Guyana Times - Monday, January 4, 2021

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10 to vie for Miss India Guyana title Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4518

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

AG recommends Police probe into coalition’s $170M splurge on private lawyers Page 3

– many contracts breached procurement laws

Students will have to adhere to established COVID protocols – Education Minister Page 11

...as ... as schools partially reopen today for Grades 10, 11 & 12

Finance Minister 63 murder cases urges timely payment disposed of in 2020 – DPP of tax refunds Page 10

Page 9

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Businessman, wife arrested after Police P8 found over 4kg ganja in home

Mother hopes new year brings justice for P15 murdered son

Guyana records 7 new COVID-19 cases from 74 P16 tests – active cases now stand at 295

CPG members avert double P17 suicide in Bartica

...342 cases listed to be heard this year

Private Sector wants 25-year exemption on Capital Gains Tax reinstated Page 9

Page 17

Pedestrian hospitalised following P15 Harlem accident

5 years later

New Year, no time to rejoice – mother of murdered man

Bandit shoots accomplice P16 during robbery of cellphone store

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 4 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Tuesday, January 5 – 09:30h – 11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 4 – 08:00h – 09:30h and Tuesday, January 5 – 08:55h – 10:25h.

AG recommends Police probe into coalition’s $170M splurge on private lawyers – many contracts breached procurement laws

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Heavy rain showers will prevail during the day.

There will be light rain showers during the night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly to Northerly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:12h and 20:33h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.5 metres.

Low Tide: 14:03h reaching a minimum height of 0.79 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

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FREE TICKET

17 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

18 SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

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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 Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$ $51.80/barrel $228.87/ton $420.90/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +0.33 +1.48 +0.60

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1915.80

$1916.80

Low/High Change

$1898.00 +0.94

$1918.30 +17.80%

Current Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

he Audit Office of Guyana has recommended that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) be called in to investigate the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s splurge on high-priced local and overseas lawyers during its time in office, many of these retainers in breach of procurement laws.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government had requested that the Audit Office conduct a probe into the millions spent by the former Government on lawyers it contracted between 2015 and 2020.

In a letter from Auditor General Deodat Sharma to Attorney General and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, he was informed that based on the findings of the special audit, a Police investigation would be required.

“Based on the documents examined, there was no evidence to conclude that these contracts were publicly advertised, which is in breach of Sections 25 (1) and 10 (1) of the Procurement Act of 2003,” the AG said in his report.

The Auditor General pointed out that the Procurement Act states “Subject to subsection (2), public tendering is mandatory. For such tendering an invitation to tender or to prequalify, as applicable, is mandatory” and “the procuring entity shall maintain a record of the procurement proceedings including the means used to solicit suppliers or contractors and a record of any such advertisements".

However, the Auditor General noted that the former APNU/AFC Government single-sourced all of these contracts, in breach of the Procurement Act. Sharma further pointed out that according to the Guide to the Public Procurement Procedures, “where contracts are to be awarded regularly, or are to be renewed within a specified period of time, the contract value is established on the basis of the actual aggregate cost of similar contracts or services awarded over

the previous twelve months or financial year, adjusted where possible for anticipated changes in the value or quantity.”

According to the Auditor General, it was observed that in cases where private lawyers represented the Ministry of Legal Affairs at more than one court hearing, approval was sought from the Ministerial Tender Board and later from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the additional hearing and vice versa.

In its findings, the Audit Office urged the Attorney General to “ensure that there is full compliance with the Procurement Act 2003 with respect of awarding of contracts; appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against any culpable officer(s)”. And for “the Guyana Police Force be called in to conduct an in-depth investigation and institute charges where necessary.”

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Findings According to the Auditor General, the former APNU/

AFC Government spent $170.8 million on a total of 26 Attorneys-at-Law, law firms or agencies, to represent it in a number of cases between May 2015 and August 2020, when the former Government finally relinquished power.

Taking first place in terms of taxpayers’ monies paid is a foreign law firm. Belizean law firm Courtney Coye LLP received five cases under the former Government and was paid a total of $28.992 million.

Coming in second are local lawyers Rex McKay, SC, and Neil Boston, SC, who received three cases and were paid $28.420 million jointly from the State coffers. Not far behind is local law firm Fraser, Housty and Yearwood, which received two cases and $20.849 million.

The Auditor General’s substantive 2019 report had also highlighted the fact that despite a fully stocked Attorney General Chambers that included a Solicitor General and three subordinates, as well as State Counsels, the APNU/ AFC Government spent almost $100 million for external lawyers to assist former Attorney General Basil Williams in just one year.

According to the Auditor General’s 2019 report, the $207.2 million was budgeted under others for the Ministry of Legal Affairs while $199.6 million was expended. According to the Auditor General, $99.143 million was spent on legal fees and retainer agree-

Former Attorney General Basil Williams, SC

ments to three law firms and seven external Attorneys-atLaw. The Auditor General noted that this is so despite Williams, a Senior Counsel, having the services of “one Solicitor General, one Deputy Solicitor General, two Assistant Solicitor Generals and six State Counsels.” According to the Auditor General, however, a special audit is being conducted into this state of affairs and a separate report will be issued.

Williams’ successor, current Attorney General Nandlall, had also bemoaned the staggering sum of $146 million that APNU/ AFC forked out for the services of private lawyers, between 2017 to 2020 – the bills and invoices for which he was greeted with when he entered office.

Nandlall had previously revealed to the media that these lawyers, who were hired from both Guyana and the Caribbean, were retained in a series of meritless political litigation that the former Government initiated and eventually lost.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 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

Post-Brexit implications

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ack in 1962, when Jamaica pulled out of the four-yearold, ten-member West Indian Federation (WIF) following a referendum, Prime Minister Eric Williams of Trinidad presciently quipped, “One from ten leaves nought”. He, of course, was in a critical position to transform his quip into reality. As the territory that would have to carry 75 per cent of the rump Federation’s budget, Trinidad’s withdrawal, which Williams engineered, did in fact lead to the complete collapse of the Federation.

But the year before the British had launched the WIF, six of the larger European countries had formed the European Economic Community (EEC) based on economic interests.

Britain, Denmark and Ireland joined the EEC in 1973 which would accept other European countries in the following years that shared “common values” to become the European Union (EU).

The European demonstrator effect in forming an everenlarging unit to eventually encompass even the Eastern Europe Communist bloc was the inspiration to regional blocs across the globe, including our CARIFTA in 1968 and CARICOM in 1973. In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty formalised the formation of the European Community to emphasise its goals to move beyond mere economic cooperation to a recognition of one “European People” that would be facilitated by the free movement of peoples across borders.

As a result of the latter policy, there were always deep reservations in Britain about the “union” as it was seen as diminishing their prized sovereignty and increasing migrants.

Matters reached a boiling point as the number of Europeans moving into the UK exceeded three million by the beginning of the last decade. The sentiment against closer integration with the EU was there from the beginning within the Conservative Party and in fact was one of the reasons why the very successful PM Margaret Thatcher was removed as the head of her party and government in 1989.

Sentiments against “outsiders” had always been strong in the UK, going as far back to the supposedly “voluntary” coming together of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales under the rule of the dominant England. Over the centuries, these countries chafed at the bit, with the Catholic-majority Ireland violently gaining independence in 1992, leaving the rump Protestantdominated Northern Ireland in the Union. The influx of West Indians, Indians and Pakistanis after WWII created the first wave of nativism from the 1960s onwards and as Eastern Europeans poured in after 1993, the move to exit the EU grew exponentially.

By 2016, the pro-EU Conservative PM David Cameron resigned after the referendum he proposed since 2013 on remaining in the EU was defeated. This was followed by two general elections and three Prime Ministers as the deeplydivided political elite of the Labour and Conservative Parties fought their internecine battles over what was now dubbed “Brexit”.

As the battle intensified, it became clear that the major issue that propelled the winning pro-Brexit voting bloc was to “get the foreigners out of Britain”. During the same period of this growing nativist movement, it should not be of any surprise to anyone that Scotland and Northern Ireland voted consistently to remain in the EU, since the dominance of the English was diluted in the larger bloc. The Scottish people also voted consistently to secede from the UK and now that as of December 31, 2020, Britain has finally completed its disjuncture from the EU, the Chief Minister of Scotland reiterated that their majority wishes to leave the Union must be respected.

While there are all sorts of lessons from Brexit, the one that is most pertinent to us in Guyana is that the “politics of identity” is now the dominant driver of politics even in the “developed” countries such as Britain and the US that have supposedly transcended this “tribal” phenomenon. Governments will have to focus on dealing with this reality rather than trying to prevent it and hoping it will disappear with “development”.

It also raises the question of the viability of the Caribbean Community, patterned after the European Community.

The seven-star hotel’s firework display has always been a classic sight to see for New Year’s in Dubai. The bright illuminations perfectly complement the iconic hotel’s ship-sail structure, making it a unique sight to behold going into the new year

New year and the good life for all Dear Editor, Let me take this opportunity in wishing all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I wish this year brings more fruits of success for all. I wish that justice will be brought to the Henry boys, Haresh Singh, and the many others that were innocently murdered, beaten, abused, and sentenced. I hope that justice will be for the death of national cyclist Bentley.

Best wishes also to the opposition APNU/AFC and I hope that they will see the need to truly represent the people that put them there, rather than creating unwanted situations for Guyanese.

I also would like to extend Happy New Year to HE President Dr Irfaan Ali, his Cabinet, and the Government of Guyana. I hope that they will continue to put the people first in 2021 and ensure that every citizen is being taken into consideration and consulted when making their decisions in taking Guyana forward.

I won’t mention the sadness of the year 2020. That year brought about many negative and positive things that changed the lives of all Guyanese and the world. While General and Regional Elections in Guyana were like the introduction to COVID-19 that rattled the world and is still holding us hostage to its death, so were 2020 elections. It’s now over and leaves us with COVID-19.

I will like to, first of all, say that it’s 2021 and the Opposition needs to stop

dreaming and spilling nonsense to Guyanese. Their New Year’s Day message was, according to INews Guyana headline, “We will continue to ensure a good life for all Guyanese – APNU/AFC.” Well, I should say that the APNU/ AFC forgot that the 1st of January is always New Year’s Day and not All Fools Day. The APNU/AFC had five years under that same wording and not one day did they try their best to ensure they stood by and maintained those very words they campaigned on. Yes, I was part of that APNU/AFC and that is why I can say it.

Those five years can be considered the darkest five years for Guyanese.

Loss of thousands of jobs, racially hiring of people, not a solid economic plan, loss of investment from the Private Sector, mismanagement of the economy, contracts to family and friends while kickbacks were the art of the awarding (Region Five is evidence), economic hardship on citizens, spending or using out I should say of the US$18 million without Guyanese knowledge, rigged elections, etc.

So, it is sad for the Opposition trying to turn New Year’s Day into All Fools Day. By now they should realise and know they can’t fool the world in any way, it was tried for five long months and the world saw their work.

When we consider the words of that headline in the Opposition’s New

Year’s message it should be given to this Government, because that’s what has been happening since they took office from day one and while in Opposition.

I don’t want to talk of all the Ministries and the development I observe happening in the past five months or so. They have all done well, especially the Ministries of Education, Health, Social Services, Home Affairs, Public Works, and Labour.

The three Ministries that did extremely well since the PPP Government took office, for me, is the Ministry of Agriculture headed by Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development headed by Hon Nigel Dharamlall, MP, and the Ministries of Youth, Sports and Culture headed by Hon Charles Ramson Jr, MP. Those three Ministries did wonders in such a little time. Those Ministers must be rated as the most hard-working Ministers in Government since they took office. Minister Mustapha did more than the others and has been on the ground 24/7 as long as the need arises. He attends and addresses matters that are of importance and need urgent attention to the development of the agriculture sector.

HE President Dr Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo took this country to better economic stands since took office. We saw the inflow of multimillion US dollars investment in

weeks and continue to happen. We see the open up of the economy and the citizens starting to have the spending power which they longed for in the past five years.

We saw what a caring Government does in ensuring a good life for all Guyanese. That is giving cash grants as COVID relief to its people. Cash grant to the hard-working public servants, sugar workers, and also those that contributed to Guyana’s development over the years that are the pensioners. The reverse of several burdensome taxes that were implemented by the previous Government etc.

That is what a caring government does for its people, not bringing hardship and disaster.

I can recall when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020, the then President sometime later gave an open cheque to the then Minister of Health and what did she give to the Guyanese people to help them out in their struggle during that time? She gave them hardship.

So, for the main Opposition to utter those words of a good life for all, they should and must rephrase and say that they will support the PPP in bringing the good life for all Guyanese.

Have a blessed and productive 2021. Stay safe everyone and don’t forget to wear your mask.

With regards, Abel Seetaram

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 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

A personal need to reflect in the mirror Dear Editor, Christmas and New Year “come and gone” and now, “we have to wait until another whole year,” before we can celebrate these holidays again, as the Guyanese saying goes. Unfortunately, because of the deadly pandemic, the COVID-19 virus prevented Guyanese, visitors and others from celebrating the holidays in a true Guyanese fashion.

We were unable to participate as freely as we should have, to enjoy and indulge in our usual customs and traditions.

The many limitations were engineered as a result of many of our dearly beloved passing away, others failing in health, the scarcity of finance to provide the ample amenities, the traffic curtailment, the isolation, the curfew and the freedom of circulating, gathering and mixing as freely as we wanted. Regardless of the politics and economics, Guyanese always used to find a way to commemorate these national holidays in a true Guyanese conventional way. At this time of the year, Guyanese would always forget any differences, hug, kiss and shake hands to unite together and agree to wine, dine, dress and dance so that this special moment would not bypass them quietly, lacklustre or lackadaisical-

ly.

A Christmas party at the workplace, at home or a night club or an Old Year’s Night party always highlighted the list of entertainment.

Midnight mass on Christmas eve night or church service on New Year’s Day was another crowning event. If we were to accept this pandemic as historical, then, one of such nature does attack the world at least once every century, the last one being the “Spanish Flu,” in February 1918 and lasted until April 1920.

The deadly influenza pandemic caused by the H1N1 influenza A Virus, infected about a third of the world’s population then, about 500 million people, in four successive waves and between 20 to 50 million died, others claiming a figure closer to 100 million. Its origin was traced back to Europe after the 1st world war.

But, 2021, a new year, is here and we have to move on from the past year, 2020, a dreadful year of unforgivable, unforgettable and uncomfortable activities. It was a year perhaps when time stood still and transfixed for many, a year of regrets and losses, pain and suffering, sacrifices and surprises, shame and disgrace, innovation and imple-

mentation, winners and losers and rejoice and despair.

Any realisation of happiness was soberly and moderately celebrated and enveloped in modesty and simplicity.

A year when Guyana was hauled reluctantly in unchartered water, the people were mauled relentlessly and constantly pressured to test their temperament and resistance.

Guyanese patience was at a boiling level but, a hidden resilience avoided an exacerbated display of unthinkable irresponsibility for the major part of unforeseen and uncalculated moments.

Rather, a unique showmanship of control and discipline reflected a new Guyanese conscience and an awakening of another realisation, one that may safeguard the birth of a new generation, culpable to differentiate right from wrong and not be easily be-fooled with lies and deceits. The dangers of devious politicians are still present as the Berbice fiasco reminded us, where, warped minds were successfully used to persuade gullible villagers with their thwarted insinuations; to utilise an explosive situation to their convenience to score political mileage; by playing with people’s emotion and mind, inciting unneces-

sary violence which escalated to unfortunate deaths and tremendous damages to people, property and place.

The sad deaths of the Henry boys and Haresh Singh force Guyanese to ponder on how vulnerable peace and tranquillity are posed on a precipice; any promise of certain safety should not be taken for granted and cannot be guaranteed; the security of people’s lives is a grey area of concern and there is no reliance still from the protectors of law and order. Daily, the Police Force and the coalition politicians jerk us back to a stark reality to leave us nervously wondering on “what next?”

As Guyanese at home and abroad, did the past leap year teach us anything? Are we going to be the same person as we were the previous year or is there a desperate need for a definitive change? Apart from our year-end monumental resolutions, or isolated desires, or enviable wishes or an infatuation with a mystical or mysterious attraction, or, an obsession with a passion, did we learn from our mistakes and errors?

Did we spend any time with ourself to reflect in the mirror and churn the flickering activities, roving in mem-

There is a new culture sweeping across Guyana Dear Editor, There is a new wave blowing across Guyana, it is called the new culture of doing things, gone are the days of a laissez-faire system where each man was a law unto himself and did what was right in his own eyes. There is a new dispensation of doing things and this speaks to the humble man in his shack to the wealthy businessman way at the top of the ladder, all are governed by the same underlying principles of transparency and responsibility, each being responsible to the other and to the wider society in a symbiotic relationship.

First in the order of things is the respect for law and order, all those who rule over us must be subjected to the laws of the land, all norms and codes that are laid down for the proper functioning of the wheels of the State must be adhered to. That goes from the conduct of elections to the general run of things; respect for the Constitution is for the smooth and proper functioning of the ship of State.

All modern and civilised societies are governed by it and this goes for all political parties in power and

for those aspiring to get into power.

I make specific reference to those in the political arena, that is, those who are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of governance over this nation. Being entrusted with Government means that you are duty-bound to govern in a fair and unbiased manner, gone are the days when political parties in Government spoke of “my country” and “my jurisdiction and my rules.” That language of ownership and control where the state And its resources were literally “gifted” to them to do as they please - that form of asininity no longer exists.

In the new dispensation of things, we may now speak of “our country and our economy,” as accountability to the people is paramount, no country becomes the private domain or a deed of gift of any party. The winner takes all mentality is a thing of the distant past and no attempts to revive it will be allowed. There is a new wave sweeping across the land and if some of the backward and retrograde school cannot see it, then, they will cer-

tainly have to stand still as change consumes them like a consuming fire. All the stakeholders have a certain responsibility that is required of them as each and every one plays his or her role in this ecosystem called Guyana.

Finally, The PPP/C has taken the lead, they have taken keen note of this and in this regard set the example. They have blazed a trail as Ministers fan

across this country listening to the people and getting things done for the people of this great country. The governing PPP/C Government is cognisant of the fact that the people of this country are our greatest asset. Long live the people of Guyana and a Happy New Year to all!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

ory lane, rowing casually, so that we slowly regurgitate the ups and downs of all significant eventualities? Were we right or wrong with our decisions, were we correct or incorrect with our calls, were we pleased or disgusted with our choices, is there room to improve or improvise, were we justified or unfair in our judgement, were we perfect or impaired with our conclusions?

Were we offensive or defensive with our opinions, were we polite or impolite with our manners, were we aggressive or awkward with our behaviour, were we inordinate, moderate or proportionate in our generosity?

Were we charitable or mean with our donation, were we pleasant or awful with our relations, did we annoy, aggravate, acerbate anyone, or, aid, alleviate or appease them instead? Did we offend or defend

anyone, do we need to rescue or recuse ourself, were we selfish and greedy or selfless and liberal? This is the defining period, sensitive and not presumptuous when we seriously need to consider questioning ourself for explicit answers to decide how satisfied we are and if we enjoy peace of mind.

Can we remain quietly silent and feel assertively compassionate?

Hopefully, the desire to confess and profess will not be required and you can appease yourself with a smile, relaxing and enjoying tranquillity, bliss and happiness in the joyous company of yourself and the Unseen! If not, then, the choice is yours to do or not to do what is required. Do have a better year.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Regret on error over UG promotions

Dear Editor, This is in response to the published statement of Director of UG Department of PR (Jan 3). I thank the PR unit for clarification.

Transparency and accountability are critical for the success of the university. All selections, appointments, hiring, and promotions at the university must be above board.

I have no reason to dispute the PR unit’s statement that Drs Emmanuel Cummings and Melissa Ifill were not appointed as professors. The statement

also said Dr Cummings was not chair of the search committee in charge of selecting the VC. I must have misunderstood Dr Cummings’s role in the committee. The errors are regretted.

Thanks also for the information that only the political head of the university can make public statements on political matters. Please advise, who would that be?

Yours truly, Ajit Persaud

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

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Foundation ◄

Measures of Central Tendency Statistics is a branch of Mathematics that studies data expressed in numbers. In the data, the numbers answer questions like: How many? How long? How far? How big?

Let’s say you have this set of numbers: 22, 11, 19, 11, 15, 8, 11, 15 Begin by arranging them in order: 8, 11, 11, 11, 15, 15, 19, 22 The range is the greatest number minus the smallest number: 22-8: 14 The mean(sometimes called the average) is the total of the whole collection divided by the number of addends: 112 ÷ 8 = 14.

The median is the number in the middle. If your collection of numbers has an even number of addends, the median is the average of the two middle numbers: (11 + 15 ) ÷ 2 = 26 ÷ 2 = 13 The mode is the number that appears most often in the collection of numbers: 11

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

Example: Find the mean of 6, 4, 7, 11, 6, 3, 5 Step 1: Add the numbers: 6 + 4 + 7 + 11+ 6 + 3 + 5: 42 Step 2 Divide by the number of addends: 42 ÷ 7 = 6 Remember The range, mean, median, and mode numbers may all be different! Or some of them could be identical.

Exercises: Calculate 1) What is the range for this set of numbers: 2, 9, 15, 22, 13, 19?

2) What is the average for this set of numbers: 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 7, 7, 11?

3) What is the mode for this set of numbers: 1, 4, 9, 14, 5, 4, 5, 1, 4?

4) What is the median for this set of numbers: 2, 5, 10, 15, 12, 8, 9, 10, 5?

5) What is the mean for this set of numbers: 1, 4, 10, 10, 5, 7, 5, 1, 4?

A

lark made her nest in a field of young wheat. As the days passed, the wheat stalks grew tall and the young birds, too, grew in strength. Then one day, when the ripe golden grain waved in the breeze, the farmer and his son came into the field.

“This wheat is now ready for reaping,” said the farmer.

“We must call in our neighbours and friends to help us harvest it.”

The young larks in their nest close by were much frightened, for they knew they would be in great danger if they did not leave the nest before the reapers came. When the Mother Lark returned with food for them, they told her what they had heard.

“Do not be frightened, children,” said the Mother Lark. “If the farmer said he would call in his neighbours and friends to help him do his work, this wheat will not be reaped for a while yet.”

A few days later, the wheat was so ripe, that when the wind shook the stalks, a hail of wheat grains came rustling down on the young larks’ heads.

“If this wheat is not harvested at once,” said the farmer, “we shall lose half the crop. We cannot wait any longer for help from our friends. Tomorrow we must set to work, ourselves.”

When the young larks told their mother what they had heard that day, she said: “Then we must be off at once. When a man decides to do his own work and not depend on anyone else, then you may be sure there will be no more delay.”

There was much fluttering and trying out of wings that afternoon, and at sunrise next day, when the farmer and his son cut down the grain, they found an empty nest.

WORD SEARCH

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Businessman, wife arrested after Police found over 4kg ganja in home

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47-year-old Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) businessman and his 36-year-old wife were arrested on Sunday after more than 4 kilograms

the home of the businessman and executed a search on his property at about 05:30h.

During the search of the lower flat of the building,

The Sanctimonious Gangster...

I The marijuana Police found at the couple’s Crane, WCD home

The marijuana plant found in the couple’s backyard

of ganja were found on their premises.

Based on reports received, Police acting on information received went to

the businessman opened a blue plastic barrel where a black garbage bag was discovered. Upon checking, the ranks found three bulky

transparent parcels containing the ganja. He was told of the offence during which he allegedly told Police “is me weed, don’t involve me family”.

Further, a search was carried out at the back of his yard during which a cannabis sativa plant measuring about two and a half feet in height was found under a golden apple tree. Again, he

admitted to the offence and repeated that phrase “is me plant don't involve me family”.

Both the businessman and his wife were arrested and escorted to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station. The ganja was weighed in their presence and amounted to 4.236 grams. Investigations are ongoing.

...and post NCM goings-on f the PNC in general, and their leader David Granger in particular, are to be believed, it’s clear that we Guyanese people really don’t appreciate the lengths they’ve gone to defend our democracy during 2019 and 2020. To all those who so unfairly maligned them during that time (including your Eyewitness), they’d better ponder over the statement the party just issued for the New Year: “We believe that the measures we took fortified democracy. The Coalition acted correctly and lawfully throughout the year 2019 to ensure that credible elections could be held in the year 2020 and it will continue its vigorous defence of its election petition in the New Year, 2021.”

Fortified democracy! So the refusal to accept the No Confidence Motion (NCM) – which has been a standard of EVERY constitution in the Commonwealth and has operated to remove Governments from India to the UK (which doesn’t even have a written constitution!) – was “fortifying” our democracy. That it’s routinely accepted as a matter of democratic representative Governments that MPs have a higher duty to their constituents than to their Party Whip – and can vote their conscience – doesn’t matter. Charrandas is a Judas!! And we were too backward to recognise the yeoman (and yeowoman?) efforts of the PNC to save us from the perils of dictatorship! Thank you, PNC, and hopefully the CCJ should now reverse their ruling on PNC’s challenge that 33 isn’t a majority of 65!

That Granger unilaterally appointed the 84-year-old James Patterson to Chair GECOM was also meant to test and fortify the framework of our democracy. The decision of the CCJ that later decided he violated the clear dictate of the Constitution and that the Opposition Leader must be in agreement with the choice was obviously ultra vires. What do they know? They’re only the body that the PNC accept as the final arbiter of our Constitution.

The two-year delay in holding elections – even after the CCJ’s decision – was absolutely the fault of GECOM. The insistence of the PNC Commissioners that GECOM must have a completely new Voters List from Houseto-House Registration – which would take a year – even though the CEO of the Secretariat had affirmed that the C&O could satisfactorily sanitise the existent Voters List that had been used for the LGE, was only meant to toughen the sinews of our democracy.

And we won’t even go into the sterling efforts of Mingo &Co to divine – ahead of time and the recount – that there were thousands and thousands of anomalies in the voting across the country.

Forced to improvise and take corrective action using that dirty bedsheet in the GECOM yard, Mingo was fortifying democracy! ...in the year ahead Granger hasn’t disappointed your Eyewitness: he’s playing true to form. A disciple of Burnham, he tries to imitate his master...but doesn’t realise that the times aren’t just “a changin’ “: they’ve CHANGED. His last act – to think he could get away with rigging the elections in front of the Americans and Brits – was right out of Burnham’s playbook. But this ain’t 1968...and even Granger should’ve known that from the absence of miniskirts in the streets of Georgetown!

So what will he be up to this year? Think of Burnham in 1957 after his faction of the PPP lost the elections and he’s out in the cold. Granger will be plotting to recreate the PNC in his image. He’s going to try to have the PNC jump at his beck and call. He thinks by throwing out Volda Lawrence and the old guard he’s home free.

He forgets that Burnham joined up with people who had followings like Carter and Kendall!

While he just has Harmon! ...and the Courts Granger declared in his message the PNC “will continue its vigorous defence of its election petition in the New Year, 2021”. The court will be hearing the petitions in less than two weeks.

This will be his last hurrah!

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

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Private Sector wants 25-year exemption on Capital Gains Tax reinstated

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s the PPP/C Government prepares for the 2021 national budget, the Private Sector wants to see the restoration of the exemption of Capital Gains Tax from the sale of properties that were in possession of the seller for 25 years or more.

Capital Gains Tax is the tax paid by individuals who have disposed of assets and made a gain, if it exceeded the cost of acquisition of the asset, if the value at the time it was acquired exceeded the value at the time of ownership, or if the value of the asset has exceeded its market value as at January 1, 2011.

Previously, transactions which were carried out over 25 years after the date the asset was acquired had an exemption from the payment of this tax if there

PSC Chairman Nicholas Boyer

was a profit on the sale. But the APNU/AFC coalition Administration removed this exemption back in 2019.

Now, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas Boyer is hoping that the PPP/C, which will be presenting its first full-year budget this year since taking office in August 2020, will reinstate

this exemption.

According to Boyer, the removal of this exemption has not only affected the construction and real estate industries but also the desire to invest in real estate and to hold real estate on a long-term basis.

“In other words, when you have a hype right now you definitely get investments in real estate but when you get to a point where Guyana is massively built out, taxes like that will really hurt the investments and trading business within the real estate industry. So that tax needs to revert back to what it was,” he posited.

The PSC Chairman posited that countries around the world have the Capital Gains Tax along with such an exemption in order to encourage investments into real estate.

“Guyana decided to remove that exemption and I don’t think that should be because it will stymie investments into the real estate sector. It’s also incentivising people to not report the correct sales figures and to try to find illegal ways around the taxes, and that’s not something we want. We want to encourage people to do the right thing. We want to encourage people to be law-abiding citizens and to do the legal and correct thing when investing, selling or transacting real estate,” Boyer contended.

In the 2019 budget presentation, former Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced a series of measures on the Capital Gains Tax including the removal of the 25-year limitation.

But during the 2019 budget debates, then Opposition

Finance Minister urges timely payment of tax refunds

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enior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh is calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure that taxpayers who are legitimately entitled to tax refunds receive their payments in a timely manner.

The Minister observed that taxpayers often complain that they have to wait an inordinate length of time before they receive tax refunds to which they are entitled.

He pointed out that extended delays in paying tax

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

refunds can have severe adverse effects on the cash flow of businesses and households, which in turn could affect both consumption and investment, and ultimately

be a drag on economic activity as a whole.

The Minister emphasised, however, that more timely refunds should not in any way compromise the rigour with which GRA verifies the legitimacy of each refund payable. Instead, Minister Singh stated that the verification and payment processes should be made more efficient to ensure that refunds are both thoroughly verified and promptly paid.

The Minister’s call for more timely processing of tax refunds comes against the backdrop of a broader drive for improved service

quality across public sector agencies.

At GRA, the Minister recently addressed senior management of the Authority and directed them to work immediately to improve the quality of their interaction with taxpayers, emphasising the importance of the highest standards of integrity and efficiency across all aspects of their operations.

Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, GRA had extended the April deadline for the submission of tax returns. The last deadline was September 20, 2020.

Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who now serves as Vice President in the PPP/C Administration, had zeroed in on the amendments to the Capital Gains Tax Act. “A lot of my colleagues got excited about the Capital Gains Tax; if you reinvest your capital gains within six months at another property, you don’t have to pay; but they did not realise the Minister took away the ownership exemption they had — that if you own something for 25 years, you are not capital gains exempt.”

“All the older folks who

own their buildings across Guyana would not have had to pay capital gains if they sold their property. They now have to pay capital gains,” Jagdeo had pointed out.

Nevertheless, the coalition Government in January 2020 went ahead and passed the Capital Gains Tax Amendment Bill.

However, this bill was passed in the absence of the parliamentary Opposition and days after the passage of the No-Confidence Motion against the APNU/AFC regime.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

63 murder cases disposed of in 2020 – DPP – 342 cases listed to be heard this year

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uring 2020, 101 cases were disposed of, according to statistics recently released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Of the 101 cases, 83 of them received attention in the courts, while the remaining 18 matters were nolle prosequi by the DPP. Of these 83 cases, 62 were presented at the Demerara Assizes, 15 at the Berbice Assizes and six at the Essequibo Assizes.

Assizes are courts which sit at intervals in each county of Guyana to administer the criminal law.

There were 63 cases for murder, three for attempt to commit murder, 15 cases for sexual offences and two

cases for the offence of manslaughter.

There were 12 convictions, 53 guilty pleas, nine formal verdicts of not guilty, five not guilty verdicts by jury, five hung juries, three aborted trials, one quashed.

The DPP’s office said that the October session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes commenced on October 6, 2020, with a total of 369 cases listed to be heard.

However, sittings did not commence until November after COVID-safe arrangements were put in place for the jury trials. Owing to the limited facilities at the prison, only cases involving one accused person were done.

However, if accused persons who were charged jointly

with others wished to plead guilty, they could have done so.

Of the 369 cases listed, only 36 were disposed of, of which the DPP presented 34 in the High Court of Demerara while two matters were nolle prosequi in writing by the DPP. Of these 34 matters, 33 were for murder and one for the offence of rape of a child under 16 years.

There was a total of 39 accused persons in these 34 matters. In relation to these 39 persons, there were 28 guilty pleas, four convictions, five formal verdicts of not guilty and two not guilty verdicts by jury.

Meanwhile, the Berbice October 2020 Criminal

Assizes commenced on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, after COVID-safe arrangements were put in place for jury trials. Ninety-six cases were listed to be heard.

Of these 96 cases, a mere six were completed in the Berbice High Court.

These six cases were all for the offence of murder in which the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were

sentenced. The Berbice Criminal Assizes remains in progress and continues until Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Essequibo October 2020 Criminal Assizes did not sit. The necessary arrangements are being made for COVIDsafe trials to commence in January 2021.

The Demerara January

2021 Criminal Assizes will open on Tuesday, January 12. There are 342 cases listed to be heard which will be presided over by only three Judges. The February 2021 Berbice Criminal Assizes will commence on Tuesday, February 2. Justice Simone Ramlall will continue the October 2020 Assizes and open the February 2021 Criminal Assizes.

The Essequibo October 2020 Assizes will begin sitting on January 5, 2021, and be presided over by Justice Gino Persaud. It will continue on to the February 2021 Assizes. Moreover, in 2020, the DPP’s officer received 75 committal depositions. Thirty-two of these were from Demerara, 29 from Berbice and 14 from Essequibo.

Of these 75 depositions, 51 have been indicted, three charges were discontinued, 19 are receiving attention and two were remitted to the Magistrates’ Courts.

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Students will have to adhere to established COVID protocols – Education Minister ...as schools partially reopen today for Grades 10, 11 & 12

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ith schools expected to partially reopen today for the new school term, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has noted that previously established COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to in order to ensure that children are kept safe.

In a brief interview with Guyana Times, the Minister was asked about measures for the opening which will allow for students from Grades 10 to 12 to be physically present in the classrooms. According to her, nothing has changed when it comes to the need to protect students or the flexible options available to parents.

“The same kids went to school from November to December. So, the same things that they did in that time and they were asked by their teachers to do, they will do now. The same way they went about learning, the same things they will do in this new term,” she explained.

“If you were doing face to face classes, that is Fourth and Fifth Form, that’s what you will be doing now. If you were doing WhatsApp, that’s what you will be doing now,” the Minister also said.

It was only recently that the Ministry of Health announced that testing would be made available for students staying at the dormitories, ahead of the reopening today. During the latest update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had explained that there is some

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

level of transmissions in some communities and as such, persons returning to the dormitories will be retested.

During the reopening of schools in November, a similar system was in place to test dorm students and several were tested positive

for the novel coronavirus at President’s College. They were later isolated from the general population until recovery.

“Since the closure of school from the 18th December, many of the students who were once in dorms would have gone back home and we know that in some communities, there are transmissions of COVID-19.

So, upon them returning on the 4th January 2021, we would want to ensure that we test them to make sure that they don’t have any signs of COVID. Once they’re negative, they will be placed in the general dormitories,” the Health Minister had indicated.

Dr Anthony had further explained that there has been close collaboration with the Education Ministry

to facilitate a smooth reopening for the new term.

Along with contingency plans, they have also distributed adequate test kits to the regions.

Eight students, who were being housed at the President’s College dorm, had tested positive in November. That was out of a total of 139 students housed at the educational facility. All eight of them were from Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni). After that, five teachers, six students and two ancillary staffers in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) also tested positive.

However, all swabs for COVID-19 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) students had re-

A scene from the previous reopening of schools

turned negative.

The reopening of schools for Grades 10, 11 and 12 and those attending practical, technical and vocational institutes last year would have seen a high turnout of teachers and students.

Schools across the country were closed on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Education Ministry gave parents the option of keeping their children home if they were uncomfortable sending them back to school in the COVID-19 situation. Parents could have also opted to have their children transferred to the nearest secondary school – a process completed in less than 24 hours.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Partially decomposed body of unidentified man found in Bartica house

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he partially decomposed body of an unidentified man was on Saturday discovered in his house at 3rd Avenue Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The man was of African descent and appears to be in his 60s.

Reports are the man lived alone and did odd jobs around the Bartica com-

munity. He was last seen alive on Christmas Day by a neighbour.

It was reported that on New Year’s Day, neighbours said they noticed a foul smell coming from the man’s house, and decided to check on him.

Upon investigating, the man was seen sitting in a chair in his living room.

His body was in a state of

decomposition.

A report was subsequently made to the Bartica Police Station and the ranks responded promptly.

Upon their arrival, the body of the dead man was examined and thereafter escorted to the Bartica Public Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem.

Investigations are ongoing.

Only on Friday, the

body of 49-year-old Gopaul Bissoon called “Dona” was found in his home at Barclay Street, Goed Fortuin, WBD. Based on Police reports, cops received the call at about 13:20h on Friday

from an unknown caller, stating that a body was lying at the Goed Fortuin, WBD address.

Acting on the information received, a party of Police officers went to the location, and upon arriving,

they noticed the body of the man lying motionlessly on his back. Checks were made on the body for marks of violence, but none was seen, Police said. His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem.

Fire destroys home of Haslington businesswoman

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fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the home of Ann Eve Knights, 25, a businesswoman of North Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Saturday evening.

Police said the incident occurred at around 20:40h.

Based on reports received, Knights, who lived

with her sister, left the house to purchase bread and pastries at Golden Grove, ECD. Whilst in the vicinity of President’s College road, the woman received a telephone call with the person on the other end of the line informing her that the house was on fire. Without hesitation, she rushed

home, only to see her house engulfed in flames.

The fire service was immediately summoned and managed to contain the blaze to one location. At the time of the blaze, the house had no electricity supply. An investigation has been launched into the origin and cause of the fire.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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elcome to the weekly column of the Environmental Protection Agency in Guyana new readers, and welcome back to our regular readers. We at the EPA take this opportunity to extend best wishes for the New Year to you and your families.

Every year, the United Nations selects an environmental issue it determines requires global attention and action. In light of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the theme, “International Year for Fruits and Vegetables” was selected.

In a message launching the campaign, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that despite the tremendous benefits of fruits and vegetables, “we do not consume enough of them.”

“Fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy and varied diet. They provide the human body with an abundance of nutrients, strengthen immune systems, and help lower risks for a number of diseases,” he said.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the health and livelihoods of people across the world, we must come together to ensure that nutritious food, including fruits and vegetables, reaches the most vulnerable, leaving no one behind,” the UN chief added. “Let us use this International Year to rethink our relationship with how we produce and consume food, and to re-examine our food systems and commit to a healthier, more resilient and sustainable world, where everyone can access and afford the diverse nutrition they need.”

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation is the lead agency for celebrating the year, in collaboration with other relevant organisations and bodies of the United Nations’ system. The International Year complements several other key initiatives, including the Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025), the Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028), and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. These observances reinforce each other, while providing The lush soil and tropical climate allows for Guyanese to enjoy a diverse selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, thereby allowing us to have a balanced diet, full of the right combination of nutrients.

A new decade of action There has never been a more urgent need to restore damaged ecosystems than now.

Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change, and prevent mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part.

Objectives of the Decade: * Showcase successful government-led and private initiatives to halt ecosystem degradation, restore those ecosystems that have already been degraded; * Enhance knowledge exchange on what works, and why (policy, economics and biophysical aspects), and how to implement restoration at scale; * Connect initiatives working in the same landscape, region or topic, to increase efficiency and impact; * Create links between ecosystem restoration opportunities and initiatives with businesses interested in building a robust portfolio of sustainable production and impact investment; and * Bring a broader spectrum of actors on board, especially from sectors that are not traditionally involved, by demonstrating the importance of ecosystem restoration to conservation, as well as generation of social and economic benefits.

Restoring our planet’s imperilled ecosystems intrinsically connects us with a chance at a healthier future.

Ecosystem restoration in Guyana Mangrove restoration The EPA is implementing the GEF Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+) project, which requires the selection of a degraded mangrove area to apply ecosystem-based management (EBM) approaches and ocean governance arrangements. These approaches are said to be the most effective for the mitigation of pollution, restoration and/or rehabilitation of the area. The Wellington Park site was selected due to the massive sawdust accumulation along the coast, where the mangrove reserve is located.

Participants and EPA officers engaged in conversations around the proper management of mangroves, the role of the EPA as part of the CLME+ project, next steps in creating a management plan for the area, and the importance of community perspectives in the planning process.

Through a revisioning exercise, the participants drafted plans on what the area can look like in 10-15 years, if it is properly managed.

A meeting is scheduled for January 2021, to discuss proper waste management and best practices of sawdust waste. The Agency met with the sawmill operators as well as community members earlier in the year, and will continue to work with all parties to ensure restoration of the area.

Reclamation of mined out areas Although it is deemed a crucial economic activity worldwide, mining has a significant negative impact on environment. Due to its nature, these extractive operations inevitably lead to serious degradation on ecological and aesthetic values of the landscape. It is therefore imperative that mining and restoration are conducted and completed continuously and progressively throughout the life of a mine. Moreover, extractive industries have an ethical and often legal obligation to return land to productivity.

Figure 1: Impacts of gold mining on water quality, Upper Mazaruni The Agency, as a regulatory force, will continue to impose legal requirements for responsible mining practices and progressive mine reclamation from operators through its Environmental Authorisation process. Although, reclamation of postmining landscapes can be challenging, since it highly depends on the site-specific characteristics, it generally aims to achieve the following: * Return land disturbed by surface mining to an acceptable, predetermined, sustainable land use. * Physically stabilise disturbed soils to provide a secure substrate for revegetation. * Create an environment that allows for the establishment of valued features (eg: planting of shrub species near wetland habitat, nesting structures for rare or endangered species) and special features identified in pre-mining assessment.

Police seek legal advice in over 3000 cases in 2020

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

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he Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) gave legal advice in 3684 files received from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for 2020. This is according to the end of year statistics released by the DPP’s Office.

For last year, the DPP advised on the institution of criminal charges against several Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and APNU/AFC officials who are currently before the courts for their efforts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Over the years, the offences for the files have included murder, manslaughter, rape, fatal accidents, possession of illegal arms and ammunition, rape of a child under 16, among others.

Apart from the GPF, the DPP’s Office also offers legal advice to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), and other Government agencies.

The DPP also provides legal advice to Government Ministries.

Among other things, the functions of the DPP include presenting indictments in

Impacts of Gold Mining in Upper Mazaruni, 2017 During the decade of Ecosystem restoration, the Agency, in collaboration with stakeholders - especially the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Conservation organisations and mine operators - can further seek to operationalise additional reclamation projects across the mining districts within our country, as piloted in Mahdia.

Mine site rehabilitation project in Mahdia, GGMC, 2017.

Sources https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2020-12/united-nations-faoyear-fruts-vegetables-2021.html#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20is%20 observing,sustainable%20production%20and%20reduce%20waste. https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1080492#:~:text=The%20United%20 Nations%20is%20marking,sustainable%20production%20and%20reduce%20 waste. https://www.iucn.org/theme/nature-based-solutions/initiatives/decadeeco system-restoration#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20Decade%20 on,chance%20at%20a%20healthier%20future. https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, 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.

1 https://www.worldcoal.org/returning-mined-land-productivity-throughreclamation#:~:text=Key%20objectives%20in%20reclamation%20 activities,landscape%20visual%20and%20functional%20quality.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

the criminal sessions at the High Courts in Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo.

During these criminal sessions, one or more State counsel would be assigned to prosecute the cases listed to be heard by the sitting trial Judges.

There are four assizes for the year in the county of Demerara and three assizes each in the counties of Berbice and Essequibo. The courts in all three counties sit nearly simultaneously during these assizes.

The DPP also enters plea bargain agreements with lawyers at their request and after due consideration of the matter. Furthermore, prisoners who are awaiting trial in the High Courts and other parties to a crim-

inal matter can complain to the DPP if they are not satisfied with the Police investigations.

The DPP also receives letters from Attorneys-atLaw about issues concerning their clients’ case. The Office of the DPP would take the appropriate ac-

tion. Complaints received on misconduct by members of the Police Force are sent to the Commissioner of Police for action to be taken by the Office of Professional Responsibility. Complaints can also be made to the Police Complaints Authority for their action.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The Miss India Guyana franchise has officially unveiled ten delegates who will be competing for the coveted title. The event is set for May 2021 but the international pageant will be held in October in India. Once a queen is crowned, she will undergo extensive training in preparation for the international pageant.

These photos were taken by Saajid Husani. Jewellery and outfits by Colours of India

Meet the contestants

Name: Ashley Persaud Age: 18 Academic Pursuit: Psychology Favorite quote: "A crown doesn't define royalty; royalty comes from within the strength of the soul and mind."

Name: Nandanie Sharma Age: 18 Academic Pursuit: Medicine Favourite quote: "All the power is within you, you can do anything."

Name: Bhargavi Devi Kondeti Age: 20 Academic Pursuit: Medicine Favourite quote: "Always remember that you are absolutely unique."

Name: Rameshwarie Devi Jairam Age: 23 Academic Pursuit: Marketing Favourite quote: "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken."

Name: Doneeta Ramlakhan Age: 26 Academic Pursuit: Law Favourite quote: "In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, plough your anger and your energy into something positive."

Name: Ramiesa Trishana Ganesh Age: 18 Academic Pursuit: Business Management Favourite quote: "Ability is a hidden tool that is unknown until the mind proves itself worthy."

Name: Lisa Andrea Narine Age: 23 Academic Pursuit: International Relations Favourite quote: "No one sees your dream like you do. So guard that dream and make it happen."

Name: Maya Persaud Age: 26 Academic Pursuit: Business Management Favourite quote: "Happiness depends on what you can give rather than what you can get."

Name: Shekira Arefa Baksh Age: 20 Academic Pursuit: Medical Imaging Technologist Favourite quote: "You must be the change you want to see in the world."

Name: Sonia J Ganpat Age: 19 Academic Pursuit: Business Management, Marketing & Psychology Favourite quote: "The sky is the limit.

We are limitless and so are our dreams.

We must never doubt ourselves or the possibilities of those dreams turning into reality."

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother hopes new year brings justice for murdered son

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woman whose son was found murdered on the roadway almost three weeks ago is hoping that her son’s killer(s) are brought to justice in the new year.

The grieving woman, Seema Sukar said that her life would never be the same since the passing of her son, Keith Andrew Willis.

The lifeless body of the 23-year-old father of one was found with a stab wound on the roadway, a short distance from his Lot 374 Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home on December 14, 2020.

Police in a statement said that Willis, called “Ghandi”, a carpenter, left his residence on Sunday, December 13, 2020, to attend a football competition in the community. The game concluded at about 20:30h, after which he went to visit his girlfriend, who

resides at Paradise Housing Scheme, ECD. At about 23:00h, the young man reportedly left his girlfriend’s residence but never reached home. At about 05:30h the following day, December 14, 2020, a resident who was heading to work observed Willis lying motionlessly on the roadway and without hes-

itation, he summoned the Police.

Police investigations are still ongoing.

However, on Sunday, Sukar told Guyana Times that the holiday season was a cruel reminder of her loss and the grief that she has to endure forever. Sukar related that her son worked and supported her since she is a diabetic and suffers from heart-related complications.

“I didn’t even know it was the holiday. Every day, I sit down grieving for my son. My child does be at home giving me medication. I’m not eating anything,” she cried.

“Now I have to look after his [Willis’] child. My son’s killer is still out there.

I don’t know why them kill he but I want justice. I need justice for my son. I want the Police to do their work.

I want to know why them kill my son.” She added:

Old Road, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

It was reported that the motor car was proceeding along the public road at a slow rate of speed when Majeed attempted to cross the road and ended up in the path of the motor car, thus resulting in a collision.

As a result, the pedestrian reportedly fell onto the road’s surface where he received multiple injuries about his body.

He was picked up in a conscious state and transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty. He was admitted and his condition is regarded as stable Meanwhile, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but there was no trace of alcohol in his system. The driver of the motor car is in custody assisting with investigations.

Dead: Keith Willis

Pedestrian hospitalised following Harlem accident

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pedestrian is now hospitalised after he was struck down by a car along the Harlem Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Saturday.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 19:10h on the day in question. The injured man was identified as 55-year-old Shafeek Majeed of Waller’s Delight, WCD. At the time of the accident, the car was being driven by an 18-year-old of

“Everybody knows he is a very quiet and decent child.

He is really helpful. He doesn’t interfere with nobody. He does go he way, he does come he way. He does do mason, he does do painting, he is a mechanic.”

According to Sukar, she raised her son as a single parent and ensured that he was given everything to lead a happy life. “He went to [the technical institute]; he is a certified mechanic.

He went in the army and he could operate them Bobcat machine.”

On the morning when her son’s body was discovered, Sukar was at home preparing lunch for her younger son. It was then, three young men went to inquire if Willis was at home.

According to the mother, her younger son accompanied the young men

Seema Sukar

to where Willis’ body was found. She said that he returned and informed her that his brother was stabbed to death.

In the meantime, Sukar is hoping that the Government can assist her with acquiring a house

lot. She said that she applied for one close to a decade ago. “I really need a piece of land to move this lil house. I’m hoping that the President, Prime Minister and Housing Minister can look into my problem.”

Meanwhile, the dead man’s older brother, Yanick Willis, had told this publication that his brother was a very jovial, loving, and caring person. He too expressed shock at the gruesome manner in which his brother was killed.

“He was never a bad guy. People around the village can tell you that. He assisted everybody around the village with whatever work he can. I am lost for words. I can’t really explain what going on.” Keith Willis leaves to mourn his mother, two-year-old daughter, and three siblings.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 7 new COVID-19 cases from 74 tests – active cases now stand at 295

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uyana has recorded seven new novel coronavirus cases from 74 tests that were conducted during a 24-hour period.

According to new statistics released by the Health Ministry on Sunday, the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana is 6358 – 3286 males and 3072 females.

But only 295 of these are currently active cases. These include three patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 292 persons in isolation, that is, nine persons in institutional isolation and the remaining 283 persons in home isolation.

Additionally, there are also 17 persons in institutional quarantine.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 164 with the last fatalities recorded on December 26, 2020, when a 53-year-old male and a 74-year-old woman, both of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) died.

Meanwhile, the total number of persons recovered from the life-threatening disease has increased to 5899 –

five more than the figure reported the previous day.

To date, Guyana has tested some 38,622 persons for the novel coronavirus.

Of the seven new cases recorded on Sunday, two are from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), another two from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and the remaining two cases from Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

The figures remained the same in the other six regions.

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government has embarked on a massive testing drive to ensure that all positive cases, especially asymptomatic ones, are detected.

This has resulted in a high number of cases being detected.

Nevertheless, Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 13), which are in effect until January 31, 2021.

This order emphasises, among other things, the

need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In fact, during a recent COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony reminded citizens that these are unusual times and so they should not act as normal.

“We are living through a

Bandit shoots accomplice during robbery on cellphone store

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n alleged bandit is now hospitalised and under Police guard, after he was shot to the chest by his accomplice just after they had robbed a cell phone store on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that the store had just opened on Saturday when a young man walked in to make enquiries.

The young man then left the store and returned in the company of another man, who was armed with a handgun. The masked men then held the store’s owner at gunpoint and robbed the store.

While escaping, one of the bandits shot at the store’s owner but fortunately for him, the bullet ended up hitting one of the

bandits. The injured bandit ran a short distance and then collapsed. He was captured and handed over to the Police, who escorted him to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remains a patient.

His accomplice, however, fled the scene, leaving him behind. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the suspect.

pandemic with a virus that is easily transmittable, and therefore we have to take precautions [to protect ourselves as well as others],” Dr Anthony noted.

The Health Minister further reminded that there is still a 10:30 pm to 4:00 am curfew in place and that certain businesses such as bars, should not be open for oper-

ations.

“I do hope that the relevant businesses and other entities take note of this because if they go and have parties and all of this, and the Police come in then they will be in breach of the law, and therefore they will be prosecuted,” he warned.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 83,322,449 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 1,831,412 deaths.

The World Health Organisation also reported on Sunday that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 36,337,439 while deaths have gone up to 872,486.

Man killed in EBD New Year’s Day accident identified

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hortly after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) asked for the public’s assistance in identifying a man who was killed on New Year’s Day on the Covent Garden Public Road, his niece has come forward and positively identified her uncle.

The man was identified as Mark Colpepper, 35, of 1645 Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The accident occurred at about 19:30h on January 1, 2021.

It was reported that on the day in question motor pick-up GKK 6556 driven by a 38-year-old man from Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was proceeding

along the roadway when the now dead man attempted to cross the road.

He, nevertheless, ended up in the path of the vehicle.

As a result of the impact, the now dead man sustained injuries about his body and was subsequently picked up in an

unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.

The driver of the motor vehicle was arrested but subsequently released. Police are continuing their investigations.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CPG members avert New Year, no time to rejoice double suicide in Bartica – mother of murdered man S 5 years later…

The now dead Asif Hafeez and his wife Abiola Garnette a few days before his death

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ive years ago, on New Year’s Day, a mother was plunged into a state of shock and disbelief after her son was stabbed to death during an argument at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

The then 24-year-old Asif Hafeez of Crabwood Creek was reportedly imbibing with another man when an argument broke out between them and he was stabbed to his neck.

Since that fateful day, his mother, Sandra Bridgepaul, said New Year’s Day has not been a time to rejoice for her and her family.

“It is not a happy period for me during this time because the memories come back of what happened 2016 New Year’s morning and the entire story. I understand you must die, but the justice part I am dissatisfied with,” The grieving mother related.

She explained that there was no justice for her son’s death, pointing out that her son was killed on January 1, 2016.

The alleged perpetrator, she noted, was arrested on January 10, 2016, but after spending five months behind bars, he was acquitted for the murder.

In June 2016, Moses Samuels, 56, of Grant 1780 Crabwood Creek was freed after the prosecution made a technical glitch in the preparation of the charge.

The prosecution had the option of arresting and filing new charges against Samuels but this was not done.

The woman stated that she has not seen her son’s killer to date.

“My story gone unsolved and it is a very hard thing to lose my son in that kind of manner. As long as I live I can never

The grieving mother: Sandra Bridgepaul

forget it. Every New Year’s morning I always remember. I understand that he was allotted to go like that but the law is very blind,” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Bridgepaul recalled that on that eventful morning of 2016, her phone was bombarded with calls but she did not answer since she thought it was persons wanting to wish her a happy New Year.

After the calls continued to come in, she eventually decided to answer her phone and it was then she was told of the devastating news. Since that day, she recalled, life has never been the same.

wift action by a female member of the Karrau Community Policing Group in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) saved the lives of two teenagers who attempted to take their own lives on Saturday, Police said.

This publication was informed that at around 18:00h, the two teens, a 14-year-old girl and 19-yearold man, who apparently shared an intimate relationship, attempted to harm themselves.

According to reports, a member of the Community Policing Group, who was in the area at the time, reportedly heard loud screams coming from the direction where the teens were.

Upon checking, she came face to face with them. Upon taking a closer look, she saw the young man holding a sharpened object with intent

to harm himself.

The woman told investigators that she immediately raised an alarm and other members of the Policing Group rushed to the scene.

Police said the Policing Group members were able to restrain the young man, but upon seeing this, the female ran into a house and locked the door and windows.

With assistance from the residents, the officers managed to enter the building where the teen was found.

It was reported that a substance in a bottle was also found close by.

She was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where she is undergoing medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old was taken into Police custody.

Investigations are ongoing.

The history of a first-generation indentured couple …laying the foundation for success of Muneshwer Continued from Sunday, January 3, 2021 edition

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hurbatore and Amru, like other indentured labourers, were very industrious transforming hundreds of acres of thick forest into productive paddy fields and a huge savannah for cattle grazing. They purchased cattle for milk production. At one time, their stock had crossed 700, including several Holstein. Ghurbatore and his sons tended to the paddy fields and cattle while the ladies sold milk and attended to other domestic chores. Milk was sold to the public and or to produce homemade pure ghee. The cows were milked in the backdam and placed in dozens of milk cans and transported by the train at Trainline or on bicycles to the main road or by punt or canoe to Canje or Rose Hall backdam. The milk cans were collected and transported by hard female labour on the head and/or on bicycles.

Amru and her two daughters and daughters-in-law sold in bulk or retail. The cow dung was used as manure on the rice fields. Ghurbatore and Amru was a generous couple, allowing others to graze their cattle on their leased land as well as on their rice land after the harvest. Cow dung was given away as manure.

The two daughters moved on after marriage while the three sons remained at home with their spouse and children for some time before moving out in their own homes built by Amru and Ghurbatore. As was the tradition, Ghurbatore and Amru gave their daughters’ husband dowry (land grant, cattle, cash, jewellery). The custom was brought from India and practiced for a few generations even to this day.

Ghurbatore also set up the daughters and their husbands for success with housing and financial support to help raise their families.

They got houses. The two girls were successful in fam-

ily business.

Naurangya’s son Muneshwer received a cash grant to start his business. Sancharee received assistance as a vendor in the market and inherited rice land and cattle. Ghurbatore built Naurangya a house in Ankerville on a large plot of land with many fruit frees behind Port Mourant Hospital.

Sancharee and her husband were accommodated in a cottage a few houses away from where Ghurbatore and Amru lived. (Sancharee was wed to Ramjee Singh, who was given the revered title of Babu. He was an indentured labourer who came to Guiana in 1912.

Sancharee and Ramjee had several children – Phulmatee, Lilmatee, Inderjeet or Hindu, Golin, Baljeet, Bethlyn, Boodoo, and Sugrim).

Naurangya had only one child – Muneshwer. As the oldest grandson, Muneshwer, born in 1910, was the favourite and was showered with lots of gifts by his grandparents Ghurbatore and Amru.

When he got married in the 1930s, he also received lots of cash gifts. His grandparents set him up in business, opening a clothing shop next to Roop Mahal in Haswell; also, in later years, his mamu or mother’s brother, Mahadeo, my aja, loaned him cash to assist with the business. Aja could not read or write and did not trust banks; Aja entrusted Muneshwer with his savings that was used to expand Muneshwer’s business.

It was the expectation of Ghurbatore that Muneshwer would help his cousins, the grandchildren of Amru and Ghurbatore. Muneshwer did train my father, Baldat, to become a tailor. As he did for his daughters, Ghurbatore built homes for Rajaram and Mahase. My aja inherited the kutiya of his parents. There he raised his five children – Ramrattan, Baldat, Balraj, Eva, and Sambhu.

After his success at Haswell, Port Mourant, Muneshwer moved to Georgetown sometime in late

1940s or early 1950s. There, he established the largest hardware and that remained so for decades. Interaction between Muneshwer with his cousins was limited although from time to time he provided accommodation and/or hospitality for cousins who visited Georgetown. Muneshwer had his own large family to care. A few cousins were accepted at Queen’s College or UG during the 1960s and 1970s and Muneshwer provided housing for a short period as they searched for rentals; they moved out when they found rentals. When Muneshwer made the move to Georgetown and was settling in, Naurangya remained behind in Port Mourant.

Naurangya returned to the little kutilla where she had lived with her parents and siblings in the same yard as brother Rajaram. Some years later, Muneshwer took her to Georgetown; she never liked the big city and constantly complained of loneliness, missing her siblings in Port Mourant. She wanted to return to Port Mourant. When she died in 1961, she was entombed in Georgetown rather than in Port Mourant where her parents and siblings were buried. My father and my cha cha Ramrattan and my aja and his brother Rajaram went to the funeral.

As was the custom at the time, when grandchildren were married, they received gifts of land or cash or cattle or jewellery from parents or grandparents.

Besides Muneshwer, other grandkids also received gifts.

When Golin got married, Ghurbatore and Amru gifted a cow and a calf to the dulahin and her husband, Pandit Bangat). As it was the custom among the older generations, my aja also gifted a cow to my eldest sister in marriage.

However, traditionally, females were gifted less wealth than sons who inherited the bulk of the property of hundreds of acres of productive rice land. But the land and

cattle were still communally owned and planted for the extended clan. The indentured wanted to hold on to their property. Ghurbatore was the boss and was reluctant to part from his land and cows till death when Amru took charge of family affairs.

My aji died young and my father and his four other siblings were raised without a mother. Amru helped to take care of the five including the spouses of Ramrattan and Baldat. Long before his death, Ghurbatore assisted two of his sons to go into small business – Mahase in tailoring and running a general clothing-related shop; Rajaram managed a ploughing enterprise using ox and a team of workers. Mahase mentored Muneshwer in business and tailoring. My aja did not pursue business, preferring instead to tend to rice land and cattle to continue the father’s ancestral tradition. My father’s mother died young before any of the five children (Ramrattan, Baldat, Baleraj, Eva, and Simbhudas had wed. After marriage, my father ran a shop in Ankerville and Simbhudas had a shop in Bloomfield). Aja lent his savings to his siblings and nephews and nieces, and they invested it into wealth for themselves. Aja lacked skills to transform his as-

sets into greater wealth as like his parents, he could not read or write. Not surprisingly, he was not as wealthy as his siblings. It is also the tradition in Indian families for the oldest son to imitate the father and continue his occupation. Thus, Mahadeo, aka, Bharka Bhai spent his entire life in rice cultivation and cattle rearing. Mahase and his children (Beta Bhai, Arjune, Betty, and Buddy) had no interest in farming. Rajaram’s nine children assisted with farming duties.

Aja partnered with Rajaram to purchase a tractor in early 1950s. They were among the earliest farmers to acquire a tractor for ploughing of the large acreage of paddy fields. The tractor was also used to assist non-family members with ploughing.

Rajaram and his sons were the drivers of the tractor; my aja showed no interest to drive the tractor, preferring to stay in the backdam taking care of the assets. The two brothers or their sons took turns, spending weeks at a time at the backdam.

Ghurbatore died during the early 1940s and Amru late 1940s. The property, rice land and cattle they acquired during their four decades in Guiana, would be split up among the children.

Mahase lost interest in tend-

ing to cattle and rice cultivation and was compensated with cash for his share of inheritance. The other two brothers attended to the land as partners with demarcated sections. The cattle belonged equally to Mahadeo and Rajaram, who cooperated rearing their cattle and cultivating rice. Before his death, Mahadeo divided up his rice land and cattle among his children. Rajaram also divided up his land and cattle among his children. My father teamed up with Rajaram in herding his cattle. He also teamed up with his brother Ramrattan in rice cultivation. After the death of Mahadeo and Rajaram in the late 1960s and 1966, respectively, the flock had depleted. Many were stolen or eaten by jaguars or tigers at Canje back or the savannah, and some sold. My father kept a few cattle and some died from a severe drought while the rest were sold before we migrated to America in 1977.

The inheritance of Ghurbatore and Amru was not equally shared among the grandchildren. Thus, some were more economically more successful than others.

Nevertheless, the indentured couple laid the foundation for the economic and educational achievements of their progeny.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

Regional

St Vincent puts Barbados Cuban doctors nominated on high-risk list for Nobel Prize

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ffective today, Monday, January 4, 2021, travellers from Barbados to St Vincent will be categorised as arriving from a high-risk country, and must quarantine in an approved hotel for 10 days.

This change in the protocol for entry of travellers to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) was announced by the St Vincent National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) Saturday night.

A change has also been made to the protocol for entry of travellers to St Vincent from medium-risk countries, who will now have to spend five days in an approved hotel.

The change in categorisation of Barbados from medium risk to high risk came just hours after the Barbados Government announced that over the past two days, almost 200 people tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and that public health officials are investigating at least three clusters, one of

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St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

which is a super spreader event accounting for the majority of new cases.

Head of the Barbados Cabinet COVID-19 sub-committee, Senator Jerome Walcott said 161 people at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds, comprising inmates, wardens and civilian staff returned positive tests. And on Friday and Saturday, 33 cases outside of the prison – via contact tracing and visitors at the Grantley Adams International Airport – were also recorded.

Of that 161, there are 113 inmates and 48 staff who tested positive.

The main super spreader event is a Boxing Day bus crawl that made several stops at West Coast bars, some of which are now closed. Officials are also looking at two smaller clusters.

Health and Wellness Minister Jeffrey Bostic said “we are on top of this situation as far as the prison is concerned”. (Excerpt from Searchlight Newspaper)

Search called off in the Bahamas for missing boat

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he search for a boat that left the Bahamas but failed to arrive in the United States as planned has been called off by the US Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said the boat left Bimini in The Bahamas last Monday and was scheduled to arrive in Lake Worth, Florida the following day.

Approximately 20 people were believed to be on the blue and white 29ft Mako Cuddy Cabin vessel.

Coast Guard officials said that they suspended the search late Friday after rescue teams covered 17,000 square miles (44,030 square km) in over 84 hours.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the missing people,” said Captain Stephen

The boat left Bimini in The Bahamas last Monday and was scheduled to arrive in Lake Worth, Florida the following day

V Burdian of the US Coast Guard. “The hardest thing is that the longer it takes us to find somebody, the longer they can be drifting,” said Jose Hernandez, US Coast Guard Public Affairs Petty Officer First Class.

Speaking just before the search was called off, Hernandez said the Coast Guard only suspends a search “once we’ve already exhausted all of the assets and the information that we do have”.(CMC)

proposal to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to a contingent of Cuban doctors who specialise in disaster situations and serious epidemics was endorsed by four members of the British Parliament.

According to the official site of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom, the four members of the House of Commons – Paula Barker, Ian Byrne, Dan Carden and Kim Johnson, highlighted the humanitarian aid

provided by Cuba and the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors.

With the four formal nominations of the legislators, 16 requests submitted by British parliamentarians are accumulated, to which another eight were sent by academics from the United Kingdom.

Nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize have a deadline of January 31 of each year and can only be made by parliamentarians, academics, awardees, judges of international courts,

Bermuda’s Health Minister condemns “reckless behaviour” as island posts 18 new COVID-19 cases

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ermudian Health Minister Kim Wilson has condemned what she says is “reckless behaviour” that led to the island recording 18 new cases of COVID-19.

In an update late Saturday, the Minister said that a total of seven cases were from overseas and seven were the result of on-island transmission with a known contact. The sources of the other four cases are under investigation.

The new cases bring the island’s total confirmed cases to 622 — roughly half in December alone.

To date, 10 people have died on the island.

“We have been made aware of some disturbing social activities over the New Year’s holiday that saw a significant number of individuals at a location who were not engaging in safe practices. Reckless behaviour such as this is unfortunate, and we understand that the Bermuda Police Service is investi-

Bermudian Health Minister Kim Wilson

gating the incident.

“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of making sensible and responsible decisions,” she said. The fresh cases were among 1,925 test results that came back to health officials since Thursday.

The overseas cases include three residents who flew to Bermuda from London on the December 23 British Airways (BA) flight and tested positive on their day eight test.

One case arrived on

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did not comply, according to Penal Forum Attorney Olnar Ortiz.

“The regime let him die,” Ortiz said. Critics of President Nicolás Maduro’s Government call him a dictator who has systematically jailed opponents and denied them rights to due process.

Venezuela’s information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Government frequently accuses the Opposition of seeking to fo-

ment a violent coup to seize control of the nation’s vast oil reserves.

Some 12 other Indigenous men remain incarcerated under accusations of participating in the December 2019 raid on the outpost in southern Bolivar state. Maduro at the time accused the men of conspiring with Colombia, Peru, and Brazil to spark a rebellion in Venezuela, a charge all three countries denied.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

a JetBlue Airways flight from Boston on December 26 and another arrived on a private jet on December 27.

The other two positive cases were residents who arrived on the December 30 BA flight.

The island has 134 active cases, with 131 patients under public health monitoring and three in hospital — but none in critical care.

A total of 478 patients have recovered. (CMC)

Trinidad: Cops probe million-dollar ATM heist

Indigenous Venezuelan man accused of raiding military post dies in jail – rights group

Venezuelan member of the Pemon Indigenous group accused of aiding a raid on a military post in late 2019 died on Sunday in a jail close to the capital Caracas, rights group Penal Forum said in a tweet.

Salvador Franco died just weeks after family members and activists reported he was suffering from health problems. A court in November had ordered his transfer to a medical facility, but authorities

and active or retired members of the Committee.

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that since its creation in 2005, the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics has saved hundreds of thousands of lives in areas of Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, which have been hit by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and epidemics. (CMC)

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rinidad Police are investigating a million-dollar robbery from an ATM belonging to RBC Bank, which occurred over the weekend.

According to a Police report, about 09:00h on

Sunday, January 3, a manager of RBC confirmed receiving a report from the Electronic Response Officer of unusual activity at an ATM at one of their branches.

Upon arriving at the

scene about 10:00h, she reportedly opened the ATM room and observed the two machines cut open and cash trays on the floor.

An estimated $1.3 million in T&T currency was reported to be missing.

Police visited the scene and observed that entry was gained through a hole on the western side of the building.

The scene was processed.

No CCTV camera footage was obtained as cameras were non-functional at that location.

Investigations continue. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS OPEC sees oil outlook for 1st half of 2021 full of downside risks

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PEC sees plenty of downside risks for oil markets in the first half of 2021, its Secretary General said on Sunday, a day before meeting allies led by Russia to discuss output levels for February.

“Amid the hopeful signs, the outlook for the first half of 2021 is very mixed and there are still many downside risks to juggle,” said OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo.

He was speaking at a meeting of experts of OPEC and allies, a group known as OPEC+, according to remarks published by OPEC. OPEC+ will meet today.

In December, OPEC+ decided to increase production by 0.5 million bpd from January as part of the 2 million bpd gradual rise this year but some members have questioned the need for a further boost due to spreading coronavirus infections.

“Given fundamentals are weakening, it would be prudent for OPEC+ to hold output steady and there is a preference among some of the biggest producers to hold production flat,” said Amrita Sen, co-founder of Energy Aspects thinktank.

OPEC’s leader Saudi Arabia has suggested a more cautious approach during previous meetings while OPEC member the United Arab Emirates and non-OPEC Russia have said they prefer a speedier increase.

“Curbs on social and economic activity remain in place in a number of countries, and there is concern about the emergence of a pernicious new strain of the virus,” Barkindo said.

He said the global economy could strongly rebound in the second half of 2021 but sectors such as travel, tourism, leisure and hospitality could take years to reach pre-virus levels.

OPEC+ was forced to cut production by a record amount in 2020 as global lockdown measures hammered fuel demand.

OPEC+ first cut output by 9.7 million bpd, then eased cuts to 7.7 million and ultimately to 7.2 million from January.

Barkindo said OPEC now expected global oil demand to be led by developing countries and to rise to 95.9 million bpd in 2021, or by 5.9 million bpd from 2020, as the global economy is forecast to grow by 4.4 per cent.

Even though development of coronavirus vaccines have sparked market optimism, the rise in demand would still fail to bring consumption to pre-pandemic levels of around 100 million bpd.

OPEC’s latest December forecast was lower than the previous forecast of a 6.25 million bpd rise in 2021 because of the lingering impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Brent oil prices ended 2020 above US$50 per barrel more than a fifth down year-on-year but more than doubling from April’s lows as producers cut output and as the United States and the European Union approved trillions in stimulus packages. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Niger village attacks killed 100, says Prime Minister

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ne hundred people were killed on Saturday in attacks on two villages in western Niger, Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said following one of deadliest days in recent memory for a country ravaged by Islamist violence.

Rafini announced the death toll in remarks broadcast on national television on Sunday from a visit to the zone, near the border with Mali. He did not say who was responsible for the attacks.

Security sources said on Saturday that at least 70 civilians had been killed

in simultaneous attacks by suspected Islamist militants on the villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye.

Niger has suffered repeated attacks by Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State near its borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, part of a wider security crisis in West Africa’s Sahel region.

It has also seen tit-fortat killings between rival ethnic communities that have been stoked by the jihadist violence and competition for scarce resources.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Several dead as roof collapses at Indian cremation site – Police

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t least 19 people died when a roof of a shelter at a cremation facility in northern India collapsed on Sunday, Police said.

The roof at the site, in Uttar Pradesh state’s Ghaziabad district, came down when some 40 people had taken shelter beneath the structure to get out of the rain, trapping them under the rubble, divisional commissioner Anita C Meshram said.

Many victims were relatives of a local resident whose last rites were being conducted at the time, according to reports.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear, but the authorities plan to investigate the accident.

“We will conduct an inqui-

A sniffer dog examines the debris after the roof of a shelter at a crematorium collapsed in Ghaziabad, India [Reuters]

ry into the matter and find who is responsible – whether it is the builder, officials, or workers of the municipal council, as soon as possible,” Meshram said.

Meanwhile, area police

chief Iraj Raja told DPA news agency: “The roof at the cremation compound, over some 30 metres long, collapsed suddenly and 38 people were trapped. Nineteen people were killed on the scene or

while being taken to two hospitals nearby.”

Nineteen more were being treated at the hospitals. The death toll could increase, as some of the wounded sustained serious injuries, Raja added.

Rescue workers were going through the rubble to determine if there were more victims, Police said.

Local authorities said they had launched an inquiry into the accident. They promised strict action if it was found that officials had been lax.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind sent their condolences, even as state agencies directed monetary compensation to the victims’ kin. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

COVID restrictions likely to get “tougher”, warns British PM

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ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said tougher lockdown restrictions were probably on the way as COVID-19 cases keep rising in the United Kingdom, but that the roll-out of vaccines was set to accelerate today with the first 530,000 doses of the newly approved Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines ready to be administered.

He added he hoped “tens of millions” would be treated

over the next three months.

Cases of COVID-19 in the UK are at record levels, likely fuelled by a new and more transmissible variant of the virus. That has already forced the Government to cancel the planned reopening of schools in and around London, with calls from teachers’ unions for wider closures.

Much of England is already at the highest Tier 4 level, which involves the closure of shops not sell-

ing non-essential items and places like gyms and recreation centres as well as a stay-at-home instruction.

But Johnson, asked in a BBC interview on Sunday about concerns that the system may not be enough to bring the virus back under control, said restrictions “alas, might be about to get tougher”.

The UK recorded 57,725 new cases of the virus on Saturday, and with more than 74,000 deaths so

far during the pandemic, the country is alternating with Italy as the worst-hit European nation, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Addressing concerns over education, and with millions of pupils set to return from their Christmas holidays today, Johnson said schools were safe, and advised parents to send their children in, in areas where rules allow it. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Pakistan coal miners kidnapped and killed in IS attack

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he Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the killing of 11 coal miners in the western Pakistani province of Balochistan.

They were kidnapped by militants and killed near the coal mine on Saturday.

The victims were members of a minority Shia community, the Hazara, repeatedly targeted by extremists because they are followers of Shia Islam.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack as an "inhumane act of terrorism".

The attack took place late on Saturday night, near the small town of Mach, not far

People burn tyres and block a motorway during a protest after the attack

from the provincial capital, Quetta, and close to the border with Afghanistan.

Balochistan is the country's largest and poorest region.

Armed militants kidnapped the miners from

their shared residence and took them to some nearby mountains.

Six of the miners were already dead when found, and five who were critically wounded died on the way to

a hospital, a local official is quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.

A gruesome video from the scene shows the victims' bodies strewn across the floor of a small hut - their hands had been bound together, reported the BBC's Secunder Kermani.

Demanding justice, protesters laid the bodies out on a main road, blocking traffic.

Officials have promised to apprehend those responsible.

Members of the Hazara community have been frequently targeted by extremists from Pakistan's Sunni Muslim majority. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US election: Trump tells Georgia election official to “find” votes to overturn Biden win

U

S President Donald Trump has been recorded telling Georgia's top election official to "find" enough votes to overturn the election result.

"I just want to find 11,780 votes," Trump told Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in a recording released by the Washington Post.

Raffensperger is heard replying that Georgia's results were correct.

Biden won Georgia along-

side other swing states, winning 306 electoral college votes to Trump's 232.

Since the November 3 vote, Trump has been alleging widespread electoral fraud without providing any evidence.

He tweeted on Sunday that Raffensperger had not given details of the fraud the President alleges. "He has no clue!" the President tweeted.

All 50 states have certified the election result, some

after recounts and legal appeals. So far, US courts have rejected 60 challenges to Biden's win.

Congress is due to formally approve the election result on January 6.

Biden, a Democrat, is due to be inaugurated as President on January 20.

Voters in Georgia are due to vote again on Tuesday to elect two senators for the state. The result could determine the balance of power in the Senate - if the two

Democrat contenders win, then there will be equal numbers of Republican and Democratic senators and Democratic Vice-Presidentelect Kamala Harris will have the deciding vote.

Biden's Democrats already control the lower House of Representatives.

In the excerpts released

by Washington Post, Trump can be heard alternately cajoling and pressurising Georgia's Secretary of State.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Put your health and emotional well-being first.

Chase your dreams instead of taking on someone’s obligations. A physical routine will motivate you to stay in shape.

Your desire for change will leave loved ones feeling uncertain. Rely on your gut feeling when making a decision. Use intelligence when chasing a position that offers a bright future.

Be wary of favors and compliments from someone likely to have ulterior motives. Get to the point, and find out what others want or expect from you.

Move things around at home to accommodate your needs. You’ll come up with a great way to be more efficient and successful. Make changes that will ensure fairness in personal and professional partnerships.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Think big, but stick to the basics. Share your vision, but stick to your budget. You can always add the bells and whistles at a later date. Don’t mix business with pleasure.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Change begins with you.

Delve into whatever interests you and see where it leads. Picking up knowledge and skills is never a waste of time. You can always take a detour if necessary.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

It’s your prerogative to change your mind or try something new. Do your best, forge ahead and pursue your dream. Don’t worry about what other people say; it’s your life.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Slow down, observe what’s going on around you and consider how best to use a situation to get ahead.

Don’t feel that you must make a change just because someone else does.

You’ve got more options SAGITTARIUS than you think. Refuse to let (Nov. 23anyone interfere with your Dec. 21) plans. Be willing to do the work yourself. Don’t jeopardize your health; take every precaution necessary.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) FRIDAY'S WORD - WINDAGE

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Unnecessary purchases will leave you short of cash.

A joint venture will not turn out as planned. Stick to what you do best, and look out for your interests.

Do more research before making a change that can affect your income or a partnership. You can protect yourself from being taken advantage of emotionally and financially. Exercise will relieve stress.

Trying to please others by taking on additional responsibilities will leave you tired and unable to take care of your duties. Don’t jeopardize your health or reputation.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

21

Results not age key factor for Federer now, says Woodbridge R oger Federer’s results in 2021 are more likely than any age milestone to determine when his glittering career comes to an end, said Australian Todd Woodbridge, who thinks the Swiss master may yet have another Wimbledon triumph in him.

Last week, the holder of 20 Grand Slam singles titles confirmed that fitness issues after two knee operations in 2020 mean that fans will not see him in action at the Australian Open in February for the first time in more than two decades.

“A player of his stature, at some point when you’re not winning, you start to wonder about why you’re only making the quarter-finals, when you’re used to being in the final,” Woodbridge told Channel Nine this week.

Todd Woodbridge

“It doesn’t give the same adrenaline rush as it always has, and that’s when you start to think to yourself that you’ve got other things to do with your life.”

A semi-final defeat in Melbourne in 2020 was Federer’s last competitive match, and playing five-setters in the Australian summer heat after a lengthy injury and 14-day quarantine would have been a tricky

proposition for the 39-yearold.

Federer has not missed a trip to Melbourne Park since a loss in qualifying in 1999.

Yves Allegero, Federer’s fellow Swiss and former doubles partner, feels skipping the Australian Open was a logical decision.

"All his career, Roger Federer only lined up if he was 100 per cent physically," Allegro told the 20min

Benjamin Mendy: Man City “disappointed” after defender breaches COVID-19 protocols

M

anchester City say they are disappointed after defender Benjamin Mendy breached COVID-19 rules by hosting a New Year's Eve party.

A spokesperson for the France international said the 26-year-old held a dinner party with guests from outside his household. The mixing of households indoors is banned under the United Kingdom Government's tier four restrictions. City said they would conduct an internal investigation.

"While it is understood that elements of this incident have been misinterpreted in the reports [carried by newspapers earlier], and that the player has publicly apologised for his error, the club is disappointed to learn of the transgression and will be conducting an internal investigation," the club said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Mendy said: "Benjamin and his partner allowed a chef a n d two

friends of his partner to attend his property for a dinner party on New Year's Eve. "Ben accepts that this is a breach of COVID-19 protocols and is sorry for his actions in this matter. Ben has had a COVID test and is liaising with Manchester City about this."

There have been a number of apparent coronavirus breaches by players in recent days.

Tottenham criticised three of their players after they attended a party over Christmas, while Fulham are looking into reports that striker Aleksandar Mitrovic all e g e d ly broke coronav i -

rus rules. Crystal Palace Manager Roy Hodgson also apologised after midfielder Luka Milivojevic was pictured with Mitrovic at a gathering in London.

Fulham's match against Burnley on Sunday was postponed after an increase in positive cases at the club. City also had to cancel their match against Everton on December 28 because of positive tests. (BBC Sport)

website www.20min.ch.

"So he made the right decision, especially since he has plenty of time left to prepare for his main goals of Wimbledon and the Olympics."

Participating at a fifth Olympics featured prominently in Federer’s agenda, and the postponement of the Tokyo Games by a year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic worked perfectly for the Swiss, who would otherwise have missed it due to injury.

The last of his major titles might have come on the Melbourne hardcourts in 2018, but Federer may see Wimbledon’s grasscourts,

where he has won eight titles and made the final in 2019, as the most realistic surface to add to his tally. “ F o r R o g e r to cont i n u e on, he’ll have to be able to manage his body when he does come back,” said Woodbridge,

who won 22 Grand Slam doubles titles.

“His goals, I assume, would be to play at the Olympics

and at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon is the major that I see him being able

t o

win a t t h i s stage of his career.”

Federer is plotting a return in late February and the current men’s calendar would suggest that the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam from March 1 could be the first stop in 2021 for the world number five.

The Swiss proved that he can quickly get back into his groove when he won the 2017 Australian Open despite missing the second half of 2016 season because of knee surgery.

(Reuters)

Gayle confident of one day repeating Yuvraj's six 6s spectacle

W

est Indies talisman Chris Gayle has targeted matching the exploits of India great Yuvraj Singh who once cleared the boundary rope six times in one over. Singh, who retired from cricket in June of last year, achieved the feat in 2007 in a leaguestage match of the inaugural T20 World Cup when he clobbered Stuart Broad.

The India legend achieved the feat on the biggest stage, but six

Chris Gayle

other cricketers have also managed the achievement.

West Indian legend Gary Sobers, Ravi Shastri of India, Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa, Ross Vitali of England, Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan, and Leo Carter of New Zealand.

Despite being 41, Gayle still fancies his chances of becoming the eighth player to do so. Based on his recent performances at this season's Indian Premier League (IPL), one wouldn’t bet against

it. It was at the IPL this season that Gayle became the first player to get to 1000 sixes in T20 cricket.

The big left-hander went close to the feat in 2016 when he hit five sixes in an over off Sulieman Benn in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

"It’s very much possible to hit six sixes. So, if six is possible and Yuvraj has done it before so why can’t I do it? Yes, you, I, anybody can do that,” Gayle told the Hindustan Times.

(Sportsmax)

22

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BCB launches “Year of Investment” with CLASSIFIED ADS massive Clayton Lambert Gear Project – dozens benefit – BCB President fulfils promise to youth cricketer from Upper Corentyne

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Youth players stand with their uniforms

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the patronage of Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat on Saturday launched its activities for 2021 under the theme "Year of Investment" by hosting the presentation ceremony of the Clayton Lambert Gear Project.

The simple presentation took place at the Area H Ground under the supervision of President Hilbert Foster, Secretary Angela Haniff, Assistant Secretary Ameer Rahaman, Competition Committee Chairman Leslie Solomon and Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu.

A total of 72 Under-15 and Under-17 players received cricket gear or a full white cricket uniform in the largest single-day distribution of gear by the proactive Cricket Board.

BCB President Foster, in opening remarks to the players and their parents, stated that the gear was donated

by former West Indies opener Clayton Lambert after he had approached him for assistance. The former Berbice Captain, Foster noted, readily agreed and committed to assisting on a regular basis in the future as he was very impressed with the current development of the game in the Ancient County.

Foster stated that his administration in 2021 was seeking to invest heavily in the careers of junior players with special emphasis on gear, educational material, bicycles and regular coaching programmes.

He urged the players to cherish the donated items which included bats, batting pads and gloves, wicketkeeping pads and gloves, helmets, thigh pads and forearm guards.

He also urged the players to pray that God would protect Lambert and to research his career as he is a cricketing legend of the county. The players were drawn from over 20 clubs including Bush Lot Rising

Star, Achievers, B l a i r m o n t , Edinburgh, East Bank Blazers, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Albion, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Port Mourant, No 72 Cut and Load, No 73, Rama Krishna CC, Scottsburg and Line Path CC. Two females The Rose Hall Canje first-division team and the combined Berbice River Cricket teams received donations as well as several organisations, including from the Achieversthe Berbice High School, Berbice River Cricket Association, Upper Corentyne CC were among thoseCricket Association and the Line Path Raptors CC receiving assistance pressed gratitude to the Board was badly injured during a and Foster made it very clear that the gear was and Lambert for the donation fight.

Foster urged the youth to the cricketers’ and not the and committed themselves to working harder to fulfil their remain focused and to work club’s. The BCB President harder if he wanted to fulfil potential. stated that in the future donaMeanwhile, BCB his dream of playing for the tion of gear would be done to players as executives of most President Foster fulfilled his county and Guyana. The BCB clubs tended to lock away the promise to 17-year-old Ritesh President will shortly visit the gear, with few persons hav- Haimchand of No 72 Village family to hand over under the ing access to them and in some by handing over a bat to him. BCB’s Say Yes to Education cases, the gear simply disap- Foster had committed to as- programmes, educational masisting Haimchand with a bat terials to four children attendpears.

The parents and youths ex- while visiting his father who ing schools.

Bangladesh selector disappointed at WI players’ decision to skip Bangladesh tour

H

abibul Bashar Sumon, the former Bangladesh Captain and the current selector of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), was extremely disappointed at West Indies top players’ decision to skip the upcoming Bangladesh tour.

A total of 10 first-choice players including the Test Captain Jason Holder and limited-overs Captain Keiron Pollard declined the opportunity to tour owing to COVID19-related concerns or personal fears.

The list also included Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. Fabian Allen and Shane Dowrich are unavailable owing to personal reasons.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) COVID-19 policy, however, allows any player to opt out of selection for an overseas tour,

Habibul Bashar

based on the player’s own safety fears or concerns. As a result, the team coming to Bangladesh turned out to be a second-string West Indies side.

Bashar said he was disappointed to see a “weak” opponent on a mission to return to international cricket after a long absence. According to him, it is unfortunate that the top players skipped the tour at a time when Bangladesh had already proved its ability to give the players security from

the highly-contagious virus.

“We have proved that our situation is good. We have successfully organised two tournaments, keeping a large number of players, officials, and other stakeholders in the bio-secure bubble,” Bashar said on Thursday. “The bio-secure bubble that we have created is also quite successful.

Even after that, the current situation in Bangladesh is good compared to the other countries and it is not that you can’t play at all. That’s what I

personally believe. ” So it is sad to send such a team, Bashar said, adding that “They are showing the cause of COVID-19, in that case I would say it is sad.

Because we are in good condition. It is unfortunate to send such a team even after this.

But it is entirely up to them what kind of team they will send. We can’t say anything about it.”

The Caribbean side has recently visited some foreign countries, where the COVID-19 situation is worse than Bangladesh.

“The West Indies had toured several countries including England, New Zealand. At that time, the situation in England was very bad. We have followed the protocol that England has followed. Then what’s the reason not to come here,” Bashar questioned.

The West Indies are due to arrive in Bangladesh on

January 10 for a two-match Test series and three-match One-Day International (ODI) series. The tour will officially start on January 18 with a 50-over warm-up match at BKSP. After that, they will play two ODIs in Mirpur Shere-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on January 20 and 22.

The two teams will leave for Chattogram on January 23. After a one-day break, they will face off in the third and final ODI on January 25 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

A four-day warm-up match will be played at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram from January 27 to 31. The first Test is on February 3-7 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The second Test is at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mipur on February 11-15. (The Bangladesh Today)

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Why is Jahmar Hamilton selected ahead of Anthony Bramble? play a single match.

In Bramble’s most recent Four-Day season, in 20192020, he had promising outings; however, this performance was not as impressive compared to the previous seasons. He scored 339 runs at an average of 26.07, including two half-centuries with a high score of 91, just missing out on a century.

Hamilton has also been in the runs at the Regional Four-Day level, but from 2017-18 to the 2020 season, his numbers were inferior to Bramble’s.

Hamilton’s dream sea-

By Brandon Corlette

N

o Shai Hope, no Nicholas Pooran, no Shane Dowrich, and yet Anthony Bramble is still not seen as an alternative wicketkeeper to tour Bangladesh.

It is evident that the promising Joshua Da Silva should make both squads, since he scored heavily in the regional Four-Day tournament and the Regional Super50 Cup in the 2019-2020 season.

He also scored a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) fifty.

To cap it off, Da Silva looked solid on his Test debut with a half-century.

The topic of discussion is Jahmar Hamilton and

Bramble celebrates a century Hamilton celebrates a century

Jahmar Hamilton

Anthony Bramble, both wicketkeeper-batsmen. Hamilton is in the West Indies One-Day International squad that will tour Bangladesh. Bramble and Hamilton have inconsistent List A careers with their batting average in the 20s. Therefore, the yardstick

for their selection to a West Indies squad would be based on their First-Class record.

Let us examine Bramble's First-Class record. In the 2017-18 season, Bramble racked up 613 runs for the Guyana Jaguars. The cricketer, who plays for Albion Cricket Club locally, backed

up his aggregate with 42 catches and three stumpings in that memorable season.

Averaging 47.15 with the bat, Bramble had one century, a high score of 196*, and four half-centuries.

The right-handed batsman then proved his consistency, following up in the 2018-19 Four-Day season with 580 runs at a stunning average of 52.72. Bramble scored two centuries in that season and again was in top form with the gloves. He accounted for 42 catches and one stumping. After those backto-back seasons, Bramble earned selection to the West Indies T20 team, but did not

Anthony Bramble

son was in 2016-17 where he scored 648 runs in nine matches at an average of 46.28, including two centuries and two half-centuries. The busy right-handed Hamilton then had an ordinary 2017-18 season, scoring 237 runs in eight matches with only one half-century at an average of 16.92. In 201819, Hamilton then scored 385 runs in seven matches

at 29.61 with three half-centuries.

The most recent Regional Four-Day season saw Hamilton scoring 372 runs at 28.61 with four fifties.

Hamilton has 89 First-Class matches under his belt and 4117 runs at an average of 26.56. He scored six centuries and 24 fifties and has 186 catches and 12 stumpings.

Meanwhile, Bramble played 66 First-Class match-

es and has 2742 runs at an average of 30.46 with three centuries and 12 fifties with 224 catches and 28 stumpings.

The unlucky Bramble was selected for the West Indies T20 squad, but did not play a match, and in the next series, he was left out of the squad.

His glovework remains supreme and over the years, his fitness has improved.

West Indies ODI squad to tour Bangladesh: Jason Mohammed (Captain); Sunil Ambris; Nkrumah Bonner; Joshua Da Silva; Jahmar Hamilton; Chemar Holder; Akeal Hosein; Alzarri Joseph; Kyle Mayers; Andre McCarthy; Kjorn Ottley; Rovman Powell; Raymon Reifer; Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr.

Albion, BCB congratulate Permaul on Test recall

– BCB extends wishes to Shepherd

A

fter a five-year absence from Test cricket, Guyana's leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul made a return to the Test squad that will depart on January 8 to tour Bangladesh.

His home cricket club, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have extended congratulations to him.

ACCCC Secretary Omarnauth Outar stated that saying the club was happy to see Permaul return to Test cricket was an understatement. "For a number of years, Permaul has been topping the bowling charts and he deserves this. I don't think there is anyone who can doubt this selection. Veerasammy himself is a strong man. We know he is a committed cricketer and he never gives up, that speaks volumes," Outar said.

The ACCCC Secretary says that when Permaul takes the field, he will not be alone as the entire Albion will be walking with him in spirit.

Romario Shepherd

Meanwhile, the BCB President and members extended heartfelt congratulations to Permaul and Romario Shepherd on their selections to tour Bangladesh with the senior West Indies team in the Test and One-Day International (ODI) teams respectively.

President Hilbert had congratulated both players during the recent Brian Ramphal Awards programme, and told them that the entire Ancient county was rooting and praying for them. "We would like to urge the two heroes to remain focused and to be out-

Veerasammy Permaul

standing ambassadors of the Berbice brand. Please remember at all times that you are the current representatives of the legacy of [Rohan] Kanhai; [Basil] Butcher; [Joe] Solomon; [John] Trim; [Alvin] Kallicharran and [Roy] Fredericks."

"We are delighted for Permaul as he is finally being rewarded for his outstanding performances over the last few years. We at the BCB are confident that he would make us proud with some

great bowling spells while Shepherd would continue his development as one of the Region’s leading all-rounders.

May God bless both of you, may he protect you on the trip and offer you both peace of mind."

The BCB would also like to congratulate the Albion and Tucber Park Cricket Clubs on the outstanding job they are doing and wish them even more success in the future. (Brandon Corlette)

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

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Albion, BCB congratulate Permaul on Test recall – BCB extends wishes to Shepherd

Pg 23

Bangladesh selector Page 22 disappointed at WI players’ decision to skip Bangladesh tour

BCB launches “Year of Investment” with massive Clayton Lambert Gear Project – dozens benefit – BCB President fulfils promise to youth cricketer from Upper Corentyne

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