Guyana Times --Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Caribbean Airlines prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution P12

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

Issue No. 4507

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Guyana’s oil reserves equivalent to 10,000 barrels per person – IDB ...expresses worry about overall non-oil economy See story on page 3

Guyana Stores’ sale unpaid balance

Chief Justice orders Royal Investment to pay US$2M balance plus US$2.5M interest

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Soesdyke man serving life for hacking his 3 children to death loses P16 appeal

66 children placed with foster families this year – 19 reunited with biological families

P16

Page 13

Duo invades home of P10 pensioner, escapes with cash and jewellery

Embattled Deputy takes up post as GECOM’s CEO Page 7

– Lowenfield proceeded on accumulated leave, to return on Jan 30, 2021 Health Ministry Page Motorcyclist killed monitoring new 2 in 3-vehicle smashCOVID-19 spikes in Linden, Moraikobai up in Berbice Page 15

P10 46 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 1 day – active cases now at 643

Drivers hospitalised following 2-vehicle collision

P8

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Health Ministry monitoring new COVID-19 spikes in Linden, Moraikobai

H

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday assured that authorities are monitoring the recent spikes of COVID-19, which were reported in a few communities.

Over at Linden in Region 10 (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), there have been spikes in Wismar and Amelia’s Ward. He confirmed that those that tested positive have been placed in isolation. They have taken it one step further to conduct testing in neighbouring mining communities.

“We had a number of teams that went into different areas in the mining districts and we have done both antigen and PCR testing on those persons. And we have seen a number of positives based on the test

A health official checking the temperature of an individual at one of the checkpoints in Linden, Region 10

that we would have done there,” Dr Anthony said.

The same has been reported in Moraikobai in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). A team was sent into these locations to test persons, and the samples

were taken to be analysed.

“We have seen a number of cases. We had 29 positive cases in Moraikobai.

This is a new area. We’ll continue to monitor it and of course, we have been giving advice to residents

in that community,” Dr Anthony shared.

With regards to the spike in Bartica, cases are down to 34. Last week, there were over 60 positives but discharges were facilitated since then.

Previous hotspots in Guyana since the virus was detected include Georgetown, Moruca and Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini); Aranka, Bartica and Sulphur Rose in Region Seven; Itabac and Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) among others.

Meanwhile, since the airports reopened, some 20 positives were reported upon arrival. The Eugene F Correia and Cheddi Jagan International Airports would have recommenced

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

operations earlier in August.

“When they did the test at the airport, they were able to find about 20 persons who were positive. We will continue to monitor and make sure we have this system in place because the mere fact that we’re finding positives shows that

this system is working. We know that with the holiday season, there might be an increase in traffic with people wanting to come home.

Again, we want to tell people to be vigilant and to ensure that they abide by the rules that we have,” the senior official highlighted.

Eureka Medical Laboratories (EML) has partnered with the Health Ministry and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to facilitate PCR testing.

If upon arrival the PCR result produced to Port Health has exceeded 72 hours, passengers would be required to have another test done at the airport.

Results are then emailed to the Port Health and the Health Ministry within six hours to determine the clearance of passengers.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, December 22 – 10:30h – 12:00h and Wednesday, December 23 – 00:30h – 02:00h and 11:00h – 12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, December 22 – 10:25h – 11:55h and Wednesday, December 23 – 11:30h – 13:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers and light rain showers will prevail during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:27h and 22:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.16 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 16:23h reaching a minimum height of 1.08 metres.

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Guyana’s oil reserves equivalent to 10,000 barrels per person – IDB ...expresses worry about overall non-oil economy

W

hile the InterA m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) in its latest report noted that Guyana’s oil reserves are equivalent to over 10,000 barrels of oil per person, there is still some worry regarding the overall non-oil economy.

According to the IDB’s Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin, the COVID-19 pandemic has had varied effects on Guyana’s economy. One of those effects has been to contribute to the contraction of the non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 4.9 per cent in the 2020 first half.

Agriculture, which is the largest job retentive, productive sector of the non-oil economy, contracted by 4.1 per cent in the 2020 first half.

The IDB expressed optimism, however, that rice production will have expanded by 3 per cent at the end of 2020. This, according to the IDB, would help in mitigating the contraction in agriculture.

“The mining industry, Guyana’s second-largest sector with 14.9 per cent of GDP, expanded by 343.7 per cent in the first semester after oil production began in December 2019. Gold production, representing almost 10 per cent of GDP, grew by 2.1 per cent in the first half of the year, bolstered by historically high prices of gold,” the IDB said.

“The services sector, potentially the sector most exposed to social distancing policies, declined by 3.8 per cent the first half of the year, with wholesale and retail trade falling by 14.7 per cent, transportation and storage by 25 per cent, and accommodations and food services by 32.9 per cent. The construction sector, which had been growing at relatively high rates prior to the pandemic, fell by 5.6 per cent,” the report further explained.

While the oil and gas-related aspects of the economy have taken off like a rocket, there is worry regarding the non-oil economy. According to the financial institution, it is expected that the nonoil economy, which already contracted in the first half of 2020, will fall between 1.4 and 4.3 per cent in the full year.

Nevertheless, it was noted by the IDB that Guyana, by virtue of its oil finds relative to population, is one of the richest countries per capita in petroleum reserves. The IDB pointed out that Guyana is estimated to have at least 8 billion barrels of oil in its crude reserves… which, when

Guyana’s oil reserves make it per capita one of the richest oilproducing countries in the world

contrasted with Guyana’s relatively small population, works out to 10,250 barrels per person.

“Since 2015, ExxonMobil has made 18 oil discoveries, the most recent of which was in September 2020. Given Guyana’s population of approximately 780,000, this suggests the level of reserves equates to 10,250 barrels per person, making Guyana one of richest countries in petroleum reserves per capita in the world.”

“Despite these relatively large reserves, Guyana faces many hurdles and challenges in preparing itself to prudently manage this coming natural resource windfall and derive the greatest benefits for

its people,” the IDB also said.

Debt

Another issue touched on was debt, as the IDB warned Guyana to be careful when it comes to debt management a crucial issue as Guyana be-

comes an oil-producing nation. It was pointed out that the Government has two alternatives when it comes to debt.

“Government will have the alternative to use some of the new-found oil revenues to close budget financing gaps and avoid debt accumulation and/or retire expensive outstanding public debt. Budget financing needs to be monitored however, as it can erode savings and return the nation to a position of high indebtedness,” the IDB explained.

“Guyana's economy is on the verge of a historic transformation owing to recent oil discoveries. In this context, maximising the benefits of faster growth and increased revenues will depend crucially on the financial sector.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

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

Healthy ageing T he World Health Organisation (WHO), a few days ago, published its Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing, which included useful insights into the status of the world’s older populations and what health authorities and policymakers and international development partners could do in order to ensure this group of people are not left behind.

According to the report, at least 14 per cent of all people aged 60 years and over – more than 142 million people – are currently unable to meet all their basic daily needs. The report brings together data available for measuring healthy ageing, defined by WHO as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age”.

WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notes that humans now live longer than at any time in history.

“But adding more years to life can be a mixed blessing if it is not accompanied by adding more life to years.”

He said that the Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing has the potential to transform the way policy-makers and multiple service-providers engage with older adults. The report also discusses what is needed to promote collaboration and better measure progress towards healthy ageing.

WHO says that optimising “functional ability” is the goal of the Decade of Healthy Ageing, which begins in 2021 and addresses five interrelated abilities that all older people should enjoy: the ability to meet basic needs; to continue to learn and make decisions; to be mobile; to build and maintain relationships; and to contribute to society.

The Baseline Report presents the experience of countries which have been successful in starting healthy ageing initiatives in each of these areas, such as Ireland, Mexico and Vietnam. It also stresses that older adults must be engaged throughout.

According to the report, only one-quarter of countries around the world are compiling comparable data which can be used to monitor global progress towards healthy ageing. Some countries that are collecting and using data to improve policies and programmes for and with older persons are presented in the report. These countries are Chile, China, Finland, Ghana, India, Qatar, Singapore, and Thailand.

A number of indicators to be reported on by countries as a demonstration of commitment towards healthy ageing were agreed on by WHO Member States as part of the Global Strategy on Ageing and Health 2016-2020 and endorsed in 2020 within the context of the Decade for Healthy Ageing 2021-2030. Examples are the establishment of a national committee or forum on ageing; comprehensive assessments of the health and social care needs of older people; and a policy on strengthening long-term care.

It should be stated that the Caribbean has been recognised as having one of the fastest-growing older populations in the developing world. This certainly poses its own challenges, and Governments and other actors will be required to take the necessary measures to ensure that this segment of the population lead healthier and more productive lives.

There is no doubt that among the more pressing issues affecting older persons are health concerns and the quality of care being provided to them on a daily basis. It is, therefore, crucial for Governments to put systems in place which would allow for older persons to obtain the health services they need.

WHO’s new Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People recommend ways community-based services can help prevent, slow, or reverse declines in physical and mental capacities among older people. The guidelines also require health and social care providers to coordinate their services around the needs of older people through approaches such as comprehensive assessment and care plans.

Director of the Department of Ageing and Life Course at WHO, Dr John Beard, had previously noted that older adults are more likely to experience chronic conditions and often multiple conditions at the same time. Yet today’s health systems generally focus on the detection and treatment of individual acute diseases.

He had reasoned that if health systems are to meet the needs of older populations, they must provide ongoing care focused on the issues that matter to older people – chronic pain, and difficulties with hearing, seeing, walking or performing daily activities. On this basis, he noted that this w require much better integration between care providers.

The health authorities in Guyana may want to give serious consideration to recommendations presented in the most recent Baseline Report by WHO.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Monday received a token of appreciation from the Executive Council of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR). The PM had delivered the keynote address at the Organisation’s 18th annual conference, which was held from December 1 to 3, 2020. The token was presented to the Prime Minister on behalf of OOCUR, by Commissioner of Guyana’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Verlyn Klass

The PNC wants to be a vibrant Opposition

Dear Editor, I was in a conversation with a staunch APNU/PNCR supporter and from the tone of things, that party wants to be a vibrant opposition just like the PPP/C when they were in Opposition.

Well, my response to that proposition was that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach, it is the modern, forward-thinking way to keep the Government of the day engaged, in other words, keep them in the straight and narrow. This is good for any country, especially for Guyana.

Then, in similar tones, I concur that an invitation from the same Government that they would like to meet with the Opposition should be welcomed with open arms. I am speaking about President

Irfaan Ali convening a meeting of past Presidents as a gesture of goodwill and progressive approach.

That the Government and Opposition must together be locked in earnest discussion with each other for the good of this nation. It would be the most enlightening thing to have ever graced the halls of this great country. And again, I say this should be welcomed with open arms.

Now, that invitation was turned down by Mr Granger, I do not know whether he was intimidated or whatever was his hang-ups but the point is he missed out on a golden opportunity to prove himself worthy of being part of the developmental thrust for this nation. The Government for its part has left the door open for

future engagements with Mr Granger, for him to come on board and make his contribution to nation-building.

However, to date, the actions of the PNC are irritatingly outdated and worrisome, because Mr Granger had rather sit it out in the wings acting very infantile at best, if not openly stupid in others.

I am talking about him looking here and looking there to exploit any available opportunity to stir up trouble, this does not make for a strong Opposition, it may only seek to alienate well-meaning people from the party. That naked Burnhamite aggression that has so infected that party has certainly run them into ruin. That form of backwardness will not work in the modern world.

So, I am saying it is enough to be annoyed with the PPP/C - that is Granger's right - but that does not give him any right to be annoyed with the people of this country. Our motto speaks of peace, progress and inclusivity.

Finally, in the new dispensation of Guyanese politics, there should be no one left out of the round table discussions on things developmental for our country. The ideas, views and projections of both Government and Opposition must be accommodated. The strong dogmatic approach of pure party politics must be done away with, as we set sail in the inclusive zone of nation-building.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Police, politics, protocols & problems (Part 2) Dear Editor, Without any exemption, the general consensus wants to agree without any hesitation that Police officers should be the role models for society.

But recent events leave much to be desired from the men and women in uniform, representing a disciplined force that exercises the control, execution and practice of law, order, rules, regulations, dignity, honesty, integrity, justice, fairness and equality. A display of sound judgement is required daily in the defence of their line of duty, whether officially or as a civilian.

Here are a few selected and interesting observations, capturing the sour notes of a proud regime. The Guyana Police Force in a statement confirmed that a Police Commander and two other ranks were busted with smuggled alcohol in their possession. The Commander originally denied any smuggling activity and later agreed to pay the taxes on the seized articles. All of them remain on the job. A policeman was charged with having sex with an underage (13 years) teen and placed on a $150,000 bail. One

cop was charged with causing the deaths of three friends in a motor vehicle accident while under the influence of alcohol.

A number of senior personnel are under investigation for the dragging case of the missing 150 guns. Another case of $150 million fraud within the Police department is gaining momentum or in abeyance. All these employees would have been under the watchful eyes and guise of the APNU/AFC party. The issuance of some 150 gun licences under the former Security Minister Ramjattan’s jurisdiction, leaves speculations and questionable diversion from the common protocol. The many revealed and unrevealed claims for “left or write,” in the Traffic Dept, is staggering and shocking. No wonder many of the new recruits are hoping and praying to be posted in the Traffic Department. It’s an open secret that Police and army officials are loaning their guns and uniforms to bandits for criminal activities. Many such personnel themselves are involved in crime. Many files and reports have disappeared from Police possession. Many in-

criminating pieces of evidence have been destroyed while in the custody of the Police. Many ceased items mysteriously disappear into thin air from the Police department. During the days of banned food items, the goods forcefully taken away from people ended up in the homes of many Police officers.

Citizens are known to be under Police duress while paying with blood, sweat and tears out of fear. Many Police are known to look the other way for multiple reasons while being adequately compensated. The execution of injustice in different forms is not an unheard thing.

Failing to take corrective action is widely broadcast especially during election time. Ignoring the plea for protection by women of a certain ethnicity is a common call during the fever of vandalism and blackguarded demonstrations. Encouraging hooliganism and molestation of females while being robbed and attacked brutishly, is historically recorded. Savagely beating demonstrators, seizing and damaging recording equipment and cameras from newspaper reporters, reflect the dark days of the force during PNC dicta-

torship. A Head of the crime squad was implicated in criminal activities. A prominent Assistant Police Commissioner was reprimanded and removed from being the commander of a Division for doing the right thing and upholding the law while making a “judgment call.” He was demoted to “Patrol Officer,” because he refused to allow a lower rank officer to bypass his authority and disrespect him and he would not be a stooge to political autonomy. So many prison upheavals are most troublesome and the findings of illegitimate articles in cells are atrocious. The complicity of officials is worrisome and the sending on leave of the Prison Director raises eyebrows. The callous advantages capitalised by the rogue elements in the Force have materialised in various forms over a period of time, especially under the PNC rulership. This is only the tip of the iceberg reflecting the downside of a Force which needs the respect of society. (To be continued).

Respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

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

Hinduism and suicide

Dear Editor, Life in Hinduism is very sacred and precious, as with other religions. We are here to fulfill certain duties that are assigned to us. But while trying to accomplish these duties in life, we are faced with troubles and hardships in the process, which ulti-

mately can lead one to committing suicide. Though suicide is considered a sin in most religions, it has been a common practice for centuries in Hinduism. But in today’s society, it is commonly being committed often as a form of protest for the purposes of achieving goal or

goals.

Suicide by definition is an act of “Intentionally taking one’s life”. With respect to this topic, I will focus this article on suicide in Hinduism.

Suicide is generally condemned and is considered a violation against Gandhi’s teaching of “Ahimsa” or non-

violence.

The Mahabharata, one of the great epics in Hinduism, Chapter 124, verse 65 and I quote “Nonviolence in thought, word, and deed toward all creatures, compassion, and generosity constitute praiseworthy behavior.”

But despite these teach-

Reboot of CH&PA is in progress Dear Editor, “Guyana is a diverse nation; 39.8 per cent of the population is of Indian origin (see Indo-Guyanese), 30 per cent African (see AfroGuyanese), 19.9 per cent multiracial (almost all part African, including Dougla, Creole-Mulatto, ZamboMaroon, and Pardo), 10.5 per cent Amerindian and 0.5 per cent other, mostly Chinese, Europeans (most notably Portuguese): Wikipedia.

That private land ownership in Guyana being sharply skewed in favour of one section of the Guyanese population is the product of historically based psychology.

Africans were brought to Guyana and forced to work the land and so resented it all.

Indians came to Guyana fleeing life challenges and desirous of better - so accepted low wages and poor living conditions, to save and return free to India after the expiry of their indentures.

In time the colonial administration and plant-

ers found that the cumulative cost of return passages had become unmanageable and so developed land settlement schemes to lure the ex-workers into accepting land in lieu of their free passage.

Having no resentment attached to the land, and with most coming from agricultural castes, many took up the offer whilst many others on their own volition used their savings to purchase freehold land.

Africans also purchased land, founding villages, however, they often faced disincentivising policies and actions executed by the colonial administration upon lobbying by powerful planters.

In the post-colonial era, Africans were slow to convert the ‘land to the tiller’ opportunity made available to all by former President Forbes Burnham.

The tenure of Irfaan Ali MP in the office of Minister of Housing & Water had no precedent and has not since

Karma…

Dear Editor, Two discredited top brass of the moribund AFC took to the airwaves right after the March 2, 2020 elections to spread the most ridiculous fake news that they had found some Russians in Guyana who were going to hack our manual paper and pencil elections. They were virtually foaming from their lips with this comical narrative as they huffed and puffed their way on the media.

Now today, we have one of the asinine characters shouting that someone faked a degenerate and racially inciting posting of hers on Facebook. We have the originator of fake news claiming she was faked. Well, isn’t karma a bitch. Why should

we now believe this narrative coming from such an untrustworthy source?

The urban bourgeoisie is supposed to embody the creole culture of refinement, suave, polish and grace. It is under this rubric that this duplicitous charlatan is hiding under, since being of that class, such crude and vulgarly insensitive statement cannot possibly emanate from her. But like they say, action speaks louder than voice.

We just need to remember her ardent advocate of spreading fake news in order to rig the 2020 elections to indicate the quality of her character Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

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been bested in terms of making the ownership of (residential) land available to all Guyanese.

Indications are that this trajectory will be resumed under the current tenure of Dr Irfaan Ali in his current office of President of Guyana. In outreaches early in his term, the President has personally facilitated the expedition of lagging CH&PA processes after listening to persons waiting for several years, and also presented scores of persons with long-awaited titles. Not productive land, but the psychology of land ownership is much the same.

I have seen the new Housing Minister approve within weeks, the removal of a ludicrous clause in the Agreement of Sale presented for purchasers’ signature after paying for one of the CH&PA’s highest-priced house lots in the Re-migrant Scheme at Providence Gardens. Removal of the offending clause inserted some time during the 2015-2020 period, and which I had been trying to have removed for several months, would suggest, at least on paper, that a well-structured residential setting will be developed

and maintained – without the emergence of a vulcanising shop, sports bar or short time hotel ever being likely!

For the declared intent of the new Agreement of Sale to become more than just paper but comprehensively legally meaningful to all parties, the CH&PA must fulfil its promise to deliver “an investment of value, location and prestige” with “well-landscaped sidewalks and roadways” and “concrete drains that will allow for quick and easy runoff of surface and stormwater” – in short, a residential area “geared towards satisfying the needs of overseas-based Guyanese and re-migrants who are desirous of securing their future here in Guyana”: Providence Gardens Report. At 7.0 on page 13, it is noted that infrastructural development started in September 2011.

Current owners and prospective purchasers of the “Exclusive residential living” promised by CH&PA to those having both eligibility and the depth of pockets, will be watching with interest.

Sincerely, Ronald Bostwick

I

t is not wrong to love children.

But parents should learn how to love them. Whenever the children go astray, wittingly or unwittingly, parents should hasten to correct their faults and bring them to the righteous path.

The obligations of parents do not end with providing food, schooling and knowledge on worldly matters. Children should also be provided with the right values. They should not be made to think that the acquisition of wealth is the be-all and end-all of life. Wealth does not accompany one when they leave the world. Wealth is necessary only for meeting one’s essential needs. Too much wealth is an embarrassment like an oversized shoe. Too little of it is likely to be painful, like a tightfitting shoe. So it is desirable to have only that amount of wealth that is adequate for one’s basic needs. It is deplorable that in the mad pursuit of money, people are forgetting or compromising human virtues. (Divine Discourse, Feb 5, 1984.)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

ings, suicide has been a norm in India for centuries, and probably still exists today in certain parts of India.

Religious suicides were also condoned in one of the four “Ashrams” in Hinduism; that being the “Sanyaas” or the last stage of the life of a Hindu.

The life of a Hindu as per Hinduism is composed of four “Ashrams” or stages of life. (1. They are the Brahmcharya, which is a student life up to the age of twenty-five (25) years; (2. the Grashsatha, which is serving the family up to the age of fifty (50) years; (3. The Vanaprasta which is up to the age of seventy-five (75) which is no attachment to the family; and (4. the Sanyaas, the last stage, is beyond seventy-five (75) years, which is a total renouncement of life.

In the Sanyaas stage, I will expound further, which is the basis of this article.

In this stage, spiritual suicide was permitted in three different ways. The first was “Agnipravesa” which is, sacrificing one’s body to the God of fire. The second was “Prayopavesa”, that is slowly starving oneself to death, and the third is “Sanyasarama”; living a hermitage life in a cave or in isolation, devoid of material necessity, and gradually starving oneself to death.

These practices were exercised and accepted believing that the participants involved in these sacrifices have successfully accomplished their duties and obligations based on the first three fruits in Hinduism which are: Dharma, Artha and Kaam. As per Hinduism,

these practices were justified, believing that such practices would lead to the last fruit in Hinduism, which is Moksha or the liberation of the soul.

As per Hinduism, it is believed that one who commits suicide, his/her soul will linger in the earth-consciousness of which we are a part, as an evil spirit. When the spirit’s time is completed in the earth-conscious environment, that spirit enters the transmigration process (Samsara) and takes birth in one of the numerous living species on earth to complete his/her previous Karma, after which, the karmic process restarts once again based on his/her current existence.

Hindus around the world as, with other ethnic and religious groups are becoming to realize that suicide is a tragedy and an abysmal loss for the communities, and one that can magnify future problems down the road. But above all, life is a precious gift given by God. As such, Temples and religious organizations are taking a more proactive approach in curbing suicides.

With the advent of technology and a better educational system, they are establishing extensive outreach programs with the communities at large in sponsoring festivals, providing education in human rights, discrimination, understanding and tolerance to name a few, to prevent the abhorrent act of suicide from occurring.

Sincerely, Mani Jadunauth

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN Identify each angle as obtuse, acute or right.

Identify the following quadrilaterals.

16)

Identify each pair of angles as supplementary or complementary and explain why.

4)

5)

6)

20

Look at the circle carefully and answer Questions 17-

A

Identify each triangle as scalene, isosceles or equilateral.

17) Name the centre point 18) Which segments are chords?

19) Which segment is the diameter?

20) Which segments are radii?

Identify the numbers of bases, faces, edges and vertices for each of the named solids.

21) Sphere 22) Square 23) Square pyramid 24) Cone 25) Prism Identify each triangle as obtuse, right-angled or acute.

Monday’s answers 1) c 2) b 3) c 4) b 5) a

jar of honey was upset and the sticky sweetness flowed out on the table. The sweet smell of the honey soon brought a large number of flies buzzing around. They did not wait for an invitation. No, indeed; they settled right down, feet and all, to gorge themselves.

The flies were quickly smeared from head to foot with honey. Their wings stuck together. They could not pull their feet out of the sticky mass. And so they died, giving their lives for the sake of a taste of sweetness.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Embattled Deputy takes up post as GECOM’s CEO – Lowenfield proceeded on accumulated leave; to return on Jan 30, 2021

C

hief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield, who is facing the courts on a number of electoral fraud charges, is currently on his accumulated annual leave.

This was clarified by Public Relations Officer of GECOM Yolanda Ward confirmed that the senior official has been on leave since September 7. She explained that the CEO had applied for the time off work and it was granted.

In a subsequent statement from GECOM, it was explained that the CEO applied on September 1 for his accumulative 2016 – 2019 annual leave totaling 146 days. The leave will conclude on January 30. In the meantime, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, who is also before the courts on electoral fraud charges, is performing his duties.

Embattled Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

Following the controversial March 2 General and Regional elections and the five-month-long process that followed it, Lowenfield and a number of other high-ranking GECOM officials were in-

vestigated by the police and charged for misconduct in public office and forgery. In addition to Lowenfield and Myers, embattled Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo is also before the courts on electoral fraud charges.

Lowenfield had presented a final report to GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, that unceremoniously dumped over 115,000 votes, when a 33day national recount had certified those votes as valid.

In Lowenfield’s report, the CEO had claimed that the a Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes. How the CEO arrived at those figures is unknown, since the certified results from the legally conducted recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from

the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly show that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the APNU/AFC garnered 217,920.

Lowenfield’s attempt to alter the results of the results and deny the will of the people comes on the heels of two previous attempts he made to give legitimacy to the fraudulent declarations of Mingo.

Mingo, during the tabulation of votes following the March 2 elections, used figures which were heavily inflated in favour of the APNU/AFC coalition – vastly differing from the official numbers recorded on the Statements of Poll (SoPs).

On March 5, Mingo declared fraudulent results for District Four, prompting the PPP/C to move to the courts which scrapped those results and ordered that the process be done through the legally

Embattled Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers

prescribed procedure. When the process was resumed, Mingo still proceeded to use concocted numbers, and he eventually made a second fraudulent declaration on March 13.

Mingo had declared that the APNU/AFC won 136,057 votes for District Four, while the PPP/C won 77,231. But the certified recount process clearly shows that for Region Four, the APNU/AFC won 116,941 votes while PPP/C won 80,920.

While Lowenfield is expected to return to work next year, there have been calls from several quarters for GECOM officials who have been implicated in electoral fraud to not be allowed back on the job. It was only a few days ago that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) made such a call.

In a statement on Saturday, the PSC pointed out to the importance of GECOM cleaning house of all its compromised staff and preparing to hold Local Government Elections (LGE) next year when they are constitutionally due.

Govt takes steps to make Guyana an arbitration hub – Nandlall ...as virtual seminar held with top Guyanese legal minds

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ith the Government of Guyana making concentrated efforts to make the country into a hub for arbitration, Attorney General and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall is maintaining that the Government will take steps to ensure that this occurs.

It was only recently that the Government engaged the services of Retired Justice Courtney Abel to revise Guyana’s arbitration legislation. His services involve consulting on the preparatory stages for the initiative, in the context of Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.

And on Monday, a virtual seminar was held by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, involving the top legal minds of the country and the Guyana Bar Association. During the seminar, Nandlall acknowledged that the free market largely determines where arbitration is done and by whom.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

However, he noted that there are steps the Government is taking to make Guyana into a hub for Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution (ADR).

He explained that the ultimate intention is to make Guyana self-sufficient.

“The intention firstly is to build a foundation. And then we also have in re-

lation to our cadre of arbitrators now, we have to invest in training more arbitrators so that we can become more self-sufficient.

Arbitration is dictated by the free market. If clients want an arbitrator from South Africa or India, they are free to bring them.”

“The aim is to keep it in Guyana. Of course, you also have the risk of them taking it elsewhere. But we will try, using other means and mechanisms, to prevent that as far as possible from occurring, so that Guyana remains the hub.

The ultimate intention is to create Guyana as a self-sufficient arbitration hub in this hemisphere.”

During a recent panel discussion hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana that dealt with the rule of law and foreign investment, Nandlall had revealed that his Chamber is the currently reviewing the Arbitration Act. “Right now, we are ex-

Retired Justice Courtney Abel

amining the arbitration architecture to make it modern and there is a model legislation promulgated in the world and we are in the process of adjusting it

to meet Guyana’s expectations and to also link it to the Judiciary while at the same time having arbitration as a process available to the parties outside of the legal system if it does not wish to go into the formal legal system,” he had said.

“So you have a hybrid arbitration system – one that is integrated and forms part of the judicial process and one that is wholly independent of the judicial process. The contracts now, they say that if there is a dispute between the parties including the Government of Guyana, they have to go to Brussels or London or New York or Texas to resolve these disputes. We can resolve them right here by arbitration once we put the requisite mechanisms in place and the statutory framework

in place that is modern and responsive as those in the destinations chosen by these contracts,” the AG had explained.

Nandlall said also that arbitration is one of the means of alternative procedures to the Judiciary and that his office is also working on a new dispensation to deal with mediation. Now, in every contract – particularly those with the oil and gas companies – there are arbitration clauses and the AG related that once the clause is included, it means that the matter will have to go to arbitration and then delay the dispute through the process.

He had reminded that Guyana’s arbitration structure is over 5 decades old, archaic and cannot meet the demands of new and dynamic industries.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Security officer charged for raping, murdering Cummings Lodge woman

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orty-seven-year-old Ravindra Ramdeen, a security officer of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was on Monday arraigned for the murder and rape committed on 53-year-old Marilyn Singh also called “Jean”.

Ramdeen appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the indictment which stated that on December 13, 2020, at Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, he raped and

murdered Marilyn Singh.

The charge was read by Magistrate Alisha George, who remanded Ramdeen to prison until February 1, 2021.

It was reported that on the day in question, the now dead woman’s brother turned up at the Turkeyen Police Station and reported the death of his sister, who was last seen alive on December 10, 2020.

After the report was made, the Police visited the home and found the naked

body on a bed. The body was examined, but no marks of violence were seen.

However, a subsequent post-mortem conducted on the body of the now dead woman proved that she died as a result of asphyxiation due to manual strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

In light of the post-mortem report, the Police acted on information received and arrested the security guard.

During interrogation, Ramdeen confessed to the

Drivers hospitalised following 2-vehicle collision

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wo men are now nursing bodily injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital following a two-vehicle collision along the Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Sunday. The injured men are 37-year-old Kellon Albert of Lamaha Street, Georgetown, and 42-year-old Rajah Chato of Dhanraj Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The accident reported-

ly occurred at about 06:15h and involved a motor car bearing registration number PWW 7239 driven by Albert and motor car PRR 9123 driven by Chato.

Based on information received, motor car PWW 7239 was proceeding along the Montrose Public Road at a very fast rate of speed when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle thus resulting in the vehicle crossing over the median

and colliding with the other motor car.

Due to the impact of the collision, both drivers received injuries about their bodies. They were pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted.

Their condition is regarded as serious but stable.

An investigation has been launched into the accident.

Preparing...

T

Murdered: Marilyn Singh, also called “Jean”

murder. He reportedly told detectives that he strangled the woman with whom he shared a relationship after she did not want to have sexual intercourse with him.

He further explained that he scaled the woman’s fence and entered her home via the verandah. He and the woman reportedly had sex after which he wanted to go another time but the woman reportedly refused. It was at that time; he strangled the woman to death.

After committing the act, he left her motionless body on the bed and went home.

It was until the following morning; the woman’s body was discovered.

GPOC suspends postage to London with immediate effect

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he Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) on Monday announced that it has suspended the postage of all mail and packages destined for London until further notice.

In a release issued by the Corporation, it has asked customers to take note of the development “GPOC will continue to monitor the situation globally and make the necessary adjustments to our service. We regret any inconvenience caused and will continue to provide the necessary updates to our customers,” the release added.

The Corporation further stated that its website and social media pages are regularly updated with information.

Customers can also visit its website at www.guypost.gy or its Facebook outlet. In addition, the GPOC can be followed on Instagram and Twitter for frequent updates.

...for development here’s a lot of folks from the Opposition APNU/ AFC benches wringing their hands about “being left behind”. Well, we’re in a new globalised world now... and no one’s gonna give away handouts. You gotta get up and compete in that world. But it’s now clear all that the PNC types were concerned about were get-rich schemes that involved taking the nation’s assets for free and then flipping them to outsiders for astronomical sums. Never mind that apart from swelling their bank accounts, nothing’s injected in the local economy to spread the wealth.

Well, under President Irfaan Ali’s Administration, we’re learning how REAL development takes off. Seeing that the Government was sticking to its Manifesto promise to launch massive infrastructural projects, two local businessmen have shown what it takes to launch sustainable development. All it took was a bit of common sense to ask, “what goods and services will be demanded by those infrastructural projects?” The answer to that question goes to the heart of the much-discussed and analysed “entrepreneurial phenomenon” the PNC talked about, but NEVER encouraged because of their anti-business stance and their compulsions for the “quick buck”.

The answer, of course, would be the identification of BUSINESS NEEDS that could be satisfied – which would then provide jobs and, not so coincidentally, generate profits for the folks with the vision and the guts to take risks. In Guyana, some of the identified infrastructural projects were the two massive concrete bridges across the Corentyne and Demerara Rivers; the highway to Brazil; the Deep Water Harbour in the estuary of the Berbice River, etc.

What do all of these projects need? If you answered “concrete!”, Dear Reader, go to the head of the class! And what does concrete need? Cement, stones and sand, that’s what!! So what did the two aforementioned businessmen invest in? The soon-to-be largest quarry in the Caribbean, to be located in Region Seven, and a cement plant in Region Three!! Now some may say we already have some quarries in Guyana – but you only have to think back as to how quickly we hear about “stone shortages” to realise we can’t afford to have such a constraint put a crimp on our development drive.

On the cement front, while we don’t seem to have its main ingredient – limestone, it does make sense to import the raw materials and add value right here. Your Eyewitness remembers there was a cement plant launched in Berbice a while back and maybe the new entrant could learn what happened there.

Be as it may, a hat tip goes out to these two entrepreneurs. Your Eyewitness hopes others follow suit to seize opportunities ahead.

And that the PNC quits whingeing! ...to cleanse GECOM? Your Eyewitness was pleased to learn that GECOM’s CEO Lowenfield – who’d been charged for “public misconduct” for his role during the elections – had been sent on leave.

He evidently had 141 days accumulated. But rather strangely this was only revealed by Chairwoman Claudette Singh AFTER the PSC called on her to reveal whether the Secretariat’s being sanitised prior to the LGE that’s scheduled next year. Which is nigh upon us!!

But what’s even stranger is that Singh announced he’d been replaced by the Dep CEO Roxanne Myers – who’s also been charged. It looks like Burnham’s prediction of “if one PNC man is removed, another Rasta will take his place” is being fulfilled! And there was no word on the other officials in GECOM who aided and abetted Mingo in his blatant electoral high crime of rigging!

This is outrageous! Singh says GECOM isn’t a “one-man operation”. True enough. Well, today, the Commission is meeting.

Holding another election with the same tainted officials and expecting a different outcome is insane! ...for COVID mutations With the announcement of a new, mutated strain of COVID-19 identified in the UK, not surprisingly countries across the world – even Europe next door – are banning flights from the UK. We better act now!!

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

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

46 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 1 day – active cases now at 643

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he total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases thus far in Guyana has moved to 6171, after the Health Ministry recorded 46 new positives in one day.

The most recent statistics show that from the 6171 positive cases, 3202 are males and 2696 females.

With the deaths remain-

were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 27 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); five in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and eight in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There are still 186 cases

at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, is working on all cylinders and ready to treat severe cases of COVID-19.

He nevertheless noted that equipment is being sourced for other services.

“We are now able to do from mild cases straight up to ICU patients…We have an area in Ocean View that

well.

“In the meantime, for maternal patients, they would still have to remain at the Georgetown Hospital and we have a special section which we have built, so that we can test and isolate if they’re positive. They would be able to give birth at the hospital. once we complete that section at Ocean View, then these maternal patients can go across there as well.”

For the month of December, the National COVID-19 measures have been extended and the cur-

few has remained from 22:30h to 04:00h. It states that no one is permitted to host or attend a private party, banquet hall, bar and club among others.

Failure to comply with the mandatory mask requirement would make persons liable under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.

For the Christmas season, persons have already been warned to avoid gatherings and use other measures to keep themselves sane. Places of worship were also asked to follow suit.

The order also emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

Duo invades home of pensioner, escapes with cash and jewellery

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ing at 159, there are seven persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 34 in institutional isolation, 602 in home isolation and 12 in institutional quarantine.

The active cases now stand at 643. As of now, 5369 patients have recovered.

A breakdown of the new cases showed that four

in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 529 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 184 in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and 396 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

However, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday stated that the Infectious Diseases Hospital

is designated for theatre and so forth but we have not put it into operation. We’re still sourcing the equipment.”

As it relates to their intention to place a maternity section at the facility, he said this is yet to be completed. However, once finished, mothers will be able to deliver their babies as

he Police are on the hunt for a male and female who invaded the home of 87-year-old Homeranie Balram of No 67 Village Corentyne, Berbice, and escaped with a quantity of jewellery and an undisclosed sum of cash on Sunday evening.

Based on information received, the pensioner of Section B No 67 Village secured her home and retired to bed at about 19:30h.

However, at about 23:00h, she was awakened by the suspects who instructed her not to say anything as they ransacked the home.

After collecting the jew-

ellery and the money, they made their way to the upper flat of the house where they made good their escape.

After realising the bandits had left, the elderly woman raised an alarm. The Police were contacted and an investigation was launched.

No arrests were made up to press time.

Only last week, acting Police Commissioner Ryan Hoppie revealed that there was an overall decrease of 4.3 per cent in serious crimes committed for the period January 2020 to present when compared to the same period last year.

In addition, there was a

decrease of 8.9 per cent in breaking and entering and larceny, with a 6.1 per cent decrease in burglary when compared to the corresponding period.

However, he related that the Force has seen a 27.69 per cent increase in murders for the same period.

He added that women being murdered by their spouses catered for more than a quarter of the total number. However, the Force has recorded a 71.4 per cent increase in its clear-up rate, and an 83.5 per cent increase for robbery under arms where firearms were used.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caribbean Airlines prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution …says it can facilitate transport of temperature-controlled shipments

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aribbean Airlines Cargo announced on Monday that it is currently developing a COVID-19 vaccine transportation plan to ensure its readiness to distribute the drug throughout the Caribbean.

The airline, in a statement, explained that it is presently consulting with stakeholders in advance of

making preparations for the movement of the vaccine.

The carrier said it can facilitate the transport of temperature-controlled shipments to the Caribbean from several territories worldwide including Europe, India and the United States. It covers the entire Caribbean including but not limited to Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Bahamas and St Maarten.

“Caribbean Airlines Cargo offers expansive global and regional connectivity through its scheduled flights, charter flights and interline arrangements,” the airline said.

General Manager of Cargo and New Business at Caribbean Airlines,

Marklan Moseley explained that the company is “steadfast in its commitment to serving the region”.

“Our cargo operations continue to support the Caribbean, delivering critical cargo and ensuring the movement of goods into and out of the region,” he said.

The company reminded that during the early phases

of the pandemic, Caribbean Airlines Cargo demonstrated its responsiveness by introducing a cargo charter service for Caribbean countries experiencing limited connectivity as a result of the grounding of passenger flights.

The airline also partnered with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Authority (CDEMA) in August 2020 to distribute COVID-19 test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) to 16 Caribbean countries.

“We look forward to playing a pivotal role in our region’s recovery through the secure and efficient movement of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Moseley noted.

For its part, the Guyana Government has already be-

gun preparations for the vaccine and it is anticipated that cold storage spaces should be ready by mid-January.

The US drug company Moderna had announced that its vaccine, the mRNA1273 from Biotech, could be stored in a standard refrigerator with temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30 days.

The Pfizer and BioNtech vaccine, however, must be stored at very cold temperatures of minus 70 to 80 degrees.

Guyana is accessing its vaccines through the COVAX facility, a global initiative that brings together governments and manufacturers to ensure COVID-19 vaccines reach those in greatest need.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Stores’ sale unpaid balance

Chief Justice orders Royal Investment to pay US$2M balance plus US$2.5M interest

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hief Justice Roxane George on Thursday ordered Royal Investment Incorporated (RI) to pay the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) over US$4 million which represents monies owed by the company for the purchase of 70 per cent of the capital shares owned by the Government of Guyana in Guyana Stores Limited (GSL).

GSL was privatised in 2000. On October 4, 2000, when an agreement was made between NICIL and RI, the entity that owns and operates GSL, for the purchase by RI of 70 million shares or 70 per cent of the shares in GSL. NICL, a Government-owned corporation through negotiations executed the sale.

RI agreed to the purchase price of US$6 million of which US$4 million was paid at the time of the signing of the agreement. It was agreed that the balance of US$2 million was to be paid

by September 30, 2002. RI failed to pay the monies, which resulted in NICIL filing a lawsuit against the company.

NICIL, in its claim, asked the court to order RI to pay the balance or its equivalent in Guyana dollars at the selling rate of exchange at the date of payment as fixed by the National Bank for Industry and Commerce which is now Republic Bank, plus interest from October 1, 2001, to the date of payment. The interest was to be calculated at the rate of US Treasury Bills on that date, which was 4.4 per cent.

As of the date that the decision was handed down in the High Court by CJ Roxane George on Dec 17, 2020, some 19 years ago, a calculation of the interest showed that this would amount to US$2.592 million, for a total repayment of US$4.592 million.

RI, however, contended that it was not liable to NICIL and filed a counterclaim seeking damages for misrepresentation, fraud, and deceit as regards to non-disclosures and misrepresentations as to: (1) the property being sold, (2) the continuation of agency agreements, (3) the payment of a dividend, (4) the execution of a promissory note and (5) other operational matters that it contends negatively affected GSL. The company also complained about the failure

by NICIL to carry out a collateral agreement that Ministries and other agencies of the Government of Guyana would continue purchasing from RI, all of which were to the detriment or disadvantage of RI as the purchaser of these shares.

As the case unfolded before the Chief Justice, former Chairman of NICIL,

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

now Head of the Gas-toShore Taskforce Winston Brassington testified for NICIL, and Tony Yassin, on behalf of Royal Investment Inc. They were regarded as the main witnesses.

Brassington was found to be the more credible witness by Justice George concerning the documentation about the sale of the shares, the correspondence that passed between NICIL and RI, and the course of dealing between the parties.

In addressing the first issue, Justice George, among other things, held, “I believe Mr Brassington that he made no representations that other properties apart from the Universal Building at Lot 22/23 Church Street and the Hardware Store at Lot 19 Water Street were part of the assets of GSL that would have passed on the sale of the shares […] as forming the assets of GSL, and specifically excludes other property which is referred to as surplus properties that will not benefit the purchaser of the shares in GSL.” Moreover, RI claimed that the claim should be or is a representative one as it was the Government of Guyana that was really selling the shares. But Justice George found this contention to be without merit.

In doing so, she underscored that there was no reason to lift the corporate veil of NICIL to consider who are its principals or sole owners. She, therefore, concluded that NICIL, as the owner of the shares, did not have to sue in a representative capacity. In a similar vein, Justice George noted that it was unclear what was meant

by RI in its contention that NICIL failed to carry out its collateral agreement.

“There is no evidence of such a collateral agreement.

There is nothing to support the contention that there was an implied term that the Government and its other agencies would continue to purchase from RI,” the Chief Justice noted in her 19-page written judgement.

It was Yassin’s evidence that he inadvertently initialled a promissory note document in the confusion that ensued at the signing of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement. He said he had been given a document the

week before and it did not have a promissory note.

Further, the businessman testified that JSM Worrell from NICIL signed and initialled the documents and he did too, so he was unaware of the promissory note, as he did not read the documents he signed.

While the Chief Justice pointed out that Yassin’s evidence tended to suggest that the promissory note was inserted without his knowledge even though he had been given the agreement the week before to peruse, she said there was a clear reference in the main agreement to the promissory note.

“It is passing strange that he would have read and accepted the rest of the agreement but not these clauses. Therefore, I do not accept his evidence that he was totally unaware of it,” the Chief Justice said in re-

jecting Yassin’s evidence.

Justice George added that Yassin tried to portray himself as a naïve businessman, yet he was dealing with a US$6 million transaction, not an insignificant sum of money in circumstances where the evidence disclosed that his company was part of the consortium that made up RI that was involved in the initial negotiations for the purchase of the shares.

“Given all the documentation, I find that RI was well aware of most, if not all, the issues that are being complained of in [its] defence and counterclaim. I, therefore, hold that RI has not proven that there was any misrepresentation, fraud, or deceit on the part of NICIL that would absolve RI from paying the balance of the purchase price in the sum of $2 million US with interest as stipulated above, or enti-

tle it to damages.”

In dismissing RI’s counterclaim, Justice George ordered the company to pay NICIL the monies owed for the shares, along with interest to be calculated at the US Treasury Bill Rate with effect from October 1, 2001, until fully paid. Considering the amount of the claim, RI was also ordered to pay $5 million in court costs to NICIL.

This matter had been ongoing in the court since 2006 and arguments were concluded in January 2017; the Chief Justice rendered her decision nearly four years later. Throughout the proceedings, NICIL was represented by Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan. Senior Counsel Sase Narain, Senior Counsel Rex McKay and Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo appeared on behalf of RI.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTT opens new stores at Grove, Parika …company continues to pioneer telecoms services – Minister Walrond

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he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) over

the weekend opened two new stores – one at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and

the other at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) – which will undoubtedly create employment and bring services closer to citizens.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Justin Nedd at the opening stated that there is continued commitment to serving the population, and ensuring that all demands are met. The two new stores add to a fleet of locations under the company’s belt, where services can be accessed.

“This is a first of its kind in Parika and we at GTT are really proud to be part of the community. We’re proud to be able to bring employment and help the community.

Earlier this year, we brought faster internet to Parika and this store is really building on that. At GTT, we’re committed to tending to the community and giving people the service that they demand and deserve,” Nedd shared.

However, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond highlighted that this expansion is a testimony to the confidence placed in the economy

by GTT. She lauded the telecoms giant for its technological advancements in Guyana.

“It is no secret that GTT has been pioneering telecommunications services in Guyana. GTT has established infrastructure and the latest technology across Guyana and have brought us much closer to realities of a digital world.

I’m impressed with your product development, team’s in-

GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd

novation which is always exploring options to leverage technology advancement towards the provision of greater connectivity; and opportunities for citizens and businesses.”

should all be able to enjoy the fruits of our country, regardless of where we live…It is evident that GTT has evolved through technology and remains a stable service provider in Guyana. Now with the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, and the advent of a competitive environment, we encourage GTT to be innovative and aggressive in its thrust to emerge as a leader in technological advancement in Guyana,” the Minister posited.

In October, Prime Minister with responsibility for telecommunications, Mark Phillips announced that Government has issued Commencement Orders, fully bringing into force the Telecommunications Act 2016

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

na.”

A week after the liberalisation, the Government started receiving new applications, with more in the pipeline. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had

Inside the new GTT store at Parika

The Minister said that equal access to all Guyanese should be the mandate of all stakeholders. With the recent liberalisation of the telecoms sector, she charged the company to be innovative.

“I will stay an advocate for equal access for all Guyanese.

I believe as citizens, we

(the “Act”) and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016.

That would have ended a 30-year-old anti-competitive telecommunications monopoly, which Phillips said had “left Guyanese weary, frustrated and lagging behind in the telecommunications are-

shared during an engagement that the liberalisation brings with it greater competition in the sector. He noted that existing service providers such as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), Digicel and E-Networks would have to apply for the licenses they did not previously have.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

children placed with Motorcyclist killed in 3-vehicle 66 foster families this year – 19 reunited with biological families smash-up in Berbice T The motor car was being driven by a 22-yearold female of East Canje, Berbice. Reports are that the now dead man attempted to overtake the motor car when it collided head-on with the other motorcycle.

As a result, the motorcyclists and the pillion rider fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries. They were picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious state and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where Joseph died while receiving treatment.

At the time of the acci-

The two motorcycles that collided head-on

Dead: Jamal Joseph

A

27-year-old motorcyclist was on Sunday evening killed following a three-vehicle smashup in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Dead is Jamal Joseph of New Amsterdam, Berbice.

At the time of the accident, Joseph was riding motorcycle CK 1731 and another motorcycle, CK 2765, and a motor car, PKK 8475, were involved.

The other motorcyclist, 39-year-old Keil Noble of Stanleytown, and the pillion rider, Sherlan Ceasar, a 38-year-old man of Savannah Park, were admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The car that was involved in the accident

dent, the now dead man was not wearing a helmet.

Regional Traffic Officer, Assistant Superintendent

Ruan Clark reminded motorcyclists that is important to wear safety helmets “This will secure your head which is one of the

main parts of your body.

When these accidents do occur most of the times the motorcyclists are driving without safety helmets and are racing down the road and that is the end result.”

Clark further noted that there is a trend of motorcyclists not wearing the necessary protective gears.

“I am not saying that once you are wearing a safety helmet it is 100 per cent guarantee that you would not receive serious injuries. However, helmets were made for motorcyclists to wear when they are traversing on a motorcycle so as to enable them to be safe,” ASP Clark said as he urged motorcyclists to drive safely.

Guyanese entrepreneurs to participate in 2021 YLAI Fellowship Programme

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hree young Guyanese entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the 2021 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship Programme which commences virtually in January and ends in April.

The US Embassy in Guyana stated that the programme will bring together 263 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada for a virtual fellowship.

This year, three young leaders from Guyana have been accepted out of over 2300 applicants. The three Guyanese chosen are Filisha Duke, Joylyn John and Maleka Russell.

Filisha Duke is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sure Gig and has experience in securing contracts and building key partnerships to facilitate the company’s objectives. During the fellowship, Duke aims to learn effective approaches to managing and maintaining financial growth, strategies on increasing market share, brand awareness and sales, and how to facilitate scaling and expansion.

In addition, John is the Managing Director for Juneberry GY and has experience in leadership, the retail market, and vast knowledge in business operations.

The three young Guyanese entrepreneurs chosen for the YLAI Fellowship

During the fellowship, John hopes to learn about the legal side of running a business both locally and internationally, sharpen her leadership skills and her “know-how” on approaching investors with investment proposals, and how to have the highest returns possible in her business, On the other hand, Russell is the owner of Green Valley Organics and she has experience in insect and pest control, shade house vegetable cultivation technologies, and climate-smart agricultural practices.

During the fellowship, Russell is eager to learn

about business development, develop a business model for agricultural sustainability, and engage with other entrepreneurs as they promote healthy lifestyles through better nutrition.

The 2021 YLAI Fellowship Programme, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, includes a three-month virtual fellowship.

During this time, fellows will complete the YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum and work with a US host organisation for four weeks.

They will also be paired

with a designated mentor and will collaborate with other fellows to address shared foreign policy challenges throughout the exchange. Additionally, they will engage in live events and cross-cultural activities.

The programme is a collaborative, enriching experience that combines technical entrepreneurship training with leadership development and networking opportunities. The US Embassy explained that the YLAI Fellowship Programme is part of the continued commitment of the US to the prosperity of Guyana and the region.

he Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has facilitated the placement of 66 children into foster families this year, in keeping with its goal to reduce the number of children in institutionalised care.

This brings the total to 220 children - 109 girls and 111 boys with 131 foster parents.

In addition, 19 children were reunited with their biological families and three were adopted by their foster parents, the CC&PA stated in its annual review.

Eight children were successfully placed with foster parents in Regions One and Nine; nine attained independent living, while 39 formally left the foster care system.

Some 35 cases were reviewed and 43 foster care applicants were also screened and approved.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who recently installed the Adoption Board, said the Board has started clearing the backlog of adoption cases.

“They are doing it in batches of six to eight cases every time they meet so it’s an ongoing process and I think they have two to three meetings since they have been installed,” she told the Department of Public Information.

The CC&PA’s mentorship programme also received six new applications. This programme recruits mature adults to mentor children above the age of 16, who are ageing-out of State care.

However, in 2021, the CC&PA plans to continue efforts to lessen the institutionalisation of children. The CC&PA aims to place at least 40 children into non-biological and biological care during the first quarter.

Foster families will also be recruited, and the foster care and mentorship programmes will be promoted through awareness sessions and part-

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

nerships with faith-based organisations to increase the core list in every region.

Further, the CC&PA plans to network with non-governmental organisations to assist with the necessary psychosocial support for children in the foster care system, especially those in the outer areas in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

More importantly, the agency will continue to secure permanent placements for children in foster care by means of reintegration with biological family and adoption or legal guardianship.

With regard to international adoptions, Dr Persaud said these were halted as Guyana must meet the obligations of The Hague Adoption Convention to which it is a signatory. That Convention seeks to protect children from exploitation, trafficking and abuse.

“We are trying to be in line with The Hague Convention.

The legislation has been amended; the Attorney General’s office has been working very closely with us.

So, that will go to Parliament and so, until that legislation is passed by the Parliament, international adoption will be on hold.”

The Ministry, through the CC&PA, is mandated to actively monitor policies regarding adoption, custody, guardianship and maintenance of the nation’s children.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Soesdyke man serving life for hacking his 3 children to death loses appeal

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40-year-old man who was, in 2016, handed three life sentences for hacking his three children to death as they lay asleep, has lost in his bid to have the Guyana Court of Appeal reduce the prison terms. His appeal against the jail terms was dismissed on Monday.

John Blanchard of Dr Charles Sand Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was initially charged with the October 11, 2011 murders of his three young children: Joy, aged six; Belika, aged 10; and Daniel, aged four. Their cause of death was given as multiple stab wounds.

He was, however, allowed by State Prosecutors to plead guilty to three counts of manslaughter.

Justice Barlow imposed a life sentence on each count, instructing that they are to be served concurrently. The Judge further ordered that the killer does not become eligible for parole until after serving a minimum of 30 years.

It was reported that the convict had accused his wife, Onica Blanchard, of being unfaithful since she had been working in the interior at a mining camp, and had been away from home for a very long time.

On the day in question, the couple had a telephone conversation during which Onica told her husband that she wanted the house and land. The woman also told her husband that he should keep the children.

John told his wife that it would be hard for him to take care of their children all by himself, and as a result, they were involved in a heated argument. He said that he was upset after his wife told him that she was

Confessed killer: John Blanchard

not returning home until Christmas.

John then turned his anger on his three children, mercilessly stabbing them while they lay in bed sleeping. In a caution statement, John told the Police that after killing his children he wanted to commit suicide, but “didn’t get to do it.”

Moreover, the killer told Justice Barlow that he loved his children and didn’t know what could have caused him to turn his wrath on them.

He had told the Judge that things were bothering him and that all he could remember was arguing with his wife who he wanted to come back home.

Dissatisfied with the sentences imposed by the trial Judge, Blanchard, through his lawyer Mark Conway, moved to the Court of Appeal seeking a reduction. He contended that the sentences were manifestly excessive and not in keeping with established sentencing guidelines.

The confessed killer further argued that Justice Barlow erred in law in not allowing or stating that the minimum period of incarceration must include the time spent on remand. He

also argued that the trial lawyer failed to present an application that could mitigate the sentences.

Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory rejected defence counsel’s argument that the trial Judge erred in law in not allowing for a reduction.

Conway had relied on a ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case of Romeo Da Costa Hall vs The Queen.

The CCJ, in that case, held that full credit should be granted for the time an accused person spent in pre-trial custody. But the Court of Appeal underscored that the principles, in this case, do not “automatically” apply to all cases.

“This is not cast in stone.

There are cases where the court can feel free to depart from such a rule,” Justice Cummings-Edwards noted.

She explained that the prosecution was of the view that this was not a case where the minimum sentence should include the time spent on remand.

“Life imprisonment by itself is an indeterminate [number] of years. And from that how can the trial Judge deduct the minimum time spent? Unless if it is for that period to be taken from the other part of the sentence where the trial said he is not eligible for parole until after serving 30 years.”

Having considered that the principles outlined in the above-named case are not cast in stone and that the trial Judge has the discretion whether or not to impose a particular sentence, the Court of Appeal found that Justice Barlow did not err given the circumstances

John Blanchard’s three children

of the case.

John Blanchard’s contention that the trial lawyer was incompetent since he/she failed to make an application to mitigate sentencing was also rejected by the appellate court. Citing a decision by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the Appeal Court noted: “A high standard is required to show the incompetence of counsel.”

Given the fact that the trial Judge would have con-

sidered all of the circumstances of the case, and would not have failed to consider mitigating factors, Justice Cummings-Edwards held, “We are of the view that the trial Judge had a discretion in the sentence and the appellant [John Blanchard] was fortunate that the State accepted the pleas [for manslaughter] given that he was charged with murder contrary to Common Law.” “This is a case of three

children in bed sleeping who were knifed to death because of no fault of their own. Their father was angry with his wife for not coming home and it seems like the brunt of his frustration was wrongly directed [to the children] and tragically too,” Justice CummingsEdwards noted.

In the end, the Appeal Court in dismissing John Blanchard’s appeal asserted that the imposition of the three life sentences was fair.

Teacher granted bail for causing death of motorcyclist

Relatives of the dead man outside the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court

Saleem Ahamad at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Monday

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teacher was on Monday arraigned for causing the death 60-year-old Clifton Sukhoo called “John” of Lot 70 New Street Cumberland, East Canje, when he appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on December 16, 2020, Saleem Ahamad, 33, rode motorcycle CG 5056 in a dangerous manner thus causing the death of Sukhoo. He was not required to plead to the charge but was granted bail

in the sum of $250,000.

In addition, he was instructed to lodge his passport and report weekly to the Reliance Police Station.

He will have to return to court on Wednesday for a Police progress report. The matter has been transferred to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court.

During his appearance in court, the accused was seen lying on the bench in the docks claiming that he was unwell. As such, the Magistrate instructed the Police to ensure Ahamad receives medical attention.

It was reported that on the day in question, Ahamad and the now dead man were travelling along the East Canje Public Road in the same direction.

However, Sukhoo reportedly stopped in the middle of the road and attempted to turn when he has struck down.

After the accident, Ahamad was hospitalised but subsequently discharged.

Meanwhile, as the accused made his way to court, family members of the dead

Dead: Clifton Sukhoo, called "John"

man protested, calling for justice.

The dead man’s brother, Mahadeo Jattan, called for the accused to remain in prison until the outcome of the trial.

“We don’t want this man to kill my brother and walk free. The Magistrate has to do his or her job. He should not be put on bail for that, it is a murder, he pitch my brother 76 feet. You could just imagine the speed that he was riding that bike with.”

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sentence of murder convict reduced GRPA donates care packages from 60 to 25 years by Appeal Court to support teenage mothers

Murder convict: Steve Allicock

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60-year jail term imposed on Albouystown, Georgetown resident, Steve Allicock for the December 31, 2009 murder of Wendell Tappin, was on Monday reduced to 25 years by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

Following a trial in 2017, Allicock was found guilty of the offence by a 12-person jury. He was subsequently sentenced to 60 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh.

Tappin, 33, was killed at Hill Street, Albouystown. It was reported that on the day in question, a crowd of persons including members of Steve Allicock’s family, who were armed with knives, cutlasses, and pieces of wood were in hot pursuit of Tappin. They reportedly accosted him.

A witness said that Randolph Allicock held on to Tappin’s shirt and placed a knife to his throat. He then kicked him to the ground while other persons sur-

rounded him and lashed him in the head.

The witness said that Steve Allicock stabbed Tappin in the region of his heart. The witness also told the court that he noticed blood flowing from Tappin’s chest. According to the witness, Natasha Tappin, Wendell Tappin’s sister, picked him up and placed him in a vehicle and left for the hospital.

The injured man was admitted to the hospital but he subsequently died. His cause of death was given as haemorrhage due to stab wounds to the heart. Contacted in May 2015, Steve Allicock denied killing the man, stating that he was out of the jurisdiction and could not have been at the crime scene.

Displeased with the decision of the High Court, Steve Allicock, through his lawyer, Mark Conway, mounted an appeal against his conviction and sentence. He argued that the conviction cannot stand given the evidence presented during the trial. He contended that the 60 years’ jail term was excessive in all the circumstances of the case.

The Court of Appeal rejected almost all of the grounds of appeal advanced by the murder convict. The Judges agreed that the only ground that had merit was the contention that the sentence was severe given the circumstances of the case.

The court, therefore, upheld Steve Allicock’s conviction for murder and allowed his appeal only on the aspect of the sentence.

“We are of the view

Murdered: Wendell Tappin

that the sentence is indeed harsh in the circumstances.

Accordingly, a sentence of 25 years would have been more appropriate had the trial Judge taken into account the World Health Organisation life expectancy, and the appropriate guidelines as would have been given from cases in this court in relation to sentence.”

The aforementioned was underscored by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who announced that the sentence would be reduced from 60 to 25 years, and time spent on remand deducted to reflect the principles outlined in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) case of Romeo Da Costa Hall vs The Queen.

Media reports are that Steve Allicock’s uncle, Randolph Allicock, and father, Leonard Allicock, had all been charged with the murder of Tappin. Following a trial before Justice Diana Insanally, Leonard Allicock was acquitted by a jury.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Executive Director of the GRPA, Arlene Chaturia (left) hands over one of the packages to Adolescent Health Coordinator of the Unit, Cilandell Glen

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he Guyana R e s p o n s i b l e P a r e n t h o o d Association (GRPA) on Monday donated over 180 care packages to the Adolescent Health Unit of the Health Ministry to support teenage mothers.

The packages were funded under Pillar Four of the Spotlight Initiative, which is a collaboration between the Government of Guyana, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to bring an end to gender-based violence (GBV).

“We are very pleased to

donate COVID-19 financial packages to teen mothers and we think this will go a long way in providing assistance to teen mothers, especially through COVID-19 which has seen an increase in GBV cases among our young girls and mothers,” Executive Director of GRPA, Arlene Chaturia stated.

However, Adolescent Health Coordinator, Cilandell Glen expressed similar sentiments, noting that the Unit was grateful for the timely donation. She explained that the packages came at an ideal time, as adolescent mothers may experience difficulties acquiring

basic necessities for childbirth.

Glen further highlighted that the Adolescent Health Unit, through a partnership with the Education Ministry, usually distributes care packages to adolescent mothers, but they were not able to reach their target this year.

“This packages that you are giving us today, the 180 packages, will help us to reach a wider cross-section of our adolescent mothers,” she said.

The packages include baby wipes, disposable diapers, blankets, towels, baby soap and masks.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

New loss of taste or smell

Muscle pain Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Regional

US sanctions Nicaraguan officials, Cuba-related companies

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he United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three Nicaraguan officials over their support for left-wing President Daniel Ortega’s Government.

President Donald Trump’s Administration has kept up a steady stream of sanctions announcements since the November election that handed Democrat Joe Biden a win. President-elect Biden is to be sworn in to office on January 20.

The US Treasury Department said it blacklisted officials, including the Vice President of the Nicaraguan Supreme Court, in an effort to target those continuing to assist the Ortega Government’s efforts

A man walks by a mural depicting Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, in Managua, Nicaragua [Reuters]

to undermine democracy.

“This Administration remains committed to targeting the Ortega regime by seeking out and exposing those who continue to sup-

press the democratic will of the Nicaraguan people,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.

The officials blacklisted

Sandoval, who governed Jalisco from 2013 to 2018, died in hospital.

The killing is one of the most high-profile attacks on a Mexican politician in recent years.

Sandoval was having dinner at the Distrito 5 restaurant in the centre of Puerto Vallarta with three other people when the attack occurred.

Investigators believe that it was meticulously planned as the gunman waited until Mr Sandoval went to the bathroom, leaving behind his two bodyguards.

He was shot in the back, but was not instantly killed.

When his bodyguards tried to get him out of the restaurant and to a hospital, gunmen outside opened fire on them.

In a video uploaded to

are Marvin Ramiro Aguilar Garcia, Vice President of the Nicaraguan Supreme Court of Justice; Walmaro Antonio Gutierrez Mercadeo, a National Assembly Deputy; and Fidel De Jesus Dominguez Alvarez, Chief of the National Police in the city of Leon.

In separate action on Monday, the Trump Administration slapped Cuba-related sanctions on three businesses it accused of being run by the Cuban military and evading existing sanctions.

The companies blacklisted are: Grupo de Administración Empresarial SA, Financiera Cimex SA and Kave Coffee, SA. (Al Jazeera)

Mexico violence: Security raised in Puerto Vallarta after ambush

S

ecurity has been reinforced in the popular Mexican beach resort of Puerto Vallarta after a former Governor of the state of Jalisco was killed on Friday.

Aristóteles Sandoval, 46, was shot in the back as he went to the bathroom at a restaurant in the city. One of his bodyguards was also shot and injured.

Twitter by a local TV station, dozens of shots can be heard ringing out. The bodyguards managed to drive Sandoval to hospital, but he died of his wounds.

Jalisco state’s Attorney General Gerardo Solís said that when Police arrived at the restaurant, they found that the crime scene had been altered. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Biden team weighs deportation relief for more than 1 million Hondurans, Guatemalans

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he incoming Biden Administration is considering a plan to shield more than a million immigrants from Honduras and Guatemala from deportation after the countries were battered by hurricanes in November, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

US President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team is weighing whether to grant them Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The programme allows people already in the United States at the time of the designation to stay and work legally if their home countries have been affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts or other events that prevent their safe return. The designations last six to 18 months and can be renewed.

TPS covers both immigrants in the United States illegally and those on legal visas. The programme bars certain applicants with criminal convictions

and those deemed security threats.

The sources stressed that no decisions were expected until after Biden takes office on January 20 and staff are in place to conduct formal evaluations.

“They’re looking into TPS the same way they’re looking into a number of things to decide on the right course of action,” said one of the people, all of whom requested anonymity.

“Circumstances on the ground certainly warrant that.”

A transition team spokesman declined to comment.

If Biden’s Democratic Administration does grant TPS to Hondurans and Guatemalans, it would represent a major expansion of the programme and the biggest use of that authority in decades.

The discussion of the TPS humanitarian protections represents a sharp departure from the Administration of Republican President Donald Trump. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica bans flights from UK

T&T MPs complain about lack of security

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s Police investigate two separate incidents of attacks by criminals on United National Congress (UNC) Members of Parliament (MPs) in Chaguanas and Moruga/Tableland, the MPs say they have to resort to finding their own security and paying out of their own pockets to protect themselves and their staff.

They say there is no security allowance for MPs. The latest attack came about 20:00h on Tuesday last week, at the office of Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally.

He told Newsday two masked, armed men got out of a car which stopped lower down the street on Rodney Road, Chaguanas.

Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin

The men then crossed the street opposite the office and tried to force themselves into a vehicle which was waiting to pick up a staff member.

The driver of the vehicle closed the doors and sped

off, but the would-be bandits managed to break the door handle.

At the same time, the staff member on which the car was waiting came out of the office. When the car sped off, the bandits turned

to her. Other staff members pulled her inside and closed the door.

Rambally, who was in his office in the back of the building, heard the staff screaming for help and came in time to see the bandits and staff fighting over the door.

He helped to close the door and Police were called.

Rambally said he did not believe the attack was politically motivated, but was the act of criminals looking for weak targets.

He said COVID-19, and the loss of work because of measures to combat the virus, and the Christmas season have created “rich ground for criminal elements to thrive”. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Political analyst released from jail in Suriname

P

olitical analyst Derek Ramsamooj will be released from prison in Suriname after courts in that country found the Surinamese Police had no basis to keep him.

But he will remain in Suriname until a trial is scheduled on the bank fraud allegations against former Surinamese Post Savings Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ginmardo Kromosoeto. This is expect-

ed in early January.

This was confirmed by Ramsamooj’s wife, Camille Pagee.

Reports by Suriname’s De Ware Tidj online service stated Ramsamooj will be released by order of the Court of Justice.

Ramsamooj was detained on October 8 after being told by Surinamese Public Prosecution Services that they wanted a statement or evidence to support an in-

quiry into operations at the SPSB and he agreed to assist. A probe into SPSB has been ongoing since 2019.

When the detention continued without charge, Ramsamooj, who is diabetic, threatened to go on a hunger strike. He declared he was not guilty of any criminal offence.

Pagee said his detention

by Police on stated suspicions of collaborating with the CEO of a State bank in criminal activities was chal-

lenged by his lawyer under that country’s Article 61 of the criminal code.

Police in Suriname have wide powers to detain without evidence, but Article 61 requires them, after a certain time without producing charges, to prove to the courts that suspicions have been substantiated.

“The court found they were not,” Pagee said.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

J

amaica has put a twoweek ban on flights from the United Kingdom, joining several countries in restricting travel from Britain over a new strain of the novel coronavirus.

The Health and Wellness Ministry, in a statement announcing the ban, said it would take effect immediately and end January 4, 2021.

It noted, however, that UK flights coming into the country over the next 24 hours and outbound flights to the UK would be allowed up to midnight today.

The Health Ministry said the country was expecting three flights from the UK in the next 24 hours, one of which was already en route, but passengers onboard those flights would be subjected to a minimum 48hour quarantine and PCR testing.

“Passengers who test negative will be fitted with

armbands for monitoring and released to complete their 14-day quarantine at home, while those found to be positive will be isolated in State facilities until recovered.

“Family members of persons who arrive on these flights will be able to pick up their relatives after the minimum 48-hour quarantine. Family members are reminded that they must strictly adhere to the infection prevention and control measures when picking up their relatives, as well as during the mandatory quarantine period as persons may develop symptoms during the 14-day quarantine period and, therefore, transmit the virus to others.

“Persons who arrive in country from other ports of entry via the UK will also be required to adhere to all restrictions, in line with provisions under the Quarantine Act. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil tumbles as new virus strain revives demand fears

O

il prices tumbled nearly 3 per cent on Monday as a fast-spreading new coronavirus strain that has shut down much of Britain and led to tighter restrictions in Europe sparked worries about a slower recovery in fuel demand.

Brent crude settled down US$1.35, or 2.6 per cent, at US$50.91 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for delivery in January ended the session US$1.36, or 2.8 per cent, lower at US$47.74 ahead of expiry.

The more active February WTI contract fell US$1.27, or 2.6 per cent, to settle at US$47.97 a barrel.

Both contracts had lost as much as US$3 earlier in the session, their biggest daily drop in six months.

The strength in the US dollar also weighed on oil markets. A strong greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities like crude oil more expensive to holders of other currencies.

“Reports of a new strain of the coronavirus have weighed on risk sentiment and oil. New mobility restrictions across Europe are also not helping as European oil demand will suffer,” said UBS oil analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

“Investors need to be mindful that the road to higher oil demand and prices will remain bumpy.”

Brent climbed above US$50 last week for the first time since March, buoyed by optimism stemming from COVID-19 vaccines.

But a new COVID-19 strain, said to be up to 70 per cent more transmissible than the original, has renewed fears about the virus, which has killed about 1.7 million people worldwide.

More countries closed their borders to Britain on Monday, causing travel chaos and raising the prospect of UK food shortages.

“The new strain of the coronavirus in the UK has shown us that the vaccine optimism holding Brent above $50 per barrel could be deflated in a fleeting moment,” said Rystad Energy analyst Louise Dickson.

The new virus strain has already been detected in other countries, including Australia, the Netherlands and Italy.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the new strain had an impact on oil prices, adding that recovery of global oil markets was happening more slowly than previously expected and could take two to three years.

“Travel restrictions over the next several weeks will complicate OPEC+ plans to gradually raise output,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York.

“The monthly meetings will be very tense and keep oil prices volatile until the virus spread is under control across both Europe and the U.S.” The negative sentiment largely overshadowed the rollout of a new vaccine in the United States, a deal among US congressional leaders for a US$900 billion coronavirus aid package and European regulatory approval on Monday for the use of the COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by US company Pfizer Inc and its German partner, BioNTech.

The approval by Europe’s medicines regulator puts the region on course to start inoculations within a week.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Kilauea volcano erupts on Hawaii’s Big Island

H

awaii’s Kilauea volcano on the Big Island erupted and shot a steam and ash cloud into the atmosphere that lasted about an hour, an official with the National Weather Service said early on Monday.

It was followed by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake at its epicentre located beneath Kilauea Volcano’s south flank at 10:36 pm local time (08:36 GMT on Monday), according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).

Tom Birchard, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service in Hawaii, said lava interacted with a pool of water that had accumulated inside the crater, leading to a short-lived but fairly vigorous eruption.

It was the most activity seen at the volcano since 2018 when a string of earthquakes and explosive eruptions at the summit over several months forced evacuations [United States Geological Survey (USGS)/via Reuters]

When lava interacts with water it can cause explosive reactions.

All the water evaporated out of the lake and a steam cloud shot up about nine kilometres (5.5 miles) into the atmosphere, Birchard said.

The water was the first-ever recorded in the summit crater of Kilauea volcano.

In 2019, after a week of questions about a mysterious green patch at the bottom of the volcano’s crater,

researchers confirmed the presence of water. The lake had continued to fill since then.

By 1 am local time on Monday (11:00 GMT), USGS officials told Hawaii News Now there were reported lava fountains shooting about 50 metres (165 feet) into the sky.

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on earth, and it last erupted in 2018, destroying more than 700 homes and spewing enough lava to fill 320,000 Olympicsized swimming pools. An area more than half the size of Manhattan was buried in up to 24 metres (80 feet) of now-hardened lava. The lava flowed over the course of four months. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

WHO says no need for major alarm over new coronavirus strain

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he World Health Organisation cautioned against major alarm over a new, highly infectious variant of the coronavirus that has emerged in Britain, saying this was a normal part of a pandemic’s evolution.

WHO officials even put a positive light on the discovery of the new strains that prompted a slew of alarmed countries to impose travel restrictions on Britain and South Africa, saying new

tools to track the virus were working.

“We have to find a balance.

It’s very important to have transparency, it’s very important to tell the public the way it is, but it’s also important to get across that this is a normal part of virus evolution,” WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan told an online briefing.

Citing data from Britain, WHO officials said they had no evidence that the variant made people sicker or

was more deadly than existing strains of COVID-19, although it did seem to spread more easily.

Countries imposing travel curbs were acting out of an abundance of caution while they assess risks, Ryan said, adding: “That is prudent.

But it is also important that everyone recognises that this happens, these variants occur.”

WHO officials said coronavirus mutations had so far been much slower than with

influenza and that even the new UK variant remained much less transmissible than other diseases like mumps.

They said vaccines developed to combat COVID-19 should handle the new variants as well, although checks were underway to ensure this was the case.

The WHO said it expects to get more detail within days or weeks on the potential impact of the highly transmissible new coronavirus strain.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

World powers renew commitment to preserve Iran nuclear deal

T

he remaining parties to a landmark nuclear deal they signed with Iran in 2015 have renewed their commitment to preserving the accord in an online meeting.

The Foreign Ministers of Iran, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China and Russia participated in a twohour meeting chaired by the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, on Monday.

In a tweet before the meeting, Borrell said the aim is to “re-emphasise our commitment to preserve” the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as

the nuclear deal is formally known.

A joint statement following the meeting said the Ministers “discussed that full and effective implementation of the JCPOA by all remains crucial and discussed the need to address ongoing implementation challenges, including on nuclear non-proliferation and sanctions lifting commitments”.

The Foreign Ministers recognised the deal, enshrined in Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council, as a “key element” in the global non-proliferation regime and a diplomat-

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the meeting's aim was to “re-emphasise our commitment to preserve” JCPOA [Francois Lenoir/ Reuters]

ic achievement contributing to regional and international peace.

The Foreign Ministers also expressed their “deep regret” over the unilateral exit of the United States

from the deal in May 2018 that was followed by the imposition of harsh economic sanctions on Iran.

US President-elect Joe Biden has promised to bring his country back into the deal and lift sanctions but has hinted that more negotiations are needed on Iran’s missiles programme and regional influence.

The European signatories of the nuclear deal have also made similar remarks, but Iran has categorically rejected any further negotiations, saying the nuclear deal must be implemented as negotiated and signed in 2015.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

COVID: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approved for EU states

T

he European Union's medicines regulator has recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for use in the bloc's 27 states.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorised the drug for the EU's nearly 448 million inhabitants after it went into circulation in the UK and the US. Hours after the EMA's decision, the European Commission gave its own formal approval for the use

of the jab.

Distribution could begin in some EU states as early as Sunday.

More than 311,000 lives have been lost to the pandemic across the bloc.

Fears of a new surge in cases among people gathering for the Christmas and New Year holidays have prompted partial lockdowns in countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

The threat of a new, more infectious COVID-19 vari-

ant spreading from the UK has also seen several EU states suspend travel from Britain.

The agency said the drug had demonstrated an efficacy of 95 per cent and could be used in people aged 16 and over.

"Today's positive news is an important step forward in our fight against this pandemic, which has caused suffering and hardship for so many," said the EMA's executive director, Emer

Cooke.

Ms Cooke added: "Our thorough evaluation means that we can confidently assure EU citizens of the safety and efficacy of this vaccine and that it meets necessary quality standards.

"However, our work does not stop here. We will continue to collect and analyse data on the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine to protect people taking the vaccine in the EU." (Excerpt from BBC News)

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

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ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

You could feel pressure to get things done before the year comes to a close. Don’t let trivial matters get to you when it’s the big picture that counts. Stay focused on what’s important to you.

A sudden change will TAURUS cause uncertainty. Figure (April 20out precisely what you want May 20) to do, and put your strategy in place. Use your intelligence to navigate your way forward.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Trust in yourself, not in what someone is telling you.

Look at every angle and consider the consequences of your actions. Look over personal and professional contacts, and evaluate your options.

Rely on your intelligence, creativity and charisma to help you seal a deal, connect with someone you want to work alongside or commit to someone special. Make plans, and put an end to uncertainty.

Don’t jump to conclusions. Keep track of you spend, your actions and what’s still on your to-do list.

Organization and preparation will eliminate stress.

Romance is encouraged.

Embrace change. Making room for projects and home improvements or clearing a space conducive to learning something new will empower you to reach your goal.

Don’t fall for anyone’s tricks.

Consider what will make your life easier and less stressful and will encourage better concentration, then make the necessary adjustments. Aggressive action will impress a loved one.

Think outside the box, and you’ll surprise someone special. A unique approach will attract someone who wants to be on your team. Speak up and take action; everything will fall into place.

Control your emotions in orSAGITTARIUS der to avoid appearing insecure (Nov. 23or indecisive. Focus on getting Dec. 21) things done, taking good care of yourself and of loved ones, and creating a strategy that will lead to a better future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

An aggressive position will help you get your way.

Use your intelligence to outmaneuver any competition.

Don’t let uncertainty cause you to miss an opportunity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Be careful not to start something you cannot finish. You’ll come up against opposition if you try to make changes without input from others. Pay more attention to personal growth.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Connect with people who have helped you in the past, and show interest in what others are doing. You’ll discover some valuable information that will help you upgrade your approach.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

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Saracens’ England stars will not play before Six Nations Championship S

aracens’ England internationals will not play a competitive game before the Six Nations after the new Championship season was delayed until March.

It leaves players including Captain Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and the Vunipola brothers without a game before England face Scotland on February 6.

Saracens were relegated from the Premiership earlier this year after breaching salary cap rules.

English rugby’s second tier has not had a game since March due to COVID-19.

To counter the lack of preparation, Saracens have confirmed they are negotiating with fellow clubs to establish a separate cup competition format as part of the pre-season build-up, sanctioned by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

“These continue to be extremely difficult times for professional sports clubs, and we are sensitive to the different positions that Championship clubs find themselves in,” the Sarries statement said.

“We will continue to work hard with other Championship clubs and the RFU to deliver this pro-

mula”.

This season clubs are hoping they will be able to stream their fixtures online should they be unable to welcome supporters into their grounds because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“As a result of Championship clubs having little or no income for the last nine months, the majority do not have the financial ability to meet the costs of COVID testing required under the elite sport framework,” a RFU statement read.

“The clubs have chosen not to return to play under adapted laws and the March start date allows time for clubs to gain clarity from Sport England regarding the Sport Winter Survival Package before starting pre-season training.

posed season, which guarantees a competition and the opportunity to earn promotion into the Premiership.”

It had been suggested that the 2020-21 Championship season would start in January, but it would now not get under way until the weekend of March 6.

The 12-team league will be split into two conferences with the win-

Barcelona: Lionel Messi says he had “a very bad time” in summer

L

ionel Messi says his failed attempt to leave Barcelona in the summer has affected his form this season.

In August, the Argentina forward said he wanted to exercise a clause in his contract which he said allowed him to leave on a free transfer.

But Barcelona refused, saying said his 700 million-euro release clause had to be met.

“I dragged everything into the start of the season a bit,” Messi, 33, told Spanish television channel La Sexta.

“The truth is right now I’m feeling fine, but in the summer I had a very bad time.”

Messi equalled Brazil legend Pele’s record of 643 goals for a club by scoring for Barcelona in Saturday’s draw against Valencia.

It was Messi’s ninth goal in 17 appearances this season for Barcelona, who are fifth in La Liga.

Messi, who can leave Barcelona

for free when his contract runs out at the end of the season, is able to negotiate with other clubs from January 1.

Barcelona interim president Carlos Tusquets, who took over until elections in January after Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned in October, has said that “economically speaking” Messi should have been sold in the summer.

Barcelona’s players agreed to wage cuts in November that will save the 26-time La Liga champions 122 million euros.

“Right now I’m feeling good and looking forward to fighting for every competition we have ahead,” said Messi.

“I know the club is in a difficult moment at institutional level and on the pitch and everything surrounding Barca right now is difficult, but I’m feeling excited.” (BBC Sport)

ners of each playing a two-legged final for the right to earn promotion to the Premiership.

Saracens will be in Conference A and will face Cornish Pirates, Ampthill, Jersey Reds, London Scottish, and Hartpury University.

Conference B is made up of Ealing Trailfinders, Coventry, Nottingham, Bedford Blues, Doncaster Knights and Richmond

– who come up from National One in place of relegated Yorkshire Carnegie.

Each side will play their opponents in their respective conferences on a home and away basis.

Last season’s competition was ended early with Newcastle Falcons promoted to the top flight after the 2019-20 season was decided on a “best playing record for-

“All Championship clubs are unanimously behind the intended competition as outlined, but require some weeks of full training, to make squads ‘match ready’, subsequent to the long absence of competitive rugby.”

The RFU also said clubs can continue to arrange pre-season friendlies, as Saracens have already done. (BBC Sport)

King George VI Chase: Santini added to Kempton line-up C heltenham Gold Cup runner-up Santini has been added as a late entry to the King George VI Chase on December 26.

The Nicky Henderson-trained horse is up against two-time winner Clan Des Obeaux and three other Paul Nicholls runners in Cyrname, Real Steel, and Frodon.

Henderson said he felt it was worth paying the £5000 supplementary fee.

Santini was beaten by a neck by

Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup before returning earlier this month with a second to Lake View Lad at Aintree.

Henderson said: “When you are in lockdown tier four, you haven’t got a lot to do on a Sunday afternoon [and] I had a bright idea about what to do with Santini.

“We didn’t put him in originally, because I’m the first to admit we don’t think Kempton will be his ideal track – but he’s very well in himself, and there’s nothing else to do.”

Other entries in the King George, which offers £113,000 in prize money to the winner, are Black Op, Lostintranslation, Monalee, Saint Calvados and Waiting Patiently.

(BBC Sport)

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Bangladesh selectors confident of players’ switch to ODIs for West Indies series

B

angladesh’s selectors will keep one eye on the progress of the country’s next batch of elite cricketers as they pick their first senior team for the 2020-21 season in the coming few weeks.

West Indies will be arriving on January 10 to play three One-DayInternationals (ODIs) and two Tests, and although a truncated tour, it is a much-needed competition for the home side who have not played any international cricket since hosting Zimbabwe this March.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that due to the strict bio-bubble rules, they would be picking two extra players in the ODI squad.

Although new faces are not immediately expected with the selectors keen on continuity from the Zimbabwe series, there’s no denying that the powers-that-be will be looking forward to blooding some youngsters while keeping the 2023 ODI World Cup as the immediate goal.

Abedin thus highlighted that he was impressed with some of the younger players in the recently-concluded Bangabandhu T20 Cup, many of whom were also part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s High Performance programme for 2020.

“As the training begins on January 7, we will announce the preliminary squad early next month,” Abedin said. “Keeping the pandemic in mind, we will be picking a 17-man squad for the ODI series. It is difficult to get in and out of the bio-bubble, so we have to be prepared. It

would be difficult to pick players from a T20 tournament into the ODI set-up, but it is also true that the local players got to play T20s after a long time – [and] some of them for the first time. They played fearlessly. The HP [High Performance] players did well in these tournaments.

We have the programme set in place to understand better who will play in which format.”

After the postponement of the High Performance unit’s tour to Sri Lanka in September, they finally got together to hold a camp from October to November. Toby Radford, the new Head Coach who succeeded Simon Helmot at the High Performance setup, focused on helping the batsmen understand shot selection, especially against the red ball. At the same time, he also found several pace bowlers coming through the ranks, some of whom had impressed him at the BCB President’s Cup held this October.

Shortly after the High Performance unit’s first training camp ended in November, Radford said that there were a couple of players who could make the step up, while others required more work.

“There are some players who are a ready product, who can play in an international team tomorrow,” he said. “There are a couple of other younger players who have all the attributes to play international cricket, but they may need to get stronger, fitter or tactically a bit more aware.

One or two may need a bit of tech-

nical work. We hoped to achieve a good balance of technical and tactical work on the three different formats.”

“Obviously, I think having fast bowlers available is going to be a big thing for us. [We’re] making sure we cover ourselves with some quality back-up in that department not just for the home series, but also for the away series.”

Radford was also keen to get players fully ready for the top level, that too for varied overseas conditions and not just at home. “There also has to be gaps in the team as well. If the team is performing, it is difficult to get in whether the players are ready or not.

I have seen some players who stood out for me. They have to keep improving, but they need the opportunity.”

“But there are a couple of things for me,” he said. “One, you don’t want players to go in before they are ready. The second point is that it is not about only doing well in Bangladesh, it is about performing in other parts of the world – like England, Australia or South Africa.

I am trying to develop their technical and tactical play good enough for wherever they play.”

Bangladesh Head Coach Russell Domingo, however, said they have ample cover for the ODI squad to face West Indies, which will be the first time that Shakib Al Hasan will be named in the national team following the expiry of his ban. Their ODI squad to face Zimbabwe earlier this year had also included both Mehidy Hasan and Afif Hossain

as all-round cover – considering Mehidy is a handy lower-order batsman while Hossain bowls occasional off-spin – but Domingo put emphasis in having more fast bowlers around the squad.

“We have got a few guys who can double up as all-rounders,” Domingo said. “The spinners can offer something with the bat, so I don’t think there’s too much of an issue having [batting] cover. Obviously, I think having fast bowlers available is going to be a big thing for us. [We’re] making sure we cover ourselves with some quality back-up in that department not just for the home series, but also for the away series.”

Domingo also pointed out that a few young cricketers stood out during the televised Bangabandhu Cup, but echoed Radford in saying that they must be fully prepared for the highest level.

“There’s obviously been some good performances in T20 cricket,” he said. “Guys like Shoriful [Islam] have done well. [Parvez Hossain] Emon got a good hundred [for Barishal against Rajshahi], but there’s a big difference between a domestic T20 competition and ODI or Test cricket.

“So whilst there are some talented young players around, it is important that they are given time to develop their game, so that when they do come into the international game, they are ready to perform and able to hold their own against high-quality sides.” (ESPNcricinfo)

Pollard to lead Red Force in Super50 Cup K

ieron Pollard will lead the TT Red Force senior men’s cricketers in the Regional Super50 Cup, which will be played from February 4 to 27 in Antigua and Barbuda.

“We need to build our camaraderie and give our best effort as a team to achieve success in the Super50 Cup,” said Pollard.

The TT Cricket Board media release on Sunday finalised the management team of the national cricket squad following the recent naming of David Furlonge and Sebastian Edwards as Coach and Manager respectively.

Pollard is the current white-ball Captain of the West Indies team, which recently completed a short tour of New Zealand.

He also successfully skippered the Trinbago Knight Riders to victory in the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September and was an integral member of the Mumbai Indians who captured the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in the United Arab Emirates in November.

Under Pollard’s inspirational leadership, the Red Force, which are likely to comprise its top players, many of whom are back home after representing the West Indies

overseas, will be highly favoured to lift the regional championship.

On Sunday, responding to being named Captain, Pollard said it was an honour and a privilege to lead the national team, but bringing home the coveted Super50 silverware was just one part of his objective.

He is hoping that the younger players in the squad will relish the opportunity to step up their game and thrust themselves into contention for regional selection, which he said should be the highlight of their cricket career.

Pollard expressed confidence in Red Force Coach Furlonge, who he said has established himself over the years at champion club Queen’s Park, while manager Edwards, President of the Merry Boys Cricket Club also brings excellent credentials to his new portfolio. (Trinidad Guardian)

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Hemraj emerges as leading runscorer in US T20 Open

23

…looks to showcase his form in Regional Super50

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he US T20 Open has come and gone, with the Atlanta Param Veers declared the champions over the 22 Yards Sultans.

However, when all is done and dusted, Guyana’s very own Chandrapaul Hemraj, who represented the Somerset Cavaliers, will still have something to look back on as he dominated the batting charts with much ease.

The Somerset Cavaliers were

two-time defending champions, and this year they had a dream run as they won all three of their preliminary matches comfortably. This was thanks to the top-order batting of Hemraj.

However, in the semi-finals, they bowed out to the 22 Yards Sultans. Despite losing their title, they still were an exceptional team.

In a total of four matches, Hemraj produced scores of 10, 43, 87 and 50 for a total of 190 runs.

This earned him the award of the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

He was able to score at a healthy strike rate of 163.79 and had a batting average of 63.33. As of recent, he has also proven his worth with the ball and picked up a couple of wickets as well, producing best figures of 2-10.

Hemraj bowled a total of 5 overs in the tournament at a bowling average of 10.00 and an economy rate of 4 runs per over and a strike rate of 15.00.

Windies batsmen are timid, says the “Master Blaster”, Sir Vivian Richards W

est Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards has described the current crop of Test batsmen as timid following the recently-concluded debacle in New Zealand where the team lost by an innings in each of the two Tests.

For two decades, Sir Vivian, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, destroyed bowling attacks across the globe, plundering 8540 runs in 121 Tests. The nature of his dominance was such that he once held the world record for the fastest-ever Test century, getting to the hallowed milestone from just 56 balls. It is against this background that his criticism of the current crop of West Indies batsmen is seen as being telling.

During the recent tour of New Zealand, the West Indies batsmen were harried and bullied by the pace and bounce of Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson, and Tim Southee, who between them took 38 wickets.

In the first Test at Hamilton, batting first on a green wicket, New Zealand made 519 for 7 declared, with Captain Kane Williamson getting 251 runs. In reply, the West Indies could only manage 138 and following on, 247, losing by an innings and 134 runs.

It was a similar situation in the second Test at

Wellington where after New Zealand made 460 all out, they reduced the West Indies to 131, and following on, 317, losing by an innings and 12 runs.

Of note, is that no West Indies batsman in four innings cumulatively managed to score more runs than Williamson’s score in the first Test.

Jermaine Blackwood, who scored a century and a half century over the two Tests, came closest with 216 runs.

Richards, in a recent interview with the Antigua Observer, said the West Indies batsmen were not able to withstand the hostility of the home team’s bowlers.

“We are struggling to play the short ball, and we look like the individuals we used to deal with. We are looking very timid and West Indians, over the years, have always been part of that destructive force when it comes to playing fast bowling,” said Sir Vivian.

“There are certain improvements in the team, but we are seeing it in bits and pieces and we are not seeing those pieces being out together, we are not seeing that.”

Richards said it was becoming hard to watch the West Indies play under the current state of affairs. (Sportsmax)

In an interview with Guyana Times, when asked his thoughts on the tournament, Hemraj said, “I was able to receive the award of most runs in the tournament.

I think the tournament was more competitive than last year, as this year there was a lot of international cricketers from various parts of the world. My main focus is the Regional Super50 in February and I’m really looking forward to it based on my current form. I believe that once I stay

consistent and disciplined, I will play back for the West Indies.”

Hemraj noted that while the Cavaliers could not defend their title in the end, that was cricket, as sometimes you do get that off-day. Nevertheless, he relayed that the team had a good tournament despite not being able to defend the title.

Hemraj concluded by wishing everyone a happy holiday in Guyana and saying he was praying that everyone stayed safe.

Ali Khan gets major prize from Maq Group

U

SA fast bowler Muhammad Ali Khan was gifted 1.5 acres of land near Disney World Florida by Maq Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mahammad Qureshi for being the best of the bowlers at the 2020 US Open T20 tournament at the Central Broward Regional Park in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale.

Qureshi made the presentation of the documents for the land during the mid-innings break of the final between Atlanta Param Veers and 22 Yards. Ali Khan is a product of the US Open T20 tournament and for quite a while, Qureshi has taken a keen interest in the Kolkata Knight Riders player.

Ali Khan got his big break because of Qureshi when the successful Boca Raton businessman brought in Dwayne Bravo a couple seasons ago to play alongside Ali Khan for the US All Stars. It was here that Bravo saw the potential in Ali Khan and he took him to play for the Trinbago Knight Riders and the rest is history.

Ali Khan was given the award because he was the fastest and best bowler of the tournament. During the semi-finals, he returned figures of 4-25 playing for the US All Stars.

The 1.5 acres of land are in Orange County.

According to Qureshi: “Ali was the fastest and best bowler at this year’s tournament and as CEO of the Maq Group, I decided to reward him for his great effort. He has been with us at the US Open all these years and has helped to build our cricket. We are very happy to give him this award and we wish him all the best in the future.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Ali Khan gets major prize from Maq Group Pg 23

Hemraj emerges as leading runscorer in US T20 Open Pg 23

Windies batsmen are timid, says the “Master Blaster”, Sir Vivian Richards Pg 23

…looks to showcase his form in Regional Super50

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