Guyana Times - Friday December 4, 2020

P15

Guyana and Suriname can underpin Caricom’s sovereignty and prosperity Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4489

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

PRICE

Ali urges UN to pilot int’l rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Chief Justice halts deportation of detained P17 Haitians …AG contends Haiti not included in CARICOM free movement

Guyana is "open for business" – Minister Walrond tells regional stakeholders See story on page 11

Gary Best cleared of former national cyclist's death See story on page 2

Police yet to P8 make arrest for Linden street vendor’s murder

No clues on missing Linden pensioner P15 – family seeks assistance from public

P14 Guyana records 79 new COVID-19 cases in 1 day

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Thursday received two motorcycles from RRT Enterprise owner Sean Ramrattan worth $1 million each to assist the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in carrying out its duties. In photo are Ramrattan; Minister Benn; Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram and Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Clifton Hicken

Over $1B for Region 3 housing sector in 2021 Page 7

— 500 housing subsidies to be granted

Congressman who fought for Guyana’s democracy elected Chair of US Foreign Affairs Committee

Page 17

— 4 remain in ICU

Hopetown woman attacks person distributing COVID-19 cash P10 grant Berbice woman stabbed by P17 reputed husband during argument

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gary Best cleared of former national cyclist’s death

F

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff and PNC/R Executive Member Gary Best walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts a free man on Thursday after a causing death by dangerous driving charge was dismissed against him.

Best had been charged for dangerously driving a Land Cruiser, thereby causing the death of former national cyclist Jude Bentley. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $500,000 bail.

He was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol; this charge is still pending before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Reacting to the dismissal, Best expressed that he is happy that the matter has now come to an end. He said, “I just hope

Former GDF Chief-of-Staff Gary Best

that both families can move on my family and his family - and I hope that we can now move on.

We have gone through a lot, and I am happy about the court’s de-

cision.

“At the time that the accident occurred, I did say that I regret the fact that Jude Bentley died.

It was an accident but, of course, the fact laid out in court shows that I was not driving dangerously in any way, and that I did not deliberately cause his death,” he added.

Best was represented by prominent Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes and his associate lawyers Ronald Daniels and Sophia Findlay. Providing an update on the case, Hughes explained that presiding Magistrate Rondel Weever upheld the no-case submission made by him in which he argued that the prosecution failed to prove that his client was driving dangerously.

According to reports, Bentley, 41, was struck down and run over by the vehicle driven by

Jude Bentley

Best on Clive Lloyd Drive near the Russian Embassy turn in Georgetown. The accident occurred on February 08, 2020, at around 04:00h.

Reports are that both Best and Bentley were travelling in an easterly direction. It was alleged that Bentley, who was at the time riding a cycle along Clive Lloyd Drive in Georgetown to meet a group of cyclists, suddenly appeared in front of Best’s vehicle.

Best had claimed that he applied brakes but the right side of the front of his vehicle collided with Bentley, who was knocked onto the roadway. Investigators found that Best was driving under the influence of alcohol. After the accident, Best was taken into custody but later complained of feeling unwell. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted.

Best was a former Presidential Advisor under the David Granger Administration.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 4 – 04:30h-06:00h and Saturday, December 5 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 4 – 06:50h-08:20h and Saturday, December 5 – 07:30h-09:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers are expected in the earlymorning hours followed by sunny intervals. Partly cloudy to clear skies are expected in the evening.

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

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

High Tide: 06:44h and 18:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.43 metres and 2.54 metres.

Low Tide: 12:28h reaching a minimum height of 0.82 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

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14 18 19

FREE TICKET

17 Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

DAILY MILLIONS

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DRAW DE LINE

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$ $48.71/barrel $221.76/ton $403.60/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +0.94 +0.08 +0.62

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1841.70

$1842.70

Low/High Change

$1823.00 +0.40

$1845.30 +0.02%

Ali urges UN to pilot int’l rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries

A

s Guyana, like many other countries around the world, eagerly awaits the COVID-19 vaccine, President Irfaan Ali has called on the United Nations (UN) to remain on the forefront of the rollout of the mass immunisation to developing countries.

He made this plea on Thursday during his virtual address to the 31st Special Session of the UN General Assembly, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Guyanese Head of State lauded the efforts made by the United Nations in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly the UN’s humanitarian and socio-economic response and its ongoing efforts for a postCOVID-19 Recovery Plan.

“This 31st Special Session comes at a time when the world eagerly awaits the authorisation of vaccines which have been developed to help in the public health fight against the coronavirus. The United Nations must continue to be in the forefront – as it has been over the past eight months – in piloting the international rollout of mass immunisation for developing countries,” President Ali posited.

Guyana has been identified as one of the countries eligible for coverage under COVAX, a body of organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), that would ensure there is equal access to COVID-19 vaccines, and distribution of same when it becomes available on the market.

Earlier this week, the United Kingdom became the first country to approve the use of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, thus paving the way for mass immunisation.

The vaccine, which had undergone a gauntlet of clinical trials and is said to be 95 per cent effective against the coronavirus, is a two-dose injection. After the first dose has been administered, the second dose is given 21 days later, and acts as a booster.

According to international reports, immunity kicks in after the first dose, but reaches its full effect around seven days after the second dose. It was reported that the side effects are very mild and similar to that of other vaccines, lasting for about a day.

Meanwhile, Pfizer/ BioNTech and Moderna, which has also developed another coronavirus vaccine with a 94.1 per cent efficacy, have both filed for US emergency regulatory approval.

Those hearings are slated for the coming weeks.

WHO, UNICEF, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and other partners are currently working together to help prepare countries to be ready to introduce the COVID-19 vaccines, which is likely to become available for distribution in early to mid-2021. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said adaptable guidance, tools, training, and advocacy materials are being developed

President Irfaan Ali

to support countries in their preparation.

Already, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has disclosed that preparations have commenced locally to facilitate the COVID-19 vaccine whenever it becomes available, in order to allow for a smooth and swift rollout process.

“We have to train our healthcare staff to be able to administer the vaccine, so we have started the preparatory work for that training, developing the manuals for training and so forth,” the Minister said recently, adding that the training is expected to begin within a couple of weeks.

Moreover, he disclosed that efforts are underway to acquire proper storage units for when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. The Pfizer vaccine requires very cold storage - minus 70 degrees while Moderna can be stored in regular home refrigeration temperatures.

“That can create some logistical challenges for the people doing the immunisation, so we are improving our cold storage, expanding that cold storage. In some cases, we have to add new storage rooms and things like that,” Dr Anthony said.

Through COVAX, Guyana is set to receive 20 per cent of

the COVID-19 vaccine needed, with the first three per cent to be given to frontline workers and high-risk patients.

As at Thursday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana was 5,528, of which 759 are currently active cases, while the death toll from the pandemic is 151 and recoveries stand at 4,618.

Meanwhile, President Ali, during his address at Thursday’s Special Session, said the United Nations’ efforts on the forefront to help countries mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic represent one of history’s greatest rescue missions, as the body demonstrates the efficiency and necessity of global cooperation.

He went on to note that the pandemic has presented difficulties for all segments of society, particularly children – most of whom have been out of school for months and their normal childhood routines have been constricted.

Ali posited that Guyana recognises the impact the pandemic has had on children, hence it is supporting UNICEF’s Six-Point Plan which provides a response aimed at ensuring children are protected and are catered for in the global recovery

efforts which would follow the remission of this pandemic.

To this end, the President committed to have Guyana: ensure its children are able to continue to learn by closing the national digital divide; enable improved primary health care and access to vaccination by children; eradicate child poverty; effect, where necessary, mental health-support interventions for children and young people; enact greater protections and support-measures for vulnerable children; and encourage access to improved water, hygiene and sanitation.

According to the Head of State, the pandemic has underscored the need for change in global relations, and he has endorsed the UN Secretary General’s call for a New Global Deal with a New Social Contract.

He reminded of his remarks to the Meeting of Heads of Government and States on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond, when he had pointed out that a New Global Deal would allow for the effective transfer of resources – financial, intellectual and technological – to developing countries, and also facilitate a fairer sharing of the benefits of globalisation.

“A new social contract will guarantee the more effective use of these resources for sustainable development. A new era will soon be upon us. The world looks forward to beating this pandemic and hastening international recovery. This process will be made easier by the ushering in of a new era in global relations, one which will herald the magnificence of multilateralism, spearheaded by the United Nations,” the Guyanese President told the UN General Assembly.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

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

Supporting persons living with disabilities

T

hemed “Building Back Better: Toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”, Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday.

Around the world, more than one billion people, or 15 per cent of the world’s population, are living with a disability.

Here, in Guyana, based on figures released by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, about 50,000 persons are living with disabilities.

Importantly, and of great significance to note, is that the minister, in his message in observance of the day, said: “Many people living with disability in Guyana are not easily visible. This is indeed a stark reminder of the importance of removing barriers for all people living with disabilities.”

It was only in August of this year that the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), the umbrella body representing persons with disabilities, issued a strong call for steps to be taken to ensure that the national developmental plans are inclusionary and create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The organisation listed a number of concerns which it would like to see the Government address to make life more comfortable and meaningful for persons living with disabilities. These requests include: the establishment of a monthly Disability Grant in place of the Public Assistance; opportunities for employment of qualified and skilled PWDs in the public sector; improvements in the delivery of education to children with disabilities; provision of low-income housing for PWDs; and provision of assistive and mobility aids.

It also called for yearly subventions to be allocated to Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs); the modification and enforcement of building codes to promote accessibility to public buildings, and allocation of small contracts to companies owned and operated by PWDs; and to promote small business development in the disability community.

As this newspaper had previously said, these certainly are reasonable requests being made by the GCOPD, and it is hoped that once the new Government is fully settled into office, it would give serious consideration to these requests.

Many would agree there is quite a lot of work needed at all levels to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with respect, and have access to the necessary resources to help them cope with the challenges they are likely to face. Guyana can boast of a good track record in relation to providing quality education for persons, irrespective of geographic location, race, religion or gender; however, there is still much work to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunity to acquire an education.

When persons with disabilities are given a chance to acquire a good education, or are taught a skill, they are in a better position to secure a job, and in turn break the cycle of poverty that normally defines such situations.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is necessary for countries not only to adopt, but to implement fully, because it is a tool for ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the same rights and opportunities as everybody else.

As explained by the World Health Organisation (WHO), rather than considering disability as an issue of medicine, charity or dependency, the Convention challenges people worldwide to understand disability as a human rights issue.

The Convention covers many areas where obstacles can arise, such as physical access to buildings, roads and transportation, and access to information through written and electronic communication.

The Convention also aims to reduce stigma and discrimination, which are often reasons why people with disabilities are excluded from education, employment, and health and other services.

People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower educational achievements, fewer economic opportunities, and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them, and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives.

The authorities here must continue to allocate resources to ensure that all impediments that affect the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in society are removed.

This, of course, would require working to change attitudes that fuel stigma and institutionalised discrimination. Therefore, the Health Minister’s call for the removal of stigma and discrimination against persons living with disabilities is most welcome. We support his call for persons with disabilities to be integrated and empowered, creating “opportunities for forging meaningful paths toward the enjoyment of a good quality of life.”

First Lady HE Arya Ali on Thursday handed over 100 relief hampers to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) at State House, Main Street, Georgetown. In Photo are the First Lady along with Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh; GCOPD’s Youth Coordinator Rosemarie Ramitt and GCOPD’s Secretary June Herod

Quality education not quantity at UG is important Dear Editor, Much commentary is made of the announcement of UWI to train Guyanese workers, as opposed to UG. Almost every response is of the view that UG is not in the same academic league as UWI. The same was obtained from views obtained from my interactions with former and current lecturers and students at UG. This comment suggests that UG is in need of much improvement.

Human resource development is critical for Guyana as it realigns into a petrol economy. But it must be quality education – people provided, with a minimum applicable skill set that can help guide Guyana’s development a la Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, etc. Education for education’s sake will not serve Guyana’s development interests.

I interacted with many respected (current and former) lecturers at UG. They complain that the quality of students admitted at the university is not on par with what obtained a couple decades ago. They claim standards have declined significantly, with many graduates lacking basic skills set. They say that many students can barely read and write, or calculate basic math. (The students can be excused, since our judges don’t know that 33 is a majority of 65, or comprehend simple English language in the constitution, that says the Opposition Leader nominates six potential nominees and the President selects one as GECOM Chair).

There must be minimum

pre-requisites for admission as well as graduation at UG. When I was admitted at university in New York as a sixteen-year-old in 1977, I had to meet the minimum requirements and pass an exam. I also had to take a placement exam after admission. Remedial courses were required when students performed poorly in English and Math in placement or admission exams.

When I was admitted at graduate school, a minimum B average was the requirement, in addition to minimum scores on the GRE; a written essay was mandatory. For doctoral admission, a B Plus average was required in addition to high GRE scores and a written essay.

It is not clear what the standards are for admission at UG in any programme.

Is there a written test and a placement exam? Also, it is not clear whether UG has remedial courses to prepare students for courses in their field of major. But, as related to me, too many students are not ready for the rigours of university. One senior lecturer informed me: “Most can’t string together a few sentences in a coherent paragraph or an essay. And their grammar is horrendous”. Another lecturer said, “Too many don’t comprehend what they read, and cannot paraphrase the ideas of the excerpt of a book, or express themselves clearly”.

My interaction with some graduates reveals they cannot communicate properly, and their English is poor.

They may communicate better in Guyanese Creolese.

All courses should require students to demonstrate some level of reading and writing skills. When I did my BS in Bio-Chem, Professors required a weekly written report in every lab course, some fifteen courses, with each meeting fourteen times a semester or over 200 reports of over ten pages each). In post-graduate in social sciences, papers were required. In law courses, the Professor gave hypothetical cases which required written reports with case citations.

Students must be taught how, and be encouraged to write.

There is need for reforms at UG, and in education nationally. The Ministry of Education needs to focus on the quality of education being provided at UG, to determine whether we are graduating workers who are sufficiently skilled and literate to expedite our development. Otherwise, we will end up with the kind of workers or judges who don’t know that 33 is a majority of 65. When I was an undergraduate student, a graduate needed to demonstrate competence in writing. I took and passed the writing exam in my sophomore year, a full three years before I obtained my degree. A minimum standard on literacy and writing competency should be set before a student is awarded a degree.

Government should not pump money into a bad project that graduates students who lack skill set to survive in the private sector. One should not be fooled by quantity, but pay attention to

quality of education.

Government and university educators in higher education around the world are grappling with admission issues as the number of secondary students finishing high school increases.

The general trend over the last two decades has been to admit increasing numbers of students in public tertiary institutions, often ignoring quality. In the process, the quality of higher education drops substantially, and employers are forced to turn to India, Philippines, China, and Vietnam for STEM scholars. Government should encourage students to pursue STEM. UG needs to set higher standards for admission.

Students should not be admitted at UG unless they meet minimum reading, writing, and math skills – CXC and CAPE may not be enough. The university must also have its own minimum standards of an entrance exam. Perhaps Government should consider privatising the university, or putting it under private management.

Or give autonomy to select students who have the aptitude and are serious university studies. There should be an admission test. Students should be mandated to take prerequisite and remedial classes before taking courses in a major. Also, a premier private multi-discipline university is badly needed to encourage competition with UG; this may help to elevate standards.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

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United States will Guyana’s oil, drilled with the thrills continue to play of complexities and perplexities an important role for democracy Dear Editor, US presidential elections have always attracted a global audience; and, in general, that’s been a good thing. The quadrennial balloting despite the obscene spending by campaigns, and the often-rancorous exchanges between candidates have served as examples to the world that free and fair elections are possible, and that transitions of power can be peaceful.

Americans might be deeply divided politically, but every four years they have a chance for a political reset, and voters of all parties accept the outcome. So what does this year’s election signal to the world?

The coming days and weeks will make that clearer, but one thing is certain: the vote has revealed cracks in the country’s democratic foundations that will have significant global repercussions.

Since the early 1990s, the US and other democracies around the world have played an important role in convincing incumbents who lose elections to step down peacefully. That pressure has mattered in numerous countries. In recent months, for example, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo encouraged political actors to accept contested election results here in Guyana that reflected victory for the People’s Progressive Party Civic.

President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the election results will inevitably complicate future US support for democratic elections around the world, making their efforts less effective and very likely subject to ridicule.

However, with all of that being said, there is a fundamental threat to democracy than many people realise. Because of that tin line between truth and lies, people have started to question whether truth is even knowable.

As former US President

Barack Obama put it recently in an interview, “If we do not have the capacity to distinguish what’s true from what’s false, then by definition the marketplace of ideas doesn’t work. And by definition our democracy doesn’t work”. In numerous recent surveys, less than half of self-identified Republicans said they believed Joe Biden won the election, despite vote tallies showing him to have been the victor.

One survey found that 70% of Republicans believe the election was fraudulent, a position that has not been supported with any concrete evidence.

While the U.S. foundation of democracy is probably strong enough to withstand President Trump, at least for now, it is likely that his methods for evading electoral accountability, contradicting inconvenient facts with lies, and governing with bluster rather than actions will undermine democratic accountability around the world.

The American voters ultimately chose Biden over Trump, and despite his refusal to concede, Trump will soon be turned out of office. His authoritarian impulses, including the encouragement of intimidation as an electoral tactic, failed. In the end, the tools of democracy were effective, and a sitting incumbent president was defeated at the ballot box.

It will take time and effort to repair the damage Trump’s authoritarian impulses have caused.

Perhaps the failure of his last outrageous stand will serve as a cautionary tale to politicians in the USA and around the world.

Despite all of this rancorous exchange, the USA will continue to play an important role for democracy in the world.

Sincerely, David Adams

Dear Editor, Guyana, this beautiful land of nature’s gifts and treasures, is certainly going places. It is travelling faster than it can catch its breath at break-neck speed. A country that was once placed at the penultimate position at the bottom of the economic ladder in this hemisphere has risen overnight to be catapulted as the number one gold mine with its oil and gas findings.

Waving goodbye in the rear-view mirror to the callous and convoluted APNU/ AFC Party and their devious corruptions, the new PPP/C Government, under the youthful leadership of a different president, promises to move forward this nation to a progressive stage to meet the needs of a younger generation, influenced by the IT age.

President Irfaan Ali took over the reins as the driving force to traverse a pathway filled with hurdles and obstacles deliberately spiked by a previous reckless and unscrupulous Government.

The Granger-led management team ensured that all avenues were exhausted and drained of all resources, and all revenues were utilised to provide and protect their well-being, guaranteeing their secured financial future.

Now facing a bankrupt economy riddled with misappropriations in every conceivable corner within the ministries and state agencies, this Government is further saddled with the elimination of pain, poverty and suffering of the man in the street due to the economic hardship created by the APNU/AFC Party.

Granger and his band of merry men and women ensured that only they enjoyed the good life during their tenure, and the small man never had a chance to become the real man. Tagged with the complexities and perplexities of the deadly COVID-19 repercussions, this uphill battle doesn’t get easier, nor are the political insinuations perpetrated by a ruthless APNU/ AFC party any area for comfort.

Their encouragement of violent upheavals is the root cause of much damage and destruction, and this is push-

ing the Government on slippery ground. The fragility of the safety and security of the nation is being underwritten by the uncontrolled criminal elements throughout the country, and this administration is being sidetracked with this erratic discombobulation.

Much economic mileage has been scored with the rehiring of workers at GuySuCo and the revamping of the sugar industry, advancing the reopening of the sugar estates wickedly closed by the Granger administration in order to further underscore their retribution. The mining, bauxite and forest industries are coming alive again.

The PPP/C was successful in piloting a short-term budget which reversed many of the oppressive taxes instituted by the APNU/AFC Party that brought economic hardship to the working-class people.

While President Irfaan Ali is stepping up to the plate and delivering his party’s campaign manifesto, many of the promises made are yet to be unfolded, and an eager nation is patiently waiting for this gravy train to arrive.

Even though the Government is only four months old, there has been much acclaimed success, and Guyanese will have to be patient.

But there is certainly no comparison with their predecessors. After the last 5 years under APNU/AFC’s dictatorship, this Granger party succeeded in taking Guyana back to the stage, 28 years ago, when the PPP/C took over the mantle from the 28 years of PNC’s devastating rule, starting from 1964 and ending in 1992. Facts and figures don’t lie, and the quiet David Granger who has made more public appearances in the past 5 months than he has given open press conferences in the past 5 years is once again encouraged to respond to Dr. Tara Singh’s request.

Yet, a troubled nation sleeps with a heavy heart each night, wondering and pondering on the disturbing oil and gas issues. Too much information is being related to a dumbstruck nation,

leaving Guyanese in gross uncertainty and entertaining a degree of deep curiosity.

People’s faith is been shaken, and they now want to query how reliable sourced data from the two administrations are. People are beginning to question the free give away of our sovereignty and the selling out of our rights.

Clearly, Guyana’s interest was overlooked, and Guyanese worth was devalued more than its dollar.

Transparency and trust have taken a hike and are being replaced by convolutions and distortions. It is very difficult to accept explanations without clarity. The secret signing of contracts without full parliamentary approval is not only a gray area, but a replica of a previous dark era when Guyanese were taken for a ride by the Burnham administration. APNU/AFC’s poor mathematical calibration is forever engrained in the history of Guyana with the confounded nonsense of dividing bodies by 2 then rejoining them.

To rely on Burnham’s magic is a thing of the past.

This may be a nation of intelligent fools, but certainly not a country of illiterate fools! A nation stands waiting in line, keeping vigilance, waiting for the cunning Trotman to declare under whose instruction he signed a 2 percent royalty agreement.

The Guyana Bar Association must be shivering in disgust to learn that their men in robe crafted a dilapidated and lopsided contract, agreeing to allow ExxonMobil to have the upper hand to dictate rules and regulations, phrases and clauses that are carefully worded to tie Guyana to a network, imprisoned for life without any room for es-

cape. Such is the unabashed brilliance of Guyana’s finesse who sealed Guyana’s prosperity to a point of no return.

The APNU/AFC Party cleverly talked the walk craftily, leaving no room for PPP/ C’s manipulation to walk the talk with any manoeuverability. Lawyers do get addressed in creoles as “liars.”

A refined twist of the tongue?

It is interesting to note, Suriname, our neighbouring country, recently visited by our President, celebrated their 45th Independence anniversary, having gained their freedom from Holland in 1975.

Suriname secured 3.1 billion guilders from the colonial masters, The Netherlands, when they attained sovereignty of their country.

Guyana had the smart attorney, the brilliant orator LFS Burnham, who negotiated with Great Britain to secure Guyana’s independence.

Did Guyana get anything like Suriname did?

Suriname negotiated for a 6.4 percent royalty in their oil deal. What did Guyana settle for? Crumbs, pittances, handouts, left-overs, ort and threats from the generous Exxon and Guyana’s astute attorneys are satisfied that we received the best deal in town! What a laugh! What a waste of education! The said exclamation was made at the demise of Walter Rodney!

Burnham, Jagan and Rodney must be turning in their graves and pitying Guyana. Dead men cannot cry and they tell no tale, 007 is seeking redress from the dead. While Guyana is going somewhere, are Guyanese going anywhere, except permanently overseas?

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Line segments and rays A line segment is a specific part of a line. It ends at two identified points.

A line segment is named by its two end points. Segment AB = Segment BA. AB = BA A ray is a part of a line that extends from a specific point in only one direction. The specific point of a ray is called a vertex or an endpoint. However, to identify a ray, you must use one other letter along the line’s path.

Ray RS does not equal Ray SR, because the first point named in a ray shows the vertex, and Ray SR goes in the opposite direction of Ray RS. Exercises: Solve 1) For the figure below, call the point of intersection of the diagonals O. List all the line segments in the figure.

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

2) For the figure below, count how many line segments there are. Do not include line segments that contain another point. For example, the line segment CF contains the point G.

3) Name two rays from the image below.

Thursday’s answers 1) EF 2) Point X 3) MN, NM 4) Point P 5) DB is not a line. A line a straight path that goes in both directions and never ends.

6) AB is not a line as a line never ends. AB does not continue beyond the two points.

A

wolf, lurking near the shepherd’s hut, saw the shepherd and his family feasting on a roasted lamb.

“Aha!” he muttered. “What a great shouting and running about would there have been, had they caught me at just the very thing they are doing with so much enjoyment!”

Please create art of family at dinner in hut, eating roasted lamb while mangy wolf lurks nearby

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $1B for Region 3 housing sector in 2021 – 500 housing subsidies to be granted

M

ore than $1 billion will be injected into the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) housing sector in 2021 through an InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB)-funded project.

This was according to Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

“We already have funds committed to that programme for the development of Region Three.

The areas are Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming,

West Minster, Recht-DoorZee, Lust-en-Rust and Schoonord,” she said.

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

The Minister disclosed that the works would cover the construction of three playgrounds and 50 core houses and at least 500 subsidies would be granted to qualifying prospective homeowners.

Additionally, the

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues

Minister noted the inclusion of light-emitting diode (LED) lights aimed at en-

hancing safety features in the communities, road construction, and upgrades, as

well as water distribution networks.

For the community of Lust-en-Rust, further water relief is on the way. The Minister visited the community in August, and a temporary water solution was established to bring relief to residents who had no prior access to water.

“We redirected water from other wells so that they can get immediate relief, but they need a more permanent solution, and their own well is the permanent solution,” Minister Rodrigues stated while noting that an allocation is being put forward to deliver the well soon.

Also, on the Ministry’s agenda for housing development are expansion and upgrades of existing housing areas including Stewartville, Edinburgh, Anna Catherina, Tuschen and Zeelugt.

Further, Region Three is also set to benefit from a US$100 million water treatment project for which the Government is securing funding. That should increase water treatment capacity on the coastland from 52 per cent to 90 per cent.

Minister Rodrigues revealed that a presentation of the project was made to the Dubai delegation which recently visited Guyana.

WGEC wants domestic abusers to be publicly shamed – calls on decision-makers to denounce culture of violence against women, girls

T

he Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) is calling for perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV) to be ‘named and shamed’ publicly, in order to bring an end to this societal scourge.

“The WGEC calls on all decision-makers in the various institutions of Guyana to denounce the culture of tolerance for violence against women and girls by ensuring they take the requisite actions to name and shame those guilty of perpetuating such actions.

Public pressure is needed to help change the attitude of citizens and public officials to one of zero tolerance of Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” the WGEC has said.

In a missive on Thursday commemorating the 16 Days of activism against GenderBased Violence (November 25 to December 10), the WGEC also called for sufficient resources to be allocated towards providing assistance and remedies for victims of gender-based violence.

According to the Commission, there is dire need for safe spaces for victims of domestic abuse, for counselling and for medical and legal aid.

“There is need to adequately enforce the laws that protect women, and they must be able to access justice,” the GWEC has asserted.

The Commission pointed out that the current culture of devaluing women through advertising and music that belittles women and advocates violence must be brought to an end.

“Pressure is needed to use the existing laws to put a stop to activities that are disrespectful of women,” it contended.

The GWEC further highlighted that Guyanese women experience interpersonal violence at significantly higher rates than the global average of one in three women.

“In analysing this problem, one has to recognise that Guyana inherited its legal system from European colonists, who believed that women were inferior to men.

The law is not gender-neutral, but retains a deep structure that is patriarchal. This is the elephant in the room which needs to be addressed,” it stated.

According to the Commission, patriarchy is a worldview that presupposes the superiority of males over females, and perpetuates such a belief system in social institutions. This, it added, has enabled men with a variety of social privileges, such as personal and political power over women, including legal, economic and sexual advantages.

“Violence has long been the weapon of choice to assert one’s real self-worth within patriarchal culture.

The basic physiological motive, or cause of violent behaviour, is the wish to ward off or eliminate the feeling of shame and humiliation, and replace it with its opposite: the feeling of pride,” the Commission noted.

To this end, the GWEC has called on parents and care givers to re-examine the way they socialise their sons, by ensuring that negative stereotypes such as “boys will be boys” and “boys must not cry” are discouraged. It further stated that both father and mother should play a meaningful role in the lives of their children, to mould them into model members of society.

Prior to 1996 in Guyana, Gender Based Violence was considered a family affair.

The research undertaken by Danns/Shivpersaud in 1989 affirmed that two out of every five women in Guyana had experienced some type of violence.

The passing of the Domestic Violence Legislation in 1996 provided some respite to this problem, where violence moved out of the realm of the private sphere to that of a criminal offence.

But some 24 years later, the GWEC pointed out, Guyana continues to harbour attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

As such, the Women

& Gender Equality Commission calls on all Guyanese to redouble their efforts in working together to reduce gender-based violence.

The United Nations recognises that violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that has been perpetuated for decades.

According to the UN, as the world retreated inside homes due to the lockdown measures introduced to curb

the COVID-19 pandemic, reports showed an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women.

“Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic,” stated the UN Secretary-General’s report – ‘Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity:

Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19’.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is being observed this year under the theme “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police yet to make arrest for Linden street vendor’s murder A lmost a week after the body of Dwane “Levi” Williams was discovered with a gaping wound to the neck, the Police are yet to make an arrest for the murder.

The dead 54-year-old, who was also known as “Sweetie Man”, of Lot 52 B Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, was discovered on a street in the Housing Scheme on Friday.

When contacted, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter told Guyana Times that detectives were still investigating the matter and several persons have so far been questioned in relation to the incident.

Williams’ body was discovered by alerted residents who summoned Police to the scene. His body was discovered with a gaping wound to the neck and another wound to the right wrist.

A resident who spoke with this

Dead: Dwane “Levi” Williams

publication on Friday said a knife was observed in a drain a short distance away from the body. While

details surrounding the street vendor’s death remain sketchy, investigators suspect that the man who lived alone died some time between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

According to a relative, Williams visited his mother’s home at One Mile, Wismar, at approximately 21:00h on Thursday and spent a few minutes, after which he told family members that he was leaving to go home and prepare his meals.

The relative further stated that about 05:45h the following day, they received information from persons in the area that his body was lying behind a shack.

The scene was searched by Police and a knife suspected to be the murder weapon was found. Police said the area was canvassed for CCTV cameras, but none were found. The family is calling for the Guyana Police Force to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Whatever happened to…

W

…Nagamootoo? e all know, don’t we, that Nagamootoo was never a fella to hide his light under any bushel?

And that’s even though, sadly, whatever light he had was flickering at bestooi!! So, after your Eyewitness had seen neither hide (thick) nor hair (sparse) of him since Granger heeded that booming voice from on high (Big Mike Pompeo came by air!) and vacated State House on Aug 2, he’s been moseying around for clues on the whereabouts of the man whom Harmon had declared was “royalty”.

Your Eyewitness had wondered whether Harmon had been alluding to his biblical “Christian name” - Moses.

While that Moses had no royal lineage, he did lead the Israelites from Egypt back to the Holy Land. Trouble was, he wasn’t allowed in because he hadn’t obeyed Jehovah’s edict, and so kept the poor tribes of Israel wandering in the wilderness for forty years - till he croaked.

Refusing to go along with the austere edicts of his leader Cheddi Jagan here in Guyana, Nagamootoo was also analogously not allowed into the leadership circle after the PPP returned to office after 28 years in the wilderness.

Old man Cheddi might’ve been a wide-eyed idealist, but he certainly knew a conman when he saw one. He’d dealt with the biggest of them all - Burnham - for 35 years! Later, Nagamootoo went ballistic when bypassed for the PPP leadership position in favour of the young Bharrat Jagdeo.

And, of course, this bile is what led him to “tie bundle” with Granger, the new leader of the PNC, in 2015. That the latter castrated him from any substantive role in Govt bothered Nagamootoo, but the title “Prime Minister” with all those sirens and outriders kept him quiet! But how was he coping with those sirens gone? One ex-AFC acquaintance (they’re all “exes now, aren’t they, with the Dead Meat Party rotted away?!) surmised that he might be lying low. He explained that with all those PNC fellas being hauled in for land scams and such like, “Mo”, as he was referred to, is paranoid he might be next!! Guilty conscience?

The fella recounted that he’d moseyed over by Moses’s home in Liliendaal and the man just peeped surreptitiously through his blinds! But your Eyewitness thinks the answer to Nagamootoo’s disappearance is quite simple: The man just shame too bad! He shame that his life has been a failure. He shame that he cannot even return to his Berbice village of Whim. He shame that Ramjattan is cussing him out for being a weasel.

But, most of all, he shame he had to take all that “larwah” (as his old comrade, Ramotar, elegantly phrased it!) that was meted out by Granger over the last five years!!

Ouch!! …The Sanctimonious Gangster?

Now, we can understand Nagamootoo’s purdah because of his shame. But what’s Granger’s excuse? He’d shown himself oblivious to sentiments like “shame” or embarrassment in his five years as President. Granger, coming from that social strata that prided themselves for their “education” - he yet blithely announced he agreed with the non-SC that 33 wasn’t the majority of 65! Ah… how low has the League of Coloured People fallen!!

But Granger spent all his adult life in the army - as an officer to boot. Shouldn’t he be leading his troops in the PNC from the front after they were routed by Bharrat Jagdeo and company? Or do generals disappear when their troops are regrouping? The problem with Granger is that, as an old man, he doesn’t THINK any longer - he just REMEMBERS. So, when it comes to defeat in politics, he just remembers what Burnham did back in the day - which is to beg the US for help.

He’s biding for Biden!!? That’s strategy? …Ramjattan?

But, surely, we can’t close this rumination without bringing up Ramjattan? But rather than lying low, he’s been busy putting his foot in his mouth, saying most recently that rehiring sugar workers is “racist”.

Those whom the gods would destroy…

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

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hopetown woman attacks 18 minibus drivers awarded for being “champions of proper road usage” person distributing COVID-19 cash grant A

A

supervisor of the COVID-19 cash grant initiative was on Tuesday assaulted by a woman at Hopetown, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The incident occurred in the presence of four Police Officers and four other members of the cash grant relief team.

Molly Balram told Guyana Times that she was hit about her body by the woman who was refusing to sign a document which was required before the $25,000 was distributed.

Balram explained that as a supervisor, she was asked to go to the location after the team reported that they were encountering problems with the recipient.

The recipient was contending that the household has two families: one occupying the upper flat and the other the bottom flat.

Based on the guidelines set out by the Government, both households are required to sign a ‘pink form’ indicating that the property is being occupied by more than one family. This information will then have to be verified before the cash grant is distributed.

However, the woman was reportedly refusing to sign the document and demanded that she

Molly Balram

be given the $25,000. During the process, she assaulted the supervisor.

Balram told this publication that even though she was assaulted, none of the Policemen made an arrest, noting that they needed a female officer to execute the arrest.

Balram further told this publication that on Wednesday while she was in the same area continuing the distribution, the same woman was verbally abusing her. Several efforts to contact the Regional Coordinator Rian Pieters on the issue proved futile. (Andrew Carmichael)

total of 18 minibus drivers across the country were on Wednesday recognised for displaying the utmost professionalism in plying their trade.

The drivers were awarded through the “Best Minibus Driver” competition, which was launched by the Home Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council in observance of National Road Week 2020.

More than 100 drivers from all 10 administrative regions in the country participated.

During the awards ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Coordinator of the Road Safety Council, Ramona Doorgen explained that the initiative was ultimately aimed at revamping the minibus culture in Guyana.

She noted that the competition would continue next year and would eventually be expanded to provide an incentive to minibus operators to be better road users.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn expressed similar sentiments, noting that “errant minibus operators define the culture on the road, and so, we thought that we had to identity those minibus operators and drivers who are a great example for what proper road usage should be.”

He said the drivers who have been awarded are considered “champions of proper road usage” and that

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn with officials from the Guyana Police Force and awardees

they now have a responsibility to set the example for others.

Among those awarded are Dexter King from Region One (Barima-Waini); Ricardo Chester from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Inderjeet Latchman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Daniel Ramcharran from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); John Karpen from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Kuldip Paray from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Keith Blair from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Ian Gonsalves from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Thomas Hamilton from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo),

and Leslie Jarvis from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

For minibus drivers to be awarded as “Best Driver” or place second in the various divisions, they were required to be compliant with the following rules and regulations of the competition. Drivers were required to: be in compliance with the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Act Chapter 51:02; have years of certification as a driver; be an accident-free driver; have a valid driver’s licence, and observe the 5Cs of driving.

Each “Best Driver” received a new set of tyres, and a “Best Driver” logo engraved on their buses while the second-place winners received 15 gallons of gas.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana is “open for business” – Minister First Lady donates 100 relief packages to Walrond tells regional stakeholders persons with disabilities

M

inister of Tourism, Industry and C o m m e r c e , Oneidge Walrond, is sparing no opportunity to highlight the prospects of investing in Guyana; she has openly invited potential investors to establish trade and investments locally.

The Minister shared this position on Wednesday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between six business support organisations (BSOs) overlooking manufacturing and trade for the creation of a regional umbrella body called the Caribbean Manufacturing Association (CMA).

She emphasised that the country is making giant economic steps as it projects an economic growth of 26.2 per cent for 2020, with certainty that this trend would continue in the years to come. As such, she said, Government is welcoming all partnerships as it seeks to create an environment that is conducive to growth.

“I know a lot of this is tagged to oil production, but let me say that our manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and mining sectors have been making tangible contributions to Guyana’s GDP… Allow me to make a plug for

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

Guyana as I give an open invitation to all of you to explore investments and partnerships in Guyana. We are open for business. From a Government standpoint, we are pursuing all approaches to create an enabling environment for trade and investment. We are working diligently to implement the single window project which will positively impact the ease of doing business in Guyana,” Minister Walrond posited.

The CMA, whose primary focus is the promotion of regional manufacturers, is made up of the following six founding members: the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association, the Dominica

Manufacturers’ Association, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, the Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters Association, the St. Lucia Manufacturers’ Association and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association.

Walrond cited that the CMA creates integration within the region, and there is potential to reach a great feat together. It would re-define the way business is done in the Caribbean.

“The framework in which the CMA is being established is in essence the true spirit of regional integration. The success for the Caribbean region and small island States would not be possible without a singular approach. To maximise our potential, we must be prepared to stand together and establish a synergistic approach to the way we do business. The CMA offers a unified voice for Caribbean manufacturers that is timely and relevant” she said.

She also gave credit to the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) for playing a pivotal role in creating a foundation for this regional body.

“I can safely say that manufacturing now has a regional voice. This is in-

deed a prototypical initiative that will be a launching pad for our Caribbean businesses through their respective manufacturing associations.”

Signing on behalf of the GMSA was Vice President Ramsay Ali, who lauded the various associations for their tireless work and commitment to making the regional association a reality. He predicts that greater things can be achieved collectively.

Among those in attendance were Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Barbados, Sandra Husbands; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Kamina Johnson-Smith; and the Minister of Trade and Industry of Trinidad and Tobago, Gopee-Scoon.

Chairing the regional entity is the President of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association, Robert Noel, and Vice-Chair is the President of the Dominica Manufacturers’ Association, John Robin.

First Lady Arya Ali

G

uyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali, on Thursday fulfilled a promise made to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD): to provide 80 relief packages for persons with disabilities during the holiday season.

In fact, at a simple handing over ceremony at State House on Main Street, Georgetown, the First Lady donated 100 packages, which comprise household items. The relief packages were received

GCOPD’s Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh

by GCOPD’s Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh, GCOPD’s Youth Coordinator Rosemarie Ramitt, and GCOPD’s Secretary June Herod.

The donation coincided with the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is being observed globally under the theme, “Build back better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World.”

TURN TO PAGE 13

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pensioner injured after high voltage sparks fire at Leonora house

A

65-year-old man was on Saturday injured after a fire erupted at his Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home following a period of high voltage in the area.

Palpoo Ram is suffering burns about his hands, feet, and abdomen.

Reports are that during the wee hours of Saturday, the man was watching television in his living room, but then fell asleep.

His wife, Shanta, told Guyana Times that around midnight, her daughter got

The television that was damaged by the high voltage

up to start making snacks to sell in the market.

The woman explained that at the same time, she got up and lowered the volume of the television and went back to bed. However, shortly after, she heard her husband calling out for fire.

“Me open meh eye and meh see the whole inside red, red, red and me run out…and me start holler,” the woman related.

After hearing the screams, persons from the neighbourhood rushed to assist and started to put out

An injured Palpoo Ram at his home after being treated

the blaze.

“They run with bucket and bottle and they start throw the water…they get it to out…but meh husband get bad, bad burn; he two foot, he belly, he hand. He belly and he foot deh real bad,” the woman explained.

The fire also scorched the house’s roof and floor, and destroyed the television

259V. Shanta said a second test conducted shortly after by the GPL technicians showed a reading of 237V. She said she was advised to go to a GPL office and fill out a form for redress, but she has not yet done so.

“They say fuh go in [to the office], but me nah know how to full the form.

So, what me gon go and do

The burnt sofa

set, a fan, the sofa, and the wall-divider. Ram was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

Shortly after the incident, the family contacted the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc as well as a private electrician.

The electrician arrived first and tested the voltage, which had a reading of 269V. When GPL arrived around midday on Saturday, technicians conducted another test which had a reading of

deh?” Shanta contended.

According to the woman, it was a terrifying experience for the family and she called on GPL to ensure the service being provided to consumers was safe.

“What happen to we could happen to anybody… we got to thank God that nothing more worse happen to we,” she noted.

Attempts to contact the Public Relations Department of the power company proved futile.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoH to expand services for persons with disabilities – Dr Anthony

G

overnment, through the Health Ministry, is working to ensure there is a range of services for persons with disabilities, and that the current programmes are extended to reach a wider spectrum.

This is according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday during the COVID-19 update, and as Guyana joins in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“We do have people with a range of disabilities in our society, and one of the things that we have to look at is how we can improve service to this community…We would, in the coming months, be looking very closely at the other programmes that we have to have evaluation and see how we can expand these to provide more service to this community,” he said.

According to the Minister, there are other factors to improving the lives of persons living with disabilities which extend to the societal changes. He noted that Guyanese should display greater empathy towards persons with disabilities, enabling a civil environment. Presently, there is still some level of discrimination faced by these persons, which should not be the case.

“Ultimately, while we expand services and provide these things to the community, it is also how our so-

ciety reacts to people with disabilities. As a society, we must be more civil and caring to persons who have disabilities. I think, if we have more empathy, then it certainly would help motivate these persons so that they can have a better life in society…There’s a lot to be done, because a lot of persons with physical disabilities and cognitive disabilities still face a lot of discrimination, and we have to change that.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated under the theme, “Building Back Better: Toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Report on Disability shows that 15 percent of the world’s population, or more than one billion people, are living with disability. Of this number, some 450 million are living with a mental or neurological condition.

Two-thirds of these people will not seek professional medical help largely due to stigma, discrimination and neglect.

During his message, the Minister reiterated that, “During the current COVID-19 pandemic, isolation disconnected (and) disrupted routines, and diminished services have greatly impacted the lives and mental well-being of people with disabilities around the world and, of course, here in Guyana. The Ministry of

First Lady donates 100...

FROM PAGE 11

In October, the First Lady met with representatives of GCOPD and made a solid pledge to support persons with disabilities, through the provision of relief packages and jobs through a Private Sector partnership.

In her message to mark the observance, the First Lady highlighted the need for the international community to be intentional in including persons with disabilities in its post COVID-19 recovery programme. She noted that the first step in achieving a more inclusive world is recognising that persons with disabilities must benefit from a quality education that is tailored to their individual needs.

“It all starts with education. People living with disabilities cannot fully participate in our economy if they do not have the skills they need,” the First Lady said.

Beyond the classroom, she emphasised, there is need for more to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate in other aspects of life that people without disabilities generally take for granted.

“People with disabilities find it difficult to run basic errands in a world that is quite literally not built for them. Businesses and

Government agencies must make the physical and technological investments necessary for people with disabilities to access their services,” she said.

It is for this reason the First Lady has requested that ramps be installed at the Kingston Seawall, to allow persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs to access the tarmac.

In addition to mediumand long-term investments in accessible education and infrastructure, the First Lady noted, there must be a collective recognition that people living with disabilities need immediate economic support to guarantee them a decent standard of living.

That is why the Office of the First Lady has submitted to the Private Sector a list of over 200 persons with disabilities who are currently seeking employment.

Guyana’s First Lady has urged citizens to do all that is within their power to ensure that all Guyanese have a chance to live up to their given potential.

“People with disabilities too deserve to lead sustainable lives, and I hope you will join with me to ensure that no one is left behind as we move forward into the bright future that I know lies ahead of us,” she said.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Health is committed to raising awareness of persons with disabilities as well as of the potentially detrimental impact on mental health, which is crucial as Guyana continues to fight against

COVID-19.”

A survey conducted by the National Commission on Disability last year had revealed that 11,713 persons are living with a disability in Guyana. The survey was

conducted in Regions Two, Three, Five, and Ten, while a pilot was done in Region Six in 2016. Region Three had the highest number of persons with disabilities, followed by Region Six. Disabilities have been categorised as: physical/ mobility disability; visual/ seeing disability; hearing/ speech disability; learning/ cognitive disability; mental health and medical/other disability.

In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), there have been 1,249 recorded cases, of which 40.1 per cent of persons had physical disabilities and 20.6 per cent had hearing or speech impediments, among other things.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), there have been 3,896 cases, of which 33.7 per cent had physical dis-

abilities and 16.9 per cent had hearing disabilities.

In Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), there have been 1,588 cases, of which 38.7 per cent had a physical disability, 20.2 per cent had a hearing disability, and 8.6 per cent had a learning disability.

In Region Ten (Upper Demerara -Berbice), there have been 1,718 cases, of which 31.5 per cent were physical, 16.4 per cent were hearing, 14.3 per cent were learning, and 28.5 per cent were visual.

This survey has also highlighted to the commission the number of unregistered persons with disabilities currently residing in the country. With this information, the Guyana Society for the Blind has already tapped into the Commission’s database to reach this demographic.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PWD will not be excluded from benefits of national development – President Ali P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that Persons with Disabilities (PWD) will not be excluded from the benefits of national development.

The President gave this commitment to commemorate International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2020, which was observed on Thursday.

International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2020 has been held under the theme “Building back better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable postCOVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities”.

President Ali has said this year’s team recognises the disadvantageous effects which the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, particularly to persons with disabilities.

In this regard, the Head of State assured, “My Government is committed to establishing a more inclusive democracy. We are committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are entitled to, and enjoy, the full benefits of citizenship and public services, including education, health, and access to electricity, housing, water, telecommunication, and justice.”

According to the President, PWDs can be assured that they will not be excluded from the benefits of national development. He said they can look forward to a future in which their inherent dignity would

President Irfaan Ali

be respected and their rights promoted and defended.

“My Government will work to improve the livelihoods of persons with disabilities. We will ensure that they are not subject to discrimination in employment, and that greater emphasis is placed on providing medical and therapeutic care. They will qualify for Government house lots, and we will also provide greater opportunities for them to participate more meaningfully in national development.

“I assure them that my Government has their best interests at heart. We will do all that is

within our means to continuously promote and defend their rights, and to secure for them enhanced economic opportunities,” he said in concluding.

Meanwhile, Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Ganesh Singh, has said there is need now, more than ever, to promote an understanding of the plethora of issues plaguing the lives of PWDs. Singh pointed out that these issues have long affected the independence and productivity of this marginalised group.

According to Singh, the current COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown have brought greater focus on the challenges this community faces.

“Yes, we do recognise all Guyana and the world have suffered and continue to suffer; however, due to the social location of PWDs, their difficulties were further exacerbated by the pandemic,” he noted.

“This community of vulnerable people has always been forced to live on the fringes of society, resulting from the stigma and discrimination and social barriers they have to face daily.”

Singh continued, “As we rebuild the Guyanese economy post-COVID-19, we call on the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that PWDs are con-

sidered and included in all rebuilding and development plans, and the contents of the Guyana PWD Act 2010 are implemented in a timely manner.”

The GCOPD is calling on policymakers to develop a programme for the allocation of a monthly “Disability Grant” to qualified PWDs as a living allowance. It said that this grant should be administered separately from the “Public Assistance” Grant.

Further, the GCOPD is calling on policymakers to ensure that

qualified and skilled PWDs are allocated a small percentage of all public sector jobs; and that all public schools are accessible and are governed by a relevant Special Education Needs (SEN) Policy that promotes the integration and full participation of children with disabilities, ensuring they acquire a meaningful education.

It wants policymakers to allocate more resources to the SEN, with emphasis on the use of technology in the classroom and on teacher training; ensure that all public buildings are accessible to PWDs, in compliance with the Guyana PWD Act 2010; and to ensure that PWDs have a voice in the expenditure of the revenues from the oil and gas sector.

The GCOPD is the umbrella body that represents the majority of disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) from across Guyana, working in the areas of advocacy and capacity building. The DPOs represents all types of disabilities.

The annual observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and to increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

would make persons liable under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.

This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six-foot physical distance from others; and the need for good

hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit us at www.health.gov. gy.

Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Ganesh Singh

Guyana records 79 new COVID-19 cases in 1 day

– 4 remain in ICU

Prime Minister Mark Phillips

I

n 24 hours, Guyana has recorded 79 new COVID-19 cases, thus taking the confirmed positive cases to 5528. Of the grand total, 2849 are males and 2697 are females.

Statistics provided by the Health Ministry on Thursday show that four persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with 43 in institutional isolation, 712 on home isolation, and 31 in institutional quarantine.

There have been 151 deaths and 4618 recovered cases.

A breakdown shows that three new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); seven in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-

West Demerara); 40 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); 20 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); six in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and 26 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). Cases in Regions Five (Demerara-Mahaica) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remain at 40 and 180 respectively.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony shared that they are considering the possibility of opening another section of the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara to monitor maternity patients.

“We’re looking at opening another section of the Ocean View facility so that we can move, in the future, maternity cases. As it is right now, we don’t have that capability at Ocean View, but we’re working to put that in place. We also would have built up the laboratory and diagnostic capacity at Ocean View, so that has been an ongoing effort,” he disclosed during the daily COVID-19 update.

However, as the Christmas season approaches, the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, has sent a stern warning to families for them to celebrate their holiday in adherence with the National COVID-19 measures and, most importantly, by keeping their gatherings small.

He went on to say that Operation COVI-CURB – which

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

involves the Government, Joint Services, Private Sector and non-governmental organisations – will be continuing its work throughout the festive season. Phillips has said he is contented with their achievement thus far in sensitising the public.

Notwithstanding, he said, people have a responsibility to keep themselves safe as well.

For the month of December, the National COVID-19 Measures have been extended and the curfew has remained from 10:30pm to 04:00am. It states that no one is permitted to host or attend a private party, banquet hall, bar or club, among other places. Failure to comply with the mandatory mask requirement

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana and Suriname can underpin Caricom’s sovereignty and prosperity

By Sir Ronald Sanders

T

he Presidents of Guyana and Suriname have announced two major joint venture projects, whose implementation will deepen the beneficial relations between the two countries, and could have a positive effect for the 15-nation Caribbean Community (Caricom) of which they are members.

The projects are a bridge across the Corentyne River to link the two countries and the construction of a US$1 billion offshore base to support huge oil discoveries in the Guyana-Suriname basin of more than 10 billion barrels of oil.

Relations between the two countries have not always been harmonious.

Land and sea territorial disputes have caused military skirmishes and tension in the past. Fortunately, successive Governments of both territories were sufficiently restrained to stop short of a full-scale war – a marked difference with the other countries on the South American continent.

Peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiation and international arbitration, and active fostering of economic integration, has always been the best way forward for Guyana (formerly British Guiana) and Suriname (formerly

Sir Ronald Sanders

Dutch Guiana). Along with French Guiana, they make up what used to be known as “The Three Guianas”, lying next to each other on the north-eastern coast of South America.

In the foreword to the book, “Post-Colonial Trajectories in the Caribbean: The Three Guianas”, published by Routledge in 2017, I wrote: “Guyana and Suriname are more similar to each other than they are to any of the member countries of Caricom, except Trinidad and Tobago. Given the sim-

ilarity of their resources which include mining, agriculture, fisheries and oil, they would benefit enormously from the economic integration of their production, freedom of movement of goods and services, joint bargaining with foreign investors and the international community generally”.

I added: “If the Governments of Guyana and Suriname – together with the Private Sectors of both countries – were to work diligently toward economic integration, the two countries could easily become a

No clues on missing Linden pensioner

– family seeks assistance from public

I

t has been almost one month and a family still has no answers about the disappearance of 71-year-old Ivor Campbell of Lot 734 Wisrock Housing Scheme, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Campbell went missing on Friday, November 13, 2020 after he purportedly went to purchase cigarettes. Since his disappearance, the Police have been following all possible leads, but have come up empty handed.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Tracy Campbell, the missing man’s daughter, explained that on the day her father went missing, he was left at home with her brother.

The brother related that the elderly man asked him for a cigarette, but he indicated that he had none and as such, his father left the house in search of some.

When the man’s wife re-

Missing: Ivor Campbell

turned home, she enquired about her husband, but he was nowhere to be found.

Several searches were made around the area, but all proved futile.

The frustrated and worried daughter explained that the family was seeking the assistance of the public

to locate the elderly man.

She is fearful that something terrible may have happened to him.

“We are calling every single hospital, to find out if they had any unidentified person, anybody that came in the ward, or anybody that came in the morgues, but the hospitals said they haven’t had any of those cases recently,” she said.

The daughter further stated that her father was scheduled to collect his pension on the seventh of this month, and family members were hoping that he turned up to collect it. Campbell was last seen clad in a multi-coloured jersey and a pair of long trousers.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Campbell is asked to contact his family on 697-1491 and 625-3002 or the nearest Police Station.

joint economic powerhouse, exporting their products globally”. In this connection, it is noteworthy that the Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, said that the US$1 billion offshore base “will extend also to the Private Sector so that we can have a public-private partnership approach”.

In pursuing joint venture projects that will strengthen their economic integration, the Governments have sensibly not ignored their one remaining territorial dispute. Having settled their maritime boundary dispute in September 2007 under an arbitration by the United Nations Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, the Governments have agreed that their joint Border Commission will continue to examine ways of resolving the land border dispute over an area known as “the New River Triangle”.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, in noting that the “future of (the two) economies is intertwined”, also stated that “Guyana and Suriname are also part of the Caribbean Community”.

He did not have to do so.

His deliberate inclusion of this remark to the Suriname Parliament, is an indication of the importance his Government places on Caricom. Even more indicative of Guyana’s commitment to Caricom is President Ali’s further remark that “both States (should) take the lead in demonstrating the efficacy of regional in-

tegration”. “Together,” he said, “we can meet and fulfil a great portion of the food needs within the Caribbean Community”.

President Ali is right, provided that the long-standing problem of sea and air transportation can be resolved to carry food between Suriname and Guyana and other countries in Caricom. The regional group’s bill for the importation of food is now US$5 billion a year. It would be highly beneficial to the Region’s food security and its retention of foreign exchange, if its Member States could collectively devise at least a break-even financial operation for a shipping line. It is a project which Guyana and Suriname, in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago, might consider underwriting through a portion of their oil and gas income.

Guyana and Suriname are expected to receive significant revenues in the coming years. Neither country has the absorptive capacity to utilise all the expected annual income, however free-spending they might be in building physical infrastructure, increasing the wages of their workforce, and improving health and education. They should be able to dedicate a portion of their revenues to invest in Caricom projects and Member States in ways that would strengthen the Region, breaking its dependence on external powers and enhancing its integra-

tion.

None of this would be a giveaway; it could be targeted investment in projects that provide financial returns for all the parties concerned, while accelerating development in Caricom. In addition to food and related transportation, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago could consider, in consultation with other Caricom States, how they could profitably underpin energy security for the Region. That profit would be measured not only in financial terms, but also in the benefits of ending reliance on external countries and strengthening the sovereignty of the Region in its decision-making.

Security of regional transportation, food, and energy would be three important, immediate areas for Guyana and Suriname to “take the lead in demonstrating the efficacy of regional integration” to which President Ali referred.

The “dedicated pathway to deepen economic and social cooperation” between Guyana and Suriname should be applauded by all.

Even as they pursue this path, from which both countries and their peoples will undoubtedly benefit, they should take the steps to examine how such cooperation can be extended to Caricom.

The neighbourhood in which the people of Guyana and Suriname live would be more secure, and in that regard, so would they.

16 NEWS New batch of officers Guyana to benefit from Caricom-EU project to being trained to reduce tackle climate change corruption in prisons G FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

A

new batch of prison officers is currently being trained to be initiated into the Guyana Prison Service with the aim of ridding the prisons of corruption.

These were the sentiments of Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Minister Benn said the level of corruption within the prison system was alarming and had to be addressed at the earliest.

“We are losing more prison officers than we are getting due to corrupt practices. Between last week and this week, I have dealt with at least five in respect of drug smuggling and other grave indiscretions in respect to their uniforms and code,” Benn noted.

The Minister revealed that additional support

from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other entities was being utilised to ensure effective management of the prisons.

The Lusignan Prison has been under review for its alarming level of corruption, including numerous escapes over the past few years and smuggling of drugs and prohibited items.

Further, Minister Benn said there was active surveillance underway for the two inmates who escaped from the Lusignan Prison last week. The prisoners’ sentences will be increased once they are recaptured.

Earlier this month, two prison officers attached to the Lusignan Prison were arrested after a quantity of ganja was found in their quarters.

It was reported that on the day in question, a team of prison officials conducted the search during which

a black plastic bag was unearthed in a cupboard hidden under a sink.

The bag was opened in the presence of the two prison officers and two large transparent ziplock bags containing cannabis were found within.

The ganja was reportedly handed over to the Police and weighed – amounting to 894.5 grams – in the presence of the two officers.

One of the officers was subsequently arraigned for the crime and released on bail while no charges were instituted against the second since there was no evidence that he was involved in the trafficking of narcotics.

Contraband smuggling has long been a perennial problem within the local prison system, and this is compounded by the fact that both prison wardens and Police Officers are facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be “big business”.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels has stated that “the Home Affairs Ministry and the Guyana Prison Service would like to see officers speak out on corruption at all levels. As such, officers are encouraged to help in this fight.

For all those officers who come forward with details that can result in detection and prosecution, they will be given an incentive of between $15,000 (and) $25,000”.

uyana is among several countries in the Caribbean that were selected for the Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project – a joint project of the European Union (EU) and Caricom to understand the effects of climate change and strengthen the health response.

The Project is being coordinated through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) as a broad-based mitigation initiative to the impacts of climate change. The beneficiary countries are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking on this new development, PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne shared that there must be increased solidarity and collaboration to address climate issues.

“The Americas must embrace mechanisms for countries to come together around climate change…The project supports a cadre of new climate and health leaders. It promotes evidence for the frequently hidden health co-benefits of climate action and supports the implementation of health-related plans and resources for mitigation and adaptation for health,” she shared.

She said the Climate Change and Health Project – pegged at US$8.28 million – would also assist re-

gional nations in accessing funding for coping with climate change. For this, she disclosed that PAHO would work to assist Caribbean nations in getting financial assistance through the Green Climate Fund, which was established to help developing nations respond to climate change.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque explained that it was necessary to have this infrastructure in place, since health systems were not prepared to respond to these gradual changes.

“The WHO says that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress…

The direct cost to health is estimated to be between $2 to $4 billion per year by 2030. Tellingly, areas with weak health infrastructure, mostly in developing countries, will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond,” he positioned.

He asserted that in or-

der to respond to climate change, Caricom Member States must have access to concessional development financing, with more generous terms than market loans.

LaRocque added that financing should be based on the universal vulnerability index, which measures the exposure of populations to hazard.

Dominica’s Health Minister, Irving McIntyre testified to the fact that his country felt the effects of climate change first-hand and as a result, was aiming to become the Region’s first climate-resilient nation by 2030.

“While we have been calling on the developed countries to change their habits, we have been doing what we can to build resilience in our country. The Government of Dominica has directed investments towards economic transition and recovery efforts. We are well on our way to achieving resilience in terms of infrastructure, economy and fiscal policies, and resilience in our health and education system,” he expressed.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice woman stabbed Congressman who fought for Guyana’s democracy elected Chair by reputed husband during argument of US Foreign Affairs Committee

Congressman Gregory W Meeks

C

ongressman Gregory W Meeks (NY-05), senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was on Thursday elected to Chair the Committee, becoming its first African-American Chairman.

Back in July of this year, Congressman Meeks issued a statement along with fellow Congressman Albio Sires denouncing the A Partnership for

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) attempt to subvert the will of the Guyanese electorate.

“We urge the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to promptly issue a Declaration of Results based on the results of the national recount. Caricom, the Organisation of American States, diplomatic missions, and domestic civil society organisations

all confirmed that the recount was completed in a professional and transparent manner, providing the basis for a Declaration of Results,” the statement read.

“We condemn all efforts to undermine the credibility of the March 2nd election, including recent actions taken by the Chief Elections Officer to effectively disenfranchise thousands of voters and manipulate the vote count. We fully support GECOM Chairwoman Claudette Singh’s decision to dismiss all of the Chief Elections Officer’s fraudulent reports and are confident that she will declare a winner based on the actual vote count, as certified through the recount process,” the Congressmen added.

Following Meeks’ election on Thursday, he said that he was “incredibly honoured to be elected Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a committee that I have served on throughout my tenure of service in Congress.

There is extraordinary talent across the Committee and Democratic caucus,

and I look forward to working closely with members as we look ahead to a new era of US global affairs”.

Meeks, presently the third-ranking member of the Committee, is well aware of the enormity of this moment and prepared to act upon it.

“I know of the broad shoulders that I stand on and to think of the history of this Committee and this Congress and to now serve as Chair,” the 22-year Washington veteran says.

“I’m just so grateful and understand the responsibility that it places on me to make sure we have a new and different foreign policy than we’ve had over the past four years and make sure that we elevate places in the world, particularly where there are folks from Africa or of African descent.”

Representative Meeks assumes the gavel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the start of the 117th Congress. He is looking forward to working with President-elect Joe Biden and reassuring allies of the United States that they once again have a willing partner.

A

35-year-old housewife of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne is said to be in serious but stable condition after she was stabbed multiple times about her body by her reputed husband on Wednesday.

Rajwattie Punie, called “Shakira”, was stabbed to her abdomen, hands, and feet.

According to information received, the couple had an argument in the lower flat of their two-storey house.

Soon after the argument apparently ended, the couple’s 13-year-old son ventured downstairs, where he saw his mother with blood on her clothes and his father holding a knife in his hand.

The suspect then walked out of the yard with the knife and escaped. The victim was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital by relatives where she was examined by a doctor on duty who transferred her to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where she was admitted.

Police said checks were made for the suspect, but he was not found.

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls in November, it was pointed out that 17 women were killed by their partners for

the year thus far, leaving at least 43 children motherless.

This was revealed by Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who launched a campaign aimed at bringing definitive actions to eliminate domestic violence in Guyana.

She noted that while the lives of women were at constant risk, some women were still afraid to come forward and say they were victims. In this light the campaign aimed at reducing violence against women – #enoughwiththeviolence – was launched.

“Our stance together will create an umbrella of protection for legions of women,” the Minister stated.

In addition, Minister Persaud launched the annual 16 Days Of Activism campaign in Guyana.

In her message, she pointed out that there should be no more violence against women in the dark.

Focus is being placed on eliminating domestic violence through a one-billion-Guyana-dollar donation from the European Union/United Nations Spotlight investment in strategic and catalytic programmes, given to address the root causes of violence against women and to develop strong safety nets to support women in violent circumstances over a three-year period.

Chief Justice halts deportation of detained Haitians

…AG asserts Haiti not included in Caricom free movement

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

C

hief Justice (ag) Roxane George on Thursday evening issued a conservatory order halting the deportation of 26 Haitian nationals who, according to their lawyer Darren Wade, were never charged for any immigration violation.

Guyana Times, however, understands that the foreign nationals were charged for lying to immigration about where they would be staying in Guyana.

Wade contends that the order for deportation issued by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Tuesday is arbitrary and in

violation of the fundamental rights of the Haitians.

Wade has since moved to the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the deportation of the Caricom nationals.

Those in State custody pending deportation are 10 males, nine females, and seven children (two boys and five girls). They have been held since last month at the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.

President of the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana, Kesnel Toussaint, through Wade, has asked the High Court to order the release of his countrymen and women.

The case challenging the constitutionality of the deportation order came up for hearing on Thursday.

During the virtual proceedings, Wade asked the court to grant a conservatory order suspending the deportation of the Haitians pending the hearing and determination of the matter. Wade, in support of his application, inter alia, is relying on the Constitution of Guyana and the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC).

cluding their citizens, businesses, and Governments) can access the Court’s Original Jurisdiction to protect their rights under the RTC.

Aliens

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

The RTC established the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). Wade is asking for aspects of the case which deal with the Haitians’ rights under the RTC to be referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for adjudication.

In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is an international court with exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules set out in the RTC and to decide disputes arising under it. In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is critical to the CSME and all 12 Member States which belong to the CSME (in-

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall argued that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the application. He submitted that Wade’s application to invoke sections of the fundamental rights provision of the Constitution of Guyana, specifically Article 47, was flawed, since Haitians are not considered Commonwealth citizens under this provision.

Nandlall pointed out that this Article only applies to citizens of Guyana, the Commonwealth, and other countries listed therein. The Attorney General submitted that Haiti was not included among those territories.

Referring to the detained Haitians, Nandlall noted, “these persons are aliens under the Constitution [of Guyana]” .

Further, the Attorney General said that Haiti was not included in Caricom free movement under the CSME.

Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade

The acting Chief Justice granted the conservatory order suspending the deportation of the Haitians.

The parties were granted leave to file affidavits in response, and the court will hear full arguments on December 18, 2020.

According to Wade, the Haitians arrived in Guyana on November 7, 2020, and were granted six months’ stay. Police said that they were arrested in two separate Police operations – in a minibus along the Mabura Trail, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and in a city hotel.

Trafficking in Persons

On

Wednesday,

President Dr Irfaan Ali revealed that the 26 Haitian nationals were clearly victims of “people smuggling”.

“It is clear…this was people smuggling; a lot of it was people smuggling.

You had children without their parents. You had the breach of our immigration laws, where everybody gave the same address and the address doesn’t exist…

The investigation is ongoing, and the charges will be in place,” President Ali posited.

He went on to dismiss any notion that Government was considering visa restrictions against Haitians. The President said nothing of the sort has been discussed.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has indicated that the movement of the more than two dozen Haitians was “not regular”.

“We are taking action against all those who have entered the country illegally, and the proper action too… Unfortunately, it appears that has only to do with Haitians, given the current situation, but it is clear that the movement is not regular, and we’re dealing with the issue,” Benn added.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

Regional

“No harvests”: Peru New mother dies walking to T&T farm protests grip hospital bathroom after C-section country, turn deadly T

P

rotests by farm workers demanding better wages in Peru raged on for a fourth day Thursday, spreading north into key agricultural areas of the Andean nation, derailing harvests of some crops, snarling transport of produce, and leaving at least one dead.

Peruvian interim President Francisco Sagasti called the death of a protester a “tragedy” and told reporters the Government would immediately investigate the first casualty in demonstrations over farm worker rights and wages that began on Monday.

“We do not want anyone to die in protests to defend their labour rights,” Sagasti said.

The death of two young people in Lima last month led to the resignation of Sagasti’s predecessor, Manuel Merino, prompting renewed scrutiny of the actions of security forces in the Andean nation.

Farm workers alleged Police had attacked protesters to clear roadways and tame the demonstrations,

Negotiations between the Government and protest leaders have failed to reach agreement, though lawmakers have committed to reviewing a decades-old agriculture promotion law that farm workers view as unjust

which spread northwards from the country’s south into regions known for vast fields of table grapes, tangerines and blueberries.

“The workers ... have been attacked by the Police who have arrived in great numbers to prevent them from continuing to block the road,” said Juan Herrera, a national leader of agrarian workers.

Workers from Camposol, a major fruit exporter, joined the fray on Thursday. Farm labourers from agro-export-

er Talsa announced they too would join the rallies on Friday.

“All activities have been paralysed, there are no harvests, there is nothing. Grapes and asparagus are going bad, we are in the middle of the season for these two crops,” Fernando Cilloniz, a grape exporter, told Reuters.

Peru is a major global exporter of blueberries as well as producing grapes, avocados and asparagus. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Opposition candidates suspected of ties to Venezuela’s ruling party defy call for vote boycott

V

enezuelan politician Henry Gomez is running for parliament as part of an alliance that has promised to confront President Nicolás Maduro and the ruling Socialist Party, but he has an unusual profile for an opposition candidate.

Gomez in 2017 sought to be a member of the National Constituent Assembly, an all-powerful pro-Government body that the Opposition and most Western nations said was helping Maduro consolidate a dictatorship.

His Twitter handle includes the letters PSUV

–- the acronym of the Socialist Party – and his last tweet is a picture of late socialist leader Hugo Chávez and a message promising to “follow your legacy”.

Gomez is one of thousands of candidates confronting the Socialist Party on the ballot this weekend who Opposition Leaders accuse of being shadow allies of Maduro, helping to legitimise an election facing a broad boycott.

In a telephone interview, Gomez denied being in cahoots with the Government, which he thinks has run the coun-

try badly. But he also disagrees with the mainstream Opposition, which has failed after years of US-backed efforts to oust Maduro.

“There are two radical positions, and in the middle there are a lot of people who aren’t on the left or on the right, they’re in the centre,” said Gomez.

“I’m not an Opposition radical.”

Asked about his promise to follow Chavez’s legacy, Gomez responded “I can’t deny that there was a moment in which Chávez’s discourse was historical.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

New Latin American Cinema Festival opens in Cuba

T

he 42nd International Festival of New Latin American Cinema was exhibiting in Cuba this Thursday a select and current panorama of contemporary films.

The 2020 edition has been adapted to the context imposed by COVID-19, for this reason and in order not to cancel the competition, its organisers decided to divide the festival into two stages: the December traditional meeting that would only screen films, and the con-

test, lectures and debates are planned to be held in a second stage, from March 11 to 21, 2021.

Of course, the event’s distinctive Coral awards will be delivered during the second stage of the festival, and participants will talk around the theme proposed during the closing ceremony of the previous festival: young cinema in Latin America.

During the first stage of the festival, from December 3 to 13, the sections “Latin American in Perspective” and

“International Contemporary Panorama” will be presented at Havana movie theatres 23 y 12, Riviera, Yara, La Rampa and Acapulco, always with strict sanitary measures and reduced capacity.

The films shown come from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the United States, Great Britain, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Honduras, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Colombia, among others. (Excerpt from Prensa Latina)

he birth of a baby is supposed to be a time of joy, but this was not the case for the Williams family of Santa Cruz, Trinidad.

Instead of celebrating the birth of the baby, the family mourned the death of her mother, who collapsed on the floor of the Port-of-Spain General hospital and died on Tuesday.

The death of Sherise Williams, 30, of Lower Santa Cruz, Lacanoa Road, Kingston Avenue, Santa Cruz occurred a day after she underwent a caesarean section.

Her sister Shonise Williams said she was walking to the bathroom unattended when she collapsed.

Even though an autopsy

Sherise Williams, 30, of Lower Santa Cruz died after a fall while walking to the bathroom at the POSGH after delivering a baby via C-section

has not been done, Shonise

said the hospital’s personnel were claiming that Williams died from a blood clot in her lung.

During an interview with Guardian Media, Shonise said she wanted to know why the nurses did not accompany her sister to the bathroom as she was in a weakened state.

She said Williams had been looking forward to the birth of her only daughter.

Before leaving home last Wednesday, Williams hugged her five-year-old son and promised him that she will return in 10 days.

She said the doctors had advised Williams to check into the hospital early because she had developed prenatal diabetes and had low blood count. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Reptiles smuggled from Mexico found at German airport stitched inside dolls

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erman airport customs officers have found 26 rare reptiles – 10 of them dead – smuggled inside parcels of toys and sweets from Mexico.

Some of the dead animals had suffocated as they had been stitched inside cloth dolls, a statement from Cologne Bonn airport customs said.

The endangered horned lizards, alligator lizards and box turtles were destined for private buyers in Germany.

They are among many species that the global Cites

accord seeks to protect.

German officials are now trying to trace the origin of the reptiles, using DNA samples.

It is not yet clear if they came from the wild or from captive breeding programmes. They were in two packages seized on October 30 and November 8.

The customs service is collaborating with Mexican authorities and with zoologists at the Alexander Koenig Research Museum (ZFMK) in Bonn. The smugglers could be fined, if the

Police can identify them.

The 16 surviving reptiles might be returned to their Mexican habitat.

ZFMK’s work with customs mostly focuses on illegal goods made from poached endangered species, such as snakeskin handbags or furs.

The 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) has been signed by 182 States and the European Union, and covers about 6000 animal species and 30,000 plant types. (Excerpt from BBC News)

PM Chastanet willing to take COVID vaccine

S

t Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says he will be among the first persons there to take a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as he moves to quell fears among the population regarding the safety of the vaccine that is likely to become available by year end.

“Certainly I can say to you that if I need to travel I am going to have the vaccine,” Chastanet told reporters, after indicating that he would be among those willing to take the vaccine.

United States and European regulators are moving to approve the vaccines being developed for the virus that has killed at least two St Lucians and infected nearly 260 others. Worldwide, the virus is blamed for 1.47 million deaths and 63.4 million infections.

The pharmaceutical company, Moderna, which says its vaccine is 94.1 per cent effective in treating the virus, is applying to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.

St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

Moderna is one of three companies making vaccines that seem closest to widespread distribution.

Chastanet told reporters that while persons who do not have to travel may have the option of not taking the vaccine, there are going to be some companies that would require individuals to take a vaccine because the threat of being closed down at any point is disruptive to business.

He said he is satisfied

that despite the fact that the vaccine is being expedited there’s a lot of investigation that’s taking place.

“So the trial process has included thousands of persons and we certainly are going to be advised by both CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Agency) and PAHO on this matter, to make sure we are not depending on the certification of any one country, but that there is an international certification that would also be required,” Chastanet said. (CMC)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Iran rejects Biden's terms for reviving nuclear deal peaceful.

The deal was designed to constrain the programme in a verifiable way in return for sanctions relief.

Addressing a virtual conference hosted by Italy on Thursday, Zarif said the US had been "in grave breach" of a United Nations resolution endorsing the nucle-

OPEC+ finally reaches deal on 2021 oil output cuts

A

fter much debate, the OPEC+ group has finally reached an agreement on oil production for next year. Or at least for January.

OPEC+ will, as a group, add in 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January to its oil production quotas, which currently calls for a production cut of 7.7 million bpd. The total production cut in January will now be just 7.2 million bpd.

Future assigned quotas could rise or fall, and to determine those levels of oil production beyond January, OPEC+ Ministers will hold additional meetings—one each month.

The agreement is being touted as a win for all parties, although behind closed doors, it is unlikely that all Ministers feel that way, as some Ministers were vocally opposed prior to the meeting to adding in any production out of fear that oil demand would not be able to sustain any added production.

In addition to the agreement for adding 500,000 bpd of production back in, OPEC+ members that are laggards in sticking to their production quotas will have to make up the difference between now and March, one delegate said.

Countries can either use their part of the 500,000 bpd increase by increasing production outright or – for the laggards – they can “use” their share of the additional allowance to offset any additional compensatory cuts they must make. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

UN sounds wake-up call to save millions of Yemenis from famine

T

he window to prevent a famine in war-torn Yemen is narrowing, with a new study showing that millions of people in the country will face some form of food crisis next year, according to United Nations agencies.

More than half of Yemen’s population of 30 million risks slipping into “worsening levels of hunger” by mid2021, according to a joint statement published on Thursday by the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

“These alarming numbers must be a wake-up call to the world. Yemen is on the brink of famine and we must not turn our backs on

the millions of families who are now in desperate need,” said David Beasley, WFP’s Executive Director.

The conflict in the Arab world’s most impoverished nation began when Iranbacked Houthi fighters captured the capital of Sanaa in 2014, forcing the internationally-recognised government to flee.

The following year, a Saudi-led coalition supporting the Government intervened to battle the Houthis and curb Iran’s influence in what has turned into a stalemated regional proxy war.

Since then, more than 100,000 people – fighters and civilians – have been killed.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Aid coming to north Ethiopia, refugees recount war suffering

R

elief agencies in Ethiopia prepared convoys on Thursday to truck aid into Tigray region, where a month of war is feared to have killed thousands of people and has forced refugees to flee along corpse-strewn roads.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory over the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after federal forces captured the northern region’s capital Mekelle at the weekend.

However, TPLF leaders have dug into surrounding mountains in an emerging guerrilla strategy. “The war is a people’s war and will not end easily,” its spokes-

man, Gebre Gebretsadkan said on Tigray TV, adding that fighting had continued round Mekelle.

One aid worker in touch with Tigray said clashes had been taking place to the north, south and west of the city. Fighting appeared to be moving closer to the city, said a diplomat in touch with a resident.

Redwan Hussien, head of the Government’s taskforce on Tigray, said isolated incidents were possible.

“Sporadic shootings out of desperate attempt may not be ruled out. But wouldn’t in any way bear fruit,” he told Reuters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Both sides appear to want the other to readopt the agreement's terms first

I

ran will not accept preconditions from a new Biden Administration over its nuclear programme and the United States must return to a 2015 deal before talks can take place, its Foreign Minister says.

Minister Javad Zarif said the US had its own "commitments" that must be implemented.

President-elect Joe Biden has said he will rejoin the nuclear deal and lift sanctions if Tehran returns to "strict compliance with the nuclear deal".

Both sides appear to want the other to readopt the

agreement's terms first.

In May 2018, US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal negotiated under his predecessor, Barack Obama.

He then reimposed strict economic sanctions against Iran, targeting the country's oil and financial sectors.

Tehran has since exceeded limits to its nuclear activities set under the deal, raising suspicions that it could be using the programme as a cover to develop a nuclear bomb.

Its Government insists, however, that its nuclear ambitions are entirely

China is greatest threat to freedom – US intelligence chief

Chinese diplomat Liu Xiaoming: China is not the enemy of the US

T

he top US intelligence official says China is the "greatest threat to democracy and freedom" since World War Two. Writing in the Wall St Journal, John Ratcliffe said China was growing its power by stealing US secrets and then replacing US firms in the market.

The Trump Administration has taken a hard line on China, imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and accusing Beijing of intellectual property theft.

China has not yet responded.

However, it has responded forcefully to US moves such as the imposition of tariffs and efforts to keep the telecoms giant Huawei out of the American market.

Beijing was preparing for confrontation with the US and intended to dominate the world "economically, militarily and technologically", Ratcliffe warned.

Some of Ratcliffe's comments echo previous interventions by Secretary

of State, Mike Pompeo and FBI chief Christopher Wray.

However, they also come at a time when China has stepped up pressure on US ally Australia, publishing a list of ways it wants Canberra to change its behaviour, slapping tariffs on imports of Australian wine and provoking the Australian Government over its rights record in Afghanistan.

The Director of National Intelligence said China had replaced Russia and counter-terrorism as the main focus of US intelligence activities.

China was engaged in a form of economic espionage that he described as "rob, replicate and replace" – giving the example of a Chinese wind turbine firm that was found guilty in the US of stealing from a US competitor before going on to sell worldwide while the US firm lost shareholder value and fired staff.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ar deal when it abandoned it, describing the Trump Administration as "a rogue regime".

"The United States must stop, the United States must cease its violations of international law," he said. "It doesn't require any negotiations." (Excerpt from BBC News)

Coronavirus claims 1.5 million lives globally with 10,000 dying each day

Donna Plummer, a COVID-19-positive patient, looks on as Patient Care Technician Fanta Keita comforts her laying on an emergency room bed at Roseland Community Hospital on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, US, December 2, 2020

O

ver 1.5 million people have lost their lives due to COVID-19 with one death reported every nine seconds on a weekly average, as vaccinations are set to begin in December in a handful of developed nations.

Half a million deaths occurred in just the last two months, indicating that the severity of the pandemic is far from over. Nearly 65 million people globally have been infected by the disease and the worst affected country, United States, is currently battling a third wave of coronavirus infections.

In the last week alone, more than 10,000 people in the world died on average every single day, which has been steadily rising each passing week. Many countries across the world are now fighting second and third waves even greater than the first, forcing new restrictions on everyday life.

The novel coronavirus caused more deaths in the past year than tuberculosis in 2019 and nearly four times

the number of deaths due to malaria, according to the World Health Organisation.

Robert Redfield, the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned on Wednesday that the pandemic would pose the country’s grimmest health crisis yet over the next few months, before vaccines become widely available.

“I actually believe they’re going to be the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation,” Redfield told a livestream presentation hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The United States continues to lead in terms of fatalities, with over 273,000 deaths alone. North America and Latin American regions combined have more than 50 per cent of all coronavirus deaths that have been reported.

The Latin American region, the worst-affected globally in terms of fatalities, recently surpassed over 450,000 deaths. (Excerpt from Reuters)

EU-UK trade deal hangs in the balance with 4 weeks to go

T

he European Union and Britain talked into late Thursday evening to try to secure a Brexit trade deal, with an EU official saying an agreement was closer than ever, but a United Kingdom Government source warning chances for a breakthrough were receding.

Since Britain left the EU in January, negotiators have struggled to overcome their differences, with each side urging the other to make concessions to unlock a trade deal before London’s transition period out of the bloc

ends on December 31.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is due to update 27 national envoys to the bloc’s hub Brussels today on the latest in the talks. A senior British Government source said the prospect of a breakthrough in the next few days was receding.

A member of Barnier’s team said earlier on Thursday that significant gaps remained on the three most contentious issues and that the final outcome was still uncertain. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Don’t stop when there is so much you can do to make things better. Figure out the best way to use your skills, knowledge and wherewithal to help you bring about the changes that will make you happy.

You may have a plan in TAURUS place, but uncertainty will (April 20set in if emotional issues preMay 20) vail. Take care of unfinished business before you move forward. Discuss options and be clear about where you stand.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

You’ll have a better chance of getting your way if you are honest about your feelings and plans. Handle partnerships with care, and offer a straightforward approach to finding solutions.

Spend more time cleaning up unfinished business and less time letting what’s going on around you get you down.

Focus on personal gains, a healthy lifestyle and easing stress.

Take the initiative to get things done. Speak up and be heard. A leadership role can be yours. Be creative and respond to opposition with solutions, not with anger.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Be mindful of those you live with, but don’t let them get away with something that isn’t right. Handle matters diplomatically. A positive change to a meaningful relationship will unfold.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Gather facts that will help you make an informed decision. Check with experts, friends, family and peers, and consider what will serve you best.

Welcome a partnership with a like-minded soul.

SCORPIO

Look for a way to get things done without interference.

A unique plan will strike an emotional chord with you and encourage you to do things differently. Verify information before you begin something.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Home improvements will turn out well and set the stage for family fun. Turn uncertainty into confidence, and make decisions that will bring you the joy and happiness you deserve.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

An emotional incident will surface if you are insensitive. Listen to what’s being said, and be mindful of the way others feel. A change you make will change the way you are treated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You can improve your position, status and reputation if you take charge and go after your goals. Set up interviews, offer proposals and use your persuasive charm to capture attention.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Avoid persuasive situations and people. Look out for your interests, and be secretive regarding your plans. Someone will offer unreliable information that will cause uncertainty and confusion. Protect your money, possessions and passwords.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

21

Fletcher replaces Bairstow at Stars, Imad Wasim joins Renegades in Big Bash League

A

Andre Fletcher

ndre Fletcher is presently in New Zealand with the West Indies squad, and will be around with the Melbourne Stars for the Big Bash League until January 26, 2021.

The Melbourne Stars have signed wicketkeeper-batsman Andre Fletcher

after receiving confirmation that England batsman Jonny Bairstow won't be available for the Big Bash League this year because he has been called up by the ECB for international duties.

"I'm really looking forward to coming over to the Melbourne Stars and being part of what should be an exciting season ahead,” Fletcher has said. “Hopefully, I can bring my brand of batting and recent form to the Stars during the BBL," he continued.

Melbourne Stars Head Coach David Hussey has said: "We're naturally disappointed Jonny won't be able to link up with us this season, but

we wish him well on his recall and England's winter tours.

"We're glad Andre was in a position to join us, and he'll bring plenty of power and entertainment at the top of the batting order. Andre is a former T20 World Cup winner with the West Indies, so he knows what it takes to succeed in major tournaments, and I'm confident he'll be a great asset around our group."

A l s o , P a k i s t a n all-rounder Imad Wasim has signed up with

Melbourne Renegades as an overseas player, and joins the likes of Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad and Imran Tahir at the club.

Imad led the Karachi Kings to their Pakistan Super League title last month, and has also featured in 11 games for Nottinghamshire in the T20 Blast.

"Imad is one of the best

T20 players in the world, with his ability to impact games with the ball and to finish the innings with the bat," coach Michael Klinger has said. "He's an experienced player with recent title success. He's capable of bowling in the powerplay, and he'll strengthen our middle order batting.

"Given the current landscape, we've had to be flexible with our internation-

al players. We'll have Rilee Rossouw available for the whole season, while our other international players will feature at different points throughout the tournament. It's a really talented group of international players, and they'll provide us with some great flexibility throughout the season."

(Modified from a cricbuzz article)

GCB/Tropical Springs O-40 T/20 tournament…

General Marines Masters tame Sarjoo Tigers

LeBron James, Anthony Davis to sign contract extensions with Los Angeles Lakers

L

eBron James and Anthony Davis are on the verge of signing new deals with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James, 35, is set to sign a two-year contract extension worth a reported $85m (£63m), which will run until the end of the 2022-23 season, his 20th in the NBA. Davis, 27, is set to sign a new five-year deal reportedly worth $ 1 9 0 m (£141m).

His agent told ESPN the cont r a c t

would include a termination option prior to the fifth year.

James will become a free agent in the same year in which his 16-yearold son Bronny is slated to enter the NBA when he graduates from high school. His career earnings will approach $435m (£324m) by the end of his Lakers’ deal.

James and Davis helped the Lakers to their first NBA title in a decade in

October. James was named the finals' most valuable player, and became the first player to win the title with three different teams, having twice won it with Miami Heat and once with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Lakers will play the Los Angeles Clippers in their opening game of the new NBA season on 22 December. James says the Lakers "absolutely can" retain their title. He told the 'Road Trippin' podcast: "We can. I mean, it's that simple." (BBC Sport)

T

The Sarjoo Tigers were bowled out for 36

he sole match of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Tropical Springs Over-40 T20 tourney played yesterday was at the Enmore Community Centre ground, where General Marines Masters opposed the Sarjoo Tigers.

Having won the toss and electing to bat, General Marines got off to a relatively good start, with middle order batsman Ramnarine Ramnauth stroking an organised 36, which included only 2 fours before he was run out.

Diaram Hemraj’s attractive 30 included 3 fours before he was adjudged LBW to Frank Sanicharia; and useful scores also came from opening batsman Mustak Shaw, who was run out for 13, and Winston London batting at number 7, who also was run out for 11.

General Marines closed their innings at 133 for 8 off the allotted 20 overs. Bowling for the Sarjoo Tigers, Gopaul Dindyal took 1 for 8 from 3 overs, and Frank Sanicharia

took 1 for 20 from 3 overs, while four batsmen fell via the run-out route.

In reply, the Sarjoo Tigers were reduced to mere kittens from the onset of their batting innings, trekking disconsolately to and from the wicket as they succumbed to 36 all out from 11.5 of their allotted 20 overs.

Former National opening batsman Rohan Sarjoo, batting at number 6, was the most vicious of the Tigers, notching up 13 runs before falling to the bowling of Deodat Hemraj.

None of the other Tigers had an appetite for the fight, and no other batman was able to reach double figures.

Bowling for General Marines, Diaram Hemraj took 2 wickets off just 5 balls, remarkably without a run being scored off his bowling; while Deodat Hemraj grabbed 2 for 1 from a solitary over, Hemchand Persaud took 2 for 3 from 2 overs, Winston London took 2 for 10 from 3 overs, and Mustak Shaw

took 1 for 5 from 2 overs as General Marines won the match by 97 runs.

The final preliminary round in the GCB Tropical Springs T20 Over-40 Tournament will be played on Saturday 5 December 2020.

At the Jai Hind ground in Berbice, West Berbice will battle Jai Hind Masters at 12:00hrs in a match rescheduled from November 28 to December 5.

At the Everest Cricket Club ground, KV Construction Masters will face WD Masters for the morning encounter, while Everest Masters and Sand Piper Masters will take the field for the second scheduled match.

Over at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Regal Masters and RP Construction will compete at 9:30 hrs, while WD Mavericks will take on Bel Air Rubis Ultra Tec at 13:45 hrs.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

1st Test: New Zealand vs West Indies…

Kane Williamson, Tom Latham put New Zealand in control

K

ane Williamson made toss, Williamson had said, he smooth progress, would have bowled first. He and Tom Latham was then proceeded to show how assured, as New Zealand Jason Holder's decision to bowl ended a dominant first day could be made irrelevant. on 243 for 2, having been put Williamson was within in to bat by Jason Holder on a touching distance of a 22nd pitch the colour of which was Test match century, having indistinguishable from the batted from the time he came outfield. in the middle as if he had The bowlers, particularly been on a steady red-ball diet seamers, were expected to for months, instead of taking dominate, but the fans who part in the most intense T20 came to the Seddon Park in competition in the world.

Hamilton got to see a He was batting masterclass from their on a serene 97 at national captain. stumps, having come It's a good in as early as the fifth thing New over. That was the only Zealand have period of play when West managed Indies were at parity with t h e i r New Zealand. Debutant Will COVID-19 Young had been trapped in situation front by Shannon Gabriel a ball w e l l after being reprieved with enough a dropped catch to have behind the stumps, m a s k- f re e courtesy Shannon Gabriel was of Shane attendance pumped after the first at the wicket stadiums; p r o p e r l y Dowrich, and New Zealand appreciating were 14 for 1 in four overs. a Thereafter, Latham and Williamson put on 154 runs for the second wicket, to grind West Indies down. When Latham fell, bowled by a peach from Kemar Roach, Ross Taylor Williamson joined Williamson, and the runs kept coming. The unbroken masterclass third-wicket stand was already needs a free range of worth 75, and West Indies facial expressions. were reduced to bowling Kraigg On losing the

Brathwaite in the last over of the day to just finish the day's play quickly.

Early rains meant the first session was washed out, with the remaining two sessions elongated, but although 85 overs had been budgeted for, a pace-heavy West Indies bowled only 77 overs, despite another extra half hour being tacked on at the end of the day.

Latham and Williamson ensured most of those overs went New Zealand's way, although a somewhat tardy West Indies bowling attack made the batsmen’s jobs easier. They had to negotiate potentially tough conditions against an attack that should have fancied itself to make the most of getting first use of a lush green pitch.

A combination of poor lines by the West Indies bowlers and exemplary control by Williamson and Latham meant West Indies' advantage on winning the toss was negated entirely.

Latham was compact, content to leave deliveries all day long if need be, but pouncing on any errors in length. Williamson was a bit more adventurous in terms of getting bat on ball, but every bit as controlled in his shotmaking. Williamson leaned into his drives with trademark elegance, and on the rare occasions when a delivery spit at him or did something

unexpected, his hands and wristwork were nimble enough to negotiate the ball.

Latham had a stroke of luck when he flashed at a short and wide one to the keeper, off Holder in the penultimate over of the first session. There was an audible noise as the ball went past bat, but only Darren Bravo at first slip half-appealed, a n d the rest of the West Indies fielders, including the

of 43, eventually getting out for 86 when Roach got a full ball that was angled into him to straighten and cannon into the stumps via an inside edge.

At the start, West Indies' seamers couldn't find the right length, and allowed Latham and Williamson to gauge the pitch better with several balls they didn't have to get their bats near to. Holder's natural back of length was such that balls from there would carry over the stumps. Roach mixed some testing deliveries with a whole bunch that were too far outside off to threaten the stumps,

while Gabriel offered scoring opportunities in between his on-target deliveries.

After the first session, the bowlers attacked the stumps a lot more, but by then New Zealand's second-wicket pair were well set. The only moment of cheer for the rest of the day arrived via Latham's wicket. And it was not so much cheer as solemnity, with Roach - recently bereaved due to the death of his father - sinking on one knee and staring at the pitch when he broke through Latham's defences.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD K e m a r R o a c h celebrating a wicket late in the day

bowler a n d captain, were silent.

Replays showed a spike on Ultraedge as the ball passed the bat, but Latham went on to double his then score

New Zealand Innings TWM Latham b Roach WA Young lbw b Gabriel KS Williamson (c) not out LRPL Taylor not out Extras (b 6, lb 10, nb 7, w 1) TOTAL (78 Ov, RR: 3.11) Yet to bat: HM Nicholls, TA Blundell †, DJ Mitchell, KA Jamieson, TG Southee, N Wagner, TA Boult Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Will Young, 3.6 ov), 2-168 (Tom Latham, 55.2 ov) BOWLING KAJ Roach ST Gabriel 17 JO Holder 19 AS Joseph 17 RL Chase 9 KC Brathwaite

86 5 97 31 24 243/2

O-M-R-W 15-3-53-1 5-62-1 8-25-0 6-43-0 0-42-0 1-0-2-0

Christmas programme of the RHTY&SC Cricket teams…

KSM Investments, V-Net, GNNL, Bissan Trading and 4R Bearings on board

Bissan Trading’s Ryan Singh handing over a donation to Hilbert Foster

T

he efforts of the ten cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, on Tuesday last received a major boost when several of the club’s longstanding friends came on board with contributions to assist with the Christmas programme.

The ten cricket teams: Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Poonai Pharmacy Under 12 and Under 13, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Namilco Thunderbolt Under 21 and First Division, would

be hosting a series of charity projects under their annual Christmas Outreach programme.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and Vice President Mark Papannah received the donations, which included toys and financial contributions.

Honorary RHTY&SC member Safraz Sheriffudeen, Chief Executive officer of V-Net Communications, handed over a large quantity of Christmas toys, which would be shared out to children of single-parent households. Long-time RHTY&SC sponsor Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investments Inc, along with the Guyana

Whitney Brock of V-Net Communications handing over toys to RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah

National Newspapers Ltd, Bissoondyal Singh of Bissan’s Trading, and Ricky Deonarine of 4R Bearings, also made financial donations to the programme.

Long-serving RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is also President of the Berbice Cricket Board, expressed gratitude to the donors for their assistance, and reassured them that all the planned activities would be well organised.

The 2020 Christmas Programme of the ten teams would officially start on Monday, 7th December with the distribution of hampers to less fortunate families. A total of 1000 food hampers,

each valued at $4000, would be distributed to less fortunate families across Berbice.

Recipient families were identified by a Special Committee of the club, which visited different communities.

The teams would also share out 5,000 Christmas toys to children drawn from less fortunate and single-parent households.

The club would donate the toys to various places of worship across the county, and they would share them out to children in their areas.

Among the other projects planned are donations to orphanages, distribution of a special Christmas pack-

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receiving a cheque from Vickram Sukhai of KSM Investments

age to senior citizens, and Christmas breakfast to 500 senior citizens in the Lower Corentyne area.

Distribution of educational material, clothing and

footwear would also be done in what Foster described as the largest Christmas programme ever organised by the club since it was started in 1990.

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23

Several celebrated in BCCCC Annual Awards Ceremony

Jawahir is cricketer of the year; Glasgow is best youth player; Prashad, Deodat, Karim among top awardees T

By Brandon Corlette in Berbice

he Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club (BCCCC) hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on a cool Thursday afternoon at Rosignol, WCB. It was a safe, simple, but significant ceremony in which players were deservedly recognised for their contributions to the furtherance of the club’s fortunes.

Kevon Jawahir was recognised as the club’s player of the year, while Guyana Under-19 player Seon Glasgow was recognised as the youth player of the year.

His National team mates Marvan Prashad and Nigel Deodat were also recognised as best batsman and best bowler respectively.

The hard-hitting Zammer Nazeer was deemed the T20 player of the year, while

Seon Glasgow and Marvan Prashad

former Guyana Under-19 player Javed Karim was adjudged the club's best all-rounder. Deodat also copped the overall best bowler award, while Nazeer and Prashad were joint winners of the most improved batsman award.

Former Berbice youth seamer Chris Harry was

deemed the club's most improved bowler, while Glasgow and Prashad were jointly awarded the most disciplined player.

Deodat, who displayed his all-round capabilities in recent times, was adjudged the second division player of the year. A special award was given to Waqar Hussain,

Nigel Deodat

one of Blairmont's longest-serving and most committed members. The man who balances sport and academics, Anthony Sukra, also received a special award.

In the Under-15 category, Raashad Gafoor was deemed the best batsman, while Sajjaad Ishmael was deemed the best bowler. Romeo

Deonarine was deemed the best Under-15 all-rounder, while Razam Koobir was deemed the most disciplined Under-15 player. David Deonarine was adjudged the most improved Under-15 player, while Koobir was adjudged the club's most promising youth.

Satyah France was ad-

judged the best under-17 batsman, while Andy Tageraj was adjudged the best bowler at that level. Randy Rupnarine was deemed best all-rounder at the Under-17 level, and Altav Balman was adjudged the most disciplined Under-17 player.

Inspirational BCCCC President Shabeer Baksh, who proverbially wears many hats, delivered a motivational message to the youths, encouraging them to continue being disciplined.

Baksh also thanked Fizul Haniff of Canada, members of the media, Big B’s Restaurant, Banks DIH, Hand in Hand, Baksh Travel Service, Ravi Etwaroo Cricket Zone USA, Ramdhanie Narine, Vijay Hansraj and Greens Massive among other supporters of the BCCCC.

Romario Shepherd rescues Windies with maiden First-Class century B

atting at #9 for West Indies A in New Zealand, Romario Shepherd posted a crucial 133 runs off 154 balls to steer his side out of a pile of trouble and into a strong position at the end of day one of their first-class match being played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Just days after his 26th birthday, Shepherd registered a delightful performance as he combined with Raymon Reifer in a 199-run stand for the eighth wicket that saw the West Indies recover from a difficult position, after having been 88/6 at lunch.

After a run-fest in Queenstown, New Zealand A headed into quite different conditions at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval, wherein day one against West Indies A was played in distinctly bowl-first weather.

Just 78km away from the Black Caps-West Indies Gillette Test further inland, on the Bay of Plenty coast, New Zealand A captain Jacob Duffy had no hesitation in sending in West Indies A, and had only to wait eight balls before Doug Bracewell

Romario Shepherd pulls

Brandon King’s dry run at the ground continuing after the white-ball series against

Raymon Reifer forged an important partnership with Shepherd

cracked the opening stand with his second delivery —

the Black Caps at 3/1.

Three overs later, Duffy

found the edge of Shayne Moseley, who had moved up the order following the departure of the Test stars, but a 66-run stand for the third wicket between Nicholas Pooran — the big shot-maker handed a rare first-class opportunity by the WI selectors — and Rovman Powell finally got the West Indians into some rhythm.

Pooran has represented the West Indies in 49 whiteball matches, yet this is only the fourth first-class appearance of his career. He greeted allrounder Nathan Smith’s arrival at the crease with his first six — over the bowler’s head, but Smith struck back by having Powell caught behind on 27 at the start of his next over, keeper Dane

Cleaver collecting the catch off an assist from Glenn Phillips at first slip.

Smith then made it two in four balls with Kyle Mayers gifting a leg-side grab to Ish Sodhi at 79 for four after 18.

The wickets kept tumbling, but after an action-packed start to the match, only one wicket fell in the middle session, as lefthander Reifer adopted largely an anchorman role. He ploughed to his third half century for West Indies A before his epic fightback alongside Shepherd was finally disrupted late in the day, just one ball away from the 200-stand.

Shepherd’s previous best had been 72, and he quickly took the lead in the much-needed partnership with Reifer.

Sweeping Cole McConchie for a single, Shepherd’s century arrived shortly before 6.45pm, off 135 balls, including 14 boundaries and two sixes, having spent more than three hours fighting back, and with increasing comfort.

Then Dane Cleaver suddenly pouched his fourth catch off Duffy to finally break them apart, Reifer dismissed on 65 after 245 minutes and 162 balls, with Shepherd on 132*.

Jacob Duffy ultimately finished with 4-47 after an afternoon of sweat and toil, and Volts teammate Smith ended on 3-37, while wicketkeeper Cleaver grabbed four catches in the innings, including a fine running take to remove Josh da Silva off Scott Kuggeleijn.

New Zealand A opening pair of Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips safely negotiated the three overs before stumps, and will resume at 10/0, 312 runs behind West Indies A’s 322 all out in 82.1 overs.

(New Zealand Cricket)

Nicholas Pooran looked promising

SCOREBOARD West Indies A Innings BA King c Phillips b Bracewel 3 S Moseley c Seifert b Duffy 2 N Pooran † c Carter b Smith 46 R Powell (c) c †Cleaver b Smith 27 KR Mayers c Sodhi b Smith 0 J Da Silva c †Cleaver b Kuggeleijn 2 RA Reifer c †Cleaver b Duffy 65 FA Allen c †Cleaver b Duffy 19 R Shepherd c McConchie b Duffy 133 HR Walsh lbw b Bracewell 8O O Thomas not out 0 Extras (b 5, lb 7, nb 4, w 1) 17 TOTAL (82.1 Ov, RR: 3.91, 370 Mts) 322 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Brandon King, 1.2 ov), 2-13 (Shayne Moseley, 4.1 ov), 3-79 (Rovman Powell, 17.3 ov), 4-79 (Kyle Mayers, 17.6 ov), 5-88 (Nicholas Pooran, 23.1 ov), 6-88 (Joshua Da Silva, 24.2 ov), 7-113

(Fabian Allen, 33.2 ov), 8-312 (Raymon Reifer, 80.1 ov), 9-322 (Hayden Walsh, 81.5 ov), 10-322 (Romario Shepherd, 82.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W JA Duffy 18.1-4-47-4 DAJ Bracewell 17-2-62-2 SC Kuggeleijn 19-4-58-1 NG Smith 10-1-37-3 CE McConchie 8-0-58-0 IS Sodhi 10-0-48-0 NEW ZEALAND A 1ST INNINGS GD Phillips not out 8 TL Seifert not out 2 Extras 0 TOTAL (3 Ov, RR: 3.33) 10/0 Yet to bat: MS Chapman, JF Carter, CE McConchie, D Cleaver †, DAJ Bracewell, NG Smith, SC Kuggeleijn, IS Sodhi, JA Duffy (c) BOWLING O-M-R-W Thomas 2-1-8-0 RA Reifer 1-0-2-0

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

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