Guyana Times -- Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Gov’t to construct 1000 affordable houses using local wood P11 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4907

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

CGX strikes oil in Kawa-1 well offshore – ending over 2 decades' wait for Guyana commercial oil find in local waters See story on page 3

Speaker dismisses motion to send Govt MPs to Privileges Committee ...says no prima facie case made out by APNU/AFC See story on page 9

UG’s top graduates presented with Presidential Awards Page 13

Doctor accused of arson at GPHC’s Echo Lab sacked for alleged sexual harassment Page 16

President Dr Irfaan Ali presented the President'ial Awards to the two top graduates of the University of Guyana's Class of 2020/2021. Both Davendra Kissoon and Tomeshwor Mohabir, from the Turkeyen and Tain campuses respectively, finished with GPAs of 4.0.

Authorities investigating possible linkage between GNIC and GNSC fires

Page 2

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Good Hope woman gets 2 years' jail for stealing from ex-employerP8

GAWU disturbed by alleged P15 treatment of locals on FPSOs Baker Hughes to open oil and gas facility at Land of Canaan next week P15

Malali boat captain faces suspension P11 after failing breathalyzer test

2 more men die from P14 COVID-19 …curfew remains in effect from midnight to 04:00h for February

CoA reduces P8 woman killer’s sentence from 88 to 46 years

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Authorities investigating possible linkage between GNIC and GNSC fires

W

ithin the space of two weeks, fires have erupted at two of the country’s major shipping complexes located on Lombard Street, Georgetown, but the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) would be investigating any possible linkages of these two infernos.

This is according to Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham, who told Guyana Times that investigation into the most recent fire, which occurred on Sunday at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), is still ongoing.

“They are now completing [the investigation] and preparing of that information to send me,” he explained.

It has been reported that at about 08:00h on Sunday, a fire erupted at the GNSC’s workshop, an aged wooden building referred to as the

ing electrical cables and flex hoses; three electrical transformers, and three 40-foot refrigeration containers for Laparkan Trading. In addition, eleven vehicles were destroyed, while five were severely damaged and three others were slightly damaged.

The GFS has already determined that this fire was an act of arson – a claim that did not sit well with the company’s management. However,

The aftermath of the fire at GNSC Wharf on Sunday

on the reports that the investigators would put out, but when I have gone through that, I’ll be able to find out and say ‘yes’ [or no],” he added.

Meanwhile, the Fire Chief has further lauded the GFS for its quick response to the most recent fire. “I want to commend the firefighters for their response,” the Fire Chief has said. “That is the view of the CEO of GNSC, shared also with me yester-

The devastation left by the fire at GNIC Wharf two weeks ago

“gear room”, which was being used to store gears and parts for ships.

However, quick response by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) resulted in the blaze being contained to that area, and the GNSC suffering minimal losses.

In a statement issued

subsequently, the GFS said the Tropical Shipping Company, which operates on the GNSC wharf, sustained water damage and minor fire damage. Additionally, propane cylinders and a number of barrels containing foodstuff, clothing, household appliances and other items

were destroyed.

Two weeks prior to this incident, a fire erupted at a bond at the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC), destroying a quantity of office furniture; gas cylinders; crates of energy drinks; three 40-foot containers contain-

given the coincidence of the two fires, the GFS would be probing any possible linkages or similarities.

“Maybe when the investigations are completed they’ll be able to find if any relations are between the two fires,” the Fire Chief explained.

“I am depending strongly

day; because I took the time off to speak with him and find out, and for him to give me an appreciation for what the firefighters would have done during the firefighting process, and the response time. He was very pleased, and so, yes, it was a great job done by the firefighters.”

3 CGX strikes oil in Kawa-1 well offshore Guyana NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Feb 1 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Wednesday, Feb 2 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Feb 1 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Wednesday, Feb 2 – 05:15h – 06:45h.

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 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:57h reaching a maximum height of 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 10:31h and 22:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.46 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

05 15 17

25 26 28

FREE TICKET

03 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

11 16 18 24 25 LUCKY 3

0

1

8

8

Afternoon Draw

6

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 05

07 11 14 16 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

01 04 07 11 16 13

03 04 10 16 21

0

9 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

2

2 Evening Draw

FP 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

$91.21/barrel

+1.29

Rough Rice

$270.05/ton

-0.27

London Sugar

$493.20/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1797.50

$1798.50

Low/High Change

$1785.70 +0.90

$1800.80 +0.05%

– ending over 2 decades' wait for commercial oil find in local waters

C

GX Energy Incorporated and its Joint Venture partner Frontera Energy Corporation have announced an oil find in the Kawa-1 well in the Corentyne Block, bringing an end to an over two decades wait for the company’s maiden discovery of oil in commercial quantities.

According to a statement, the Kawa-1 well was drilled to a depth of 21,578 feet and encountered some 177 feet of oil-bearing reserves in the well during an initial evaluation. There are further hydrocarbon-bearing sands that were encountered, which the companies said will be analysed and possibly form the targets of future exploration.

“The Kawa-1 results support the Joint Venture’s geological and geophysical models and have helped de-risk equivalent targets in other parts of the Corentyne licence area. The end of well forecast is currently projected to be the end of February 2022,” the statement said.

“Information on final well cost estimates and additional results will be announced upon completion of end of well activities. CGX is currently assessing several strategic opportunities to obtain additional financing to meet the costs of the drilling program,” it added.

Meanwhile, the company said that in the wake of its success at the Kawa1 well, a second well called the Wei-1 will be spud in the north-western part of the Corentyne Block in the second half of the year.

The statement carried with it the comments

The Corentyne Block operated by CGX

of Frontera Chairman and CGX Co-Chairman Gabriel De Alba, who lauded the Government of Guyana for its longstanding support of the Canadian company.

“Initial results from the Kawa-1 well are positive and reinforce CGX and Frontera’s belief in the potentially transformational opportunity our investments and interests in Guyana present for our companies and the country,” he said.

“Kawa-1 results add to the growing success story unfolding in offshore Guyana as the country emerges as a global oil and gas exploration hotspot. On behalf of the Joint Venture, I’d like to thank the Government of Guyana for its long-standing support as we worked together to deliver this successful outcome,” De Alba also said.

Executive Co-Chairman of CGX, Professor Suresh

Narine meanwhile described the oil find as a positive milestone in the company’s journey in the Guyana basin. He also made it clear that CGX eagerly anticipates taking part in the development of Guyana’s oil industry.

“Together with our partner Frontera, CGX looks forward to continuing our socially and environmentally conscious approach to development of Guyana’s oil and gas industry and port infrastructure. We are proud of our long partnership with the Government and people of Guyana and of our reputation as Guyana’s Indigenous oil company,” Narine said.

Also commenting on the find was Frontera CEO Orlando Cabrales, who commended all the technical staff involved and noted that the company now has a chance to focus on transformational opportunities that come with

the oil find.

Back in August of 2021, CGX had spudded the Kawa1 well, which had been described by Alba as one of the most exciting exploration wells in the world. The Kawa-1 well, which is approximately 200 kilometres offshore Georgetown, was expected to de-risk multiple prospects in the Corentyne Block. Both the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks have been in CGX’s hand for some time without being drilled.

In 2020, CGX Energy had announced that the Government, following discussions on the drilling delays in the Corentyne oil block, had agreed to give CGX a one-year extension until November 27, 2021, by which time they were expected to commence drilling in the Corentyne Block.

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

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

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

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

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

Failure of students not an option

T

here is much need for concern, as COVID-19 has significantly affected the level of learning for children, and more so the high dropout rate.

A few months ago, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said that, at the primary level, at least 1000 children had dropped out of school due to the pandemic.

At the same time, at the secondary level, many students who had signed up to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) did not show for the exams. “…we tried very hard and in difficult circumstances to continue engaging our children, yet we have seen significant learning loss; yet we have seen dropouts at the primary level…. We are beginning to see and feel tangibly the effects of this school closure that has been predicted by UNESCO,” Manickchand had said in response to the continuous rise in school dropouts.

“We can’t afford to lose our children. We simply can’t. It would be us dooming them to a life of poverty and hardship.

Because we all know that the one sure way to be comfortable and have plenty, and be able to hear, understand and interpret things for oneself; the only sure way, is through a solid education.”

The rate of dropouts brought on by the pandemic has to be curtailed, and quick measures must be devised and executed to bring this under control.

Significantly, the Minister had said that the Ministry is finding ways to curtail the learning loss by working along with the relevant stakeholders to find ways to safely engage children, as the pandemic is going nowhere.

Like Guyana, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the operations of the education systems of most countries in the world, since generally their curricula are delivered in face-to-face classrooms, where the probability of transmitting the virus increases exponentially. There is no doubt that the Education Ministry, and by extension the Government, has done a remarkable job in terms of the reopening of schools and for learning to continue for students across the country. It was President Dr Irfaan Ali who had said last year that the global situation with children being out of school is indeed “frightening”.

To quote President Ali: “Many countries are already giving frightening reports in terms of the impact. I’ve been travelling around this country, and I know I’ve seen children who ought to be in school, they are out of the system. So, we have to get back to school…to create the conditions to ensure that we get back to school, and that is what we are aiming for.”

No one should underestimate the level of planning and the kind of resources that are needed to ensure that academic learning continues and students and teachers are safe in these challenging times.

The Ministry of Education must be commended for the work it has done to ensure learning continues. It should be noted that Guyana is one of the few developing countries in the world to have given safety kits to students and teachers, in spite of the scarcity of resources.

That said, in light of the changes that are being made due to COVID-19, educators would very quickly have to adapt, and find innovative ways to ensure that students are not left behind, and to reach out to those who have dropped out. The failure of students must not be an option, hence the important role of the head teachers, regional education officials, and even parents.

Through effective leadership, coupled with sound management, headteachers and their senior staff must be able to cope with the changes that are being forced upon us in order to effectively transform the performance of students.

Good managers know that planning and organisation are critical to success, and it is important that every school adopts this approach. The best performing schools often have better organised and prepared teachers. Also, parents must not leave their children’s education to teachers and the Education Ministry alone.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips presented the Prime Minister’s Medal on Monday to two of this year’s top graduates of the University of Guyana.

Shaunique Critchlow, who achieved a 3.82 GPA, finished as the best graduating student in the School of Medicine, while Annette Baksh, who achieved a 3.64 GPA, was the best graduating student in public management in the Faculty of Social Sciences

What is the impact of the introduction of the $2k note?

– and does it indicate we are in inflationary times, or is it an appreciation of the domestic currency?

Dear Editor, I have noted several comments by persons on certain social media platform(s) suggesting that the introduction of the new $2,000 note would lead to inflation.

These comments and social media debates led me to believe that the average person is concerned whether the introduction of the new $2,000 note is indeed a signal of inflation.

In this regard, I am inclined to pen this letter to contribute to this topical discussion.

The notion that introduction of a particular denomination of the currency would lead to inflation is a misperception. There is simply no credible evidence to support this hypothesis. The introduction of new currency notes, whether high-denomination or low-denomination, has nothing to do with driving inflation.

Let’s understand what is inflation. Inflation is the decline of purchasing power of a currency over a period of time. The rise in general levels of prices, often expressed as a percentage, means that a unit of currency effectively buys less than it did in prior periods. Up to the period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inflation rate in Guyana was stable at levels below and equal to 2%, which is often a desired inflation rate to ensure price stability. With the prolonged

effects of the pandemic and the unpredictability of when the pandemic would end, one of the major impacts of the pandemic globally was and still is supply chain disruptions, and rising shipping costs globally. These are the main culprits for rising inflation rate, not only in Guyana, but across the globe.

There are generally three types of inflation: 1. Demand pull inflation, which occurs when total demand for goods in an economy outweighs the supply of goods, so you have a shortage (like in the case when we had the flood and the price for basic things, like plantains, eshallots and other agro produce, went up).

2. Cost push inflation, which occurs when overall prices increase due to increase in the costs for wage and raw materials.

3.

Built-in inflation, which occurs when workers expect their salaries or wages to increase when prices of goods and services increase, to help maintain their living costs.

The inflation that we are experiencing in Guyana, which we would continue to experience in the medium term, would be driven by a combination of all three types of inflation as described above; where, for example, the larger driving factor of Guyana’s inflation is described by the econo-

mists as imported inflation.

The reason for this is because of rising shipping costs and increases in the cost of production for the goods we consume, the raw materials to produce some of the final goods we consume, and the global supply chain disruption. These are goods that we import, wherein about 80%-90% of the goods we consume are imported, and hence, once there is supply chain disruption globally, prices would increase, and this is beyond our local policymakers’ ability to control.

For these reasons, the best option available to policymakers is to look at policies to cushion the effects; for example, the reduction on the tariff of fuel imports among other measures in the budget to cushion the impact of (imported) inflation.

We in Guyana are also experiencing wage inflation, where companies, particularly international companies, are competing for talented and skillful professionals and workers in general, and salaries are increasing to triple and quadruple levels. This in turn would lead to a shortage of skills in the labour force, given that while we have a large labour force, only 5% of the labour force is qualified with tertiary level education.

This is a signal that we all need to ready ourselves,

upskill, and learn new skills to take advantage of the sea of opportunities.

With the largest budget in history, there will be lots of cash in circulation, and therefore, instead of having 100/1000 notes in your pocket to represent $100K, you can reduce that to either 20 with the $5K note or 50 with the $2k note (this is on an individual level).

Think of the many businesses that would be doing millions of dollars in transactions at the bank, both deposits and withdrawals, and the bulk of cash their staff have to carry. The note effectively reduces the bulk of cash and somewhat adds a layer of security in the fact that you can reduce the physical bulk of cash transactionally.

Against these backgrounds, the introduction of a new note has nothing to do with driving inflation. What it does is serve a particular purpose, given that our economy is largely a cashbased economy: to reduce the volume of cash in circulation.

Moreover, inflation is not managed in any way or form by the introduction of any currency note denomination per se, whether large or small. It is more used to manage the volume of cash in circulation in context of a cash-based economy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

5

News

Remote communities in Region 2 to soon benefit from ICT connectivity

R

esidents of several communities within Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will soon be able to access the internet through the ICT Access and eServices for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project, under the Office of the Prime Minister.

Project Manager Ronald Harsawack on Monday said his department is working to ensure the project is rolled out in a timely manner.

Over the past week, several site inspections were conducted and the department is now moving to install photovoltaic power sources, electrical wiring, facilities for internet connection, audio and visual equipment in the buildings earmarked to host the hubs.

Once completed, each hub

One of the centres being prepared

will be furnished and provided with 20 laptops, and training for capacity building will commence.

Communities to benefit from the project are Bethany in the Supenaam Creek, Karawab, Kabakaburi in the Pomeroon River, Mashabo, Mainstay, Capoey,

Tapakuma, St Monica, Akawini and Wakapao.

“We will continue to work aggressively with all these communities to ensure that benefits of this project are felt in a direct way and they profit from the same level of access to online resources as those living on the

coast... we want to see every schoolchild, every teacher, every community health worker being able to use a laptop, send an email, do research, submit reports and of course access Government services at these locations,” Harsawack said.

He added that Amerindian Village Councils (AVCs) and Community Development Councils (CDCs) were engaged in the construction of the ICT hubs within the communities as a means of building the technical capacity of the councils, stimulating the village economy and producing a product that will attract more community pride and ownership.

He further said that the communities have so far demonstrated the administrative as well as technical capacity to manage and roll

Project Manager Ronald Harsawack in discussion with a resident

out all aspects of the grants issued.

The project will cost over US$17 million and is being funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). It will benefit ap-

proximately 200 communities.

According to the project management timeline, it is expected to be concluded by the end of November 2022.

Desmond Haynes’s vision for CWI must be celebrated

Dear Editor, Because West Indies Cricket (CWI) has been under attack for such a long time, one cannot help but give credit to the new Chief of Selectors of Cricket West Indies, Mr. Desmond Haynes, for announcing a new vision.

In business, we encourage our management staff to celebrate success, even the little ones. It is common practice for management to celebrate “wins”, as this strategy reinforces various aims toward further success.

In Mr. Haynes’s case, I wish to bring attention to what I consider a “new vision”. You would recall that I have been critical of CWI’s imperfections, including a need for new vision, new strategy, goals and objec-

tives. In a recent interview, Mr. Haynes announced what I consider refreshing changes to the vision and strategy of CWI. Yes, Desi, after decades of secrecy, I welcome your effort to be open and transparent with your vision, policy and strategy. Although this would be a widespread policy and operations strategy, I believe this openness could be the catalyst for those changes.

Knowing his opponents in the organisation would question his strategy, Mr Haynes was careful to note that “we are not changing policies, just exploring all avenues, given our limited pool of cricketers”. I believe Mr. Haynes hit that one straight to Roger Harper, who has been the recent

Chief Selector. Mr Haynes pointed out a flaw in the previous administration, which adopted strategies from top playing nations only to find that those strategies did not work, nor could they have worked, for the Caribbean.

Specifically, Mr Haynes pointed out that “we are not India, who has 1.2 billion people” to select from. He was pointing out that CWI adopted those strategies but did not take into consideration the limited “pool” of cricketers the Caribbean has. Well done, Mr Haynes!

I sincerely appreciate your bravery to point out that we have been failing because we have been playing ‘copycats’. We are incapable of doing what India and others have done to improve their brand.

I consider Mr Haynes’s proposed strategy as a “win” which must be celebrated.

It’s a departure from doing things the same way and expecting different results. I would add that this new vision Haynes announced would bring new trust in players who have been discarded recently by Roger Harper. For example, you would recall how poorly Roger Harper treated Kieran Powell of the Leeward Islands.

I recall Powell, in a press conference, stating that he had scored the most runs in the local competitions, and was confounded by his omission from the West Indies squad. Powell indicated that following his omission, there was ZERO communication from Harper’s of-

What is the impact of...?

Inflation, on the other hand, has to be managed by a combination of monetary and fiscal policies. To manage inflation in Guyana’s case, since most of the goods we consume are imported, we have to manage the exchange rate, and not the denomination of currency note. Exchange rate is the signal of inflation.

The average market rate for the US/Gy exchange rate, if one consults the Bank of Guyana report, is about $214. For clarity, this is the average market rate set by the commercial banks, who are the dominant players in the foreign exchange (FX) market, and not the unlicensed money changers on the streets.

Generally, the goal is to keep inflation in the single- digit range, the desired rate is 2%. When inflation spirals out of control to the

double- digit range, that is hyperinflation. So far, our inflation rate is in the single-digit range. I do not expect this to reach double-digit levels, given the policies being implemented coupled with the development agenda of the country.

Other ways to manage inflation in the medium term are projects such as the gas-to-shore, which would enable cheaper energy and make our manufacturing sector more competitive. In so doing, we can produce more value-added goods at a lower cost of production for consumption locally, instead of importing.

Increased investments in agriculture as well would help us to have more control, and manage inflation better domestically; because we would be producing most of the goods we

consume, instead of importing them and, in so doing, import inflation from other parts of the world, which is beyond our control.

In other words, because as a country we depend heavily on imports for about 90% of the goods we consume locally, we are bound to be affected by other factors that lead to price increases in other parts of the world. Even the goods that are produced locally are affected to some extent, inter alia, imported inflation, because most of the raw materials to produce the local goods are imported from other parts of the world.

Cognizant of the foregoing factors, the Government of the day is pursuing a set of policies in the medium term to manage inflation, coupled with the mega-development projects for

FROM PAGE 4

cheaper energy that would ultimately give us more control to manage inflation better in the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

It is true that we are in inflationary times, but the introduction of the $2k note is not the signal of that. The pandemic is among other factors, such as wage inflation, that are natural outcomes in an oil economy, etc.

Finally, there is no credible empirical evidence that suggests there is a relationship between the introduction of a currency note, whether higher or lower denomination, and inflationary pressures.

Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin Financial Analyst

fice, explaining the omission and indicating what needs to be improved, and what measures must be taken for Powell to regain consideration.

Recognising that “unfairness and sheer lunacy (were) at the helm, Desmond Haynes pointed that his vision is to deliver “fairness and professionalism” for players and the public. I see this as another straight drive down the ground to Roger and the CWI administration, that communications would be a priority.

Yes, we devoted time and resources towards developing

Kieran Powell.

Why should we discard these players, making our “selection pool” even smaller?

Congratulations, Mr Hay nes! many of us wondered why Kemar Roach was not in the picture. And best of luck in bringing back players like Powell. Our pool is so small, but we had no idea. Well done, Desi!

With regards, Gopaul S Rampersaud Chapel Hill NC USA

6

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Solid figures

A solid figure is a figure that has 3 dimensions.

These are some common solid figures:

Coin The Snow Drop I

n this fun and easy cool science experiment for kids, we’re going to see if we can drop a coin in a bottle.

Materials:

$10 coin Bottle with a large enough opening for the $10 coin to fall inside.

Eight-inch square piece of cardboard

Instructions:

Here are some terms that are used to describe solid figures: Face: The flat surface of a solid figure. Each face looks like a 2-dimensional figure.

Edge: The line where two faces meet.

Vertex of a solid: A specific point at which more than two faces meet, or a point where a curve begins.

Base: The face on the bottom of a solid figure.

Example:

Look at the solid figures on this page.

A cube and a rectangular solid have 6 faces each.

Any of the faces can be the base.

A square pyramid has five faces. The base is square and the other 4 faces are rectangular.

A cone has a circular base and 1 vertex. A cylinder

has 2 circular faces and no vertex.

A triangular pyramid has a triangular base, 4 vertices, 4 faces and 6 edges.

A sphere has no base, vertices, faces or edges. It is a figure with a curved surface; all points on the surface are equal distance from the centre.

Exercises: Identify the correct solid

Set the bottle on a solid surface.

Balance the piece of cardboard on the bottle.

Now put the coin on the cardboard, be sure to centre it over the mouth of the bottle.

With your middle finger, flip the cardboard quickly off of the bottle.

The coin should drop down into the bottle.

How it works:

The coin has inertia, so it will want to stay in one place. If you pull the cardboard slowly, you will not overcome that force and the coin will simply stay on the cardboard. If you remove the cardboard quickly, the coin will stay suspended in mid-air for a fraction of a nanosecond before gravity takes over and the coin drops down into the bottle. The coin will come to rest when it hits the bottom of the bottle.

Make this a science project:

Try putting the coin on a hoop. Try putting the coin higher up by balancing it on a ruler. Try bolts or other items. Try stacking several coins. (sciencefun.org)

Fairy

BY CLAUDE MCKAY I Throughout the afternoon I watched them there, Snow-fairies falling, falling from the sky, Whirling fantastic in the misty air, Contending fierce for space supremacy.

And they flew down a mightier force at night, As though in heaven there was revolt and riot, And they, frail things had taken panic flight Down to the calm earth seeking peace and quiet.

I went to bed and rose at early dawn To see them huddled together in a heap, Each merged into the other upon the lawn, Worn out by the sharp struggle, fast asleep.

The sun shone brightly on them half the day, By night they stealthily had stol’n away.

II And suddenly my thoughts then turned to you Who came to me upon a winter’s night, When snow-sprites round my attic window flew, Your hair disheveled, eyes aglow with light.

My heart was like the weather when you came, The wanton winds were blowing loud and long; But you, with joy and passion all aflame, You danced and sang a lilting summer song.

I made room for you in my little bed, Took covers from the closet fresh and warm, A downful pillow for your scented head, And lay down with you resting in my arm.

You went with Dawn. You left me ere the day, The lonely actor of a dreamy play.

Source: Harlem Shadows (1922)

Teacher's Tip

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony JI D’Angelo

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Budget Debates 2022

Work to commence on 2 industrial estates this year – Min Walrond – Labour Minister says 16% drop in fatal workplace accidents recorded

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

I

n keeping with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) drive to create 50,000 jobs in its first term in office, it has facilitated a number of transformative projects – including the construction of industrial estates.

One of 14 Members of Parliament (MPs) to speak during Day One of the Budget Debates on Monday, was Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond.

“In my last budget presentation, one might recall I had stated our intention and commitment to developing two new industrial estates.

One in Region Two and the other in Region 10. Specific lines have now been identified and this year, construction work will begin,” she said.

According to the Minister, whose Industries portfolio includes the commercial sector, the local business community stands ready to invest and “we are sure the communities will benefit from good-paying jobs as a result”.

She also spoke of the thousands of persons who will be trained for the hospitality sector under the auspices of her Ministry.

This includes 6000 persons to be trained through the Guyana-Barbados initiative.

“With respect to tourism and hospitality, I’m pleased to report that four internationally branded hotels have already broken ground here in Guyana. The introduction of these hotels and others which will commence construction this year will undoubtedly improve the quantity and quality of our room stock.”

“We are investing in a world-class human resource facility. In the interim to satisfy the demand for workers, we are strategically implementing short term measures for training workers in the sector. Thousands of persons have been earmarked for training through various mechanisms,” she said.

The Ministry of Labour has meanwhile made progress when it comes to reducing accidental deaths in the workplace, with Labour

Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul

Labour Minister Joe Hamilton

Minister Joseph Hamilton informing the National Assembly that in their first year in office, fatal workplace accidents have decreased by 16 per cent.

Hamilton, the second speaker during the debate, spoke of some of his Ministry’s achievements.

One such achievement was the reduction of fatal workplace accidents, which he said went down by 16 per cent.

“I can report to this nation that the first year under the PPP Government, accidental deaths in workplaces have decreased by 16 per cent in the first year of the PPP. That is the record,” Hamilton said.

According to Hamilton, the Ministry has over the past year expanded the network of Labour departments. The Minister further spoke of some 22 labour agreements he said were brokered under PPP in their first year in office.

“When we came to office, there were several collective labour agreements languishing out there to be concluded. Workers were suffering.

What did they do? Nothing!

The record is 22 collective labour agreements, we were able to broker and mediate in the first year of the PPP. Many of them languishing since 2015... 19 in one instance.”

APNU/AFC

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul in his presentation urged the Government to increase allocations from the oil funds to the people.

“We call on the (Government) to increase old-age pension to anywhere between $35,000 and $50,000 now. Increase the public assistance to the vulnerable to $40,000 now. We got oil money. Use it wisely.”

Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir, who shadows the Foreign Affairs Ministry, used her presentation to warn about the dangers of turning away from regional integration as Guyana’s economic clout grows with the oil and gas sector. She also used the occasion to affirm the APNU/AFC’s support for

Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir

the Government as it continues its territorial border case.

“Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain sacrosanct. There is no distance between the Government and the political Opposition on this issue.

It is the David Granger-led Government that initiated the judicial route to resolve this issue and the present Government has continued on this trajectory. We reaffirm that the border claim by Venezuela is mischievous, opportunistic and without merit and we are confident that Guyana will be vindicated,” she said.

Another issue raised by Walton-Desir was Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change and sea-level rises.

She urged the Government to commence discussions with persons living on the coast, about the need to gravitate towards inland settlements and higher ground.

“The time has come for our leaders to engage the population on a conversation of moving to higher ground.

We must engage our population. We must have a debate on the wisdom of continuing to restrict our development and major infrastructure to the coast. We must have a dialogue on housing and population planning. And we must prioritise hinterland development and building hinterland cities.”

The first day of the budget debates featured seven Government and seven Opposition speakers.

It will conclude on Friday, February 4, after which the Committee of Supply will scrutinise the budget and the estimates will be approved.

Nevertheless, there is still no word on who will be the next Opposition Leader.

In the meantime, Harmon remains an MP and has been allocated a one-hour time limit to speak on Friday, a provision usually extended to the Opposition Leader on the final day of the budget debates. As the debates continue, the Opposition MPs have been making presentations in their individual capacities.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CoA reduces woman killer’s sentence from 88 to 46 years T

he Guyana Court of Appeal has quashed the 88-year prison sentence of a man who was convicted of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend eight years ago. In January 2016, Jermaine Maynard, 50, was sentenced to 88 years’ imprisonment for murdering his former partner, 20-yearold Carlissa Matthews on December 31, 2013.

The convicted killer later challenged his conviction and sentence at the appellate court. On Monday, the appellate panel of Justices led by Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards upheld Maynard’s conviction but reduced his eight-decade-long sentence to 46 years.

The Appeal Court did this after finding that the 88 years’ sentence imposed by trial Judge Navindra Singh was excessive and not in keeping with established sentencing guidelines. In setting aside the convict’s initial sentence, the Appeal Court ruled that Justice Singh erred in his approach taken in arriving at a final

Convicted killer Jermaine Maynard

Murdered: Carlissa Matthews

sentence.

Having considered the serious nature of the offence, in particular, the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the fact that a gun was used during the commissioning of the crime, the appeal court found that a base sentence of 30 years was adequate appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

To this, the court added 10 years for premeditation and another six years

for Maynard’s previous conviction for a similar offence, thereby arriving at a final sentence of 46 years in prison.

Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes, SC, and Rishi Persaud also sat on the panel. Maynard was represented by Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes while Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Dionne McCammon appeared for the State.

Media reports are that Maynard and the young woman shared a relationship that ended a few months before her demise.

On December 31, 2013, Matthews was standing in front of a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet in the Stabroek, Georgetown area when Maynard approached and asked to speak with her.

At the time, Matthews, who was in the company of relatives and friends, walked away and chatted with Maynard before he whipped out a gun and shot her to the head. The woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she died the next day.

Maynard also pulled the gun on his ex’s mother.

Maynard was arrested by Police while he was about to board a boat at the GuyanaSuriname “backtrack” crossing at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice. Reports are that Maynard was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 14 years in prison for unlawfully killing a woman he had shared a relationship with.

Good Hope woman gets 2 years' jail for stealing from ex-employer

A

23-year-old woman of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, was on Monday sentenced to serve two years’ imprisonment after she was found guilty of stealing $1.2 million from her former employer, Tesoro Resources and Grey Wolf Resources.

In November 2020, Reshma Deoroop was charged with the offence of larceny by clerk or servant contrary to Section 185 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. On June 22, 2020, at Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Deoroop, while being employed as a clerk or servant by Tesoro Resources

Jailed: Reshma Deoroop

and Grey Wolf Resources, stole $1,200,897—monies belonging to the company.

Deoroop had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on cash bail pending the determination of a trial. She was represented by lawyers Hewley Griffith and Lawrence Harris, while Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat prosecuted the matter.

When Deoroop’s trial concluded on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Magistrate Rondel Weever held that the prosecution was able to prove every element of the offence and accordingly found her guilty as charged.

Facts revealed that Deoroop prepared sever-

al payment vouchers which showed that she paid out monies totalling more than $1.2 million. However, an audit revealed that the vouchers for payment were not signed by the recipients.

In fact, representatives from the company testified that Deoroop prepared payment vouchers for transactions that never occurred.

Deoroop is currently on trial for a similar offence at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Furthermore, she is under investigation by the Police for fraud after an audit of the company’s finances revealed several discrepancies in payment vouchers.

Headless...

I

…and hapless PNC t was indeed a disappointment for your Eyewitness when the Budget Debate kicked off yesterday. After the Government’s Finance Minister traditionally presents the Budget - as Ashni Singh did last week - the Leader of the Opposition (LOO) then gets a full hour to present the opening salvo of the Opposition’s response.

In this riposte, the LOO has the opportunity to take a holistic view of the Budget and offer a comprehensive articulation of what the Opposition would’ve done if they were in Government. A “what could’ve been”!!

But it was not to be, since the PNC and their coalition partner, the AFC, still haven’t managed to end their internecine war and elect a LOO. A “shad, shad shituation” as a statesman from one of the departed coalition members used to say profoundly! Our wise forbears say that “when yuh na gat momma, yuh gat fuh suck granny” and that’s exactly what the Opposition had to do. Rather than ONE LOO offering that overarching Opposition vision, we had various members of that Opposition putatively taking potshots at parts of the Budget - as EACH saw fit!!

After the first Speaker gave it HER best shot, it was clear what’s gonna follow. Rather than presenting alternatives to show voters that the PPP was off-base - as in any good debate - it was just a wild attack at everything in sight - continuing their fight as to who should be the Leader of the PNC in the National Assembly. With each seeing themselves better than the other, it’s going to be a competition to see who can cuss down the PPP “stinker and duttier”!!

It was disgraceful. Burnham would’ve been heartbroken, since not a scintilla of wit was on show.

The first PPP MP to follow was forced to comment that the histrionics he’d just witnessed reminded him of a “headless yard fowl” flapping and flailing away!! The Speaker was forced to enquire as to whether the PPP MP was speaking personally about the PNC MP - which could’ve been interpreted as bad form - but was told that, regrettably, it was in reference to the headless condition writ large over in the Opposition benches! A shad, shad, shituation indeed!!

What was even sadder was that, over the weekend, the PNC presented a picture of a bear eating away at its own foot in a desperate attempt to free itself from a leghold steel trap!! One news outlet reported that a Reg 5 member of the CEC moved a motion - and had it seconded - for Harmon; his toady, Mahipal; and three other MPs to resign! And that Representative of the APNU/AFC List (RAAL), Granger, should appoint Norton as an MP!!

It was denied, of course, but it just emphasised the shad, shad shituation!! …dangers Some members of the PPP - or its partisans - are certainly chortling with schaudenfreud - pleasure in the troubles of another! - at the PNC’s leadership meltdown.

But your Eyewitness wants to emphasise once again that this ain’t good for Guyana. At the barest minimum, it’s downright embarrassing for the ENTIRE country ALL of us! It’s just like when the PNC couldn't calculate the majority of 65!! Did you think that CCJ Judge was snickering at only the PNC? One of the dangers is that frustrated fans of Norton might just take those attacks on the Sanctimonious Gangster and Lil Joe seriously - rather than conceding that it’s just political ambitions playing out. Could it be that this is why Granger’s holed up at Pearl? But, more seriously, with all the money now floating in with the oil, we can’t pretend that corruption isn’t also gonna be rising.

But, as they say, it takes a thief to catch a thief. So, if the PNC can get its act together as the Opposition…!!! …accidents or sabotage?

Your Eyewitness notes the regular fires around the country on strategic locations. Could these be spontaneous? He thinks that where there’s smoke, there’s gotta be fire - pun intended! And when we can actually SEE the fire, we better find the source!

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Speaker dismisses motion to send Govt MPs to Privileges Committee ...says no prima facie case made out by APNU/AFC

A

motion for 22 Members of Parliament (MPs) on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government side of the aisle to be sent to the Privileges Committee has been dismissed by Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir.

The motion in ques-

tion was brought by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Chief Whip Christopher Jones and the former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon. Speaker Nadir announced his decision on Monday at the opening of the debates on Budget 2022 at the Arthur Chung

Conference Centre (ACCC).

According to House Speaker, the motion was dismissed on two grounds: the first being that a prima facie case was not made out against the Government parliamentarians and the second being that the Government lawmakers cannot be liable for the ille-

Mega energy projects on track for 2022 commencement – PM – Garden of Eden plant to resume in 2 weeks

G

uyana is on track to commence two transformative, mega projects which will revolutionise the energy sector – the gas-to-energy project and the Amaila Falls Hydropower project.

This was revealed by Prime Minister, (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN) on Sunday.

The Prime Minister explained that “Amaila Falls is likely to start definitely within the second half of this year… by our projections, by 2027, that project should be completed, and we as a people will be getting 165 megawatts of electrical power”.

He also said that the gas-to-energy project, for which construction will also begin this year, is expected to be completed in 2024. This is a 300 MW undertaking that will provide about 250 MW of power.

These two projects will provide 415 MW of power, which will cater for Guyana’s baseload capacity for demand in the next five years, as projected by Guyana Power and Light (GPL). They are expected to cut the cost of power by 50 per cent, resulting in reverberating positive impacts for consumers and companies across several industries, and acceleration of the country’s economic development.

The projects will also

Prime Minister (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips

clean up Guyana’s energy sector, which has historically relied almost entirely on diesel and heavy fuel oil.

Hydropower will provide a renewable source of energy, while natural gas will act as a bridging fuel.

“While it is using gas, it is clean energy, cheaper energy, and it’s a transition project for us.” Prime Minister Phillips said.

The retired Brigadier also reminded of the three 33-megawatt solar panel farms which will be constructed – in Berbice, Linden and Essequibo.

This will add to several micro-grid projects which will commence in different parts of the country, powered by renewable energy.

These include the Kumu Falls hydro project and the Moco Moco hydro project, both in Region Nine, meant

to power Lethem, and surrounding communities. A 1 MW solar farm is also under construction in Lethem.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister related that the Garden of Eden power plant is expected to be back in full operation in two weeks “They’re in the process of bringing back online those generators, so just in maybe another week or two weeks, all those generators will be back online.”

In addition, CEO of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Bharat Dindyal told another section of the media that the company is still exploring what triggered the issues.

He further explained that one of the five generators at the plant had been dismantled and upgraded.

That modified generator, he stated, was powered up on Sunday alongside another generator that had not received any upgrades.

This was done to compare the performance of the two generators, as part of efforts geared at identifying what triggered the plant’s shutdown, Dindyal told the media outlet.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister had announced a temporary halt on operations at the facility, earlier this month, so that the technical challenge encountered at the site could be resolved. The Prime Minister had held an emergency meeting with Wartsilia’s management.

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir

gal actions of the Opposition MPs during the infamous Mace grab on December 29, 2021, during the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill.

“I have looked at the motion and the case and I have also come to one conclusion. And have been advised about another principle I also want to use in my dismissal of that motion. First, the motion will not proceed because a prima facie case has not been established,” the Speaker explained.

“Secondly, there is and I was told only this morning because I’m surrounded by so many lawyers… on both sides of excellent repute, that every first-year law student learns the phrase Ex

turpi causa non oritur actio, which means you cannot bring a legal action for your illegal actions in the first place. Based on those two, I’m not allowing the motion to go ahead.”

In a subsequent interview with this publication, Jones was critical of the decision. He noted that the issue should have been sent to the Privileges Committee anyway, where the merits or lack thereof of the motion would have been examined.

“I can tell you off the bat we don’t agree with it. It is essentially calling for members to go to the Privileges Committee, where evidence of the case is actually presented and it is the Privileges Committee to make a determination of whether a person is guilty or not,” Jones said.

On December 29, 2021, several APNU/AFC MPs grabbed the Speaker’s Mace, in an effort to disrupt the passage of the NRF Bill. Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira subsequently moved a motion to have eight members of the APNU/AFC parliamentary Opposition sent to the Privileges Committee.

The parliamentarians are APNU/AFC’s Chief Whip Christopher Jones, and other MPs, Annette Ferguson, Ganesh Mahipaul, Sherod

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones

Duncan, Natasha SinghLewis, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, and Maureen Philadelphia.

The Opposition, in turn, had moved a motion for the 22 Government parliamentarians to also be sent to the Privileges Committee. The motion had been delayed at the time, however, because the Speaker had said that there were issues with its delivery.

According to the Parliament of Guyana website, “any matter which appears to affect the powers and privileges of the Assembly is referred to [the Privileges] Committee whose duty is to consider any such matter and to report thereon to the Assembly.”

10

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gov’t to construct 1000 affordable houses using local wood

An artist’s impression of one of the homes to be built

A

s part of its efforts to provide affordable homes to Guyanese, Government will be constructing 1000 houses by utilising 100 per cent local wood.

This has been an-

nounced by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday, even as he stated that the project forms part of the value-added component of Government’s housing programme.

Since its ascension

to office in August 2020, this Administration has accelerated its national housing programme through the allocation of lands and the construction of low, moderate and young professional homes

Malali boat captain faces suspension after failing breathalyzer test

Boat Captain Jermaine Blackman

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday detailed that a captain of the MV Malali is facing suspension after he failed a breathalyzer test while on duty.

That captain has been identified as Jermaine Blackman.

The Police Force has released two videos showing a Police rank

from Regional Division Three conducting the test on the captain while he was on duty and the vessel was en route to Leguan.

Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts has said a request was made by the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for the Police to conduct a

breathalyzer test on the boat captain. Watts complied with that request, and two tests were done on the captain of the vessel.

The readings were 146 and 141 respectively, which are both above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

This captain is expected to appear in court shortly.

Burglar arrested in Bagotville Post Office

A

man who reportedly broke into the Bagotville Post Office, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was arrested by Police in the wee hours of Monday.

An initial report from the Police detailed that on the day in question, at

about 3:05h, ranks were summoned to the scene following a report of a suspected burglary ongoing. Those ranks arrived there about 10 minutes after receiving the report, and observed that the external wooden wall of the Post Office was broken.

As such, they made checks outside and inside of the building, and discovered the suspect hiding in one of the rooms in the Post Office.

He was arrested and taken to the La Grange Police Station, where he has been placed in custody as investigations continue.

An artist’s impression of the interior of one of the homes to be constructed

for citizens. Under this construction of homes’ initiative, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) of the Ministry of Housing and Water is constructing a total of 350 two-bedroom, elevated homes in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown; 100 two-bedroom flat units in Prospect, East Bank Demerara; 100 two-bedroom flat units in Williamsburg, Region Six; and 40 two-bedroom elevated units in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region Ten. Another 200 two-storey and flat units are being constructed at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and 150 more are being constructed at

Prospect, EBD. So far, 100 units have been completed at Providence.

Additionally, under the Core Home Support Initiative, 25 homes have been constructed in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Region Three, while another 25 are under construction in Sophia, Georgetown.

These homes target low-income and vulnerable families, who are required to make a contribution of only $100,000 towards acquiring any of these homes.

In 2021, the sum of $18.7 billion was expended to continue consolidation works in 11 existing CH&PA housing areas, in-

cluding Great Diamond, Prospect and Cummings Lodge. This year, $12.4 billion has been allocated for continued infrastructural development works in housing schemes, including the upgrading of 45.5 kilometres of roads in 31 existing housing areas across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten. Last year, a total of 10,063 house lots were allocated to Guyanese, while some 1,266 land titles and transports were distributed. This is in keeping with Government’s commitment to deliver 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by 2025.

12

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

entrepreneur UG’s top graduates presented Young Azruddin Mohamed with Presidential Awards supports local singer in

quest for Chutney Monarchy

Businessman Azruddin Mohamed and local singer Bunty Singh on Monday

A

Tomeshwor Mohabir receiving the award from President Ali

Davendra Kissoon being awarded by President Irfaan Ali on Monday

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday presented the President’s Award to the valedictorian to the University of Guyana Class of 2020/2021 to Davendra Kisson.

Tomeshwor Mohabir from the Tain campus also received an award from the President.

Kissoon, 27, finished as the valedictorian after successfully completing a

performance in their respective programmes.

He also charged them to reflect on the sacrifices their families would have made along their journey and encouraged them to use their lives as an opportunity to influence others.

With regards to their chosen areas of study, President Ali noted that their aspirations are in keeping with the development trajectory of

P

Bachelor of Science Degree (Civil with Environmental Engineering), while Mohabir, 30, finished as the best graduating student from Tain after completing his Bachelor of Education Degree (Mathematics Concentration Programme).

The President said he was pleased to confer each of the graduates with the President’s Medal in recognition of their superlative

the country.

The presentation was conducted in the presence of the recipients’ family members at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

Kissoon was joined by his mother Basmattie Sukhdeo, bother Sanjeev Kissoon and his girlfriend Tesheena Dindyal while Mohabir was accompanied by his wife Nueza and his son Zidan.

s Guyana’s Chutney/ Soca Monarch competition draws near, first runner-up at the 2020 competition, Bunty Singh has received the support of young entrepreneur, Azruddin Mohamed to participate in the event.

The donation was done on Monday at the businessman’s Houston, Greater Georgetown estate.

In his brief comments, the businessman who is known for his charities noted that he was pleased to assist the singer as he prepares for the competition.

The businessman stressed that over the years, young people have taken on a massive role in the development of the cultural landscape of Guyana whether in the form of music, art, sport, or politics.

This, he noted, has propelled him to support young people who attempt to develop their art form that can

have a positive impact on the next generation.

The businessman also took the opportunity to wish the singer the very best as he competes in the virtual event later in the month in observance of Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary.

However, the singer expressed gratitude to the businessman for his support and promised to do his best.

He described Mohamed as being humble and intelligent – one who is passionate about assisting youths as himself.

This year the singer is entering the competition with a song titled “We Rising Up” which was written by him and recorded in his studio at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

The song will then be produced by Shakti String International Band in time for the Monarch. This year, some 25 persons are expected to participate.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 more men die from COVID-19 …curfew remains in effect from midnight to 04:00h for February

T

he Health Ministry on Monday reported that another two more persons have succumbed to COVID-19, thus taking the death toll to 1168.

The fatalities are two men - a 79-year-old from Region Four who died on January 30; and an 86-yearold from Region Three who died on January 27.

However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that 86 new cases were detected within a 24hour period. This now brings the total infections to date to 59,889 – 27,689 males and 32,191 females.

There are 11 persons in the specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 200 in institutional isolation, 10,898 on home isolation and 19 in institutional quarantine.

The number of recoveries now stands at 47,612, while 507,444 persons have been tested to date. Guyana’s active cases have decreased slightly to 11,610.

Regionally, one new case was recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); four in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 12 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 13 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); nine in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 33 in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); 14 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

No increases were reported in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday stated that 195 beds are available at the Infectious Diseases Hospital – a majority of which now have individualised oxygen supply.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JANUARY 31, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

86

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

200

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

10,898

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

19

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

32,191

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

27,698

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

59,889

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

47,612

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2174

REGION 2

2288

REGION 3

7766

REGION 4

29,984

REGION 5

2229

REGION 6

5405

REGION 7

2353

REGION 8

821

REGION 9

3448

REGION 10

3421

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

423,439 312,874

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1168

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.

“That project has been completed and patients who go there can get oxygen off the wall outlet. When you compare that to previously what was there, where we had to put in oxygen tanks at the bedside, this will certainly be a great improvement,” he shared.

While the predominant use of the facility is for COVID-19, he said the

range of services has been enhanced to treat infected patients who also suffer from comorbidities or pregnant women.

“If a patient needs dialysis, we can offer dialysis at the Ocean View facility. If a patient needs emergency surgery, we have an operational theatre where we can do emergency surgeries. If a patient needs emergency

caesarean section, we can do that.”

Vaccination continues among the population, with latest figures showing 423,439 first dose uptake among the adult population or 82.5 per cent. Second doses are at 312,874 or 61 per cent.

For adolescents, 22,791 or 31.5 per cent are fully vaccinated. Some 38,916

persons have returned for their booster shots.

Government started administering booster shots after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six months of receiving both doses.

Persons have been encouraged to take the booster dose, since protection against the disease would wane after months of complete immunisation.

In January, some 20,000 new infections were reported with the rise of the Omicron variant.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

Globally, 364 million people have been infected, with over 5.6 million reported deaths. In the Americas, cases have surpassed 132 million with 2.89 million deaths.

Measures

4Further, the Government has renewed the national curfew for the month of February, which extends from 00:00h to 04:00h. The National COVID-19 Emergency Measures also remain in effect.

The measures are ef-

fective from February 1 to February 28, 2022 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

In addition, from 04:00h to 23:00h, stakeholders can continue to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing stores; or other maintenance services.

Other services including food services, restaurants, bars (including those at hotels) can facilitate delivery, drive-thru, curb-side pickup and take away services between this time. Selfservice buffet dining is still prohibited. Gambling, pool, and snooker games are not allowed at bars.

Indoor and outdoor dining is also permitted within the same hours at 60 per cent capacity, tables spaced six feet apart, and patrons above the age of 12 in possession of their vaccination card with accompanying identification document.

There are still restrictions on social activities, where no one shall host or attend a private party, banquet, ball, reception, hotel swimming pool or waterpark, wage, vigil, club, discotheque, social club, civil organisation or association, fraternal society; or any other social activity. Sporting events require approval from the Ministry of Health.

Casinos, betting shops, or cinemas can still operate but only at forty per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status.

80 Berbice youths to benefit from FACT, ExxonMobil STEM programme E xxonMobil Guyana has contributed US$65,000 (G$13M) towards the presentation of a programme that is expected to see scores of individuals in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) benefit from educational training and family life support.

The Family, Awareness, Consciousness & Togetherness (FACT) organisation on Tuesday launched a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) afterschool pro-

gramme in East Berbice to benefit 80 primary and secondary school students and their families. The aim is to use STEM education to reduce the incidents of school dropout, child labour, and the risk of students’ involvement in criminal activities.

In addition to the STEM classes, which would be conducted by trained teachers and volunteers, the children would be taught soft skills, such as setting goals, good mannerisms, communicating appropriately, and the

Rights of the Child by a social worker and counsellor.

Their parents would receive guidance on good parenting, being engaged in their children’s educational pursuits, and social issues such as domestic violence and HIV/ Aids.

FACT founder Annette Jaundoo has said she is elated that ExxonMobil Guyana agreed to fund the project.

“It is a year and a half now since our organisation has been funded for such a programme. It’s needed even

more than before, because of the COVID situation affecting all of us, more so the children who are not able to attend school and get the help they need,” she said.

Attending Tuesday’s official launch, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie noted that the company places much importance on its involvement in such projects. “ExxonMobil is committed to providing educational opportunities that contribute to the ad-

vancement of young people.

STEM education has been one of our focuses, because we believe it sets the stage for development both at the individual and national levels, and we’re happy to partner with FACT on this project,” he added.

The programme, which runs until August, would cater to 40 primary school students on Mondays and Tuesdays and 40 secondary school students on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and would be held at FACT’s

office at Number 78 Village, Corriverton. The students and families were chosen from previous programmes conducted by FACT, recommendations from their schools and other NGOs, and by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

FACT, located in Region Six, offers a comprehensive range of services to the community, and executes programmes that address various social issues.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GAWU disturbed by alleged treatment of locals on FPSOs T

he oil and gas branch of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is continuing to highlight the plights of many Guyanese working in the oil and gas industry. In a statement issued on Monday, the Union pointed out that it was disturbed to learn of the alleged treatment being experienced by Guyanese nationals working on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Specifically, it noted the

circumstances of workers engaged in the extraction of hydrocarbons offshore. It said that the workers’ experience captured by media reports mirrors much of what the Union has heard firsthand from employees.

GAWU reminded that it had previously highlighted instances of local workers being denied internet access to communicate to their families even though such facilities remained available to foreigners.

“Additionally, we pointed out that some workers

had reported to us that they could only eat after their foreign colleagues had completed their meals and received whatever was available,” the Union said in the release.

Baker Hughes to open oil and gas facility at Land of Canaan next week

US energy technology company Baker Hughes

U

S energy technology company Baker Hughes is expected to open a mud plant at Land of Canaan on the East Bank of Demerara in support of Guyana’s oil and gas industry next week.

GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop in a recent interview on the Department of Public Information (DPI) related that the much-awaited oil field service facility, which will support upstream operations, will be open sometime next week.

“Baker Hughes is about to open, I think, this next week their large supercen-

tre at Land of Canaan. They have designed the mud plant in support of the oil and gas industry,” the GOInvest CEO said.

According to a report by BNamericas, the oil field facility is expected to be supported by multiple product lines and serve as an assembly maintenance and overhaul centre to clean, inspect, disassemble, and assemble tools for completions, wireline, and drilling services.

Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide and has operations in over 120 countries.

International service pro-

viders such as Halliburton, Saipem, Schlumberger, and TechnipFMC are to follow in the footsteps of Baker Hughes as they have also stepped-up efforts to establish a presence in the country and hire local professionals.

News surrounding the construction of the oil service facility was first announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which stated that the company submitted an application for the facility to be built at Land of Canaan.

Reportedly, the facility is estimated to be worth over US$8 million.

Sophia man repays former employers to avoid jail time

A

North Sophia, Greater Georgetown man who is accused of stealing over $3 million from his former employers has opted to repay the sum to avoid prosecution.

Late last year, Darrell LaFargue, 23, was charged with the offence of larceny by clerk or servant committed on Queensway Security Service Incorporated.

It was alleged that during 2021, at Regent Street, Georgetown, while being employed as a clerk or servant at Queensway Security Service Inc, he stole over $3

Darrell LaFargue

million from the company.

He was released on $650,000 bail pending a trial.

When LaFargue appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus dismissed the charges against him after he entered into an agreement with the company to repay the monies.

LaFargue has also agreed to have his bail monies go towards the repayment. The Police had brought over 50 charges against him for the offence.

GAWU said it has spoken about Guyanese workers complaining that foreigners were being allowed to eat their meals prior to emergency drills whereas locals were not afforded similar opportunities. In such instances, the Union said that the workers reported that their meals could be delayed several hours, and questions of wholesomeness arose.

“We believe that so far our collective efforts have yielded improvements for workers of the sector and we hold that collaboration could bring about betterment.

Indeed, we are against the reported mistreatment of our locals and stand in their defence.”

Last year, GAWU’s oil and gas branch received several complaints from workers in the sector, which among other things, lamented their working conditions.

GAWU stated that workers cried that their rates of pay, when compared to foreign nationals, are essentially “chalk to cheese”, even though they undertake similar duties.

“Moreover, they are required to work extended periods consistently. Apart

from that, after their long shifts, they are required to attend meetings and undertake other briefings without any pay, thus restricting their time to rest and recuperate for another day’s work. This, they shared, is taking a significant toll on their physical and mental well-being,” a missive from the Union pointed out.

GAWU added that this is a serious concern for the Union which holds that no Guyanese should be made to feel like a second-class citizen in their own country. It

said that Guyana’s history is replete with examples of the struggles of Guyanese to overcome such tendencies which should not be allowed to return to an independent nation.

Moreover, it has reiterated its call for all workers to engage the Union as “we work collectively to address the plights the workers of the sector must confront”.

The Union noted that the nation’s workers must be treated fairly and without prejudices.

Workers can reach out to the Union through WhatsApp – 623-GAWU (4298), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, website (www. gawugy.com), email (info@ gawugy.com), telephone 227-2091/2, 225-2321, or by visiting offices in Kingston, Georgetown, or New Amsterdam, Berbice.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Doctor accused of arson at Food Safety Authority continues to GPHC’s Echo Lab sacked for ensure compliance with int’l standards alleged sexual harassment

Officers of the GFSA and NPPO underwent training sessions with the GNBS in 2021

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

A

doctor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), who was detained for allegedly setting a fire at the facility in January, has been fired for misconduct.

Guyana Times was informed that the person in question has been dismissed with immediate effect. After a hearing was facilitated last week, the hospital made its decision to terminate the services of the male employee.

Since December 31, 2021, he was sent on leave pending an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint levied against him by another staffer. One day later, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) echocardiography laboratory was set afire – an inferno which was later contained but resulted in major

damages.

A review of security footage showed the doctor in the hospital’s compound moments before the fire erupted. He was reportedly seen acting in a suspicious manner, and when questioned, gave conflicting reports regarding his purpose at the institution at that time, when he was already sent home. Over $20 million in equipment was damaged in the blaze.

He was granted bail in a substantial sum after being grilled by investigators.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had said that the destruction of the equipment will compromise the institution’s cardiac programme. In fact, he stated that the disruption to services offered at the echocardiography laboratory can last for months, as author-

ities seek to procure new equipment.

It was reported that at the time of the fire, there were at least 11 patients in the vicinity – seven in the cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and four in another ICU. They were all evacuated to safety.

“Certainly, there would be some amount of disruption, perhaps for a couple of months as we get that new piece of machine in place.

These machines, obviously, will have to come from one of the manufactures abroad and to bring them into Guyana, so doing that would take some time for us to be able to do that,” the Health Minister was quoted as saying following an inspection of the ruins.

With this issue closed, the nature of the fire is still being probed.

F

ood safety is important as it helps to protect consumers from the risk of food-borne illnesses. It also helps to prevent consumers from risks of health-related conditions such as allergy, and even death.

A crucial way of ensuring that the food consumed does not adversely affect our health is to prepare and handle them in accordance with the requirements of national and international food safety standards and guidelines.

The designated authority responsible for protecting the health and wellbeing of consumers in Guyana is the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA).

The GFSA was established in 2019 to implement and enforce the provisions of the Food Safety Act and to ensure that all agricultural produce, whether produced

locally or imported, is of the highest quality, meeting the strictest of hygienic conditions.

The body was mandated to provide guidance to persons engaged in the food business, implement technical standards and requirements of the Food Safety Act, and provide training for persons engaged in the preparation and sale of food items.

To better provide these services, the Authority in 2021 engaged the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to train its staff and inspectors on the food safety-related standards.

Senior Food Inspector of the GFSA, Shamein Moseley said the GNBS was chosen “because of the high-quality training service it is known to offer,” which is supported by favourable reviews from other lead organisations.

City businesses urged to comply with garbage collection timings …or face charges for violation

Solid Waste Director Walter Narine

T

o avoid the risk of being charged, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) is urging businesses within commercial districts to comply with the garbage collection schedules.

Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine has positioned that garbage collection is being done twice a day in these zones, as he rapped stakeholders for decrying lack of waste receptacles.

“In our campaign right now with arresting people, there is a big cry about lack of receptacles in commercial districts. I find that’s an excuse for you to litter. Commercial areas are Bourda, Lacytown and Water Front areas. That is the commercial zone. The collection period is two collections per day,” Narine outlined.

Collections start at 06:00h and end at 18:00h.

The contractor would comb Regent Street from 08:00h to 08:30h; while different timings follow for other areas.

He added that if a business entity fails to put out their waste during the scheduled time, charges will be instituted.

“If you put out your garbage after the contractor would have passed, you are liable to be charged. That is the collection period now.

We have people putting out their garbage 10:30h during the day. It can’t happen. It should not have happened.

When you open your businesses, put your garbage out. The truck will be available to collect your garbage.”

He also encouraged those who miss the morning col-

lection to keep their refuse until the evening, when the contractors would return for the second round.

“If you miss the morning collection, rather than put it out and get charged, put it out in the evening. Put your garbage out when you close your store at 05:00h. You’re guaranteed to be collected in the evening collection.”

Some 30 new waste receptacles were made available to the Council and will be placed strategically along Regent and Robb Streets.

These will be emptied every day. Meanwhile, households will also be breaching

the regulations if they do not follow the guidelines.

“The schedule is posted on the Mayor and City Council’s Facebook page, detailing the day of collection for the different wards and areas of the city. You cannot, as a household or a business, put out your garbage before the day of collection or after. If you do so, you are in breach of the EPA’s litter regulation and you will be charged,” the Solid Waste Director highlighted.

He added that in a case where the collection is slow that day and contractors do not show, persons are re-

quired to retrieve the bins and place them within their premises.

“The information you receive from the Solid Waste Department or the contractor telling you when they would pass back, until then, you put out your garbage again. You have to work with us because when you have your bins before or after, you are putting it to the homeless people opening the cover and throwing your stuff out. You will be charged and sometimes, people are stealing your receptacles.”

Additionally, the courses provided are relevant and affordable.

In July of 2021, 11 staff from the GFSA and 10 National Plant Protection Officers (NPPO), who will function as inspectors under the authority, underwent face-to-face training at the GNBS. Participants completed the Train the Trainers – Prerequisite Food Safety Programme, which covered Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP).

Building on the foundation of its own ISO 9001 Certification, and the training and experience of its cadre of professionals, the GNBS also provided Quality Management Training on the ISO 9001 Standard to the GFSA. “The programmes satisfied our training needs for the development of the skill sets needed for our inspectorate staff,” Moseley added. She further recommended the GNBS’ training programmes to individuals and companies.

To this end, she noted, “The training environment is conducive for teaching / learning, the instructors are technically sound and very competent, the delivery strategy is effective and GNBS is the only certified/ authorised national body to provide standards and quality training in Guyana.”

The GNBS’ Business Development Department helps organisations to achieve their mandates by providing training, and technical assistance to improve competence and maintain key management system standards and requirements.

Training is offered on various ISO Standards, the National Standard Requirements for the operations of a laboratory (GYS 170:2021), Internal Auditing, Risk-Based Thinking, and Data Analysis among others.

Businesses and organisations can also take advantage of the GNBS customised training and consultancy programmes.

To learn more, visit https:// gnbsgy.org/business-development/training/ to view the training catalogue.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parliament gets updated Consolidated Index of Statutes, Subsidiary Legislation T he Legal Affairs Ministry has commenced distribution of the updated Consolidated Index of Statutes and Subsidiary Legislation, and Parliament of Guyana is in receipt of a copy to guide lawmakers moving forward.

The Attorney General’s Chambers and Legal Affairs Ministry had completed an updated Consolidated Index of the Statutes and Subsidiary Legislation for Guyana in collaboration with the IMPACT Justice Project, and the University of West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados as of January 1, 2022.

The Chambers received the first shipment of copies of the Consolidated Index 2021, shipped from Barbados last week, and has since been disseminating copies to key stakeholders. The Consolidated Index 2021 was compiled, printed, and published by the Faculty of the Law Library of UWI, Cave Hill.

Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall on Monday handed over the updated document to Speaker

of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, adding that it is important for stakeholders to have an updated version of the laws.

“This is essential in ensuring that we have consolidated, modern, updated volumes of the laws of Guyana easily accessible to State agencies, the Government, the Parliament, stakeholders as well as the people of Guyana, so that everyone can have access to a modern version of the laws. The first step in this direction is to consolidate the index and that component of the project have been completed. We have distributed copies of it to various agencies of State and Government agencies.

Parliament Library will now receive a copy of it.

The document was already distributed to the Opposition, Director of Public Prosecutions, Judiciary among other State agencies. By the end of 2022, the law revision exercise will be completed.

“Because of the staggering nature of the legislative agenda of the Government for the year 2022,

Attorney General Anil Nandlall handing over the document to Speaker Manzoor Nadir

I have decided to extend it to the year 2022 so we will capture in

the exercise, all the new laws that are going to be passed,” the AG

contended.

The last Consolidated Index was produced more than a decade ago, and only contains Guyana’s statutes and subsidiary legislation passed up to January 2011.

On Friday, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, met with the Regional Project Director of IMPACT Justice, Professor Velma Newton, to thank her for the works.

The Attorney General had said that the updated Consolidated Index 2021 will be instrumental in allowing stakeholders to appraise themselves of each and every one of Guyana’s existing statutes and subsidiary legislation. Nandlall noted that the Government is aware that Guyana’s new developmental trajectory has triggered a need for heightened awareness of and access to relevant laws across all sectors.

As such, he had expressed confidence that the Consolidated Index 2021 will go a far way in allowing stakeholders to inform themselves and, indeed, the public of these laws.

Police seized 71 illegal firearms in 2021 ...say society much safer with those off the streets

I

n 2021, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) removed 71 illegal firearms from the streets of Guyana.

These included 36 pistols, 18 revolvers, and 17 shotguns. Ten were found by ranks during anti-crime operations while 61 were seized from individuals.

These illegal weapons were found in all regions of the country except Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with the majority, 28, found in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Third in Command of Regional Division 4A, Superintendent John Barker, during a recent programme hosted by the GPF, spoke about the importance of removing these firearms off the streets.

“So, with the firearms off the street, the society is in a much safer place…so, each firearm we take of the street in reference to operations, we would believe that would ensure that the community is a bit safer,” he explained.

“Firearm is a dangerous weapon and just the presence of a firearm or the knowledge of a firearm be-

ing on the street creates fear upon the individuals and so the society becomes uncomfortable,” he added.

“So, it doesn’t matter how big the firearm is whether it be riffle, a shotgun, or small arms such a pistol. Any firearms are dangerous and it could be equally dangerous no matter the size of the firearm,” he further explained.

When these illegal fire-

arms are taken off the streets, the senior official assured that they are properly secured.

“As relates to the procedure when those firearms are taken off the street, we would normally take them to whichever station, lodge them and prepare the matters for court. So those firearms that are seized, we take them in custody and

put them in safe until the duration of those matters,” he explained.

In November 2021, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has been tasked with working on an amendment to the country’s law to ensure there is a higher penalty in place for persons who unlawfully

possessing firearms.

The Head of State had also noted that Government will grant a period of amnesty for persons in possession of illegal firearms to turn them over. But when this period expires and the amended law comes into play, President Ali warned that those individuals will face stiffer penalties.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Regional

Brazil rains: São Paulo floods Chileans protest against Venezuelan migrants kill 21 and destroy homes

T

A

t least 21 people have died in floods and landslides caused by torrential rains in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, officials say.

Nine others have been injured and many more are missing, while more than 600 families have been left homeless.

São Paulo’s Governor João Doria has released emergency funds after surveying the flooded areas by air.

Heavy rains since the start of the wet season have killed more than 40 people in Bahia and Minas Gerais states.

One of the worst-hit areas in São Paulo state is Franco da Rocha, where four people died in a landslide and six others were rescued.

Fire fighters and health workers worked around the clock looking for victims in the mud, but local authorities believe up to 14 people are still missing.

The Mayor’s office in Franco da Rocha urged people living in areas at risk of

Heavy rain flooded the streets in Caieiras municipality

flooding to seek shelter with friends and relatives.

In recent months, heavy rains have affected other areas of Brazil, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced, with the north-eastern state of Bahia one of the hardest hit.

The floods also briefly forced the suspension of mining operations in the state of Minas Gerais, where at least 15 people died earlier this month.

Meteorologists say the

excessive rain is a result of a summer phenomenon - the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) - that causes heavy rainfall.

The bad weather is also a result of La Niña, a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide.

Experts also say climate change is contributing to extreme weather events around the world. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Cubans bundle up against cold as temperatures plunge, winds roar

C

ubans bundled up in heavy jackets, hats and gloves and shuttered their homes on Monday as near-record cold and strong winds slammed the balmy Caribbean island more accustomed to bright sun and sultry trade winds.

The small town of Bainoa, east of Havana, felt temperatures plunge to just 3 degrees Celsius (37.4°F) early Monday morning, following gusty winds that buffeted the island’s palm fringed shores much of the weekend.

“This is not normal,” said Havana resident Barbara Salgado, wearing a black scarf around her neck to ward off the cold. “Temperatures

here (in winter) are always cool but they are never like this, it’s almost polar.”

The extreme weather prompted Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to call on citizens to watch out for one another.

“Take care especially of our children and elderly,” he said on Twitter on Sunday.

Police shut down Havana’s shorefront boulevard, the Malecon, on Sunday and early Monday, and many of even the most stalwart fishermen had vacated their posts as towering, foam-topped rollers slammed the seawall, flooding streets and soaking passersby.

Jorge Sanchez, who

strolled the street in a warm jacket, marvelled at the cold.

“It’s truly been a long time since it’s been this cold.

It’s unbelievable,” Sanchez said.

The same front brought unusual cold to Florida on Sunday morning, triggering a freeze outlook from the US National Weather Service and the coldest temperatures in a decade across large swaths of the state.

Temperatures in Havana and throughout Cuba are expected to moderate gradually and hover at normal levels by week’s end, local meteorologists said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Forty per cent of households in region experience hunger”

T

he Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has pointed to the dangers of deficiencies in food security that countries in the region are facing, with 40 per cent of households surveyed in the Caribbean experiencing some form of hunger.

It noted that up to 42 per cent of said they have faced moderate to severe hunger during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

A survey of eight Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, found

that 15 per cent of households in these countries indicated that the impact of the pandemic on their livelihoods, which affect how they eat was severe, and 41 per cent said they experienced moderate negative effects. Estimates of food and nutritional security last year by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and others showed that the Caribbean subregion is the worst affected in the current situation, where 59 million people in the region are likely to be undernourished.

This is a 56 per cent increase over the estimate for 2015.

Details of the findings are in ECLAC’s flagship annual Social Panorama of Latin America 2021 report, which

was launched last Thursday by executive secretary, Alicia Bárcena. It includes the latest poverty, inequality and social spending figures in the context of the prolonged novel coronavirus pandemic.

The commission has projected that the number of people living in extreme poverty in the region will increase from 81 to 86 million, while the total number of people living in poverty will decline slightly from 204 to 201 million. It pointed that rising food prices, coupled with declining incomes, have meant that many households have not had access to food to meet their nutritional needs. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

housands of people in northern Chile have staged a protest against migration from Venezuela.

Demonstrators marched through the city of Iquique waving Chilean flags and demanding the expulsion of what they called foreign criminals.

Some tore down tents that had housed migrants, while at least one person was beaten by the crowd.

There has been an increase in people arriving in Chile after fleeing Venezuela’s economic collapse.

The protest, which attracted 4000 people, was

triggered by a video that showed two Chilean policemen being attacked at a checkpoint by suspected Venezuelan drug dealers.

Chile, one of the wealthiest countries in South America, has been a destination of choice for many Venezuelans, despite pandemic restrictions in recent years.

But there have been growing tensions over border control in the country, with migration and crime among voters’ biggest concerns in last year’s presidential elections.

Leftist candidate Gabriel Boric won the election and became the country’s young-

est ever leader last month, defeating his far-right opponent José Antonio Kast.

“This can’t go on,” read one banner from Sunday’s protest, which was marred by incidents of violence.

Videos on social networks showed a man lying on the ground surrounded

by Police officers while protesters shouted at him.

Some protesters also destroyed belongings taken from migrant camps in the streets.

However, Police said they had made no arrests because there had been “no serious disorder”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaica digital currency due for national roll-out in coming months – Central Bank

J

amaica will roll out its digital currency across the country in the first quarter of this year as part of an effort to lower transaction costs and provide financial services to citizens who do not use banks, a central bank official told Reuters.

The Bank of Jamaica said in December that it completed a pilot project that issued 230 million Jamaican dollars (US$1.5 million) of the new currency, an effort that comes on the heels of a similar project launched by a group of Eastern Caribbean nations.

“The majority of Jamaicans are financially excluded,” Natalie Haynes, a deputy governor with Bank of Jamaica for banking and currency operations and financial markets infrastructure, told Reuters in an interview late last week.

“To get those persons into the formal financial system, we decided that the central bank digital currency would be a good opportunity.”

Haynes said the bank hopes to replace 5 per cent of Jamaican dollars with the new digital currency each year.

Five million Jamaican

Deputy Governor Natalie Haynes, Banking and Currency Operations and Financial Markets Infrastructure Divisions of Bank of Jamaica, is seen in this picture distributed to Reuters, in Kingston, Jamaica August 16, 2021

dollars (US$38,000) was issued to Jamaica’s National Commercial Bank, a private financial institution, and JMD $1 million (US$6000) to Bank of Jamaica employees.

NCB signed up 57 customers to use the new currency, the Bank of Jamaica said.

“It’s a different way to pay and allows for easy peer-topeer transactions,” said JohnMatthew Sinclair, chief prod-

uct officer for TFOB (2021), an NCB subsidiary.

Customers sign up for a digital wallet, where they can deposit funds in exchange for digital currency that can then be used in transactions.

Jamaica’s digital currency follows a similar program by a group of Eastern Caribbean nations launched last year called DCash. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T: Govt cheques stolen from Sangre Grande Post Office

T

he Ministry of Social Development said various cheques for various grants and senior citizens pension were stolen during a break in at the Sangre Grande Post Office on Monday morning. A total of 1836 cheques were reported stolen.

The Ministry said all financial institutions, merchants and supermarkets were asked to be on the alert should these cheques be presented for payment.

The following is a press release from the Ministry of

Social Development: The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services advises general public that it was brought to the Ministry’s attention earlier this morning, that a breakin occurred at the Sangre Grande Post Office, which resulted in some of the cheques related to the various grants and senior citizens pension being stolen. While this is an unfortunate circumstance, the Ministry is cognizant that many of its clients will be adversely affected and so, the

Ministry is seeking the public’s indulgence and patience during this time.

A total of 1,836 cheques were reported stolen. All Financial Institutions, Merchants and Supermarkets were asked to be on the alert should these cheques be presented for payment. A list of these cheques are available on the Ministry’s Website and social media platforms, and will be published in the newspapers. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil posts biggest monthly gain in a year on tight supply, political tensions

O

il prices rose on Monday to end January with their biggest monthly gain in a year, boosted by a supply shortage and political tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The most-active Brent contract, for April delivery, traded 74 cents higher, or 0.8 per cent, to settle at US$89.26 per barrel. The front-month contract, for March delivery, which expired at the end of the session, rose US$1.18, or 1.3 per cent, to finish at US$91.21.

US West Texas Intermediate crude rose US$1.33, or 1.5 per cent, to close at US$88.15 a barrel.

The benchmarks recorded their highest levels since October 2014 on Friday, at US$91.70 and US$88.84, respectively, and their sixth straight weekly gain. They gained by about 17 per cent this month, the most since February 2021.

Market analysts and Reuters sources widely expect OPEC+, which groups the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, to keep to its policy of gradual production increases when it meets on Wednesday.

OPEC+ producers have raised their output by 400,000 barrels per day every month since August.

The “month-to-month supply increases of 400,000 bpd are either too immaterial for the market to appreciate and more importantly, not being completely fulfilled by the group,” said Louise Dickson, Rystad Energy’s senior oil markets analyst.

“The only short-term solution for balancing the supply-short oil market will therefore need to come from OPEC+, and steered

by Saudi Arabia, the producer with the largest spare capacity.”

However, OPEC’s oil output in January has again undershot the rise planned under a deal with allies, a Reuters survey found, highlighting some producers’ struggle to pump more even as prices trade at a seven-year high.

Geopolitical tensions involving major oil producers Russia and the United Arab Emirates intensified in January.

The head of NATO said on Sunday that Europe needed to diversify its energy supplies as Britain warned it was “highly likely” that Russia was looking to invade Ukraine.

The market is also on alert over the Middle East after the UAE said it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi as the Gulf state hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in a first such visit. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Canada’s Trudeau ‘not intimidated’ by trucker protest, says he has COVID

P

rime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said Canadians were disgusted by the behavior of some people protesting against COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Ottawa and said he would not be intimidated.

Dozens of trucks and other vehicles have jammed up the city center since Friday.

Thousands descended upon Parliament Hill to complain about Trudeau, COVID-19 vaccine mandates and masking requirements.

Police said most demonstrators have been peaceful but local residents complain about the non-stop blaring of truck horns and some demonstrators using the streets as a toilet. Some also harassed a homeless shelter and demanded staff give them food - the shelter said on Twitter while others flew Nazi flags.

“We are not intimated by those who hurl abuse at small business workers and steal food from the home-

less,” Trudeau told a news conference.

“We won’t give in to those who fly racist flags. We won’t cave to those who engage in vandalism ... There is no place in our country for threats, violence, or hatred.”

Senior members of the official opposition Conservative Party, which last year lost its third consecutive election to Trudeau’s Liberals, have praised the demonstrators.

Trudeau said Conservative leader Erin O’Toole should “reflect very carefully on how he’s walking a path that supports these people who do not represent truckers.”

But the Conservatives say Trudeau is ignoring the pain of thousands fighting for their livelihoods.

Trudeau earlier announced he had contracted COVID-19 but was feeling fine and would be working remotely. For security reasons he was moved to an unspecified location on Saturday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Johnson vows changes after lockdown parties report condemns UK leadership failures

B

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced renewed calls to resign on Monday after a report found that alcohol-fuelled events at his offices and residence when COVID-19 lockdown rules were in force should never have taken place.

The report by senior civil servant Sue Gray into the lockdown gatherings, which occurred when Britons were all but banned from social mixing under coronavirus restrictions, pointed to “serious failures of leadership” at the heart of the British Government.

She condemned some of the behaviour in Government as being “difficult to justify”, saying “the excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time”.

“Some of the events should

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walking outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, January 31, 2022

not have been allowed to take place,” she said. “Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did.”

However, Gray said she could only detail four of 16

events in question because of concerns about prejudicing a separate Police investigation, which involves detectives looking into parties including one in Johnson’s apartment above his office.

Johnson’s office said Gray would be asked to update her report once the Police investigation concluded and it would be published.

The saga has become the gravest threat to Johnson’s premiership, already under scrutiny for a series of scandals and his handling of the COVID-19 response.

Opposition politicians and some members of his own Conservative Party have called on him to resign.

Johnson made a statement and answered questions for almost two hours in Parliament on Monday afternoon following the report’s publication. He apologised again and pledged to make changes at his office.

“I want to say sorry. I get it and I will fix it,” he said in a raucous debate, when he was challenged by some Conservative lawmakers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

North Korea missile tests: Bangladesh cops get Photos from space released death sentence for

army major's murder

B

Japan and South Korea say the missile reached a maximum altitude of 2000km

N

orth Korea has released photographs which it said were taken from its most powerful missile launch in five years.

The unusual pictures taken from space show parts of the Korean peninsula and surrounding areas.

Pyongyang confirmed on Monday it had tested a Hwasong-12 intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM).

At its full power it can travel thousands of miles, putting areas like US territory Guam within striking distance.

The latest test has raised alarm again among the international community.

Pyongyang has conducted a record number of seven missile launches in the past month alone - an intense flurry of activity that has been strongly condemned by the US, South Korea, Japan, and other nations.

The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests, and has imposed strict sanctions. But the East Asian state regularly defies the ban.

US officials on Monday said the recent step up in activity warranted renewed talks with Pyongyang.

The last time the Hwasong-12 was tested was in 2017, when Pyongyang launched it six times including sending it twice over the

Japanese island of Hokkaido, which triggered alarms for residents there.

In 2018 after Kim met Trump, North Korea announced a moratorium on testing nuclear weapons and its longest range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). But by the following year, as relations soured, Kim said they were no longer bound by the declaration.

On Sunday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that with the latest launch, North Korea has “come close to destroying the moratorium declaration”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

angladesh has sentenced two police officers to death for the murder of a former military major that cast a spotlight on extrajudicial killings by the nation’s security forces.

The district court judge announced the verdict against Pradeep Kumar Das Liakat Ali for murdering Sinha Mohammad Rashed on July 31, 2020, near the southeastern tourist town of Cox’s Bazar.

Das and several other officers were accused of shooting dead the retired army major while he was filming a nature documentary.

“The judge said it was a premeditated murder,” prosecutor Tauhidul Ahsan told the AFP news agency. “One of them shot him dead and another kicked him with his boots as he lay dying.”

Monday’s hearing did not discuss the motive for the crime.

Details of the murder were leaked to the press and trig-

gered outrage among the country’s military fraternity, who demanded the officers be punished.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the court to condemn Das and his co-conspirators during the sentencing.

Six more people were sentenced to life in prison for the killing, while seven others were acquitted.

Bangladesh’s rights record under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already drawn international condemnation.

Washington last month imposed sanctions on the country’s elite Rapid Action Battalion security force, along with several former and current top officers, over accusations of extrajudicial killings.

Bangladeshi human rights researcher Mubashar Hasan said the case against Das and the other defendants only went ahead because the victim was a member of the country’s powerful military.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Suspect arrested after two German Police shot dead near Kusel

A

suspect has been arrested after two Police officers were shot dead during a routine traffic stop in Germany.

At 04:20 local time (03:20 GMT) the officers stopped a vehicle in the Kusel district in Rhineland-Palatinate, a state near the French border.

A 29-year-old male officer and a 24-year-old female officer were shot dead at the scene.

Announcing the arrest of a 38-year-old man, Police said they were also holding a sec-

ond man, 32, provisionally.

A search for possible accomplices continued, they added.

The suspect was arrested in Sulzbach, Saarland, shortly after 17:00 and will be brought before an investigating judge in Kaiserslautern today.

Roads in the area were closed on Monday and authorities urged people not to pick up hitchhikers.

Some details of the incident are unclear. As yet there is little description of what

happened in the attack and Police have not suggested a possible motive.

German newspaper Bild reports that the officers sent two radio messages from the road. In the first, the officers reportedly said that they had stopped a suspicious vehicle and discovered dead game in the boot.

A second message followed soon after, the paper added.

“They’re shooting at us!” the officers reportedly said, before radio contact broke off.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Listen, assess and formulate what you must do to reach your target. Call on someone reliable to verify that you are on the right track and put your mind at ease.

(March 21-April 19) Indecisiveness will cause confusion, and mistakes will occur if you can’t differentiate between what you want and what you can have. Dissect the information you receive and verify facts.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Stay on track and forge ahead. Ignore what others do or say if you want to stay on track. Simplify your life and stick to the path that leads to the highest rewards. Be dedicated and innovative.

(May 21-June 20) You’ll have some unique ideas to share. The input you receive will help you expand your plans. Reach for the stars. Romance is apparent, and making a bold move will pay off.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Team up with someone who has as much to offer as you do. If you join forces with someone who is all talk and no action, you’ll do all the work yourself while still having to share the rewards.

(July 23-Aug. 22) You have plenty to look forward to if you embrace the changes that come your way. Don’t fear doing things differently or changing your direction midway. Let your intuition guide you.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Show resilience and tenacity, and you will overcome any negativity or opposition. Don’t let anyone lead you astray or take away what’s rightfully yours. Call the shots.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Don’t let bitterness engulf you when creativity and adventure will enlighten you and push you in a beneficial direction. A positive attitude will make it easier to let go of the past.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Spend more time on moneymaking projects and less time socializing with your friends. Too much partying will lead to temptations that will make someone you care about question your standards.

Count on yourself and you won’t be disappointed. Delegating responsibilities to someone who isn’t reliable will leave you looking bad. Pick up the pace, and you’ll be able to get everything done.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Check facts, but let your emotions contribute to your decision. Have a heart and be mindful, but don’t be gullible. A positive change can lead to progress, but it must be made for the right reason.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Listen, evaluate and make adjustments. Don’t feel compelled to do things the way someone specifies if you have a system that works better for you. Deliver what’s essential.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

21

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

WI Women vs SA Women:2nd ODI…

Deandra Dottin

Deandra Dottin mauls South Africa in Super Over finish …Khaka’s five-for pushes game into overtime D

eandra Dottin’s career-best 150* on Friday could not beat the rain, but her 19 off five balls in the Super Over sealed a rain-affect second ODI against South

Africa.

The match was reduced to 41 overs a side, and both teams were bowled out for 160 before Dottin and Hayley Matthews starred in a record Super Over of 25 without loss against Shabnim Ismail.

South Africa’s Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits got off to a good start, with 15 runs off the first four balls from Matthews, but managed only two off the last two balls to concede the match.

Dottin was at her destructive best in the match proper, top-scoring with 37, and was especially so in the Super Over.

She swiped a full toss to mid-wicket for two to start off, then moved across her stumps to ramp Ismail for four, and then got down on one knee to drive Ismail over long-on for six. She took three off the last balls she faced, leaving Matthews with one ball, which she sent over the leg side for another six.

“When Deandra decides to bat, it’s quite difficult to have a plan,” South Africa’s captain Suné Luus conceded. “You can try and contain her on one side, but she is a batter with a lot of experience and power.”

And South Africa were unable to match that skill. With Lizelle Lee out of the series as she recovers from COVID-19, South Africa chose to use Tazmin Brits and Chloe Tryon, who started the reply with a six over mid-wicket. Tryon scrambled through for one on the ball after, before Brits hit Matthews for successive fours. South Africa needed 10 runs off the last two deliveries, but scored two off the penultimate ball, which put victory out of reach.

South Africa and West Indies were involved in the last tied match, with West Indies’ winning the Super Over while South Africa have been involved in the last five tied ODIs. Stand-in captain Luus joked that she hopes her side could come out on the right side of tense affairs fairly soon. But for that to happen, their tactics in crunch moments need examination. In this case, South Africa preferred Ismail in the Super Over over Ayabonga Khaka, who took a career-best 5

for 26 in eight overs, and Luus was left to explain why.

“We felt Shabnim, with her experience, and she bowled the over before, so she was confident she could keep West Indies to a low total,” Luus said.

Ismail bowled what became the last over of the match, and dismissed Shakera Selman lbw with scores level, to snatch a tie from the jaws of defeat, after West Indies had clawed their way back into the chase. They were 83 for 6 in the 21st over, with danger-woman Dottin dismissed for 37, and South Africa’s slower bowlers enjoying success on what Luus called a “sticky” pitch.

Chedean Nation and Chinelle Henry came together for the seventh wicket with the intention to take their team over the line. “We had a discussion that it had to be between me and Chedean. It was about applying ourselves and keep it ticking,” Henry said. “We understand each other, and we bat well together. We knew we had to take the responsibility to take the team to the end.”

Henry became Khaka’s fourth victim, to end their partnership on 54; and Shamilia Connell was out lbw off the next ball, to leave West Indies needing 24 runs with two wickets in hand. Nation and Selman then shared 21 runs for the ninth wicket, before Nation was caught off Masabata Klaas when West Indies were three runs short of victory. Ismail denied them that, but could not stop them from winning the Super Over.

Ultimately, South Africa may rue the way they batted, with collapses at the top and bottom of the innings. They started slowly but solidly, and reached 53 without loss in the 17th over; but then lost three wickets for five runs in 13 deliveries, and the middle-order was required to rebuild.

Luus shared a 33-run fourth-wicket stand with Mignon du Preez, and a 29-run fifth-wicket stand with Tryon. She topscored with 46 before South Africa’s lower order fell away.

They lost five wickets for 18 runs in 30 balls.

The five bowlers West Indies used took two wickets each, with Shamilia Connell and Hayley Matthews conceding at under three runs an over.

The third match in the series will be played on Thursday

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN INNINGS (41 OVERS MAXIMUM) Laura Wolvaardt c Selman b Henry 25 Tazmin Brits c †Campbelle b Henry 25 Lara Goodall st †Campbelle b Ramharack 1 Sune Luus (c) c Taylor b Connell 46 Mignon du Preez c Matthews b Ramharack 9 Chloe Tryon c Henry b Connell 18 Sinalo Jafta †c & b Matthews 14 Shabnim Ismail c Williams b Selman 0 Masabata Klaas c Nation b Selman 3 Ayabonga Khaka c †Campbelle b Matthews 4 Nonkululeko Mlaba not out 6 Extras (lb 1, nb 3, w 5) 9 TOTAL (40.4 Ov, RR: 3.93) 160 Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Laura Wolvaardt, 16.1 ov), 2-58 (Lara Goodall, 17.2 ov), 3-58 (Tazmin Brits, 18.2 ov), 4-91 (Mignon du Preez, 25.5 ov), 5-120 (Sune Luus, 31.6 ov), 6-142 (Chloe Tryon, 35.2 ov), 7-146 (Sinalo Jafta, 36.3 ov), 8-148 (Shabnim Ismail, 37.4 ov), 9-151 (Masabata Klaas, 37.6 ov), 10-160 (Ayabonga Khaka, 40.4 ov) BOWLING O M RW Shamilia Connell 8 0 22 2 Shakera Selman 8 0 47 2 Hayley Matthews 7.4 0 21 2 Chinelle Henry 9 1 32 2 Karishma Ramharack 8 1 37 2

WEST INDIES WOMEN INNINGS TARGET: 161 RUNS FROM 41 OVERS) Deandra Dottin b Khaka 37 Rashada Williams c Luus b Klaas 1 Kycia Knight c Goodall b Khaka 3 Stafanie Taylor (c) c & b Luus 21 Hayley Matthews c Ismail b Khaka 4 Shemaine Campbelle † b Luus 13 Chedean Nation c Goodall b Klaas 35 Chinelle Henry b Khaka 26 Shamilia Connell lbw b Khaka 0 Shakera Selman lbw b Ismail 11 Karishma Ramharack not out 1 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 8 TOTAL (37.4 Ov, RR: 4.24) 160 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Rashada Williams, 1.3 ov), 2-32 (Kycia Knight, 6.2 ov), 3-43 (Deandra Dottin, 8.4 ov), 4-49 (Hayley Matthews, 10.3 ov), 5-82 (Stafanie Taylor, 20.1 ov), 6-83 (Shemaine Campbelle, 20.3 ov), 7-137 (Chinelle Henry, 31.1 ov), 8-137 (Shamilia Connell, 31.2 ov), 9-158 (Chedean Nation, 36.3 ov), 10-160 (Shakera Selman, 37.4 ov) BOWLING O Shabnim Ismail 7.4 Masabata Klaas 6 Ayabonga Khaka 8 Nonkululeko Mlaba 9 Sune Luus 7

M 0 1 1 0 1

R 28 42 26 38 25

W 1 2 5 0 2

at the same venue, where, according to Luus, the persistent summer rain is helping to replicate conditions the teams can expect at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

(ESPNcricinfo)

WI Team at U19 World Cup…

Bishop, Wickham propel West Indies to 11th Place over Zimbabwe SCOREBOARD A

Teddy Bishop remained not out on 112

lready out of the Plate finals, West Indies U19 needed a win to boost their morale as they battled Zimbabwe in the 11th Place Play-off at the Diego Martin ground in Trinidad.

Centuries from Teddy Bishop and the in-form Kevin Wickham ensured the men in maroon depart the competition with something to feel proud about.

Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 2564 in their allotment of 50 overs. The local side’s bowling lacked penetration, and the men from Zimbabwe settled down and began to score with relative freedom.

Despite two early wickets, Steven Saul and Brian Bennett put together a 55-run stand before Saul fell for 34.

It wasn’t over, as Brian Bennett then formed with David Bennett a partnership that took them to 182-3 before Brain fell for 62. From there, David and Connor Mitchell took Zimbabwe the rest of the journey, and David ended on 77, while Mitchell scored a spanking 42 off 26 de-

liveries.

Bowling for West Indies, Johann Layne returned figures of 2-44 while Giovante Depeiza returned 1-42.

In the chase, Mathew Nandu was the first to go, scoring one off seven deliveries; but from there, Bishop and Wickham cast anchor and carried the innings the rest of the way. They were untouchable, and the men in maroon never look so good.

The duo put together a partnership of 194 runs as they frustrated their opponents.

Coming closer to the end, Wickham was dismissed for 104, but Bishop carried the game, and remained unbeaten on 112 alongside Rivaldo Clarke, who was on 28.

For West Indies, the most impressive was Kevin Wickham, who got his chance, and from his four games was able to score 243 runs at an average of 81. For bowlers, Shiva Sankar bagged 9 wickets from his six games at an economy rate of 4.18 and a best of 3-17.

ZIMBABWE UNDER-19S INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Matthew Welch c Sankar b Layne 10 Steven Saul †run out (Bishop/†Bowen-Tuckett) 34 Emmanuel Bawa (c) c Wickham b Layne 9 Brian Bennett c † Bowen-Tuckett b Depeiza 62 David Bennett not out 77 Connor Mitchell not out 42 Extras (lb 3, w 19) 22 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 5.12) 256/4 Did not bat: Tashinga Makoni, Matthew Schonken, Tendekai Mataranyika, Mcgini Dube, Alex Falao Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Matthew Welch, 2.4 ov), 2-25 (Emmanuel Bawa, 6.6 ov), 3-80 (Steven Saul, 19.4 ov), 4-182 (Brian Bennett, 42.1 ov) BOWLING Johann Layne Shiva Sankar McKenny Clarke Anderson Mahase Matthew Nandu Ackeem Auguste Giovonte Depeiza

O M RW 7 1 44 2 10 1 50 0 7 0 50 0 10 1 29 0 10 0 27 0 1 0 11 0 5 0 42 1

WEST INDIES UNDER-19S INNINGS (TARGET: 257 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Matthew Nandu (c) lbw b BJ Bennett 1 Teddy Bishop not out 112 Kevin Wickham c Dube b Schonken 104 Rivaldo Clarke not out 28 Extras (b 2, lb 3, w 12) 17 TOTAL (49.2 Ov, RR: 5.31) 262/2 Did not bat: Ackeem Auguste, Giovonte Depeiza, Carlon BowenTuckett †, Anderson Mahase, Johann Layne, McKenny Clarke, Shiva Sankar Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Matthew Nandu, 1.1 ov), 2-195 (Kevin Wickham, 34.6 ov)

BOWLING O Mcgini Dube 8 Brian Bennett 6 Alex Falao 7.2 Connor Mitchell 10 Tendekai Mataranyika 8 Matthew Schonken 10

M 0 0 0 0 0 0

RW 36 0 31 1 51 0 59 0 42 0 38 1

22 English Coach Ian Greenwood completes term as GFF Technical Director T TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Ian Greenwood will in March complete a successful fiveyear term in charge of the day-to-day national football programme in Guyana, rounding off a record-breaking stint driving the establishment of a sustainable and holistic foundation for future growth in the game.

Greenwood, a UEFA class A licence-holder and former coach at Leeds United and Huddersfield Town, led the design, creation, and implementation of a new national football philosophy development programme, the GFF’s ground-breaking Academy Training Centres and talent pathway, which focus on nurturing youth and coaches across Guyana through age-specific curricula.

During his tenure, the Guyana senior men’s team competed for the first time ever at the Concacaf Gold Cup, the U15 Male team won the nation’s first international youth tournament, the U20 Women’s team came within two games of reaching the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup, and the U17 Women’s team reached its first ever Concacaf Championship – a huge leap forward after conceding 40 goals in three qualifying games back in 2013.

In addition, the U20 Men’s team qualified for its first championship since 1984, and this year, the U17 and U20 Women’s teams would, for the first time, compete in consecutive Concacaf Women’s Championships.

The total number of national team engagements increased 142% during Greenwood’s tenure, with a rise of 567% in female youth

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

international matches and 344% for male youth teams. Goal differences and win percentages have also improved across all national age groups, and talent from the hinterland has been integrated into all the national squads.

“Serving football in Guyana has been a huge privilege for me, and I want to say ‘thank you’ to the entire football community for its support in the last five years, as I conclude my stint here,” Greenwood has said. “I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together since 2016, especially in terms of developing young talent and coaches across Guyana and strengthening the GFF’s technical capacity, and I will look back fondly on my time here as I take the next steps in my career.

“Guyana has such huge potential in football, and I believe we have now laid the foundation for that potential to be realised in the future,” he added. “I would like to thank President Forde, the Executive Committee, and the GFF administration for the opportunity to join the team, and wish them all the very best for the future.”

An expert in youth and coach education, Greenwood also led the transformation of Guyana’s coaching structure. Having inherited a situation where no domestic-based coaches held valid certification, Greenwood leaves his post having helped 75 coaches attain Concacaf coaching qualifications from D to B licences, the highest level offered by the regional body.

As part of rollout of the Academy

Training Centre youth and grassroots development programme, he also created a national framework of employed, trained Technical Development Officers to increase the GFF’s impact and capabilities in its nine regional associations.

With the goals for Greenwood’s tenure completed, including transitioning the operational management of the Academy Training Centres to the regional associations, and the establishment of the club charter system, GFF President Wayne Forde has said the federation is thankful to the Englishman for his service.

“Ian’s appointment has proven to be a huge success for the GFF and football in Guyana, especially given that the scope of our initial ambitions and the lack of suitably qualified homegrown talent at the time required the recruitment of a specialist from overseas,” GFF President Wayne Forde has said. “Ian has been instrumental in capacity-building and upskilling our talent pool to help us avoid that situation in the future,” Forde added.

“He has also been a very popular figure among our staff and community, (and he) worked hard to assimilate into our culture and to become one of our own. His impressive legacy in developing our football strategy, staff, coaches and players will continue to have a positive impact on Guyanese football for many years to come, not least in the rollout of our nationwide network of Academy Training Centres and his achievements in turning around our coaching structure.”

The process to find Greenwood’s replacement has begun, and further details would be announced by the GFF in due course.

“We have been delighted with his professional work ethic and commitment to the cause, as well as the wide-ranging results on the ground that are there for everyone to see.

Our youth development structure is now regarded by FIFA and Concacaf as a model of best practice for the Caribbean region,” Forde said.

“As an adopted son of the soil, we will miss Ian, and wish him every blessing as he returns to the UK and moves on to the next stage of his evolving career in football.”

Apex Group to be title sponsor for England’s Guyanese Kelvin Johnson three-Test tour of the West Indies in March wins Trinidad and Tobago’s International Marathon

G

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) and Apex Group have announced an extended partnership which would see Apex Group become the title sponsor of the three-match Apex Test Series between West Indies and England in March 2022.

Apex Group, a global provider of financial, sustainability and environmental services, will feature prominently on the global television broadcast as well as prime pitch and wicket branding placements, and the Apex logo would appear on the breast of the West Indies Test kit for the duration of the Apex Test Series.

Apex would be granted access to the West Indies Team for marketing activation and content, and would deliver several sustainability initiatives involving the participation of West Indies players.

The partnership between CWI and Apex Sustainability commenced in October 2021, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the Apex brand appearing on the West Indies’ ICC T20 World Cup shirt. Apex is providing sustainability and environmental advisory services over a three-year period as CWI’s Exclusive Sustainability Partner. By providing CWI with annual carbon footprint assessments, Apex would help lead the way in driving sustainability in cricket across the region, by supporting CWI in creating an action plan to reduce and offset climate-altering outputs, including international travel.

The Apex Test Series would be played for the newly-minted Richards-Botham Trophy, named in honour of legends Sir Vivian Richards and Lord Ian Botham. The Apex Test Series opens appropriately at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua

from March 8-12, followed by the second Apex Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados from March 16-20.

The third and final contest would be held at the idyllic Grenada National Stadium from March 2428.

All three Apex Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championships, with both West Indies and England vying for points to challenge for qualification for the World Test Championships’ final in 2023.

“We’re delighted to build on our growing relationship with Apex for the upcoming Apex Test Series, which continues to be the most anticipated and highest-profile international sports event in the Caribbean,” CWI CEO Johnny Grave has said.

“With the West Indies versus England Test rivalry dating back nearly one hundred years, this deeper partnership with Apex enables CWI to make cricket more sustainable as we move towards a second century of West Indies cricket and build the next generation of cricketers across the Caribbean.”

Meanwhile, Peter Hughes, Founder and CEO of the Apex Group, has said this is an important partnership for his company.

“Following a challenging two years for sport, we are pleased to be a part of the return of International Test Cricket hosted in the West Indies,” he said.

“This is an important partnership for us, as we look forward to further leveraging the combined global platform Apex Group and the West Indies represent to raise awareness for driving greater environmental sustainability in the sport for fans, players and future generations.” (Sportsmax)

uyanese distance runner Kelvin Johnson won the Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon (TTIM) on Sunday in a time of two hours, 55 minutes and 33 seconds.

Johnson was among a selected group of 27 athletes who qualified to physically cover the 26.2-mile marathon distance over a four-lap circuit along the Chaguaramas bicycle path.

Tobagonian Elvis Turner finished second in 2:58.50, while the former TTIM champion, veteran runner Curtis Cox, was third in 3:25.22.

Meanwhile, Polish distance runner Ryschard Ellert completed the course in 4:59.36. Ellert is a marathon globetrotter, and Sunday’s TTIM was the 130th marathon in which he has participated, and Trinidad was the 99th country.

In the women’s division, Shardie Mahabir topped the small field in 3:38.51.

Chantel Le Maitre secured runner-up spot in 3:40.00, while Alana Lee Wo rounded off the top three finishers with a time of 4:16.47.

Additionally, TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) President Brian Lewis completACCOMMODATIONS ed his eighth consecutive 26.2-mile maraAracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara thon/walk in six hours and 59 minutes on (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge Sunday. and Vreed-n-Hoop) – Air Conditioned Lewis and a small group of supporters Comfort. Amenities include TV, began the traditional TTIM trek from St Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Mary’s Junction, Freeport at 2.35am, and Gym. Free Parking, Free WIFI. Spend arrived at the Queen’s Park Savannah, 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates from $45 US Breakfast Included. Long Port of Spain finish line, at 9.34 am. term rates available. Phone: 264Since the TTOC’s Athlete and Welfare 2946-9 www.aracariresort.com Preparation Fund was launched in BUSINESS December 2014, Lewis joined forces with OPPORTUNITYthe TT International Marathon (TTIM) to RESTAURANT RENTAL host a marathon/walkathon to help raise funds for Olympic athletes. He has covered West Bank Demerara, (Versaillesthe challenging distance annually since between Harbor Bridge and Vreed2015. This year however, will be Lewis’s n-Hoop): - Aracari Resort – Turn Key last marathon/walk as TTOC President, Business. Furnished and equipped. since his second four-year term comes to Covid-19 reduced capacity is 60. Phone 264 2946; 626-5290. an end in April.

CLASSIFIED ADS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Alonzo Ramsingh gets support from project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”

P

romising East Coast Under-15 fast bowler Alonzo Ramsingh is the latest young cricketer in Guyana to gain from the project “CRICKET GEAR FOR YOUNG AND PROMISING CRICKETERS IN GUYANA”.

Ramsingh was recently spotted by Anil Beharry, a partner in this initiative, at a recently concluded trial match played at the LBI ground to select the East Coast’s Under-15 team to participate in the DCB’s Inter- Association Competition. This competition will be used by the DCB selectors to select the Demerara team for the Inter County tournament.

Beharry then approached Ajay Gainda, owner of Cricket Equipment Guyana, for assistance, and the youthful Gainda unhesitatingly obliged.

Ajay is a solid right-hand opener and right-hand off- spinner who represented Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels, and has been eager to showcase his talent at the Under-19 level with the hope of representing the West Indies at the 2022 Youth World Cup, currently being held in the Caribbean for the first time. Unfortunately, onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in the suspension of all cricket activities in the Caribbean, including the Regional Under-19 tournament.

At a simple presentation ceremony held recently at the Rubis Gas Station at Bel Air Public Road, Georgetown, the home of the sponsor, Gainda said he is happy to be part of this project and to give to young and promising cricketers.

He added that he also saw the skills of Ramsingh, and is confident that, with the correct guidance, he is one for the future.

Cricket Equipment Guyana is the only authorised distributor of authentic SS and SG brands of cricket gear,

while Gainmart Supermarket at the University of Guyana Road is the sole authorised importer of the brands. The store sells top quality cricket gear at the best prices in Guyana, with the aim of making it affordable to cricketers around the country.

Ramsingh has received one pair of fast bowling cricket shoes valued at $20,000. He expressed gratitude to Beharry and his initiative, and to the sponsor Gainda, and has promised to work hard on his game with an eye to national selection in the 2022 Regional Under-15 Competition.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $40,000 cash, two trophies, three cricket boots, Ajay Gainda (left) handing over cricket shoes to twelve pairs of batting pads, Alonzo Ramsingh fourteen bats, nine pairs of batdone across the country, and club leadting gloves, and four cricket ers would also assist to identify talent. bags.

Persons who wish to make a conTo date, twenty-three young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, tribution to this initiative can contact Georgetown, the East Canje, East Anil Beharry or Kishan Das. Beharry Coast, Berbice and Upper Corentyne and Das take this opportunity to areas have already benefited from a ju- thank Javed and Imran of West Indian nior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, one pair of bowling shoes, six pairs of Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P batting pads, and six pairs of batting Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, gloves.

In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Cricket Club has benefited from a pair Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, of stumps and bails, and two clubs in Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin the Pomeroon area have benefited from Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman two used bats.

This project is a joint initiative Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo

by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall and Beharry. Cricket-related items, used Cricket Equipment Guyana.

More distribution will be done as or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in soon as the gear is available. Anyone Guyana. Skills, discipline and educa- interested in contributing can contact tion are important characteristics of Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan the recipients. Talent spotting is being Das on 1-718-664-0896.

Prashad, Mangra win LGC in-house tournament

Maxim Mangra

Patrick Prashad

Seven Guyanese confirmed as FIBA-certified Table Officials A

ction in the in-house tournament sponsored by the Lusignan Golf Club last Saturday saw standout performances by Maxim Mangra and Patrick Prashad, who stormed to the title with ease.

T

he International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has confirmed seven (7) candidates from Guyana as FIBA-certified Table Officials after conclusion of the FIBA-certified Table Officials’ testing period.

The GABF would like to congratulate the following candidates who are now eligible to be nominated for FIBA official international competitions through August 31, 2023.

• Lynceia Angel • Daniel Haynes • Leona Kyte • Victor Rogers • Ruddy Sampson • Ruth Sanmoogan • Jahrier Young

MMZCC to embark on cricket tour to Guyana

T

he New York-based Meten-meerZorg Cricket Club (MMZCC) would be embarking on their first ever cricket tour to this beautiful land of Guyana from March 17th-28th 2022, and would be playing several matches.

This team is made up of players who are originally from Meten-Meer-Zorg, WDC, although some are from various areas throughout Guyana. They are coming off an excellent 2021 cricket season in the Nationals New York Cricket

League, where they made it to the playoffs in all three formats.

Ajaz Asgarally (Manager/player) and Ricky Kissoon (Coach/player) have decided to reward the boys with a well-deserved tour.

MMZ CC will be doing some charitable work at various orphanages and schools during the tour. Troy Khan, who is overseeing this tour, has promised to make it a memorable experience for all of the boys.

23

The results for the day were as follows: * 1st: Maxim Mangra & Patrick Prashad; Gross 76 Hc 11 Net 65 * 2nd: Aasrodeen Shaw & Ferose Barkatt. Gross 79 Hc 11 Net 68 * 3rd: Shanella London & Pope London. Gross 78 Hc 9 Net 69 * Longest Drive: Videsh Persaud * NTP: Patrick Prashad speaking to this publication at end of the tournament, LGC VP Paton George said, “You could pick your own team. Some players went for a team with a higher handicap. This meant that they had an advantage over a team with a lower handicap. That strategy could be good if you played consistent and kept things tight. You don’t have to have the best score, but the handicap, when added in or subtracted, you can have the winning net score.”

According to George, the winning team of Mangra and Prashad chose to go

LGC VP, Paton George

with each other because of their raw abilities to score low. He explained that the duo’s approach to chipping and putting, among other things, was what lead to the overall low score and eventually the title, despite having a relatively low handicap.

“It was a very good strategy by Patrick and Maxim.

Patrick also won the closest to the flag, so that’s an indication of their strong play,” he said. “Everyone had a good time, it was fun as usual, we observed all COVID protocols, and the whole atmosphere was festive,” George posited.

George has posited that the type of tournament played is fun. He said the players did enjoy themselves, and a tournament of this kind must be played again. He also said that ninety percent of the LGC tournaments would be stroke play, individual player format, but once in a while the club would sprinkle in a few team tournaments, because they are fun and everyone gets to have a good time.

The Lusignan Golf Club would like to thank all attendees of its competitions for their continued adherence to COVID protocols.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

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

Prashad, Mangra win LGC in-house tournament

Page 23

MMZCC to embark on cricket tour to Guyana Page 23

Alonzo Ramsingh gets support from project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” Pg 23

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.