Guyana Times - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Community development high on GPF agenda P12 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4446

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

PRICE

1 day before hearing of election petitions

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Intruder turns up with toy gun at CJ Roxane George’s home …such actions can only emanate from those fearful of sound rulings of Judiciary – Govt

Page 3

Contractors PNC’s Carol warned about Joseph sloppy work, slapped defaulters with electoral to be blacklisted fraud charges Page 2

Page 9

3 inmates P9 escape from Lusignan Prison by jumping fence – 2 recaptured

Security firms warned of P11 prosecution for labour laws' violation 3 deaths, 54 new COVID-19 P7 cases recorded …Govt orders 20,000 antigen tests

Trial abandoned as man pleads guilty to killing brother-in-law P8

Page 13

What a parking! This minibus bus ended up in the drainage canal at the Berbice Minibus Park

Decades-old Sarah Johanna squatters call for regularisation

CXC independent review

Submissions of incorrect scores, missing documents mar CSEC, CAPE …training of teachers, registrars recommended

See story on page 10

Guyanese among 54 nabbed during immigration crackdown in P12 NYC Campbelltown, Princeville residents P2 petition for removal of village council …claim livelihood being threatened

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PNC’s Carol Joseph slapped with electoral fraud charges …Lawrence, Mingo face more charges

P

eople’s National Congress (PNC) activist Carol SmithJoseph made her first court appearance on Wednesday for several charges in relation to electoral fraud following the March 2, 2020 elections.

She was arraigned on one count of forgery and two counts of conspiracy to defraud at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was placed on $30,000 bail for each charge.

Smith-Joseph was charged jointly with embattled Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo for forgery. Mingo was also slapped with two counts of conspiracy to defraud.

Also appearing in court on Wednesday was PNC Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence, who was charged with forgery.

Like Smith-Joseph, both Lawrence and Mingo were also granted bail in the sum of $30,000 on each charge.

Speaking with report-

ers following the arraignment, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes – who is representing all three persons – said that he once again appealed to the Court for all the charges to be heard at the same time when the Police are finally done with their investigations.

“We have been repeatedly asking that when they’re in a position to proceed with all the charges; for the purpose of efficiency, they should bring all the charges at one time and then we can determine what’s perhaps the most efficient way to have those cases heard before the several Magistrates. Bring them in drips every week or every two days does not help, particularly, when you report to the court that you have not completed the investigation and you’re asking for more time,” the Attorney stated.

Hughes added, “So, our proposal was that they take a long date – whether it’s December or January –

when they’re confident that they’ve concluded their investigations and we‘re aware of all the charges. So at that stage, we can sit down and have some case management and we can decide cases go forward and which cases are not going forward, which witnesses are going to come.”

The trio are expected to return to court on October 28, 2020.

While these are SmithJoseph’s first set of charges in relation to electoral fraud, both Lawrence and Mingo have been charged previously, in some cases jointly, for attempting to rig the March 2, 2020 elections.

Only last week, Lawrence was slapped with two conspiracy to defraud charges, and was released on $50,000 bail on each charge.

The PNCR Chair is already facing private criminal charges jointly with Mingo for forging electoral documents in an effort to defraud the country. She was arraigned in August on

PNC’s Carol Joseph and Volda Lawrence, and RO Clairmont Mingo at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday morning

that charge and placed on $100,000 bail.

In addition to the private criminal charge for which he is out on self-bail, Mingo is also charged by the Police for four counts of misconduct in public office. He is currently on $600,000 bail in relation to those matters.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently prob-

ing allegations of attempts to rig the March 2 elections after receiving “formal reports” back in August.

Already, the Police have arrested and charged several staff at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the role they played in the events after the March 2 polls.

In addition to Mingo,

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and his Deputy, Roxanne Myers are facing electoral fraud charges brought by the State.

The CEO is also before the court in relation to three private criminal charges for conspiracy to defraud, misconduct in public office, and breach of public trust. (G8)

Campbelltown-Princeville residents petition for removal of Village Council

…claim livelihoods being threatened

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai receives the petition from Earl Gildharie

R

esidents of CampbelltownPrinceville, an Amerindian village located in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) are calling for the removal of Toshao Marbel

Thomas, Deputy Toshao Samantha John, and other Councillors of the village’s council.

On Tuesday, a petition signed by more than 130 residents was handed

over to Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai by Earl Gildharie, who led a delegation to a meeting at the Minister’s Quamina and Thomas Streets, Georgetown office.

Campbelltown is the closest Amerindian village to Mahdia. Its main economic activities are mining and subsistence farming.

The residents have alleged that the Toshao is refusing to let them conduct mining activities within the village, and has allegedly allowed her friends and family and foreign nationals to operate without consulting them.

They requested the Government’s intervention since their livelihoods were being threatened.

Those

The delegation during Tuesday’s meeting with Minister Sukhai

signing the petition further alleged that the Toshao verbally abused residents who challenge her decisions. They

have also cited her for lack of proper management and accountability of the Council.

The issues date back to April 2018 when the village held its Toshao and Councillors election which was marred by several irregularities. The villagers proceeded to seek the intervention of the former Minister who failed to address the issues at that time.

The issues have since escalated as a result of the recent gold rush in the village.

Residents have been instructed by the Toshao that they could only work one day per week in the mines.

Examining petition

During the meeting, Minister Sukhai explained that based on correspondence in the Ministry’s possession, it was established that the Village Council was illegitimately installed.

She added that the petition to remove the Toshao and Council would be reviewed and action would be taken in keeping with the Amerindian Act of 2006.

She noted that the Village Council would also be given

a chance to respond to the allegations.

“The Ministry will examine the petition in detail and seek to address it in a manner that provides for natural justice and that is, to ensure that the Toshao is notified about the petition and the matters of the petition, including the allegation of the Council being improperly installed and we will take it from there,” Minister Sukhai assured.

The Minister anticipates that the matter would be resolved by early November.

Meanwhile, Gildharie explained that the matter has affected over 900 persons. He said that the gold finds could be a major boost to the village economy, once residents were allowed to operate.

He is optimistic that the matter will be resolved promptly so that the people can get back to their normal lives.

On October 12, 2020, Minister Sukhai met with some 200 residents of Campbelltown who requested an audience with her to raise issues regarding mining in the village.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 day before election petitions’ hearing

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: October 22 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Friday, October 23 – 10:30h – 12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 22 – 08:05h – 09:35h and Friday, October 23 – 09:25h – 10:55h.

Intruder turns up with toy gun at CJ Roxane George’s home

…such actions can only emanate from those fearful of sound rulings of Judiciary – Govt

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 08:19h and 20:32h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres and 2.33 metres.

Low Tide: 14:04h reaching a minimum height of 1.01 metres.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

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DAILY MILLIONS

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$41.73/barrel

-3.43

Rough Rice

$219.56/ton

-0.16

London Sugar

$393.30/ton

-0.88

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1912.70

$1913.70

Low/High

$1912.20

$1914.20

Change

-11.60

-0.60%

Chief Justice Roxane George (ag)

O

ne day before the first hearing of the election petitions filed by the APNU/AFC Coalition, a man armed with what was later identified as a toy gun on Wednesday entered the residence of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and confronted the ranks guarding her home.

The incident occurred at some time around 14:00h yesterday. It is unclear whether the Chief Justice or any other family member was at home at the time.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Police said two ranks are stationed at Chief Justice George’s residence. At the time in question, one of the ranks – a female – had left the guard hut to go to the washroom when she was confronted by a slim-built male wearing a black short pants and a white jersey tied around his face.

He was armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, and the Police said he pointed the object at the cop while approaching her. The intruder then fired a punch at her but missed.

The female rank alerted the other officer, who was in the garage of the building and was armed with a .38 revolver. Upon hearing his colleague, the male rank went to investigate, but found the intruder pointing a weapon at him, causing him to take cover.

The suspect then dropped the object, ran in a northerly direction and jumped over a fence, making good his escape.

The Police have said that no shots were fired, nor was anyone injured. The object that was dropped by the suspect was retrieved and is suspected to be a toy gun, according to the Police.

Nevertheless, the matter is being investigated.

This incident comes on the heels of the first hearing of the election petitions filed by the APNU/AFC Coalition.

Chief Justice George has set today’s date – Thursday, October 22, 2020 – for case management, which is scheduled to commence at 13:00h.

Meanwhile both Government and the APNU/ AFC Opposition have con-

demned the incident. In a statement, the PPP/C Government said it “views this as the latest assault on democracy in our country, of which the judiciary forms one of its cornerstones. Such actions can only emanate from those who are fearful of the Constitution, the rule of law, and sound rulings from the Judiciary.”

The administration added that while investigations have already been launched into the incident, it has further advised the Guyana Police Force to ensure that the Chief Justice is provided with all the necessary security for her protection and that of her family and property.

The APNU/AFC also issued a statement on the incident, in which it accused the PPP/C of orchestrating the attack in an effort to thwart today’s hearing of petitions and further delay the matter.

But in response, the PPP/C administration set the record straight by pointing out that the PPP/C Government has nothing to fear from either of the two election petitions filed.

“We have already stated that they are frivolous, vexatious, and are without merit as every other legal proceedings APNU+AFC have filed in recent times,” the ruling party asserted.

It went on to say that it is tragic, though not unsurprising, that the Coalition Opposition would use such a grave matter as a platform to play their “petty and devious politics by implicating the PPP/C in such a dastardly design without

The suspected toy gun dropped by the intruder on the CJ’s premises

a scintilla or shred of evidence. It is only a demented mind that can produce such depraved thinking. It shows the level of desperation and low depths to which the APNU+AFC is prepared to descend. But then again, the world saw their vulgarity showcased for five long months from 2nd March 2020 to 2nd August 2020, as they attempted to disgracefully steal the 2020 National and Regional Elections.”

Meanwhile, the APNU/ AFC in its statement on Wednesday afternoon also expressed alarm at the incident at the home of the Chief Justice.

Only recently, Attorney General Anil Nandlall also expressed that the petitions are “without merit”.

The Attorney General, who is named as one of the respondents in the matter, contended that most of the issues raised in the Coalition’s two petitions have already been determined.

The APNU/AFC has filed two election petitions, both challenging the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the National Recount that followed. However, notably absent from the petitions are the APNU/AFC Statements of Poll (SoPs). (G8)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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

Women

T

he issue of women and their role in development has always been a topic of interest, not only in Guyana, but in countries around the world. The debates have centred around the challenges women face in getting access to the same opportunities as men, and in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.

Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement, but by playing a key role in the development of their own communities and, by extension, allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves. However, many challenges remain, and these must be tackled to ensure that women have access to the opportunities and resources needed to allow them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

We believe that when women are allowed to develop their full potential, it is not only women who gain, but the entire society. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.

According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

Here, in Guyana, women have made tremendous progress at every level of the society, and they enjoy rights equal to what their male counterparts enjoy. This country deserves commendation for the advances it has made in ensuring that in addition to women being protected under the law, they are also given relevant opportunities for their personal and professional advancement.

However, there is still a far way to go before we can safely say that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves. For example, our singleparent mothers have, over the years, found it very difficult to make ends meet. Many of them have found themselves in a position where they work from month to month and there seems to be no end to the financial hardships they experience.

In some cases, they lack the necessary skills and qualifications required to get suitable well-paid jobs, so that they can earn enough to provide for themselves and their children.

For some, who would like to venture out into establishing their own small business etc, the strict criteria set by banks and other lending institutions make it difficult to access the necessary loans. There are a few institutions which give grants and other forms of support, but that is on a limited scale, and most of them are Georgetown-based, making it a bit difficult for rural women to easily access.

There is also the issue of the high level of domestic violence affecting countless families, with women being at the receiving end of the violence most times. There were numerous dialogues, with the involvement of the relevant stakeholders, to tackle the issue, but the number of cases of women being abused or killed is going up.

We believe that policy-makers should revisit the issue and come up with practical solutions to address this scourge in a holistic manner, with greater focus being placed on the root causes of the problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the situation, as it continues to have serious socio-economic repercussions on the lives of women. As a consequence of the partial lockdown, significant sections of the female working population are now unemployed or are receiving reduced pay, and those include single parents.

Many women-owned small businesses are no longer operational, and women in the private care industry have lost their jobs because they can no longer work at the homes of their employers, due to fear of COVID-19 transmission. he Ministry of Human Services and Social Security recently announced that it would soon be funding projects for cottage industries led by women, so that they can secure their livelihoods. According to that Ministry, in addition to other measures, funding for cottage industries is among long-term measures to be implemented against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Certainly, the economic and social advancement of all women, including those in hinterland and rural communities, should remain a priority for this Government. Focus must be placed on providing decent jobs, access to skills training, access to financial resources, and protection from domestic and other forms of violence.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was on Tuesday paid a courtesy call by United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. The two discussed areas of mutual interest

Granger neglected the pillars in Fyrish Dear Editor, After the 2015 Elections, the APNU/AFC embarked on an unparalleled egocentric course which had even thrust its own supporters and members into a state of oblivion and total abandonment when it comes to implementing social and economic policies to rescue them from a dire state of poverty and social ills.

This state of affairs does not surprise in the least, since I live in close proximity to Fyrish village and had witnessed many excursions from the Coalition, and yet, the condition of the people there had not been alleviated at all.

In April 2016, then President Granger visited the village for a second time, and in what had become his trademark ‘bowling’ delivery, urged the residents to strengthen the pillars: the church, the school, the home and the farm, to ensure the revival of the fortunes of the village, which once stood as an agriculture powerhouse and the ‘fruit bowl’ of the Corentyne.

It should be recalled that he had declared Region 6 as the ‘sugar bowl’ and ‘rice bowl’ on some of his ‘outreaches’. Unfortunately, the only ‘bowl’ he succeeded in delivering to Region 6 was the ‘begging bowl’. It is instructive to note that, more

than one year after Granger’s ‘pillar and fruit bowl’ speech at the Village Day observances, the entire Fyrish farmland was inundated by flood waters, and all the fruit trees and plantain trees were laid waste.

On 17th October this year, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and his team held a well-attended meeting with residents and farmers at the Fyrish Primary School. I had expected that after Granger and Harmon had visited the village on numerous occasions, the residents would have had most of their problems resolved, but that was wishful thinking. In fact, Minister Mustapha was bombarded with multiple problems which should have been resolved. It was clear that the Granger Government had neglected the very ‘pillars’ which he had philosophised about in 2016.

The visibly disappointed residents complained bitterly about truckloads of garbage blocking most of the drains, sanitation issues, and drainage and irrigation problems.

It simply cannot be that all these problems just materialised after 2nd August 2020.

It was evident that the ‘farm’ pillar was not properly erected, and was not given the transformative boost needed.

It was clear that there will

not be any plantains to manufacture the famous plantain chips, and the attempts to grow non-traditional crops suffered many setbacks.

Fortunately, the Minister did not walk alone, since he was not on an ‘excursion’ trip.

Minister Zulfikar, upon listening to these myriad problems, immediately instructed the various members of his team to set upon the issues raised, and resolve them as a matter of great urgency. The team comprised Dr Oudho Homenauth from NAREI, Nizam Hassan from GRDB, Frederick Flatts from NDIA, the Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman, and others.

In addition, residents raised the issue of an excavator being used as the personal asset of an APNU member, and the illegal distribution of over 800 acres of land to another. Immediately, the excavator was transferred to the Region, and the land issue came under investigation.

I am sure that the Fyrish story is another replica of what had manifested itself in various other villages which had strongly supported the Coalition. It was evident that Granger and his ministers had just visited these villages to have fun unlimited. It was about big celebrations, pomp and pageantry, and the next day hungry bellies growling. They never cared to up-

lift the residents from the social and economic quagmire which engulfed and threatened their livelihoods, and which became widespread after 2015. They fooled and deceived the people. They destroyed sugar, and were in the process of doing so with rice, and then they placated the situation by dangling the ‘oil money’ in front of the people.

The residents were clearly happy that the closed estates are being reopened, and that Albion Estate, which provide employment to many residents from the village, was saved from the Coalition’s guillotine. This Agriculture Minister has already made a tremendous difference to the agriculture sector.

The Coalition never cared to put money in the pockets of the people. In fact, they took money out of the people’s pockets. Today, Santa Claus has arrived early from the North Pole, and each household is being given $25,000 to assist them during the pandemic. It is a timely boost after the Coalition’s Grinch would have stolen Christmas from them since 2015. In addition, the 2020 Budget has ensured that $20 billion go back into the pockets of our people.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Success squatters, and squatters in general

Dear Editor, In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about squatting, especially about the Success squatters. It is not surprising that those who have lost politically are attempting to use this incident, as with every other situation,

to send out their scouts of evil to excite people to misbehave and cause pandemonium.

One can clearly see that their obvious aim is to poison the minds of citizens so as to cause them to harbour hate for the Government of the day.

However, little do these

evil scouts and supporters know that their targets may very well have a change of heart; and, in the long run, the brilliance of the Government, especially in the manner in which I see them working, would easily win these people over.

That said, I wish to highlight the fact that the Government is doing everything it can to pacify the squatters, and, at the same time, to save billions of dollars in experimental sugar cane, having already lost more than $2B. CONTINUED

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PNC has no morals to lead

Dear Editor, For five years, we sat and allowed the nonsense that PNC/APNU has been doing in this country as a Government. I must accept that I was part of sitting down and allowing it to happen, because, as Charandass Persaud mentioned on the night of the successful passage of the NCM, we all had to be “YES MEN”.

We had to be “YES MEN” because we were in a political party that made us think or assume that the leaders wanted to see Guyana become better, and would stand up for our rights; but it was soon known to us that they were not what we had thought or assumed they were.

The PNC/APNU, before the Cummingsburg Accord was signed, had a planned agenda to destroy the AFC, and that planned agenda kicked in the very moment the Cummingsburg Accord was signed be-

tween the PNC/APNU and AFC. Many fought against it, but two people in that room at Georgetown Club are the ones who pushed it to happen. Please note that Nagamootoo was playing his deadly role behind the scene. I will deal with that later.

So, the PNC started to ensure that their plans to destroy the AFC started working. While the AFC leaders and membership were working to win a Government, the PNC was busily working to win over the AFC membership; and yes, they did well in doing that since. Even during the 2020 elections, while AFC was fighting to regain power with PNC, the PNC was fighting to take more membership from the AFC. The PNC leaders had the AFC leadership in their hands from the inception, because those in the PNC started to object to the proposed speakers that the

AFC gave to them to speak at rallies and public meetings. Linden rally in 2015 is evidence of such, when one of the most vocal leaders in the AFC was put to sit in the crowd, and was denied opportunity to speak at that rally.

Why? Because the PNC knows that that very man was making positive inroads for the AFC in Linden, and the PNC would have lost a lot of support in that region, which at that time they considered their very strong support base. I won’t mention the name of that man, but that is the very man the PNC are running to now to defend them as they are being charged for electoral fraud.

The PNC then started to display more and more of their racial ways, and kept executing their planned agenda to destroy the AFC. I can recall that I was invited to speak at a public meeting at Stabroek Square, and

Success squatters and...

People must realise there is something called law. The law cannot be modified just because a person thinks they want a piece of land, or that they are in a state of poverty, therefore they can violate the law.

This writer is of the view that we need to create strategies and put things in place to try to uphold law and order. Because of this, I was initially of the opinion that charges should have been brought against those people who started squatting, simply because they ruined more than $2B of investment in experimental sugar cane.

However, the Government, with love for its citizens, seems to have sidelined what I thought would have been done. I admire them for this, as I know that some other Government might have prosecuted these people.

What is unfortunate is that some people just want to be given things, just like that. They do not want to go through the process. They need to realise that roads, water, electricity etc. are all needed. We do not want to build small pieces of ugly shantytowns that are without garbage collection, village management, or NDC control.

Honorable Prime Minister Mark Phillips must be given kudos for encouraging the idea of using temporary shelter when the Government is trying to rapidly fast track these squatters. However, it is my opinion that the Government made a mistake by announcing it was going to give these people cash. I assume that this would attract a lot of people, many of whom already have houses and families where they live. This, I believe, would make some

people behave as though they do not already own these things, just so as to get some extra cash and maybe a piece of land.

I believe that people in need must be able to support themselves. I also believe that if one wants a house and land, one must sacrifice, as is done around the world, where people pursue double shifts just so they can live.

That is how most of us who have homes did it -- by not expecting the Government to just give us everything.

As the Holy Quran teaches us: “Laisa lil insana illa ma sa’a,” meaning: “there is nothing for man except what

FROM PAGE 4

he strives for” (Quran 53:39).

This verse is the secret to human achievement.

No one will achieve success without struggle and hard work. It instills in us the conviction that sitting idle will not produce any rewards.

Lastly, as I said above, our President and Government do not have magic wands, nor are they Gods. People need to learn to trust the process; and, with time, the Government would surely win the hearts and minds of its naysayers.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr

when I tell the people that Burnham was a dictator and the days for dictatorship are over, I was cussed out by Michael Carrington and Neilson McKenzie for saying such in that place.

In fact, I was never invited again to speak in Region 4.

The issue was taken to one of the founders of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, and I told him to his face that I did say that and it’s the truth that Burnham was a dictator, and let them prove me wrong.

Some in the PNC who were there at the meeting were really upset, and took it back to their leadership, but I stand my ground and will keep saying that Burnham was a dictator; let them prove me wrong.

The PNC started to have their way into the AFC because the AFC leadership had no plans but just join the PNC/APNU because one man was crying for political power like a baby. That is the very man that became the snake which destroyed the AFC, and today that very man sits quietly in his corner as the AFC is about to be covered in the grave.

The PNC is not what the AFC think they are. I can recall being at a very important meeting at the APNU/AFC campaign headquarters in 2015, a few days before elections were held.

Volda Lawrence, Hamilton Green and some powerful ones in PNC/APNU were there, while the AFC’s Dominic Gaskin, yours truly and a few others were sitting and putting things together.

I was representing the AFC as the co-campaign manager for Region 5, (will talk about that later also),

while the PNC petroleum adviser from Region 5 (no need to mention name) was the campaign manager. As we were putting plans together, I objected to a few things that were not right, and the PNC Region 5 campaign manager was really upset, grabbed me, and we had a cuff-out. That meeting was broken up by AFC treasurer Domini Gaskin after that incident started to escalate, and the very woman started to cuss out everyone.

Dominic stood his ground for an apology to be made, and it wasn’t coming, so he walked out, along with me.

I was encouraged to lodge a complaint at the Alberttown Police Station that I was physically abused by that woman of the PNC, but I was thinking of the big picture. I was thinking: ‘What if this goes public, what will the Indians in the AFC think?’ I was asking myself, ‘Are they going to still vote for us, or walk away; because I know that most of them know that the PNC is a bullying party.

I declined to go to the station, and tell you what: Mr Gaskin was upset, but I told him what I am looking at, and after the elections we should deal with that matter; but after the elections, the matter became dead because PNC was in power.

In Region 5, we had to put up with the daily abuses of the PNC during the 2015 campaign. The campaign manager would turn up at public meetings and cuss out the AFC personnel because the meeting wasn’t being kept at the spot she wanted. We had to endure because our leaders were not doing anything.

There is more to tell, but

I will keep it there and jump into 2020.

Recently we saw the stand taken by the AFC General Secretary David Patterson because PNC/ APNU breached the very agreement they signed, which would enable the AFC to have regional vicechairs and regional councillors.

But Mr. Patterson should have taken that very stand when the PNC did the same with the help of an AFC executive who was also elected to RDC 4 in 2015. That very councillor voted with the very PNC against the AFC choice of Anil Mohanlal to become VC of Region 4 and allow the PNC to have control in both chair and vice chair positions.

The table turned in 2020, and David Patterson and the person that the AFC chose to be the Region 4 VC are both crying foul, but could not have done that in 2015. God doesn’t sleep, and it doesn’t seem as if the PNC are sleeping over the AFC’s destruction.

How can we, as a nation, now allow the PNC to talk to us about morals when they themselves have none at all? They could not even honour a simple agreement between two parties that they signed on to. How can they lead when they cannot be trusted with any promise they made, either literally or signed on to?

The PNC cannot lecture anyone on mortals and promises because they have none.

Waiting for the attack.

Regards, Abel Seetaram, Fmr Regional Councillor Region 5

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

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here are rules for which computations you do first, second, third and so on. Order of operations is the set of rules that tells you what steps to follow when doing a computation. The order of operations is BODMAS. These letters stand for: ► Brackets (first) ► Orders (that is: Powers – also called indices and exponents – and square roots, etc) ► Division and Multiplication (rank equally and go left to right)

FOR CHILDREN

► Addition and Subtraction (rank equally and go left to right)

Exercises: Solve:

1) 4 – (3 – 2) + 6 x 5

Note:

The only strange name is "Orders". "Exponents" is used in Canada, and so you might prefer "BEDMAS". There is also "Indices" which makes it "BIDMAS". In the US. they say "Parentheses" instead of Brackets, so it is "PEMDAS".

Remember

You can remember BODMAS best if you make up a phase to guide your memory. Here is one that may help: Brown Oranges Don’t Make Awesome Smoothies.

2) ( 4 x 3)3 x 3 – 1 + 3

3) (2 + 1)4 x 6 – 5 + 9/25

4) 5 – 7 + 3 x 8 – 6

5) 88 – 3 x 2 – 102 3

6) 876 – (102 – 33) + 1

Example:

20 – 3 x 4 + 8 ÷ 2 – ( 3 – 2) = ?

We need to solve this problem using the order of operations.

2

Step 1: Solve the parts that are inside brackets: ( 3 – 2) = 1.

Now you have this: 20 – 3 x 4 + 8 ÷ 22 – 1 = ?

Step 2: Solve the parts that have orders (in this case exponents or indices) in standard notation: 22 = 4.

So now you have this: 20 – 3 x 4 + 8 ÷4 –1=?

Step 3: Solve division problems: 8 ÷4=2

The string is becoming shorter!

Now you have: 20 – 3 x 4 + 2 – 1=?

Step 4: Solve multiplication problems: 3 x 4 = 12 Again, the problem is starting to look even simpler: 20 – 12 + 2 – 1 = ?

Step 5: Add and subtract as you move along from left to right.

First, 20 – 12 = 8. Then 8 + 2 = 10. Then 10 – 1 = 9.

Do not group the additions separately from the subtractions, unless they are in brackets! As 20 – 12 + 2 – 1 is not equal to 20 – ( 12 + 2) – 1 .

7) ( 3 + 4 + 6)2–1

8) 5 x (12-8) – (43 +27)

9) ( 6 – 7) + 44

10) 6 – 8 + 5 x 3 – 4

WORD SEARCH

Wesnesday’s answers 1) 1.75 x 102 6) 8.76 102

2) 3.556 x 104

7) 5.633 x 101

3) 2.0 x 10-1

8) 1.2045 x 105

I

t happened once upon a time that a certain Greek ship bound for Athens was wrecked off the coast close to Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Had it not been for the dolphins, who at that time were very friendly toward mankind and especially toward Athenians, all would have perished. But the dolphins took the shipwrecked people on their backs and swam with them to shore.

Now it was the custom among the Greeks to take their pet monkeys and dogs with them whenever they went on a voyage. So, when one of the dolphins saw a monkey struggling in the water, he thought it was a man, and made the monkey climb up on his back. Then off he swam with him toward the shore.

The monkey sat up, grave and dignified, on the dolphin's back.

"You are a citizen of illustrious Athens, are you not?" asked the dolphin politely.

"Yes," answered the monkey, proudly. "My family is one of the noblest in the city."

"Indeed," said the dolphin. "Then of course you often visit Piraeus."

"Yes, yes," replied the monkey. "Indeed, I do. I am with him constantly. Piraeus is my very best friend."

This answer took the dolphin by surprise, and, turning his head, he now saw what it was he was carrying. Without more ado, he dived and left the foolish monkey to take care of himself, while he swam off in search of some human being to save.

4) 4.9 x 101

9) 5.67823 x 103

5) 9.788102 10) 9.9 x 101

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 deaths, 54 new COVID-19 cases recorded …Govt orders 20,000 antigen tests

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uyana’s COVID-19 death toll has gone up to 117 after three more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus died over the past two days.

According to the Health Ministry in a statement on Wednesday, all three victims are males from Region One (Barima-Waini).

The most recent death was that of a 68-yearold male, who died on Wednesday while receiving care at a medical facility.

The other two COVID-19 fatalities are 80-year-old Lionel Peters of Red Hill Settlement and 78-year-old Lewis Miller of Manawarin – both of whom died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at medical facilities.

Officials of the Ministry have contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed to the now-deceased persons.

These three deaths have increased the death toll thus far this week to six.

The week began with the death toll at 111.

New cases

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also reported on Wednesday that 54 new COVID-19 cases were detected in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has gone up to 3850.

Of these, however, only 895 cases are currently active, with 16 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 879 in isolation (64 in institutional isolation and the other 815 in home isolation).

Additionally, there are 36 persons in institutional quarantine. To date, some 2839 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease.

Guyana has tested a total of 17,482 persons thus far for the novel coronavirus.

Of the 54 new cases recorded on Wednesday, five are from Barima-Waini; three from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); seven from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a whopping

31 s from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two cases each from Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper TakutuEssequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

The figures in the other two regions remain the same, that is, 25 cases in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and 60 cases in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Since taking office, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has embarked on a massive testing drive to ensure that all positives cases, especially asymptomatic cases, are detected. This has resulted in a high number of cases being detected.

Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9), which are in effect until October 31, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Government had reduced the curfew hours earlier this month, fixing it from 21:00h to 04:00h (9pm to 4am). Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips had said this was to allow for the revival of economic activities in the country.

In the meantime, Government has launched “Operation COVI-CURB” – a country-wide campaign by the Joint Services and other key stakeholders, using an education and persuasion strategy, to elicit adherence to the COVID-19 safety measures to tackle the spread of the virus.

However, Shadow Health Minister, Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Karen Cummings on Wednesday during a press conference said that the curfew should return to 18:00h to 06:00h (6pm to 6am) to effectively curb the virus.

Fast-track testing in hinterland

Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 cases in the various regions continuing to spike, personnel have been stationed in all regions to collaborate with local au-

thorities on the clinical aspects of treatment, conducting contact tracing and environmental sanitation to ensure the disease is being managed.

“Initially, Region One had a number of cases. In Moruca, there was a spike, but you recall there was a lockdown and eventually, that number went down.

Now, we are seeing a lot more cases and again, we are managing to look at those villages. We have established teams working with the community leadership, educating them and urging community compliance,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said during his latest update on the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI) report.

In addition, Government has dispatched additional equipment such as ventilators to each region to boost their capacity to tackle and treat persons infected with the novel coronavirus.

Added to this, Dr Anthony disclosed on Wednesday that steps were being taken to fasttrack testing in hinter-

land regions. He noted that Government has ordered 20,000 antigen tests, which are expected to arrive next month and will be deployed to various interior areas.

This type of testing, he ex-

plained, will be more practical for use in remote hinterland areas.

“This is not the RTPCR tests that we take samples of and bring them to the lab. This antigen test is

one where right at the site where you’re seeing the patient, if you suspect them to have COVID, you can run the test there and within 45 minutes, get back the results,” the Minister noted.

96 cases set for October session of Berbice Assizes

Murdered: Arthur Doodnauth Rajkumar

Murdered; Diane Chamanlall

inety-six cases have been listed for the October session of the Berbice Assizes, which officially began on Tuesday in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Sixty persons are set to stand trial for murder during the session and five have indicated their willingness to plead to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The session also has eight cases listed for man-

slaughter. The session will be presided over by Justice Brassington Reynolds and is also expected to see six persons appearing for robbery under arms. Attorneyat-Law Abigail Gibbs will be representing the State.

Meanwhile, there is a total of 71 people awaiting trial at the New Amsterdam Prisons – 64 for murder, four for attempted murder, and three for sexual pene-

N

tration.

When the session commenced, Gocoul Madanpul, also called “Plum”, pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

He was indicted along with Rooplall Abriahim, called “Vijay”, for the January 2016 murder of Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice businessman Arthur Doodnauth Rajkumar and his common-law wife, Diane Chamanlall.

The couple’s bodies were found in their home in pools of blood with several chop wounds. Police subsequently arrested the two.

It had been reported that the men chopped the couple multiple times after their demands for money did not get a positive response after they broke into the house.

They had reportedly packed items to cart away, but Police arrived at the scene, forcing them to leave in a hurry by scaling the fence. Madanpul had reportedly confessed to the crime.

Justice Brassington Reynolds had ordered a pro-

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter: Gocoul Madanpul

bation report before sentencing. That report is expected to be presented to the court on November 3, 2020.

Meanwhile, a jury has been empanelled, for Abriahim has decided to let them decide his fate. The jury will soon start hearing evidence from the prosecution’s witnesses. (G4)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trial abandoned as man pleads guilty to killing brother-in-law

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he trial of a man accused of killing his brother-in-law back in 2016 has been aborted after he switched his plea to guilty nearly half way through the proceedings.

The trial of Les Charles Critchlow, 64, who is accused of the May 12, 2016 murder of his brother-in-law, Terrence Adams, 56,commenced on Monday before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry. A 12-person jury was empanelled at the High Court in Georgetown.

However, Critchlow, through his lawyer, Maxwell McKay, on Wednesday indi-

Les Charles Critchlow

cated to the Court his desire to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

His plea was accepted by

the Judge. He was further remanded to prison until November 24, 2020 when he would return for his probation report and sentencing.

State Counsel Tiffini Lyken and State Counsel Nafeeza Baig appeared for the prosecution.

Based on reports, Adams, called “Sleepy” and “Uncle Terry”, of North Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was stabbed to death during an argument with Critchlow. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

At the time of his de-

Murdered: Terrence Adams

mise, Adams operated a small rum shop at his residence.

Giving recognition...

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…to a catalyst he PPP Government has issued some commemorative stamps to recognise the 100th anniversary of Janet Jagan’s birth. And that is fitting. While your Eyewitness, in the interest of full disclosure, must let you know that he wasn’t exactly a fan of the lady’s ideology, there’s no gainsaying that she played a critical role in the history of modern Guyana.

To appreciate that role, we need to put her life in perspective. Born in 1920 - just a couple of months after women finally won the right to vote in the good old US of A - Janet’s formative years had been spent in the Great Depression. This, as we all know, started with the crash of the Stock Market in 1929, and placed countless millions - 25% unemployment! - on the breadline and in soup kitchens. It was this great failure of the free enterprise system which caused a wide cross section of Americans including Janet - to question the premises of that system. It took WWII, which America entered in 1941, to pull them out of that Great Depression!

We should therefore understand that it was a vivacious young lady of 22 years, hailing from Chicago and at that time studying nursing - influenced by these earthshaking economic earthquakes - who met the young dentist-to-be Cheddi Jagan. He’d left Queen’s College in 1938 to complete a first degree at the historic black school Howard University, and had proceeded to Northwestern in Chicago to do dentistry. Interestingly, they met in 1942, when he fell ill and she was on the nursing staff.

To cut a long story short, they got married against the wishes of her family, and when he returned to Guyana the following year, he found out that his family didn’t approve of him marrying a “white girl”!! Dr Jagan recounted how she won over his family by willingly assisting all his (numerous) brothers and sisters to complete their education! She literally became the “blue-eyed Bhowgee” (sister-in-law)!

Your Eyewitness likes this behind-the-scene account of these two young persons - just 25 and 23 when they returned to Guyana - who went on to change Guyana’s history.

They did that by shaking up the establishment, because they just didn’t fall into the line of the old order. This was an ossified, colour-coded, incestuous world, wherein persons like the Jagans were expected to “know their place” and strive to join the snobbish middle class as a dentist-andnurse combo. They instead formed, at the Public Library, a Discussion Group which served as a catalyst for the new world that would emerge when WWII ended in 1945.

After the universal franchise was granted in time for the elections of 1953!! …to Granger’s failure Your Eyewitness is taken aback by the silence in the PNC’s constituency at Granger’s willfulness in the destruction of whatever goodwill that party might’ve earned in the sixty years it’s been around. What’s going on? Are they stunned by the Irfaan Ali Administration’s blitzkrieg since they clawed past Granger’s rigging overreach on August 2nd? Are they still in disbelief and shock at his arrogance to exclude the CHAIRMAN OF THE PNC FROM PARLIAMENT? Have they become dismayed by the sheer banalities coming out of the mouth of Harmon, Granger’s hand-picked leader of the party Forbes Burnham created in his image?

Talk what you want, but you can’t deny that even though he had many failings, Burnham had a way with words. And even this facility Harmon - and the neophytes Granger picked for him for Parliament - absolutely lack.

Sadly, while some PPPites might be gloating, this development isn’t good for them or the country.

It’s in such a leadership vacuum that a horseman might emerge! …of systemic educational malfunction Now that we know the reason for the abnormal results in this year’s CSEC and CAPE results – teachers’ and schools’ refusal to follow the instructions on submission of SBAs – your Eyewitness suggests we apologise to CXC. And not cut the (educational) limb we were sitting on!

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Contractors warned about sloppy work, defaulters to be blacklisted

Some of the contractors at the meeting on Wednesday

W

ith a long history of contractors hired by the Government

for various infrastructural works doing a sloppy job, Public Works Minister Juan

Edghill has sounded a warning that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

3 inmates escape from Lusignan Prison by jumping fence

– 2 recaptured

Alex Mathias and Arnold Kennedy were recaptured while Mark Rafino remains on the run

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olice on Wednesday launched a manhunt for three fugitives after they escaped from the Lusignan Prison by jumping a fence, recapturing two of them who were accused of murder late Wednesday evening at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Those recaptured are: Alex Mathias of Good Hope Dock Yard, Essequibo, who has been committed to stand trial for murder with his case is underway at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, and Arnold Kennedy, of Lot 847 Zeeburg Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The inmates made their escape between 17:30h on Tuesday and 06:00h on Wednesday.

The third fugitive is Mark Rafino of Goed Intent Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who is committed to stand trial for robbery.

A statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) indicates that the prison wardens on duty were made aware of the escape on Tuesday evening, but only did a head count the following day, and it was confirmed that the trio had escaped.

According to the Police

Force, the prisoners were checked and locked in on Tuesday around 17:00h.

But around 23:00hr, the Joint Services ranks on the ground received information that the prisoners had escaped.

An alarm was raised, and the ranks immediately conducted checks around the prison and its environs, but no one was found.

However, about 06:00h on Wednesday, the head count revealed that the three prisoners were missing.

An intensive manhunt is underway, as investigations continue.

The public is asked to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest Police Station or 225-6411.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

In recent times, inmates have been escaping from the Lusignan Prison by simply jumping the fence.

The last known incident of a jailbreak of this nature occurred on September 23 when 23-year-old Leroy Graham, who is accused of robbery under arms, escaped from the prison by jumping a fence at the burnt section of the penitentiary. Graham was later recaptured.

On September 29, James Moore, also 23, who was serving a three-year sentence for armed robbery at the Lusignan Prison, escaped from custody. Moore made his escape when he, along with 13 other inmates, was booked out from the Holding Bay to work at the kitchen. He has not yet been recaptured, according to Police records. (G11)

In fact, he warned contractors that they would not benefit from a second contract under the Government if it was found that their work was not up to standards.

During a meeting with road contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday, Minister Edghill made it clear that long delays as well as shabby and incomplete work on infrastructural projects would no longer be accepted.

“A contract is not a loan for you to contract other business, a contract is to get the job done. As development partners, whenever we announce that a contract has been signed for the execution of work…development is something everybody craves, something everybody wants,” he said.

The Public Works Minister added that no Ministry staff was not allowed to be employed with contractors, citing the resultant conflict of interest. He promised that if ever this was found, there would be consequences.

The Minister added: “I want to make it clear that giving contractors work where they are over-circumscribed where work is concerned, and they cannot start the next job will not be tolerated. Nobody has an entitled limit; no job will wait on you until they are finished with the one they are doing.”

As it relates to value for money, the Minister said that as of now, quality control would be at a new level. He explained that if the Ministry inspected work

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill addressing contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday

done by contractors and found that they were cheating, the manager and workers would face the consequences.

According to the Minister, all roads should last a certain number of years and should be able to withstand a certain amount of traffic.

However, he said if the job was not done properly by contactors, this would not happen.

In their defence, some of the contractors highlighted some issues that might lead to delays or inferior work.

One contractor said: “We really need to look at the structure of our shoulders, we really need to look back at that start to have hard shoulders where there is structure of the same as we are constructing the road.

I know it might be an issue with the cost, but we really need to look at that and that will enhance the life of the roads.”

Another explained that contractors were not trying to by-pass the specifications of a job. He said that many

contractors could attest to the fact that the available materials, particularly loam, were not up to standard. He added that a contactor could do his work correctly, but if he did not have the cooperation from residents and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), then the roads would not last.

He explained that the NDC would take heavy vehicles into small streets to clean drains and destroy the new roads. He added that they would dump the waste along the shoulders of the roads which would cause them to break away.

After listening to all of the contractors’ concerns, the Minister reassured them that systems would be put in place to rectify their problems. He further urged them to work together with the Government to help develop Guyana.

Also present at the meeting were Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar and Chief Works Officer Geoffrey Vaughn. (G9)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Traffic congestion at Stabroek Market

Home Affairs Minister meets with public transportation owners

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he Home Affairs Ministry on Wednesday held its first stakeholders’ meeting to address traffic congestion in the Stabroek Market area.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn led the meeting with public transportation owners and representatives at St Stanislaus College.

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram; Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean; Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle and other senior officers of the Guyana

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn speaking at the first stakeholders’ meeting

Police Force also attended the meeting.

Benn was accompanied

by Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas, Advisor Harry Gill and Georgetown Deputy

Mayor Alfred Mentore.

Last week, Benn had announced that vendors who are obstructing the smooth flow of traffic in the vicinity of the Georgetown Fire Station and surrounding areas at Stabroek Market have to be relocated.

He was at the time on a tour to several parts of downtown Georgetown with the aim of identifying areas with issues that need to be addressed. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and a Joint Services team were also part of the tour.

During the tour, Minister Benn told reporters that he was displeased with the magnitude of vending on the

Public transportation owners and representatives at St Stanislaus College on Wednesday

roadways, especially in the vicinity of the Fire Station.

Previously, vendors were displaced owing to rehabilitation works at the Stabroek Market stelling, and were allowed to temporarily op-

erate in the vicinity of the Georgetown Fire Station – until the construction works were completed. Also, the Route 42 bus park was removed from the area to facilitate the vendors.

CXC independent review

Submissions of incorrect scores, missing documents mar CSEC, CAPE …training of teachers, registrars recommended

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he Independent Review Team tasked with reviewing the administration of the modified July/August 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) has pointed to a number of school-related issues during the moderation of the regional examinations.

These are: inadequate number of School Based Assessments (SBAs) submitted, incorrect assignment of candidates to groups for group SBAs, zero entered instead of “No SBA”, incorrect registration of students by schools, non-submission of scores/ submission of incorrect scores, missing documents, and corrupt files.

The Review Team convened by Chairman of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, released its 46-page report on Wednesday. The panel was chaired by Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald, Professor Emerita and retired Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Open Campus, The University of the West Indies (UWI).

The other members are Professor Andrew Downes, retired Pro Vice-Chancellor, Planning and Development, (UWI); Professor Francis De Lanoy, President of the University of Curacao; Harrilal Seecharan, retired Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; and Michael S Browne, Minister of Education in Antigua and

Barbuda, and Chair of the Caricom Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD).

While the report specifically focused on the modified approach for the administration of this year’s examinations, the modera-

tion process applied to SBAs and the grading process for them, it also touched a number of other issues.

According to the report, complaints from a number of territories of students/ schools being ungraded in many instances can be attributed to the school level and internal issues identified by CXC. The report said that CXC experienced issues with being unable to convert files, removal of cover sheets, and challenges in uploading files and additional files.

Students with missing SBAs are ungraded, a policy of CXC. The report revealed that a total of 11,578 subject entries in 2020, compared to 8062 in 2019, was ungraded.

While the number of subject entries for which students were reported absent in 2019 was higher (39,958 compared to 30,108 in 2020), students were reported ungraded in 2020 (11,575) for more subject entries com-

pared to 2019 (8,062).

“The review of the IT infrastructure and further training and communication of the requirements for uploading SBA scores are also critical to the reduction of instances of students receiving ungraded scores,” the re-

port noted.

Reliability of SBA scores

The Review Team found that the modified examination process in 2020 resulted in a number of issues and concerns being raised by various stakeholder groups.

This included the lowering of scores awarded by teachers on SBAs following moderation by CXC. “…scores from the expanded moderation process were generally lower than in previous years. While there was an overall lowering of SBA scores resulting from the expanded process, the improved performance of students in the Paper I Examination resulted in the overall grade distribution of students in 2020 being comparable to previous years.”

They therefore held: “In addition, for on-site moderation within country and across country, standardisation is also essential for comparability of scores. On-site moderation is managed at

the territory level by Local Registrars. The training of teachers and local registrars should therefore be examined and addressed by CXC to improve the reliability of scores obtained from SBAs.” According to the Review Team, in any examination, teachers’ and students’ expectations of grades expected and grades obtained will vary. Further, the award of grades is a complex process requiring the bringing together of scores from items on different papers and components of the examination.

Having examined the changes; namely, the submission of 100 percent of the SBAs from all candidates and schools for all subjects, the Review Team said, the increase in the number of samples moderated and the deployment of an application to facilitate moderation for on-site moderation were all found to be measures which did not fundamentally change the requirements for moderation and the moderation process.

Rather, it stated, the changes served to increase the rigor and improve the reliability of the process in 2020, compared to previous years. The report said teacher training on the requirements for planning, administration and scoring of SBAs is vital to ensure comparability of teacher and moderator scores.

Better explained

The Review Team concluded that the processes which CXC proposed to use for grading and moderation could have been better ex-

Chairman of CXC, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles

CXC Registrar, Dr Wayne Wesley

plained to its stakeholders. “…more extensive communication between CXC and educators in particular would have helped to clarify any misunderstandings that may have existed about the administration of the modified approach. The processes which CXC proposed to use for grading and moderation could have been better explained to its stakeholders.”

In fact, they noted, “In addition, the extension of the review process, the strengthening of the communications strategy with key stakeholders, must be treated with highest priority. It is the expectation that the recommendations will initiate steps leading to solutions of the problems that were underscored this year.”

The Review Team said it sought answers on whether the modified approach and the administration of the examination affected students’ performance.

In regard to the grading model, the Review Team found that it was adequate, given the circumstance, as it was the least disruptive in terms of parameters (weights and cut points for

grades). The Team, however, added that a simulation exercise (with and without Paper 2), using data from previous years highlighted limitations of the model; namely, shifting in the distribution of grades (reduction in Grades I to IV).

“At the technical level, the limitations of the grading model and the extensive moderation used in the SBAs could have resulted in less than expected performance in some subjects at both CAPE and CSEC levels.”

The report highlighted that the issue of using the teachers’ predicted grades for each subject was considered as one option in the initial grading model, but was excluded in the final analysis because a statistical analysis of data for previous years found a weak correlation between the final grade for the three papers and the teachers’ predicted grade in general.

According to the report, incorporating the teachers’ predicted grades would have also raised the issue of the weighting of such grades in the overall grading process, given the CXC standards.

NEWS

11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caribbean strongly upholds democracy – diplomat …says that’s why OAS actively fought for democracy in Guyana for 5 months

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aribbean Community (Caricom) Member States value democracy and human rights, including the holding of free, fair, and peaceful elections, and several actions taken by the Region in recent months demonstrate that commitment.

This is according to internationally-acclaimed diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders, who was at the time addressing the 50th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in his capacity as Head of the Delegation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Sanders, a Guyanese by birth, noted that some Member States of the OAS have decided that the purpose of the Organisation was solely political and, therefore, development and security issues were less relevant than democracy and human rights.

“We in the Caribbean strongly uphold democracy and human rights, including free and fair elections. That is why we actively fought for democracy in Guyana for five months between April and August this year.

“It is also why we loudly acclaimed the voice of the people in Bolivia who, two days ago, overwhelmingly restored democracy in their country through the power of the ballot. But we also know, Mr President, that

“We in the Caribbean strongly uphold democracy and human rights, including free and fair elections.

That is why we actively fought for democracy in Guyana for five months between April and August this year” – Sir Ronald Sanders It is why we vigorously applauded it in the transparent elections and the peaceful transition of Government in Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and St Kitts and Nevis in the last few months.

the guarantees of democracy and human rights anywhere are human development and human security,” Sanders affirmed.

The diplomat further told the Assembly that for democracy to survive, devel-

Security firms warned of prosecution for labour laws violation

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he Labour Ministry is warning security firms to comply with the laws of Guyana.

On Wednesday, the Ministry in a statement said that it was in receipt of numerous complaints filed against security firms across Guyana.

This has led the Ministry to remind the companies of the rights and entitlements of security guards, whether or not they are nationals of Guyana. The Ministry said that Section 3 of the Leave with Pay Act Cap 99:02 and Section 12 of the Labour Act Cap 98:01 are the most prominently violated legislation in the security sector.

Section 3 of the Leave with Pay Act Cap 99:02 states, the Ministry noted, that every worker is entitled to leave and further elucidates how leave is to be computed. “Section 4 of the said Act mandates that no employer shall require a worker to take his/ her leave with pay in a period less than six consecutive days; provided that any of the days which are Sundays or Public Holidays shall not be computed as leave with pay. Additionally, the rate at which leave is calculated is at an employee’s current daily wage, Section 5(1),” the Ministry said.

The Labour Ministry added that any provision in any agreement between an employer and a worker, whereby the worker purports to contract himself at variance with the provisions of the Leave with Pay Act, or whereby the worker undertakes to receive any less benefit than he/she is entitled to under the said Act shall be of no effect.

Additionally, the Ministry pointed out that Section 12 of the Labour

rate.

Cease and desist

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Act Cap 98:01 provides that an employer shall pay wages either agreed between employer and employee or prescribed by law. The prescribed wages for security guards as set out in the National Minimum Wage Order No. 15 of 2016 is $255 per hour. The Order also stipulates that the set hours of work are 40 hours which shall not exceed five days per week and any hours of work beyond the normal period shall attract overtime

The Ministry also warned security company owners to cease and desist immediately the practice of engaging in the act of part payment of wages at the end of the pay period after the workers would have worked the full period. Such actions of employers contravening Guyana’s labour laws are condemned by the Ministry.

Additionally, the Ministry warned that it would prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law upon receipt of any formal complaint.

Entities not in compliance, the Labour Ministry said, should take active and immediate steps to conform with the various legislation governing employment relations, failing which it would be forced to publish the names of companies in default, along with all directors or the names of the businesses and their proprietors.

opment must thrive, adding that if the OAS was to remain relevant to the needs of its peoples, it needed to recognise that the world did not operate in separate compartments: “Every activity is interlinked and integrated.”

Turning his attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanders noted that the countries of the Caribbean were among the hardest hit and for many of them, a decade of economic growth and social development has been set back in seven months resulting in their inability to attain the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

The pandemic, he argued, has magnified inequalities, injustices, and unfairness in the world.

According to Sanders, unemployment has jumped dramatically – in some cases to 50 per cent; businesses have closed – some never to open their doors again; savings have been depleted; poverty has increased; malnutrition has returned and so have hunger and an increase in crime.

The international financial institutions, he said, are constrained by rules set by those who make their policies, denying concessional financing to small and vulnerable States on the basis of flawed criteria.

He noted that the Paris Club demanded payment of age-old debts, knowing fully well that States, crippled by the effects of the pandemic, were unable to pay. “Yet, none will listen to the pleas for debt rescheduling and debt forgiveness, without which these nations could become basket cases with all

Sir Ronald Sanders

the consequences that social and political instability will unleash.”

Sanders said that apart from aid given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation, Antigua and Barbuda had to curb and contain the coronavirus from its own depleted resources, managing to keep deaths down to three, confirmed cases to 119, and active cases currently at 15.

He stressed that the OAS could not afford to ignore the calamitous effects of the virus on the health of the peoples and economies of our countries.

Sanders added that OAS Member States should also be a unified voice for the renegotiating and rescheduling of foreign debt, and for the affordable procurement of vaccines for all when one is found to counter COVID-19.

Integration and collective action in the OAS, he noted, should not be an option, or a choice; it should be an imperative for all – rich and poor, large and small.

The OAS had lauded Guyana for finally concluding its five-month-long election process, paving the way for the duly-elected People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to be sworn in on August 2.

According to the OAS, Guyana’s democracy was put to the test, but in the end, democracy prevailed.

On July 21, Guyana was taken before the OAS Permanent Council, where all Member States present took a unified position that the democratic will of the people must be respected.

Some of the strongest words came from Bradley Freden, who spoke on behalf of the United States representative to the OAS, Carlos Trujillo. Freden had questioned whether the then incumbent A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) wanted Guyana to be a leader in the hemisphere or an international disgrace.

During the Permanent Council meeting, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro had made it pellucid that democracy must be upheld in Guyana and had urged that the Judiciary stop being the refuge of those who wanted to do nothing more than delay the declaration of results of the General and Regional Elections.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese among 54 nabbed during immigration crackdown in NYC

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S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) officers completed an immigration enforcement activity which resulted in the arrest of 54 immigration violators throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area and the neighbouring counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Dutchess, Ulster and Westchester.

According to ICE, individuals arrested in New York include nationals from Guyana, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Moldova, Mozambique, Pakistan, Panama, Peru and St. Lucia.

The US authorities did not provide a breakdown of how many nationals were arrested from each of the countries listed.

ICE said the nationwide weeklong immigration enforcement activity, which concluded on October 9, focused on targeting and arresting individuals in sanctuary cities.

The New York arrests included charges filed for assault, sexual assault against a child, lewd and lascivious acts upon a child, rape, and criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Other charges include criminal possession of stolen property, driving while intoxicated, robbery, and grand larceny.

“Let us not gloss over the fact that the vast majority of the individuals arrested during this operation have criminal histories. It’s frightening that New York City politicians

created laws that force local law enforcement agencies to release dangerous criminals back into the community despite the seriousness of their crimes,” said Thomas R. Decker, ICE ERO New York field office Director.

ICE officially announced the results of the enforcement activity on October 16, but one Manhattan resident’s arrest garnered considerable media coverage in New York prior to the announcement.

On October 8, during an at-large arrest in Manhattan, ICE took custody of 48-year-old Fernando Santos-Martinez, an unlawfully present Mexican national who was removed from the U.S. on three separate occasions in 2003.

“ICE continues to protect communities by taking criminal aliens off the streets regardless of any locality’s cooperation policies – which is part of our congressionally mandated mission,” said ICE senior official performing the duties of the director, Tony H. Pham.

Despite a detainer lodged by ICE, the New York Police Department released Santos-Martinez from custody following his September 11 arrest for assault, attempted assault, attempted gang assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and harassment.

His local charges are currently pending.

According to ICE, following Santos-Martinez’s arrest, news organisations falsely reported claims of ICE officers misidentifying themselves as NYPD – an accusation that ICE leadership vehemently deny.

In an October 13 state-

ment, Pham wrote that ERO officers use the term “Police” to quickly identify themselves as law enforcement officers because it is a universally recognized

symbol of law enforcement in most cultures. The statement goes on to explain that the use of the term is important because ICE officers often interact with in-

dividuals who are often not native English speakers.

Pham encouraged local officials to reconsider the policies which prohibit local law enforcement

agencies from cooperating with ICE, suggesting that non-compliance with ICE detainers will likely lead to increased ICE enforcement activity.

Community development high on GPF agenda

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be strengthening its strategic plan with a robust community-based approach which is geared at developing human capacity in communities throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

This was disclosed by Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken during a recent visit to Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

In recognising that citizens have lost trust in the Force, Hicken disclosed that the plan, which caters for a three-year period, would see the law enforcement agency building back those lost bridges.

“It is important for the Police to start building back bridges with the public as part of the strategic plan. Our mandate is to develop partnerships, as partnerships are so important.

Having visited these communities, we did an assessment of exactly what is needed to develop the youth,” Hicken said.

He continued, “You know that we had focused on vocational training skills, and we have recommenced doing so. We would be partnering with other stakeholders that they can identify areas they would like to sponsor. So, as a collective, we are not only looking at Government, but other stakeholders.”

Commander of Region Four, Division A, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean

The Assistant Police Commissioner noted that the Police Force plays a pivotal role in community development. As a result, he pledged the Force’s commitment towards working with communities across the country.

“It is very, very important too that the community understands that we are a part of the whole process,

and not seeing the Police as the enemy. So, expect to see Police at the command level and the operations level moving into the communities,” he said ad he noted that community work would be ongoing every Saturday.

He also added that, so far, the strategic plan has been working in various communities.

“It is working for us, and we have done an analysis, and we found that communities were integrally involved, and we have a good rapport and we are getting a good feedback,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Commander of Region Four, division ‘A,’ Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, explained that from a criminological standpoint, being able to guide the youths at a young age provides an opportunity to steer them away from criminal activities.

Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken

“Having been able to guide the youthful population through what is the most-at-risk stage of their lives, you can guide them out of delinquency, because that is an integral part of this community-Police relationship,” he stated while adding that, “We got the youths together and we steered them through a path where we think is away from delinquency.”

(Shemar Alleyne)

Thieves raid ECD, Parika homes

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thief’s luck ran out on Wednesday morning when he was caught red-handed in a house at Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Guyana Times was informed that at about 08:30h, the suspect broke the door on the lower flat of a two-storey building and gained entry therein. At the time, the tenants in the upper flat of the building were at home.

According to reports, they heard strange sounds coming from the lower flat, and went down to investigate.

They told Police that when they went into the lower flat, they noticed the lock on the door was broken, and an iron rod was in the vicinity. They immediately alerted the neighbours, who surrounded the house as the thief locked himself in the building.

The Police were called, and when they arrived, the man was found hiding in the

The thief making his escape with the generator

lower flat of the building.

He was immediately arrested and taken into custody, while investigations continue.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday at about 03:00h, two men invaded the premises of an East Coast Demerara (ECD) family and escaped with their generator.

According to the owner of the property, he and his family were asleep when two men pulled up in a car at his

East Broad Road, Vryheid’s Lust home. He said one of the men scaled the fence while the other kept guard.

In a video that was sent to this publication, the man who scaled the fence cut open the lock from the gate, and he and his accomplice made their escape with the generator.

The property owner told this publication that the generator is valued at $180,000.

Police are now on the hunt for the two men. (G12)

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Decades-old Sarah Johanna squatters call for regularisation but refused to have anyone inspect whether it is authentic or not. “Interestingly, attached to the transport is a proposed plan of the squatting area that strongly resembles a box drawing on an art page lacking any blue prints,” the residents said in a letter to the Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).

The letter, signed by 110 residents, was delivered on Tuesday. In it they outlined their issues and called for a determination of the ownership of the land.

According to the residents, the man is making their lives miserable. He has uprooted their houses, and has threatened women and children.

Withdrawal Notice

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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private land developer is being accused of wreaking havoc on squatters at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara (EBD), claiming that the land they are occupying belongs to him. However, the squatters are contending that they have been living there for over three decades.

are living on the land. The squatters are contending that for over 25 years they have never encountered any issue with persons claiming ownership.

However, that changed in the last few years when one Patdial and another Fazal (both deceased) claimed they owned all the lands in one of the streets called Royston Avenue.

And the Police is right there, enforcing that he damage the lady farm, and when we became noisy, they told us to go to the station. We didn’t go, we came out here…we know that the Police station does not resolve land matters and they telling us that we have to go to the station with documents,” Giles contended.

Simone Soy said she has been living in the area for 25 years now and it was her farm that the developer

give them to stand up for us. We are poor and we are fighting for our rights. We want justice. We want to remain here because we work hard for what we got, and we have nowhere to go,” he said.

Ronna Calvan has been living in the area for nine years now, and according to her, the developer offered her the plot on which she is living on, but with a $3 million price tag. The woman said she works as a security

end. He said the visit would be to facilitate an update on the situation before he and Attorney General Anil Nandlall meet with the squatters.

“I will be meeting with them in about two weeks’ time – end of this month or early beginning of the new month - to meet and further find a solution to this problem… Myself and the AG plan to meet with the gentleman and the squatters and for us to go through the situation. The bottom line is from all of this is that we are

was attempting to bulldoze on Wednesday. She said the farm provides her with a livelihood, and that in a time when employment is scarce due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she cannot allow that to be destroyed.

She is calling on the Government to bring an end to the issue and regularise the area.

Soy and her 10 children live in the squatting area, with most of them now owning their own plots.

Her son, Deon Naitram, said he is a father of three

guard and has four children to take care of, and simply cannot afford to take care of her children.

“We are living here for years, and people in front living for over 25 years and have no transport. This man come in here saying that he own all of these lands and breaking down the places and bringing a lot of officers, giving us a hard time.

He telling us we have to move and come to the station, and I don’t understand.

I do not know officers at the station got anything to do

going to help them to settle their lives in terms of where they live,” McCoy committed.

and that they now constantly live in fear of what Azim and his men may do while they are at work. He has a new baby and is unable to work because his wife would call him in the middle of the day to tell him that the men are there intimidating her and attempting to break down their home. Azim and his men already dismantled Naitram’s house once.

“I build back, and now he coming back and play the bully role…me family can’t rest in peace because the officer them coming on one side and never taking our side because we don’t have money to pay nobody.

We not them rich kind of body that to take out a daily bread from we pocket to

with lands, we need help at the back here. We live here for long time to give up our land,” Vanessa says.

ber of years, is the one who has been leading the effort to have the issue addressed.

She said on Tuesday she led a party to the GL&SC where they met with officials there after being redirected from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

Meanwhile, Minister McCoy, during a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, indicated that he would be sending someone into the community before the week-

Eviction notice

On October 29, 2019 Chairman of the Caledonia–Good Success Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Dwarka Nauth, wrote to the squatters ordering that they remove their homes within 14 days (November 11, 2019) or the homes would be dismantled and they would have to bear the cost of that exercisSquatters protesting

A pregnant Christina Naitram sits on the stairs of her knocked up shack with her three children

The proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back occurred on Wednesday when the developer took in heavy duty equipment and, escorted by ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Timehri Police Station, attempted to block the main drainage canal as well as excavate a farm which one of the squatters had planted.

The residents resisted the attempt, and it resulted in a standoff which ultimately led to a protest exercise on the Sarah Johanna Public Road.

When Guyana Times arrived in the village, the squatters – mostly women accompanied by their children – had already armed themselves with placards voicing their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Police and the failed promises by political leaders.

The issue

The squatters claim they have been occupying the area for almost three decades, and many of them have built their lives there.

They are now accompanied by their children who have also started families and

They attempted to get residents – who have access to water and light – to remove from the area, but their efforts were resisted.

Over the last year, Patdial’s nephew (name provided) approached the residents claiming that he purchased 13 house lots at the back of the squatting settlement and that he needed to have access to them so that he could have it developed. The residents at that time had already built their community amounting to over 100 households to the point where they constructed their own roads, but they allowed the man access.

The man had said he would widen and rehabilitate the road network in the community. Instead, what he did was to renew his claim to the entire area: from the Demerara River to the canal at the back in the farmlands.

“When questioned on how he gained possession of this enormous portion of land that no one have showed interest in for over 25 years, (name provided) got very hasty and flashed two transports dated 2019

es.

That did not sit well with the residents, who began protesting the NDC Chair’s decision.

On November 04, 2019 the Chair wrote to the squatters again, and inform them that the notice had been withdrawn. The residents contend that this was after a series of meetings were facilitated with them and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy. “They (McCoy and NDC Councillors) met with us together and they say we will look after the land – either we buy the land over (name provided) and sell it back to you people, or we will have you guys move to somewhere else. We will look after house lots for other places but we haven’t heard anything, but we are still waiting. Apart from that, we heard him tell the guy (name provided) that he shouldn’t do anything on the land before the issue is resolved, yet they are planting poles and inserting water lines,” resident Suchelle Giles said.

Giles, who has been living in the area for a num-

Protest

On Wednesday, the residents reported that they felt as though all hope is lost, and they had no other option than to take to the streets to have their voices heard. They reported that the Police attempted to intimidate them when they came out by ordering them to the Station under the pretext of addressing their issues.

“Today he was going to grade through the aunty farm, and we know she is planting and so, and we can’t allow them to do that.

Farms destroyed

Meanwhile, Kenneth Samaroo said he has been farming in the area since 1974, and has about five acres of farmland.

He has been the main supplier for a number of supermarkets in Region Four (Demerara – Mahaica) but over the last few years he has seen his farm and equipment destroyed.

He reported that while the developer is claiming ownership of the plot of land, he has not formally approached him and ordered him to vacate.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Red House hosts expo in honour 5 persons from Success shift to Govt’s shelter at Graham’s Hall school of late President Janet Jagan

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One of the exhibits on the lawns of Red House displaying photographs of the late Janet Jagan

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he Cheddi Jagan Research Centre on Wednesday hosted an exhibition in honour of the late President Janet Jagan, to mark her 100th birth anniversary, which was observed on October 20.

Following COVID-19 protocols, persons gathered at Red House to reminisce on the life of one of Guyana’s heroes.

During the course of her struggle, Jagan managed, despite the odds, to set a number of records, including that of becoming the first female Executive President of Guyana. She was also the first female Prime Minister, the first female to hold office as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the first female to have won a seat as a Councillor of the Georgetown City Council,

and the first among three women to be elected to the National Assembly following the PPP’s victory in the 1953 elections.

The expo was aimed at showcasing her life and the many ways in which she improved the lives of many Guyanese.

In an interview with Chairman of the Research Centre, Hydar Ally explained the importance of hosting this event.

“We had a photographic exhibition and reflections by comrades who would have worked with Mrs Jagan and some other persons as well… this is just a part of a larger part of group of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mrs. Jagan…” he said.

The Research Centre introduced a first day cover in

honour of Mrs Jagan. This will be sold at the Research Centre.

According to the Chairman, there will be the launching of a book in honour of the late stalwart.

On Tuesday, there was the launching of four commemorative stamps which revealed moments in Mrs Jagan’s political life. They were made available to the public at all post offices from Wednesday.

Janet Jagan was born and bred in Chicago USA. She moved to Guyana after marrying Dr Cheddi Jagan, and, together with others, they formed the People’s Progressive Party.

After becoming President in 1997, Mrs Jagan was unable to stay in office in 1999 because of ill health. She died in 2009 at the age of 89.

argument after allegations made concerning infidelity.As a result, Sukhara and his family allegedly armed themselves with lances and knives and went into the neighbour’s yard and reportedly attacked him. This resulted in a brawl, as the neighbour also armed himself with a cutlass and chopped Sukhara several times.

Sukhara has sustained injuries to his left side face, left arm and left side chest.

The injured man was taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital but was transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention.

Meanwhile, Police have since questioned several persons, and have arrested the neighbour suspect. (G4)

ive persons who were squatting at Success, East Coast Demerara have since taken up shelter at the Graham’s Hall Primary School.

Last Saturday, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips visited Success, where scores of persons are squatting on lands belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation, and offered shelter to persons there who are refusing to relocate even as GuySuCo is preparing to resume cultivation of sugar cane.

Despite persons initially rejecting the offer, Government still went ahead and prepared the Graham’s Hall Primary School at Cummings Lodge, ECD for occupancy.

On Wednesday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) revealed that a total of five persons are being housed at the temporary emergency shelter established by Government.

“Three males and two females have taken up occupancy as more squatters are finally making the move to be housed [at the school],” the CDC said.

At the facility, the Commission noted, strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols are enforced, and meals, hygiene products, sleeping, bathing and oth-

A family from Success that shifted to the shelter at Graham’s Hall Primary School

expect to recommence operations in early 2022, attempts have been made to remove the squatters from the lands.

In fact, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has visited the area to commence the land application process for unlawful occupants, so that they could be eligible for a house lot.

Arrangements are being made for other parcels of land to be made available.

It was previously reported that lands in 22 areas on the East Coast, East Bank, and West Bank Demerara; at Linden and in Berbice and Essequibo

Technician chops neighbour during brawl

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technician is now in Police custody after allegedly chopping his neighbour.

Injured is 48-year-old Ramkisson Sukhara, called ‘Budhoo,’ of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Reports are that on Tuesday, at about 22:40h, Sukhara and his 39-yearold neighbour had a heated

Persons have to undergo COVID-19 testing before being admitted to the shelter

er facilities are provided. The shelter has capacity to house more than 150 persons with the necessary spacing requirements in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines.

The CDC is encouraging the other displaced Success squatters to make use of the shelter at Graham’s Hall Primary School and contact the National Emergency Management System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 6231700 and 600-7500 for occupancy.

Squatters have been occupying lands in various communities along the East Coast of Demerara, including at Vryheid’s Lust, Success, and Chateau Margot. However, with GuySuCo now embarking on efforts to revitalise the sugar industry by reopening three estates closed by the APNU/AFC regime, including the East Demerara Estate (Enmore) which is

were approved in the 2020 Emergency Budget, and this publication understands that allocations for the residents will fall under this project.

But still many are refusing to relocate from the squatting areas. In fact, these persons are being led on by the APNU/AFC Coalition.

As such, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has called on the Opposition to stop using the plight of the Success squatters for political mileage. He made this remark during his weekly programme – “Issues in the news” – that was streamed on his facebook page on Tuesday.

“Squatting is illegal. It is wrong, and politicians who care about people have to stop using people as political pawns and using their plight as a political platform; and that is what is taking place at Success,”

he said.

According to the Attorney General, Government wants to do what is in the best interest of those residents and the wider country.

“Squatting stymies development, creates housing areas without proper planning, leads to sickness and violence,” the AG said in a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI).

While reiterating that “everything has to have a process,” the Attorney General said there are more than 60,000 applications backlogged in the system.

To this end, Nandlall further posited that the administration has an accelerated housing programme that would cater for everyone. However, he noted that this will take time.

Last Friday, President Irfaan Ali pleaded with residents of the Success squatting area to utilise the legal path to land ownership.

“It is not that we want you to be dislodged in the area. We want you to own your home too, that is why we sent the Housing teams so many times to see you, but there is a right way in doing things and the wrong way. In Guyana, we have to get accustomed to doing things the right way,” President Ali said at the “Dream Realised” housing initiative at the Guyana National Stadium.

GuySuCo had previously disclosed that some 17,000 varieties of sugarcane have been damaged by the squatters in those areas along the East Coast of Demerara. GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer Sasenarine Singh was quoted as saying that while the squatters have been affected by steps taken in preparation for the recommencement of operation, the successful outcomes from the sugar mills at Enmore require a supply of oneyear-old sugar canes. As a result, land tillage needs to commence next January.

It was against this backdrop that the sugar corporation, two weeks ago, flooded the field, including the area where the squatters are occupying at Success, where most of the persons have taken up illegal occupancy.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 contractors warned against Corentyne men remanded corruption, sub-standard work after robbery spree – as 21 contracts for capital works rewarded

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Contractors at the Region Two Tender Board Office on Wednesday

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ontractors and suppliers have been warned against engaging in corrupt activities and producing substandard work as the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Administration awarded contracts for capital projects within the region.

The contracts were awarded by newly-appointed Regional Tender Board Chairman Devanand Ramdatt on Wednesday, during which he issued the warning to the recipients of the 21 capital works’ contracts.

According to Ramdatt, he expects to see quality work done in a timely manner, and he insisted that contractors work with the outlined timeframe and specifications.

The Regional Tender Board Chairman further pointed out to the contractors that some of them awaiting the awarding of contracts already did work under the previous administration and ended up owing the Government due to substandard work. This, he noted, was highlighted in the Auditor’s Report.

As such, Ramdatt posited that he would put systems in place for regular monitoring of these projects by officials of the Regional Administration and residents in the various communities where the works are being done, so residents can ensure they get quality work done for their monies.

The Tender Board

Chairman also encouraged the local contractors to get themselves in order so as to prepare for the impending competition that will come from the international community that the Oil and Gas industry will bring to Guyana.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma Da Silva told the contractors at the Tender Board office in Anna Regina that she is very experienced in construction and will not tolerate incompetence and bad work from any of them.

The Regional Chair further advised the contractors to be on the work site and monitor their work properly, so that residents can have their money’s worth.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

hree Corentyne men accused of robbing several persons have been remanded to prison when they appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Albion Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The three: Roopchand Thomas, called ‘Lil Shawn’, 19, of Rose Hall Town; Joshua Beharry, 20, of Hampshire Village, Corentyne; and Kelvin Munsie, called ‘Snookey’, 20, of no fixed place of abode, are alleged to have committed armed robbery on Asif Ghani and Nankumar Namoo.

It is alleged that they robbed Namoo of a quantity of valuables on October 13 at Albion, Berbice.

Meanwhile, ‘Lil Shawn’ and ‘Snookey’ were thereafter taken to the Whim Magistrate's Court, where they joined Shawn Thompson, 24, of Rose Hall Town in appearing before Magistrate Alex More to answer two counts of robbery under arms.

It is alleged that on October 21, 2020, they robbed both a 48-year-old security guard of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant and 37-year-

Remanded: Joshua Beharry

Remanded: Shawn Thompson

old cane allocator Soomdat Chattergoon of their valuables.

After hearing the details of the offences, Magistrate Moore remanded the duo.

Remanded: Kelvin called “Snookey”

Munsie,

Remanded: Roopchand Thomas, called “Lil Shawn”

The case will come up on November 12 for a Police report, while the Albion cases will come up again on November 10.

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Infrastructural works, solid waste management priorities for municipalities – Dharamlall

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ith the allocation of resources to the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry to start infrastructural works in each municipality, Minister Nigel Dharamlall has disclosed that the Ministry’s infrastructural plans include the expansion of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill site at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dharamlall said that by year end, Cell Two should be done and ready to start handling solid waste. Other municipal solid waste sites will be monitored closely, the Minister said.

Citing his recent visit to Bartica, Minister Dharamlall said he engaged the Mayor and Councillors of the Regional Democratic

Agriculture, Home Affairs, Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development.

“In a recent discussion we had with City Hall, they have begun to build the super structure on their admin building…and there are resources to get that to a state

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Council to assess the landfill which has been affecting residents.

“We are providing necessary support…With limited resources, the Government is still trying as much as possible to help because every citizen means something to us and we have to ensure that their lives

are enhanced,” Minister Dharamlall is quoted by DPI as saying.

Additionally, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has mandated an InterMinisterial Task Force to draft a plan to enhance Georgetown. It comprises the Ministries of

ECD man’s body found in trench

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he partially decomposed body of a man was found lying face down in a trench near the Victoria Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to Police, the body was discovered by passers-by about 14:30h on Friday last. Police said that they received an anonymous call claiming that someone’s corpse was floating in the trench. Upon their arrival, cops were met with the gruesome discovery.

The dead man has since been identified by his daughter as Guy Thom, 50, of Victoria Village, ECD. According to his daughter, she last saw her father alive about two weeks ago.

She said he visited her home

Dead: Guy Thom

to collect his monthly groceries and he did not complain to her about having problems with anyone in the area. She had not seen or heard from him since. She further revealed that her

father suffered from health complications, including diabetes and poor eyesight.

According to Police, when the body was found, no marks of violence were seen.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Guyana Police Force Public Relations Officer Royston Andries-Junor, confirmed that a post-mortem was conducted on the body and revealed that the man died as a result of asphyxiation attributable to drowning.

The post-mortem was conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary.

The man’s body has since been handed over to relatives for burial.

of readiness where services can be provided,” Minister Dharamlall explained.

The Local Government Ministry is also partnering with the Private Sector and other donors to restore City Hall.

“City Hall is part of our heritage, a legacy of our past

and it will serve as potential for our future in terms of historical tourism,” he said.

Minister Dharamlall relayed that this investment was paramount in the tourism industry as City Hall was an important part of the central Georgetown landscape.

MMA-ADA gets $98M for emergency works

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he MahaicaMahaicony-Abary A g r i c u l t u r a l Development Authority (MMA-ADA) has received $98 million to conduct urgent repairs on its infrastructure, including drainage and dams.

This sum is part of the $300 million allocated by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha for emergency works.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported on Wednesday that the Minister said the Authority was very important to Guyana, in an interview hosted by the MMA-ADA. “I think that we as a Government will ensure that we maintain this scheme.

This scheme here will play a very important role in the future, not only in rice but cash crop and cattle rearing,” the Minister is quoted

by DPI as saying.

The report highlighted that works undertaken by the Authority to clear agricultural land in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), which consist of 252 drains, is expected to be completed by the end of October or early November.

The work to clear the

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

channels in the scheme is being executed by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in partnership with the MMAADA. The $98 million was allocated to be used in two areas; $90 million for drainage works and $8 million to upgrade dams in three phases of the scheme.

MMA Engineer Mahendranaught Ramjit said the current works would boost the drainage capacity of the scheme and make a major difference to

farmers.

“This project will benefit approximately 96,000 acres of rice land in the area and over 2300 farmers, families within the Abary-Berbice and the Mahaica-Mahaicony block,” he said.

Ramjit added that two graders were in the AbaryBerbice block, two in Mahaicony and two in the Mahaica Block, which will prepare access dams to assist farmers in taking out their crops and ensure there were no losses owing to inadequate access in some areas.

He also said the main access dams which allow farmers to transport paddy to the field were one of the first to be rehabilitated. The engineer also called on rice farmers in the scheme to be mindful of the cost to repair the roads and dams in the scheme and to exercise care during wet conditions to preserve the dam.

Eighty-four persons were hired to manually clean some of the trenches in the scheme. Emergency works were also executed to clear clogged drains and channels in the various West Berbice communities that are often affected by flooding.

11 women killed in visa stampede

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t least 11 women have been killed and many more injured in a stampede in a stadium in Afghanistan where people were applying for visas, officials say.

The incident happened after “thousands of people” gathered to request permits to Pakistan, a local spokesman said.

The crowd had been redirected to a sports stadium instead of the usual visa centre in the city of Jalalabad.

Visa applications to Pakistan have just resumed after a seven-month pause due to the pandemic.

“The visa applicants jostled to secure their token from the consulate officials,” an official in Jalalabad said, according to Reuters.

“The crowd got out of control, leading to a stampede.”

Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmad Khan, said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and that his country was “engaged with Afghan authorities for better facilitation of visa applicants”.

In the conserva-

Thousands had gathered to apply for visas (Reuters photo)

tive Muslim society of Afghanistan, it is common that women and men queue separately.

It is thought a number of other women and elderly people have also been injured.

Many Afghans travel each year to neighbouring Pakistan to visit relatives, seek medical treatment, find jobs or escape the ongoing violence in their own country.

Expecting a large num-

ber of applicants after the long pause of the visa service, the Pakistani consulate in the eastern province of of Nangarhar, directed the crowd to a nearby football stadium.

“Unfortunately this morning tens of thousands of people had come to the football stadium which led to the tragic incident,” the provincial governor’s spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP news agency. (BBC)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Russian companies are free Govt working to put systems in place to assist Region 10 nurses — RHO to invest in Guyana – PM

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Regional Health Officer Dr Gregory Harris

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips receives a courtesy call from Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz

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rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips on Wednesday morning said that Guyana and Russia would look to improve their relationship by way of a multi-sectoral approach to business and development.

The Prime Minister made these remarks after he received a courtesy visit from Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz.

The two senior officials discussed mutually-beneficial investment opportunities.

“Guyana is open for investment and Russian companies are free to approach us and invest in

Guyana, whether it be in ICT, mining, or oil and gas.

There are a lot of possibilities for investment from Russian companies,” the Prime Minister noted.

With regard to education, he stated that “Russia has always been a source of training for many Guyanese” and that the partnership would continue to grow.

Ambassador Kurmaz said that among the areas discussed were scholarships and cooperation between universities in agriculture and other sectors.

The Ambassador added that he expected the existing relationship to improve in the coming years.

“…It’s necessary to think about your children and future generations and we have discussed also opportunities to boost the relations and have a multi-sectoral cooperation between the two countries.”

A visa-free agreement between Guyana and Russia was signed five years ago.

Since taking office, the Prime Minister has met with several diplomatic heads to encourage productive relationships. He has also lobbied for investment in Guyana, especially in the telecommunications sector, which was liberalised this month.

he Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), Dr Gregory Harris, has assured that Government is working to put in place relevant systems that would assist in improving the livelihood and work environment of nurses within the Region.

In a recent discourse with members of the media, Dr Harris noted that Member of Parliament Dr Jennifer Westford met recently with nurses in the region on behalf of the Government and fruitful discussions were engaged in.

Nurses in the region recently staged protest action as they called for a number of incentives, and according to Dr Harris, these issues were among those discussed. “…she had a fruitful discussion with the union and also the nurses. So, I think

they’ve established a common ground between the three entities. There (are) certain things that they would have requested; (they) put (those) forward to her as the Government, and she’s going to look into those things”, Dr Harris stated.

“The risk allowance issue has been addressed by Central Government…one of the things that we’d also like to do is provide little incentives. We plan on doing that…throughout the year we will continue to support them, communicate with them, and we’ll try our best to respond to their needs,” he added.

The RHO said the nurses had also made a few critical recommendations, some of which have already been put in place, including increased access to face masks.

“One of the things some of the nurses were complain-

ing about was the number of masks they would have received, so we would have increased that, the number of masks they have access to,” he indicated.

Dr Harris explained that nurses and other healthcare workers within the region would also benefit from improvements in sanitisation of their work environments.

“One of the things that we’re also going to do, because the nurses are so important; we want them to work in a safe environment, so what we’re going to do, we’re going to put systems in place to make them feel safe and comfortable. One of those systems is that we’re going to buy those walkthrough sanitizers that sanitize your entire body. We’re going to place them at all 3 of the hospitals,” he noted.

According to the RHO, the walk-through sanitizers have already been procured. He added that humidifiers will be placed at the Linden Hospital Emergency Department as well as the Isolation Unit at the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) to help healthcare workers and visitors to feel safer in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ll make sure the hospital has constant supply of PPE (personal protective equipment) so that our staff can feel comfortable and safe…that is the objective”, he said.

The RHO also noted that day and night transportation for nurses would continue throughout the region. (G13)

Spain passes 1 million US State Dept approves US$1.8B in potential arms sales to Taiwan COVID-19 cases

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pain has recorded more than one million coronavirus cases, becoming the first western European country to pass that landmark figure.

On Wednesday the country reported 16,973 infections and 156 deaths in the previous 24 hours.

Since its first diagnosed case on 31 January, Spain has now recorded a total of 1,005,295 infections.

It is the sixth nation worldwide to report one million cases after the US, India, Brazil, Russia and Argentina.

Europe has seen a surge in new infections over the last few months, forcing governments to bring in strict new regulations to try and control outbreaks and ensure hospitals do not become overwhelmed.

Spain was hit hard by coronavirus in the first months of the pandemic, and brought in some of the strictest measures to tackle it - including banning children from going outside.

Like most European countries, the country lessened its regulations as case numbers dropped. Politicians high-

Spain is the sixth nation worldwide to record more than one million cases (Reuters photo)

lighted the need to bring back tourists as a way to boost the struggling economy.

But by the end of August new daily case numbers were rising by 10,000 a day.

Hospital admissions have ticked up by 20% in the past two weeks alone, while deaths have also begun to rise, with the toll climbing by 218 on Tuesday.

In total, 34,366 Covidrelated deaths have been recorded.

Lawmakers however are bitterly divided over how to handle the situation.

Politicians in the national parliament were debat-

ing a no-confidence motion in Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday filed by the far-right Vox Party, while central government has clashed repeatedly with regional leaders over how best to proceed.

Earlier this month, Madrid’s centre-right authorities successfully had a partial lockdown imposed on the capital overturned in court.

But the Spanish government then ordered a 15-day state of emergency in the city.

The health minister will meet with regional leaders on Thursday to discuss next steps. (BBC)

he US State Department has approved the potential sale of three weapons systems to Taiwan, including sensors, missiles and artillery that could have a total value of $1.8bn, the Pentagon said on Wednesday, amid rising tension over the self-ruled island that China claims as its own.

Among other weapons systems, Wednesday’s formal notifications to Congress by the State Department were for 11 truck-based rocket launchers made by Lockheed Martin Corp called a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), for an estimated cost of $436.1m.

The notifications also covered 135 AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) Missiles and related equipment made

by Boeing, for an estimated $1.008bn, and six MS-110 Recce external sensor pods made by Collins Aerospace for jets, at an estimated cost of $367.2m.

Further congressional

The potential sale includes external sensor pods for fighter

notifications are expected to follow, including drones made by General Atomics and land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles, made by Boeing, to serve as coastal defence cruise missiles.

Sources told Reuters news agency the 100 cruise missiles stations and 400 missiles would have a cost of about $2bn.

The formal notification gives Congress 30 days to object to any sales, but there is broad bipartisan support for the defence of

Taiwan.

The defence and foreign ministries in Taiwan welcomed the news, saying the weapons would help improve defensive capabilities. “This arms sale shows that the United States attaches great importance to the strategic position of the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait, and is actively assisting our country in strengthening our overall defence capabilities,” Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said. (Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Regional

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteer dies, trial to continue

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razilian health authority Anvisa said on Wednesday that a volunteer in a clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had died, but added that the trial would continue.

Oxford confirmed the plan to keep testing, saying in a statement that after careful assessment “there have been no concerns about safety of the clinical trial”.

AstraZeneca declined to comment immediately.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the trial would have been suspended if the volunteer who died had received the COVID-19 vaccine, suggesting the person was part of

the control group that was given a meningitis jab.

The Federal University of São Paulo, which is helping coordinate phase 3 clinical trials in Brazil, said an independent review committee had also recommended the trial continue. The University earlier confirmed the volunteer was Brazilian, but gave no further personal details.

“Everything is proceeding as expected, without any record of serious vaccine-related complications involving any of the participating volunteers,” the Brazilian University said in a statement.

So far, 8000 of the planned 10,000 volunteers in the trial have been re-

ond deadliest outbreak of the coronavirus, after the United States, with more than 154,000 killed. It has the third largest number of cases, with more than 5.2 million infected, after the United States and India. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Minister put out after “racist” talk in T&T Parliament CNN Brasil reported that the volunteer was a 28-year-old man who lived in Rio de Janeiro and died from COVID-19 complications

cruited and given the first dose in six cities in Brazil, and many have already received the second shot, said a university spokesman.

CNN Brasil reported that the volunteer was a 28-year-old man who lived

in Rio de Janeiro and died from COVID-19 complications.

Anvisa provided no further details, citing medical confidentiality of those involved in trials.

Brazil has the sec-

Coronavirus deaths and N cases rise in the Caribbean

National Security Minister Stuart Young

D

eaths from the coronavirus pandemic continue to affect Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries and some regional states are again urging nationals to comply with the various measures and protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.

While The Bahamas, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago continue to record deaths almost on a daily basis, islands like St Vincent and the Grenadines were reporting increased positive cases of the virus.

The authorities in Kingstown reported that there were now four new COVID-19 active cases after an adult traveller arrived from the United States on Sunday with a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result.

“All of the close contacts have been informed and will continue in quarantine as per their medical officer’s orders,” the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) said, adding that the adult will remain in isolation until cleared by two negative

SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results.

In The Bahamas, where the number of positive cases is 5923, the authorities reported 150 new cases over the past 24 hours.

The country has recorded 124 deaths.

In St Lucia, where the 37th case was recorded on Tuesday, the Health Ministry said the 43-year old male from the northern town of Gros-Islet has been linked to previous cases and placed in quarantine.

In Belize, figures released by the Office of the

Director of Health Services, noted that 53 new cases were identified over the past 24 hours from a total of 339 samples.

Belize has recorded 2886 positive cases with 1114 being active. It has reported 45 deaths.

One person died in Trinidad and Tobago over the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry.

It said 35 people have tested positive. That death brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 98. (Excerpt from CMC)

Parents not found for 545 children separated at US-Mexico border – filing

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awyers and non-profit organisations seeking to reunite immigrant families separated at the US-Mexico border by the Trump Administration have not been able to locate the parents of 545 children so far.

A federal judge ordered thousands of families separated at the border in 2017 and 2018 to be reunited after a 2018 lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

A court filing in the case

this week said some parents deported without their children could not yet be located.

“Arduous on-the-ground searches” for parents deported to their countries of origin -- many in Central America – have been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the filing said.

Republican US President Donald Trump in May 2018 implemented a controversial “zero tolerance” policy to prosecute families caught crossing the border illegally

and remove their children.

Amid international outcry, Trump ended the policy just months after it was announced.

Overall, the Government has identified more than 4200 children who could fall under Judge Dana Sabraw’s reunification order.

A committee formed to locate family members focused on trying to reach families of children for whom the Government provided phone numbers for a sponsor or parent. But as of Oct.

ober20, parents of 545 children could not be reached, the filing in US District Court in San Diego – first reported by NBC News – said.

“We’ve contacted these families and the sad truth is that many of them have declined to accept their children back,” White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern told reporters on Wednesday, not addressing the assertion that hundreds of parents could not be reached. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Education Ministers want waiver of fees for CXC reviews

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everal Caribbean Community (Caricom) Education Ministers have “unanimously” proposed that the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) commit to a total waiver of fees for reviews of the CXC 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

A statement issued by the Trinidad & Tobago Education

Ministry said that Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, joined her counterparts from several countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Guyana, for discussions with CXC Registrar, Dr Wayne Wesley on Monday.

It said that the discussions were on the report submitted by the Independent Review Team set up by CXC to review the queries of the CAPE/ CSEC 2020 examinations.

The Ministry said that Monday’s meeting lasted

three hours and “discussed in some detail” several matters such as the extension of the deadline for queries beyond October 23 to November 6, reduction in the Cost for Requests for Reviews (RFR) for 2020, reversion to the pre-January 2018 position and practice where a review includes a remark, not simply a recalculation of the candidate’s score.

In addition, the statement said that the meeting also discussed expediting of requests

for reviews (RFR) and the abandonment of the CXC policy and practice of grade diminution.

“It was unanimously proposed by the Ministers in attendance that in addition to all the other measures outlined, a total waiver of fees for reviews should be considered

by CXC for 2020; as such, the Council will be approached by Wednesday, October 21st to consider the full implications of this,” the statement noted.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

ational Security Minister Stuart Young was temporarily put out of the Parliament Chamber after concerns were raised by the Opposition regarding him referring to them as racist.

During the Standing Finance Committee on Wednesday morning while discussing the allocations for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), members of both sides engaged in a heated debate.

At one stage, Oropouche West Member of Parliament Dave Tancoo asked for the attention of Chairperson Bridgid Annisette George to indicate that Minister Young had used disparaging remarks to describe them.

“What he said was we were making racist statements. We are racist.”

In response to this, Minister Young could be heard shouting (off mic) and

Tancoo retorted, “there you go, there you go.”

While Minister Young’s remarks were inaudible, Chairperson Annisette George asked him to withdraw his statement, if indeed he “said such a thing.”

To this, Young responded, “Withdraw saying what they are?”

This resulted in more shouts and protests across the floor until Young said (off mic) “Withdrawn, Madam Chair.”

Annisette-George then told Young, “Take this as a word of caution, I would suggest you take a lil (sic) walk, reboot yourself and come back.”

That action prompted loud desk thumping from the Opposition.

But Annisette-George also brought that to an abrupt end “I really don’t want any support from anybody,” she said. (Trinidad Guardian)

Strengthening Hurricane Epsilon on track for Bermuda

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strengthening Hurricane Epsilon is churning its way over the Atlantic and is expected to make its closest approach to Bermuda this afternoon or evening, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) has announced.

In its latest bulletin, the NHC said a tropical storm warning has been issued for the British Overseas Territory as the storm is about 450 miles east south east of the island with maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour (mph).

The NHC said that the hurricane is moving towards the west-northwest near 12 mph and a west-northwestward motion at a slower forward speed was expected on Wednesday.

“A turn toward the northwest is expected tonight, followed by a

turn toward the north by Thursday night. On the forecast track, the centre of Epsilon is forecast to make its closest approach to Bermuda Thursday afternoon or evening,” NHC said on Wednesday.

It said maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90 mph with higher gusts, and some additional strengthening was possible Wednesday, followed by little change in strength into the weekend.

The NHC said hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 435 miles mainly to the north of the centre.

Tropical storm conditions were expected on Bermuda beginning later on Wednesday and continuing intermittently today. (Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices rebound on small crude draw

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rude oil prices rose on Wednesday after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a crude oil inventory decline of one million barrels for the week to October 16.

The report came a day after the American Petroleum Institute (API) pressured prices by reporting an unexpected build in inventories, even though it was a moderate one, at a little over half a million barrels.

The EIA inventory estimate compares with a draw of 3.8 million barrels reported for the previous week, and analyst expectations for an inventory decline of 240,000 barrels.

In gasoline, the EIA reported an inventory increase of 1.9 million barrels for the week to October 16, which compared with a draw of 1.6 million barrels that helped stabilise prices temporarily.

Oil prices started the week with a loss over disappointing economic data out of China, fears of this resurgence of coronavirus cases, additional lockdown measures in Europe, and the looming threat that the Organisation of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC) could turn on the taps in January as originally planned. However, talk that the cartel could stick with the current rate of cuts served to provide some counterweight to the negative sentiment and on Tuesday, prices actually gained a few cents.

At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at US$42.60 a barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at US$41.01 a barrel, both down from Tuesday’s close.

(Excerpt from Oil Price)

India-China dispute: India hands over soldier who crossed border

US on brink of rampant coronavirus spread, Europe hospitals strained

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early two-thirds of US states were in a danger zone of coronavirus spread and six, including election battleground Wisconsin, reported a record one-day increase in COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday while the pandemic’s resurgence in Europe strained hospitals.

Coronavirus deaths hit fresh daily records in Hawaii, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin, a state that also reported a record daily increase in new cases together with Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio, according to a Reuters analysis.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that a field hospital in the Milwaukee suburbs admitted its first COVID-19 patient since it opened last week.

Medics bring a patient suspected of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to a hospital in Bialystok, Poland, April 1, 2020

“Folks, please stay home,” Evers said. “Help us protect our communities from this highly contagious virus and avoid further strain on our hospitals.”

European case numbers, which were brought largely

under control by the unprecedented lockdowns in March and April are also surging, and authorities in countries from Poland to Portugal expressed mounting alarm at the renewed crisis confronting their health infrastruc-

ture.

Belgium, struggling with what its Health Minister called a “tsunami” of infections, is postponing all non-essential hospital procedures, and similar measures are looming in other countries.

A Belgian official said another lockdown could be imposed as soon as next week in the country, which has one of the world’s highest fatality rates per capita.

In the United States, President Donald Trump has repeatedly opposed re-imposing restrictions, saying economic recovery depended on people being able to return to normal life.

The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 221,000 people in the United States and thrown millions out of work. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pope Francis indicates support for same-sex civil unions

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ope Francis has said that he thinks samesex couples should be allowed to have “civil unions”.

He made the comments, which observers say are his clearest remarks yet on gay relationships, in a documentary directed by Evgeny Afineevsky.

“Homosexual people have a right to be in a family,” he said in the film, which premiered on Wednesday.

“They are children of God and have a right to a family.

Nobody should be thrown out or made miserable over it.

“What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered.”

He added that he “stood up for that”, apparently referring to his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires when, although opposing same-sex marriages in law, he supported some legal protections for same-sex couples.

The film Francesco, about the life and work of Pope Francis, premiered as part of

the Rome Film Festival.

As well as the Pope’s comments on civil unions, the film also shows him encouraging two gay men to attend church with their three children.

Pope Francis’s biographer, Austen Ivereigh, told the BBC he was “not surprised” by the latest comments.

“This was his position as Archbishop of Buenos Aires,” said Ivereigh. “He was always opposed to marriage being for same-sex couples.

But he believed the church

should advocate for a civil union law for gay couples to give them legal protection.”

Under current Catholic doctrine, gay relationships are referred to as “deviant behaviour”.

In 2003, the Vatican’s doctrinal body, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said that “respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

appealed for calm following deadly clashes between Opposition supporters and Police.

At least six people were killed, including two Police Officers, and many injured when supporters of Conde’s main rival, Cellou Dalein Diallo set piles of old furniture and tyres on fire in

some Opposition neighbourhoods of Conakry, Security Minister Damantang Albert Camara said.

There were also clashes in Opposition strongholds outside the capital, he said. Two people died in Kissidougou, a city in the south east of Guinea, about 700 kilometres (435 miles)

from Conakry.

“I reiterate my appeal to all to calm and serenity, pending the outcome of the electoral process under way in our country,” Conde said in a statement. “If victory is mine, I remain open to dialogue and available to work with all Guineans.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Guinea’s President retains election lead as protests turn deadly Relations between the two countries had been deteriorating since June, when at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a skirmish in the disputed Ladakh border area

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Chinese soldier has been handed back by Indian authorities after he strayed across a contested border in the Himalayan region, army officials said.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was apprehended in the Demchok area of Ladakh, India said on Monday.

The soldier was disoriented and was provided medical assistance and oxygen, the army said in a statement.

Tensions have been high between the two countries since a deadly clash in a disputed area in June.

The latest incident comes after multiple rounds of military-level talks between the two sides to defuse the situation.

The Indian Army said the soldier was handed back according to “established protocols”.

Soldiers from both countries have periodically skirmished along the poorly demarcated border, called the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Both sides have accused each other of straying into their territory, which have

sometimes resulted in clashes.

This is not the first time the two sides have handed over citizens who strayed over the border.

In September, China freed five Indian nationals after they wandered across the border. India said the youths, from a state bordering China, were hunters who had accidentally strayed into Chinese territory.

Relations between the two countries had been deteriorating since June, when at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a skirmish in the disputed Ladakh border area. China did not comment on reports that it had also suffered casualties.

In early September, China accused India of firing “provocative” warning shots at its troops. India in turn, accused China of firing into the air.

The allegations, if true, would have been the first time in 45 years that shots were fired at the border. A 1996 agreement prohibits the use of guns and explosives near the border. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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uinea’s President Alpha Conde retained his lead on Wednesday in provisional results from the October 18 election, beating his challengers in 14 constituencies out of 20 that have been announced by the electoral commission.

Earlier in the day, Conde

Obama rips Trump’s Unrest in Lagos after shooting record in 2020 B campaign trail debut

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ormer President Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail on Wednesday, launching a blistering attack on Donald Trump with less than two weeks to go before the Republican President’s Election Day face-off with Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Speaking at a drive-in rally in Philadelphia on behalf of Biden, his former Vice President, Obama offered his most pointed critique yet of his successor.

“He hasn’t shown any interest in doing the work or helping anybody but himself,” Obama said of Trump.

Obama, who governed for

two terms and remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, blasted Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the President himself had fallen victim to the virus.

“Donald Trump isn’t suddenly going to protect all of us,” he said. “He can’t even take the basic steps to protect himself.”

Obama’s appearance filled a gap left by Biden, who has stayed at home in Delaware since Monday for meetings and preparation ahead of his debate today with Trump in Nashville, Tennessee. (Reuters)

uildings have been set aflame and there are reports of gunfire in Nigeria’s biggest city after demonstrators were shot at a protest.

Rights group Amnesty International said at least 12 people were killed by soldiers and Police in Lagos on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s army dismissed the reports as “fake news” in a post on Twitter.

Authorities have imposed an indefinite round-the-clock curfew on the city and elsewhere, but some defied the order.

Protests against a Police unit have been taking place for two weeks. Demonstrators have been using the social media hashtag #EndSars to rally crowds against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars).

President Muhammadu Buhari disbanded Sars on October 11. But protests have continued, with demands for more changes in the security forces, as well as reforms to the way the country is run.

Witnesses have told the BBC what they saw when men in military camouflage opened fire on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, buildings were set alight across Lagos and Police put up roadblocks.

A major Nigerian TV station with links to a ruling party politician was on fire after people attacked it with petrol bombs.

Police in different districts of the city fired shots into the air to disperse protesters defying the curfew, the BBC’s Nduka Orjinmo reports from the capital, Abuja. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Keep busy, set goals and take care of business.

Too much idle time will lead to trouble. Keep moving in a direction that offers more opportunities to advance.

Take advantage of whatTAURUS ever comes your way. Your (April 20ability to make a snap deMay 20) cision will help you profit.

An opportunity or proposal you encounter will be a perfect way for you to use your skills and expertise.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

You’ll be taken advantage of if you are too accommodating. Invest more time and money in yourself and your ideas. Put your health first, regardless of what your friends or associates do.

Refuse to let a last-minute change alarm you.

Check out something that interests you, and you’ll find a way to incorporate it into your daily routine. Aim for better health, physical fitness and personal growth.

Uncertainty will prevail. Don’t jump from one thing to another. Finish what you start and live up to your promises. Use your energy wisely to set an example that others will emulate.

You won’t have to stand alone. The changes you make will draw interest and help you gain respect and support. Share your thoughts and plans with someone you love, and it will bring you closer together.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Do your best to avoid conflict. You will be left in a vulnerable position if you are too kind or generous.

Anger will be a waste of valuable time. Avoid disruptive people

SCORPIO

Embrace the unexpected. Learn from every experience that comes your way. Be part of a movement you believe in, and share your thoughts and solutions. Romance is favored.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Address issues that are SAGITTARIUS holding you back. Confront (Nov. 23someone who is meddling Dec. 21) in your life. Persistence will get you where you want to go.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Say what’s on your mind, and determine where you stand. An unexpected offer will need revisions before you can entertain the thought of participation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Slow down, verify information and set a course that will benefit you, not someone else. Finish what you start before you take on something new.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Your involvement in a group effort or joint venture looks promising. A change you make will enhance a partnership that you depend on. Mixing business with pleasure will pay off.

Romance is in the stars.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

21

Racing Point driver Lance Stroll tests positive for coronavirus after Eifel Grand Prix R

acing Point driver Lance Stroll says he tested positive for coronavirus after the Eifel Grand Prix weekend.

The Canadian - who did not race - was unwell and displayed a number of COVID-19 symptoms at the Nurburgring race, but was not tested over the weekend.

Stroll said his symptoms were "pretty mild", and he went home on the morning of 11 October, the day of the race, and took a test. He had another test on Monday, before this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix, and returned a negative result.

"I feel in great shape, and I can't wait to be back with the team and to race in Portugal," he added on social media.

At the Eifel Grand Prix, Racing Point did not report

Stroll's illness to governing body the FIA as a potential COVID case. They said in a statement on Wednesday that this was because "a doctor did not believe his symptoms indicated COVID-19, and did not advise a test was necessary".

"Based on this clinical assessment, at the time there was no requirement to inform the FIA as to the nature of the illness," the statement added.

A spokesman for the FIA said it would not be taking any further action because, "we don't feel that there has been any breach of the (COVID) code".

The FIA's code of protocols for dealing with COVID-19 says participants must "comply with the instructions of his/her Stakeholder (team) and the COVID-19 Delegate" if "he/ she tests positive for the

COVID-19 virus or he/she starts to suffer from any COVID-19 symptoms".

Racing Point's statement said Stroll first developed a stomach upset over the Russian Grand Prix weekend.

He tested negative for COVID-19 "several times" over the two weeks before the Nurburgring race, the team said, and again before travelling to Germany.

His stomach upset re-

turned on Saturday morning at the Nurburgring, "which forced Lance to withdraw from the race and stay in his motorhome away from the paddock".

"Lance then flew home to Switzerland on a private plane on Sunday morning," the team added.

"In line with Racing Point's enhanced testing protocol, under which all team members are tested on return from a

England v Barbarians rugby match…

George Ford out with Achilles strain

Grand Prix, Lance took a COVID-19 test at home and received a positive result the next day.

"He continued to isolate for 10 days from the date of the test, in line with local regulations. He returned a negative test on Monday this week, and will travel to the Portuguese Grand Prix.

"All members of the Racing Point team at the Eifel Grand Prix returned to the UK via a private charter flight, and all tested negative upon their arrival, and again in their pre-event test for the Portuguese Grand Prix."

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer said at the Eifel Grand Prix that he was

"confident" Stroll did not have coronavirus, despite having "flu-like symptoms", an upset stomach, and was "just not well in himself and couldn't exercise".

This was despite those being listed as possible coronavirus symptoms on the websites of both the World Health Organisation and the US' Centre for Disease Control.

Stroll is the second Racing Point driver to contract COVID-19 this year.

His team-mate Sergio Perez was forced to miss the two races at Silverstone in the summer after catching the virus following a trip home to Mexico to see his mother.

(BBCSport)

Ben O'Connor wins stage 17 of Giro d’Italia – as leaders stay quiet before Stelvio test

F

ly-half George Ford has pulled out of England's match against the Barbarians after aggravating a pre-existing Achilles tendon injury.

Ford's absence means Owen Farrell and Piers Francis are the two capped fly-half options left in the squad, although Francis plays more at centre.

Uncapped Max Malins, who can play at 10 or fullback, is one of three Bristol players called up. Club team-mates Kyle Sinckler and Ben Earl also come into the squad.

Bristol had been on standby to play Exeter in Saturday's Premiership final, until it was confirmed on Wednesday morning that Wasps, who beat the Bears in the semi-finals, had successfully contained a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad.

Bath fly-half Tom de Glanville and Harlequins prop Simon Kerrod, who had been in Eddie Jones's squad last week but were subsequently dropped, will get the chance to impress the England head coach in opposition colours, after being included in the

Barbarians squad for Sunday.

F o r m e r England captain Chris Robshaw and Saracens and England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth are also in the invitational side's selection.

England's non-Test meeting with the Barbarians is followed by their postponed Six Nations finale against Italy on 31 October. England will then play four Tests against Georgia, Ireland, Wales and a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent on successive weekends from 14 November as part of the Autumn Nations

Cup.

England squad

Backs: Ali Crossdale (Saracens)* Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)*, Owen Farrell (Saracens), Piers Francis (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Willi Heinz (Gloucester), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors)*, Joe Marchant (Harlequins), Max Malins (Bristol Bears)*, Jonny May (Gloucester), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)*, Ollie Thorley (Gloucester)*, Anthony Watson (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) Forwards: Tom Curry (Sale), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)*, Tom Dunn (Bath)*, Ben Earl (Bristol Bears), Charlie Ewels

(Bath), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)*, Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Alex Moon (Northampton Saints), Beno Obano (Bath)*, David Ribbans (Northampton Saints)*, Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) *uncapped players

Barbarians squad

Backs: Tom de Glanville, Simone Kuruvoli, Alex Lewington, Sean Maitland, Fergus McFadden, Dom Morris, Juan Pablo Socino, Serupepli Vularika, Manu Vunipola, Richard Wigglesworth Forwards: Calum Clark, Christopher Eves, Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Simon Kerrod, Joel Kpoku, Rusiate Nasove, Manu Ratuniyarawa, Chris Robshaw, Tim Swinson, Samulea Tawake, Tom Woolstencroft, Jackson Wray. (BBCSport)

A

ustralian Ben O’Connor won the 17th stage of the Giro d’Italia, a 203km mountain trek from Bassano del Grappa.

João Almeida has, however, retained the overall lead at the end of a quiet day for the top contenders.

O’Connor gave the NTT team, who are looking for a sponsor next year, a much-needed win as he prevailed from the day’s 18man breakaway ahead of Hermann Pernsteiner and Thomas de Gendt.

Almeida faced only one brief attack from Jai Hindley in the final climb up to Madonna di Campiglio, as he stayed 17 seconds ahead of Wilco Kelderman in the overall standings.

Kelderman’s Sunweb teammate Hindley lies 2m58s off the pace.

“Today it was a hard day, a lot of climbing, but I had the perfect team with me,” said Almeida. “That’s one more day in the Maglia

Rosa. Team Sunweb tried to attack, but I was feeling good. Tomorrow it’s another day, I look forward to it.”

There will be no hiding place in the 18th stage on Thursday, as it takes the peloton over 207km to the Laghi di Cancano, through the Passo Stelvio, 2,756 metres above sea level, where the temperatures are expected to be just above 0°C. It might be the last chance to make big differences, as Saturday’s 20th stage could be totally reshaped and avoid the punishing Col d’Agnel and Col d’Izoard in France.

The mayor of Briançon, at the bottom of the descent from the Izoard, said on Wednesday he could not have the race go through the town amid COVID-19 restrictions in France.

Giro organisers, however, have yet to announce a new route for the stage, but any change would surely make it less demanding.

(The Guardian)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Kolkata Knight Riders stunned – by devastating new-ball bowling from RCB’s Mohammed Siraj

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Yuzvendra Chahal picked up two wickets

devastating spell of new-ball bowling from Mohammed Siraj (4-2-3-8) left Kolkata Knight Riders so far down on the mat it was all they could do to last the 20 overs.

They did so by playing out four maidens, an IPL

board - the lowest IPL total for a team batting first and not losing all their wickets.

Royal Challengers Bangalore had little trouble with the chase, completing it with eight wickets and 39 balls to spare, and moving to second place

Mohammed Siraj bagged 3-8 in his 4 overs

record, two of them to Siraj alone - another IPL record.

They suffered 72 dots in a 120-ball innings, only three shy of another IPL record, and put up only 84 on the

on the table.

Superb Siraj

All they needed was a hint. Royal Challengers have been very good with

RCB celebrate their win

the way they've handled their bowlers this season; and in this game as well, as soon as they saw there was some swing on offer, they immediately went to Siraj with the new ball, even though he was the new man in the XI. Siraj is a natural inswinger, but it was moving the ball the other way that brought him most of his success. He first snagged the outside edge of Rahul Tripathi in the second over, then one ball later, he burst through Nitish Rana's defences. That over ended up as a double-wicket maiden.

He also had Tom Banton caught behind before he gave up a single run off his bowling, as the Royal Challengers earned the upper hand from start to finish.

Recovering from a powerplay score of 17 for 4 was never going to be easy, and although Eoin Morgan tried, the opposition just

had too many resources to mount a counter-attack.

Yuzvendra Chahal, for so long the only consistent wicket-taking threat for the

BOWLING CH Morris Mohammed Siraj NA Saini I Udana YS Chahal Washington Sundar

O-M-R-W 4-1-16-0 4-2-8-3 3-0-23-1 1-0-6-0 4-0-15-2 4-1-14-1

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (TARGET: 85 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) D Padikkal run out (Cummins) 25 AJ Finch c †Karthik b Ferguson 16 Gurkeerat Singh not out 21 V Kohli (c) not out 18 Extras (lb 2, w 3) 5 TOTAL (13.3 Ov, RR: 6.29) 85/2 Did not bat: AB de Villiers †, CH Morris, Washington Sundar, I Udana, NA Saini, YS Chahal, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Aaron Finch, 6.2 ov), 2-46 (Devdutt Padikkal, 6.4 ov) BOWLING PJ Cummins M P Krishna CV Varun LH Ferguson

O-M-R-W 3-0-8-0 2.3-0-20-0 4-0-28-0 4-0-17-1

Royal Challengers, might even have felt weird playing back-up, as he picked up 2 for 15 and limited Knight Riders to 84 for 8.

The easiest chase in the IPL?

Eoin Morgan, with 30, topscored for KKR

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Well, not for Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal. They fell for 16 and 25, but with such a tiny target before them, Royal Challengers could always regroup. They did the sensible thing with the batting too, and gave one of their less experienced players time in the middle - Gurkeerat Singh making 21 as they sealed victory.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Cornwall eyes big performance – for "make-or-break" New Zealand Test series

SCOREBOARD W

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Shubman Gill c Morris b Saini 1 RA Tripathi c †de Villiers b Mohammed Siraj 1 N Rana b Mohammed Siraj 0 T Banton c †de Villiers b Mohammed Siraj 10 KD Karthik † lbw b Chahal 4 EJG Morgan (c) c Gurkeerat Singh b Washington Sundar 30 PJ Cummins c Padikkal b Chahal 4 Kuldeep Yadav run out (Gurkeerat Singh/Morris) 12 LH Ferguson not out 19 Extras (lb 2, w 1) 3 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 4.2) 84/8 Did not bat: M Prasidh Krishna, CV Varun Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Rahul Tripathi, 1.3 ov), 2-3 (Nitish Rana, 1.4 ov), 3-3 (Shubman Gill, 2.2 ov), 4-14 (Tom Banton, 3.3 ov), 5-32 (Dinesh Karthik, 8.4 ov), 6-40 (Pat Cummins, 12.3 ov), 7-57 (Eoin Morgan, 15.4 ov), 8-84 (Kuldeep Yadav, 19.6 ov)

Gurkeerat Singh steadied the ship and led RCB over the line

VEHICLE FOR SALE

est Indies off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall is determined to have an impactful performance on the upcoming tour of New Zealand, after coming up empty-handed on the previous tour of England.

The 27-year-old has so far claimed 13 wickets in three Test matches, but failed to have a major impact in the team's 2-1 loss to England. Cornwall was added to the bowling lineup for the third Test, and had a spell of 27 balls, which produced 85 runs but did not get a wicket.

Having been included in the upcoming squad to New Zealand, Cornwall is dead set on making a much more telling impact with the ball this time around.

“I think I am prepared for the tour,” Cornwall told the Antigua Observer. “I think that this one either makes me or breaks me. I think it’s about time I show what I am worth on the international scene. I do have a ten-wicket haul in Test cricket,

but I need to show a little bit more in terms of starting to get my performance together and make sure this New Zealand tour counts,” he added.

Cornwall's best Test match figures came against Afghanistan, where he claimed an overall 10 for 121. He had previously captured two wickets against India on his debut.

(Sportsmax)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

RHTY&SC Metro Team honours top NGSA students of Region 6 – retired diplomat Cheryl Miles appointed roving ambassador for team

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Metro Female Team - the only female cricket team in Guyana - last Tuesday honoured the Region 6 top three performers at the National Grade Six Assessment examinations (NGSA) by hosting an awards programme as part of their annual Personal Developmental Project.

RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah handed over the awards to the students who topped Region 6 at NGSA. They are Renace Joseph of All Saints Primary, Kairon Roopnarine of Cumberland Primary, and Safiya Thirbowan of Tain Primary. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, no ceremony was held, but a 3-man delegation consisting of Vice President Mark Papannah, Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster, and Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu visited the homes of the awardees specially to

hand over the awards.

teams to undertake a certain amount of programmes/

to continue concentrating on their studies, as an education-

Vice President Mark Papannah presenting award to Kairon Roopnarine

Foster noted that, every year, the RHTY&SC mandates each of its 10 cricket

GFF establishes scholarship committee

– Olato Sam to serve as chairman

projects under numerous sub-headings, such as educational, charity, religious, coaching, anti-crime, anti-alcohol, youth development, and community development, among other things.

In brief remarks, Naidu congratulated the three awardees and urged them

al background is the foundation to a successful future.

Each of these awardees received a Certificate of Excellence, a Medal of Excellence and a collection of special gifts, compliments of the RHTY&SC, Metro Office Supplies, and Mike’s

Pharmacy.

Top student Renace Joseph also received a trophy. All of the awardees and parents expressed appreciation for the things received from the Metro Female Team.

The Metro Team is aiming to successfully complete 40 programmes before this year ends. There are four members of the Metro Team who are in the West Indies Female Team. They are: Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi.

Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC, with great pride, announce the appointment of well-respected Guyanese career diplomat Ms. Cheryl Miles as its roving ambassador. Ms. Myles, who is now retired, represented Guyana in numerous countries, including serving terms as Ambassador in Brazil and Venezuela. She also held several important positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Director General. Ms. Miles served as the Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela up to December 2019, when she retired. She received numerous accolades for her

handling of the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy, and is widely respected in the diplomatic arena.

This highly successful career diplomat attended the Bishops High School from 1955 to 1962, before heading off to the University of the West Indies and the University of London between 1962 and 1969.

Among the numerous awards she has received are the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) in 1989, Order of Francisco De Miranda, Green Prize of the Americas, and Order of Rio Branco.

As roving ambassador for the RHTY&SC, Ms. Miles would promote the work of the club and assist in making the club’s upcoming Christmas Charity programme a success.

In accepting the position, Ms. Miles declared she was delighted to be associated with the RHTY&SC, as she has been very impressed with its work, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster welcomed Ms. Miles to the club and expressed confidence that she would be an asset.

Romario Shepherd to replace Dwayne Bravo on New Zealand tour Keemo Paul Nicholas Pooran Romario Shepherd Oshane Thomas Hayden Walsh Jr Kesrick Williams

Test Squad

T

he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) has appointed a scholarship commit tee, styled the “Guyana Football Scholarship Committee”, which will be responsible for formulation of the GFF scholarship programme.

The five-member committee, whose mandate will be for one year, is an ad hoc one in accordance with Article 56 of the GFF Constitution, and consists of Olato Sam as Chairman; and Rawle Small, Henry Chase, Lavern Fraser and Charissa Rampersaud.

In an invited comment, GFF President Forde remarked: “As leaders, we have a moral obligation to create life-changing opportunities for the young boys and girls who passionately dedicate their lives to football. It is our duty to ensure that each player has equal and fair access to the boundless opportunities of their

football experience, and are inspired to model the qualities of good discipline, dedication and hard work.

“A solid education is a lifetime gift, and I am confident that many of our players will follow in the footsteps of those who have benefited from scholarship opportunities and have gone on to lead productive lives while contributing to the greater good of the Guyanese society.”

Chairman Sam also commented: “This Committee is extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to serve the youths of Guyana in this capacity. We are committed to establishing a framework that would positively impact the lives of our talented players. We applaud the GFF for making this a priority area, and look forward to supporting its efforts in advancing football in our country.”

T

he experienced all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been ruled out of the West Indies upcoming tour of New Zealand because of a groin injury he sustained on Saturday while playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 37-year-old twotime T20 World Cup winner will now return to Trinidad to continue his rehabilitation. He will be replaced on the WI Team by Romario Shepherd, the 25-year-old all-rounder who made his international debut last year against Afghanistan and received his cap from Bravo himself.

Shepherd has so far played in five One-Day International and two T20 International matches.

The defending ICC T20

World Cup champions will tour New Zealand from November 27 to December 15. They will start the tour with three T20Is, followed by two Test matches as part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Bravo has said: “I was really looking forward to the tour of New Zealand, as it has been so many months since I last wore maroon - in Sri Lanka back in March; and we are all so excited about building towards defending our T20 World Cup next year. Unfortunately, the injury I sustained on Saturday playing for CSK has not only ruled me out of the IPL, but also the tour.

I’m making arrangements to return to Trinidad over the next few days, where I will continue my rehab and treatment. I’m fully

committed to representing the West Indies, and I just need to get myself stronger again.”

Shepherd has said: “This is a great opportunity for me, and I want to take it with both hands. I was in the team before: last year and earlier this year, so I have a good feel of the game at this level. I’ve been training hard and working on all areas of my game, so I’m ready.”

FULL SQUADS T20I Squad

Kieron Pollard (captain) Fabian Allen Sheldon Cottrell Andre Fletcher Shimron Hetmyer Brandon King Kyle Mayers Rovman Powell

Jason Holder (captain) Jermaine Blackwood Kraigg Brathwaite Darren Bravo Shamarh Brooks John Campbell Roston Chase Rahkeem Cornwall Shane Dowrich Shannon Gabriel Shimron Hetmyer Chemar Holder Alzarri Joseph Keemo Paul Kemar Roach

Test Reserves

Nkrumah Bonner Joshua DaSilva Preston McSween Shayne Moseley Raymon Reifer Jayden Seales MATCH SCHEDULE November 27: 1st T20I at Eden Park, Auckland November 29: 2nd T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui November 30: 3rd T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui December 3-7: 1st Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton December 11-15: 2nd Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Romario Kolkata Shepherd Knight to replace Riders Dwayne stunned Bravo – by devastating newbowling from RCB’s on New ball Mohammed Siraj Zealand tour

Pg 22

Page 23

GFF establishes scholarship committee – Olato Sam to serve as chairman

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RHTY&SC Metro Team honours top NGSA students of Region 6 – retired diplomat Cheryl Miles appointed roving ambassador for team GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

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