Guyana Times -- Friday, February 11, 2022

Health Ministry starts rollout of HIV self-testing P20

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4917

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Historic $552.9B Budget passed in National Assembly See story on page 3

“Take national defence more seriously” – Commander in Chief to Army Page 2

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“We can’t P18 continue with a prolonged curfew” – Ali …as COVID-19 Task Force looks at removing restriction

Linden man P21 busted with ganja at Eugene F Correia Airport

Over $30M P21 worth of ganja found, destroyed

2 men, woman remanded P21 on attempted murder charges

Ban lifted on Men were killed for $45,000 – Judge importation of sex toys for personal use Berbice triple murder

Page 18

Page 5

…1 sentenced to death, 1 gets life imprisonment ...subject to customs duty, taxes

“My Government is above board” – President Ali …slams VICE News for sensational headlines See story on page 7

Unruly display in Parliament

P19

Opposition calls for sanctions also against Nigel Dharamlall over vile comment …says “fairness” in National Assembly must be upheld

1 dead, 1 P17 injured after ATV collides with lorry

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Take national defence more seriously” – Commander in Chief to Army

A

s Guyana is now on the cusp of prosperity, President Dr Irfaan Ali has implored the ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to take national defence more seriously.

The President at the time was addressing the opening GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference that opened on Thursday.

The two-day conference is being hosted under the theme, “Enhancing national security and development through capacity building, empowering troops and strengthening community

relations”.

The President said that Guyana was on the verge of transformation, one that would change the citizens’ fortunes for the better.

“We cannot afford to be complacent, we must seize the moment, so as to ensure a secure future for present and future generations.

In this regard, the Guyana Defence Force is integral to Guyana’s development. The Army is expected to place a more concretive role in Guyana’s development,” Ali said.

At the Force’s nation-

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr Irfaan Ali, joined by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and Chief of Staff of the GDF, Godfrey Bess at the GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday

al defence conference last year, President Ali, in his inaugural address, had outlined the country’s national defence policy and the level at which the policy would be exercised.

He noted then that the defence policy was undergirded by civilian control of the military, and guided by the Government’s desire for peace and the protection of the country’s territorial integrity, and the terrain of external threats.

This year, the President said there has been some development.

“I want to provide some insights on the efforts being made thus far, towards the implementation for our national development policy. Over the past year, we would have advanced national security. We have fostered good neighbourly relations; we have deepened our defence relations with other States and their militaries,” the President stated.

The Head of State underscored that the Force was currently being strengthened to execute its lawful mandate, and the Government would do everything in its power to ensure the security and peace of the country.

“As such, you will find that this year, we are proposing to increase the budgetary allocation to the GDF, to $17.6 billion. The Defence Force’s capability was advanced by the acquisition of vehicles, equipment, and machinery,” he explained.

President Ali further voiced that even with some mischievous elements that sought to cause conflict, Guyana would continue to encourage friendly relations within the region.

“Guyana will continue to promote friendly relations with other countries and their Defence Forces. But I am aware that there are mischievous elements who wish to ensnare Guyana into geopolitical conflicts…

Guyana has no intention to become a part of this,” President Ali said.

The Commander in Chief also explained that the GDF should develop better approaches for different scenarios.

“We have to start doing scenario modelling. Not only workshops and the Officers’

Conference, the same on date format…long before the Conference, we should task specific units to come up with modelling and analyse different modelling of scenarios that could confront us and to develop a strategic approach to deal with different scenarios,” he explained.

He also charged the Force to use current events like the ongoing RussiaUkraine situation to develop that strategic approach. The Force was also challenged to develop strategies to deal with climate change, food security, and natural disasters.

“What is our role in terms of food security? What are the threats that the region face in relation to food security and how do we build that in defence strategy?” he questioned.

The GDF was also asked to produce an outcome document explaining its roles and responsibilities in building “One Guyana”.

Reinforcement to defend

Meanwhile, GDF Chief of Staff (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess assured of the Force’s reinforcement to defend Guyana. According to Bess, diplomacy remains the first line of defence for the Force, and it must enhance its national security profile to deal with possible threats.

He said that organised crime, the booming narcotics industry, illegal airstrips, border crossings and migration continued to present significant challenges to the Force.

Bess also pointed out that scores of Venezuelans have been coming to the country and are settling in various regions.

“Their presence has seemed to become normalised as they live and operate within every facet of life and geographical district of this nation. These activities, individually or combined, present threats to the welfare of our communities or people…,” he said.

In this light, the Chief of Staff said he was thankful for the support that the GDF has already received from the Government.

“The Guyana Defence Force has benefited tremendously by the addition of … transportation and a heavylift helicopter. Additionally, in 2022, the Force will receive an additional maritime vessel. These assets will allow us to be more effective …,” he noted.

Meanwhile, he related that in 2021, 62 per cent of the ranks of the GDF underwent military and capacity-building training with local and international academies.

With these newly-acquired skills, Bess vowed that the Force will continue to improve and increase its capabilities to be better able to monitor the country’s land, air and water territories. (G9)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, Feb 11 – 23:59h – 06:00h and Saturday, Feb 12 – 23:59h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, Feb 11 – 12:40h – 14:10h and Saturday, Feb 12 – 13:15h – 14:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

There will be light cloud during the day and night.

Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 12:33h reaching a maximum height of 2.11 metres.

Low Tide: 06:00h and 18:48h reaching minimum heights of 1.21 metres and 1.08 metres.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

08 14 15

22 23 25

FREE TICKET

06 Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

02 04 08 11 26 LUCKY 3

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4

5

2

Afternoon Draw

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9

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 05 11 12 19 20 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$91.41/barrel

-0.15

Rough Rice

$266.13/ton

-0.09

London Sugar

$511.70/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1824.70

$1824.70

Low/High Change

$1821.00 -1.90

$1843.40 -0.10%

Historic $552.9B Budget passed in National Assembly T

he National Assembly on Thursday passed the historic $552.9 billion 2022 budget – the largest ever tabled in the House and the first utilising Guyana’s newfound oil revenues.

The winding down of Consideration of Estimates and Expenditure came after the conclusion of five days of debates and four days of Committee of Supply meetings. Opposition Members of Parliament were presented with the chance to scrutinise features of the allocations made under every Ministry and sector.

Thereafter, the fiscal plan which was crafted under the theme “Steadfast Against All Challenges, Resolute in Building Our One Guyana”, was approved. It will govern the country’s spending and investments for the next year.

The National Budget presented to Parliament on January 26 was passed in Parliament following approval of the Appropriation Bill 2022 (Bill No 1 of 2022) and the Fiscal Enactment Amendment Bill (No 2 of 2022).

The Fiscal Enactment Amendment Bill, which was opposed by the APNU/ AFC, would amend the various statutes to give effect to the measures in Budget 2022.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh told the House, “There are provisions in Budget 2022 that are intended to increase the income tax threshold. That measure was announced in the context of Budget 2022. It was adequately and abundantly ventilated during the course of the debate. This Bill now seeks to give legislative effect to that announcement.

The Bill, similarly seeks to give effect to other tax measures announced during the course of Budget 2022.”

On Budget Day, Dr Singh had indicated that this year’s budget would be “historic” and “transformational.”

In fact, he was quoted as saying, “Budget 2022 – if I were to highlight a single sentence to describe Budget 2022 it would really be to say that it will be transformational in the sense that many of the big initiatives that we have alluded to in the manifesto, [and] subsequently in the major presidential speeches, one could easily get a good sense of the main priorities coming out of the manifesto.”

The budget is set to lay the foundation for Guyana’s massive economic transformation and modernisation.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

It also contained the use of the country’s earnings from the oil and gas sector for the first time to finance several major developmental projects. It was crafted with two main goals: to ensure the urgent development needs of the country are met in the shortest possible time and to guarantee the longterm economic wellbeing of the nation.

Among the anticipated measures announced aimed at addressing the rising cost of living is the increase of old age pension to $28,000 and the increase in public assistance to $14,000.

Additionally, there is an increase in the “Because We Care” cash grant to $25,000 and an increase in the uniform allowance to $5000.

There is also a signifi-

cant increase in the income tax threshold to $75,000.

This will place an additional $1.3 billion into the hands of current taxpayers both in the public and private sectors.

Government has lowered the excise tax rate on gasoline and diesel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, which will result in significant reductions in the price of fuel.

There were significant reductions in the excise taxes for several categories of trucks and pick-ups.

Budget 2022, which is 44.3 per cent larger than last year’s and 36.6 per cent above total expenditure in 2021, is fully financed with no new taxes.

One of the most unique features of Budget 2022 is that it proposes withdrawals

from the US$607.6 million oil fund. With the entire $126.7 billion being used from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to partially finance the budget, earnings from this year will see the oil fund being replenished with over US$957.6 million.

Meanwhile, since the presentation of Budget 2022, stakeholders from various sections of society have lauded the Government’s fiscal plan, saying that it strikes a balance between public and private development as well as the enhancement of citizens.

In addition, President Dr Irfaan Ali has also described the budget as people-centred during a live broadcast to highlight its merits and how the policies outlined are interconnected to improve the lives of Guyanese.

According to the President, Budget 2022 lays the groundwork for further development, and he encouraged persons to look at it in a holistic manner. President Ali also spoke of how his Government’s fiscal plan for this year comprehensively addresses the dayto-day lives of Guyanese while also simultaneously detailing plans for national prosperity, job creation, expanding the economy and enhancing productive capacity. (G12)

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

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

Unnecessary risks: stringent mechanisms needed

A

s Guyanese continue to express concern over the high number of accidents that have occurred recently, there are various reasons for those accidents. A common theme appears to be the unnecessary taking of risks and speed, factors often lamented as causes.

Historically, the shock, concern and caution that follow a fatal accident seem to be fleeting, and the major contributory factors are seemingly swiftly resumed despite public outcry.

However, given that those accidents are occurring on our roadways, and judging from sentiments expressed on social media, it seems that a large number of Guyanese are outraged and are calling for drivers to slow down.

While that is encouraging, only time will tell if public pressure would indeed make a positive impact. Social media wields tremendous influence, and traffic violations by some irresponsible drivers have been captured and attracted the attention of the Police.

There are instances when some drivers imbibe alcoholic beverages while in the process of transporting members of the public. The conductors randomly stick their hands out to demand that the bus be allowed to cut in front of vehicles, without considering the risk involved.

The said drivers literally drive on the parapets at times to illegally undertake, just to avoid staying in lanes and to reach their destinations within the shortest possible time. They also blatantly block turning lanes while ignoring the pleading horns.

The end result is that those who respect the traffic laws are made to spend much more time commuting, and are left at the mercy of those inconsiderate drivers. This in no way suggests that all minibus drivers are reckless; however, many are noticeable offenders across the country. Sadly, their unacceptable behaviour has been allowed to continue, seemingly encouraged by both the travelling public and the Police to an extent.

While some passengers have objected to the overall despicable behaviour of minibus operators, and were in the process abused, there is an urgent need for a collective and robust approach to denounce what has, unfortunately, become a culture of disrespect to both passengers and traffic laws.

There are times when the Police act and times when they seemingly turn a blind eye. Every day, roadways – including those in some villages that are not approved on the road service – are used by minibuses.

The Police cannot be oblivious of that, for, in some cases, when they are managing the flow of traffic, they allow those buses to re-enter the main thoroughfare. That can only be seen as encouraging a transgression of the said road service.

Also, on a daily basis, many minibuses are crammed with passengers, having exceeded the legal limit.

There are times when the Police intervene, and commendations must be given; however, there is a lack of much-needed consistency, not just for the minibus drivers in question, but for all others.

The situation has worsened, and will further decline if no meaningful and sustained intervention is made. If the working traffic lights were to be configured to best suit the rush hours, then more ranks could be freed up to deal with traffic violations.

In addition, there should be consideration for more stringent mechanisms, including raising the required age to obtain a licence to drive a minibus or taxi, and higher costs.

Penalties for traffic violations must be more punitive, possibly even for minor offences.

In whatever review that may now take place, maybe a protocol on how minibuses owned by Police Officers should be treated in the context herein, and to simplify a complaint process for the public, needs to be established.

The bottom line is that this issue must be addressed holistically, since a lack of sustained action would be continually interpreted as encouragement of the lawlessness.

Dr Irfaan Ali meets former West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose at State House on Thursday morning where the two shared ideas and had a comprehensive discussion about cricket. Also in photo is Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who is a patron of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)

VICE Media Group Journalist had an agenda Dear Editor, Our country, almost overnight, as a result of the Exxon’s oil and gas find, is transitioning from a poor developing nation to one of the world’s richest per capita and a major oil producing country.

There is another “curse” which poses an even greater challenge other than the infamous “resource curse” to a newly oil and gas rich country like ours, it’s the “attention curse”.

Guyana, again, almost overnight, has become the beneficiary and the victim of world attention. Our newly found wealth brings with it, not only new investor attention, but also significantly increased media attention. Media, for instance, like the VICE Media Group, to whom Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, recently, in my view, mistakenly, granted an interview.

The VICE Media Group is not a mainstream media company It is, however, a

major international digital media organisation with a substantial audience of young adults who prefer to get their news from online social media like the VICE Media Group, who have little or no respect for the traditional ethics of mainstream professional journalism but who flourish from sensational and questionable reporting.

Media and business analyst at the Poynter Institute, renowned for its dedication to the ethics of professional journalism and its International FactChecking Network (IFCN), described VICE News’ reporting as “raw and tasteless sometimes and more personal essays than balanced journalism”.

It’s instructive that a major investor in VICE Media is the radical rightwing Rupert Murdoch owned 21st Century Fox, whose commentators continue to embrace the lie that Donald Trump was not defeated in the US

election.

To understand the kind of reporting indulged in by the VICE Media Group, the Group, for instance, when reporting the Khmer Rouge Genocide, was forced to admit to having photoshopped images of the victims of the Khmer Rouge, photoshopping smiles onto the faces of the dead victims.

As for those who own and operate the VICE Media Group, according to Wikipedia, in December 2017, “The New York Times reported that there have been four settlements involving allegations of sexual harassment or defamation against Vice employees. In addition, over twenty other women stated that they had experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct….at the company”.

Clearly, the VICE Media Group journalist had an agenda, embroil Guyana’s Vice President in accusations of corrup-

tion with a personal accusation against him. The tactic is common. Throw enough mud at the target and some of it will stick.

“What about within your Government, do you accept bribes?”, the reporter asked. The VP responded, “No I don’t”. That should have been the end of the matter. But, no, the journalist rudely pursues the question disclosing an alleged source of information (something a professional journalist would never do), asking again, “Do you need middlemen like Su in order to take money so you can keep your hands free?” At that point, the Vice President should have shown the journalist the door.

We can expect these media to continue to rush to make news from our country. Vice President Jagdeo was a convenient target.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

5

News

Ban lifted on importation of sex toys for personal use

...subject to customs duty, taxes

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced the removal of the ban on the importation of sex toys amid mounting calls from the public.

“Complaints have been received from persons who import such items that these are not obscene articles as per the current interpretation and treatment. The Customs, Excise and Trade Operations over the years has been treating the importation of ‘sex toys’ and other similar articles as prohibited items, under the item 4 of Part 1 of the List of Prohibited Imports in the Second Schedule to the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01,” the GRA outlined in an internal notice to staff.

The GRA further noted that this issue has affected stakeholders in clearance of items for their personal use, contrary to efforts under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement to remove/reduce barriers to facilitate trade in a changing environment.

Effective January 24, 2022, this situation is no longer the case. According to GRA, approval is given to allow the imports of sex toys for personal use and not for commercial use. However, customs duty and taxes are applicable.

“The changes in the world today especially with the availability of information via social media has highlighted these articles for use on the open market in North America, Europe and this part of the region.

While these articles continue to be classified as obscene

articles, many persons, both male and female, revert to using these for their personal and private pleasure, sometimes even recommended by doctors as therapy,” GRA said.

“Based on the demand for the use of ‘sex toys’, consideration was given to amend the interpretation of these schedules, so that ‘sex toys’ for personal use are not deemed as indecent or obscene articles. This also took into account court rulings, based on legal challenges, against the definition of ‘obscene articles’,” it added.

Judge to rule on no-case Man on trial for 2017 murder submissions on Monday to the indictable charge which stated that he murdered the man on May 27, 2017, at Alexander Street, Georgetown.

Reports are that on the day in question, Smith and Houston were involved in a physical altercation. Smith was later left to die on the

D

Murder accused: Shannon Cox and Andy Damel Peters

Dead: Brian Charles Yearwood

emerara High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall will rule on Monday on no-case submissions put forward by lawyers for Shannon Cox, 23, and Andy Damel Peters,20 – the two men charged with the 2017 murder of a schoolboy.

It is alleged that on April 29, 2017, in the county of Demerara, they murdered 17-year-old Brian Charles Yearwood, formerly of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

When the duo appeared in court earlier this month, they pleaded not guilty.

hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Reports are that the murder weapon was found at the home of one of the two accused.

Yearwood was a student of the Covent Garden Secondary School.

Cox and Peters are represented by Attorneys Latchmie Rahamat and Madan Kissoon, respectively. Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave is leading the case for the prosecution.

Reports stated that Yearwood was stabbed once to the chest while attending a concert hosted by the Covent Garden Nursery School in the school’s compound. It was reported that the stabbing stemmed from an old grievance involving the trio.

A cop found the injured teen lying on the grass and rushed him to Diamond

Murder accused: Pascal Smith

B

efore Demerara High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds and a jury, 30-year-old Pascal Smith is on trial for the 2017 murder of John Houston.

He has pleaded not guilty

street. Investigations were carried out which led to Smith being arrested and prosecuted for the crime.

The accused is represented by defence lawyer Siand Dhurjon and the prosecution’s case is being led by Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

I

n this fun and easy geology science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate the rock cycle.

Important: Adult assistance and supervision is required for this experiment.

Materials: A line graph often shows how information changes as time passes. In a line graph, the steeper a line segment is, the more change there has been during that interval. The distance from one time to another is called an interval.

Example:

Starburst candies Aluminium foil Wax paper Toaster oven Oven mitts

Instructions:

In which year were the most dolphins seen?

Step 1: Look for the highest point on the graph (80).

Step 2: Look along the horizontal axis for the time that point relates to: 1999.

Exercises: Interpret What number of students took 20 minutes to locate library materials?

What are the two most popular days for consuming potatoes?

Remove the wrappers from the Starburst candies. You should use three candies each of three different colours.

Stack three different colours on top of each other.

Place a piece of aluminium foil on a sturdy table.

Now place a sheet of wax paper on top of the sheet of aluminium foil.

Put your stack of Starburst candies in the foil and fold the foil over so the stack of candy is covered.

Now use the heel of your hand to try and smash the candy flat. Remove the candy and observe. This represents pressure creating sedimentary rocks.

Next make another stack of candy. Make sure the colours are in the same order as your first stack.

Put a piece of wax paper in another sheet of foil.

Put the stack of candy inside and fold the foil to wrap the stack up.

You will need adult supervision for the next steps.

Have the parent put the stack in a toaster oven for a short time, just long enough for the candy to become malleable. Remove the candy and using an oven mitt, put pressure on the candy stack. The combination of heat and pressure will represent the forming of a metamorphic rock.

Now, make another candy stack and wrap it in foil and wax paper like before.

Have the adult put this in the toaster oven for several minutes until the candy melts to liquid.

Have the adult remove the candy and open the foil.

Set it aside for several minutes and allow it to cool.

DO NOT TOUCH THE CANDY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AS IT WILL BE EXTREMELY HOT! Once the melted candy hardens, this will represent our igneous rock.

How it works:

The rock cycle is a geological process that is undergone by the three main rock types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. The rock cycle involves the transformation of rocks through erosion into sediment and cementing, or heating and pressure. All three rock types can become the other in the rock cycle.

Photo-finish

By John Kinsella and Thurston Moore We rearrange strange the rubble to let a forest through We, pernicious, pretty and star-crossed, let sap Rise through limbs and perfect wings hovering In silent sonic scape catch breath Before it is trapped, scurried imaginations unheard By penthouses – windows Dissolve into warm and luscious secretion To let falcons and waterbirds flythrough, cry calm victory.

Source: Poetry (March 2020)

Teacher's Tip Thursday’s answers There is no third most-liked fruit. Three of the four fruits are tied for second place. The least favourite holiday drink for students is ginger beer.

“Be a student as long as you still have something to learn, and this will be all of your life” – Henry L Doherty

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“My Government is above board” – President Ali …slams VICE News for sensational headlines

R

esponding to allegations of corruption made by a VICE News reporter during an interview with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo earlier this week, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday joined in rubbishing the claims and reassured that his Government is operating above board.

During the February 1, 2022 interview conducted by a foreign reporter from the United States-based VICE News, several allegations were put to VP Jagdeo about Chinese business practices in Guyana. The reporter also alleged that Chinese logger Su Zhi Rong in Guyana has claimed that the only way to do business in Guyana was to pay incentives, and that he acts as a middle man between the Vice President and other Chinese businesses.

While VP Jagdeo, the businessman in question, and even the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown have already criticised the media outlet over its “fabrications”, President Ali on Thursday also called out the news entity for sensationalising the allegations.

“It’s an allegation…

My Government is above board but I’m saying that people are just doing things for sensational headlines…

There is a lot of sensationalisation that is going on of news, and I’m not into that. I’m into facts – building ‘One Guyana’ based on honesty, integrity, based on hard work, based on facts,” the President told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday morning.

According to the Head of State, he had also received information that the reporter had special inter-

ests and this was evident in the line of questioning during the interview.

“I heard, because we got intelligence gathering too, that the reporter had certain special interests. An allegation was made. As President, people called me and said this reporter was having special interest and was managed by a special group. That is information that people called [to tell] me. That allegation was made and I want the reporter to respond whether indeed this is true,” Ali asserted.

He went on to rubbish certain allegations made by the news entity during the interview such as the Constitution of Guyana being amended to suit certain companies.

“So, this person came and did not know what she was talking about with the Vice President changing the Constitution and he is planning to change the Constitution to help some company out, which is absolute rubbish… What nonsense that that is the allegation! Somebody could just wake up and change the Constitution? That alone and the misinformation discredits her and tells you that her only objective was in pursuing a special interest,” the Head of State stressed.

President Ali further pointed out that this agenda is even more glaring with the fact that the reporter did not even know much about some of the projects she was questioning the Vice President about. These, he outlined, include the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which she did not even know went out to public tender.

“The Amaila Falls was publicly advertised. It was a public process and it was done in accordance with

the Public Procurement process. It was evaluated and a recommendation was done after the evaluation as to who was the best bidder. That is a separate process above board, beyond transparency,” the President stated.

China Railway First Group (CRFG) has emerged as the highest ranked bidder for the construction of the AFHP. However, Government has noted that negotiations are still ongoing to finalise the contract.

VP Jagdeo, in a specially-convened press conference on Tuesday evening after his interview aired, had castigated VICE News for its sensational reporting tactics.

He noted that the interviewer was more or less hunting for something spectacular hence the biased line of questioning.

In fact, the reporter’s line of questioning suggested that Guyana was taking financial incentives from the Chinese hence most of the contracts that are being awarded were given to Chinese contractors.

But Jagdeo highlighted that some of the projects that were listed by the interviewer were not awarded to Chinese companies including the Linden to Mabura Road project which was awarded to a Brazilian company.

Meanwhile, the Chinese logger who was quoted by the reporter in many of her insinuations against the Vice President on Wednesday refuted the allegations and categorically distanced himself from the reporter’s utterances.

“I, Su Zhi Rong, wish to state categorically that I have never solicited any inducement from any company or individual for either myself

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking with reporters on Thursday morning

or any Government official including the Vice President. I have read the insinuations by the VICE News network and others and wish to deny any wrongdoing including influence peddling,” he said in a statement.

According to Su, he has been a local businessman for many years, during which he adhered to local and international laws and standards.

He called VICE News’ insinuations “false reports and fabrications”.

“I wish to refute strongly any suggestion that I acted on behalf of any Government official, that I presented myself as a representative of anyone or that I promised any favour or business-related reward. I have already engaged with my legal representatives on these false reports and fabrications,” the Chinese businessman also said.

On the other hand, the Chinese Embassy has also slammed the distortion of the facts on Guyana’s bilateral relations with China, making it clear in a statement on Wednesday that relations between the two countries, inclusive of business relations, are founded on the law and international practices.

In April 2021, Reuters reported that Cambodia had condemned images published by US media group VICE featuring newly colourised photographs of the Khmer Rouge “killing fields” victims, saying the images were an insult to the dead because some mugshots had been altered to add smiles.

VICE removed the article and photos, saying they did not meet its editorial standards and it was investigating.

According to the Reuters report, the artist behind the work, Matt Loughrey, declined to comment.

The Reuters report stated that in the article published, Loughrey said his project to colourise images from the notorious Tuol Sleng prison, or S-21, aimed to humanise the 14,000 Cambodians executed and tortured there.

According to Reuters, however, the article caused a backlash on social media after comparisons with the original black-and-white photos showed that some subjects were smiling only in Loughrey’s colour images. The VICE article did not contain the original images. (G8)

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vice…

W

…and the “natives” ell, now that we have struck oil, it had to happen sooner or later. Confirmation by the Western media that we natives just can’t govern ourselves! And because of our genetically-depraved nature, we’re corrupt to boot!! The Brits, of course, carried their “burden” and tried to save our benighted souls to keep our venal tendencies in check. But that was impossible and the moment they were gone….BOOM!!! all of our wretchedness exploded like a volcano.

Burnham didn’t do much to dispel THAT stereotype, of course! As a matter of fact, he stoked it with gusto as corruption became power and absolute corruption became absolute power!! But since we were dirt poor and went around with a begging bowl, we didn’t cause many blips on the Western media. They already had Haiti as their poster boy in this Hemisphere – and a succession of venal, corrupt and vicious dictators who made Burnham look like a choir boy!!

But hey!! The PPP tried for 23 years to clean up that mess –- led for more than half of that time by Bharrat Jagdeo. He dragged us up from being a Highly Indebted Poor Country into a Medium Income Developing Country.

But we were still too small to get international attention.

But when the PNC returned for one term in 2015 and then tried to rig the elections in 2020, that got their attention.

Nah…it wasn’t because of the RAPE OF DEMOCRACY. Oil had been struck and EXXON was here. Can’t have these natives mess up 13 billion barrels of oil, can we?!!

But hold it!! Even though Guyana got crumbs – courtesy of PNC’s Trotman – it still adds up ‘cause we’re so small.

And as we stand on the cusp of some massive development with Jagdeo as VP advising President Ali’s administration, there’s the DANGER of us now moving into DEVELOPED COUNTRY STATUS!! But that would destroy a whole lotta stereotypes about us natives, wouldn’t it?

Enter VICE News Media from stage left, playing the role they’ve honed to a “T”: exposing the VENAL NATIVE – represented by acknowledged world leader Jagdeo!!

Just check out their YouTube archives – their exposés are dominated by us Third Worlders!! You’d be looking in vain for such corruption scandals right at home in the good ole USA about say, Hunter Biden – son of President Joe Biden. Didn’t Hunter jet with his dad to China on Air Force 1, hooked up with Chinese investment banker Jonathan Li and 12 days later a private equity fund, BHR Partners, was approved by the Chinese authorities?

Mr Li was chief executive and (coincidentally!!) Hunter was a board member. He held a 10% stake!!

But VICE doesn’t see that as Vice!! …colonialism returning Talking about us natives…it’s not just VICE News confirming the deeply-embedded stereotypes about us in the minds of the denizens of Viceland. Have you forgotten those Guyanese workers working on the FPSOs – which Guyana OWNS, not so coincidentally! – who had to eat AFTER the expats finished. Meaning they get what’s left over!! And they had to be thankful that the scraps weren’t thrown at them, probably! So what’s changed from when the same ex-pats were mining our bauxite at Mackenzie and Wismar (before Fat Boy nationalised and had it renamed after himself!)?

The ex-pats had their exclusive housing while we natives lived in comparative hovels; couldn’t enter their exclusive clubs, or even enter their homes through the front door! Servants’ entrance at the back, please!! And when they came to town on the RH Carr, they sat on the exclusive first-class deck above the cattle deck below where we natives milled around!!

Ahh…the more things change…! …and slavery And to remind you where and how it all started, news is just out (NOT from Vice) that the Central Bank of Netherlands just acknowledged that the majority of their founding members acquired their wealth from the slave trade!!

So maybe they’ll agree to reparations?

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

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e at Times Media Group understand that after one of the longest months of the year (figuratively), January, things might be as they say ‘tight’ come the next month being February which includes the day of love, February 14. So, this year we are going to feature gift ideas for all budgets. Here’s a few things you can purchase for that special someone:

choose from and tasty and healthy porridges as well as tea.

Also, choose the option of building your own personal breakfast box by choosing a combination of products that satisfies your very own cravings. So, what are you waiting for??

Try D & J Porridge and Pancakes today and satisfy those tastebuds!!! Call/WhatsApp 664-1770 to place your orders and pick up or have them delivered to you.

Spa Day

Restaurants and Hotels

Church View Hotel, Restaurant and Bar located in New Amsterdam, Berbice, is well-known for its spacious venue that caters for all your wedding, birthday and conference needs. In addition, one can always grab a last-minute gift item from its gift and flower shop. Wine and Dine this Valentine at the Church View Hotel, Restaurant and Bar! CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

After a long day of working, take some time to treat your loved one with a relaxing spa. A spa is healthy, it offers relaxation and eases tension. It can also be considered a form of therapy and even bonding with your partner in a safe and calm space. For this Valentine’s, Salon J is offering massage, facials, pedicures, manicures and much more. Contact them on 226-9115 or 615-8994 and book your spot today or find them at 83 Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

Fragrances & Scent

The first thing that captures your significant other’s attention is your scent. So why not keep their attention on you with the perfect cologne from Reminiscent. Shop from a wide variety of nicely scented fragrance at Reminiscent located at Tower Suites Au Moyeu Store. Colognes range from brands such as Versace, Kenneth Cole, One Million, Rihanna, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Guess and much more.

So shop from Reminiscent for that long-lasting scent that is sure to make your presence known!

Breakfast & Tea

Enjoy an early morning tea with your loved one, especially from D & J Porridge and Pancakes. They have the most delightful, appetising and luscious breakfast; known especially for their famous pancakes (served with a side of your choice including bacon and eggs) and wide variety of omelettes ranging from bacon to cheese to turkey. They also sell cheese please with plantains, egg, sausage with a side of fruits (optional), waffles with a delicious variety of syrups to

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catalogue

Valentine’s

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FROM PAGE 9

Valentine’s on a budget...

Regency Suites located in 98 Hadfield Street, Werk-enRust, offers amazing services to suit your relaxation needs especially this Valentine’s. These include access to amenities, room service and much more. For all your needs from decorating to production, contact them for your weddings, workshops, graduation, parties and conferences. Regency Suites provides dedicated and courteous staff to support you and ensure you are well satisfied with the services they provide. If you are looking to treat your loved one to a special dinner then Regency Suites is the place to go this Valentine’s. Plus, all dining couples will get a chance to win one night’s stay in the Romantic Honeymoon Room. So, what are you waiting for? Make your reservations now and don’t delay!

Gift items

We give gifts because we care and because the receiver is one you find special. So why not spoil your loved one with gifts this Valentine.

Celebrate your loved one with a gift item from Nesha’s Flowerland that they will never forget. Pick from a range of gift items including long stem roses, chocolates, champagne, cakes, teddy bears and helium balloons. Your loved one is bound to feel loved with these cute gift items as well as nicely scented candles. Obtain these gift items from one of three branches including 78 Church Street – tele: 2253315/ 227-3553, MovieTowne, Turkeyen, ECD – tele: 2227822 and Lotus Mall Parika, WCD. For Valentine’s, Nesha’s Flowerland will be open on Sunday Feb 13th from 8am to 5pm to accept all orders just in time to be delivered for Feb 14th. So, hurry up and place those orders and show how much you care for your loved one.

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Valentine’s on a budget...

Shop at Brazo’s Gift Shop this Valentine’s Day for trendy, unique and quality products at affordable prices. These products range from pretty rose bears, 24k gold roses, jewellery, keyrings, men’s gift sets, men’s wallets and much more. Get these items from either their Georgetown location or Berbice location. So, surprise your loved one today with a beautiful gift item from Brazo’s Gift Shop.

Fun things to do this Valentine's

• Enter a competition with Peppy’s Manufacturing this Valentine’s for a chance to win a trip to Aruwai resort and Peppy’s Valentine’s Day Hamper. Promo ends on Feb 11th and winners will be announced on Feb 12th, so join the competition now for exciting prizes!

• Have breakfast together or make dinner together. Try Rossignol’s Butchery for all your meat needs while you’re at it! Bonding with your

FROM PAGE 12

partner can strengthen your relationship with each other and bring you closer as well.

Spend quality time together in the kitchen. A special home-cooked meal can be so much more romantic than going out to eat at a super busy restaurant. This can be a fun, experimental project you can create together, and it doesn’t even matter if it doesn’t come out perfectly.

• Bake heart-shaped cookies together. This is another fun activity for you and your partner to try this Valentine’s. It can be considered therapeutic and build stronger and healthier relationships as well. So have fun together baking with your partner and even spill some flour on each other and create more memories.

• Order a bunch of fast foods and watch Valentine’s movies and even binge watch your favourite series and spend time with each other in a relaxing way. Grab the popcorn and settle in on the couch with your partner for an evening filled with your favourite rom-coms. Share laughter and love and cherish the good moments this Valentine’s Day. • Re-create your first date or the first time you met each other. This is a way for

you to fall all over in love again with your partner by taking a trip down memory lane and having fun just experiencing the moments all over again. It will definitely be exciting for your partner as it may include funny and happy moments.

• Make a love journal of your relationship. Gather up photos of your fun times, old movie date tickets, meaningful receipts and make a beautiful book that you’ll both treasure!

• Take a massage together and enjoy sensational bonding in a relaxed environment with your loved one this Valentine’s. Check out Salon-J and have a nice and calm Valentine’s Day with your loved one.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

160 more persons test positive for COVID-19

A

nother 160 persons on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the total confirmed cases are at 62,061 – 28,600 males and 33,461 females.

The Health Ministry’s dashboard showed that deaths have remained at 1188.

There are 17 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 89 in institutional isolation and 3038 in home isolation.

Another 23 persons are being monitored in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has conducted 522,229 tests thus far, of which 57,729 positive patients have recovered.

A breakdown showed 13 new cases for Region One (Barima-Waini), 11 cases in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), eight in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 53 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), seven in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 14 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), five in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and 48 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Cases in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remained unchanged.

In Thursday’s COVID-19 briefing, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony explained that the Ministry of Health is recording vac-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD FEBRUARY 10, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

160 89 3038

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

17

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

23

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

33,461

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

28,600

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

62,061

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

57,729

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2433

REGION 2

2399

REGION 3

7946

REGION 4

30,786

REGION 5

2310

REGION 6

5618

REGION 7

2400

REGION 8

867

REGION 9

3849

REGION 10

3453

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

427,680 320,221 1188

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

cination hesitancy in some interior locations. He stated that they will continue to send more teams to these locations.

“There is a lot of vaccine hesitancy and despite going in several times and offering education, it still remains a concern and a problem because people are not taking the vaccine.

It’s not a matter of access.

The vaccines are available but because of misinformation, I think we’re having that challenge. This year, we have allocated enough monies to continue these campaigns where we will be sending out teams to do vaccination in various communities across the interior,” the Health Minister highlighted.

In Guyana, 427,680 or 83.4 per cent of the adult population have received a first COVID-19 dose while 320,221 or 62.4 per cent have returned for their second jab. Some 44,282 booster shots have been administered.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until February 28, 2022. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the

six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy Around the world, some 395 million people have been infected, with over 5.7 million reported deaths. In the Americas, cases have surpassed 139 million with 2.5 million deaths. (G12)

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

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NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead, 1 injured after ATV collides with lorry

The ATV and the truck that were involved in the accident

A 45-year-old man of Cummings Street, Georgetown, was killed af-

ter the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) he was on collided with a truck in North West

District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice triple murder

Men were killed for $45,000 – Judge …1 sentenced to death, 1 gets life imprisonment

By Andrew Carmichael

O

ne of the accused in the gruesome 2016 murder of three persons in the Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was on Thursday sentenced to death while another was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Sandil Kissoon following a trial in the Berbice High Court.

Four persons were on trial for the murders: Carlon Chaitram, Jairam Chaitram, Tameshwar Jagmohan, and Rakesh Karamchand.

They were accused of murdering Pawan Chandradeo, 38; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 15; and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 33, at Mibicuri Backdam between July 21 and 22, 2016.

The number one accused – 24-year-old Jairam Chaitram – pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He was, however, sentenced to life imprisonment. Chaitram, a teenager at the time, was the one who pulled the trigger resulting in the death of the three.

Justice Kissoon said sentencing must act as a deterrent to others. He was sentenced to life on each count.

“In other words, you are to spend the rest of your life in prison,” Justice Kissoon told the 24-year-old man, who had confessed to killing the fishermen because he wanted to conceal his identity in a criminal act he and the others had gone into the backlands to perpetrate.

From left: Carlon Chaitram, Jairam Chaitram, Tameshwar Jagmohan, and Rakesh Karamchand

Meanwhile, sentenced to death was Jagmohan, who was unanimously found guilty Thursday.

The other two accused are expected to be sentenced next week. They had also pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

State Prosecutor, Attorney-at-Law Abigail Gibbs had told the court that the quartet had gone into the backdam to steal fuel from a farmer and they killed the trio who was there on a fishing expedition. The trio was killed because they may have witnessed the theft of fuel.

Following the guilty verdict on Thursday, Justice Kissoon stated that the fishermen were killed for $45,000. “That is what ten jars of fuel cost,” the Judge said.

Show no mercy

State Prosecutor, Attorney-at-Law Abigail Gibbs asked the court to ensure that punishment re-

flects the nature of the crime.

“Two fathers are absent from their homes, just as he showed no mercy and acted selfishly, I urge the court not to have mercy in sentencing,” she pleaded.

Throughout the trial, Jagmohan maintained his innocence, telling the court that he was not the person who pulled the trigger. He claimed that after three persons were seen on the dam as they approached the fuel tank, he urged the others with him to abort the mission.

However, both Justice Kissoon and the State prosecutor pointed out that Jagmohan did not distance himself from the crime in any way.

“You did not seek to report the matter to authorities or to anyone else.

Instead, you tried to conceal your actions by getting gasoline, diesel and lime to wash off your hands and you went about your life as if noth-

ing had happened,” the trial Judge said.

After being found guilty by the mixed jury, Jagmohan said he was not satisfied with the trial.

“It was an unfair trial. I should have been charged with accessory to murder or something like that,” he told the court when asked if he had anything to say before sentencing was passed.

He argued that he did not shoot the fishermen.

However, the prosecutor called on the court to address the notion that only the “trigger man” can be accused of murder so that others would not make the same mistake.

Meanwhile, Chaitram, when asked if he had anything to say, told the court that he was sorry for what he had done.

“I did not apologise to the family because they would not accept it,” he said.

Indrewattie Rooplall, Pawan Chandradeo’s wife, Jaikarran’s mother, and the

sister of Naresh Rooplall, told the court that things have not been the same since the incident.

“When I heard that my family had died; my husband my son and my brother I screamed out and I lost away. When I went to the Black Bush Mibicuri Hospital where I identified my family’s bodies, after seeing them I lost away again and when I regained consciousness, I was on a hospital bed… what hurt me the most is knowing that the person who killed my family, Jairam Chaitram, my husband worked with his father and I could not have believed that he killed my family. It hurts really bad knowing that I am living in the same village with the person who killed my family and me and my family is still scared because we are living in the same village where Chaitram Jairam family lives.”

The widow said since the incident, she has been hav-

ing nervous breakdowns and has been hospitalised several times since.

“It is affecting my job. I am a security guard. It is also affecting my kids too because my daughter is always sick and my son is still traumatised and would not take counselling.

She said both of her sons had to drop out of school as a result of the incident.

“The only income I have to sustain me and my children is from my job and my 19-year-old son who dropped out from school is now is a security guard. My husband that died was the breadwinner for the home and because he is not alive anymore my two sons had to drop out from school and the older one is now helping with my finances,” Rooplall told the court.

Meanwhile, her teenage daughter who was given a chance to speak to Chaitram told him that he still has a father. “You can see your father. I can’t see mine,” she said and broke down in tears.

During the trial, Forensic Pathologist Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan, who was the last witness for the prosecution, told the court that all three victims died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds. He said the teenager was shot to his temple and the bullet went through his head, shattering his skull and disfiguring his brain. His father also received similar injuries while Rooplall’s entire brain was removed from his head by the pellets from the shotgun.

“We can’t continue with a prolonged curfew” – President Ali …as COVID-19 Task Force looks at removing restriction

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has instructed the National COVID-19 Task Force to look into removing the current midnight to 4am curfew that was imposed under the Emergency Measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in Guyana.

A national curfew was instituted countrywide following the first COVID case detected in Guyana in March 2020. While the timings have varied over the past two years, the latest renewed measures stipulate a curfew from midnight to 4am.

However, President Ali, speaking at the launch of the 2022 Edition of the “Explore Guyana” magazine on Thursday evening, disclosed that he has asked Prime Minister, Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips, who currently heads the COVID-19 Task Force, to engage the various stakeholders with the aim of reviewing the curfew.

According to the Head of State, he wants this to be done as early as today.

The President reasoned that dealing with the COVID-19

pandemic is an evolution.

“We saw that there are many studies saying lockdown just help by 0.0001 per cent. What is needed in this stage in dealing with the pandemic are the protocols – ensuring all the agencies have the sanitisation device, ensuring that we continue to educate people on the vaccination programme, ensuring that the guidelines and protocols are observed. But for sure, we can’t continue with a prolonged curfew; and it is my hope and intention that the curfew can be removed once the necessary steps are followed by as early as tomorrow [Friday],” President Ali announced.

When contacted on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Phillips confirmed that the Task Force is currently looking at removing the curfew.

According to the COVID-19 Task Force Head, the matter is currently being discussed.

“Let’s wait and see what will happen tomorrow,” he indicated.

The Prime Minister went on to explain that there

is a process that needs to be followed involving the Ministry of Health as well as the Central Board of Health.

This process, he noted, has been activated.

Asked whether any of the other existing COVID measures will be relaxed, the Prime Minister said when a decision is made, the public will be notified.

Meanwhile, during his remarks at the magazine launch on Thursday evening, President Ali pointed out that the tourism sector, not just in Guyana but globally, is coming out of two very difficult and hard-

hit years.

However, the Head of State noted that Guyana should celebrate the multi-stakeholder approach that has been taken towards resolving this shock and ensuring that the entire shock was not passed over to the sector.

“I think we have done exceedingly well [in] creating that balance… When I say we, it’s the Government partnering with the Private Sector and civil society in creating that balance,” the President asserted.

But with efforts now being undertaken to reverse

the curfew, President Ali emphasised that persons need to exercise responsibility since the pandemic is still real. This means following the COVID protocols including the wearing of masks, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.

To date, some 427,680 persons or 83.4 per cent of the adult population have received a first dose of a COVID vaccine while 320,221 or 62.4 per cent have received two doses.

In terms of booster doses, 44,282 persons have received their jabs.

The current COVID-19 measures stipulate that from 04:00h to 23:00h, stakeholders can continue to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing stores; or other maintenance services.

Other services including food services, restaurants, bars (including those at hotels) can facilitate delivery, drive-thru, curb-side pickup and take away services

between this time. Selfservice buffet dining is still prohibited. Gambling, pool, and snooker games are not allowed at bars.

Indoor and outdoor dining is also permitted within the same hours at 60 per cent capacity, tables spaced six feet apart, and patrons above the age of 12 in possession of their vaccination card with accompanying identification document.

There are still restrictions on social activities, where no one shall host or attend a private party, banquet, ball, reception, hotel swimming pool or waterpark, wage, vigil, club, discotheque, social club, civil organisation or association, fraternal society; or any other social activity. Sporting events require approval from the Ministry of Health.

Casinos, betting shops, or cinemas can still operate but only at forty per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status. (G8)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Unruly display in Parliament

Opposition calls for sanctions also against Nigel Dharamlall over vile comment …says “fairness” in National Assembly must be upheld

National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition on Thursday called on Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir to suspend Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall for his “vile” statement in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

During the Consideration of the Budget 2022 Estimates for his Ministry, Minister Dharamlall, in response to heckling from the coalition Opposition’s Members of Parliament, uttered “You gotta get a dildo; that’s what you looking for.”

About an hour later, APNU/AFC MP Sherod Duncan stormed into the Assembly, which was in Committee of Supply to consider the estimates, and began hurling insults at the Local Government Minister while disrupting the sitting in the process.

Duncan used words such as “nasty” which are considered to be unparliamentary language. Further, despite repeated pleas and orders by Speaker Nadir to desist from his behaviour and return to his seat, the Opposition MP continued with his disruptions.

A final order by the Speaker for him to leave the National Assembly was also ignored by Duncan, thus resulting in his suspension for four sittings.

However, the APNU/AFC Members of Parliament wrote Speaker Nadir on Thursday to express their grave concerns over the series of events that played out the House the day before.

Vilest comments

In the letter, which was shared with the media, Chief Whip Christopher Jones took note of MP Duncan’s suspension but found it “interesting” that the same level of sanction has not been applied to Minister Dhamramlall, who, he said “…is on public record as uttering while on the floor, one of the vilest comments that could be directed to any female member of Parliament anywhere in the world.”

According to Jones, “This

we find totally unacceptable and expect that the same level of censorship will be applied to the offending Minister. It is our hope that you will review your position on both these issues as we understand the difficulty of managing the situation at the time and that you may not have been in possession of all the facts.”

“The dispensation and perception of fairness in the discussions of this Honourable House must be upheld at all times for the people of Guyana to see,” the Opposition Chief Whip further pointed out.

However, while the APNU/ AFC is claiming that the remark was made to a female Opposition MP, Minister Dharamlall in an apology posted to his Facebook page, had clarified that it was in response to “incessant insults” by Duncan.

“I read with astonishment, the total fabrication by the AFC of a situation in [Wednesday’s] sitting of the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly of Guyana. Their media release is totally untruthful… On many occasions, the MPs on the Government side have been ridiculed with some of the most uncouth and slanderous things about their bodies, their spouses, their children, their sexuality and even their dead relatives…”

Dharamlall went on to say, “…My heckle regarding a dildo was aimed at verbal excesses of MP Sherod Duncan. In hindsight, I should not have responded to the continued insults on me, my family and deceased sister, (yes they insulted my sister who died 11 years ago) by members of the APNU/AFC.” This post by the Minister came after he had already withdrawn his “unparliamentary statements” during the National Assembly sitting on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in the letter to Speaker Nadir on Thursday, Chief Whip Jones also raised concerns about the misapplication of the Standing Orders in relation to the suspension of MP Duncan.

He outlined that the suspension was instituted while in the Committee of Supply instead of the larger National

APNU/AFC MP Sherod Duncan

Assembly.

“Giving the sanctity of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Guyana we feel this error must be corrected for the record. We look forward to your kind review of these concerns,” the letter detailed.

This correction was made during Thursday’s sitting with Government Chief Whip, Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira,

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

re-tabling the motion for Duncan’s suspension on the floor of the National Assembly.

Currently, Duncan is one of eight APNU/AFC MPs already before the Privileges Committee, for the infamous Mace grab of December 29, 2021 when Opposition members protested the hearing of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, which they wanted to be sent to a parliamentary Special Select

Committee for review.

The coalition MPs stood banging on their desks when the Bill was called up for debate and subsequently gathered in the pit of the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where National Assembly sittings are being held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bill was eventually passed late into the evening but not before the Opposition’s protest esca-

lated into a physical confrontation with Parliament staff after one of the MPs snatched the Parliament Mace from in front of Speaker Nadir.

The other APNU/ AFC MPs sent to the Privileges Committee include Chief Whip Jones, Annette Ferguson, Ganesh Mahipaul, Natasha SinghLewis, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, and Maureen Philadelphia. (G8)

20 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Health Ministry starts $1B major upgrades, new Police Stations in 2022 – Benn roll-out of HIV self-testing …current revamp works to be ready by mid-year

H

ome Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has announced that the rehabilitation and expansion works of several Police stations across the country, should wrap up by midyear.

Opposition parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan-Edmond during Thursday’s Examination of Estimates for Budget 2022, commended the injection of funding for such investments as she requested a status update on the projects.

“We have a long list of Police stations for which works are underway.

Some are rolled over. We expect that by the end of the second quarter, that all of these would be at practical completion,” Benn noted.

For the reconstruction of the Ruimveldt Station, $32 million is being spent. Works at various stations are pegged at $21 million for Mabaruma, $36 million at Providence, $20.6 million for Yarakita, $20 million at Baramita, $13 million for Imbaimadai, $14.8 million for Kamarang, $10 million for New Amsterdam, $7.8 million for Kurupung and $8.8 million for Kato.

In 2022, an allocation of $405 million has been set aside for a new Brickdam Police Station. A design has already been finalised, and the Home Affairs Ministry is consulting to determine the structural make-up of the building.

“The Brickdam barracks are under rehabilitation forced on with the issues by the fire for $20 million…In respect to the new Brickdam Police Station, we have made three conceptual designs to which we have adopted one. We intend to get, along with our engineering group, work with some consultants

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

in respect of the structural, foundation design and issues related to the reticulation of the building,” Minister Benn relayed to the House.

Tuschen will get a new Police station at the cost of $19 million and $36 million, respectively.

Works at regional command stations will focus on Anna Regina, Leonora, Fort Wellington, Wismar to the tune of $150 million. Tactical Services Unit will also be upgraded for $40 million while the Special Constabulary headquarters will be redone for $20 million; with $36 million for Bartica and $20 million for Rose Hall.

The construction of living quarters at Port Kaituma has been listed at $686,000 while the senior officers’ living quarters at Eve Leary will be established $11.7 million. Meanwhile, rehabilitative works have been com-

pleted at the Parika Police Station.

Government has works in the pipeline to restore the prison structures that were razed by fire, to which Minister Benn outlined their intention of creating a rehabilitative environment. In recent time, he pointed towards lowered rates of recidivism.

“Recidivism in the prisons has been reduced and it will get better now that we move with the new construction at Lusignan, create new conditions and create a rehabilitative environment for our prison systems.”

In the 2022 budget, $75 million has been approved for community policing groups and for the establishment of new groups. Benn pointed out that in the past, these groups were almost dismantled under the former Administration.

“The groups were disbanded. Their equipment was taken away. Their pick-ups, vehicle and means of transport were taken. Their little shotguns were taken away. That is a fact. We had to get new people and members of the community to re-form the groups so that we could resuscitate the system.”

It was reported that of the $4.7 billion allocated to build on the important work and advancement of the justice sector in Guyana this year, $1.3 billion will be expended to support the Judiciary to improve access to justice, especially in previously underserved areas.

To this end, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Vigilance Magistrate’s Courts will be completed in 2022, while two additional Magistrate’s Courts and living quarters along the East Bank of Demerara at Timehri and Friendship, will be advanced. (G12)

…$931M allocated for new ARVs

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

T

he Health Ministry has commenced the rollout of self-testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), setting the stage for a faster detection rate among the population.

The HIV self-testing mechanism has been touted by health authorities in recent time and President Irfaan Ali had announced Government’s intention to get this service offered last month.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared during Thursday’s Consideration of Estimates and Expenditure in the National Assembly that Guyanese can now selftest for the virus.

“We started rolling out what is called self-testing.

If somebody believes that they’re HIV-positive, instead of coming to one of the clinics to get tested, they can get a home kit and test themselves at home,” said the Minister, while fielding questions from Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Karen Cummings.

The World Health Organisation recommends HIV self-testing as a safe, accurate and effective way to reach people who may not test otherwise, including people from key populations.

As of 2021, statistics showed that 9022 persons in Guyana were diagnosed with HIV, while 6573 persons are on treatment, and 4052 are virally suppressed. For that year, only 71 are new cases reported for the year.

This year, a whopping $73.2 billion has been approved for the Health Ministry. From the $4.1 billion allocated in the 2022 budget for medicine and drug supplies, $931 million will be used for the procurement of new antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the Ministry to treat HIV patients.

“In this particular programme, we are switching out some of the old ARVs that we are using. We have a new algorithm that we will be using now for our patients.

This involves new drugs and they’re a little more costly.

So, we have allocated $931 million for that particular expenditure,” he told the House.

For the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), $15.5 million will be used for training of doctors to use the new medications; and usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“We want to make sure

that most of our primary care doctors are able to do PrEP and also PEP. If somebody has been exposed to HIV, that they can get treatment readily. These are the types of training that we will be doing.”

Included in the drugs expenditure is $776 million for testing at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, $523 million for the Health Emergency Operations Centre for COVID, $328 million for the development of a malaria laboratory, $208 million for tuberculosis response, and $689 million for the valuation leg of the filaria campaign through the Pan American Health Organisation.

Meanwhile, $863 million was also allocated for medical assistance to persons suffering from varying illnesses.

In addition, $1.1 billion is being injected for the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, under this heading, specifically for oxygen, PPEs, medications and other supplies.

Medical assistance

The Health Minister shared that over 1500 persons benefitted from assistance in 2021 for treatment of their respective illnesses.

This time around, an increase of $399 million has been injected to cover such expenses.

This follows a breakdown of $400 million for patients who need cardiac interventions, $60 million for CAT scans and MRIs, $70 million for radiation therapy, $18 million for cross matching before renal transplants, $20 million for specialised eye care or operations and $12 million for patients needing prosthetics.

A projected $180 million has already been earmarked to fulfil the $600,000 per year grant to dialysis patients.

Another $103 million was approved to offset expenses associated with overseas treatment.

“This heading has been beneficial to a lot of people.

In 2021, we were able to help with the allocations that we were given, 1538 persons and this number is expected to grow during this year,” the Minister detailed.

In response, MP Cummings relayed, “It’s commendable and I’m happy that you increased it. There are still persons who are vulnerable and poor.” (G12)

21 2 men, woman remanded on attempted murder charges T NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

wo men and a woman were remanded to prison on Wednesday on separate attempted murder charges when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

In the first case, Tishawn McKenzie, 26, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he allegedly wounded a man over a stolen glass door.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on January

19, at Georgetown, with the intent to commit murder, he wounded Robert Samaroo.

The prosecutor related that Samaroo went to McKenzie’s house on the day in question to uplift a sliding glass door that the latter reportedly stole from his grandmother and gave Samaroo to keep.

Shortly after, an argument broke out between the men during which McKenzie armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt Samaroo sev-

eral lashes about his body before making good his escape.

A report was lodged with the Police soon after.

McKenzie was arrested, and according to the prosecutor, he admitted to the offence under caution. The prosecutor made serious objections to the accused being granted bail and in so doing, cited the serious nature of the offence and the penalty it attracts.

These objections were upheld. McKenzie was remand-

Linden man busted with ganja at Eugene F Correia Airport

Jamal Millington

The weed that was found by CANU

24-year-old resident of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), landed himself in hot water on Tuesday after he was busted with 56.3 grams of marijuana at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It was reported that a rank of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) conducted a search of the passenger, Jamal Millington, and his luggage which led to the discovery of the suspected narcotics stored in two Pringles tins.

The substance was test-

ed and confirmed to be ganja.

The suspect was arrested and remains in custody pending charges.

Four months ago, a 33-year-old woman was busted with a quantity of cocaine in bowls of frozen food at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) had intercepted the woman who was identified as Mallika Lambert, with the drug on October 12, 2021 at the CJIA. At the time, she was an outgoing passenger on a Copa Airlines flight destined to Panama with onward connec-

A

tions to JFK, New York.

When CANU ranks searched her luggage, 6.232 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found concealed in a bowl of curry and a bowl of pepper pot in one of her checkin luggage. As such, she was arrested and charged.

Prior to that incident, a 50-year-old man who holds dual citizenship for Guyana and the USA was detained after he was busted with a large quantity of marijuana shortly after arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Joel Cadogan, who lives and works in New York, was taken into custody when the discovery was made

by Customs officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

CANU said the suspect entered Guyana with three large suitcases and two handpieces. He cleared immigration and was subjected to a random search by a GRA Customs official, and four compressed plastic parcels of suspected cannabis wrapped in jeans were uncovered in his luggage.

The substance was weighed and amounted to 4lbs.The suspect was detained and later charged. (G9)

Over $30M worth of ganja found, destroyed

R

The marijuana that was destroyed by Police

anks of Regional Division Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, conducted an eradication exercise at Fort Nassau Savannah, Upper Berbice River, on Thursday where a farm consisting of about 10,000 Cannabis sativa plants ranging from 3ft to 5ft in height with a street value of $4 million were destroyed.

As Police approached the camp, three males were

seen running into the nearby bushes and escaped.

Another farm was discovered in the same area with about 450 beds that were already reaped, and a makeshift camp containing 900lbs of compressed Cannabis sativa valued $27 million was discovered.

A nursery consisting of 5000 plants, along with a .38 revolver and a single barrel shotgun were also found.

The makeshift camp, plants, and compressed

Cannabis sativa were all destroyed by fire and the firearms were taken to Central Police Station and lodged.

Not long ago, Police destroyed $2 billion worth of ganja in the Berbice River.

Ranks reported that they discovered and destroyed the cannabis sativa at Maria Henrietta village.

The Police said that more than 500,000 cannabis plants ranging in height from one foot to 8 feet; 2000 pounds of dried cannabis, 100 pounds of cannabis seeds, and four nurseries were destroyed in the exercise.

The operation was conducted by ranks of Regional Division 10 on 40 acres of land at the said location.

Further checks conducted in the area led to the discovery of six camps suspected to be living quarters. In addition, empty 12-gauge shotgun cartridges were found in one of the camps.

The cannabis plants and camps were set on fire. (G9)

Attempted murder Tishawn McKenzie

accused:

ed until next Tuesday.

In another matter, a mother of five and another man were remanded to prison after being slapped with a similar charge. They also appeared before the Chief Magistrate.

Terrence Park, 44, and 28-year-old Michala Matthias, both of Kitty Seawall, Georgetown, allegedly wounded Kevin Sutton on September 2, 2021, with the intent to murder him. They too were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Facts stated that Park and

Attempted murder accused: Michala Matthias and Terrence Park

Matthias are both self-employed as food and beverage vendors. On the day in question, they got into a heated argument with Sutton which later escalated into a scuffle.

The court heard that Park armed himself with a piece of wood and a cutlass while Matthias picked up a knife.

They then attacked Sutton, stabbing him to his head and about the body. As a result, the injured man, who fell to the ground, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by public-spirited citizens.

Sutton remains in a critical state at the hospital.

Following the brawl, a report was made to the Police which led to the arrest of Park and Matthias. Like in McKenzie’s case, the prosecutor objected to these two accused being released on bail.

The prosecutor’s grounds for objections included the serious nature of the offence, the penalty the charge attracts as well as the fact that the virtual complainant is still hospitalised. Park and Mathias were remanded until February 28. (G1)

22 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead, 1 injured...

Dead is Nigel Knights.

Police said Knights was one

of two pillion riders that were on the ATV when the acci-

FROM PAGE 17

dent occurred.

The other pillion rider,

39-year-old Leslie Norton of Highma Top Backdam, NWD, is in serious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

It was reported that the accident occurred around 11:00h along the Eye Lash Access Road. The ATV was driven by Rovin James, 36, of Charity, Essequibo Coast at the time.

The ATV was reportedly speeding down a hill when James lost control and collid-

ed with the truck GZZ 4598.

The truck was being driven by Ryan Vanlange, 38, of Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

As a result of the collision, Knights, Norton and James were tossed off the ATV and fell onto the road.

Knights was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Port Kaituma District Hospital ,where he was pronounced dead,

while Norton was in a semi-conscious state and was later transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital via a private aircraft for further medical treatment.

Police said James and Vanlange have been served with notices of intended prosecution as investigations continue.

James was also arrested and taken to Matthews Ridge Police Station. (G9)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Lady Jags billed for international action next Wednesday G

uyana’s national women’s football team, the Lady Jags, will storm into action next Wednesday, marking their first international assignment for the year 2022.

Slated to take on the ladies out of Dominica on February 16 at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Lady Jags begin their journey on the road to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Then the Lady Jags will jet out to Turks and Caicos Islands, where they will take on the Turks and Caicos national women’s team at their National Academy for their first away game.

Based on the fact that the Lady Jags are in Group F of the competition along with Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Nicaragua, they will have home and away assignments against the latter two teams in

several weeks’ time.

With six groups in the CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers competition, the top finisher from each group will gain automatic qualification to the CONCACAF Women’s Championships. The US and Canadian Women’s teams have already qualified for the tournament based on their first- and second-place rankings in the CONCACAF region.

The Women’s Championships will act as CONCACAF’s Qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand 2023 and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games.

With eight teams will participating in the 2022 Women’s Championships, inclusive of the USA and Canada, and the six CONCACAF W Qualifiers group winners; the top two finishers in each group will cement their spot in the competition’s semi-finals and more important-

CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers Groups: Group A:

Mexico, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda and Anguilla

Group B:

Costa Rica, Guatemala, Saint Kitts and Nevis, US Virgin Islands, and Curacao

Group C:

Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Grenada and Cayman Islands

Group D:

Panama, El Salvador, Barbados, Belize and Aruba

Group E:

Haiti, Cuba, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands

Group F:

Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Nicaragua, Dominica and Turks and Caicos Islands

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The Lady Jags will kick-start their 2022 international calendar on Wednesday, February 16

ly, earn their qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

Thereafter, the third-

place finishers in the group will have the chance to play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-off.

The eventual CONCACAF Women’s Champion will also guarantee themselves a spot in the 2024 Paris Summer

Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

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

West Indies legend Sir Curtly Ambrose meets President Dr Irfaan Ali

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali, on Thursday morning, met with West Indies fast bowling great, Sir Curtly Ambrose.

The two shared ideas and had a comprehensive discussion about the game.

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster; Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who is a patron of the BCB and two young cricketers – Jonathan Rampersaud and Surendar Kissoonlall – also attended the meeting.

Sir Curtly is in Guyana to conduct a three-day fast-bowling clinic in Berbice.

The coaching programme for fast bowlers and batsmen will commence from today, Friday, February 11 at Albion. Sir Curtly would be conducting the fast-bowling clinic while former national opening batsman Nolan McKenzie is expected to host a batting clinic. BCB President Foster at the Board’s Annual General Meeting on December 19 last year had unveiled a massive coaching programme as part of his administration’s plans for the period 2022 to 2023.

Foster stated that the Board would invest heavily in coaching to make sure that every potential talent in the county is given the opportunity to develop, and also to lift the standard of the county’s cricket to another level. The BCB, he stated, was aiming to produce a total of 10 West Indies players at all levels over the course of the next few years. Clinics would be held for fast bowlers, off-spinners, left-arm spinners, leg spinners, Captains, wicketkeepers, and batsmen while investment would also be made in producing more Coaches for the county.

The BCB would be organising clinics for pre-level one coaches while sessions would also be held for umpires, match referees, scorers, and managers in

President Ali and Sir Curtly in the presence of BCB President Hilbert Foster and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, a BCB patron

an aggressive developmental programme.

Foster stated that he was contacted by overseas-based Guyanese medical doctor Frank Denbow , who stated that he would like to sponsor a fast-bowling clinic once the BCB could get Sir Curtly to conduct it. Dr Denbow informed the BCB President that he was very impressed with the raw talent of Isai Thorne and wanted to invest in his development, along with other fast bowlers’. Foster immediately contacted the legendary fast bowler,

who readily agreed but had to find a suitable date to visit. Eventually, the parties agreed that Sir Curtly would arrive on Thursday, February 10 and departed on February 14.

The fast-bowling clinic would be held from today to Sunday with more than 40 players expected to be present. The BCB Selection Committees, headed

by Albert Smith and Balram Samaroo, would host a series of sessions before selecting the fast bowlers for the training. Sir Curtly is expected to

pay courtesy calls on several Government officials, including Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, and would also be involved in inspiration sessions with administrators across the county, a question-andanswer session, and a visit to the Upper Corentyne area.

Dr Denbow is also expected to be in the county for the clinic, and he has expressed confidence that his sponsorship would result in the county producing more fast bowlers in the future. Berbice is more known for producing spinners like Ivan Madray, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Devindra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, and Gudakesh Motie. Fast bowlers who hailed from the county include John Trim, Leslaine Lambert, Ray Joseph, Brandon Bess, Romario Shepherd, and Nial Smith.

Sir Curtly is widely considered a legend of the game and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He played 98 tests for the West Indies, taking 405 wickets at the remarkable average of 21.00 and played 176 One-Day International matches, taking 225 wickets at 24.1.

Meanwhile, former national player McKenzie volunteered his services to the BCB, to conduct a batting clinic at the same time as Ambrose’s visit – an offer that was readily accepted by Foster.

The batting clinic would involve 40 of the most promising youth batters in the county. The 52-yearold McKenzie played 19 First-Class matches for Guyana, scoring 800 runs with six half-centuries.

He is expected to work with promising batters like Rampertab Ramnauth, Jonathan Rampersaud, Leon Cecil, Zeymul Ramsammy, and Mahendra Gopilall.

The BCB has expressed gratitude to Dr Denbow for his support and sponsorship.

McSween dominates as Guyana Harpy Eagles trail Volcanoes

L

eft-arm fast bowler and number 10 batsman Preston McSween was the star of day two at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, as Windward Islands Volcanoes maintained control against Guyana Harpy Eagles in the opening fixture of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day Championships.

At stumps, Harpy Eagles were 181-5, trailing by 158 runs.

Vishaul Singh is unbeaten on 40 while Keemo Paul is on 20.

Earlier, Volcanoes resumed the day on 277-9, the final-wicket pair of McSween and Sherman Lewis adding 124 runs to propel the Volcanoes to 339 after 106.2 overs. McSween struck nine fours and two sixes in his 86. His fellow pacer, Lewis made 31 from 111 balls. On the first day, Alick Athanaze made 68 while Devon Smith struck 52.

Gudakesh Motie was the pick of the bowlers with 4-62 from 26.2 overs which included nine maidens. Veerasammy Permaul had 3-88 and Paul had 3-84.

In response, Eagles lost Chandrapaul Hemraj cheaply for five at 10-1, but Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul joined forces and added 48 runs together. Then, Hetmyer, who struck three fours in his 24 from 37 balls, flicked one to short mid-wicket and was brilliantly taken.

The young Chanderpaul made 30 from 58 balls, with six fours while Captain Leon Johnson played some positive shots and added 32 runs with his former school-mate, Vishaul Singh. Johnson was bowled all ends up by McSween at 95-4. Johnson scored 28 from 37 balls, which was decorated with five fours.

Wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble looked his usual attacking mode, but his promising knock ended when he was trapped by Lewis at 141-5. Bramble faced 38 balls for his 26, which had one six and three fours. Singh stood tall with his unbeaten 40, batting for 93 balls and striking four boundaries. Paul was aggressive in his 20 from 26 balls, which had two fours and one six.

Play on the third day is set to begin 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time today at Queen’s Park Oval.

Summary scores of other matches:

BAR v LEE LEE 172/9D (53.3) BAR 324 (113.2) Springer 91; Dowrich 86; Cornwall 4-99; Archibald 3-47.

BAR lead by 152 runs.

JAM v TT JAM 141 (51.4) Blackwood 44; Charles 6-48.

TT 234/6 (98) Cariah 72, Rajah 58*; Gordon 3-51.

TT lead by 93 runs.

SCOREBOARD WINDWARD ISLANDS BATTING Kimani Melius b Moti-Kanhai 3 Devon Smith c Johnson b Paul 52 Kavem Hodge c Johnson b Paul 10 Alick Athanaze lbw b Permaul 68 Keron Cottoy c Johnson b Permaul 34 Denis Smith lbw b Paul 12 Ryan John c Moti-Kanhai b Permaul 12 Larry Edward c Bramble b Moti-Kanhai Kenneth Dember b Moti-Kanhai 6 Preston McSween c Bramble b Moti-Kanhai 86 Sherman Lewis not out 31 Total (10 wickets, 106.2) (24 extras) 339 FOW: 46/1 (14.2) Kavem Hodge 95/2 (30.3) Devon Smith 157/3 (44.6) Alick Athanaze 190/4 (56.6) Denis Smith, 190/5 (57.1) Denis Smith, 195/6 (61.4) Kimani Melius, 201/7 (63.2) Larry Edward 213/8 (69.6) Kenneth Dember 215/9 (72.2) Ryan John, 339/10 (106.2) Preston McSween

Preston McSween and Sherman Lewis

Bowling Nial Smith (14-4-49-0) Keemo Paul (24-3-84-3) Clinton Pestano (10-1-30-0)

Veerasammy Permaul (30-5-88-3) Gudakesh Motie (26.2-9-62-4) Chanderpaul Hemraj (2-0-8-0) GUYANA INNINGS Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Athanaze b Lewis Chanderpaul Hemraj c Athanaze b McSween Shimron Hetmyer c John b Lewis Leon Johnson b McSween Vishaul Singh not out Anthony Bramble lbw b Lewis Keemo Paul not out

30 5 24 28 40 26 20

Total (5 wickets, 49.0) (8 extras) 181 10/1 (4.1) Chanderpaul Hemraj, 58/2 (16.1) Shimron Hetmyer 63/3 (18.3) Tagenarine Chanderpaul 95/4 (28.6) Leon Johnson 141/5 (38.6) Anthony Bramble Bowling Preston McSween (14-4-44-2) Sherman Lewis (12-1-47-3) Ryan John (13-1-50-0) Kenneth Dember (5-1-16-0) Larry Edward (5-0-22-0)

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