Guyana Times -- Thursday, December 24, 2021

P17 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4871

The perfect Christmas gift: Prison officer converts love for plants into business

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Private Sector has to be aggressive, go after opportunities – Pres Ali Page 3

…highlights importance of creating a network

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Kaneville fatal fire

Man convicted of killing baby appeals 30year sentence

P14

Linden man P8 busted with “poppy” gets $200,000 bail Safe school reopening

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking to members of the Private Sector during a Christmas breakfast on Thursday morning at the Baridi Benab, State House. (Office of the President photo)

Oil and gas sector

Guyanese will experience more benefits in coming years – ExxonMobil See story on page 2

…says activities in Region 3 to soar in 2022

2 Region 6 residents die from COVID See story on page 7

…741 active cases being monitored

Christmas Eve in Grandma’s oven

Grandma Washington’s famous rich Guyanese black cake Page 16

Encourage vaccination among P10 adolescents – Health Minister tells parents

Convict appeals life sentence for murdering man outside nightclub P12

P15 Family homeless for Christmas as fire ravages Tuschen house

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Oil and gas sector

Guyanese will experience more benefits in coming years – ExxonMobil …says activities in Region 3 to soar in 2022

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n response to recurring issues with the flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, ExxonMobil Guyana will be replacing the piece of equipment with a redesigned model that would reduce flaring below pilot levels.

“At ExxonMobil Guyana, our teams strive for continuous improvement in our operations and environmental performance. In early 2022, we expect to install a new redesigned flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny, and we will commission the gas injec-

tion system on the Liza Unity utilising lessons learned from our first project,” the company’s President, Alistair Routledge, said in a statement on Thursday.

The United States oil giant had been under fire over its increased flaring activities in recent years, with environmentalists going up in arms over its harmful effects on the environment. In fact, this activity had forced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to amend the Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 Development Project after the oil company had

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge

been flaring excessively following technical issues with its gas compressor on the Liza Destiny FPSO on two separate occasions earlier this year.

The regulatory body modified the permit back in May to include specific regulatory requirements for flaring of associated gas offshore Guyana, in accordance with the EPA’s legislation. These were missing from the original permit that was issued under the previous APNU/AFC administration.

At the time, a cost of US$30 per ton of carbon emission was agreed upon, but this

fee has since been increased to US$45. So far, the EPA has received over US$400 million for two separate flaring applications from Exxon’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), which has since been granted approval to flare for a third period.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had previously said Government had engaged Exxon to ensure that the Unity FPSO, which arrived offshore Guyana in October, and then Prosperity, slated for arrival in early 2024, do not encounter the same issues as the Liza Destiny.

The Minister had pointed out that the adjustment is needed since both the Liza Destiny and Prosperity are designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day – almost twice the amount of the Liza Destiny. However, Exxon has overcome these challenges with the flash gas compressor, and is now experiencing “steady, continually safe operations” on the vessel.

According to Routledge, production on the Liza Destiny remains above 120,000 barrels per day, while the flare is maintained at regulatory required levels.

ExxonMobil Guyana started production on December 20, 2019 in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, where the recoverable resource has been estimated at approximately 10 billion oil equivalent barrels. This was as a result of the oil company recording multiple discoveries in the Stabroek Block in 2021.

There are six drill ships and now two FPSO vessels in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, which are supported by hundreds of persons at any given time.

According to Routledge in the missive, Exxon has had a safe year of operation with the crew onboard the Liza Destiny FPSO, having gone for more than 800 days without a recordable incident.

“It is a value for us that people are looked after and that the workplace is safe. We take care of one another,” he pointed out.

Moreover, Routledge has classified 2021 as an outstanding year for ExxonMobil Guyana, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been able to overcome operational issues and deliver on volume targets, including five cargos to the Government of Guyana.

We’ve also continued our wonderful exploration success.

Again, people tend to forget that this is a frontier exploration acreage and we shouldn’t expect the kind of success

we’ve seen,” Routledge outlined.

According to the lead country manager, there is work ongoing to ensure that Guyanese are continually benefiting from the production of the country’s oil and gas resources. To this effect, significant efforts have been made to hire the necessary skills, utilise suppliers, and ensure that the capabilities are developed to support the needs of the industry.

There are now 3,270 Guyanese supporting the company’s petroleum operations, an increase of more than 1,000 since this time last year. ExxonMobil Guyana and its prime contractors have also spent more than US$540M with over 800 unique Guyanese vendors.

“It is very important to us that the people of Guyana benefit from our operations, not just from the revenues that are generated to the Government, but also directly through the implementation of the projects,” Routledge expressed. “We expect over the coming years for more and more benefits to reach more people.”

He pointed to the Gas-toEnergy project, which is led by the Government as another such opportunity. “In 2022, as the gas-to-energy project moves forward, we anticipate that there will be a lot more activities in Region Three. So, it won’t be just Georgetown, it will be reaching other parts of the country as well.”

The launch of the $20 Greater Guyana Initiative in February 2021 has been another tangible expression of ExxonMobil Guyana’s commitment to bringing value to the lives of Guyanese. It is a 10-year pledge by the Stabroek Block Co-venturers to support capacity building.

Work has been ongoing with key technical, vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and the University of Guyana, while several new projects have been initiated and will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I think the most significant achievement of 2021 is that the entire business was able to move forward and essentially meet all of our commitments, which, in the face of the pandemic and all the other challenges we’ve seen in the last year, is really outstanding. It speaks to the resilience and perseverance of everyone who is involved in this industry, including the Private Sector, community partners, and the Government of Guyana,” Routledge has expressed.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, December 24 – no closure and Saturday, December 25 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Private Sector has to be aggressive, go after opportunities – Pres Ali …highlights importance of creating a network

Friday, December 24 – 07:30h-09:00h and Saturday, December 25 – 08:15h-09:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies are expected throughout the day and partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:42h and 19:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.35 metres and 2.43 metres.

Low Tide: 13:30h reaching a minimum height of 0.89 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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$254.934/ton

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$1809.20

$1810.20

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$1798.30 -0.00

$1812.10 -0.00%

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

s Guyana continues to embark on its transformative journey, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said, while Government would put in place the necessary policies and programmes to create an enabling environment, it is up to the Private Sector to be proactive and go after opportunities.

He made this remark at a breakfast hosted on Thursday morning at State House for Private Sector representatives from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, which included both local and foreign Private Sector representatives as well as key Government officials, the Head of State noted that his Government is committed to supporting the Private Sector, so that it can generate jobs, create wealth, and expand and grow. However, he pointed out that Government can only create the framework to foster such development, it is up to the Private Sector to seize the opportunities.

“The Government can create the avenues, create incentives, create the fiscal space; but then the Private Sector has to be aggressive and go after the opportunities,” he stressed.

According to President Ali, next year would be exciting, with the scope of investments and spending Government would undertake coupled with the many Private Sector initiatives that are set to take off; such as more international hotels, shore-bases, wharf facilities and housing programmes, among other things. These, he noted, would bring tremendous benefits to Guyana’s economy.

The Head of State has cautioned that the new year would not come without challenges, which are already presenting themselves. One such issue is the global supply chain. He recalled seeing international news reports of more than 60 per cent of shelves in the United States being empty.

However, the President expressed his satisfaction that some local businessmen have started taking the initiative to prepare for the situation by sourcing infrastructure materials from neighbouring Suriname. As such, he has implored more businesses to follow suit and be proactive.

“You have to be ahead of what is going to take place.

You know where the country is going, you know the type of investment that has to be

made, and for this to happen, you have to have good collaboration with the banking sector and the Private Sector, because the banking sector may need to do more forward financing and planning to help to facilitate this. But also know that it is integrated in the long-term plan. So, we cannot survive this without helping each other, without having that networking that would allow us to have a lot of forward planning,” he stated.

The Head of State has posited that the only way to get close to managing the supply-chain crisis is to do a lot of forward planning. It was with this intention in mind that the President hosted Thursday’s breakfast event for the Private Sector.

He explained that it is imperative that a better network is formed within the Private Sector in order to build the environment for investment and development.

“The type and scale of opportunities that are coming our way requires more of this -- more of you getting to know each other and build-

Private Sector representatives at Thursday’s breakfast hosted at State House

ing stronger partnerships. I always refer to building more consortiums to go after bigger opportunities, and this is important. We are in the process now of modernising all our legislation, so that we can give you the legal platform on which you can pursue the growth of your business,” President Ali indicated.

Among these are the National Resources Fund Bill and the Local Content Bill, which were tabled in the National Assembly just last week. The President has said these two critical pieces of legislation are part of Government’s agenda to enhance businesses and create more opportunities.

Further, he noted that his administration is working to create better market conditions to enhance trade relations for the Private Sector.

“So, the key transformative investments that are required by the Private Sector to grow, the Government is already on the path of pursuing those,” he asserted.

The Head of State also commended businesses for

their dynamism in staying afloat in the face of several crises over the past year, including high oil prices on the global market and the midyear floods in Guyana, which were exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, the Head of State went on to say that, next year, his Government would continue to support businesses and encourage persons to come up with new and innovative plans to tap into opportunities.

“We have to understand we are playing at a different level, at a different scale.

There are more sophisticated investors and markets looking at us, and we have to respond to that level of sophistication and changes that are happening…

“When we say we want to build ‘One Guyana’, it is not by words. All our actions in Government, every single thing we do, is geared towards achieving this objective -- building ‘One Guyana’ in which the prosperity of all our people can be realised,” President Ali contended. (G8)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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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

Another Christmas with COVID-19

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s we celebrate Christmas tomorrow, it is time for reflection on the year that is about to end. This year and last year are unlike any other Guyana has ever experienced, being, like the rest of the world, impacted significantly by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Millions of people worldwide have been planted on the poverty line due to the loss of their jobs, the slowing down of economies, and in some instances the complete closure of businesses. Guyana has not escaped the impact of this deadly pandemic, although many of our fellow Guyanese have navigated the impact of COVID-19. More than 1000 persons have died locally as a result of the pandemic.

As we celebrate Christmas – the birthday of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem over two millennia ago - the narrative of His birth is very important for us today, and not only because the religion founded in His name is easily the largest and most widespread among the seven billion or so humans on planet Earth today, but for the message encapsulated in His life.

Born in a manger among the domesticated animals kept there, the baby Jesus was of humble stock, since His nominal father Joseph was a carpenter. Joseph was made the Patron Saint of Workers by the Catholic Church and even some protestant denominations, while Jesus ministered mostly to the poor during His sojourn on earth. In the Bible it is written: “When he (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we are convinced that this country has a bright future ahead, and all our leaders must look beyond politics and work together in the nation’s interest.

There are still many challenges confronting the nation; for example, quite a number of persons are living below the poverty line, public infrastructure is not up to standard, social services such as health and education need to be improved, many young people cannot afford to further their studies or acquire specialised training, there are constant power outages, and the list goes on.

Our oil wealth, despite the heightened level of optimism it brings, will not solve all of the country’s problems, but, if managed properly, would certainly give a tremendous boost to our development potential. There is no doubt that, with our oil wealth, the opportunity to become a progressive and modern state is now right in front of us. It is now up to our political leaders, the business community, civil society and citizens themselves to work in harmony so as to ensure that all this talk about oil and the huge potential it has for our development could really translate into actually improving the quality of life for everyone here. The fact is that Guyana is now considered a country with massive opportunities, and everyone must position themselves to benefit from the oil sector.

So, as we celebrate Christmas tomorrow, let us remember that Guyana has another opportunity to become a wonderful country; a place where young people would be happy to stay and help in its development.

A chat in the streets of Georgetown: This little boy engaged Education Minister Priya Manickchand while she was sharing Christmas gifts, snacks and hampers along Leopold, Cross, and Breda Streets, Georgetown (Education Ministry photo)

Will Aubrey Norton, now Leader of Guyana Opposition party, disassociate himself from radical elements?

Dear Editor, Now that the PNC party’s internal elections are over, it is my hope that Mr Aubrey Norton would look deep in the mirror and reflect on his party’s poor achievements since 1964: bankrupting Guyana several times; neglect of its base; election rigging, violence, and more recently an upsurge of anti-Indian diatribe, which will not help the PNC win any future elections, since the PNC base is only about 29% of Guyana’s population.

The most misplaced myth is juxtaposing BLM on the Guyana landscape when the other people of Guyana are also brown and black. All these machinations only alienate the PNC from the larger Guyanese population.

To begin with, AfroGuyanese leadership inherited the mantle of independence, and ruled Guyana by a brutal dictatorship. They were only a plurality; Indo-Guyanese were the majority of the population. Indians had no political representation in the country from 1964 to 1992. Only through rigging could the Burnham dictatorship re-

main in power, and that's exactly how the minority PNC ruled the majority of Guyana. The PNC and its supporters did not complain; the status quo was acceptable to them.

Today, Afro-Guyanese are still the majority in the armed forces, the Police, the Public Sector, and head most of the departments. Furthermore, many Afro-Guyanese own their own businesses, or are self-employed. Also, many Indians are black, and they have been marginalised throughout history.

Does Mr. Aubrey Norton want to be a leader of Guyana and all Guyanese?

Or will he continue to use the race card? How long will he continue to fool his supporters that Indians stole the 2020 elections?

This myth has been used to sow discord between the two groups, but AfroGuyanese are not falling for it. Both groups coexist peacefully in Guyana.

They know that the PNC tried to rig the national election of 2020. It was on global display for five long months.

How often was the PNC/AFC cabinet in black villages in Guyana?

They did nothing for the

Afro-Guyanese community, much less for others. When farmers complained about the APNU/ AFC neglect of the agriculture sector, I penned a letter and sent it to APNU members. They ignored it, just like they ignored their supporters in Linden, Kildonan, or Sophia. They imposed exorbitant VAT on all Guyanese. They raised fees on everything.

My land rates and fees went up by 300%, but they did not care. Many people who left the PPP for the Coalition returned to the PPP in 2020, and that's why they won.

No one “installed the Irfaan Ali” Government. It was PNC/AFC corruption, neglect of the Guyanese people, violations of the constitution, and exchanging gold jewellery among heads and staff using state funds during holiday parties that led to the PPP win in 2020.

Will Mr Norton disconnect himself from the Anti-Indian radicals? Do these people realise that no one ethnic group can win an election in Guyana today? Afro-Guyanese population makes up about 29% of Guyana, and the PNC will need other rac-

es to vote for their ticket, like what happened in 2015. However, what happened from March to July 2020, and the anti- Indian violence that followed, will keep the PPP in power for another decade. This isn't “mental laziness,” but rather an issue of security for Indo-Guyanese. The PNC not returning to office is even more possible now, because PNC sympathisers are inciting anti-Indian violence.

Will Mr Norton end the anti-Indian campaign?

Can he control these radical elements at home and abroad? The world is a different place today, and the PNC knows that well.

They are no longer the utensils of the Cold War. The United States have no need for them. They can't rig and use violence to bully and burn Indian votes.

India today also is a very different country.

India has a vast global political and economic leverage, and with a strong nationalist leader in power in New Delhi, Mr Modi, of whom I am not a fan, India will not be a silent witness to any anti-Indian violence anywhere in the world.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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

Get vaccinated now for national herd immunity Dear Editor, Nation, imagine everyone in Guyana died, all 800,000 of us! Over 800,000 people have died in the USA from the virus; that is more than the entire population of Guyana.

Some died before a vaccine was available, and many of those who died refused to take the vaccine.

On their dying beds, many anti-vaxxers and resisters asked relatives and friends to get the vaccine and not to make the mistake they had made.

People, the virus is not a joke. The Government has spent billions to obtain vaccines for us; so why are some people waiting and dilly-dallying, instead of rushing to get the vaccine? Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “Eligible people who are not vaccinated against COVID and have no medical reason not to get the jab are idiots.”

There is a new surge of COVID cases across the USA and the world, and, in just a matter of time,

Guyana will have the same problem. Here are some headlines: “Preliminary data suggests that omicron is significantly more contagious than previous versions of the coronavirus”; “Omicron sweeps across the nation, now 73% of new US COVID cases”; “Omicron sweeping through California with staggering speed, raising alarms”; “In highly vaccinated New England, hospitals are under unprecedented strain as coronavirus surges”.

In Guyana, these facts

should jolt us to take urgent action if we are not vaccinated. Don’t be part of the death statistics.

Only 70% of teachers are vaccinated; this is unacceptable if we want to open school. Is the Ministry of Education enforcing the vaccination mandate? How about the nurses getting an extra two weeks of tax-free pay (funded through deficit spending)? Can the Health Ministry release figures of those vaccinated? How about the rest of the joint services (getting an extra

Will Aubrey Norton, now Leader of...

Furthermore, Caricom is no longer accepting PNC rigging and violence. Africa isn't listening to the PNC fake cries. Accra, Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam, Addis Ababa and Pretoria are aware of the PNC’s long history of political and ethnic machinations. Africa, Israel, and India today are closely knit through trade, investments, and weapons’ sales.

Mr. Norton and his party have no moral backbone to talk about “we have to put an end to this kleptocracy, we cannot allow the resources of this country to be siphoned off by a corrupt PPP cabal.” This is the same PNC that has bankrupted Guyana every time they were in office. When they were in office, they did little to root out corruption in Government, build transparent institutions,

and social cohesion. Above all, they have done little to uplift their base since 1964, and constantly look to Indians as scapegoats.

Mr Norton speaks for 29% of the population, and that can't win an election if he continues to foster anti-Indian racism. There is not a single Indian or Dougla in a high-profile position in the New Aubrey Norton PNC Party. Sadly, what may very well have emerged from this new PNC election is a radical anti-Indian cabal that is using race to cover up its failures from 1964 to now.

The PNC is infamous for using its base to destabilise Guyana. At the Desmond Hoyte memorial event some days ago, Mr. Norton said that his party's recent elections are an “indication that the party’s constituents want a “vigorous response”

to any corrupt intentions of the PPP/C Government to squander the country’s patrimony through reckless spending and bloated…”

May I remind Mr. Norton that his supporters want to see the corrupt and incompetent PNC dinosaurs gone? They are not looking for confrontation.

They want to see Norton take over immediately the leadership from Lil Joe; recall and appoint new PNC Parliamentarians.

PNC supporters want to see their party in governance take Guyana to new heights in social, economic, and political development, and not confrontation with Indo-Guyanese.

It's time Mr. Norton's party set good examples as role models. This can begin with a hard look in the mirror, and stop looking for scapegoats.

FROM PAGE 4

Mr. Norton must demonstrate that he will be a leader of all Guyanese, and disassociate himself from radical, racist elements of the PNC and their social media surrogates.

Like Freddie Kissoon, a columnist from the Kaieteur News, put it: “It is a different thing when you are the leader of the second-largest political party with 31 MPs and the eyes of Guyana are on you. Is it in your interest to be seen with this lunatic fringe?

This is where Norton will know that permanent interests can take different shapes.”

I hope that Mr. Norton makes radical changes for the betterment of his party and Guyana, like Freddie suggested.

Sincerely, Ray Chickrie

month of tax-free pay funded through deficit spending) and other Government services? Is the vaccine mandate being enforced across all Government agencies?

In my recent visit to Guyana, I noticed most people were wearing masks at the malls, in the markets, and at funerals. That’s very commendable. Some places enforced proof of vaccination, such as Demerara Bank and Gafoors at BV. Others did not.

Nation, we cannot afford to be complacent. Let’s keep wearing our masks until we are given the allclear. As a poor, struggling, “rich country of poor people”, with limping health services, please don’t gamble with your life and hope you will be the lucky one

to not get infected. That is simply reckless. If you get the virus and have to go to the hospital, God be with you and your family. You will need all the divine help you can get!

We want to open up our economy and maintain full employment. We want to be normal again, but everyone has to get vaccinated to achieve that herd immunity. We have lost over 1,000 of our people, and most were unvaccinated. I call on all churches, unions, and organisations to make one more push to get our people vaccinated. “A hole in the boat is a hole in the whole boat.” Every unvaccinated person threatens the whole Guyana boat!

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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Foundation ◄

Multiplying decimals

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ultiplying decimals and whole numbers is exactly like multiplying whole numbers – except for one important thing. You have to count the number of total decimal places in the numbers you multiply. When you multiply decimals, you don’t have to line up the decimal points.

Example: Multiply 36.2 x 3.22 Step 1: Set up your multiplication exercise as you would any other multiplication exercise.

36.2 .362 Do not line up the decimal points: x 3.22 x .322 Step 2: Multiply. At this time, pay no attention to the decimal points: .362 36.2 x .322 x 3.22 722 722 7220 7220 108600 108600 116542 116542 Step 3: Count the total number of decimal places in the factors. Factors are the numbers you multiplied. 36.2 has 1 decimal place. 3.22 has two decimal places. 1 + 2 = 3.

Step 4: Starting at the right side of the product and moving left, count off the same number of places. Then place your decimal point. The product of 36.2 x 3.22 = 116.542 three decimal places Step 5: But what about if you have fewer decimal places in the product than the factors? For example .226 x .321? After multiplying without accounting for the decimal points, the product is 72546. There are six decimal places in the factors, but only five in the product. You have to add enough zeros to make the total number of places in the product equal the total number of decimal places in the numbers you multiplied. Add the needed zeros after the decimal point.

So the product of .362 x .3220 = .072546 six decimal places

Exercises: Multiply 1) 3.2 x 85.4

4) 4.5 x 90.9

2) 1.0÷3.3

5) 9.8 x 980.980

3) 14.56 x 74.9

6) 2.22x 46.4

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ove. Health. Happiness. We enjoy many intangible gifts. List some of the intangible gifts you enjoy and how you can share them with others.

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shadow box consists of multiple layers of paper cut designs in a frame that is lighted up by a LED strip placed on the back. The different layers compose a landscape that you can customise and you can add some "special" effects that will make it even more realistic!

I made this shadow box last year for Christmas so I chose a winter/ Christmas theme for my scenery.

This was my first shadow box and the result was extremely satisfying to me. In fact, I made more shadow boxes after this one and, despite the huge work behind it, I really enjoy the whole process.

Supplies Printer paper – 3 or 4 sheets, depending on how many layers you want to make White card stock – as many sheets as your layers Cardboard X-acto knife and cutter White glue Pencil Ruler Printer (optional) LED strip with power supply Step 1: Make your design The first thing you need to prepare is the design of the scenery you want for your shadow box. You can either draw it or design it with a computer and print it. Since I am not that good at drawing, I chose the second option.

After I decided how I wanted my scenery to be, I looked for dif-

ferent silhouette images that suited my theme and composed each one of my layers using Adobe Photoshop (any photo editor can be utilised). I wanted my scenery to have 4 separate layers, with the last one being a water reflection effect (the upside down one).

One of the most important things in this kind of designs is making sure that there are no "flying" objects: all of your silhouettes must be attached somewhere in the scenery. For example: the last reindeer in my design is linked to the top of the bell tower; the trees, the snowman and the deer are linked to the ground, etc.

Remember to include a frame of the same size around all of your layers so you can attach objects to it as well!

Make sure to try all of your layers together as you make them because they need to perfectly fit with each other and all of their details are supposed to be visible (unless you don't want to) and not hidden somewhere behind another layer. In order to recognise them, I gave each layer a different colour while I was working on them.

When you are done with all of your layers, print them separately and transfer each of them on white card stock. To do this, I attached the printed layer on a window and placed the card stock on it so I could easily see and trace the outline of my scenery.

My third layer has a simple geometric shape so I simply drew it by free hand (see next step).

Step 2: Cut your layers When you are done tracing the outline of your layers, start cutting them using a sharp x-acto knife. As you do this, remove the parts that you don't need anymore. Take it slowly and be as accurate as possible.

Be careful when you reach narrow joints in your design because they can easily break or be cut by mistake.

Remember to work on this step on an old surface or something that you don't mind scratching!

As you can see, my third layer is just a rectangle with one half missing (except for the frame) and no design. This is because I wanted the lowest half of my scenery to have a water reflection effect.

This is how it works: this layer will be placed behind the lake layer and in front of the last "upside down" layer. The paper left in the third layer is going to hide the reflection at first but it will appear when the light is on. The effect will be very soft and the outline of the reflection won't be as sharp and evident as it would be otherwise.

The reason why I cut the first half of the layer is because I wanted the moon to be bright, but later I figured that I could actually cut it out on that layer instead of the fourth one!

Step 3: Glue the layers together Now you need to cut some cardboard strips to place between each layer so the light can filter through.

The first option, which is the one I chose, is to cut separate strips as long as the sides of my layers and as large as my frame's wideness. The second option is to actually make the entire cardboard frame for each layer, but you need bigger pieces of cardboard this way.

Either way, I recommend to make the frame's wideness a little thinner than the actual frame of your layers. This way the cardboard will be less visible from the sides when the shadow box will be done.

Start gluing the first pieces around the back of the first layer then glue the second layer on top of it, with the front facing the cardboard frame. Glue another cardboard frame around the back of the second layer and repeat these steps until you finish attaching the fourth layer too. (Excerpt from lindarose92, instructables.com) To be continued

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 Region 6 residents die from COVID …741 active cases being monitored

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 23, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

33

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

673

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,598

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,400

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,998

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

37,245

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

409,901

FULLY IMMUNISED

292,885

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1042

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

T

wo persons from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) who had tested positive for COVID-19 are Guyana’s latest fatalities from the virus. This has moved the overall death toll to 1042.

According to the Health Ministry, the two persons are an 87-year-old woman who died on December 21 and a 45-year-old man who died on December 23. They were both unvaccinated.

Statistics have shown that 32 more persons were

infected in one day. From the 38,998 total confirmed cases, 18,400 are males and the remaining 20,598 are females.

There are five persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 33 in institutional isolation, 673 in home isolation, and six in institutional quarantine. For now, there are 37,245 recovered cases.

Data shows that the new positives were dispersed among seven regions, with two in Region Two

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1700

REGION 2

1579

REGION 3

5196

REGION 4

18,172

REGION 5

1478

REGION 6

3685

REGION 7

1810

REGION 8

623

REGION 9

2486

REGION 10

2269

(Pomeroon-Supenaam), one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 18 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), eight in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and one in Region 10 (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

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

Of the 741 active cases, 28 are hospitalised. At the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara, 21 persons are being monitored, inclusive of five in the Intensive Care Unit.

There is a spread of 386 active cases in Region Four, 162 in Region Six, 85 in Region Three, and 29 in

Region 10.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony cautioned during Thursday’s COVID update that, even with low numbers, the public should be alert in ensuring that all guidelines are followed, to keep them safe. He added that low infections could result in people not coming out to get tested.

“We have to remain vigilant. Though these numbers might seem relatively low, the numbers can be affected by the number of tests that we’re doing in the region; and if we’re not doing a lot of tests in the region, or people are not coming forward to be tested, the numbers would remain artificially low. In some regions, we’re seeing that (happening) because people are not presenting themselves to be tested.”

All Guyanese are re-

minded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (#24), which are in effect until December 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for everyone 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 2267480, or 624-6674 immediately, or visit us at www. health.gov.gy

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden man busted with “poppy” gets $200,000 bail

Accused drug trafficker Ezera Greene

E

zera Greene, known as "Dingo", of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who allegedly was held by agents of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) with $1 million in “poppy” -

Bank Demerara a foreign marijuana highway, and - was on Thursday placed on $200,000 onto the Lindenbail by Magistrate Soesdyke Highway, Wanda Fortune where they interat the Linden cepted it.

Magistrate’s Court.

A search conducted on the men The 36-yearrevealed nothing ilold has pleaded not guilty to the charge legal in their poswhich stated that session. However, a search of the veon December 21, hicle unearthed a 2021, at Lindenbrick-like object Soesdyke Highway, suspected to be he had 1.24 kilogrammes of marinarcotics. juana in his possesThe driver and occupant sion for the purpose of the vehicle, as of trafficking. well as the brickConditions atlike object, were tached to his being granted bail taken to CANU are that Greene The marijuana that was found during the exercise H e a d q u a r t e r s , where the object must lodge his was tested positive passport with the tion, CANU agents concourt, and report to CANU for marijuana. ducted a surveillance operDescribing the narcotHeadquarters on the last ation near the Linden Bus ic as being foreign mariFriday of every month until Park in Georgetown, and the hearing and determinajuana, commonly known they observed two men enas “poppy”, CANU has said tion of his trial. tering a motor vehicle. The the drug has an estimated It has been reported ranks followed the vehicle that, on the day in quesstreet value of over $1M. out of town, down the East

Christmas Eve...

I

…PNC spoilsport t’s clear there’s gonna be no rest for your Eyewitness from politics this Christmas. Just when he thought a oneday respite was in sight, up comes Hamilton Green with another of his outrageous interventions that can’t be allowed to go unrebutted. He responded to David Granger’s parting shot to the PNC Congress that booted the latter out. The Sanctimonious Gangster had (sanctimoniously) bemoaned those he claimed had left the PNC and WEAKENED it. He included Sydney (Eusi Kwayana) King and Hamilton Green.

David Hinds had quickly “upsed” Granger to point out that King hadn’t “left” in the 60s, but was expelled. Maybe not wanting to be too prolix, he didn’t point out the reason for the expulsion. King vehemently disagreed with Burnham, who’d said that independence for Guyana was paramount, and he’d accept it - even if Jagan won the elections!! King would rather have no independence under Jagan!!

Now up comes Green - whom Granger had honoured with an “Order of Roraima”, and enriched with a $20+million annual pension - to claim HE’d also been EXPELLED!! But what’s most interesting is that this defender of “democracy” had the chutzpah to boast about the reason for his expulsion.

He’d insulted the incumbent PNC Leader Desmond Hoyte - in and out of party fora - for being an “uneducated schoolboy” for accepting the banning of overseas voting in 1992!! It was through overseas voting, of course, that elections’ rigging had been introduced in Guyana, when Burnham had horses in England vote in our elections!! In a word, Green wanted the PNC to continue rigging in 1992!

Ditto in 2020 also, when he advised Granger to “put aside the Constitution” - which Granger had taken an oath to uphold! - after the recount had shown another rigging underway!! Green, of course, is placing himself squarely with those who stridently denounced Granger for accepting the verdict of the Caricom-observed recount and agitated for him to be removed!! Their position is that democracy doesn’t really mean achieving power though the ballot box, but seizing it through whatever means necessary!! Green and his ilk see Granger keeping his oath to the Constitution as a weakness!

And it’s for this reason that your Eyewitness is a tad worried when Green expressed pleasure at Aubrey Norton’s accession to the PNC leadership. He said this “gives us hope, and I expect that particularly the young ones would seek and take wise counsel from experience, and those who have been burnished by the heat of the most dangerous period of our history.” God help Guyana if the new leadership of the PNC listens to people like Green who - by his own declaration - consistently supports violating the constitution.

Please cry for democracy, Guyana. …WPA spoilsport An expatriate WPA activist weighed in on an ongoing discussion in the press about the roles of Burnham, Jagan and the US in our affairs during the independence era and its aftermath. He discerned a new problem from the writings of some of the Indian-Guyanese critics of Burnham, Jagan, and the latter’s seeming naivety about US Cold War politics - “victim mentality”. Moving from his imputation, he goes on to state categorically, “An exploration of the “victim” mentality of Indians in Guyana holds the key to the understanding of our “perceptions and beliefs” of what Guyana is all about.

Well!! Talk about bootstrapping!! Now, “victim mentality” refers to those who invoke PUTATIVE reasons for their dishevelled conditions - by shifting responsibility to others. Is this fellow saying that Burnham didn’t ACTUALLY inflict hardships specifically on Indian-Guyanese while constructing his dictatorship? That the US has no responsibility for turning a blind eye? That’s like blaming African-Americans for a “victim mentality” when they point out they’re still affected by slavery!

And he’s WPA? …and pepper-pot This afternoon, your Eyewitness will be putting his family’s traditional pepper-pot on the slow fyaah - as he’s done for years.

With all this proprietary black pudding talk, he hopes no one will accuse him of “cultural appropriation”!

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

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Safe school reopening

Encourage vaccination among adolescents – Health Minister tells parents I

n order to allow for the safe reopening of schools, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony is advising parents to take interest in ensuring that children are vaccinated against the deadly virus.

With the detection of new variants, he said, vaccination is the solution to being protected against infections.

In the vaccination campaign, 764,898 doses have been administered. This number represents 440,072 first doses and 314,356 second doses. Booster doses account for 10,470.

For the 12-to-17 age cohort, vaccine uptake stands

at 30,171 first doses, or 41.4 per cent; with 21,771 second doses, or 21.4 per cent.

Recently, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said institutions cannot be keep closed much longer, since learners are affected with the closure. The Health Minister noted that the infrastructure is available for children to get vaccinated, but parents need to give consent.

“We can have all the infrastructure there, but if the parents show no interest and are not encouraging their children to be vaccinated, then it’s going to be difficult to vaccinate those children. Persons within the

12-to-17 age group require parental consent, so if the parents are not giving consent, then we cannot vaccinate,” Dr Anthony outlined.

If schools are reopened

with low vaccination statistics, he cautioned, this can put students at risk.

“If we want to open our schools safely, then we all have to be responsible. We have to ensure that our child that is of school age come and get the vaccine, so that they can come to school and be in a relatively safe environment. If they’re unvaccinated, they’re putting themselves at risk; and with Omicron, you can easily get infected. The only sure way of protecting yourself would be through vaccination”, the Health Minister contends.

Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has achieved 100 per cent first-dose coverage for children. There are some regions in which the vaccine uptake is extremely low, such as Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Speaking on the general immunisation efforts, Dr Anthony reiterated that second-dose coverage needs to be parallel with the firstdose uptake; and the unvaccinated should take their jabs.

“We still have a long way to go in terms of vaccinating people. There’s still a lot of people who are eligible for first dose that did not show up, and we want to encourage them to come out and get first dose.

There’s still lots of people who took the first dose but did not come back for a second dose. These persons are all partially vaccinated, and they wouldn’t get the benefits of full vaccination,” Dr Anthony has said.

Currently, Guyana is using the Pfizer jab to inoculate its adolescent population (12 to 17) along with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The double-dose vaccine has an efficacy of about 95 per cent, and is one of two vaccines approved for children by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Then public schools across Guyana were partially reopened for face-toface learning in September, with individualised plans that see a limited number of children being allowed to attend classes at a time.

Additionally, school hours have been drastically reduced, in some cases to two-to-three-hour sessions.

Officials have, however, continued to mull the reopening of schools for complete classroom activity as the only way to curb the continued learning loss which the country is experiencing.

The only safe way to reopen schools is through vaccination of both teachers and students. (G12)

11

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS GTT takes Fibre services Convict appeals life sentence for murdering to New Amsterdam man outside nightclub T FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murder convict Shawn Harris

S

hawn Harris, called “Shawny” or “Brukup,” the 33-year-old man who was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a man outside a nightclub on February 5, 2017, has moved to the Guyana Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and sentence.

The former resident of

Bougainvillea Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was convicted by a jury for the murder of Sunil Singh, otherwise known as “Grey”, and was handed a life sentence

by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow with the possibility of being eligible for parole after serving 20 years thereof.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the jury, the convict has mounted an appeal in which he contends that his conviction cannot stand, given the quality of the evidence adduced at his trial.

The father of three further argues that his sentence is excessive and severe in all the circumstances of the case.

Singh was fatally stabbed a short distance from the nightclub. He had attempted to rescue an employee who was being attacked by three men who wanted to enter the nightclub even though it was closed. This

news@guyanatimesgy.com

had led to an argument, and during the subsequent altercation, Harris had whipped out a knife and stabbed the employee. Singh had intervened, and while assisting the injured employee, was also stabbed about his body.

Singh was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

This is Harris’s second conviction. He had previously served time in prison for drug trafficking. Also, he and three other men had been charged in connection with a 2016 robbery at the Bank of Baroda’s Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara branch. (G1)

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has introduced its residential and Biz Fibre services to businesses and residents of New Amsterdam, the capital town of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The company has said it looks forward to high anticipation, as many residents and businesses have expressed interest in the service over time.

GTT’s Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions & Fixed Network Services, Eshwar Thakurdin, has said that having previously led installation teams to Non-Pareil, Linden, and Vreed-en-Hoop over the past weeks, he looks forward to a similar scene today.

“Just as GTT Fibre is

spreading across Guyana, word has also spread that we will be in Region Six. The sense of satisfaction that we get from being able to deliver this service to people is pleasing. Also seeing the smiles on the faces of subscribers who are about to enter the world of high-speed Internet access is really worth the investment of time and resources,” Thakurdin has said.

Thakurdin added that while GTT Fibre had reached numerous subscribers and had connected many across various regions this year, the company looks forward to even greater strides in the new year, as it continues to deliver on its promise to reliably connect customers.

“GTT Fibre is al-

Nude body of unidentified man found at Mahaica

T

he nude body of an unidentified man was found, in the wee hours of Thursday, lying along the De Hoop, Public Road in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The Police have said that, acting on information received, a party of ranks went to the De Hoop Public Road and observed an unidentified male of East Indian descent lying naked on the side of the road.

Upon inspection of the body, a suspected wound

was seen on his forehead, and there were bruises about his body. In addition, his right eye appeared to have been pushed out of its socket, and brain matter was seen on the said road

shoulder.

The body was taken to Anthony’s Funeral Home to awaiting proper identification and a post-mortem.

An investigation has been launched into the discovery.

GTT's COO for Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin

ready the widest and fastest growing high-speed network in Guyana, but as long as there are communities and subscribers who can benefit from this service, we will continue to do our utmost to reach them. So, as we look at 2022, we are setting our targets and goals, and making preparations to achieve those goals,” he has said.

Residential Fibre plans available are Fibre50, Fibre100, and Fibre150; customers in New Amsterdam can apply for the service at $8,999, $10,999, and $12,999 respectively. Additionally, as part of GTT’s 30 million Christmas Promotion, customers will get free installation and the first month’s service free, along with a chance to win cash and prizes when they sign up.

Each service provides a high-quality voice line; optional enhanced Mesh WiFi, with enhanced capabilities for video streams and video conferencing. DSL subscribers who would like to upgrade to Fibre can also do so, and will benefit from free installation.

13

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kaneville fatal fire

Man convicted of killing baby appeals 30-year sentence

Murder convict Nigel Dodson

N

igel Dodson, a 25-year-old man who was found guilty of setting fire to a house at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), resulting in the death of an eight-month-old boy, has moved to the Court of Appeal in a bid to have his conviction and sentence quashed.

Justice Sandil Kissoon had, on December 2, 2020,

sentenced Dodson to 30 years in prison after a jury had found him guilty of the crime. In that sentence, Dodson becomes eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 25 years.

On January 23, 2017, he murdered eight-monthold Romain Seth during the furtherance of arson on a dwelling house. It was reported that the early-morning fire destroyed the three-bedroom home of Michelle Menezes several days after Dodson, who resided at the same premises, threatened to kill her entire family over his gun which had gone missing.

The State prosecutor had described Dodson during his trial as a “menace to society”, stating that the killing was premeditated; and even after he was found guilty, Dodson had expressed no remorse for his action.

The Judge noted that the court must balance the interest of justice with the interest of society when imposing sentences. In this regard, Justice Kissoon noted that the court had to ensure that the punishment imposed for the crime served as a deterrent to like-mind-

Dead: Romain Seth

In handing down the sentence, Justice Kissoon had noted that Dodson set fire to the home, having no regard for the value of human life. The Judge said that an entire family could have been destroyed, as other persons were living at the home.

According to the Judge, Seth was an innocent baby who did not get to enjoy the wonders of life.

ed individuals who may want to consider committing similar heinous acts.

Because of Dodson’s young age, the Judge had declined to impose the life sentence, as he believed the young convict could be rehabilitated for reintegration into society.

Justice Kissoon, in calculating an appropriate sentence for Dodson, started at a base of 25 years. To that the Judge added five years for aggravating factors, including premeditation, endangering the lives of others, and destruction of property.

GNBS spreads Christmas cheer at GPHC Children’s Ward

A

pre-Christmas excitement erupted in the Paediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital on Thursday when the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) presented more than 60 pieces of assorted toys and goodies to the children warded there.

Nurse Abena Ellis, in thanking the GNBS for choosing to spread Christmas cheer to the children of the GPHC, said: “It brings much joy to the children, because being in the hospital around this time is understandingly difficult for them. You know the children would want to be

Head of the GNBS Marketing Department, Syeid Ibrahim, presenting two toys to a child in the Paediatric Ward of the GPHC

The GNBS team handing over the remaining toys to the nurses at the GPHC’s Paediatric Ward

home, so bringing toys to them is a great gesture, and I must say thank you.”

The GNBS Toy Drive commenced on November 1 and ended on December 17, 2021, during which staff members happily purchased toys for the GNBS Toy Box. Head of the Marketing Department, Syeid Ibrahim, has said the GNBS is happy to put smiles on the faces of the children.

“Christmas is a time of sharing, and it is a pleasure to give back during the hol-

iday season. I believe seeing the smiles on the faces of children is really the most fulfilling feeling one can enjoy. In addition, the GNBS is becoming increasingly cognisant of the importance of having a socially-conscious image, and giving back to society is quickly becoming one of our priorities,” he noted.

This year, the GNBS hosted a successful blood drive in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), a Book Drive for a library in

Region 7, and a Bake Sale on International Women’s Day to financially assist a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Further, the GNBS has collaborated with the Ministry of Health to host two COVID-19 vaccination drives for staff and residents of nearby communities.

The GNBS takes this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and has said, “We look forward to serving our stakeholders in 2022.

NEWS

15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Family homeless Budget 2022 will prepare for continued COVID-19 vaccination, for Christmas as fire ravages diagnostics – Health Minister

H

ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said that preparation to combat and prevent COVID-19 from spiralling out of control in the new year are high on the agenda, and resources would be allotted in Budget 2022 to support such efforts.

Speaking during Thursday’s COVID-19 update, the Minister said procurement of additional vaccines would be a priority, as would be resources to store, transport and administer the shots. In addition, testing materials would need to be procured.

“Going forward in 2022, we still have to prepare for COVID. We would have to make allocations to continue our vaccination programme.

This would include both the procurement of vaccines and the rollout of the programme to different parts of the country, so we’ll have to budget adequate resources to do so. In addition to that, transporting the vaccines from Point A to Point B require cold chain [storage].

If that cold chain is broken,

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

then the vaccines would not be viable,” Dr Anthony has explained.

He added, “I expect in next year’s budget we’ll have adequate amount of money for both doing the diagnostics for COVID, if people get sick, to provide proper care for them; and, of course, in terms of prevention, to be able to do vaccination and other measures that are necessary.”

Two Thursdays ago,

the National Assembly approved the Supplementary Appropriation Bill which comprised Financial Paper No. 3 and Financial Paper No. 4 of 2021. The Bill, amounting to over $26 billion, comprised Financial Paper No 3 of 2021, totalling $5.1 billion, which caters for Contingency Fund advances for July 22 to December 9, 2021.

Allocations catered for in the Bill include medical supplies to continuously address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Other support measures to address the pandemic include continuous provision of medical supplies for health workers; supply of increased oxygen and ventilators for the hospital at Liliendaal; and cleaning and sanitising supplies for all Regions to combat the virus and its variants.

Dr Anthony has said it is important to have enough test kits and secondary materials for detection of the virus as the new Omicron variant spreads across countries.

He shared, “The supplementary money that we have asked for is really to help us do things like PCR testing. With omicron looming, one of the things is that you need to know how many persons are positive. We wouldn’t be able to differentiate what variant they have, but, certainly, we’ll know whether they have COVID or not. We need to buy more PCR test kits, and part of the money will go to get the test kits, reagents, and the other things we need (in order) to do testing.”

He pointed out that the oxygen supply is also needed to care for patients that contract a severe form of the virus and are under intensive care.

“Oxygen is a very costly thing in this country, and therefore if we’re going to adequately provide oxygen for our patients, then we have to pay for it…There are some monies for the types of medications that we’re using, and so that too has been provided in the supplementary.” (G12)

SOCU staff debunk toxicity in the workplace claim

T

here have been reports circulating that ranks and staff attached to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are working in a toxic environment. Accordingly, staff of the Special Organised Crime Unit have come forward to challenge these inaccuracies being peddled in the public domain.

The Guyana Police Force’s Communications Unit, in a missive on Thursday, has said that after a one-on-one exercise conducted with ranks and staff members of SOCU, what has emerged is that

they were all in praise of the professionalism and high code of ethics obtained within the SOCU. “Several were in agreement that, had they known what obtains, they would have requested to be seconded to the Unit earlier, as they noted management is inclusive and takes into consideration their many personal issues before making decisions that can impact them,” the release added.

SOCU staff have further revealed that the Head of the Unit, Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh, encourages spirited debate and fa-

cilitates differences of opinion/views while demanding professionalism and integrity in their work conduct.

Of the 27 persons quizzed, only one intimated a wish to be transferred from the Unit, as the workload was very demanding; but, more importantly, that person has eyes set on another department, where it is believed that that person’s skills would be better utilised.

As the SOCU continues to investigate various matters of national importance, there have been several allegations levelled at the Unit, and in particular its head, in attempts to discredit the Unit.

Staff are insistent that these allegations are simply not true, and have pointed to the various training opportunities, both locally and internationally, to which they have all been exposed, which impacts their investigative and prosecutorial skills in fighting organised crime.

SOCU was established in 2014 on the recommendation of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and was intended to be a police unit operating under the authority of the Police Commissioner but with a close relationship to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Its sole purpose was to investigate money

laundering and the financing of terrorism under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing for Terrorism (AMLCFT) Act.

Tuschen house

F

our persons: Anita Ramkorren, Andy Dookram, Mundy Dookram and Koreena Dookram, are now homeless after a fire destroyed their home at North Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo confirmed that the fire occurred at about 15:00h on Wednesday. Reports are that the Leonora Fire Station received the emergency call at around 15:03h, and one tender responded right away.

However, the one-storey building was completely gutted by the fire, although no other building was damaged.

“It was contained to one building, the building was severely destroyed,” the Fire Chief stated.

According to Edoo, it is suspected that the fire was started by “malicious setting of fire. Apparently there was some dispute, we’re not sure.”

Reports on social media indicate this is the second time this family have lost

their home to a fire. When asked about this, the Fire Chief could not confirm.

“I heard on social media, but I have to do an investigation to know when was the first one, if it was during this same year, or if it was some years back. Right now, my personnel are checking back to know when was the first one,” he explained.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Christmas Eve in Grandma’s oven

Grandma Washington’s famous rich Guyanese black cake

Former Carnegie Principal Norma Washington speaking with Guyana Times Journalist LaWanda McAllister

By LaWanda McAllister

I

t is the season again when ingredients are gathered to make the family’s traditional Christmas black cake.

As we celebrate Christmas tomorrow, some of us will turn up our noses and wrinkle them in disdain as the smell of the baking black cake travels from the ovens in the community.

There are also those of us who cannot wait for our taste buds to light up with the opportunity to taste Grandma’s Christmas cake, whose recipe or special technique is still a secret kept within the family.

This year’s featured Guyanese traditional Christmas black cake recipe was curated by Grandma Norma Washington, a 69-year-old mother of four,

a grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of who loves getting her floury in the kitchen ping up her famous Guyanese black cake.

sprung from watching her grandmother perform magic in the kitchen.

“My grandmother loved cooking. She used to make black pudding, souse, channa, polourie, and sell on Broad and Ketley Streets… and she is the person who taught me to cook. As I grow up, I had much talking about it, because they wanted me to go Carnegie and I said I am not leaving school to go to Carnegie,” she recalled.

Sometime later, she wrote the GCE examination and became a Home Economics teacher. Since then, Ms Washington, as she is called, has been cooking and performing her magic in the kitchen, a mantle her grand-

Norma Washington in the kitchen

and dried citrus peel steeped for months in a boozy bath of rum, wine and/or cherry

and a three, hands whip“rich”

er cake”.

“The flour will absorb the liquid and ingredients…,” she said.

Making the black cake

Love for cooking

The former principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, who had worked at the institution from 1980 up until 2007, said her love for cooking and baking

Grandma Washington’s cake

mother passed on to her.

“I have learned a lot while I was at Ruimveldt Multilateral… and after going across to Carnegie, I continued to learn. I was in the catering department. I was bake shop instructor, meat instructor, food and beverage service instructor. At one time, I was heading the school and running all three of the departments…,” she explained.

According to Ms Washington, all her years of experience in the kitchen have helped to strengthen her cooking techniques, resulting in a video of her making her black cake going viral. For her, the Christmas treat known as black cake is a cherished and much-anticipated tradition.

That is because one of the distinctive ingredients of this dense, spiced cake is an assortment of dried fruits, including raisins and currants,

brandy.

As we know, Christmastime in Guyana means visiting family and friends in their homes and having a slice of rich black cake along with a glass of ginger beer. Any leftover cake is generously fed with rum and kept moist for the next guests.

In fact, in our grandmother’s kitchen, there will be several cakes to give some as gifts or just to make sure there is enough to last for the Christmas season.

When asked what is the secret in getting the most perfect black cake, Ms Washington said “over the years I have developed my own thing. When I am making my cake, I would normally mix my mixture at 11 at night, then get up at five in the morning, pan it off and put it in the oven. I find when I do that, I get a moist-

According to Ms Washington, making your own black cake takes dedication, lots of love, and good ‘average’.

The dried fruit is soaked in rum for some time, and then there is browning, the signature caramel made from burnt sugar.

The recipe is simple.

To make 1/2lb of cake, Ms Washington says, you need 1/2lb of sugar, 1/2lb of margarine, 1 1/2lb fruits that have been put through a grinder , and four eggs. Flour is then added in small portions, and is mixed in a folding motion using a metal spoon.

Ground nutmeg, ground clove, and ground cinnamon are added to the mixture. Half cup of burnt sugar is then added, and vanilla essence, but it takes a practised hand. Cherry brandy and rum are then added, and mixed until the cake batter has a dropping consistency.

It is then placed in a greased and lined pan, and put into the oven for the magic to happen.

While there, the smell tickles your taste buds as your mouth ‘springs water’, impatient to get that first bite.

There are countless recipes for black cake, and every Guyanese person will tell you that their grandmother’s is the absolute best, but this one from Grandma Washington’s oven was not only dense, moist, and rich but a decadent piece of art.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The perfect Christmas gift: Prison officer converts love for plants into business wards, Parris says, he enjoys taking care of the plants, but it is hard work. He has already started preparing for next year's Christmas.

“Every year-end I buy plants to start for the next year. I don’t normally set plants, because you do not get rooting powder to buy

Some of the Croton plants Parris cultivates

Ernest Parris

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he holiday season is a time to bring out your festive décor, whether new or treasured heirlooms.

Along with the seasonal décor, many of us incorporate the traditional Guyanese flower plants during the season. For some, the plants die a slow death as the new year proceeds. there are ways to care for these plants and have them all year, and even for the next season. Ernest Parris, called "Jetro", an officer of the Lusignan Prison, has been cultivating beatification plants for the past six years, and has scores of different species at his home.

Despite the demands of his job, the 59-year-old still finds time for his plants, and now does it as a business. “I

do this yearly. Every yearend I would normally go out and sell flower plants and so on,” he said.

He explained that he would acquire his new plants by purchasing same while travelling at various parts of Guyana. “I purchase them small, in small cups, ice cream cups, and little bottles like small beverage bottles and so. I buy them when they are very tiny, and bring them home and transplant them into small buckets, and when they have reached a certain stage, I re-transplant them into larger buckets. I would normally feed them with plant food.”

The plants Parris currently has on sale this Christmas have been acquired at least one year ago, and were nurtured to their current stage.

Apart from the financial re-

anymore, so I do not normally set plans, because you might set 20 plans and you get two. So, I would purchase plants from anywhere - from Georgetown, Corentyne including Port Mourant and Number 79 Village, I would go and buy them,” he explained.

It is a very challenging

project, this prison officer has said. He explained that many times some of the plants die a natural death even before becoming large enough for beautification purposes.

“Even though you buy them a small plant, you might have four dying out of 10. Sometimes you buy 20 and you get 10 dead and 10

living, so I have to do what I have to do for them to survive,” he explained.

Sometimes the soil in the plant pot would have to be changed as frequently as weekly. This is to ensure that harmful insects do not take up residence in the pots, he explained.

Apart from those plants,

Parris has a lot of fruit trees in his yard, and he also has a kitchen garden; but even though he has been dealing with these plants for so long, there is one thing he is still to learn about plants: Parris could not specifically say what were the different types of plants he has. He referred to them all as either being croton or palm plans.

“To be honest, I have never had the time to trace to see the exact name of each plant.

I buy flower plants, all types; I do not know what is what.

I call all of them croton or palm, I do not know what is a fern or so,” he explained.

Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) are colourful plants of the spurge family, and are native to Malaysia and the Pacific, where they are extensively cultivated. Numerous horticultural varieties of shrubs or small trees have been developed, and the plant is commonly grown outdoors in pots or as a houseplant.

Parris can be contacted at his home at Health Centre Street Cumberland, East Canje Berbice, or on cellphone number (592) 6972236. (G4)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Regional

T&T crosses 16,000 active COVID: Ecuador makes vaccination COVID cases threshold mandatory for most citizens T

he Trinidad Health Ministry has recorded 19 additional COVID related deaths. This brings the total number of deaths to 2681. There are currently 524 patients in the hospital. The Ministry has also recorded 928 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of active cases to 16,025.

Meanwhile, parliamentarians in the twin-island republic are pushing back against the Government’s plan to make Parliament a safe zone for only vaccinated workers, with some saying it needs more “meaningful, genuine consultations”.

Independent Senator Paul Richards responded to questions from Guardian Media about the move by the Government to make Parliament a safe zone as signalled by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi on Tuesday.

“There should be meaningful, genuine consulta-

E

The Ministry has also recorded 928 new COVID cases – the third highest peak in December

tions with key stakeholders on this critical matter before any final decision is made,” Richards said.

Richards said that level of engagement is needed not just for parliamentarians but should be used across the nation.

“Not only for Parliament but nationally,” he said.

But while Richards wants more discussion, the Opposition does not want any more talk on the matter.

Opposition Senator

Wade Mark said that the Government’s intention to make Parliament a safe zone for only the vaccinated would fail.

“Clearly, the AG must be joking. He just cannot be serious,” Mark said.

Attorney General AlRawi said Tuesday the intention was to have all Government spaces made into safe zones and only vaccinated employees would be allowed in and that includes the Red House. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

cuador has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be mandatory for most citizens, saying the measure is needed because of a rise in infections and the spread of variants such as Omicron.

The Health Ministry said there were enough doses to “immunise the entire population”. Those with a medical justification will be exempt.

All others aged five or over must be vaccinated.

To date, 77.2 per cent of

the eligible population has been given two doses.

And more than 900,000 people have received a booster shot.

The Ministry said vaccines were a “shield of protection” against the virus, helping to prevent serious illness, hospitalisations, and deaths.

The decision, it added, was based in the country’s constitution, in which the right to health must be guaranteed by the State.

Austria and Germany are among other countries

Las Bambas says temporary truce on Peru road does not allow sustainable restart of mine

B’dos Union rep: Strike on until Govt meets with us

U

Senator Caswell Franklyn

ntil the Barbados Government calls a meeting with the Unity Workers’ Union, the industrial action taken by

nurses will continue.

General Secretary of the Union, Senator Caswell Franklyn said on Wednesday that Government’s deal

with the Barbados Nurses’ Association would not be enough to satisfy the grievances of the nurses on strike.

Franklyn told the Daily Nation that during a meeting with the nurses on Monday night, it was argued that much of what was disclosed by the Health Minister, Jeffrey Bostic with regard to the deal was no more than “lip service”.

He said that many of the promises were lacking key details such as implementation timelines. He also said some of the issues had plagued the nursing fraternity for years and, therefore, more immediacy was needed in addressing them. (Nation News)

planning a similar move.

Ecuador has already adopted vaccination certificates, which are required in public places such as restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and shopping centres.

It has also imposed measures on travellers to try to curb the spread of Omicron, which appears to be more contagious but milder than other variants of the virus.

Since the start of the pandemic, the country has confirmed 33,600 COVIDrelated deaths. (Excerpt from BBC News)

People sit in the mountains in front of a mine operated by MMG Las Bambas, in a region where locals claim mining activity has negatively affected crop yields and killed livestock, outside of Cusco, Peru (file photo)

L

as Bambas copper mine said on Thursday that a temporary truce to lift a month-long blockade affecting a key copper transport road in Peru does not guarantee conditions to restart operations in a sustainable way.

Residents of the Chumbivilcas province had been blocking the road since November 20, forcing Las Bambas, which produces

some two per cent of global copper output, to suspend production.

The situation has created a major issue for the Government of leftist President Pedro Castillo.

Peru is the world’s number two copper producer.

While many Chumbivilcas residents agreed to lift the blockade on Wednesday, Giselle Huamani, a top Government official fo-

cused on social conflicts, told Reuters that the last community to unblock the road had communicated its decision only on Thursday.

In addition, communities have only agreed to lift the blockade temporarily until December 30, when Peruvian Prime Minister Mirtha Vasquez is set to visit the area. Residents have said that depending on the agreements reached that day they will lift the blockade permanently or restart it.

Las Bambas said in a statement, it “calls on all parties to respect the rule of law and generate the conditions necessary to restart our operations in a sustainable way”. The company added that the temporary truce did not meet those conditions.

The Las Bambas mine has been a flashpoint for protests since the mine started operations, with blockades hitting the road on and off for over 400 days since then.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Migration to US empties Venezuela’s Jamaica: 31 unions now signatories to Govt’s wage offer once-booming oil capital

F

inance and Public Service Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke on Wednesday expressed confidence that he would fulfil his promise to implement the compensation review for public sector workers in April, despite the reluctance of a minority to sign off on the current pay offer.

Dr Clarke gave the reassurance as he signed off on a wage settlement offer he had made in April with 10 more trade unions, representing another 20 per cent or 20,000 public sector employees, who have now accepted the Government’s temporary offer of a four per cent wage increase, ef-

fective April 1, 2021, as well as retroactive payment from April, plus a J$40,000 oneoff payment.

He told the press that the additional unions have now brought the total number of public sector employees who have accepted his temporary offer to approximately 80,000 workers in 31 bargaining units, and added his assurance that the results of the recently-concluded compensation review package would be implemented in April.

However, he expects that the majority of the outstanding 20,000 workers, who are still resistant, would come on board by early January

to make the implementation of the review’s conclusions timely.

Indications are, however, that these workers were unlikely to benefit from the temporary agreement, which has apparently fizzled out with the year coming to an end, and the period for calculating these benefits obviously over.

“We are proud of the fact that though it [the offer] is modest, the Government could offer an increase, and actually increase the offer during the course of the year as the [economic] recovery got underway,” Dr Clarke said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

I

t took accountant Anibal Pirela six days of travel and US$7000 to reach Austin, Texas from Maracaibo, the capital of Venezuela’s once-flourishing western oil state of Zulia.

Pirela travelled with his four-year-old son Daniel, joining a flood of emigrants emptying neighbourhoods in Zulia, the top departure point for Venezuelans leaving their crisis-stricken homeland.

“The people I know who have left the country are almost too many to count,” Pirela, 48, said from his new home in Austin.

The number of Venezuelans detained by

US authorities on the southern border soared to 47,762 in the year to September, versus just 1262 in the year-earlier period, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

Hundreds of Zulians are leaving each month, advocacy groups say, though there are no official migration figures for any of Venezuela’s 23 states.

The state has historically been more insulated from economic hardship because of the oil industry, but that has been walloped by US sanctions targeting the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member, cutting off much-needed in-

come.

Reuters spoke with eight families who fled Zulia in the past two months because of lack of public services, medicines and jobs.

Abandoned houses and buildings are increasingly common in Maracaibo, home to 1.7 million inhabitants, according to current and former residents.

In 2018, half of households in Zulia already had at least one relative living abroad, but since 2019 that number has risen to 70 per cent, according to the Zulia Human Rights Commission (CODHEZ), a Non-Governmental Organisation.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

19

Around the World

and Russia agree to talk OILNEWS OIL NEWS US as Putin hits out on Ukraine

U Oil rallies on reduced fears of Omicron-induced demand slump

O

il prices bounced in a light-volume session on Thursday on signs that the worst effects of the Omicron variant might be more containable than previously feared, even as countries imposed travel restrictions on surging infection levels.

The oil market has wavered in recent days over how seriously to take the threat of another slump in fuel demand. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than previous coronavirus variants, but early data suggests it causes a milder level of illness.

Brent crude futures settled up US$1.56, or 2.1 per cent, at US$76.85 a barrel, the highest close since November 26, and a gain of 4.5 per cent on the week.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures ended up US$1.03, or 1.4 per cent, at US$73.79 a barrel, to rise 4.1 per cent on the week. Volume was light on Thursday, with just 244,000 front-month contracts trading, according to Refinitiv Eikon data, compared with a daily average of 381,000 contracts over the last 200 days.

"The demand destruction everybody thought was going to happen isn’t going to happen," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

However, some Governments are imposing tighter travel restrictions to slow the spread of the variant, which could hit demand even if Omicron causes a lower level of hospitalisation, particularly among the vaccinated.

The Chinese city of Xian on Wednesday ordered its 13 million residents to stay home, while Scotland imposed gathering limits from December 26 for up to three weeks, and two Australian states reimposed mask mandates.

The United States authorised separate antiviral COVID-19 pills manufactured by both Pfizer and Merck, and officials from the US Food and Drug Administration said the medications are both effective against the Omicron variant.

AstraZeneca said a three-dose course of its COVID-19 vaccine was effective against Omicron, citing data from an Oxford University lab study.

Operating US oil and gas rigs rose to their highest levels since April 2020 in the most recent week, according to energy services firm Baker Hughes. Overall counts are now at 586, portending a boost in output in coming months.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

S officials have said talks could take place in January on Russia's troop build-up near Ukraine, after President Vladimir Putin announced he was hopeful of a meeting in Geneva.

The Russian leader has demanded immediate guarantees on the future of Nato to defuse the crisis.

"The ball is in their court, they have to give us some response," Putin said at his

annual press conference.

He has threatened military measures, but denies planning to invade Ukraine.

Ukraine security officials say more than 100,000 Russian troops have been sent close to its borders, and the US has threatened Putin with sanctions "like none he's ever seen" if Ukraine comes under attack.

Senior White House officials declined to respond to

the Russian President's core demands that Nato abandon all military activity in Eastern Europe and not admit Ukraine as a member, although both appear to be non-starters.

"It's you who must give us guarantees, and give them immediately, now," Putin said on Thursday, stressing that military measures were not his preferred choice.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said al-

though there had been no final agreement on diplomatic talks, the US was working towards them and looking forward to them.

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she welcomed the fact that Moscow had "signalled it is willing to enter talks in January", but warned any Russian attack would be met with sanctions that would hit Russia's economy.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Biden signs law banning goods made in China’s Xinjiang province

The US has labelled China's treatment of its Uighur population and Muslim minorities as genocide [File: Leah Millis/Reuters]

A

mid worsening relations between Beijing and Washington, President Joe Biden signed a new law on Thursday banning products made in China’s Xinjiang province because of China’s oppression of its largely Muslim Uighur minority population.

Pushed by members of the United States Congress, the law passed in both the House of Representatives and the

Senate by unanimous votes earlier this month.

It imposes a near-blanket ban on the import to the US of goods from Xinjiang by requiring suppliers to first prove their products were not made with forced labour.

Xinjiang is a large supplier of cotton and solar panels.

United Nations experts and rights groups have estimated that more than one million people, main-

ly Uighurs and members of other Muslim minorities, have been imprisoned in recent years in a vast system of camps in Xinjiang. The US and many rights groups have called it genocide.

“It is a horrifying human rights situation, fully sanctioned – as we now know – by the Communist Party of China,” US Senator Marco Rubio, the lead Republican sponsor of the bill, said last week.

China has rejected allegations of abuse in Xinjiang, accusing countries and rights organisations of launch-

ing “slanderous attacks” about conditions for Muslim Uighurs and other minorities in the far western region.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency on the new US law on Thursday.

The legislation provides for sanctions on any individuals the US determines are responsible for forced labour in the Xinjiang region. It will complicate supply chains for some US companies that source materials from China.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Historic Kashmir church reverberates with prayers after decades

Coronavirus cases reach record Minnesota “Taser mix-up” highs in France and UK

ex-Police Officer found guilty of manslaughter

A

Minnesota jury on Thursday found former Police Officer Kimberly Potter guilty of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Black motorist Daunte Wright during a traffic stop when she mistakenly fired her handgun instead of her Taser.

A 12-member jury declared Potter, 49, guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in the death of the 20-year-old Wright, whom she killed in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Centre on April 11 with a bullet to the chest.

Potter, who broke down last week on the stand as she testified to her remorse for the shooting, showed little emotion as Judge Regina Chu read the verdict and polled the jury. Potter was taken away in handcuffs after Chu

rejected her Attorney's plea for her to be allowed to spend Christmas with family.

"I am going to require that she be taken into custody and held without bail," Chu said. "I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case."

Potter will be sentenced on February 18. She faces a maximum sentence of 15 years on the first-degree manslaughter conviction. Under state law, defendants cannot be sentenced for multiple charges pertaining to the same act.

The shooting sparked multiple nights of intense demonstrations in Brooklyn Centre. It happened just a few miles north of where Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis Police Officer, was at the same time standing trial for killing George Floyd.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

B

ritain and France have reported record national highs in the number of new COVID-19 infections, with the UK recording 119,789 new cases and France reporting more than 91,000 new cases.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases has confirmed the country’s first death due to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on Thursday.

Coronavirus infections have begun rising again across the six Gulf Arab states after months of low or falling figures. The resurgence comes as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is welcoming millions of visitors to the Expo 2020 Dubai world fair and other seasonal events.

As the Omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread around the world, AstraZeneca has said its booster is effective against the new coronavirus variant, cit-

ing data from an independent Oxford University lab study.

Two studies in the UK provided some early hints that Omicron may be milder than the Delta strain. Any reductions in severity will need to be weighed against the fact that Omicron spreads much faster than Delta and is more able to evade vaccines, the studies show.

Meanwhile, Montenegro’s President, Milo Djukanovic, has tested positive for COVID-19 after being in contact with an infected person.

“The president has mild symptoms and feels well.

In line with epidemiological measures he will remain in self-isolation from where he will perform his regular presidential duties,” his office said in a statement on Thursday.

So far, 161,944 people in Montenegro – which has a population of only 620,000 – have fallen ill from the coronavirus and 2385 people have died. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Christians sing inside Saint Luke's church in Srinagar, Indianadministered Kashmir [Mukhtar Khan/AP]

F

or the first time in three decades, a 125-yearold church in Indianadministered Kashmir reverberated with traditional bells and religious songs.

Ahead of Christmas, nearly a dozen Christians gathered at Saint Luke’s church in the disputed region’s main city of Srinagar on Wednesday – a day before the church was officially opened to the public.

For the region’s small Christian community, the reopening of the church – situated on the foothills of a hillock overlooking a Hindu temple in Srinagar’s Dalgate area – is a dream turning into reality.

“We have been working hard for the last many years and asking the Government to open it. It is now a dream come true,” Reverend Eric, the priest in charge of the church, told Al Jazeera.

The church was closed in the early 1990s when an armed rebellion against Indian rule started in the Muslim-majority region, which is at the heart of a decades-old dispute with neighbouring Pakistan.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan who rule over parts of it, but claim the region in its entirety. Since their independence from the British rule, the two nuclear-armed nations have fought two of their three full-scale wars over the region.

In a place that sees violence every day, the historic church has become a new social media attraction. A large number of Kashmiri youth, including social media influencers, were seen posting pictures of the church on Twitter and Instagram.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Slow down, get the facts and pace yourself. Refuse to let an emotional issue stop you from having a good time.

Enjoy what life has to offer, and ignore anyone who upsets you.

An emotional moment will overwhelm you. Invest in something that interests you.

Someone will do something that takes you by surprise. Be gracious when accepting a proposal. Romance is favored.

A change may not be what you want or anticipate, but it will turn out well. Sit back and let things unfold naturally. Be open to suggestions and willing to do your fair share. Avoid anger.

Do something with a loved one. Talk about the future and set common goals. Combining your skills and effort will help turn your dreams into a reality. Joint ventures will enhance your life.

Consider the improvements you want to make and start talking about the resolutions you plan to put into play. Let your enthusiasm build, and listen to the suggestions friends and relatives make.

Live in the moment and think positively. Recognize what you have and extend a warm welcome to friends and family. The joy you offer others will encourage better relationships and a bright future.

Be gracious about what you receive. Give what you can and be mindful of what you say. Help a cause and spread joy to those who look sad or lost. Be the bright light that warms the room.

Tone things down. Find peace in observation and joy in what others offer. Relax, and let the magic of the moment lead to answers that have eluded you in the past. Change is upon you, and good things are yet to come.

SAGITTARIUS Distance yourself from anyone who makes you (Nov. 23angry. Keep the peace at Dec. 21) gatherings. It's in your best interest to take the high road and show patience and goodwill. Protect your reputation.

It's all about giving, sharCAPRICORN ing and making the world a (Dec. 22better place. Refuse to let the Jan. 19) little things get to you. Put on a happy face and be kind to others. A positive change will surprise a loved one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Keep busy; too much idle time will result in an unnecessary feud. Keep your life simple and your emotions under control. Offer kindness, understanding and a helping hand to those in need.

A kind gesture toward someone who can influence (Feb. 20March 20) your goals will pay off. Use your charm to persuade others to help you gain ground and deal with a matter that concerns you. Be part of the solution.

PISCES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

21

IPL auction to be held on February 12, 13 in Bengaluru …Lara, Steyn join Sunrisers' support staff; Moody returns as coach

Brian Lara

T

he IPL mega-auction will be a two-day affair taking place on February 12 and 13, and will be held in Bengaluru ahead of the 2022 season, ESPNcricinfo has learnt. The full player list for the auction is expected to be finalised by mid-January, after the two new franchises have made

their picks of up to three players from the auction pool.

While the final date for the new teams to make their picks was December 25, it is now all but certain that this deadline will be deferred.

The BCCI is yet to officially appoint the ownership of the Ahmedabad franchise to CVC Capital Partners, who had INR 5625 crore (US$750 million approx) to acquire the franchise in October.

The BCCI is still doing its due diligence on the company, looking into compliance issues having to do with CVC's ties with two betting companies, in Italy and in Brazil. The BCCI is seeking the counsel of various experts, including a former High Court judge, before it can formally appoint them

The IPL mega-auction is billed for February 2022

owners. This process is likely to push the deadline.

The eight existing IPL teams had already complet-

ed their retention process on November 30, and will be going into the pool to rebuild their sides on February 12.

ICC to make US$3M bid for cricket's inclusion in 2028 Olympics

Cricket has not been part of the Olympics since 1900

A

fter a stalled Olympic push over the last year, amid internal politicking, the ICC is hoping to ignite a US$3 million bid with a lobbying and PR blitz ahead of a defining period likely to determine cricket's fate at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Cricket is already on the back foot, having recently been excluded from the provisional list of 28 sports for the 2028 Games, an apparent blow for inclusion into the Olympics for the first time since 1900.

But that's not yet cause to panic. With a final decision only expected in 2023, when the Los Angeles 2028 Local Organising Committee proposes additional sports, that process, rather than this provisional list, is what cricket aims to be a part of.

Having publicly announced an Olympic bid only in August, the ICC has had a long-term view on inclusion, but those close to the process have been frustrated by internal political upheaval that has stymied the bid.

"It took time to get the

ball rolling," an official with knowledge of the ICC's bid told ESPNcricinfo. "There hasn't been enough work done yet. There have been too many sideshows within the ICC." There have long been grandiose visions of cricket reappearing in the Olympics, and informal discussions between senior figures at ICC and IOC were held as far back as during the Beijing 2008 Games. The IOC had long courted cricket because of its following in South Asia, where the Olympics traditionally have not resonated.

Initially, however, reluctance from the BCCI and ECB proved stumbling blocks.

But when they finally committed, the ICC's Olympic dreams were revived. Late last year, a working group was formed by then acting ICC Chair Imran Khwaja that included independent director Indra Nooyi, then-ECB Chair Ian Watmore, Tavengwa Mukuhlani (Zimbabwe) and Scotland's Tony Brian, who at the time was an associate director. They were tasked with providing a detailed analy-

sis on how cricket could be an Olympic sport.

But they never met. With Khwaja soon losing a bitter and interminably long ICC chairperson election to Greg Barclay, Khwaja became Deputy Chair, but was replaced as Chair of the Olympics Working Group by Watmore, who had backed Barclay in the election and formed a close working relationship with him.

Post-elections focus shifted in the first half of this year on the tumult engulfing the ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney, who was relieved from his duties in July, after allegations of bullying following a workplace culture review. As Chair of the ICC's HR Committee, Watmore played a key role in Sawhney's departure, and during this period, "wasn't focused on the Olympic stuff", according to an official.

When the Sawhney saga ended, attention finally reverted to the Olympics, with the ICC announcing its bid amid the Tokyo Games fervour in early August.

"We know it won't be easy to secure our inclusion, as there are so many other great sports out there wanting to do the same," Barclay said at the time. "But we feel now is the time to put our best foot forward and show what a great partnership cricket and the Olympics could be."

The Working Group finally met for the first time in August, and had been tweaked with the inclusion

of USA Cricket Chair Paraag Marathe and Associate Director Mahinda Vallipuram replacing Brian. A US$3 million budget was set aside for the Olympic campaign, with some of the funds dedicated to travel to encourage Working Group members to fraternise with relevant stakeholders.

Taking the lead, Watmore immersed himself in the role, and had meetings with high level officials, including LA 2028 LOC boss Casey Wasserman. But Watmore's own sudden resignation from the ECB derailed the momentum, as Barclay took the reins.

"He (Watmore) was getting a move on, and seemed to make more contacts than Greg, who might be busy with all he has going on," an official said.

At the Working Group's meeting last month, communications firm Burson Cohn & Wolfe was appointed and tasked with establishing a strong PR campaign. It will identify and help engage the "critical influencers in and around the IOC", according to officials.

Famous former and current cricketers are also expected to be part of the marketing blitz, as those close to the project know that no more time can be wasted after such a lethargic start.

"The worry is that we need to lift our game to be considered for 2023," an official with knowledge of the bid said. "Things need to happen now." (ESPNcricinfo)

Like the existing teams, the new franchises would also start with a purse of INR 90 crore (US$12 million approx.) to make offers for up to three players before the mega-auction. Their purse on auction day will depend on how many players they end up drafting pre-auction.

Sunrisers’ support staff Sunrisers Hyderabad have announced changes to their support staff ahead of the next IPL, bringing the former West Indies batter Brian Lara and former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn on board.

Lara has been named the strategic advisor and bat-

ting coach, while Steyn, who has played for several franchises in IPL, including the Sunrisers, and has picked up 97 wickets in 95 matches in the tournament, will be their pace bowling coach. Steyn had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket this August.

Tom Moody, who was the team's Director of Cricket last season, returns as head coach following Trevor Bayliss's decision to part ways with the franchise. Under Bayliss, Sunrisers finished last in IPL 2021, winning just three matches out of the 14 in the group stage.

Moody, a familiar name in the set-up, had coached the team for seven consecutive years from 2013 to 2019, and helped the Sunrisers clinch the title in 2016.

Under Moody, the team also went past the group stages five times.

Another significant change in the revamped support staff includes the appointment of former Australia batter and coach Simon Katich as the assistant coach, while former India batter Hemang Badani was named the fielding coach and the scout.

Katich was the head coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Andy Murray gets Australian Open wildcard

Murray reached the final of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship this month, but lost to Andrey Rublev

A

ndy Murray has been given a wildcard for the main draw of the Australian Open in January.

The 34-year-old Briton missed the 2021 tournament after he was not allowed to travel to Melbourne following a positive test for coronavirus.

The five-time Australian Open runner-up last played at the event in 2019, when he thought it might be his last match as a professional, because of injury.

"I'm really excited to be back playing at the Australian Open," said Murray. "I've had some great times in Australia playing in front of the amazing crowds, and I can't wait to step back out on court at Melbourne Park."

Tournament Director Craig Tiley added: "Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion, and love of the game, and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January." (BBC Sport)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GCB boss hoping to see restart of local cricket in 2022, after mixed fortunes in 2021 T

he year 2021 has been a year of mixed fortunes. From a local cricketing perspective, most tournaments were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As 2022 looms, GCB President Bissoondyal Singh is hoping that normalcy returns, and the long-overdue cricket season bowls off in the new year.

In a release, the GCB has said: "It’s that time of the year again, a time for spreading Christmas joy and sharing messages of peace, hope and happiness, as we reflect on the challenges and the achievements of 2021 and prepare for the New Year with hearts filled

with prayer and hope.

"This season of goodwill provides us with the opportunity of being even closer with family, loved ones and friends, as we look forward to a future of peace, joy, and contentment. 2021 has been a year of mixed fortunes for the Guyana Cricket Board. After a protracted period of legal issues, and for the first time, an Executive Committee was elected to office in March, under the Guyana Cricket Administration Act. "However, much to our dismay, cricket activities were severely curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is therefore my fer-

vent hope that, as we bowl off a new year, there will be a return to normalcy in our lives after almost two years of the pandemic.

“As President of the Guyana Cricket Board, I take this opportunity to thank our valued sponsors, cricket officials and fans for your continued support and loyalty, and trust that 2022 will see the long-overdue restart of cricket competitions, which we all do desire.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, the Member Boards and the staff of the Guyana Cricket Board, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Rewarding New Year."

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh

Dowrich seeking GDF, Milerock complete redress from CWI over loss of quarterfinal roster retainer contract Men’s Super-16 year-end football...

The GDF team following their victory

Milerock’s goal scorers in Wednesday night’s win

T

he Men’s Super-16 year-end football on Wednesday evening ventured to its place of origin, the mining town of Linden, for another double header’s worth of football action.

Two Linden-based teams were on show at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, but only one was able to withstand the challenge of their travelling opponents.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) made light work of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA’s) All- Star team when they locked horns during the first game of the night.

Credit should not be taken away from UDFA, however, as they held the current defending champions, GDF, to a nil-all deadlock at the end of regulation time.

There were many chances for both sides to score, but

custodians of the goals put in excellent work to forestall that from happening. However, with a winner needed to decide which team would stay in the competition, the encounter headed into extra time, and the GDF made the most of their opportunity.

Two minutes into this segment, Sherwin Caesar was the first player to pierce the net that night, to bring some relief to the defending champs. Ian Dooker soon followed up with a 98th minute goal that extended the GDF’s lead, and completed his brace in the 109th minute to ensure that GDF were guaranteed a 3-0 victory.

In the other game of the night, Linden team Milerock were able to ease past the East Bank AllStars. Milerock’s Rayon Ramdeholl found the back of the net at 45+2 to hand his team their first goal, and Colwin Drakes added another in the 75th. East Bank had no reply for the dominance of Milerock, and surrendered the game 0-2.

The Holiday weekend would be packed with football across Guyana as the tournament gets down to the quarterfinal stage.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) would look to arrest Ann’s Grove on Saturday, December 25th (Christmas Day), while the Western Tigers will be hunting Bartica in Bartica. Both games begin at 8.30pm.

On Boxing Day (Sunday, December 26th), GDF would battle Milerock FC at the MSC Complex in Linden, while Fruta Conquerors and Den Amstel would go head-tohead in Bartica, with kickoff scheduled for 8.30pm.

West Indies’ cricketer Shane Dowrich

B

arbados and West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich has retained an attorney as he seeks redress over the process used by Cricket West Indies to deny him a renewal of his contract.

The matter came to light earlier this week on the Mason and Guest sports talk show when Barbados Cricket Association President Conde Riley revealed that he had received a letter from the player’s attorney.

In May 2021, Cricket West Indies announced the players who had been retained for the next cycle, and Dowrich was not among them. Dowrich, 30, last played in a Test for the West Indies from December 2-5, 2020, against New Zealand.

In the early stages of that tour, Dowrich suffered a finger injury, but later asked to be released from the tour, citing personal reasons. However, according to his lawyer Philip Nichols, after being given leave from the West Indies, CWI then claims that he was not offered a new retainer contract because he had not played the requisite number of games to qualify for the said contract.

This is the bone of contention for the player, who, at the time when he left New Zealand, was the first-choice

wicketkeeper/batsman for the West Indies.

Dowrich was subsequently replaced by Trinidad and Tobago’s Joshua da Silva, who has, for the most part, acquitted himself well representing the West Indies as its wicketkeeper/batsman.

Following the New Zealand tour, CWI failed to follow up with the player to determine whether he had managed to put his ‘personal issues' behind him, and was now ready to return to representing the regional side.

Nichols has told Sportsmax.TV that his client hopes to have the matter resolved amicably, as it is not his intention for the matter to end up in court.

Dowrich has played 35 Tests for the West Indies, scoring 1507 runs at an average of 29.07. He has scored three hundreds and nine fifties in that time. (Sportsmax)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

- club to save $100,000 monthly on electricity

T

he Everest Cricket Club (ECC) in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, on Thursday commissioned $5.8M worth of solar panels at the Camp Street venue. The cricket club is now equipped with 36 solar panels which has the ability to generate 16.7 kilowatts energy.

Speaker of the National Assembly and President of ECC Manzoor Nadir said the reduced expenses at the club will be invest-

ed further for developmental purposes. "In order for clubs to function, flourish and realize the potential of its members, membership dues alone cannot suffice, so you have to have a revenue mix, in terms of generating inflows, and think about projects to cut cost."

"While we are doing this to cut cost, we will have capacity to store two thousand gallons of water. That will reduce $50,000 month to Guyana Water Inc.," Nadir said.

Journalist Brandon Corlette opens cricket store in Berbice

Owner of the Cricnation592 Store, Brandon Corlette

2

in Guyana and the limited number of stores available. I recalled (that) in my playing days, it was a struggle to get cricket gear, especially when you live in Berbice. So, my aim is to bring top quality cricket gear and help Guyanese. I also grew up in a business environment with my parents, so I was driven by them, especially my mom, to open my cricket store. The name cricnation592 came from Guyana being a cricketing nation, and

1-year-old Brandon Corlette has ventured into the world of business with the launching of his own cricket store at Lot 11 Ulverston village, Corentyne Berbice.

This young talent, a sports journalist employed

by Guyana Times, continues to make major moves at a young age. His business, Cricnation592 Store, specialises in a plethora of top-notch cricketing gear used by some of the most

as he receives the ngside his mother alo ing nd sta tte Corle Year 2019 award ard Journalist of the Guyana Cricket Bo

exceptional players in the world.

Corlette, the Guyana Cricket Board’s Journalist of the Year 2019, is a RHTY&SC Dolphin Awardee, the Dolphin award being the highest award bestowed by that club. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr, is a recipient of this award.

Asked why the venture into the business realm, Corlette replied, “I ventured into this area because of the high demand for cricket gear

592 the area code.

“After completing CAPE, I started a YouTube channel while playing cricket. I also wanted to have my own news and media website, which will surround cricket news, and I did accomplish that. I landed a job in 2018 at Guyana Times, and I continue to learn a lot there.”

The young talent is optimistic that this move will see his store become a well-established business, and be a main supplier for cricket gear throughout Guyana.

Additionally, it is his hope to

support and sponsor cricketers and cricket clubs with gear in the future, as he believes that having quality cricket gear would aid players, especially young players, to perform at their optimum.

Having played school cricket at New Amsterdam Multilateral and Berbice High School, in addition to club cricket at Big Star, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and Tucber Park, cricket is a huge part of Corlette, and despite his not making it to play

at the highest level, the love for the game remains within him.

Having his own cricket store, he is hoping to make a positive impact on cricketers. He believes that the opening of his cricket store was a long time coming. He reiterated that because of his mindset and always pressing towards the mark, he was able to balance life as a Journalist at Guyana Times and being a University student.

In terms of where he envisions his business heading, Corlette explained that his aim is to expand, as he would like to have multiple outlets and provide all top brand cricket gear. He noted that he would also like to maintain his delivery services, and perhaps open an outlet outside of Region 6.

“2021 has been good, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. I must credit the power of advertisement, because I was able to reach a diverse audience. I also prioritise delivery, which has benefited my business significantly. 2022 will be a great year, because more cricket will be played,” Corlette posits.

You can find Cricnation592 store on Facebook and Instagram, and contact Corlette on 691-8177.

23

The ECC and the Chinese Embassy to Guyana maintained a strong relationship since 2018. Gracing her presence at Everest on Thursday to cut the ribbon, Guo Haiyan, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Guyana, said she was happy to play a role in the development of cricket at Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, cuting Everest. "I am happy for my friends the ribbon in the presence of ECC President Manzoor of the club and I am proud that the Nadir and other officials of Everest Cricket Club Chinese Embassy can make some to pay a month, it would have been about modest contributions to the develop$100,000, so this investment that was proment of the club."

Meanwhile, Dr Mahender Sharma, vided by the people of China, is going to reChief Executive Officer of Guyana Energy duce the electricity bill by $100,000 every Agency said Everest will save at least month, but that is an average number."

Everest Cricket Club has been in ren$100,000 on a monthly basis. "Based on this size, it represents just about 2000 kilo- ovation mode, and this venue will host watt hours of energy per month. If we were preparation matches for the upcoming ICC looking at how much Everest would have Under-19 World Cup from January 9, 2022.

GFF’s Assistant TD welcomes return of futsal …says year-end tournament good for scouting

T

he Assistant Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Bryan Joseph, figures that the ongoing Futsal tournament is one that would do well for the format and the Federation, especially when it comes to scouting players.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) Organization have put on a blistering futsal tournament this year-end, and aside from the entertainment it presents, there is much benefit that can accrue to the local Federation.

Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph was on hand at the ongoing tournament, to take a technical view of the games; and during an exclusive chat with this publication, shared his elation at the resurgence of the format.

“So far it’s been good. I think understanding where we’re coming from, the fact that we haven’t been playing for a long time, it is understandable that the teams wouldn’t be at the level that we would like them to be; but we’re just beginning,” Joseph shared.

“A lot of the bigger teams haven’t played as yet, and as the tournament progresses into the latter stages, I think you’re going to see improvements across the board,” he

A glimpse of the ongoing futsal action

has predicted.

The Assistant TD has revealed that, with an international engagement coming up, the 32 teams and their players on show would come in handy in terms of scouting.

“For us, mass participation is so important in order to grow the pool for us to select our national teams.

Come 2022, we’ve entered to participate in a Futsal international tournament. So, this would serve as a good ground to identify players who would transition into that Futsal team,” he explained.

Joseph has noted that the handful of young teams that are currently participating makes for good growth of Futsal.

“It’s good for futsal. The one thing that we like about futsal is that it doesn’t require the entire club structure that is required for 11 v 11 football. So, communities are able to put together teams, groups are able to put together teams.”

He continued by stating, “It’s good that we’re having so much participation.

Going forward, I think once this tournament is completed and we get into the 2022 calendar, we’re going to see much more opportunities for Futsal across the country, and we want to see small

teams popping up in all areas.”

When it comes to the Federation’s position at the moment, the Assistant Technical Director shared that assessment and planning is the route they would take.

“At the moment, it’s just us being able to assess. I don’t think that there’s a lot that we can take away, especially now in the early stages, because a lot of the teams are playing similar to how they would play 11 v 11 football,” Joseph highlighted. “So, it’s for us now to just make an assessment of what is going on, because in order for us to internationally play futsal, we need to change a lot.”

He added, “We need coaches to be educated on how futsal is played. We need the referees to be educated, and we need the public to be educated in the laws and the rules of the game.

“As we go forward in 2022, we’ll be able to make a good summary of where we are, and develop the programmes to help us to compete at the international level.”

With a break scheduled for this Saturday, Christmas Day, the futsal action will return to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall next Tuesday.

(Jemima Holmes)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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

- club to save $100,000 monthly on electricity Page 22

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GFF’s Assistant TD welcomes return of futsal …says year-end tournament good for scouting

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh

GFF Assistant TD, Bryan Joseph

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