Guyana Times -- Wednesday, December 29, 2021

P20

95.4% of COVID cases recovered – Health Minister Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4874

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

New Natural Resource Fund Bill more transparent than APNU/AFC's – Ali …says 2019 version unconstitutional, illegitimate See story on page 3

Former Finance Minister charged for misconduct in public office …released on $3M bail, application for bail reduction denied Page 2

80% of adult Former APNU/AFC population received Govt warned in 2019 of criminal 1st dose COVID vaccine charges Waterfront land undersold to BK

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

US-based P17 Guyanese injured during brawl with man who teased him Man reportedly P14 flees to Suriname after stabbing fisherman Teenagers wanted for Albouystown P20 murders

Teen dies after crashing motorcycle into car P20

Page 7

…32 infections reported in 24h

Govt deploys pumps to relieve flooding in Reg 3

Page 5

Harmon will “consider” stepping aside as Opposition Leader under “right” circumstances See story on page 10

US-based P18 Guyanese charged for smuggling birds into US from Guyana Linden man P18 busted with gun, ammo after high-speed chase with Police

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Former Finance Minister charged for misconduct in public office …released on $3M bail, application for bail reduction denied

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ormer Finance Minister Winston Jordan was granted bail in the sum of $3 million on misconduct in public office charges when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday. The charges were brought against the former APNU/AFC Minister by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

He was arrested by SOCU, which is the Guyana Police Force’s arm that specialises in white-collar investigations on December 3, 2021, as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020.

During his court appearance on Tuesday, Jordan was not handcuffed as was the case when former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh was charged in 2018 under the APNU/AFC Government. Those charges against Dr Singh have since been withdrawn. Also, unlike what occurred in 2018 when Dr Singh was made to walk through the prisoner’s dock, Jordan sat in the courtroom until his bail was

posted and then he exited via the court steps.

Some weeks ago, during the investigations by SOCU, the former Minister complained of “feeling unwell” and he was rushed to the Plaisance Health Centre.

He was later released upon the intervention of his lawyers and instructed to return to SOCU the following day, but the agency was later informed that doctors had placed him on bed rest.

However, this did not deter SOCU from continuing its investigations, which led to the institution of the charge. At court on Tuesday, Jordan was not required to plead to the charge, which was read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that between Wednesday, February 26, 2020, and Friday, July 31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, Jordan wilfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed a Transfer of Property, which was published in the Official Gazette, to BK Marine Inc. The charge further stated that the 2.533acre property situated at

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, was sold to BK for only $20,260,276 when it was worth over $5 billion.

The property, the charge stated, was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust and without reasonable excuse or justification.

Cabinet decision

Speaking with the media after the court proceedings, Defence Attorney Roysdale Forde believed that the bail sum handed down by the

Chief Magistrate was excessive. “We made an application for the sum to be reduced but it was not granted.”

With respect to the charge brought against Jordan, Forde stated that Jordan did not take it upon himself to unilaterally act to sign any vesting order but rather he would have done so after a process that led to deliberation and determination by the then Cabinet.

“After that process, Mr Jordan would have been simply performing an ad-

ministrative function by which he would have been signing a vesting order… if the Cabinet decision would have authorised the sale and the circumstances and conditions of the sale as a consequence of receiving a report and documentation and a memorandum for NICIL itself outlining those circumstances so at no time whatsoever, Winston Jordan would have acted solo,” Forde contended.

On that note, he stated that since Jordan was acting based on a Cabinet decision, it provides a legal justification and context under which he would have acted.

In fact, SOCU had stated that Jordan was questioned in relation to a series of alleged fraudulent transactions in which he was implicated, involving public funds and State properties estimated to be valued billions of dollars.

These include the sale and vesting of the State’s largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown, valued at approximately $8 billion (US$40,000,000) which was sold for a mere $110 million (US$500,000).

That property was sold to BK Marines Limited, owned by businessman Brian Tiwari, who was also hauled in for questioning regarding his acquisition of the prime waterfront properties in Kingston, Georgetown.

According to SOCU, the company had only paid 10 per cent of the purchase price, that is, $20 million (US$100,000) and Jordan, as then Finance Minister, went ahead to issue a vesting order passing the title to the purchaser without the payment of any further sum of monies.

“The vesting order stated that the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser.

Transport was subsequently issued for this property and the value strangely stated on the transport was GUY $400,000,000 million (US$2,000,000.)

Further, the agreement of sale stat-

ed that title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price,” the investigative body related in a release to the press earlier this month.

It contended that its investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, located some seven miles upriver, was sold by a private company for US$17 million.

“This is only one of several investigations that implicate former Minister Jordan,” SOCU stated.

While Jordan had previously denied any wrongdoing regarding this transaction, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had announced that there were active investigations into a number of suspected shady dealings under the former APNU/ AFC Government and the former Finance Minister had been implicated in a number of nefarious transactions.

These include the hiding of the US$18 million signing bonus which the APNU/AFC Administration had received from ExxonMobil, the alleged sale of several pieces of prime land after the contentious March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and the alleged sale of several vehicles from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to close associates of the then Administration without observing proper procedure.

Meanwhile, Government, earlier this year, had filed a civil action against Tiwari’s company; Jordan, and former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin HeathLondon to retrieve the prime waterfront properties in Kingston. Those proceedings are still engaging the courts’ attention.

Jordan is expected to make his next court appearance on February 14, 2022, but as a condition for his bail he was ordered to report to SOCU on the last Friday of every month until the determination of the case.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Dec 29 – 00:30h – 02:00h and Thursday, Dec 30 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

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WEATHER TODAY There will be light cloud during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 12:43h reaching a maximum height of 2.47 metres.

Low Tide: 06:11h and 18:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.72 metre.

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New Natural Resource Fund Bill more transparent than APNU/AFC's – Ali …says 2019 version unconstitutional, illegitimate

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that the decision to scrap the Natural Resource Fund Act it found when it entered office and replace it with one of its own, was to add more transparency and legitimacy which will hold the Government more accountable.

He has made it pellucid that the new Natural Resource Fund Bill is a more transparent and legitimate one than the 2019 version it had inherited, which was severely deficient.

The parliamentary Opposition has been critical of the new piece of legislation for the Natural Resource Fund recently laid in the National Assembly and expected to be debated today. In a video address on Tuesday, however, President Ali explained why the new bill is necessary.

“Why is there a need for a new Natural Resource Fund Bill? Why was it necessary for us to do this? Let me start by saying this was a campaign promise, it was a campaign promise that we were going to have an amendment of this bill for a number of reasons.”

“One, the old bill is unconstitutional and illegitimate, we seem to forget that this bill was passed by the Parliament in January 2019 after the No-Confidence Motion had been approved so, the bill has no legitimacy, so it’s unconstitutional.

The second issue is that the Act was passed without any input or any involvement by the then parliamentary Opposition,” the Head of State outlined.

The President noted

President Dr Irfaan Ali

that the then Opposition took a conscience decision to boycott the National Assembly because the former Government had lost its mandate. But additionally, President Ali noted that the old bill itself had several worrisome flaws that had to be corrected in the new bill.

“The Natural Resource Fund Act also had a number of fatal flaws in its content which we had to rectify before the Act could have been made operational. What are these fatal flaws that the Act had inside?”

“The governance structure, it was severely deficient with no governing body such as the Board of Directors, the Santiago Principles require a governing body, there was no governing body as is required by the Santiago Principles.

The absence of a Board of Director in the old Act is compounded by the excessive power, rules and responsibilities that was vested in one individual, the Minister of Finance,”

President Ali explained.

According to Ali, the new bill drastically reduces the powers of the Finance Minister. The Board taking over much of these powers will include representatives of the Private Sector and Parliament.

The President further spoke of some of the safeguards in the bill, including mandating the Finance Minister to publish all money entering the fund, within three months. President Ali also made it clear that the money will be spent on developing Guyana, something he said his Government will not be deterred from.

Currently, there is approximately US$534 million in oil revenues that Guyana has earned thus far, including some US$388.7 million from the seven lifts of more than seven million barrels of oil to date, being held in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic Government has maintained that it would not touch the monies until the proper legislative infrastructure is in place to manage the use of the funds.

To this end, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh last week tabled the Natural Resource Fund Bill in the National Assembly, which states that these monies are only to be used to finance: “National development priorities including any initiative aimed at realising an inclusive green economy, and essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a major natural disaster.”

According to the proposed laws, the NRF will be governed by a Board of Directors, comprising as many as five members, who will be selected from among persons “who have wide experience and ability in legal, financial, business, or administrative matters”.

But in keeping with the aim of having an arm'slength approach to revenues earned in the oil and gas sector, the bill explicitly states that the Directors cannot be Members of Parliament or anyone whose appointment will be a conflict of interest, among other restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resource Fund Bill also proposes a $10 million fine and five years’ imprisonment for anyone who gives materially false and misleading information or permit such information to be included in any reports or documents. A similar penalty will be imposed on anyone who discloses official information that is deemed confidential as well as anyone who fails to publish information required to be made known under the law.

Additionally, the proposed legislation also simplifies, makes more transparent and removes the discretion in the determination of the amount that will be transferred from the fund to the National Budget.

The Natural Resource Fund legislation proposes that the maximum withdrawals from the Fund in a fiscal year cannot exceed the amount approved by the National Assembly for that period, and that all withdrawals be deposited into the Consolidated Fund. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 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

Diversifying process, mechanisms initiated

T

he Dutch Disease, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), refers to the harmful consequences emanating from the sudden increase of a nation’s income, more so its currency.

It was coined by The Economist magazine following their analysis of the effects that the natural gas discoveries had on the Netherlands.

The Dutch Disease can be occasioned by an increase in a tradable natural resource, eg oil, which can lead to the appreciation of a country’s real exchange rate. This would lead to an increase in the local currency, consequently making the country’s exports in other industries more expensive, while imports become cheaper.

If not catered for, this can lead to performance in those non-booming sectors diminishing.

According to the IMF, in its article "Dutch Disease: Wealth Managed Unwisely", during the 1960s, the Netherlands experienced a vast increase in its wealth after discovering large natural gas deposits in the North Sea. “Unexpectedly, this ostensibly positive development had serious repercussions on important segments of the country’s economy, as the Dutch guilder became stronger, making Dutch non-oil exports more expensive and, therefore, less competitive. This syndrome has been witnessed in many countries across the world, including but not limited to resource-rich commodity exporters. Although Dutch Disease is generally associated with a natural resource discovery, it can occur from any development that results in a large inflow of foreign currency, including a sharp surge in natural resource prices, foreign assistance, and foreign direct investment.”

Globalisation in the 21st century has taken on a more dynamic effect with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in April of 2020, resulting in countries that were hard hit by the coronavirus relying heavier on the importation of goods, remittances, and Foreign Direct Investment benevolence. This state of affairs will invariably affect how countries give priority to their productive sectors, and how they can cushion the shocks of their under-performing sectors against the volatility of the exchange rate.

In this pandemic, few countries can lay claim to positive growth to such an extent where the Dutch Disease would become a factor worth considering.

Fortunately, Guyana ranks among the few with a growth rate of 26 per cent in 2020 – significant by normal standards, and incredible during a pandemic.

With the discovery of tangible oil deposits in 2015 by ExxonMobil, Guyana has been placed on the radar as one of the countries expected to significantly increase its income-earning capacity.

Prudent management of Guyana’s economy, therefore, is integral in ensuring that it averts the Dutch Disease phenomenon.

Stabilisation of the currency appreciation has been posited as one of the best ways to circumvent the effects of the Dutch Disease.

According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), one of the best ways to ensure stability is by setting up a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) that caters for the inflows of capital into the economy, to prevent it from overheating and causing significant currency appreciation.

Excess revenues can then be spent on education or infrastructure that would help to diversify the economy.

Research suggests that of significant importance is a nation’s management of its human resources. Providing the requisite opportunities for training in the oil and gas sector for the population would aid significantly in providing resilience.

Diversification is also the mantra used to ensure that the Dutch Disease does not take hold. Prior to the introduction of oil, Guyana had traditionally been reliant on its agricultural and natural resources sectors, such as rice, gold, bauxite, etc, to earn.

Economic experts opine that policymakers must not allow the economy’s external competitiveness to decline. Meaning, reliance has to be placed on enhancing agricultural productivity, so that Guyana’s dependence on imported processed food items can be decreased. This would counteract the inflationary growth that can be precipitated when the exchange rate fluctuates and affects the purchasing power of the domestic currency.

Neighbouring Venezuela is a classic example of why diversification is important. Currently in the midst of a crisis, Venezuela was a leading exporter of oil, which became its most significant earner. When the world demand for same reduced, Venezuela was not able to translate the economy’s wealth generated from its windfalls into sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its citizens. The country’s political ideology has also left it socially and economically cut off from the liberal First World countries, who tend to offer assistance and aid in times of a crisis.

To avoid the Dutch Disease, the Government needs to manage the structural changes that will flow from swift growth, to ensure economic stability. Diversifying exports to reduce dependence on the booming oil sector would increase Guyana’s resilience to external shocks. Moreover, the policymakers must create an enabling environment for growth by partnering with the Private Sector and other stakeholders to ensure the provision of adequate education and training to equip and expand our human resource component.

Thankfully, the governing administration has started the process, and has mechanisms in place to avoid the Disease.

A woman tapes the word "Omicron" to a handmade doll depicting the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Managua, Nicaragua. The dolls are burnt at midnight on December 31 as a tradition of saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new (AFP)

$400M-$500M to upgrade Guyana’s health-care system Dear Editor, The People's Progressive Party/Civic Government is looking at upgrading Guyana’s health-care system, so that each Guyanese, irrespective of their community, can benefit from world-class health-care services.

This was indeed a welcome disclosure made by VicePresident Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during an interview on Friday last, in which he disclosed that the Government would be investing around $400 to $500 million on public infrastructure alone, to facilitate the upgrading of the health-care system.

It is clear from the evidence in many states of the USA that a well-functioning health system, working in harmony, is built on having trained and motivated health workers, a well-maintained infrastructure, and a reliable supply of medicines and technologies, backed by adequate funding, strong health plans and evidence-based policies.

The plan to have six new hospitals being constructed across the country, including new state-of-the-art children and maternal hospital, new psychiatric hospital, and upgrades to the existing health facilities, should give every Guyanese renewed hope and the realisation that this PPP/C Government does care for the wellbeing of every Guyanese, most importantly, your children and leaders of the future.

Since assuming office in August 2020, our Government has already taken steps to upgrade the legislation governing the health sector. The Government has since pre-

sented the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill to the National Assembly, a revolutionary piece of legislation to enable organ transplantation in the country.

One of the most sophisticated investments we will make in 2022 is in our people's health-care. The Government's collaborative efforts would be focused on several strategic goals: Building healthier communities by empowering our people, and communities to actively engage in their health-care journey, focusing on improving health service delivery in our communities by harnessing digital health technologies to redesign services and models of care to be closer to home.

Reducing duplication, while maximising the use of technology and strengthening the power of partnerships to ultimately build healthier communities.

It must be noted that our Government’s aim is to develop services in communities that assist in hospital avoidance and unnecessary long-distance travel. However, it is imperative that keen attention is taken to enable care in the community through changing models of care, supported by local staff linked to specialist advice, using digital health technologies. Leveraging and expanding digital health technologies will support our quest in preventing illness, reducing the burden of chronic disease management, promoting wellbeing, and enabling our communities to live a healthy and productive life across their whole lifetime.

The government is com-

mitted to working together with doctors and nurses, focusing on efforts at strengthening partnerships to leverage capacity and capability to deliver streamlined services across our communities.

While it cannot be denied that public health care delivery in Guyana has much room for improvement, equally it is undeniable that there have been unprecedented and significant improvements in recent years, particularly with respect to specialised services under the People's Progressive Party Civic Government. But what is evident and welcome is that our Government has demonstrated an unswerving commitment to continuously upgrade and improve the quality and accessibility to health care delivery for all Guyanese.

The facts bear testimony to this with our PPP/C Government’s ascension to office following the historic October 5, 1992 election.

Our Government will continue to work persistently to strengthen and enhance the human resource capacity and management and administration of hospitals, health centres, and all other agencies associated with the health sector, through continuous training programmes, both local and foreign.

In this regard, the Cuban medical scholarship programme brokered between former Presidents Fidel Castro and Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo undoubtedly has been a tremendous boost to our public health care system. In addition, the system is further being boosted by foreign medical brigades from Cuba and

China.

In recent years, an encouraging development has been the upsurge in the growth of private medical institutions in Guyana.

While these institutions have been inevitably used by the affluent sections of our society, at the same time they have reduced some of the pressure from the public health care institutions.

However, some of these private health care institutions must work towards bringing/reducing the cost of providing services, since the main goal of our Government’s health care system is to ensure that every Guyanese has access to quality health care regardless of their financial circumstances.

Finally, it is important that our Government establishes accountable and transparent governance to lead and manage priorities based on sound investment and resource allocation.

Governance of the strategy is a responsibility that must be equally understood, shared, and supported by all that enable our workforce to improve current health-care delivery approaches and embrace new ways of working as our Government connect our health system to ensure effective digital connections between systems, people and processes, while harnessing innovation to pursue technological advancements and innovation that would benefit our health system.

Sincerely, David Adams

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

5

News

Govt deploys pumps to relieve flooding in Reg 3 severe flooding that residents are experiencing. I am therefore pleading with you the residents to desist from throwing garbage into the drains. When these bottles and other things find themselves in the pumps, they cause massive damage to those pumps,” Minister Mustapha said.

In addition to the pumps, an excavator is also scheduled to commence works in the areas to clear clogged waterways that continue to

impede the flow of water.

The Minister also reminded residents that, as was previously announced by the Ministry’s Hydromet Department, heavy and persistent rainfall is expected over the next few weeks and that they should take the necessary precautions to protect their homes. He also told residents that from the level of the Flood Response Taskforce, the Civil Defence Commission will be engaged so that cleaning sup-

plies can be distributed to those affected.

The Hydromet Department’s weather brief for Tuesday, December 28, predicted rainfall between 15.0mm to 40.0mm, with the highest expected rainfall over Regions Two to Five expected between 19:00h on Tuesday and 07:00h on Wednesday and that these conditions will likely lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Bomb scare forces evacuation of Conference Centre …Public Works Ministry's year-end brief postponed

One of the flooded areas

P

ersistent rainfall across parts of Guyana’s coast over the last 48 hours has left many homes in several communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) inundated.

During an assessment visit to Zeelugt and Meten-Meer-Zorg - two of the most affected communities - on Tuesday afternoon, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told residents that systems have already been put in place to relieve flooding in the area.

While there, Minister Mustapha visited some of the homes of residents who were affected to get a firsthand look at the impact of the flooding.

Residents told the Minister that there was an urgent need for a large drainage pump to be sent to the areas to assist with draining the land as the sluices were only able to operate when the tide was low.

Minister Mustapha told the affected residents that after receiving reports that several communities were flooded, systems have since been put in place to have two pumps sent to the affected areas to complement the sluices.

“From the level of the NDIA, two pumps will be sent to these areas. One will be placed permanently at the De Kinderen Sluice and the other will be placed

at Zeelugt temporarily until the water recedes. After that, I’ll be coming back to these areas with our engineers to see what interventions can be made so that we can avoid or at least minimise future flooding,” the Minister said.

Furthermore, while discussing how pollution continues to contribute to flooding in many communities, Minister Mustapha pleaded with residents to desist from littering.

“These areas are very low areas and water from the high lands will always accumulate in these low-lying areas. Also, the amount of garbage that we’ve seen in the drainage systems is also contributing to the

J

ust as the Public Works Ministry was about to commence its year end press conference on Tuesday, a bomb threat at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre forced officials to postpone the briefing and evacuate the building.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar arrived at the ACCC, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, where they were joined by other officials.

Entities that operate under the Ministry include the Work Services Group, Maritime Administration Department, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Demerara Harbour Bridge

President has zero control over oil money

Dear Editor, I think Mr Artur Deakin, AMI's CoDirector of Energy Practice, has erred, as per the article entitled "New law to give Pres. Ali dangerous control over oil money", which was carried in December 25, 2021 edition of a daily newspaper.

The article seems to connote that "[Mr] Arthur Deakin is of the firm conviction that the PPP/C Government’s Natural Resource Fund Bill 2021 gives a worrying degree of power to the President". Further, Mr Deakin is even quoted as saying that “[t]he proposed Natural Resource Fund legislation is concerning. Although the original law gave too much power to the Minister of Finance, the new law simply transfers those powers to the President.”

I'm not sure what is Mr Deakin’s agenda, but I would like to speculate that maybe he would like to get the Government's attention. Let's face it, Guyana is ripe for investment, and con-

sultancy services in oil and gas are booming. These so-called experts’ sole intention is to cash in lofty contracts, or maybe I'm exaggerating and the sole reason this buffoon is making headlines is that he is paid to do so by Guyana's trending O&G Tik Toker goof.

Mr Deakin couldn't be more wrong in his intuition of the new NRF Bill. First, the President has zero control over the oil money. Though the power lies in his hand to appoint members of the board of directors, and notwithstanding said board of directors would be responsible for the overall management of the fund, reviewing and approving policies of the fund, etc., by virtue of the legislation, all withdrawal will be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny. Meaning, regardless of the withdrawal amount (which is administered by a straightforward formula), every dollar will be closely scrutinised under a strict parliamentary process.

Further, based on Mr Deakin’s con-

tention, neither the President nor the Minister should not be authorised to appoint the board members. Instead, "members should be selected by non-political institutions. Either the Private Sector or multilateral organisations, and confirmed by the National Assembly."

While this model seems to insinuate transparency and accountability, in the real world, this mechanism would introduce unnecessary burdens and bureaucratic mayhem. Members would be at a perpetual loggerhead, hence a situation that could open the door for corruption.

The incongruity would also be extended to the notion of having a 22-member committee to provide oversight of the fund.

Hence, it's preposterous to think that a 22-member committee would efficiently execute their duty of providing oversight more than 9.

Regards, I Mike

Deploying the GDF

Dear Editor, Hamilton Green’s response to President Ali's speech to the armed forces has no merit. I served in the Guyana Police Force during the seventies under the Burnham regime, when this same Hamilton Green was a Minister.

I and other members of the Force were compelled to do self-help work,

and also perform our normal duties on the days we did it. I was stationed at Kitty, and I can remember cleaning the trench at Barr Street Kitty and doing self-help at Melanie on the East Coast of Demerara, where houses were being built for PNC supporters.

We did not receive any one-month tax-free salary. There are many like myself who might be around and can

remember this Burnham's order.

Hamilton Green should be the last to speak, because he was using the Government's resources and manpower to strengthen the perimeter of his property at the back of Lodge.

Regards, Kenneth Singh

Corporation, Government Electrical Inspectorate, Canawaima Ferry Services Incorporated, Transport and Harbours Department and Aerodromes.

However, attendees and the media were asked to immediately exit the building and subsequently told that the press conference would be rescheduled to a later date. Following the evacuation, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrived on the scene to investigate.

A sniffer dog was also used to sweep sections of the compound to detect any explosives.

Just a few days ago, there

was a reported bomb scare at the Finance Ministry. After the building was evacuated, the building was combed but nothing was unearthed.

This Ministry had also reported a similar threat back in March.

Another notable bomb scare was reported during the March 2020 General and Regional Elections at the Region Four Command Centre, Ashmins Building on High and Hadfield Streets. However, over the years, such incidents have been reported at the Guyana Revenue Authority, both private and public city schools and other Government agencies.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Percents and decimals

C

an you believe that New Year’s Eve is just around the corner?!

If you’re looking for a fun and non-fireworks way to bring in the New Year, these DIY Noise Makers are fun.

New Year’s Eve Noise Makers! (anightowlblog.com) A perfect craft for kids leading up to New Year's, create your very own DIY New Year's Eve Noise Makers to ring in the New Year in DIY style! A perfect craft for kids leading up to New Year's, create your very own DIY New Year's Eve Noise Makers to ring in the New Year in DIY style!

Because percents are really hundredths, a percent can always be changed to a decimal. But be careful!

Examples: Change 7% to a decimal.

Step 1: Think: 7% = 7 hundredths Step 2: Write the correct decimal: 7% = .07 Decimals can also be changed to percents. The easiest way to do this is to move the decimal point two places to the right and add the percent sign.

Change .8751 to a percent.

Step 1: Move the decimal point two places to the right: 87.51 Step 2: Add the percent sign. So .8751 = 87.51%.

Exercises: Convert the percents to decimals.

Round to four digits to the right of the decimal.

1) 10%

6) 65.5%

2) 73%

7) 1775%

3) 30%

8) .9678%

4) .04

9) 450.2%

5) 84.6%

10) 53.78%

Here’s what you’ll need: Large wavy craft sticks Large silver jingle bells Curly Christmas bows Hot glue/hot glue gun Black craft paint Clear silver craft paint Paint brush What you do Lay out a piece of newspaper and paint your craft sticks black and let dry.

Paint a second coat with the clear silver glitter paint and let dry.

Carefully hot glue the top of one jingle bell to the top of the glittered craft stick and hold it in place until dry.’

Pull out two curly ribbons from your bow and glue one silver and one gold right below the jingle bell.

Carefully glue the top of one more jingle bell below the ribbon and hold it in place until dry.

And there you have it! Adorable and festive DIY

S

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS PROJECT: WAVY CRAFT STICKS: Stock up on these fun craft sticks! They’re perfect for everyday kid crafting – the sky’s the limit on the creative things you can make with these.

JINGLE BELLS: So many fun things you can do with these jingle bells too! They’re perfect for holiday craft projects.

MULTIPURPOSE SCISSORS: I always suggest a good pair of scissors for every craft project. I love these ones!

For more New Year’s Projects, Check Out: SPARKLING JELLO CUPS NEW YEARS EVE PRINTABLES CONFETTI NEW YEARS EVE PARTY IDEAS

tart listing your New Year’s Resolutions now and think of what you need to do to accomplish them.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Waterfront land undersold to BK

Former APNU/AFC Govt warned in 2019 of criminal charges T

he former A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was warned since 2019, that the sale of over 2.553 acres of prime waterfront property valued at over $5 billion to BK International, for “overly generous” terms, would attract legal sanctions.

Prominent lawyer and former President of the Guyana Bar Association, Ronald Burch-Smith was contracted by the former APNU/AFC Government through the then Public Infrastructure Ministry to give his legal opinion on the prospective sale of several buildings and prime lots on the Demerara riverfront, to BK International.

At the time, BK International was looking to exercise its option to purchase the land, which it had been leasing from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited since December 2006. At the time of the lease, there was an option to buy at $110 million.

However, there were other clauses in the contract that had to be fulfilled for them to get the property at that price. BK had stopped paying rent for the property after they expressed an intention to purchase it in 2009.

This figure was arrived at because BK International, at the time, had owed almost $100 million in accrued rent (the company was required to pay $10 million per year).

BK International was therefore looking to wipe out its debts and acquire the transport for prime land in its entirety, in one transaction.

“It appears from a letter reviewed by me dated 31st March 2017, that

to BK International would be difficult to justify and expose all those involved to criminal charges, save for the President who enjoys immunity from Cabinet decisions. He had also urged that the matter not be treated as a solely commercial issue and that care be given to the possible criminal implications of the sale.

Disregard legal advice

The property under dispute at Kingston, Georgetown

BK International proposes to pay the original option price, 1 year’s annual rent of $10 million and to receive transport. Similar terms have been rejected by NICIL in the past,” BurchSmith documented in his advice.

It was documented that NICIL had refused to sell the land to BK International, on the grounds that the company had not held up its end of the lease agreement and was thus not entitled to purchase the land at the rates in the agreement.

BK International would eventually halt the payment of rent and NICIL took the company to court for the unpaid rent in 2013.

As of 2019, when the option was sought, the matter had still not been concluded in the commercial court.

Below market value

Importantly, BurchSmith interviewed staff at both the then Ministry

of Public Infrastructure and the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), who all expressed concern at the former APNU/AFC Government’s efforts to sell the land below market prices.

According to BurchSmith in his legal advice, the staff were “of the general view that the proposed terms of the sale would result in the transfer to property to private ownership at disproportionately low rates”.

“In the exercise of their joint or several discretions, public officers should be concerned about whether a decision to sell Government land at overly generous prices can result in civil or criminal sanction to them personally. This is so particularly where the sale involves no obvious benefit to the public by facilitating important or valuable investment or as the result of a public tender. In the latter case, a public tender

creates no obligation to sell and may not be an appropriate legal justification for entering generous commercial terms,” Burch-Smith further advised.

Burch-Smith made it clear in his legal advice that the sale of the property

The former APNU/AFC Government eventually did the opposite of acting in a careful manner, going on to vest the land to BK International after the payment of just $20 million and spark criminal charges against former Finance Minister Winston Jordan who appeared in court on Tuesday and was released on $3 million bail.

Jordan appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where he was not required to plead. The former Finance Minister is expected to return to court on February 14, 2022.

It is alleged that Jordan, being and performing duties of Minister

of Finance and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between Wednesday, February 26, 2020, and Friday, July 31, 2020, wilfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order No 50 of 2020, which was published in the Official Gazette, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms, and further appurtenances, that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, by paying $20,260,276 for the property valued over $5 billion and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust and without reasonable excuse or justification.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No rest for the wicked...

Y

…on “development” our Eyewitness just can’t win. All he asked the Big Guy up there was that we get some relief from argumentation during these 12 days of Christmas.

But here it is on the 5th day, and rather than getting “five golden rings” to add to the “4 Calling Birds; 3 French Hens; 2 Turtle Doves and that Partridge in a Pear Tree”, he got five varieties of heartburn from the usual spoilsports who’ve taken up cudgels on our behalf. Don’t these folks have a life? Even if, like your Eyewitness, they see all this Christmas malarkey as “opium of the masses”, can’t they just lighten up for a while to accommodate those of their sisters and brothers who like an infusion of “opium” at this time?

Now, don’t get your Eyewitness wrong. He’s all for citizens from “civil society” to keep their eyes on the Government – even though we devised a political system that creates an Opposition to do that job!! Remember?

We’re supposed to have REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. That is, having other things to do – like making a living so that taxes can be paid to fund the Government’s activities – we’ve elected representatives to both “govern” (the majority of Representatives) and “keep the Government in line” – (the minority of Representatives).

But power being what it is, there are never too many eyes to watch the Governments!! Hence Civil Society groups like churches, trade unions, special interest groups etc etc. having particular interests, can collectively get a lot of citizens to know what the Government might be doing that adversely affects our interest. Now, some may say that there’s already the media, that was born at the same time as democratic Government - to do that job. But hey!!

The more the merrier, no?

But Jeez…don’t these Civil Society groups know it’s not civil to rile up folks at this time of the year? Season to be MERRY!! Look at those insisting the Government put a halt on constructing the NEW Demerara Harbour Bridge – because there hasn’t been an Environmental Impact Assessment done. Now, this new DHB was proposed over a decade ago…how come these watchdogs – or their predecessors – hadn’t been demanding EIAs before? The floating Bridge is decades past its expiration date…not to mention traffic across it had increased at least ten times since! So, the poor commuters are to wait another decade?

Look…whatever effect the new Bridge will have on the RIVER is gonna be less than what the present one has. So when the latter is removed for the former, the impact will be neutral!!

OK…maybe your Eyewitness is simplistic. But can’t this wait till AFTER THE New Year? …charging Jordan Then there was the slapping of a charge of criminal misconduct in Public Office on ex-Finance Minister Winston Jordan. We already had this play out in the Courts – involving attempted handcuffing with Jordan’s blood pressure going through the roof and requiring his hospitalisation!! Basically, there was a whole lot of backand-forthing – even in the Courts – about a wharf NICL under PPP was selling to BK (who hadn’t even paid the lease or use it for its specified purpose).

NICIL – now under the PNC – has made BK (who’s now a PNC financier!) another offer. BK pays just 10% of this amount, but Jordan signs over the wharf to BK, stating explicitly that all charges had been paid!! The state lost BILLIONS!! If this wasn’t criminal, what is?? But Jeez, couldn’t the charge wait another week? All it did was offer the new PNC Leader an opportunity to flaunt his trademark truculence! And rile up some folks, who had to work up themselves into righteous indignation.

And ruin their holidays! …when it rains Even though your Eyewitness isn’t a “town man” – who was drowned under the latest floods, he’s been singing “Rain rain go away, come again another day.”

Schadenfreude isn’t his thing during the holidays! Be merry is his cry!!

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

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Harmon will “consider” stepping aside as Opposition Leader under “right” circumstances W

ith the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) leadership race over and Aubrey Norton elected as leader of the party, former leadership contender Joseph Harmon said he would only consider stepping aside from the position of Opposition Leader under the right cir-

cumstances.

On the sidelines of the court appearance of former Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Tuesday, the Opposition Leader was asked about his future in the party. In addition to losing his bid for leadership of the party, Harmon was not elected to any of the Central

Executive Committee (CEC) seats of the PNCR. According to Harmon, however, this does not bother him since some his MPs are on the executive. Additionally, he noted that he can be co-opted unto the executive. This was done in August of 2020, when Harmon and Simona

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

Broomes were co-opted into the CEC. “The aftermath doesn’t change the fact. It’s the same situation basically that you had before, the same situation you have after. The fact of the matter is that the Constitution provides for the position of Leader of the Opposition and there is a process by which any change of that position will take place.”

“And that’s a constitutional process, so that the election in the PNCR does not change the setting in the Parliament itself. The Leader of the Opposition is representative of over 218,000 persons who went to the electorate and voted.

So that is my mandate. The mandate of the leader of the PNC is a separate mandate altogether,” Harmon said, expressing his belief that the Opposition Leader and PNCR Leader should work together.

Asked forthright about

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

whether he would consider stepping aside if called upon by his party, Harmon noted that he would only consider this under the right circumstances. These “right circumstances” would only occur if his presence in the National Assembly hampers the Opposition’s parliamentary performance.

“Not (a chance) that I see it… if in fact my situation, my sitting there makes it difficult for the Members of Parliament to be able to challenge the PPP and confront them at every level, then certainly I will consider it. So, it is a matter of our strength in the National Assembly, our ability to confront the PPP and their parliamentary agenda. That is what is important,” he said.

Reshuffling MPs

Harmon also emphasised that the only way he would support the recall of any current MP is based on their performance.

However, Harmon was of the view

that the Opposition’s current crop of MPs are doing a good job, hence no need for a recall.

Asked if he was concerned that his reluctance to relinquish the Opposition Leader position would cause divisions in the party, he said that he “doesn’t see that.” According to Harmon, while the people of the PNCR spoke when it comes to the elections in the party, the people of the country spoke when it comes to his position as Opposition Leader.

It must be noted, however, that the Opposition Leader is not an elected position under Guyana’s closed list Proportional Representation (PR) system for electing members of the legislature.

Norton had secured a landslide victory at the PNCR’s 21st biennial congress, obtaining more than half of the 1280 votes cast.

He got 967 votes; while Harmon obtained 245 votes and Van West-Charles received 64 votes.

Harmon had conceded prior to the official announcement of his loss and had congratulated Norton in a post on his Facebook page. He had also affirmed his commitment to fostering unity within the party.

When this publication had made contact with Harmon after the official announcement of results, he had reaffirmed his willingness to work with whoever is in charge of the party. Even then, however, Harmon had said that the results change nothing where his position as Opposition Leader is concerned.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2

2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

80% of adult population received 1st dose COVID vaccine …32 infections reported in 24h GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD T

he Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported that the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana have moved up to 39,151 after 32 new infections were detected within a 24-hour period.

New statistics provided also showed that no new deaths were reported as figures remained at 1050.

However, seven patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 31 in institutional isolation, 598 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine.

Detections have been made possible after 419,615 tests were conducted. This has led to 18,466 males and 20,685 females testing positive.

New positives were spread across four administrative regions, with 24 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases in the remaining regions.

However, vaccination numbers show that 410,181 first doses have been administered. This represents 80 per cent of the adult population. 293,601 or 57.2 per cent are completely vaccinated.

In terms of the 12 to 17 age group, 30,214 young people or 41.4 per cent received their first doses and 21,527 got the second or 29.5 per cent. There is a gradual increase in booster shots with 10,708 persons taking the jabs.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has cautioned within recent weeks that a booster dose is essential in safeguarding against the newest COVID variant, Omicron.

In Tuesday’s briefing, he asserted, “Omicron is a very highly transmissible variant.

Within weeks, it has become the dominant variant in many

countries. It is spreading around the world and apart from in the countries becoming the dominant variant of circulation, eventually it will be the dominant variant circulating in the world. We really need to take precautions if we are going to avoid this”.

It was pointed out that countries that were able to control the pandemic temporarily are now seeing high cases of COVID, especially among the unvaccinated. This is overwhelming the health systems.

“While a lot of people think that Omicron is a milder form of the disease, for the unvaccinated, people are still getting sick and they’re going into the hospital. If you get large amounts of cases, in some countries, they don’t have the hospital capabilities to manage these patients. If you don’t have the capability, unfortunately the patients would not get the best attention and some of them would die. We

DECEMBER 28, 2021 UPDATE

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1701

REGION 2

1585

REGION 3

5201

REGION 4

18,251

REGION 5

1490

REGION 6

3719

REGION 7

1815

REGION 8

623

REGION 9

2487

REGION 10

2279

can avoid that. We have tried to build capacity but our capacity is not infinite. It is lim-

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

31

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

598

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

7

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,665

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,466

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

39,151

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

37,465

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

410,181

FULLY IMMUNISED

293,601

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS ited and therefore, if we really get lots of cases and people are irresponsible during this period, then we can anticipate that we are going to get lots of cases.”

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 24), which are in effect until December 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for correct and consis-

1050

tent 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 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need 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

Man reportedly flees to Suriname after stabbing fisherman

A

22-year-old man has reportedly fled to Suriname after he allegedly stabbed a 24-yearold fisherman on Monday.

Injured is Kelvin Kewley also called “Kello” of Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Based on reports received, the incident took place at about 08:00h on the day in question while the suspect and victim were on a fishing boat at the Number 65 Village Koker, Corentyne,

Berbice.

The duo was reportedly involved in an argument when the suspect used a sharp object and stabbed Kewley to the mid-section of his chest and once to his left hand.

The injured man was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was treated and referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient for further treatment. An investigation is underway.

15

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Guyana is set to transform its infrastructure in 2022, bringing us into the 21st century

T

his past weekend, in the euphoria of Christmas, news emerged of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This South African icon outgrew his South African heritage and became also a global icon. If there is something that all Guyanese can agree on, it is that Archbishop Tutu is genuinely a global hero. I had the honour of meeting with, and having a number of the most inspiring discourses with, Archbishop Tutu. I met him personally for the first time in May 2008 when I served as the President of the World Health Organisation. When we were introduced and he learned I was from Guyana, he immediately hugged me and said you are from Cheddi’s country.

After my call for the 75X25 proposal, that is, that no country should have a life expectancy of less than 75 by 2025, he grabbed my hand and said Cheddi taught you well. Without such idealism, he argued, we cannot achieve Dr Leslie Ramsammy social justice. When I argued in 2008 that ending AIDS by 2030 is not just a very achievable goal, but with medicines for everyone living with HIV, we can end AIDS immediately and end HIV by 2030, he came by and said to me he never thought about it that way; and, indeed, our timidity in moving immediately to ending AIDS is an example of why social injustice remained the paradigm. Archbishop Tutu was a great son of God, and the world has lost a true hero. This week, someone sent me a picture of me and Archbishop Tutu. It is one I want to keep so that my grandchildren can see that their papa met a great man.

As we mourn the loss of Archbishop Tutu, in less than fortyeight hours, 2021 will be behind us and we will welcome 2022. For the whole of 2021, we were in a mortal combat with COVID-19, and even though we are truly battered, even though more than a thousand of our sisters and brothers have lost their lives prematurely because of COVID-19, we can, and we must, defeat COVID-19. As we end 2021, the numbers of newly confirmed cases on a daily basis have reached their lowest levels, and the numbers of persons in the COVID-19 hospital have also reached the lowest they have been throughout 2021. This signals that if we work together, we can stop COIVD-19. I am afraid, however, that Guyanese have thrown caution to the wind this holiday season, and I will not be shocked if COVID-19 goes berserk in the first few weeks of 2022.

But recognition must be given to the fact that Guyana stood out among developing countries in 2021, with over 80% of our adult population having a first dose vaccine, over 57% of the adult population fully vaccinated, more than 41% of the entire population fully vaccinated, and more than 12,000 Guyanese having had a booster shot. But COVID-19 was only one of the existential threats we faced. Climate change continued to vigorously make its presence felt. Beginning since October 2020, and relentlessly continuing throughout 2021, climate change has brought unprecedented levels of rainfall across Guyana. Every single geographic region in Guyana has had one flooding event after another. Over and above these struggles, Guyana continues to deal with an obstructionist parliamentary Opposition and a judiciary that the vast majority has no confidence in.

Confronted with challenges that hobbled other countries, Guyana still is in a position to record GDP (economic) growth near 20%. In fact, this is the second highest economic growth rate in the world. Overall, Guyana has had two consecutive years of economic growth rates ranking in the top five in the world.

For 2021, Guyana stands as the country with the second fastest growth rate, behind Libya. Guyana’s GDP is now about to top US$6B for the first time ever. Most people pay attention to two economic statistics for 2021 in Guyana. One is that OIL has rapidly become the number 1 foreign currency earner for Guyana. This is positive news, and can become the first ever annual billion US dollars’ income earner for our country. The second noteworthy statistics is that while bad weather continues to devastate SUGAR, bad weather was not able to similarly dash the hopes of rice farmers. In fact, rice will earn more than US$200M for 2021.

For the first time ever, the Public Sector investment will top more than $300B. Health, education, housing, infrastructure, and security in 2021 will have their largest-ever investment in the history of Guyana. Suddenly, the construction companies have not only run out of building material, there are also not enough large contractors in the country. But amidst the construction boom driven by Public Sector investment, private businesses, local and foreign, are investing in infrastructure development, building office buildings, warehouses, hotels, hospitals, schools etc. It is now necessary to allow construction companies and contractors with little experience to compete for construction contracts. It is impossible for the present list of contractors to meet the construction needs of the country. As we welcome 2022, Guyana has expanded the vision of a modern Guyana that Bharrat Jagdeo brought to his presidency in 1999. President Irfaan Ali is about to bring Guyana’s infrastructure into the 21st century.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US-based Guyanese injured during brawl with man who teased him A 47-year-old USbased Guyanese was injured on Monday evening during a brawl with a man who teased him about his assets.

Injured is Charles Crawford, called “Charlo”, of Kwakwani Park, Upper Berbice River, and of Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Based on reports received, Crawford arrived in Guyana on December 26, 2021, and was staying at his mother-in-law’s residence at Kwakwani Park, Region 10.

On the evening of December 27, 2021, Crawford was consuming alcohol with a group of men

at a campsite in the area.

Police related that during the outing, the suspect started to make “embarrassing remarks” about the victim’s wealth, saying “he get nuff money and a lot of assets”.

In response, the victim told the suspect that he is not concerned, and as such, the suspect picked up two glass bottles, broke them and was walking in the direction of the victim, who walked away from the scene.

The suspect followed the victim, who in defending himself, threw two bottles towards the suspect.

This led to a heated argument and ultimately a

scuffle between the two men. At the time, the suspect was still armed with

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

two glass bottles. Persons in the area intervened and parted them, but it was later observed that the victim

was bleeding from the neck.

He was then assisted and taken to the Kwakwani Hospital where he was ad-

mitted. Checks were made for the suspect, but he was not found. Investigations are in progress.

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden man busted with gun, ammo Several injured after after high-speed chase with Police drunken driver loses

A

36-year-old man is currently hospitalised under guard after he received injuries about his body following a highspeed chase with Police during the wee hours of Tuesday in Linden.

Based on reports received, a party of Policemen were on a mobile patrol in the Wismar Police Station District when they responded to a report of noise nuisance at Blueberry Hill.

On arrival at the location, ranks observed there was a private party in progress, with some 100 persons in attendance.

According to a statement from Police Headquarters, the ranks further observed two men acting in a suspicious manner. Upon seeing the cops, the men reportedly hurried towards motorcar PVV 4105 and sped off the scene.

The law enforcement officials thought something was amiss, and gave chase.

The weapon found in the suspect’s possession

Shortly after, the vehicle stopped and a man exited from the passenger seat, and the car continued its journey.

The cops managed to intercept the vehicle along Burnham Drive in the vicinity of the Riverview Hotel, where they instruct-

ed the driver to exit the car.

However, the driver reversed his vehicle and again drove away into the Silvertown area. The cops continued to give chase, during which they requested back-up.

As the chase continued, the motorcar slammed into

the Police vehicle before veering off the road and colliding with a GTT power dish.

The officers exited their respective vehicles and observed the suspect exiting the crashed motorcar from the window. He was subsequently arrested, and a search of the vehicle unearthed a 9MM Taurus Pistol, one magazine, and 11 rounds of matching ammunition.

The suspect was told of the offence committed and was cautioned, to which he reportedly replied, “Me ain’t know about that firearm wha yall fighting me down for.”

The Police have said that the motorcar received extensive damage, and the suspect had what appeared to be injuries to his right hand. He was then arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Public Hospital, where he was admitted under guard.

control of car in NA

S

even persons were injured following an accident along the Main Road at New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Sunday.

The accident occurred just after midnight and involved a motor car bearing registration number PXX 3973 driven by a 21-yearold man. Another man, Kevin Munroe, 19, was sitting in the front passenger’s seat. They both reside at Vryman’s Erven Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam (NA) Berbice.

The others who were in the car and were injured are Dexter Welcome, 21, of M&TC Housing Scheme; 20-year-old Shemroy Hoyte of Amsville Housing Scheme; Cranston Rafael Fraser, 20, of Sister’s Village, East Bank Berbice; Rayon Rose, 20, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice, and Nicholas Amsterdam, 20, of Stanleytown, NA. It was reported that the motor car was proceeding along the Princess Elizabeth Public Road at a fast rate of speed, and as the driver approached the intersection

between Vryheid and Main Road, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle which swerved and collided with a concrete base structure.

As a result of the collision, the driver and occupants received injuries about their bodies.

They were all taken out of the vehicle by public-spirited citizens and taken to New Amsterdam Public Hospital where they were treated. However, Fraser was admitted with lacerations to his forehead, while the driver and the remaining occupants were admitted for observation suffering from minor cuts and bruises about their bodies.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver and proved that he was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Meanwhile, Police stated that Fraser was subsequently transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical treatment. The other occupants were treated and sent away but the driver was arrested pending investigations.

US-based Guyanese charged for smuggling birds into US from Guyana

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US-based Guyanese who was caught at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York with birds he smuggled from Guyana back in August was on Tuesday charged and admitted to the offence.

According to a New York Post article, Joel Persaud appeared in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York where the guilty plea proceeding was held by Magistrate Judge Vera M Scanlon.

He was charged with illegally bringing birds from Guyana into the United States, in his suitcase, into JFK airport on August 31, 2021.

During the proceedings, Persaud’s lawyer said his client can’t read. In response, Judge Scanlon asked, “can’t read English or can’t read at all?” The lawyer responded, “can’t read at all”.

According to the article, changes were made to documents that said they had

been read.

It is still unclear whether Persaud will be subject to deportation for this misdemeanour. The sentencing guideline is 12 to 18 months - but 12 months is the maximum. The sentencing is set for April 21, 2022.

Last year, a US man was also caught at JFK with smuggled birds from Guyana. He was charged and admitted to the offence of smuggling.

Francis Gurahoo of Connecticut, US, pleaded guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Judge Robert Levy in federal court. The charge stated that he tried to smuggle 34 live finches stuffed inside plastic hair rollers into the United States on a flight from Georgetown, Guyana, through the JFK Airport.

Gurahoo, according to reports, planned on selling the birds which are used in highstakes bird singing competitions held in Brooklyn and Queens.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

95.4% of COVID cases recovered – Health Minister – 571 men, 479 women died from virus

S

tatistics released by the Health Ministry on Tuesday revealed that 95.4 per cent of the persons who contracted COVID-19 have recovered from the life-threatening virus.

Figures from the Health Ministry have shown that 39,151 persons were infected locally, but of this number, 37,366 recovered while 1,050 died.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony outlined on Tuesday that the death rate is about 2.6 per cent. Presently, there

are 741 active cases that are being monitored, of which 32 are hospitalised. Overall, 17 patients require oxygen.

“Currently, with the active cases that we have, of all the cases we would have had, this would represent at least 1.9 per cent of the total cases that we have had,” Dr Anthony explained.

In his analysis of the deaths, there were 571 males or 54.4 per cent, as opposed to 479 females, or 45.6 per cent. The Minister said almost all deaths had one or

more comorbid conditions upon testing positive for the virus. This is the same for pediatric deaths, whereby some children had varying forms of cancer.

“There’s a trend where we’re seeing more deaths in males, and I’m not surprised that for the pediatric cases, males might account for a slightly higher number. Most of the persons that have died would have had comorbidities, meaning that they had some underlying illness. For older people, we

Teen dies after crashing motorcycle into car

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minibus conductor lost his life on Sunday after he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and it collided with a car along New Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Dead is 19-year-old Kevin Samsundar, also of New Road, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 19:00h on Sunday. Preliminary reports suggest that the nowdead teen was riding motorcycle CK 5158 along

Dead: Kevin Samsundar

the New Road Public Road when he lost control of the vehicle and it collided with motorcar PMM 7156.

As a result of the collision, Samsundar reportedly fell on the roadway and sustained injuries about his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Oscar Joseph Hospital, but due to his condition, he was transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

The driver of the motorcar has been arrested as investigations continue.

have seen a lot of cases of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney diseases. In a few patients, we had patients with HIV and so forth. Almost everybody would have had one or more than one underlying illness, which would have put them at more risk,” Dr Anthony revealed.

Zeroing on the higher deaths among males, it was reiterated that men are involved in ‘high risk behaviour’ and practices which put them at greater danger.

“Males tend to be more outgoing, and they’re involved more in practices that can put them at risk. You will find more young men in bars. Most of the time, they’re not aware of the other person’s vaccination status and whether they’re vaccinated or not. It might be

in close proximity to others who are unvaccinated or even infected. Because of this high-risk behaviour…I would want to believe we’ll see a higher amount of cases among young men, and if we’re getting more cases, we will see more deaths.”

Speaking on the National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat’s efforts to clamp down on unauthorised or illegal gatherings, he noted that while actions are taken, some persons hide under the radar. However, they are putting themselves and others at risk of contracting COVID. The Minister highlighted, “Different individuals would have different vulnerabilities, and that is why everybody needs to protect themselves. That’s one of the things that we have to un-

Teenagers wanted for Albouystown murders

Dead: Deon Charles

the murder of 28-year-old Deon Charles of Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, which also occurred on December 24 in Albouystown, Georgetown.

Charles was shot dead in execution-style whilst standing on James Street talking with friends.

It was reported that a white Toyota Axio drove up and stopped in front of him. Two males exited the back seat of the car and approached Charles but soon after a loud explosion suspected to be a gunshot was heard.

Wanted: Ezekiel Hawker

Wanted: Kevin Carter

Sussex Street, Albouystown.

However, about five minutes later, the goldsmith was informed by a teenager that Newton had been shot and was lying on the street.

As a result, the goldsmith went out and saw Newton lying motionlessly on his abdomen. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, Ezekiel Hawker also known as “Alpha”, 18, of Forshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, is wanted for

Charles reportedly fell to the ground and the two men immediately re-entered the car, which sped off the scene. He was taken to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information that may lead to the whereabouts of the two teenagers is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-7065, 227-1270, 226-7476, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Linden drug mule gets 3 years, fined $1.8M

Emmanuel "Gavin" Martin

T

Ronaldo Chapman

Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) with a salt bag containing five parcels of the illicit drug.

And 22-year-old Ronaldo Chapman, who was also arrested after a small amount of cannabis was found in his possession, was remanded to prison after he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Chapman, also called “Pappy”, of Half Mile Wismar, Linden, was arrested after a search at a house in Block 22 Wismar unearthed several Ziplock bags and a black plastic bag containing a quantity of cannabis con-

The drugs that were found on the two men

wenty-two-year-old Emmanuel ‘Gavin’ Martin of One Mile Extension, Wismar, Linden, who was busted with over two kilograms of ganja in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, was on Tuesday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and

fined $1.8 million.

Martin appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, and pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

He was reportedly arrested by members of the Customs

cealed in a speaker box.

He will make his next court appearance on February 7, 2022. The men were arrested over the last week following separate operations conducted by CANU.

derstand. If you are going to play hide-and-seek and have parties because you think that is the right thing to do, you might get away with it because the Task Force cannot monitor everything. But think about this: you’re putting yourself, friend, family in danger of getting a deadly disease.”

Consequently, the public was asked to conduct themselves responsibly, especially since the holiday season is still unfolding. Over the last weekend, a number of parties and establishments were shut down for breaching the curfew and COVID guidelines.

“During this season, the Task Force is going to be extra vigilant, and they were able to contain some of the Christmas and Boxing Day gatherings. We’ll continue to do so during the festive season. Again, we want to keep people safe. It’s not that we want to be a party grinch.

The only way we can do that is to restrict how many people can be in a gathering, and preferably we want to see that people are fully vaccinated.”

Dead: Garfield Newton

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday issued wanted bulletins for two men wanted for separate murders.

The Police stated that 18-year-old Kevin Carter also known as “Lil Boy” of West Ruimveldt Squatting Area, Georgetown, is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder committed on Garfield Newton.

The incident occurred on December 24, at Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Newton, 40, of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, was reportedly killed moments after collecting several pieces of jewellery which he had taken to be cleaned at a goldsmith in Campbell Street.

He was attached to the Beharry Group of Companies as a bodyguard.

It was reported that after Newton collected one silver band, one gold chain, and two gold rings, he made his way to his company’s motor van which was parked on

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

India secure big lead on 'day of 18 wickets'

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ith the whole second day lost to rain, Centurion practically made up for the time lost with the most wickets it has produced in a day of Test cricket, 18.

team had batted 90 overs or more.

India's first new ball looked just as lethal with four wickets falling in the first 13 overs before the pitch settled down enough for South Africa to recover from 32 for 4 to end up with

Mohammed Shami exulted after completing a five-for

Lungi Ngidi picked up his third five-wicket haul in Tests

India lost their last seven wickets in 69 balls, which is not usually considered ideal, but it was just the result they needed, as it suggested the pitch had significantly more life in it than on day one. Mohammed Shami then led India's bowling missing Jasprit Bumrah for 49 overs because of an ankle injury - with his second first-innings five-for in Test cricket to give India a lead of 130.

India now hold all the keys to dominance in the Test, provided there are no further weather interruptions in the remaining two days. Things looked similar at the end of day one, but the washed-out second day left them needing an innings’ win, or a transformed pitch if they were to force a result. The Centurion pitch, which usually gets quicker after the first day, responded with both pace and uneven bounce for the new ball.

What resulted was the secondquickest collapse in Test cricket (where fall-of-wicket information is available) in terms of number of balls, when the first four wickets of a

They probably fancied bowling out there instead of taking time out of the Test by merely surviving. There was good reason for it: after just 60 false responses in the first 90 overs of the Test, 28 came about in the next 15.3 overs. India took 55 runs in those overs, and unleashed their attack.

As early as the first over, Bumrah

Marco Jansen made an early breakthrough to have India at 12-1 at stumps

197.

Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi caused the havoc early doors, hitting the pitch hard and drawing the inconsistent bounce.

Ngidi ended with his second sixwicket bag in Centurion. Once the overnight batters, KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane, fell, both to extra bounce, the approach of the rest of the batters suggested they felt safe with what they had on the board in practically a four-day Test.

produced an unplayable delivery to send back captain Dean Elgar: a full ball that shaped in and then nipped away just enough after pitching to take the edge. In the half hour that India had before lunch, they looked to swing the ball, but didn't find much. They came back a mean machine: repeatedly bowling the fullest length that can't be driven, mixing in the odd lifter into the ribs.

Keegan Petersen responded with an error immediately as soon

as India changed the lengths. Still looking for the drive, he was well away from the pitch of the ball, which seamed back to take the inside edge and knock over his stumps. When Aiden Markram had his off stump pegged back by one that held its line, it wasn't the first unplayable ball he was facing. This was an interrogation of the highest order.

After Bumrah twisted his ankle and walked off in the 11th over, Mohammed Siraj cleverly checked Rassie van der Dussen out on the drive with two sucker balls. One edge fell short of second slip, and the second went straight to gully, a dismissal that should leave the batter disappointed.

As the ball began to grow softer, it began to misbehave less, allowing Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock to build a partnership. They applied themselves well, and took toll every time India overpitched. They added 72 for the fourth wicket, the only stand of 50 or more, but this is where India's decision to play five bowlers came in handy. The duo saw off R Ashwin's first spell and also a Shami spell, but Shardul Thakur came back to have de Kock play on the first ball of a new spell. This was just before tea, Bumrah had come back on the field, but there were still close to two hours to go before he could bowl again.

It was hard work post tea too, with the ball not doing much. This is when Shami put in a spell of 4-0-192 to take out both Bavuma and No. 7 Wiaan Mulder. They both looked comfortable at the wicket, Bavuma even reached his half-century, but they both made errors against the impeccable accuracy of Shami.

Mulder played a loose drive to a halfvolley, and Bavuma defended a wide one outside the line of his head.

Rabada and debutant Marco Jansen now added 37 for the eighth wicket, managing to make it look easy, but again Thakur produced the breakthrough just before Shami and Bumrah came back on. He had Jansen playing inside the line of what looked like a straight ball. Shami had Rabada for his five-for, his 200th

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1ST INNINGS KL Rahul c †de Kock b Rabada 123 Mayank Agarwal lbw b Ngidi 60 Cheteshwar Pujara c Petersen b Ngidi 0 Virat Kohli (c) c Mulder b Ngidi 35 Ajinkya Rahane c †de Kock b Ngidi 48 Rishabh Pant † c van der Dussen b Ngidi 8 Ravichandran Ashwin c Maharaj b Rabada 4 Shardul Thakur c †de Kock b Rabada 4 Mohammed Shami c †de Kock b Ngidi 8 Jasprit Bumrah c Mulder b Jansen 14 Mohammed Siraj not out 4 Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 11) 19 TOTAL (105.3 Ov, RR: 3.09) 327 Fall of wickets: 1-117 (Mayank Agarwal, 40.2 ov), 2-117 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 40.3 ov), 3-199 (Virat Kohli, 68.2 ov), 4-278 (KL Rahul, 93.6 ov), 5-291 (Ajinkya Rahane, 96.4 ov), 6-296 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 97.4 ov), 7-296 (Rishabh Pant, 98.2 ov), 8-304 (Shardul Thakur, 99.6 ov), 9-308 (Mohammed Shami, 100.5 ov), 10-327 (Jasprit Bumrah, 105.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kagiso Rabada 26-5-72-3 Lungi Ngidi 24-5-71-6 Marco Jansen 18.3-4-69-1 Wiaan Mulder 19-4-49-0 Keshav Maharaj 18-2-58-0 SOUTH AFRICA 1ST INNINGS Dean Elgar (c) c †Pant b Bumrah 1 Aiden Markram b Mohammed Shami 13 Keegan Petersen b Mohammed Shami 15 Rassie van der Dussen c Rahane b Mohammed Siraj 3

wicket. He is the only Indian among the 11 with 200 or more wickets and with a strike-rate of under 50.

Bumrah finished things off with the wicket of Keshav Maharaj, caught at fly slip.

In the half hour possible before stumps, Jansen managed to get the wicket of Mayank Agarwal, with

Temba Bavuma c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 52 Quinton de Kock † b Thakur 34 Wiaan Mulder c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 12 Marco Jansen lbw b Thakur 19 Kagiso Rabada c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 25 Keshav Maharaj c Rahane b Bumrah 12 Lungi Ngidi not out 0 Extras (lb 4, nb 7) 11 TOTAL (62.3 Ov, RR: 3.15) 197 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Dean Elgar, 0.5 ov), 2-25 (Keegan Petersen, 7.3 ov), 3-30 (Aiden Markram, 11.5 ov), 4-32 (Rassie van der Dussen, 12.5 ov), 5-104 (Quinton de Kock, 34.1 ov), 6-133 (Wiaan Mulder, 42.6 ov), 7-144 (Temba Bavuma, 46.4 ov), 8-181 (Marco Jansen, 56.6 ov), 9-193 (Kagiso Rabada, 61.5 ov), 10197 (Keshav Maharaj, 62.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 7.2-2-16-2 Mohammed Siraj 15.1-3-45-1 Mohammed Shami 16-5-44-5 Shardul Thakur 11-1-51-2 Ravichandran Ashwin 13-2-37-0 INDIA 2ND INNINGS KL Rahul not out 5 Mayank Agarwal c †de Kock b Jansen 4 Shardul Thakur not out 4 Extras (b 1, nb 2) 3 TOTAL (6 Ov, RR: 2.66) 16/1 Yet to bat: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant †, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Mayank Agarwal, 5.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kagiso Rabada 3-0-7-0 Lungi Ngidi 2-1-4-0 Marco Jansen 1-0-4-1

India ending the day effectively at 146 for 1. At the end of day three on such a pitch, you back yourself to win, but there is some forecast for rain on day five, which would make for an interesting watch on India's declaration should they get themselves into a position to do so.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Solozano says he's on the Barcelona confirm Manchester City mend and ready to play again

forward Ferran Torres has joined

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pain forward Ferran Torres has joined Barcelona from Manchester City, signing a contract until June 2027 with a 1bn euro (£842m) buyout clause.

The 21-year-old forward returns to Spain in a £46.3m deal just 18 months after leaving Valencia to join City.

In October, Ansu Fati and Pedri signed contract extensions with Barca that contained 1bn euro release clauses.

Barcelona will pay £8.4m in add-ons, and must sell some players to comply with La Liga’s financial regulations.

The club is able to fund the deal despite its current financial troubles, thanks to a recent bank loan.

City Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the move was imminent on Thursday, and said he is happy for Torres.

Spain international Torres has made 43 appearances, and scored 16 goals for City since joining from Valencia in August 2020. He started City's opening six matches of the season, but was dropped to the bench for the goalless draw against Southampton in September, and has not featured at all since suffering a foot injury on international duty with Spain the following month.

Barcelona said his medical showed Torres is "recovering well

from a fracture in his right foot", but gave no timeframe about when he might make his debut.

City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has said: "Ferran should be proud of what he has achieved here at Manchester City. Last season was his first time in a new country, but he adapted well. He always gave 100%, worked hard for the team, and scored goals which helped us win trophies. We wish him all the best at Barcelona, and for the rest of his career."

Torres told Guardiola he wanted to leave in order to secure more regular first-team football, and City feel they have strong depth in forward positions, with Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden providing competition for a starting spot at Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona are short on forward players after their financial issues meant they were unable to keep hold of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, and allowed Antoine Griezmann to rejoin Atletico Madrid over the summer.

Former City striker Sergio Aguero joined Barca, but was forced to retire from football earlier this month aged 33 because of a heart condition.

Manager Ronald Koeman was sacked in October with the club ninth in La Liga after collecting just 15 points from their opening 10 games.

He was replaced last month by club legend Xavi, who has won three of his first eight matches in charge in all competitions so far, but could not stop Barca exiting the Champions League after the group stage. (BBC.COM)

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ore than a month after suffering a concussion when he was struck on his helmet in his maiden West Indies Test tour, left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano has said he is ready to get back on the field.

He is looking forward to the regional four-day tournament, which is scheduled to bowl off in February ahead of England's tour of the Caribbean, and says he will be back “soon”, and even stronger.

“I feel I am ready to be back already, but I have been taking it slow and gradually building my way back up… I have been doing a lot of work with the physio and medical team, and they have been advising me accordingly.

I have been listening to them,” he told the Sunday Express newspaper.

“At the time I got hit, they said I needed rest, so that is what I did. But I am overcoming that phase, and they have a programme and it is just for me to follow it and make my way back to 100 per cent fitness soon.

I will be back stronger next year,” Solozano has promised.

Solozano was struck in the helmet near the forehead while fielding at short leg on day one of the first Test in the two-match series against Sri Lanka — his Test debut — at Galle International

Jeremy Solozano

Stadium on November 21, and was taken off the field on a stretcher.

He suffered a concussion, and played no further part in the match, and was ruled out of the second and final Test.

The 26-year-old Trinidad & Tobago Red Force opening batsman has said that despite not getting to bat in his first Test for West Indies, training and interacting with members of the squad had benefited him.

“I think I gained a lot of knowledge from those other guys — and that was very important, because this was my first match — so I just tried to feed off them a bit and try to learn from it… For sure, experience will help me to become better and also to be

mentally stronger,” he said. “Just training with those guys, I think I learned a lot,” he said.

“I also had a lot of conversations with the Head Coach Phil Simmons and Monte [Desai], the batting coach, and all the assistant coaches; those guys really helped me a lot. And when they see something, they will come and tell you, so that you can improve your game.

I think training was also very competitive, and you can only learn from it and get better,” Solozano has said.

Solozano had been a surprise selection for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, having averaged only 23 from 40 first class matches, and scoring only two hundreds. (CMC)

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WANTED Snack Attendant. Stabroek Market.

Tel: 226-5793

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Nandu, Carmichael help WI U19 level series 1-1 against South Africa

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he West Indies U19 unit ensured they made up for their loss in the first Youth ODI. Calm and composed, the side were able to defeat the South Africa Under-19 team by 8 wickets in 23.2 overs, thereby levelling the four-match series

Trophy Stall support PROJECT ''Cricket Gear For Young And Promising Cricketers In Guyana"

At left, Chitra Bedissee, Manager of the Trophy Stall at Port Mourant, handing over the trophies to Ajay Ramdhari, a representative of No 72 All Stars CC

U

nder-17 cricketers Tomesh Hemraj and Lutesh Singh of No 72 All Stars Cricket Club, Upper Corentyne, Berbice recently benefited from the “Cricket Gear For Young And Promising Cricketers In Guyana” Project.

Despite limited cricket being played on the field due to COVID-19, the youngsters were rewarded at the club’s Annual Awards Ceremony for their performances on the field and for education and discipline.

Hemraj was voted the best wicketkeeper/batsman, and Singh was recognised for his all-round performances. Both trophies were donated to the project by Ramesh Sunich, Owner/Managing Director of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, and branches across the country.

The trophies were presented to Ajay Ramdhari, a representative of the club, by Miss Chitra Bedissee, Manager of Trophy Stall Port Mourant Branch.

Ramdhari explained that this awards ceremony was to help keep the players motivated, more than anything with the hope of not losing too many young talents during this prolonged COVID-19 period. He thanked the sponsor and the partners of the project for their fine gesture.

Miss Bedissee said her company is happy to be part of this initiative, and to make a difference in the lives of our young people and at the same time provide an opportunity to improve their skills.

Anil Beharry, a partner along with Kishan Dass in this initiative, thanked Ramesh Such of Trophy Stall for his support, and encouraged all young cricketers and youths in general to stay focused, train hard, stay disciplined, and educate themselves. He expanded by saying that education plays a

SCOREBOARD

1-1 at the Arnos Vale Stadium.

This was thanks to the efforts of Matthew Nandu’s 42 not out, and Jaden Carmichaels 3-25.

Needing only 104 for victory, the Caribbean men went about their work with patience, despite losing

major part in one’s success.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $40,000 cash, two trophies, two cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, fourteen bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four cricket bags.

To date, twenty-one young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, Georgetown, East Canje, Lower East Coast, Berbice, and now Upper Corentyne area have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, eight bats, six pairs of batting pads, and six pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club has benefited from a pair of stumps and bails, and two clubs in the Pomeroon area have benefited from two used bats.

This project is a joint initiative

by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry. Cricket-related items, used or new, would be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country, and club leaders would also assist to identify talent.

Persons who wish to make a contribution can contact Anil Beharry or Kishan Das. Beharry and Das take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.

More distribution will be done as soon as possible.

Matthew Nandu led the charge with 42 not out

Jaden Carmichael bagged 3-25

Shaqkere Parris for a golden duck within the first five balls.

Matthew Nandu and Teddy Bishop came together and held the forte for their side.

Despite Bishop falling for 25, the game was practically over for South Africa with the West Indies needing only 28 runs and having 8 wickets in hand.

Nandu and Akeem Auguste closed out the game with both batsmen remaining unbeaten on 42 and 28 respectively.

Earlier in the innings, West

Indies U19 won the toss and elected to bowl. Much to their liking, the South Africans struggled to put up a stand, and soon found themselves at 34-4 in 10.3 overs. The visitors struggled to regain their footing as the likes of Jaden Carmichael, Anderson Mahase, Jordan Johnson and McKenny Clarke pegged them back. The only person to put up a resistance for South Africa was Michael Copeland, who made a 52-ball 24.

South Africa Under-19s 1st Inn J Smith c Bishop b Layne 2 V Kitime run out (Clarke) 0 A Simelane c Bishop b Clarke 14 G Van Heerden * c Bishop b Layne 3 G Maree c Parris b Clarke 9 M Copeland b Carmichael 24 H Coetzer lbw Carmichael 7 K Solomons † c Auguste b Mahase 9 J Stephenson b Carmichael 9 A Tsaka c Auguste b Mahase 14 A Mnyanda Not out 1 Extras (7 wd,4 b) 11 Total (10 wickets, 31.3 overs) 103 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (J Smith,0.3), 2-9 (V Kitime,4.3), 3-12 (G Van Heerden,6.1), 4-34 (A Simelane,10.3), 5-55 (G Maree,14.3), 6-67 (H Coetzer,21.3), 7-73 (M Copeland,25.2), 8-79 (K Solomons,26.6), 9-101 (A Tsaka,30.5), 10-103 (J Stephenson,31.3)

Despite the South Africans trying to draw things out, the men in maroon bundled them out for 103 in 31.3 overs. Taking wickets for the West Indies

Bowler O-M-R-W J Layne 6-1-14-2 I Thorne 6-0-14-0 M Clarke 4-0-12-2 A Mahase 7-0-34-2 J Carmichael 8.3-3-25-3 West Indies Under-19s 1st Inn S Parris b Mnyanda 0 M Nandu Not out 42 T Bishop lbw Tsaka 25 A Auguste * Not out 28 Extras (7 wd,1 lb,1 nb) 9 Total (2 wickets, 23.2 overs) 104 Yet To Bat: G Depeiza, A Mahase, M Clarke, J Layne, J Carmichael, I Thorne, C Bowen-Tuckett † Fall of wickets : 1-4 (S Parris,1.2), 2-62 (T Bishop,14.2) Bowler O-M-R-W Stephenson 5-0-23-0 A Mnyanda 6-0-24-1 M Copeland 6-0-21-0 H Coetzer 1-0-6-0 A Tsaka 3-0-11-1 A Simelane 2.2-0-18-0

U19 were Jaden Carmichael, with 3-25; Anderson Mahase, with 2-34; McKenny Clarke, with 2-12; and Jordan Johnson with 2-14.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021

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

Mental preparation key for boxing restart – Ninvalle

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ith many sports starting to regain their fluency, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, has laid out some prerequisites for the resurgence of local amateur boxing.

Since December 2019, many local boxers have not had the opportunity to trade punches in real competition. A number of local amateur pugilists have represented Guyana on the international stage since then, but on the local front, action has been stagnant.

Probed by this publication about what his restart plan would entail for this sporting discipline, GBA President Steve Ninvalle highlighted that owing to the nature of the sport, they would have to await a controlled COVID-19 situation.

“Yes, but again, we still have to. Although I said in my personal capacity I would want to say that there’s a decline in the number of cases, what is going on with COVID-19, we still have to wait to have that greenlight with the

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

National Task Force,” he began on the topic.

Ninvalle went on to say, “The thing is that boxing is a full contact sport. It’s not like other sports, it’s not like cricket, where you have 11 people on the field, one man is this way and the other one is till there. It’s not like that, (in cricket) people hardly touch each other, you may touch the ball, but you’re not touching each other. In boxing, you have to be very close, even the referee in boxing is very close.”

In the meantime, Ninvalle disclosed that boxing is one of those sports to utilise the services of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC’s) psychologist.

“So, we have to await that, but we still keep preparation, and mental preparation is the important thing. And that’s why I’ve engaged the service of the National Sports Commission.”

Still on the benefits of the psychologist, the GBA boss noted that not only would it ensure boxers are mentally ready for a restart, but also assist in their mental state during the layoff.

Ninvalle explained his reasoning, saying, “I think that of itself need some mental supervision. Some people may become depressed and not fighting. ‘Should I fight again?’

‘I’m seeing World Championship boxing, but we’re not fighting,’ So, we’ve sought the services of the psychologists, and I think she’s doing an excellent job up to now,” he remarked.

Guyana has been starved of local boxing for close to two years

LGC records good year – President

LGC President Patanjilee Persaud

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n Sunday, December 19th 2021, the entire Lusignan Golf Club committee was reinstated. This means that at the helm once again are President Patanjilee Persaud and Vice President Paton George.

A little over 16 months ago, the Executive Committee took over a club which needed to be stabilised. There were several areas needing urgent attention, some of which were known and others that were discovered along the way.

According to the LGC boss, the most pressing areas that were addressed were the finances, rebuilding of club morale, and managing through the COVID pandemic. Persaud related that, as faith would have it, the rains began to expose the vulnerabilities of the ground, and also uncovered that the club was in greater financial debt than they were made aware of.

“In the 16 months since taking office, we have successfully reduced our real debt, and have put the club in a strong position to now expand,” Persaud posited.

The committee started by first rebuilding employee morale, as getting out staff to embrace the coming changes was a critical step towards uplifting members’ spirits.

After the staff shuffling, and having a team that could be worked with, the club was able to hit the ground running, with everyone embracing their reporting structure. Staff buyin was critical to providing the support structure needed to facilitate delivering on-time financial reports and ground works.

Members’ morale was bolstered by having up-to-date financial reporting and a stable environment in which to socialize and play golf.

“We are all aware of most of the challenges all businesses faced as a result of this generational disease situation.

Not since the 1930s has the world been saddled with such a health crisis. As a golf club, we decided, in consultation with our members, that we were going to keep the club open. That decision meant serious adherence to all COVID regulations. We did what we could to ensure a safe environment, and were fortunate that through the measures we

LGC VP Paton George

followed, no outbreak occurred at the Lusignan Golf Club. A bit of good fortune is always to thank… but we feel our effort to be adherent played a role,” the LGC boss has said.

Persaud went on to state that, as is always the case, the rainy season presents many challenges, and the past year was no different. While the ground was manageable during the dryer season, the rains exposed a series of vulnerable areas. Most pressing was the breach dam along the eastern perimeter, which caused water from outside to flow into the ground. Fixing the many breaches was just a part of the overall repair.

He reiterated that the club had to tackle the rebuilding of low-lying areas – Fairway #5, known as Basil hole, was lifted, and went from being one of the soggiest to now being one of the driest areas on the course.

MACORP donated much-need tee signs to the LGC

The LGC hosted a successful GTT Open

Other work included clearing the drainage canals to ensure smooth flow of water to the pump, expanding the reserves, unclogging stubborn blockage channels, and rebuilding several bridges. In addition to the areas mentioned before, several other important things were accomplished to allow the club to

confidently say it is in a very good position to expand.

The effervescent Persaud has reiterated that the Executive Committee has a vision for the club, which includes growing the financial resources by developing the unused areas around the golf club, and expanding the club to a full 18 hole potentially

championship golf track.

While they were able to do some needed upgrades to the ground and the club house, and were able to secure a longterm partnership with GTT and several other sponsors - including Assuria, who will be financing the rebuilding of the caddy facility they still have a long way to go.

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