Guyana Times -- Tuesday, November 30, 2021

$60M Region 2 agroprocessing facility completed

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4847

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Pres Ali urges vaccination as concern about Omicron variant grows See story on page 3

– says vaccines are Guyana’s only chance to avert deaths, hospitalisations

As Amazon deforestation rises, Guyana offers a rare bright spot Page 17

Upgraded Moco Moco Hydropower Plant will add 700 kW to grid

5 more unvaccinated persons die from COVID See story on page 11

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Consumers urged to be on alert when purchasing cosmetics, medicines P13 Duo busted, arrested with illegal GPL electric wire, meter P2 2 tranches of COVID-19 vaccines P12 expected in December Berbice rice P2 farmer pinned to death by tractor

…majority of hospitalised pregnant women unvaccinated Page 7

– to provide cheaper, reliable electricity to Region 9 residents

Bartica residents receive land titles after years of waiting

Multi-agency approach being used to address Venezuelan migrants – Min P9 Todd

See story on page 14

– dozens access other housing services at community outreach

PAC finalising examination of 2016 Auditor General Report

– Chair seeking to P10 consolidate future reports

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice rice farmer pinned to death by tractor P

olice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a rice farmer of East Coast Berbice (ECB) who was pinned after the tractor he was using to plough his rice field toppled.

The dead man has been identified as 20-year-old Samuel Singh of Don Robin, ECB, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Police stated that the incident occurred at around 13:30h on Sunday at a rice field at Caracas, Vryheid Village, West Canje.

However, according to

Dead: Samuel Singh

Anand Singh, the dead man’s father, his son was in the rice field driving a tractor when it toppled and pinned him down.

The aggrieved father told Guyana Times that he was not very far away from his son when the incident occurred.

“The tractor flick right over with am and mask am and me run to am to see if me can save am but me can’t manage by meself because the tractor pin am down,” he said in his native dialect.

Singh recalled trying to bail water from the area hop-

The tractor that pinned Singh after it toppled

ing that it would allow his son to be able to breathe but those efforts were unsuccessful.

As tears filled his eyes, he reflected on the tragic moment. He said that he held on to his son’s hand which was the only part of his body that was visible.

“Then he squeeze mi hand and then loose,” he said in a pained voice.

He explained that he was able to summon other rice farmers and workers in the area and they were able to turn over the tractor but it was too late.

Reports are that it took about fifteen minutes to get the injured man from under the tractor. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the New Amsterdam

Hospital.

His father said that the young man was an experienced heavy-duty machine operator, having learned to operate tractors at a tender age before being licenced as a heavy-duty machine operator.

Singh was the eldest of three siblings and leaves to mourn both parents.

Duo busted, arrested with illegal GPL electric wire, meter

T

wo men, a 58-yearold and a 33-yearold, were arrested on Sunday after they were found to be in possession of a quantity of GPL electric wires and a meter at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Based on reports received, on the day in question, several Police ranks and GPL representatives conducted a house-to-house operation in La Jalousie and Cornelia Ida, WCD. Police stated that acting on information received,

they proceeded to the residence of one of the suspects where they discovered a quantity of GPL electric wires and a meter.

The suspect was questioned as it relates to having GPL property in his possession but he did not give any reasonable explanation. As such, he was immediately arrested.

However, acting on further information received, the team proceeded to a house at Cornelia Ida where the second suspect was contacted, and whilst carrying out investigations, another set of wires and meter were found in his possession.

When questioned, he too could not give any reasonable explanation, thus, he was taken into custody.

Both men remain in custody for the offence of Illegal Diversion of Electricity.

Investigations continue.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Nov 30 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Nov 30 – 13:15h – 14:45h and Wednesday, Dec 1 – 14:05h – 15:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day.

Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Westerly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 06:54h and 19:24h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.68 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

08 05 12

19 24 25

FREE TICKET

26 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

03 22 23 24 26 LUCKY 3

5

2

2

7

Afternoon Draw

2

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

06 07 11 17 18 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2021

05 06 08 15 16 13

06 10 11 12 19

3

4 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

3

7 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

$73.44/barrel

+0.98

Rough Rice

$257.72/ton

-0.05

London Sugar

$501.40/ton

-1.92

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1787.40

$1788.40

Low/High Change

$1781.70 +2.90

$1800.30 +0.16%

Pres Ali urges vaccination as concern about Omicron variant grows ...says vaccines are Guyana’s only chance to avert deaths, hospitalisations

W

ith the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, slowly but surely making its rounds in various parts of the world, President Dr Irfaan Ali in a message to the nation on Monday, urged citizens to get vaccinated as the surest way to protect themselves against the variant.

According to the President, there is no shortage of COVID vaccines in Guyana. He also reminded that the Government has been working around the clock to ensure that enough vaccines are made available for the country to reach herd immunity, even as they await further details from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the variant.

“We are still awaiting further details from the WHO. But what I can say is that our only tool to be ahead of all these variants and all the mutations we are seeing is vaccination. If it is that this variant is far more infectious, then the only thing that can protect us is vaccination. The only thing that would slow hospitalisation and the death rate, is vaccination.”

“We have the vaccines available. So, my short answer to you as we adapt in this new way of living, in fighting all these variants, is to be vaccinated. There is only one way we can be ahead of fighting this pandemic. And that is to be vaccinated,” President Ali said.

President Ali further reiterated the statement made by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, that booster shots are available. He explained that persons who are eligible for the booster shot include those 50 years and above and those 18 and over who have the comorbidities recognised by the WHO.

“Those who are qualified for the booster, make that decision, take the booster.

This is our only chance of fighting off and being aggressively ahead of the impact of any variant on our country. Once you are in the category for booster, get your booster,” Dr Ali encouraged.

The Omicron variant has so far been detected in a number of countries including South Africa, Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia.

However, the WHO has issued a statement saying that it is unclear if the variant is more transmissible than preceding variants like Delta.

“Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalisations in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection,” the WHO said in its statement.

They did, however, urge countries to increase their vigilance and to report all initial cases or clusters to its office. Additionally, the world health body urged individuals to continue to take interpersonal steps to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

“The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn,” the WHO said.

There are currently 1532 active cases of COVID-19 in Guyana. Of this number, 66 persons are hospitalised. Some 43 persons are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal. Some 28 pregnant women who

tested positive are housed in a separate section of the facility.

In Guyana, 399,829 adults or 77.9 per cent have taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, 276,888 or 54 per cent have received a second dose. For children aged 12 to 17, a total of 29,088 first doses were administered with 20,270 second doses.

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.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

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

Helping migrant children T

he Rights of the Child Commission, when it presented its annual report to the National Assembly, said it was “distressed” over some of its findings, which include neglect, abuse, and incest among migrant children.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, globally, staggering numbers of migrant children are experiencing different types of abuse. Governments around the world have mobilised billions of dollars to save their economies, but the UN agency responsible for the protection of children’s rights around the world – UNICEF – has warned that there is another impending and devastating loss if we do not act – a lost generation of children.

According to UNICEF, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals is “slipping backwards”, and children continue to pay the steepest price. The agency warned that without coordinated, global action to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the effects of the pandemic, “the consequences for children now, and for the future of our shared humanity, will be severe”.

On this basis, UNICEF has proposed a six-point plan which laid out in detail a set of practical and concrete actions to reunite the world around a common cause, in order to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. The organisation has urged decision-makers to start by listening to children and young people, and including them in decision-making, since “it is they – especially girls, children facing poverty, exclusion, or violence, those with disabilities, children affected or displaced by humanitarian crisis, and children without parental care – who will live with the impact of this pandemic for decades to come”.

Among the measures in the six-point plan is for Governments to take steps to ensure that all children learn, including by closing the digital divide. According to UNICEF, at their peak, national school closures disrupted the learning of 91 per cent of students worldwide. Some 463 million young people were not able to access remote learning during school shutdowns. As if that were not enough, the organisation warned that previous shutdowns demonstrate that children who are out of school for extended periods, especially girls, are less likely to return.

Governments are called upon to prioritise the reopening of schools in a safe manner, increase education funding, and ensure equal access to quality, violence-free education, so every child learns. Countries are also urged to guarantee access to health and nutrition services, and make vaccines affordable and available to every child.

Additionally, the UNICEF has called for countries to support and protect the mental health of children and young people, and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence, and neglect in childhood.

According to UNICEF, the world is waking up to the extent – and lasting impacts – of child abuse and neglect. But the COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated violence, exploitation and abuse, as children are cut off from key support services while simultaneously suffering the additional stress placed on families in turmoil.

Countries are also urged to increase access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and address environmental degradation and climate change. As correctly pointed out by UNICEF, unreliable access to safe water due to changes in climate limits people’s ability to practise life-saving hygiene measures like handwashing.

The necessary investments are needed in climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in homes, schools, hospitals, and public spaces to make communities better prepared for future pandemics and other shocks.

Further, according to UNICEF, the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 threatens to hit children the hardest, with the number of children living below their national poverty lines expected to soar by 140 million by the end of the year. Economic crises are often followed by cuts to Government spending, including on programmes for children. According to UNICEF, if the world repeats this pattern in the wake of COVID-19, poverty and deprivation among children will continue to rise, even after the immediate crisis has waned.

An inclusive recovery plan is imperative to prevent countless more children from reaching levels of poverty unseen for many years.”

Countries are also being urged to redouble efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster, and displacement. According to UNICEF, even before the pandemic, 2020 was set to see more people than ever in need of humanitarian assistance. COVID-19 has compounded the vulnerabilities of migrant, displaced, and refugee children, as well as those living in crisis-affected countries. And whether the result of active conflict or new pandemic restrictions, it is becoming harder to reach the most vulnerable children with essential and life-saving services.

The call is being made for Governments to increase and maintain funding for emergencies, to prevent multiple, catastrophic and protracted crises, and to save children’s lives, alleviate their suffering, and preserve their dignity. It is worthwhile for countries, including Guyana, to seriously consider the six-point plan being proposed by UNICEF, in order to ensure the welfare of children is given priority.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, HE Guo Haiyan on Monday paid a courtesy call to Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during which several issues of mutual interest were addressed

Mohamed’s Enterprise amply qualified for contracts & socially generous

Dear Editor, Mohamed’s Enterprise issued a press release in response to grumbling about it being contracted to construct Government buildings.

Mohamed’s Enterprise is known for gold mining. Not unexpectedly, some in the public believe it lacks skills in building construction.

Having mining skills should not exclude it from construction or other businesses. If a company has the ability and capacity to construct building for the State, then it should be given consideration for contracts. Consideration for contracts should be based on equitable and fair treatment of companies that put in bids or tenders. I do not know how many companies put in bids and their costs or competence. The State determines qualification criteria. The state determines ability, capacity, and competence and other criteria of construction.

Mohamed’s Enterprise provided evidence of its ability to construct buildings. I don’t think Mohamed’s Enterprise has a shortage of skills, labour, capital, and other resources to put up buildings. And as such it should be considered for tenders or bids in construction or in other areas.

Mr Mohamed, managing director of the company, will not put up the building himself. He will contract a company and workers with the competence to carry out the task.

The company will be held responsible and accountable for its work. Delivery of the product is how it should be judged not mining background.

What impresses me about Mohamed’s Enterprise is corporate social responsibility. I don’t know of other companies funding social and religious activities and donating to worthwhile causes. Recently, the company

funded the studies of a youngster.

I organised several cultural programmes in Guyana. I never approached Mohamed’s Enterprise to sponsor social or cultural programmes. I went to other Indian-owned companies appealing, pleading, begging for sponsor of Indian cultural activities including Phagwah and commemorating Indian Arrival. I came up empty.

The owners of two businesses on Water Street shockingly asked how their companies will benefit from donating to worthwhile causes or funding Indian cultural activities.

And those two companies got billions of dollars in contracts from the Government and also received land to build houses from which they earned billions of dollars.

And they are still getting Government contracts although their specialty is not construction of build-

ings. They put up very good buildings.

If other companies that are not in construction can be given contracts to put up buildings, why not Mohamed’s Enterprise that has already put up several impressive buildings? Isn’t it better to give contracts to a company with a history of giving and supporting charitable causes than a mean company that I described above? Isn’t it better for a Guyanese company to be given contracts than foreign Chinese companies?

The buildings will not be put up by gold diggers but by experienced engineers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other competent construction workers.

Mohamed’s Enterprise is qualified and competent and has unlimited resources to execute Statefunded construction.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

5

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

Mr Charles Ramson is absolutely right!

Dear Editor, Before I delve into my discourse with you this morning, I must make it abundantly clear that the APNU/PNC or whatever they would want to call themselves, is not, and I repeat, is not a voice nor are they an authority in any discussion on The Black Race. Let this be made abundantly clear to all my readers that the PNC are in no way shape or form the Black man’s Saviour! They speak as a party and that is all they can boast about, but not for the Black race that I am a part of.

With that backdrop, I shall proceed to address an issue that has engrossed the attention of some members of the PNC party.

These members are particularly peeved over the statements made by Minister Charles Ramson, that the Black community is adversely affected due to a lack of male role models. In their response they seem to

suggest that the Minister’s remarks are somewhat an affront to the Black community. Well, for starters I must tell them that it does not take a Charles Ramson to tell the Black community of its pitfalls, that should be something we are all aware of. Once Mr Ramson is dealing with a statement of fact or as we say plain talk, I have no qualms with the Minister.

And this is my problem with the PNC and some Blacks in that grouping of persons, they find no fault when a Black man can call his own misogynic names - something that is found in the lyrics of most of the songs. The race gyrates to this degrading music, without stopping to think at what they are gyrating to, however, when another race uses those same words, they are up in arms against him. This is the filth I would not countenance.

Charles Ramson on the

other hand would not dare use the “N” word but he is absolutely, one hundred per cent right in making a statement of fact. I concur with the Minister, that the Black race in Guyana cannot - at least looking at those in the PNC - cannot find a role model that they can emulate. Incidentally, as we speak, that is the topic of one of my students doing his SBA here in St Lucia. That point was raised by one of my students doing his school-based assessment paper, that is, the lack of proper male role models in the Black community. He was speaking out of sheer concern and he revealed to me that over 90 per cent of youths in prison at The Bordelais Prison do not know or ever had a proper male figure in their household to give them any form of guidance.

There is good reason for the youth’s concern, and not just here in St Lucia but in the wider world this

COVID-19 deprived us of our loved ones!

Dear Editor, The death of both parents can be one of the most difficult and heart-breaking experiences that a person can go through. From the time we are young, our mother and father are the gentle hands who lead us through life, tenderly showing us which paths to take as we grow up. And when that guiding light is gone, we can feel an immense sense of loss and sorrow like no other.

Many times, we find it difficult to find thoughtful words to express our sympathy and offer condolences when someone passes away—especially when the person who has died was a beloved parent of a grieving family member, friend, colleague, or acquaintance.

What to say to someone who lost a parent, including what to say to someone who lost their mother and who lost their dad and will have to put them both to rest on the same day?

Certainly, the hardest thing about life is death.

Whether you are experiencing grief yourself or have the unpleasant fortune of watching a loved one grieve, sympathy can be difficult to express.

However, if it’s hard for us to find the words to convey our sympathy.

A recent international study estimated that at least 104,884 US children lost one or both parents to COVID-19. And that was as of April 20, 2021, before the highly contagious Delta variant became widespread.

A more detailed study of US deaths estimates that more than 140,000 children have lost a parent or grandparent caregiver, with children

of colour much more likely to be bereaved.

Losing a parent is traumatising, causing great anxiety and sadness. “We know that loss of a parent can upend children’s lives and even affect their development if they are not in a stable home setting.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, many of these children may not have had the chance to say goodbye or attend funerals or family gatherings. This makes it even harder to go through the grieving process. Children may fear their own death or that of others in their lives.

No crisis in recent memory has produced this much loss in such a short period. We haven’t really had an experience of mass bereavement here in Guyana in the same sense, “And we’re not done.”

Even with the delta surge receding, Guyanese are still dying of Covid every day. Those deaths are also skewing younger, with news outlets across the country reporting the deaths of young parents who leave children behind.

Those children find themselves at the centre of the ongoing war between public health experts and vaccine sceptics, with their private grief becoming part of a public push for others to get the shot — even though it’s too late for the ones they loved.

Children, in general, may struggle more than adults with how inexplicably the virus arose and with not getting to be present for the end of their parent’s life. Children are imaginative, particularly younger children, they’re left with

[mental] images that may be far worse than what actually happened in their parent’s final days.

One of the things that’s unique about the pandemic is that it’s also not only deprived us of a loved one, but it’s also deprived us of our opportunities of coming together, so that families can heal, and support one another in order to really get through the most difficult times of life.

Sincerely, David Adams

is a serious problem. Well of course if that was a topic that came up in Guyana the so-called saviour of the Black race would have jumped on it as they have done in Guyana and make it into a racial issue; this is the asininity I would not entertain.

So, I have a few questions for the likes of a Harmon et. al. if you were so crocodile tear concerned about the Black race then could you tell me why your party took away the $10,000 “Because We Care” cash grant, when the demographics clearly show the race being way high in the single parenting graph? If you were really concerned for those homes, you should have increased the grant, instead of taking it away.

There are very many other instances of the forward-thinking role models in society today. Mr Harmon could you tell us who re-built Tipperary Hall in the predominantly Black community of Buxton? Please sir, to thyself be true and give us a sensible answer?

Another glaring example is the village of Sandvoort, a predominantly Black community which for years never had the enjoyment of electricity and modern living standards.

This village came out that backwardness during the late 1990s, thanks to the Black icon and true leader, Mr Samuel Hinds. He visited them and as it was literally brought them out of darkness into the marvellous light.

For years Hamilton

Green would visit the community of Sandvoort during emancipation time, even bringing up citizens to Georgetown to dance African dances for him, but never saw it fit to bring them light and development. They can now have light and forward-thinking thanks to Mr Samuel Hinds and the PPP/C. Don’t they listen to the timbre and the message, from prominent men like Prime Minister Phillips and other Black icons in society today, don’t they hear these men? These are the real role models for the Black community.

Harmon and associates in the PNC are examples of what a prominent Black preacher in the USA categorized as making an imposition of the “second wave of slavery,” just keep the race in subjection of poverty and disgrace while pretending to be concerned for them. Hoyte did that when he gave the dog whistle with the “slo fiah moh fiah” chant. He called out his lackeys to carry out disgraceful acts in the streets of Georgetown, then, when they were caught in the act, he turned again and called

them “simple minds.” These and other despicable things these guys did for the race.

Hoyte also beatified the dead criminal Linden “Blackey” London which was another hallmark of what some Black leaders think about us. Hoyte gloated in the enslavement of the race, he was in essence telling the black man that he is nothing more than a criminal symbol and nothing else, someone who can be used and abused.

I must hasten to a close by reminding those in the PNC party that those of us true Blacks, take great offense when persons the likes of a Harmon or David Hinds speak on behalf of the race. I want these guys to know that we represent a class of individuals who are truly emancipated in our minds and can think for ourselves. I close with the words of brother Bob when he said “emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” We have long since been emancipated and we ask Harmon and cohorts to come join us.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers (continued) MULTIPLY MIXED NUMBERS: You can probably figure out the easiest way to multiply mixed numbers. Change them to improper fractions. Then multiply the fractions just as you normally would.

Materials:

Piece of string, about 6 inches (kite string works great) A pencil or popsicle stick A paper clip (or large plastic bead) 1 cup of water 2 cups of sugar A glass jar (mason jars works well)

MORE ABOUT REDUCING: Here is a good trick for reducing when you multiply two fractions. Look at both numerators and then at both denominators. If you can divide either of those numerators by the same number as either of the denominators, you can reduce.

Exercises: Multiply

Instructions:

NB: Adult assistance required Tie one end of the string to the middle of the popsicle stick or pencil.

Tie the other end around bead or paper clip.

Next, lay the popsicle stick or pencil across the top of a jar so that the string hangs down the middle of the jar. You want to make sure that it is not touching the bottom of the jar, but you do want it close. Also make sure that it is not touching the sides of the jar either. If it hangs down too far, just roll the string around the pencil a few times to shorten the string. The string will act as a seed for the crystal. Now that the string and pencil are ready remove them from the jar and set them aside.

This next part requires hot water so please get an adult’s help.

Pour the water into a pan and bring it to boil.

Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the boiling water, stir it until it dissolves.

Repeat this step until all of the sugar has been dissolved. This will take time and patience and it will take longer for the sugar to dissolve each time. Be sure you don’t give up too soon. You are making a “supersaturated solution”!

Have your adult helper carefully pour the hot sugar solution into the jar and fill it almost all of the way to the top. Go ahead and put your pencil or popsicle back on top and lower the bead or paperclip back inside of the jar, just like you practised before. Allow the jar to cool and put it someplace where it will not be disturbed.

Next comes the waiting part. Check on it every day to see the crystals start to grow, but be very careful not to disturb it. The longer you wait the bigger it will get. You can also place a coffee filter or paper towel over the jar so nothing falls in.

How it works:

When you mixed the water and sugar you made a SUPER SATURATED SOLUTION. This means that the water could only hold the sugar if both were very hot. As the water cools the sugar “comes out” of the solution back into sugar crystals on your string. The string and paper clip act as a “seed” that they start to grow on. With some luck and patience, you will have a tasty scientific treat! Enjoy! (scienceisfun.org)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Upgraded Moco Moco Hydropower Plant will add 700 kW to grid – to provide cheaper, reliable electricity to Region 9 residents sulting in delays in delivery.

Though generation cost is about US$0.49 kWh, consumers currently pay an average rate of US$0.33-0.40 per kWh, thus requiring Government subsidies in the range of US$500,000 per annum. With income at subsistence level, the high cost of electricity supply remains a major burden on households and businesses, which is expected to intensify considering the expansion of businesses and Government’s housing programmes in the area.

Therefore, while the ar-

The Moco Moco Hydropower Plant

R

esidents of Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) are set to benefit from cheaper, reliable energy as the Government of Guyana looks to rehabilitate the defunct 500 kW Moco Moco Hydropower Plant.

Not only will this upgraded plant add an installed capacity of 700 kW to the grid, but the energy will be cleaner since it will not generate significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the Hydropower Plant (HPP) will increase the share of renewable energy sources within the country’s electrical generation system, in the context of sustainable energy development.

The Moco Moco Hydropower project is a high head run-of-the-river diversion type system which is technically and economically feasible, and will generate approximately 4565 MWh/yr of energy annually.

The structures that were initially installed in the project include a diversion system, headrace, forebay, penstock, powerhouse, tailwater canal, step-up substation, administration buildings and a transmission line.

The new project will seek to maintain the current location of the existing hydraulic structure (weir), headrace, forebay, powerhouse, step up substation and tailwater canal.

The penstock alignment will be determined when the geotechnical and topographical surveys are completed, and as such, water will be extracted from the left bank of the Moco Moco creek.

Electricity supply in the Lethem area is currently provided by the Lethem Power Company (LMPC) on a 24-hour basis, generated from the company’s six diesel units with a total installed capacity of 3.825 MVA fuel. This accounts for an estimated 65 per cent operational costs. The fuel is transported by bulk transportation carriers - 450 km from Georgetown to Lethem on unpaved roads, which becomes very challenging during the rainy seasons, re-

ea’s peak demand is 800 kW, it is expected to increase in the short to medium term, particularly since Government has recently completed infrastructural works for an industrial estate in the town, which will add to the demand for a more affordable electricity supply.

The estimated capital cost of the 700 kW Moco Moco Hydropower plant is US$2.2 million.

Notably, the Government of Guyana has also applied to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for financial

support for the Hinterland Electrification Programme, and intends to use some of the proceeds to fund the construction and rehabilitation of the 1.5-Megawatt (MW) plant at Kumu.

In addition to the operationalisation of the largescale gas-to-energy and Amaila Falls Hydropower projects for the main grid, the Government intends to expand the Hinterland Electrification Programme by implementing several small, renewable energy projects for urban and offgrid communities.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dissecting…

T

…Jagan here’s a raging debate going on in another section of the press about Dr Cheddi Jagan and his role in Guyanese politics in general, and his cultural orientation in particular. Now the poor man passed away almost a quarter a century ago and some may say “isn’t it time we move on?? But then again, the Brits are still discussing King Arthur and his Knights at Camelot – supposedly from the 6th century – when they don’t even know whether he existed or not!!

Jagan, we know, did exist and your Eyewitness believes his role must be interrogated since there are folks who still swear by him. Or AT him!!

So what’s the scoop on Cheddi – as he insisted on being called by one and all!? Well, one academic fella – who’s been involved with Guyanese politics for three decades – says that Cheddi’s embrace of communism in the fifties was kinda naive and he was tone deaf on culture. Especially when it is considered within the context of what was going on between the US and the USSR – their Cold War for global hegemony. Now we could all retort – as some of Cheddi’s defenders have done – that this is all well and good with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.

But that’s not fair, is it?? When the PPP was formed in 1950 with Cheddi and Burnham – as leader and Chairman respectively – the latter was even more “red” in his pronouncements than the former. On the “culture” charge, Cheddi did cobble together a cultural coalition in the first PPP - -didn’t he? But as events unfolded after their government was ousted after a mere 133 days, Burnham gauged the direction the wind was blowing and jibbed his political path by adjusting his ideological sails!! Now Jagan’s retort – and his partisans today snort – that Burnham had no principles. But that wasn’t true – was it?

Unlike Jagan, Burnham was a REALIST dealing with realists in the US and USSR. From the cited declassified files, we know that even the two competing powers saw Cheddi as an idealist. Very few American leaders had unkind words about him – as opposed to Burnham who they dubbed an “opportunist”. But the bottom line was, they’d rather work with him than the simonpure Marxist, Cheddi Jagan! His intentions were always for the greater good – not only for Guyana but for the world. But that was a TAD out of proportion, wasn’t it? Could Guyana really be that consequential to’ve put “the West on Trial”?? So yes, Cheddi was a good man who had the best of intentions. But they do say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, don’t they??

He might’ve done much better as a priest than as a politician. …Ramson Your Eyewitness is more than a “bit” confused on the brouhaha from the PNC side over some remarks made by Minister of Culture Ramson. Seems he raised their ire by insisting that African Guyanese in that party weren’t providing role models for their constituency – when it comes to “making money”. But those same worthies have been griping about African Guyanese coming out with the short end of THAT stick – even after 28 years of Burnham and Hoyte and 5 years of Granger!! Now, there’s no single cause for ANY human behavioural pattern but isn’t it POSSIBLE that in making money, role models might be ONE FACTOR??

Anyhow your Eyewitness was amused by one participant in a group discussing Minister Ramson’s foray into areas where angels fear to tread!! She repeatedly referred contemptuously to the Minister as a “BOY”! The term was picked up by the rest of the panel – ironically by one who said he was a classmate of Ramson.

And presumably was just as much a “BOY”!! …Black Pudding Looks like the furore over the call for boycotting Indian Guyanese vendors of Black Pudding has now spread over into which ethnic group can make THAT best – or Dhall Puri.

Whatever happened to “De gustibus non est…”??

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

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multi-agency approach being used to address Venezuelan migrants – Min Todd – as high-level meeting held with UNHCR officials

W

hile holding a high-level meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd made it clear that a multi-agency approach will continue to be used to address the influx of Venezuelan migrants in Guyana.

On Monday, Todd met with UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office Representative Phillipa Candler. Candler was accompanied by Regional Deputy Representative of UNHCR, Renee Cuijpers, and Head of UNHCR’s Office in Guyana, Cecilie Saenz Guerrero.

During the meeting, Minister Todd noted that the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee continues to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela. Additionally, he explained that efforts continue to facilitate the ongoing monitoring and other activities geared towards improving the lives of the migrants from Venezuela residing in Guyana.

“The importance of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee and adequate management of the migrant situation in Guyana was also discussed,” a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also said.

The Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee is co-chaired by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and includes representatives of the Ministries of Education, Health, Home Affairs,

Human Services and Social Security, Guyana Water Incorporation, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, the Civil Defence Commission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UNHCR. With over 20,000 Venezuelan migrants in remote hinterland areas, the UNHCR has been underscoring the need for humanitarian presence and support from the international community to aid with the Government of Guyana’s response to the needs of these communities.

During a recent press briefing in Geneva, Candler had expressed concerns about the difficult conditions of Indigenous Venezuelans in Guyana, some of whom have settled in hard-toreach areas near the border and others in or around the towns of Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

“UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, colleagues and I are worried about the difficult living conditions of Indigenous [Warrau] families from Venezuela who are settled in remote locations across Guyana. Increased humanitarian presence and timely support from the international community is needed to help the Government of Guyana respond to the needs of these communities,” Candler had stated.

Migrants

The UN Refugee Agency representative had also disclosed that Guyana is currently home to an estimated 24,500 refugees and migrants from Venezuela, includ-

ing some 2500 Indigenous Warraus.

She had noted that some 250 Warraus, half of whom are children, have also found refuge in Anabisi in northern Guyana since early 2020.

According to Candler, access to critical services, such as healthcare and education, for these communities is limited.

This is further compounded by the fact that the delivery of aid is impeded by remoteness, lack of transport infrastructure and distances.

In fact, it was noted that assessments conducted in October and November among the Warrau refugee and migrant households indicate mounting needs, aggravated by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She had also gone on to reveal that at least one Warrau child in Anabisi has died and several others were hospitalised, reportedly due to malnutrition and diseases related to poor sanitation conditions. Some, she added however, have since been discharged.

Nevertheless, the UNHCR is on the ground, coordinating with the Government and humanitarian partners on how to best support the Government-led response. Candler noted that the Refugee Agency is assisting with the delivery of food hampers, solar lamps, mosquito nets, water purification tablets provided by Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and other basic relief items to some 400 Indigenous Warraus from Venezuela living in northern Guyana, including in the Anabisi com-

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd (centre) during the high-level meeting

munity.

Only recently, a team including several Government Ministers and health workers visited Anabisi to provide critical medical care and assess their needs following reports of the poor living conditions they were in.

The medical team examined some 20 children, who were treated for skin rashes, upper respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases. Four of the children were taken to the Port Kaituma Regional Hospital for further medical treatment. Another medical team returned the following day to continue examining the migrants.

Health Ministry Dr Frank Anthony, who was part of the visiting team, said in addition to providing healthcare services, measures are being put in place to ensure that the migrants are living in a clean and sanitary environment.

“So, because of the unhygienic conditions, they’re using the same water from the river and they’re using the river to wash and do other things there. So, the water is not

of good quality and what we were able to do on Sunday, we gave them some what is called jerry cans which have filters in them so when they take the water from the river, they can do some level of filtration… which will help to purify the contaminated water, mak-

ing it better for them to drink and which will prevent some of the diarrhoeal disease that they are experiencing,” the Minister had stated.

Additionally, the CDC had distributed hampers containing essential items and food.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PAC finalising examination of 2016 Auditor General Report – Chair seeking to consolidate future reports

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he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is close to finalising its examination of the 2016 Auditor General report and according to Chairman Jermaine Figueira, they will seek to condense the remaining years of reports in order to clear the Committee’s backlog.

In an interview with this publication on Monday, the PAC Chairman explained that the Committee has effectively completed its examination of the 2016 audit report, after weeks of statutory meetings.

PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira

All that remains is to receive outstanding information from accounting officers who had previously appeared before the PAC. This is likely to be concluded at the next meeting.

Meanwhile, Figueira explained what is his intention going forward to deal with the remaining reports.

“The intention of the Public Accounts Committee going forward, is to follow the precedent that was set under Carl Greenidge, merging of 2010 and 2011 reports, as well as the precedents set by Mr Irfaan

A sitting of the PAC

Ali, where the Committee merged 2012, 2013 and 2014 reports.”

“And given the fact that the Committee has unanimously agreed that there is a lot of backlogs of work and following the precedent, it is our intention to also propose for the merging of 2017, 2018 and 2019 reports going forward,” Figueira said.

Figueira admitted that this approach has not received a consensus at the level of the PAC, as the Government Committee members have dissenting views.

“It was proposed and at the close of the meeting we had some dissenting views from the Government side saying they did not agree.

I don’t understand why there’s a hesitancy to agree to merging the reports, as was previously done by two different Chairmen.

Factoring in that we have a lot of backlog work to do.”

“I was taken back… but I indicated to those members that the meeting would adjourn and if they have any other considerations on what was proposed they can bring that up at Monday’s meeting,” Figueira ex-

plained.

PAC is currently in a backlog of several years, since the 2016 Auditor General report is being examined in the 2021 fiscal year. Earlier this month, a motion that the parliamentary Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had been seeking to increase sittings of the PAC to twice per week, was defeated by the Government side of the Committee.

At the time, Government Chief Whip and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira, had noted that making two meetings per week statutory not only goes against tradition, but would be inconvenience for the PAC’s workload.

However, the Government side has been willing to have extra meetings whenever the need arises.

“The issue at stake is, do we need to (make extra meetings statutory)? The answer is no… this Public Accounts Committee has additional work. The appointment of the PPC (Public Procurement Commission) nominees to go to the house, we have to review the Auditor General’s per-

formance records. We have to deal with the Auditor General’s reports itself.”

“Throughout all the Public Accounts Committees and those I’ve been on, we have from time to time met specially, with consensus, because of a particular task to do. What the Opposition has been trying to do is statutorise other meetings.

We’re saying there’s no need for that. What has worked from 1966 to now, can continue to work,” Teixeira had explained.

She had recalled that from former PAC Chairman Carl Greenidge’s time to now President Irfaan Ali when he served as the Committee’s Chairman, there was always a consensus on extending meetings between the two sides.

During those negotiations, she recalled that she herself served as the point person for the Government side during Greenidge’s tenure, while former Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence took on that mantle during Ali’s tenure.

Efforts to contact Teixeira on Monday on the question of condensing the reports were futile.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 more unvaccinated persons die from COVID …majority of hospitalised pregnant women unvaccinated

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD NOVEMBER 29, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

52

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

68

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

1371 15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,004

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,821

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

37,825

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

35,379

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

399,829

FULLY IMMUNISED

276,888

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

991

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1669

REGION 2

1558

REGION 3

5091

REGION 4

17,742

REGION 5

1412

REGION 6

3262

REGION 7

1781

REGION 8

620

REGION 9

2473

REGION 10

2217

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

Of this number, 66 persons are hospitalised. Some 43 persons are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal. In addition, 28 pregnant women who tested positive are housed in a separate section at the facility.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday reiterated the need for pregnant women to get vaccinated, since a majority of those infected with COVID-19 are unimmunised.

“Majority of the patients that we have at the Ocean View Hospital are pregnant and positive for COVID. Most of these patients are not vaccinated. I think it’s important that pregnant women get their vaccination. It doesn’t matter which trimester but they need to get their vaccination. The vaccines are safe during pregnancy. It does not affect the mother nor the child,” he outlined during the daily briefing.

In Guyana, 399,829

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.

T

he Health Ministry on Monday announced that five more unvaccinated persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

This now takes the death toll to 992.

The patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at various medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

On November 28, a-64year-old male from Region 10; a 67-year-old female from Region Four; and a 68-yearold female from Region Five succumbed. Then on

November 29, a 41-year-old female and 84-year-old male – both from Region Four – died.

However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that 52 new cases were detected in one day, taking the total confirmed cases in the country to 37,825 – 17,821 males and 20,004 females.

There are 15 patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 1371 in home isolation, 68 in institutional isolation and three in institutional quarantine. The data showed that 35,379 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus while 389,843 tests

have been conducted.

A breakdown showed four new cases in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), eight in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and 34 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

There were no new cases in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Vaccination

There are currently 1532 active cases of COVID-19.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

adults or 77.9 per cent have taken a first dose.

Meanwhile, 276,888 or 54 per cent have received a second dose. For children aged 12 to 17, a total of 29,088 first doses were administered with 20,270 second doses.

A regional first dose breakdown for the adult population showed 82.8 per cent for Region One; 62.6 per cent for Region Two; 74.9 per cent for Region Three; 87.6 per cent for Region Four; 77 per cent for Region Five; 77 per cent for Region Six; 79.7 per cent for Region Seven; 48.9 per cent for Region Eight; 75.2 per cent for Region Nine and 37.6 per cent for Region 10.

Second doses show 44.8 per cent for Region One; 43.5 per cent for Region Two; 52 per cent for Region Three; 61.8 per cent for

Region Four; 54.8 per cent for Region Five; 52.3 per cent for Region Six; 52.4 per cent for Region Seven; 37.5 per cent for Region Eight; 54.8 per cent for Region Nine and 25.6 per cent for Region 10.

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.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 tranches of COVID-19 vaccines expected in December T

he Guyana Government is expecting two tranches of COVID-19 vaccines in December.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday noted that they are working with the COVAX mechanism to facilitate these shipments within the new month. The jabs currently being looked at includes Pfizer, AstraZeneca; and Johnson and Johnson.

“We are expecting some vaccines. We are working with COVAX and in December, we are expecting two sets of vaccines coming in. The exact dates, we don’t know them as yet but we were promised that during December, we’ll be able to

get these vaccines,” said Dr Anthony.

The last tranche of vaccines to arrive through the COVAX mechanism was 100,620 doses of Pfizer in October. So far, Guyana has been able to secure over 150,000 doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines from COVAX. COVAX is a partnership between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance; the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The mechanism aims to secure 1.3 billion doses for 92 low- and middle-income

countries by the end of the year. Guyana has been included among 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that are receiving vaccines at no cost through the Advance Market Commitment (AMC). Thus far, 120,000 AstraZeneca vaccines have been sent to immunise Guyanese.

There were donations of 3000 doses of the AstraZeneca shot from Barbados, 20,000 Sinopharm doses from China, 84,000 AstraZeneca doses from the United Kingdom and another 80,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from India. The country also utilised some 146,250 PfizerBioNTech jabs to immunise

the adolescent population and pregnant women, after a donation was sent from the United States Government.

The Government had procured 400,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines from Dubai and another 100,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China.

Back in May, Guyana also made a down payment of approximately US$7.5 million to the African Union for 150,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson jab.

This arrangement was made through Caricom. The first batch of the United Statesmade vaccines arrived in

Guyana on August 23. This single-dose regimen has proven advantageous for use in hinterland communities.

The vaccines used in Guyana are Sinopharm, Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson; and a small quantity of Moderna.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$7M water supply system commissioned at Riversview

Two young Riversview residents assist in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon at the station

R

esidents of Riversview, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), now have access to potable water following the completion of a water supply improvement project to a tune of approximately $7 million.

This project was executed by a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in-house team in close collaboration with the Riversview Village Council and was funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

The works which were done included the installation of almost 4 kilometres of pipeline, the upgrading of two wells and the installation of new photovoltaic systems in the community of approximately 1100 residents As a result, 70 per cent of the community is now benefitting from improved or first-time access to potable water. Of these beneficiaries, 334 residents now have access to potable water for the first time. The water produced by the wells has been tested and results show that it is safe for consumption.

This achievement is in keeping with a promise made by the company’s Chief Executive Officer,

Shaik Baksh, during a visit to the community earlier this year upon an invitation from Village Toshao, Melena Pollard.

At the opening on Sunday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal stressed that the immediate focus is to ensure that Guyanese without access to potable water gain such.

In this regard, he expressed confidence that GWI will achieve 100 per cent access to potable water in Guyana by 2025, five years earlier than the target set under Sustainable Development Goal number 6.

Further, he outlined that by the end of its 2021 programme, GWI would have increased water access coverage by five per cent along the coastland.

With regard to the hinterland, Croal noted that GWI has been working in a programmed way to remove the practice of the pumping of water from waterways and continues to move in the direction of the drilling of wells. He assured that two Community Service Officers from each community will be trained to maintain the water supply systems.

The Minister congratulated the residents of Riversview on their new wa-

A section of the audience at the commissioning ceremony

ter supply while informing them that partnership will be explored to provide water access to the satellite community of Fall Mouth by the end of 2022.

He took the opportunity to express gratitude to UNICEF for their support in the execution of the WASH project, under which the Riversview system was funded.

Meanwhile, GWI Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh stressed the importance of community involvement in the execution of water supply improvement projects. This was evident in Riversview which now has an improved distribution network and hundreds

Consumers urged to be on alert when purchasing cosmetics, medicines

T

he Government Analyst-Food & Drugs Department (GA-FDD) has advised consumers to exercise caution and be very alert when purchasing articles such as cosmetics, medical devices and medicines during the festive season.

“In this regard, consumers are reminded to ensure that articles purchased must have a label applied in English Language with a clear written expiry date.

Medicines must have package insert, must not be prepackaged and must be manufactured to be sold in Guyana’s climatic zone (IV).

Pay special attention to articles that are offered for sale at a significantly low reduced price,” the GA-FDD

stated in a release to the media.

Further, the release stated that the Department has been increasingly intercepting substandard articles of cosmetics, medical devices and medicines on our local market. In some cases, articles are either: not manufactured for Guyana’s climatic zone, being marketed at significantly reduced prices, in a foreign language, expired or would have had their expiry date deliberately removed or do not comply with the regulatory standards.

Inspectors of GA-FDD and members of the National Food Safety and Control Committee (NFSCC) focus on protecting consumers from unsafe articles by as-

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal is flanked by residents and other officials as he samples the water from one of the Riversview wells

suring its safety, effectiveness, and quality and will continue to monitor activities regarding the trade of substandard articles that fall under the remit of the GA-FDD. Consumers are nevertheless encouraged to be alert, especially during the festive season and to report any suspicious/substandard articles seen on our local market to the GA-FDD on 2228857(9) or website: gafdd. gy or email: gafdd.inspectorate@gmail.com or to any public health officer in the regions or municipalities.

“Always be responsible for the safety of yourself and others; remember to wash or sanitise hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing,” the release added.

of residents can now access water on their premises for the first time.

Baksh was in high praise of UNICEF for making improved water supply in the community a reality under the second phase of the WASH project. He urged the residents to care the water supply system which is for their benefit.

UNICEF Focal Point for WASH/Climate Change, Gaulbert Sutherland in his remarks at the commissioning said that the organisation along with its sister agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was happy to provide funding for the project.

According to him, UNICEF’s partnership with

GWI has focused on providing WASH services in the most vulnerable hinterland communities, including those that host migrants.

He stated that the organisation is happy that the Riversview water supply system is solar-powered, since this provides families with a higher quality of water while helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Sutherland thanked GWI and the Housing and Water Ministry for their valuable partnership in ensuring an adequate and safe water supply for the survival and growth of children and their families in Guyana.

Toshao Pollard also used the opportunity to urge residents to care the system which is providing an invaluable resource to the community.

Prior to the execution of the water supply improvement project, only a section of Riversview was served by one existing well.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$60M Region 2 agro-processing facility completed – Govt awaiting equipment before official opening

The agro-processing facility in Region Two

T

he $60 million agro-processing facility in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is complete and will soon be outfitted with high-end equipment ahead of its official opening.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Sunday said the machines are being procured and should arrive within the next two months.

The state-of-the-art food processing factory is located adjacent to the Guyana School of Agriculture’s (GSA) Region Two campus.

It has vast potential to provide a broad range of training opportunities for residents there.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information, Dr Singh said he anticipates a major economic boost to the district’s agricultural industry.

He explained that while GSA students in Essequibo benefitted from theoretical lectures, they faced challenges gaining practical experience.

“The construction of the facility serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it would allow students of the GSA based in Essequibo to be able to complete their practical training

in a live environment.

There are going to be dry and wet processing lines.

Dry line for the purposes of processing things like flours; cassava flour etcetera and on the wet line things like pepper sauce, jams, and spices,” Dr Singh explained.

The facility will also provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to process and package their produce for marketing.

“It will also serve as a facilitator for the development of an agro-processing business or sector in Essequibo, which of course is very important because Essequibo, as you know, is famous for its fresh, good quality and large quantity of agriculture produce,” the Minister added.

The Government has been investing heavily in the food sector to ensure it moves from a producer of primary farming to one of the equitable value-added products.

The establishment of the food processing hub is part of Government’s wider strategic plan to provide massive resources for the nation’s agriculturists to produce and export value-added products.

Grand 1-day sale set for Friday at Square of the Revolution

O

n Friday, December 3, 2021, the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly Guyana brings you the ultimate shopping event, “Ujamaa” at the Square of the Revolution (Cuffy Square), Georgetown, from 08:00h.

“Ujamaa” is slated to be a grand day of exhibition and sale promoting African Guyanese businesses in arts and crafts, processed food, self-care, home décor, and much more.

“Ujamaa” - a Swahili word meaning “cooperative economics” is the fourth Principle of Kwanzaa and calls on people of African descent to support our businesses and share in work and wealth.

The principle of Ujamaa promotes self-reliance, rejects exploitation, and engages in cooperation for the community’s common good.

The IDPADA-G Economic and Youth Committee envisions this event as an annual one that will improve the livelihood of business owners, especially those impacted by the pandemic.

The “Ujamaa” marketplace will transform the Square into a vibrant market, filled with live drumming and food. Admission is free, and all COVID-19 guidelines will be in effect; shoppers must wear their masks, sanitise, and come out and support the over thirty businesses as they display and sell their products.

It is also part of the matrix of training opportunities for Guyanese in all aspects of economic activity.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said two additional agro-processing facilities will be es-

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh tours the agro-processing facility on Sunday after the opening

tablished in the Region in 2022. The Minister said Government is receiving sig-

nals of interest from many countries.

Works are underway to

construct a similar facility at Black Bush Polder, Region Six.

Bartica residents receive land titles after years of waiting – dozens access other housing services at community outreach

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal listening to one of the residents

A

fter years of waiting, a number of Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) residents who were allocated lands in the Five Miles Housing Scheme are now in receipt of their land titles. The titles were distributed on Monday during an outreach at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, where persons were able to access other housing services.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal led a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority on the outreach which saw persons accessing a number of services including lodging of new applications, updates on existing applications and other queries pertaining to boundary issues.

For Luvina Jones, a widow, it’s a relief having received her title after nine years of waiting. Jones, who was allocated a land in the Five Miles Housing Scheme, said with her title in hand she is more at ease with respect to ownership of the land. The woman related that she is now ready to start clearing the land and equip to approach a financial institution for a loan to commence construction.

Similar sentiments were expressed by other persons who were able to uplift their titles after years of waiting.

One of the residents displaying her title on Monday

Residents at the outreach on Monday at the Bartica Community Centre Ground

Also, residents were updated on development plans for their community, including the ongoing effort by the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority to acquire lands for allocation in the new year.

The Minister assured residents of the Five Miles Housing Scheme that their water woes will be addressed in the near future.

“We made a promise to you to make potable water accessible by the end of 2020, unfortunately we were not able to deliver on that promise because of some technical issues, nevertheless we have reverted to our initial plan to install a booster pump which will resolve the issue.”

Minister Croal explained that two attempts were made to drill wells but those efforts were futile.

“I must apologise to you,

but we are working assiduously to address your concern, we have ordered the booster and it is expected in the country by the fourth week in December for installation.”

Residents were also informed that plans are still in place for the setting up of a Regional Housing Office in Bartica which would improve the level of service persons are able to access in the region.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Groundbreaking surgeries conducted at GPHC A

team of skilled doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) performed several groundbreaking surgeries last week, according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Monday.

Dr Anthony stated that the undertaking of the surgeries is evidence of the transformational development taking place in the public health sector.

“It means that our doctors are highly trained, skilled professionals, and given the right environment, the opportunity to

be able to do more of these types of surgeries and read with the investments that we’re making in the public health sector in terms of instruments, theatres, equipment, and other facilities, we will be able to do more of these surgeries, not just in Georgetown, but in some of the regional hospitals, as well. That’s our goal over the next couple of years.”

The surgeries performed were a Gallbladder Cancer Cholecystectomy, Hepatectomy; a Pheochromocytoma, L a p a r o s c o p i c Adrenalectomy, the

first Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy done in Guyana; and a Ruptured AAA, Emergency Graft Repair.

The Health Minister, on behalf of the Ministry expressed gratitude to the team of doctors and anaesthesiologists.

“I want to, on behalf of the Ministry, extend our congratulations to all the surgeons, the anaesthesiologists, the support staff who would have assisted in these very complicated operations and we look forward to them doing these types of operations more on

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

a routine basis, as we see these types of patients but it just demonstrates that our doctors here, they have the capacity to do very complete, complicated surgeries and be successful. So, I want to thank them and congratulate them.”

Aside from investing in the country’s response to COVID-19, the Government continues to heavily advance the health sector to fulfil its manifesto promise of ensuring there is access to quality healthcare services across the country.

World Bank and UNDP survey on impact of COVID-19

Food insecurity affects 23.9% of households in Latin America, Caribbean

– 86% of school-aged children receive some type of education

E

mployment rates in some Latin American and Caribbean countries have experienced a relative recovery, although in most, rates fall short of pre-pandemic levels.

The quality of available jobs has also declined, as has the number of hours of paid work per week, according to data from a new survey by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The High-frequency Phone Surveys, the second phase of which was implemented this year in 24 countries of the region, provide a snapshot of families’ well-being and their perceptions regarding the crisis. The goal is to take the pulse of the region and measure the impacts of the pandemic in key areas such as the labour market, income and food security, gender equality, and household access to basic services, such as education, health (including the COVID-19 vaccine), Internet connectivity and digital finance. The survey took a representative sample of the population aged 18 and over with access to a telephone in each country.

“The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the pre-existing inequalities in the region, where the most vulnerable and poorest groups have been disproportionately affected,” UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Luis Felipe López-Calva noted.

“This survey allows us to take the pulse of the region and propose evidence-based solutions.”

“The pandemic severely impacted millions of families in the region,” Carlos Felipe Jaramillo added. “These

surveys we present today are crucial for obtaining current data on the scope of the crisis and for recommending informed measures to help improve the quality of life in our countries.”

Survey results demonstrate that the crisis particularly affected women, both because of the stronger initial impact on them and their slower labour market recovery. Mothers of young children (aged 0 to 5 years) have been most affected. In fact, a year and a half after the onset of the crisis, women are twice as likely as men to be unemployed owing to the pandemic. This situation is exacerbated by an increase in women’s household responsibilities, including supervision of children in remote education, and a higher incidence of mental health problems.

For the region as a whole, the employment rate stood at around 62 per cent, almost 11 percentage points below the pre-pandemic level. Employment rates surpassed pre-crisis levels only in Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Moreover, formal employment fell 5.3 per cent in the region while self-employment grew 5.7 per cent, and the proportion of workers employed in small businesses (maximum of four workers) increased by 8 per cent.

These figures point to a deterioration in the quality of available employment.

Even among the employed population, regional survey results identified a decrease in weekly hours of paid work, from 43 to 37, confirming this negative trend.

The survey data found that 28 per cent of people employed before the pandemic lost their jobs, and

more than half (17 per cent) of those with a job before the pandemic have left the labour force. These impacts disproportionately affected women with young children: 40 per cent of female workers over 18 with children aged 0 to 5 years lost their pre-pandemic job, compared to 39 per cent of women in general and 18 per cent of men.

The pandemic had a greater impact on less-educated workers (both men and women). Thirty-five per cent of those with a primary education or less lost their job during the pandemic, as did 28 per cent of employees with a secondary education.

Approximately 19 per cent of individuals with a tertiary education became unemployed.

Survey data revealed that as a consequence of labour market setbacks, just over half of the households in the region have not yet managed to recover their pre-pandemic income levels. This situation occurred despite Government efforts to help families through direct transfer programmes and other benefits.

Approximately 38 per cent of survey respondents had received emergency cash transfers.

The survey demonstrated that food insecurity still affects 23.9 per cent of households in Latin America and the Caribbean. This figure is almost double that reported by households prior to the pandemic -- 12.8 per cent. However, most countries have improved in this area with respect to the levels observed in June 2020.

Results also demonstrated that more than a year after the onset of the crisis, 86 per cent of school-aged children and youth receive some type of education (face-toface or remote). However, figures vary widely across countries: in Guyana and Guatemala, it is 64 per cent while in Peru and Chile, it reaches 95 and 97 per cent, respectively. Additionally, education coverage falls below pre-pandemic levels in the countries surveyed. Just

under a quarter of students in the region attended faceto-face classes.

Access to health services improved significantly. However, the percentage of unvaccinated people remains high in some countries. Eight per cent of the regional population has not been vaccinated or is not

willing to receive a vaccine.

This percentage is especially high in the Caribbean: 60 per cent in Haiti, 49 per cent in Jamaica and 43 per cent in Saint Lucia and Dominica.

Finally, according to the survey results, the use of mobile banking and online transactions (e-commerce)

rose sharply during the pandemic. The use of digital payments also increased -- currently, 26 per cent of survey respondents said they used mobile wallets. The highest increases were among the rural population, the population over age 55 and those with low levels of education (primary or less).

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 6 launches TAM Unclear whether Omicron variant is more photo competition transmissible – WHO T

…preliminary evidence indicates risk of reinfection

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pdated information from the World Health Organisation has indicated that researchers are yet to determine if the new Omicron variant is more transmissible.

A statement from the agency indicated that it is still unclear whether this strain has a higher transmissibility rate when compared to other variants, such as the deadly Delta.

“The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors.”

Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalisation in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron.

“There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants. Initial reported infec-

tions were among university students—younger individuals who tend to have more mild disease—but understanding the level of severity of the Omicron variant will take days to several weeks,” said the WHO. However, preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron, as compared to other variants of concern, but information is limited. More information on this will become available in the coming days and weeks.

The WHO said it is working with technical partners to understand the potential impact of this variant on our existing countermeasures, including vaccines. Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant circulating variant, Delta.

“The widely used PCR tests continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron, as we have seen with other variants as well. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests, including rapid anti-

gen detection tests,” it added.

On November 26, the WHO designated the variant B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, named Omicron, on the advice of WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE).

This decision was based on the evidence presented to the TAG-VE that Omicron has several mutations that may have an impact on how it behaves, for instance, how easily it spreads or the severity of illness it causes.

It is coordinating with a large number of researchers around the world to better understand Omicron.

Studies currently underway or underway shortly include assessments of transmissibility, severity of infection (including symptoms), performance of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and effectiveness of treatments.

“Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron and will continue to share the findings of these studies as they become available.”

he Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) Regional Tourism Committee, in observance of Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) has launched a photographic competition on Monday.

The competition allows persons to visit four of six tourist attractions in the Region and take a photo of themselves and submit it online.

The locations are Mission Chapel Congregational Church, New Amsterdam Town Arch, Number 63 Beach Welcome Sign, the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, the Guyana/ Suriname Ferry Stelling and the Corriverton Sea Wall.

Regional Tourism Coordinator Keisha Hamid says it is very easy for persons to participate.

“Simply snap a photo of yourself at one of the six hotspots in the Region and upload the photo to the regional tourism committee Facebook page with the hashtag #HOTsnaps6.”

She explained that all entries must be captioned with the hotspot name and time it was taken along with your name posted.

As it relates to the Number 63 Beach, she noted that because of the

COVID-19 restrictions, they will not be accepting entries at the beach but rather those which are taken with the welcome sign in the background.

“We don’t want this person is going to the beach using the committee's name stating that we require the photo and that’s why you have to go to the Beach.

Persons are going to have photos previously at the Beach but we won’t know and we don’t want to put persons in that position or we don’t put ourselves in that position where we are blamed for asking persons of the creatures at the beach that is why we are asking for the same,” she explained.

“We recently erected a welcome sign at the main entrance of the Beach.”

The competition was launched on Sunday via Facebook and will run for two weeks. The deadline for submission will be December 11, at 23:59h and judging will be done on December 12, at noon.

“Persons are required to like and share our page upload their photo with all the required information then encourage your friends to like their entries the four photos with the most like from each location will be awarded prices monetary

Regional Tourism Coordinator Keisha Hamid

crisis will be giving to the first to third winners of the six locations and other consolation prizes will be awarded to other winners.”

The project is a combined collaborative effort of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce the Regional Administration and a few private sponsors.

The first prize is $10,000, the second prize is $7000 and the third prize is $5000.

There will be several consolation prizes as well.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

As Amazon deforestation rises, Guyana offers a rare bright spot High forest cover

Conservation officers working with the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), an umbrella group of Indigenous communities in southern Guyana, conduct tests on river water in the Amazon rainforest [Courtesy SRDC]

The only Englishspeaking nation in South America has one of the continent’s best track records for Amazon rainforest protection – and an ad hoc patrol group of Indigenous farmers, teachers, and hunters tracking loggers and wildcat miners is part of the reason why.

At one point last year, a three-person team from the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), an umbrella group of Indigenous communities, was on a routine jungle patrol near Guyana’s border with Brazil.

They were accosted by a gang of gold miners and threatened with automatic weapons, said Kid James, programme co-ordinator for the SRDC, a Wapichan Indigenous council that administers conservation initiatives.

While team members escaped the encounter without injuries, James said the incident highlights the threats conservationists can face trying to protect the world’s largest rainforest.

“The mining activity was almost in a wild west state,” James told Al Jazeera.

After their members were threatened, the SRDC made formal complaints with Guyana’s mining regulators. They received a serious response. Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources visited the area later that year, James said, and the ensuing public pressure from authorities and residents led to a significant decline in the level of informal mining in the area for about eight months.

Part of the effectiveness of conservation patrols by groups like the SRDC is that they can keep a more regular presence in remote

parts of the jungle than Government regulators, James said.

The SRDC works with 18 part-time conservation officers who know the rural terrain and can track deforestation with cameras, GPS technology, drones and satellite phones. They make

About 82 per cent of Guyana’s territory is covered by humid forest, said Liz Goldman from the World Resources Institute (WRI), a Washington-based tracking group.

That’s the highest rate on the continent aside from neighbouring Suriname and French Guiana, she told Al Jazeera, adding that other Amazon nations range from 35 to 52 per cent of land covered by primary forest.

Meanwhile, trees, in general, cover more than 90 per cent of Guyana’s territory, Goldman said, and “both primary forest loss and tree cover loss in Guyana is trending down in recent years.”

Part of Guyana’s conservation success comes down to simple demographics: the country is sparsely populated and much of its Amazonian interior is not developed.

With fewer than 800,000 residents, Guyana has about four people living on each square kilometre of land, according to the World Bank, compared with 25 residents per square ki-

Guyana’s Government does a good job in making sure illegally-deforested trees don’t make their way into the broader supply chain, according to environmentalists [Chris Arsenault/Al Jazeera]

plications for global climate patterns, according to environmentalists, though the rest of the Amazon outside of Brazil remains a net sink for carbon dioxide.

Another element of Guyana’s conservation success stems from public buyin, residents in the capital said. Despite sharp divides along ethnic and class lines, there seems to be broad consensus that the country’s

Forest rangers working with the South Rupununi District Council patrol for illegal logging in the Amazon rainforest [SRDC via Al Jazeera]

regular patrols on motorbikes, boats, and even on foot, and relay their findings back to police and other Government regulators.

“The Wapichan territory can still boast a high level of biodiversity, very pristine forest, clean fresh water and we want to make sure that is maintained,” James said. “We have a programme that’s working, though it’s not perfect.”

As deforestation spikes across much of the Amazon, exacerbating climate change and hurting biodiversity, environmentalists say Guyana offers useful lessons for protecting the world’s largest rainforest.

lometre in neighbouring Brazil where deforestation has spiked.

Once known for sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, deforestation and wildfires have turned the Brazilian Amazon into a net source for new carbon emissions, according to a study based on satellite data published in August from the Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP).

Brazil destroyed 13,235 square kilometres (5,110 square miles) of rainforest last year, an area larger than Lebanon, according to official data published in November.

This has dangerous im-

identity is tied to its natural beauty and rainforests are worth protecting, especially with an onslaught of new oil investment.

“If we take out all the oil and don’t preserve the forests, it won’t be good in 30 years,” said hotel porter Nicholas Blair. “It’s a balance.”

That sentiment is echoed

by Simeon Taylor, a security contractor in the capital.

“Protecting our biodiversity is crucial,” he said, sipping a cold beer at a neighbourhood pub on a recent weekend.

“Strong verification” for logs

When it comes to log-

ging, Guyana also has “a strong verification system” to make sure trees from illegally deforested land aren’t easily exported or sold domestically, said Aiesha Williams, head of the World Wildlife Fund’s local branch.

“This tracking of deforestation has been important,” Williams told Al Jazeera during an interview in the conservation group’s Georgetown office.

“Most deforestation is related to gold mining.”

Her group works with James and the SRDC, along with other remote Indigenous communities, on providing technical assistance on forest protection, including the satellite phones and GIS kits they use to track wildcat gold miners.

With vast porous borders, miners from Brazil and other neighbouring countries, along with domestic prospectors, have been entering areas like the Rupinuni in greater numbers recently, she said.

“The threats to the forests are increasing and so must our efforts,” said Williams.

Guyana’s Forestry Commission, a Government body tasked with protecting the rainforest, did not respond to multiple calls and emails requesting comment.

Land titles

One of the most effective strategies for forest protection involves formal recognition of Indigenous land rights, according to scientists. And part of Guyana’s relative success in rainforest protection relates to its land titling system, said James.

“Guyana has some of the strongest legislation in place to protect those land rights,” he said, though he would like to see the process sped up. “Once title is given

to a community it’s absolute and forever, unlike in other countries.”

Forest land formally controlled by Indigenous communities has the best outcomes for conservation and biodiversity, according to two major studies on rainforest protection from Peru and Brazil published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In Peru, within a twoyear window after land title was granted to an Indigenous community, forest disturbance on average dropped by roughly twothirds, and clearing dropped by more than three-quarters, a 2017 study found.

Part of the reason why deforestation has intensified so rapidly in Brazil in the past two years under the Government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is that Indigenous land rights haven’t been respected, scientists said.

Wildcat miners and loggers have been tacitly encouraged to enter Indigenous reserves for extraction, leading deforestation in South America’s largest country to hit a 15year high in November.

Indigenous communities in Guyana hold land title to about 13 per cent of the country’s territory, according to data from the UN Development Programme.

Local communities are pushing the Government to speed up granting formal titles for ancestral forest lands which cover larger swaths of rural Guyana.

“If those traditional lands can be recognised, having it absolute and forever in the hands of local communities who can manage and control those areas — that would deter threats like mining and illegal logging at the local level,” James said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Regional

Barbados set to become Human rights council slams “monstrous” death penalty suggestion by Holness a republic today, ditching British Queen T

Barbados’s withdrawal from the monarchy will bring the number of Commonwealth countries where the British Queen remains Head of State to 15 [File: Randy Brooks/AFP]

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arbados is set to become a republic, replacing Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State and severing centuries-old ties with the British crown on the 55th anniversary of the Caribbean nation’s independence from the United Kingdom.

The UK’s Prince Charles arrived in Barbados late on Sunday as the country prepares to replace the Queen with Sandra Mason, a former Governor General who also will serve as the island’s first President.

The move will not have

major effects on the country’s international relations, as the queen’s position as Head of State has been symbolic.

The role that Mason, who was elected last month by a joint session of the country’s House of Assembly and Senate, takes up will also be largely ceremonial, behind Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

But supporters of the transition say removing the British Queen as Barbados’s Head of State sends a powerful message – and further distances the island from the colonial system that previously ruled over it.

“Tonight’s the night!” read the front-page headline of Barbados’ Daily Nation newspaper on Monday.

A celebration including Barbadian music and dance will begin at 8pm local time (00:00 GMT), with Mason to be inaugurated just after midnight – coinciding with Barbados Independence Day on Tuesday.

The move to republicanism – which local leaders described as the “next logical step toward full sovereignty” – was announced last year during the annual Throne Speech.

“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” said Mason, who delivered the speech on behalf of Mottley in her then role as Governor General. “Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State.”

In the capital Bridgetown, Barbadians have been preparing celebrations for their new republic, with Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, expected to deliver a speech stressing that warm relations between the island and the UK would continue despite the constitutional change. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Honduras set for 1st female President as Castro holds wide lead

F

ormer Honduran First Lady and leftist Opposition candidate Xiomara Castro appears set to become the country’s first female President, a result that would put the left back in power 12 years after her husband was overthrown in a coup.

With more than half the votes counted, Castro had at least 53 per cent support and held a commanding lead of almost 20 percentage points over the ruling National Party’s Nasry Asfura, according to a

live count from Honduras’s National Electoral Council (CNE) on Monday.

Castro, whose husband Manuel Zelaya was deposed from the presidency in a 2009 coup backed by business and military elites, claimed victory late on Sunday, even as the CNE said no result would be announced until the last vote was counted.

With more than 1.8 million votes counted, Castro held a margin of at least 350,000 votes.

Despite warnings from the CNE to

wait for official results, major Honduran news outlets have called the race as a victory for Castro, 62.

The council said voter turnout was at more than 68 per cent.

Jubilant celebrations broke out at Castro’s campaign headquarters as the vote count progressed and her lead held, with supporters chanting “JOH out” in reference to two-term President Juan Orlando Hernandez of the National Party. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR) has come out strongly against Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ suggestion that anyone convicted for illegal possession of a firearm should be sentenced to death.

During his address at the Jamaica Labour Party’s 78th annual conference on Sunday, Holness said: “Anyone found with a gun [that is illegal] should start with the death penalty.

That’s how strongly I feel about it...that’s how serious

P

The Penitenciaria del Litoral, one of Ecuador’s largest prisons, is pictured after prisoners died in a riot, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, September 29, 2021

del Litoral, located in the city of Guayaquil, a combined force of 1000 Police Officers and soldiers entered the prison.

The Constitutional Court has questioned the measures rolled out across prisons, saying that the crisis will require more than temporary emer-

He recalled that when the Gun Court began some years ago, the first case it heard was that of two men whose father, a licensed firearm holder, died. The men did not know what to do with their father’s guns and left them at the house, he explained, adding that the men were arrested and charged with illegal possession of the firearms and convicted.

“So, these people will be subject to this penalty? It is ridiculous,” Dr Barnett said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

New caravan sets off from Mexico as officials struggle with immigration claims

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ome 2000 migrants and asylum seekers departed the southern Mexican city of Tapachula near the Guatemalan border overnight on Sunday in the latest in a series of caravans setting out for the United States.

By Monday morning, the caravan had advanced about 25 kilometres (15 miles) to reach the town of Huehuetan, according to a Reuters witness.

The majority of its members were families from Central America and the Caribbean fleeing violence, poverty and growing hunger crises in their home countries.

For months, migrants and human rights advocates have denounced the “prison-like” conditions in Tapachula. Under Mexican rules, migrants must wait to process their claims – often for months – before being able to relocate to other parts of the country without fear of deportation.

Migrants walk as they take part in a caravan heading to the US border near Huehuetan, Mexico November 29, 2021

Thousands of migrants waited on Monday in an hours-long line inside a stadium where immigration officials had set up a processing centre.

“In Tapachula, there’s no life for migrants. We don’t have work, we don’t have money to pay for housing,” said Atis, a Haitian migrant waiting in line who declined to give his last name.

“We’re waiting here at immigration, but if there’s no other option, then we’ll leave here on foot, in another caravan.”

Last week, the Mexican Government transported hundreds of migrants from Tapachula to other states in efforts to head off the formation of more caravans. But tens of thousands of migrants still remain in the city. (Reuters)

EBC to use THA elections for pilot project

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he Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC)

Ecuador’s President extends state of emergency for prisons resident Guillermo Lasso renewed a state of emergency throughout Ecuador’s prison system on Monday, extending it for 30 days as the country grapples to control jail violence which has left scores of inmates dead.

Lasso first imposed a state of emergency in penitentiaries at the end of September due to violence at the Penitenciaria del Litoral prison, where fighting between criminal gangs in the last two months has left more than 180 prisoners dead.

Ecuador’s armed forces will continue to support Police in controlling prisons.

Following the most recent incident at the Penitenciaria

we should treat it”.

But Dr Lloyd Barnett, a director of the IJCHR, told Observer Online that no civilised country would impose the death penalty merely because of illegal possession of a gun.

“It’s very extraordinary that the Prime Minister should make a statement like that,” Dr Barnett said.

“We are against the death penalty and certainly we would not support it in a case like this where it is just complete monstrous to have it for illegal possession of a gun.”

gency actions.

The gangs operating inside prisons are linked to drug trafficking, authorities say.

The decree to extends the state of emergency includes a ban on prisoners receiving mail that has not been read by security forces first, among other measures.

Ecuador’s prison system counts more than 37,000 inmates behind bars, with just 1646 security staff, according to the Government.

Lasso is pushing a plan to reduce prison violence, which includes pacifying gangs, pardoning criminals in special cases, repatriating foreign prisoners, and legal reform.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

has implemented a pilot project in two electoral districts for the December 6 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections.

The EBC said the project would be carried out at 13 polling stations in the two districts on Election Day, and will see the use of data entry clerks electronically identifying the voters present and those who have voted.

However, the EBC made it clear that no electronic voting will take place. In a press release on Monday, it said the voting process and procedures being used in all polling stations in Tobago are the same as in previous elections.

The EBC said the pilot project will take place in two electoral districts – Scarborough/Mt Grace and Mt St George/Goodwood –

as it tries to improve its election management processes and timely provision of information to its stakeholders. This pilot project will see an increased use of technology in its data collection and this will be done parallel to the traditional manual process.

But it stressed, “The process for voting in the Republic of TT remains as stipulated in the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 2:01.”

The commission said it expects that the data collected in this project will give it the ability to generate its after-election reports expeditiously. It reiterated that the project “will in no way change the voting process and the sanctity and the safety that our electorate has known to exist in our country.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

19

Around the World

WHO warns of “high OILNEWS OIL NEWS Omicron: infection risk” around globe Omicron rattles oil markets but impact unclear

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he Omicron coronavirus variant kicked oil prices lower late last week and has sapped refining margins, but with crude futures rallying on Monday, the impact could be limited.

Governments worldwide have imposed curbs on travellers to try limit the spread of Omicron, first detected in southern Africa, as scientists race to determine the level of risk.

Oil prices plunged more than 10 per cent on Friday - their largest daily drop since April 2020 - but recovered some of those losses on Monday, standing up nearly 5 per cent on the day. Analysts said the Friday sell-off had been excessive.

Refining margins fell further, increasing the impact of new coronavirus curbs that had already been rolled out in Europe.

On Friday, European diesel barge refining margins touched a three-month low of about US$8 a barrel, although oil price volatility kept trading liquidity low.

Jet fuel cargo margins were assessed at about US$7.7 a barrel, near a two-and-a-half month low.

"This broad-based correction reflected fears that the Omicron variant would turn into a major headwind to oil demand," bank JP Morgan said, referring to Friday's price move.

But it said it expected demand recovery from the pandemic to continue even though consumption forecasts had weakened before last week's sell-off.

The volatility raises the stakes for a meeting by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies set to take place this week when the producer nations will weigh their concerns about demand with pressure from consumer nations facing inflationary pressure from still high oil prices.

KY Lin, spokesman at Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical Corp told Reuters further price rises could be limited by investor caution because of Omicron.

Oil prices rebound more than 4 per cent after posting their largest daily drop on Nov 26 due to Omnicron coronavirus variant jitters and thin trading Singapore's complex margins, a barometer for Asian refiners' profitability, stood at US$2.36 a barrel on Monday after falling to the lowest since June 30, Refinitiv data showed.

Just a month ago, margins peaked at US$8.45 a barrel, the highest since September 2019.

An official at a major South Korean refiner who asked not to be named said he had seen "drastic drops in refining margins" because of the Omicron variant.

Uncertainty about the highly transmissible Omnicron coronavirus variant clouds global oil demand outlook Travel curbs could especially hit the recovery of jet fuel prices, which reached a 2021 peak of US$13.50 a barrel in mid-October, according to Reuters calculations - broadly in line with their levels in October 2019.

Air travel, however, is a relatively small part of overall oil demand.

Demand from power generators, which have shifted to using oil as natural gas supplies has shrunk, is also expected to support the overall market.

China, the world's biggest fuel consumer, could also continue to provide support it its rigorous border controls manage to limit the spread of Omicron, said an analyst from a Beijing-based consultancy, who declined to be named due to company policy. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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he World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a high risk of infection surges around the globe.

The variant could lead to severe consequences in some regions, the WHO said on Monday.

The head of the organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, renewed a call for a global push to get vaccines to poorer nations.

COVID-19 is "not done with us" yet he warned.

The variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month with initial evidence suggesting it has a higher re-infection risk. South Africa has been praised for its prompt reporting of the variant.

"Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which

A man stands in front of a monitor showing flight schedules at an arrival hall of Haneda airport's international terminal, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Tokyo, Japan, November 29, 2021 [Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon]

are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic," the WHO said.

Cases have already been reported in a number of countries including Canada, the UK,

30 endangered South African white rhinos flown to Rwanda

Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The new variant has prompted the UK, EU and US to issue a travel ban on Southern African countries - a decision criticised

by South Africa's President

Cyril Ramaphosa.

Japan has announced it is closing its borders to new foreign visitors from midnight tonight, while Australia has paused its long-awaited plan to ease border restrictions.

Travel into Australia for international students and "skilled workers" holding visas was meant to restart on Wednesday but has now been delayed until December 15.

Israel has also banned foreigners from entering the country.

In the UK, COVID booster jabs are set to be offered to all over-18s to help stop a new wave driven by Omicron.

The US has also followed suit with Joe Biden telling Americans to "go get your booster". He also urged people to wear masks indoors.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Chinese province targets Journalists, foreign students with planned new surveillance system

The animals were transported in a chartered Boeing 747 and were placed in two grassy enclosures - each the size of a football stadium – after arriving in the park

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hirty endangered white rhinos have arrived in Rwanda after a long journey from South Africa in a Boeing 747 with conservationists hailing it as the largest single transfer of the species ever undertaken.

The majestic animals, which can weigh up to two tonnes, travelled some 3400km (2100 miles) from South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve as part of a programme to replenish the species’ population, decimated by poaching since the 1970s.

Once plentiful across sub-Saharan Africa, white rhino suffered first from hunting by European settlers, and later a poaching epidemic that largely wiped them out.

The rhinos began their 40-hour journey to the new home in Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda following months of preparation, said African Parks, a charity headed by the United Kingdom’s Prince Harry which is involved in the exercise.

“We had to tranquillise them to reduce their stress, which is itself risky, and monitor them,” said African Parks’ CEO Peter Fearnhead.

The animals were transported in a chartered Boeing 747 and were placed in two grassy enclosures – each the size of a football stadium – after arriving in the park.

Later, they will be allowed to roam the expansive park, authorities said.

“This will provide an opportunity for them to grow in a safe environment from South Africa where three are killed per day by poachers,” said the park’s regional manager Jes Gruner.

Wildlife transfers are not without risks. In 2018, four out of six relocated black rhinos died a few months after arriving in Chad.

The southern white rhino, one of two subspecies of white rhino, is now considered endangered with about 20,000 individuals remaining, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A security surveillance camera overlooks a street as cars drive by in Beijing, China, November 24, 2021. Picture taken November 24, 2021

S

ecurity officials in one of China's largest provinces have commissioned a surveillance system they say they want to use to track journalists and international students among other "suspicious people", documents reviewed by Reuters showed.

A July 29 tender document published on the Henan provincial government’s procurement website - reported in the media for the first time - details plans for a system that can compile individual files on such persons of interest coming to Henan using 3000 facial recognition cameras that connect to various national and regional databases.

A 5-million-yuan (US$782,000) contract was awarded on Sept 17 to Chinese tech company Neusoft (600718.SS), which was required to finish building the system within two months of signing the contract, separate documents published on the Henan gov-

ernment procurement website showed. Reuters was unable to establish if the system is currently operating.

China is trying to build what some security experts describe as one of the world's most sophisticated surveillance technology networks, with millions of cameras in public places and increasing use of techniques such as smartphone monitoring and facial recognition.

US-based surveillance research firm IPVM, which has closely tracked the network's expansion and first identified the Henan document, said the tender was unique in specifying journalists as surveillance targets and providing a blueprint for public security authorities to quickly locate them and obstruct their work.

Reuters was unable to find any documents identifying journalists or foreigners as specific targets of surveillance systems in other parts of China. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 30, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

Be patient and listen carefully to others.

Understand your place and value in the grand scheme of things. Don’t take a risk with your health, reputation or investments. Try to accommodate others.

A sudden change will backfire if you take on too much too fast. Take a moment to work out the logistics, and you’ll realize what’s required if you want to become successful.

Explore new possibilities GEMINI and use your skills to achieve (May 21- something big. Taking a diJune 20) verse approach to life, work and happiness will bring stellar results and encourage exciting partnerships.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

An incident will arise if you let your emotions take charge. Focus on doing the best job possible, and you will receive recognition for a job well done. Refuse to let jealousy or insecurity cause a rift with a loved one.

Spend more time nurturing what you’ve worked so hard to build and the relationships that are meaningful to you, and you’ll feel good about your accomplishments. Work to stabilize your life.

Aim high and refuse to let anything or anyone stand in your way. Hard work pays off. Arguing a moot point will slow you down and waste time. Don’t settle for less than what you expect.

Put your heart and soul into making your surroundings more convenient and comfortable. Your strength will come from doing what’s best for you. Work to increase your prosperity.

Refrain from sharing personal information. Be a good listener; it will give you the upper hand when dealing with peers, friends and relatives. Take a unique approach to life.

Be clear about your SAGITTARIUS wants and plans. Speak (Nov. 23from the heart and strive Dec. 21) for success. Don’t underestimate others or take on more than you can handle.

Inconsistency will hold you back.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- PERUSAL

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

Make rational decisions.

If you let your emotions take the reins, you will regret the promises you make. Put your health and personal needs first. Take a creative, energetic approach.

Put more thought into investments and contracts.

Choose a healthy, fit lifestyle. Looking and feeling your best will give you the boost you need to do a good job.

Mull over how you feel about your relationships (Feb. 20- with others. Make a point March 20) to reach out to someone who shares your beliefs and longterm goals. A healthy conversation will help resolve issues.

PISCES

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

21

Ravindra, Ajaz frustrate India as New Zealand hold on for hard-fought draw SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 284 RUNS) Tom Latham b Ashwin 52 Will Young lbw b Ashwin 2 William Somerville c Shubman Gill b Yadav 36 Kane Williamson (c) lbw b Jadeja 24 Ross Taylor lbw b Jadeja 2 Henry Nicholls lbw b Patel 1 Tom Blundell † b Ashwin 2 Rachin Ravindra not out 18 Kyle Jamieson lbw b Jadeja 5 Tim Southee lbw b Jadeja 4 Ajaz Patel not out 2

T

he day Rachin Ravindra composed his maiden FirstClass hundred. Roughly more than a year later, the 22-year-old was in Test cricket's cauldron on his debut. A game that had its fair share of ebbs and flows right from the start of day one was into its final moments, with New Zealand's hopes of drawing the game hinging on the young Ravindra. The all-rounder showed the required temperament and technique to paddle through nervy moments and steer New Zealand to a famous draw in Kanpur. With about 10 minutes to go for stumps, the umpires deemed the light wasn't good enough to continue, which brought an end to what was an engrossing Test match.

Ravindra came out to bat at the fall of Kane Williamson's wicket in the final session. With just four wickets in the shed and more than 25 overs left for New Zealand to bat, the situation looked grim.

The Indian spinners were also in their groove. But Ravindra seemed unfazed by the threat of the spin trio and men around the bat waiting for that edge with bated breath.

Occasionally, he was beaten and in the 73rd over it exploded off the surface.

Ravindra, though, mostly took a good stride forward and offered his broad blade. Occasionally, he also camped back and stonewalled the spinners. The key to his batting was he judged the length well and played accordingly. At the

other end, Tom Blundell offered resistance for a while.

However, against the run of play, the wicketkeeper-batter was out and it turned out to be a curious dismissal. Blundell once again tried to stonewall off the front foot, but eked out an edge off the inside half of the bat which went on to clip the top of leg-stump.

Kyle Jamieson then used his reach to good effect to frustrate the spinners. At that stage, Ajinkya Rahane took the second new ball with the hope of his spinners extracting a bit more bite off the deck. In the 85th over, R Ashwin did just that, but Cheteshwar Pujara was late to react at leg-gully and the chance went begging.

Fortunately, in the very next over, Ravindra Jadeja trapped the tall batter in front. The all-rounder also sent Tim Southee back to the hut via the same mode of dismissal. Ajaz Patel, the last man, then slowly made his way to the middle. There were a few close shaves at the fag end of the day's play, including an inside edge off Ravindra's bat that flew past the fielder at leg gully, but the famed Indian spinners couldn't find that one last breakthrough to seal the deal in fading light.

Tom Latham and William Somerville also deserve a fair share of the credit for helping the visitors to draw the game. The pair batted for more than 30 overs to frustrate the Indian spinners, also spurring on a wicketless morn-

ing session. In fact, the nightwatchman Somerville was judicious in his shot selection and showcased watertight defence, juxtaposed by a couple of shots behind square on the offside off Umesh Yadav. On the other hand, Latham employed his tried-and-tested sweep to keep the scorecard moving. Even after Umesh removed Somerville with a fine short delivery in the afternoon, New Zealand's template seemed to be to play for a draw.

There were a couple of fleeting moments when it felt as if Williamson was looking to press the accelerator – once he played a loft off Axar Patel and also showed a touch of finesse by cracking a sumptuous cover drive against Ishant Sharma. Barring the fleeting moments of aggression, Williamson and Latham were intent on offering their broad blades to stonewall India. Eventually, after a long vigil at the crease, Latham chopped one onto the stumps and that was followed by Ross Taylor being out lbw by Jadeja at the stroke of tea.

Right after the break, things began to move quickly as New Zealand lost the key wickets of Henry Nicholls and Williamson in quick succession. Just that there was a 22-yearold debutant waiting in the dressing room to show his talent and tenacity in the middle. The Test also saw another debutant who had a memorable game. India's Shreyas Iyer played with skill and grit to compile a hundred and fifty on debut

and was rightly adjudged the man of the match.

The second and final Test will be played at

the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. It is a ground where New Zealand won their last Test in India in 1988-89, with Sir Richard Hadlee playing a pivotal role by taking a 10-fer for the match. Thirty-three

Extras (b 12, lb 1, nb 4) 17 TOTAL (98 Ov, RR: 1.68) 165/9 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Will Young, 2.6 ov), 2-79 (William Somerville, 35.1 ov), 3-118 (Tom Latham, 54.2 ov), 4-125 (Ross Taylor, 63.1 ov), 5-126 (Henry Nicholls, 64.1 ov), 6-128 (Kane Williamson, 69.1 ov), 7-138 (Tom Blundell, 78.2 ov), 8-147 (Kyle Jamieson, 85.6 ov), 9-155 (Tim Southee, 89.2 ov) BOWLING Ravichandran Ashwin Axar Patel Umesh Yadav Ishant Sharma Ravindra Jadeja

O-M-R-W 30-12-35-3 21-12-23-1 12-2-34-1 7-1-20-0 28-10-40-4

years later, New Zealand would hope for another inspiring performance to break their long drought in India. Meanwhile, India would welcome their skipper Virat Kohli back into the set-up. (Cricbuzz)

BFA Super 16 Futsal Tournament commences with a bang

T

he football action in Bartica was off with a bang as the Bartica Football Association commenced its Super 16 Futsal Tournament 2021. The action commenced on Sunday November 28, 2021 and will conclude on Wednesday December 1, 2021 at the Bartica Community Centre Basketball Court.

In night one of the action Almanac Kings duked it out with Wolves United, the encounter was close as both teams began an aggressive approach from ball one. In the end it was the Kings who toppled the Wolves 6-4.

Beacons B then battled Goal Raiders in a thrill-

er that resulted in both teams ending on 3-3. Thing were then taken to a penalty shootout where Beacon B won on PK - 3-2. Rising Stars A then crushed Agatash 7-2, the Stars ensured their opponents had no room to breathe as they wasted no effort in piercing their opponents net.

In the other encounter Potaro Strikers then made light work of Mil Ballers 1-0, which was then followed

by Beacon A who wasted no time in asserting their dominance as they blindsided Bad Company 8-2. The final match saw Lazio gain a walk over from Addie All Star.

In a statement President of the Bartica Football

Association said, “The GFF Year end Tournaments have opened the way for some amount of football to be played, and it is great for a return to the sport for both players and fans. The opening night of futsal saw lots of talent on display. We had some thrilling matches involving both young and older players. It was well received by the fans, so it is quite evident that the sport is not dead, and everyone is just awaiting the full return to play.”

The first round will no continue with Potaro B taking on Jones Avenue, Espanola seeing off Rising Stars B and then the quarter-final round.

22

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pathum Nissanka’s fifty lays solid base for Sri Lanka on rain-hit 1st day P

athum Nissanka breezed his way to a half-century, Dimuth Karunaratne fell eight short of a fifty that would have seen him equal a world record, and on a day in which rain washed out the first two sessions, Sri Lanka gained a significant advantage, moving to 113 for 1 in the 33.4 overs that were possible.

Before Roston Chase caught-and-bowled Karunaratne late in the day, Sri Lanka's openers had put on 106 runs in 31 overs – their second century stand in the series. Kemar Roach, returning for this game after having been left out in favour of Shannon Gabriel, was perhaps the best of West Indies' bowlers, delivering six overs and conceding just 12. Sri Lanka's batters were largely

untroubled by the others.

Nissanka was positive almost from the outset. He drilled a full Jason Holder ball down the ground for four to begin the second over, carved Roach past the slip cordon soon after, and although occasionally beaten by deliveries that jagged past his outside edge, was on a constant hunt for runs, moving to 20 off his first 30 balls. Karunaratne was typically conservative by comparison – defending and leaving the majority of deliveries he faced from the seamers, making just four from his first 30 deliveries.

Eventually though, Holder and Roach wrapped up their spells, and batting seemed to get easier. Kyle Mayers was hit for three fours – twice through the leg

side by Karunaratne – in his first two overs, the only two he bowled on the first day.

Nissanka attempted to dominate the left-arm spin of Veerasammy Permaul, who was playing his first Test since 2015, coming down the track in Permaul's second over to launch him into the sightscreen.

Soon, Captain Kraigg Brathwaite had spinners bowling from both ends, and although they prompted the occasional mistake, the batters largely settled into a rhythm against them, with Nissanka scoring primarily through the off side, and Karunaratne favouring the leg side, as he often does.

Nissanka got to fifty – his third in Tests, and second in the series – off the 74th ball he faced.

Karunaratne's dismissal came against the run of play.

Earlier in that Chase over, he had played a late cut and a flick through midwicket, both of which went for four.

But Chase found some rip off the last delivery of that over, and turned a ball more than the batter expected, which produced a return catch off the inside half of the bat as

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1ST INNINGS Pathum Nissanka not out 61 Dimuth Karunaratne (c) c & b Chase 42 Oshada Fernando not out 2 Extras (lb 7, nb 1) 8 TOTAL (34.4 Ov, RR: 3.25) 113/1 Yet to bat: Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal †, Ramesh Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Charith

Karunaratne attempted to drive him down the ground.

If he had got to fifty, Karunaratne would have made seven Test half-centuries in as many innings,

Asalanka, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama Fall of wickets: 1-106 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 30.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 6-2-12-0 Jason Holder 8-2-23-0 Kyle Mayers 2-0-13-0 Veerasammy Permaul 5-0-18-0 Roston Chase 7.4-0-33-1 Jomel Warrican 6-3-7-0

a feat only six batters had accomplished. In any case, his last seven scores read 42, 83, 147, 66, 118, 244, and 75.

Oshada Fernando survived 10 balls before the players went off for bad light.

Nissanka was 61 not out off 109 balls, his scoring rate having slowed as the light faded. (ESPNcricinfo)

RHTY&SC Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Vitality Tenelec Inc pumps Inc Cricket Teams donate $100,000 in cycles US$5400 into Berbice to Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund cricket for 2 tournaments …Foster unveils plans to produce 10 West Indies players at all levels in 2 years

RHTY&SC members pose after receiving their cycles under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund

T Bobby Deonarine of Tenelec Inc hands over sponsorship to BCB Secretary Angela Haniff in the presence of other executives and Under-15 players

"O

n behalf of the Berbice Cricket Board, I would like to welcome you back as an official sponsor of our cricket and I am confident that your investment would assist us to produce more international players like you did in the past.

Berbice cricket is now widely considered the role model of cricket administration and we look forward to working along with you and Tenelec Inc to lift it even further."

These were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster at a simple presentation ceremony at the Albion Ground as overseas-based Guyanese Bobby Deonarine handed over a cheque for US$5400 on behalf of his company, Tenelec Inc. The sponsorship would be used to host a knockout 50-over tournament for the county’s 11 First-Division teams and a round-robin Under-15 tournament with 16 teams.

Foster disclosed that despite the ongoing rains, a total of six matches have been played

to date and the tournament would be used to select the Berbice team for the 2022 Under-15 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) tournament. Among the teams in the Tenelec Under-15 tournament are Achievers; Cotton Tree; Tucber Park; Guymine; Mount Sinai; Albion; Rose Hall Canje; Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC); Port Mourant and Upper Corentyne.

The 50-over knockout tournament would be played in early 2022 and would be contested by Blairmont, West Berbice, Police, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Albion, RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon. The BCB will consider a team from the Berbice riverine area, with the final decision being made early next year by the executives.

Among the players expected to play in the tournament are Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Kevlon Anderson, Nial Smith, Shimron

Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Keon Joseph, Jonathan Foo and Devendra Bishoo.

Foster reassured Deonarine, who is an uncle of Test player Narsingh Deonarine that his tournaments would be well organised and would be completed on time. The BCB President, who is also a Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), stated that the county Board was committed to hosting at least four major First-Division tournaments in 2022 and at least 30 at all levels including juniors, seniors, internal zones, and females.

Deonarine stated that he was delighted to be back with the BCB and expressed confidence in the current executives led by Foster.

Berbice cricket, he said, was very special to him and he would continue to invest as long as he could.

Tenelec Inc is co-owned

by Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruentzel. It provides services to the American public in the electrical and telecoms sector.

he Christmas Charity Programme of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation continued on Friday with a presentation of $100,000 worth of bicycles to six players of the club at the Area H Ground. The presentation was done under the Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund and was sponsored by the Atlantis Cricket Club of New York, United States.

The players were specially selected by the cricket management committee of the club, headed by Cricket Manager Ravindranauth Kissoonlall.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony stated that the RHTY&SC, over the years, has assisted hundreds of youths across the country with cycles while a total of 117 members have also benefited. The main objective is to make sure that youths can attend school and cricket practice. He noted that the majority of the youths who have received the cycles are from single- parent households and as such, their parent struggles to assist them with transportation costs. The six youths, he disclosed, were selected based on discipline, attitude, commitment and potential for the future. He told the attentive youths that it was

a privilege to be a RHTY&SC member as the club was determined to make sure that they succeed in life – on and off the cricket field. He spoke at length on the importance of discipline, hard work and staying in school to obtain an education.

The RHTY&SC, MS, he noted, is very passionate about making sure that each of its players understands the importance of education and never give up.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and a Director of Cricket West Indies (CWI), advised the youths to say yes to sports, education, religion, culture, life and no to suicide, drugs, crime, alcohol and the evil ways of Satan.

RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu expressed thanks to the Atlantis Cricket Club of New York for its support, with special mention been made of its President, Colin Sandy. He noted that it was the second successive year that the New York-based club was supporting the Butcher Fund and expressed confidence that the relationship would continue in the future.

The Basil Butcher Trust Fund was established in 2020 after the death of the legendary player by the club and his family to assist youths and less fortunate families. Butcher played 44 Test

matches for the West indies, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven centuries and 16 half-centuries.

The Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team are sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana of Agricola while the Vitality Under-23 team are sponsored

by Vitality Inc of Providence.

Among the players in the teams are Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Keith Simpson, Shawn Perriera, Jonathan Rampersaud, and Chanderpaul Govindan.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Young people are important to our country” – Minister Sukhai

23

… presents cricket gear to teams in Region 8

Government Ministers and other officials are flocked by the team captains

0

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle handed over sporting equipment to team captains who had gathered in Campbelltown, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) for a major tape ball tournament, “For us, the young people are important to our country.

We know that young people are the human resource for the future. Our Government has coined a very elaborate programme for young people in our manifesto, and we are

one year in office, and we are proceeding to implement and execute those commitments we’ve made to the young people of our country in education and job opportunities through more investments,” Minister Sukhai said.

The presentation was made in the presence of Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat; Amerindian Affairs Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Ryan Toolsiram; Regional Councillor Rajkumar Singh, who is also

playing in the tournament; and Campbelltown Toshao Jillian Williams.

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry also sponsored the winning trophy.

The Ministry is looking to continue supporting the sport in the region based on the response.

Toolsiram said from the talent he has seen during the day’s activities, national cricketers could emerge from Region Eight.

“These gear will help you enhance your skills that you

The cricket equipment donated to teams in Mahdia (DPI Photos)

have already. Hopefully, in the near future, we will see some national players coming out from this event. So, these events nurture the local talent so that we can then be portrayed on a national level.

So, I would like to thank you all for being a part of this activity,” he noted.

Minister Sukhai said

the tournament fostered camaraderie among people of different cultures, which is integral to nation-building.

Meanwhile, the Director of Sport is examining ways to assist the community to upgrade the playgrounds. He said the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry will supply the community with added

amenities t o enhance the playfields.

“It’s quite important that we have sports in our lives, because it’s not just about competition but it’s about sharing too, as we can use sport to better relationships between communities. From the advent of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, we have started our robust ground enhancement campaign. I’m telling you this, because, when I saw your ground, hopefully we can assist in making this something that you will be a little prouder about, as it relates to enhancing it, maybe with lights or maybe getting the ground rolled or maybe even helping you to move to another ground.”

The National Sport Commission has been continually supporting sports in Guyana, hosting the firstever National Sport Conference back in October. (DPI)

ExxonMobil National Indoor Badminton team faced adversity Hockey Championships begin preparing for Pan Am

A glimpse of the practice action between Tyrese Jeffrey and Narayan Ramdhani

B

y now it is no secret that Guyana’s team to the Junior Pan American Games have faced many hurdles, especially with the loss of their coach, Gokarn Ramdhani.

Back in October, Guyana lost its premier badminton coach. Since then, a team for the Junior Pan American Games has been able to return to training, in anticipation for the event.

Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport, prior to their departure for Cali, Colombia, Priyanna Ramdhani, Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey had spoken about the challenges this loss has incurred.

For Priyanna, who lost both a coach and a father in Ramdhani, the situation has been “extremely tough”, but she has been able to persist through her training regimen.

“It’s been tough ‘cause he’s been my Coach for my whole life, and he introduced me to

the game of badminton. It’s sad but like, he made us tough, he made my brother and I tough.

We’ll carry his legacy, continue playing badminton and he always wanted us to go to the Olympics, and I’ll make sure it happens, just for him,” Priyanna shared with this publication.

“I’ve been training since September. When I went back to Canada, I trained four times a week, two times at the highperformance club and two times at the College, and then I came back here to the unfortunate passing of the late Gokarn Ramdhani, my father, who passed away.”

“We had a week off of training, but when I came back to Guyana I’ve been training with my fellow teammates. It ended up being a good thing, because I got to train Akili with mixed doubles. The training has been good,” the athlete, who is now in Colombia, added.

Haynes has described the late Ramdhani as a father figure, noting that his death has

affected his game. However, he has been able to adjust to the tutelage of Narayan Ramdhani, who took the reins after his father’s passing.

“It has affected my game, because it’s a different coaching. Narayan’s coaching style is different to Mr Gokarn’s own, so losing him would have hurt me badminton-wise.

But also, he was kind of like a father figure to me. I’ll try my best to stay focused and to stay the course, looking for form,” Haynes explained.

He further stated, “On badminton days, we’ve been training twice a day, so it’s been real good. I guess just staying mentally ready to play whoever I’m playing against.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey has credited the group’s strong team dynamic for being able to prepare as they should.

“So far, it has been good, since Narayan came back. He had us going through drills and stuff, so I would say that our preparation coming up to the Games has been as it should be.”

Jeffrey continued, “The team, we cope very well with each other, we’ve been on a lot of tours together; we basically know what to expect from each other and you know; so far, it has been a good journey.”

While the team opened their campaign with two losses, they are looking ahead to the mixed doubles this week.

Hockey action at the CASH

A

fter an inactive period of almost two years, the Guyana Hockey Board has finally received the green light to resume local hockey competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) albeit with strict COVID-19 guidelines.

Players are keenly prepped for exciting competitions which will see three divisions – the men’s, women’s and Second-Division men – being contested. Since it was impossible to host the annual Diamond Mineral Water Festival this year owing to COVID-19 challenges, ExxonMobil, who is usually a co-sponsor for the event, has generously stepped in to support the Guyana Hockey Board with this effort, as the ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships.

Six men’s teams will contest the men’s FirstDivision competition. These include the most recent national champions, the Pepsi Hikers; YMCA Old Fort, Bounty GCC, Saints, Guyana

40s, and 50 Not Out. Apart from the regular cub sides, this year features two new team entrants comprising players preparing to contest the Indoor Masters World Cup in February 2022. Guyana 40s will be made up of players 40 years or older, including Robert Fernandes, Chris Low, and Devin Hooper while 50 Not Out is the selection of players 50 years and older including the likes of Dexter Wyles, Damon Woodroffe, and goalkeeper Allan Newark.

These two teams comprise mostly former national players and, while the young energetic men’s teams are likely to be difficult to overcome, these two first-time entrants promise some entertaining matches of youth versus experience.

The women’s competition will feature many of the players who gained international experience this year at the Indoor Pan American Cup. Five teams will make up this competition, with three being from the core of national

players – the GBTI GCC Ignite, GBTI GCC Spartans and the GBTI GCC Roulette.

Aliyah Gordon; Marzana Fiedtkou and the Xavier sisters, Gabriella and Alysa, are likely to be key players for these teams while promising juniors Sarah Klautky, Madison Fernandes, and Aosaide Cadogan will have an opportunity to showcase their improved games after international competition this year. Saints has been the fastest improving side, with young breakout star Clayza Bobb expected to lead their attack while the Misfits will be mixing youth and experience under the leadership of former national player Maria Munroe.

The men’s Second-Division competition will comprise six teams – YMCA Old Fort, Saints Sensations, Saints Scorpions, Hikers Cadets, GCC Pitbulls, and GCC War Dogs.

The competition began on Monday, November 29 and will run until Sunday, December 5, with the finals beginning at 16:00h.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

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

Page 23

“Young people are important to our country” – Minister Sukhai Page 23

Pathum Nissanka’s 50 lays solid base for Sri Lanka on rain-hit 1st day

… presents cricket gear to teams in Region 8

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