Guyana Times - Friday March 5, 2021

Guyana will lose many opportunities unless mindset evolves — Jagdeo tells Private Sector Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4578

P7

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

$383.1B Budget passed in National Assembly …session marred by major disruptions from APNU/AFC MPs See story on page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Husband dies, wife critical after horrific Berbice accident P16

…as Speaker suspends 7 of them

Police must P9 transform to match advanced legal system — President

…repositioning, rebranding, retooling needed

APNU/AFC Members of Parliament standing and hitting the tables in Parliament on Thursday despite repeated warnings from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir for them to desist from such behaviour

Fighter jets in Guyana’s airspace

Guyana engages regional, international community over Venezuela’s aggression Death of Berbice mother, baby

Scotiabank sale

Page 3

First Citizens Bank Doctor, nurses does not have suspended for licence to operate negligent conduct in Guyana – BoG Own up to your error and let’s move forward — President to Harmon Page 2

Page 10

Page 15

No commercial quantity of oil P16 at ExxonMobil’s 1st Canje Block well Guyana’s P14 COVID-19 death rate reaches 200 …51 new cases recorded Escape from lock-ups

Lethem father hands son P10 over to Police Taxi driver P12 found dead in home, bedroom ransacked

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scotiabank sale

First Citizens Bank does not have licence to operate in Guyana – BoG F ollowing Scotiabank’s announcement that it has sold its operations in Guyana to First Citizens Bank Limited (FCB), the Bank of Guyana (BoG) has stated that the Trinidadbased commercial bank does not have a licence to operate here.

FCB recently published a notice in the Trinidad Guardian on its decision to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with the Canada-based Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) to purchase its operations in Guyana.

This was confirmed in a statement by Scotiabank Guyana on Wednesday, in which it said that the agreement is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

However, Central Bank, in a statement on Thursday, said not only did FCB and Scotiabank enter the agreement without informing the BoG, the Trinidad bank does not have a licence to operate in Guyana.

“FCB has not submitted an application, in keeping with the requirements of the Financial Institutions Act 1995 (FIA), to the BOG to acquire control of a bank (BNS) operating in Guyana,” the brief missive from the Central Bank detailed.

No permission

In fact, Governor of BoG, Dr Gobind Ganga, told Guyana Times on Thursday that Scotiabank has to get permission from the Bank of Guyana before it proceeds to enter into any agreement to sell its operations here, in accordance with Section 12 of the FIA. “They can’t sell, transfer, or anything before they get permission from the Bank of Guyana. That’s a requirement… Their sale is subject to our approval,” he contended.

This, Dr Granga explained, is to allow for the Central Bank to conduct the necessary mandatory assessments of the transaction, including in this case the company seeking to enter Guyana’s banking market.

“Even if [FCB] submit an application in the near future, we have to do our assessments with respect to the requirements, and those requirements include our objectives in terms of what we need from another financial institution entering the Guyana market,” he explained.

Dr Ganga made reference to Scotiabank’s previous attempt to sell its operations in Guyana to Republic Financial

Scotiabank’s Carmichael Street, Georgetown branch

Holdings Limited, which was halted after the BoG – having done its assessment – found that if the transaction had gone through with RBL, which is already operating in Guyana, then it would have jeopardised the local market.

“So, as you can see, we have to do our assessment from different perspectives…

Any applicant will have to judge with respect to the merit of the application from the perspective of our requirements and our objectives going forward,” he contended.

Nevertheless, the BOG Governor went on to reveal that they received correspondence today from Scotiabank Guyana basically detail-

ing what was mentioned in its public statement on Wednesday.

“They indicated to us that they have this agreement of sale with First Citizens, and they’re applying with respect to Section 12 of the Financial Institution Act to execute the sale, but we cannot execute a sale unless we know for sure [about the transaction and the company buying the operations here],” Dr Ganga stated.

On this note, the Governor said the BoG will soon commence assessment of the transaction.

Notwithstanding, he noted that Scotiabank plays an important role in Guyana’s banking sector, and by exten-

sion the country’s economy.

“I hope that will continue until such time (as) we determine what will happen with respect to the sale,” Dr Ganga posited.

In its missive on Wednesday, Scotiabank did indicate that until regulatory approvals are obtained and the transaction is closed, it will continue operating in Guyana “as usual”.

Scotiabank’s Guyana operations currently encompass four branches and approximately 180 employees.

The Canada-based bank noted that these employees will all be retained upon the transfer of operations to First Citizens.

Headquartered in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, First Citizens offers a full range of retail, corporate and investment banking services, as well as wealth management, trustee and brokerage services to clients through its operations in Barbados, Costa Rica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Premature and inappropriate

Meanwhile, the announcement of the sale between the two banks has been described as premature and inappropriate by the

Guyana Government.

“I wish to say that the Government of Guyana considers it extremely unfortunate that this transaction was announced, considering that any such transaction is subject to a specified regulatory process… We consider it premature to announce a transaction of this nature, particularly given that the regulatory process to consider the request for such a transaction is yet to be initiated, much less concluded,” Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said on Wednesday.

Scotiabank has, for some time, been looking to sell its operations in Guyana, and in 2019, had its application to sell to RBL denied by the BoG. At the time, Dr Ganga, had told Guyana Times that the application was denied in light of concerns about “concentration” and “competition”, which would have negative impacts on the country’s financial system.

Apart from its Guyana operations, Scotiabank was also looking to sell its operations in St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

(G8)

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 5 – 10:00h-11:30h and Saturday, March 6 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 5 – 08:40h-10:10h and Saturday, March 6 – 10:00h-11:30h.

Fighter jets in Guyana’s airspace

Guyana engages regional, international community over Venezuela’s aggression

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain and thundery showers are expected during the day. Partly cloudy skies and light rain showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 08:54h and 21:34h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.29 metres.

Low Tide: 15:00h reaching a minimum height of 0.75 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

04 06 11

25 26 28

FREE TICKET

2 Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 09 16 23 25 LUCKY 3

4

8

1

8

Afternoon Draw

1

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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05

12

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14 17 20

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021

03 04

05 08

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16 18

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$66.74/barrel

+4.00

Rough Rice

$240.66/ton

-0.67

London Sugar

$458.00/ton

-1.67

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1690.10

$1691.10

Low/High Change

$1687.20 -6.80

$1724.10 -0.40%

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd meeting virtually with acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the US State Department, Julie Chung

G

overnment has already engaged the regional and international community over the acts of aggression by Venezuela – the most recent being the unauthorised entry of two fighter jets into the country’s airspace this week.

In putting up a strong fight against these actions, President Irfaan Ali asserted on Thursday during the sidelines of an event that foreign counterparts have condemned the recent events. Moreover, they have thrown their support behind Guyana.

“In relation to these acts of aggression by Venezuela, we have reached out to bilateral partners, regional partners.

We have continuously engaged the international community.

Yesterday, I personally would have reached out and shared this information, shared our concerns. The international and regional community has reiterated their strong support for us and their condemnation for what Venezuela is doing,” the Head of State said.

Venezuela’s threats come as the border controversy case sits at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Court is expected to set various timelines by which Guyana and Venezuela will have to make

their respective submissions in the case. The border controversy arose after the Spanishspeaking country claimed twothirds of Guyana’s territory – the Essequibo region – after an international tribunal settled the boundary between the two neighbours in the 1899 Arbitral Award, which all parties accepted.

Nevertheless, Ali said close monitoring would continue and Government would not be discussing issues outside of the Court.

“We will continue to work closely with the international community and regional partners and maintain strong monitor of the situation,” he told the media.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd also met virtually with acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the US State Department, Julie Chung on Tuesday.

Todd conveyed his gratitude for the continued support Guyana has received from the US on border controversy. The Minister further informed of the recent actions of Venezuela, including the incursion into Guyana’s airspace, which resulted in the issuance of a protest note.

In a statement from the Ministry, it was stated that acting Assistant Secretary Chung conveyed her optimism for relations between Guyana and the US. Chung noted that the Biden Administration was focused on democracy, values, human rights, and climate change – commonalities which the US shares with Guyana.

On Tuesday, at least one of the jets were filmed flying over Eteringbang in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The video showing the jet, a Russiamade twin-engine Sukhoi SU30 fighter aircraft, flying over some trees was reportedly captured by a miner and sparked much speculation when it made the rounds on social media.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier General Godfrey Bess had only said that the Force had stepped up its vigilance and Guyanese could be assured that the borders were secure. The Foreign Affairs Ministry subsequently issued a statement in which it condemned Venezuela’s actions as the latest in a series of intimidatory and lawless acts.

“The fighter jets circled the location once before proceeding in an easterly direction.

The Government of Guyana condemns this latest act of aggression by the Venezuelan armed forces as a violation of the sovereignty of Guyana over the air above its territory,” the Ministry said.

In the statement, it reminded that this latest act of hostility follows on the heels of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s decree on January 7, reiterating Venezuela’s unlawful claim to Guyana’s maritime space, including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and land territory west of the Essequibo River.

The incursion into Guyana’s territory using these jets, the Ministry said, is a clear indication that “the

Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali

Government of Venezuela is prepared to use aggression and intimidation to accomplish what cannot be accomplished by legal means – the surrender by Guyana of its patrimony. The Government of Guyana exhorts the Government of Venezuela, and its agents, to behave in a manner consistent with international law and good neighbourly relations,” the statement said.

This latest incident was reported a little over a month after Venezuela illegally detained 12 Guyanese fishermen in Guyana’s maritime space.

On January 21, two Guyanaregistered fishing vessels, Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf were operating off the coast of Waini Point in Guyana’s EEZ when they were intercepted by the Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chávez GC 24, which was illegally traversing Guyana’s waters.

On February 2, the fishermen were released on the orders of the Venezuelan President himself, with the legal proceedings against them discontinued. (G12)

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

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

Non-observation of basic traffic rules

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here is always an element of risk whenever someone uses the roadways, be it a motorist, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian. This is somewhat inherent, since it is believed that accidents will happen. Often, the fault is not with the one being cautious, the risks may manifest in various forms, such as a lack of street lighting while driving at nights; potholes, which when swerved from could place a vehicle in the direct path of another; absence of or nonfunctioning traffic lights, which can create uncertainty among drivers; roaming animals; speeding; drinking and driving; narrow streets and lack of traffic signage. In addition, disobedience of basic traffic etiquette and other rules exacerbate the risks.

Seemingly common now is the disrespect for designated major roads. Many drivers, including some within the public transportation system, refuse to adhere to what is mandatory. As a result, a number of accidents occur frequently at some of those points. Similarly, the practice of running red lights and the green signal that allows pedestrians to cross continues unabated, predominantly by minibus drivers. The danger this poses needs no explanation.

While there is a plethora of traffic violations on a daily basis, some appear more prominent. Undertaking, cutting in front of a vehicle, sticking out of a minibus conductor’s arm to do likewise from the other side, seem the new norm of driving. Aside from the obvious danger, especially to young and inexperienced drivers, and being an irritant, it is blatant bullyism and a potent source for road rage.

It appears that those who engage in such practices do not see themselves as being errant, or what they do as a traffic violation. Lanes that allow for turning-on-red are abused and used as if it’s the right-of-way. In the City, many roads other than what are authorised for minibus routes are used as thoroughfares. Speeding is foremost, causing areas that are supposed to be free of minibuses to become dangerous.

In addition, some drivers seemingly take pride in having an alcoholic beverage in their possession while transporting passengers. Adding to the woes of those who abide by traffic rules is that they are verbally abused when trying to stave off a potential transgressor. These practices are not unknown to the Police, and while they cannot be at all points where violations occur, there is the expectation for more and sustained interventions in the interest of safety to all road users. This does not take away from the valiant efforts of a few dedicated traffic officers, who do their best to curb the situation; one which has reached alarming proportions. Reportedly, many minibuses are owned by some Police ranks, and the drivers of those buses are of the view that they have a free pass to break traffic rules.

From all reposts, some traffic ranks can easily pinpoint a particular minibus based upon design and route when a complaint is lodged. That probably suggests that traffic violation is not unique to that vehicle. Again, it must be asked, how is it allowed to continue?

What is desperately needed is a sustained national campaign to reduce traffic violations, and let the law take its course on the errant ones, regardless of who they are.

The carelessness exhibited puts all road users at risk. This is where the National Road Safety Council would need to be supported and probably empowered to have a more visible presence and increased influence all year round.

It must be noted that drivers are not the only violators of traffic rules, for some pedestrians are equally guilty.

Aside from the common jaywalking, they cross busy intersections when not authorised, and refuse to use the overhead pedestrian walkways, thereby bringing danger to themselves and others. Like errant drivers, they seem empowered to not observe basic traffic rules. This will only change when there is a constant stream of violators up the stairs of the courts across the country. There is a hope that that is not wishful thinking.

Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force displaying their parachuting skills on Thursday at the Change of Command Parade at the playfield in Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown (Abel Harris photos)

Time to celebrate Guyana’s most precious resource Dear Editor, Friday, March 5 marks another Employee Appreciation Day, and it couldn’t come at a better time, since, this year, it needs our special attention as managers. This March represents the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 work-athome migration, March 02, 2021 marks one year since the dark period in Guyana’s history, and a year of new and ever-evolving challenges for employees across every region of our great country.

However, a time to celebrate Guyana’s most precious resource, the people who toil day after day to build our country’s aspirations, our health workers, our peace officers our first responders, our production workers, our sale and deliver services, our customer services, our problems resoluteness and our business-driven development employees.

As 2021 hits full stride while we approach the second quarter of the year, our workers are playing a vital role in the evolution of the workplace, our business models and the ability of organisations to survive this COVID-19

crisis. And they’re doing it remotely, while balancing new demands around their home lives and work routines amidst a public health crisis.

For almost a year now, many workers have been separated from their peers and managers through temporary furloughs, work-from-home, rotating schedules, and other new policies. And while working from home has its perks, it can’t take the place of the personal connections and sense of togetherness found in workplace cultures in shared office environments.

Our employees are feeling more detached than ever before. Even with virtual connections over Zoom and other collaborative services, employees have gone months, or even a whole year, without personal interactions with people they might have worked with for years.

And then there are those employees who haven’t had the luxury and safety of working from home. Health care workers, first responders, drivers, restaurant workers, warehouse and manufacturing employees, who have endured the added

stress and risk of becoming infected while serving customers and keeping their businesses running.

While cards, flowers, cupcakes or gift cards on Friday are a lovely gesture, what employees want even more is an experience of appreciation as something that’s not reserved for an annual holiday; rather, as something that can – and should – be expressed every day of the year. Employees want to feel like they are making a contribution and a difference. Even mundane tasks can be infused with a sense of purpose when you help employees understand how their work connects with the customer, mission, and big picture.

My own research suggests that, across the generational spectrum, one of the things employees value more than anything else is working for someone whom they trust. So, demonstrate appreciation by being that person.

Show concern. Keep confidences. Do what you say.

Be consistent. Small daily actions can quickly inspire trusting relationships.

It doesn’t matter what you do on Employee Appreciation Day, if the

rest of the year people feel discounted, disrespected and treated unfairly.

Consider carefully how you speak to, and interact with, others. Understand and honour differences.

Find ways to consult employees about issues that affect their work. Honour commitments. It’s as simple as remembering – and acting upon – the Golden Rule.

This week offers a wonderful opportunity to send a message of appreciation to our employees. But keep in mind that the job of celebrating the value of our staff isn’t finished when you log off on Friday afternoon. Plan to keep it going on Monday and every day thereafter by practising these strategies: offering meaningful work, facilitating ongoing development, inspiring trust, providing appropriate challenges, demonstrating respect, ensuring our employees are equipped with abilities to perform their jobs, while enabling flexibility in their work environment and offering recognitions generously.

Sincerely, David Adams

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

5

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

Guyana-Suriname Commission Where is the middle ground? is a timely initiative Dear Editor, The proposed establishment of the GuyanaSuriname Commission to focus on the mutually exclusive economic, social and cultural development of both countries is indeed a timely initiative.

The recent discovery of our mega oil reserves in the Guiana Shield has provided both countries with the opportunity to foster a collaborative and synergistic approach to development.

The following areas of focus will surely be on the radar, namely: 1. Joint venture approach to an on-shore base industrial site, or an Energy Frontier for the added value production of the collective oil and gas reserves of our respective countries.

This should include a deep port harbour, gas-powered generation plants, refinery, petro-chemical plants, production of lubricants, LPG plants, and polymers.

2. Amalgamation of business that can provide technical support services

to the floating platforms at the various oil wells.

Services such as nondestructive testing and welding to pipelines and tanks, safe entry and cleaning of hazardous materials, environmental disposal of hazardous waste, safe air transport in the form of helicopters, and other things.

3. I n f r a s t r u c t u r a l projects that would enhance the physical connectivity of our countries. The bridge from Moleson Creek to South Drain, where bids for the feasibility and concomitant design have already been received, is a tremendous step for mutual progress. The bridge would definitely see an increase in the movement of people and goods in both countries.

Developing further our respective regional airports, especially the Zorg en Hoop in Suriname, may result in cheaper air fares.

4. The facilitation of private enterprise expansion in each of these countries. At present, we have a few Surinamese companies

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emember always that it is easy to do what is pleasant; but it is difficult to be engaged in what is beneficial. Not all that is pleasant is profitable. Success comes to those who give up the path strewn with roses, and brave the hammer-blows and sword-thrusts of the path fraught with danger. As a matter of fact, no road is strewn with rose petals. Life is a battlefield, a Dharmakshethra, where duties and desires are always in conflict. Smother the fiery fumes of desire, hatred and anger that rise up in your hearts; it is sheer cowardice to yield to these enemies that turn you into beasts. When obstacles come, meet them with courage. They harden you, make you tough. The best way to get rid of weakness is to strike at the very taproot of the tree - the mistaken notion that you are the body, with this name and this form, these senses, this intelligence and this mind.

These are all only the luggage you carry. (Divine Discourse, Feb 20, 1965)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

operating in Guyana, with the most recent announcement of the Fernandes Company opening a modern bakery here. The private sectors of both countries, through the auspices of the proposed Commission, should develop reciprocal businesses.

5. Facilitating collaboration in the rice industry, to the benefit of both parties. Sharing of research data and best practices in land tillage, rice varieties, pest control, fertiliser management, harvesting techniques, milling technology, and added valve production would redound to the benefit of the collective rice industry.

6. Promotion of more cultural and sporting exchanges. Both countries share an almost identical

history of slavery and indentureship, albeit under different colonial masters.

We share similar connections in our music, dance, and art forms, which would only be enriched by more interactions. With respect to sports, we already have the Inter-Guianas Games for the u-19 youths. We can encourage more club and national team exchanges in football, volleyball, basketball, netball, swimming and athletics.

There will be a multitude of areas that the proposed Guyana-Suriname Commission would conceptualise in the future with its formation to the benefit of both nations. It is indeed a welcoming initiative Yours truly, Reggie Bhagwandin

Dear Editor, After listening to the intense discussions in the recent sitting of Parliament, which were centred around the budget for the year, it has become clear that any hope for constructive discussion has been eliminated. The middle ground which many have relied upon for the bringing forth of the best ideas into reality has disappeared.

Our Parliament has confirmed to all Guyanese that the little room that existed for compromise and the meeting of the minds is quickly disappearing. No one party has a monopoly on good ideas, as seen in the recent budget discussions.

However, the animosity, historical tit-for-tat, political persecution & victimisation,

and electoral disputes between the parties have decisively increased the divide in the house of the National Assembly.

The small number of voters who have decided the last two elections now have an increased burden to bridge the divide in Parliament in order for our country to return towards a path of peaceful unity. The rebuilding of a bipartisan atmosphere and the middle ground needed to foster constructive discussions that bring about better solutions to the problems facing our nation can only be achieved by the presence of a neutral and unbiased voice within our National Assembly.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

6

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

Question 1

FOR CHILDREN

Thursday’s answers

1a) Jai bought 4 different items , including two with the same price, ie, the eraser and sharpener Total cost of items = $200 – $23.60 = $176.4 Cost of unknown items = total cost – cost of known items (the eraser and sharpener) = $176.4 – ($19.80 x2) = $176.4 – ($39.6) = $136.8 So, which two items add up to $136.8: the notebook and the pen ($136.8 -$72.00 = $64.80) Therefore, Jai bought the eraser, sharpener, notebook and pen.

1bi) Mia spent 3/5 of her pocket money on food and 3/10 of the remaining amount on stationery. She saved the rest of the money.

The remaining amount = the whole – 3/5 = 2/5 The fraction spent on stationery = 3/10 of 2/5 = 6/500 1bii) $28.00 = 7/10 of 2/5 = 14/500 = 28/1000 $28.00 = 28/1000 So Mia received $1000

Materials:

A bowl Golf ball Plastic wrap Water Baking Soda Food colouring (optional) Freezer Knife (adult handling required) Vinegar Pipette

Instructions: Put the golf ball in an empty bowl.

Drape plastic wrap over the golf ball and bowl so that the golf ball is covered and the plastic wrap comes out over the sides of the bowl.

Make a mixture of water and baking soda that will fill up the rest of your bowl. The mixture is 2/3 water, 1/3 baking soda. You can also add three drops of your favourite food colouring. This mixture will sit on top of the plastic wrap. You want to make sure the mixture covers the golf ball completely.

Put bowl in freezer.

Once frozen, let thaw a little. Then, flip over bowl and take out your icy volcano. Use strength, scissors, or your fingers to get plastic wrap off as best as you can. You can let your adult supervisor help you with getting the golf ball out. May want to try using a knife for this part.

Go outside and use your pipette to squirt vinegar into your icy volcano and see what happens!

How it works: In science, when you have an acid and a base together, they can erupt in your face. The baking soda in the mixture was the base, and the vinegar is an acid. So when mixed together they have a chemical reaction and release carbon dioxide. Cool! Really cool!

Extra experiments: Try different sized bowls, does the size affect the eruption?

Try different shaped bowls, does the shape affect the eruption?

Don’t freeze the mixture. Just add the vinegar directly to the mixture while it’s still in the bowl. How does the reaction change?

Was it faster? Slower? The same speed? (sciencefun.org)

A

lamp, soaked with too much oil and flaring brightly, boasted that it gave more light than the sun.

Then a sudden puff of wind arose, and the lamp was immediately extinguished.

Its owner lit it again, and said: “Boast no more, but henceforth be content to give thy light in silence. Know that not even the stars need to be relit”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana will lose many opportunities unless mindset evolves – Jagdeo tells Private Sector

…says much interest seen in commercial banking

V

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has outlined a series of undertakings that are in the pipeline for the future – all geared at enabling a better environment for Private Sector expansion and investments.

Speaking during his feature address at A corporate dinner organised by the Private Sector Commission on Wednesday evening, the Vice President pointed towards a series of factors which influence investment and increase economic drive.

He highlighted that avenues must be cultivated for the local Private Sector to have their projects financed at a competitive rate, to grow the financial sector in a particular direction.

“We know that our Private Sector, even when they have good projects that are bankable, are having a hard time accessing financing, and the cost of that finance, even when they access it, is often prohibitive because they’re competing with investors from abroad who have a lower cost finance.

“Unless we find a way to address this issue permanently, our local investors would be at a disadvantage,” he told the gathering.

It was pointed out that part of the local content policy would deal with more payment flowing through the banking system, attracting larger institutions around the world and having a greater presence local-

ly.

Jagdeo noted, “We have to roll out a strategy along that line, and that’s what we’re working on at this point in time. We’ve already been very cautious, conservative in our financial sector liberalisation, to restrict the number of commercial banks and other financial institutions in Guyana. We did so in the early period because we had eight stateowned institutions that were all bankrupted and the entire financial system was very shallow.”

Presently, he said, the market has somewhat stabilized, and Government is re-exploring the granting of new licences to a number of commercial banks – an area of significant interest.

“We’ve had a large interest in this sector, and a fairly high number of banks that have applied, so we’re thinking about expanding that a little more aggressively. We are going to be licensing institutions that are non-deposit-taking institutions, so that they can bring in additional capital without putting the local savings at a risk.”

Energy costs

Additionally, while addressing the issue of lower energy costs, the Vice President said the combination of gas-to-power, hydropower and solar power in the main network should alleviate this current challenge. At present, the aim is to have stable power until

these plans are realised.

Jagdeo underscored, “We’ve already started moving this forward. We have $85 million sitting in the IDB. That is going to be deployed shortly into solar systems for Essequibo and Linden and some areas that are not connected with the grid. We have about 15 projects that can serve the communities that are not connected with the grid. We have to build a smart grid that, hopefully, will be financed there. The gas-toshore, work has started on that.”

With some sections questioning the feasibility of the project, the Vice President clarified, “We have done the feasibility. It’s technically feasible and financially feasible…It’s a no-brainer for any sensible person, given the cost of generating power.

Another set said it’s a disaster that we’re moving ahead with this pipeline without an environmental study.

The pipeline will not be built tomorrow. The study is being done now.”

There is also the issue of changing the pace of doing business locally, in keeping with international practices and breakthroughs to execute initiatives at a faster rate.

“We have an international presence here that operates at different levels of competency and different pace of getting things done.

Unless we evolve in mindset, both from the Private Sector and the Government, to adjust to that pace of moving the economy forward, we would be left behind or we would lose many of the opportunities that could come to our people, the Guyanese

Private Sector and our country,” the former Head of State identified.

Last week, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat asserted that the country has always suffered from the cost of power-generation – a great hindrance to development. He said Budget 2021 lays the foundation to alleviate such matters.

The Minister further added that the PPP/C administration has no apologies for incentivising the Private Sector, because it is a partner that will allow for expansion of the traditional sectors.

“The Government cannot develop the country alone; the Government cannot employ every single Guyanese.

We need the Private Sector,

we need the foreign investors to come to our shores, and we will continue to partner with the foreign investors and local Private Sector to ensure that we move all of our sectors forward…We are not only focusing on our new and dynamic sector, which is oil and gas; we’re also focusing a lot on our traditional productive sectors,” he was quoted as saying. (G12)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

60 years’ jail for pensioner who killed brother-in-law

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ixty-five-year-old Les Charles Critchlow was on Thursday handed a 60-year prison sentence for murdering his brother-in-law Terrence Adams. High Court Justice Navindra Singh imposed the custodial sentence on him after he was found guilty of the crime by a jury early last month.

During a sentencing hearing, Charles expressed that he was sorry for his actions, and pleaded with the court for leniency. For his part, Justice Singh said this was a very unfortunate case. The Judge noted that the convicted killer had expressed no genuine remorse.

A probation report present-

Dead: Terrence Adams

Convicted killer: Les Charles Critchlow

ed on Charles did not work in his favour.

Reports are that Adams, called, “Uncle Terry” and “Sleepy”, of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, was stabbed to death by his brother-in-law, who was armed with a knife, during a heated argument. His cause of death was given as multiple incise wounds. At the time of his demise, Adams, 56, operated a small rum shop at his residence.

The defence team was led

by Attorney-at-Law Rachael Bakker, while the State was represented by Attorney-atLaw Tiffini Lyken. The prosecutor had described Adams’s killing as an “unprovoked and vicious” attack. (G1)

Justifying...

T

…PNC rigging he justifications started during the 5 months between March 3rd and Aug 2nd (fittingly, the day after Emancipation Day), as the PNC held the country hostage while barefacedly trying to rig the elections in full view of the world. The elections had to be rigged, they insisted, in favour of the PNC, via Mingo’s manipulations with his SOPs, because the PPP had gamed the electoral system and, more specifically, the voters list. It started on March 3 because, the day before, the PNC and their sycophants insisted they’d won the elections. Mingo was simply fixing a wrong being done to PNC supporters - read African-Guyanese.

The PNC took another tack during the recount, as they threw up all sorts of red herrings in the form of levitating dead and emigrant apparations voting for the PPP. As to how Mingo divined his “CORRECT COUNT” - which showed the PNC winning, according to Lowenfield - without benefit of the PNC’s “evidence”, which came afterwards, has never been explained! As the noose tightened on the rig heist, the justifications became more strident. If the PNC weren’t allowed victory, all hell would break loose!! The PPP and the international community, who were standing up for democratic values, were being blackmailed with threats to be hostages!

Well, the PPP were declared winners, and we did have violence; but, thankfully, we passed through that, and the new Government hit the ground running. The PNC have obviously been overrun by the PPP’s blitzkrieg, and are in a state of panic. Granger - the Sanctimonious Gangster - hasn’t been sighted in months, and his hand-picked Opposition Leader Harmon appears clueless. Imagine him backing the ERC, while NOW proclaiming that Guyana has a “race problem” - which the ERC WAS SUPPOSED TO ADDRESS! But the race problem was caused by the PNC’s truculence against any group that doesn’t support them slavishly. Harmon’s scared sh*tless the PPP might just eat away his base while he wrings his hands!

And this brings us to the latest justification for the rigging. One Nigel Hinds, who’d helped form one of the new parties, but abandoned it because he didn’t want to give up his US citizenship, now insists that the PPP’s actions since Aug 2 justify not only the rig attempt, but all PNC rigging since 1964!! “(The PPP’s) continuing assault on the economic wellbeing of PNC supporters actually justifies the rigging of elections by Burnham and Hoyte between 1964 and 1992.

It also justifies attempts by the Granger administration to disenfranchise the votes of PPP supporters in the 2020 elections. The efforts by Lowenfield and Mingo to undermine the majority vote is now defensible.”

Without any proof of that “assault”. Imagine that!! …GECOM’s $4B budget In the new Budget, GECOM has been allocated $4B, with $1.1 billion to be used for the upcoming LGE. Your Eyewitness wonders what exactly does GECOM do with all that money that’s left! He knows about the thousand-dollar pliers and million-dollar cameras…but $3 billion? Then the other foot dropped and he heard that CEO Lowenfield took home a cool $20 million last year!! Now, we’re talking real money!! With all that staff, a $20 million here and a $20 million there, pretty soon you’re talking about billions!!

Now here’s an organisation that should be ready for elections at any time. Meaning, they should be keeping the National Register of Registrants - from which the voters list would be extracted - up to date. Yet, before every election, be it National or LOCAL, the PNC demand a new Voters Registration exercise!! How come they don’t insist that GECOM DOES ITS JOB? Or, if they feel the voters list is “bloated” with emigrants, why don’t they support changing the law to take away their voting rights? …more money for MARAD With all the humongous allocations in the Budget amounting to $383 BILLION, imagine all Patterson argued was that he wanted more money to be set aside for MARAD. Is he still backscratching for his bling?

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police must transform to match advanced legal system – President

…repositioning, rebranding, retooling needed

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn share a photo with members of the GPF at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference

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resident Irfaan Ali on Thursday underscored the immediate need to rebrand and reposition the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into an instrument whose operations align with the laws and future of the country.

The Head of State was delivering a feature address at the Annual Officers’ Conference, highlighting that the Force must transform to match the advanced legal system. Given the current disparity, gaps will arise and the system will resort to slothfulness. With these consequences, a negative perception will follow.

“Where we ought to be is defined by the future requirement of the Force. It is critically and integrally linked to the future direction of the country. You could have the greatest advancement and modernisation of the legal system, but if you don’t have the corresponding development of the security sector, the Police that administers a lot of what happens in the legal system, then you will have a gap and the system looks sluggish, where the laws are far in advance as to where we are operating,” the President told senior officers and ranks at the conference, which was hosted at the National Cultural Centre.

He said to address the

gaps, stakeholders must work to identify and understand the internal and external setbacks which affect operations. He reminded that Guyana’s future would imminently change, and questioned whether preparations were in train to handle new situations.

Ali detailed, “In doing this, we have to do a realistic assessment of our capability, weaknesses, our strength, the opportunities that are there, the direction in which the country and the Force are going; and the requirement and future demands of the Force.

Guyana’s future is going to change. Are we preparing ourselves for that change or are we transcending in a normal pace to what the future requires us to be?”

Part of the repositioning, he said, is building regional capacity and institutions to handle cases immediately and having greater accountability at this level. Efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness, and a clear vision should be the central thrust of this repositioning.

“It has to be an integrated approach where every level is strengthened to operate at its optimal level. That begs the discussion on organisational structure itself. What was the structure designed to achieve as against what is needed in

today’s society and the future of our country? Is it optimal? Are there recommendations that we may come up with if we find it to be sub-optimal?” the Head of State questioned.

Rebranding

Moreover, Ali reminded that ‘no individual group is running a separate arm of the Force’. In fact, the goal must be aligned with service to the people. It was positioned that the Force already had a cohort of highly trained and qualified ranks, but the branding of the entity posed a hurdle.

The image of the Force in the minds of Guyanese must be a positive one, with confidence in the entity to get matters solved. While establishing this brand, Ali said, efforts must be made to uphold it.

“You could have the best product, but if you have a bad brand, you have problems…We cannot just develop the brand, market the brand and then leave it on its own. We have a duty and a responsibility to protect the brand when we build the brand. We see daily assault on the brand.

I don’t care where the assault comes from. We have a duty and responsibility to protect and defend the brand once it is operating in the framework it is de-

signed to operate in.”

He explained that the Force must undertake restructuring, repositioning,

rebranding, reorganising, retooling, reengineering, and the repairing of its image and service delivery.

An integral part of the new brand, the President identified, relates to trust.

(G12)

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Death of Berbice mother, baby

Doctor, nurses suspended for negligent conduct A doctor and two nurses have been suspended from the New Amsterdam Hospital following an investigation that indicated they had been negligent in their conduct, resulting in the death of 31-year-old Vanessa Lewis-Sahadeo and her newborn.

This was revealed by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday.

He noted that the investigation was completed by the Maternal Review Committee, which has since issued a report on its findings. The report has identified negligence on the part of these health workers as being highly linked to the two deaths.

“Based on that report, we strongly believe that the doctor who was in charge of the patient seemed to be negligent, and we also believe that the nurses who were involved were also negligent. Based on these findings that were issued by this committee, I’m taking immediate steps to suspend that doctor who was involved in this case and two of the nurses,” the

Dead: Vanessa Lewis-Sahadeo

Minister informed.

Lewis-Sahadeo, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), who had delivered her fourth child, had been transferred to the GHPC in an unconscious state, and succumbed there. Her baby had died a few hours prior at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

One day after her death, the Health Ministry deployed resources on Sunday to question staffers who were on duty – primarily those who aided in the de-

livery.

Her mother, Charis Cecil, said that on the evening of February 21, her daughter called and informed her that she was experiencing labour pains.

The grieving mother explained that family members visited Lewis-Sahadeo the following morning at the Port Mourant Hospital, where she was admitted, and from where she was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Ms Cecil detailed that she was only able to have telephone conversations with her daughter during the rest of the week, as Lewis-Sahadeo remained a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

She said that because of COVID-19 guidelines, she could not see her daughter, but she nonetheless took food for her every day.

The mother related that, on February 27, she received a telephone call from someone who identified herself as a nurse at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

“She tell me that she have something to tell me, and she take a long time

and then say that the baby died and that they had to remove her womb,” the mother said.

This, the woman said, prompted her to rush to the hospital, and according to her, when she arrived there, her daughter was on a stretcher.

“They had doctors around her, and one of them had something in his hand pumping, and every time he squeeze it, she shaking,” the mother recalled, adding that she tried to find out from the doctors what

the matter was, but none of them responded to her.

“Nobody tell me anything till I start to cry, because I see like she dead already; then a nurse come and tell me that she is not dead, and they taking her to Georgetown.”

According to Cecil, they waited hours for the ambulance to transport her unconscious daughter to the city medical facility. Asked what time she arrived at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Cecil said it was sometime before 16:00h, adding that

when the ambulance returned to New Amsterdam to collect her daughter, it was almost 18:00h.

“Whole week she was at the New Amsterdam Hospital, none of them could not check her to see if something wrong? Now they telling me that the baby died inside her, and so they had to take out her womb. When we ask them to see the baby, they say that we can’t see the baby, and that the baby was deformed,” the woman said.

Escape from lock-ups

Lethem father hands son over to Police

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ust seven days after he had escaped from the Lethem Police Station in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 20-year-old Clarence Rodney was returned to the custody of the Police by his father on Thursday.

Rodney, who hails from

Lethem, Central Rupununi, was wanted for escaping from lawful custody. Before his escape, the 20-year-old was on remand on a simple larceny charge.

Rodney is one of four escapees who dug a hole in the ground of the cell through which they made a successful escape from Police custody. Still on the run are Jack King Paul, 36, of Kwatamang Village, North Rupununi; Yon Rogg Hernandez, 26, also called “John Roberts”, a Venezuelan national of Tabatinga, Lethem; and Xarlos Edwards Thomas, an 18-year-old Venezuelan also of Tabatinga, Lethem.

The men escaped from the Lethem Police Station lockups on February 26th between 00:05h and 07:00h.

Based on reports received, the men reportedly used a metal rod measuring one foot in length to dig a hole in the ground measuring three feet in width, length and depth. The surface of the hole has a twoinch layer of concrete with red sand beneath.

At about 07:00h on February 26, a prisoner of Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupanuni, who is in custody for assault, alerted the Police that the men were missing from the lock-ups.

Clarence Rodney is back in custody

Meanwhile, on February 15, 25-year-old Imran Ramsaywack of Adelphi Village, East Canje Berbice (ECB); 44-year-old Kenrick Lyte, whose last known address was Grant Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River; 22-year-old Samuel Gouveia of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and 22-year-old Rayon Jones of Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) escaped from the high-security Mazaruni Prison.

Although none of these Mazaruni inmates has been recaptured, Ralph Jones, father of escapee Rayon Jones, has been charged for harbouring the fugitives after they had turned up at his home in Bartica. (G15)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$383.1B Budget passed in National Assembly …session marred by major disruptions from APNU/AFC MPs …as Speaker suspends 7 of them

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he National Assembly on Thursday afternoon passed the $383.1 billion 2021 Budget in the absence of the APNU/AFC Opposition Members of Parliament, who disrupted the examination of Budget Estimates resulting in several of them being suspended for the day.

As House Speaker Manzoor Nadir attempted to proceed with what was supposed to be Day 3 of the Consideration of the Budget Estimates for the various Government Ministries, he was forced to suspend the morning session shortly after it started.

This was after the APNU/ AFC members began to bang on their desks after their demands for Government MP Minister Kwame McCoy to be removed were not immediately dealt with.

On Wednesday, an allegation surfaced that Minister McCoy reportedly assaulted Opposition MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley – something the Minister vehemently denied.

Speaker Nadir had indicated that the Opposition needed to bring a proper motion on the issue, for which he would set aside time to hear, but the APNU/AFC members were not satisfied.

In fact, Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones reinforced that the APNU/AFC female MPs are “uncomfortable” with McCoy’s presence in the Assembly, and threatened that they would not proceed with the consideration of estimates unless he is “removed from the precincts of the National Assembly”.

However, Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira objected to this, calling it “out of order”, since it was not raised at the appropriate time; that is, under the ‘Personal Explanation’ slot.

“If the members want to bring a motion, they can at the appropriate time and with appropriate procedures. But this should be totally rejected. The other side cannot ask for the removal of a member, especially when there is a lot of doubt and questions about what happened yesterday,” Teixeira contended.

She also reminded that it was the Opposition which had announced that there is

Opposition MP Sherod Duncan caught recording the proceedings in the National Assembly

a Police investigation ongoing into the incident.

Speaker Nadir agreed with the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and outlined that the rules explicitly state the procedure to be adopted. He also informed the Opposition that they are supposed to indicate to him beforehand, via the Clerk of the National Assembly, that they intend to make a personal explanation.

Disruption, suspended

Nevertheless, he told the Opposition that they can bring a motion to the House on the issue, and as he was about to dissolve the Assembly into the Committee of Supply to resume the consideration of the budget estimates, the Opposition MPs stood up and started to bang on their desks loudly.

Speaker Nadir twice requested that they take their seats so that he could rule, but to no avail. He went on to rule that, “the Opposition can bring a motion, for which I am going to set a time later today to be heard.”

But his ruling was drowned out by the loud uproar in the Assembly, thus forcing him to suspend the sitting.

That suspension lasted for some three hours, and when the session eventually resumed in the afternoon hours, the Opposition Members continued with their disruptive behaviour.

The Speaker, nevertheless, proceeded with examination of the budget estimates, but this was being drowned out by persistent disturbances.

During this time, Speaker Nadir requested MP Jones, on

several occasions, to have his members cease the disruption.

“Honourable Member Mr Jones, I am asking once again that all the Honourable Members which are standing please be seated,” the Speaker expressed.

The Opposition members, however, refused to take their seats, and continued banging on their desks, thus resulting in the Speaker suspending the Opposition Chief Whip from the day’s proceedings.

“Honourable Member Mr Jones, I called on you three times, three times to take your seat, along with the Members who are standing. At this point, Honourable Member Mr Jones, you are going to be suspended for the rest of the sitting,” Speaker Nadir said.

Following that encounter, the House Speaker continued with the consideration of the estimates in spite of the noise being made by the Opposition Members.

The Speaker later suspended APNU/AFC member MP Sherod Duncan after he was caught recording the proceedings even after parliamentarians were warned against such actions.

“Honourable Member Mr Duncan, I have already stated that filming in the House is not permitted. I will now have to suspend you for the rest of the sitting. Can you please turn your recording device off,” the Speaker ordered.

Moreover, APNU/AFC Parliamentarians Jermaine Figueira, Vinceroy Jordan, Natasha Singh-Lewis and Amanza Walton-Desir also faced the same fate as Duncan as they, too, were caught re-

cording the Assembly.

Opposition Member Shurwayne Holder was also suspended after he, too, repeatedly refused to take his seat after being asked three times.

During all this, Opposition MPs were persistently hitting on the desks loudly even as the Speaker went ahead with the consideration of the estimates.

This forced Speaker Nadir to invoke Standing Order 75 (3), which gives him the power to consolidate the current and capital expenditures for the various programmes and subheads under each Ministry, thus allowing the Committee of Supply to go through the entire budget for each agency rapidly without interruption.

However, those efforts were drowned out by the disturbances from the Opposition side of the aisle, which continued for nearly 30 minutes before Coalition MPs finally walked out of the Dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where the parliamentary sitting was being held.

2021 National Budget

Following a short adjournment, the Assembly approved the 2021 National Budget on Thursday afternoon.

The PPP/C Government presented the $383.1 billion 2021 Budget, themed “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience”, on February 12. It is the administration’s second budget in six months and its first full-year budget. This was followed by a week-long fiery debate by MPs from both sides of the House and the commencement of the Consideration of the Budget estimates on Tuesday, which was initially slated to run for five days.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has since expressed his disappointment with the behaviour of the Opposition Members of Parliament during what he describes as a critical stage in the budgetary process.

“It’s very unfortunate that they withdrew and opted not to participate in the second half of the process,” Dr Singh said during an interview immediately after the passage of the 2021 National Budget

APNU/AFC MPs disrupted Thursday’s sitting by standing up and banging loudly on their desks

this afternoon. He added, “The second half of the budget debates, which is the consideration of the budget estimates, is a critical part of the budget process because it allows the entire Parliament to scrutinise the detailed expenditure allocations, to ask questions, to provide answers and explanation – which are very important for purposes of public information and making sure that people understand what is in the budget in detail that the Budget speech doesn’t really capture.

“We were going through this process and, in my mind, this process was going very well. They were asking questions and we were providing answers. I really feel strongly that this is a very important part of the budget. It is very unfortunate that the Opposition chose to withdraw themselves from the latter part of the consideration of the estimates, thereby denying the Guyanese people to learn more at a detailed level what is in the budget.”

Tremendous work

Meanwhile, at a subsequent press briefing at his Ministry, the Finance Minister noted that much work had been put into the

crafting of the Budget, with major contributions coming from large sections of society.

Dr Singh also stated that crafting of the Budget involved ‘tremendous work’ by the staff of the Ministry of Finance as well as Cabinet, which led ultimately to its conclusion prior to being presented to Parliament.

He recalled that many stakeholders, following consultations with Government and their perusal of the Budget, had stated publicly that the 2021 Budget included a wide range of initiatives intended to move forward the development agenda in Guyana, and that it was expected to benefit all sections of the country.

Further, the Minister said he was immensely grateful to all who contributed to preparation, consideration, and approval of the Budget.

“Special thanks to the technical staff of the Ministry of Finance and all other Government agencies, Parliament Office, the Guyana Police Force, and the media… and, of course, special thanks to the thousands of citizens and other viewers who tuned in to the proceedings over the past few weeks,” Dr Singh posited. (G8)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Taxi driver found dead in Accused killers deny murder charges home, bedroom ransacked

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olice have launched a probe into the suspected murder of 31-yearold taxi driver Raoul Melville of Lot 43 Norton Street Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, whose lifeless body was discovered by his son on Thursday morning.

According to reports, the man was last seen alive on Wednesday evening. Based on information received, Melville was alone at his residence, and all doors to the premises had been secured from the inside.

However, when Melville’s son went to check on him on

Raoul Melville

Thursday morning, he saw the western door of his father’s house open. The child then saw his father’s motionless body lying on the floor of the hall area.

Although there was no sign of forced entry, the Police have reported that the bedroom of the deceased was ransacked.

Melville was taken to the GPHC, where he was pronounced dead. His body is now at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting a post mortem examination.

Police investigations are ongoing. (G15)

Murder accused Mark Lowchee

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Murder accused Kevin Mohan

wo men accused of murder - Mark Lowchee and Kevin Mohan - appeared virtually before High Court Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to separate murder charges.

Lowchee denied the charge which stated that on September 21, 2003, at Georgetown, he murdered Collis De Abreu. His trial begins next Monday.

According to reports, De Abreu, 36, of Fourth Street,

Dead: Anita Mohan

Alberttown, Georgetown was shot once to the chest outside of the Blue Iguana nightclub in Georgetown.

A wanted bulletin had been issued for Lowchee since 2003. He was, however, apprehended by the Police only in 2017.

Meanwhile, Kevin Mohan, also known as ‘Chucky’, was arraigned for the murder of his 48-yearold aunt. It is alleged that on September 4, 2016, at Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, he murdered Anita Mohan during a rob-

Dead: Collis De Abreu

bery.

He pleaded not guilty.

Based on reports, Anita’s battered body was discovered in a pool of blood in the kitchen of her Lot 315 South East Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

An autopsy performed revealed that Anita had sustained a chop wound to her head and one in the vicinity of her temple, along with a stab wound to her chin and one in her mouth.

A portion of her tongue was severed, and she was strangled. (G1)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CPCE student gets help from Education Ministry

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson (right) handing over the donation from the Education Ministry to CPCE student James Osborne in the presence of Head of Student Support Services at CPCE, Senior Lecturer Esta Utoh

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ames Osborne, a student of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and President of the Student Council thereof, suffered great financial loss when his home at 19th Street, Dazzell Housing Scheme, ECD went up in flames in the wee hours of the morning of February 13.

In an effort to provide Osborne with relief, Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson, on Thursday presented James Osborne with a financial donation on behalf of the Education Ministry.

Dr Hutson noted that the Education Ministry values its teachers, and whenever

they are facing difficulties, the Ministry empathises with them. He said that although the donation cannot replace what was lost, it can be utilised by Osborne on his journey to recovery.

Present at this engagement was Senior Lecturer in charge of students’ welfare at the Center for Student

Support Services, Esta Utoh.

Recently, the Education Ministry also offered similar assistance to Johan Osborne, the sister of James Osborne, who also had suffered losses due to the fire.

Johan Osborne is a teacher at Queen’s College.

Her son, who attends the St. Roses High School, was also a recipient of a donation from the Board of Governors of St Roses High School, and students and staff of that institution also made a donation of several items to him.

The package handed over to the mother and son included a laptop computer, food, and household items along with a financial contribution.

Reports are that two-storey concrete building in which the Osborne family members resided was completely destroyed by fire on February 13 at about 03:00h. According to James Osborne, he was asleep in the lower flat of the building when he was awakened by loud noises coming from the upper flat.

He said that, on investigating, he noticed that the house was engulfed in flames.

The remains of James Osborne’s home at Dazzel Housing Scheme, ECD following the fire on February 13, 2021

The man told this newspaper that he and his family members formed a bucket brigade, but they were un-

able to extinguish the fire.

The family was unable to save anything from the home. (G15)

news@guyanatimesgy.com

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 death rate reaches 200 …51 new cases recorded

and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Highly susceptible

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has on Thursday advised the population to avoid areas where they are highly likely to contract the virus.

“If people want to avoid infections, then the thing is to avoid these crowded spaces and to avoid going to things that you know there is a high risk of you getting infected. This is common sense, and I do hope that with all the information we’re putting out there, that we get more people use their common sense and to avoid these places,” he advised.

He said there are still people within the population who believe they are invulnerable to the disease,

simply because they don’t fall within the at-risk categories. However, there are cases in which younger people get a milder form of the disease, but end up with ‘long COVID’. This term is applicable to a person who continues to feel symptoms of the virus for many months.

This week, Dr Anthony also informed that private facilities can apply to the Health Ministry for certification to conduct the antigen test for COVID-19. An assessment would be done to determine applicants’ capacity.

Already, the Ministry has certified the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, Woodlands Hospital, the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, the Davis Memorial Hospital and the Anamayah Memorial

Hospital to conduct antigen tests. Minister Anthony has said a few other facilities are currently under consideration. He also said that increasing Government’s testing capacity countrywide has been a major focus of the Ministry, starting with the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

“We have equipment at Lethem Hospital where, if you have the signs and symptoms or you want to be tested, we can test you there and within 60 minutes or so you can get back the result to determine whether you are positive or not,” he said.

Similar facilities have been set up at Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini) and in regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

(G12)

Teen accused of trying to extort $10M from ex-boyfriend released on bail

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A

lmost one year after the coronavirus was detected here in Guyana, the country has recorded its 200th death from the dreaded virus.

The Health Ministry announced that, as at Thursday, another person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) died. The latest fatality is a 62-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who died while receiving care at a medical facility.

The fatality immediate-

ly preceding this one was reported as a 52-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who died on Tuesday, 2nd March.

From 1453 swabs that were taken for analysis on Thursday, 51 persons tested positive. Now the total confirmed cases are at 8699 – 4476 males and 4223 females. Some 8,074 have since recovered, leaving 426 active cases.

Seven patients are still seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, with

36 in institutional isolation, 383 on home isolation, and 13 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has tested 68,478 persons thus far.

New cases

There were seven new cases in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 38 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); one in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni),

ineteen-year-old Princess Williams of Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who appeared in court last month and pleaded guilty to attempting to extort $10 million from her ex-boyfriend, has changed her plea to not guilty.

She has been placed on $100,000 bail.

The young woman made another court appearance on Thursday in the company of her lawyer. The charge against her states that between January 4 and January 7, 2021, with intent to extort money from Kenrick Thomas, she threatened to accuse him of attempting to rape her.

At her initial court appearance, Williams, who

Princess Williams

was unrepresented by counsel, pleaded guilty to the charge. As a result, she was remanded to prison until Thursday, when the magistrate was expected to im-

pose a sentence. However, in light of her not guilty plea, she has been placed on bail.

Her case would be tried before city Magistrate Rondel Weever from April 1.

It was reported that Williams and Thomas had shared a relationship for four months. The woman last visited Thomas’s residence on January 4, when an argument ensued and the relationship ended.

Following the break-up, Williams sent a voice note to Thomas, claiming that he had raped her. She further gave Thomas an ultimatum to either pay her $10 million or she would make a report to the Police. After receiving the threats, Thomas lodged a report with the Police. (G1)

"Two Colours" claims about retrial delay rebuffed by DPP …says murder accused changed decision on taking plea deal

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n several occasions, murder accused Lennox Wayne had indicated to the State that he wished to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter; such an indication was last made in November 2020.

The State had made preparation to take his guilty plea, but Wayne had changed his decision, which he is entitled to do.

This is according to a statement released on Thursday by the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in response to claims by the murder accused that he is being denied a fair hearing within a reasonable time, as guaranteed under Article 144 of the Constitution of Guyana.

“The State was willing to accept his guilty plea to the lesser offence of manslaughter,” the statement noted.

Murder accused Lennox Wayne

Lennox Wayne, also known as ‘Two Colours’, and Melroy Doris are jointly charged with the murder of 19-year-old cosmetologist Ashmini Harriram, who was gunned down on July 10, 2014 at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. They were

initially charged in 2014, and were committed to stand trial in 2015 at the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

The matter came up for trial in April 2017, and ended weeks later in a hung jury. As such, the trial judge had ordered a retrial for the two men, who remain on remand.

But almost four years later, the retrial has not started. Despite his name being listed on the Demerara Criminal Assizes for retrial in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, Wayne is yet to appear before a judge and jury.

In the circumstances, Wayne is contending that his right to a fair trial within a reasonable time, as guaranteed under Article 144 of the Constitution of Guyana, has been infringed as a result of the delay in his retrial. As such, the murder accused

Dead: Ashmini Harriram

has filed a constitutional motion in the High Court, in which he is asking for a permanent stay of the murder charge against him.

The murder accused has also requested that he be admitted to bail pending the determination of the motion.

Wayne is also asking the

court to award him in excess of $100,000 in damages for the breach of his constitutional right.

In an affidavit, Wayne has deposed that he was advised by his lawyers, and verily believes, that they have made several oral and written requests to the DPP and several State Counsels for his retrial to commence.

These requests, he added, have been to no avail.

Having regard to the foregoing, Wayne is asking that the reliefs in his application be granted.

Meanwhile, Harriram was shot dead just as she disembarked a minibus in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. According to reports, the young woman, of Lot 9 ‘B’ Lusignan Embankment, and her mother were returning from Georgetown when Harriram

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

disembarked the bus. A man who was parked and waiting took away her cellphone and shot her.

She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. (G1)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Own up to your error and let’s move forward — President to Harmon

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, needs to own up to his error, come clean to his supporters and stop spreading falsehood about the legitimacy of the Government.

The president said that they are necessary steps in undoing some of the wrongs that were done when the country’s democracy was under attack during the attempted rigging of the 2020 national elections.

The Head of State made the comments while responding to questions from the media about Government’s collaboration with the Opposition, at the opening ceremony of the two-day Guyana Police Force (GPF) Annual Conference.

“He [Harmon] has a responsibility to his support-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

ers to come clean now, how long are you going to continue on this road, how long are you going to continue to deny yourself the truth and sell a narrative that is filled with such falsehood….The hardest thing in life is to recognise that you have made an error, to own up to that error and then to

say that listen, I am owning up to this error but let’s move forward,” the Head of State is quoted as saying by the Public Information and Press Services Unit of the Office of the President.

Ali also noted that he is open to talks with the Opposition but pointed out that it is impossible for the Government and Opposition to move forward if the legitimacy of the Government continues to be undermined.

“I am saying to you now that the Leader of the Opposition needs to recognise the Government with the President and I don’t want no implicit recognition, he must go out there publicly and say, the government is legitimate and he recognises the Government, the president, and then let’s talk….I am ready to speak

to all Guyanese and I’ve been doing that, the question is, is the Leader of the Opposition ready to speak to the legitimate leader of the country.”

President Ali said too that if Harmon truly cares about the development of Guyana, he would do the right thing.

“The Leader of the Opposition, has a choice you know. Let me be very clear on this, he has a choice. Sometimes we have to decide what is foolhardy and what we really want to achieve. I don’t know what bubble he is living in, but I am sure the Leader of the Opposition is aware, like the rest of the world, that he trampled upon democracy and then whilst the world celebrated the triumph of democracy …with the inauguration of a democratically legitimately

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

elected government, he still seems to be wallowing….”

The president has repeatedly stated that his main concerns are nation building and the enhancement of the lives of all Guyanese. He again stated that he wants to develop a country which benefits all

of its people.

The Head of State further expressed “…as I have said on many occasions before this, I want a Guyana for all Guyanese. I want a Guyana that is better for members of the Opposition, that is better for members of the media, that is better for the sugar workers, that is better for the bauxite workers, that is better for the public servants; I want a Guyana that is better for everyone.”

The Head of State further expressed that “The Leader of the Opposition needs to recognise the Government and the President and I don’t want no implicit recognition, he must go out there publicly and say that the Government is legitimate and that he is recognising the Government and the President and then let’s talk.”

GDF completes community civil works projects T

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has handed over civil works projects completed in three communities to the relevant regional authorities.

The projects – all Government initiatives – were completed in collaboration with the GDF. A total of 60 troops from the GDF Engineering Corps working in three groups completed the projects.

Among the projects were a 40-foot lightweight vehicle bridge that was constructed at Catherine/Burma in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). In addition, the GDF said, the troops also raised the dam along a 100foot stretch and completed a 72-foot revetment to the northern section of the dam fronting the bridge.

Completed in just over four weeks, the project was handed over to Region Five Chairman Vickchand

Engineering Corps for completing the project and delivering a functional bridge for the community.

The newly-constructed bridge provides access to residents in the immediate and surrounding communities as well as access for the fishing community that operates from the nearby Abary Sluice.

In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the former Information Technology building at the Port Mourant Sports Club Ground was retrofitted over a nine-week period.

It now houses a block of rest and changing rooms to accommodate males and females. The facility was handed over to the groundsman in charge.

Also, in Region Six, a lightweight bridge with a 70-foot span was constructed at Lesbeholden between January 18 and February 22.

Regional Chairman David Armogan and ranks of the GDF along with children from the region cutting the ribbon to declare the bridge open

ty. He also welcomed the initiative to have the GDF Engineering Corps in communities contributing their skills for the benefit of the citizens.

In handing over the facilities to stakeholder representatives, Project Engineer

A resident of Region Five with Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and ranks of the GDF at the opening of the bridge

Ramphal.

Ramphal said that he was happy to have the GDF involved in the work programme of the region and expressed gratitude to the Army’s

Region Six Chairman David Armogan received the completed structure and expressed thanks on behalf of the Region and the residents of the communi-

for the Government of Guyana, Brigadier Gary Beaton said that each of the projects fell within the scope of the vision of Commanderin-Chief, President Irfaan

Ali to have the GDF become more community-oriented in its service to Guyana.

“With bridges in particular, these are significant symbols and real entities

that foster connection, cooperation and harmony by bringing people and communities together. At the sites of these three projects, we were pleased and thankful for the support of the people. Our soldiers developed real connections with the residents and this is a positive offshoot for projects such as these. It is not just about the GDF going to communities to build physical structures; more importantly, it is about the residents and the communities building bonds and experiencing the humanity of our military,” he added.

For the construction of the two bridges, the materials were provided by the regional administrations.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No commercial quantity of oil at ExxonMobil’s 1st Canje Block well …repairs to Liza Destiny gas compressor completed

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nited States oil giant ExxonMobil’s first foray into the Canje Block was unsuccessful as the company encountered non-commercial quantities of oil at the Bulletwood-1 well offshore Guyana.

The Bulletwood Well is Exxon’s first well in the Canje Block, which lies 180 kilometres offshore Guyana in deep to ultra-deep water.

In an update on Thursday, Exxon’s Government and Public Affairs Advisor Janelle Persaud explained that the well has confirmed seismic interpretation of the geology and shown evidence of non-commercial hydrocarbons.

“Geologic risk is inherent to frontier oil and gas exploration activities. Every well in frontier oil and gas exploration provides invaluable data to inform future activities,” she added.

In fact, Westmount Energy, which owns a stake in JHI – one of Exxon’s partners in the Canje Block – said that while there were non-commercial hydrocarbons, the well encountered quality reservoirs.

“Data collection at Bulletwood-1 confirms the presence of the GuyanaSuriname Basin petroleum system and the potential prospectively of the Canje Block,” the United Kingdom investment company noted.

According to Westmount, Bulletwood-1 is the first of three wells scheduled to be drilled on the block in 2021. The drilling of the other two independent prospects, Jabillo-1 and Sapote-1 – will follow over the coming months.

Drilling of the Bulletwood-1 well commenced on December 30, 2020, using

ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager Mike Ryan

the Stena Carron drillship to a target depth of 6690 metres in 2846 metres of water.

It was previously reported that Bulletwood-1 is a 500-million-barrel oil prospect, similar to the profitable Liza Field wells.

The Canje Block is currently operated by local ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (35 per

cent), with Total (35 per cent), JHI (17.5 per cent) and MidAtlantic Oil & Gas Inc (12.5 per cent) as partners.

Westmount holds shares in the Canje Block by owning an indirect interest of 7.7 per cent through JHI Associates.

Following a 2018 farm-out to Total, JHI is carried for the drilling of up to four wells, including Bulletwood-1, and is funded for the drilling of additional wells.

Nevertheless, Exxon said on Thursday that it would continue to leverage its deepwater expertise and advanced technology to explore frontier environments with the highest value resource potential.

The US oil major has recorded 80 per cent exploration success offshore Guyana with 18 discoveries in the Stabroek Block, where production started in December 2019 at the Liza Field.

Husband dies, wife critical after horrific Berbice accident

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Vijay Jaigobin and Sherry Alica Jaigobin

husband has died and his wife is in critical condition following an accident east of the Berbice River Bridge road on Thursday.

Dead is 33-year-old Vijay Jaigobin, a goldsmith of Lot 2 C Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). Injured is 30-year-old Sherry Alica Jaigobin. The injured woman is in critical condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The car, PYY 6586, in which the couple were travelling

Up to press time, doctors at the hospital had been trying to stabilise the housewife to prepare her for transfer to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports are that the accident occurred about 17:45h.

According to the Police, motor car PYY 6586, driven by the goldsmith, was proceeding west on the southern side of the Berbice Bridge road at a fast pace.

Police stated that the driver lost control and ran into

a concrete culvert, on the northern side of the road and ended up in a nearby trench on the said side of the road. As a result, the driver and his wife received severe injuries.

Public-spirited persons rushed to their assistance and they were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. However, the husband was pronounced dead on arrival.

At the New Amsterdam

Hospital on Thursday evening, the couple’s three children were trying to come to grips with the sudden change to their lives.

Guyana Times understands that the couple were heading home when the accident occurred.

Police have since launched an investigation.

(G4)

Flaring/compressor

However, ExxonMobil has been under fire in recent weeks over its flaring of gas offshore, which had to be increased owing to technical issues affecting the gas compressor of the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

On January 29, the oil major said it was experiencing a technical issue with a seal on Liza Destiny’s flash gas compressor resulting in them having to increase flaring above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations.

The compressor has since been sent to the manufacturer, MAN Energy Solutions in Germany, where technical experts there found an axial vibration of the compressor rotor was the initiating event of the technical issue experienced on January 27. It said the resulting vibration within the compressor was the cause of the mechanical seal failure initially reported.

Additionally, the discharge silencer, which was transported to Germany separately based on the disassembly sequence on the FPSO, was sent for evaluation and assessment to determine the scope of repairs required.

Earlier this week, the oil company had disclosed that the reassembling of the flash gas compressor was completed and it was being prepared for testing.

During a virtual press conference on Thursday, ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager Mike Ryan revealed that the compressor has been tested on the test bench at the manufacturer’s workshop.

“The mechanical run test was successful and we reviewed the data, and the MAN engineers… and ourselves, we have accepted the results and the machine is getting ready to make its way back to Guyana. We have also completed repairs on the dis-

charge silencer… So good progress there getting ready to send the units back to Guyana,” Ryan stated.

The equipment is expected to arrive next week and is expected to be installed by the end of this month. In preparation for this, Ryan explained that the teams that would be conducting the installation were currently in mandatory quarantine and would be ready immediately to go offshore when the machines arrive.

Meanwhile, the Exxon official also disclosed that they have ordered a more high-tech compressor that would arrive later this year and replace the current gas compressor on the Liza Destiny.

“We ordered this machine last year as a spare, but we had the failure in January and it’s more likely this will be a replacement... These pieces of equipment are complex, it’s not just off the shelf. It’s a specific design. So from the original failure [in 2019-2020] and from this most recent one, we have more information and we recognised that we do have to make permanent upgrades to a new machine and that is our intention,” the Production Manager noted.

On the other hand, Exxon’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledge said the oil company was frustrated and disappointed with its current operations owing to the increased flaring.

“Thank you to the people of Guyana for their patience with what we are dealing with. This is certainly not how we expected to operate… and this has been incredibly frustrating. But we continue to work 24/7 to get the resolution of the issues so that we will have a long-term, highly efficient, reliable, dependable and environmentally-sound operation on Liza Destiny and future projects too,” Routledge stated at the press briefing.

(G8)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New COVID-19 “Bleak state” of Barbadian LIAT ex-workers regulations for A aviation sector laid in National Assembly

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ublic Works Minister Juan Edghill has submitted to the National Assembly new regulations under the Civil Aviation Act to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and airport staff in the new COVID-19 environment.

The Minister explained the move to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on the side-lines of Thursday’s consideration of the Budget estimates.

“We must understand that in the law where regulations are to be made, we have to be proactive to ensure that we have the required effect.

These regulations will guide how air traffic controllers and navigational services are offered in a pandemic. It will address the issue of the Port Health Authority, various operators at the airport, how we process passengers who are checking-in,” he said.

The regulations will also cater for use of proper signage and the appropriate seating arrangements consistent with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines to mitigate transmission of the disease.

Additionally, the regulations will impact the operations at security checkpoints, including the cleaning of pub-

lic areas at the airports, flight crew procedures – airborne and on the ground, the processing of arriving passengers, aircraft operations and sensitisation of personnel and the transporting of human remains.

COVID-19 testing requirements are also a major part of the regulations as airline operators are mandated to only check-in passengers leaving Guyana with negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen tests. For arriving passengers, a negative PCR test for COVID-19 is still compulsory.

Further, the regulations stipulate penalties for passengers, and airport and aircraft operators for any breach of the regulations.

Edghill emphasised that the regulations were to safeguard Guyanese from the spread of COVID-19 and a commitment was made to update the regulations when necessary.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, under the Public Works Ministry, has outlined a number of standard operating procedures that guide the operations at the country’s two international airports and at local aerodromes.

picture emerged Wednesday of “humiliation” and “depression” among severed LIAT employees in Barbados, many of whom have run out of cash and have been forced to beg for help, while the near yearlong non-payment of severance by the failed carrier drags on.

Now the two unions representing the ex-workers have declared that a speedy resolution to the issue is now beyond the control of the Mottley administration and is left to the four Caribbean government shareholders in the regional airline – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica.

The Barbados Workers Union (BWU) and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) have also expressed fears that their efforts to help bring about a favourable outcome could be jeopardized at “this very delicate and sensitive stage” if certain information lands in the public domain. BWU General Secretary Toni Moore said Wednesday afternoon that because of the complicated nature of the issue which ought to be dealt with by the leaders of LIAT shareholders that representation had become stressful both for the workers and the union.

Moore told Barbados

TODAY: “A number of the workers feel we are not doing enough but there are a large number of them too who understand the challenge. “But obviously if you are put in a position where your back is against the wall, your mortgage due, your commitments got you squeezing at the neck, obviously people would start to get a lot more frustrated and sensitive.”

The union leader said the BWU has been trying to, as far as possible, keep the workers engaged.

Moore added: “But the truth is, we have not been able to say a whole lot to them that would show that the issue is advancing.

“But it is more to keep them engaged right now and it is stressful for them and it is stressful for us as their

representative…because it is not the Barbados government and the BWU or the Barbados Government and the NUPW locked in negotiations for workers. The issue extends way beyond us.”

The BWU boss said:

“The matter is at the level of the prime ministers in the region to resolve the issue. If it was a straightforward Barbados issue, it would be a lot more clearcut, but there are a number of sensitivities in place that are kind of dictating how the issue is being handled.

“Nonetheless, we have submitted a position to the Prime Minister for her consideration that we have no doubt would be influencing her input at the prime ministerial level.”

Both the BWU and the NUPW do not see severance for the Barbadian ex-workers as straight forward either.

The BWU contends that payment was split between Barbados and Antigua, where some qualified here and others in St John’s.

(Excerpt from Barbados TODAY)

Antigua donates 5000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Grenada

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he Government of Antigua and Barbuda made the decision to donate 5,000 Covid-19 vaccines to Grenada to aid in the fight against this pandemic.

Health Minister, the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph was present at the V. C Bird International Airport

for the sendoff along with other Health Officials.

The items were delivered on Tuesday via R.S.S. On Sunday, Antigua and Barbuda received 40, 000 doses as a gift from India.

Earlier the country received 5000 doses from Dominica.

(Antigua Newsroom)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Regional

USTDA, Caribbean nations PM still non-committal on when T&T borders will reopen partner on energy procurement

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rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley says he will not commit to a date for when Trinidad and Tobago’s borders will reopen. However, it seems this could well come after the majority of Trinidad and Tobago’s population and those of some of the major countries have vaccinated the majority of their populations against the COVID-19 virus.

Dr Rowley made the comment at a press conference at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort on Wednesday, in response to questions on when the population could expect to see the reopening of the borders.

“The opening of borders was always very heavily influenced by the discovery and availability of a vaccine or vaccines. We are now at the stage where vaccine availability is now reaching a point where we could think in terms of inoculating the populations that will be mixing,” Rowley said.

He added: “The United States, our main contact outside of Trinidad and Tobago, has indicated that...

by May their population

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley addresses Journalists during a media conference in Tobago

should have vaccines and be sufficiently inoculated where people can mix without the fear of heavy or any infections at all. Once that happens...then the opening of borders will become a reality.”

The borders were closed in March 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and persons leaving and entering T&T have had to apply to do so. Nationals who return home are also facing quarantine at State or private facilities until Health Ministry officials are satisfied they are free from infections.

The PM was also asked how soon the rest of the country would see a further rolling back of measures implemented to prevent the spread of the virus.

He said the Government has been opening up different areas of the country, as evidenced by the partial in-person opening of schools and limited outdoor sporting activities. He said more areas would reopen or expand as the number of infections reduces.

There has been no in-person school in for almost one year. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil’s GDP drops 4.1% in 2020, beating gloomier outlooks

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he decline was the worst in decades, but beat forecasts from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which estimated that Brazil’s 2020 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would shrink by eight per cent and 9.1 per cent, respectively.

Brazil’s economy shrank last year by 4.1 per cent amid the pandemic, data showed on Wednesday, the worst drop in decades, but not as much as originally expected due to cash transfers to the poor.

Latin America’s largest economy grew by 3.2 per cent in the fourth quarter, according to official statis-

tics agency IBGE, more than the 2.8 per cent median estimate in a Reuters poll of economists.

“People expected us to fall 10 per cent,” said President Jair Bolsonaro, who has played down the gravity of the pandemic and opposed lockdowns.

“What made the economy move, in part, was the emergency aid,” he told reporters, adding that his Government has done everything possible to keep the economy running.

Still, a second wave of COVID-19 has killed Brazilians in record numbers in recent weeks, clouding the economic outlook and adding to fears of a re-

newed downturn early this year.

The full-year 2020 drop was the worst since the current IBGE series began in 1996. The 2020 plunge was also the worst since a 4.35 per cent fall in GDP recorded in 1990, according to central bank data going back to 1962, and the third-steepest in that series.

“We had a big fall [in activity] last year, but with the emergency aid, it was much smaller than originally predicted. It could have been much worse … but the public finances are now very fragile,” said Alexandre Almeida, economist at CM Capital in São Paulo.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he US Trade and D e v e l o p m e n t Agency (USTDA) on Thursday launched the Caribbean Regional Energy Procurement Assistance Programme to support the development of high-quality energy infrastructure in eight Caribbean countries.

According to the agency, the programme is supported under “USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative (GPI): Understanding Best Value” and represents a new US Government partner-

F

Reuters news agencies that it took a “rigorous” approach to its supply chains.

The company is being taken to court under a French law enacted in 2017.

Under the law, businesses must avoid human rights and environmental violations in their supply chains.

The Indigenous groups from Brazil and Colombia have accused Casino of “damages done to their customary lands and the impact on their livelihoods”.

In the statement they said deforestation in South

America, particularly in Brazil, was mainly driven by cattle ranching.

“According to evidence compiled and analysed by the Center for Climate Crime Analysis for this case, Groupe Casino regularly bought beef from three slaughterhouses owned by JBS,” a meatpacking company accused of deforestation, they said in a joint statement.

“The three slaughterhouses sourced cattle from 592 suppliers responsible for at least 50,000 hectares

make stronger, value-based decisions and secure a future of high-quality infrastructure,” USTDA’s Acting Director Enoh Ebong said.

“This cooperation with our Caribbean neighbours will help maximise quality and value in their upcoming energy investments, which is crucial to economic development, access to power, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience,” Ebong continued.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Caricom obesity levels highest compared to the rest of the world

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he Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says obesity is now a critical issue for developing countries, including member states, especially since the disease is affecting a significant number of children.

The agency made the statement as the world commemorated World Obesity Day on Thursday, observed under the theme “Every Body, Needs Everybody”.

According to the agency, the Caribbean has some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in the Americas with adults, ranging from 18.9 per cent in Antigua and Barbuda to 31.6 per cent in The Bahamas.

It noted that, alarmingly, overweight and obesity prevalence levels in children aged five to nine years

in Caricom countries are increasing, with the highest in The Bahamas at 39.5 per cent and the lowest in St Lucia at 26.1 per cent.

“The prevalence of obesity in Caribbean children is two to three times higher than the world. With the obesity epidemic in children and adolescents, the future seen through the risk factor lens For Non-

Communicable Diseases (NCDs) looks dismal, as these young persons will be the future working generation but living with higher rates of NCDs,” the CARPHA said.

The agency said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of people with obesity, and other NCDs. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Pandemic pushed LatAm extreme poverty to 20-year high, says UN

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xtreme poverty in Latin America has reached its worst level in 20 years due to the coronavirus pandemic, a report by the United Nations said on Thursday.

Poverty is also at its

Amazonian groups sue French supermarket chain over deforestation

rench supermarket chain Casino is being sued by Indigenous groups from the Amazon, for allegedly selling beef linked to deforestation.

The 11 Indigenous groups, backed by NonGovernmental Groups (NGOs) in the United States and France, are seeking US$3.7 million in damages.

In a statement, the groups linked Casino meat to an area of deforestation “five times the size of Paris”.

Casino told AFP and

ship with the Governments of Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.

The agency said it will deliver targeted procurement training to officials who manage energy sector investments in these island nations to ensure they receive the best value from their investments.

“The GPI is an innovative and proven tool that has empowered procurement officials around the world to

of deforestation between 2008 and 2020... The deforested area is five times the size of Paris.”

Casino also controls Brazil’s largest food retailer, Grupo Pão de Açucar (GPA), and Colombian retailer Almacenes Éxito.

The Indigenous groups also accuse Casino of violating Indigenous rights, and cite one case in particular in which Indigenous lands were invaded and used by cattle farms that supplied beef to GPA. (Excerpt from BBC News)

highest level in 12 years after the number of poor people in the Region rose by 22 million in 2020 to 209 million.

The UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said the results called “for a new welfare state”.

“The indices of inequality in the Region worsened along with employment and labour participation rates, among women above all, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and despite the emergency social protection measures that countries have adopted to halt this phenomenon,” said ECLAC. Without those measures the figures would have been much worse, ECLAC said.

The body predicts that the Region of around 650 million people will experience a 7.7 per cent drop in GDP in 2020.

“It is estimated that in

2020 the extreme poverty rate was 12.5 per cent while the poverty rate affected 33.7 per cent of the population,” ECLAC said.

The number of people living in extreme poverty rose by eight million to 78 million.

The report said that poverty is greater in rural areas, among children and adolescents, Indigenous and Afro-descendent people, and in the population with lower educational levels.

“The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the region’s major structural gaps and currently, we are living in a time of heightened uncertainty in which neither the way out of the crisis nor the speed of that process is yet known,” said ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena in presenting the body’s report in Chile. (Excerpt from AFP)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

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Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil jumps after OPEC+ surprises market with unchanged output

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il surged to the highest in nearly two years after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries-plus (OPEC+) alliance surprised traders with its decision to keep output unchanged, signalling a tighter crude market in the months ahead.

Futures in New York climbed 4.2 per cent, rising the most since Saudi Arabia last shocked markets with its January pledge to unilaterally cut output. Global benchmark Brent also jumped on Thursday. The OPEC+ producer alliance agreed during a virtual gathering to hold output steady in April. Saudi Arabia said it was in no hurry to bring back supply and would maintain its one million barrel-a-day voluntary production cut.

“The decision to maintain the current OPEC+ supply cuts for the month of April has given the oil bulls exactly what they needed as far as the tight-supply narrative goes,” said Ryan Fitzmaurice, commodities strategist at Rabobank. “The Saudis shrewdly recognised that in order to maintain the recent upward price momentum and speculative buying interest in oil futures, they needed to ‘feed the bull’.”

OPEC+ has helped drain a global glut that accumulated during the pandemic through its supply management, pushing crude futures up more than 30 per cent so far this year. The strength is evident across many corners of the oil market, with key timespreads widening further in a bullish backwardation structure – an indication of tightening supplies – and data from brokers showing rallies in key swap markets in the North Sea. Meanwhile, Brent options volume rose to the highest since March 2020, according to preliminary trade data compiled by Bloomberg.

The OPEC+ decision represents a victory for Saudi Arabia, which has advocated for production restraints to keep crude prices supported. However, higher prices could spur additional drilling activity by US shale explorers, with domestic oil rigs already at the highest since May 2020. Saudi Arabia appeared unfazed by that risk: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told reporters after the meeting that the US mantra of “drill, baby, drill is gone forever.” (Excerpt from Bloomberg)

Pope Francis embarks on historic visit to Iraq

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ope Francis began a historic visit to Iraq on Friday, the first by a pontiff to the birthplace of the Eastern Churches from where more than a million Christians have fled over the past 20 years.

The visit of the Pope has a highly symbolic value given the importance of Iraqi Christians in the history of the faith and their cultural and linguistic legacy dating back to the time of ancient Babylon, nearly 4000 years ago.

The systematic persecution of Iraqi Christians at the hands of al-Qaeda first and then ISIL (ISIS) in more recent years has pushed tens of thousands into Diaspora and is threatening the community’s survival.

Francis will meet the dwindling Christian communities of Baghdad, Mosul and

Qaraqosh, Iraq’s largest Christian city in the Nineveh Plains, where, in 2014, the ISIL armed group wiped out the remnants of the Christian presence that had survived al-Qaeda’s violent campaigns, causing tens of thousands to flee and find refuge in the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

In Erbil, the pope will meet the Kurdish authorities and some of the 150,000 Christian refugees from central Iraq that have found shelter there.

“We hope the visit of the pope will bring some attention to the tragedy of Christians in the East and encourage them to stay,” said Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the Iraq-born patriarch of the Chaldean Church, in a news conference on Wednesday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US blocked Myanmar junta’s attempt to empty US$1B New York Fed account – sources

M

yanmar’s military rulers attempted to move about US$1 billion held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York days after seizing power on February 1, prompting US officials to put a freeze on the funds, according to three people familiar with the matter, including one US governmental official.

The transaction on February 4 in the name of the Central Bank of Myanmar was first blocked by Fed safeguards. US Government officials then stalled on approving the transfer until an executive

Myanmar's military junta leader, General Min Aung Hlaing

order issued by President Joe Biden gave them legal authority to block it indefinitely, the sources said.

A spokesman for the New York Fed declined to comment

on specific account holders.

The US Treasury Department also declined to comment.

The attempt, which has not been previously reported, came after Myanmar’s military installed a new Central Bank Governor and detained reformist officials during the coup.

It marked an apparent effort by Myanmar’s Generals to limit exposure to international sanctions after they arrested elected officials, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who had won a national election in November. The Army seized power alleging fraud, claims that the elector-

al commission has dismissed.

A spokesman for Myanmar’s military government did not answer repeated calls seeking comment. Reuters was unable to reach officials at the central bank.

The United States, Canada, the European Union, and Britain have all issued fresh sanctions following the coup and the army’s subsequent deadly crackdown on demonstrators. The United Nations said on Thursday that at least 54 people have been killed since the coup. More than 1700 people had been arrested, including 29 Journalists.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID: Italy “blocks” New Zealand earthquakes: AstraZeneca vaccine Tsunami warnings raised shipment to Australia after series of quakes

T

he Italian Government has blocked the export of an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia.

The decision affects 250,000 doses of the vaccine produced at an AstraZeneca facility in Italy.

Italy is the first EU country to use the bloc's new regulations allowing exports to be stopped if the company providing the vaccines has failed to meet its obligations to the EU. Australia said losing "one shipment" would not badly affect its rollout.

The move has been backed by the European Commission, reports say.

AstraZeneca is on track to provide only 40 per cent of the agreed supply to member states in the first three months of the year. It has cited production problems for the shortfall.

In January, then Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described delays in vaccine supplies by both AstraZeneca and Pfizer as

"unacceptable" and accused the companies of violating their contracts.

The EU has been widely criticised for the slow pace of its vaccination programme.

Under the EU vaccine scheme, which was established in June last year, the bloc has negotiated the purchase of vaccines on behalf of member states.

There has been no official comment on the Italian move by the EU or AstraZeneca.

Australia began its vaccination programme last week using the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. It was due to start inoculations with the AstraZeneca jab on Friday.

The Italian Government approached the European Commission last week to say that it was its intention to block the shipment.

In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry explained the move, saying it had received the request for authorisation on February 24. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Large parts of the North Island's east coast are under threat of a tsunami

N

ew Zealanders have been told to move away from coastal areas of the North Island after three powerful earthquakes shook the region.

The national emergency agency warned of a tsunami threat with "unpredictable surges" expected along the east coast.

There were reports of chaos in some towns as hundreds of people tried to reach higher ground.

The South Pacific archipelagos of New Caledonia and Vanuatu have also been warned to prepare for dangerous waves.

Their coasts could see wave surges as high as three metres (10ft), while parts of South America – including Peru, Ecuador and Chile – were warned they could see 1m waves reaching their coasts.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said "tsunami waves have been observed", but as yet no damage has been reported.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Instagram: "Hope everyone is ok out there."

The three earthquakes all came during early hours at magnitudes of over seven.

The most powerful, at 8.1 magnitude, struck at around 08:30 (21:30 GMT) near the uninhabited Kermadec Islands, 1000 km (621 miles) north-east of New Zealand.

While earlier tsunami warnings had been called off, the third quake prompted the National Emergency Management Agency to send out a new alert and tsunami sirens sounded in some areas. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US Capitol calm amid high security; Trump supporters hold faith he will return

A

smattering of followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory gathered near the US Capitol on Thursday, the day the movement had predicted former President Donald Trump’s return to office, but they were far outnumbered by security forces deployed to deter any possible attack.

National Guard troops patrolled inside the fence encircling the Capitol, the scene of a deadly insurrec-

tion by Trump supporters that killed five people. Police had warned of a potential attack by militants to mark Thursday’s date, and the House of Representatives cancelled its session.

But around noon, all was quiet. John and Karyn Carson, who took time off work and came from California to see Trump be inaugurated for a second term, were undaunted.

“Every day that we’re

here, we’ll probably come out around noon and see if anything transpires,” Karyn, 52, told Reuters. “If it doesn’t happen, we’ll obviously be sad ‘cause it didn’t happen while we were here, but we believe that it will happen.

It just hasn’t happened yet.”

March 4 is the day when adherents to the debunked QAnon conspiracy theory believe that Trump, who was defeated by President Joe Biden in the November 3

election, will be sworn in for a second term in office. Until 1933, March 4 was the date of the presidential inauguration.

A bulletin by US security agencies on Tuesday said an unidentified group of “militia violent extremists” discussed plans in February to “take control of the US Capitol and remove Democratic lawmakers on or about March 4”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A joint venture will not turn out to be what you expected -- question who is responsible for what before you get involved in something risky. Don’t add to your stress; eliminate unstable situations.

You’ll have some innovative ideas that can quickly spin out of control if you let your emotions intervene.

Stick to tried-and-true methods, and eliminate pie-inthe-sky plans.

An open mind will lead to helpful information when in a competitive situation. Reveal little about yourself, and you will maintain the upper hand when it comes to taking advantage of an opportunity.

Keep your head screwed on straight when it comes to affairs of the heart. Mixing business with pleasure will lead to trouble if you share personal information with someone at work.

Approach change with caution. Consider who will benefit most before you commit to anything. Uncertainty is a good enough reason to reject a proposition. Invest more time in something that will help you get ahead.

Let your intuition guide you, and you will avoid being taken advantage of by someone with ulterior motives.

Put greater emphasis on a healthier lifestyle and keeping up with the trends.

Put more energy into personal improvement and financial gain. Refuse to let someone railroad you into something that will create problems with a friend, colleague or relative.

A change will be refreshing. Look for safe forms of entertainment that will take your mind off stressful situations.

Problems with someone close to you will require adjustments on your part.

Put more trust in what SAGITTARIUS you are capable of doing, and (Nov. 23less in those who talk big and Dec. 21) offer little. An energetic approach to work, educational pursuits and social matters will pay off.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Embrace a pastime that boosts your confidence and energy. Physical fitness will affect how you view life, love and the future. Don’t let what doesn’t work bother you.

Take time out to do something you enjoy. Don’t make changes to accommodate someone who doesn’t do the same for you. Concentrate on mental and physical stimulation that will result in intelligence and good health.

Think twice before you do something that will cause an uproar. Don’t start something you cannot finish. Bide your time, let tempers cool down and consider the best way to maintain a positive outcome.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

21

Patel, Ashwin combine again to undo England's batting graft

E

ngland fought the conditions, a welltuned India attack, and the internal momentum of their own fading batting fortunes to try and stay in contention on the first day of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad.

The best that could be said of England's total of 205 was that it was more than they had achieved across two innings on the same ground last week; the worst, that there is no team more adept than India at making such hard graft look inadequate.

Having won the toss and chosen to bat, there was no doubt that England had left runs on the table.

Only Ben Stokes managed to fashion a half-century, and the highest partnership of the innings was 48.

Since piling up 578 in benign conditions at the outset of the series in Chennai, England's batsmen have yet to produce another fifty stand.

Arguably, things could have been worse.

With Axar Patel continuing his fine debut series by claiming four more wickets - taking his tally to 22 at 10.81 - and Joe Root falling cheaply to the bristling Mohammed Siraj early in the day, England's

Axar Patel grabbed 4 for 68 in England's first innings

their side, picking an extra batsman and bringing back Dom Bess to support Anderson and Jack Leach though the evidence of the first part of the day was that seam would play a greater part than it did in

they managed to creep past 200 for the first time in six innings, perhaps gave England a little to feel encouraged about after heavy defeats in the previous two Tests.

Again, there were signs

Ben Stokes hit 55 runs, the highest in England’s first innings

middle and lower order, strengthened by the presence of the recalled Dan Lawrence at No. 7, staved off complete collapse.

James Anderson then struck with his third ball, Shubman Gill trapped lbw, to ensure that India had to plot a watchful course through to the close.

England had drastically altered the balance of

the day-night Test, as Siraj in particular probed away.

Stokes took the new ball, for the first time in his Test career, before giving way to Leach, but Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara experienced few alarms as the shadows lengthened.

Anderson's immediate intervention during a spell of 5-5-0-1, and the fact that

of turn on day one, though fewer puffs of dust than at Chepauk, and without the lacquer-ish all sorts that made the pink ball so hard to combat.

For the third time in four Tests, Root won first use of the surface, but despite positive talk about looking to find a way to score in these conditions, England were quickly in

trouble as they slipped to 30 for 3.

Patel's mesmeric hold could not be broken, as he removed Dom Sibley with his second delivery, after coming on in the sixth over. Forewarned was not forearmed against Patel's arm ball; Sibley played for turn, only to be bowled off his inside edge.

It was two in two overs when Zak Crawley, who had just stroked four through mid-off, tried to come down once again, but did not get to the pitch, lofting tamely to mid-off. Crawley has now been dismissed by the left-arm spin of Patel and Lasith Embuldeniya seven times out of seven on England's tours of India and Sri Lanka.

When the bustling Siraj jagged one back to rap Root on the back pad straight after the drinks break, England's innings was threatening to go into another tailspin. But Jonny Bairstow overcame a jittery start to carve 6 fours before the lunch break, as he and Stokes repelled all borders for a period.

Stokes had faced 24 balls by the time R Ashwin was introduced to the attack, and he promptly pumped his 26th over long-off to signal that he would not go meekly.

With Virat Kohli happy to play a waiting game, rotating his bowlers regular-

ly, it was again Siraj who provided the breakthrough shortly after lunch, winning an lbw decision against Bairstow that returned a verdict of umpire's call on DRS. But Stokes had seemingly discovered his groove in seeing off his nemesis. Of Ashwin's initial eight-over spell, Stokes faced 41 balls

(and soaked up 38 dots) before he began to open up, slog-sweeping Washington Sundar for six, and then going to his fifty by reversing Patel for four.

England, however, were left with a sense of what might have been. Stokes, Ollie Pope and Lawrence all showed flashes of what was needed to succeed, but India's quality and depth present an unrelenting challenge. Sundar found the right line with his off-spin to befuddle Stokes, beaten by another non-turner to be lbw, and Ashwin removed Pope for the third innings in a row, Gill reacting smartly to an inside edge that went through the batsman's legs before deflecting up off the back pad flap.

Ben Foakes was lured into a furtive prod to slip

by Ashwin, and although Lawrence struck several pleasing boundaries in reaching 46, he became Patel's third victim after unsuccessfully giving the bowler the charge.

With Bess trapped lbw in the same over, it required Leach and Anderson to pilfer enough runs for the last wicket to breach 200.

Australia, watching on and being hopeful of an England win to edge out India for a spot in the World Test Championship final, won't be booking their charter flight just yet. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS Zak Crawley c Mohammed Siraj b Patel 9 2 Dom Sibley b Patel Jonny Bairstow lbw b 28 Mohammed Siraj Joe Root (c) lbw b Mohammed Siraj 5 Ben Stokes lbw b Washington 55 Sundar Ollie Pope c Shubman Gill b Ashwin 29 Dan Lawrence st †Pant 46 b Patel Ben Foakes † c Rahane b Ashwin 1 3 Dom Bess lbw b Patel 7 Jack Leach lbw b Ashwin James Anderson not out 10 Extras (b 3, lb 5, nb 1, w 1) 10 TOTAL (75.5 Ov, RR: 2.70) 205 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Dom Sibley, 5.2 ov), 2-15 (Zak Crawley, 7.5 ov), 3-30 (Joe Root, 12.1 ov), 4-78 (Jonny Bairstow, 28.1 ov), 5-121 (Ben Stokes, 46.4 ov), 6-166 (Ollie Pope, 61.3 ov), 7-170 (Ben Foakes, 65.4

ov), 8-188 (Dan Lawrence, 70.1 ov), 9-189 (Dom Bess, 70.4 ov), 10-205 (Jack Leach, 75.5 ov) O-M-R-W BOWLING Ishant Sharma 9-2-23-0 14-2-45-2 Mohammed Siraj 26-7-68-4 Axar Patel Ravichandran Ashwin 19.5-4-47-3 Washington Sundar 7-1-14-1 INDIA 1ST INNINGS Shubman Gill lbw b Anderson 0 8 Rohit Sharma not out Cheteshwar Pujara not out 15 Extras (nb 1) 1 24/1 TOTAL (12 Ov, RR: 2.00) Yet to bat: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant †, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Shubman Gill, 0.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W 5-5-0-1 James Anderson 2-1-4-0 Ben Stokes Jack Leach 4-0-16-0 1-0-4-0 Dom Bess

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Sanasie says not opposing players’ participation in T20 leagues

W

ith a whirlwind of T20 and T10 Leagues going around the world, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie has made some suggestions with regards to the availability, or lack thereof, of Regional players.

During his sit down with media operatives on Monday last in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Boardroom, Sanasie was questioned about his position on the matter of players making them-

selves available for lucrative T20 and T10 Leagues, forsaking the West Indies team in the process.

“I don't see a problem with players going around the world plying your trade.

However, we have to do it in an organized way we must decide,” Sanasie declared.

Making a point that Cricket West Indies and territorial boards benefit financially from players releases for T20 leagues, he explained that it is important for players to earn.

“Players would be expected to go and ply their trade and earn money. However, I would have an issue with a player on a full contract not being available, so what I would attempt to do is work with the players to ensure that the core players are available to you.

“Obviously, you have to give them the time to go make some extra money wherever and so, because we cannot pay players the kind of money they get on the T20 circuit,” he shared.

Spurs edge to victory against Fulham

T

ottenham recorded consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since November as Jose Mourinho's side survived late Fulham pressure at Craven Cottage.

Not since beating Manchester City to move top of the table on 21 November had Spurs won back-to-back games, but a Tosin Adarabioyo own goal ensured the visitors backed up Sunday's impressive 4-0 victory over Burnley with a hard-fought three points.

Making a first league start since the opening day, Dele Alli played a key role in the visitors' 19th-minute opener as he fed the ball wide to Son Heungmin before meeting the South Korean's low cross - though Adarabioyo inadvertently got the decisive touch.

Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris produced a fine save to tip Joachim Andersen's header on to the crossbar and was again called upon to deny Adarabioyo from the resulting corner as Fulham pushed for an equaliser after half-time.

Fulham - who remain three points from safety - were ultimately left aggrieved by a controversial video assistant referee decision to disallow Josh Maja's deserved equaliser just after the hour, as Mario Lemina was penalised for handball in the build-up despite his arm being by his side.

Harry Kane was denied from a diving header by Alphonse Areola in the closing stages, but Mourinho's side held firm under intense pressure from the hosts to move to within four points of the top four.

Third win in a week for Spurs Alli had not started in the Premier League since being removed at half-time against Everton almost six months ago, but the England international replaced Lucas Moura in an exciting Spurs front four behind Gareth Bale, Son and Kane.

Mourinho said it was "amazing" to have Alli back firing following his performance against Austrian side Wolfsberger in the Europa League last week, when he scored a superb overhead kick in a promising all-round performance.

The 24-year-old impressed with an energetic display

Tosin Adarabioyo's own goal was the first time Fulham had conceded the opening goal in six Premier League games

during a first half which saw the Spurs attack gradually click into gear, then ignite as Kane missed a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead but headed Son's cross too close to Areola.

Bale, also given a start despite Mourinho suggesting the Welshman might not be ready four days after his standout performance against Burnley, was the catalyst for the opener, turning quickly in midfield to set Alli away.

Alli drove confidently at the retreating Fulham defence and continued his run into the box to meet Son's cross, though the playmaker's flick was heading wide before Adarabioyo's unfortunate touch.

It was a rather different tale in the second half, which saw Alli and Bale removed after 67 minutes and Moussa Sissoko introduced in response to Fulham's growing dominance.

It was far from convincing in the end, but a third win in a week makes for happy reading for Mourinho.

Fulham unfortunate to finish empty-handed Fulham earned a point with a second-half goal in January's reverse fixture, and Scott Parker will undoubtedly feel his side deserved at least as much from this encounter.

Despite their precarious position in the table, this was the first time in six Premier League games Fulham conceded the opening goal and they responded admirably in their push for parity.

They believed they had achieved just that when onloan Bordeaux striker Maja finished coolly into the bottom corner, but VAR had other ideas.

Lemina was stood a couple of metres away, with his arms by his side, as Davinson Sanchez attempted to clear the ball. Instead, it struck

Lemina and bounced kindly for Maja to finish before the hosts' celebrations were cut short.

The game epitomised Fulham's recent displays they are defensively sound, conceding one goal in five games prior to this match, and comfortable in possession, but they remain profligate in attack. By full-time, they had managed 11 shots to Spurs' nine.

However, Parker's side now have every chance of avoiding relegation following their recent five-game unbeaten run - a remarkable turnaround considering they were 10 points adrift of 17th-placed Newcastle only 19 days ago.

Fulham are dealing in fine margins, and will need those key moments to go in their favour as a tough run continues against Liverpool and Manchester City in their next two games.

'That's the rule' - what the managers said Fulham boss Scott Parker speaking to BBC Sport: "We fully deserved something out of it. The endeavour was there for all to see."

On the disallowed goal: "I'm not going to complain - that's the rule. If it hits your arm it gets disallowed. I don't know what he can physically do. Probably a bit of common sense needs to prevail in that rule but I'm not saying it's not the right decision because by the rule it is [correct]."

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho: "It was a tough game. They play very well, they don't score many but they don't concede many either.

"We had chances to kill it and we didn't and then the game becomes very similar to what we have had in other games. Hugo [Lloris] is the best French goalkeeper and made a couple of saves to show it.

(BBC Sport)

CWI presidential Anand Sanasie

candidate

“You see, Cricket West Indies earns money from some of the T20 leagues through the player release programme. You can't want to collect on this side and not release on that side. Also, you have to understand that territorial boards and clubs earn from those releases.”

As such, the GCB Secretary suggested that it would be beneficial to have a set of core players that are ready to play, even during those tournaments.

“If you take the CPL window out, and you take the IPL window out, we're talking about almost five months of your cricket calendar being taken out. So, you have the international, you have the other T20 leagues around the world and so on, when you actually sit and look at what will happen.

“The thought that is going through my head is that we can actually have a fulltime team playing while either the IPL or anything else is going on,” Sanasie opined.

Additionally, the CWI presidential candidate is of the belief that such tournaments are capable of preparing players for the longer format of the game.

Using Team India as example, he explained the notion by stating, “I think while we tend to think or believe that a long version player is who you bring out first and then you evolve a few T20 players, if we use the India example, T20 is a big thing in India, the IPL has grown to probably one of the biggest sport events in the world.

And you look at who's playing in the Indian team. Now, the core is who has come out of that T20 background.”

Sanasie concluded, “So it has to be a cohesive thing, but we must also have a core set of players always available for West Indies duty, right; who are fit, who stats are up there and so on, and those things have to be clear cut with the players.”

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"The show has to go on" JFF boss Ricketts cautions

…players not willing to accept what federation can afford risk being left out

J

amaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Michael Ricketts has called on the country’s national players to be ‘reasonable’ and ‘balanced’ in their demands, given what the organisation has laid out as severe financial limitations.

With one day left before the deadline to sign contracts for the upcoming campaigns, the JFF and representatives of some national players remain far apart on wage demands. The JFF has submitted a final offer of US$2,000 (300,255.80) per match, per player for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the players have, however, requested US$7,000 ($1,050,895.30).

According to Ricketts, however, the offer made by the JFF is grounded in the reality of what the federation can afford and as a result, is unlikely to be adjusted.

“We are still waiting and hoping for an amicable settlement. I do hope that the players will be reasonable and balanced in whatever they decide to do. I hope that they will agree to something that is manageable,” Ricketts told TVJ Sports.

“The committee has been having talks in recent times with the lawyer who represents some of the players.

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

JFF President Michael Ricketts

How many of the players he legitimately and legally represents we are not sure but we want to ensure that we do have a relationship with our players,” he added.

The JFF president, however, warned that some players run the risk of being left out of the program if no agreement can be reached in time.

“I want to say that if a player insists that he is not signing for what we can afford to pay, then we are not going to hold anything against that player or particular players but the show has to go on, and if there are players willing to play and some who are not willing to play then we will have to go with those who are willing to play,” Ricketts said. (Sportsmax)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

"Seeing you in West Indies colours brought tears to my eyes," Foster says to Sinclair

A

fter receiving his first cap from Chris Gayle in the first T20 International against Sri Lanka, Guyana's Kevin Sinclair became the ninth member from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) to represent the West Indies.

Berbice Cricket Board President and Secretary of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, was overjoyed to see the 21-year-old Sinclair making his international debut, and the moment brought tears to his eyes.

Sinclair ended with figures of 1-26 in three overs on debut. The RHTY&SC wishes Sinclair all success as he embarks on his international career.

Full statement by Hilbert FosterSecretary of RHTY&SC

I clearly remember the day, your grandfather called me at my office about five years ago to request you join the RHTY&SC, MS. I was delighted to tell him yes, as the other players in the Under-19 team wanted you in the club.

I have never regretted that decision as, over the

BCB President Hilbert Foster

years, you have proven to be the role model cricketer who has never given one word of back answer and who has followed our formula of success.

You are always the first to be at the ground, hours before the start of play. If anyone asks me to describe you, I would say that you are humble, disciplined, committed and grounded. I know of your personal struggles growing up, but you are the perfect example that poverty cannot stop you from dreaming.

Today that dream became a reality and I am so proud and happy for you. No one has worked harder than you, and I could not believe that a little tear was in my eyes when I saw you in West Indies colours.

Your success would inspire all of our members

to keep working hard, and would inspire every less fortunate child to follow in your footsteps. I know that your Grandpa would be the happiest man in the world, as he worked so hard, and it is my hope that Jesus would grant him many more years on earth to see you in action.

Grandpa Carlton, you deserve every credit. Please remember, Kevin, that the journey has just started and that you must remain focused, humble, and place all of your trust in God. Remember the persons who assisted you to reach where you are, and always reach out to those who need assistance.

I wish you success, my son, and on behalf of the RHTY&SC, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Bakewell, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Pepsi, Metro, and my family and I, I wish (you) more success in the future, and God’s richest blessings.

I am confident that it would only be a matter of time before Kevlon Anderson joins you. Feeling damn proud of you by the way. Berbice cricket continues to make Guyana proud.

The selection of Kevin

Roy's Pharmacy, Hope Coconut Industries to host golf tournament – action tees off tomorrow at Lusignan Golf Club

Debut moment! Sinclair was presented with his first international cap by Chris Gayle

Sinclair yesterday was very special to the RHTY&SC, MS, as he became the ninth club member to play for the West Indies over the club’s short history of just 31 years.

It was also historic as it allows the RHTY&SC to join a select few clubs to have produced a cricketer at every level that the West Indies plays in.

Under 15: Assad Fudadin; Under 19: Assad Fudadin and Kevlon Anderson; Sixes: Esuan Crandon; West Indies A: Assad Fudadin; West Indies B: Assad Fudadin; T20: Kevin Sinclair; ODI: Royston Crandon; Tests:

Assad Fudadin, Female ODI: Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi; Female 20/20: Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi.

We are very proud of our achievements over the years, and we are determined to uphold our high tradition in the future. Our success has been a total team effort, and we would like to salute the official sponsors of our cricket over the years.

The sponsor are: Courts, GTT, Windies Sports Bar, Pepsi/DDL, Bakewell, Farfan and Mendes Ltd,

Poonai Pharmacy, Gizmos and Gadgets, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Metro Office Supplies.

We would also like to salute the many others who have contributed to this amazing success story, and to our dozens of local supporters and fans.

A special thanks to those who have been with the club from the very start, and are still very active after 31 years of sheer hard work - Keith and Hilbert Foster, Robby Kissoonlall and Keith Hicks.

We are very lucky to have you as our mentors and leaders.

IPL Governing Council yet to meet and finalise dates

Managing Director of Roy's Pharmacy Sadna hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC VP Peyton George alongside Supervisor Anjalie Persaud and IT Technician Joseph Singh

R

oy's Pharmacy, in collaboration with Hope Coconut Industries, will be hosting an action-packed golf tournament tomorrow, commencing at 12:00 hrs.

The format of the game would be 18-hole medal play tourney, which will see some of Guyana's top golfers coming out as they battle for glory.

In a medal play round each golfer records every one of his strokes (and penalty strokes if any) on every hole. In terms of gross, the golfer who has posted the lowest round wins, or the lowest total for multi-day tournaments.

When dealing with Net, the golfer who has posted the lowest round net of his handicap wins.

It will be a shotgun start.

(All participants start at the same time at various tee

boxes), to avoid congregating (observing COVID protocols). Players must give themselves adequate time to visit the club house to pay the tournament fees and do what in necessary observing at covid protocol at all times then proceed to their allocated tee box for 12 noon start.

At the launching of a simple ceremony at Roy's Pharmacy Bourda Market location speaking on behalf of the pharmacy was supervisor Anjalie Persaud who noted that she is extremely glad that the company has decided to partner with LGC to host a tournament of this kind. She further encouraged everyone to come out and play and try their hand at the game of golf.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of Lusignan Golf Club was Vice President Peyton George, who said, "On behalf of the Lusignan

Golf Club and Management Committee and all members, we would like to thank Roy's Pharmacy and Hope Coconut Industries for sponsoring this weekend’s tournament. We are privileged to be hosting our fourth consecutive week of golf at Lusignan Golf Club, and we hope everyone comes out to have a grand time."

Lots of lucrative prizes will be up for grabs ranging from first to fourth and the golfer with the best overall net.

Roy’s Pharmacy, located in the Bourda Market, provides affordable medicines to the Guyanese people.

Hope Coconut Industries is leading the way in the revitalization of the coconut industry in Guyana - two Guyanese business showing good corporate social responsibility and supporting golf.

E

ven as teams start to prepare for the tournament, the IPL has not yet announced the dates as well as the venue for the event. Concerned officials have pointed out that a final decision is set to be taken at an IPL Governing Council meeting, but no date for that has been fixed yet.

It is understood the meeting is likely to take place around the closing days of the fourth and final Test of the England series, which started in Ahmedabad on March 4. However, none of the BCCI's top brass as well as IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel have spoken out in public on details of the tourna-

The coveted IPL Trophy

ment Although the IPL has chalked out a window for the tournament, the key hurdle for the BCCI has been finalising the venues.

Having made up its mind to conduct the tournament in India after successfully organising domestic limited-overs tournaments as well as the ongoing England series, the BCCI had originally earmarked Mumbai along with Pune and Ahmedabad as the venues to conduct the 2021 edition.

However, the number of rising Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra, where the state government has imposed fresh restrictions including no crowds, forced

the IPL to mobilise an alternative plan. That involves conducting the tournament at multiple cities with Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad being put on the potential shortlist.

One reason behind the delay is that the IPL was waiting for the Election Commission of India to announce the poll dates of several states including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and if it would clash with the tournament. While Tamil Nadu elections are scheduled for April 7, the polls would be conducted in multiple phases in West Bengal between late March and April 29 with results out on May 4. (ESPNcricinfo)

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

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Roy’s Pharmacy, Hope Coconut Industries to host golf tournament – action tees off tomorrow at Lusignan Golf Club

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