Guyana Times - Monday, October 27, 2020

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4450

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

Some 40 int’l companies submitted EoIs for new DHB Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Local Content Panel on course to submit report next month P14 — consultations held with key stakeholders

— Minister Edghill says Govt looking to deliver by 2024

COVID-19 causes major spike in unemployment – BoG ...saw ... saw major decline both in Private, Public Sectors

P10 29 new COVID-19 cases take total past 4000

See story on page 9

— 3000 recoveries recorded

PUC review

GPL exceeded power outage limit for 2019 …power company blames shutdowns on Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System Page 7

Page 2

Report urges Govt, civil society to partner with Diaspora on key development P11 projects

CJIA expansion project

Chinese contractor yet to submit revised work plan Page 9

6 homeless after fire ravages Norton Street house

Pedal cyclist killed by P14 speeding car

P13 Over 400 children in institutional care – CC&PA Director

Elderly shop owner found gagged, murdered in La Grange home See story on page 15

…efforts being made for adoptive care

2 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6 homeless after fire ravages Norton Street house

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t least six persons were rendered homeless following a mid-afternoon fire which ripped through a house at Norton Street, Georgetown on Sunday.

The cause of the fire at Lot 62 Norton Street, Georgetown is yet to be determined. The razed building is reportedly owned by the brother of a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

At the scene, the owner’s brother, Gulliver Quincy McEwan told reporters that he was downstairs preparing to do some afternoon chores when he saw a ball of

The house that was engulfed in flames on Norton Street

fire in one of the bedrooms in the upper flat of the house.

“I was about to do some washing and I hear a ‘pow’ sound, and when I raise my head, I saw fire and I started shouting for my sibling and by the time they run out, the place was just blazing,” he said.

He explained that he has been living on the property for over 23 years, and the house belongs to his brother who lives overseas. He estimated their losses to be in the millions.

“It like the biggest fridge… I like nice things: flatscreen TV, well-furnished home, a grocery shop, two coolers, refriger-

Fire fighters as they battled the blaze

ator, into millions and billions of dollars. I can’t really explain…,” he said.

When asked if the building was insured, McEwan’s response was “no”. He says he does not know what is his next move, but he is definitely a strong person, and will seek God in this difficult time.

“Losing your home and all of your life worth, savings, and knowing in Guyana it is not easy working to achieve

building and, fortunately, no one received any injuries.

Meanwhile, with respect to the completely destroyed building, officials of the Guyana Fire Service (GPF) confirmed that the six occupants managed to also escape unhurt.

The Deputy Fire Chief related that upon receiving the report of the fire, two teams from the West Ruimveldt and Central Fire Stations were deployed to

Some items that were removed from another house were threatened by the fire

things, and especially when you are not from the normal public and you are from an LGBT population where limited resources is given to that community, you can imagine,” he explained.

Deputy Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo said the western wall of another house was damaged. The house also sustained water damage.

He noted that four persons were living in that

the location.

“Upon arrival, the entire building of origin was engulfed, and in flames, where the entire top floor was already caved in and also threatening the western side of the (next) building. Immediately, we went into fire-fighting mode and brought the fire under control,” he said.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 26 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Tuesday, October 27 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 26 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Tuesday, October 27 – 14:05h – 15:35h.

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 conditions at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Some 40 int’l companies submitted EoIs for new DHB – Minister Edghill says Govt looking to deliver by 2024

W

ith over a month to go before the deadline, some 40 companies from around the world have already expressed interest in designing and constructing the new Demerara River crossing.

Last month, the Guyana Government invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the prequalifi-

which give them access to information to prepare their proposals.”

Minister Edghill made this disclosure during an appearance on NCN’s televised programme – “Insight”. He noted that this interest from around the world spans the United States, France, Holland, Trinidad and Tobago, China

serted.

In its advertisement for EoIs, Government said the new design of the Demerara Harbour Bridge will not require opening or retraction to allow for maritime traffic and will be built with a life span of at least 50 years.

All EoIs for the new bridge are to be submitted to the National Procurement and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Winds: South South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 06:45h and 19:15h reaching minimum heights of 1.02 metres and 1.06 metres.

President Irfaan Ali with Public Works Ministers Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar along with other officials at the site where the eastern end of the new Demerara River bridge will land (file photo)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

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cation process for the design-build of the new bridge across the Demerara River.

Government is looking to construct a four-lane, high-span fixed bridge from Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, to La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

According to Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, “…because we have gone out for Expressions of Interest and request of proposals, we have had 40 or thereabout international companies expressing interest, registering, paying for their bid documents and many of them already signed their NonDisclosure Agreements,

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Rough Rice

$224.96/ton

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and Brazil.

“People around the world, because of our approach to development, have shown interest. We anticipate that when we close those bids and there is an evaluation, we can have a contractor engaged and we hope to deliver this bridge 2023-end, 2024-mid because we want the people to get the new bridge,” the Public Works Minister as-

Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) by 14:000h on December 4, 2020.

Last month, Minister Edghill had accompanied President Irfaan Ali on a tour of the proposed landing sites for the new Demerara River bridge on the East Bank of Demerara.

During the walkabout, President Ali visited two locations – one in the vicinity of Windsor Estates and the

other at Peters Hall, EBD. It is understood that Peters Hall is the eastern end of the proposed landing site for the bridge and a road will be laid from the bridge and through Nandy Park.

“This bridge will have various interconnections and this [is] one of the interconnections… The main interconnection. There will be at least four other feeder roads, linked to the new highway [the Ogle-Eccles Bypass Road]. So, the flow of traffic will be in a circular motion, connecting with the East Coast, East Bank, Georgetown and then moving further on to the LindenSoesdyke Highway,” Ali, whose PhD is in Urban and Regional Planning, explained.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill had noted that the construction of the bridge will be interconnected with the Ogle bypass road. He also explained why it was necessary to visit the housing scheme and its connection to the bridge.

TURN TO PAGE 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

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

The Guyanese Diaspora

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ast week, the prestigious Washington think tank “Centre for Strategic and International Studies” issued a report on “The Guyanese Diaspora”. We present excerpts of their findings below.

Guyana’s emigration rate is one of the highest in the world, numbering about 30,000 annually, a sizable portion for a country with a total population that has never reached one million. Since the 1960s, the Guyanese emigrant population has increased due to difficult economic conditions, a tense social and political environment, a weak educational system, high levels of insecurity, and an inefficient health-care system.

Simultaneously, favourable immigration laws first in the United Kingdom, and later in Canada and the United States, and better job and education opportunities abroad have helped to motivate high levels of emigration among Guyanese. As the number of Guyanese living abroad has increased since the 1960s, the pull factor represented by a growing number of Diaspora family members has only helped to keep the emigration flow steady.

The first-generation immigrant Guyanese Diaspora today is estimated to be approximately 550,000 worldwide, not including their descendants. The regions with the highest numbers of Guyanese immigrants in 2019 were: North America, accounting for 80 per cent of Guyanese immigrants worldwide; the Caribbean and Latin America, with 12.4 per cent, the majority of whom reside in the Caribbean; and Northern Europe and the United Kingdom, with 5.9 per cent (approximately 30,000).

Guyana’s diverse ethnic, racial, and religious cultural heritage is reflected in its Diaspora. Settled Guyanese communities abroad often originate from close-knit communities in Guyana, mirroring ethnic and religious clusters in Guyana. Guyanese migrants tend to gravitate to well-established Guyanese communities abroad, which leads to larger population concentrations in relatively few locations. The United States continues to be the most popular destination for emigrating Guyanese. It is estimated that over 400,000 people in the United States are Guyanese or of Guyanese ancestry.

Canada has been another popular destination for Guyanese emigrants since the 1980s. In 2016, 88,570 people living in Canada reported Guyana as their country of birth, although some members of the Diaspora estimate that Canada could be home to as many as 120,000 to 200,000 Guyanese. Approximately 30,000 Guyanese live in the United Kingdom, where unlike the United States and Canada, the immigrant demographic is generally from the 1960s. Other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean also have significant populations of Guyanese immigrants. Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados each have small Guyanese Diaspora communities ranging in size from 5000 to 15,000.

Historically, many Indigenous Guyanese have moved across the border between Venezuela and Guyana. The largest concentration of Guyanese in Venezuela has traditionally been centred in the far east of Venezuela in the city of Puerto Ordaz in the state of Bolivar. The number of Guyanese was highest during the years of political instability in Guyana in the 1970s and 1980s, reaching well over 100,000. In recent years, with Venezuela’s slide into instability and crisis, the number of Guyanese in Venezuela has dropped as many Guyanese have returned to Guyana.

The Guyanese Diaspora is an educated and skilled community.

In the United States, over half of working-age Guyanese are in professional, managerial, or sales occupations. Other Guyanese living in the United States work in the service, construction, and agriculture industries. Key occupations and industries reported by the Guyanese population in Canada were sales and service; business, finance, and administration; retail trade; and health care and assistance.

Unless the issue of “brain drain” can be addressed through convincing Guyanese with local tertiary degrees to remain in the country and through attracting Diaspora members back to the country, development efforts in Guyana will remain undermined.

The “brain drain” that has characterised Guyana since its independence has exacerbated Guyana’s chronic shortages of skilled labour.

Although higher education institutions in Guyana are trying to implement more targeted education and training programmes, the country’s persistent underdevelopment in recent decades and lack of professional opportunities continue to push many Guyanese to migrate overseas in search of better opportunities.

The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an aweinspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa. The statue has become an easily-recognised icon for Rio and Brazil

The power-sharing narrative Dear Editor, The world is plagued with ethnic conflicts; there are few countries where there isn’t ethnic antagonism and ethnic aligned politicking and governance.

A group excluded from Government or marginalised often turns to violence or some kind of destabilising activity in order to address its grievance.

One approach in trying to resolve ethnic conflicts that have gripped so many countries is power-sharing (in which every group gets a fair share of State resources and/ or its leadership is part of a Government championing its interest). It was proposed for Guyana decades ago.

Power-sharing is defined loosely and differently in every society. One model does not fit all, hence the variation in a power-sharing structure. The objective of power-sharing is to diffuse ethnic tensions. It is believed by scholars that if the leadership of groups were included in a Government (national and/or local), conflict would be lessened and greater energy and effort would be directed towards national development. With peace would come economic development and everyone would be a winner. With conflict, the nation cannot realise its full potential and everyone is a loser. Powersharing has been talked about In Guyana since 1953 but has never been fully thought out and implemented.

Power-sharing has been bandied about over the last six decades in virtually every society with ethnic conflict and has met with varying degrees of success. In some societies, like in Europe, it worked rather well with some challenges. In Northern Ireland, for example, there were issues

relating to disagreements over the implementation of a 1998 accord but a resolution has been reached over the last several months. In Africa and in some Asian countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Syria, among others, there were challenges because agreements made between warring forces (tribes) were not honoured. Switzerland and Belgium are success stories.

Power-sharing has been suggested by a few of us for Guyana but no serious effort was made to establish a structure and have a national discussion that could lead to a serious proposal and perhaps legislation or referendum for implementation. The nation should decide on whether power-sharing is needed and what form it should take.

The coming together in 1950 of various groups in the PPP can be viewed as a first effort at ethnic power-sharing. The term was not used at the time. The PPP was inclusive of all ethnic groups, but it was torn apart by personal ambitions and ideology and by the British imperial forces that used a long successfully tested strategy of divide and rule – that proved very effective dividing the country politically from 1955 till now with no solution on the horizon. When he was defeated in the 1964 elections, engineered by the British and Americans, Cheddi Jagan suggested a form of power-sharing, though he didn’t use the term, between the PPP and PNC. Burnham rejected the offer at the behest of the US and UK. Jagan kept pushing for power-sharing with the PNC and later formal discussions were held in 1984 and 85.

Burnham’s death brought an end to the discussion on

power-sharing as Desmond Hoyte showed no interest in working Jagan and PPP. Power-sharing was discussed among the parties of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) that was formed to oust the Hoyte dictatorship. For the 1992 elections, there was a formal agreement among the opposition parties on a joint slate against the PNC but it eventually collapsed over divvying of positions. PPP contested the elections on its own and won. Hoyte was not interested in power-sharing but after losing elections in 1997 and 2001 he embraced the idea.

With ethnic violence raising its ugly head in 1997 thru 2003, the PPP showed some interest. It was generally felt that the PNC could not be trusted with power or to honour an agreement and that it had to change its behaviour on ethnic violence.

President Jagdeo, succeeding Janet Jagan in 1999 and elected on his own merit in 2001, suggested in 2003 that confidence-building measures were necessary before discussions could be held on power-sharing.

Having had a good term, Jagdeo was re-elected in 2006 but there was a lot of political instability with ethnic attacks. Jagdeo, to his credit, consistently supported inclusive Government (as his idea of power-sharing) and true to his promise did include a representative cross-section of the varied groups in his Administration. Jagdeo successfully put together a multi-ethnic coalition to win elections In 2001, 2006, and again in 2020. PNC failed to try that strategy until 2015 when it was forced to accept it.

Going back in the 1990s, a few intellectuals like Ravi Dev, Baytroam Ramharack,

and myself proposed and still support power-sharing as a solution (devolution of power, among other measures) to the ethnic problem. But there was been little interest in the idea until racial violence reared its ugly head. Some African intellectuals like Vincent Alexander, David Hinds, Nigel Westmaas also theorised about power-sharing after the PNC’s repeated defeats in democratic elections. However, when the APNU came to power, they forgot about the idea until APNU lost power in the 2020 election.

In the 2015 election, Granger committed to power-sharing but once he became President, the idea was shelved. Confident of re-election, PNC eschewed power-sharing. As he was being ousted from office on August 1, Granger proposed talks for power-sharing. Jagdeo correctly rebuffed him. President Irfaan has also formed a multi-ethnic Government and is supportive of unity and inclusive governance as his promotion of power-sharing. Opposition elements are once again proposing power-sharing having failed to implement measures when in Government for over five years.

Violence is being undertaken to force the Government towards power-sharing. President Irfaan is right to rebuff them. He must stand strong against perpetrators of ethnic violence. Political parties must behave responsibly if they are to be considered worthy of being included in governance. They should seek to win crossover support from the other side as Jagdeo has done.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

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

Does God need a place of worship?

Dear Editor, Though how controversial this topic may be, there are many whose didactic believe would corroborate the affirmative, while there are still many who would concur that it is not necessary to go to temples, churches and other places of worship to worship God. But while this discourse will continue unabated, we should always be cognisant of the quote “There can be no progress without head-on confrontation.”

Therefore, in light of this, and with specific reference to the opinions below, the question that probably dwells within most Godfearing devotees is, “Does God need a place of worship?”

In the Bhagavata Gita, Chapter 18, Text 45, it is stated: Sway sway karmanyabhiratah sansinddhin labhate narah” which translates as “A person attains perfection by devoting his life toward his own duty where ever God has kept him.”

Yet another from the Bhagavata Gita, Chapter 18, Text 46, and I quote: “Yatah pravritirbhutanam yena sarvamedam tatam, Swakarmana tamabhyarchya siddhiam vidanti maanawah.”

This translates as “From whom proceeds the activities of all beings, and by whom all this is pervaded, worshipping Him from the place he has placed

you, through your true karma and honesty, you can please God and attain perfection”.

The above Sanskrit quotes undoubtedly indicate that God does not necessarily dwell in a temple or any man-made structure. While simultaneously to many, God is omnipresent (Always present), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnificent (all creative). In reality, God is everywhere and he dwells in our hearts regardless of where we are.

To further elucidate on my discourse, there are many who would conclude that they do not necessarily have to go to temples, churches, synagogues or any other place of worship

to worship. Worshipping at home does not preclude anyone from their beliefs, and just because one does not go to temples, churches and synagogues, this is not indicative of one not following their religion.

Many believe that praying at home, doing their pujas, participating in kirtans and hymns irrespective of one’s religious affiliation, is more comfortable, and they can find their own inner peace when taken into consideration the demands of society.

However, praying in temples, churches, mosques and synagogues has its advantages. It is believed that these places of worship are very consecrated.

The atmosphere that

blankets these places of worship is very overwhelming with a sense of peace, bliss and happiness than one praying at home. In addition, but notwithstanding the propagation of our religions and cultures, these places of worship are very instrumental in dealing with life’s problems; making friends and sharing our ideas and ideology.

Further, these places of worship set examples that become an inspiration for others. People who are trying to make their lives better, people who want a positive change are going to be impacted by an example of someone who is committed to regular church attendance.

Also, in today’s society,

we are facing numerous challenges; whether be it health problems, financial issues, conflict within our families, to name a few. We have an opportunity to encourage each another and that is part of what attending temples, churches and synagogues is about.

Everyone has the prerogative to attend a place of worship to worship, depending on one’s religious affiliation and conviction.

But attending a place of worship versus not attending a place of worship can be a point of discussion, when the consensus of most believe that God is here, there and everywhere.

Sincerely, Mani Jadunauth

COVID-19 rate increases call for additional stimulus packages Dear Editor, The current increasing rate of infection due to the coronavirus will continue to negatively impact the economic activity in each region and reduce the level of employment throughout the country. This ongoing con-

cern should encourage the Government to put in place additional stimulus to recover growth in the non-oil and gas sectors. Globally, our trade partners are also seeing a resurgence, thus expected demand for our products will be stymied going

Success squatters were fooled

Dear Editor, Success squatters, you are being misled and fooled by your leaders and you follow blindly whatever they tell you to do. They tell you to continue to squat in impoverished conditions in a flooded cane field with snakes, alligators, mosquitoes, sandflies etc.

Think about their lifestyles. They drive expensive luxury cars worth millions of dollars. They live in huge luxury homes with air conditioning. They sleep in comfort and security. They eat the best food and drink expensive liquor. Yet they tell you to continue to squat in a canefield without water, electricity, toilet etc.

If they are so concerned about your safety and wellbeing, ask them to spend one day and night with you in the cane field. You know what the answer will be, they would not do it but they want you to continue to suf-

fer.

They are only thinking about what they hope to achieve out of this. Do not believe for one moment that the Government will take you out of the flooded cane field and give each of you house and land. That will never happen. The Government has a plan and is willing to help. Reach out and accept it. I hope you open your eyes and do something for yourselves. Your leaders have nothing to give you. They want to use you as pawns for their own objectives.

One of them just said what your leaders tell you to do, just do it and don't ask questions. What a leader. Do not be losers like your leaders. Think about what is best for you and do not let anybody take control of your life.

With regards, Kenneth Seepaul

forward.

A clear new path forward for the economy has yet to be charted given the increasing concern, not to mention the dire bankrupt state of the economy inherited by the current Government.

It is unfortunate, but we simply cannot afford to spend such huge sums of money on major new infrastructure projects that do not present a clear return in the near future while also investing massive amounts of funds to bring back the sugar industry. There has yet to be declared the financial forecast of the industry and the expected revenue generation timeline.

Once this is clear, the economic growth associated with this plan will make it easier to accept additional investment in the nonproductive sectors of the economy. Parliament must have this important discussion so that it is clear to everyone as to how our economy will rebound to create jobs that are sustainable over the long term while solidifying the levels of expected growth that will sustain the massive budgetary expenditure proposed.

Once the accelerating infection rate of the virus is reduced and the phased opening of the economy has the confidence that reinfection

is not an ongoing severe risk, we will be able to reignite the economic growth of the economy that is driven by small and medium-sized businesses.

These businesses do still account for a substantial part of our local economic activity and having a clear pulse on the local rates of infection will enable the coronavirus Task Force to act appropriately in that section of the population. That being said, we must know our rates of infection by region, city and NDC. Therefore, it is becoming even more evident that the funds put aside for new infrastructural projects may

be better used to support additional stimuli packages for the population impacted by the lower economic activity due to the coronavirus.

This includes our frontline medical personnel, our teachers, our other public service workers and our business owners, just to mention some of the critical household breadwinners impacted by the coronavirus. I look forward to the incumbent Government and the Opposition having a fruitful discussion that will address this important issue in the near future.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

T

he Distributive Property of Multiplication: When you multiply numbers, you may multiply by each separately, and then add their products.

Example: 8 x (4 + 2) = (8 x 4 ) + (8 x 2) 48 = 32 + 16

Exercises: Identify the property

Multiplication and division are closely related. When you learnt how to divide fractions, you were shown that division was the same as multiplication by a reciprocal. You can use the Distributive Property of Multiplication when you are dividing. But you may only use the Distributive Property when the addends are in the dividend.

Identity elements are numbers in a problem that do not affect the answer.

When adding, the identity element is 0. Any addend or addend + 0 will not change the total. In multiplication, the identity element is 1. Any factor or factors x 1 will not change the product. Subtraction and division do not have identity elements.

Remember: You cannot use the Distributive Property when addends are in the divisor: 90 ÷ (4 + 2) does not = (90 ÷ 4 ) + (90 ÷ 2)

1) Commutative property of multiplication 3) Associative property of addition 5) Associative property of multiplication 7) Associative property of addition 9) Commutative property of addition

I

nstead of the ol’ cup and string, try making a telephone out of tubing and funnels.

Note: Do not use tubing with a small inner diameter. IT WON’T WORK! The best thing to do is use tubing whose inner diameter matches the diameter of the funnel end. Then everything just snaps together.

Materials Plastic Tubing Two plastic funnels Duct Tape Instructions Step One: Place a funnel in each end of the tubing.

Step Two: Secure the funnels and tubing together with duct tape.

A little science behind speaking tubes Sound is the vibration of air particles. When you speak,

because…..

(90 x 1/6 ) does not = (90 x 1/4) + (90 x 1/2) 15 does not = 22.5 + 45

1) 0 + 4 = 4 2) 6 ( 5 + 4) = 6 x 5 + 6 x 4 3) 16 + 0 = 16 4) 3 ( 4 + 3 + 4) = 3 x 4 + 3 x 3 + 3 x 4 5) 21 + 0 = 21 6) 99 + 0 = 99

Friday’s answers 2) Commutative property of addition 4) Associative property of multiplication 6) Commutative property of multiplication 8) Commutative property of multiplication 10) Associative property of multiplication

your voice causes the air particles around your mouth to vibrate and that causes a wave effect on the air particles nearby, transmitting the sound of your voice over distance.

Eventually, the wave runs out of energy and the sound can no longer be heard.

Voicepipes concentrate the sound waves and cause them to be heard at longer distances than you would hear without using them. They also block outside sounds from disturbing what you are hearing.

An interesting principle when using a voicetube is the impedance of the tube. In plain English, if the tube is too

small, it will absorb the sound rather than transmit it. To avoid any impedance, you need to use tubing with a large inner diameter.

Let’s talk telephones.

Certainly, voicepipes were great for communicating within a home or ship, but would never be a viable way to transmit sound over very long distances.

Scientists and inventors in the mid-1800s knew that being

able to transmit voice over long distances using wire, much like telegraph machines did, was the next step in long-distance communication and the race to invent the telephone began.

Alexander Graham Bell was a scientist who studied sound and worked with the deaf; in fact, his mother and wife were both deaf. In the late 1800s, he started working on the idea of a harmonic telegraph with the help of assistant Thomas A Watson. In 1876, they were able to communicate from separate rooms using the invention, famously Bell said, “Mr Watson, come here, I want to see you”, thus marking history as the very first telephone call. (babbledabbledo.com)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PUC review

GPL exceeded power outage limit for 2019 …power company blames shutdowns on Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System

T

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) exceeded its power outage limit for 2019. This is according to a recent review of the power company’s Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT) conducted by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

GPL did not meet the System Average Interruption Frequency Index: (SAIFI) - a standard which limits the average number of power outages customers received during 2019 to no more than 68.

“The average number of outages experienced by a consumer was 104. The explanations offered by GPL for this failure were due to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) experiencing five shutdowns during the year and the inability of the company to provide redundancy during maintenance of the transmission system.

Generation shortfalls from time to time worsened the situation,” PUC noted in the review.

GPL also failed to meet the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI). The intent of this standard is to limit the du-

ration of power outages that a consumer would have received during the year to no more than 80 hours.

According to the PUC, the average duration experienced by consumers during 2019 was 104 hours. The power company's explanation in not meeting this target was basically the same for not attaining SAIFI; namely that the shortfall in generation together with the instability of the transmission system resulted in higher numbers of intended outages.

In reviewing the performance of GPL’s Customer Interruption, PUC said, “We took into consideration the constraints faced by the company and its planned programmes to reduce consumers' interruptions. The impact on consumers whilst this is a cause for frustration was in fact mitigated as outages lasted for shorter durations than was originally planned.”

Should the PUC find that GPL has failed to meet its Operating Standards and Performance Targets as provided for, it may impose a monetary penalty on the company in an amount not exceeding 25 per cent of the

total value of the dividend payable to the company's shareholder(s) in the calendar year.

While the PUC noted that it recognises the operating standards are set within the framework of the company's existing infrastructure and cash flow limitations, it said that most of the standards fall far short of what would constitute an efficient utility.

The Commission, therefore, underscored that there remains much to be done to attain these standards and it is hoped that there will be incremental improvements in the quality of service to consumers going forward.

The PUC, in reviewing GPL’s performance, took into consideration the resources available to the company during the period under review, as well as other factors which may have impacted the company's overall performance.

Having regard to all submissions and taking into consideration the explanations offered by officials of GPL, PUC found that it is not prudent at this time to issue a monetary penalty against the company since its failure to meet certain targets was mitigated by the fact that they were not excessive and the impact on consumers was not burdensome.

Power from Giftland Mall

An estimated $35 million per month will be paid to the Giftland Mall for the supply of electricity to GPL as the entity pursues various initiatives aimed at increasing its power generation capacity to ultimately bring an end to the constant power out-

PUC Chairperson, Attorney-atLaw Dela Britton

GPL DCEO of Strategic Operations, Samaroo Ramtahal

CEO of Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat

ages which continue to be a major bugbear for many citizens.

The Giftland Mall currently has a system that produces 6.7 megawatts of electricity, 5 megawatts of which is HFO [heavy fuel oil] fuelled. However, it only uses 1.6 megawatts during prime operations. The excess power, which is approximately 3.3 megawatts daytime and 4.6 megawatts at night, will be supplied to the national grid by this month-end.

According to information received, an average of US$46,000 will be paid per month for power from Giftland. This would translate to some $9.9 million per month. In addition, GPL will be paying for fuel at around $25.6 million per month. In total, this would work out to approximately $35.5 million per month.

pecially for the upcoming Christmas season.

Apart from bringing on stream the power supply system from Giftland Mall, Ramtahal said that GPL is currently looking to activate a new 30-megawatt dual engine generator

by December. That aside, he explained that GPL has been faced with specific challenges over the last five years as there was “very small investment” in electricity generation.

According to the DCEO, some of the generators in use by the power company are beyond their lifespan.

For instance, he said that some of them are 20 years old and beyond. The DCEO added that the power company’s biggest challenge has to do with the ageing generators, and that this issue will be addressed from now until December.

With regards to supply and demand, he admitted that GPL is struggling to balance the two.

For its supply, he said that there are between 130135 megawatts available.

During peak hours, the demand is between 120 and 125 megawatts. However,

this means that GPL is only currently operating with a spare capacity of between five to 10 megawatts.

“Now that is very, very low. And that is the Demerara-Berbice Interconnection System,” he noted adding that typically, any utility company in the Caribbean would have at least between 30-35 per cent in the reserve.

“We are under five per cent. So that means when you have a problem at any one of the locations with the generators, the system would go off because we cannot balance supply and demand,” Ramtahal further noted.

This, he pointed out, is the reason for the frequent blackouts. “That is a big part of the reason although we have other transmission and distribution line problems.”

Moreover, the GPL official said that the best possibility to reduce the cost of electricity in Guyana is to utilise natural gas from the oil and gas sector. In that regard, he said that in the next two years, GPL hopes to bring on board a 200-megawatt generator powered by natural gas.

New generators

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Strategic Operations, Samaroo Ramtahal recently announced that the company has a plan in place to ensure that customers are supplied with reliable electricity, es-

8 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Law Reform Commission Bill among others to be tabled by year-end – Attorney General

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ttorney General Anil Nandlall in a recent interview stated that several new bills will be tabled in the National Assembly by the end of this year. Among them, he noted, is the Law Reform Commission Bill, which will amend the Law Reform Commission Act. The APNU/AFC Government had established the Law Reform Commission Act, but failed to set up the Commission. In fact, Nandlall had revealed that the former Government splurged approximately $98.3 million on the Law Reform Commission with nothing to show for the spending.

The millions of dollars were spent on the rental of a building to house the Commission, payment of staff and other costs.

Nandlall said that the bill will correct the glaring deficiencies in the Act. “The Act, for example, does two things that are offensive. First, it resides in the President the power to appoint the entire Commission,

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

consulting only with the Minister. We feel that that is bad. A Law Reform Commission represents the wider society, and therefore, consultations must be had with the Private Sector, labour movement and religious community among others,” Nandlall noted.

Under the current law, only legally-trained persons are allowed to be part of the Commission. Nandlall said that stance gives a “very myopic” view of what a Law Reform Commission should be. He also said the Commission embraces dif-

ferent facets of society and should have included, an economist and a sociologist along with individuals from other academic disciplines.

Other bills to be laid in the National Assembly are the Small Business Bill which will cover small businesses through financing and a regime of protection, as they move from stage to stage. The Bail Bill, which is currently in circulation for consultation, will also be placed before the National Assembly.

According to the Attorney General, the Hire Purchase

Some 40 int’l companies...

“I know some people might be wondering why we’re at the back here when the bridge is located across the river. Because of where the channel is located in the Demerara River, closer to the eastern side with a five per cent degree grade, we need about 4000 feet to get a proper gradient exiting off the bridge to be able to get the turnout. So, we have to be able to create room here and we have adequate room.

We’ve walked the alignment,” he had stated The Minister had further pointed out that the fly-

over is expected to be about 50 metres high at minimum or “as high as or higher than the Marriott Hotel” to allow for marine vessels to pass without any interruptions of vehicular traffic. As such, he noted that vast lands would be required on both landing sides of the bridge in order to to get the necessary gradient.

“Bear in mind this is a very high fixed bridge. It will be a flyover. On the western end of the bridge, the alignment is near to where the current bridge is, all that area next to the field [Joe Vieira

Bill will also be tabled in the National Assembly. He added that this will give wider latitude and cover consumers who are making purchases on credit.

The Minister of Legal Affairs revealed that an amendment to the Insurance Act is currently being crafted. The amended Act will allow third parties in a motor vehicle accident to have greater coverage.

“Right now, if you are a passenger in a minibus and it gets into an accident, you are not covered adequately. This intervention, in the form of an amendment, allows for greater coverage of third party,” he said.

In the meantime, Nandlall informed that various Ministries are also working on respective bills. He assured that Guyanese can look forward to the Natural Resources Commission Bill and the Solid Waste Management Bill. Both are currently being fine-tuned.

Cabinet is currently constructing the 2021 legislative agenda.

FROM PAGE 3

Ground] and some more. On this side [the east] it ends in the vicinity of a koker/sluice] near a reserve. But because it has to have a gradient and the channels are nearer to the eastern side, we have to find 4000 feet,” he had noted.

The construction of the new bridge will be a timely one, as the East Bank is notorious for its heavy traffic congestions due to the current retractable bridge. Floating at 1.25 mile, the Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Bank of Demerara.

It facilitates the daily move-

ment of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo. The structure was built in the 1970s but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years.

However, some 42 years after, it is still floating.

The former APNU/AFC Administration was originally going to go with another retractable, three-lane design but after immense criticism had switched to a fixed, four-lane proposal.

Not long after it took office in 2015, the APNU/ AFC Government engaged in efforts to have a feasibility study for the project.

However, the awarding of that contract was marred in controversy, with the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, pointing to major breaches of Guyana’s financial laws.

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) had subsequently flagged former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson for requesting from the then Cabinet that the feasibility contract be solesourced instead of being processed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

The PPC had found that after the bidding process was annulled because of non-responsive bidders, NPTAB had approved for the project to be re-tendered. But instead, Dutch company LievenseCSO was handpicked by the Public Infrastructure Ministry to conduct the study.

A probe was also conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into the awarding of the $146 million sole-sourced contract, with Patterson even submitting a statement to investigators.

Engaging...

T

...Guyanese in foreign here’s a whole heap of (fat) talk circulating about the “Guyanese Diaspora” ...which is the fancy phrase for “Guyanese in foreign”. You know, the ones who, when they deign to visit their poor relatives in Guyana (and we’re all assumed to be poor since they were poor when they left) are always complaining about “the heat”.

Even though Guyana never reaches the temperatures of NY or Florida during summer!

Anyhow, the talk is about “connecting” and “engaging” the Diaspora. Now, there’s no question that there’s a solid block of “foreign Guyanese” who’re seriously concerned about the old country. These are the first generation and certainly not their children – who may allude to their “Caribbean” roots but that’s about it. We saw the concern of that first generation ever since the NCM and intensifying after the PNC tried their old rigging trick. And what we saw was that whatever divisions our “Guyanese citizens” had in Guyana; they’d multiplied a thousand times in foreign.

Your Eyewitness couldn’t believe the vitriol (and he’s being diplomatic) that poured out from both sides of the divide. The few sane voices were simply drowned out in the rivers of hate. Now the “Diaspora” had always been engaged by both political parties for campaign contributions (or payments for lobbyists!) and by relatives here who lapped up the remittances. While the barrel shipments and cash remittances might’ve slowed down due to the challenges with COVID-19 in the States, the aid is still substantial.

Anyhow, what the hoopla’s all about is that Government (as opposed to the political parties) is hoping to tap into the talent and money of the foreign Guyanese to develop Guyana. And as such, need a more prestigious name for them than “Foreign Guyanese! Hence “Guyanese Diaspora”. The question is, will the foreign Guyanese get with the programme? But there’s no question that those who see Guyana as an attractive investment destination would’ve already hedged their bets by contributing to the elections campaign and have already made their pitch to the Government. The ones who contributed to the PNC would’ve written off their “investment”, since they won’t be so foolish as to believe that their elections petitions are going anywhere.

So the big question is, “Will those unengaged Guyanese who would’ve made it big in “foreign” take the plunge to invest in Guyana and/or return with their skills?

Frankly, your Eyewitness doesn’t think so. Most of them would see the “risk” as too high...even if the developed countries go into recession after COVID-19. That’s just the way it is: they’ll never see the Guyana they left as an investment destination.

So, the Diaspora talk will be just a lot of hot air! ...cane farmers The new Minister of Agriculture is a breath of fresh air in his new portfolio, But to be honest, that’s not such a great feat when you consider who his predecessor was.

Noel Holder was about the foulest air that swept across the sector, which was the largest source of employment in the country and the only hope to stave off the dreaded Dutch Disease in the next few decades. Anyhow, Mustapha has already been in more rice and cane fields in two months than Holder did in five years!!

But more than getting his feet dirty, Mustapha has clearly shown he understands what needs to be done to turn around the sugar industry – which the PNC was determined to destroy. Earlier this week, he engaged the cane farmers at Skeldon and told them frankly that they were key to the turnaround of the facility that represented the only hope of sugar becoming viable in Guyana. That is what the Skeldon Modernisation was designed to do, but failed because of the factory.

But even the most perfect factory can’t produce sugar without sugar cane!! ...the State Media The Chronic began its editorial on “The return of OMAI”, thusly: “GUYANA, a small English-speaking country in South America...”

So, its readers don’t know where Guyana is?

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CJIA expansion project

Chinese contractor yet to submit revised work plan

President Irfaan Ali during a tour at CJIA

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ublic Works Minister Juan Edghill disclosed that the Guyana Government is still awaiting the submission of a revised work plan from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project.

“There is a continued engagement with the Government of Guyana and the China Harbour Engineering to deliver an

airport that is keeping with what we envisioned. I have not seen as of now a work plan that would give his Excellency President Ali [what he] requested when he visited the airport,” Minister Edghill said during a meeting held with various contractors.

The company was requested to submit a revised work plan following a visit

by President Irfaan Ali, who made it clear that he would not be accepting the project in its current state, noting that Guyanese deserve their money’s worth.

The revised work plan is expected to show the terms agreed in the initial contract signed by the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in 2011.

The project was slated to be completed on December 31, 2018, but has now been taken over by the PPP/C Government in an incomplete and downgraded state.

In fact, the Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration had settled for a denigrated design while paying more than the allocated $150 million.

It was highlighted that the current coronavirus pandemic would not be used as

Government came into power in 2015, the project was put on hold, but after discussions between former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and CHEC, it was later announced that the project would be continued but a number of downgrades were done to the design.

Some $138 million of the allocated costs was funded by the EXIM (ExportImport) Bank of China while $12 million was spent by the Guyana Government.

an excuse since the GCAA will facilitate a flight to have the China Harbour employees return and complete the works they left pending. For now, once the materials and human resources are present, the construction can resume. The contracting firm has already been appraised via letters of the corrective or remedial works that need to be done.

When the coalition

It was not expected to surpass that sum but Guyana had to stand additional expenses.

The CJIA in its downgraded design expansion has four less air passenger boarding bridges for arrivals and departures than the initial eight, a 450-seat departure area, escalators and elevators, in addition to an incomplete extended runway, which was supposed to

COVID-19 causes major spike in unemployment – BoG ...saw major decline both in Private, Public Sectors

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he first half of 2020 was characterised with a decline in both private and public sector employment, one of the fallouts of the coronavirus pandemic that saw Guyana limiting economic activity to essential services and reducing hiring at public corporations.

This is according to the Bank of Guyana’s recently published half-year report, where it is stated that during the period until June 2020, there was a significant decline in Private Sector employment.

This was primarily so in the services sector such as wholesale and retail trade and transportation, which would have been affected by more persons opting to stay home and conserve money, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bank of Guyana

On the other hand, public sector employment fell by 3.3 per cent up to the end of June 2020. This was due to lower employment by Central Government, while the rest of the public sector employment saw a reduction of 8.7 per cent.

Employment in public corporations, which would include entities like the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), declined. This was partic-

ularly the case with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), which saw a 12.7 per cent drop in recruitment.

“Labour unrest, which was confined to GuySuCo, registered an increase in the number of work stoppages to 50 from 20 at end of June.

(Work) days lost were higher at 13,868 from 4418 at the end of June. Wages lost increased to $37.9 million from $13 million for the same period last year,” the report stated. TURN TO PAGE 13

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

measure 400 and 690 metres at the respective ends.

An old terminal building that was marked for cargo was revamped and only one of the new sections was built.

Meanwhile, a new apron that was supposed to support the additional four air bridges is non-existent. There is also no space for enough duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals and other facilities.

CHEC was supposed to design and complete all works before handing it over to the Guyanese Government. However, they have completed some of the works, while key areas like the runway remain undone.

At the end of the Budget 2020 Debates, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill disclosed that the new Administration will have to foot a bill of some $1.3 billion to complete modernisation works on the airport.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

29 new COVID-19 cases take total past 4000 — 3000 recoveries recorded

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he Ministry of Health on Sunday reported that 29 new novel coronavirus cases were detected in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard, this now takes the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 4023 – 2119 males and 1904 females.

However, only 904 of these are active cases. This includes 15 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 889 persons in isolation, that is, 101 persons in institutional isolation and 788 persons in home isolation.

In addition, a total of 3000 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease to date.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 death toll remains at 119. The latest fatalities were recorded on Saturday following the deaths of a 78-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and an 86-year-old male from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) – both of whom died while receiving care at medical facilities.

These two deaths had taken the COVID fatality for last week up to eight. The week began with the death toll at 111.

Nevertheless, there are currently 38 persons in institution-

al quarantine. The total number of persons tested for the novel coronavirus in Guyana thus far is 18,417.

Of the 29 new cases recorded on Sunday, one is from the Barima-Waini Region, three from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 17 cases from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), two each from Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), three from the Potaro-Siparuni Region, and one case from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The figures in other regions remained the same, that is, 303 cases in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 67 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 375 cases in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 42,512,186 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 1,147,301 deaths.

The Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, has been identified as the most affected region by the virus. WHO also reported on Sunday, that the number of con-

firmed COVID-19 cases in the region increased to 19,477,882 while the death toll has gone up to 622,086.

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government has embarked on a massive testing drive to ensure that all positive cases, especial-

ly asymptomatic cases, are detected. This has resulted in a high number of cases being detected.

Nevertheless, Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9), which are in effect until October 31, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In the meantime, Government has launched “Operation COVI-CURB” – a country-wide campaign by the Joint Services and other key stakeholders, using an education and persuasion strategy, to elicit adherence to the COVID-19 safety measures to tackle the spread of the virus.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy

CORONAVIRUS HOW TO HANDWASH? (COVID-19) WASH HANDS OR USE HAND SANITISERS

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice.

They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

NEWS

11

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Report urges Govt, civil society to partner with Diaspora on key development projects – recommends creation of digital portal to facilitate dialogue with Diaspora

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ith approximately half of all Guyanese living overseas, a critical report has urged the Government to aggressively seek to build partnerships with the Guyana Diaspora, recommending collaboration on several stand-alone projects to develop the country and the creation of a “cloud portal.”

Founder of www.

GuyanaWorx.com, Salaudeen Nausrudeen created and launched the “cloud-based portal,” in September. His company is a bridge/portal connecting employers in Guyana with job seekers from around the world, especially the skilled and experienced Guyanese Diaspora population in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and further afield.

According to the report, which was done by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Guyana has one of the highest emigration rates in the world, with some 30,000 persons leaving annually. It is a crisis, the report noted, which must be addressed.

The CSIS noted that efforts to deal with the problem have in the past been hampered by a lack of consistent effort and political will. The Center nevertheless noted that with the onset of oil and gas, a golden opportunity is being presented to the new People’s

Progressive Party (PPP) Government to stem the brain drain.

It was therefore recommended that Guyana’s public and Private Sector seek to collaborate with the diaspora on transformative projects that would fall under the rubric of a “Guyana Global” initiative.

The Guyana Global initiative would be facilitated by the creation of a digital, cloud-based portal with an online community of diaspora experts to serve as the framework and a formal means of communication between Guyana and the diaspora.

The report suggested that the portal be accessed on the internet through an app and include content management software, discussion boards and software that would enable project development, tracking and reporting, training sessions and workshops. Other Information and Communications Technology (ICT) options for accessing the portal include Zoom, Webex, Vimeo and CRM. “Development of this portal would be guided and managed by experts in the field of systems software and information technology (IT), both from the diaspora and from Guyana. Such experts from the diaspora have already been engaged in the early discussions and planning of this initiative,” the report stated.

“This initial effort would need to be defined carefully and led by a group of committed individuals, both from the diaspora and Guyana.

A leadership/steering group would need to be established to guide the process of organising the Guyana Global initiative. The initiative’s leaders would need to establish their own goals, objectives, code of ethics, and means of operation, as well as its own makeup,” the report added.

Projects

According to the report, there are a number of potential areas of cooperation.

For one, the report cited the opportunity for collaboration with the diaspora to promote an advanced, cutting edge health sector that would focus heavily on primary care.

Another area of cooperation cited by the report was the promotion of a worldclass, competitive education system at all levels that would focus on reaching all over Guyana and linked to overseas-based institutions of higher learning.

“Explore approaches to integrating Indigenous peoples more directly and effectively into the development process in Guyana using diaspora expertise and experience. Promote effective approaches to address critical environmental issues, including Guyana’s low coastal plain, 9000 square kilometers of territory that lie

below sea level and in almost constant threat of flooding.”

“Explore the development of an expanded agro-industrial sector with export potential. Explore ways to empower young people, especially marginalized youth, to play a more active role in contributing to and benefitting from national development, including through engaging younger generations in the diaspora through effective use of technology and social media, as well as innovative approaches to mentoring,” the report also recommended.

The Center also suggested that the diaspora be engaged as Government and civil society find ways of promoting multi-ethnic, social cohesion while looking at policy examples of multiculturalism in other countries such as Canada. The Center was of the view that collaboration could also be held in the areas of constitutional and electoral reform.

“Promote entrepreneurship and investment, including by diaspora members, in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), as well as in other sectors. Promote efficiency and transparency of Government operations, including e-Government initiatives that are not yet well-established in Guyana,” the CSIS also recommended.

Policy

The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had announced in 2017 that it would be carrying out consultations with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Guyana diaspora, with the view of creating a diaspora engagement strategy.

That strategy was created, but it went nowhere and in July 2018, then Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge was forced to admit that the policy was languishing before Cabinet,

The report stated that approximately half of all Guyanese live overseas

due to other priorities and “absent-mindedness.”

“That paper has been before Cabinet for the longest while, and Cabinet has not been able to look at it for reasons that have to do with priority, and perhaps a little bit of absent-mindedness; because it’s been done a long time ago,” Greenidge had said at the time.

The CSIS report speaks to this, noting that the absent-minded way the former APNU/AFC Government treated the diaspora engagement strategy paper speaks to a lack of commitment from them in improving engagements with the diaspora.

“The Guyanese Government, in organizing new efforts to better understand the experience of its own diaspora, would be well advised to consider organizing a more serious effort to integrate diaspora issues and resources into the country’s bureaucratic structure.”

“The Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in recent years

involved a relatively small commitment of human and financial resources, and as a result, its engagement with diaspora communities has been extremely limited and not particularly effective.”

Since taking power in August, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has touted the need to engage the diaspora and increase collaboration.

There has been talk of using Guyana’s various consulates across the world to open more doors for the diaspora to engage with authorities.

The party has a track record in seeking to engage the diaspora, with successive PPP Administrations reaching out to the diaspora and implementing certain systems aimed at attracting them to return or engage in some way with their homeland.

For example, the remigrant scheme was designed to give every Guyanese desirous of returning home an opportunity to be exempted from certain taxes once they decide to settle permanently here.

Many remigrants have already taken advantage of this facility. As part of its massive housing drive, the former PPP Government had also developed lands that remigrants could have accessed at affordable prices.

The mass exodus of Guyanese started in the early 1960s under the Forbes Burnham dictatorship when the economy was facing total collapse. There were no proper jobs; social services were almost non-existent, and there was a sense of hopelessness all over the country.

12 NEWS New Region 6 Divisional Commander hits ground running MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Station Management Committee

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he Guyana Police Force’s new Divisional Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan has been up and about in various communities with the aim of improving the public’s image of the police in the region.

He has led sensitisation and mask distribution exercises while also resuscitating the Station Management Committee and honouring the top National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) performers on the Corentyne over the past days.

On Sunday, Commander Ramlakhan visited Senior Pastor Karmanand Ramesh of the Family of God Cathedral, Number 2 Village at East Canje, Berbice. The pastor, who also served 35 years in the education sector and last taught at the Sheet Anchor Primary School, pledged to support the Guyana Police Force in whatever area he can.

According to the Commander, plans are afoot to have the pastor be a part of the Force’s Cops and Faith Community Network, where he will serve as a mentor and a counsellor.

Commander Ramlakhan and several other ranks, as well as stakeholders, on Saturday morning, conducted a walkabout at the Port Mourant and Rose Hall markets. Several persons were given face masks and flyers to spread awareness of the deadly disease. The items distributed were donated by Krish Pharmacy.

The citizens were also sensitised about COVID-19 and the preventative measures that they can take to protect themselves and their loved one.

During the exercise, concerns were raised by business owners and members of the public. The newly-appointed Regional Commander promised to address these.

A c c o m p a n y i n g Ramlakhan on the walkabout were Deputy Commander, Superintendent A Roberts; Officer in Charge of the No 2 Sub-Division, Superintendent Karl Wilson; Officer in Charge of Crime in the Region, Elton

Baird; Anti-Crime Patrol Officer, Assistant Arjune; Finance Officer, Inspector Kewis Gravesande; Human Resource Officer, Chief Inspector A Solomon; Officer in Charge of Traffic No 2 Sub-Division, Inspector A Ramnauth; Subordinate Officer of Whim Police Station, Sergeant Hamilton;

Bank of Berbice at the Edinburgh area, where businesses were asked to publicly display flyers about COVID-19 for the benefit of customers.

In the Albion community, officers from that station during their community outreach also distributed face masks and encouraged

ucation.

Trophies were presented to the awardees.

A similar exercise was held at the Number 51 Police Station, where students from Number 56 Primary, Number 48 Primary, Leads Primary and Number 36 Primary Schools were also rewarded for their stellar performances.

Meanwhile, a new Station Management Committee was installed at Central Police Station.

The Chairman of the Committee is New Amsterdam NDC Chairman, Roy Jafferally, while Deputy Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh, was appointed as Secretary.

The Assistant Secretary is Rebecca Singh and the Treasurer is Ashrab Jahoor.

Other members on

Commander Jairam Ramlakhan distributes masks to persons in Region Six

Subordinate Officer in Charge of Crime No 2 SubDivision, Sergeant Eustace Lynch; Subordinate Officer in Charge of Rose Hall Outpost, Sergeant Karan Tyndall; Corporal Haynes; Subordinate Officer in Charge of Mibikuri Police Station; Community Relations Officer – Angoy, Natoya Benjamin, and Constable Kevin Tyndall.

Mayor of Rose Hall Town, Chattergoon Ramnauth, was also a part of the initiative.

Meanwhile, Commander Ramlakhan along with other senior officers from the Division met with business owners on Friday to get firsthand information about their security needs and to commence rebuilding the Force’s image in communities in the Region, where the police are being viewed as the public enemy.

At Rose Hall Town, the Community Relations Officer, Karen Tyndall, and the Neighborhood Police carried out an outreach where persons were sensitised about the COVID-19 guidelines and encouraged to use face masks. Relevant fliers were also distributed in the community.

A similar exercise was also conducted on the East

persons to always use them in public.

Meanwhile, at Springlands, the top NGSA students from Corriverton Primary, New Market Primary, Skeldon Primary, Crabwood Creek Primary, Massiah Primary and Number 68 Primary Schools were honoured by the police.

During an address at the simple ceremony, Commander Ramlakhan encouraged the students to remain focused on their ed-

the Executive are Colvin Melville, Junior Blair, Sean Archer, Eusi Smith, Katharine Persaud, Gordon Vaudenburg and Toolaprashad Gupta.

The objective of the Station Management Committee is to work with ranks of Central Police Station to create more people-friendly relations between the police and communities, and to ensure effective and efficient policing within this station district.

GTT promotes Orson Ferguson to CMO

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ustomer Experience Vice President of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GTT), Orson Ferguson was recently promoted to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the telephone giant.

“We are delighted to appoint Mr Ferguson as our new Chief Marketing Officer. He has shown, during his time with us, that he has significant business knowledge as related to brand penetration - and deep expertise in building stronger customer relationships. We are confident that, in this elevated role, he will continue to help take GTT to the next level of growth and development as a more customer-centric organisation.

I would like to congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his newest capacity,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd stated.

Ferguson, who is Guyanese, joined GTT in 2017 as GTT’s VP for Customer Experience. He is highly experienced and well-regarded in strategic marketing in Guyana and the United States and is familiar with the telecommunications sector.

“He brings significant international expertise in cutting-edge telecoms and digital marketing at a time when GTT is focused on the new opportunities within Guyana’s evolving communications landscape,” Nedd added while underscoring that Ferguson’s promotion was largely because of his expertise in marketing and customer management, and his proven local and international track-record.

Ferguson has spent more than two decades working with major firms across North America, including CREDO Mobile, financial services firm NetSpend Corporation and internet phone service provider Ooma. He holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of California Davis, a Master’s of Arts in Marketing from University of Westminster and Bachelor of Science/

Newly-appointed CMO of GTT, Orson Ferguson

Economics from the University of Guyana.

“As Guyana’s largest network, GTT has been in the midst of a transition to be a more customer-centric organisation. Our goal is to always ensure that the needs of the customer are at the very centre of what we do and how we do it. As GTT’s former VP with responsibility for customer experience, I am committed to this strategic direction,” Ferguson stated.

“Over the past two years, we have listened carefully and used those insights to build a platform to serve our customers digitally, in a way that is most convenient for them; it was my honour to lead this evolution. We know this is something that makes our customers happy - and as a result, we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of people in the GTT community who are engaging with us digitally, even pre-COVID-19,” Ferguson added.

He further stated that GTT is an incredibly talented, diverse and dedicated family and it is a privilege to be part of the team.

“I’m looking forward to working with our people, to strive to be the easiest, most engaging and convenient company to do business with. This means understanding the needs and expectations of our customers, being honest and authentic at all times, not cutting any corners and doing the hard work necessary to win increased customer confidence - that’s my focus.”

Missing Berbice teen contacts mother, instructs her to inform Police she is safe

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ixteen-year-old Kamani Mahadeo of Number 19 Village, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who reportedly disappeared while her mother was asleep about a week ago, has since contacted her mother and confirmed that she is safe.

The teen’s mother, Samantha Bacchus, when contacted for an update told Guyana Times on Sunday that her daughter had contacted her via telephone saying that she was safe and promised to return home soon.

As such, she instructed her mother to make contact with the police and inform them that she was safe.

Bacchus stated that although she heard from her daughter, she is still worried and wants to know her exact location. In the same breath, the woman explained that her daughter might have eloped with a boy she had disapproved of.

Mahadeo had left her home while her mother was asleep about a week ago, and remains untraceable.

It was reported that on the day in question, the wom-

Missing teen: Kamani Mahadeo

an woke up at about 05:00h and saw her daughter sleeping. As such, she went back to bed but when she woke up sometime after, the young lady was nowhere to be found.

The woman said she did not know when her teenage daughter left the house since she did not hear the door open or close.

After long hours of searching for the teen, the 16-yearold’s mother filed a missing person’s report with the police after which she took to Facebook on Tuesday seeking the public’s assistance in finding her daughter.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 400 children in institutional Investigation into Cummings Lodge fatal fire care – CC&PA Director still active – Fire Chief

…efforts being made for adoptive care

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ith more than 400 of Guyana’s children in institutional care, the newly-constituted Adoption Board, along with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), is in the process of ensuring that the children are placed in stable and safe environments.

This is according to CC&PA Director Ann Greene during a virtual meeting with the Board

Board Chairperson Anya Rahaman-Persaud stated that she would be working tirelessly to alleviate some of the socio-economic issues that are affecting the family, which ultimately filter down to children.

“Every child should have a caring and loving family. Unfortunately, some of the socio-economic issues affecting family life have resulted in numerous cases of neglect and more worry-

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud and the Board members discussed a number of options to safeguard children’s rights

members last week. Greene stated that the CC&PA’s vision was to have the children placed in caring and nurturing homes.

“Persons who are desirous of adopting children should do so for the right reasons. You have to be a caregiver and not adopt a child for companionship,” the CC&PA Director stated.

ing issues affecting our children. Conscious of the very urgent attention required to address these matters, the Board will work assiduously in helping to bring relief to the boys and girls enduring these sad circumstances,” Rahaman-Persaud said.

Board Members include Subhadra Sukhai; Anuradha Persaud; Vanessa Benn;

Sarah Ibrahim; Dwayne Adams; Sylvia Conway and CC&PA Director Greene, an ex-Officio member/ Secretary.

Meanwhile, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, declared that the Board should adhere to “The Hague Adoption Convention” when reviewing international adoption applications.

“The existing legislation will be amended to incorporate the child protection principles and rights from the Hague Convention,” Minister Persaud stated.

The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an international convention dealing with international adoption, child laundering, and child trafficking in an effort to protect those involved from the corruption, abuses, and exploitation which sometimes accompany international adoption.

Additionally, the institutionalisation of children should ideally be a transition point for them to receive counselling and immediate safety, the Minister advised. Therefore, she is encouraging persons to adopt children who are older, giving them good, safe and stable homes where they have opportunities to explore their potential and grow in a healthy environment.

“The ideal situation

The family was trapped in this building when the blaze erupted

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CC&PA Director Ann Greene

would be for these children to be reunited with their families or with loving families who adopt them. Foster care is an alternative care mechanism to reduce institutionalising children, and the Ministry has a foster care programme which it will be improving and expanding,” Persaud divulged.

From a human resources standpoint, Minister Persaud stated that she would be lobbying for more persons to be trained in social work, counselling, and psychology.

“We will, over the next four years, be looking to add trained persons to the Ministry’s staff complement to adequately fulfil the needs of the children in our homes and across the country,” she added.

Works commence around Stabroek area

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s promised, the Home Affairs Ministry along with the Public Works Ministry have begun washing the tarmacs and bus parks, patching of the roads, and painting clear demarca-

On Sunday morning scores of workers were seen in the area carrying out the orders of the two Ministries. This was as a result of a walkabout by Minister Juan Edghill and Minister Robenson Benn as

Workers cleaning the Stabroek area

Workers patching the roads in the Stabroek area

tion lines in the Stabroek Market area.

This is expected to ease the congestion caused by vendors who hinder the flow of traffic.

they identified areas that need to be rectified.

Some of the issues that were raised included congestion, unclean roads and obstruction of traffic. It was

then that both Ministers arrived at a consensus that the encumbering vendors would be relocated.

Last week, minibus drivers along with President of the Minibus Association Eon Andrews, vendors, and other stakeholders met with Minister Benn at the Saint Stanislaus College, Georgetown, to discuss issues of road safety and congestion at the Stabroek Market Square.

During that engage-

ment, Minister Benn pointed out that the Ministry will be improving transportation and congestion issues at the Square. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Guyana, he added that tents will be placed at minibus parks to facilitate hand sanitising and the issuing of face masks.

It was also promised by the Minister that issues of disorder at the minibus parks and touting will be addressed.

fire at an apartment building in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown back in June 2020, which resulted in the death of a family of three is still under investigation, according to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle.

Gentle, in an invited comment, stated that once the investigation remained active, it meant that the investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.

This is so, even though reports suggested that the fire was purposely set.

Tragedy struck on June 27, 2020 when a couple and their teen son were trapped in their home after the fire erupted. The deceased are Beverly Miller, 40; Martin Lewis, 46 and their 14-yearold son, Dawall Ifill who resided at E-Half Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge.

Reports are that on the day in question about 17:45h, fire erupted in the heavily-grilled building which housed several apartments in which approximately 15 persons resided.

Initially, no one suspected that anyone was trapped in the building. However, after the occupants of the building who made it out started enquiring if everyone was safe, relatives real-

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle

ised that the couple and their son were missing. After the blaze was completely extinguished , the charred bodies of the three were found near each other.

The family had only moved into the apartment in March 2020. Reports are that relatives of the property’s owner who died recently were in dispute over the building. A man said to be the landlord’s grandson, who was seen earlier at the apartment where the fire started was arrested but was subsequently released.

After the funeral, a brother of the 14-year-old who perished in the fire had to be taken for counselling after experiencing constant nightmares. He had reportedly left home to visit friends before the fire started.

COVID-19 causes...

As part of its policy to downsize sugar, the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had closed down the Rose Hall, Skeldon, Wales and Enmore Sugar Estates.

However, little to no provisions were made for sugar workers, who were thrown on the breadline. In addition, communities in the sugar belt have suffered the economic and social effects of the closure of the estate.

The current Government has taken several steps to restore the estates that were closed, including engaging the help of the Indian Government for technical experts to assist Guyana to reopen them.

GuySuCo has already commenced the process of rehiring sugar workers who had lost their jobs under the last Administration. In addition, there have been assurances that over 400 sugar workers have been rehired.

Many Guyanese have

FROM PAGE 9

meanwhile felt the effects of COVID-19 on an economic level, with businesses closing their doors, layoffs and a slowdown in the circulation of money. This was compounded by the political paralysis Guyana found itself in from the elections in March 2020 until President Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn in on August 2, as the previous Government refused to concede defeat.

When COVID first arrived in Guyana earlier this year, the former APNU/AFC Government had taken steps ranging from closing its borders to mandating that only essential businesses open their doors.

During its five-month extension in office, the former Government did not provide any economic stimulus for the remaining businesses which remained open.

Guyana did not have a budget since the last one was passed in November of 2018, until September 2020 when the PPP passed its emergency budget.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local Content Panel on course Rotary, partners in to submit report next month fight to eradicate polio – consultations held with key stakeholders

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he Local Content Panel (LCP) which was convened by the President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government to come up with a local content framework for Guyana in light of the oil and gas sector is on course to submit its first report next month.

This was related by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat in an interview with this publication.

The Minister explained that the panel has held a number of engagements with various stakeholders.

“They’ve engaged a number of stakeholders already.

For example, the Private Sector, the Government agencies, the Department of Energy. But they’re in that stage where they’re doing consultations.”

It had previously been reported that Minister Bharrat held a meeting with the panel, during which the importance of providing opportunities in the oil and gas sector for goods and services produced locally, as well as for skilled and semi-skilled labour, was emphasised.

“We had asked them for a draft report by the end of November. So, they’re working towards that deadline,” Minister Bharrat further ex-

plained.

At the end of August, President Ali had assembled a high-level team of experts to advise Government on the formulation of a strong Local Content Policy that will ensure all citizens benefit from the country’s lucrative oil and gas sector, as well as other sectors that see Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Among the experts on the panel is Trinidadian Local Content expert Anthony Paul. Paul has played a critical role in the formulation of local content policies in Ghana and has been vocal about local content issues in Guyana.

Paul is the Principal Consultant, Energy and Strategy, Association of Caribbean Energy Specialist Limited. He spearheaded a Rapid Analysis of the State of Readiness of Guyana’s Hydrocarbon Regulatory Framework study, facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2016.

Also on the panel is former Foreign Affairs Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, Carl Greenidge. Greenidge,

an economist by profession, also served as Finance Minister from 1983 to 1992.

Apart from Paul and Greenidge, the panel also includes former Trinidad Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine. Ramnarine is no stranger to these shores, having given speeches and been vocal on energy-related issues affecting Guyana.

Ramnarine served as the Minister of Energy of Trinidad and Tobago (2011 to 2015). During his tenure, he created a positive climate for investment, including the fiscal reforms which resulted in major investments in deep-water exploration.

Prior to being appointed Energy Minister, he held positions in the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and at British Gas, where he worked as the Lead Economist.

Ramnarine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry; a Master’s of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering; and a Master’s Degree in Business (MBA).

Since leaving ministerial office, he has worked as an energy consultant and as a lecturer at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.

The panel also includes

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Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

Finance Professor Floyd Haynes and trade unionist Carvil Duncan. Haynes is an adjunct Professor in Finance and Accounting at the University of the District of Columbia, and he is a public lecturer in Leadership and Management.

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Head and former presidential advisor Shyam Nokta is the Chairman of the panel. Nokta also previously served as Head of the Office of Climate Change, where he coordinated Guyana’s response to climate change, the development and implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and REDD+ Partnership with the Kingdom of Norway.

Young doctor aims to provide affordable healthcare to less fortunate

Dr Anita with children of the National Rehabilitation Complex

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veryone is placed on this Earth for a purpose. While some might contribute to making the world a better place by joining politics, there are others who will march the streets in protest for human rights. Then, there are those who aim to make the world a better place by ensuring the population is wealthy in health.

For 24-year-old Dr Anita Sarah Verghese, the less fortunate people who live in rural communities deserve access to affordable healthcare. With her inspiration drawn heavily from Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India; ever since her entry into the medical field, Dr Anita shared that her aim is to ensure that healthcare is delivered to every citizen regardless of where they live or their financial status.

Born to Joy and Suma Verghese, the young doctor said her father always instilled in her the importance of having an education. According to her,

“While my dreams sounded expensive, my father told me that I could achieve anything through education and knowledge. He also told me that knowledge is power; a power that nobody could take away from me achieving my goals.”

Dr Anita was the recipient of many foreign scholarships; namely from the United States of America, Qatar and the Caribbean. A graduate of the Texila American University, Dr Anita completed her internship at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

She shared that her family is guided by strict Christian principles, and as such, she was part of several humanitarian efforts.

This, she added, ignited her passion for helping others. “I have seen people here in Guyana benefited tremendously from my humanitarian activities. Guyana is a land of so much potential simply because of its diversity and opportunities,” Dr

Anita added.

With the sitting of her Caribbean Association of Medical Councils examination delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Anita is using her spare time to teach children and adults at special needs institutions, nursing homes and orphanages. She has credited her success to several doctors at the GPHC. Dr Anita related that she plans to pursue post-graduate studies in general and reconstruction surgery. She wants to specialise in cleft lip surgeries, treating burn victims, and other congenital disabilities.

To further her humanitarian work in the medical field, Dr Anita is currently in the process of registering a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which is aimed at promoting the sale of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Guyana.

According to her, the NGO - Archangel Charity programme was created to raise money for local charities, awareness to COVID-19 and provide healthcare for unprivileged people.

The NGO can be found via https://archangelmedcare.com. Dr Anita explained that US$2 from every purchase will be donated to a local charity. In her free time, this young doctor said she would facilitate small medical seminars for families and nursing homes on varying health issues. The most pressing one she is focused on right now is the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sessions are infor-

he Rotary Club of Guyana has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years with its goal of ridding the world of this disease. To continually fight the disease, the Club has relied heavily on donations and the support of key partners worldwide.

World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24. The Day was established

by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis (polio).

Decades ago, the use of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus vaccine, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

In 1988, the World Health Assembly adopted the resolution for the worldwide eradication of polio, marking the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. This initiative was a public-private partnership spearheaded by national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance later joined it.

Today, this Global Polio Eradication initiative is spread across 200 countries with a pool of 20 million vol-

unteers. The initiative has so far utilised over 14 billion US Dollars and has managed to vaccinate over 2.5 billion children; with an overall goal of making the world polio-free.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that wild poliovirus cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, then to 175 reported cases last year. As of 2020, wild poliovirus type 1 continues to affect only two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to the WHO, polio is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread, mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (eg contaminated water or food), and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.

The most effective way to prevent the disease is getting vaccinated.

Immunisation against polio is recommended for all children from three to 18 months of age. Three booster doses should be given to all children up to 12 years of age.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) joins other Rotary Clubs locally and across the globe to commemorate World Polio Day 2020.

Pedal cyclist killed by speeding car Dr Anita Sarah Verghese

mative and include lessons for children and adults on how to safeguard themselves from COVID-19. They include classes on how to make sanitiser and the proper use of PPE. In concluding, Dr Anita left a few tips on how persons can strengthen their immune system to fight the virus.

She urged the consuming of at least 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C for adults and children. This, she pointed out, will help the body to fight off COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. She advised persons to eat a lot of citrus fruits and to maintain a healthy diet and fitness regime.

“I also urge you to stay home so we can reduce the spread of this virus. Also, please don’t forget your personal protective wear and to sanitise as frequently as possible. This will help to keep your family safe, and the public servants safe as it’s what you can do for someone with nothing in return.”

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pedal cyclist is now dead after he was struck down and killed by a motor car on the Golden Fleece Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday evening.

The dead man has been identified as Tulsiram Rajkumar, also known as “Otam”, 59, a fisherman and a father of 11 of Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast.

According to Regional Commander Crystal Robinson, the accident occurred sometime around 18:30h, and involved motor car PRR 4866, driven and owned by a resident of the same village.

Reports are that the pedal cyclist was on his

way home and was reportedly heading in the northern direction along the road when the motor car, which was also proceeding in the same direction, allegedly at a fast rate, struck the man down.

According to Police, the driver collided with the rear end of the pedal cycle, and due to the impact, the cyclist fell on to the roadway and sustained injuries to his head and neck.

He was picked up and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state but was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the motor car was taken into Police custody and is presently assisting with investigations.

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Elderly shop owner found gagged, Contracts for major housing projects to be murdered in La Grange home

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n elderly shop owner was on Sunday evening found dead with her mouth gagged in her La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home.

The dead woman has been identified as 85-yearold Bibi Nasmonisha Ramjit of Old Road, La Grange, WBD. The woman’s house was reportedly ransacked, thus leaving investigators to work with the theory that the woman was killed during the commissioning of a robbery. The elderly woman lived alone.

According to information received, relatives of the now dead woman were summoned to the scene after her motionless body was discovered.

A relative explained that the now dead woman operated a grocery shop and about four months ago, bandits had invaded her property during which they terrorised and assaulted her. They

Dead: Bibi Nasmonisha Ramjit

would have escaped with a large sum of money. The elderly woman, however, did not make a report to the police due to fears that they would return.

“Somebody went in from the side fence and stole a lot of money from her… I am not sure of the amount… my husband went and put on locks on the back door and change the locks and he gave her the key…we told her to make a report and

she said she can’t because she has no proof…” the relative explained.

One month after that incident, Ramjit was sleeping in her hammock, and again bandits invaded her home and stole an undisclosed sum of money. “…she is financially well off she doesn’t need to work; she just does it to keep herself active... she decided to close down the shop and sell out everything… after she

was selling out the stuff, she had the money from the stuff that she sold, and they went in and clean her money out, somebody spray her…”, they said.

The family is alleging that Sunday’s incident was also a robbery. This suspicion came after the woman’s home was ransacked.

“The same place they went in the first incident, they went in the front room and they tumbled for the money, they know exactly where to go. The second incident, they did the same exact thing…”. Up to late Sunday evening, detectives were dusting for fingerprints and looking for any piece of evidence to catch the perpetrators.

At the scene, persons in the neighbourhood said that they did not hear any strange sounds or see any abnormal movements. The woman’s body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Region 6 launches “Team Policing” to address COVID-19

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olice in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will be increasing patrols with the aim of clamping down on businesses that flout the COVID-19 guidelines.

To achieve this, newly-appointed Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan on Sunday launched “Team Policing”.

“Team Policing” was launched in the SubDivision 1 which includes New Amsterdam and East Canje and is expected to be extended to other parts of the Region within the next few weeks.

Commander Ramlakhan on Sunday stated that it is time for the town of New Amsterdam to benefit from 24-hour Police presence.

“As part of this initiative, we will be having a rigid COVID-19 exercise because I have observed that persons are breaching the curfew, persons are breaching the emergency measures and it is time. We have been warning and warning so, as of today a team will be set up to deal with bars and rum shops because they are prohibited from opening as well as gyms,” the Commander explained.

The Commander acknowledged that his actions will not be appreciated by many but he has to uphold the law.

“We are the enforcers of the COVID 19 guidelines and we are going to do just that. There will be no favours and no fear,” he outlined.

Meanwhile, the new Commander has placed emphasis on his human re-

Senior Police ranks and other stakeholders at the launch on Sunday

sources and has put systems in place so that the public can receive optimum benefits. Between Friday and Saturday, in excess of eighty officers were transferred within the Region.

Ramlakhan has also involved the Town Constabulary, the business community, the New Amsterdam Post Office and the prisons as part of the initiative.

“Team Policing” will see Police patrols operating on a 24-hour basis along main Street, Stand and Republic Road between King Street and Pope Street.

It will also target Mount Sinai which is popularly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue.

“I can safely say as from now on residents of New Amsterdam can walk freely. Yes, we will make some people uncomfortable, those who want to breach the curfew and the emergency measures.”

On the other hand, Deputy Commander, Superintendent Alistair Roberts explained that “Team Policing” will expand to the other two sub-divi-

sions in the Region. He noted that the enforcement will be done through a collaborative effort of the police and the Guyana Defence Force.

“However, we are encouraging members of the community to assist us when it comes to enforcement because, without the presence of the general population, these bars and rum shops would not have the need to be open.”

He noted that while the police will be enforcing the law, the onus is on persons to protect themselves.

He added that both traffic and criminal Investigations will be given a boost for the exercise. “We have been getting some success but there are a number of intelligence-led operations that will be done during this period,” Roberts posited.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Six, Navindra Persaud welcomed the initiative and explained that crime causes a downturn in economic progress and instability in homes.

“I think this is a start towards improving all the

lives of all the people in New Amsterdam.”

Deputy Mayor Wainwright McIntosh pledged the municipality’s full support while noting that it is a positive outlook for progress.

Post Master Wayne Seymour also congratulated the Commander for the bold step, noting that the post office and the police have always had a close relationship to the extent that most post offices are next to police stations.

In addition, Regional Detective Officer, Superintendent Elton Baird said the idea is to have the police work in collaboration with members of the community.

“The police must be seen as a friendly person and not as law enforcement officers only. When we have the police and the community working in close collaboration, information can come from the very community which will aid us in terms of our crime-fighting capabilities. So, this initiative is important,” he noted.

(Andrew Carmichael)

signed early November

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Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

rojects under the Ministry of Housing and Water for 2020 capital and current projects are moving ahead.

This is according to Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, who recently told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he was satisfied with the progress to date.

“I am happy to say that all of our projects were tendered. […] All of our capital projects slated for this year under the housing programme, those evaluations are to be completed for the award next week, and we’ll have the contract signing within the first week of November,” he indicated.

The contracts are all expected to be signed at a single event as the Minister intends to charge the awardees with meeting the Ministry’s expectations.

“There are some bottlenecks I see in the system that I want to address with any new contractors that are coming on board to engage the Ministry and Central Housing and Planning Authority because we take our timelines seriously and we have strengthened our Monitoring Department for the execution of proj-

ects,” the Minister stated.

Concerning the development of new housing areas catered for in the 2020 budget, Minister Croal said the first phase of development is on the calendar.

“This initial phase for the two months left in the year is intended for land preparation; that is the clearing for a number of land area and the construction of the main access bridges,” he explained.

“This will allow the opening up of a number of areas in our first quarter, to continue the programme for the construction of a number of streets and then those [investors] can commence construction [on housing units],” Minister Croal added.

For development in existing areas, the Minister said those communities would continue to see the installation of LED street lights to promote safer neighbourhoods.

These moves come just under one month since the passage of the 2020 emergency budget. They include the provision of potable water and the necessary works for road upgrades in existing housing areas, as well as land acquisition to undertake new housing projects.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CDC volunteers strengthen national COVID-19 response P

articipants of the Civil Defence Commission’s Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT) have been integral in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

CDC Mitigation and Recovery Manager, Alana Walters said the Commission relied on the support from the specially trained VERT members, especially in the initial stages of the relief effort when its own capabilities were strained.

“We have volunteers who were trained in certain skills such [as] mapping and those volunteers were able to support the national emergency operations centre in developing maps that were used to track where the hotspots are for COVID-19 cases,” she explained.

“Our volunteers hail from diverse backgrounds; they are some of the best and brightest minds from across the country, who came to us with skills already. There are skills in agriculture, urban planning and development, engineering…nurses and doctors and some other skills that really bring together the whole gamut of disaster reduction risk management.”

According to the CDC, the volunteers were able to support a variety of activities including assembly of units for persons in isolation.

“Volunteers have worked on the highest level of the COVID 19 response -- is the national task force in developing policies. And they also helped with smaller but not insignificant tasks such as putting hampers together,” said Volunteer Coordinator Mariea Harrinarine.

She referred to the volunteers as some of the CDC’s “greatest assets”.

Volunteer Onicka Jones,

a communication professional, explained that the training and experience gained through VERT have readied her to effectively respond to differing circumstances.

“We were in the jungle training learning how to build resilience and dealing with certain challenges.

My most recent experience when it comes to dealing with COVID-19 was the building of tents. I left my house at 10 that night and never returned until 10 the next morning. So, you need a certain mindset to react and respond to such situations because you never know when the emergency will end and for how long it will last,” she shared.

Fellow volunteer Shameeza David also spoke of the profound nature of volunteerism. David volunteered to assemble housing units, even before being trained to do so.

“It’s actually so cool to see the units come together and to see that you’re involved in something so tangible for a good purpose. It is a skill that can always be taken forward,” she said.

These volunteers and coordinators have called on more citizens to come forward and greater corporate support to strengthen the work of VERT. The Voluntary Emergency Response Team Programme began in 2018 with support from ExxonMobil Guyana, the University of Guyana, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Guyana Defence Force. To date, ExxonMobil has contributed some $11 million and has provided additional training in Incident Command System and oil spill response.

Residents of Berbice can now access GTT’s Blaze service

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esidents within the Corriverton and Skeldon, Berbice areas, can now benefit from the high-speed Blaze internet service offered by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

“We made a promise earlier this year that we would roll out Blaze in several areas. Though we had a setback with the delivery dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have still been able to commit to our promise and we have delivered the Blaze service to Grove, Diamond, Parika and now Skeldon and Corriverton areas,” said GTT’s Product Lead of Fixed Broadband Services, Jamal Inniss.

With more than 1000 households now set to benefit from the service, Inniss shared that the Blaze expansion has been welcomed by the community. “We appreciate the responses we have been getting already and we are pleased to pro-

vide these communities with high-speed internet. It’s a speed that’s now demanded of us as we all adjust more and more to an increased reliance on faster connectivity,” Inniss stated.

Aatif Mohamed was among the first customers to benefit from Blaze installations in Berbice. As a family and businessman, Mohamed is hopeful that both his personal and business online experience with this new broadband service in the area, will be satisfactory. “I’ve read different reviews about this service in other areas – I am satisfied enough that GTT will provide the quality of service which they’ve promised,” said Mohamed.

Residents of both Corriverton and Skeldon are encouraged to sign up for the service via https:// www.gtt.co.gy/blaze/apply.

Installations for Skeldon are scheduled to commence in the new week.

Participants of the Civil Defence Commission’s Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT)

“We welcome the engagement of corporate entities like ExxonMobil Guyana in helping us to prepare, mo-

bilise, train unteers for sponse. The it alone and

and ready volemergency reCDC cannot do often we do not

have all the technical skills that corporate entities like ExxonMobil have or the other resources that will help

to make us ready,” Walters stated.

ExxonMobil Guyana said providing support to the CDC’s VERT programme was an important part of its overall goal to help Guyana mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

“At such a challenging time, it is heartening to see how the CDC and volunteers like those in the VERT programme come together to help others,” said Deedra Moe, Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana. “We are proud to support this tremendous effort.”

UK special forces storm tanker and detain stowaways in Channel

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ritish special forces stormed a Greekoperated oil tanker in the English Channel on Sunday to wrestle control of the vessel from seven stowaways who had threatened the crew in a suspected hijacking.

Troops from the Special Boat Service (SBS), a navy special forces unit whose headquarters is just a few miles away from where the vessel began showing signs of distress, boarded the

Nave Andromeda near the Isle of Wight off southern England.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel authorised the armed forces to board the ship “to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking”, the Defence Ministry said.

“Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained,” the

Ministry said. “Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well.”

The Defence Ministry declined to confirm or deny the involvement of the SBS –= in line with British Government policy of not commenting on special forces operations.

But a source with knowledge of the matter said the SBS were involved. SBS operations are usually classified. Former Royal Navy warfare officer Chris Parry

said the SBS had been involved.

The navy’s SBS, considered a sister unit to the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), is one of Britain’s most secretive special forces units.

An elite maritime counter-terrorism unit, the SBS traces its history back to World War Two and has been involved in many of the conflicts of the past 70 years including Afghanistan and Iraq. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden blasts Trump as US COVID-19 cases mount

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ice President Mike Pence campaigned on Sunday despite a COVID-19 outbreak among his aides and President Donald Trump claimed progress as the United States set records for daily infections, prompting Democratic challenger Joe Biden to accuse Trump of surrendering to the pandemic.

With nine days to go before the November 3 election, the White House cited Pence’s status as an “essential worker” as justification for his campaign travel despite exposure to his chief of staff, Marc Short, who tested positive on Saturday.

Multiple senior aides to Pence also tested positive for COVID-19, the White House chief of staff said.

A spokesman for the Vice President said late on Saturday that Pence and his wife had tested negative. Pence addressed a rally in Kinston, North Carolina, on Sunday and will be in

A man sanitises a privacy booth to fight the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a polling station opened for early voting at Our Lady Help of Christians in Staten Island, New York City, US, October 25, 2020

Hibbing, Minnesota, today.

The United States in the past two days has registered its highest number of new COVID-19 cases – about 84,000 on Friday and about 79,900 on Saturday.

The pandemic, which has caused about 225,000 US deaths and left millions of Americans jobless, remains front and centre in the presidential race.

As of Sunday evening, 59,132,524 voters had al-

ready cast ballots, according to the US Elections Project at the University of Florida.

Even as the novel coronavirus surged in many parts of the United States, Trump told an airport rally in New Hampshire: “There’s no nation in the world that’s recovered like we’ve recovered.”

“We are coming around, we’re rounding the turn, we have the vaccines, we have everything. Even without

the vaccines, we’re rounding the turn,” Trump told cheering supporters, many not wearing protective masks or observing social-distancing recommendations.

While numerous COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, none has been approved for use in the United States.

“We’re not going to control the pandemic. We are going to control the fact that we get vaccines, therapeutics and other mitigation areas,” White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told CNN’s “State of the Union” programme.

In a statement released by his campaign, Biden seized on those comments, saying Meadows “stunningly admitted this morning that the administration has given up on even trying to control this pandemic, that they’ve given up on their basic duty to protect the American people”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID-19: Spain imposes national night-time curfew to curb infections

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pain has declared a national state of emergency and imposed a night-time curfew in an effort to help control a new spike in COVID-19 infections.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the curfew, between the hours of 23:00h and 06:00h, would come into force on Sunday.

Under the emergency measures, local authorities can also ban travel between regions, Sánchez said.

He said he would ask Parliament to extend the new rules, initially in force for 15 days, to six months.

Spain was hit hard during the first wave of the pandemic earlier this year and imposed a much more restrictive lockdown - one of the toughest in the world.

Like many other European regions, however, it has been hit by a second wave of infections.

In Italy, new restric-

tions were also announced on Sunday. The Government said the steady rise in cases there was causing a huge strain on the country's health services.

Meanwhile, France has reported a record number of daily infections. A total of 52,010 infections were reported in the last 24 hours, up from just over 45,000 on Saturday.

Sánchez said different regions would have up to

an hour of flexibility if they wanted to modify the duration of the overnight curfew.

Restrictions on movement between districts would be determined by regional leaders and was likely to be dependent on work and medical needs, he added.

The new measures announced include a limit on public and private gatherings of different households to a maximum of six people.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

17

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

Police must not pause in their investigations into electoral fraud Dear Editor, A few persons are saying that the police should not investigate the fraud and attempts to thief the last elections by some GECOM and other electoral officers.

They say that attempts to bring riggers to justice had never been done before and matters should be continued that way.

The riggers should be investigated and brought to justice for the following reasons: (i) It would illustrate to the young that crime does not pay and it would deter future riggers since they now know that jail terms face them for electoral fraud. (ii) It uncovers novel rigging techniques against

which Guyana would know how to guard in the future as for example printing more birth certificates than the population of the country so as to be used in Houseto-House Registration or for a Returning Officer to order the Presiding Officers under him not to put certain documents in the boxes so that votes could be nullified or

election petitions could be brought. This type of fraud could be better elucidated if the Presiding Officers are charted so that they could exculpate themselves. (iii) It would help constitutional reform to include such reforms that "No political party should ever again seize control of GECOM or the electoral machinery."

Or that no electoral loser should cling on to power on any excuse. International guarantees against such abuses should be in the new Constitution. (iV) All holes should be barred from allowing criminal electoral officers or parties from misusing the law and law courts as had been done during this last elec-

tion. (v) All persons involved in conducting national elections should be made to take an oath to uphold democracy and there should be prescribed penalties if they break their oath.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

A moral gatekeeper of Guyanese politics Dear Editor, There is still hope in Guyana for the good and betterment of some Guyanese to redeem themselves from any sense of finality that paints a picture of doom and gloom and, look forward to the day when a sense of tranquillity will finally prevail with good triumphing over evil. In the ambience of Navratri, with Guyanese and the rest of the world observing the essence of the Universal Mother’s doctrine of this theme, arising with the refreshing Atlantic Ocean breeze, is the honesty and integrity portrayed by the renunciation of dual citizenship of technocrat Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron.

“Despite advice that this provision did not extend to technocrats,” the Minister said, “Out of an abundance of caution, I decided to renounce my citizenship to put the matter beyond all doubt and avoid any distraction to the good work of the Government.”

She must be commended for her advertent display which reflects royalty, nobility and loyalty.

On the other hand, there are destabilisers bent on a destructive course to undermine democracy, place an indent on the lives of Guyanese, create mayhem and chaos in society, usurp peace, spread mischief, seed doubts and despair in the minds of the gullible and naive, derail the economy and to impede the progress of the country. Take for example the head of a trade union organization, who has arrogated to himself the role of a moral gatekeeper of Guyanese politics. He has criticised the PPP/C’s Government handling of the Success squatter problem but kept silent when his PNCR Government bulldozed a squatter settlement at Lodge, Greater Georgetown. The danger of illegal squatting has been exemplars by the fallen

tree that injured 7 squatters. Not to mention the squalor of the area.

How could he focus on compassion alone when the squatters committed two major offences, namely trespass and destruction to property? Indeed, the latter damage was estimated at $2 billion. Acquiescing that squatting is an illegal act and not supporting squatting for public health reasons, why wasn’t this problematic issue highlighted with the previous Government and a solution resolved? Would a compromise have been too challenging or contradicting to that Administration or too accommodating for comfort? Why should the Government allow the squatters to continue to break the law? Isn’t it enough for the Government to provide them with alternative shelter, and include them in the list for house lots?

It was stated by other writers that the Success squatters have created a bad precedent. Emboldened by the defiance of the Success squatters, the squatting community at

Johanna Cecilia picketed for their rights to have house lots. The Attorney General and the Minister of Housing had to visit that community, listen to their concerns, and try to work out a legal solution. Other squatting communities will seek similar treatment.

Recently, he went to West Coast Berbice, accompanied by two aides who brandished cutlasses to enforce a land claim based on supposedly ancestral rights. Villagers there claimed that they have been eking those lands for decades. As a self-announced moral activist, why didn’t he take the matter to court to have a ruling? Why didn’t he produce his title deed? Why did he resort to fear and intimidation tactics (video refers)?

Then, with regards to the mother of all fraud and corruption, he never condemned the blatant act of Clairmont Mingo to call out fictitious figures in respect of Region Four voter tabulation. This deprived act was observed by the world on video and TV, including accredited local and international observers, who

all condemned the attempt to perpetrate an end total coup d’état in bright daylight and in the presence of the world. How could a moralist remain silent on this colossal travesty?

It is this same morally self-anointed trade union that caused over 500 workers to lose their jobs at Kwakwani because he wrongfully called for industrial action which forced the company, RUSAL, to close down bauxite operations. Since the closure of RUSAL operations, what compassion did this individual impart to the unfortunate workers? Instead, he left them with considerable pain and despair. Isn’t it fair to ask the applicable question, how can he live with his conscience inflicting this unconscionable act

on his fellow citizens?

When the PNCR closed 4 sugar estates and threw 7000 workers on the breadline, this union official failed to condemn this brutal act or express solidarity with the sugar workers. Again, quite relevant is to query, what lesson is he giving his children and others by not participating in an exercise of national emergency but one of political expediency?

Indeed, something is seriously wrong with this picture with a conflict of interest involving the element of condoning and condemning!

And at the West Coast Berbice uprising, the union leader failed to condemn the arson, looting, and destruction to property on innocent people who were

passing through the village. One cannot be selective on issues of morality.

Double situations are unacceptable. There are other instances of moral contradictions. He has put himself into this dilemma because of his loyalty to his political party. Nothing is wrong with that. Everyone is free to choose his party of choice. But having made your decision, you have to live with it. There are many who have eschewed pointed involvement for selective participation in the preference of discriminative choices. The convenience of discerning silence speaks louder than volumes of words.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

Regional

Caracas says Spain envoy helped “Not just numbers”: The Venezuelan Opposition Leader flee women disappearing in Peru

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e n e z u e l a ' s Government accused Madrid's envoy to Caracas on Sunday of being an accomplice in the "escape" of Opposition Leader Leopoldo Lopez to Spain.

Lopez, who had been sheltering at the Spanish Ambassador's residence in Caracas for 18 months, arrived Sunday in Madrid after first crossing into Colombia.

"The head of the Spanish diplomatic mission in Venezuela served as the main organiser and confessed accomplice of the... escape from Venezuelan territory of the criminal Leopoldo Lopez," President Nicolás Maduro's Government said in a statement.

Following Lopez's departure, Caracas denounced what it called "the flagrant breach of the fundamental provisions of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations" by Spain.

It accused Spain of "incessant" interference in Venezuelan affairs.

Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva had been ex-

In this file photo taken on May 2, 2019, Venezuelan high-profile Opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez speaks outside the Spanish Embassy in Caracas, where he sought refuge since claiming to have been freed from house arrest two days ago by rebel military personnel

pelled in January 2018, also on allegations of interfering.

His return was agreed in April the same year, and Caracas said he failed to live up to his commitment to respect "Venezuelan and international laws", noting his sheltering of Lopez.

Lopez, the former Mayor of Chacao, an up-market district of Caracas, was arrested in 2014 and accused of inciting violence when mass Opposition protests began

in Venezuela.

He served several years in prison before being released on house arrest.

His father is a Spanish European deputy with the conservative Popular Party.

In addition to rejoining his family in Madrid, Lopez will be able to contact other Venezuelan Opposition leaders there, such as former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma. (Excerpt from AFP)

Voting protocols for St Vincent

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he National E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t Organisation (NEMO) says voters casting ballots in the November 5 General Election should wear masks or face coverings while at the polling stations.

NEMO’s Health Services Subcommittee is also strongly recommending the use of facial coverings by all persons attending rallies and meetings as the island continues to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It is also urging that all campaign rallies and meetings should be held outdoors, with sufficient space

to avoid crowding.

NEMO said that while St Vincent and the Grenadines had recorded 73 COVID-19 cases as of last Friday, nine of them active, there is currently no evidence of local or community spread of the viral illness in the country.

“This advisory recognises the increased risk of the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in St Vincent and the Grenadines due to the arrival of travellers from countries with rising cases of COVID-19,” NEMO said.

NEMO said it was also urging all polling station workers and officials to wear face coverings/masks at all times and will regu-

larly sanitise their hands or change their gloves. The advisory further said that voters should maintain at least three feet of spacing while waiting in line to vote.

Voters will choose between the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the Main Opposition, New Democratic Party (NDP) for control of the 15-seat Parliament.

The ULP led by Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves is seeking an unprecedented fifth consecutive term in office, while the NDP is entering the election under the leadership of Dr Godwin Friday. (Excerpt from Nation News)

T&T PM loses friend, neighbour to COVID-19

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he Prime Minister said of the 105 COVID-19 deaths in Trinidad and Tobago, one person was his close friend and neighbour.

He made the statement at a press conference in Tobago on Saturday afternoon.

He urged the public not to become complacent as the daily case numbers continue to decrease.

On the death of his friend, he said, "When it comes home to you that closely, it is difficult to think about a number or even a name.

"It is when you face that outcome of the pandemic that you really know you are in a dangerous place."

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

Dr Rowley said although he has been dealing with navigating the pandemic for months, he feels "very different.

"And I want to warn the

national community not to get tired of responding properly to this pandemic because that is what will keep us all alive." (Trinidad Newsday)

inthia Estrada Bolívar remembers the day her family received a phone call from the community kitchen which her 29-year-old sister Marleny coordinated in the Peruvian capital, Lima.

It was July 16 and Marleny had not turned up to cook for the poor, something which was completely out of character for the mother-of-two.

Cinthia, her parents and another sister went to Marleny's home in a poor neighbourhood of Lima to look for her. They were greeted by Marleny's ex-husband.

Calmly, he told them that Marleny had just left.

The following day, still without any news from Marleny, the family went to the Police to report her missing.

In August, Marleny's ex-husband left Lima with their two children, aged three and eight. He has not been seen or heard of since.

Weeks later, Cinthia dreamt that her sister was at home, dead. She managed to convince the Police to accompany the family to Marleny's house.

Eventually, they found Marleny's body buried a me-

Cinthia Estrada's sister Marleny disappeared in July

tre and a half down. Cinthia is convinced that her sister's body could have been located earlier.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Marleny's ex-husband on suspicion of murder, but his whereabouts are unknown.

Women make up 63 per cent of those reported missing and with domestic violence on the rise during the months of COVID-19 lockdown, women's rights activists fear many of those had fled abuse or – even worse – some may have come to harm.

Between March and July – months during which Peru was under strict lockdown – there were 11,000 instances of violence against wom-

en, according to the Women Ministry. Almost 30 per cent of the victims were underage.

But a lack of reliable data on disappearances makes any analysis or follow-up difficult.

Katherine Soto Torres from the organisation Mujeres Desaparecidas Perú (Missing Women Peru) thinks the authorities are to blame for focusing on figures too much. "Missing women are not just numbers, they are human beings," she says.

"The State should provide answers to the families – it's as if their daughter or sister had never existed," she says of the lack of follow-up by the authorities.

(Excerpted from BBC News)

Kingston man charged for hitting Good Samaritan in head with stone

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Kingston man was Saturday charged with unlawful wounding following an incident which occurred on Slipe Pen Road on August 23.

Charged is 26-year-old

Anthony Hamilton.

Lawmen said that about 07:30h, the complainant was on Slipe Pen Road when he observed Hamilton arguing with a woman.

The complainant intervened and Hamilton used a

stone to hit him in the head.

The complainant was transported to hospital where he was treated and released. Hamilton was subsequently arrested and charged. (Jamaica Observer)

the US, 258 from the United Kingdom, and 177 from Canada.

He said they were now looking at people in India, Japan, etc, and permitting them to come home. “We are now at the stage where every week, within a 10-day period we have two flights, one from Miami and one from New York. We also on a weekly basis have a flight, these are all Caribbean Airlines flights from Barbados coming in, and what we are looking at are some of the other juris-

dictions.”

He said additional CAL flights had been included on the roster, as he thanked the Health Ministry for the green light to bring home more nationals.

Young commended law enforcement agencies for enforcing the law and as the country moves into yet another phase of the reopening process, he appealed to people to do the right thing and not gather in groups of more than 10. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Extra CAL flights to bring home stranded Trinis

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ational Security Minister Stuart Young says they have responded to the call by nationals stuck outside of Trinidad to return home by increasing repatriation flights and ensuring State quarantine facilities are ready for them.

Speaking during Saturday’s media briefing hosted by Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley in Tobago as he announced an easing of restrictions, Young disclosed that 5905 exemptions had been granted to people to return to T&T to date, while 8046 exemptions had been granted to people to leave T&T. He said, “Exemptions granted to enter T&T from August 31 to October 22 is 2573. The exemptions to depart T&T from August 31 to October 22 is 1815.”

Young added that out of the 5905 exemptions granted to people wanting to return to T&T, they had received 1395 requests from people in

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Russia's Lukoil says harsh tax policy will stunt recovery – agencies

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he head of Russia's second-largest oil producer Lukoil said on Sunday that he expects oil prices to rise to US$50 a barrel in the first quarter of next year but said a tough tax policy would stunt the company's recovery from the pandemic.

Industry players have been fighting a Russian Government drive to raise taxes on oil and mining companies, as Moscow seeks to plug fiscal gaps left by lower oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, the Government signed into law a bill that would replace an existing mineral extraction tax with a profit-based tax in a major overhaul of the system.

Lukoil CEO Vagit Alekperov said his company understood that the country was facing a difficult economic climate and that the oil sector must be a “shoulder of support”, news agencies reported.

However, he said, without some resolution to the taxation debate, Lukoil may not see its key indicators return to pre-crisis levels even by 2023.

“Of course, it will negatively affect our financial results,” he said, adding that he would devote the coming year to discussing tax policy with the Government.

He described current oil prices at US$40 per barrel as low and said the company’s investments will be cut again if such low prices continue.

However, less investment activity will lead to price rises and a stabilising of the market in the future, Alekperov said, adding he expected prices to rise to around US$50 per barrel in the first quarter of next year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Belarus opposition prepares nationwide strike after Police crackdown on protests

“Boycott French products” launched over Macron’s Islam comments

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everal Arab trade associations have announced the boycott of French products, protesting the recent comments made

by President Emmanuel Macron on Islam.

Earlier this month, Macron pledged to fight “Islamist separatism”, which he said was threatening to take control in some Muslim communities around France.

He also described Islam as a religion “in crisis” worldwide and said the Government would present a bill in December to strengthen a 1905 law that officially separated church and state in France.

His comments, in addition to his backing of satirical outlets publishing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, has led to a social media campaign call-

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E

through Minsk and other cities on the 11th straight weekend of mass protests since a disputed election.

Police used stun grenades against protesters they headed towards Independence Palace in the capital.

People carrying the redand-white flags of the Belarusian opposition movement scattered as loud bangs and flashes lit up the city’s streets after nightfall, videos showed.

Explosions and white smoke filled residential areas as people hid behind vehicles and ran from Police, the videos, shared online by news organisations, showed.

Law enforcement confirmed that riot control weapons had been used and detentions had taken place, the Russian news agency RIA reported.

Human rights group Vesna-96 said 216 people had been detained so far on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ing for the boycott of French products from supermarkets in Arab countries and Turkey.

Hashtags such as the #BoycottFrenchProducts in English and the Arabic #ExceptGodsMessenger

trended across countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

In Kuwait, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Al-Naeem

Wilton Gregory: Pope Pakistani PM writes Francis names 1st to Facebook CEO African-American cardinal seeking ban on

Wilton Gregory, Washington's archbishop since 2019, is seen as a progressive with similar views to Pope Francis

xiled opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Sunday called on Belarusians to begin a nationwide strike after Police forces loyal to veteran President Alexander Lukashenko fired stun grenades to disperse mass protests.

Tsikhanouskaya had previously set a “People’s Ultimatum” for Lukashenko to resign by Sunday night, promising to call the strike if he did not.

Lukashenko, who has ruled for more than a quarter of a century, has signalled he would ignore the ultimatum.

“The regime once again showed Belarusians that force is the only thing it is capable of,” Tsikhanouskaya wrote in a statement. “That’s why tomorrow, Oct. 26, a national strike will begin.”

It was not immediately clear how many Belarusians would answer her call. But in a show of opposition strength, tens of thousands marched

A picture shows supermarket shelves empty of French products in Kuwait City in protest of the publishing of cartoons depicting Islam's Prophet Muhammad in the French media

Cooperative Society decided to boycott all French products and to remove them from supermarket shelves.

In Qatar, the Wajbah Dairy company announced a boycott of French products and pledged to provide alternatives, according to their Twitter account.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) described Macron’s statements as “irresponsible”, and said they are aimed at spreading a culture of hatred among peoples.

In a statement, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry warned against the support of abuses and discriminatory policies that link Islam to terrorism, saying it “represents a falsification of reality, insults the teachings of Islam, and offends the feelings of Muslims around the world”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ope Francis has said he will appoint 13 new Roman Catholic cardinals, among them the first African-American clergyman.

The Pope announced the 13 cardinals from eight nations in a surprise address from his window overlooking St Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday.

Wilton Daniel Gregory, the progressive 72-year-old Archbishop of Washington DC, will be one of them.

The cardinals will be installed in a ceremony at the Vatican on November 28.

Cardinals are the most senior clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church below the pontiff.

Their role includes electing the pope - the head of the Church - who is chosen from among them at a secret gathering known as a conclave.

As four of the new intake are over the age of 80, they are not allowed to vote under Church rules.

The nine nominees who will be eligible to vote come from Italy, Malta, Rwanda, the United States, the Philippines, Chile, Brunei and Mexico.

Vatican experts say the appointment of new cardinals will cement Pope Francis's influence on the clergymen who will one day elect his successor.

Assuming the new cardinals are appointed, Pope Francis will have selected almost 60 per cent of prelates during his tenure, according to the National Catholic Reporter.

In the US, Archbishop Gregory has been a prominent voice in the effort to root out abuse within the Church.

As president of the US bishops' conference, he persuaded Church leaders to adopt tougher penalties for abusers in 2002. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Islamophobic content akistan’s Prime Minister has written a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg seeking a ban on Islamophobic content on the site, warning of an increase in radicalisation amongst Muslims, the Government said on Sunday.

In the letter, shared by the Pakistani Government on Twitter, Imran Khan said that “growing Islamophobia” is encouraging extremism and violence across the world -especially through social media platforms such as Facebook.

“I would ask you to place a similar ban on Islamophobia and hate against Islam for Facebook that you have put in place for the Holocaust,” Khan said.

Facebook said this month it was updating its hate speech policy to ban any content that denied or

distorted the Holocaust.

“One cannot send a message that while hate messages against some are unacceptable, these are acceptable against others,” Khan said, adding that this was “reflective of prejudice and bias that will encourage further radicalisation”.

Khan in his letter made reference to the situation in France, where, he said, Islam was being associated with terrorism.

Earlier on Sunday, Khan said that French President Emmanuel Macron had “attacked Islam” by encouraging the display of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad.

Khan’s comments came after Macron paid tribute to a French history teacher beheaded by an Islamist radical who wanted to avenge the use of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The two sides are thought to be working on legal texts, but Whitehall sources have indicated major sticking points - like fishing rights and competition rules - remain unresolved.

The UK left the EU on January 31 but has been in a so-called transition period - continuing to follow EU rules and pay into the bloc - while the two sides hammer out a post-Brexit trade agreement.

The transition period is due to end on December 31, but if a deal is not reached, the UK will trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation rules.

Some critics fear a no-deal scenario will cause problems for businesses, but the Government insists the UK will prosper.

The EU had said a deal needed to be agreed by the end of October to allow time for it to be ratified by all the

relevant parliaments, but UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned of walking away from talks on October 15.

After strong words from both sides and calls for "fundamental changes" to the approach to negotiations, a return to the table was agreed and Barnier has been holding talks with UK chief negotiator Lord David Frost since Thursday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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Post-Brexit trade talks extended

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he chief negotiators for the UK and EU will continue post-Brexit trade talks in London until Wednesday.

Michel Barnier arrived in the UK on Thursday to restart negotiations with Lord David Frost after they stalled last week - but he was due to return home on Sunday.

EU sources told the BBC more talks are also planned in Brussels from Thursday.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Be tight-lipped when dealing with prying people.

Don’t let compliments go to your head or encourage you to trust someone you don’t know well. Focus on getting things done.

Set the stage for success.

TAURUS Pay attention to details and (April 20present what you have to May 20) offer with clarity and confidence. Don’t feel pressured to act fast; time is on your side.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Keep an open mind, but be sure to question anything that contradicts your beliefs. You don’t have to agree with someone to get along with them. Be willing to meet halfway.

Don’t get into a spat with someone who has his or her own agenda. You’ll get the freedom to do your own thing if you let others do as they please. Personal growth is encouraged. Romance is favored.

Be a good listener, channel your energy into something constructive and refrain from letting others upset you. Be accountable for your actions, and protect what you have worked so hard to acquire.

Your emotions won’t lead you astray. Nurture meaningful relationships and improve your life. How you treat others will determine how much help you receive when you need it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t get thrust into something that doesn’t suit you in order to accommodate someone or avoid unpleasantries.

It’s essential to stand up for what you want and to be responsible for what happens.

SCORPIO

A unique idea, coupled with moderation and expertise, will lead to productivity and enthusiasm. Romance and self-improvement are favored.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Step outside your comSAGITTARIUS fort zone if someone puts you on the spot. Be willing (Nov. 23Dec. 21) to walk away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable. Concentrate on fitness, health and happiness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

LAST PUBLISHED WORD - CORRODES

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t get angry; get moving. Avoid risky situations.

Look at the facts, practice social distancing and avoid disruptive influences.

Let go of the past before it becomes a burden. Pour your energy into living life your way. Lower your overhead if it will put your mind at ease. Do the right thing at all costs.

You’ll have plenty of ideas, but trying to do everything will be futile.

Concentrate on what you enjoy doing most and give it your all. Build success on a solid foundation.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

21

Gaikwad, bowlers orchestrate CSK's comfortable win R

uturaj Gaikwad scored an unbeaten fifty while Sam Curran picked three wickets as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by eight wickets in Match 44 of the Dream11 Indian Premier

Washington Sundar.

Mohammed Siraj was introduced in the attack in the fourth over and the CSK openers went after the pacer, teaming up to hit two fours and a six. The two took CSK to 46-0 at the end of five overs. But

SCOREBOARD

RCB INNINGS D Padikkal c Gaikwad b Santner AJ Finch c Gaikwad b Curran V Kohli (c) c du Plessis b Curran AB de Villiers † c du Plessis b Chahar MM Ali c Santner b Curran CH Morris b Chahar Gurkeerat Singh not out Washington Sundar not out Extras (lb 2, nb 2, w 5)

22 15 50 39 1 2 2 5 9

TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.25) 145/6 Did not bat: NA Saini, YS Chahal, Mohammed Siraj

Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to cut during his half-century

Virat Kohli scored an even fifty

League (IPL) 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Needing to score 147 to win the match, CSK were quick off the blocks as Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored at a brisk pace. Faf hit a six and a four off Chris Morris in the second over. Gaikwad then creamed a six over long-off in the next over bowled by

M

the partnership was broken in the final over of the powerplay after Faf was caught by Siraj off Morris’s bowling.

Gaikwad was joined by Ambati Rayudu in the middle and the two made sure that CSK continued to keep the scorecard ticking. Rayudu hit two fours and a six in the 9th and 10th overs while Gaikwad creamed one more six as CSK

ercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has become the most successful driver in terms of victories in Formula 1 history, after a dominant display at the Portuguese Grand Prix saw him claim his 92nd victory from team-mate Valtteri Bottas and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.

Having started from pole position, Hamilton’s victory looked in serious doubt after a dramatic opening lap that saw him get passed by both Bottas and the McLaren of Carlos Sainz – Sainz then taking the lead from Bottas a lap later, as the Mercedes pair struggled to get their medium tyres fired up.

Once up to temperature, though, the

moved past 80. A couple of overs later, the duo completed a 50-run stand and pushed CSK past one hundred.

While Gaikwad went on to notch up his maiden IPL fifty, the partnership was broken in the 14th over after Yuzvendra Chahal got Rayudu. MS Dhoni hit two fours in the first seven balls he faced before Gaikwad closed out the game in style, hitting a six, as CSK sealed an eight-wicket win with eight balls to spare.

Earlier, RCB, who elected to bat, brought in Moeen Ali in place of Isuru Udana while CSK made two changes as Mitchell Santer and Monu Kumar Singh, who made his IPL debut, replaced Josh Hazlewood and Shardul Thakur in the playing XI. Aaron Finch made a cracking start as the right-hander hit two fours off Deepak Chahar in the first over and followed it up

Mercedes quickly re-passed Sainz, while Hamilton was then able to out-drag Bottas on Lap 20 of 66 to take a lead that he would only briefly relinquish in the pits, as he closed out a victory that moves him ahead of Michael Schumacher in the all-time wins list.

Verstappen had had his own dramatic first lap, connecting with Sergio Perez and sending the Mexican spinning, forcing Racing Point into an early pit stop. Both drivers had a strong recovery though, Verstappen eventually climbing back into a comfortable third, while Perez made it up to P7 – the Mexican passed in the latter stages by Pierre Gasly and Sainz.

with one more in the second over bowled by Kumar Singh.

Devdutt Padikkal cranked a six in the third over as RCB moved to 26-0.

Curran, who was introduced into the attack in the fourth over, then gave CSK their first breakthrough as he dismissed Finch. While RCB reached 46-1 in the powerplay, they lost their second wicket in the next over after Faf and Gaikwad pulled off an excellent relay catch near long-on. AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli – the two pillars of RCB’s batting unit – then joined forces.

The two, like they have done so many times in the past, continued to keep the scoreboard ticking, hitting o c c a s i o n a l boundaries and brought up the fifty-run stand

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Aaron Finch, 3.5 ov), 2-46 (Devdutt Padikkal, 6.1 ov), 3-128 (AB de Villiers, 17.3 ov), 4-132 (Moeen Ali, 18.1 ov), 5-138 (Virat Kohli, 18.6 ov), 6-139 (Chris Morris, 19.3 ov) BOWLING DL Chahar Monu Kumar SM Curran MJ Santner Imran Tahir RA Jadeja

F e r r a r i ’s Charles Leclerc backed up his stunning P4 in qualifying with the same position in the race, Ferrari appearing to have cracked their recent race pace issues with a strong performance from the Monegasque. He finished ahead of the AlphaTauri of Gasly – the Frenchman driving an excellent race to take fifth – and one-time race leader Sainz in sixth.

The top 10 was rounded out by the Renault pair of Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo, while a solid recovery from Sebastian Vettel gave him the final points-paying position in the second Ferrari. It was a less-happy day for Racing Point’s Lance Stroll,

65 25 39 19 2

TOTAL (18.4 Ov, RR: 8.03) 150/2 Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Faf du Plessis, 5.1 ov), 2-113 (Ambati Rayudu, 13.3 ov) BOWLING Washington Sundar 4-0-27-0 CH Morris 3.4-0-36-1 Mohammed Siraj 2-0-29-0 YS Chahal 4-0-21-1 MM Ali 2-0-17-0 NA Saini 3-0-19-0

4-0-31-2 2-0-20-0 3-0-19-3 4-0-23-1 4-0-30-0 3-0-20-0

in the 14th over. The 68ball 82-run stand though was broken when de Villiers, w h o scored 39 off 36 balls, was holed out at long on by

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 146 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) RD Gaikwad not out F du Plessis c Mohammed Siraj b Morris AT Rayudu b Chahal MS Dhoni (c) † not out Extras (lb 1, w 1)

Faf off Chahar’s bowling.

While Kohli, who had earlier hit his 200th IPL six, brought up his third halfcentury of the season, he and Ali got out in the 19th over as Curran bowled a two-wicket over. Chahar picked up his second wicket of the match as CSK restricted RCB to 146-5.

(IPL)

however, the Canadian colliding with McLaren’s Lando Norris at Turn 1, before receiving a pair of fivesecond penalties for both the contact and track limits infringements, before Racing Point retired his car.

Despite all that, the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix will be remembered most of all for the moment where Hamilton became Formula 1’s most successful driver of all time in terms of victories – a mighty record that came after yet another mighty drive from the six-time World Champion. (F1)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

Stokes' century powers RR to comfortable win in massive chase

Ben Stokes hundred

B

celebrates

his

en Stokes' second Indian Premier League (IPL) century helped Rajasthan Royals script a comfortable eight-wicket win over table-toppers Mumbai Indians in a massive 196-run chase – the highest this season in Abu Dhabi.

The all-rounder put on an unbeaten 152-run partnership with Sanju Samson for the third wicket to ensure Hardik Pandya's 21-ball 60* went in vain and the defending champions' six-match winning streak at the venue came to an end, on Sunday.

The result, apart from keeping Royals still in contention for a play-offs berth, has knocked Chennai Super Kings out of the race. Mumbai Indians, despite the loss, continue to maintain their top spot on the table even if they are yet to guarantee themselves a play-offs finish just yet.

Stokes comes good

for four boundaries – more with clips and drives than muscle. However, by the 28th ball, with Royals losing two wickets – Robin Uthappa and Steve Smith falling to James Pattinson – there was also a need to keep the wickets in check.

At different times, he was trying to hit too hard and not being able to time the ball.

Other times, he employed unorthodox methods. Yet, it was a chanceless innings, the closest he came to being dismissed was off the last ball of the powerplay when Hardik Pandya's dive in the deep didn't prove effective enough.

For the first half of Royals' innings, they were running close with Mumbai Indians' rate of scoring. However, with the proposition of accelerating the way the defending champions did in the death overs being stiff, Stokes and Samson kept the attack going through the middle overs. From the 13th and 16th over in which Mumbai Indians had gone quiet, Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah and Boult were smashed for 65 runs, ensuring that in the last four, they were left needing only a run-ball 24, with one over each left for Bumrah, Boult and Pattinson.

Stokes ensured Mumbai didn't take the game any deeper, smoking Pattinson for a six through deep mid-wicket off the first ball of the penultimate over to bring up his century and following it up with a four to touch the target.

Samson forges a strong alliance with Stokes

Coming out to bat in the fifth over, Samson was peppered with a bouncer to begin with – a tactic that Mumbai Indians had successfully employed against him in the previous game. Samson showed caution and got through the early phase of his innings.

Barring one shot off the last ball of the powerplay, Stokes too didn't meddle with the risks in that phase. It was also a phase that allowed the duo to settle in to

Coming into the match, Stokes had not hit a single six in the tournament. He had got starts in all the games except his first match, but never managed to take charge of the innings. On Sunday, he hit three sixes, but much of his game revolved around finding gaps and finding twos on the longer part of the ground if not the 13 boundaries that ensured the scoring rate was healthy throughout the chase. At different points in his innings though, he was kept off strike.

The first two overs to begin with, in which he got to face a single delivery.

However, once he got strike in the third Sanju Samson played a muscular over, he hit Trent Boult innings to support Stokes

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Mumbai players congratulate Stokes and Samson after a thrilling chase

the pace of the wicket, which was holding up a bit when the pacers were hitting it hard.

Much of Samson's acceleration came in the 13th and 14th over against Chahar and Pattinson. In the 15th over against Bumrah as well, a couple of boundaries down the leg side helped ease pressure on Royals and also brought up Samson's half-century.

runs at a strike rate of 200, was bowled by Shreyas Gopal for just six. Saurabh Tiwary struggled to get going and managed only 18 runs off his first 19 balls. In the six overs since the half-way mark, MI managed only 32 runs. It didn't prove a big deal at the end of their innings, but was eventually the decisive point in the context of the match.

Suryakumar-Kishan implement the MI blueprint

Hardik started off slowly, scoring only eight off his first nine deliveries, and was even dropped by Rahul

Electing to bat, Mumbai Indians lost Quinton de Kock early. The keeper-batsman, in a brief but fascinating duel with Jofra Archer, inside-edged a ball soon after pulling a short-pitched delivery for a six in the first over. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan waded past the early threat of Archer, who bowled two overs upfront.

While Kishan largely struggled to hit the big shots, Suryakumar was batting fluently and attacked Ankit Rajpoot and Kartik Tyagi.

Among a slew of aesthetically pleasing shots was a lift from the offstump over the long leg boundary line for a six. The duo ensured that Mumbai Indians’ template in Abu Dhabi was followed, keeping the scoring rate around 8-9 in the first 10 overs, without taking too many risks – a boundary on average every over and turning over the strike. In the powerplay, they scored 59, and added 30 more in the next four overs to take Mumbai Indians to 89 for 1 at the halfway mark.

Rajasthan Royals pull back momentum

Possibly the catch of the season

by Archer at deep square leg ended Kishan's stay in the 11th over, after the alliance with Suryakumar had yielded 83 runs in 59 balls. Less than two overs later, Suryakumar also followed and Kieron Pollard, who had come into the game having been dismissed only once before that in the tournament after scoring 208

Hardik Pandya's late assault

Tewatia on five. However, in the 17th over, Tiwary laid the assault on Archer, smashing him for 17 runs to help Mumbai Indians get a move on. Archer conceded only three runs in the 19th over, but sandwiching that were two 27-run overs by Rajpoot and Tyagi respectively, the wrecker-in-chief being Hardik, who powered away to an unbeaten 21-ball 60, helping Mumbai Indians to their fourth 190+ total in the five times they have batted first at the venue. (cricbuzz)

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Hardik Pandya finished the innings off for Mumbai

SCOREBOARD MI INNINGS Ishan Kishan c Archer b Kartik Tyagi Q de Kock † b Archer SA Yadav c Stokes b Gopal SS Tiwary c Stokes b Archer KA Pollard (c) b Gopal HH Pandya not out KH Pandya not out Extras (lb 4, w 5)

37 6 40 34 6 60 3 9

TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.75) 195/5 Did not bat: JL Pattinson, RD Chahar, TA Boult, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Quinton de Kock, 0.5 ov), 2-90 (Ishan Kishan, 10.4 ov), 3-95 (Suryakumar Yadav, 12.2 ov), 4-101 (Kieron Pollard, 12.6 ov), 5-165 (Saurabh Tiwary, 18.1 ov) BOWLING JC Archer AS Rajpoot Kartik Tyagi S Gopal R Tewatia

4-0-31-2 4-0-60-0 4-0-45-1 4-0-30-2 4-0-25-0

RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (TARGET: 196 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) RV Uthappa c Pollard b Pattinson BA Stokes not out SPD Smith (c) b Pattinson SV Samson †not out Extras (b 1, lb 3, w 7)

13 107 11 54 11

TOTAL (18.2 Ov, RR: 10.69) 196/2 Did not bat: JC Buttler, R Parag, R Tewatia, JC Archer, S Gopal, AS Rajpoot, Kartik Tyagi Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Robin Uthappa, 1.5 ov), 2-44 (Steven Smith, 4.4 ov) BOWLING TA Boult JL Pattinson JJ Bumrah KH Pandya KA Pollard RD Chahar

4-0-40-0 3.2-0-40-2 4-0-38-0 2-0-20-0 2-0-18-0 3-0-36-0

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Is the Campbell-Brathwaite opening pair the best in the Caribbean?

W

est Indies Test squad to tour New Zealand features only two specialist openers in John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite. For Brathwaite, he has been inconsistent but his experience have kept him in the squad while Campbell, who had a poor series in England have retained his spot.

It seems as though Campbell and Brathwaite are the best openers in the Caribbean based upon their continuous selection.

Campbell played nine Test matches, batting 18 innings and scored only one fifty. Lead selector Roger Harper during his appearance on Mason and Guest Radio show, said the pannel placed great consideration upon that opening slot but the decision was to stick with the struggling Campbell.

"You can't be averaging 30-odd in a Regional First-class competition and hope to break into a West Indies team. It was disappointing that even the guys in the West Indies team did not dominate the Regional tournament. That was the case for the [Test] openers and other openers did not do much better. One of our main challenges is to bat for long periods," Harper said about the inconsistent batting

I

in the Caribbean.

Reflecting on the openers performances in the truncated 2020 Regional 4-Day tournament, axed veteran Devon Smith was the best opening batsman with 649 runs in eight matches at an average of 46.3 with one century and four fifties. However, based on Smith's track record in Test cricket he was not rewarded another Test recall, despite his continued dominance in Devon Smith and Brathwaite Regional cricket.

Campbell, playing for scored 429 runs at 30.6 with three the Jamaican Scorpion fifties in the eight matches. franchise in the 4-Day Like numerous players, Powell tournament was the next was also examined for considerbest opener in terms of ation to tour New Zealand but he runs. He scored 491 runs was left out of the touring parat 32.7 with two hunty. From a Guyanese perspecdreds and one fifty in tive, Chandrapaul Hemraj and eight matches. Test reTagenarine Chanderpaul scored serve Shayne Mosely 329 runs and 315 runs. Therefore, scored 490 runs at an av- Kieron Powell partners Kraigg Brathwaite those efforts did not capture the erage of 35 with one centhe 2020 edition of the 4-Day tour- selectors attention. tury and two fifties, and after that The versatile Joshua Da Silva, nament which he was expected to performance he remains on the sedominate, but he scored only three who performed exceptional in lectors radar. half-centuries. Kieran Powell, who Regional cricket has shown his Brathwaite, who is regarded was on the jet the last time West ability to bat at the top of the oras the number one Test opener in Indies toured New Zealand, had der. He scored a century during the the Caribbean, scored 468 runs in

ndian legend Sachin Tendulkar has praised West Indies and Kings XI Punjab star Chris Gayle for being much more than just a big hitter and has pointed out that the batsman is often clever at the crease as well.

In this season's Indian Premier League (IPL), the 40-year-old T20 talisman has been a crucial part of a big comeback for Kings XI Punjab, who were rooted to the bottom of the table after their first seven games, with

Gayle also rooted on the bench. Following the player’s introduction, where he crafted a crucial 53, the team have gone on to win three games in a row and are now back in contention for the fourth spot.

Tendulkar believes that in addition to scoring, the veteran player has brought a certain amount of energy and confidence to the now surging team.

"When it comes to Gayle, people only talk about his big-hitting.

That everyone knows, but many guys don’t notice one thing, Gayle is a very smart player. He is a big hitter no doubt, but he is a clever guy.

If he finds someone threatening who can get him out, he is prepared to see his over through. Then he will target one of two bowlers like he targeted Tushar Despande in the match against Delhi. He got runs off that over,” Tendulkar said via a video posted to his official Twitter account.

“Gayle is a smart player, don’t think Gayle will come out and hit every ball. He does not do that, he understands the surface, he reads the pace of the surface and what the bowler is good at. When he realises that there is a bowler who he can go after, then he goes all out,” he added.

KXIP will go for a fourth straight win when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad and another in-form West Indian Jason Holder today. (Sportsmax) Chris Gayle

warm-up match in England but he did not played the role of specialist opener for the Red Force. His 4-Day stats was superior to most of the Region's batsmen. He scored 507 runs at an average of 50.7 with three fifties and one century.

Having looked at some of the notable openers in the Caribbean, who played in the 2020 Regional 4-Day tournament, the performances have not been compelling to overthrow Campbell and Brathwaite for that opening slot.

Lead selector Harper said the standard of the batting in Regional cricket must be raised.

GFF establishes marketing committee T he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed a marketing committee for the Guyana senior men’s national team’s participation in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 that will be responsible for promoting the Golden Jaguars brand, coordinating public engagements, and facilitating the creation of commercial sponsorship investments and corporate social responsibility partnerships.

The five-member committee, whose mandate will be for one year, is an ad hoc one in accordance with Article 56 of the GFF Constitution and consists of Lisa Ahmad, who is the Chairwoman; Dion Innis; D u s t a n n i Barrow; Roger Roopchand, and Orin Walton.

Commenting on the committee’s role, Chairwoman Ahmad said: “As a sports enthusiast, it gives me great pleasure to serve as Chair for this committee, which was set up with the aim of establishing strategic partnerships with an intent to generate interest in the area of football. Our TOR [Terms of Reference] is very clear and our mandate is to place the

GFF President Wayne Forde

Golden Jaguars at the forefront of football not only in Guyana but on the world stage.”

In an invited comment, GFF President Wayne Forde remarked: “The international successes of the Guyana Golden Jaguars over the past few years have significantly elevated the profile and visibility of our flagship brand. We have seen very encouraging evidence of how this has helped to promote Guyana as an attractive tropical destination, along with the consequential positive benefits to the inter-

national reputation of the GFF. What is critical now is that we engage the broader Guyana society here at home and abroad in ways that encourage greater support for the team and identification with the brand.

There is also a plethora of commercial opportunities and relationships that will have to be carefully cultivated, leveraged, and managed.

“The GFF Marketing Committee will be tasked with the responsibility for developing the strategies, policies and programmes to achieve these objectives. I take this opportunity to say thank you to Chairperson Ms Lisa Ahmad and her colleagues for their generous support to football.”

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Stokes’ century powers RR to Hamilton takes comfortable record-breaking Page 22 win in 92nd win with dominant drive massive chase in Portuguese GP Pg 21

Pg 23

GFF establishes Is the Campbell-Brathwaite opening marketing pair the best in the Caribbean? committee Page 23

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