Guyana Times -- Thursday, February 3, 2022

Over 200 persons benefit from CIOG's medical outreach in Linden P16

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

Issue No. 4909

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

2 killed, 6 injured in horrific Mahaica accident after highspeed Police chase Dead: Christopher Bhagwandat

Dead: Shereeda Persaud

Page 9

…as 21-year-old flees Police with teen girlfriend in car

“No Government has all the answers” – President Ali to religious leaders Page 3

…says religious community must lead way in promoting social harmony

Nicolette APNU/AFC exposed Henry for financial resigns as mismanagement …record highlights Central Bank overdrafts, emptied gold coffers – Indar MP School reopening in Guyana in line with int’l practice …slams APNU/AFC for opposing – Education Minister …says Govt to unveil free lessons 2022 Budget debate

Page 15

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Teen drowned after canoe capsizes P13

Man found not guilty of raping 10-year-old P10 … daughter “not telling the truth” – mother says in statement

Court dismisses company’s claim on East Street ‘parking P11 lot’

5 more P17 COVID-19 deaths recorded in Region 4 CCJ affirms importance of imposing, maintaining P14 CET …in ruling on case filed by Belize against T&T Govt

See story on page 7

…way now paved for Granger to decide on Aubrey Norton's appointment to Parliament

See story on page 2

Surinamese nabbed with guns, ammo at P15 ‘backtrack’

2 NEWS School reopening in Guyana in line with int’l practice – Education Minister THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…slams APNU/AFC for opposing …says Govt to unveil free lessons

M

aking it clear that the Government will continue to keep schools open and has, in fact, been reopening schools in a manner that follows international practice, Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday lambasted the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition for opposing school reopening.

The Minister was at the time making her contribution to the 2022 Budget debate on Wednesday. She assured that the Government would, at some point in time, provide free lessons to the entire school population, through the Learning

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Channel and radio. She said this was catered for in the Budget. What Government will not do, however, is close schools again, lest more stu-

dents are negatively impacted in their schooling.

According to Manickchand, the APNU/ AFC has made conflicting statements when it comes to whether schools should be reopened or not, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that in one instance, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) lamented in the National Assembly the difficulties of online learning and poor Internet connections, while in another instance they called for the schools to be closed.

“The APNU/AFC does not believe in the opening of schools. You heard it here, close down the schools… we closed schools here in March 2020, just like the rest of the world. At that time, 109 countries endured countrywide school closures. By September 2020, just after (former Education Minister Nicolette Henry) left office, only 40 countries were still under countrywide closure.”

“By November 2020, 30 countries. Guyana was not one of those countries. By September, 22 countries.

By November 2021, eight countries in the world had their entire school population closed and by January 2022, three countries in this world remained closed,’ Manickchand said.

Social distancing being enforced in the classroom after school reopened

According to Manickchand, it is, therefore, backward thinking to advocate for schools to be closed at a time when it is important for students to be integrated back into the school system, lest they fall through the cracks. She gave some statistics closer to home.

“Our reopening has been very consistent with how the world behaved during the pandemic. We, on November 9, 2020, partially reopened for the higher grades. Then,

by June 2021, we opened for Grade Six.” “Then by September, we reopened for everybody, but on a rotational basis.

January 2022, we reopened for 8 to 11… we had to be resolute and close our minds to the noise, and do what was best for our children.

Up to two weeks ago, they (APNU/AFC) issued a statement: close all the schools.”

The minister noted that statistically speak-

ing, vast numbers of students who would otherwise have written the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams were not able to write it.

This is compounded by the social problems these students face.

“Here, the highest number the Ministry has recorded, more than 70 children pregnant. A particular secondary school reported yesterday that while its Grade 10 has 130 students registered on its roll, five have registered for CSEC,” she said.

“Right here in Guyana in 2020, 11,946 registered to write CXC and 494 were absent. In 2021, out of 9823, 553 were absent. You are risking losing these kids forever,” the Education Minister said.

In September of last year when schools reopened for face-to-face learning, the Education Ministry had announced it would be utilis-

ing the Guyana Diagnostics Assessment and consolidated curriculum to ensure that students were abreast in the given modalities and subject areas, given the impact brought on by the coronavirus disruptions.

It was expected to include content, teaching strategies and assessments for students. The consolidated curriculum is not a new tool, but the same one teachers are exposed to. However, it is “tightening” the existing curriculum, bearing no compromises but simply seeking to effectively utilise time to meet grade-level objectives up to Grade Nine.

APNU/AFC is not the only group to call for schools to be closed. Similar calls have been made by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), whose President Mark Lyte officially called on the Education Ministry to close schools for 14 days amid a COVID-19 surge. (G3)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, February 3 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, February 4 – 23:59h-06:00h (Saturday).

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, February 3 – 05:50h-07:20h and Friday, February 4 – 06:25h-07:55h.

“No Government has all the answers” – President Ali to religious leaders …says religious community must lead way in promoting social harmony

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected during the day, with partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:06h and 18:22h reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 11:55h reaching a minimum height of 0.55 metre.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing more than 50 religious leaders from North America on Wednesday

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$88.96/barrel

Rough Rice

$277.11/ton

-0.13

London Sugar

$489.20/ton

+ 0.12

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-0.57

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1808.50

$1809.50

Low/High Change

$1794.20 +2.10

$1811.90 +0.12%

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said that no Government has all the answers while telling the religious community that it has a vital role to play in Guyana.

He was at the time addressing a virtual meeting with more than 50 religious leaders from North America.

The Head of State said that his government’s ‘One Guyana’ vision was about promoting greater inclusion at the legislative, political and social levels.

“No Government has all the answers. It is my wish to be able to benefit from the viewpoints of all, including our political parties, trade unions, Private Sector, workers and social organisations. “One Guyana” is, therefore, a social contract of inclusion,” the Head of State was quoted by the Press and Publicity Unit within the Office of the President as saying.

Ali reiterated that the “One Guyana” vision was about creating a more equal society, guarantee-

ing that everyone was afforded the opportunity to lead productive and happy lives as well as reducing inequality in access to education, health, employment, income, and justice.

“One Guyana’s vision, in this regard, aims to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence and with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law,” the President said.

Important to realising the vision, he added, is building an environment of trust.

He further explained

that the One Guyana Commission, which will be established, seeks to give voice and recognition to all social groups in our society regardless of political affiliation, race, religion, or gender.

During the interactive session, President Ali emphasised that while the vision encompasses the entirety of Guyana, the Diaspora is also included.

As such, he pledged to continue to engage with them not only to tap into their skills for national development but to ensure greater integration in na-

tional decision-making.

He added that under the One Guyana vision, all would benefit from Guyana’s resources and social groups including women, Indigenous peoples and young people would be empowered.

President Ali acknowledged the important role the religious community has to play in fashioning the” One Guyana” vision and said that he was ready to work with them.

“You are the custodians of morality, and you can help people to appreciate their moral and social obligations. The religious community also must lead the way in promoting social harmony, particularly through encouraging greater tolerance and understanding and through respect for our multicultural diversity,” he said.

He also told the religious leaders that he would continue to engage with them and would look to address any concerns that may arise. The leaders assured the Head of State that, as a community, they would make their contributions and stand behind the vision of “One Guyana”.

Following the discourse, an outcome document will be prepared and shared with the President to guide further discussions.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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

Minibus operation and welfare of commuters

U

nacceptable attitudes of many of the minibus operators have been a sore point over the years, and seem to have worsened despite pleas from the public. Sadly, it’s not just one area of concern, but is wide-ranging within the service they provide and to other road users.

Much has been said about the loud and lewd music which all, including schoolchildren, are forced to endure on a daily basis. There is no respite, and any objection by commuters is met with disdain, disrespect, and wanton abuse in many cases.

It appears that there is no consideration by these uncaring operators that they depend on the commuters for their livelihood.

In a country that is slowly becoming more service-oriented, those who buy are given due importance as competitiveness increases. Maybe the time for competitiveness in public transportation, which many believe has passed, is now. The provision of this service is bread and butter for the operators and many owners; however, safety for road users and the provision of a better service cannot be continually disregarded.

In an age when the wheel is no longer invented, lessons can be leant from some Caribbean countries that have had the service regularised. Templates can be borrowed from countries that have both private and Government-operated services. The power of choice not just empowers, in this case commuters, but brings competition that generally redounds in better services.

Of course, there is for some the argument of preference for what is currently provided by the minibus operators. The bottom line is that they do not speak for everyone. Those who have been shamed for speaking up against loud and profanitylaced music crave for a service or system that would bring them much-needed relief. Same for the elderly, same for those with illnesses, and same for those who are harassed and pressured, sometimes physically, into a minibus.

Some commuters, based on knowledge, tend to choose the minibus they wish to travel in, so as to reduce the likelihood of being exposed to the blaring music, and to some extent avoid being subjected to indiscriminate driving. But sometimes circumstance may not allow for this - given urgencies, weather, and other related factors. There is also the scenario of the appearance of a “peaceful” minibus before the journey commences, but afterwards the music booms, trapping commuters. While some would disembark, others may not for good reasons.

In fairness to operators, some are trying to provide a proper service, have shown respect to commuters, and abide by traffic laws. They would have, over time, highlighted challenges faced, including that from touts. While one expectation would be for them to be more vociferous and to advocate for change from within, it appears that the odds are stacked against them. They face peer pressure and pressure to meet their daily target by influential owners of some minibuses, making it difficult for change from within.

Inappropriate mode of dress, running red lights, speeding, not returning change, some drinking while driving, cutting dangerously into the path of other drivers, demanding with their hands out that they must pass or get in front, carrying way in excess of the number of passengers legally allowed, and using roads that are not authorised as per their road service are some of the indiscretions commuters and other road users are forced to endure from some minibus operators.

Importantly, continuous exposure to high-decibel sound is a health risk, and this should be of concern to the relevant authorities with respect to the wellbeing of commuters. This is another front that can be used to bring some order to the situation. The seat-belt law and no smoking in public places are two important initiatives for safeguarding public safety and health that have been implemented.

What prevents a policy decision on loud music in public transportation? What prevents other policy decisions to holistically regularise the minibus situation? Regularisation must be driven by the dire need to raise the standard of service and safety. It must not only be important for the creation of friendly and caring image to tourists, but fundamentally to Guyanese who daily toil and make sacrifices here to pay requisites fares.

The overriding consideration must be for the welfare of the commuters, and if that is taken on board, much-needed change can be forthcoming without the need for lessons from elsewhere.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips was on Wednesday honoured as an outstanding past student of the Inter-American Defense College. During a courtesy visit by the Director of the institution, Major General James Taylor, at the Prime Minister’s office, the Major General presented the Prime Minister with a college coin, cufflinks and a tie tack as a token from the institution, acknowledging him as an outstanding alumnus (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

HIV epidemic wasn’t curbed by data alone – and COVID won’t be either

By João Florêncio

S

ince the beginning of the pandemic, communication from the Government, epidemiologists and health statisticians appears to rely on the belief that, if people are shown enough graphs, enough models, enough statistics, enough information, they would all act rationally and do the right thing. Even when that is deeply at odds with the way people live: closing oneself at home, potentially alone, ceasing all intimate contact with people outside, locking down. This was surprisingly successful in 2020 as a response to a sudden disaster, but it isn’t a realistic long-term strategy.

The cultural, social and political history of the HIV pandemic taught us that this epidemiological approach of trying to protect a population chiefly by focusing on ideal individual behavioural guidelines doesn’t work.

When I see “doomsday” epidemiologists, for whom the only solution to the pandemic appears to be to lock everybody in until we reach an idealised #zerocovid state, I worry that we haven’t yet learned those lessons.

I don’t mean to disqualify or question the important work done by epidemiologists in understanding how disease spreads. But there are other forces informing how people decide to behave beyond mere access to apparently straightforward and ideology-free epidemiological data and graphics. Epidemiologists study populations, that is, people in social formations. Putting numbers on risk based on population-level data and models is not the sole driving force of our actions.

In the case of HIV and other epidemics, epidemiological models have either been

shown to be wrong, or, at the very least, insufficient. Early in that pandemic, epidemiological data arriving from the US wrongly made the virus a cause of concern only for already stigmatised populations – for instance, claims that Aids was something that affected only gay men – thus contributing to further social discrimination. And there were unreasonable political decisions made to close down many spaces of gay male sexual sociability, such as the 1985 closure of the Mineshaft bar in New York in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.

But, ultimately, none of these things was enough. It was not until the 1990s, when virology gave us new hope to end Aids, that we were able to effectively contain the virus, thanks not to the behavioural changes advocated by epidemiologists and other public health specialists in the first decade of the pandemic, but to antiretroviral treatments and prophylaxis that were shown to successfully halt HIV transmission.

This, however, doesn’t mean all we did was wait for treatments to arrive. Instead, treatments arrived owing to political pressure from affected communities, who recognised that simply expecting people to change their behaviours and do the right thing at all times was not sustainable. We ceased to privilege the statements of truth posited by a single scientific discipline, and instead started drawing from knowledge produced across the wider medical sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, and from activists and patient groups.

The Gay Men’s Health Crisis group in the US, for example, was the first to start promoting condom use among gay men, when the state didn’t

want to do it, and was focusing instead on a no-sex approach.

And activist groups such as Act Up brought the voices of patient groups and communities to the centre of political decision-making and biomedical research. From this we gained not only a better understanding of the pandemic itself, but also of what matters to people and the lives they consider worth living.

We must make an effort to understand what drives people to behave in certain ways; why certain behaviours perceived as risky are important to them; and meet them where they are by acknowledging and respecting their value systems. Social, affective and cultural factors are at play. Desire, pleasure, the pull of intimacy, the need for proximity and physical contact are important in determining what people ultimately do.

During COVID, we again see the difficulty of drawing conclusions and recommendations about individual behaviours from population-level data, and the ways this abstract approach could easily overlook the social complexity and differences in specific communities.

Risk and the ability to protect oneself are often unfairly and unevenly distributed –think of the epidemiologists telling people to gather in “their” gardens, to use separate bathrooms at home if one person falls ill, or to spend a few hundred pounds on air purifiers for their homes.

Government regulations have seemingly assumed, since the start of this pandemic, that everyone lives in a detached single-family home with their loved ones, or that homes are, by definition, safe spaces where we can lock ourselves in without being alone or fear of violence.

And we see the same ineffective messaging brought forward. In the early months of the pandemic, the Terrence Higgins Trust recommended gay men stop having casual sex, a behavioural recommendation unlikely to work in the long term. In contrast, the sexual health activist group Prepster put out a series of comics (similar to the ones by the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in the 1980s), giving advice to queer men on how to manage COVID risk during hookups – a more realistic approach than abstinence-only.

The lessons of the Aids crisis are that public health messaging that doesn’t take into account what different people value as being a life worth living, and that is directed at an abstract general public, is insufficient; and that epidemiologists can make errors of both science and advice. We need to involve not just scientists, but also social scientists, cultural scholars and communities, to get a better understanding of what matters to people, while also acknowledging that we don’t always (and will never) behave in a purely rational manner.

Models tend to assume that populations are made of autonomous agents who would act only according to reason in response to a given set of information. The problem is that, for those of us who work on the medical, cultural and social histories of an older and still continuing global pandemic – HIV – such views fall short of capturing what happens every time we are faced with a choice.

They are ultimately limited and counterproductive. (The Guardian) (João Florêncio is senior lecturer in history of modern and contemporary art and visual culture at the University of Exeter)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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

Ramjattan living in wonderland!

Dear Editor, The GAWU has taken note of Mr Khemraj Ramjattan’s contribution to the 2022 Budget debate in respect of the sugar industry. According to media reports, Mr Ramjattan used the parliamentary platform to continue his jaundiced criticism of the Government’s support to the industry. One report indicated that Mr Ramjattan had justified the Coalition’s miniaturization of the industry as he went on labelling State support as throwing monies into a black hole.

It is unfortunate that Mr Ramjattan continues to operate apparently with blinkers. For the erstwhile gentleman who hails from the Corentyne coast, where sugar is one of the predominant economic activities and makes a major contribution to that part of the country, it appears that Mr Ramjattan has clearly lost touch with reality, and lives seemingly in an ivory tower, disconnected from the truth. So far, the Opposition MP, de-

spite his huffing and puffing, cannot advance any plan to address any displacement brought about by the closure of estates.

Certainly, one would have expected him and his colleagues to have developed such a plan when, like peacocks, they strutted down the corridors of power. Such plan, it appears, may have suffered a stillbirth. Mr Ramjattan yet continues to bellyache.

Of course, the importance of the sugar industry has been re-emphasised by the socio-economic study conducted by the ILO. That report empirically demonstrated the hardships that were spawned when Mr Ramjattan and his colleagues heartlessly closed four (4) estates and placed 7,000 of our Guyanese brothers and sisters on the breadline. It demonstrates the misery these Guyanese faced, and underscored the importance of the industry not only to the workers, but to the entire communities.

But Mr Ramjattan is un-

bothered by such facts, and chooses to live in his own wonderland. It seems that, rather than considering the contributions of the sugar industry and its potential for viability, Mr Ramjattan has doubled down on his caustic attitude towards sugar. We remain at a loss as to why anyone who holds themselves out as a leader would seek to advocate that our ordinary people be made jobless and forced into miserable lives. For us, it says a lot about the character of Mr Ramjattan and his colleagues, who spare no opportunity to denounce the Government’s support to the sugar industry.

The GAWU, as the major voice of the workers in the industry, cannot allow such highly irresponsible statements to go without challenge. We remain strong in our position that sugar remains simply too important to fail.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine GAWU President

Foreign-labelled products on the local market

Dear Editor, It seems the GA-FDD has now awakened from its slumber, as it is now aware of foreign-labelled cooking oil on the local market. The brands identified have been on supermarket shelves and elsewhere for a very long time; and if, as claimed, these brands were illegally imported while not in keeping with labelling requirements, how come

supermarkets and other agencies were allowed to put them on their shelves and offer them for sale to the public?

Has GNBS a role in this, to ensure standards were adhered to and maintained? Would there be consequences for those establishments which offer products not in keeping with legal requirements which products might not

have been lawfully imported?

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

APNU/AFC budget hypocrisy Dear Editor, Whatever the real or imagined ills of our economy or plight of the poor are, the APNU+AFC, whether in Government or as the political Opposition, lack the intellectual fortitude, integrity, and moral standing to chastise Budget 2022 as was presented by the PPP/C Government.

Many individuals, families, small businesses and corporations were placed in dire constraints as a direct consequence of APNU+AFC’s mismanagement and corrupt handling of the economy, which benefited only a small group of super-wealthy businessmen, party officials, and loyalists, much to the displeasure of their core supporters, made up of predominantly Afro-Guyanese.

I viewed with disbelief the APNU+AFC’s theatrics during these budget debates as they championed a menu of socio-economic measures which they say are necessary for Guyanese to live a “good life”, but none of which they implemented while in office.

One question which could not escape my thought was: “Are these people for real?” Never have I ever witnessed a group of people as profoundly dishonest and two-faced as the political Opposition during these budget debates.

By now most Guyanese ought to understand the nature of the beast that is the APNU+AFC. They are an uncaring group of people, who would say and do anything out of desperation. They have lost all relevance and connection with the Guyanese people in a nascent oil and gas economy. To this day, not a single individual of APNU+AFC could account for the US$18 million signing bonus received from

ExxonMobil, but one thing is certain: this huge sum of money never made it to any national budget passed by the Granger Administration. So then, how was the US$18M spent? Surely, it is not in the pockets of “poor Guyanese”, or else we would be better off under an APNU+AFC Government.

It is hypocritical for the political Opposition to stand in Parliament, claiming to be arguing on behalf of the poor and vulnerable for increased wages and pensions and improved living standards, when they themselves, while in office, imposed a host of taxation measures ranging from VAT on water, electricity, education and medical services. It is also hypocritical for them to be doing so now, when they were the ones who stopped the Because We Care and School Uniform cash grants. Which categories of persons were impacted negatively by these actions of the APNU+AFC? Were they not the same persons on whose behalf the APNU+AFC now claim to be arguing?

To be fair, Budget 2022 was not intended to be an election year budget with the bells and whistles, and as such, it is easy for the political Opposition to chastise and make all sorts of promises to the people. It is easy

for one to say give auntie $10M and give uncle $6M when they do not have to account for it. Fortunately for this country, President Ali exists in the real world, with real-world consequences should his administration mismanage our economy and resources in an APNU+AFClike manner. So, therefore, we should remain steadfast and confident in the PPP/C Government, knowing that our freedoms are secure and our future has never been more promising.

The Ali administration and past PPP/C Governments have many times proven their ability to generate and equitably distribute wealth among the nation’s poorest and most vulnerable; to start-up and complete massive housing projects geared towards the provision of thousands of new homes; and to open new areas of opportunity and job creation in the ICT sector for the nation’s young people. All of these were accomplished in the absence of oil revenue or so-called ‘Oil Budget’.

It is clear that, under a PPP/C Government, we have moved forward as a nation without any revenue from the oil and gas sector.

Yours truly, Anson Paul

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄ Materials:

A line segment is a specific part of a line.

It ends at two identified points.

A line segment is named by its two end points.

Segment AB = Segment BA. AB = BA

A ray is a part of a line that extends from a specific point in only one direction. The specific point of a ray is called a vertex or an endpoint. However, to identify a ray, you must use one other letter along the line’s path.

Plastic cup String Wet paper towels Drill or tool to punch a hole in the bottom of the cup Paper clip

Instructions:

Drill or punch a hole in the centre of the bottom of the cup. The hole needs to be big enough to put the string through.

Tie one end of the string to the paper clip.

Push the other end of the string through the hole in the bottom of the cup. The paper clip will stop the string from pulling all the way through.

Hold your Duck In A Cup in one hand.

This will allow the string to dangle beneath the cup.

Wrap the wet paper towel around the string and pull down firmly in sharp little movements.

Your Duck In A Cup should start quaking!

How it works:

The string vibrates as you pull the wet paper towel down. While these vibrations are usually almost undetectable, the cup amplifies the sound making a loud and distinct duck quacking sound.

Make this a science project:

What happens if you use a different sized cup? What happens if you use a different length of string? What happens if you use a different type of string? (sciencefun.org)

Ray RS does not equal Ray SR, because the first point named in a ray shows the vertex, and Ray SR goes in the opposite direction of Ray RS.

By E Yetunde Ahn

The sky—slate gray—it conquers even seeing rusted objects for golden God in East Walnut Hills. Mourning winds, they whip the windows wet-beaded with glass droplets as brick Victorians bloom against the blur of rain not shot from Cupid’s bow. bow: rape’s apologizer The wind whimpers, whistles, and woes, O, woah, woah, wooo, oo, as if a lonely graying troubadour stuck like a fly in the screen. Aperture between the flooded neighborhood and underworld open, so the gusts—they gore my bright black writing room in a high-rise whose pipe breath requires repair from the hard labor of rising above the dun mud-glutted Ohio, a river unapologetically bodacious, above the Northern Kentucky toy houses and yellow arch of the bridge, Big Mac, which sticks out, the rind of a yellow watermelon—on a sunny day, holy.

Source: Poetry (January 2021)

Teacher's Tip

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills

WORD SEARCH

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2022 budget debate

APNU/AFC exposed for financial mismanagement …record highlights Central Bank overdrafts, emptied gold coffers – Indar

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar

D

ay three of the budget debate saw the intensified hurling around of claims of corruption and mismanagement by the Government and the Opposition, with Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar spotlighting the former Government’s financial mismanagement.

During the debate on Wednesday, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Member of Parliament, Juretha Fernandes centred her presentation on the macroeconomic performance of the country.

She also spoke of how gold production soared under the former Government, compared to current production. But in his rebuttal, Minister Indar noted that this was only because of the large producers.

He also drew the National Assembly’s attention to how the country’s gold reserves

were managed under the former Government. It is customary for gold to be sold when world market prices are high and the money remitted to the Consolidated Fund. According to Indar, however, this was not done.

“Let me talk about the gold issue. So, they talk about gold rise in their time in office. Gold production rise, because they had large producers. Check who were the small and medium sized miners. What were their output?! Those are the guys who go into the village economy and buy the ration, buy the parts, get the workers.

Those are the guys. I’m not guessing this! I was in the industry; I know how it operates.

“They boast about that. I wonder, Mr Speaker, if they thought that the production rise under them, they had the God-given right to sell out all the gold we had in the Bank of Guyana reserves.

Twenty-five billion dollars’

worth of gold they sold and spent out the money, and did not put the money in the reserves. Worst part is they spent it out and contracted the asset base of the bank,” he said.

Minister Indar also zeroed in on the overdrafts racked up by the former Government, which the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government had to take steps to correct after it took office in August 2020.

“If you check this same document (budget speech), you would see a part that deals with the public debt and in that, the domestic debt. In the domestic debt, you have to issue debentures – a debt instrument,” Indar said.

“Our Government had to put in debt instruments to secure the bank overdraft we found at the Bank of Guyana, that we’re now

AFC MP Juretha Fernandes

correcting. It is the highest form of corruption, where they draw money from the Bank of Guyana and carry up the overdraft. Our Government had to fix it.”

In January 2020, when the former APNU/AFC Government was still in office, the Bank of Guyana had registered a whopping overdraft of over $75 bil-

lion. Public deposits at the central bank were plunged into overdraft status back in 2015 when the new coalition government ended the year with a $2.3 billion overdraft.

When the Government took over in May 2015, it had met public deposits of approximately $10.4 billion.

By 2016 year-end, the overdraft had grown to approximately $21.3 billion, after a year of increasing withdrawals. At the end of the 2017 fiscal year, the overdraft had reached $25.7 billion.

In contrast, Bank of Guyana data shows that the bank’s public deposits were in the positive – $21.4 billion to be precise – at the end of 2014, when the previous PPP Government was in power. In 2013, the bank’s deposits were $52.1 billion.

And the preceding year, the funds were approximately $57.2 billion. (G3)

GRA to begin “PAC” series …“PAB” exhausted in 7 months

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced on Wednesday that its Licence Revenue Office would soon commence the registration of motor vehicles in the “PAC” series as the “PAB” series comes to an end.

The current “PAB” series began on June 23, 2021 and with less than 180 motor vehicle registration numbers remaining, this will be the first series completed in just over seven months.

The “ZZ” series was completed a few days shy of 10 months. The registration

series that lasted the longest is the HH Series which commenced in June 2000 and ended in September 2003.

Thus, the current trend indicates that more vehicles are being bought and registered over an increasingly shorter period.

The GRA is reminding the public that registration of new motor vehicles is currently being facilitated at the GRA’s Railway Embankment location.

Payment of the registration fee, physical examination of motor vehicles, and change of motor vehicle registrations are also being facilitated at this location.

Taxpayers are advised to visit the GRA’s website www.gra.gov.gy or contact its Tax Advisory Services Section on telephone number 227-6060 extension 8000 for more information.

8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The fight continues...

Y

…inside the PNC our Eyewitness found it rather pathetic that the new Leader of the Opposition (LoO) had to make his views on the budget known on one of the social media programs that abound nowadays. They are so ubiquitous and so narrow in their focus that one is hard pressed to keep up with them unless one is on some mailing list. But thank god for friends - and a clip was sent to yours truly of Aubrey Norton expatiating on any number of issues -including the Budget.

And this was exactly what your Eyewitness was talking about yesterday…whether you agreed with him or not, the man had an integrated overview of matters political that one could interrogate! But the irony was someone like former representative of the WPA, Sarabo-Halley could be in Parliament representing god-knows-who while Norton was reduced to carrying on in the fringes. Another shad, shat shituation! Yes, Sarabo-Halley represents exactly what’s wrong with the PNC right now.

They’d formed APNU with a host of minuscule “parties” - including the WPA- so as to hide their thuggish past.

THEY knew they were mamaguying the Guyanese people - especially their supporters - but they callously counting on their gullibility. The paper-parties knew they were mamaguying the Guyanese people but went along because it offered them another 15-minutes in the sun. And the Guyanese people knew they were being mamaguyed but this being Guyana, they were willing to try anything to get out of their political mess. But truth will always out!!

And out it was when the PNC a started treating its erstwhile “partners” like doormats after they got into office!

The WPA protested and finally quit the coalition after the Coalition lost in 2020 and Granger as the Representative of the List (ROTL) unilaterally sent their representative Sarabo Halley to Parliament!! They were surprised they weren’t consulted? When had they ever been? Granger then blithely announced that Sarabo-Halley had formed a new party Guyana Nation Builders Movement (GNBM) - and she was representing that entity.

After all, this is the same man who’d insisted his erstwhile partners show they received 7000 votes to be given a seat in Parliament!! Your Eyewitness is still scratching his head on how Granger discerned Sarabo-Halley garnering the requisite supporters!! The entire WPA would be hard pressed to round up 700 warm bodies!! So this is where the fracas in the PNC has brought Guyanese politics: having a person standing up in Parliament to criticize the budget when everyone on her side of the aisle knew she hadn’t the SLIGHTEST legitimacy to do so!!

For Guyana’s sake, your Eyewitness hopes the PNC will get its house in order! …but can cease From what your Eyewitness has heard - like Marvin Gaye, through the grapevine! - there have been frantic efforts behind the scenes to get Norton to become the Opposition Leader in Parliament. There was a long heralded meeting supposedly between Norton, Granger, Harmon and Ramjattan but Granger never showed while Harmon resigned as the LOO. But Granger remains ROTL insisting only he can replace and appoint Opposition MP’s. So Norton remains in limbo!

But is Norton really helpless? Article 156 (3)(c) of the Constitution deals with the ROTL and his power to remove or appoint Opposition MPs. It says that the ROTL must have “meaningful consultations with the party or parties that make up the list” and if they “have lost confidence in that member (he) issues a written notice to the Speaker to recall the member”.

The key words are “meaningful consultations with the party or parties”. Granger can’t decide unilaterally any longer. He should be challenged - in court if necessary.

“Meaningful consultations” have been judicially determined!! …even with resignation Your Eyewitness just learnt that former MP and Minister of Education Nicolette Henry resigned from Parliament to make way for Norton. But there’s still that small matter of Granger the gatekeeper discussed above!!

Quo Vadis, PNC??

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 killed, 6 injured in horrific Mahaica accident after high-speed Police chase …as 21-year-old flees Police with teen girlfriend in car

cluding a female officer, were injured as well as the occupants of the second car.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries. The injured are currently receiving care at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The regional commander could not say if anything illegal was found in the motor car which was being chased.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times was informed that Bhagwandat had travelled to West Berbice to pick up his girlfriend, to take her back to his house to celebrate his mother’s birthday,

The accident scene at Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara

A

horrific four-vehicle collision along the Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of two young persons and left several others, including cops and children, injured.

The fatal crash occurred following a high-speed chase involving the Police.

The horrific four-vehicle accident occurred around 11:00h in the vicinity of the Mahaica Bridge.

Dead are 21-year-old Christopher Bhagwandat of Mon Repos, ECD, and his 16-year-old girlfriend, Shereeda Persaud of Bath, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

Injured are two children aged two and eight, along with three Police Constables and one Corporal.

The children were occupants of motor car PAB 8222 (a blue Fielder Wagon) driven by their 29-year-old father of Charlotte Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Also in that car was his 32-year-old wife.

Bhagwandat was the

driver of motor car PNN 8852 that Police were chasing after he reportedly fled from traffic ranks, who were stationed at Perseverance Public Road, Mahaicony, ECD. The accident involved the Police pickup, two motor cars, and a truck.

Regional Commander Khali Pareshram told the media that the motor car driven by Bhagwandat had stopped at a roadblock but when ranks asked to see the driver’s identification card, he pulled the vehi-

cle into the corner but then drove away as the traffic officer approached.

As such, ranks from the Mahaicony Police Station were alerted and officers joined the Force-issued van and gave chase.

Then the accident occurred near the Mahaica Bridge. According to information reaching Guyana Times, the Police vehicle collided with PNN 8852.

As a result, the car crashed into a truck which then flipped and slammed into a car. Three cops, in-

which was on Wednesday.

One of the dead man’s relatives in an interview with another section of the media related that

Dead: Christopher Bhagwandat

Dead: Shereeda Persaud

Bhagwandat had left his house early in the morning, even though he was warned not to travel to Berbice.

“His mother told me to tell him I don’t want he to go to Berbice. She said she tell him don’t go and he still want to go. He leave this morning (Wednesday) fuh go and bring she…,” the woman said.

Bhagwandat, who was a mechanic at Vicky’s Mechanic Shop at Mon Repos, had only lost his fa-

ther just four months ago.

Family members claim that they had never met Bhagwandat’s girlfriend, but had only heard him talking about her.

“Only on he phone we see he does talk to she… I does tell he Christopher leh she done school, and when she done, we gone go and talk to she parents them,” the tearful woman said.

Bhagwandat would have turned 22 on February 28.

(G9)

10 NEWS "Spin and kill" acquitted of 2017 murder in Sophia THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Acquitted: Trevis Archer, called "Spin and kill"

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31-year-old murder accused was freed on Wednesday after

Demerara High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall upheld a no-case submission by his lawyer.

Trevis Archer, called "Spin and kill", of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was accused of murdering Jamal Munroe, 24, between November 4 and 5, 2017 at Georgetown.

It was alleged that on the day in question, Munroe, a labourer of ‘C’ Field Sophia, was shot and killed following a prolonged rivalry with Archer and another man.

Munroe, who sustained gunshot wounds to his legs, upper hand and lower back, died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown

Dead: Jamal Munroe

Public Hospital.

Following the shooting, the alleged killers escaped,

but were later captured.

The rivalry between the now dead man and the men had reportedly started some time back, following a reported gambling disagreement.

Munroe had been previously charged with robbery-under-arms and larceny, among other offences.

When the prosecution, led

by State Counsel Lisa Cave, closed its case, Archer’s lawyer, Latchmie Rahamat, noted that there was no case against her client. She said the prosecution failed to prove the essential elements of the offence, and that the evidence was so weak and

Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat

unreliable that it could not yield a lawful conviction.

Rahamat further noted that the identification evidence could not establish that it was her client who had inflicted the injuries on Munroe.

In the absence of evidence linking Archer to the crime, Justice Ramlall upheld the no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

Archer had always denied the allegation levelled against him. In fact, upon his arraignment at the High Court, he had entered a not guilty plea. (G1)

Man found not guilty of raping 10-year-old

…daughter “not telling the truth”, mother says in statement

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he Essequibo Sexual Offences Court has found a 31-year-old man of Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), not guilty of raping a 10-yearold girl.

Karl Robinson, a miner, was accused of engaging in sexual penetration of the minor on March 25, 2017 in Essequibo. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution, led

by State Counsel Tiffini Lyken, contended that at around 10:00h on the day in question, the girl was at home when Robinson, who was 27, held her hand and walked her to a bushy area

that was close to her home.

While there, the man took off the girl’s tights and underwear, pulled down his pants, placed the girl to lie in some bushes, and then raped her.

After committing the act, he told her not to tell anyone.

But, according to the prosecutor, six days later, the girl confided in one of her classmates, who in turn reported the matter to the school’s headteacher. The school teacher took the girl to the Health Post before filing a complaint with the Police.

In his defence, Robinson denied raping the child. He told the court that he was in the interior at the time the

rape had allegedly occurred.

The girl’s mother, friend, and headteacher were among the witnesses who testified for the prosecution. In her Police statement, the mother said her daughter had never informed her that she was raped.

The mother said the man whom her daughter alleged had raped her could not have committed the act, as he was not in the jurisdiction.

As such, the mother wrote in her statement that her daughter was “not telling the truth”.

Robinson was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

(G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 other accused plead guilty to Berbice triple murder

Confessed killer: Carlton Chaitram

Murder accused: Tameshwar Jagmohan

Confessed killer: Rakesh Karamchand

Dead: From left: Pawan Chandradeo, his son, Jaikarran Chandradeo, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall

known as “Lie Man”. On Wednesday, they pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court.

Last month, Carlton Chaitram’s son, 20-year-

old Jairam Chaitram pleaded guilty to three counts of murder. Sentencing for him has been deferred to next Thursday, while his father and the others will be sentenced on February 17. Meanwhile, the court

is continuing with the trial of the other accused, Tameshwar Jagmohan, also known as “Guana”.

State Counsel Abigail Gibbs is leading the case for the prosecution.

The bodies of the

Chandradeos and Rooplall were found days after they left their homes to go on a fishing trip in Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Their bodies bore one gunshot wound each.

Post-mortem examinations revealed that Pawan Chandradeo, his son, and their relative died as a result of shock and haemorrhage. It was reported that they were shot with a shotgun. (G1)

Court dismisses company’s claim on East Street ‘parking lot’

I Confessed killer: Jairam Chaitram

T

hree of the four men indicted for the July 2016 murders of Pawan Chandradeo, 37; his son, Jaikarran Chandradeo, 15, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 33, have pleaded guilty.

The latest to do so are Rakesh Karamchand, 30, called “Go-To-Front”, and Carlton Chaitram, 40, also

n a judgement rendered, the Demerara Full Court has dismissed an appeal filed last year by Astroblobe Technology Incorporated (ATI) over a contract it had entered into with the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) for the provision of paid parking in the capital city.

The Attorney General’s Chambers said on Wednesday that the case has its origin in a High Court application filed on November 23, 2020 by the company, in which it claimed that, pursuant to the contract, it was authorised to operate parking facilities in the “old Georgetown jurisdiction”.

The boundaries are the seawalls to the north, Independence Boulevard to

the south, Irving Street to the east, and the Demerara River to the west.

ATI, which was represented by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade,

claimed that it had been operating a paid parking lot on the city’s reserve in the vicinity of East Street, South Cummingsburg, and that on November 14, 2020, agents of the Public Works Ministry disrupted its ongoing operations by removing the fence and gate of the parking lot. As a result, the company filed legal action against the Ministry and the M&CC, in which, among things, it sought a declaration that its fundamental rights of protection from deprivation of property and protection against arbitrary entry were infringed; a declaration that the M&CC trespassed on its property; a declaration that the trespass caused loss to its business by unlawful means; and the awarding of damages.

TURN TO PAGE 14

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Removing jail time for small amounts of marijuana likely this year – AG T

he rolling back of custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana is still very much on the Government’s agenda, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall confident that this could be implemented this year.

In an interview on Wednesday, Nandlall gave an update on efforts to remove custodial sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

This issue has ignited calls in various sections of society for the removal of these sentences.

According to Nandlall, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee examining the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021 would, at any moment now, be inviting the public to submit their views on the issue.

“As you know, that bill that seeks to remove custodial sentences was sent by

the National Assembly. I am Chairman of that committee. That committee met in January of this year, and has decided that it will invite submissions from members of the public in relation to the bill before the committee,” Nandlall said.

“The committee has instructed the clerk of the committee to publish those invitations in the newspapers and other platforms of the media. Those public notifications are supposed to be out any time now, and we’ll be receiving those submissions within the time specified in those notifications.

“And then we’re having another meeting in (early) March, when we will be reviewing the submissions received.”

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021 was tabled in the National Assembly last year. Asked if the removal of custodial sentenc-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

es is likely to be completed this year, the AG was of the view that this could be achieved.

“Certainly! The intention of the committee is to proceed with expediency. It is not a complicated exer-

cise. I don’t anticipate any opposition in terms of the concept of removing custodial sentences from small quantities,” he said.

“Where I believe the disagreement lies, which I believe we will have to find

a compromise on, is what constitutes that small quantity. And I suppose, in lieu of custodial sentences, what would be the appropriate sentence, if any, to be agreed upon. But I believe all the parties in the house are unanimously of the view that there should be a removal of custodial sentences,” Nandlall added.

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill, possession of 15 grams or less of cannabis is an offence of simple possession. An amount over 15 grams but no more than 30 grams would attract the penalty of community service.

This includes employment in public work under the Extra-Mural Work Act for a maximum of six months.

Currently, possession of 15 grams or more could attract a trafficking charge with a prison sentence of three to five years, and a fine of no less than $30,000,

or three times the market value of the drug.

The Bill also increases the quantity of cannabis that would automatically attract a trafficking charge from 15 grams to more than 30 grams. Further, it removes the fine and prison term for smoking, inhaling, sniffing, or otherwise using cannabis; or for being found in a place used for that purpose; or being the owner, occupier, or concerned in the management of any place used for the preparation of cannabis for that purpose.

The amendments are meant to reduce the burden on the justice system, and also covers issues like recidivism and prison overcrowding. This would not only save the State money, but would also help to keep families together, and rebuild communities affected and disadvantaged by the incarceration of persons, especially youths. (G3)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen drowns after Litterbugs charged, released on $30,000 bail canoe capsizes R

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19-year-old miner died after the boat in which he was travelling capsized in the Mazaruni River between Luw Luw Island Point and Banana Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Dead is Renaldo Rampersaud.

The incident occurred around 15:00h on Tuesday last when Rampersaud and another miner left the Cashew Creek Backdam in a canoe and went to Banana Landing where they purchased some items.

Police said while the men were paddling the canoe back to the backdam, it began taking on water and sank.

The other man managed to swim to shore, but Rampersaud went underwater and did not resurface.

A search party was then launched and about 16:50h, the body was recovered in the same area he went under.

An investigation is in progress.

(G9)

elative to two posts made on a social media platform on Saturday last of an act of littering, ranks of Beterverwagting Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD) conducted investigations which revealed that the incident occurred at Chateau Margot, ECD. As a result, two persons were arrested and charged.

Charged were 35-year-old Vijai Basraj of Le Ressouvenir, ECD, and 32-year-old Joel Primo, of Success, ECD. They were both arrested and charged by Police ranks from the Beterverwagting Police Station with the offence of Disposing Litter in a Public Way contrary to Section 3(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1996.

Both men- appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before Magistrate Alisha George where the charge was read to them separately and both pleaded not guilty.

Bail was granted in the sum

Vijai Basraj

Joel Primo

of $30,000 and the case was adjourned to March 22.

A week ago, two persons – a man and a woman – were reportedly arrested by Police for illegally dumping garbage in the city.

The litterbugs were arrested

by City Police and handed over to the Guyana Police Force. They were identified as two employ-

ees of Zulu Connections located on King Street, Georgetown.

The duo was arrested for dumping garbage on King Street, Georgetown.

Video evidence was provided by a concerned citizen, which led to their arrest. They were each placed on station bail and scheduled to make their court appearance on February 8. (G9)

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCJ affirms importance of imposing, maintaining CET …in ruling on case filed by Belize against T&T Govt

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Wednesday re-emphasised the importance of maintaining the Common External Tariff (CET) on the importation of products in the Caribbean, particularly brown sugar.

This judgement was given in a case filed by the State of Belize against the State of Trinidad and Tobago. Belize had alleged that Trinidad and Tobago failed to comply with its obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC).

According to the RTC, Caricom (Caribbean Community) States are required to impose a 40 per cent CET on brown sugar imported from sources outside the Caribbean region.

Belize contended that it had evidence to demonstrate that between November 2018 and June 2020, brown sugar produced outside the Caribbean region entered the market of Trinidad and

Tobago without the 40 per cent CET being imposed.

Consequently, it claimed that Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI), a company incorporated in Belize, was not able to sell the volumes of brown sugar into the Trinidad and Tobago market that it had projected. Belize commenced the action to enforce the RTC, so that BSI could enjoy the benefits of what it referred to as an assured market.

In a statement on its ruling, the CCJ said the application was of historic significance, since it was the first time that the regional court was asked to adjudicate a suit where one Caricom State brought proceedings directly against another for alleged breaches of the RTC. The CCJ had heard the matter on November 2 and 3, 2021. During the hearings, Trinidad and Tobago contended that it complied with its obligations under the RTC, and denied that

it permitted the importation of brown sugar from any extra-regional territory, that is: brown sugar imported from outside of the Caribbean without the imposition of the 40 per cent CET. Trinidad and Tobago also contended that, as BSI was not a state-owned entity, Belize could not present the claim for the benefit of BSI. Initially, Belize had, in its application, asked for declarations and damages against Trinidad and Tobago. However, at the hearing, Belize expressed its willingness to accept, in substitution of the relief claimed, appropriately worded judicial statements on the importance of implementation and maintenance of the CET on brown sugar imported from outside of the Caribbean.

While robustly defending the case brought against it, Trinidad and Tobago did not object to this way of proceed-

ing.

The CCJ, in its judgement, found there were severe shortcomings in the evidence offered by Belize in respect of the alleged failure of Trinidad and Tobago to apply the CET. However, given the concessions made

by Belize, the CCJ was not required to rely on, or make specific findings on, this evidence to make the requested statements.

“The CCJ re-emphasised the importance of maintaining the CET, especially in respect of a product such as brown sugar, which is of demonstrable importance to Member States such as Belize that manufacture it. The CCJ found that the CET does not guarantee regional brown sugar producers an assured market, but that those producers are entitled to the protection of the market that the CET is intended to provide. The CCJ also found that there was no doubt that, under the RTC, Belize was entitled to espouse this claim on behalf of BSI,” the missive from the regional court stated.

Each state was ordered to bear its own costs.

The matter was presided over by CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders, along with Justices Jacob Wit, Winston Anderson,

Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Denys Barrow, Andrew Burgess and Peter Jamadar.

This case against the T&T Government over its alleged breaches of the RTC comes on the heels of major Private Sector officials in Guyana calling out the twin-island State of Trinidad and Tobago for its treatment of Guyanese companies and products.

The issue arose last month after a senior executive of a Trinidad-based conglomerate raised concerns, in an email that was later leaked, over Guyana’s recently passed Local Content Legislation, saying that it violates several provisions of the Revised Treaty.

But according to President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy

Tucker, Guyana has always been shortchanged within Caricom when it comes to trade, especially with Trinidad.

Tucker had complained about certain trade barriers that were put in place by some Caricom countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, that prevent Guyanese businesses from freely exporting their products, thus violating the Revised Treaty, but they never faced any ramifications.

According to the GCCI President in a subsequent interview with Guyana Times, the removal of non-tariff barriers, which are trade restrictions put in place by countries to protect their own local industries, would create in the region a level playing field for trade. (G8)

Court dismisses company’s claim...

The case was heard by High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall, and on June 14, 2021, she refused most of the orders sought by the company, the statement from the AG’s Chambers reported. Justice Ramlall only declared that there was a trespass on ATI’s property, and awarded it nominal damages of $100,000.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of the High Court, ATI filed an appeal against that decision to the Full Court, which was presided over by Justices Nareshwar Harnanan and Sandil Kissoon. The Justices on Monday dismissed the company’s appeal and awarded $350,000 in costs to the Attorney General.

In a unanimous decision, the Full Court found that the agreement relied upon did neither entitle nor grant to the ATI permission to operate such a facility at East Street, Georgetown in 2007, or at all.

The Justices said there was no evidence as to the operation of a parking facility, as contemplated by the contract. Further, they said there was no evidence before the court to show, eight years after the agreement had been executed, there was an operationalised parking facility at East Street.

The Full Court noted there was no evidence be-

fore the court of any loss on the part of the company; no evidence of any alleged income, distribution of monies, any evidence of any deposits to any banks or other facilities, nor the presentation of any financial statement, as envisaged by the agreement.

The statement issued by the Justices said, “This was a case of a deficient claim, equally poor pleadings, and a paucity of evidence for which there was no onus on the Court in an attempt to remedy or salvage same. The [ATI] failed to distinguish between an appeal to the High Court and an appeal to the Full Court.

“This view, on the observations of the Court, has further confirmed in the [ATI] amended Notice of Application made on the 15th December 2021 at paragraph 1(b), which makes specific reference to Part 60:02(1) of the CPR [Civil Procedure Rules] 2016. Part 60:02 has no application to Full Court appeals. It deals distinctly with appeals to the High Court in a specific category of matters. The instant appeal is not an appeal to the High Court, but an appeal to the Full Court, governed by Part 62 of the CPR 2016,” the statement reads.

The Full Court observed that the claim and pleadings in the High Court filed by the company were bare, vague,

FROM PAGE 11

and devoid of any particulars as to date, time, place, and location; and that equally, the claim for damages as pleaded does not specify or clarify cause of action or declaration that the claim of damages is to follow.

The statement said the Full Court, in its ruling, held that not a single iota of evidence was adduced before the Court at first instance to indicate the income generated, if any, from the company’s purported business monthly. There was no statement of receipts, no financial statement, and no deposit record, as stipulated in the written agreement as provided by the ATI in these proceedings.

These observations as they related to that state of the pleadings in the ATI’s case apply equally to the evidence, the statement said, adding that there was simply a paucity of evidence, or, more accurately, a complete absence of evidence, before the High Court that would have enabled the Full Court to exercise any discretion to grant any orders sought that are now subject to this appeal.

“The [ATI] has failed to provide any evidence it was lawfully in possession of the area where it was operating a parking facility,” the AG’s Chambers noted. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nicolette Henry resigns as MP …way now paved for Granger to decide on Aubrey Norton's appointment to Parliament

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PNU/AFC Member of Parliament Dr Nicolette Henry on Wednesday announced her resignation from the Parliament, thus making way for Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, to take up the role of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly.

Dr Henry, who served as Education Minister under the previous Coalition Government, delivered her final presentation in the National Assembly on Wednesday during the ongoing Debates on Budget 2022.

In her contributions, Dr

APNU’s Nicolette Henry

Henry confirmed her resignation from Parliament, and took the opportunity to thank her colleagues in the Opposition, as well as her family, for their support over the years.

“In light that this is my final Budget Presentation in this Honorable House, of course I begin by thanking none other than His Excellency, former President [David] Granger, who reposed in me the confidence to serve in this Honourable House. I am forever grateful to the people of this country who afforded me the opportunity to serve them with professionalism, dignity and accountability… So, today, it was with

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

Surinamese nabbed with guns, ammo at ‘backtrack’

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3 8 - y e a r - o l d Surinamese has been arrested following the discovery of illegal guns and ammunition at a ‘backtrack’ area in Springlands, East Berbice.

The discovery was made on Wednesday by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and members of a Joint Services Support Team during an operation in the location.

During that operation, the law enforcement officials found two 12-guage shotguns along with a quantity of ammunition – 12 cartridges and 50 .22 rounds.

The Surinamese national, Benjamin Juda Ibrahim Koningferander, was handed over to the Guyana Police

Benjamin Juda Ibrahim Koningferander along with the guns and ammo found

EBB men remanded on robbery, narcotics charges

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wo men from communities on the East Bank of Berbice (EBB) have been remanded to prison on separate charges of robbery and possession of narcotics.

Remanded are Simon Davis, a 23-year-old labourer of Heartburn Village, and 26-year-old Clive Vanlewin of Glasgow New Housing Scheme.

Davis has been remanded for the offence of robbery-under-arms committed on a couple in their fifties on January 25.

That robbery occurred at the couple’s residence at Glasgow New Housing Scheme, EBB. The Police have said that the accused was arrested on Tuesday last, and placed before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, where the charge of robbery-under-arms Contrary to Section 222 (C) of the Criminal Law (offences) Act Chapter 8:01 was read to him by Magistrate Peter Hugh. This case will continue on February 18.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old

Remanded: Simon Davis

Remanded: Clive Vanlewin

Clive Vanlewin of Glasgow New Housing Scheme, EBB appeared before New Amsterdam Magistrate Peter Hugh on Tuesday to answer to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. He was also remanded to prison, and his case will continue on February 18.

Police arrested Vanlewin on Friday 28th January

2022, when he was then charged with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5(1) (a)(i) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act Chapter 10:10.

At the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, he pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him. (G9)

Force (GPF) for further investigations.

those words I part company,” Henry stated at the end of her debate presentation.

With a vacant seat now on the Opposition side of the National Assembly, it is anticipated that Norton would be sworn in as a Member of Parliament and take up the role of Opposition Leader.

According to Article 156 (3) (c) of the Constitution, the Head of the Party’s List of Representatives – David Granger – will now have meaningful consultations for the appointment of Norton to Parliament.

Norton had revealed last month that the Central Executive of the PNC, the leading party in the Coalition Opposition, wants him to take up the role that was previously held by Joseph Harmon.

Despite refusing to step down initially, Harmon last week resigned as Opposition Leader, but still remains an Opposition Member of Parliament.

In light of this development, Norton had been meeting with various PNC Parliamentarians to convince one of them to resign so that he can enter the National Assembly.

According to reports, Dr Henry had agreed to step down.

Norton is expected to be sworn in as an MP in the coming days.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that the party is talking to other MPs to resign in order to make way for members of the current PNC Central Executive to similarly join the National Assembly.

In coming to this decision, the PNC Leader had held a series of meetings with the various parties in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) faction, as well as its Alliance For Change

(AFC) Coalition partner. In fact, the PNC and AFC leaders met again for a second time on Tuesday to iron out the issue of the new Opposition Leader following Harmon’s resignation.

Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman, Opposition MP who represents the joinder list, which comprises his party, the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), as well as A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and The New Movement (TNM), had previously indicated that he would not be participating in the process to elect the new Leader of the Opposition.

Shuman currently occupies one seat in the 32-seat Parliamentary Opposition benches, while the remaining seats are taken up by the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Harmon’s resignation as Opposition Leader last Wednesday came one day after he had also stepped down as General Secretary of the APNU, while former PNC Leader David Granger has resigned as the party’s Chairman. The APNU Chairmanship has since been taken up by Norton.

The PNC Leader is also looking to take over as Head of the APNU+AFC List of Candidates – a position that is currently being held by Granger. In fact, PNC General Secretary Geeta ChandanEdmond told reporters during a press conference on Friday that consultations are ongoing to determine the procedure in moving forward with this issue.

However, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, who is the current Deputy Head of the List, had previously made it clear that the established procedures must be followed before the Representative of the List can be changed. (G8)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 200 persons benefit from CIOG's medical outreach in Linden

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Sunday held a medical outreach at Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

According to CIOG, residents were able to have their blood pressure and glucose levels tested.

Tests were also conducted for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis. Residents were also able to access mental health care along with over-the-counter and prescription medication. Eye testing, dental care and advice, COVID-19 vaccina-

tion and booster shots were also provided.

CIOG said on Wednesday that general and specialty doctors were on site and those who wished to contribute to a good cause were able to donate their blood to the Blood Bank. The medical team was able to provide assistance to more than 200 persons inclusive of children, the elderly, and the disabled.

Along with the medical care provided, the residents present were issued with packages that catered for basic daily neces-

sities; inclusive of hair and skin care products, sanitation products, face masks, clothing and both children and adult pampers.

The outreach was supported by the US Embassy to Guyana Military Information Support Team, the Guyana Cancer Foundation, the Guyana Police Force, Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Diaspora Auxilium, National AIDS Programme Secretariat, Linden and GPHC Hospital Eye Care Team, National Blood Transfusion Services, Linden Hospital Dental

Team, SEWA International Guyana, Sterling Products Limited, the Linden COVID-19 Vaccination Team and TSI Security Services.

Fire Service praised for saving house from complete destruction

Woman injured after motorcycle collides with dog

A

A

fire of unknown origin that erupted at a two-storey building at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown on Wednesday morning completely destroyed the up-

per flat of the structure, which had been occupied by seven of some 17 dwellers.

At the time of the blaze, approximately 09:00hrs, most of the occupants

were not at home. Quick response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) resulted in the lower flat of the building being saved. No one was injured.

While they are sad-

dened at the financial losses suffered, residents are grateful that the fire did not escalate, and that everyone escaped unharmed.

woman has sustained injuries about her head and body after the motorcycle on which she was travelling collided with a dog on New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). This accident occurred on Tuesday at about 19:45h.

Reports are that 24-yearold Christal Baptiste and a three-year-old child were pillion riders on motorcycle CJ9975 being driven by Mitch Thomas when the incident involving the dog occurred.

The rider of the motorcycle claimed that, as he was proceeding west along the southern side of New Road, a brown dog ran from north

to south across the road and collided with the right-side footrest of his vehicle, causing the pillion rider to fall and sustain injuries to her face and body.

She was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where the doctor who attended to her referred her to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical treatment.

The driver was subjected to a breathalyser test, for which .00% BAC was recorded. He was, however, detained and a notice of intended prosecution was served on him. All these persons involved in this accident are from Middle Street, Pouderoyen. Investigations are still ongoing. (G9)

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 more COVID-19 deaths recorded in Region 4 …Dr Anthony warns against being complacent …as 276 new infections detected

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

G

uyana’s COVID-19 death toll has been further increased after five more persons died. All of those persons

Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 Dashboard on Wednesday.

Consequently, the total number of confirmed cas-

Of the 276 new cases reported on Wednesday, 41 were from Region One (Barima-Waini); eight were from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 22 were from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a whopping 99 were from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 25 were from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); 23 were from Region Six (East Berbice -Corentyne); six were from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); 50 were from Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), and two were from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) within that 24-hour period.

While it is on the decline now, the surge in COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks has been attribut-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD FEBRUARY 2, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

276

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

184

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

8,339

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

12

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

17

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

32,471

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

27,914

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

60,385

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

50,614

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2273

REGION 2

2310

REGION 3

7802

REGION 4

30,173

REGION 5

2254

REGION 6

5443

REGION 7

2376

REGION 8

821

REGION 9

3507

REGION 10

3426

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

424,702 314,960

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1176

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.

were from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and each had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

These latest fatalities are: a 41-year-old female and an 80-year-old female, both of whom died on Monday. The others are a 63-year-old female, an 86-year-old female and an 81-year-old male, who all died on Tuesday.

According to the Health Ministry, with exception of the 63-year-old woman, who was partially immunised, the vaccination status of each of the other four victims is unknown.

These five fatalities have now taken the total number of deaths from the pandemic in Guyana to 1,176. Of this, 115 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the month of January, while the death toll for February so far is six.

Meanwhile, there have been 276 new infections detected within a 24-hour period, according to the

es in Guyana has gone up to 60,385. However, active cases have been reduced by more than one thousand to 8,595. This includes 12 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 8,583 persons are in isolation.

That is, 184 in institutional isolation and the remaining 8,399 in home isolation.

There are an additional 17 persons currently in institutional quarantine, according to the Dashboard.

Moreover, some 50,614 persons have to date recovered from the life-threatening disease– 1,320 more recoveries than the figure reported on the previous day.

Since outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, approximately 510,686 persons have been tested so far; and of this number, some 27,914 males and 32,471 females were found to be positive.

ed to the Omicron variant, which though not deadly is highly transmissible. As such, health authorities are urging persons to get vaccinated; and those who are qualified are urged to get their booster shots in order to add a layer of protection against the virus.

Latest figures show that, so far, over 424,702 persons, or 82.8 per cent of the adult population, have taken the first dose of an anti-COVID vaccine, while more than 314,960 persons, or 61.4 per cent of persons 18 years and over, are fully immunised.

For children between the ages of 12 and 17, some 32,703 persons, or 44.8 per cent of that demographic, have received the first does of a vaccine, while 23,156 persons, or 31.7 per cent of adolescents, have been fully inoculated.

Meanwhile, over 40,220 persons have thus far each taken their booster dose.

But as more people con-

tinue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging members of the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures; particularly masking in public, observing social distancing, and practising frequent hand-washing and sanitising – which are more significant now with the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant.

In fact, during Wednesday’s COVID-19 update, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony reiterated the importance of persons not being complacent because of the mildness of this new variant, and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against being infected.

“It is not advisable that people just go out there and throw caution to the wind and don’t use mask, don’t get vaccinated and so forth.

It is very important that people take precautions to avoid getting the infection,” he asserted.

According to Dr Anthony,

while the Omicron variant is milder, there has been a steady increase of COVID patients at hospitals across the country. These, he explained, are mostly older persons, unvaccinated persons, and persons with comorbidities.

Moreover, the Health Minister disclosed that Guyana has recorded a number of cases with COVID-19 patients suffering from longterm effects, referred to as “long-COVID”, after contracting the virus.

Long Covid has been described as symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks after COVID-19 infection, which cannot be explained by another cause.

Minister Anthony explained that symptoms of long-COVID can develop when a person is infected with the disease or even after recovery. It could also cause damage to the kidney, heart ailments, temporary memory loss, and even induce certain non-communicable diseases such as dia-

betes.

“Most people are aware of COVID pneumonia, and that’s what a lot of people were having, especially when we had the Delta variant circulating. COVID pneumonia would prevent you from breathing properly, that’s why we had to put a lot of people on ventilators,” he stated.

In response to this development, Dr Anthony revealed that the Health Ministry has established a “multi-disciplinary” medical team at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to treat and manage patients with long-COVID. “Within the Georgetown Public Hospital, we have a multi-disciplinary team that has been established, so that when we identify patients with long-COVID, they can come and, depending on the symptoms that they are showing, the relevant specialists will be able to help them with the relevant care and management,” the Health Minister stated. (G8)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Regional

Venezuela COVID patients, Adulterated cocaine kills 16 in Buenos Aires exhausted doctors get mental

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dulterated cocaine has killed at least 16 people and left 50 in hospitals around the Buenos Aires region of Argentina, the authorities say.

Investigators believe the illegal drug was either laced with some kind of poison or “cut” with another substance.

The regional security minister called on any users who had bought cocaine in the past 24 hours to throw it away.

Reports suggest the drugs were bought in the same shantytown, and nine arrests have been made.

Investigators are awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations to compare drugs seized in raids with those consumed by the victims.

Those affected come from the Hurlingham, Tres de Febrero and San Martín districts of the capital region and were brought to local hospitals.

Outside a hospital in Hurlingham, people said by local media to be related to one of the victims attacked and damaged an empty Police car.

Cocaine (hydrochloride) is a highly addictive stim-

ulant extracted from the leaves of coca plants and is generally snorted.

A 2019 report on drug consumption in the Americas listed Argentina as the country with the third highest rate of cocaine consumption per person after the US and Uruguay.

In San Martín, Police identified four of the victims as Hernán Castro, 45; Martín López, 36; Dino Melgarejo, 33 and Fernando Yacante, whose age was not given, the Buenos Aires Times reports.

One user reportedly told Police they had bought cocaine off an individual in the Puerta 8 shantytown in Tres de Febrero, and raids were launched.

Cocaine was subsequently found in similar packages to those provided by a relative of one of those who had died.

Victims are believed to have suffered convulsions and sudden heart attacks.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazil violence: 3 arrested over killing of Congolese migrant

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hree people have been arrested in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro over the murder of a Congolese migrant, a killing that was captured on video and caused public outrage.

Relatives said Moise Kabagambe was attacked at a beach kiosk after asking the manager to pay overdue wages.

Footage released by Police shows him being repeatedly beaten by four men with clubs and a baseball bat.

The aggressions contin-

ued even as Kabagambe lay motionless on the ground.

The video shows a group of people, including one of the aggressors, trying to revive his lifeless body after the beating.

According to relatives, Kabagambe was demanding the equivalent of £28 (US$38) for two days of work at the kiosk when an argument broke out.

Police said two of those arrested had confessed to taking part in the beating, which happened on January 24 about 22:25h in the welloff Barra da Tijuca area.

Kabagambe had arrived in Brazil in 2011 with his three siblings, fleeing the armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“They broke my son’s back and neck,” Ivana Lay, his mother, told O Globo newspaper. “I fled the DR Congo so we wouldn’t be killed, but they killed my son here the same way they do in my country, with punches and kicks, like an animal.”

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes called the killing “unacceptable and revolting”. (BBC News)

Number of missing in Ecuador landslide falls to 6, death toll 24

People, soldiers, and rescue workers help with clean-up operations after torrential rains caused a landslide, sending mud and rocks down on residences and affecting electricity provision, in Quito, Ecuador, February 1, 2022

T

he Mayor of Ecuador’s capital Quito revised the number of people missing after a landslide on Monday night from 12 to six, although rescue work was still going on, while the

death toll stood at 24.

Ecuador’s worst rains in nearly two decades overwhelmed a dam near the working-class neighbourhoods of La Gasca and La Comuna, sending mud and

rocks down on residences and streets.

Mayor Santiago Guarderas told reporters the number of injured had increased to 52 and repair work would begin on dozens of affected homes.

“According to protocol, firefighters have to do rescue work for 48 hours, after which they can begin cleanup efforts,” Guarderas said.

Ecuador is facing heavy rains in several areas which have caused rivers to overflow and affected hundreds of homes and roads. Rains in Quito on Monday were equivalent to 75 litres per square metre.

Footage obtained by Reuters showed a man struggling to free himself from the muddy waters rushing down a residential street on Monday, before he was swept away. (Reuters)

health help from medical charity

D

octors Without Borders (MSF) is providing mental health care for COVID-19 patients, their families and also medical staff in two public hospitals in Venezuela to support the country’s rundown health system.

They are organising phone and video calls between the sick and their loved ones and even helping dying patients to say their goodbyes, Elizabeth Hernandez, who leads MSF’s effort at Caracas’ Lidice hospital, said.

She said they are providing one-on-one mental health consultations for doctors and nurses. “(Time) showed us that staying at home was not so easy, that patients need something more than access to health services,” Hernandez said as she waited to begin a therapy session with a group of nurses.

“Mental health is not always understood.”

The nurses, standing in

A health worker from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) registers patients outside of a Venezuelan hospital where the organization is helping address mental health challenges faced by patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Caracas, Venezuela

a circle in a hospital garden, shared the best and worst moments of their week as part of the session. Many of them said the biggest problem was finding time to take breaks to help cope mentally with the long hours.

MSF has provided mental health support services in two hospitals in the northeast of capital city Caracas since 2020, with nine psy-

chologists offering up to 30 appointments each week, Hernandez said.

Since Venezuela’s first cases of coronavirus in March 2020, the South American country has reported 485,974 infections and 5447 deaths, though critics and academics warn the numbers could be much higher. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Another shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines for Barbados

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new batch of AstraZeneca vaccines is expected to arrive on the island today, Thursday, February 3.

Co-coordinator of the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, Dr Elizabeth Ferdinand,

said the previous batch expired on January 31. She added that the AstraZeneca vaccines should be available at all vaccination sites by the following day.

Those who did not receive the vaccine after January 31 are encouraged to visit any

of the sites on Friday, or thereafter, for first and second doses, as well as boosters.

The other vaccines, Pfizer, Sinopharm and Johnson & Johnson are currently available.

(Nation News)

Peru PM eyes popular vote on new Constitution in 2026 election

P

eru’s new Prime Minister Hector Valer said on Wednesday that he hopes to consult the country in the next presidential election – set for 2026 – on whether Peruvians would like to redraft their constitution, a campaign promise of President Pedro Castillo.

Valer, a lawyer by training, does not belong to Castillo’s Marxist-Leninist Peru Libre party. He ran for Congress with a right-wing party before joining a bloc that is close to the President and is pushing for a constitutional overhaul.

“We hope that in the next general elections in 2026, we can...have a constitution-making moment,” Valer told radio RPP. There needs to be a “mechanism to make the people aware regarding a constituent assembly, which

should not happen from one day to the next”, he said, adding he wanted to avoid the violence witnessed in neighbour Chile before it set up its constitutional assembly.

Redrafting Peru’s market-friendly constitution has been a matter of concern for investors who fear a rewrite could increase State intervention.

But Valer said he would work with all political and business sectors to create

consensus over a constitutional assembly.

“Only that way can we calm the country and guarantee more national and international investment,” Valer said.

Valer, a lawmaker and member of the conservative Catholic group Opus Dei, was named Prime Minister on Tuesday, the third person to take on the role since Castillo was inaugurated six months ago. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil edges higher after OPEC+ sticks to planned output rises, US stockpiles draw

O

il prices edged up on Wednesday after the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia – known as OPEC+ – stuck to planned moderate output increases despite pressure from top consumers to raise output more quickly.

Brent crude ended settling up 31 cents to US$89.47 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained six cents to US$88.26 a barrel.

Global benchmark Brent has remained within striking distance of US$90 for several days now, buoyed by ongoing concerns about tight supply across major world producers and steadily increasing demand. On Friday, both benchmarks hit their highest since October 2014, with Brent touching US$91.70 and US crude hitting US$88.84.

The market has been unable to push higher, leading analysts to believe sellers have been jumping in to take profits at these levels despite bullish fundamentals. In a Wednesday note, Bank of America analysts said the market was vulnerable to short-term pullbacks after the year's gains so far.

"There's a lot of resistance up near US$90, so we saw some profit taking," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

US crude stockpiles fell by one million barrels last week, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, against expectations for an increase, while distillate inventories also dropped amid strong demand both domestically and in export markets.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia – known as OPEC+ – stuck with previously agreed-upon plans to boost output by 400,000 barrels per day.

The group, however, is struggling to meet existing targets, and wary of responding to calls on its strained capacity for more crude from top consumers to cap surging prices.

The group has blamed rising prices on the failure of consuming nations to ensure adequate investment in fossil fuels as they shift to greener energy.

Several OPEC+ sources also said prices were pushed up by Russia-US tensions that have fanned fears that energy supplies to Europe could be disrupted. Washington has accused Moscow of planning to invade Ukraine, which Russia, the world's second-largest oil producer, denies.

The United States said on Wednesday it would send nearly 3000 troops to Poland and Romania in the coming days to reinforce Eastern European NATO allies as the alliance continues to engage in diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin to defuse the crisis.

A major winter storm is expected to wallop much of the central United States and stretch to parts of the Northeast this week, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain and ice, the National Weather Service said. The storm comes days after a deadly winter blast and could boost prices of oil, especially as some regions substitute out natural gas where supply may be scarce.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden orders nearly 3000 US troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia

T

he United States will send nearly 3000 extra troops to Poland and Romania to shield Eastern Europe from a potential spillover from the crisis over the massing of Russian troops near Ukraine, US officials said on Wednesday.

Russia has denied plans to invade Ukraine, but signalled it was in no mood for compromise on Wednesday by mocking Britain, calling Prime Minister Boris Johnson "utterly confused" and accusing British politicians of "stupidity and ignorance".

Moscow has deployed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and says it could take unspecified military measures if its demands are not met, in-

A

But in a statement, DR Congo's national electricity company said it believed lightning had struck part of the cable, causing it to fall to the ground. The company sent condolences to the victims' families.

Police said the collapse happened at the MatadiKibala district on the outskirts of Kinshasa and that a number of people died on the spot.

Local media report that the majority of the victims were female market traders.

"The cable snapped and the live end of it fell into a ditch that was filled with

cluding a promise by NATO never to admit Kyiv.

A Stryker squadron of around 1000 US service members based in Vilseck,

Germany would be sent to Romania, the Pentagon said, while around 1700 service members, mainly from the 82nd Airborne

Canada Police warn of guns at Ottawa anti-vaccine mandate trucker protest

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olice in Ottawa see signs that guns have been brought into a truckers' protest against vaccine mandates that has paralysed the Canadian capital, the Police Chief said on Wednesday, adding that calling in the military would pose major risks.

"We have had an indication around firearms coming into this jurisdiction as part of this demonstration as much as a week and a half ago," Chief Peter Sloly told a briefing.

He said there was evidence of "a significant element from the United States in the funding and organising" of the protest.

Dozens of truck drivers protesting about COVID-19 vaccine mandates have blocked central routes in the city for six days. Residents have been getting angrier at perceived inaction by the Police, who have largely stood to one side.

The protesters say they

DR Congo: Power cable collapse at Kinshasa market kills 26 t least 26 people have died after they were electrocuted by a falling power cable at a market in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Police say.

The high-voltage cable snapped and fell onto houses and people shopping near the capital Kinshasa on Wednesday.

Unverified footage posted to social media appeared to show the aftermath of the incident, with several motionless bodies in puddles of water.

It is not yet clear what caused the power cable to break.

Ukrainian service members of the Air Assault Forces attend military drills in Lviv region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released February 1, 2022. Press service of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces/Handout via Reuters

Division, would deploy from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Poland. Three hundred other service members will move from Fort Bragg to Germany.

US President Joe Biden said the deployment was consistent with what he had told Russian President Vladimir Putin: "As long as he is acting aggressively, we're going to make sure we can reassure our NATO allies and Eastern Europe that we're there," he said, according to media reports on Twitter.

The objective, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said, was to send a "strong signal" to Putin "and frankly, to the world, that NATO matters to the United States and it matters to our allies".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

water after morning rain," Charles Mbutamuntu, spokesman for the Kinshasa provincial government, told AFP news agency.

Mbutamuntu said the bodies had been taken to the morgue and an investigation into the incident was under way.

Prime Minister Sama Lukonde visited the market later on Wednesday. In comments posted to Twitter, he described the incident as a "terrible accident", adding: "I share the immense pain of the families. My thoughts are also with all the injured." (Excerpt from BBC News)

have no intention of leaving until the Government scraps the vaccine mandates.

Police have declined to end the protest, citing the risk of aggravating tensions. They say they are investigating reports of criminal offences, including hate crimes and desecration of public property, and have made three arrests so far.

"We're looking at every single option, including military aid," Sloly said. "Mixing them into a population in the downtown core in a highly volatile demonstration ... may mitigate some risks and may create and escalate a whole bunch of other risks."

The demonstration began as a move to force the Liberal Government of Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau to drop a vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers. It has since turned into a more populist anti-Trudeau movement.

Trudeau on Monday said Canadians were disgusted by the behaviour of some protesters and vowed not to be intimidated. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Global banks to transfer aid funds to Afghanistan

I

nternational banks can transfer money to Afghanistan for humanitarian purposes, and aid groups are allowed to pay teachers and healthcare workers at State-run institutions without fear of breaching sanctions on the Taliban, the United States said on Wednesday.

The US Department of the Treasury offered guidance on sanctions exemptions issued in September and December for humanitarian work in Afghanistan, where the United Nations says more than half the country’s 39 million people suffer extreme

hunger and the economy, education and social services are facing collapse.

The Taliban, which has long been blacklisted by the US as a “terrorist” group, seized power from Afghanistan’s internationally-backed Government in August. Billions of dollars in Afghan central bank reserves and international development aid were frozen to prevent it from falling into Taliban hands. International banks have been wary of Afghanistan, and the UN and aid groups are struggling to get enough money into the country to fund operations.

The US Treasury said

banks can process transactions related to humanitarian operations “including clearing, settlement, and transfers through, to, or otherwise involving privately-owned and State-owned Afghan depository institutions”.

It also outlined permitted transactions involving the Taliban, which includes the also blacklisted Haqqani Network. These include signing agreements to provide aid directly to the Afghan people, general aid coordination, including import administration, and sharing of office space. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

CNN boss resigns over undisclosed relationship

C

NN President Jeff Zucker has resigned from the network after failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a senior executive.

The 56-year-old Zucker said in a memo to colleagues that he was "wrong" to not report the relationship as required.

The relationship was discovered during an investigation into the conduct of fired CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.

Zucker is considered one of the most powerful media executives in the US. In the message sent on Wednesday to the network's

staff and shared online by CNN media correspondent Brian Stelter, Zucker said that he was asked about his consensual relationship with a colleague during an investigation into Cuomo's time at CNN. Cuomo was being investigated over efforts to help his politician brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, fight allegations of sexual harassment.

Zucker said that he had worked with the colleague for two decades and that the relationship had "evolved in recent years".

"I was required to disclose it

when it began, but I didn't," he said. "I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today."

Zucker's memo did not identify the colleague with whom he had a relationship, but CNN named her as Allison Gollust, the network's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

"Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years," she said in a statement quoted by Stelter on air. "Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn't disclose it at the right time."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Do what you must do, and don’t stop until you are happy with the results.

What you achieve now will result in rewards later. Keep the peace to avoid controversial conversations.

(March 21-April 19) Take care of unfinished business.

When in doubt, gather information that will clarify your options and encourage you to take the necessary precautions before you get moving.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Take a pass if someone tempts you to be indulgent or excessive. A disciplined approach will be the key to positive results. Take care of your responsibilities before you move on to other things.

(May 21-June 20) Explore the possibilities and expand your horizons. You stand to make substantial gains if you are true to yourself and work to make your dreams come true. Love and growth are within reach.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

You’ll find it challenging to get things done if you let outside influences interfere. Changes made by others may not be as beneficial for you as for the people behind them. Know when to break loose.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Put your plans in motion. Divvy up the workload with people eager to reach a common goal. The more you work with others, the better the outcome. Romance is in the stars.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Shared space, expenses or responsibilities will need adjustments. If you aren’t ready to face pending problems, do something that will encourage self-improvement. A foolproof plan will be necessary.

You have more options than you realize. Take the path that offers something unique or playful. Doing things your way or differently will encourage a long overdue change.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be realistic and disciplined in the face of temptation. Ask questions to determine if it’s worthwhile to make a move. Indulgence of any kind should be avoided. Stick to what you know.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Tally up your finances and make alterations at home to lower your overhead. Getting back on track will reduce stress and encourage you to live in the moment and enjoy the everyday.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set a course, and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Stop worrying about what others do or think and set your sights on doing your own thing.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A demonstrative approach to life will help you solve problems and get things done. Changing how you handle money will encourage greater financial freedom. Don’t hold back.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Akeal Hossein has moved up to 18th position

Latest ICC Rankings…

Hosein, Holder achieve career-best rankings for T20I bowlers

21

Jason Holder has moved up to 23rd in the ICC T20 rankings

...Pooran, Moeen, Livingston are other notable movers

A Brandon King has moved up to 58th

keal Hosein and Jason Holder have achieved career-best positions in the latest ICC T20I rankings for bowlers, after guiding West Indies to victory in the fifth match against England in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Left-arm spinner Hosein has jumped 15 places to the 18th spot, after picking up 4 for 30 in the final T20I. He finished with six wickets in three matches, and that was considered for the latest update to the rankings.

Fast bowling allrounder Holder - who rattled England with four wickets in four balls to finish the series-decider with 5 for 27, and scalped nine in the last three T20Is - has moved up three spots to 23rd, with a gain of 20 rating points.

The other notable movers in the T20I bowling rankings were Sheldon Cottrell (up 10 places to 31st), Moeen Ali (up three places to 32nd), and Liam Livingston (up 33 places to 68th).

Among the batters, Nicholas Pooran has gained eight places, and now occupies 18th place, after hitting a total of 113 runs in the three matches, including 70 in the third T20I.

Brandon King and West Indies captain Kieron Pollard have also gained big in the rankings.

King moved up 25 places to 58th, while Pollard jumped 15 places to 60th.

Moeen, who scored a match-winning 63 and picked up 2 for 28 in the fourth T20I, has gone up 30 places to be 67th. He has also leapfrogged Glenn Maxwell and Wanindu Hasaranga to the third spot among allrounders.

Sheldon Cottrell has moved up to 31s

NBA Roundup...

scores triple-double CWI pays tribute to Easton McMorris, Giannis as Bucks bounce back former West Indies batsman and G outstanding Jamaica captain

S

T JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday paid tribute to Easton McMorris, who passed away on Tuesday.

The former Jamaica captain and West Indies batsman was 86.

McMorris made his Test debut for West Indies against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval in 1958, in a team alongside Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garry Sobers and Sir Conrad Hunte. He played 13 Test matches and scored one century – 125 against India at Sabina Park in 1962.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt said: “I had the privilege to engage with Mr McMorris on a few occasions over the years. I found him to be an encouraging and selfless gentleman.

On behalf of CWI, I want to send condolences to his family and the entire cricket fraternity in Jamaica.

“Easton was a true stalwart of the game,

and contributed significantly at all levels on and off the field.

He was a leader at the Lucas Cricket Club, carrying on the legacy established by the great George Headley. After retirement from playing, he gave yeoman service as a board member of the Jamaica Cricket Association and manager of the Jamaica cricket team.”

McMorris was an outstanding captain for Jamaica, including winning the much-coveted Shell Shield, and he was a steady performer for West Indies in Test cricket. As a captain, McMorris led from the front. He was an astute thinker of the game, a shrewd tactician, and was respected by his teammates and opponents.

He was a very determined batsman, who valued his wicket. The region has lost a true and lifelong servant of the game.

iannis Antetokounmpo drove the Milwaukee Bucks home with a triple-double as they bounced back with a 112-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

Antetokounmpo finished the game with 33 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, including 13 points in the fourth quarter, as the Bucks closed it out on a 17-4 run.

The Greek forward was scoreless in the first quarter.

The Wizards, missing Bradley Beal to a wrist injury, had rallied from a 17-point deficit to be within contention in the final period, but the reigning champions pulled away.

The Bucks had lost 136-100 to the Denver Nuggets in their last game, and Antetokounmpo was delighted to put that behind them as they improved to 32-21.

Jrue Holiday provided good support with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, and Khris Middleton caught fire late to add 13 points and five rebounds.

Warriors win without All-Stars

The Golden State Warriors put aside the absence of All-Stars Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson to beat the San Antonio Spurs 124-120.

Jordan Poole starred with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists as Golden State won after a 35-16 fourth quarter rally.

The Chicago Bulls reinforced their top

spot in the east with a 126-115 victory over the Orlando Magic; led by DeMar DeRozan with 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Zach LaVine chipped in with 26 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) got the better of Nikola Jokic (21 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists)) as the Minnesota Timberwolves won 130-115 over the Denver Nuggets.

Harden’s shooting cools down

James Harden returned from a hand injury, but went six-of-19 from the field and four turnovers as the Brooklyn Nets went down 121-111 to the streaking Phoenix Suns.

Harden had 22 points and 10 assists, while Kyrie Irving hit 26 points. Devin Booker scored 35 points while Chris Paul added 20 points with 14 assists.

22

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Haynes wants U19 stars exposed to international setup B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados – New Chief Selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, wants to see the phased integration of West Indies Under-19 stars into the senior international setup, and believes the initiative could prove a key development aspect for that age group.

Noting how impressed he was with the squad that competed in the ongoing ICC Under-19 W o r l d Cup, Haynes said what would further enhance their preparation for the highest level was their being exposed to current international players

during the ongoing home

series.

“I’ve made a recommendation to the Director of Cricket (Jimmy Adams) that I believe we can look at getting at least three of the guys who have done well in the Under-19 tournament to be in the dressing room during the Test series in the West Indies,” Haynes told a media conference here.

“I’m hoping that the recommendation is [accepted], so these guys can understand what it is like to play at the highest level; and I hope they would learn a lot from it.

“The reason why I made that recommendation is because it happened to me. When I was named the Most Improved Cricketer in Youth Cricket in Barbados, I was asked to be in the dressing room for Barbados versus Jamaica in the four-day competition, and I learned a hell of a lot.

“I was practising with the guys and listening to how they prepared and how they were going to bowl to Lawrence Rowe. For me, it was a great education, and I can remember that now, so you would know how impactful that was.”

West Indies Under-19s, dubbed the Rising Stars, have had a disappointing run in the ICC tournament hosted in the Caribbean for the first time, finishing 11th of the 16 teams involved. There were some standouts, however.

Kevin Wickham, a reserve at the start of the campaign but one who was subsequently drafted in as a COVID replacement, topped the scoring charts with 243 runs from four innings to finish with an average of 81.

He hit an impressive 104 against Zimbabwe on Monday in the side’s final game, to follow up two half-centuries in his three previous innings.

Teddy Bishop, who hit an unbeaten hundred against Zimbabwe, averaged 51, while opener Matthew Nandu also struck a century against Papua, New Guinea.

Shiva Sankar, a right-arm fast bowler, was the leading bowler with nine wickets, including an outstanding spell against Scotland in the group stage.

Like with the senior squad, Haynes said, it was now important to expand the pool of Under-19 players so the side could be bolstered further.

“I like the Under-19 squad. You must understand too (that) with COVID in the last two years, I think it’s very difficult for the coaches and the people involved to get that squad together…,” the legendary former opener explained.

“But there has to be more out there that missed out because obviously they didn’t get the opportunity, because some were ill and couldn’t travel, or whatever. I think what we

Dhawan, Iyer, Gaikwad, Saini test positive for COVID-19

The Indian cricket team has reportedly been hit by Covid.

I

ndia have been dealt a severe blow four days ahead of their ODI series against the West Indies with seven members of their camp, including four players, testing positive for COVID-19.

Those players are Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad and the reserve fast bowler Navdeep Saini. The other three to test positive are members of the support staff: fielding coach T Dilip, security liaison officer B Lokesh, and sports massage therapist Rajeev Kumar.

While announcing this development in a media release late on Wednesday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said the selectors have added opening batter Mayank Agarwal to the ODI squad.

The BCCI has said that all positive results emerged after the India squad had undergone three RT-PCR tests upon landing in Ahmedabad on January 31. Dhawan and Saini returned positive tests after the first round of testing on January 31, and Dilip and Lokesh also tested positive on the same day. Gaikwad, who had cleared the January 31 test, returned a positive test the next day, while Iyer and Rajeev returned positive tests on Wednesday during the third round of testing.

The India squad started to arrive in Ahmedabad at the end of last week, while West Indies landed early on February 2. Both teams are staying at the same hotel, but on separate floors.

As per the BCCI’s guidelines, both India and West Indies have to serve a minimum of three

need to do is start looking to broaden that pool as well, and get some more players in.”

Haynes, awarded Barbados’s highest national honour – The Order of Freedom – during Republic Day celebrations last November, said the return of a regional cricket academy would also aid in the development of Under-19 stars.

“What I would personally like to see us get is back to where we can have a cricket academy, where some of these guys can be trained and we can get them ready for the bigger [stage],” Haynes pointed out. “Because, if you look at the West Indies team now, there are so many of the guys that are involved with our cricket now that are involved with our Under19s, so it is important for us to understand the importance of Under-19 cricket.” (CMC)

Windsor Forest dismantle Lochan in low-scoring thriller Abdullah Wazidali scored 19 and bagged 2-5

days’ quarantine in their hotel rooms before breaking out for training. India were scheduled to start training from Thursday, while West Indies from the second half of February 4.

All members of the Indian contingent, the BCCI said, had been asked to take a PCR test before they travelled to Ahmedabad. Each of the seven members who tested positive would now isolate in Ahmedabad. As per guidelines issued by the Indian Government, any person testing positive needs to isolate for a minimum of seven days.

The ODI series is set to be played behind closed doors, with India currently experiencing a third wave of the pandemic. India recorded over 160,000 fresh cases on Tuesday, with the state of Gujarat, where Ahmedabad is located, reporting over 8000 of them.

This series would be the first to feature Rohit Sharma, who has recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the recent tour of South Africa, as India’s full-time ODI captain.

The left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and the offspinning allrounder Washington Sundar are set to make comebacks, while the legspinner Ravi Bishnoi and the batting allrounder Deepak Hooda have each received their first call-up. The Tamil Nadu pair of Shahrukh Khan and R Sai Kishore are also in the squad as back-up.

West Indies, meanwhile, have picked the fast bowler Kemar Roach in their ODI squad for the first time since 2019, and are also set to welcome back Fabian Allen after his recovery from COVID-19. (ESPNcricinfo)

CWI Chief Selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes

T

Lalta Suknanan bagged 3-12

here was plenty of action in a friendly T20 game between a Windsor Forest team and a Lochan All Stars team at the Canal #2 Polder Ground, West Bank Demerara last Sunday.

The match was a definite thriller, as Windsor Forest brought their ‘A’ game and were able to defeat the All Stars in a high-intensity low-scoring match by 8 runs.

Windsor Forest lost the toss and were sent in to take first strike. They were able to post only 84 all out in 15 overs, and needed to bounce back as, two Sunday’s ago, they had lost a match against the Canal #2 Sports Club.

However, it would seem that the Lochan team had come to win. They were able to maintain their line and length, resulting in pressure being built on the Windsor Forest team, who were bowled out for a low score.

ACCOMMODATIONS Top scoring for Windsor Forest was Abdullah Wazidali Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara with 19 (1 * 6) (2 * 4), while Avinash Ganesh’s 10 (1 * 6) (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Kishaun Tracy’s 10 (1 * 4) contributed valuable runs and Vreed-n-Hoop) – Air Conditioned to the total.

Comfort. Amenities include TV, Bowling for Lochan All Stars, A Daniels took 4 for 16 Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, from 4 overs, and A Khan took 3 for 20 from 4 overs.

Gym. Free Parking, Free WIFI. Spend Send in to bat, and needing a simple target of 85 for 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates from victory, Lochan All Stars were dismissed for 76 in 16.1 $45 US Breakfast Included. Long overs. This was a definite demonstration of the vicissitudes term rates available. Phone: 264of fortune, as the game was practically Lochan’s. Windsor 2946-9 www.aracariresort.com didn’t succumb to Lochan because they fought a good BUSINESS fight and found themselves back to their winning ways.

OPPORTUNITYTop scoring for Lochan was A Basdeo with 19 (1 * 6) (2 RESTAURANT RENTAL * 4), while R Daniels’s 13 (1 * 4) and A Daniels’s 13 (1 * 4) were valuable contributions.

West Bank Demerara, (VersaillesIn the bowling department, the chief wicket-takers for between Harbor Bridge and VreedWindsor Forest were Lalta Suknanan with 3 for 12 from 2 n-Hoop): - Aracari Resort – Turn Key overs; Deendyal Guyadeen with 2 for 13 from 3.1 overs; Business. Furnished and equipped.

Avinash Ganesh with 2 for 15 from 3 overs, and Abdullah Covid-19 reduced capacity is Wazidali with 2 for 5 from 2 overs.

60. Phone 264 2946; 626-5290.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Regional 4-Day tournament…

FIBA & World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) “Start Coaching” programme for Guyana on February 16-17

Captain Johnson delighted at deserving selection of Adams, Persaud and Imlach

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Harpy Eagles captain Leon Johnson has said the players selected to represent Guyana at the upcoming Regional 4-Day tournament are all worthy of selection. He was speaking specifically on the selection of hardworking players Anthony Adams, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.

Known for performing consistently at the local levels, the 28-year-old Adams is in good form, after some strong performances in the three trial matches.

Speaking about Adams, Johnson said: “Everyone in the squad played First-class cricket. Adams, being the least experienced, with one game, has been a consistent performer, whether it be club cricket, inter-county cricket, franchise cricket. He has been consistent for the past decade. He played inter-county at a very young age. I remember him getting me out at Anna Regina Ground about ten years ago. So, he has been very good and consistent, and he deserves an opportunity in the side. He got a five-wicket haul in the first trial match at Albion.”

Regarded as one of the fittest players in the Guyana set-up, Tevin Imlach scored a composed century in the trial match, and has been doing well behind the stumps.

“Imlach, a very talented player, had a couple of First-class games. He did decent in the last Super50 tournament that he played, and he has been in and around the squad. And he works very hard on his game, his fitness and things like that,” Johnson said on the Sean Devers Sports Watch.

Left-handed batsman Akshaya Persaud scored two solid half-centuries in the trial match. His runs came at a time when batsmen were struggling to accumulate runs, and Captain Johnson has described the 24-yearold player with the experience of two Firstclass matches as a hungry player.

“Another deserving player is Akshaya Persaud, who did pretty well in the trials. He

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Haynes lobbies for Isley

C

o a c h i n g Instructor Nelson Isley of the World Association of Basketball C o a c h e s (WABC) is schedule to arrive in Guyana to begin implementation of the FIBA and WABC’s “Start Coaching” programme for grassroots coaches, and to conduct a Level 1 Coaches’ assessment clinic for more advanced coaches.

This two-day clinic would comprise grassroots coaching activities from the newly published handbook, which It has been lobbied for FIBA to includes a coach’s workbook, get WABC’s Instructor activities book, practice plans Nelson Isley and a facilitator’s handbook to support national federations to promote and grow coaches at grassroots level, including ex-players, new coaches, parents and physical education (PE) teachers.

scored two half-centuries when guys were struggling to get runs.

He played pretty well. A lot of the guys are talented and work pretty hard on their game, and Akshaya is one of those guys. I think he has a hunger and desire to play for Guyana and play for West Indies. He trains very hard, so when these guys get selected, I am very pleased and happy for them, because I see the work they put in day in, day out.”

Speaking in general about the team, Johnson noted that every player in the 15-man squad deserves to be there.

“When teams are selected, you cannot please everybody, but from being in the midst of it, guys who have been selected…most, if not all, are fitting and worthy of their selection because of the work they put in and performance on the field,” Johnson said.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will play Windward Islands Volcanoes from February 9-12, 2022; and Leeward Islands Hurricanes from February 16-19, 2022. Both matches will be played at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Keemo Paul (Vice Captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Askhaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble, Tevin Imlach, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie Nial Smith, Clinton Pestano, Shimron Hetmyer, Keon Joseph and Anthony Adams.

The reserves are: Kemol Savory, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith and Demitri Cameron.

This newly developed handbook features:

• Coach’s Workbook: the “textbook” for the programme • Activities Book: a collection of activities that coaches can use to teach • Practice Plans: 10 practice plans to help a coach get through their first season • Facilitator Handbook: the coach’s workbook, including sample answers to the follow up sections GABF General Secretary Patrick Haynes lobbied with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to get WABC Instructor Nelson Isley to kick-off the Start Coaching programme in Guyana as part of the GABF’s strategic goals to promote basketball coaching at the grassroots level.

Patrick Haynes has said, “This is the key to making our sport stronger, more popular, and enjoyable for all. This programme is designed to give coaches starting out in coaching practical tips on how to make learning basketball fun, and how to keep players active and engaged. I believe the GABF can use these resources to not only provide valuable coaching information and coaching methods, but also encourage and help those interested to start coaching.”

ECDCB names under-15 squad for DCB GCA short lists 20-man squad to represent GCA Inter-Association competition 2022 in the Demerara Inter-Association Tournament

T

he East Coast Demerara Cricket Board (ECDCB) has announced the 15-man squad and reserves for the Demerara Cricket Board’s Under-15 Inter-Association competition.

Four (4) other teams will participate in the competition, namely Georgetown, West Demerara, East Bank Demerara, and Upper Demerara.

The Inter-Association competition would precede the Guyana Cricket Board/ Dave Narine Imports and Exports Under-15 InterCounty Tournament, which is expected to be conducted during the latter half of February 2022.

The ECDCB Under-15 team would be led by Arun Gainda, who possesses a

Trilok Sharma

wealth of experience at this level, having first represented the GCB President’s X1 Team at the tender age of 11 years old, and progressing to play for Demerara Under-15 in 2019.

The East Coast Demerara Cricket Board Under-15 squad comprise: Arun Gainda (captain), Trilok Nanan (vice-cap-

Arun Gainda

tain), Mickel Sharma, Ravin Persaud, Rishi Seodat, Alonzo Ramsingh, Antonio Chan, Munesh Outar, Gopaul Ramchand, Aaron Kissoon, Mohan Jagernauth, Udesh Jaikarran, Fauiz Ali and Adrian Kissoon.

The reserves are: Joshua Bollers, Nicholas Rukhdeo, Daniel Kissoon, Richardo Singh and Amit Prashad.

E

merging from the GCA cricket clinic/ drills and trial matches, the GCA selectors, chaired by Roderick Lovell, have shortlisted a 20-man squad to represent Georgetown Cricket Association in the Demerara Inter-Association tournament, which should start shortly.

The following are the names shortlisted: Omarion Allen, Sameer Bhola, Joshua Charles, Brandon Henry, Narindra Isurdeen, Peter Khan, Ryan Khan, Reyaz Latif, Darwin La Rose, Emanuel Lewis, Jonathan Mentore,

Dave Mohabir, Nicholas Nieuelder, Dhanesh Persaud, Shane Prince, Lomar Seecharran, Kishan Silas, Ravin Singh, Nicholas Sulker and Kwesi Wilkinson.

However, as we continue our preparation with net sessions and practice matches for the Demerara Inter Association tournament, the first of such friendly matches, which is part of our preparation, will see GCA XI feature in a Friendly match vs Berbice XI on Saturday 5th February, 2022 at the DCC ground. Match starts at 9:30 am.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

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

Regional 4-Day tournament…

Captain Johnson delighted at deserving selection of Adams, Persaud and Imlach Page 23

ECDCB names under-15 squad for DCB Inter-Association competition 2022

FIBA & World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) “Start Coaching” programme for Guyana on February 16-17

Page 23

…Haynes lobbies for Isley Mickel Sharma

GABF General Secretary Patrick Haynes

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