russian authorities."

CAS also said that its ruling aims to "effect cultural change and encourage the next generation of Russian athletes to participate in clean international sport".

In order to be reinstated at the end of the twoyear ban, it was also ruled that RUSADA must pay a contribution of $1.27 million to WADA in respect of the costs incurred in investigating the authenticity of the data retrieved from the Moscow laboratory in January 2019.

RUSADA, under supervision from WADA or the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), was told it must conduct investigations into any case impacted by the deletions or alterations of the Moscow laboratory data.

The Russian organisation must also provide any other support requested by WADA to assist in determining whether athletes whose samples are listed in the Moscow laboratory database have a case to answer.

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23

Shepherd, Pooran should make the Test squad to Bangladesh

By Brandon Corlette

A

fter another poor showing by the West Indies Test team in New Zealand, the next Test squad to tour Bangladesh, which is to be announced in a week's time, should feature Guyana's Romario Shepherd and diminutive Trinidadian dynamite Nicholas Pooran.

Shepherd has done enough at the Regional level for Guyana Jaguars, and has also shown his ability with the bat in challenging New Zealand conditions, scoring his maiden century and finishing with the most runs in the 'A' team series.

Shepherd hit 232 runs at a stunning average of 77.3, including a career best 133* and an unbeaten 77. He has a first-class record that is better than most of his Caribbean counterparts. In 25 matches, the right-arm speedster took 74 wickets at 24.62, with a best bowling figure of 5-24. His value also increased when he showed his ability with the bat against New Zealand ‘A’.

While many cricket pundits had called for Pooran's inclusion in the Test team, he had expressed willingness to

feature in the two first-class matches against New Zealand ‘A’, and scored 176 runs across the two matches, including his best first-

class score of 69.

The world has seen how talented a batsman he Pooran is. If Pooran applies himself mentally, he should succeed at the Test level.

In the Test series against New Zealand, Jermaine Blackwood was again the best batsman on tour, scoring 216 runs at an average of 54, including one century and one fifty.

A f t e r Blackwood, with 216 runs, the next best West Indies batsman was J o h n Campbell, who scored 110 runs, He scored his best Test score of 68. Imagine, Campbell was struggling and his overall Test record is poor, and he yet has the second highest aggregate on tour. That speaks volumes of both pleasant and

West Indies are expected to play two Test matches in Bangladesh

Nicholas Pooran

unpleasant things.

Darren Bravo had poor returns, scoring 32 runs in four innings; while Shamarh Brooks had 53 runs in four innings.

GFF signs marketing deal with Brazil’s Alabanquima

F

eeding off of the efforts to effectively market the Guyana Golden Jaguars Brand before and during the 2019 Gold Cup, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has taken things one step further to keep the momentum going.

The federation has taken the decision to partner with Brazilian business and marketing consultancy Alabanquima to expand and tap into commercial opportunities for the Golden Jaguars brand of the Guyana senior men’s national team.

The Golden Jaguars have achieved global recognition in recent years, qualifying for Guyana’s first appearance at the men’s Concacaf Gold Cup, and performing in front of millions of viewers around the world on live television during the 2019 tournament. The team is set to grace the Gold Cup stage again in 2021, competing in the newly-created preliminary rounds in the United States in July.

The partnership with Alabanquima would initially last for 12 months. The Brazilian firm is run by Flavio Waltz and Marcelo De Paulos, who have more than 25 years in combined experience in the field, including working with Brazilian drinks giant Ambev, state-owned oil company Petrobas, former Brazilian football star Ronaldo’s 9ine

GFF President Wayne Forde

company, and the legendary Botafogo football club.

“The Golden Jaguars continue to make all of Guyana proud, and in the process they have lifted the profile and visibility of our beautiful country. It is only fitting that we now endeavour to capitalise on this success by pursuing every opportunity to commercialise the programme,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“Our partnership with Alabanquima is one additional chapter in our ongoing efforts to fully professionalise the GFF national team programme. We are very excited about what the future holds for our beloved Golden Jaguars, and we stand prepared to work closely with our new partner to unleash their true potential,” he said.

Under the agreement, the responsibility of the Brazilian firm would be to secure partners and sponsors to support the men’s national team during the

2021/22 season, with a particular focus on its second consecutive appearance at the Gold Cup as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

“Alabanquima is honoured with the great opportunity to work with the Guyana Football Federation and with the chance to improve the GuyanaBrazil partnership,” said Alabanquima Managing Director Flavio Waltz.

“During our first meeting, it was possible to acknowledge the Golden Jaguars’ great potential and the truly inspirational leadership of Wayne Forde and his board of directors.

“Alabanquima’s team is going to dedicate our best efforts to help the World Cup dream come true, step-bystep like a long-distance run.

“Finally, it is not only about football, it is about Guyana; it is about the people, and it is about working for the development of a wonderful country,” he said.

Joshua Da Silva, who should have gotten his Test cap in England, took his opportunity with both hands and scored his maiden Test fifty. Shimron Hetmyer, who was suffering a concussion on tour, did not play a Test match, and his number six batting position is stolen from Blackwood. In four innings, Roston Chase made 17 runs and Kraigg Brathwaite scored 55 runs. Those are poor returns from players with such experience.

Certainly, the West Indies are struggling, and changes should be made or players should be added to the squad for the two Test matches in Bangladesh. In case you are wondering which players should be added, those should be Shepherd and Pooran.

According to Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave, no reserve player will be selected to tour Bangladesh, but a customary 15-man Test squad is expected

tto be announced. With three One-day Internationals scheduled for that Bangladesh tour, some players in the Test squad will feature in the ODIs. Spin will play an important role in Bangladesh. Rahkeem Cornwall is still the number one spinner, but it would be interesting to know who are the other spinners. Will Veerasammy Permaul get a return call-up, or will Chase partner Cornwall? Time will tell.

West Indies cricket does not lack talent; it lacks structure, investment – Simmons,Pollard

T

he West Indies does not lack talent in cricket, but a lot more is needed if the team is to rise from the doldrums to become a respected force once more.

These sentiments were expressed by Head Coach Phil Simmons and white ball Captain Kieron Pollard in the aftermath of another losing series, this time in New Zealand, where the West Indies lost the T20 series and Test series by 2-0 margins.

Debate has since swirled around the failings of the West Indies, and what, if anything, can be done to bring about a reversal of fortunes. Simmons and Pollard are of the view that a lot needs to be done administratively and by the players, if things are to change for the better.

“We are never, in the Caribbean, wanting for talent,” Simmons said in a video from CWI posted on Youtube on Wednesday. “But now is a time for us to realise that all the talent we have hasn’t taken us anywhere, and that there are some things that have to go with the talent.

“There’s teaching, there’s understanding, there’s learning how to play different games in all different formats. There is a lot to be done still. We have to put together everything else in the Caribbean that goes with the talent to make it a successful unit again.”

While agreeing with the head coach, Pollard, one of the best T20 players in the world, who has played in some of

the best T20 leagues across the globe, opined that until the structures can be put in place for the West Indies to make full use of the talent, the current crop of players need to shoulder a greater share of responsibility. This, he said, would likely inspire the administrators to do more.

“We talk about fixing cricket and wanting to take it forward, but I think as individuals, the hard work needs to be put in, and I just believe that sometimes you look at it, it needs to start at the administration level,” Pollard said.

“In this case, I think we can be the driving force on the field, the group of guys we have at present, we can continue to show that we have the drive and the determination and desire to go forward and push forward, and also put ourselves in uncomfortable positions in order for this vehicle to go forward. Then it would transcend onto the administration, and they would realise that we need to pull our socks up.

“When you look at it, we are not wanting for talent.

Ta l e n t , pound

for pound, we are always there, and sometimes a lot better than we have seen around the world, but what they have around the world is structure. What they have is people investing in the cricket, investing in themselves.”

Pollard believes the West Indies have remained in the doldrums for a long time because of a willingness to accept mediocrity. He is suggesting that, unfortunately, mediocrity is part of Caribbean culture.

He has said that, with a renewed effort to move forward, hopefully, the effort would attract the type of investment needed in regional cricket.

“There is still a long way to go in terms of playing in proper facilities. Pitches in the Caribbean, in all honesty, are not at a great standard. Things that we call world class, when you go away you see world class, and those are the things we need to see as individuals and from an administration point of view.”

(Sportsmax)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

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

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