Guyana Times - Monday, March 8, 2021

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

Issue No. 4581

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

Guyana receives 80,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India — 100,000 jabs now available Page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Cheddi Jagan’s ideas remain P9 relevant today – Min Mustapha

— as PPP stalwarts gather at 24th death anniversary observance

Beepat calls out Police for harassment, P16 favouritism and unethical demands Women have done well at educating, empowering P15 themselves – WPO

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency, Dr K J Srinivasa, officially handed over the batch of vaccines to Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Sunday. Also in photo are Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd along with airport staff

Page 9

Govt moves to repossess undervalued lands sold to Car Care Enterprise

Delivery man robbed of P8 motorcycle in Prashad Nagar

…sues for over $500M in damages

Guyana aims to Page 7 GRA intercepts boat with over implement Phase 2 of 6000lbs of its LCDS – Min Bharrat smuggled — says talks ongoing with Norway to fund project chicken

4 Guyanese prisoners deported from Suriname — handed over to local Police See story on page 2

Page 16

Shanandeen Bacchus

Andre Ragmangal

Govind Dhanraj

Nazim Shaw

Active cases P17 now at 492 as 35 new COVID-19 cases recorded

Sol denies claims of abusing fuel exemption P7 system – says 3rd party verified fuel imports, compliance with law

2 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 Guyanese prisoners deported from Suriname

— handed over to local Police

Shanandeen Bacchus

Andre Ragmangal

Govind Dhanraj

Nazim Shaw

our Guyanese who served time in a penitentiary in neighbouring Suriname for various offences were on Sunday deported to Guyana and handed over to local police.

The men were all processed and remain in custody.

The deportees are 39-year-old Andre Ragmangal of Fifth Avenue Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). He reportedly overstayed in Suriname and was imprisoned for one month.

In addition, 31-year-old Govind Dhanraj of Block 12 Non Nariel, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was sentenced to two months for a domestic violence charge while Shanandeen Bacchus, 47, of Corentyne, Berbice, served two years for trafficking in narcotics.

Finally, Nazim Shaw, 58, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was imprisoned for two years for wounding.

The men were hand-

ed over by Senior Superintendent of Nickerie Police Department, Bryan Isaacs to Inspector Marlon Odonghue and a party of Police ranks from the Guyana Police Station.

In 2018, six Guyanese among other nationalities were deported from the Dutch-speaking country. The others included 16 Brazilians, 18 Chinese, one Indonesian, two Dutch, one Haitian, one Bangladeshi, one Syrian and two Frenchmen.

It was reported that many of the deported foreigners could have returned to Suriname after two months or within a year if their documents were in order. However, two of the deportees are not allowed to enter the country before five years.

This was done less than a month after a brutal pirate attack off Suriname that left several Guyanese dead and some missing.

F

NEWS

3

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 8 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 12:30h – 14:00h and Tuesday, March 9 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 8 – 12:50h – 14:20h and Tuesday, March 9 – 13:45h – 15:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 12:41h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 06:07h and 19:01h reaching minimum heights of 1.19 metre and 0.99 metre.

Guyana receives 80,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India – 100,000 jabs now available

G

uyana’s immunisation campaign to protect citizens against the COVID-19 pandemic got a major boost with the donation of 80,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from the Indian Government.

The vaccines arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, on Sunday where Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Dr KJ Srinivasa, officially handed over the batch of vaccines to Guyana.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is also the Coordinator of the National COVID-19 Task Force, along with Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd were at the airport to receive the jabs.

During a press confer-

(L-R) Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Indian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd at the CJIA on Sunday morning to receive the vaccines

ly. We want to vaccinate our Joint Services and teachers,” the PM stated.

According to Phillips, this vaccination campaign is part

80,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines arrived from India on Sunday

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

01 05 07

09 20 22

FREE TICKET

17 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

04 06 09 14 24 LUCKY 3

5

8

7

1

Afternoon Draw

9

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05

07

10

11

13 14 17

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

03 07

08 09

13

17

01 03

08 15

19

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$69.36/barrel

+3.78

Rough Rice

$238.10/ton

-0.95

London Sugar

$463.50/ton

+0.32

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1705.80

$1706.60

Low/High Change

$1700.10 +5.50

$1714.70 +0.32%

ence after the handing over ceremony, Prime Minister Phillips disclosed that this batch of vaccine will be used to immunise members of the Joint Services and teachers.

“We have a priority which starts with the frontline workers. We want to vaccinate our medical people who are our frontline workers. We want to vaccinate our elder-

of Phase Two of the PPP/C Government’s plan to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase dealt with the emergency measures put in place to fortify the health system to deal with not only the spread but the tracing and treatment of infected persons.

However, the Prime Minister noted that with

Phase Two already on the way, more COVID-19 jabs will be required as the immunisation programme expands to cover more categories of citizens. On this note, Phillips urged persons to ensure that they take the jab to protect themselves against the life-threatening virus.

“While we thank the Government of India for providing the vaccines, it’s an opportunity for me to appeal to the Guyanese people to come forward and take the vaccine,” he posited.

High Commissioner Srinivasa outlined that the donation not only signifies the depth of friendly relations between the two countries but also his Government’s commitment to the world as the first responder to this global health crisis.

“By delivering this Covishield (the name the jab is being traded as in India) vaccine, India has demonstrated its willingness and ability to work with its friends across the world especially developing nations in a spirit of South-South cooperation,” the Indian diplomat noted.

He further noted that the foundation of India’s donation of COVID-19 vaccines across the world is a part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cooperation and collaboration to fight this pandemic.

But according to the Indian High Commissioner, India’s Vaccine Maitri (vaccine friendship) which has been dumped by the world media as “vaccine diplomacy”, is purely an effort to actualise his country’s commitment to the world with nothing expected in return.

“I want to stress here India donates these vaccines with nothing in demand or in return. We do not ask for any quid pro quos. India is doing it in a spirit of collaboration, in a spirit of friendship and in a spirit of helping our friends who require these vaccines across the world,” Srinivasa asserted.

TURN TO PAGE 8

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

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

Effective action for women

O

nce again, as we have been doing unofficially for over a century and officially since 1967 under the auspices of the United Nations, we are commemorating “International Women’s Day”. Apart from “celebrating” the achievements of women in all spheres of human endeavour, because of the realities in every country of the world, there are inevitably exhortations for accelerating “gender parity”.

Whatever women have achieved has come in spite of, not because of, present structures in our societies.

For instance, starting in Ancient Greece, the “cradle of democracy”, women were on par with slaves, bereft of the right to participate in decision-making of the city states. This status was only grudgingly changed in the “progressive” West after WWI, following a long and contentious suffragette struggle.

As is usual, there is a “theme” announced annually and for 2021 it is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) release offers a good snapshot of the status of women today, and the rationale for the theme: “This year’s International Women’s Day is like no other. As countries and communities start to slowly recover from a devastating pandemic, we have the chance to finally end the exclusion and marginalisation of women and girls. But to do that, we need immediate action. Women must have the opportunity to play a full role in shaping the pivotal decisions being made right now as countries respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic – choices that will affect the well-being of people and the planet for generations to come.

“To do this, we must break down the deep-seated historic, cultural, and socio-economic barriers that prevent women from taking their seat at the decision-making table to make sure that resources and power are more equitably distributed. For instance, across the world, women remain concentrated in the lowest paid jobs, many in extremely vulnerable forms of employment. Women are nearly twice as likely than men to lose their jobs during the COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, the pandemic will dramatically increase the poverty rate for women and widen the gap between men and women who live in poverty.

“The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working with countries across the globe to address these inequalities. Our eye-opening new policy brief (sic) explores how a Temporary Basic Income for women in developing countries could provide part of the solution. UNDP argues that a worthwhile monthly investment of 0.07 per cent of developing countries’ GDP could help 613 million workingaged women living in poverty to absorb the shock of the pandemic. It would also contribute to the economic security and independence that is necessary for women to engage more deeply in the decisions that could change their future.”

We are not in the least sanguine about the latter proposal since even in the developed countries like the US, initiatives for increasing the minimum wage for all workers – much less women alone – have foundered. In our estimation, there needs to be a fundamental paradigm shift in how “women’s work” in the home is evaluated and valued before women at long last will enjoy some sort of equity in their lives. No one really questions the premise that only work outside of the home has a price – while work inside the home, overwhelmingly performed by women, is given lip-service “value” but no monetary compensation, which is what ultimately confers “value” in the world.

In addition to increasing “women in leadership”, there is need for a more vigorous, effective and sustained campaign against violence against women and females in general in Guyana. We must begin with our “law and order” institutions: the law to explicitly define stiffer – even draconian – sanctions against perpetrators of violence against females, and the Police and Judiciary to ensure the law is observed. There has been too much talk and too little action on this subject.

Women will have to agitate for these changes since the status quo never changes without struggle.

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing International Women's Day today, Members of Parliament write what they choose to challenge to protect women and girls

In praise of Bal Naipaul

Dear Editor, It is with profound sadness that I join with others to pay tribute to a friend and journalist/writer colleague, Balkrishna Naipaul, cousin of the iconic novelists, VS and brother SS Naipaul.

BK Naipaul was very supportive of Guyanese and Trinis in North America, the Caribbean, and global causes, especially humanitarian issues and democracy. He was unquestionably an Indian nationalist and a great admirer and supporter of iconic Indian leaders like Atal Beharri Vajpayee, Lak Krishna Advani, and Narendra Modi. In fact, he attended several India events in New York.

He spent a considerable amount of time in India.

He was a Trini and Canadian patriot but he was also an Indian nationalist and an internationalist, a man of many talents and interests, and a human being whose friendship touched so many Guyanese and Trinis alike. He constantly tried to reach out to other people, regardless of nationalities or ethnicities. Towards that goal, he was one of the founders of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and a Life Member.

Although a Trini, BK Naipaul might as well be called Guyanese because he spent a considerable amount of time among Guyanese in Canada and New York since the 1980s patronising and participating in their events. And he stayed at the home of Guyanese “brother” Kali

Balkrishna Naipaul and former T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

whenever he was in New York including when he was posted at the UN; all of this time in NY was among Guyanese who were involved in the Guyana struggle or Indo-Caribbean cultural activities. He visited Guyana a few times including during the period of the dictatorship and after the restoration of democracy.

He played a significant role in championing democracy for Guyana and was an ardent supporter of Dr Cheddi Jagan. He promoted Jagan’s New World Economic Order at the UN as well as in his writings and travels overseas.

Naipaul’s was an unmistakable voice -- in advocating for a strong United Nations and the interests of poor developing countries. He, like Jagan, championed a more just and peaceful world.

He was a very strong advocate of the UN. He ad-

vanced UN interests on issues ranging from peace and security and conflict resolution to protection of religious sites, refugees, human rights, and humanitarian issues. I had the opportunity to see and appreciate the value of his efforts from reading his works and engaging him on varied issues.

He supported and defended the UN’s sense of purpose, especially as a moral compass for a new world order but he was disappointed that much was not done to advance that cause despite it being talked about much during the 1980s and 1990s. No matter what its shortcomings and problems, he was supportive of the UN and affiliated bodies like UNESCO, UNDP, ICC, ICJ, World Court, and other institutions to which the world turns for solutions to some of the most intractable problems.

Bal’s work is entirely unblemished. Wherever he spoke and or worked, he did so with enormous graciousness‚ integrity and distinction, excelling in all undertakings, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories of those who interacted with or listened to him. Those who knew him will tell you he had a permanent smile.

And they all remember that trademark smile and his laugh, wit, and wisdom.

He was reserved on the one hand but charming on the other. He handled discussions calmly and studiously, the hallmarks of a great diplomat. He was called in several times to resolve conflicts in NY among warring groups in various organisations, and he performed adeptly.

No doubt Bal Naipaul was one of the Indian diaspora’s greatest compatriots and his contributions to Guyana, Indo-Caribbeans and the Indian diaspora will not be forgotten. And while he was honoured by the Indo-Caribbean community in New York by several organisations for his supportive role in the fighting of democracy in Guyana and the Guyanese presence in America, regrettably his role was never acknowledged by succeeding Guyana Governments.

Heartfelt sympathies to his wife and family members. He will be sorely missed. His legacy will live through his writings. Rest in peace, my dear old friend.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

5

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

Riggers must never again be allowed to hold this nation to ransom

Dear Editor, March 02, 2021 marks one year since the PNC/APNUAFC tried to steal the right to govern Guyana by attempting to disembowel the overwhelming choice of our citizens at the General and Regional Elections. The consequential threat to the civility of our nation and its likely impact on the Caricom region as a collective has not been greater since the return to democracy in 1992.

It is therefore pleasing and even sweeter to see a united Guyana celebrating and recognising the triumph.

Notwithstanding, this nation must have the assurance that the PNC and GECOM riggers will never be allowed to hold us to ransom again. The notoriously venal group within the GECOM Secretariat, conjured up a sequence of events that brought the curtains down on the most wicked onscreen dictatorship show to have occurred in the CARICOM Region or perhaps globally in decades.

While the March 2nd Elections Day casting of ballots was peaceful, Guyanese will never forget the 5th March

when David Granger and his Cabal tried to “CHOOK” the Guyanese people in their eyes.

Clairmont Mingo was just the pawn in the game of the false spreadsheet representing an attempt to rig votes in Region Four. What the “riggers” did not contemplate, however, was the robust confrontation with the party representatives in the presence of the powerful International Observers, which resulted in the merging of the most significant united front in Guyana.

The national Guardians of Democracy must be recognized for the national unity they forged in the nation. The relentless pursuit of many involved in the day and night guarding of Containers of Ballot boxes was achieved in threatening all weather conditions and at the risk to their own lives. Together with the outspoken pressure from the Diplomats in Guyana, forced the PNC cabals to make serious mistakes in their clandestine and eventually, ‘don’t care,’ public spectacle.

The overwhelming nasty public insults and open threats to expel the Observers were taking very seriously by

the Diplomats. The APNU/ AFC shamelessly denied the reputable Carter Center International mission entry to Guyana to Overserve the now ‘Infamous” recount was also a serious slap in their face because they knew that they lost the confidence of the nation and were effectively voted out based on the tally of the Statements of Poll (SOPs). The court cases after court cases were all used to delay the Election results and frustrate Guyanese people.

The fact is that the PNC and the thieves at GECOM WERE HELL BENT ON THIEVING THE GOVERNMENT! At the time of writing (March 05, 2021), it is recalled that the nation witnessed the unacceptable obnoxious behavior of the hooligans in the opposition as they falsely proclaimed victory based on Clairmont Mingo’s unacceptable pronouncements. The subsequent Keith Lowenfield abominations could not have been more revealing of the scheme, since it is known that he had evidence of the SOPs and must have known the final vote count.

It is for the mentioned and

other surreptitious agendas executed by Keith Lowenfield and his cohorts that have been subsequently linked to the plot, that the absolute divorce of these unworthy elements from GECOM must be attended, to inform an acceptable institution.

Further, it is also necessary that a review of the fixing of boundaries for some Local Government Areas, that were subtly changed by Lowenfield to confuse PPPC strongholds or rather, effect an advantage for the PNC. The PPP/C Government has allocated more than One Billion dollars for the Local Government Elections this year, and GECOM will have to cleanse itself from those thieves before any spending commence. There can be no “House to House’ registration before this year's LGEs. So GECOM must do what they must do first of all get rid of all the “Riggers” and those persons who held this nation at ransom for five long months.

A smooth period of continuous registration along with a period of claims and objection will be sufficient to update the List in preparation for

Coalition’s ultimate goal is to create hardships and instability for Guyanese Dear Editor, The latest in the saga pertaining to the sitting of the Twelfth Parliament is the determined attempts by the coalition to create havoc and instability in the House and by extension the country as a whole. Their actions amounted to a disruption of the smooth proceedings and if possible, bring to a halt the budget debate.

It also has the sure aim of bringing untold hardships on the people of this country because if the budget is not passed it means that no budgetary allocations can be made to the various Ministries and Departments, which in turn will lead to great suffering for the Guyanese people. This is

their ultimate plan.

Their actions bare a sinister pattern where nothing successful or anything of a developmental nature should preoccupy our attention, instead, they would have us be bogged down with nonsensical issues. I am talking about allegations of lost laptops, tablets and notebooks, and an assault that never was, these they would have us put on for discussion rather than focus on the people’s budget. It is a sickening, sad circus of events.

You must remember it was this very same Opposition when fitted with a one-seat majority in 2011, voted down an entire budget even placing one Ministry to the tune of $1 -

a Guyanese dollar cannot buy a sweet far less run a Ministry - but this is the ridiculous nature of the PNC-led coalition Opposition. Apparently, they are of the mistaken belief that they can again derail this 2021 budget in just the same way they did the Ramotar Government of 2011.

Well, I can assure them that it will not happen because as we speak, Budget 2021 was successfully passed and the miscreant obstructionists have been summarily suspended from Parliament.

Finally, I must bring this salient point to my readers that the PNC is not in the least interested in the wellbeing of the people of this country, their obsession is with

power and control. Every move they make is all tied up in that framework of power control and every shameless opportunity they might have they will use to achieve it.

Well, I am happy to announce that the wheels of justice, as well as the people of this country, will not allow this to come to pass, that is why the majority of us voted them out of power on March 2, 2020, and will continue along that path. The people of this country are looking forward to a Government of national unity, where peace, stability and progress is the order of the day.

Dear Editor, I would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Minister and the team at the Ministry of Natural Resources for allowing key stakeholders an opportunity to have their concerns heard before finalising the local content policy document.

I was part of a team that was invited to have open dialogue and discussion on some of the measures and policies that would potentially affect the education sector and, more importantly, the role of the sector in ensuring that Guyana, as a whole, benefits from our collective wealth that lies offshore.

I was made to understand that while local content policies have the potential to stimulate broad-based economic development, the use of specialised inputs and the technological complexities of the petroleum sector could impede our ability to develop backward and forward linkages in our economy.

Indeed, this is contingent on our ability to quickly expand our educational sector, especially in the provision of certified training at both the vocational and technical levels.

Failure to do so could see us, as a nation, not having the ability to quickly supply services. Hence, because of the fast-growing petroleum sec-

tor, supply bottlenecks could then be exacerbated due to an increase in aggregate final demand. Of course, this would ultimately affect employment and output trends in other sectors of the economy, create distortion and inefficiencies, and in some cases even promote corruption.

While these are certainly the kinds of outcomes we would not like to see manifested, I'm confident that this is the underlying reason why this Government would be expending this year in excess of Gy$60B in the education sector, and provide more than 4,500 scholarships. I think His Excellency the President must be commend-

ed for his visionary leadership!

At the end of the meeting, I was convinced that we in the education sector have an important role to play in the success of the local content policy drive, and, to a greater extent, in ensuring that the returns of the economic links created by our oil and gas sector are maximised; a perception of which prior to the engagement I was completely oblivious.

On this note, I urge all stakeholders to attend and have their voices and concerns heard.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Education sector has an important role to play in success of local content policy

Regards, Elton Ford

the LGEs. The Chairperson of GECOM must act and be very decisive in respect to the ‘Riggers” who are before the court. Guyanese must hold GECOM accountable and after usurping over Seven Billion dollars GECOM must be fully audit.

Certainly, the Chairperson and the Commissioners at GECOM cannot be thinking

that the Guyanese People will accept any less. As such, we look forward to the immediate assertive measures that will guarantee the preservation of a truly democratic environment and prevent the development of future ransom conditions.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Executive silence

Dear Editor, We the Guyanese population recently became aware of the horror stories of the Venezuelan women who fell prey to the hands of a sexual predator/monster.

Any sane-minded person will immediately have goosebumps upon reading such a monstrous story, what is more noticeable, as we are heading to celebrate International Women’s Day, is the deafening silence of our various women’s rights groups as well as the Guyana Human Rights body.

Not because the victims are Venezuelans or sex workers; at the end of the day they are also human beings and it is not for me or anyone else to debate about their chosen profession. The bottom line is they are humans are they also have basic fundamental rights too.

Editor, it would seem as though these various bodies would only find their voices so as to torment their political opponents. I stand to be corrected as I have not noticed any words of condemnation from them.

The Honorable Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, who is

a women’s advocate and also the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha along with the women’s arm of the ruling PPP Government, the WPO, are in a very strong position in ensuring that this monster/beast remains caged for a very long time as cages are where monsters belong.

It would be a wonderful sight to see those Opposition MPs who have suddenly become women’s advocates taking the lead here, their actions will tell if they truly have the public’s interest at heart or they have their own objective for their actions.

I sincerely hope that our Judiciary does the right thing and doesn’t allow this monster to walk free as we may very well have in the making our own version of Trinidad’s Andrea Bharrat.

It is anticipated that in the coming days there are going to be more startling revelations coming from other young ladies. To those persons that stood up to the monster in rescuing the young lady, kudos.

Sincerely, Deonarine Jawahir

6

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

Foundation ◄

Page

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

Question 1

Friday’s answers 1ii) Angle y = 65o 1i) Angle Q = 115O o O The angle next to it = 180 -115 (since TP = TQ) (angles on a straight line = 180o) b) 6p + 90o = 360o = 65o o 6p = 360o – 90o All the angles in a triangle = 180 o o o o 6p = 270o So angle x = 180 – 80 – 65 = 35 p = 270o ÷ 6 = 45o

Materials ¼ cup Epsom salt ¼ cup hot water Food colouring A cup A plate Optional: a small jar Instructions In the cup, measure out ¼ cup Epsom salt and ¼ hot water from the sink. Stir them together.

If all the salt doesn’t dissolve, heat the cup in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

When all the salt is dissolved, put a drop or two of food colouring in the cup and stir to mix.

Place the cup in the refrigerator. Check on it every half hour or hour. Within four hours, crystals should form in the bottom of the cup.

Scoop the crystals onto a plate using a fork.

If you want the crystals to last longer, put them in a jar

with a lid (the small jars that baby food comes in work well).

How does it work?

More salt can dissolve in hot water than cold, so when the hot water cools in the microwave, the Epsom salts create crystals on the side of the cup. The unique shape of Epsom salt molecules makes them form long crystals that almost look like needles.

Different crystals have different shapes. If you look at sugar or salt crystals under a magnifying glass, you can see their cool crystal shapes, too!

Further exploration: When crystals form after being dissolved, they will cling onto anything they can. You can drop a bottle cap into your cup of dissolved salt and they will form on it. You can make a sculpture out of pipe cleaners and they will form on that, too.

Does the experiment work with room-temperature water?

Cold water? (sciencefun.org)

A

lion roaming by the seashore saw a dolphin lift up its head out of the waves, and suggested that they contract an alliance, saying that of all the animals they ought to be the best friends, since the one was the king of beasts on the earth, and the other was the sovereign ruler of all the inhabitants of the ocean.

The dolphin gladly consented to this request.

Not long afterwards the lion had a combat with a wild bull, and called on the dolphin to help him.

The dolphin, though quite willing to give him assistance, was unable to do so, as he could not by any means reach the land.

The lion abused him as a traitor. The dolphin replied, "Nay, my friend, blame not me, but nature, which, while giving me the sovereignty of the sea, has quite denied me the power of living upon the land."

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana aims to implement Phase 2 of its LCDS – Min Bharrat – says talks ongoing with Norway to fund project – boasts of Guyana’s forest management programme

T

he Government is aiming to implement Phase Two of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). As such, it is re-engaging the Kingdom of Norway, which was the source of the funds with which Guyana planned to implement various developmental projects.

This was revealed by Natural Resource Minister Vickram Bharrat during a recent engagement with the media. He revealed that they have already re-engaged Norway to start Phase Two of LCDS, which was renamed the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government “We’ve already re-engaged Norway so that we can start Phase Two of the LCDS programme. We know the LCDS programme was replaced by what was called the Green State Strategy.

I’m not sure how much benefits it yielded for Guyana.”

“But through our Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, we’ve already re-en-

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

gaged Norway to continue that LCDS, which we’ll call the Phase Two of the LCDS,” the Minister explained.

When it comes to Guyana’s current management of its forest resources, the Minister revealed that Guyana is way ahead of many other countries. He cited Guyana’s neighbour to the East, Suriname.

“I’m happy to say that we probably have the best forest coverage presently among forest producing nations. We have one of the best, sustainable forestry system or harvesting in Guyana. It’s some-

thing that is probably second to none,” Minister Bharrat also said.

“Suriname, our neighbour, another forest producer country, we’re way ahead of Suriname in terms of how we manage our forestry activities. It is a model that has been working for us over the years and we will continue to use and improve it, so we protect our forests and wildlife at the same time we are producing.”

Guyana had, in 2009, signed with Norway a historic forest protection accord aimed at Guyana receiving payments for sustaining its rainforests to absorb global carbon emissions. A total of US$250 million was to be paid to Guyana over a fiveyear period.

It was revealed by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during his recent reading of the 2021 budget that Guyana has more than US$135 million in climate change-related funds that it is entitled to but has not been able to access due to the political instability under the former Government.

These are funds that the cur-

Sol denies claims of abusing fuel exemption system – says 3rd party verified fuel imports, compliance with law

S

ol Guyana, which was fingered in correspondence between Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Godfrey Statia and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh about an alleged fuel scam, has come out in denial of the allegations against it.

In a statement on Sunday, Sol made reference to its core values which include “integrity” and noted that they have robust procedures in place to ensure that they comply with the law and corporate social responsibilities.

According to the fuel company, it has been working closely with the GRA in this regard. It also claimed to have been cleared by an unnamed third-party verifier and said that allegations of it abusing duty exemptions are false and damaging.

“As part of its assurance process, Sol has commissioned an independent third party to conduct a verification and reconciliation of its duty position, which confirms Sol is current and compliant with duty exempt importation regulations,” the company said.

“Sol is proud to be a safe and reliable supplier of fuels and energy solutions to the people of Guyana, and will vigorously defend the strong reputation it has built over many years against libellous and damaging statements.”

GRA has a system in which large-scale fuel companies would act as distributors, importing fuel and then receiving tax exemptions for fuel it sold to various businesses that were eligible for

partial or full exemption – businesses that included foreign investors.

But according to Statia in a letter seen by this publication, checks by GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) showed that these distributors were only delivering part of the fuel to these companies, even though the distributors were clearing the fuel at the duty-free rate using the companies’ tax exemption letters.

In the letter, Sol was named as one of these offending companies. Statia revealed that this was occurring as late as 2021, whereby fuel was imported for oil companies but the companies did not receive much of it.

As a consequence, the distributor owed over $2.6 billion worth of taxes for the non-delivered fuel. This sum is currently under review and awaiting a final decision. It is understood that this abuse of the system, with regards to oil imported for oil companies, dates back as early as 2015.

The Commissioner General further revealed that for the period of January 1 to September 30, 2020, one prominent distributor imported close to 35 million litres of

oil on behalf of a company in the extractive industry, using that company’s tax exemption letter.

However, the records submitted by both companies revealed that only 20.6 million litres of oil was ever delivered. According to Statia, based on the reconciliation, it was found that the distributor owed $606.9 million on the 13.8 million litres of oil it did not deliver for the intended purpose.

It was further explained than when GRA wrote to the company, it accepted liability but claimed that it had previously supplied more than 24 million litres of duty paid fuel at a duty-free price to the particular extractive company, without exemption letters.

Checks by GRA could only account for 20.3 million litres.

“GRA should find a way to prosecute the company, and recover duties and interest applicable based on the abuses. I am therefore of the view that the Attorney General’s opinion should be enlisted in considering the way forward,” Statia advised in the letter, which was copied in emails to President Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC.

rent Government is seeking to have released.

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

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

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

“On top of this lost opportunity, a successor GuyanaNorway agreement for the period from 2015 to 2020 never materialised. Almost US$30 million for existing projects has not been disbursed. More than US$135

According to Bharrat, Guyana has one of the best sustainable forest management programmes worldwide

million that was earned by Guyana is sitting in bank accounts outside our economy.”

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

At a press conference last year, Jagdeo had said the LCDS would be the main document guiding the coun-

try’s climate actions. He had also said that the LCDS would also be expanded in the areas of biodiversity, water management and other sectors.

Jagdeo had added that the Government was creating a coordinated and efficient mechanism to deal with all climate and environment-related issues. In this regard, the Government had merged the Office of Climate Change and the Department of the Environment.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New charges expected for armed robbery suspects

T

he four men who were remanded to prison in February for armed robbery, reappeared on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where Magistrate Leron Daly indicated that additional charges are pending.

The Magistrate noted that once investigations are

completed, the new charges will be instituted. As such, the matter was adjourned to April 9, 2021.

Remanded were Orvin Grant, 27, a taxi driver of Melanie, Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Ronlee Rampersaud, 31, a security guard of Sideline Dam, La Penitence, Georgetown;

Russell Bowman, 38, of 8th Street Cummings Lodge, ECD, and Jermaine Hassan, 35, of Newton Kitty, Georgetown, both unemployed.

It is alleged that on February 6, 2021, at Subryanville, Georgetown, being in the company of others and armed with a gun, they robbed Selina Edwards

Guyana receives 80,000 doses...

He went on to remind that already Guyana has benefited from a US$1 million donation to upgrade its health infrastructure along with over 35 ventilators, face masks and other PPE as well as pharmaceuticals.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was developed in the United Kingdom and is being manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer.

India has set aside over 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines for the Caribbean and Barbados has donated a portion of its 100,000 doses to Guyana.

Guyana rolled out the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines to frontline workers on February 11, with the 3000 doses of

the AstraZeneca vaccines from Barbados. Those jabs have already been used to vaccinate over 2000 frontline healthcare workers.

Last month, the Health Minister had said they would administer all 3000 vaccines as the first dose and await the arrival of follow-up jabs for the second dose.

At the press briefing on Sunday, Dr Anthony explained that Guyana now has approximately 100,000 doses to vaccinate citizens.

“With the vaccines that we currently have – we have about 100,000 now – that would help us to immunise about 50,000 people because we’re doing two doses. But this is not going to be enough if we want to reach heard immunity by

of $200,000 in cash.

The prosecution had objected to bail, citing the fact that the virtual complainant was shot during the robbery and was still nursing her gunshot wound.

Additionally, the Police prosecutor also informed the court that Rampersaud was previously charged for a matter of similar nature.

FROM PAGE 3

the end of the year,” he contended.

According to the Health Minister, they have been looking at other opportunities to procure more of the COVID-19 vaccines.

High Commissioner Srinivasa disclosed on Sunday that his country recently approved an indigenous jab – COVAXIN, which was produced by Indian company Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council for Medical Research. The vaccine is now available for distribution across the world with over 81 per cent efficacy.

In fact, Srinivasa revealed that Brazil has already ordered 20 million doses and so too has many other countries in the Middle East, South East Asia and Africa. The diplomat noted that even Guyana will be able to access this new jab.

As such, Dr Anthony noted that with Guyana needing to procure more COVID-19 vaccines, it is looking at acquiring COVAXIN and is already in talks with the Indian Government in this regard.

“Our Food and Drug Administration have examined the data pertaining

to this vaccine because we had prior information from the High Commissioner here. And we have looked at the safety profile and all of that, and we’re quite satisfied. It would be interesting for you to note that the vaccine that Prime Minister Modi took is actually the COVAXIN vaccine and that actually demonstrates the confidence that the Prime Minister and India has in this vaccine,” the Minister pointed out.

Meanwhile, Guyana is still awaiting the arrival of another 100,000 vaccines from the COVAX facility, which will arrive sometime this month.

“We have been working with COVAX facility and they had promised to give us vaccine for 20 per cent of our population. We have not started receiving those vaccines as yet but we have been written to and we expect that very shortly. So, we will be getting 100,800 doses very shortly,” Dr Anthony posited.

Additionally, Guyana also received 20,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine last week. The country is expecting to get another donation of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.

PNC's hypocrisy...

T

...on women oday is International Women’s Day and presumably to commemorate this, the PNC is organising to “Protest Abuse and Discrimination against Women” this afternoon at Burnham Park. This is very rich! And imagine the PNC – which has discriminated against its own women than any other organisation in our history – doing this at Burnham Park! Burnham set back the cause of women here more than a century for what he forced them into during his dictatorship.

As the economy careened out of control and jumped the rails under Burnham’s socialist and racist experiments, it was women who bore the brunt of the punishment. It’s always left for them to struggle to keep their family from starvation, no? Can anyone count how many women who prostituted themselves across the Caribbean, to do that? Can anyone count how many female traders traded their bodies to bring in their goods into Guyana? Can anyone count how many women starved themselves so their children could have the few morsels of food they could muster?

Does anyone remember what he did to the recentlydeparted Andaiye – daughter of his personal physician – when, as a head teacher, she dared challenge his dictatorial rule? She – along with so many other women – was fired and Burnham insisted she STAYED fired for the rest of his life! But we don’t have to just look back into the past – let’s look at how the present PNC leadership has treated women.

Since the theme of IDW this year is, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”, let’s look more specifically as to how he’s treated women leaders in his party.

Granger was rigged into the leadership of the PNC by Robert Corbin and we can do worse than examine how he treated elected Chairwoman Volda Lawrence, who he robbed of the leader’s position! She wasn’t even selected by him to the National Assembly after the last elections!!

He was livid when Lawrence seized the moral high ground to call off protesters in W Berbice who were on a rampage after he’d riled them up following the Henrys’ murders. His male acolyte Joseph Harmon is now the Opposition Leader rather than the more senior Lawrence! She’s been banished from the camp!

And, of course, he’s made the inexperienced Lampy Chief Whip, rather than several female MPs who’re far more qualified than him. The fact of the matter is that the PNC, in following Burnham, has always used and abused women – who form the bulk of their foot soldiers – by only bringing them out in protests. Literally hiding behind their skirts!

Today at Burnham Park, those ladies will be regaled about the alleged attack against a female MP in Parliament.

Could they at least allow the Police to do their work? ...on observances The PNC held observances on the protests that erupted in Bath and Cotton Tree Villages on March 6 as the rigging of the elections became clear. Very correctly, they’re remembering the kids whose “David G” school bus was stoned by protesters, injuring some of them. That the protesters insisted they were enraged about the name “David G” emblazoned on the bus is immaterial. There’s never any excuse for placing children at risk.

But what about commemorating the event that was being protested? The rigging of the March 2 elections that would’ve taken us back to the lawlessness of the Burnham years? And what about the Police shooting and killing of 19-year-old Devon Hansraj on the evening of March 6 and the critical injury of Anuradha Supra? As usual, the Police claimed Devon was attacking them, but this is disproved by tapes that show the Police chasing the youth.

Are some injustices OK? ...on its role Leader of the Opposition (LOO) Harmon demands talks with President Ali. But shouldn’t he perform his role in Parliament to critique the PPP’s programme and suggest alternatives rather than banging desks?

Does he want to bang the coffee table at State House?

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cheddi Jagan’s ideas remain relevant today – Min Mustapha – as PPP stalwarts gather at 24th death anniversary observance

F

ounder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the late President Cheddi Jagan, was on Saturday remember for his teaching and leadership as party stalwarts gathered to observer his 24th death Anniversary at Babu Jaan, Corentyne Berbice.

During a wreath-laying ceremony, former General Secretary of the PPP/C, Zulfikar Mustapha recalled that the late founder dedicated his entire life to fight for freedom of all Guyanese and his ideals are even more relevant presently.

Mustapha further stated that under Dr. Jagan’s leadership, PPP/C focused its energies on supporting the struggle for democracy. This is particularly significant since Guyana’s democracy was under severe threat in

A long-serving supporter of the PPP/C pays his tribute to the late President Cheddi Jagan, who died 24 years ago

2020 following the National and Regional Elections when the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) attempted to hold onto power.

“All of us should make a silent pledge that we will never again allow those dark days to return to our country.” On this note, the pres-

ent Agriculture Minister explained that the reform to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is necessary and has called on the populace to support same.

“We must all support those kinds of measures that would put an end to rigged elections, to skullduggery

and to those persons who are bent on taking away our freedom,” the Party official said.

He added that the time is opportune for Guyanese to draw inspiration from the life of the former leader. Further, Mustapha noted that the Party continues to live by the teaching of its founder.

In fact, Mustapha stated that the 2021 National Budget which was approved in parliament on Thursday proved that the Party is still in connect with the ideology of Dr Jagan.

“I think Cde. Cheddi would have been proud to know of those measures that are in this budget to enhance the poor and vulnerable. Measures that would enhance the lives of these people, measures that would help to alleviate poverty and

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha among others at Babu Jaan on Saturday

suffering in our country and that is the way we have learnt to develop our country from the struggle and teaching of Cde. Cheddi Jagan. So today after 24-years the struggles, sacrifices and teaching of Cde. Cheddi Jagan is relevant today as it was when he started the struggle.”

He called on all Guyanese to rededicate their lives to live by the teachings of the

great leader who was not only loved by Guyanese by leaders around the world.

The former President was born on March 22, 1918, at Port Mourant.

He suffered a heart attack on February 14, 1997, but despite treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington DC, he took his last breath on March 6, 1997.

Govt moves to repossess undervalued lands sold to Car Care Enterprise …sues for over $500M in damages

T

he Government of Guyana has initiated proceedings in the High Court to repossess several acres of lands at Plantation Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown, that were sold way below the market price to popular businessman, Wilfred Brandford, owner of Car Care Enterprise.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, who filed the lawsuit, submitted that the State is the lawful owner of the property.

Brandford was a board member of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) under the previous A Partnership for Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration. He was issued with a Certificate of Title No 2020/11 dated

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC April 15, 2020, for parcels 4725 and 4805 Block XXX Plantation Ruimveldt.

The parcels of land comprising 0.710 and 0.887 acres respectively were sold to Brandford for a total sum of $13,500,000. However, in court documents, Nandlall pointed out that a review of the transaction and similar

transactions revealed that similar-sized parcels of land in the same vicinity were sold by the Government for as much as $150 million, more than ten times the price Brandford paid.

Taking this into consideration, Nandlall contended that the sale of the lands is illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant, contrary to public policy and amounts to fraud on the part of the Registrar of Lands. He is therefore asking the court to issue several orders and is claiming damages in excess of $500 million from former GL&SC Commissioner Trevor Benn and Chief Valuation Officer Julian Barrington.

Among the orders being sought by the Attorney General is an order compelling Brandford to gave up possession of the lands.

Delivery man robbed of motorcycle in Prashad Nagar

A

delivery man attached to a popular Chinese restaurant in Georgetown was on Sunday robbed of his motorcycle while making a delivery in Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

At the time of the daring robbery, the man was driving a Honda Hunk motorcycle with registration number CK 2083.

Guyana Times understands that the victim had left his place of work to deliver an order.

When the man arrived in the vicinity, he claimed a female exited a yard in the said street which had an abandoned house and approached him.

Before he could even speak to the woman, two men confronted him with a gun and demanded that he hand over his motorcycle. In fear for his life, he reportedly complied.

Shortly after the men took the motorcycle, the delivery man managed to run away.

The bandits reportedly discharged a round in his direction but it missed him. The

Robbery bandits then made good their escape with the motorcycle.

It is believed that the woman may have been an accomplice to the crime. The Police were informed and investigations are ongoing.

Just two weeks ago a man attached to a popular delivery service was relieved of his XR motorcycle bearing registration number CJ3 worth $450,000 by a lone gunman at Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar.

It was reported that on the day in question, the victim was making some deliveries in the area. However, he stopped his motorcycle to make a call to one of his customers to request directions.

It was during this stop that a lone gunman ap-

proached him and asked “who you looking for?”.

As the victim was about to answer, the suspect whipped out a handgun from the waist of his pants, pointed same at him and ordered him to come off the motorcycle. He complied.

The suspect then rode off with the motorcycle in the direction of the Railway Embankment. As such, a Police report was made and an investigation was launched.

The Police reportedly made checks for the suspect but he was not located.

Several persons in the area were questioned but no substantial information was received.

Former GL&SC Commissioner Trevor Benn According to Nandlall, the power to sell State lands is vested in the President under Section 3 (1) of the State Lands Act, and not Benn in his then capacity as Commissioner of GL&SC. On March 23, 2020, Nandlall deposed that Benn, acting on behalf of the Government, illegally, unlawfully, and negligently entered into an Agreement of Sale and Purchase with Brandford. According to him, Benn sought no input from any other person or department within the GL&SC, nor was approval sought or obtained from the President to effect the sale to Brandford.

Nandlall complained that Benn abandoned all internal processes with respect to the sale of the State lands since there was no competitive bidding and the entire process was sanctioned entirely by him. Nandlall said that Barrington prepared, on the instructions of Benn in respect of the parcel of the property, a current market value stated at $60,800,000.

According to Nandlall, another valuation that was done with respect to the same property has a value of $13,500,000. He said that Benn negligently and in breach of his fiduciary duties, unlawfully and conspiratorially entered into the Agreement of Sale to sell the said property for $13,500,000.

“The price at which the property was sold by [Benn] to [Brandford] was at a gross undervalue and way below market price in relation to other properties within the same vicinity,” Nandlall argued.

The Attorney General has submitted that Brandford replied upon his relationship with Benn and his position of influence he held on the Board of the GL&SC to secure a favourable transaction.

Against this backdrop, Nandlall is contending that Benn acted in collusion with Brandford and Barrington and as a result of their actions, the State was deprived of millions of dollars which resulted in a direct financial loss to the people of Guyana.

Nandlall said that there is no reasonable excuse or justification for the execution of the Agreement of Sale and Purchase.

In February, Nandlall had written to Brandford requesting that he relinquish the undervalued lands he obtained a mere two weeks after the March 2, 2020 General

Businessman Wilfred Brandford and Regional Elections to avoid court action.

In a letter to Brandford, the Attorney General wrote the following: “In the interest of avoiding the institution of legal proceedings against you and without prejudice to the claims and remedies of legal proceedings against you, we are prepared to refund an appropriate sum of the money.”

Nandlall, in the letter, however, noted that the offer would be subjected to the condition that Brandford relinquishes all his purported rights, title, and interests to the parcel of lands over to the State. If he intended to accept the offer, the businessman was informed to contact the Commissioner of the GL&SC. The Attorney General cautioned the businessman that if he failed to avail himself to this offer, civil proceedings would be instituted against him and documents would be transmitted to the Police for investigations.

10 FEATURE

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

I

nternational Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

Marked annually on March 8, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to: celebrate women's achievements; raise awareness about women's equality; lobby for accelerated gender parity; and fundraise for female-focused charities.

The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is “Choose To Challenge”. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.

IWD has been observed since the early 1900s - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming pop-

ulation growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

1908

States on February 28.

Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

Great unrest and critical debate were occurring 1910 amongst women. Women's In 1910 a second oppression and inequality International Conference of were spurring women to be- Working Women was held come more vocal and active in Copenhagen. in campaign- ing for change.

Then in 1 9 0 8 , 15,000 women marched through New York City demandi n g shorter #ChooseToChallenge hours, better pay and voting rights.

A woman named Clara Zetkin (Leader of the “Women's Office” for the 1909 In accordance with a dec- Social Democratic Party in laration by the Socialist Party Germany) tabled the idea of of America, the first National an International Women's Woman's Day (NWD) was Day. She proposed that every observed across the United year in every country there

should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands. The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs - and including the first three women elected to the Finnish Parliament -

#IWD2021 greeted Zetkin's suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women's Day was the result.

1911

Following the cision agreed

deat

Copenhagen in Denmark in 1911, International Women's Day was honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.

However less than a week later on March 25, the tragic “Triangle Fire” in New York City took the lives of m o r e than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labour legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women's Day events. 1911 also saw women's Bread and Roses campaign.

1913-1914

On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on February 23, the last Sunday in February.

Following discussions, International Women's Day was agreed to be marked annually on March 8 that translated into the widely adopted Gregorian calendar from February 23 - and this day has remained the global date for International Women's Day ever since. In 1914, further women across Europe held rallies to campaign against the war and to express women's solidarity. For example, in London in the United Kingdom, there was a march from Bow to Trafalgar Square in support of women's suffrage on March 8, 1914. Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested in front of Charing Cross station on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square.

1917

On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for "bread and peace" in response to the death of over 2 million Russian soldiers in World War I. Opposed by political leaders, the women continued to strike until four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The date the women's strike commenced was Sunday, February 23 on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia. This day on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere was March 8.

1975

International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975. Then in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year

by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

1996

The UN announced their first annual theme "Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future" which was followed in 1997 with "Women at the Peace Table", in 1998 with "Women and Human Rights", in 1999 with "World Free of Violence Against Women", and so on each year until the current.

2000

By the new millennium, there was little activity occurring for International Women's Day in most countries. The world had moved on and, in many spheres, feminism wasn't a popular topic. Something was needed to re-ignite International Women's Day, giving it the respect it deserves and to raise awareness amongst the masses. There was urgent work to do - battles had not been won and gender parity still had not been achieved.

TURN TO PAGE 15

11

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14

MMONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

15

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Women have done well at educating, empowering themselves – WPO

T

o mark International Women’s Day (IWD) which is observed today, Monday, March 8, 2021, the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) said that women in Guyana and across the globe have done well educating and empowering themselves.

The WPO was founded by the late former President

Janet Jagan. In a statement issued by the WPO, it stated that women have done exceedingly well at balancing work while raising children and managing homes.

“This is not an easy task.

The need for shared responsibility and adequate daycare and childcare is important and it is something that society and governments

have to consider if they are serious about gender equality. Women in Guyana have a lot to celebrate,” the WPO said in a statement.

According to WPO, “Women have recognised that education is critical for their growth and personal development and it is not by accident that they are excelling in all areas of endeav-

FROM PAGE 10

2001 The internationalwomensday.com platform was launched with the specific purpose of re-energizing the day - a focus which continues to this day - celebrating and making visible the achievements of women while continuing the call for accelerating gender parity.

The website, which provides useful guidance and resources, adopted an annual campaign theme that is globally

Switzerland. In the United States, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 to be "Women's History Month", calling Americans to mark IWD by reflecting on "the extraordinary accomplishments of women" in shaping the country's history.

The then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched the "100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International

and Prime Ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices.

And so each year the world inspires women and celebrates their achievements. IWD is an official holiday in many countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia,

relevant for groups and organisations. The campaign theme, one of many around the world, provided a framework and direction for annual IWD activity and took into account the wider agenda of both celebration as well as the call to action for gender parity. Campaign themes over the years have included: #ChooseToChallenge, # E a c h f o r E q u a l , #BalanceforBetter, #PressforProgress, #BeBoldforChange, #PledgeforParity, # M a k e I t H a p p e n , #TheGenderAgenda and more. Campaign themes for the global IWD website are collaboratively developed each year with a range of stakeholders and widely adopted worldwide. The IWD website also serves as a significant vehicle for charities and in 2020, a hefty six-figure sum was fundraised with 100 per cent of donations going to charity. The IWD website's Charities of Choice are the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) since 2007, and Catalyst Inc, the global working women's organisation, since 2017.

2021 sees IWD's charitable fundraising opened up more widely to further registered charities around the world.

Exchanges". In the United Kingdom, celebrity activist Annie Lennox led a march across one of London's iconic bridges raising awareness in support of global charity Women for Women International. Further charities such as Oxfam have run extensive IWD activity.

Many celebrities and business leaders actively support the day.

Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts.

In some countries, IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, Government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more. Many global corporations actively support IWD by running their own events and campaigns.

For example, on March 8 search engine and media giant Google often changes its Google Doodle on its global search pages to honour IWD. Year on year IWD is certainly a powerful moment increasing in status.

So, make a difference, think globally and act locally!

Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

2011 2011 saw the 100-year centenary of International Women's Day - with the first IWD event held exactly 100 years ago in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and

2021 and beyond The world has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation may feel that “all the battles have been won for women” while many feminists from the 1970s know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy.

With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality.

The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts

our. More than 60 per cent of those graduating from universities are women and they are now turning their attention to areas that were dominated by their male counterparts…”

The organisation said that from the time of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1953 to present, women have advanced in a variety of ways, among them, being promoted to important positions in society, a trend that continues to grow.

Moreover, the WPO pointed to the more than 25 progressive legislations and measures to protect women.

In this regard, it noted, “We are indeed lucky that the successive Governments of Guyana have understood the value of women in political life, and they have encouraged their participation at different levels.” In fact, the WPO reminded that women in Guyana broke the glass ceiling as early as 1953 when they were elected to the Legislative Council to constitutional changes that require one-third of women.

While the list of achievements by women is commendable, the WPO underscored that greater work is needed to remove the obstacles that are hindering their development. These, it added, include domestic and sexual violence which have become a great concern that needs to be addressed urgently.

On this note, the organisation expressed that it welcomes initiatives by the Government that will help to address this pressing issue, including the establishment of a toll-free hotline to allow victims of domestic violence to report incidents and request assistance.

Included in these initiatives, the WPO added, is the $1 billion Spotlight Initiative programme, which will see the Government working along with stakeholders to curb gender-based violence and the proposed establishment of the court superintendent department with a cadre of lawyers to lead prosecutions in each regional division for domestic violence cases, as well as the survivors' advocates’ programme.

“In this COVID-19 environment, many problems are facing all segments of our society. Children are unable to go to school, parents cannot work the way they used to, and many have lost their jobs and source of income. These problems have only served to exacerbate the challenges faced by women.”

The WPO commended the Government for its pro-people 2021 budget which it said includes key measures such as the reversal of various tax measures which will help to offer relief during this COVID-19 pandemic; various incentives

that will help the economy to grow; and social safety net measures which will provide some relief to those who are living in difficult situations.

Also, the organisation thanked the dedicated and committed women, who worked hard to ensure that our democracy was not derailed. “We thank these women for their sacrifices and for putting country first.”

Gender equality

This year’s IWD is being celebrated under the theme: “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”.

According to WPO, this year’s theme takes cognisance of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) five, which presumes that by 2030, women will be equal partners in leadership and the goal of 50/50 will become a reality.

While Governments across the globe have committed themselves to the SDGs, the organisation pointed out that there is still much more to be done to ensure that they are met. WPO said that gender equality will only become a reality when society is prepared to confront patriarchal views that continue to keep women in subservient positions.

“Unfortunately, women’s rights always go to the back burner in times of crisis in the world. We recall the first and second world wars where it was impossible to talk about equality.

In this COVID-19 environment, quite a lot of challenges have emerged for women, their families, and their way of life. In a matter of nine years, we have to make 50/50 a reality and the big question is whether there will be global commitment to this process.”

16 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Beepat calls out Police for harassment, GRA intercepts boat with 6000lbs of smuggled chicken favouritism and unethical demands

C

The smuggled chicken found by GRA LEID officers

A

s it continues to crack down on smuggling activities in Guyana, the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) intercepted and seized a boat loaded with smuggled chicken in the vicinity of Annandale/ Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The seizure reportedly occurred between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Based on information received, GRA officers acting on information travelled to the area where they saw the boat in a waterway. Guyana Times understands that as officers arrived at the location, the occupants of the vessel escaped, leaving the smuggled items behind.

It was reported that over 6000 pounds of chick-

en with the Rockingham label was discovered in the speedboat.

When contacted on Sunday, Commander of Region 4 C, Mahendra Siwnarine said that the Police Force was not a part of the operations.

He said GRA contacted them after the boat was intercepted but by the time ranks arrived at the location, the suspects had already disappeared.

More than two weeks ago, GRA detained one of six suspects following the discovery of a large quantity of chicken and alcohol in a truck also on the ECD. GRA had stated that officers detained the vehicle at Dazzle Housing Scheme, ECD. The tax collection agency said that while six persons were spotted, five managed to escape.

The detained businessman was previously appre-

hended in a similar operation at Mahaicony, ECD, where un-customed goods were also confiscated, GRA said. In fact, the Revenue Authority has initiated court proceedings against him.

The same detained individual along with another ECD businessman had filed an $8 million lawsuit against GRA in July 2019 for wrongful arrest and detainment on accusations of smuggling raw chicken into the country for sale to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

In its relentless campaign, the GRA is encouraging members of the public to be forthcoming with information about persons and businesses involved, aiding or abetting these illegal activities.

Information can be reported to the LEID hotline 2276060 ext 3204 – 12.

Berbice crash victim remains critical

T

hirty-year-old Sherry Alica Jaigobin of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who was injured in an accident that claimed the life of her husband on Thursday, remains in a critical condition.

The accident reportedly took place in the vicinity of the Berbice River Bridge Road, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

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

Corentyne), S e n i o r Superintendent J a i r a m Ramlakhan related that the woman is still in an unconscious state.

Her condition is being monitored.

Since the accident, doctors have been trying to stabilise and nurture the mother of one back to full Vijay and Sherry Alica Jaigobin strength, but they have been When contacted on Sunday, Commander of unsuccessful.

It was reported that on Region Six (East Berbice-

the day in question the now injured woman and her husband, 33-year-old Vijay Jaigobin, a goldsmith, was travelling along the access road to the bridge at a fast rate of speed. As a result, the man lost control of the vehicle, slammed into a concrete culvert, and ended up in a nearby trench. The car came to halt with its wheels in the air.

Public-spirited persons rushed to the scene and managed to pull the injured couple from the wreckage.

They were taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where the man was pronounced dead on arrival and his wife was admitted as a patient.

hairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat believes he is being targeted and to an extent harassed by the Guyana Police Force and other regulatory agencies.

He noted that based on his assessment, the administering of punishments and enforcing the law are made based on racial prejudice, corruption, or political favouritism.

Beepat explained that the law enforcement body, specifically the new Sergeant and Commander of the Turkeyen Police Station continue to target the Giftland Mall. He stated that the mall and its concession holders have faced numerous attacks and wish for these actions to cease forthwith.

As such, he has called on Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn to intervene in the matter and to ensure equal treatment for all Guyanese businesses.

In detailing the Police harassment, the businessman highlighted that on Saturday last, the mall was stormed by ranks attached to the Turkeyen Police Station.

He explained that officers visited the mall at about 21:00h and made unethical requests which were not entertained by the mall’s staff.

As such, ranks arrested

Businessman Roy Beepat

staff members from three restaurants. These restaurants included the Temp Restaurant, the Boardroom and Level Restaurant, which Beepat posited were not in breach of the COVID-19 regulations.

He added that these actions of the Police Force show the abuse of power by the officers since the time the staff members were arrested was earlier than that of the stipulated curfew.

Additionally, Beepat recalled that back in December 2020, on Christmas Eve Day, Police had closed the public access road leading to the Giftland Mall at 21:30h. Due to the closure of the road, many shoppers who were at the mall were stranded.

He pointed out that on

the same night, a fete which was publicly advertised and clearly defied the COVID-19 guidelines was in full swing without interruptions.

Beepat reiterated that actions like these show favouritism and the Force’s inability to administer the law uniformly.

He added that many hotels and nightclubs in and around Georgetown continue to freely operate even when they are in breach of the National Task Force protocols.

Moreover, he further stated that the Giftland Group understands the duty of the Police Force and its power but will not accept vindictive and predatory Police actions.

“These selective enforcement actions, and now unethical behaviour by members of the Force, continue to highlight the basic needs for the improvement of the Police profession in this country.”

He noted that the mall has no objections to curfews or regulations, once they are fairly applied and enforced across the board.

Meanwhile, the Chairman noted that they have reported the unfair and unethical treatment to the authorities and business organisations.

Essequibo Coast fatal accident

Police Constable remains under close arrest for death of girlfriend

A

23-year-old Police Constable stationed at the Suddie Police Station on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), remains under close arrest following the death of his girlfriend on Saturday.

This was confirmed on Saturday by Regional Commander Crystal Robinson, who stated that investigations into the fatal accident continue.

It was reported that at about 13:20h on Saturday, the Constable, who is attached to the Traffic Department, was driving motor car PMM 5509 when an argument reportedly erupted between him and his now dead 26-year-old girlfriend, Simona Williams of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast.

It is alleged that the Police Constable went to the home of his girlfriend at about 11:30h on the day in question and collected her to go to Anna Regina.

It was reported that the couple spent some time in Anna Regina conducting business, and as they were returning home, the argument developed.

Guyana Times understands that the Constable claimed that his girlfriend began accusing him of being unfaithful. They reportedly argued until they reached

Hibernia Public Road.

He told investigators that during the misunderstanding, the woman held on to the steering wheel and pulled it to the left, and he, in turn, pulled it back to the right.

At that time, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle, thus causing a collision

with another motor car bearing registration number PPP 4196 which was stationed at the time.

Following the collision, Williams was taken out of the vehicle by public-spirited citizens and escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt seeking consultant for Active cases now at 492 as 35 Ogle-to-Diamond road project new COVID-19 cases recorded — to provide supervisory services for 1st phase

T

he Ogle to Diamond bypass project, which will form an important link between the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), has progressed to the point where the Government is seeking a consultant to supervise the first phase of the project.

According to a notice, the Government is seeking bids from eligible companies, to provide consultancy services for supervision of phase one of the road linkage project, which is from Ogle to Eccles.

The project entails constructing 7.8 kilometres of a four-lane road, each lane 3.6 metres wide and a median. It also includes concrete drains, sidewalks and a utility corridor along the length of the road.

“Additionally, a two-lane connector road will be constructed at Eccles-Haags Bosch. This road will also be of asphaltic concrete. Minor bridges and culverts are to be constructed along the connector,” the notice also said.

According to the notice, the Government will provide funding for eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. It further noted that consultants will be considered based on their technical competence, qualifications and experience in similar assignments both locally and internationally. Their financial capacity and existing commitments will also be considered.

“The objective of the consultancy is to effectively manage the implementation of the project, providing construction supervision

This photo, taken in January, shows the progression of works on the Eccles to Diamond road

and contract administration during the construction phase and defects liability period,” the notice said, further detailing that the assignment will last for no more than 30 months.

Applications must be submitted no later than April 29.

The bypass project will see a total of 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares. This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara.

These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

These connections will prove crucial in diverting traffic.

Last year, works began on a new alternative road connecting Diamond and Eccles on the EBD corridor in order to ease the traffic congestion.

Government has said that this project is likely to be completed in April 2021.

The new alternative road will run from Sixth Avenue, Diamond, to the Windsor Estate Road that leads on to the Eccles Landfill Site Road.

This will form a connection through the new Herstelling Housing Scheme and other

schemes that are being developed along the EBD corridor.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had also revealed in January that the Government is looking at building a four-lane road between Eccles on the EBD and Mandela Avenue that will significantly ease the traffic congestion. The Government is looking to do this by November.

The bypass road is part of the India-funded Bypass Road Project which would link the East Bank Demerara corridor to the East Coast of Demerara, creating a new highway in the backlands.

The Indian Government had provided a US$50 million Line of Credit (LOC) for the road link that was initially slated for Ogle, ECD, to Diamond. Under the previous Government, the project was at a standstill for several years.

The Ali-led PPP/C Administration has since redesigned the project into three phases to fit the LOC. It will now run from Ogle to Haags Bosch at Eccles in the first phase, then from Eccles to Diamond, and finally from Diamond to Timehri to connect to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

A

nother 35 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Guyana, taking the country’s total number of confirmed cases up to 8807.

These were detected from some 609 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry of Health’s updated dashboard on Sunday, eight of the active cases are patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 484 persons in isolation.

This includes 40 persons in institutional isolation and the remaining 444 persons in home isolation.

There are also 13 persons in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, the country’s COVID-19 death toll remains at 201 with the latest fatality being a 57-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who died on Saturday.

To date, some 8114 persons have recovered from

the life-threatening disease, that is, eight more recoveries than the figure previously reported.

Guyana has tested some 70,354 persons thus far for the novel coronavirus of which 4534 males and 4273 females were found to be positive.

Of the 35 new cases recorded on Sunday, four were detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a whopping 24 cases in the DemeraraMahaica region, one in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and three cases each in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

The figures in the other five regions – Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-

Berbice) – remained the same.

Health authorities are reminding all Guyanese to observe the protocols of the Covid-19 Emergency Measures (No 15), which was extended for this month and will be in effect until March 31, 2021.

Among these measures is the 22:30h (10 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew which remains intact. Restaurants and places of worship continue to operate at 40 per cent capacity. Gyms are to operate at 50 per cent capacity while sporting events are only permitted with approval from the Health Minister.

The order further emphasises 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.

Young entrepreneur looking to cement her place in wedding industry

S

Two of the beautiful dresses offered by BE U Fashion

uccessful businesses understand that finding a gap in the market is key.

And for 26-year-old Melissa Boodram of BE U Fashion, that gap was in the wedding industry. Today, this small business is making a name for itself by providing affordable, quality, and beautiful wedding dresses for brides and bridal parties. Also available are stylish accessories such as chains, earrings, shoes, and tiaras.

Boodram confessed that she aims to give brides their dream wedding at an affordable cost. Whilst growing up, she was always fascinated by weddings and was even involved in planning weddings

for several of her relatives.

According to her, “In those days, finding the perfect dress came at a high price...one which people could hardly afford so they had to rent gowns.

So, it was always my dream when I grew up to allow brides to own their own dresses. That same rent money now goes into owning their own dress which they can pass down to their children as an heirloom.”

Due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, Boodram’s operations are strictly online. She is, however, hoping in the near future to open a physical store where dresses would be placed on rolling dress carts and closet rods. There will also be the

addition of couches and chairs for relatives and friends of the bride to sit while she tries on dresses, among other amenities.

Like with starting-up any business, she has had her fair share of challenges which she worked hard to overcome.

Giving a little insight into them, the young woman explained that the logistics aspect of the business has proven a bit difficult. She said, “To make a dress and have it shipped to Guyana takes about a month but sometimes there are details and details would cause brides to cancel the order resulting in me ending up with that dress.”

Another challenge, she

Melissa Boodram

Stylish wedding accessories are also available at BE U Fashion

highlighted, was the cancellation of weddings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this also caused her to have a lot of dresses in stock. It is very simple to order your dream dress from BE U Fashion. If someone is getting married, they can visit the company’s Facebook page at BE U Fashion and select their desired style of dress.

Persons have the option of

going to a tailor or Boodram to have their measurements taken. Once this is done, a 50 per cent deposit is required to process the order. When it comes to expanding her business, Boodram is exploring various options. For instance, she is looking to bring onboard wedding vendors such as photographers, wedding planners, and florists.

She also intends to pro-

mote her business at bridal shows and other exhibitions.

In closing, Boodram was happy to leave advice to budding entrepreneurs. She said that one must follow their dreams and take risks. She added, “Remaining in your comfort zone is safe but if you do not step out and take chances you can never fulfil your dreams.”

“I always tell young people like myself.... everyone has a purpose in life so the least you can do is get up and find your purpose. If you stumble at first, that is alright, all of us fell when we first tried to walk but we got up and walked again until we mastered it. So, do the same!”

18 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

First Lady’s Office, Canadian High Commission partner to celebrate IWD 2021

F

or its International Women’s Day (IWD) programme, the High Commission of Canada said it is pleased to have its activities executed under the patronage of First Lady Arya Ali, with the support of Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud. The Canadian High Commission noted that the partnership is to celebrate the success-

es and strides of women in Guyana and the challenges they face.

According to a statement from the High Commission, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the deep economic and social disparities between men and women despite advances made over the years to promote the rights of women and girls.

It said that even though women have been on the

First Lady Arya Ali

WGEC condemns violence against women

T

he Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) condemned in the strongest terms, the recent acts of barbarism committed against women in Guyana and assured that it remains concerned about the continuing failure of our protective systems to respond appropriately.

In this regard, the WGEC said it is calling on all law-abiding and right-minded Guyanese, regardless of their race, gender, age, religion, or political persuasion to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the heinous and barbaric act committed on a 97-year-old woman of Rose Hall Town, Berbice.

The Commission said that it also condemns the recent assault on a female

Venezuelan national, who along with the elderly woman, were allegedly assaulted by men. According to the WGEC, the Guyana Police Force is duty-bound to protect all citizens, especially those who are vulnerable.

“Too many of these atrocities are being committed and are left unsolved. The WGEC takes this opportunity to remind the State, that it must protect women from harm and that violence against women is the worst form of discrimination that violates the Convention to Eliminate

All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),” the Commission said in a statement.

The WGEC reminded that Guyana signed onto the CEDAW in 1981 which has been further guaranteed under the Constitution of Guyana.

Noting that women’s rights are human rights, the WGEC said, “We call on the Guyana Police Force to act swiftly in bringing the suspects of all crimes of violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence to

face the full force of the law and to ensure that no stone is left unturned in its investigations of this assault on the elderly woman and all such crimes.”

“Guyana is facing an epidemic of Violence Against Women and gender-based Violence including rapes of children and femicides.”

Moreover, the WGEC said it has noted with dismay that there are 250 sexual offences presently listed for trial in the High Courts in Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo.

“These figures tell a gruesome tale of the violence carried out on our women and children since even one case of violence against women, one case of assault, one rape case against a woman or a child is one too many.”

front lines of pandemic response and recovery, they have also faced its dire impacts including rising levels of domestic and intimate partner violence, increased and unacknowledged care responsibilities, and economic insecurity.

The Canadian High Commission referred to the UN Secretary General’s policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on women in 2020 during which it was revealed that the pandemic had “deepening pre-existing inequalities, exposing vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems”.

This year, as the Commission recognises the challenges that COVID-19 has brought, First Lady Ali and Minister Dr Persaud along with 13 Heads of Missions from Guyana’s international community, join Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman to challenge the barriers to gender equality and advocate for women’s empowerment.

The Heads of Mission participated in a photo challenge. In addition to the photo challenge, the High Commission assured that it will continue to encourage conversations about gender equality with a virtual panel discussion themed “Migrant Women, COVID-19 and Gender-Based Violence”.

The panel discussion will feature Head of Development Cooperation at the High Commission, Janine Cocker; UNICEF Area Representative – Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron; and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Country Director, Alex Theran.

It will be moderated by the President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir.

The High Commission will also be collaborating with the Office of the First Lady and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry to share via the High Commission and Government social media pages, the stories of women who have emerged from difficult circumstances as the triumphs and accomplishments of women are celebrated.

The Commission announced that the medium will also be used to share other International Women’s Day messages, videos, and images from the High Commission and its partners to #ChooseToChallenge inequalities. As such, the High Commission invites members of the public to join the #ChooseToChallenge campaign online to celebrate women and call for gender equality.

HEALTH TIPS HEADACHES

CONTINUED FROM SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 EDITION

• Migraine A migraine headache may involve pulsating, throbbing pain. It often occurs on one side of the head but may switch sides.

During an episode, a person may also experience: • Lightheadedness • Sensory disturbances, such as changes in vision, known as an aura • Sensitivity to light or sound • Nausea, possibly with vomiting Migraine headaches are the second most common form of primary headache.

They can significantly impact the quality of life. A migraine episode may last from a few hours to 2–3 days. The frequency of episodes can vary greatly; they may occur from once a week to once a year.

• Medication overuse headache This was once known as a rebound headache. It occurs if a person uses medication

to treat headaches too often.

Medication overuse headaches tend to result from taking opiate-based medications, such as those that contain codeine or morphine.

Beyond the headache, a person may experience: • Neck pain • Restlessness • Nasal congestion • Reduced sleep quality Symptoms can vary, and the pain may change from day to day. Persons with migraine often develop medication overuse headaches.

These can cause migraine episodes to occur more frequently and become more severe.

• Cluster headache These headaches usually last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, and they may occur one to eight times per day.

Cluster headaches may arise frequently for 4–12 weeks, then disappear. They tend to happen at around the same time each day. Between the clusters, the person may have no symptoms. These remission periods may last months or years.

Cluster headaches often involve: • Brief but severe pain • Pain around one eye • Tearing or redness in the eye • Drooping eyelid • Runny nose or congestion • Smaller pupil in one eye • Facial sweating

( blockage or bleeding of the pituitary gland) • Bleeding in the brain • A blood clot in the brain (stroke) People who experience these sudden, severe headaches should receive immediate medical care.

• Thunderclap headache These are sudden, severe headaches that people often describe as the “worst headache of my life.” They reach maximum intensity in under 1 minute and last longer than 5 minutes. A thunderclap headache is a secondary headache that can indicate a life-threatening condition, such as: • An aneurysm ( bulging of an artery that can rapture) • Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (contracting of arteries in the brain) • Meningitis ( inflammation of the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord) • Pituitary apoplexy

Rest and pain relief medication are the main treatments for headaches.

Options include: • Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- Panadol • Prescription pain relief medications.

• Preventive medication for specific conditions, such as migraine • Other treatments for underlying conditions • To prevent medication overuse headaches, it is crucial to follow a doctor’s guidance.

Treating medication overuse headaches involves reducing or stopping the medication.

TREATMENT FOR HEADACHES

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HEADACHE

Several alternative forms of headache treatment are available, however consult a physician before using any of the options or stop using the prescribed medications.

Some of these approaches include: • Acupuncture • Cognitive behavioral therapy • Herbal and nutritional health products • Hypnosis • Meditation

HOME REMEDIES

Certain care strategies can help prevent headaches or ease the pain, these include: • Use a heat or ice pack against the head or neck, but avoid extreme temperatures, and never apply ice directly to the skin.

• Avoid stressors whenever possible, and use healthful coping strategies for unavoidable stress.

• Eat regular meals, taking care to maintain sta-

ble blood sugar levels.

• Get enough sleep, by following a regular routine and keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

• Exercise regularly to boost overall health and lower stress.

• Limit alcohol intake and drink plenty of water.

• Take breaks when working to stretch and prevent eye strain.

DIAGNOSIS

Headaches are usually diagnose base on a person’s: • Symptoms • Type of pain • Timing and pattern of attacks In some cases, additional test or scan may be needed to rule out more serious causes of head pain. The tests may involve blood samples or imaging, such as a CT or MRI scan.

Many people experience more than one of the various types of headache. Anyone who experiences severe or reoccurring headaches should consult a doctor or otherwise receive professional care.

FEATURE

19

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 and Treatment of Adults

Moti Ramgopal, MD, FACP, FIDSA Medical Director, Midway Immunology and Research Center Founder, Midway Specialty Care Associate Professor, Florida State University

Dr Moti Ramgopal, the Guyanese doctor who led the clinical trial on COVID-19 treatment given to US President Donald Trump

S

ince March this year, I have treated hundreds of cases of patients infected with COVID-19, but three cases in particular have aroused my curiosity about the genetic relationship of COVID-19. Do genes play a role in how severe symptoms will be?

Take the case of JT, age 61, I saw over a month ago with a history of COPD, hypertension and diabetes, who developed fatigue, body aches, cough, shortness of breath, and a temperature of 101.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

His COVID test was postive.

His oxygen saturation was 94 per cent on 3.5 L. Indicators of severe disease are marked tachypnea (respiratory rate, ≥30 breaths per minute), hypoxemia (oxygen saturation, ≤93 per cent; ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen, 50 per cent of the lung field involved within 24 to 48 hours).

Once admitted, he started treatment with decadron, remdesivir, convalescent plasma, vitamin C, zinc and anticoagulants. With a history of diabetes and obesity, iron deteriorated, and he was enrolled into clinical trials and received several investigational drugs as well as Actemra, an immunomodulator.

30 days later, he is currently hospitalised with a tracheostomy tube and a feeding tube.

His brother PT, with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity as well as bladder cancer, was admitted two days prior to his brother’s admission with cough and a positive COVID-19 test.

PT was hospitalised for four days and discharged on oxygen after he clinically improved. PT was readmitted five days later with worsening shortness of breath and he was started on Remdesivir, Decadron, heparin and plasma. PT’s condition improved over the next three days, but then

went into cardiac arrest with ventricular arrhythmia and died.

Their 82-year-old mother was infected with COVID as well, but was asymptomatic until she presented three weeks later for thromboembolic event, or a blood clot, involving her right leg. She developed ischemia, an inadequate blood supply, requiring amputation. The family decided on hospice care.

Genetic composition

These three cases question the genetic component of COVID-19. A UK group studying more than 2200 COVID-19 patients has pinned down common gene variants that are linked to the most severe cases of the disease.

In June, one such genome-wide association study in “The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)” found two “hits” linked to respiratory failure in 1600 Italian and Spanish COVID-19 patients: a marker within the ABO gene, which determines a person’s blood type, and a stretch of chromosome three that holds a half-dozen genes.

A gene called IFNAR2 codes for a cell receptor for interferon. A variant of this gene raises the risk of severe COVID-19 by 30 per cent.

There are genes which code proteins, that can activate an enzyme that breaks down viral RNA changes in this gene, and this activation allows the virus to flourish.

Also, genes can code for proteins to ramp-up the inflammatory response to lung damage triggered by COVID-19. Genes DPP9 and TYK2 are involved in inflammation and blocking these enzymes may be beneficial.

CCR2 is a gene that encodes a receptor for cytokine proteins that play a role in inflammation. But other data points to SLC6Z20, which codes for a protein that interacts with the main cell receptor used by COVID-19 to enter cells.

The importance of recognising the genetic impact may influence treatment strategies.

It is still unknown why African-American or Hispanic patients had such a higher risk of infection, but this can be related back to pre-existing conditions.

However, I would not be surprised if there is a genetic relationship that can be found.

Blood type A is associated with a higher risk of respiratory failure. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person through respiratory particles, probably of varying sizes, which are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Because both smaller particles (aerosols) and larger particles (droplets) are concentrated within a few metres, the likelihood of

transmission decreases with physical distancing and increased ventilation.

Aerosols can be generated under circumstances, such as talking, singing, or shouting indoors in poorly ventilated environments.

In these situations, transmission over longer distances may occur. Respiratory transmission is probably the main mode of transmission, hence masking and physical distancing markedly decrease the chance of trans-

of immunosuppressive medications) confer an increased risk of complications, but these conditions may be associated with worse outcomes after infection with other viruses.

Laboratory findings in hospitalised patients may include lymphopenia and elevated levels of d-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein and ferritin. These inflammatory markers are important to trend during the clinical

mission. Under laboratory conditions, COVID-19 may persist on cardboard, plastic and stainless steel for days.

Patients can be infectious one to three days before symptom onset, and up to 40-to-50 per cent of cases may be attributable to transmission from asymptomatic or presymptomatic people. Just before and soon after symptom onset, patients have high nasopharyngeal viral levels, which then fall over a period of one to two weeks.

A patient may be positive for weeks to months, but viable virus and contact-tracing assessments suggest that the duration of infectivity is much shorter and isolation can be lifted in most patients 10 days after symptom onset if fever has been absent for at least 24 hours and other symptoms have decreased.

course.

Evaluation of COVID-19 is guided by the severity of illness. According to data from China, 81 per cent of people with COVID-19 had mild or moderate disease (including people without pneumonia and people with mild pneumonia), 14 per cent had severe disease, and five per cent had critical illness. Patients who have mild signs and symptoms generally do not need additional evaluation.

However, some patients who have mild symptoms initially will subsequently have precipitous clinical deterioration that occurs approximately one week after symptom onset. In patients who have risk factors for severe disease, close monitoring for clinical progression is warranted, with a low threshold for additional evaluation. If new or worsening symptoms (for example, dyspnea) develop in patients with initially mild illness, additional evaluation is warranted.

Physical examination should be performed to assess for tachypnea, hypoxemia, and abnormal lung findings. In addition, testing for other pathogens (for example, influenza virus, depending on the season, and other respiratory viruses) should be performed, if available, and chest imaging should be done. Typical findings are ground-glass opacifications or consolidation.

Hallmarks of moderate disease are the presence of clinical or radiographic evidence of lower respiratory tract disease, but with a blood oxygen saturation of 94 per cent or higher while the patient is breathing ambient air.

Indicators of severe disease are marked tachypnea (respiratory rate, ≥30 breaths per minute), hypoxemia (oxygen saturation,

Clinical manifestations

The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to critical illness. Among patients who are symptomatic, the median incubation period is approximately four to five days, and 97.5 per cent have symptoms within 11.5 days after infection.

Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, malaise and myalgias. Some patients have gastrointestinal symptoms, including anorexia, nausea and diarrhoea. Anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) have been reported in up to 68 per cent of patients and are more common in women than in men.

Risk factors for complications of COVID-19 include older age, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, smoking, pregnancy, diabetes, and obesity. It is unclear whether other conditions (for example, uncontrolled HIV infection or use

≤93 per cent; ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen, 50 per cent of the lung field involved within 24 to 48 hours).

Treatments

Remdesivir, an inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, has activity against COVID-19 in vitro and in animals.

In the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial 1 (ACTT1), which involved hospitalised patients with evidence of lower respiratory tract infection, those randomly assigned to receive 10 days of intravenous remdesivir recovered more rapidly than those assigned to receive placebo (median recovery time, 10 vs 15 days); mortality estimates by day 29 were 11.4 per cent and 15.2 per cent, respectively. In another trial, clinical outcomes with five days of remdesivir were similar to those with 10 days of remdesivir.

Currently, remdesivir is recommended for the treatment of hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19, but consider data to be insufficient to recommend for or against the routine use of this drug for moderate disease – studies are ongoing.

Data from patients with COVID-19 who were enrolled in a large expanded-access programme for convalescent plasma in the United States suggested that mortality might be lower with receipt of plasma with a high titer of antibody than with receipt of plasma with a low titer of antibody; the data also suggested that mortality might be lower when plasma is given within three days after diagnosis than when plasma is given more than three days after diagnosis.

Ongoing randomised trials must be completed to determine the role of convalescent plasma.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the COVID-19 spike protein are being evaluated in randomised trials as treatment for people with mild or moderate COVID-19 and as prophylaxis for household contacts of persons with COVID-19.

In the recovery trial, dexamethasone reduced mortality among hospitalised patients with COVID-19, but the benefit was limited to patients who received supplemental oxygen and was greatest among patients who underwent mechanical ventilation.

Clinical studies have shown that in 1703 critically able patients, glucocorticoid reduced mortality versus standard of care passivity of 32 per cent versus 40 per cent.

Dexamethasone can be given at a dose of 6 mg a day for 10 days or until discharge. Other steroids may be similarly effective, such

as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, and prednisone.

Dexamethasone did not improve outcomes, and may have caused harm among patients who did not receive supplemental oxygen, and thus it is not recommended for the treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19.

Use of concomitant medications in people with COVID-19

Because COVID-19 enters human cells through the ACE2 receptor, questions were raised regarding whether the use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) – which may increase ACE2 levels – might affect the course of COVID-19. However, large observational studies have not shown an association with increased risk.

Patients who are receiving ACE inhibitors or ARBs for another indication should not stop taking these agents, even if they have COVID-19.

Regeneron cov 2 antibody cocktail has shown to rapidly reduce viral load and associated symptoms and cause an antibody to spike protein that neutralises the virus. Broadly direct acting antivirals are now in clinical trials. They have been shown to inhibit replication of viral pathogens from multiple RNA virus families including SARS influenza RSV, filovirus, flavivirus to name a few.

The mechanism of antiviral activities viral error catastrophe is a concept that’s predicated on increasing the viral mutation rate beyond a biologically tolerable threshold resulting in impairment of viral fitness and activity leading to viral extinction.

There are multiple other strategies for antiviral work. Another mechanism in treatment is the role of light cytokine which belongs to the TNF family, which is secreted in high-level general viral infection by reducing the cytokine. This is associated with related lung fibrosis and cytokine storm.

Infection Control and Prevention healthcare workers must be protected from acquiring COVID-19 when they are providing clinical care. Using telehealth when possible, reducing the number of healthcare workers who interact with infected patients, ensuring appropriate ventilation, and performing assiduous environmental cleaning are critical.

PPEs used while caring for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 should include, at a minimum, an isolation gown, gloves, a face mask, and eye protection (goggles or a face shield).

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

20

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Have your questions and answers ready. Take a leadership position and use intelligence, patience and understanding to map out the best way to get things done on time.

Know what you are up against before you take action. An encounter with someone who doesn’t share your views will test your patience and knowledge. Do your best to keep the peace.

Get the facts, prepare your defense and don’t believe everything you hear. It’s important to reserve judgment but, at the same time, you must not be gullible. Focus on educational pursuits.

You’ll attract informative people. Share your vision, and the input you receive will spark your imagination. A partnership will be tempting, but make sure your expenses are shared.

Romance is in the stars.

Indecisiveness will weigh heavily on your mind.

Distance yourself from unpredictable individuals. Put your time and energy into something you believe in or an activity that will bring you closer to someone.

It’s up to you to bring about positive change. If you wait for someone else to make the first move, you won’t accomplish what you set out to do. Look for alternative solutions.

Think before you act. If you let your emotions lead the way, you’ll end up on the defensive. Physical fitness, personal growth and educational pursuits will help you gain confidence.

Accept the inevitable.

Be open to suggestions, but don’t lose sight of your plan.

An innovative approach to how you run your home and deal with friends and relatives will pay off.

Be observant; question SAGITTARIUS anything that appears odd (Nov. 23or unlikely. Use your intelDec. 21) ligence to ferret out what’s real and what isn’t. Don’t make a decision based on what someone else does.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY'S WORD - GUILDHALL

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Put more thought into what you want to do next. A professional move, investment or lifestyle change will tempt you. Follow your heart, and pay attention to those who bring out the best in you.

Put more time and thought into something that interests you. Educational pursuits will encourage you to use your skills in a satisfying way. Do your own thing.

Look for an outlet that dissipates pent-up energy. Blow off steam in a healthy way, and pursue your goals. Don’t let others lead you astray.

Update your look, and compliments will follow.

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

21

World No 1 record in the bag, Djokovic focuses on more majors N

ovak Djokovic will realise one of his long-cherished goals on Monday when he eclipses Roger Federer’s all-time record for most weeks as the men’s world number one, holding the top ranking for the 311th week.

The 33-year-old Serbian climbed to the top of the ATP rankings for the first time in July 2011 and had the Swiss maestro’s record of 310 weeks spent as the highest-ranked man in the sport on his radar.

“This is one of my two biggest professional goals,” Djokovic said last year. “To reach the record of, (and) surpass Roger’s record for longest No 1 and win as many (Grand) Slams as possible.”

Djokovic is currently in his fifth stint as number one, having reclaimed the top spot from Spaniard Rafa Nadal in February last year. The Serbian finished 2020 as the year-end number one for the sixth time, tying the record set by American great Pete Sampras, and won his 18th major title last month at the Australian Open.

His record-extending ninth triumph at Melbourne Park meant he was just two short of the men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles, jointly held by Federer and Nadal.

Djokovic has made it clear that

Novak Djokovic

his only focus will now be on winning more Grand Slams and said he would make necessary adjustments to his playing schedule to achieve that goal.

More majors “Whether I think about winning more slams and breaking records? Of course, I do,” the Serbian said after his Australian Open triumph.

“And most of my attention and my energy from this day forward, until I retire from tennis, is going to be directed at majors, trying to win more major trophies.”

Federer, who will turn 40 in August, has not played since losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2020 Australian Open and will make his return in Doha this week after undergoing two knee surgeries last year.

The Swiss said he enjoyed competing

against Djokovic and felt they brought the best out of each other. “Against the best players you know you have to bring your best game. Otherwise, it will not be enough,” Federer said during an Instagram Live session with Qatar Tennis on Saturday.

“Especially against somebody like Novak, who can go into a mode where he is not going to miss. He can defend very well and be aggressive, he has a very good balance. That’s why he is one of the greatest players ever.

“It has been a pleasure to play against him and he’s one of the players who have made me a better player. It’s great to have him in the game.”

While Djokovic has a firm grip on top spot, there will be a new number two on March 15 in Russian Daniil Medvedev, who will climb one place to his career-best ranking to replace Nadal, who has not played since the Australian Open due to a back injury.

The 25-year-old Medvedev, the ATP Finals winner and Australian Open runner-up, will be the first player outside Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since Australian Lleyton Hewitt in July 2005. (Reuters)

Karunaratne returns IPL 2021 to for West Indies Tests begin on April 9 D

I

ndian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will start in Chennai on April 9 with a match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has told the IPL franchises.

In a mail to the IPL teams on Sunday morning, BCCI confirmed a Cricbuzz report that Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata will be hosting the league that will run till May 30.

The Narendra Modi Cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, where the recent pink-ball Test against England was played, will host the play-offs on May 25, May 26 and May 28, and the final on May 30.

BCCI has also confirmed that the tournament will begin behind closed doors, and a call on letting spectators in will be taken at a later stage.

Each team will play in four of the six centres

in the group stage. The 56 league-stage matches have been split in 10 games each in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, while Delhi and Ahmedabad will host eight. The afternoon games will begin at 3:30pm IST while the evening matches start at 7:30pm IST. There will be 11 double headers, with six teams playing three afternoon matches each and two teams playing two. BCCI also stated that the fixture list has been drawn up in such a manner that every team will travel only three times during the league stage that goes on until May 23.

"After hosting the tournament safely and successfully in the UAE last year with all safety protocols in place, the BCCI is confident of hosting the IPL at home with health and safety of players and all people involved being paramount," BCCI said in the release. (cricbuzz)

imuth Karunaratne, who missed the Test series versus England owing to a thumb injury, is back in the Test squad and will captain the side.

Incidentally, he will also lead the side in the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against the same opponents. Dhananjaya de Silva and Pathum Nissanka have also made it to the squad.

Dhananjaya was ruled out of the Test series versus England after he sustained a thigh injury in South Africa. Meanwhile, Nissanka is still to make his Test debut. The promising batsman averages an impressive 67.54 in First-Class cricket and has played two T20 Internationals for his country.

On the other hand, Lahiru Kumara, the quick bowler, will miss the series after he tested positive for COVID-19. Kasun Rajitha, who suffered an injury in South Africa has not found a place in the squad. Minod Bhanuka, the middle-order batsman, has also been left out.

"Lahiru Thirimanne,

Dhananjaya De Silva, Roshen Silva, Vishwa Fernando, and Lasith Embuldeniya will leave for the Caribbean tonight to take part in the Test series," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a release on Saturday.

Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain); Dasun Shanaka; Pathum Nissanka; Oshada Fernando; Lahiru Thirimanne; Dinesh Chandimal; Angelo Mathews; Niroshan Dickwella; Roshen Silva; Dhananjaya De Silva; Wanindu Hasaranga; Ramesh Mendis; Vishwa Fernando; Suranga Lakmal; Asitha Fernando; Dushmantha Chameera and Lasith Embuldeniya. (cricbuzz)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

Guymine snatch final-ball thriller to lift Jeremy Gordon Cup

CLASSIFIED ADS SERVICES

— tournament played under COVID-19 guidelines

C

ricket is a game of great uncertainty and that was evident in the encounter between Guymine and Tucber Park in the thrilling final of the Jeremy Gordon Cup played at Edinburgh.

Guymine won off the final ball to clinch the title

runs as Tucber Park kept the screws tight. Despite some extras and ordinary fielding, Guymine struggled to reach the total, and the game was only completed on the final ball.

Former Berbice youth player Joel Seitaram topscored with 22, decorat-

Charles Shepherd receiving his Player-of-the-Match medal from the daughter of Jeremy Gordon

Seepersaud was the best Edinburgh bowler with 3-8 as Tucber Park posted 90-5 in that eight-over contest.

A collective bowling effort from Tucber Park then restricted Edinburgh to 614. Seepersaud scored 22 in a losing effort as Tucber Park won by 29 runs.

Guymine had earlier won a thriller against East Bank Blazers to advance to the final to meet Tucber Park. Veteran Charles Grimmond led from the front with an aggressive 28 as Guymine won by six wickets in the final over, ending on 79-4 in 7.4 overs. Batting first, East

Solutions to All problems such as – Domestic, Job, Relationships such as :- Marriage , Love Relations. Removal of blockages and Bad Luck. Call for Appointment – 592 696 8222.

Address: Georgetown or Vreed-enHoop.

Master Sanjeev Hc Solve Problems – Love, Marriage, Relationships, Money, Business, Job, Generation, Crush, Bring back Ex-Lover, Blockages, Bad Luck, Jealous and more.

Contact : 592 633-2394. Address : Campbellville, Georgetown.

Jaya Pandit will help you. Is there any kind of problem? Love, Husband and Wife Problem, Health, Job, House problem and Domestic problem?

Remove Blockages and give Lifetime protection Address: Georgetown, Guyana. Call or WhatsApp: 688-1569 Are there any kind of problems? Is it Love, Husband and Wife Problem, Health, Job, House problem and Domestic problem? Mohan Pandit will help you. Removal of Blockages and give Lifetime protection!

Address: Essequibo, West Bank Demerara. Call or WhatsApp: 6921009

TAXI SERVICE Elegant Cabs 231-1494 / 226-4277 Cell #: 625-6600 24 hrs.

219-5000, 227-2100 Wanted: Contract Cars Tel: 614-6202

The winning Captain, Joel Seitaram of Guymine, was presented with the team’s cheque and trophy by the mother of Jeremy Gordon

in a six-wicket win in pursuit of 96 in the reduced 15-over affair.

On a sluggish Edinburgh pitch, Guymine asked Tucber Park to bat first in the grand final.

Tucber Park reached 95-8 in their allotted 15 overs, with Berbice Under-19 Captain Gevon Schultz top-scoring with 27. He received support from former Guyana Under-19 batsman Garfield Benjamin, who hit 18. Veteran Charles Shepherd grabbed 4-22 in his three overs.

In reply, Guymine were tasked to work hard for the

ed with one six and two fours while Roger Williams scored 18. Seamer Orlando Tanner, who extracted some bounce from the slow wicket, had 2-10 while medium pacer Benjamin was the man with the golden arm, ending with 2-5 in a memorable final over.

With five runs to defend, Benjamin got hit for a boundary, but came back in style, removing two wickets and keeping the ball on the stumps, eventually that proved insufficient as Tucber Park ended on the losing side.

Guymine received the

GR Taxi

227-1982, 225-7878

WANTED One live-in Housekeeper. Must know how to cook. Preferably out of town.

Call : 681-8140

The winning Guymine team

winners’ cheque and the winners’ trophy while Charles Shepherd was the Player of the Match, receiving cash and a medal for his efforts. Tucber Park were presented with the runners-up trophy and the cheque for second place.

Jeremy Gordon’s mother and daughter graced the event with their presence

and expressed satisfaction with the tournament.

Earlier, Tucber Park got to the final with an easy win against home team Edinburgh. Clifton Lindie was the star of the show, hitting 35, including five towering sixes while Tomani Caesar and Brandon Corlette scored 15 and 14 respectively. Basil

Bank had reached 76-1 when eight overs had expired, with their top scorer making an unbeaten 59.

The tournament was played under COVID-19 guidelines, and Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster was present to oversee the process.

2237230-1

Tharanga's 53 trumps Lara's 53 as Sri Lanka Legends defeat West Indies Legends by 5 wickets

(Ext 55)

NOW!

S

ri Lanka Legends defeated West Indies Legends by five wickets with six balls to spare in the Road Safety World Series in Raipur, India on Friday.

Brian Lara scored a relatively patient 53 and Dwayne Smith, a quick-fire 47 as the West Indies posted 157 for 4 from their 20 overs. The pair put on a 66-run third-wicket stand after William Perkins (19) and Narsingh Deonarine (2) were both run out within the first six overs to leave the West Indies on 38 for 2.

Lara’s half-century came off 49 balls and included eight fours, but it was Smith who dominated the partnership, scoring his 47 runs from just 27 balls from which he smashed four fours and three sixes before departing with the West Indies 104 for 3 in the 14th over.

Lara remained unbeaten at the end, but with the help of Mahendra Nagamootoo (9) and Tino Best, who was unbeaten on 18, took the score to 157. Chinthaka Jayasinghe, who got Smith’s wicket, returned figures of 1-8 from his only over while Tillakaratne Dilshan had figures of 1-28 from his four.

Needing 158 for victory, Sri Lanka benefited from an opening stand of 45 between Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya until the latter was trapped lbw by Sulieman Benn for 12 in the sixth over.

Benn would get his second wicket in the 12th over when he had Dilshan caught behind for 47 with the score on 92.

His knock came off 37 balls and included eight fours. Upul Tharanga, who had put together the 47-run stand with Dilshan, featured in a 36-run stand with Chamara Silva, who made 22 and then 15 with Jayasinghe. He would remain unbeaten on 53 at the end, scoring his runs from just 37 balls with eight fours as Sri Lanka achieved their target, scoring 160 for 5 from 19 overs.

Best got the wickets of Jayasinghe for seven and Ajantha Mendis for a duck to finish with 2-22 from three overs. Benn had 2-19 from four. (Sportsmax)

Brian Lara

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regal overall winners of President's Cup, speedboat joint Open winner …President Ali lambastes spectators and organisers for lackadaisical approach to COVID-19 guidelines Ali, who was scheduled to be a part of the presentation ceremony after the game would have ended, sternly condemned the spectators for their lackadaisical approach to the COVID-19 guidelines.

In his address to the crowd, President Ali said, “We know how difficult it is during this pandemic, you look around here and I must say I am disappointed with the organisers for allowing you to be exposing each other to this dangerous pandemic. I plead with you to put on your masks and observe the COVID-19 protocols. As your President, I care about you and I love you and I cannot be in an en-

Awardees

At the end of it all, Anil Beharry was awarded for his two centuries scored in the competition, Nigel Estraeado was awarded for the highest score in the tournament (141*), Diaram Ramnauth for being the bowler with the most wickets in the tournament (14); and Mahendra Hardyal was awarded for being the live wire of the organisers.

In the Legends category: for his 309 runs and four wickets, Ramesh Narine won two tickets to Kaieteur Falls while David Harper was the Man of the Finals with 17* and

His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali sternly addresses the crowd and organisers for failing to follow the COVID-19 guidelines

Regal Masters Captain Richard Latif collects the winning trophy and cheque from Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc President Ian John

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

t all unfolded at the Everest Cricket Club as the grand finale of the President’s Cup T20 Softball Tournament came to a bittersweet end.

The day witnessed the finals of the Legends and Masters categories during which Regal stormed to comfortable victories, but the Open competition was called off half-way through after spectators broke the COVID-19 protocols.

Regal Legends make light work of Parika

It was 2020 all over again for the Parika Defenders: they had last met the Regal side in the Prime Minister’s Cup and lost miserably. Only this time it was worse, as they were restricted to a meagre 68-8 in their allotted 20 overs. The Defenders choked and it wasn’t a good sight, the in-form Unis Yusuf fell for a golden duck and from there, it was all downhill as they were staring down the barrel with the score on 7-4. The Regal bowlers were tight in their line and length, and gave no bad balls for their opponents to put away. Romeo Malone was the only one to put up a fight with a resistant 27, other than him no other batsman could pass the 12-run mark. This was thanks to the efforts of Parsram Persaud (2-9); David Harper (212); Fazleem Mohamed (2-18), and Saurie Singh and Eric Thomas, who bagged one wicket apiece.

Heading into what was deemed an exciting chase, Regal openers Mahesh Chunilal and Eon Abel took the cautious approach and moved the ball around the ground, putting away the bad balls and stealing a few singles here and there. However, Ramesh Narine and Ramesh Rambrose picked up two quick wickets, that of Chunilal (18) and Abel (10) to give their side some sort of pseudo hope. But it was a little too late for that as David Harper contributed a classy 17* and the man of the hour, Eric Thomas blasted 20 off 5 balls which included three towering sixes as Regal ended on 69-2 in 13.1 overs.

In the end, Regal Legends pocketed the handsome sum of $500,000, while the Parika Defenders took home $100,000.

The Ejaz, Latif show steals Wellman’s thunder

This encounter had it all; it made one’s heart race with joy and anticipation as it was probably one of the best finals of the day. Batting first, Wellman openers Greg De Franca and Azeemul Haniff stole the show as they put together a somewhat aggressive partnership of 82, that frustrated the Regal bowlers. De Franca was the aggressor as he smoked many balls to every part of the

had the Wellman players jumping for joy, but little did they know the worst was yet to come as the Latif and Ejaz show came together. It was like watching an artistic masterpiece as Ejaz Mohamed and Richard Latif pulled out all the stops, they spanked the ball out of the ground in many directions to get the show on the road. The frustration was real in the Wellman camp: they fumbled in the field and gave away simple runs. Ejaz ended his innings of 54* with some ease, but not before Latif did the damage with a belligerent 84*; he brought up his fifty with a beautiful maximum and ended the game with a perfect boundary to hand his team the title. Regal Masters ended on The Speedboat and Regal Open teams are joint winners

vironment like this and see you exposing yourself; I’m not going to allow you to do it.”

The President further stated that if everyone could not take

2-12.

In the Masters Over-40 category, Ayume Mohammed was the Man of the Series, bagging 12 wickets with bests of 5-17 and 4-24

Legends Captain Mahendra Hardyal receives the winning trophy and cheque from Trophy Stall owner Ramesh Sunich alongside GSCL Inc President Ian John

ground, while Haniff provided support. However, Haniff was the first to go on 24 and shortly after, De Franca departed for 64 to take the score to 94-2. Everyone thought that Wellman would be able to carry on to post a challenging total, but Regal pegged things back and managed to restrict them to 146-6 in their 20 overs. Playing his hand in a cameo was Rawl Reid with 24, but the damage had already been done by the Regal bowlers.

Bowling were Mohamed Ayume (2-39); Roy Persaud (1-30) and Surajdeo Ramdee (1-34).

The Regal posse were confident they could chase the total, but Chien Gittens fell for a duck off the bowling of Anil Durga. This

148-1 in 14.2 overs to give their side $500,000, while the Wellman Masters pocketed $100,000.

Trouble in Paradise

After back-to-back victories for Regal Masters and Regal Legends, it seemed as though they were poised to take their third in the Open category. But, there was drama, drama and more drama as the spectators failed to observe the COVID-19 protocols, thus forcing the organisers to call off the finale, which was only two overs into the second innings, as Regal were chasing 117 for victory after Speedboat set a total of 116 runs. The organisers were forced to make this decision after His Excellency, Dr Irfaan

Richard Latif hits the winning run of the Masters game

their responsibilities seriously, then they had a serious problem, noting that a country could not be built off of irresponsibility. He declared that it was only when we love each other that we look out for one another, urging the spectators to think about their families and themselves all while correcting the situation and wearing a mask and following the COVID-19 guidelines.

In the end, both Regal All-Stars and Speedboat shared the prize money, with each team receiving $300,000.

and 40 runs; for this, he won a 32inch Premium LED TV, and the Man of the Match for the finals was Richard Latif for his unbeaten 84.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

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

All-round Allen powers West Indies to 2-1 series win Allen celebrates the winning run

Jason Holder played an important role along with Allen (Photo credit: CWI Media)

W

est Indies clinched the T20 International series 2-1 against Sri Lanka at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua – thanks to the power hitting from fantastic Fabian Allen and the stabilising Jason Holder. The men in maroon recorded a three-wicket win, with six balls to spare, ending on 134-7, replying to Sri Lanka’s 131-4 in 20 overs.

Earlier, Sri Lankan Captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and elected to bat for the third consecutive time. Sri Lanka went in with the same playing XI while West Indies brought in Rovman Powell in place of Fidel Edwards to strengthen their batting attack which looked vulnerable against spin.

West Indies opened with the new ball with spinners Kevin Sinclair and Allen which proved productive with the wickets of Danushka Gunathilaka (9) and Niroshan Dickwella (4), pushing Sri Lanka on the backfoot at 15-2 in 3.4 overs.

Holder got rid of Pathum Nissanka (5) by the end of the powerplay as Sri Lanka were reeling at 27-3. At the half-way stage, Sri Lanka were 47-4 with the loss of Captain Mathews (11), who was caught behind after a well-set-up plan by Obed McCoy. Ashen Bandara joined Dinesh Chandimal to bring some momentum to the hapless innings.

Bandara unleashed himself after a steady start, which helped Sri Lanka reach the three-figure mark in 16.3 overs. The duo put on an 85-run partnership in 63 balls to power Sri Lanka to 1314 in 20 overs.

Chasing a modest total of 132 to win the series, openers Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis made their

intentions clear when they put on 36 runs in four overs. It was the introduction of Wanindu Hasaranga that got Sri Lanka breakthroughs in the form of the wickets of Lewis (21 in 18 balls) and Simmons (26 in 18 balls).

Captain Kieron Pollard departed for a duck, and that got Chris Gayle (13) and Nicholas Pooran to bat in an uncharacteristic w a y looking for singles to stabilise the innings. Lakshan Sandakan bowled out Gayle, who lost his patience and attempted a big shot. Pooran accelerated with two sixes off Sandakan over, but was bowled out the next over in a brilliant lastover bout by Dushmantha Chameera.

Sandakan picked Powell and Dwayne Bravo’s wickets in back-to-back deliveries to tilt the advantage towards Sri Lanka. West Indies were 105-7, still needing 27 runs to win with three overs and three wickets in hand!

The stage was then set for the cool-headed Holder to spring it up with the powerful striking Allen. Holder was watchful to the bowling of Hasaranga (18th over), but a no-ball and free hit gifted to him were received warmly with a six which changed the momentum of the game. West Indies now needed 20 to win in two overs.

Allen absolutely went after Akila Dananjaya smashing 6,2,6,1,6 in the 19th over to seal the deal for West Indies. Allen scored 21 runs in just six balls and took the match away with imperious hitting.

Dananjaya ended with match figures of 4-0-53-0.

SCOREBOARD Dinesh Chandimal

SRI LANKA INNINGS Danushka Gunathilaka c & b Allen Pathum Nissanka c Sinclair b Holder Niroshan Dickwella † c Holder b Sinclair Dinesh Chandimal not out Angelo Mathews (c) c †Pooran b McCoy Ashen Bandara not out

9 5 4 54 11 44

Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.55) 131/4 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Danushka Gunathilaka, 2.1 ov), 2-15 (Niroshan Dickwella, 3.4 ov), 3-27 (Pathum Nissanka, 5.6 ov), 4-46 (Angelo Mathews, 9.3 ov) BOWLING Fabian Allen Kevin Sinclair Jason Holder Kieron Pollard Obed McCoy Dwayne Bravo

4-0-13-1 2-0-19-1 4-0-27-1 2-0-11-0 4-0-29-1 4-0-31-0

WEST INDIES INNINGS Lendl Simmons st †Dickwella b de Silva 26 Evin Lewis lbw b de Silva 21 Chris Gayle b Sandakan 13 Kieron Pollard (c) c †Dickwella b Chameera 0 Nicholas Pooran † b Chameera 23 Jason Holder not out 14 Rovman Powell b Sandakan 7 Dwayne Bravo c Dananjaya b Sandakan 0 Fabian Allen not out 21 Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 3) 9 TOTAL (19 Ov, RR: 7.05) 134/7 Did not bat: Kevin Sinclair, Obed McCoy Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Evin Lewis, 4.4 ov), 2-54 (Lendl Simmons, 6.5 ov), 3-61 (Kieron Pollard, 7.6 ov), 4-75 (Chris Gayle, 11.3 ov), 5-95 (Nicholas Pooran, 14.2 ov), 6-105 (Rovman Powell, 16.4 ov), 7-105 (Dwayne Bravo, 16.5 ov) BOWLING Akila Dananjaya 4-0-53-0 Dushmantha Chameera 4-0-23-2 PWH de Silva 4-0-13-2 Danushka Gunathilaka 3-0-11-0 Lakshan Sandakan 4-0-29-3

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.