Guyana Times - Monday, February 15, 2021

Virtual Mash celebrations for 2021 P – Minister Ramson 15

…Chutney, Soca competitions also slated to be held virtually Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 4560

guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

PRICE

President Ali to lead consultations on draft Local Content Policy today

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Budget 2021 P16 will stimulate economic growth, restore investors’ confidence – GCCI

See story on page 3

– Govt to introduce slew of legislation in National Assembly – Ali – says Guyanese will not be 2nd-class citizens in oil & gas sector

Over US$135M in climate funds for Guyana stalled overseas – Finance Minister ...says ... says Govt will secure release of funds, invest in renewable energy Page 9

Multiple int’l investors interested in GuySuCo

– 10 “serious” EoIs from overseas being reviewed

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Page 10

5 soldiers 2 killed, arrested on 3 injured rape accusation after speeding car in Mabaruma crashes into utility pole Page 11

Page 13

Berbice man hospitalised after brawl at game shop P2

Construction of dormitories at LTI

P9

Govt sues contractor, insurance company for breach of contract

P10 Guyana records 24 new COVID-19 cases

NA man busted with over 4 P8 pounds of ganja Revised Code of Conduct P12 for Judges, Magistrates to be launched soon

2 NEWS Cutlass-wielding bandits Berbice man hospitalised after brawl at game shop rob Canje woman A T MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

hirty-three-year-old Nazeema Bacchus of East Canje, Berbice, is now counting her loses after she was robbed by two armed bandits on Saturday at Welfare Street, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The incident is said to have occurred at about 19:00h.

According to information received, Bacchus was in the vicinity of Welfare Street when a motor car bearing registration number HD 183 with two men executed the robbery on her. One of the suspects was armed with a cutlass.

In efforts to raise an alarm, Bacchus began to

scream but she was instructed to remain silent by the armed men.

The men then proceeded to take her passport, two ID cards, two bank cards, $6000 in cash and her mobile phone.

The bandits also escaped with a bag containing fruits and vegetables. The matter was reported and the Police have launched an investigation.

Recently, several persons and homes were robbed by armed men. In October last, four gunmen robbed a home at East Canefield New Area, East Canje, Berbice.

The men had escaped with $70,000, one watch

and two gold earrings along with a quantity of artificial jewellery.

It was reported that the victim and his wife were at their neighbour’s home when he saw two of the four suspects entering the lower flat of their house through an open door.

Upon seeing the men, the victim immediately rushed to his house and was confronted by two of the bandits, who he dealt several lashes with a piece of wood. The two men ran away, leaving their accomplices in the house.

However, the remaining armed suspects immediately discharged a round and they too fled the scene.

37-year-old Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice resident is now hospitalised after he was severely beaten on Saturday evening at a popular bar in Tain Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The incident is said to have occurred at about 19:30h.

The injured man has been identified as Navin Rahgoo also called “Bello”.

Based on reports received, the injured man was at a game shop imbibing and playing games with friends.

Details surrounding the reason for the argument are unclear but Guyana Times understands that the now injured man and another man at the shop had a dis-

agreement.

As the situation intensified, another man got involved and a scuffle ensued among them.

One of the suspects armed himself with a pool stick and dealt Rahgoo one blow to his head. In addition, the other man started to hit the victim, thus resulting in him receiving

multiple injuries about his body.

The injured man was picked up by other patrons of the shop and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was admitted. His condition is listed as stable.

The suspects are in Police custody assisting with investigations.

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, February 15 – 04:30h – 06:00h and Tuesday, February 16 – 04:30h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, February 15 – 06:20h – 07:50h and Tuesday, February 16 – 06:40h – 08:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light cloud during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:44h and 19:02h reaching maximum heights of 2.6 metres and 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 12:36h reaching a minimum height of 0.6 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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President Ali to lead consultations on draft Local Content Policy today – Govt to introduce slew of legislation in National Assembly – Ali – says Guyanese will not be 2nd-class citizens in oil & gas sector

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he stakeholders’ consultation on Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy for its petroleum sector is slated to begin today and President Dr Irfaan Ali will be leading the discussion from which authorities are expected to receive feedback and comments for the finalisation of the critical document.

The consultation session will commence at 13:00h at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC).

After assuming office in August last year, President Ali established a High-Level Local Content Panel to review policy initiatives on local content in the petroleum sector and provide guidance for the development of Guyana’s Local Content Policy and Legislation.

The panel, chaired by Shyam Nokta, compiled and submitted the Local Content Report. Also on the panel were Carl Greenidge, Carville Duncan, Anthony Paul, Kevin Ramnarine, Floyd Haynes and the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Legal Officer Sasha Rajkumar-Budhan.

Approximately 140 stakeholders were engaged by the Panel on the compilation of the report. The Report outlines several recommendations to improve the country’s policies and legislation.

Government is likely to hire experts to examine and incorporate comments and suggestions emanating from these stakeholders’ consultations into the final policy document that will be presented in the National Assembly.

However, during his inaugural address to the 12th Parliament last Thursday, President Ali noted that his Government will be introducing a slew of legislation in the National Assembly including the Local Content Policy that first undergoes public consultation.

“The aim is not only to align the Policy with international best practices, particularly regarding reporting and transparency but also to deliver more business and more jobs for our people. That legislation will be drafted based on the outcome of consultations that I will hold with stakeholders in our society, concerning provisions in the law that would best serve our national interest,” he posited.

According to the Head of State, Guyanese must not be second-class citizens in the oil and gas sector in their own country. He insisted that all Guyanese must be the principal beneficiaries of the sector, ahead of all and second to none.

“Thousands of Guyanese will be trained at every level to create a national corps of

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing Parliament on Thursday

managers and technicians to effectively administer the sector,” he asserted.

Moreover, the President noted that for the benefit of this generation and those yet unborn, his Administration will ensure there is an arms-length approach to the Sovereign Wealth Fund from political interference.

“Legislation will be enacted to define how finances will flow from the Fund into the budget, and the purposes for which they will be used. My Government also intends to account to the nation for every cent earned from the industry and for every cent that is spent,” the Head of State added.

To accomplish this, President Ali told Members of Parliament that legislation will be introduced to make the Finance Minister and the Finance Secretary responsible for publishing details of all revenue and expenditure in the Official Gazette, allowing the people to track all transactions.

Failure to do so will be punished severely under the

law, he noted.

“The revenues from the sector, like all other sectors, are the peoples’ money; they are entitled to know how much money is earned, how much is spent and on what it is spent. I have also made it clear to my Ministers that transparency and accountability are the fundamental principles by which I expect them and myself to conduct ourselves, and to which I will hold them accountable.

We are the custodians of the people’s assets and we will account to them for all that we do.

“That is why we will also establish a regulatory framework that is independent of politicians. And why we will build strong national capability to hold oil companies accountable and to verify production and other expenditures,” President Ali stressed.

Among the key objectives of the Local Content Policy are to enhance the skills and competencies of Guyanese citizens; promote maximum use of Guyanese in the petroleum sector

workforce; maximise the use of locally sourced goods and services in the petroleum sector; enhance the capacity of Guyanese businesses and supply chains to become internationally competitive; enhance and make world-class the training, technology, innovation and research and development base of Guyana; promote alliances between Guyanese and world-class firms for the transfer of technology and knowledge transfer and research and development in the industrial sectors; enhance the quality of business support services, infrastructure, and facilities; enhance the global competitiveness of Guyanese industries; and promote and facilitate access to finance, local investment in businesses and industries, capital aggregation and enhance the depth and quality of Guyana’s capital markets.

The document also proposes that all foreign suppliers pay their fair share of taxes and that there be penalties for breaches.

TURN TO PAGE 10

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 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

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The objectives of the Budget

he American statesman Henry Kissinger once pointed out: “If you don’t know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere.” He was making the point that in life, as in national affairs, clear objectives must be stated before formulating strategies, policies, and actions. In presenting the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration’s first Budget, Dr Ashni Singh not only spelled out his government’s objectives but placed them within their overarching goal for the entire nation.

He noted: “His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali in his inaugural address to this National Assembly spoke of the keyword of his Government being “oneness”, and he outlined his vision for One Guyana”. But the President made more than an aspirational statement. He launched a “One Guyana Commission” under the direction of PM Mark Phillips, who will be tabling the enabling legislation. Subsequently, the President launched a “Corridor of Unity” on the East Coast of Demerara, connecting the villages of Lusignan, Enterprise, Buxton, Foulis and Golden Grove. It is recognised by all Guyanese, including those across the political divide, that it is this lack of unity among our people that has been the single greatest obstacle to sustained progress.

With this in mind, the Finance Minister explained: “In keeping with His Excellency’s vision, Budget 2021 seeks to achieve the following objectives for all Guyanese: i.

Navigating COVID-19 for as long as it is around, keeping our population safe, containing further spread, treating those who are infected, providing vaccines as soon as they become available, and reopening the economy progressively and then fully when it is safe to do so; ii.

Ensuring a diversified and resilient productive sector, by facilitating large-scale private investment in both traditional and new and emerging sectors creating 50,000 jobs in the next five years, and promoting entrepreneurship at the medium and small business level; iii. Initiating investment in catalytic and transformative infrastructure, including energy infrastructure to ensure adequate supply at competitive cost, and transport infrastructure to improve international connectivity and unleash domestic production and productivity; iv.

Establishing world-class social services such as education and health care, so that these services are available to the domestic population, but also with a view to entering the international market for providing these services to a regional and global clientele; v. Improving the quality of public services and creating a conducive environment for doing business and interacting with Government, including by deploying technology-based solutions, as well as reducing bureaucracy and red tape; and vi.

Ensuring respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, maintaining good governance, safeguarding access to justice, and the preservation of a safe and secure environment for all Guyanese and visitors to Guyana.

With these objectives in mind, this budget: (i) ensures we recover as a country both from 2020 and from the last five years of trauma; (ii) puts in place the policies needed to catalyse rapid economic growth in the near and medium term; and (iii) lays the foundation needed to ensure that that growth is not transitory but is sustainable for the longer term. Budget 2021 is, therefore, presented under the theme “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience.”

But Dr Singh was not oblivious to the challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In his preamble, he noted, “2021 will not be an easy year. COVID-19 is still with us, and the need to keep our people safe and to keep the economy alive is still very present. While we have already started administering vaccines, the speed of uptake and the time until herd immunity is achieved are still huge unknowns.”

But the Budget did provide $750 million for securing enough vaccines to supplement the quantities that will be provided through grants that should vaccinate the 80 per cent of the populace needed to provide herd immunity by the end of the year. It was, therefore, surprising that former People’s National Congress (PNC) Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan bemoaned the lack of a plan to bring us out of COVID-19.

Sour grapes?

A couple poses with marriage certificates during a Valentine’s Day celebration at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chonburi province, Thailand (Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa)

Atrocities at Ethnic Relations Commission (Pt 2) Dear Editor, I would also like to state that some of us, the rational Commissioners, had moved a motion to take a stand on the recount and that we respect and recognised the presence and pronouncement of Caricom. However, our motion was dismissed.

In my view, the Chairman did not deal professionally with the motion. In another case, the Legal Officer had informed that the former President, Mr Granger, and Mr Harmon be summoned by the Commission to denounce their statements, but once again, the Chairman and his group within the ERC refused. Another area of concern is that recently, we discovered that an operative in the investigation department was meddling with the minutes and found lying, rude and disrespectful to certain Commissioners, all because they did not vote for him to become Chief.

We also have one Commissioner who behaves like a saint, pulling wool over people’s eyes so that he/she can be re-appointed as a Commissioner. At the same time undermining others to achieve their sinister motives. Despite these few negativistic Commissioners who are known to be anti-Government, I would like to recognise that we have a few good, professional, and righteous Commissioners who are bereft of bias, and who have the heart and compunction to stand for what is just and right for Guyana and the Guyanese people. However, it was quite painful to note that

by “hiding” while the former Government was openly doing wrong and unpleasantly and unapologetically bringing Guyana to international embarrassment and humiliation as they tried to fraudulently steal the election, the ERC Chairman and his group within the ERC would cause themselves to become toothless poodles of the former Government (APNU/ AFC). With the Chairman at the helm, the ERC became mum, knowing full well that the elections were lost to the then Opposition (PPP/C) at that time.

Having been the only one inside the ERC to openly stand up to these wrongdoings and injustices, I was targeted by the fact that through the instruction of the political powerhouses mentioned above, press releases were published against me to embarrass and break me. However, as the All-Powerful Creator would have it, it only strengthened and motivated me and instead exposed them. The entire ERC, under the helm of the Chairman, boycotted the recount, and while my brave colleague and a true patriot of this country, Commissioner Neaz Subhan was hospitalised by COVID-19, I was the ERC’s sole rep (one other Commissioner attended a few of the original countings). At the end of the recount, I used the opportunity to laud the ERC which at that time seemed nonexistent. After being urged by all other observer groups, including Caricom, to say something on behalf of the ERC, the Chairman saw

it fit to publicly humiliate me. He did this after taking orders to disagree with me and to do so by issuing instructions that a release be issued to the effect that I, Commissioner Hajji Roshan Khan cannot speak for the Commission.

Strange enough, as soon as I finished making the statement which was broadcasted live, one known clandestine operative and current anti-GOVERNMENT personality immediately sent a WhatsApp message to tell me that it appears I have become the Chairman. This individual makes it appear that Commissioners do not have a right to speak or comment on an issue of national importance. I did not compromise the ERC, I basically tried to extol the ERC which as I said above was behaving as if it was a toothless poodle, and as the President rightfully said, went into “hiding.” One particular reporter asked me if the ERC agrees with the recount figure.

And, I answered that this is not a thing that I could pronounce on, they could make contact with the Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission. Amazingly, before the press release condemning me, the Chairman never spoke to me about the words I used. Incidentally, I must state that I know for a fact the ERC lost much credibility for that release issued against me.

With the many ERC failures, I believe that the Creator, Lord God of the worlds, had a clear reason why at this period in Guyanese history, a man

like me had to be in the ERC. I say this because it is known that many Muslims and leaders in general, often like to take the diplomatic stance and are known to often remain silent and take whatever is thrown at them.

In this light, I believe that the ERC needed an Islamic personality of my calibre: one who is fearless, tough, but compassionate, and who looks out for humanity.

In the religion of Islam, we are told: “O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ?from justice?.

If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ?know that? Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do.” (Quran 4:135) What many people tend to forget, also, is that I wear a lot of hats, one of which is a Security Consultant and Operative cap. As my contact number is open to all people, I received dozens and dozens of calls every day on the mayhem and slaughter of a particular people in the West Coast Berbice and East Coast corridor. As a security operative, many were reaching out to me and seeking my help on whether to bring out bush guns and whip out cutlasses after the aftermath of the brutal killings of Isaiah Henry, Joel Henry, and Haresh Singh.

However, my advice to them was to “not be aggressors... protect your minorities…”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

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

Budget 2021 is a people’s budget Dear Editor, First of all, let me congratulate Hon Dr Ashni Singh MP, senior Minister in the office of the President responsible for Finance and team for a well-crafted Budget 2021. I must also extend congratulations to the PPP Government for presenting yet another budget with all Guyanese in mind.

Budget 2021, as I predicted on my Facebook page a few days before the original presentation, will be one of the best or another great budget from the PPP to the people of Guyana. All the people of Guyana and not some.

As the Hon Dr Singh was presenting his budget in the house, to all Guyanese and the world, I was saying to myself, where have I gone wrong in my predictions?

There is something for everyone no matter what the Opposition says. They will also benefit tremendously because there is no new taxation that will be added to the citizens of this land that will cause hardship and burden to them.

I see all benefiting, including the children attending public schools, in a massive way through the rise in the school grant to every child, no matter their race or which political party their parents are supporting. The APNU/AFC took this away and parents were feeling the hardship.

There is so much good in Budget 2021 that will see major development in all sectors, which I won’t touch on because of limited space that will be granted to me. But I

must say that this budget is one that was well put together and moreover it was crafted with the Guyanese people in mind.

This budget is a comeback for Guyana economically because of the hundreds of opportunities that will be created through both private and public investments in our land by more businesses expanding and opening new doors, small business grants, job creation, youth empowerment and training, public sector investment in upgrading the standard of our public service, better healthcare, quality delivery in the education sector, major investments in sports and culture, massive improvement and investments in the agriculture sector, more scholarships to our children to study

locally and overseas, etc.

After five years Guyanese now have the opportunity to see who are the ones that care for the Guyanese people. We have the opportunity to see what a caring Government does for the better and moreover helping to create a better life for all.

Budget 2021 is a people’s budget and it will open the avenues in creating a better life for every Guyanese.

Congrats once more to Hon Dr Ashni Singh and team along with the PPP Government for a well-crafted people’s budget and the vision of a better and brighter Guyana headed by HE Dr Ali. Guyana is on the rise.

With regards, Abel Seetaram

Strengthen then expand while maintaining balance Dear Editor, The current Administration must be congratulated on its recent budget submittal. It does place close to $50 billion into the pockets of current and retired workers as disposable income or as an increased savings opportunity. In a spirit of cooperation, I make the following suggestions: Health comes before prosperity and the investment in the health sector of over $50 billion is encouraging and indicative of what future investments in the sector may require. Thus, having a savings rate that allows for the security of the health sector should be kept top of mind as the pandemic subsides.

Overall, the budget focuses on expansion of and reinvestment in the current infrastructure as seen in the focus of the Capital Expenditure (CapEx) allotted for 2021 which amounts to approximately $103 billion of which only $5.2 billion has been put aside for sea defence.

The Administration should consider changing the investment weighting of the mix of the CapEx portfolio. Allotting 10 per cent of the overall budget annually to strengthening and expansion of our sea defences will better support the reinvestment in the coastal plains being pursued.

This would raise the allotted CapEx for sea defence and supporting areas to $38 billion and provide funds necessary to raise the seawalls along the coast. Given the poor state of the water and sanitation system, an increased allotment to $10 billion should be considered. Payment for garbage management shouldn’t be an issue going forward nor should there be any sewage in the water system.

The development of Wales as a gas-to-shore location should be compared to alternative options such as the cost-sharing option with Suriname to develop a deep harbour shore base port on an island in the Corentyne River.

This is a good way to determine whether a bridge connecting

our two countries will continue to ensure the sovereignty of our nation. The cost of transporting the gas to that location should be competitive with the overall life cycle cost of a pipeline.

Given the many energy options being pursued and the high cost of the Amaila Falls project, pursuing a power grid expansion and other alternative energy options to the proposed project should be one of the feasibility studies completed within this fiscal cycle.

Expansion of the Corentyne road is also necessary to support the push in the agricultural sector and the increased trade initiatives with our neighbours to the east. Many farmers are also drying their paddy on the shoulder of the roads and placing the planned implementation of paddy drying facilities in the area will also be beneficial.

The Amerindian and hinterland development budget should also be increased by $2 billion to allow for a faster rate of development and the increasing need to relocate citizens on the coast over the long term.

Given the CapEx suggestions, some of the other initiatives may need to be pursued in the following fiscal year where an additional view and investment initiative should be included to ensure the foundation is laid for the building of a New Capital City further inland.

The completion of the CJIA should be applauded, but we must keep in mind that there is a net gain of over US$3 million for the company involved.

We must ensure that a better job is done in the renegotiation and adherence to the contract terms including punitive clauses going forward. The inability to obtain a US$500 fine from Exxon by the EPA is very telling.

The pursuit of manganese mining gives pause and the current Administration should consider the life cycle cost of such a low margin pursuit vs other more lucrative investment options. We don’t want to have to spend what is gained on healthcare due to the nature

of such an unhealthy mining pursuit. Our people come first and foremost. We must keep them healthy.

Law and order is the next key item that requires a deeper review in addition to the allocated budget for this fiscal year. The deep-seated issues that affect racial equity need to be addressed and increased recruitment to reflect the racial makeup of our country needs to be an initiative that has focused funding. In addition, Brickdam Police headquarters is a shell of its previous splendour and the management of deportees continues to be an area where increased support is needed. Increasing the budget of the departments which impact both the justice system and the GPF by an additional $1 billion should be considered.

This may also be in lieu of some other initiatives for prisoners such as cooking classes etc. There must also be performance-based investment. If the metrics are improving at the Police station then the best performers should be given priority. Having open cases such as in the Singh and Chatterpaul murders should raise flags on required investment. We must not reward those who refuse to take a non-biased approach to policing.

Over the years the number of fires in the country continues to surprise many and the GFS should also receive consideration for a further increase of $1 billion.

In the agricultural, forestry and fishing sector, the forecast growth is encouraging and the need for improved product development of items higher in value such as aged Basmati Rice and the replenishment of our Greenheart inventory is necessary to increase the value and sustainability of this sector.

This is an area where investment initiatives should have increased focus. Issues affecting international standards that were highlighted during the fulfilment of the Mexican rice contract need to be addressed going forward and should be an area where a

high percentage of the allocated funds should be focused.

There is also the Japanese rice opportunity, the coconut oil industry opportunity and the organic produce opportunity that will require Government investment support to ensure lucrative contracts are in place to support the investment drive in the sector. Aquaculture is becoming more important due to increased sea pollution. The current investment plans do aid in taking advantage of this opportunity. The recent visit by Walmart and the growth being seen by Kroger and Target should provide an area of focused contract pursuit in the near future. Carving out an area of the budget to support such an initiative should be considered.

In the area of culture, youth and sport which is somewhat tied to education and tourism an additional consideration of $1 billion should be given. It also helps in the reduction of crime and improvement of community sports grounds across the country increases opportunities for increased comradery amongst our citizens.

2021 presents a fiscal year that will see borrowing to support many CapEx initiatives. It is important that in the latter half of the current Administration’s 5-year term that a balanced budget is pursued, an increased national savings rate is established and the country establishes a surplus which will help offset any future economic shocks and unforeseen expenses (especially the dry well scenario of the oil and gas industry).

Congratulations to His Excellency and his team on their expansionary efforts and I thank them in advance for their consideration of the alternative approach of increasing the speed of strengthening and protecting our coastal plains investments while gradually expanding development and maintaining a low level of national debt.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Atrocities at Ethnic...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

I respectfully asked the ERC to compare my words in which I advised the people who were being beaten, mauled and killed in a particular community “to form protection groups, equipped with batons and sticks for self-defence only. Be firm and clever but never be the aggressors, and to protect the minorities in your communities” with the words of Mr Harmon’s and that of Mr Granger’s who said: “this response is a correct response, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” and “We have to establish some self-defence in our society to protect our children, protect our women, our young people. Unless we protect ourselves, nobody is going to protect us” respectively.

When Mr Harmon was trying to denigrate and destroy me in the media and out of the media using his satellites and acolytes in Guyana and around the world, I challenged him at my expense to a public debate on his and Mr Granger’s words vs mine. I suggested a political conversation on Critic or any other media attached to it, but he never replied. To this day, in a public debate at my expense, I still challenge him to face me off.

Further, I even asked the Chairman of the ERC, those who supported him, and even those who sent a press release, where was my bias when I called for the protection of the minorities of citizens who were being battered, raped, hammered and robbed? I would also like to know why the ERC did not issue a press release and even conducted inquiries into personalities who were instigating, albeit smartly, such as Christopher Jones and Sherrod Duncan? I would also like to ask Mr Harmon who went to produce a press release to save his own skin for the unpleasant words he used to support the slaughtering of some Indo

Guyanese which has disaffected their families and produced a lifetime of pain. I asked him to decipher his words vs mine.

Incidentally, the Chairman’s press release came just a few minutes after Mr Hermon criticised me and attempted to take the emphasis off his back. These actions made it seem that the Chairman of the ERC is a puppet of the Opposition party. To many, I used terms that were more compassionate and caring for the people who were being targeted. I also asked this of the Chairman of the ERC, who as it is alleged on political instruction, published the release without even a discussion with me. This showed a total lack of disregard for me. As a General Bishop and Chairman of the ERC, he was most unprofessional, to my opinion. As such, I ask him to refute my words here today in which I state: he failed as the Chairman of the ERC and failed this nation by allowing it to become a marionette of hateful political master minders. I also ask this of the small group within the ERC that shares the same dangerous ulterior sentiments.

At this juncture, I must say that I am always proud of my fellow Guyanese. I always have faith in my people because I know that for hundreds of years, to create this great country; we lived, worked, and even revolted together for freedom. My advice to my fellow brothers and sisters in Guyana is this: continue to live in utter goodwill, love, and seek to rise above those political master minders with evil compunctions in their hearts. Let us all strive to live as one human family under God and as One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.

Sincerely, Commissioner Roshan Khan Sr Islamic Constituent

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 17

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he seer should not attach oneself to the seen - that is the way to get free. The contact of the senses with objects arouses desire and attachment; this leads to effort and either elation or despair. Then, there is fear of loss or grief at failure and the train of reactions lengthens. With many doors and windows kept open to all winds that blow, how can the flame of the lamp within survive? That lamp is the mind, which must burn steadily unaffected by the dual demands of the world outside. Complete surrender to the Lord is one way of closing windows and doors, for, then, in that stance of Sharanagati (complete surrender to God), you are bereft of ego and so, you are not buffeted by joy or grief. Complete surrender makes you draw upon the grace of the Lord for meeting all the crises in your career and so, it renders you heroic, more stalwart, and better prepared for the battle. -Divine Discourse, Jan 13, 1965

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

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Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN Friday’s answers

1a) Sunita weighs 50 kilograms and Nancy 35 kilograms, so the difference is 50kg – 35kg = 15 kg 1b) Sean and Nancy (38kg – 35kg = 3kg) 1c) Sunita and Nancy (50kg + 35kg = 80kg)

Materials:

An Orange 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda =

Instructions:

Cut the orange into slices or peel separate into sections Dip a slice or section into the baking soda Take a bite! As you chew, it should start to bubble in your mouth

How does it work?

When acids and bases mix, you get some exciting chemistry! Oranges and other citrus fruits are filled with citric acid. It is a safe acid, and it’s what gives oranges, lemons, and limes their sourness. Baking soda is a base, the opposite of an acid. It’s also safe, but doesn’t taste very good on its own, and will give you a tummy ache if you eat a lot of it. As the citric acid and baking soda mix, it makes millions of carbon dioxide bubbles, the same gas you breathe out, and the same one that makes soda so fizzy. (scienceisfun.org)

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NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VAT removal on construction materials aimed at pushing housing drive

– ceilings for low-income housing, NBS loans raised

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ith the aim of stimulating activities in the construction sector and pushing its housing agenda, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has rolled out a series of sweeping measures to drive homeownership by making it more affordable.

During Friday’s presentation of the 2021 National Budget – themed “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience” – Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh announced that certain construction materials were given zero-rated status.

Among the items that value-added tax (VAT) will be removed from are: locally produced pre-stressed concrete piles; locally fabricated mild steel beams for building construction; and locally manufactured roofing and PVC products for building construction.

In addition, stone imported for construction and housing from Caricom Members States is also now zero-rated. Last November, Government had removed VAT from the importation of stones until June 2021 to aid in the revival of the construction industry.

However, this budgetary measure has now extended the zero-rated status of regional imported stone until further notice.

The Finance Minister further highlighted that Government continues to monitor the cost of basic construction materials, such as cement and steel, and examine the possibility of applying relevant taxes in such a manner as to serve as an adjuster to cushion the impact of steep price escalation.

Against this backdrop, he revealed that the duty on industrial-grade cement has been reduced.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

“As another boost to homeownership and the construction sector, the duty on industrial grade cement will be reduced from 15 per cent to 5 per cent,” he revealed.

These measures, Dr Singh noted, are in recognition of the construction sector being a key sector and contributor to the country’s economic development. Last year’s prevailing political and public health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had caused a significant reduction in construction activities.

Nevertheless, as part of the significant developments that will be seen taking place within the sector over the medium term, the PPP/C Government has committed to providing 10,000 house lots annually.

According to the Finance Minister, they have worked tirelessly to clear the backlog of applications and to promote homeownership across the country while providing access to financing - having recognised how important homeownership is to the economic empowerment of individuals and families.

To aid the achievement of this vision of homeownership for all Guyanese,

Government has further increased the low-income mortgage loan ceiling.

“Last year, we announced an increase from $8 million to $10 million in the ceiling on low-income housing loans that may be obtained through commercial banks under the low-income housing loans programme supported by Government.

This year, we would like to announce a further increase from $10 million to $12 million, which will make housing loans more affordable to borrowers within that range,” Dr Singh revealed.

He further disclosed that in due course, Government will also examine the appropriateness of extending the programme to include other financial institutions such as insurance companies.

Moreover, the Finance Minister also announced an increase in the ceiling for housing loans at the New Building Society (NBS).

“The New Building Society has been an important source of financing for home construction and homeownership over the years. Currently, the ceiling on loans that the NBS can grant is $12 million. We are proposing to approve an increase in the ceiling to $15 million. This will also enable borrowers desirous of borrowing within that range to access financing from the NBS,” Minister Singh posited.

The PPP/C has long recognised that homeownership is one of the fundamental pillars upon which the Guyanese dream is built, and has pursued a policy of creating decent and affordable housing for all Guyanese.

The bustling peri-urban communities of Eccles, Providence, Diamond, La Parfaite Harmonie, Good Hope and Grove, are a few examples of this.

Minister Singh noted that while this housing drive slowed, and virtually came to a halt, under the APNU/ AFC coalition over the past five years, the PPP/C Administration is now re-focusing Government’s attention to create a new housing stock and access to lands for housing development.

“In the housing sector, works are progressing apace to restore the lost vibrancy and vitality that once exemplified the sector. Before the PPP/C Government demitted office in 2015, a total of 22,964 house lots were allocated during our last five years in office. In contrast, citizens only benefited from 7534 house lots under the APNU/AFC Administration during its five-year period in office. The slowdown in distribution of house lots under the previous

Administration was due to a lack of a clear vision and policy for the housing sector,” the Minister noted.

With Government’s commitment to make available 50,000 house lots across the country over the next year, Dr Singh noted that a major partner in this evolving transformation will be the private sector which, together with Government, will create the incentives and opportunities for affordable housing, for persons to own their own homes.

As such, Government plans to allocate 10,000 house lots as well as distribute 7000 land titles across the country in 2021.

This will include the construction of 1000 homes for low-income earners and young professionals, along with another 1000 homes through public-private part-

nership for residents in Region 10.

Meanwhile, Government has budgeted some $6 billion to further advance infrastructure and utility works in new and existing housing areas. Additionally, the sum of $1.5 billion is allocated to continue with infrastructure works in the Sophia, Diamond and La Parfaite Harmonie housing areas.

In addition, the PPP/C Administration will also continue to engage stakeholders to address the issues of squatting and informal settlements by working to ensure that land is distributed in an equitable manner. Government is facilitating the allocation of house lots to occupants of regularised squatter settlements and working with others to address the matter.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NA man busted with over 4 pounds of ganja

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New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) man was busted on Friday evening with more than one kilogram of ganja at his Tucburg Park home.

The Police stated that based on a tip-off, they went to the man’s home to search for arms, ammunition, narcotics, and stolen articles. It was during the search the cannabis was found hidden in several sections of the house.

During the search, officers checked in the bathroom ceiling and found one brown pillowcase with 49 small transparent ziplock bags and one brown ice-

co leaves in one of the bedrooms of the home. In addition, they unearthed a string bag with a quantity of ziplock bags, one black parcel wrapped in transparent plastic wrap and one black garbage bag containing a quantity of ganja. The cannabis was weighed and amounted to 1.9 kilograms (4.18 pounds).

The Police also discovered two electronic scales and seven pairs of scissors.

cream container containing ganja.

The 20-year-old man was cautioned, told of the offence, and arrested.

Further checks were carried out in the home and a

transparent container containing another brown ice cream container was found with several small ziplock bags filled with cannabis.

The officers also found a basket containing tobac-

Prosecution closes case for Industry fatal accident trial

Dead: Shivanan Brazlon

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he prosecution has closed its case in the trial of Jonathan Antozak, who is accused of causing the death of a Trinidadian national in an accident in October 2018 at Public Road Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is 20-year-old Shivanan Brazlon, a student of the University of the West Indies. At the time of her demise, she was staying with her boyfriend at Lot 384 Seventh Field, Cummings Lodge, ECD. The accident occurred on October 10, 2018.

It was reported that the accident occurred at about 17:45h on the day in question after Brazlon and her fiancé, 25-year-old Michael Yearwood, were attempting to cross the said road from north to south.

It was at that time, a motor car bearing registration number PLL 9039, driven

by Antozak, a pilot of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, struck her down.

The UWI student was picked up and immediately rushed to the Woodlands Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Antozack, who is being represented by Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes, is on trial for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

Fiddling...

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...while Guyana burns ell, well, well: mout’ open and story jump out!!

For three years, your Eyewitness has been railing with upraised arms against the ERC for fiddling while Guyana burned – literally and figuratively. Even as they spent over $250 million year after year. Well before, we could SURMISE but now we KNOW! One of the Commissioners – one Roshan Khan – has broken their oath of “omertà”.

In case you missed The Godfather trilogy, omertà is the oath of silence taken by members of the mafia about their operations. Breaking the oath means certain death!

Since the ERC is composed of ten representatives of the major Indian and African race groups – plus members of the religious and social groups, it was always expected that debates on specific issues that affected their constituencies would’ve been frank. And possibly contentious. After all, they were representing a rather fractious society – which was the ERC’s raison d’être to begin with! But for years we heard nary a squeak.

We now know it was because their mouths were muzzled by the hand (of the Chairman) that fed them lavishly from the trough of public funds. We’d all wondered how $250 million could be spent within a year – with nothing to show for it. Well, when folks have to be provided with special boots to make a field trip; “risk allowances” to take a flight or receive $200,000 Christmas bonuses, you can begin to appreciate how quickly their budget dwindled. And we’re not even talking about taking care of the staff with $100,000 bonuses!! All of the spending would’ve been directed by the Chairman.

So, how come Commissioner Khan broke his silence? Well, in the wake of the violence on W. Berbice roads instigated by Granger and Harmon when they visited the murdered Henrys’ home, the fella dared to advise those who were the targets of the violence that they should protect themselves. Must’ve been because he is involved in the security business? Well, how dare he?!! Not only did Harmon and the PNC pounce on him for being “racist” – the brutalised victims were all Indian Guyanese – but the Chair of the Commission publicly upbraided him on the same charge!!

So we now hear not only about the extravagant spending but the Chairman taking the side of one (unnamed) Commissioner who leaned towards the PNC. Need any clues? Thought not! But your Eyewitness hopes no one is surprised at the specific partiality of the Chairman. What else could you expect from a man who boasted he was a longtime friend of Granger and invited him as the Chief Guest for his birthday bash.

Which was on March 7 – days after Mingo’s SoPs mangling for Granger with that stained bedsheet!!

A friend indeed! ...and transforming swords After President Ali made his stirring commitment to create a “Corridor of Unity and Oneness” on the East Coast with the villages of Lusignan, Enterprise, Buxton, Foulis and Golden Grove, your Eyewitness remembered a passage from Isaiah. He paraphrases: In days to come/ the mountain of the Corridor of Unity and Oneness / shall be established as the highest of aspirations,/ and shall be raised above the fray;/ all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the Corridor of Unity,/ to the house of Oneness;/ that they may teach us their ways/ and that we may walk in their paths.’/ For out of the East Coast shall go forth instruction,/ and the word of the message of Oneness.

The Commission shall judge between the ethnic groups,/ and shall arbitrate for many peoples/ they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,/ and their spears into pruninghooks;/ Groups shall not lift up sword against groups, / neither shall they learn war any more. ...in Cricket no mo’!

After your Eyewitness blearily witnessed the West Indies second victory against Bangladesh – in Tests! - while he’s not yet a “believer”, he’s now keeping an open mind!

That kid Da Silva has "it"!

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Construction of dormitories at LTI

Govt sues contractor, insurance company for breach of contract

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he Government of Guyana has filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited for breach of contract over the construction of dormitories at the Linden Technical Institute which was set to cost $398,272,895.

In the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, the Government is seeking over $100,000,000 from the construction company for general damages and aggravated damages respectively for breach of the contract dated

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Contractor Courtney Benn

Construction ongoing on the Linden Technical Institute dormitory in August 2019 (DPI photo)

July 3, 2017.

The Government is also seeking $39,827,289 as liq-

uidated damages from Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited as well as

$119,481,869 being monies owed and payable by the company under the Performance Bond issued by Caricom General Insurance Company - the second-named respondent in the lawsuit.

Alternatively, it is asking for an order of restitution against Caricom General Insurance Company for all monies owing on the Performance Bond to the Government and for interest to be paid on all awards for damages in accordance with Section 12 of the Law Reform Miscellaneous Act. The Government is also asking the High Court to grant such further or other orders as the court deems just and reasonable as well as costs. According to court documents, the Government of Guyana through the Education Ministry entered into a contract with Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited for the construction of the dormitories of the Linden Technical Institute.

The contract price was fixed at $398,272,895.

Nandlall said that the construction company was paid an advance payment of 15 per cent of the contract sum being $59,740,934. To date,

Over US$135M in climate funds for Guyana stalled overseas – Finance Minister ...says Govt will secure release of funds, invest in renewable energy

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uyana has more than US$135 million in climate change-related funds that it is entitled to but has not been able to access due to the political instability under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

These are funds that the current Government is seeking to have released.

This was revealed by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during his presentation of Budget 2021 on Friday. He explained that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was supposed to earn Guyana up to

bursed. More than US$135 million that was earned by Guyana is sitting in bank accounts outside our economy.”

He pointed out that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which would have used US$80 million in funding from the LCDS, was torpedoed by APNU/AFC while they were in the combined Opposition and never pursued after 2015.

“And, the opportunity to grow our payments from forest climate services after 2015 was never taken.

Together, this is one of the most shameful economic legacies of the APNU/AFC

The Finance Minister castigated the former Government for failing to grow Guyana’s revenues from the LCDS

US$250 million over a fiveyear period.

But Singh explained that the former Government’s mismanagement and then the protracted political crisis from when they fell to a No-Confidence Motion in 2018, led to funding not being released to Guyana by Norway.

“When the APNU/AFC Government came into office, they squandered whatever funds were available, and brought the release of the rest of the funds already earned by Guyana to a halt.

This culminated in the last payments from Norway being suspended,” the Minister said.

“On top of this lost opportunity, a successor GuyanaNorway agreement for the period from 2015 to 2020 never materialised. Almost US$30 million for existing projects has not been dis-

Government, and it falls to this PPP/C Administration to repair the damage. We will do this in three ways,” the Minister also said.

“We are taking steps to unblock the more than US$135 million that had not been released for allocation into projects. These resources will be invested primarily in renewable energy projects, and to strengthen the agencies involved in regulating the sector such as the Guyana Forestry Commission,” Singh added.

The Minister further noted that the funds, once unblocked, will also go towards advancing ongoing projects such as the Amerindian Land Titling project, sustainable land management, and projects geared towards improving Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access for hinterland, poor and remote communi-

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

ties.

Dr Singh further highlighted that the Government will also be assessing emerging international markets, to see how Guyana can earn money from forest climate services. According to him, these markets can contribute 75 per cent to meeting the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement, for which global interest is growing.

“This is exactly the message that Guyana and other forest countries have been championing for over a decade, while pointing out that – in developing countries in particular – all societies need to rapidly grow low carbon opportunities if they are to diversify their economies away from traditional development paths,” he said.

“Finally, later this year, we will prepare an expanded LCDS to take into account the opportunities and challenges that have emerged since the document was first produced, and to expand it into a comprehensive development strategy. Of course, this will incorporate the fact that we are now an oil producer,” Minister Singh further explained.

Guyana had, in 2009, signed with Norway a historic forest protection accord which saw the country receiving payments for sustaining its rainforests to absorb global carbon emissions. A total of US$250 million was to be paid to Guyana over a five-year period.

he said the company has received $117,854,140 to execute the contract.

The construction of the dormitories was supervised at all material times by the civil works engineer attached to the Education Ministry and Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited submitted a work programme to the Ministry’s engineer but failed to comply with it.

As a consequence, Nandlall submitted that the failure of Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited to comply with the scheduled programme of works resulted in a breach of its obligations under the contract. In the circumstances, he stated that the Education Ministry caused the contract to be terminated on February 12, 2021.

Nandlall explained that the grounds for termination of the contract are as follows: failure to comply with the schedule of works and the inordinate delay in carrying out works which amounted to fundamental breaches of the agreement.

Given that the actions of the construction company have impacted the interest of the public in the non-com-

pletion of the construction of the dormitories at the Linden Technical Institute, Nandlall is asking the court to grant the orders in the lawsuit.

The Linden Technical Institute has been in existence for over 60 years. It provides a wide range of diploma and certificate courses in Computer Science, Administrative Principles and Practices, Commerce, Craft, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Radio Electronic Servicing, Mechanical Fitting and Metal Machining.

In January 2021, the Government instituted a lawsuit against Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited and Caricom General Insurance company in which it is seeking in excess of $413 million in damages in relation to the breach of contract for the rehabilitation of the St Rose’s High School.

The Government has also taken BK International and the North American Fire and General Insurance Company (NAFICO) to court over breach of contract in the construction of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School.

The Government is seeking over $717.8 million in damages.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multiple int’l investors interested in GuySuCo – 10 “serious” EoIs from overseas being reviewed

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number of international investors have expressed an interest in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and according to Chief Executive Officer Sase Singh, their Expressions of Interest (EoIs) are currently being reviewed.

During an exclusive interview with this publication, Singh was asked about investors in GuySuCo. Last year, it had been reported that there were local and foreign investors who are interested in GuySuCo. According to Singh, they are in receipt of 10 EoIs that are being reviewed.

“We went to market for some Expressions of Interest and we’ve gotten 10 serious expressions that have been shared with the decision-makers. At the management level, we remain open and ready to implement any partnership, because as I said this entire business

makes sense around that whole concept of partnership.”

“This idea that we alone gotta do it, doesn’t make sense. The technology has advanced way past what GuySuCo is aware of. In Brazil, India and the United States, they are doing sugar much more efficiently than we are. And also, the model also involves a lot of hybrid products. There’s the idea of sugar, ethanol mix. Think about Guyana. But this is depending on high-level policy reviews.”

Singh floated the idea of producing ethanol as a percentage of fuel for automobiles. But he noted that this will all be subject to discussion and GuySuCo stands ready to implement whatever its shareholders want implemented.

The former Government had closed the Wales Estate in 2016, and subsequently shut down the Enmore, Rose

Hall and Skeldon Estates.

The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates remaining operational, with them seeking to divest the Skeldon factory.

They then established the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to take over the divestment of GuySuCo’s assets that were earmarked for sale.

The SPU then recruited PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct a valuation of the assets to be privatised and divested. However, the divestment hit a snag after the December 2018 NoConfidence Motion and the then Government was forced to admit that investors who were previously eager to buy up assets were holding back owing to the political climate.

GuySuCo’s Skeldon Estate

After taking office last year, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government announced in the 2020 Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates.

An initial $3 billion was earmarked for critical works for the remainder of 2020

while an assessment was simultaneously carried out on the state of the assets and the level of reinvestments needed at the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates for their reopening.

Last year, the Government advertised seeking EoIs from investors seeking to invest in sugar and also lend their technical expertise to resuscitate the

industry. The public-private partnership model has been touted as the best way to revamp GuySuCo. GuySuCo has also been allocated $2 billion in Budget 2021 by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government, for capital works to be undertaken at the various estates to help in the turnaround of the sugar industry.

Guyana records 24 new COVID-19 cases

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he Health Ministry on Sunday reported that 24 new novel coronavirus cases were detected within a 24-hour period from a total of 205 tests that

were conducted.

New statistics released by the Ministry showed that the number of confirmed cases in Guyana now stand at 8231 – 4248 males and 3949 females.

But only 662 of these cases are currently active.

This includes eight patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 654 in isolation, that is, 45 in institutional isolation and the remaining 609 in home isolation.

There are also 24 persons in institutional quarantine.

Additionally, the COVID-19 death toll re-

mains at 186, with the latest fatalities – two males, aged 84 and 59, from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – having died on Thursday while receiving care at medical fa-

cilities.

To date, the number of persons who have recovered from the life-threatening virus has gone up to 7383 – four more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

Meanwhile, Guyana has tested some 55,078 persons for the novel coronavirus thus far.

Of the 24 new cases detected on Sunday, two were from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 17 cases in the Demerara-Mahaica region; one case each in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne), and the remaining three cases were from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The figures in the other five regions – Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – remained the same.

As the number of cases continues to increase in Guyana, Government last week rolled out the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines to protect against the deadly virus.

Guyana received its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday from Barbados.

The Caricom sister stated donated 3000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Guyana and without hesitation, healthcare workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Ocean View, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, were given the first doses.

Healthcare and other frontline workers is the first category to be vaccinated followed by at-risk persons and the elderly population before extending to the wider citizenry.

However, while there are still persons who are sceptical about taking the jab, Government wants to see everyone in the country vaccinated and according to the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, this includes immigrants in Guyana.

Jagdeo told reporters recently that immigrants will not be left out of the immunisation exercise which aims at tackling the novel coronavirus and safeguarding citizens.

“If the immigrants are here and they fall into the categories, there is no way of not administering the vaccines to them too because they live in our society legally and they can also be the vector or the carrier of the virus. So, you have to ensure that everyone gets vaccinated who lives here,” VP Jagdeo posited.

Meanwhile, Guyana is expected to receive its first set of COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX facility soon.

Under the COVAX mechanism, the country is poised to benefit from vaccines for 20 per cent of the country’s population. In fact, it was previously reported that COVAX is slated to send over 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Guyana.

Additionally, China has also committed to donating 20,000 doses of its Sinopharm vaccine to Guyana, while India has also donated a large number of the AstraZeneca vaccines to the Caribbean and Guyana is expected to receive the biggest batch.

Pharmacist Brinnet Bernarai was administered the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine in Guyana last week

Moreover, a partnership between Caricom and the African Union can see Guyana also benefitting from another 149,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. But these will have to be paid for.

The Health Ministry is also in discussion with a number of companies on the matter of securing more vaccines for the population.

According to the World Health Organisation

(WHO), as of Sunday, some 108,153,741 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 2,381,295 deaths.

The organisation also reported on Wednesday that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 48,137,377 while the death toll in the region has surpassed over one million.

President Ali to lead...

During his parliamentary address last week, President Ali contended that his government wants a co-operative partnership with the companies now licensed to operate in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

“Leaving oil and gas in the ground is not an option.

It cannot be an option when their production and sales can transform the economy of Guyana, bringing in considerable revenues that can be utilised to dramatically improve the lives of all our

people,” he noted.

The Head of State further pointed out that Guyana cannot reap the benefits of its oil and gas resources without foreign investors, who are entitled to a fair return on their investment. As such, he posited that the relationship between Government and these companies should be based on fairness, equity and mutual interests.

“That is the goal to which the Government will work to ensure future production contracts resound

FROM PAGE 3

to the significant benefit of Guyanese without seeking to disincentivise foreign investment,” he insisted.

To this end, the President noted that among Government’s legislative and institutional initiatives will be updating the Petroleum Act, building the capacity and the institutional framework for the audit of expenditure and the drafting of new production agreements with international standards under which any new production licence will fall.

11 Govt to audit ExxonMobil for 2017 to 2020 – Jagdeo NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– terms of reference prepared for a new firm

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is gearing up to facilitate an audit into Exxon’s cost oil claims covering the period of 2017 and 2020. This process is important in ensuring that Guyana does not miss out on oil revenue.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent press conference. He explained that they already have terms of reference to procure a company to audit these cost oil claims. Additionally, the Government is working towards building capacity in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“Apart from that, we have already prepared the terms of reference for the new contract to be issued, that will have to have local content in it, to do the audit between 2017 and 2020.

And we’re working also at building the capability to do this audit within GRA, so it can be more real-time as in the same year the expenditure is made,” Jagdeo said.

Added to that, Jagdeo explained that the Government has had GRA and the Department of Energy look at the reports done by IHS Markit, the firm that previously audited Exxon’s pre-contract cost of US$460.2 million.

“They have since submitted their comments to the company that was hired.

That company has to send

Markit. Its data and information services business caters to industries such as automotive, energy, financial services, defence and maritime.

The company is no

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

us, in a matter of days, the draft report which they had said was the final report. And that report has to be sent to ExxonMobil and then based on their comments, a final report will be completed and will determine whether we accept the pre-contract expenditure as well as the additional expenditure up to 2017.”

“We will then determine whether all of those costs are consistent with the contract’s understanding of what should be deducted as cost oil. And then have the company, if there is an adverse finding and I gather there has been adverse finding, decide how we move forward,” Jagdeo also said.

According to Annex C of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon, pre-contract cost “shall include four hundred and sixty million, two hundred and thirty-seven hundred thousand and nine hundred and eighteen United States Dollars (US$460,237,918) in respect of all such costs incurred

under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement prior to the year ended 2015.”

There is an additional sum of approximately US$400 million from 2016 to 2017, which it is believed will also come under the rubric of cost oil.

The former Government – A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) – has received much criticism for agreeing to these costs without an audit being done.

The former Government finally contracted a company, British consultancy firm IHS Markit, at a cost of US$300,000 ($62.6 million) in 2019. The contract had to be extended in May of 2020 without cost, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time, former Energy Department Head, Dr Mark Bynoe had said that this was due primarily to flight restrictions.

IHS Markit is the product of a 2016 merger between two companies, United States (US)-based IHS and London-based

5 soldiers arrested on rape accusation in Mabaruma

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ive members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stationed at Mabaruma, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) were arrested for an allegation of rape. While the details surrounding the incident are not available, the GDF in a release to the media stated that the five ranks are currently the subject of a Police investigation.

“The soldiers are co-operating with the Police as the investigation is ongoing,” the release stated.

In addition, the Force wishes to assure the public that it remains committed to the preservation of law and order.

In October 2018, two soldiers - Rawlston Reid, 22, of Dochfour Housing Scheme and Isaiah Rawlins, 21, of Wisroc, Linden - allegedly raped a 26-year-old female in Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

It was reported that on October 13, 2018, the two soldiers, who were placed on 300,000 bail each, allegedly had forceful sex with the woman.

The woman was at the time with her boyfriend at a community centre ground eating chips when they

were approached by the soldiers, who are known to them.

The couple was ordered to have sex for the soldiers to see and when they refused, they were beaten and robbed. The wom-

an’s boyfriend was forced to watch the entire ordeal before they stripped him of his gold chains worth $180,000.

The men have since been dismissed from the military.

stranger to Guyana’s oil sector, having published a number of write-ups and analyses on Guyana’s efforts to develop its capacity. This includes “Guyana’s deepwater areas will re-

main competitive, despite changes to fiscal terms (IHS Markit, 2018)” and “How activity in the Guyana mini basin is booming with five exciting discoveries since 2015 (IHS Markit, 2017)”.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GuySuCo exported over 70,000 tonnes of sugar for 2020 – CEO – aiming to export more value-added products for 2021

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he Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) exported over 70,000 tonnes of sugar in 2020 but with most of this being bulk sugar, the corporation is looking to dramatically increase its value-added exports over the next few years.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Sase Singh, explained that GuySuCo exported 71,000 tonnes of sugar in 2020 but the eventual plan is to have 61 per cent of their exports be value-added products within five years.

“We basically produced about 88,898 metric tonnes.

But we sold about 92,000 metric tonnes, because of some inventory left back from 2019. About 21,000 of that was sold locally, while the rest was exported.”

“But the unfortunate news is that the majority of it was in the bulk sugar market place. Now if we’re producing sugar at close to $600 a metric tonne, and you’re selling at $300 a metric tonne, that’s not busi-

ness for me,” he said.

Singh explained that at present, only 29 per cent of GuySuCo’s sales are value-added products. This was the case for last year.

However, he was optimistic that this could be increased to 38 per cent by the end of 2021.

“But based on our business plan, we’re taking that up to 61 per cent in five years. The majority of the business will be at the profitable end of the business.

We have a plan and we’re working towards it. But what is the pre-requisite?”

“We gotta fix the factories, we gotta fix the creek cane transport route, we gotta fix the land preparation and planting system.

Because it's not functioning at the optimal level. And we’re appealing for patience because as we fix these things, we’re going to be able to penetrate more in the international market at the value-added level,” the CEO added.

At present, GuySuCo produces packaged sugar in the form of Enmore Crystals, Demerara and

GuySuCo CEO Sase Singh

Berbice Gold. Singh explained why buying processed, packaged sugar is the better option for consumers.

“We’re committed to producing what the market needs, which is value-added, packaged sugar in hygienic conditions. You see, there’s a vast difference between a young man or lady in the back of a shop, packaging sugar, sweating into those bags and selling it to you. It’s not good.”

“We can’t sell that to consumers. And so, what GuySuCo does, no human being touches that sugar. It

moves from the factory into the package and it is sealed automatically. So, the bottom line is, it makes sense buying GuySuCo’s Enmore Crystals and Demerara Gold,” Singh said.

When it comes to Berbice Gold, Singh noted that while this is usually sold in Berbice, they plan to expand it across the entire country. In fact, the CEO revealed that the corporation is searching for distributors.

GuySuCo has also been allocated $2 billion in Budget 2021 by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government, for capital works to be undertaken at the various estates to help in the turnaround of the sugar industry.

During his reading of the $383.1 billion budget on Friday, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said his party intends to stay true to its promise to help revive the industry, highlighting that they have already begun the process of doing so.

According to Singh, they are assessing the damage done to three estates that were closed by the former

The Guyana Sugar Corporation

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, as well as the cost to rehabilitate these estates to make them profitable again.

The Government is also mulling its options, including but not limited to introducing public-private partnerships, agro-industrial and agro-energy opportunities, and pursuing product diversification, and retraining where necessary.

The former Government had closed the Wales Estate in 2016, and subsequently shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates.

The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only

the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates currently operating.

After taking office last year, the PPP/C Government announced in the 2020 Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates.

An initial $3 billion was earmarked for critical works for the remainder of 2020 while an assessment was simultaneously carried out on the state of the assets and the level of reinvestments needed at the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon estates for their reopening.

Revised Code of Conduct for Judges, Magistrates to be launched soon

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n November 2003, former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Desiree Bernard launched the Judiciary’s first Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates in Guyana.

The Code of Conduct still exists. However, present Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards has initiated a review of the Code of Conduct and a revised one will be launched soon.

This is according to High Court Judge Nareshwar Harnanan, who explained that the Code of Conduct contains principles and rules which all persons who administer justice are required to observe in their day-to-day relationship with the legal profession and the public.

According to him, “The revision will not change the fundamental principles contained in the 2003 version from which Judges and Magistrates continue to take guidance in the discharge of the functions of their office. The revision process seeks to improve upon this base to take into account certain advancements and commentaries on what is considered appropriate judicial conduct.”

Why a Code of Conduct?

But why have a Code of Conduct? Justice Harnanan explained that independence is essential for maintaining the rule of law and good governance in society.

He, therefore, noted judi-

cial officers must uphold the trust which is reposed in them to perform their duties fairly and objectively which will, in turn, enhance the public’s trust in the judicial system.

According to the High Court Judge, the Code of Conduct has adopted principles and rules from a document called the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct which was drafted by representatives from judiciaries around the world in 2001. “It has been recognised to be an authentic international code of judicial conduct of wide application,” he noted.

The Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates in Guyana, he said, outlines the standard of ethical conduct of all judicial officers, in particular, key values by which a judicial officer is expected to live and work.

They are propriety, independence, integrity, impartiality, equality and competence, and diligence.

“At all times, a judicial officer is expected to adhere to these principles as they go about their work and personal lives. While judicial officers understand and appreciate their mandate, no one can doubt the usefulness and utility in setting up guiding principles by which they are bound.”

Key values

Justice Harnanan further explained that independence means judicial officers performing

High Court Judge Nareshwar Harnanan

their functions free from any influence, direction, or control of any entity or person - private or governmental - which includes the Executive and the Legislative.

“Impartiality means doing our jobs completely without favour or bias, not only in making the decisions but in the process by which the decision is made.”

According to him, judicial independence is of such public importance because a free society exists only so long as it is governed by the rule of law - the rule which binds governance and governs impartially and treating equally all those who seek its remedies or against who its remedies are sought.

He said that judicial officers must at all times perform their duties with integrity.

“Performing our duties

with integrity underscores rectitude, righteousness, and honesty. It mandates that in the discharge of our duties we should always act honourably, be free from fraud, deceit, and falsehood and be of a good and virtuous character. This value is an absolute value; there is no degree of integrity. It is described as being more than a virtue; it is a necessity.”

With regards to propriety, the High Court Judge explained that what matters more is not what a Judge does or does not do, but what others think the Judge has done or might do.

For example, he said that a Judge who speaks privately and at length with a litigant in a pending case might appear to be giving that party an advantage, even if the conversation is completely unrelated to the pending case. “Because the public expects a high standard of conduct from a Judge, he or she might ask the question, how might this look in the eyes of the public?”

He noted that when an impression of impropriety is created it can have serious consequences of tainting the judicial process with a perception of corruption which may bleed all the way to the judicial officer. Such a stain when created, he noted, is difficult to remove and that is why the Code of Conduct urges judicial officers to conduct themselves

with propriety.

Moreover, he stated that judicial officers must ensure equality of treatment to all court users. He added that is an essential element of fairness and impartiality.

“There is no differentiation between persons involved in a matter of discrimination against court users on any irrelevant ground. Our code of conduct obliges us to strive to be aware of, and to understand, diversity in society, and differences arising from various sources including but not limited to race, colour, gender, religion, creed, national origin, caste, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, social and economic status…”

Also, he informed that judicial officers must perform their functions with competence and diligence.

“Competence requires legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation.

Diligence requires judicial officers to consider matters soberly, to decide impartially, and to act expeditiously.

It includes striving for the impartial and even-handed application of the law and the prevention of the abuse of process.”

Complaints

Complaints alleging misconduct by a judicial officer are made to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

By virtue of Article 128 of the Constitution of Guyana, Judges are appointed by

the President acting on the advice from the JSC. Magistrates, on the other hand, are appointed by the JSC. Article 199 of the Constitution vests the power of disciplinary control over Magistrates and other legal officers in the JSC which is governed by rules made under the Constitution.

According to Justice Harnanan, all complaints of misconduct against a judicial officer must be sent to the secretary of the JSC. He said that the complaint must contain all the relevant evidence to support the claim.

“Thereafter, the complaint is treated by the JSC in accordance with its rules governing disciplinary proceedings. It must be noted that both the complainant and the judicial officer are allowed to set out their respective cases on which the JSC will deliberate.”

He explained that the complainant and the judicial officer can be represented by counsel and can call witnesses. “If the complaint is found to be unmeritorious, it is dismissed. If a case is made out that warrants disciplinary action, the JSC will write to the judicial officer setting out its findings and the penalty. Penalties may range from caution to dismissal.”

The judicial officer has the right to appeal the decision of the JSC to the High Court.

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 killed, 3 injured after speeding car crashes into utility pole

By LaWanda McAllister

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wo youngsters are now dead and three were seriously injured after the car in which they were travelling crashed into a utility pole along Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, in the wee hours of Sunday.

Dead are 20-year-old Dakera Gritten, a labourer of Lot 2104 Nutmeg Street, Festival City, Georgetown, and 18-year-old Tonika Halley, a mother of one of Phase 2 East La Penitence, Georgetown.

The injured persons were identified as Delvern Luthers of Wortmanville, Georgetown; Joel Rose of D’Urban Street, Georgetown, and Troy Glen of Laing Avenue, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the five young people had

cident occurred.

Based on reports, the car flipped several times and ended up in a nearby trench. At the time of the accident, the five persons were in the vehicle. Gritten reportedly died on the spot while Halley died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At the home of Gritten on Sunday, his sister, Fabiola Gritten, related that she was at home and at about 01:30h, she received the news that her younger brother was involved in an accident and that he had died.

“I rush over at the scene and I was told that it was car accident. I was told that after the accident my brother ended up in the gutter. He came out of the car and walked out of the gutter. When got out, a

The utility pole that was taken down by the speeding car

just left a barbeque in South Ruimveldt and were heading to a sporting spot at Garnett Street, Kitty, when the driver allegedly lost control of the motor car and slammed into the pole.

Police said the car was proceeding west in the northern direction of the said avenue at a fast rate when the ac-

girl put him to lie down and told him to relax because he was in shock. He was responding at the time, he was breathing,” she said.

According to Fabiola, public-spirited citizens called for an ambulance and the ambulance came to the scene long after the accident had happened.

Dead: Dakera Gritten

“Persons who were passing stopped and helped the others who were in the car, and my brother began vomiting thick clot blood. The ambulance came and look after him but apparently, they noticed that he would not have made it, so they just strap his neck and took him back out of the ambulance and leave him on the floor of the vehicle and went and look after the other persons in the car.”

The dead man’s sister said shortly after attending to the other victims, her brother that was left lying on the floor took his last breath.

She explained that before he left home, he told them that he was going out with his best friend, and as such, he was warned to be careful on the roadway.

“Mommy told him to take the keys and lock the door, and the last thing she said to him was be careful on the road, and he said ‘yes mom I will be careful’ and he left with his friend in the car… he fought for his life, he was fighting but there wasn’t much they could have done,” she said.

Fabiola said the tragic death of her brother came as a blow to their family, not only

Dead: Tonika Halley

because he was young, but because he was his mother’s only boy and last child.

Over at the home of Halley, her uncle, Travis Williams, said he returned home from work at about 22:00h on Saturday evening and had inquired about her whereabouts. He said he was told that she went out with a group of friends to a barbeque in South Ruimveldt.

The man said he didn’t worry, since it was the weekend and his niece was with her friends.

“We were liming in front the shop and around midnight, I got a call that my nephew and Tonika reach up in an accident but I know she leave to go to South… we went to the scene and we realise that she was on the ground with two other guys,” he said.

Williams said his niece was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she died while being treated for her injuries a few hours later. She reportedly took her last breath at about 05:10h on Sunday morning.

Her grandmother, Cloreen Springer, said she was at the hospital when the doctors told her that Halley was not going to make it and that she should

stay with her for the last.

“I ask her ‘Tonika you mean to tell me this is it’ and she just keep coughing up blood and was not responding… she breathe like two times very hard and that was it. They said they tried but she had severe injuries,” the grandmother cried.

The family said Halley was a “mannerly and respectful person,” and it is quite unfortunate that she died so young, leaving her one-yearold daughter behind.

“The child will be ok, we will take care of her as a family, it was just last week she celebrated her daughters first birthday and now this. This is

very hard for us because we are unable to even sleep; but she gone and we just have to hold up,” the dead woman’s uncle said.

The bodies of Gritten and Halley were taken to Lyken’s Funeral Parlor awaiting a post-mortem.

Meanwhile, the vehicle that was involved in the accident is lodged to be examined by a Licence and Certifying Officer.

The driver remains in custody and he is assisting with investigations. A breathalyser test was conducted but there was no trace of alcohol in his system. Police are continuing their investigations.

14 NEWS Convicted murderer, rapist referred to as menace by villagers MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Convicted murderer and rapist: Hillary Edwards

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hirty-two-year-old Hillary Edwards of Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, who was given a life sentence by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall for raping and killing 13-yearold Leonard Archibald back in 2017, is being referred to as a menace by villagers.

Following the sentence, Guyana Times travelled to the village to get the reaction of the residents who had reported several incidents to the Police without any follow-up.

Patrick Bennett, an uncle of the convicted man who is also a cousin of the dead teen related that Edwards deserved the sentence handed down by the Judge.

He was described as a paedophile by Justice Ramlall who harass and

forced to have sexual intercourse with boys between the 5 and 16 years-old.

He was found guilty on Thursday last at the Berbice High Court for murdering Archibald in September 2017. The teen had disappeared for almost one week but his decomposed body was subsequently found with his hands and feet bound.

It was reported that Edwards had sexually molested the lad until he lost consciousness after which he bound his hands and feet together and threw him into the Berbice River. Further, he threw the lad’s bicycle into the river to hide evidence that the teen had visited his home.

However, back then, two of the lad’s sisters had reported that their brother informed them that he was going to the man’s home to run an errand for him.

During the time that Archibald was missing, residents had accused Henry of having something to do with the child’s disappearance.

Back in 2017 when the accusations were made against the now convicted rapist and murderer, the Police had stated that there were no reports of such lodged at the Police station.

However, during the trial, Probation and Welfare Officer Maisie Shepherd

Murdered: Leonard Archibald

told the court that prior to September 2017, several reports were lodged at the Sisters Police Station of the man’s behaviour and sexual advances toward boys.

She highlighted several instances including one that involved two young boys who were threatened by the accused. In one case, she told the court the accused lured two teenagers into the backdam to fish.

One of the boys reported that upon their arrival in the backlands, Edwards aggressively bullied him to have sexual intercourse.

Their reluctance led to one of them being severely beaten, thus leaving him unconscious.

When he regained consciousness, he found himself tied with a rope to a tree.

Edwards was heard saying that he was going to “kill him and bury him”.

However, he was able to escape but was subsequently hospitalised suffering from a broken jaw and ribs.

In another instance, the probation officer told the court that Edwards took another teen into the backdam and bullied and threatened him with a cutlass, stating that they must have sexual intercourse. That teen was also able to escape.

She also disclosed that in one instance, Edwards had sex with a 5-year-old boy in the presence of his mother.

In light of the accusations and sentencing, residents said they are happy that Edwards has been put away for a long time.

Bennett related that he believes the accusations levelled against his nephew.

“He is a wicked chap,” the uncle said of his convicted nephew.

Meanwhile, Peter Christopher, who owns the home where the incident took place in 2017, stated that he and the dead teen’s parents are happy with the outcome of the case.

“Not because justice was serviced it means that that they will get back their child in their home; his absence is in that home is forever. I

am happy with what finally came out of this terrible nonsense.”

Archibald was killed as his parents waited on him to return home to partake in the celebration of his father’s birthday during dinner.

Asra Ally, who lives two houses away from where the

through the window and stabbed the teenager.

However, the young boy was able to jump through another window and escape. Very early the following morning Edwards returned to the scene to retrieve the knife.

“When he collect the knife, he said ‘Oh God, if I had seen the person that did

Sisters Police Station

incident took place, was also elated with the ruling but noted that she was expecting a harsher penalty. She wanted the death sentence.

Yet another villager, Sohan Ragnauth, told this publication that his nephew was stabbed several times

by Edwards and had to be hospitalised.

In that instance, he related, Edwards jumped

this, I would kill them’ and this time is he who committed the act.”

In making reference to the sentence, Ragnauth said Edwards should have had his life taken away from him.

“A lot of people missing here; a young girl missing, a big man missing and we never find them.” (Andrew Carmichael)

Caricom SG thanks PM Mottley Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for donating COVID-19 vaccines to host virtual “Talent Search”

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he Culture Youth and Sport Ministry has come up with another innovative yet fun way to keep celebrations alive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This time, the Ministry announced the launch of its virtual “Talent Search”.

Based on the video uploaded on the Ministry’s social media page, the competition is open to all Guyanese entertainment performers.

These include singers, dancers, jugglers and musicians. Persons desirous of participating in the competition can submit their one-minute audition videos along with their name, age and location on or before February 20, 2021, to the Ministry.

Once they are selected, they will be invited to a live audition, where all COVID-19 protocols will be observed.

According to the advertisement, finalists will be required to perform at a live-streamed concert for a chance to win a grand prize. At present, the grand prize has not yet been announced.

Nevertheless, the criteria for entry specified that contestants must be willing to attend a face-toface audition, participate in the virtual aspect of the competition and adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Notwithstanding, all contestants must be Guyanese.

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

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ecretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has expressed profound thanks to Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has made efforts to continue all activities in the safest and most adaptive ways possible.

Just last September, the Ministry had hosted its “One Guyana” virtual concert.

The concert was broadcast live and heaped up more than 50,000 views on social media.

“One Guyana” was also broadcast live on the National Communications Network (NCN), HJTV, LT Rock, and E-Networks and

aired on Boom FM and other radio stations around the country.

The virtual show was focused on highlighting Guyanese talent and promoting unity following the tragic death of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Haresh Singh.

Performances included Guyana’s very own Jumo Primo, Timeka Marshall, Saiku, Samuel Medas, Bunty Singh, Steven Ramphal, Vanilla, Vanita Willie, Poonam, Calvin Burnette, Brandon Harding, Professor, Alabama, and Whiz Phillips.

of COVID-19 vaccination in Guyana. One hundred doses went to the Caricom Secretariat. The remaining 1400 doses were exclusively for frontline workers.

Frontline workers received the vaccination last week.

“It is with immense gratitude that I welcome the Prime Minister’s generosity in supplying the Secretariat with vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Secretary General said.

“This gesture underlines her support for the staff of the Secretariat and concern for their well-being. It is a further demonstration of her unswerving commitment to regional integration.”

Ambassador LaRocque said, “my staff and I are

Pharmacist Brinnet Bernarai receiving the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine in Guyana Mottley for donating 100 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the staff of the Caricom Secretariat located in Guyana.

Barbados donated 1500 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine which kick-started the first phase

deeply appreciative and touched by this action which is in keeping with the reality of the pandemic that no one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Some staff members were vaccinated at the Secretariat’s headquarters last Friday includ-

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

ing the Secretary General.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Mottley and by extension the people of Barbados for sharing their first batch of vaccines with Guyana.

“This act of kindness is among many in recent months that Guyana and Barbados have shared.

In the coming days and weeks, we will be in receipt of various tranches of vaccines. I assure Guyanese that this issue is the top priority on our agenda and our aim is to ensure that every Guyanese is vaccinated before the end of the year,” President Ali said.

Prime Minister Mottley donated vaccines to other member states of Caricom from a batch received from the Government of India. She has also made provision for the staff of the Secretariat based in Barbados. Dominica also donated to other member states from the supply it received from India.

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Smuggled shrimp, fish intercepted Pedestrian hospitalised in Berbice; 1 arrested after hit and run

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olice in Berbice on Friday arrested one person after a quantity of fish and shrimp were intercepted io the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Based on information received, on the day in question about 17:30h, two officers were on an anti-crime patrol at Number 77 Village, Corentyne when they observed a minibus heading towards New Amsterdam. As such, the vehicle was intercepted.

A search was subsequently carried out on the minibus and several containers of shrimp and bags containing fish suspected to have been smuggled from Suriname were found.

As a result, the Customs Enforcement Agency (CEA) was called in and the vehicle was escorted to the customs department in Corriverton, where a 34-year-old man of Number 72 Village Corentyne was taken into custody.

According to the Police, the shrimp is currently lodged at the agency’s cold storage facility.

The smuggling of fish and shrimp

The shrimp and fish intercepted on Friday

from Suriname has always been of concern to the industry. With Guyana’s largest shrimp market be-

ing the Diaspora, the price ranges between $10,000 and $20,000 per bucket of what called the “Corentyne Black Shrimp”.

However, a similar specie which is not consumed in Suriname is smuggled into Guyana and dyed with black hair dye to make it look like the “Corentyne Black Shrimp”, which is reared inland.

With the flooding of the local market with smuggled shrimp, local retailers are being pushed out of business.

Shrimp and fish imported from Suriname must be first inspected by authorities in the Dutch-speaking country. Only persons with an export licence are allowed to import or export the aquatic creatures.

Smuggling across the Corentyne River has been an age-old problem for authorities in Guyana. In fact, the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) was set up at Corriverton to help reduce cross-border smuggling.

However, that agency is now disbanded.

The Number 63 Beach is frequently used as a point of entry for smugglers.

Gunmen storm, rob ECD business

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62-year-old businessman of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Saturday robbed by two armed bandits who invaded his business establishment at about 13:00h.

The victim, Lennox Adams also called “PO”, was allegedly robbed of $70,300.

Based on reports received, the victim operates a grocery and beverage shop in the lower flat of his two-storey wooden and concrete building. On the day and time in question, he was reportedly sitting in a chair in the shop when he noticed a white Allion in front of the shop.

Suddenly, two men ex-

ited the car, walked up to him, whipped out a gun and began demanding that the man hand over the money.

Adams reportedly told the men that he did not have any money, apart from $300 which he had in his hand at the time. One of the suspects then took the money from the man’s hand and ran into the shop, where he

found $70,000 in a drawer.

After taking the money, the suspect along with his accomplice then exited the shop. As they were leaving, the men reportedly discharged two rounds in the direction of the shop after which they made good their escape in the waiting car.

No one was injured.

Investigations are ongoing.

40% of rice affected by leaf miner pest in Berbice – RPA ...GRDB officials to visit today

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resident of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Leeka Rambrich recently stated that over 40 per cent of rice in some Corentyne villages, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), is being affected by leaf miners - insects that destroy rice.

He noted that as a result

er clade of wasps), and flies (Diptera), though some beetles also exhibit this behaviour.

However, in the No 5274 area where 15,000 acres of rice is under cultivation, some 1500 acres have been affected. The most affected area is the No 51-Goodhope area which has 1800 acres Ranlagan Singh points to a plot of rice that has been affected by leaf miners

Some of the rice that has been affected by insects

of global warming, farmers over the past two years have been experiencing a high percentage of leaf miners during the first crop.

A leaf miner is any one of numerous species of insects whose larval stage occurs in and eats the leaf tissue of plants. The vast majority of leaf-mining insects are moths (Lepidoptera), sawflies (Symphyta, the moth-

of rice under cultivation.

There, leaf miners have attacked some 800 acres of rice.

“What this does is that the worm eats the leaf causing it to wither and so there is not enough photosynthesis taking place for a good yield.”

Leaf miners have a severe impact on rice production.

One farmer, Ranlagan Singh

of No 56 Village Corentyne, who is also an extension officer for RPA and has 50 acres under rice cultivation, said there are about 50 acres in each village affected.

Guyana Times visited his rice field on Saturday and witnessed first-hand some of the damage to his rice.

In one instance, rice that was planted 45-days ago was overtaken by worms. As a means of killing the insect, a chemical had to be used to spray the rice.

Singh said he has been in contact with scientists from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) who informed him that it is a severe attack of leaf miners.

His rice appears to be stunted even though fertiliser was applied. Each bag, he noted, cost $5000 and it is applied at one bag per acre.

“I already throw fertiliser on it two times and the

rice is stunted. They advise me to use Abamectin and today is one week since I spray this rice. There are some charges but not much. The scientist says within eight days you will have a recovery,” Singh explained.

In addition, Rambrich stated that the GRDB has promised to have technical persons visit the area today to analyse the situation.

Rambrich explained that most of the rice that is being affected was planted after December 10.

Black Bush Polder was the first area to commence the crop, thus the farmers were not affected by the insects.

Meanwhile, in the Black Bush Polder, 18,600 acres of rice is under cultivation along with an additional 3000 acres in the Cookrite Savannah, which is expected to be harvested in a matter of days.

– car later intercepted, driver arrested

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43-year-old man is now hospitalised after he was struck down by a motor car which fled the scene on Saturday evening along the Number 19 Road, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Based on reports received, the injured man has been identified as Parsram Mahadeo of Number 19 Village, Berbice.

It was reported that the motor car bearing registration number HC 667 was driven by a man who was later identified as “Navin”.

The car was reportedly proceeding along the roadway when it allegedly struck Mahadeo, who was standing at the corner of the road.

The injured man reportedly told Police that the car swerved into his path and made contact with his right leg, causing him to fall to the roadway. As a result, he sustained injuries about his body.

The car, he noted, then drove away. Mahadeo was picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was admitted. The car and driver were intercepted sometime later. According to Police, Mahadeo’s condition is regarded as stable.

Investigations are ongoing.

Only recently, a car crashed into six persons on the Canal Polder Number One Access Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The driver fled the scene without rendering assistance to the injured persons. Several children were injured in that accident.

It was reported that a group of people were walking along the Public Road when the driver of the vehicle attempted to undertake another vehicle and lost control. The car then struck the pedestrians on the grass parapet on the southern side.

Virtual Mash celebrations for 2021 – Minister Ramson …Chutney, Soca competitions also slated to be held virtually

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n light of the unprecedented lockdowns, strict travel bans, and “social distancing” measures, many Guyanese had questions surrounding this year’s 51st Republic Anniversary celebrations.

Assumptions multiplied and many persons feared the complete cancellation of events this year, but Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr in an interview last week explained that in an effort to preserve culture, some aspects of the Republic Anniversary celebration would be deferred but not cancelled.

“The plans would have been rolling out since last year if we were not in a pandemic. Usually, there is a Mash launch in November of the year prior. It makes no sense to put people at risk just for a celebration, so the decision is that it is deferred but not all the activities,” he explained.

He further disclosed that in efforts to protect the population, the Ministry would be hosting virtual events.

“It’s important that even when we face this type of challenge, we find innovative ways to be able to execute our programmes,” Ramson Jr said.

As such, Minister Ramson posited that Guyanese could look forward to a virtual flag-raising ceremony along with a cultural event and a virtual concert on February 23, 2021.

Along with the virtual events in February, he noted that there were plans to also host the traditional Chutney and Soca competitions virtu-

Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

ally.

“I’m going to be putting out on our page what our intentions are for Mashramani,” he added Meanwhile, when asked about the status of the funds allotted for the Mash 2021 celebrations, he explained that they would be utilised for the country’s Independence celebration in May 2021.

“The President has a very keen idea and programme for the May celebrations. Right now, we are in the phase of planning for that. It’s rapidly advancing. So, some of those monies will be deferred for that.”

Ramson Jr stated.

Every year, Guyana hosts its annual Mashramani costume and float parade to commemorate its Republic anniversary.

Despite the virtual disposition that the event will take on this year, the Minister added that the meaning and tradition of the celebration would be maintained while citizens remain safe.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Budget 2021 will stimulate economic growth, restore investors’ confidence – GCCI

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he local Private Sector continues to express confidence in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) vision for Guyana with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) being the latest body to laud the Administration’s $383.1 billion National Budget which it said will stimulate economic growth.

“The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry is positive that Budget 2021 has the potential to stimulate economic growth, restore investor’s confidence, sends the right signals to enterprise and has the potential to chart Guyana’s development, guided by the vision of the leadership of our nation,” the Private Sector body said in a statement on Sunday.

While Guyana’s economy grew by 43.5 per cent due to the commencement of oil production, the non-oil economy contracted by 7.3 per cent during 2020, which the GCCI recognised is the largest contraction in economic growth for Guyana and was as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the political impasse from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. “…The signals of the dictatorship through the subversion of the will of the people, resulted in slowed investment, halted expansion and thwarted confidence in the Guyanese economy. It is with this in mind that the GCCI recognises and commends the [PPP/C] Government for its effort, through its fiscal pro-

GCCI Boyer

President

Nicholas

gramme, in ensuring that the much-needed restart to the economy is provided by way of the largest national budget in the history of Guyana,” the missive added.

The Chamber further commended Government for injecting approximately $172.4 billion or 45 per cent of the budget on education, public infrastructure and healthcare. These sectoral priorities, the GCCI posited, are extremely important for ensuring the broad-based economic development of Guyana. It specifically commended the expenditure of $60.7 billion or 15.8 per cent of the national budget – the largest allocation – on education, which it noted ensures that the Guyanese people, the country’s most precious resource, are further developed, trained, retrained and upskilled for an evolving labour market.

“This sectoral priority, the largest of the three, can be seen as the backbone of a Government’s programme for economic development,” the GCCI posited.

The Private Sector further noted that the $58.2 billion allocation for public infrastructure provides the financial grounding for the buildout of the country’s infrastructure and the basis for restarting economic growth.

“Construction, the sector with one of the highest multiplier effects in the economy, is anticipated to provide employment and spinoff effects to catalyse economic growth. The GCCI anticipates full utilisation of this sum by way of efficient management of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) as this will go a long way to spurring Private Sector activity and re-starting a virtuous cycle of growth during this year,” it added.

Further, the GCCI pointed out that the zero-rating of construction and homeownership materials, the reduction of duty on industrial cement, the increase in low-income mortgage ceiling and the restoration of zero-rated value-added tax (VAT) on basic food items and household necessities can be seen as measures which directly support the development of the construction sector, reduce the cost of homeownership and places money back directly into the hands of households.

The Chamber added that these measures not only directly support President Irfaan Ali’s 50,000 homes initiative but also represent another marker in the realisation of the President’s vision for Guyana.

“The construction sec-

tor has the potential to restart the economy, create jobs, provide an impetus to other sectors and drive economic growth. The measures which have been taken in Budget 2021 must be recognised as targeting the sector with the greatest potential to restart the economy and benefit Guyanese households. Recognition of this by the leadership of the Government and enacting of this in the national budget will ensure that economic recovery ensues this year,” the Private Sector body noted.

It added that this is compounded by the budgeted sum of $10 billion for revision of wages and salaries for 2021 which will support the cycle of growth once economic activity is restarted in the economic sectors.

Moreover, the GCCI said

the $53.5 billion allocation to the healthcare sector – 14 per cent of the budget – needs no gloss as to why this is important, particularly in this year when such expenditure will help to keep the population safe and provide the resources for navigation of the challenges on the health sector which COVID-19 has inflicted.

Additionally, the Chamber commended the injection of $22.6 billion into agriculture.

“With the production of oil and gas and continued discourse on the threat of the Dutch Disease, this programme to support the development of the agriculture sector is a laudable initiative. This is particularly in light of the reduced support for the sector through shrinking sums of sectoral allocation in previous bud-

gets,” it outlined.

The expenditure of $13.2 billion in housing, water and sanitation and another $6.2 billion toward the justice system, provides the resources for further development of the local social sector and the right direction for ensuring welfare improvements for Guyanese, GCCI added.

The Chamber was among the local stakeholder bodies that were consulted by the PPP/C Government in the preparation of its second budget within six months.

It had provided input to the consultation which broadly aligned with Private Sector development and improvement of the business environment.

Nevertheless, the GCCI extended its continuous support to Government to chart a higher growth trajectory

Stolen motorcycle, outboard engine found in Crabwood Creek home

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olice acting on information with regards to a stolen motorbike were able to locate same in addition to a missing outboard engine and other parts at a Crabwood Creek home.

Based on reports received, on Friday, Haresh Narotandeo, 53, also called “Circus,” a painter of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), parked his motorcycle under his house where he secured it and retired to bed.

However, when he woke

The motorcycle that was found at Crabwood Creek

up the following morning,

the motorbike was nowhere to be seen. A report was immediately lodged with the Police.

An investigation was launched and based on information received, Police swooped down on a house at Crabwood Creek where they found the stolen motorbike.

In addition, a 15-horsepower outboard engine and a number of spare parts were also found at the location. Two men who were at the house at the time were arrested and are assisting in the investigation.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The Venezuelan claims to sovereignty: An assessment

Daniel K Gibran

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onflicting claims to territorial sovereignty in the “age of discovery” were normal in interstate relations. And while many of these claims were settled over time by arbitration and the courts, a few stubbornly persisted and remained unsettled to this day even though there were judicial rulings on many of them. One of these claims is the current “controversy” or “dispute” between Guyana and Venezuela over ownership of the Essequibo region. This short note addresses the legal standing of Venezuela’s claims to sovereignty.

Venezuela maintained and continues to maintain that its claims to sovereignty over the Essequibo region were derived from prior discovery, the Treaty of Tordesillas (1497) between Spain and Portugal, and succession.

Discovery:

International

legal

practice recognises twelve modes of territorial acquisition of which discovery is one. But not all of these twelve modes (discovery, occupation, accretion, conquest, erosion, avulsion, cession, abandonment, prescription, revolution, succession, and annexation) share the same degree of importance or carry the same weight among international jurists. Consensus revolves around only five of these traditional modes – cession, occupation, accretion, subjugation, and prescription. Discovery is not one of them. This mode of territorial acquisition is no longer relied upon to vest ownership or sovereignty, hence Venezuela’s continued reliance on discovery is jejune at best.

Venezuela claimed and continues to claim sovereignty over the Essequibo region as a result of the discovery of that region by Spain. Moreover, Venezuela has maintained that it had acquired Spanish rights by being a former colony of Spain, hence, the right of Spanish discovery was Venezuela’s by inheritance.

Although the available historical data on Spain’s discovery is imprecise, scanty, and quite often conjured up, the legal implications relating to discovery are clearly distilled in the Isle of Palmas case. This landmark ruling has set the precedence for all future cases that are based on discovery as a mode of territorial acquisition.

The Isle of Palmas case involved a dispute between

the Netherlands and the United States of America over an island located between the Philippines, at that time a part of US territory, and the Netherland Indies. In granting sovereignty to the Netherlands, the Swiss Arbitrator, Max Huber, held that discovery without further action on the part of the State claiming title through this mode vests no more than an “inchoate title.” In applying this line of legal reasoning to Venezuela’s claim, it is abundantly clear that Spain’s inchoate title did not develop with the passage of time into a definitive title given the Dutch and then the British occupation of Essequibo.

Mere discovery of territory is not a sufficient condition for the derivation of a definitive title. Discovery must be followed by further acts of settlement or occupation within a reasonable time. There is no evidence that Spain ever had a settlement in Essequibo (or other parts of Guyana) even though its corsairs tried to plunder Dutch and English settlements. Neither did Venezuela occupy Essequibo after its Independence from Spain in 1810. In sum, discovery does not give or confer an exclusive right to occupy unless that right is fully exercised. The historical record shows that Spain never occupied Essequibo and Venezuela never did after its Independence in 1810.

Succession:

Many Latin American

scholars are fond of using the “succession” argument to support claims to sovereignty. Moreno Quintana, for example, offered the view that “the Malvinas (Falkland Islands) were an integral part of the Spanish dominion in America, which was then transmitted by the right of succession to the legitimate heir, Argentina.”

Martinez Moreno went further when he opined that “when the independence of our nation was achieved, they [the Malvinas] passed into the national dominion by succession, and legitimate Spanish possessions and those of Argentina became united both in reality and legally.” Venezuela’s claim of succession is based on similar lines of argument.

To be able to apply the law relating to succession as a mode of territorial acquisition, it is absolutely necessary to have an understanding of the principle of uti possidetis juris.

The “as you possess, so may you possess” principle was a Latin American doctrine devised to settle the colonial boundary problem legally and peacefully. According to this doctrine, the new Latin American states would have a territorial expanse which corresponded to the administrative division of the Spanish colonial empire.

Moreover, this doctrine has remained a guiding principle among all the HispanicAmerican states since 1810.

And by virtue of this principle (doctrine), the States in question would give reciprocal guarantees

concerning territorial status. Thus, the principle of uti possidetis juris represented a right to succession of territory. It means, therefore, that Venezuela’s claim to Spanish succession based on this principle would only make sense and be a valid claim if Spain was in fact the undisputed possessor or owner of the Essequibo region. Spain cannot cede possession of a territory if it has no legitimate possession of the said territory.

At the time of Venezuela’s independence in 1810, Spain did not have title to the Essequibo region. If Spain did have title, then the uti possidetis juris principle can be applied. On the other hand, if Spain’s title was questionable and inchoate, then that of Venezuela’s under the succession mode would also be questionable and inchoate. It is very clear from the foregoing that the Essequibo region, according to the principle of uti possidetis juris, did not form part of the territory that Spain bequeathed to its former colony of Venezuela in 1810.

Thus, Venezuela’s claim under the succession mode is at best terribly weak and void of any scintilla of puissance.

Over the past one-hundred-plus years, Venezuela has demonstrated a proclivity of challenging and at times not accepting arbitral rulings in matters relating to border claims and disputes. For example, it did not accept Spain’s 1891 ruling in a dispute with Colombia. It reluctantly ac-

cepted the 1899 Arbitral Award that favoured Great Britain. Sixty-two years later, it declared that Award null and void. It appears that political decision-makers in Venezuela have become lock-stitched in their own conceptual strategic straight jacket that precludes them from objective assessments of historical facts.

What does all this mean for Guyana and its case against Venezuela? It means that Venezuela has no legal claim to Essequibo by either of the two modes of territorial acquisition on which it premised its claim: discovery or succession, separately or together. This conclusion is supported by the 1899 ruling of the ICJ, which did not recognise any legal validity to Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo. But legal arguments are not the same as empty nationalistic claims taught to citizens as facts. Venezuela’s claim rests only on heightened emotion and irrationality and hence, it is ultimately a claim to the mineral wealth of Essequibo and nothing more. This wealth can only be exploited if the territory in which it resides is part of Venezuela. There is in fact a growing tendency among countries to flout international laws when national and strategic interests demand it. The question must be asked: What if Caracas decide to invade Guyana, not by military power but by encouraging and incentivising its citizens to move en masse into Essequibo?

Then what?

Guyana’s local content PSA for oil & gas Dear Editor, I have been following with fascination the development and debate over local content for Guyana’s nascent energy sector.

Having read the draft policy paper on local content recently published by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Government should be proud there are well-qualified staff to prepare such a comprehensive document as part of what is an active and engaged response to the issues of how to incorporate this industry into an existing economy, with the goal of extracting the full benefits for the population.

Here are a few light observations for consideration: The use of targets and measures to evaluate and regulate local content, be it employment levels or the supply chain, may be counterproductive.

The targets as set out in the draft paper point to 100 per cent local employment for many levels running up to ten years after a

project has been approved.

This may not be realistic as many of the skilled jobs in oil and gas require at least ten years’ experience. This is because of the need for high performance and safety standards for the industry.

Secondly, the requirement for 100 per cent of supplies and services in some categories for exploration and production may be hard to achieve given the highly specialised nature of the sector. The other hazard of mandating 100 per cent local suppliers is that it might result in limited competition and have the effect of driving up a project’s costs to the point where the Government Take is depleted or worse the operators begin to question its viability. A study of how this may play out would be useful, which leads me to another point.

The availability of skills: In an economy such as Brazil, there is a large pool of skilled workers who can be attracted to the energy sector. Guyana’s small population and the exodus

of skilled labour since the 1960s has created a dearth of engineers, managers and other higher-level staff to the point where, according to some companies, they are unable to find the manpower to develop their own businesses fully. The danger is that there will be a widespread migration of workers into the sector at the expense of manufacturing or other industries.

Anecdotally this is said to be happening already even as some companies are diverting capital away from their core activities and into oil and gas. The irony would be that in trying to gain as many benefits from oil and gas, other sectors might be stunted due to a lack of human, capital and entrepreneurial resources. This would work against the goal of building a diversified economy resilient to the notorious fluctuations and time limits of oil. One way to counter that would be to require the same employment targets for other sectors such as mining, construction and manufac-

turing, as was recommended by the Advisory Panel on Local Content.

As such, I would suggest as a first step there be a comprehensive survey to quantify the supply of skills that might be applicable to the new sector, combined with evaluating what might be the projected long-term demand by operators and contractors.

This would also be highly instructive and helpful for training purposes as part of capacity-building.

Mandating and legislating for local content would likely end up creating increased costs both for Government in terms of regulatory agencies, and for operators and contractors looking to comply.

Working out how these are balanced by the benefits of such a mandatory approach, and how it might affect the growth of the oil sector as well as the longterm shape and vision for Guyana’s economy, is an important debate.

Yours sincerely, Lynn Nicholas

exploration and development

Dear Editor, It is a standard practice in some parts of the world like many fiscal regimes in the Middle East and African oil-producing countries to divide the periods of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) into stages: (1) Exploration phase that is most likely divided by two periods; first being exploration period of prospecting and, a second exploration period with each having specific minimum exploration obligations and expenditures which must be conducted within a specified timeframe. Accordingly, each exploration period takes about 2-3 years that can be extended from 6 months to 2 years.

And, (2) Development phase towards production – commencing of the first commercial discovery of oil and gas which continues for a period of 20 years and can be extended by up to 5 years.

This means that exploration, field development and production are all tied togeth-

er by a two-prong contractual agreement. A PSA model of this nature should give the resource-rich countries ample time to ensure that all necessary conditions and measures (having an up-to-date Petroleum Act, Environment Law and Policy, Depletion Policy, Local Content Policy) are in place in the interests of the contractors (Multicompanies) and host oil-producing countries.

In Guyana’s context, such a PSA model would have been an ideal prerequisite for its oil and gas industry.

As such, the Guyanese people should be rightly informed by the PNC-APNU/AFC Opposition of the PSA model used for Guyana’s oil and gas; exploration, field development and production and, who are the political directorates responsible as the true initiator and arbitrator of the 2016 ExxonMobil-Guyana PSA. Sincerely yours, Paul Ramrattan

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Regional

UN calls for “transparency” T&T PM: No bail for murder in Ecuador vote recount must remain the law

T

he United Nations has called for “transparency and promptness” in a vote recount in Ecuador to determine who will square off against the frontrunner in a presidential runoff in April.

The country’s top electoral body said on Friday it would conduct a partial recount of the February 7 vote following a request from the two candidates battling for second place.

Indigenous activist Yaku Perez and right-wing former banker Guillermo Lasso filed a request for the recount, as the race to join economist Andres Arauz in the presidential runoff remained too close to call.

The UN office in Ecuador said in a tweet on Sunday that it “trusts that the electoral authorities will act with efficiency, transparency, and promptness, thus ensuring the timeliness of the electoral calendar”.

A

Presidential candidate Guillermo Lasso, representing CREO, sits across from Yaku Perez, with the Pachakutik party, outside the National Electoral Committee, which they are asking for a recount of Sunday’s election, in Quito, Ecuador, February 12, 2021 [Dolores Ochoa/AP]

The National Electoral Council (CNE) has said it would recount six million votes – about 45 per cent of the ballots cast.

Perez had 19.38 per cent of the vote, just behind Lasso, who got 19.74 per cent, according to the most recent figures.

Pre-election polls had placed Lasso comfortably in second place heading into last Sunday’s vote, but

Perez performed far better than expected.

Perez has since alleged wrongdoing in the first round – without providing evidence – and said a recount would offer a chance “to demonstrate to the country that there is no fraud, that the electoral process was transparent”.

Lasso supported the proposal. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bolivia reinstates bilateral ties with Cuba

T

he South American nation of Bolivia has reinstated bilateral economic and trade relations with Cuba – ties which were cut in November 2019 following the overthrow of the Government.

The agreement was reached during a virtual meeting between Cuba’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade and Investment, Ana Teresita Gonzalez and her Bolivian counterpart Benjamin Blanco.

The two officials addressed the reinstatement of cooperation between Havana

and La Paz, which the Cuban Deputy Minister recalled on her Twitter account.

Following the electoral victory of Luis Arce and the return of democracy to Bolivia, the Cuban Government expressed its

willingness to relaunch the historic and brotherhood links between the two nations, formerly boosted by Cuba Revolution leader Fidel Castro and former Bolivian President Evo Morales.

(CMC)

US Coast Guard makes drug bust in Caribbean Sea

T

he United States Coast Guard says a crew of its Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) returned to its home port in Key West, Florida after a 59-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea in which four drug vessels were seized, five suspected drug smugglers detained and about 4000 pounds of cocaine seized with a street value of about US$69 million.

“These interdictions reflect teamwork and the unwavering resolve between the Coast Guard, federal law enforcement, Department of Defence, and our international partners to protect the Region against the scourge of transnational criminal organisations,” said Commander James L Jarnac, Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk commanding officer.

“The crew of Mohawk demonstrated remarkable

s Trinidad awaits a court ruling on bail for murder accused, the Prime Minister said he would do what he can to stop any change to the law to make murder a bailable offence.

Former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and a team of lawyers, including Opposition Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial, sued the State for damages for their client Akili Charles who was freed of murder in 2019, but had spent nine years in prison. Their claims includes a request for the court to consider removing Section 5(1) of the Bail Act, which deals with non-bailable offences, from the law.

Attorney General

Faris Al-Rawi claimed the Opposition’s petition was a bid to make murder a bailable offence. Lutchmedial accused the AG of contempt for speaking out on a matter which is still before the court.

Dr Rowley addressed the issue at a People’s National Movement (PNM) meeting in Belmont on Thursday night. Speaking out against “heinous crimes”, especially those committed against women and children, Dr Rowley said, “...of all things we can ask for in this society is to have murderers get bail.

“I can tell you, as long as I have anything to do with it, that ain’t going to happen in this country if I

could stop it.”

Dr Rowley did note that bail is granted in other countries but asked if that should be the case for TT. “That is not to say bail for murder is not practised in some countries, but is that what we want in TT? “The answer is ‘no’. I speak for you. I trust that those who make the decision would make it on the basis that the people of TT do not want that as part of our environment.”

Empathising with citizens united by the death of Andrea Bharrat in their call for leaders to do what is right, Dr Rowley said respect for each other is where they must begin to fix the problem. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Flamboyant former Argentine leader Menem dies at age 90

F

lamboyant Argentine ex-President Carlos Menem died on Sunday at age 90 after battling long-term health problems, the country’s current President Alberto Fernandez announced in a tweet.

Menem led a tabloid personal life while he pushed Argentina to an economic boom, but his two-term 19891999 presidency crumbled under the weight of corruption scandals and he spent years plotting an unlikely comeback.

With his black mane of hair and bushy grey sideburns, Menem at his peak entertained the Rolling Stones at his residence and put Argentina on the international stage, sending troops to the Gulf War and Bosnia.

“Above all, he leaves us with memories of a good person, whom I will remember with great affection,” former President Mauricio Macri tweeted.

Menem died at 11:20h after several weeks in hospital for a urinary infection, heart

Argentine presidential candidate Carlos Menem stands in front of a giant poster of former President Juan Domingo Peron, as he waves to thousands of followers in River Plate Stadium during the final rally of his campaign, in Buenos Aires, April 24, 2003

problems, and other health issues.

His body will lie in state at the capitol building before being buried in an Islamic cemetery in provincial Buenos Aires.

Menem won re-election after he privatised creaky State enterprises in a massive transformation of Argentine institutions in the early 1990s and the economy flourished.

But he left office under a cloud – charged with corruption and conducting illegal arms deals in 1991 and 1995 with Croatia and Ecuador.

Ten years later, he was cleared of the arms smuggling charges, but Menem could never shake off the widely held suspicion that he had been involved in shady dealings even if he was never convicted. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexico gets AstraZeneca COVID vaccine shipment from India

M

US Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (GP)

enthusiasm and commitment during the execution of our missions over the last eight weeks, and it remains my pleasure to serve with and for them,” he added.

During the patrol, the US Coast Guard said the Mohawk’s crew worked with multiple interagency and international maritime patrol aircraft, and surface assets “to counter transnational criminal organisations and hinder the illicit flow of drugs, people, and

other dangerous cargo into the United States”.

The US Coast Guard said this includes joint-operations with the Dominican Republic Navy and Panamanian law enforcement officers, “which further strengthened foreign partnerships and to detect, deter, and interdict vessels engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Panama”. (CMC)

exico has received a shipment of 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine from India, the Government said, as the country prepares to prioritise older adults in the next phase of its vaccination campaign.

Mexico is also expecting shipments of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine to resume, with 494,000 doses due to arrive on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said during a news conference.

Sunday’s shipment amounts to about 42 per cent of the two million doses of the AstraZeneca vac-

cine, developed by Oxford University, that Mexico plans to import from India, the Government said.

Mexico and Argentina have an agreement with AstraZeneca to produce the vaccine for the eventual distribution of 250 million doses in Latin America, with financial support from the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

Mexico started vaccinating health-care workers in December, but struggled to hit its targets amid global shortages and delays of Pfizer’s vaccine.

The country has reported nearly 1.98 million COVID-19 cases and

more than 173,000 coronavirus-related deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. That is the third-highest death toll in the world after the United States and Brazil.

Mexico will next vaccinate adults above 60, a group representing 12 per cent of Mexico’s nearly 130 million people, between February and April.

The country has so far received just 1,636,350 vaccine doses, according to Government data, but has agreements for millions more, including China’s CanSino and the Russian Sputnik V vaccines.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil bolsters Saudi index as other Gulf markets slip

M

ost Middle East stock markets ended lower on Sunday, with financials weighing on the Dubai index, while Saudi extended gains for a seventh consecutive session on rising oil prices.

Oil, a key catalyst for the Gulf’s financial markets, hit its highest levels in more than a year on Friday on hopes a US stimulus will boost the economy and fuel demand.

Brent crude settled up US$1.29, or 2.1 per cent, at US$62.43 a barrel by 1832 GMT after rising to a session high of US$62.83, the highest since Jan 22, 2020.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index advanced 1 per cent, boosted by a 4.4 per cent surge in Al Rajhi Bank and a 4.2 per cent rise in Saudi Arabian Mining Company.

Dubai’s main share index dropped 0.4 per cent, weighed down by a 5 per cent fall in Mashreq Bank and a 0.4 per cent decrease in Emirates NBD Bank.

Elsewhere, Dubai developer DAMAC Properties closed 1.6 per cent lower after it reported a steep loss for 2020 as sales shrank during the coronavirus pandemic.

In Abu Dhabi, the index closed flat, as losses in financial shares were offset by gains in property stocks including Aldar Properties, which climbed 1.6 per cent.

After trading hours, Abu Dhabi’s largest property developer Aldar reported a fourth-quarter net profit of 729 million dirhams (US$198 million), a 28 per cent rise on the same quarter a year earlier.

The Qatari index was down 0.1 per cent, after a 0.7 per cent fall in Qatar Islamic Bank Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index lost 0.3 per cent, with its largest lender Commercial International Bank Egypt down 0.6 per cent. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Guinea declares Ebola epidemic as 7 cases confirmed

G

uinea has declared an Ebola epidemic after three people died and four others tested positive for the virus in the country’s southeast.

The seven people fell ill with diarrhoea, vomiting and bleeding after attending a burial in Goueke, near the Liberian border. The infected patients have been isolated in treatment centres, the health ministry said on Sunday.

“Faced with this situation and in accordance with international health regulations, the Guinean government declares an Ebola epidemic,” the ministry said in a statement.

One of the victims was a nurse who fell ill in late January and was buried on February 1, National Health Security Agency chief Sakoba Keita told local media.

“Some people who took part in this funeral began to have symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, bleeding and fever a few days later,” he said.

Health Minister Remy

Lamah said officials were “really concerned” about the deaths, the first since a 2013-2016 epidemic – which began in Guinea – left 11,300 dead across West Africa. The vast majority of

cases were in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Fighting Ebola again will place additional strain on health services in Guinea during the coronavirus pandemic. The country of some 12 million has so far recorded 14,895 coronavirus infections and 84 deaths.

A second round of tests is being carried out to confirm the latest Ebola diagnosis and health workers are working to trace and isolate the contacts of the cases, state health agency ANSS said.

It reported Guinea would contact the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international health agencies to acquire Ebola vaccines.

The vaccines have greatly improved survival rates in recent years. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

to move on from the process.

Trump has welcomed his acquittal, calling his impeachment a "witch hunt".

In the Senate on Saturday, the trial ended with a 57-43 vote in favour of conviction.

The vote split largely along party lines, with the seven Republicans joining the Senate's 48 Democrats and two independents in voting to convict.

Trump faced a single charge of incitement to insur-

rection after pro-Trump supporters stormed Congress on January 6. Five people died.

Democratic prosecutors argued he stoked the mob with false claims the election was stolen. Trump's lawyers denied his words amounted to incitement, and said the Senate should not try a former President.

Responding to the acquittal, President Biden said: "While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the sub-

stance of the charge is not in dispute.

"This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended.

That we must be ever vigilant.

That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies." (Excerpt from BBC News)

The deaths are the first in Guinea since a 2013-2016 epidemic which left 11,300 dead across West Africa

Trump impeachment trial: Biden warns democracy is fragile

U

S President Joe Biden has said his predecessor Donald Trump's acquittal for inciting mob violence is a reminder that "democracy is fragile".

Seven Republicans joined Democrats in voting to convict, falling short of the twothirds majority needed to do so.

Biden said the charge, relating to Trump's role in the Capitol riot last month, was "not in dispute", while seeking

Lebanon's Hariri sees no way out of crisis Bangladesh to move more Rohingya without Arab support Muslims to remote island, despite outcry

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Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri speaks at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon February 12, 2021

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ebanese Prime Minister designate Saad al-Hariri on Sunday said that his country could not be rescued from its current crisis without the support of Arab countries and the international community.

Gulf states have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, but they are alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival, Iran, and so far appear loath to ease Beirut’s worst financial crisis in decades.

A UN-backed tribunal in December convicted a Hezbollah member of conspiring to kill Rafik al-Hariri in a 2005 bombing. Hezbollah has denied any links to the attack.

Saad al-Hariri, a former Prime Minister himself, was given the task of forming a Government in October but is struggling so far to cobble together a Cabinet to share

power with all Lebanese parties, including Hezbollah.

After a meeting with President Michel Aoun on Friday, Hariri said there had been no progress on the formation of a Government.

On Sunday Hariri blamed Aoun for impeding progress, saying he had visited the President 16 times since his nomination as Prime Minister and proposed names to no avail.

France has been spearheading efforts to rescue Lebanon from its worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

A new government is the first step on a French roadmap that envisages a Cabinet that would take steps to tackle endemic corruption and implement reforms needed to trigger billions of dollars of international aid to fix the economy, which has been crushed by a mountain of debt.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

angladesh is moving 3000-4000 more Rohingya Muslim refugees to a remote Bay of Bengal island over the next two days, two officials said on Sunday, despite concerns about the risk of storms and floods lashing the site.

Dhaka has relocated around 7000 to Bhasan Char island since early December from border camps in neighbouring Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where more than a million refugees live in ramshackle huts perched on razed hillsides.

The Rohingya refugees will be moved to Bhasan Char by ships on Monday and Tuesday, Navy Commodore Rashed Sattar said from the island.

Bangladesh says the relocation is voluntary, but some

Bangladesh Navy personnel help a disabled Rohingya refugee child to get off from a navy vessel as they arrive at the Bhasan Char island in Noakhali district, Bangladesh, December 29, 2020

of a first group to be moved spoke of being coerced.

The Government has dismissed safety concerns over the island, citing the building of flood defences as well as

housing for 100,000 people, hospitals and cyclone centres.

It also says overcrowding in refugee camps fuels crime.

Once they arrive on Bhasan Char, the Rohingya,

a minority group who fled violence, are not allowed to leave the island, which is several hours’ journey from the southern port of Chittagong.

Bangladesh has drawn criticism for a reluctance to consult with the United Nations refugee agency and other aid bodies over the transfers.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees says the agency has not been allowed to evaluate the safety and sustainability of life on the island.

Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to move forward the stalled process of voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees, as international pressure mounts on the military leaders following a coup, which reduces the refugees’ hopes of returning home.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Myanmar coup: Gunfire heard and troops seen on streets

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utomatic gunfire has been heard at a protest in northern Myanmar amid signs that the military is preparing a crackdown on opposition to the coup it carried out on February 1.

Western embassies in Myanmar urged the military not to use violence as troops were reported on the streets of the largest city, Yangon.

The internet was almost entirely shut down from 18:30

GMT (01:00 local time).

A UN official accused the military of "declaring war" on the people.

Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on Myanmar (also known as Burma), said the generals were showing "signs of desperation" and would be held accountable.

A statement signed by the EU, the US and the UK said: "We call on security forces to refrain from violence against

demonstrators, who are protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government."

The coup in Myanmar removed the civilian Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Her party won a resounding victory at the election in November, but the military said the vote was fraudulent.

Suu Kyi is now under house arrest. Hundreds of activists and opposition leaders have also been detained.

In Yangon, armoured vehicles were seen on the streets for the first time since the coup.

Monks and engineers led a rally there, while motorcyclists drove through the streets of the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Telecoms operators in Myanmar said they had been told to shut off internet services from 01:00 to 09:00 local time, Sunday into Monday (18:30 to 02:30 GMT). (Excerpt from BBC News)

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Ashwin helps India dominate on 15-wicket day

avi Ashwin's five-wicket haul, his 29th in Test cricket, helped India to a dominant position in the second Test against England at the M Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. The hosts, whose first innings ended at 329 after Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 58, bowled England out for 134. Rohit Sharma then batted positively for his 24 not out, with a few lucky breaks during his stay, as India ended Day 2 at 54 for 1 in their second essay, 249 ahead.

With an authoritative pull for a six, a crunching drive through the off side, and a well-placed paddle sweep, Rohit was away in the second innings while Shubman Gill also jumped down the track from time to time.

India's school of thought – countering a spin-friendly track with positive batting – was in complete contrast to England's batting in their first innings as the hosts were busy building their lead.

There were a couple of lucky breaks too for Rohit as he had

to hurry back to the crease after being denied a single, and later survived due to a missed stumping opportunity while Gill top-edged a sweep and the ball landed safe.

Gill's outing was ended

by Jack Leach, who trapped him leg-before with a straight one, with India also losing a review in the process.

England lost a review of their own – Rohit appeared to have tucked his bat behind the pad while playing a Moeen Ali delivery but the onfield umpire said he had offered a shot, much to the frustration of Joe Root. Rohit then used the DRS to reverse an onfield decision, with replays revealing that he had got an edge while attempting a reverse sweep off Leach.

Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara who walked out at number 3 despite not fielding Sunday due to a finger injury he sustained in the first innings, whipped a Leach delivery off the back foot for his first four. Rohit then survived a stumping referral

and remained unbeaten along with Pujara at stumps.

Earlier on Sunday, it was a frenetic opening session with eight wickets going down on a pitch that deteriorated further. Pant struck a few lusty blows to bring up a 65ball fifty, but he ran out of partners as Ali and Olly Stone picked up two wickets apiece to end India's innings. Ishant Sharma then bagged a wicket in his first over, trapping Rory Burns in front with a delivery that came in. Dom Sibley scored a few boundaries off Ishant, but fell to Ashwin while trying to sweep – with the ball striking the back of his bat en route to Virat Kohli at leg slip. Root was keen to sweep, but the shot brought about his downfall, giving Axar Patel his maiden Test wicket while Ashwin struck off the final delivery before lunch to have Dan Lawrence caught at short leg.

Despite the ball getting old as the day progressed, the spinners kept chipping away to extend India's dominance

post lunch. Ben Stokes fell early in the second session, beaten by Ashwin's flight and drift to be bowled. Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes managed to keep the Indian bowlers at bay with their patient batting, forcing Ashwin out of the attack after 16 overs for the off-spinner across two sessions. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Siraj were given a few overs, with the latter accounting for Pope down the leg side to end a fighting partnership worth 35 that lasted for 15 overs. India lost their reviews by the time tea was taken, but Axar and Ashwin, brought back into the attack, added to their wicket tally.

Foakes continued his fight into the third session even as he was running out of company. England were eight down when the posttea session started and for close to 10 overs, the wickets column did not change as Leach hung around with Foakes. But the reintroduction of Ishant brought the 25-run

stand to an end, with Leach sent back by Pant's onehanded stunner. Stuart Broad failed to assist Foakes, bowled

by Ashwin who bagged his second fifer in as many innings as India pocketed a hefty 195run lead. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD India 1st Innings 329 all out England 1st Innings Rory Burns lbw b I Sharma 0 Dom Sibley c Kohli b Ashwin 16 Dan Lawrence c Shubman Gill b Ashwin 9 Joe Root (c) c Ashwin b Patel 6 Ben Stokes b Ashwin 18 Ollie Pope c †Pant b Mohammed Siraj 22 Ben Foakes † not out 42 Moeen Ali c Rahane b Patel 6 Olly Stone c RG Sharma b Ashwin 1 Jack Leach c †Pant b I Sharma 5 Stuart Broad b Ashwin 0 Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 1) 9 TOTAL (59.5 Ov, RR: 2.23) 134 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rory Burns, 0.3 ov), 2-16 (Dom Sibley, 7.2 ov), 3-23 (Joe Root, 10.3 ov), 4-39 (Dan Lawrence, 17.6 ov), 5-52 (Ben Stokes, 23.2 ov), 6-87 (Ollie Pope, 38.1 ov), 7-105 (Moeen Ali, 48.1 ov), 8-106 (Olly Stone, 49.2 ov),

9-131 (Jack Leach, 58.5 ov), 10134 (Stuart Broad, 59.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Ishant Sharma 5-1-22-2 Ravichandran Ashwin 23.5-4-43-5 Axar Patel 20-3-40-2 Kuldeep Yadav 6-1-16-0 Mohammed Siraj 5-4-5-1 INDIA 2ND INNINGS Rohit Sharma not out 25 Shubman Gill lbw b Leach 14 Cheteshwar Pujara not out 7 Extras (b 5, lb 3) 8 TOTAL (18 Ov, RR: 3.00) 54/1 Yet to bat: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant †, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Shubman Gill, 11.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Olly Stone 2-0-8-0 Jack Leach 9-2-19-1 Moeen Ali 7-2-19-0

Serena into quarters after Simmons stars with 102, Trinidad surviving Sabalenka test & Tobago Red Force win again

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erena Williams stormed pressure ramped up in the third, into the quarter-finals of it was Sabalenka who blinked the Australian Open on first, making several errors on Sunday with a gritty 6-4 2-6 6-4 serve to hand Williams a 3-1 victory over Belarusian Aryna lead.

The Belarusian broke back Sabalenka. The match was a big test for Williams, who was up and then levelled the set at against one of the few players 4-4 with a hold to love, but on the women’s tour capable the pressure finally told with of matching her power from Sabalenka serving to stay in the match trailing 5-4. behind the baseline.

Sabalenka double-faulted “I’m happy to get through that one,” Williams said in an to give Williams a 15-30 lead on-court interview. “It wasn’t and netted a forehand easy and I knew it wasn’t going to hand her two points, to be easy. She was teeing off match conceding on every shot. match “Even the games that I lost the were super close, one shot by sending a here and one shot there, and forehand long.

I just felt like, ‘Serena, you’ve (Reuters) got this, you’ve just got to keep going.’”

The players went toe-totoe in an even first set until S e r e n a Williams pounced late to Williams break Sabalenka for the first time and take a 1-0 lead.

The roles were reversed at the start of the second, however, with Sabalenka breaking Williams in her first two service games.

The American, who is chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, clawed a break back, but was powerless in the face of Sabalenka’s onslaught as the seventh seed broke once more for a 4-1 lead before sending the match into a decider.

“I lost the second set, but the games were so close so I just tried to stay in there,” Williams added.

With the

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endl Simmons made his sixth List A century as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force had their second win of the CG Insurance Super50 Cup on Saturday night at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

After bowling out the Windward Islands Volcanoes for 227, Red Force appeared to be in full control at 159-2 in the 30th over after Simmons made an entertaining 102 off 114 balls.

Lendl He hit Simmons seven fours and five sixes to take the CG Insurance Mano f- t h e - M a t c h award as Red Force scored 228-6 off 45.3 overs – to win by four wickets with 27 balls to spare.

Simmons reached the milestone of 4000 List A runs during his innings, but fell via the run-out route thanks to some excellent work from substitute Roland Cato. This led to a slide which saw four wickets for 22 runs off 40 balls, to leave Red Force on 181-5 in the 37th over.

Simmons shared an 81run opening stand with Evin Lewis (37) and a 78run second-wicket stand with Nicholas Pooran (17).

Captain Kieron Pollard then

hit 31 off 35 balls with three huge sixes, but fell close to the end when he was well caught

by Cato off left-arm spinner Larry Edward (2-48).

All-rounder Kerron Cottoy had earlier top-scored with 72 from 75 balls while Captain Sunil Ambris stroked 66 from 77 balls to help Volcanoes rally.

Off-spinner Jason Mohammed

(3-50) and fast bowler Anderson Phillip (3-63) made inroads in the Volcanoes innings while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein opened the bowling and ended with 2-25.

Upcoming match: Monday: Barbados Pride vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium – 09:00h (08:00h Jamaica time). (CWI)

SCOREBOARD Windward Islands Innings Andre Fletcher lbw b Hosein 2 Kimani Melius b Phillips 16 Sunil Ambris lbw b Phillip 66 Kevin Stoute c Mohammed b Phillip 0 Emmanuel Stewart st Ramdin b Mohammed 21 Keron Cottoy c Ramdin b Rampaul 72 Ryan John c Ramdin b Mohammed 7 Larry Edward c Pollard b Hosein 1 Ray Jordan c Pooran b Mohammed 18 Kenneth Dember run out 8 Preston McSween not out 6 Total (10 wickets, 49.1) (10 extras) 227 FOW: 8/1 (2.4) Andre Fletcher 46/2 (8.5) Kimani Melius 46/3 (10.2) Kevin Stoute 83/4 (21.2) Emmanuel Stewart 133/5 (30.5) Sunil Ambris 150/6 (35.4) Ryan John 151/7 (36.1) Larry Edward 186/8 (43.5) Ray Jordan 217/9 (46.6) Keron Cottoy 227/10 (49.1) Bowling Akeal Hosein (10-1-25-2) Ravi Rampaul (8-0-51-1)

Sunil Narine (10-1-24-0) Anderson Phillip (9.1-1-63-3) Kieron Pollard (2-0-14-0) Jason Mohammed (10-0-50-3) Trinidad and Tobago Innings Lendl Simmons run out 102 Evin Lewis c Ambris b Dember 37 Nicolas Pooran c Edwards b John 17 Jason Mohammed run out 13 Denesh Ramdin b Edwards 1 Kieron Pollard c b Edwards 31 Darren Bravo not out 12 Sunil Narine not out 1 Total (6 wickets, 45.3) (14 extras) 228 FOW: 81/1 (15.1) Evin Lewis, 159/2 (29.4) Nicolas Pooran 162/3 (30.6) Lendl Simmons 177/4 (34.4) Jason Mohammed 181/5 (36.1) Denesh Ramdin 226/6 (44.2) Kieron Pollard Bowling Preston McSween (8-0-21-0) Ryan John (8-0-43-1) Ray Jordan (8-1-53-0) Kenneth Dember (6.3-1-34-1) Larry Edward (10-1-48-2) Keron Cottoy (5-0-28-0)

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West Indies whitewash Bangladesh in Test series – Cornwall the hero once again as Windies claim 1st overseas series win since 2017

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total of 17 wickets fell across two innings, Tamim Iqbal made a stroke-filled 44-ball half-century, and West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite turned out to be one of the unlikely bowling heroes on a day dominated by spinners, as West Indies held on for a 17-run win to seal the series 2-0.

However, that West Indies were able to wrest control of a middling 231-run chase for Bangladesh was largely down to the superb exploiting of the turn and bounce on a deteriorating Dhaka pitch by Rahkeem Cornwall, who led the charge as West Indies claimed the Test in an extended final session, wrapping up their first overseas series win since 2017.

The win was sealed almost 35 minutes past the scheduled close of play, with Jomel Warrican spinning one sharply from a length outside off as Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had started a late attack when he was running out of partners, shaped to defend. The edge was travelling low to the right of Cornwall – who else – and the big man dived to his right to pluck out a catch, sparking off big celebrations in the away camp.

Iqbal had raised visions of a Bangladesh win with his halfcentury, hitting eight of the nine boundaries struck in an opening stand that raised 59 off the first 12 overs of the chase. He drove fluently against seam, and chipped down the wicket against Cornwall, and swept Warrican with ease. Sensing the need for a change, Brathwaite brought himself on, and removed Sarkar off his first ball, tempting him into a poke outside off that took wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva's pads and fell to Cornwall at slip.

Four overs later, the Captain tempted Iqbal into a lofted shot towards cover, and on the stroke of tea, Cornwall got one to jump off a length to Najmul Hossain Shanto, taking his glove and then his body before dropping to short leg.

After the tea break, Captain Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim briefly appeared to have taken charge of the chase, putting together 23 runs and eschewing risks while facing up to the spin of both Cornwall and Brathwaite.

An inspired bowling change came in the shape of Warrican, who got the second ball of his spell to draw Rahim forward, spin across,

taking a feather edge through to Da Silva. Bangladesh were left at 115 for 5 when Mohammad Mithun, who had spanked a six by chipping down the wicket, was picked up at leg gully off Cornwall to a ball that turned and bounced across him.

Joined by Liton Das, Haque was able to bring the target down to double figures, but appeared anxious to increase the scoring rate, going down the wicket and lofting the ball into vacant spaces on the on side on a couple of occasions. Eventually, he fell to a catch at leg gully as well, Warrican claiming two of three wickets for the day. When Das was smartly caught by Da Silva for 22, and Taijul Islam misjudged a quicker one fired in straight at him, both to Cornwall, the end seemed near at 163 for 8.

Miraz and Nayeem Hasan, though, put in a dogged effort, with Miraz

Warrican in front ofthe

beginning to show signs of aggression as the 200mark neared. Brathwaite brought himself on for another spell, and after firing two down the pads for eight runs as leg-byes, he bowled one fuller and straighter, and Hasan played it with the pads and was given out leg before. With last man Abu Jayed for company, Miraz opened up, striking a six over mid-wicket and then a reverse-sweep for four off successive Cornwall deliveries to bring the target down below 20. Unfortunately for him and Bangladesh, he couldn't get the team over the line.

The day began with West Indies still over 150 ahead and the first over from Jayed to Bonner suggested a long toil ahead for Bangladesh, with the seamer erring in both line and length, allowing Bonner to whip him towards deep mid-wicket and deep backward square-leg, besides driving towards deep cover.

Jayed, who was quick to correct his line and length after the wayward opening over, delivered the first wicket of the day when he pinned nightwatchman

stumps. That brought Kyle Mayers to the crease, and he punched a short ball first up through the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket for an emphatic four. Mayers later played around his pads against Jayed, operating around the wicket, and departed for six. Jermaine Blackwood showed early intent, casually lofting the third ball he faced from Jayed over long-on for six.

However, on nine, he fell to Islam, wheeling away economically from one end. Islam tempted him to stretch forward, spun the ball across his edge, and Das whipped the bails off with the batsman's back foot still on the line.

Da Silva walked in and set about disturbing the length of the spinners by pulling out a sweep against Islam for four to get moving. He appeared at ease through the rest of his stay, with a slog sweep against Nayeem Hasan, and a cover drive against Jayed taking the West Indies lead beyond 200. However, he fell to the ninth ball after lunch, with Islam getting one to spin across his front foot defensive prod, and took the edge through to slip.

Alzarri Joseph struck a massive

six over mid-wicket, but fell for nine, when a leading edge off Islam took a deflection off silly mid-off and was gratefully accepted at cover by Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Hasan then struck twice in what turned

Joy for West Indies: Cornwall bagged nine wickets in the match

out to be the final over of the West Indies innings, getting Bonner to lose his patience in attempting an awkward reverse-swipe, and going

through his legs to rattle the stumps.

Cornwall was last man out, holing out to Rahim at deep midwicket, completing a remarkable collapse of four wickets in just 21 balls. The 117 posted by West Indies was their secondlowest ever against Bangladesh, but there has been something different about this West Indies team in the Test series, despite them missing a number of more experienced players. There have been crucial batting contributions from almost all of their players, and Captain Brathwaite's bowling changes and field placements have also been spot on. On the day that mattered, though, it was Cornwall and Warrican who came to the party and made the most of the conditions to seal a famous series win. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 2nd Innings Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c †Liton Das b Nayeem Hasan 6 John Campbell b Taijul Islam 18 Shayne Moseley c Mohammad Mithun b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 7 Nkrumah Bonner b Nayeem Hasan 38 Jomel Warrican lbw b Abu Jayed 2 Kyle Mayers lbw b Abu Jayed 6 Jermaine Blackwood st †Liton Das b Taijul Islam 9 Joshua Da Silva † c Soumya Sarkar b Taijul Islam 20 Alzarri Joseph c Najmul Hossain Shanto b Taijul Islam 9 Rahkeem Cornwall c Mushfiqur Rahim b Nayeem Hasan 1 Shannon Gabriel not out 1 TOTAL (52.5 Ov, RR: 2.21) 117 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 3.3 ov), 2-20 (Shayne Moseley, 8.3 ov), 3-39 (John Campbell, 16.4 ov), 4-50 (Jomel Warrican, 25.1 ov), 5-62 (Kyle Mayers, 31.1 ov), 6-73 (Jermaine Blackwood, 34.2 ov), 7-104 (Joshua Da Silva, 49.3 ov), 8-114 (Alzarri Joseph, 51.2 ov), 9-116 (Nkrumah Bonner, 52.1 ov), 10-117 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 52.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Taijul Islam 21-4-36-4 Nayeem Hasan 1 5.5-5-34-3 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 6-1-15-1 Abu Jayed 10-4-32-2

BANGLADESH 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 231 RUNS) Tamim Iqbal c Moseley b Brathwaite 50 Soumya Sarkar c Cornwall b Brathwaite 13 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Moseley b Cornwall 11 Mominul Haque (c) c Cornwall b Warrican 26 Mushfiqur Rahim c †Da Silva b Warrican 14 Mohammad Mithun c Bonner b Cornwall 10 Liton Das † c †Da Silva b Cornwall 22 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Cornwall b Warrican 31 Taijul Islam lbw b Cornwall 8 Nayeem Hasan lbw b Brathwaite 14 Abu Jayed not out 0 Extras (b 8, lb 4, nb 2) 14 TOTAL (61.3 Ov, RR: 3.46, 240 Mts) 213 Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Soumya Sarkar, 12.1 ov), 2-70 (Tamim Iqbal, 16.2 ov), 3-78 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 21.3 ov), 4-101 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 30.2 ov), 5-115 (Mohammad Mithun, 33.2 ov), 6-147 (Mominul Haque, 41.1 ov), 7-153 (Liton Das, 44.2 ov), 8-163 (Taijul Islam, 50.1 ov), 9-188 (Nayeem Hasan, 55.4 ov), 10-213 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 61.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Rahkeem Cornwall 30-5-105-4 Alzarri Joseph 2-0-16-0 Shannon Gabriel 2-0-8-0 Jomel Warrican 16.3-4-47-3 Kraigg Brathwaite 11-1-25-3

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Barnwell's maiden century propels Jaguars to easy win

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uyana Jaguars senior player Christopher Barnwell showed his brilliance, scoring his maiden List A century to help Jaguars dominate the Jamaica Scorpions in a 109run win.

He was supported by Anthony Bramble, who hit an attacking half-century and Gudakesh Motie, who picked up his s e c o n d four-wicket haul i n a s

Christopher Barnwell celebrates his maiden Super50 ton

many matches in another collective team effort with Jaguars winning three successive matches.

Chasing 300 runs for victory, Scorpions ended on 190 all out in 43.5 overs. With Leon Johnson being injured, Shimron Hetmyer wore the captaincy armband. Jaguars won the toss and elected to bat first. Scorpions made early inroads, removing Chandrapaul Hemraj (08), Hetmyer (01) and Assad Fudadin (11) to leave the Jaguars on 21-3.

The matured Barnwell was joined by Akshaya Persaud and the more experienced batsman dominated the 91-run fourth-wicket partnership. Persaud faced 65 balls and scored 25 runs, including two fours.

Barnwell then continued his dominant batting and he found a reliable partner in Anthony Bramble.

The duo added 88 runs together and took the score t o 200-5.

Barnwell's masterful innings e n d ed when he w a s run out for 1 0 7 from 90 balls.

His innings was decorated with s i x maximums and four boundaries.

His strike partner, Bramble experience, adding 53 runs toalso found boundaries at will gether, but the man with the against the Scorpions bowl- golden arm, Gudakesh Motie ers. His innings of 69 came picked up two wickets in two off 49 balls and included four balls. sixes and the same number of He sent back Powell for 32 fours. and the next ball he removed Ramaal Lewis then came Fabian Allen with the score in and added the finishing on 116-5. McCarthy's resistouches to the Jaguars in- tance ended when he scored nings, hitting a 22-ball 35 in- 48 and all hope was lost from clusive of three sixes and two that point for the Scorpions. fours as Jaguars ended on Despite not getting five wick299-9 in 50 overs. Sheldon ets, Motie showed his consisCottrell claimed 3-73 in 10 tency, making it eight wickovers for the Scorpions. ets in two matches. Scorpions When the Jaguars took were eventually bowled out the field, Romario for 190 in 43.5 overs. Motie Shepherd produced had 4-55 in 10 overs while a peach of a delivShepherd and Smith had two ery and found the wickets. edge of opener Paul The next match will be Palmer (02), who was played between Trinidad brilliantly caught by and Tobago Red Force and Fudadin at first slip.

Barbados Pride while The steam train, Nial Jaguars will play Smith off the first ball their next of his spell trapped match on Brandon King for Saturday, 19 at the crease as February Scorpions slipped to 20 against 43-2 in 10.1 overs. powerThe Jaguars h o u s e kept the pressure Red Force on and Smith rocked Aldane Thomas's stump as Scorpions were reduced to 63-3 in 16.3 overs. Rovman Powell and Andre McCarthy then Anthony Bramble was in attacking mode showed their

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at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Gudakesh Motie Jaguars lead the points table claimed four wickets in with 12 points.

successive matches

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars Innings Assad Fudadin lbw b Thomas 10 Chanderpaul Hemraj b Cottrell 8 Shimron Hetmyer c McCarthy b Merchant 1 Akshaya Persaud c King b Bulli 25 Christopher Barnwell run out 107 Anthony Bramble b Green 69 Romario Shepherd c Powell b Cottrell 18 Ramaal Lewis run out 35 Kevin Sinclair not out 7 Gudakesh Motie b Cottrell 3 Total (9 wickets, 50.0) (16 extras) 299 FOW: 11/1 (4.4) Chanderpaul Hemraj 12/2 (5.2) Shimron Hetmyer 21/3 (8.4) Assad Fudadin 112/4 (27.2) Akshaya Persaud 200/5 (37.4) Christopher Barnwell 234/6 (43.2) Romario Shepherd 264/7 (46.2) Anthony Bramble 294/8 (48.6) Ramaal Lewis 299/9 (49.6) Gudakesh Motie Bowling Sheldon Cotterell (10-1-73-3) Jamie Merchant (10-1-28-1) Oshane Thomas (7-0-38-1) Derval Green (10-1-62-1) Dennis Bulli (5-0-38-1) Fabian Allen (4-0-27-0) Andre McCarthy (4-0-28-0)

Jamaica Scorpions Innings Aldane Thomas b Smith 29 Paul Palmer c Fudadin b Shepherd 2 Brandon King lbw b Smith 19 Andre McCarthy c Bramble b Sinclair 48 Rovman Powell c Sinclair b Moti-Kanhai 32 Fabian Allen b Moti-Kanhai 0 Derval Green c Hemraj b Moti-Kanhai 8 Jamie Merchant not out 24 Dennis Bulli c Sinclair b Moti-Kanhai 1 Sheldon Cotterell b Persaud 11 Oshane Thomas b Shepherd 13 Total (10 wickets, 43.5) (3 extras) 190 FOW: 11/1 (2.5) Paul Palmer 43/2 (10.1) Brandon King 63/3 (16.3) Aldane Thomas 116/4 (27.5) Rovman Powell 116/5 (27.6) Fabian Allen 136/6 (30.5) Andre McCarthy 146/7 (33.6) Derval Green 150/8 (35.2) Dennis Bulli 173/9 (40.4) Sheldon Cotterell 190/10 (43.5) Oshane Thomas Bowling Romario Shepherd (6.5-0-26-2) Chanderpaul Hemraj (10-2-49-0) Nial Smith (5-0-15-2) Gudakesh Motie (10-0-55-4) Kevin Sinclair (10-1-33-1) Akshaya Persaud (2-0-11-1)

Demerara successfully defend U-19 title after thrilling win over Berbice

Jonathan Rampersaud and his fellow spinners kept Berbice in the contest Story and photos by Brandon Corlette

A

bsolute ecstasy for Demerara and agony, agony for Berbice. That was the feeling as Demerara clinched the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Hand-in-Hand Under-19 inter-county crown by a slim two-wicket margin at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Ground.

Berbice were routed for 72 all out in 25 overs, with left-arm spinner Michael Pooran wreaking havoc. He ended with figures of 6-10 in 8.5 overs, including one

maiden. In reply, Demerara ran into multiple roadblocks, but eventually achieved the target in 25.4 overs, ending on 77-8 in 25.4 overs.

Earlier, Demerara won the toss and asked Berbice to bat first on a slow turning surface. Berbice lost Rampertab Ramnauth for a duck when he was caught at the wicket off pacer Bryon Bowen at 2-1. Jonathan Rampersaud came and went early for one when he was removed by off-spinner Dwayne Dick.

The classy Marvan Prashad added 24 runs

Joy for pacer Bryon Bowen who finished the game with a six

with Shamar Angel, but Demerara spinners ran through the Berbice line-up.

Prashad once again wasted a promising start and was removed for a shot-filled 26 decorated with three fours, two of which came off successive Dick deliveries.

Prashad's Blairmont Cricket Club team-mate, Seon Glasgow then scored 25, which included two maximums and one four. Only Prashad and Glasgow were able to cross double figures.

Pooran, who was on a hattrick at one stage, bagged 6-10 while Dick, who bowled

Player of the Match Michael Pooran in action as Seon Glasgow looks on

with great control, had 3-19 in seven overs.

Demerara began their chase in fine style, with opener Ushardeva Balgobin hitting Rampersaud for a boundary. That first over bowled by Rampersaud was filled with drama, as he removed the big fish – Matthew Nandu for a golden duck, trapped leg-before. After Balgobin was removed for eight, the gifted Mavindra Dindyal and Alvin Mohabir added 40 runs together, scoring 19 runs each after surviving being dropped early on. At five, Dindyal

was put down by the wicket-keeper Chanderpaul Govindan while Beharry spilled Mohabir on six.

Dindyal, after hitting two boundaries, played one shot too many and gifted his wicket away. The boys from the Ancient County kept the bowling tight as Demerara slumped from 55-3 to 67-8.

It was a nail-biting finish as Demerara required seven runs with one wicket in hand.

Fast-bowler Bowen was the hero sealing the match with a six as Demerara defended their title. Despite

the batsmen from both teams lacking application, the final proved to be a thrilling match and those friends and family members present enjoyed the battle.

Rampersaud had 3-21 in seven overs while Deodat had 2-31 in 9.4 overs and Aaron Beharry claimed 2-15.

Gourav Ramesh had 1-10 in seven overs as Berbice attacked with four spinners.

This tournament catered for cricketers who were eligible for the Under-19 level in 2020. The 2021 Under-19 inter-county tournament will be played later in the year.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

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

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Barnwell’s maiden century propels Demerara successfully defend U-19 Jaguars to easy win title after thrilling win over Berbice Pg 23

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