Guyana Times -- Saturday, December 4, 2021

P16

6 new airlines showing interest in Guyana market – GCAA Head Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4851

New Guyanese economy

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

PRICE

Family-owned, small businesses must change with the times – President, GMSA Head See story on page 3

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Wanted bulletin issued for P17 Rickford Burke

672 domestic violence cases reported in Berbice so far in 2021 P16

COVID-19 death toll surpasses P14 1000 …active cases dominant in Regions 3, 4 & 6

New legislation to be passed next year to P10 tackle domestic violence – AG President Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch joined Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), along with several of its members, at State House on Friday evening for a reception to observe World Disability Day 2021 (Office of the President photo)

Concerns mount as Omicron could be highly transmissible – Health Minister …has 2x mutations on spike protein than deadly Delta strain Page 15

Alleged misconduct in public office

City Hall Page 11 announces amnesty for tax defaulters …as municipal markets to open for late shopping Page 7

Jordan placed on 5-day bed rest – lawyer tells SOCU

2nd man P12 charged, on $1.9M bail for Durban St fire

Cocaine found in rum in the Netherlands

No cocaine P15 detected when shipment left Guyana – GRA

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Dec 4 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 23:15h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Dec 4 – 16:10h – 17:40h and Sunday, Dec 5 – 16:45h – 18:15h.

New Guyanese economy

Family-owned, small businesses must change with the times – President, GMSA Head

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 16:26h reaching a maximum height of 2.91 metres.

Low Tide: 10:00h and 22:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.5 metre and 0.29 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

01 03 06

14 26 28

FREE TICKET

12 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 09 10 24 26 LUCKY 3

3

8

1

4

Afternoon Draw

9

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 04 05 08 09 15 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

02 04 05 14 16 13

05 09 10 11 14

7

4 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

8

3 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$69.88/barrel

+0.30

Rough Rice

$252.77/ton

+0.32

London Sugar

$484.70/ton

+0.10

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1782.60

$1783.60

Low/High Change

$1765.60 0.00

$1788.50 0.00%

President Irfaan Ali speaking at GMSA’s Annual Awards Ceremony

A

s local companies are being urged to prepare themselves to take advantage of the many opportunities that have and will become available in Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali has challenged small and family-owned businesses to change their approach so that they can get a larger chunk of benefits during this transition period.

The Head of State made this remark at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 26th Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday evening at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

He focused his address on changing the paradigm within Guyana’s advancing economy to foster transformation and growth in a sustainable manner.

Addressing concerns of small and medium-sized businesses not being able to tap into the benefits from available opportunities, President Ali challenged that they change their approach instead and merge resources.

“Does the environment and the opportunities that we're talking about create a hindrance to small and medium sized businesses because of competitive advantages? So, we have 25 small and medium-sized machining shop that can come together and bring their resources together, and create one large machining shop that can take the jobs that big industries are taking, where [would] that put us?

That immediately takes the country at another scale,” he stressed.

The Head of State went on to talk about family-owned businesses also following suit to enhance their capacity to compete in Guyana’s evolving economy.

“Yes, the family businesses are good. But time is changing, circumstances is changing.

And if 10 small businesses can come together and take away 35 per cent or 30 per cent share in that market, aren’t they better off? There is better competitive advantage… Sometimes, individually, we are satisfied with a small share… But it’s not about being satisfied with a small share, it is missing out on opportunities,” he stated.

But the President noted that in order for this work, it needs to be strategically led by leaders within the Private Sector, who can change this course of direction.

Paradigm shift

In fact, GMSA President Rafeek Khan shared similar sentiments, calling on local companies to ready themselves for this paradigm shift.

“The manufacturing and services sector must start preparing and redefining their strategies to benefit from the expanded local opportunities in the oil sector and the nonoil sector alike. We must embrace the paradigm shift in our thought process and understand that through local partnership and collaboration, there will be great leverage to improve and enhance capability to become globally competitive,” Khan outlined at the event.

Moreover, the GMSA President went on to highlight that the apparent disconnect between small and medium businesses warrants collaboration between the Private Sector and Government to bridge that gap.

Against this backdrop,

GMSA President Rafeek Khan President Ali reassured that his Government stands ready and willing to engage the Private Sector to ensure that they adapt the necessary changes required for them to succeed.

“At the end of the day, we have to build one common theme in this country. We are all winners… We have to develop a winning culture. In this room, how do we see ourselves? Do we see ourselves as competitors or members of a manufacturing industry who no doubt will have to come together – human resource, financial resource, technical resources – if we want to win, we have to come together and build the capacity and the industry to win and we can do it,” he declared.

Stating that he is not asking for them to love the Government, the Head of State urged those gathered at Friday’s event to collectively embrace the culture of moving forward. He contended that if local Private Sector repre-

sentatives can sit in a room to laugh and dine together then they can certainly get together to build their capacity.

Moreover, he turned to the younger generation and challenged them to take advantage and tap into new industries that are making headway around the world such as the wellness sector. He posited that investments bring more international traffic to Guyana and leads to foreigners shifting here, and such endeavours would prove to be profitable.

“We have to create wellness centres. We have fresh water on the highway, we have greenery, we can produce organic products to sustain the wellness centre, where are the investors? Where is the paradigm shift? I’m telling you about something can create wealth! I want to see the young people make use of these opportunities… Do a little bit of research. A wellness centre will do extremely well,” he contended. (G8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 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

Trauma of violence in homes

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s at this month, some 672 cases of domestic violence matters have been engaging the attention of the court of law in Berbice alone for this year so far.

A breakdown of these statistics shows that, in the West Berbice Magisterial District, there are 198 cases filed, while for the Berbice Magisterial District, 254 have been filed for the year. In the Corentyne Magisterial District, 124 cases have been filed. Some 96 cases were also filed.

This year, the media reported numerous cases of domestic violence, which resulted in death, grievous bodily harm, and in some cases have left persons maimed and disfigured.

Many of these incidents have in common the ensuing trauma for those who witnessed them, and serve as a microcosm of such scenarios in society. More specifically, over time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many victims were brutally killed in some instances.

Unfortunately, this continues despite awareness efforts. There is also the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse with regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem appears much larger, as reflected in the news, as many cases go unreported. This speaks to the reality being underestimated.

Many reasons have been made known for what can deter an abuse victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the absence of confidence in law enforcement, precipitated by the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. It would be pertinent to ask if the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging. While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

That said, the magnitude of the impact of domestic violence on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults. Those ghastly images, especially when life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding to better shape lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms, not just for cases of domestic violence, but for other scenarios, including accidents.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for all to know the extent of what is available and offered. While expectations would be for what obtains in the developed nations, realistically, there must be something tangible in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not in any way suggesting that there isn’t an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending upon the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of having the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorising, the high rate made news internationally, prompting a local call for suicide to be made a national priority, given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives. It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It was not going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximise effectiveness of information gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, to help break social inhibitors where necessary, and to better edify.

It is no different for domestic violence.

This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In small societies such as ours, the impact permeates throughout.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated. Its mitigation has to uncompromisingly be immediate, holistic, effective and sustained.

Dr Irfaan Ali received a courtesy visit from the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller OBE, on Friday at State House (Office of the President photo)

#MeToo changed Hollywood – but what about our schools, workplaces and homes?

By Rosamund Cloke

W

omen’s rights have been the focus of many protests in Britain this year.

After the rape and murder of Sarah Everard and the killing of the teacher Sabina Nessa, women demonstrated over the lack of safety on the country’s streets.

Beyond British shores, when news broke that the Taliban had once again begun restricting Afghan women’s lives and the debate about the legitimacy of abortion restarted in the US, it became clear that the threat to women’s rights was increasing around the world.

Among all this discourse over women and their bodies, the fourth anniversary of the #MeToo movement took place this October. This all raises the question: what impact has #MeToo had on the world, if any?

The movement has certainly made a difference in Hollywood, leading to the arrest and conviction of powerful men such as Harvey Weinstein.

However, sexism and sexual harassment are not only found in Hollywood but also closer to home, in our schools, our workplaces and our everyday lives.

A YouGov poll carried out in March 2021 for UN Women UK found that seven out of 10 women surveyed had experienced some form of sexual harassment in public; for younger women the proportion was nearly nine out of 10. A report by a group of British MPs and peers set up to support UN Women UK’s

work concludes that “sexual harassment in public places continues to be highly prevalent and concerning”.

Laura Bates, the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project in the UK, has said: “Many people would like to think that workplace sexual harassment is a thing of the past. In reality, it is alive and well, and having a huge impact on tens of thousands of women’s lives.”

Even more concerning is the number of sexual assault cases in schools. A BBC investigation revealed that at least 13,000 sex offences involving under-18s were reported to police in England and Wales every year between 2018 and 2020, and the education inspectorate Ofsted says sexual harassment has become “normalised” among school-age children.

This level of cases creates a dangerous environment and culture among students and a mindset that regards sexual abuse or harassment of any kind as a normal and acceptable part of society; a mindset

that can then be carried into adulthood and the workplace.

I can attest from personal experience that sexual harassment in schools is scarily common, to the extent that it is considered ordinary classroom banter among boys. What is even more rife within the school environment is the presentation and exchange of nude images. Many of my female friends, and even occasionally I, receive unwanted explicit images that we try to ignore or delete.

Making the situation worse is the lack of reports made by students to teachers about the behaviour because, as Ofsted’s chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, said in an interview: “Whether it’s happening at school or in their social life, they simply don’t feel it’s worth reporting.” It has been suggested that this could be the result of a lack of education about what is considered assault, or from a history of schools failing to take cases brought to them seriously. From my experi-

ence, I would say that both are sadly true.

However, an anonymous system, whereby pupils can submit their cases to a trusted teacher or member of staff without having to go to them in person, has been shown to be effective at allowing students who might otherwise feel uncomfortable sharing their experiences the opportunity to report their cases. However, this has not yet been widely implemented in British schools.

I hadn’t even realised how detrimental the culture we have created is until I began researching for this article: I can now see more clearly that the behaviour I would have previously dismissed is dangerous. It shows how far we still must go even after the upheaval the #MeToo movement created.

To me, it seems that sexual harassment is still happening, the only difference is that now we’re much more aware of it. But awareness is perhaps the first step in eradicating the threat of sexual assault that many of us feel daily, and in slowly dismantling the dangerous culture created by decades of silence.

(The Guardian) This article has won the Guardian Foundation’s 2021 Young Hugo award, which champions political opinion writing among 16- to 18-yearolds. Rosamund Cloke, from Bishop Challoner school in the London borough of Bromley, has won the Guardian Foundation’s Young Hugo Award 2021 for political opinion writing with this article.

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

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

Sad reality in Guyana: there are not enough homes for all animals Dear Editor, Time and again, there have been numerous calls from the general public to have animals, both large and small, removed from the streets. This missive will zoom in on small animals, viz dogs and cats. The large animals such as horses, cattle and pigs are an entirely different kettle.

Editor, only those who are directly involved would ever truly understand. It is an endless daily battle. Any attempt to educated the society about the importance of animal wellbeing and welfare is an uphill task since, often times, the welfare of an animal is perceived to be inferior to that of humans.

Editor, the sad reality in Guyana is that there are simply not enough homes for all

the homeless animals, and shelters are out of space. The shelters back home are filled to capacity. There simply is neither enough space nor resources to house all the animals.

On any given day, an average of about 20 kittens and puppies are surrendered to any of the local shelters, the GSPCA might have a higher number.

Now multiply that number by 7, and you get the reality.

There is simply no space!

Those that are not surrendered are dumped every day.

Some are placed in bags and dumped in trenches or by the roadside. Some are dumped at garbage dumps. Some are killed by their very owners.

These pups and kittens are left to the elements of nature, diseases and parasites. There is no one to care for them, no one

to shelter or provide for them.

Their next meal is not guaranteed, and their illnesses get progressively worse. Internal parasites proliferate. Attacks from older animals leave them wounded. Attacks from humans who despise them are even worse - chops, poison, burns etc.

Left untreated, their wounds become infected and infested, their diseases and parasites are then spread to our pets, and in some instances to us humans.

When animals are placed in overcrowded shelters, that situation also has complications. Reduced personal space for animals increases their stress levels, encourages fighting and obsessive-compulsive disorders (Stereotypies) such and clawing, biting, head butt-

ing, teeth grinding and gnawing etc. Overcrowding also increases the incidence of diseases and disease spread.

Editor, in some cases euthanasia is inevitable. Euthanasia is never an easy option, but it can be the most humane option. Euthanasia saves an animal from such torment. But again, it’s one of the hardest decisions to make. It is, however, the last option. This procedure is fast and painless for the animal, but never for the veterinarian performing the procedure.

Hence spaying and neutering are strongly encouraged.

If people really care about their animals, and do not wish to have kittens or pups, the conscious sacrifice must be made to have these procedures done. Spaying and neu-

tering are surgical procedures done under general anesthesia, and should be done only by a licensed veterinarian. In the females, a small incision in made to gain entry into the abdominal cavity, and the ovaries and uterus are removed. In the males, a small incision is made under the belly and the testicles are removed.

The benefits of having these procedures done are many: no pups or kittens, no birth complications, reduced incidents of reproductive tumours, reduced aggressive dominant behaviours in males and females, less straying and injuries related to straying; and a longer, healthier life for your pet are just a few to mention.

But, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks related, some of which include

post-surgical bleeding; infection of incision site; and in rare cases, allergic reaction to the anesthetic used.

Book an appointment with your local veterinarian to get these procedures done. Also, there are numerous animal welfare organisations and animal activists who assist with reducing the cost to have these procedures done. Please contact your local animal welfare organisation or activist to get help.

Also, you can do your part by adopting or fostering an animal; donating food, cleaning agents, toys; or volunteer your time at a local shelter or with an activist in your area.

Anurama Ramgobin Tails of Hope Animal Rescue

7% increase in salary: the economic rationale Dear Editor, Since 1991, Guyana had made significant strides in building a robust and vibrant economy; until 2014, when the APNU/AFC Government took office. Our macroeconomic achievements have been numerous and quite impressive.

From 1991 to 2014, we increased the minimum wage from Gy$2,546 to Gy$42,702, or by 1,577%. In fact, in just under two years, from January 1993 to January 1995, the PPP/C Government increased the minimum wage by around 100% (1996 Budget Speech, page 37). Mind you, Guyana was in a precarious economic situation, and drastic measures were needed to boost aggregate demand.

I’m not going to go into too many details, but I think several achievements are worth mentioning. Within the same period, we have managed to improve our net international reserve at the Bank of Guyana from a deficit of US$27.9M to a surplus of US$652M; reduce inflation from 70.3% to 1.2%; reduce external public debt from US$2B to US$1.2B, and slash external debt-to-GDP ratio from 677% to 34%.

There are several reasons why there was an urgent need to stimulate spending during the early 1990s. One is that our economy was relatively dormant. Two, private consumption had tanked. And three, many of our people were on the breadline. Hence, the decision to increase minimum wages many times over was aptly justified.

Fast forward to post-2014 up until 2020, the period the then APNU/AFC Government took office. Our economic landscape changed drastically for the worse. Specifically, within a span of just two years in office, the then Government introduced more than 200+ new tax measures on private businesses and consumers. Tax revenues and duties increased from Gy$136B in 2014 to Gy$226B by the end of 2019, or 66%. Of this amount, VAT increased

from Gy$37.3B to Gy$52.5B or 43%.

Putting this into perspective, if we take the size of our GDP in 2014 (which was $875B in 2012 prices) and 2019 (which is $1,023B in 2012 prices) respectively, and compare each to the amount of total tax revenue collected during the respective years, we see that the effective tax rate as of 2014 was 15% while that of 2019 is 22%; an increase of 7 percentage points.

This means that the people in 2019 had to pay, on average, 0.22 cents in taxes on every dollar earned, while in 2014, they were paying a mere 0.15 cents.

At the level of private consumption, the increase in effective tax rate had greatly affected spending patterns.

Critically, and not surprisingly, the level of private consumption in 2019 compared to 2014 fell by more than Gy$77B. In fact, as a share of GDP, private consumption decreased from 82.7% in 2014 to 53% by the end of 2019 (Appendix G, 2021 Budget Estimate, Vol. 1).

This means our people’s spending rate fell by almost 0.20 cents on every dollar earned within a mere four years, which undoubtedly resulted from the burdensome taxes.

In 2020, when we took up office, there was a need to unshackle the economy quickly.

One of the first fiscal measures was the removal of the 200+ tax measures. This was critical in boosting disposable income at the household level. A quick extrapolation of past revenue patterns would elucidate this policy measure’s impact at the household level.

The average growth rate of tax revenue from 2016 (the year the 200+ tax measures were introduced) to 2019 is around 14%. If you apply this 14% to the 2019 figure and then compare that amount to what was collected, it is evident that there is a shortfall of around Gy$31.4B in taxes.

Hence, this is what we have added to our people’s pockets at a very conservative level.

At the household level, that is roughly $180,000 per family.

In addition to this, we also brought back the “Because We Care” cash grant, we removed VAT on electricity and water for the elderly, provided COVID-19 cash grants, distributed flood relief cash grants etc.

Why the 7% increase is economically sound

Going forward, much caution is needed as we confront the burgeoning increase in economic activities. For instance, oil production is expected to increase by almost 200% to 320,000 kbd in our oil and gas sector, while construction activities are expected to ramp up. We also expect to see significant increases in production among our traditional sectors, including gold, rice, sugar, livestock, etc. Further stimulating the wave of activities would be the new local content legislation which is expected to be enacted by the end of this year.

As an emerging and soon to be major oil-producing country, there are specific economic challenges that we need to be aware of that are pretty common among other oil-producing nations. Critically, these include high inflation and labour resource movement effects.

Currently, Guyana is experiencing an economic boom, thanks to our burgeoning oil and gas sector. According to the World Bank, Guyana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. While this is excellent news, it also means that we are at risk of said chal-

lenges.

However, a critical point to note is that we may be exposed to an added degree of these risks, especially high inflation. This may be the case since there is an increase in freight and shipping costs and a global supply chain disruption. In fact, in the US, as of November this year, we have seen that inflation has climbed 6.2% year-over-year, the largest increase since November 1990. Because a large share of our imports comes from the US, higher prices for imported goods could find their way into our economy.

Further, we have also seen a sharp increase in foreign direct investments, with an estimated US$2B projected for 2021, while the Government has also dished out billions in stimulus packages (COVID-19 cash grant, flood relief grant, etc). Hence if we continue on this path without exercising macroprudential measures, we could see a significant increase in inflation.

Another impediment that we may have to be mindful of is what we call the resource movement effect. This is where labour from our traditional sectors, especially those of the Private Sector, towards the Government. We foresee this as a likely outcome, since workers may become more inclined to take up jobs in the public and oil and gas sectors relative to private. In fact, this is something we are currently experiencing. What is worrisome about this structural change is that businesses in

the Private Sector would now have to increase wages to retain or attract workers, an outcome that could suppress profit margins or further increase prices, hence inflation.

Overall, higher inflation could eat its way into what economists call Real Effective Exchange Rate. If this happens, our local currency would appreciate relative to the currencies of our trading partners, hence causing export prices to increase. For instance, logging, rice, bauxite, small manufacturing etc would all increase.

In the long run, our entire export sector could collapse due to lower demand. Hence, this is the core of the Dutch disease theory.

Now, on the 7% increase in Public Salary. This amount is

economically viable due to the fear of an increase in inflation.

If this occurs, not only would we undermine the purchasing power of our people, but our export sector as a whole could become uncompetitive.

At the macro level, we could see an increase in unemployment and social illness. Hence, I think that increases in Public Servants’ wages and salaries should be done in a phased and sustainable manner. In the end, we need to create an economy that works for everyone, for every sector, and for Guyana as a whole; one that is capable of withstanding economic shocks and other externalities.

Sincerely, Mark Sammy

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Dividing whole numbers by fractions

T

o divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down. For example, 3/7 is the reciprocal of 7/3 , and 7/3 is the reciprocal of 3/7 . To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction.

Example: Divide: 2 ÷ 3/8 Step 1: Find the reciprocal of the fraction. The reciprocal of 3/8 is 8/3 .

Step 2: Multiply the whole number by the fraction^' s reciprocal.

2 x 8/3 = 16/3.

Remember A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 3 = 3/1 . When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are really multiplying the fraction by the whole number’s reciprocal. So 10/32 ÷ 3 = 10/32 ÷ 3/1 = 10/32 x 1/3 = 10/96. = 10/96 can be reduced to 5/48.

Exercises: Multiply 1) 6 ÷

2 6

4)20 ÷

16 18

2) 7 ÷

3 8

5) 3 ÷

1 4

3) 5 ÷

1 10

I

n this fun, quick, and easy science experiment you will learn how to build your own little Balance Buddy to hang out with and observe the laws of gravity. All you need are a few readily-available items and you’ll soon have a wobbling friend that seems to magically stay balanced on the tip of your finger.

Materials:

Popsicle stick Pipe cleaner 2 – Clothespins Optional – markers, googly eyes, etc

Instructions:

Make a map with at least 10 locations that are important to you. Describe what these special places are and why they are important to you. Remember to add labels to the points on your map.

Centre the pipe cleaner across one end of the popsicle stick.

Twist the pipe cleaner in a way that it will not slip off of the popsicle stick. Make sure the

pipe cleaner is the same length on either side of the popsicle stick.

Attach one clothespin to each end of the pipe cleaner.

Test your Balance Buddy by placing it on the tip of your finger.

Optional – you can draw a face and decorate your Balance Buddy.

How it works: By

adding

the

clothespins to the pipe cleaner, you move the popsicle’s centre of mass to the bottom of the popsicle stick.

Make this a science project:

Use a larger stick. Try longer pipe cleaners. Try different items for weights or use more than one clothespin on each end of the pipe cleaner. (scienceisfun.org)

WORD SEARCH

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Alleged misconduct in public office

Jordan placed on 5-day bed rest – lawyer tells SOCU

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan sought medical attention after falling ill while in SOCU’s custody on Thursday (Photo: Christopher Jones Facebook page)

A

fter falling ill while being questioned by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Thursday, former Finance Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, Winston Jordan has been placed on bed rest for five days.

Jordan was arrested by SOCU, which is the Guyana Police Force’s arm that specialises in white-collar investigations, as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020.

During his time at SOCU on Thursday, the former Minister was escorted to the

Sparendaam Police Station for further questioning but while there he complained of “feeling unwell” and he was rushed to the Plaisance Health Centre. He was later released upon the intervention of his lawyers – Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and Attorney Darren Wade – and instructed to return to SOCU the following day.

However, on Friday, the agency was informed that doctors had placed Jordan on bed rest. “…the Attorney called and reported that he was sick, and was given 5 days bed rest by his doctor,” Head of Head of SOCU, Fazil Karimbaksh, told Guyana Times on Friday.

He noted no further in-

structions were given for future actions.

Initial reports on Thursday revealed that Jordan was arrested as part of a criminal investigation into “misconduct in public office”.

In a subsequent statement later in the day, SOCU disclosed that the former Finance Minister was invited to visit the agency’s Camp Road, Georgetown Head Office for questioning in relation to a series of alleged fraudulent transactions in which he was implicated, involving public funds and State properties estimated to be valued billions of Guyana dollars.

These include the sale and vesting of the State’s

largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown, valued at approximately $8 billion (US$40,000,000) which was sold for a mere $110 million (US$500,000).

That property was sold to BK Marines Limited, owned by businessman Brian Tiwari, who was also hauled in for questioning on Thursday regarding his acquisition of the prime waterfront properties in Kingston, Georgetown.

According to SOCU, the company had only paid 10 per cent of the purchase price, that is, $20 million (US$100,000) and Jordan, as then Finance Minister, went ahead to issue a vesting order passing the title to the purchaser without the payment of any further sum of monies.

“The vesting order stated that the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser.

Transport was subsequently issued for this property and the value strangely stated on the transport was GUY $400,000,000 million (US 2,000,000.) Further, the agreement of sale stated that title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price,” the investigative body noted in its missive.

It contended that its investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, located some seven miles upriver was

sold by a private company for US$17 million.

“This is only one of several investigations that implicate former Minister Jordan,” SOCU posited.

While Jordan had previously denied any wrongdoing regarding this transaction, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had in October announced that there were active investigations into a number of suspected shady dealings under the former APNU/AFC Government and the former Finance Minister had been implicated in a number of nefarious transactions.

These include the hiding of the US$18 million signing bonus which the APNU/ AFC Administration had

received from ExxonMobil, the alleged sale of several pieces of prime land after the contentious March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and the alleged sale of several vehicles from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to close associates of the then Administration without observing proper procedure.

M e a n w h i l e , Government, earlier this year, had filed a civil action against Tiwari’s company; Jordan, and former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London to retrieve the prime waterfront properties in Kingston. Those proceedings are still engaging the courts’ attention.

(G8)

8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

More confusion…

Y

…in PNC bunker es, there’s no PNC “Camp”; it’s now been converted into a bunker, as the bedraggled troops of Burnham – such as they are – desperately scramble for survival.

Remember Hitler and the remnants of his Third Reich as the Russians advanced from the East and the Allies from the West?? With defeat staring them in the face, it was every man for himself and the devil take the hindmost!!

Some underlings even flew all the way to Britain to try to cut deals!!

And so it’s turning out in Guyana as the PPP continues its political blitzkrieg along all fronts – economic, political, social, cultural etc – against the leaderless and moribund PNC. Unlike Hitler, who tried to mass his troops till the (bitter) end, PNC Leader Granger immediately retreated to his bunker at Pearl after his rigging gambit, and has never been seen or heard from again!! Can you imagine what that’s done to the morale of his troops? And as the PPP moved in to fill the leadership vacuum, the rump PNC can see at least another 23 years of wandering in the political wilderness staring at them in the face.

Not surprisingly, there’s much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth – not to mention loud lamentations!

– about what’s gonna be the fate of the PNC. In politics, if your following are trooping across to your opponents’ banner, there’s no tomorrow for you. There is, of course, the object lesson of other parties that once had tens of thousands of followers who’ve now collapsed into black holes from which nothing emerges – even radiation!!

But you’ve got to give it to the remnant of the PNC leadership – they’re at least trying to have a go at putting together their Humpty-Dumpty party back again after its great fall. There’s gonna be a virtual Congress next week to elect a new leadership cadre across all levels. In a sense, what we’re seeing is an attempt to raise the dead, 2021 years after the first and only successful attempt!!

And as you may suspect, it hasn’t been easy getting to this point – and it still ain’t over!! The first bit of drama was whether incumbent Leader Granger and incumbent Chair Volda Lawrence would throw their hats into the ring. They decided that discretion was the better part of valor and declined!! So, this being the PNC, the smart money’s on whichever candidate they figure controls the Accreditation Committee. That three members had to resign a couple of days ago because they had skin in the game doesn’t mean that all is kosher – just that the candidates know the nature of their party!! Rigging is a given!!

Expect more manoeuvres up to, and including, elections day!!

…on taking the (PNC) rap Some were surprised when Winston Jordan emerged from the shadows of the Budget office to become a PNC attack dog. But it merely illustrates what everybody knows – that scratch the surface of any Civil Service department – like with the GDF and Granger, or Felix with the GPF – and you’ll find a rabid, card-carrying PNC partisan!! Remember Bartica and Jordan crying “War Break”!!!??

But as Malcolm X said prophetically back in the day, “Chickens do come home to roost”!! And from the rhetoric Jordan’s been spouting recently, the man sure knows his Malcolm!! Seems that when he was Finance Minister, as is the norm in politics, campaign contributors had to be repaid. In Guyana, this has become a fine (but notorious!) act: just hand out Government assets for peanuts to the said contributors!!

But Jeez!! You gotta use some discretion. Ow man!! You can’t hand over a wharf worth US$40 million for just half million and end up paying US$100,000!

And that’s why Jordan’s been charged for public misfeasance.

…and health challenge But your Eyewitness is sad to hear that Jordan’s blood pressure jumped so high while he was being questioned by the Police that he had to receive medical attention.

We hope he recovers soon.

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

9

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New legislation to be passed next year to tackle domestic violence – AG

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

T

he new year will see the revamping of key legislation and the passing of new ones as the Government explores new ways to stamp out domestic violence which has seen an alarming rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, who on Friday

remains committed to stamping it out in every form.

However, the Attorney General noted that a collective effort is needed to do this. “It cannot be a job alone for the Government.

It is too huge a problem that has clawed its way into society… It is a societal problem and all of us [must help] in stamping it out,” he told those gathered.

Year after year, according to Nandlall, the Government has been investing a lot of money into social programmes in the various Ministries, in particular, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, to eliminate domestic violence.

Nandlall said, too, that the Government has also partnered with UNICEF, the US, UK, and Canadian Governments in its fights against domestic violence.

He reminded that in 1996, the Domestic Violence Act was passed and it remains one of the most comprehen-

Inside one of the domestic violence interview and virtual hearing rooms commissioned in the Berbice Magisterial District

delivered remarks at the opening of the domestic violence interview and virtual hearing rooms in the Berbice Magisterial District.

The rooms were opened at the Weldaad, Blairmont, Whim, Reliance, and New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Courts.

Describing domestic violence as a monstrosity, Nandlall said that this societal scourge transcends racial, ethnic, religious, class, and professional identity.

Against this backdrop, he noted that the Government recognises domestic violence as a “serious problem” and

sive pieces of legislation in the Caribbean region.

Notwithstanding, he pointed out that “we have to continuously explore new initiatives whether they are legislative, whether they are social, whether they are political… whatever necessary measures that can have an effect on this fundamental problem that we face as a people.”

To this end, he disclosed that in 2022, the Domestic Violence Act will undergo a “complete overhaul”. This, he added, is only a small measure but, nevertheless, it will de be done. The Attorney

General stressed that domestic violence has a devastating spin-off effect.

For context, he explained, “First of all it destroys that social unit of the family that forms the basis of a modern society. Domestic violence strikes at the heart of that social unit and when that social unit is attacked, the way domestic violence attacks, then the spin-off are damaging…”

And this, according to him, leads to violent crimes, suicide, sexual abuse, trafficking in person among other social problems. To this end, he further disclosed that new trafficking in person legislation will also be tabled in the National Assembly.

Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act will also be subjected to an overhaul next year, the Attorney General added.

Emphasising that “we have to become innovative” in addressing domestic violence, Nandlall said that a Restorative Justice Bill will

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Magistrate Peter Hugh, court staffers, and Police officers attended the launching ceremony

be tabled in the National Assembly in 2022.

Restorative justice is a relatively new concept that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and those who take responsibility for the

harm to communicate about and address their needs in the aftermath of a crime.

Nandlall pointed out that restorative justice is the lighter side of punishment that is influenced mainly by rehabilitative practices and

reforming as opposed to punitive sentences. Also, the Attorney General revealed that come 2022, sexual harassment and anti-discriminatory laws will be tabled in the National Assembly.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

City Hall announces amnesty for tax defaulters …as municipal markets to open for late shopping

T

he Georgetown Mayor and City Council has announced an amnesty for taxpayers who have outstanding rates and taxes for the municipality and have failed to fulfil these obligations.

Mayor Ubraj Narine informed of this move at a press conference on Thursday. The Council would have met at an extraordinary statutory meeting on Thursday, where the Municipal Amnesty Policy was proposed. It was voted in favour by a majority, and the policy was passed.

Errant taxpayers have until March 31, 2022, to clear their debts to the Council and

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

some will receive pardons on their liabilities.

“We had discussions with

our Finance Committee on a way forward, how to help our citizens, especially the commercial sector in the city…

The Municipal Amnesty Policy is to establish and maintain orderly procedure for ratepayers, who will receive pardons on a percentage of their tax liability and for the city to receive outstanding taxes in the form of an agreement that can benefit citizens, organisations and the Council,” Narine told the media during his briefing.

According to the Mayor, the intention is focused on improving revenue collection for the city. In recent years, billions have been owed by

New legislation to be...

Considering all of this, he added, “…we can’t travel a singular road with domestic violence in our country, we have to adopt a multifaceted approach and that is what our Government is committed to doing…”

Very soon, he said that the Legal Affairs Ministry will establish a unit providing medical, legal, counselling, and any related services to domestic violence/sexual violence victims on a 24-hour basis. This is in light of the difficulties such victims face in accessing vital services.

Earlier this year, domestic violence interview and virtual hearing rooms were commissioned at the Leonora and Wales Magistrate’s Courts in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Similar rooms will be commissioned in the coming months at more courts across the country.

The project is being executed through financial support from UNICEF. Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, other Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Magistrate Peter Hugh, court staffers, and Police officers were among those who attended the commissioning of the domestic violence interview and virtual hearing rooms in the Berbice Magisterial District.

Earlier this week, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud reported that an alarming 55 per cent of Guyanese women are exposed to violence.

“In our own country the numbers remain worrying.

We have 55 per cent of women who would’ve experienced some form of violence in their

FROM PAGE 10

life, usually in a relationship setting. We will not rest, we will continue to work tirelessly until we manage to deliver effective, efficient services and we manage to provide the kind of support that is needed for those persons that experience violence and abuse,” Persaud said.

Dr Persaud explained that as a result of non-existing support systems, poor kinships and financial dependency, many victims of violence stay in life-threatening relationships.

Meanwhile, UN Spotlight Initiative Programme Officer and Attorney-at-Law, Anuradha Persaud said that statistics show that it may take a woman nine tries before she eventually leaves an abusive relationship. But by the final attempt, the woman dies at the hands of her abuser, Persaud noted.

taxpayers and commercial businesses to the Council.

“This policy is geared to focus on the accrued interest and not the principal or demand of the tax account.

The purpose of this policy is to benefit those who are outstanding tax defaulters for years and is intended to provide an avenue in keeping with the Municipal and District Councils Act 28:01 to improve collection of revenue through this scheme… and will assist the Treasury Department to boost tax revenues and reduce administrative costs for pursing tax cases through the courts.”

It was noted that the Council’s staffers are under the guidance of clear instructions when responding and handling amnesty cases in ensuring transparency. Any person, corporation, trust or other stakeholder that is required to pay their rates in the city are eligible to apply for amnesty during this period.

Mayor Narine notified, “It outlines clearly that the applicant must be the property owner, a duly authorised attorney of the property owner; other duly-authorised legal persons or representative of the property owner.”

Markets will open for late shopping from December 10

An applicant will have to submit along with the application form, certified application of transport, title, lease, letter of administration; a printout of arrears statement; copy of official form of identification; updated rate evaluation as may be required among other documents.

A Special Circumstances Committee was created and shall decide the exemption rate. The Council is also equipped to offer a payment plan should the subject be unable to pay the arrears due in full.

“No account should receive 100 per cent exemption without the approval of the Council. Minutes and reports of the Special Circumstances Committee shall be recorded and compiled and submitted

for perusal at the committee, prior to onward dispatch by monthly to the full Council until this policy expires,” he clarified.

Late shopping

City Hall also announced on Friday that all municipal markets would be open for late shopping during the holiday season. From December 10 to December 16, all markets will be open from 07:00h to 17:00h.

From December 17 to December 23, this timing will extend from 07:00h to 18:00h. Then on December 24, shopping time will be from 07:00h to 20:00h.

This is to facilitate any shopping activities which persons are likely to do in preparation for Christmas.

(G12)

12 NEWS 2nd man charged, on $1.9M bail for Durban St fire A SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

second person has been charged in connection with the fire that occurred at Durban and George Streets, Georgetown on June 24, 2021 and destroyed three buildings.

Slapped with three

counts of arson, Anthony Sookhoo, a 19-year-old construction worker of Lot 101 Leopold Street, Werk-enRust Georgetown, has been arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Dylon Bess, before whom he pleaded not guilty to

the charges.

The first charge stated that on June 24, 2021, at 1 George Street, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house valued at $18M and containing articles

The house and vulcanising shop were reduced to ashes, while the pawn shop’s western walls were scorched

valued at $6M, property of Collin Bentley.

The second charge detailed that on the same day and at the said location, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house owned

by Nalini Baboolall, valued at $38 million, and containing articles valued at $16 million belonging to Kevin Phillips.

The third charge detailed that on June 24, 2021, at 1 George Street, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a dwelling house valued at $250M, and containing articles worth $30M, property of Hardat Maniram.

Sookhoo has been placed on bail totalling $1.9 million, and has been instructed to make his next court appear-

Arson accused Calvin Lawrence

Arson accused Anthony Sookhoo

ance on January 13, 2022.

In July, Calvin Lawrence, 22, of Lot 101 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan who read him the same charges. He was, however, remanded to prison.

The Police Prosecutor related that Nalini Baboolall was the owner of the wooden two-storey building located at 1 George and Durban Streets, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown, while Maniram had owned the four-storey building which housed the Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop.

That building was located east of Baboolall’s property.

Phillips had rented Baboolall’s property. The ground floor had housed his vulcanising shop, while he and his family and Venezuelan migrants had lived on the upper flat. According to the prosecutor, Phillips had said that at around 01:00h on the day in question, he was awakened by the incessant bark-

ing of his dogs. Upon checking through the vent of his windows, he had seen two men running from his premises.

Soon after, he had heard his neighbour screaming, “Fire!”

Following investigations by the Police, Lawrence was arrested. The Prosecutor disclosed that the defendant was arrested after Phillips had identified him and another man called “Vishal” from closed circuit television (CCTV) footage from Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop.

Phillips had told the Police that Lawrence and “Vishal” were regular visitors to his vulcanising shop. “We tried to contain the fire, but we couldn’t do that…We tried to save something, but we didn’t get to, since everything is just burnt. We sell electrical bikes, and all of them were destroyed. We also have people who had their bikes in the shop, and those were destroyed,” Phillips had told reporters shortly after the blaze. (G1)

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Haslington man Duo arrested for robbing businessman T busted with illegal firearm wo men have been taken into custody after they reportedly stole $700,000 in cash from their drinking buddy between November 28 and 29,

2021 at Line Path, Skeldon, Corriverton, Berbice.

Based on information received, the victim, a businessman, was at his residence, consuming alco-

hol in the company of the two suspects until around 03:00h on November 29.

Later that morning, he went to retrieve the money from where it was stored

for safekeeping, but it was not there. As such, the Police were summoned, and the two suspects were arrested, and are being questioned.

2 men on $805,000 bail for car theft, fraud charges

J

A

The firearm that was found at Haslington, ECD

23-year-old resident of Haslington New Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was arrested on Thursday after he was found with an illegal 12-gauge shotgun with seven matching rounds of ammunition.

The Police have said that, acting on information received, on the day in question, at about 15:30h, ranks went to the home of the suspect and informed him of the accusation that he had a

firearm and several rounds of ammunition to sell.

A search was conducted on the suspect’s home, and a black 12-gauge shotgun and seven live cartridges were found in his bedroom. Police reportedly enquired whether he was a licensed firearm holder, and he responded in the negative.

He was arrested and escorted to the Cove and John Police Station, where he is presently in custody, pending charges.

ustin De Santos, a 19-year-old mechanic of Section ‘C’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Friday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Dylon Bess on a charge of stealing a Toyota 212 motorcar.

It is alleged that on October 23, 2021, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he stole the car, valued at $1.3 million, property of Campion Chichester.

During a bail application, De Santos’s lawyer told the court that his client had been given the vehicle by Chichester to fix. For his part, the Police prosecutor told the court that De Santos had given conflicting addresses to the Police and court.

Additionally, the prosecutor said De Santos is currently being investigated for simple larceny. As such, the court was asked to deny the accused bail.

Charged: Justin De Santos

However, Magistrate Dylon Bess granted De Santos bail with the conditionality that he lodges his passport with the court and

report to the Golden Grove Police Station, EBD, every Friday until the hearing and determination of his trial.

De Santos has been

placed on $555,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charge. The matter will be called again on January 13, 2022.

Meanwhile, in another matter before Magistrate Bess, 69-year-old operations manager Robert Ramdass of Second Street Herstelling, EBD, who has been charged with fraud, was released on $250,000 bail.

Before Magistrate Bess, Ramdass denied a charge which stated that between May 1, 2021 and November 30, 2021, at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being solely entrusted by one Bispat with $1,585,000 to deliver one new model Nissan X-trail SUV, he converted the money to his own use and benefit.

The Police prosecutor did not object to Ramdass being placed on bail. This accused will also make his next court appearance on January 13, 2022. (G1)

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1000 …active cases dominant in Regions 3, 4, 6

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 3, 2021 UPDATE

S

ince March 2020 to present, 1001 persons in Guyana have died after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

This was announced by the Health Ministry, with the announcement of three more deaths as of Friday.

The deaths were all males – two of whom were fully vaccinated while the third was unvaccinated.

They included a 65-yearold from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died on December 3; a 59-year-old from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), who died on December 2; and a 70-year-old from Region 10, who died on November 30.

In one day, an additional 41 persons tested positive, leading confirmed cases to 38,068.

There are 17 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 63 in institutional isolation and 963 in home isolation. No one is in insti-

tutional quarantine. Since the pandemic, 394,277 tests were conducted – of which 17,942 males and 20,126 females contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, a regional breakdown of new cases showed three in Region One (Barima-Waini); two in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); four in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 16 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); six in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and six in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no increases in Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Active cases

There are 1177 active cases – 519 of which are from Region Four, 248 in Region Six and 207 in Region Three.

Some 64 persons are hospitalised with a majority 50 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Latest vaccination figures suggest that Guyana has seen 736,444 doses of COVID vaccines being administered.

For adults, 402,751 doses or 78.5 per cent have taken a first dose; while second doses account for 281,455 or 54.9 per cent.

In terms of children aged 12 to 17, some 29,382 first doses and 20,581 second doses have been distributed. Booster jabs account for 2274 of the total number.

“From the time we started, this number has been growing constantly. I want to encourage persons who require a booster to come and get their booster shot,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony appealed to Guyanese.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19,

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

41

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

63

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

963 17

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

0

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,126

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,942

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,068

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

36,024

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

1676

REGION 2

1560

REGION 3

5122

REGION 4

17,830

REGION 5

1427

REGION 6

3341

REGION 7

1783

REGION 8

620

REGION 9

2475

REGION 10

2234

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

402,751 281,455

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1001

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. or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise 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. (G12)

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Concerns mount as Omicron could be highly transmissible – Health Minister …has 2x mutations on spike protein than deadly Delta strain

G

uyanese should take precautions and protect themselves, in light of the newly-discovered Omicron variant, which could have a higher transmissibility rate than other strains of COVID-19.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony issued this call during Friday’s COVID-19 briefing that the

new strain has double the number of mutations on the spike protein than the Delta variant – which has shaken the world for months.

“We should be concerned about any variant that is circulating. Omicron, from what has been described and what has been discovered so far, we know that this particular variant has more than

50 mutations – 32 of which are on the spike protein…

It is believed because of the mutations on the spike proteins, that this variant is going to be more transmissible, meaning that people can get it quite easily. The Delta one, which we’re aware of had about 15 mutations on the spike protein,” he emphasised.

Cocaine found in rum in the Netherlands

No cocaine detected when shipment left Guyana – GRA

The cocaine found in the shipment of rum in the Netherlands

I

n light of the recent discovery of cocaine in a consignment of run in the Netherlands, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has made it clear that none of the illegal drugs was detected when the shipment left Guyana.

The GRA, in a release to the media, reiterated that the consignment, which originated in Guyana, was scanned according to the stipulated procedures, and no contraband or prohibited/ restricted substances was detected among the said cargo when scanned.

“The consignment was shipped to the Netherlands, and transited to another Caribbean territory, where it was offloaded and remained for a period before it was loaded onto another vessel destined for the Netherlands, where the discovery was made”, the GRA added.

That was a statement made by Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, hours after the matter was brought to light. Singh told the media that the ship transited in two other coun-

tries before arriving in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

“The container was scanned and checked before it left Guyana, and we have verified that there was nothing but the product, which was rum from one of the local distilling companies, inside the container,” he stated.

He added that after scanning the container, it was under security at the port facility for a few days before it was shipped.

“This is clearly a case of a rip-on rip-off operation… a reputable company exporting rum is now being seen as a drug carrier, but this shows that things do happen when vessels stop at various ports before they reach their destinations,” Singh noted.

He added that there is nothing to indicate that the drugs left in the container from Guyana, and as such, he is of the view that the drug might have been placed in the container when it stopped at one of the two ports.

However, the release issued on Friday by the GRA stated that, through joint enforcement and intelligence activities with CANU and other local and foreign

law enforcement bodies, there has been put in place a system of rigid controls, thereby reducing the probability of narcotic substances being exported or transshipped through Guyana’s ports.

“This process allows for simultaneous viewing of the scanned images by officers of the sister agencies, and backup checks thereafter prior to shipping.”

GRA further related that the images are stored and backed up at various sites, thereby reducing the likelihood of a repeat of the deletion of images.

It was reported that over 1100lbs of cocaine were on November 25, 2021 found in a shipment of rum that departed Guyana and arrived in the Netherlands.

The plastic-wrapped cocaine was discovered by Drug Enforcement Agents between the boxes of rum in the consignment.

No arrests have been made, but the CANU head has said that Netherlands’ authorities have to conduct their investigation and determine at which port the cocaine was loaded.

While the vaccines are created to protect against specific spike proteins, the Minister warned that new mutations could result in immune evasion. This is being tested now to determine whether developed antibodies still recognise newer spike proteins.

“The vaccines were developed to detect spike protein and to develop immunity against that spike protein.

If that spike protein has mutated in a very significant way, then what is postulated is that the antibodies which persons would have produced would not be able to recognise this new spike protein. That can then lead to what the scientists are calling immune evasion. This thing has recently been discovered so no country can say with certainty that there is immune evasion.”

Immune evasion or escape mutation occurs when the immune system of a host, especially of a human being, is unable to respond to an infectious agent: the host's immune system is no longer able to recognise and eliminate a pathogen, such as a virus.

Another factor which health authorities remain unsure about is whether the variant is causing a more severe form of the disease, or if specific age groups are more vulnerable.

“Once we get those answers, we will be able to communicate that to the public.

Because of these concerns, people ought to take precautions and make sure that they wear their masks especially when they’re in public spaces and indoor environments; social distance and sanitise. If you are going

into an indoor environment, make sure it’s properly ventilated,” said the Minister.

Current data shows that symptoms associated with COVID-19 is what a person should experience should they be infected. However, vaccinated individuals would experience minimal symptoms when compared to an unimmunised person.

“From all the findings that we’re hearing about, persons would experience some amount of fever, runny nose, sneezing, losing their sense of taste or sense of smell, and so forth. Those are the typical signs that you have to look out for. If you’re unvaccinated, you will have these signs in a more pronounced way. If you are vaccinated, in some cases there are people that would not have any symptoms and it’s not only for the Omicrom variant.”

The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to the World Health Organisation from South Africa on November 24. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of Omicrom and the first known confirmed infection was from a specimen collected on November 9, the WHO has informed. (G12)

16 NEWS 672 domestic violence cases reported in Berbice so far in 2021 A SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

total of 672 cases of domestic violence matters were filed at courts in Berbice this year.

This compares with 880 last year.

The West Berbice Magisterial District saw 316 cases filed last year and so far this year, 198 such cases have been filed while in the Berbice Magisterial District, 254 have been filed for the year and for last year a total of 377 were filed.

Meanwhile, in the Corentyne Magisterial District, 124 cases have been filed this year whereas for last year a total of 174 domestic violence cases were filed.

Of the 672 cases filed at the eight courts in Berbice this year, a total of 576 have been disposed.

For last year the figures read 880 filed and 867 disposed of.

Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards said domestic violence or gender-based violence cuts

across all barriers and affects people of all economic status and various cultural backgrounds.

She said the Judiciary sees the need for all the courts in Guyana and for all the magisterial districts to be outfitted with special hearing needs - interview and virtual hearing rooms so that the virtual complainant and witnesses, when they go to make their applications or to testify, will be able to do so in comfort.

The idea is to ensure that it is done in private and they can do so away from the glare of the members of the public.

It is against this backdrop that domestic violence interview rooms were on Friday opened at seven courts in Berbice on Friday. Two were opened at Magistrate Courts in West Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and five at courts in East Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Speaking at the official opening ceremony at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, the Chancellor said the idea is to provide equal justice for both partners.

“We are seeking to have a hospital court environment for both the complainant and the defendant as fearless must be for both parties. The rooms at these courts cater for the victims or the witnesses to be away from the alleged perpetrator or the defendant. The witness can sit in the comfort of a room that is furnished with amenities for testifying and also for their comfort.

The rooms have televisions, audio-video equipment, sofas, microwaves, refrigerators and also a play corner for children. This is all geared at making the witness comfortable.

“The defendant can see the virtual complainant. He or she can also cross-examine the virtual complainant as the virtual complainant is seen and heard on the

screen. So, we are seeking to establish equal justice for all the parties,” the Chief Justice explained.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held for the rooms at Weldaad, Blairmont, Whim and Reliance courts while the ceremonies at Number 51 and Springlands Magistrate’s Courts were virtual.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall referred to domestic violence as being a gruesome human rights act.

He said as a social phenomenon, domestic violence in Guyana is due to our historical evolution as a society from slavery and colonialism, which even back then had a pandemic nature that is entrenched across the length and breadth of our country and transcends ethnic barriers, racial barriers, glass barriers, religious barriers even all professional barriers.

“Much has not changed since, versus we argue that it may have been gener-

ated. I am not in a position to dispute such contention, importantly the Government recognises it as a serious problem and we continue to remain committed to stamp it out in every form and fashion that it exists in our society,” the Attorney General pointed out. Nevertheless, he committed the Government’s willingness to support any fight against domestic violence.

“The Government welcomes this initiative and we congratulate the Judiciary on this measure and we commit as a Government to continue our efforts in this direction as we need to galvanise them in months and years to come and our hands remain outstretched to the Judiciary to partner with you at any time on any measure design to address this monstrosity called domestic violence.”

Chief Justice Roxane George also attended the ceremony and chaired the proceedings. (G4)

6 new airlines showing interest in Guyana market – GCAA Head

W

hile he did not wish to disclose any names, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field, has announced that six new airlines are showing interest in starting operations in this country.

“We’re in discussion with some other entities, some other airlines…we are in the region of maybe five or six airlines,” Field said during an exclusive interview with this publication.

“There is so much uplift predicted out of Guyana, and airlines are seeing this, so they are approaching the

Guyanese administration to see how they can get approval,” he noted.

Earlier this year, reports had indicated that providers such as FlyAllWays, InterCaribbean Airways, One Caribbean Limited, JetAir Caribbean, Skybus Airlines, Sky High Aviation Services and Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc had expressed interest in operating in Guyana.

So far, Skybus Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways and FlyAllWays have obtained approval to begin operating.

“A number of them have started operations. Skybus,

Head of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field

which is a cargo carrier, is operating. InterCaribbean, just a few weeks ago, they launched, and they should be coming into operation shortly, they haven’t started actual flying, but they have the approval,” Field explained.

In light of issues many customers face with airlines in terms of frequent cancellation of flights and delays of same, the GCAA Head expressed that consumer regulatory bodies should play a greater role in ensuring passengers are treated fairly.

In November, the Tourism Ministry had released a statement express-

ing concerns about the number of cancellations and delays of American Airlines’ flights that had occurred throughout the year. In that statement the Ministry had noted that 44 per cent of flights had been cancelled during the review period.

When asked to weigh in on this specific case, the GCAA Head explained thus, “During the height of the pandemic, when flights were reduced, American Airlines decided to cut back on their expenditure. If you’re not getting enough flights with passengers, it means that your revenue base had been seriously damaged. In order

to balance their books, they decided to load workers, pilots, flight attendants, even the ground staff in order to accommodate the reduce of carriage.

“Now that we are on the rebound out of COVID, and flights have started to increase, I think American Airlines is finding it hard to really get enough personnel at the rate at which the increase is being done; because, bear in mind, before they can even activate a pilot or a flight attendant, they would have to retrain them… Also, bringing the airplane back online, seeing they were (off-line) for such a long (time), a certain amount of maintenance (has to be done) in order (to) reactivate the aircraft.

“So, as a result of all these things, and trying to keep up with the pace at which the recovery is now on, they are a little behind the curve,” he continued.

The GCAA boss also commented on the issue of airlines that suddenly pull out of the Guyana market, owing passengers significant sums of money in refunds in the process.

“There exist bonds which the airlines have to satisfy that requirement even before we give them their authorisation. The bond is set up with the Ministry [of

Public Works], and there are different levels of bonds.

The size of the bond is determined by Cabinet. We normally would review the documentation. We look at the size of the aircraft, the capacity of the aircraft, the frequency of the aircraft, and make a rough suggestion to Cabinet on the size of the bond…the more people you move, the larger will have to be the bond in the event of the operator going under,” he explained.

A number of commercial carriers have already reintroduced flights to and from Guyana since the Government moved to reopen the ports. One such airline is American Airlines, which restarted operations late last year. COPA Airlines started three flights weekly from Panama, and Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) also started flying between CJIA and the Lester B Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada.

JetBlue also launched its commercial flight between New York and Guyana in December of 2020. In May, InterCaribbean Airways Limited, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and FlyAllways received Cabinet approval to operate locally.

FlyAllways is Suriname owned. (Amar Persaud)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IDPD 2021

Persons with disabilities will be given equal opportunities – President Ali to and involve constructive engagement with the disabled community.”

He said that Government is prepared to work with PWDs to guarantee a greater role for them in “decision-making, to generate their own pathways to personal development and to tap into their undervalued potential.”

In his message, Ali mentioned that PWDs are entailed to all human rights laid out by the Constitution of Guyana, one of those human rights being free university education, “eventually, by 2025”.

He also said that emphasis will be placed on empowering PWDs, both, economically and socially, while enhancing their skills, supporting them with longterm social protection, and

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with First Lady Arya Ali and several persons with disabilities during a reception at State House on Friday evening

I

n observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2021, President Dr Irfaan Ali has affirmed his Government’s

intention to ensure this vulnerable section of society is provided with equal opportunities as every other Guyanese.

According to the World

Health Organisation (WH0), more than one billion persons, globally, have some form of disability. That represents 15 per cent of the world’s population fighting for a chance for basic human rights, a chance for equality in their societies.

With the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hitting Guyana in March of 2020, the people of Guyana were hit along with it. Those people including PWDs, some of whom require home care and other forms of special care, whether it be from family members or healthcare workers, who were all affected by COVID-19.

Commenting on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected PWDs, President Ali said, “This year, 2021, finds the disabled still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As is known, persons who require home care and other forms of special care were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As such, greater attention needs to be paid to protecting the vulnerable sections of society during the ongoing recovery.”

The Head of State went on to state that “my Government is committed to establishing an inclusive democracy that will give voice

also providing rehabilitate care where necessary, while seeking sustainable solutions to the plight of the disabled along the way.

Respected and promoted

Among the entities representing PWDs is the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) which in a statement released on Friday, strongly urged the Guyanese community to play a role to “ensure that the rights of PWDs are respected and promoted”.

“Please remember, disability affects all of us at some point of our lives. No one is invincible. A disability can be acquired in an instant. Stop pretending that PWDs are a different breed of people. PWDs are human just like every

other member of society, with the same basic human rights. Guyana, we need to do better. We need to create meaningful change in the lives of PWDs,” the statement read.

The GCOPD also called on stakeholders to take action and join in the fight against discrimination against PWDs in Guyana, while hoping for: more opportunities for equal employment in both the private and public sector; an opportunity for a meaningful education; access to public buildings without any barriers; access to sports and recreational facilities; equal access to all services without discrimination; the opportunity to meaningfully participate in decision making; and more for PWDs.

Wanted bulletin issued for Rickford Burke

P

olice on Friday issued a wanted bulletin for Rickford Burke, who is wanted by Police for questioning in relation to several alleged offences.

In a statement on Friday evening, Police said that Burke is wanted in relation to the incitement of hostility or ill will on the grounds of race - S2 of the Racial Hostility Act, which has grounds for punishment for any person who wilfully incites or attempts to incite racial hostility against a particular race by means of words spoken in a public place or transmitted by telegraphy.

Police said that Burke is also wanted for questioning in relation to sedition under the Cyber Crime Act, pursuant to Section 18(1) (a) - if the offence incites racial divisions and (f) if the offence is made out against the Government.

According to the statement by Police, Burke is also wanted for questioning in relation to, “use of a computer system to coerce and intimidate under the Cyber Crime Act. [s.19 (3) makes

Wanted: Rickford Burke

it an offence to disseminate information via computer which is known to be false to damage the reputation of another person]; seditious libel [offence at common law. It is the overt speech or conduct to bring hatred and contempt against the Government]; seditious libel [s. 320 Criminal Law Offences Act 8:01.]; inciting the provocation of a breach of the peace [provoking a breach of the peace is s.141 Cap 8:02]. Inciting any offence is itself an offence and inciting public terror.

Inciting public terror in public places is an offence

under s.137 of Cap. 8:01; the incitement of persons to go to public places and behave a certain way could be incitement to cause public terror.”

Burke has been involved in several controversies over inciting statements being made online.

Only earlier this week during an online programme with APNU/AFC Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan, while speaking about the investigations being carried out

by SOCU into the handling of several matters by Finance Minister Winston Jordon, Burke said, “there are consequences, I don’t care what it is…they must understand that they are not the only bad people and gangsters in the country… so until somebody get run off the road to compensate for the things they are doing, they are going to keep doing it… I am not afraid to say, they have murdered over 1500 black people or more and we have been quiet for too long and I want to tell them again, the war that they are inciting, they might not survive it.”

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

Regional

US donates additional 290lbs of ganja seized in Old Harbour, Barbadian among 2 arrested J$29 million to help Jamaica in COVID fight A Barbadian is among two people arrested in connection with the seizure of over 290lbs of compressed ganja at a house in Old Harbour, St Catherine on Thursday.

Reports are that sometime after 8pm, members of the St Catherine South Police Division conducted operations in the Spring Village community in Old Harbour where a house

J

amaica’s COVID-19 fight recently received a US$190,000 boost courtesy of the Government of the United States, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Caribbean Regional Office and its COVID-19 International Vaccine Implementation and Evaluation Program.

According to a statement from the US Embassy, the funds, which is approximately J$29million, will be used to aid in staff training and the procurement of supplies including mobile beds, oxygen, emergency trollies, and tents.

The funding provided will also aid in the retention of staff to support vaccine rollout.

The Embassy noted that this donation builds on a total J$1.8 billion (US$12 million), the United States has provided toward Jamaica’s national COVID-19 response since the onset of the pandemic.

It added that the CDC

From left: Tomaisha Hendricks – CDC CRO Cooperative Agreement Programme Manager (US Embassy Jamaica); Dr Rosemary Wiesmann-Moore – Medical Officer (Peace Corps); Dr Tanesha Hickman – CDC CRO Global Health Security Epidemiologist (US Embassy Jamaica); Dr Lambert Innis – National Rapid Vaccination Response Coordinator, COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation Programme (Ministry of Health & Wellness); Dr Deborah Newnham – Medical Officer (Peace Corps) and Mesha Calvert – Safety and Security Manager (Peace Corps)

Caribbean Regional Office also facilitated a partnership with the Peace Corps and Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness through which the Peace Crops will provide additional human resource support to the vaccination rapid response efforts.

On Thursday, December 2, a mobile COVID-19 vaccination roll-out at the University of Technology Jamaica, which was supported under this project, was attended by both US CDC and Peace Corps representatives. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexico reports 1st Omicron case M exico on Friday announced its first case of the coronavirus Omicron variant, in a traveller from South Africa, but the government said it was not considering border closures as a counter-measure.

The variant was detected in a 51-year-old from South Africa with mild symptoms, under-secretary of health Hugo Lopez-Gatell Ramirez said on Twitter.

An epidemiologist by

training, Lopez-Gatell Ramirez said closing borders and blocking the movement of people and goods “are not useful measures for containing variants.”

Vaccination was key to reducing COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths, he said.

“We call on you to remain calm and to continue taking measures to prevent infections” such as mask-wearing, social distancing and regular hand-wash-

ing, Lopez-Gatell Ramirez tweeted.

Mexico, with some 128 million people, has reported more than 294,000 coronavirus deaths -- the world’s fourth highest number -and 3.9 million cases.

On Wednesday, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said about 86 per cent of Mexicans older than 18 have been vaccinated, nearly all with two doses. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

V

contractors in cash with euros before, it has not previously made dollar transfers on the scale it is now. The payments are an effort to stabilise the exchange rate and prices, the sources said.

Banks are allowed by the government to offer accounts in dollars but Washington’s sanctions prevent international transfers into and out of Venezuela. Some local banks have maintained intermediary relationships with global partners.

Venezuela has grappled with hyperinflation for four years as the central bank printed money to finance the budget deficit.

The growing transactions show that, despite the hostility between Washington and President Nicolas Maduro’s

S

ometime after Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in modern-day Mexico City in 1521, an Indigenous household that survived the bloody Spanish invasion arranged an altar including incense and a pot with human ashes.

The remains of that elaborate display have been unearthed by archaeologists near what is today Garibaldi Plaza, famed for its revelry and mariachi music, Mexico’s Culture Ministry said on Tuesday.

In the wake of the fall of Tenochtitlan, likely within the years of 1521 and 1610, the offering from the family of the Mexica people was made “to bear witness to

the ending of a cycle of their lives and of their civilization,” the Culture Ministry said in a statement.

The interior patio where rituals took place is about four meters (13 feet) below ground level, according to a team of archaeologists who spent three months analysing the site.

They found various layers of what had been a home over the centuries, the statement said, along with 13 incense burners, five bowls, a cup, a plate and a pot with cremated skeletal remains.

The finding coincides with the 500-year anniversary of the Spanish conquest, which Mexico’s Government commemorated by building a tower-

ing replica of the Templo Mayor, the Aztec civilisation’s most sacred site, in downtown Mexico City.

A number of ancient discoveries in the Mexico City area in recent years, including some in the capital’s bustling downtown, have shone light on the Aztec civilisation. They include the remains of a ceremonial ball court, a sacrificial wolf adorned with gold and a tower of human skulls.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had previously sought an apology from Spain and the Vatican for human rights abuses committed during the conquest of what is modern-day Mexico. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Incoming Honduras President signals U-turn on initiating China ties

T

he government of incoming Honduran President Xiomara Castro does not plan to establish diplomatic ties with

People wait in line outside of a currency exchange house in Caracas, Venezuela, February 5, 2019

Government, the United States has little recourse to stop Venezuela from using dollars to stabilise its economy.

The sources said the payments involve four Venezuelan banks, though they declined to name them or the providers receiving

Police will continue to carry out operational activities and putting a dent in the illicit drugs for guns trade between Jamaica and other Islands is one of our major objectives. Persons involved in this illicit trade will continue to be targeted so as to reduce the opportunities for persons to carry illegal firearms into the island,” he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Archaeologists uncover postconquest Aztec altar in Mexico City

Venezuela Government paying providers in dollars – sources e n e z u e l a ’ s Government - subject to sanctions by the United States and others - is increasingly paying providers in US dollars as it seeks to reduce spending in its bolivar currency to control inflation, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

State oil company PDVSA, government entities and publicly-owned companies this year have started paying a portion of invoices using dollars deposited in foreign currency accounts at some local banks, according to the sources, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the information.

Though Venezuela’s Government has paid some

was searched and 11 bags containing the compressed ganja were seized.

St Catherine South Police have ramped up operational activities across the division as the yuletide season approaches, according to Superintendent Hopton Nicholson, acting Divisional Commander for the St Catherine South Police Division.

“The St Catherine South

payment.

Economist Tamara Herrera, director of the consultancy Sintesis Financiera, said those receiving the payments, and the local banks, would not be exposed to US legal repercussions because they are generally small local firms. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China as it prioritizes US relations, a high-ranking ally of Castro said on Thursday, signalling a reversal of her pre-election stance.

Before Sunday’s presidential election, which Castro appears to have won by a large margin and her main rival conceded, she said she was open to starting formal relations with China. That would have been a blow to Honduras’ longstanding diplomatic ally Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province.

Honduras, with a population of just under 10 million, is one of a shrinking club concentrated in Central America and the Caribbean that maintains relations with US-backed Taiwan.

Castro’s pledge on China relations had prompted diplomatic jostling between Beijing and Washington as each seeks to exert influence on the Central American nation.

Salvador Nasralla, the runner-up of the Honduran

2017 presidential election who is set to be one of Castro’s three Vice Presidents, told Reuters that any relations with China had to be weighed against ties with the United States.

When asked if Honduras would establish relations with China, Nasralla said: “No.” Another senior politician in Castro’s incoming government, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also said there would be no ramping up of China relations as the “conditions” for that do not exist.

China’s Foreign Ministry last week accused the United States of “arm-twisting” in Honduras ahead of the election.

The coordinator of Castro’s Government plan, economist Hugo Pino, earlier said the decision to establish diplomatic ties with China was not final and that it was still in consultation with business, trade unions, peasant and social organisations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

19

Around the World

school shooting: Parents OILNEWS OIL NEWS Michigan of 15-year-old suspect charged Oil set for 6th straight weekly decline as Omicron jolts markets

O

il is poised for a sixth straight weekly decline as the Omicron variant jolts markets and OPEC+ leaves the door open to adjusting output plans if the pandemic drastically shifts demand.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures pared earlier gains of 4.1 per cent on Friday and are on track to post the longest stretch of weekly losses since 2018. The Omicron variant continues to worry investors as the US reported at least six states with cases, while COVID-19 infections in South Africa almost quadrupled since Tuesday. In Vienna, Iran negotiations were dismissed until next week, with a European envoy saying diplomats face substantial challenges that need urgent solutions.

“The short-term demand outlook was shaky at best and if the US sees new restrictions, the oil market could see a supply surplus by the end of the month,” said Ed Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp.

Crude has dropped sharply since late October amid moves by major consuming nations to tap their reserves and the emergence of the new virus variant. A more hawkish Federal Reserve was put in a tough spot Friday as US jobs data missed expectations. Meanwhile, the sharp increase in volatility has oil traders heading for the exit, with open interest across the main oil futures contracts plunging to its lowest level in years.

“The bottom might have been reached on Thursday, unless we get some bad news on the new variant,” said Giovanni Staunovo, a commodity analyst at UBS Group AG. West Texas Intermediate crude for January delivery rose 24 cents to US$66.74 a barrel at 1:13 pm in New York.

Brent for February settlement added 68 cents to US$70.35 a barrel.

Investors also focused on OPEC+’s decision to add 400,000 barrels a day of crude to global markets in January, essentially placing a floor under prices by giving itself the option to change the plan at short notice.

Prior to the meeting, OPEC+ ministers indicated they were concerned about the impact of Omicron on crude demand but were struggling to figure out how serious the new strain would become. By effectively keeping its monthly meeting open, the alliance now has more flexibility to address price swings. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T

he parents of the teenager accused of killing four students at a high school in the US state of Michigan this week have been charged with involuntary manslaughter, after officials accused the pair of allowing their son access to the gun used in the shooting.

Jennifer and James Crumbley were charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter on Friday.

Under Michigan law, an involuntary manslaughter charge can be pursued if prosecutors believe someone

contributed to a situation where harm or death was high. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.

“These charges are intended to hold the individuals who contributed to this tragedy accountable and also send a message that gun owners have a responsibility,” Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald told reporters on Friday.

“When they fail to uphold that responsibility, there are serious and criminal consequences.”

Ethan Crumbley, 15, is

Europe surpasses 75 million COVID-19 cases amid spread of Omicron

E

urope crossed 75 million coronavirus cases on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, as the region braces for the new Omicron variant at a time when hospitals in some countries are already strained by the current surge.

Over 15 countries in Europe have reported confirmed cases of the new variant that has rattled financial markets. The European Union's public health agency said on Thursday that the Omicron variant could be responsible for more than half of all COVID-19 infections in Europe within a few months.

Even before the discovery of Omicron, Europe was pandemic's epicentre with 66 out of every 100 new infections each day coming from European countries, according to a Reuters analysis.

The United Kingdom has so far reported the highest total number of coronavirus

cases in the region followed by Russia, France and Germany.

The Reuters data shows the pace of the pandemic has picked up speed in the second half of 2021. Europe has reported highest daily average of 359,000 new cases in second half as compared with highest daily cases of about 241,000 a day in the first half of the year.

It took 136 days for the European region to go from 50 million cases to 75 million, compared with 194 days it took to get from 25 to 50 million while the first 25 million cases were reported in 350 days.

To deal with that surge, several European governments reimposed limits on activity, ranging from Austria's full lockdown to a partial lockdown in the Netherlands and restrictions on the unvaccinated in parts of Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Italian man tries to dodge COVID jab using fake arm Ethiopia closes schools to boost civil war effort A n Italian man who wanted a COVID vaccination certificate without getting the jab turned up for his vaccine with a fake arm, officials say.

The man, in his 50s, arrived for his shot with a silicone mould covering his real arm, hoping it would go unnoticed.

But a nurse was not fooled and the man has now been reported to the Police.

The nurse told local media that when she had rolled up his sleeve, she found the skin "rubbery and cold" and the pigment "too light".

After being discovered, the man tried to persuade the nurse to turn a blind eye, la Repubblica reported.

But instead, she reported him to the Police for fraud.

Local Police are now investigating the incident in Biella, north-west Italy, and local officials have criticised the man's actions.

"The case borders on the ridiculous, if it were not for

the fact we are talking about a gesture of enormous gravity," the head of the Piedmont regional government, Albert Cirio, said in a statement on Facebook.

He said the ploy was "unacceptable faced with the sacrifice that our entire community has paid during the pandemic, in terms of human lives, the social and economic cost".

The man was reportedly a health worker who had been suspended from his job because he had not been vaccinated. The jab is mandatory for all health workers in Italy.

The incident comes ahead of a tightening of the rules in Italy for those who have not been vaccinated.

Since August, Italians have needed a COVID "green pass" - showing proof of vaccination, a negative test or recovery from the virus - to access train stations, cinemas, restaurants, gyms and swimming pools.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

E

thiopian authorities have closed all secondary schools so pupils can harvest crops for those on the frontline of the civil war, state-affiliated media said.

The closure will last for one week, according to the Education Minister.

More than 2 million pupils were already out of school due to the war which started in the northern region of Tigray last year, the government said.

As the fighting intensifies, government troops say they are taking towns from the Tigray rebels.

On Wednesday state forces announced they had recaptured the historic town of Lalibela, which contains churches that are UNESCO world heritage sites.

In an interview with the BBC, an Ethiopian army commander said the country's defence forces would not relent in their advances after recent gains.

The war has caused a humanitarian crisis with more than 300 schools that teach grade one to 12 destroyed as of October, according to a statement on the Ministry of Education's Facebook account.

The government will work to restore the destroyed schools, the statement continued.

The war intensified after Tigray fighters said they were advancing towards the capital Addis Ababa in November.

They also launched an offensive to reach the Djibouti border in the east - which is crucial for getting supplies to landlocked Ethiopia.

This led to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed saying he would join the war effort on the frontline, where he has since been pictured by state TV. The TPLF has said it made a "strategic withdrawal" from some the areas which the army said it has recaptured.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Students hug at a memorial at Oxford High School, where a gunman opened fire this week, killing four students and injuring seven other people

facing multiple charges, including terrorism and murder, after authorities say he opened fire at a high school in Oxford – north of Detroit – on Tuesday, killing four and injuring seven others.

Authorities issued a fugitive arrest warrant for the parents, who were scheduled to appear in court on Friday afternoon but remain at large. Local media outlets reported that the couple had stopped responding to their lawyer.

Prosecutors say the gunman had planned the attack, according to evidence recovered from his cell phone and social media accounts.

The gun used in the attack was purchased by the suspect’s father on November 26, just days before the attack, investigators also said earlier this week. James Crumbley brought Ethan along with him when he purchased the handgun, prosecutors said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Taliban bans forced marriage of women in Afghanistan

The Taliban decree did not mention a minimum age for marriage

T

he Taliban has issued a decree barring forced marriage in Afghanistan, saying women should not be considered “property” and must consent to marriage, but questions remain about whether the group that returned to power in mid-August would extend women’s rights around work and education.

The decree was announced on Friday by the reclusive Taliban chief, Hibatullah Akhunzada – who is believed to be in the southern city of Kandahar.

“Both (women and men) should be equal,” said the decree, adding that “no one can force women to marry by coercion or pressure”.

The decree did not mention a minimum age for marriage, which previously was set at 16 years old.

The group also said a widow will now be allowed to

re-marry 17 weeks after her husband’s death, choosing her new husband freely.

Longstanding tribal traditions have held it customary for a widow to marry one of her husband’s brothers or relatives in the event of his death.

The Taliban leadership says it has ordered Afghan courts to treat women fairly, especially widows seeking inheritance as next of kin. The group, which came to power in August, also said it had asked Government Ministers to spread awareness about women’s rights across the population.

The development was hailed as a significant step forward by two leading Afghan women, but questions remained about whether the group would extend women’s rights around work and education. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

Take care of your responsibilities, health and well-being. Learn all you can and prepare to renegotiate a deal that needs to be adjusted. Stick to the facts.

Uncertainty will set in if you have too many choices.

Don't be tricked into something you cannot afford.

When in doubt, say no. Look inward and concentrate on being the best you can be.

Put all else aside and GEMINI focus on what you do best.

(May 21- A chance to use your skills June 20) to stand out in a crowd will lead to interesting opportunities. A partnership will be questionable but promising.

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)

A change will lift your spirits. Try something you've never done before and see where it leads. A personal investment will fare better than anticipated. Don't be afraid to do things differently.

Ramp up the volume and plan to have some fun. Pour your energy into fruitful activity instead of overreacting to something you cannot change. Let others do as they please.

Pay attention to the way you look and feel. Listen to others with interest and offer suggestions. Honesty is the best policy, but diplomacy will be necessary. Be tactful and kind.

Get along with friends and family. If you are hanging out at home, channel your energy into domestic improvements.

Don't get involved in joint investments or shared expenses. Stick to a budget.

Change things up to make your life easier. More convenient surroundings will ease stress and give you more time to indulge in something you enjoy doing.

A creative outlet will spark a moneymaking idea.

SAGITTARIUS Alter only what's necessary. If you take on too (Nov. 23much, you will fall short of Dec. 21) your expectations. Know your limitations, strengths and weaknesses. Don't believe everything you hear.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Verify how much something will cost and how much you have to spend before you cut a deal. A false sense of your value or capabilities will set you back. Tread carefully!

Listen to what people say, and you'll realize who is on your side and who isn't.

Keep your finger on the pulse of what's going on. Be mindful of events transpiring behind closed doors.

Be secretive regarding your plans until you have every(Feb. 20thing in place. A surprise will March 20) give you the advantage you need to come out on top. It's time to confirm how you feel about someone close to you.

PISCES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

21

India vs New Zealand: 2nd Test, 1st day…

Agarwal’s ton highlights India’s reply after Patel takes four-for Kanpur, Gill stood outside the crease, and even took an early trip down the track to Jamieson, flicking him uppishly for four.

Gill also lined up Will Somerville's off-spin, taking him for 19 off 16 balls.

As for Agarwal, he was more circumspect during the 80run opening stand. He first saw off a particularly potent first spell from Tim Southee, and then eased himself in against the spinners. Despite long-on lurking in the outfield, he stepped out and launched Ajaz down the ground for six, and swiped Somerville over midwicket for four.

However, Ajaz, who was born in Mumbai, marked his homecoming with regular strikes around Agarwal. He was introduced into the attack as early as the eighth over, after Jamieson leaked 20 runs from his first three overs. He wheeled away for 29 overs amid humid conditions, coming away with 4

M

Mayank Agarwal scored a brilliant century

ayank Agarwal settled India with a serene hundred after Ajaz Patel had snagged three wickets in two overs, including those of the returning Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara for ducks.

India had lost 3 wickets without any runs on the board at that point, and when the left-arm finger-spinner struck again to dismiss the first Test hero Shreyas Iyer, India were at 160 for 4.

Agarwal and Wriddhiman Saha - both of whom might not have been certainties in India's XI ahead of this Test - then forged an unbroken 61-run partnership to push the total up to 221 for 4 at stumps on a truncated opening day at the Wankhede Stadium.

After wet patches, caused by overnight rain, had washed out the morning session and subsequently forced early lunch, Agarwal and Shubman Gill dominated the early exchanges.

Gill dashed out of the blocks, hitting three fours in his first six balls. Having been dismissed twice by Kyle Jamieson in

Ajaz Patel snagged four wickets

for 73, including ten maidens.

In the 28th over, he lured Gill out of the crease and emphatically beat him in flight, but Tom Blundell, the wicketkeeper, botched a stumping chance. Ajaz, though, found Gill's outside edge next ball, and had him nicking off to Ross Taylor at slip for 44 off 71 balls.

At the start of his next over, Ajaz thumped Pujara's pad, and New Zealand challenged umpire Anil Choudhary's on-field not-out decision. The verdict stayed not out, with ball-tracking suggesting that it would have missed leg stump. Next ball, however, Ajaz got sharp drift and even sharper turn from leg stump to knock back Pujara's off stump - a candidate for the ball of the day.

In the same over, Kohli stretched far too forward and wore a full ball from Ajaz on his front pad before he nicked it. He had called for a review of the on-field out decision, thinking he had hit it with his bat first, but there wasn't enough conclusive evidence for Virender Sharma, the TV umpire, to overturn Choudhary's call.

Agarwal grew more fluent in the post-tea session, claiming 33 of the 45 runs India had scored in ten overs after the break.

He manufactured swinging room and laced Ajaz for back-toback fours through extra-cover, before pounding Somerville for back-to-back fours as well.

Ajaz then found extra bounce to best Iyer, but although he continued to find quick turn and bounce, he could not separate Agarwal and Saha. Agarwal reached his fourth Test ton - and first in 14 innings - when he crunched a cover drive off Daryl Mitchell, who was picked in place of the injured Kane Williamson.

Even before the ball reached the fence, Agarwal raised his arms, and as soon as it hit the fence, he leapt for joy and let out a big roar.

With Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja also sidelined with injuries, and Jayant Yadav listed at No.7, Agarwal seized his chance as the relatively senior batter, finishing the day at 120 not out.

Just before stumps, Ajaz whisked mid-off in and threw down the gauntlet to Agarwal. The batter took it on, and swung him over long-off for his fourth six. Saha, meanwhile, kept him good company, nudging and paddling his way to an unbeaten 25 off 53 balls.

While Southee backed up Ajaz with his old-ball mastery despite seemingly struggling to deal with the Mumbai heat, the rest of New Zealand's attack lacked penetration.

(ESPNcricinfo)

ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup…

Nandu, Thorne among West Indies Rising Stars U19 squad

T

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel has announced the West Indies Rising Stars U19s 15-member squad and five reserves for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be played in the West Indies in JanuaryFebruary 2022.

The squad will be led by left-handed middle-order batsman Ackeem Auguste, with allrounder Giovonte Depeiza as vice-captain. These two were also at the helm during the six-match Youth One-Day Matthew Nandu International Series in England in September.

The players were selected following the recent high-performance camp and preparation matches, which featured 28 players at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The West Indies Rising Stars U19s have been drawn in Group D, alongside Australia, Scotland and Sri Lanka, for the 16-team tournament which will be played from January 14 to February 5. Matches will be played in the territories of Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, and in Guyana. Before the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup tournament is played, a five-match warm-up series is being planned, with details to be announced in coming days.

Lead Selector Robert Haynes has said: “Overall, the selectors are very pleased with what we have been seeing from these players, and we expect some very exciting cricket in the World Cup. The batting is solid, our concern coming out of the tour of England was the middle order, but we saw some really good performances in the camp, and some very good partnerships. The bowling is very good, and we think we have the right combina-

Captain Ackeem Auguste has said: “It is a special honour to be named to captain the West Indies team. To represent the people of our region is a special privilege, and it’s a really exciting time for me and my team-mates, and we know this is a great opportunity on the international stage. We had the tour of England earlier this year, and that was a good experience for all of us. I learned a lot about leadership on that tour, and I would say I have grown since then. We have worked hard to reach this stage, and we are ready ahead of the World Cup.” (Windies Cricket)

Isai Thorne

tion of spinners and fast bowlers. This is a balanced squad, and the players are very excited. It is now for these youngsters to go out and put on display what they learned in the camps which were organised for their benefit.”

Haynes added: “I must also commend the coaching staff and everyone involved in getting these young cricketers prepared for this level of competition. It has not been an easy task with the COVID-19 pandemic in our midst, but we have overcome several hurdles, and have a team which is well organised and ready for the challenges ahead.”

Head Coach Floyd Reifer has said: “Coming out of the last camp in Antigua, we have seen a lot of improvement and development in the players, and we came up with a very good squad.

I’m confident that we have a well-balanced team going into the World Cup, and we have the team to do very well in the tournament. We have a lot of talented players, and what we are working on is the tactical side of our preparations. We have batsman who can bowl well, and bowlers who can bat as well, so we have a good balance.”

FULL SQUAD * Ackeem Auguste (Captain) – left-hand bat * Giovonte Depeiza (Vice Captain) - right-hand bat/left-arm spin * Onaje Amory – right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin * Teddy Bishop – right-hand bat * Carlon Bowen-Tuckett – right-hand bat/wicket-keeper * Jaden Carmichael – right-hand bat/left-arm spin * McKenny Clarke – right-hand bat/right-arm fast * Rivaldo Clarke – right-hand bat/wicket-keeper * Jordan Johnson – left-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin * Johann Layne – right-hand bat/right-arm fast * Anderson Mahase – left-hand bat/left-arm spin * Matthew Nandu – left-hand opening bat/right-arm leg-spin * Shaqkere Parris – right-hand opening bat * Shiva Sankar – right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast * Isai Thorne – right-hand bat/right-arm fast * Reserves * Anderson Amurdan – right-hand opening bat * Nathan Edward – left-hand bat/left-arm fast-medium * Andel Gordon – left-hand bat/left-arm medium-fast * Vasant Singh – right-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin * Kevin Wickham – right-hand bat/right-arm wrist-spin

22

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mendis, Embuldeniya spin out West Indies for 2-0 series’ win SCOREBOARD

S

Lasith Embuldeniya bagged 5-35

triking early in the day to remove Kraigg Brathwaite, Ramesh Mendis claimed three wickets in a single over during the middle session, then completed his second five-wicket haul of the match while Lasith Embuldeniya also took five at the other end.

Between the two finger-spinners, the West Indies were dismissed for 132 runs inside 56 overs to give Sri Lanka the win by 164 runs. Having now whitewashed this opposition, they take 100% of the World Test Championship points on offer for this series.

West Indies had needed to bat out 93 overs af-

Ramesh Mendis bagged 5-66

ter Sri Lanka declared their innings 2.4 overs into the day. Although during times in the morning session it seemed as if they were going to make the hosts toil, West Indies fell away rapidly after lunch, losing their last eight wickets for 40 runs in the space of 13 overs.

An awful shot from Shai Hope had sparked that collapse. Spotting a long-hop from Mendis, Hope went back to pull it, but hit it directly to the square leg fielder, who took it at belly height. Hope could have put that ball away anywhere on the legside.

Next delivery, Mendis had Roston Chase caught at short leg - Oshada Fernando reacting with

lightning speed to hold a low chance as Chase attempted to clip the ball to leg. Mendis missed out on a hat-trick for the third time in the series when he spun one past the bat of Kyle Mayers, but Mayers lasted only three more deliveries anyway, sending a catch to Dhananjaya de Silva at slip.

The remaining wickets almost seemed like a formality.

Embuldeniya imposed himself on West Indies' lower order by first having Jason Holder caught at slip much in the same way he'd had the more stubborn Jermaine Blackwood out just before lunch. Nkrumah Bonner was then out chopping

back on to the stumps.

Kemar Roach struck three boundaries, but he was out lbw to Embuldeniya before Veerasammy Permaul fell in a similar fashion, and Jomel Warrican lasted just three balls before giving another catch to de Silva at slip.

That was the dismissal that sealed the game.

Earlier, Blackwood and Bonner had resisted for 23 overs together, surviving several close calls and one dropped catch, but Sri Lanka's spinners were relentless on a surface that substantially favoured them, even if it wasn't quite unplayable.

Blackwood batted out 92 balls, and Bonner, who

SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS Dimuth Karunaratne (c) run out (Mayers) 6 Pathum Nissanka lbw b Chase 66 Oshada Fernando run out (Blackwood/†Da Silva) 14 Charith Asalanka c Bonner b Permaul 19 Dhananjaya de Silva not out 155 Dinesh Chandimal † c & b Chase 2 Ramesh Mendis c Roach b Brathwaite 25 Suranga Lakmal lbw b Permaul 7 Angelo Mathews c Blackwood b Permaul 1 Lasith Embuldeniya b Holder 39 Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 2, w 1) 11 TOTAL (121.4 Ov, RR: 2.83) 345/9 Did not bat: Praveen Jayawickrama Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 1.5 ov), 2-39 (Oshada Fernando, 14.3 ov), 3-73 (Charith Asalanka, 30.5 ov), 4-151 (Pathum Nissanka, 57.6 ov), 5-157 (Dinesh Chandimal, 61.2 ov), 6-208 (Ramesh Mendis, 79.5 ov), 7-219 (Suranga Lakmal, 82.5 ov), 8-221 (Angelo Mathews, 84.3 ov), 9-345 (Lasith Embuldeniya, 121.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Veerasammy Permaul 40-4-106-3 Roston Chase 27-2-82-2 Jomel Warrican 29-5-76-0 Kemar Roach 8-0-27-0 Jason Holder 9.4-1-26-1 Kraigg Brathwaite 5-0-11-1 Nkrumah Bonner 3-1-9-0

was around well into the second session, played out 143, and can easily claim to be West Indies' most dogged batter of the series, even if there wasn't a lot of competition for that title.

Mendis's five wickets in the second dig meant he took 11 for 136 for the game - easily his best figures in a four-match career so far. He took 17 wickets

WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 297 RUNS) Kraigg Brathwaite (c) lbw b Mendis 6 Jermaine Blackwood c de Silva b Embuldeniya 36 Nkrumah Bonner b Embuldeniya 44 Shai Hope c Lakmal b Mendis 16 Roston Chase c Fernando b Mendis 0 Kyle Mayers c de Silva b Mendis 0 Jason Holder c de Silva b Embuldeniya 3 Joshua Da Silva † not out 4 Kemar Roach lbw b Embuldeniya 13 Veerasammy Permaul lbw b Mendis 1 Jomel Warrican c de Silva b Embuldeniya 3 Extras (b 4, lb 2) 6 TOTAL (56.1 Ov, RR: 2.35) 132 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 7.4 ov), 2-65 (Jermaine Blackwood, 30.4 ov), 3-92 (Shai Hope, 43.1 ov), 4-92 (Roston Chase, 43.2 ov), 5-92 (Kyle Mayers, 43.6 ov), 6-103 (Jason Holder, 48.2 ov), 7-108 (Nkrumah Bonner, 50.2 ov), 8-128 (Kemar Roach, 54.4 ov), 9-129 (Veerasammy Permaul, 55.3 ov), 10-132 (Jomel Warrican, 56.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Lasith Embuldeniya 20.1-6-35-5 Ramesh Mendis 25-6-66-5 Praveen Jayawickrama 10-3-23-0 Charith Asalanka 1-0-2-0

for the series, and now has 26 Test victims all up at an average of 21.53.

To begin the day, Sri Lanka's 10th-wicket pair had struck 17 runs in 2.4 overs, until Embuldeniya - the primary aggressor on day five - was bowled

by Holder. Dhananjaya de Silva added two to his overnight score, to finish on 155 not out. (ESPNcricinfo)

Vish Trading Golf Tourney to commence today …to be held in honour of former owner Prabudial Ramdial

ond positions in each flight; based on net scores, Nearest to flag, longest drive, best net overall-champion and runner-up players of the day, and best gross. There will also be a card raffle for three special prizes at the end of the presentation ceremony. Tournament winners will not be eligible to participate in that raffle, and winners of that raffle have to be present at the drawing to receive their prizes.

All participants are advised to contact the club’s manager on the day of the tournament to collect their score cards, pay the tournament fees, and proceed to their allocated tee boxes to tee off at 12pm.

Presentation of prizes will be held at the completion of the tournament, at approximately 5:30pm.

Although the rainy season is scheduled for December to January, the Lusignan Golf Club have continued to press on, despite whatever challenges they have faced. For the year 2021, they have hosted BUSINESS a successful string of events thus far. At one point, the Business Opportunity of a lifetime. course was flooded, but the Earn extra cash. Part-time/Full-time.

Tel: 656-2682 dedicated committee continued their hard work for the PRODUCTS love of the sport. They have Would you like to lose weight/gain been able to pull off major weight? Lose belly fat? Have Digestive tournaments such as the Health? Low Energy? Improve Your GTT Guyana Open and the Immune System? Tel.: #656-2682 MACORP Golf tournament.

TAXI SERVICE All COVID-19 protocols would be in effect for this Elegant Cabs. 231-1494 / 2264277, Cell #: 625-6600. 24 hrs. tournament.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Late owner of Vish Trading, Prabudial Ramdial

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will be host to the Vish Trading Golf Tourney in memory of former owner of the business, Prabudial Ramdial.

The tournament will commence Nigel Ramdial, son of Prabudial Ramdial, assisted by Prabhudial’s granddaughter promptly at 12:00hrs (noon), and the for- Pavani and grandson Varun, handed over the sponsorship cheque to LGC member Bryan Hackett mat will be Medal play over 18 holes net scores in 4 flights and shotgun start. be absorbed in the relevant men's flight, based on their The flights are Men's 0-9, 10-18, 19-28; and Ladies'0-36 handicap, even if the 19-28 flight has to be extended to ac(at least three participants are in the ladies’ flight). Should commodate this. there be a shortage in the ladies’ number, then they would A total of 16 prizes would be on offer to first and sec-

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil Indoor Hockey Championships…

23

Exciting action continues into night 4 5 -1 win over the Saints Scorpions, who had been having good performances up to this point.

It was not a good night

for Saints, as the YMCA Old Fort also defeated the Saints Sensations by 3-1 in the other second division clash.

Points’ standing:

* Men First Division: Pepsi Hikers 12, Bounty GCC 6, Guyana 40s 4, 50 Not Out 3, Saints 2, YMCA Old Fort 1 * Women’s Division: GCC Roulettes 9, GCC Ignite 6, GCC Spartans 3, Saints 3, Misfits 0 * Men Second Division: Hikers Cadets 7, YMCA Old Fort 6, GCC Pitbulls 6, Saints Scorpions 4, Saints Sensations 3, GCC War Dogs 0

Full results are as follows:

T

Sarah Klautky

he battle between the two undefeated ladies’ sides has been a spirited and intense affair. Up to the moment of its commencement, the GBTI GCC Roulettes and GCC Ignite teams took to the court each with two wins and no loss under their belt.

The Roulettes fired the first shot with an opening-minute stunner by Abosaide Cadogan through a penalty corner, but Makeda Harding bullied

Abosaide Cadogan

her way into the circle and evened the score at 1-1 four minutes later.

Leo Berlie then produced a brilliant piece of stickwork in a solo goal to give Roulette a 2-1 halftime lead.

The second half saw Roulette tighten the screws on the match, as Cadogan scored her second penalty corner in the 30th minute and Shebiki Baptiste scored the final Roulette goal in the 33rd minute for a 4-1 Roulette victory.

The other female clash of the evening saw the GCC Spartans earn their first victory by holding off Saints by 2-0.

Captain Gabriella Xavier was once again on the scoreboard for the Spartans, and this time she was joined by Vanessa Pires with a field goal.

The Pepsi Hikers continued their dominant performance in the men’s first division competition, this time routing the YMCA Old Fort by 11–0. The tournament’s leading scorer

Aroydy Branford was on target four times, while Robert France scored a hattrick for the Hikers.

50 Not Out surprised the youthful Saints with a 4-2 victory, the first of the competition for 50 Not Out. Veteran striker Philip Fernandes was the leading goal scorer for the 50s with a hattrick, while his brother Alan added a fourth.

The GCC Pitbulls and YMCA Old Fort both chalked up wins in the men’s second division competition to draw within one of the Hikers Cadets in the points’ standing. The Pitbulls enjoyed a surprise

MALE Division 50 Not Out defeated Saints 4-2 Goals: 50 Not Out (4) – Philip Fernandes 3, Alan Fernandes 1 Saints (2) – Baraka Garnett 1, Hilmar Chester 1 Pepsi Hikers defeated YMCA Old Fort 11-0 Goals: Pepsi Hikers (11) – Aroydy Branford 4, Robert France 3, Randy Hope 1, Jamarj Assanah 1, Orlando Machado 1, Rayon Branford 1 FEMALE Division GCC Spartans defeated Saints 2-0 Goals: GCC Spartans (2) – Vanessa Pires 1, Gabriella Xavier 1 GCC Roulettes defeated GCC Ignite 4-1 Goals: GCC Roulette (4) – Abosaide Cadogan 2, Leo Berlie 1, Shebiki Baptiste 1 GCC Ignite (1) – Makeda Harding 1 MALE Second Division YMCA Old Fort defeated Saints Sensations 3–1 Goals: YMCA Old Fort (3) – Shaquon Favorite 3 Saints Scorpions (1) – Naresh Mahadeo 1 Bounty GCC Pitbulls defeated Saints Scorpions 5–1 Goals: Bounty GCC Pitbulls (5) – Meshach Sargeant 3, Samuel Woodroffe 1, Lennox Carrol 1 Saints Scorpions (1) – Baraka Garnett 1

Trophy Stall on board for GRFU Sevens tournament Fitness Express signs up to

T

rophy Stall is partnering with the GRFU to host the GRFU/Trophy Stall Sevens tournament, set for today at 12:00h in the National Park

George David, National Men's 7s Team Manager and representative of the Referees Association to the Executive Committee

(western side). The action will see a total of 10 matches being played, inclusive of

the grand finale.

At its South Road location yesterday, Trophy Stall handed over a quantity of trophies and beverages in support of the

Businessman Ramesh Sunich, owner of the Trophy Stall

tournament, even as its owner Ramesh Sunich told the media, “I would like to thank the Guyana Rugby Football Union for allowing me to sponsor a tour-

nament. I would also like to ask my fellow business people, I’d like to tell them that through the media, donation, trophies and other things through sports, it is the way we got up. I would just like to say to them to come on board with these different organisations.”

Representing the GRFU, George David, National Men's 7s Team Manager and representative of the Referees Association to the Executive Committee, conveyed the GRFU’s gratitude to Trophy Stall for the donation, and said the reputation of Trophy Stall precedes its activities.

“We are trying to have these seven-a-side tournaments out of the way - at least two before the year has ended - as this would mean we would have achieved our goals within the confines of our present situation, which is the COVID-19. We are looking forward for next year to (bring) bigger and better things,” David posited.

David is convinced that these tournaments would serve as a guide for the GRFU in terms of the talent pool and how much work the union has to put in. He reiterated that the management and staff personnel who are responsible for the RAN tournament have been working assiduously towards this event, and said that as manager of the RAN team, he has been putting in his lot as well.

boost GFF’s preparations for year-end tournaments

GFF Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph accepting the hampers containing fitness products from Jamie McDonald

F

itness Express has joined the growing corporate community lending support to the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) yearend trilogy of tournaments with the donation of hampers containing fitness products for players to enhance their preparation for the return of senior competitive football.

Fitness Express Manager and Owner Jamie McDonald has said he is happy to offer his support to football, especially because more and more players are using fitness supplements to optimise their performance on the pitch.

“Over the last 10 to 11 years, Fitness Express has had a rich heritage of giving to the powerlifting, bodybuilding and strength sports, but over the last four or five years, a lot of footballers and endurance athletes have been coming in for supplements,” McDonald said.

“I feel that we need to give back support to the footballers using supplements day in and day out, so we are really happy to be on board for this tournament this year…to start now and maybe do a little bit more in the future,” he said.

Accepting the hampers on behalf of the

GFF, Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph offered sincere gratitude to Fitness Express for coming on board to support the return to play.

“This year, we have three tournaments running simultaneously, so it’s a huge event for us,” Joseph said. “I’m happy to hear that footballers are coming into the store now to buy supplements, because the name itself – Fitness Express – is so connected to the sport, where fitness is such a major part of everything we do,” Joseph said.

“Thanks again for coming on board in such a big way, and we look forward to developing this partnership as we go forward into a new year,” he declared.

The GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup is scheduled to be held over the period December 12 – January 1; the GFF Women’s Super-16 Festival 2021 is to be held over the period December 11 – January 2, and the GFFK&S Futsal Championship is to be held over the period December 14 – January 8.

These tournaments would all be played in venues across the country, including in Georgetown, Buxton, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Providence, Leonora, Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica, and Essequibo.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

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

Harper expects Shepherd to cement his place in WI team

tion, Harper made this indication. “This is not Ramario’s first tour or first opportuniest Indies Lead Selector ty with the senior team in either format. He Roger Harper and his semade his debut a couple of years ago while lection panel are keen to this panel has been in place. We look forsee 27-year-old Guyanese all-roundward to him being able to grow with the er Romario team, cement a place for himself, and showShepherd cecase to us at this level what he is capable of menting his doing. We want to see him display the sort place in the West of performances that he has been giving to Indies team, and us at the CPL level.” producing similar perAlthough Shepherd has scored runs at formances as he did in the CPL and in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10, the 2021 Hero Caribbean Harper and his panel consider Shepherd’s Premier League (CPL). bowling as his primary asset. Dwayne In recent times, Shepherd’s Bravo has also tipped Shepherd to be performance has improved sighis replacement in the West Indies nificantly, with him taking 19 T20 team in the near future. wickets - the most in the CPL “We still consider Romario and scoring useful runs with the Shepherd a bowling all-roundbat. Shepherd has also shown er; we still think that his bowlhis prowess in the Abu Dhabi ing is his primary skill. It is T10 with both bat and ball great to see his batting coming while playing for the Delhi along, and it is no surprise, Bulls. because we (had seen) Speaking in a reRomario glimpses of this in the Shepherd cent media interacpast,” Harper has said.

Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith and Hayden Walsh Jr. T20 International squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr.

By Brandon Corlette

W

ExxonMobil Indoor Hockey Championships…

CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper

Shepherd, who played six T20I matches and seven ODIs for the West Indies, scored 109 runs in the 2021 CPL and had an economy rate of 7.6 with best figures of 3-15 in nine matches, at an average of 14.1 with his 19 wickets.

West Indies’ full squads to Pakistan are listed hereunder: One-Day International squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Reifer,

Notes

Jason Holder is being rested for this tour, due to workload management. Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy are unavailable, owing to injury and rehabilitation. Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons are unavailable, owing to personal reasons.

TOUR SCHEDULE

December 13 – 1st T20I, Karachi December 14 – 2nd T20I, Karachi December 16 – 3rd T20I, Karachi December 18 – 1st ODI, Karachi December 20 – 2nd ODI, Karachi December 22 – 3rd ODI, Karachi

Mendis, Embuldeniya spin out West Indies for 2-0 series’ win

Exciting action continues into night 4 Kirsten Gomes

Page 23

Sri Lankans pose with the winners’ trophy

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