Guyana Times -Sunday, December 27, 2020

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First Lady visits Christmas babies at GPHC Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4511 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

PRICE

NIS must improve delivery of services to contributors – Finance Minister

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

1 dead, 2 critical in holiday weekend P12 accidents

Page 3

…says financial deficit must also be addressed

Fmr APNU/AFC Govt cannot account for $200M in furniture, equipment …rusty chairs, old cabinets procured in 2019

Active COVID-19 cases reduced to 475 ...no new positive cases from 30 tests P10

Page 2

President assures vulnerable Guyanese of improved lives

Teen mom returns from party to P20 burning home In 1 year

Almost $100M spent for lawyers to assist Basil P5 Williams

…despite presence of Solicitor General, 3 Deputies, 6 State Counsels

Uitvlugt man P8 found dead by son

Page 10

Private developers owe CH&PA $687.9M – AG Report

See story on page 7

Page 5

Berbice woman found dead on staircase P20 by husband

What a Christmas present! These precious children were all born on Christmas Day at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, East Street, Georgetown (Dr Balwant Singh Hospital photo)

17-year-old aims to tackle toxic masculinity 1 beauty product at a time Page 15

Cop robbed, shot while partying in Buxton P20

2 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fmr APNU/AFC Govt cannot account for $200M in furniture, equipment …rusty chairs, old cabinets procured in 2019

T

he Public Security Ministry under the former APNU/AFC Government spent over $600 million in 2019 to procure office furniture and other equipment for various branches of law enforcement. However, the Audit Office has made a number of unsettling discoveries, ranging from millions being unaccounted for to old and rusty furniture being procured using taxpayers’ money.

According to Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2019 Audit report, the now renamed Public Security Ministry spent $349.5 million to purchase these items.

This included $302.6 million to purchase tools and other equipment for the Guyana Prison Service, and $249.4 million to purchase communication, musical and other equipment for the Guyana Police Force.

A further $42.9 million was spent on the Guyana Fire Service and $14.1 million on the Customs Anti-

ture purchased revealed that 56 of the payment vouchers, totalling $202.616 million had no stores documentation. In this circumstance, it could not be determined whether the items purchased were delivered,” the Auditor General said, to which the Ministry offered no explanation for the whereabouts of the items.

No records

Former Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Narcotics Unit (CANU). But when the Auditor General examined 123 payment vouchers totalling $315.8 million, over $200 million of the purchases could not be accounted for, due to lack of documentation.

“Audit examinations of 123 payment vouchers totalling $315.864 million in respect of equipment and furni-

When it comes to the Guyana Fire Service, the Auditor General revealed that a physical inspection was carried out at nine fire stations, and it was found that no records were maintained to account for the assets they procured.

He also recounted that, during the inspection, a station officer denied receiving said assets. But when the Auditor General was eventually shown the assets by the same officer, assets that were purchased last year, it was to see that the assets included rusty old steel chairs

Some of the furniture purchased by the Public Security Ministry in 2019

and a cabinet that had seen better days.

Another issue encountered by the Auditor General is the purchase of items for the Guyana Police Force that were not marked as property of the Force and, as such, the Public Security Ministry breached Section 28 of the Stores Regulations.

“Amounts totalling $255 million were budgeted for the purchase of arms and ammunition, fingerprint, ballistic, photographic, handwriting, communication, narcotics, intelligence, traffic, crime scene, musical equipment and furniture and equipment,” the Auditor General wrote.

“A physical verification of capital purchases valuing $132.4 million revealed that the items purchased for 2019 could not be verified, since they were not marked as property of the Force,” the report also said.

Again, no explanation was offered by the Ministry, save to assure that efforts would be made to ensure the capital items are marked to make them identifiable.

But even worse, $39.1 million was spent to purchase capital items for the Force in 2019 that up to the time of reporting had still not been delivered.

It is a similar situation from prior years, as $6.9 million in items are also outstanding from 2017. The Auditor General has urged the Ministry, which has since reverted to the Home Affairs Ministry, to comply with the Stores Regulations and to follow up with suppliers to have outstanding items from prior years delivered.

Meanwhile, amounts totalling $140 million were spent to purchase items for the Guyana Prison Service, including cables, phones, shredders, fax machines, cartridges, batons and riot shields. According to the Auditor General, however, those items are yet to be delivered.

Again, no explanation was given, and the Auditor General has urged the Ministry to follow up with the suppliers. (G3)

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NIS must improve delivery of services to contributors – Finance Minister …says financial deficit must also be addressed

T

he National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has long been dogged by complaints about its sluggish system and by criticisms of the delays involved in processing benefits for contributors and pensioners. According to Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, these are problems that must be fixed as quickly as possible.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Dr Singh identified the internal systems of the NIS, as well as its macro-economic problems, including a recurring financial deficit, as issues he has charged the new Board of Directors with addressing.

“I met with the new Board of NIS. It’s a board that has right-based representation.

Representatives of labour, the Private Sector, and I emphasised to them two particular things. At the macro level, the Scheme now finds itself in a position where its longterm viability is in threat,” Dr Singh said.

He noted that he has emphasised to the management that there is need to work together to identify ways in which the long-term viability of the Scheme can be addressed. “But of equal importance are the micro-level problems that are faced by contributors in the Scheme,” Dr Singh said.

According to the Minister, it is easy for persons to get carried away with the macroeconomic financial position of the NIS, which last recorded a deficit of income over expenditure of $1.5 billion.

“But to an individual pensioner who has been contributing all his life, and who expects that when he reaches retirement age he will be able to get his pension, or a contributor expecting to get their benefits when they fall ill, delays in the payment and honouring of those claims to that pensioner is a deeply traumatic experience, and it’s not acceptable,” he also said. “So, I’ve made it completely clear to the board that there is no tolerance or patience on the part of the Government for the type of inefficiencies we observe in NIS. And I said to the board they need to take urgent and immediate action to correct these problems.

“We know there are thousands of people who complain every day about the problem

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh with the new NIS Board

they have accessing their benefits, and it’s not acceptable. I’ve made that clear to the board and management.”

According to the NIS 2019 Annual Report, the Scheme raked in a total income of $24.864 billion, as compared to the benefits it paid out during 2019: $23.887 billion. Total expenditure was $26.367 billion, which means that NIS recorded a deficit of $1.503 billion.

When it comes to the deficit, Dr. Singh expressed alarm.

“NIS has been recording deficits in recent years, which is extremely alarm-

ing. Because they are the custodians of people’s pension contributions, and they have a legal obligation to pay pensions. So, this annual incurrence of deficits is at the heart and soul of the problem concerning their financial viability. And something has to be done to fix it,” the Minister said.

It was only a few weeks ago that President Dr Irfaan Ali, on a Presidential Outreach, had cause to intervene in a number of longstanding issues pensioners had with the NIS, ranging from pensioners being unable to collect their back pay of old

age pension since last year to others who received a royal run-around.

During a Presidential Outreach to Region Two, the Head of State heard multiple complaints about the NIS at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Anna Regina. He then instructed NIS General Manager Holly Greaves, who was among the high-level team that was at the public event, to “fix it now”.

The Head of State posited that all Guyanese should be treated fairly, and that all agencies and Government offices should be working to enhance the people’s lives and the services they provide.

The new NIS Board, which was appointed last week, is Chaired by former Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud. The other members of the Board are General Manager Holly Greaves (ex-officio); Faizal Jaffarally; Yvonne Pearson; Maurice Solomon; Satanand Gopie; Kathleen Jason; Seepaul Narine and Gillian BurtonPersaud.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Compromise in politics

I

f there is one thing all Guyanese would probably agree on, it is that in the last two years following the successful No Confidence Motion (NCM), our politics has become as polarised as it has ever been over the last pre- and postIndependence sixty years. This development does not bode well for our future, since we have witnessed - to our sorrow - that this polarisation can break out into open hostilities to rip our social fabric apart. The US political philosopher Amy Guttmann offered some sage advice almost a decade ago – before their society was ripped asunder because of the polarisation she presciently detected - that our politicians would do well to heed.

“If politics is the art of the possible, then compromise is the artistry of democracy. Unless one partisan ideology holds sway over all branches of government, compromise is necessary to govern for the benefit of all citizens. A rejection of compromise biases politics in favour of the status quo, even when the rejection risks crisis.” In Guyana, that status quo at present is an Opposition APNU/AFC refusing to accept the verdict of GECOM – the constitutionally mandated body with authority to pronounce on elections – that the last elections were won by the PPPC. Even though they have filed two petitions challenging the results, until the courts make a conclusive decision, the verdict by GECOM should be accepted as legitimate.

Guttman went on to identify a source of the problem: “Much of the resistance to compromise lies in another necessary part of the democratic process: campaigning for political office. Though valuable in its place, campaigning is increasingly intruding into governing, where it is less helpful.

The means of winning an office are subverting the ends of governing once in office. The effects of a continuous campaign — along with the distorting influence of media and money that it brings — encourage a mindset among politicians that makes compromise more difficult. Systematic rejection of compromise is a problem for any democracy because it biases the political process in favour of the status quo and stands in the way of desirable change.” We see this continuous campaigning operating in Guyana, where every pronouncement by the Opposition APNU/AFC – even on supra-national issues such as COVID-19 – is couched in polarising, tendentious language that further divides the country.

But Gutman proposes a way out of this debilitating mindset: “Resistance to democratic compromise can be kept in check by a contrary cluster of attitudes and arguments — a compromising mindset — which favours adapting one’s principles and respecting one’s opponents. It is the mindset more appropriate for governing because it enables politicians more readily to recognise opportunities for desirable compromise. When enough politicians adopt it enough of the time, the spirit of compromise prevails.” The APNU/AFC Opposition must accept that they are part and parcel of the governance structure in our parliamentary system, in which they have institutional power to keep the governing PPP on the straight and narrow. This power was augmented at the beginning of the millennium by the introduction of a Parliamentary Management Committee, four Sectoral Committees to join traditional institutions like the Public Accounts Committee, on which they have membership.

And the APNU/AFC Opposition must heed this final bit of advice from Guttman: “In general, compromise is an agreement in which all sides sacrifice something in order to improve on the status quo from their perspective, and in which the sacrifices are at least partly determined by the other sides’ will. The sacrifice involves not merely getting less than you want, but also, thanks to your opponents, getting less than you think you deserve. The sacrifice typically involves trimming your principles. We call these defining characteristics of compromise mutual sacrifice and wilful opposition.”

APNU/AFC will have to abandon their presumption that only the PNC – their majority constituent member – has the right to govern Guyana. To accept that if they want to be called “democratic” they cannot reject the democratic methodology of elections to choose the government. This is not even “trimming principles”, but accepting reality.

GECOM Secretariat most biased, must be fixed Dear Editor, Please permit me the reach of your wide readership in sharing and embracing a Christmas season of cheer and goodwill, always warmly received by our citizenry at home and throughout the world. As we do so, all must be wary of the uncomfortable dampening of the usual celebratory spirits caused by the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the increasing discomfort of an unfixed Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

It cannot be denied that GECOM, under the current control by tainted staff, deserves the right to be nominated as the 2020 Global Silverware for rigging and unaccountability! Its blatant attempts at changing the true results of our National and Regional Elections by many contracted employees have eroded the confidence of the entire nation. Several senior staff members at its Secretariat, together with Granger and his PNC/AFC cabal, have placed Guyana on the world map for all the wrong reasons. There are those that leave Guyanese with a bitter taste in their mouths and the eroded confidence of a deteriorated cryptic society.

Against the foregoing backdrop, there is no Guyanese who is unclear, or need convincing, about the role of the international community. They stood firm in the decision to distance themselves from a visible orchestrated coup in which officers of GECOM were central.

The CEO of the Secretariat stood in precipitous defiance of the Commission, and after months of thunderous si-

lence and voluminous criticisms, Chairwoman Justice (retd) Claudette Singh has finally spoken about being unable to do anything because the officials have matters in the courts. This is distasteful, and is a slap in the face of all right-thinking citizens.

It appears that thicker spectacles are required if a ‘spade is looking like a teaspoon’ under the current lens and judgment of the GECOM Chairwoman, who has the casting vote at the Commission. Certainly, these matters must be dealt with if the credibility of the institution will be rebuilt.

The throats of citizens are too small to swallow the huge unpalatable lump that the management functions of GECOM are dependent on the decisions of the court.

If so, it begs the question as to whether we require GECOM, or should we just let the courts do the job that the highly rewarded official is finding so difficult to make transparent and credible.

Editor, permit me to clean the lens of some GECOM officials by highlighting some of the obvious that followed the passing of the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018.

First, it is an aberration that GECOM could not be ready to hold elections within three months following the motion.

It is recalled that GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Ms. Yolanda Ward confirmed that all the organisation had to do was activate its Standard Operating Procedures, since all was in place to effect the Elections.

However, the PNC henchmen and women in the setup would have none of this, and swiftly moved to activate their full control of the elec-

tion machinery. Next to follow was the choking houseto-house campaign, for which the shocking selection and hiring of staff was most abominable. In effect, GECOM, led

by CEO Keith Lowenfield, began changing its position as the PNC changed theirs.

Meanwhile, the Granger cabal started the year 2019 advancing frivolous court battles in and out of Guyana, which GECOM supported by providing lapsed oversight.

The GECOM Secretariat was the most biased, and showed that it was hell-bent on rigging the Elections.

Many deals were being made in the Campbellville Hotel exalting the full indecency of the CEO and other GECOM personnel. The staff for Election Day were all handpicked and chosen by the PNC, and the Secretariat did not even bother to respond to public commentary and justified criticisms of these callous actions.

Following the revelations of Mr. Lowenfield and his crew at the Ashmin’s Building in the weeks following the March 02, 2020 Elections, there are no reasons why the Chairwoman should treat these matters with causality.

To this end, this nation needs to see the list of ‘fixed employees’ at GECOM, who are open to timely background checks that must meet set credibility criteria.

Also, the List of temporary staff at GECOM. The list of all contract workers must be made public, since there is no reason to hide the names of persons working with the institution. This approach would help to wean out the list of “phantom workers and contractors” following a comparative review of the payment system with the IFMAS

Accounting system at the Ministry of Finance.

The Representation of the People’s Act clearly states the all employment at GECOM must be done by the Commissioners. As such, the abused delegation of the function to the Secretariat in this respect has to be re-visited.

Madam Chairperson must assert her good office and take disciplinary action against all those staff members found responsible for holding our nation at ransom for five long months.

The fact that legal and clear instructions were not carried out by the most senior staff at GECOM is a travesty. The fact that Mr Lowenfield provided fictitious and fraudulent information to the Commission provides sufficient justification to address whether the senior members of the Secretariat are guilty of gross misconduct, are incompetent, contributed to dilatory tactics, or were seriously insubordinate. Internal investigations must also determine the various levels of unprofessional conduct, leading to an absolute divorce from the institution, if found guilty.

Editor, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pressure our economic aspirations and frustrate our sports personalities from excelling, while elements at GECOM and Mr Granger have shown no reservation about disappointing national and international audiences. This unpardonable position demands urgent changes NOW, to relieve the stress and strain on our people.

Warm holiday greetings and a progressive 2021 to all!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

A tribute to the late Reyaz Hussain Dear Editor, To say that I am shocked at the sudden death of Reyaz Hussain would be a gross understatement. I am still to bring myself to the reality of his passing. It is extremely difficult to grasp that he has passed on, especially since it was just over forty-eight hours prior to his death that he and I were engaged in conversation in a popular mall.

We were both in the process of Christmas shopping.

There were no visible signs of illness from either his appearance or movements; therefore, with his death being not by vehicular accident or a robbery, the instinctive shock lingers, and will linger for a long time. I cannot imagine what it’s like for his wife, children and immediate relatives. Surely, they all had plans for the holidays. I am sure he looked forward to seeing the joy in the faces of his family when presents would have been opened. Similarly, they would have wanted to see his joy. Unfortunately, fate intervened and those thoughts were drowned by unplanned tears on Christmas Day; tears of anguish and pain from losing a loved one.

Just as his family expected him to be there at the table for Christmas breakfast, his fans would expect him on television in the mornings to come; a routine he did for over

two decades. Like his family, the viewers would experience that void, and to even contemplate disassociating him from the Colonial Cousins’ “Krishna” music video, which was synonymous with his long-running television programme on NTN, could be virtually impossible. It reminds of the relationship listeners knew existed between Matthew Allen and the song “One Day at A Time Sweet Jesus”.

Reyaz and I go back over twenty-five years. We both started our entry into Guyanese television programing on STVS Channel 21 in Queenstown. We were three; the third was Nazim Hussain, the one who broke the news of his death. The late Freddie Sanchara’s living room became the studio and the proverbial canvas for us to design.

Over time, we became known as the Freddie Boys, as reflected in a Bill Cotton piece in the Stabroek News many years ago. It’s not surprising that Bill messaged me following Reyaz’s death while reminding of the title he gave to us.

Reyaz and I co-hosted a quiz programme on Channel 21. We donned T-shirts branded with our images; his on mine, mine on his. It was our innocent ploy to probably confuse viewers simply

because our names sounded similar. Maybe that may have been responsible for people at times, even up to today, calling me Reyaz and calling him Neaz.

Following his death, some though it was me, and even informed some of my overseas relatives of my passing.

Through that, the pain of his death transgressed directly into my circle; seemingly inescapable given our T-shirt prank.

Even as all three of us moved on to different television stations and programming, we were always together through other endeavours.

Through theatre, I was able to direct Reyaz in the stage adaptations of two popular Bollywood movies: “Deedar” of 1951, in which he played the Ashok Kumar role of Dr. Kishore; and “Dosti” of 1964, in which he played another doctor. His pharmacy-related job at the time was not a factor for what may appear as stereotype casting; it was mere coincidence.

I still fondly remember the hiccups of him trying to get the choreography of a particular song sequence in “Deedar” right in 1997. It was the first time he was doing something like that. The downstairs of Uncle Freddie’s home (now HJTV Studios), was the rehearsal ground; a place of treasured memories in which

Reyaz will forever be a part.

His willingness to accommodate and interview myself and other cast members for various productions I did over time was an engrained characteristic that many can testify to. He didn’t do it just for the sake of talking about a production; he did it because he felt a sense of responsibility to help in the promotion of local talent. For many, he provided that platform that artistes need.

He was a multitasker, involved in various things at the same time: cricket, imparting education and knowledge on aspects of medicine, in activities of his Masjid, and, of course, television. He juggled them effectively while finding the time for his family.

He was more than a friend. He was a role model; one that has now fallen.

He was a fixture. He will be missed; missed by all he directly interacted with and those he touched through his long-running television programme. He will always be remembered, especially when the Colonial Cousins’ “Krishna” is heard here. The song speaks to inclusivity; exactly what his programme was all about. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace, buddy.

Sincerely, Neaz Subhan

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

5

News

Private developers owe CH&PA $687.9M – AG Report

A

n audit of the financial statements of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) show that, at the end of December 2018, private developers had some $687,955,550 outstanding for lands sold to them.

This was flagged by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his report to the CH&PA Board of Directors, which was handed over in March 2020.

“I draw to your attention note 19 of the financial statement which relates to land sold to Private Developers with an outstanding balance of six hundred and eighty-seven million, nine hundred and fifty-five thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars (687,955,550) at 31 December 2018,” AG Sharma reported.

In light of this finding, the Auditor General has urged the CH&PA officials

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

to ensure that all efforts are expended to recover the outstanding payments as soon as possible.

“I consider the outstanding balance of six hundred and eighty-seven million, nine hundred and fifty-five thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars ($687,955,550) material, and emphasise to the Board of Directors and management that every effort should be made for the

recovery of the amounts outstanding in the shortest possible time,” he advised.

Moreover, the Auditor General highlighted in his report that there were overpayments in the year under review amounting to some $4,112,500 to contractors. This was identified by the Works and Structure Department of the Audit Office of Guyana from a sample of seven contracts selected for physical verification of capital works.

In addition, AG Sharma found that the contingency sums under each contract were being utilised to carry out additional civil works in other housing areas. These additional works, he pointed out, were not included in the original contract documents and, as such, the Authority considered the unused contingency sums as savings from projects.

“I believe that cur-

Central Housing and Planning Authority

rent procurement and contract administration practices are not in conformity with the practices of other Ministries and Agencies of the Government, and recommend that the Authority should desist from such practices (so) as to comply with the objectives set out in the Procurement Act 2003,” the Auditor General stated.

In 1 year

Almost $100M spent for lawyers to assist Basil Williams

…despite presence of Solicitor General, 3 Deputies, 6 State Counsels

D

espite a fully staffed Attorney General’s Chambers, which included a Solicitor General and three subordinates as well as State Counsels, the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government spent almost $100 million for external lawyers to assist former Attorney General Basil Williams.

According to the Auditor General’s 2019 report, the $207.2 million was budgeted under “others” for the Ministry of Legal Affairs, while $199.6 million was expended. According to the Auditor General, $99.143 million was spent on legal fees and retainer agreements to three law firms and seven external attorneys-at-law.

The Auditor General noted that this is all despite Williams, a Senior Counsel, having the services of “one Solicitor General, one Deputy Solicitor General, two Assistant Solicitors

General and six State Counsels.”

According to the Auditor General, however, a special audit is being conducted into this state of affairs, and a separate report will be issued.

Williams’s successor, current Attorney General and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, had also bemoaned the staggering sum of $146 million that APNU/AFC forked out for the services of private lawyers between 2017 and 2020… the bills and invoices for which he was greeted when he entered office.

Nandlall has revealed to the media that these lawyers who were hired from both Guyana and the Caribbean were retained in a series of meritless political litigation that the former Government initiated and eventually lost.

“Dozens of invoices cannot be found for lawyers retained during the melee of madness, the five months from March to

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Former Attorney General Basil Williams

August 2020, when a series of disgraceful and useless cases were filed in an

effort to get the Judiciary to conspire with the rigging cabal at Congress Place to pervert democracy,” Nandlall had said previously.

“A special audit is currently being undertaken by the Auditor General’s Office in relation to these expenditures.

But from the invoices that were found, the Attorney General’s Chambers paid the staggering sum of Gy$146,099,180 from 2017 to 2020 to private lawyers.

This carnage of taxpayers’ dollars will be halted under this Administration,” Nandlall had also said.

Further, the AG reported that as at 31st December, 2018, there were nine pending matters which were identified for the year that the outcome could not be determine by the authority’s legal representatives.

Meanwhile, AG Sharma also highlighted in the report a significant event outside the reporting period; that is, the discovery of misappropriation of funds to the tune of $20,670,000 back in January 2020.

“The Authority has advised that its internal controls have been strengthened as part of its Standard Operating Procedures to mitigate recurrence,” the Auditor General reported.

Back in January of this year, the major fraud at the CH&PA was discovered, and at the time, a former employee along with several others, including civilians, were detained by the Police for questioning.

The CH&PA had revealed in a statement that the staff – who this publication was told is female – was immediately fired after several discrepancies were uncovered by the agency.

“Immediate steps were taken to have the staff re-

lieved of duties with immediate effect to facilitate the investigation. At this juncture, the agency will not be providing any further information on the matter, to not prejudice the investigation,” CH&PA had said.

It added, “In the interim, the agency will be making all necessary information needed by the Guyana Police Force available to ensure that justice is served.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority again reiterates its zero-tolerance policy on any form of corruption and misuse of public funds.”

Meanwhile, reliable sources have informed this publication that the alleged fraud was in connection with the selling of lands to persons outside of the regular channels.

At the time, then Crime Chief Michael Kingston had confirmed to this newspaper that the former staffer and several persons were in Police custody assisting investigators with their probe. He took care to stress that those detained are not current staff of the Housing Ministry’s CH&PA. Meanwhile, in August 2020, the Guyana Police Force had issued a wanted bulletin for 31-year-old Keiron Jemison Alleyne of Lot 99 David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara. He was wanted for questioning in relation to forgery committed on the Central Housing & Planning Authority on January 3, 2020 at Durban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

It was unclear whether Alleyne was connected to the $20 million fraud uncovered at the CH&PA.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

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Foundation

THE VALUE OF ADOPTING A PET IN THE NEW YEAR

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irstly, allow me to wish you and your pet-owning, animal-loving families all the very best for 2021 and beyond.

I would urge you, dear readers, on this last Sunday of 2020 to consider adopting a dog or cat in the New Year.

I dare say that you would have already prepared New

Year Resolutions (some of which you know you will break within the first week).

I would like, today, not to return to our technical stuff – rather, let us keep it light but meaningful. So, today, permit me to share with you some thoughts on human animal relationships, which in turn might move you in the direction of adopting a pet from the many Shelters (e.g., GSPCA, PAWS FOR A CAUSE, Rosewood, ARAP,

among others) – as part of your New Year’s resolutions.

I have often argued that the education a child can receive from observing the pregnancy, birth process and the mother dog’s care its young is something that money cannot buy and textbooks cannot give. But it goes further than that.

Experts today call the

special friendship between pets and people the human-animal bond and recognize that, in addition to being fun and fulfilling, owning a dog may actually benefit a person’s health.

When an affectionate greeting from your dog, at the end of a stressful and especially difficult day, seems to lift your spirits and ease tensions, it’s not just your imagination. Your pet can in fact be good for you, both

mentally and physically.

Scientists have shown in several studies that people in the presence of pets simply behave in a more relaxed and open manner. They are happier, smile more readily, communicate better and may be more likely to get regular exercise – all of which lead to improved general health.

In one very interesting study of heart attack patients at the University of Maryland, it was revealed that those who owned pets were more likely be living one year after the heart attack than those who did not.

The researchers also found that the simple act of petting a cat or dog consistently lowered a heart patient’s blood pressure.

This affinity that humans have for dogs did not just arrive. It has evolved from that very time, tens of thousands of years ago, when humans decided to cultivate, befriend, breed and love wild forebears of the present day dog. I know someone who believes that the whole human-dog association started with the canine (feline also?) conning us. They observed our behaviour, and they decided that mankind looked like it was going somewhere upwards in the evolutionary tree. They latched on to us and mimicked our behavioural patterns so that we would believe that they were easy to get along with. For that, we would feed them and keep them warm. In turn they gave us, then and today, immeasur-

able loyalty and protection.

Indeed, it seems that compelling evidence is emerging that dogs and cats having figured out how to join the community of an entirely alien species is in itself evidence of their sophisticated social competence.

I know that, as a scientist, I should not be even thinking of attributing human characteristics to dogs and cats— you know, like feelings. Well the scientists’ code is beginning to change.

Researchers are now seeing what every dog (and cat) owner knew all along.

Dogs especially do exhibit human characteristics: grief, envy, jealousy, anger, rage, bellicosity, love, hate, guilt, remorse, happiness, resentfulness, anxiety, fear, contentment, deceit, pride, arrogance, shyness, bravery, kindness and willingness to help, desire to make the human happy, recklessness, sadness, depression, vexation, (e.g. at being blamed wrongfully), gluttony, malice (afore-

thought?), low self-esteem, laziness, greed, stubbornness, playfulness (including engaging in pranks), selective forgetfulness, vengefulness, boredom, communicativeness using only the eyes, flirtatiousness, coyness, loyalty, protectiveness; and I’m sure that I have left out some important characteristics. But I am equally sure that one of you will point out my omission.

A professor, an Animal Psychology, Alexandra Horowitz, wrote a seminal tome called “Inside of a Dog”. It became a bestseller when published in 2010.

Here is what she wrote: “In learning how to study the behaviour of animals, I was taught and adhered to the scientist’s mantra for describing actions: be objective; do not explain a behaviour by appeal to a mental process when explanation by simpler processes will do; a phenomenon that is not publicly observable and confirmable is not

the stuff of science. These days, as a professor of animal behaviour, comparative cognition, and psychology.

I teach from masterful texts that deal in quantifiable fact. They describe everything from hormonal and genetic explanations for the social behaviour of animals, to conditioned responses, fixed action patterns, and optimal foraging rates in the same steady, objective tone” Then she added: “And yet”. What came after those two words was the confession that, traditionally, science — as practised and deified in texts — rarely addresses pet owner experiences of living with and attempting to understand the minds of our companion animals. Since then, a lot more objective studies have been and are being carried out and shared with the public in easy-to-read articles. Only relatively recently, the Scientific American (May/June 2015 issue) carried an in-depth cover story on “Why we love pets and why they love us — the science behind the bond.”

Quite a revealing treatise What does all of this mean? What I am saying is that there should be less trepidation and worry when we go into a Shelter to choose a companion animal as a complement to our family.

Again please accept our kindest wishes for 2021.

Next week we will continue our discussions on pet diseases and the cures.

7

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Uitvlugt man found dead by son F ifty-one-year-old Hubert Henry of DeGroot Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) is now dead after his lifeless body was found by his 26-year-old son on Christmas Day. Reports are that at about 07:00h, the dead man’s son, Shivnanand Henry, a fisherman of the same address, reported to the Police that he observed his father was lying motionless on his bed at home.

He told Police that the deceased was an alcoholic who suffered from epilepsy, and would consume alcohol and

lie several places around the house.

The son said that at about 03:30h on Christmas Day, he was going to use the outdoor washroom when he saw his father lying on the ground.

He immediately picked him up placed him on a bed under the house and left. However, at about 06:30h, when he went to check on his father, he observed that the man was motionless. He immediately

raised an alarm, and subsequently made a report at the Leonora Police Station.

When investigators arrived on the scene, the body was examined and blood stains were seen on the dead man’s stomach and his right ear.

His body was taken to Leonora Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced him dead.

The body was later escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

Looking back…

Y

…in anger at the PNC our Eyewitness is satiated with all the Christmas fare, extra helpings of Black Cake and enough mugs of Ginger Beer to choke a horse! So today, as he taps out this piece, he’s feeling like the proverbial snake that swallowed an alligator and had to rest for months as he (slowly) digested his mammoth meal! But, as he lies around, your Eyewitness can’t stop casting his mind back to the events over the last couple of years. And if he’s honest (which he is, as the day is long!) he must admit he’s filled with indignation and anger.

Anger at the PNC - let’s cut to the chase with this nonsense about a “coalition”, shall we? - for fulfilling the British slur on us for a hundred years that we’re “not ready for democracy”. And thereby also fulfilling Naipaul’s cynical conclusion that we’re just a bunch of “Mimic Men”, who ape the forms of British institutional behaviour but are oblivious to their substance. Can the PNC point to a SINGLE parliamentary democracy that didn’t demit office after the government lost a No Confidence Motion? Even Moldova formed only in 1992 after the USSR fell apart - accepted their NCM in 2019. The shame! The shame!

Anger at the PNC for making us look like morons to the rest of the Caribbean (at least) with their ridiculous claim all the way to the CCJ - that 33 wasn’t greater than 32! Even those who were slavering to get a piece of our oil action couldn’t help but snicker at their bare-faced chutzpah! One wag said he was reminded of their riposte when we pointed out that, unlike us, they had earthquakes and hurricanes.

They’d simply smugly retort, “Y’all have Burnham!” How do you respond to that, or to the idiocy of their mathematical canard? The shame! The shame!

Anger that this man Granger, who could’ve changed the entire trajectory of our dystopian politics by honestly embracing coalition politics, could openly be dubbed by his Caricom peers as a “Sanctimonious Gangster”. Anger that he would hold this country hostage for five months as he jumped from (shaky) limb to (rotten) limb to hang on to power by attempting to rig elections. And not even by taking the ballots to count behind the walls of Camp Ayanganna as his mentor Burnham did, but in front of the entire diplomatic corps! The shame! The shame!

And finally, hot-red anger at Granger and his token Harmon’s incitement to riot in West Berbice following the unfortunate - and still unsolved - murders of the Henry cousins. Will all those who were violated, beaten, robbed and assaulted have to wait for justice in the long-promised COI? This anger must be quenched! …to the future It’s truly said that behind every dark cloud there’s a silver lining. And in Guyana, behind the dark cloud of the PNC and their cynical politics, there has appeared the silver lining of our young President, Irfaan Ali, and his charismatic First Lady, Arya Ali. Right off the bat, they’ve brought an unmatched vibrancy and energy to the Presidency and the Executive.

Like the Scarlet Pimpernel, they appear to be here, there, and everywhere - bringing cheer and relief to all and sundry!

There isn’t a sector of our national agenda that has remained untouched personally by the First Couple. Whether it’s reopening the sugar estates, or giving out house lots, or injecting a boost to the economy through $25,000 cheques to every Guyanese family, no one’s been left behind! Other Presidents might’ve distributed Christmas goodies before him, but has anyone been so PERSONALLY invested like our First Family?

With at least five more years of this kind of activist intervention, Guyana will be turned around! …after COVID-19 None of us knows what the future holds. But, this year, there’s one thing we can be pretty sure about: that things will never be the same after COVID-19.

For one, the home will remain the office for many!

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

9

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President assures vulnerable Guyanese of improved lives

I

n keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, President Irfaan Ali continued his acts of giving on Friday by interacting and giving back to several sections of society.

Christmas morning started with him treating members of the Presidential Guards at State House to a breakfast spread, as they would have left their families to remain on duty.

Then over at the Dharm Shala, the Head of State

residents are also supported in key and important areas of life, like healthcare,” he said to persons at the Dharm Shala.

He also praised the Private Sector for its members’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, and lauded the management of the facility for their continuous commitment at the institution, which is in existence for some 99 years.

“I am so pleased with the role the Private Sector has

Meals were handed out to the homeless by the President and the Prime Minister

and providing to the less fortunate, he organised the event, which saw the distribution of hundreds of meals and beverages,” the Office of the President shared in a statement.

The team then journeyed to Bourda Market

and its contiguous areas to extend this initiative to others in need.

Leading up to the holiday, a special celebration for children from orphanages was coordinated at State House. The children were treated to toys, carolling

and other Christmas items.

Those who were part of the festivities included the Sophia Care Center, Red Cross Convalescent Home, Mahaica Children’s Home, St Ann’s Girls Orphanage and Joshua Children’s Home. (G12)

Active COVID-19 cases reduced to 475

— no new positive cases from 30 tests

President Ali serving lunch to residents at the Dharm Shala

brightened the festivities for residents with meals and a sizeable donation.

He pledged Government’s commitment to improving the lives of persons in similar establishments through specialised initiatives that would focus on healthcare among other key services.

“I am very happy to be among you in celebrating, not only Christmas, but celebrating this moment in which we give back to our elderly. I want to assure you that, in the coming years, we will be working on specific programmes, specific initiatives, to ensure that facilities like these are not only supported, but that the

been playing in our country.

In all the activities I have attended, not only this season but since I assumed office, the Private Sector has been present on the programme in a big way. This tells us that we have a Private Sector now that is keen on corporate social responsibility. I remember, as a child growing up, always seeing this activity in the newspapers. It became a part of the Christmas tradition of Guyana. But that is just what the public sees once a year. But you do this every day.”

Christmas meals

President Ali was joined

by the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and they spent several hours handing out special Christmas meals to the needy.

They were joined by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, staff of the Office of the President, and other officials for the meal distribution exercise along several streets of Georgetown.

“For most, Christmas is the time when families join together to share a specially prepared meal; but for many, it's just another day without shelter, warm clothing or food. The Head of State recognised this, and in the spirit of giving

H

ealth officials have recorded zero new cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Saturday, after 30 test samples were analysed.

The overall number of positives remain at 6,289, but the active cases have been reduced significantly over the past week and now stand at 452.

One day prior - on Friday, 23rd - cases were recorded. Saturday’s statistics were made available via the Health Ministry’s dashboard, which showed deaths remaining at 162. A gender distribution shows that 3,250 males and 3,039 females contracted the virus.

Seven persons are seeking treatment in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Notwithstanding, there are 16 persons in institutional isolation, 452 in home isolation, and 13 in institutional quarantine.

The number of recovered cases is 5,652, after 97 were

recorded in one day. To date, 37,299 persons have been tested.

Meanwhile, a breakdown of the regional contraction rate shows that 931 positives were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), 187 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 443 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 2689 in Region Four (Demerara-

Mahaica), 95 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 304 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), 537 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 194 in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), 396 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 513 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

TURN TO PAGE 12

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TV personality Reyaz Hussain dies

T Guyanese and hyphenated Guyanese

D

uring the ERC/UN/UG’s “Conversation on Ethnic Relations”, there was a heated exchange on the propriety of defining oneself as “Guyanese” versus an “ethnically-hyphenated Guyanese”. I offer the following that has addressed the false dichotomy for three decades in various guises. I find it difficult to accept that the “Guyanese” proponents do not accept that we are culturally plural. The anthropologist MG Smith pointed out that, invariably, the different cultural segments are ‘differentially incorporated’ into the power relations of their societies, and this fact, in and of itself, concretises and politicises our interactions.

The “one love” political scientists and economists, who pontificate on our national politics, ignore MG’s insight at our general peril. As citizens of polities that promised equality (via the state), their lived experiences inevitably would determine how they felt about the attainment (or not) of that egalitarian promise. Their experiences were filtered through their Ravi Dev cultural lenses, and it should not have surprised any if the several groups (defined culturally) were differentially into the power structure; political consciousness would cleave along cultural (read ethnic) lines.

After decades of focusing on an economistic notion of equality, there is still not an appreciation of the need for cultural equality also. So much for the politics of ‘identity’ and ‘recognition’ in Guyana.

There are some who posited that if we had (or have) economic equality among the various ethnic groups, our troubles would be over. I’d like to vehemently disagree. We are not homo economicus…but more like “homo culturalicus”.

Each group in Guyana has an economic elite, but we have not seen these elites making common cause over the past half century.

An indica of the ‘power relations’ is who gets to define what is the “national culture” – to which all groups have to genuflect.

And it is the differential incorporation of the various cultural groups in this equation that our policies on “multiculturalism” have to address. “Multiculturalism demands that society presents a full range of prospects, membership, and respect to all its members – regardless of cultural and religious differences – while also creatively accommodating them in a fashion that is both morally persuasive and practically effective for the majority of society.”

I have proposed that the “Ministry of Culture” be transformed into a “Ministry of Multiculturalism”. “Culture” promotes a singular, monolithic, overarching culture operating as a stalking horse for assimilation through the back door. We suggest our motto be changed to “Unity in Diversity through Equality in Diversity”. One definition of ‘multiculturalism’ suggests that it is “a systematic and comprehensive response to cultural and ethnic diversity with educational, linguistic, economic and social components and specific institutional mechanisms”. This suggests areas in which we initially pursue equality.”

We stress that we are not suggesting any ‘separatist ideal’ in which each group lives in hermetically sealed enclaves. We are suggesting that the ‘equal treatment in culture’ imperative if implemented and becomes real, will eliminate the barriers of hauteur and exclusion that set off their inevitable reactions of resistance. We believe that when we deal with each other as equals, there would be the inevitable cross-cultural fertilisation (in all directions), and not one-way, which is seen as top down.

With the state out of ‘culture’, it should focus on promoting a feeling of “Guyaneseness” among our people through the conscious construction of a democratic state – the creation of conditions where we are all treated as one, equally, by the state. Equality of opportunity; human rights, encouragement of diversities, due process; justice and fair play and rule of law may seem dry compared to the warmth of the blood ties of “nation”, but they can engender the unity of public purpose and the recognition of individual worth, where we can be proud of our common citizenship. Citizenship of Guyana has to become something that has concrete meaning to all of us.

For Guyana, then, our ethnicities would be defined outside our “Guyaneseness”, and to be African-Guyanese or IndianGuyanese would not be contradictory in any sense. The first part of our identity would be specific, while the latter universalistic. The “national” will now be a space wherein ethnically imagined communities can live and share. To be Guyanese would be to share moral precepts – norms, values and attitudes – rather than shared cultural experience and practice.

A “good Guyanese” would be one who is loyal to this country and strives to practise the secular universalistic ideological values it extols.

he sudden passing of popular television personality Reyaz Hussain on Friday has been a shock for many of his local following and acquaintances, and condolences have been pouring in to cushion the grief of his family.

Hussain, who hosted the “NTN This Morning” show for over two decades, died after complaining of feeling unwell.

He was also a public announcer at the regional and international cricket matches held in Guyana.

Upon learning of his passing, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) recognised him as a long-serving member of the Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club.

“On occasions, he also performed

TV personality Reyaz Hussain dies

the duties of moderator at official functions of the Guyana Cricket Board. Just recently, Reyaz officiated as the moderator at the opening ceremony of the LBI Floodlight facility and portrayed his usual charismatic and embracing approach in delivering his presentation,” the Club noted.

At the Georgetown Cricket Club, Reyaz performed the roles of second division captain and coach-mentor for young players; while at the Everest Cricket Club, he was an executive member, club captain, as well as coach-mentor.

The GCB also recognised Hussain for the friendly, cohesive, passionate and professional personality which he brought to public announcing, regarding his passing as a great loss.

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead, 2 critical in holiday weekend accidents A

34-year-old welder of Mc Rae Street, Rosignol Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) died on Christmas Day when he lost control of his car and it crashed into a clump of bushes.

Dead is Sunil Seeram, who was driving motorcar PXX 4540 when he became involved in the accident that occurred at about 13:00h on Friday on the Number 10 Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

Reports are that Seeram was proceeding in a westerly direction along the southern side of the West Coast Berbice thoroughfare at a fast rate of speed, and while negotiating a right turn, he suddenly lost control of the car and it ended up on the northern side of the road,

Dead: Sunil Seeram

where it came to a halt in a large clump of bushes.

Having sustained injuries about his body, Seeram was extracted from the vehicle in an unconscious state and taken to the Fort

Wellington Public Hospital, from where he was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient in a critical condition. He, however, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

And a 44-year-old male of First Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) is in a critical condition after he lost control of his motorcycle while riding on the Karrau trail in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The incident occurred on Friday at about 16:30h.

Reports are that the motorcyclist was proceeding north along the Karrau trail at a fast rate of speed when he lost control of the motorcycle and fell onto the trail surface, sustaining injuries to his face.

He was picked up by a passerby in an unconscious state and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital, but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital as a result of the serious nature of his injuries.

Also, on December 25 at about 14:07h, an unregistered all-terrain vehicle (ATV) being driven by Clarence Williams, 53, a boat captain of Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma NWD, Region One (Barima-Waini) toppled.

Reports are that

The car that was involved in the accident

Williams was proceeding north along the western side of Floor Access Road at Port Kaituma, NWD at a fast rate of speed, and whilst negotiating a right turn, he lost control of the ATV and it toppled in a north-westerly direction.

Williams was picked up in an unconscious state by public spirited citizens and placed into a passing motor vehicle, which took him to the Port Kaituma District Hospital. As a result of the injuries he sustained, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment.

Investigations have been launched into all these accidents.. (G9)

Active COVID-19 cases...

From the latest COVID-19 update, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has noted, exiting the global pandemic is linked to developing immunity either through recovery from the virus, or via vaccine. He noted that moving forward entails protecting citizens and the healthcare workers until the situation is under control.

“The only way we can exit the pandemic is if more people develop some form of immunity. You can do that in a number of ways, one is if you get the infection and after you recover, you will get some form of immunity. The other is to be able to get immunity through a vaccine…We have to move forward. The challenge that we have is that, as a country, all of us need to be saying the same things and urging people to take the right steps, gearing our sys-

tems and supporting that, making sure our healthcare workers are protected and so forth,” the Minister highlighted.

He acknowledged the disparity between First World and developing countries, whereby those with

FROM PAGE 10

resources are procuring more vaccines than needed. This is resulting in a shortage. According to Dr Anthony, all countries should immunize their population. Otherwise, the virus will continue to spread from those who are not vaccinated.

“The general shortage around the globe right now for vaccines is when people buy more than they need in their own country. That’s not very helpful. It shows the inequity that exists in the world, because the richer countries are able to afford these vaccines while the poor countries have to wait. If we are going to exit the pandemic, it can’t be some countries immunising their population and others not having the resources to do so, because if you have pockets of COVID-19 remaining in the world, then it will spread.”

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

ccording to 31-yearold Leeanna Allen, a contemporary gospel singer, songwriter, and spoken word poet, people are rarely told of the hard work and sacrifices it takes to be successfully/happily married. Allen, who has been happily married for the past 10 years, recently dropped her new song “Don’t Let Go” – an encouragement that your relationship might be worth fighting for.

Explaining the con-

cept behind the song, Allen told the Sunday Times, “We’ve all had those moments in our relationship where we felt like throwing in the towel, just calling it quits and running for the hills. Emotions run high and words are spoken without thinking about how the other person would receive them. Well, this song is an encouragement that if what you have is worth fighting for, then fight, don’t let go that easily.”

According to her, it is difficult to understand some of the challenges faced in marriage before getting into it. “Nobody tells you it is this hard to be successfully/happily married. They do not tell you the work and sacrifices it would take to be successfully married. We go into the relationship, but many times we do not have the tools and skills to navigate the rough waters.”

She, however, pointed out that this will only work if both parties are working and viewing themselves

as a team, and are willing to grow and develop emotional maturity and effective communication skills.

Allen acknowledged that not all relationships are worth fighting for, especially in the case of constant

around that concept. I hope to revisit the songs and bring them to their full attention,” Allen related.

The former Bishops’ High School student recounted that she began writing poems during her

abuse and chronic adultery.

“But if it is a case of falling out of love and growing apart, those things are actually rectifiable. There are tools and skills if learned by both partners, your marriage can grow back much stronger before you had that season of growing apart. If we work for this, we don’t have to let go; we can fight for this.”

Allen revealed that she took about half an hour to put this three-minute track together since it was “an inspiration from the holy spirit.” But during the process, she contacted her cousin “Golden”, a rapper, who is also featured on the track, to put together the bridge.

“Don’t Let Go” was recorded at Vision Sounds Studio. While this is Allen’s first project with this recording studio, she disclosed that she will be working with the studio on an initiative called “Mixed Essence”. This, she added, will see her collaborating with other artists who need a public platform for their vocal abilities.

According to her, an official launch for the initiative will be done on Valentine’s Day 2021. She said it will feature life songs and Christian songs that come from relationships with God. Allen released her first album when she was 26.

Titled: “Severely Flawed But Labelled Loved”, the album is a CD compilation of songs that are a testimony of her acknowledging her identity in Christ.

“We pick up so many labels as we go through life; failure, loser, unwanted, unworthy. I was holding on to the fact that my true label is that I was loved by the God of the universe.

So, the songs were written

pre-teen years.

She explained that it was and still is a powerful way to produce messages “and I became pretty good at them.

It is something that works effectively for me. I have written numerous poems.”

“I usually write based on inspiration. Sometimes it is based on my personal experiences. Other times it is based on the experiences of others and how I would deal with that type of situation,” said Allen when asked about what motivates her to write poetry.

Giving her opinion on Guyana’s music industry, she admitted that although the quality of music is improving, “we have some ways to go but every improvement is a step in the right direction.” But one of the biggest challenges faced by artists, according to her, is the lack of protection for intellectual property.

“The art forms are left behind because intellectual property is not seen as important. Education is limited in terms of how you navigate the music industry. If more emphasis can be placed on these types of intangible skills that can be revenue generators, not just for the artist, but for the country, it would help.”

Speaking to upcoming artists, Allen advised, “Believe in yourself, it takes courage to put yourself out there. Because you never know how your message will be received by others. But you have got to believe in yourself first before anybody else will. And take the time to hone your craft. Practice and educate yourself, connect with other persons that might be doing it.”

Allen’s new song, “Don’t Let Go” is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and Apple Music.

FEATURE

15

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ter to men apart from fundamental items such as shampoos, deodorant, lotions.

However, the needs of the average man are gradually widening and the beauty industry is becoming a bit more accommodating.

But this does not change the perception that men are not supposed to be dabbling in makeup or beauty care items.

“I decided to start with lip care because I do get a lot of comments about my lips. So I decided to make the products I use because I had to customise certain things be-

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

t seventeen, many teenagers are now finding themselves and deciding on their career paths but for Talia Ramsay, that mission is already accomplished.

She sees her future as an entrepreneur with a difference.

The difference with Ramsay’s vision is that she is taking an aim at toxic masculinity.

She is hoping that by introducing beauty products for men, she can create a space where men can feel more comfortable taking care of their appearance without having their “manliness” questioned.

“My business does not only cater for females but I also encourage males to buy stuff. A lot of people would judge men if they buy a lip balm or a lip scrub or something in the beauty industry and it is not to say they are unsure about their sexuality. I want it to be an option for men to take care of themselves too because it is not something you see a lot of. So, in addition to helping out the ladies, I want to help out the guys too because, in terms of self-care, a lot of people are always focus-

ing on females and females alone,” the young lady said.

Ramsay’s business is in the beauty world. She produces a variety of lip balms, lip scrubs, lip oils and lip glosses at this time.

However, she is actively expanding to include other beauty products.

Ever since she was a child, Ramsay wanted to get into business. She had the knack for it and it was something her mother nurtured and today she is living that dream. As a child, Ramsay was always travelling with her mother, who is in the tourism industry so that meant she would have interacted with and met people from different places and backgrounds.

She observed and studied the way of life in the var-

ious places she travelled and is now using that knowledge to further her business.

“Not a lot of people could say at a young age they have travelled to basically 90 per cent of their country and been to three different countries…I have had the best experiences because when I was going on field trips with my mom and stuff, we would have met different kinds of people with different parts and they all are responsible for shaping my view of the world and how it works,” she said.

The young lady attended the St Johns College in Georgetown and her teachers there, particularly in the business field, really encouraged her to become an entrepreneur. The realised that she had a gift for “hustling” and they made sure to teach her the ins and outs of becoming a successful business person.

“I’ve got into business via my mom.

She is the biggest role model and also my life mentor. She encouraged me to start my own business because she saw the potential in me. At first, I did not know what kind of business I wanted to start…one day the idea popped in my head and I was like I should do a cosmetic line,” Ramsay recounted.

Even as the idea popped into her thoughts, she thought it to be very funny because she is a person that barely uses makeup.

Nevertheless, she decided that the beauty industry had some barriers that needed to be broken down and as young creative, she not only wanted to produce makeup but also advocate for active change.

All her life she has seen men not take care of themselves the way they should because their masculinity becomes questionable when they decide to “pamper” themselves. Initially, the beauty industry did not ca-

cause I have very sensitive lips and I did have a problem with dry lips as well and I decide, let me make a lip scrub and I have been using it for years now and it has improved my lips.”

Ramsay told Guyana Times that when she began conceptualising her products, she kept in mind that it should be accessible, affordable and of high quality.

That is the reason she tests every product on herself before she markets them.

Initially, the market was slow because of the saturation of products. However,

she was able to break through and today she enjoys the support of not only women but the very men she has been targeting. It warms her heart to know that she is now providing an avenue for men to practise self-care even if it is only wearing a lip balm to ensure their lips are hydrated or using a scrub to exfoliate the dead lip skin cells.

For now, she is located at 32 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, but also does deliveries across the various counties to ensure her clients

get what they order. Every product is also made fresh and vegan friendly.

“My advice for young people is to take a risk when you know that you can take it and don’t be afraid to talk about your stuff. You won’t always have supportive people around you, but you have to use the negative stuff as motivation and continue to build yourself.”

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

First Lady visits Christmas babies at GPHC

his Christmas, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation delivered 11 newborns – all of whom were greeted with hampers from First Lady

Arya Ali on Friday morning.

At the Hospital’s Maternity Ward, the First Lady interacted with the new mothers and staffers who were on duty for the

holiday. She was accompanied by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, George Lewis.

On her social media

page, the First Lady described the newborns as ambassadors of goodwill, and noted that all children should be encouraged to reach their full potential.

“The birth of Christ was a miraFirst Lady Arya Ali interacting with one of the mothers who delivered her baby on Christmas Day

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and First Lady Arya Ali pose with staffers of GPHC

cle which offered this world hope and renewed our faith in humanity. Births on this day are therefore special, as they remind us of that hope

that baby Jesus offered us.

As a young mother, I believe that every birth is special, but our Christmas babies are ambassadors of peace and goodwill. I believe that

they will not just offer us that renewed hope, but will emerge as a generation of peacemakers who will make this world a better place,” the First Lady said.

She added, “Therefore, I could not let the opportunity pass to share this special moment with mothers of newborns at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation…It is my hope that we continue to nurture them, and every other child, in a way that helps them to unlock their fullest potential and live meaningful lives.”

FEATURE

17

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS KIDNEY STONES

• Obesity • Diabetes • High blood pressure • Pregnancy • Recent surgery on the digestive system • Health conditions that affect how the body absorbs calcium, such as inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhoea • Various medications

SYMPTOMS

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/ Diabetes

K

idney stones develop when dissolved minerals build up inside the kidneys. A low fluid consumption, dietary factors, and a person’s medical history may contribute to this development. Kidney stones may be small and pass unnoticed through the urinary tract, but some grow to the size of a golf ball. Larger stones can cause severe pain as they leave the body. Without treatment, kidney stones can lead to urinary problems, infections, and kidney damage.

Kidney stones are a common problem throughout the world, and the incidence appears to be growing. Dietary factors and climate change may contribute to this increase, as one study indicates.

CAUSES

There are four different types of stone: calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.

• Calcium stones form when the kidneys retain the excess calcium that the muscles and bones do not use, rather than flushing it out of the body. The calcium combines with other waste products to form crystals such as calcium oxalate, which clump together to make a stone.

• Uric acid stones result from a lack of water in the body. Urine contains uric acid, when there is not enough water to dilute the uric acid, the urine becomes more acidic.

• Struvite stones can form after a UTI. They consist of magnesium and ammonia.

• Cystine stones develop when cystine, a substance present in the muscles, builds up in urine. This occurrence is rare.

The American Urological Association says that people who are susceptible to kidney stones should consume enough fluid to produce 2.5 litres (l) of urine each day. On average, this means consuming close to 3 litres of fluid a day, sourced from foods and beverages.

Apart from dehydration, factors that increase the risk of kidney stones include: • Family or personal history of kidney stones • Aged 40 years or older, although they can sometimes affect children • Sex, as they are more common in males than females • Diet that is high in protein and sodium • Sedentary lifestyle

Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms. A person may pass very small stones out of the body in the urine without being aware of them.

When symptoms appear, they commonly include: • Pain in the groin, the side of the abdomen, or both, and to the upper back.

• Blood in the urine • Vomiting and nausea • Urinary tract infection that can be recurrent (UTI) • Fever and chills, if there is an infection • An increased need to urinate • Burning sensation If kidney stones block the passage of urine, a kidney infection may result. The symptoms include: • Fever and chills • Weakness and fatigue • Diarrhoea • Cloudy, foul-smelling urine

DIAGNOSIS

Various tests can show whether a kidney stone is present. A physical examination may identify the kidneys as the source of pain.

• Urinalysis can reveal blood in the urine, or signs of an infection.

• Blood tests can help identify complications.

• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, will reveal any structural changes. Imaging tests can help doctors determine: • Whether a stone is present • the size and location of any stone • whether there are any blockages • the condition of the urinary tract • whether complications have affected other organs During pregnancy, an ultrasound is preferable to a CT scan, as it does not involve radiation.

COMPLICATIONS

When kidney stones remain inside the body, complications can develop. If they block the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, urine will not be able to pass out of the body. This dysfunction increases the risk of a UTI or kidney infection. If recurring kidney stones cause blockages in the urinary system, this can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. About 50% of people who have had a kidney stone develop another one within 5–7 years.

• Recurrent Kidney Stone • Urinary Tract

Infection • Urinary Obstruction • Sepsis • Kidney DamageShort term and eventually Chronic if not treated

TREATMENT

Treatment will focus on managing symptoms and removing the stone. There are various ways to do this.

Treatment may involve: • A high intake of fluids by mouth or intravenously • Pain relief medication • Medications to help speed up the passage of stones • Large stones Large stones may need other types of intervention, such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

• Shock waves involve the use of ultrasound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces to make it easier to pass.

• Ureteroscopy is done by passing a long, thin tube through the person’s urethra as far as the ureter, which connects the bladder and the kidney. They will then use laser energy to break up the stone.

• PCNL involves passing a long, thin instrument through the back and into the kidney, where it can break up or remove the stone using laser energy. This procedure requires general anaesthesia.

There may be a risk of complications, such as an infection, after removing a large kidney stone. A doctor should explain the possible complications beforehand, so that if any develops, a person can recognise the signs.

HOME REMEDIES

A person can usually treat small kidney stones at home.

Some recommendations include: • Drinking plenty of fluid and waiting for the stone to pass

• Using over-thecounter drugs to relieve pain and nausea • Alpha-blockers to help the stone pass more quickly • Avoiding salt and sodas • Continue to drink plenty of fluid after the stones have gone, to prevent new ones from forming.

• Some foods may benefit kidney health and help reduce the risk of kidney stones.

• Herbs and spicesGuidelines from the American Family Physician (AFP) note that people have long used herbal remedies for kidney stones. However, there is uncertainty regarding their safety, effectiveness, and possible interactions with other drugs.

• Chemical compounds in green tea, berries, and turmeric may help prevent infection • Parsley may boost urine production

• Some research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is common among people with kidney stones, but there is not enough evidence to show that vitamin D supplements are safe or effective for preventing stones.

FOODS TO AVOID

• Limiting foods that contain the following substances may help prevent stones from developing: • Excessive protein • Sodium (salt) • Sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup • Vitamin C supplements Kidney stones are a common problem. Not drinking enough fluid is a major causative factor; but dietary habits, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute.

Anyone who has symptoms of a kidney stone, urine infection, or kidney infection should seek medical advice to prevent complications from developing.

18

FEATURE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The Science of COVID-19 C

Dr. Haimchand Barran MMSc Internal Medicine/ Infectious Diseases Fellowship -- Nephrology Nephrology Department -- GPHC

COVID-19 and Acute Kidney Injury

OVID-19 predominantly affects individuals between 30 and 79 years of age, with 81 percent of cases being classified as mild.

Despite the majority of the general population displaying symptoms similar to the common cold, COVID-19 has also induced alveolar (lungs tissue) damage, resulting in progressive respiratory failure with fatalities noted in 6.4 percent of cases.

Patients with COVID-19 have displayed kidney damage through acute kidney injury (AKI), mild proteinuria (protein in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine), or slight elevation in creatinine (blood marker testing

for kidney function), possibly as consequence of kidney tropism of the virus and multiorgan failure.

The impact of COVID-19 on patients with pre-existing kidney impairment, i n c l u d ing those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney transplant recipients, and individuals on hemodialysis (HD) has not yet been clearly established. No specific treatments for COVID-19 have been found yet.

Renal (kidney) involvement in COVID-19 (coronavirus-nephropathy) has a complex etiology (causes).

AKI in COVID-19 is strongly associated with higher mortality and morbidity and is an indicator for survival with coronavirus infection.

According to a prospective cohort study, 44 percent of COVID-19 patients had proteinuria and 27 percent had hematuria at hospital admission, while five percent of patients experienced AKI during in-hospital. Patients with kidney disease had a significantly higher risk of death.

Since the coronavirus outbreak in China at the end of 2019, increasing interest emerged regarding renal involvement during COVID-19 infections. AKI, with or without proteinuria, is described in a variable percentage of patients with COVID-19, and several reports outlined an increased mortality risk in those with AKI. The mechanisms of renal (kidney) injury during COVID-19 are difficult to study due to the interference of several coexisting factors, such as polypharmacy, hypoxia (decreased oxygen in tissue), and cytokine storm (immune response to the virus).

The coronavirus entry into target cells is facilitated

by the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a specialized receptor where the virus attaches itself. This is expressed in respiratory cells, as well as renal tubular cells and podocytes, making the hypothesis of a direct renal infection particularly intriguing.

Patients with COVID-19 have displayed kidney damage through AKI, proteinuria, hematuria, edema -- swelling in the lower extremities or body, and slight elevation in creatinine (kidney function marker).

AKI

A new comprehensive report shows that people hospitalized with COVID-19 are at significant risk of AKI, which can lead to serious illness, dialysis, and even death.

Acute renal failure (ARF) or AKI occurs when your kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste products from your blood. When your kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate, and your blood's chemical makeup may get out of balance.

This develops rapidly, usually in less than a few days. Acute kidney failure is most common in people who are already hospitalized, particularly in critically ill people who need intensive care.

ARF/AKI can be fatal and requires intensive treatment. However, acute kidney failure may be reversible. If you're otherwise in good health, you may recover normal or nearly normal kidney function.

AKI normally happens as a complication of anoth-

er serious illness. It's not the result of a physical blow to the kidneys, as the name might suggest.

This type of kidney damage is usually seen in older people who are unwell with other conditions and the kidneys are also affected. It's essential that AKI is detected early and treated promptly.

Without quick treatment, abnormal levels of salts and chemicals can build up in the body, which affect the ability of other organs to work properly. If the kidneys shut down completely, this may require temporary support from a dialysis machine, or lead to death.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AKI include feeling sick or being sick, diarrhea, dehydration, urinating less than usual, confusion and drowsiness.

Even if it does not progress to complete kidney failure, AKI needs to be taken seriously. It has an effect on the whole body, changes how some drugs are handled by the body, and could make some existing illnesses more serious.

AKI is different from chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys gradually lose function over a long period of time.

Who's at risk

You're more likely to get AKI if: -- you're aged 65 or over.

-- you already have a kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease.

-- you have a long-term disease, such as heart failure, liver disease or diabetes.

-- you're dehydrated or unable to maintain your fluid intake independently.

-- you have a blockage in your urinary tract (or are at risk of this).

-- you have a severe infection or sepsis.

-- you're taking certain medicines, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen or motrin, diclofenac, advil, excedrin, tylenol 3) or blood pressure drugs, such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics; diuretics are usually beneficial to the kidneys, but may become less helpful when a person is dehydrated or suffering from a severe illness.

-- you're given aminoglycosides – a type of antibiotic; again, this is only an issue if the person is dehydrated or ill, and these are usually only given in a hospital setting.

Article submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme. For questions, email ministersecretaryhealth@gmail.com.

19

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cop robbed, shot while partying in Buxton

A

Police Constable stationed at Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Wani) is now nursing a gunshot wound to his upper back after he was attacked, shot, and robbed by a group of men while at a party in Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Constable James Gordon, 21, of Buxton, ECD was shot on Saturday at about 03:00h at Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD. Reports are that the cop was approached by the suspect and seven other males, all members of a gang called “Team Diamond”.

According to Police, the

now injured cop and one of the suspects had a misunderstanding in 2019, in which it was alleged that the suspect had broken off a rear-view mirror of the constable’s car, but the two had settled the matter.

On Christmas Day, at about 23:00h, the constable left his home and went to a party. Reports are the men attacked Gordon and dealt him several cuffs and kicks about his body. During the process, they removed his three gold chains valued at $300,000, and a Samsung Note 8 cellular phone valued at $120,000.

During the ordeal, the

constable managed to escape by running through the Buxton Middle Walk, but all of the men reportedly pulled out firearms and began discharging rounds in his direction. He was shot once to the upper right-side of his back, which caused him to lose con-

he body of a 64-yearold woman, of Lot 116 West Canefield, East Canje, Berbice was found motionless on the staircase of her house by her 67-year-old husband on Christmas Day. Reports are that at about 09:00h Lilowtie Hanoma, a housewife, was discovered by her husband, Narinedath Doodnauth.

The woman’s husband told Police that she was diag-

nosed with breast cancer about four years ago, and when he found her, she was lying motionlessly between the first and the third stairs.

Doodnauth said that on Christmas morning, at about 08:00h, Hanoma got up from her bed and went to take a shower.

Thereafter, she got dressed and sat on the stairway.

About 45 minutes later, after he did not see her com-

ing upstairs, he went to check on her. It was then that he discovered his wife motionless.

As a result, he raised an alarm and the Police were called. She was examined and no marks of violence were seen on her body. She was escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead. A post mortem examination is pending as Police investigations continue.

L

sciousness. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) by public spirited citizens, and was admitted a patient.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident.

Teen mom Berbice woman found dead returns on staircase by husband from party T to burning home

W

hile many will be breaking the New Year with a roof over their heads, this would not be the same for a 16-year-old mother of Tuschen Squatting Area, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), who lost her home to a fire of unknown origin on Christmas Day. Police say the fire started at about 20:00h on Friday, and reports are that the 16-year-old, who had resided in the wooden structure with her child and its father, a miner, had left her home some time before the fire started to attend a party. However, upon her return, she found her home engulfed in fire.

The Leonora Fire Service was immediately summoned, and went into action, but the house was completely destroyed despite their efforts, and the teen was unable to save any of her valuables.

Police say a probe is in progress to determine the origin of the fire, and that the house had no electricity.

A BRIEF LOOK BACK AT 2020

ike every professional organisation around the world and the country, the Environmental Protection Agency has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We began our year by highlighting our accomplishments in 2019 and plans for 2020; many of those plans, however, had to be modified.

Nevertheless, the Agency quickly adapted and implemented systems to continue its work effectively,

despite the challenges of the pandemic. * Temporary suspension of field operations, eg site inspections, visits to investigate complaints etc, are activities that resumed after approximately three months. * Suspended physical consultations for the ban on single use plastics were instead replaced by virtual consultations. * Our social media presence was increased, and competitions were conducted for various environmental observances. * Short-Term Noise Permits for social activities were recently suspended; and * Staff were provided with masks, the number of hand- sanitising stations was increased, temperature checks were made at the security hut, staff working days were rotated to reduce the incidence of contraction of the virus; and a no mask-no entry policy was mandated.

Despite these challenges, the Agency has developed a plan for 2021 which would allow us to get back into the field and interact with the public.

We would like to extend belated Christmas greetings from the management and staff of the EPA. Our team is grateful for your partnership and support throughout 2020. As we reflect upon this year, we should celebrate and be grateful for our successes, and learn from our shortcomings. Take nothing for granted, and be thankful that you have such great family and friends to spend this joyous season with.

Our team would like to extend to you wishes for much success in the coming year.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

21 5 Christmas babies born at NA Hospital NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

What is expected in Budget 2021 and the anticipated economic outcomes?

I

n previous writings featured under this column, an assessment of the Government’s performance, inter alia, the 2020 emergency budget was conducted. In that assessment, it was essentially concluded that the Government has achieved/delivered on about 30% of the promises outlined in its five-year manifesto. To describe this achievement as “astounding” is an understatement because 70% of the monies in the budget was already expended (unlawfully) by the previous Administration, and, it has inherited a broken economy, a bankrupt treasury, and had to combat the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. This is no ordinary task for any newly elected Government. (See link to referenced article for ease of reference: https://guyanatimesgy.com/ an-assessment-of-the-governments-performance-within-the-first-100-days-inoffice/). Having said that, it is largely these indicators and other actions taken by the Government to date – that formed the basis upon which the theme of today’s article is premised.

During this period, His Excellency on several occasions would have himself announced that his Government is working on a number of transformative developmental projects most of which will commence next year. Examples of these are: For simplicity of illustration through some amount of extrapolation; the information in the above table represents key projects in the Government’s manifesto where actions have been undertaken to move forward with these into 2021, as well as some private sector projects announced in the public domain.

Esther Rahim receiving the hamper after delivering her first child — the Region’s first Christmas baby

F

The estimated investment values for some of the projects were also stated in the public domain and where those were not stated, the others are reasonable estimates by the author.

That said, while these are just a few of the key projects to commence in 2021 and to be completed over the next five years, the total estimated capital investment is approximately G$1.2 Trillian. This in turn can be worked out to about $246 Billion on average, annually over the next five years (bearing in mind these estimates are just a fraction of what is expected over the next five years, perhaps 30% – 50% of what is to come). Of this sum, 51.5% represents estimated public investments while noting importantly as well – that the Government is seeking to employ a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to finance most of these projects. Now, let’s dissect what this scale of investment means by a forward-looking approach and by reverting to some analyses on government expenditure over the last five years done by this column. This is to simply draw a distinction between the two different approaches by both regimes in terms of allocation of resources.

In previous articles, this author would have compared Government spending for the period spanning 2011-2014 and 2015 – 2018. The findings of this comparative analysis showed that Government spending increased by $214.2 Billion or 43% relative to the period 2011 – 2014. More so, the alarming revelation when disaggregated to show Government spending in public investments and consumption goods and services, public investment fell by $35 billion or 14.34 %. (See links to the referenced articles here: https://guyanatimesgy.com/analysisof-government-expenditure-for-the-period-1993-2019/, https://guyanatimesgy. com/an-analysis-of-governments-revenue-expenditure-for-the-periods-2011-142015-18-part-2/).

In other words, over the last five years, Government’s allocation of public funds deteriorated to the extent where more monies were expended on nonproductive activities amounting to excessive wastage of resources through mismanagement; while the productive sectors were neglected of critical resources – and very little to zero investments in public infrastructure and transformational developmental projects.

Against these backgrounds, let’s now put today’s thematic discussion into perspective. In so far as the development trajectory of country is concerned, the current Government has set the framework to completely reorient the national budget to achieve its development goals. In doing so, more resources are expected to be allocated towards productive activities through its public investment agenda – some of which are illustrated above to aid in this discussion.

Towards these ends, the projected injection of in excess of $240 billion into the economy through both public and private investments to develop the housing and other major public and private infrastructure, will translate to a construction boom in the making.

This means, that companies supplying hardware, household appliances, sand, cement and steel and all other building materials, will benefit from increased demand in goods and services. Contractors as well: carpenters, masons, labourers, construction companies, trucking and transportation, the banking sector, all these sectors will benefit from increased level of commercial activities.

This means, companies will need to invest more in order to meet the growing demands, by investing more companies will also need to employ more people to work – this is creation of employment. This in turn, will result in increase spending power for households – who will in turn spend in consumption goods and services and also invest by taking out loans to improve their standard of living.

Moreover, all these activities will spill over into other sectors as well, and, it also means that companies by virtue of investing more and to meet the growing demand, will earn more profits, and in turn pay more taxes. On the individual level, the creation of thousands of employment opportunities will also lead to more taxes in revenue collection for the Government.

This is effectively a different philosophy designed to propel economic growth and development by broadening the tax base through expansionary growth as described herein, rather than, increasing the level of taxes that results in decreased spending power of households, high poverty levels and even causing companies to go bankrupt as a result of an excessively burdensome taxation system.

In a developing economy context, creating the enabling environment for businesses to grow and by attracting new investments into the economy is critical for national development. To facilitate this, the Government need to focus on ensure the ease of doing business is enhanced to allow for greater efficiency, and to pursue an expansionary fiscal agenda rather than a contractionary fiscal agenda as was previously the case.

In these respects, the current Administration is moving in the aforesaid direction which is commendable and, therefore, one can only expect the economy to take off in 2021. As such, companies, entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs need to prepare themselves swiftly and strategically so as to not be left behind by being more forward looking and proactive. Despite the COVID pandemic, development will take place at a relatively rapid pace. There is much work to do and so one cannot afford to sit back and be lazy.

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is an economic and financial analyst, lecturer and business & financial consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com.

ive babies were born on Christmas Day in East Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and all were born at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The two boys and three girls kept the maternity staff busy for more than twenty hours on Christmas Day. The first baby was born to 19-year-old Natasha Gobin of Skeldon, Corriverton. The 2.7 kg boy is her first child.

The proud mother experienced no difficulty in delivering the Ancient County’s first Christmas baby at 01:34h.

Less than five hours later, Esther Rahim gave birth to the first girl, a 3.1 kg baby at about 06:05h. This elated mother has said the entire family is happy.

“It is a wonderful feeling, because not so many mothers would give birth on such a special day,” she excitedly related to this newspaper.

It was five hours after being admitted that Rahim gave birth. Initially, she was eying a New Year’s baby, but nature changed those plans.

“The nurses were well.

They treated me well; I have no complaints. They took their time and did not rush me or holler on me, like some other mothers would say,” the mother of two said.

Meanwhile, at 09:28h Keyona Angus gave birth to the Region’s second girl, weighing 3.2kg. And from then the nurses and doctors were kept waiting, as two more mothers were in the labour room.

They waited until 15:00h when Jill Sookram of Number 46 Village, Corentyne gave birth to yet another girl, and five hours later, 21-year-old Roberta Alphin of Orealla give birth to a boy to ensure that 2020 Christmas Day deliveries at the New Amsterdam Hospital were 100 per cent successful.

Hampers were given to all five of the mothers.

Regional Health Services Director Dr Vishalya Sharma explained that this is a traditional practice.

However apart from them,

children at the pediatric ward were also given goodies as a Christmas treat.

“The whole aim is to make the hospital a little bit less traumatic, because it is a special time of the year – a festive time - and we are in very challenging times, so we are hoping that these little gestures would make the day a little bit better for them, and serve in some way to make the hospital experience a little better,” Sharma said.

The five babies born on Christmas Day 2020 at the New Amsterdam Hospital equal the number born on the same day in 2019.

In 2018, there were seven Christmas babies at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Natasha Gobin having a chat with Health Services Director, Dr Vishalya Sharma at the NA Hospital

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President helps make Christmas wishes come true

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Christmas Day met with several children who, through the “Wish upon a Star” initiative, were given the opportunity to visit him at State House.

Five-year-old Ayush

Bharat was excited to meet the President, and even took the chance to ask for an autograph.

The Department of Public Information reported that the young man was accompanied by his parents, who were themselves surprised

that their son was able to have his wish fulfilled.

Meanwhile, 12-yearold twin girls Hafizah and Saleemah Harmon also received a grand surprise when their dream of attending ISA Islamic School was realised with

Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali sharing a photo moment with the children who visited him at State House on Christmas Day

Five-year-old Ayush Bharat brimming with smiles as he meets President Dr Irfaan Ali

the assistance of the Head of State. The children were overcome with joy as they interacted with the President and engaged in lively conversation.

This “Wish upon a Star” Christmas initiative, conceptualised by Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, targets children with special needs.

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23

Was COVID-19 good for Golf?

Year-end review with GGA and NexGen Golf Academy President, Aleem Hussain

By Timothy Jaikarran

2

020 was probably the strangest year for Guyana and the world, and sports struggled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and our elections’ confusion. Yet, seemingly, one sports discipline has thrived during the worst year in recent history, and that sport is the game of Golf.

The Guyana Golf Association and NexGen Golf Academy continued to push the envelope when it came to innovative ways to increase public awareness of the sport, seizing upon the opportunity that permitted golf, a socially distanced sport, to flourish under tough conditions.

When asked about the year in retrospect, President of the GGA, Aleem Hussain, said it was phenomenal - a word not used by any of the other heads of sporting organisations in Guyana.

“Despite the challenges faced in 2020, we were able to do things that were planned, and exceeded our goals set for the year. And it will only get better in 2021,” Hussain disclosed.

Of course we wanted to know what to expect, and posed the question; to which he rattled off a list of plans and goals.

“Guyana will be home to no less than 5 golf courses in the next few years, and will become a golf tourism destination, one of the highest sports tourism revenue generators.

“Maraiko Bay Golf & Country Club in Mahaica is expected to lead the way and be the first full length 18-hole PGA-standard golf course in the region (7,800-yard course is being built).

Additional courses are planned for Soesdyke, Linden, Essequibo and West Coast

Demerara regions, and will be available for play as early as August 2021.

“Additionally, after years of pushing for golf to be an official sport on the CSEC/CAPE syllabus, we are now starting to teach in 8 pilot secondary schools – Georgetown, Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and East Coast - a programme brought to life by the hard work of Nicholas Fraser, head of the Allied Arts Division of the Ministry of Education and Al Junior Wilson, a Physical Education teacher on the East Coast.

“This project will expand in 2021, and we expect that 6,000 students will be exposed to the game in a single year,” Hussain explained.

The NexGen Golf Academy is expected to improve its facilities with a putting green, sand bunkers, and short game practice area

ready by early 2021, and continues to be the catalyst for development of new players due to its central location in Georgetown.

Hussain said there were no plans to increase fees for players (as low as G$500/hour) and more teaching professionals will be added to support the growth.

“When you consider that we have over 450 new players in less than 6 months, the majority of which are women, one has to be extremely happy with our current position,” he said.

The Guyana Golf Association was formed in February 2020 and has led the way in promoting the sport as a healthy, COVIDcompliant activity for all ages. But, more im-

portantly, it has brought a new energy and direction to the use of sports as a fundraising avenue for a variety of charities and organisations, from cancer awareness to orphans.

The GGA president feels there is still work to be done, but he is extremely grateful to the golfing community and his extraordinarily large list of supporters who are always ready to help with just a phone call.

What big plans can be expected in 2021?

NexGen Golf Academy recently signed a major marketing deal with Copa Airlines, the region’s largest and one of the largest airlines in the world, to brand and promote the sport in Guyana, especially to women and children.

This will take the form of tournaments, contests and giveaways throughout the year, with the first promotion expected to be a Hole-in-One Challenge that will give the winner a round-trip ticket to any destination Copa Airlines flies (restrictions do apply).

Hussain thanks the sponsors, players and staff who have worked hard to fulfill the aggressive goals in 2020, and promises that 2021 would bring much more excitement, fun and players to the sport than ever before.

“The attention that the sport attracts worldwide allows us to plan for events and tournaments that, if televised, can help to market Guyana, its opportunities and resources to an audience that spends the most in terms of travel. So, it will boost tourism in ways beyond our imagination,” he said.

For more information on trying the sport, signing up for lessons, or hosting an event at the Academy, contact them on Facebook or call 645-0944.

West Dem Masters donate cricket prize money to kidney transplant patient

WD Masters finished the inaugural GCB Over-40 tournament in second place

W

est Demerara Masters have played a life-changing stroke by donating their entire prize money from a recent cricket tournament to a teenager who is preparing for renal surgery.

The WD Masters ended the inaugural Guyana Cricket Board over-40 tournament as runnersup to Regal Masters where they walked away with $100,000 and have passed on the entire sum to Nadia Budwah to assist with dialysis for her teenage son.

Aditya Mohabir, 15 years old, was diagnosed with renal failure in August this year and

has since been battling for his life with his single parent mother by his side. The surgery which will be done at the Georgetown Public Hospital

by Dr Kishore Persaud and his team of surgeons will see Nadia donating one of her kidneys to her son.

Aditya was forced to quit Endeavour Secondary School in Canal Number Two after he started to ‘drop back’ in his class. His mother then sent him to private tutoring in Canal Number One but he would often fall asleep during the sessions. It was then that his

mother realized that something was wrong and after a series of visits to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and then the Georgetown Public Hospital the terrible news was confirmed.

At that point it seems as if the already bad situation in the family was getting worse since Budwah lost her job following the outbreak of Covid-19.

However, the determined mother still manages to take Aditya to the Doobay Medical Centre twice per week for dialysis travelling all the way from their home at Vriesland Wales, West Bank Demerara.

West Dem Masters Chabiraj Ramcharran (left) and Mohamed Abid Haniff presenting $100,000 to assist Aditya Mohabir (centre) with dialysis

Members of the WD Masters heard of the situation and immediately following the conclusion of the cricket tournament early in December, handed over the cheque to

Aditya and his mother.

The WD Masters are also urging others to reach out to Aditya and his mother in any way to make the already tough time a little easier. Persons

may contact 686-1355 with assistance.

Budwah was grateful to the WD Masters and is hoping and praying for better days for her family. (John Ramsingh)

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

GFF, K&S, MCYS Team Up For Two-Day Bounce Back Football; Dec 29 & Jan. 1, 2021…

All Star teams from East Coast, Linden, West Dem and GT to clash

Late Vice President of the GFSCA, Reyaz Hussain (left)

P

layers, fans, lovers and enthusiasts are bracing for the return of competitive football following a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teaming up to make this a reality in a few days’ time are the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Kashif and Shanghai Organisation (K&S) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

All-star teams from the East Coast of Demerara, Linden, West Demerara and the City will be battling for supremacy on December 29th and January 1st, 2021. The winning teams from the 29th will clash in the final on New Year’s night, where many of the nation’s stars - current and future - would be in combat.

Fans would be able to follow all the action on January 1st via NCN Ch. 11, Enetworks, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Facebook page.

As a result of the pandemic and the conditional approval granted by the National COVID 19 Task Force, no spectators would be allowed. GFF President commented: “Almost two months ago I met the Hon. Minister and shared an overview of the critical phases of the Golden Jaguars’ preparation for the 2021 international

season. I also updated him on the GFF/UEFA Bounce Back imitative and the importance of putting into practice the game day COVID-19 protocols we had developed under the guidance of our European partners.

Today I am very pleased to acknowledge the receptiveness and tremendous support of Minister Ramson, which has manifested in the GFF-Kashif & Shanghai Bounce Back classic.

The purpose of this event is to provide our local National Team players an opportunity to play a few competitive games, and to give the GFF Technical and Operational Staff a chance to test the implementation of the newly-developed game day protocols. This is yet another example of important role the Government of Guyana can play in aiding the development of football, facilitating partnerships, and engaging young people across Guyana.”

Minister Charles Ramson Jnr, who has hit the ground running since taking up the portfolio, has been excited to see sports back up and running, in keeping

with the COVID-19 guidelines.

Minister Ramson teamed up with the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) to bring off an exciting completion two weeks ago, and is at again.

Said Minister Ramson: “The Ministry is pleased to support and partner with the Guyana Football Federation and the Kashif and Shanghai for this event, as a precursor to the recommencement of football activities in Guyana, as the world prepares to exit the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.”

The K&S Organisation was equally excited to be of support to this initiative, and happy to share their expertise in the realms of organizing, being no strangers in this regard, as they have been running the most successful football tournament in the history of Guyana.

Kashif Muhammad stated, “We are more than gratified to be teaming up with the GFF and the Ministry of Sports to aid in seeing the game bounce back.

We can assure all and sundry that we’ll pull out all the stops to make these two days truly memorable, given the challenges brought up us all by the global pandemic, COVID-19.”

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has expressed sadness at the passing of popular television personality Reyaz Hussain, which occurred on Friday morning, Christmas Day. Hussain had worked along with the Board on many ventures, the most recent being moderator at an unveiling ceremony two days ago at the La Bonne Intention facility.

Below is the full message issued by the GCB on Friday.

“It was with great sadness that the executives and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) learnt of the sudden passing of Reyaz Hussain on Friday, 25 December, 2020. The late Reyaz Hussain was a popular public announcer at regional and international

matches held in Guyana.

On occasions, he also performed the duties of moderator at official functions of the Guyana Cricket Board.

Just recently, Reyaz officiated as the moderator at the opening ceremony of the LBI Floodlights facility, and portrayed his usual charismatic and embracing approach in delivering his presentations.

“Reyaz Hussain was a long serving member of both the Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club. In the past, at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Reyaz performed the roles of second division captain and coach-mentor for young players; while at the Everest Cricket Club, Reyaz served as an executive

member, club captain, as well as performing the role of coachmentor for young players.

“Besides taking up club responsibilities, Mr. Hussain was known for his friendly, cohesive, passionate and professional personality to public announcing.

This social integrative and professional approach will no doubt be embraced by members of local cricket bodies.

“His passing is a great loss to the members of the entire cricket fraternity. It is with a heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences to his family, clients and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, as we share their pain and grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Was COVID-19 good for Golf?

Pg 23

Year-end review with GGA and NexGen Golf Academy President,

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