Guyana Times - Monday, February 8, 2021

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GDF constructing community bridges in Mahaicony, BBP THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 4553

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

EoIs invited for feasibility study, design of GuyanaSuriname bridge Page 3

Increased demand for construction aggregates a good sign – financial analyst Page 11

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CCJ records significant decline in P10 new matters amid COVID-19 pandemic

…majority of appeals were from Guyana, Barbados

Agri Ministry, IICA to develop 1st bio-fortified rice variety in Caribbean P13

...will translate to increased employment, Private Sector expansion

Govt to facilitate Amerindian villages remedial work on in Region 2 get Sheriff-Mandela $105M COVID-19 road – Min Edghill Page 12

relief funds

See story on page 13

P9 Guyana records 43 new COVID-19 cases

— Region 10 boosts efforts to curb spike in cases

2 injured in Corentyne 3-vehicle P2 collision

Corentyne P2 pensioner found dead in hammock

— work to be executed simultaneously with road widening project

Prices for vegetables skyrocket in Region 6 — cause a cascading effect in GT, other areas

Page 16

Teen injured P10 after riding into path of motor car

2 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man who set Berbice home 2 injured in Corentyne 3-vehicle collision on fire mentally unstable T wo persons were on Saturday evening admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital following a three-vehicle collision at No 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The injured men were identified as 25-year-old Kamesh Chand Chaterpal, a barber of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, and Joseph Smith, 25, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

A

s investigations continue into the fire which razed an East Bank Berbice home on Friday, leaving four persons homeless, the arsonist was described as a mentally unstable man.

This was confirmed by Haresh Mangru, the owner of the house, who is also the brother of the alleged arsonist.

It was reported that Mangru and his pregnant wife were at their farm a short distance away from their home when they were alerted that smoke was seen billowing from the house.

The young man immediately left his work and went to the scene but due to a fractured ankle, he could not reach as fast as he wished.

Nevertheless, he was able to salvage a weeding machine, water pump and a gas bottle from the building before the fire escalated.

He was attempting to get a chain saw but due to the immense heat, he backed off.

Soon after the fire, the Police arrested the 22-yearold brother of the homeowner. Mangru, when contacted, told Guyana Times

The car driven by Kamesh Chand Chaterpal on Saturday evening

was in the process of making a right turn when another car, HC 5420, driven by 40-year-old Mfedhili Campbell of First Alley

Haresh Mangru and his wife Kimberly

that his younger brother had confessed to setting the house on fire but he did not give a reason.

“He has a mental problem. He takes treatment at the Mental (National Psychiatric Hospital). I does take care of him,” Mangru said while noting that he is hoping to be allowed to take his brother for medical attention on Monday.

In the meantime,

Mangru explained that he is working to finish his father’s house so that they can move as soon as possible.

He is nevertheless seeking the public’s assistance.

“The house needs a step, the front wall and windows,” he added.

Persons desirous of assisting the family can contact Mangru or his wife on telephone number 646-1575.

The car driven by Mfedhili Campbell under the sign after crashing into it

Based on reports received, Chaterpal was driving a motor car bearing registration number PRR 9415 when it is alleged that he

Hill, Linden, collided with him. The taxi was reportedly driving at a fast rate of speed.

However, after the col-

lision, Campbell reportedly lost control of the car and collided with another car, HC 1445, which was parked in a driveway.

Campbell then slammed into an advertising sign after which the car came to a halt. The sign reportedly fell on the car.

As a result of the collisions, Chaterpal and Smith sustained injuries and were both taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital. Chaterpal was admitted with a fractured right leg but Smith was transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital with head injuries.

Their conditions are regarded as serious but stable.

An investigation has been launched into the accident.

Corentyne pensioner found dead in hammock

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he lifeless body of a Corentyne pensioner was on Saturday found in a hammock in his Number 69 Village Squatting Area, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) home. The dead man has been identified as 82-yearold Balraj.

Balraj lived alone and was last seen entering his home at about 15:00h on Friday. He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

The Police stated that the body was discovered by a neighbour who usually takes breakfast for him. On the day in question, the neighbour called out to the man but there were no answers.

He then walked into the man’s home to check on him

The shack in which the now dead man was discovered

and it was then that his body was discovered in the hammock. An alarm was raised and the Police were summoned.

There were no visible marks of violence about the man’s body. It was taken to Anthony’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, February 8 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h and Tuesday, February 9 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, February 8 – 14:00h – 15:30h and Tuesday, February 9 – 14:50h – 16:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Friday, February 5 – 10:30h-12:00h and Saturday, February 6 – 11:50h-13:20h.

WEATHER TODAY Expect light cloud and light rain during the day.

There will be partly cloudy skies during the 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: 14:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.37 metres.

Low Tide: 07: 63h and 20:17h reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metres and 0.8 metre.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

03 10 11

26 27 28

FREE TICKET

13 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

03 04 06 15 17 LUCKY 3

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2

9

7

Afternoon Draw

3

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02

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11

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13 16 19

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

04 05

08 11 15 13

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$59.34/barrel

+0.84

Rough Rice

$234.18/ton

-0.19

London Sugar

$474.80/ton

+2.02

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1815.90

$1816.90

Low/High Change

$1814.50 +0.70

$1820.50 +0.04%

EoIs invited for feasibility study, design of Guyana-Suriname bridge

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he governments of Guyana and Suriname have invited companies to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to provide consultancy services for the conduct of a feasibility study and the preparation of detailed designs for the construction of the bridge across the Corentyne River and approach roads connecting the two neighbouring countries.

According to the Request for EoIs published in Guyana Times on Sunday, the objective of the consultancy is “to conduct a feasibility study including environmental and social impact assessments and prepare detailed designs, drawings, cost estimates and bid documents for the construction of a bridge linking South Drain, Suriname, and Moleson Creek, Guyana.”

The duration of the consultancy project is expected to be for 12 months.

Eligible consulting firms are invited to submit EoIs for these services.

“In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and experience, local and regional experience on similar assignments, financial capability and existing commitments,” the invitation stated.

Consultants are allowed to associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partnerships in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

Following the assessment of submissions, a shortlist of not less than three and not more than six applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment.

Interested companies have until 11:00h on February 15, 2021, to make their submissions.

All submissions must be in English.

Three hard copies and one soft copy of EoIs must be submitted in both Guyana and Suriname.

Submissions must be addressed to Vladim Persaud, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works in Georgetown and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works in Paramaribo, Santosh Soman.

In the Request for EoIs notice, it was noted that the connection of Guyana and Suriname via the bridge will enhance trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries and the rest of South America. The bridge will span the Corentyne River from South Drain,

Public Works Minister of Suriname, Dr Riad Nurmohamed and Public Works Minister of Guyana, Juan Edghill planting the flags of the two countries at Long Island in the Corentyne River last year

Suriname, to Moleson Creek, Guyana, taking advantage of the most economical and efficient land and maritime routes.

“The project is major priority for both the governments of Suriname and Guyana. This was reiterated by their Excellencies, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and President Irfaan Ali when they met in

Guyana on August 9, 2020.”

The project is being implemented by the Ministries of Public Works from both countries.

In October 2020, Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, and his Surinamese counterpart, Dr Riad Nurmohamed, had visited the site of the proposed Guyana-Suriname river bridge across the

Corentyne River. There were three points of demarcation identified – Moleson Creek, Long Island in the Corentyne River and South Drain in Suriname.

Then in November 2020, Guyana and Suriname signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the bridge. The MoU was signed

by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Ramdin, at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo.

Only last month, France had expressed an interest in building the Corentyne River bridge to link the two neighbours.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Ambassador of the French Republic to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Antoine Joly indicated this to Minister Edghill during a meeting.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 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

Quest for equality

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ur modern history can be seen as a quest for equality.

The irony is that even before the British decamped in 1966, the struggle had shifted from one against the unequal colonial order to one between the two major groups – Indian and African Guyanese. Even though both groups deployed the rhetoric of ‘equality’ in their mobilisation, it was soon obvious that they were basically jockeying to replace the British at the top of the social pile. Not much has changed since.

How then can we make progress towards greater equality?

We need to first establish some ground rules about what we are talking about. Most crucially, we should be concerned with our equality as citizens of the State: equality in reference to all that the State offers its citizens. The State was founded to secure the rights of all citizens, so when discussing equality from a national perspective, we should ask in which way the citizens of our country are equal. Here, there hopefully would be broad agreement that if we are all citizens of Guyana, we are all equal, or we should be equal in the possession of the rights guaranteed by the State.

From a group standpoint, this equality of rights by each citizen, translates into a proportionate share of the power in a society. This is a very important connection, because ultimately it is the power exercised by the competing groups that shape the contours of the political and other struggles in the country.

However, power is ultimately grounded in the possession of effective and not just “paper” rights.

Now for purposes of analysis, we can group humans, as any other object, by whatever criteria we choose: we can classify Guyanese by gender, class, ethnicity, etc. If rights are equally distributed to all citizens, then no matter how we categorise groups, each group should have equal rights and thus equal (proportionate) power. However, if the rights in their effects were denied to members of a particular classification while others enjoy those rights, the deprived group is oppressed: it does not possess its proportionate share of power.

In human societies, oppression has been perpetuated on all fronts: thus a poor woman may be oppressed simultaneously on the basis of her gender, class, ethnicity, age, religion, and race.

This reality introduces the problematic of “intersectionality”.

Each of these forms of oppression is ultimately debilitating, in that they cause pain and suffering, and stifles the humanity of the victims. While societies may prioritise their struggle against inequality since resources are limited, all forms of oppression must be challenged. In Guyana, there is a general consensus that the racial/ethnic cleavage is the most salient in terms of actual denial of group rights.

Even if we are to limit our field of endeavour to the rights of all citizens to have equality of rights, this leads us to other problems. For instance, how do we deal with those that enter the race today with ‘equal rights’ but with disabilities historically imposed? This is the situation in Guyana with much of the aggravating ‘inequalities’ immanent in our several ethnic groups after Indigenous Peoples were peripheralised in the hinterland; freed African-Guyanese herded into State institutions and an urban working class and rural IndianGuyanese retaining their general immigrant drive for economic advancement combined with their specific quest for land imbibed in overcrowded India.

These dilemmas of historical contingencies have led some to extend their definition of “equality” to mean, additionally, equality of results. Now while this may be desirable, we have to concede that this goal implies a distribution which is based on some notion of justice, a particular version of distributive justice that will impinge upon the liberty of many citizens.

Equality from this perspective demands a more extensive and intrusive state. It may be what we want, but what we must accept is the ensuing struggle between negative and positive liberties, between the absence of interference by other persons and doing maybe what we ought to.

Large streams of red-hot lava shoot into the night sky as Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, leaps into action, seen from the village of Fornazzo, Italy (Reuters/Antonio Parrinello)

GECOM must be able to hold free and fair elections Dear Editor, In the aftermath of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections and a most disappointing and shameful performance by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), no rational thinking citizen will deny the need for a robust overhaul of the organisation that must return its independent effective professionalism. In context, its rebirth in the early 1990s using the Carter Center formula as a guide, must not be now destroyed. Rather, it must be further developed and enhanced to realise the conduct by GECOM, of free and fair elections in Guyana on every occasion.

The Carter Center’s initial and meaningful mediatory interventions in the election framework of Guyana was in 1990.

Election due that year had to be deferred to facilitate necessary changes that provided a measure of fairness not previously extended in the prior six elections. It came at a time when our country was most at risk of being internationally ostracised, due to the customised rampant rigging at the behest of the PNC leadership, which had taken place for decades.

Supporting this abhorrence over this period was legislation that allowed their control of the independent selection of GECOM’s Chairman and by extension, staff. However, after years of international

lobbying by Cheddi Jagan as Opposition Leader, the world refused to stand idly by and watch the continued elections rigging as the order of the day, and the absolute destruction of democracy in this part of the hemisphere.

In 1992, although there were constitutional changes that amended the previous draconian positions, it took a united Guyana along with the powerful and prominent Carter Center together with other regional and international organisations to prevail over free and fair elections largely threatened by the PNC’s reactionary “slow fiah - more fiah” response in Guyana.

The Carter formula at that time presented acceptable equity concerning staff selection and a fair balance on matters then treated in a PNC biased and partisan manner. This destroyed and countered the usual comfort control of the chief rigger, who was the then Chairman of the Elections Commission unilaterally appointed by the PNC. Our people will recall that President Granger embarked on that same old rigging approach when he unilaterally appointed James Patterson in 2018.

The appointment of Patterson immediately led to the dismissal of Vishnu Persaud who was the Deputy Chief Elections Officer. This afforded an unchecked leeway for Chief Elections Officer (CEO)

Keith Lowenfield and the PNC acolytes. A full and unrestricted partisan takeover of the GECOM Secretariat and the elections machinery was the result. Former President David Granger’s machinations had begun to work, or so he and the PNC cabal thought. It resulted in a shield of resistance, both national and international, never catered for by the underhand faction.

In advancing the PNC’s mandate, the CEO et al irrationally stretched the interpretation of basic language beyond imagination subtly at first, but subsequently ended up with a level of bold madness.

Contextually, one must therefore support the view expressed by President Dr Irfaan Ali in his recent interview on electoral reform when he said that “GECOM Secretariat must be restructured and officers of the entity must be professional in executing their duties.”

At the hands of the CEO, a vicious Secretariat sinisterly moved as if normal, to usurp the authority of the Commission and assumed full responsibility to fire and hire staff. It is the same Keith Lowenfield and his cabal who, however, refused to respond to or defend public allegations regarding the payment of millions of dollars to phantom workers as contracts were given out “willy-nilly” to friends and family.

It is recalled that during the coercive and illegal

2018 “House-to-House Registration” commenced

by Lowenfield, the PNC’s control of that process was evidenced by manoeuvres that resulted in the employ of only PNC recommended persons to be scrutineers. Thankfully, the newly appointed Chairwoman Madam Claudette Singh had to abruptly halt the vulgar covert process.

Significantly, there were suddenly induced attacks on the agreed Carter formula with PNC devotees arguing that it had outlived its usefulness. Naturally, this was only because the adopted Carter Center system had placed a halt to the method where all the polling day staff was employed under the influence of the PNC. It is necessary and appropriate to have a relook at the current biased Keith Lowenfield approach.

The records informing the 1992 procedures are instructive to precedence utilised under the Carter system recommendations.

Persons then involved will recall the use of the “horse-trading” approach in which the two major political parties were involved in selecting the Election Day staff, who were then trained to work at each Polling Station. The system was easily arrived at where one will have the Presiding Officer and the other will have the Polling Clerk and all the other staff members were employed the same way.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 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

Good-faith inclusive dialogue for national development in Guyana Dear Editor, The Government of Guyana under the Presidency of Dr Irfaan Ali must be highly commended for its proactive approaches in consultation with several organisations and reaching out to various communities throughout the country. National inclusive dialogue involving all key stakeholders is essential for building consensus on major issues for the development of our country, and should be institutionalised and sustained in national governance I should like to encourage an open debate and advocacy for a national consensus on all major political, economic, social and security issues...

There are many voices calling national dialogue with the political parties and interest groups to forge a consensus for national social and economic development. Genuine national dialogue guarantees participation in a democratic process. The development of our economy offers opportunities from which all can gain, but these have to be grounded in principled and participatory processes and institutions if they are to confer legitimacy and sustainability on economic and social policies.

The pillars of society constituted by the National Assembly, Government, Private Sector, workers’ and civil society organisations must commit themselves to engage in determined dialogue, based on the principles of mutual trust and good faith.

Success in the mutual outcome of national dialogue also requires national commitment and national political will, and the full commitment of the Private Sector, workers and their organisations, and civil society. National dialogue processes need to be strengthened, encouraged and supported. The building of that trust, its maintenance and its sustainability require a high degree of commitment and leadership.

Good faith national conferring and dialogue among the political parties and other main stakeholders in society, including the Private Sector organisations, trade union bodies, religious bodies, professional organisations, the universities on governance and social and economic development matters should be promoted and adopted as a matter of high priority for the national good. The objective is to foster confidence, high trust, mutual understanding, cordial and civil communication and good relations at the national level. Another objective is also to find agreed solutions to political governance and socio-economic problems and issues, and to forge national consensus for political governance and national development. The promotion of political and social justice in Guyana could be achieved if the identified groups are involved in the search for appropriate solutions through genuine dialogue. They have the major responsibility in the

success of the dialogue processes.

In Guyana, the real challenge is to develop national consensus in the form of national accord on political governance and an agreed programme for social, economic, security and human development in the interest of the national community rather than political partisan interest.

National consensus agreements provide the framework for strategies to achieve good political governance, international competitiveness, higher standards of living, improved social protection, a stable currency, investment-friendly policies, and a conducive political and social climate in an environment which upholds and respect fundamental rights and freedoms at all levels in the national community.

The outcome of national dialogue can promote effective management of the economy in a climate of good political governance with inclusive goodwill in political and civil society participation. It is crucial for agreeing on measures for balanced economic, social and political developments. The governing authority of the National Assembly and the Government bear a heavy responsibility for ensuring that good governance, defined as: “The manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development,” reflects fairness in political,

economic and social justice.

A country that is committed to such good political governance will ensure that there is genuine participation by the political and social partners who must demonstrate credibility, transparency, and accountability in the administration and management of national affairs.

The challenges in terms of national strategies are to promote a mature political culture, economic growth, social, political, and human development, call for actions at the national level. It is for the Government, the political parties, Private Sector, the labour movement and civil society in Guyana (a) to respect, promote and realise in good faith the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in our national Constitution and laws, UN Conventions, and regional and other international treaty obligations; and (b) to adopt through genuine and sustained national dialogue, changes in political governance and the management of national socio-economic and public affairs.

These must be promoted in a paradigm shift - from the prolonged confrontational and divisive posture to one which cultivates consensus and co-operation in the national interest. Let genuine dialogue among all the parties/partners begin afresh without delay to achieve national consensus to move this country forward as a united

Is Parliament about to descend into a street-side rum shop?

Dear Editor, Is Parliament about to descend into chaos, or is it about to descend into the realm of a street-side rum shop where all you can hear is a din of loud babble with no constructive discussion coming out of it? Well, I am afraid, this is the state of affairs of the Guyana Parliament or should I say this is the National Assembly that The PNCled Coalition is carving out for us. Then it behoves me to call on Speaker Manzoor Nadir to take note of this and put the corrective measures in place immediately.

No form of mediocrity or State of lawlessness should be tolerated in the hallowed House of Parliament. We want a house that is free of wanton politicking, simply put, we want a House where the people’s business is paramount, therefore all parliamentarians that come within its ambit must conduct themselves in an orderly and dignified manner.

On the same note, Parliament should not be used as a political football, that is, for campaign purposes or a forum to get

one’s own narrow myopic views across; no not at all!

It is a forum for healthy debates on matters of national importance and nothing else. So, my message to Mr Harmon and company you are charting a course which would not have good graces in the speaker’s book and my advice to him is to desist from that course of action.

But if we should delve back into the recent past of their own PNC Speaker, one gets the picture of a House where the then PPP/C Opposition had to endure the pressures of the day, we had to tow the hard line of being put down at every turn, while the Government side could have done virtually anything. The Speaker then ensured that the noble principles - at least on paper- were adhered to, so there is no need for Harmon to speak out against them now.

A case in point was the censoring of the Honorable Bishop for not taking his seat when called upon to do so, the end result of that was a calling in of the Police and a further disbarment of him from participating on

matters in the House. So, Mr Harmon should be very mindful of this and stop acting stupid.

Now, the matter they are demanding that the Speaker address has to do with the Henry boys’ murder, something which the Speaker denied. Mr Nadir denied it from the sole standpoint that the Executive has no jurisdiction on a matter engaging the attention of the courts, he could not allow this matter to be heard in Parliament and prejudice the case. However, the PNC wanted a political showdown to exploit these boys’ deaths for their own political purposes, but the Speaker would have none of it.

This angered the Opposition thus opening the floodgates of their depravity.

But if we should dwell just a little longer on this topic one will see the twisted and diabolical schemes of the PNC in full display.

They love to exploit morbid matters making them into political messages or opportunities to spur up racial hate. I make mention

of the Bartica massacre, the Lindo Creek and Lusignan massacres and the killing of 23 policemen, in all of these incidents the sick sadistic hand of that party is manifested.

Further, and most significantly, these matters would not have occurred if the political interference that is so evident of that party was kept out of it. In fact, there would have been closure in these matters if that party stayed clear of it.

In like manner, the Henry boys’ case is not a political one and politics have to be kept completely out of it. This matter is in the hands of the courts which is the place where it belongs. So, the PNC and their cohorts must realise that Parliament is not a place for political posturing or political histrionics, it is a place for serious business and not a court to try cases. This party and its followers have to be respectful of the standing orders of the House and this we are going to uphold come what may.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

country. My list for genuine dialogue includes: - building confidence and high trust measures; - agreeing on a shared vision for Guyana; - Constitutional reform aimed at: - creating a broad-based, inclusive Government which can elect the President by two-thirds vote by the National Assembly and which caters for one Vice President as the number two position in Government (abolish the misnomer of Prime Minister) - allocation, constitutionally of ministerial portfoli-

os based on the proportional strengths of the parties forming the Government, - electoral reforms, - fixed Election Day every five years, - an agreed programme for political, social, economic and human development for the national good for all citizens, and - the creation of a more service-oriented, professional, depoliticised, public service, capable of resisting undue of political influences.

Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

GECOM must be able to...

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From 1992 until 2011, GECOM staff were employed in keeping with the Representation of the People Act. The Act clearly states that all employment at GECOM must be done by the Commission. However, in 2015 GECOM Secretariat led by Lowenfield rendered on to itself a power to act as he pleased, and later attempted to hold on to the remnants afforded by the disavowed Granger to unilaterally appoint James Patterson. Notably, the new Chairwoman was cautious and he took full advantage.

The nation must not forget the Lowenfield report to the Commission on Wednesday 15th of May 2015. He informed that he cannot announce the elections results because there

were fake Statements of Polls in keeping with the PNC’s ploy to disrupt the elections. The election petition in 2015 is yet to see the light of day although the vote counts from thirty-nine polling places on the East Coast of Demerara and three Polling Stations in Berbice were excluded from the final results.

The now-famous broadsheet which was the instrument used to rig the elections in 2015 was attempted again in 2020 by corrupt and dishonest staff who did the dirty work. Today we must do away with all the criminals and get a truly independent, accountable, and transparent GECOM. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

O

ur culture has upheld strength of mind and purity of thought, which are translated into beneficial resolutions and desires, as the essential requisites of a progressive human being.

The mystery and splendour of God can be grasped only by a pure mind and a clear vision. That’s why the Lord granted a new eye to Arjuna so that he might not be confounded by His Glory. A resolution adopted by the mind is like a stone thrown into a sarovara or lake. It produces ripples that affect the entire face and unsettles equanimity. A bad thought desecrates the individual as well as the community. Misery is infectious; your impurity can pollute too. A good Sankalpa (resolution) sets up a series of such thoughts, each contributing its quota to the process of purification and strengthening.

Bharatiya culture insists on purity of Sankalpa because, like a fragrant flower in the hand, it will spread its beneficial influence on others and through others! (Divine Discourse, Mar 30, 1973)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

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Foundation Friday’s answers

1) The length of a ribbon is 5/6 metre. How many 1/6 metre pieces can be cut from the ribbon?

5/6 metre is equal five 1/6 pieces ii) What would be the perimeter of a square made with four of the 1/6 metre pieces in centimetres and inches?

1/6 metre = 0.167m 100 centimetres = 1m 0.167m = 0.167 x 100 = 16.7cm P = 2 (L+B) = 2 (16.7 + 16.7) = 66.67cm 2.5cm = 1 inch, so 66.67cm = 66.67/ 2.5 inches = 26.67 inches A = LXB = 16.7cm x 16.7cm = 278.89cm2 or 44.62 square inches iii) Calculate the area and perimeter of the shapes below. Round to 1 decimal place.

Perimeter of a quadrilateral = 2 (L+B) Area of a quadrilateral = L x B Perimeter (circumference) of a circle = pi x diameter or 2πr Area of a circle = pi x the square of its radius or πr2 Perimeter of a triangle = side + base + side or (a+b+c) Area of a triangle = base x height x½ pi = 3.14 Shape 1 perimeter = 2 (2.2 + 4) + (3.14 x (4)) = 12.4 +12.56 = 24.96cm = 25cm ( 1 decimal place) Shape 1 area = (2.2 x 4) + (3.14 x (22)) = 8.8 + 12.56 = 21.36cm2 = 21.4cm2 ( 1 decimal place) Shape 2 perimeter = 2 (2 + 4) + (3.14 x (8)) = 37.12cm = 37cm ( 1 decimal place) Shape 2 area = (2 x 4) + (3.14 x (42)) = 8 + 50.24 = 50.24cm2 = 50.2cm2 ( 1 decimal place)

= 31.4cm ( 1 decimal place) Shape 3 area = (10 x 1) + (3.14 x (12)) + (3.14 x (12)) = (10) + (3.14) + (3.14) = 16.28 cm2 = 16.3cm2 ( 1 decimal place)

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

Shape 4 perimeter = 2 (1 + 1) + (3.14 x (2)) = 10.28cm = 10.3cm ( 1 decimal place) Shape 4 area = (1 x 1) + (3.14 x (12)) = 1 + 3.14 = 4.14cm2 = 4.1cm2 ( 1 decimal place) Shape 5 perimeter = (2.8 + 4 + 2.8 ) + (3.14 x (4)) = 22.16cm = 22.2cm ( 1 decimal place) Shape 5 area = (base x height x ½) + (3.14 x (12)) = 1 + 3.14 = 4.14cm = 4.1cm2 ( 1 decimal place)

Shape 3 perimeter = 2 (10 + 1) + (3.14 x (2)) + (3.14 x (2)) = 31.42cm

Supplies Vegetable oil Water Food colouring – primary colours or neon Original Alka Seltzer tablets To begin, colour about 1/2 cup of water with food colouring.

Take the Alka Seltzer tablets and break them into 2 or 3 pieces. Place them in a small cup or container.

Fill a glass about 3/4 full with vegetable oil. Then pour in the coloured water until the liquid in the cup is about 1-2 inches from the top.

You don’t want it to overflow!

Well, unless you want to turn it into an eruption experiment too. For this reason and quick clean-up, do this

on a tray.

Add a piece of an Alka Seltzer table to the cup on at a time. *DO NOT let them put the tablet in their mouth at any time.

Why this science experiment works

The water and oil do not mix and the oil doesn’t change colour because the food colouring is water soluble. The Alka Seltzer reacts with the water to make bubbles of carbon dioxide. The bubbles attach themselves to the blobs of coloured water and bring them to the top of the glass.

When the bubbles pop, the blobs of coloured water fall back to the bottom of the glass. (Adapted from funlearningforkids.com)

A

seagull having bolted down too large a fish, burst its deep gullet-bag and lay down on the shore to die.

A kite saw him and exclaimed: “You richly deserve your fate; for a bird of the air has no business to seek its food from the sea

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bids for Linden-Mabura Hill road project to commence in May – prequalification of contractors underway

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reparations for the first phase of the long-anticipated Linden to Lethem road upgrade are likely to be kicked off with the tender being launched in May of 2021, even as the Ministry of Public Works currently prequalifies contractors for the project.

According to

the “Invitation for Prequalification of Contractors” seen by this publication, invitations for bids are expected to be issued in May. But in the meantime, contractors wishing to be prequalified for the project were invited to submit their documents

by March 30, 2021.

The invitation listed a

number of requirements for such contractors. They must have an annual turnover over the last five years of at least US$80 million.

They are also required to have a demonstratable cash flow, inclusive of access to credit, of US$13.5 million.

Additionally, they are required to have experience as a prime contractor in at

EoIs invited for feasibility...

“The French Ambassador shared interest in the maintenance of Guyana’s vessels and building of the Corentyne River Bridge,” DPI said, adding that Minister Edghill informed the French diplomat that they are welcome to submit their Expressions of Interest for the project.

Meanwhile, back in December 2020, Canada had also expressed an interest in constructing the bridge.

During an exclusive interview with this publication, former Canadian diplomat Lilian Chatterjee had explained that the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) is among several organisations interested in building the bridge.

In fact, President Ali had

held a virtual meeting with Chatterjee and representatives of the CCC to discuss several major infrastructure projects in Guyana, including the Corentyne River bridge.

The Corentyne River Bridge will not only link the two neighbouring countries of Guyana and Suriname, but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guyana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

Reports indicate that the Corentyne River bridge is expected to be a flat bridge from Guyana to Long Island in the Corentyne River and then a high-span bridge from there to the

FROM PAGE 3

Surinamese mainland to allow for heavy marine traffic.

This bridge is expected to promote the safe movement of people and products.

Moreover, it is anticipated that Long Island will become an economic hub and free zone that will also see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls and farmers’ markets.

With the recent commitments to bridge Guyana and Suriname over the Corentyne River within five years, this project is expected to open up the pathway for other major developmental projects including the much-anticipated deep-water harbour project in Guyana.

The current state of the road

least two contracts that are comparable in nature and complexity as the proposed Linden to Mabura Hill road upgrade.

This must have been done within the last five years and each contract must be at least US$80 million in value and no less than 80 per cent complete.

Lest there be any uncertainty of the complexity of the road upgrade, the invitation also listed the scope of works.

“The key elements of the scope of works are construction of sub-base and base courses and an asphaltic concrete surface course; construction of two reinforced concrete bridges of approximate span 20m; construction of five reinforced concrete twin box culverts; installation of 17 reinforced

concrete minor pipe culverts and construction of geocell and concrete-lined drains,” the invitation states.

It was announced in December of last year that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had approved

funding for the road project spanning 121 kilometres from Linden to Mabura Hill – the first phase of the much-anticipated construction of a Linden-Lethem road connectivity.

TURN TO PAGE 11

8 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

JES, Judiciary to work with media to change traditional ways of reporting court matters

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overage of the judicial system ensures the media fulfils part of its watchdog function. It is also an important task for the media, since the Judiciary is one of the three branches of Government and there is a great deal of interest in how the courts operate.

However, judicial officers including Judges and Magistrates, and even lawyers have complained about sensationalistic reporting that is inaccurate, short on facts, and in favour of either the prosecution or defence.

In this regard, the Judicial Education Institute of Guyana and the Guyana Press Association (GPA) recently collaborated with the Justice Education Society (JES) - a Canadian non-profit legal organisation - to host three webinars, the last of which concluded on January 23, 2021, to combat the weaknesses in coverage of the courts.

The interactive ses-

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George (bottom centre); High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon (top left); and Magistrate Peter Hugh (top right) during one of the webinar sessions

ban, specialised courts, the big question of bail, principles of sentencing, how to access the courts during the COVID-19 pandemic, ethics of media professionals.

Important role

During a recent interview with GPA President Nazima Raghubir, JES Guyana Country Representative,

The Judiciary of Guyana embarked on its “We Can Still Hear You” campaign to assure citizens that despite the pandemic, the courts continue to function

sions featured Judges and Magistrates educating journalists, members of the Guyana Police Force, University of Guyana students, representatives of civil society, and social services providers about the complexities of the justice systems.

There were also presentations on the structure of the judicial system, legal terminologies, publications

Rolinda Kirton said that members of the Judiciary have been very vocal on the need to work with the media on its coverage of court cases and to make the courts more accessible to the public through various means.

Kirton reminded of a two-day seminar on reporting on criminal investigations and court cases that was facilitated by JES

in 2017 in which veteran Canadian Journalist, Kim Bolan from the Vancouver Sun, a Canadian newspaper, shared her expertise.

According to Kirton, the Judiciary capitalised on this opportunity as it was already exploring the route of using social media for outreach, information, and education.

Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards in giving opening remarks at the first webinar held on December 5, 2020, emphasised the important role the media plays in the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

“The Judiciary is not alone in our goal to serve justice. It has been said that the media acts as the society’s watchdog or the public watchdog. There is the prin-

ciple of open justice and you also feature prominently in that system. The principle of open justice requires court proceedings to be accessible to the public and the media.”

According to the Chancellor, even though the COVID-19 pandemic might have affected the functioning of the Judiciary, the media was there every step of the way as the courts tried to keep the wheels of justice turning, and its doors open to ensure that cases were heard.

Intertwined

High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds noted that the law and the media have become inescapably intertwined because a relatively small portion of the public has direct experience with the justice system, and as such public knowledge and views of law and the legal system are largely dependent on media representations.

Raghubir said that media representatives have to make it their duty to understand legal terms, understand how to break them down for the public, understand the legal processes

and dissect those processes so that members of the public who are accessing the court can understand them too.

“We have to ensure that there is fair coverage, accurate coverage and that the information we are putting out there can stand up to scrutiny,” Raghubir urged those in attendance.

The webinar series was co-organised by the Judicial Education Institute of Guyana, the GPA, and the “Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Guyana” project funded by the US Government through the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and implemented by JES of British Columbia.

JES’s mission is to build strong communities by promoting the understanding of, access to, and confidence in justice systems both in Canada and internationally.

“We Can Still Hear You”

To build public trust and confidence in the judicial system, the Judiciary of Guyana last December launched its public education and engagement programme. Another objective of the programme is to assure the citizenry that the wheels of justice are turning despite the COVID-19 crisis, which has in many ways affected the functioning of the Judiciary.

Since the onset of

COVID-19, the Judiciary commenced a campaign titled: “We Can Still Hear You” which helped to assure citizens that, despite the pandemic, the judicial system continued to function, and there was access to justice as their matters could still be heard.

The campaign featured judicial officers delivering messages on social media, via the court’s website, and radio. According to acting Chief Justice Roxane George, “This opened up a new dimension in our relationship with the citizenry, by having leaders in the Judiciary speak directly to the public about the rule of law and access to justice.”

Access to justice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is seeing continued expansion, as the Judiciary employs a range of technology and platforms for hearing matters.

The Chief Justice said that these new measures embrace the flexibility of where Judges, Magistrates, claimants, defendants, prosecutors, the Police, complainants, and accused could be located at the time of a hearing or trial.

New horizons...

Y

...in education our Eyewitness has been looking for silver linings behind this dark cloud of COVID-19 that has descended over the world for over a year now.

Well, today he glimpsed one in the announcement by the Ministry of Education that arrangements have been already made for 4500 scholarships to be awarded to some top-level foreign universities on their in-line platforms. The programmes include Bachelor’s, Master’s and beyond in a host of subject areas – from Accountancy to Zoology and not forgetting engineering and computer sciences and hundred more!

This is evidently part of the 20,000 scholarships in five years the Government promised – and which some snickered at! Now, “distance learning” has been around forever. How many of us haven’t heard of fellas like the recently-departed Llewellyn John who did their “external degree” from London University back in the day?

But with the revolutionary changes in communication technology in the past few decades, “on line learning” moved to centre stage as it became possible for anyone with a computer, tablet or laptop to plug in directly into classes beamed from universities across the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic simply accelerated this process when face-to-face contact became verboten.

Schools across the world had to be closed and presently, there are more than 1.5 billion students getting their education online. Many of them are adults. It’s now proven that students retain information from these online classes much more effectively than from the old-fashioned teachers passing on rote knowledge standing in front of students.

The latter can now learn at their own pace by returning to obscure points or skipping those they are already familiar with. What this means is that with all these efficiencies in delivering teaching curricula – for instance, the students also don’t have to leave their homes – online education is here to stay. It’s simply been sealed by the COVID-19 demands.

But what the Ministry should take note of is the new format has created new divides in accessing education.

And they’ll have to take care of these for both young students and these new more mature ones. Right off the bat, there’s the Internet connectivity that’s so divergent across Guyana that we may as well be living in all three “Worlds”. Once again, the hinterland and rural students are at a disadvantage. Then, of course, there’s the need to supply students with laptops, etc.

What’s intriguing is that for those who may not want to be tied into the governmental scholarship strings, all Guyanese can enrol in courses at the universities at severely reduced fees up to 80 per cent.

We’re now entering the brave new world of universal university education in Guyana! ... cricket Your Eyewitness is a self-confessed cricket tragic who, in case you never heard the expression, lives, breathes and (regularly) dies on the fortunes of West Indies cricket. Since he’s been able to still survive from the highs of the eighties through the doldrums of the nineties and even greater depths in this millennium, you would know, as such, that hope beats eternal in HIS breast.

M0st of that hope was encouraged by the (albeit erratic) performance of the WI in the abbreviated T-20 form of the game. After all, it suited our “slam, bam, thank you Ma’am”! He’s pretty much given up hope on what he considers the “real” cricket - -Test Cricket.

Every now and then they’d flatter to deceive. So, you’ll have to excuse your Eyewitness not getting too excited about their win yesterday in their first Test against Bangladesh.

Let’s see if they can repeat. ...in ghetto politics Your Eyewitness thought the PNC’s “People’s Parliament” in front of Stabroek “Big” Market was a oneoff event to score some cheap points on the W. Berbice murders.

But we’re now told they’ll be inflicting this on unsuspecting folks in other locales.

Isn’t the COVID-19 pandemic enough of a burden?

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 43 new COVID-19 cases – Region 10 boosts efforts to curb spike in cases

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he Health Ministry on Sunday reported that Guyana recorded 43 new COVID-19 cases within a 24-hour duration.

According to statistics, the new cases have now taken the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 7982 – 4146 males and 3836 females.

However, only 836 of these cases are currently active. This includes five patients in the COVID-19

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 831 persons in isolation, that is, 51 institutional isolation and the remaining 780 in home isolation.

There are also another

14 persons in institutional quarantine.

In addition, the COVID-19 death toll in Guyana remains at 180, with the latest fatality recorded last Thursday when an 86-year-old male from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) died while receiving care at a medical facility.

To date, the number of persons who have recovered from the life-threatening disease has gone up to 6966 – four more than the figure previously reported.

Meanwhile, some 52,475 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus in Guyana thus far.

Of the 43 new cases recorded on Sunday, three were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); two in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); four in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); a whopping 28 cases in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), another four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and two cases in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The figures in the other four regions – Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – remained the same.

Regional Health Officer, Dr Gregory Harris

However, the increase in active cases in Region 10 has regional authorities worried. In fact, Regional Chairman, Deron Adams recently disclosed that the administration has boosted its effort to curb the disease’s transmission after the region’s active cases increased to just over 20.

Adams recently told the Department of Public Information that while implementing an awareness and educational campaign saw a massive decrease in the numbers, that changed during the last few weeks.

To this end, the Regional Chairman urged residents to adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health.

“If the residents continue the way we are operating

as though we are not in a pandemic, then we will have another spike in COVID-19 cases. We, at the administration, do not want that to be a reality,” he said.

Recently, a staffer from the One Mile Health Centre tested positive, which led to the facility being sanitised.

Adams said he had been concerned that other staff members may have been exposed to the disease, and they contacted the regional health officials.

However, Regional Health Officer, Dr Gregory Harris has given assurances of the staff’s safety.

“This staff had indeed tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be in insolation for two weeks as outlined by the Ministry of Health. At this moment, there are no other positive cases from the health centre,” Dr Harris said.

The RHO said his department would monitor the health centre and other health facilities closely to safeguard them. That includes intensifying testing capacity and distributing educational material about COVID and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies.

Meanwhile, the RHO said there is no shortage of PPEs in the region.

Communities such as Aroaima, Canvas City,

Central Mackenzie, Amelia’s Ward, Half Mile, Wisroc, Three Friends Mines, Blueberry Hill, Kwakwani, Christianburg, Retrieve, Block 22, One Mile, Kara, Coomacka Mines, Wismar, and Silvertown are hotspots in the region.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 105,394,301 confirmed cas-

es were reported globally along with 2,302,302 deaths.

The WHO 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 46,913,216 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 1,092,521.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCJ records significant decline in new matters amid COVID-19 pandemic …majority of appeals were from Guyana, Barbados

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he Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has recorded a significant decline in new matters due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with matters from Guyana and Barbados accounting for more than half of the cases filed in its Appellate Jurisdiction.

This was detailed in the regional court’s annual report for 2019-2020 which was released earlier this month. The CCJ said that while it was able to ensure that the court’s business continued, a general assumption may be that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted domestic courts’ ability to ensure that matters progress onward to the CCJ in the usual manner of their operations.

The CCJ anticipates this impact may well be manifested in the 2020-2021 reporting period, as the domestic judiciaries and litigants regain the wherewithal to progress the matters filed for disposition.

Notwithstanding, the CCJ assured that it is prepared for the significant peak in the volume of new cases likely in the forthcoming period.

Stats

In its Appellate Jurisdiction, the CCJ is the final court of appeal for criminal and civil matters for Guyana, Barbados, Belize, and Dominica.

The report said that there was a 59 per cent de-

crease in new matters filed in the court’s Appellate Jurisdiction for the 20192020 reporting period compared to the previous year, 2018-2019.

In the reporting period of August 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020, 60 per cent of the matters were civil, while 40 per cent were criminal.

A total of 15 matters were filed - 14 Applications for Special Leave and a Notice of Appeal.

Seven of the cases filed were from Barbados, three from Belize, one from Dominica, and four from Guyana.

For the previous reporting year, 2018-2019, the CCJ reported a 15 per cent increase in the number of matters filed in its Appellate Jurisdiction when compared to the previous year. During 2018-2019, 37 matters were filed with the court.

Of the 37 matters, 25 represented Applications for Special Leave, while

the remaining 12 accounted for Notices of Appeal.

Twenty cases or 54 per cent were filed from Guyana, 11 cases or 30 per cent from Barbados, four or 11 per cent from Belize, and two or five per cent from Dominica.

Meanwhile, in its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is an international court with exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and to decide disputes arising under it. The RTC established the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is critical to the CSME and all 12 member states which belong to the CSME (including their citizens, businesses, and governments) can access the Court’s Original Jurisdiction to protect their rights under the RTC.

For 2019-2020, there was a 70 per cent decrease in new matters filed for the reporting period of August 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020, in the Court’s Original Jurisdiction compared to the previous year, 2018-2019.

During 2019-2020, one matter each was filed from Barbados, Dominica, and Guyana. Of these, two were disposed. The court’s 20182019 annual report said there was a significant increase of 70 per cent in the filing of new cases in the Original Jurisdiction.

For that reporting period, a total of 10 matters were filed. Four from Trinidad and Tobago, two from Grenada, and one each from Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, and St Lucia.

Critical case

In a critical case of international, regional, and national interest, dubbed the “Guyana Election case” filed against Eslyn David and others, the CCJ had to determine a challenge on the credibility of the recount, undertaken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), of the votes cast at the General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020.

Among other things, the CCJ held that “valid votes”, which determine the election of the members of the National Assembly as well as the winning presidential candidate, are obtained by a transparent exercise described in

the Representation of the People Act. It noted that any further question of the validity of a vote must be pursued through the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 163 after the elections have been concluded and the winners declared.

By its decision, the CCJ held that the Guyana Court of Appeal impliedly invited the Chief Elections Officer to engage unilaterally in an unlawful validation exercise that trespassed on that exclusive jurisdiction.

The court also considered the history of Article 177(4) and held that David’s application was premature as it was always intended that

questions as to the validity of the election of a President could arise only after the members of the National Assembly had been elected and a presidential candidate had been deemed and declared to be President.

As David’s application did not trigger the provisions of Article 177(4), the CCJ ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to make the orders that were made, and the finality clause was inoperable.

The CCJ thus had jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal and ordered that both the decision of the Court of Appeal and the report of the Chief Election Officer, which was based on it, were of no effect.

Teen injured after riding into path of motor car

A

14-year-old cyclist is now nursing injuries to his knee and face after he reportedly rode into the path of a moving car along the Recht-DoorZee, West Bank Demerara (WBD), main access road on Saturday evening.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 08:00h and involved the cyclist of Second Avenue, West Minister, West Bank Demerara, and a motor car driven by a 30-yearold man of Recht-Door-Zee, WBD. Police initial reports

stated that the pedal cyclist was riding in front of the car when he suddenly made a turn and ended up in the path of the motor car thus causing a collision.

The cyclist then lost control of the bicycle and fell onto the road’s surface where he received injuries about his body.

He was picked up by the said driver and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. He was examined and admitted a patient.

The driver was arrested pending an investigation.

NEWS

11

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Increased demand for construction aggregates a good sign – financial analyst ...will translate to increased employment, Private Sector expansion

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he Government’s ambitious plans when it comes to infrastructure are likely to have far-reaching and positive trickle-down effects on the economy according to a financial analyst who believes that this will range from increased job creation to Private Sector expansion.

In an interview with this publication, Joel Bhagwandin noted that based on what is expected to be included in the upcoming budget and recent pronouncements from Government officials about how much construction aggregates are expected to be used, there will be a lot of construction in 2021.

“And so when you start to inject money in capital projects, construction of roads, for example, demand will now be created for construc-

Government is targeting over 1M tonnes of construction aggregates for 2021

tion materials. Demand will be created for materials to build the homes, for the banks to lend money to home builders, once they have the creditworthiness. And this would translate into the other sectors.

This means businesses will invest more, more revenue,

more taxes from more employment,” he explained.

Bhagwandin explained that the anticipated increase in demand for construction material will likely lead to the companies supplying these materials themselves to expand. And this means increased employment for

Bids for Linden-Mabura Hill...

The US$190 million project is being funded by a US$112 million loan from CDB, a grant of £50 million from the United Kingdom Government through the CDB-administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund; and a contribution of US$12 million from the Government of Guyana. It represents the largest project that the CDB has financed in its 50 years of existence.

The project is the first phase of a wider plan to develop a transportation corridor from Georgetown to Lethem on the southwest

border; connecting the port in Georgetown with northern Brazil. It will include the construction of a crossing at Kurupukari to replace the current ferry, which has limited capacity and does not operate on a 24-hour basis.

The unpaved 450-kilometre road from Linden to Lethem has been at the centre of many woes, due to its impassable state in the rainy season, and moreover, flooding along low-lying sections of the road. The upgraded road corridor will provide year-round connectivity between Linden and Mabura Hill, improving conditions

the ordinary Guyanese.

“Given the Government’s infrastructure plan for 2021, they’re targeting 1 million tonnes of construction aggregates. Now, think of the supply chain, the demand for construction aggregates, materials like sand, stone, loom, cement, PVC.”

FROM PAGE 7

for local and long-haul transport which can increase trade between Guyana and Brazil.

Along with the improved road network, residents in the remote communities along the Linden to Mabura Hill corridor will see immediate benefits from improved access to basic essential services and an expansion in economic activity. The project is also expected to bolster eco-tourism along the corridor by improving access to several nature reserves, such as the Iwokrama Rain Forest.

Funding for the Linden-

Lethem road project was put on pause by the British Government, owing to the recently-concluded political upheaval in Guyana. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said that they were in talks with the UK counterparts, and the possibility was open to commence works in 2021.

Once construction starts on the Linden to Lethem road, it will join a number of other projects that the new People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government plans to begin in 2021 in what President Dr Irfaan Ali has described as a flurry of development.

“The companies that supply these products, they would have to increase capacity. This means injecting more money to supply these things. Increasing capacity also means increasing your workforce. That’s how you create employment.”

It was only recently that Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said that the upcoming plans of the Government for this year will see an increase in demand for the materials.

As such, production rates must also be increased, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported the Minister as saying.

The production rate for quarriable substances have been much lower than the demand over the last few years, Bharrat had noted.

For 2020, just about 650,000 tonnes of materials were produced. The Dr Irfaan Ali Administration is advancing a number of infrastructural projects aimed at improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.

President Ali has committed to the construction of a new Demerara River bridge and the new four-lane road from that bridge to Parika, East Bank Essequibo. Hundreds of communities across the country are expected to see new and improved road networks along with other infrastructural projects.

Through collaboration with the Government of Suriname, the Government here will also be embarking on the construction of the

Financial analyst Joel Bhagwandin

first-ever bridge across the Corentyne River, connecting the two South American nations.

The Ogle to Haags Bosch road project is also in the cards. A massive housing drive is also underway that targets some 5000 homes, for this year. The Government also intends to allocate some 10,000 house lots by end of this year.

“So, the demand for these materials will increase tremendously. For lumber, for stone, for sand, for cement.

So, we are working with the GGMC to increase production, to double our production to produce over one million tonnes this year,” Bharrat also said in a recent interview.

He had said the Government will also be granting licences to a number of companies that have applied to produce the aggregates to meet the impending demand. President Dr Ali himself had late last year said that there will be an increase in demand for quarry and construction materials and labour with the coming developments.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to facilitate remedial work on Sheriff-Mandela road – Min Edghill – work to be executed simultaneously with road widening project

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ith the SheriffMandela road in an almost impassable state due to ongoing works, the Government will facilitate remedial works targeting the many

contractor, Sinohydro, and in a collaborative manner while we’re doing the road widening, putting in the infrastructure for the median and the lights, (we will patch the road) so that the

posed to be finished by August. So the people who are complaining about how deteriorating that is, expect within a week we will have some improvement on Sheriff Mandela, as to what

The Sheriff-Mandela road expansion

potholes as work is being done to widen the overall road by Chinese contractor Sinohydro.

This was disclosed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who acknowledged that the Mandela road has severely deteriorated and as such, commuters are inconvenienced.

“Right now Mandela has deteriorated a lot,” the Minister said. “There’s a lot of potholes, lots of damage. So, I’ve instructed the chief engineer to engage the

travelling public’s experience can be more comfortable,” he explained.

According to Edghill, commuters are likely to see improvements to the road within a week, long before the actual Sheriff-Mandela road widening project is scheduled to be completed.

The deadline for completion is set for August 2021.

“We’ll spend a couple million dollars to bring in asphalt, patch all the potholes and maintain it.

(Sheriff-Mandela) is sup-

is known as the old road, by fixing some of the big potholes and the damage done to the road,” Edghill also explained.

The Sheriff-Mandela road upgrade project is being funded through a US$66 million loan from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB). But the former Government has come in for some heavy criticism over its handling of the project.

It was revealed last year that $2.7 billion of the total funding has already been

spent on the project. An additional $553 million had to be allocated in last year’s emergency budget by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to complete the project.

Back in September 2020, Edghill had informed the National Assembly that with all the money spent on the project, it should have already been completed.

However, he had noted that it was “badly mismanaged.”

The Public Works Minister had explained that when the PPP/C took office in August last year, there was no work being done, adding that this was not due to COVID-19 alone. He noted that the other reason was because of non-compliance with environmental standards which resulted in the IDB being forced to cease disbursements to the project.

Work on the Sherriff Street-Mandela Avenue

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Project began since August 2018, with the contract for the project being awarded to Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation Limited since November 2017.

However, there was a period in 2019 when the IDB had halted funding for the project due to health and safety violations by the contractor. The matter was further compounded by the election impasse, but following the return to office

of the PPP Government, the IDB was re-engaged.

The project, which will cover approximately seven kilometres of road between Sheriff Street and Mandela Avenue, involves the relocation of utilities; the installation of lane and shoulder improvements; placement of sidewalks and paved shoulders; traffic signals, traffic signs, street lights, drainage; a pedestrian overhead walkway; culverts, bridges, and a roundabout.

Care packages handed out to students involved in Community Chalkboard Project

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he Department of EducationGeorgetown distributed care packages to students of several communities who are part of the Education Ministry’s Community Chalkboard Project. The communities targeted were Albouystown, Sophia, Back Circle, Rasville and Wortmanville.

The initiative targeted those students who have been consistently utilising the chalkboards erected in their communities on which school work is placed for the various grades to keep them engaged as schools remain closed for face-to-face interaction.

Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson presenting a child with his care package

the chalkboards set up in their respective communities. In March 2020, all schools were closed due to the pandemic.

Some of the beneficiaries from Rasville, Sophia and Wortmanville

The care packages contained masks, food items, dictionaries, school stationery and educational toys.

The packages were distributed with the aim of encouraging students to ensure they continue to use

However, in September 2020 the Ministry of Education reopened schools via TV, radio and online classes.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand had stated that the Ministry de-

veloped a method of teaching which suites students depending on their environment and access to learning materials.

As such, back in October 2020, a number of blackboards were set up in several underprivileged communities in the city to deliver education during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The project was executed by a team led by Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson. The team consisted of District Education Officer, Deborah Hutson; Technical Facilitator, Kerwyn Jacob; School Inspector Lisa Ryce and teachers Leanchor Rowland and Caren Charles.

This initiative saw the installation of chalkboards in communities like East Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Rasville and Wortmanville.

This allowed for the continuity of learning in areas that lacked internet and other devices.

Learning materials were also distributed to the children during the visits.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Amerindian villages in Region 2 get $105M COVID-19 relief funds A

merindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai handed over $105 million of the COVID-19 relief fund to nine Amerindian communities and one satellite community in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) last week at State House, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

During a simple ceremony, Minister Sukhai reiterated that the fund is another commitment by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to its people while campaigning back in 2020.

The sum, she said, would assist to prepare Amerindian villages for the long haul as COVID-19 has affected village economies across the country.

“The impacts in Amerindian villages have been very difficult even those communities that have not been severely affected, have had impact, because their neighbouring villages in many areas of the hinterland have been on lockdown and when communities are on lockdown, the Government supports that community.

However, the other communities that were not on lockdown also have an impact,” Minister Sukhai noted.

The Minister explained that in certain parts of the

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and some of the village leaders after receiving their grants

country, villages are sometimes cut off from supplies when others are on lockdown. She noted, for example, the hardships villages close to the Brazilian border are enduring because a new strain of COVID-19 in that country has resulted in a closure of the border.

While the border opens one day per week for trade, circumstances such as those have prompted the Government to provide support to buttress Amerindian communities and stimulate their economies.

“So, what we have today is a grant that you don’t have to pay back, but you have to use effectively in your village. You have to use it and you also have to account for it. You have to use it transparently; you have to engage

your community residents; you have to engage the leadership in designing for the use of this grant.”

The Minister also noted that the Government has made several commitments in the manifesto and those that relate to the development of Amerindians would be covered by the investment.

One of those commitments is to introduce connectivity to 200 communities, a programme which started in 2014. At that time 100 facilities were established for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs; however, the previous Administration had set the programme aside and the one that they replaced it with was ineffective.

The Government will,

therefore, reintroduce the ICT project in Amerindian communities.

“The investment fund which we will provide will go to 200 communities to utilise part of the fund to prepare the facility once more. Those communities that have built very good facilities and ICT still existing, you will need to repair or refurbish and furnish it again.”

Communities with existing facilities can use up to $1 million on refurbishment. Others can use up to $2 million on the construction of new facilities, while the remaining funds will go towards an economically viable project for income generation for the community.

“This fund is not to be parted up and distributed to households, but to be used as

Agri Ministry, IICA to develop 1st bio-fortified rice variety in Caribbean

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n an effort to promote healthy food choices among citizens, the Agriculture Ministry’s Rice Research Station has collaborated with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to develop a bio-fortified rice variety with nutritionally enhanced Zinc.

Medical experts have recommended daily doses of Zinc to boost the immune system so that it can withstand infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday visited the rice research station, at Burma, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), to carry out an assessment of the trial plots currently under cultivation with the bio-fortified rice.

GRDB’s Chief Scientist, Dr Mahendra Persaud explained that the strains are part of a breeding trial and will be tested over the next three seasons.

“We’ve been testing some breeding lines and established varieties for higher levels of Zinc. We have 17 promising entries at four trial locations. These trials will go on for at least three more seasons before we make a final selection on which of the strains will go into the farmers’ fields for a final analysis for release as a variety. It’s quite at the initial stage but we are very optimistic because we’ve seen these lines perform well at the breeding stage over the past five years.”

Dr Persaud said the bio-fortified rice will be re-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (second left) along with other officials of the Ministry, IICA and Caricom

leased to the market once the breeding programme is completed and the selected strain meets the characteristics that farmers desire.

On the other hand, Minister Mustapha noted that he was very impressed with the progress made with the development and pledged the Ministry’s full support throughout the process.

“I’m very excited about this project. I’m thankful to IICA and Caricom for starting the pilot project here in Guyana. This project is good, not only for Guyana, but for the entire Caribbean because, once released, this variety will help with not only curbing hunger but with malnutrition and promoting healthy lifestyles. I am eager for this candidate variety to be given the green light for release to our farmers. This will also attract a higher market value which means better prices for our farmers.”

The subject Minister further stated that over the

years, Guyana has been playing an important role in the Caribbean in terms of agriculture and will continue to work with other Caricom nations to improve the region’s food and nutrition security.

IICA Country Representative in Guyana, Wilmot Garnett said once released, the bio-fortified rice will be the first in the region.

“It is the first in the region for this type of trial and certainly the first in Guyana. As we know, especially with the COVID-19, there have been recommendations for small doses of Zinc and Vitamin C and so on. So, this is something we’ll continue. IICA will continue to work with GRDB. It would be very good if we can get one or two varieties very soon into the Caricom market and we’ll ensure that benefits are realised outside of the borders of Guyana.

Shaun Baugh, who is the Programme Manager for Agricultural and AgroIndustrial Development at

Caricom, said the project came about after Caricom leaders realised there was a need to deal with issues surrounding food security and food and nutrition.

“This project came to the Secretariat… and we noticed that food security was one of the issues that needed to be dealt with, more importantly, food and nutrition hence the application of Zinc. This is one of the many projects that are ongoing. As we go along and as COVID-19 has taught us, the time is now for us in our region to start looking at food security, where does our food come from, and from a collective purpose, to see how best we can start ruling our own destiny in terms of providing for our people,” Baugh posited.

The strains that are currently under cultivation as part of the breeding programme are expected to be harvested by the second week of March based on the flowering of the plants.

an investment into an enterprise, that will employ a few of the villagers and grow to increase the income of that village and also the income of those who will be employed,” the Amerindian Affairs Minister noted.

The villages are now tasked with deciding the best enterprise to pursue, preparing a proposal and engaging the Projects Department of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to review and ensure that the project is sound.

The $105 million disbursed in Region Two is part of $1.73 billion COVID-19 relief fund set aside for

Amerindian villages countrywide.

Of the sum set aside for Region Two, Wakapao received $15 million because of the size of its population while the other villages: Bethany, Mashabo, Capoey, Mainstay/Wayaka, St Denys/ Tapakuma, Kabakaburi, St Monica, Karawab and Akawini all received $10 million each.

Some of the recipients explained that they were grateful to the Government for its support as they have several projects that they are interested in undertaking to enhance their villages.

Youth join calls for more ICT infrastructure in rural, hinterland areas

Aliyah Hassan and Troy Alfred

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wo Guyanese youngsters joined their counterparts around the world in calling for adequate ICT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Aliyah Hassan and Troy Alfred are part of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s “Young Influencers” programme.

They joined youths around the world by participating in an EU-UN virtual youth forum on the 59th Session of the Commission for Social Development.

During her presentation, Hassan noted that COVID-19 has changed the way of life of people worldwide, with many relying on digital technology to get on with their daily lives. She added that the virtual meeting is a testimony of the critical role technology has on social development and the well-being of all, including youth.

“As young people, we have adjusted quite comfortably to this new way of life… we can attend online classes from the comfort of our homes, though the value of in-person learning and human contact with our peers are well recognised. We have seen the emergence of young entrepreneurs, using digital technologies, to creatively market their ventures, ranging from prepackaged vegetables to delivery and online services,” she noted.

However, Hassan explained that while the demand for digital technologies is growing, inadequate ICT infrastructure and inequitable access to the internet and devices are increasing the

digital divide among youth.

This, she said, has resulted in unequal academic opportunities for children and youth, particularly those living in poverty and rural and hinterland communities.

To address this, Alfred told the forum that the Government of Guyana has ramped up efforts to ensure equal access to education, job opportunities and other social programmes even as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Soon the ‘One Laptop per Family’ initiative will be reintroduced to ensure that every child has the opportunity to not only be connected to an ICT hub, but has the required equipment through which they can pursue their studies,” he said.

Alfred commended the initiative, which he said allows Guyanese youth the opportunity to share their perspectives and engage with other youth from around the world. He also emphasised the importance of having young voices in such a forum.

Friday’s virtual event was aimed at fostering youth participation in the discussion on this year’s theme of the Commission for Social Development: “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: The role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all.” Twenty-two other countries participated in the virtual session. It was organised by the Permanent Mission of Portugal, the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Put politics aside and serve the people – Min Sukhai tells new Region 8 Councillors

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Public participation in environmental management

nvironmental management entails an understanding of how the Earth functions and how humans interact with those functions. It is a multifaceted approach to identifying environmental changes and maximising the benefits of those changes to the environment, while seeking to avoid or reduce degradation. Environmental management systems are set up to protect the environment and human health by active measures such as control, mitigation, planning, and implementation.

The goal is to improve the quality of life while ensuring the quality of the environment is not compromised. Effective environmental management is integral to the mandate of the EPA.

Public participation can contribute to better decisions!

Public participation seeks to involve stakeholders and ‘the public’ in problem solving or decision-making, and utilises those inputs to aid in the decision-making process.

Decision-makers have more access to information during their interactions with the public. People who know the proposed project area can share additional facts, values, and perspectives that are critical to the implementation of the project.

Public input can have heavy bearing on the decision-making process.

It affords stakeholders (those that have an interest, such as individuals, interest groups, communities etc) the opportunity to influence decisions that affect them and/or the natural environment. They can then incorporate the best information and expertise from stakeholders involved to ensure that the most feasible decisions are made regarding the project.

Public participation involves you!

L-R: Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, RDC Vice Chairman Claris Francisco, RDC Chairman Headley Pio, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman. Also in photo standing are Mahdia’s Mayor, David Adams and the new Region 8 Councillors

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merindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has charged the newly elected Councillors of the PotaroSiparuni (Region Eight) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to devote their energies to enhancing the lives of their constituents.

Minister Sukhai, who is the Government’s parliamentary representative for the region, delivered her charge during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday in Mahdia.

“What you have to do as council members is to ensure that you provide the level of strong leadership, consistent leadership and the political will to serve the people,” the Minister said in her address.

She explained that the region’s success hinges on

the unity of the RDC and its ability to collaborate.

As such, she vowed to support the region as it seeks to achieve its goals in the provision of Government services.

“I am available and willing to provide the level of support, guidance and representation alongside you, in collaboration with the Minister and Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development,” she said.

While admitting the RDC has much work to do to resuscitate the region, Minister Sukhai said the Councillors must embrace their responsibilities as challenges since action is needed in the infrastructure, education, forestry, agriculture and mining sectors.

Further, she reminded

the RDC that they should put politics aside and remain focused on the people they serve.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, who was also present at the ceremony, noted that there is need for effective leadership within the region.

“Your leadership in this region will be critical in ensuring that the services that are desired by our people and the services that ought to be provided to our people, by the Government, that those services meet our people expeditiously,” he said.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Dharamlall pledged his Ministry’s support as a partner in the governance of Potaro-Siparuni.

Deputy Speaker of the

National Assembly, Lenox Shuman commended the successful swearing-in of the RDC Councillors as a testament to how a democracy should operate.

The Deputy Speaker also urged the RDC to seek common ground now that the divisive elections are over, and to make the people the top priority.

“When we struggle for partisan political interest, it tears the country apart. It sets the country back and it destroys relationships. What I am hopeful will come in this newly sworn-in democratic council is a unified bond - a unified force to do the work in the people’s interest,” Shuman said. The 15-member RDC elected Headley Pio to serve as Chairman, and Claris Francisco as Vice Chair.

Abandoned Celina’s Resort allegedly set on fire by vagrants – Fire Chief

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fire on Friday evening completely destroyed the upper flat of the abandoned Celina’s Atlantic Resort, located at the Kitty Seawall, Georgetown.

Police said that firefighters received a report from an anonymous caller, who stated that there was a fire at the said building.

Upon arriving, the top flat of the two-storey wooden and concrete structure was fully engulfed in flames. The firefighters immediately went into action and managed to contain the blaze. No one was injured.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo told the media that the fire department received a call around 20:28h and immediately re-

Celina’s Atlantic Resort engulfed in flames

sponded.

The building was being

occupied by vagrants at the time of the blaze and it is

believed that one of them might have started the fire.

This was according to Fire Chief Edoo.

Celina’s Resort closed its doors shortly after the owner began rehabilitating the entity in 2015. Around that time, the works were brought to an abrupt end following the intervention of the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Prior to the Ministry’s intervention, the proprietor of the business had ignored several cease orders and opted to continue their illegal construction on the foreshore. This caused the Ministry to launch an investigation into the matter, which was followed by the resort being closed.

Public participation is integral to the operation of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Protection Act 1996 (hereafter, “the Act”) requires the Agency: To promote the participation of members of the public in the process of integrating environmental concerns in planning for development on a sustainable basis. (Section 4 (1) (b) of the Act) To promote and encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and its role in social and economic development.

(Section 4 (1) (j) of the Act) Additionally, for projects requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), public participation at all stages of the project is critical to the success of the project. Moreover, during the conduct of the EIA, the engagement of appropriate and adequate stakeholders should not be undermined.

Further, the Act requires the developer and persons carrying out the EIA to: Consult members of the public, interested bodies and organisations, (Section 11 (9) (a) of the Act) and to: Provide to members of the public on request, copies of information for the EIA (Section 11 (9) (b) of the Act).

Public participation should not be seen as a single event, but as a process. It consists of a series of activities and actions. Moreover, the Agency has established guidelines for projects requiring EIA, and will continue to work with developers to ensure adequate stakeholder engagement in developmental projects.

Public participation might take different approaches

This really is dependent on several factors, including the legal and institutional system requirements, capacity of the relevant actors, sociocultural factors, economic factors, scope of the project, risks the project may pose etc. The approaches to public participation include informationsharing, written submissions, scoping meetings, consultations, disclosure meetings, active participation etc.

Working together with the public to identify alternatives and the preferred solutions to potential adverse impacts can also empower the community to take ownership of the project.

According to the International Development Bank in its “MeaningfulStakeholder-Consultation” publication, public participation is not limited to the use of one tool only; a variety of tools and techniques can be used to inform the public, generate public participation, collect inputs, and ensure some level of consensus is reached.

Why is public participation important?

Public participation is not simply a prudent course, but is a necessary course of action. It actually results in better outcomes and better governance of projects. The Agency has always recognised the need for public participation, and has been working on strengthening its stakeholder engagement policies.

When executed in a meaningful way, public participation would benefit not only the Agency, but the project developer and/or company in many ways, some of which include: 1. Saving cost; 2. Avoiding damage to reputation; 3. Identifying potential hazards and reducing risks; 4. Providing a more holistic view of the project; 5. Identifying available skills; 6. Early warning, better, understanding, more perspectives; and 7. Aiding in acquiring baseline data.

Public participation allows for more informed decision-making that reflects public interests and values.

The EPA publishes public notices for written submissions on projects in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1996. Additionally, public meetings and consultations are held in collaboration with the developer for various projects. Be sure to follow the Agency’s social media pages, visit our website, listen to our media programmes, and participate in the public meetings/consultations on projects in your area.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local entrepreneur launches human hair collection

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“Bundles N Glow” logo

riven by her daily affirmation “growth and comfort do not coexist”, 31-year-old Deon Glasgow, a nail technician, took a leap of faith into the hair care and hair supply industry.

In 2018, not allowing fear to keep her from exploring new fields, Glasgow founded her second business “Bundles n Glow”.

Her venture initially begun with her very own human hair collection and expanded into her own product line. Her hair collection includes Brazilian, Peruvian, Malaysian and Indian hair types.

“I stock different textures such as curly, straight, body wave, deep wave and even water wave. My bundles range from eight inches to 30 inches in length,” Glasgow explained.

She noted that as she be-

gan her venture, many persons were curious about her quality but after purchasing the items, their con-

Lace glue and glue remover

cerns were silenced.

“When I first started, many people questioned the quality of my hair but af-

ter they purchased, they realised its value. I stock 9A grade and 10A grade hair so they are thick, soft and have little to no shedding.” she posited.

Glasgow highlighted that her bundles are durable and have a long life span.

“These bundles last a long while. You can style them with heat, bleach them and even colour them and they won’t lose their silkiness and shine,” she added.

After building a customer base and noticing the extent of her sales, she decided to launch her own hair care product line.

“I was happy with the response I am receiving and I felt hopeful for my business but at the same time, I kept thinking what more can I add to my business. I thought about it for a while and then I realised there’s no better way to compliment my hair collection than creating my own products to go with them,” she explained.

Glasgow, with a drive to expand her business, launched her own care line in January 2020. The line consisted of her hair glue, glue remover, hair mousse, edge control,

wax stick and hair oil. She explained that in efforts get honest reviews on her products she distributed some of her items to Guyanese stylists and received tremendous support.

“I decided to send a few local hairdressers my products and they used them and reposted on social media and gave their feedback.

They loved the products and used them on their customers. It was so heartwarming to see other women supporting me,” she expressed She further explained that she promoted her products and from there, customers purchased her products not only for salons but

COVID-19 and HIV

We are still learning about COVID-19 and how it affects people with HIV. Based on what we know so far, we believe that people with HIV who are on effective treatment have the same risk for COVID-19 as people who do not have HIV. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical con-

“Lace tint is used to colour the lace of wigs, closures and frontals. My lace tint comes in four colours

From left to right: Hair mousse, edge control, wax stick and hair oil

also for at-home use.

This gave her an even further boost and in August 2020 she introduced a new product to her line; her permanent lace tint.

to suit every complexion. It gives that flawless finish to your wig,” she added.

Glasgow expressed that she is proud of how far

The science of COVID-19 HIV and COVID-19

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

To date more than 100 Million people have been infected worldwide and more than 2.2 Million people have died from this disease.

Lace tint with swatches

ditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or obesity might be at increased risk of severe illness. Chronic smokers are also at risk for more severe disease.

People living with HIV who are either not on treatment or are not adhering to their treatment regimen have a compromised immune system and are therefore at risk of having severe disease should they be infected with SARS CoV2 virus.

This includes people with a: Low CD4 count (<350 cells), High viral load (>1000c/ ul) And/or a recent opportunistic infection (eg: Pulmonary Tuberculosis).

People living with HIV who are not on treatment or failing their current treatment regimen, are also more susceptible to respiratory tract infections. For this reason, it is important for HIV+ patients to remain on their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Similarily to the general population, older people with HIV who have other underlying health conditions should adhere to the prescribed treatment regimens for those conditions.

Being Prepared For COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccines

Many new vaccines have been developed to help stop the spread of this pandemic. In December 2020 several countries started giv-

ing emergency approval for the vaccines to be used. We are also hopeful that we will soon start offering vaccines to everyone.

The vaccines which have been approved for use are all considered safe for people living with HIV. To be approved, vaccines must pass multiple safety trials, and be reviewed by national regulators to ensure they are both safe and effective.

Several of the COVID-19 vaccine trials included people living with HIV. As with the general population, for people living with HIV, the vaccines help your body to develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 – so you are able to fight it off if exposed Even after being vaccinated, it is important to continue to take steps to

she has come and thanked all her customers and local stylists for their unwavering support. She encouraged young people to explore the market and options of branding their own items.

“I’ve come a long way and I’m proud, but I couldn’t have done it without my customers and support from other amazing businesswomen. Sometimes you can surprise yourself when you execute your dreams. That’s why I always tell youths, girls especially, to venture out and don’t be afraid to create your own.”

“I have so much more in store and I just can’t wait to make my plans and goals come to life.”

More of Glasgow’s products can be seen on her business’s Instagram page “Bundles n Glow” or at her storefront stall at 16-17 Orange Walk, Bourda.

FROM SUNDAY'S EDITION

prevent COVID-19 transmission until cases of the virus have fallen to a safe level.

Key Points: • People living with HIV and on effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) do not appear to be at greater risk of getting COVID-19.

• Our understanding of the risk of developing severe COVID-19 in people living with HIV is evolving.

Current evidence suggests that HIV is less of a risk factor for severe COVID-19 than other health conditions.

• People living with HIV not on treatment or virally suppressed may be at a greater risk. Speak to a healthcare professional for more information on how to stay healthy.

• As with the general population, older people living with HIV and those with other underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to prevent illness.

• Try to have at least a 30 days’ supply of ART in your home. If possible, ask for three months.

• The current COVID-19 vaccines are believed to be safe for people living with HIV. • We are continuing to learn about COVID-19.

Remember to keep in touch with your healthcare provider and follow government advice.

Article submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme

16 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF constructing community bridges in Mahaicony, BBP have a bridge that at least some vehicles could pass over,” Lesbeholden resident, Mokshattan Persaud, said.

Meanwhile, ranks of the construction company of the Engineering Corps are

R

ties at the ground. Sergeant Kevin Adams is the site supervisor for this project.

The teams working on the projects are exclusively members of the Guyana Defence Force and are skilled personnel who are

country.

This, according to the army, forms part of the Commander-in-Chief, President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision for a more community-oriented military.

The President is ada-

Ranks preparing for construction of a vehicular bridge at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder

anks of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Engineering Corps have embarked on several infrastructural projects in various communities countrywide.

According to the GDF, ranks have already commenced works for the construction of lightweight vehicular bridges at Catherine, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne.

Similar bridges are slated for construction at Cove and John in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Prem-Nagar in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

Government Projects Engineer, Brigadier Gary Beaton and a team from the

Force’s Engineering Corps recently visited some of the sites where ranks are actively working to ensure the projects stick to timelines.

At Catherine, East Coast Demerara, ranks under the supervision of Lieutenant Shaquille Wilson have completed preparatory work for a lightweight two-span timber structure that connects Burma Dam to Catherine on the border with neighbouring Abary.

“We in this community wanted a bridge very long because when the rain fall, the dam gets very muddy and it's very hard for us. My parents are also elderly and so when we need to take them out, it's very hard for us but with the bridge being built, at least the car would be able to come closer to our

home,” said Chandrawtie Sookram, a resident of that community.

Meanwhile, over at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, construction has also begun on a 90-feet lightweight vehicle bridge, under the supervision of Sergeant Quamina White.

The bridge will essentially allow for vehicles to cross the trench separating North and South Lesbeholden.

It will be the second vehicle bridge for the community and will primarily benefit cash crop farmers of the community.

“This will be good for us because we farm a lot over at the northern part and many of us were inconvenienced because even though we have the footbridge, we will be happy to

Preparatory works underway for a vehicular bridge at Catherine, Mahaicony

also working along with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to upgrade to the restroom facilities of the Port Mourant Community Centre.

The building once housed an Information Technology (IT) Centre but has been retrofitted to accommodate male and female facilities for persons involved in sporting activi-

qualified in the field and have successfully completed several engineering projects both within the Force and in several parts of the country.

The Engineering Corps of the Force will be playing a heightened role in national development through the implementation of infrastructure projects within communities across the

mant in this vision as he seeks to sensitise communities of the developmental role that the military could play. This will also reinforce confidence in the armed forces.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, the Guyana Defence Force will play a critical role in the country’s infrastructure transformation.

Prices for vegetables skyrocket in Region 6 — cause a cascading effect in GT, other areas

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he prices for vegetables at several markets across Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) have skyrocketed over the past few weeks, thus severely impacting the retail prices in Georgetown.

Region Six, an agriculture-based region, supplies a large percentage of the

vegetables exported and consumed in the capital city, but consumers in that region are now expressing concern over the increases.

In fact, when the borders were closed last year due to the pandemic, cash crop farmers in the region were hard hit as the export market came to a halt and even

those who were not exporting felt the impact as the local market was being flooded, sending prices down.

Some large eggplant producers refused to reap, saying that the cost to reap the vegetables was more than what they were getting when they sold it.

That vegetable was being wholesaled for $1000 for a bag of 100. At that time, the price in the New Amsterdam Market was between 3 and 5 for $100.

At the Port Mourant and Corriverton Markets, the prices were even better for the consumer.

Contrastingly, the same

vegetable is now being wholesaled at $7000 and over per bag.

As such, the prices for bora, pumpkins and squash have tripled at the New Amsterdam Market, with ochroes which were recently being sold at two pounds for $100 now going at $200 per pound. Cabbage, which was sold at $80 per pound has been increased to $300 and $350 per pound.

In the city, consumers are seeing a similar increase in prices at the municipal markets and even larger increases in supermarkets.

“The prices really have

not gone up for everything, but they are giving you less for the same amount of money, so you have to spend more,” one Bourda Market shopper told <<<Guyana Times>>>.

Meanwhile, Chinese restaurants have increased the prices for foods due to the increased vegetable prices.

Region Six Chairman, David Armogan in an invited comment explained that the issue arose from the lack of water and in some cases flooding in Black Bush Polder, where a high percentage of the vegetables come from.

He explained that extreme weather conditions are being experienced by

cash crop farmers, who are having little time to adjust to the changes. He noted that several days of rainfall caused some flooding in the Polder.

“Cash crops have suffered tremendously as a result of the floods. That is why you would find that vegetables in the market place have gone up because a lot of the crops have been destroyed and damaged as a result of the flood situation.”

However, Armogan said the high prices for greens are expected to drop soon.

“All of these things will resolve itself as people go back to the fields,” the Regional Chairman reiterated.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

to replace timber Foreign Affairs Ministry meets editors Govt bridges with concrete on Guyana-Venezuela controversy T he Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Ministry on Saturday hosted a meeting with editors and producers, focusing on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

At the event, Minister Hugh Todd provided an update of the current status of relations between Guyana and Venezuela while expressing Government’s confidence in a positive outcome for Guyana, as the legal proceedings for the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) unfolds.

The session allowed for discussions on the issue and guidance was provided by the head table, which comprised of Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy; Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper; Advisor on Public

The newly-commissioned bridge at Sussex and Hogg Streets

Editors of the various news entities at the session on Saturday

Relations, Kit Nascimento and Director of Frontiers, Donnette Streete.

Minister McCoy provided insight on Government's plans for public awareness on the issue and further cited the major role of the var-

ious agencies, in aiding the process.

The meeting is one of several engagements that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has undertaken with the aim of involving stakeholders in discussions

on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

Previous sessions included a briefing for the wider media and subsequently a meeting with the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

Synetech donates electronic tablets to Human Services Ministry – devices to be used at Children & Family Centre to advance online education

S

ynetech has donated several electronic tablets to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry with the aim of providing equitable, quality education to vulnerable students in institutional care in the COVID-19 era.

Synetech’s representatives Annalisa Beharry and Nerissa Moore handed over the devices to Dr Vindhya Persaud and her Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar on Friday.

In accepting the donation, Minister Persaud stated that Synetech has demonstrated its commitment to working with vulnerable children who were removed from difficult circumstances and placed into institutional care.

She added that “these children’s education should not be interrupted, and these devices would enable them to have continuous access to online classes.”

Annalisa Beharry (second from right) and Nerissa Moore (right) handing over the tablets to Minister Persaud

Later in the day, Minister Persaud and Hoosein-Outar delivered the tablets to the Children and Family Centre which is located in Plum Park, Sophia.

During her interaction with the children, Persaud

encouraged them to earnestly pursue their studies since “education opens a plethora of the endless opportunities.”

Many of the recipients who received the tablets were either in Grades 9, 10 or 11, and happily revealed

to Minster Persaud their varied career ambitions which included becoming teachers, doctors, accountants and lawyers. The centre functions as a halfway home for families who are less fortunate and transitioning.

G

uyana is replete with timber bridges, from towns to villages. Oftentimes, these structures are unstable and can fall apart under the weight of vehicles. It is an issue that the Government plans to address.

While recently commissioning one such bridge at Sussex and Hogg Streets, Georgetown, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill made this announcement.

According to Edghill, the eventual plan is to replace all timber bridges with concrete structures.

While lauding the superiority of concrete structures over their timber counterparts, Minister Edghill disclosed that President Dr Irfaan Ali has charged him to engage an international expert in this regard.

“One thing about the concrete structure is that it lasts longer. And eventually, we would hope to retire all timber bridges and get them into concrete bridges,” Minister Edghill explained while giving his remarks at the ribbon-cutting.

“His Excellency the President himself mandated me to engage an international expert and supplier, to talk to them about how we can do concrete bridges in a shorter timeframe,” the Minister added.

The particular bridge the Minister commissioned has been down for months

after being damaged by an overladen truck. However, the bridge was completed four weeks ahead of schedule by contractor Devcon construction.

In his remarks at the bridge opening, Edghill had urged motorists, particularly cargo hauliers, to be responsible and adhere to the recommended weight limit on the country’s infrastructure lest a repeat of the bridge’s collapse occurs.

“This bridge was damaged on September 11, 2020… what transpired was that a containerised haulier carrying tonnes of container cargo, reversed on this bridge to turn around and broke it. Now, this is a community bridge. Not a bridge in a commercial zone,” Edghill said.

“It could carry a truckload of sand, a canter of material to build a home. But to have an unconscionable act of a container truck, with a 40-foot container on it, using a community bridge to turn around, is something that must be addressed in a very public way.”

The Minister noted the chances that even while they are fixing the Sussex and Hogg Streets bridge, the very same thing could be happening at another location in the country.

According to Edghill, development is held back when the Government has to repair what was already built but not maintained.

“Alligator” fatally shot in Albouystown

A

54-year-old man was on Saturday afternoon killed by a stray bullet.

Dead is Aulden Cush called "Alligator". The incident occurred sometime around 16:42h at Cooper Street Albouystown, Georgetown, between James Street and Independence Boulevard.

Investigations revealed that Cush went to a shop at Cooper Street to purchase

cigarettes and while there, it is alleged that two males had a heated argument.

During the row, one of the men pulled out a firearm and discharged a round

in the direction of the other man, however, the bullet struck Cush to the right side of his face. After the man was shot, the suspects fled the scene on foot.

Cush was pronounced dead at the scene by an EMT crew. The body was subsequently picked up and taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

news@guyanatimesgy.com

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

Regional

Haiti’s President alleges attempted Cuba opens up its economy to private businesses coup amid dispute over term

C

H

aitian Government authorities have said they foiled an attempt to overthrow President Jovenel Moise, who is facing mounting anger from Opposition Leaders and the Haitian public over when his mandate ends.

Justice Minister Rockefeller Vincent said an “attempted coup d’état” took place on Sunday, while authorities said 23 people had been arrested, including a Supreme Court Judge and senior Police official.

“I thank my head of security at the palace. The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life,” said Moise, who was expected to address the nation on Sunday afternoon.

“That plan was aborted.”

Earlier in the day, Moise had brushed off criticism from the Opposition and human rights groups who say his presidency expired on Sunday.

Moise, who has been governing without any checks on his power for the past year, has insisted his term ends on February 7, 2022 – an interpretation of the country’s Constitution that has been rejected by

Haitian President Jovenel Moise says his mandate expires in February 2022, an interpretation of the Constitution that has been rejected by the Opposition [File: Andres Martinez Casares/Reuters]

the Opposition.

“The next 12 months will be focused on reforming the energy sector, carrying out the referendum and organising elections,” he tweeted on Sunday morning.

Protesters calling for Moise to step down clashed with Police in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday afternoon. Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

Meanwhile, top legal experts denounced the deten-

tion of the Supreme Court Judge.

Wilner Morin, President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates, told local media outlet Ayibopost that it was an “illegal arrest”.

Al Jazeera’s Manuel Rapalo, reporting from Mexico City, said things appear likely to remain tense in Haiti as Opposition Leaders are asking for the detainees to be freed, including the Supreme Court judge. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

More human remains found in Heights of Aripo A major exercise on Sunday involving dozens of Police Officers, soldiers, hunters and trackers led to the discovery of human skeletal remains in the forests off the road in the Heights of Aripo, Trinidad on Sunday.

The remains were found not far from where the body of kidnap victim

Andrea Bharatt was found last Thursday – six days after she was snatched shortly after getting into a car she thought was a taxi on the Cleaver Road/Arima Old Road taxi stand.

At least six people were detained in connection with Bharatt’s murder, but one has since died while in Police custody and anoth-

er suspect remains in hospital.

Hours after Bharatt’s body was recovered, Police found another set of human remains in the Heights of Aripo. The discovery on Sunday will be the third body found in this area within the past week.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

uba has announced it will allow private businesses to operate in most sectors, in what is a major reform to its Statecontrolled economy.

Labour Minister Marta Elena Feito said the list of authorised activities had expanded from 127 to more than 2000.

Only a minority of sectors would be reserved for the State, she said.

The communist country’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic and US sanctions introduced by the Trump Administration.

Last year, its economy shrank by 11 per cent – its worst decline in almost three decades – and Cubans have been facing shortages of basic goods.

Feito said just 124 economic activities would be exempt from private involvement although she did not mention which ones.

“That private work continues to develop is the objective of this reform,” Feito was quoted by AFP as say-

Many private businesses work in Cuba’s tourist industry which has been hit hard by the pandemic

ing. She said the move would “help free the productive forces” of the Private Sector.

Experts on Cuba’s tangled and complicated economy say the step essentially opens up almost all economic activity on the island to some form of private enterprise, the BBC’s Will Grant in Havana says.

This will be a significant shot in the arm for those families and individuals who harbour hopes of

moving beyond just the very small businesses into medium-sized ventures, he notes.

Apart from hundreds of thousands of small farms, Cuba’s non-State sector is composed mainly of small private businesses run by artisans, taxi drivers, and tradesmen. Around 600,000 people, around 13 per cent of the workforce, joined the Private Sector when the opportunity arose. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ecuador’s Arauz claims victory in presidential vote, runoff still possible

E

cuadorean presidential candidate Andres Arauz claimed victory in Sunday’s election, although exit polls suggested he could still face a runoff and official results were not due for several hours.

The 36-year-old economist, a protege of former President Rafael Correa, ran on promises to make US$1 billion in direct cash payments to families and disavow the conditions of a US$6.5 billion IMF financing package.

His main rival, Guillermo Lasso, has promised more foreign investment and increased oil production, but has been hurt by his image as a conservative banker.

Lawyer and Indigenous ac-

Ecuadorean presidential candidate Andres Arauz

tivist Yaku Perez ran on an anti-mining platform.

“The victory, as we have said, is big. It’s a ratio of 2-to-1 against the banker candidate who appears to be in second place,” Arauz told

a news conference. “We have to see the final results, but we are very happy.”

An exit poll by local pollster Clima Social showed Arauz with 36.2 per cent of the vote compared with 21.7 per cent for Lasso and 16.7 per cent for Perez. A second poll by Cedatos showed Arauz with 34.9 per cent of the vote compared with 21 per cent for Lasso and 18 per cent for Perez.

To win in a single round, Arauz needs more than 50 per cent of valid votes, or 40 per cent total with 10 percentage points more than the runner-up.

Arauz did not say if he had enough votes to avoid a runoff. (Excerpt from Reuters)

St Vincent PM to take Russian COVID-19 24-hour monitoring of La vaccine on Tuesday Soufrière volcano begins

S

t Vincent Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves says that he will take the Russiandeveloped Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday.

Dr Gonsalves made the announcement while speaking on local radio on Sunday — just three days after telling Parliament he was giving it “prayerful consideration” and would have made a decision by the following day.

“I have decided that on Tuesday that I am going to take the Sputnik — the Russian vaccine. I decided that I am going to do it. I got up Friday morning saying yes,” Dr Gonsalves said in an interview on WE FM.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves (File photo)

He noted that the country has received, through an intermediary, 20 doses of the Sputnik vaccine.

He added that infectious disease specialist Dr Jerrol Thompson, a for-

mer Minister of Science and Technology, as well as Medical Officer of Health, Dr Duncan and a couple of other persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines had already received the Sputnik jab.

“But, there are so many persons who are a little wary of the vaccines that I finally decided that look, if I take it, persons would probably have greater confidence in vaccine-taking.”

“Because the anti-vaxxers have been making quite an advance on YouTube and on social media and I’ve seen some statistics coming out from Britain and a couple places,” Gonsalves said. (Excerpt from CMC)

T

he National Emergency M a n a g e m e n t Organisation (NEMO) says that the team studying and monitoring activity at the La Soufrière volcano that is led by Dr Christopher Thomas, will now permanently occupy the Belmont Observatory.

In a statement late Saturday, NEMO said that the monitoring network is now being manned on a 24hour basis as scientists continue to see growth in the new dome with lateral spreading of material towards the north and south, with a preferred northward growth observed.

According to NEMO, the most active gas emissions are at the contact areas between

The National Emergency Management Organisation said scientists continue to see growth in the new dome with lateral spreading of material towards the north and south, with a preferred northward growth observed

the pre-existing 1979 dome and the 2020-21 dome, as well as the top of the new dome where the scientists have also observed damage to vegetation from volcanic gases.

In the statement, NEMO reminded the public to avoid

visiting the volcano.

St Vincent and the Grenadines has not seen major volcanic activity since 1979. An eruption by La Soufrière in 1902 killed more than 1000 people. (Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Hedge funds bet on oil's “big comeback” after pandemic hobbles producers

H

edge funds are turning bullish on oil once again, betting the pandemic and investors’ environmental focus has severely damaged companies’ ability to ramp up production.

Such limitations on supply would push prices to multi-year highs and keep them there for two years or more, several hedge funds said.

The view is a reversal for hedge funds, which shorted the oil sector in the lead-up to global shutdowns, landing energyfocused hedge funds gains of 26.8 per cent in 2020, according to data from eVestment. By virtue of their fast-moving strategies, hedge funds are quick to spot new trends.

Global oil benchmark Brent has jumped 59 per cent since early November when news of successful vaccines emerged, after COVID-19 travel curbs and lockdowns last year hammered fuel demand and collapsed oil prices. Last week it hit pre-pandemic levels close to US$60 a barrel.

US crude has climbed 54 per cent to around US$57 per barrel during the same period.

Hedge funds’ bullish bets come despite the International Energy Agency warning in January a spike in new coronavirus cases will hamper oil demand this year, and a slow economic recovery would delay a full rebound in world energy demand to 2025.

Normally, oil producers would ramp up production as prices increase, but a move by environmentally focused investors from fossil fuels to renewables and caution by lenders leaves them hard-pressed to respond, hedge funds and other investors say.

The pace of output recovery in the United States, the world’s No 1 oil producer, is forecast to be slow and will not top its 2019 record of 12.25 million barrels per day (bpd) until 2023. Production in 2020 tumbled 6.4 per cent to 11.47 million bpd.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which has also revised down demand growth, however, still expects output cuts to keep the market in deficit throughout 2021.

Global crude and condensate production was down 8 per cent in December from February 2020, prior to the pandemic’s spread accelerating, according to Rystad Energy.

North America’s output was down 9.5 per cent and Europe’s production declined just 1 per cent over the same time period.

US sanctions against Venezuela and declining oilfields in Mexico have kept oil output from Latin America sluggish.

Some banks are forecasting the United States, which leads with the number of COVID-19 cases, to reach herd immunity

by July, which would greatly stimulate oil demand, said JeanLouis Le Mee, head of London-based hedge fund Westbeck Capital Management, which is long a mix of oil futures and equities.

In the United States, hedge funds increased their allocation to Exxon Mobil Corp by 21,314 shares in the third quarter, the most recent US filings compiled by Symmetric.io showed.

Hedge funds added another 9070 shares of US majors ConocoPhillips and 4144 to Chevron Corp over the same time period.

Elsewhere, shorting activity in BP PLC fell by 16 million shares on Feb 4 but increased slightly in European oil major Royal Dutch Shell Plc by 1.9 million shares, data from FIS’ Astec Analytics showed.

Some investors remain sceptical on Canadian oil companies, among the world’s most carbon-intensive producers, though they are bouncing back faster from the pandemic than the United States.

Current short positions rose in 10 out of 14 Canadian oil companies in the Toronto energy index during the second two weeks of January, according to filings reviewed by Reuters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Himalayan glacier breaks in India, around 125 missing in floods

A

round 125 people were missing in northern India after a Himalayan glacier broke and swept away a small hydroelectric dam on Sunday, with floods forcing the evacuation of villages downstream.

A wall of dust, rock and water hit as an avalanche roared down the Rishiganga valley deep in the mountains of Uttarakhand, a witness said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said 125 people were missing but the number could rise. So far, the bodies of seven people had been recovered.

People walk past a destroyed dam after a Himalayan glacier broke and crashed into the dam at Raini Chak Lata village in Chamoli district, northern state of Uttarakhand, India, February 7, 2021

The disaster took place around 500 km (310 miles)

Storm Darcy: Netherlands hit by “first major snowstorm in decade”

T

he Netherlands has been hit by its first major snowstorm in a decade, forecasters say, as cold weather pushes through much of northern Europe.

Dutch authorities have closed all coronavirus testing centres because of the extreme weather.

Transport has been disrupted and rail connections with Germany, where northern areas have also been blanketed by snow, have been suspended.

The cold snap is a result of Storm Darcy, which has also affected parts of the UK. A "Code Red" weather warning was declared in the Netherlands for all of Sunday, meaning winds of up to 90km/h (55mph) and "bitter cold" were forecast.

Heavy snow fell throughout much of the day, leading to long delays on the roads.

People were advised to avoid travelling and there were reports of dozens of cars skid-

north of New Delhi.

Uttarakhand is prone to flash floods and landslides and the disaster prompted calls by environment groups for a review of power projects in the ecologically sensitive mountains.

Earlier state chief secretary Om Prakash said 100

to 150 people were feared dead. A large number of the missing were workers at the 13.2 MW Rishiganga Hydroelectric Project which was destroyed by the bursting of the glacier.

Footage shared by locals showed the water washing away parts of the Rishiganga dam and everything else in its path. At least 180 sheep were washed away.

Twelve people who had been trapped in a tunnel had been rescued and efforts were under way to save others caught in another tunnel, the Federal Home Ministry said after a meeting of the National Crisis Committee, comprising top officials.

State utility NTPC said the avalanche had damaged a part of its Tapovan Vishnugad hydropower plant that was under construction further down the river. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UN, Ethiopia strike a deal over aid workers’ access to Tigray ding off streets.

Eindhoven airport closed and incoming flights were diverted to Germany, while Schiphol airport in Amsterdam warned that travellers could face delays.

One Dutch weather forecasting website, Weer.nl, said the combination of strong winds and heavy snow had met the official definition of a snowstorm.

"It is the first snowstorm in a long time: the last snowstorm took place in January 2010," it said.

Most parts of the country had seen 5-10cm (2-4in) of snow by Sunday afternoon, but some had received more than 30cm.

Up to 10 days of sub-zero temperatures are expected in the Netherlands. On Sunday, the temperature dropped to -6C (21.2F) in the northern city of Groningen and it was a similar picture elsewhere. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he United Nations’ food agency said it has reached a deal with Ethiopia to expand access for aid workers and “scale up” operations in the country’s conflict-hit Tigray region.

David Beasley, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP), made the announcement late on Saturday amid growing fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in Tigray, a region of more than five million people.

Thousands of people are believed to have died and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes since fighting began. Both sides deny their forces have committed atrocities, and blame their rivals for the killing of civilians.

Top UN officials and international NGOs have repeatedly complained about access restrictions to Tigray.

The Government and the WFP “have agreed on concrete steps to expand access

for humanitarians across Tigray, and WFP will scale up its operations”, Beasley said on Twitter following a visit to the Mekelle.

“Nearly 3 million people need our help NOW and we have no time to waste,” he added.

A WFP statement said Ethiopian officials had agreed to speed up reviews of aid workers’ requests to move within the embattled region.

The WFP’s statement also said the agreement had agreed to Government requests to provide emergency food aid to one million people in Tigray and help with transport to hard-to-reach rural areas.

Ethiopian Peace Minister Muferihat Kamil said in a separate statement the Government was “moving with urgency to approve requests for international staff movements into and within Tigray”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

AstraZeneca COVID jab “less effective against S Africa variant”

T

he COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford appeared to offer only limited protection against mild disease caused by the South African variant of the coronavirus, a spokesman for the British drugmaker has said.

The statement on Saturday came after the Financial Times reported that the vaccine failed to prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first identified

in South Africa.

The newspaper cited early data from a trial conducted

by South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Oxford, the findings of which are due to be published today.

The FT noted that none of the more than 2000 mainly healthy and young participants in the trial had been hospitalised or died. The findings are yet to be peer-reviewed.

Responding to the FT re-

port, an AstraZeneca spokesman said: “In this small phase I/II trial, early data has shown limited efficacy against mild disease primarily due to the B.1.351 South African variant.

“However, we have not been able to properly ascertain its effect against severe disease and hospitalisation given that subjects were predominantly young healthy adults.”

The company said it believed its vaccine could pro-

tect against severe disease, given that the neutralising antibody activity was equivalent to that of other COVID-19 vaccines that have demonstrated protection against severe disease.

The spokesman also said AstraZeneca has started adapting its vaccine against the South African variant and “will advance rapidly through clinical development so that it is ready for Autumn delivery should it be needed”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Live and learn. You’ll be offered insight into something that you can use to get ahead. Practice what you preach; you’ll avoid allowing someone the opportunity to make you look bad.

Concentrate on making positive changes in your life and meaningful relationships. Refuse to let jealousy get in the way of reason. A positive attitude will help you reach your objective.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don’t let work or your colleagues agitate you. Go about your business, and finish what you start. Leave no room for criticism or complaints. If you want to make a change, do so using your Leo charm.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

SUDOKU

Your changing attitude will confuse those you deal with today. Try not to venture too far off the beaten path when explaining what you expect or want. Avoid indulgence and excessive behavior.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Take responsibility, and accomplish what you set out to do. Pay attention to a loved one in order to avoid an unnecessary scene. Do your best to deal with sensitive issues in a timely manner.

Stay poised and listen carefully. Someone you least expect will offer insight into something you find challenging. Sharing common interests will lead to a valuable conversation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Envision how you want your space to function. A couple of changes can quickly put an end to an inconvenience.

Share your feelings with a loved one, and it will pave the way to a better lifestyle.

SCORPIO

Pay closer attention to detail. Don’t expect a decision you make to please everyone. A friend or relative will offer sound reasons why you should slow down and rethink your plans.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Past experience will help SAGITTARIUS you decipher who is being (Nov. 23up-front with you and who Dec. 21) isn’t. Trust your instincts, and make your decision clear. It’s better not to linger. Romance is encouraged.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY''S WORD -- BUMPTIOUS

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Make a decision for the right reason. Don’t let anger or stubbornness cause bad blood between you and a friend or relative. Make positive changes, and be willing to compromise. Care and share.

Be cautious when dealing with a friend, relative or peer.

Avoid a fight by finding common ground. Diplomacy, respect and courtesy will pay off. Tell someone special how much you love them.

You can make a positive lifestyle or professional change. Take pride in what you do, and you will make an impression on someone who can help you excel. Now’s the time to get things done!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

21

Inaugural President's T20 Cup launched...

President urges teams to maintain discipline and be the best example

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he President's Cup has officially been launched by the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali. This tournament is being undertaken by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc, in collaboration with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Florida and will be played March 5-7, 2021.

Delivering the feature address at the launching was the President himself who said, "The people of Guyana have bestowed honour on me to serve and be of service to the people of Guyana.

Our world is going through a pandemic and people of every status find themselves trying to survive a single virus. We can take lessons from this situation as it is the action of our brothers in the GSCL and GCB [Guyana Cricket Board] as to how cricket survives and improves as it requires us to come together as a collective.

“I am honoured to be a part of this launch, the greatest out of sport is its ability to bring people together, its ability to break down social barriers. Sports has many intangibles; the first fundamental is to remove the disparity and

invest in it to give our young people the opportunity to be the best they can be. We have invested in a multipurpose facility in every region of international standard, and even host night events such as the one at LBI [La Bonne Intention].

“We have to ensure we rekindle the powerful tool of sports; heavy emphasis will be placed on school sports. We as a Government will be supporting sports at all levels; we have to work on training and developing a core group of sports facilitators to be attached to a district.

Sports teach us loyalty and discipline and team work – all key elements, and I must say to you that the level of our cricket has risen and this tells that we need to continue to nurture and build talent. I thank the sponsors and those that support this initiative and those associated, and I'm hoping soon the softball league can launch a school programme.

On another note, we have to use these initiatives as a catalyst to encourage persons to embrace exercise as an important part of life. So, once again, I ask the team to maintain disciple, play in the

The President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivering his feature address

true spirit of cricket, and may the best team be the best example."

Giving his take as well was the honorary secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie who related that nothing could happen without sponsors. He went on to make mention of the West Indies’ emphatic win over Bangladesh, noting that softball as well is a great game, and it has relieved the tension of citizens of Guyana.

He further noted that once he was around, the LBI Ground would be facilitated to use any resource of the GCB in the future.

Also delivering remarks was GSCL President Ian John

who said, "Every household is connected by cricket. This initiative was done in December 2020 as everything was discussed to ensure everything gets off the ground. Hence, the tournament became a reality and I know it will be an annual event. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we were forced to have a certain amount of overseas teams. But we are optimistic that with the vaccine and divine intervention, things will be looking better and this tournament will only get better and better. We have been given the permission from the task force in getting this tournament

off the ground. We would like to say thank you to our sponsors, as without them, this tournament would not have been a reality."

The tournament will be played in three categories: Open (any age), Masters (over 40 years old) and Legends (over 50 years old). According to the organisers, they are aiming to have a minimum of eight teams per category, including teams from abroad.

The teams in the Legends O-50 category are Regal Legends, Savage Legends, President’s XI of New York, Floodlight Legends, Parika Defenders, Sunshine State Legends of Florida, Enterprise Legends, and Rockaway Legends out of New York.

The teams in the Masters O-40 are Regal Masters, Wellman Masters, Better Hope Masters, Fisherman Masters, Success Masters, Corriverton Masters, HS Masters, and Ariel Masters.

In the All-Stars category, the teams are Regal All Stars, Speedboat XI, Pigeon All Stars, Sunshine State All Stars of Florida, Cotton Field Wild Oates, Ariel All Stars, Xenon All Stars and Avinash All Stars.

The grounds to be used are Police Sports Club, Queen’s College, Everest Sports Club, LBI Cricket Ground, MYO, GYO, DCC, and Malteenoes Sports Club.

There is no entrance fee to participate. However, it is expected that all participating teams will be in full uniform and also have a scorer. The organisers will ensure the venues are up to standard, appoint umpires, and provide lunches, water and balls throughout the tournament.

The winning teams in each category will receive $500,000 and a trophy while the runners-up will collect $100,000 and a trophy.

There will also be a 32-inch TV up for grabs for the man of the series in all three categories.

The sponsors on board are Banks DIH through Banks Beer and its Rainforest Water Brand, Trophy Stall, Danny Persaud, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Star Party Rentals, P&P Insurance, Crown Mining Supplies, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal Sports, Dinat Trading, Mohamed's Enterprise, King’s Jewellery World, and Roraima Group of Companies.

NBA: Curry dazzles in 57-point display, Bess’ four-fer leaves India in a mess om Bess starred for a diving James Anderson took a give the hosts some hope. While but Doncic and Mavs win thriller England with the ball as good low catch.

Pant came out all guns blazing

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tephen Curry joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only Golden State Warriors players to post multiple 55-point games in a season, but his team lost to Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks 134-132 in the NBA. Curry nailed a seasonhigh 11 three-pointers en route to 57 points in a thrilling duel with Mavericks star Doncic on Saturday.

Former MVP Curry put up his eighth 50-plus point game in his career, however, it was not enough. Doncic tied his career high with 42 points in Dallas, where he also had 11 assists to snap the Mavericks’ six-game home losing streak.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic joined Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson as the only Denver Nuggets players with 50-plus point games in the past 20 seasons. Jokic finished with a career-high 50 points – including 23 points in the final quarter – but the Nuggets still went down 119-114 to the Sacramento Kings.

The MVP candidate also had 12 assists and eight rebounds as the Nuggets dropped their third straight game.

Joel Embiid became the first Philadelphia 76ers

player with eight consecutive 25-plus point games since Iverson in 2006. The three-time All-Star registered 33 points in a 124-108 win over the Brooklyn Nets, who were without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. James Harden led the Nets with 26 points and 10 assists.

Two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Milwaukee Bucks, who eased past the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-99. The Oklahoma City Thunder scored a teamrecord 83 points

in the first half as they edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-118.

Shai GilgeousAlexander posted 31 points to the Thunder.

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 118-92 behind Zach LaVine’s 39 points on the road. LeBron James had 33 points and 11 assists and Anthony Davis added 30 points as NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed 135129 against the Detroit Pistons in double overtime.

Victor Oladipo ended the Houston Rockets’ 111-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs with nine points on four-of-14 shooting from the field. He also missed all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. In 34 minutes of action, Rodney Hood was three-of-10 from the field and made just one of six three-point shots for seven points as the Portland Trail Blazers were beaten 11099 by the New York Knicks.

Zion Williamson had the final say against the Memphis Grizzlies. His game-sealing dunk saw the New Orleans Pelicans to a 118-109 win.

Williamson had 29 points, while team-mate Brandon Ingram scored 27 points, collected 12 rebounds and tallied a career-high four blocks. (Sportsmax)

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the visitors took control of the opening Test in Chennai.

Bess picked up four wickets after England posted a massive 578 on the board that has now left India needing another 122 runs to avoid the followon. Washington Sundar and R Ashwin stemmed the rot towards the end, but with momentum on their side, England will fancy their chances of picking up a rare win on Indian soil.

Earlier in the day, overnight batsmen Bess and Jack Leach continued to frustrate India which forced the hosts to take the new ball. While Jasprit Bumrah made the first breakthrough getting rid of Bess, Ashwin cleaned up James Anderson, thus ending India’s frustrating stay out in the field that lasted 190.1 overs. England looked to capitalise on that by making early breakthroughs and Jofra Archer, playing his first Test match in this part of the world, made an immediate impact.

Archer got one to slightly move away off a good length to take Rohit Sharma’s edge to put India on the backfoot very early.

Shubman Gill played some delightful shots to begin with, but his approach cost him his wicket eventually as he hit one straight to mid-on where

Post lunch, India adopted a conservative approach in their attempt to rebuild, but after 10 overs, Bess ran the show, though.

He first dismissed the Indian skipper Virat Kohli with a delivery that came into the batsman to take the inside edge to the short leg and soon after got Ajinkya Rahane as well, who hit a low full toss to cover where Joe Root took a stunning catch to his left.

Literally gifting their wickets, India were in deep trouble at 734, still more than 500 behind.

Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara, the heroes in A u s t ra l i a , then joined forces again t o

like he usually does, even Pujara looked very active in the crease using his feet to good effect against the spinners. Pant took a liking to Leach in particular, smashing him for sixes on multiple occasions without any fear despite England stationing fielders at the boundary.

By tea, both batsmen had hit half-centuries and looked assured at the crease. Their approach hardly changed as boundaries started flowing in regular intervals in the final session as well. The century stand was finally ended when Pujara, in extremely unlucky fashion, pulled a short delivery from Bess that hit the short-leg fielder and ballooned up in the air for the man at midwicket to pouch. Pant then didn’t last long after the dismissal as he perished in a manner that was not alien to him.

Batting on 91, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman looked to take on Bess, but the turn ensured he didn’t time it cleanly.

The fielder at deep cover completed the catch as Pant missed out on another century leaving India in further trouble.

Local boys Washington and Ashwin then showed plenty of courage batting out 17.2 overs to close out the day’s play, but India’s task only gets harder from here on going into the final two days. (cricbuzz)

22

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Miracle man Mayers hits double ton as West Indies script historic chase

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ebutant Kyle Mayers scored a magnificent 210 not out as West Indies pulled off the fifthhighest successful chase in Test cricket, and highest in Asia, nailing down 395 for a miraculous three-wicket win on the final evening in Chattogram.

In a display of exemplary temperament and powerhitting, Mayers struck 20 fours and seven sixes during his 310ball stay at the crease. When he hit the winning run, a hurried single to mid-on, only 15 balls were left in the Test. During the course of his innings, he became only the sixth batsman to score a double-century on Test debut, and also the sixth overall to score a double-ton in the fourth innings of a Test.

Unsurprisingly, Mayers is the only one on both lists.

For the most part of the final day, Mayers was accompanied by fellow debutant Nkrumah Bonner, who himself struck a gritty 86. The duo added 216 for the fourth wicket and kept Bangladesh wicketless for the first two sessions of the day.

That left West Indies needing 129 in a minimum of 33 overs in the final session.

Bonner, who had survived a stumping chance against Nayeem Hasan before tea, hit Taijul Islam for a six in the first over after the interval, but was lbw on the very next ball.

Jermaine Blackwood too fell soon after. After slog-sweeping Taijul over long-on for six, he went for another big hit against Hasan, only to be bowled for 9.

With West Indies 292 for 5 and the target still 103 runs away, Bangladesh had their hopes renewed. Suddenly, there were four men close to the bat. But it also meant there were many gaps in the outfield, and Mayers and Joshua Da Silva took advantage of that, hitting a four each in one Hasan over.

A few minutes later, when Mayers pulled Hasan over deep midwicket for a six to bring the target down to 76, Bangladesh were forced to spread the field once again.

Mayers was at his strikingbest when the last hour commenced. With 61 required at that stage, he backed himself to clear the boundary-riders and scored 49 by himself, in just 40 balls, bludgeoning five sixes and a four. Taijul, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, no one was spared. In a 100-run stand with Da Silva for the sixth wicket, Mayers' contribution was 80.

The credit must go to Da Silva as well who played a perfect foil to Mayers and must have calmed the nerves in the dressing room. He was eventually bowled for 20 when the target was just three runs away. Kemar Roach also fell on

the same score – caught at leg slip off Miraz, who ended with a hundred and eight wickets in the match – but by then the result was sealed.

Bangladesh, however, will rue the chances they missed and the reviews they didn't take, apart from losing Shakib Al Hasan to a thigh injury on the second day of the Test.

West Indies resumed the day on 110 for 3, and in the first hour alone there were at least three opportunities Bangladesh should have been converted into wickets. Mayers was on 47 when Taijul got one to straighten from around the wicket to hit the batsman on the pads. There was a loud appeal for lbw, but umpire Richard Illingworth deemed it not out. Bangladesh did not opt for the review, but replays showed Mayers would have been out had they done so.

Shortly afterwards, Miraz induced an outside edge off Mayers bat, but this time Najmul Hossain Shanto put it down at first slip. The resulting single took Mayers to his fifty.

Bangladesh missed another opportunity to overturn an on-field decision when Hasan got one to turn sharply from outside off and ping Bonner's pads. Illingworth once again ruled it in the batsman's favour. Replays, once again, confirmed he was wrong.

The Bangladesh spinners were also guilty of not bowling enough full-length deliveries, allowing Bonner and Mayers to wait on the back foot and adjust to whatever turn and bounce the pitch offered.

Mayers was the aggressor right from the start, cutting and pulling spinners to the square boundaries. When Rahman was brought into the attack, he welcomed him with a four and six off successive deliveries. Bonner, meanwhile, was happy to keep his end occupied. By lunch, their contrasting approaches led to the comparisons with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant's knocks in India's win against Australia in Brisbane last month.

The two, however, seemed to have switched roles in the second session. In the second over after lunch, Bonner cleared his front leg and lofted Taijul over midon. It fetched the batsman four runs, but the impact was such that Bangladesh went on the defensive after that shot.

For the next few overs, they had just one close-in fielder, either a slip or a short leg, for spinners.

With a single off Hasan, Bonner brought up his half-century, in 164 balls.

Bangladesh seemed to have found success with the

second new ball when umpire Sharfuddoula gave Bonner

lbw off Taijul. Bonner, though, knew he had got an inside edge

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 2nd Innings Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c sub (Yasir Ali) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 20 John Campbell lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 23 Shayne Moseley lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 Nkrumah Bonner lbw b Taijul Islam 86 Kyle Mayers not 210 out Jermaine Blackwood b 9 Nayeem Hasan Joshua Da Silva † b Taijul Islam 20 Kemar Roach c sub (Saif Hassan) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0

Rahkeem Cornwall not out 0 Extras (b 11, lb 4) 15 TOTAL (127.3 Ov, RR: 3.09, 514 Mts) 395/7 Did not bat: Shannon Gabriel, Jomel Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-39 (John Campbell, 16.1 ov), 2-48 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 18.3 ov), 3-59 (Shayne Moseley, 24.2 ov), 4-275 (Nkrumah Bonner, 97.6 ov), 5-292 (Jermaine Blackwood, 102.4 ov), 6-392 (Joshua Da Silva, 124.3 ov), 7-394 (Kemar Roach, 126.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mustafizur Rahman 13-1-71-0 Taijul Islam 45-18-91-2 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 35-3-113-4 Nayeem Hasan 34.3-4-105-1

and got the decision reversed.

But Mayers found himself stuck. Having reached 90 in 146 balls, he took another 32 balls to bring up his maiden Test hundred. And it was a streaky boundary between slip and gully, via an outside edge off Rahman, that took him to the landmark.

What followed was a slew of loose shots from Mayers, all in that Rahman over. He was beaten outside off twice in the next two balls and, a ball later, miscued two consecutive lofted attempts. Luckily for West Indies, both fell away from the fielders. It took a message from the dressing room at the end of the over for Mayers to regain his composure, which h e didn't lose till the end of the match. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Kumar's century in vain as Windward trump Leeward

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anada's Nitesh Kumar hit a brilliant 112 but that innings failed to carry Leeward Islands Hurricanes across the line against Windward Islands Volcanoes in the opening match of the CG Insurance Regional Super50 Cup at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The Volcanoes recorded a 31-run win, bowling out the Hurricanes for 253 in 47 overs. Earlier, Leeward Islands Hurricanes won the toss and elected to bowl first. Windward Islands were on track to score 300 runs but a late comeback by the Hurricanes restricted the Volcanoes to 284 all out in 49.3 overs. After the openers looked promising for the Volcanoes, Sunil Ambris and Kevin Stoute added 119 runs together for the third wicket.

Ambris scored a polished 70 while Stoute played on to Hayden Walsh Jr. and was removed for a 96-ball 86.

He also added 68 runs with Emmanuel Stewart (27).

Bowling for the Hurricanes fast-bowler Quinton Boatswain claimed 4-45 in his ten overs while Sheno Berridge and the expensive Walsh Jr. had three wickets each. Guyana's Ashmead Nedd was wicket-less in his 10 overs that yielded 44 runs.

In reply, Leewards lost Kieran Powell early but Ross Powell (46) and Kacey Carty (19) added 49 runs for the second wicket. The Canadian, Kumar looked rock solid and after forging a 43-run partnership, he added 79 runs with his captain, Montcin Hodge (28) with the score

reduced to 194-5 in 36.4 overs.

Kumar reached his century but soon after he lost partners quickly and his innings ended on 108 from 105 balls, decorated with eight fours and two sixes. Ray Jordan, Preston McSween, Larry Edward and Keron Cottoy all claimed two

wickets each.

The Super50 continues today Monday February 8 with Guyana Jaguars and Barbados Pride from 13:30h in Antigua.

SCOREBOARD

Windward Islands Innings Kimani Melius b Boatswain 19 Desron Maloney c Powell b Berridge 11 Sunil Ambris c Nedd b Boatswain 70 Kevin Stoute b Walsh 86 Emmanuel Stewart c Boatswain b Berridge 27 Keron Cottoy c None b Walsh 9 Roland Cato c Walsh b Boatswain 11 Ryan John b Boatswain 15 Larry Edward not out 8 Ray Jordan b Walsh 1 Preston McSween c Nedd b Berridge 8 Total (10 wickets, 49.3) (19 extras) 284 FOW 33/1 (4.4) Desron Maloney, 40/2 (7.3) Kimani Melius, 159/3 (30.5) Sunil Ambris, 227/4 (41.3) Kevin Stoute 229/5 (42.2) Emmanuel Stewart 238/6 (43.2) Roland Cato 264/7 (46.3) Ryan John 264/8 (46.4), Ryan John 267/9 (47.6) McSween 284/10 (49.3) Bowling Sheeno Berridge (9.3-0-65-3) Quinton Boatswain (10-0-45-4) Ashmead Nedd (10-1-44-0) Terance Ward (10-1-43-0) Hayden Walsh (10-0-79-3)

Leeward Innings Kieran Powell c Maloney b John 1 Ross Powell b Edwards 46 Kacey Carty c Stewart b McSween 19 Nitish Kumar c John b Cottoy 108 Amir Jangoo lbw b Edwards 6 Montcin Hodge c Cottoy b Jordan 28 Terance Ward c Stoute b Cottoy 9 Hayden Walsh run out 2 Quinton Boatswain b McSween 0 Ashmead Nedd not out 2 Sheeno Berridge c McSween b Jordan 16 Total (10 wickets, 47.2) (12 extras) 249 2/1 (1.1) Kieran Powell 51/2 (8.6) Kacey Carty 94/3 (17.2) Ross Powell 115/4 (21.5) Amir Jangoo 194/5 (36.4) Montcin Hodge 226/6 (42.5) Terance Ward 231/7 (43.5) Hayden Walsh 231/8 (43.6) Kumar 235/9 (44.2) Berridge 253/10 (47.2) Bowling Preston McSween (10-0-47-2) Ryan John (7-0-53-1) Larry Edward (10-0-31-2) Ray Jordan (8.2-1-48-2) Keron Cottoy (9-0-52-2) Kevin Stoute (3-0-19-0)

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23 From Young Warriors to the cusp of USA debut: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

the call," Singh said in a recent Sean Devers Sports Watch.

During his childhood days in G u y a n a , Singh, a former West Indies U-19 player, lived across the street from the Young Warriors Cricket Club and his father was

By Brandon Corlette

F

ormer senior Guyana batsman Gajanand Singh is among the list of 44 players who were selected to train in the United States of America (USA) camp later this month.

The 33-year-old who represented Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) back in 2017 reflected on his journey from Guyana to being on the cusp of representing the USA. Singh left Guyana for the USA back in 2013, but after an invitation to play cricket, he returned to his homeland in 2015 to play the Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) one-day franchise league, where he played for the Lower Corentyne team.

After ordinary per-

Singh celebrates one of his many centuries on USA soil

formances locally, Singh was set to return to the USA, but then in 2016, he was invited by Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to play

"A proud moment in my career" — Pooran on T10 championship win

a tournament in Trinidad, where he scored heavily, amassing 300 runs in the six matches. His exploits in that tournament landed him a CPL contract in 2017. He was selected to represent GAW in the CPL. After playing 11 matches for the Warriors and scoring 151 runs, including valuable knocks of 35* and 39, Singh booked his ticket to return to New York, but he was asked by the chairman of selectors and Coach of the Guyana Jaguars to stay in Guyana to prepare for the Regional Super50

tournament.

"When I got home, there was rain and training was indoors. I was given a message that (Shimron) Hetmyer was leaving for Zimbabwe or to play the World Cup Qualifiers and I would replace him. I was still there then after Hetmyer left, I got to understand that Tagenarine Chanderpaul replaced him and I didn’t receive

Board tournament that plays this weekend and on Thursday and Friday you have to call the Board and know where you are playing next weekend," Singh said.

He further added that the local teams in Trinidad carry themselves like an inter-county or a Guyana national team. "It's really good to play in a professional system like that and it's good for young Guyanese to get that experience as well," Singh added.

The left-hander who scored two Singh bats for Guyana h a l f - c e n t u r i e s Amazon Warriors back in the 10 FirstClass matches in 2017 he played said he the manag- was focused on getting to er of the club. the USA camp and if he From that mo- got, selected he would be ment, he never aiming to win games for looked back. the USA. "Most of the guys C o m p a r i n g out of the 44 I know a lot the local crick- of them and played with," eting club he noted.

Like a host of Guyanese structures in Guyana and who have left their homeT r i n i d a d , land, Singh has shown suSingh said the preme quality while playclub structure ing in the USA. He will in Trinidad be hoping that he finally is more organ- gets an opportunity to repised. "They have resent USA to play that a set system in series against Oman in place. It's not like March. a Berbice Cricket

Gevon Schultz will lead the Berbice Under-19 team

W

est Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran copped the player of the tournament award in the recently-concluded Abu Dhabi T10 league.

The captain of the victorious Northern Warriors, Pooran, described this win as a proud moment in his career.

It was West Indies batsmen Rovman Powell and Lendl Simmons who remained unbeaten to steer the Northern Warriors to an eight-wicket win over the Dehli Bulls. After winning the toss, the Warriors restricted the Bulls to 81 for 9 in 10 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Evin Lewis got things off to a flier, after scoring 16 runs off the first over. The innings soon lost momentum after Gurbaz’s mistimed shot was taken at cover and Lewis was gobbled up by Powell. In the end, Mohammad Nabi

top-scored with a 10-ball 21 for the Bulls. Maheesh Theekshana starred with the ball for the Warriors after claiming 3 for 14.

In pursuit of a gettable target, Warriors skipper and in-form batsman Pooran took responsibility by promoting himself up the order. He was, however, dismissed lbw by Fidel Edwards on 12. Simmons and Waseem Muhammad, however, kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Opener Muhammad scored 27 off 22, but was dismissed before Powell (16 from 8) and Simmons (14 from 12) finished the proceedings.

Powell hit the winning runs with a huge six with 10 balls left.

Theekshana received the Man-of-the Match award.

Northern Warriors are the first team to win the trophy twice. Pooran also thanked Robin Singh and Mohammed Asurddin for their knowledge.

BCB announces 15-man squad for GCB U-19 inter-county

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he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) selectors last week selected a squad to represent the county at the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 2020 inter-county tournament that is set for February 12 and February 14, where Berbice will meet Essequibo and Demerara respectively.

Below is the full statement made by the BCB President Hilbert Foster "I did not authorise the release of the team as we were not officially informed of the tournament, and I did not want to create ex-

pectations and then disappointment. On Thursday, we were duly informed via an email to me and as such, the team is now been released.

“The team selected below was submitted by Chairman Balram Samaroo, Surendra Kissoonlall, Winston Smith, and Leslie Solomon.

The President merely approved the release of the team. A 15th player was added only this morning by the selectors after the GCB requested an additional player.

“Because this is last

year’s tournament, the selectors decided to place special focus on those who were playing their final year at the junior level. Three trials matches at great expense were organised by the BCB to select the team.

“Another Berbice Under-19 team would be selected in March. Players who are on the standby list are hereby encouraged not to be disappointed as they should be in contention for that team. Please keep yourself fit and focused. The BCB would start preparation for the 2021 Under-19 tournament very soon.”

Berbice team read: Isiah Thorne; Rampertab Ramnauth; Ricardo Ramdehol; Seon Glasgow; Marvan Prashad; Shamar Angel; Jonathan Rampersaud; Tyrese Sealey; Chanderpaul Govindhan; Nigel Deodat; Gourav Ramesh; Doorsammy Mahadeo; Aaron Beharry; Gevon Shultz (Captain) and Leon Swammy. Standbys: Collis Noble, Jeremy Sandia, Reyad Karim, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Zeynul Ramsammy, Tomani Casear and Abdul Ramsammy.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

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

Page 21

Inaugural President’s T20 Cup launched...

President urges teams to maintain discipline and be the best example Pg 22

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