Guyana Times -- Tuesday, December 21, 2021

“Each teacher needs P5 to be trained” – Education Minister

…as CPCE to be further expanded Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4868

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

$5B Mocha-to-Diamond Road opens Page 3

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Appeal Court to rule today on P2 jurisdiction to hear dismissed election petition Woman with P12 disability raped

3 more men die from COVID-19 …Regions 3, 4, 6 have most active cases

…delayed projects will not be tolerated – President Ali …says EBD corridor will also be a reservoir for job creation

Sugar workers get 7% salary increase – Vice President …GAWU lauds Govt for keeping its promise

P12

Police to P10 crack down on firecrackers

Story on page 13

PNCR will return “If you only holler, to grassroots ah gon politics – Norton kill you” …as Harmon, Granger excluded Page 3

from Central Executive Committee

Page 14

– bandit tells pensioner

…cuts off part of woman’s ear during robbery Page 10 Bartica road project

Engineer, sub-contractor charged over inflating truckloads of laterite

Fight over $120

ECD man P8 remanded for fatally stabbing minibus tout

Rice mill P14 employee crushed to death

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Appeal Court to rule today on jurisdiction to hear dismissed election petition G

uyana’s Court of Appeal will today deliver a ruling on whether it has jurisdiction to hear an appeal against a ruling of the High Court to dismiss an election petition on the basis of procedural impropriety. Election petition number 99 which was filed by Brennan Nurse and Monica Thomas, on behalf of the APNU/AFC, is asking the court to vitiate the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

That petition which was filed on September 15, 2020, was dismissed on January 18 by Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, as a result of the petitioners’ failure to effect service on the second-named respondent, former President David Granger within the statutorily prescribed time. In the face of an appeal against the Chief Justice’s ruling, Attorney

General Anil Nandlall, SC moved a motion to have the case struck out.

He argued that the Court of Appeal has no statutory or constitutional jurisdiction to hear an election petition dismissed for procedural impropriety or any other reason not stated in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana. According to him, the decision being appealed arises out of an election petition which has been conferred with a “unique and peculiar” jurisdiction under Article 163.

rules or any other Act or any other legislation to come and be part of the election laws jurisprudence,” the Attorney General noted.

Right of appeal

No jurisdiction argument

The Attorney General argued that Article 163 constitutes the complete code of how election petitions are to be determined, the types of issues that are to be raised by an election petition, and also limits the grounds upon which appeals flow from the determination of those is-

sues.

“Article 163 limit appeals to be filed from decisions coming from the High Court that are commenced

by an election petition only to the determination of the questions identified in that article,” he said.

Nandlall added, “The

learned Chief Justice in her ruling struck out the petition on the ground that there was non-service. In her written decision, her honour stated that service within the time prescribed is a condition precedent to the hearing and determination of an election petition”.

Given the foregoing, he noted that the Chief Justice held that the court has no jurisdiction to proceed to hear and determine the petition if one of those conditions precedent is not complied with. According to Nandlall, “In this case, the question was service and the court dismissed the petition on those grounds. In other words, the court never determined the questions which the petition raised to be determined which are the questions raised in Article 163 (1) from which Article 163 (3) says an appeal lies to the Court of Appeal upon the determination of those questions or orders consequential to the determination of those questions.”

As such, Nandlall argued that with those questions having not been determined, there is no right of appeal in any other statute nor the Constitution upon which lawyers for the petitioners, including Roysdale Forde, SC, can hinge their appeal.

The Senior Counsel rejected Forde’s contention that when matters determined by the High Court do not fall under Article 163 an aggrieved party can file an appeal under the Court of Appeal’s ordinary jurisdiction.

“And he [Forde] says, that Justice George’s ruling, since it did not determine the questions and not caught within the traditional election jurisdiction created under Article 163, he bifurcates and creates a new jurisdiction,” Nandlall said that in over 200 years of jurisprudence, no court has ever interpreted Article 163 in that manner.

“The election jurisdiction, the reason why it is regarded as peculiar, extraordinary, exclusive, limited, these are the very characteristics that prevent any other

Meanwhile, Forde submitted that the Constitution does not provide in Article 163 an exhaustive jurisdiction conferred on the Court of Appeal in relation to election petition matters. “The very Constitution by virtue of Article 123 which provides that the Court of Appeal can have jurisdiction additional to Article 163 provides the court with the jurisdiction to receive and determine the appeal filed in this matter.”

Forde also said that the Court of Appeal Act under Section 6 (2) provides the right of appeal in relation to a final matter determined by the High Court. According to the Senior Counsel, the election petition was dismissed based on an interlocutory determination and there are no provisions restricting appeals.

Apart from the election jurisdiction, Forde, citing case laws, argued that an election petition constitutes a civil matter and as such is of the same character as that in regard to the hearing of appeals passed by ordinary civil courts.

Moreover, Forde pointed out that for the Court of Appeal to rule that it does not have jurisdiction to entertain the matter “would lend to arbitrary and possibly irrational judgements being made by a single Judge of the High Court incapable of having any review…” This, he pointed out, would be an unfortunate development.

As such, Forde urged the Appeal Court to take jurisdiction over the matter.

Election petition number 99 was dismissed owing to non-compliance with effecting service as prescribed under Section 8 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act and Rule 9 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules.

The manner of service is prescribed in Rule 9 (1) of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules, which imposes on the petitioners the statutory obligation to effect service within five days after the presentation of the petition.

Petition number 99 having been filed on September 15, 2020, should have been served on the former President five days thereafter which would have been September 21, 2020, since the fifth day – September 20, 2020 – was a Sunday.

However, in the affidavit of service of Nurse, it was stated that the petition, along with the relevant documents, was only served on Granger on September 25, 2020 – five days outside of the statutorily prescribed period. (G1)

3 $5B Mocha-to-Diamond Road opens NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Dec 21 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, Dec 22 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

…delayed projects will not be tolerated – President Ali …says EBD corridor will also be a reservoir for job creation

Tuesday, Dec 21 – 05:50h – 07:20h and Wednesday, Dec 22 – 06:25h – 07:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light cloud during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 17:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 11:20h and 23:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.64 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

03 07 09

16 20 25

FREE TICKET

10 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 12 14 15 18 LUCKY 3

6

9

7

5

Afternoon Draw

5

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 07 10 14 15 16 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

02 06 13 14 15 13

10 11 16 19 21

9

1 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

1

5 Evening Draw

3X Evening Draw

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

$71.52/barrel

Rough Rice

$245.88/ton

-0.07

London Sugar

$487.80/ton

-2.05

Live Spot Gold

-2.80

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1791.10

$1792.10

Low/High Change

$1789.40 -0.20

$1805.70 -0.01%

The cutting of the ribbon to open the interlink road. From left are Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Housing Minister Collin Croal and President Dr Irfaan Ali. Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues is also in the picture

T

he Mocha-to-Diamond interlink road, the construction of which was stalled under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), has been opened a little over one year into the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) term in office.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Mocha-to-Diamond Interlink Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), President Dr Irfaan Ali recalled that when the PPP left office in 2015, preparatory works had already been done for the road. However, little to nothing had changed by the time they returned to office in 2020.

Ali also had stern words for his own Administration, noting that with them now in office this is a different era and the foot-dragging and delayed projects that permeated the former Government’s time in office, would not be tolerated.

“I just want to put things into context. When we left office, the foundation for this road was completed. And for five years nothing happened. So we came back and we completed this project,” President Ali said.

“But this morning it is not only this project that should have been completed.

But there are a number of roads in Diamond itself that should have been completed by the Ministry of Public Works. And by the time I get back to Georgetown they better have answers.

We are not going to play around. This is a different era. Things have to get done.

Budgets are made. And everybody will be held accountable.

Reservoir for job creation

Meanwhile, the President noted that along with the many infrastructural improvements, the East Bank corridor will also be a reservoir for job creation. He said that the new road would not only serve as an auxiliary route for commuters but as a transit point

development, and then we have commercial development,” the President said, adding that these developments will see the creation of “hundreds, if not thousands” of jobs along the East Bank corridor.

President Ali also explained that while the total investment for the road from start to finish is pegged at $5 billion, the construction of the major highway from Mandela Avenue to Eccles will round off the total investment on the East Bank corridor to $16 billion.

Plans are also in place to connect Eccles on the East Bank to Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, which will initially connect to

An aerial view of the road

for scores of workers.

“This area will be a reservoir for job creation also.

We will have more than 300400 acres of land developed specifically for industrial

Eccles and then further on to Diamond and Timehri.

TURN TO PAGE 12

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

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

Road accidents: how many more?

I

n the aftermath of the recent horrendous and seemingly unprecedented number of fatal road accidents within a fairly short period of time, the consequences have attracted national attention. Many families are now left trying to cope with the loss of loved ones in this Christmas season.

The sudden and shocking death of someone close, especially due to an accident, can never be easy. The ensuing excruciating pain and mental trauma that are inflicted on surviving relatives can be unbearable.

In a fleeting moment, families were plunged into sadness and despair, having received the dreadful news that an accident took the life of someone dear to them. That’s the painful result and often, its real and lingering impact may be hidden from the spotlight of the media.

The reality is, people, including those who survive an accident, suffer in unimaginable ways. The recent spate of accidents, and more so the six persons that died in a horrific accident over the weekend in Berbice even prompted some to ask the question, how many more? One interpretation from that simple question speaks to whether lessons are being learnt from accidents over time. In other words, how many more have to die before better care is taken while using the roadways?

Given what has taken place over the past few weeks, one could not be faulted for concluding that the results of the accidents may not have inspired more responsible behaviour. However, judging from sentiments expressed on social media, it appears that more cognisance has seemingly been brought to the mindsets of many.

While that is extremely heartening, there is uncertainty as to whether the mindsets of the regular errant drivers have been impacted, or have they learnt anything from what were obviously painful experiences of others. Judging from what continues to take place on the roadways, it seems clear that many drivers have not learnt or are clearly refusing to even be bothered by the harrowing fatal accidents.

On a daily basis, many drivers use the roadways in a very reckless manner thereby endangering occupants and other road users; the least, themselves. It becomes painful even to see how they manoeuvre, seemingly, without an iota of care for others. Again, it brings into question the role of law enforcement to try and curb such irresponsible behaviour, especially since some traffic violations do occur in the presence of Police. Many of those violations involve a minibus.

The general public is hurting and is pleading for help.

Some time ago, a 12-year-old schoolgirl was killed in a horrifying accident at Nismes, West Bank Demerara. Despite the emotional devastation, her mother had made a public plea for passengers to demand being let out of a minibus that is speeding or from one in which the driver is imbibing alcoholic beverage.

In addition, the suggestion for undercover cops to pose as passengers is repeated. That would help to authenticate, if nothing else is working, violations of speeding, reckless driving and overloading among others.

Importantly, the Police must holistically demonstrate that sense of commitment to genuinely collaborate with members of the public to collectively tackle the situation.

This becomes even more necessary given that, generally, the Police’s image in clamping down on errant drivers is not very flattering.

Only recently, the Government advertised for a consultant to commence work on a Road Safety Diagnostic and Action Plan (2022-2026), which will see the design of a Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) aimed at reducing the number of road traffic deaths.

We look forward to this action plan, as the pain people feel is real and crushing. The question of “how many” is, therefore, relevant and the cries for mitigating actions must no longer seemingly fall on deaf ears.

Children playing at the Kowsilla Community Park, West Coast Demerara where President Dr Irfaan Ali attended the opening ceremony (Office of the President photo)

Like everyone, I’m so tired of fighting COVID, but we must keep going …the pandemic has given us new kinds of exhaustion, all of them equally draining. Yet there’s hope in perseverance

By Nesrine Malik

D

uring the past two years, each stage of the pandemic has brought with it a new species of tired.

The first was a heady sort of tiredness, all jittery over-vigilance when the first lockdown happened. The memory of that time has an almost lunar quality: it felt like being marooned in a pod on a hostile deserted landscape, but with your lights and radars still blinking, still whirring, powered by adrenaline and restlessness. It was a short, sharp fear, in anticipation of a crisis that would be intense, but soon over.

And it was soon over.

Sort of. And then it wasn’t.

Then it was over again, then around Christmas last year, it wasn’t. And now, after a brief late-summer of almost normal, the emergence of the Omicron variant means that COVID IS threatening the holiday season for the second year in a row, as restrictions tighten around Europe and scientists advising the UK Government turn up the volume on their demands for more curbs before the new year.

The British experience is distinguished from much of the world by the inplain-sight element of our Government’s incompetence and corruption. But the uncertainty, the stop-starts, that marooned feeling of waiting to be rescued, the anticipation of life changing overnight have been a global experience that is still ongoing. Once again, borders are sealed and airports shut down. Once again, infections are rising and as many start planning to trav-

el home for holidays, a ripple of rumours has started. I have heard them from Nairobi to Norwich, predicting another lockdown, another domestic travel ban, another last-minute intervention by authorities who wait too long and act too late.

With the dashing of each raised hope and resurrected plan, a new tiredness sets in: a turbulent kind of tired, hot with anger towards politicians whose reckless behaviour claimed your loved one; a confused, self-berating tired, when you don’t seem to be able to complete the most simple of tasks. It’s a glasseyed tiredness, endlessly scrolling but not absorbing, trying to become animated by force-feeding yourself the news and images of a world you can’t experience.

And now, creeping in, is a sloppy tiredness. If you haven’t felt it, you will recognise it in someone who has.

The kind of tired where – after months of following every single rule, from the sensible to the unreasonable – you are tempted to skip a test and go about your business if you’re feeling poorly. You might cancel your Christmas party, but still make a couple of what you know are not strictly wise visits to the pub. You might not do other small things that do not seem worth the effort, you might let your mask slip on a journey home, you might, as I have often done on a long commute, take the packed train because you are too tired to wait for the next one an hour later.

Multiply that tiredness by a thousand if you live in a country where there are not only no boosters, but barely

any vaccines at all; where the only means to combat COVID are cyclical lockdowns and curfews, all of which merely keep calamity at bay rather than eliminate it. I have written over the past year of family and friends across the African continent clubbing together to pool resources in the absence of public health support, but now I can see their resolve weakening with every death, with every economic blow. Their efforts at social distancing and mask-wearing have been effaced by time and the realisation that without vaccines and proper healthcare, their trials will not end.

There is now only resignation, both to the virus and the poverty and corrupt governance that have allowed it to spread.

We tend to think of our pandemic behaviour in binary terms: compliance with the rules or rebellion. But the reality is that in the middle there is drift: metaphorical knees buckling after two years of carrying the weight of responsibility for your safety but also your family’s – and, in fact, every single stranger with whom you share airspace.

And this is where the jeopardy comes in. Despite the cartoonish antics of a government branding lockdown easing as “freedom day”, the big victories don’t come in one heave, one big push in the right direction that will deliver normal life. They come in the small moments of perseverance and resolution. And those are harder to muster because they are solitary and unrewarded.

Whether you are in Africa or Europe, whether you are well-off or struggling, your efforts to maintain good pan-

demic manners and protocols will appear trivial, dwarfed by epic systemic failings of governance and mocked by the hypocrisies of those who make the rules but do not follow them.

Whenever I reach what I am sure is rock-bottom, I try to purge this jeopardy of defeatism by reading the words Seamus Heaney gave to a graduating class in 1966.

“Getting started, keeping going, getting started again – in art and in life, it seems to me this is the essential rhythm not only of achievement but of survival, the ground of convinced action, the basis of self-esteem and the guarantee of credibility in your lives, credibility to yourself as well as others.”

The key, I think, is to acknowledge the fatigue and make allowances for it – to view it not as a catalyst or a moral failure, but as a place from which to make a recovery.

The end of a year offers the temptation of neat resolutions and trite pledges for the future. But as we find ourselves grappling with a new variant and a new wave – once again making grim calculations and weighing up risks to elderly people, steeling ourselves for the prospect of new restrictions and searching for the willpower to follow them – I am just shooting for survival.

My only hope and ambition is to make peace with the fact that being tired and being tempted to give up is part of the essential rhythm of life.

My hope for you is the same, that your year-end is one of respite and replenishment. If it isn’t, keep going. Get started again. (The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

5

News

“Each teacher needs to be trained” – Education Minister

…as CPCE to be further expanded

B

efore the first term of the PPP/C Government comes to a closure, the objective is to have 100 per cent teachers trained or in training, and preparations are underway to support this aim.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand shared this position during the yearend press briefing on Monday, where she highlighted that some teachers in the classroom are currently untrained, since they did not attend the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

She said two categories of untrained teachers currently exist in the education system: those who are eligible for admission at CPCE and those who are not. The latter group, she said is being upgraded, so that they can enter the college programme. It supports the aim

of ensuring all educators are aptly trained in education delivery.

“There are teachers who are in the system right now that are untrained and we have said to every teacher who is presently teaching in the classroom right now untrained, that each teacher needs to be trained…Our aim is that before the end of this first term is to have 100 per cent trained teachers in the classroom, either trained or in training. We do not any more want a place in Guyana where we’re stagnated at 70 per cent of our teachers trained,” said the Minister.

She noted that there was a “remarkable” drop in the number of hinterland teachers admitted to pursue the Trained Teachers Certificate (TTC) programme. However, this is justified with a higher number of persons enrolling

in the Associate Degree programme, offered by CPCE instead since it was offered online.

“We’ve seen a remarkable drop in the number of teachers in the hinterland doing the TTC programme.

That causes some worry.

When we checked, what it really was, was reason for celebration not worry. The teachers who were forced to do only the TTC are now doing the Associate Degree programme because they have the qualifications. We just never offered it to them before.”

Expansion of CPCE

Moving forward, the Minister announced a further expansion to CPCE, to sustain more students.

With the operations fully online, there was a surge of 2500 new students within the first year. Manickchand

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

projects that in the coming years, this will be advantageous to Guyana when other countries are recording lower numbers.

She told the media, “CPCE will be expanded further. The Cyril Potter College of Education is the only teacher training college in the country. Usually,

about 535 students are accepted for face-to-face learning every year. This year, because we have gone online, we have more than 2500 students who have begun their first-year learning. That means in four years, when teachers around the world are going to see diminished numbers, Guyana is actual-

ly going to defy that. We’re actually going to put out more teachers.”

Last month, it was announced that a project management team has been deployed to the CPCE to specifically assist the college with its expansion of teacher training services to Guyanese. That team had met with the Education Minister to discuss the way forward.

In the coming months, there will also be a revision of all local books from Grades One to Six. A Trinidadian firm has been contracted to upgrade the “outdated” books currently being used.

The community-based literacy programmes will also be expanded in all education districts for dropouts and out of school youths, targeting at least 2500 children to improve low literacy rates.

(G12)

Hats off to Shamdas Kirpalani Dear Editor, Hats off to Shamdas Kirpalani for their High Court victory in their years-long battle to prohibit vending on their

pavement.

Is this what every shop owner on Regent Street has to do in order to get the Mayor and City Council to comply with the law? The

Is the Mayor a toothless poodle?

Dear Editor, I am forced to pen a follow up letter, since what was first reported a few weeks ago, escalated and is definitely getting out of control.

I refer to an article two Fridays ago, ‘Mayor instructs city engineer to remove structure outside St Pius church’.

As of Monday morning, you will be amazed to see what transpired thus far, the individual has taken up more acreage.

The above being said, it brings a few issues into question: 1) Is the Mayor a toothless poodle?

2) Is Colvern Venture – city engineer, grossly in-

subordinate or downright disrespectful?

3) Is this man or people involved, sacred cows?

Our city has now become a celebrated shanty town or favella and no one seems to care.

I again appeal to Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister Nigel Dharamlall to intervene.

Christmas is one of the most sacred holidays on the Christian calendar, are we to pray for God’s blessing amid squalor and urine stench, mixed with booze and the lawless DJs spitting obscenities unabated?

Sincerely, Ronald Shepherd

pavements were built to allow the free flow of pedestrian traffic. Are the Police not at all concerned that with pavement access blocked by vendors’ tables, chairs, umbrellas, boxes, and other accoutrements, pedestrians are forced to walk on the road which puts their lives at risk?

The vendor culture is not only a national eyesore, health hazard, and disgrace but comes with abusive behaviour that in-

cludes almost daily fights and cuss downs that are not conducive to a safe and attractive business environment.

It is no secret that street vending is a lucrative “business” for the City Constables and clerks who pocket payments from the vendors that allow them to sell on the pavement.

One female clerk was even heard to exclaim: “De bigger de table is mo’ money fo me!”

There are some shop owners who, in order to keep the vendors off the pavement in front of their doors, have simply joined the lawlessness and extended their own business onto the pavement. We suppose they too are paying up to the Constables and clerks.

Is the expanding economy that comes with the oil boom not creating jobs that would attract our citizens to more gainful and

meaningful employment?

Or is the lawless vending culture here to stay because of a corrupt M&CC? Despite its failure to perform its duties lawfully and responsibly in order to provide a safe, clean and attractive business environment, the M&CC still expects us all to pay up our rates and taxes on time.

Sincerely, The Management Alim Shah Store

6

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Y

Estimating decimals

ou can use rounding to estimate sums and differences of decimal numbers. However, you have to decide what rounding place to use. Sometimes, a problem will tell you.

If it does not, round to the nearest whole number. When estimating money, ask yourself is the cents part of each number closer to 0 dollars, to a ½ dollar or a dollar?

Example: Estimate 27.58 + 6.420 Step 1: Round 27.58 to the nearest whole number: 28 Step 2: Round 6.420 to the nearest whole number: 6 Step 3: Add 28 + 6 + 34 The sum of 27.58 + 6.420 is about 34 Example: Estimate 27.58 - 6.420 to the nearest tenth Step 1 Round 27.58 to the nearest tenth: 27.6 Step 2: Round 6.420 to the nearest tenth: 6.4 Step 3: Subtract 27.6 - 6.4 = 21.2 Example: Estimate $27.58 + $6.420 Step 1: Ask yourself : Is $27.58 closer to $27.00 , $27.50 , or $28.00? $27.50 Step 2: Ask yourself : Is $6.420 closer to $6.00 , $6.50 , or $7.00? $6.50 Step 3: Add $27.50 + $6.50 = $34.00 Since you rounded both dollar values up, you know your estimated total is higher than the actual total.

Exercises: Estimate 1) 12.20 - 7.58

4) 31.05 - 1

2) 33.60 - 10

5) 54.31 - 23.48

3) 894.08 - 2.36

6) 92.88 - 7.12

W

rite a poem about Christmas and the first Nativity.

H

Honeycombs

oneycombs are an original Christmas ornament crafting idea that your whole family will fall in love with. They are simple to make, look cute, and can be used for various purposes – stringing them up as a garland or decorating your Christmas tree.

To make paper honeycombs, you need some black cardstock, two colours of paper (one for each layer), scissors, white double-sided adhesive tape, and a pencil, pen, or marker for tracing lines on the paper that will serve as your templates.

You don’t have to use any special template here – find something with an interesting shape that would fit around your roll of paper!

The first step is cutting out the shapes from the two different colours of paper, so they match up perfectly when folded together. Then, create a template out of the cardstock by

tracing lines from your original paper pattern.

Use double-sided adhesive tape to stick both layers together and insert a toilet paper roll into the centre. You can also cut two small triangles that will keep the roll in place. Lastly, you need to decorate your honeycombs.

Beaded Angels

Paper angels with beads are beautiful Christmas ornament crafts for kids. They can

be used to make a small mobile where the angels will fly around a central peg. Alternatively, the beaded angels can be hung from a string of their own to create a stunning decoration for the Christmas tree.

The instructions required for this kid crafting task are elementary! Get started by gathering your materials: paper and decorative pearls. If you want your angels to be classically white, then make sure the paper and pearls are both white.

But that’s not mandatory since you can use any colour you prefer as well as mix and match different colours. For example, it would be interesting if the paper had two sides with different colours.

As far as supplies go, you need a cutting mat, glue, and a pair of scissors.

As such, you shouldn’t leave your kids unsupervised while they’re making the beaded angels. (www.diys.com)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PNCR will return to grassroots politics – new leader …as Harmon, Granger excluded from Central Executive Committee which Christopher Jones and Vinceroy Jordan tied, a tie-breaker mechanism will be determined by the new Central Executive Committee.

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

N

ewly inaugurated leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton said that under his stewardship, the party will return to the grassroots politics it once practiced, going into every village and feeling the pulse of the base.

The leadership of the PNCR was officially handed over to a tearful Norton on Monday, after which he addressed his party comrades. According to Norton, the party’s work will not be based in Congress Place but rather, will be out in the villages interacting with the people.

“It is clear that our work is cut out. We intend to do the work on the ground. We intend to be on the ground.

And we intend to be in every village, so we can feel the pulse. Because we are elected to represent the people. And we will.”

“I recall being a General Secretary of this party and Congress Place use to be a hive of activity. It will return. But I wanna say this. The focus won’t be so much on people coming to Congress Place, though people must come. The focus will be on us going out to meet our people and work with them,” he said.

According to Norton, it is in the fields that the party will get the real information it needs to fulfil its mandate. Norton also promised that his executive team and regional party councillors will be kept busy.

“One of the things that will happen in this executive is all executive members, whether they supported me or not, will be given tasks to carry out.

We have an executive that comprises about 40 people.

And if we can get all those hands-on deck…”

“We also have regional councillors. It is my express intention to give po-

litical guidance at the regional and general local government level and motivate them to become more

Appointments Meanwhile, the 15-member Central Executive Committee of the party was announced.

Among the new faces are Amanza Walton Desir (who gained 350 votes); Ganesh Mahipaul (326); Coretta McDonald (317) and Geeta Chandan-Edmonds (445).

Jermaine Figueira (536); Christopher Jones (586); Gary Best (618); Edward Collins (521); Kirk Frazer (362); Samuel Sandy (351); Troy Garraway (301); Riaz

Elections Results Party Officers Leader: Aubrey Norton - 967 Chairman: Shurwayne Holder - 407 Vice Chairperson: Elizabeth Williams-Niles - 470 Second Vice Chairperson: 1. Christopher Jones - 381 2. Vinceroy Jordan - 381 Treasurer: Mohamed Faaiz Mursaline - 404 Central Executive Committee: One hundred and twenty-three persons contested for positions on the 15-member Central Executive Committee. Those elected are: 1.

Gary Best - 618 2.

Christopher Jones - 586 3.

Jermaine Figueira - 536 4.

Edward Collins - 521 5.

Dawn Hastings-Williams - 484 6.

Geeta Chandan-Edmond - 445 7.

Hazel Pyle-Lewis - 406 8.

Kirk Fraser - 362 9.

Samuel Sandy - 351 10.

Amanza Walton-Desir - 350 11.

Ganesh Mahipaul - 326 12.

Coretta McDonald - 317 13.

Troy Garraway - 301 14.

Riaz Roopnaraine - 289 15.

Annette Ferguson - 272 involved in the process. I believe the issue here is motivation. I was overwhelmed before because of the level of support, we will use that broad based support to move the party forward,” Norton added.

The party leader also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance of the party. In fact, Norton said that one of his rivals for leadership, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and party stalwart Volda Lawrence, will both be made advisors to the party.

Meanwhile, Vincent Alexander, who oversaw the elections, said in relation to the position of Second Vice Chairman for

Roopnarine (289); Dawn Hastings (484) and Hazel Pyle-Lewis (406) were also elected to the executive of the party.

Conspicuously absent from the executive are big names like Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, who had challenged Norton for leadership, and former leader and former President David Granger.

While Norton singled out Granger for praise during his address to the party on Monday, pointing to the 10 years he spent leading the party, no mention has been made about Granger’s or Harmon’s future with the party. In the meantime, the PNCR sent

party leader, and the principal political secretaries which will be by the Central Executive Committee.”

Former PNCR Leader David Granger

out a statement which further detailed the appointments to be made.

“Ten more members of the Central Executive will be co-opted, five by the party leader and five by the Central Executive Committee, respectively, and this is likely to be done when the executive holds its first formal meeting.

Further, each of the eleven party regions is entitled to elect one representative from their region to sit on the Central Executive Committee,” the party explained.

“The Central Executive Committee will be complete with the appointment of the General Secretary, which will be done by the

US Embassy Coming on the heels of Norton’s election as leader of the party, the United States Embassy in Guyana which is headed by Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch, extended congratulations to him. In a very short message on its Twitter page, the Embassy committed to working with Norton.

“The US Embassy congratulates Mr Aubrey Norton on his election victory as PNCR Leader and looks forward to working with him on issues for the benefit of all Guyanese,” the Embassy said in its statement.

Norton secured a landslide victory at the PNCR’s 21st biennial congress, obtaining more than half of the 1280 votes cast. He got 967 votes while Opposition Leader Harmon obtained 245 votes and Van WestCharles received 64 votes.

Norton’s nearest rival, Harmon had conceded since Saturday evening and had congratulated Norton in a post on his Facebook page.

He had also affirmed his commitment to fostering unity within the party.

When this publication

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

made contact with Harmon after the official announcement of results on Sunday, he reaffirmed his willingness to work with whoever is in charge of the party.

According to him, however, the results change nothing where his position as Opposition Leader is concerned.

The race for the chairmanship of the party turned into a convincing victory for Team Norton, with APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Shurwayne Holder winning the position. He came out victorious having secured 407 votes – the highest among the 10 contesting for that post including some senior party members. (G3)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS Fight over $120

ECD man remanded for fatally stabbing minibus tout

Murder accused: Paul Junior Lynch

D

ays after he surrendered to the Police, 28-year-old minibus tout Paul Junior Lynch was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a murder charge for fatally stabbing a minibus conductor over $120.

The Lot 1276 Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident

was taken before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who read the charge to him for the capital offence of murder.

Lynch was not required to plead the indictable charge, which stated that on December 15, at the Route 44 Minibus Park, Commerce Street, Georgetown, he murdered Morvin Nurse, 30, of Haslington, ECD. He was remanded to prison and the case will call again on February 21, 2022.

A Police report said that Nurse, otherwise known as “2pack” was stabbed to death last week Wednesday during a row with Lynch over $120.

The incident occurred at around 11:00h at the Route 44 Bus Park located at Commerce Street in Georgetown.

The Police had said that Nurse and Lynch were at the bus park when an argument erupted between them during which they began pelting each other with empty beer bottles and bricks.

As the confrontation escalated, Lynch whipped out a knife and stabbed Nurse to his chest. Nurse ran a short distance before falling to the ground, while his attacker escaped in a minibus.

Coattail politics…

I Dead: Morvin Nurse

The injured man attempted to walk but fell again. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died while undergoing surgery.

Following the incident, the Police issued a wanted bulletin for Lynch.

Some hours after the wanted notice, he surrendered at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of two lawyers.

(G1)

…and Norton n the US, the term “coattail politics” has been around for over a hundred years. It refers to the impact a candidate may have on voting for the rest of his slate.

A popular and charismatic leader would pull votes for candidates who might be relatively unknown. Kind of like a halo effect!! Trump’s coattails were deployed in 2016 when his popularity vaulted the Republicans not only into the White House but to control the House and the Senate!! Now, the effect can go the other way with an unpopular leader!

In Guyana, while we’ve had charismatic and popular leaders, because of the polarised ethnic politics, folks voted as much for the political party they concluded represented THEIR group than anything else!! But in the recently concluded PNC internal leadership elections – since there was no possibility of “splitting the vote” to let those dastardly PPPites in – we witnessed for the first time in our already complex politics, the effect of a popular leader’s “coattail”. Rather than running on their own for “Leader of the PNC”, Norton and Harmon fielded SLATES for all the top positions. This, of course, deepened the possible schisms in the party since former comrades in the trenches were running against each other. And few would have the diplomatic aplomb of their leaders to not be snide!! Anyhow, when the dust settled, opponents saw the incredible effect of Norton’s coattail – that had him slaughter Harmon with FOUR times the latter’s votes!!

The Chair, First Vice Chair and Treasurer all were from Norton’s slate and the 2nd Vice Chair was a tie between another of his candidates and PNC’s Chris JONES!! The votes for the Chair were absolutely astounding – a total unknown schoolteacher from Agricola TROUNCED the very popular Attorney Amanza Desir, Roysdale Forde, Gary Best AND former Reg 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon!! The Treasurer went to an unknown 22-yearold neophyte who destroyed Vanessa Kissoon, Karen Cummings and Daniel Seeram!

Your Eyewitness expects that Norton will show “magnanimity” by agreeing to Chris Jones becoming the 2nd Vice Chair. But when all is said and done, he’ll emerge as an unstoppable force in the new PNC. All the newbies KNOW they owe their position to HIS coattail and will not just genuflect but kowtow to him. He said early on – as the votes showed him taking the lead – that he won’t be a “maximum” leader. But seriously, folks, can anyone see Shurwayne Holder, Mohammed Mursalene or Elizabeth Williams DISAGREEING with Norton on ANY issue?

All of this deference will inevitably go to his head – it will become his expected norm. All those who were chums will now have to become much more circumspect around him.

He’s now über Alles!! …and power The fact that Norton’s success wasn’t dependent on anybody on his slate bringing in support – but were just “young faces” he brought in, must be considered from another angle. If he was really serious about NOT being a maximum leader, he could’ve run for the leader’s position and then accepted those other officers who were elected by the membership on their own popularity. But this would’ve meant that he had to accept their independent power base and bargain with them on issues. Real democracy.

But all he has around him now – because of his strategic decision on fielding a slate – are sycophants!

And this is where lies the danger to a positive political culture in Guyana. As the saying goes – “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”!! “Corrupt” not necessarily as in raiding the treasury, but corrupt as in wielding power in an undemocratic fashion because the majority of his party’s officials will look at him for instructions!!

Unchecked power is always unstable – and dangerous. …and extremism As we saw with Trump in the US, the leader with large coattails will have the freedom to pander to his idiosyncratic view of politics. In the new year, Norton’s “street fighter” compulsions will see him there.

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

9

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police to crack down on firecrackers …amid concerns for animals by Veterinary Board

T

he Guyana Police Force will be clamping down on the sale of firecrackers and other explosives during the holiday season, in order to safeguard animals and keep people safe.

Divisional Commander of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Senior Superintendent Errol Watts gave this reassurance on Monday, after the Guyana Veterinary Board highlighted its concerns during a panel discussion on the impact of pyrotechnics on animals.

Other involved stakeholders included the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), the Bar Association of Guyana, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA).

“The Guyana Police

Region Three Commander Errol Watts

Force will ensure that we robustly enforce all laws with respect to the use of squibs and firecrackers around this time, so that our animals and people can be safer throughout this holiday period and beyond. Rest assured, I’m going to brief my

Commissioner and we’re going to ensure that we circulate nationally, instructions for this effort to be intensified so as to bring peace and tranquility to our animals and safety to our people,” said the Commander.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is the only agency authorised to import firecrackers and other explosives. The sale and purchase of such explosives are illegal under the Customs Act amended by Act No 1 of 2005.

The Commander advocated for persons to desist from using these devices, in light of the dangers that can cause injuries to humans as well. According to him, the GPF is in a “campaign mode” to search businesses and marketplaces to intercept and prosecute persons.

Members of the public were asked to report any such instances, via the Police hotline, WhatsApp groups or through numbers posted on-

line.

During the panel discussion, several stakeholders documented their stark experiences in handling animals that were severely affected by the deafening sounds of firecrackers.

Troy Crawford of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission noted that the Guyana Zoological Park is located centrally where fireworks are used, and it is a significant issue that affects animals, especially since they are caged.

“The firecrackers have always been an issue. Those animals being confined and central in the city, the firecrackers in that area are much loud, especially after D’Urban Park was established and they were using there as the celebration for the anniversaries.

Sometimes you’d find deaths after the night or whatever events would use these firecrackers.

You find a lot of bruised animals because they hit themselves when the run into walls,” he shared.

Guyana Veterinary Board Chairman, Dr Nardeo Bassoodeo

He added. “You hear them crying if you stay late enough. It’s really gruelling. From the Commission’s standpoint, we get a lot of complaints and we find these animals being abandoned after these events, mostly birds and having animals in captivity that are being fostered as well, we see first-hand, they react.”

Veterinarian and Chairman of the Guyana

Veterinary Board, Dr Nardeo Bassoodeo also detailed, “Last year, a couple of animals tried to jump over a gate and fence with razor wires. Those animals had to be euthanised and it was caused by people in the neighbourhood using these devices in an irresponsible manner. So, a lot more has to be done especially from enforcement”.

Attorney-at-Law Teni Housty suggested that the best way of discharging fireworks safely is by securing a permit from the relevant authorities, which would assess the impact before approval.

Housty remarked, “If you want to intend to use any types of explosives or firecrackers over this particular time, ask for a permit. Part of the permission conditions would be an assessment of the impact on all the persons in the immediate environment, the types of fireworks you want to use and all of those things so you can have conditions associated with the grant of the permit. There are regulations” (G12)

Bartica road project

Engineer, sub-contractor charged over inflating truckloads of laterite

A

n engineer and a sub-contractor employed with Adamantium Holdings have been charged over inflating the number of truckloads of laterite for a road project in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Myrvin George, 44, an engineer/manager of AA Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and 26-year-old Daniel Baker, a driver/ sub-contractor of Mahaica Park, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that between October 31, 2021, and December 10, 2021, at Lot 17 Sublot A Kingston, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, they obtained $1,152,000 from Adamantium Holdings by falsely pretending that they delivered 64 truckloads of laterite, knowing same to be false. The men were not required to plead to the indictable charge. They were each ordered to post bail in the sum of $150,000. Their next court hearing is scheduled for January 17, 2022.

The court heard that the Government awarded a contract to Adamantium Holdings for the rehabilitation of a stretch of road from Six Miles Bartica, Potaro Road, to 19 Miles Bartica, Potaro Road.

The company agreed to transport laterite for the road project at $18,000 per truckload. Both George and

Myrvin George and Daniel Baker at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday

Baker are employed with the company.

While the former was tasked with reporting to the company, the number of truckloads of laterite transported, Baker would prepare invoices to claim for the cost from the company.

On December 14, Adamantium Holdings issued payments totalling $5,346,000 for 297 truckloads of laterite which was reported by George and claimed by Baker. However, the company later discovered that the number of truckloads of laterite had been inflated.

The Police were called in to investigate the matter

and when ranks visited the site for the road project, they met with Anthony Rigby, a manager at Adamantium Holdings, who oversees the road project.

Only 87 of the 233 truckloads of laterite were observed along the stretch of road. As such, George and Baker were arrested. They allegedly admitted to inflating the number of truckloads of laterite transported.

Baker handed over $200,000 to the Police, stating it was payment he received from George for misrepresenting the number of truckloads of laterite transported to the worksite. (G1)

11

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3…Regions more men die from COVID-19 3, 4, 6 have most active cases GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 20, 2021 UPDATE

T

hree men on Sunday died from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) – increasing Guyana’s death toll to 1033.

All three persons would have tested positive and later succumbed to the virus.

They included a 74-yearold from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and an 84-year-old and 67-yearold from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Two of them were unvaccinated while the status of the eldest is unknown.

In total, 18,347 men have been infected with the virus, when compared to 20,544 women. An updated dashboard on Monday showed 21 new cases of the virus, taking the total positives recorded to date to 38,891. Some 11 persons are being monitored in the ICU, 35 in institutional isolation and 713 in home isolation. No one is currently in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries stand at 37,099.

Some 412,954 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here.

Regionally, a breakdown showed one new infection in Region One (Barima-

Waini), two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 11 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), two in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), five in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

There were no increases in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There are 818 active cases – 390 in Region Four, 189 in Region Six and 95 in Region Three. Speaking on the drop of infections being recorded, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday said it is linked to lower testing.

Persons who have been potentially exposed to the virus were asked to get themselves tested.

“Across the board, not a lot of people are coming to get tested and therefore, it might give us a sense that we have a decrease in cases where as if there is a drop in testing, then we wouldn’t accurately be able to see what is happening with the pandemic across the country.

Those persons who believe

they might’ve been exposed to COVID, we’re asking them to go and get tested,” the health official urged.

There are adequate testing sites in every administrative region while the regional hospitals are also equipped to swab persons, he added.

“It’s the responsible thing to do because if you test positive, then you’re required to isolate so that you don’t continue that chain of spreading the disease…

In terms of hospitalisation, generally over the last couple of weeks, we have seen a decrease in hospitalisation but we also have to remain vigilant.”

J&J concerns

With the United States Centers for Disease Control expressing concerns about the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines, the Health Minister said local officials will review the use of this drug in its immunisation campaign in light of the various findings which are being publicised.

However, he noted that so far, the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to recommend this vac-

$5B Mocha-to-Diamond...

F ROM PAGE 3

The President said that these projects are being done in anticipation of the imminent growth in traffic and to significantly ease congestion with good infrastructure and urban planning.

Road safety

With the opening of the road, President Ali took the opportunity to implore persons to use the road safely and indicated that there would be technological infrastructure to ensure this, enforced by the Police.

“With the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry (of Housing and Water), we have designed a safe road usage plan. And in that plan along this road, we envision three Police outposts — two of those outposts are already in place. The next phase, which will be very soon, is to connect cameras to those outposts,” he said.

Cameras are currently being tested, and according to the President, they will not only record drivers’ speed but also capture whether they are wearing seatbelts. He also said that amendments will be made to the law to allow for electronic tickets and strong enforcement.

The President also noted

that he has observed many persons living in the vicinity of the road use it to exercise. As a result, he said he has asked the Ministry of Housing’s Director of Projects to make a jogging path, since health and wellness are integral to development and sustainability.

President Ali was joined by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy and other Government officials for the commissioning.

The $500 million project, which was undertaken by the Housing and Water Ministry, started earlier this year and was completed months ago. It was being used by commuters for a few days, until a fatal accident resulted in authorities blocking the road until the official opening.

The bypass road will run from Sixth Avenue, Diamond, to the Windsor Estate Road that leads on to the Eccles Landfill Site Road, connecting through the new Herstelling Housing Scheme and other schemes that are being developed

along the EBD corridor.

Meanwhile, works are simultaneously ongoing for the extension of that alternative road from Eccles to Mandela Avenue. It is understood that the $2.3 million project is scheduled to be completed soon.

These projects are all in the overall context of the India-funded Bypass Road Project which would link the East Bank Demerara corridor to the East Coast of Demerara, creating a new highway in the backlands.

The Indian Government had provided a US$50 million Line of Credit (LOC) for the road link that was initially slated for Ogle, ECD to Diamond. However, the project cost was driven up to over $208 million by the previous APNU/AFC regime and the project was at a standstill for several years.

The Ali-led PPP/C Administration has since redesigned the project into three phases to fit the LOC. It will now run from Ogle to Haags Bosch at Eccles in the first phase, then from Eccles to Diamond, and finally from Diamond to Timehri to connect to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). (G3)

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

21

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

35

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

713 11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

0

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,544

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,347

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,891

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

37,099

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

408,838

FULLY IMMUNISED

290,688

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1033

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1700

REGION 2

1577

REGION 3

5189

REGION 4

18,126

REGION 5

1473

REGION 6

3652

REGION 7

1805

REGION 8

623

REGION 9

2483

REGION 10

2263

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181. cine as an effective means of fighting the novel coronavirus and until a definitive decision is made, this vaccine will continue to be used locally.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that just over 50 persons developed a rare side effect of blood clots after using the JJ jabs. However, he compared that this number was derived from 40 million people that took the jabs worldwide, adding that the bene-

fits outweigh the risks “It’s an extremely rare event. There have been more than 40 million J&J that has been administered around the world and they have seen a few cases of this…In Guyana, we would certainly review the technical information that this is emerging from the CDC and see whether or not we would need to change our recommendations. But so far, the WHO continues to recommend the J&J vaccine.”

The Organisation has

also recommended that a second dose be administered two months after the first dose.

Latest statistics show that 408,838 or 79.7 per cent of the adult population have received a first dose COVID-18 vaccine while 290,688 or 56.7 per cent are fully immunised.

Meanwhile, in the 12 to 17 age category, some 21,309 are fully inoculated or 29.2 per cent. For booster shots, 9156 were administered.

(G12)

Woman with disability raped

P

olice are investigating the rape of a 21-yearold woman who is living with a disability.

The incident occurred in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Sunday.

A 21-year-old suspect has since been arrested.

According to reports, the victim was home alone when the suspect went into the premises, held her down and committed the act.

She was later found crying by relatives whom who told about the incident.

The Police were alerted and the suspect was apprehended by public-spirited citizens and handed over to

the Police.

The suspect was told of the allegation of rape and he replied: “Officer I went over to charge me phone and I

just hold on pon she for one minute and she tell me to stop and I stop.”

He was placed into custody pending investigations.

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sugar workers get 7% salary increase – Vice President …GAWU lauds Govt for keeping its promise

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Agriculture Minister Zulifikar Mustapha share a photo with GuySuCo CEO Sasenarine Singh and GAWU representatives following a meeting on Monday

S

ugar workers in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), who have not had salary increases in over five years, will now be getting a seven per cent increase in wages and salaries, in line with what public servants also got this year.

This announcement was made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in an interview with members of the

“So, the $250,000 grant was a way to alleviate some of the issues they faced. It was almost reparative justice. And we had to give a salary increase to the sugar workers this year. And I promised at that time that whatever the public servants got, the sugar workers would get. So, we decided the 7 per cent increase would also be awarded to the sugar workers.”

ments. During that period, they suffered immensely as the cost-of-living rose appreciably while their real wages tumbled,” the Union said.

In computations, GAWU pointed out between 2015 and 2019, sugar workers’ real wages declined by some 42 per cent. “For the Union it appeared that the industry was received special focus by the former Government and no attempt was spared

“It is well-known during the life of the David Granger Administration sugar workers were treated like unwanted stepchildren. Their wages were frozen at 2014 levels while their colleagues in other sections of the State’s employ benefitted from annual pay adjustments. During that period, they suffered immensely as the cost-of-living rose appreciably while their real wages tumbled.” – GAWU media on Monday. According to Jagdeo, this decision was made and communicated to the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), during an earlier meeting.

“I just met today (Monday) with the head of GuySuCo, the union GAWU and the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting was to finalise some issues.

And also, to confirm the salary increase for sugar workers. Wages and salary increases,” Jagdeo explained during the interview.

“As you would recall in April when I met with terminated sugar workers, I indicated that apart from the $250,000 grant that we were going to give for those workers that were terminated, there would be a salary increase for the sugar workers this year. I explained at that time that under APNU, 7000 sugar workers lost their jobs and in the five years, there were no salary increases for sugar workers.”

Jagdeo noted that apart from that, the Annual Performance Incentive (API) had also been terminated. So, this left a situation during the APNU/AFC’s term in office where everyone except the sugar workers were getting salary increases.

The move has meanwhile been lauded by GAWU, which issued a statement on Monday. According to GAWU, it is a case of Jagdeo and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government keeping their word, since Jagdeo had promised a pay increase for sugar workers since earlier this year.

“It is well-known during the life of the David Granger Administration sugar workers were treated like unwanted stepchildren. Their wages were frozen at 2014 levels while their colleagues in other sections of the State’s employ benefitted from annual pay adjust-

to extract maximum punishment on the thousands who depended on its operations for their livelihood,” GAWU said in its statement.

According to GAWU, the five years of the Granger Administration brought hardships and challenges on the sugar workers. They noted that these increases will go a long way towards having sugar workers reclaim what they lost and also will boost the workers as they approach the holidays.

Viability

Meanwhile, Jagdeo also spoke of future viability of the sugar industry, which

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing sugar workers in October

he said is linked to the Government’s ability to really diversify the industry and decouple it from sugar.

Efforts are underway in this regard.

Jagdeo explained that the Government is hard at work creating alternative employment for former sugar workers in areas where they were unable to reopen estates closed by the former Government.

“The key idea was to create alternative employment for people, in areas where we could not return to sugar, that APNU had closed the estates. Right now, there is a plan at Wales, I spoke about that when I met with laid off employees of GuySuCo, that will generate thousands of jobs.”

“Our plans for Wales development and the West Coast, in Region Three. And we’ve already seen many of the people who were work-

ing in GuySuCo, absorbed in those activities. And there will be new opportunities there,” Jagdeo said.

According to Jagdeo, the same thing is being done at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), where they are working on developing industrial estates. He also spoke of a large private development that will come on board and absorb persons who’ve lost employment on the ECD. It was only recently that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had spoken of the Government’s efforts to establish the Enmore call centre, one of the several projects that languished under the previous APNU/AFC Government. Singh had said that once operational, the call centre will provide over 300 jobs once it is operational.

When it comes to Berbice, where the Skeldon and Rose

Hall estates are located, Jagdeo lamented that it is a bit harder to attract investments and diversify operations. This has led to a return to sugar.

“In Berbice it’s a bit harder and we’ve had to return to sugar there, because there are no other activities and its harder there to get investments into Berbice. So, timeline for viability on sugar, is linked to how quickly we can decouple sugar from other activities. So going purely after sugar itself, it would mean a longer-term return to viability,” he said.

“If we can merge sugar with other economic activities on this estate, which we are trying to do, we can achieve overall viability faster, returning to break even points and overall viability. So, there are several proposals we’re looking at. We’re going to have to choose those proposals.” (G3)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rice mill employee crushed to death A

n 18-year-old labourer employed with a popular West Coast Berbice rice mill was this morning crushed to death by a truck driven by a 24-yearold unlicensed man who was hired as a driver for the company.

Dead is Tularam Harrylall of Lot 152 Water Street Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

He was reportedly crushed between a truck and forklift at Hack’s Rice Mill compound, Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice, at about 12:40h.

Guyana Times understands that the young man was crushed by a reversing truck which was driven by a 24-year-old unlicensed man who was employed as a driver with the company.

His cousin, Navindra Pertab, who also works at the rice mill, said he was at the gate when the alarm was raised.

Pertab explained that when he went inside, he first recognised his cousin lying on the ground by the shirt he was wearing.

“I thought is something happen but I didn’t not know is serous. When I go near now I see the whole one side of his face smash in.

“The forklift was about four feet away and the truck had moved and was about ten feet away,” he said.

Pertab said he advised that they do not move the body since he was already dead.

According to the Police, motor lorry GRR 7060 with trailer TWW 1259 driven by a 24-year-old man

of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, was reversing. At the time the driver was trying to take the motor lorry with a container into the boiler area for the container to be loaded with bulk rice when an employee alerted him.

He immediately stopped and exited the lorry and went to the back of the vehicle where he saw Harrrylall lying on the ground motionlessly.

He was taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Harrylall had been working at the rice mill for the past two years.

According to his cousin, the evening before, they spent a few hours together. Meanwhile, the Labour Ministry has launched an investigation.

Harrylall heaves to mourn his parents and three siblings.

Just over a week ago, a young construction worker lost his life after he fell off a scaffold while working on a building at Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is 23-year-old Norman Abrams of Lot 804 B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Reports are that Abrams was employed by a resident of Third Street Montrose.

On December 11, the young man was on a scaffold along with another worker putting on moulding on the outer part of the western roof of a two-storey concrete structure.

While working, the wood on the scaffold turned over

Dead: Tularam Harrylall

and both persons fell off.

Abrams fell in the neighbour’s yard while the other man that was working with him fell under the scaffold.

He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by his employer and colleague where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

On November 27, a 16-year-old worker died after he fell from a rice mill shed which is under construction at Vilvoorden, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Dead is Amar Dindyal.

Reports are that Dindyal, the eldest child for his single mother, was employed with a private contractor of Pomona Scheme, Region Two, as a labourer.

The contractor was employed by the owner of the Golden Fleece and Vilvoorden Rice Mill for the construction of a dryer shed at Vilvoorden.

Reports are that at about 15:00h a relative of the teen was contacted to inform the

family that Dindyal fell from the shed. The teen, however, succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. An investigation has been launched.

Only on November 24, Guyana Times reported that at least 50 persons have lost their lives since August 2020, according to data released by the Labour Ministry.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton in releasing the data had said that this occurrence has to be stopped.

“We have two choices in this matter. Either we continue our merry way, and we prepare to go wake houses and play dominoes and cards, and to attend funerals; or we change. For me, the first option is that I

don’t want to shepherd that.

I have already had to issue nearly 50 death announcements since I am a Minister.

Fifty is too much,” he had said.

The Minister said many times people pay attention to the statistics when their main focus should be the loss a family has to endure.

“For me, it is a person, a father, a husband, a son, and in many cases, persons who are leaving children behind because the breadwinner is gone. That cannot continue.”

Earlier this month, 22-year-old Sudesh Charran, a labourer of Lot 3964 West Minister, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was crushed by a metal lift while working at a supermarket at

Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The now dead man was reportedly walking under the metal lift to enter the supermarket when it fell from the upper flat and pinned him to the ground.

As a result, workers rushed to his assistance and used a piece of wood to lift the metal structure from the man’s body. They managed to pull him out but by this time, he was motionless and a large wound was seen to the top of his head.

The Police were summoned, and the injured victim was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation is underway.

(G4)

“If you only holler, ah gon kill you” – bandit tells pensioner …cuts off part of woman’s ear during robbery

A

Injured pensioner: Savitri Davi Umrao

74-year-old woman is now traumatised after she was on Sunday evening attacked and robbed by two knife-wielding bandits who invaded her home at Blairmont, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

Savitri Davi Umrao was robbed of four gold rings valued $125,000; a pair of gold earrings valued $25,000; and a pair of gold bangles valued $87,500.

She told this publication that she was watching television when two men - both armed with knives - entered her home.

“This thing happen a quarter to seven, after the news; you know Sunday you does get news more early.

While I sit down on the bed and the person come and scramble me.”

She said she was backing the door and did not see when the intruder entered.

She related that after she was held by the throat, the man who was wearing a pair of short pants took the other hand and stuffed it into her mouth, trying to reach down to her throat.

“He say if you only holler ah gon kill you. While he holding me, he asked me

where is the wallet with the money? I tell him that I don’t have no money. I get ole age pension and I go and buy some things and the money finish,” she related.

The ordeal, she said, continued and the pensioner held out that she had no money.

They also enquired of her 23-year-old grandson; a bee-keeper who lives in the same community.

At the same time, the other perpetrator also pushed one of the neighbours, a 52-year-old mentally-ill man; Rakish, who was drinking a cup of tea when the bandits entered. One of them took the hot beverage and poured it on the helpless man.

“He take his hand and push it back in my mouth and he start to squeeze and say ‘Ah gon kill you, go and bring the wallet’ and I keep telling him that I don’t have no wallet. Then he raise me up and he pull the earring off my ear and a piece of the ear cut out. He pull out the next side and ah had four finger rings ad he pull them away and one fasten.”

Umrao said it was very painful as the fourth ring was being pulled off of her

finger.

“I had a big bangle on my hand ad he skin it open [open widely]. And then I fall down.”

She was bleeding from the ear, causing the other occupant of the home, a 70-year-old woman with a disability, to question the excessive aggression by the robber.

“When she say is what you doing with Auntie, he scramble by she neck and choke she. And when the lady see the blood on the floor, she feel that he killing me…”

Umrao said the intruder moved back to her as she was lying on the floor, sat on her chest and continued to choke her and push the other hand down her throat.

“Look all me mouth buss up; ah can’t eat,” she revealed.

Umrao said when they were finished robbing her of the jewellery, the bandits walked out of the house the same way they entered and left.

She was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where she was treated and sent away.

Police are investigating.

(G4)

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lands at D’Edward wharf

BBCI, Three-Door Fishermen’s Co-op reach agreement

…high-powered LED lights also donated to co-op to improve security

F

ollowing a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, members of the ThreeDoor Fishermen’s Co-op Society, last week, signed an agreement with the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI), allowing for the use of lands and the river shore in the vicinity of the bridge on the western side of the Berbice River.

This was disclosed on Sunday by Mustapha during a follow-up meeting with members of the co-op society, to give an update on

several other commitments made by the Ministry.

DPI reported that the agreement will allow the fishermen to legally operate from the facility where they have been occupying for years.

During the meeting, representatives from the co-op society sought the assistance of the Head of State and the Agriculture Ministry with guiding the process which would allow them to negotiate the terms of use for the river shore, as they usually occupy the facility to ply their trade after returning from sea with their catch.

In addition to the agreement, representatives from the co-op also raised security concerns and the need for better facilities at the wharf.

Addressing the gathering at Sunday’s engagement, Mustapha said the PPP/C Administration has a longstanding history of working to ensure it fulfils its promises.

“The last time I was here to meet with the fishermen…they asked for some lights and I made a commitment that I will bring the seven lights that they needed and these are high-powered lights to brighten the

avenue going in and coming out so that in the nights, they say normally thieves are usually harbouring around…so I hope that this will prevent, not all the illegal activities, but at the same time it will make the place brighter to see what is going on,” the Minister said.

In addition to the lights, Minister Mustapha also said that the fisheries department in collaboration with the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) will be constructing sanitary facilities in keeping with an-

other commitment during the meeting.

made

Low catches

With the issue of low catches continuing to be of major concern to both the Government and fishermen across the country, Mustapha told fishermen that the Government, in collaboration with reputable local and international agencies, has commenced work to determine the reason behind the low catches.

“As I am speaking here, we have…a number of officers within the Ministry and other agencies looking to see why we are hav-

ing the low catches so that we can have an answer to those things. Guyana is not the only country experiencing low catches. Reports are showing that this is a global issue and that the reasons vary in different parts of the world. We have to wait on the results from the analysis and only then can we move forward and try to resolve it,” he explained.

Mustapha maintained that the Government will continue to support not only the Three-Door Fishermen’s Co-op Society but all other fishermen and fisher co-ops across the country.

Essequibo businessman, youth group host successful food, toy drive

Businessman Shahab Ali distributing food and toys to children at Onderneeming

T

Members of the Horizon Youths On The Move with the children of Mashabo

he season of giving is upon us, and, despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, Essequibo Coast businessman, Shahab Ali, owner of 786 Imports located in Adventure, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), has managed to bring cheer to some 300 children of Adventure Sand, Red Village/Onderneeming, Lake Mainstay, and Dartmouth.

The toy and food drive was organised by Ali and family in order to give and shower love to children in the region. During the distribution, children were treated with wrapped gifts, food, drinks along with party bags.

Meanwhile, during an interview with Guyana Times, Ali said that this event marked the fifth annual toy and food drive.

He added that his family hosted the distribution exercise to give back to the community and also to bring cheer to the less fortunate.

"With the birth of my first child, I desire for her

to grow up understanding that once you are in the position to assist the needy and do good for people, you should. I realised that a lot of children especially around the season are seeing other children being able to play with their toys or have bountiful food whereas it's not the same for them," Ali said.

Additionally, over 100 children of the small hinterland community of Mashabo, also located in Region Two, received an early visit from Santa on Sunday, when they were treated with food hampers, clothing, and toys.

The visit was organised by the Horizon Youths On The Move along with the captain of Mashabo, the volunteers of which made their way over to Mashabo Mission to bring cheer to less fortunate kids as it is the season of love and giving. Their faces were full of excitement upon seeing Santa Claus and his team who assisted in the distribution exercise.

Speaking with the President of the organisa-

tion, Christopher Persaud, he said that the main aim of the distribution was to bring Christmas cheer to over one hundred children of Mashabo.

"We choose Mashabo because it's our neighbouring village and we wanted to spread the joy at every end an make the village visible for its beauty and amazing people... we were welcomed with happy smile and warm wishes it just away from home," Persaud said.

Meanwhile, a little girl, Shania Gonzalves, told the newspaper that she is very happy that she received clothing and toys from Santa.

"We are all excited to see Santa and collect presents from him. I get clothes, toys, and mommy received things to cook. This will make our Christmas bright because my parents do not afford to get me, my brothers and sisters nice new clothes for Christmas. We are all happy and excited to play," another girl told Guyana Times.

The organisation is a non-governmental organisation that dedicates its

time to development activities for youths along the Essequibo Coast and caters

for less fortunate children, especially in the hinterland communities. (G14)

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 Pomeroon communities benefit from massive donation

Adamantium Holdings and Alfro Alphonso & Sons Enterprises Christmas tree light-up

T

hree riverine communities along the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), benefited from over 300 gifts and

toys that were

by Adamantium in collaboration Alfro Alphonso Enterprises, Essequibo.

donated Holdings with the & Sons Charity,

Christmas is truly the time for giving and Adamantium Holdings has been doing just that as they continue to spread Christmas cheer to the less fortunate of Pomeroon.

The three communities that benefited from the goodwill of Adamantium Holdings are Kabakaburi, Karawab and St Monica.

The items donated to the three communities were handed over in front of the Gaulin supermarket at Charity.

Toshao of Kabakaburi, Monty Simon received the donations on behalf of his community, while the Toshao of St MonicaKarawab, received on behalf of her communities.

At the handing over event of the items, Toshao of St Monica-Karawab, Eve Samuels expressed her gratitude by thanking the management of Adamantium Holdings for coming forward to make the donations. Samuels noted that not many children are fortunate to have their own toys for the holiday and that they will be excited with this kind gesture from Adamantium Holdings and Alfro Alphonso & Sons

Donations to the Pomeroon communities

Enterprises.

Toshao Monty Simon also shared similar sentiments and said the children will be very excited with their gift. He thanked the company for making such a generous donation.

Operations manager of the company, Haiman

Beharry said its always an honour for the company to give back to the people of St Monica-Karawab, and Kabakaburi. He further added that the company will continue to give back to society.

The company also donated over 200 toys to the

region to be distributed to the less fortunate, a drive which was initiated by the regional chairperson, Vilma Da Silva.

The company recently held its 5th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Charity on the Essequibo Coast. (G2)

Caribbean, Latin America benefited from nearly $20B in new financing from IDB

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and its private sector arm, IDB Invest, expect to close the year 2021 with $19.5 billion in new financing for Latin America and the Caribbean, as they helped countries recover from the pandemic and usher in an era of sustainable and inclusive growth. In a statement Monday, the IDB said that this financing is the second-highest annual total in the history of the IDB and IDB Invest and helps countries invest in priorities ranging from COVID19-era healthcare and digitalisation to climate change action, supply chains and education. The funding will also help reduce gender inequality, expand entrepreneurial ecosystems, and empower small and midsize companies, which account for over two-thirds of the region’s jobs.

The combination of IDB loan approvals ($14 billion) and expected IDB Invest financial commitments ($5.5 billion) and private sector mobilisations ($2.8 billion) totalled $22.3 billion. Latin America and the Caribbean is the region hardest hit by the pandemic. Home to about 8 per cent of the world’s population, it accounts for almost a third of all COVID-19 deaths – over 1.5 million people. The region also continues to face high inequality and serious economic and social challenges.

“This year, we demonstrated how a 21st-century IDB can empower countries to overcome unimaginable

challenges and pave the way to a new decade of prosperity. We did so by listening carefully to our clients and member countries and by leveraging our exceptional human capital to create innovative financing and private sector partnerships that will accelerate the region’s recovery,” said IDB President Mauricio Claver-Carone.

“The pandemic created unprecedented challenges, but it also opened historic opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean to grow, especially in areas including digitalisation, nearshoring and supply chains – and we are proud to be there, focused on helping countries seize those opportunities,” he added.

From vaccines to recovery ecosystems

In total, the IDB approved 103 sovereign guaranteed projects in 2021 for a total of $14 billion, while disbursements are expected to reach $12.1 billion. In the context of COVID-19, financing helped countries secure life-saving vaccines and increased access to credit so that small and midsize companies, the main drivers of employment, can expand their businesses.

New projects and financing will accelerate digitalisation so countries can improve public services, expand educational access, increase transparency and combat corruption. Funding will also help improve digital-skills training to enrich the region’s human capital.

Amid a historic recon-

figuration of international trade, the IDB approved $2.3 billion to strengthen regional supply chains, nearly doubling the average amount of the three years before the pandemic. This will help countries take advantage of a tangible new opportunity, amplified by the pandemic and the global supply-chain crisis, to attract foreign direct investment and increase exports of goods and services.

The IDB also worked with 16 countries to identify critical export and supply-chain advantages, including, for example, in Costa Rica’s semiconductor sector and the textile sector in Central American countries.

Gender, climate change and small countries

In 2021, the IDB continued to make it easier for countries to accelerate pandemic recovery, while simultaneously addressing critical, longstanding issues, such as climate change and gender inequality.

The IDB launched its Amazon Initiative and approved about $4.5 billion in resources for climate-related operations, the highest amount ever. The IDB also took a leading role among multilateral development banks at COP26, the annual United Nations conference on climate change, announcing a plan to fully align operations with the Paris Agreement and provide $24 billion for climate and green finance over the next four years.

Of all projects approved

in 2021, nearly 70 per cent included one or more components to tackle climate change, while 75 per cent addressed gender issues.

Almost 40 per cent of approvals went to small and vulnerable countries. These numbers, the Bank said, are aligned with the Bank’s institutional priorities and its blueprint for economic recovery, Vision 2025.

Institutional reforms

The IDB also piloted a streamlined process for projects that slashed approval times by 30 per cent, enabling the Bank to quickly meet the needs of its 26 regional member countries.

“The IDB stepped up and delivered the second-highest level of approvals for sovereign guaranteed operations in the Bank’s history in response to the pandemic, natural disasters and multiple other crises,” President Claver-Carone said. “I am confident that as we implement new initiatives and roll out ongoing operational efforts, the IDB will be even more productive in 2022 to meet the needs of Latin America and the Caribbean as the region’s partner of choice.”

In addition, the IDB dramatically scaled up its engagement with the private sector by creating the Private Sector Partners Coalition. The coalition began with 40 of the world’s leading companies and has since expanded to over 160 of the world’s most innovative firms. Its activities span 13 working groups in areas in-

cluding nearshoring, climate change, women’s empowerment and digital transformation. The coalition is creating a resource-mobilisation platform to identify investment opportunities and channel new technology, know-how and other private sector resources to the region.

A strategic alliance with coalition partner NTT Data everis, a top IT company, led to the creation of a platform that allowed Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to continue providing digital services during the pandemic. Another alliance with Mastercard and MercadoLibre led to an initiative to increase the financial resilience of smaller companies, women entrepreneurs and gig workers.

To further catalyse investment, the IDB also hosted a series of investment-promotion forums in Belize, Brazil, Ecuador and Miami, as well as 12 trade promotion forums, which drew almost 100,000 participants.

The events generated $55 billion in expected business deals. In 2022, the IDB plans to hold another round of investment and trade forums in Jamaica, Panama and Paraguay, among other countries.

Innovating at IDB Invest

IDB Invest, the IDB’s private sector arm, provided a total of $8.3 billion in financing in 2021. This includes $5.5 billion in shortand long-term commitments, and a record-breaking $2.8 billion in mobilisations. IDB Invest has mobilised $1 for every dollar closed on its own account in long-term financing, a 50 per cent increase over the previous year.

At COP26, IDB Invest announced the first blue bond in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the IDB’s commitment to designing innovative financial solutions for climate action.

IDB Invest’s financial commitments also surpassed sectoral targets, with about 45 per cent going toward gender, diversity and inclusion projects, while 30 per cent targeted climate change and nearly 32 per cent was for small and midsize companies.

IDB Invest also increased its focus on digitalisation and regional integration projects, which accounted for 15 per cent and 25 per cent of financial commitments, respectively. In addition, IDB Invest spearheaded innovative equity investments in the digital space, including in ProducePay, Recarga Pay, Kubo and Merqueo.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Years later: Region 2 residents Specialist doctors to be deployed to receive delayed NIS payments new Mabaruma “smart hospital”

The new Mabaruma “smart hospital”

Dr Ashni Singh distributes outstanding NIS payments and pension books to a pensioner

R

esidents along the Essequibo Coast received first-time access to pension books and delayed National Insurance Scheme (NIS) payments after years of hiccups.

On Monday, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh visited the NIS office in Anna Regina, where he spearheaded the exercise. Singh told the pensioners that the delivery of the social services to them was in response to an outreach led by the Head of State in September, followed by a subsequent engagement Dr Singh had with residents

late November.

The Minister said that the PPP/C Administration is keen on resolving longstanding issues that have plagued the NIS. “His Excellency’s commitment is to ensure all of the institutions of the State to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness with which they operate. The NIS is one such institution and our commitment when we came into Government, as it specifically relates to NIS, was to ensure we clear out the backlog - the inherited stock of matters,” Singh is quoted by DPI as saying.

Though some 60 per cent of the issues were resolved on the spot at the November

meeting, Minister Singh related that a meeting of NIS’ Board of Directors on December 9, sought to address the concerns of pensions. While commending the staff for their efforts, Minister Singh urged employed persons to keep documentation of their pay-slips.

For those self-employed, the Minister said contributions should be made to NIS as soon as possible, and that persons should not wait until near retirement.

Similarly, the Minister added that employers should uphold their legal responsibility of making NIS contributions on behalf of their employees.

S

everal specialist doctors will be deployed to the Mabaruma hospital in Region One (BarimaWaini), by January 2022, to provide services at the institution, which was recently upgraded to a “smart hospital”.

The “smart hospital” initiative links structural and operational safety and disaster resilience, while maintaining a “green” status in operations. The $835 million (US$4.175 million) project is a collaborative effort between the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who was addressing Hosororo residents at the week-

end, said since taking office in August 2020, the Government has been investing heavily in the health sector to ensure world-class healthcare services is provided in Guyana.

He noted that the upgrade is one of the many initiatives set to boost the delivery of healthcare services in the region.

“We have right now a team of doctors that are lined up to be posted here in Mabaruma to strengthen the healthcare providers, so that we will see several specialised services being offered. At the end of the day, what we want to achieve, is that we must have fewer persons travelling to Georgetown, fewer persons being medevacked and more so, fewer persons leaving

the region to receive healthcare,” the Minister is quoted

by DPI as saying.

Estimated to cost approximately $16.7 million (US$800,000), the hospital will feature a new Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, a renovated recovery room, a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a refurbished kitchen, a sterilisation room, as well as two surgical theatres.

X-ray, gynaecology, ophthalmology and other healthcare services will be offered at the health institution. In addition, the regional administration intends to intensify its medical outreaches in the riverine and surrounding communities to assist those unable to travel to the township for medical assistance.

Omicron variant found in T&T national without travel history

T

he Omicron variant of concern has now been detected in circulation among the population.

The case in question was one of two people announced yesterday to as the newest discoveries of the variant on our shores.

According to the Ministry of Health, the person had no recent travel history or recent contact with a COVID-19 positive person.

The person was detected by the St Augustine Medical Laboratory (STAML) on Saturday night.

“We now believe we have the first suspected cases of community spread which was confirmed early this morning,” STAML director Dr Shari Ramsaran told Guardian Media.

“This person was tested positive yesterday (Saturday). The genetic sequencing was performed by STAML and confirmed last night and the sample was sent off to the public health lab last night and the sample was reconfirmed this morning by UWI.” STAML founder Dr Bal Ramsaran said the lab conducts sequencing using a PCR method which is confirmed by the team at the University of the West Indies.

“We’ve identified all the other variants. We’re doing this (a) long time now and we have cross-checked our

results internationally and they are always to 100 per cent,” he said.

The STAML director was unwilling to divulge any further information on the case due to patient confidentiality. Guardian Media, however, understands the patient is a mildly symptomatic male.

Health officials have always maintained that it was inevitable that the variant would arrive on T&T’s shores and begin circulating among the population.

Dr Joanne Paul previously forecast that with its higher transmissibility, it will likely take hold and become the dominant strain in circulation.

The community case brings the number of Omicron cases to be detected locally up to five.

The fourth person (the other case announced yesterday), recently returned to Trinidad from the United States via Puerto Rico.

“As a result of their positive COVID-19 results both patients were isolated. The patients will remain in isolation until they meet the enhanced discharge criteria for persons with COVID-19 Variants of Concern.

Additionally, contacts of the positive Omicron COVID-19 cases have been quarantined,” the Ministry of Health said in a news release.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), to date, 89 countries have confirmed cases of the Omicron Variant of Concern. Research has suggested that this variant is more easily spread from person to person as compared to previous variants but further information is needed on its impact on persons who contract this vari-

ant.” The first person to be infected with the Omicron variant was detected on Monday, December 13.

The person was a vaccinated woman who returned to T&T from New York via Panama.

According to the Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, the person boarded the flight to New York with a positive

PCR test and left Panama for T&T with a negative antigen test.

An investigation has since been launched and the woman is expected to be charged for breaching the travel pass.

On Saturday, the Minister of Health announced two additional imported cases of Omicron had been imported. This

second case was from a flight diverted to Puerto Rico before coming to T&T where 16 passengers subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

The third case was from a flight that arrived on December 8 from Miami.

The person later became symptomatic on December 10 and presented for testing. (T&T Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

Regional

Kidnapped missionaries Cuba soars to near top detail “miraculous” escape of COVID vaccination charts on decades-old bet T

People wait to receive booster doses of the Abdala vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Havana, Cuba, December 10, 2021

C

uba has vaccinated more of its citizens against COVID-19 than most of the world’s largest and richest nations, a milestone that will make the poor, communist-run country a test case as the highly-contagious Omicron variant begins to circle the globe.

The Caribbean island has vaccinated over 90 per cent of its population with at least one dose, and 83 per cent of the population is now fully inoculated, placing it second globally behind only the United Arab

Emirates among countries of at least one million people, according to official statistics compiled by “Our World in Data”.

What is Cuba’s secret?

While many of its neighbours in Latin America, as well as emerging economies globally, have competed for vaccines produced by wealthier nations, health officials say Cuba vaulted ahead by developing its own.

Infections and deaths from COVID-19 have plunged on the island in recent weeks, falling to less

than one per cent of their peak on August 22, when fewer than half of its citizens were vaccinated.

Nearly all of Cuba’s children aged 2 to 18 have now been vaccinated with homegrown vaccines.

Schools have reopened and foreign tourists are once again welcome. Hospitals and morgues, overflowing in August, appear to be operating at pre-pandemic levels, according to Reuters witnesses.

“It is a truly remarkable accomplishment, given the size of Cuba, and also the US embargo, that restricts their ability to import,” said William Moss, Director of the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre, a US-based university group that works to ensure equitable access for low-income countries.

Cuba has said its homegrown, protein-based Abdala, Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus shots give upwards of 90 per cent protection against symptomatic COVID-19 when offered in three-dose schemes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Haiti truck blast: Death toll rises to 90, but still “incomplete”

T

he death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in northern Haiti last week has risen to 90, the Deputy Mayor of CapHaitien said on Monday, as the coastal city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating blast.

Patrick Almonor said on Monday that the fatality count was “still unfortunately incomplete” due to severe injuries suffered by those who remain hospitalised.

The previous tally released last Wednesday by

the Haitian authorities stood at 75 deaths, with 47 people severely burned.

Officials have said the driver of the truck lost control in the early hours of December 14 when trying to avoid running over a motorbike.

Witnesses say residents rushed towards the tanker after the crash to collect some of the spilled petrol before the vehicle exploded into a fireball, damaging cars, homes, and shops in the neighbourhood.

National funerals for the victims of the blast will be observed on Tuesday in the main cathedral in Cap-Haitien, after Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said last week that his Government was taking steps to help organise the events.

But only 25 caskets will be set up as the majority of the people killed in the explosion were buried shortly afterwards in a mass grave in the city. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UK court allows appeal in Venezuelan Central Bank gold case

B

ritain’s Supreme Court has ruled to allow in part an appeal

by Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó in a case over whether he or President Nicolás Maduro controls more than US$1 billion worth of Venezuelan gold stored at the Bank of England.

The tug-of-war over the gold has centred on the issue of whether the British Government recognises Guaidó as Venezuela’s Head of State.

The Maduro and Guaidó camps have each appointed a different board to the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) and

the two have issued conflicting instructions concerning the gold reserves and a similar sum held by Deutsche Bank.

The court said a decision last year by the English Court of Appeal to overturn an earlier High Court ruling was “misplaced” as the British Government’s recognition of Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim President was “clear and unequivocal”.

In a press release, the Supreme Court said on Monday that British courts were bound to accept that the British Government does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s President “for any

purpose”.

However, the court said it remained necessary to consider whether to recognise judgments by Venezuela’s Supreme Court ruling that Guaidó’s transition statute was null and void, and it asked the Commercial Court to do so.

Maduro’s BCV sued the Bank of England (BoE) in May 2020 to recover control of the gold, which it says it will sell to finance Venezuela’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and bolster a health system gutted by years of economic crisis. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Christian missionaries who were abducted in Haiti walked to freedom through rough, moonlit terrain last week, following the “sheer guidance of the stars”, the US-based group that sent them to the Caribbean nation has said.

“After a number of hours of walking, day began to dawn, and they eventually found someone who helped them make a phone call for help. They were finally free,” Weston Showalter, a spokesman for Christian Aid Ministries, said during a news conference on Monday.

A group of 16 American missionaries and one Canadian was abduct-

ed in October by a powerful criminal gang known as 400 Mawozo after they visited an orphanage east of the capital, Port-au-Prince, Haitian authorities said.

Five of the hostages were released over the past several weeks, while a Haitian Police spokesman announced last Thursday that the remaining 12 abductees had been set free.

The names of the former hostages have not been made public out of concern for their safety.

On Monday, Showalter said the missionaries faced “difficult and intense” circumstances in captivity, including sweltering heat, mosquito bites, and limited access to food.

“Although they were threatened on multiple occasions – and even wondered if death was near in some cases – none of the hostages were physically hurt or abused by the kidnappers,” Showalter said.

“And we are so grateful to God for that.”

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang had threatened to kill the hostages in October.

A 10-month-old infant, a three-year-old child, a 14-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old boy were in the group that made its risky escape last week, Showalter said.

The original 17 abductees included five children.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

PAHO, T&T PM, Chinese Embassy condemn news report on Sinopharm

T

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley; the Chinese Embassy in T&T and the St Augustine Medical Laboratory (STAML) have all condemned an Express newspaper article that challenged the efficacy of the Sinopharm vaccine.

The article, published in the newspaper’s Sunday edition, implied the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine is ineffective at generating immunity against the disease.

Four titer antibody tests done by STAML were used as part of a report which sought to compare antibody levels between people vaccinated with Sinopharm and AstraZeneca. The report has since garnered heavy criticism.

Dr Rowley Sunday evening described the report

STAML Director, Ramsaran

Dr

Shari

as the “worst piece of irresponsible journalism” he’s ever seen and even called for someone to be fired.

“In a pandemic, where thousands of doctors and many international agencies and hundreds of thousands of newspapers and other media entities are present and reporting, the Express has made the dis-

covery as published to undermine a vaccine which might very well be a victim of geopolitics,” he said.

“Where is the science here? Who are the people responsible for this data set being published in this way? It’s not only embarrassing, it is downright destructive and worrisome.

Who will be fired here? To attempt to undermine a nation’s vaccination programme in a pandemic is nothing short of criminal!”

PAHO also issued a release reassuring that all World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Use Licensed (EUL) vaccines are safe and effective.

In a release, the Chinese Embassy described the report as a “farce”.

While STAML said in a release it was not contracted by the media house to perform any tests for its report. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Chile’s Boric pledges an orderly economy, swift naming of Cabinet

C

hilean leftist Gabriel Boric on Monday pledged to maintain an “orderly economy” and to move swiftly on naming a Cabinet, a day after a sweeping electoral victory propelled him to become Chile’s youngest-ever democratically-elected President.

Boric, a former student protest leader who leads a leftist coalition and has pledged to overhaul Chile’s economic model, firmly beat out far-right rival Jose Antonio Kast, who quickly conceded defeat, helping give certainty to the result.

The win marked another advance for Latin America’s

left, and bolstered talk of a new “pink tide” in the region, as raging poverty fanned by the coronavirus pandemic sways voters toward those who promise bigger government and higher social spending.

His rise – and the wider polarisation of the vote – had rattled Chile’s markets and spooked mining firms concerned about his rhetoric to “bury” the country’s market-orientated economic model, push higher taxes, and tighten environmental regulation.

Boric, the 35-year-old former law student, had previously pledged to bury

Chile’s “neoliberal” economic model, but in recent weeks softened his tone in an apparent nod to more centrist voters.

“This is something that we discussed with our academic economic advisory team, it is something that I maintain, it was not merely an electoral strategy, but rather a conviction,” Boric said. “Chile needs transparent accounts, an orderly economy, because otherwise reforms we do can wind up being reversed.”

He said he would strive to have a Cabinet named within a month’s time.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

OILNEWS OIL NEWS T

19

Around the World

WHO sounds warning over fast-spreading Omicron

Oil drops 4% as Omicron spread rattles hope for fuel demand

O

il prices slumped more than 4 per cent on Monday as surging cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant in Europe and the United States stoked investor worries that new restrictions to combat its spread could dent fuel demand.

Brent crude futures were down US$2.93, or 4 per cent, at US$70.59 a barrel by 12:58pm EST, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell US$3.31, or 4.7 per cent, to US$67.55 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell to their lowest levels since early December.

“This is a knee-jerk reaction to the proliferation of the virus and the fear that lockdowns can rapidly spread,” said Andrew Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston.

The Netherlands went into lockdown on Sunday and the possibility of more COVID-19 restrictions being imposed ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays loomed over several European countries.

US health officials urged Americans on Sunday to get COVID-19 booster shots, wear masks and be careful if they travel over the winter holidays, with the Omicron variant raging across the world and set to take over as the dominant strain in the United States.

Oil prices fell despite Moderna Inc’s announcement on Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine appeared to be protective against Omicron in laboratory testing.

Meanwhile, OPEC+ compliance with oil production cuts stood at 117 per cent in November, up 1 percentage point from the previous month, two sources from the group told Reuters news agency, as output continues to lag agreed on targets.

In the United States, energy companies added oil and natural gas rigs for a second week in a row.

The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose by three to 579 in the week to December 17, representing its highest number since April 2020, energy services business Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Tortured to death: Myanmar mass killings revealed

T

he Myanmar military carried out a series of mass killings of civilians in July that resulted in the deaths of at least 40 men, a BBC investigation has found.

Eyewitnesses and survivors said that soldiers, some as young as 17, rounded up villagers before separating the men and killing them.

Video footage and images from the incidents appear to show most of those killed were tortured first and buried in shallow graves.

The killings took place in July, in four separate incidents in Kani Township an opposition stronghold in Sagaing District in Central Myanmar.

It's thought the killings were a collective punishment for attacks by militia groups demanding a return to democracy following a military coup in February.

A spokesman for the military government did not deny the allegations.

The military has faced

resistance from civilians since it seized control of the country, which is also called Burma, deposing a democratically-elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The largest killing took place in Yin village, where at least 14 men were tortured or beaten to death and their bodies thrown in a forested gully.

The witnesses in Yin whose names we have withheld to protect their identities - told the BBC the men were tied up with ropes and beaten before they were killed.

"We couldn't stand to watch it so we kept our heads down, crying," said one woman, whose brother, nephew and brother-in-law were killed.

"We begged them not to do it. They didn't care.

They asked the women, 'Are your husbands among them? If they are, do your last rites'." (Excerpt from BBC News)

he Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading faster than the Delta variant and is causing infections in people already vaccinated or who have recovered from the COVID-19 disease, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.

WHO chief sci-

entist Soumya Swaminathan added it would be "unwise" to conclude from early evidence that Omicron was a milder variant that previous ones. "... with the numbers going up, all health systems are going to be under strain," Soumya Swaminathan told Geneva-based journalists.

The variant is successful-

Lira slump trips biggest Turkish dollar debt drop since March

Traders work during the morning session at the Istanbul Stock Exchange February 22, 2011

S

ome of Turkey's dollar-denominated government debt saw their biggest falls since March on Monday, along with many bank and corporate bonds, as a rout in the lira showed no sign of let-up.

The Turkish currency's latest slump was triggered by comments from President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday that his drive for lower interest rates was part of Islamic doctrine.

This also hit bank bonds and corporate credit along with Turkish debt, with almost all the country's bonds due for repayment beyond 2025 down more than 2 cents on the dollar.

Many Turkish bonds due between 2030 and 2045 fell nearly 4 cents on the dollar to their lowest levels since April or May last year.

Turkey's already-record low lira dropped another 11 per

cent on Monday.

It has now more than halved in value since the central bank started slashing interest rates in September, effectively making it more expensive for the government and firms to repay dollar-denominated debt.

"On a day like today the corporates are almost untradable so it's all about the sovereign debt," said Trium Capital emerging market portfolio manager Peter Kisler.

"Turkey doesn't have a lot of dollar debt (compared to the size of its economy), but if the currency continues like this they will face credit problems at some point," he said, adding that he had given up on trying to "buy the dips" in the lira.

The Turkish President said on Monday that corporate taxes would be cut 1 per cent alongside other measures to help firms and that Turkey would not bow to economic attacks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ly evading some immune responses, she said, meaning that the booster programmes being rolled out in many countries ought to be targeted towards people with weaker immune systems.

"There is now consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading significantly faster than the Delta variant," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the briefing.

"And it is more likely people vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 could be infected or re-infected," Tedros said.

Their comments echoed the finding of study by Imperial College London, which said last week the risk of reinfection was more than five times

higher and it has shown no sign of being milder than Delta.

WHO officials said however that other forms of immunity vaccinations may prevent infection and disease.

While the antibody defences from some actions have been undermined, there has been hope that T-cells, the second pillar of an immune response, can prevent severe disease by attacking infected human cells.

However, highlighting how little is known about how to handle the new variant that was only detected last month, Swaminathan also said: "Of course there is a challenge, many of the monoclonals will not work with Omicron."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

China would not fear confrontation with US – Foreign Minister

C

hina would not fear confrontation with the United States but would welcome cooperation if it is mutually beneficial, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Problems in the US-China relationship were down to "strategic misjudgments" by the American side, he said in a speech, posted on Foreign Ministry website.

"If there is confrontation, then (China) will not fear it, and will fight to the finish," he said.

Wang said "there is no harm" in competition but it should be "positive".

Relations between the United States and China are at a low over a range of disagreements including the or-

igins of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and Beijing's increasing pressure on Taiwan.

In a call last month that lasted for more than three hours, US President Joe Biden pressed his counterpart, Xi Jinping, on human rights while Xi warned that China would respond to what it called provocation on Taiwan.

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday to ban imports from China's Xinjiang region over concern about forced labour, the latest US response to Beijing's treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority there. China rejects accusations of rights abuses in Xinjiang. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Young pupils allegedly forced to reenact Holocaust in Washington school

W

ashington DC school officials say a staff member who allegedly forced young students to re-enact events from the Holocaust has been placed on leave.

The alleged re-enactment by eight and nine year olds included shootings and digging of mass graves, with one child assigned to act as Adolf Hitler.

DC Public Schools confirmed the incident to the BBC and said an investigation was underway.

In an apology, the school said this was not part of an approved lesson plan.

In an email sent to parents of Watkins Elementary School on Friday, principal Mscott Berkowitz acknowl-

A report published by the American Jewish Committee in October found that one in four American Jews reported being the target of anti-Semitism in the last 12 months, with the same number saying that they have changed their behaviour because of fear

edged "the gravity of this poor instructional decision".

"Students should never be asked to act out or portray any atrocity, especially genocide, war or murder," he said in the email, which was published online by local news

outlet Fox5DC. Parents quoted by the Washington Post claimed that some children were forced to act as if they were shooting their classmates and pretend they were on transportation trains or gas chambers.

One parent cited by the paper alleged that the instructor told students that the Holocaust took place "because the Jews ruined Christmas".

In a statement to the BBC, DC Public Schools said that the unnamed staff member is on leave pending the results of the investigation.

Several other local schools have recently reported anti-Semitic incidents.

Earlier in December, students at a Washington DC high school, Woodrow Wilson, reported swastikas being painted on a bathroom wall alongside racist epithets.

The case also comes amid warnings from experts about the rise of anti-Semitism in the US. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Watch how others react.

It’s essential to keep things fair and to offer as much as you receive. Your attitude will help you get the support you need and the rewards you deserve. Stick to the truth.

Play to win. Concentrate on what you do best, and finish what you start. Put your reputation on the line, and don’t disappoint. A domestic matter will escalate if you are careless or aloof.

Don’t be gullible. Get the lowdown and look at your alternatives. When in doubt, take a pass. Discipline will pay off, especially when it comes to emotional matters. You don’t have to please everyone.

Pay attention to price tags, bargains and shared expenses. Stick to a budget and pool your resources.

Working with someone will have benefits. Plan carefully and make wise decisions.

Monitor situations and pick up the pace. How you handle matters will dictate your reputation. With honesty and tact, clear up emotional issues that are holding you hostage.

Do something joyful and spend time with loved ones.

Get in the spirit of the season and reminisce. Make a move that will alter your life. Make it a point to show your appreciation to your supporters.

Be careful whom you trust. Someone will misconstrue your actions if you don’t say what’s on your mind. Leave nothing to chance when dealing with matters that can affect your reputation.

Convey what you want and what you are willing to give. Talks will lead to resolutions and help you come to terms with sensitive issues.

A celebration is in order.

SAGITTARIUS Get organized. Disregard what others do and con(Nov. 23centrate on your responsiDec. 21) bilities. Rethink your budget and spending, and don’t make unnecessary last-minute purchases.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- CAUTERIZE

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

Draw on experience, knowledge and common sense, and forge ahead.

Share your thoughts and intentions with a loved one, and long-term plans will evolve. A change at home will require attention.

Take the path of least resistance when you encounter a problem. Don’t fight an impossible battle when all that’s required are patience and the proper use of your skills.

Touch base with people you enjoy being around and (Feb. 20March 20) catch up. A discussion will encourage you to think long and hard about how you spend your downtime. Perhaps some changes can be made!

PISCES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

21

Christmas project continues...

Hundreds benefit as RHTY&SC cricket teams host Imran Amjad and Hetmyers projects

RHTY&SC executives hand over a donation to Camal Children Home

T

he 12 cricket teams of Guyana’s most progressive and vibrant youth and sports club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) over the weekend hosted two major programmes as they steamed ahead with their 2021 Christmas Outreach project.

The teams hosted the first-ever Imran McSood and Rena Amjad Educational Programme and the Shimron/ Nirvani Hetmyer Christmas

Hampers project which benefited hundreds of youths and families across the Ancient County.

Overseas-based Guyanese business couple Imran McSood-Amjad and Rena Amjad donated US$3000 to assist hundreds of students in Berbice with educational materials which include school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, and rulers.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster stated

that more than 300 students were expected to benefit under the programme as the club forges ahead with its effort to promote education under its Say Yes project. Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), stated that the club was delighted to assist youths with their pursuit of an educational career as it was the foundation of a successful life.

The teams handed over dozens of the school packages to their counterparts across Berbice including Albion, Port Mourant, Achievers, No 73 Cricket Club, No 72 Cut and Load, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot Cricket Club. The teams also handed over packages to youths from the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church of Port Mourant while donations were also presented to the Canaan and Camal Children Homes based in Port Mourant and Chesney respectively. Imran McSood

Amjad is the founder of Naglico Insurance, based in St Maarten and is a very successful businessman.

He also served as an Independent Director of Cricket West Indies before stepping down earlier this year. He was introduced to Foster by former BCB Secretary Oscar Ramjeet and had sponsored international cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Pereira’s visit to the Ancient County for a series of inspirational speeches.

The teams also distributed hundreds of food hampers and special Christmas packages with the support of West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer and his wife Nirvani.

The club would be sharing out

a total of$3.5 million worth of food items with the couple donating $2.2 million.

Additionally, the 12 teams have also started the distribution of 1000 special Christmas packages to single parent- and less-fortunate families. The packages include apples, walnuts, biscuits, Smalta, juices, and sweets. National cricketers Guadakesh Motie, Leon Johnson and Christopher Barnwell and Hetmyer are among the sponsors of the Christmas packages All members of the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church of Port Mourant received a package along with every child at the Canaan and Camal Children Homes.

Members of the church

BCB launches YWCC/GuyBiz Educational Trust Fund for Berbice youth players

Ashes 2021-22: Australia cruise into 2-0 series lead despite Buttler's battling innings

J

hye Richardson took 5-42 as Australia claimed a 275-run victory over England in the second Ashes Test to take a 2-0 series lead.

Australia headed into day five requiring just six wickets to take a 2-0 series lead, Joe Root's side batting only for a draw, given they needed an improbable 386 runs for victory.

Any chance of England escaping without defeat hinged on the shoulders of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, after the tourists' captain Joe Root fell to Mitchell Starc (2-43) on the final ball of day four.

Australia flew out of the blocks, Starc removing Ollie Pope – caught at slip by standin captain Steve Smith – and Nathan Lyon picking up the crucial wicket of Stokes, who was dismissed for a 77-ball 12.

Buttler and Chris Woakes then lived charmed lives, with the wicketkeeper edging Starc between a motionless Alex Carey and David Warner, while the right-arm all-rounder survived a caught-behind review from Lyon having not scored.

That England partnership lasted 31 overs before Woakes was bowled by Richardson, with Ollie Robinson following soon after as he was caught at slip by Smith off Lyon.

Stuart Broad successfully reviewed a leg before wicket decision to make it into the final session, but Buttler (26) fell in bizarre fashion, stepping on his own stumps after a 207-ball stint at the crease.

Richardson fittingly removed James Anderson, caught in the gully by Cameron Green, as England made it 12 Tests without a win in Australia (D1, L11); their joint-longest run without a victory Down Under (also 12 matches between January 1937 to February 1951).

England head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test needing a win to stand a chance of regaining the Ashes, while a draw would ensure Australia retain the urn yet again.

Buttler battles to no avail Buttler, who before the Ashes insisted he would play with a carefree with "nothing to lose" attitude, battled against Australia almost single-handedly on Monday, but even his best efforts were not enough against a relentless Australia.

It was a mixed bag of a Test for the 31-year-old, who took some stunning catches, but also dropped some golden chances behind the stumps.

Contrasting fortunes under the lights England's rear-guard almost masked multiple selection issues across the Gabba and the Adelaide Oval, but what cannot be denied is Australia's magnificent pinkball form.

The hosts have won all nine of their day-night Test matches, the most by any side and the only team with a 100 per cent record, while England have lost each of their last four games in the format – last winning against West Indies in August 2017. Richardson was the pick of the bunch for the hosts, sealing his five-for when he dismissed Anderson.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 468 RUNS) Rory Burns c Smith b Richardson Haseeb Hameed c †Carey b Richardson Dawid Malan lbw b Neser Joe Root (c) c †Carey b Starc Ben Stokes lbw b Lyon Ollie Pope c Smith b Starc Jos Buttler † hit wicket b Richardson Chris Woakes b Richardson Ollie Robinson c Smith b Lyon Stuart Broad not out James Anderson c Green b Richardson Extras (b 2, lb 3, nb 4)

34 0 20 24 12 4 26 44 8 9 2 9

TOTAL (113.1 Ov, RR: 1.69) 192 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Haseeb Hameed, 1.6 ov), 2-48 (Dawid Malan, 21.1 ov), 3-70 (Rory Burns, 30.6 ov), 4-82 (Joe Root, 43.2 ov), 5-86 (Ollie Pope, 45.3 ov), 6-105 (Ben Stokes, 56.4 ov), 7-166 (Chris Woakes, 87.6 ov), 8-178 (Ollie Robinson, 102.2 ov), 9-182 (Jos Buttler, 109.6 ov), 10192 (James Anderson, 113.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 27-10-43-2 Jhye Richardson 19.1-9-42-5 Nathan Lyon 39-16-55-2 Michael Neser 13-5-28-1 Cameron Green 9-5-9-0 Marnus Labuschagne 4-2-10-0 Steven Smith 1-1-0-0 Travis Head 1-1-0-0

which played a major role in the development of the RHTY&SC also received a special Christmas gift, food hamper, toys for kids while the teams also sponsored a feeding programme and a well-attended Christmas Concert .

RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu expressed thanks to the Hetmyers and Amjads for their assistance in making the projects successful.

The 12 teams of the club are Poonai Pharmacy U12 and U13, Farfan and Mendes U15, Bakewell U17 and Second Division, Pepsi U19 and Intermediate, Vitality Inc U23, Metro Females, Namilco U21 and First Division.

GuyBiz Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ishwar Singh is joined by YWCC players in handing over the educational materials to BCB Assistant Secretary Ameer Rahaman

"I

am delighted at the current development of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the dynamic leadership of Hilbert Foster and as such, I decided to get involved in the process. Mr Foster has led by example and has promoted the importance of having an educational background for all youth cricketers. This donation is from me, my business GuyBiz Inc, and the Young Warriors Cricket Club, of which I am a very proud member."

Those were the words of businessman Ishwar Singh as he handed over 35 educa-

tional packages to the BCB. The businessman had last Thursday approached BCB President Foster to give back something to Berbice cricket and after a short discussion, it was agreed that the YWCC/ GuyBiz Inc Educational Trust Fund would be set up to assist youth cricketers in the New Amsterdam-Canje area with educational materials. Foster, over the course of his four-year presidency, has made it a mission to assist youths to complete their education via the provision of materials, scholarships, uniforms, and educational

grants.

The packages include a school bag and a full array of necessary supplies.

Players from the following clubs would benefit: Tucber Park, Mount Sinai, Kendall Union, East Bank Blazers, Edinburgh, Guymine and Rose Hall Canje. Foster, who was re-elected unopposed at the BCB Annual General Meeting (AGM) later in the day, noted that hundreds of youth cricketers would benefit from educational materials and grants in the next two years and hailed the contribution of Singh. He stated that it was very pleasing when former Inter- County players like Singh give back to the game.

He also congratulated the Young Warriors Cricket Club for its role, stating that he hoped the club returned to its former glory.

The YWCC has produced players like West Indies Test batsman Shimron Hetmyer, Richard Ramdeed, Gajanand Singh, Ishwar Singh, Linden Austin, Paul Wiltz, Alex Algoo, and Seon Hetmyer.

Patanjilee returns to serve as LGC President ...entire committee re-elected

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday at the club. At that meeting, the same managing committee was returned to serve until its AGM in March 2022.

The Committee as follows: * Patanjilee Persaud – President * Paton George – Vice President * Chet Bowling – Secretary * Maxim Mangra – Treasurer * Anasha Ally – PRO * Patrick Prashad – Captain * Mike Guyadin – Grounds Superintendent *Pandit Ravi Persaud – Assistant Treasurer

Part of the election proceedings

22 The King has arrived! Ramsammy slays opponents to be crowned Mr Guyana TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

... Campbell, Fung successfully defend titles - Calendar, Chesney, Bennette win respective categories

Roger Ca llendar w as the win in the Un ner der 143 d ivision

Colin Chesney won the Masters and 177 and Over division

By Timothy Jaikarran

W

hen the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, all forms of sports came to a halt. However, restrictions were lifted and things returned to somewhat normal. The gyms were opened and athletes could train with some freedom. As a result, after a two-year hiatus Guyana's top bodybuilders graced the stage of the National Cultural Centre on Sunday in the Guyana Bodybuilding Fitness Federation's Seniors Championship. The athletes did not disappoint as the 200 in-house audience witnessed the crowning of Darious Ramsammy as the new Mr Guyana and also the U176 division champion. Emmerson Campbell and Rosanna Fung successfully defended their titles in the Men’s Physique and Miss Bikini respectively. Colin Chesney claimed the Masters and 177 and over division, Roger Calendar the under 143 and Marlon Bennette the under 154 division.

The competition was tough as each individual brought their best in their respective categories. From there, the winners from the Masters, under 154, under 176 and 177 and over vied for the title of overall champion.

The cash prizes for the overall competition were:

Emmerson Campbell has won the Men’s Physique title five times

* Overall Bodybuilding: $300,000 * Each Bodybuilding category: 1st – $50,000, 2nd – $30,000 and 3rd – $25,000. * Men's Physique: 1st – $200,000, 2nd – $100,000 and 3rd – $50,000. * Bikini: 1st – $200,000, 2nd – $100,000 and 3rd – $50,000.

Masters Category At the beginning of the show, the crowd was itching for some much-needed action, the anticipation was there and the hunger as well. The first category contested was the Masters category, this had a total of five athletes, but the battle was between Marlon “Bolo” Bennette and Colin “Cleaner” Chesney. The duo flexed and posed, giving the judges what they wanted, but Chesney from the moment he flexed his way onto the stage, one could have seen he was the winner as he was larger and more well-defined compared to his fellow competitors. Hence when the results came out, it was Chesney who got the better of Bennette.

Under 143 division In this category, only two athletes competed, namely Roger Calendar and Faraad Mohammed. Calendar of Space Gym wowed the judges, beating his Predator Gym competitor. The athletes had

The battle between Darious Ramsammy and Colin Chesney was on for the Mr Guyana title

the crowd split as they both posed a threat to each other. But in the end, it was Calendar who bagged the title.

Under 154 division Marlon Bennette, having lost the Masters, returned to capture this category as he was able to withstand the likes of Andre Wagner of Home Gym, Henry Bussey of Home Gym and Bryan Singh of Fitness 53.

Bennette proved that age was just a number as he crushed his much younger opponents.

Under 176 Division This division had the entire crowd on their feet as Darious Ramsammy and Nicholas Albert fought for the coveted title. However, it was Ramsammy who had the last laugh as he was a beast slaying his opponent and taking the title. Albert settled for second while Omissi Williams and Odel Crum Ewing took third and fourth respectively.

Men’s Physique This competition was a really close one as every athlete on the stage brought their best. It was hard to judge who would be the winner, but the judges made their decisions with

Trophy Stall on board GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup and Futsal tourney’s

L

ong-time supporter of football, Ramesh Sunich, Manager of The Trophy Stall, has maintained his support for the sport by donating the championship trophy for the ongoing Guyana Football Federation-Kashif & Shanghai Organisation (GFF-K&S) Year-end Futsal Championship.

Sunich also handed over a trophy for the MVP of the GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup; both trophies were received by K&S Co-Director Aubrey “Shanghai” Major.

Major extended gratitude to Sunich for his steadfast support to the sport over the years on behalf of both the GFF and the K&S Organisation.

Sunich, in response, said that Trophy Stall was happy to be supporting the tournaments at a very challenging time, saying that he applauded both entities for working together to bring back year-end football.

Darious Ramsammy won the U176 division

Trophy Stall Manager Ramesh Sunich (left) and K&S Co-Director Aubrey “Shanghai” Major display the trophies.

Mr Guyana Dario

us Ramsammy alo ngside Indian High Commission er Dr KJ Srinivasa

and beauty matched her package as she finessed her way across the stage, owning the platform. Thus, in the end she was the winner; settling for second position was Angelica Barroncas and third, Ashanti Conway.

Overall Title (Mr Guyana) The ultimate showdown, the most epic moment of the entire Seniors Championship was Darious Ramsammy, Colin Chesney, Roger Callendar and Marlon Bennette on stage. Each athlete gave the judges what they wanted as Rosanna Fung defended her they fulfilled the appetitle in the Miss Bikini Category tite of the hungry crowd.

But the crowd knew great precision. Emmerson Campbell wowed the crowd to that the action was between be titled as 5x Men’s Physique Chesney and Ramsammy; winner; he had close compe- they went wild as the duo tition with Yannick Crimes posed for dear life. And then there were two. Ramsammy who settled for second. and Chesney stood side by side as the room went cold Over 177 Division The battle of the big guns, awaiting the results of the the battle of the big guys. winner. The crowd erupted as Colin Chesney was once again Ramsammy was crowned Mr in the fray; when stepping out Guyana, edging out his comon stage, his presence was petition as the GBBFF closed felt as he was the complete out the night of action. package. But Julio Sinclair Bess makes a statement came out and there was now GBBFF President Keavon a competition on the stage.

The duo flexed and posed and Bess, in a statement at the battled to their hearts’ con- end of the competition, said, tent, but only one could win "The show was well-organand it was Chesney who took ised and all the logistical pieces worked well to ensure the lead over Sinclair. a seamless championship for the audience in attendance.

Miss Bikini When the ladies took to The audience in attendance the stage, the crowd went followed the COVID-19 rules wild; they hypnotized the au- and regulations which resultdience and captured their at- ed in an incident-free night tention. One in particular of great bodybuilding and fitwas Rosanna Fung who won ness challenges.

“The judging was consisthat category, her elegance

tent for all the categories. The athletes all presented their great physique on stage and though extremely competitive, sportsmanship was of the highest."

Bess noted that come 2022 the novices contest will be held in February; Immediate in Berbice in the month of June and Seniors at the end of next year after CAC, which will be held in Barbados. He related that the Seniors Championship will aid the executive in selecting teams to represent Guyana in international competitions. The GBBFF boss lamented that bodybuilding has not had a live audience since 2019; however, he was grateful that they were able to accomplish winning the bid for CAC in 2024 which will be hosted in Guyana. He was adamant that he and his executive are aiming to ensure Guyana is represented in all categories at the CAC in 2024 by bringing back the fitness category.

This event was sponsored by the National Sports Commission/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, DTS Trading and Shipping and Fitness Express.

CLASSIFIED ADS TAXI SERVICE Elegant Cabs. 231-1494 / 2264277, Cell #: 625-6600. 24 hrs.

WANTED Snack Attendant. Stabroek Market.

Tel: 226-5793

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Fitness test: Hetmyer, Permaul and co turn out as players record mixed numbers

Trevon Griffith show

ed his high level of

Brandon Corlette

S

ome of the biggest names in Guyana cricket turned out on a cool and clear Monday morning at the Leonora Track and Field Centre as players continued their fitness preparation for the upcoming regional 4-Day tournament.

Among those who turned up were West Indies players Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Christopher Barnwell, Nial Smith, and Tagenarine Chanderpaul and others who missed the first assessment. While some of the numbers were encouraging, most players recorded disappointing numbers. Among the 14 players who turned up, four met the Cricket West Indies (CWI) minimum fitness standard of 40.

However, all the players

test

n e s s standard that is not compromised, and all players must work towards achieving that standard. There is

Head Coach Esuan Crandon and Assistant Coach Ryan Hercules by

fitness in the yo-yo

a process that we need to follow, and we have to support the players with regard to that, and put the necessary resources to support them and it is up to them to put in the work and get to that standard," Crandon told Guyana Times Sport.

When asked what encouragement he would offer the players, Crandon said: "Be more committed.

See it as your job. You are a professional athlete; you are a professional cricketer; most of the times, are contracted players, who are paid to play. Some guys are not getting a monthly salary and they get pay when they play games. It is just a

Persaud shatters 50m freestyle record for 2nd time this year

Veerasammy Permaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, and young Jonathan Rampersaud hard at work (Brandon Corlette photos)

had good timings in the 40 metres sprint. After the assessment, Head Coach of the Guyana franchise, Esuan Crandon said he had seen some decent numbers, but at the same time, some disappointing numbers as well.

"This goes to show that what you put in is what you will get out. Obviously, some of the guys have not been doing a lot of work when it comes to their fitness and we already talked about it. It is disappointing to come and see some guys’ scores drop, while some would have im-

proved and maintained, but it was just to see where they are at and set targets going forward," he said.

While the Chairman of Guyana Selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan has stated that the minimum fitness standards was 45 for the Guyanese boys, Crandon said this was still a process.

"That is a process. We do not want people to get carried away with it, and we have not documented it as yet. We have set our intentions clear to have a fit-

T

eenage swimming sensation Aleka Persaud rewrote Guyana’s 50m freestyle record for the second time this year, during the FINA World Swimming Championships on Monday.

Competing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the 15-year-old clocked 26.86s in the race, to win her 50m freestyle heat and at the same time, shave almost 1s off her previous 50m record.

Back in July, the teenaged Persaud announced herself on the world stage at the Tokyo Olympics with a 27.76s swim in the same event. While Persaud won her heat, she was unable to

advance out of that round.

Earlier at the six-day event, Persaud also brought Guyana’s women’s 100m freestyle record under 1 minute for the first time in the country’s history. She clocked a new personal best of 59.70s.

Persaud’s new record brings the curtains down on Guyana’s participation at the games, where Andrew Fowler, Raekwon Noel and Patrice Mahaica also competed.

Mahaica also broke some records of her own in the 50m backstroke, setting the mark at 32.91s. She also claimed the 100m record, with a new time of 1.12.24s.

T

iger Offshore Rentals, a leading international provider of specialty rental equipment to the upstream offshore oil and gas market, has thrown its support behind the Guyana Football Federation-Kashif & Shanghai Organisation (GFF-K&S) Super 16 Cup. The company’s Guyana Country Manager, Shane Singh on Monday handed over its sponsorship to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of K&S CoDirector Aubrey “Shanghai” Major at the entity’s 126 Quamina and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown office.

Singh, in brief remarks, commended both organisers for rising above the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to bring off an event of this magnitude being governed by the National COVID-19 Task Force guidelines.

“We are happy to partner with both the GFF and the K&S Organisation to help empower our athletes by being a sponsor of this competition. Sports is very important in the development of our youths, and we here at Tiger Offshore Rentals feels very privileged to be on board. We

shame to see some guys not really making use of the opportunity to get the fitness done and have not realised the importance of their fitness and your skills to get up to that standard of performance."

Some of the players that were up to standard in the yo-yo test were Trevon Griffith, Permaul, and Tagenarine Chanderpaul while the likes of Hetmyer and Hemraj still have more work to do. The regional 4-Day tournament is set to start in February, and after the Christmas break, another fitness assessment will be conducted in Guyana.

T GFF President Wayne Forde (second right) receives the sponsorship cheque from Tiger Offshore Rentals Guyana Country Manager Shane Singh. At right is K&S Co-Director Aubrey “Shanghai” Major

wish all and sundry involved the very best,” Singh stated.

President Forde, in expressing thanks, assured the Tiger Offshore Rentals Country Manager that the company’s support was valued as it added to the overall success of the competition.

“Partnerships such as this fuel the success of competitions and more directly, bring smiles to the faces

of the athletes. We have already witnessed some exciting matches and some interesting results, which speak to the on-field rivalry being witnessed so far.

“The GFF and K&S would like to say how happy we are to have you being a part of the tournament and we look forward to your continued support in the ensuing years.”

here were goals galore and lots of talent on show this past weekend at several venues across Guyana, as the Guyana Football Federation’s line-up of year end events continued.

Organised in part by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation (K&S) and Guyana National Women’s Football Association (GNWFA), the Men’s and Women’s Super-16 tournaments and the Futsal Competition had exciting fixtures booked.

A close contest between Den Amstel and Santos resulted in heartbreak for the latter, when the Men’s Super 16 Tournament resumed.

A glimpse of the action between Bartica All Stars and Essequibo All Stars

A 61st minute shot from the penalty mark was Den Amstel’s ticket to the next round, beating Santos 1-0.

At the same time in Bartica, the home team drubbed Essequibo All Stars 5-0. The victory for Bartica All Stars came on the back of a hat-trick from Andrew Simmons (24th, 32nd, 75th) and a brace from Joshua Jones (52nd, 77th).

In the Women’s Super16, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Team defeated Orealla 4-0 on Saturday. Lakeisha Pearson (70th), Martha Chance (80th) and Onika Eastman (83rd), contributed one goal each to the tally, while an Esther Aaron (75th)

The males in the four-member team were also outstanding, as they achieved new personal best times in some of their pet races.

For Noel, he brought his PB in the 100m butterfly down to 1.00.23s, while he also lowered his time in the 200m freestyle, to 2.06.28. On the other hand, Olympian Fowler clocked 25.95s for a new personal best in the 50m butterfly event. He also lowered his 50m freestyle time to 24.58s.

The Guyanese team was accompanied to the December 16-21 event by Coach Sean Baksh.

own goal brought the margin up to 4-0.

While Rupununi All Stars absolutely dismantled Foxy Ladies with an 18-0 beating, Bartica All Stars and Essequibo All Stars were deadlocked at the end of regulation time. Bartica eventually won on penalties, 2-1.

In the world of Futsal, Berbice enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Mocha Ballers, thanks to strikes from Lashaw Mayles, Lomar Reid, and Kevon Williams.

A brace from Phillip Williams led the way for Melanie to defeat Beacon 4-0.

The other two goals came off the boots of Denze Junor and Jermin Clarke.

Timehri Ballers, however, had the biggest win, trouncing Potaro Strikers 7-0. Timothy Thomas’s hattrick, Tsekedi Sealey’s double and one a piece from Runnel Gordon and Kevin Baptiste did the trick for Timehri.

More futsal action is billed for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at the Cliff Andersons Sports hall, while Super 16 games are scheduled for the other days.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021

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

The King has arrived!

Ramsammy slays opponents to be crowned Mr Guyana

See story on page 22

Page 23 Darious Ramsammy in awe after winning the title

Aleka Persaud and Coach Sean Baksh

Page 23 Shimron Hetmyer Second Right turned up at Leonora on Monday morning (Brandon Corlette photo)

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.