Guyana Times -- Tuesday, September 15, 2020

RUSAL in talks with Govt to return P7

– Minister says workers’ rights must be protected Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4409

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

Police confirm Henry teens were not killed in coconut field where bodies were found …all suspects released, Police pursuing 2 additional persons Pages 5& 7

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

High Court P8 dismisses Bulkans’ lawsuit against BoG …former APNU/AFC Minister to pay $250,000 in court costs for "incoherent" claim

...Guyana to get support from British Govt, RSS to solve teens’ murders Budget Debate 2020…

Former APNU/AFC Govt racks up $13.1B in unpaid electricity bill – Min Indar Page 11

P14 Guyana records 31 new COVID-19 cases

…says lack of investment responsible for constant blackouts

16,000 gallons of Body of foreign national, illegal fuel found in cocaine found onboard 2 aircraft in Reg 7 2 vessels at Parika Brazilian …3 others taken into custody

Mohamed’s P2 family refutes involvement in “Ponzi scheme” operations Policeman P14 stabbed by wanted man at Port Kaituma

…5 in custody

Page 12

The wreckage of the crashed aircraft found in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Monday.

A large quantity of cocaine was discovered among the wreckage (Page13)

AFC's Raphael Trotman lauds Govt for budget measures in mining sector P3

– but warns of "gold rush" causing environmental damage

Wife, 3 others in custody for murder of taxi P10 driver

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mohamed’s family refutes involvement in “Ponzi scheme” operations

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he principals of the popular Mohamed’s Enterprises have refuted a fake article circulating on social media which suggests that they were involved in the Ponzi scheme that was being operated by Cuban national Yuri GarciaDominguez and his Guyanese wife, Ateeka Ishmael.

According to the article, Nazar and his son Azruddin are being investigated by the police in relation to the unregulated investment operation.

The fake report said all the cash received from the “investors” of the operation was delivered and laundered by the Mohameds.

However, Mohamed’s Enterprise in a release to the media stated that the

“Fake” post also sought to derive credibility by mimicking an authentic news outlet while publishing dishonest disclosures regarding a police investigation involving a Ponzi scheme.

In a release to the media, Mohamed’s Enterprise stated that it was never involved in same and the Guyana Police Force’s investigation has already revealed the persons responsible, through the persons identified publicly and subsequently charged with criminal offences relating to this Ponzi scheme.

“This is public knowledge since this information is readily available both in the print and online media sources. However, the author(s) of this FAKE, un-

true, malicious and vexatious article have revealed their ill-intent by continuing to peddle such dangerous lies without any proof,” Mohamed’s Enterprise noted.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force Public Relations Officer Andries-Junior has confirmed that the article is fake and that the police are conducting no such investigation.

Authorities have recently clamped down on the Accelerated Capital Firm Inc operations – which allegedly swindled millions of dollars out of thousands of Guyanese. The operators of the business are currently before the court on a number of charges in relation to the operation.

2 arrested for stoning Police

A

23-year-old driver and a 24-year-old labourer of Canal Number 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD), were arrested and are being processed for court for stoning a police vehicle on Sunday evening.

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 23:10h, a police mobile unit was patrolling in Canal No Two Polder,

WBD, when the ranks observed a crowd gathered on the roadway. As a result, the ranks approached the crown but the persons managed to disperse into the bushes.

However, while hiding in the bushes, they started to throw stones at the ranks, but in retaliation, the police gave chase thus resulting in the arrests of the two men.

They were both taken to the Wales Police Station

where they were cautioned, told of the offence and are being processed for court.

A police source stated that the two men will likely face additional charges since they were breaching the COVID-19 guidelines which state that a curfew is in effect from 18:00h – 06:00h on a daily basis.

The police are also continuing their investigations into the matter.

Several injured in ECD 2-vehicle collision

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The car that was involved in the accident

everal persons including six children were treated at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and sent away on Sunday evening after a speeding vehicle belonging to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) collided with a motor car along the Bee Hive Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 18:45h and involved a GDF motor pickup driven by a Corporal stationed at Camp Ayanganna and the motor car driven by a 19-year-old of Greenfield North, ECD, with several occupants including six children, aged six to 16.

Police investigations have since revealed that the

started to overtake the vehicles and at the same time, the motor car attempted to turn into the Bee Hive access road.

As a result, the front portion of the pick-up collided with the right side of the motor car, causing both drivers to lose control and end up in a trench. The occupants of the vehicles were pulled from the trench by other soldiers who were travelling behind.

They would have sustained minor injuries but were taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where

The GDF pick-up after the accident

GDF pick-up was proceeding along the roadway in the vicinity of Bee Hive Public Road at a fast rate behind three vehicles. However, the driver of the pick-up

they were treated and sent away. A breathalyser test was conducted on the soldier but there was no trace of alcohol in his system.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 15 – 03:00h – 04:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Wednesday, September 16 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 15 – 15:15h – 16:45h and Wednesday, September 16 – 15:55h – 17:25h.

AFC's Raphael Trotman lauds Govt for budget measures in mining sector

– but warns of "gold rush" causing environmental damage

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail during the day. There will be cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly to North North-Westerly to Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

President Irfaan Ali

toring and regulating and for the environment. I would urge that these measures receive periodic reviews,” Trotman said.

Making good on an issue it campaigned on and criticised the former APNU/ AFC Government for, the President Dr Irfaan Aliled Government had rolled back the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on mining equipment.

President Ali himself had announced the measure at a press conference, ahead of last week’s presentation of the budget. In addi-

estry, agriculture and manufacturing. We have also decided on the granting of tax concessions on ATVs for mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing,” Ali had said.

He added that this is another measure in the party’s manifesto, adding that it will bring immediate relief to the mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing sectors – all of which have been underperforming and all of which have been faced with tremendous difficulties under the previous Administration.

High Tide: 15:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 08:48h and 21:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.63 metre.

The measures include the removal of VAT and duties on mining equipment

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

03 05 14

15 21 26

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

05 11 14 16 24 LUCKY 3

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$39.61/barrel

-0.56

Rough Rice

$219.42/ton

+0.99

London Sugar

$357.20/ton

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Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1961.30

$1962.30

Low/High

$1939.40

$1964.20

+5.70

+0.29%

Change

pposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Former Natural Resources Minister (NRM) Raphael Trotman on Monday commended the Government for various measures in the 2020 budget aimed at revitalising the extractive industries sector.

He was at the time kicking off the budget debates taking place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Trotman, who once oversaw the sector as Minister of Natural Resources under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, nevertheless sounded a note of caution.

“I take a moment to commend some of the emergency measures introduced to assist the forestry and mining sectors in these difficult COVID-19 times,” Trotman said.

“However, we must sound a note of caution.

While we incentivise miners, we must be mindful of the environmental impact and Indigenous communities near to them.”

Citing the high price for gold, Trotman expressed fear that the measures could spark a gold rush.

He, therefore, cautioned the Government to do the necessary monitoring to avoid this from happening.

“There is a moral hazard that is associated with these measures as gold is trending upwards of US$1900 per ounce, and is likely to go higher. Everyone will want to enter mining and this will exact a high cost for moni-

tion to the removal of VAT, Ali had announced that the Government will be granting tax concessions on AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs) for persons who use them in the productive sectors.

“The removal of VAT and duties on machinery and equipment, to allow for the recapitalisation of key sectors, including mining, for-

Opposition MP Raphael Trotman

President Ali noted that these measures will be a boost, particularly to the agriculture, mining and agriculture sectors. He pointed out that current estimates have the mining sector at a 65 per cent productive capacity, owing to many miners downing tools and parking their equipment due to poor rates of return.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who presented the $330 billion budget, had informed the house at the time that the measures for the extractive industries were arrived at after consultation with stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the budget debates continue today.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

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

Child deaths and the pandemic

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he number of global under-five deaths dropped to its lowest point on record in 2019 – down to 5.2 million from 12.5 million in 1990, according to new mortality estimates released by UNICEF; the World Health Organisation (WHO); the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the World Bank Group.

Since then, however, surveys by UNICEF and WHO reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major disruptions to health services that threaten to undo decades of hard-won progress, WHO has reported.

According to UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, the global community has come too far towards eliminating preventable child deaths to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop us in our tracks. She noted: “When children are denied access to health services, because the system is overrun, and when women are afraid to give birth at the hospital for fear of infection, they, too, may become casualties of COVID-19.”

Fore argued that without urgent investments to re-start disrupted health systems and services, millions of children under five, especially newborns, could die.

WHO has explained that over the past 30 years, health services to prevent or treat causes of child death such as pre-term birth, low birthweight, complications during birth, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, as well as vaccination, have played a large role in saving millions of lives.

It said now countries worldwide are experiencing disruptions in child and maternal health services, such as health check-ups, vaccinations, and prenatal and post-natal care, due to resource constraints and a general uneasiness with using health services due to a fear of getting COVID-19.

WHO cited a UNICEF survey conducted recently across 77 countries which found that almost 68 per cent of countries reported at least some disruption in health checks for children and immunisation services. In addition, 63 per cent of countries reported disruptions in antenatal check-ups and 59 per cent in post-natal care.

Further, a recent WHO survey, based on responses from 105 countries, revealed that 52 per cent of countries reported disruptions in health services for sick children and 51 per cent in services for management of malnutrition.

According to WHO, health interventions such as these are critical for stopping preventable newborn and child deaths. For example, women who receive care by professional midwives trained according to international standards are 16 per cent less likely to lose their baby and 24 per cent less likely to experience pre-term birth.

Based on the responses from countries that participated in the UNICEF and WHO surveys, the most commonly cited reasons for health service disruptions included parents avoiding health centres for fear of infection; transport restrictions; suspension or closure of services and facilities; fewer healthcare workers due to diversions or fear of infection due to shortages in personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves; and greater financial difficulties. Afghanistan, Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Libya, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sudan and Yemen are among the hardest-hit countries.

According to WHO, with severe disruptions in essential health services, newborn babies could be at much higher risk of dying.

WHO has pointed to an initial modelling by Johns Hopkins University which showed that almost 6000 additional children could die per day due to disruptions as a result of COVID-19.

These reports and surveys, according to WHO, highlight the need for urgent action to restore and improve childbirth services and antenatal and postnatal care for mothers and babies, including having skilled health workers to care for them at birth. Working with parents to assuage their fears and reassure them is also important.

WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out: “The fact that today more children live to see their first birthday than any time in history is a true mark of what can be achieved when the world puts health and well-being at the centre of our response.”

All countries, including Guyana, must take the necessary action urgently to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from turning back remarkable progress for our children and future generations. The WHO Head has urged that it is time to use what we know works to save lives and keep investing in stronger, resilient health systems.

Region One (Barima-Waini) Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan met with residents during a meet-and-greet exercise over the weekend

The PPP/C has to repair and replace the loss created by the PNCR Dear Editor, As the mutilated bodies of the Henry cousins were laid to rest last Sunday, the parting ceremony was conducted in a sordid environment, far from being conducive with the sanctity of a peaceful and sacred farewell and invaded with the racial diatribes of some merciless politicians. Guyana prays that the departed souls find their restful places within the softness of the eyes of that forgiving Almighty and that, all who are guilty of orchestrating this heinous crime, be swiftly brought to justice.

Guyana is waking up to another piece of disturbing news that 56 persons have died because of COVID-19 and, who knows exactly how many more have become affected since the gathering of protesters, rioters and looters who chose to listen to the dastard advice of heartless and selfish manipulators, exposing themselves to the deadly danger rather than being conscious and calculative of the risk factor involved. Worry not why the infected number keeps increasing, thanks to the preachers and teachers from Georgetown.

Has any one of the Berbice “protesters” thought about getting tested? But some of us are either too gullible, naïve, carefree, irrational, nonjudgmental, illiterate, silly, passionate, emotional, apathetic, influential or one of a thousand other terminologies that may fittingly describe us, if we are guilty as a participant in one or more of the sadistic tragedies that caused death, pain, suffering, damages and loss in the atrocious fiasco that occurred last week in the Berbice madness.

The callousness of the

PNC leaders continues to endanger the entire nation in many forms and shapes and in variable degrees, quality and quantity. The sad part about this degrading affair is that APNU/ AFC party members and associates continue to allow themselves to be used and fooled by these mischief makers who are determined to still seize power, one way or the other at the expense of their followers, despite acknowledging that the PNC party has a history of propagating violence since the days of 1960s to currently. Hello, has anyone seen or heard again from Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? Hide and seek is a favourite pastime game in Guyana. He is still hoping to sneak in through the back door!

It was reported that the political poison providers “tried a thing” in Buxton and attempted Scene 2, trying to proliferate incitement, but, the Buxtonians were well prepared for this inducement and promptly rebuked and refused, quite rightly, to be deceived again and drawn into any monstrosity. Kudos to the smart and intelligent, quick-thinking people who smelled the hunters from afar and did not allow themselves to become ensnared in the trap.

Too long has vulgarity and hooliganism pervaded openly in society and it is time that the decency of moral dignity envelope our lifestyle and we become compatible with socially distancing ourselves from corruption of the mind, whereby, we do not become vulnerably susceptible to volatility. The time is ripe and right for us to engage our conscience so that as we kneel, let us meditate on empathy to cleanse our hearts from guilt and

shame so that we can see the light of being remorseful.

Gladston Henry is not only a figurehead, hero and teacher, but also, a gentleman and scholar, a healer and mediator who has created a precedent for refined sincerity, laying a cornerstone to catapult Guyana towards uniting from a raw division of racial animosity to a peaceful cohesion of love and respect for all ethnicities. Guyana should feel proud that such a “Gandhi follower” exists and the honour of respect should be bestowed on him. It was Martin Luther King Jr who pensively philosophised, “Judge not a man by the skin of his colour but by the content of his character.”

The President should enlist him on his award roaster.

In the USA, following the death of George Floyd, riots have continued in some cities and other deaths and shootings during interactions with Police. It is estimated that in Portland, they have seen some US$23 million in damages and in Minneapolis, the city had to endure about US$500 million worth of destruction. Will someone guestimate the unnecessary loss in Berbice? The present generation should pay attention to three lines that were printed back in 1882 and credited as “Motto on the walls of a school in Germany”: When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; When health is lost, something is lost; When character is lost, all is lost.

Think about it Guyana, every time the PNC doesn’t get their way, then it’s the highway to mayhem and destruction. Guess who has to repair and replace the loss?

Yes, of course, you’re right.

Good, old PPP/C is always

the sucker, waiting outside after being sidelined and then to become the babysitter.

They had to clean up the diapers when the PNC was ousted in 1992 and then again, in 2020, they have to clean up another lump of poo. Is this country not blessed to go forward on a straight path without incurring all the terrible trauma, tragedies, terror, torment, trials, tribulations, trepidations, trouble, torture, tension and an endless list of torrential trivialities?

Guyana had to jump the hurdles of slaveryship, indentureship, dictatorship, colonialism, racism, hooliganism, Burnhamism, looting, stealing, burning, food ban, prejudice, nationalisation, dollar devaluation, migration, victimisation, discrimination, corruption, collusion, scandals, propaganda, sabotage, closures, rigging, frauds, perks, drugs, crime, killings, mismanagement, embezzlement, COVID-19 and now to crown them all, the grand selling-out of the oil contracts! What next Guyana?

Seems as if every time Guyana is on the road to recovery, blockage surfaces, materialising in its devilish propensity to dispense its diabolic attributes and to catapult Guyanese back to the starting point. Leaving a trail of greater negativity to challenge a resilience, inculcating a culture of discipline, honesty, astute stewardship, something that is sadly lacking in those who favour a state of bankruptcy, the fight is always championed by those who propose, preach and practice peace, progress and prosperity.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

5

NEWS

Guyana to get support from British Govt, RSS to solve teens’ murders

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) will soon receive the necessary assistance from the British Government and the Regional Security System (RSS) to help solve the brutal murders of teenage cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry.

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday stated that the Government has engaged the British Government and the RSS to lend support to the investigative capacity of the GPF. This, he noted, is expected in nine days’ time.

“To support the work of the police, we have already activated a mechanism to have regional help from the RSS and the British Government. We are hopeful that in another eight or nine days, that help can be

President Irfaan Ali

here to support and complement what the police is doing,” President Ali said during a recent interview with the News Room.

The teenagers were discovered murdered in Cotton Tree backdam, West

Coast Berbice (WCB), on September 6, a day after they left home to pick coconuts.

“It is of critical importance that we solve these gruesome murders and bring those barbaric indi-

viduals to justice,” the Head of State said. In the meantime, the Force has been working assiduously in its investigations.

President Ali expressed confidence that the GPF, together with the expected support from the foreign team, will ensure “that justice we all so badly want”.

He then called on the nation to reflect on this period in prayer and hope that we could overcome this tragedy.

“Let this occasion be one which strengthens us as a people, strengthen our resolve for unity and for peace,” the President said.

President Ali also said he remains deeply disturbed over the events of the past week and plans to launch an international Commission

Murdered: Isaiah Henry

of Inquiry (CoI) into the riots on the West Coast of Berbice.

“The CoI is important because it was not only the murders, but what took

Murdered: Joel Henry

place after. So our immediate task is to get the investigation concluded then, as I said, we’re exploring an international CoI,” the Head of State said.

Guyana’s keys to success: Diversification of the economy and much-needed transparency Dear Editor, As ExxonMobil announces its 18th discovery off the coast of Guyana, the amount of recoverable oil in the small South American nation keeps on rising. With new discoveries, both the Government and its citizens will naturally demand more revenue from the Stabroek consortium. Guyana should receive fair compensation for its newfound resources, but it should arise from a collaborative negotiation between the relevant parties. A unilateral decision by the Government will spook investors and hurt the legitimacy of the new Administration.

A first step forward would be the approval of the Payara field, the third project in the Consortium’s oil production pipeline. At peak capacity, it is projected to produce 220,000 barrels per day. For the review of Payara’s Field Development Plan (FDP), the Administration hired Canadian Allison Redford, the 14th premier of the Province of Alberta. The former politician has had a tumultuous past, which culminated when she resigned from her position over reckless spending of taxpayer monies. Another caveat is that Redford is being paid by the Government and her suggestions may be skewed accordingly. Despite this, as an independent consultant, her recommendations should be valued in the negotiations.

Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has recently expressed that the Government does not see

the Payara approval as a “make or break” decision for Guyana’s oil development.

Others have minimised Exxon’s presence by saying that “Guyana is Exxon’s gold.” Despite Guyana being one of Exxon’s most profitable short-term prospects, the butchering of the Payara FDP could propel them to reevaluate their investments in the country.

Back in 2007, in Qatar, Exxon abandoned a gas-toliquids plant as it anticipated rising costs for the project. Although Jagdeo has publicly said that Exxon and the Government are not seeing eye to eye, internally, he knows that a quick, but studied approval of Payara, will reinforce Exxon’s trust in Guyana. It will also placate the concerns of frightened investors, who are hesitant to enter the country after observing a five-month-long political impasse.

Outside of oil and gas, the Ali Administration must continue to pay attention to other economic sectors in Guyana. Gold mining, an essential part of Guyana’s livelihood prior to its oil discoveries, has been in the news with the recent acquisition of Guyana Goldfields by the Chinese mining firm Zijin. Zijin has operations in 11 different countries, and like Exxon, will look to ensure a safe, mutually beneficial and profitable business in Guyana. The new Administration must guarantee that Guyana’s Ministry of Home Affairs, which controls the Police Force, has enough resources and personnel to adequately protect its citizens and busi-

nesses. The brutal murders of the West Berbice teens are not an encouraging sign.

Lack of security can cause the wealthy to flee and propel foreign investors to look elsewhere to deploy capital.

The development of Guyana’s energy sector is also fundamental for the growth of the country’s manufacturing base and industrial capabilities. In 2014, petroleum imports accounted for 21 per cent of Guyana’s GDP. With the fall in oil prices, imports have become cheaper, but the reliance on heavy fuel oil for power generation still remains. In order to reduce and eventually eliminate this dependency, Guyana needs to diversify its energy grid by investing in renewables and liquified natural gas (LNG). The proposed 400 MW gas-to-power energy project, using associated natural gas from the oil wells, would be fundamental in lowering energy costs.

The Government understands the value of the project and is looking to include it in the Payara contract negotiations. Any significant regulatory delays, however, could hamper Guyana’s attractiveness and growth.

Both energy and mining, in addition to agriculture, forestry and manufacturing, also need supporting infrastructure to fuel exponential growth. Traditional infrastructure such as roads, ports and bridges are important to reduce logistic costs and bottlenecks. But, even more fundamental, is the development of health and educational structures.

Good schools would provide training to local Guyanese

citizens and encourage the diaspora to come back.

Without those proper systems in place, these growing sectors won’t have enough skilled personnel to properly run their operations.

The Ali Administration’s tax relief measures in the 2020 budget should also help encourage the growth of other sectors to help diversify the economy beyond natural resources. The Administration seeks to exempt certain equipment from VAT and remove corporate taxes on private education and healthcare.

Despite a promising initiative, a comprehensive tax reform may be at hand to allow for a thorough deliberation between all Members of Parliament. Measures could include a reduction of the corporate tax rate and incentives to reduce energy costs.

Guyana would also benefit if its informal workers, which account for 48 per cent of its labour force, were encouraged to transition into the formal economy. This would improve tax collection rates and widen the tax base, increasing the revenues entering the country’s coffers.

Diversification of the economy, development of infrastructure and the improvement of the business environment will be pointless without proper accountability over the Government’s finances. The National Resource Fund (NRF), which is used to manage the oil revenues, must have well-established independent committees to ensure that it doesn’t become a slush fund. As it stands, none of the three oversight

committees outlined in the NRF Act appears to be upand-running. Although the Administration has vouched to change the NRF Act to make it more transparent, it is unclear if and when they’ll follow through.

As seen in the multi-billion-dollar IMDB scandal in Malaysia, countries with newfound wealth from oil are more likely to spend without restraint. Allowing for a few executives to con-

trol vast amounts of funds, while simultaneously having no oversight, is a recipe for disaster. The Ali Administration must begin to implement certain accountability measures to assure investors, and more importantly its people, that these funds will not be squandered.

Sincerely, Arthur Deakin Analyst at AMI

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

Page

Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down. For example, 3/7 is the reciprocal of 7/3 , and 7/3 is the reciprocal of 3/7 . To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction.

Example:

Divide: 2 ÷ 3/8

Step 1: Find the reciprocal of the fraction. The reciprocal of 3/8 is 8/3 .

Step 2: Multiply the whole number by the fraction’s reciprocal.2 x 8/3 = 16/3.

Remember

A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 3 = 3/1 . When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are really multiplying the fraction by the whole number’s reciprocal. So 10/32 ÷ 3 = 10/32 ÷ 3/1 = 10/32 x 1/3 = 10/96. = 10/96 can be reduced to 5/48.

Exercises: Multiply 1) 2 ÷ 1/3

3) 7 ÷ 2/9

5) 6 ÷ 1/12

2) 5 ÷ 1/4

4)12 ÷ 3/8

6) 1/5 ÷ 2

Monday’s answers: 1) 3/9 2) 10/40 3) 1/6 4) 6/64 5) 4/64 6) 1/10

Places in the Park

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xplore a map of a park and use map symbols, a map key, and cardinal directions to analyse it.

the food? (slide and trees). What is far from the swing? (the food, the slide). What is next to the fountain? (the benches).

1. Talk about favourite parks and what students do there What types of things are in the park?

Draw one of the pieces of play equipment where you like to play. We call these drawings of things that are in the real world symbols.

4. Use cardinal directions Another way to talk about where things are is to use the cardinal directions north, south, east, and west. Imagine taking a walk in this park. Start at the swing. If you walk in the direction of

2. Symbols on the map key The map key tells what the symbols stand for, or represent. Read the words that match the symbols.

3. Practise using the language of location with the map Look at the map of Post Park and its map key. Point to the symbols one at a time, what do the symbols mean. Do you think this park sells food? What is between the benches? (the fountain). What is near

the north arrow, you would be walking north. If you turn left and walk in the direction of the west arrow, you would walk west, and so on. What is south of the slide? (the seesaw). What is east of the swing? (a tree). Is the slide on the east or west side of the park? (west). Is the fountain east or west of the slide? (west).

5. Create a map of your playground or a park Choose a playground or park nearby and create a map of it with a key on drawing paper. Use at least three symbols in the map key and on the map. Use crayons or coloured pencils for colouring.

Add arrows for the cardinal directions. Write five sentences about where things are located in the park, using the words near, far, next to, between, north, south, east, west, and other words that help with describing location. (Adapted from nationalgeographic.org)

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certain father had a family of sons, who were forever quarrelling among themselves. No words he could say did the least good, so he cast about in his mind for some very striking example that should make them see that discord would lead them to misfortune.

One day when the quarrelling had been much more violent than usual and each of the sons was moping in a surly manner, he asked one of them to bring him a bundle of sticks. Then handing the bundle to each of his sons in turn he told them to try to break it. But although each one tried his best, none was able to do so.

The father then untied the bundle and gave the sticks to his sons to break one by one. This they did very easily.

“My sons,” said the father, “do you not see how certain it is that if you agree with each other and help each other, it will be impossible for your enemies to injure you? But if you are divided among yourselves, you will be no stronger than a single stick in that bundle.”

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7 Police confirm Henry teens were not killed in coconut field where bodies were found …all suspects released, Police pursuing 2 additional persons T NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Guyana Police Force has revealed that 16-year-old Isaiah and 19-year-old Joel Henry were murdered in one location and then their bodies transported to the Coconut Estate on which they were discovered close to two weeks ago.

The badly-mutilated bodies of Isiah and Joel were discovered almost one day after they went missing. They reportedly left on Friday their Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice homes to pick coconuts in the backdam.

Their disappearance prompted family members to launch several search parties to look for them. After hours of searching, the badly-chopped bodies were discovered among the bushes and were partially covered in mud.

Following the discovery and the gruesome manner in which the boys were murdered, Cotton Tree residents took to the streets. They blocked the roads and burned debris, all while calling for jus-

Murdered: Isaiah Henry

tice.

The police nevertheless, stated that investigators were confronted with some challenges, particularly as it relates to accessing the crime scene with the roads being blocked.

However, once the ranks on the ground ensured safe passage for the investigators and crime scene ranks, preliminary findings showed that

the bodies of the Henry boys were discovered at a secondary crime scene.

“Meaning that the heinous murders were not committed where the bodies were found.

Person(s) moved the bodies after the murder and placed them at the locations where they were subsequently discovered. Further, after the crime scene ranks classified the location where the bodies were discovered as a secondary crime scene, forensic evidence was discovered at the said area,” the police said in a statement.

Investigators said that forensic evidence was identified, collected, preserved and submitted to the Guyana Forensic Laboratory for DNA analysis to be conducted. DNA samples were also collected from the suspects who were in custody and sent for a comparative analysis to be conducted against the forensic evidence collected from the secondary crime scene.

The Police Force said that

Murdered: Joel Henry

results are expected within three weeks.

“At this time, the investigators are actively in search of the primary crime scene which would greatly assist in the probe as it will have an abundance of evidence linking the perpetrators to the crime. The investigators are all actively following up every lead and information received from mem-

bers of the public who have come forward to assist investigators,” the GPF related.

According to the police, all the suspects that were in custody, initially, have been released on bail but are to report to the Blairmont Police Station at scheduled times. Additionally, Police are actively pursuing two other suspects.

Investigators committed to ensuring that justice is served for the Henry cousins.

The post-mortem examination (PME), conducted on the badly mutilated bodies of Joel and Isaiah found that the teenagers died as a result of haemorrhage and shock owing to the extent of their wounds.

Following the autopsy, the family’s attorney, Nigel Hughes related that in the case of Joel, he had a total of 18 wounds. It is believed that the fatal wound severed the teenager’s spine between the 1st and 2nd vertebrae.

“The pathologist suspected that after he got those wounds (to his head) he fell to

the ground and then got the wound that severed his spine... his wound was 14 inches by 3 inches wide by 6 inches deep,” Hughes had said.

In the case of Isaiah, he also sustained a severed spine but unlike his cousin, the teenager had no defensive wounds.

The attorney explained that Isaiah, however, sustained a number of chop wounds to his head.

“Isaiah had no defensive wounds to his hand. He had several more chops to his head.

His spine was severed between the 2nd and 3rd vertebrae and his was 14 inches by 4 inches wide by 6 inches in depth,” the attorney noted.

The family took photographs as well as video footage of the bodies and autopsy to share with foreign forensic experts for their opinions. It was also related that the teenagers may have been dead for about 36 hours before they were discovered on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The teens were laid to rest on Sunday. (G2)

RUSAL in talks with Govt to return – Minister says workers’ rights must be protected

RUSAL executives in Guyana

M

ore than seven months after they packed up shop and left Guyana under a cloud, Russian Aluminum (RUSAL) is in talks with the new People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government over returning to Guyana. But the Government is making it clear that workers’ rights is of paramount importance if the company is to return.

In an interview with this publication, Natural Resources Minister Vickram

Bharrat confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with RUSAL while noting that the Russian company has to make a formal submission to the Government on their requirements to restart the operation.

“They were supposed to make a formal submission to us, as to what is needed to restart the operation and a timeframe to do so, so that we can have a second discussion and move the process forward. So, we’re waiting [for]

that submission formally,” Bharrat said.

The Minister noted that the company has hinted that it wants Government’s assistance in dredging the Berbice River. When it comes to workers’ rights, Bharrat has made it clear that the Government will be expecting RUSAL to honour workers’ rights and pay fair wages, should they return.

“During the talks, it was hinted that they would like us to dredge the Berbice River and assist in the mine (which is actually flooded). But no formal request was made to us,” Minister Bharrat explained.

“We expect that workers’ rights must be protected, people are paid a fair wage, conditions in health and safety regulations, everything must be in place. Our intention is to get the workers back to work, but not to compromise on anything,” the Minister also said.

RUSAL’s Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) subsidiary left Guyana in February

of 2020, amid industrial unrest from their workers, terminating 326 employees in the process. Workers had been striking for some time over pay-related issues, going so far as to block the Berbice River.

Prior to their decision to leave, BCGI was facing difficulties that included low production. In addition, when the company had initially announced its decision to terminate workers, it stated that it was experiencing difficulties after Government ended its duty-free arrangement for its fuel.

However, following the decision to lay-off employees, workers and residents blocked the section of the Berbice River utilised by the Aroaima-based company.

This further compounded the

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

company’s problems.

A letter from the company dated January 29, 2020, which was seen by Guyana Times, indicated that the company was forced to further reduce operations and to lay-off employees owing to adverse

operating circumstances including shipment interruption because of the blockage of the Berbice River.

In fact, other Private Sector companies operating in the area were also forced to send home their workers as a result of the blockage hindering their operations to move materials up and down the Berbice River. When the police arrived to remove the blockade from the river, they were faced with resistance from the workers and their families.

The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was severely criticised for its handling of the issue and its failure to protect the interests of the hundreds of bauxite workers who were left jobless following the company’s decision.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

High Court dismisses Bulkans’ lawsuit against BoG …former APNU/AFC Minister to pay $250,000 in court costs for “incoherent” claim

Former APNU/AFC Minister Ronald Bulkan

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$90 million lawsuit against the Bank of Guyana and its Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, was on Monday dismissed by High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who among other things, deemed it deficient and an abuse of the court process.

Via a Statement of Claim, former APNU/AFC Minister Ronald Bulkan and his brother, Rustum Bulkan were asking the court to award them damages against Dr Ganga for negligence, deceit, misfeasance in public office for which they were seeking $40 million. Also, they were seeking damages against Central Bank for breach of statutory duty and were seeking in excess of $50 million in damages.

They had accused the

Bank of Guyana and Dr Ganga (the first and second named respondents) of neglecting statutory duties when they failed to launch an investigation into the deposit of $82,068,617 into an account for which they are the only authorised signatories, belonging to Precision Woodworking Limited that was held at Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited (RBL).

The two brothers are shareholders in Precision Woodworking, a company that was placed into receivership of RBL in June 2016.

Their Statement of Claim was filed in December 2019

by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry. To counter their application, Dr Ganga and Central Bank filed a Notice of Application in February 2020, asking that the lawsuit be dismissed.

They were represented by lawyer Pauline Chase.

In doing so, Dr Ganga, among other points, contended that the action was based on an erroneous premise that the deposit was made by an individual into the account. Chase stated that the deposit was not cash but credit, by way of provisioning pursuant to the Bank of Guyana Guidelines No 5 on “Loan Portfolio Review, Classification, Provisioning and other Related Requirements” issued under the authority of the Financial Institutions Act (FIA).

Chase disclosed that the

Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

bank account of Precision Woodworking was classified as non-performing by Bank of Guyana and by Republic Bank, with effect from May 31, 2011, as a result of the company being unable to satisfy its debts and obligations to the commercial bank.

Among other things, the lawyer contended that the brothers failed to demonstrate in the Statement of Claim a breach of statutory duty whether supervisory or investigatory under Sections 11 and 38 of the Bank of Guyana Act Cap 85:02 as her clients have at all times discharged their statutory duties in accordance with the Bank of Guyana Act, Cap 85:02 and the Financial Institution’s Act Cap 85:03.

In dismissing the

Statement of Claim, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry underscored that the action is an abuse of the process. The High Court Judge held, “Statements of Case must be concise. They must plead only material facts, meaning those necessary for the purpose of formulating a cause of action or defence, and not background facts or evidence. Still less should they contain arguments, reasons, or rhetoric. [This] Statement of Claim is incoherent, prolix, lacks precision and is obscure.”

Furthermore, the Judge said that the action against Central Bank and its Governor should have been brought by Precision Woodworking, and not its shareholders. According to her, it is trite that a company has a separate legal personality from its directors and shareholders. In fact, the High Court Judge ruled that Dr Ganga was improperly sued in his personal capacity.

According to her, Section 4 (1) of the Bank of Guyana Act provides that it shall be a body corporate, while Section 11 provides that the Governor shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall be responsible for the management of the Bank.

Section 38 of the Act, the Judge said, provides that the Bank of Guyana shall have exclusive responsibility for the supervision and regulation of licensed financial institutions under that Act and the Financial Institutions Act. Against this backdrop, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry held that “Actions for alleged wrongs must be instituted against the Bank of Guyana itself since it is a body corporate. The [Statement of] Claim is devoid of any particulars that support a cause of action against [Dr Ganga] in his personally.”

Furthermore, the Judge noted that the action brought by the brothers is statute-barred. She noted, too, that an action for the recovery of damages must be brought within three years after the cause of action arises. In court documents seen by Guyana Times, the brothers said that the monies were deposited into the company’s bank account on June 16, 2011, and can be supported through a Discovery Statement issued

by Republic Bank pursuant to a court order.

The former Minister and his brother further said that during March 11, 2013, to December 22, 2017, they wrote to Dr Ganga; Republic Bank; former Finance Minister Winston Jordan; and former Attorney General Basil Williams in relation to the “unauthorised and suspicious” deposit.

TURN TO PAGE 12

Guess who’s...

S

...coming to dinner o, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is coming to Guyana this Thursday. Imagine that! And here your Eyewitness thought he was living in a benighted backwater that (at best) only attracted diplomats being banished from up north. His daddy had told him that the Queen of England had actually checked us natives out personally back in the day just before Independence... and then again, he dimly remembered she’d also come in 1994. But those don’t really count...do they? Her visits are more or less ceremonial.

So that raises the question as to what brings Secretary Pompeo down in these parts? Surely, we can all agree it’s not “ceremonial”. Mike doesn’t do “ceremonial”. This West Point graduate is a “can-do” man – being a businessman, lawyer (Harvard grad, even!) , a Congressman and most importantly – a Director of the CIA! Succeeding Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State after the latter earned President Trump’s ire, Pompeo’s stint at State has been positively benign compared to the hijinks going on in other areas of the US Government!

And that’s pretty much because he’s a personification of the conservative agenda that Trump adopted – even being a member of the Tea Party at one time! So once again, why is Big Mike moseying down these parts? The question, of course, is actually, “which of the US’s interests are intersecting with Guyana’s at this time that the peripatetic Secty of State must tend to? There’re, of course, our democratic credentials – which Secretary Pompeo played not an inconsiderable role in helping to preserve over the last five months!! Against the machinations of the PNC and its proxies in GECOM to hijack the elections.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that the PNC is having fits over the visit! Raphael Trotman literally was foaming at the mouth and issuing dire threats against the PPP not to pander to Pompeo. This is quite ironic, since it’s been said – without contradiction – that his political career (and Ramjattan’s) received quite a defining boost from George Bush’s Republican Administration back in 2005!! Oh, how the world turns!! But would Pompeo really fly down just to compliment President Ali?? Naah... there’s gotta be more in the mortar than that pestle.

There’s the Exxon desire to get on with Payara, some say with good reason, since Mike’s always been supportive of Big Oil. Kinda like, “what’s good for the energy industry is good for America!” The Government should expect a nudge.

Then, of course, there’s the elephant in the (Southern Caribbean) room – Venezuela. Mike’s been integral in pushing for democracy over there.

So, for sure he’ll ask the Government to give Maduro a nudge!! Democracy lives!! ...now playing catch-up With one simple statement last week, Volda Lawrence pulled the rug out from under David Granger and his pretentions of being leader of the PNC!! Showing she could beard the (toothless) lion in his chosen arena, Volda left Georgetown and threw down the gauntlet to Granger and his place-holder Harmon at historic Hopetown.

Granger had unleashed the hounds of inter-ethnic violence on West Berbice after the gruesome murder of the Henry cousins. And just when matters were spiralling out of control as the Police’s and Army’s professionalism were stretched, Volda called upon “every single member of the PNC”: “what I have seen along the way, as a leader, I consciously cannot condone. We are hurting each other as a people, we are hurting each other as neighbours and friends and we are turning on each other as though we don’t know each other and as a Leader, we have to call a spade a spade.

“We certainly can display our grief in a different manner,” she concluded.

And forced Granger to do a volte-face! ...possibly coming back Not that they’ll ever get credit from the likes of Lincoln Lewis and his bauxite union, but the PPP’re doing their darnedest to help Rusal to get back into Guyana.

Even considering dredging the Berbice River.

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Coalition “purposefully sought to demolish and destroy” sugar industry – MP Narine

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overnment Member of Parliament, Seepaul Narine on Monday waded into the previous APNU/AFC Administration over its management of the country over the last five years, particularly in relation to its handling of the sugar sector.

Narine, in his maiden presentation during the Budget 2020 debates said that this year’s budget is “a breath of fresh air” for many Guyanese since it seeks to reverse the backward, anti-development policies that the previous Administration had implemented.

“Budget 2020 marks the first step in the journey to reverse the vampire-like policies that plagued our nation over the last five years when the coalition spared no one, except themselves,” he posited.

He reminded that during the APNU/AFC’s tenure in office, “many poor Guyanese faced troubled times to put meals on the table and could not get jobs…and many of their gains were sucked away by the coalition Government”.

Narine, a trade unionist by profession, reminded

Government Member of Parliament, Seepaul Narine

that it was under the APNU/ AFC Government that over 30,000 people lost their jobs.

Turning his attention to the sugar sector, he said there is no reason whatsoever for the manner in which the coalition treated sugar workers, which he said resulted in untold suffering across the country.

He contended that much was lost over the last five years due to an uncaring Administration “who didn’t understand and certainly did not care about the sufferings of sugar workers”.

“The coalition purposeful-

ly sought to demolish and destroy the sugar industry for their own nefarious ends.”

“What kind of leaders put thousands of people out of work without any plan to deal with the fallout?” he asked.

The MP, who is also the General Secretary of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), reasoned that the coalition Government claimed it had all the answers to solving the issues plaguing the sugar sector, but “certainly they had the wrong answers.”

Narine explained that when the PPP/C took office in August this year, it found that billions of dollars in equipment was left to rot due to neglect and an uncaring attitude by the APNU/AFC. In terms of sugar production, he explained that during the life of the coalition Government, production fell by a record 60 per cent.

He said that President Irfaan Ali has pledged his commitment to reopen the estates so that life could be breathed into those communities once again which the coalition turned into “ghosttowns”.

Narine boasted that Budget 2020 demonstrates that commitment with the allocation of $5 billion for the sugar industry. He disclosed that a team of experts has already begun to explore various options for the Skeldon, Rosehall and Enmore Estates.

He added that the new PPP Government will ensure that a capable Board of Directors and effective Management are put in place to turn around the sector and to make it viable once again.

Meanwhile, the MP noted that the reestablishment of the Ministry of Labour is a testimony to the commitment of the present Government towards ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.

According to the MP, Budget 2020 is a welcome departure from a time “when Guyanese feared what next will be increased and what else would be taken away from them”.

He concluded that “Budget 2020 is a poor people progressive budget with significant attention to lifting our working people, putting them to work, and making them and their families comfortable”.

Rose Hall Estate

Opposition MP urges increase in Private Sector minimum wage

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton

Opposition Member of Parliament Coretta McDonald

ven though it was the former APNU/AFC Administration that failed to finalise the increase of the Private Sector minimum wage, Opposition Member of Parliament Coretta McDonald is now calling on the new PPP/C Administration to do so.

McDonald on Monday urged the Government to return to the Tripartite Agreement and urgently put the necessary mechanisms in place to increase the minimum wage in the Private Sector to $60,000.

During her maiden presentation in the National Assembly, the Opposition Member of Parliament said that workers in the commercial sector are being paid meagre wages and salaries which are inadequate to meet their needs.

“I call on the Honourable Minister of Labour to put in place systems to make the $60,000 agreed upon by the Tripartite Committee as the new minimum wage for the Private Sector employees,” she urged.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, had recently told the media that the Tripartite Committee is expected to meet soon to continue discussions to increase the minimum wage in the Private Sector.

Last year, the Tripartite Committee had begun discussions with the aim of raising the Private Sector minimum wage to $60,000. However, meetings of the Committee had stalled and no firm decision was made as to how to proceed.

“It is a matter that is outstanding. There is a Tripartite Committee between Labour, Government and business that met, discussed this matter and a proposal is on the table that is since last year.

For whatever reason, the

Tripartite Committee has not engaged again,” Hamilton had told the media.

“As I understand it, the proposal had to do with $60,000 in the first instance, that’s what I learnt. The question is how soon they engage to concretise that proposal. I have instructed the Chief Labour Officer [Charles Ogle] to have that meeting convened so that the proposal for the raising of the minimum wage can be dealt with and implemented.”

The Private Sector minimum wage has not increased since 2017 when it was raised from the monthly wage from $35,000 to $44,200. The minimum wage in the public sector currently stands at $70,000.

Meanwhile, MP McDonald called on the Government to provide details regarding where exactly the 50,000 jobs it promised would be allocated.

She noted that while her party supports the Government in finding a solution to address the plight of sugar workers, it must also focus on solving the issues affecting the bauxite sector.

In relation to the oil and gas sector, she said that as a nation Guyana must be better prepared for the challenges that will confront us.

The MP urged that steps must be taken to ensure that every citizen benefits from Guyana’s oil-rich resources.

“As oil and gas continues to be an important part of our development, systems must be put in place so that every group, every region, every NDC, and every single citizens regardless of their creed, colour, or religion must benefit equally from the sector.”

She added that this does not refer to employment alone, but the contracts for the supply of labour, goods and other services which must be distributed equally across ethnic groups in Guyana.

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10 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wife, 3 others in custody 2 busted with ganja, illegal gun at roadblock for murder of taxi driver T

he three men who were reportedly paid to execute 47-year-old Mohamed Haniff of Lot 56 Experiment, West Coast Berbice, were arrested and are being interrogated by detectives.

The names of the three men were given to the police by the man’s wife, who is the alleged mastermind in the murder of her husband over the pawning of their marital home.

The wife remains in custody.

A police source told Guyana Times that while the men did not give a full confession, they have given a detailed report on the plan to murder the man. The three men, including a security officer, the source noted, are from Bath Settlement, WCB. As the men are being questioned, one of them told detectives that he was not involved in the actual murder but rather drove the suspects to the address. He noted that based on discussions in the car, the plan was to commit the robbery but there was no mention of killing the man.

This publication was told that the man returned to Guyana a few days prior to his death and was on self-quarantine. One of the suspects told the detectives that they were told he returned with lots of cash.

The mastermind reportedly did not have access to the money that the man brought back, hence the planned robbery. “The plan was to get to money to repay the man she had pawned the house to…the man had told her that if she does not

Murdered: Mohamed Hanniff

pay, he will take possession of the house…but based on investigations, the husband was not aware of the business transaction,” a source stated.

Nevertheless, the police are continuing their investigations.

It was reported that three men entered the now dead man’s house Friday evening. At the time, the man’s 44-year-old wife was at home also.

The masked men were armed with a small handgun, a metal bar and a cutlass. One of the suspects dealt the victim several chops to his head as the others demanded cash. After he did not co-operate, he was severely beaten in the presence of his wife. After ransacking the house, they found an undisclosed sum of money and a quantity

of jewellery.

After the robbery, the suspects left the home and made good their escape in an unknown direction.

Sometime after the ordeal, the injured man was found lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

He was picked up by a neighbour and rushed to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, and later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient in a serious condition but subsequently died at about 01:30h on Saturday.

It was reported that the man’s wife called a friend who was several villages away and reported the incident to him. That friend then called a neighbour, who called the police. The man was chopped to his forehead and once to the back of his head.

After speaking with investigators and allegedly giving conflicting stories, the woman was taken into custody.

The couple’s daughter, Bibi Haniff, who lives next door with her husband, revealed that her father returned from St Marteen and had approximately US$8000 and gold jewellery in a bag hidden away.

According to her, she was told that when the men entered the house, they demanded that her mother hand over the money and gold. She said that her father was in the bedroom while her mother was in the sitting room at the time of the incident.

The gun and ammunition found in the car on Sunday during the roadblock

T

wo Georgetown residents were on Sunday taken into Police custody after a quantity of ganja and an illegal firearm and matching ammunition were discovered in the car in which they were travelling.

The car was intercepted at a roadblock at Weldaad Police Station, West Coast Berbice (WCB). Based on reports received, the marijuana was discovered in the hood of the car while the gun and ammunition were found under the driver’s seat.

Based on information received, a 34-year-old man of Lamaha Park, Georgetown, and a 28-year-old woman of David Street, Kitty, were the occupants of motor car PYY 2127 when it pulled up at a roadblock. Upon seeing the two people, Police or-

dered them out of the vehicle so that a search could be conducted on their persons.

The .38 revolver along with five live rounds of ammunition were found. Guyana Times understands that the serial number on the weapon is almost invisible.

Further, a search was conducted on the vehicle but nothing was found inside but as the hood of the car was popped, at least six parcels of ganja were discovered wrapped in transparent plastic. The duo was immediately arrested and placed in custody.

During interrogation, the man confessed that the drugs were his and that the woman had no knowledge of same. They are expected to be charged shortly.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Budget Debate 2020…

Former APNU/AFC Govt racked up $13.1B in unpaid electricity bill – Min Indar …says lack of investment responsible for constant blackouts

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he former A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has been accused of having some unwritten policy of not honouring its electricity bills, which has now resulted in the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) being in a severe financial conundrum.

This was according to Junior Minister of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who told the National Assembly that the APNU/AFC Administration owes GPL a whopping $13.1 billion.

“Upon looking at the books of GPL, I have found that there is $13.1 billion that the Government of the past five years owes GPL. It seems as that there was a national policy unwritten somewhere that you should not pay your light bill. It (the $13.1 billion) represents 4 per cent of the entire ($330 billion) 2020 budget,” Minister Indar related during his 2020 Budget Debate presentation.

At the end of 2019, $17.7 billion was owed to the power company of which the $13.1 billion was racked up by the APNU/AFC Administration.

He said that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration took office in August, GPL had just about $1.9 billion in its bank account and that amount would have taken care of the company’s expenditures un-

Junior Public Works Minister Deodat Indar

til October.

It was revealed that over the past three years, the utility company has been running at a loss of just about $8.7 billion.

As he continued to lament on the state of affairs of GPL, the Minister explained that the issue with the power company is that the previous Administration had not invested enough. He blamed the lack of investments for the constant power outages the nation experiences.

“The issue with GPL and the blackouts is that the previous Government has not invested. Only US$1 million in 5 years to put baseload capacity in GPL. That is why you are finding every day there is blackout everywhere. There is zero revolving capacity at GPL. Every time an engine goes out peo-

ple get blackout, every time a wire goes down people get blackout,” Indar said.

He referred to the US$50 million the Government had loaned GPL to buy five generating sets, which he said are currently stranded in Finland; as well as the some $994 million for civil works, of which only 15 per cent are completed.

According to Minister Indar, Guyana nor its people will benefit from any of these investments until April 2021 or thereafter.

The total cost of the project is just over $10 billion and would see the acquisition of five Wartsila generators. The deal was struck for a 46-megawatts, dual-fire power plant at the Garde of Eden, East Bank Demerara location. The engines will be capable of using natural gas, from Guyana’s offshore oil wells, as well as heavy fuel oil (HFO). Former Public Works Minister, David Patterson had defended the project, noting that it is important to boost Guyana’s deteriorating generating capacity.

“They went and expended this money at a time when there was a pandemic and during the pandemic, a number of workers are furloughed and they don’t have jobs, businesses are shut down, they need support and the previous Government did not use their wits to help people but went and spent all this money on generat-

ing sets.

“The first loan was negotiated and paid $1.1 billion in April (2020). And then a $4.5 billion on May 22 and there was another tranche of $5 billion on June 22. Mind you, we had an election on March 2. From March 2 to

to supply the national grid with power.

the resumption of the PPP Government, there was a recount. The recount established the PPP was the winner,” Minister Indar had said in a previous press engagement.

Indar further explained that, upon assumption to office, his Ministry sprang into action to address the issues facing GPL, noting that over 30 firms have responded to Expressions of Interest

en other entities responsible for powering several hinterland regions.

The companies under the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated are Linden Electricity Co Inc (LECI), Lethem Power Co Inc (LMPC), Mahadia Power & Light Co Inc (MPL), Port Kaituma Power & Light Co Inc (PKPL), Maburama Power & Light Co Inc (MAPL), Matthews

Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated

H i n t e r l a n d Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI) is the holding company for sev-

Ridge Power & Light Co Inc (MRPL) and Kwakwani Utilities Inc (KUI).

Minister Indar related that HECI has been severely neglected.

“Linden has 4597 consumers. Mr Speaker, this, my understanding, is supposed to be one of the strongest bases for the Opposition, what you found is neglect. Right now, Linden is in the hold of $726 million – it was underfunded under the APNU Government,” he said.

He explained that only last Friday he along with substantive Minister Juan Edghill and Prime Minister Mark Phillips had to make representation to Cabinet for an $81 million bailout for KUI. “Kwakwani, it has 1089 consumers. Kwakwani did not have money to pay the workers, they did not have money to buy fuel for the generators,” he added.

HECI is responsible for providing electricity for over 15 per cent of the population. (G2)

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16,000 gallons of illegal fuel found in 2 vessels at Parika …5 in custody

A

gents of the Guyana Energy Authority (GEA) intercepted two vessels containing 16,000 gallons of illegal fuel at Parika Stelling, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), on Friday last.

Following the discovery of the illegal fuel, the Guyana Police Force was informed and an investigation has commenced.

Based on reports gathered, the first vessel was captained by a 56-year-old man of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara

(WCD). During the search and seizure, the crew comprised of three persons a 55-year-old resident of Good Success, Wakenaam; a 54-year-old of Orenstein, East Bank Essequibo, and a 20-year-old of MetenMeer-Zorg - who were arrested.

The other vessel was reportedly captained by a 44-year-old of Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo.

All five persons were detained and are assisting Police with the investigation.

Guyana Times understands that the fuel is being smuggled by a wellknown business in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara). It is believed that the fuel came from Venezuela.

Back in 2017, the GEA had announced that a total of 11,000 gallons of illegal gasoline and diesel were seized from 29 discoveries following 12,882 site visits and 33,891 samples collected. This resulted in six convictions, while compensation was accepted

High Court dismisses $90M...

FROM PAGE 8

However, on this point, the High Court Judge concluded, “Assuming that the cause of action arose from (1) June 16, 2011,the date of the alleged deposit,(2) March 13, 2013 when the matter was first raised by letter,(3)July 15, 2014, the request for prosecution, or (4) March 22, 2016 by letter intimating to the Respondents that there was no evidence to prosecute RBL, each fell outside the limitation period, the action having been filed on December 23, 2019.”

As a consequence, it was ordered that the brothers pay $250,000 in court costs to the Respondents on or before October 30, 2020. It was further ordered that counsel for the brothers personally pay costs in the sum of $75,000 to the Respondents on or before October 30, 2020, for prolixity of pleadings. The court further or-

dered costs awarded shall be paid before any further steps are taken in the proceedings.

In their actions, the Bulkans alleged that Central Bank ignored and had continued to ignore their pleas for an investigation with the view of prosecution in relation to the deposit given that it has regulatory oversight over Republic Bank. They had claimed that despite Republic Bank confirming that the monies were indeed deposited, Bank of Guyana “arbitrary and whimsically” denied the deposit being made. “[We] are gravely concerned and disturbed that the deposit was a breach of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Financial Terrorism Act by an individual identifiable by name.

[We] are accurately aware of the international finan-

cial jeopardy that Guyana endured as a result of the Financial Task Force blacklisting Guyana prior to 2015; and of the government’s post 2015 zero tolerance for money laundering,” the sibling noted in court documents.

In that regard, they said that they are too well aware and cognizant of the draconian and ruinous effects of the penalties of fines ranging from $220M to $520M, and/ or imprisonment prescribed under the Anti-money Laundering and Countering of Financial Terrorism Act. In addition, the Bulkans were asking the court to award them exemplary damages for the potential harm, distress and unease caused by the bank’s Governor.

They were also seeking substantial costs and further or other order as the court deems just in the circumstances.

The two vessels found laden with illegal fuel

from four individuals under GEA legislation in the sum of $1,237,000.

Four months into 2018, the regulatory body had announced it has seized in excess of 9000 gallons of gasoline and diesel as part of its anti-smuggling campaign.

Inspectors would have visited 3191 sites and collected 8339 fuel samples in the first quarter of the year.

This information came on the heels of a shipping vessel Jubliee being discovered with over 200,000 gallons of suspected smuggled fuel, when it entered the Georgetown port and its officials failed to disclose that it had fuel to customs officials until checks were made.

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia later informed that

Directors of the company that owns the vessel would have to pay some $36 million in taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The vessel was to be impounded until the dues are paid. According to records, the fuel transported on the vessel was purchased in Trinidad with Suriname as the destination port.

After that arrangement fell through, however, the vessel reportedly docked here.

Licensing

The GEA, through its Legal and Licensing Division, is responsible for “monitoring the performance of the energy sector in Guyana, including the production, importation, distribution and utilisation of petroleum and petroleum products” in accordance with Section 5 (2)

(c) of the GEA Act Chapter 56:05 as well as the provisions of the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations 2014. The latter deals with permitting the issuance of licences of the various categories (import, wholesale, retail, bulk transportation carrier, storage, export, consumer installation) and site and vehicle inspections.

These licences are required for the conduct of different types of activities concerning petroleum and petroleum products, which include diesel, gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuel, lubricants and LPG. As of the end of 2017, there were 13 Import and Importing Wholesale Licences for the importation of fuel – that is, diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and aviation fuel.

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Body of foreign national, cocaine found onboard 2 Brazilian aircraft in Reg 7 …3 others taken into custody

The discovery of the second aircraft was made hours after by the police ranks who went in search of the missing plane. Investigations are ongoing and the aircraft remains on the ground under Police security.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Guyana’s airspace remains closed with only authorisation for special flights. Even under normal conditions, aircraft cannot enter the country or pass through without permission.

Back in September 2016, a Joint Services patrol discovered an illegal aircraft hidden just off of the Yupukari Airstrip, Rupununi, with United States registration N-767-Z. A team of investigators from the GDF, GPF, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority was subsequently deployed to the area to conduct investigations and were able to determine that the registration

O

Items found on the three males

ne day after three foreign nationals and an aircraft were found in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), another aircraft was discovered, this time with a large amount of cocaine and a dead man.

According to Regional Commander, Superintendent Deon Moore, the second aircraft was found several hundred yards away from the Nine Miles Airstrip, Issano – where the first one was located.

The police have since confirmed that along with the human remains, a huge amount of cocaine was also found in the crashed aeroplane. On Sunday, Police acting on information received proceeded to the airstrip located in the Middle Mazaruni area and a red and white 206 Cessna aircraft was found.

In addition, three men – the 38-year-old pilot from Boa Vista; a 29-year-old pilot from Temeremo, Venezuela; and a 35-year-old internet technician from Manaus, Brazil – were found in close proximity of the aeroplane.

Ranks, however, questioned the three men via Google Translate, where it was disclosed that they were heading to Suriname with a second aircraft when it developed mechanical issues.

The men claimed that this forced them to crash land, causing one of the occupants to suffer a fractured right arm and minor bruises about his face.

While Police could not find the other aircraft, the one discovered was examined but there was no visible damage. Along with the three persons, nothing illegal was found in the aircraft other than a cell phone, sat-

The huge amount of cocaine found in the wrecked aircraft

ellite phone, identification documents and other items.

Nevertheless, the three men were arrested and taken into custody.

number was bogus.

A one-man Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe the discovery of the illegal

news@guyanatimesgy.com

The first aircraft which was discovered on Sunday

aircraft appointed Retired Brigadier Edward Collins to investigate, examine, advise and report on all aspects under which the foreign aircraft had entered the country. The CoI proved that the aircraft entered Guyana illegally.

Later in August 2017, an illegal airstrip was unearthed about five kilometres West of Santa Fe, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), by members of the Guyana Defence Force.

Following a closer inspection of the perimeter of the airstrip, several dug out trenches were found. They were covered with black plastic and dried branches.

Upon removing the plastic and branches, several items were found concealed in the holes; including a chain saw and fuel drums.

In addition, a quarter drum of aviation fuel was also found at the airstrip. At least 12 abandoned camps were found in close proximity of the airstrip.

Two weeks later, Police intercepted an illegal aircraft minutes after it landed. A search was conducted during which over a dozen 10-gallon jars were found

The wrecked aircraft found on Monday

hidden in the bushes. The party had also observed that a long strip of land measuring one mile in length and about 50 feet in width was cleared.

An inter-agency probe

unearthed that the aircraft, which initially had a Colombian registration number, was actually registered to Brazil’s third largest bank, Banco Bradesco.

(G12)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 31 Inmate to be charged for new COVID-19 cases murder at Lusignan Prison

G

uyana recorded 31 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday which now takes the country’s overall total to 1884.

The statistics were published on the Health Ministry’s daily dashboard, showing that fatalities still stand at 56. The last death was reported on Sunday morning.

The data presented a gender breakdown of 929 males and 955 females being infected thus far. The number of persons in the designated Intensive Care Unit is 16 after one patient was transferred.

There are 510 individuals in home isolation while some 37 persons are in institutional isolation and 94 in institutional quarantine.

From the confirmed cases, 1265 persons have recovered

– an increase of 50.

A regional breakdown of the new cases showed that three were detected in Region One (BarimaWaini), one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 11 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), three in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), four in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and three in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The other regional figures remain the same with 12 in Region Five and 244 in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll had increased to 56 following the death of

an elderly woman on Sunday morning. This was accompanied by 41 new cases.

This latest COVID-19 fatality announced by the Ministry of Health was an 83-year-old woman from Region Four, who died while receiving care at the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to the Ministry, the test sample was collected from the elderly woman at the time of her admission and the results returned positive for COVID-19 subsequently. Her death comes on the heels of the Ministry reporting three new COVID deaths since Friday.

With the number of deaths continuing to rapidly rise, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has announced through the Department of Public Information that plans are on stream to purchase the drug Remdesivir to treat patients who have fallen critically-ill as a result of the novel coronavirus.

Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug administered by intravenous (IV) therapy to COVID-19 patients suffering from severe symptoms.

It is known as a nucleoside analogue, which means that it mimics a component of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) that the virus needs to replicate itself The Minister explained that the drug is being made available to Guyana at a cheaper cost and has already been used to treat hospitalised and critically ill COVID-19 patients. Guyana had initially received 240 doses of the drug.

Dead: Jason Dundas

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he Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised the police to institute a murder charge against an inmate in relation to one of the two killings that occurred this year at the Lusignan Prison. This was confirmed on Monday by Director of Prisons, Gladwyn Samuels.

Samuels was, however, unable to say if the individual would be charged in relation to the first or second killing as he is still to receive relevant documentation. The Prison Director disclosed that in relation to the other killing, the police

were advised to conduct additional investigations and forward the file to the DPP. There were two killings this year at the penitentiary. The first one occurred on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, and the other on August 18, 2020. In both cases, the victims were chopped to death.

Based on reports, Jason Dundas, 31, of Anns Grove, East Coast Demerara, was chopped about his body during a fight with two inmates. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he died.

He was remanded to prison in August 2019 for trafficking in narcotics. It was alleged that on August 22, 2019, at Corn Hill Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 43.772 kilograms or (96.5 pounds) of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The drugs were unearthed after Police conducted a search on his stall.

Meanwhile, 40-year-old Aldryn Adonis, also known as “Shawn Peters”, who was remanded for simple larceny, was killed on August 18, 2020. According to reports, the man and four other inmates were involved in a fight during which he

Director of Prisons, Gladwyn Samuels

was seriously chopped to the head, chest, hands and feet.

Police had stated that Adonis was in the Bay Two area, while the suspects were in Bay One. On the day in question, Adonis jumped the fence which separates the two bays. Whilst in Bay One, an argument ensued between himself and the suspects. A fight ensued sometime after.

He was taken to the medical outpost at the prison and then escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient in a critical condition.

GMSA gets $6M grant from FAO to conduct feasibility study on log yard

Policeman stabbed by wanted man at Port Kaituma

A

policeman was on Monday stabbed several times about his body by a wanted man during a confrontation at One Mile Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), Region One (BarimaWaini).

The injured rank has been identified as Lance Corporal Bertland Scotland, who is attached to the Port Kaituma Police Station.

Based on reports received Police acting on information received went to S1A Junction, One Mile, Port Kaituma, NWD, where they confronted the suspect who was the occupant of the upper flat of a two-storey building.

However, in an attempt to apprehend him,

Injured: Lance Corporal Bertland Scotland

he reportedly whipped out a knife and stabbed Scotland to his left hand, left hip, left lower abdomen, left eye-

brow and left buttock.

The other ranks managed to apprehend the suspect, who was wanted in connection with the murder of pensioner Earl Peters on September 5, 2020; the wounding committed on Troy Roberts, who is presently admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital and also for the wounding of Police Constable Edwards at Arakaka Police Outpost on August 20, 2020.

Meanwhile, the injured policeman was treated at the Port Kaituma District Hospital and subsequently medevaced to Georgetown.

His condition is regarded as serious but stable.

Investigations into the incident are underway.

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have recently signed an agreement for a $6 million grant which will be used to conduct a feasibility study on a possible consolidated log yard operation in Guyana.

The approach to this study will be through a consultative process involving key stakeholders such as forest sector operators, Government agencies, civil society, Indigenous organisations and other Non-Governmental Organisations.

The establishment of any

log yard should have as its intended purpose to improve growth within the forestry sector in an open marketplace and as a clearinghouse for legally produced timber that meets the needs of the local and international markets.

Only timber products which are compliant with Guyana’s Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) should be traded through such a facility. The facility’s adherence to the GTLAS will engender enhanced confidence in the legality of wood products on the local and international markets.

Through research and consultations with the key

stakeholders, various models will be examined for suitability to Guyana’s context and within the framework of the National Forest Policy. In addition, a consolidated log yard can support the Guyana-EU Joint Implementation Framework for the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) in the specific areas of marketing and promoting legal timber and timber products.

It was based on these ideals that the FAO-EU FLEGT programme has agreed to support the feasibility study and has approved the grant which will be used by GMSA over a period of six months.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP budget reverses draconian measures of former Granger Govt – FITUG

…budget lauded as pro-poor, pro-people

A

fter carefully examining the 2020 National Budget which is being presented by the People’s Progressive Party Government, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has expressed support of its provisions for the people of Guyana, especially the vulnerable groups.

In a press statement on Monday, the organisation said the budget debate provided Guyanese with the opportunity to be cognisant of what is in store for them, and moreover, it delivered a plan that will improve their lives.

Last Wednesday marked the first budget in almost two years. The $330 billion Emergency Budget was presented at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, providing Guyana with much-needed resources and development plans after the political upheaval of the past year.

“The Federation recognises that the budget is geared to improve the well-being of all Guyanese.

Indeed, we see the first budget of the Irfaan Ali

Administration starting on a good footing as it reverses many of the draconian measures that were implemented by the former coalition Government,” the missive asserted.

The Federation contended that Guyanese have much to look forward to and be pleased about, with the instantaneous removal of unnecessary taxes, especially on key utility services such as electricity and water along with medicine and healthcare.

It added, “All in all we were heartened to learn that as much as twenty billion dollars will be aggregately put into the pockets of the Guyanese people.

This is a massive windfall for our people and one we are sure they desperately need.”

It went on to say that Government was stymied by the billions of dollars that were spent by the former caretaker Administration over the first half of the year. If this was not the case, more initiatives could have been rolled out.

“We recognised too that the new Government was

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

caught between a rock and a hard place with tens of billions spent or committed even prior to its assumption to office. This undoubtedly must have caused the incumbent Administration to temper its basket of goodies it wished to deliver to the Guyanese people. Of course, we believe, the Guyanese people deserve more. Many workers had anticipated an increase in the tax threshold. While we know the Government, undoubtedly, wanted to do and to give more, it had to contend with the bad hand it was dealt.”

According to FITUG, this

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

budget demonstrated how Guyana’s economy was mismanaged during the term of the previous Government.

It said the coalition spent over $1.2 trillion during its lifetime which it “collected from the sweat” of the Guyanese people but little to gain.

“It causes us to wonder where our hard-earned monies went and what value did the Guyanese people get. From all indications, large sums were used to fatten the former elites and find jobs for the boys and girls. Significant sums, apparently, were also waste-

fully utilised as we see the monstrosity of D’Urban Park and the new COVID hospital, where hundreds of millions more had to be earmarked. Apart from the millions, if not billions, went to supportive individuals and enterprises,” the organisation penned.

FITUG recognised that there is a great deal of work to be done but signalled that the Administration has begun on a positive footing.

It was dubbed as a pro-poor and pro-people financial outline of Government’s intentions.

“Certainly, careful examination is required as the new Government must untangle the many messes it inherited as it continues in its thrust to deliver development to the people.

We believe that the budget has made a concerted effort to touch the life of every Guyanese man, woman and child. This is a welcome effort especially given the heartlessness which prevailed before. It is in this regard that we hold budget 2020 as pro-poor and pro-people.”

In addition, the old-age

pension will be increased to $25,000 per month, pensioners will receive free water, with the overall removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and water also slated to be announced.

It was announced that VAT would also be removed from all medical supplies, not just those related to treating COVID-19 and its symptoms, or even for personal protective equipment (PPE). VAT will also be removed from hinterland travel and cell phones, as well as building and construction materials. The Government will also be removing corporate tax on private education and healthcare, a measure likely to bring the service costs down.

There are also measures for the productive sectors. VAT has been removed from all exports, as well as machines and equipment.

Additionally, duties have been reversed on machines and equipment. President Ali had also announced that tax concessions will be granted for persons operating in the mining, agriculture and forestry sectors.

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

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

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Budget debate got underway with fiery exchanges

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Public Works Minister Deodat Indar

MP Sanjeev Datadin

MP Seepaul Narine

he debates on the 2020 Emergency Budget got underway on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) with members on both sides trading fiery barbs and questions being posed to the Government side.

During his presentation, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton used the floor to speak to his portfolio. He spoke of the constraints he has encountered, in taking up his office and the steps they will be taking to address them.

Minister Hamilton flayed the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government for the lack of attention it paid to labour-related issues during its time in office.

He explained that when he took office, the

Ministry of Labour (formerly a Department in the then Ministry of Social Protection) was staffed with 87 persons.

However, he noted that the recommended complement of staff should be 137.

“That is the reason why they could not have done anything tangible. So you could not have proper workplace inspections. You could not have proper investigations of accidents. Because they don’t have the employees to carry out their functions,” Hamilton told the House.

It was not lost on Hamilton that all four Ministers with responsibility for labour under APNU/AFC – Volda Lawrence, Simona Broomes, Amna Ally and Keith Scott – were omitted by their party from the list of parliamentarians. According to Hamilton, labour stagnated under

APNU/AFC. “The Ministry of Labour, reestablished, will be built and will stand on three pillars. One, capacity building.

Two, human development and three, the protection of the rights of workers. Capacity building, we would set out to train and retrain workers.

And we have already put in place activities to do that.”

“Human development in that context, we believe that workers’ welfare should be looked after. The issue of housing. The issue of healthcare. The issue of education and access to education, for themselves and children,” Hamilton said.

ing some of the PPP’s campaign promises. They included Junior Minister of Public Works Deodat Indar and Opposition MP, Coretta McDonald.

Indar lambasted APNU/ AFC for their poor handling of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), noting that the agency was saddled with a US$50 million loan despite the emptiness of its coffers. He also noted that a lack of investment into building base capacity has hobbled GPL’s ability to deliver uninterrupted power.

McDonald, who is the General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), spoke to a number of labour-related issues. In particular, she pointed out that workers in the commercial sector are being paid meagre wages and salaries which are inadequate to meet their needs.

“I call on the Honourable Minister of Labour to put in place systems to make the $60,000 agreed upon by the Tripartite Committee as the new minimum wage for the

T

First-timers

Also taking the floor were a number of first time MPs who delivered their maiden speeches and rebuttals, as well as question regard-

Fire at GECOM Wismar office

Private Sector employees,” she urged.

Last year, the Tripartite Committee had begun discussions with the aim of raising the Private Sector minimum wage to $60,000. However, meetings of the Committee had stalled and no firm decision was made as to how to proceed.

The Private Sector’s minimum wage has not increased since 2017 when it was raised from the monthly wage of $35,000 to $44,200. On the other hand, the minimum wage in the public sector currently stands at $70,000.

Last month, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton had assured the media that the Tripartite Committee would be meeting to continue discussions to increase the minimum wage in the Private Sector.

Fresh air

Government Member of Parliament, Seepaul Narine, another first-time parliamentarian, meanwhile waded into the previous APNU/ AFC Administration over its management of the country during the last five years, particularly in relation to its handling of the sugar sector.

Narine, who serves as the General Secretary of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), said that this year’s budget was like “a breath of fresh air” for many Guyanese since it seeks to reverse the backward, anti-development policies that the previous Administration had implemented.

“Budget 2020 marks the first step in the journey to reverse the vampire-like policies that plagued our nation over the last five years when

MP Coretta McDonald

the coalition spared no one, except themselves,” Narine posited.

He reminded that during the APNU/AFC’s tenure in office, “many poor Guyanese faced troubled times to put meals on the table and could not get jobs…and many of their gains were sucked away by the coalition Government.”

Meanwhile, Government MP Sanjeev Datadin used a portion of his maiden speech to hold the former Government accountable for the erosion of the rule of law, during the five months in which they refused to concede their electoral loss.

He also noted that almost half of the budget will be used to cover the expenses the former Government racked up before they demitted office.

“The last time this House considered a budget, was 2018. In excess of $160 billion of this present budget, is to pay all of that expenditure that took place from January 1 to August 2nd, without any parliamentary oversight, without any oversight whatsoever!” Datadin informed the House.

DPP advises insufficient evidence to charge anyone with crime “Ponzi scheme” couple slapped A with 8 additional charges

s investigations continue into a fire which destroyed a building that housed the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) office at Wismar, Linden, back in July, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised Police that there

T

The aftermath of the fire

Division Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter

is insufficient evidence to charge anyone with a crime.

This is according to Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Divisional Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter.

Police in Linden had last month submitted a report for legal advice on the way for-

ward in relation to the suspected arson case. There have been no arrests in connection with the incident thus far, however, the Divisional Commander stated that the investigation is continuing.

The sub-office, which was situated at Lot 2 Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden, was destroyed by fire in the wee hours of July 14. It was reported that a security guard, who was on duty at the time, was in the guard hut when she heard a loud noise emanating from the western side of the building.

This prompted her to make checks during which she heard another loud sound and observed flames emanating from within the building. At

the scene, there was a smell of gasoline. The guard told investigators that two males were seen running from the building as they made good their escape.

Police reportedly questioned several persons in relation to the incident but no useful information was obtained.

Ranks also canvassed the area but it was reported that the area has no CCTV cameras.

Meanwhile, the building was fitted with two metal panel doors which were well secured. The building, which is owned by Lindener Fitzgerald London, was being rented

by GECOM for the past four years.

hirty-four-year-old Yuri Garcia Dominguez and his Guyanese wife, 32-year-old Ateeka Ishmael, both of Track A Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were on Monday slapped with eight additional charges for allegedly obtaining millions of dollars by false pretence.

The couple is said to be the principals of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc (ACFI), a company under investigation for a huge Ponzi scheme.

The duo appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mettelholzer at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was further remanded to prison.

The police stated that between May and July 2020, with intent to commit a felony, they conspired with persons, known and unknown, to obtain a total sum of $7 million from seven persons under false pretence.

They will return to court on September 18, 2020.

Already, the couple is facing close to 60 charges alleging that they swindled persons of in excess of $197 million.

While they were granted bail in excess of $27.8 million on 53 of the charges, they were re-

Yuri Garcia Dominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael

manded to prison in relation to the others. Their lawyers are Glen Hanoman and Dexter Todd.

Dominguez had claimed that monies collected from Guyanese investors are stored in offshore accounts in several foreign jurisdictions, including Belize, the United States, and Germany.

ACFI, in a statement, had said funds are available in its Bitcoin Wallet to refund investors, and asked for authorities to allow them to reopen a bank account to be able to issue the reimbursements.

Attorney General Anil

Nandlall had written to his lawyers indicating that the Government is willing to facilitate that request so that Guyanese can get back their money. But Guyanese authorities said they have found no monies in bank accounts in Belize belonging to the ACFI principals.

This is according to the multi-stakeholder group, headed by Nandlall, established by the Government of Guyana to investigate the allegations of fraud and other criminal activities connected to the alleged illegal pyramid scheme.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dismissed sugar workers anxiously await re-opening of estates – GAWU representation after the former Government bluntly refused to conduct such an important assessment, demonstrated the direness of the situation the workers and their communities are facing.

The report which is presently being finalised has

some, unfortunately, it said life cannot go back to the way it once was. Moreover, the Union remains hopeful that children who were forced to leave school can resume their learning and realise their dreams and aspirations.

“Indeed, the workers, we

a positive step but hold too that the contributions of the workers, who were badly battered by the APNU/AFC, should not be ignored.”

The statement continued, “Currently, the workforce is demotivated having seen many of their benefits just ignored or cast aside

believe, have come to cherish their jobs even more dearly and have experienced firsthand the heartlessness of the coalition. As work begins to accelerate on the closed estates, the GAWU is willing to lend its experience and expertise and to play an active role in ensure that the re-opened estates are able to efficient and productively operated. Moreover, we see the need for a similar emphasis on the currently operable – Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates,” the Union said in a media release.

“We recognise that those estates, despite all the fanfare from the coalition when

and there is a meaningful need to address this sad situation. Indeed, we contend the workers play the most critical role and their input should not be disregarded.”

With renewed focus and a commitment to the sugar industry’s turnaround and sustainability, GAWU is excited to see what the future will bring. As a responsible and significant stakeholder, it pointed out that it will continue to play a proactive role in those efforts.

“We believe that sugar’s best days are still ahead and many opportunities exist for a secured future.

The GAWU holds there is no need to re-invent the

it was in power, have also been ignored. Those estates are also at their lowest ebb and require focused attention. On this score, we have been informed about plans to install soon a new Board of Directors and to review the current management of the State-owned Corporation. This we see as

wheel but to grasp at the available opportunities, creatively and innovatively. We believe with capable management, a supportive shareholder and a motivated workforce, the industry can reach new heights and play an even more meaningful role in our nation.”

Skeldon Sugar Estate

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) said it has recognised that President Dr Irfaan Ali’s one-monthold Administration has hit the ground running and is working assiduously on delivering its campaign promises.

In fact, GAWU reminded that one of the Administration’s foremost commitments was to reopen the closed Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore Estates which were shuttered by APNU/AFC at the end of 2017.

Even prior to his election, the body reminded that President Ali had admitted that it was very difficult to resuscitate Wales Estate which was closed

estates but resuscitating and rebuilding the entire sugar industry.

“This commitment was reiterated to our Union when we engaged Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha not too long ago.

It is no secret that the coalition treated the industry as a castaway. We contend that the former Government had one intention and that was to weaken the industry to the point of collapse. We do not believe that our claim is outlandish as we saw just a few weeks ago former President David Granger ignoring a request from GuySuCo for a lifeline. Mr Granger only acted when the GuySuCo’s plea became public and, in our view, he and his Government had every intention of causing the

tion of these estates will not come easily nor cheaply but we believe the investment is worthwhile. In this regard, GAWU noted further that it recognised that the 2020 National Budget has earmarked funds to be channelled into three estates to begin rehabilitation works.

“Of course, the resumption of operations is most eagerly anticipated by the thousands of workers who were put on the breadline.

For many of those workers, the last three years have been the most difficult of their lives. Many of them were forced to entertain thoughts they probably never did before. They had to wonder many days how they would eat, or how to pay their bills or send their children to school.”

industry to grind to a halt.”

GAWU, however, noted that it is aware that special management teams, led by experienced sugar administrators, have been installed at the closed estates, and understands that the teams are currently evaluating the state of the factories and cultivations. According to GAWU, the estates have been virtually abandoned for nearly three years now as the former Administration’s plans to keep the estates operable until their planned divestment fell through.

It said that the resuscita-

“Many of the little pleasures of life they enjoyed while they were employed became figments of their imagination. Their communities were equally impacted and the shop owners, market vendors, fishermen, bus and taxi operators who depended on the workers were severely impacted. The communities were described as having their lives sucked out from them and gloom became the new normal.”

GAWU revealed that a socio-economic study which was commissioned by the ILO, arising from GAWU’s

Wales Sugar Estate

made startling and revealing findings.

“While, at this time, we are not allowed to use the data pending the report’s release by the ILO, we have been able to examine some of the findings and have recognised the sad realities facing the former sugar workers. We are hopeful soon we can be able to speak in a fuller manner from the report.”

It is in this context that the GAWU welcomes and fully supports the re-opening of the estates. The Union said it had long recognised the dreadful realities found by the study and warned the APNU/AFC. But

Rose Hall Sugar Estate

in 2016 as the estate’s factory has largely been dismantled and what remains is a shell. Notwithstanding this, it said that it recognises the President’s commitment to establish a Wales Development Authority aimed at creating new economic ventures in the communities linked to the former sugar estate.

In terms of Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore Estates, GAWU said it was heartened to learn from no lesser than the President himself that he remains not only committed to re-opening the

Enmore Sugar Estate

that Government, it added, remained deaf to the Union and workers’ calls and shut the estates down without a second thought.

The Union highlighted that at this time, many workers are looking forward to resuming employment and seeking to put their lives back together. For

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

Regional

No return to school in Venezuela Brazil registers 15,155 new until at least 2021

V

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Sunday that schools would not reopen until 2021 at the earliest.

"It's not helpful for the control of the pandemic," Maduro said about face-toface classes, which had been due to resume this month.

He said teaching would be moved online and lessons would also be broadcast on a State TV channel.

But many parents have warned that with Venezuela's Internet speed one of the slowest in Latin America, further interrupted by frequent power cuts, neither online nor TV classes are a viable alternative.

Critics of Maduro also say they fear lessons broad-

Children will not return to school this year

cast on State channels will be used by the socialist Government to "indoctrinate" children.

Venezuela has more than 60,000 confirmed cas-

es of coronavirus – a much lower figure than its neighbours Colombia and Brazil – but health workers say a lack of widespread testing means the real figure is like-

ly to be much higher.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s chief prosecutor Tarek Saab on Monday announced charges of terrorism and weapons trafficking against an alleged US “spy” who was detained last week in the South American country.

Saab said the US citizen, Matthew John Heath, was plotting attacks against Venezuela’s oil industry and electricity system. The country, mired in a six-year economic crisis, is currently experiencing fuel shortages due to a collapse in output from its oil refineries as well as US sanctions.

The US State Department had no immediate comment. (Excerpts from BBC News and Reuters)

Barbados Met Office: Busy Atlantic Basin, but no threat

B

a r b a d o s Meteorological Services said on Monday the Atlantic Basin is a hive of tropical cyclone activity with one hurricane, three tropical storms, and one tropical depression.

However, there is

no immediate threat to Barbados.

A bulletin said Hurricane Paulette is presently affecting Bermuda; meanwhile Tropical Storm Sally is expected to become a hurricane later on Monday as it approaches the coast of Alabama, in

the United States.

Tropical Storm Teddy was located near 12.8 N 42.8 W. Teddy is moving towards the west near 22 kilometres per hour (14 miles per hour), and a turn toward the northwest is forecast by Wednesday. The 20th named storm of the

2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Vicky is expected to be short-lived, while Rene continues to maintain tropical depression status.

Based on the current locations and forecast tracks, these systems pose no threat to Barbados.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Peru's Vizcarra blames lies, betrayal for turmoil as Government sues to block impeachment

P

eruvian President Martín Vizcarra on Monday said that “delusional lies” are at the heart of the political turmoil the Andean copper-producing country is experiencing as the Government fights to block impeachment proceedings against him.

Vizcarra, who is due to finish his term in 10 months, said in a televised message that the crisis was triggered by a confidant’s betrayal and a fragmented Congress that was seeking to destabilise the Government.

“I must tell Peruvians that what is happening here is the betrayal of someone close to me,” said Vizcarra.

“I have to deeply regret and apologise to the country, because a person from the presidential office

to downplay his ties to the performer.

Peru’s Government filed a lawsuit with the country’s top court earlier on Monday in a bid to hold up impeachment proceedings.

The potential ouster appeared to lose steam over the weekend, however, after several political leaders came out against it, saying it would spark further turmoil with Peru already facPeruvian President Martin Vizcarra attends a swearing-in ceremony ing its deepest recession in at the Government palace in Lima, Peru, October 3, 2019 decades and the coronaviwhom I trusted, not from lar hiring of a little-known rus pandemic.

Luis Huerta, a lawyer now but from years ago, singer who goes as “Richard for the Justice Ministry has created this situation Swing”.

The scandal broke af- who presented the law... without any foundation,” he added. ter leaked audio recordings suit, said the Government’s Lawmakers voted last were shared in Congress by move aimed to “temporarweek to impeach Vizcarra, Opposition lawmakers of ily suspend” the impeachwho has no party repre- Vizcarra discussing meet- ment process while the sentation in Congress, due ings with the singer. Some Constitutional Court looked to “moral incapacity” in a lawmakers alleged the re- into the matter. (Excerpt case of the alleged irregu- cordings showed him trying from Reuters)

Paraguayans call for release of kidnapped ex-VP

H

undreds of cars joined a protest caravan in Paraguay on Sunday to demand the release of former Vice President Óscar Denis.

Denis, 74, was kidnapped along with one of his employees on Wednesday by members of the Marxist

Paraguayan People's Army (EPP) rebel group.

The EPP wants the Government to free two of their jailed leaders in return for Denis's release.

A deadline set by the rebels for the Government to free the two has expired.

In a pamphlet, the

EPP said it would give the Government until 22:00 local time on Sunday (02:00GMT) to release Carmen Villalba and Alcides Oviedo.

Villalba and Oviedo were sentenced earlier this year for the attempted murder of three Police Officers during a foiled jailbreak in 2004.

They were both already serving long sentences for kidnapping.

Paraguayan Interior Minister Euclides Acevedo earlier said that the State would not enter into negotiations about "matters of public security". (Excerpt from BBC News)

coronavirus cases

People enjoy Ipanema beach amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 13, 2020

B

razil registered 15,115 new cases of coronavirus on Monday, totalling 4,345,610, the Health Ministry said.

Deaths rose by 381 to 131, 625.

Barbados has recorded 183 cases and seven deaths, comprising 96 women and 87 men after completing 20, 121 tests.

Meanwhile in Trinidad, which has suffered 3091 cases and 54 deaths, County Medical Officer of Health for Caron, Dr Jeanine St Bernard said some COVID-19 patients who are sequestered at home continue to downplay their symptoms to avoid being hospitalised.

She said this was a dangerous practice and pleaded with patients not to do this.

Speaking at Monday’s media conference, St Bernard outlined the signs and symptoms which could accompany a rapid decline.

These include shortness of breath, headaches, dizzi-

ness, drowsiness, increasing fatigue, chills, chest pain or discomfort and fever.

She said physicians were calling patients twice a day to monitor their symptoms and appealed to patients to be truthful.

“Not because you’re home means that you could wander around the house and mingle with family members. Ensure spaces are well ventilated and don’t run the a/c. Limit the number of caretakers – and ideally they should be someone who’s in good health with no pre-existing conditions.

"Visitors should not be allowed in the home until patients have been released from isolation.”

St Bernard said patients who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic should not think because they feel well, they should be cleaning or taking on household projects. She said they should rest and remain hydrated. (Reuters and Trinidad Newsday)

Warner released from hospital

T

he embattled former Vice President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Austin Jack Warner was released from a hospital where he had been receiving medical care for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“The worst part is over, but the journey back to good health is incomplete,” said the 77-year-old Warner, who is also facing extradition to the United States on charges linked to his role as a senior global football official.

Warner had been hospitalised since September 2 and said he was under strict instructions to self-quarantine until September 24.

“I will also be called from time to time by the relevant official in the Ministry of Health so as to ensure that I comply with all the post-hospital COVID-19 protocols.

“This was not a good road trip and I will be following the medical guidelines to the dot and to the tittle not simply because it

is my social and legal responsibility to do so, but because the discomfort, the isolation and the pain that one goes through is not an experience that anyone will wish for another,” said Warner, who also served as a Government Minister in Trinidad and was unsuccessful in winning a seat in the August 10 General Election.

Warner, who is on TT$2.5 million bail on the charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering, also indicated in his statement that he would remain “in the shadows away from media contact”.

“And this is not because of any disrespect to this profession to which I have grown to love, but rather to allow me to recover undisturbed. I would truly wish that my request for silence during this period is respected.

“Let me, first of all, thank God for this second chance and for his mercy in allowing me to unite with my family. . . ,” Warner added. (CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil market sentiment shifts as supply concerns mount

O

il markets are spiralling downwards as bearish factors mount and sentiment shifts.

One of these factors is the concerns over rising exports from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting States and its allies in Q3, with the possibility of a total breakdown of the OPEC+ agreement.

Another factor is the possibility of a Joe Biden election victory in the US, which could lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iran and the removal of restrictions on Iranian crude oil exports. Biden is ahead of Donald Trump in most national polls.

Furthermore, the market has been weighed down by concerns that oil demand recovery is slowing due to a resurgence of coronavirus infections globally. COVID-19 cases are rebounding in the United Kingdom and France, with the number of daily cases reported exceeding 3000 in the UK and 10,000 in France.

The uptick in cases has increased the likelihood of another lockdown being implemented across Europe. With increasing crude stocks and low refinery runs signalling weak demand, the markets are expected to remain under pressure.

Last Friday, Brent closed at US$39.83, down by 6.63 per cent, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed at US$37.33, down by 6.14 per cent. Money managers reduced their net long positions by 57.39 million barrels in WTI contracts to stand at 269.49 million barrels while reducing net long positions in Brent contracts by 67.31 million barrels to stand at 121.17 million barrels. It seems that poor fundamentals are now having a significant impact on market sentiment. (Excerpt from oilprice.com)

Hotel Rwanda hero charged with terrorism

T

he man portrayed as a hero in a Hollywood movie about the Rwandan genocide has been charged with terrorism, murder, and other crimes.

Paul Rusesabagina declined to enter any pleas in court, but his lawyers denied the charges against him.

Rusesabagina is the leader of the opposition MRCD group which is said to have an armed wing, the FLN, which stages attacks on Rwanda.

He was brought to the court under heavy security in Rwanda's capital, Kigali.

Rusesabagina is a fierce critic of President Paul

Kagame and had been living abroad.

An ethnic Hutu, he became well known after the 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda” depicted his efforts a decade earlier during the genocide to save hundreds of Tutsis at a hotel where he was a manager.

Rusesabagina's family allege the political exile was kidnapped in Dubai earlier this month and taken to Rwanda.

President Kagame's critics accuse him of not tolerating any opposition. Kagame says he is trying to prevent a return of ethnic hatred.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

UK's Johnson says plan to break Brexit treaty needed to counter EU's “revolver”

B

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday a bill that would break international law by breaching parts of the Brexit divorce deal was needed, because the European Union had not taken a “revolver off the table” in trade talks.

Johnson accuses the EU of threatening to use the withdrawal treaty agreed in January to put up trade barriers between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland, and even to impose a food blockade, the latest brinkmanship of a four-year saga since Britain voted narrowly to leave the bloc.

The EU says Johnson’s

plan would wreck trade talks and propel the United Kingdom towards a messy Brexit.

As Britain’s House of Commons began debating the Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded London scraps by the end of September, Johnson said the bloc had shown in talks it was prepared to go to extreme and unreasonable lengths.

He said the bill would stop the EU using part of the Brexit divorce deal relating to Northern Ireland as leverage by threatening to block exports from elsewhere in the UK to the province. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Climate row as Trump visits fire-hit US West Coast

D

emocratic politicians on the US West Coast have accused President Donald Trump of being in denial about climate change's role in the huge wildfires there, as he visits California.

Blazes in California, Oregon, and Washington state have burned almost two million hectares (5m acres) of land and killed at least 35 people since early August.

Washington's Governor called climate change a "blowtorch over our states".

Climate change sceptic Trump blames the crisis on poor forest management.

The President repeated that argument as he met Californian officials involved in the battle against the wildfires at a stop in McClellan Park near

Authorities in California, where 24 people have died since August 15, report that firefighters are working to contain 29 major wildfires across the state

Sacramento, in the centre of the state.

Dismissing one official's plea to not "ignore the science", Trump said: "It'll start getting cooler, you just watch... I don't think science knows actually."

Earlier on Monday, Democratic presidential

candidate Joe Biden accused Trump of being a "climate arsonist" and told an event in Delaware that four more years of his opponent in the White House would see "more of America ablaze".

Authorities in California warned that the strong

southerly winds and low humidity forecast for Monday could bring an elevated fire risk, and potentially have an impact on the North Complex Fire, which has scorched 106,000 hectares and is only 26 per cent contained.

The US National Weather Service also issued a "red flag warning" for other areas of the West Coast, including Jackson County, Oregon, where the Almeda Fire has destroyed hundreds of homes.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management said on Sunday that firefighters in the state were struggling to contain more than 30 active wildfires – the largest of which was more than 89 kilometres (55 miles) wide. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Xinjiang: US to block some exports from Chinese region

T

he United States has ordered border officials to block shipments of clothing, computer parts and other products made at select locations in China's Xinjiang region.

The move is the lat-

est by the Donald Trump Administration to put pressure on China over its treatment of Xinjiang's Uighur Muslims.

The US said the sites use forced or prison labour.

China is believed to have detained more than

one million people from Xinjiang, citing security risks.

It has said its programmes, which have included transferring detainees to manufacturing sites, provide job training and education and are nec-

essary to combat terrorist and separatist threats.

Washington and Beijing have repeatedly clashed over the practices, with the US accusing the country of human rights abuses. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Potential sign of alien life detected on inhospitable Venus

S

cientists said on Monday they have detected in the harshly acidic clouds of Venus a gas called phosphine that indicates microbes may inhabit Earth’s inhospitable neighbour, a tantalising sign of potential life beyond Earth.

The researchers did not discover actual life forms, but noted that on Earth phosphine is produced by bacteria thriving in oxygen-starved environments.

The international scientific team first spotted the phosphine using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii and confirmed it using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio tele-

scope in Chile.

“I was very surprised – stunned, in fact,” said astronomer Jane Greaves of Cardiff University in Wales, lead author of the research published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

The existence of extra-terrestrial life long has been one of the paramount questions of science. Scientists have used probes and telescopes to seek “biosignatures” – indirect signs of life – on other planets and moons in our solar system and beyond.

“With what we currently know of Venus, the most plausible explanation for phosphine, as fantastical as it might sound, is life,” said

Massachusetts Institute of Technology molecular astrophysicist and study co-author Clara Sousa-Silva.

Phosphine – a phosphorus

atom with three hydrogen atoms attached – is highly toxic to people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

by the World Bank and the World Health Organisation (WHO), is chaired by former WHO Director General Gro Harlem Brundtland, who now also chairs an independent watchdog that monitors the WHO. The board's 2019 report, released a few months before the novel coronavirus emerged in China, said there was a real threat of "a rapidly spreading pandemic due to a lethal respiratory pathogen" and warned such an event could kill millions and wreak havoc on the

global economy.

This year's report – entitled "A World in Disorder" – said world leaders had never before "been so clearly forewarned of the dangers of a devastating pandemic", and yet they had failed to take adequate action.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed "a collective failure to take pandemic prevention, preparedness and response seriously and prioritise it accordingly", it said.

"Pathogens thrive in disruption and disorder.

COVID-19 has proven the point."

Meanwhile, according to the BBC News, a new antibody treatment is to be trialled on COVID-19 patients in UK hospitals.

Monoclonal antibodies, which are potent, laboratory-made antibodies, will be given to about 2000 people to see if they are effective against coronavirus.

There have been 29.11 million COVID-19 cases and 924,141 deaths worldwide.

(Excerpts from BBC News and Al Jazeera)

Data from NASA's Magellan spacecraft and Pioneer Venus Orbiter is used in an undated composite image of the planet Venus.

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout via REUTERS.

Pandemic panel condemns global failure to heed COVID-19 warnings

A

collective failure by political leaders to heed warnings and prepare for an infectious disease pandemic has transformed "a world at risk" into a "world in disorder", according to a new report on international epidemic preparedness.

"Financial and political investments in preparedness have been insufficient, and we are all paying the price," said the report by The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB).

The GPMB, co-convened

20

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Do something that will boost your morale or help you bring about positive physical change. Start a new fitness routine or diet that will help you build strength and ward off illness.

TAURUS Aim to please, but not at your own expense. Offer (April 20May 20) kindness and compassion, not your cash. If the advice you offer comes from the heart, it will be well-received.

Hard work will pay off.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Inconsistency is apparent. Ask questions, and be precise to avoid a misunderstanding. Emotions will flare if someone doesn’t give you accurate information.

Proceed with caution, and stick to the truth.

You’ll stumble across valuable information through conversations with friends, relatives or colleagues. Be open to suggestions, but keep an eye on your wallet.

You must get things right the first time if you wish to avoid criticism or complaints.

A change someone makes will leave you in an awkward position. Be prepared to proceed on your own. Romance is featured.

As information unfolds, you will have second and third thoughts. Listen, assess and think things through before you change directions or commit to something uncertain.

Listen to your inner voice and make your move. Let your emotions take charge and the world know how you feel. Saying what’s on your mind will help you discover the best path to take. Don’t fold under pressure.

Protect your reputation.

Think innovatively, and make adjustments that will protect your safety, well-being and important relationships. You can get things done today.

Keep moving forward.

Refuse to let anyone come between you and your goal.

Stay on top of new technology and any economic changes that might jeopardize your financial standing.

Avoid impulsive moves.

It’s time to make a move.

Look over your finances, and you’ll find a way to improve your current situation. Let your gut feeling lead you to security and long-term success.

Sit tight, be an observer and plan how best to move forward when the time is right.

You can make personal improvements if you pool your resources with a loved one.

Speak the truth and clear the air. Focus on building strong unions with the people who are most likely to have your back. Someone from your past will offer insight into a confusing situation.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

QPCC hails 13 players after CPL exploits

21

Jofra Archer fires back at Holding and insists England cricket supports BLM

T

he management, staff and members of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) have extended sincerest congratulations to skipper Kieron Pollard and the entire Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) squad on their resounding victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final against a very plucky St Lucia Zouks outfit on Thursday. TKR won by eight wickets.

The professionalism and organisation exhibited by the TKR players throughout the tournament were exemplary. By winning all 12 games during the tournament, they achieved what no other franchise team has been able to do since the inception of the CPL. It took good planning, determination, commitment and total concentration from a welloiled unit during a difficult tournament in difficult times.

Queen’s Park Cricket Club is also extremely

Nicholas Pooran

proud of the fact that it had nine players (Kieron Pollard, Dwayne and Darren Bravo, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Tion Webster and Jayden Seales) and three officials (Colin

Kieron Pollard

Borde, Imran Jan and Kevon Cooper) representing the winning franchise TKR. In addition, the club singled out four more of its players: Joshua da Silva and Jon Russ Jaggessar with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and Nicholas Pooran and Kissoondath Magram with the Guyana Amazon Warriors. A total of 13 players and three officials from QPCC -- a feat which no other Caribbean club has matched in the history of the CPL. “Special congratulations should also go out to Nicholas Pooran on being the only centurion of the tournament. To Dwayne Bravo on his remarkable achievements of capturing 500 T20 and 100 CPL wickets in his career and to skipper Pollard on playing in 500 T20 games,” the club said.

“We also wish to thank our hard-working ground staff and maintenance staff for a wonderful job under trying and tough circumstances given the weather and the bio-secure arrangements in which the tournament was played.

“It is indeed gratifying that the TKR and the CPL have somewhat lifted the doom and gloom during this pandemic and have made us all smile.” (TT Guardian)

Breonna Taylor: Lewis Hamilton could face FIA investigation over anti-racism T-shirt

F

ormula 1 bosses are looking into whether Lewis Hamilton broke rules at the Tuscan Grand Prix by wearing a T-shirt highlighting Police brutality.

A spokesman for the FIA said the matter was “under active consideration”.

He said the FIA was a non-political organisation and was considering if Hamilton’s T-shirt broke its statutes.

The T-shirt said: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” – a black woman shot eight times in her Louisville, Kentucky home by US Police in March.

Hamilton’s shirt, which he wore during the prerace anti-racism demonstration and on the podium, also said: “Say her name.”

It was not immediately clear which statute from governing body FIA was at issue.

Asked whether the FIA considered the T-shirt to be bearing a political message, the spokesman said: “That’s the consideration we are looking into.”

Taylor was one of a number of victims of incidents involving Police violence in the US whose names have become rallying cries for equality and justice.

Hamilton said after winning the race on Sunday: “I’ve been wanting to bring awareness to the fact there are people being killed on the street.

“And someone was killed in her own house and they were in the wrong house and those guys are still walking free.”

F1 and the FIA have mounted an anti-racism and pro-diversity campaign this year, which includes anti-racism demonstrations before every race.

Hamilton has been at the centre of the

demonstrations, as the sport’s most high-profile figure and its only black driver.

The spokesman said that the FIA had been working with Hamilton on its diversity programme this year.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said on Saturday that Hamilton had the organisation’s full support in his desire to highlight racial injustice and that it was up to him what T-shirts he wished to wear to demonstrate that.

Wolff said: “No question – it is entirely his decision. Whatever he does, we will support.

“The team is fighting against any kind of racism and discrimination and it is Lewis’s personal fight for Black Lives Matter and with all the support we can give him. It’s his call.”

Wolff added: “Black Lives Matter is something that is important to all of us and we have supported Lewis all the way.

“The much broader movement is obviously the fight against any kind of racism and discrimination – and we as a team and as a corporate have always put an emphasis to fight against that injustice.”

The only reference to politics in the statutes is a requirement on the FIA to “refrain from manifesting discrimination on account of race, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, language, religion, philosophical or political opinion, family situation or disability in the course of its activities”.

The sporting code forbids competitors from “affixing to their automobiles advertising that is political or religious in nature or that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA”. (BBC Sport)

J

ofra Archer insists England have not can happen to them. I had one the other forgotten the spirit of the Black Lives day, the guy blamed it on being drunk.

“I think I’m strong enough to deal with it, Matter movement and that Michael Holding had not done his research when but what happens when they start targeting criticising the team’s decision to stop taking someone who isn’t as mentally strong and it starts affecting them? We’ve got to try a knee.

Holding, the prominent Sky pundit, and stamp it out as much as possible now.”

These are weighty subjects for a accused England’s players of abandoning the pre-match gesture “as soon as West cricketer to deal with so early in their Indies went home”, and questioned international career, but the 25-year-old whether they had simply “jumped on the appears unburdened at present, certainly if his role in Sunday’s dramatic 24-run victory bandwagon” when doing so previously.

But Archer, speaking the day after he and over Australia is anything to go by.

The right-armer vaporised David Warner Chris Woakes scorched through Australia to set up Wednesday’s One-Day International and Marcus Stoinis with the new ball, (ODI) series-decider, has spoken to Tom struck Aaron Finch twice with bouncers and Harrison, the England and Wales Cricket was one half of the incendiary mid-innings burst with Woakes that Board (ECB) chief executive, and knocked over four of is confident the sport’s response the tourists in 21 balls to is not over. set up another chapter Archer said: “I’m pretty sure in England’s recent Michael Holding doesn’t know catalogue of fightbacks. anything that is going on behind Archer has 29 wickets the scenes. I don’t think he has from his first 16 ODI caps spoken to Tom Harrison. It is – only Jimmy Anderson, a bit harsh for Mikey to not do with 30, boasted more some research before criticising. for England after that “I’ve spoken to Tom and we have stuff running in number of matches – and he continues to the background. We’ve not deliver for his captain, forgotten, no one here has Eoin Morgan. Having a forgotten about Black Lives clearly defined role, one Matter.”

Michael Holding dictated by the format’s Harrison admitted in July restrictions, helps no end. that English cricket had to face Joe Root seems chiefly interested in up to a “very difficult set of truths” and among the actions referenced by Archer deploying him in a third-seamer-cumis the introduction of a formal game-wide enforcer role but Archer, who remains keen anti-discrimination code that, somewhat to utilise his array of skills, has once again belatedly, gives the governing body the reminded his Test Captain – and the wider commentariat – that 90mph is not easy to power to police all levels of the sport.

The ECB, which currently has an all- sustain over the course of five days.

He said: “The time I spend bowling white Board of Directors at the top, has also pledged to increase diversity across the with the white ball is a lot less than in Test sport’s leadership positions and introduce cricket. You can’t run [hard] in the whole a raft of new education programmes, day. It is impossible to run in the whole bursaries, and projects similar to Surrey’s day bowling at 90mph. If you can show me ACE scheme that opens opportunities to someone who does it then fair play. But I’ve not seen any bowler who bowls 90mph do the African-Caribbean community.

Holding, in response, told ESPNcricinfo: it for a whole day.”

“Taking a knee does not prevent other No player has spent more time in the action from taking place. Those who take bio-secure environment than Archer’s 87 a knee are not substituting the gesture days and having been hit with a fine and lost for other positive action. Nobody should a Test cap for an unsanctioned trip home have a problem with it. It is a worldwide during the West Indies series, he said it has recognition of calling attention to racial been a “mentally-challenging” experience. prejudice and injustice.”

“I’m not sure how many bubbles I have left Archer has had to deal with racist abuse in me this year.” during his 18-month international career There is at least still one to negotiate, – on social media and in person, after with Archer among a contingent of English reporting one spectator in New Zealand and Australian players who fly out on last year – and questioned whether the a chartered plane to the United Arab deterrents go far enough. He said then: Emirates after Wednesday’s game to play in “People can be prosecuted a bit easier, but the Indian Premier League, which ends on it might have to go a bit further because November 10. ( The Guardian) some people still aren’t worried about what

22

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

West Indies Women return to action with 1st practice match

A

fter two weeks of intense training since arriving in Derby for the Sandals West Indies Women’s Tour of England 2020, the West Indies Women played their first practice match.

The team are increasing preparations ahead of the five-match Vitality T20

The 18 players were divided into two squads captained by Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin.

Taylor’s team took first strike and posted 131-6 from their 20 overs, with an unbeaten knock of 71 from 52 balls from the Captain, which included nine fours, followed by 24 from Britney

Guyana’s Cherry-Ann Fraser scoops up the return

Captain Stafanie Taylor

International series against England Women starting on September 21 at the Incora County Ground.

Cooper. Aaliyah Alleyne, with her pace, was the best bowler for Team Dottin, as she scalped 3-35 followed by

Shekera Selman with 2-15.

Dottin led her team well in the run-chase as she scored a quick 41 off 43 deliveries, but it just wasn’t enough to hold off the defence from Team Taylor.

Sheneta Grimmond was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-16 followed by Shamilia Connell with 2-23. Team Taylor won by eight runs.

Speaking after the match, interim Head Coach Andre Coley said, “We’ve been here for two weeks doing a combination of various skills sessions in the nets, strength and conditioning and game-planning, but today was our first time to get

as close to a game scenario with this practice match.”

“We split the teams as evenly as possible and some very promising performances came out of that. Both teams were able to bat the full 20-over innings... players spent time at the crease building partnerships. So that was good to see, and we are happy with how things went. Now it’s just about fine-tuning and building momentum leading into the series next week.”

Since arriving in England West Indies Women have had training sessions during the quarantine period. They will have

one more practice match on Wednesday before the start of the series on Monday, September 21 at the Incora County Ground.

Full Squad: Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Chedean Nation, Natasha McLean, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, LeeAnn Kirby, Sheneta Grimmond, Karishma Ramharack, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry-Ann Fraser, and Kaysia Schultz.

MATCH SCHEDULE Vitality T20I Series Monday, September 21: 1st Vitality T20I, England v West Indies Wednesday, September 23: 2nd Vitality T20I, England v West Indies Saturday, September 26: 3rd Vitality T20I, England v West Indies Monday, September 28: 4th Vitality T20I, England v West Indies Wednesday, September 30: 5th Vitality T20I, England v West Indies

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Andre Russell, the IPL’s most destructive, impactful and valuable player Andre Russell Rank: 1 When the history of T20 cricket is written, Andre Russell will deserve a tome to himself, with a few chapters devoted only to his batting. In T20 cricket, there isn’t another player like him.

Kieron Pollard may come close, but in the Indian Premier League (IPL) nobody can touch Russell.

And data only corroborates what fans intuitively understand about Russell’s impact on matches. Has Russell got runs against the opposition’s best bowler? Has he bowled with an economy rate of less than nine in a match where both teams made 200? Has he had to chase down 50 in the last three overs more than once?

ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats runs on an evolved algorithm capturing a T20 game’s every dynamic movement, ball by ball, and it tells us that out of the 64 games he has played in the IPL, Russell has had the top impact value in 17. He is the

most impactful performer once every 3.8 matches, 25 per cent better than the second-placed Chris Gayle, who achieves the same every 5.1 matches (among players who have played at least 60 IPL games). Among the elite of

the elite T20 players, that is a massive margin.

In addition, Russell has the highest impact per match in absolute terms too – of any player, active or retired. He has often turned matches around with the bat, although he makes significant contributions with the ball too. And advanced

as it is, even our algorithm can’t calculate the errors Russell forces bowlers to make, whether it be extras conceded while trying to perfect the wide yorker or trying to hustle an extra yard of pace.

In terms of only batting impact per match, Russell is eighth on the alltime list. Ahead of him are Gayle, David Warner, Rishabh Pant, AB de Villiers, Jos Buttler, Virender Sehwag and Shaun Marsh, each of those a top-order batsman. The median value of when Russell has come in to bat in an IPL game is the 14th over. The next highest non-toporder batsman in this list is Glenn Maxwell, ranked 22.

Is it any wonder that there is a clamour to see him bat higher up the order?

He bowls less often now, but when his knees aren’t troubling him, Russell the bowler is quite a handful too.

In one of the highest-scoring matches of the IPL, against Kings XI Punjab in 2018, KKR made 245 for 6 and Kings XI put up a spirited chase, but only man-

aged 214 for 8. Russell made 31 off 14 and took 3 for 41, but look at the scorecard and you’ll see some better numbers: Sunil Narine’s 75 off 36 and Dinesh Karthik’s 50 off 23 for KKR. For Punjab, KL Rahul made 66 off 29 and Andrew Tye took 4 for 41.

Russell had a solid match, you would think, but measure his total impact on the match and he comes out on top. His bowling impact of 123.79 is only 20 points behind Tye’s and more than double that of the next best bowler in the match, Mohit Sharma (1 for 40) with 59.54. What Smart Stats accounts for is the timing of Russell’s strikes: a double breakthrough when Kings XI had raced to 57 without loss in 5.3 overs, and a further wicket at the end of the eighth over. His first wicket was that of Gayle, one of the few batsmen with the firepower to threaten a tall chase. Russell’s economy of 10.25 isn’t bad in a match where the run rate was 11.47, but when you look at it alongside his wickets, it’s a distinctly superior perfor-

mance.

A n d paired with the m o r e t h a n useful batting, it gave Russell the highest overall impact in the match, beating out Tye and Narine, who were great in one discipline but not so much in the other.

The impact of Russell’s batting shows up even more starkly on Smart Stats.

While KKR lost this 2018 game to Chennai Super Kings, Russell was the dominant star.

He came in at 89 for 5 after 10 overs and blasted 88 off 36 balls to drag his team to 202 for 6.

His batting impact of 173.04 was off the charts, way higher than that of Player of the Match Sam Billings’ 111.45 points. Russell had a positive impact with the ball too, giving away only 35 runs in four overs in a 200-plus game.

There is a plethora of matches in which Russell’s impact can be seen via Smart Stats. Perhaps that book will in fact go into several volumes. (ESPNcricinfo)

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GCF launches free online chess-in-schools programme with rallying call: “an easy game to learn” T

he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) recently rolled out the free ChessKid online chessin-schools programme in partnership with ChessKid. com based in the USA, to aggressively promote the board game with a rallying call: “Chess is an easy game to learn!”

An underlying important requirement for participants is regular access to the Internet.

With the prevailing risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the GCF has shifted its strategy to introduce the game online without faceto-face interaction involving chess tutors and players.

The GCF secured a one-year package in August 2020 with ChessKid.com and the company has provided several modules of learning material to the Federation for young newcomers or players already seasoned to junior chess tournaments.

The local Federation is targeting seven to 19-yearold boys and girls who at-

Screen grab of first GCF online ChessKid tournament

tend public or private schools. The body is determined to dispel a common myth that the game is difficult to learn and is seeking to generate more interest, especially among the youth.

The cost of the ambitious online chess project will amount to approximately US$15,000 per year provided by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The local body is aiming to award

ChessKid Gold Membership to at least 1000 players by the end of 2021.

Police youth groups throughout the country are currently being targeted in the promotion of the game.

Chess is an ancient board game but has proven its longevity; it is already a regular feature on computers, cellphones, other electronic devices and most of all, the information superhighway, the Internet.

During the GCFcoordinated online programme, players and beginners will be awarded ChessKid Gold Membership based on their participation and use of the resources provided by ChessKid. com. Seasoned players are required to participate in short online tournaments lasting about three hours each and conducted by the chess website every few weeks.

Computerised safeguards are in place by the website to obtain credible results in the competitions.

The first local online junior tournament was conducted recently and attracted almost 40 players, nine of whom were female. It was won by 10-year-old Omar Shariff of Mae’s Schools.

The second online tournament held on Saturday, September 12 was won by QC student Omesh Dyal, who hails from Berbice. That competition also attracted a similar number of players, 10 of whom were female.

Participants in the online ChessKid training programme are divided into two groups: those who are already participants in online tournaments and they will be further exposed to training, and secondly, beginners who will first be exposed to the rudiments of the game and will later become further immersed in understanding strategy, tactics, and other techniques.

Interested school representatives or parents can contact Guyana National Arbiter John Lee on 623-0986, Chairman of the Chess-in-Schools Committee, Anand Raghunauth on 681-8771 or message the GCF on Facebook for more information.

CWI, Betway extend betting “We have to be a lot more partnership until 2022 West Indies Women tour of England

consistent” – Cooper

T

he solution to the West I n d i e s Women returning to the Caribbean with a series win against the England Women is dependent on consistency and good batting.

This is according to player Britney Cooper, who engaged media operatives in Britney Cooper during the media engagement on Monday a virtual press conference on Monday morning. sonal goal is: I want to score issue for us; they’ve been “First of all, I believe we at least two half-centuries gelling really, really good have to be a lot more con- if I get the opportunity to with us. We’re excited to see sistent. That’s something play all five games,” she re- how much of an impact they we have fallen short these vealed. will have on us when we past few years. And if we’re Commenting on the step out on the field.” series against English, we team spirit at the moment, As such, the Trinidadian need a lot more partnership Cooper noted that the girls national explained that the and continue to apply pres- were coping well and were teams felt so at home that sure whenever we get the eager to get out on the pitch. it would appear as though chance to apply pressure,” “A lot of us have been they were the host team.

Cooper said. coping really good. You “I must say, it don’t feel When probed about her know being in the bubble like we are the away team preferred spot to get some for the past two weeks, a ‘cause we already spent like runs in, Cooper shared that lot of us got accustomed to two weeks here in this bubthat decision would be de- the protocols and stuff like ble. So, England is coming pendent on the technicali- that,” Cooper said. into our home to play us ties of the game at the given She went on to state, right now.” moment.

“The mood is very good, all With the entire 18-mem“Well, obviously we have the girls are probably excit- ber squad working hard day a lot of openers on the team ed, ready to go out there and in, day out, Cooper is excurrently. We just have to play cricket.” pecting great things when find the right pair, the right With regard to some of the first ball bowls off on time to counter England’s the new faces in the team’s September 21. bowling attack.” management, Cooper com“Since we’ve been here, The 31-year-old batter mented, “Many of us have we’ve had a lot of practice disclosed that she has some worked with this manage- and it shows us the girls personal goals she would ment stuff, probably not have assessed these condilike to achieve as the wom- on West Indies duties, but tions and getting their form en return to international back home in our individu- in order, and I know all of cricket. al countries. So, coming to- us are going to peak just at “Obviously, [we] want to gether, having new man- the right time,” Cooper statwin the series, but my per- agement is not really a big ed.

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) announced Monday the extension of its worldwide betting partnership with global sports betting brand, Betway until 2022.

The Betway Group is a leading provider of innovative, entertaining and exciting entertainment across sports betting, casino, bingo and esports betting.

Launched in 2006, the company operates across a number of regulated online markets and holds licences in the United Kingdom, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. Based in Malta and Guernsey, with support from London, Isle of Man and Cape Town, the Betway team comprises over 1500 people.

The extension will see Betway continue as the Official Betting Partner of CWI, with pitch and broadcast presence at all men’s and women’s international home series matches.

The partnership has been

broadened so that Betway will also become the Official Betting Partner of the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup, the marquee 50-over tournament in the West Indies. Betway’s partnership will also mean continued support for CWI’s integrity and player education programmes.

“CWI is delighted to extend our relationship with Betway as one of our major partners whose support makes a real difference for the development of international and regional cricket in the West Indies,” said CWI Commercial Director Dominic Warne in welcoming the extended partnership with Betway.

“The partnership demonstrates the appeal of West Indies cricket in terms of media visibility and content, and we are excited that Betway is bringing additional support to the women’s game and the Super50 Cup too.”

Betway Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anthony

Werkman highlighted the strength of the partnership and outlined why it has been extended.

“Cricket is a hugely popular sport and this deal has been the cornerstone of our entry into the game. We are extremely happy to be extending this deal which will bring us to many more fans throughout the world in conjunction with one of the most prestigious international teams,” he said.

Betway’s initial partnership with CWI started with the international home series between West Indies and Sri Lanka in June 2018 and ran through to the international home series against Ireland in January 2020.

The extended partnership will include all men’s and women’s international home matches in the International Cricket Club (ICC) Future Tours Programme until the end of 2022 as well as the next three editions of the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

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

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West Indies Women return to action with 1st practice match

GCF launches free online chess-inschools programme with rallying call: “an easy game to learn” Page 23

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CWI, Betway extend betting partnership until 2022 Page 23

Andre Russell, the IPL's most destructive, impactful and valuable player Pg 22

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