Guyana Times -- Sunday December 19, 2021

Enjoying our very own Guyanese P14 Black Cake this Christmas Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4866 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

6 killed, 3 injured in fiery 3-vehicle collision on WCB roadway

PRICE

$140 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GDF Private P10 feared dead after boat capsizes in Essequibo River

Story on Page 25

1 dead after speeding car slams into P12 parked truck

Bandits rob, P23 terrorise Festival City family Encashment of $25,000 one-off cash grant further extended – Dr Persaud P21 Dead: Keanna Dow

Dead: Jomal Lynch

Dead: Linden McFarlane

Dead: Jason Saul

Dead: Gary Blair

Dead: Joel Jacobs

Private Sector lauds Govt pays Govt's tabling of local out $10.5B in content legislation wages, salaries – GOGEC says Govt included many of stakeholders’ views in Bill in December 7% salary increase

Page 11

Agriculture critical to P8 sustainable livelihood and job creation – President Ali

Page 3

PNCR biennial Congress

Granger fires parting salvo at rivals as he vacates leadership of PNCR

Page 7

– count for Leader, Chairperson completed; other positions continuing

753 active P23 COVID-19 cases being monitored …66 new infections, zero deaths recorded in 24h

2

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Dec 19 – 14:40h – 16:00h and Monday, Dec 20 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Dec 19 – 16:10h – 17:40h and Monday, Dec 20 – 16:40h – 18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day.

Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 16:32h reaching a maximum height of 2.6 metres.

Low Tide: 10:08h and 22:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.76 metre and 0.61 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

03 07 09 16 20 25

FREE TICKET

10 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

01 02 14 15 20 LUCKY 3

3

9

5

9

Afternoon Draw

2

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 06 09 10 11 15 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

09 11 13 15 17 13

10 11 16 19 21

6

6 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

1

6 Evening Draw

2X 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

$73.52/barrel

Rough Rice

$251.51/ton

-0.09

London Sugar

$498.00/ton

-1.27

Live Spot Gold

-2.04

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1798.70

$1799.70

Low/High Change

$1796.60 -0.00

$1817.30 0.00%

Private Sector lauds Govt's tabling of local content legislation – GOGEC says Govt included many of stakeholders’ views in bill

T

he Government’s tabling of the local content legislation continues to be lauded, with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) following on the heels of praise from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

In a statement on Saturday, the PSC, which is the umbrella representative of the entire Private Sector, extended congratulations to the Government and expressed confidence that the legislation would go a far way in developing the capacity of local companies by allowing them to meaningfully participate in the oil and gas sector.

“The need for this legislation has been advocated by the Commission for a number of years and we see its tabling and passage as a fundamental step in fostering the growth of many local businesses and advancing Guyana’s national development. We look to many businesses, both manufacturing and services quickly embracing the opportunities that the legislation opens up.”

“While the legislation caters to a number of specific areas, the percentages in some areas, we believe, require some revision. The PSC expects that, with effective implementation and monitoring, the required changes will be instituted,” PSC said in its statement.

The organisation also urged local businesses to prepare themselves and develop in a way that would allow them to take full advantage of the legislation. In the same vein, the PSC also committed to working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government to maximise the

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

effectiveness of the legislation.

GOGEC

Meanwhile, GOGEC also issued a statement in which it welcomed the swift tabling of the legislation. According to the organisation whose primary focus is on the oil and gas sector, balance is important when it comes to operationalising local content laws.

“GOGEC welcomes the move by Govt to swiftly legislate local content in order to maximise the benefits to Guyanese firms from the oil and gas sector. At the same time GOGEC recognises that any local content framework should not be too stringent which in turn would diminish the competitiveness of the industry,” the organisation said.

“The local content has to be realistic and practical to the extent that it will take years for Guyanese firms to build certain specialised capacity to serve the industry. These targets therefore should be as realistic as possible.”

GOGEC noted that in cases where local capacity can be developed rapidly, maximum local content should be encouraged. Additionally, they

noted the fact that the local content framework encourages joint ventures, which is important to build capacity through partnerships.

“Previously, there were three draft Local Content Policies of which the latest version was designed for the upstream sector – ignoring altogether that the true benefit for the locals is in the midstream sector or the wider value chain onshore.

Therefore, the spirit of a true and genuine local content was lacking.”

“When the current Administration assumed office in August 2020, one of its first stakeholder engagement was with the wider Private Sector. In February of this year a Local Content Panel was put together and began a series of stakeholder consultation exercise that resulted in the first draft Local Content Policy, which widely reflected the views from those engagements.”

Consultations

According to GOGEC, the policy was substantially overhauled to reflect a true and practical local content element – rather than the upstream sector where only the large oil companies can participate in.

It was also pointed out that there was another round of consultations with a wide cross section of Private Sector stakeholders this week, before the bill was tabled. According to GOGEC, many of the substantive issues and concerns raised during these consultative sessions, were reflected in the final bill... a development the organisation expressed happiness about.

“For example, the bill speaks to a local content sec-

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad

retariat that will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation, etc, penalties, local content master plan, among others. Overall, GOGEC commends the Govt on this front where especially the Govt appreciates the need to have that balance between local content and FDIs.” Among the proposals in the bill, which was laid in the National Assembly on Thursday, is the requirement for foreign companies to engage Guyanese and Guyanese-owned businesses at specified and varying levels in at least 40 areas by the end of 2022.

These include 100 per cent exclusive use of Guyanese companies in the provision of immigration support services, work permits, visa applications, visa on arrival, in-water activity permit, custom brokerage services, and ground transportation.

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

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Local Content “Christmas gift”

L

ocal stakeholders such as the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber have lobbied diligently for a Local Content Bill (LCB). According to President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, the LCB which was laid by the PPPC Government in the National Assembly last Thursday was “the perfect Christmas gift for Guyana”. He was on target, since appreciated Christmas gifts are longed for all year round, and Guyanese stakeholders have certainly longed for the empowering consequences of the LCB ever since our nominal “independence” from Britain in 1966.

Yet, six years after striking oil, and two years after pumping it in 2019, stakeholders have finally seen the Local Content Legislation that ensures that, while a very poor contract - as far as revenues for Guyana was concerned - had been signed by the PNC-led Coalition Government, at least the Guyanese people would now benefit maximally from the direct and ancillary oil production activities. As in so many other areas, the APNU/AFC Government had twiddled its thumbs.

But we now have the LCB which will be debated in the new year, and hopefully expeditiously passed with the support of all parties in the National Assembly. While it is the duty of the Opposition to identify weaknesses, lacunae and flaws in the proposed legislation, we hope these will be constructive and in the interest of Guyana, and not a repetition of the extremely jaundiced posture that has characterised their reaction to Governmental initiatives up to now. In our estimation, the LCB presents the opportunity for all Guyanese, irrespective of colour, ethnicity, creed or political affiliation, to enter the petroleum industry and its supporting businesses. In the longer term, this experience would position our labour force and businesses that, at long last, can compete in the globalised world in other areas than primary products.

As its name suggests, the LCB seeks to secure the maximum quantum of “local content” - that is, Guyanese participation - obtainable in the oil industry. Through its initiatives, not only would we obtain new skills to serve us in our development drive - fuelled by the direct revenues from oil royalties and profits - but the revenues secured from the services and goods provided would also remain in our country to create a broad, ground-up impetus to growth.

In a nutshell, this is to be achieved first of all, as pointed out by Tucker, by the legislation that precisely defines what is a “Guyanese company”: “any company incorporated under the Companies Act which is beneficially owned by Guyanese nationals who ultimately exercise, individually or jointly, voting rights representing at least fifty-one per cent of the total issued shares of the company; and have Guyanese nationals holding at least seventy-five per cent of executive and senior management positions and at least ninety per cent of non-managerial and other positions.”

This becomes critical because the LCB gives priority to companies - especially foreign ones that may have superior capital or expertise - with the highest quantity of Guyanese participation: “Where two or more bids are adjudged to be equal, or two or more bids are within five percent of each other when financially evaluated but are otherwise adjudged to be equal, the bid containing the highest level of local content shall be selected.”

To leave no ambiguity in its intention for Guyanese to reap the greatest benefit, the legislation has divided the opportunities into forty enumerated “sectors and sub sectors”. Taking into consideration the level of skills presently immanent in the Guyanese populace, it specifies the initial percentage of “Guyanisation” demanded, and the graduated time frame for it to be increased. In this way, the Government has demonstrated that it would not kill the goose before it can deliver the employment and skills egg to Guyanese.

There will also be a Local Content Secretariat to monitor and ensure the Guyanisation targets are met.

The members of a choir performing at the launch of Main Street Christmas Village on Friday evening. The event was put together by the Government of Guyana

GECOM must be transparent and win the trust of the nation Dear Editor, The appointment of Vishnu Persaud as the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is most welcome, encouraging, and a step pointing towards some level of incisive decision-making at the level of the Commission. However, much more is required to realign GECOM to an institution of national embrace through its review, where necessary, and implementation of fair and transparent policies worthy of our citizens' trust.

Given the recent elections milieu which almost brought our country to its knees, Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh would have to give that superb leadership to the Commission. This is necessary, since the structure of the Commission itself lends to the need for strong, assertive positions from the Chairperson, since there is much evidence of some Commissioners playing dubious bipartisan roles, contrary to their constitutional mandate.

The position APNU/ AFC Commissioners took in support of the GECOM Secretariat’s preparation for the March 2020 elections, together with their public assault on the Commission’s decisions related to procedures and the final results are quite despicable. Vincent Alexander's recent public attack on the Chairwoman, given her rationalisation of the best candidate for the CEO po-

sition, is slanderous and leaves much to be desired.

Consequently, the role of the Commissioners and the GECOM Secretariat would have to be demarcated. The approach by the Commission regarding delegation of responsibilities MUST have emphatic and robust monitoring counter-checks, where they are to be applied. This should be done together with strengthened policies; Commission-approved Standard Operating Procedures and directives outlining the scope of performance defined for compliance by officials of the Secretariat, contributed to by a number of the senior administrative staff of its secretariat.

We can no longer accept the CEO usurping the authority and responsibility of the Commission without approval, and then turning around and challenging the Commission, to whom he reports in the courts of law. Of course, the results of such undercurrents are clear, and these are evidenced by the almost unchecked fraudulent contribution by a number of the senior administrative staff members of the Secretariat, who were charged and placed before the courts.

The immediate task of the Commission is to win the confidence and trust of the nation through several internal reviews, particularly related to staff selections and financial policies.

The filling of all vacancies for the advertised posts

must be carefully done, as all people employed must be untainted in regard to corrupt activities. Hence the stained persons who were working at GECOM who reapplied for work must be carefully screened and approved on established criteria, particularly for senior vacancies.

Notwithstanding, the filling of junior staff vacancies must also be thorough and done with some level of balance. GECOM would also have to immediately address the issue of the replacement of National Identification Cards. Given the delays caused by the last elections debacle, GECOM is far behind time in respect to the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs). Therefore, it is imperative that GECOM advance immediately the task of updating the Register of Registrants. To this end, a period of continuous Registration would serve to make provision for all those youths fourteen years and over to be registered.

It follows that the subsequent period of Claims and Objections would also have to be done by competent persons.

There is no doubt that future audits of GECOM would be very revealing, given the issues raised by the Auditor-General several years ago, and the lack of cooperation by the previous CEO. Vishnu Persaud as the new CEO would have his hands full, but with the Commission’s concurrence, would have to immediately

take an inventory of all that is in the stores, and conduct a needs assessment of all the materials, supplies, and equipment to run the Commission effectively.

The Chief Elections Officer must also be thorough in his takeover process, to establish a basis from which counterchecks could be made. This would serve well for the building of trust and confidence. This newlook GECOM Secretariat would have to work with a plan, and therefore be diligent in carefully putting together a work programme for the year 2022.

Regarding the immediate task of holding LGEs, GECOM would have to conduct public education to bring public awareness for the registration commencement period and the related procedures for Identification Card upliftment. The production and distribution of ID Cards must be done in a very thorough way, while GECOM must also revisit the shifting of the many boundaries that were done arbitrarily by the previous CEO. GECOM Secretariat under the leadership of Vishnu Persaud and his team would need the support of all our people. To win our trust, there must not be any secret deals; all activities must be transparent and accountable. In context, professionalism is required, and would be demanded.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

5

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

Increase for Private Sector community was necessary Dear Editor, This increase for the Private Sector community of employees, spanning tens of thousands, is a thing which was expected and is necessary. Therefore, I take the opportunity to compliment the Government of Guyana for ensuring that, in the very near future, the Private Sector workers would be granted a reasonable increase. This would assist them in their ability to survive and exist in a dynamic, diverse, and troublesome economy.

I know that the future looks well for Guyana, with our prosperity and excellent management of our prosperity by the current Government of the country.

Notwithstanding, I am of the opinion that the Private Sector employees and the Government employees in reality require an increase to bring their earnings to about a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per month.

However, as a realist, I also know that the country and our economy cannot deal with this at the moment. As for the Government of the day - which is, the people’s government: of the people, for the people, by the people - they are moving in stealth, goodwill, great intentions, and love for the citizens of this country. I wish to applaud our Government for being so caring and concerned.

When the 7% across-theboard salary increase was approved with the retro from January for the Public

Service workers, there was a hue-and-cry, condemnation and mockery in many quarters. Positive people came out to teach and explain certain things, as did this writer. They seem to forget that there have been grants for COVID-19; school grants of $19,000 for each student, which the Opposition of Guyana went to great pains to object to its payment.

They said it was a waste of money, but our Government of Guyana stood firmly and ensured that every child across Guyana receive the grant; from the Coastal Belt, the interior, the riverine areas, the city and towns. All our students were able to enjoy this, and support their families; they cushioned the cost of living and difficulties that were brought on by COVID-19. Not forgetting the $25,000 cash grant given to every household in this country.

What an amazing Government we have! What a truly caring Government!

I think we can give the Government of Guyana another round of applause.

Then when it came to the Government pensioners receiving $25,000 as a life support, the Opposition went to great pains again to object to its payment. They were annoyed; they were boisterous in their objections!

But the goodly Government of Guyana went ahead and paid it out to the pensioners.

I think, ladies and gentlemen, the Government of Guyana needs yet another round of applause. All of this

was intended to help provide the cash that could be used to ease the cost-of-living burdens and also to create commerce in the economy in order to keep money in circulation. I am no financial or economic specialist, but what I am is a realist!

Now, with the minimum wage the Government is granting, which I applaud on behalf of my company, RK’s Guyana Security Services, a mass labour employer in this country. I am very concerned about a possible catastrophe that awaits the employer!

Several years back, when Dr. Nanda Gopaul was Minister of Labour, a catastrophe was created in this country because an increase was made in the middle of the year. The increase was by $40, which seriously affected labour contractors to the Government and other contractors simply because it was done in the middle of the year, when contracts were already awarded for the entire year. It is sad that the Minister at that time and the Government did not see the wisdom of it.

Now I can speak quite excellently for the security sector, or the security services, as I am also referred to as the “Grandfather” of security in Guyana. If the contracts are awarded, and in the middle of a year you increase the rates on the contractors, what will happen? This is what happened at that time: the only honorable security company that worked for the Government contracts was RK’s Guyana Security

Services. We worked with the new increase for 3 months, and upon realising that we could not go any further, having tried to negotiate with the Government, we went public, with no response.

RK’s Guyana Security Services had to withdraw several major contracts of the Government by providing the proper notice as per contract.

This company, known as RK’s, cannot commit a crime, or underpay their workers, or steal NIS, or steal VAT, or steal workers’ PAYE TAXES, or steal anything at all! This company has been in existence for over 42 years, and has never committed an infraction with the National Insurance, with Labour or Income Tax, and it’s a proud thing for us to say; but, of course, we lose money so to say. More companies at that time were stealing the VAT, stealing the NIS, or most of it, and they were bribing to get compliance certificates from GRA and from NIS. They were bribing, that is a known fact!

One contractor who claimed he was close to a former President and leader in a Political Party governing at that time was actually underpaying thousands of workers with the old minimum wage rate. He was also stealing all the workers’ NIS to make up for his shortfall, all the VAT and NIS, and pulling the wool over the eyes of the authorities of these entities.

RK’s cannot do that, so we terminated the contracts,

Last sitting of National Assembly Dear Editor, After reviewing the sitting of Parliament that occurred on Thursday 16th December 2021, one cannot help but conclude that our nation’s spending must be better controlled. Forecasting to attain a sustainable level of development is becoming more important in Guyana’s fiscal planning process.

The Ministry of Education is a great example of where such an opportunity for improvement exists. The almost fivefold increase in capacity and intended output of new teachers must not result in a struggle to provide pay raises in future years, as seen in the recent past. Preventing such problems, which have resulted in protests and strikes, would require a significant reduction in the vulnerability which currently exists in the financial planning process.

The Ministry of Education is taking the correct step towards the development of our workforce, and the Ministry is also ensuring that our people are prepared to benefit from the accelerated development that would occur in our country.

To support this growth, we must be careful not to overspend and aggressively use up the funds in our Sovereign Wealth Fund. Not being fiscally conservative could lead to increased financial exposure within the economy, es-

pecially when poor fiscal and budgetary management is currently present within the Government.

Nonpayment of expenses, whether electricity or other business necessities, by those managing the purse strings of the various branches of Government continues to be an ongoing opportunity for improvement. Our Government must prove itself willing and capable of ensuring that its bills are paid on time. Hidden surprises in the expense account would increase our liabilities and increase the risk of serious indebtedness if prudence is not exercised in Government spending, and if Government savings & investments are not conservatively managed.

Also, the opportunity to improve the procurement process continues to present itself. As stated in Parliament, even the Drainage and Irrigation system, which is of utmost importance, has experienced a major procurement setback. The supplier management process continues to be a challenge that has cost the country directly via a purchase, resulting in critical equipment not meeting the current urgent needs of the country.

In addition, a number of Drainage & Irrigation projects are ongoing, which have resulted in a continual need for additional funds beyond their allocation in the bud-

get. We must continue to cater for this overage in this section of the budget, but with a focused effort on improved project management.

Given the infancy of the construction industry, and how long it has taken for the Drainage & Irrigation of the country to regain sufficient attention for rebuilding and improvement, trying to build and fix everything everywhere at the same time can result, and has resulted, in sections of the system being fixed slowly, due to delays in construction, reduced project oversight, and projects exceeding their budget.

Our speed of development is dependent on the quality and quantity of highly skilled individuals that can support our growth. Therefore, we must be fiscally conservative while improving our internal processes, so as to be able to have budgetary flexibility that can absorb the inefficiencies currently within our internal processes. The negative impact of such inefficiency on our financial management system could be substantial, and an unplanned event, such as the current pandemic or a major oil spill, could leave the economy in ruins.

Vulnerable growth in non-oil sectors in the midst of the pandemic, the increasing frequency of flooding, and the lagging investment in D&I and sea defence proj-

ects are risks that could be devastating to the economy if increased prudence and improved prioritisation do not occur during the next budgetary period. We cannot afford to do it all at once, and we must choose wisely.

The productive and revenue-generating sectors of the economy are seeing increased activity, which is driving the urgency for increased availability of higher-skilled, knowledge-driven human resources. This must, however, be balanced against future earnings and productive sector development, which continues to compete with the urgent infrastructural needs of the coast.

Driving Foreign Direct Investment and a stronger currency strategy must play a key role in filling this gap.

A structured job creation programme to support the increased investment in human resources would help ensure job availability for graduates, and having targeted training that aligns with our forecasted growth would also enable the quick uptake of future graduates.

The strength of the economy and the benefits of our nation’s development must be reflected in a low unemployment rate, a stronger currency, and improved fiscal management.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

as I would have mentioned above. It was not done out of passion or lack of goodwill; it was just going to lead us to bankruptcy, since we had already lost millions of dollars for the three months we had tried to carry it over. We were operating at a loss; any company that tendered at that time would be operating at a loss. Any company that operated at this time with the low rates that they have been charging and tendering below rates, who are already involved in stealing VAT and PAYE and not paying their own Corporation TAXES, will not be able to carry this increase on their own.

Except for the few which it is claimed by certain prominent individuals and people within the company who know them, some of them are involved with money laundering, actual narcotics dealing, smuggling of gold and diamonds and use of weapons provided for their security services for most of their illegalities, and that helps to supplement and whitewash their income, so to say.

So, what to do? I had expressed to His Excellency the President and to the Minister of Labour, about a year ago, that I knew an increase was looming for the Private Sector, an increase which was needed, an increase that might not be enough, and an increase which would drive up inflation and eat away the few dollars that the workers would get.

The Government of Guyana needs to ensure those who have already signed contracts and will sign into the future, for tenders that already went out and are pending, and might be awarded anytime in the month of December and in January, and before the budget and even those after the budget; the Government needs to add a percentage of

the increase automatically per hour on security services that have tendered and have been awarded the contract.

I am repeating for the sake of emphasis, Mr. President and Government of Guyana, that whatever rate the Government increases to for those contracts which have already been awarded and which are currently being processed to be awarded, that these contracts should automatically be given the difference that they tendered for. For example, if it was tendered for $400 an hour and the increase is $30 an hour then $30 should be added automatically per hour for the tender.

Some companies will continue to not object or protest, but will continue and be even more tempted to steal more NIS, more VAT, and the theft of VAT is a big thing among some Security Service providers. Pay less Corporation Taxes, steal more PAYE, and still work more PAYE. I am urging the Government for those companies who are not objecting and are tendering very low, like $300/$290/$280/$270 an hour. They are not as experienced as some of us may be.

You have to wonder where they are getting the money from to operate, or the Government will be losing vastly in the NIS and the VAT and the others that I would have indicated above.

This is an opinion to the wise President and the Government of Guyana to take this all into consideration. With this in mind, I thank you for considering the working class, who comprise the backbone of the economy of our country, and most of who are professional and patriots of our nation.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan Snr

6

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

Feature

W

e are well into the Christmas season, the time of goodwill to all, not lastly our companion animals. At this time, I usually take timeoff from writing about the more stodgy issues of diseases and their cures, and reiterate musings on the human-animal bond.

Pets - we prefer to call them companion animals - have been with us since the dawn of civilisation. In the case of dogs, well, they have been our friends for over 50,000 years. Cats, on the other hand, seem to have been associated with man for only about 5-7,000 years.

Interestingly enough, cat fossils have been found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, but not in the Americas.

When humans began domesticating wolves thousands of years ago, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Many dog lovers say their pets seem to know what their masters are thinking. A study in the journal “Science”, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, suggests that this line of thought might be at least partially right. Something about the process of domestication seems to have given dogs the ability to ‘read’ certain human behavioural patterns something wolves and even chimpanzees cannot do.

Some scientists argue that, at least sociologically speaking, dogs (not chimps) are most like humans. Chimpanzees may share many of our genes, but dogs have lived with us for so long that they offer a good model for understanding human social be-

Eco-friendly Christmas Tips

Tender loving care (TLC) at Christmas haviour.

Irrespective of how we associate with animals, whether as pets or for the show arena, or as working dogs (hunters, guards, pullers of sledges or rescuers, etc.), expressions of love have to be offered.

This love of animals must not be based solely on emotions; rather, it must be an ‘educated’ love.

For example, we may condemn our neighbours for “starving” their dogs, while we commit an equally hurtful act by overfeeding ours, especially at Christmas. Or we may abuse our animals by bathing them too often, or by feeding them chocolates and spices that are inimical to their health. It

Experts have proven that the special friendship between animals and humans, in addition to being fun and fulfilling, actually can benefit a person’s health. When an affectionate greeting from your dog at the end of an exhausting day seems to lift your spirits and ease tensions, it is not just your imagination. Your pet is good for you, both physically and mentally. Researchers have proven that the simple act of petting a cat or dog consistently lowers the blood pressure of heart patients. Many studies have since been embarked upon, which show the significance of pets in our lives.

Researchers say such stud-

makes no sense to berate a child for throwing a squib near a dog, while you yourself would hit a goat for eating your Hibiscus plant which hangs over the fence.

Companion animals are just that; they are our companions. Since domestication, cats and dogs have lived in close contact with humans; we must therefore co-exist peacefully and lovingly. And we are lucky! All the TLC which we give to our pets is returned many times over by our faithful wards.

ies are exploring a new frontier, and they are only touching the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

The fact of the matter is (what we pet owners always knew) that the presence of pets simply makes you behave in a more relaxed and open manner.

Pet owners are happier, smile more readily (even old grumpies like me), and communicate better - all of which lead to improved general health - your own.

The loyalty and friendship (very pronounced in

the case of dogs) that pets offer to us humans are many times more valuable than any TLC we give to them. I would like, in this penultimate column of the year, to share with you an extract from the "Eulogy of the Dog", one of the most enduring passages in American courtroom history, presented by Senator George Vest in 1870, in which he represented a client whose dog was killed by a sheep farmer in Missouri, United States.

“The one absolute unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.

When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey thru the heavens.”

Senator Vest won the case!

Do enjoy this festive season with your pets.

Please continue to support the genuine and well-established humane societies whose objective is to minimise suffering of animals.

‘Tis the season to be sustainable’

B

eing environmentally conscious is not all about using fewer plastic bags; it’s about making everyday choices that would determine our success or failure as a species. This Christmas, let’s practise being more conscious about reducing pollution, protecting wildlife, conserving natural resources, and taking other actions that can help slow the rate of climate change and biodiversity loss.

What does being eco-friendly mean?

Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly, or not harmful to the environment. In other words, being eco-friendly helps prevent contributions to air, water, land and noise pollution.

Engaging in eco-friendly habits or practices by being more conscious of how you use resources would also have an effect on the environment and on people’s wellbeing.

Why should we be eco-friendly?

Earth is faced with much worse danger than it has in the past decades. Numerous reports show that human consumption of Earth’s natural resources has tripled over the last four decades. Oxygen depletion is on the rise, and so is the depletion of clean drinking water and other notable resources. Therefore, while undoing the havoc created overtime may be difficult, we can carry out some committed efforts to cut back on the rate of resource depletion, and save the planet from extinction. These efforts will, in turn, do the following: - Preserve the environment; - Save money; - Save energy; - Produce less waste; and - Improve human lives.

Eco-friendly tips EPA recommends this Christmas 1. When planning your Christmas menu, try more plant-based dishes, as meat production has several negative environmental impacts.

2. Buying local supports the local economy by reducing fuel for transportation and paper & plastic used for packaging.

3. Reduce your lightings and displays, save energy and money on your electricity bill.

4. Take your reusable shopping bags when shopping.

5. Consider donating excess food to orphanages and shelters.

6. Reduce waste by buying in bulk and purchasing from local vendors.

7. Avoid disposable products.

8. Unplug lights when not in use.

What can you do to help with eco-friendly awareness this Christmas?

Planning is key to reducing your waste this Christmas, whether it’s your meal plan or saving in on your groceries and spending to cash in on those holiday deals. Remember to make that list, check it twice.

This year, the EPA encourages the general public to post the ways you plan to be eco-friendly this Christmas, and share it with us on our social media platforms, and with your friends.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PNCR Biennial Congress

Granger fires parting salvo at rivals as he vacates leadership of PNCR – count for Leader, Chairperson completed; other positions continuing

Former President and former PNCR Leader David Granger

I

n what was his final address to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) as Leader of the party, former President David Granger fired a parting salvo at his political rivals while urging that dissent and factionalism be controlled, and even suppressed.

In his final address to the party, Granger, who had been under pressure as Leader since his party left the Government last year, named several political figures whose exit from the PNCR “wounded” the party.

“Jai Narine Singh, the first General Secretary, allowed personal and political ambition to smother party allegiance. He broke away to form the Guianese Independence Movement party. Sidney King, (later Eusi Kwayana), also a former General Secretary, broke from the PNC in 1961 and helped to establish the Working People’s Alliance party,” Granger said in his address.

“Hamilton Green, another former General Secretary, broke from the party in 1993 and established the Good and Green for Guyana party.

Raphael Trotman, an elected PNC Member of Parliament, broke from the party in 2005

and established the Alliance For Change party. The Guiana Independence Movement, the Working People’s Alliance, the Good and Green for Guyana and the Alliance For Change all wounded their ‘mother’ party!”

Granger said.

In emphasising to party members how bad factionalism is, Granger cited the words of former President and party founder Forbes Burnham, who had described factionalism as the “gravest threat” to the party’s solidarity.

“The party was afflicted by factionalism from its first year of existence in 1958. Some persons seemed not to accept that the ‘party’ was more important than any ‘personality’; that they were elected to office not to satisfy their private hunger for wealth or their personal passion for power, but to serve the people whom they represented.

The party has a sad record of revolt,” he declared.

“Party members now realise that the present decade demands their rededication to the people’s development, and should not be allowed to become another period of personal rivalry. The party can achieve much by changing its political culture, by suppressing schisms and factionalism for the common good,” Granger also said.

The PNC’s Congress was last held in 2018, when current Leader David Granger was returned unopposed as party Leader. But this time around, Granger is out of the race amid much internal pressure for him to step down, after the PNCled APNU/AFC coalition was booted out of executive office after one term therein; which was also dramatically cut short when one of its own members supported a No-Confidence Motion brought by the then PPP/C Opposition.

In fact, Granger is not even

tions, leading the PNCR from 2011. He failed in his bid for the presidency in the 2012 General and Regional Elections, losing to former President Donald Ramotar, before the PNCRdominated A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalesced with the Alliance For Change (AFC) in 2015 and gained victory at the polls.

New leadership

Former PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence

attending the Congress, having left the country on Tuesday to go to Cuba, as he “attends to matters of his health”, the party said in a statement earlier this week.

Vying for leadership now are Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and other party exec-

Meanwhile, the PNCR’s 21st Biennial Congress opened on Saturday under the theme “Learning from the Past, Conquering the Future Together”, with incumbent Chairperson Volda Lawrence declaring the party ready for new leadership.

During her address at the opening ceremony, which was held virtually, Lawrence spoke about the party’s boldness and its decision to open the nomination process to the entire country.

Members waiting their turn to cast their votes

utives Aubrey Norton and Dr Richard Van West-Charles.

Granger was the fourth Leader of the PNCR, following on the heels of former Presidents Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte and former PNCR Leader Robert Corbin.

Granger succeeded Corbin in hotly disputed party elec-

“We are a bold party, and not afraid of challenges, wherever they may confront us… We even opened our nomination process to the entire country…

Today, our Congress strikes a new path.”

Lawrence declared.

She also said that dialogue and debate are good for the party, allowing for participation at

PNCR’s Amna Ali at Congress Place on Saturday

all levels, and added that the number of youths seeking senior positions in the party is heartening.

Lawrence, who was nominated for leadership of the party but turned it down, also confirmed that she is not contesting any position at the party level. This includes her incumbent chairmanship of the party.

“I am happy for the many years of service. And I thank you, the membership.

Unfortunately, I will not be contesting at these elections, but I remain committed to the PNCR,” Lawrence said in her address.

In Stage 1 of the Congress, elections are being held for the Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairperson and Treasurer.

In the second stage, there will be an election for the members of the Central Executive Committee.

Polls opened at 11:00h at the various polling places and closed at 19:00h. The only polling station that did not close at the stipulated 19:00h was Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) for the simple reason being it opened after 11:00h.

Immediately after the close of polls, the officials from each polling station went into action and started to count the votes

cast. This was done in the presence of observers for the respective candidates.

After the counting process was completed, the Statements of Poll (SoP) from the various venues were sent to the Chief Elections Officer Vincent Alexander, who is expected to do the final tabulation before making a declaration.

In the last update for the evening, the CEO declared that the process is ongoing, and as such, a declaration of the results will be made public early on Sunday morning. He noted that the process of tabulation is tedious and has to be done in a transparent manner.

Guyana Times understands that Aubrey North was leading the race for leadership of the party.

The Congress was opened for delegates only, decentralised and hybrid, and will be conducted over one day at party Congress Houses and approved venues in the respective regions and the North American Region (NAR).

The event was live-streamed on the Facebook pages and YouTube channel of the PNCR, APNU Guyana, APNUAFC and all Facebook pages of the Opposition Members of Parliament.

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Agriculture critical to sustainable livelihood and job creation – President Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali

P

resident Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said agriculture would play a critical role in the Government’s efforts to create a sustainable livelihood and job creation for Guyanese.

President Ali was at the time addressing residents of Mara, East Bank Berbice, during a meeting on Friday.

President Ali explained

that Caricom has adopted a target of reducing the Food Import Bill for the region by 25 per cent by the year 2025. He said this would be done by using more products produced within the region, and changing consumption patterns.

The President made it clear that his Government is serious about agriculture, and would be investing heavily in the area of

food production. He said the Government would be supporting investments in areas like agro-processing.

“I do not want to preempt budget 2022, but I know that we will be setting aside resources for the development of this very sector and many of the things you spoke of: the incorporation of smart agriculture, technology and support in building infrastructure and capital expenditure for the farmers.”

He pointed out that Government wants to build an aquaculture industry and improve the swamp-shrimp production in Region Six. President Ali noted that the swampshrimp production has a large market in the diaspora, and he highlighted that Government is already supporting some farmers in the Corentyne area to get off the ground.

It was also highlighted that there is a US$50M investment in Enmore, Region Four. The facility will be processing and packaging pasteurised milk, natural fruit juices, and water; as well as a myriad of flour-based prod-

ucts, including hamburger buns, cookies, biscuits, croissants, bagels, and doughnuts.

President Ali has said there is a need to rebuild the cattle industry to support the facility. To fast track this, President Ali said, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha will be leading a team to the region to have a discussion with farmers.

“They are going to sit with all the farmers who own lands and situate the lands as to where they are.

If you have lands along the sea, and you are willing to come into the swampshrimp project, we are going to help you to build the dams, put the equipment, and bring you into the swamp-shrimp project.

If there are lands that you own that you want to put into aquaculture, we are going to discuss that with you into converting those lands to aquaculture,” the President explained.

Since taking office, Guyana resumed chairmanship of the Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security in Caricom.

Keeping it local…

O

…in oil kay…we know Guyana was shafted on the first (and still biggest) oil contract the PNC negotiated with the oil majors through its negotiation whiz (so he said…Harvard’s weekend course?) Raphael Trotman. And while some true believers are agitating for the contract to be renegotiated so we’d end up with a bigger slice of the (oil profits and royalty) pie, your Eyewitness isn’t holding his breath. If he saw Trotman in stainless-steel bracelets doing the perp-walk at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, he’d be a tad more optimistic!!

Anyhow, he’s assured that all isn’t lost. To use the 2% Royalty and 12.5% profits we’ll be getting - as was discussed yesterday - the Government just laid a new Natural Resource Bill. This outlines the controls they’ll be putting into place to finally start using the funds already deposited (US$600M and scheduled to increase exponentially!) to create a new Guyana. Including a new capital, Silica City!! If Dubai can create a modern metropolis in the Arabian desert sands, why can’t we do the same in the white sands of our “Hilly Sand and Clay Belt”?? Plus we’ll be able to claim compensation for moving inland because of rising seas due to global warming!!

But we’ll be getting another shot at sharing in the oil bonanza through the implementation of the Local Content Bill (LCB) that was also tabled. This one will be more immediate in its effect, since it sets targets for Guyanisation of almost every facet of the upstream and downstream operations in oil. Now, we know we’re not really ready for some jobs - like, say, actually drilling for oil miles under the ocean - but there are thousands of less-skilled jobs we can handle, especially in the unskilled area. Think of all those thousands of sugar workers fired by the PNC. Hard work never backed THEM down!!

But the LCB doesn’t just set INITIAL targets in dozens of areas - like fabrication, and yes, drilling - but annual increases in these targets! This means Guyanese will have to be trained in the skills to meet the targets. The Government has even granted 5% higher bid prices if the bidders confirm it’s to conduct Guyanese skills’ training!!

Now, the Government’s doing its part in setting the stage for creating thousands of jobs in this sector. It’s now up to Guyanese to step up to the crease and do our part. We know the oil majors are racing against the clock to pump the oil out as fast as they can, because the market will be crashing in a few decades.

Our workers-to-be will have to make themselves available!! And there’s money to be made to help them there! …to leverage the Regional Now, while we’ll be strengthening our economy on the back of our burgeoning oil industry, we shouldn’t forget that this will only last for another thirty years or so.

Our oil is finite - plus there’s also the contra movement towards renewables for fuel. We therefore have to think strategically…and it’s clear (and great!) that the Ali administration already has a jump on this. On Friday, the President followed up on his announcement to engage in talks (along with Suriname) with our southern neighbour Brazil - and went one better!!

He spoke to the leaders of the entire trade bloc of South American Nations - Mercosur. Sure, your Eyewitness knows that after it’s early promise, Mercusor has become a bit bogged down. But the intrinsic fundamentals are still there to become a “hinterland” we can service - after we get our infrastructure in place.

Remember Singapore created its economic miracle by defining its “hinterland” as Europe and America? Well, ours is right smack against our southern border!!

Look south, young Guyana!! That’s the future!! …in consumption For years, we snickered at the Caribbean importing so much foreign food. Well, we’ve fallen into that same trap. Now, he’s not advocating some kind of Burnhamite food ban.

But black pudding from England?!

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

9

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF Private feared dead after boat capsizes in Essequibo River A Private attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stationed at Fort Island, Essequibo River, is now missing after the boat in which he and five others were travelling capsized on Friday.

Missing is 24-year-old Junior Kenroy Sooklall.

The incident occurred sometime around 16:45h in the vicinity of St Lawrence on the East Bank of the Essequibo River.

Based on reports received, the group of GDF sol-

Missing: Junior Kenroy Sooklall

diers was heading to Parika from Essequibo in a privately-owned speedboat, and while in the vicinity of St Lawrence, they heard people screaming for assistance and as they looked around, they observed a boat sinking.

As the ranks quickly went in the direction of the persons, they observed four males in the water while two others were in a green and black boat a few metres away. The ranks managed to rescue three persons

from the water, however, the fourth male went down.

They further rescued the two other men that were in the boat after which the boat submerged. The ranks then took the rescued men to Mangal’s Wharf, after which the Police were informed.

Everette Tudor, 40, a Staff Sergeant attached to the GDF and a Base Commander at Fort Island who resides at B Field Sophia, Georgetown, was one of the men rescued.

The others are 28-yearold Ramesh Beepat, a Captain of Old Road Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); Turendra Lochan, 28, a barber of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo; 14-year-old Eon John, a student of Parika Primary School and of Le Destin, EBE, and 16-yearold Ryan Beepat, also a student of Le Destin, EBE. The rescued persons were questioned by the Police and escorted to Parika Police Station, where breathalyser tests were conducted.

Tudor, Turendra Lochan and Ramesh Beepat were above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Investigators further questioned the captain, who related that the five passengers were travelling from Fort Island when they hit

The search team that is looking for Sooklall

a wave, thus causing the 17-foot wooden boat which was powered by a 150-hp Yamaha outboard engine to capsize.

A search and rescue team was dispatched into

the area, in search of the missing rank but his body was not retrieved. Further searches are being conducted as investigations continue.

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7% salary increase

Govt pays out $10.5B in wages, salaries in December

New PNC leader must court crossover votes O

A

s the PNC elects a new leader, I return to a piece I penned a year ago, when I responded to an AfricanGuyanese activist who pointed out that we have been grappling for decades with the ethnic insecurities that have stymied the progress of all our peoples.

Before answering the question he posed, I placed it in context: with oil revenues about to enter the economy, unless the African and Indian Guyanese major ethnic groups, who Ravi Dev have been competing for power since 1955, arrive at a modus vivendi very quickly, we stand in danger of losing “corn and husk” to the carpetbaggers who will be descending on Guyana like locusts. We should be reminded that locusts leave nothing for others in their wake.

The activist slyly asked my opinion on the status of the Indian Ethnic Security Dilemma (IESD), which posits that even if their superior numbers were used to deliver the Government, they “would be in office but not in power”, because of African Guyanese occupancy of the strategic institutions of the state, especially its coercive arms.” He asked, more specifically, “Has it (the IESD) been resolved with the PPP’s return to office, with its strategic alliance with the US and Western powers which make African occupation (small numbers relative to the Burnham period) of the coercive arms of the state irrelevant?”

I thought a perceptive observer such as I knew the activist to be would have seen that the IESD is alive and well, as it rose to the fore before and after the elections. For instance, even though GECOM was a nominally “autonomous” state institution, several top officials in its Secretariat cleaved to the PNC after it became clear the coalition was losing the March 2nd elections. The Secretariat was dominated by African Guyanese, as was pointed out by the ERC, even as then Chair James Patterson, its HR Manager and DCEO Roxanne Myers “deliberately and wilfully” refused to give evidence on its hiring practices.

In wake of the brutal murders of the Henry cousins, after Messrs Granger and Harmon’s inflammatory rhetoric, we saw hundreds of Indian Guyanese flagrantly assaulted on the West Berbice Public Road, often in full view of the deployed Policemen and soldiers. A strike by the GPSU against the PPPC Government over grievances by nurses had been temporarily halted - but had been held in abeyance since April 2020, when those grievances were raised with the APNU/AFC. As I have pointed out ad nauseum, it is not that Africans in state institutions are necessarily “racists” per se, but when placed in polarising fields such as elections or riots, where they are forced to make a choice between “us and them”, they will at best equivocate, and at worst take a side, which is more often than not against the PPP. During the Buxton-based violence, for instance, soldiers refused to proceed in “hot pursuit” of gunmen who committed crimes in their presence.

In terms of the US and Western powers’ acceptance of democratic elections to choose our Government, I am not sure this creates an “alliance” against African Guyanese interests per se. Caricom, the EU, the Commonwealth, and so many others also spoke out against the PNC’s illegal grab for power.

This is unlike, for example, the alliance that the West forged with the PNC after 1964 to keep out the communist PPP, when they closed their eyes to the PNC’s electoral riggings.

In pursuing their strategic interests against Venezuela, or towards their multinational oil company Exxon (with, ironically, its Chinese partner), the PNC had an advantage over the PPPC, since, as was argued by Ivelaw Griffith, Nigel Westmaas et al, the former’s “Strategic Culture” was closer to the Americans’ than the latter’s. It cannot be gainsaid that, in 2015, the PNC was assisted by the Americans to take the reins of power.

Very frankly, the PNC vis-a- vis the democratic West and additionally did not serve the interests of its AfricanGuyanese core constituency well post-2015, after their AESD was removed. They not only alienated African and MixedGuyanese voters, who would have gravitated to the WPA’s historically progressive line, but also the Indian Guyanese the AFC had brought in by gratuitously firing 7000 sugar workers.

The PPPC was able to attract these crossover blocks and a majority of the Indigenous Peoples to take them over the line in 2020.

The new PNC leaders must return to the successful post2011 strategy of courting crossover votes.

ver 50,000 public servants, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services, and Government pensioners received their 2021 salary increase over the last week which included the 7 per cent increase that was announced by the Government.

The retroactive salary increases along with the substantive December salaries and pensions placed $10.5 billion in the hands of these categories of Guyanese Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had previously instructed that all efforts be made to ensure that eligible persons receive their salaries together with the retroactive amounts on the designated payday, and he had committed that these payments would be paid in time for the Christmas season.

As a result, staff of the Finance Ministry along with representatives from the various finance departments across Ministries and regions worked tirelessly to ensure that the Government’s promise was fulfilled.

In emphasising the im-

portance of persons receiving their payment last week, Minister Singh also acknowledged the efforts of the many staff involved in ensuring that the payrolls of the various agencies were processed on time.

The PPP/C Government has continued to take a multifaceted approach in improving the lives and livelihoods of our citizens. This injection will also stimulate economic activity across the country as the $10.5 billion placed in the hands of employees in the public sector will be multiplied as workers spend their increase in disposable income in markets, shops, or other businesses across the country.

Only recently, $250,000 one-off cash grants were distributed to each of the severed sugar workers from the Enmore, Skeldon, Rose Hall and Wales Sugar Estates. This totalled to over $1.3 billion.

Since coming into office in 2020, the Government has implemented a number of initiatives towards improving the livelihoods of Guyanese in the face of the global COVID 19 pandemic and the real impacts of cli-

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

mate change.

In 2020, the Government immediately implemented a COVID-19 cash grant, where $25,000 was disbursed per household. In 2021, the monthly old-age pension was increased from $20,500 to $25,000 and public assistance increased from $9000 to $12,000. In August 2021, special measures were announced for the provision of a one-off grant of $25,000 to all oldage pensioners, public assistance recipients, and persons living with disabilities.

The Government restored and increased the Because We Care cash

grants of $19,000 to the parents of school-age children and further extended the programme to children attending private schools.

Importantly, the Government has also committed $400 million for a special 2021 payout to be made to frontline workers in the health sector who continue to support our health sector in facing the new and ongoing challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic.

The Government assures its continued commitment to work assiduously to offer a better quality of life for all citizens.

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead after speeding car slams into parked lorry A

motor car driver was killed while several others were injured after he reportedly crashed into a parked truck along the Gangaram, East Canje public road on Saturday.

The dead man has been identified as 40-year-old Patrick David, of Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice. He was the driver of motor car PSS 820.

Those injured are Hemraj Sheodarsom, 36, of West Canefield Settlement; Dellon Giddings, 36, of Rose Hall, East Canje, and Javed Sherif, 17, of Second Street, Overwinning, East Bank Berbice.

It was reported that

Dead: Patrick David

the parked lorry is owned

by Harish Kupsammy of Gangaram, East Canje.

At the time the accident occurred, the car was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane at a fast rate of speed.

It is alleged by

The lorry that was stationed on the road

Sheodarsom that they were drinking at a popular bar and after he become intoxicated, the now dead man

collected his car key and started to drive instead. On their way home, David reportedly lost control of the

said vehicle and collided with the right-side front of the parked truck.

As a result of the collision, the motor car ended up in a nearby trench where the driver and occupants received injuries about their bodies.

They were pulled from the vehicle in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens and escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where they were seen and examined by a doctor who pronounced David dead on arrival.

The body was then tak-

en to the Arokium Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Sherif was treated and was later transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious condition where he was admitted in a serious condition.

Sheodarsom and Giddings were also later admitted as patients at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for observation.

Their conditions are regarded as stable. A breathalyser test conducted on Sheodarsom proved that he was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

13

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Enjoying our very own Guyanese Black Cake this Christmas cake's citrusy notes. It smells like Christmas is in the air.

Growing up, I remember having black cake at weddings and Christmas time. The black cake made for weddings always had a layer of almond paste and Royal icing on top, then adorned with little silver sugar beads. I especially loved the piece of black cake that was right under the almond paste. Mmm! Yummy!

Whenever my mom baked it during Christmas time, she never iced it. Nowadays, I think people make it the way they like.

By Raywattie D eonarine

A

round this time of the year in Guyana, black cake is famous for its uniquely dense texture, dark colour, and rich and robust taste. Those are the things that take the cake. This beloved, rum-soaked fruit cake is highly revered and sought after during Christmas time, as well as at weddings and celebrations. If you've never had this cake, at first glance, it may resemble that of a chocolate cake, but the deep, dark colour comes from the main ingredient - dried macerated fruits. Prunes, currants, raisins, and glazed cherries are chopped finely, then soaked in red wine and dark rum for months and years on end.

The fruit mixture is added to the cake batter, along with aromatic flavourings and warm spices. When my mom is baking, our home is fragranced with the

Recipe

Baking of the aromatic flavouring black cake

Texture is the attention when discussing black cake. Recipes and techniques for black cake vary according to country and personal preference. Personally, a pudding-like texture is what most persons prefer. It's smooth, and just melts into your mouth.

Mmm, yummy, yummy. I am

sure that most persons reading this feature would definitely not miss this tempting black cake recipe.

Black cake is one of those cakes for which no one wants to tell you their secret recipe; and if they do, they don't tell you all the other crucial steps, like how important a low baking temperature is, or how to make the burnt sugar to colour the cake.

Mom and I, when looking at countless videos, discovered so many tips, over the years, from people who were willing to share their magical steps and ingredients. When I told her that I wanted to share the black cake recipe this year in the Guyana Times, she said, "Gyal, yuh give way all meh recipe dem." I laughed so hard, but she was happy to contribute the way they like.

TURN TO PAGE 16

15

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Enjoying our very own Guyanese...

• 1 lb unsalted butter, softened (4 sticks) • 1 lb sugar, demerara brown or white granulated (2 cups) • 12 eggs • Zest of one lemon • Zest of one orange • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp almond extract • 2 tsp mixed essence • 1½ lbs macerated fruit mixture (about 3 heaped cups) • 300g all-purpose flour (2 ½ level cups) • 2 tsp baking powder • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp ground nutmeg • ¼ tsp ground all spice • ¼ tsp ground clove Alcohol mixture to pour on top • ¼ cup dark rum • ¼ cup cherry brandy

Fruit Mixture

We use a mixture of prunes, currants, raisins, and chopped coloured cherries. My mother usually uses a blender to perfectly mix her cake ingredients together. Her power blender has the grinding method to get the fruits to a smooth paste texture, and it gets it done quickly.

We grind our fruits, then soak with wine and rum, a special type of rum which in Guyana we call "bush rum". An alternative method is to soak the fruits whole, and grind when ready to bake the cake.

If you did not soak fruits months ahead, you can also simmer the fruits in wine for about 20 minutes.

Let it cool, then macerate and combine with rum.

Know your oven

Black cake is not a crumb-type cake; it more resembles a pudding, so a high temperature is not needed to cook the cake. Some people bake this cake in a bain marie (water bath) to steam the cake. Mommy has not tried this method, though we've baked this cake anywhere between 275 and 300 degrees. My mom's oven heats very quickly, and can even overheat.

Instructions

Make the colouring for the cake

This step can be very tricky. It is easy to burn the sugar to the point where it is bitter. My mom’s recipe recommends that one should keep on practising this step until one gets it right; or if you are not as comfortable, store-bought burnt sugar would work just fine. Let the sugar cool before adding it to the cake.

After creaming the butter and sugar, add eggs then fruit mixture. Once fruit is combined, add flour.

The batter would lighten in colour again after adding flour. After adding flour, add burnt sugar to the cake. Add as much as you like, until desired colour is achieved. I like to bake my cake in parchment paper. It works very well in keeping in the liquid when having to pour rum over the cake. Bake cake anywhere between 275 and 300 degrees for 90 minutes. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the cherry brandy + dark rum mixture on top. Brush to distribute.

How we like our black cake:

• It must have a pudding-like texture; not be stiff, rubbery, or dry.

• It must have just enough rum; not be overpowering, where you can't enjoy the cake.

• The cake must be baked at least 3 days ahead, so it has time to dry for best flavour and texture • It must have a good height; we want a piece of cake, not a sliver • Royal icing for weddings and birthday parties; no icing for our black cake baked at Christmas

TIPS:

• Eggs and butter must be room temperature to help with even mixing.

• 8inch pan is the perfect size for me. The batter would fill 3 tins. Nine-inch pans may be used, but make sure to adjust baking time. Bigger the pan, the less time needed to bake.

• I like to line pans with parchment paper. It keeps the bottom of the cake moist, and also ensures the cake absorbs all the alcohol mixture when poured on top.

• When grinding fruits, make sure it is not lumpy. It should resemble a paste texture.

FROM PAGE 14

The famous Black Cake (photo from Cooking with Ash)

• If using store-bought browning/burnt sugar, make sure to taste it first to ensure it is not salty.

• You will have macerated fruit mixture remaining. This recipe calls for only 3 cups of the mixture, and makes two cakes.

• You will use up most, not all, of the port wine when macerating/soaking the fruit.

• If you are not comfortable making your own burnt sugar, practise a few times. It can burn very quickly, so as soon as it gets very dark brown, remove from heat and add wine. Taste when cool to make sure it is not bitter.

If too bitter, it will ruin the taste of the cake! Here is a great video on how to make your own burnt sugar • After brushing cake with rum/brandy mixture, let it cool a few minutes, then cover cake with plastic wrap.

Make sure plastic wrap touches cake. This helps to seal in the moisture. Leave plastic wrap on cake, and once ever few days, add more rum/brandy mixture.

Ingredients

Macerated fruit mixture

• 1 lb prunes, pitted • 1 lb currants • 1 lb raisins • 8oz red glazed cherries • 4oz mixed peel Soaking • 750mL bottle port wine (or another dark red wine) • 3-4 cups white or dark rum • Keep one extra small bottle rum on hand Browning • 4 tbsp brown sugar • 4 tbsp port wine Cake batter

Fruit mixture

1.

Wash and dry all fruits. Mix together in a large bowl. Place fruits a little at a time in a food processor, food mill, or ninja blender. Add enough wine to grind 2. fruits to a paste. Repeat process until fruits have been macerated. Fruit mixture should not be too watery. Add 3-4 cups dark rum. Stir and let mixture soak at minimum one week or even one year+. Adding more wine or rum periodically.

3.

Make browning 1.

If using store-bought burnt sugar, skip this step. Place sugar in a small saucepan. On low heat, turn sugar with a spoon until it begins to caramelise. Once dark brown, add wine and remove from heat. Let cool completely.

Make batter

2. Preheat oven to 275 or 300 degrees F. 3. Line three 8in or two 9in baking pans with parchment paper. Trim paper and set aside.

4. Bring eggs and butter to room temperature.

5. Crack eggs into a separate bowl one at a time, Remove little white membrane from each egg (optional).

Beat in zests, vanilla, almond, and mixed essence. Set aside.

6. In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Set aside.

7. In deep mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale. Add eggs a little at a time.

Blend well.

8. Of the macerated fruit mixture, add 1 ½ lbs (3 heaped cups) a little at a time. Continue blending.

9. Add flour mixture a little at a time. Fold in with a spatula. Add 1 tbsp burnt sugar at a time until desired colour is achieved. If using store-bought burnt sugar, 4 tbsp should suffice for a very dark cake. Mix well.

10. Pour batter into lined cake pans.

11. Bake anywhere from 275-300 degrees F for 8090 minutes. When cake comes out of oven, pour alcohol mixture on top. When cool, cover cake with plastic wrap.

Flavour is best after a few days.

NOTE

1lb fruit mixture is traditionally used. You can try this recipe with these changes to see if it meets your preference. If you did not soak fruits months ahead, you can also simmer the fruits in wine for about 20 minutes.

Let it cool, then macerate and combine with rum.

Batter may be split in 3 smaller cake pans.

After removing cake from oven, it may seem to be undercooked. Do not be alarmed, as this is how it is supposed to be. After 2-3 days, the texture will change.

17

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

18 FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

H

A product displaying the certification mark on the left of the box

Proprietress of Game Xpress, Sonia Henriques

Assistant Manager of Game Xpress, Devika Ramesh

undreds of new toys are manufactured and imported annually for children across the country, whether for their birthdays, to celebrate a notable accomplishment, or to be presented as that special gift on Christmas Day. Whatever the occasion, for children, the joyful effects of receiving toys are usually lasting. However, for many parents and guardians, the quality of these items remains a concern.

More than two decades ago, Nazima Henriques experienced the challenge of finding quality toys as she tried to acquire a few pieces for her toddlers. “At that time, my kids were younger and it was difficult to get stuff (toys) that would last –maybe the kind that can be passed on to others

– and stuff (toys) that can teach them things,” she related.

Henriques said that every time she got the good type of toy, it would be one that a family sent from overseas as there was no business selling it in Guyana. As a result, she decided to invest in a toy business, birthing the now popular toy store, Game Xpress, which is located at 25 North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

The business sells educational toys, board games, and other items. “I found that there is a lack of entertainment for kids in Guyana…so we decided that since most persons do home entertainment, we went into selling the board games, video games, and so on,” the proprietor added.

Henriques said toys and playthings are purchased all year round since they include educational items for var-

ious age groups but are a welcome treat during the holidays. “We have games which teach ABCs, beginners reading, identify sounds, so people buy them just because of what they do.”

One year after its establishment in 2004, Game Xpress registered with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to import toys and playthings. As a requirement, the business has been completing its registration every year since.

The GNBS monitors toys and playthings based on requirements of the National Standard Specification for Labelling of Commodities – Part 12: Labelling of Toys and Playthings.

TURN TO PAGE 20

19

FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS ENLARGED PROSTATE

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/ Diabetes

T

he prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the urethra, and makes most of the fluid in the semen. The muscular action of the prostate helps propel the fluid and semen through the penis during sexual climax.

In many men, the prostate can become enlarged.

Sometimes it leads to symptoms, and, over time, other complications. However, there are treatments.

Enlargement of the pros-

tate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply.

These additional cells cause the prostate gland to swell and squeeze the urethra, thus limiting the flow of urine.

BPH isn’t the same as prostate cancer, and doesn’t increase the risk for cancer.

However, it can cause symptoms that can affect the quality of life.

BPH is common in men from 45-50.

BPH CAUSES

BPH is considered a normal condition of aging.

Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor. Any family history of prostate problems, or any abnormalities with the testicles, may increase the risk for BPH. Men who’ve had their testicles removed at an early age don’t develop BPH.

BPH SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of BPH are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if

they aren’t treated. Common symptoms include: • Incomplete bladder emptying • Nocturia, which is the need to urinate two or more times per night • Dribbling at the end of the urinary stream • Incontinence, or leakage of urine • Straining when urinating • Weak urinary stream • Sudden urge to urinate • Slowed or delayed urinary stream • Painful urination • Blood in the urine

BPH DIAGNOSIS

When checking for BPH, doctors would usually begin by doing a physical exam and asking about a person’s medical history. The physical exam includes a rectal examination that allows the doctor to estimate the size and shape of the prostate. Other tests can include: • Urinalysis.

The urine is checked for blood and bacteria.

• Urodynamic test.

The bladder is filled with liquid via a catheter to measure the bladder’s pressure during urination.

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This blood test checks for cancer of the prostate.

• Post-void residual. This tests the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.

• Cystoscopy. This is the examination of the urethra and bladder with a tiny lighted scope that’s inserted into the urethra.

The doctor may also ask about medications used that might be affecting the urinary system, such as: • Antidepressants • Diuretics • Antihistamines • Sedatives

BPH TREATMENT

Treatment of BPH can begin with self-care and lifestyle adjustments. If symptoms don’t subside, medication or surgery may be recommended. Age and general health would also influence the prescribed treatment.

BPH natural treatment

Natural treatment can include specific actions, or lifestyle changes that can help relieve the symptoms of BPH. These include: • Urinating as soon as the urge is felt • Going to the bathroom to urinate, even when you don’t feel the urge • Avoiding over-thecounter decongestants or antihistamine medications, which can make it harder for the bladder to empty • Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially in the hours after dinner Reducing stress level, as nervousness can increase the frequency of urination • Exercising regularly, as a lack of exercise can aggravate the symptoms • Learning and practising Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles • Keeping warm, since being cold can make symptoms worse Some people also include natural remedies in their treatment of BPH. However, there isn’t evidence that

they’re effective.

BPH DRUGS

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough to relieve the symptoms, doctors may recommend medication.

Several medications can help to treat both the symptoms of BPH and BPH itself.

These medications include: • Alpha-1 blockers • Hormone reduction medications • Antibiotics Alpha-1 blockers Alpha-1 blockers are medications that relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate. Alpha-1 blockers relax the neck of the bladder, and make it easier for urine to flow. Examples of alpha-1 blockers in Guyana include: • Doxazosin • Terazosin • Tamsulosin Hormone reduction medications Medications that reduce the levels of hormones produced by the prostate gland, such as dutasteride and finasteride, are commonly prescribed.

TURN TO PAGE 20

20 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ensure children 5-11 years are vaccinated – Dr Ramsammy urges parents

C

OVID-19 vaccination has been opened for children within the ages of five and 11, and advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy is urging guardians to ensure that this cohort is protected against the virus.

During the arrival of vaccines on Friday, the former Health Minister underscored, “Take advantage of the booster shots. We have already started vaccinating the children five to 11 and we hope that people will bring their children. We are very proud that Guyana has a full COVID-19 vaccination programme in play.”

Dr Ramsammy pointed out that Guyana has seen tremendous success in its

Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

vaccination efforts, but this is linked to partnerships to ensure vaccines are available to the population, as well as initiatives to get peo-

ple immunised.

“Guyana has completed close to 410,000 first dose vaccines for adults. At the same time, we have been able to administer close to 30,000 first doses to the adolescent population…At the moment, 80 per cent of adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine and at least 56 per cent of our adult population are fully vaccinated. It’s because of partnerships that Guyana has reached impressive numbers.”

A few weeks ago, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorisation for the PfizerBioNTech to be administered to children between

the ages of five and 11. On November 2, 2021, after a systematic review of available data, the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices made an interim recommendation to use the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children in the United States for the prevention of COVID-19.

The double-dose vaccine has an efficacy of about 95 per cent and is one of two vaccines approved for children by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

When the campaign started in Guyana, only children above the age of

12 were eligible for the vaccine. Guyana is using the Pfizer jab to inoculate its adolescent population (12 to 17) along with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

In total, Guyana has received some 1.2 million vaccines from Pfizer, Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V; and Johnson and Johnson. There were donations of 3000 doses of the AstraZeneca shot from Barbados, 20,000 Sinopharm doses from China, 84,000 AstraZeneca doses from the United Kingdom and another 80,000 doses of the

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

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

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

HEALTH TIPS ENLARGED PROSTATE

These two medications lower the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent variation of testosterone that affects hair and prostate growth, among other functions.

Sometimes lowering the hormone levels would make the prostate get smaller and improve urine flow.

However, in rare cases, these medications may also lead to side effects such as impotence and a decreased sex drive.

Antibiotics Antibiotics may be used if the prostate becomes chronically inflamed from bacterial prostatitis related to BPH. Treating bacterial prostatitis with antibiotics may improve the symptoms of BPH by reducing the inflammation. However, antibiotics won’t help prostatitis or inflammation that is not caused by bacteria.

Surgery for BPH

Different types of surgical procedures can help treat BPH when medications aren’t effective. Some proce-

dures are either non-invasive or minimally invasive, and can often be done in a doctor’s office or clinic (outpatient procedures).

Others are more invasive, and need to be done in a hospital (inpatient procedures).

COMPLICATIONS OF BPH

The symptoms of BPH can be easy to ignore.

However, early treatment can help to avoid potentially dangerous complications.

People with a longstanding history of BPH may develop the following complications: • Urinary tract infections • Urinary stones • Kidney damage • Bleeding in the urinary tract • Sudden inability to urinate Sometimes urinary obstruction from BPH is so severe that no urine can leave the bladder at all. This is called bladder outlet obstruction. It can be dangerous because, urine trapped in the bladder can cause

FROM PAGE 19

urinary tract infections and damage the kidneys.

BPH vs. prostate cancer BPH and prostate cancer don’t share symptoms.

Prostate cancer is almost always asymptomatic, and is identified by either an elevated PSA or prostate nodule. It’s also a more serious condition than BPH. Doctors can test to make sure that the symptoms aren’t related to prostate cancer.

BPH doesn’t always require medical treatment.

Sometimes a doctor would want to have regular checkups to monitor the symptoms and the size of the prostate.

Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are all treatment options for symptoms that are affecting the quality of life. Health care providers can develop a treatment plan that helps manage the symptoms and cause you to live a healthy life. That’s why it’s important to discuss the symptoms of BPH with a clinician, no matter how minor you feel they may be.

FROM PAGE 18

Products are inspected at the ports of entry, warehouses, and sale outlets to ensure that they are in conformity with the national standard. They are checked for the type of materials used to make the toys, the name of the manufacturer, the type of finish used, and whether they can be dangerous to children.

Importantly, GNBS Inspectors also ensure that the products carry a Certification Mark from a recognised laboratory in their country of origin.

This mark indicates that the product was tested for quality and approved for use by children.

Asked what it has

been like working with the GNBS, the proprietor praised the Bureau for the service offered.

“I wish if every other organisation was like the GNBS. It’s been a breeze working with them, it’s been easy…We always meet the requirements, we never had an issue,” she noted.

To upkeep compliance, Assistant Manager at the Lacytown store, Devika Ramesh noted that the business avoids purchasing toys which are not properly packaged and labelled.

“There is nothing out of a box or so. Everything is well labelled. People can see what they want to

purchase, all the features are listed there as well; so there are not instances of persons thinking I am going to buy a toy but I don’t know what it does,” she explained.

Both Henriques and Ramesh are urging persons purchasing toys and playthings for this Christmas season to look for quality products. They are also encouraging customers to read labels, which help to identify the best options for their children.

To retailers, the proprietor and manager urged them to only offer for sale, items which are of quality to ensure that consumers get value for money.

NEWS

21

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Encashment of $25,000 one-off cash grant further extended – Dr Persaud T

he $25,000 cash grant vouchers by the Government of Guyana, through the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, can now be cashed by December 24, 2021, owing to a provision by the Ministry to ensure that everyone who is entitled receives the grant.

Subject Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud made the announcement of the extension this week, noting that the period is for those who, for some reason or another, could not collect their vouchers. The vouchers this time though can only be cashed at post offices across the country.

“It is Government’s commitment to public assistance recipients and people living with disabilities.

In addition to our survey,

Dr Persaud interacting with residents during the recent distribution exercise

we worked along with the National Commission on Disability and the Poor Law Commission to ensure that persons living with disabilities and not on our Public Assistance register were included,” Dr Persaud noted, adding, “And we are working on a system to deliver this to their homes. We just want to make sure that everyone benefits.”

The Ministry is advising persons to visit their regular distribution sites for queries regarding permanently disabled people and public assistance (both economical and medical) for the year 2021.

Meanwhile, Dr Persaud has noted that the recent distribution exercise was a massive undertaking that, by and large, went well with the support of the volun-

teers, community and regional representatives.

Pensioners who are bedridden, visually impaired, or confined to a wheelchair, can receive their pensions through direct delivery by registering for the shut-in services To request, they can call the following numbers: 221 2571, 221 2544 (Mahaicony); 232 0952, 232 0953 (Fort Wellington); 333 3970, 333 3318 (New Amsterdam); 337 2667 (Whim); 335 3051 (Skeldon); 771 4311 (Anna Regina); 225 6202, 223 6027 (Georgetown); 264 2690 (West Bank Demerara); 223 1746 ext 2266/2267 (East Bank Demerara); 220 8977, 256 3635 (East Coast Demerara); 444 6330, 444 6815 (Linden); 772 2307 (Lethem); and 455 2964 (Bartica).

25 local businesses complete HSSE training for oil and gas industry information, local business development, professional networking, and policy advocacy. Since launching in 2017, it has been meeting the growing demands of

T

wenty-five local companies have completed the Centre for Local Business Development’s (CLBD) Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Management System Programme.

At an award ceremony held recently, the 25 businesses were applauded for completing the programme

by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond.

Also, CLBD’s Director, Natasha Gaskin-Peters offered congratulations to the company. She said, “The Centre would like to congratulate all of the 25 local businesses for not only beginning but sticking through and completing the programme. The creation of an HSSE Management System in your businesses will not only help you to compete for contracts in the oil and gas industry but in other diverse sectors.”

The CLBD said that

HSSE in the oil and gas industry is a top priority.

And with Guyana producing oil, it noted that there is an enormous opportunity to address gaps and ensure HSSE is interwoven in the country’s business culture.

The Centre said it plays an integral role in fostering the development and expansion of a safe culture in Guyana. To match this increased demand, the CLBD developed a HSSE Management System Programme in conjunction with members of the oil and gas industry.

This programme commenced in July 2019 and has since assisted over 250 businesses to begin their HSSE Management System journey. The programme begins with an initial awareness session, followed by a combination of site visits, creation of documentation and processes, assessment sessions, and follow-up visits.

To date, 25 companies have completed the pro-

gramme.

The 25 graduating businesses are: SEAJ EcoClean Services, Environmental Management Consultants, Guyana Oil & Gas Support Services Inc, Metro Office, and Computer Supplies, Silvie’s Industrial Solutions, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc, Guyana Logistics and Support Services, Queensway Security Services Inc, B&J Civil Works, Herdmanston Lodge, Grand Coastal Inn Inc, Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc; Hughes, Fields & Stoby; Zeco Group of Companies, Ground Structures Engineering Consultants, Marine Traders Atlantic, IMEX Inc, Arrow Oilfield Services Inc, Pinnacle Business Services Inc, Sagacity Inc, Symmetry Brokerage and Logistics, Strategic Recruitment Solutions, Chung’s Global Enterprise, Camsol Inc, and GR Engineering Co. The Centre for Local Business Development is Guyana’s premier source

Guyanese businesses by offering training, mentoring for growth, and procurement linkages.

It continues to spur local competitiveness and drive inclusive economic growth.

Its integrated approach helps Guyanese businesses benefit from offshore oil and gas opportunities and business expansion while maximising skills transfer and technology development.

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-China Youth Leadership Development competition winners awarded E

leven secondary school students have been awarded as winners of the GuyanaChina Youth Leadership Development competition.

The Education Ministry was invited by the People’s Republic of China to participate in an annual competition for youth leadership development among secondary schools in the 11 Education Districts.

In March of this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Education Minister to solidify the cooperation programme.

Following a rigorous programme, the winners received their prizes.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan; Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson; Guyana Online Academy of Learning Director, Dr Jacob Opadeyi; and Administrator of the Unit

of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King were present at the awards ceremony held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) to congratulate the winners.

The winners are Rahul Chu of North West Secondary School, Nanda Persaud of Abram Zuil Secondary School, Attoya Harvey of Uitvlugt Secondary School, Allister Henry of President’s College, Ryah Rhoomes of Rosignol Secondary School, Malachi Alexander of Berbice Educational Institute, Odelliea Benjamin of Bartica Secondary School, Pearson Marcello of Paramakatoi Secondary School, Allan Fernandes of Aishalton Secondary School, Lemuel Browne of Linden Foundation Secondary and Xaria Holder of Queen’s College.

A total of 115 students from the 11 Districts had applied to participate in the competition. However, 70 were shortlisted for the

Minister Manickchand and other officials pose with the winners

award and 44 eventually completed the event from which the 11 winners were selected.

The participating students were required to conduct a community survey to ascertain the needs of their community after

which they were required to capture the survey in an essay to outline their project, stating how it would be done and how it will benefit their community.

Following the judging of these essays, approval was given for the projects to be

completed.

The students were also required to engage in the critiquing of an artwork relative to their project, engage in a physical fitness challenge and also prepare an oral or written report to reflect their expe-

rience in participating in the various aspects of the competition.

The students were urged to continue along the path they are on and to return to their communities with a view of ultimately transforming Guyana.

COVID situation in 2021 worse than 2020 – PAHO Director

D

irector of the Pan American Health Organisation, Dr Carissa F Etienne has regarded 2021 as “undoubtedly worse” than 2020, as it relates to the continued COVID-19 crisis.

In her last briefing for the year, the Director told media operatives, “When we compare 2020 to 2021, this year was undoubtedly worse. We saw triple the number of COVID infections and deaths in this second year of the pandemic than we did in 2020.

Hospitals were stretched thin, vital medicines and supplies ran low, and our health systems were put to the test like never before.”

While this has been a sobering year, she said authorities have learnt what it takes to bring the virus under control and had COVID-19 vaccines to protect tens of millions of people.

Over the last week, the Americas reported over 926,056 new COVID infections which is an 18.4 per cent increase in COVID cases

from previous weeks.

In Central America, cases are also down, except in Panama, where cases have steadily increased over the last month. There is a shift in South America, where infections have dropped in Bolivia for the first time since September, but increased in Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. The situation remains steady in Brazil and Peru.

In the Caribbean, while infections are down overall, Trinidad and Tobago reached

its highest weekly COVID case count and cases rose by 66 per cent in Saint Lucia over the last week.

“COVID does not simply go away, so we need to employ all the resources we have to stop it: vaccines, masks, social distancing, and, of course, surveillance…More than a third of all COVID cases and one in four COVID deaths reported worldwide have occurred here in the Americas.

As we welcomed 2021, COVID vaccines had not yet arrived on our shores. Today, more than 1.3 billion COVID vaccine doses have been administered in the Americas.”

She added that although rollout of vaccines has not been as rapid, or as evenly distributed, 56 per cent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccine inequity continues to divide our region and if we don’t address these glaring gaps, we’ll fail to bring this virus under control.

There is no magic bullet to protect us against COVID-19.

That’s why we must embrace new tools and use them wisely. Right now, there are a few

Pan American Health Organization Director, Dr Carissa F Etienne

promising new drugs in latestage development that may help us treat COVID, and thus avoid hospitalisations and prevent deaths.

If they are approved by regulatory authorities, she said authorities must be ready to leverage these technologies, building on the lessons of the last two years.

The first lesson is that every decision must be grounded in evidence.

Dr Etienne added, “We urge countries in our region to

heed the advice of the WHO, expert committees, scientists, and regulators whose jobs it is to carefully review the safety and efficacy of drugs and recommend when, where and how to deploy them. The second lesson is that we must be ready to deploy these tools once they become available.”

PAHO is tracking countries closely and is on deck to support countries, international organisations, companies, and partners to find alternative solutions to guarantee access to future COVID therapeutic tools, including antivirals.

“This region has the technical expertise, a well-established manufacturing capacity, strong regulatory infrastructure, and an effective pooled procurement mechanism via our Strategic Fund that, if effectively leveraged, will help us accelerate access to COVID technologies. But for this regional effort to work, we need the good will of companies to openly share these technologies and resources to all countries so that the Americas are not left behind as new tools become available,” she relayed.

NEWS

23

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

753 active COVID-19 cases being monitored …66 new infections, zero deaths recorded in 24h GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD

T

he Health Ministry on Saturday reported that COVID-19 infections have been on the decline after a massive third wave a few months ago but it is still monitoring 753 active cases.

New statistics provided showed that no death was recorded for the past 24 hours but 66 new infections were detected, thus taking the confirmed cases to 38,817. The death toll remains at 1028.

There are 11 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 43 in institutional isolation, 699 in home isolation, and six in institutional quarantine. Some 37,036 persons have recovered while 411,326 tests have been conducted.

For the new cases, one was recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); five in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 21 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 12 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 16 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); six in Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There was no increase reported in Region Eight

DECEMBER 18, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

66

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

43

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION (Potaro-Siparuni).

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

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

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

The Health Ministry had reported that persons who took the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines can use Pfizer as the booster shot; while those who receive Sputnik V will get a Johnson and Johnson dose

as a booster, and those with Sinopharm will get another shot of that jab as a booster.

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

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

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

699 11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,507

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,310

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020 NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

38,817`

REGION 1

1698

REGION 2

1575

REGION 3

5186

REGION 4

18,098

REGION 5

1472

REGION 6

3620

REGION 7

1799

REGION 8

622

REGION 9

2483

REGION 10

2263

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

37,036 407,341 288,315

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1028

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

PPP youth group treats Bandits rob, terrorise Festival City family children for Christmas A

L

ittle boys and girls of Better Hope and La Bonne Intention (LBI) along the East Coast of Demerara received a Christmas treat when the Better Hope/ LBI Neighbourhood Youth Standing Committee delivered gifts to them on Santa’s Sleigh.

Organised by Chairman of the Better Hope/Success/ LBI National Democratic Council, Zaman Shaw along with Amrita Mani, Vickash Bharrat, Christina Blossom and others, the toy drive in the community sought to brighten the faces of the little boys and girls.

Shaw and his do-gooder friends walked around the community, stopping wher-

ever they saw a child and handing toys and snacks to them.

A truck blaring Christmas music led the way while the toys and snacks were carried on another truck that followed.

The smile on the faces of the children said it all as they were given a wrapped present, along with a bag of goodies. They were surprised, thankful and excited.

Shaw told Guyana Times that this is the third year the exercise is being held while noting that it is not only being done in the Better Hope/LBI community, but in other communities.

He said that the idea to spread the Christmas joy

around the neighbourhood that he grew up in was a collective thought from him and his friends.

Additionally, he mentioned that they usually cater for some two hundred kids, but this year the gifts and the snacks are a little more.

Parents who witnessed the selfless act of the Better Hope/LBI Neighbourhood Youth Standing Committee told this publication that though they were not expecting something such as, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are grateful.

Shaw and his friends walked from street to street, ensuring that every little boy and girl they saw received a gift for the Christmas season.

group of bandits robbed and terrorised a family of three at their Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown home in the wee hours of Wednesday last.

The women, aged 44, 22, and a teenager, were robbed by five bandits who held them at gunpoint during which they ransacked the house.

Guyana Times understands that at about 03:10h on the day in question, the men entered the home by breaking a back door on the building.

The 22-year-old victim was first accosted and robbed by two of the armed men who entered her room and relieved her of a gold chain that she was wearing. She was then dragged into another room where her mother, 44-year-old and 15-year-old cousins were in.

At this point, three other bandits entered the building and began ransacking the house, while they held the trio at gunpoint.

After finding no cash, the bandits reportedly threatened to chop the women about their bodies.

Fearful for their lives, the women began begging the men.

The men later carted

off with three cell phones, four laptops, other electronic devices, jewellery, and an undisclosed sum of cash. They even took foodstuff and floor mats.

After the men left, the Police were contacted and an investigation was launched. No arrests were made.

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Conductor’s murder…

“My son was provoked for years”, says mother of suspect

Mother of suspect: Burnelleen Lynch

By LaWanda McAllister

T

he family of 27-yearold Paul Lynch, the conductor who fatally stabbed minibus tout Morven Nurse to death, has claimed that he was provoked into retaliation, and added that the men had had a grievance that had been ongoing for years.

Lynch turned himself in to the custody of the Police hours after the fatal stabbing of Nurse, but is yet to be charged for the heinous crime.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday, Lynch’s relatives and friends expressed the belief that provocation had led to the crime.

Nurse, called “Tupac”, was stabbed to death by Lynch on the East Coast Demerara Bus Park during

an argument.

Lynch’s best friend, Asheka Douglas, who witnessed the incident, related that the suspect had walked away several times, but Nurse kept approaching and provoking him.

“I even hold him back, but Morven Nurse keep pushing himself towards him. I talked to both of them…when Pauly went to the Police officer that was on the park to report that this boy was harassing him, the officer curse him [Lynch] about his mother. After Pauly walked away from him, Tupac run behind him and still keep attacking him”, Douglas related.

“There is no video showing Tupac doing Pauly anything, just with Pauly doing Tupac this and that…that was more like self-defence, because he actually defended himself”, Douglas concluded.

Meanwhile, the suspect’s mother, Burnelleen Lynch, also explained that her son retaliated only after being tormented for years by the now dead man. She said Nurse had had several altercations with her son over the years, which had led to her making Police reports against him.

“When my son was going to school, this boy Morven would see him and beat him up. He also came home countless times with bungee in his head, his head thingup. He would take bricks and pelt him. I would go and

Suspect: Paul Lynch jr

complain to the mother, she would say, ‘Get out of them children story’ “I made countless reports, because he [Morven] run both of my sons. They were coming home, and more that often he would get them running up the road.

Even with cutlasses. They would come home breathless, and one time Morven go on his knees and tell them he would murder them,” she explained.

The suspect’s mother added that the situation had reached a point where the victim had promised to burn their house down. She related that in one incident, she and the victim’s mother had tried to make peace between these two males, but as they grew older, their conflict got worse.

“They both worked on the park, and many times when I am coming home from

work, Morven on the attack.

I would see a big crowd, and when I go is Morven and Pauly or Morven and Sammy [her other son]. I does got to be in the middle holding them to make peace.

He [Nurse] is always the aggressive one”, she said.

The mother added that though she is saddened by Nurse’s passing, and sympathises with his family, it is no secret that her son had been provoked for years by the victim.

“I tell my children ‘If you live by it, you will die by it’, that is why myself and husband turned our son in. I told my son that God is our vindicator…I told him he did wrong, but I know it came because of years of provocation”.

The woman said that for years her son had been bullied by persons, not only Nurse, but others with whom he came into contact, and that is because he does not retaliate.

“Many times he come home and show me bores about his body… people would slap my son and he would walk away, because

Dead: Morven Nurse

he always believes in peace.

It is because they see he is soft, that is why… The other day somebody spit in his face; he come home and cried…,” she said.

“My son did not premeditate to murder Morven.

Two Police officers were out there. Them and everybody skinning their teeth, and nobody did not try to part them.

It could have been avoided.

It could have been your son, your brother, but everybody was on their phone like it was a show,” she lamented.

Lynch’s mother underscored that she is being attacked even on social media because her son committed the offence, “but no one knows the depth of the situation,” she further lamented.

“Everybody does do my son all kinds of things. OH MY GOD! He defended himself! I am not saying what he did was right, but put yourself in his situation and someone was coming to take your life, wouldn’t you try to protect yourself?” the tearful woman asked.

Following the incident, the Police issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect, and he subsequently turned up at the station in the company of his attorney. His mother said her son had to be taken to the hospital several times by Police after he was hit in the head by Nurse during Wednesday’s altercation.

“He [Nurse] pick up drinks case and lash him in his head. Right now, my son is in hospital vomiting blood. Since the day when we hand him in he was vomiting blood…”, she said.

Govt supports Mabaruma residents for festive season

Blackout woes continue during holiday season – GPL says DBIS shutdown

D

espite the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) declaring, less than two weeks ago, that it is fully prepared for any emergency during the holiday season, the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) experienced a total shutdown on Saturday evening. That shutdown left the entire counties of Demerara and Berbice without power for nearly two hours.

In a post on his Facebook page about 30 minutes later, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, disclosed that the shutdown occurred at about 17:59h, and efforts were being made to incrementally restore power in affected areas. At that time, he had noted that some engines were restarted and Georgetown was repowered.

But while power was restored after approximately one hour, there was blackout a second time, about

20 mins after restoration.

However, Saturday’s power outage comes on the heels of GPL officials saying at a press conference on December 8 that the power company would be generating sufficient power to satisfy the high demand during this season. Nevertheless, they had noted that disruptions to the Distribution and Transmission network could cause outages.

“Whether you get blackouts or not, it’s not going to be planned; it has to be an emergency,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharrat Dindyal, had said.

He noted, “In terms of outages, we don’t see an exposure on the generation side. Of course, network side we always have exposure. What we find happening around this time is that we got people out there driving, and they seem to be targeting the poles. So, we have a lot of those, and

there is only so much we can do. We really have to ensure that we are ready to respond to those when they happen.”

In fact, vital to preparation for the holidays is GPL’s emergency response, which has been significantly boosted.

Additionally, the power company would beef up its customer-service facilities to include more options to contact GPL for assistance.

In addition to the company’s telephone numbers, customers can also make contact via WhatsApp messaging on cell #699-4882, as well as by utilising the company’s live chat feature on its website.

Persons who are experiencing power outage can also call in on 226-2600, and instead of dialling extension 1 to speak to an agent, they can instead dial extension 9 to get automated updates for the areas where there are outages.

Minister Collin Croal and team interacting with a resident of Mabaruma on Saturday

H

ousing and Water Minister Collin Croal on Saturday led a team to the sub-region of Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini) on a hamper distribution exercise.

Accompanied by Regional Vice-Chair Annansha Peters and GWI's Director of Hinterland Services Ramchand Jailal, the Minister first visited the community of Barabina, where 30 hampers were distributed. Another 70 hampers were distributed at Hosororo.

The distribution of the hampers is expected to assist the elderly and vulnerable groups within the communities during the holidays.

In remarks made during

the distribution, Minister Croal noted that the community of Hosororo would witness significant improvement in its water supply by next February. Under the 2022 Budget, the Minister said, a generator would be procured, as the one serving the community has been worn.

A realignment of the catchment system is also expected. Several wells are also slated to be drilled in the Mabaruma sub-region, including in the communities of Wauna and Khan Hill.

Minister Croal also emphasised the importance of healthcare for residents in the region, especially the elderly. In this regard, he

said Government is currently upgrading infrastructure at the Mabaruma Hospital.

Those works are expected to be completed soon, and residents would be able to benefit in the new year. Besides being infrastructurally upgraded, the hospital would also benefit from increased manpower and specialists, the Minister said.

More works are also in line to eventually decentralise healthcare from Georgetown.

Mabaruma is also set for road upgrades and better ferry services, as the Government continues to promote equity between the hinterland and coastland communities.

25 6 killed, 3 injured in fiery 3-vehicle collision on WCB public road SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dead: Joel Jacobs

S

Dead: Keanna Dow

Dead: Gary Blair

ix persons are now dead and at least three others were injured in a horrific three-vehicle collision on the West Coast Berbice public road in the wee hours of Saturday.

Police confirmed that the three vehicles were reportedly speeding at the time of the accident. One of them reportedly burst into flames upon impact. In that vehicle were three friends, one of whom was celebrating his 22nd birthday.

Those dead are Gary

west and the car with the three friends was travelling in the opposite direction.

Following the collision, the car carrying the three friends burst into flames.

The burnt bodies of the young men were pulled from the wreckage after the blaze was put out.

When Guyana Times visited the horrific scene on Saturday morning, a resident, Minton McPherson, said he was asleep when he heard the impact. He said he heard screaming shortly

Persons who visited the scene said six persons were initially taken from the scene with a few appearing to have been dead and others badly injured.

They recalled that the three young men who were in the burnt vehicle were placed on the road for some time before a hearse took away the bodies.

Lynch’s sister, Timika Williams, said that his death has left four siblings in pain. She related that it was friends who would

Blair, 44, and Joel Jacobs, 29, both of Section D Turkeyen, Georgetown; Keanna Dow, 22, of Number 29 Village, West Coast Berbice; the birthday boy, Jamal Lynch, 19, of Hopetown Village; Jashaun Saul, 19, of Number 22 Bel Air, WCB, and Lindon McFarlane, 23, also of Number 22 Bel Air. Lynch, Saul and McFarlane were reportedly heading home from a party when the accident occurred.

Injured are Akeem Solomon, 30, of Number 4 Village, WCB; Brian Goodridge, 29, of East Coast Demerara, and Fiona Massiah, 20, of Number 28 Village, WCB. Goodridge is currently at THE Georgetown Public Hospital, while Solomon and Massiah were admitted to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital.

Reports are that two of the vehicles were travelling

after that and by the time he got outside, he saw the car on his bridge in flames.

“We could not get outside because of the heat,” he explained while adding that phone calls were made to both the Police and Fire Service.

Regional Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon told the media that while at this time it is difficult to say exactly what happened, from all indications all three vehicles were speeding.

“As to exactly who collided into who we are uncertain at this time. What is weird about the accident is that two of the vehicles suffered damages to the front; the bonnet and the left side of the third vehicle is ripped away. So, we don’t know who came into contact with whom but definitely no one ran into anyone from behind,” he disclosed.

have picked up her brother and taken him out to celebrate his birthday.

However, she received the sad news and rushed to the accident scene early Saturday morning.

“I saw a burnt body and then Jamal was there lying lifeless and his feet were broken, his neck was broken; I don’t know if he tried to jump from the window.

And then the other boy, Saul, he was in the corner all badly broken – his legs badly broken.”

At the Fort Wellington Hospital, persons said the bodies were placed on each other and it was difficult to initially identify “who is who”.

The mother of one of the victims, Marva Saul, disclosed that the news reaching her was that her son’s friend was involved in a serious accident.

“From the time I hear Jamal's name mentioned,

The car in which the three friends were travelling

I know that to my heart that Joshua had to be in it because he and Jamal always be together and they have another friend but the other friend didn’t go with them last night,” she said.

That friend is Carlon Senena, and he was also with the trio on Friday evening. Senena said they were all at a barbeque at Hopetown Village and left sometime before midnight but his friends did not want to go home. He refused the invitation to go to a party at Leitchfield Village, which is eighteen villages away.

cision not to go with them which might be the reason for him being alive today.

“I can’t really say how I feel. Right now, I feel really bad because my friends are gone. We came from a long way…”

Senena, Lynch and Saul attended the Number 8 School together and remained close friends ever since.

Police are still trying to put the pieces together.

However, reports are that Jacobs, Dow and Solomon had left Georgetown for a party on the West Coast of

ger, he noted, lost one of his eyes and suffered a laceration to his head.

“I saw him about a week ago, he came here and he brought a pit bull dog and told me when I am going in the morning to work I must drop the dog in Sophia.

That is the last I saw him.

He came up here last night and I did not see him,” Vincent Jacobs said.

While many family members were mourning on Saturday at Hopetown, Lynch’s friends said they were still going to celebrate his birthday. According to

Linden McFarlane, Jomal Lynch and Jason Saul

“I told them that I have to work in the morning and I don’t want to be drunk and I can’t work in the morning, so, I left and came home,” the construction worker related.

He pointed out that it was early on Saturday, he received the news of the passing of his three friends.

It was difficult for him to say how he was feeling knowing that he took a de-

Berbice.

According to Jacobs’ father, he did not know that his son was in Berbice.

The senior Jacobs revealed that his son worked with him in the construction field and they had both been living in the capital city for work purposes.

He explained that his son was in the car along with Dow and one other passenger. That passen-

his sister, had he been alive by mid-Saturday, he would have had his friends over.

“The yard would have been full with boys. His friends would have come over and they would have been buying the beers by the case. That is the only thing about them, they would drink the beers. One thing I can say about them is that they don’t smoke,” Tamika Williams related.

26

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

Regional

Jamaica wins major Final Chile presidential polls show leftist Boric edging ahead accolades at World Travel

C

hilean leftist Gabriel Boric has widened his lead in the final polls ahead of the Andean country's presidential election today, though the polarised race remains tight against ultra-conservative rival Jose Antonio Kast.

Ahead of the run-off ballot, two private polls seen

by Reuters showed 35-yearold former student protest leader Boric edging ahead of Kast, 55, a far-right lawyer who has defended the legacy of military dictator Augusto Pinochet.

Chile, the world's top copper producer and long a

role model of market-oriented economic policy in Latin America, is set for its most divisive presidential ballot in decades, with both candidates from outside the centrist mainstream parties.

A private poll from Cadem, which surveyed 1007 people with a margin of error of 3.1 per cent, showed Boric taking 55 per cent of the vote versus 45 per cent for Kast, widening his lead over the last week when a similar poll showed him with 52 per cent versus 48 per cent for Kast.

A second poll by consulting firm Atlas Intel, which had shown a draw earlier

in the week, now put Boric ahead with 51 per cent voting preferences versus 49 per cent for Kast. The survey included 4062 people with a margin of error of 1 per cent.

The country is in a twoweek blackout period where pollsters cannot openly publish surveys on the vote, but private polls are often commissioned.

The first opinion polls after the Nov 21 first round vote had favoured Boric, though that lead had appeared to be narrowing until the most recent surveys.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados to get $48M more from IMF

T

he International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) executive board has given the green light for Barbados to immediately receive another $48 million, which would bring to $850 million the amount of IMF funding Government has received since 2018.

The approval, while announced on Thursday, was given on Wednesday as IMF directors concluded the 2021 Article IV Consultation and Sixth Review under the international financial institution Extended Arrangement for Barbados.

While giving Barbados a passing grade, the IMF’s deputy managing director and acting chair Bo Li said the country’s medium-term

growth prospects “depend on accelerating structural reforms to improve the business climate, diversify the economy, and facilitate green and digital transformations”.

“Strengthening resilience to natural disasters and climate change, combined with an accelerated transition to renewable energy, is key to achieve more sustainable economic growth and reduce vulnerability to international oil price volatility,” he said.

“In this regard, the authorities’ ambitious target of reaching 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 is commendable.”

Li said Government continued to “make good progress in implementing their comprehensive

Economic Recovery and Transformation plan, despite the challenges caused by the ongoing global pandemic and two recent natural disasters”.

“Given that the outlook remains uncertain, the authorities need to maintain sound policies and their strong reform momentum to safeguard macroeconomic stability and boost potential growth,” he added.

The acting chair said a temporary relaxation of the primary balance target for fiscal year 2021/2022 was appropriate given the lingering impact of the pandemic and unexpected spending needs to address the impact of Hurricane Elsa and ash falls from nearby volcanic eruptions.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Awards Winners Day

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett (left) receiving Jamaica's award for “World's Leading Cruise Destination” from Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World and Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, during a special World Travel Awards Winners Day presentation in Dubai on Friday

J

amaica secured several major accolades during a special World Travel Awards Winners Day presentation in Dubai on Thursday.

In addition to being named the “World's Leading Cruise Destination,”, Jamaica also nabbed awards for “World's Leading Family Destination,” and “World's Leading Wedding Destination” for 2021 by the World Travel Awards, the global authority that recognises and honours excellence in travel and tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett was on hand to accept the coveted awards.

Several Jamaican-based tourism entities also secured major awards.

Sandals Resorts International was named “World's Leading All-

Inclusive Company,” while its Beaches Resorts secured the title of “World's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand.”

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures was also named “World's Leading Caribbean Attraction Company.”

Fleming Villa at GoldenEye has been named the “World's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa.” Round Hill Hotel & Villas has been dubbed the “World's Leading Villa Resort.” The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), based at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica, secured the award for the “World's Leading Tourism Initiative.”

Club Mobay at Sangster International Airport, has been named the “Caribbean's Leading Airport Lounge” for

2021, while Sangster International Airport has been named the “Caribbean's Leading Airport.”

The Historic Naval Dock in Port Royal has been named the “Caribbean's Leading Tourism Development Project”; Port of Montego Bay selected “Caribbean's Leading Home Port”; and Port of Falmouth voted “Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port.”

Dunn's River Falls was named the “Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction.”

In the build-up to the Winners Day, Jamaica was recently named the “Caribbean's Leading Destination,” “Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination,” the “Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination,” and the “Caribbean's Leading Nature Destination' for 2021, while the Jamaica Tourist Board was named the “Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board.”

The World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 to recognise, reward, and celebrate achievement in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised worldwide as the pinnacle of industry achievement.

This year, the World Travel Awards marks its 28th anniversary. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil wildfires killed an estimated 17 million animals Hinds: Woman who entered T&T with A Omicron variant made false declaration mid the bleakness of 2020, scientists in Brazil concluded a particularly grim conservation study - attempting to count the animals killed by huge wildfires in the Pantanal wetlands.

They estimate that as many as 17 million vertebrates - including reptiles, birds and primates - died.

Wildfires burned between January and November, destroying 30 per cent of the world's largest tropical wetland.

This estimate of the loss is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Dr Mariana Napolitano Ferreira, head of science at WWF-Brazil explained that there were 22,000 separate fires recorded during that year.

This new research highlights, the researchers say, the importance of preventing such disasters in the future.

The study itself was based on a body-counting exercise.

Scientists managed to

T

The world's largest rodent, the capybara, is native to the Pantanal

reach areas of the wetland within 48 hours of a fire.

They walked along tracts at set intervals and examined every dead animal they found.

The team was able to identify the species of 300 animals they found. They then extrapolated from the area they examined to give an estimate of how many animals were killed in total.

WWF Brazil's Dr Ferreira explained that field research was still ongoing.

"The immediate impact was very shocking," she told BBC News. "But we also need to

understand how the ecosystem recovers weeks, months and years after the fires."

The researchers pointed out that more frequent wildfires are "among the most visible consequences of human?induced climate change".

But however bleak the conclusion of this study may be, putting a robust number on the scale of this disaster, according to Dr Tomas, could bolster efforts to develop "proper fire management strategies and policies" in the region. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he female T&T citizen who entered T&T with the Omicron variant made a false declaration on her TT Travel Pass application.

And National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds hopes the full weight of the law will be applied.

Hinds spoke on the situation in Parliament on Friday replying to questions from UNC MP Rishi Seecheran.

Hinds said the female passenger embarked from JFK International Airport, New York, to Panama and to T&T using Copa Airlines.

He said the Travel Pass system, which provides advance passenger information to assist in managing the COVID virus and variants, requires that people making the application must do so truthfully “with dignity and honour.”

“It appears from the in-

formation available to me the passenger made a false declaration and on that basis the TT Travel Pass was issued to her,” he said.

But on arrival in T&T the information uploaded is verified.

The woman, who was isolated, is now in a step down facility.

Other passengers, who were close to her, were also isolated and the matter is under police investigation.

He said, “We passed regulations for that to make it a very severe offence with severe penalties in some circumstances and I’m sure the police are making haste with an investigation.”

He said he was looking forward to the full weight of the law being applied and sanctions to go with the circumstances.

Hinds said the pass involved an honour system

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds

where applicants are expected to speak truthfully.

“Upon arrival it’s only then the information will be verified. It was verified, the system worked, the person’s in isolation and the police are doing what they have to.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

27

Around the World “No evidence” Omicron milder than Delta, British researchers say B ritish researchers say they have found “no evidence” that the Omicron coronavirus variant is milder than Delta, casting doubt on the cautious optimism of some experts that the new strain may not be as virulent and not overwhelm healthcare systems.

The study by Imperial College London (ICL) on Friday – released just as British officials reported record COVID-19 cases for the third consecutive day, with a rise to 93,045 new infections – also found that the risk of reinfection with Omicron is more than five times higher than Delta.

The non peer-reviewed research was based on UK Health Security Agency and National Health Service

Scientists warn that Omicron poses “a major imminent threat to public health” [Gaelen Morse/Reuters]

data on people who tested positive for COVID-19 in a PCR test in England between November 29 and December 11.

“We find no evidence (for both risk of hospitalisation attendance and symp-

tom status) of Omicron having different severity from Delta,” the study said, although it added that data on hospitalisations remains very limited.

“Controlling for vaccine status, age, sex, ethnicity,

asymptomatic status, region and specimen date, Omicron was associated with a 5.4fold higher risk of reinfection compared with Delta,” the study, which was dated December 16, added.

However, ICL said in a statement that protection afforded by past infection against reinfection with Omicron may be as low as 19 per cent, according to its research.

The study, which involved AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines, also found a significantly increased risk of developing a symptomatic Omicron case compared with Delta for those who were two or more weeks past their second jab dose, and two or more weeks past their booster dose. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Super Typhoon Netherlands to go Rai: Dozens feared into tough COVID dead in Philippines lockdown from today

More than 300,000 people were forced to flee their homes as the storm ravaged the central and southern regions of the country

M

ore than 30 people are feared dead and many are missing after a devastating storm swept over the Philippines.

Super Typhoon Rai crashed into the country’s southeastern islands on Thursday, levelling homes and bringing winds of about 195km/h (120mph).

The strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year has toppled power poles, uprooted trees and left three million people without electricity.

The country’s disaster agency says the reported death toll stands at 31.

Four people are confirmed killed and 27 are believed to have died, it said in a statement.

Rescue operations are now under way in the devastated regions.

There are growing concerns for the holiday island of Siargao, where the storm - also known as Typhoon Odette in the Philippines - first made landfall. Its Governor said the island was “totally devastated”

and estimated repair costs would be more than $400 million (£302 million).

And the Governor of the neighbouring Dinagat islands, Arlene Bag-ao, said the region had been “levelled to the ground” by the typhoon.

“The fields and boats of our farmers and fisherfolk have been decimated,” she said in a Facebook message quoted by news site Rappler. “[W]e have lost our homes. Walls and roofs were torn and blown off…. We have a dwindling supply of food and water.

Electricity and telecommunications are down. This is why we urgently and humbly ask for everyone’s help.”

She said the damage “is reminiscent of, if not worse than, when Yolanda hit our province”. More than 6000 people died after that storm - also known as Typhoon Haiyan - hit the country in 2013.

On average about 20 storms and typhoons strike the Philippines each year.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

The partial lockdown already in place in the Netherlands has been toughened to combat a surge in Omicron COVID-19 cases

T

he Netherlands will go into a tough lockdown from this morning to limit a feared COVID-19 surge due to the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

Rutte told a news conference on Saturday that all non-essential shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas, museums and theatres must stay shut until January 14, while schools must close until at least January 9.

Only shops considered essential – such as supermarkets and pharmacies – are exempt from the orders.

The number of guests that people are allowed in their house is also being cut from four to two, except for Christmas Day. Gatherings outside are also limited to a maximum of two people.

Rutte said the announcement builds on a partial lockdown already in force that requires bars, restaurants and other public gathering places such as cinemas and theatres to close at 5pm.

A failure to act now would likely lead to “an unmanage-

able situation in hospitals”, which have already scaled back regular care to make space for COVID-19 patients, Rutte said.

The head of the Dutch outbreak management team, Jaap van Dissel, told the news conference that the Omicron variant would overtake the Delta strain to become dominant in the Netherlands by the end of the year.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Saturday the Omicron variant is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in countries with documented community transmission, with the number of cases doubling in 1.5 to three days.

The highly mutated variant is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity, the WHO said, but it is unclear if this is due to the virus’s ability to evade immunity, its inherent increased transmissibility or a combination of both. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices post weekly loss on Omicron uncertainty

O

il prices fell on Friday and were also down on the week as surging cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant raised fears that new restrictions may hit fuel demand.

“There are concerns about COVID that won’t go away, and the perception that could weigh on demand is putting pressure on the market,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York.

Brent crude futures settled down US$1.50, or 2 per cent, at US$73.52 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped US$1.52, or 2.1 per cent, to settle at US$70.86 a barrel. Brent was down 2.6 per cent on the week and WTI fell 1.3 per cent.

In Denmark, South Africa and Britain, the number of new Omicron cases has been doubling every two days.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Friday her government would propose new restrictions to limit the spread.

In the United States, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant has led some companies to pause plans to get workers back into offices.

“Messages of caution and warnings of a worsening COVID wave are starting to ring louder with the approach of the year-end holiday season, dampening market sentiment,” said Vandana Hari, energy analyst at Vanda Insights. “Crude may remain in a holding pattern, albeit with plenty of price volatility around the mean, in holiday-thinned trading over the next couple of weeks.”

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and allies, together known as OPEC+, have said they could meet before their scheduled Jan 4 meeting if changes in the demand outlook warrant a review of their plans to add 400,000 barrels per day of supply in January.

“We could see further consolidation around US$70 in the coming sessions as we learn more about Omicron, what restrictions it will bring, and whether OPEC+ will react,” said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA. The US oil rig count, a leading indicator of output, rose in the week, prompting concerns of potential oversupply. The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose by three to 579 in the week to Dec 17, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

But despite the Omicron threats to demand, Goldman Sachs said on Friday the new variant has had limited impact on mobility or oil demand, adding that it expected oil consumption to hit record highs in 2022 and 2023.

Oil prices have retreated from multi-year highs earlier in the fourth quarter on improved supplies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Explosion at Pakistan bank kills at least 14

A

n explosion at a bank in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi has killed at least 14 people, Police say.

Many others were injured in the blast, which is believed to have been caused by a gas leak from a sewage drain.

Witnesses told local media many people were buried in the debris. There are fears the death toll will rise.

Footage from the scene showed windows and doors at the Habib Bank building blown out, vehicles damaged, and documents strewn

across the street.

“Our explosives teams are at work trying to ascertain the nature of the blast, but apparently the structure was constructed on a drain and gas could be a probable cause,” Police Officer Sarfaraz Nawaz told reporters.

In a statement on Twitter, Habib Bank said “an unfortunate incident, involving an explosion, took place at our branch” on Saturday afternoon.

“Our sympathies are with the bereaved families”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

28

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

Feature

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

29

"A COMPLETE DISGRACE" – Fazeer Mohammed says of CWI organising Gayle's farewell

By Brandon Corlette

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) have seriously considered holding a farewell match for Chris Gayle. The self-proclaimed 'Universe Boss' would have that farewell match at his home ground of Sabina Park in Jamaica on January 16, 2022.

Since this development was announced, there have been mixed views from those in the Caribbean and around the world. International cricket commentator Fazeer Mohammed strongly believes that the young players who had the opportunity to play in Pakistan should be given more opportunities, as the next World T20 looms in Australia in 2022.

"We have a T20 match against Ireland at Sabina Park that is basically a fete match, and it is to the eternal shame of Cricket West Indies (CWI) that they are doing what they are doing for the sake of one player. It does not matter whether it is Chris Gayle, Brian Lara or Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The fact that you are going to select a West Indies team for an official International that is not picked on merit is something I con-

International cricket commentator Fazeer Mohammed

sider as a complete disgrace," Mohammed said on Sportsmax Zone.

He added: "Again, it reinforces the point that the West Indies need to take advantage of every opportunity, moving forward.

So, whether it is a Romario Shepherd, an Odean Smith or a Shamarh Brooks, at least give them an opportunity to show their worth, to show that they are able to learn quickly. Because there is very little time, it is less than a year for the qualifying tournament for the next World T20.

"So, all these players who had their opportunities, hopefully they will be given further opportunity to develop their skills and show, by the time we hit the month of March, April,

GOAPC to host 8-a-side tape ball tourney today

T

he Georgetown Office Assistant P r o m o t i o n Committee (GOAPC) will be staging their end-of-year Inter Ministries/ Government Agencies 8-a-side, 6-over knockout bat-your-own-tapeball cricket competition today at the National Cultural Centre tarmac for 09:00am.

The teams are expected to register on competition day by at least 08:30am, as no late entry would be accepted.

The event is coordinated by James Lewis, and all players are expected to be fully vaccinated, with official proof thereof.

The sponsors on

board this event are: Office of the President; Office of the Prime Minister; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, and GTT. Lewis is extremely grateful to the National COVID-19 Task Force for permission that was granted for the event.

Some of the teams playing are Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Lands& Surveys, GEA, Guyoil, Forestry, EPA, Ministry of Home Affairs, MFA, and Ministry of Agriculture.

Trophies and medals will be up for grabs.

May, that the West Indies can have a competitive nucleus going into that tournament."

It was announced earlier this month that West Indies would play three ODIs and a T20I against Ireland in Jamaica from January 8 to 16. Gayle confirmed, after West Indies exited the T20 World Cup, that he had played his last game in a major tournament, but revealed his hope that CWI would "give me one game in Jamaica, to go in front of my home crowd…then I can say, 'Hey guys, thank you so much!'"

While Gayle will not be part of the ODI squad, with the series counting towards 2023 World Cup qualification through the Super League, the one-off fixture at Sabina Park could be used as his farewell game.

"It's whether collectively we all feel that it's appropriate for him to have one last game at home, to say farewell in a one-off game," Johnny Grave, CWI Chief Executive, told the Mason and Guest radio programme in Barbados last month.

"That Ireland series would represent that opportunity.

It would certainly be ap-

propriate, as far as I can see it, to treat our players and give them the opportunity to bow out, especially players like Chris, who have had unbelievable careers and won trophies The self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’, Chris Gayle for the West three ODIs. They have alIndies."

Ireland will travel to the ready named their squads Caribbean on December 31, for both tours, with Kevin immediately after their se- O'Brien left out and David ries against USA, which Ripley taking temporary starts on December 22 and charge as interim head comprises two T20Is and coach.

Record number of GFF coaches pursuing Concacaf ‘C’ Licence T

he Guyana Football Federation’s Technical Department has accelerated its efforts to upskill homegrown coaching talent with a record number of Academy Training Centre, GFF and national team coaches starting the journey towards Concacaf ‘C’ licence certification.

Fourteen coaches, including U20 Men’s Team Head Coach Wayne Dover, Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach Charles Pollard, GFF Coach Education and Development Officer Lyndon France, GFF Goalkeeping Coach Eon DeVieira and Head Coach for the domestic-based Lady Jags, Akilah Castello, began the multi-module course in December. The first part of the “blended learning” programme, facilitated by Anton Corneal, Concacaf Coaching Educator and former Technical Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, involved online theoretical lessons, followed by practical sessions with players at the GFF National Training Centre between December 1 and 7.

“The GFF is committed to investing in the development of local coaches, to drive improvements throughout football from grassroots level to senior national teams, and we are delighted to see such a strong appetite from our talented coaches to upskill and realise their own potential with the formal Concacaf structures of coaching qualifications,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“Having more coaches at this level of certification means that our national coaching

philosophy and pathway will be strengthened over the longterm, increasing the pool of talent we have available for the impactful delivery of our programmes, for national team duties and for technical opportunities within the GFF,” Greenwood said.

The internationally-recognised licence will give participating coaches the skills and knowledge to design and deliver effective coaching sessions for a wider range of players and scenarios, especially for youth football development through the GFF’s nationwide network of Academy Training Centres.

“It’s a blessing to be able to access a course of this nature, and it will definitely improve and strengthen my ability to teach the game of football. It also means that the Technical Director and the GFF see me as an asset to the development of this sport in Guyana,” said Castello. “This course will provide information that would allow me to deliver coaching sessions targeting not only individuals, but relationships between a bank of players.

It’s definitely a step forward, and I’m excited about this new growth in my career.”

Georgetown Football

Association Youth Development Officer and course participant Colin Nelson said the certification would enable him to “gain the knowledge and experience necessary to accomplish my goals.

“This course means a lot to me, because I aspire to make a difference in football as a coach-teacher and in the lives of the persons I intend to teach,” Nelson said. “I know that, for me to reach those heights, I need the knowledge and experience necessary to reach my full potential. This course is helping my development as a coach by arming me with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead and teach positively.

It has also given me a platform to challenge myself mentally, because of the amount of information and perspectives from the instructors and other coaches.”

Having inherited an ecosystem of coaches with no valid qualifications in 2015, the Technical Department has since enabled the progress of an all-time high 61 coaches to ‘D’ licence or ‘C’ licence level, alongside three Guyanese Concacaf coaching instructors; as well as introduced a coach-

ing philosophy and pathway to ensure a uniform approach to football development across the GFF’s nine regional associations. The number of coaches with ‘D’ licence or ‘C’ licence certification will increase to 75 as a result of the current course.

Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph and GFF Coach-Mentor Sampson Gilbert are working their way towards qualifying as Concacaf ‘B’ licence coaches in 2022.

“I want to congratulate this cohort of coaches for stepping up and striving for this level of professional certification,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “In the coming years, as more men and women move through the continuous and incremental licensing process that is standard practice throughout the football world, the GFF will be able to meet all of its coaching needs through local talent, including national team appointments.

“We inherited a neglected environment for the professional advancement and training of our homegrown coaches, but with patience and investment, we are now making up for those lost years,” Forde has said.

30

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

Numerous entities on board

RHTY&SC Cricket teams’ Christmas Programme 2021 T

he plans of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) cricket teams for the hosting of their biggest ever Christmas Charity programme continue to attract support from friends of the club.

Under supervision of the management of the club, the teams would, during the festive season, be hosting a series of activities to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate adults and children from single-parent households.

The teams have already hosted a feeding programme in which hundreds received a box of food and refreshments, while thousands of toys have also been distributed to groups across the county. The teams have also sponsored a two-hour Christmas Concert at the St Francis Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant, which was attended by numerous church members who were entertained by a wide array of artistes, including the Council

Jamie McDonald of Fitness Express handing over his contribution to Hilbert Foster

of Friends of New Amsterdam musical band.

Overseas-based Guyanese businessman Imran McSood Amjad, founder of Naglico, and his wife Rena, donated US$3000 to assist hundreds of students with school bags, exercise books, pens and other educational materials. The educational packages would be distributed via cricket clubs across the county,

and by the New Amsterdam Council Band.

Other upcoming activities include distribution of 7000 toys, 1000 food hampers, and hundreds of special Christmas hampers to certain identified members of society.

Moreover, the teams would be serving Christmas Breakfast to hundreds of senior citizens, while several persons would receive a finan-

Broadway Hotel supports GFFGNWFA Women’s Super-16 Festival

B

roadway Hotel has signed up as the latest partner and sponsor of the historic Guyana Football Federation-Guyana National Women’s Football Association’s Super-16 Festival 2021. The hotel company, situated at Broad and Charles Streets in Georgetown, made a financial donation to the first-of-its-kind tournament, and has urged corporate Guyana to get behind the return to competition for senior female players.

“I want to encourage other Private Sector organisations and companies to support, and for those who have contributed, to keep supporting the Guyana Football Federation,” said Broadway Hotel’s General Manager Junica Pluck.

The company joins NAMILCO, the GFF International Support Group, Grand Coastal Hotel, Golden Taste Seafood, the Eon DeVieira Goalkeeping Academy, Oraul Transportation Service, BACIF, and The Consulate as a corporate sponsor of the event, which offers prize money of more than $1 million.

“We are delighted that Corporate Guyana has stepped up in this unprecedented way to support the return of women’s football and this important step forward in our women’s competitions programme,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Broadway Hotel for their generous donation, and for their long-term partnership with the GFF as we seek to develop football

for all communities across Guyana.”

The Women’s Super-16 Festival features eight teams from hinterland regions, and is currently in the first-round stage of its straight knockout format, with matches being played at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, Leonora, Bartica and St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

So far, Swan FC, the GDF, GT Panthers and Fruta Conquerors have progressed to the quarterfinal stage. On Saturday, December 18, a double header at the NTC saw Santos taking on New Amsterdam United at 13:00h, followed by the Police coming up against Orealla at 15:00h.

Today, Sunday December 19, Foxy Ladies will face Lethem at the Leonora Track and Field Centre at 18:00h,

while Bartica will play Essequibo All Stars at the Bartica Community Ground at 18:00h. All participants - including players, coaches, match officials, media, staff and fans - are required to show proof of vaccination to attend the tournament’s fixtures in person. Live match updates and coverage would be shared on the GFF’s official Facebook page throughout the competition.

The tournament, which was officially opened by British High Commissioner to Guyana Her Excellency Jane Miller, is promoting a campaign against domestic abuse under the tagline “We Rise Against Domestic Violence”.

“Together, we must work to eliminate domestic violence,” Upper Mazaruni player Glenda Daniels has said.

cial grant to assist them to develop their homes.

A 55-year-old resident of Warren, # 19 Village on the East Coast of Berbice has received a financial grant to assist him to construct a septic tank for his home, while a 70-year-old female of Tain Settlement has received assistance to purchase a bed.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster noted that the club, over the last week, received donations of toys, food items and finance from a wide array of friends, including NAMILCO, DeSinco Trading Ltd, HA Snacks Co Ltd, WR Enterprise, Ansa McAl (Guy) Ltd, Toucan Industries, Bounty Farm Ltd, Ministry of Natural Resources, Fitness Express, Food for the Poor and Lens Craft. Donations were also received from national players Leon Johnson, Gudakesh Motie and Chris Barnwell, who donated boxes of apples for the special packages’ project.

The seventh edition of the RHTY&SC Christmas Village would bowl off on December

Sarah Savory handing over donation of milk to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

22 and end on December 24, during which very strict COVID-19 guidelines would be in place. Under supervision of Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu, the cricketers are working around the clock to complete preparation for the village. Naidu has expressed thanks to all the donors for their assistance.

The 12 cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are: Poonai Pharmacy under-12 and -13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakwell under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Vitality Inc Under-23, Namilco Thunderbolt under-21 and first division.

Roger Harper-led CWI Selection Panel fired, new members to be recruited in January

T

he Roger Harperled West Indies Selection Panel has been relieved of its duties.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced that it would commence a new recruitment process for the new Men’s Selection Panel in January.

The recruitment would replace Lead Selector Roger Harper and fellow Selector Miles Bascombe, whose contracts will not be renewed when they come to an end on December 31.

An Interim Selection Panel has been established, with Head Coach Phil Simmons at the helm, along with the captains in the respective men’s formats. Jimmy Adams, CWI Director of Cricket, would oversee the process.

“We want to thank Roger and Miles for their work and dedicated services to West Indies cricket in the last two years, as members of the Men’s Senior Selection Panel.

Selecting West Indies

teams for international competition is a very challenging and thankless assignment, and both gentlemen performed their roles with unprecedented transparency and dignity,” said Adams.

Harper has said he was thankful for the opportunity to be the Lead Selector of the Selection Panel.

“I would like to thank CWI for the opportunity to serve West Indies cricket in the role of Lead Selector, and I wish the organisation the very best for the future. I would

also like to thank all those whose efforts and cooperation helped me to perform my role efficiently. Special thanks to Miles for his professionalism and teamwork. God bless,” he said.

The West Indies Men’s next series is against Ireland at Sabina Park in Jamaica, where they will play the three-match CG Insurance One-Day International Series on January 8, 11 and 14, and the one-off T20 International on January 16. (Sportsmax)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

31

Historic day as Sports Academy becomes operational T

he Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, and Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle were on hand at the National Racquet Centre and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday (December 18) to see the start of the first-ever National Sports Academy.

This Academy will initially focus on the 12 core sports: cricket, football, athletics, basketball, table tennis, swimming, hockey, squash, rugby, volleyball, tennis and badminton.

At the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, Squash players under the guidance of National Coach

– Squash, Volleyball first to serve off

Carl Ince began their training in what Guyana Squash Association (GSA) President Owen Verwey called a momentous occasion.

“We’re very proud and happy to be the very first one (Association) to kickoff the sports Academy. For Squash, we’re a relatively small fraternity, but we’re dedicated. So, we’re focusing on delivering what we’re supposed to do for sports, and for the youths in particular,” Verwey has said.

Minister Ramson, informing that facilities were a major factor in identifying the core sports, pointed to the Squash courts at the National Racquet Centre,

which are said to be the only public squash courts in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The facility was commissioned in 2013, but Minister Ramson noted that it was “underutilised.” However, under his leadership at the Ministry, the squash courts at the National Racquet Centre are now available, free of cost, to the GSA and its members, specifically for implementation of the Sports Academy.

Meanwhile, over at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), Levi Nedd, declared that in his more-than-40-

years’ involvement in the sport, he has never been part of such a programme.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) will oversee the National Sports Academy, as the Director of Sport, after highlighting the historic occasion, said the 12 core sports would be beneficiaries of the Government’s long-term investment in sports.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has encouraged the athletes to pay full attention and remain dedicated to the training programme during the duration of the Academy.

In a public presentation of the National Sports

Academy at the inaugural Guyana Sports Conference last October at the National Cultural Centre, Minister Ramson pointed out that the nursery level would target players between the ages of 12 and 17.

At the tournament level, the Government of Guyana, through the NSC, would earmark at least $12M annually for the governing bodies of the core sports to support the organisation of tournaments.

Above-average performers who excel at tournaments, or those who show inordinate improvement, would be selected for elite training.

The elite training would last on average four to eight weeks, and would see selected individuals dedicating themselves full-time to training. In order to achieve this, the Minister announced, a stipend would be given.

Minister Ramson has said the Sports Academy is a specific manifesto promise, and reflects President Irfaan Ali's "bottom-up" approach to national development.

The remaining core sports would continue to be rolled out in the next few weeks as they complete their preparatory arrangements and training.

Ramdhani siblings, Haynes, GBBFF’S senior championships set for tonight at National Cultural Centre Mangra, Persaud among –Bess proud of work put in by athletes; grateful Trophy Stall Doubles’ winners to NSC/MCY&S, Fitness Express, DTS Trading

Owner of Fitness Express, Jaime Derek Stoby, Managing Director of McDonald, has thrown his support DTS Trading and Shipping, handing behind this prestigious event over the sponsorship cheque

A

Several of the successful players following the conclusion of the Trophy Stall tournament

number of star-studded showdowns headlined the final day of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) Trophy Stall Annual Christmas Doubles’ tournament on Friday evening.

Hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, the Trophy Stall tournament was the first to be held by the GBA following the death of late Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) President Gokarn Ramdhani, and it will close out the Association’s 2021 calendar of activities.

Over the last week, players were involved in intense Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles games.

The Men’s Doubles final was filled with some of Guyana’s best internation-

CLASSIFIED ADS TAXI SERVICE Elegant Cabs. 231-1494 / 2264277, Cell #: 625-6600. 24 hrs.

al prospects on both sides of the court. Eventually, Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra overcame the pair of Akili Haynes & Tyrese Jeffrey in a 21-12, 21-18, two-set encounter.

Priyanna Ramdhani followed in her brother’s footsteps, as she paired up with Shivannie Persaud to take gold in the Women’s Doubles event. However, it took two sets, 21-18, 2113, for the pair to defeat Anna Perreira & Christina Kumar.

Meanwhile, the younger Ramdhani sibling returned to cop a victory in the Mixed Doubles division, this time alongside Akili Haynes. The pair, who recently tested their skills at the Pan American Junior Games, outplayed Narayan Ramdhani and Mishka Beharry to win the division final 21-13, 21-14.

There were also consolation finals for the divisions, which saw Mahender Sharma & Jason Stephney defeating Matthew Klautky & Matthew Singh in the Men’s Doubles consolation final 21-10, 21-13.

For the Mixed doubles,

Tyrese Jeffrey & Christina Kumar overcame Easa Sanichara & Priyanka Shivnauth, 21-17, 21-18.

Overall Results:

Men’s Doubles: 1st- Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra 2nd- Akili Haynes & Tyrese Jeffrey 3rd- Marlon Chung & Priyanna Ramdhani

Women’s Doubles:

1stPriyanna Ramdhani & Shivannie Persaud 2nd- Anna Perreira & Christina Kumar 3rd- Ayanna Watson & Emily Ramdhani

Mixed Doubles:

1st- Akili Haynes & Priyanna Ramdhani 2ndNarayan Ramdhani & Mishka Beharry 3rd- Jonathan Mangra & Shivannie Persaud The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) wishes to extend its gratitude to Mr. Ramesh Sunich, proprietor of the Trophy Stall, for his sponsorship of trophies.

T

he Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) is set to host its Seniors Bodybuilding Championships for 2021 tonight at the National Cultural Centre.

This prestigious event has seen the likes of the National Sports Commission/ Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, DTS Trading and Shipping and Fitness Express all coming on board as sponsors.

GBBFF President Keavon Bess has noted that, thus far, things are progressing, “as tickets are being sold like black cake on a Christmas eve”. He related that all logistics are in place, and the athletes are ready for action. Bess has proudly announced that the GBBFF is ready to give the audience, those watching via live stream and Guyana a much-needed bodybuilding competition. This competition is the first Seniors Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships to be staged since 2019.

In terms of the work that the athletes have been putting in, Bess has said, “The work that they have been putting in thus far is unbelievable, to say the least.

Despite the situation we have been in for over a year and a half, these athletes

would have taken their body to that level. Despite the challenges, I am confident that on Sunday we will see them in probably the best shape of their lives.

“They have remained very encouraged, and I can’t wait to see them on stage, and I believe that all of Guyana and all bodybuilding fans will be pleasantly pleased.”

Predicting that fans can expect a great treat, Bess explained that were it not for the pandemic, the event would have been one of the best attended bodybuilding events in Guyana. He said the quality of athletes that would be taking to the stage is very high-level, and he noted that the level of competitiveness and the development of the bodies seen tonight is something that he would have not seen in the last 10-12 years.

Bess has said Guyana is on a positive wave in terms of its level in bodybuilding, and he wishes that wave would persist in Guyana, as he is hopeful that the athletes would ride it into the CAC Championships in 2024, when it comes to Guyana, and even beyond.

To the sponsors, Bess has said, “The GBBFF would like to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors

DOS Steve Ninvalle and GBBFF President Keavon Bess

for their financial support and for making this competition a reality. The athletes are very happy to compete on the national stage with a live audience. That could not have been possible without the help of the National Sports Commission/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, DTS Trading and Shipping, and Fitness Express. We are happy to have them on board, and we look forward to doing more business with them in terms of sponsorship.”

While on stage, athletes would be required to stand 6 feet apart from each other. While backstage, athletes will be required to wear their masks and to maintain the mandatory physical distancing. Judges would be seated 6 feet from each other, and would be required to wear their masks.

Some of the athletes expected to compete in these championships are Darious Ramsammy, Christina Ramsammy, Rosanna Fung, Nicolas Albert, Emmerson Campbell, Yannick Grimes, Colin Chesney, Marlon Bennet, Lyndon Kennedy, Brian Singh, Odel CrumEwing, Ashanti Conway, Gale Karim, Jonathan Jeffery, Julio Sinclair, Ronaldo Caldera and Joel Caldera.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Ramdhani siblings, Haynes, Mangra, Persaud among Trophy Stall Doubles’ winners Pg 31

Pg 31

Historic day as Sports Academy becomes operational – Squash, Volleyball first to serve off

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.