Guyana Times -- Thursday, December 30, 2021

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Issue No. 4875

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Natural Resource Fund Bill passed amid “disruptive” and “thuggish” Opposition behaviour – Ashni Singh See story on page 16

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Woman, lover on bail for beating her ex-partner P8

DPP chambers completes 156 cases in 2021 P8 16-year-old nabbed after robbing taxi driver at P2 knifepoint Mentally-ill man P 12 drives away with businessman’s car

Government Members of Parliament formed a shield around Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh as he presented the Natural Resource Fund Bill in Parliament on Wednesday evening. This was after Opposition MPs attempted to disrupt his presentation. Inset are photos of the Opposition MPs' disruption of Wednesday’s proceedings

Local Content legislation passed in National Assembly …as Govt amends Bill to include 10 of Opposition’s 14 recommendations See story on page 3

NRF Bill gets See story on support page 7 from Private Sector bodies

…lauded for adhering to “Santiago Principles”

Woman bound, P beaten during 12 home invasion NBS announces further reduction in mortgage P17 interest rates

A black day for democracy

Desecration of Parliament: A Parliament staff recovering the Mace (right) after it was snatched from the Speaker of the National Assembly by Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson (left)

CGX Energy demobilising well in Corentyne Block …amid swelling drilling costs for Kawa-1 well

Page 13

GGMC acted unlawfully in awarding road rehabilitation contract - CCJ P14 rules Region 1 P16 woman is latest COVID-19 death …authorities monitoring rising cases

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16-year-old nabbed after robbing taxi driver at knifepoint

A

16-year-old of Belle West, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was arrested by Police while his two accomplices managed to escape shortly after they had robbed a taxi driver at knifepoint.

The incident occurred at approximately 20:00h on Tuesday at Duncan Street, Sisters Village, WBD. The 25-year-old taxi driver, who operates from Vreed-en-Hoop to Wales, was working his motorcar, HC 2431, from Vreeden-Hoop to Wales when he picked up three suspects in front of the Stanleytown junction.

The men requested to

be taken to Sisters Village, but the taxi driver has told Police that while in the vicinity of the Wales Police Station, he felt that something was amiss; and shortly after, he heard what sounded like the crank of a gun, and upon looking, the suspects held him at knifepoint and told him to drive to Duncan Street, Sisters Village.

Upon their arrival at that location, the three suspects relieved him of $27,000 and a watch val-

ued at $5,500 before making good their escape on foot.

The victim gave chase, and managed to apprehend the 16-year-old. A search carried out on his person unearthed $8,360 in his possession. He was then taken to the Wales Police Station, where he was handed over to the Police and was placed in custody.

Checks were made for the other suspects, but they were not found. An investigation is in progress.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, December 30 – 13:00h-14:30h and Friday, December 31 – 01:30h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, December 30 – 13:30h-15:00h and Friday, December 31 – 14:20h-15:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy conditions are expected throughout the day interrupted by light to thundery showers in the late morning to afternoon hours. Sunshine is expected in the late afternoon followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 13:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 07:10h and 19:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.60 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

03 10 15

17 18 27

FREE TICKET

13 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02 05 06 20 22 LUCKY 3

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PAY DAY

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$79.23/barrel

+0.37

Rough Rice

$266.274/ton

+0.37

London Sugar

$498.20/ton

-1.01

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1802.60

$1803.60

Low/High Change

$1788.90 -2.20

$1808.30 -0.12%

Local Content legislation passed in National Assembly …as Govt amends Bill to include 10 of Opposition’s 14 recommendations

G

uyana finally has much-anticipated local content laws after the Local Content Bill was approved in the National Assembly on Wednesday with the inclusion of 10 of the 14 amendments that were proposed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition.

During his presentation to open the debate on the Local Content Bill in the National Assembly, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat explained that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has spent over a year conducting widespread consultations with various stakeholders to create the much-needed local content legislation.

But the Minister pointed out that Government only received recommendations from the APNU/AFC Opposition on Tuesday – a mere one day before the proposed bill was set to be debated in the National Assembly.

“As a Government, Mr Speaker, we’re always willing to listen, we’re always willing to work with anybody who is willing to work with us especially in the development of the oil and gas sector… If there are suggestions from any group, including the Opposition Members, that will strengthen the Local Content Bill and will add to bringing more benefits to Guyanese people, we are open to that. But it is unfortunate that we only received [the amendments on Tuesday],” he stated.

Bharrat further expressed disappointment that a meeting was set up with the Opposition MPs Wednesday morning, prior to the National Assembly session, but only two members were there and indicated that the matter would be dealt with “on the floor”.

“We were willing to meet… and discuss the 14 amendments that they’re proposing,” he contended.

Nevertheless, the Natural Resources Minister said that Government went ahead to include 10 of the 14 amendments proposed by the coalition Opposition.

“The amendments will strengthen the bill and what do we want as a government, we want a strong Local Content Bill. We want a bill that will bring benefits to Guyanese and if your contribution will do that, then we are happy to accept it,” he noted.

Among the accepted recommendations is the creation of a Local Content Oversight Committee, which Government would rename the Local Content Advisory Committee.

Another recommendation was for four additional entities to be represented on the Committee. These

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

are the National Toshaos Council, the Guyana Bar Association, the parliamentary Opposition, and local petroleum organisations.

“We are saying yes, that we agree to it; that one of our MPs on the opposite side will sit on the Advisory Committee to ensure that this Bill is fully implemented so that Guyanese can benefit. And that is the bottom line… Regardless of which political party we’re in, our main objective here should be to ensure that Guyanese benefit from the oil and gas sector,” he asserted.

There was also a recommendation that the President should appoint the Chairman of that Committee and the committee members select a Vice Chairman.

This First Schedule of the Local Content Bill caters for the establishment of a Secretariat that will over-

see the implementation of and adherence to the Local Content Act. It will also be responsible for the creation of two registries that will list qualified Guyanese available for employment and local companies that are offering goods and services required by the oil and gas sector.

One other Opposition proposal that was accepted

by Government is for these registries to be made public.

Additionally, Minister Bharrat also tabled an additional four amendments that include equal pay for qualified Guyanese, commensurate with what foreigners are being paid; and to increase the usage level of local services such as accounting and insurance from 20 per cent to 90 per cent, and from 90 per cent to 100 per cent, respectively.

The Natural Resources Minister explained that

these changes were undertaken upon the realisation that there is capacity in the provision of these two services. He explained that similarly, the Local Content legislation would be updated over time to reflect the changing circumstances in Guyana as the country continues to build capacity to service the oil and gas sector.

“We will keep changing that schedule and we will also keep adding different services to that schedule based on our capacity. As we build capacity, we are willing as a government to make changes to the schedule with support from the Opposition,” Bharrat stressed.

Nit-picking at issues

But despite Government accepting the majority of the APNU/AFC recommendations, Opposition MP David Patterson, who tabled the amendments, claimed that his party was sidelined during the consultation process and asked that the Bill be sent to a Special Select Committee for review and scrutiny.

However, Minister Bharrat had expressed fear that if the Local Content Bill is sent to such a committee, then it would face the same fate as other Bills that the coalition had sent to Special Select Committees such as the Petroleum Commission Bill which never returned to the floor of the House.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

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

Doable and achievable reality

G

uyana becoming a developed country is not merely an optimistic hope, but a doable and achievable reality, because Government’s facilitation of investments can propel this nation into First World status.

Before the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration assumed the primary executive office in the land in October of 1992, Guyana was rated on international developmental indices as being on par with Haiti. Graphed during the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration as the least developed nation in the world, with a crippling debt burden, Guyana’s development under the astute leadership provided by successive PPP/C Presidents has been rapid.

After a relatively short time span of approximately two decades, Guyana has been recognised by the world as a middle-income developing country, and described by the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines as “The only shining star in the Caribbean”.

The popular prognosis heralded great things for this nation, because the focus of the PPP/C Administrations – then and now – is to make Guyana a modern and developed country; and Guyana had indeed been inexorably moving from a middle-income developing country to becoming, in the not-too-distant future, a developed country.

However, for the country to achieve such a status, it has to be a joint effort by all stakeholders working in conjunction and cooperation with Government. There have been, in the past, multiple successful partnerships between the Government, Private Sector and other stakeholders working together to create of Guyana a modern society.

The transformation of the national socio-economic landscape has not been easy, because there are elements of negativity who are intent on stymieing every developmental initiative.

Regrettably, this progressive developmental paradigm took a relentless and rapid retrogression – in every sector – with the advent of another PNC-led Government in 2015.

Post-2015 elections, a relentless reversal of Guyana’s developmental trajectory under the coalition Government Administration brought this country to an almost bankrupt state, with a debt burden of billions of dollars.

One of the worst disincentives to private investment in Guyana is the high energy costs, which send overheads skyrocketing, especially in the manufacturing sector; and the PPP/C Government had attempted to address this problem through hydropower, but had reached the usual developmental roadblocks from the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, which used every armament in their arsenal to shoot down the project.

It is a proven fact that not having cheap energy is one of the most prohibitive factors that have impeded Guyana’s manufacturing sector from surging.

However, despite the setback with the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, President Dr Irfaan Ali is determined that the pursuit of alternative energy will be prioritised, so that Government can provide cheap energy for the development of a strong industrial manufacturing sector and a strong processing sector. With a progressing agricultural sector that can easily develop an agro-industrial complex, Guyana is once again climbing global developmental graphs.

During the last Budget debate, various Government Members of Parliament (MPs) outlined future transformative plans geared to making true the dream of taking Guyana from a middle-income developing country to a developed country, and one could only hope that the joint Opposition would allow good sense and patriotism to prevail over selfcentred agendas, to work along on these visionary plans and projects that would benefit all Guyanese and create of this country, not only “the only shining star of the Caribbean”, but the shining star of the world.

A proposal: An overseas-based Guyanese family's visit to President Dr Irfaan Ali to discuss expanding and boosting the capacity of their farm in Guyana turned into a celebration after David Kowalczyk proposed to Ayanna Ervin at State House on Wednesday.

President Ali facilitated the proposal and he extended his congratulations to the couple (OP photo)

APNU/AFC should stop indulging in "opposition for opposition's sake" Dear Editor, How we live our lives and treat each other, plus our cherished values and reputation here in Guyana, are symbolised in the image of our country.

This is something the newly elected Leader of the PNCR must understand moving forward: if you don’t respect others and disregard our democratic principles, other nations will not respect you.

Regrettably, prejudice has existed since the beginning of humanity, and is a learned behaviour we internalise from what we’re taught by our parents, those we admire, and our environment. Plus, if we’re honest with ourselves, we all have inner prejudices and things we dislike.

What makes us honourable is looking for the best in everyone, and treating every individual with respect, tolerance, and compassion, instead of searching for their flaws and mistakes they’ve made.

Acting out our prejudices to disadvantage, degrade, or physically hurt someone is irresponsible and inexcusable conduct. My sincere advice to the PNCR leadership, who feels unjustly treated, angry, and vengeful, is to "be better, not bitter".

We must work together to build this country of ours.

National unity requires people who are prepared

to accept democratic principles that govern all democracies, instead of greeting electoral defeats with burning, looting and beating of opponents on the streets, or spreading propaganda.

It is time for the new PNCR Leader and his executive members to stop the "obsession" with Vice President Jagdeo and start dealing with the principles of national unity. “National unity must be based on principles. It can’t be based on personality and personage. It must be based on principles, and must to be done in the context of all Guyanese.

The new PNCR leadership must now acknowledge the importance of national unity as a fundamental ingredient of Guyana’s future prosperity, dating back to 1966, at the time of independence.

So, first on the agenda of the PNCR new executive is to have their party leaders and supporters prepare to abide by the rules of law while accepting the People's Progressive Party/ Civic Government. They must prepare to abide by the constitution of Guyana.

There’s no denying that our PPP/C Government has made some mistakes in the past, and still have many imperfections; however, there's enough evident to show that our country is stronger and more prosperous by so many

measures than it was before the PPP/C came into office on August 02,2020.

Guyana is stronger and more prosperous than it was six years ago under the previous APNU/AFC Administration.

Almost every country sees Guyana as stronger and more respected, and one of the best countries to invest in today under the People's Progressive Party/Civic Government.

I regret that we all can’t erase the injustices of our nation’s past, regardless of how many statues we remove, streets and buildings we rename, presidents we replace, or constitutions we rewrite. Although it’s wise to learn from our past, it’s imprudent to carry a bitter grudge and dwell there.

Instead, we must focus on the present, and work together to build a better future for every Guyanese.

The PPP/C Government presently is on that path, so join us.

Most importantly, we must conduct ourselves as honourable Guyanese who demonstrate respect, compassion, and tolerance for each other, regardless of our ethnic diversities, cultural differences, contrasting opinions, religious beliefs, political affiliations, and past histories.

It is time for the APNU/ AFC to stop their well-intended protesting and grievances during the

National Assembly with their irresponsible behaviour that dishonours our nation and disrespects hundreds of thousands of fellow Guyanese and our cherished beliefs.

Seeking to silence others who disagree with their opinions demonstrates dishonourable conduct. One must find responsible and prudent ways to direct attention to the injustices you seek to address.

There is no doubt that our laws are only as good as the character and integrity of those who enforce them. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of our Police officers and judiciary officials are exceptional, and do an outstanding job, selflessly serving our communities and courageously keeping us safe each and every day under stewardship of Honourable Minister R Benn.

However, what is most important is making and keeping our neighbourhoods safe, and for us to eliminate prejudice starts at home, by setting a positive example for our children to emulate. Be a dependable and ethically responsible parent.

Always remember that the greatest gifts we can give our precious children are our love, our time, our encouragement, our support, and our guidance; all are free, irreplaceable, and last a lifetime.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

5

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

Leadership change has brought no change to the PNC Dear Editor, Why is it that some people are of the false notion that Mr Aubrey Norton, as the Leader of the PNC, will herald a metamorphosis that has eluded the Party for more than half a century?

Let us rewind a bit. The PNC was formed in 1957 with LFS Burnham as the leader. It could only have won 11 seats in the 1961 Elections, but in 1964, it was able to form its first Coalition Government with the United Force Party.

This unholy alliance was formed to oust the PPP, since it was clear that the PNC by itself would nev-

er be able to win an election. But the Coalition soon disintegrated, and in 1968, Forbes Burnham saw that the only way the PNC could hang on to power was to rig the elections, which it did until democracy returned to Guyana in 1992.

Over the years, the PNC, though it had undergone some label changes and leadership trials, had failed to change its corrupt and rigging psyche.

During the period 1964 to 1992, Guyanese witnessed a sharp descent into the abyss of dictatorship, resulting in devastating social and economic degradation. This period, referred to as the ‘28

APNU/AFC should...

On Aug. 28, 1963, Rev. Martin Luther King said: “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.”

In honour of his legacy, we must take responsibility and seek ways to eliminate prejudice, keep our neighbourhoods safe, and make Guyana a great place for Guyanese. We must never forget the indomitable spirit and patriotism of our ethnically diverse people, which remains our nation’s strength.

I continue to call on the Opposition to join with the Government and let

FROM PAGE 4

us build this country together. Guyanese of every walk of life expects our PPP/C Government and the APNU/AFC Opposition to “work together" in the face of "this unprecedented pandemic", as I request the Opposition parties to swallow their pride and get behind the Government and stop the criticism that has no merit.

In the national interest, it is time for the Opposition to engage constructively with the PPP/C Government, and stop indulging in "opposition for opposition's sake".

Sincerely, David Adams

years of PNC dictatorship’, caused Guyanese to flee in numbers to all parts of the world.

After Burnham’s demise, nothing changed until the Hoyte Administration was forced by threats to be under the economic guillotine that they agreed to install the mechanisms for free and fair elections.

The PNC was never a responsible Opposition, and never displayed any level of patriotism. Its leaders were simply interested in power at all cost. It did everything in its power to make Guyana ungovernable under the PPP: there were violent street protests, burning and looting and rape and murder. They stopped at nothing, and they carried out an open ethnic cleansing which targeted IndoGuyanese. The PNC has a new leader, but, from past experience, the innate mentality of the old PNC will remain unchanged.

Guyanese have witnessed that after the demise of the maximum leader Forbes Burnham and the taking up of the leadership of the PNC by the late Desmond Hoyte, nothing changed, and in fact the rigging got worse, and after the return to democracy in 1992, the PNC embarked on a journey of ‘mo fya slow fya’.

Then, in 2002, Hoyte died, and the leadership was passed on to Robert Corbin, and the ‘mo fya slow fya’

mantra continued wreaking havoc to the country. This was the new dispensation, and it continued with each and every General Election which the PPP/C won.

The Party’s leadership changed again in 2012, and Granger took over the helm.

Unfortunately, despite great expectations, the old PNC terror tactics went unabated. Some had thought that Granger would make a difference if he became the President. This was wishful thinking. Mr Granger, as President, disregarded the Supreme Law of the land and began to remodel Guyana on the path back to Burnhamism. In addition, the corruption and cronyism experienced during the 28 years began in earnest after just a few months in Government, and it was only a matter of time before the Treasury was emptied and the reserves depleted.

Then the No Confidence Motion (NCM) in 2018 precipitated the downfall of the PNC-dominated Coalition in the 2020 General Elections, but not after many frivo-

lous, vexatious and costly court cases to overthrow the NCM. However, after 5 months of relentless attempts to rig the 2020 Elections in plain sight, the PPP/C Government came in to power.

It must be noted that after every failure to win an Election, the leadership of the PNC is questioned and comes under scrutiny. The membership wanted a resurrection of the late dictator L.F.S Burnham, who ensured that the rigging machinery was on full throttle all the time. The late Hoyte was lambasted as being ‘too soft’, and was censured for allowing free and fair elections, and Corbin was condemned for his inability to wrest power from the PPP. The latest victim was Granger, even though he tried his utmost to hang on to power by trying various rigging tactic. He lost.

Now the PNC needs a leadership which can propel them into Government regardless of what it costs.

The end will justify the means. It is now expect-

ed that Norton would once again ignite the old PNC modus operandi and wrest power at any cost.

In conclusion, the PNC cannot be trusted. Some Guyanese were misled in 2015 with false promises to believe that the PNC and the AFC together can bring about a better life for Guyanese. This never materialised. It was corruption galore. Guyanese saw this first hand, and they suffered from severe economic hardships. They also witnessed the rigging propensity and the inherent evil of the PNC live and direct. No Coalition was ever good for this country. The PPP/C has once again, in just a year, charted a progressive trajectory and the lives of Guyanese are improving daily.

No more will Guyanese believe the lies peddled by the PNC and the AFC. The leopard will never change its spots, and the PNC will never change despite the changing of the leader.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Percents and fractions

S

ince percents are ratios, you can change them to fractions. The denominator will be 100. The numerator will be the number in front of the percent sign.

Examples: What is 20% of 25?

Step 1: Convert the percent to a fraction: 20% = 20/100 Step 2: Simplify the fraction if you can: 20/100 = 1/5 Step 3: Multiply 1/5 x 25 = 25/5 Step 4: Simplify the product: 25/5 = 5/1 = 5.

You can also change fractions to percents: 1/4 = %?

Step 1: Divide 100 by the denominator: 100 ÷ 4 = 25.

Step 2: Multiply the numerator by the product: 1 x 25 = 25.

Step 3: Add the percent sign: 1/4 = 25%.

Remember…

Some fractions cannot be changed easily to percents. If 100 cannot be divided evenly by the fraction’s denominator, you will not be able to convert that fraction to a percent.

H

ere! I’m so excited to share a really fun entertaining idea with you for New Year’s Eve! These sweet treats are made with just a few ingredients: Lemon Jello Apple cider or soda Demerara sugar Gold food colouring Melted white chocolate

How to make Sparkling Jello Cups

NB: Adult assistance required *To keep the colour of the Jello light so it resembles champagne for New Year’s, use lemon or another light-coloured Jello.

Combine the gelatin powder with 1 1/2 cups of boiling water (with the help of an adult).

Stir to combine completely and refrigerate mixture for 15 minutes.

To the cooled mixture, add 1 1/2 cups of cold sparkling apple cider or the soda of your choice.

Split the mixture between 6 plastic wine glasses.

Allow Jello to set completely in the refrigerator before moving on to dip the glasses.

The Jello cups really do look like bubbly champagne!! Crazy, huh?!

Once the Jello cups are set, you can dip them in melted white chocolate

and rim them in sparkling gold sugar.

First, melt the chocolate in a bowl over hot water. Dip the very edge of the glass in the melted chocolate.

Then, place the glass on a plate containing coarse Demerara sugar coated in gold food colouring. Gently press the gold sugar onto the melted chocolate.

Gently tap off any excess and turn Jello cups upright … SO pretty! Serve with a spoon. (anightowlblog.com)

Exercises: Convert the percent to a fraction and reduce where possible.

1) 10%

6) 65.5%

2) 73%

7) 1775%

3) 30%

8) .9678%

4) .04

9) 450.2%

5) 84.6%

10) 53.78%

A

nswer the following: What was the best thing that happened to you this past year? What are you most looking forward to in the coming new year?

WORD SEARCH

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NRF Bill gets support from Private Sector bodies …lauded for adhering to “Santiago Principles”

T

he Natural Resource Fund Bill, which was debated on Wednesday in the National Assembly, has attracted praise from various Private Sector bodies, who note that the bill’s provisions allow for greater transparency and accountability.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), which is the umbrella organisation for the Private Sector, spoke of the merits of the Natural Resource Fund Bill.

According to the PSC, that body has since concluded discussions at the level of the Subcommittee on Economy and Finance.

One of the merits of the bill that the PSC noted was that all monies from the NRF that would be used must first be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. This would make sure that all withdrawals can be examined by the National Assembly before they are approved.

“We note the removal of the unbridled authority that was entrusted in the Minister of Finance in the Act of 2019, and the disaggregation of some of these responsibilities to other authorities and oversight bodies. Additionally, the fact that all monies to be used from the Fund must be transferred to the Consolidated Fund will provide for par-

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

liamentary oversight on the spending of these resources, which fosters greater accountability and transparency,” the PSC has said.

The PSC did note that wider consultation should have been pursued before the finalisation of the bill. However, it has expressed support for the bill since, in its current form, it follows much of the Santiago Principles for transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the PSC noted the importance of the bill at a critical juncture in Guyana’s development, when resources must be invested into infrastructure, healthcare, education and climate change mitigation.

“While the PSC believes that wider consultation should have been pursued for feedback and finalisation of the legislation, it is evident that the Bill in its current form subscribes in large part to the Santiago Principles, and thus we hereby support the passage of the legislation,” the PSC has said.

“The PSC concludes that the Natural Resource Fund Legislation, when operationalised, will provide the resources that will serve as a major catalyst for Guyana’s national development in all sectors, leading to unparalleled economic growth,” the Commission has added.

GCCI

Also issuing a statement were the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who noted they have been following the bill’s development closely. The GCCI also expressed the view that the bill follows the Santiago Principles, an internationally recognised benchmark for Sovereign Wealth Funds.

“Overall, the GCCI is pleased with the Bill’s general adherence with the international benchmark for Sovereign Wealth Funds, commonly referred to as the ‘Santiago Principles’… the

Local Content legislation...

Meanwhile, Patterson went on to express concerns with certain aspects of the local Content legislation. He argued that certain services such as janitorial and trucking should be fully provided

by Guyanese.

The Shadow Natural Resources Minister posited that rental of property should also be 100 per cent provided by Guyanese and not the 90 per cent that was listed.

“Why do we need an expat to come to Guyana to build an office to rent to Exxon? There is no explanation why… as if we can’t build a building and rent it for money. Accommodation services, apartment and houses – why only 90 per cent? Why Guyanese can’t [fully] own and rent apartment and houses. Why do we need expats to come…?”

Patterson contended.

In response, however, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil

Nandlall called out the Opposition MP for nit-picking at issues, reminding that it was the coalition Administration that gave approval for ExxonMobil to construct and own a headquarters building here.

“We have the local people at heart. This is our Bill, you did nothing. So don’t come and accuse us of short-changing locals here when you did nothing for them in the form of a legislation… The Private Sector, in our consultations with them, said that they begged y’all for about three years to pass this bill because of what was taking place right across the length and breadth of Guyana with foreigners coming into the country and invading, taking over the sector; buying all the river lands on the East Bank [of Demerara], taking over the contracting services, bringing in the heavy-duty equipment to the exclusion of Guyanese.

dress on Tuesday.

Additionally, the Chamber noted that its detailed commentary on the bill would be transmitted to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh via letter.

GOGEC

GCCI President Timothy Tucker

Chamber wishes to reaffirm its stance as a partner in national development, and anticipates continued steps to support inclusive growth for Guyanese,” the GCCI has said.

“Additionally, given the paramount importance of this Bill, and its use as a tool for intergenerational wealth transfer of the citizens of Guyana, the GCCI is of the belief that more time should be provided to the public for its input and general commentary on the Bill,” GCCI said in its statement.

The GCCI has expressed the view that it understood the need for the revision of the bill, the reasons for which were outlined by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in a video ad-

FROM PAGE 3

We responded to that… and those are being addressed in this Bill,” Nandlall detailed.

Moreover, the Attorney General went on to address a concern that was raised

by Patterson regarding the Local Content Bill discriminating against Caricom citizens, who are entitled to move, get employment and even set up businesses here under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to which Guyana is a signatory.

But AG Nandlall asserted that this would not be an issue. In fact, he pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago as well as Suriname, which are also bound by the Treaty, have implemented Local Content laws without any ramifications.

“We have addressed our minds to this and when the issue arises, we will deal with it. So, you have the Government’s assurance that we have addressed that issue and we will deal with

it at the appropriate time,” the AG stated.

After hours of intense debate by over a dozen speakers from both sides of the House, the PPP/C Administration’s historic Local Content Bill was passed in the National Assembly Wednesday evening with 10 of the amendments proposed by the coalition Opposition. (G8)

Another statement was forthcoming from the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), which has thrown its support behind the bill.

According to GOGEC, there are several levels of oversight for the Fund, including the Public Accounts Committee, the National Assembly, Central Bank, and a board of directors.

“Ultimately, the aim is to ensure greater accountability, transparency, and prudent governance of the Fund in the interest of the people of Guyana. The ultimate oversight body of the Fund is the National Assembly, the Public Accounts Committee, the Bank, presumably the Central Bank/Bank of Guyana, the Board of Directors, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, which by design will exercise non-governmental oversight, and the Ministry of Finance.

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad

“With respect to transparency and accountability, the bill mandates monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting. The annual report has to be tabled in the National Assembly, and the Fund is subject to both internal and external audit,” GOGEC said.

The Chamber noted that this Board has management responsibility of the Fund, and will be guided by the legislation on how the Fund ought to be managed. The Chamber pointed out that the Board therefore cannot legally deviate from the investment mandate of the Fund, as stipulated by the Act.

8 NEWS DPP chambers completes 156 cases in 2021 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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espite threats posed by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has disposed of 156 cases in 2021.

This was outlined in the year-end press statement of the Office of the DPP. Some 128 of these cases received attention in the three High Courts across the counties, while 28 of them

were nolle prosequi by the DPP. Of these 128 cases, 66 were presented at the Demerara Assizes, 27 at the Berbice Assizes, and 35 at the Essequibo Assizes. The DPP’s Office has said 151 persons appeared in these cases. Assizes are courts that sit at intervals in each county to administer the criminal law.

There were 69 cases for murder, six cases for manslaughter, 45 cases

for sexual offences, and eight cases for the offence of attempt to commit murder.

There were 37 convictions, 49 guilty pleas, 22 formal verdicts of not guilty, 30 not guilty verdicts by jury, two mistrials, seven hung juries, and 28 cases were nolle prosequi.

Moreover, the Office of the DPP has said that, during 2021, it received 219 committal depositions; 122 were from Demerara, 43 from Berbice, and 54 from Essequibo. Of these 219 depositions, 130 have been indicted, eight charges were discontinued, 74 are receiving attention, and seven were remitted to the Magistrates’ Courts.

During 2020, some 101 cases were disposed of by the DPP’s Office. Of those 101 cases, 83 received attention in the courts, while the remaining 18 matters were nolle prosequi by the DPP. Of these 83 cases, 62 were presented at the Demerara Assizes, 15 at the Berbice Assizes, and six at the Essequibo Assizes.

There were 63 cases for murder, three for attempt to commit murder, 15 cases for sexual offences, and two cases for the offence of manslaughter. There were 12 convictions, 53 guilty pleas, nine formal verdicts of not guilty, five not guilty verdicts by jury, five hung juries, three aborted trials, and one trial was quashed. (G1)

Woman, lover on bail for beating her ex-partner

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27-year-old woman who was reportedly chopped by her 43-year-old ex-boyfriend a few weeks ago was on Wednesday released on $25,000 bail for wounding the man.

When Shemika Greenee was arraigned before

Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Diamond Golden/Grove Magistrates’ Courts, she pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that, on December 13, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Hansel Elgin. She returns to court on January 25, 2022.

Elgin has also been

charged with wounding the woman. He, however, did not appear in court, as he is on remand for another offence. The prosecution has since sought an order for his release from prison. He is also expected to appear in court to answer the charge on January 25, 2022.

Charged: Shemika Greenee

Greene’s current boyfriend, Vikta Rhodes, has also been charged with assaulting Elgin. Like Greene, Rhodes pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was placed on bail in the sum of $25,000.

Reports are that Greenee was cleaning her yard when she was attacked by Elgin, who was armed with a “jooker” and a sharp object. He reportedly chopped Greenee to her head, and she pelted him with a spade. Elgin, according to reports, sustained a cut to his lip, and his dentures were also broken.

Upon hearing the commotion, Greenee’s current partner went to her rescue.

But he, too, was attacked

by Elgin. The couple then reported the matter to the Grove Police Station.

Based on reports, after threats were made to her life by her ex-partner, Greenee had taken out a restraining order against Elgin.

However, despite that court order, Elgin allegedly continued making the woman’s life a living hell. (G1)

End of...

W

…wit in politics as a time when wit by politicians was relished by the public and was assiduously practised by the said politicians in their appearances inside Parliament and in their meetings outside of Parliament.

But all of that has been wrecked and ruined by the present lot of PNC politicians. Boysie Ramkarran was a famous wag with his folksy comebacks. Like that time in 1982, after Burnham had wrecked the economy and Min of Finance had presented another of what he euphemistically called an “austerity” Budget. Immediately came the retort from Boysie across the aisle: “You mean “ass-tear” Budget?!”

Even the PNC benches had to laugh - including the usually grim-faced Hoyte!!

Burnham was no slouch at the art himself. Albeit in his compulsive manner of hanging his learning on his sleeves, and more given to put-downs than bon-mots!! After he had made the PPP totally ineffectual by rigging the 1973 elections and giving the PNC more than two-thirds of the seats, he remarked after one of Jagan’s hectoring, “De mortuis nil nisi bonnum - of the dead speak only good!!”

When he wanted to criticise Rodney’s WPA - the Working Peoples Association - he called them the “Worse Possible Alternative”. In return, Rodney dubbed him “King Kong”, and the reverse “King Midas” - everything he touched turned to “shit”!! In his famous “People’s Power; No Dictator” speech that deconstructed the Burnham dictatorship, he repeated to gales of laughter what an old woman had said of “Fat Boy”: “Burnham mek Satan cry!!” Even Civil Society activists kept up the tradition.

Like when Father Rodrigues quipped after Burnham’s grand Mazaruni Hydropower Scheme failed and made the country bankrupt: “We all got hydro!!” And if your Eyewitness has to tell you the good Father meant “Godie” then you aren’t a real Guyanese!!

But we return to the new PNC. They’re all so ponderous and heavy-handed! Burnham must be turning at Seven Ponds!! Imagine the best they can come up with to taunt the PPP Government that threw them out on their ear is to call them, “The illegally installed cabal”!! Really??

Really rolls of the tongue, doesn’t it? Almost as smooth as “antediluvian”!! But the new leader of the PNC - NOT the Opposition Leader! - took the cake when he tried to follow in the footsteps of Rodney. He tried to ridicule Vice President Jagdeo by dubbing him “Demon” - but giving a laboured and lengthy definition and explanation of what’s a “Demon”!! Then giving as descriptions of Jagdeo’s behaviour to show he’s a “demon”!!

He misses the whole point of using metaphors they’re supposed to be so familiar that they don’t need explanation!!

Like that fella from the PPP who called him “Idi Amin”!! …art of reading In your Eyewitness’s estimation, one of the reasons for all this lack of wit we’re witnessing in politics around us - and not only in Guyana - is the death of our once proud culture of reading. Now, some may say that we didn’t read much back then. But if you know our history, you’d know that really isn’t true with our first-generation politicians. Right off the bat, while the Brits made “education” perhaps too simple when they defined it as the “3Rs” - reading’; ‘riting and ‘rithmetic “: note that “Reading” was first and foremost!!

Everyone had to learn to read…and the material of the first “Royal Readers”, then “WI Readers”, then “Caribbean Readers” was carefully curated to give students a pretty wide-ranging exposure. This included poetry that had to be memorised and so could be invoked at the drop of a hat - by politicians. And made their listeners quite appreciative of the allusions. The politicians weren’t talking DOWN to them with strained definitions!!

Demon!!? How pedestrian!! …the year?

Now don’t tell your Eyewitness about the “end of the year” being nigh upon us. He expects to take it easy till the “12th day of Christmas”! And this ain’t till January 5th”!! So there!!

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman bound, beaten Teens robbed by gunman while buying food during home invasion T

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54-year-old woman who resides at Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was badly beaten on Tuesday morning when two bandits invaded her home.

Reports are that the attack on the woman, who resides alone, was carried out at about 04:20h, while she was still in bed. According to reports, the woman was awakened by a noise in her home, and as she got up to investigate, she was confronted by the suspects, who placed a cutlass to her neck.

The bandits then tied her up and relieved her of a quantity of jewelry and other items. And before they made good their escape, the perpetrators lashed the woman about her body, causing her to receive injuries.

The victim subsequently managed to untie herself and raised an alarm. She was taken to the Vigilance Police Station, where the matter was reported, before she was then accompanied to the hospital to seek medical attention. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

wo teens, one 18 and the other 19 years old, have been left traumatised after they were robbed at gunpoint by a lone armed bandit at Yong’s Chinese Restaurant at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara on Tuesday.

The robbery occurred at

about 20:15h, and according to Police, the teens were robbed of a black wallet containing $45,000, property of the 18-year-old, and a black A21s cellphone valued at $35,000, property of the 19-year-old.

Reports are that the victims were standing on

the western side of the Pouderoyen public road waiting on food they had ordered from the Chinese restaurant when the suspect, who was on the opposite side of the road, ran over and pointed a black handgun at them.

The teens were instructed not to move, as the armed

man took away their personal belongings before running away from the scene, making good his escape.

A report was subsequently made to the Police, and an investigation has been launched into the robbery, as Police continue their search for the suspect. (G9)

Mentally-ill man drives away with businessman’s car

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25-year-old man who suffers from a mental illness is now in Police custody after he reportedly drove away with a motorcar belonging to a 42-year-old businessman of Bushy Park, East Bank

Essequibo (EBE). The Police have said the car is valued at $1.9M. Reports are that at around 15:00h on Tuesday, the businessman parked his Toyota Spacio in his yard, leaving the keys in the ignition as he ventured upstairs into his house. Shortly afterwards, he returned to the yard to discover that the motorcar was missing. He immediately contacted the

Police.

Acting on information received, ranks went to Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, and found the vehicle parked in front of a home at McWatt Street, Vergenoegen. A man lying in a hammock in that yard was contacted, and he immediately admitted to taking the car.

He was told of the allegation, cautioned, and taken

into custody.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect is a patient at Dr Bhiro Harry’s clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The victim later arrived on the scene and identified the vehicle, which was handed over to him. However, damages were seen to the front left side bumper and fender. (G9)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CGX Energy demobilising well in Corentyne Block …amid swelling drilling costs for Kawa-1 well

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anada-owned oil company CGX Energy, which spud the Kawa-1 well earlier this year, is making moves to demobilise its exploration wells in the Corentyne block offshore Guyana by December 31.

According to a notice from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the demobilisation activities will continue and conclude on December 31, using drill rig MODU Maersk Discoverer.

Earlier this year, CGX Energy had said that its drill campaign, which was scheduled to kick off in the second half of 2021 with two wells being drilled in the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks, was expected to cost the company some US$90 million.

According to CGX Energy, the estimated total cost of US$90 million for its 2021 exploration programme was based on presently available information, an indication that this sum could change.

However, only recently, CGX Energy and its joint venture partner, Frontera Energy Corporation, had announced that drilling costs for the Kawa-1 well were expected to increase, since the

The MODU Maersk Discoverer drill rig being used in demobilisation activities

drilling operations were taking longer than expected.

The companies had said in their update that the cost estimate for the Kawa-1 well was now expected to be between US$115 million and US$125 million. And at the time of the update, approximately 90 per cent of the planned footage had been drilled.

The Kawa-1 well, one of the two wells that were earmarked for the Corentyne Block, was supposed to be

drilled to a depth of approximately 6500 metres in 370-metre-deep water.

“The primary target is a Santonian age, stratigraphic trap, interpreted to be analogous to the discoveries immediately to the east on Block 58 in Suriname. The prospect is named after the iconic mountain overlooking the village of Paramakatoi in the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana,” CGX had said at the time it announced the US$90 million figure.

Meanwhile, the other Makarapan-1 exploration well was to be drilled in the Demerara to a total depth of approximately 3500 metres in a water depth of approximately 1000 metres, significantly deeper water than the Kawa well.

CGX and Frontera

Energy had previously commissioned an independent report, which had revealed that they are potentially sitting on 4.9 million Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) in the Demerara and Corentyne, Guyana oil blocks.

However, the report had hastened to add that there is no certainty that the company can recover the oil, or that it is even commercially viable. According to the report, there are a total of 32 prospects in the two blocks, 27 in the Corentyne Block and five in the Demerara Block.

These prospects potentially have 4.940 million BOE un-risked and 884 million BOE in them. An unrisked prospect, however, is one where the volume of oil is predicated on the basis that everything goes as planned and the oil is commercially viable and recoverable. The report makes it clear that it cannot give such certainty.

Last year November, CGX had announced that the Government, following discussions on the drilling delays in the Corentyne

oil block, had agreed to give CGX a one-year extension until November 27, 2021, by which time the companies are expected to commence drilling in the Corentyne Block.

Additionally, the company had also revealed its decision to relinquish 24.96 acres of land at the estuary of the Berbice River that was earmarked for its deepwater project, following negotiations with the Government of Guyana.

Back in May 2019, the former Government had approved a Strategic Joint Venture between CGX Energy Inc and Frontera Energy Corporation to farm into two shallow-water offshore Petroleum Prospecting Licences for the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks – both of which are adjacent to ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block, where multiple discoveries have been made.

The farm-in joint venture allowed Frontera to acquire a 33.333 per cent working interest in the two blocks.

(G3)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GGMC acted unlawfully in awarding road rehabilitation contract – CCJ rules T

he Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) acted unlawfully when

it awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the Aremu Road in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to

Chunilall Baboolall of CB&R Mining, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has held in a written decision rendered

Following this, the GGMC shortlisted four “prequalified” entities to submit bids, but only three responded to the invitation: CB&R Mining; MMC Inc; and BK International Inc. While BK submitted the lowest bid, CB&R’s bid lacked certain important documentation.

Nevertheless, GGMC contracted with Baboolall on behalf of CB&R to execute the road rehabilitation works.

agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment.

GGMC and Baboolall appealed this decision to the Court of Appeal, but that Court agreed with the High Court and dismissed the appeal. As such, GGMC and Baboolall subsequently appealed to the CCJ. The CCJ identified three issues for determination in the case: (1) was the GGMC

Dissatisfied with GGMC’s decision, BK filed an action in the High Court to invalidate the said decision. At the High Court, GGMC argued that it was not a “procuring entity”, as defined in the Procurement Act, and was therefore not required to follow the procurement procedures set out in the Act. The statutory definition of a procuring entity included Government agencies, but GGMC argued that it was a private body in law. The High Court, however, rejected that argument, holding that GGMC was a public

a “procuring entity” under the Procurement Act? (2) was judicial review available to challenge GGMC’s decision to award the contract to Baboolall? and (3) did GGMC comply with the Procurement Act? CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, held that the GGMC was a Government agency because of three main factors: (1) the public nature of its functions; (2) the extensive ministerial control exercisable over it; and (3) the sources of its funding included inflows from the Government.

Businessman Chunilall Baboolall

on Wednesday.

On June 4, 2021, the CCJ dismissed an appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal of Guyana in the consolidated matter of GGMC vs BK International and Chunilall Baboolall; and Chunilall Baboolall v BK International and GGMC. On that date, the apex court indicated that it would give the reasons for the dismissal at a later date. The CCJ issued those reasons on Wednesday.

Summarising the judgement in a statement, the regional court said that around June 2013, GGMC invited bids through a public advertisement for the rehabilitation of the Aremu Road in Region Seven. The advertisement stated that bidding would be conducted according to the Procurement Act.

TURN TO PAGE 17

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Natural Resource Fund Bill passed amid “disruptive” and “thuggish” Opposition behaviour – Ashni Singh

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haos erupted in the National Assembly on Wednesday evening after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition began disrupting the proceedings after the Natural Resource Fund Bill was brought up for debate.

The Opposition’s behaviour, which was described as “disruptive” and “thuggish” by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, escalated into a commotion at the Speaker’s table when coalition Member of Parliament (MP), Annette Ferguson snatched the Parliament Mace that was on the Speaker’s desk.

The crowded scuffle between Opposition MPs and Parliament staff was dragged outside the Dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where National Assembly sittings are being held owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and staff of the Parliament were successful in getting possession of the Mace, but not without being assaulted by the Opposition members.

Wednesday’s events unfolded with a protest action outside the ACCC, where Opposition supporters and other stakeholders were protesting against the NRF Bill,

which has received widespread support from civil society despite being criticised by some quarters.

The National Assembly went on with its business, debating the Local Content Bill that was passed late Wednesday afternoon after hours of rigorous debates.

The session was suspended for a short break and when the sitting resumed, Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones requested that the NRF Bill be sent to a Special Select Committee to allow for “wide consultation”.

However, House Speaker Manzoor Nadir denied the request and called on Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, to move a motion for the second reading of the NRF Bill.

At this point, the Opposition MPs immediately stood up in protest and began hitting their desks.

Having recognised that 18 Opposition MPs were protesting, Speaker Nadir asked that the Opposition Chief Whip control his MPs. But the Opposition continued with its disruptive behaviour and some members even whipped out placards.

This prompted the Speaker to order coalition MPs – Tabitha Sarabo-

Halley, Sherod Duncan, Ronald Cox, Ganesh Mahipaul and Annette Ferguson – to withdraw from the Assembly.

The Speaker then went on to call on Minister Singh to proceed with his motion, but then the Opposition parliamentarians moved from their seats and gathered on the floor of the ACCC Dome, shouting slogans.

As a result, Speaker Nadir was forced to adjourn for more than an hour as the Opposition continued protesting. When the session resumed, Minister Singh began his presentation, but was greeted with the sounds of whistles which the Opposition MPs were using to interrupt him. In fact, they had gone as far as surrounding the Finance Minister on the opposite side of the room.

However, Government MPs quickly rushed to the aid of Dr Singh, who continued with his presentation even with the coalition MPs literally in his face blowing whistles. Eventually, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) MPs were able to form a human barricade around the Finance Minister as he continued with his presentation.

It was during this that

Ferguson snatched the Mace off the Speaker’s table.

Even though his voice was constantly and continually drowned out by the Opposition members who were chanting and blowing whistles, Minister Singh was able to complete his presentation.

The Finance Minister reminded that the APNU/AFC Administration “forced” its Natural Resource Bill with “indecent haste” through the Parliament at a time when it had fallen to a successful NoConfidence Motion less than a month prior.

“They rushed through the Parliament, this Natural Resource Fund Bill which is now the Natural Resource Act. And when you examine that act, you get to understand the true reason why they rushed it,” he stated.

According to Dr Singh, glaring among these is the sweeping powers that were bestowed on the Finance Minister in the coalition’s Natural Resource Bill.

to be insulated from political manoeuvring.

The PPP/C’s NRF legislation caters for the establishment of a Board of Directors to manage the country’s oil revenues.

“We came to seek parliamentary approval for the Natural Resource Fund Bill – a Bill that very substantially resembles theirs. As a matter of fact, about 21 clauses we preserved. Despite their flaws, we didn’t want to discard entirely what they brought to Parliament… But we addressed and corrected the most egregious and offensive of the clauses… the obscene ministerial overreach, etc, we addressed those.”

“Do you know why they want to delay the Natural Resource Fund Bill, no other reason than that this Bill, once enacted, will enable the utilisation of Guyana’s oil revenues to advance and accelerate Guyana’s development agenda, and they don’t want that accelerated development agenda to take place,” the Minister contended.

Nevertheless, just after the Finance Minister wrapped up his presentation and the process to commence the passage of the NRF Bill started, the live-stream feed

Reversed

Minister Singh pointed out that the PPP/C Government has reversed this by presenting Natural Resource Fund legislation that allows for oil revenues

was cut.

Speaker Nadir informed the House that the Control Room was disrupted. It is unclear whether this was a deliberate act.

Nevertheless, while the Speaker proceeded with the process to pass the Bill, the Opposition Members walked out of the Dome.

The NRF Bill was eventually passed. In fact, the House continued with the rest of the items on the agenda during which the livestream connection was restored.

Meanwhile, at the close of Wednesday’s National Assembly session, Deputy Speaker and Opposition MP, Lenox Shuman, who had joined the proceedings virtually, sought to distance himself from the events that transpired.

Shuman called the behaviour of the APNU/AFC MPs “unparliamentary”, saying that it does not set a good example for the nation.

“Leadership in itself should take a better course in resolving conflict and addressing longstanding parliamentary procedures and the constitutionality of Parliament itself,” Shuman stated. (G8)

Region 1 woman latest COVID-19 death …authorities monitoring rising cases

O

ne more person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has died, according to the Health Ministry on Wednesday.

This latest fatality is a 65-year-old female from Region One (Barima-Waini), who died on December 28, 2021. She was fully vaccinated at the time.

With this, the total number of deaths in Guyana from the virus has now gone up to 1051. Additionally, the COVID-19 death toll for the month of December is now at 52.

Meanwhile, some 87 more persons have contracted the potentially-deadly virus, taking the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana to 39,238.

But only 643 of these are currently active cases. These include six patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 637 persons in isolation – 33 in institutional isolation and the other 604 in home isolation.

There are also six more persons in institutional quarantine. In addition, there are a total of 28 persons hospitalised across the country with COVID-19 inclusive of the ICU patients.

To date, some 37,544 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease – 79 more recoveries than the figure previously reported.

Moreover, 421,110 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus to date in Guyana and of this number, 18,506 males and 20,732 fe-

males were found to be positive.

Of the 87 new cases detected on Wednesday, one was from Barima-Waini, another case from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), two from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a whopping 54 from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 17 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and the remaining 11 cases from Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

There were no new cases recorded in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

However, the 87 new cases recorded on Wednesday was more than double the number detected the previous day. As such, health authorities are monitoring this situation to determine if the surge is as a result of the holiday weekend or something more serious, especially with the Omicron variant rapidly spreading around the world.

In fact, during Wednesday’s COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said, “I suspect that might be a little bit of the backlog over the holidays. But we have to observe to see whether this is a trend and if cases are going to go up.

“I really want to urge people not to be complacent, because a lot of times people tend to be very complacent.

They feel because the numbers are dropping, we’re over the pandemic. We are not over as yet. We are a long way from being over and we really need to take all the precautions,” Dr Anthony stressed.

The Health Minister’s plea comes as the Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly across the world. In fact, the United States and Europe are detecting record cases on a daily basis.

While there is no indication that it has reached local shores, persons are still being urged to take the necessary precautions including wearing of masks and taking the vaccines, especially the boosters.

“We have to keep working on getting people vaccinated. It’s the only safe way that we can protect people,” the Minister stated.

He reiterated that the Omicron variant is highly transmissible and is spreading faster than any other variant detected since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Dr Anthony further added that “Omicron also has the capability of evading immunity”.

The COVID-19 vaccination exercise was launched back in February and so far, some 410,499 or just over 80 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 57.3 per cent or some 294,160 persons who are 18 years and older are fully immunised.

As it relates to adoles-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 29, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

87

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

33

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

604

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

6

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,732

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,506

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

39,238

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

37,544

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

410,499

FULLY IMMUNISED

294,160

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1051

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1702

REGION 2

1586

REGION 3

5203

REGION 4

18,305

REGION 5

1490

REGION 6

3736

REGION 7

1816

REGION 8

623

REGION 9

2498

REGION 10

2279

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 handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

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

cents, some 30,251 or 41.5 per cent of children between the ages of 12 and 17 have been administered first doses, with 29.6 per cent or 21, 568 of them being fully vaccinated.

Government started administering booster shots to the adult population last month and so far, about 11,065 persons have received their booster dose.

According to the Health

Minister, they have been mixing vaccines, which has been found to increase efficacy, for the administration of booster shots.

“We’ve been practising that and we are getting good results; and we will continue to do so,” Dr Anthony indicated.

Nevertheless, as more people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observ-

ing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, social distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitising.

The measures also include vaccination requirements to access any public building such as restaurants, places of worship, schools as well as Government buildings. There is also a midnight to 04:00h curfew in place. (G8)

NEWS

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NBS announces further reduction in mortgage interest rates

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he New Building Society Limited (NBS) has announced a further reduction in its mortgage interest rate. This is a decision that would apply to both current and new mortgages, and is likely to lighten the burden on homeowners.

On Wednesday, NBS explained that as of January 1, 2022, interest on loans from $6 million to $15 million would be reduced from 6.25 per cent to 5.95 per cent per annum.

Meanwhile, borrowers who qualify for low-income loans ($6M and below) would pay an interest rate of 4.00 per cent per annum.

“NBS continues to play a critical role in providing affordable mortgage loans to Guyanese, and in the process helping them to realise

their dreams of home ownership. Since April 1, 2021, NBS announced an acrossthe-board reduction in mortgage interest rates to all of

“He recognised someone there that made him feel safe” – mother of murdered man

Dead: Garfield Newton

F

amily members of the late Garfield Newton, a 40-year-old resident of Lot 545 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, who was shot dead moments after collecting several pieces of jewellery which he had taken to be cleaned at a goldsmith in Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, believe he knew his killer.

The man, who had worked as a bodyguard attached to the Beharry Group of Companies, was shot dead by three bandits.

On December 24, Garfield went to his goldsmith at Campbell Street, where he collected one silver band, one gold chain and two gold rings.

After collecting the items, he headed toward his company’s motor van, GPP 7505, which was parked on Sussex

Street, Albouystown.

However, about five minutes later, the goldsmith was informed by a teenager that Newton had been shot and was lying on the street. As a result, the goldsmith went out and saw Newton lying motionless on his abdomen.

EMTs from the Georgetown Public Hospital were summoned, and they pronounced him dead on the scene. His body was examined, and a gunshot wound was seen on his left chest.

In an interview with another section of the media, the dead man’s mother, Leona Walton-Boston, said she is of the belief that her son felt safe with the person/s who killed him, since he let his guard down.

The woman said that, knowing her son, who is into martial arts, if he knew he was in danger, he would have given the suspect/s a fight.

“He recognised somebody there that he felt safe with… he knew and felt the person knew him. That is why Garfield didn’t put himself in alert mode. He just walked right into that. They killed my son, and justice must prevail”, the woman said.

The woman has said that whoever is responsible for her son’s death must face the full brunt of the law.

“Whether friend or foe or stranger, I go on my knees every day for this. My son never hurt nobody…he worked at

the Procurement Act. For example, he said, the rejection of BK’s bid was not done in accordance with the Procurement Act. Additionally, he found that there was no proof of how CB&R, or any of the bidders for that matter, were “pre-qualified”.

CCJ Judge Jacob Wit, in a concurring judgement, added that judicial review in a constitutional democracy like Guyana must be brought under the umbrella of constitutional values and principles. Doing this, he pointed out, broadens the scope of judicial review.

Meanwhile, CCJ Judge Peter Jamadar, in a similar opinion, underscored that in

ture of the Society’s policy, which has, over the years, seen mortgage interest rates reduced from 20 per cent per annum in 1990 to the current interest rate of 5.95 per cent per annum.

“While implementing this reduction, the Society still offers the best interest rate of 2.75 per cent to all its savings account holders in the Save and Prosper category. The reduction in interest rates will aggregately put millions of dollars per annum into the pockets of borrowers, which is in keeping with our mandate to ensure that Guyanese can acquire ready and low-cost financing, and therefore become home owners.

“We salute the Government’s housing drive, and call on Guyanese to make full use of our affordable mortgage rates,” NBS also said in its statement.

Since coming to office, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has made it clear that it intends to fulfill its manifesto promise to distribute 50,000 house lots over the next five years. The Government has allocated $6 billion for enhancing infrastructure in existing housing areas. A significant sum has also been set aside for improving water service and developing new wells.

One of the measures outlined in the 2021 budget had been the increase in the loan ceiling. It is one of several measures the Government is pursuing in a bid to re-energise an economy stunned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure also goes hand in hand with the Government’s drive to deliver on its promise of 50,000 house lots within its fiveyear term. (G3)

Divisional crime officer is Region 6’s best cop …12 ranks promoted on the spot

A Wanted: Kevin Carter

Beharry for 14 years, and everybody respected him”.

Further, Boston has spoken to young Guyanese men who are involved in criminal activities and are costing families their loved ones.

She said: “These young men, your comeuppance is coming. It might be short, it might be long, but be rest assured that your comeuppance is coming”.

Following the man’s death, a wanted bulletin was issued by the Police for 18-year-old Kevin Carter, also known as “Lil Boy”, of West Ruimveldt Squatting Area, Georgetown, for questioning in relation to the murder. But up to news time on Wednesday, the teen has not yet been arrested as Police continue their investigation. (G9)

GGMC acted unlawfully...

As an agency of the Government, he said, the GGMC fell under the definition of a procuring entity in the Procurement Act, and therefore had an obligation to conduct bidding according to that Act. He found that judicial review was available to BK because GGMC was conducting a public function, that is, a road rehabilitation project, where the funding came from the Government.

After considering that BK had a legitimate expectation that GGMC would comply with the Procurement Act, Justice Anderson determined that there were several instances where the GGMC had not adhered to

its borrowers as we welcome the increase in the Society’s mortgage ceiling announced by the Government from $12M to $15M dollars. With that increase, borrowers can now build a decent and modern home,” the NBS has said.

“We have recognised that the Government has been aggressively pursuing policies and taking decisive action to improve the nation’s housing stock. This is a welcome development, and one that is pleasing to Guyanese in all walks of life. In this regard, the NBS commits itself, as an active partner, to continue to support the enhanced housing drive and delivering finance to thousands of Guyanese who will benefit from the Government’s programme,” it added.

NBS further explained that its reduction of interest rates on mortgage loans has been a consistent fea-

FROM PAGE 14

countries with written constitutions, courts must ensure that administrative decisions accord with fundamental constitutional and human rights’ values and principles.

Apart from Justices Saunders, Wit, and Jamadar, Justices Winston Anderson and Denys Barrow comprised the bench of the CCJ. Attorneys-atLaw Nikhil Ramkarran and Rebecca Khan appeared for GGMC; Edward Luckhoo, SC, and Robin Stoby, SC appeared for BK, and Attorneys-at-Law Chandrapratesh Satram, Roopnarine Satram, and Ron Motilall appeared for Baboolall.

s s i s t a n t Superintendent Jamine Bacon, who serves as the Division’s crime officer, is the best cop for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The announcement was made on Wednesday at a ceremony in New Amsterdam.

Bacon, who has been instrumental in the Division recording a four per cent reduction in serious crime for the year when compared with last year, is said to be committed and dedicated to his duty and being a leader in his capacity.

During the past year, he mobilised many teams within the Region, braving the threats and risks, and conducted several operations within the Region. The Assistant Superintendent also supported operations in other Regions which led to the dismantling of a number of criminal gangs. He has also been instrumental in the arrest and prosecution of several criminals.

In four anti-narcotics operations headed by Bacon, some 210,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value in excess of $80 million were destroyed.

The number two best cop is Detective Corporal Calwin Austin, who was not present to receive his award. He was also very instrumental in crime-fighting in the region.

Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan noted that serious crime was reduced while there was also a decrease in fatal accidents in the region.

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, in noting the challenges faced by ranks in realising a four per cent reduction in serious crime and a 48 per cent decrease in road facilities, encouraged the ranks to continue their outstanding work in enforcing law and order.

Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus handing over the Best Cop award to Assistant Superintendent Jamine Bacon

He said despite the continued challenges the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would continue to ensure it maintained its mandate of ensuring public safety and security.

“During this year, the Force has managed to maintain an effective patrol strategy and investigative capability which has resulted in a positive reduction of crime, which, as of December 27 this year, was reduced by 21 per cent when compared with the same period last year,” Hoppie said.

That achievement, he added, is significant, noting that it is the highest percentage decrease achieved over the past 10 years.

The traffic department countrywide also came in for high praise as fatal accidents declined by 32 per cent, with 125 accidents for this year compared with 285 for the same period last year.

Meanwhile, 12 ranks were promoted on the spot to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Sergeant.

Hoppie urged all ranks to be courteous and professional in their dealings with members of the public, “to improve our public image and moti-

vate public support which is a prerequisite for good policing”.

Meanwhile, Commander Ramlakhan also commissioned a new recreational facility in the compound of Central Police Station.

He pointed out that there were many mental health issues affecting society and Police Officers as a group were no exception.

“I have decided to create and enable facilities such as a gym, a canteen and a community area that will promote health and well-being.

Creating a practical wellness programme that meets the needs of enforcement agents is a social responsibility and critical for their performance as productive members of society,” the Commander pointed out.

He also noted that Police ranks work unpredictable hours which could result in mental fatigue and as such, any form of intervention would be appreciated.

“I am formally commissioning this facility with the hope that it offers added benefits to the lives and well-being of all ranks that work at this Station and its environs,” the Commander said. (G4)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Regional

Helicopter fighting fire crashes in Bolivia reports all-time record in COVID infections Argentina’s Patagonia, killing 2

A man receives the AstraZeneca vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in El Alto, Bolivia (file photo)

B

olivia reported late on Tuesday an all-time record of 4934 new cases of COVID-19, as the Omicron variant spreads worldwide but without any confirmed cases of the variant in the Andean nation. “(This is) the worst epide-

miological storm that we have lived through since the pandemic started,” said Carlos Hurtado, a top health official in Santa Cruz, the country’s most populated region and the most affected by the spread of the virus.

Bolivia is going through its

fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Its previous record number of infections had been of 3179 cases on May 25, during its third wave, according to Reuters data.

Several countries worldwide have reported all-time infection peaks in recent days due to the highly- transmissible Omicron variant, which has been detected in several other South American countries.

Cases have also risen in neighbouring Argentina, which earlier this week reported an almost six-month high of COVID infections.

About 70 per cent of Bolivians have been vaccinated against the virus. While South America is now the most-vaccinated region in the world, it also reported some of the worst death toll rates anywhere earlier in the pandemic.

(Reuters)

A

helicopter that was fighting forest fires in the rugged Patagonia region of southern Argentina crashed on Wednesday, killing two crew members, according to local press reports.

The aircraft, which had been contracted by the Government to fight the fires, fell in the area of ??Quillen, a lake located in the province of Neuquen.

More than 200 fire brigades and a dozen aircraft were fighting fires in the Nahuel Huapi National Park and other parts of Patagonia, an area known for its forests, lakes and mountains, according to local newspaper La Nacion.

Officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Federal Council for the Environment (Cofema)

and the Ministry of Environment declared a fire emergency in the area.

“We are facing a scenario that may tend to recur over time, that is to say, a period of prolonged droughts and of running dry seasons throughout the year,” the emergency declaration said, adding the situation was “most likely a result of climate change”. (Reuters)

“Christmas of our dreams” turns to nightmare as Brazil floods level homes

T&T receives medical supplies from Brazil

T

rinidad’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne has received a donation of 10,000 capsules of oseltamivir phosphate, an anti-influenza medicine, from Brazilian Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral Souza.

According to a press release from the Ministry, Minister Browne expressed sincere appreciation for the donation, noting that it was an illustration of the growth

in value of the 56-year-old relationship between the two countries to include tangible exchanges in the health sector.

The Minister also stressed that even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary not to lose sight of the non-COVID-related infections, especially those that can also lead to fatal outcomes.

Ambassador do Amaral Souza joined Minister Browne in signing the

handover certificate. The Ambassador highlighted that this pharmaceutical donation was part of the Brazilian Health Diplomacy, which will be an ongoing initiative of the Government of Brazil.

The donation follows training provided earlier this year to Trinidad and Tobago public sector professionals related to Brazil’s initiative on human milk banks and its breastfeeding programme.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Guatemalans still seek justice, 25 years after civil war’s end

Photographs of people disappeared and killed during Guatemala’s civil war are laid out at a memorial site where hundreds of remains were exhumed [Sandra Cuffe/Al Jazeera]

J

ulia Poyon was three years old when Guatemalan soldiers broke down the door to her family’s home and took her father away. Now decades later, Poyon says her only hazy memory of him is from a joyful night before his 1981 abduction.

“We went to church one night and I remember he carried me on his shoulders,” Poyon told Al Jazeera. “I remember he was wearing a hat. I can’t remember his face.”

Felipe Poyon Saquiquel was a Maya Kaqchikel farmer and catechist living in a village near San Juan Comalapa, 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Guatemala City.

When the military grabbed him out of bed on May 8, 1981, they told his wife that it was just for questioning. Poyon Saquiquel knew otherwise. “Take good care of our children,” he called out to his wife as he was hauled out the door, according to Poyon’s mother.

Never seen again, he be-

came one of an estimated 45,000 people who disappeared during the civil war that raged between the Guatemalan military and leftist guerrilla forces between 1960 and 1996.

Wednesday marks 25 years since peace accords ended the 36-year armed conflict, but the struggle for truth, justice and reparations — led primarily by Indigenous people who make up the majority of the war’s victims — continues amid fresh challenges and backlash.

“We are still seeking justice,” Poyon said after a ceremony in June on the grounds of a former military base in San Juan Comalapa, which is now home to a memorial for victims of enforced disappearances. It is also where the remains of 220 people were discovered in clandestine graves during exhumations in 20032004.

An estimated 200,000 people were killed during Guatemala’s armed conflict, including in more than 600 documented massacres around the country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Juliana Reis, 37, stands near the rubble of her home which was destroyed by floods in Itambe, Bahia state, Brazil, December 28, 2021

J

uliana Reis, a 37-yearold from the isolated Brazilian town of Itambe, was finally reuniting for Christmas with her parents after months apart due to the pandemic.

“We really hoped it would be the Christmas of our dreams,” she told Reuters on Tuesday.

Soon their reunion turned to a nightmare, however, as dramatic floods ripped through this portion of Bahia state in northeast Brazil.

Late on December 25 a dam collapsed some 27 kilometres (17 miles) away, turning the nearby Verruga

River into a violent torrent.

Reis and her parents survived only by swimming out of her house as it filled with water.

“When midnight arrived, this catastrophe happened,” she recalled of their panicked Christmas, while picking through the ruins of her now-flattened home.

“I just wanted everyone to stay alive.”

Her home was one of some 5000 destroyed in this state of 15 million.

The flooding has displaced nearly 50,000 people and killed at least 20.

The state of Bahia has been suffering from flood-

ing for weeks, as record rains followed a severe, months-long dry spell. The situation has deteriorated significantly in recent days, and more rain is forecast for some regions.

Rui Costa, Bahia’s governor, has called the floods the “worst disaster” in the state’s history and said vast swathes of the state looked as if they had been “bombarded.”

The Federal Government on Tuesday released 200 million reais (US$35.5 million) in disaster relief funds and said more was on the way. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Salvadoran ex-Prosecutor says Government quashed probe into pact with gangs

A

former senior Salvadoran anti-corruption Prosecutor said President Nayib Bukele’s Government shut down his unit’s investigation into its alleged negotiations with violent street gangs to help expand its power, as the United States steps up pressure on the Central American country over those talks.

German Arriaza, who headed an anti-corruption unit within the Attorney General’s office, said his team compiled documentary and photographic evidence that Bukele’s Government struck a deal with the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18

gangs in 2019 to reduce murder rates and help the ruling New Ideas party win legislative elections in February.

Arriaza’s comments mark the first time a former Salvadoran official has publicly accused the Bukele Government of making a deal with the gangs, which have plagued the country with often brutal murders and extortions for at least two decades. The ending of Arriaza’s investigation and his flight abroad have not been reported before.

On December 8, the US Treasury Department also claimed the talks took place and imposed sanctions on two Salvadoran

Government officials it says led them, as part of a series of similar actions to mark a democracy summit hosted by President Joe Biden.

The United States is stepping up pressure on Bukele’s Administration for what Washington says are anti-democratic practices such as a gutting of the judiciary. A US Justice Department task force that combats M-13 crime in the United States is preparing charges against the two Salvadoran officials for their alleged role in the negotiations, two sources told Reuters this month.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

19

Around the World

Omicron and Delta OILNEWS OIL NEWS COVID: driving tsunami of cases – WHO

Oil prices edge T higher as US inventories fall

O

il prices rose on Wednesday, after Government data showed US crude and fuel inventories fell last week, offsetting concerns that rising coronavirus cases might reduce demand.

Brent crude rose 29 cents to settle at US$79.23 a barrel.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 58 cents to settle at US$76.56 a barrel.

In the United States, the average number of daily confirmed coronavirus cases hit a record high of 258,312 over the last seven days, a Reuters tally on Wednesday found.

Both oil futures contracts earlier traded at their highest in a month after US Government data showed lower oil inventories.

Crude inventories fell by 3.6 million barrels in the last week to 420 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 3.1-million-barrel drop.

US gasoline stocks fell by 1.5 million barrels over the same period to 222.66 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 0.5-million-barrel rise.?

Distillate stockpiles fell by 1.7 million barrels to 122.43 million barrels, versus expectations for a 0.2-million-barrel rise, the Energy Information Authority (EIA) data showed.

"It's draws across the board which are supportive," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. "We do continue to creep up on domestic production, which is positive."

Oil prices have been underpinned by Ecuador, Libya, and Nigeria declaring forces majeures this month on part of their oil production because of maintenance issues and oilfield shutdowns.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) has resisted calls from Washington to boost output because it wanted to provide the market with clear guidance and not deviate from policy on gradual increases to production.

Investors are awaiting an OPEC+ meeting on January 4, when the alliance will decide whether to proceed with a planned production increase of 400,000 barrels per day in February.

At its last meeting, OPEC+ stuck to its plans to boost output for January despite the spread of the Omicron variant. (Reuters)

China warns of "drastic measures" if Taiwan provokes on independence

C

hina will take "drastic measures" if Taiwan makes moves towards independence, a Beijing official warned on Wednesday, adding that Taiwan's provocations and outside meddling could intensify next year.

China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory and in the past two years has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claim, fuelling anger in Taipei and concern in Washington.

China was willing to try its utmost to seek peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but would act if any red lines on independence were crossed, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office, told a media briefing.

"If separatist forces in Taiwan seeking independence provoke, exert force or even break through any red line, we will have to take drastic measures," Ma said.

Taiwan has emerged as a key factor in strained rela-

tions between China and the United States, the island's most important international backer and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

China regularly describes the island as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States. Ma said provocation by pro-independence forces and "external intervention" could grow "sharper and more intense" in coming months.

"Next year, the Taiwan Strait situation will become more complex and severe," he said. Beijing has sent repeated air missions over the Taiwan Strait in recent months to pressure Taiwan.

It has said it will not give in to threats.

While the United States recognises only one China, it is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and has long followed a policy of "strategic ambiguity" on whether it would intervene militarily to protect Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he combination of Delta and Omicron variants is driving a dangerous tsunami of COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief has said.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' words came as the US and countries across Europe reported record new cases.

France reported Europe's highest-ever daily figure for the second day in a row, at 208,000 cases.

And the US has reported a record average of 265,427 cases a day over the last week, according to Johns Hopkins.

Denmark, Portugal, the United Kingdom and

People wait outside a COVID-19 testing centre, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Manchester, Britain, December 28, 2021 [Reuters]

Australia have all also reported record-breaking figures.

Biden to hold call with Russia’s Putin on Thursday

U

S President Joe Biden will speak with his Russian counterpart ,Vladimir Putin today, the White House has announced, as the leaders work to address continuing tensions over Russia’s military build-up near Ukraine.

In a statement on Wednesday, the White House’s National Security Council said Biden and Putin would have a phone call to discuss “a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements”.

“The Biden Administration continues to engage in extensive diplomacy with our European allies and partners, consulting and coordinating on a common approach in response to Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine,” the statement said.

The announcement comes days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said

Russian diplomats and military officials would take part in talks with the United States in January on a list of security guarantees Moscow wants from Washington.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council told the AFP news agency late on Monday that those talks would take place on January 10. Moscow and NATO representatives are also expected to meet on January 12, while the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which includes Russia and the US, will address the tensions the following day.

Tensions have been simmering between Russia and Western nations in recent weeks after the Russian Government positioned tens of thousands of troops near the country’s border with Ukraine. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ghislaine Maxwell convicted of recruiting teenage girls for Epstein sex abuse

G

hislaine Maxwell was found guilty by a US jury on Wednesday of helping the late financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls, sealing a remarkable fall from grace for the British socialite.

Maxwell, 60, was accused of recruiting and grooming four teenagers between 1994 and 2004 for Epstein, her former boyfriend who killed himself in 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex abuse charges of his own.

She was convicted on five of six counts. After the verdict was read, Maxwell pulled down her face mask and poured herself a glass of water.

As members of the jury affirmed one-by-one that their

verdict was unanimous, defence attorney Jeffrey Pagliuca patted Maxwell on her upper back. An expressionless Maxwell looked briefly at two siblings seated in the front row of the audience as she left the courtroom.

Along with the trials of movie producer Harvey Weinstein and singer R Kelly, Maxwell's case is among the highest-profile trials to take place in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which encouraged women to speak out about sexual abuse by famous and powerful people.

During the trial's closing arguments in federal court in Manhattan a prosecutor said Maxwell was Epstein's "partner in crime". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Poland reported 794 COVID-related deaths on Wednesday, the highest number in its fourth wave of the pandemic. More than three-quarters of these were unvaccinated people.

Studies suggest that Omicron – which has quickly become dominant in numerous countries – is milder than the Delta variant, but far more contagious.

It is believed to be driving the surge in cases, with French Health Minister Olivier Véran telling reporters he would "no longer speak of a wave when it comes to Omicron" but a "tidal wave".

However, Dr Tedros warned it was the "twin threat" of the two variants that was behind the overall case load.

"This is and will continue to put immense pressure on exhausted health workers, and health systems on the brink of collapse," the WHO chief added.

At the moment, some 900,000 new cases are being reported around the world every day, Reuters news agency reports.

Dr Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, has told CNN Omicron infections are likely to peak at the end of January in the US, given its population size and vaccination rate. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Alaska “Icemageddon” warning follows heat record

Temperatures soared to a record 19.4C (67F) on the island of Kodiak on Sunday

T

he coldest US state of Alaska has recorded its hottest-ever December day, amid an unusual winter warm spell.

Temperatures soared to a record 19.4C (67F) on the island of Kodiak on Sunday – almost seven degrees warmer than the state's previous high.

But elsewhere in Alaska temperatures have been plunging to record lows.

In the south-eastern town of Ketchikan, temperatures dropped to -18C (-0.4F) on December 25 – one of the town's coldest Christmas Days in the past century.

The weather extremes have prompted warnings of an "Icemageddon" from authorities, as torrents of rain and snow have left ice as hard as cement coating the roads.

Experts say warm air pouring in from Hawaii has made Alaska's air – usually cold and dry during December – more moist.

This has meant heavy rain and snow storms are more

likely in interior regions, away from the balmy coastal areas.

Heavy snowfall was followed by torrential rain that left the region coated with ice as the rain quickly froze, resulting in widespread power failures, road closures, and offices being shut.

Thick ice formed on roads and made them treacherous for drivers, warned the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

"Ice is extremely difficult to remove once it has binded to the road surface.

Even though air temps were warm... roads were at sub-zero temps, which caused ice to bind to the surface," the Department said on Twitter.

The ice would likely cling to the roads until at least March or April, climate scientist Rick Thoman, of the Alaska Centre for Climate Assessment and Policy, told the BBC. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 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

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Go over money matters, and make sure you’ve taken care of anything that needs to be updated before the year ends. Leave nothing to chance or in someone else’s hands. A last-minute adjustment will pay off.

You’ve got the moves, so don’t hesitate to make things happen. Say what’s on your mind and set standards for others to follow. Don’t wait for someone to act; it’s up to you to initiate change.

You’ll have plenty of energy, so put it to good use. Take the initiative to finish what you start. Tie up loose ends and start thinking about what you want to do next.

Cut ties with abusive people.

You’ll be in the mood to make positive personal changes. Forming partnerships and putting plans in motion that bring you closer to a loved one are favored.

Leave nothing to chance.

You may want to be wild and crazy, but don’t take risks that could damage your reputation. Concentrate on activities that lead to personal growth, self-improvement and less drama.

Get together with friends or spend quality time with a loved one. Discuss your plans and prepare to head in a direction that ensures stability and personal security. Don’t overreact or make assumptions.

Reevaluate your life and eliminate what no longer matters to you. Beginning the new year with a plan will lead to a brighter future.

Stop hesitating; let go of the past and move forward.

A creative pastime will spark your interest. Consider taking a course or developing something that brings you joy. Don’t limit your potential; take advantage of your assets and capabilities.

SAGITTARIUS Don’t be fooled by what others say. Verify infor(Nov. 23mation before you pass it Dec. 21) along. Concentrate on getting things done. Don’t share personal information with anyone who could use it against you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- NARRATES

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

Don’t hesitate; if there is something you want to change, do so with enthusiasm. Use your power of persuasion to enlist the help of others. Romance is on the rise.

Keep your life simple and your overhead low. Spend time working on a schedule that will help you get in shape. Be ready to take on new adventures. Hard work and dedication will pay off.

Tag along with someone who shares your interests, (Feb. 20and you’ll get a different perMarch 20) spective regarding what’s possible. Don’t hesitate to let your intuition lead the way.

Unleash your creativity.

PISCES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

21

India v South Africa: 1st Test…

Bumrah's late strikes tilt game India's way

Dean Elgar raising his bat after scoring a half-century

I

ndia's irresistible seam attack worked their way around a stubborn Dean Elgar and left the visitors six wickets away from victory at SuperSport Park. In pursuit of 305, South Africa were 94 for 4 at close on a track that was still offering sideways movement.

More than that, it was the uneven bounce that proved an everpresent threat to the batters. Jasprit

Jasprit Bumrah celebrating after dismissing Rassie ven der Dussen

Bumrah got balls to kick up from a length, Mohammed Shami from short of a length, and Mohammed Siraj from various lengths. Late in the day, a length ball from Shardul Thakur rolled through at shin-height, but Elgar stooped low enough to keep it out.

Rassie van der Dussen was fairly organised in defence, until the final exchanges, when he shouldered

arms to an inducker from Bumrah that clanked the top of off.

Bumrah then yorked Keshav Maharaj, the nightwatchman, off what turned out to be the last ball of the day. Elgar, meanwhile, was unbeaten on 52 at stumps.

When the seamers erred too full or too straight, a switched-on Elgar put them away confidently with checked drives and flicks. One such

BE CAREFUL!

…Dehring warns T20 World Cup organisers to be prudent with spending

C

hris Dehring, who spearheaded the region’s hosting of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) 50-over World Cup in 2007, has said organisers should guard against exorbitant expenditure and communication pitfalls for the 2024 Twenty20 (T20) global showpiece.

“By and large, the experience and lessons learned from hosting both CWC [Cricket World Cup] 2007 and T20 2010 include both protecting against overspending on physical facilities and communication errors,” he told the Jamaica Observer after Cricket West Indies (CWI) and United States Cricket were last month named joint hosts for the 2024 T20 tournament.

“The quality and availability of now highly experienced events managers and administrators coming out of hosting those events should mitigate most challenges,” the Jamaican entrepreneur has said.

West Indies hosted its first-ever global ICC tournament in 2007, which was followed by its staging of the men’s and women’s T20 World Cup in 2010. In 2018, the Caribbean welcomed the women’s T20 World Cup, and the region is scheduled to stage its first-ever Under-19 World Cup next month.

Dehring, who was chief executive officer for the 2007 50over World Cup, said financial outlay should be targeted and guided by sound analysis to optimise revenueearning potential.

“To avoid overspending, be very specific and empirical about the objectives of hosting and the desired results. Planning and execution need to be cohesive.

For instance, if tourism is expected to be enhanced, any expenditure has got to be matched back with a specific tourism plan and expected results,” he said.

In underlining the hazards of clouded communication, Dehring said the 2007 World Cup’s list of prohibited and restricted items

Chris Dehring

created a misconception which became virtually impossible to reverse.

“Communication needs to be simple and adapted to local customs and nuance. One example I recall was when we used the term ‘Prohibited and Restricted List’ to define what items could be brought into a stadium. For instance, guns are prohibited (banned), while ice coolers were restricted (based on size).

“The P & R List was standard terminology used at all major sporting events, but we had never hosted such an event in the region before, and the public, including local media, interpreted everything on the P & R list as ‘banned’. And the confusion which ensued was hard to contain and correct once it started.

You still hear people talking about music and musical instruments being ‘banned’ for CWC 2007, which of course it wasn’t,” he explained.

The 2024 T20 World Cup is to be the first major ICC event staged in the United States, a country which has a huge market driven by millions of cricket-loving Asian migrants.

Dehring has said he believes the US market heavily influenced the successful co-hosting bid.

“Undoubtedly, the potential of the US market would have contributed. Few realise that the US market constitutes a very

large cricket market and fan base, evidenced by the fact that it was [responsible for] the second largest TV rights and ticket sales in CWC 2007 staged in the Caribbean.

“The T20 version is ideal for continued growth of the product in the US. This is also strategic to aspirations of becoming an Olympic sport, which is a stated aim of the ICC,” he said.

The former cricket executive has said the board should position itself to benefit both financially and in terms of development.

He explained that CWI should strategically use Jamaica, a popular tourist destination located in the northern Caribbean and with geographic proximity to the US, to its advantage in sharing hosting responsibilities.

“CWI can use this opportunity to build back a fan base for future tours and events. The significance of Jamaica cannot be overemphasised.

With three million people, we represent half of the entire population of the English-speaking Caribbean, which is its remit.

“That market [is waning] and interest continues to wane. This cannot be good for WI cricket, and hosting the T20 WC between the US and Jamaica can start the process to address this issue. There is no product that shouldn’t prioritise its largest market,” Dehring told the Observer.

“Joint hosts share the burden of hosting while taking advantage of the scale and advantages each brings by way of potential fan base, etcetera. The disadvantage [faced

by CWI] will be the challenge to ensure an equitable division of the blue riband events within the event, for example India matches, [and] the final, given the financial clout of the US. “The importance financially of the US could give them significant leverage with the ICC in negotiating specific match hosting rights,” he said. (Jamaica Observer)

flick, off Siraj, got him past fifty.

Shami, who excelled with a fivewicket bag on day three, got the new ball along with Bumrah, ahead of Siraj. He made it count immediately with a delightful set-up. His first ball to Aiden Markram was full enough for the drive, and snagged the outside edge, but it didn't carry to Rishabh Pant. The second was shorter, and seamed away to graze the outside edge once again, but this didn't carry either, falling short of gully. Having scrambled Markram's judgement with the first two balls, he made the incision with the third that veered in and had the opener chopping on for 1.

Keegan Petersen clipped Shami through midwicket, and caressed him down the ground for fours, but Siraj came on and bested him with a set-up of his own. After pinning Petersen just above the knee-roll with an inswinger - it was bouncing over the stumps - Siraj found the outside edge with an outswinger.

Elgar then got together with van der Dussen, and briefly repelled India's attack with a 40run partnership for the third wicket.

Bumrah, however, seized the day with his terrific double-strike.

Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen had thrived earlier in the day, sharing eight wickets between them to bowl India out for 174 from an overnight 16 for 1. It was Pant, who top-scored for India, with a run-aball 34, swelling the lead beyond 300.

In a rollicking passage of play, Pant advanced at Wiaan Mulder and swatted him over mid-off with one hand. He cracked Jansen over point, and pulled Rabada to the midwicket boundary. However, when Pant walked at Rabada and aimed another pull, the quick benefited from a bit of extra bounce and had him flapping a catch to mid-on.

Thakur, India's nightwatchman,

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 2ND INNINGS KL Rahul c Elgar b Ngidi 23 Mayank Agarwal c †de Kock b Jansen 4 Shardul Thakur c Mulder b Rabada 10 Cheteshwar Pujara c †de Kock b Ngidi 16 Virat Kohli (c) c †de Kock b Jansen 18 Ajinkya Rahane c van der Dussen b Jansen 20 Rishabh Pant † c Ngidi b Rabada 34 Ravichandran Ashwin c Petersen b Rabada 14 Mohammed Shami c Mulder b Rabada 1 Jasprit Bumrah not out 7 Mohammed Siraj b Jansen 0 Extras (b 17, lb 4, nb 6) 27 TOTAL (50.3 Ov, RR: 3.44) 174 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Mayank Agarwal, 5.1 ov), 2-34 (Shardul Thakur, 12.5 ov), 3-54 (KL Rahul, 22.3 ov), 4-79 (Virat Kohli, 32.1 ov), 5-109 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 37.1 ov), 6-111 (Ajinkya Rahane, 38.5 ov), 7-146 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 45.1 ov), 8-166 (Rishabh Pant, 47.3 ov), 9-169 (Mohammed Shami, 49.2 ov), 10-

was the first to be dismissed on day four, also undone by irregular bounce off the bowling of Rabada. Rahul, India's first-innings centurion, continued to show impeccable judgment outside off, before Lungi Ngidi found extra bounce and bested him.

Ngidi could've had Cheteshwar Pujara on 4, had Rabada not shelled a fairly straightforward catch at midwicket. Pujara added 12 to his tally before Ngidi had him caught by the keeper down the leg side.

Jansen sliced through the middle order, removing both Virat Kohli (18) and Ajinkya Rahane (20). For the second time in the Test match. Kohli went searching

174 (Mohammed Siraj, 50.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kagiso Rabada 17-4-42-4 Lungi Ngidi 10-2-31-2 Marco Jansen 13.3-4-55-4 Wiaan Mulder 10-4-25-0 SOUTH AFRICA 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 305 RUNS) Aiden Markram b Mohammed Shami 1 Dean Elgar (c) not out 52 Keegan Petersen c †Pant b Mohammed Siraj 17 Rassie van der Dussen b Bumrah 11 Keshav Maharaj b Bumrah 8 Extras (lb 1, nb 4) 5 TOTAL (40.5 Ov, RR: 2.30) 94/4 Yet to bat: Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock †, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Aiden Markram, 1.3 ov), 2-34 (Keegan Petersen, 14.1 ov), 3-74 (Rassie van der Dussen, 36.4 ov), 4-94 (Keshav Maharaj, 40.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 11.5-2-22-2 Mohammed Shami 9-2-29-1 Mohammed Siraj 11-4-25-1 Shardul Thakur 5-0-11-0 Ravichandran Ashwin 4-1-6-0

for a ball that finished wider than a set of stumps outside off, and edged a drive. As for Rahane, he motored along to 20 off 22 balls, before holing out to deep square leg. Having taken Jansen for 4,6,4, including a hooked six in the 37th over, Rahane hooked again in Jansen's next over, although halfheartedly, and couldn't control it this time.

India's lower order and then South Africa's top order spiralled out of control during extended sessions. There's forecast for some rain on the final day, but despite that threat, India will fancy their chances of going 1-0 up.

Paralysed jockey Freddy Tylicki calls for harsher penalties after fall

F

reddy Tylicki has called for harsher penalties for jockeys who ride dangerously after a fall left him paralysed from the waist down.

Last week, a judge ruled that fellow former jockey Graham Gibbons was responsible for the fall in 2016. Gibbons has denied negligence and causing the injuries to Tylicki.

“Harder punishment for reckless riding would be much the way forward. That would send the right signal,” Tylicki, 35, told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It would make the sport a cleaner and safer environment.”

Tylicki brought a £6m damages claim against Gibbons over the incident at Kempton in October 2016, and at the end of November, a five-day hearing was held at the High Court in London.

Judge Karen Walden-Smith ruled that, on the balance of probabilities, Gibbons’s actions during the race were “undertaken in reckless disregard for the safety of Mr Tylicki”.

A second trial will deal with the damages to be awarded, unless agreed between the parties.

Tylicki added: “I hope things will

get better. With everything that’s happening now, in the long run, I hope it’ll make the sport a safer and cleaner environment for everyone to compete in. That’s my main aim with this. It gives me plenty of closure and, from this, I’d like to move on and do the best I can with my life.”

Tylicki continues to work in horse racing as a broadcaster and a bloodstock agent.

On dealing with no longer being a rider, he said: “It broke my heart, at the beginning, to see my colleagues walk by me and do the job I used to love to do. Now I can’t even walk any more, never mind riding a horse.

“It took a long time for me to accept these things. It made me sad - it still does now most days but there’s nothing I can do about it now. It’s a case of getting on with life as best as possible, and making the most of it.”

In a statement, the British Horseracing Authority said: “We will consider the High Court judgement in detail and carefully assess what implications it may hold for British racing, in discussion with industry stakeholders.

“The full transcript of the hearing will also allow us to consider any of the other relevant matters which were raised over the course of the hearing.” (BBC.COM)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CWI fitness testing is inconsistent!

- says former batting coach Toby Radford

Some Guyanese players in a recent fitness Test

By Brandon Corlette

F

itness has been the talk of the town, more so now than even since the 2021 T20 World Cup. Cricket West Indies’ minimum fitness requirement for the yo-yo test is level 40, and certain-

ly some of the players that were present at the T20 World Cup could not make that minimum requirement.

This is where the medical exemptions come into play.

These exemptions would have allowed certain play-

ers to represent the West Indies. Former West Indies batting coach Toby Radford has described this fitness testing as inconsistent and as an excuse for certain players to be selected and others not to be selected.

“I do not think there is a consistency with the fit-

ODI cancellation disrupts Ireland prep for Windies series

ness testing and the way it has been used. It seems to me (that) if they want to pick a player, they give a wavier to a certain player, if they do not want to pick a certain player, they give the excuse that the guy is not fit,” Radford disclosed on Tuesday’s Mason and Guest radio programme.

After the T20 World Cup squad was selected, the former Lead Selector of the West Indies men’s team, Roger Harper, disclosed that the likes of Sherfane Rutherford, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Sunil Narine and Odean Smith failed to meet CWI fitness standards.

Despite that statement, those players played cricket in various T20 leagues around the world, their participation raising the eyebrows of the general public

in relation to their fitness.

Former West Indies batting coach Toby Radford has said there is no proof that these players had done the fitness test. “And there is no proof of when the test was done, or how it was done. I hear a lot of different stories, and I am in touch with some players. I do not think it is about consistency, if they want to get a player in, they waive the fitness test, and if they don’t want to get a player in, they blame the fitness test and use that as an excuse.”

The Englishman has suggested that everyone should be tested at the same time in order for there to be fairness. “I don’t think it is a hard and consistent method for selecting and non-selecting. We have

seen, with the T20 World Cup, (that) there were people (that went to the World Cup) that did not past the fitness test. I would like to see an above-board, robust selection process. If you are going to use fitness, you have to be consistent with it. Everyone has to be treated the same way, tested the same way. At the moment, it has been used to (select) whoever they (CWI) want to select,” Radford said.

According to CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams, there are four reasons why exemptions are granted to players. “One is age, one is training history, one is injury history, and one has to do with physiological issues; and in any one of those four areas, exceptions might be granted to players.”

NBA Roundup...

Jokic leads Nuggets past fast-finishing Warriors

I

reland’s preparation for next month’s whiteball series against the West Indies hit a major snag on Tuesday with the cancellation of the One-Day International (ODI) series against the United States, following COVID-19 positive test results in the touring party.

Only hours after pushing back Tuesday’s opening ODI to Wednesday as a precaution, Cricket Ireland and USA Cricket agreed to scrap the series “over COVIDrelated concerns”, after two members of Ireland’s support staff tested positive, as well as the partners of several players.

Two players have also been categorised as “close contacts”, but all players of the playing squad have returned negative COVID results.

The latest development comes on the heels of a positive test by a match official, which claimed the opening match of the series, carded for Boxing Day. With Ireland scheduled to fly out to Jamaica on New Year’s Eve for the West Indies series starting on January 8 in Jamaica, Cricket Ireland’s High Performance Director Richard Holdsworth has said “difficult decisions” have had to be taken.

“The decision has been a difficult one to make, but clearly, (it is) the right outcome from a player and staff health and safety perspec-

R tive,” Holdsworth has said.

“While there are no positive COVID results among the Irish players, we have had two support staff test positive, and a number of travelling partners and family members also testing positive. This has meant two players within our playing ranks being deemed ‘close contacts’, and have been isolating while they are further tested and monitored.”

He continued: “From a broader perspective, consideration had to be given to the current series as well as the second leg of our tour.

We need to be mindful of travel requirements for entering Jamaica and meeting Cricket West Indies COVID protocols.

Over the coming days, we will prioritise the health

and safety of our players and staff, and work with local officials in ensuring our people are well looked after – whether preparing to travel onward to Jamaica, or having to remain in Florida a little longer in isolation.”

The ODI series against United States, which followed a successful staging of the two-match Twenty20 International series last week, is Ireland’s final match preparation before they take on West Indies in three ODIs and a one-off T20I at Sabina Park.

Ironically, West Indies’ three-match ODI series against Pakistan earlier this month in Karachi was also scrapped following a COVID-19 outbreak in the Caribbean side’s camp.

(CMC)

eigning MVP Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets with a double-double as they withstood the Golden State Warriors’ second-half charge to win 89-86 on Tuesday.

MVP contender Stephen Curry only managed two first-half points as the Warriors produced arguably their worst half of the season, before storming back in the second half to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

Jokic, who had 22 points, 18 rebounds and five assists, made a key defensive stop on rookie Jonathan Kuminga after his own turnover at 88-86 before Andre Igoudala missed a three-point attempt on the buzzer to force over-time.

Curry’s output increased dramatically in the second half to finish with 23 points, including five triples, as the Warriors reeled in the Nuggets after trailing by 24 points. The Warriors’ twotime MVP had six turnovers for the game.

However, Curry also reached another milestone with his 3,000 career threepoint attempt made, mark-

ing 157 straight games with a triple.

Andrew Wiggins scored 21 points with eight rebounds with the Warriors without Draymond Green, who entered COVID-19 protocols this week. The result means the ladder-leading Warriors fall to 27-7, while the Nuggets improve above .500 to 17-16.

LeBron and Russ end Lakers’ skid

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook both recorded triple-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers ended their five-game skid with a 132-123 victory over the Houston Rockets. James had 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, while Westbrook added 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points with six rebounds and six assists in his second game since returning from COVID-19 protocols, while Bobby Portis nailed five three-pointers in his 19-point haul as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 127-110.

Joel Embiid had 36

points with 11 rebounds, while Tobias Harris (19 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) recorded a rare triple-double as the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the Toronto Raptors 114-109.

Randle loses handle in offence

Last season’s Most Improved Player, Julius Randle, continues to struggle to re-discover his offensive games, shooting five of 20 from the field and having only two assists in the New York Knicks’ 9688 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Sportsmax)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

S

ome of the top Guyanese players continued their preparation for the upcoming Regional 4-Day tournament that is set for February 2022.

The likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Leon Johnson, Kevin Sinclair and Vishaul Singh were among the big names present.

Before the Regional 4-Day tournament bowls off in Barbados, for the Guyanese men, two 4-Day matches are tentatively set to play at Albion, from January 5, 2022.

Under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Esuan Crandon and Assistant Coach Ryan Hercules, the players had some fitness drills and intense net sessions at the historic Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. The experienced level three Coach, Crandon said the objective is to get the players out in the middle since it is difficult to get a venue in Demerara, with some

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

venues being used to prepare for the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup. "We see it fit to bring the guys at Albion. The conditions is very good here, the guys did not had a lot of time to prepare the pitches but it is getting better and I am sure the guys appreciate the time they spent here. They would have had the opportunity to develop their skills, so I think it has been a really good session, and the guys came and put in the work," Crandon noted.

While most of the players were in playing a lot of cricket, some were involved in competitive cricket, but Crandon said the main aim is to get them into the right frame of mind for 4-Day cricket, where they want to bat for long periods.

Guyana Jaguars contracted players are: Kelvon Anderson, Christopher Barnwell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Leon Johnson, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Anthony Bramble, Keon Joseph.

(Brandon Corlette)

T

wo monumental showdowns on Tuesday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) decided the first two semifinalists in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) Futsal tournament.

Close margins at the half were the common trend on Tuesday night at the Homestretch venue, and the fans were quite enthralled with this factor, which made for an animated resumption after a break over the Christmas weekend.

In the first two quarterfinal fixtures of the tournament, Leopold Street and Bent Street overcame their respective opponents Renegades and Back Circle in two electrifying matches.

Leopold and Renegades were locked at a 2-2 score by halftime, following Leopold strikes from Darron Niles and Daren Benjamin and Renegades goals from Kevin Dundas and Leo-Orion Lovell.

By this time, the crowd ooed and aahed with every shot at the goal, as Daren Benjamin finally connected Leopold’s third. Darron Niles then extended the lead with a classy shot near the corner, but Jamal Pereira was swift with the reply for Renegades.

Just when Renegades

Leopold St have cemented their spot in the semifinal

got into their rhythm and looked like they would level the game, Benjamin found the back of the net once again, to secure his hattrick and push Leopold’s score to 5. By this time, Renegades appeared to have given up, and in the dying minutes of the game, Benjamin completed his helmet-trick to seal a 6-3 win for Leopold.

In the following encounter, Bent Street stayed true to their legacy, thumping Back circle 7-4. After the first whistle had sounded, Stephan McLean and Stephon Reynolds found the back of the net to give Back Circle two goals in the first half. Meanwhile, Jermin Junor, Daniel Wilson and William Europe netted one

goal apiece to give Bent Street the edge and set up an intriguing second half.

In the second segment, Back Circle’s Selwyn Williams got in an early goal, and Rashaun Ritch added to their tally later on. However, Bent Street had a one-man show in the form of Jermin Junor. The highly experienced player found the back of the net 4 more times to extend Bent Street’s score to a victorious 7.

The Futsal action will continue at the same venue on Thursday, December 30, with a clash between Gold is Money and North East at 8pm, while Sparta Boss and Berbice All Stars will lock horns from 9.30pm.

23

Coach Esuan Crandon sharing knowledge with Clinton Pestano (Brandon Corlette photos)

GBBFF Boss pleased with work put in for National Seniors Championships

… first Novice/Mr Linden Classic 2022 competition on the cards

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation recently concluded a highly successful National Seniors Championships on December 19, 2021. The lucrative event saw Darious Ramsammy walking away as the new Mr Guyana.

President of the GBBFF, Keavon Bess, is proud of the work the GBBFF has put in, and is looking forward to better things in 2022.

According to Bess, preparing for the competition was difficult as it pertained to the uncertainty of securing the venue, participation, and even sponsorship. He related that once they were able to get the uncertainties out of the way, the GBBFF were confident that they would have a competition.

Bess believes that everything went according to plan, and that preparing for the competition was the easy part, but the uncertainty brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic was the main issue.

In terms of his most difficult experience, Bess said, “I think my most difficult experience would be securing a live audience at the National Cultural Centre. That took a lot of back-and-forth with the relevant authorities just to ensure that we were going to be in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth. But once we were past that, even though it came in a bit late as to if we could have an audience or not, which came in late, once

that information was in hand, we ran with it and were still able to sell out our tickets” Bess posited.

Bess further explained that, for him, the most memorable moment from the Seniors Championship was being able to work with a dynamic team that aided in the competition being a success. He gave special mention to Organising Secretary Videsh Sookram, the Treasurer, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, General Secretary, all of whom he said treated that assignment with great significance despite their all being volunteers on the committee.

He further reiterated that there was much dedication by the executive, which will be the most memorable moment for him, as well as the fact that they were able to gain sponsorship to provide incentives to the athletes.

As it pertains to what’s next on the GBBFF’s agenda, Bess has said the federation would be focusing on the Novices competition along with the Mr Linden Classic, which are scheduled to be held in Linden on the same night. However, he explained that before anything else happens, the GBBFF will turn their attention to some inhouse constitutional obligations which have to be fulfilled. After that, it would be smooth sailing into the Novices, followed by the Intermediate competition, and then to CAC in Barbados, followed by the Mr Guyana Competition at the end of the year.

Part of the action at the recently concluded National Seniors Championships

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

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

Page 23

It wouldn’t be a Futsal semifinal without Bent Street participating

Page 23

… first Novice/Mr Linden Classic 2022 competition on the cards Page 23

Keemo Paul preparing to take a catch as Hetmyer et al look on (Brandon Corlette photo)

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