Guyana Times - Friday May 7, 2021

GWI gets $45M hightech truck to accelerate maintenance P14

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4640

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

Over 154,000 adults receive COVID-19 vaccines – President Ali ...says Regions 8 & 10 lag behind in vaccination drive

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

1 arrested P15 after vehicle intercepted at checkpoint with ganja

See story on page 3

Half-year financial report

Demerara Bank’s taxed profit increases by 51% to $1.3B

Hearing on P11 Jagdeo’s $20M libel judgement set for May 17 …Ferguson asks High Court to dismiss case

Construction worker busted with cocaine, P12 ganja

Page 9

Audit uncovers another Granger $1.1B in expired drugs files bought under $2B libel APNU/AFC regime

See story on page 15

Page 5

suit against Nascimento and 3 newspapers

May’s COVID deaths climb to 10 as 2 more die P16 …128 new cases recorded in 24h, death toll now stands at 310

Strathspey man found dead P17 in Buxton trench

...denies he is dishonest, deceitful, habitually hypocritical, etc

Over $600M in ganja, guns and ammo found during Ebini raid

Page 13

Linden male nurse gets 3 years for child P16 luring

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 7 – 02:00h-03:30h and 13:30h-15:00h and Saturday, May 8 – 02:30h-04:00h and 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 7 – 14:00h-15:30h and Saturday, May 8 – 14:40h-16:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers with instances of thunder are expected throughout the day and into the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 14:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 07:41h and 20:01h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.86 metre.

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Over 154,000 adults receive COVID-19 vaccines – President Ali ...says Regions 8 & 10 lag behind in vaccination drive

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, during an address to the nation on his social media page, related that a total of 154,000 adults have already taken the COVID-19 vaccines. This accounts for just over 31 per cent of the adult population.

Giving a breakdown of the various age ranges, the Head of State noted that 61 per cent of persons over 60 years old have taken the vaccines. For those between the ages 40 and 59, 29 per cent have taken the jab. In addition, for those who are between the ages of 18 and 39, a total of 21 per cent have taken the first dose.

He further added that persons have already started to receive their second dose.

Although reaching the 150,000 mark calls for a celebration, the President was concerned with the slow response by persons in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“In every single administrative region, we would have had between 30 and 36 per cent coverage of the population above 18 years old, with the exception of Regions 8 and 10…

Particularly in the case of Region 10, only 8.9 per cent of the population above 18 years old took the first dose of the vaccine to date…

This is very concerning, this is very alarming.” the President posited.

He noted that the Government has had continuous education programmes, making reference to a recent outreach over the weekend by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and team.

“We have seen some improvement, but we need to do much, much better…we need to understand that Region 10 is the gateway to the interior, which borders Brazil, and we all know that we have extensive borders and the likelihood of the borders being breached.”

This, Dr Ali said, is a challenge that the Government is facing at this time. In an attempt to take up this challenge, he stated that there is additional human assets from the army, so that Guyana’s borders can be better secured.

He is encouraging all Guyanese, though it is not mandatory at this stage, to take the vaccines, as it is the best option to save lives and exit the pandemic.

“I am very concerned also about the continued whisper campaign…not grounded in science or facts against vaccination. This does not help our communities and country to exit this pandemic. I appeal to all of us to put our country first, put the lives of the people of our country first, and help in advancing the vaccina-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

tion programme by encouraging every Guyanese to come on board.”

Further, he noted that the Government would continue to educate and provide opportunities for Guyanese to get vaccinated, but noted that persons must also take the individual and collective responsibility to ensure they are immunised.

"I call upon all leaders within our society to act maturely in not only taking the vaccine, but encouraging others to do the same… join in the public education programme and process.

Not doing so is not fulfilling our duties and responsibilities…let us all take this responsibility seriously."

To this end, the Head of State said that, in the coming weeks, efforts will be ramped up to secure enough vaccines so that the country can achieve herd immunity.

"I want to assure Guyanese that our plan is to restore this country and economy to normalcy as fast as possible, and we're

going to invest the necessary resources in the coming weeks to take us there through herd immunity."

As the Health Ministry continues to aggressively roll out the vaccination campaign, President Ali assured the nation that "adequate provisions" have been made for persons to get their second doses. He said the corresponding second shots are available and will be available to be administered to persons.

"So, we have no excuse when it comes to getting vaccinated.

Your Government is taking all the necessary steps to en-

sure this. We're all in this together… We're facing this together as a collective, and we can only beat this or get ahead of this together and as a collective…this is not a Government-alone task."

The Head of State explained that the country will get ahead of the pandemic if all Guyanese work and come together in this fight. He said the country can be built and development achieved only if its population is alive and healthy to do this.

He also extended his sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 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

Recognising abusers early T

oo many Guyanese women are being killed at the hands of their husbands/partners/reputed husbands/estranged partners as they either attempt to escape a life of domestic violence or endure such abuse. Over the years, Guyana has had an intractable domestic violence problem, but this should make us work harder to alleviate this pernicious condition.

While there have been several initiatives launched, one of the areas that have not received much attention in Guyana has been the dynamics operating between couples. Nowadays, arranged marriages are passé, and couples date, or otherwise have a relationship for extended periods, before actually getting married.

An ever-growing phenomenon, of course, are the couples who ‘live home’ even after children are produced in the relationship.

Are there signs of an abuser that can be discerned early on in a budding relationship, which can then be nipped in mandatory pre-counselling before matters proceed too far?

While Guyana has not ‘progressed’ to the stage of having dating services, some interesting warning signals have come out from those studies in the countries that we imitate in our social relations. The concept is the same as where the individual in Guyana reveals his/her personality after a few dates.

As this newspaper had said before, a paper that was published in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin” examined the influence of prior experiences on partner preferences.

The researchers themselves constructed a believable-looking “online dating service,” and thus were able to track the study participants’ preferences and selection of various partners.

Although the study participants didn’t know it, the researchers had carefully chosen the profiles so that they differed in systematic ways.

For their first study, the researchers focused on heterosexual women’s preferences, and the men’s profiles that they looked at differed in how much they signalled potential for psychological abuse in intimate relationships. The profiles themselves were actually real, with the profiles of potentially abusive men written by men who scored high on characteristics associated with abusive personality: impulsivity, anger, jealousy, low self-esteem.

A separate sample of participants independently confirmed that the profiles gave off warning signals of potential abuse.

The researchers’ results are sobering: Women who had a history of being psychologically maltreated in a prior relationship were three times more likely to choose potentially abusive dating partners than women without this history.

In other words, women who are at risk of being abused in their relationships are more likely to be attracted to the very features that others see as clear precursors of abuse. Often, these choices are rationalised: intense jealousy is misinterpreted as caring, and anger is romanticised as “dangerous.”

In a second study, the researchers turned the tables around and focused on heterosexual men’s preferences. Their question was this: Who do potentially abusive men prefer? The results showed that men who scored high on a measure of inflicting psychological abuse were 1.5 times more likely to choose a partner who is high on attachment anxiety. Attachment anxiety is a disposition associated with victims of abuse, and is characterised by an intense anxiety over rejection. As such, people high in attachment anxiety are particularly vulnerable to being “treated like a God” during the courtship phase of a relationship: being flooded with flowers, adulated, constantly called. Fears of rejection overwhelm the ability to detect an unhealthy balance between independence and interdependence in their relationships.

What does one do in the face of such data, with people high in attachment anxiety and their potentially abusive partners essentially judging each other as highly compatible? As simple as it may sound, one powerful answer is to rely on your social networks. Listen to what your friends are saying.

In fact, people in new relationships should actually ask friends their opinions about prospective partners, and these friends should be honest in their evaluation. This is critical advice both if you are attracted to a potentially abusive mate, and if someone you care about begins describing abusive relationship patterns.

Sometimes we need to rely on other people to help us see what we cannot.

Most abuse and violence are committed by “significant others”. We bear much of the responsibility for choosing them.

Let us become educated for the signals sent out by abusers.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall on Tuesday met with Resident Programme Director of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Dorota Ryzy and Local Programme Coordinator, Sara Bharrat at his Chambers.

The main issue discussed was electoral and constitutional reform, which the Attorney General spearheads for the Government of Guyana

The APNU/AFC Opposition’s poor attempt at discrediting the PPP/C Government’s efforts will not work Dear Editor, Guyana’s economy will remain resilient against the effects of COVID-19, maintaining its growth trajectory as the petroleum sector ‘picks up steam’ with another oil discovery in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

This discovery will certainly continue to develop Guyana’s offshore resources and unlock additional value for the people of Guyana and all stakeholders. This will definitely create more job opportunities in addition to more than 2,300 Guyanese now providing on and offshore support for the Stabroek partners’ project activities – up more than 20% since late 2019.

Guyana grew at an extraordinary rate of 43.5% in 2020, having completed a year of oil production.

The positive spillover effects have been dampened by a deep contraction in the nonoil economy, triggered by COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Despite the lingering adversities, projections remain positive, with the country set to record economic growth of 20.9% at the end of 2021, 26.0% in 2022 and 23.0% in 2023. (GC) under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government, something the APNU/AFC Opposition fail to realise.

APNU/AFC need to stop playing dirty politics and looking for attention. The Opposition need instead to focus and embrace our Government’s economic poli-

cies, and help to develop our society so the next generation can have a greater foundation on which to develop their lives to become positive and fruitful members of society.

The APNU/AFC leaders have a definite coterie of what can only be described as enemies of national progress.

One is left to wonder what criteria was used by the political managers of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) as determinants for selecting their respective parties’ Members of Parliament.

This particular question is inevitable, because of what can only be seen as a bizarre and macabre culture of the APNU/AFC Opposition behaviour, which has to be without parallel in the annals of political behaviour among parliamentarians and APNU/AFC leaders anywhere else.

As a Guyanese, I am puzzled and cannot understand why a group of political leaders elected to their country’s foremost policy-making assembly, professing to love their country and to sacrifice themselves for its welfare and development, utilise such an honoured position to continuously stab the nation’s progress in the back?

Of course, this murderous action has been their practical doing since our Government has been sworn into office on August 02, 2020.

The APNU-AFC leaders would want their many constituents’ supporters to believe that their actions have been carried out to safeguard

the nation’s best interests.

It is mind-boggling to listen to the many frantic attempts by these clearly defined enemies of progress as they desperately try to give credence to actions that are not only anti-national, but injurious to the national well-being of citizens.

The APNU/AFC Opposition have made a poor attempt to discredit the PPP/C Government’s efforts geared towards the development of all the regions, including Region #10. Several publications were made by the APNU/AFC Coalition stating that the PPP/C are “discriminating against” and “stifling” Linden and Region 10, which are all lies that are only intended to create division and undermine the Government’s commitment to the development of Guyana.

The tactics that are being used by the APNU/AFC Opposition leaders is to create opportunity for personal ambition, selfishness, and hitherto ulterior motives such as the settling of scores and vindictiveness.

If one should look back at the development done in the past and now undertaken by the PPP/C, it is clear that the PPP/C Government is focused on the well-being of all Guyanese, unlike the APNU/AFC, who neglected countless Guyanese and regions across this country. However, the PPP/C Government has continued to enact policies that strengthen the opportunity for the furtherance of the

national goals of socio-economic development for the good of all, which must be a genuine and consistent desire on the part of those representatives without any conditionality. More so, it is an opportunity to serve.

Any opposition party should be proud to be associated with its country’s progressive development, particularly a country whose Government has been implementing policies that continue to effect qualitative improvements in the lives of citizens.

Look at the thousands who, in a few months, are going to be proud homeowners. This is unprecedented in the history of the nation!

The thousands of all classes who are now motor vehicle owners are, again, without precedent!

Take the massive infrastructural projects our Government and Minister of Public Works have embarked on over the last few months. We are able to see the Ministry of Agriculture’s new visionary approach, wherein agriculture has become the vehicle for sustainable economic and social prosperity in Guyana by strengthening the focus on infrastructure development for the agricultural sector; creating a new focus on farming systems and techniques, biotechnology and precision agriculture.

This has been expanding and making agro-diversity policy and programmes sustainable.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Audit uncovers another $1.1B in expired drugs bought under APNU/AFC regime A

recently-concluded audit into the health sector has found an additional $1.1 billion in expired medical drugs, purchased by the previous Administration that will now have to be discarded.

Government ordered the audit after over $10 billion in expired pharmaceuticals had to be dumped in recent months. The expired drugs were purchased under the coalition Government and uncovered when the new Administration took office in August 2020.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony disclosed on Thursday, after receiving the summary report, “We proceeded to do an audit of all the regions to see whether or not we have expired medications, medical supplies, reagents and so forth. We have just concluded that audit and I just received the executive summary of that report…From that report having concluded the audit in every one of the regions, we have been able to ascertain that in the 10 regions, we have another $1.1 billion of expired medications, medical supplies, and laboratory and diagnostic supplies. These were all expired before we came into Government.”

He noted that they were able to further validate current stocks in the medical system, amounting to $11.5 million. The Minister said through these efforts, authorities were able to ascertain the status of facilities and replenish medicines before there is a shortage.

“As of now, in the 10 different regions, we have pharmaceuticals worth $5.6 billion across the different regions. We have $877 million in medical supplies in the different regions and we have laboratory and diagnostics supplies at $5 billion; which would approximate to current stock in the regions being about $11.5 billion. While we have been able to validate what was expired in those regions, we have also been working hard to replenish and to make sure that they have adequate medicines to continue doing their work,” the Minister added.

Speaking on the reasons for this situation, he explained that the Ministry had ordered the same drugs twice in 2017. Doctors have also been prescribing different medications from what is in stock, leaving these items unused.

Now, there is a centralised procurement for

Truckloads of expired drugs had to be dumped

drugs, rather than the previous system where regions were making purchases.

“Monies that were sent to the regions are sent back to the Ministry so that we can do one big purchase.

In that way, you will get more drugs for less cost because you’re buying in bulk.

I think that’s the advantage of changing back the system to what it was,” he said.

In March, Dr Anthony revealed that since taking over the Health Ministry in August of 2020, more than 300 truckloads of expired medication had had to be dumped from the Materials

Management Unit (MMU) – the central storage bond of the Health Ministry.

He had said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government inherited a “crisis” in relation to the quantity of expired medication being stored at MMU. Dr Anthony revealed that from 2015 to present day, the Health Ministry has had to dump over $10 billion worth of expired drugs and materials because of bad management.

He related that the electronic system at the MMU – called MAC – has been

down for quite some time and that led to the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government not having a handle on the supplies stored in the central drug bond.

“The amount of medicines we have thrown away from the MMU does not take into consideration some of the expired medicines we had at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and so that too when we look at it, we estimate it is about $3 billion worth of medicine that we had to throw away,” Dr

Anthony informed.

The Minister related that in order to create space at the MMU, they had to dump close to $1 billion in drugs between August and September 2020, and another $1 billion worth between October and March.

He further related that it was quite unfair to taxpayers that such large quantities of drugs have to be dumped.

“In all when we look back at our records, we found that from 2015 to now there have been close to $10 billion worth of medicines that have been thrown away.

So, this is quite a significant sum of money where we purchase these medicines, they were sitting in the bond, expired there and nobody benefited from it.

“More than 80 per cent of MMU bond space was occupied with expired medicine and supplies, and, therefore, we could not have used these medicines and since August, we have been working with Food and Drug Department to start clearing out all of these expired medicines we have at the MMU. We have been able to dispose of some of them, but we still have a lot of expired drugs and medical supplies in the bond,” he added.

Natural gas industry will impact Guyana’s economy Dear Editor, Speaking from the point of view of the Trinidad experience with the natural gas industry as regards revenue

generation and job creation, I would like to place a lot of emphasis on saying that the development of such an industry would greatly

The APNU/AFC...

The many offerings during COVID-19 to better the quality of health care to citizens more than at any other time in this nation’s history, with the many social programmes of empowerment that have begun to positively impact the lives of women, youths and vulnerable groups, have established initiatives that can be further elevated to astronomical levels with the realisation of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, gas-to-shore project, a historical intervention that will make life four-fold more beneficial to all Guyanese.

Renewable energy to work in rural areas.

Our Government, since assuming office, has designed framework to allow regional policy that offer a real opportunity to reconcile policy trade-offs and identify potential complementarities among the three objectives of energy security, climate change mitigation, and job creation.

Underlining the need for a shift in the approach to rural development by using renewable energy for sustainable

FROM PAGE 4

development in rural areas focuses on the competitiveness of rural areas that include embed energy strategies in the local economic development strategy so that it reflects local potentials and needs that are main impetus for promoting renewable energy, and the local economic benefits that were overlooked by the previous APNU/AFC Government.

This groundbreaking project is about lifting Guyana and the Guyanese people to a higher plateau of national pride, since it is about the noble and humanitarian goal of alleviating poverty; and about Guyana laying a stronger foundation for its future generations.

Therefore, Guyanese request both the APNU and the AFC Opposition members and leaders to use their extra time towards joining with the PPP/C Government in lifting our country to greatness, rather than undermine its progress.

Sincerely, David Adams

benefit the Guyana economy, and would be most important for cash flow stabilisation, especially when there is volatility and huge swings in the price of crude oil, which is a proven historical statistic!

This means that, besides generating cheap electricity and cooking gas, if a number of industries are developed from downstream nat-

ural gas, it would create not only well-paying jobs, but also a stable revenue cash flow, which would be very important, as Guyana would not have to depend only on the price of crude oil, which has proven to be very fickle at times and depends on complex geopolitical factors and decisions by the swing producers, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Congratulations to GPA President Nazima Raghubir on her regional election victory Dear Editor, I proudly extend my congratulations to the incumbent President of the Guyana Press Association, Ms. Nazima Raghubir, on her recent election to the Presidency of the Caribbean Media Workers Association.

Ms. Raghubir’s achievement is a momentous one, as it ushered in the 30th annual World Press Freedom Day observance, which refocused the attention of the world’s media on the critical use of “Information as a public good.”

It also comes in a remark-

able season of global breakthroughs for women’s leadership, and is emblematic of the indefatigable strength of the Guyanese media fraternity.

We can expect that the high standards of professionalism and advocacy exercised in her role as president of the Guyana Press Association would be extended across the region.

Very best wishes for a successful tenure.

Sincerely, Minister Kwame McCoy

Natural gas is a great resource, and is very safe and environmentally friendly.

The net effect of downstream natural gas usage would have a powerful invigorating effect, with many

beneficial multiplier effects on the Guyana economy.

Sincerely, Sat Sukdeo Chaguanas, Trinidad

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

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Foundation ◄ Thursday’s answers

Question 1

M

any of fairy tales are full of incredible objects with magical powers like an enchanted mirror.

Other objects might not be magical but they have an important role in the fairy tale — think about Little Red Riding Hood's cape!

What if there was a catalogue where you could browse many of the wondrous items you've heard about in fairy tales from around the world?

In creating your own illustrated catalogue of fairy tale objects, you will be practising your descriptive writing skills. Descriptive writing helps readers create a clear picture in their minds of a person, place, thing, or event. Strong descriptive writing uses one or more of the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, or sound.

Supplies • Pencils and art supplies: coloured pencils, markers, crayons, paint.

• Construction paper: white and colours

• Decorative items: pom poms, glitter, gold leaf paper, sequins, buttons, etc. (optional) • School glue • Stapler • Hole puncher, yarn (optional) Instructions Brainstorm ideas for the objects to include in the catalogue — it could be glass slippers, golden ball, magic harp, flying carpets, or seven-league boots, or ...?

Jot down the items.

The next step is to write vivid descriptions of the objects in the catalogues.

Use one sheet of paper (or a half-sheet) for each object. Write down the descriptions of each object in great detail, using colourful descriptive words.

The following questions can help spark ideas: • What does it feel like to touch? Smooth, rough, sharp, bumpy, squishy?

• Does it have a unique smell?

• What colour or colours? Does it shine or sparkle?

• What materials is it made of? Cloth, jewels, bronze, iron, stone?

• Does it make a sound when you touch it? A clang, a rustle, musical notes?

• What is your object used for? How does it work?

Next, illustrate the objects, using crayons, coloured pencils, or paint. If you have decorative materials on hand (such as pom poms, glitter, gold leaf paper, sequins, or buttons), you can glue these on to create a collage.

This is a project you can keep adding to until you're ready to bind your pages together!

Assembling the catalogue: Once you have finished all of the descriptive illustrated pages, it's time to add a creative cover and bind the pages into a booklet. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark ACT I SCENE I Continued. Elsinore.

A platform before the castle.

Re-enter Ghost HORATIO: 'll cross it, though it blast me. Stay, illusion!

If thou hast any sound, or use of voice, Speak to me: If there be any good thing to be done, That may to thee do ease and grace to me, Speak to me: Cock crows If thou art privy to thy country's fate, Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid, O, speak!

Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life Extorted treasure in the womb of earth, For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death, Speak of it: stay, and speak! Stop it, Marcellus.

MARCELLUS: Shall I strike at it with my partisan?

HORATIO: Do, if it will not stand.

BERNARDO: 'Tis here!

HORATIO: 'Tis here!

MARCELLUS: 'Tis gone!

Exit Ghost We do it wrong, being so majestical, To offer it the show of violence; For it is, as the air, invulnerable, And our vain blows malicious mockery.

BERNARDO: It was about to speak, when the cock crew.

HORATIO: And then it started like a guilty thing Upon a fearful summons. I have heard, The cock, that is the trumpet to the morn, Doth with his lofty and shrill-sounding throat Awake the god of day; and, at his warning, Whether in sea or fire, in earth or air, The extravagant and erring spirit hies To his confine: and of the truth herein This present object made probation.

MARCELLUS: It faded on the crowing of the cock.

Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated, The bird of dawning singeth all night long: And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad; The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike, No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, So hallow'd and so gracious is the time.

HORATIO: So have I heard and do in part believe it.

But, look, the morn, in russet mantle clad, Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill: Break we our watch up; and by my advice, Let us impart what we have seen to-night Unto young Hamlet; for, upon my life, This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him.

Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it, As needful in our loves, fitting our duty?

MARCELLUS: Let's do't, I pray; and I this morning know Where we shall find him most conveniently.

Exeunt End of Scene 1

WORD SEARCH

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man on death row for killing wife to know fate today T

he Guyana Court of Appeal will today render its ruling in an appeal filed by Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident Rupert Browne, who is challenging a death sentence imposed on him for the May 29, 2011 murder of his wife Seema Singh.

Following a trial at the Demerara High Court in 2014, a jury found Browne, called “Bird Man”, guilty of the offence. Justice Brassington Reynolds then sentenced the convicted killer to death by hanging.

Browne, however, subsequently appealed his conviction and sentence.

In his Notice of Appeal, the death row inmate is, among other things, contending that Justice Reynolds made several errors during the trial proceedings, and those errors render his conviction unsafe. In the circumstances,

Wife killer: Rupert Browne

he is asking that his conviction and sentence be set aside.

Singh, a mother of two, was brutally murdered at Helena Number One Village, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. According to reports, Singh, who hailed from Richmond,

Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was stabbed multiple times about her body.

It was reported that Browne became enraged after the woman left their Mahaica residence to visit her children in Essequibo.

The woman had promised to return within a certain time, but when she did not, Brown went in search of her. The man eventually caught up with his wife at a relative’s house in Mahaica, where she had sought refuge.

It was reported that Browne pleaded with the woman to return home, and when she refused his request, he stabbed her several times about the body. The injured woman was rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she succumbed.

During his trial, Browne

Hope...

F

Dead: Seema Singh

had given, from the prisoner’s dock, an unsworn statement in which he denied attacking and killing his spouse. He claimed that he had gone to visit his wife on the day in question and had found her lying in bed in a pool of blood.

…for wider vaccine production rom the beginning, when the COVID-19 pandemic came straight out of Wuhan, in China, scientists and folks with any background in science knew it would be necessary for populations to get vaccinated. This would give them the necessary “herd immunity”, wherein the spread would be halted due to natural or other acquired immunities. Fellas like Trump, who recommended “bleach and ultra-violet light”, were just your regular wackos, who always come out of the woodwork in these matters.

What percentage of the population would ensure herd immunity depends on the context, and a factor that epidemiologists call Ro - pronounced R-nought. It’s also called the “basic reproduction number”, and is the expected number of cases directly generated by one case in a population where all individuals are susceptible to infection. A higher Ro then indicated a faster spread of the virus. While there are other variables - like the protocols we’ve been instructed to follow, like social distancing and wearing masks - the bottom line is that only vaccination will save us from COVID-19 getting out of control.

With the new varieties, which are even more contagious and deadly, the Ro has risen to almost 2, and scientists warn that, presently, 80% of the population must be vaccinated for the country to achieve herd immunity. This means that supplying the vaccines and delivering them to the populace is non-negotiable. And those people who, for whatever reason, are unwilling to be vaccinated are placing the rest of the population at risk. For this reason, as a threat to Public Health, your Eyewitness believes the Government must make vaccination mandatory for everyone.

The biggest constraint up to this point has been the supply of the vaccine. As we saw, even India - the biggest vaccine producer on the planet - can’t keep up with the needed numbers. And this assumes that the vaccine will be effective on the new variants. But the story on production isn’t so simple…India could’ve been producing many more vaccines, but only a couple of companies have been licensed - at a tremendous cost - to produce the vaccines invented for “foreign”.

These companies, like Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna, which have the patents on the vaccines, are making a killing - pun intended. They’ve tenaciously fought off efforts by the WHO and over 100 countries in crisis to loosen their stance. They cite WTO trade rules!!

But the Biden Administration has just pivoted and said they’d accept a temporary lapse of the patent rules under WTO’s TRIP arrangement, to allow wider production of the vaccines. This is historic!

While your Eyewitness knows that months of horse trading lie ahead, there’s now hope we might get ahead of the COVID-19 curve.

Herd immunity!!

…continues to contain Venezuela The Biden Administration also pleased your Eyewitness by continuing with the policies of the Trump Administration on Venezuela. During their elections campaign, there were many on the left in the Democratic Party who castigated Trump and the Republicans for refusing to recognise the Maduro Regime - even though that regime was installed through rigged elections! Biden has now demonstrated he would not be deterred by ideological bullyism, but by democratic principles - taking account of ground realities.

The bottom line is that Maduro comes from a tradition that believes leaders can do whatever they want – ironically, including rigging elections - simply because they’re doing it “for the people”. As if, in democratic elections, it’s not “the people” that’s making the decision on “who governs”.

And those in Guyana who rail about America’s “meddling” should remember that if it weren’t for them, Maduro would’ve already invaded to seize Essequibo and our oil.

The PNC, of course, will be miffed, since Biden will now have to be consistent in condemning rigging in Guyana!!

…dims for IPL Your Eyewitness is despondent that the IPL has been suspended. It provided a spot of brightness in the COVID lockdown.

But if their billion-dollar COVID bubble was pierced, imagine the consequences of our laxity!

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Half-year financial report

Demerara Bank’s taxed profit increases by 51% to $1.3B

Demerara Bank Limited Chairman Yesu Persaud

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espite tough operating conditions and challenges within the global environment, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has recorded a 51 per cent increase in profit after tax, which has gone up to $1.312 billion.

The bank has credited this record-breaking financial performance at the interim period ended March 31, 2021 as a result of its resilient business-model and astute leadership, which have propelled the Bank for nearly three decades.

According to DBL, a profit before taxation of $2.1 billion was recorded, reflecting an increase of 59 per cent for the first half of the financial year; and the taxed profit of $1.312 billion represents a growth of $871 million registered in the corresponding period of

2020.

Demerara Bank also saw an expansion of its balance sheet during its interim period, as loans & advances rose by 7 per cent from $37.6 billion to $40.3 billion. In addition, total deposits increased by 18 per cent to $87.9 billion, as compared to $74.7 billion in the previous year; while net interest income showed an increase of 9 per cent to $2.1 billion from $2 billion last year, backed by increased investment activities.

Further, the bank’s total assets grew by 17 per cent to $105.6 billion, compared to $90 billion during the same period last year, while total operating expenses marginally increased by 2.5 per cent to $606 million, highlighting the cost containment measures adopted by the Bank.

In view of the Bank’s solid performance, shareholders’ earnings per share increased by 51 per cent, from $3.87 to $5.83 per share, and the Board of Directors has recommended an Interim Dividend of $0.40 per share, compared to $0.25 per share paid in 2020.

Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, Yesu Persaud, said, “The Bank’s remarkable performance is a testament of our resilience. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase market volatility, resulting in ex-

the Oil and Gas industry, which could have tremendous advantages for all local businesses.

This half-year performance is consistent with the pattern recorded in DBL’s last end-of-year report, in September 2020, when the bank achieved a $2.263 billion profit after tax, representing an increase of 4 per cent over the previous year.

That performance was

treme challenges in the business environment, we will continue to reassess our growth strategies, build resilience, and ensure longterm sustainability.”

Going forward, the Bank said it remains optimistic in its outlook on the future, and plans to focus its strategies on providing a differentiated customer experience, leveraging on technology to provide uninterrupted banking services, and directing its resources to ensure the health and well-being of its customers, employees, and the communities in which it operates.

Among many other things, Demerara Bank will continue a green and sustainable environment, which to date has seen all its buildings being retrofitted with solar power, resulting in substantial savings over the last four years. It will also be reviewing the strategies to benefit from opportunities that exist in

especially significant, since it was achieved during a period that was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the March 2020 General and Regional election’s impasse. However, the performance surpassed all preceding years, as a result of the practices implemented by the Bank being coupled with efficient management of its assets and liabilities, among other strategies.

Duo granted $350,000 bail each for trafficking in narcotics

Shelroy Clarke

Patricia Grant

Israel Jacob

hirty-two-year-old Shelroy Clarke and 31-year-old Patricia Grant, both of Lot 13A Goedverwagting, ECD, were on Thursday arraigned before Sparendaam Magistrate Alisha George to answer to a charge of trafficking in narcotics.

The charge al-

leges that on May 2, at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, they had in their possession 867.8 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The two persons pleaded not guilty, and were each placed on $350,000 bail.

Their matter has been adjourned to June 3.

Also answering a charge of trafficking in narcotics on Thursday was 74-year-old Israel Jacob of Wrong Turn, 111 Miles Mahdia, Region 8, who appeared virtually before Mahdia Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

He has since been remanded until May 24, 2021.

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FRIDAY, MAY 7,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11 Hearing on Jagdeo’s $20M libel judgement set for May 17 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 7,, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Ferguson asks High Court to dismiss case

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

A

n application filed

by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to set aside a $20 million default judgement in a libel suit brought against him by former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government Minister Annette Ferguson comes up for hearing on Monday, May 17, 2021, before Justice Sandra Kurtzious.

Ferguson had filed the lawsuit in January 2020 and claimed therein that Jagdeo, who was at the time Leader of the Opposition, made defamatory statements in which he questioned her acquisition of a house lot and the construction of her home at Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Attorney-at-Law Devindra Kissoon

Apart from an order setting aside the judgement, Jagdeo’s lawyer, Devindra Kissoon, is also asking the Court to dismiss Ferguson’s lawsuit for delay in accordance with Part 13 of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

On March 11, 2021, Justice Kurtzious, pursuant to Part 12:01 (2) (d) of the CPR, rendered the default judgement after Jagdeo failed to file a defence within the required time. But Jagdeo’s lawyer is seeking to have the judgement set aside on the basis that it was “improper” and “irregular”. Kissoon argues that Ferguson has not fulfilled the requirements necessary for the grant of a default judgement.

Since Ferguson’s claim was for an unspecified sum in damages, Jagdeo argues that the Court should not have issued a default judgement sum, but rather invite his lawyers for an assessment of same.

Shortly after the filing of the lawsuit, Kissoon said that Jagdeo retained Anil Nandlall, SC, the current Attorney General, to represent his interest. The lawyer added that Nandlall drafted a defence in this matter before January 27, 2020, but owing to several reasons, the defence was not filed.

Kissoon deposes that at the time the defence was due, Nandlall was legal adviser to Jagdeo and was also a senior member of the People’s

Justice Sandra Kurtzious

Progressive Party (PPP) who was responsible for large portions of the Party’s campaign for the March 2020 national elections.

Even after the elections concluded, Kissoon added that Nandlall continued to be extensively and exclusively engaged in matters relating to elections, including acting as lead counsel in election-related litigation, as well as matters involving a recount of votes.

“These tasks resulted in Mr Nandlall inadvertently failing to file the defence though drafted. This inadvertence was not due to neglect, but rather a combination of unusual and exceptional circumstances, which caused counsel to simply be unable to comply with the time lim-

its established by the rules.”

Additionally, Kissoon submitted that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the shuttering of Nandlall’s law office for several months and the subsequent relocation of files. Because of this, the lawyer stated that Nandlall did not discover that the defence, though drafted, was not filed.

According to Kissoon, “[Jagdeo] ought not to be penalised for law office inadvertence.”

Jagdeo’s lawyer has since filed his defence in which he argues that his client has a real prospect of successfully defending the lawsuit, since the statements made by him were not defamatory and the defences of justification, fair comment, qualified privilege, and the provisions of the Defamation Act apply.

“In any event, it is clear from the facts alleged in the Statement of Claim that the comments concerned the distribution of State land and the conduct of public officials, which are matters of public interest and matters concerning the discharge of public functions, [Jagdeo], a constitutional office holder, being entitled to bring these matters to the public’s attention,” Kissoon put forward.

Taking this into consideration, he submits that Jagdeo acted “reasonably and responsibly”.

Former APNU/AFC Government Minister Annette Ferguson

Dismiss

“It is noteworthy that the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting the world, but this has not prevented [Jagdeo] from filing this application within a few days of being served with the Order of Court,” Ferguson’s lawyer, Lyndon Amsterdam has said in response to Jagdeo’s application.

According to Amsterdam, on March 23, 2020, new protocols for the filing of matters and documents in the High Court’s Registry were published in the Official Gazette, and members of the Bar were notified of same by the Guyana Bar Association.

TURN TO PAGE 13

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 7,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Construction worker busted with cocaine, ganja

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The ganja and cocaine found on the construction worker

27-year-old construction worker of Third Street Mon Repos, East

Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Wednesday taken into custody after he was found in posses-

sion of 10.63 grams of cocaine and 31.71 grams of ganja.

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 20:20h, a party of Police ranks from Regional Division 4C were on patrol in the area when they observed the construction worker acting in a suspicious manner. As such, a search was conducted on his person, during which they found one transparent Ziplock bag containing the ganja and another bag containing a white rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine.

The man was arrested and taken to the Beterverwagting Police Station, where the illicit substances were weighed in his present. He remains in custody pending charges.

Another 21 arrested in Bartica for breaching COVID-19 guidelines

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ess than three days after 15 persons in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines, the Police have again arrested another 21 persons.

The violators were arrested on Wednesday during an enforcement exercise at several shops and liquor restaurants. They were reportedly arrested for failing to wear face masks, and, as such, they were placed on $10,000 cash bail each, and are expected to attend court on the following dates: May 12, 13 and 14, 2021.

Among those arrested were several miners who reside outside of the district.

Only recently, owner of the popular Sleep-In Hotel, along with the hotel’s cashier and two patrons, was placed before the courts after being charged for breaching the national COVID-19

curfew.

It was reported that on March 12, at the Sleep-In Hotel on Church Street, Georgetown, the owner breached the curfew imposed between the hours of 22:30h and 04:00h.

Nevertheless, his attorney, Latchmi Rahamat, told the court that the stipulated guidelines for hotels, interior lodges and guest houses are listed as essential services and are granted permission to operate 24 hours. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of $10,000.

Similarly, the hotel’s cashier and a patron were also released on $10,000 bail. Over the past weeks, several other persons were arrested and charged for breaching the COVID-19 restrictions across the country. These arrests were made in light of the rising new cases of the virus that are detected especially among the younger population.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 7,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $600M in ganja, guns and ammo found during Ebini raid

One of the camps on fire A quantity of the processed ganja

The motorcycles found on the farms

another makeshift camp.

The third and fourth farms consisted of two makeshift camps with cannabis plants under cultivation.

In addition, six motorcycles were found at the farms along with an abandoned wooden boat, which was later claimed by the Toshao of Sand Hills.

Acting on information received, Police then conducted a search on the home of a cattle rancher and one un-

Another set of dried cannabis

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ne man was taken into custody following the discovery over $600 million worth of processed ganja and a large quantity of cannabis plants during a raid at Ebini, Upper Berbice River on Wednesday.

Based on reports received, a party of Police ranks travelled to the area to carry out an eradiation exercise during which approximately 273 kilograms (600lbs) of processed ganja along with 10,000 cannabis plants ranging from three inches to five feet in height were found and destroyed on a five-acre farm.

In addition to the ganja, one 12-gauge shotgun,

92 16-gauge cartridges, 15 12-gauge cartridges, one single-barrel shotgun, six motorcycles and one wooden boat were found.

Upon arriving at the first farm, the Police reportedly came under fire and without hesitation, they returned fire.

Subsequently, a search was conducted and a single-barrel shotgun and a 12-gauge empty cartridge were found. Four bulky black plastic bags with a quantity of processed cannabis and kitchen utensils were also found in a makeshift camp.

At the second farm, more processed ganja and kitchen utensils were found in

Hearing on Jagdeo’s...

FROM PAGE 11

The lawyer submitted that during the onset of the pandemic, Jagdeo’s then-lawyer, Nandlall filed several matters and documents in the High Court in response to election-related matters by making use of the protocols set out in the Official Gazette.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 in Guyana did not inhibit his active participation in these matters,” Amsterdam notes.

The lawyer contends that the elections held in 2020 were determined on August 2, 2020, and since then, more than six months have elapsed and no application has been made by the Vice President for relief from sanctions and enlargement of time to file a defence.

Ferguson submits that she was advised by her counsel and believes that inadvertence by counsel as a reason for non-compliance with rules has been frowned upon and rejected as a rea-

son for a litigant not to comply with rules for the simple reason that all lawyers can then put forward this reason to get an extension of time to comply with rules on behalf of their clients.

The former APNU/AFC Government Minister tells the court that she will be “severely prejudiced” should Jagdeo’s application to set aside the multimillion-dollar judgement be granted.

Against this backdrop, Ferguson is not only asking the Court to dismiss Jagdeo’s application, but to urgently resolve the matter because her reputation has been tarnished by the unjustified statements he made which continue to be repeated by other members of the PPP/C. Ferguson filed an identical lawsuit against Guyana Times, which she claimed published articles based on Jagdeo’s statements. This matter is still engaging the attention of the High Court.

licensed 12-gauge shotgun with 92 16-gauge cartridges and 15 12-gauge cartridges were found.

He was arrested and escorted to Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, and the firearm and cartridges were lodged.

The processed cannabis and the cannabis plants have a street value of $680,600,000.

Investigations are ongoing.

A makeshift camp that was found during the raid

14 NEWS GWI gets $45M high-tech truck to accelerate maintenance T FRIDAY, MAY 7,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will now be able to spend less than half of the time it currently takes to maintain its wells on the coastland, because it has procured a hydraulic maintenance truck and accompanying equipment to the tune of $45 million.

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh on Tuesday last inspected the new machinery in the compound of the GWI Head Office in Georgetown.

He said that the machinery, which was imported from Holland, is highly sophisticated and will further boost

the company’s already robust well maintenance programme for its 145 wells on the coastland.

The CEO added that, presently, works are apace

by GWI, in collaboration with the Dutch principals, to ensure that the machinery is operational within the shortest possible time.

According to him, personnel have already been trained in Holland to operate the truck and accompanying equipment.

Baksh also turned his attention to a drilling rig which he said was acquired two years ago but has never been utilised. GWI will be

for conventional water well development and mainte-

nance.

Further, the truck comes equipped with a lifting crane and a built-in, high-powered, high-pressure water pump, which is exactly what is needed to clean well screens which, overtime, become clogged naturally.

Browne noted that once the production of a well drops to 70% of its original value, it is an indication of the need for rejuvenation.

This rejuvenation is exactly what the newly acquired machinery is designed to do. It allows more water to come into the well to match its original production just after well construction. All of the machinery is mobile and can access drilling sites across the coast.

heard and upon checking, persons observed that the house, located at 50-52 Lusignan Railway Embankment and owned by Rukhmin Ramdular, was on fire.

The property was left abandoned by the owner, but it was later occupied by four Venezuelan men. As

soon as the fire was spotted, persons contacted the Guyana Fire Service and the firemen were able to put out the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.

An investigation has been launched into the blaze.

The newly-acquired hydraulic maintenance truck being inspected by GWI CEO Shaik Baksh and staff

mobilising the rig within a month to drill a new well on the island of Wakenaam in Region 3. That well would be drilled by an in-house team.

Meanwhile, GWI’s Manager of Groundwater and Wells Services, Orin Browne, explained that the truck, in addition to the Jetting and Plunging trailers, was designed to activate and complete well rehabil-

itation in a fraction of the time that it normally takes

Fire guts home occupied

by Venezuelans

A

fire of unknown origin has completely gutted a building that was occupied by four Venezuelans on Wednesday at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, about 20:30h on the day in question, a loud explosion was

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger files $2B libel suit against Nascimento and 3 newspapers ...denies he is dishonest, deceitful, habitually hypocritical, etc

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laiming that his reputation was tarnished, former President David Granger has mounted a monster $2.6 billion lawsuit against Guyana Times, Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, and Public Relations Specialist Christopher “Kit” Nascimento.

The 134-page Statement of Claim was filed by Granger’s lawyer, Roysdale Forde, SC, and lodged at the High Court in Georgetown. Forde had been appointed Senior Counsel by Granger and is presently a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament (MP).

In the lawsuit, Granger alleged that he was defamed in letters sent to the newspapers’ editors by Nascimento relating to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections and the events that unfolded after.

Apart from the billion-dollar award for damages, Granger wants the Court to grant him aggravated and exemplary damages, interest, costs, and any such further or other orders the Court deems.

The lawsuit accuses Nascimento of launching and sustaining a series of defamatory attacks from March 2020 to August 2020 against Granger through opinion pieces that were published by the newspapers.

According to Granger’s counsel, the attacks were “relentless and displayed a complete disregard for the truth”.

Granger said the publications suggested that he was of unsound mind, a liar, involved in criminal and illegal activities and practices, and unfit to be the President of Guyana.

Moreover, he said that the pieces penned by the PR Specialist inferred that he was not innocent of any attempt to force a fraud on the country, that he lied to the people of Guyana and the A Partnership

Former President David Granger

for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), and that he wanted to remain in Government regardless of the expressed will of the people at those elections.

Denies

The former President said he denied accusations that he encouraged and/or supported efforts to move to the Courts inclusive of the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice to deny the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh of her authority to produce the election results.

He also denies that he is dishonest, deceitful, habitually hypocritical, of dubious credibility, and wanted to remain in office as President to rule without any regard or care regardless of the consequences to Guyana. Granger further denies that he used invented irregularities to claim a victory for himself as President and the APNU/AFC at the national elections and refused to accept the election results.

He is denying that he permitted his Attorney General [Basil Williams], to argue that the Recount Order was illegal and that he, along with his lawyers, attempted to throw out the recount he agreed to abide by. Additionally, he has rejected accusations that he permitted Williams to argue that GECOM’s Chairman was obligated to accept the declaration made by Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield.

According to the former President’s lawyer, during the election period, his client made several public broadcasts to the nation in which he communicated to the nation, the diplomatic community, and civil society that: “As President of Guyana and Leader of the Government, it is my policy that any declaration coming from the Chairman of GECOM will be accepted by the Government of Guyana.”

The Senior Counsel submitted that following the declaration of another candidate as the winner of the elections, his client accepted the said declaration “as he always stated that he would accept any declaration coming from the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.”

Suffered

As a result of the publications, Granger claims that he and his family have suffered and continue to suffer financial injury, constant grave distress, humiliation, embarrassment, indignity, pain, and suffering. Besides damaging his character and reputation, he claims, too, that the “statements have no basis in fact, are malicious, grossly inaccurate, and intended to deceive the public”.

“The effect of the publications was intended to and calculated to damage the reputa-

tion of [Granger] and expose him to unwarranted hatred, ridicule, vilification, and contempt…The effect of the publications was intended to and calculated to also disparage the record of [Granger] as the President of Guyana and as an honest person,” Forde contends.

“As a result of the said headlines and articles and its dissemination, online and offline, [Granger’s] personal and professional reputation and standing has been irreparably and severely damaged, lowered in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and [Granger] has suffered and continues to suffer financial injury, constant dis-

tress, humiliation, embarrassment, indignity, pain, and suffering.”

Having regard to the foregoing, the Senior Counsel is asking the Court to grant the orders asked for in the claim as well as substantial costs. In the meantime, Granger has applied for injunctions to restrain Nascimento and the newspapers whether by themselves or servants and/or agents from posting, printing, publishing, sharing, recording or otherwise recreating and disseminating the defamatory letters.

The former Head of State is also seeking a mandatory injunction compelling the newspapers whether by them-

selves, their servants, and/or agents to forthwith permanently remove the letters to the editors in question in their online editions. The lawsuit is yet to be assigned to a Judge.

Nascimento, in an invited comment to this newspaper, said he was standing by his remarks about the former Head of State.

“I am astonished at Mr Granger’s lawsuit. He certainly places an extraordinarily high price on what he believes to be his reputation.

I am satisfied that anything I have written or said about Mr Granger was in defence of democracy and the freedom of Guyana,” the PR specialist said briefly.

1 arrested after vehicle intercepted at checkpoint with ganja

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ne man was taken into custody after he admitted ownership of a quantity of cannabis which was found in a vehicle at the Itaballi checkpoint, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Thursday.

Based on reports received, the 34-year-old man was in the company of several others as they were making their way to Pappy Show Landing.

At the checkpoint, the vehicle in which they were travelling was intercepted by Police, who conducted a search of the tray of the truck. Ranks subsequently unearthed a quantity of ganja in a transparent plastic stashed in a navy-blue jacket.

The occupants of the motor vehicle were arrested and taken to Bartica Police Station, where the suspect who was part of the group of men arrested admitted own-

The drug that was intercepted at the Itaballi checkpoint

ership of the illegal drug.

The cannabis was reportedly weighed in his presence

and amounted to 517 grams.

The detained man is expected to be charged shortly.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

May’s COVID deaths climb to 10 as 2 more die …128 new cases recorded in 24h, death toll now stands at 310

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ess than one week into May, Guyana has already reported 10 deaths from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

As of Wednesday, two more persons have died from the virus, taking the overall death toll to 310.

The Health Ministry on Thursday stated that a 57-year-old male and a 62-year-old female from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) died while receiving care at a medical facility.

On Monday, three persons had succumbed to the

virus, followed by one more on Tuesday.

Statistics provided by the Ministry on Thursday showed that 128 new cases of the virus were detected in the previous 24 hours.

An updated dashboard by the Health Ministry revealed that the total confirmed cases taking a steep increase to 13,957.

Sixteen patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 99 are in institutional isolation, 1745 are in home isolation and eight are in institutional quarantine.

The country has seen 11,787 recoveries.

Some 127,708 individuals were tested thus far – of which the positives showed a gender breakdown of 6990 males and 6967 females.

Of the new cases, nine were recorded in Region One (BarimaWaini); five in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 30 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 42 in Demerara-Mahaica; eight in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four in

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); four in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); two in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and seven in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed that authorities were fearful of cases coming in from Brazil. While law enforcement is monitoring the border regions, the porosity of the border provides a challenge in preventing such infiltration.

“We have a large land border with Brazil and we still see cases in Brazil.

The fear is persons who are commuting back and forth can bring those cases to Guyana. Since January, we have worked very hard to restrict movement across the land border and air border.

We have the Joint Services working hard to restrict

movements. Despite our best efforts, I am sure there might be people who are slipping over,” he stated.

In the event that a positive case is detected, Dr Anthony assured that resources were being directed to contain a spread. The Ministry currently uses its health teams to provide sensitisation and control in these communities.

“If we become aware of a case, we try to put all the protocols in place to make sure that it is contained. Right now, with the cases we have seen in some of the communities, our health teams have really gone out to those communities and have really worked with those communities, advising them on the protocols that they need to take. So, we’re trying to contain the cases.”

As of Thursday, 31 per cent of the adult population was vaccinated across the country, amounting to 150,694 persons, with more than 6000 persons receiving their second doses.

Linden male nurse gets 3 years for child luring A

Linden registered nurse was on Thursday jailed for three years after he was found guilty of child luring.

Thirty-two-year-old Yohan London, of Section C Christiansburg, Wismar, Linden was slapped with the sentence when he appeared virtually before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

According to the particulars of the case, between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, London used a computer system to communicate with a child with intent to induce them to engage in sexual conversations or activities.

The incidents occurred at Wismar, Linden. London was previously charged for sexual activity committed on a male minor.

Yohan London

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

continues for missing Linden Strathspey man found Search labourer who allegedly drowned at Mabura dead in Buxton trench T

Shelton Henry

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olice are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 46-year-old Shelton Henry, whose partially decomposed body was found in a trench

at Company Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at about 09:00h on Thursday.

According to the Police, Henry was an alcoholic who resided at Lot 202 Area ‘G’ Strathspey, ECD. Enquiries disclosed that he was last seen alive by his relative on Thursday along Company Road Buxton, ECD in a drunken state.

His body was observed by villagers floating in a trench that runs north to south on the eastern half of Company Road Buxton on Thursday.

Following the discovery, the body was identified by his uncle Gavin McPherson.

The body was taken to

the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Dominique Lackhan, a cousin of the late Shelton Henry, told Guyana Times that Henry had lived in Strathspey but would frequent Buxton. Lackhan explained that, on most occasions, after imbibing in Buxton, the deceased would stay at a house in the area.

Further, she said the trench in which he was found is near to the home at which he stayed in Buxton.

As such, she believes that he might have been heading to the house in a drunken state and possibly fell overboard and drowned.

WHO calls for better infection control practices

…low-income countries facing risks

O

ne of the latest surveys by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised the urgent need to reduce inequalities in the availability of good hand hygiene and other infection prevention and control measures between high-income and lower-income countries.

In a statement, the global agency informed that a new online monitoring portal would help countries identify and address gaps. It noted that infection control is a serious issue presently, when the world is battling a new coronavirus.

“This is a serious challenge at any time, but COVID-19 has dramatically demonstrated just how important good hand hygiene practices are in reducing the risk of transmission when used as part of a comprehensive package of preventative measures,” the WHO has said.

Good hand hygiene is also vital in preventing any infection acquired in health care, the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and in other emerging health threats.

Infections acquired during health care delivery are a major global health problem, but patients in low- and middle-income countries are twice as likely to experience this as patients in high-income countries, measuring 15 per cent and seven per cent of patients respectively.

The study added, “The risk in intensive care unit (ICU), especially among newborns, is between two and 20 times higher. One reason for this is that, in some low-income countries, only one in 10 health workers practices proper hand hygiene while caring for patients at high risk of health

care-associated infections in ICU - often because they simply do not have the facilities to do so.”

The survey found a key challenge in the lack of financial resources and crumbling infrastructure. The 2020 WHO Global progress report on WASH in health care facilities: Fundamentals first report reveals that, globally, one in four health care facilities does not have basic water services, and one in three lacks hand hygiene supplies at the point of care.

The survey, conducted on 88 countries, found that the level of progress of hand hygiene and infection prevention and control programmes, especially regarding actual implementation, was significantly lower in low than in middle- and high-income countries.

“In 2018, only 45 per cent of low-income countries had a functional national IPC programme, compared to 5371 per cent of middle and high-income countries; and dedicated budget to support it was available in only five

per cent of low-income countries, as opposed to 18 and 50 per cent of middle and high-income countries.”

While national guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control practices existed in 50 per cent of low-income countries and 69-77 per cent of middle and high-income countries, only 20 per cent and 29-57 per cent had implementation plans and strategies in low, and middle and high-income countries respectively. Overall, only 22 per cent of all countries monitored implementation roll-out and impact.

“Few countries have the capacity to monitor IPC effectively.

WHO’s first ever IPC monitoring portal is a protected online platform for countries to collect data in a standardised and user-friendly manner, and download their situation analysis following data entry along with advice on areas and approaches for improvement…Healthcare acquired infections affect millions of patients and health workers worldwide every year.”

he search continued on Thursday for a missing Linden labourer who has been feared drowned in a creek at Mabura in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident involving 20-year-old Akeem Davidson of Retrieve, Mackenzie, Linden, who went missing since Tuesday last.

It was reported that at about 14:15h on the day in question, Davidson and his friend, Sheldon Vanaco, went to take a bath at a creek located about 300 metres away from their mining camp.

While they were swimming in the creek, Davidson went

Missing: Akeem Davidson

under the water and never resurface.

The friend allegedly told Police that he shouted at Davidson, telling him to

“stop playing”, but after fifteen minutes had elapsed and there was no response from Davidson, he went back to the camp and alerted Ephraim Benn - the camp owner.

They reportedly went back to the scene and searched for Davidson, but there was no sign of him.

A team of Police ranks has been dispatched to the area to search for Davidson, but searches have so far come up empty-handed. Both the camp owner and the friend have been taken into custody for questioning.

Region 10 Commander, Senior Superintendent Hugh Winter, on Thursday declared that the search for Davidson is ongoing.

Labourer granted bail on armed robbery charges

A

keem Forte, 27, of Inner Bagotville, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was on Thursday placed on bail in the sum of $350,000 when he made his second appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Forte has been slapped with three counts of armed robbery. He initially was charged on April 19, 2021, and was remanded after being accused of robbing Jadeshwar Doolchand, Veena Sahadeo and Navindra Koonlall on dif-

Akeem Forte

ferent occasions.

However, after a successful bail application made by his attorney Bernard

DaSilva, he has been placed on bail, and the matter has been adjourned to May 20, 2021.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

Regional

Brazil: At least 25 killed in Windrush victim wins court fight over application fees for family Rio de Janeiro shoot-out

According to local news, the gang targeted in this raid engages in drug trafficking, mugging, murders, and kidnappings

A

t least 25 people, including a Police Officer, have been killed in a shoot-out in Rio de Janeiro, according to local media.

The shoot-out took place during a Police operation in a favela in the Jacarezinho area of the city.

Police launched the operation after receiving reports that drug traffickers were recruiting children for their gang.

Two passengers on a metro train were hit by bullets, but survived.

Police in the Brazilian city confirmed the death of one of their officers, Inspector Andre Leonardo de Mello Frias. A statement on Facebook said “he honoured the profession he loved and will be missed”.

Police Chief Ronaldo Oliveira told Reuters news agency that Thursday’s raid was “the largest number of deaths in a Police operation

in Rio”.

According to local news, the gang targeted in this raid engages in drug trafficking, mugging, murders, and kidnappings.

Television images showed suspects trying to escape across rooftops as Police entered the favela.

Meanwhile, residents of Jacarezinho have shared accounts of what they witnessed on social media.

One resident posted a photo of his blood-covered floor and said two people had died in his house as Police chased the criminals.

The man, who did not want to give his name, said he would try to move out of the area as soon as possible.

“We’re trying to sell the house as fast as possible, we can’t continue to live here,” he said.

Other residents said officers had seized their phones, accusing them of warning gang members of the raid.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombia sees calmer protests, industry groups warn of fuel shortages

P

rotests in Colombia marked their ninth day on Thursday with smaller groups of demonstrators in cities including Bogota and Medellin, while industry groups warned of gasoline shortages across the country following road blocks.

Protests began last week in opposition to a now-cancelled tax reform plan, but demonstrators have since broadened their demands to include Government action to tackle poverty, Police violence and inequality in the

health and education systems.

Marches around the country have been marred by violence and 24 people have died, mostly demonstrators.

International organisations have warned against excessive use of force by Police.

Three people were shot in the small city of Pereira on Wednesday night, with a reward of up to 50 million pesos (around US$13,000) offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

In Bogotá, a group of hundreds of demonstrators, mostly young people, intermittently blocked a major road in the city’s north, encouraging stopped vehicles to honk in support.

“I’m protesting for our rights – food and utilities (costs)are always rising and what you earn isn’t enough,” said student Alejandra Cortes, 17.

Police violence during demonstrations also brought protesters out. (Excerpt from Reuters)

R

elatives of a woman caught up in the Windrush scandal can apply for permission to live in Britain without paying thousands of pounds in fees, the High Court has ruled.

Charging the family of Lynda Mahabir would be a “colossal interference” in her human rights, the court said.

The fees would cost more than £20,000.

Mahabir, 52, was unable to live in the UK until 2018 and says the Government didn’t correctly record her immigration status in the 1970s.

Her case was similar to thousands of other Windrush victims.

When she was finally able to come to the UK, she risked being separated from her relatives in Trinidad because the family could not afford to pay application fees of nearly £23,000, required for permission to join her.

Mahabir took the Government to court claiming the financial impact of the fees had separated her from her husband, Winston, and five children.

Her lawyers argued this was a breach of her right to family life, and discriminated against her relatives.

The Deputy High Court Judge Tim Smith ruled in favour of the family, and against the Home Secretary.

Reacting to the ruling, Mahabir told the BBC: “There are things that are worth fighting for and this was one of them.

“The UK is not really a bad place. It’s got lots of opportunities, not only for me but for my family also and in my mind it was worth fighting for.”

The Home Office says it is currently reviewing its policy for situations where the application fee for relatives can be waived. (Excerpt from BBC News)

St Vincent volcano alert downgraded to orange

T

he volcano alert in St Vincent and the Grenadines has been downgraded from red to orange.

The country’s Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, confirmed this during a virtual press conference on Thursday morning.

It’s been a month since the La Soufrière volcano erupted.

It has left many areas coated in ash and others affected by lahars (mudflows). Residents of the northern part of the island (the red zone) were evacuated after Dr Gonsalves issued a red alert.

Evacuees have been staying at the homes of friends and family, at hotels or one of the 80-plus designated shelters.

On Monday, seismologist and vulcanologist Roderick Stewart said residents of the “orange zone” could begin re-

It’s been a month since the La Soufrière volcano erupted. It has left many areas coated in ash and others affected by lahars (mudflows)

turning to their homes. Dr Gonsalves said it was officially decided in Cabinet on Wednesday.

During the press conference on Thursday, he said, “On the matter of the alert level, yesterday the Cabinet formally decided to bring the alert level to orange.

“What that means, essentially, is absolutely you can’t go into the red zone unless you have permission by the State authorities. But all the orange zone people can go

and return. And we will publish this...

“But what we are saying is, if you are staying in the lower part of Chateaubelair and in Fitz Hughes, that we do not want you to go back, and, therefore, we will prevent you from going back there, because we haven’t finished the cleaning of all the ash, and it doesn’t make sense you go back with all the ash on the street and so on.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Jamaican named Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Scotland

J

amaica’s Honorary Consul to Scotland, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, has been named the new Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sir Geoff, who is an internationally renowned scientist and human rights activist, will assume his new role at an official inauguration ceremony, which will be held during the university’s bicentennial celebrations in October 2021.

As Chancellor, he will play a central role in promoting Heriot-Watt’s international reputation as a pioneer in research and education across its campuses in Scotland, Malaysia and Dubai.

Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Seth George Ramocan, expressed pleasure at Sir Geoff’s new appointment.

Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Scotland, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, who has been named the new Chancellor of HeriotWatt University in Edinburgh, Scotland (Photo: CMC)

“This is a proud moment for the Jamaican Diaspora and for all Jamaicans across the world. Sir Geoff, who made history in 1989 when he became Scotland’s first black professor, continues

to be a stalwart supporter of Jamaica and the diaspora and a tireless advocate for human rights. He exemplifies academic excellence and his research into the history and connections between Scotland and the Caribbean is well known and highly regarded,” he said.

Sir Geoff completed his PhD in grain science and technology in 1967. He went on to a successful research career with Brewing Industry Research Foundation in Surrey. During this time, he invented the barley abrasion process, before returning to Heriot-Watt University in 1977 where he remained until his retirement in 2005.

Following his retirement, he earned the academic title of Professor Emeritus. He was knighted in 2014 for services in the fields of human rights, science and charity. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices slip more than 1%

O

il prices slipped on Thursday, reversing early gains under pressure from rising COVID-19 infections in India and elsewhere although prices retained some support from a report the previous session that showed US crude inventories fell much more sharply than expected.

Brent crude oil futures fell by 43 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to US$68.54 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) US crude futures slipped 92 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to settle at US$64.71 per barrel.

“When Saudi Arabia cut their crude selling price, it was a stark reminder that there are still pockets of danger of COVID that could impact demand,” said Phil Flynn, a senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

On Wednesday, both benchmarks hit their highest since midMarch before retreating to close little changed after two days of gains.

India posted record daily COVID-19 infections and deaths, with the virus spreading from cities to villages across the world’s second-most populous nation, dashing hopes that the country’s deadly second wave was about to peak.

Yet easing restrictions in Europe and falling US crude inventories supported prices.

“As the rollout of vaccines continues and a pent-up summer driving season continues to manifest, this trend should accelerate, keeping demand for motor fuels robust and boosting market confidence in the recovery story,” Citi analysts said in a note.

US crude stocks fell more than expected last week as refining output rose and exports surged, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

Crude inventories fell by eight million barrels to 485.1 million barrels in the week to April 30, compared with expectations in a Reuters poll for a drop of 2.3 million barrels. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID: Germany rejects US-backed proposal to waive vaccine patents

G

ermany has voiced opposition to a USbacked proposal to waive patents on COVID-19 vaccines, saying they were not hindering production of the jabs.

Its Government said "the protection of intellectual property is a source of innovation and must remain so".

The European Union earlier said it was ready to talk about the proposal, and some States gave it their full backing.

Supporters of the plan say it will allow more manufacturers to produce the life-saving vaccines.

They argue that this will increase access to jabs in poorer countries.

But opponents, including drug makers, say it may not

Supporters of the plan say it will allow more manufacturers to produce the life-saving vaccines

have the desired effect.

The idea was originally proposed by India and South Africa, who have been leading a group of about 60 countries at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) – an intergovernmental body that promotes global commerce.

The group is pushing for the temporary removal of intellectual property protections on vaccines.

The proposal was met with strong opposition from the previous US Administration of Donald Trump, as well as the UK and the EU.

But it gained momentum this week after the US backed it.

WTO head Ngozi OkonjoIweala told the BBC's Newshour programme that she welcomed US support for the waiver. She said members should negotiate a pragmatic agreement over vaccine production because the current inequity was "not right".

Meanwhile in Germany, Health Minister Jens Spahn said the country would allow the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered to all adults, reversing a previous decision to restrict the shot to people over the age of 60 because of concerns over rare blood clots seen in a tiny number of recipients.

(Excerpted from BBC News)

Former Maldives President hurt in suspected bomb attack

F

ormer Maldives President and current Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed was injured in a blast outside his family home on Thursday, Police said in a statement.

“Following an explosion … Speaker of Parliament President Mohamed Nasheed has sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital [in the capital Male],” the statement said on Thursday.

Photos circulated on so-

cial media showed a rippedup motorcycle at the scene, but Police did not say whether the blast was an assassination attempt.

Maldives Home Minister Imran Abdulla told a local television channel that Nasheed’s injuries were not life-threatening and that the Government would receive the assistance of foreign agencies in its investigation.

An unidentified Maldivian Government official told AFP news agency

by telephone that “Nasheed escaped an assassination attempt”.

“He is injured, but his condition is stable.”

A family member said Nasheed, 53, had sustained several wounds.

“They have put him under anaesthesia. There is a deeper cut on one of his arms,” the family member told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said Nasheed was responsive and spoke with doctors as he was taken in

with shrapnel injuries.

At least one of his bodyguards was also taken to hospital. State TV channel PSM reported that a foreign tourist was also injured.

In a statement on Twitter, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said: “Cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with President Nasheed and others injured in this attack, as well as their families.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Cutting methane gas “crucial for climate fight” Qatar orders arrest of Finance Minister amid probe

Q

R

Methane gas bubbles trapped in a frozen Alaskan lake

educing emissions of methane gas is vital for tackling climate change in the short-term, a major United Nations report says.

Methane is produced when living things decompose; it's also in natural gas.

It persists for just a short time in the atmosphere – unlike carbon dioxide – but methane is a much more potent global warming gas than CO2.

The report says "urgent steps" are necessary in order to reduce methane if global warming is to be kept within a limit laid down in the Paris deal.

This agreement, signed by 200 countries, aims to keep the global temperature rise to within 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century.

The 1.5C target is regarded as the gateway to "dangerous" warming, where the planet could experience serious adverse effects of climate change.

The report comes as data

showed both CO2 and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere reached record highs last year.

This happened despite pandemic lockdowns, which massively reduced economic activity.

The good news is that the UN report says rapid and significant reductions in the greenhouse gas are possible using existing technologies and a very low cost.

Methane is also a source for another gas – ozone – in the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere (known as the troposphere) In addition to saving money, cutting methane would yield significant health benefits by reducing the amount of ground-level ozone – a pollutant that's harmful to the human body.

The recommendations come from an international team of scientists, who have produced the Global Methane Assessment for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). (Excerpt from BBC News)

atar has ordered the arrest of Finance Minister Ali Shareef al-Emadi as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of public funds and abuse of power, and relieved him of his ministerial responsibilities.

Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Thursday that the Attorney General had ordered the arrest after the review of documents and reports regarding crimes related to the Public Sector.

“The Attorney General has ordered the arrest of Minister of Finance Ali Sharif Al Emadi, and his questioning about matters raised in the reports regarding crimes pertaining to public office, such as damage to public funds, exploiting one’s post, and abuse

of power,” QNA said.

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued a decree relieving al-Emadi from his responsibilities as Finance Minister, according to a statement from the emir’s office later on Thursday.

The Emir also announced the appointment of Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Minister, to take up the responsibilities of finance minister in addition to the duties of his current role.

The decree comes into immediate effect from the date it was issued and will be published in the official gazette, said the statement.

Al-Emadi, who oversaw the growth of Qatar National

Qatar's Finance Minister, Ali Shareef al-Emadi

Bank, has served as Finance Minister since 2013.

He sits on the board of Qatar’s powerful US$300 billion sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin

Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told Reuters news agency that the probe was related to al-Emadi’s capacity as Finance Minister, and not to his posts at either the sovereign fund or the bank.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Amnesty International to restore "prisoner of conscience" status to Russia's Navalny – aide

A

m n e s t y International will next week announce it is reversing a decision to strip jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny of its "prisoner of conscience" status, a top aide said on Thursday.

The human rights group announced on February 24 that it would stop referring to Navalny as a prisoner of conscience on the grounds

that in the past he had made comments that qualified as advocacy of hatred.

Navalny's chief of staff Leonid Volkov, speaking in English to Canadian legislators, accused Russia of carrying out a series of dirty tricks to blacken the politician's reputation.

"They (Amnesty) told me just yesterday that they will issue a press release on May 12 after they have

examined how the Russian disinformation campaign managed to influence them," he told the House of Commons foreign affairs committee.

"They will not only reinstate his status, but they will also issue a post-mortem," he said.

A spokeswoman at Amnesty's main media centre in London said she had no immediate com-

ment.

The 44-year-old Russian Opposition politician was arrested in January and sentenced to jail for parole violations he called trumped up.

Navalny has been criticised for past nationalist statements against illegal immigration and for attending an annual nationalist march several years ago. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Proceed with caution. If you jump into something before you have all the details, you could regret it.

Refuse to commit to anything until you are sure it is best for you.

Take care of loose ends, and you will feel less stressed.

(April 20Healthy activities are an exMay 20) cellent way to maximize your physical and emotional well-being. Try something you’ve never done.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Be open to suggestions, but don’t let anyone take control.

(May 21- Don’t take on too much; you June 20) won’t have the stamina to live up to your promises. Putting things off and being secretive won’t help.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Work in conjunction with people who think like you.

Together you can make a difference or achieve an objective that will improve your life and surroundings. Romance is in the stars.

Put your energy into someLEO thing that will make a differ(July 23Aug. 22) ence. Work alongside people who share your opinions and concerns. Don’t take sides or waste time on no-win situations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Make plans with a friend, relative or loved one. You don’t have to spend money to have fun. A lifestyle change will boost your ego and give you the confidence to share your feelings and intentions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Think about what you want.

Find out what’s entailed if you’re going to avoid costly mistakes. Make a point to finish what you start. Stick to a plan and budget. Use your intelligence to avoid an argument.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Uncertainty will leave you at odds with a friend, relative or colleague. Don’t do anything that might jeopardize a meaningful relationship or your living arrangements.

Protect your home and SAGITTARIUS possessions. Be thoughtful (Nov. 23about the information you Dec. 21) share. Look for a way to stabilize your position. Keep a level head when faced with temptation.

Home improvements will

CAPRICORN cost more than anticipated.

Don’t try to get everything done (Dec. 22at once. Bide your time, and Jan. 19) budget wisely. You may want to impress or please someone, but be realistic; you can’t buy love.

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

You’ll face opposition from a friend, relative or colleague. Listen to suggestions, but don’t let anyone force you into something you don’t want to do. A positive attitude will ease tension.

Use your imagination to come up with a plan to im(Feb. 20prove your life and your relaMarch 20) tionship with someone special.

Charm, intellect and romance will bring you one step closer to your dream.

PISCES

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

21

BCB disappointed that no male Guyanese earned a CWI contract

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has been disappointed that no Guyanese player was successful in obtaining a Cricket West Indies (CWI) retainer contract for the 2021-2022 season.

The BCB is calling on the CWI Directors from Guyana, Bissoondyal Singh and Hilbert Foster, to register to CWI its displeasure at this development.

Below is the statement from the BCB: "The BCB would like to publicly register its disappointment at the non-selection of any Guyanese cricketer on the list of contracted play-

Berbice Cricket Board President, GCB Vice-President and CWI Director, Hilbert Foster

ers released by Cricket West Indies.

“It is simply shocking that

our country, which has dominated the game at the four-day level over the last few years, cannot have a single player on the list.

“The board would be very grateful if the West Indies Board can explain the non- selection of Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul and Romario Shepherd from the list.

"The BCB would like to register our support for our players, and also to urge them to keep knocking at the door and we are confident that they would eventually get their deserved justice. The board would also like to urge

our Directors on the CWI to register our displeasure to the board, and to let the selection committee know that Guyanese deserve to be treated equally and with respect.

"BCB stands with our players, and wishes to reassure them that we would continue to stand by their side and

would work hard every day to not only develop the game, but to make sure that our players are properly represented at all levels.

“Members of the public are also urged to support our players, and to offer words of encouragement."

The Guyanese players who

were stripped of their CWI retainer contracts from the last season are Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer amd Keemo Paul. CWI noted that all players who are no longer on international retainer contracts are offered an A* grade regional franchise contract for the following year.

European club success will help England at Euros – Kane

4 outstanding medical workers honoured by RHTY&SC, MS – another donation made to Port Mourant Hospital

H

The awardees pose with doctor in charge Dr Sukhdeo, Hospital Administrator Shaneeza Nabi and RHTY&SC’s Ravindranauth Kissoonlall after the presentation

T

he 11 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) have, on Tuesday, last honoured four outstanding medical workers from the Port Mourant Public Hospital.

These four workers were selected by the administration of the hospital based on their performance and commitment over the last year.

A team of RHTY&SC executives, including Vice President Mark Papannah, Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu and Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, visited the institution for the hosting of a simple presentation ceremony for the third annual Tribute to Medical Workers Programme.

The four workers honoured were Dr Rafeek Rahaman, Medex Sheliza Shultz, Nurse Venisa Persaud and driver Nigel Trotz. Foster has said that, in 2019, he was a patient at the hospital, and over the course of his eight days’ stay, he was very impressed by the high level of professionalism among the staff, and committed the RHTY&SC to assisting as much as possible, and to also host an annual awards ceremony to honour the best of the best.

Over the last three years, 23 staff members have been honoured for outstanding performance, and Foster, who is also President of the Berbice Cricket Board, has pledged that the club would continue to host the award in the future.

He urged the awardees to uphold their high standards, and reminded them that the health of the nation is the wealth of the nation.

The longstanding club official has said that the professionalism of the Port Mourant Hospital was unmatched across the country; along with its general appearance. He made special mention of Dr Rahaman and Nurse Persaud, who were among the workers who had looked after him during his hospitalisation three years ago. He noted that the nation is blessed to have such outstanding medical workers during the ongoing pandemic.

Each of the awardees received a plaque, a medal of excellence, a framed certificate and three special gifts.

The 11 cricket teams also handed over a bicycle and a trolley to the management of the Hospital as part of their annual Basil Butcher Trust Fund project. The bicycle would be used by the porters at the in-

stitution to fulfil their duties, while the trolley would be used to move around the EKG machine.

Naidu disclosed that, over the last three years, the club and its cricket teams have made numerous donations to the hospital in an effort to assist management to fulfil its mandate to the general public.

The club would also be providing some Mother’s Day hampers to the hospital for outstanding mothers working there.

Medical doctor in charge, Dr Sukhdeo, expressed gratitude to the club for its assistance over the years, and congratulated the awardees on been selected.

Dr Rahaman, speaking on behalf of the awardees, pledged to uphold the high standard in the future, and congratulated the RHTY&SC on the outstanding work it was doing across the county of Berbice for youths and the less fortunate.

The eleven cricket teams of the club are: Poonai’s Pharmacy Under 12 and Under 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Vitality Inc Under 23, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under 21 and First Division.

arry Kane says the success of English sides in European club competition will boost England's Euro 2020 hopes.

Manchester City face Chelsea in the Champions League final, while Arsenal and Manchester United could potentially meet in the Europa League final.

"We have a lot of English players playing at the top of their game," the England skipper and Spurs striker told BBC Sport. "That should only help us as a national side."

Kane, 27, added: "You want them getting exposed to the biggest games around the world."

He said Gareth Southgate's side have a great opportunity to go all the way at this summer's European Championship."Our group has grown stronger year by year. We've got a good mix of experience and young talent, and it's important to have that, especially in a tournament environment," he told the BBC's Laura Scott.

"I'm sure Gareth has got a bit of a headache of who to pick, but that's what we want. We want competition for places, and that's the only way we're going to be one of the best teams in the world.

We had a great World Cup in 2018. We didn't quite get over the line, so with the players we've got and the manager and the group of staff, it's a great opportunity for us, and we're excited for the challenge. We know it will be difficult, but we've got enough ability to try and

take it all the way."

Kane said England's socalled 'top six' clubs withdrawing from the planned European Super League was the right decision, and that listening to supporters was the most important factor.

"We were all fans once, and we all know what it's like to love a football club and love watching and going to games," he said. “It's important that we take their opinions on board, and what they like and dislike.

"Of course, you have owners to make the important decisions. Not every decision is going to be loved by every supporter, but it's important you hear the fans, and listen to the fans as much as possible."

For all his goalscoring success with Tottenham and England, Kane is yet to win a major trophy. Spurs were beaten by Manchester City in last month's Carabao Cup final.

"I've done so many things in the game, but there's still so many things in my head that I want to achieve," he added. "I spoke openly about [winning silverware].

That's the reason why I play the game, that's why I became a footballer - to win and have those experiences with my team-mates, lifting trophies and winning the biggest games.

"It hasn't happened so far, but I feel I've got plenty of time in my locker. I'm just looking forward, and I'm sure they will come."

Ten years on from his professional debut with Leyton Orient, Kane has extended his shirt sponsorship

deal with the club for the 2021-22 season.

Kane, who donated the shirt space to three good causes, said it made sense to carry on the partnership.

"It's about giving back.

Leyton Orient gave me my first professional start, my first professional experience, and being here and playing here was great for my development, and was a big reason that I'm playing where I am now and doing the things I'm doing now," he said. "Any chance I can get to give back and help out clubs who have helped me and who are suffering through COVID and different circumstances is hopefully something I can do for many more years."

Earlier on Thursday, Ipswich Town announced singer and fan Ed Sheeran as their new shirt sponsor, to the delight of Kane, who hopes other footballers might do the same.

"Me and Ed contact each other quite a lot. I know he's a big Ipswich fan," he added.

"He's big in his local community, and I think he still lives close to that area.

It's great for him, it's great for the club, and it's going to help out a lot.

We have such a good platform, as footballers, to help people out around the world, and this is just one way of doing it. I know players do all different types of stuff, but if they have clubs that they love or they've played for and want to help out, then it's a great way to give back." (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

5 Guyanese women get CWI contracts

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ricket West Indies (CWI) has expanded the number of West Indies Women’s players offered retainer contracts for the 2021-2022 season to a record number of 18.

Among those women obtaining contracts are 5 Guyanese female cricketers, who are Shemaine Campbell, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond and Kaysia Schultz.

This is an increase of three (3) retainer contracts compared to the 2020-21 season, with contracts offered for the first time to developing young players Kaysia Schultz and Qiana Joseph. The three players will join the 15 retained players from the 2020-2021 season, including captain Stafanie Taylor, dynamic all-rounder Deandra Dottin and the leading T20 International (T20I) wicket-taker, Anisa Mohammed.

This marks a continuation of CWI’s investment in Women’s and Girls Cricket, which aims to strengthen and widen the talent pool

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The group of Guyanese women who were fortunate to secure CWI contracts

available, as well as encourage greater participation in the women’s game.

CWI’s Lead Selector for Women’s and Girls Cricket, Ann Browne-John, has said, “The last contract period did not see many international matches, as we only played 5 T20I matches against England. Despite this, the contracted players were able to keep themselves fit and match ready.

It was therefore the fairest decision to return all 15 to contract.

“Additionally, it is really a positive that 3 new development contracts have been awarded for the upcoming year. This will allow the requisite focus to be placed on these young players as they continue to progress (in) their careers. There has been a lack of left-arm ortho-

Proteas to tour West Indies in June

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World Cup. Smith acknowledged that the tour of India in September could clash with a possible resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which was paused in mid-tournament on Tuesday after outbreaks of Covid-19 in three of the franchise camps.

"With what's happening in India with Covid and the IPL, we need to give the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) time to gather their thoughts," he said.

"The challenges India are facing as a country are immense."

Smith said he wanted South Africa to field their best possible team at the World Cup. That could include AB de Villiers, if he comes out of international retirement, and free agents

dox bowlers in the region, therefore Joseph and Schultz will hopefully help fill this void; with Joseph also bringing her left-hand batting skills which are also limited in the region.

Hector is one of the bright young fast bowlers who have been bowling with great aggression in the past few training camps.”

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, said, “I am delighted for all the players who have been awarded central contracts, especially those who are new to the contract list. We saw fit to expand the list of retained players by awarding additional development contracts to three young players whom the selectors strongly recommended for inclusion.”

The West Indies Women are currently in Antigua for their second high-performance camp of the year under newly appointed Head Coach Courtney Walsh.

The evaluation period for the 2021-22 contracts covered performances and statistics from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 (this was also supported by statistics from the previous 2019-2020 evaluation period). This allows for all players to be appraised immediately after the evaluation period, and provides a notice period before new contracts on the July 1, 2021.

West Indies Women’s contracted players for the 2021-2022 Season are: Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph*, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz*, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor.

Independence Race/Walk on the cards this month

The tour to the West indies is still to be finalised

outh Africa will tour the West Indies next month at the start of an intensive build-up to the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for India in October, the national federation announced on Thursday.

Cricket South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith said South Africa would play two test matches and five Twenty20 internationals in the Caribbean during a tour which will start in early June at venues which had still to be finalised.

The South African white-ball players will then travel directly to Ireland for a previously-announced tour in July.

After a short break further white-ball tours are planned to Sri Lanka and India, leading in to the

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such as Imran Tahir and Chris Morris, who are no longer contracted to be available for South Africa.

"We have seen the success the West Indies has had in bringing back free agents," said Smith.

"But there are many factors involved, including team dynamics. Our focus has always been on trying to get our best squad together for an extensive time."

Smith praised the Indian board for their handling of the Covid outbreak.

"The duty of care they have shown in getting everyone home has been exemplary," he said adding that all of the South African players and coaching staff involved in the IPL would be back in South Africa by Friday. (SuperSport)

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n observance of Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary, the Caviliers Sports and Tour Club has moved to host a two-stage Race/ Walk event, which will commence on Sunday May, 23 with a 10K Junior Race/Walk around Durban Park, Georgetown, from 6.30am.

The event is a collaborative effort between the Cavaliers and the V e r m a n Bedessee Foundation, based in the USA. Then, on Independence Day, Wednesday May 26, a 10K Open Race/ Walk will be staged

at the same venue in Georgetown, commencing at the same time. The cream of the country’s Race/Walking crop and a host of expected newcomers will match steps in both events, with the first three competitors to cross the line in the categories male and female (seniors), juniors, veterans and differently abled receiving trophies, medals, and other lucrative prizes.

Interested participants of all ages and genders are asked to be present at the starting line on both days at 6am.

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23

Different strokes are for different folks – cricket, the West Indies way

Darren Bravo

By Brandon Corlette

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hat goes for one does not necessarily go for all in West Indies Cricket. In a Cricket West Indies (CWI) virtual press conference held on Thursday, this disclosure was made among many other significant comments from Lead Selector Roger Harper and CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, in relation to the men's retainer contracts for 2021-2022.

The Shimron Hetmyer case At this point, the world is aware of Shimron Hetmyer's talent. Hetmyer is among those who did not receive a retainer contract. According to Harper, who believes that Hetmyer has the ability to be a world class

player, Hetmyer needs to be more focused and try to maximise the skill that he is blessed with.

Harper said his countryman Hetmyer is not out of the system, since he is on the Franchise system.

When asked if he is concerned about Hetmyer, Harper said: "Well, naturally, when you have that sort of potential available, we want to see it reach that sort of level that it is capable of reaching. Yes, we are concerned; yes, we will continue to work with Shimron and we will try to get him to give the sort of focus that is required for him to maximise his potential."

Harper also said Hetmyer had fitness issues, hence the decision from CWI. Top-class hundred landed Bravo a retainer Without doubt, Darren Bravo is a classy batsman.

Despite his performances being inconsistent with his standards, the ODI century he scored against Sri Lanka would have landed him that retainer contract. That is not what the lead selector said in direct words, but based on how Bravo was evaluated to receive a

Shimron Hetmyer

CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper and CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams

retainer, that was evident.

While highlighting that some of those players were awarded contracts based on a two-year evaluation period, this was not the case with Bravo.

"The two-year period only comes in…it is really the first period, which is the immediate year, which is the evaluation period prior to the awarding of contracts, is what is primarily used, and if the player’s stats do not meet the criteria, we then look at it over a two-year period in an attempt to assist the player.

“So, Darren had stats over a year, which is the main evaluation period, and his stats were top-class in white-ball (ODI), so he earned a contract

Harris makes UFC debut on Saturday

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arlston Harris will on Saturday make history as the very first Guyanese to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The ‘Berbician’ will make his walk to the famed UFC Octagon for the first time on Saturday May 8. Harris earned his place in the UFC after recording a victory while the spotlight was on at an episode of “Dana White’s Looking for a Fight” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, earlier this year.

The Brave Combat Federation vet impressed the UFC head with a second round brabo choke of Saygid I z a g a k h m a e v, wherein he handed his Dagestani foe his first stoppage loss.

Standing at 6’0” and weighing 170lbs, Harris is classed as a Welterweight and has a track record of 15 wins, 4 losses and no draws.

Meanwhile, back in February Harris’s opposition for Saturday’s fight, Christian Aguilera (14-7, W-L) announced that he would be facing newcomer Carlston Lindsay Harris (15-4, W-L). hailing from Berbice. Harris moved to Brazil some years ago to perfect his craft.

The UFC Fight Night card on Saturday will see a headline fight featuring Marina Rodriguez, coming up against

Michelle Waterson.

Meanwhile, the Harris vs Aguilera card is slated to be the first of 11 other matchups.

The May 8 event, UFC on ESPN 24, will go down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada,

USA. According to the Sherdog website, Harris’s odds for the Saturday fight are as follows: “With Harris’s debut, Guyana can now add itself to the list of countries that have had a fighter appearing inside the UFC. Harris has certainly earned this shot, putting in a decade of work as a professional that includes wins over fellow UFC fighters Michel Pereira a n d Wel l i n gto n Tu r m a n .

Recent footage of “Mocambique” is mostly limited to highlights, but what is available shows a solid fighter with a long frame who is capable of holding his own and scoring a finish in any phase of the fight. Aguilera should provide a solid first test for Harris inside the Octagon, as the Californian is another battletested veteran. Aguilera announced his UFC arrival with a 59-second knockout of Anthony Ivy, but got thrown in way over his head against Sean Brady in August and suffered for it. Still, Aguilera is solid everywhere and has a clear progression, throwing hands early and then going after his opponent if he cannot find any success. That could work here, but the bet is that Harris’s athleticism can carry him, even if the lack of recent footage makes that a bit of a coinflip.

The pick is Harris via decision.”

in the white-ball category."

From March 2020 to March 2021, which is the evaluation period, Bravo had ODI scores of 08, 37*, 10 and 102. These performances were described

by Harper as "top-class."

From what the statistics have shown, the only topclass performance was the 102 against Sri Lanka.

Hayden Walsh: A special case Harper said CWI have treated Hayden Walsh Jr. as a special case because of the need to have a potent legspinner in each of the West Indies teams.

"Hayden has been the only leg-spinner within the framework in the white-ball set-up, and he suffered on the tour in Bangladesh due to him becoming ill. We have seen him putting in the work, and we have seen improvements," Harper said while clarifying the reason why Walsh was given a contract although not meeting the requirements.

The rationale for not retaining the Bajan boys, Harper emphasised, is that these contracts are based on performance during the evaluation period, and the

T

selection panel having a feeling which player would form the nucleus of the West Indies teams going forward.

He noted that the likes of Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich would have failed to meet these performances over this period.

He also said that new players who were offered contracts came and put in solid performances over that period. Harper explained this criterion by disclosing that a Test batsman and ODI batsman must average over 30 for over the requirement period; and for T20 cricket, the player’s batting average and strike rate combined must be a minimum of 150.

"To qualify for your stats to be assessed, you must play the minimum required amount of games, which is 50% of the games."

Harper said the West Indies played nine Tests, and if the team is striving to be the best in the world, players have to earn their stripes and perform consistently.

"I think our retainer contracts are given on that basis," Harper added.

"Dowrich did not play the

minimum number of games for his stats to be assessed, and we are not sure when he will be available for selection at this level. He has to go through a return-to-play protocol which has been discussed with him," Harper said.

When asked about the conversation between CWI and these players who did not receive contracts, Harper said the reasons were outlined why these players failed to have contracts.

Is that it for Campbell?

"We have not decided that we are finished with anyone.

We have selected a squad to prepare for the series against South Africa, a squad of about 30 players, and John is in that squad," Harper replied.

He noted that players have the opportunity to prove and show to CWI that they are the right players.

Are players victimised for opting out of tours?

Jimmy Adams disagrees. He noted that the criteria used to assess these players during the COVID-19 period is fair, and the West Indies have played sufficient cricket.

Harper said other cricketing nations are also assessing their players over the period, and CWI are not being any different.

A glimpse of TKR’s retained players and available spots

he Trinbago Knight Riders are the first Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team to announce the players that they are retaining ahead of the 2021 Hero CPL which gets underway in St Kitts & Nevis on 28 August.

The Knight Riders have held on to 13 of the players who saw them complete a perfect season in 2020, winning all 12 of their matches to claim a fourth Hero CPL title.

The team will be led by Kieron Pollard, Wisden’s

leading T20 cricketer in the world, with Colin Munro, Lendl Simmons and Darren Bravo back after fantastic performances last season.

The Knight Riders also welcome back Zimbabwean international Sikandar Raza and USA fast bowler Ali Khan, both of whom performed very well in 2020.

Sunil Narine has been a franchise player and a champion for the Knight Riders. Although he struggled with an injury in the 2020 season, the Knight Riders have

retained him and will expect him to be at his best for this season. TKR will be hoping for more appearances from the mystery spinner who has bamboozled batsmen around the world.

With a strong contingent of young Trinidadian players rounding out their squad, the Knight Riders will be hoping to carry their outstanding form into the 2021 season.

They have four more spots to fill in their squad and these will be confirmed in the coming weeks. (CPLT20)

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

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

Pg 23

Different strokes are Harris makes UFC for different folks debut on Saturday – cricket, the West Indies way Pg 23

Pg 22

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