Guyana Times - Friday, January 29, 2021

GOGEC hands out membership certificates to 33 corporate stakeholders P16 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4543

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

UK, Canada call for immediate release of Guyanese detained by Venezuela

Guyana investigating reports of 3rd vessel seized

by Venezuela – Min Todd See story on page 7

...insists ... insists seized vessels were in Guyana’s waters

Guyana has billions more barrels of undiscovered oil – Hess Page 12

Good Intent fire Govt to adjust debt leaves teacher, family homeless ceilings to fix inherited liabilities, cater for future development Page 11

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt tables P15 Bill to remove prison time for up to 30 grams ganja Reg 10 MP says twin brother collected money from SLED, not he — GTimes regrets confusion between “Jermaine” and “Jemaine”

P17

Gunmen storm, rob Wales P10 supermarket

Small, medium P16 miners contributed to over 75% of 2020 gold production — GGDMA calls for tax relief for local industry — El Dorado Trading top gold dealer for 2020

See story on page 13

Women robbed at gunpoint while making way home from P10 church

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 29 – 04:30h-06:00h and Saturday, January 30 – 04:30h-06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 29 – 05:05h-06:35h and Saturday, January 30 – 05:40h-07:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine should prevail during the day. Partly cloudy skies are expected during the night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 17:15h reaching a maximum height of 2.72 metres.

Low Tide: 10:49h and 23:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.64 metre and 0.48 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

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UK, Canada call for immediate release of Guyanese detained by Venezuela

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s Guyana continues to enjoy mounting support from the international community, the United Kingdom and Canada have joined calls for Venezuela to release the Guyanese fishing boats and crew members who were held last week.

In a brief statement on Thursday, Canada threw its support behind Guyana’s efforts to have the fishermen and their vessels immediately release from detainment.

“Canada supports Guyana in calling for the immediate release of two Guyanese vessels that were detained by the Maduro regime. We repeat our call for international law to be respected,” the missive from the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown detailed.

Meanwhile, the UK Government also issued a statement on Thursday in which it said, “The UK is concerned at reports that Venezuelan vessels have detained Guyanese fishing vessels and crew. We call for their early release.”

According to the statement, the UK said it was clear that the 1899 Arbitral Award settled the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

“We encourage a bilateral resolution to the controversy and support the efforts of the UN Secretary General,” the British Government noted.

Following a failed Good Officers’ Process between Guyana and Venezuela, UN Secretary General António Guterres in January 2018 recommended that the border controversy be taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for settlement.

As such, Guyana made its application two months later, asking the World Court for a final and binding judgment to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remained valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s nat-

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

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ural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

However, the Spanishspeaking nation had refused to participate in the legal proceedings and wrote the court to say that the UN SG exceeded his authority under the 1966 Geneva Agreement when he referred the case to the ICJ, and, therefore, the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter.

But in a majority decision on December 18, 2020, the ICJ ruled that it has jurisdiction to adjudicate over the border controversy case.

The ICJ found that both Guyana and Venezuela consented to judicial settlement when they signed the Geneva Agreement since the judicial process via the ICJ is one of the means available to the Secretary General in resolving the controversy.

Hence, the Court’s decision is binding on both parties.

The Court is scheduled to hold a case management hearing on February 15 after two previously scheduled hearings were postponed upon the request of Venezuela, asking for more time to prepare for the hearing.

On January 21, the two Guyana-registered fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) , were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chávez GC 24.

The Captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria where the boats and crew have been detained.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had said the Venezuelan vessel was illegally manoeuvring within Guyana’s EEZ and Contiguous Zone when it intercepted, boarded and commandeered the Guyanese fishing vessels.

Thursday’s calls by the UK and Canada for the release of the 12 fishermen and the two vessels come on the heels of mounting support from the international community – something which Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd says he feels “good” about.

In fact, during an address to the National Assembly on Thursday, Minister Todd

said his Ministry continues to engage the international community to resolve this issue with Venezuela in the most peaceful and diplomatic manner.

He noted that thus far individual Member States of Caricom and the bloc as a whole have denounced Venezuela’s actions, calling upon it to release the crew and vessels. The Minister added too that the Organisation of American States (OAS) has also issued a statement in which it pointed out that “resolution of the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana is a matter that lies under international jurisdiction, and cannot be settled by unilateral action. Any attempt to derail this international legal process such as the decree issued by the Maduro regime is contrary to international law and standards, and has no legal bearing or significance”.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Guyana Government is encouraged that the international community is seized of this matter.

“Guyana values highly the support which it has received and continues to receive from individual member states of the international community – such as Belize, Brazil, Canada, France, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as through regional and international groupings of Caricom; the OAS; the Commonwealth; the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union – in its strenuous endeavours to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Todd told the National Assembly.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

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

Unacceptable substandard work

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ver the past five months or so, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has discovered that it has inherited a governmental infrastructure that its Attorney General refers to as a “rotting and has decayed” system.

These comments by AG Anil Nandlall, SC, come as no surprise. Over the years under the APNU/AFC, the quality of work that was carried out by some contractors engaged in public infrastructure projects was unbelievable; and most of those works had cost the treasury millions of dollars. All around the country, one can point to numerous examples of substandard work for which contractors were paid huge sums. In fact, in some cases, they were even overpaid.

In many cases, very little action was taken by the APNU/ AFC Administration against those errant contractors for not meeting their contractual obligations, resulting in them walking scot free. In fact, some persons would even be shocked to learn that these same persons who have done poor work or left work incomplete were awarded additional contracts.

Year after year, the Auditor General would highlight numerous examples of substandard or incomplete work in construction projects across the country - whether they be schools, hospitals, roads, bridges etc.

The Auditor General pointed, on more than one occasion, to instances wherein projects were incomplete or left abandoned, even though contractors were already paid huge sums to do a proper job. Many had asked what actions were being taken against these contractors by the then APNU/AFC Government to recoup those sums of money, or what sort of systems had been put in place to ensure those contracting firms were debarred from bidding for future projects.

At several past sittings of the then Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and regional officials, to address several irregularities, it was pointed out that sums of money were overpaid to contractors in mobilisation fees – which is a fraction of the contractual cost that is paid to the contractor to get his/her equipment to the site where the project is to be implemented. In some cases, sums of money over the standard or required amount were paid to the contractor and the works were still not completed.

This certainly is unacceptable. And while tax payers had previously used different forums to complain, the relevant agencies had a duty to ensure that public monies were well spent and properly accounted for.

From what is gathered, there were several lapses in the national procurement system under the APNU/AFC Administration, which this new Government has assiduously been trying to correct urgently. For example, it is clear that there were poor monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure contracting firms carry out works as per contractual agreement. Also, there seemed to have been no strict policy to penalise and/or debar contractors for failing to meet their contractual obligations.

Prior to demitting office, the then Public Infrastructure Ministry, which is now the Public Works Ministry, had said it was in the process of establishing a database which would keep a track record of the number of projects awarded to local contractors, and their performance in respect to each.

It would also be helpful if procuring entities keep proper records of the performance of companies with regard to projects awarded. This could be used as an effective measure to better inform the process for selecting competent contractors to handle Government projects.

One had hoped that the relevant mechanisms would have been put in place with the aim of ensuring those lapses are corrected. The Public Works Ministry, under its new leadership, now needs to re-examine and implement effective measures to keep those contractors accountable, so that contractors who are consistently delinquent could face the requisite level of debarment. A contractor found to have a record of producing poor and incomplete work cannot, and should not, be awarded additional contracts. Such strict enforcement is needed to curb the unacceptable trend of substandard work.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, met with Senior Commanders of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to discuss areas of national security. Also in photo is Advisor on Security to the President, Gerry Gouveia

President Irfaan Ali praised on new access roads

Dear Editor, President Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, AG Anil Nandlall, and the Agriculture Ministry have come in for praise for road projects and drainage works that make streets passable, and for easing flooding in outlying areas.

All over the country, roads are being rehabilitated or paved or patched; and new roads and other infrastructural work, like digging new drains or cleaning existing drains, is being done by the Agriculture Ministry in order to open up vast, fresh areas for housing development and farming.

As I travelled around the country, the public showered glowing accolades on the President, the AG, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, and Ministers Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar for infrastructural projects.

The President is commended for taking the bull by the horns in regard to road transportation. He is applauded for immediately establishing new roadways along the East Bank of Demerara (Region 4). The President had, some time ago, announced a similar new road project for Region 3: from Parika to the planned new Harbour Bridge that connects West Bank to East Bank across the Demerara River.

The East Coast roadway now needs a similar project to connect it with the East Bank.

The public recognises that, while not being directly involved with infrastructure or agriculture, the AG has overall jurisdiction on legal issues pertaining to all Ministries and the Government at large.

He gives guidance on all legal matters, including on land and contracts on infrastructure and drainage. In addi-

tion, in interactions with the public during Cabinet outreaches and consultations, the AG has given a commitment that Government would rehabilitate existing roads and/or build new roads, and service communities that were neglected during the five years of the coalition regime.

The public reposes confidence in the AG, giving him almost perfect ratings for his performance. Nandlall has had the highest positive ratings among all Ministers in polls conducted in November and January. In his media press conferences, the AG laid out President Ali’s plan on infrastructural work and housing, emphasising that the current road projects are not the major projects planned for the future. The road from Linden to Lethem is on the cards.

The President is applauded for his vision to build new roads that open up vast areas of the country for housing development away from the main public road and the coast. It is visionary leadership. The planned new roads create opportunities for land to be transformed into house lots, as well as for farming and for other aspects of development.

The Diamond-to-Eccles road is welcomed by residents in Georgetown and on the East Bank. As they note, it would ease traffic congestion on the East Bank, where there are bottlenecks during peak hours. Motorists from other areas would also benefit from the new roads bypassing the busy main public road on the East Bank of Demerara.

In addition, the new DiamondEccles access road would make available land for thousands of new house lots at the back of the industrial area on the

side of the main trench that once served the cane fields of the estate. Minister Collin Croal would be pleased that land has become available for housing development.

Other parts of the country also need new and expanded road works. As I observed, for example, the East Coast experience heavy traffic during peak hours. There are several bottlenecks on the road from Georgetown to the East Coast, where a lot of traffic lights hold up traffic. Rehabilitation work was done during the previous regime on that stretch of the road, but parts of the road are uneven, especially around bridges, and some areas are in disrepair. The old format of constructing roads with traffic control lights is not most effective; First World countries avoid that method where practical.

There are too many vehicles on the road from G/town to the East Coast. Government will have to look at overhead or underground passes for passengers, or synchronise traffic lights with the flow of vehicles. Also, roads need to be upgraded and widened, so as to improve conveyance.

But East Coast has virtually no space in some villages, with roads running mere feet from people’s yards. It is just a matter of time before cars end up in people’s yards; toddlers may end up playing on the parapet of the main road.

That main road has been courting disaster. An alternative expressway away from residential settlements further inland would be ideal.

Government may want to look at Aruba, for example, where land is scarce but Government was able to build a major First World highway away from the main road that runs next to hotels on the beach. A simi-

lar expressway thru GuySuCo lands is practical. It can tie Mandela Ave, Sheriff Street, the bypass from Eccles to Diamond, and the planned road at Agricola to the rail line.

An expressway would reduce commuter delays and traffic congestion on the main road. In addition, it will help to reduce accidents on the main road, and by extension fatalities.

The road expansion network into the interior is in keeping with the sustainable policy of Dr Jagan, which was articulated during the early 1960s. Jagan had a workable vision of opening up the interior to agricultural development, animal husbandry and dairy production. He conceived building roads in the interior as well as from farms to markets to facilitate farmers, cattle herders, and poultry producers. President Ali is following in the footsteps of Jagan in connecting the interior with the coast.

With the new roads, President Ali is sending a clear signal that Government would not depend on oil and gas to drive the economy.

Government is not relying on oil, but is diversifying the economy with emphasis on food production. Tens of thousands of acres of land will be opened up for farming, cattle rearing, poultry and egg production, and a growing dairy industry.

The public has expressed support for the Government’s new access roads, showering accolades on the work of Ministers Edghill and Indar of Public Infrastructure, and Minister Zulfikar Mustapha of Agriculture.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

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

Do you need guidelines to say what is an inappropriate gift?

Dear Editor, To be appointed as Ministers and Members of Parliament, and to be addressed with the exalted title of “Honourable”, if you still cannot fathom what is an appropriate gift from the public purse, then it is crystal clear that you were never fit to hold that office.

For the Opposition Leader to excuse the wanton spending on gifts by the Giftersons Ministers, by asserting there is need for clear guidelines in regard to gifting, reflects the moral bankruptcy of the APNU +AFC Coalition.

Every holder of public office should possess an innate moral compass to

guide them on the appropriateness of accepting gifts. It is commonsensical.

You are placed there to oversee the spending of taxpayers’ money in a way that would enrich and better their lives and their communities. Never should public funds be spent in a personal capacity by public officials.

You are adequately compensated by way of a grand salary, Prado, housing, etc. Further, it is an electoral pledge of wanting to give service to the public altruistically that makes one an incumbent Minister. It is all about public service, and nothing about personal aggrandisement. You do not need guidelines to tell

you that, once you are in high public office, it is inappropriate to accept personal gifts.

I always wonder if we would ever have a leader like Jose Mojica, who drove his old Volkswagen Beetle to work when he was the President of Uruguay, lived on his farm, and never took a salary or “gifts” during his presidency. I wonder what clear guidelines did he need to be humble, honest, and dedicated to selfless public service. Guess you do not have leaders of his calibre anymore.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

New roads could benefit from a broader perspective Dear Editor, The recent discussion on the new roads to reduce congestion is a healthy one.

Many have observed a number of concerns in the standards being implemented.

It is CRG’s humble opin-

ion that the roads should also accommodate a multipurpose and multi-usage perspective, while incorporating new technology and the latest engineering know-how to reduce wear and tear.

For example: 1. A bike path 2. Incorporation of glass mesh into the design 3. Curb and sidewalk The enthusiasm and expediency of the project is admirable, but we must

also balance this with a perspective that caters to the additional needs of the larger project over the long term.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Is Guyana a guinea pig of Venezuela or China?

Dear Editor, Is Venezuela ‘testing the waters’ by using Guyana as a guinea pig? Guyana was once referred to as Guiana.

With a third vessel being seized, the Venezuelan authorities are reportedly holding the Guyanese fishermen in custody (hostage?) pending investigation, while accusing them of fishing in Venezuela’s assumed territorial waters.

The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, had earlier this month also issued a presidential decree reinforcing that country’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo county, and, in a tweet, has vowed to “reconquer” the Essequibo. On the same day, Maduro had written to Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, requesting the UN to lead direct negotiations between Guyana and Venezuela as an alternative to the ongoing litigation at the ICJ. The ICJ had, in December 2020, delivered a judgement stating that it has jurisdiction to hear a border case Guyana filed against neighbouring Venezuela. The judgement states that the UN Secretary-General may choose a means of settlement under Article 33 of the UN Charter, which includes judicial settlement. Maduro had responded, “We reject the ICJ’s decision. We are determined to defend our Essequibo.”

The International Community has condemned Venezuela’s action, and is calling for the fishermen’s release.

Is this intimidation, or a fishing expedition for Venezuela, with the Guyanese fishermen playing right into their hands at the opportune moment?

Venezuela may be encouraging their fishermen to de-

liberately ply the waters of Guyana, and hope the GDF would take the bait and arrest them.

The Venezuelan gang raids on Guyanese may all be part of a secret plan; who can be sure? Some of the Venezuelan migrants may even be policing for their country, and may have been strategically placed throughout Guyana for the purpose of infiltration!

Venezuela’s aggression is being tolerated by superpower nations China and Russia, and so Venezuela can flex its muscles in tempting and teasing the US, knowing that the US is a big brother to Guyana, and would certainly come to its rescue. Besides, the US has to protect the interests of its American company, ExxonMobil.

Harmon did declare in Essequibo, “War break!”

While President Irfaan Ali is saying, “Not a blade of grass, not a cuirass.” Former President Granger did personally pass, and is not publicly singing with the mass.

Venezuela is in a state of turmoil, and is suffering from great economic downturn; with food shortage, unemployment, and a poverty-stricken population fleeing the country by the millions and going to neighbouring countries, including Guyana. Guyanese had once fled to Venezuela in search of the good life during the dictatorial days of Burnham and the PNC. Venezuela is currently heavily indebted to China, Russia and Iran to the tune of more than a hundred billion dollars. The United States has placed severe economic sanctions on the crippled petro state of the Maduro Government, refusing to recognise him as the legitimate leader, and favouring Guaido instead.

Now that Trump is no

longer President of the United States, is Maduro testing the foreign policy of new US President Joe Biden early in the game? Perhaps China is the player behind the scene.

Venezuela would love to get its hands on the wealth of Guyana’s natural resources (oil, gold, timber) in order to repay its debts, especially to China. On the other hand, China is eager to gain control of Citgo, Venezuela’s most valuable foreign asset, as a default for payment.

China is knocking on the back door to rule and dominate the world through its Belt and Road Initiative.

The US has accused China of this debt trap diplomacy frequently portrayed as a geopolitical strategy, which ensnares countries in unsustainable debt and allows China undue influence. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned this during his visit to Guyana.

Over the weekend, China sent large numbers of military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone, demonstrating provocation of sovereignty. The exercises also sent a warning to President Biden. The US State Department immediately responded by issuing a statement to China to “cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue” with Taiwan. The statement declared that the US “commitment to Taiwan is rock solid,” as per Ned Price.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned global leaders against starting a “new Cold War”, and urged unity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although China’s nominal GDP is somewhat less than the US, its purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP

exceeds that of the USA. It is cheaper to live in China than in the USA. China and the United States have accused each other of starting the COVID-19 pandemic. China has been moving aggressively to promote its COVID-19 vaccines around the world – distribution diplomacy, but is facing an uphill battle in many countries because of perceptions and realities about how the outbreak was handled in the early days, according to Alexandra Phelan, professor of global health at Georgetown University. China is unhappy and unsettled with this setback, being unable to monopolise the distribution of the vaccine throughout the world.

Last week Thursday, a large fire broke out inside the sprawling complex of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturer. Is China lurking in the dark, fearful of competition from its neighbour?

Earlier this month, there was a skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops at the controversial border area.

Millions of barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude, embargoed by the US, have been surreptitiously going to China. It may be the oil market’s worst-kept secret. The cat-and-mouse games that avoid detection and sanctions include ship-to-ship transfers, shell companies, and silenced satellite signals.

But there’s another aspect to the dodge. It involves “doping” the oil with chemical additives, and changing its name in the paperwork, so it can be sold as a wholly different crude, without a trace of its Venezuelan roots.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Away with the obstructionists, the bipartisan approach is best for our democracy!

Dear Editor, There is great discussion now on in relation to the work and function of the “joinder” parties. These form a group of parties for which the sum total of votes cast was able to gain them a seat in Parliament. In this regard, they were able to command recognition as a political entity, thus changing the landscape of local politics as we know it.

I am on record as saying that this marks a new and sweeping change, as newer voices are coming on stream in the democratic landscape of our affairs. Newer and fresher ideas are being promulgated as we all work towards the development of our country. This is what the inclusive or shared governance concept is all about: pooling of our brain power towards the common good of our native land.

Now, instead of embracing this new and enlightened concept of governance, the main PNC Opposition is showing open defiance to it. They refuse to enter into discussion on anything of a bipartisan or developmental nature. Their reasoning is that, as the majority Opposition party, they have sovereign right to all matters pertaining to governance, and no one else has that right. So, they hop around with that air of entitlement about them.

Well, for the record, their stewardship in Government was a total disaster, to say the least; and to so arbitrarily remove oneself from this

new and enlightened form of governance, where the consultative approach forms the basis for policy-making, is a sad day for every member of that party.

It is both stupid and pathetic to resist change, because the entire country now sees them as a party of power-hungry despots, and nothing else. They are not only making that position obvious through their empty remarks, but they are also doing it through the instrumentality of their “political appointees” on The GECOM Commission.

This sort of behaviour is indicative of a party that sees its power and control base slipping away, the end result giving rise to it being peevish and obnoxious.

I must hasten to close as I make the following recommendations: I am calling on the authorities to have the joinder parties take their rightful place in every facet of our evolving democracy.

Of equal rights is their representation on all committees and boards of this country. I am also asking for their presence on the Election Commission.

In Guyana’s futuristic outlook, there is no place for partisan party politicking, those days are long gone. We are now looking towards the future and the developmental mode of things, where every voice of reason, every voice of change, has its equal share. Long live democracy!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

F

ill the reservoir with water; then, when you turn the tap, buckets will be full.

Cultivate love and devotion; then your activities will be saturated with compassion and charity, and they will yield the golden harvest of joy and peace.

The water must be pure; Love must be unselfish and universal. You can yourself judge whether your Love is narrow or broad, whether your Devotion is shallow or deep. Are you content with your achievement? Examine it yourself, pronounce the verdict on yourself, by your own discrimination. Purity of motive is the best guarantee that you will have peace. An uneasy conscience is a tormenting companion. Righteous action will leave no bad effects, to disturb your sleep or health. If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character; If there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in home. When there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the Nation. When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the World. (Divine Discourse, Jan 13, 1970)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

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Foundation ◄ Maths as art

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

The above was created on Desmos.com, using the equations at right.

You can explore more of Maths as art on Desmos for free.

A

R

ock carvings (petroglyphs) can be found throughout the world.

In ancient times, humans painted or carved their stories on cave walls or rocks using pictures.

What you’ll need:

• Spray bottle with misting nozzle • Cornstarch • Food colouring 1. Gather up items that have interesting shapes: leaves, small kitchen utensils, plastic animals – and your hands! You could also cut shapes out of heavy construc-

tion paper. These objects will be used as your sidewalk stencils.

2. Mix 6 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of water until dissolved. Stir in a few drops of food colouring.

3. Pour the mixture into your spray bottle and shake (you’ll need to re-shake often to keep everything well mixed).

4. Set your found objects on the sidewalk and spray around each. Lift up the objects to reveal the “petroglyph” underneath.

(Excerpt from startwithabook. org)

fisherman skilled in music took his flute and his nets to the seashore. Standing on a projecting rock, he played several tunes in the hope that the fish, attracted by his melody, would of their own accord dance into his net, which he had placed below.

At last, having long waited in vain, he laid aside his flute, and casting his net into the sea, made an excellent haul of fish.

When he saw them leaping about in the net upon the rock he said: “O you most perverse creatures, when I piped you would not dance, but now that I have ceased you do so merrily.”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana investigating reports of 3rd vessel seized by Venezuela – Min Todd

...insists seized vessels were in Guyana’s waters

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd

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midst efforts being employed by the Guyana Government to have two fishing vessels and 12 crew members detained last week by the Venezuelan Navy released, there are report of a third vessel being seized by the neighbouring authorities.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd has since explained that Government is still trying to confirm the veracity of this latest report.

“We were made to understand that a third vessel was apprehended, and I’m yet to receive additional details.

When we get that, we’ll put a statement out,” the Minister told reporters on Thursday on the sidelines of the National Assembly sitting.

He subsequently told Guyana Times on Thursday evening that he is awaiting information from Guyana’s Embassy in Caracas, expect-

ed sometime today.

It has been reported that another Guyana-registered fishing vessel, ‘Miss Annie’ – GR972360 – and its seven-member crew were detained by the Venezuelan military on Monday.

River patrols attached to the Venezuelan National Armed Guards (FANB) reportedly seized the vessel and detained the crew members, who were intercepted in Mariusa, Tucupita, Delta Amacuro, Venezuela.

This comes just days after two other Guyanese fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – operating off the coast of Waini Point, within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) - were intercepted on January 21 by the Venezuelan Navy, which detained the crew members and seized the vessels.

The vessel Lady Nayera is captained by Richard Ramnarine and comprises crew members Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph. The other ship, the Sea Wolf, is captained by Toney Garraway and comprises crew members Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil and Randy Henry.

Venezuela is claiming that, in both instances, the fishermen were in its waters.

In fact, Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Relations, Jorge Arreaza, during a virtual meeting with Minister Todd on Monday,

provided location coordinates to show that the vessels were engaged in illegal fishing in Venezuela’s jurisdictional waters.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister has, however, contended on Thursday that this is not so. He explained that the coordinates of the location the two fishing vessels were when they were detained are within Guyana’s EEZ. “What is important is that the position is well within our Exclusive Economic Zone, and that is what is important. [It’s] not the exact position, but the general location is inside of our EEZ,” Todd told reporters.

Meanwhile, the 12 fishermen were detained last week after they were allegedly caught with hammerhead sharks – a species that is protected by Venezuelan laws from being trawled.

Minister Todd disclosed that this was indicated to him by his Venezuelan counterpart during their virtual engagement earlier in the week.

“When I spoke with the Foreign Affairs Minister [of Venezuela], he did mention that; but we have not heard anything from the crew with regards to that,” Todd has stated.

According to the Minister, while Guyanese authorities have been in daily contact with the detained fishermen, the fishermen were never questioned on this matter. He pointed out that this is not their focus at this point in time.

“We’re dealing with the release of the crew and the vessels; we are not dealing with the catch… At the end of the day, the vessels were apprehended in our territory. That is a matter for us by law, not the Venezuelans. So, we don’t want to be distracted. Let’s stay focused. We need to have the vessels and crews released as soon as possible. Forget about the catch for now, we can deal with that subsequently,” Minister Todd posited.

While the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister has assured that the crew members were being treated with utmost respect for their human rights, and while he undertook to pursue their early release, the fishermen have since been brought before a Venezuelan court, and according to further reports coming out of Caracas, the men could be detained for some 45 days more, pending investigations being conducted in the Spanish-speaking nation.

However, during Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly, when he updated the House on the situation, Minister Todd reiterated calls for the Nicolas Maduro regime to release the Guyanese fishermen and the vessels.

“Guyana has strongly condemned the illegal detention of its citizens and the illegal seizure of their fishing vessels by the Venezuelan Navy.

As I speak, my Ministry continues to engage the interna-

One of the detained vessels, the Lady Nayera

tional community to resolve this issue in the most peaceful and diplomatic manner,” he informed the House.

Moreover, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Guyana is heartened and encouraged by the support of the international community, which is echoing calls for the release of the Guyanese nationals and their fishing vessels, as well as for Venezuela to desist from actions that violate international law and threaten the peace and stability of the region.

In fact, among those that have come out in support of Guyana is the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as a body as well as individual member states, who have denounced the action taken by Venezuela and called upon that country to release the Guyanese crew and vessels.

“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expresses grave concern at the escalation of ten-

sions between Guyana and Venezuela, caused by the interception and detention in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone of two Guyanese fishing vessels by a Venezuelan naval vessel on January 21, 2021… CARICOM urges the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and to desist from aggressive acts that will seriously undermine the peace and security not only of Guyana and Venezuela, but the entire Caribbean region,” the regional body said in a missive on Wednesday.

In a response on Thursday, however, Venezuela has said the CARICOM statement “not only contributes to an ominous hostility climate, but also supports the interests of U.S. transactional corporations that seek to take control of an undemarcated territory based on an undesirable conflict in the region.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2011 murder of Robb St granny

Appeal hearing to overturn 81year prison term set for March Fiedtkou-Parris, who was gunned down at her Robb Street, Georgetown residence.

Sentenced to 81 years’ imprisonment each for the crime were: Orwin and Cleon Hinds, Roy Jacobs, and Kevin October.

Following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh in 2015, the four men were found guilty of the offence Murdered: Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris

T

he Guyana Court of Appeal on Thursday fixed March 11, 2021, to commence hearing arguments from the lawyers of four men who are seeking to overturn their 81-year sentences for the 2011 murder of 72-year-old Clementine

by a 12-member jury.

Justice Singh imposed the 81-year prison term on each of them, with parole possible after serving a minimum of 45 years.

The men have all professed their innocence, and as a result, filed an appeal against their conviction and sentence.

TURN TO PAGE 10

Waiting for…

N

…the vaccine o need to say “what vaccine”; is there? It’s been a year since we learnt about the COVID-19 virus and the pandemic it precipitated. We had first death here back in March. From the very beginning, we knew the key to deliver a death blow to the killer virus was vaccination. We’ve had enough experience with viruses over the last hundred years – including with polio in the 1950s - to know we can immunise ourselves against these tiny assassins.

The challenge, of course, was coming up with the vaccine. Fortunately - we were told - new techniques have been developed in the last few decades to engineer the very innards of the virus to rapidly concoct vaccines. And the race was on. Meanwhile, we were instructed to minimise the spread of the virus by wearing masks, washing hands with soap, and keeping our distance from each other. The consequent torpedoing of economic activity while trying to observe those rules added an extra impetus to the rush for a vaccine.

So, it was with a sigh of relief that we heard that several vaccines were engineered - 4 at least - by the end of last year. The world rolled up its sleeves (so to speak) to take its shots. We’d soon be back to (a new) normal. Now, however, we’ve hit a brick wall: how to distribute the vaccines in an equitable manner. It appears that most didn’t want to face the truth of our new-liberal age. Namely, that the market - which makes all decisions - doesn’t do “equitable”; the market” responds to money and power.

And we have the “developed” countries in the throes of rolling out the vaccines while we in the Third World watch on in envy and hope for the best. The WHO - with reps from all the countries in the world - is supposed to be looking out for our interest. Along with some other organisations, they’ve formed a consortium - COVAX - to arrange for supplies of vaccines. And even this would be for only 20% of our needs. However, there was the question of getting the money - which was expected - but they’ve hit a brick wall with the supplies.

Why? Well, the developed countries, like the US! Canada, Japan etc, have already placed orders far in excess of what they would ever need to vaccinate their entire populations. And even in developed Europe, a nasty fight has broken out over the priority within the union in regard to distribution of vaccines. And in the meantime, even if a country like Guyana has the money, the companies supplying the vaccines can’t get permission to ship.

We’re seeing an extension of the old nationalistic phenomenon - vaccine nationalism!

So, don’t expect those vaccines soon! …political spillover As we know to our cost, sabre-rattling by Venezuela is nothing new. In fact, for over the last century, whenever their politicians - across the divide(s) - wanted to divert attention from some mess or other, the Essequibo border controversy was always their go-to option. We should never get complacent about domestic opponents of Maduro - they all come from the same pack of cards when Essequibo is concerned.

So, your Eyewitness is quite pleased that the PNC have put aside their petty “non-recognition” of the Government, and are collaborating on repelling Maduro’s crass bluffand-bluster. That is exactly what the PPP under Jagan did when they were in opposition back in the seventies, and the PNC was in power under Burnham. But the PNC should be reminded that the PPP didn’t confine their support for the PNC on the border, but offered “critical support” in toto!

With us not just facing Venezuela, but COVID-19 and its economic straitjacket response, the PNC should do no less right now.

Not one spring cuirass! …the “high” ground Your Eyewitness was taken aback to learn that folks won’t be charged for having less than 30 grams of ganja.

From his dissolute youth, he knows this can make some 60 spliffs.

To deal?

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

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gunmen storm, rob Wales supermarket T

wo armed bandits executed a daring robbery on the People’s Supermarket at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Wednesday evening.

Based on reports received, the robbery occurred about 20:15h and was carried out by two men – both

wearing masks and armed with handguns.

Police stated that the owner of the supermarket, 49-year-old Xin Bang Yu, a Chinese national, and his 16-year-old assistant were at the cashier section when the armed men entered the Supermarket and pointed their firearms at their

heads.

The two bandits then demanded cash and other valuables. One of the bandits held the owner and employees at gunpoint while the other emptied the cash register which contained about $115,000 in cash.

They also took $50,000 worth of phone cards.

Appeal hearing to overturn...

During a case management conference on Thursday, the Court of Appeal set timelines for the filing of submissions by the convicted killers’ lawyers and the prosecution.

Thereafter, the Court will commence hearing the case which will be presided over by acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

Attorney-at-Law George Thomas is representing Orwin Hinds, while Roy Jacobs is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd. Attorneyat-Law Adrian Thompson is appearing on behalf of Kevin October and Cleon Hinds. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Teshana JamesLake is appearing for the State.

According to the charge

the men faced, on June 30, 2011, they murdered Fiedtkou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement whereby money was intended to be passed from one person to another.

The elderly woman was shot and killed on that night at her 42 Robb Street, Georgetown home.

Media reports are that two men had gone to the woman’s home asking for “Auntie”. When the elder-

After collecting the cash and phone cards, the men made good their escape. An alarm was raised and the Police were contacted.

The ordeal was captured on Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras and the footage is being reviewed by investigators as they continue their investigations.

FROM PAGE 8

ly woman emerged from her bedroom, one of them pulled out a gun and shot her several times to her upper body.

They fled the scene in a waiting motor car while the elderly woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. It is believed that a bitter dispute over property might have been the motive for her killing.

Women robbed at gunpoint while making way home from church

A

25-yearold woman of Ruimzeigt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and her mother were on Wednesday evening attacked and robbed at gunpoint while they were making their way home from church.

Ann McDonald and her mother were attacked and robbed around 19:30h at Concrete Strip, WCD. Reports are that when the church service concluded, McDonald and her mother joined a minibus and then disembarked at the Ruimzeigt Public Road.

The woman took out her phone to use the flashlight to see the path to their home.

However, as they were walking towards their

house, the suspect approached them, whipped out a handgun, and instructed them to remain quiet.

The armed bandit then relieved the young woman of some $60,000 in cash and her cellphone worth $80,000. Before making his escape, the perpetrator dealt McDonald’s mother one blow to her head with the gun.

The bandit then joined a waiting motor wagon, and made good his escape.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to adjust debt ceilings to fix inherited liabilities, cater for future development W

ith the aim of regularising several issues unearthed after assuming office, as well as to facilitate new financing for its transformative development agenda, the PPP/C Government has moved to increase the ceilings for domestic and external debts.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Thursday tabled two orders in the National Assembly, proposing to raise the two debt ceilings.

It was proposed that the domestic debt ceiling be increased to $500 billion, almost three decades after the last upward revision to $150 billion in 1994.

Additionally, a new external borrowing ceiling of $650 billion was proposed almost three decades after its last increase to $400 billion.

The move to increase the domestic debt ceiling was influenced by several factors, one of which is the existence of a large Consolidated Fund overdraft at the Bank of Guyana, accumulated over the last five years under the APNU/AFC

regime. Minister Singh told the media that Government is now seeking to remedy this situation through the issuance of appropriate instruments.

“Given the situation that we inherited in the case of the domestic debt ceiling, it would have been exceeded; at the moment we came into office, there would’ve been no room to borrow. And on the external side, there would have been room, but there would have been relatively modest room if one were to assume that the existing portfolio of external debts were to be exhausted,” he posited.

At the time when the PPP/C assumed office in August 2020, the Public Account at the Central Bank had a net overdraft of $93 billion, and according to Dr Singh, this does not take into account billions of dollars in cheques that were issued by the State but were not yet encashed.

“As you know, if the Government writes and issues a cheque and it does not hit the bank balance, it would not be reflected in the overdraft… Needless to say, the overdraft, of course, has been increasing. First

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

of all, there was a large stock of cheques that had been issued that would’ve increased the overdraft.

That would have impacted heavily. Then there was the 2020 Budget that we would’ve enacted; that itself required financing,” the Finance Minister explained.

It was noted that if the overdraft were to be addressed under the existing ceiling for domestic debt, a breach would have resulted.

More so, Government would eventually require the

issuance of new domestic instruments in future, to finance various policy initiatives and to stimulate development of the domestic financial market.

With regard to the move to increase the external debt ceiling, this is to accommodate the existing level of external debt contracted, plus anticipated new borrowing to fund Government’s development agenda.

Dr Singh went on to say, “Having come back to office,

we maintain the strong commitment to ensuring that we manage the fiscal operations of Government, and that we manage the public finances in a way that will ensure that we stay on a path of sustainable public finances and sustainable public debt; but, at the same time, that we are able to invest in the areas that are required.”

Further, it was noted that these revisions to the external and domestic debt ceilings do not threaten Guyana’s long-term debt sustainability, given the substantial economic progress made since the early to mid-1990s, when the ceilings were last revised, coupled with the country’s current robust economic outlook.

At the time of the last revision, in 1991, Guyana’s external debt ceiling was set at more than 1,000 percent of GDP. In contrast, the new proposed external debt ceiling would amount to less than 60 percent of GDP, using the latest 2020 GDP estimates.

At time of the last revision, in 1991, Guyana’s external debt ceiling was set at more than 1,000 per

cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In contrast, the new proposed external debt ceiling would amount to less than 60 percent of GDP, using the latest 2020 GDP estimates.

On the domestic side, when last revised in 1994, Guyana’s domestic debt ceiling was set at almost 200 percent of GDP. In stark contrast, the revised domestic debt ceiling would amount to less than 50 percent of GDP. These comparisons clearly depict that Guyana’s current debtcarrying capacity could safely accommodate the proposed ceiling increases.

The Finance Ministry has said this landmark move serves to regularise and accurately reflect significant liabilities accumulated over the last five years, and harness Guyana’s debt-carrying capacity to finance Government’s transformative development agenda.

It added that this is further consistent with the PPP/C Administration’s sterling track record of prudent debt management in the course of safeguarding Guyana’s long-term fiscal and debt sustainability.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana has billions more barrels of undiscovered oil – Hess opments come online, which we believe will drive our company’s breakeven price to under US$40 per barrel Brent and provide industry-leading cash flow growth over the course of the decade.”

“Our strategy has been – and continues to be – to grow our resource base, have a low cost of supply and sustain cash flow growth…our differentiated portfolio is balanced between short-cycle and long-cycle assets, with our focus on the best rocks for the

Pointing to the preservation the long-term value of Hess’s assets and Guyana – with its low cost of supply and industry-leading financial returns, Hess emphasised that this remains the company’s top priority.

On the Stabroek Block, where Hess has a 30 per cent interest and ExxonMobil is the operator, 2020 was reported as another outstanding year with three oil discoveries during the year – at Uaru, Redtail-1 and

Hess Corporation CEO John Hess

C

hief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess, a 30 per cent partner in Guyana’s world-class offshore Stabroek oil block, says the company continues to see billions more barrels of future exploration potential remaining, apart from the nine billion barrels already discovered.

Delivering remarks recently at Hess Corporation’s Fourth Quarter 2020 Conference Call, Hess noted “Guyana becomes a significant cash engine as multiple phases of low-cost oil devel-

Stena Drillmax

best returns…the Bakken, deepwater Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia are our cash engines and Guyana is our growth engine,” the CEO declared.

Yellowtail-2 bringing total discoveries on the Stabroek Block to 18.

“The estimate of gross discovered recoverable resources on the block was increased

Lisa Destiny

to approximately nine billion barrels of oil equivalent, and we continue to see multibillion barrels of future exploration potential remaining,” the Hess CEO reiterated.

Other partners on the Stabroek Block are ExxonMobil, 45 per cent and CNOOC of China, 25 per cent.

Hess reported that in December, production from Liza Phase 1 reached its full capacity of 120,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Liza Phase 2 development is reportedly on track to achieve first oil in early 2022, with a capacity of 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

Hess noted the sanctioning of the third oil development on the Stabroek Block in September at the Payara

Field as another key milestone of 2020. Payara will have a capacity of 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day and is expected to achieve first oil in 2024.

“Our three sanctioned oil developments on the Stabroek Block have breakeven Brent oil prices of between US$25 and US$35 per barrel – world class by any measure. Front-end engineering and design work for a fourth development at the Yellowtail area is underway and we hope to submit the development plan to the Government for approval before year end,” Hess told reporters.

The company also continues to see the potential for at least five Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to produce more than 750,000

gross barrels of oil per day by 2026 – and longer term for up to 10 FPSOs to develop the current discovered recoverable resource base.

Hess will continue to invest in an active exploration and appraisal programme in Guyana in 2021, with 12 to 15 wells planned for the block.

The Hassa-1 exploration well recently encountered approximately 50 feet of oil-bearing reservoir in deeper geologic intervals.

Although the well did not find oil in the primary shallower target areas, the Hassa well results confirm a working petroleum system and provide valuable information about the future exploration prospectivity for this part of the block. (Guyana Petroleum Digest)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Good Intent fire leaves teacher, family homeless

The structure was completely gutted by flames

Fire victim: Abdullah Martin

A

Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD) family was awakened from their deep slumber in the wee hours of Thursday by thick smoke billowing through their home.

The fire, of unknown origin, quickly enveloped the entire structure, forcing the family of four to run to safety, leaving everything behind.

The fire reportedly started at about 03:00h at the Lot 426 Good Intent, WBD home.

At the time of the blaze, Renita Joseph, a teacher attached to the Belle West

Primary School, along with her husband and two children, was at home. After realising that the house was engulfed in smoke, she immediately raised an alarm, and she and her husband rushed to their children’s rooms, grabbed them, and exited the home through the back door. At that point, the fire was already spreading rapidly.

Abdullah Martin, the man of the house, explained that the flames started in the upper flat of the two-storey building, and shortly after they had run to safety, the entire building was fully ablaze.

“My wife wake me up and tell me that the house is on fire. When I come out the room, the whole front half of the living room; the wall, chair, ceiling and everything, was on fire. The only thing we could do was pick up the kids and run out the house through the back door. By the time we come outside, the whole house was in flames…We barely make it to come out the step.

I fall down the step with the amount of smoke that was in the house.”

By then neighbours

Fire victim: Renita Joseph

rushed to their aid and attempted to douse the flames, but the concrete and wooden structure could not be saved.

Martin - who is a taxi driver - managed to save his car. However, although the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) arrived on the scene in a timely manner, the tenders encountered some challenges due to limited fuel. This was compounded by high winds which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

“My neighbour came and we had to break down the gate to get the car out the yard. The keys was left in

the house, so that’s the only thing was save; everything burn up. I never experienced something like this,” the distraught man contended.

He has pegged his losses at millions of dollars, since their jewellery, furniture, money and other valuables were left in the burning structure.

After the fire, the family combed the rubble in hope of recovering anything.

“The losses are in the millions. It is the house and everything in the house. We didn’t too long move in here in 2017. If anyone would like to help we, we would be happy, because right now we don’t have anywhere to go. Everything in this house burn up, even our clothes,” the man said.

His wife, who is a final year student at the University of Guyana, was distressed that she had lost all research and materials pertaining to her studies.

Her children’s schoolwork and other items were also ravaged by the fire.

“The fire destroy everything; all my UG stuff destroyed, everything for my degree and everything that was on my computer, all of

my son’s school books and resources we would have used… The fire was already approaching to my room, so I grabbed my daughter off the bed and shout for my hus-

band to get my son,” Renita stressed.

Persons willing to offer support can contact the family on 267-1408 or 658-3022.

(Rupa Seenaraine)

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90 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 24h – Region 4 registers alarming 66 cases

T

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

he Health Ministry has confirmed on Thursday that 90 new cases of COVID-19 were registered from a total of 599 tests that were completed. This now brings the total number of cases to 7470 since the first case was de-

tected in February 2020.

New statistics released by the Minister indicated that the death toll remains at 175, with the latest victim being a 65-year-old male from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), who succumbed on Wednesday while receiving

care at a medical facility.

On Tuesday, Guyana recorded two deaths: a 74-yearold man from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) and a 58–yearold man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The statistics also show that seven persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 44 are in institutional isolation, 710 are on home isolation, and 12 are in institutional quarantine.

The country has seen 6534 recoveries. Thus far, 45,957 persons were tested for the virus, with 3581 males and 3619 females reportedly testing positive.

A breakdown of the new cases shows that four were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); seven in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); a whopping 66 in Region Four

(Demerara-Mahaica); eight in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and four in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The total cases in Regions Five (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain at 198, 609, 233 and 409 respectively.

Prisons

Meanwhile, prison inmates and prison officers across the various penitentiaries have been placed into isolation after testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) recently.

This was revealed on Thursday by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who stated that 33 cases were detected at the Timehri Prison; four prison officers and one inmate were tested positive at the New Amsterdam

Prison; and there are also a few cases at the Lusignan Prison.

“We’ve had 33 prisoners who tested positive at Timehri, and those persons have also been put in a special area where they are isolated from the rest of the prison… We have the medical staff from the Prison Service who are monitoring them. Most of them are asymptomatic, so once they go through that 10-day period, they will be discharged from isolation,” the Minister informed during the coronavirus update.

Back in September, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had announced that a total of 140 prisoners from the Lusignan Prison had tested positive for the coronavirus disease. They were kept in a separate section of the Holding Bay until recovery.

He had pointed out at

that time that the prison fires at Camp Street and Lusignan within the period of five years have significantly limited capacity across the prisons and resulted in overcrowding. In fact, a visit showed that over 570 inmates were confined to a small space.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotlines 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately, or visit us at www.health.gov.gy Persons with comorbidities have been asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to, since this category of persons is at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt tables Bill to remove prison time for up to 30 grams ganja

T

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

he Government on Thursday tabled in the National Assembly the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021, which if passed, will see persons in possession of 15 grams of cannabis or less sentenced to counselling.

This Bill is currently with a Special Select Committee for further consultations.

“Under the new subsection (2A), the possession of a quantity of cannabis or any substance held out to be cannabis which does not exceed 15 grams is punishable by mandatory counselling for a period to be determined by the counsellor,” the Bill reads.

Currently, possession of 15 grams or more could attract a trafficking charge with a prison sentence of three to five years, and a fine of no less than $30,000 or three times the market value of the drug.

Under the Bill, possession of 15 grams or less of cannabis is an offence of simple possession. An amount over 15 grams, but no more than 30 grams, will attract community service.

This includes employment in public work under the

Extra-Mural Work Act for a maximum of six months.

“Public work is defined by section 2 of the Extra-Mural Work Regulations, Reg 8 of 1998, to include any work on State or Government land or any property belonging to, or rented or leased to the State or with the permission of a local government authority, on any land or any other property belonging to, or rented or leased to, the local government authority.”

The Bill also increases the quantity of cannabis that would automatically attract a trafficking charge from 15 grams to more than 30 grams. It also removes the fine and prison term for smoking, inhaling, sniffing, or otherwise using cannabis or for being found in a place used for that purpose, or being the owner, occupier, or concerned in the management of any place used for the preparation of cannabis for that purpose.

However, while the clause removes the fine and jail time for smoking cannabis in places where cigarette smoking is also banned, it imposes a $10,000 fine for a first offence and a $20,000 penalty for a second or subsequent offence.

The Bill also caters for those instances where an offender may refuse to consent or breach an order of mandatory counselling or community service. The amended Act would grant the court the discretion to order the offender to pay a fine of $250,000 where it sees fit.

The amendments are meant to reduce the burden on the justice system, and also covers issues like recidivism and prison overcrowding. This would not only save the State money, but would also help to keep fam-

the amendment currently proposed by the Government was similar to the trend in Caricom counterparts, except for Trinidad, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda, which shows that while the possession of a small quantity is decriminalised, possession of any quantity above that amount activates the

Opposition MP Sherod Duncan

ilies together and rebuild communities affected and disadvantaged by the incarceration of persons, especially youth.

presumption of trafficking.

Not only is the Bill presented by the Opposition technically unsound and not fit for purpose, but Nandlall also noted that it was wholly inadequate to serve as a remedy to address the issue of reform to the legal regime dealing with marijuana. He explained that the Bill com-

pletely misses the mark by removing imprisonment as a penalty for all narcotics.

“This means there is no term of imprisonment for possession of destructive drugs such as cocaine or heroin. This has dire consequences both economically and socially for Guyana,” he noted.

Thousands to benefit from well at Sophia

– expected to become operational in 1 week

Thrown out

Meanwhile, a Bill presented by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Sherod Duncan which sought to increase the amount subject to a trafficking charge from 15 to 500 grams was thrown out as Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, pointed out several flaws not only technically but policy-wise in that Bill.

He scrutinised the Opposition Bill at length and said that the drastic increase was unrealistic as the issue of trafficking was one that should receive special consideration.

“While the Opposition’s Bill suggests that possession of more than 500 grams of cannabis should be the threshold for the presumption of trafficking where the burden of proof is placed on the defendant, the preference should be an incremental increase after extensive consultation,” the Attorney General said.

Nandlall highlighted that

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh samples the water that was being pump tested

A

resuscitated well at the Sophia Water Treatment Plant is ready to be put into operation within a week’s time which will see thousands of residents in Sophia, Greater Georgetown and nearby communities benefiting.

This was after a pump test was conducted on Tuesday at the location.

Guyana Water Inc (GWI)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh visited the facility on Wednesday to witness the production capacity of the well.

The activation of the well would provide great relief to the residents of Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Turkeyen, Pattensen and surrounding areas, who have been experiencing a reduced level of service for

some time.

“This well has been dormant here for well over three years in this treatment plant compound so with the collapse of the well in North Ruimveldt, we had to move expeditiously to activate this well and I’m happy to report that the well is functioning properly and the production is good,” the CEO said.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Small, medium miners contributed GOGEC hands out over 75% of 2020 gold production membership certificates to –toGGDMA calls for tax relief for local industry 33 corporate stakeholders – El Dorado Trading top gold dealer for 2020

Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber President Manniram Prashad

T

he Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber on Thursday presented certificates of membership to several key stakeholders involved in its operations.

Attending the simple ceremony were several Government Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and the Private Sector Commission, as well as representatives of ExxonMobil and other Private Sector organisations.

Certificates were presented to members by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat. Among that number were the Guyana Shore Base Incorporated, Republic Bank, Tiger Rentals (Guyana) Incorporated,

Ramps Logistics Guyana Limited, and 28 other corporate organisations.

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad, in his address, stressed the need for such a Chamber, to be the advocate for increased local content in the oil and gas sector.

The objective is to achieve this through partnering with Government, Exxon and other tier one contractors, to have local business readiness to serve the industry.

The Chamber was set up in 2017 to ensure there was inclusive stakeholder input in the oil and gas sector.

US-based oil giant ExxonMobil has announced 18 oil discoveries offshore Guyana. The lat-

est discovery was made at the Redtail-1 well and will add to the previously-announced estimated recoverable resource of more than eight billion oil-equivalent barrels in the Stabroek Block.

Redtail-1 had encountered approximately 70 metres (232 feet) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone, and was drilled in 1878 metres (6164 feet) of water.

The well is located approximately 2.5 kilometres 1.5 miles (1.5 miles) northwest of the Yellowtail discovery.

ExxonMobil continues to advance the Liza Phase 2 project, which is expected to start up in 2022 and produce up to 220,000 barrels per day. Construction activities are underway in Singapore on the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. A third production vessel for the Payara development, with production capacity of 220,000 barrels a day, is on hold pending Government approval.

The Stabroek Block is 26,800 square kilometres (6.6 million acres).

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

Thousands to benefit...

FROM PAGE 15

S

malland medium-scale miners were able to up their production to 485,552 ounces of gold for the year 2020 – representing 75 per cent of the country’s total production.

584,291 ounces of gold were declared to the Guyana Gold Board in 2020.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) highlighted the contributions made by these stakeholders on Thursday, noting that it amounts to US$808,587,118 in export earnings, compared to US$619 million earned in 2019. The achievement was especially laudable, the organisation said, given the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This production accounts for more than 75 of the country’s total gold production. The production figure, while slightly below 2019, is especially significant and noteworthy, given that the mining industry, in 2020, faced severe challenges caused by the global pandemic, financial and infrastructural constraints, and a difficult tax regime,” the Association shared.

The GGDMA insists that small and medium-scale miners have maintained their commitment to the production target, and continue to perform. The Association continues to lobby the Government for additional reliefs and tax support for the local industry, to increase productivity and mobilise additional investment.

Owner of El Dorado Trading, Tamesh Jagmohan

“The 2021 target for gold production has not yet been announced, but the GGDMA remains confident that given the additional reliefs and tax support, our local miners will not only rise to the challenge, but exceed them.”

The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) had seen reduced gold declarations for last year, compared to 2019, with preliminary figures showing a 7.97 per cent reduction in declarations.

General Manager Eondrene Thompson told Guyana Times preliminary figures show that, for 2020, 584,291 ounces of gold were declared.

However, she stressed that these figures are not final.

It was subsequently revealed that El Dorado Trading was the top gold dealer for 2020.

In spite of all the challenges brought about by

COVID-19, the company remains the country’s top gold dealer, thus contributing millions in taxes and royalties to the Consolidated Fund.

In 2019, gold declarations were 634,905 ounces.

Thompson attributed this drop to the period of inactivity from the two largest gold producers. She noted that one of them, Troy Resources, had at one point suspended its operations following an accident.

However, Thompson told this publication there is a positive outlook for 2021.

According to her, more gold companies are in the process of entering the market, and this, coupled with the historic performance of the sector, augurs well for an improved year.

“Yes, 2021 seems to be a brighter year than 2020, because of the very fact that we have more dealers, prospective dealers, coming in.

We’ve not finalised that as yet. And we have shown an upward trend towards the end of the year. And I trust that this trajectory continues,” she said.

While 2020 saw reduced gold declarations compared to the previous year, it did see a number of gold finds.

For instance, Australiabased mining company Alicanto Minerals made its first-ever gold find in Guyana in November, only days after another mining company, Troy Resources, had announced that it had found gold deposits underground.

Former Editor-in-Chief, broadcaster to head GPF PR Department

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The well at Sophia

He added that customers could look forward to increased hours of service and water pressure in their homes, in excess of 10 feet, providing that certain factors were taken into consideration. These include repairing leaks and metering customers to promote conservation.

“I want to call on the residents of Sophia to settle their outstanding balances in a timely manner because it’s quite costly to operate this plant and provide treated water. This will help GWI to help them,” Baksh said.

GWI’s Georgetown

Regional Manager, Curtis Niles pointed out that it was necessary for customers to help the utility to identify leaks in Sophia.

“So as we come and we repair those leaks, the level of service will significantly improve. Because of the improved pressure, lines that have been tampered with will now tend to leak so we will have three to four teams working in the community to repair those leaks and raise your level of service,” he stated.

The CEO expressed satisfaction that the works to activate the well and install

the transmission are being done by in-house staff, while Engineer Rochelle Hopkinson noted that the well was performing beyond their expectations.

One of the water sources for the communities is the North Ruimveldt Number Two well, which is currently out of operation following the collapse of the well casing.

GWI continues to work assiduously to ensure that customers in the aforementioned communities have access to an adequate supply of water within the timeframe outlined.

ormer Guyana Chronicle Editor-inChief Mark Ramotar was tipped to head the Guyana Police Force’s public relations department with seasoned broadcaster Stan Gouveia as his deputy.

While the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has not officially issued a release on the new appointments, Guyana Times understands that the two men were entrusted to run the Department.

Previously, the Department was managed by serving Police ranks. Presently, Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor serves as the Public Relations Officer (PRO). However, the GPF has now taken the stance to have the PR Department managed by civilians.

The duo are expected to come up with strategies aimed at building trust and confidence between the Police Force and the public.

Ramotar was Head of the State-owned Chronicle

Stan Gouveia

Former Guyana Chronicle Editor-in-Chief Mark Ramotar

for a number of years. He also worked as an Editor of Guyana Times. Presently, he manages a US software company. He is well trained and also studies oil and gas at the Nations University.

On the other hand, Gouveia is a well-known television and radio personality with almost 29 years’ experience in the field. He is a graduate from

the University of Guyana in Communication Studies.

He landed his first job as a broadcaster in 1992 at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

Presently, he is the moderator for the “Hot Seat” show aired on BOOM FM. He also served as PRO for the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for a short period.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reg 10 MP says twin brother Entrepreneurs get collected money from SLED, not he $20M in funding from – GTimes regrets confusion between Small Business Bureau “Jermaine” and “Jemaine“ R

Small Business Bureau CEO, Dr Lowell Powell Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond presenting a Certificate of Participation to Kimwantie Seenarine of Smart Learning Guyana

I

n keeping with its mandate of promoting entrepreneurship and small business development, the Small Business Bureau (SBB) recently handed over $20 million in grants to entrepreneurs under its Green Tech Fund.

This programme is for existing and start-up businesses that are technology and environment-oriented.

During a simple ceremony, SBB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Lowell Powell revealed that of the 85 persons who applied for grants last year, only 20 were successful, having had “very good submissions”.

They each received $1 million which will go to starting up or enhancing their businesses.

The CEO reminded them that the SBB was committed to the development of sustainable businesses. He revealed that from 2018 to now, the SBB has been able to help businesses that are creative, office-oriented, and environmentally-friendly.

“We will continue working in this area because we have a lot of opportunities here in Guyana.”

He, however, cautioned them that receiving a grant came with hard work, stating that “a lot of time you receive a grant and you think it is free money. But nothing in life is free. There is a time in life when you will have to be accountable for that money”.

“We want to see your progress; we want to see your growth. We know that there are going to be challenges, but just rest assure that you have the support of the Ministry... I want to encourage you to work together.”

According to Dr Lowell, everybody has a dream and he believes that they have a right to fulfil that dream from which they must profit.

In this regard, he noted that this is where the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry will lend its support, whether monetary or otherwise.

Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development at the Ministry, John Edghill

stated: “What you have done is take a very noble step. In Guyana, there is not a plethora of innovation, but what you have done is to provide innovation that is very sustainable and done with green practices.”

Edghill assured them that the Government is committed to their development.

“We are here as your partners…you are our partners in development,” he noted.

The official highlighted, too, that access to finance was one of the main issues that entrepreneurs face as well as gaining technical skills.

Against this backdrop, he said, “Through the Small Business Bureau and other agencies under our remit, we will increase access

and they must work towards achieving this. “So, the more value you create; the more problems you solve. The more innovation you bring to the table, the more money that is going to end up in your hands and in your community….”

The recipients extended gratitude to the SBB for its support. Cherry Ann Greene, CEO of Ride Along GY, said that the grant will allow her to purchase much-needed equipment to start her business which she intends to launch very soon.

According to the young woman, she aims to reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases that have far-ranging environmental and health effects by promoting more pedal cycles in and around Georgetown.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has pledged the

Cherry Ann Greene of Ride Along GY receiving her certificate from Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development, John Edghill

to finance and entrepreneur skills development.

Opportunities are available to you. We are not just giving you $1 million; we are investing in ideas and innovation.”

Owner of Social Rank Media, Dr Rosh Khan, who was among the judges of the submissions, advised the grant recipients that as entrepreneurs they needed to use their skills to solve people’s problems, seeing these difficulties as opportunities for innovation and to build something that never existed.

While money is important, Dr Khan urged them not to chase after it. He told them that entrepreneurship was the creation of value,

Government’s support towards the development of small businesses. With the establishment of a National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council, the culture of entrepreneurship will be radically reformed to encourage the emergence of new entrepreneurs while supporting existing ones.

The Government intends to table in the National Assembly a Small Business Amendment Bill which, among other things, will expand the range of procurement opportunities allowing small businesses providing small-scale infrastructural works to functionally benefit from Government procurement.

egion 10 Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira says that he never collected $5 million under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2019 for the construction of pig pens in Linden.

In an article published by Guyana Times on January 23, 2021, it was stated that Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, has reported that monies were disbursed and collected by the parliamentarian.

In fact, the content of the article was made available by the Department of Public Information (DPI) following a visit to the mining community by the Labour Minister.

Jermaine Figueira has since refuted this allegation, noting that Hamilton’s utterances were aimed to “besmirch, tarnish, sully, insult and damage (my) good name and reputation.”

“I take this opportunity to publicly state and make it absolutely clear that I, Jermaine Figueira, Member of Parliament for

Region Ten, has never been the recipient of any disbursement of monies from the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2019,” the politician stated.

Guyana Times has since been informed that the money to which reference is made in the article was collected by the politician’s twin brother, Jemaine Figueira. As such, Guyana Times apologises to the MP, and regrets the embarrassment the article has caused.

Appeal Court defers ruling against conviction in 2012 D’Urban St murder

Murder convict: Ray Yokum

Murder convict: Steffon Campbell

Murder convict: Faisal Moore

ruling on an appeal filed by three men who are currently serving 80-year prison sentences for the 2012 murder of Glen Xavier, who was gunned down during a robbery, has been deferred to Monday by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

In 2017, a 12-person jury convicted Steffon Campbell, Faisal Moore, and Ray Yokum of the May 9, 2012 murder of Xavier, which occurred at the Cornbread Mini Mart at D’Urban and Lime Streets, Georgetown.

Justice Navindra Singh, presiding at the High Court in Demerara, sentenced them each to 80 years’ imprisonment. Justice Singh ordered that the men would become eligible for parole only after they would have spent at least 40 years behind bars.

Following the convictions, the men maintained their innocence and subsequently filed an appeal challenging their conviction and sentence on several grounds. They are arguing that the trial Judge

made several errors in law rendering their convictions unsafe.

The Guyana Court of Appeal concluded hearing arguments in the case last year and was supposed to render its decision on Thursday.

While Moore and Yokum were represented by Stanley Moore, SC, and Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes, Campbell was unrepresented as his lawyer recently died. In the circumstances, the court said it would grant him time to retain a lawyer and deferred the ruling to Monday.

It was reported that 26-year-old Xavier of Harlem, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was fatally shot when the trio, who were armed with guns, stormed the Mini Mart. After the robbery, they escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash on two Honda CG motorcycles.

Xavier was shot to his chest and left arm and later died.

His cause of death was given as haemorrhage and shock due to gunshot injuries.

In passing the sentence, Justice Singh underscored that such violent acts would not be tolerated by the courts. He noted that a strong message needed to be sent to potential offenders and the scourge which seemed to have overtaken society would not be tolerated by the courts.

In fact, one of the men’s lawyers begged the court to temper justice with mercy, but Justice Singh declared that “there will be no mercy”.

In doing so, Justice Singh started the sentences at a base of 60 years, and made several additions for aggravating factors such as the use of a firearm and endangerment of the public, amounting to another 20 years.

During the trial, 14 witnesses were called by the State. The jury deliberated for a little over six hours, and only emerged once for further directions, before returning the unanimous guilty verdicts, in relation to each of them.

He appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ali-Seepaul at Leonora Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The charge against him stated that between January 12 and January

14, 2021, at Tuschen New Scheme, EBE, he broke into the dwelling of Romel Amsterdam, a 38-year-old labourer, and stole a quantity of items.

After committing the act, Persaud was arrested and charged.

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Mason fined $100,000 for break-and-enter charge

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hirty-three-year-old Seechand Persaud of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was on Thursday fined $100,000 – with a default sentence of two months’ imprisonment – on a charge of break and enter and larceny.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

News

Brazil confirms COVID-19 Fundamental Lessons for Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund cases pass 9 million

By Arthur Deakin

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n January 20, 2021, LatinFinance held a roundtable for investors seeking to understand the latest financial developments in Guyana, a country that has discovered nine billion barrels of oil equivalent since 2015. In 2020, after a five-month electoral limbo and claims of voter fraud, the Irfaan Ali Administration was sworn in to power. The transition from the APNU/ AFC party to the opposing PPP will change the foundation in which oil revenues are spent in the coming years.

At the roundtable, Ashni Singh, the Senior Minister of Finance of Guyana, said that the Ali Administration will introduce legislation to modify the Natural Resource Fund Act (NRF). The administration intends to strengthen the fund’s transparency by improving the governance and operation of the fund.

Singh also indicated that the new act would focus on nearterm economic developments while being mindful of longterm sustainable growth.

Frontload spending to address critical infrastructure needs is in line with the objective of the fund. However, if done erroneously, excess spending could lead to hyperinflation and a shortage of resources down the road.

The NRF, passed in early 2019 by the previous Granger Administration, established a sovereign wealth fund to manage the revenues from Guyana’s newfound oil resources. By using a US dollar-based New York Federal Reserve account, the NRF protects the oil revenues against inflationary and nominal exchange rate pressures caused by fluctuations in the domestic economy. It also sets a limit on the annual amount transferred from the fund to the Government’s budget. The establishment of the fund was an important development for a country seeking to mitigate the Dutch disease and promote transparency.

A sovereign wealth fund is a State-owned fund, usually financed with revenues coming from extractive industries. The fund typically invests in real assets, such as property and infrastructure projects, and financial assets, such as stocks and bonds.

Sovereign wealth funds are not only used as a guarantee of future funds for the local population, but also as a way to diversify the local economy by investing in sectors outside its extractive industries. These funds also tend to invest globally in an effort to diversify their asset base.

If used adequately, and with the right controls, a sovereign wealth fund can be extremely effective at generating wealth for the population and boosting economic activity during slow periods.

Despite a positive initiative, the Guyanese Government has failed to implement some of the necessary oversight measures it established in the NRF Act. The Act says that the Ministry of Finance, responsible for the overall management of the fund, would provide the Bank of Guyana, responsible for the operation of the fund, with an investment mandate pertaining to the funds. In developing the mandate, the Ministry of Finance would receive advice from the Investment Committee, a group of experienced financial experts. Currently, the Committee does not exist.

Similarly, the Macroeconomic Committee, responsible for analysing the future implications of public spending on the country’s economic competitiveness, is supposed to advise the maximum amount that should be withdrawn from the fund each year. This Committee, in addition to the Public Oversight and Accountability Committee, are also missing.

The NRF Act also fell short in depoliticising the management of the fund.

As it stands, the Ministry of Finance has too much control over the governance and spending of the resources. The members of the ever-so-important Investment Committee are all appointed directly by the Ministry. The Minister of Finance, in conjunction with Parliament, also has a final say on how the monies are spent. Without a more independent oversight structure, the fund will be more susceptible to political cronyism and mismanagement.

Experts have also mentioned that the fund lacks a medium-term expenditure framework and a clearer fiscal rule. A medium-term framework would allow for better planning and prioritisation of its incoming resources. The fiscal rule, used to determine how much money is spent each year from the fund, is too complex for laymen to properly supervise.

The current rule also fails to curb debt-financed spending used to address shortterm needs. Additionally, the Act did not create a broader fiscal framework that defined rules for public debt, balanced budgets, and revenues. These public finance laws would ensure more stable and less volatile spending by the Government.

Angola, with nearly eight billion barrels of proven crude reserves and a top 20 global oil producer, is an example of what not to do with a sovereign wealth fund. Angola is seeking to reclaim US$5 billion in stolen funds and has resorted to an austere US$4.5 billion IMF programme to rebalance its financial standing. The fund suffered from mismanagement and institutional corruption, in which

B

Arthur Deakin

the country’s leaders used political patronage to spend uncontrollably and excessively.

In contrast, Norway, who owns the largest sovereign wealth fund with US$1.3 trillion in revenues, has showcased how to effectively spend and grow its oil-based revenues. Through its annual contributions, the fund now provides Norway with about a quarter of its annual government budget. It is also worth three times the country’s annual GDP, safeguarding wealth for future generations.

The success of the fund is based on its upstanding transparency and governance, in which several different entities and committees check and balance their respective management roles. The stability of the fund, reflected by having only three CEOs in 25 years, allows for investment continuity and operational efficiencies. Norway’s strong democracy and institutions also serve as a backbone to the fund’s success.

The fund’s growth, highlighted by a record US$180 billion earned in 2019, is also a result of its long-term, diversified, investment strategy that models an index fund. The investment strategy is based on the fund’s objectives and is adapted every third year by Norges Bank, Norway’s central bank.

Although Guyana’s Central Bank will also be in charge of operating its respective fund, Guyana’s ingrained culture of corruption makes the central bank more susceptible to political coercion and interference.

The new NRF Act in Guyana should implement the best transparency practices adopted in Norway, while avoiding the politically tied shortfalls experienced in Angola. The announcement that the Office of the President will have oversight over the Ministry of Finance and Natural Resources is not an encouraging sign. It is essential to have independent accountability of the funds – not more political involvement. Although the original NRF Act established a decent framework, it needs fine-tuning and proper implementation to succeed. Guyana must do all it can to avoid an Angola-like situation.

razil has had 61,811 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus reported in the past 24 hours, and 1386 deaths from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.

The South American country has now registered 9,058,687 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 221,547, according to Ministry data, in the world’s third worst outbreak outside the United States and India and its second-deadliest.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Health workers transport a COVID-19 patient from a Brazilian Air Force airplane after arriving from Porto Velho, Rondonia state, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Salgado Filho international airport in Porto Alegre, Brazil, January 27, 2021

Cicely Tyson, iconic and influential actress, dies at 96

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icely Tyson, an award-winning icon of the stage and screen who broke barriers for Black actresses with surpassing dignity, died Thursday, her longtime manager Larry Thompson confirmed to CNN. She was 96. A family statement did not reveal the cause of death.

The actress chronicled her lengthy career in her first memoir, “Just As I Am”, which was just released Tuesday. During her career, she would win a total of three Emmy Awards out of 15 nominations.

Tyson married jazz trumpeter Miles Davis in 1981, but their union ended in divorce in 1988.

Her filmography includes celebrated movies and television shows like “Sounder” (1972); “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” (1974); “Roots” (1977); “The Marva Collins Story” (1981);

“The Women of Brewster Place” (1989), and “The Help” (2011).

Yet she said her most important accomplishment happened in 2016 when President Barack Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom.

“In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only exceeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history,” Obama said that day.

Tyson described that moment as “the most important thing that could happen to me.”

“I am one of three children, grew up in the area that is now known as El Barrio and that was the East Side (of New York),” she told TV host Steve Harvey. “To come from there to the White House with the first black President ... to put that medal around my neck: Where can you go from there?”

Cicely Tyson

Tyson continued to act well into her 90s, telling Time magazine that she had no plans to retire.

“We have to honour this blessed gift that we have.

That’s what keeps you going. Keeps your mind fluid – your heart, your whole being,” Tyson, then 94, said.

“You can’t just stop, because that will be the end of you.”

(Excerpt from CNN)

Fresh elections the only way forward in THA impasse

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obago may be headed to an election rerun if the two parties, the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) and the People’s National Movement (PNM) cannot come to an agreement about the appointment of a new President Officer and Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

Former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj was the architect of the THA Act and both he and former Ambassador Reginald Dumas agree that there are very few ways to resolve the current 6-6 deadlock in Tobago.

In a telephone interview Wednesday Maharaj said that the only solution to the current 6-6 deadlock in Tobago was a return to the polls.

Former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC

Maharaj said when he drafted the legislation back in 1996 as Attorney General, the aim was to give Tobago full autonomy but the legislation had to be amended when the PNM did not agree to that Tobago autonomy.

“It was a different piece of legislation, but the PNM at that time said that they were not supporting full internal self-governance for Tobago and the original bill which was drafted by me was to give Tobago full internal self-government but within the Republic of T&T,” he said.

Maharaj said with the Act as it is, the only resolution to the deadlock would be an election rerun.

“My recollection of the legislation seems to me that it would require a rerun of the elections because it did not anticipate that there would be a tie. It would not be able to function unless there’s an agreement. They would not even be able to select a presiding officer,” Maharaj said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

OILNEWS OIL NEWS New oil deals in Iraq carry serious geopolitical implications

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ear the beginning of December, Bloomberg sources suggested that the French oil major Total SA was looking to rid itself of its 18 per cent stake in the Sarsang exploration block in northern Iraqi Kurdistan.

Now, Iraq’s Oil Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the oil giant to execute “large and promising projects” in Iraq, specifically in natural gas and clean energy, the country’s Oil Ministry said on Wednesday.

Total’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Pouyanne was in the country at the time of the signing.

Total already has a 22.5 per cent interest in Iraq’s Halfaya oilfield in southern Iraq—and it is still holding on to, for now, that 18 per cent Sarsang asset that it was rumoured to be exiting.

Also on Wednesday, Iraq’s State-run Dhiqar Oil Co announced that Lukoil’s trading arm Litasco would finance an oil project to double the capacity of the country’s Nassiriya oil project to 200,000 bpd. Iraq’s SOMO will pay Litasco with crude.

But Iraq’s oil deals don’t stop there. China is also muscling its way into Iraq’s oil industry, including via a US$2 billion, five-year pre-payment oil supply deal between the Iraqi federal government and China’s Zhenhua Oil. The deals come as Iraq works feverishly to pull itself out of the economic hole it now finds itself in, and is seeking emergency loans to the tune of US$6 billion from the IMF as low oil prices continue to squeeze the country’s finances.

(Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

New COVID-19 vaccine shows 89% efficacy in UK trials

The UK recorded a further 1239 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test on Thursday. There have also been another 28,680 new infections

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new coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be 89.3 per cent effective against COVID-19 in large-scale United Kingdom trials.

The Novavax jab is the first to show it is effective against the new variant of the virus discovered in the UK, the BBC's medical editor Fergus Walsh said.

The Prime Minister welcomed the "good news" and said the UK's medicines regulator would now assess the vaccine.

The UK has secured 60 million doses of the jab, which will be made in Stockton-on-Tees.

The doses are expected to be delivered in the second half of this year, if approved for use by the Medicines

and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Government said.

The Novavax jab is only the second to enter largescale trials in the UK; the other has been developed by the University of Oxford.

The jab was shown to be 89.3 per cent effective at preventing COVID-19 in participants in its Phase 3 clinical trial in the UK, which enrolled more than 15,000 people between 18 and 84, of which 27 per cent were older than 65, Novavax said.

The trial was conducted in conjunction with the UK Government's Vaccine Taskforce with its chairman, Clive Dix hailing the "spectacular results".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

19

Around the World

China sharpens language, warns Taiwan that independence "means war" C hina toughened its language towards Taiwan on Thursday, warning after recent stepped-up military activities near the island that “independence means war” and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, reported multiple Chinese fighter jets and bombers entering its south-western air defence identification zone last weekend, prompting Washington to urge Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan.

China believes that Taiwan’s democratically-elected Government is moving the island towards a declaration of formal independence, though Taiwan

A Taiwan flag is seen during a Navy drill ahead of the Lunar New Year in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, January 27, 2021

President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly said it was already an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Asked at a monthly news briefing about the air force’s recent activities, Chinese Defence Ministry spokes-

man Wu Qian said Taiwan was an inseparable part of China.

“The military activities carried out by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait are necessary actions to address the current security situation

in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty and security,” he said.

“They are a solemn response to external interference and provocations by ‘Taiwan independence’ forces,” he added.

Wu said a “handful” of people in Taiwan were seeking the island’s independence.

“We warn those ‘Taiwan independence’ elements: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and ‘Taiwan independence’ means war,” he added.

While China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, it is unusual for Beijing to make such overt, verbal threats of conflict. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden reverses global UN chief Guterres abortion gag rule and hopes for 'reset' in expands Obamacare US-China relations

U

S President Joe Biden has reversed a ban on federal funds going to international aid groups that perform or inform about abortions.

He said the ending of the so-called Mexico City Policy reverses former President Donald Trump's "attack on women's health access".

The memo orders a review of a Trump-era policy blocking funding for US clinics that offer abortion referrals as well.

Biden also signed an edict expanding the Obamacare insurance programme.

"I'm not initiating any new law, any new aspect of the law," he said in the White House Oval Office on Thursday, responding to criticism that he was governing by executive order,

rather than congressional legislations.

"There is nothing new that we're doing here other than restoring the Affordable Care Act ... to the way it was before Trump became President," he added.

The Mexico City Policy was first enacted by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and has been repeatedly renewed by Republicans and cancelled by Democrats.

For decades, the US has barred money from being spent on overseas abortions, but the Mexico City policy takes that a step further. It prevents federal funds from going to organisations that provide abortions, abortion counselling, or advocate for the legal right to abortion.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

U

nited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday he hoped there would be a “reset” in US-China relations, acknowledging that while the countries had “different views” on human rights, they should work together on climate action.

Beijing has been pushing for greater global influence in a challenge to traditional US leadership.

Tension between the two superpowers hit a boiling point at the United Nations last year, under former US President Donald Trump’s Administration, over the coronavirus pandemic.

“I hope we will see a reset in relations between the United States and China,” Guterres told reporters.

“It is clear that in human rights, there are two completely different views, and it is clear that in human rights there is no scope for an agreement or a common vision.”

“There is an area where I believe there is a growing convergence of interests, and my appeal is for that area to be pursued by the two sides, together with the whole of the international community, and that area is climate action,” he said.

New US President Joe Biden’s nominee for ambassador to the United Nations accused China on Wednesday of trying to “drive an authoritarian agenda” at the 193-member world body. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Yemeni families file petition over US drone strike killings

T

wo Yemeni families have filed a petition against the US Government over the “unlawful” killing of 34 relatives, including nine children, in counterterrorism operations between 2013 and 2018.

Human rights group Reprieve, which submitted the petition to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights on behalf of the families on Tuesday, said the families suffered enormous loss of life and property in six drone strikes and a special operations raid.

Of those killed, 34 were

members of the Al-Ameri and Al-Taisy families, who are requesting the Commission urge the US Government to take immediate measures to prevent further harm as it reviews the files – often a long process that could take years.

“It is averred that the seven attacks at issue have resulted in the unlawful killing of at least 48 people, including 17 children, and serious injury of at least seven others, as well as the destruction of their personal property and livelihoods,” said the petition seen by AFP news agency.

The first strike, which

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that his top priorities would include addressing the catastrophe for civilians in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia, a US ally, has been bombing the Houthi rebels [Khaled Abdullah/Reuters]

took place in December 2013 under the Administration of Barack Obama, targeted a wedding procession convoy, killing at least 12 people, in-

cluding seven Al-Ameri family members and five people from the Al-Taisy family, according to the filing. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

You’ll get a false impression of what someone can do or what they have. Don’t sign up for something based on what you hear; get the facts, and protect your assets. Use your intelligence to advance.

Use your imagination when it comes to business matters. A close friend or relative will offer or verify facts that will help you avoid a loss. Encourage romance.

Be equitable in all things.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take measures that allow you to work alone. The less interference you have, the easier it will be to get things done. If you let your intuition be your guide, you’ll know what you have to do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

A stubborn attitude will not help you get your way.

Rethink your strategy before you get into a verbal battle. Your reputation, position or status will come under scrutiny. Do your best to avoid trouble.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Don’t dwell on what you can’t do; focus on what’s possible. Pour your enthusiasm into what counts. Refuse to let a change someone makes lead to a spat. Live in the moment.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Listen and learn. The less you say, the more you will discover about a friend, colleague or distant relative.

Personal growth, self-improvement and positive change are all prevalent.

Take pride in your home and the way you live. Refuse to let anyone belittle the things or people that mean something to you. Speak up when necessary.

Don’t let someone poison your vision. Use your imagination and resources to create a positive outcome. It’s up to you to take charge if you’re going to live life your way.

What you learn will help SAGITTARIUS you get ahead. Pick up skills, (Nov. 23knowledge, a license or anyDec. 21) thing else that can help you claim a position that interests you. Focus on getting ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) YESTERDAY'S WORD -- TRIBUTE

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Consider how you earn your living and what you have done to improve your life, and you’ll come up with a plan that will make you happy. Stop dreaming, and start living life your way.

Check out what’s going on around you before you make a decision.

Uncertainty will be a signal that you are better off taking a pass. Nurture a relationship that’s going through difficult times.

Leave nothing unfinished, and you will avoid criticism and complaints.

How you reach out to help others will determine the type of support you receive.

A change of plans will leave you in an awkward position.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

21

2021 Carifta swimming championships postponed — due to COVID-19 spike, lockdown in Barbados

T

he 2021 CARIFTA Swimming Championships that had been set to get underway from March 26 to April 7 have been postponed because of the recent spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Barbados.

Barbados has recorded more than 350 active cases and 11 deaths as a wave of new infections prompted Prime Minister Mia Mottley to announce new containment measures, including an 11-hour daily curfew and a two-week lockdown of the island.

President of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association (BASA), Cheryl Lady Forde, has said the BASA executive decided to postpone the championships because of the foregoing.

“It is with the greatest regret that I must inform you that CARIFTA 2021 will not take place in Barbados, as scheduled for March 26th -April 7th. An Executive decision was taken this evening by the BASA

to postpone CARIFTA 2021 after a review of the current COVID-19 situation in Barbados, and by extension, in the region,” she said on Wednesday in correspondence to member associations.

“It was agreed that a new date would be decided after the "national pause" - lockdown that is expected to end on February 17th, and after we have had an opportunity to meet with the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit.

“In the absence of a vaccine, with the new variant present in Barbados, community spread locally, the general spiking of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring countries, and changing travel protocols locally and in a number of our neighbouring countries, it was agreed that it would be prudent to postpone this regional competition at this time.”

A number of countries across the region have been struggling to get their swimming

Cristiano Ronaldo being investigated for COVID-19 "birthday trip"

programmes back on track. In Jamaica, the ASAJ, is awaiting Government approval to get swimming meets back, as many

local swimmers need to achieve qualifying standards for the CARIFTA Games.

(Sportsmax)

NBA ROUNDUP…

Philadelphia 76ers end Lakers’ perfect away record

T

The couple, pictured in 2019, are accused of breaching coronavirus travel restrictions

J

uventus footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is being investigated by Italian Police over a trip he allegedly took to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.

He is accused of breaking COVID-19 rules by travelling between the regions of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta.

Now-deleted footage posted on social media showed the couple on a snowmobile in a mountain resort the same day Georgina Rodriguez turned 27.

Italy is seeing hundreds of deaths and thousands of infections daily. The country was hit badly in the early stages of the pandemic last year, and is now in a political crisis after struggling to bring down cases in a second wave.

Valle d'Aosta Police have said they are investigating the couple over the alleged trip to the Courmayeur ski resort.

Under current rules in Italy, travel between COVID "orange zones" is forbidden, unless for work reasons or for travelling to a second home.

Reports in Italian media allege the pair travelled on Tuesday, and stayed overnight in a resort hotel before returning to Turin, the home of Ronaldo's Serie A Club, on Wednesday.

Rodriguez, a model, later shared an image with her 23 million followers of the couple celebrating back at home with their family.

If found in breach of the rules, they could each face a fine.

The controversy comes months after Ronaldo himself had contracted COVID-19. At the time, he was criticised

by Italy's minister for sport for travelling to Portugal for international duty shortly before he tested positive.

Vincenzo Spadafora had labelled Ronaldo "arrogant" and "disrespectful", and had accused him of violating COVID-19 protocol by leaving his team's bubble to travel after they reported infections.

The player had denied wrongdoing. (BBC Sport)

he Los Angeles Lakers' recordbreaking winning streak on the road came to an end when the Philadelphia 76ers earned a thrilling 107-106 victory over them at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

In a fixture that saw the Eastern Conference leaders face their Western Conference counterparts, Joel Embiid's 28 points edged the 76ers to the win. It ended the NBA champions' run of 10 wins on the road, a franchise record.

"Some people think we haven't played anybody," 76ers Tobias Harris said. "We wanted to go against the champs. We wanted to see where we're at."

LeBron James scored a game-high 34 points for the Lakers, who trailed by 14 points in the final quarter, but rallied to fall to defeat by a single point.

The result keeps the 76ers at top of the Eastern Conference with 13 wins and six defeats, while the Lakers fall to second in the West, as the Utah Jazz move to top after a 116-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Jordan Clarkson scored 31 points as Utah notched a 10th consecutive win.

"Big three" earn third win in a row The Brooklyn Nets called on their 'big three', as Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving starred in a 132-128 overtime-win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Durant scored 32 points,

Joel Embiid scored 28 points for the 76ers

Harden managed 31 points and 15 assists, and Irving scored 26 points of his own as the Nets moved to fourth in the Eastern Conference with their third win in a row.

Two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the Milwaukee Bucks 24 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists as they overcame the Toronto Raptors to sit at second in the East, behind the 76ers.

The Indiana Pacers are third in the East after a 116-106 win over the Charlotte Hornets, and the Denver Nuggets sit forth in the West after moving to five straight wins with an impressive 109-82 victory over the Miami Heat.

Elsewhere, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson scored 32 points each as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 47-point performance by Bradley Beal to defeat the Washington Wizards 124106.

Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 17-point deficit in the first half to win 102-97 at the Phoenix Suns, while rookie James Wiseman scored a season-best 25 points to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 123111.

In other results on a busy Wednesday night across the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame the Detroit Pistons 122-107, all five Sacramento Kings’ starters scored double figures as they beat the Orlando Magic 121-107, and the San Antonio Spurs edged to a thrilling 110-106 victory over the Boston Celtics. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

GCA’s Senior Chess Championships begin this weekend at Providence Stadium T

his Saturday and Sunday will see tons of chess action taking place at the National Stadium at Providence, as some of the country’s brightest prospects compete in the National Senior Chess Championships being staged by the Guyana Chess Association.

This competition replaces the one that was scheduled for 2020 but had to be put off because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, having had their calendar approved by the COVID-19 Task Force, the GCA will go ahead with staging this competition on Saturday and Sunday, January 30th and 31st respectively.

The competition is expected to run every weekend until completion, with only the two players in a game being present in the room.

Reigning champion and

The Championship schedule is as follows:

Round 1 – Saturday, January 30th @ 2pm Round 2 - Sunday, January 31st @ 9am Round 3 - Sunday, January 31st @ 3pm Round 4 – Saturday, February 6th @ 2pm Round 5 - Sunday, February 7th @ 9am Round 6 - Sunday, February 7th @ 3pm Round 7 – Saturday, February 13th @ 2pm Round 8 - Sunday, February 14th @ 9am Round 9 - Sunday, February 14th @ 3pm

GCF President Frankie Farley

FIDE Master, Anthony Drayton, will be testing his skills against Candidate Master Wendell Meusa, who is keen on reclaiming the title. Former champion and Candidate Master Taffin Khan will also be vying for the top spot.

The likes of Loris Nathoo, Glenford Corlette, Davion Mars, Errol Tiwari, Saeed Ali, Roy Sharma and Justino DaSilva are among the other players who have qualified for

the competition. In addition, Adrian Roopnarine, Shiv Nandalall and Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) President Frankie Farley are among a list of standby players.

Commenting on the upcoming competition, Farley has said, “It should be a very interesting tournament.

Possibly, it can have some upsets, but we expect great talent and good results from the tournament.”

Man Utd “disgusted” at racial abuse directed at Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial

M

anchester United have say they are "disgusted" after Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were racially abused on social media by "mindless idiots" following Wednesday's loss to Sheffield United.

Both players were involved in Manchester United’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford.

United midfielder Scott McTominay wrote on social media that he was "disgusted with what I have read this morning". Club captain Harry Maguire added: "United against racism. We will not tolerate it." Former United defender Rio Ferdinand called it a "disgrace", adding: "These ignorant idiots need to be exposed, so everyone can see them for what they are."

In a statement, the club said: "Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night's game. We utterly condemn it, and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.

"Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour."

Anti-racism charity Kick it Out said the continued abuse of players on social media is "completely unacceptable", and reiterated its stance that those responsible for online hate must face "real-life consequences".

"We know that discriminatory abuse can have significant realworld impact on the welfare of the victims," Kick it Out Chairman Sanjay Bhandari said. "We will continue to work with the football

authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to try to rid football of hateful and discriminatory behaviour."

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), the players' union, has encouraged Tuanzebe and Martial - as well as any other player targeted by racial abuse - to "press charges".

"We want perpetrators to be held accountable for their online behaviour," the PFA said in a statement. "The accounts of those sending the messages must be banned. Their details need to be provided to the appropriate authorities to take further action."

What is being done about online abuse?

On Monday, the UK Government held talks with current and former footballers about tackling discrimination and abuse.

It comes as the Government plans to introduce new laws on online abuse in 2021. In September, 2020, Kick It Out revealed that there had been a 42% increase in reports of discrimination in English professional football during the previous season.

Earlier this month, the antidiscrimination charity convened talks between key football authorities, policing and social media companies to discuss how to tackle online abuse in football.

The Premier League has previously challenged social media companies to take action, and last year launched its own online abuse reporting system.

In the case of Brighton forward Neal Maupay, the abuse was investigated, with the perpetrator tracked down to Singapore. (BBC Sport)

CWI inks "groundbreaking" 5-year deal with ESPN+ C ricket West Indies (CWI) has finalised a groundbreaking new fiveyear deal with ESPN+ for the exclusive media and digital rights in the United States to all West Indies international home matches and regional tournaments.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt has said: “This is CWI’s largest ever media rights agreement in the USA, and is the first of several new multi-year agreements which we will confirm in the coming weeks.

Broadcast media rights income is crucial to the future financial sustainability of CWI, and this five-year rights agreement is just the start of good things to come.”

CWI’s media partnership with ESPN, North America’s largest sports broadcaster, will bring West Indies cricket to millions of households and viewers across the United States through the ESPN+ sports streaming service.

The ESPN+ partnership will feature live broadcast of every international West Indies home series covering all T20 Internationals, One-Day Internationals, and Test matches within the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme (FTP).

Commencing with the all-format Tour of the Caribbean by Sri Lanka in March, the ESPN+ first year will feature the series against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in 2021, building to five home series in 2022, including tours by England and India.

The new agreement also includes the CWI’s marquee regional 50-over tournament, the CG Insurance Super50 Cup, which is also aired exclusively in the Caribbean by ESPN. The CG Insurance Super50 Cup will be the first live cricket from the West Indies in the partnership, as the biggest regional rivalries and world class players take the stage from February 7 to 27 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Johnny Grave, CWI CEO, has said: “ESPN is THE sports channel for American households and sports fans, and we’re delighted that West Indies cricket will now be enjoyed in the homes and on the devices of millions of Americans. We have an ambitious strategic plan to grow our brand and content in North America, and ESPN is the perfect partner to help us achieve our goals.”

“Cricket West Indies (are) among the best in the world, and their ICC schedule over the next few years is second to none,” said John Lasker, Vice President, ESPN Digital Media Programming.

“Cricket has always been a priority for us, with ESPNcrincinfo leading the way as the premier destination for cricket coverage and news. Adding a strong slate of CWI events to ESPN+ is just the latest example of our commitment to cricket and serving fans with the best, most comprehensive cricket content in the U.S.” (CWI)

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23

"COVID-19 is a reality some of us don't seem to understand" — says CWI President Ricky Skerrit — players given “benefit of the doubt” regarding availability

By Brandon Corlette

T

he novel coronavirus continues to hit the globe since its deadly rise in 2020, and has recently hit some Caribbean cricketers, with Guyana's Romario Shepherd being the Caribbean’s first active player to have returned a positive result for COVID-19, and Hayden Walsh Jr. being the next player to have tested positive, in Bangladesh.

The Barbados Pride duo of Shai Hope and Kyle Hope were the other players who tested positive and were ruled out of the Regional Super50 Cup, while Guyana Jaguars’ opener Trevon Griffith has been the latest player from the Caribbean to have returned a positive COVID-19 test, and he also was ruled out of next month's Regional Super50 tournament to be staged in Antigua.

In the most recent Mason and Guest radio programme, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerrit said COVID-19 is a reality that some people don't seem to understand.

"We have to deal with the reality that players are facing stressful decisions about their careers, whether they are participating in cricket under risky situations, even though CWI and other cricket boards are doing everything to minimise the risk," Skerrit explained.

Since onset of the pandemic, West Indies have visited England, New Zealand, and now Bangladesh. Initially, only a few players had refused to tour, but in the most recent overseas tour, most of the players were reluctant to travel to Bangladesh.

The CWI boss has indicated that it is difficult for the Caribbean board to get all their ‘top’ players to play at the same time, and the

Shakib expected to recover for West Indies Tests

A

Bangladesh Cricket Board official said on Thursday (January 28) that all-rounder Shakib al Hasan would be available for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, given his scans are clear following a groin injury.

Bangladesh have been fretting over the availability of their ace allrounder after he picked up a groin injury in the last of the three ODIs against the tourists. Shakib collapsed almost immediately in his follow through after delivering the fifth ball of his fifth over in the third ODI, and was seen grimacing in a lot of pain before leaving the field.

"His scan report is absolutely fine, and there is no tear.

Our physio, Julian, had seen him in the evening, and there is improvement. We are hopeful that he will return to practice soon," BCB physician Manzur Hossain told Cricbuzz on Thursday.

"Probably he might have rest for a day or two, but at the moment there is no doubt regarding his participation in the first Test, considering his scan reports that we have received today."

Shakib played an instrumental role in the Bangladesh 3-0 sweep over the visitors, scoring 113 runs at an average of 56.5, and claiming six wickets.

Meanwhile, BCB Chief Physician Debashish Chowdhury told Cricbuzz that Shakib did not break the bio-bubble, despite leaving the team hotel for his scans.

"We have a protocol in place for this series, and it is mentioned in the MoU what needs to be done in this kind of situation.

The WICB officials are fully aware that we are following the COVID-19 protocols in this case," Chowdhury said.

Bangladesh will take on West Indies in the first Test at Chattogram between February 3-7, before returning to Dhaka for the second Test, beginning on February 11.

(Cricbuzz) Shakib Al Hasan picked up a groin injury during the third ODI

inexperience was evident during the One Day International (ODI) series in Bangladesh.

"With this particular tour and the two tours before, which were held in COVID-19, is that you could not get all your best players on tour at the same time, and this trip to Bangladesh was (the) worst. We had more players than perhaps we expected pulling out," Skerrit declared.

According to an earlier CWI release, West Indies Test captain Jason Holder, limitedovers captain Kieron Pollard and Test vice-captain Roston Chase were among ten players who pulled out of the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, citing COVID-19 concerns.

Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran were the other players who declined the opportunity to

participate in that Bangladesh tour due to COVID-19-related concerns or personal fears.

Not since 2014 have the West Indies won an ODI series against Bangladesh. "We had a team that was significantly weakened in a situation where even our best teams have lost in Bangladesh over the last several years,” Skerrit explained.

“Since 2014, we have not won an ODI series against Bangladesh. Let's look at the facts: We are going to play against Bangladesh, in a place where most West Indians don't like playing in. We take not our strongest batting team, and the batting team fails," the CWI boss said.

He opined that the players had given of their best, but it was not good enough.

Skerritt has also given the players the benefit of the doubt over their availability to play for

Ricky Skerrit has said the weakened West Indies batting group gave of their best in Bangladesh

the West Indies at this time.

"We respect the fact that individual experiences in a health-bubble environment and COVID-19 fears and concerns are also very personal to the players, who are being given the benefit

of any doubt," he explained.

West Indies will have a packed home season in 2021, with Sri Lanka expected to visit the Caribbean, while teams such as Australia and Pakistan may also visit the Caribbean as well.

Scott relieved at CARIFTA postponement O

wing to the adjustment of Barbados’ new COVID-19 restrictions, the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association President, Cheryl Lady Forde, on Thursday announced that the CARIFTA Swimming Championships would be postponed.

The Championships, which had been slated for March 26th to April 7th this year, went into limbo after host country Barbados faced a new wave of coronavirus cases and moved to implement an island-wide lockdown.

Locally, Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) President Dwayne Scott is relieved at the news of the postponement.

“Rightfully putting it, it is a necessary action that was taken. Because I guess our athletes have not been able to have access to the facility to train since last March.

So, for Guyana, it's a positive if these decisions are indeed confirmed as they were posted,” Scott shared with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday.

He added, “So we welcome that move, because it will allow us a little more time to get our athletes pre-

pared. At the moment, we don't have access for CARIFTA athletes at the facility, so our athletes cannot train.”

In his comments, invited by this publication, Scott admitted there were some lingering concerns owing to the fact that pools have been closed since last March.

The GASA President commented, “Technically, it would have been a year (since) the Games would have come, and our athletes would have gone into the Games without any level of preparation. So, yes, we would have been at a disadvantage. And I'm hoping that these decisions will push it back even further, you know, so that we can get our athletes adequately

prepared.”

When probed, Scott admitted that if the Games had gone ahead as planned, the likelihood of Guyanese swimmers being adequately prepared to compete would have been slim.

“The only preparation we were

GASA President Dwayne Scott

able to allow our athletes would have been land preparation, which is not appropriate for three months;

but this is just for us to keep conditioning,” he answered.

“And even if we would have gotten them back in the pool this week, next week, or next month, the time slot from then to the Games was not adequate to allow us preparatory time.”

Thus far, Scott has consulted with Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr on the reopening of pools for training purposes. (Jemima Holmes)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

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

Pg 23

"COVID-19 is a reality some of us don't seem to GCA’s Senior Chess understand" Championships — says CWI President Ricky Skerrit Pg 22

— players given “benefit of the doubt” regarding availability

Shakib Pg 23

begin this weekend at Providence Stadium

expected to recover for West Indies Tests

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