Guyana Times -- Thursday, April 8, 2021

P17

CPCE online training to begin soon Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4611

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Young people being affected, more COVID-19 hospitalisations – Frank Anthony See story on page 9

…death toll climbs to 250; 81 new cases

Businesses caught unscrupulously hiking prices on VAT-exempt products …GRA will go after them – Govt Page 3

Nabaclis man burnt to death after setting home on fire

Dead: Phineas Headley

See story on page 10

Return to democracy a factor in 16% IMF projected growth – Finance Minister

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

CJ to rule on APNU/AFC P16 election petition on April 26 …GECOM asks court to throw out case

2 Region 1 girls P12 raped Opposition meets with US Ambassador P11 Manslaughter convict begs for P12 mercy Relocation underway for Cummings P14 Lodge squatters

Page 7

…says world recognises Guyana back on right track

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, whether people get them in a hospital, church, mandir, masjid – Ramsammy Page 15

Anti-vaxxers “not helpful” during current pandemic – P11 Health Minister “Qualify yourselves” P13 – Labour Minister urges Landersville residents

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 8 – 02:00h-03:30h and 13:30h-15:00h and Friday, April 9 – 02:30h-04:00h and 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 8 – 14:25h-15:55h and Friday, April 9 – 15:10h-16:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by light rain showers in the midmorning to noon. Light rain showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 14:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.35 metres.

Low Tide: 08:16h and 20:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.95 metre and 0.81 metre.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$63.16/barrel

+0.66

Rough Rice

$236.664/ton

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London Sugar

$423.90/ton

-0.89

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

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$1735.50

$1736.50

Low/High Change

$1730.40 -2.10

$1744.20 -0.12%

Businesses caught unscrupulously hiking prices on VAT-exempt products …GRA will go after them – Govt

F

inance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Wednesday took a hard line against businesses who have jacked up their prices for basic commodities that were supposed to be exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT). According to him, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been given full authority to deal with such businesses.

For some time now, consumers have complained that the prices of basic commodities have been increasing. On the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, the Finance Minister noted that this is down to the actions of some unscrupulous businesses.

“There are a number of factors that influence prices.

One, of course, is taxation.

And we, as you know, took off the VAT and reduced taxation on a number of items.

In some cases, we’ve seen some adjustments, in other cases we’ve not seen the level of adjustment in prices that we need (to see).

“We don’t operate in an environment of price control. As you know, a long time ago we liberalised markets in the post-1992 period.

We don’t have price controls, or dictate what prices things should sell (at). What has happened is that some unscrupulous businesses, even if they take off the VAT, have carried up their prices to compensate for the VAT. That is an extremely unprincipled thing to do.”

According to Dr Singh, the Guyana Revenue Authority has been instructed to ensure that businesses comply with the Government’s tax measures.

He also urged members of the public and the media to call out businesses that are guilty of arbitrarily increasing their prices.

“I’ve said explicitly to the GRA that they are expected to enforce the removal of the VAT on all the items that are now zero-rated. So, none of these companies should be charging VAT on any of the items that are zero-rated. It is against the law to do so, and the GRA has been instructed to enforce this provision.

“Where you have real cases, examples that you can give, I think you should call them out for it. Because the objective of removing VAT was not to give any business an opportunity to carry up their prices. The objective of removing the VAT was to pass on the benefit to consumers. So, if you have concrete examples, call them out on it.”

According to Dr Singh, the Government has meanwhile been engaging the umbrella bodies of the Private

Businesses are being warned to desist from raising prices on VAT-exempt products

Sector in the hope of bringing an end to this problem.

Efforts by this publication to contact the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Timothy Tucker and Private Sector Commission Chairman Nicholas Boyer were futile.

Back in February, Singh had announced a number of tax measures for budget 2021 that were designed to bring relief to consumers.

This had included restoring the zero-rated status of food items and basic household commodities.

The PPP/C Government presented the $383.1 billion 2021 budget, themed “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience”, without the introduction of any new taxes. On the contrary, the sweeping relief measures saw the removal of VAT from a slew of food items and household necessities in order to alleviate the burden on taxpayers.

According to Dr Singh during his budget presentation, Government would

restore the zero-rated status on all of the food items and other basic household necessities that were previously zero-rated in 2015 before the last PPP/C regime demitted office. These items include basic wheaten flour, basic breads, oats, unflavoured cracker biscuits, cooking oil, locally produced bed sheets and pillowcases, toothbrushes, etc. This, he noted, is in fulfilment of another one of the PPP/C’s manifesto promises.

The Finance Minister had also announced the removal of VAT on data for residential and individual use, in keeping with the

Government’s efforts to increase the provision of Information Communication Technology (ICT) across all sectors and regions of Guyana as a means of economic and social empowerment of Guyanese.

The Finance Minister had used the occasion to further remind of his Administration’s swift liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and the ensuing benefits that competition has brought through lower prices and a push to improve services delivered on the initial step of the PPP/C’s promise and vision for enhanced ICT services.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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

Inaugural food security meeting

G

uyana made good strides on Wednesday by hosting the inaugural meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the Region and the world at large, the issue of agriculture and food security has not been talked about much. However, we have always maintained that food security for the Region is as important as any other matter, and must be treated as such by Governments and other development partners.

In Guyana’s case, we have been at the forefront over the years in pushing for an effective agriculture and food security strategy. In December 2020, at the seventh virtual Summit of the Heads of State of Caricom and the Republic of Cuba, President Dr Irfaan Ali brought the issue of regional food security once again into the spotlight. The President used the opportunity to press the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to review the inter-regional trade mechanism and its food security in an effort to strengthen the bloc and place greater focus on an Agriculture and Food Security Strategy.

We believe that Regional Heads need to place more emphasis on developing their agriculture sector and making the kind of investments necessary to ensure the Region is not only food secure, but that we produce enough to tap into export markets, so as to earn foreign exchange.

It could be recalled that, in 2002, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who at the time had lead responsibility for Agriculture in the Caricom quasi-Cabinet, had sought assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to boost the Region’s efforts to ensure it is food secure. One year after, he proposed that the Region build on its past efforts to develop a common agricultural policy, and requested that the IICA and the FAO support the Caricom Secretariat in developing a framework for repositioning agriculture in the Region.

In underlining the problems that the agricultural sector faces in the Region, Jagdeo had stressed that in the changing global environment, the sector was neither providing for food security nor earning the foreign exchange needed to cover the Region’s growing food import bill.

In addition, at a Caricom Heads of Government Conference in Grand Anse, Grenada, Jagdeo had presented a paper, titled “A Framework for the Repositioning of Caribbean Agriculture”. In that framework, he stressed the need for a regional policy and strategy aimed at strengthening food security and alleviating poverty; and in January 2005, the President’s proposal was formally dubbed the “Jagdeo Initiative”, with the theme, “Strengthening Agriculture for Sustainable Development”.

The declining role of agriculture in the Region, the continuing loss of preferential markets for the Region’s traditional products, and the rapidly-increasing extra-regional food import bill are among the serious and challenging issues highlighted in the Initiative. However, while there has been much banter on the topic, it is not clear what concrete actions (if any) were taken since then to strengthen the Region’s agriculture sector and to bring it to a level envisaged in the “Jagdeo Initiative”.

Regional Governments would need to show by their actions that they are willing to go beyond the rhetoric. Guyana has made tremendous efforts to ensure it produces enough to meet the demands of its citizens.

As we are presently doing, other countries would need to organise themselves and their individual farming sectors, and encourage young persons to embrace new technologies to see farming and agriculture as a business. By doing so, the Region would not only be ensuring there is enough food to satisfy the demands of people, but the surplus of what is produced could be exported.

Several years after, many of the proposals detailed in the Jagdeo Initiative are still relevant, and are perhaps even more needed now, considering the changing global dynamics relative to countries producing enough to meet the needs of their populations and to satisfy export markets.

President Ali’s call for countries to develop an effective agriculture and food security strategy is another reminder of Guyana’s commitment to the issue of food security.

Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff (ag) Brigadier Godfrey Bess recently took the COVID-19 vaccine as he leads the military’s posture regarding vaccination against COVID-19 (GDF photo)

Guyanese must exhibit responsibility in order to mitigate COVID-19 spread

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is deeply concerned at the rising number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in our country over the last few days.

Statistics emanating from the Ministry of Health have informed that as many as fourteen (14) persons have lost their battle to the dreaded virus since the start of the month, while several scores of Guyanese have become infected during that period. At this time, the Federation extends its deepest sympathies to the relatives and friends of those who have lost their lives, and wishes those who have become infected a speedy and healthy recovery.

In recent days, we have come to learn that a possibly new variant of the dreaded virus has entered Guyana.

The Health Ministry has warned that this new strain is more contagious and seems to affect younger persons.

Against this background, the FITUG urges all Guyanese to act responsibility and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols as we seek to minimise the rapid spread of the virus.

We have seen in the media and elsewhere, over the weekend, the strong presence of the disciplined forces seeking to avert the large public gatherings that are customary with Easter. We hold that the actions, which seem to have been effective, should not have been necessary. We believe that, as responsible people, it is incumbent upon us all to take sober actions to stop the transmission of COVID-19. We are

hoping that, in the coming days and weeks, we can see Guyanese displaying greater responsibility in order to bring the pandemic under control.

We also recognise that persons have been congregating at bars, shops and other business places. While we realise that businesses have been severely affected by the pandemic, we urge the owners of such to also demonstrate some sense of urgency and seek to promote practices that allow businesses to function while mitigating the spread of the virus. It is in the long-term interest of our nation.

The FITUG is also conscious that large gatherings are not limited to businesses, but extend to social and other activities. Those persons are equally irresponsible, and those who encourage such congregation should be appropriately sanctioned.

The FITUG notes the active efforts of the Government to bring the pandemic under control. Already, thousands of vaccines have been secured, and we are aware of efforts by the Administration to obtain more vaccines.

We note, too, that many Guyanese have been vaccinated. This is welcome news, and demonstrates a responsible attitude.

We have heard the apprehensions of some who are refusing to be vaccinated. Such talk is not helpful in defeating the pandemic and allowing life to return to normal. The vaccines utilised in Guyana have been utilised in many countries with good effect. Moreover, our health

professionals have testified to the safety of the vaccines.

We therefore encourage all eligible Guyanese to be vaccinated at this time.

The Federation also encourages employers to allow their employees time off to be inoculated while providing adequate protection at the workplace.

The Federation strongly holds that our collective responsible actions can go a long way in bringing the

pandemic under control. We therefore must adhere to the advice of health professionals, observe protocols, and obtain vaccines. We remind it is our actions that would ultimately stop the pandemic, and the ambivalence of some is not helpful at this time.

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

Celebrating Easter was challenging Dear Editor, Every year, Easter is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. It is a celebration of joy and peace upon the earth, but, more importantly, a celebration of light upon the earth, when Jesus was resurrected.

Christians gather in churches to commemorate the event of the resurrection, and hence consolidate their faith in the resurrection. In Guyana, flying kites is very much associated with Easter, where people of every walk of life fly kites in unison.

This used to be the way we celebrated Easter.

However, this year has brought an enormous challenge to every celebration, including the Easter. Due to COVID-19, this year Easter saw a much toned-down celebration, mostly confined to the houses.

It seemed as if Easter light was dimmed both from COVID and rain. In order for us to see the light, we need our eyes. Light on its own, without the eyes, is meaningless, and also if we have excess of light, our eyes might be blinded or vice-versa.

We have a huge challenge ahead of us to ensure that we, as a community, see the light of Easter as we overcome the darkness of COVID-19.

Jesus conquered the darkness of death, and so shall we also conquer this pandemic. However, it is crucial to cooperate with guidelines and measures that are in effect to slow and conquer this deadly virus.

Sincerely, Jerri Melwin Dias

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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

Applying common sense to stay alive Disciplined services Dear Editor, Tough times call for tough measures. It is sad to see so many being arrested from illegal gatherings, from partying and from socialising. Phagwah and Easter are two of Guyana’s biggest celebrated holidays, and Guyanese are accustomed to much fun and frolic while congregation in large numbers with their neighbours, friends, relatives, families, co-workers and other associates.

However, the law is the law, and it is above anyone and everything. It must be respected, observed, adhered to, and applied at all times and under all circumstances, and by all - be it the maker, keeper, upholder, applier, observer or consumer. Failure to accept, or rejecting stipulated rules and regulations, causes the guilty ones to pay the severe penalties, as recommended and approved.

The deadly COVID-19 disease is very much alive, and is multiplying uncontrollably because some irresponsible, irrational, careless and unconcerned people refuse to adhere to the strict protocols which are urgently needed to help prevent, control, and stop the spread of this virus. A positive and

committed effort is essentially required from all and sundry to help, because the virus has no preference for class, race, gender, religion, place or time. The gravity of this dangerous situation remains, and should not be lost, ignored, diminished or dismissed.

Perhaps complacency has stepped in because of the duration of this pandemic, and impatience rules the roost. People feel imprisoned, and do want to break free and regain a sense of independence. But they should look carefully and consciously at the repercussions, especially the causative root for so much hospitalisation and, unfortunately, the loss of so many beloved ones.

Each person should still be worried and concerned with their own safety and security as well as those of others.

No one should be selfish, adopt a carefree attitude, and think that he or she is safe or aloof and is exempted or incapable of attracting this disease. Just look at how the numbers keep escalating daily, both in terms of the death rate and the contraction rate. Fortunately, some vaccines are available, and Guyanese are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is a

slow but sure campaign, but the Government needs the assistance, cooperation and discipline of all Guyanese in order to overcome this mutual difficulty. Guyana cannot afford to be blindfolded, led astray, be fooled, be nescient, be prejudiced, reckless or nonchalant.

It is the sacred duty of each accountable citizen to devote their time, energy, effort and service to ensure that this attack is eradicated as early as possible, before it can pose a front and oppose the fight for survival to overcome this devious and common enemy.

If each one of us should wash our hands as often as possible, sanitise, wear our masks properly and at all times, eat lots of fruits, take supplements, practise social distance when in presence of company, venture out only when unavoidably necessary, take the vaccine as soon as it is possible, keep our surroundings clean and free from debris and dust, exercise and keep a positive attitude, pessimism would replace optimism and hope would conquer despair.

Caring, sharing, helping and giving selflessly and not selfishly are the pillars of high and honourable values attributing to the goodliness

and sincerity of mankind and the survival of moral dignity in society. While charity begins at home and remains one of the doctrines contributing to one of man’s earthly purposes, the current situation demands that its institution should be designed and implemented in accordance with the emerging health rules practised by all communities.

Let’s be sensible, practical, and uncompromising.

Certainly, let us distribute money, goods and food, but let us prepare and package food for takeout purpose.

The less we congregate, the more we can inculcate what is appropriate. Is it so difficult to avoid easy, obvious and preventable mistakes, blunders and errors? It is past the time to get real.

Guyana is a place where people refuse to recognise the problem, and procrastinate rather than anticipate and acknowledge the issue, thereby becoming proactive.

Safety takes precedence over sentiment. Do not contribute towards the dangers, avoid all unnecessary events and activities. Why not apply a bit of commonsense in order to stay alive?

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Some Local Content talk sounds like rent-seeking Dear Editor, The continued debate - ably highlighted by your newspaper - surrounding Local Content suggests it is a complex issue that has to balance the legitimate demands of the local private sector to benefit directly from the oil industry with its capacity to deliver the skills and economic resources to help in the optimisation of Government’s oil revenues.

First, I was drawn to comments made by GCCI executive Timothy Tucker who, in Kaieteur News, was quoted as saying, “We have to realise that we do not have the capacity to do everything, but it does not say that I cannot find a partner to take on the toughest one or the most lucrative contract to supply a service in the sector. I can safely say that there is no way I can do underwater diving with remotely operated equipment and deep-water fabrication or anything like that, but maybe I can compile a

good proposal and put it to Government, or I can find a partner…”

This sounds a lot like rent-seeking: In other words, Tucker and others in the Private Sector might not be contributing any actual skills or even resources to a joint venture for underwater diving; their only “asset” in any joint venture would be the benefit of their company being owned by Guyanese.

This may explain the push for legislation that would make “being Guyanese” something of great economic value.

I also note remarks made by the Director for the Centre for Local Business Development, Natasha Gaskin-Peters, who said that when the oil companies spend to procure goods from a local company, “if they are importing them, that is not really local content.” Indeed, that’s basic trading, and simply “getting a cut” for being a local company. And that might also mean high-

er costs to the operator, and therefore less revenue to the Government.

Again, the bigger issue remains: there is a very real danger - in fact, it is happening already - that many other sectors will lose workers and economic resources in the Private Sector’s blinkered rush to profit off of oil.

That is the exact opposite

of what President Ali envisions for a diversified and resilient economy. That is why the call for a full understanding of the country’s labour force and projections on what the industry will need for the next five to ten years is so essential.

Yours sincerely, Lynn Nicholas

commended for ensuring adherence to COVID-19 restrictions

Dear Editor, Over the busy Easter Holiday weekend, I - like many Guyanese - chose to relax with good friends and catch up on the things that are important to us. I noticed there was a heightened presence of members of the joint services, including Police officers and soldiers, on the roadways, and also closely monitoring the seawalls.

I was pleased that, despite the few instances of bars being closed at 9:30pm and customers being negative in their feelings about it, the ranks who were present refused to give in or relent on their instructions. I wish to say publicly that I support this restriction, and am quite pleased at enforcement of the laws and regulations that are in place to protect us all.

Those brave ranks were just carrying out their operational instructions to ensure that we are all going to be safe in our homes, and out of the reach of COVID once we are following the guidelines. I appeal to my fellow Guyanese not to curse or abuse the ranks, or refuse to comply with the in-

structions of the lawmen, or else you will be charged and prosecuted. Where there are instances of Police harassment, report it to the hierarchy of the Force. But first ensure you have the evidence to back your accusations against the lawmen.

I urge the party-going crowd and socialites to understand the impact that the pandemic is having on the world we live in and in our lives. There are, to date, 10,580 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana, with 243 persons having lost the battle to this dreaded pandemic. While 9,250 persons have recovered from this dreaded disease, many more will have to be tested and vaccinated so as to protect themselves further from COVID-19, which is still being spread like wildfire.

I see this Irfaan Ali Administration taking the COVID threat very seriously, and they are in order.

Let’s do our part to save and protect our human resources from COVID-19 epidemic and all of its strains now.

Regards, Alvin Hamilton

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Foundation ◄

Page Question 1 Simplify (i) 18x 2 – 1 (ii) 13y 2 – p – 20 (iii) Determine the angles

Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802

Wednesday’s answers

U

3

P

E 9

4 10

M

The unknown number = 9 50% got 70 per cent and above in Mathematics or English = 13 10 of the 13 got 70 per cent and above in both Mathematics and English An unknown number got 70 per cent and above in English only and half that number doing the same in Mathematics only, the sum of these two must = 13 Unknown number for English is two times the number for Mathematics, so ratio = 2:1 So dividing 13 using a ratio of 2:1 means the unknown number = 9

Procedural Writing Graphic Organiser: Let’s Write A Recipe Brainstorm with a partner possible ideas for creating your own recipe. Talk about what you would like to make, what you will need to make it, the steps you will use to cre-

ate your recipe, and how you think your recipe will turn out. When you have finished sharing with a partner, write your ideas on this organiser to help you plan your recipe.

By William Wordsworth

Earth has not any thing to show more fair: Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty: This City now doth, like a garment, wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie Open unto the fields, and to the sky; All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.

Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill; Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!

The river glideth at his own sweet will: Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; And all that mighty heart is lying still!

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

(Excerpt from IRA/NCTE.org)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Return to democracy a factor in 16% IMF projected growth – Finance Minister …says world recognises Guyana back on right track

T

he recent projection by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Guyana’s economy will grow by 16.4 per cent in 2021 is the product of the return to democracy and political and economic stability.

This is according to Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, who was unsurprised by the development, which the IMF made known in its biannual “World Economic Outlook”, when questioned about it by the media on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.

According to the Finance Minister, the IMF’s previous assessments came at a time when Guyana was in political turmoil brought on by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s refusal to demit office.

“At the time the IMF would have done their forecast on the Guyanese economy, around September 2020, there would have been a lot of uncertainty and perhaps less clarity on where the country was going and what prospects and opportunities there would be. Since then, of course, things have been clarified. We had a gov-

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

ernment assume office in August of 2020.

“We’ve had two budgets, which have now outlined the Government’s economic and fiscal plans. Those, of course, helped to resolve any policy uncertainties that might have existed.

The two budgets have sent a clear signal of where our Government is taking economic policies and what our intentions are. And with the benefit of the clarity of signal that we would have sent, I’m not surprised of the upward revision of the growth outlook of the IMF,”

he said.

According to the Finance Minister, the IMF projection reflects the growing optimism that has returned to the Guyanese economy. He recalled that the uncertainty in the non-oil economy dates back to when the former APNU/AFC Government fell to a No-Confidence Motion in the National Assembly in December 2018.

“What that reflects is the remarkable optimism that has returned to the Guyanese economy. For a long period, the reality is that the Guyanese economy has been beset by severe uncertainty going all the way back to December 2018, when the No-Confidence Motion was passed.

“From the time the NoConfidence Motion was passed, there was some amount of political uncertainty of what will happen.

Initially, everyone expected an election would be held within 90 days. That did not happen. And then there was the back-and-forth with various court matters.”

He also pointed out that during that time, a number of projects and foreign investments were put on hold, as many adopted a “wait-

and-see” stance on Guyana’s political scene – a stance that only abated when President Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President in August 2020.

“So, the return to democracy in August 2020 and the clarity of the policy signals sent by both budgets would clearly have conveyed to the rest of the world that Guyana is once again back on track, is open for business. Lots of the projects that were put on pause have now restarted,” Dr Singh noted.

It was only recently that another international financial institution reported that Guyana was the sole Caribbean country with positive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2020. This is according to a recent World Bank report that shed light on how Latin American and the Caribbean economies fared in 2020.

According to the World Bank 2021 report, “Renewing with

Growth. LAC Semiannual Report”, Guyana was able to do what 27 other countries in the Region could not – record GDP growth, notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the COVID-19 crisis, Guyana’s GDP grew by more than 20 per cent in 2020, as the exploitation of very large oil discoveries started. More modestly, Paraguay’s GDP emerged almost unscathed from the crisis, although this sturdy economic performance was not sufficient to prevent a new wave of social unrest,” the report said.

The IMF growth projection is a more conservative estimate than the one the Government had. With the

measures announced in the 2021 budget, the Finance Minister had said in February that Guyana’s real GDP is projected to grow by 20.9 per cent, with the nonoil economy growing by 6.1 per cent.

However, he explained that the projection was premised on the assumption that a reopening of the economy takes place with COVID-19 restrictions being gradually lifted and was, therefore, subject to significant downside risks.

Similarly, the agriculture, fishing and forestry sector is expected to expand by 5.6 per cent while the mining and quarrying sector is projected to grow by 39.1 per cent. (G3)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cocaine, ganja bust

Fish vendor remanded A

29-year-old fish vendor who resides in Paramaribo, Suriname was on Wednesday remanded to prison for allegedly trafficking narcotics.

Daryck Christopher pleaded not guilty to two charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on April 3, 2021, at Rosemary Lane, Tiger Bay, Georgetown, he had 10 grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. It was further alleged that on the same day at the same location, he had 140 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

His Attorney, Darren Wade, in a bail application, told the court that his client was visiting his father when the Police arrested him.

Wade claimed that his client was arrested without being properly questioned.

The Police Prosecutor objected to Christopher being re-

Daryck Christopher

leased on bail, citing that no special circumstances as required by the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act were put forward by his lawyer. The Prosecutor also told the court that the defendant has not provided the Police with a fixed home address.

According to the facts

presented by the Police Prosecutor, on the day in question, Police ranks went to an apartment in Tiger Bay, Georgetown, where they found Christopher sitting on a bed holding a bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa and a whitish substance suspected

to be cocaine. The Prosecutor said that the man was told of the offence and arrested.

After listening to submissions made by the defence and prosecution, the Chief Magistrate remanded the alleged drug trafficker to prison until April 21, 2021.

Meanwhile, in another case, 47-year-old Nicola Clarke was released on $15,000 bail after denying a ganja trafficking charge. The plantain chip vendor, who resides at Lot 57 Houston Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is accused of having 51 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking on April 3.

She, too, appeared before Chief Magistrate McLennan.

In this case, the Police Prosecutor said that when Police ranks discovered the illegal drug under Clarke’s bed, she was the only person at home during the search. The female defendant will make another court appearance on May 12 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. (G1)

Running with the hares…

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…and hunting with the hounds in’t it wonderful that we were once ruled by the British? For one thing, we get to use all those quaint expressions that were drilled into our older generation and passed on to us. Like the one above. We certainly didn’t get a chance to just hunt for fun; any hunting our Indigenous Peoples - for example - did, it was for sheer survival! But you get the idea, don’t you? The poor hare is the one being hunted by those brutes on horseback following their bloodthirsty hounds. It’s either you’re with the hare or the hounds!

But there are some oleaginous types who’d have the hare believe they’re REALLY on his side - even as they have their hounds ready to tear him apart. In Guyana, we have a more mundane idiom: to be like a “Dutch Axe” or a “razor blade”. That is, one that cuts from both sides! Your Eyewitness was reminded of this tendency when he saw reports of Leader of the Opposition (LOO), Joseph Harmon, and Leader of Dead Meat (LODM), Ramjattan, meeting US Ambassador Sara-Ann Lynch.

Wasn’t this the woman Harmon, Ramjattan and the rest of the mouldy crew of PNCites had denounced for “interfering” in Guyana’s internal affairs - namely the March 2 elections? Hadn’t they demanded that the Biden Administration - the moment Trump was voted out - revoke her appointment and get her out of Guyana? As far as the PNC were concerned, they made her persona non grata in whichever way possible. She was the hare, and they had loosed every hound they knew - from the Congressional Black Caucus to their paid lobbyists - to hunt her down.

Had they met the Ambassador to personally tell her to butt out of Guyana’s business? Well, not from the report your Eyewitness read! It was all smiles and simpering as they offered Ms Lynch crumpets and tea at the LOO’s office!!

You ought to’ve seen Harmon and Ramjattan sticking their grizzled pinkies out!! So, what exactly did they want from Lynch? They told her that “the PPP/C Government should not be allowed to “ostracise a large section of the Guyanese population”.

Imagine that! After complaining about the Ambassador’s “interference” the PNC now WANT her to interfere with our country’s governance? So, it wasn’t our sacred sovereignty they’d been concerned about, was it? It was just that the “interference” wasn’t to support their rigging!! But even there, they’d been so flagrant about it with the Mingo Manipulations that the poor woman was put on the spot!

But your Eyewitness feels there’s more in the mortar than the pestle can pound.

He believes Harmon and Ramjattan were really begging for their US visas to be reinstated!

…out of prison The news that Rondell “Killa” Bacchus, wanted for the gunning down on Main Street of Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes, had been released from prison just over a year ago brings up the vexing question of “recidivism”. That is, people who’re jailed for crimes but, after serving their time, simply return to their old criminal life.

Seems that “Killa” had been charged in 2008 for “murder, robbery under arms, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition”, but, after two mistrials, it wasn’t until May 2019 that “Killa” pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. His lawyer insisted Killa had reflected deeply and was “rehabilitated”. The lawyer pleaded that, given the transformation his client had undergone while in prison, he’d positively contribute to society after being released.

He was released five months later, in October of the same year! And a year and a half later, he’s now charged with murder.

We should look at our recidivism rate! …on intimate partner violence In the news business, they say “if dog bites man, it’s not news. But if man bites dog, then you got yourself a headline”!

So, what about the woman who chopped her husband after an argument, and is now on the run?

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

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Young people being affected, more COVID-19 hospitalisations – Health Minister …death toll climbs to 250; 81 new COVID-19 cases

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ealth authorities are concerned over the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Guyana, many of which are young people as well as persons who are getting sicker and require hospitalisations.

“Over the last month or so, we’ve started seeing an uptick in cases… We have also seen younger people also being affected, and that is quiet worrying… And out of seeing more cases, we’ve started to see more hospitalisation,” Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said during Wednesday’s COVID-19 update.

According to the Health Minister, these increasing cases are more prevalent in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

He revealed that, as at Wednesday, there were approximately 70 persons hospitalised with the novel coronavirus at most regional healthcare facilities around the country. In fact, there are some 54 such persons at the Ocean View Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, and the remaining persons are at the Linden Hospital Complex, West Demerara Regional Hospital, and New Amsterdam Hospital.

“So, at our regional hospitals, we now have more patients coming into them because they require assistance in breathing. So, we’re seeing more cases coming to us.

Out of those that have been hospitalised, a percentage

of them are much sicker, so they’ll have to get ICU care,” Anthony explained.

However, the Health Minister was unable to say whether there is a new variant of the COVID-19 virus in the country that is resulting in these people becoming sicker and more younger people becoming infected with the virus.

“We still don’t know what variants we have in Guyana, and we can only know that if it’s confirmed by genetic sequencing… It’s hard to determine which one we have, or if we have any, because we don’t have sequencing, and you would only know if you have sequencing.

“But what we can say, based on what we’re seeing clinically, (is that) we’re seeing more hospitalisation; and when people come into the hospital, a percentage of those are getting sicker, so we’re having a lot of cases in the ICU. Therefore, we know that more people are being affected by this in a very adverse way,” Dr Anthony posited.

Previously, Guyana had sent 10 samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and, after completing the gene sequencing in February this year, the results showed that were no traces of new variants of COVID-19.

However, since then, no other testing was done, but Minister Anthony says the authorities are hoping to send another set of samples for genetic sequencing.

“We’re trying to work out

arrangements where we can do the testing; but, so far, we haven’t been able to get additional testing done. We’re hoping that we can do some more (testing) with CARPHA, but those arrangements, we’ll have to put them in place,” he stated.

Only last week, two young persons died after becoming infected with the virus.

They are a 28-year-old man from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and a 26-yearold man from Region Three.

Authorities have not disclosed whether these young individuals had any underlying conditions that could have resulted in their demise.

Death toll, new cases

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry reported on Wednesday that another person who tested positive for COVID-19 died, taking the country’s death toll now to 250.

The latest fatality is a 57-year-old female from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), who died on Tuesday while receiving care at a medical facility. For the month so far, some 17 persons have died from the novel coronavirus.

Additionally, 81 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on Wednesday. This now takes the number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 10,718, of which 5456 are males and 5262 are females.

Active cases in the country have been reduced to 995.

This includes nine patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit and the remaining 986

persons in isolation, that is, 70 in institutional isolation and the other 916 in home isolation.

There are also nine other persons in institutional quarantine.

To date, some 9,473 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease – a whopping 119 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

Guyana has thus far tested some 94,527 persons for the novel coronavirus.

Of the 81 new cases detected on Wednesday, seven were from Region Three; a whopping 40 cases in the DemeraraMahaica region; one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 20 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and 13 cases in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region.

The figures in the other five regions remained the same.

With more people being infected with the novel coronavirus and some getting sicker, the Health Minister is once again imploring persons to adhere to the protocols and guidelines in place to prevent the spread of the life-threatening disease.

“The [National COVID-19] Task Force cannot be everywhere. We have limited resources, and while we want to use these measures as a deterrent, people really have to start becoming more respon-

sible, because everybody is involved. If you’re not following these rules, you’re endangering people.

“At this time in the midst of a pandemic, why is it that people want to go out and have these parties? It’s not normal times, and therefore people really got to start taking these measures seriously,” he posited.

As it is, there is a curfew in place from 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4am), but there have been mounting calls for a stricter curfew to be imposed.

According to Dr Anthony, this is always under consideration by the COVID-19 Task Force.

“We haven’t changed anything as yet. As cases continue to rise, we’ll have to re-evaluate the situation and we’ll see what the appropriate measures are gonna be, but as of now, those hours remain. One thing people has to understand is not because the [curfew] says 10:30 that means you have to be on the road till 10:30. If you have no business on the road, then go home early,” he stressed. (G8)

10 NEWS Nabaclis man burns to death after setting home on fire A THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

27-year-old man of Lot 63 Section C, Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is now dead after he allegedly set himself and his parents’ house on fire.

Dead is Phineas Headley, also known as “Tall Man”.

Reports are that the man’s relatives said that they heard a loud explosion and screaming about 16:50h on Tuesday and saw Headley lying in the yard.

According to Police, the Guyana Fire Service was summoned and extinguished the fire. Headley was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent surgery, but sub-

Dead: Phineas Headley

sequently succumbed at 21:50h on Tuesday.

When contacted, one of the now dead man’s relatives re-

vealed that they were at home when they were informed that black smoke was emanating from Headley’s home. When they rushed to the scene, they found the one-storey wooden building engulfed in flames and the man was lying on the ground in the yard with burns about his body.

“He was good all morning. He was walking around earlier in the day … We heard the shout … and when we run over, he was on the ground and we tried to call persons and alert persons.

We then called the fire engine and so on…,” the family member said.

Based on information reaching Guyana Times,

The Nabaclis, ECD house on fire

Headley and a woman with whom he was in a relationship had a heated argument earlier in the day over accusations of infidelity.

However, when asked about the argument, Headley’s family member said that “he had somebody else, but the person is not living there anymore…

people would normally say their own thing… he is living there by himself”.

Headley lived in the house for some two years before he met his demise.

Meanwhile, residents who were also on the scene said when they arrived, Headley was still alive and “was shaking like a leaf”.

“He was shaking uncontrollably and that is when they wrapped him up with a sheet. All his tongue was out his mouth… his skin burned up bad. They then put him in the car to take him to the hospital and then we heard later on, he died while he was going,” one resident told this publication. (G9)

Man caught with smoke grenade on ECD

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man was caught with a smoke grenade about 01:35h at Middle Walk, Victoria, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday.

According to Police, the man was discovered with the item after Police responded to a damage to property report from a taxi driver of

The smoke grenade that was found by Police

Victoria Middle Walk.

Upon seeing the Police ranks, the suspect began running, resulting in ranks giving chase. He was eventually caught and the suspected smoke grenade was found in his possession. As such, he was escorted to the Cove and John Police Station. (G9)

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anti-vaxxers “not helpful” Opposition meets during current pandemic with US Ambassador – Health Minister

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

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ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has stressed that while anti-vaxxers may have their reasons for opposing vaccines, their stance is not favourable during the current pandemic when Government is seeking to protect its people from a life-threatening virus.

During one of his recent coronavirus updates, the Health Minister reminded that vaccines were fashioned to offer high protection from the virus. If a vaccinated person does contract the virus, it prevents them from developing a more severe form.

While Guyana’s vaccination programme has been seeing successes, there has been a slower uptake in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

“Globally, there are a set of people who, for whatever reason, they’re against vaccination. From time to time, they would create campaigns and try to get people not to take their vaccines.

They might have their reasons why they’re doing that but certainly, it’s not helpful in a pandemic because we know that the COVID vac-

cines that have been developed to prevent COVID-19 are very effective.

“One of the things these anti-vaxxers have been saying is that these vaccines have not been tested properly. Well, these vaccines are the most tested vaccines in the history of the world, because apart from the clinical trials that they have gone through, millions of people across the globe have received different types of vaccines,” he underscored.

He added that if there were any problems about the vaccines, it would have already been detected with the millions of people who have since taken them.

Apart from clarified safety concerns, he also expounded that some people have questioned the level of protection which these shots offer.

To this, the Minister assured that it would prevent severe infection and moreover, reduce the death toll.

Dr Anthony highlighted, “Again, we have seen that the vaccines are protective because they prevent people from getting the more severe form of the disease. Some people might get a mild in-

fection, some might get a moderate infection and some might get severe infection…

We have seen those people who get severely infected, a percentage of them would die. These vaccines would help prevent that from happening.”

This week, the goal is to administer 40,000 shots and the Minister shared, “Our teams have been training.

We have lots of people now who are available to us and in addition to that, the army has assigned 400 persons to work along with the vaccination team. These persons are going to enhance the work that we do…With the amount of people that we now have, I think we can easily achieve that.”

With stakeholders such as the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha partnering to mobilise people for vaccine administration, the Minister said this arrangement was available to any service organisations willing to come onboard.

There are 100 fixed and mobile sites spanning all administrative regions, where persons over the age of 40 and healthcare workers can get themselves inoculated.

“We have some fixed sites so you can go there any day and the vaccination teams will be working there.

In every region, we have created fixed sites and we have widely publicised where those sites are in those regions. Then we have mobile teams and those would be moving from community to community, getting persons in those communities to come out and get their vaccination. With those mobile sites, we have been partnering with a number of organisations,” the Minister detailed.

Seaman busted with gun, ammo

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45-year-old seaman of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is now in custody after he was found with an illegal gun in his possession at the Port Kaituma waterfront.

Police stated that on Tuesday about 00:10h they received a report at Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD) from a man who reported that he had been threatened by the seaman with a firearm.

As such, a party of Police visited the location where they found the suspect and during a search of his person, a black .32 pistol fell out of his left pants leg.

The weapon was examined and found to be loaded with eight live matching rounds.

Police have since said that upon questioning, the suspect admitted to not be-

The gun and ammunition

ing the holder of a firearm licence.

As a result, he was told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Port Kaituma

Police Station, where he remained in custody pending charges.

The firearm, along with the ammunition, was lodged at the Police Station. (G15)

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, accompanied by Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, on Tuesday met with US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch and the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mark Cullinane. The meeting focused on a number of issues, in particular matters relating to governance, parliamentary democracy, and national security

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 Region 1 girls raped P

olice have launched an investigation into the rape of two underage girls in Region One (BarimaWaini). On Wednesday, Police said that the two girls under the age of 16 had been raped by adult males on different occasions.

One of the girls was allegedly raped several times by a close family member.

According to Police, the suspect began engaging in sexual activity with the minor during the month of December 2020 and committed the offence several times after.

The girl eventually confided in a female relative, who immediately reported the matter to the Police on April 6.

The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) is now handling the matter as Police search for the suspect.

In the second incident, Police said the child alleged that on April 6, she was sexually assaulted.

The victim immediately

informed a parent who subsequently reported the matter to Police.

Checks were made for the suspect, but he was not found.

Investigations are ongoing.

Just about a week ago, a security guard, who hails from Region One was taken into Police custody for the rape of a 14-year-old girl.

Reports are that the incident occurred at Matthews Ridge, North West District (NWD), some time between

January 1 and January 31.

The teen and the suspect are reportedly known to each other, and the suspect reportedly took the 14-yearold to his home and engaged in sexual intercourse with her.

Ranks of the Matthews Ridge Police Station said they went to the suspect’s home and found the suspect and the teen together.

They were both cautioned and taken to the Matthews Ridge Police Station. The investigation continues. (G9)

Manslaughter convict begs for mercy

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he sentencing of a man who was implicated in the murder of a miner back in June 2017 has been deferred to April 26, for a probation report.

Eustace Abrams was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a 12-member jury for the June 15, 2017 murder of Orlando La Cruz, a Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) man who was shot dead at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District (NWD).

Abrams pleaded not guilty to the murder indictment presented against him

by State Prosecutor Tyra Bakker.

Instead, the jury found him guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter.

The verdict was returned by the jury by 10-2 margin.

After the decision was handed down, Abrams told the Court that he was sorry and further begged Justice Reynolds for mercy, adding that owing to his absence, his children were now begging on the road.

According to reports, La Cruz was lying in a hammock at his mining camp when Abrams and another

man visited him.

They began consuming alcohol.

It was reported that shortly after, one of the men had asked La Cruz to perform oral sex on him, however, when the now-dead man refused, an argument ensued. During the ordeal, La Cruz was shot in the right side of his neck by one of the men.

The two men made good their escape. La Cruz was later discovered in the hammock bleeding. He was pronounced dead at the Matthews Ridge District Hospital. (G15)

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Qualify yourselves” – Labour Minister urges Landersville residents

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abour Minister Joseph Hamilton has encouraged residents of Landersville, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), to seek out ways of qualifying themselves in order to further develop their hometown and improve their livelihoods.

He was at the time on a community outreach. He added that residents should take advantage of the various programmes being offered by the Government.

These include the 20,000-scholarship initiative as well as programmes being offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT)

and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Hamilton noted that Guyana was developing at a rapid pace and persons would need to be qualified in order to be meaningfully employed.

“We have linked up with the TVET Council, which has linked up with the Caribbean TVET...

People can be certified and accredited – means you can work anywhere in the Caribbean… my fear is and my concern is…if we don’t have accredited and certified people, a man is going to

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton during his visit to Landersville, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)

Fight over customer lands water vendor in court

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South Sophia, Greater Georgetown resident was on Wednesday released on $40,000 bail on a wounding charge.

The man, 31-year-old Ryan Marks denied the charge which stated that on March 20 at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he wounded Gailton Adams with intent to maim, disable, disfigure, or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC) are water vendors. The Prosecutor said that on March 20, the men were fighting to sell a customer who was seated in a passing minibus.

According to the Prosecutor, after Marks successfully sold the water to the customer, he walked up to Adams and dealt him several punches to

Charged: Ryan Marks

Charged: Tiffany Arthur

the head and also pelt him with a brick.

Adams, after seeking medical attention, reported the incident to the Police. Adams, according to the Prosecutor, sustained lacerations about his face and a fractured skull.

The Police Prosecutor also in-

dicated that he might have to seek legal advice on the way forward.

Marks was released on bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. As a condition of bail, he was instructed to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station until the hear-

ing and determination of his trial. His next court appearance is May 12.

Also appearing before the Chief Magistrate was Tiffany Arthur.

The 32-year-old Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident was charged with using abusive language towards Tiffany Younge at Regent Street, Georgetown. The incident is alleged to have occurred on January 29, 2021. Arthur, a cosmetologist, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was granted bail in the sum of $5000.

She is due for another court appearance next Friday, April 16, 2021. (G1)

bring somebody to put down toilet bowl in Guyana…,” he said.

According to Hamilton, plans are afoot to introduce more programmes through BIT and TVET that will reskill persons who are retired.

There will also be programmes to train the unskilled, including youth and women.

“We will 1) train people who don’t have a skill and give them a skill to ensure that we can retrain persons that they can be accredited and certified. Certification and accreditation— if Guyanese don’t have it very quickly, other people will come to this country and work for more money than us and all we will do is cry and scream,” the Minister posited.

He also encouraged residents of Landersville to come up with ideas for training programmes that would benefit themselves and the entire community.

These programmes would then be proposed to the Ministry.

“Whatever programme you are doing, BIT will provide all the materials for the training… the programme is free… they [ the students] do not have to bring materials to do the programmes … when we bring this here, it belongs to you and you have to do everything to protect it…,” Minister Hamilton ex-

plained.

He further encouraged the residents to familiarise themselves with opportunities in Guyana, so that they could also benefit from loans and grants to venture out into economic activities.

In keeping with the manifesto promise of delivering 20,000 scholarships within its first term back in office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has opened the application process for persons to apply in a number of disciplines.

Since taking office in August 2020, the PPP/C Administration has issued over 445 scholarships for both local and international studies as at February, totalling more than $80 million. Public Service Minister Sonia Parag had informed the National Assembly that a total of 39 scholarships were awarded locally, amounting to some $16.1 million. This includes some 34 scholarships to the University of Guyana (UG) to the tune of $13.2 million.

Three scholarships were also granted for the Guyana School of Agriculture totalling some $855,000.

Additionally, one scholarship each was issued for Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical School and Texila American University to the tune of $880,000 and $1,100,000 respectively.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Relocation underway for Cummings Lodge squatters

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he remaining 11 squatters occupying portions of plots 1767 and 1768 Cummings Lodge (Cummings Park), East Coast Demerara are in the process of being relocated, as the Housing Ministry embarks on a new housing project in the area.

On Wednesday, Housing Minister Collin Croal and Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken and Regional Commander of “4A” Division, Simon Mc Bean, visited the area which is earmarked for a new housing project.

Croal, during the visit, noted that the illegal activity would severely hamper development, as some 190 low-income homes are to be built there for low-income families.

“We have been working with persons squatting in this area since August last year, and a number of unoccupied structures have been demolished since then.

However, the eleven struc-

Workers at the Cummings Lodge, ECD site where 190 low-income homes are under construction

tures remaining are those that were found to have occupants. They were served notices to remove, and we have had our Community Development Department working with them,” Croal said on Wednesday, adding that the squatters have received their final contravention notices, and assistance is being provided to remove them immediately.

Croal added that the visit with the high-ranking officials from the Guyana Police Force is to enhance security in the area, given the magnitude of the development. Discussions with the officials has pointed to an outpost being placed towards the Aubrey Barker end of the project.

The notices served require the informal settlers to be removed by Saturday, April 10, 2021. CH&PA is currently in the process of relocating the squatters to a suitable area within the vicinity.

According to the Ministry, initial reports noted that 13 contravention notices were served on 13 structures observed

by CH&PA on August 20,

Housing Minister Collin Croal and Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus; Deputy Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, and Regional Commander of “4A” Division, Simon Mc Bean, during a visit to the area on Wednesday

2021. By August 27, 2020 22 structures were then observed, and a demolition exercise was conducted on October 13, 2020, leaving 11 occupied structures. A number of call-in notices were also served, and six of the informal settlers have since approached CH&PA. The final contravention no-

tice was served on April 3, 2021.

Based on interaction with the squatters, eight have applications within the CH&PA system, while another three are in the process of formally applying to facilitate the relocation process.

Back in November 2020,

President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that land clearing works were started for new housing schemes at Mon Repos and Cummings Lodge. He noted that the Government’s housing programme would create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction and home improvement sectors.

Moreover, the construction sector would be key to driving growth in Guyana’s non-oil sectors.

As part of the PPP/C Government’s plan to make available over 50,000 house lots over the next five years to citizens, the Housing Ministry had commenced steps to access 6356 acres of lands to help satisfy this demand.

In addition to other areas, the lands were being sought between Golden Grove and Peters Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), and between Ogle to Cummings Lodge on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), for the development of additional housing schemes.

With a budgetary allocation of $6 billion for housing, Government has said the establishment of a Diaspora Housing Fund is being considered. The Head of State had also revealed that Government was looking at other areas of securing financing for the housing sector. Those include efforts to raise some US$250 million for housing projects.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CJ to rule on APNU/AFC COVID-19 vaccines are safe, whether people get them in a hospital, election petition on April 26 church, mandir, masjid – Ramsammy – GECOM asks court to throw out case

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here are more than drive occurred at a spe100 fixed-site vaccific church, or madir or cination centres in masjid. The Swami knows Guyana where people can this well. Our people are get their COVID-19 vacamong the world's most cines. These sites are open tolerant of each other's reevery day. There are also ligion, and we share relisome outreach sites which gious events and each othindividuals and groups er's space for many, many have organized; those decades. I have been honsites are temporary, usuoured and privileged for ally lasting for a day. decades working in soliThere are three condidarity with our religious tions for the MOH to send leaders. Every day, I sit teams to these sites; first: with these leaders in the the number of persons to same room in various combe vaccinated must make munities, and we work toDr Leslie Ramsammy sense for the Ministry to gether without any animossend a dedicated team for a day; second: ity or tension. The vaccine is important to residents in the community are not pre- people, not at which site they get it. vented from getting vaccines on the basis CIOG, Dharmic Sabha, the of religion, politics, or any other factor; Presbyterian Church, and many pastors and third: the persons meet the eligibil- have worked with us so far. Yesterday, ity requirements. the Canefield/Enterprise NDC hosted a At the moment, the eligibility is based vaccination day. The NDC councillors, only on age - 40 years and older. the imams, pandits and pastors got toWith due respect to Swami gether and organised the event. The origAksharananda, I believe that his letter, inal suggestion from the community was that the event be held at a recreational centre across the NDC, but the technical persons suggested that it was too small to accommodate the number of persons that were expected. The recommendation among the community persons was that the ideal place was the Dharmic Veda Centre. Almost two hundred persons were vaccinated yesterday at that centre - they were Christians, Hindus and Muslims. The site did Minister Anthony receiving his vaccine on Tuesday not matter, what matpublished in the newspaper, is unfor- tered was these persons had an opportutunate and misrepresent the facts. The nity to get a vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are being adminTwo weeks ago, the NDC at Success istered to persons resident in Guyana organised a similar outreach. They chose across the country, every person. the masjid at Success as the most suitAs stated before, there are more able site. Two weeks ago also, the CIOG than one hundred (100) fixed-site places hosted a vaccination event for the resi(where) vaccines are being administered dents of North Georgetown. Most of the on a daily basis at this time. All of these people were not Muslims. The Dharmic fixed sites are Government health cen- Sabha's Kendra Centre hosted a vaccinatres or hospitals. None of the fixed sites tion outreach last Saturday. Many perare in any private facility or any masjid, sons were from different religious backor any mandir or any church. grounds. The #52-#74 NDC has organised The MOH has urged faith leaders, po- a vaccination outreach. I met them yeslitical leaders, NGOs, businesses etc. to terday, brothers and sisters who were help mobilise persons for vaccination. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, working toMostly, community leaders have come to- gether to ensure that those 40 years and gether to organise persons within their older in their community are fully vaccicommunities. Sometimes they mobilise nated. They chose a Christian church as persons at a school, other times at a mas- the most suitable venue. jid, other times in a mandir, and still othAt this time, we need all hands on er times in a Christian church. At none of board. It is unfortunate that religion has these sites are persons vaccinated on the crept in to the process we have developed basis of religion. I have personally been in the rolling out of the vaccine. at many of these sites. I will continue to I hope the Swami, on second thought, visit these sites. To vaccinate people, we would see that far from favouring one will go wherever we are invited. group or another, we are trying to reach What we will not do is a vaccination everyone. I invite him to join us in ensurexercise where vaccines are provided only ing that persons who reach the eligibility for a specific group, based on religion or (requirement) come forward to get their politics or some other factor. vaccines.

This model has been used before, The vaccines provided from the for blood drives, where we have gone Government’s fixed sites are not betto churches, madirs, masjids. and the ter than the vaccines at outreach sites blood drives were never restricted to - whether these are schools, a business persons of only one religion, even if the place, a masjid, a mandir or a church.

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hief Justice Roxane George on Wednesday heard oral arguments in the APNU+AFC lone election petition left standing, and has set April 26 to hand down her ruling.

But this was not before the Guyana Elections Commission, through its lawyer, Dominican Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan, asked the High Court to throw out the petition, insisting that it did nothing wrong by conducting the National Recount using Order 60 of 2020 – which was used to carry out the recount exercise – following the “difficulties” GECOM was experiencing.

“Our primary case, My Lady… is that there is no breach [of the Constitution] …We stand by our written submissions, fully and absolutely, that there was no breach… We’re not conceding any breach at all,” Astaphan contended during Wednesday’s virtual hearing.

He dismissed the argument of petitioners Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick that Order 60, otherwise known as the Recount Order, is invalid, null, void, and of no effect.

Order 60 was created pursuant to Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act and Article 162 of the Constitution of Guyana to resolve irregularities, anomalies, and discrepancies coming out of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, and to determine a final credible count before declaring the results of the elections, which are required by the Representation of the People Act and the Constitution.

Thorne and Bostwick argue that Order 60 and Section 22 are unconstitutional, and as such, the August 2, 2020 declaration of the results from the recount, which led to a win for the Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic, should be vitiated since there was total non-compliance with the law regarding the conduct of elections.

But the GECOM lawyer maintained that there is nothing unconstitutional about Order 60 or Section 22, as is being contended by the petitioners – a position which was also held by Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, representing Representative of the PPP/C List of Candidates,

Dominican SC Anthony Astaphan

then Opposition Leader and current Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC representing the State.

SC Astaphan insisted that Order 60 was entirely consistent with Section 22 and Article 162, and was not only “transparent” and “enacted in good faith”, but was intended to remove the difficulties that prevented GECOM from declaring the final results of the March 2, 2020 election, which was at the time being stalled for several months.

“In the face of these difficulties, what was GECOM to do? What should GECOM have done with the intransigence of the Returning Officer and the Chief Election Officer, and the difficulty to get cooperation for resolution of the matter.

GECOM… was literally, by the Constitution and statue, obliged to act, otherwise chaos would have resulted,” the Dominican Senior Counsel contended.

Astaphan went on to reject the claim by the petitioners’ lawyer, Trinidadian Senior Counsel John Jeremie, that there were no guidelines under Section 22 and 162 for the recount to be conducted.

He argued that, “GECOM could only possibly act under [Section] 22 if there was a difficulty being experienced in the course of the election, which includes, of course, the count and the recount, and the request for recount. If there was intransigence on behalf of election officers or otherwise, that creates a difficulty for the final declaration to be made.

Under Section 22, GECOM literally has a mandatory obligation to act, cause it says “shall”, if these things appear to it as necessary or

expedient for it to remove the difficulty.”

Moreover, the Dominican Senior Counsel pointed out that Section 162 (1) foresaw the possibilities of intransigence, misconduct and disobedience from public officers or persons performing elections duties that would prevent either compliance or would prevent the final process of the election to be declared.

He maintained that if these provisions did not exist, then GECOM could not have acted in the manner it did; but since they do exist, the Commission had a “constitutional obligation” to act.

Further, SC Astaphan outlined that even the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had gratified, whether expressly or indirectly, the lawfulness of Order 60 for the purpose of removing the difficulties, which he said were “slowly but surely driving Guyana into a severe social and political upheaval.”

While the petitioners argued that CCJ did not explicitly consider the constitutionality of Order 60 and Section 22, GECOM’s lawyer contended that had there been any issues, then Guyana’s apex court would have mentioned it and would not have gone “literally out of its way to give the stamp of approval to the recount and to Order 60.”

A similar point, among a host of others, was submitted by SC Mendes during his arguments at Wednesday’s hearing. He added that there were no objections to Order 60 being used to effect the recount, and in fact, all the political parties, including the APNU+AFC, had participated fully in the exercise.

TURN TO PAGE 17

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dismissal of 2nd election petition

Appeal Court sets Monday for APNU/AFC’s appeal case management

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he Guyana Court of Appeal will convene on Monday for a Case Management Conference (CMC) in the appeal filed on behalf of the APNU/AFC, challenging the dismissal of the party’s second election petition for non-compliance with effecting service on the second-named respondent, former President David Granger.

Known as election petition #99, it was filed by Brennan Nurse and Monica Thomas.

Within that Notice of Appeal, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has filed a Notice of Motion in which he is asking that the party’s appeal against the ruling of Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, be dismissed.

Nandlall is contending that there is no statutory or constitutional jurisdiction conferred on the Appeal Court to hear an election petition dismissed for procedural impropriety or any other reason not stated in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana.

On January 18, 2021, Justice George dismissed the election petition ow-

ing to non-compliance with effecting service as prescribed under Section 8 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act and Rule 9 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules.

The Chief Justice found that the petition was not properly served on Granger.

The manner of service is prescribed in Rule 9 (1) of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules, which imposes on the petitioners the statutory obligation to effect service within five days after the presentation of the petition.

Petition #99 having been filed on September 15, 2020, should have been served on the former President five days thereafter, which would have been September 21, 2020, since the fifth day – September 20, 2020 – was a Sunday.

However, in the affidavit of service of Nurse, it was stated that the petition, along with the relevant documents, was only served on Granger on September 25, 2020 – five days outside of the statutorily-prescribed period.

Following Justice George’s ruling, the petitioners filed a Notice of Appeal asking that the decision be set aside and/or reversed, with costs awarded to them.

Irregular

Given that the Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction to hear an election petition dismissed for non-compliance with effecting service, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke contends that should the Court permit the hearing of the matter, it would not only be unlawful, but also irregular and unconstitutional.

In an affidavit in support of the motion for dismissal of the Notice of Appeal, Hawke deposes that appeals regarding an election petition are governed exclusively by Article 163 (3) of the Constitution of Guyana, which sets out the circumstances under which such appeals can be filed.

Among them, he outlined, is a decision granting or refusing leave to institute proceedings for the determination of any question referred to in Article 163 (1).

According to the Solicitor General, the decision of the Chief Justice was not, and did not involve, a determination of a question referred to in the aforesaid Article.

On this note, he submitted that the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to hear an appeal from a decision of the High Court must be founded in the Constitution and statute.

Like Nandlall, Hawke is contending “that there is no statutory or constitutional jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal to hear an election petition dismissed for procedural impropriety or any other reason not stated in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana.”

Overriding objective

Expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling of the Chief Justice, lawyers of the petitioners are contending that Justice George, in dismissing the party’s election petition, failed to consider its overriding objective.

Lawyers for Nurse and Thomas contend that Justice George erred in law and misdirected herself by failing to recognise that the purpose of Rule 9

of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules, requiring service of an affidavit, is to verify that service was achieved within the time prescribed by the statute, and that an error in the affidavit does not affect the fact of service.

They further contend that Justice George erred in law and misdirected herself by following the decision in Eusi Kwayana et al v The Chief Elections Officer et al No 205 of 1986, which decision in itself was erroneous.

According to the lawyers, Justice George again erred in law and misdirected herself when she applied the doctrine of strict compliance by holding that such compliance related to the contents of the affidavit of service, in-

stead of the filing of the affidavit of service on time.

Further, the lawyers argue that the Chief Justice also erred in law and misdirected herself when she concluded that leave was required to file a supplementary affidavit of service to give a more complete understanding of how service was effected on the former President.

Additionally, it is also being argued that the Chief Justice erred in dismissing the entire election petition for non-service, even though Granger notified the court that he would not oppose the election petition and that the other proper and necessary respondents were served within the statutory timeline. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana hosts inaugural meeting of Caricom Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security …Task Force looking to transform agri-food system

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ith Guyana once again taking the lead on agriculture in Caricom, a Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security has been established to advance Caricom’s agri-food systems’ agenda.

The Food Production and Food Security Agenda was put forward by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during the 32nd Caricom Heads of Government Meeting last February. CARICOM subsequently endorsed the agenda and agreed to the establishment of the task force to implement the strategy.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who also serves as Chairman of the Special Ministerial Task Force, hosted the inaugural meeting with Ministers of Agriculture from the ten participating Caricom member states on Wednesday.

During his address, Mustapha said the objective

Some officials from the participating Member States

of the task force is to guide the regional position towards the transformation of the agri-food system, allowing for a significantly more resilient, wealth-generating and food- secure region.

“Food system transformation is at the core of our aspirations and mandate.

Therefore, our activities over the next years would be geared towards this goal.

Specifically, the Caricom Agri-Food System Strategy seeks to frontally address the complete removal of all technical barriers to trade, development of a Caricom Cross Border Agri-Food Investment Strategy to support production corridors, accelerating the pace of finalising and adopting of the CARICOM Investment Code, completion of the re-

form of the CET suspension and rule of origin regimes to afford protection to regional enterprises, and to support the competitiveness of regional forms, implementation of E-Agriculture Strategy, development of measures to promote de-risking of the sector, improvement of transport and logistics, and investment in production, research and

development,” he said.

To this end, the minister said, an Implementation Plan with 36 broad policy areas has been articulated.

Select priority sectors such as poultry, corn/soya bean, rice, beef, pork, mutton, coconut, niche vegetables, fruits, and fruit juices, ginger and turmeric have also been identified to advance the commercialisation agenda of the regional food system.

The Ministerial Task Force comprises Agriculture Ministers and other officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, The Bahamas, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

During the meeting, the Task Force also reviewed, amended, and accepted the Terms of Reference (TOR)

which were developed by a team of technical officers from the CARICOM Secretariat. The TOR outlines the objectives, purpose, membership and governance of the task force.

During his presentation, Programme Manager, Agricultural and AgroIndustrial Development, Caricom, Shaun Baugh, discussed the implementation plan for the strategy. He said the objective of the plan was to commercialise the Regional agrifood industry with actual commencement of Private Sector production activities in priority sectors identified, within a three-year window. He also discussed several broad policy measures and reforms required to support the commercialisation of the Region’s Agrifood System.

US Embassy hosts educational CPCE online training to begin soon medical seminars in Berbice

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ducation Minister Priya Manickchand visited the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) where she met with the Principal and administrative staff on Tuesday.

During the meeting, several issues were discussed with the group including the commencement of its online training ,which is to begin soon.

Understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education delivery regarding face-to-face engagement, Manickchand had asked for CPCE to start offering its programmes online.

This will address the need for teachers to continue their training while being away from the College and its centres, and will benefit those persons living far away from the College’s locations.

This will also remove the limitations placed on

Education Minister Priya Manickchand meeting with Principal Viola Rowe and administrative staff of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE)

enrolment as training is being done beyond the physical classroom. Hence, more students can be accepted to begin their studies as the student population will no longer be

limited by physical space.

Various software programmes were purchased for this to become a reality.

With this new approach, the number of

CJ to rule on APNU/AFC...

“You will have to take into account that the recount itself was done with the consent of all of the political actors involved, as the preamble of Order 60 indicates. But there is no complaint in these proceedings, in any event, that anyone was disenfranchised or that anyone who was not entitled to vote was promoted to vote,” he posited.

Mendes further argued that, “You will have to judge whether there was a sham election in the context where the Court of Appeal itself

said early…that Section 22 was unconstitutional. That was the backdrop to Order 60 and the recount that was held. And you have to do against the backdrop of the Court of Appeal at the very least, permitting a recount under Section 22, except that it could not be under the supervision of CARICOM (Caribbean Community). That is the context in which the recount was taken, against the backdrop of an implicit, if not an expressed, authorisation by the Court of Appeal that you

could proceed.”

The Trinidadian lawyer contended that it seems to be “disproportionate and excessive” to ask the court now to say that the elections, the recount of the ballots is “in sham”.

Meanwhile, SC Nandlall also argued in court that under Article 162 of the Constitution, GECOM has the authority to issue Order 60.

Against this backdrop, they argue that the petitioners have failed to present any evidence upon which

persons who are applying and being accepted to the CPCE has quadrupled.

The Education Minister said that she was looking forward to CPCE going online soon.

FROM PAGE 15

the results of the elections can be invalidated.

Nandlall, in his submissions to the Court, cited case laws and underscored that Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act was promulgated because framers of the Constitution thought that Article 162 was inadequate and needed to be boosted to handle situations like the 1997 election controversy.

The Chief Justice will hand down her ruling in the case on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:00am.

Members of the US Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme during one of the demonstrations in Berbice on Wednesday

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he United States Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme in Guyana on Wednesday held two medical educational seminars in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) aimed at providing basic knowledge on first aid and trauma care that could potentially save someone’s life.

US Embassy-organised medical seminars were held at the Roadside Baptist Church and Skills Training Centre at Number 68 Village and at the Regional Health Service’s boardroom in New Amsterdam.

Programme Coordinator Josh Oppenheim during the outreach said that medical knowledge is a valuable tool for anyone.

“That has always been a priority for us distributing

this knowledge and helping the community with it,” he noted.

The seminars were facilitated by Espero Christian.

Similar programmes have been conducted in Region One (BarimaWaini); Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica and Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

Meanwhile, Guyana Medical Relief has donated $4 million worth of medical supplies to the Health Department for the New Amsterdam and Port Mourant Hospitals.

Chief Operations Officer Sharir Chan explained that the lab at the New Amsterdam Hospital received test tubes and cancer medication in addition to physiotherapy equipment, which both Hospitals received.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Regional

Brazil records more than Honduran delegation headed to Washington seeking US aid to stem migration 4000 deaths related to COVID-19 in 24 hours H

Health care workers stand behind a coffin which represents dead colleagues during a protest against Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and his handling of COVID-19, March 25, 2021

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razil has recorded more than 4000 deaths related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in 24 hours for the first time, as a more contagious variant fuels a surge in cases.

Hospitals are overcrowded, with people dying as they wait for treatment in some cities, and the health system is on the brink of collapse in many areas.

The country’s total death toll is now almost 337, 000, second only to the United States.

But President Jair Bolsonaro continues to oppose any lockdown measures to curb the outbreak.

He argues that the damage to the economy would be worse than the effects of the virus itself, and has tried to revert some of the restrictions imposed by local authorities in the courts.

Speaking to supporters outside the presidential residence on Tuesday, he criticised quarantine measures claiming they were linked to obesity and depression and led to unem-

ployment. He did not comment on the 4195 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.

To date, Brazil has recorded more than 13 million cases of coronavirus, according to the Health Ministry. Some 66,570 people died with COVID-19 in March, more than double the previous monthly record.

In most states, patients with COVID-19 are using more than 90 per cent of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds though numbers have been stable since the past week, according to the health institute Fiocruz (in Portuguese).

Several states have reported short supplies of oxygen and sedative. But despite the critical situation, some cities and states are already easing measures limiting the movement of people.

“The fact is the anti-lockdown narrative of President Jair Bolsonaro has won,” Miguel Lago, executive director of Brazil’s Institute for Health Policy Studies, which advises public health officials, told the Associated Press. (Reuters)

COVAX delivers vaccines to 3 more Caribbean countries

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t Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have finally received AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX. The vaccines arrived on Wednesday and another 24,000 doses are currently in transit to Antigua and

Barbuda.

Vaccines were also in transit to Grenada, according to an online COVAX vaccine delivery tracker.

But on Wednesday evening, that shipment disappeared from the list with no explanation.

St Kitts and Nevis got

21,600 doses, while St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines got 24,000 each.

The only Caricom countries yet to get supplies through COVAX are now Grenada, Haiti, and Montserrat.

(Trinidad Newsday)

T&T PM holding his own after positive COVID test

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rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley is said to be “holding his own” after testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Dr Rowley experienced flu-like symptoms on Monday and was subsequently tested for COVID-19, with the test coming back positive.

The PM was said to be in isolation and under medical supervision at an undisclosed location in Tobago.

The PM’s positive COVID test came on the day when the long-awaited national vaccine rollout began, when Rowley himself was initially scheduled to be vaccinated.

However, Dr Rowley assured Guardian Media that none of his Cabinet Ministers had been exposed to the virus, at least not by him.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

“I have not been in the presence of any Minister for the last two weeks,” Rowley told Guardian Media in response to questions about other Cabinet Ministers possibly being exposed.

Dr Rowley was, however, at a news conference with Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh last Tuesday, when he warned the country that there could be another lockdown if the spike in numbers of COVID cases continued.

Deyalsingh received his scheduled AstraZeneca jab, as did President Paula-Mae Weekes and her 92-year-old mother.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health reported 22 new COVID cases. The PM was one of those new cases.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roshan Parasram said that according to World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols, Dr Rowley would now have to wait up to six months before being inoculated because of his infection. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

onduran Foreign Minister Lisandro Rosales will lead a delegation to Washington on Friday to seek economic help following two devastating hurricanes that have contributed to increased immigration, Honduran Government officials said.

Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck Honduras two weeks apart around November, flooded vast areas, destroyed homes and caused about US$1.8 billion in damage, affecting some four million people, Honduran officials said.

Rosales’ trip to Washington will focus on aid to address the root causes of immigration, such as the coronavirus pandemic and the hurricanes that have exacerbated poverty, a Honduran presidency source said.

“Honduras has raised with US officials the need for help for national reconstruction, especially in areas severely affected by hurricanes Eta and Iota,” the source added.

Carlos Madero, the

A group of migrants from Honduras walk along the railway track on their way to the United States in Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico, March 30, 2021

Honduran Government’s Cabinet Coordinator and a member of the delegation, confirmed the trip was due to take place this week, saying “we will have meetings with high-ranking members of the State Department”.

The presidency and Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The White House and the US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador are known as the Northern Triangle of Central America. Surging

immigration from the region is a major challenge for US President Joe Biden’s new Administration.

Rosales’ trip to Washington follows a visit this week by US special envoy for the Northern Triangle, Ricardo Zuñiga, to Guatemala and El Salvador – but not Honduras.

Zuñiga’s trip has not yielded any major new aid pledges, though he said on Wednesday that the United States would provide US$2 million to support anti-corruption efforts in El Salvador. (Excerpt from Reuters)

several challenging years, and the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been severe,” Msellati said. “I look forward to continuing our work to support the Haitian people, focused on inclusive growth, and building resilience.

“I will work closely with stakeholders across Haitian society to support the country’s development priorities, and provide support for the most vulnerable,” he added.

Since joining the World Bank in 1991, the Bank said Msellati has held several positions in the Africa, Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, and Latin

America and the Caribbean regions.

The World Bank said Msellati recently served as World Bank Country Manager for Mauritania and has also been Practice Manager of the Agriculture Global Practice in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

The World Bank said Msellati will lead the implementation of the Bank’s programme in Haiti, which includes an active portfolio of 20 projects worth about US$915 million, financed by the International Development Association and trust funds. (Excerpt from CMC)

World Bank appoints new Country Manager for Haiti

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he World Bank has appointed Laurent Msellati, a French national, as its new Country Manager for Haiti.

The Washington-based financial institution said that Msellati’s appointment was effective April 1, 2021, and he will be based in Portau-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

In this new role, Msellati’s top priorities will be to lead the Bank’s engagement with the Government of Haiti, work closely with key development partners and stakeholders, manage the country programme and team, and support staff in the Haiti Country Office.

“Haiti has experienced

Political will of Caribbean States key in response to pandemic, says Mottley

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s Barbados received its first tranche of vaccines Tuesday from the COVAX Facility, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley called for coordinated action on the part of Caribbean countries to bring an end to the pandemic.

Speaking during a virtual press conference hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mottley said such coordination would include measures such as collective shutdowns, instituting protocols and policy responses.

She stressed that the ball rested with the “political will of member states” as such action was needed for a fairer

and healthier world.

“If we do not get the fundamental development equation correct; if we do not work together; if we do not appreciate that we can only work together if we are to achieve a fair and healthier world, then we run the risk of seeing millions of persons die again in circumstances where policy responses can have a different result to ensure that less people become victim of epidemics and pandemics,” the Prime Minister warned.

However, she noted that the answer to fight the pandemic was simply for countries to work together and for a level of global moral leadership.

Describing the journey for Caribbean countries as “torturous over the last year” as they came up against larger countries in trying to access vaccines, Mottley expressed support for WHO’s first call to action for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments within and between countries.

She said that Barbados and its Caribbean counterparts were separated by the global communities as countries emerging from the depths of poverty and not deserving of assistance in traditional ways, usually reserved for the most vulnerable.(Excerpt from Nation News)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices end higher as traders weigh latest supply update, demand prospects

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il prices ended higher on Wednesday, shaking off an earlier decline, as traders parsed US Government data showing a more-than-three-million-barrel decline in crude inventories, and a bigger-than-expected climb in gasoline inventories.

Once traders “looked beneath the sticker shock” of a weekly rise in total US petroleum stocks, “the report generally seemed positive and showed a tightening market,” said Manish Raj, chief financial officer at Velandera Energy.

The market is also still recovering from what Raj referred to as “an unwarranted drop” Monday, when prices fell over four per cent, creating a “buying opportunity as traders looked to buy the dip.”

Renewed concerns about the global economy and its demand for energy had weighed on prices during much of the session, amid questions surrounding the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe, and rise in the spread of COVID-19 variants.

Weekly gasoline demand was “disappointing as drivers may be resistant to higher prices”, said Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at The Price Futures Group.

The Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday that total finished motor gasoline supplied for the week ended April 2, which is a gauge for demand, was at 8.78 million barrels per day, down from 8.89 million barrels per day a week earlier.

“Still, the draw on crude should start a string of bigger draws in weeks to come, so we may see some buying come back in,” Flynn told MarketWatch.

West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery tacked on 44 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to settle at US$59.77 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. June Brent crude, the global benchmark, added 42 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to US$63.16 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe. (Excerpt from Market Watch)

UK PM urges calm as Belfast protesters hijack bus, attack Police

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rowds of youths in a pro-British area of Belfast set a hijacked bus on fire and attacked Police with stones in the latest of a series of nightly outbreaks of violence that began last week.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “deeply concerned” by the violence, which has injured dozens of Police Officers in recent days as protesters burned cars and hurled petrol bombs at Police.

The violence comes amid growing frustration among many in the pro-British unionist community at new trade barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom that resulted from Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The pro-British

“I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland,” PM Boris Johnson wrote in a Twitter post. “The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality.”

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have also pointed to a decision by Police not to prosecute Irish nationalists Sinn Fein for a large funeral last year that broke

COVID-19 regulations.

Sinn Fein in turn have blamed the DUP for stoking tensions with their staunch opposition to the new trading arrangements and their

call in recent days for the region’s Police Chief to step down.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said some of the violence was influenced by “criminal elements” who helped to orchestrate the attacks.

The violence on Wednesday took place near the Shankill Road in west Belfast near a so-called “peace wall” that divides the community from the Irish nationalist stronghold of the Falls Road, where groups of youths also gathered.

The walls and fences were built between the two communities to prevent clashes during three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland that largely ended with a 1998 peace deal.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Italy, Britain suggest age limits for AstraZeneca vaccine, but still recommend it

I

taly recommended on Wednesday that AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 shot only be used on those over 60 and Britain that people under 30 should get an alternative, due to possible links between the vaccine and very rare cases of blood clots.

More than a dozen countries have at one time suspended use of the vaccine, which has been given to tens of millions in Europe. But most have resumed, with

some, including France, the Netherlands and Germany, recommending a minimum age.

European Union Health Ministers failed to agree on common guidance on the use of the shot, despite calls for coordination across member states to combat public hesitancy over a vaccine set to be a key component of many vaccination programmes.

Italy’s health authority recommended that the shot only be used on people over

60 years old, but said those under 60 who have taken a first AstraZeneca shot can also take a second one.

An official in Britain said the new advice by a Government advisory group that other vaccines should be chosen for those under 30 where possible was “really out of the utmost caution, rather than because we have any serious safety concerns”.

European regulators reiterated that they had found

possible links between the vaccine and very rare cases of blood clots, but reaffirmed its importance in protecting people against COVID-19.

Rising infections caused by more infectious variants are threatening to overwhelm the hospitals of many EU countries – where the pace of vaccinations lags far behind Britain and the United States - -forcing France and others to reimpose lockdowns. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Canada’s Ontario issues stay-at-home order as COVID surges Myanmar Ambassador to UK “locked out”

of London Embassy

M Ontario has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections, spurred in part by new variants of the virus, as well as Intensive Care Unit admissions [Chris Helgren/Reuters]

C

anada’s most populous province is imposing a stay-at-home order, nearly one week after medical and public health experts recommended such a measure as COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations are surging.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday defended his Government’s decision-making process, saying he is “listening to health and science”, but could not predict such a steep rise in coronavirus variants and intensive care admissions.

The province put limited curbs in place during the weekend, but it has faced widespread criticism for failing to address the root causes of the surge, such as pro-

viding COVID-19 vaccines to hard-hit neighbourhoods and workplaces, as well as guaranteeing paid sick days for essential workers.

On Wednesday, Ontario reported 3215 new cases and a seven-day average of 2988 – up from 3065 new cases and a seven-day average of 2862 a day earlier – and health experts have raised concerns about the rapid spread of coronavirus variants.

“Even the people that were showing us the charts and where we were going … the capacity at the ICUs and these variants have taken off even beyond what they told us,” Ford told reporters during a news conference.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

y a n m a r ' s Ambassador in London says he has been locked out of his embassy.

Kyaw Zwar Minn said staff were asked to leave the building by Myanmar's military attaché and he was told he was no longer the country's representative.

"I have been locked out," he told Reuters news agency.

Myanmar's military seized power in a coup on February 1, sparking weeks of protests and escalating

violence. Kyaw Zwar Minn has called for the release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 500 people – including dozens of children – have been killed so far as pro-democracy protesters demand a return to power of elected leader Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.

Kyaw Zwar Minn described Wednesday's events as "a kind of coup, in the middle of London", Reuters reported. "This kind of coup is not going to happen," he added.

Myanmar's Ambassador to the UK, Kyaw Zwar Minn (R) speaks to a Police Officer outside the embassy in London

The ambassador was pictured standing on the street outside Myanmar's embassy in London's Mayfair

speaking to officers from the Metropolitan Police Force. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US to restore aid to UN Palestinian refugee agency cut by Trump

T

he Biden Administration has announced plans to resume funding for the United Nations agency that supports Palestinian refugees, which has faced a dire financial situation since former US President Donald Trump cut US assistance in 2018.

In a statement on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States would provide US$150 million in humanitarian assistance to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

UNRWA provides aid and other services, including health care and educa-

tion, to about 5.7 million Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Jordan – and the agency welcomed the US announcement.

“UNRWA could not be more pleased that once again we will partner with the United States to provide

critical assistance to some of the most vulnerable refugees across the Middle East and fulfil our mandate to educate and provide primary health care to millions of refugees every day,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

Don't be fooled by someone's actions. Go directly to (March 21- the source if you want to get April 19) the facts. You have more options than you think. Trust in your ability and judgment. Don't limit what you can do.

ARIES

Have patience. Make sure that everyone understands (April 20what you are up against and May 20) how others can help. Choose your words carefully and maintain moderation moving forward. Avoid taking a risk.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Mixed emotions will confuse GEMINI you. Making the right move (May 21will help you gain the support June 20) and respect of your friends and colleagues. A proposal will capture your attention. Listen to what others have to say.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Put greater emphasis on creativity and doing things your way. Give others the freedom to do as they please, and you'll avoid interference. Be wary of joint ventures.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Pay attention to what others need, and consider what you can offer. Your generosity can lead to trouble if you go overboard. Someone will take advantage of you if you are too accommodating.

You'll come up with a pretty good idea. Bring about a change that will encourage a better lifestyle. It's up to you to make adjustments that facilitate greater freedom, less stress and a better future.

PEANUTS

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Refuse to let anyone push you in a direction you don't want to go. Set your sights on what's attainable, and channel your energy into bringing about positive change. Share your plans with a loved one.

SCORPIO

Use your imagination to come up with an innovative plan that will improve the way you live and your relationship with someone special. Stick to a strict budget to avoid financial stress.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Focus on self-improveSAGITTARIUS ment. Be careful not to jump (Nov. 23to conclusions or take sides Dec. 21) in a situation with lots of variables. Ask questions, and refuse to let anyone interfere.

Look for a unique way CAPRICORN to use your skills. Expand (Dec. 22your knowledge. Incorporate Jan. 19)

new skills into your resume, but don't pretend that you can do something you can't.

Honesty will be a must.

TUESDAY'S WORD - FUSTIER

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You may desire change, but don't let anyone fool you into thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Look inward and focus on self-improvement projects.

Let your emotions, imagPISCES ination and personal needs (Feb. 20lead to positive change. Follow March 20) your heart and dreams, and connect with people who share your interests and concerns.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

COVID-19 spike puts all BCB cricketing activities on hold

21

Windies could have done more to secure Test series’ win

— insists Sir Curtly Ambrose

L

BCB President Hilbert Foster The 2021 season began with the BCB hosting matches under strict COVID-19 guidelines

T

he Hilbert Foster-led Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a decision to put all cricket activities on hold for the month of April as Guyana continues to experience a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Foster has noted that the country is not very large, and cannot afford a worsening of the COVID-19 crisis.

"Over the last week, the situation has gotten worse, yet most of us are carrying on as if COVID is not real. My dear friends, COVID is very real, and it is killing our fellow countrymen at an alarming rate. The BCB has placed on hold our 2021 season as we

review the situation, as the health of our officials and players is our main concern.

“Clubs across Berbice are hereby advised to desist from arranging fun matches against each other, and all practice sessions should also be placed on hold," Foster has said.

The BCB President added: "The Government also needs to get the Police to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines, and I am left to wonder if it is necessary for bars and rum shops to be open at this time. Surely, we can do without rum and loud music at this time. Why are we still hosting big parties, weddings and get-togethers when they can easily turn into

mass spreaders of the deadly disease?

“Each one of us owes it to our friends and relatives to act more responsibly if we are to beat this virus. Our Police officers needs to be more professional and stop some of the nonsense that are happening right in front of their noses.

"Please people, wear a mask; practise social distancing; and please, please avoid rum shops, parties and large crowds at this moment. A time would come when life would return to normal, but now is not the time for that. Please use the brain that God gave to us”.

Think smart - the life you

save could be yours or a close relative’s, Foster disclosed on the BCB Facebook page.

Foster has also advised that additionally, clubs in the Upper Corentyne area are hereby informed that due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in Region 6, the Annual General Meeting of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association has been postponed to a later date. The new date and venue would be announced by the management of the Association when the situation improves. Clubs in the area are hereby informed to desist from organising games among themselves, as the Upper Corentyne area is reportedly a COVID-19 hot spot currently.

egendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose believes the West Indies team could have been more aggressive in going for the win against Sri Lanka in the second and final Test, but admits to being pleased with the strides the team has made.

In the end, West Indies and Sri Lanka played to a 0-0 Test series draw, with neither team really being able to press home advantages at various stages in both matches.

In a reversal of fortunes, it was the West Indies who had headed into the final day of the final Test with a big lead and looking to put the pressure on the visitors. The team, however, managed to take two wickets as Sri Lanka closed the day on 193 for 2.

Ambrose, however, believes the West Indies did not give themselves enough time to win the game.

“I think that we didn’t show enough intent to try and win that game. We batted too long in my opinion, we took too long to score the runs, which means we didn’t have enough time to bowl out Sri Lanka on a very placid surface, and I thought that the urgency in getting those quick runs wasn’t there. We batted too long,” Ambrose told the Antigua Observer.

Ambrose believes that during the second innings, with team captain Kraigg Brathwaite anchoring the unit on the third day, the batting line-up should have been re-tooled in an attempt to score more quickly.

“We know the captain Kraigg Brathwaite isn’t going to take an attacker’s path. He is one of those guys who are going to bat for long and accumulate (their) runs, and nothing is wrong with that,” Ambrose added.

“Kyle Mayers, we know, will go on the attack, but I thought that later on, after Kyle Mayers got out, we should have at least sent Jimbo [Rahkeem Cornwall] or Alzarri Joseph ahead of Da Silva to get some quicker runs, so we could have enough time after the declaration to try and bowl out Sir Lanka. Sending Da Silva, to me, wasn’t a good move at that particular stage,” Sir Curtly said.

Ambrose insists, however, that there were several positives to be taken from the display.

“You can see that the guys are putting a lot more thought into the cricket, which is very good to see. They have been patient, they try to construct their innings in terms of the batting; and even in the bowling department, you could see they were really trying to bowl in good areas, and not just trying to get a wicket every ball." (Adapted from Sportsmax)

Daniel Sams of RCB tests GAPLF’s Novices/Juniors National Championship & positive for COVID-19 — ahead of IPL 2021 tournament opener

R

CB all-rounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for COVID-19 in his second test after arriving in India. In an official statement, the Bengalurubased franchise said Sams had checked in the team's Chennai hotel with a negative report, but was found to be positive in the 2nd test, the result of which came on Wednesday.

The franchise has issued the following statement: Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic, and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility".

The Australian had been traded to the RCB from the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2021 season. Earlier, team opener Devdutt Padikkal had tested positive for COVID-19 during his hotel quarantine.

"Devdutt Padikkal tested positive for COVID-19 on 22nd March 2021. He has been in mandatory quarantine at his residence in Bengaluru since then. Devdutt will be fit to join the RCB bio-bubble once his RT-PCR tests are negative, as per IPL protocol," RCB said in a statement on Sunday.

"RCB Medical team is in touch with Devdutt, ensuring his safety and well-being. He is feeling well and we can’t wait to have him join the squad for IPL 2021," RCB had tweeted on April 4.

This is the 4th instance of an IPL 2021 player testing positive for the coronavirus.

Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel and KKR's Nitish Rana had also tested positive for COVID-19 after entering the mandatory 7-day hotel quarantine.

RCB can now miss the services of both Daniel Sams and Devdutt Padikkal in their starting few matches of the 14th edition, which kickstarts with their clash against

Mumbai Indians on April 9.

(Adapted from IndiaToday)

Qualifiers 2021 set for April 25 — All COVID protocols in effect

T

he Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will host its Novices/ Juniors National Championships and Qualifiers on Sunday, April 25th, 2021 at a location to be announced at a later date.

Weigh-in commences from 06:00 hrs, and would last until 07:30 hrs (6am to 7:30am), while the competition begins at 08:00 hrs (8am).

The registration form and entrance fee can be submitted to Martin Webster, or payment can be made directly to the GAPLF’s

bank account: Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited account #962356552194 After depositing the money in the account, competitors are asked to send images of both the registration form and deposit slip to Martin Webster at the GAPLF. The continued presence of the COVID-19 pandemic precludes the GAPLF from allowing spectators at the venue, and each team would be allowed only one coach. Everyone present would be expected to wear a mask. The competition will be live-streamed for the virtual audience.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Delroy James, a different level — “If we stay focused and work of leadership hard, we can win”, says James

By Timothy Jaikarran

How does it feel to be elected as co-captain, and what do you think of the squad?

It feels good to be elected as co-captain. Seeing that they look to me for leadership, along with Stanton Rose Jr, to rally the guys and rally the troops, it should be good. I appreciate the honour of representing my country and being the co-captain.

In terms of the squad selected, I think it is a very difficult pool we are selected in. We have to go locked in, go focused, do what the coach is telling us to do, go work hard, and fight. They are very good teams, the Spanish teams like you run Jamaica is going to be tough, just the whole side is going to be tough, but if we come there focused, we can win.

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level of things, they can do on the court and just bring out the best in each other.

We all can look out for each other to listen and uplift our team, and that is what we will need when we go up against tough competition.

D

elroy James is by no means an ordinary basketball player. his wealth of experience gained from his professional basketball career would be a definite boost to the national side. Hence he was selected to serve as the Co-Captain of the squad that would participate in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Being one of Guyana's most successful pro basketball players, James offers the team an exciting mix of experience and knowledge. He has played all over the world, and to make things even more enticing, the 6-foot, 8-inch power forward won both the FIBA Basketball Champions League (BCL) and FIBA Inter-Continental Cup with the Greek Athlitikí Énosis Konstantinoupóleos (Athletic Union of Constantinople) – AEK Basketball Club (BC) based in Athens, Greece.

What more can be said about the team’s chances of success? But, much appreciation to the selectors for selecting the right man for the job.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, James was asked a series of questions along the lines of the readiness of the squad and how confident they are going forward.

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What do you expect from the team as they prepare to compete, and what do you want to say to the Guyanese supporters?

As we prepare and compete, I just want everyone to stay focused, stay locked in, work hard, practise hard, take care of their body. They should follow the COVID protocols, stay healthy, and be ready for war when we get down there.

To the Guyana supporters: Thank you, and always keep supporting us and believe in us as we try our best to represent the country.

D

elro y

s e m a J

What chance does the side have in competing against the other nations?

I think our chances are good competing against other nations. It's just basketball - one ball and two hoops. We just got to go there and fight and play hard. We practised hard, so we just have to translate that into the game, and we'll be all right.

With the addition of experienced players in the squad, what do you guys bring to the table?

I think my brother, myself and Anthony Moe just bring a lot of experience of playing around the world. Seeing different types of basketball, showing the guys a different

In terms of preparation where are you guys now, and what more has to be done?

In terms of preparation, we are building and coming together. As a team, you can never be too perfect. We can only get better day by day if we practise enough and work hard, I think that will help us in everything that we do.

Those on board in supporting the national squad are JHI Associates; Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport; E-Networks; Nigel Hinds; Hand-in-Hand; Atlantic Mining Supplies; American Airlines; Rima Guest House, and Sleepin International.

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Guyana Game Schedule: • Game 1: Thursday, April 15 – 21:00 GYT – Guyana vs Nicaragua • Game 2: Friday, April 16 – 18:00 GYT – Jamaica vs Guyana • Game 3: Saturday, April 17 – 21:00 GYT – Guyana vs El Salvador • Game 4: Sunday, April 18 – 18:00 GYT – Costa Rica vs Guyana All Guyana games will be broadcasted via the E-Networks E1 Channel.

Swim trio get 2 more chances GTT gives support at qualifying for Olympics to Tucber Park

Cricket Club

A

lthough the returns at the South American Swimming Championships were not as stellar as they’d hoped, Guyana’s Olympic swimming hopefuls will feature in two more meets as they seek to qualify for the Tokyo Games.

Just a few weeks after two swimmers participated in the South American Swimming Championships, the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) is focused on providing more opportunities for Guyana’s trio to secure a spot in the Tokyo Olympics.

Reflecting on Andrew Fowler and Leon Seaton’s time in Argentina, GASA President Dwayne Scott labelled their performance as ‘credible’, given the limited preparation they had.

Jamila Sanmoogan, who missed the last competition, is expected to join the team going forward.

“I think in light of where we were in terms of preparation, the performances were extremely…they were cred-

2237230-1

(Ext 55) ible performances. Andrew may have dropped off a bit, but Leon has improved significantly. I think he has a great future in the sport.

He did two great swims in the 50M and 100M free, and Andrew did his usual in the 50M butterfly,” Scott shared with this publication.

Scott detailed the next steps the GASA would be taking in getting Guyana’s swimmers to the world event.

“We’re encouraged by what we’ve seen, and we want to make sure that it is continued to the Olympics.

The road to the Olympics is going to take us through Florida, where there’s a meet at the end of April, and subsequently another meet in Puerto Rico in May,” the GASA President disclosed to Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday.

“All three Olympic hopefuls: Sanmoogan, Fowler and Seaton, will be at this meet,” he assured.

With Seaton’s Florida scholarship being extended, he will be in the state, await-

ing his teammate’s arrival.

Expectedly, if the Guyanese trio are to make it to the Games, from July 23 to August 8, they will need to increase their training. In this regard, the GASA boss shared that the local association is adamant about ensuring that they’re adequately prepared.

Scott explained, “Of course there is a need to up the tempo! At this point in time, they’ve all been through what we call a tapering process, which is preparing them for competition-level activity. As we come closer to the Olympics, we would need to make sure that we’re doing the right thing, so they could be adequately prepared.”

The swim trio’s trips to Florida and Puerto Rico are reportedly being funded by the Swimming Union of the Americas (UANA).

“Their trips were funded by FINA. In fact, it was funded by UANA, who overlooks South America and the Latin America region,” Scott disclosed.

NOW!

Secretary of the TPCC, Tamesh Mohabir, receiving the GTT donation from CMO Orson Ferguson

A

s part of its 30th Anniversary yearlong “giveback”, GTT recently donated the sum of $100,000 to the Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) along with warm up jerseys and bottles.

“We’re excited to see this group of young cricketers from the New Amsterdam area display their talent at this year’s T20 Championship,” said GTT’s CMO Orson Ferguson.

On receiving the donation from Ferguson, Secretary of the TPCC, Tamesh Mohabir, extended gratitude to the company for the timely assistance.

“We are grateful to GTT for providing us with the opportunity to participate in this tournament, as we will all be able to not only showcase our talent and challenge ourselves, but to also enjoy the experience of playing with so many teams from across Guyana,” he said.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lady Jags claim bias!

— seek assistance of First Lady and Sport Minister

G

uyana’s Senior Women’s National Football Team, commonly referred to as the Lady Jags, have taken the bold initiative of penning a letter to First Lady Arya Ali and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, venting their frustrations at certain aspects of the Women’s programme in Guyana.

“As members of the Guyana Women’s National Football Team, first let us congratulate and commend you on the awesome work done since taking office. You have been an inspiration to young people in Guyana and in the diaspora, and we admire your drive to provide balance and equal opportunity for young girls and women.

“We are writing to express our frustrations around the unfair and inequitable distribution of resources and support provided the female participants in comparison to our male counterparts,” the Lady

Jags’ letter is quoted as saying.

Cosigned by almost half of the women’s team, both locally and internationally based, the ladies provided details about some of the team’s stellar achievements, while drawing a contrast between the resources provided for the male team as compared to the female team.

They wrote, “We feel the impact of years of systemic bias. We have been relegated to second-class citizens because of our gender even though our records and accomplishments are amongst the best across the Caribbean region.

“A few of these highlights include:

1) Guyana’s record setting quarter-final placement at U-20 CONCACAF in 2020 2) The highest ranking in the world, male or female, in the FIFA world ranking of #75 in 2018 3) Guyana’s first outing

at a CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier in 2016 4) Guyana's first outing at a major CONCACAF Tournament, male or female, in 2010 when the Lady Jags qualified and competed at the Women's Gold Cup “Despite these accomplishments, our Women Senior National Team has sat dormant for three years while the men’s team con-

tinues to play multiple games each year.

“Unlike the men’s programme, our coaches and staff are volunteers, and our players receive no funding to offset the costs of national team participation.

Families and players must make financial contributions so that we can have an opportunity to play.

“Imagine how disheartening it is to hear the men

RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour teams continue to make positive difference

T

he Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt first division team is widely considered one of the top first division teams in Guyana, and over the two last years, has dominated the game in the Ancient County. The team in 2019 won all the first division tournaments in the Ancient County, while the RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under 21 team won the delayed 2019 under 21 tournaments after defeating arch-rivals Albion by seven wickets in early March.

Under management of Organising Secretary Rabindranauth Kissoonlall and Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu, the two teams continue to make a positive difference as part of their personal development programme. One of the requirements of being a member of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club is that all members shall be involved in social work and community development, to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The two teams on Tuesday last completed the 250th activity mandatory for the club for 2021 by handing over three special prizes for the hosting of a fundraising raffle by the Rose Hall Canje Cricket Team. The prizes were an electric blender, electric iron and electric kettle.

The RH Canje Community Centre Cricket Club, headed by Dr. Cecil Beharry, participates in all tournaments organised by the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board. Dr. Beharry, in accepting the donation, noted that the club sometimes finds it difficult financially to play in all the tournaments because of how expensive balls are and transportation is.

The Club, he disclosed plays at the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, Under 21, Second Division, Internal Zone and First Division levels.

Additionally, the RHCCCC also has several active female cricketers who play in the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone team.

Beharry expressed gratitude to the Namilco Thunderbolt teams for their assistance. He noted that his club receives a wide range of assistance from the club

get paid for matches in addition to not having to buy their own practice kits or pay for their own practice fields. The financial support to the men’s programme at the exclusion of the women’s programme is wrong, and must stop.

“Every member of our team has sacrificed to help drive the goal of elevating the role of women in the sport of football across Guyana. We are happy to serve as role models, but the burden should not be ours alone to bear.

“Many of the women who have signed this letter have been with the programme since 2009. We are united in our call for equal and fair

23

treatment.”

Not transferring any blame to the local Federation, the Guyana Football Federation, the ladies requested a formal meeting with both the First Lady and the Sport Minister, in order to better voice their concerns.

“We want to thank you for taking the time to hear our concerns, and would like to request a meeting with you. In fact, this issue was first raised by Sports Journalist Rawle Toney, who has been covering over progression around the world from the inception. He has been the singular voice in trying to bring some resolution, and it was through his suggestion for us to bring this situation to your attention that we write.

“He has spoken highly of you and Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali’s impressive resume since taking office in helping to foster a better Guyana and, more importantly, your Government’s push for sports development for all Guyanese.

“We look to developing equality within football, which will foster and nurture the next generation of female leaders across Guyana and the Caribbean,” The communication concluded.

Anthony Adams tests positive for COVID-19

N

RHTY&SC Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu handing over donation to Dr. Cecil Beharry, President of the Rose Hall Canje CC

and the Berbice Cricket Board, which includes scorebooks, catching cribs, cricket balls, coloured uniforms, cricket gears, educational materials, bicycles and trophies, among other things.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), hailed the efforts of the Namilco Thunderbolt Flour teams for assisting their peers, and noted that the RHTY&SC strongly believes in assisting other clubs. This, he stated, is to assist all youths in the county to fulfill their dream of becoming a professional cricketer.

Foster also disclosed that the team had, in 2021, donated over $1M worth of items to Berbice clubs, including cricket balls, stumps, gears, scorebooks and trophies. The two teams would also be pre-

senting bicycles to less fortunate youths in early May, while they are also planning to distribute hundreds of food hampers for Mothers and Father’s days in May and June respectively.

The teams also recently distributed $300,000 worth of kites across Guyana.

Last year, the ten cricket teams of the RHTY&SC distributed over ten thousand food hampers as part of their joint COVID-19 response programme.

Members of the RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Team include Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Royston Crandon, Clinton Pestano, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Junior Sinclair, Eon Hooper, Jason Sinclair, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Keon Sinclair, Keith Simpson and Shawn Pereira.

ational cricketer Anthony Adams has become the latest COVID-19 positive case among Guyanese cricketers.

The Essequibian, an academy player, confirmed that he is asymptomatic and is currently in isolation. He disclosed that he had a mild cold and back pain, but that has passed, the left-arm spinner said in an invited comment.

Guyana is currently experiencing a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. As a result, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has taken a decision to stop all cricket activities, including the daily academy system wherein players meet and train on a daily basis.

The players will undergo testing and return home and conduct training via Zoom.

It was also disclosed that the academy system which was conducted at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) facility was set to be shifted to the Guyana National Stadium at Providence with the necessary approval already given.

Earlier, Guyanese cricketers Romario Shepherd and Trevon Griffith had tested positive for COVID-19. The 28-year-old Adams has been a consistent member on the local circuit, and has played first-class cricket for the Guyana Jaguars.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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

Delroy James, a different level of leadership

Page 22

— “If we stay focused and work hard, we can win”, says James

GAPLF’s Novices/ Juniors National Championship & Qualifiers 2021 set for April 25 — All COVID protocols in effect

See story on page 21

Anthony Lady Jags Adams claim bias! tests — seek assistance of First Lady and Sport Minister positive for COVID-19 Page 23

Page 23

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