Guyana Times -- Saturday, December 18, 2021

Canada donates 55,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for Guyana P5

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4865

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

Region 6 has what is needed for trans-border development – Head of State Page 3

…opens bridge to deep-water port

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 more die from COVID-19, death toll P15 climbs to 1028 Venezuelan gunned down in Region 1 P14 "Rasta Beans" jailed for 15 P14 years for killing pork-knocker

Another $100M for asphalting road along East Bank Berbice …contractor warned of consequences Page 16

if yearend deadline not reached

President Dr Irfaan Ali walking along Main Street, Georgetown with his wife, First Lady Arya Ali, and their son Zayd after the official launch of Christmas Village 2021. Members of Cabinet, including Prime Minister Mark Phillips and his wife Mignon BowenPhillips, were also in attendance

Guyana to work with Brazil, Suriname to develop regional energy, food security – Ali Page 2

…tells MERCOSUR about need for integration to fight pandemic, climate change

New InterCaribbean Airways links Guyana to 13 regional cities …as Guyana, Barbados work for joint destination marketing CDC takes relief hampers to flooded Pomeroon residents Page 7

Page 13

Man caught at roadblock after robbing woman jailed P8

Elderly Berbice couple on bail for cocaine trafficking P14

Permanent Secretary P10 charged for accepting bribe

2 NEWS Guyana to work with Brazil, Suriname to develop regional energy, food security – Ali SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…tells MERCOSUR about need for integration to fight pandemic, climate change

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday told members of the South American trade bloc, MERCOSUR, that Guyana intends to bridge the gap between the continent and the Caribbean in order to boost the region’s energy and food security.

He was at the time virtually addressing the 59th Summit of MERCOSUR hosted by Brazil.

According to the Head of State, the country is poised

to function as a new “energy pole” for the region in collaboration with its continental neighbours.

“Along with Brazil and Suriname, we hope to leverage our energy resources for energy security, agriculture and food security and to potentiate growth and development opportunities in the northern flank of South America,” he posited.

President Ali further informed Member States that to start this process,

there will be a summit between Guyana, Brazil and Suriname very early in the New Year to discuss the development of the Corentyne frontier, the logistic importance of a deep-water harbour and the energy corridor – all of which, he noted, will not only add to the region’s energy and food security but also foster greater collaboration for trade and investment.

To this end, the Head of State reaffirmed

Guyana’s support towards MERCOSUR’s efforts to foster infrastructure, integration, and increase connectivity.

He added that Guyana is a “willing partner” in enhancing the regional trade bloc’s development, as well as the country’s integration into the “South American fraternity as part of our continental destiny”.

The President further told the outgoing rotational head of MERCOSUR,

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the MERCOSUR Summit

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and incumbent head, President of Paraguay Mario Abdo Benítez, along with other regional leaders that lessons from the pandemic must serve as a guideline to the future.

A healthy South America, he noted, is critical to the resiliency and sustainability of the region.

“A strengthened multilateral system is needed to ensure that every region, every country, has more equitable and ready access to deal with pandemics and other threats to public health.”

He added that it is vitally important to enhance the capacity and capabilities of regional, sub-regional and national institutions in surveillance, research, and production of vaccines and other vital agents and technologies.

Although the focus was to ensure that South American nations put measures in place to safeguard the health of their people; the President pointed out that it was also important to build resiliency and reorganise economic activities with the hope of stimulating sustainable growth, improving public services and social safety nets and expanding opportunities for trade and investment.

He said regional integration must encompass a drive for sustainability and pointed to confronting, head-on, the existential threat already posed by climate change.

“The most vulnerable are at grave risk if we do

not act. It is imperative that the global warming trajectory be contained within 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

The President also highlighted Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and pointed to its many benefits.

“This strategy aims to transform Guyana’s economy to better deliver socio-economic benefits to our people by following a low carbon path while mainstreaming climate resilience, providing a model to the world of how low carbon, low deforestation, climate-resilient development can be possible and beneficial for forested countries.”

He reminded the Heads of State that as a bloc, South America should remain focused on the elements of COP26, such as the requisite mitigation ambition, adequate support for adaption and climate finance.

Working together as a regional bloc, according to President Ali, would chart the way forward to ensure that as a collective, the continent builds back “stronger and safer, to create a more equitable, secure, resilient, and sustainable future for our peoples”.

MERCOSUR, which officially translates to mean Southern Common Market, was established by the Treaty of Asuncion in 1991.

The founding members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay; while Guyana, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Suriname are associated states. (G8)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Dec 18 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Sunday, Dec 19 – 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Dec 18 – 15:35h – 17:05h and Sunday, Dec 19 – 16:10h – 17:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light cloud during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:57h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 09:33h and 21:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.62 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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$1817.30 -0.00%

Region 6 has what is needed for transborder development – Head of State …opens bridge to deep-water port

T

he formal opening of the first tangible aspect of the Berbice deep-water port being built

by CGX Energy Inc took place on Friday when President Dr Irfaan Ali cut the ribbon to the access bridge at Seawell.

It has been one decade since talks have been ongoing about a deep-water harbour in Berbice. The project is pivotal to the development of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and will bring the oil and gas industry with all its opportunities to fruition.

The President, during a brief ceremony at CGX logistics yard at Palmyra, explained that it was not only a case where development was being done in Region Six but rather in all 10 administrative regions.

The regional plans, he said, are a subset of the national development strategy and in Region Six the objective of the plan is to build sustainable communities.

“Sustainable communities with many different attributes. 1) sustainable jobs, 2) social services that are second to none and providing good services to the people – education, health, infrastructure, water and electricity. 3) Economic empowerment and opportunities; 4) reduce the disparity between the rich and not so rich but more importantly between gender and families.”

Referring to them as the fundamental elements of a sustainable humanity, the Head of State said his Government is building both a national and regional plan for sustainable development.

He said what is required countrywide is a total revamp of the infrastructure, noting that the type of expansion that will take place requires an infrastructure that is robust in order to advance those opportunities.

“So if we have the deep-water harbour in Region Six which is linked to Suriname and linked to other opportunities, the infrastructure must be in place to take care of this,” President Ali said.

He explained that Region Six has what is needed for trans-border development. It is on this note he explained that a summit between neighbouring Suriname, Brazil and French Guyana will be held in January, adding that France wants to be part of the discussions.

“We will be discussing the creation of an energy hub for these countries. We will be discussing a joint gas strategy between Guyana and Suriname. The gas is not only linked to the production of power or energy.”

He pointed out that one of the largest deposits of ‘A’ grade bauxite is in Region Six. With cheaper electricity, President Ali noted that it will be economically viable to develop a smelter plant on the Corentyne.

“Smelter then leads to an aluminium plant and an aluminium plant leads the constant work and justification

for a deep-water port that will be of the size and magnitude that we cannot even imagine,” President Ali disclosed.

Referring to the investment by CGX Inc, the Head of State pointed out that not only is it an infrastructural development at the highest scale of service delivery, but it is one that will see containerised traffic, direct export of grains, and one which will immediately reduce the cost of transport and logistics.”

He pointed out that while all of this is taking place, the Government is aligning strategic and important initiatives for Region Six. One such initiative which he pointed out is the construction of a call centre building which will be run by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

“We are already in advanced stages of negotiating with the service provider to operate that call centre that would create at least 500 new jobs in this region.”

He then pointed out that the region will receive tremendous benefits from the Private Sector as the jobs will add, monthly, some $30 million in additional disposable income.

He also pointed out that the housing programme will see over 500 persons being employed as the Housing Ministry in its first phase will be constructing 100 houses.

He also pointed out that there has been a recreation of jobs in the sugar sector and as it relates to agricultural diversification, President Ali said much focus is being placed on

The Palmyra deep-water port site in Berbice

the swamp shrimp which has a huge market in the diaspora.

“In Georgetown, they call it red belly shrimp. It carries a niche market in the diaspora and what we found is that we could not even supply 20 per cent of that market. So the Government immediately embarked on a programme to collaborate with a person in the agricultural sector by providing machinery and technical support for the expansion of production.”

Initially, the programme was being done along the East Coast Berbice and the Corentyne but it will now be expanded to Mara on the East Bank of Berbice.

He said the aim is to create an aquaculture industry in Region Six which will be global in nature.

“Globally the natural habitat for fishing is shrinking because of overfishing and climate change. But we are not sitting back and doing nothing about it we are ensuring that we are a step ahead by making the investment to create an aquaculture industry.

In the Black Bush Polder, we have supported the building of an agro-processing facility

there. They are now going to take the excess production of pepper and other vegetables from Black Bush Polder and package it for the Caricom, European, Canadian and US markets.”

President Ali pointed out that discussions are currently underway for the production of industrial hemp.

While noting that US$50 million will be invested at Enmore in the dairy industry for the processing of milk and production of yogurt, along with other milk products, President Ali pointed out that a very important part of the project requires Government stimulation.

“We have to now come to the farmers to rebuild the dairy industry because we have to bring together enough farmers on a 5000-acre development programme so as to produce the milk,” he further disclosed.

Also attending the event on Friday were Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman; Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar.

(Andrew Carmichael)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

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

To curb littering

A

few months ago, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall had called for there to be higher prosecution rates for persons caught littering, and this is needed to curb the callous and wanton disposal of garbage that is happening in Guyana.

Littering has always been a major issue in Guyana, and as the Minister had said, it has been a predominant source of pollution, a dereliction embedded in the culture of Guyanese; and so the call for the City Constabulary to enforce the law against litterbugs is well received and supported.

To quote the Minister: “Anyone who is found dumping garbage anywhere, they’re going to be prosecuted in the proper way, and there will be no obstacles in that prosecution”.

This brings us to recycling, an avenue that can help with the littering and improper disposal of garbage with which Guyana has been battling for years.

Scientific research has suggested that, due to lifestyle patterns of citizens, the earth is being depleted of its resources too quickly to sustain a healthy balance. The earth’s natural resources are being consumed at a rate that reinforces the idea that we are living for today, and future generations will be paying for the consequences as a result of our lifestyle choices.

For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the issue of garbage build-up in and around the city continues to be repeated.

Governments and businesses all over are realising how serious the problem is, and are taking steps towards putting policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the environment is protected from various forms of pollution etc. Recycling, along with reducing consumption, has proven to be an effective way to counter the damage we have been doing to the earth for centuries.

A major part of recycling relates to how best we can recycle much of what we use, instead of turning it into unusable waste. For the sake of emphasis, recycling is important as a means of reducing poisonous emissions into the atmosphere, and also to spare our natural resources.

Guyana has indeed taken some time to get “on board”, while many companies and individuals in other parts of the world are improving their recycling habits by coming up with more ways to reduce and reuse what they use. In essence, while there has been much talk about the need to recycle certain products to save our environment from further damage, in a practical sense, the concept has not yet taken much root here. Only a handful of companies have shown that they are really serious about moving in this direction.

The then PPP Government had made an offer of tax-free concessions to individuals and businesses willing to invest and set up recycling plants for plastics and Styrofoam. This was viewed as a good start, and from all indications, a few companies had expressed an interest in taking up the offer. However, we are not certain how far those companies have actually gone ahead with actual implementation of the project’s ideas.

That being said, if we are serious about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, consumers must demand that businesses engage in practices that are more eco-friendly. For example, consumers must be encouraged to purchase from companies that manufacture more eco-friendly products.

As this newspaper had said before, as part of efforts to spread the message of recycling, a comprehensive education and public awareness campaign would have to be carried out, using every available means. Following this, the authorities should explore setting up recycling centres across the country, since it makes no sense preaching about recycling if the necessary infrastructural support system is not present.

In addition to the positive impacts on the environment, recycling brings in a lot of money for many countries. Companies make huge sums from basically utilising the materials that would otherwise have been thrown away.

We believe that there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations, and the local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and Municipalities in every region start the conversation with citizens about recycling. This should be done with the direct involvement of the decision- makers. Certainly, everyone prefers products that are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner, and wants a better, cleaner and healthier environment.

This little boy danced for President Dr Irfaan Ali when the President made a visit to the Deep-Water Port site at Palmyra, East Berbice, during a visit to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Appreciative of salary increase, getting vaccinated Dear Editor, While the rules of engagement on the determination of salary increases for 2021 may not have been followed to the script, it is without a doubt that many Public Servants appreciate the receipt of the seven per cent salary increase, retroactive to the beginning of the year.

Naturally, the representative unions were up in arms, demanding to be heard at the negotiation table, not to mention the breach in relevant guidelines regarding the determination of the quantum of increase in salary for Public Servants.

A cogent response was received, identifying a number of issues influencing the final decision. While throwing a big hint that Public Servants need to seriously consider their choice of representatives, either within, or the unions themselves, the truncated rationale was that Public Servants were encouraged to reflect on the vested interests of their union representatives, trenchant biases which did not serve Public Servants well whenever the current Opposition happened to be in Government.

This is not to say that matters represented by the unions are insubstantial; they are not. However, Public Servants can, with their hard experience, attest to the truth behind the proffered observations. Few Public Servants can dispute their lack of confidence in their union representatives, not to mention the highly questionable internal political machinery of at least one union, which has seen a union president in office way past that person’s ability to further develop, much less oversee the development of, the union itself.

Without much of a second thought, many Public Servants would concede that their union leaders, their unions, have failed them for far too long. They should seriously consider mechanisms to stop the deduction of union dues from their salaries if they are so disposed, in addition to seriously canvassing within their ranks for leaders for another union.

COVID-19 has exacted tremendous costs the world over, with Guyana not being spared the brunt of its effects.

It has been severe on small businesses, their employees, vendors, and other individuals not in stable jobs. An accompanying tragedy has been the explosion of social media, which has been the source of much misinformation on COVID-19 spread by persons and organisations with diverse agendas. Guyanese should by now recognise that the longer COVID-19 remains a social problem, the longer it will take for the general population to return to normalcy, and start spending as it normally would. This is not to mention children returning to normal school life.

Omicron, the most recent variant, appears to spread more rapidly, though its effects appear significantly muted, compared with the experience of Delta, etc.

There is no question that more than a few concerns surround these vaccines (immunity, for example, and generally accepted times for adequate testing). However, the world is not being given the option to wait another twelve or however many years it takes to fully test and approve vaccines for COVID-19.

In this regard, the frontiers of medicine, research and technology have, and are be-

ing, fully exploited to produce and improve vaccines in accordance with stringent guidelines of host economies, to mitigate as much as possible any negative effects of at least those vaccines available from Western countries.

The results of the ability of these vaccines to mitigate the worst effects of COVID-19 have been well documented in the public domain.

Guyanese are therefore encouraged to learn as much as possible from official sources, and make an informed decision on opting to become vaccinated.

An unvaccinated person becomes an unwitting host to COVID-19. More vaccinated persons reduce the rate of severity of ill-health from being exposed to COVID-19, as well as the mortality associated with COVID-19. Most importantly, however, is that becoming vaccinated increases the stability of the population, and nudges the country as a whole back to normalcy, where consumers feel more encouraged and freer to spend and get money circulating back in the economy again.

Unvaccinated Guyanese are therefore strongly urged

to consider their personal well-being, that of their at-risk family members and friends, of the economy, the population as a whole, and more actively explore becoming vaccinated.

Unvaccinated persons are strongly encouraged to continue to wear masks to protect themselves and those vulnerable at home.

Consideration could be extended to retaining commercial air travel to benefit as much as possible from visiting Guyanese, etc., subject to incoming passengers being required to produce proof of vaccination. Some consideration could also be extended to relaxing the mask mandate for vaccinated persons within defined groups, while a relaxation of the curfew would significantly go handin-hand with greater vaccine drives, such as creating vaccine sites in densely trafficked public areas, such as Stabroek Market, aimed at making vaccines more accessible to the unvaccinated, inclusive of those too busy to consider taking time off to get vaccinated.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

Expert advice needed Dear Editor, While browsing through a once popular department store downtown, I came across containers (in the east wing) filled with what looked like electrical extension cords, neatly wrapped and put out for sale in the passageway traversed by shoppers and staff alike.

My consternation is that unsuspecting and unknowl-

edgeable housewives and other shoppers might purchase these items in the absence of proper electrical guidance and advice.

The point here is that these types of products require expert advice, and should not be put out for sale in this manner as witnessed.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

5

News

Canada donates 55,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for Guyana

Canadian Political Counsellor Caroline Mireault, Advisor Dr Leslie Ramsammy and PAHO/WHO Representative Daniel Albert at the vaccine arrival

A

nother tranche of 55,000 AstraZeneca vaccines on Friday arrived in Guyana, adding more resources to continue the vaccination campaign in the wake of COVID-19.

This shipment of vaccines is a donation from the Government of Canada through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Revolving Funds. Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy was joined by Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada, Caroline Mireault and Officer-in-Charge at PAHO/ WHO, Daniel Albert.

The consignment covers 55,000 AstraZeneca vac-

cines, which Dr Ramsammy said will prove essential in the coming weeks to offer both vaccination and booster doses. This adds to some 1.2 million doses that has been made available in the local vaccination leg.

“We were implementing a policy of using the same vaccine for first and second doses. Therefore, this AstraZeneca donation from the Government of Canada is going to help us to resolve that issue for those persons who might’ve received a first dose AstraZeneca to complete their second dose,” the advisor determined.

He said due to contributions from stakeholders and efforts on Government’s end, Guyana stands among

the developing countries that have vaccines to immunise the population in its entirety. Currently, over 410,000 first doses for adults along with 30,000 doses for the adolescent cohort have been administered.

“When you look at the whole scenario in Guyana, of the 1.15 million doses, we are going to move to 1.2 million doses that are available in our country. More than 800,000 doses of vaccines have been administered around the country.”

Meanwhile, the Canadian representative positioned, “Guyana is one the first countries in the region to receive this donation. We know that Guyana

has done a lot in vaccinating people and getting vaccines into the country for the population so we commend the Government for that.”

Earlier this year Canada had announced a contribution of C$50 million to the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Canada’s contribution includes targeted support of at least $6 million to the Caribbean, given the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on small island developing states. The funding is also supporting national efforts to introduce COVID-19 vaccines and reaching populations living in situations of vulnerability, particularly women and migrants.

In Guyana, since the start of the pandemic, through PAHO, Canada has procured PPE, provided thousands of testing kits and equipment, supported training to strengthen diagnostic testing and sample taking, supported mental health psychosocial support campaigns and risk communication and also provided essential cleaning and sanitation supplies.

High Commissioner of Canadian, Mark Berman has also applauded the efforts of the Guyana Government to ensure that vaccines are available for everyone in the country and stated that Canada is committed to continuing to support Guyana’s efforts.

“The Government of Guyana has done tremendous work to ensure the availability and access of

GPF’s performance “good”, but “more needs to be done” – Top Cop

O

ver the years, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been constantly placed under criticisms for a number of matters. These include matters of corruption, bribery, poor response, and lackadaisical approach to situations, among others.

Despite this seemingly widespread condemnation, the Top Cop is contending that the Force has managed to execute its duties with the help of the resources provided by the Government.

Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie has contended that the GPF’s performance throughout the year has been good. He made this remark during the Force’s Annual Awards Ceremony, where several officers were recognised for their outstanding work throughout the year.

“The Guyana Police Force continues to perform

Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie

creditably, notwithstanding the continued challenge,” the Top Cop has said. “Criticisms continue to be made against the Force, and persons tend to forget the exceptional work of the many Police ranks who, despite the criticisms

and challenges, work assiduously in implementing strategies that see successes and stand as testimony to the Police’s undying nature and commitment to the safety and security of our country,” he contended.

According to the Top

Cop, the Force’s fundamental task of protecting the nation is “Herculean”, but it is one that the institution and its ranks take seriously.

“Despite some unsavory incidents, the Guyana Police Force has successfully dealt with the significant challenges and experiences that faced us during this year, and we’ve been taking every effort to carry out our mandate,” he explained.

The Police Commissioner added, “While we’re aware that more needs to be done, generally, the performance of the Force has been good.”

In fact, he pointed out that due to the performance of the Force, the country has recorded a 21% decrease in serious crimes for the year, compared to 2020.

Moreover, the Top Cop has highlighted that this is the “highest degree of reduction” in serious crimes in the past ten years. (G9)

vaccines to the people in need. But we also recognise that the migrant populations have also put an additional weight on the healthcare system. As such, Canada is proud to be able to provide this support to the Ministry of Health in an effort to ensure the entire population could be served,” he underscored.

There were donations of 3000 doses of the AstraZeneca shot from Barbados, 20,000 Sinopharm doses from China, 84,000 AstraZeneca doses from the United Kingdom and another 80,000 doses of the

AstraZeneca vaccine from India. The country also utilised some 146,250 PfizerBioNTech jabs to immunise the adolescent population and pregnant women, after a donation was sent from the United States Government.

Government had procured 400,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines from Dubai and another 100,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China.

Back in May, Guyana also made a down-payment of approximately US$7.5 million to the African Union for 150,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson jab.

(G12)

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Subtracting decimals

S

ubtracting decimals is just like subtracting whole numbers. However, you must correctly line up the decimals . Write placeholder zeros if you need to.

Example: Subtract 82.72 - 9.3

Step 1: Line up the numbers. Make sure that the decimal points line up. Write placeholder zeros if you need to. Place a decimal point in the answer line under the other decimal points.

82.72 - 9.30 Step 2: Subtract: 82.72 - 9.30 73.42 See if you can figure out how to provide an answer for this exercise. Perform this subtraction: 34 - 10.65 For example: If you added a decimal point and placeholder zeros to the whole number, you were correct! and add placeholder zeros after: 34.00 - 10.65 23.35

Remember

The value of a number does not change if you add a decimal and placeholder zeros. Add as many placeholder zeros as you need in order to solve the problem.

Materials:

Exercises: Subtract 1) 12.20 - 7.58

2) 33.60 - 10

3) 894.08 - 2.36

4) 31.05 - 1

5) 54.31 - 23.48

6) 92.88 - 7.12

Two pieces of quartz big enough to hold in your hand and rub together.

Instructions:

Friday’s answers 1)19.78

2) 43.60

D

3) 896.44

D

id you know that some rocks can glow? In this quick geology demonstration, we will explore quartz and its unique and outrageous ability to glow.

4) 32.05

5) 77.79

raw a map highlighting all of the places you will be shopping at. Your map should include a map title that explains what the map shows, a compass rose or a north arrow to show the map’s orientation, a scale to explain distance, and a legend or key to explain your map’s colours and symbols.

6) 100

Find or source two pieces of quartz that are as clear as possible.

Make sure you can hold a piece of quartz in each hand in a way that you can rub them together vigorously.

Orient the flattest sides of each piece of quartz towards each other.

Find a dark room and rub the quartz together to observe the real glowing rocks.

Notice the smell coming from the real glowing rocks.

How it works:

The light produced when rubbing the quartz together is a phenomenon called triboluminescence which make the quartz appear to glow and sparkle.

Make this a science project:

Try rubbing many different types of quartz together and observe any differences. Does heating or cooling the quartz produce noticeable changes?

Are there other ways to observe the triboluminescence phenomenon in quartz that does not involve rubbing the quartz together? Hypothesise what causes the smell associated with triboluminescence. (scienceisfun. org)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New InterCaribbean Airways links Guyana to 13 regional cities …as Guyana, Barbados work for joint destination marketing talking local content as a façade or a cliché. We mean it…We’re not going to be a Government that gives away Guyana. We’re going to be a Government that develops Guyana. In developing Guyana, we encourage partners, welcome investments, respect people who

tion to the collaboration between the two countries, we continue to remain committed to tourism as one of our largest and highest export earners here in Guyana. We remain committed to our tourism product…The leisure and business travellers are all coming to Guyana

joint destination marketing; the sun, sand and beaches of Barbados and the beautiful forestry and inland areas of Guyana. We commit to market together, our two destinations. In addition to those things, we want to be able to develop partnerships so that the two countries are able to

Ministers Juan Edghill and Oneidge Walrond are joined by Barbadian Minister Lisa Cummings (second from right) and other officials

T

he inaugural InterCaribbean Airways flight on Friday made its entry into Guyana, a stepping stone in opening travel to 13 destinations in the region.

Welcomed by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill; and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, the flight arrived from Barbados at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Onboard was Barbadian Tourism and International Transport Minister, Senator Lisa Cummins.

Headquartered in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the airline connects 27 cities

in the Caribbean. Roraima Group of Companies will be the local partner and handling agent. They are seeking to incorporate jobs for Guyanese within the operation.

Chief Executive Officer of InterCaribbean Airways, Trevor Sadler expressed that this arrangement has been in the making for some five years. Now, the pandemic created an opportunity for this venture to materialise, allowing connectivity between Guyana and a majority of major Caribbean locations.

The CEO remarked, “The pandemic has been both kind and cruel to the

industry. At the same time, it opened the doors of opportunity for InterCaribbean to further our reach into the Caribbean…We have a network of 27 cities across the Caribbean. We can connect you with almost all of the Caribbean. Right out of the gate, you will be able to connect with 13 of those cities via one, two or three stops.”

Additionally, plans are underway to train Guyanese flight attendants to service the industry. An office is being established at the Giftland Mall to further establish their presence.

The Public Works Minister shared in his remarks, “We’re not just

The inaugural InterCaribbean flight as it landed in Guyana

come in and we want them to work with us to uplift our people.”

Joint destination marketing

Minister Walrond was keen to note that Barbados and Guyana will be marketed together for their various attractions and niche destination features for tourists and visitors. With this new addition to the fleet of existing airlines, it will give travellers widespread options.

She divulged, “In rela-

and Guyana is a prime spot for these kinds of investments.”

She reiterated that there is space for more carriers to enter the Guyanese market, and it will be supported to create greater access.

The Barbadian Minister added that this will further enhance connections between the two countries, which already share a robust relationship and bilateral partnerships.

“We have committed to

identify goods and products in particular that originate from Guyana and can be sold in Barbados and in the reverse,” Cummins outlined.

She added, “We have also committed to ensuring that people can see what we see between our two countries.

We have agreed that there will be joint information bulletins on our television stations, sharing what opportunities are available in tourism in between our two countries”. (G12)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man caught at roadblock after robbing woman jailed

Jailed: Fazil Khalil

F

ifty-one-year-old Fazil Khalil, who was nabbed at a roadblock shortly after robbing a woman, has been jailed for 30 months. On Friday, the Ann’s Grove Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

He pleaded guilty to a robbery under arms charge.

He robbed Elizabeth Miguel, a shopkeeper, of $45,000, a gold wedding ring valued at $70,000, a gold finger ring with a white stone valued at $40,000, and a Samsung J2 cellular phone valued at $45,000.

Police said that the 50-year-old woman was in her home at Chiney Road, Moblissa Highway, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and as she opened the door to go outside to do laundry, she was confronted by Khalil, who was armed with a knife. According to Police, he grabbed the woman by the neck while pointing the knife at her face, and said, “I want the money, or I will kill you.” The victim told the Police that she became fearful for her life, and handed over her money to Khalil, who then pulled off her rings from her fingers.

The man then began demanding more money, but when she insisted that was all she had, he snatched

Making preparations...

H

The items that were stolen from the businesswoman

her phone while she managed to run out of the yard and raise an alarm. The Police were summoned, but by then, Khalil had already escaped. Police then set up a roadblock and the fleeing man was apprehended in a

hire car. A search was conducted and the stolen items were found in his possession, along with $2900. The shopkeeper later identified the items as her property.

(G1)

…for life or death? uman beings are born, they age, and then they die. While some of us pretend otherwise, that’s the fact, Jack!! But it’s different with organisations; once those in charge of them recognise signs of decay and take steps to fix them, they can reverse the process and defy death to go on forever. Take the PNC, isn’t that the situation that’s facing them today?

It was born 64 years ago, and for us Guyanese, you can say that’s old. Just look at the geezers who’re still around from its formation - like Hamilton Green - and you’ll know just how OLD it is!! Our life expectancy is just around 68 years or so! But consider the granddaddy of political parties – the Democratic Party of the USA. It was born in 1828, and it’s still going strong, isn’t it?? Just 7 years shy of its 200th birth anniversary and it just got its candidate elected as the President of America!! Its opponent, the Republican Party, was born in 1854, so it’s no spring chicken!!

But since their formation, they evolved with the times, because their leaders were willing to change the very nature of the parties for survival. For instance, can you believe that the Republican Party was formed to stop the expansion of Slavery??!! That “peculiar institution” was supported by the Democratic Party that was strongest in the South! Abe Lincoln, who “freed the slaves”, was a Republican!! We don’t have to get into all the historic challenges they faced over the years, but just the fact that they switched sides on the most critical issue facing their society should suggest the enormity of those changes.

And this brings us to the PNC, that’s been trying desperately to survive here in Guyana. Now, its partisans would protest (hopefully not violently!!) that they’ve been changing their party to face historical contingencies. Like with Hoyte’s PNC-Reform and Corbin’s PNCR-1Guyana, which unfortunately was abbreviated to PNC-R1G!!! And finally, the supposedly complete makeover as APNU by rubbing on the “lipstick” of five or so “one-man” parties.

Quick now, can you, dear reader, tell us the name of Keith Scott’s “party”??

And that’s essentially why the PNC’s been courting obsolescence, isn’t it? All their “changes” have been cosmetic and designed to FOOL the voting public into thinking they’re addressing the major challenge in Guyanese politics - the ethnic divide. But they’ve never been able to abandon Burnham’s “mamaguy manoeuvre”: bring in folks from other ethnic groups who were used as “tokens”.

One might’ve thought that the latest move to coalesce with the AFC - which put the PNC into power - was a bold strategic move.

But it just reloaded Burnham’s mamaguy manoeuvre with D’Aguiar!! …for transforming Guyana Thursday was a historic day for Guyana. In that day’s parliamentary sitting, two bills were laid that could finally transform our country into a land of “milk and honey” for all us citizens. First was the new Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill that replaced the PNC’s gobbledegook concoction they’d passed illegally after they refused to acknowledge the NCM. Finally - after this is signed into law early next year, following the parliamentary debate - we’ll be able to use our oil money to fund all the transformational projects - especially infrastructural - that have been placed on the national agenda.

The other one was the Local Content (LC) Bill that would enable our local businesses and citizens to participate in the on-shore and offshore O&G activities, so that we end up with our fair share of the funds from that quarter. We have to accept that we were very low on the needed skillsets in that sector, but the Bill should try to even out the playing field.

Let’s ensure it does! …by new PNC Leader To recap, unless the new PNC Leader makes fundamental changes in his party to attract crossover votes, the PNC will go the way of the dodo - extinction.

A hint to Beneba mek Quashie tek notice.

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

9

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Permanent Secretary charged for accepting bribe he has taken over the business.

After the matter was reported, marked banknotes were given to the contractor who then paid the PS. It is alleged that after she collected the money, ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit swooped down on her office and arrested her.

C

tigation.

Police, after completing investigations, forwarded the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) which advised that Hicks be charged with one count of corrupt transaction. Hicks was appointed Permanent Secretary in October 2020.

(G1)

Tiger Creek man to serve 8 years for manslaughter

Embattled Amerindian Affairs Ministry PS, Sharon Hicks

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday granted bail to embattled Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Sharon Hicks who was allegedly caught accepting a bribe from a businessman.

Hicks, 42, accompanied by her lawyer, Sase Gunraj, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She was released on $100,000 bail after pleading not guilty to a count of corrupt transaction.

The conditionality of the bail is that she lodges her passport with the court until the hearing and determination of the case. Her next court date is Monday.

It is alleged that on October 7, 2021, at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Lot 251-252

At the time of her arrest, Permanent Secretary Hicks was reportedly in possession of the envelope with the marked money.

After the arrest, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry in a statement on the matter said that on October 7, 2021, Hicks was sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Police inves-

PS Sharon Hicks with her lawyer Sase Gunraj at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday

Thomas and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, while being employed by the Government, Hicks obtained $200,000 from Heramainie Chintamanie as an inducement or reward for processing the payment request of the said Chintamanie for security services provided, an act in relation to her principal affairs.

During a bail application, Hicks’ lawyer told the court that his client, who has an unblemished criminal record, has been employed with the Amerindian Affairs Ministry for the last 10 years. Counsel said that

she is prepared to defend the charges against her.

The Permanent Secretary was arrested in October after she was reportedly caught in a “bribe money” sting operation set up by the Police.

Reports are that she was arrested at the Ministry’s office after a businessman, who provides security services to the Ministry, reported to the Police that she has been demanding money from him in order for her to approve payments for his company.

He claimed that this was reportedly the practise that his father had to endure but his father has since died and

A

Tiger Creek, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) man was on Friday sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on a manslaughter charge.

The sentence was imposed on Dionysius Macido called “Niggi” by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court in Essequibo.

Initially indicted for the June 21, 2020 murder of Tamesh (only name given), Macido opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. It was reported that on the day in question, Macido and his reputed were involved in a scuffle at Turtle Creek Landing, Region Seven.

Tamesh went to the woman’s aid and Macido stabbed him several times about his body with a sharp instrument. Justice SewnarineBeharry, in sentencing the

Jailed: Dionysius Macido

convict, considered the nature and gravity of the offence, and the fact that he pleaded guilty at the earliest possible time.

He was credited for the time he spent in pretrial custody. Meanwhile, a probation report revealed that he dropped out of school at

10 to sell icicles. He did this for six months after which he assisted his parents on the farm.

At age 15, Macido, who expressed remorse for his actions, commenced doing construction work; he also worked as a mechanic.

A probation officer pointed out that while Macido had a “hard life”, he must be adequately punished for his actions which resulted in the loss of life.

The confessed killer’s lawyer described him as a well-behaved prisoner, who has no prior brushes with the law. State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken urged the court to consider the extent of the injuries inflicted on the victim when handing down a sentence. According to her, Tamesh sustained about seven incised wounds at the hands of his killer. (G1)

11

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mohamed’s Enterprise donates to 17 NGOs M

o h a m e d ’ s Enterprise, in collaboration with Hadi’s World, in continuing to spread Christmas cheer, has presented monetary donations to 17 non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The initiative was hosted by businessman Azruddin Mohamed at his Houston, Greater Georgetown estate on Friday, December 17, in the presence of family members and representatives of the various organisations.

In brief remarks, the businessman said his family has been extremely happy to present the donations to the

various organisations over the past years. He related that charity does not diminish wealth, but instead increases it.

“Put a smile on the faces of the less fortunate, and Allah will put a smile on yours when it is most needed. And for those who hoard their wealth, Allah will make it a source of distress, both in this life and the hereafter,” the young businessman explained.

Also making brief remarks on that occasion was Ayesha Khan, a representative of the Precious Angels organisation formed by the Mohameds to assist children

Businessman Azruddin Mohamed stands with family members and representatives of the various organisations on Friday

with autism.

Khan said the pandemic has left a devastating mark on the country’s economic status, and as such, charities make a vital contribution to public life.

“The charity sector is dependent upon, and literally fuelled by, public support. Like so many charities, businesses, and public institutions, our world has been challenged

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

and changed by the pandemic, but our core purpose remains. Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World Inc, and Precious Angels Charity will continue to put the public and public’s interest at heart of everything we do,” Khan declared.

The organisations that benefited from the donations are Joshua House, Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre, Baitur Rahman, Sorcha William Foundation, St. Ann’s Orphanage, Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages, Guyana Society for the Blind, St. John’s Bosco Orphanage, Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dharm Shala, Guyana Islamic Trust Relief, Gifted hands Learning Centre, Met Pride, Diamond School for Children with Special Needs. David Rose Special School, St Barnabas Special Needs School and the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre.

In closing the proceedings, Arya Mohamed, daughter of the businessman, thanked the various organisations for their presence, and wished them a blessed and prosperous holiday.

13 CDC takes relief hampers to flooded Pomeroon residents NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Democratic Council (RDC) also assisted with distribution of cleaning hampers to persons living in the area.

However, the Commission is currently mobilising additional resources, such as medical kits, food and cleaning hampers, and collapsible storage units, to be sent to Region Two. In addition to that exercise, a team was in the area conducting a further assessment, to determine where resources are needed.

Regional Councillor Faraz Baksh explained that a list of the affected residents was submitted to the Region

and especially thanked the Regional Health Officer for ensuring medications were dispatched to the health centres in the area before the floods.

Another resident of the Lower Pomeroon, Howard Thomas, related that he was happy for the assistance, while noting that he is engaged in small-scale farming in order to provide for his four grandchildren.

“Due to the flooding, my crops are inundated with floodwater. I am not sure if my vine crops will survive, because the water is still on my land, and my farm is

Two administration. Those persons, he said, were subsequently contacted to receive the much-needed assistance.

Seandra George, a mother of six who benefited from receipt of the hampers and other medications, expressed gratitude for the assistance,

where I get a meal on my table to eat,” he added.

The Toshaos of Upper and Lower Pomeroon have also expressed gratitude to the CDC and the Regional Administration for the prompt response to their pleas.

Regional Officials assisting with loading the flood relief hampers to deliver to affected residents

H

undreds of residents in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon communities of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Thursday received cleaning hampers, food hampers and water purification tablets from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

This exercise was done to bring relief to households that were severely affected by excessive rainfall over the past few days, in which several parts of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were inundated. Among the communities benefiting from the initiative were Karawab, St. Monica, Kabakaburi, Siriki, and Jacklow.

In some of the areas that were inundated, residents were forced to relocate to higher ground. Guyana Times understands that two households were relocated to another location in Karawab, while six families from Kabakaburi had to be relocated to the Pomeroon Multipurpose Centre.

The CDC intervened af-

dents of the affected villages are in possession of the water purification tablets, but, in some cases, they do not have containers to store potable water. As a result, the CDC has dispatched several collapsible storage containers to the areas.

Officials of the Regional A member of the CDC handing over relief to the Toshao of St Monica

ter receiving a report that many households, farmlands, schools and health

posts were flooded. In a release, the CDC said it received information that resi-

14 NEWS Fire guts Tuschen workshop, damages other buildings SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…suspected origin is cigarette butts carelessly disposed of

A

fire which occurred at Light Street, Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) at around 01:34h on Friday has destroyed a two-storey wooden-and-concrete building in which the owner, Navindra Persaud, operated a furniture factory.

Reports are that two water tenders from the Leonora Fire Station responded to the scene, but despite their efforts, the building and its contents were completely destroyed.

It is believed that the fire was started when cigarette butts carelessly disposed of by workers ignited the sawdust.

The owner of a property adjacent to the one destroyed by fire lost a 30ft pvc guttering and waste pipe, 56 louvre panes, two sash windows, and 30 sq ft of internal pvc to the fire.

Ten metres of the external wall were also slightly damaged by heat radiating from the building on fire.

A two-storey wooden-and-concrete building

A

completely destroyed, along with four black Tuff tanks.

This was also as a result of heat radiating from the burning furniture factory.

(G9)

"Rasta Beans" jailed for 15 years for killing pork-knocker

A

The fire at Tuschen New Housing Scheme

Venezuelan gunned down in Region 1

n investigation is underway to determine the cause of death of a Venezuelan man who has been identified only as “Dorion”.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 19:55h on Thursday at Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini).

According to Police, resi-

at Main Road, Tuschen New Housing Scheme was also damaged as a result of this fire at Tuschen New Housing Scheme.

A 30-ft pvc guttering was

dents in the area heard several loud explosions suspected to be gunshots and simultaneously heard the sound of someone screaming. This caused them to make a report at the Baramita Police Station via phone.

When ranks visited the area, they observed the Venezuelan man lying face

up, motionlessly, with several suspected gunshot wounds to his face, chest and back and he was unresponsive.

He was rushed to Baramita Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the medex. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

ppearing at the High Court in Essequibo on Friday for sentencing, after previously pleading guilty to a manslaughter indictment for fatally shooting a pork-knocker back in November 2018, Dein Evans, called ‘Rasta Beans’, has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the crime by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, Evans, 32, formerly of Charlestown, Georgetown, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The Police have said that Xavier Boyal, a 24-year-old pork-knocker who resided at Waramuri Mission, Moruca River, North West District, was shot and killed at Puruni Landing in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni district (Region Seven) while he was working with a dredge owner at Rock Creek, Puruni River.

Reports are that, at around 21:00h on November 11, 2018, Boyal had left the camp in the company of his coworker to go to a pub at Puruni Landing. While there, Boyal’s coworker had an altercation with an unknown man, and Boyal in-

Jailed: Dein Evans

tervened and pushed the man away.

Thereafter, Boyal and his workmate started walking back to their mining camp along the Puruni Road.

It has further been reported that Evans caught up with the men in a vehicle driven by another person, and he pulled out a black handgun from the waist of his pants, pointed it in the direction of Boyal, and opened fire. A bullet struck Boyal, causing him to fall.

Evans then exited the vehi-

cle and discharged another round at Boyal before making good his escape. Boyal sustained three gunshot wounds - one above the abdomen, one under his right arm, and another to his upper back.

One month after the killing, Evans was captured

by Police ranks at Sulphur Road Backdam in Cuyuni River, after cutting off his dreadlocks to change his appearance.

At his sentencing hearing on Friday, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry explained that, in arriving at an appropriate sentence for Evans, she considered the nature and gravity of the offence, and Evans’s early guilty plea.

Prison officials told the court that Evans was busted several times distributing contraband in prison. As such, he had to be relocated to another section.

From the 15-year sentence imposed on Evans, prison officials were ordered to deduct the time he had spent in pretrial custody.

Evans was represented by lawyer Ravindra Mohabir, while State Counsel Tiffini Lyken presented the case for the prosecution. (G1)

Elderly Berbice couple on bail for cocaine trafficking

Henry Trim

Mahdai Netchandra

n elderly Corentyne, Berbice couple was on Friday charged with trafficking 45 grams of cocaine when they appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

Charged are Henry Trim, 63, a farmer, and

Mahdai Netchandra, 58, both of Number 60 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

It is alleged that on December 14, 2021, at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, they had 45 grams of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking. They pleaded not guilty to the

A

charge.

Bail was set at $100,000 for each of them. They will make their next court appearance on February 9, 2022, at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court.

On the day in question, Police ranks conducted a search exercise in the Corentyne area for narcotics, guns, and ammunition.

While doing so, they went to the couple’s home where they met Netchandra.

In the presence of the Police, the woman gave her husband a transparent glass bottle after which he ran into the house and threw the bottle into some bushes at the back of their yard. Police retrieved the bottle and cocaine was found inside.

The couple was told of the offence committed and cautioned during which Trim admitted to owning the drug. Both of them were arrested and escorted to the Number 51 Police Station where the drug was weighed in their presence. (G1)

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 more die from COVID-19, death toll climbs to 1028 GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 17, 2021 UPDATE

W

ith the death of two more persons from COVID-19, the country’s death toll has moved to 1028.

The deaths are a 49-year-old unvaccinated woman from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), who died on December 15; and an 82-year-old fully-vaccinated male from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who died on December 16.

In one day, 23 new positives emerged, taking the confirmed cases in Guyana to 38,751. Of this figure, 18,277 are males with 20,474 females.

There are 13 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 44 in institutional isolation, 630 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. In total, 37,036 persons recovered completely.

From a breakdown, one positive was reported in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), one in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), five in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 15 in Region Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Regions One (BarimaWaini), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) saw no increases.

The latest vaccination figures show that over 407,000 adults have received a first dose vaccine while more than 288,000 are fully immunised.

With regards to adolescents, over 30,000 got their first dose and over 21,000 are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Government started administering booster shots last month after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six months of receiving both doses. So far, over 7000 booster shots have been administered to the adult population.

The Health Ministry had reported that persons who took the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines

can use Pfizer as the booster shot; while those who received Sputnik V will get a Johnson and Johnson dose as a booster, and those with Sinopharm will get another shot of that jab as a booster.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 24), which are in effect until December 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health.gov. gy (G12)

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

23

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

44

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

630

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

13

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,474

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,277

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,751

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

37,036

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

1697

REGION 2

1575

REGION 3

5181

REGION 4

18,077

REGION 5

1460

REGION 6

3604

REGION 7

1796

REGION 8

622

REGION 9

2477

REGION 10

2262

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

407,341 288,315

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1028

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

Local Content Bill

Private Sector would benefit long into the future – GCCI

T

he tabling of the much-anticipated Local Content Bill in the National Assembly on Thursday has been welcomed by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), which says that the proposed legislation would facilitate material benefits to the Guyanese Private Sector.

In a statement on Friday, the GCCI said it had been pushing for local content legislation since 2017. In fact, the Private Sector body has, over the years, undertaken an expansive range of activities necessary to aid in the general public’s understanding of local content, including but not limited to forums, seminars, webinars, policy briefs, extensive commentary, advocacy, crafting of a model legislation, and consultation sessions.

Against this backdrop, the GCCI posited, the Local Content Bill tabled by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government

is representative of a gold standard instrument in supporting Private Sector development.

“The GCCI has actively participated in the consultations with the Government of Guyana, and is pleased to see that key areas where local capacity exists have been ring-fenced for Guyanese enterprises. Further, the Chamber is especially pleased at the Bill’s establishment of two key institutions - the Local Content Secretariat and the Inter-Agency Advisory Committee. These two institutions engender the dynamism which such a Bill ought to encapsulate. This will ensure that the Private Sector continues to benefit from this legislation long into the future,” the GCCI missive detailed.

The GCCI went on to outline that it now anticipates further improvements and reforms to both the institutional and legislative framework necessary to

support the country’s development, including the establishment of the Petroleum Commission.

The Chamber also reiterated its commitment to being a partner in Guyana’s development, as it has done since coming into being in 1889.

Before Thursday’s tabling of the Local Content Bill, GCCI President Timothy Tucker was part of a final consultation session with stakeholders hosted

by Government. Following that engagement, Tucker expressed satisfaction with the PPP/C administration’s Local Content Bill.

Among the proposals in the Bill is the requirement of foreign companies to engage Guyanese and Guyaneseowned businesses at specified and varying levels in at least 40 areas by the end of 2022.

These include 100 per cent exclusive use of Guyanese companies in the provision of immigration

support services, work permits, visa applications, visa on arrival, in-water activity permit, custom brokerage services, and ground transportation.

According to the document, this is to ensure “maximum participation of Guyanese nationals and Guyanese companies supplying goods or providing services in the Guyanese petroleum sector; and local capacity development.”

The utilisation of goods and services in other areas, which ranges from catering services to environmental services and studies, is covered between 20 and 95 per cent. However, the Bill states that the subject Minister can waive these requirements in certain instances, such as if a petroleum operation is deemed of national interest and there is a lack of local capacity.

Meanwhile, the Local Content Secretariat to be established will, among other functions, keep a Local

Content Register of “qualified” Guyanese nationals for employment, as well as of Guyanese and Guyanese businesses from which goods and services can be procured.

Qualified citizens and locally-owned businesses would have to apply for, and obtain, a certificate of registration to be included in the Local Content Registry.

That certificate would have to be updated every year on its date of issuance.

As it relates to penalties, false declarations to get on the registry, or changes to citizenships, or changes in the company’s ownership status that are not indicated to the Secretariat, would carry a fine of $1 million for individuals and for companies, $5 million. Removal from the Local Content Register would also apply.

In addition, all companies operating in the petroleum sector are required to submit a five-year local content master plan within

four months of this Act being passed, or within four months of being licensed to operate. The subject minister is tasked with approving or refusing this plan, after consultations with the Secretariat.

On the other hand, the five-member Inter-Agency Committee is expected to be set to support the Secretariat in carrying out its mandate, and will act in an advisory capacity.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already touted the fact that the proposed Local Content legislation was not drafted in vacuum, and stressed the need for the local Private Sector to recognise the opportunities available to it.

The Head of State has said, “…there is enough scope through a legislative framework that incentivises investment from the local Private Sector”, and enables them to be an important party of the development of the oil and gas sector”. (G8)

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UG to offer training course for Magistrate Courts’ prosecutors …inks MoU with AG Chambers

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall handing over the syllabus to Head of UG’s Law Department, Kim KyteThomas

I

n an effort to enhance Guyana’s justice system, the University of Guyana (UG) will now be offering a new course that was specifically crafted to train prosecutors for the Magistrate Courts.

This is following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Legal Affairs and UG for the introduction of a new course in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Law Department, titled “Advocacy and Evidence for Summary Courts Prosecutors”.

According to a missive from the AG Chambers, this initiative falls under the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The MoU was signed at the Attorney General’s Chambers on Friday in the presence of AG Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP; Head of UG’s Law Department, Kim Kyte-Thomas; Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Paulette Henry; Project Manager of the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme, Indira Anandjit; Procurement

Officer, Rabindra Kandhi, and State Counsel at the AG Chambers, Chevy Devonish.

During Friday’s engagement, AG Nandlall handed over a syllabus and lecture manual, prepared by a consultant under the SCJS Programme, to the Law Department Head at UG. The focus of the course is to train students, more specifically, holders of a Bachelor of Laws of Degree to prosecute in Magistrates’ Courts. The syllabus includes principles of the law of evidence, criminal law and procedure, as well as, principles governing all applications and rules relative to criminal proceedings in the Magistrates’ Courts, in Guyana. The courts will also train students in the art of advocacy and presenting evidence, as well as, cross examining in these proceedings. The conduct of preliminary enquiries will also be covered.

Graduates of this programme will be infused in the State’s prosecutorial arm in Magistrates’ Courts across the country. They will join and eventually replace Police prosecutors in the Magistrates’ Courts. These graduates will be hired by

the State.

Funding from the SCJS project will finance the cost of training a batch of 25 students per semester.

This course will be taught as an optional course after foundational courses in criminal law, legal research and writing, and English 101, have been completed. It may also be taken by any third year LLB student as an optional course.

Completion of this course and the foundational courses will result in the award of a “Summary Courts’ Prosecutors Certificate”.

This course is expected to begin in March of 2022.

AG Nandlall thanked the University for accepting the programme in the Law Department and indicated that the time has come for novel initiatives to be pursued in legal training.

He went on to note that this initiative is historical and will serve a greater audience than prosecutors and students who are reading for their Law Degree.

“Justice is not a one-way street. The scales of justice must be equally balanced between the State’s interest, representing the victims of crime and the interest of the accused person. Now, it is tilted because at the level of the Magistrates’ Court, the accused is represented by a trained legal mind and the State is represented by a Police officer. The introduction of the graduates of this programme into the prosecution system is intended to address this imbalance.

It is expected that the quality of representation that the graduates will bring will be appreciably superior to that which currently exists.

Notwithstanding, I must salute our Police prosecutors who, with limited training, have acquitted themselves with distinction in performing that difficult role of prosecuting,” the AG stated.

When he had initially announced this initiative last year, Nandlall had re-

Modern Police station complex to be constructed at Brickdam

H

ome Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has indicated that a modern eleven-storey Police Station complex will be constructed at Brickdam, Georgetown.

Benn made this revelation during brief remarks on

Friday at the Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony for Regional Police Division 4 A, which is currently ongoing.

On October 2, a fire flattened the wooden complex which used to be the Brickdam Police Station.

Chase Green, a man who was arrested for robbery under arms, has since been remanded to prison for setting fire to the Brickdam Police Station.

The fire, which started in the second-storey in the administrative building, would have destroyed some 80 per cent of the Police station.

Police Headquarters had said that Green confessed to starting the fire. Green reportedly confessed that he took a piece of sponge and wrapped it on a piece of wire which he lit and pushed through a ventilation hole in the cell, over to a part that had some documents.

It was from there that the fire started.

AG Nandlall engaging with representatives from UG, the SCJS Programme and his State Counsel on Friday

assured that the existing cohort of Police prosecutors will also benefit from the training courts so that they too can enhance their performance in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General said he is optimistic that such a course will be emulated in the Caribbean region.

He further pledged his

support for other initiatives within the Law Department at UG such as upgrading of a Zoom classroom and acquisition of Law Books. (G8)

Another $100M for asphalting road along East Bank Berbice …contractor warned of consequences if yearend deadline not reached

The current road work along Upper East Bank Berbice

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that Government will invest $100 million to construct six kilometres of asphalt road in Mara, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The Head of State made the disclosure during a meeting with residents at the Schepmoed Primary School.

The announcement came after residents had voiced their disappointment over the slothfulness of current road work.

Two contractors had been selected to develop and resurface two sections of the roadway to the easternmost end of the region. While one contractor has completed his section almost one month ahead of the scheduled December 29 deadline, the other contractor is lagging behind.

Residents informed the President that the contractor only worked for the past three days in this month.

Visibly upset with the news as the residents have repeatedly complained of the poor state of the road, President Ali explained that a penalty will be imposed if work is not finished before the scheduled deadline.

He also instructed that the project engineer who re-

sides in Georgetown spend more time at the worksite.

“They have to get a house for you here and you have to work night and day to ensure that this project finishes on time. The Government is providing the resources and it is contractors like you that are giving the Government a bad name,” the President said.

He also expressed his disappointment to Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar after an engineer attached to the Sea Defence Board had made promises to residents to assist them with tubes to assist with draining water off of their farm land.

“Where are the tubes,” he asked and the engineer could provide no answer.

It was later revealed that the promises were made without any consultation with the Public Works Ministry.

According to President Ali, the Minister should be aware of what is going on in his Ministry.

“If you were on the ground, you would know that these people were promised the tubes months ago and we have not even budgeted for them,” the visibly upset Head of State told the Minister.

He added that other Government officials who

make promises to communities without any basis will have to pay for whatever they promised from their salaries.

After making the announcement of the $100 million, President Ali said systems will soon be in place to start the process.

The road would help ease the movement of people and food products from the farming community. According to the Head of State, “the Ministry has already started to move the machinery to this area, and we are going to start the procurement process. Next year after we complete that, we will do a further assessment”.

The announcement of the road was immediately welcomed by residents. They explained that it takes about three hours to get their produce to New Amsterdam and that the six-kilometre asphalt road would significantly lessen that time.

The President was accompanied by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and Indar.

The visit by President Ali made it the third Head of State to have visited that community following Dr Chaddi Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

150 children benefit from Sol Toy Drive

S

ol Guyana on Friday gave back to the community of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, by providing toys to the children of the community, where its head office is located.

At the small charitable event held at the Agricola

Santa Claus with the kids at the Sol Toy Drive

Community Centre, children, along with their parents, gathered to receive toys and snacks and a picture with Santa Claus and her elf on Friday morning, compliments of the Sol Group.

Organised by Commercial Manager,

Ayanna Watson, the toy drive sought to provide gifts and snacks to some 150 children in the community.

At the event was Santa Claus and elves, who were handing out the toys to the little boys and girls of the community. The kids took

turns to sit on Santa’s lap, while Santa asked them a few questions. They then took pictures with Santa, with their gifts in their hands.

Parents who went to the event told this publication that they are very grateful for Sol Group and

that they hope that other organisations follow in their footsteps and do the same for the community.

Parents noted that Sol’s initiative comes just in time as it’s the Christmas season and some parents cannot afford toys for their children during the sea-

son. They related that the initiative will surely put a smile on the children’s and their parents’ faces.

Meanwhile, Watson noted that though the event is one of its first, the Sol Group has done more in other communities. (G2)

Dharm Shala makes Christmas appeal Motor lorry vandalised

The Dharm Shala

A

t this time of year, around the Christmas season, the Dharam Shala, Home of Benevolence, makes its annual appeal to continue day-to-day operation of the 100-plus years of charity that provides feeding, clothing and housing to those who seek its assistance, free of charge.

The Dharam Shala currently has a total of seven buildings built in Guyana, which are all devoted to humanitarian

charity – four buildings of worship – two Anglican Chapels, two Mandirs.

Five of those buildings are in Berbice, while the others are constructed around Georgetown.

The daily expenditure of these Institutions is exorbitant – electricity, water, telephone, stipends to staff, security, maintenance of buildings and so much more.

The term Dharmshala is associated with a building dedicated to charity

and serving humanity and for the past century, the Dharam Shala (Home of Benevolence for all Races) in Guyana has been doing exactly that.

Pandit Ramsaroop Maharaj founded the charity in 1921 after travelling the length and breadth of Guyana. He was a gold dealer in his earlier years so that allowed him to travel the remotest parts of Guyana where he encountered the plight of his countrymen. He noted that there was a pressing need to improve the state of the people he saw on those trips.

Being a person that was deeply religious and lived by the virtue of serving humanity, the pandit decided that he needed to do something to help alleviate the suffering of his countrymen. He got some like-minded persons together and they agreed that they must play their part to help.

Fully charitable, the Dharam Shala calls on kind-hearted persons to help continue what Pandit Ramsaroop and his friends

agreed to do, play their part to help better the lives of the people who need it, the people that are suffering.

The Dharam Shala calls for your help.

The gates of the Dharam Shala have been opened for all these years, and though some of the requests are very heartfelt experiences for those who manage the institution, more can be done to make sure the gates of the Dharam Shala remain open for another hundred years.

The Dharam Shala has done many charitable works by serving the sick, lonely, unloved, by providing them with a meal and a warm bed, and a place to call their home. Pandit Ramsaroop even constructed the Albouystown nursery when he was alive.

An official receipt will be issued for any donation received by the Dharam Shala. This can be sent to the Secretary, Dharam Shala, 140 King Edward Street, Albouystown. Tel: 2261817 or Mr Edward Boyer, National Hardware, Water Street, Georgetown.

by angry man

T

he vehicle belonging to a 29-year-old Berbice businessman was on Wednesday evening vandalised after the perpetrator reportedly threw a brick at its windscreen.

Police stated that the incident occurred about 18:30h in the vicinity of Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje, Berbice. At the time of the incident, the driver of the motor lorry, a 34-year-old man, was heading home.

The driver reportedly told Police that as he approached the junction at Hibiscus Drive, he saw one white Toyota Premio approaching. As a result, he stopped and asked the driv-

er of the car to reverse to give him access to the narrow street.

This reportedly angered the driver of the motor car and as such, he started to verbally abuse the lorry driver and threatened to “chop” him.

He then exited his car, armed himself with a piece of mud, and threw it at the truck. The truck driver reportedly ignored him, but the suspect then picked up a brick and threw it at the truck’s windscreen, causing it to crack.

The man then re-entered his car and drove away. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

Regional

Bolsonaro directly spread Antigua and Barbuda lifts disinformation on Brazil’s state of emergency and curfew voting system, Police report says

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro had a “direct and relevant” role in spreading disinformation about the country’s electoral process during live streams on social media, a federal Police document reviewed by Reuters on Friday said.

Federal Police Commissioner Denisse

Ribeiro wrote in the document that Bolsonaro’s streams had a “clear purpose” of misguiding Brazilians in regards to the integrity of the country’s elections.

Bolsonaro said multiple times that the electronic voting system was rigged during the 2018 presidential election, which he won.

He claims he should have been elected in the first round of voting, but never presented any evidence of fraud.

He has also cast doubt on the integrity of next year’s elections, implying he might not accept the results if the electronic system is not changed to one that includes printed receipts that can be recounted. Bolsonaro currently trails former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in opinion polls.

Ribeiro noted in her report that the far-right leader questioned actions of a series of public workers involved in the electoral process, while also promoting misinformation backed by his conservative supporters.

“This investigation allowed us to identify that His Excellency President Jair Messias Bolsonaro had a direct and relevant action in promoting disinformation, following a pattern already used by other countries’ governments,” she said.

The federal police investigation was prompted by a video broadcast

by Bolsonaro in August, in which he raised a number of questions about the safety of the electronic voting system used in Brazil since 1996. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexico to impose visa requirements on Venezuelans

M

exico will impose visa requirements on Venezuelan visitors, the Interior Ministry said on Friday, as the country attempts to stem a jump in the number of people from the South American nation trying to enter the United States illegally.

Setting out its reasons, the Ministry said in a doc-

ument published online it had detected a “substantial increase” in Venezuelans entering Mexico for reasons other than tourism, pointing to “irregular transit to a third country.”

Reuters last month reported Mexico was considering steps to impose tougher entry requirements on Venezuelans, partly in response to re-

quests from the United States, which is dealing with record numbers of migrants at its southern border.

The Ministry said that the visa requirements would take effect 15 days after the notification was published in the government’s official gazette, a step which is still pending.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Crypto Caribbean: Tron founder to become diplomat for Grenada

Justin Sun, founder of Tron, is phasing out his participation in crypto-related projects as he embarks on a diplomatic career [Fan Kar-Long/Bloomberg]

J

ustin Sun, founder of the Tron cryptocurrency platform and one of the more high-profile individuals in the digital-asset world, said he’s embarking on a new career as a diplomat for

the Caribbean nation of Grenada.

At the same time, Sun, who said he’s been a resident on the 135-squaremile island since 2019, is phasing out his participation in crypto-related projects. That includes Tron, the blockchain that’s a top network for controversial stablecoin Tether and supports hundreds of gambling and gaming apps.

He was appointed Grenada’s representative to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, according to Oliver Joseph, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Caricom Affairs.

Other crypto entrepreneurs and ventures have been moving to the Caribbean. Exchange FTX recently relocated to the Bahamas. Other island na-

tions have been seeking to be at the forefront of innovation, with Barbados recently opening an embassy in Decentraland, a crypto metaverse. Puerto Rico has become a US tax haven for the crypto wealthy.

“The Caribbean has a huge potential to become a very good place for entrepreneurship, and also be the next Singapore,” Sun said. “The reason is, Caribbean states are very close to the United States, which I think is very important. But also, it is important you are not in the United States. If you are in the United States, you are going to fall into a lot of very strict regulation, and also taxation. In the US, the regulatory environment is not good to cryptocurrency.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T

he Antigua and Barbuda Parliament has approved the lifting of the state of emergency (SOE) and curfew that had been put in place since March last year to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has killed 117 people and infected 4178 others since March 2020.

But Prime Minister Gaston Browne told legislators that while the SOE and the curfew will be lifted on December 24, the measures could be reversed, if the need arises.

“We maintain that effective December 24 - at midnight the state of emergency

and curfew will end and until such time that the needs may arise for the reinstitution of a state of emergency and a curfew. There shall be no such restriction,” he told Parliament.

“However, the health protocols as established to include the wearing of masks, social distancing and sanitisation, those remain in place.

But opposition legislators contended that there was never a need for the SOE and curfew, which they claimed the government had put in place to restrict the freedom of nationals and curb disquiet about the government’s

policies.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle also used the opportunity to criticise the government over its vaccination policy and mandate which he said negatively affected citizens.

Meanwhile, the government has told members of the population that they must be prepared to live with COVID after health authorities informed Cabinet that approximately 58,000 residents are fully vaccinated and 4000 partially vaccinated and that no one is currently hospitalised with the virus.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

St Vincent Government fires unvaccinated teachers

S

everal teachers have been formally dismissed from their jobs for failure to take a COVID-19 vaccine as mandated without medical or religious exemptions, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) confirmed on Thursday.

The union told CMC News that as of Wednesday, 12 teachers had informed the union they had received dismissal letters.

Under the government’s vaccine mandate, frontline workers, including teachers, would be considered as absent without leave – even if they did show up for work – once they were not fully vaccinated.

“We expect that more would come in today and we are monitoring very closely what is happening, but the union’s commitment is to assist all of its members,

both vaccinated and unvaccinated,” the union’s president, Oswald Robinson, said, adding that a number of the teachers had indicated they had not received any salary for December.

“Salaries are supposed to be paid today and some people have already checked and know that they have not received any salary [for December].”

Robinson said he has told the fired teachers that

the union would be fighting on their behalf.

The union leader said a programme may be implemented to assist those teachers who have not received a December salary.

Some teachers had been turning up to work despite their unvaccinated status and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves had warned they would not be paid. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

UNESCO adds Haiti’s freedom soup to cultural heritage list

T

he United Nations cultural agency (UNESCO) has added Joumou Soup – Haiti’s national symbol of freedom from slavery – to its intangible heritage list, saying the soup is “so much more than just a dish”.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee decided on Thursday to put Joumou on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The dish, also known as giraumon soup, is made of pumpkin, vegetables, plantains, meat, pasta and spices.

“Intangible cultural heritage has the capacity to unite communities around their unique know-how and traditions, and thus to

strengthen social cohesion,” Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director General, said in a statement.

“This is especially true when communities are hit by disasters or emergencies: intangible cultural heritage has a major role in community resilience and recovery,” Azoulay said.

Originally exclusively reserved to slave owners, Haitians – who prepared the dish but were never allowed to eat it – took ownership of Joumou Soup when they gained independence from France in 1804.

They turned it into a symbol of their freedom and the regaining of their dignity.

“So much more than just a dish, Joumou Soup tells

the story of the heroes and heroines of Haitian independence, their struggle for human rights and their hardwon freedom,” Azoulay said.

Former Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph welcomed Joumou Soup’s addition to the UNESCO list, saying on Twitter that it filled him “with a lot of pride and emotion”.

The announcement comes at a time when the small Caribbean nation has been experiencing a series of crises.

One of the world’s poorest countries, Haiti has been battling an uptick in gang violence that worsened after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US drillers add oil and gas rigs for 2nd week in a row – Baker Hughes

U

S energy firms this week added oil and natural gas rigs for a second week in a row as demand for energy keeps growing after last year's coronavirus demand destruction.

The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose three to 579 in the week to Dec 17, its highest since April 2020, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

Even though the rig count has been rising for a record 16 months in a row, analysts noted that oil production was still expected to ease in 2021 as energy firms continue to focus more on returning money to investors rather than boosting output.

"US drilling activity continues to increase but in modest increments," analysts at Mizuho, a bank, said in a report this week, noting "Rig activity across the five largest US oil plays would need to increase by about 36 weekly through year-end to reach a sustainable plateau to hold current oil volumes in 2022."

That puts the total rig count up 233 rigs, or 67 per cent, over this time last year, according to Baker Hughes.

US oil rigs rose four to 475 this week, their highest since April 2020, while gas rigs fell one to 104.

US crude futures were trading around US$71 per barrel on Friday, putting the contract on track to decline for a seventh time in the past eight weeks.

But with oil prices up about 46 per cent this year, some energy firms said they plan to raise spending in 2021 and 2022 after cutting drilling and completion expenditures in 2019 and 2020.

That spending increase, however, remains small and much of the money was put toward completing wells that were drilled in the past, known in the industry as DUC (drilled but uncompleted) wells.

But analysts have warned that the number of DUCs available was declining fast. There were only 4855 DUCs left in the seven biggest US shale basins in November, the lowest since June 2014, according to government data.

US oil production is expected to slide from 11.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2020 to 11.2 million bpd in 2021 before rising to 11.9 million bpd in 2022, according to government projections.

That compares with the all-time annual high of 12.3 million bpd in 2019. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Settlers attack Palestinian villages after West Bank killing

J

ewish settlers have burst into several villages in the occupied West Bank, smashing homes and cars and beating up at least two people, Palestinian officials have said.

Friday’s attacks came a day after Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli man in a shooting ambush in the territory.

The death of settler Yehuda Dimentman, killed when gunmen opened fire on his car near an illegal settlement outpost in the occupied West Bank late on Thursday, threatened to ignite further violence between Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers.

Two other passengers in Dimentman’s vehicle were lightly wounded on Thursday.

Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian Authority official who monitors settlement activities, said groups of settlers entered several Palestinian villages near the northern city of Nablus early on Friday, smashing up cars and homes. Two wound-

ed Palestinians were taken to hospital.

In the Palestinian village of Qaryout, settlers broke into one house and tried to abduct a resident, Wael Miqbel, according to Daghlas.

Photos shared on social media showed Miqbel with bruises and swelling across his face, while other videos and photos published online showed confrontations between armed settlers and Palestinian residents.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Jihad Salah, the head of Burqa village council in northwestern Nablus, said the settlers assaulted the village using firearms.

He added that they set the village’s barracks on fire and stoned a number of Palestinian homes.

The Palestinian Wafa news agency reported that settlers attacked Sebastia town, north Nablus, and smashed a number of Palestinian-owned vehicles and a car maintenance workshop. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

19

Around the World

At least 27 feared dead in Japan's Osaka building fire

A

t least 27 people are feared to have died after a fire broke out in a building in downtown Osaka, Japan.

Police are investigating whether the blaze was started deliberately, public broadcaster NHK said.

They are investigating reports that a man spilled liquid that started the fire.

The victims suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, a term often used in preliminary reports before a death is officially confirmed, reports say.

Footage showed blackened windows after dozens of firefighters extinguished the blaze on the fourth floor.

All of those feared dead were reportedly in a psy-

Windows were blackened by the blaze on the fourth floor of the building

chiatric clinic on the fourth floor of the building, located in a busy commercial and entertainment district.

A man who appeared to be in his 50s or 60s was seen carrying a bag of liquid into the building, before knock-

ing it over near a heater, spilling the liquid and starting the fire, Kyodo News reported.

The man was rushed to hospital and is in a critical condition, NHK reported.

Emergency services were

alerted shortly after 10:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Friday.

"There was lots of dark smoke," one eyewitness told NHK, adding: "There was a very strong smell, too."

Some people were evacuated from the building by fire crews using ladders.

The blaze was successfully extinguished within half an hour, after it burned across an area of approximately 20 sq m (215 sq ft), the local fire department said.

Last year, Japan saw one of its worst mass casualty incidents since World War Two after a man set fire to a film studio in Kyoto in 2019, killing 36 people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Refugees lack COVID shots because drugmakers fear lawsuits, documents show

T

ens of millions of migrants may be denied COVID-19 vaccines from a global programme because some major manufacturers are worried about legal risks from harmful side effects, according to officials and internal documents from Gavi, the charity operating the programme, reviewed by Reuters.

Nearly two years into a pandemic that has already killed more than 5 million people, only about 7 per cent of people in low-income countries have received a dose. Vaccine deliveries worldwide have been

delayed by production problems, hoarding by rich countries, export restrictions and red tape. Many programmes have also been hampered by hesitancy among the public.

Many COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have required that countries indemnify them for any adverse events suffered by individuals as a result of the vaccines, the United Nations says.

Where governments are not in control, that is not possible.

For refugees, migrants and asylum-seekers, as well as people afflicted by natural

School-shooting threats on TikTok prompt closures in US

A

wave of school-shooting threats circulating on TikTok and other social media prompted some US schools to close Friday and others to bolster their Police presence.

Generally, the threats don’t name specific schools and local and federal authorities have said many lack credibility. Still, the threats give a date — Dec 17 — leading schools in Michigan, Washington and elsewhere to temporarily keep kids home. Many videos show a text warning of a bombing or shooting on Friday, without schools, districts or even states listed.

There have been nine school shootings and 235 socalled nonactive shooter incidents this year, according to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, and districts and law enforcement say they take each warning seriously.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said that while there are “no known specific threats,” he has spoken about the viral posts with the state’s attorney general and security

officials. “We will work closely with law enforcement to monitor the situation and remain prepared,” Murphy said on Twitter.

Oxford Community Schools in Michigan, where a boy killed four students in late November, closed all buildings due to a new shooting threat. Seattle Police opened investigations into two schools Wednesday morning and closed one after staff alerted authorities to social-media posts, according to a press release.

Tooele County, Utah, officials said the trend originated on TikTok as a way for students to skip school. They said it spread to other internet platforms like Instagram and Facebook “and has morphed into something much more disturbing,” in a statement Wednesday.

Schools in the New York City metro area have also been affected. Pelham Public Schools, in Westchester County, New York, shifted classes online Friday after a threat against the high school on Snapchat. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

disasters or other events that put them out of reach of government help, the global programme known as COVAX created a Humanitarian Buffer – a last-resort reserve of shots to be administered by humanitarian groups.

But that buffer does not have any mechanism to offer compensation. Gavi, which operates COVAX with the World Health Organisation

(WHO), said that where those applying for doses, mainly NGOs, can't bear legal risks, deliveries from that stockpile can aonly be made if vaccine-makers accept liability.

About 167 million people risk being excluded from national programmes, according to United Nations data cited in the documents.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Over 100 Marines discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines

Less than one per cent of the total active-duty force - 3864 soldiers - have refused the vaccination order without a pending or approved exemption

O

ver 100 US Marines have been booted from the ranks for refusing COVID jabs as the military begins the process of separating remaining vaccine holdouts.

Marines and other military service members discharged for refusing the vaccine will receive an honourable or general discharge.

While the vast majority of US military personnel have been vaccinated, thousands have been reprimanded.

Up to 20,000 troops have sought exemptions or refused to be vaccinated.

The Marine Corps - which set a November 28 vaccination deadline for active-duty Marines - said in a statement on Thursday that 103 have so far been separated from service. According to the Marine Corps Times, 95 per cent of the service has been fully vaccinated, with 1007 exemptions granted so far.

Additionally, more than 3000 Marines have applied

for religious exemptions. Of the over 2800 that have so far been processed, none have been approved.

The US Army - the largest military branch - has to date seen 98 per cent of its active-duty troops receive at least one vaccine dose, with 96 per cent fully vaccinated.

The Army has relieved six senior officers, including two battalion commanders, for refusing the vaccine. More than 2700 written reprimands have so far been given. The service will begin discharging those who continue to refuse in January.

Less than one per cent of the total active-duty force 3864 soldiers - have refused the vaccination order without a pending or approved exemption.

The Air Force this week announced that 27 airmen were discharged from service for refusing the jabs. It had a vaccination rate of over 97 per cent as of early this month.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take the path of least resistance. Now is not the time to start a fight or to bicker over something you cannot change. Focus on your strengths and bank on what you know you can do.

An intelligent move will help reset your plans.

Discussions with family and friends will offer insight into possibilities and give you the courage to stop procrastinating.

Dedication and loyalty will pay off. A chance to gain ground financially is apparent if you are careful with your expenditures and invest in something worthwhile instead of nonessentials.

Be careful not to send the wrong message to someone who can influence your position or reputation. Keep secrets to yourself until you are sure of what you want to do next. Romance will enhance your life.

Talk to people who spark your imagination, and you will receive some exciting ideas that can help you please a loved one. A little shopping will take you down memory lane and inspire an unusual pursuit.

Emotions will mount if you don’t have time to prepare for the changes you must make before the year ends. A disciplined attitude will come in handy when temptation strikes.

Someone unexpected will put a smile on your face.

Don’t let things that happen due to stressful arrangements interfere with your ability to enjoy and be grateful for what you have.

A compromise will help you decrease debt. Leave nothing to chance or unfinished. Put last-minute preparations in place to avoid letting down someone you care about. Personal improvement is favored.

SAGITTARIUS An emotional dust-up is apparent if you or someone (Nov. 23close to you isn’t forthright Dec. 21) about feelings and intentions. Don’t lead anyone on or be gullible, and you can avoid a misunderstanding.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Adjust to the changes taking place. Look for the most suitable path and set a course in that direction.

Challenge yourself, not others. Perfection comes from practice, discipline and persistence.

Don’t be fooled by what others do or say. Do the legwork, and you’ll discover what you need to know and do to take advantage of an offer that comes your way.

Avoid mind games.

You’ll face an emotional situation that can affect (Feb. 20March 20) your reputation. If you are truthful, you’ll avoid being put in a precarious position.

Don’t take a risk.

PISCES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

21

England run for the exits as Australia storm into commanding position

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he message on Adelaide's scoreboard was unequivocal: "Severe weather approaching.

Follow direction from event staff and seek shelter". And sure enough, England's beleaguered cricketers were only too willing to hunker down and hope the bad men go away, after a ferocious floodlit examination had ended with their Ashes hopes tumbling down the street like a wheelie-bin in a gale.

After five sessions of sedate sparring at the Adelaide Oval, in which Australia's

top-order played within themselves to drag England's largely toothless right-arm seam attack into their umpteenth spells, the contest was lit up in the final session like the lightning strike behind the bowler's arm that forced a hasty abandonment midway through the ninth over of Australia's newball onslaught.

By then, both of England's openers had been prised from the crease - Rory Burns a victim once again of Mitchell Starc's left-arm wiles, despite being shielded from his first delivery, before Haseeb

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS Marcus Harris c †Buttler b Broad 3 David Warner c Broad b Stokes 95 Marnus Labuschagne lbw b Robinson 103 Steven Smith (c) lbw b Anderson 93 Travis Head b Root 18 Cameron Green b Stokes 2 Alex Carey † c Hameed b Anderson 51 Mitchell Starc not out 39 Michael Neser c Broad b Stokes 35 Jhye Richardson c †Buttler b Woakes 9 Extras (lb 9, nb 11, w 5) 25 TOTAL (150.4 Ov, RR: 3.13) 473/9d Did not bat: Nathan Lyon Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Marcus Harris, 7.3 ov), 2-176 (David Warner, 64.2 ov), 3-241 (Marnus Labuschagne, 97.5 ov), 4-291 (Travis Head, 110.3 ov), 5-294 (Cameron Green, 111.3 ov), 6-385 (Steven Smith, 138.6 ov), 7-390 (Alex Carey, 140.4 ov), 8-448 (Michael Neser, 149.1 ov),

9-473 (Jhye Richardson, 150.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W James Anderson 29-10-58-2 Stuart Broad 26-6-73-1 Chris Woakes 23.4-6-103-1 Ollie Robinson 27-13-45-1 Ben Stokes 25-2-113-3 Joe Root 20-2-72-1 ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS Haseeb Hameed c Starc b Neser 6 Rory Burns c Smith b Starc 4 Dawid Malan not out 1 Joe Root (c) not out 5 Extras (lb 1) 1 TOTAL (8.4 Ov, RR: 1.96) 17/2 Yet to bat: Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler †, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Rory Burns, 2.1 ov), 2-12 (Haseeb Hameed, 6.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 3-1-11-1 Jhye Richardson 4-3-1-0 Michael Neser 1.4-0-4-1

Hameed flicked the second ball of Michael Neser's Test career straight to mid-on to cue the most joyous scenes of celebration in the series to date.

Joe Root, England's only source of hope, then edged his second ball short of slip, but endured to the early close alongside Dawid Malan, the same sidekick who had briefly inspired thoughts of salvation in that third-wicket stand at the Gabba last week. But with three full days to come, and confidence in England's camp at rock bottom, it's going to take something truly phenomenal to pull the team out of this latest tailspin.

After resuming on an ominous 221 for 2, Australia's eventual 473 for 9 declared was a masterclass of targeted acceleration, as a brace of sparky innings from Steve Smith and Alex Carey built on the first-day efforts of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne - who duly brought up his sixth Test century in the first half-hour, then survived England's second wicket with a no-ball of the series, before departing soon afterwards for 103.

But it was the twin departures of Smith, lbw for 93, and Carey, caught at short cover on the stroke of tea for 51 - both off the tidy but largely unthreatening James Anderson - that set the stage for a contemptuous finale.

With the storm encroaching

on the horizon, and the clear ambition of a lengthy stint of bowling under the floodlights, Australia's lower-order emerged after the interval with licence to plant their collective front dogs and swing for the hills.

Starc was the relative anchorman, serving up a run-aball 39 not out with a host of long-levered swipes through the line, but it

Steve Smith celebrating after scoring a half-century

Michael Neser celebratin g with team-mates after taking the wicket of Haseeb Hameed

was the debutant Neser who seized the moment with unfettered glee. After so many years of waiting on the sidelines as 12th man, Neser wasn't going to let a further 20 minutes of waiting put him off his stride. He saw off the first two balls of the resumption with minimal fuss, and then, after picking off a brace of fours to ease into his evening's work, it was the return of Woakes that truly signalled the cavalry charge.

Hard though Woakes had toiled in the opening exchang-

Matthews ends year on a high with ICC Award

H

ayley Matthews has had a stellar year for West Indies Women, as she featured in the Top 10 among bowlers and batters in One-Day Internationals.

She took 18 wickets at an average of 22.44 runs per wicket, with best bowling of 4-26 in Karachi as international cricket returned to Pakistan in November. She also made 380 runs, which included one century – 100 not out against Pakistan in Antigua in July.

The allrounder has topped off the excellent campaign, as she received the ICC’s Women’s Playerof-the-Month Award for November. In four ODIs in November – three in the bilateral series against Pakistan, and one in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Ireland – Matthews scored 141 runs and claimed nine wickets, including an excellent four-wicket haul against Pakistan in Karachi.

She emerged as Player-ofthe-Series against Pakistan, hitting 57 and taking three wickets in the first ODI at

the National Stadium, before following up with 26 and the four-for in the second game.

In the final contest, she made 49 as West Indies Women wrapped up a crucial clean sweep.

This is the second time Matthews has been nominated for the award.

She was last in contention for the award in July, when West Indies

captain Stafanie Taylor won the prize.

“It’s exciting to be nominated twice for the year, and to be able to come this time and win it now. This is my first time winning this award, and what is also rewarding is that I worked so hard throughout the year. As a team, we put in some really good performances and

reaped rewards,” said Matthews, a classic off-break bowler and classy right-hand batter.

“I definitely set goals at the beginning of the year. I think ‘bowling-wise’, I probably exceeded the goals. I know I wanted to perform well with

the ball, and the wickets I was able to tally up and the economy rate, these are what I feel very pleased about. I did what the team required,” she said.

She added: “I did have goals with the bat, probably to score one or two more hundreds and reach a bit more milestones throughout the year; but, nevertheless, I think my biggest goal this year really was my consistency, and I was happy to get some good scores and help the team win matches.”

Matthews is one of the leading allrounders in West Indies Women’s history. In ODIs, she has played 57 matches, scored 1426 runs, and captured 63 wickets. In T20Is, she has so far made 61 appearances, with 1055 runs and 58 wickets. She will now focus her attention on the team’s preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, which will be played from Match 4 to April 3.

West Indies Women start the World Cup tourney against hosts New Zealand.

es of this Test, he had already been identified as England's weakest link during the latter stages of Smith's innings, in which he had cracked two fours and a six in the space of three balls - the latter a remarkable heave over midwicket as he knelt into a fractionally short ball outside off to hoist Australia past the 350 mark.

And now, as he returned for his 22nd over, Neser was primed to prove that his solitary first-class hundred was no fluke, as he climbed into Woakes's laboured offerings for a 16-run over, including a yawning hack for four through midwicket and the shot of the match to date, a veritable uppercut into the stands at extra cover.

Ben Stokes ended his fun on 35 from 24 balls as Stuart Broad back-pedalled at longoff to swallow another thrash through the line, but Starc picked up the cudgels with three meaty fours in the same over, before Jhye Richardson set the seal on a free-wheeling final flourish with a murderous clout for six over midwicket - the most literal declaration of the death overs that Woakes has encountered since the T20 World Cup. One ball later, Richardson scuffed an edge to the keeper, and Smith waved them in - but all told, Australia's Numbers 8 to 10 had racked up 83 runs in their final ten overs, and Woakes's figures had been vandalised to the tune of 54 runs in his final four overs.

The irony is that England's day had actually begun with relative purpose. With more swing on offer for the second new ball than the first, the seamers’ lengths had been

notably fuller from the outset, not least the persevering Ollie Robinson, whose first ball of the day should have had Labuschagne caught-behind for 102, only for replays to show that he had overstepped.

It was another shattering blow to England's flagging morale - their second no-ball dismissal of the series, to go with a tally of dropped catches that is now into double figures - but with impressive gumption, Robinson dusted himself down and made amends ten balls later, as Labuschagne padded up to a nipbacker to be pinned plumb in front of middle.

Worryingly, however, for England's prospects of achieving even parity in this contest, the middle part of their bowling effort was dominated by the part-time spin of Joe Root, who found purchase from the outset, and no little guile, as he showed by bowling Australia's first-Test centurion Travis Head with a superb sucker-punch, a toss-up above the eyeline that dipped at his feet and straightened into the stumps for 18.

At a stroke, Root had become only the tenth visiting spinner to take a wicket at Adelaide since 2010; and of the names above him, only three have more than two scalps.

Nathan Lyon, by contrast, has hoovered up 51 wickets at 26.94 in 11 visits, and assuming Australia's seamers leave him any spoils to get stuck into, he'll fancy his chances of adding to that tally on this particular surface and against this particular line-up.

When Stokes popped up one over later to bowl the hapless Cameron Green for 2 (taking his Test average to 1.00), England went to lunch having arguably enjoyed the better of the session, with Australia on 303 for 5. It was, however, about as relative as such comparisons get, and the manner in which Australia turned up the heat before the close was a far truer reflection of the gulf between the team's aptitudes, attitudes and applications.

(ESPNcricinfo)

22

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fung excited to defend title this Sunday at Seniors Bodybuilding Championships

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he absolutely sensational Rosanna Fung will this Sunday be defending her Miss Bikini title at the Guyana Bodybuilding

and Fitness Federationhosted Seniors Bodybuilding Championships for 2021.

Over the years, Fung has proven to be one of the most dominant ath-

Fung (in blue) copped bronze at the CAC

letes in that category of the competition.

Many ladies have competed in the Miss Bikini category, but unarguably none has ever come close enough

Fung preparing for the competition with assistance from Kerwin Clarke

Maggie’s, C-Mobile Online Shopping & Electronics show support for GFF-K&S Super-16 Cup

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he corporate community continues to play its part in ensuring the success of the ongoing GFFK&S Super-16 Cup powered

by KFC-Guyana.

Joining the list is C-Mobile Online Shopping & Electronics, formerly Cell Phone Shack, located at 176 Middle Street (Plum Building) Georgetown.

Making the presentation of cell phones to President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in the presence of Co-Director of the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, was CEO of the company, Chris Low Koan, a sportsman and passionate supporter of sports.

Low Koan, in handing over the instruments to Forde, reminded that the business entity has a long and fruitful partnership with the K&S Organisation, and has been supporting the tournament for more than a decade.

“Our support for this yearend spectacle goes back a very long time, 13 years to be exact; and we here at C-Mobile Online Shopping & Electronics will continue to support this tournament. We are extremely happy to see it come back, as we know the level of excitement it brings among the players and fans.”

Forde, in response, thanked Low Koan and his company for once again supporting the game through their contribution. He said he could recall the days when Cell Phone Shack lent unflinching support to the tournament.

“On behalf of both the GFF and the K&S Organisation, I would like to commend you for once again being a partner with this tournament. Your

to even contemplate overthrowing Fung for that particular title.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, the statuesque Fung was asked her view on defending her title, and the imposing athlete replied, "I’m super excited for this show, considering I’ll be defending my title; though I must say I do have a little bit of stage jitters, but only the usual amount.

Would I love to t r a i n

contributions over the years have not gone unnoticed. This tournament is special, as it is being played at a very challenging time. We are all combining efforts to show that, as a collective, we can overcome this COVID-19 pandemic, and we are pleased that you and your company are on board,” Forde has said.

Maggie’s Catering Inc continues traditional support of GFF-K&S Super-16 Cup Maggie’s Catering Inc. of First Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, a household name in the catering, bakery and restaurant business in Guyana, has continued its support of year-end football as a means of giving back to the community which has been supportive of the entity over the years.

On Thursday, December 17, Co-Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, visited General Manager of Maggie’s Catering Inc, Pearson Burch-Smith, to receive that entity’s sponsorship for the competition.

In handing over the cheque, Burch-Smith remind-

ed that he has been associated with the tournament for over two decades, dating back to him being associated with Grace Kennedy when it was located in Main Street.

“My relationship with this marquee competition has come a long way and many years, and I’ve seen its progress. Like many others, we are very pleased to see it back on course, and we look forward to maintaining and strengthening our partnership,” BurchSmith has said.

Major posited that both the GFF and K&S Organisation are more than pleased with Burch-Smith’s commitment to the sport and its development. He noted that even after Burch Smith had joined the employ of Maggie’s Catering Inc, he has still maintained the relationship with the tournament.

“In accepting your company’s sponsorship, I would like to express our thanks to you, the management and staff of Maggie’s Catering Inc, and wish you all the best as well as continued success, whilst encouraging our players and fans to continue support (for) your business.”

there’s always room for improvement.

"After my last show in San Salvador, I spent a week in Miami, eating everything I could get my hands on.

So, most naturally, I gained quite a few pounds coming back to Guyana.

My prep for this show began with

without a mask?

Yes, of course, but it hasn’t held my physique back in any way or shape, so I’m doing my due diligence and

a tough couple of weeks, but considering the fact that I had been prepping for competitions for the better half of the year, I didn’t have that much building to do; just a few minor tweaks here and there, along with being in a caloric deficit (burning more calories that I consume) and keeping my water intake high," Fung posited.

Fung has relayed to her fans that, if you don’t believe you can do it, then you’ve already lost. she urges them not to doubt themselves, and to stop holding themselves back, as “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.

Among the accolades Fung has won in the Miss Bikini category are: The Miss Bikini Novice 2019 Championship, the Seniors 2019 Championship, placing 2nd at the Stage of Champions 2019 event, the 2020 edition of the Resilience Bodybuilding Championship. She also copped bronze in the CAC Championship in 2021 in El Salvador.

Approximately 30 athletes would be competing in the different segments of the championships: Bodybuilding, Bikini, and Men’s Physique categories.

CWI makes COVID-19 bubbles as safe as possible

C

CEO of C-Mobile Online Shopping & Electronics, Chris Low Koan (2nd right), handing over the phones to GFF President Wayne Forde. At right is Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, and at left is Orande Gittens

following the protocols put in place, and putting in that work."

In terms of her current package, the talented Fung has said she is very proud of her current physique. She relayed that she has taken all the critiques from the judges at CAC and worked on her weak areas, especially on bringing down her quads.

Fung has said she is proud of where she is, although noting t h a t

-says CWI CEO Johnny Grave

RICKET West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave has said the board tries to make the bio-secure bubbles as safe and as strict as possible, to protect players from COVID-19, but it is impossible to alleviate all the risks.

Nine members of the West Indies camp on tour of Pakistan have tested positive for COVID-19, including six players. West Indies and Pakistan completed the three-match T20 series on Thursday, December 17, but on the same day, CWI and the

WI CEO Johnny Grave

Pakistan Cricket Board decided to postpone the threematch One Day International (ODI) series to June 2022. It had been scheduled to bowl off on Saturday, December 19.

Before the T20 series began, CWI revealed last Saturday that Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers and Sheldon Cottrell had contracted the virus.

On Wednesday, the day

before the third T20, three more players tested positive – Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein and Justin Greaves.

In audio provided by CWI on Thursday, Grave said, “It has been a very difficult past 24 hours for everyone, particularly the players and the support staff out in Pakistan.

Obviously, getting more COVID cases caused even more anxiety amongst the players, especially being this close to Christmas and being away from home in bio-secure bubbles – very difficult environment for such a long period of time.”

Grave thanked the players for completing the T20 series.

“Enormously proud of all the players for their decision that they made as a collective (group) earlier today (Thursday) to take the field this evening in Pakistan and complete the T20 part of this tour.”

CWI tries to ensure that the bio-secure bubbles during the pandemic are as safe as possible, Grave has said.

“COVID has taught us that we can never mitigate all the risks, we can only plan and mitigate what we can do; and certainly, from a Cricket West Indies perspective, we’ve been working hard to create these bio-bubbles and to manage them as safely and as strictly as we can, but also understanding that it is a very tough environment for the players to be in.”

Grave, who thanked the PCB for the support, said completing the ODI series

would have been challenging because of the limited number of players West Indies have available because of the COVID-19 cases. He said the safety and security of the players would always be a priority.

Last month, the West Indies women were competing in the International Cricket Council’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe when the tournament was brought to a halt because of the presence of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron in South Africa and the introduction of travel restrictions from a number of African countries, including Zimbabwe.

Grave reflected on what has been a rough period for West Indies teams.

“Obviously, it has been a difficult few weeks for us, with the women’s team having to come home from Zimbabwe…

Luckily, the women’s team are all now back in the Caribbean.

The last few players have just landed today in Guyana.”

After leaving Zimbabwe, the West Indies women’s team spent a week and a half in Oman, before returning to the Caribbean. (TT Newsday)

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GFF-K&S Futsal…

23

Foot Steppers, North East, Leopold, Back Circle win in exciting matchups

Leopold Street prevailed in a close encounter with Silver Bullets

A

nother night of exhilarating Futsal action culminated with the likes of Foot Steppers, North East, Leopold and Back Circle occupying the winners’ row on Thursday

night.

With 4 games on the cards for the second night of the Guyana Football Federation- Kashif and Shanghai-organised tournament, a contest between

Foot Steppers and Goal Shattas was up first. It was a pretty lopsided affair, as Foot Steppers outplayed Goal Shattas in every aspect to finish the encounter 7-0. Colin Charles (10th), Neron Barrow (13th, 22nd), Nathaniel Giddings (24th), Domini Garnett (28th) and Tywell Henry (29th, 30th) put in a team effort to overcome their older counterparts from Goal Shattas.

A 1-1 score at the half time set up a blistering second half in the match between North East and West Side Ballers during the second game. The teams seemed to be quick with their replies, but the determination fell away for West Side Ballers when they

Nandu is a hard worker, Thorne clocks 84mph when he gets it right -says U19 Head Coach Floyd Reifer

Matthew Nandu

Isai Thorne

By Brandon Corlette

They have a good future in cricket, as well as all the other lads,” he said.

With the tournament being played at home, Reifer said, it would be an advantage, since the players are accustomed to the surfaces; but since the pitches will be of ICC standard, grass will be on the pitch. The Barbadian Reifer has said tactical and game awareness is very critical for the West Indies youth team.

Coach Reifer has said he would have wanted more in-person time with the lads, but the group would be fully prepared before the World Cup with five matches to be played against the South Africa U-19 team.

“That series is very important. Leading up to this, the young men have not played much cricket in the past two years, so it is important for us to get these games to see where we are at,” Reifer said.

During these matches, Coach Reifer will be looking at how the players execute.

Interestingly, Reifer noted that the talented young West Indies group includes 13 players who ran 40 or more in the yo-yo test.

The West Indies U-19 team will open their campaign in Guyana, then move to St Kitts and Nevis before

W

est Indies Under-19 Head Coach Floyd Reifer is confident that the Caribbean U-19 side would perform well at the upcoming International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) U-19 World Cup. That tournament will be played in the West Indies, commencing on January 14 in Guyana and concluding on February 5 in Antigua.

Speaking on Tuesday’s Mason and Guest Radio programme, Reifer described Guyanese left-handed opener Matthew Nandu as a hard worker, and he noted that once fast-bowler Isai Thorne gets it right, he can bowl at a speed of 84mph.

“Nandu is a very good cricketer. He resides in Canada, and he is the son of Arjune Nandu. He is a hard worker, and he came to Barbados and spent three to four weeks. Over that period, we saw his game improve a lot. The programme we had for Nandu and Thorne and all the other players, we have seen development and progression in terms of how the players are operating on and off the field.

“Matthew and Isai are improved cricketers, and Thorne bowls pretty quick, …17 years old (bowling) 8384 mph when he gets it right.

going to Antigua. Reifer has said his squad is equipped and his batsmen will show a big difference, especially playing and scoring off spin-bowling, with more scoring options at their disposal.

While winning is high on the team’s agenda, Reifer has said: “we want to see these guys playing good cricket every game.” In addition to being prepared for the U-19 World Cup, Reifer said, these players are groomed to become more professional for the future, on and off the field.

According to Reifer, the knowledge gained by these players would prepare them for franchise and senior cricket.

FULL SQUAD: Ackeem Auguste (Captain): left-hand bat Giovonte Depeiza (Vice Captain): right-hand bat/leftarm spin Onaje Amory: right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin Teddy Bishop: right-hand bat Carlon Bowen-Tuckett: right-hand bat/wicketkeeper Jaden Carmichael: righthand bat/left-arm spin McKenny Clarke: righthand bat/right-arm fast Rivaldo Clarke: righthand bat/wicketkeeper Jordan Johnson: lefthand bat/right-arm leg-spin Johann Layne: righthand bat/right-arm fast Anderson Mahase: lefthand bat/left-arm spin Matthew Nandu: lefthand opening bat/right-arm leg-spin Shaqkere Parris: righthand opening bat Shiva Sankar: right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast Isai Thorne: right-hand bat/right-arm fast.

The brilliance of the North East (blue) second half play handed them a victory

needed it most in the second half.

West Side’s Dontee McAulay struck the first goal in the 4th minute of the game, and Prince Nero replied for North East in the 13th. In the second half, West Side went up with a goal from Troy Miggins in the 18th, but Lennox Cort netted a brace (22nd, 30th) and Lindy Gardner did the same (21st, 29th) to ensure North East won 5-2.

A tit-for-tat game involving Leopold Street and Silver bullets resulted in Leopold getting the edge in the final minute of the game, to pull off a steal of a

victory.

Okenny Fraser was the first man to find the back of the net in the 9th minute for Leopold, but Jamaine Samuels was quick with the Silver Bullets’ equaliser in the 12th. As Seon Alfred put Leopold back in the lead with a goal in the 14th, Omar Brewley levelled the scores once again in the 15th.

With a 2-2 lock at the half, Daren Benjamin put Leopold ahead in the 18th.

Not too long after, Brewley completed his brace in the 27th minute.

The man of the moment was Quincy Adams, who

found the back of the net just in the nick of time, to hand Leopold the winning goal.

Back Circle stole the Showstoppers’ show in the final game of the night, following an easy 3-0 win.

Jamaine Beckles netted a brace (13th, 27th) while Reshawn Ritch contributed one (27th) to Back Circle’s tally. Showstoppers had no reply for their opponents, and had to concede defeat.

The GFF-K&S Futsal Tournament will continue this evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue from 7pm.

ACCCC extends congratulations to Motie on debut

T

he President, Executives and Members of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) would like to extend congratulations to Gudakesh Motie on making his international debut for the West Indies.

Motie became the sixth Albion cricketer to represent the West Indies at the international level when the West Indies played Pakistan in the third T20 International last Thursday in Pakistan.

“We are very excited as a Club, and are proud of young Motie’s elevation to the status of being an international cricketer; and we would like to congratulate him on this achievement. We all know how talented he is, and that it was just a matter of time for him to represent the West Indies Senior Team. Without any doubt, we are very confident that he will have a long and outstanding career as an international cricketer,” said Vemen Walter, President of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club.

Motie has now joined Sew Shiwnaraine, Narsingh

Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul as being Albion cricketers who have represented the West Indies at the international level.

Overall, nine cricketers from Albion have played at the international level, with Fazil Sattur, Abdool Samad and Sunil Dhaniram having represented Canada.

Motie’s achievement is another demonstration of the outstanding work the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club has been doing.

It will also serve as a tremendous motivator not only to Albion cricketers, but to all members, inclusive of the ACCCC executives, who are known to work beyond the call of duty.

Only a few weeks ago, Motie’s Albion Club mate and fellow left-arm-spinner Veerasammy Permaul made an impressive return to international cricket when he captured eight wickets for the West Indies in the last Test match against Sri Lanka.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

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

Fung excited to defend title this Sunday at Seniors Bodybuilding Championships

General Manager of Maggie’s Catering Inc. Pearson BurchSmith (left), handing over cheque to Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major Foot Steppers (navy blue) held off Goal Shattas for a 7-0 win

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