Guyana Times -- Saturday, August 15, 2020

P9

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4378

guyanatimesgy.com

Schools to remain closed in September – Education Minister

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

Govt to prepare emergency budget in 21 days – VP Jagdeo — says Finance Minister to be named shortly Page 3

Trumped-up fraud charges against President Ali dismissed Page 9

Chinese Govt donates ventilators, PPE to aid COVID-19 fight

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police destroy 6,000 ganja plants in P9 Canje Creek

WBD family terrorised, P15 robbed by armed bandits Homeless P2 man stabbed to death at D’Urban Park

Page 12

P14 18 new COVID-19 cases recorded Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony receiving the donation from Chinese Ambassador Cui Jinchun

Nandlall tells Protocols were Harmon followed challenge to in packing rice – GRDB termination — containers offloaded in DR before heading to Germany "woefully misplaced" Cocaine found in rice consignment in Germany

Page 7

Page 11

Knife-wielding teen kills 3-year-old nephew, brother-in-law

— 2 others remain critical in ICU

PRICE

See story on page 2

…curfew extended to August 31

Cops charged for alleged murder of unarmed man during highspeed chaseP8

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Knife-wielding teen kills 3-year- Homeless man stabbed old nephew, brother-in-law to death at D’Urban Park

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– 2 others remain critical in ICU

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frustrated teenager went berserk on Thursday at his home in Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where he attacked and killed his brother-in-law and threeyear-old nephew. The incident occurred at about 15:30h.

The dead man has been identified as 55-year-old Ramdat Singh also called “Shami” of Bat Creek, Upper Pomeroon River, and formerly of Aberdeen, Essequibo Coast and the dead lad has been identified as three-year-old Kissoon Williams.

In addition, after stabbing Singh, the teenager, who was reportedly in self-isolation after he tested positive for COVID-19, attacked three children and his two sisters.

One of the women and three children were stabbed about the bodies while the other woman’s throat was slashed.

The deceased along with the injured persons were rushed to the Charity Hospital where Ramdat Singh was examined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced him dead.

The injured persons were all transferred to the Suddie Hospital, with two of them being rushed to the theatre for emergency surgery. The other three were treated and placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Their condition is regarded as stable. The teenager has since fled the scene.

However, the suspect’s sister, Joanie Williams, 22, reportedly told investigators that she and her three children aged six, three and one along with her other sister, Jennel Williams, left home and went to a landing to bathe.

The landing is reportedly located some 100 feet from their home. At that time, she recalled that the suspect was sleeping.

After spending some time at the landing, she and two of her children left the landing for home, leaving her sister and the other child at the landing bathing.

Nevertheless, as she made her way home, she saw her brother holding a knife as he walked towards Singh, who was standing in the yard. The young man then confronted Singh and dealt him several blows about the body. The injured man reportedly collapsed.

Upon seeing this, Williams grabbed her two children and started to run but the suspect went in pursuit of her. She was subsequently intercepted and stabbed four times to the chest.

As she attempted to run away from him, he stabbed her one-year-old son to his back and the other sustained a stab wound to the lower abdomen.

Not satisfied, he turned his attention, to his other niece, who was at the landing and slashed her throat. He also at-

Dead: Ramdat Singh

tacked his older sister, Jennel Williams and stabbed her four times to the chest.

Singh was stabbed once to his chest and once on both sides of his abdomen. His body was taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

Meanwhile, the suspect, a 15-year-old was on Friday evening arrested in the presence of his father.

Following the arrest, it was observed that he had a stab wound to the chest and a cut around his neck. He later admitted that he attempt to kill himself.

He was taken to the Charity Police Station and afterwards escorted to the Charity Hospital where he was treated and handed over to the police.

he body of a homeless man was on Friday morning discovered at the D’Urban Park with multiple stab wounds about his body.

The dead man has been identified as 51-year-old Clint Gravesande. Reports are that he usually sleeps in one of the stands at the park.

Guyana Times understands that the man might have been attacked while sleeping in one of the stands. It is believed that he attempted to escape from his attacker but collapsed on a bridge at the Hadfield Street end of the facility.

Trails of bloodstains were seen leading from the bridge to one of the stands.

The now dead man was last seen alive by his family on Thursday just after 16:00h. Police are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage from the area.

Meanwhile, this has been the third instance where someone was found dead in the Park.

In December 2019, 28-year-old Seon Anthony

The body at the scene as Police comb the area for clues

Burry also called “Cenestro”, a Rural Constable (RC) attached to the Police Force Sports Club, was discovered with multiple stab wounds to the neck and throat.

Then on the evening of February 23, 2020, 59-yearold Cyril Harold of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East

Bank Essequibo (EBE), was discovered by a group of persons. He was found lying face down along Haley Street near D’Urban Park.

However, a few months after those two murders, Gravesande has been reported the third persons to have been killed at the Park.

Pensioner stabbed, robbed by “family friend”

Harris’s stab wound on his hand

Harris’s stab wounds at the back of his head

pensioner is now nursing stab wounds about his body after he was beaten, stabbed and robbed by a man that is known to his family for years.

On Wednesday last, Patrick Harris, 69, of 3278 Lamaha Place, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, was stabbed in the head and robbed of $80,000 in cash at about 12:00h at a strip mall located at the last entrance of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the man’s granddaughter, Kadija Andrews, explained that the elderly man was attacked by a “family friend”, and also a “minibus tout” who works at the South Minibus Park.

Andrews said that earlier that day, her grandfather saw the suspect while he was buying phone cards at the bus park. She explained that the suspect “hailed him up” since they knew each other very well. They even got on a bus together and headed for North Ruimveldt.

Harris reportedly stopped short to pay some bills, leaving the perpetrator in the bus. After transacting his business, Harris caught another bus and stopped off at the last entrance. Further, the young woman added that the pensioner went to use a urinal at the mall.

While Harris was urinating, the suspect walked up behind him and began

stabbing him to his head.

Eyewitnesses related that the pensioner fought back but the suspect continued to stab him.

The suspect attempted to stab Harris for the third time, but the elderly man used his arm to block the knife. With no more fight left in him, the pensioner relaxed while the suspect relieved him of $80,000 before making his escape.

Andrews explained, “in his younger days he would come up by our back steps and ask for anything, food, fruits, anything. Never in my wildest dreams, I’d think that this young man would do such.

My grandfather could have died.”

After the suspect left, Harris was picked up and taken to the Kitty Health Centre, where he received medical attention. A report was later lodged at the North Ruimveldt Police Outpost.

According to Harris’s family, he is still traumatised by the robbery.

They also said they are trying to comprehend why the preparator committed the act, knowing that the family is familiar with him.

“He threatened to kill him, then picked up a brick to pelt him, just for $80,000.

God is watching. His blood is on his hands now…”, Andrews said. The police have launched a manhunt for his arrest.

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NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 15 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Sunday, August 16 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 15 – 14:00h – 15:30h and Sunday, August 16 – 14:55h – 16:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers will prevail during the day.

There will be clear skies and light rain showers during the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 13:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 07:14h and 19:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 1.00 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$44.80/barrel

-0.36

Rough Rice

$213.84 /ton

+1.06

London Sugar

$380.50/ton

+1.41

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1944.80

$1945.80

Low/High

$1932.60

$1957.80

Change

0.00

0.00%

Govt to prepare emergency budget in 21 days – VP Jagdeo – says Finance Minister to be named shortly

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he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has announced that a national emergency budget is likely to be presented in three weeks with a significant focus on expenditure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday.

He explained that the normal budget cycle is 179 days from the day the circular goes out to the various agencies to the date of presentation in Parliament.

“But we have made it clear that we want the budget prepared and we’re working towards preparing a budget in three weeks – 21 days.

So the 179 days in the normal cycle will have to come down to about three weeks,” Jagdeo stated.

He pointed out that the country and the help that persons and the various sectors need to reboot the economy cannot be made available to them unless there is an emergency budget to provide the funds.

“So we will have to work overtime to get the budget ready,” he asserted.

The Vice President further posited that the circular went out earlier this week, which means that the budget could be ready early next month.

According to Jagdeo, while the budget will include funding for critical areas to keep the country afloat, funds to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic is a top priority.

In fact, he disclosed that frontline workers, especially those in the medical field, can look forward to being adequately rewarded.

“We found that a lot of the people on the frontline – the sad stories from the doctors and the nurses who are dealing with the pandemic and they’re on the frontline, they feel that they are not adequately equipped with PPEs nor are they rewarded for this. I want to assure them that the President [Dr Irfaan Ali] has indicated that in the next budget there will be an appropriate recognition of their work. That will be done in the next budget,” he noted.

Moreover, Jagdeo ensured that the $4.5 billion promised to citizens by President Ali in his inauguration speech as part of direct assistance to communities will be disbursed in a “transparent and rapid manner”.

“Right now we are looking at how the money could be disbursed in a transparent way and how it could reach the people who actually need the help,” the Vice President said.

He added: “There are large numbers of people out there who need assistance from the Government of

Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Guyana, through either help for food to feed their families or some cash assistance.”

Jagdeo posited that the major issue before Government now is whether it could use money from the treasury, or it would have to raise the sum in the interim before there is a budget, through borrowing, and once the budget is passed to repay that loan.

He expressed that the previous Administration did not offer anything of substance as direct assistance to families, but rather chose to spend millions of US dollars on the Ocean View hospital project which is marred in controversy and still cannot be utilised at the moment.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo expressed that when the new Government assumed political office, it found “shocking details” of the previous Administration’s mismanagement in relation to the country’s response to the pandemic.

“Frankly speaking it was shocking about the state of disorganisation and the lack of a clear strategy to address an existential issue for

Guyana.”

“There was no appropriate structure apart from the procurement and material deficit, there wasn’t the appropriate structure to address the pandemic,” Jagdeo detailed.

He said that efforts are being made to engage the international community to acquire the needed resources.

The Vice President explained that the Prime Minister and Minister of Health are working along with the international organisations and are putting in place a technical structure to deal with both the medial response as well as the socio-economic response.

“So, the efforts at the Ministry has been enormous in terms of getting more materials. More capability to test as well as the testing kits,” Jagdeo added.

However, as the new Administration works on preparing the emergency budget, they are encountering some challenges, Jagdeo noted.

“As you know, we are changing the nomenclature of the Ministries back

to the old structures. So that means that whilst we are preparing the budget, we have to also change the IFMIS (Integrated Financial Management Systems) to revert to the old structure of Ministries so that you can have a smooth disbursement of resources etc,” he stated.

Nevertheless, Vice President Jagdeo further disclosed that the Arthur Chung Conference Centre is being considered for the hosting of Parliamentary sessions to facilitate the passage of the budget. This, he said, will facilitate social distancing requirements.

Jagdeo, who is the General Secretary of the PPP, was appointed Vice President by Ali immediately after his August 2 swearing-in. He told reporters on Friday that he is currently assisting the President with the areas he has oversight over, that is, the oil and gas sector as well as finance.

Earlier this week, Government announced that the Office of the President will have oversight of the Finance Ministry and Natural Resources.

But Jagdeo told reporters that the oil and gas sector will be transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources, headed

by Vickram Bharrat and a new Finance Minister will be appointed.

“I did not want [a] line portfolio directly. That is why we have a Minister of Natural Resources and we will have a Minister of Finance… So when the Gazette comes out [with my portfolio] it would say assist the President or something like that,” Jagdeo, who himself is a former twoterm President, posited.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

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

Govt’s appropriate recognition T

he Government’s announcement that frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic will receive appropriate recognition in the upcoming emergency budget is welcoming news. Health systems and health workers are being challenged to their maximum capacity, as no country was ever prepared to deal with a crisis of this proportion. In the middle of all of this are the healthcare workers — including doctors, nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians and others — who are making tremendous sacrifices every day, even risking their lives to win this battle.

In Guyana, the confirmed cases are 649, with recoveries being 306 and deaths 22. This therefore means that we have 321 active cases in Guyana. Locally and further afield, we have seen reports from the media about the selfless services these frontline workers are offering to save lives and contain the further spread of this deadly virus.

With the end of the pandemic being nowhere in sight, many countries are bracing themselves to deal with a host of accompanying social and economic problems which, no doubt, will take a toll on communities everywhere. In fact, there were a few reports of some of these frontline workers becoming depressed after being so overwhelmed with witnessing the suffering of persons first hand, and with seeing the magnitude of the task ahead. As we stated before, and now re-emphasise, the mental impact this will have on health workers’ psyche will be great.

Already, a study conducted and published by TIME has stated that some early data already paint a bleak picture.

According to the article, a study published found that among 1,257 healthcare workers working with COVID-19 patients in China, 50.4 per cent reported symptoms of depression, 44.6 per cent reported symptoms of anxiety, 34 per cent reported insomnia, and 71.5 per cent reported distress.

Like health care workers further afield, our local workers are faced with life-changing decisions as they put their lives at risk to save those who contracted the disease. Our healthcare professionals have even faced stigmatisation and have been discriminated against by public transport operators and some business owners. This was obviously done out of fear, and by persons who felt they could have contracted the virus very easily by having any contact with such persons.

To some extent, this has been resolved, as transportation arrangements have been put in place for our healthcare workers, but it is noteworthy, since persons continue to put their lives on the line while providing an invaluable and selfless service to the nation. The challenges healthcare workers, especially nurses, face daily cannot be underestimated.

For this reason, governments and other health partners must continue to make the necessary investments in them, to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge, and are well equipped with the resources they need to do their work in a comfortable and safe environment. As we have said before, historically as well as presently, nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics that threaten health across the globe. As we have seen around the world, they are demonstrating their compassion, bravery and courage as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), without nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers, countries cannot win the battle against outbreaks. This pandemic has reminded us of the importance of healthcare workers, and we must salute them for their tremendous sacrifices. This newspaper welcomes the Vice President’s announcement, that in the next budget they will get an “appropriate recognition” for their work.

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, H.E. Dr. K.J Srinivasa, and Mr. T. Balgobin of the Finance Ministry in bilateral discussions that included the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic

The Irfaan Ali-led Government is energising the fight against COVID-19 Dear Editor, The President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and the whole Cabinet, together with other senior officials, publicly tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday, August 12th. While political leaders in other countries have individually tested, it was the first time anywhere in the world that a whole government had taken the unprecedented move to publicly be tested.

The Guyanese people saw still pictures and TV videos of their Government being tested. Very few politicians anywhere in the world have been as open with their COVID-19 testing. One outstanding example was the Governor of New York, who allowed his testing to be broadcasted while he was engaged in a media conference.

The President and his Cabinet had been exposed to COVID-19, and as required, immediately got contact-traced and tested. While waiting for their results, they self-quarantined, in accordance with COVID-19 public health measures.

The President, the Cabinet and some other senior Government officials tested for COVID-19 after it was revealed that Foreign Affairs Minister, Honourable Hugh Todd, had tested positive in a routine testing the previous day.

The Government then

embarked on informing the President and Government of Suriname, which had a delegation for the inauguration, and which had several meetings with the Foreign Affairs Minister. The diplomatic corps, many of whom had met with the minister, were also informed. Others who had formally met with the Minister were added to the loop and advised.

The President himself announced publicly that Minister Todd had unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. It was the President who led from the front and announced that Cabinet members would immediately be tested.

President Irfaan Ali, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips were the first to get tested.

The response of the Government and the management of Minister Todd’s positive COVID-19 testing are examples of a new dispensation. The Guyanese people did not have to find out the truth through leaks and rumours. They found out from the Government itself, and they found out from the President. It is a new, transparent era.

The President and the Cabinet are servants of the people of Guyana, and their COVID-19 status is the business of the people. Alerting the country to the fact that two min-

isters have now been tested positive for COVID-19, and that all Ministers and many senior officials have been tested, is a refreshing new transparency around COVID-19 testing.

We are now aware that many more tests were done, and many more positive cases existed before the new Government took office. Outside of what was publicly told to the Guyanese people, there were tests done secretly and positive COVID-19 results were recorded for persons who were senior Government officials, but those were kept secret in a cover-up. This policy is wrong. When senior Government officials are tested, people should know. It is expected that Government officials would do the right thing and self-isolate, or self-quarantine. No one would know if such officials are adhering to the public health rules if they are kept in the dark about the test results of these persons.

President Ali has changed this policy, and public officials are expected to lead from the front.

Widescale testing is an imperative, and the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government has set itself the task of mass testing, moving away from the limited testing that was in place up to last week.

Gradually, the PCR testing that has been in

limited use will be expanded to between 300 and 500 tests per day, seven days per week. In addition, rapid testing will become part of the testing algorithm.

Six months after the first case was identified, the testing capacity is recklessly limited. The new Government has made immediate adjustments to the testing response, vowing to make it wider and ensuring that everyone who should be tested is able to get tested.

In this regard, the Minister of Health has announced that, through the support of PAHO/ WHO, extensive training of technologists would be conducted in the coming week, to allow the expansion of the testing capacity at the Public Health Lab. But the open and transparent mode used to announce the COVID-19 status of senior officials shows a Government which has begun to engage the people in an aggressive fight against COVID-19.

The mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic led to people stigmatising testing. The public testing of the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and other Cabinet members, swabbing all of them in a way that the whole country saw, is a way to de-stigmatise and demystify the testing.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

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

Spare no one the rod, for no one is above the law

Dear Editor, The newly elected President of the Dutch-speaking eastern neighbouring country of Suriname, President Chandrikapersaud Santokhi, hit the nail on the head when he called on our own contributing companies to invest in the economy, rather than foreigners.

An essential point to note, one that is idealistically outstanding, is that he was referring to his Caricom sisters and brothers, especially those from Guyana, as “our own”, and he did not categorise them as foreigners. This underling statement is both very sentimental and pertinent when we reflect on how a handful of some confused people got their politics and policies all mixed up when differentiating between domestic and foreign relationships.

As usual, we in Guyana always need someone from outside of our land to teach us when we unnecessarily debate about basic affairs by losing sight of the identity of oneness and being unable to pinpoint the demarcation of where the boundary of our border truly ends in any given field.

His idea is multi-fold with economic, social and diplomatic benefits, with a mainstream of keeping the wealth within the extended family. It opens up opportunities to secure priorities with multinational companies, increasing domestic cash flow, and investing money lying idle. Socially, it broadens the horizon and allows more and better interaction with people, and increased and strengthened relationship between neighbours.

With strong and close family bonds, in event of any problem arising, the matter can be dealt with efficiently, expeditiously and effectively from inception, and be resolved quickly and amicably before it gets out of hand and escalates in any volcanic repercussion. Trading opportunities may be potentially unlimited from a wider exposure, and the appreciation of diversified culture forges better understanding and acceptance of another ethnicity.

Thinking outside of the box and reneging on “to each his own” solidifies Tradewinds’ lyrics, “The more we are together, the merrier we will be,” and adds another flavour and dimension to the calypsonian’s “Open de door let the man come in, all a-we a one family.”

President Santoki’s call is welcoming and timely, especially coming immediate-

ly from his return visit to Guyana to grace the occasion of President Ali’s inauguration in the heat of COVID-19 exposure. But above socialising and politicising is the sensitive issue of the bigger picture of Suriname’s economic development enhancing its offshore oil exploration on the border of Guyana and Suriname.

The companies granted concession are Apache and Total, and so far, they have discovered three major fields that are not too far behind Guyana’s capacity, and well within range of Guyana’s interest also. Sharing common location within close approximation is another valid reason why the two neighbouring countries should consolidate cooperation for closer deliberation, so that they may avoid future potential altercation.

Luckily, the two friendly states do not endure any type of “Cold War,” despite a reserved border indifference that is being diplomatically shelved in the background, and is not an area of public conflict or immediate concern that can provoke a degree of animosity.

With a new president in each country, a relationship can be forged based on brotherhood, because neither bear any baggage on either, and both are visionary with open minds and modern thoughts for future development for their respective country, desiring to work in the real interest of the people, and not in their personal interest. What a difference in bargaining and negotiating skills displayed by these two oil green nations. Both are relatively new to oil exploration and are dependent on outside sources to conduct and guide them in managing the oil industry.

Whose interests are prioritised was never a question for Suriname, and they put people and economy over party and politics. Not surprisingly, they were successful and instrumental in capturing maximum returns for their country’s resources. They captured US$100M signing bonus and raked in 36 percent of the revenue share.

Still wondering and pondering on Guyana’s take?

Why not haul the legendary legal luminary, the talented and specialist Trotman, to walk barefoot over a hot, burning field of coals, enflamed with suspicion, conspiracy, collusion and contradiction?

With lowered eyes and hidden pockets, feasted from a fiesta, he ignored the professional advice and sold the birthright of an impover-

ished nation while remaining dumbstruck and aloof, hiding behind secrecy and mystery.

Guyana needs answers, and answers Guyanese must have.

No one should be spared the rod, no one is above the law, and this Government must not settle for less, nor take matters lying down from all the past performers. Contracts must be renegotiated, and future signing agreements must incorporate remedial and recovery content as a recourse for compensation.

This PPP/C government really has its work cut out, and has to be intricately involved in so much “damage control” in order to remove shame from the face of Guyana, painted in a tainted colour and besmirched by the callous and ruthless previous Government.

Guyanese must now remain vigilant at all times.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Guyana needs to employ renewable resources for electricity generation Dear Editor, The new Government is faced with a defining challenge: How to provide Guyana with affordable, reliable, and secure access to electricity that would enhance the country’s economic growth and wellbeing of its citizens, while simultaneously protecting the environment?

The preponderance of scientific evidence proves that the burning of fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) causes significant environmental damage that threatens the sustainability of the planet. There are urgent calls for governments across the globe to take effective action to address climate change, and many have.

One of the most effective responses to climate change is the use of renewable resources such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydro for generation of electricity. All of these are in relative abundance in Guyana. Many countries and economies already have energy policies and infrastructure in place to transition to 100% zero-emission energy resources.

The state of California is a world leader in this transition. California has an ambitious energy policy: 50% electricity to be powered by renewable resources by 2025, 60% by 2030, and 100% by 2045. In and by themselves, these are bold but achievable goals.

What is even more admirable about its energy policy is that California is the fifth-largest economy in the world, with a population of 38.3 million people and a GDP of $3.1 trillion (2019), which places it above the UK and India.

California is not alone in this transition. Hawaii, Norway, Denmark, UK, and Costa Rica, among others, are in the race to 100% renewable resources. During windy days, Denmark generates 100% of its electricity from wind alone. Similarly, during the rainy season, Costa Rica generates 100% of electricity from hydro for several months.

The PPP/C Administration during Dr. Jagdeo and Mr. Ramotar’s presidencies took major steps to move to renewable resources. They started with

biomass: GuySuCo co-generation facility at Skeldon uses biomass (bagasse).

After years of hard work, the Amaila 165MW hydro-project was on the verge of being executed before being unceremoniously abandoned by the Granger Administration in 2015. This unpatriotic act by APNU+AFC befuddles the rational mind.

Who would not want cheaper, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity? The state-owned electric utilities continue to struggle to meet baseload demand, let alone RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE, and SECURE access to electricity.

I am delighted that H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has resuscitated and brought renewable resources to the forefront. The benefits of cheaper, reliable, and secure electricity will be a welcome relief to all Guyanese, and help make Guyana more competitive. President Dr. Ali has once again demonstrated that he is a visionary thinker.

Yours faithfully, Ash Deonarine

Natural Resources Minister has the support of all Guyanese

Dear Editor, I listened keenly to the recent live Kaieteur Radio programme ‘Guyana’s Oil and You’, aired on August 13, 2020, wherein newly appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, stated that the Irfaan Ali government would aggressively work towards ensuring all Guyanese benefit from the oil and gas sector.

Editor, it is human nature to have reservations about anything new, but this was quickly dissipated after listening to the new Minister, who has demonstrated that he has a grasp of the core issues relating to the natural resources sector, particularly oil and gas.

Therefore, I can say convincingly that I have a re-

newed sense of respect for this youthful Minister, who has a passion to serve all of Guyana with accountability and transparency. This is the hallmark of a new-generation leader, and I am sure he will make his government and, most importantly, the people of Guyana proud.

Over the past few days, I have witnessed Minister Bharrat’s engagement with the agencies under his control and his interaction with his staff, which I must say is statesmanlike and most admirable. Notwithstanding, we, the citizens of Guyana, will hold him accountable, and I believe he will deliver on his government’s promises, to ensure all Guyanese benefit from the abundance of our oil and gas sector.

Over the past five years, we had witnessed draconian rule over the natural resources sector, which created a lapse in policies and the necessary framework that is vital to support Guyana’s transitioning economy.

However, I would like to caution the Minister to take all necessary precautions to prevent any mismanagement within his sector, since Guyana is at a level of de-

velopment which cannot be compromised and delayed any longer.

I take this opportunity, on behalf of many youthful Guyanese, to express our support to Minister Bharrat and his team as they work towards the best interest of all Guyanese.

Sincerely, P Wong

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

Page

Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

Printing with

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

stencils Heron W

e like to use this technique, and variations on it, to help students understand the offset printing process. Offset printing is how picture books, and many professionally printed paper materials, are created. Here’s a rundown of the materials, process and variations you might try at home or in your class.

Materials: Construction paper or magazine pages for the stencils Scissors Watercolour paper, cardstock, or heavy drawing paper to print onto Red, blue and yellow tempera or poster paints (or magenta, cyan, yellow and black if you want to more closely replicate the offset printing process colours) Brayers or small foam rollers from a craft or hardware store 3 plastic plates, or foam trays.

Anything

non-absorbent with a bit of a rim works well.

Process: Start by cutting shapes out of pieces of construction paper.

Both the negative and positive shapes can be used as stencils. Then, arrange or overlap

your shapes on a larger piece of paper.

Prepare each of your paints in a separate paint tray.

Start with one or two spoonfuls of paint along the top of the tray.

Roll your brayer back and forth, in one tray to coat it evenly with paint.

Then roll the brayer slowly over your stencils. Cover the whole surface of the paper or just an area.

Peel away the stencils to reveal the print you created. While a brayer is not in use, rest its handle on the edge of the tray to help keep your hands clean.

Overlap multiple colours or a variety of stencils to create a unique print with depth and contrast. Use a separate brayer when rolling out each colour to avoid unintentional mixing. You might want to let your paper dry for a couple of minutes between each colour.

Explore some more What new shapes can you make when you overlap stencils?

What new colours can you make by overlapping colours?

Design a pattern by repeating the same stencils across the paper.

Try cutting a stencil in a new way – folding, cutting into the side, cutting out one shape to make another. (carlemuseum.org)

The

A

heron was walking sedately along the bank of a stream, his eyes on the clear water, and his long neck and pointed bill ready to snap up a likely morsel for his breakfast.

The clear water swarmed with fish, but Master Heron was hard to please that morning.

“No small fry for me,” he said. “Such scanty fare is not fit for a heron.”

Now a fine young perch swam near.

“No indeed,” said the Heron. “I wouldn’t even trouble to open my beak for anything like that!”

As the sun rose, the fish left the shallow water near the shore and swam below i n t o the cool depths toward the middle. The heron saw no m o r e fish, and very glad was he at last to breakfast on a tiny snail.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nandlall tells Harmon challenge to termination "woefully misplaced" O

ne day after being relieved of his duties as Director General at the then Ministry of the Presidency, APNU/AFC's Joseph Harmon is now challenging his removal from the post – a move which has been described by Attorney General Anil Nandlall as woefully misplaced.

On Thursday, General Secretary of the APNU/ AFC coalition and recently inducted member of the PNC Central Executive Council, Joseph Harmon was informed by the PPP/C Government that his services are no longer required.

In a letter from Nandlall, Harmon was informed that “having regard to the nature

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

of the job, which you were engaged to execute, and did in fact execute, it is no longer possible or practical for you

to perform those tasks under the new Government”.

He was further reminded of the fact that he was relieved of his job as Director General of the MOTP (which has been renamed Office of the President by the new Government) sometime in April 2020, when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the coalition’s COVID-19 Task Force; thereby making his removal "consensual" and the termination of his contract "mutual".

However, Harmon responded to Nandlall's correspondent, stating "...I do not recognise your authority and your convoluted attempt to explain the arbitrary capri-

Decomposed body of Linden youth pulled from Kuribrong River

P

olice are investigating the suspected drowning of a 28-year-old miner of Linden, whose decomposed body was recovered from the Blackwater Backdam Kuribrong River in Region Eight on Friday.

The dead man has been identified as Owen Charles of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Based on reports received, Charles is suspected to have drowned between

Dead: Owen Charles

16:00h and 17:00h at the location on Monday. His body was, however, discovered until Friday at about 09:00h.

The body was escorted to a funeral home in Linden and was expected to be transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

The police are nevertheless continuing their investigations.

APNU/AFC's Joseph Harmon

cious action of a fraudulent Government to deny me of contractual benefits. I shall pursue this matter further."

After receiving the letter, Nandlall on Friday responded that Harmon's non-recognition of his authority as AG is "absolutely of no moment".

Moreover, regarding his complaint of denial of contractual benefits, the Attorney General told Harmon that "...sagacious counsel, once solicited, will hopefully persuade you that ‘contractual benefits’ only devolve upon the breach of a subsisting, valid and enforceable contract. In your

case, as I have informed previously, there is no longer such a contract. In consequence, your expectation is woefully misplaced."

The former Minister of State under the coalition had to step down from that post and his parliamentary seat last year after the courts ruled that dual citizens cannot sit in the National Assembly.

He was subsequently appointed as Director General of MOTP - a post created just for him by the coalition regime - with a salary of $900,000 and over $500,000 in non-taxable allowances as well as other perks and benefits.

These include a gratuity of 22.5 per cent of his basic salary every six months and his housing, telephone bills, internet bills, electricity bills, and security being paid for by the State. He also received a motor car and driver provided by the State or duty-free concession of up to 4000cc per three years period.

Harmon's Director General contract, which was signed on May 1, 2019, was for three years, expiring on May 31, 2022.

Meanwhile, Harmon had applied for 42 days’ leave after the new PPP/C Government took office earlier this month.

As the new Administration transitions into office, it has made it clear that there is no room for political appointees under the APNU/AFC to remain on the job. In fact, several such individuals who have been receiving super salaries have already been relieved of their duties.

During a press conference on Friday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo reiterated that the PPP/C will not be witch-hunting professional public servants.

He disclosed that President Irfaan Ali has asked for an "appeal mechanism" to be in place for persons who feel they were unfairly dismissed to reach out to him to review their case.

"But this doesn't go for political appointees. They must not appeal. This is for a junior staff who might get caught up in the removal process. They can have an appeal mechanism directly to the President... or one of his staff [as designated by him]," Jagdeo stated.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cops charged for alleged murder of unarmed man during high-speed chase

PNC’s poison pill…

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Charged: Police rank Godwin Thomas

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wo ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were on Friday

Charged: Police rank Troy Munroe

Dead: Cecil Sampat

Injured: Winston Fraser

arraigned for the murder of Cecil Sampat, an unarmed man who was shot

in the vicinity of D’Urban Street and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, during a police operation.

The shooting incident took place on July 25 and the former employee of John Fernandes Limited succumbed to his injuries on August 6.

However, 41-year-old Corporal Godwin Thomas and 25-year-old Constable Troy Munroe appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The two accused were represented by Attorney-atLaw Patrice Henry.

It was reported that on July 25, at about 01:30, three police officers on patrol observed a large gathering at the junction of

Agricola Road on the East Bank Highway.

The ranks subsequently requested the crowd to disperse but in doing so, two men were seen punching each other. Soon after, one of them whipped out a gun and pointed it in the direction of the other as he attempted to enter a motor car with registration plates PYY 4432.

The motor car sped off the scene but the police reportedly went in pursuit.

The car was finally intercepted at D’Urban Street and Mandela Avenue. The four men were reportedly placed to lay on the ground as other patrol vehicles arrived at the scene.

The police did not report what led to the shooting but 27-year-old Winston Fraser and Sampat were shot to their backs. They were escorted to the GPHC, where they were admitted.

Fraser is now paralysed and remains a patient at the medical facility. It was also reported that the two other men who were in the motor car are Joshua Letlow and Seon Greenidge.

Meanwhile, the two police ranks were remanded to prison and will make their next court appearance on August 21, 2020.

…against PPP governance f you think the five months of hell the PNC put Guyana through is the extent of their depraved lust for power, you’ve got another think coming. Of course, we got a glimpse when they threw 7000 sugar workers -responsible for 35,000 mouths to feed - onto the breadline without blinking an eye. But now we realise that was only the tip of an iceberg of callousness: while they were doing that, they were padding the Government payrolls with ‘God knows how many’ thousands of supporters at an average of at least $500,000 a clip!! And claiming the treasury couldn’t support a subsidy for GuySuCo. When we finally get a total of that boondoggle, you can be sure it’ll be more than the $25 billion it would’ve taken to stabilise the sugar industry and bring it to a point of sale according to the COI appointed by Granger!! That would’ve kept those 7000 persons employed, preserved our assets that could’ve been sold for a handsome profit, and bring in foreign investors that would’ve most likely diversified the industry. But what the heck? That wasn’t the plan, was it?

The plan was to destroy the PPP’s base.

But back to the feather bedding, where thousands of PNC supporters were drawing those fat paychecks without even showing up at the office, much less “at work”! We’re now discovering it wasn’t just the money for warm bodies… the PNC was strategically deploying a “poison pill” against the PPP were they to get back in office!!

Now, in Guyana, we don’t know much about “poison pills”, but in countries with stock markets, it’s a very common tactic used by stockholders to prevent “hostile takeovers”.

The bottom line is they create a situation in which the person trying to buy the company has to concede defeat, because it would stretch them beyond their capabilities.

And this is the insidious plan of the PNC with the Government that the PPP took over after their 5-month war of attrition. They gave open-ended contracts to those thousands of mega-salaried contract workers, more accurately described as “political appointees”, who’re now refusing to resign with the change of administration. The plan, of course, is to first claim that the PPP is “victimising” those political appointees when they attempt to remove them. Because they hired mostly folks from their AfricanGuyanese constituency, the PNC will then move to shrill cries of “ethnic cleansing” as they did in 1992. Expect them to surge into the streets soon.

In the meantime, those poison pills will sabotage every initiative of the PPP in their effort to fix the mess the PNC left them.

But the PPP will have to stay the course. It’s the will of the people!! …and bullyism rampant The PNC’s poison pill tactic is most graphically illustrated by the behaviour of Joseph Harmon, the de facto secondin-command to Granger - who was just brought into the PNC’s Central Executive Council (CEC) - the party’s highest decision-making body. Now, Harmon was the General Secretary of APNU for six years, Chairman of the coalition’s elections campaign, who authorised the hiring of a Washington lobbying firm without Granger’s knowledge.

Not to mention being made Director General in the MotP after he was stripped from the substantive ministerial position because he was an American citizen. Now, do you think the man was just a bureaucrat??

Well, he now claims he is, and can’t be fired!! Some think this might be due to the monthly $900,000 salary, duty allowance, $250,000; entertainment $100,000; housekeeping allowance $128,400; a gardener allowance $65,000; unlimited local and international calls - and of course the duty-free vehicles (plural)!! But that’s chicken feed for the Chinese-connected Harmon.

Harmon’s the essence of the poison pill!! ...and the end game Just as the PNC thought they could wear down the PPP during their barefaced elections’ rigging, they obviously intend to do the same now that the latter is in Government.

Guyanese will have to rally again to stop this outrage.

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Schools to remain closed in Trumped-up fraud charges against President Ali dismissed September – Education Minister

E

T

he 19 trumped-up fraud charges filed under the APNU/ AFC coalition against former Housing Minister and now President Dr Irfaan Ali over the sale of State lands in “Pradoville 2” have been dismissed.

The case was thrown out by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday morning after the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) withdrew the charges filed nearly two years ago.

The court was told by SOCU’s Prosecutor Patrice Henry the charges were being withdrawn in the interest of smooth and effective governance.

Prior to this, Ali’s lawyer, Attorney Devindra Kissoon had written the Director of Public Prosecutions as well as approach the Chief Magistrate and SOCU to have the charges dropped on the ground that the President has immunity against any criminal proceedings under Article 182 (2) of the Constitution.

This article states: “Whilst any person holds or perform the functions of the office of the President, no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him or her in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him or her in his or her private capacity and no civil proceedings shall be instituted or continued in respect of which relief is claimed against him or her for anything done or omitted to be done by him or her in his or her private capacity.”

In his letter to the DPP dated August 11, Attorney Kissoon argued that proceeding with the charges is unconstitutional.

He pointed to pertinent sections of the Code of Prosecution, established in 2018, specifically draw-

President Irfaan Ali

ing attention to Sections 3.3 which requires prosecutors to ensure the “law is properly applied” and 3.4 which requires prosecutors to “invite the court to stop proceedings if the point is reached at where there is no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction.”

Kissoon also reminded the DPP of sections of the code which does not require prosecution in the public interest. “[These] sections of the Code, by which the DPP is bound, mandate that the charges must be withdrawn since (i) they have no lawful basis, (ii) proceeding with the charges would be unconstitutional, (iii) President Ali is immune from prosecution, (iv) the charges constitute an abuse of the criminal process and (v) the public interest does not warrant prosecution of the President,” the lawyer contended.

To this end, he went on to request the DPP to immediately discontinue the charges against the Head of State using powers given to her under Article 187 of the Constitution.

After being hauled before the court on the 19 fraud-re-

lated charges in November 2018, Ali had moved to the High Court to challenge the merit of the case, thus putting the proceedings in the Magistrates’ Courts on hold.

The matter was then taken to the Court of Appeal, which was expected to hand down a ruling on Friday but given that SOCU has withdrawn the charges, Attorney Kissoon also consequently withdrew his appeal before the court.

SOCU was accusing the former Minister of selling 19 plots of land located at Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, below their valued prices.

But Ali, in his writ filed, contended that the case, related to the sale of lands at Pradoville Two in Plantation Sparendaam, is tantamount to an abuse of the court’s process.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), of which Ali is a part and successfully led into office at the March 2 polls, has long held the view that the charges were politically motivated and formed part of the previous Administration’s attempts at witch-hunting.

ducation Minister, Priya Manickchand has announced that schools will remain closed in September, as authorities continue to review and evaluate the situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ever since her appointment just over one week ago, Manickchand would have engaged stakeholders in the health and education sectors, along with the Guyana Teachers’ Union on if it would be possible to reopen schools next month.

These discussions, she noted, revealed that the main concern was keeping educators and students safe. However, over the past months, little action was taken to prepare for a possible reopening, pushing back the date to a later time when these provisions would be completed.

“The truth is there was little or no decisive; and/ or coordinated approach to achieving that balance of delivering education and doing so safely. Actions that were needed in the months schools were closed were not taken in their entirety or not at all. This is our reality. We, therefore cannot reopen schools on September 7 as was previously scheduled. All schools shall remain closed to face-to-face teaching for the month of September while we continue to review and evaluate the evolution of the disease and our schools’ readiness,” the Minister said.

She pointed out that for schools to be reopened, schools and their respective administrative bodies need proper protective gears and facilities to enable safe learning. In the coming weeks, the Ministry will engage in creating such an environment.

“How else then would we balance the urgent need to have a rapid, sensible, coordinated, national approach to delivering education with keeping our children and teachers safe was the burning question that

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

confronted us. For the safe face-to-face reopening of schools, we need to know epidemiological patterns. We need to have masks for students and teachers, to have hand-washing facilities and clean schools; and we need to have the ability to practice social distancing,” Manickchand highlighted.

Discussions would have also revealed that there was no holistic approach within the past months in the delivery of educational sessions while concerns were shared about the implications of missing formal academic engagements.

“We learnt that many students have not been academically engaged in a structured manner from March to now. We have been told of the tremendous loss of income of families and the worry of parents, teachers and community leaders that this will result in premature school leaving or dropouts, with students not completing their education. We know that learning loss is a real possibility that could cause us to squander significant gains as a country.”

The Minister said that absent physical classrooms should not limit their ability to deliver a syllabus and as such, this needs to be improved.

“We are aware that some parents, teachers and schools have engaged their children academically by various means. We roundly applaud and are deeply grateful for those efforts.

We encourage all to continue doing this where possible from as early as possible and if you need help in doing that, let us know. Going forward, we know that no single approach will provide regular and effective learning opportunities for children across the region and across the grades. We will, therefore, have to use blended, multi-faceted learning approaches in the coming months.”

Until then, the Education Minister assured that all efforts will be made to ensure every student is academically engaged until the physical reopening of schools can be allowed. For now, the Learning Channel will actively work to assist these initiatives.

Classroom activity has been restricted since midMarch, when Guyana started witnessing an increase in positive cases.

Since then, schools have only been opened to facilitate the National Grade Six Assessment and the Caribbean Examination Council’s assessments for secondary students.

Police destroy 6,000 ganja plants in Canje Creek

R

anks of the Guyana Police Force Regional Division Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Friday destroyed two acres of marijuana during a ten-hour nar-

cotics eradication operation at Ekura, Canje Creek, Berbice.

The illegal plants amounted to some 6000 and ranged from one to three inches in height. One makeshift camp

and 10 pounds of processed ganja were also found and destroyed.

At the time of the exercise, no one was on the farm.

Investigations are ongoing.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nephew who beheaded Mash Day 2013 murder Defence attorney to submit written submission uncle appeals death for duo appealing 75-year sentence sentence

Convicted murderer Dwayne Tappin

A

29-year-old ex-soldier, who was in 2019 sentenced to life imprisonment for beheading his uncle, has now moved to the Court of Appeal (COA) to challenge the sentence and conviction.

Dwayne Tappin was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court after he was found guilty by a 12-member jury and convicted for killing 51-yearold Randolph Seenauth on August 6, 2017, at Lot 125 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

During the virtual hearing on Friday, Tappin told the court that his family cannot afford a lawyer, and as such, requested a State-

assigned lawyer to take over his case. The matter comes up again on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, for reports.

It was reported that on the day in question, Seenauth’s head was found lying between the living room and kitchen of his Better Hope, ECD house.

His body was later found in the bedroom.

The gruesome discovery was made after Police were summoned to the scene by neighbours who heard a loud commotion in the man’s home, which he shared with his nephew.

The accused, however, turned himself in a few hours later. He was charged for murder and remanded to prison.

Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), he was committed to stand trial before a judge and jury and was found guilty, after which, he was sentenced to 60 years with the possibility of parole after severing 40 years.

Murdered: Kumar Mohabir

T

he Court of Appeal on Thursday reserved its judgement in the case of the State v Devon Thomas and Randy Isaacs, who sought to overturn a conviction and the 75-year sentence for the murder of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD) businessman, Kumar Mohabir.

The duo was found guilty of the indictment, which stated that on February 23,

2013, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, they murdered Mohabir.

During a virtual hearing, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud ordered the murder convicts’ lawyer, Nigel Hughes, to hand over his written submissions in three days.

Once done, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Diana Kaulesar-O’Brien will have three days to respond if necessary. The Judges enlightened both attorneys that once there is no need for further clarification, the court will go ahead and rule.

On the grounds listed for the appeal, the duo is contending that the trial Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, erred in law when he imposed on them an unduly severe sentence.

This is in addition to the Judge erring in law by usurping the discretion giv-

Convicted for murder: Devon Thomas

Convicted for murder: Randy Isaacs

en to the Parole Board when he stated in his sentencing of the appellants (Thomas and Isaacs) when they would be eligible for parole.

The convicts are further arguing that Justice Singh erred in his direction to the jury on how to deal with the inconsistencies and discrepancies that arose during the trial between the witnesses’ testimonies.

According to previous

media reports, the now dead man, who was with his family partaking in Mashramani celebrations, was attacked and killed by a group of men armed with broken bottles.

The altercation stemmed from the deceased stepping on one of his attackers’ feet.

Following investigations, the convicts were arrested and charged for the capital offence.

Elderly man challenges 7-year jail sentence for sexual assault

A

n elderly man, who was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment after a jury at the Demerara Assizes found him guilty of having sexual

activity with a child under 16 years, has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge the High Court ruling.

Kenrick Morrison, who is in his 70s, was on September

4, 2015, sentenced to seven years by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow after a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict at the conclusion of his trial.

Morrison had previously denied the charge, which stated that on February 12, 2013, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

The trial was conducted in-camera and saw four wit-

nesses testifying. After about two hours of deliberation, the jury found Morrison guilty.

Before passing the sentence, Justice Barlow reprimanded Morrison, while noting the strict view the law and society take regarding such offences against children and added that the sentence must be reflective of this view. The Judge also firmly upbraided the con-

vict for the position of trust, which he breached in committing the crime.

When the case was called on Friday, Morrison argued that Judge Barlow misdirected the jurors when she made errors when summing up the evidence to them.

He further contended that the trial Judge’s summing up was unbalanced as it was in favour of the prosecution.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cocaine found in rice consignment in Germany

Protocols were followed in packing rice – GRDB – containers offloaded in DR before heading to Germany

I

n light of the recent 1.5-tonne cocaine bust in Germany in a shipment of rice from Guyana, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) confirmed that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were followed during the packing.

On Monday, Hamburg authorities discovered the cocaine in a container freight one of the largest quantities ever seized in the northern German port city. The massive stash, which has an estimated street value of around US$353 million, was hidden between sacks of rice in the container that left Guyana’s port.

On Friday, the GRDB in a statement explained that the records showed that the cargo ship container originated from a rice mill in Berbice, and was consigned to a company, FHU KONPACK. The rice was transported by more than one truck from Berbice to Georgetown, and the rice was offloaded onto the containers at the wharf by labourers, a process which it said took several hours.

“Fumigation, which is also part of GRDB’s SOP, was done after the container was fully loaded, in the presence of a National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) officer. The container was then locked by the shipper’s representative and all seals were placed on the containers by the shipper’s representative. The serial numbers were then recorded by the GRDB officer,” the entity claimed.

After the container was fumigated along with the placement of a shipping line seal and GRDB’s fumigation sticker, their responsibilities ended.

Nevertheless, it was confirmed that the containers were scanned by Customs authorities between May 21 and 22 before being loaded onto the vessel, <<<MV Asiatic Wind>>> on May 25.

It departed Guyana the following day. The final destination for the rice was

GRDB Head, Nizam Hassan

Poland.

However, the vessel arrived at Caucedo, Dominican Republic, on June 7 and was discharged on the same day.

Containers were then loaded onto another vessel, CMA CGM <<<Jean Gabriel>>> on June 13, 2020.

It departed Caucedo, Dominican Republic, on the same day and arrived in Hamburg, Germany on June 27 and was discharged the following day.

“The officer on duty on the day the rice was packed confirmed that all of GRDB’s Standard Operating Procedures were followed.

The containers were inspected and checks were made in keeping with the Operating Procedures,” the Board contended.

It went on to say that random inspections are done at the mill and upon loading it onto the container to determine quality but it is not within the remit of the agency to specifically check for drugs.

“GRDB’s function is to grade the quality of rice (size of grains and moisture content of cargo), and to ensure that a standard quality of rice is exported. GRDB is surprised that any suggestion has been made placing any responsibility at its door.

GRDB is not a police enforcement agency and does not participate in crime inves-

news@guyanatimesgy.com

tigation, prevention or enforcement. It does not check for drugs,” the statement explained.

Investigators at the Joint Customs and Police Investigation Group (JIT) had reportedly received a tip-off about drug smuggling.

The container in question was then taken to the city’s Waltershof customs office and examined in a testing facility where officers found 47 large packages hidden between the rice sacks and within those packages, a total of 1277 small parcels with cocaine.

The parcels all had various symbols on them, including a cat’s face, the Gallic rooster, and the Ampelmännchen (red and green traffic light symbols shown on pedestrian signals in Germany). Several hundred of the packages were

CMA CGM Jean Gabriel - the vessel on which the cocaine was found

marked with the same logo.

Authorities presumed the cocaine was to be distributed from Poland to bulk buyers all over Europe who would then sell the drugs to street dealers, Deutsche Welle reported.

The latest find is

among the largest quantities of cocaine ever seized in Hamburg. A year ago, customs officers seized 4.5 tonnes of cocaine with a street value of almost €1 billion. The narcotic was transported by a cargo ship from Uruguay and was destined

for Antwerp in Belgium.

Since the information was brought to light, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit has been actively investigating the matter. On Friday, an official told Guyana Times that they are continuing the probe.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese Govt donates ventilators, PPE to aid COVID-19 battle

…expresses commitment to work in other areas of public health

T

he People’s Republic of China on Friday continued its commitment to strengthen Guyana’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with the donation of a quantity of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.

The donation was made to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony by the Chinese Ambassador Cui Jinchun.

Minister Anthony lauded the Chinese Government for its continued support to the Guyanese people since the country recorded

its first case of COVID-19 back in March. He noted that there have been discussions on collaboration in the various sectors of the Public Health System and he is pleased by the commitment from China.

“We [are] extremely pleased for the donation and the discussion on collaboration in the public health sector. I am very pleased that the Chinese Government has been working to keep us safe. You are one of the very first Governments that provided with the very scarce PPEs when there was a global shortage. You somehow were able to find PPE to assist in our efforts in Guyana to combatting the disease and we are grateful to you for that effort,” the Minister stated.

Dr Anthony said that cooperation with China did not stop at the first donation, rather they continued to work with the country.

“This morning we receiving another supply of very valuable PPE because we need it for frontline workers and by having these supplies, we are able to protect our health workers and those patients who are in hospital and who need said supplies. It is an important gesture and it’s more than a gesture because it is going to help protect the lives of Guyanese people and the people

here who would need this kind of protection.

“As patients, if they move to the more severe side of the disease then we will need to have them properly ventilated. We are pleased in this particular donation you’re helping us with some ventilating machines which would certainly help our hospi-

we just had [a] discussion with the [Health] Minister. We have to work together to win this fight because in Guyana we have low risk here because of the people…we cannot be complacent. We have to follow the instructions, rules of the Government,” he said.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Collette Adams, was

Some of the ventilators and personal protective equipment

tals a great deal. So we want to thank you and the Government of China for another donation to us,” Dr Anthony told the Chinese Ambassador.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Cui Jinchun pledged his Government’s continued support to the people of Guyana.

“It is not the end of our support. I talked with President Mr Ali and we are working hard and

also present at the handing over. She expressed her gratitude to both the Ambassador and Minister for their work in the COVID-19 battle. She noted that the donation alone with the technical experience of the new Health Minister is what the country needs as it prepares to fight even harder to combat the pandemic.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

DPP to review private criminal charges filed against Lowenfield – case postponed to August 24

T

he fraud cases brought against Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lownefield were on Friday postponed after his lawyer wrote the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the charges in a bid to dismiss them.

Private charges were filed by citizens, Josh Kanhai and Desmond Morian, accusing Lowenfield of three counts of fraud.

On Friday, the embattled Guyana Elections Commission CEO was accompanied by his lawyers; Nigel Hughes and Senior Counsel Neil Boston as he made his second appearance before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The applicants were represented by Attorneys Sanjeev Datadin and Glenn Hanoman. On Friday, it was expected that statements would be submitted to the court.

However, Datadin told the media after exiting the courtroom that defence attorney, Nigel Hughes had written to the DDP, Senior Council Shalimar Ali-Hack on Thursday, requesting her to review the cases. As such,

Embattled CEO Keith Lowenfield leaving the Magistrates’ Courts

they were left with no option but to comply.

“This morning, it was put off until 24 August. Mr Hughes wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions, asking her to look at the matter and to assess the matter.

The DDP has written to us for the file so that she can consider what is going to be the position. We have complied with that,” Datadin said.

Datadin reminded that the case is at the discretion of the DPP and it would not be prudent to continue before her advice is given. He added that she is a constitutional officer and has input

in criminal proceedings.

“There was the information that would’ve been available before the charges were filed and we would’ve had that information. The DPP, in her discretion, might choose or request that there be further information or she may choose not to do so. Whichever the way, is really at the discretion of her...

It wouldn’t be prudent for us to take any step in the proceedings when the DPP has indicated that she wants to be aware of what’s going on,” the attorney positioned.

On July 24, Lowenfield made his first court appearance, where he was slapped

with three private criminal charges regarding conspiracy to commit fraud, misconduct in public office and breach of trust.

The National Recount exercise showed that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic won the elections with 233,336 votes. But Lowenfield had repeatedly refused to submit his final elections report with those figures despite being so directed by the GECOM Chair.

Kanhai, a member of The New Movement party, filed a charge which stated that between March 5 and June 23, 2020, the CEO conspired with person(s) unknown to commit the common law offence of fraud when he submitted his election report dated June 23 to include figures that altered the results of the elections.

Meanwhile, Morian contended that Lowenfield, while performing his duties as CEO of GECOM, ascertained the results of the March 2 elections “knowing the said results to be false, the said wilful misconduct amounting to a breach of the public’s trust in the office which he presides.

When those two charges came up for hearing before the Georgetown Magistrates’

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin

Courts on July 3, Lowenfield was a no-show.

Following that court session, Morian filed another private criminal charge, contending that Lowenfield conspired with a person or persons unknown to use Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo’s fraudulent figures to prepare a report that was submitted to the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh, back in March.

After Lowenfield was released on $450,000 bail, Hanoman later told Guyana Times in a telephone interview that they have compelling evidence to support the charges filed against the GECOM official. These statements came after

Boston hurled allegations that the litigants were unprepared.

Last week, the DPP discontinued private criminal charges that were filed against GECOM Chairwoman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh by three APNU/AFC supporters.

In the letter, dated August 3, the DPP invoked Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of Guyana.

She informed the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan that in the exercise of her constitutional power, she was discontinuing the misconduct in public office charges against Justice Singh – charges that were criticised for being devoid of legal basis and “below nuisance value.”

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

18 new COVID-19 cases recorded …curfew extended to August 31

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ith more testing being done for the novel coronavirus, new positive cases are being detected. On Friday, health authorities recorded another 18 cases, which raised the total number to 649 This was revealed by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who noted that the deaths remain at 22.

From the 649 confirmed cases, 104 are active in institutional isolation while six persons are in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The number of persons in institutional quarantine is 73 while the remainder are in approved home isolation.

A total of 104 persons have also recovered in one day, which added to a total of 306. To date, a total of 5809 persons have been tested for coronavirus in Guyana, with 5160 returning negative.

From Monday to Friday this week, 79 new cases were reported. These originated from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Riversview in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Curfew extended

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

The CMO brought awareness to the role of youths during the current scenario. This is in light of World Youth Day and the challenges facing the younger population as they adapt to the new setting.

“We know this pandemic has challenged the lives of our children, adolescents and even adults. We are forced to adopt new norms such as physical distancing, wearing a mask in public and all the other measures including any restrictions.

Celebrating Youth Day helps us to promote the benefits young people brings to the world,” Dr Persaud said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday announced that the Government would be extending the COVID-19 Emergency Measures until August 31. The last extension was supposed to expire today, August 15.

These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement - B, 16th March 2020.

The emergency measures will expire on the said date unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

“The Government of Guyana has made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has found that it was fragmented, and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe,” the new Minister lamented.

Under his leadership,

the recently-appointed Administration has now initiated a complete overhaul of the current public health response. Government has looked at the approach used in other territories, especially in the Caribbean, and has resolved that a multi-sector and multi-faceted approach has been the most success-

ful model, with an aggressive policy of detection, contact tracing and if positive, isolation.

“Over the last week, the Government of Guyana engaged various sectors to developed clear guidelines on epidemiological, social and economic conditions to keep people safe, and put mea-

GMSA President Shyam Nokta

tors which include the challenges in the regulatory environment with lengthy delays and inconsistency in processes and requirements; the condition and maintenance of interior roads; availability of lands for expansion, high fuel costs, and the taxation regime.

The COVID-19 situation was also discussed and it was agreed that Government and GMSA will work closely to ensure systems and precautionary measures are implemented in the forestry and mining areas since it was the Government’s intention not to halt these activities but to ensure there is heightened awareness and compliance with COVID-19 measures.

The need for the urgent establishment of the Board of Directors of Agencies in the respective sectors was also discussed.

The GMSA welcomes the setting up of the joint working group since many of the issues are shared by the extractive industry and forestry and it presents a unique opportunity

sures in place to support business and households.

These current regulations would be extended for a limited period, to allow for further assessments and consultations as we develop updated protocols, leading to the eventual and systemic opening up of the economy,” Dr Anthony said.

MNR & GMSA to establish joint working group

F

ollowing a meeting on Thursday last between Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and a delegation from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), a joint working group is expected to be established to address issues in the extractive industry and forestry and wood processing sector.

The two-hour-long engagement, convened over the Zoom digital platform, appraised the Minister of key issues affecting the sec-

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat

between the Private Sector and Government to address some of the challenging aspects of the operations of these two sectors, especially in areas such as land use and interior roads.

The joint working group is expected to commence work this month.

The GMSA delegation was led by its President, Shyam Nokta and included Chair of the GMSA Extractive Industry sub-sector, Norman McLean; Chair of the Forestry and Wood Processing sub-sector, Rafeek Khan; Chair of the Services sub-sector, Carol Webster along with representatives of major operators in Guyana including Aurora Gold Mine (AGM), Troy Resources Guyana Inc (TRGI), Bosai Minerals Group, Omai Gold Mines Limited (OGML), Barama Company Limited (BCL), Cummings Wood Products, Variety Woods, and McVantage.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Petroleum Commission to be WBD family set up within 6 months, Local terrorised, robbed Content Policy a priority – Jagdeo by armed bandits

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s the new Government continues to transition into political office, serious efforts are being made to establish an adequate and efficient structure that would see citizens enjoying the maximum benefits from the country’s oilrich resources.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press briefing on Friday, made some crucial announcements in relation to the administrative, technical and regulatory aspects of the oil and gas sector.

According to Jagdeo, several moves are being made immediately to ensure that the oil and gas sector is effectively managed; one of which includes the setting up of a Petroleum Commission within the next six months or so.

“What you need is technical oversight with some of the best brains. We hope that Guyanese will heavily be involved there.”

Jagdeo also disclosed that the President and Vice President will have oversight for the Natural Resources sector.

Additionally, he said that the Department of Energy, which was set up under the previous Government to handle the oil and gas sector will now be brought under the Ministry of Natural Resources.

He explained that the technical personnel will be allowed to manage the sector, but the Office of the

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

President and the Minister of Natural Resources will give more policy input.

Further, Jagdeo disclosed that an Advisory Board on Petroleum will be set up to advise the President on all matters relating to the sector.

According to Jagdeo, the Government wants to see Guyanese involved in the management of these areas and at the same time, benefit from the resources flowing from the sector, adding, “that philosophy will cut across the entire Government”.

In relation to the Local Content Policy, Jagdeo highlighted that there were inputs made by various stakeholders before, which would have been good for Guyanese and at the same time ExxonMobil would not have been affected, but these were

never taken on board by the previous Government.

He explained that at the moment, the Department of Energy does not have any draft legislation on local content in place, only “position papers”.

The Vice President said that the Government will now have to begin the process of having the necessary local content legislation in place which the oil and gas companies would be mandated to follow.

Jagdeo said the President will meet with the entire Guyanese community directly to garner their opinions on local content “so that people will be free to express their views”.

According to Jagdeo, the Government will come up with “the best technical input” before it arrives at a negotiating brief. Once this is

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

cleared at the policy level, the Government will then seek to engage directly with ExxonMobil.

Jagdeo said that the PPP/C Government intends to address the issues of local content frontally and will take all the necessary steps to ensure that Guyanese benefit and are included in the development of the oil and gas sector.

He noted that the discriminatory pay scale between Guyanese and non-Guyanese in the same category in the oil and gas sector must be put to an end

by Exxon and its sub-contractors.

The Vice President asserted that the Government wants ExxonMobil to do well as a company here, “but Guyanese must share this prosperity” adding, “it is not sustainable otherwise”.

Jagdeo said that the Government will insist that that happens. “That will be the guiding principles with all our engagements with ExxonMobil and subsequently, once we start looking at the other contracts; all of them”.

The VP highlighted that large numbers of Guyanese will be trained to take advantage of the oil and gas opportunities and ExxonMobil will be required to contribute to this effort. In regard, he expressed that “the paltry sum of US$300,000” which Exxon had allocated for training is inadequate and must be reviewed.

A

West Bank Demerara (WBD) family was on Friday terrorised and robbed by three armed bandits who invaded their property.

Seventy-year-old Talwattie Ramcharran told Guyana Times that at about 12:30h on the day in question, she went to take food for her 43-year-old son who was in the shop located in the bottom flat of their Lot 16 Plantain Walk, WBD home.

As she arrived in the shop, she observed three men entering the business place. The pensioner related that she did not suspect anything since customers are in and out of the shop on a daily basis.

However, as she returned to the upper flat of the house, she heard her son screaming “Mommy!

Mommy!”, followed by the sound of crashing glass bottles. At that time, she knew they were being robbed.

“When I watch, I see they rolling at the bottom, on the floor, so I run and I close

the door and when I run upstairs, I close the other door, and I got to the window and called out for the neighbour.”

Several neighbours reportedly responded to the call, thus forcing the men to escape. As she went back to the lower flat of the house, she saw her son lying in a pool of blood.

“They take a gun and they hit he to he head, they burst he head, and his eye top cut”, she told Guyana Times.

The 43-year-old man was picked up by his mother and his neighbours, who came to their rescue, and taken to the hospital where he received medical attention.

The woman said she was unable to identify the men since she panicked.

She also revealed that she was unable to identify the items that went missing, since she was taken up with making sure that her son received medical attention. A report was made to the police, and investigations are underway.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

New loss of taste or smell

Muscle pain Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt notes strict timeline for Payara approvals, but assures process will not be compromised E ven as the new Government is working on a “tight timeframe” to review the Payara development project before granting the necessary permits, it has made it clear that it will ensure that the review process is not compromised and that maximum benefits are derived for all Guyanese.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat on Thursday said that the Government fully understands the strict timeline it is working with at the moment and has taken steps to ensure that the process is completed “soon”.

“I can assure you that working on a strict timeline, there is no way we intend to compromise the integrity of the license or contract. And we will do everything to ensure that both parties benefit, both parties are satisfied, before that license is actually granted, which could be soon,” Minister Bharrat disclosed during a local radio programme – Guyana’s Oil and You.

The development of Guyana’s world-class deep-water oil resources in the Payara project off its prolific Stabroek Block was plagued by delays due to the political impasse following the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

The Payara development was envisaged to be sanctioned in 2019 and deliver first oil by 2023 but faced challenges to secure approvals due to the absence of a functioning Government for over five months.

After the new PPP/C Government was sworn into office, one of the first issues it was engaged with is the long-awaited approvals for the Payara project in order for it to move ahead.

Minister Bharrat noted that the nation is well aware of what transpired in the past with previous oil contracts and the Government would try to prevent same from reoccurring.

Bharrat asserted that while he accepts that inves-

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

tors must be satisfied, the Government will seek to ensure that when its signs a contract or give a license, “benefits are derived so that Guyanese can benefit”.

“Our people out there want to know whether the Government is looking out for their rights. Whether the Government is doing everything in its power to ensure that Guyanese really benefit from this sector and how exactly they will benefit.”

The Guyana Government, with support from the Canadian Government, is currently engaging the services of an international expert to review the contract to ensure that it is favourable and acceptable.

“We would like to be satisfied before we go ahead and sign this contract. We are engaging an independent consultant to come to Guyana and to do a review of what was done by

the Energy Department in keeping with our policies and programmes,” the Minister said.

According to the Natural Resources Minister, the consultant being engaged will arrive in Guyana “in a matter of days” so that a review can be done of the existing document.

The development partners involved in the project are hoping to receive approval later this year.

The Payara development plan includes a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, named Prosperity. It is expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day, supporting up to 45 wells, including production, water injection and gas injection wells.

With the approval of the development plan delayed, the company and other industry experts have warned that Guyana could end up losing billions.

According to Rystad Energy, these delays have already removed more than 50 million barrels of pro-

duction that could have been achieved by 2030 if the project had been sanctioned in 2019.

Palzor Shenga, Rystad Energy’s Senior Upstream Research Analyst had said that despite recent delays, the Payara-Pacora development is still in a position to produce more than half of its reserves by 2030 if it is able to commence production by 2024.

On the sidelines of an event on Tuesday at Crane, West Coast Demerara, President Irfaan Ali explained that since coming to office, he has made steps to review all sectors, including the oil sector.

“We’re in Government just over a week now. And I’ve asked for a full assessment of all the sectors, not just the oil and gas sector.

So, we’ll be receiving documents on all the sectors, including having information and documents on the work that has been done so far in terms of the license for the Payara project,” Ali had said.

Inter-Ministerial Committee for restoration of GT hosts first meeting

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he Inter-Ministerial Committee which was tasked by the President, Dr Irfaan Ali, with devising a plan to enhance the quality of life in the city of Georgetown had its first meeting on Friday.

Head of Committee, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall disclosed that several programmatic areas were discussed including infrastructural support, security and safety, drainage

and irrigation, aesthetics, resource mobilisation and stakeholder participation.

Based on discussions during the meeting, a task force headed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha was immediately put together to conduct a rapid assessment of the physical works to be done in the city.

The task force began its work as of Friday, August 14. They are expected to produce a report for the InterMinisterial Committee as early as Monday, August 17, 2020.

The rapid assessment task force established to assess the extent of works needed in the city

Further to this, a sub-committee comprising Minister within the Local Government Ministry Anand Persaud, Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar and technical advisor in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ricky Ramraj will conduct a desk review of the resource mobilisation capacity of the city and present their findings next

Friday.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn has been tasked with mobilising the resources necessary for this undertaking and advising on the security aspects of the inter-ministerial city plan.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill and Minister Dharamlall will take the lead in engaging the Private

Sector, city residents and other interested bodies as part of the wider stakeholder plan to ensure collaboration and buy-in.

Earlier in the week, Ministers Dharamlall and Persaud met with city Mayor Ubraj Narine to discuss areas of mutual interest and possible collaboration between the M&CC and Government.

The Mayor has since met with Minister Benn to discuss security issues that continue to plague residents and citizens of Georgetown.

Following Friday’s launch of the InterMinisterial Committee, it is expected that a management sustainability plan for the city will be made and pursued with the Mayor and City Councillors.

Georgetown, which was once known as the “garden city” is home to the country’s capital and the seat of Government. The city has had a rich and culturally diverse history; one that the Irfaan Ali-led Government intends to restore to its previous splendour.

NEWS

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Main access roads in Linden Noel launches Beyond the Runway talk show today continue to deteriorate

Two of the roads that are in a deplorable state

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n light of the inclement weather, several main access roads in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), are now in a deplorable state, thus causing enormous challenges for road users.

Roads in areas such as Amelia’s Ward, Block 22, Central Mackenzie and Wisroc are rapidly deteriorating as residents contin-

ue to plead with the relevant regional authorities to conduct urgent repairs.

According to Linden’s Deputy Mayor, Wainewright Bethune, areas which the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) is responsible for may soon see some relief in the form of “patchwork”. He explained, however, that the current weather pat-

tern has been a hindrance.

“The Council would have purchased some road patching equipment...we have compactors. We’ve purchased equipment to focus and do proper road patching”, the Deputy Mayor said. “What has happened is because of the inclement weather, we’ve made an assessment and we think it’s not economical for us to do it at the time. But definitely, we’re seeing some changes and, of course, the Council will embark on the patching schedule... and we will see some of the holes on the roads - whether it’s Central Mackenzie, Retrieve, these areas that fall within the Council’s remit will be patched”, Bethune assured.

The Deputy Mayor further stated that the LM&TC only undertakes certain remedial work within the community while noting that all road construction falls within the purview of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Residents of Linden have raised concerns over the poor quality of road construction in the community over the years. According to residents, the roads are not built to last and a lack of regular maintenance only compounds the situation.

Some of the roads in the community are also suffering from massive erosion.

Residents have also registered dissatisfaction over the quality of some roads in the community which have not been repaired in years.

G

uyanese author and fashion icon, Sonia Noel will be celebrating her birthday in style today by launching the Beyond the Runway virtual show.

This new show will feature interviews with people from around the world who are contributing to humanity in a positive way.

Noel’s YouTube channel is expected to be launched the following Saturday and her virtual programmes on the Teachable platform.

Beyond the Runway

The compilation – Beyond the Runway features 30 awe-inspiring short stories that will stimulate readers and listeners to go the extra mile.

“Beyond the Runway, the column, is celebrating one year and I extracted some of the most intriguing, motivating and mind-blowing featured stories. I am certain there is a story that will resonate with everyone regardless.”

The Beyond the Runway Column started in 2017 and has featured compelling and inspiring content that motivated many.

The show will be every Saturday from 19:00h for 30 mins and will be streamed live via Stream Yard, FB and Caribbean Power Jam. The first two guests will be Shelly A Muñoz and Gabriel Funsho Babalola.

Shelly is an award-winning educator from the United States, who is a 20+ year veteran of the classroom, a staff development

Guyanese author Sonia Noel

instructor, and university professor. She has authored several educational journals and is featured in the NSTA STEM Challenges and Academic Success. She has delivered conference keynotes, workshops, and presentations in 10 states, Asia and Europe. Shelly is a STEM consultant, educational literacy consultant for Digi-Tells, and has appeared on numerous television shows and newscast promoting literacy, science education, and STEM. Gabriel Funsho Babalola, a Nigerian, is a graduate of mechanical engineering, a life coach, an author, business development strategist and a serial entrepreneur.

His mission is helping people live and love their best life. He has an online school named: “The well of wisdom Life School” where he helps students to live purposeful, fulfilling, happy and extraordinary lives.

“During the pandemic, I have become even more intentional to soar to greater heights and assist others to do the same. We have great plans for persons tuning in to the launch,” Noel Said The launch of the show will also be streamed live on Sonia Noel’s FB page, the National Communications Network (NCN) and Caribbean Power Jam New York NIO FM Suriname and VOG.

India is a constructive, dependable actor in the global COVID-19 fight

By Harsh Vardhan Shringla

C

OVID-19 continues to exact a heavy toll worldwide. In India too, positive cases are rising.

However, our effective domestic response has led to a significant improvement in our recovery rate, which is now 68.78 per cent. The case fatality rate, at 2.01 per cent, remains one of the lowest in the world.

High recovery and low-fatality outcomes can be attributed to proactive measures taken to deal with the outbreak from its early stages. We started screening COVID-19 cases a full 13 days before the first case was detected in India. We implemented full lockdown on the 55th day of the outbreak when we had only around 600 cases. Our public health response has been appreciated by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Government took rapid steps to augment health infrastructure. As Prime Minister (PM)?Narendra Modi noted, India now has over 11,000 COVID-19 facilities and 1.1 million isolation beds. We have ramped up testing to over half a million tests a day, to be scaled up to a million.

India’s response has not been confined to meeting our

domestic requirements. We have been significantly engaged with the international community in providing the leadership that the global situation demanded. As a responsible stakeholder in global health supply chains, we ensured timely access to essential drugs and medical items for over 150 countries, while meeting our own domestic requirements. We reaffirmed our position as the first responder to humanitarian crises in the region by deploying medical teams to help Maldives, Mauritius, Comoros and Kuwait deal with the pandemic. India also dispatched naval assets to the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles to deliver assistance. This demonstrated our strong commitment to the PM’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

From being a net importer of COVID-19-related medical items, we have emerged as a net exporter. Today, we are manufacturing over 500,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and over 300,000 N-95 masks every day. Our system has shown the necessary adaptability and agility to significantly ramp up production to go beyond our domestic requirements.

India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla

The repatriation of Indian nationals stranded abroad and the evacuation of foreigners from India to their home countries have been among the most successful aspects of our response. In the initial days, the Ministry of External Affairs had promptly set up a COVID cell and a 24x7 control room to assist Indian citizens abroad.

The PM had also personally directed our heads of missions to extend all possible assistance to our nationals stranded abroad.

Subsequently, the Vande Bharat mission, launched to repatriate our nationals stranded overseas, has been the largest exercise of its kind ever undertaken by the Government and has demonstrated our ca-

pacity to effectively carry out complex humanitarian missions. Over one million Indians have returned under the Vande Bharat mission so far through flights, across land borders and on naval ships. We have been able to bring home Indian nationals from distant locations, and also facilitated the return of Bhutanese and Nepalese nationals stranded in third countries to their homes on Vande Bharat flights.

Rigorous screening of returnees by our diplomatic missions has ensured that the proportion of positive cases remains extremely small (less than 0.2 per cent).

Testing on arrival by the Health Ministry and State Governments has helped detect these cases. The mission

just doesn’t end with the arrival of our nationals. We are also mapping their skills on arrival to link them with companies for job opportunities.

There has also been no let-up in our diplomatic outreach during the pandemic. We have initiated and been part of several important conversations globally.

Our Neighborhood First policy was on full display when the PM hosted a video conference of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) leaders early in the crisis — our first such engagement on COVID-19.

He announced a series of measures to deal with the pandemic, including the creation of a COVID-19 emergency fund with a commitment of $10 million from India. We have also called for a better multilateral response to global crises in the future. The PM has, on several occasions, including in the G-20 and Non-aligned Movement virtual summits, proposed the reform of multilateral cooperation by bringing people to the centre of our efforts. Our own initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure are prime examples of this approach.

The decision of the G-20 on debt service suspension for developing countries, which India fully supported, reflects this people-centric approach.

At the virtual Global Vaccine Summit, the PM highlighted how India’s contribution to the global response in terms of sharing medicines was guided by our philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkum.

The PM also hosted the first virtual bilateral summit with Australia, which was followed by the India-European Union summit. In addition, the PM has spoken to his counterparts from 61 countries during this period. The External Affairs Minister has spoken to Foreign Ministers from 77 countries. We have kept open channels of virtual communication to strengthen partnerships and deal with situations that require diplomatic engagement.

We have been constantly adjusting, adapting and innovating to deal with the changed reality, particularly in our engagement with the world. And in the process, we have been successful in elevating India’s profile as a constructive and dependable actor on the global stage.

Today, India celebrates its 73rd Independence.

[Harsh Vardhan Shringla is Foreign Secretary, Government of India]

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

Regional

US seizes millions of Mexico signs COVID-19 vaccine dollars of Iranian fuel deal as cases top 500,000 bound for Venezuela

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T

he US said it has taken control of four Iranian fuel shipments bound for Venezuela in the largest-ever seizure of its kind.

About 1.1 million barrels of fuel were confiscated “with the assistance of foreign partners”, according to the Justice Department.

Washington said the shipments violated US sanctions.

Iran’s Ambassador to Venezuela claimed that neither the ships nor their owners were Iranian.

A Judge issued a warrant for the seizure of the oil cargo from the four tankers after the US filed a lawsuit last month.

In a statement on Friday, the US Justice Department said it had “successfully executed the seizure” of “a multimillion-dollar fuel shipment by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”

The IRGC is a branch

Bella was one of four vessels from which fuel was confiscated

of the Iranian armed forces that the US has designated a foreign terrorist organisation.

The US Justice Department said that following the seizure, Iran’s navy made an unsuccessful bid to board an “unrelated ship” in an “apparent attempt to recover the seized petroleum.”

It is not currently clear where the vessels — the Bella, Bering, Pandi and Luna — are.

Iranian Ambassador to

Venezuela Hojat Soltani described reports of the seizures as “false propaganda”.

Tensions between Iran and the US have escalated since Washington’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 from a landmark nuclear deal.

Washington has imposed heavy sanctions on both Iran and Venezuela to block oil exports. It wants to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power and change the behaviour of Iran’s leaders. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Fellows, one of the IPAM researchers who worked on the June study and on an upcoming update.

In particular, the virus “exploded” in Indigenous health districts that until mid-June had seen no cases of the virus, she said.

The rate of deaths among Indigenous residents of the Amazon, based on data collected through August 7, was 247 per cent higher than in the general population, she said.

The data, from the Coordination of the Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (COAIB), shows 559 coronavirus deaths among Indigenous people in Brazil’s

Amazonian states since the start of the pandemic.

According to COIAB data, the Kokama people, in Amazonas state, have the highest losses in the region with 57 deaths followed by the Xavante people, in Mato Grosso, with 51 deaths.

Brazil’s Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health (SESAI), the federal agency responsible for assuring access to healthcare for Indigenous people living within Indigenous territories, has been criticised for not including in its COVID-19 death toll Indigenous people who live in or contracted the disease in urban areas. (Excerpt from Reuters)

potential coronavirus vaccine developed by the Oxford University will be produced in Mexico if its advanced trials are successful and it receives regulatory approval as cases in the country surpassed half a million.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which also provides for production in Argentina, should result in a vaccine that the Government would provide free starting in the first quarter of 2021.

He said on Thursday access to the vaccine would be “universal and free” in Mexico, which has registered nearly 55,000 coronavirus deaths - the third-highest toll in the world behind the United States and Brazil.

“In other countries, they can decide to charge or select who is vaccinated and who not, but so there isn’t any doubt and to guarantee to all our people, all Mexicans are going to have

Production of the vaccine would allow for distribution throughout Latin America [Mexico’s Presidency handout/Reuters]

access to the vaccine,” Lopez Obrador said at a news conference.

Production of the vaccine in Mexico and Argentina would allow for distribution throughout Latin America, except for Brazil, which had already reached its own agreement with the drugmaker.

AstraZeneca said the agreement covers an initial production of 150 million doses for the region, with the possibility of increasing to 400 million dos-

es. Production will be funded by the foundation of Mexican mogul Carlos Slim, once the world’s richest man.

Mexico already has agreements with four vaccine projects to carry out Phase III trials in the country, but this is the first production agreement.

The vaccine, being developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, is one of the most promising of dozens that researchers around the world are racing to prove safe and efficient.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indigenous land intrusions help drive Govt gets COVID-19 donations higher virus death toll in the Amazon worth $600 million

T

he rate of coronavirus deaths among Indigenous people in Brazil’s Amazon is nearly 250 per cent higher than in the general population, for reasons ranging from a lack of access to healthcare to invasions of Indigenous land, researchers said.

The fatality rate among COVID-19-infected Indigenous Amazonians had soared by early August, up from the 150 per cent higher than the broader population found in a study in June by IPAM, the Amazon Environmental Research Institute.

“The situation has worsened. It is clear that we did not learn from the first few months,” said Martha

T

he Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is reporting that it received over $600,000,000 in donations between March 1 and May 31 to support the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The information was disclosed following a Jamaica Observer Access to Information Act request for the monetary donations received by the Ministry during that period; the donors and the amount donated; the areas of the Ministry in which the funds were allocated; and a breakdown of the spending.

The Ministry said it received donations amounting to $608,894,606; 48 per cent

or $293.2 million of which was for medical equipment, 28 per cent or $172.2 million for goods, while 13 per cent or $78 million amounted to cash donations.

Food and beverages totalled $22.2 million in donations, services $12 million and transportation $31.2 million.

The report, produced by the Health for Life and Wellness Foundation Limited, said 52 private sector entities donated $284.5 million in cash and kind, while 11 non-profit organisations donated $243.3 million.

Foreign companies donated $52.2 million, the diaspora $202,500, the telethon hosted by the Government

$27.1 million, while individual donations amounted to $1.5 million to make up the total amount.

Head of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Keith Duncan noted that its members quickly responded to the onset of COVID-19 by assessing the challenges and identifying gaps.

Additionally, he said the PSOJ, in addressing the uncertainties faced by the MSME sector, rolled off a series of weekly podcasts called COVID-Cast to share strategies on how to pivot their businesses to take advantage of opportunities and survive the pandemic. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Barbuda’s lone hospital repaired after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma In 2017

B

arbudans once again have access to enhanced healthcare services after a fully equipped and rehabilitated Hannah Thomas Hospital was handed over to the Barbuda Council on Friday. Under the leadership of the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, the project, funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund reconstructed the severely damaged hospital and provided equipment to improve patient care within the community.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implemented the project, utilizing a $1 million contribution from India through the Fund,

Prime Minister Hon Gaston Browne (second from right) hands over the key to the newly rehabilitated and equipped Hannah Thomas Hospital, which was funded under the India-UN Development Fund, to Barbuda MP Trevor Walker. Pictured also are Minister of Health, Wellness & the Environment Molwyn Joseph (far left), Barbuda Council Chair of Health Nadia Harris George (second from left), Barbuda Council Chairwoman Calsey Beazer Joseph and UNDP Antigua & Barbuda Head of Office Mellissa Johnson (far right) (UNDP Photo by Rory Butler)

using “Build Back Better” principles to ensure greater structural resilience and inclusive access.

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma significantly damaged the hospital, removing most of the roof, destroying the structure and significantly reducing the availability of medical services. UNDP Head of Office in Antigua and Barbuda, Mellissa Johnson, in her address noted, “We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders who played a pivotal role in seeing this project come to fruition”.

Managed by the United Nations Office for SouthSouth Cooperation, the India-UN Fund has been working rapidly to position

support for projects that respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Antigua and Barbuda, the India-UN Fund is providing an additional $1 million, on top of the hurricane relief, to strengthen national health capacities and address the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the economy.

Speaking on the importance of the hospital to the Barbudan community, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Honourable Molwyn Joseph stated, “the Ministry of Health requested the support of PAHO to redesign the Hannah Thomas Hospital, so you are getting a hospital designed by experts”. (Excerpt from Antigua News Room)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices down on demand worries, growing supply

O

il prices edged lower on Friday on worries that demand would recover more slowly than expected from COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, while rising supply also overshadowed optimism over falling crude and fuel inventories.

This week, two prominent forecasters, the International Energy Agency and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, trimmed their 2020 oil demand forecasts.

OPEC and its allies are increasing output this month.

“The big-picture question is whether the spread of coronavirus is going to continue to impact on the return of gasoline and diesel demand,” said Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston.

Brent crude LCOc1 settled at US$44.80 a barrel, falling 16 cents. US West Texas Intermediate CLc1 settled at US$42.01 a barrel, down 23 cents.

For the week, Brent was up 0.9 per cent and WTI gained 1.9 per cent.

Prices were bolstered earlier in the week by US Government data showing crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories falling last week as refiners ramped up production and demand for oil products rose.

“If that trend continues, it’s very supportive of prices and should drive prices higher,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

The number of US oil and gas rigs, an indicator of future supply, fell this week for a 15th straight week to record lows, according to energy services firm Baker Hughes.

“The market wants to break out, but we don’t seem to be able to follow through just yet because of these lingering questions about the coronavirus,” Flynn said.

Oil has recovered from lows touched in April, when WTI briefly turned negative. Still, a rise in the number of novel coronavirus infections has limited gains. India reported another record daily rise in cases on Thursday.

OPEC and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, have cut output since May by around 10 per cent of pre-pandemic global demand to support the market. The deal calls for an increase in output this month as demand recovers.

An OPEC+ panel meets on Wednesday to review the market. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Palestinians unanimously reject UAE-Israel deal

P

alestinians reacted with shock and dismay after US President Donald Trump unveiled an agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalise ties.

The deal pledges full normalisation of relationships between the two countries in the areas of security, tourism, technology and trade in return for suspending Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank.

Both the Palestinian leadership and public were caught by surprise when the announcement came on Thursday.

“We absolutely had no prior knowledge of this agreement,” Ahmed Majdalani, the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) Minister of social affairs, told Al Jazeera. “The timing and speed of reaching this agreement were surprising, especially that it came at a critical moment in the Palestinian struggle.”

Former PA Minister Munib

al-Masri noted Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who ruled Abu Dhabi for more than 30 years before his death in 2004, had always been a strong supporter of the Palestinians.

“The late Sheikh Zayed was a dear brother to me, I knew how much he was proud of his support for Palestine…

I never imagined that in my lifetime I would see the day in which the UAE would simply sell the Palestinians out for the sake of normalisation,” al-Masri said. “It’s very shameful. I can’t believe it until now.”

Other Palestinian officials said though the news came abruptly, it was not much of a surprise.

“We were not surprised that much because the Emirati army was never on the borders ready to fight Israel,” said Mustafa al-Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian National Initiative and member of the PA parliament.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Angola sentences ex-President’s son to 5 years' jail for fraud A ngola’s Supreme Court has handed a five-year jail sentence to Jose Filomeno dos Santos, the son of the oil-rich country’s former President, for fraud when he headed the national sovereign wealth fund.

Dos Santos, 42, was summoned before the court in December over allegations he tried to embezzle up to US$1.5 billion from the sovereign wealth fund, which he oversaw from 2013 to 2018.

Nicknamed “Zenu”, dos Santos, son of ex-President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was charged with stealing US$500 million from the fund and transferring it to a Swiss bank account.

Three co-defendants, including the former Governor of the National Bank of Angola (BNA), Valter Filipe da Silva, were sentenced to between four and six years in prison for fraud, embezzlement and influence peddling.

All four were acquitted of money laundering charges. They have previously denied any wrongdoing.

In February, Angolan investigators froze the assets of Zenu’s billionaire half-sister, Isabel dos Santos.

She is being probed for a long list of

Angola’s Supreme Court handed a five-year jail sentence to dos Santos, centre, for fraud

crimes in Angola, including mismanagement, embezzlement and money laundering during her stewardship of the State-run oil giant Sonangol.

Lourenco has mainly targeted the family members of his predecessor, who appointed relatives and friends to key positions during his 38-year rule - leaving a legacy of poverty and nepotism.

Only a small elite have benefitted from Angola’s vast oil and mineral reserves.

The southwest African country has been slow in recovering from a 19752002 civil war. Large pockets of the population live in poverty with limited access to basic services. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Putin proposes world powers summit to avoid UN “confrontation” over Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Government via video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, August 11, 2020

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin on Friday proposed a video summit with the United States, Britain, France, China, Germany

and Iran in a bid to avoid “confrontation and escalation” at the United Nations, where Washington is trying to extend an arms embargo on Tehran.

“The issue is urgent,” Putin said in a statement, adding that the alternative was “only further escalation of tensions, increasing risk of conflict - such a scenario must be avoided.”

The 15-member UN Security Council will announce later on Friday the result of a vote on a USdrafted resolution to extend the weapons ban. Diplomats say it is bound to fail and put the fate of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers further at risk.

If the United States is unsuccessful it has threatened to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback, even though Washington quit the accord in 2018.

Diplomats say the United States could try to do this as

early as next week.

Putin said Russia, which is an ally of Iran in the Syrian civil war, remained fully committed to the nuclear deal and that the aim of a video summit would be “to outline steps that will allow to avoid confrontation and escalation of the situation in the security council.”

US President Donald Trump wants to negotiate a new deal with Iran that would prevent it from both developing nuclear weapons and curb its activities in the region and elsewhere.

He dubbed the 2015 nuclear deal - reached by the Obama Administration - “the worst deal ever.”

The 13-year-old arms embargo is due to expire in October. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rise in threats against Justin Trudeau, Police warn

T

he number of threats against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has risen compared to the same period last year, Canadian Police have warned.

Figures from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) show there were 130 threats against Trudeau and Ministers from January to July.

This is a jump from 100 threats made in the same period in 2019.

The RCMP report follows a number of security incidents targeting federal officials in the country.

In July, an armed suspect was arrested for breaching the entrance of the estate where Trudeau lives.

Trudeau and his family, who are currently living

There were 130 threats against Justin Trudeau from January to July this year

at a cottage on the Rideau Hall estate while the Prime Minister’s official residence is being renovated, were not at home at the time of the incident.

Other incidents include attempted attacks on Governor General Julie Payette - the official representative of

Queen Elizabeth II - who resides at the same estate as Trudeau, and more recently, Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna.

Ottawan MPP Lisa MacLeod was forced to go under police protection after receiving threatening emails, as well as what the

Ottawa Citizen newspaper described as an unspecified “mischievous incident”.

Expressing her support for MacLeod, McKenna called for “better measures” to prevent threats and abuse against officials.

Another report, released by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), found anti-government sentiment specifically against Trudeau - was a “highly salient” topic among far-right extremists online, along with Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.

Justin Trudeau was mentioned in 11.4 per cent of posts made by right-wing extremist Facebook pages and groups, and featured in 28 per cent of the YouTube content analysed, the ISD said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Refuse to let anger set in and take control. You may not be happy about some of the changes that occur, but you will find a way to make what transpires work in your favour.

Make changes that will TAURUS improve your relationships and attitude. An in-depth (April 20look into your background May 20) and beliefs will clear any doubt you have regarding your plans.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Put your time to good use.

What you do to help others will pay off when you need something in return. An emotional revelation will help you make up your mind about a personal or physical change you are contemplating.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Look for a way to turn a negative into a positive. Seek out people who share your concerns. Don’t waste time and energy on someone or something you cannot change.

PEANUTS

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Don’t overlook what others are doing. If you want to keep up with the competition, you’ll have to make adjustments. Think big, but do only what’s necessary. Sticking to your budget is essential.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Take action. Planning is all well and good, but at some point, you have to forge ahead. Step up and make things happen.

Control your destiny instead of letting someone decide it for you.

Take care of yourself.

Common sense and swift action will help you deal with obstacles between you and the things you want. Don’t wait for someone to make the first move.

Less talk and more action will bring about positive change. An adjustment will lead to opportunities.

Search for an environment that offers you peace of mind.

Set your sights on a goal, and take action. Don’t wait for things to come to you. Seize the moment, and forge ahead. You can get the job done if you work hard.

Don’t shy away from change. Dedicate more time to enjoying life and making the most of what you’ve got.

Romance is featured.

Being a follower will not lead to happiness or satisfaction. Don’t feel obligated to take part in someone’s pursuits. Find a way to implement things that make you happy into your daily routine.

A personal change is in your best interest. Help yourself before you tend to other people’s requests.

Take time to reevaluate what you want to do next.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

21

FANCODE TO EXCLUSIVELY STREAM HERO CPL — launches specialised features to improve digital viewing experience for fans

F

anCode, India’s first multi-sport aggregator platform by Dream Sports, has partnered with Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPLT20) to exclusively live stream all cricket matches of this T20 tournament, which starts on August 18.

FanCode will provide a comprehensive digital experience to CPL fans through an array of features, such as live streaming with interactive data overlays, real-time highlights, interactive live scores with multimedia commentary, and even provide India’s first customised commentary for fantasy sports users.

This comprehensive digital experience of CPL will be available through FanCode's industry-first offering - Match Pass and Tour Pass.

CPL will be the first mainstream T20 cricket league to start since the COVID-19 lockdown. Now in its 8th edition, the CPL matches would commence at 7:30pmIST on each match day. Launching with CPL, the consumer-first features being rolled out to fans by FanCode include interactive data overlays, where fans can customise the data they want to see as an overlay while watching the live stream.

Fans will also, for the first time in India for cricket, have the choice and flexibility to subscribe to the specific content they want for the CPL through Match Pass for match-

wise access, and Tour Pass for access to the entire tournament.

Sports fans will not have to commit to a monthly or annual subscription fee for the entire platform, to watch their favourite tournament or a match of their choice.

Talking about the new features that enhance the sports’ fan experience on FanCode, Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of

“With Match and Tour Pass, we’re continuing to put the fan at the centre of everything we do, giving them the flexibility to choose what they want to subscribe to.”

Talking about the partnership with CPL, Prasana Krishnan, Co-Founder of FanCode said, “The world is finally witnessing the gradual return of sports; and with CPL, the fans are in for a treat, to enjoy the

FanCode, said: “We are glad to have the opportunity to provide comprehensive coverage of CPL to Indian cricket fans. In continuing with our commitment of providing great experiences to sports fans by unlocking the potential of digital, we will be rolling out features like interactive data overlays on the live feed, customised commentary, and detailed analysis around the progress of the matches.

first T20 cricket from the big leagues since lockdown. This time around, cricket fans will not be able to go to the stadium and restaurants to enjoy these matches with friends, due to the pandemic. They will have to stay indoors and enjoy the matches from the comfort of their homes.”

Talking about the partnership, Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director of CPL T20, said, “It’s a great pleasure to have Hero

CPL 2020 available live on Fancode for the first time. With a match coming into India during Prime Time on each day of competition, the opportunities for our fans there to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the “biggest party in sport” just got bigger. As Official Streaming Partner (FanCode), CPL fans know exactly where to go to get their fill of the action.”

The 33-match season will be hosted in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. All the matches will take place across two stadiums in that country - The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will host 23 games, including the semi-finals and final; and the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain will have 10 matches.

Two of the six teams competing in the CPL are owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises; Kings XI Punjab owns St Lucia Zouks, and Kolkata Knight Riders have acquired CPL’s most successful franchise to date - Trinbago Knight Riders.

CPL will witness participation from the likes of Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, Australia's Chris Lynn, West Indies' Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, and England's Alex Hales.

Apart from the FanCode App (iOS | Android), the matches will also be live streamed on the website -www.fancode.com.

England to oppose Australia in 3 Twenty20 Arsenal sign former Chelsea midfielder & 3 one-day internationals next month Fixtures

Friday, 4 September: First T20, Ageas Bowl (18:00 BST) Sunday, 6 September: Second T20, Ageas Bowl (14:00) Tuesday, 8 September: Third T20, Ageas Bowl (18:00) Friday, 11 September: First ODI, Emirates Old Trafford (13:00) Sunday, 13 September: Second ODI, Emirates Old Trafford (13:00) Wednesday, 16 September: Third ODI, Emirates Old Trafford (13:00)

E

England beat Australia in last summer's World Cup semi-finals

ngland will play three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals against Australia next month. The matches were originally due to be played in July, but were postponed as part of the restructured schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The T20s will be at Southampton's Ageas Bowl on 4, 6 and 8 September,

with the second live on BBC TV. Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester will stage the ODIs on 11, 13 and 16 September.

England play T20s against Pakistan at Old Trafford on 28 and 30 August and 1 September.

England's 50-over team, who won the World Cup last year, beat Ireland 2-1 in an ODI series at Southampton that finished earlier this

month.

"The rivalry between England and Australia is the pinnacle of sporting competition," said England and Wales chief executive Tom Harrison. "These will be thrilling contests, and a perfect way to culminate the men's international season in this extraordinary summer."

Australia will leave Perth on 23 August and travel to Derby for four inter-squad matches.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been named in the 21-man squad after recovering from an elbow injury. Wicketkeeper Josh Philippe, left-arm pace bowler Daniel Sams and seamer Riley Meredith, all uncapped, have also been included.

"It's vital for cricket

that we do everything we can to keep the game going in these tough times," said Australia head coach Justin Langer.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald will miss the tour to travel to the rearranged Indian Premier League, where he is head coach of the Rajasthan Royals.

Australia squad

Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe (wk), Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Willian on free transfer

Willian follows compatriot David Luiz in moving from Chelsea to Arsenal

A

rsenal have signed Brazil midfielder Willian on a three-year deal after the 32-year-old's contract with Chelsea expired.

The Blues had offered the player a new deal, but were unwilling to match what the Gunners had on the table.

"I believe he's a player that can really make a difference for us," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. "We had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions."

Willian made 339 appearances for Chelsea after signing from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala for £30m in 2013.

He won five major honours with the Blues, including two Premier League titles and the Europa League, and was voted the club's “player of the year” twice.

"He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility; he can play in three or four different positions," added Arteta. "He has experience of everything in the football world, but still has the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club (to) where it belongs.

"I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him, and how much he wanted to come."

Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League last season, while Chelsea were fourth and secured a Champions League spot.

However, the Gunners did beat their London rivals in the FA Cup final - a game Willian missed through injury - to make sure they earn a place in the Europa League. (BBC Sport)

22

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A

midst the COVID-19 pandemic that has rocked the world and even crippled sporting disciplines, the NexGen Golf Academy, having rally through it all thus far, is now reaping the fruits of its labour invested under the leadership of President Aleem Hussain.

Still in its developmental stage, this Academy has come a long way in a short time. Many sponsors have

come on board its initiatives, and the Academy has even hosted a training session for children. Even its recently concluded “Hit & Win Gold” tournament was won by former open men's champion Mike Mangal, while the female version was won by the up-and-coming Michelle Codrington.

In a sit-down with Guyana Times Sport, Academy President Aleem Hussain said, "Well, the academy is off to a great start. Over 220 new players have joined, people

NexGen Golf Academy President Aleem Hussain

who have never experienced playing golf. Out of that 220, we have 60 who are children and over 130 who are women.

“The Academy has become a new go-to spot for families, couples, and those

who want to exercise, all within strict COVID-19 protocols. We have been able to provide the strictest rules, all within the COVID-19 guidelines, as players no longer have to feel threatened; they can enjoy a good game of golf while being safe. “In terms of growth, we have extended our reach to the GTU ground, and that will feature the rest of the Academy, including a club house that will offer food and drinks and all other necessities."

Hussain also explained that the Academy is aiming to take its standards to a world class level, and very soon all will be accomplished.

He related that the location of the Academy has translated into being a prime

spot for business, as it attracts members from all over.

He also noted that the recent training session with Colin Ming, to which many children were attracted, is a great step towards the future, as it is expected that a further 200 to 300 pupils will feature at future sessions.

An upbeat Hussain said, "In terms of prizes and activities, the Academy and Driving Range will host weekly activities. We are looking at adding various activities, such as motorcycles up for grabs, and we are looking to see if we can, at the end of the year, put a vehicle up for grabs in a shooting competition. So, everyone should look forward to a lot of activities in the future."

32 more benefit from RHTY&SC, MS/BCB Basil Butcher Trust Fund

— 20 clubs receive score books, detergents donated to public institutions 223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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nother thirty-two under-13 and under-15 cricketers were last week beneficiaries of cricket gear as the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, with support of the Berbice Cricket Board, continued their work under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund.

The cricketers were drawn from Upper Corentyne, Central/Lower Corentyne, and New Amsterdam, and each player received an item of cricket gear. What was distributed included batting pads, batting gloves, wicket keeping pads and gloves, and batting helmets.

BCB President and RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has said a total of 67 cricketers have so far benefited under the fund, while another 20 would benefit shortly. Foster explained that the joint team agreed to assist 87 cricketers in total, as on 3rd September Mr Butcher would have celebrated his 87th birthday, had he been alive. The legendary West Indies middle order batsman died in the United States last December after a prolonged illness.

Foster has urged the young cricketers to take care of the donated gear, and to work hard if they want to fulfill their dream of one day wearing the maroon cap, like Butcher did.

He recalled that the 44-Test veteran

had told him he had achieved success through sheer hard work, personal sacrifice, and dedication. Foster said it is okay to dream, but dreams become reality only if backed by hard work.

The BCB also took opportunity to blast the attitude of some cricket club administrators in Berbice towards fulfilling their duties. He noted that the county has no place for laziness, indifference, or carefree attitudes, and urged non performing club officials to step aside so that others can be given a chance to step up.

Foster noted that many persons take up positions in organisations only for the glory, to add to their CV, or to assist them to get visas. He urged clubs to get rid of such persons.

The next set of cricket gear would be shared out in Butcher’s adopted hometown of Linden, along with bicycles.

Foster also said that school bags would shortly be shared out under the fund.

The RHTY&SC and the BCB last week donated more than 100 litres of cleaning detergents to several public institutions, including the Port Mourant Public Hospital, Rose Hall Town Council, Rose Hall Post Office, Rose Hall Police Outpost and the Rose Hall Fire Station.

The fund has also distributed a total of 940 food hampers out of a projected 1000 to families across the county.

Two youths pose with the donated cricket gear and a portrait of the legendary Basil Butcher

Distribution of medical supplies would also be done shortly to children’s homes, while the fund would also sponsor this year’s edition of the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Region Six Sports Award programme. The management of the RHTY&SC would like to express gratitude to the donors who contributed towards the latest distribution of gear. These include Dr Vincent Adams, David Yhann, Len Craft, Esuan Crandon, Colin Elcock, Leyland Grant, Harry Dass Ghaness, Ramesh Sunich Pearl Arokium, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Food for the Poor,

Mike’s Pharmacy, Mr Jones, Persaud’s Funeral Home, Rodwell Jagmohan, Chandra Sohan, Forde’s Snackette, Surindradat Beharry, ABS Services, Louise Nero, Massy Motors and Farook Khan.

The ten cricket teams of the RHTY&SC,MS, are the Poonai Pharmacy Under-12, Under-13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Namilco Under-21 and First Division teams.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

By Brandon Corlette

P

laying in front of home fans at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence would greatly be missed by patriotic ‘Warrior’ Chris Green.

In a virtual press conference after being appointed captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW), Green noted that the fans have always been crucial to the team’s success; and this year will be different, with no spectators being able to enter the stands and the tournament being played entirely in Trinidad and Tobago.

Asked about his plans for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) to jump the final hurdle, Green said the team learnt a lot from that loss and the

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success over the years.

“Players have moved on, and we have returned excited; and I am super confident that we will meet the final and go one step further,” Green explained.

All the CPL players have been in the bubble at the Hilton Hotel, and it has been an atmosphere of great difference, but the team remains upbeat, he said.

GAW have had the luxury of retaining the core of its squad, and Green believes there is mutual understanding among team members and they are aware of what is necessary to contribute to the team’s success.

In the absence of Shoaib Malik from the Warriors camp, Green said, Malik’s experience is replaced by Ross Taylor’s. According to Green, Malik has left a good legacy, and the core of the team has learnt a lot from him over the years.

With spin set to play a big role in the tournament, Green opined that GAW are equipped with batsmen and spin bowlers to succeed. In fact,

all teams have equipped themselves with a variety of spinners.

Green has said his approach to captaincy would be no different from what has been the tradition for the Warriors.

“For me, I want to provide a platform for the talented guys in our team to perform. I am willing to put my position on the line. I want to instill that confidence in all players on the team,” Green explained.

An Australian, Green is returning from remodelling his bowling action, and says he is mentally prepared and his training had begun since January 3. From a batting point of view, Green said if he could copy and paste the batting performance from last season, he would do that.

Green posited that all batsmen contributed at different times in the tournament, and if the team can produce another leading batsman in the tournament, that would take the GAW closer to a CPL title.

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Speaking on the new additions in Ashmead Nedd and Kevin Sinclair, Green said he is impressed with those guys and the work they have put in.

With the players lacking match practice, Green has said that for the players to hit the ground running, the mental aspect would require adjusting; but this break does not make any player less in terms of skill.

Additionally, Green said he is excited to see the explosive Shimron Hetmyer on show. With external noise surrounding Hetmyer’s batting in the past, Green said it is difficult to bat in the middle, but Hetmyer is the man that has the ability to pick up the chips and win matches.

GAW squad reads: Imran Tahir, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Ross Taylor, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Green, Kissoondath Magram, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Naveen Ul Haq, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kevin Sinclair, Ashmeade Nedd, Odean Smith, Anthony Bramble, Jasdeep Singh

Opposition captains speak “The pitches will be good early in the tournament, and the fast bowlers will play a huge role. And later on, the spinners will come into play,” Emrit said.

From left to right: Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Rayad Emrit

By Brandon Corlette

T

he six captains of the Hero CPL teams spoke virtually to the media yesterday (Thursday August 14). Here is what five of the captains had to say: Holder on Rashid and Walsh: “We expect big things from them” In most successful T20 teams, wrist spinners have played pivotal roles. Tridents are equipped with two quality leggies in Hayden Walsh Jr. and Rashid Khan.

Walsh, who played an important role for Tridents in the 2019 CPL, ended with 22 wickets in nine matches at a brilliant average of 12.7. He took a best bowling figure of 5-19.

Meanwhile, Khan has been a dominant force to reckon with in T20s, having played 211 matches globally and picked up 296 wickets at a tender age of 21.

Khan is no stranger to CPL. In 2017 he played for Guyana Amazon Warriors and made an immediate impact, picking up 14 wickets, including the tournament’s first ever hat trick.

Holder disclosed that Tridents are expecting big things from this duo in the 2020 CPL. “Hayden was last year’s ‘player of the tournament’ and Rashid is a world class leg-spinner. We expect big things from both of them, and they are looking forward to bowling in tandem. It is a matter for them to execute and lead the charge,” Holder said.

With CPL being a condensed tournament, Holder said the bench strength will be tested, and these are all factors that the team is considering.

During Holder’s first media engagement of the tournament, the captain of the defending champions, Barbados Tridents, said his team had one practice session thus far, and the preparation has been strange. Holder and his Tridents have been limited to full use of the facility since the

rain has been around.

The West Indies Test captain is fully aware that this tournament is different because of the COVID-19 protocols. “We understand that this tournament will be different from the other tournaments, and we have to make use of the resources we have,” Holder said.

Fresh from a bio-secure bubble in England, Holder said the CPL bubble is different, and more restrictions are in place, in contrast to what had obtained in England.

Last year is history for the current CPL title holders. Captain Holder explained that the last season was good, but come this season, Tridents will be aiming to defend the trophy.

Trinidad locals in Patriots will be a plus – Emrit St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have had the most shuffling. Captain Emrit noted that the team looks a good one on paper, but the game-changer and the man who brings balance to the team, Fabian Allen, will be missed.

Despite all the changes, Emrit noted that the squad is filled with game-changers and a strong coaching staff led by the legendary Courtney Walsh, to produce that win.

This tournament is certainly a different one, and Emrit and his team had their first preparation recently, which they made full use of.

With the tournament being compact, Emrit explained that chopping and changing would not be essential, as the Patriots are keen on starting well.

CPL 2020 is set to be played at only two venues in Trinidad and Tobago. The experience will be strange for all the players, but Emrit and company would be looking to bring their own vibes to the stadium. Patriots are equipped with Trinidadian locals in Emrit, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Joshua Da Silva and Jon Russ Jaggesar.

Sharing his sentiments on that fact, Emrit said the local players in the team would work to their advantage of the situation.

Gayle, Sarwan a big loss - Powell The Jamaica Tallawahs have had the most action in the build of the 2020 CPL. Newly appointed captain Rovman Powell said the loss of Chris Gayle and Assistant Coach Ramnaresh Sarwan, who will not play a part in the 2020 tournament, is a big loss, but the team must play professionally and make amends after a poor 2019 CPL. For Powell, it is also strange, but everyone in the camp is upbeat ahead of the CPL. The young Powell said being appointed as captain evokes a tremendous feeling, and he is excited to lead a great bunch of players.

Sandeep Lamichhane and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are great additions to the Tallawahs, and Powell also believes that the fast bowling led by Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell, Fidel Edwards and Carlos Brathwaite looks strong.

Powell noted that local spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Ramaal Lewis will play important roles, while learning from the international spinners in the set-up. With this tournament being hectic in schedule, Powell said that his bench strength will be ready for any task.

“Injuries will happen. We have made plans and we have a strong bench. We are in a good position in this regard,” Powell noted.

The tournament will be played in Trinidad, and the Trinbago Knight Riders would have a little edge. According to Powell, the Tallawahs will not be focusing on that, but are aiming to play good cricket on the day.

Sammy not closing door on West Indies selection Two-time T20 World Cup captain Darren Sammy had done a lot of soul-searching. His focus is on taking St Lucia Zouks to the play-off.

“The main focus is to do well for the Zouks, and that will raise eyebrows in terms of West Indies selection,” Sammy said.

The 36-year-old Sammy has said he has not closed the door on a West Indies selection with T20 World Cups looming. He posited that he is in a good space mentally.

“I am in a very good place mentally. I am not under any pressure to perform and keep my spot, so I am just here to elevate the youngsters, and I think I am closer to the end,” Sammy concluded.

The vocal Sammy has indicated that his team made use of the resources they had. Coached by Andy Flower, the Zouks captain is impressed with the leadership quality in the camp. Zouks have always looked a strong team on paper, but have failed to convert perception into reality.

Sammy has credited the new team owners

for bringing difference in management. “Over the years, I have focused a lot on management and leading. This year I want to focus on the cricket, and this year I have already seen strong leaders within the group. I can’t wait – honestly to lead them out of the park,” Sammy explained.

Earlier in the week, Sammy expressed his disappointment with some players having the opportunity to train and some being required to stay indoors. “My point was: Why not everyone in the bubble? But it is logical to have everyone participating in the tournament be in the bubble at the inception,” Sammy echoed.

Sammy noted that other players shared this same view and have lodged their complaints with managers and with him, a senior captain.

With Chris Gayle being transferred to the Zouks earlier, but now opting out, Sammy said he was looking forward to play with the Universe Boss, and his leadership in the batting group would have been invaluable.

Qualifying for playoffs is the first step for Pollard While all the other captains conducted their virtual press conference in their hotel rooms at the Hilton, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard had the luxury of speaking to the media during an outdoor practice session.

The hosts, TKR, have been the only team to put in additional training, and they are the last team to enter the bubble.

TKR have the oldest and first Indian player in the CPL. Pollard said Praven Tambe has been good during training thus far, and he is looking forward to playing in ‘the biggest party in sport’, and hopefully he shares his experience “while we await more Indian players to arrive in CPL”.

The Pollard-led team have stuck with their core players, and Dwayne Bravo and Fawad Ahmed are the two additions which bring great experience. Pollard also made reference to Sammy, whom he regards as a normal player in the Caribbean. He says that given Sammy’s strong performances in the CPL, he is eligible to play for the West Indies.

“We have made clear to the (new Cricket West Indies) administration that everyone is available for selection in that pool. No one is an exception to the rule. Performances and fitness and everything we are looking for.”

TKR will play the Warriors in their opening match, and qualifying for the playoff is priority.

“Guyana got the better of us in 2019, but come this season, that counts for nothing,” Pollard highlighted.

Speaking on playing without fans, Pollard said this is the new way of cricket, but the TKR will miss the fans. “We are always going to play for them. Hopefully, we bring smiles to them in this tournament,” Pollard concluded.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020

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

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“I am honoured to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors”- Chris Green

CPL Fixture update

— Pooran is vice-captain

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors have appointed Chris Green as their captain for the 2020 season. The Australian off-spinning all-rounder is back with the Amazon Warriors for the third year, having first played for the franchise in 2018. He has taken 23 wickets at an average of 22 in his 23 matches for the team.

Green stood in as Captain during the 2018 season, so this will be his second spell in charge of the Amazon Warriors. A firm fan favourite, Green was part of the Guyana team who finished as runners-up at the Hero CPL in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, and will be hoping he can lead the team to their first title in 2020.

Chris Green said: “I am hugely excited to be back with the Amazon Warriors for another season, and honoured to be leading them for this season. Guyana is somewhere I am hugely fond of, and we are very confident that this is the year that we can win the Hero CPL title for our amazing fans back home.”

Nicholas Pooran, the Franchise’s marque player and one of the most exciting T20 batting talents in the Caribbean, has been appointed vice-captain of the team, and will definitely lend quality support to Chris Green.

Pooran, who joined the franchise last year, was the youngest player to play in the CPL in the first year of the League in 2013. He has played in all the editions of CPL to date, and brings that experience to the team.

Omar Khan, Guyana Amazon Warriors Team Operations Manager, said: “Chris has been a fantastic part of the Amazon Warriors family since he joined us for the 2018 season, and he was the natural choice to take the reins for this season. He is a fantastic cricketer and a fine leader, and we are very confident that he will guide the team to a successful season.

“Nicholas as wicketkeeper/ batsman and one of the inspirational players of the team last year, has demonstrated leadership qualities which have seen him being elevated to the (vice-captaincy) position this year.” (CPL)

The starting time for Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) weekend fixtures has been changed. The afternoon matches on Saturday and Sunday will now start at 2:15pm local time.

The 33-match season will be played in Trinidad & Tobago, with all matches taking place across two stadiums in that country. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will host 23 games, including the semi-finals and final, and the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain will host 10 matches.

Captain Green confident GAW will take it one step further in the final Pg 23

Team GAW were, in 2019, unbeaten until the final

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