Guyana Times --Wednesday, December 23, 2020

P20 GPL’s damaged 69kV submarine cable fixed

– stable power expected for Christmas season – PM Phillips Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4508

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

PRICE

"Dream Realised" initiative

Over 1500 house lots to be allocated in Region 3 over 2-day event See story on page 13

…PM says Govt committed to “affordable” homeownership

Demerara Bank opens new branch at Mahaica

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Man arraigned for murder of colleague P19

Granger tries to paper over rift with Hoyte’s P18 memory

– President Ali promises to continue creating enabling environment

“Hot Skull” slapped with 43year jail sentence for murder of P8 footballer

Page 3 President Dr Irfaan Ali is flanked by Demerara Bank Chairman Yesu Persaud and Chandra Gajraj as he cuts the ribbon to open the spanking new facility at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday. Also in photo are the Bank’s CEO, Pravinchandra Dave; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and other dignitaries

US$9M in additional works for CJIA, at contractor's expense

OLPF initiative to be re-introduced in 2021 – P20 President Ali

Page 10

Uitvlugt man Page killed by 2 speeding car while attempting to cross road

Retired Anglican priest found murdered in home

Page 19

Guyana records 160th COVID-19 death, 45 new P17 cases in 24h – cases continue to spike in Region 10

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Uitvlugt man killed by speeding car while attempting to cross road

J

ust days before Christmas, a family was sent into a state of mourning after a 55-yearold man was struck down and killed by a speeding car along the Stewartville Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Fifty-five-year-old Rajendra Doodnauth of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, was reportedly dragged some distance after the collision and died hours after while receiving medical attention on Monday.

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 10:40h, the motor car was proceeding east along the northern side of the road, reportedly at a fast rate as the now dead pedal cyclist was heading in the same direction.

Doodnauth reportedly came off his bicycle and attempted to cross the road when the front of the motor car came into contact with him.

As a result of the impact, he was flung onto the front window screen of the vehicle, and landed onto

Dead: Rajendra Doodnauth

the road’s surface where he was dragged some distance before the vehicle came to a halt.

He received injuries about his body and was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty but he subsequently died.

Devindra Doodnauth, son of the dead man told Guyana Times on Tuesday that he was at work when he received the dreaded news. As he rushed to the scene, his injured father was already at the hospital with a relative. The son noted that his father died shortly after arriving at the medical facility.

“I was at work and I get a call at around quarter to 11 that my father get into an accident. When I leave work and go out there, the ambulance already gone with he.

So, I go to the Cottage Hospital and they didn’t let me go in to see him.

My cousin was inside with him and couple minutes after, she come out and say holler that he passed away,” the son recalled.

This publication was told that the deceased was a former employee at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate but left the job some time ago. Since then, he remained unemployed. At the time of the accident, he was allegedly out purchasing something

The area where Doodnauth was struck down and dragged by the motor car

for an acquaintance.

“Somebody send he out to buy something cause he went on the other side of the road and was coming over. Maybe the car hit him while coming from Parika. The car hit him and drag him according to the Police. When they measure, was about 90 feet they drag him. It

was a distance.”

Meanwhile, his body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination while the 41-year-old driver of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, was taken into custody and is assisting with the investigation.

(Rupa Seenaraine)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, December 23 – 00:30h – 02:00h and 11:00h – 12:30h and Thursday, December 24 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 12:00h – 13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, December 23 – 11:30h – 13:00h and Thursday, December 24 – 12:45h – 14:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers will prevail during the day.

There will be light cloud during the night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 11:29h and 23:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 metres and 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 17:29h reaching a minimum height of 1.05 metre.

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Demerara Bank opens new branch at Mahaica

– President Ali promises to continue creating enabling environment

D

emerara Bank Limited on Tuesday opened its 8th local branch, this time at Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), with President Dr Irfaan Ali lauding the bank for the initiative while at the same time assuring that the Government will continue creating an enabling environment.

The branch, which constitutes a $500 million investment, was opened with the President, who had just come from a trip in Region Eight, in attendance. In his address to the gathering, Ali spoke of how committed the Government is to partner with the Private Sector to ensure that economic expansion continues.

“I want to assure you in the banking sector that we are going to work aggressively on creating an environment that is conducive for growth, creating opportunities for economic expansion. But we are not going to enter the business of generating wealth from that creation. That is for the Private Sector. Rest assured you have a Government that is ready and willing to work with you.”

It was pointed out by the President that at a time when banks are shutting down throughout the world, the opening of one is a testament to the confidence the bank has in Guyana’s economy. More so, he lauded the specific choice to open a bank in Mahaica, which is an important agricultural belt.

“Maybe, the greatest benefit of establishing a presence here, is that you have derisked the area. And a lot of this will have to take place.

De-risking of important economic zones. And Government must be able to support this.

And that is why I thought it necessary and important to be here,” President Ali said.

Also in attendance was Senior Minister within the Office of the Presidency with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. In his address to the gathering, Singh urged the bank to be innovative and seek to bring in new customers who may be sceptical about the financial sector.

According to the Minister, more efforts must be made to make the overall banking sector friendlier and more welcoming to customers, especially those with bankable proposals and ideas who are seeking business loans.

“While we applaud the remarkable expansion

The new Demerara Bank branch at Mahaica

that Demerara Bank has achieved… it is extremely important for the financial sector and for all of us, to constantly seek out new opportunities in an aggressive way, new ways in which we can innovate, new avenues to which we can expand. I would urge you to seek out aggressively, new and exciting opportunities to lend, to expand your operations.”

“Gone are the days when customers have to leave Mahaica to go to the Georgetown bank branch. But we want to get to the point where ultimately gone are the days when they even have to physically leave their homes,

or their chair, to execute bank transactions,” the Finance Minister explained.

In his address to the gathering, Demerara Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Pravinchandra Dave explained that the bank is powered by solar energy and that the total investment into the bank comes up to $500 million- inclusive of $308 million for the building and $62 million for the solar energy.

“Our purpose of coming to Mahaica is to serve the farmers and the entrepreneurs.

Before officially opening the branch, we have already opened 1020 accounts… to-

morrow those customers can come and do their transactions.”

Demerara Bank Chairman and local business stalwart Dr Yesu Persaud reflected on the strides that the bank has made since it opened its first branch in 1994. He noted that it took the entrance of the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) into Government in 1992 for the bank to move forward.

“This bank was supposed to be in the ’70s, but every time I applied for a licence, no answer. And that continued until (1992) when (former President Dr Cheddi) Jagan came into power. And the two of us had discussions and when it was announced that Demerara Bank would be the new bank, it was jubilation.

And what we have done, now we have eight branches.”

It was only last month that notwithstanding a year of challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Demerara Bank was able to record $2.2 billion in profits for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. It also paid out its highest dividend.

4

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 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

Realising dreams

S

ince the PPP/C Government was returned to office in August this year, it has hit the ground running, with many of the development plans it had outlined in its manifesto being implemented. Housing has been one of the areas in which the PPP/C has scored very big, as the dreams of ordinary Guyanese, to have their own homes, are becoming a reality.

The Housing Ministry has commenced a series of outreaches across the country in a programme dubbed “Dream Realised”, the latest of which was held on Tuesday at Leonora. The Dream Realised initiative is the brainchild of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. It has been reported that approximately 3500 house lots have already been distributed. From the reaction of the public towards this initiative, it is clear that the demand for house lots is great, and much more would have to be done by the authorities to meet this demand.

During the opening of the event on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Phillips outlined that providing affordable housing for the Guyanese people is high on the Government’s agenda. The two-day exercise at Leonora will see a total of 1500 house lots being delivered by the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority.

The Government’s ambitious housing plan includes the distribution of at least 50,000 house lots within its first term in office. It could be recalled that, prior to 1992, this level of optimism among young people, and citizens in general, to own their own homes, was unheard of, as it was very difficult to acquire a plot of land. In addition to having to deal with a very difficult bureaucracy, there was simply a lack of vision on the part of the then PNC Government in relation to housing development. It was the same situation during the APNU/AFC tenure in Government, from May 2015 to August 2020.

This has now been changed, as the present administration’s policies on housing development make it much easier for one to own their own home. The transformation currently being experienced in the housing sector is one that every Guyanese citizen can boast of. In fact, nowhere else in the Caricom region is this level of development being experienced in housing.

Most would agree that while there were tremendous achievements made in the areas of education, health care delivery, improvement in social services etc, the gains made in Guyana’s housing sector have surpassed all others. Under the PPP/C Administration, thousands of Guyanese families have received house lots across the country. A number of new housing schemes have been (and are being) developed.

On those areas developed, the Government has spent huge amounts of money for infrastructural works. In fact, these house lots that are being awarded are highly subsidised, as Government’s intention is to ensure that lands are made available for every single category of individual.

Prior to the PPP/C Government being changed in 2015, it had hosted a number of “One Stop Shops” wherein persons’ applications for house lots were fast-tracked. This served to cut through all the ‘red tape’ that one faces when an application for a plot of land is made. Also, the criteria for land ownership were greatly relaxed. Further, the banks had made it easier for persons to access loans for construction. Prior to the housing boom, one had to satisfy a number of criteria before one could have accessed a loan to build a house. Today this has changed, as the banks offer loans at very affordable interest rates to low- and moderate-income earners. This was as a result of the Public-Private Partnership developed between the Government and the commercial banks, to make it easier for persons to own their own homes.

Every Guyanese desires to become a home-owner, and we are pleased that the Government is making the necessary investments in the housing sector to make this a reality. The vision for housing development in this country is indeed extraordinary, and commendations must go to the key players – the Government and the Private Sector – for helping to transform the lives of thousands of Guyanese citizens.

Certainly, there are many challenges to overcome, as there are quite a number of applicants who are still awaiting word from the Ministry in regard to the status of their applications.

The Government is on the right track with the “Dream Realised” initiative, which we believe would serve to eliminate the bureaucracy that citizens are forced to endure in acquiring a house lot.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Tuesday received a donation of medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China/Sixteenth Chinese Medical Brigade. In photo, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony receiving the donation on behalf of the medical facility from Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Cui Jianchun

Dr Ramcharran has no experience in ICJ practice Dear Editor, We have read, with considerable surprise, the article written by Dr Bertrand Ramcharran which appeared in Stabroek News.

This is all the more so, having known Dr Ramcharran for many years. He has expertise and experience in many areas, but the practice of the International Court of Justice is not, as far as we are aware, one of them.

The Court was faced with a novel situation, in which its jurisdiction was premised on a decision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Court has ruled, by a large majority, that ‘it has jurisdiction to entertain the Application filed by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on 29 March 2018 in so far as it concerns the validity of the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land bound-

ary dispute between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’.

The ruling follows the careful and considered approach of the Court, as reflected in its practise. The Court has expressed no view on whether there is, or is not, a land boundary dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. Rather, it has decided to exercise jurisdiction on the question of whether such a dispute has been subject to a “definitive settlement”, a question that turns on the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899.

That, according to last week’s careful Court judgment, is the definitive issue.

Quite how that approach may be said to be “reckless” is unclear, and it may be that, on carefully re-reading it, Dr Ramcharran will come to a clearer understanding of what it has actually said.

Having between us prac-

tised before the Court for more than six decades, the judgment appears to us to be reasonable in its approach, and one that is entirely favourable to Guyana.

For over 50 years, since the signing of the Geneva Agreement in 1966, and pursuant to its procedures, Guyana has been hoping to obtain a final and binding judgment from the Court on the validity of the 1899 Award and the resulting land boundary. Finally, as a result of its perseverance and diplomatic skill, it obtained from the United Nations SecretaryGeneral, in January 2018, authorisation to take the matter to the ICJ. Two months later, Guyana filed its case with the Court. Venezuela immediately objected, contending that the Court lacked jurisdiction to consider the validity of the 1899 Award or the land boundary.

Guyana gave us the hon-

our, under the leadership of Hon. Carl Greenidge and Sir Shridath Ramphal, and accompanied by a team of distinguished international lawyers, to argue the jurisdictional issues on its behalf. The Court's decision of 18 December is a historic victory for Guyana.

It gives Guyana exactly what it has been seeking since independence in 1966, an opportunity to obtain a final and binding judgment from the world's highest court on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, and the boundary that was fixed in accordance with it; and to confirm Guyana's exclusive and undisputed sovereignty over the entire Essequibo Region.

Sincerely, Paul Reichler, Foley Hoag LLP, Washington DC Professor Philippe Sands, QC, London

GECOM is challenged to discharge its duty Dear Editor, The Private Sector Commission’s call on GECOM to take appropriate disciplinary action against any staff of GECOM who commits misconduct in the execution of her/his contractual and legal obligations and duties, thereby cleansing its Secretariat, must be highly commended.

This call is long overdue and has widespread national support with the clear understanding that criminal prosecution for wrongdoing must be perused in the courts - High Court, and if necessary, in the Court of Appeal and the CCJ, while simultaneously applying employment sanctions.

GECOM cannot hide be-

hind criminal charges being prosecuted in the courts; that is indeed separate and apart for from personnel management and work discipline.

The letter of Joshua Singh published in three of the daily newspapers on December 21, 2020, under the title: “Is GECOM in gross dereliction of duty for not taking disciplinary action” sets out clearly the legal and contractual position in dealing with personnel management and discipline of staff for gross misconduct, and for good and sufficient cause. Singh sets out, clearly, the conduct on the job that constitutes justification for decisive and prompt disciplinary action

by GECOM in the following words: “Good and sufficient cause include refusal to carry out lawful instructions on a timely basis, providing fictitious and fraudulent information and reports to the employing authority, misconduct, inefficiency, dilatory tactics, insubordination, and unprofessional conduct and behaviour in the execution of contractual and statutory duties.”

Joshua Singh must be applauded for reminding GECOM (with lawyers on the Commission) of its management responsibility, and to wake up from its long slumber. As stated by the PSC’s statement, the removal of those who commit-

ted contractual employment breaches must be removed to build public confidence, impartial independence, integrity and professionalism of the remaining and new staff. They must resist any undue political and other influences to direct their legal and professional obligations and service the nation, given the long history of political interference of the electoral processes.

GECOM, please act promptly and restore righteousness in our electoral system for the good, and in the national interest, and redeem this nation from international shame.

Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC goes to court to challenge appointments of Parliamentary Secretaries

O

ver three months after the appointment by the Government of two Parliamentary Secretaries, the parliamentary Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) has gone to court to challenge the legality of the appointments.

The two Parliamentary Secretaries, Vickash Ramkissoon and Sarah Brown, were appointed back in September to assist various Ministers. But APNU/AFC contends that the two were candidates on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) list and thus, cannot serve as Parliamentary Secretaries.

It is understood that APNU/ AFC wants the High Court to issue an order directing Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir to prevent the two from sitting in the National Assembly as Parliamentary Secretaries.

The appointment of the Parliamentary Secretaries was made on September 15, which was day two of the budget debates.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Brown, who was the Region One Vice Chairman, was appointed to assist Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai while Ramkissoon was appointed to assist Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in discharging his duties.

At the time, this publication had interviewed Government Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail

Teixeira, who had explained what the appointments mean and the fact that they are not a breach of the Constitution but rather, provided for in the constitutional reform process.

Joseph Hamilton, who is the current Minister of Labour, is a former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health. Sukhai, on the other hand, previously served as a Parliamentary Secretary in the very Ministry she now heads.

“After the constitutional reforms we went through in 2009, it provides for four technocrat Ministers and two parliamentary secretaries. The parliamentary secretaries can be appointed from MP’s who are elected or persons who are eligible to be MPs. So, you can have an MP who is a Parliamentary Secretary and one who is not.”

“The ones that are not elected MPs, they are allowed to sit in Parliament, speak but not vote.

So, in the past (Minister Sukhai) was an MP and a Parliamentary

Parliamentary Secretary Sarah Brown

Parliamentary Secretary Vickash Ramkissoon

Secretary and (now Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton) was an MP and a Parliamentary Secretary,” Minister Teixeira had explained.

This latest court action comes on the heels of a previous court case the Opposition filed, challenging the appointment of current Minister of Tourism, Industry and Trade Oneidge Walrond.

In that instance, it had been conceded that Walrond’s status as a dual citizen when she accepted the post of Member of Parliament put her at odds with the Constitution. Attorney General Anil Nandlall had informed the court that Walrond would be taking a new oath as an unelected Member of Parliament at the next sitting of the National Assembly.

We must work on a new and reconstituted GECOM

Dear Editor, GECOM is a constitutional body set up to conduct the affairs of the State as it relates to elections in Guyana. It is the only body mandated to conduct elections, that is, General and Regional Elections, in this country. In that regard, it is accountable by law to hold elections that are clean and flawless; elections which are acceptable by international standards; these are the basic requirements of that body.

It is also an autonomous body, which means that it is free, or should I say, should be free of all political interference as it relates to

those elections that come under the scope of its purview. Therefore, it is of tremendous importance that we view the workings of the elections commission, no more no less.

Now, I would like us to focus our attention on the functioning of the elections commission as an agency of transparency, accountability and one that is free from the stinking and debilitating odour of politics. We are all well aware of what transpired during the last election where an entire nation was held hostage by the partisan politics and rigging plans of the PNCled coalition, it was their

intention to bully their way through to an illegal win.

At the heart of that illegal mission was a Commission with a compromised staff of PNC party hacks, coupled with a Chairwoman who was very sympathetic to their cause.

They knowingly were part of a plan hatched to derail an election process to suit their own ends.

That was only stopped by the expert legal team set up by the PPP/C and bruising court proceedings that insisted that the Commission adhere to the dictates of the law. Even the courts had the most difficult of times trying to dislodge the rig-

ging cabal who were well entrenched in their ways, it took firm action from the international community in imposing tough sanctions to the defaulters, only then did they relent. We do not want to live through that trauma again, hence we clamour for change.

We want a change and change will only come when we have a reconstituted and unbiased Commission to look after our affairs. As it stands, the Commission has a core membership of seven persons; three members from the Government side, another three members representing the Opposition and a Chairman. With the

Let’s pray for a healing and reconciliation process during Christmas

Dear Editor, There is no doubt musicians have contributed a healthy number of songs related to every season and Christmas is of course included. A certain category of songs is not limited to a certain period only.

These songs, particularly for this season of the year, Christmas, are timeless; not limited for a moment in history, but will forever be.

Shakespeare summed up, after he may have listened to some of these by saying, "If music is the food of love, play on." And songs of Christmas will continue to play on because it is in fact a season of love.

If I'm not mistaken, the songs have a unifying effect on the national community as a whole, be it city, town, district or village. At least for a moment in history, it

is always good to see families, friends, loved ones, colleagues in whatever profession, even bitter enemies, use this season to mend broken relationships, to build new bridges. This, it is said, can have a cascading effect so our nation can cross the rivers of disappointments, doubts and differences, which I know everyone is praying for.

Yes, the spirit of Christmas is not about what one can buy to wear, or eat, or drink for one season only; it is about the love that marks the occasion that can bring lasting peace for the good of all, for all times, unto all generations.

While Shakespeare declared that music is the food of love, I think he essentially meant the kind of music that must be in our hearts for us to commit ourselves,

individually, too.

That is, to foster love, unity and peace around us.

Should we play the wrong type of music, ie, adopting the wrong attitudes towards others, thereby creating suspicion in our fellow human beings, it will be entirely against the spirit of Christmas.

When we as a nation celebrate Christmas this year in whatever way it is done, let us pray for our en-

tire Guyanese nation, let us pray for a healing and reconciliation process, for love to be achieved. Let's pray for the leaders of our country so our country can go, glow and grow.

Let us proclaim it from the mountain tops: He has come to bring "peace on earth, goodwill to all men."

A merry Christmas to all.

Sincerely, Joseph C Atkinson

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advent of the other political parties, there is now room for the inclusion of another member to represent them.

Now, a member representing the smaller parties would show a Commission of eight members - inclusive of the Chairwoman. A Commission of eight members means that we are going to see a playback of the rigging cabal spinning their mindless yarn once again.

To counter such an anomaly lifting its ugly head, I would advocate that the eight members now sit together to nominate a neu-

tral ninth member. These nine members can now sit at Commission meetings and plan the way forward.

A new and reconstituted Commission is the first step in the right direction in ensuring that a proper balance exists in the electoral college of the Commission.

This will make us feel safe to proceed in an environment where the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections would be the hallmark.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

T

o realise the Brahman through continuous meditation on Brahman is not an enjoyable path for all to take. This was why spiritual teachers like Ramanuja favoured the path of devotion.

They experienced themselves the bliss flowing from the love of God and propagated the love principle as the easiest means to experience the Divine. There have been teachers who have emphasised the Karma Marga (the path of action), the Jnana Marga (the path of knowledge), the different types of yoga or other means to realise the Divine. But the common undercurrent that flows through all of them is the path of Bhakti - the path of Divine love. This is accepted by all of them. Love must expand from the individual to the whole universe. Love is God. The universe is permeated

by God. To see God in everything, to love everything as a manifestation of God and to offer everything to God as an offering of love - this is the way of love! (Divine Discourse, Jan 19, 1986)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Page

Foundation

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN Christmas wreath

Glittering popsicle stick Christmas trees

Supplies needed: Dried small branches shaped into a wreath form Snowflake ornaments Ball ornaments (use any colour you like) Greenery Red berries White snow accents Silver accents Wire cutters Hot glue gun and hot glue Ribbon

Here’s what you’ll need: Coloured popsicle sticks Foam sticker stars Sticker rhinestones Twine Glue gun Utility knife

Instructions: Start out by cutting pieces of your greenery up and sticking them throughout the wreath in some places. Then add other accents from there.

Figure out where on your Christmas wreath you would like to put your main ornaments.

Once you have a general feel for where you want things placed, begin hot gluing them in place.

Then, begin adding your ball ornaments. Be careful here to make sure you get a good balance in what you are doing. You don’t want to totally overdo it but you want to make sure it looks fairly full. Make sure you’ve got greenery and berries and other accents showing through here and there.

As you make your wreath, continually take a step back and look at it to see where it might need more of something and add it in as needed.

When you feel like you’ve got it how you want it, add your ribbon to the top so that you can hang it.

1) Obtuse Angle 2) Right Angle 3) Acute Angle 4) Complementary angles: they form a right angle 5) Supplementary angles: they form a line and add up to180 degrees 6) Complementary angles: they form a right angle 7) Equilateral triangle 8) Isosceles triangle 9) Scalene triangle

Instructions These popsicle stick Christmas trees are so easy to make and they’re so beautiful!

Using a scrap piece of popsicle stick, maybe about 1/2-inch long, add a generous glob of hot glue and sandwich a small piece of twine between the purple popsicle stick “trunk” and the small scrap.

Evenly space out all of your popsicle stick pieces on the purple popsicle stick then use a glue gun to attach them to the “trunk”.

Now the moment you’ve been waiting for. Go crazy with those glittery sticker rhinestones and decorate your popsicle stick Christmas tree!

(Excerpted from crazylittleprojects. com and onelittleproject.com)

10) Scalene triangle 11) Equilateral triangle 12) Isosceles triangle 13) Obtuse triangle 14) Right-angled triangle 15) Acute triangle 16) First row: Trapezium, rectangle, kite, trapezium, rhombus Second row: Parallelogram, trapezium, parallelogram, rectangle, kite 17) A 18) DG

19) HF 20) AH, AF 21) Sphere: No bases, faces, edges or vertices 22) Square (a square is not a solid figure, a cube is a solid figure) 23) Square pyramid: 1 base, 5 faces, 8 edges and 5 vertices 24) Cone: 1 base, 1 face, 0 edges and 0 vertices 25) Prism: At least 5 bases, at least 5 faces, at least 9 edges and at least 6 vertices

A

n eagle sat high in the branches of a great oak.

She seemed very sad and drooping for an eagle.

A kite saw her.

“Why do you look so woebegone?” asked the kite.

“I want to get married,” replied the eagle, “and I can’t find a mate who can provide for me as I should like.”

“Take me,” said the kite; “I am very strong, stronger even than you!”

“Do you really think you can provide for me?” asked the eagle eagerly.

“Why, of course,” replied the kite. “That would be a very simple matter. I am so strong I can carry away an ostrich in my talons as if it were a feather!”

The eagle accepted the kite immediately. But after the wedding, when the kite flew away to find something to eat for his bride, all he had when he returned, was a tiny mouse.

“Is that the ostrich you talked about?” said the eagle in disgust.

“To win you I would have said and promised anything,” replied the kite.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Hot Skull” slapped with 43-year jail sentence for murder of footballer

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wenty-eight-year-old Alvin Jones also called “Hot Skull”, who was found guilty of the 2017 murder of amateur footballer Paul Daniels, was slapped with a 43-year prison sentence

by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry.

Jones, of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, had pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in early December.

However, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, a 12-member jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating. After the verdict was read, the murder accused’s attorney, Stanley Moore, requested a probation report before his client is sentenced, which is set for December 22.

During the trial, several witnesses testified, including Police ranks. The State was represented by Prosecutor Shawnette Austin.

Alvin Jones, also called “Hot Skull”, making his way out of the courtroom

It was reported that during a robbery on February 2, 2017, at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown,

Jones murdered Daniels.

Reports are that on the day in question, Daniels was at his girlfriend’s house when two armed men entered the house and relieved him of his gold chain and an undisclosed sum of cash.

As the men were escaping, Daniels reportedly attempted to chase after them, but instead, he was shot to the chest after which the men left on two separate bicycles.

Daniels was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Following Police investigations and information received, Jones was arrested and charged for the murder.

A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was held into the fatal shooting during which the prosecution presented sufficient evidence against Jones to warrant a High Court trial.

Disputations…

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…on next year ere we are, on the third day of Christmas, and while we don’t know what our “true love” brought us, we certainly know what fate will bring us. There will be many and great disputations as we gather around the Christmas Table, bereft of our masks and social distancing!

How many? Let us count a few. The first one will be on whether there’s actually any virus to worry about.

Yup! You’d be surprised at how many of our revellers this Friday think this whole COVID-19 pandemic is a tempest in a teacup!

Now, don’t call them “crazy”. After all, you can’t actually SEE the virus, while there’s almost half of Guyana who SAW Mingo doing his thing with that dirty bedsheet, but insist that’s just the PPP throwing shade at the PNC! And we don’t call THEM crazy - just “PNC supporters”!!

Another wrangling will be about when are we actually get our vaccines? We hear it’s gonna be “next year”; but WHEN in next year, and in what order will be getting our shots? The elderly? The healthcare workers?

The FRONTLINE healthcare workers? The rich and connected? Then who’ll take the vaccine? Is it halal?

Is it another ploy by “the man” to use black and brown folks as guinea pigs?

And this conspiracy “perspective” will segue us right into the biggest disputation of them all - the election petitions that’ll be heard by the Court starting next January. Disputations will be most febrile on this one, since the stakes are so humongous. Here you have the PNC staring in the face of not just confirmation of their defeat at the polls, but OBLIVION after the PPP’s blitzkrieg since Aug 2! What’ll make the invectives fly more “fast and furious” will be dawning realisation by PNC supporters that Granger has given them basket to fetch water by imposing Harmon as their Opposition Leader!

Another hot topic - which might even cause fists to fly - will be whether we should allow “all these furriners” to enter our country and remain here. Why this is gonna be so contentious is because we’re already seeing that rationality goes through the window on this one, since there are in play motives other than what’s good for our country. And to be blunt about it - as with the argument over the “Case of the Disappearing Haitians” - the heat’s being generated by politics. Will the Haitians perform the task “small islanders” did for Eric Williams and his PNM over in Trinidad, to help them secure office for thirty years?

Sadly, there will be no disputation on the effect the pandemic will have on work, play, and relationships in the coming years.

We Guyanese don’t look beyond our fists! …on the border controversy As a kid growing up in a very grounded neighbourhood, your Eyewitness was often advised to look carefully at how rum bottles were stacked on the shelves. “Lil” bottles were never ever on the same shelf with “big” bottles. The lesson, of course, was that we shouldn’t involve ourselves in situations wherein we simply don’t measure up. Your Eyewitness hopes that some of the local interlocutors entering the disputations following the ICJ’s decision that it has jurisdiction to hear our submission that the 1899 Arbitral Award on our border with Venezuela is valid will heed the advice.

International Law is a very specialised body of law, and there aren’t too many experts in that field in Guyana right now. It’s for good reason that both the PNC and PPP-led Governments have gone to the World Court with the few locals who were around for decades dealing with the matter - Ramphal and Greenidge, for instance - but also with very high-priced foreign experts.

This isn’t the time for armchair experts. …on seabobs A staple of your (humble) Eyewitness’s diet is what he knows as “fine shrimp”, or “white belly”, and “coarse shrimp”, or “seabob”.

All he demands - after the “gillbacka” debacle - is that the supply better not be depleted!

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

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US$9M in additional works for CJIA, at contractor’s expense T

he Public Works Ministry on Tuesday entered into a new agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the further expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The new agreement, which is pegged at some US$9 million, was signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud and CHEC’s Project Manager, Liu Keliang.

A statement from the Ministry said that CHEC would solely bear the costs for the new works to be executed.

The new works will involve an extension of the Airport’s boarding corridor in order to accommodate two more passenger boarding bridges, providing the Airport with a total of six boarding bridges capable of servicing aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Dreamliner, the AirBus and similar trans-Atlantic aircraft.

It would also see the terminal building being extended to provide accommodation for additional commercial space such as food courts and duty-free

An aerial view of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Mike Charles photo)

shops. The extended building will feature a modern airport façade covering the full length of the departure terminal.

CHEC has further agreed to rectify and complete all outstanding remedial works within prescribed timelines.

It has been agreed that all works will be completed by December 31, 2021.

Just last month, CHEC submitted a revised work plan for the CJIA expansion project, but according to subject Minister, Juan Edghill, the revised work-

plan still did not meet the Public Works Ministry’s criteria. Edghill had explained it still lacked certain key components the Government wanted included. Among those components were the extension of the CJIA runway and an increase in capacity for eight standing aircraft.

Edghill questioned the efficacy of additional penalties against the contractor, which was previously slapped with penalties amounting to US$7000 for every day the project was

delayed.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had toured the CJIA expansion worksite back in September, and read the riot act to the contractor, consultants, and other officials.

Among his concerns had been the deviation from the terms agreed upon in what was a fixed-price US$138 million contract.

CHEC was, therefore, tasked with submitting a revised workplan that included the original design, such as facilities for eight air bridges, an extended runway, taxiways, and aprons with capacity for eight standing aircraft.

Additionally, it was expected that CHEC would make provision for the re-

construction, not renovation of the terminal building. It was also expected that the company would have submitted this work plan within five days of August 28.

The project was supposed to have been completed since December 31, 2018 under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, but has now been taken over by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, in an incomplete and downgraded state.

In fact, the Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration had settled for a denigrated design while paying more than the allocated US$150 million.

It was highlighted that the current coronavirus pandemic would not be used as an excuse, since the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) would facilitate a flight to have the China Harbour employees return to complete the works they had left pending.

Once the materials and human resources are present, construction can resume. The contracting firm has already been appraised via letters of the corrective or remedial works that need to be done.

When the coalition Government came into power in 2015, the project was

put on hold, but after discussions between former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and CHEC, it was later announced that the project would be continued, but a number of downgrades were done to the design.

Some US$138 million of the allocated costs was funded by the EXIM (Export-Import) Bank of China, while US$12 million was spent by the Guyana Government. It was not expected to surpass that sum, but Guyana had to stand additional expenses.

The CJIA, in its downgraded design expansion, has four less air passenger boarding bridges for arrivals and departures than the initial eight; a 450-seat departure area; escalators and elevators in addition to an incomplete extended runway, which was supposed to measure 400 and 690 metres at the respective ends.

An old terminal building that was marked for cargo was revamped, and only one of the new sections was built.

Meanwhile, a new apron that was supposed to support the additional four air bridges is non-existent.

There is also no space for enough duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals, and other facilities.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana could transform economically as regional arbitration hub – retired Belizean Judge

Justice (ret’d) Courtney Abel and Attorney General Anil Nandlall at a previous engagement

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ustice Courtney Abel, a retired Judge of the Belizean Supreme Court, believes that Guyana’s quest to establish itself as an arbitration centre for the Caribbean could significantly transform its economy.

The Guyana-born jurist, who now resides in the United Kingdom, led a virtual discussion on Monday evening on “Guyana – the next arbitration hub: The journey begins.” The webinar was a joint venture organised by the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Guyana Bar Association (GBA).

Justice Abel is experi-

enced in the field of arbitration and recently completed a similar successful major project in Belize. He is one of several consultants and experts who will guide Guyana’s journey towards becoming the arbitration hub of the Caribbean.

However, Justice Abel said arbitration is a special kind of arrangement, in which parties have autonomy and control. He noted that it provides a disciplined and orderly way in which Guyana’s transformation could take place.

“I have seen how the service industries such as arbitration can powerful-

ly and dramatically transform economies. I am saying that with the Government’s support and with the support of the Bar Association, the Supreme Court and the people, this system of arbitration will be the means by which the economy is transformed,” he told participants at the virtual event.

The retired Judge said Guyana’s recent ascent to a major oil-producing nation is among the reasons for the discussion on radical economic transformation. He further added that without a doubt, disputes arise frequently in the oil sector, and will also surface in Guyana.

“Disputes in oil and gas amount to very large numbers and they are expected to grow. They are between commercial companies, investors and States and between States. The subject matters include different issues including contracts, national statutes, international treaties et cetera. The issues raised are all complicated and highly specialised,” he noted.

Guyana is seeking to review the international treaty arrangements related to arbitration, and develop and upgrade the local laws, rules, practices and cultures relative to arbitration. It is also looking to develop training protocols and programmes to establish and maintain internation-

al standards of best arbitration practices and cultivate confidence in international investors that the country is a competent, gold standard arbitration venue.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall said

that Guyana is pursuing a model that could see it becoming the hub of arbitration in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The process will involve the modernisation of Guyana’s Arbitration Act, to address both domestic

and international arbitration. The AG said as Guyana emerges as a petroleum nation, it will attract a host of multinational companies.

Therefore, the country has to prepare its legal architecture to accommodate the new influx of investors.

Boat captain to stand trial for murder of father-in-law

Murder accused: George Vansluytman

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hirty-six-year-old George Vansluytman, a boat captain, was on Tuesday committed to stand trial before a jury for the murder of his 67-yearold father-in-law, Dennis Welcome.

He is expected to appear before a Judge and jury at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes after the Police presented sufficient evidence to the court during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The matter was heard

virtually by Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Port Kaituma Police Station, North West District (NWD).

Vansluytman was initially charged for the murder of his father-in-law when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He was not required to plead to the indictment which alleged that on July 28 at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, NWD, he murdered Dennis Welcome.

The suspect was unrepresented and was remanded to prison. The matter was subsequently transferred to the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court where a PI had commenced.

It was reported that on the day in question, at about 03:00h, Vansluytman was on a drinking spree and returned home highly intoxicated. While at home, he threatened to kill his wife by placing a spoon to her neck.

However, the woman’s father, who resides over the river, heard the argument between the couple and went to enquire. He reportedly intervened and stayed with his daughter until the break of day.

Nevertheless, at about 06:30h the following day, Welcome boarded his canoe and was returning home when his son-in-law drove another boat powered by an outboard engine and crashed into him.

The man fell into the river and disappeared. His lifeless body was later pulled.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

"Dream Realised" initiative

Over 1500 house lots to be allocated in Region 3 over 2-day event …PM says Govt committed to “affordable” homeownership

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he Housing and Water Ministry on Tuesday continued its “Dream Realised” housing drive, this time on the West Coast of Demerara where some 1500 land allocations will be made over a two-day event.

The initiative, which was rolled out through collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is designed to tackle persons who have been waiting for many years to acquire a house lot.

During the two-day event, residents of Region Three

assured that persons will be allocated lots in communities with full occupancy and proper amenities. Lots were allocated in Cornelia Ida, Stewartville, Anna Catherina and Meten-MeerZorg.

“We want to ensure that you are placed in communities that have full occupancy so that you have neighbours, so that there is a playground for your kids, that there is a school, health centre or hospital nearby, that there are supermarkets and shops so that regardless of which re-

Over 1500 lots will be distributed in Region Three

(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) stand to benefit.

At the Leonora Synthetic Track on Tuesday, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal told those gathered that this is setting the stage for a socioeconomic drive that will undoubtedly foster development in other coexisting sectors.

“Over the next two days, over 1500 persons are expected to benefit from allocations. I am pleased to share in this joy of moving a step closer to homeownership…

When our Government invest in the housing sector, there is a direct positive effect in job creation.

In the construction sector, even increased spending and a great demand for basic goods and services, adds in good things for small and medium scale businesses,” Croal highlighted.

Further, he stated, “We are, therefore, not only contributing directly to the public wellbeing and standard of living but we are also setting the stage of socio-economic drive that will increase wealth amongst our people.”

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues

gion you live, you’ll be able to access all these facilities,” Rodrigues noted.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who was present at the event, told the residents that the Government is focused on affordable housing and the provision of utility services in all areas.

Moreover, the PM said these activities are aiding to fulfil the commitments that were made during the campaign trail.

“Our Government will not just provide house lots and neglect you. We will provide infrastructure necessary for you to live comfortably. You will have the basics of running water, roads and electricity so that you and your families can live in dignity.

Your Government has been working and will continue to work for you,” the Prime Minister stated.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times caught up with Abdul Azad of Anna Catherina, who received an allocation after waiting for over 20 years. He was overjoyed at the news, noting that his family will start building their house immediately.

“I’m very, very happy to

have a lot in my village and I’m thanking the President a million times. I applied since 2000 and I’m very happy today to receive a lot…

We will start (building) very soon by the grace of God,” the 45-year-old shared.

Last Friday and Saturday, a similar drive was conducted in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and the target of some 2000 house lot allocations was reached. Most importantly, they were successful in clearing applications from the 1990s.

Rodrigues had told Guyana Times that they were able to assist those applicants who “fell through the cracks” and were waiting for years.

Nevertheless, over $1 billion will be injected into the Region Three housing sector in 2021 through an Inter-American

Prime Minister Mark Phillips facilitates the process as one person pulls a lot

Development Bank (IDB)funded project. Funds were committed for La Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, West Minister, Recht-DoorZee, Lust-en-Rust and Schoonord.

The IDB project, which

is slated to commence in January 2021, will target infrastructural elevation in existing housing areas to make them more appealing to prospective homeowners and create more sustainable communities.

After entering office, the PPP/C Government removed VAT on construction materials and increased mortgage interest relief up to $30 million in order to enable easier homeownership.

(Rupa Seenaraine)

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Speaker of National Assembly spreads Christmas joy at EBD, Georgetown villages children at the various locations. The children were also entertained with some dance moves and they even participated in carolling.

The team was assisted by community organisers who made it possible for the children to receive their toys.

The Speaker’s Christmas Outreach Programme aims to distribute toys to 7000 children in Guyana.

Meanwhile, a similar exercise was held on Saturday, December 19, 2020, which

Some of the elated children who received gifts

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peaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir over the weekend distributed gifts to children along the SoesdykeLinden Highway and his hometown, Albouystown, Georgetown.

On Sunday, smiles were seen on the faces of children of Adventure, Silver Hill, Kairuni, Loo Creek, Banakari, Yarrowkabra, Swaan, Kuru Kuru (college) and Laluni along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway as the Speaker distributed toys and goodies. In ad-

dition, on the same day, he also distributed toys to children of Grove and Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara.

A team of parliamentary officials, including Parliamentary Executive Officer, Carlleta Charles along with Personal Assistant to the Speaker Ean Mc Pherson were onsite to distribute the presents.

Charles shared greetings on behalf of the Speaker which was very much appreciated by the

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir hands over a gift to a child during the Christmas outreach initiative

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs at Meadow Bank on Saturday

saw more than 1000 children from Albouystown, Meadow Bank, and the Middle Road, La Penitence area receiving toys.

An Albouystown resident himself, Nadir received a warm welcome from the residents.

He extended Christmas greetings to the children and parents.

In addition, residents of the Meadow Bank area expressed their gratitude as they received gifts from Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Issacs. Also present at the drive were Production Technician, Alanzo Scipio and several other parliamentary officials.

GraceKennedy spreads Christmas cheer to vulnerable groups

Officials of GKMS and executives of the various NGOs at the handing-over ceremony

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raceKennedy Money Services (GKMS Guyana) Limited is assisting to spread Christmas cheer through a series of donations to

non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The Ruimveldt Children Aid Centre, Association of Uncle Eddie’s Home and Cheshire Home are the recipients of donations of toys, treats, personal care items and janitorial supplies.

On Friday, December 1, GKMS donated toys in support of the Ruimveldt Children Aid Centre’s “Toys and Treat Drive” which is held annually for underprivileged children of the Riversview community.

This year’s event was held on Saturday, December 12, and saw approximately 80 children receiving a toy and goodies.

In addition, on Friday, December 18, the company donated to the Association of Uncle Eddie’s Home and the Cheshire Home. While at the Association of Uncle Eddie’s Home, staff members presented the residents with personal care items and janitorial supplies.

Over at the Cheshire Home, the residents were gifted with personal care items and a treat.

Troy Williams, Country Manager of GKMS stated: “The most recent donations follow three similar initiatives by GKMS earlier in 2020 to soften the impact of COVID-19 on the marginalised and vulnerable members of our communities. In a challenging year, GKMS upheld its responsibility as a good corporate citizen, providing much-needed support to communities where we operate.”

Earlier in the year, GKMS made donations to Diamond Diagnostic Centre, a designated COVID-19 facility, the residents of Bless the ChildrenGuyana Orphanage and the Association of Uncle Eddie’s Home.

GKMS is committed to ongoing community investment in areas where it can have a positive impact.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations David Armogan appointed Bharrat Jagdeo is, hands down, Guyanese Person of the Year 2020

Chairman of BIT with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo); and he has served as Chairman of the Regional Education Committee in Berbice.

Moreover, he has served as

A

fter being denied his rightful place as the President of Guyana for five months, Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in on August 2 as Guyana’s 9th President. Those of us who supported his candidacy are not surprised watching him excel as Guyana’s President, rapidly earning the title the People’s President. Many who did not support him are pleasantly surprised.

President Irfaan Ali has shown he is “big” enough for the job as Guyana’s President.

He has shown a remarkable ability to lead our country at this difficult juncture of our history. While COVID-19 is wreaking havoc in our country, just as it has humbled even the richest nations on earth, our economy is being transformed with OIL as another pillar of a Dr Leslie Ramsammy diversified economy. As our country begins a journey as the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021 - with anticipated GDP growth of more than 50%, and with the traditional economy bouncing back - President Ali has shown he is a genuine leader.

Under most circumstances, the People’s President, President Irfaan Ali, would be the runaway favourite candidate for Person of the Year, 2020. It would be a popular choice if President Ali is deemed Guyana’s Person of the Year 2020; but, hands down, this column selects Bharrat Jagdeo (BJ) as Guyana’s Person of the Year 2020. President Ali’s chance of being Guyana’s President at this time had its genesis in the brilliant leadership of BJ. No one did more to bring about the defeat of David Granger’s APNU+AFC (PNC) and to ensure the PPP returned so quickly to Government.

He brilliantly stewarded the PPP’s comeback. In the process, he guided the PPP towards selecting a candidate who is clearly up to the task, and brought in a new era of young leaders in the party and in the Cabinet. In the circumstances, some might argue that BJ and Irfaan Ali ought to be CO-WINNERS, but I respectfully nominate BJ as Guyana’s Person of the Year 2020.

This past Monday was exactly two years since the NoConfidence Motion set in place a convoluted journey leading to the March 2020 elections. The 2020 March elections were held exactly one year after the NCM-mandated deadline for the elections. No one should diminish the patriotic, bold decision Charrandas Persaud made on December 21st, 2018; he deserves a special place in our history, but the path responsible for the return of the PPP to Government and the restoration of democracy, the defeat of those who sought to entrench dictatorship once again in Guyana, neither began nor ended with the December 21st, 2018 NCM. It started long before that, it started when the PPP made BJ its General Secretary.

In 2016, at a time when the PPP was in disarray, in opposition for the first time in more than 23 years, the delegates at the PPP Congress gave BJ the highest number of votes as they elected the 35-man Central Committee, the governing body of the PPP. In the first week of January 2017, about 18 months after the PPP lost government, BJ became General Secretary of the PPP in a landslide vote, winning by more than two-thirds of the votes cast.

In January 2017, the PPP elected the Leader of the Opposition as its General Secretary, and therefore coordinated holding the Government accountable in Parliament and among the people.

In accepting the position of General Secretary, BJ announced that the party, both in Parliament and among the people, would focus its work and advocacy towards what was in the interest of the country, and strengthening the party’s support beyond its traditional base.

That day when the PPP made BJ its new General Secretary was the beginning of the end for the new Government. The new era PNC-Government, using the disguise of APNU+AFC, was hoping that, with a new OIL and GAS economy, with its plan to rig elections as it did between 1968 and 1992, it would be in government for a long time, by hook or by crook. But in January 2017, its ambition was dented because BJ began a journey, took a path that brought the PPP right back in government, long before its most ardent supporters thought possible.

In late 2019, as Granger sought to use the courts and the lack of a GECOM Chair to stall the elections, BJ checkmated him into selecting Claudette Singh as GECOM’s Chair. Many criticized Jagdeo and said he was out-tricked by Granger. But at a time when many believed that elections would not be held even in 2020, because there was no GECOM Chair, under the Jagdeo pressure, Granger announced the March 2020 elections.

During that time, Jagdeo cajoled many anti-PPP forces and individuals to join the PPP’s fight to defeat Granger and his PNC cohorts. When all kinds of wild suggestions were being made, Jagdeo quietly and confidently crafted an international coalition that stopped the thieving of the 2020 elections.

While Irfaan Ali is doing a brilliant job himself, BJ, as GS, is today ensuring the Government keep its promises. As GS of the party that won the elections, he is strongly insisting that manifesto promises be kept. BJ is, without any doubt, the most popular Guyanese and Caribbean politician. He is Guyana’s Person of the Year.

Newly-elected Chairman of BIT, David Armagon

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he Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), David Armogan, has been appointed new Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The appointment was announced by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton during an engagement with the Board on Monday last at the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office.

Speaking at the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry graduation ceremony in New Amsterdam over the weekend, Armogan said he would be pushing for more inclusive and accessible training programmes during his tenure as Chairman of BIT. “As Chair of that Board, I will work very closely with the Ministry of Human Services to make sure that we can design specific programmes to get more persons included in these kinds of training programmes, and ensure it reaches every community,” he said.

Having served as Regional Chairman for Region Six since 2012, Armogan brings to his new position a wealth of knowledge and experience.

He has served as the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee/ Board of the Berbice Regional Health Authority in 2005. He has lectured in Management at the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries, and in the CAT Programme

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Human Resources Manager of the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Blairmont Estate, and as President of the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam for two consecu-

tive terms.

The Board of Industrial Training provides apprenticeship training in keeping with the technical and workforce needs of the country.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Finance Minister tasks new NIS Board with returning scheme to financial viability

S

enior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh attended the maiden meeting of the new Board of Directors for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) where he tasked the

Directors with returning the scheme to financial viability.

The first meeting of the Board was convened on Monday at the NIS Complex, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. Singh advised the Board members of the

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh addressing the NIS Board

level of work needed and the challenges ahead in relation to the various problems to be addressed.

“Over the last several years, we have seen the progressive decline of the Scheme. The NIS fac-

es a number of challenges at the macro level and has come under severe threat.

It is therefore going to take a lot of work to return the Scheme to long-term financial viability,” he said.

He expressed the Government’s appreciation to the members for accepting the appointments and outlined some of the expectations in terms of the work necessary to return NIS to

financial viability. He also emphasised the level of importance Government has placed on NIS, reminding the Board that pensioners and retirees look forward to their pension in a timely manner while current contributors expect to receive their benefits promptly.

Minister Singh related the Government’s grave concern at the number of complaints received from con-

tributors about delays in receiving their benefits and entitlements, sometimes as a result of incomplete records of their contributions to the Scheme. As such, he tasked the Board with addressing this problem immediately, with a view to ensuring that public satisfaction with the level of service provided by the NIS improves urgently.

Just over a week ago, the Minister announced the appointment of former Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman, Ramesh Persaud as new Chairman of the NIS Board. Persaud is also currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and also serves as a member of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board. The other members of the Board are Holly Greaves (ex officio), Faizal Jaffarally, Yvonne Pearson, Maurice Solomon, Satanand Gopie, Kathleen Jason, Seepaul Narine and Jillian Burton-Persaud.

17 Guyana records 160th COVID-19 death, 45 new cases in 24h NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– cases continue to spike in Region 10 …as Health Ministry awaits scientific data on new coronavirus variant

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he Health Ministry on Tuesday announced that there has been another local death from COVID-19, thus bringing the death toll to 160.

The latest fatality is a 73-year-old man from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). He died on Monday while receiving care at a medical facility. His death is the ninth for the month of December, so far.

Nevertheless, 45 new cases were detected in one day. From the 6216 total confirmed cases, 3220 are males and 2996 are females.

There are five persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 31 in institutional isolation, 635 in home isolation and 15 in institutional quarantine. For now, there are 5385 recovered cases.

A breakdown showed that three new cases were detected in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), eight in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and 34 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There are still 931 cases Region One (Barima-

ing to have an expert on board to understand the dynamics of cold-chain operation.

“It is important that we get some expertise in this area and we work with people who understand how to utilise this ultra-cold chain.

We have spoken to the COVAX mechanism and applied for a grant to get an expert through COVAX technical assistance, in terms of working with ultra-cold chain. We’re expecting a favourable response from them.”

New strain

Waini); 186 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 442 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 76 in Region Five (DemeraraMahaica); 303 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 184 in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and 396 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

On Tuesday, Health

Minister, Dr Frank Anthony emphasised on the fact that there is no cure as yet for the virus. As a result, he said the medicines will not work for everyone.

“None of these medicines are magic bullets. There isn’t a cure for COVID-19 and therefore, while the medicines might help some people, it’s not going to cure

everyone. We still have to look at various options and see what we can do for that patient. We now understand more about the disease and how people move from one phase to another, what are the kinds of reactions to expect, how to manage those better,” he said.

On the aspect of the vaccine, he said they are work-

Reports recently confirmed that a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, has been found in the United Kingdom. This resulted in stricter coronavirus restrictions in London and other areas. There are over 23 known mutations, a worrying factor in the global community.

Speaking about this issue, the Health Minister said, “As more investigations are done, we’ll prob-

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

ably get a better picture of what’s happening…A number of countries have moved to stop air traffic between themselves and the UK. So, we had discussions with CARPHA yesterday and we’re trying to get a consensus of a Caribbean position, how to react to this. Our advice from CARPHA is that we should wait a little bit to see what is happening and get scientific information before we make a decision.”

There are two Caribbean countries that have proceeded in restricting flights from the UK, that is Jamaica and Grenada.

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger tries to paper over rift with Hoyte’s memory

A

fter Desmond Hoyte succeeded to the leadership of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Presidency of Guyana following the death of Forbes Burnham in 1985, he embarked on a programme to reverse the socialist policies of the latter and to cleanse the party and Government of “Burnhamites”.

He bypassed David Granger as head of the Army by bringing in Joe Singh from the Guyana National Service.

Singh was junior to Granger.

Granger has consistently praised the socialist policies of Burnham and has vowed to “fulfil his legacy”.

However, when the PNC Reform commemorated the 18th death anniversary of its late leader and former President of Guyana, Hugh Desmond Hoyte on Tuesday, he was hailed as a “champion of change “by Granger, who is now the current leader and former President.

PNCR Leader David Granger laying a wreath on the tomb of former President Desmond Hoyte

“Desmond Hoyte’s emphases on ideological and political change were not misplaced. He understood the inevitability of change just as the FounderLeader did a generation earlier: not as an instrument of self-enrichment or self-aggrandisement, but of the party’s progress and the people’s happiness. He was a champion of

change,” Granger stated.

He reminded that late President and PNC founder, Burnham, was always concerned about the changing conditions in the country and the party’s response to contemporary challenges. He said the PNC’s transition from a party in Opposition to one in Government required a change

in leadership and stewardship, and Burnham saw that in Hoyte.

“It was out of this realisation that Forbes Burnham – discerning the quality of intellectual integrity of the man who would be Leader and President – appointed Desmond Hoyte to a series of important portfolios. Forbes Burnham saw the need for change after the first term in office ended with the 1968 General Elections, and Guyana prepared to embark on a course to become a republic. The majority of Ministers from that first cohort (were) changed,” Granger noted.

Hoyte was appointed to the key portfolios of Minister of Home Affairs (1969-1970), Minister of Finance (19701972), and Minister of Works and Communications (19721974). His appointments were thereafter focused on the economy, as Minister of Economic Development in 1974-1980 and Vice President for Economic Planning and Finance after the 1980 General Elections.

He was re-designated Vice President for Production in 1983.

Following the resignation of Dr Ptolemy Reid as Prime Minister in 1984, Burnham appointed Hoyte to fill the void. The following year, after Burnham died, Hoyte succeeded him as President, and was formally elected to the office of

PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence paying a floral tribute to former President Desmond Hoyte

President in the 1985 General Elections.

Granger explained that Hoyte, who had already been in Government for 17 years, understood the necessity for change, and embarked on the country’s economic transformation during his seven-year presidency, from 1985 to 1992.

“Desmond Hoyte was elected Party Leader at the Sixth Biennial Delegates’ Congress in August 1985, but as presidential candidate was unsuccessful in three successive General and Regional Elections: in 1992, 1997, and 2001. He was re-elected repeatedly as Party Leader from 1992 to 2002 (within) a decade of discord during which dissidents undermined the Leader’s authority and splintered the party’s solidarity.

“Desmond Hoyte’s 18th death anniversary, which the

party now commemorates, reminds us of his final address to the 13th Biennial Delegates Congress in 2002, four months before his death. It was an unintended epilogue, or perhaps I should say epitaph, to his political career. It was both a warning of the danger of disunity and a yearning for an understanding of the necessity for change at the start of this millennium. In that address, he used the word ‘change’ 21 times,” the PNCR Leader said.

PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence posited that Hoyte was the ideal statesman, who was highly respected and was undeniably one of Guyana’s esteemed sons.

She said his appreciation of poetry, coupled with his economic acumen, transcended his life and set him apart to be “indelibly etched in the annals of Guyanese history”.

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Retired Anglican priest found murdered in home

T

he Anglican community has been plunged into deep mourning after the lifeless body of former priest George Chuck-A-Sang was discovered in his Lodge, Georgetown home with suspected stab wounds.

The 82-year-old ChuckA-Sang had lived alone at Vlissengen Road in Lodge, Georgetown, and his lifeless body was discovered at some time after 15:00h on Monday, according to a Police statement.

Initial investigations have so far revealed that the religious leader’s daughter, Renata Chuck-A-Sang, had last spoken to him via WhatsApp call on Friday at about 08:00h. Their conversation was reportedly along normal lines, but on Monday, at about 15:00h, when she attempted to contact him, his mobile phone went unanswered.

This prompted her to visit her father’s residence, but, again, she was unable to contact him.

As a result, she went to the

Reverend George Chuck-A-Sang

residence of the current priest, Monsell Alves, at North-East La Penitence, and explained the situation.

Consequently, she and Father Alves went to her father’s home, and the door to his office was opened by Alves.

As they made their way to the living quarters in the upper flat of the house, they discovered the body of her father, clad in a white brief, lying motionless on the floor.

The Police have said what appeared to be several stab

wounds were visible on the priest’s body, and his forehead appeared to be swollen.

George Chuck-A-Sang’s body was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where it was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is now at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting a post mortem examination even as the Police investigation continues.

In 2017, Reverend George Chuck-A-Sang served as Chairman of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry set up to examine and make recommendations to resolve all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling; the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans, and any matter relating to land titling in Guyana.

Chuck-A-Sang had served as priest at the Holy Trinity Church on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) and at the St Sidwell’s Anglican Church in Georgetown.

Region 2 RDC honours local journalists involved.

Further, the REO has stated that the Administration recognises the input of the local media, and is very pleased with the coverage given, which has assisted the Administration in better serving the people.

The Administration has made known its hope for a closer working relationship with the media in 2021.

The award recipients were each given a plaque in appreciation of their outstanding media work.

The local journalists who were honoured on Monday pose with Region 2 RDC officials

T

he Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Monday honoured several local journalists for the coverage they have provided the RDC. Those awarded are Mohan

Lall Seulall of Guyana Times; Shawn Marks of RCA TV CH. 8; Ravi D Mohan of Good Morning Essequibo TV Show; Indrawattie Natram of Guyana Chronicle, and Remario Blair of Kaieteur News.

Region Two Executive

Officer (REO) Davanand Ramdatt has said the Administration recognises the efforts made by the local media in promoting development in the region, and has noted that those efforts also assisted in stamping out corruption by exposing those

Man arraigned for murder of colleague

T

wenty-five-year-old Cordel Grimes, a labourer of Adventure Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was on Monday arraigned virtually before Charity Magistrate Esther Sam for the murder of 20-year-old Reeaz Khan of Pomona Village, Essequibo Coast.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on October 5, 2020, he murdered Khan at Aurora Village, Essequibo Coast. He has been remanded to prison until January 7, 2021, and the matter has been transferred before the Suddie Magistrate.

Khan was reportedly shot on September 29, 2020, but succumbed to his injuries six days later, while receiving medical attention at the Suddie Hospital.

Preliminary investigations

Dead: Reeaz Khan

revealed that, on September 29, Khan and Grimes were shot outside the Gold Hotel and Bar located at Aurora Village on the Essequibo Coast.

It was indicated that Grimes and Khan had gone into the hotel to make a payment, but as they were returning to their car, PRR 1219, which was parked outside the hotel, they heard

two gunshots. As a result, the men jumped into the car and drove off. However, two more gunshots were heard, and one struck Khan to his face – between his nose and left eye – while Grimes was shot to the palm of his left hand.

Grimes, who was driving the vehicle, managed to drive to the Suddie Hospital, where both men were seen by a doctor and admitted to the institution. Khan was placed on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The car was examined by Police, and two bullet holes were seen on the vehicle. A .32 spent shell was also recovered by the front passenger seat.

Grimes was taken into custody, but was subsequently released. After the Police had investigated the incident, Grimes was rearrested and the murder charge was instituted against him.

Blackwater NWD murder

Trio makes 2nd court appearance, remanded until next year

V

enezuelan nationals Angel Figuera, 20, and Gilberto Da Silva, 22, together with Guyanese Nadeem Baksh, 22, who have been charged for the murder of 26-year-old Kevin Allam, on Tuesday made their second court appearance -virtually - before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Port Kaituma Police Station, and were further remanded to prison until January 7, 2021.

Murdered: Kevin Allam

Suspects: Angel Figuera, Gilberto Da Silva, and Nadeem Baksh

The charge that the trio faces alleges that on November 27, 2020, at White Water Backdam, North West District (NWD), they murdered Kevin Allam.

The Police are contending that, on the day in question, the late Allam’s reputed wife was at their shop when she was approached by the three men, who held on to her hair.

Upon seeing this, Allam went to her assistance, but was attacked with a piece of wood and dealt several lashes about his body. After Allam fell unconscious, the three men

dragged him a short distance from the shop, and one of them whipped out a knife and slit his throat.

After committing the act, the men reportedly left Allam in a pool of blood and returned to the shop, where they relieved his spouse of a quantity of raw gold. Allam was subsequently picked up and taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police, acting on information, travelled to the waterfront and arrested the three men, against whom they subsequently instituted charges.

20 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPL’s damaged 69kV submarine cable fixed - stable power expected for Christmas season – PM Phillips

P

rime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips inspected the repairs done to the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) recently damaged 69kV submarine cable on Tuesday and is satisfied that there will be stable power for the holidays.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Cui Jianchun; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Bharat Dindyal; Deputy CEO – Strategic Operations, Samaroo Ramtahal and Representative of China National Machinery Import and Export Cooperation, Andrew Jin. The 69kV submarine cable links GPL’s Vreed-enHoop and Kingston substations and allows for the transfer of electrical power into the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

Prime Minister Phillips noted that the repairs to the damaged cable have been completed and would be test-

One of the four engineers from China adding the final touches to the fixed cable

ed on Tuesday evening.

“We will be testing the cable tonight (Tuesday), into tomorrow (Wednesday) and based on what I’m told, by Wednesday evening, it should be up and running and we will be able to have the balancing of the (electrical) load from Vreed-en-Hoop into the rest of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System.”

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador for bringing a team of four engi-

neers from China to Guyana, to assist with the repairs.

Ambassador Jianchun said that he was happy to assist. He added that China and Guyana share an excellent working relationship and that it is expected that assistance is given when necessary.

“We always say that China and Guyana share a strong relationship and we are good friends… This is not about the money; this is really about needs and I commend the Government for being a peo-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips inspecting the repaired cable

ple-centred Government,” the Ambassador said.

Minister Indar highlighted that the cable was severely damaged and the Government will be seeking to recover the costs spent on the repairs.

He said the cost has already been estimated at around

US$500,000.

“It’s not plug and play, it’s a serious job that required logistics…We’re going to go after the ship owners, the insurance and the agents, to recover every single dollar that we spent. It was not our fault that this happened.”

The Minister added that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has already issued instructions to maritime operators that Area B (the vicinity in which the

cable is situated), is now a restricted zone and operators are prohibited from anchoring their vessels there.

“Because the cable has been damaged four times, every time it is severed it gets shorter… ships can’t be anchoring there, we have to monitor that,” Minister Indar said.

The 69kV submarine cable was damaged in late November after it was struck by the anchor of a vessel in the Demerara River.

OLPF initiative to be re-introduced in 2021 – President Ali Bridge at Vreed-en-Hoop P collapses after support resident Irfaan Ali on Tuesday told residents of Kato in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) that his Government would re-introduce the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative in 2021 with the aim of plac-

ing Guyanese on par with the rest of the technological world.

The issuing of laptop computers would go hand-in-hand with access to the Internet, which the President indicated is earmarked for interior loca-

system breached

President Irfaan Ali interacts with children at Kato during an outreach on Tuesday

tions.

“Next year we will also restart the One Laptop Per Family programme to ensure that every child has the opportunity to not only be connected to the hub but has the instrument through which they can pursue their studies,” the Head of State said.

President Ali noted that technology was important in an advanced world and Guyana would not be left behind.

“The pandemic has taught us how important it is to be in line with technology…And we have to increase our investment to bring greater technological access through our hinterland and riverine areas,” he said.

The President, who had journeyed to Kato to assess the needs of its residents, told the gathering that they would soon benefit from an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub.

“I’m very happy to report to you that very soon, we will commence the building of your ICT hub and put the infrastructure in that hub, so that you will have access to good Internet facilities and you can pursue the opportunities that come with that,” Dr Ali declared.

The One Laptop Per Family programme was launched in January of 2011 with the aim of providing ‘at-home’ ICT to tens of thousands of Guyanese families.

D

The large hole being repaired

ays before Christmas, when the Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara area is extremely busy, a large portion of the road collapsed on Tuesday due to unnatural causes.

In fact, it was later found out that a vagrant was living under the structure.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar via his social media page stated that works were initiated to fix the damages.

The structure was weakened after the man re-

portedly dug out sand and compromised the support system.

“It appears a man was living under the bridge who continues to dig out the sand from the side of the road, causing it to weaken and break away,” the Minister explained.

As a result of the regular traffic congestion on the Westside, immediate efforts were made to fix the breakage.

In 2018, the 30.7-kilometre road on the WCD from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie was commissioned.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Refuse to get involved in someone’s dilemma. You have enough to do without taking on responsibilities that don’t belong to you. Less talk and more action will help you reach your objective.

Be precise, and pay TAURUS close attention to detail.

(April 20Don’t jump into something May 20) that has too many variables. Leave no room for mistakes or indiscretions.

Play by the rules, and avoid those who don’t.

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)

Be open to suggestions and willing to try something new, but don’t get carried away. Someone you least expect will disappoint you. If you want something done, do it yourself.

Emotions will surface, and anger will set in if you aren’t careful. Take a positive approach when dealing with partners, and be willing to meet people halfway. Take care of unfinished business.

Uncertainty regarding your reputation, position or status will leave you in a quandary. When in doubt, sit tight and let things unfold naturally. Pay more attention to self-improvement.

Take the initiative, and make things happen. It’s up to you to lay the groundwork.

Don’t take risks with your or someone else’s health. Abide by the rules, and focus on what you can do.

Be careful what you spend your money on, and protect your possessions, passwords and documents.

Look at all the alternatives, and make changes that lead to a less stressful lifestyle.

Romance is in the stars.

You need to chill out, contemplate what’s next and refuse to let others dictate what you can do. Use your imagination, consider what makes you happy and move forward with a good plan.

Reach out, touch base SAGITTARIUS with people you miss and (Nov. 23spread a little joy to the Dec. 21) folks you love. Make plans that will give you something to look forward to when the time is right.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Keep the peace at home and when dealing with friends and relatives. It’s better to observe and be objective when others decide to share opinions. Focus on improving your life.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Keep the momentum flowing. Refuse to let outside influences slow you down or cause uncertainty.

Look for opportunities; you will meet individuals who can help you bring about positive change.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Be a leader, not a follower. Set the standard, follow your heart and do what you do best. An offer looks promising. Don’t let an emotional situation slow you down.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Players’ safety enhanced by strict travel protocols — Dr Mansingh

B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — A member of Cricket West Indies’ Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Akshai Mansingh, has backed the travel and COVID-19 quarantine protocols put in place for the upcoming Bangladesh tour, and believes players will not be placed at any unnecessary risk while on international duty.

The Caribbean side is set to arrive in Bangladesh on January 10 for three OneDay Internationals and two Tests in a series that runs until February 15, their third tour amid the ongoing global pandemic.

Last Sunday, Bangladesh recorded 1,153 new COVID-19 cases to record a total number of in-

fected at 500,713, surpassing the half-million infection mark. There were also 38 new deaths, taking that toll to 7,280.

Dr Mansingh, who toured Bangladesh as part of an inspection team ahead of the tour, has however warned that while the bio-secure bubble would keep players isolated from the general population, the bubble requires “everybody playing their part”.

He said, “When we toured England, England was one of the most infected countries in the world, with the highest rate of infection; but the conditions were different, in that, what we had in England was what we call a contained bubble, where everything was contained in a

ground,” Dr Mansingh said in a radio interview here.

“The hotel was there, the playing ground was there…we were even transported by chartered planes because, obviously, there were no commercial flights from the Caribbean going that way.

“The integrity of the bubble is contingent upon the discipline of everybody in the bubble, and even with that scenario, we saw that Jofra Archer was able to slip out, and had to be reintegrated… So, the integrity of the bubble is just not a plan, it’s everybody playing their part.”

He added: “Now, once we get to Bangladesh, we have separate exit areas from which we will go into VIP lounges and will be to-

NBA 2020-21 season preview…

LeBron James set for another landmark year with the Lakers

T

he Los Angeles Lakers set the benchmark last season, and look likely to be the NBA team to beat again in 2020-21.

An outstanding offseason saw the Lakers bring in Marc Gasol, Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell to boost a championship team.

Anthony Davis is coming back, too, as expected, aiming to build on a hugely successful first year in LA. Crucially, fellow superstar LeBron James also agreed a new contract, ensuring the coming campaign’s title defence would not be impacted by speculation around the veteran’s future.

James was back to his best in 2019-20, as he led the Lakers to Finals glory and earned his fourth Finals MVP award.

He became only the fourth player to claim that honour after his 35th birthday, joining fellow greats Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem AbdulJabbar and Michael Jordan; and has become the first across the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL to be named the star performer of the postseason with three different teams.

However, there are plenty more milestones on the horizon for the former Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat man.

The draining nature of the previous season may mean LeBron sees less regular season action than h e normally would.

Indeed,

his 34.6 minutes per game last time out were already a career low, and the Lakers have recruited the league’s best two bench scorers in Schroder and Harrell.

James, however, has already proven just how effective he can be while managing minutes, that average of 34.6 being the fewest in league history while scoring 25.0 points and 10.0 assists.

The 35-year-old James, who turns 36 next week, has every chance of reaching 10,000 career assists before the coming season is out. His 10.2 per game last term, taking on a new role next to Davis, were the most of LeBron’s career, yet he has laid on more than the 654 required for the landmark in two of his past t h r e e c a m paigns.

James needs 125 m o r e threes f o r 2,000 meanwhile, having made 148 last year. He would become the 10th player all-time to reach that mark.

Of course, between his playmaking and scoring, LeBron is still regularly posting triple-doubles - at least eight in four straight seasons, including 13 in 2019-20 and a career-high 18 in 2017-18.

Another six are required for 100 in his regular season career.

But James might have to make the most of the length of his contract, which runs through 2022-23, to make any further progress on the alltime points list.

He surpassed Michael Jordan in his first year as a Laker, and then LA great Kobe Bryant last season, reaching third behind Karl Malone (36,928) and AbdulJabbar (38,387).

LeBron (34,241) is 2,687 shy of Malone, a total he has never previously come close to in a single campaign - top-scoring in 2005-06 with 2,478.

Do not write James off, though. Bolstered by the Lakers’ impressive moves, and fired by his frustration at missing out on the MVP award last year, he responded spectacularly to that setback, and will be gunning for honours again this time.

(Sports max)

tally isolated from the general population; and from there on in, we’re in our bubble.”

West Indies were the first international team to see action following the global lockdown of cricket, when they toured England Dr Akshai Mansingh, a member for a three-Test series last of Cricket West Indies’ Medical Advisory Committee July.

The women’s side fol- you’re not going to get on lowed for a five-match that plane unless you show Twenty20 International se- a COVID test (done) withries in September, and the in (the last) 72 hours. And men undertook their sec- with that it was important, ond tour last month for because you then had the three T20Is and two Tests confidence that everybody in New Zealand. with you on that flight had And even with COVID a negative test. cases continuing to surge “Number [three]: globally, Dr Mansingh has Everybody has to wear a said he does not believe mask, everybody is given that air travel had subject- disinfectant and so on, and ed players to any danger. you’re obviously spaced as “The rate of transmis- well.” sion in air travel now is Dr Mansingh also pointextremely low, and that’s ed out that airlines were because of two or three using onboard filters which things. [Firstly], not that purged a high percentage many people are travel- of viruses, and also replenling right now,” said Dr ished the air regularly.

Mansingh, also a memHowever, he again cauber of the International tioned that, in spite of the Cricket Council’s Medical strict measures, no protocol Advisory Committee. is “foolproof”.

“Number two, there “The travel restrictions are a lot of precautions and precautions are quite put in place. For exam- careful, and those were the ple, when we go in there, same when we went to New you cannot enter that side Zealand; but to say it’s a of the world without neg- hundred per cent foolproof, ative COVID tests. So, well, no bubble is, and no while you can get into the scenario is, but we’re trying US without a COVID test, to do that.”

Andy Murray beats Cameron Norrie at Battle of the Brits

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A

ndy Murray continued in promising form at the Battle of the Brits, beating Cameron Norrie in straight sets. The all-British event is taking place in Roehampton, London.

The world number 122 claimed victory against British number one, Dan Evans, on Sunday, and, two days later, beat Norrie 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).

Before this tournament, the 33-year-old had not played since withdrawing from a Cologne event in October because of a pelvic problem.

Norrie started slowly, and Murray took advantage to seal the first set, before Norrie fought back to take the second to a tiebreak. The British num-

ber three had a set point at 6-5, but Murray saved it and sealed victory as his lob landed perfectly on the baseline.

Evans bounced back from his defeat to Murray, beating Liam Broady 6-0, 6-2, while Jack Draper followed up Monday's victory over Norrie with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Jay Clarke.

There were also wins for Anton Matusevich, Katy Dunne, Francesca Jones and Eden Silva.

The Battle of the Brits has been organised by the Lawn Tennis Association to help British players prepare for the 2021 season with competitive matches, after their schedules had been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. (BBC. COM)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“It was a challenging year” – says GBA President Steve Ninvalle

I

t has been a difficult year for all sporting disciplines in Guyana, but particularly so for contact sports like boxing, on which the coronavirus pandemic made the biggest impact.

Athletes and administrators were forced to re-examine the way they play, train and plan, and this could be attested to by the local amateur boxing authority, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), whose last competition was held in February.

G B A President

S t e v e Ninvalle shared just how much the pugilistic sport was affected this year. “It is the first time that I can re-

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

member that we did not have a National Open, a National Novice, nor a National Intermediate competition. So, if you ask me, it has been an extremely challenging year. It has been a revealing year; revealing in the sense that it revealed how deep we can dig as an executive and as an association.”

One thing the GBA boss has been most disappointed about is the Caribbean’s inability to host the first CARIFTA Boxing Tournament in a matter of decades.

“We (had) planned to have the CARIFTA Boxing Tournament for the first time; that had to be shelved.

That would’ve been for the first (time) in maybe two decades or more there would’ve been a CARIFTA Boxing Tournament.”

Ninvalle has, however, reflected on some of the posi-

P

ed with 172/7. He also hit 65 in the semi-finals and 39 in the prelims.

He was adjudged best batsman of the tournament, and CEO of the Maq Group, Mahammad Qureshi, decided to present him with this land in Orange County as a reward for his efforts.

According to Qureshi: “We are very happy with the fact that Chris came here and played in our tournament. He did a lot for the tournament by being involved, and as (he is) the top batsman, I decided to give him this piece of land, where he can now build a wonderful house close to Disney.

“We reward players for

of the International Boxing Association (AIBA). I think Mr Kremlev has all that it takes to bring boxing back on its right footing. He’s young, he’s visionary, he has all the right tools to get boxing back, and I think he will make sure that our relationship with the IOC is back to some normalcy.”

The return of boxing currently sees pugilists training in gyms, with sparring listed as prohibited. Ninvalle is not worried about the dismal turnout of boxers just yet, be-

cause it is the Christmas season.

“Boxers are slowly returning to the gyms, and it’s a difficult period for us to try to estimate and understand what is going on, because of the fact that during the course of December, you know, boxing is usually at a lull because of the Christmas activities. So, we would expect that in January things really start picking up, and we’ll take it from there,” he posited.

(Jemima Holmes)

Big Man Cricket-Guyana T25 tournament set for Jan/Feb 2021 –Timothy’s Motorcycle & Spares Store donates Man of the Series prize

T

he BIG MAN CRICKET-GUYANA is pleased to announce that this domestic Over45 T25 tournament will be held in Guyana during the period January/February 2021. Firm dates for the fixtures will be released in due course.

Organisers of this tournament have said: “At our last meeting, the Committee was strongly favouring a competition with 8 strong teams, rather than a depleted tournament with several

Gayle presented with gift of land

rolific run-scorer Chris Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, now has one and one-half acres of real estate in Orange County, Florida, USA close to Disney World. It has been given to him because of his wonderful batting at the US Open T20 Tournament held in Fort Lauderdale over the weekend.

Gayle’s batting allowed the Atlanta Param Veers to win the 2020 edition of the US Open T20 Tournament, played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday.

He scored 49 to lead Atlanta to 182/6 off their allotted 20 overs, and 22 Yards respond-

tives for boxing in 2020.

“Two things stand out for me, being pleasing in the year; one is that our boxers would’ve been able to complete their three-month training course in Cuba. Even though they did not get a chance to participate at the Olympic Qualifiers, I think that what they have learnt in Cuba will be something that will take them through their entire lives,” the GBA Boss said.

“Another big plus for me in boxing is the election of Umar Kremlev as the President

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their good work at our tournament, and it gives me great pleasure in presenting the rewards. We encourage more top players from around the world to come and take part in this tournament, as we look to continue to build it.”

Qureshi has also presented a similar reward to fast bowler Muhammad Ali Khan, who was adjudged the best bowler of the tournament.

Ali Khan, who plays for the Trinbago Knight Riders, had a best performance of 4/25 against Atlanta in the semis.

Atlanta Param Veers have walked away with the winner’s purse of US$50,000 for their 10-run victory in the final against 22 Yards.

teams; our focus being more on quality, and not quantity.

“Our Committee is now especially pleased to announce that we have just secured the MAN OF THE SERIES Tournament prize of the popular ZANELLA 110cc motorcycle, to be awarded to the most proficient player of the tournament. This prestigious prize was donated by Timothy Bhagwandin of Timothy’s Motorcycle & Spares Store, located at 122 Regent & Oronoque Sts, Bourda,

Georgetown. “ T h e Zanella motorcycle is a s i n gle-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 107 cm3. It has air cooling with 4-speed semi-automatic power. Maximum power of 7.2hp with both electric and kick-start type motorcycle.

These cycles are very (moderately) priced at Timothy’s Motorcycle Store. Other features of the cycle include: Hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension; double hy-

draulic shock absorber rear suspension; front disc brake & rear drum brake; alloy wheels.

“There will be several prizes and trophies to be awarded at the end of this tournament, but this one is expected to be the most cherished one for all the players.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

was a Gayle presented “It challenging year” says GBA President with gift of land –Steve Ninvalle Pg 23

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Players’ safety enhanced by strict Big Man Cricket-Guyana T25 travel protocols tournament set for Jan/Feb 2021 –Timothy’s Motorcycle & Spares Store donates Man of the Series prize — Dr Mansingh Page 22

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