Guyana Times - Monday December 7, 2020

P11

Guyanese who excelled at Hugh Wooding Law School admitted to Bar Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4492

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Guyana’s int’l image has rebounded – Canadian envoy See story on page 3

...after ... after APNU/AFC held country hostage for 5 months

Govt to give incentives to push investments in health sector – President Ali Page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 more die P5 from COVID-19, 28 new cases recorded in 24h 2 nabbed with illegal gun, P2 over 7kg ganja at Clonbrook

Mastermind in La Grange businesswoman’s murder still at P2 large

Guyana seeks P9 Canada’s expertise in boosting mining, agriculture sectors

— assistance with electoral reform also on table

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat in discussion with one of several groups of young people who attended a “sip and chat” event on Sunday evening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

Auditor General to launch audits into UG, EPA — other agencies listed as tender goes out for audit contracts

Page 11

Finance Ministry initiates process for Budget 2021 See story on page 14

Sexual Offences Courts reduce insensitive treatment to victims of sex P15 crimes – Chancellor Man pleads guilty to P8 killing Charlestown resident back in 2016

2 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 nabbed with illegal gun, over 7kg ganja at Clonbrook

The illegal gun that was found in the suspects’ possession

T

wo men are now in Police custody after they were found with an illegal gun along with a quantity of marijuana on Saturday at Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The men, aged 33 and 35, were arrested following a cordon-and-search exercise

During the exercise, ranks of the Narcotics Department and Regional Division 4C, led by an Assistant Superintendent, discovered a 9mm pistol and six live rounds of matching ammunition. In addition, a total of 7.150 kilograms of cannabis was also unearthed.

The men were report-

edly interrogated during which time they were told of the offence, arrested, and charged. They are expected to make their court appearance today.

Only on Thursday, another three men were arrested after they were found with a quantity of ganja.

It was reported that on the day in question, Police Officers conducted a cordon-and-search exercise at “Spliff” Street, Church of God Road, Buxton, ECD. During the operation, a 34-year-old male of Middlewalk, Buxton, was searched, and Police discovered 66 transparent ziplock bags containing the illegal plant.

In addition, on the same say, Police conducted a search on a 27-year-old man of Buxton and found 11 transparent ziplock bags

The ganja that was found in the suspects’ possession

containing ganga.

Another search, which was conducted on a 35-yearold man, also of Buxton, ECD, unearthed a transparent ziplock bags with a quantity of cannabis.

Further searches by police revealed a ziplock bag in a bush on the southern side of “Spliff” Street, containing 262 grams of cannabis.

The men were told of the offence committed and arrested.

Stabbed Baramita woman transferred to GPHC

T

wenty-five-yearold Joanna John of Baramita, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), who was stabbed multiple times about her body is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital and is reportedly in stable but serious condition.

It was reported that the now injured woman and the suspect were imbibing at a shop in the area when an argument broke out between them.

According to Police, the suspect armed herself with a broken bottle and dealt John several stabs about her body.

John subsequently collapsed and started to bleed profusely.

The Police were summoned to the scene and John was picked up and taken to the Baramita Health Post where she was admitted a patient, but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Following the incident, the suspect was arrested. Only recently, 24-yearold Deon Henry of Logg Hill Village, Baramita, was chopped about his body by a woman who he had allegedly slapped.

It was reported that the

injured miner was consuming alcohol in the company of the female suspect when an argument ensued between them.

During the argument, the miner dealt the woman several slaps to her face. In retaliation, the woman reportedly armed herself with a cutlass and dealt the man several chops about his body.

Following the incident, the man went home, told his family what had transpired, and was rushed to the health centre in the area where he was treated. The woman was arrested and subsequently charged for the chopping incident.

Mastermind in La Grange businesswoman’s murder still at large

L

Dead: Bibi Ramjit

aw enforcement continued the hunt for Jankie Tapsie, 30, of Devisieweg Number 7 District Commewijne, Suriname and of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who is allegedly the mastermind in the murder of 85-year-old businesswoman Bibi Nasmonisha Ramjit.

The elderly businesswoman, who lived alone, was found gagged and murdered on Sunday evening. Her home at the time was reportedly ransacked, thus leading investigators to believe that she was murdered during the commission of a robbery.

However, weeks after committing the crime, Tapsie and her accomplice were ar-

rested in Suriname and were subsequently handed over to Guyanese authorities.

While being questioned at the Springlands Police Station, the woman escaped.

When contacted on Sunday, Guyana Police Force (GPF) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Royston AndriesJunor noted that the Police were yet to make an arrest.

It was reported that the woman and her accomplice were at the Police Station when a senior officer left the station and went to attend to another matter, leaving the suspects with three Constables.

At the time, the suspects were on the prisoners’ bench.

The male suspect was shackled while the woman was not.

It was further reported that the woman requested to use the washroom and was escorted to same by a Police Constable.

Upon entering the washroom, Tapsie locked the door and the Constable returned to his post.

Wanted: Jankie Tapsie

After some time had elapsed and the woman did not return, the Constable went to check on her and found that the northern toilet window was open and the woman was missing. Several checks were made around the area, but she was not found.

Following the woman’s disappearance, Police issued a wanted bulletin for her arrest. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the wanted woman is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 229-2289, 220-2222, 227-1149, 911 or at the nearest Police Station.

NEWS

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 7 – 10:00h – 11:30h and Tuesday, December 8 – 11:00h – 12:30h.

Guyana’s int’l image has rebounded – Canadian envoy ...after APNU/AFC held country hostage for 5 months

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 7 – 09:35h – 11:05h and Tuesday, December 8 – 10:50h – 12:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily Outgoing Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee

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

O

utgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee believes that Guyana’s international and

March polls, the ABCE diplomatic community continued mounting pressure on the former Government to concede defeat, warning of Guyana facing isolation and consequences.

In fact, the United States had gone ahead to impose visa sanctions against several Government and electoral officials and their immediate family members for their role in the controversy.

The UK, Canada, as well as the EU had also indicated that they were considering doing likewise. Eventually, the former Government finally demitted office.

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

High Tide: 09:36h and 22:01h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 15:30h reaching a minimum height of 1.0 metre.

Last month, UAE royal Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum (2nd, right) paid Guyana a visit

a beating when the former APNU/AFC Government fell to a No-Confidence Motion in December 2018 but did not call elections within the constitutionally mandated three months.

Instead, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) finally held General and Regional Elections on March 2 2020.

But as if the previous delay was not enough, Guyanese were forced to wait anoth-

give up power.

In the aftermath of the controversial five-monthlong elections, a number of high ranking GECOM officials have been investigated by the police and charged for misconduct in public office and forgery.

They include former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, who was on October 12 slapped with six charges by the police, relating to forg-

There were back-to-back visits between President Dr Irfaan Ali and Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi (right)

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

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regional image has rebounded, since the battering it took during the five-monthlong election controversy.

In an interview with this publication, Chatterjee pointed out that not only did Guyana’s image take a beating internationally, but it also suffered within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) region.

“Definitely. In fact, let me put it this way. (Guyana’s) image took a real beating during the five months. And I’m talking about everywhere. Your own Caricom neighbours. It was noticed everywhere, what was going on in Guyana,” Chatterjee explained.

What was going on was the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s refusal to demit office, after losing the March 2 General and Regional Elections by more than 15,000 votes.

In fact, Chatterjee and her three ABCE diplomatic counterparts (former British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn, US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch and European Union Ambassador Fernando Ponce-Canto) had to be vocal in their calls for democracy to prevail in Guyana, and for the will of the Guyanese people as expressed in the polls, to be respected.

The Western diplomats had walked out of the tabulation process for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – Guyana’s largest voting district – after deeming it as lacking transparency and credibility.

As the electoral impasse continued months after the

“Happily, democracy prevailed,” Chatterjee said.

“It was tested in Guyana but it prevailed. I think that is a testament to the strength… first of all, I think the Guyanese people were extremely patient.

There wasn’t violence. There weren’t riots. And full credit goes to the people of Guyana for being patient. And I think, I hope, that only good things happen moving forward.”

International image

Guyana’s international image first started taking

Guyana also hosted US Development Bank Head Adam Boehler (left)

er five months before the results could finally be declared by GECOM on August 2, 2020, after local and international pressure on APNU/ AFC which was reluctant to

ery and misconduct in public office, as it pertains to his alleged role in the attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. TURN TO PAGE 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Views Full Moon Rising 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

Presidential Conclave P

resident Irfaan Ali continues to break entrenched shibboleths in his obvious impatience with our dysfunctional political system that has retarded our growth and development since the heady days of independence from Imperial Britain. On the foreign policy front, he has struck a chord of reconciliation and cooperation with his counterpart in neighbouring Suriname, who also seems determined to strike a new path. Much can flow from the obviously easy relationship that has already developed between the two Presidents and their staffs.

On the domestic front, President Ali has moved with uncommon energy and decisiveness to get our country and its economy back on its regional record-breaking growth trajectory after the vacillation and dithering by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition Government. One clear thread that can be discerned in his approach to the political economy is his recognition, unlike his predecessor, that wealth must be first created before it can be redistributed. There have been initiatives in every sector of the economy – agriculture, mining, services, infrastructural development and housing – that are already bearing fruit in the four months of his Administration.

But as Guyanese know from the experience of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government after they were returned to office in 1992, after 28 years of authoritarian People’s National Congress (PNC) rule, economic improvement is not enough to deliver peace and stability in our country.

By 1999, conditions had been improved across the board – for instance poverty had been significantly reduced on the coastland for all groups – yet the PNC launched massive protests that transfixed the nation in fear for the following decade. They refused to acknowledge that the PPP had frontally attacked the crushing debt burden and unleashed the pent-up energy of the economy that had been repressed

by PNC state control. In a word, we have discovered that to a large extent, the problems in our political system flow from the PNC’s refusal to play by rules they themselves had crafted.

Guyana, therefore, suffers from a political problem caused by the PNC’s intransigence that insists when it comes to the PPP governance structure, “what is mine is mine, and what is yours is negotiable through violence”. From this perspective, President Ali’s invitation to PNC leader David Granger as one of the living four ex-Presidents (Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar being the others) is historic. President Ali set out the parameters of the objectives of the December 15 meeting: “We will talk about how we see Guyana’s development – different perspectives and then work out a model and framework on how we will engage in the future and how we have continuous contributions.”

While some have remarked that we will be having “three PPP ex-Presidents” and one PNC, we should keep in mind that in addition to Sam Hinds coming from the PPP’s Civic experiment to broaden its perspective from outside its ranks, each of these presidents faced different contingencies at different historical conjunctures. It is, therefore, pertinent to note that, as the President noted, we will have these “different perspectives” hone in on the overriding criteria of the meeting: a focus on Guyana’s “development”, which, as we know, goes far beyond economic growth. The latter is necessary but not sufficient to deliver the former, which incorporates the flowering of all our potentialities that lead to our greater happiness and satisfaction.

Secondly, and most critically, the President is making it clear that he does not envisage this meeting to be a one-off or conclusive event. He noted that he was expecting a “model and framework” for future engagements to ensure “continuous contributions”. For those who are calling for wider inputs into the governance system to ensure the greatest involvement of the people’s’ representatives, what could be more inclusive than to have the leader of the PNC engage directly the head of the incumbent Executive and his ex-peers, to supplement the PNC Opposition Leader and his MPs in the National Assembly?

Bravo to President Irfaan Ali for this ground-breaking move.

A full moon is seen behind buildings at night in Ashkelon, southern Israel, December 1, 2020 (Reuters/Amir Cohen)

Call for forensic audit of $1.2 trillion Dear Editor, I read comments (GT Dec 5) of Finance Minister Ashni Singh of the huge deficit incurred by the coalition during its five-year tenure. As I put on my economist hat and went through the figures, my conclusion is there was soaring, reckless spending and irresponsible behaviour of those in charge of Government finances. The huge deficit is deeply worrisome as the consequences to the economy would be devastating for years to come, forcing the Ali Government to put a squeeze on spending.

Over five years, $1.2 trillion was spent with a deficit of $130 billion (money spent beyond what was collected in revenues) or borrowing it – equivalent of US$650 million. That is a per capita debt of $173K (US$866).

One also reads that the coalition went into overdraft in the Central Bank -- found $16 billion surplus and left office with an overdraft of $93 billion which means it spent $109 billion.

In addition, Government granted GuySuCo a $30 billion NICIL bond of which some $17 billion was drawn down between 2017 and 2020. Even though it was spent on GuySuCo which owes it, it is a Government debt. There was no capitalisation project at GuySuCo with that $17 billion; factories were not rehabilitated and movable equipment disappeared.

It was spent mostly on new (non-field) staff added after the closure of estates in 2016. In addition to the above deficits, the Government owes $12 billion

to GPL. When all added together, that is a further $29 billion in arrears, making a total deficit of $159 billion (or almost US$800 million) over five years or a per capita debt of over US$1K. We also learnt that Government incurred US$400 million foreign debt over this period to fund various programmes.

But the above deficit is not a true reflection of Government borrowing.

Overdraft was ballooning at the Central Bank. There is $70 billion Treasury Bills that Bank of Guyana issued from around 2017; that info is in BoG semi-annual report. Economists would know that T Bills are issued for fiscal purposes to reduce deficit on paper. The T Bills were issued to absorb excess liquidity in the banking system and were bought up by commercial banks with Government paying the interest rate. The T Bills were hiding the amount of true spending. Evidently, under the APNU-led coalition, overdraft increased significantly.

It seems similar to what transpired during the Hoyte/ Burnham regimes. During the change in Administration in October 1992, it was revealed that there was an overdraft of some $45 billion which in today’s dollar value would be in excess of $90 billion. The Jagan Government had to erase that deficit through savings and very tight monetary spending in order to accrue money just to pay interest; some 92 per cent of export earnings were used to pay the interests on the foreign debt.

The coalition returned with the same kind of ex-

travagant spending as under its previous carnation of the PNC regime that was removed from office by the US in 1992. As Jagan did, the Ali led Government would have to pursue tight spending over the next five years in order to gain fiscal and monetary balance. It means that the oil revenues for the next five years would have to be used to pare down the deficit and also to pay interests similar to what happened post-1992 by the PPP Administration when revenues from exports were used to reduce the debt of some US$2.2 billion.

What happened during the five years of the coalition was criminal. Responsible individuals must be held accountable. One recalls that the coalition had threatened to bring criminal charges against then Finance Minister Ashni Singh for spending money without parliamentary approval. But worse happened under the coalition between December 2018 and July 2020. Money was expended without authorisation. There should not have been any deficit for that period of time since the Government was in caretaker mode following its defeat in the No-Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018.

Jordan should know better than to go into deficit spending because he was once Budget Director thru May 2015. He knows how important it is not to bankrupt the treasury or violate rules relating to caretaker status. Only one-twelfth of the budget should have been spent monthly without any deficit. There were no capital projects.

We read that over $1 bil-

lion spent on the COVID-19 hospital did not meet basic requirements. And the sea defence breaches were not completed in spite of the huge amounts expended. Money was just handed out to friends and cronies for work not done. Payroll doubled between 2015 and 2020.

It is incredible that no one attempted to rein in spending or eliminate least unjustifiable spending or scrap unnecessary programmes.

In fact, I recall being told of a memo issued by one Michael Joseph (brought by Jordan from St Lucia as a political appointee), Secretary to the Treasury, instructing public servants to keep their mouth shuts on deficit spending. Thus, information on wasteful spending could not be made public to stop the runaway train.

International lending institutions denied applications for loans or grants for COVID-19 as the World Bank and IDB recognised that the APNU Government could not be trusted. Even COVID-19 grant was held back; the country began receiving substantial grants and loans after the change in Administration.

In light of the abuses at the treasury during the coalition, it is incumbent that Government and or BoG issue daily reporting on borrowing, overdraft, and issuance of T Bills. A forensic audit is urgently needed on the $1.2 trillion spending.

Special attention should be focused on the $4.5 billion deficit spent from November 2019 to July 2020.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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PPP/C speaks unity and matches its words with actions Dear Editor, I read with sheer amazement, the bundle of hogwash the disgraced APNU/ AFC Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul wrote in the media about the

highly successful $25,000 COVID-19 Cash Grant distribution exercise currently ongoing.

Mahipaul alleged, among other things, that the distribution is being done un-

fairly and that communities and families perceived to be non-supportive of the PPP/C Government are being denied the grant. This is a total lie. Such blatant lies from the likes of Mahipaul

Guyanese believed making money from Haitian smuggling ring Dear Editor, There are two serious factors which are against Guyana’s national interest by permitting the Haitian smuggling ring to operate here: (i) Condoning the people smuggling is criminalising those Guyanese who are in the pay of the ring.

Such Guyanese in the criminal dip include some small

guesthouse owners, some police and some persons in the media whose identities have been noted by some foreign countries. (ii) By permitting Guyana’s territory to be illegally used to illegally allow tens of thousands to clandestinely enter neighbouring countries is against international law. By so doing,

Guyana is getting into bad relations with neighbouring countries.

Guyana must extricate itself from this Haitian mess.

The Haitians could then go directly to Brazil and Cayenne; they don’t have to come here.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

Caricom’s free movement and Caribbean “brotherhood”

Dear Editor, Darren Wade, who is the lawyer representing the Haitians in this so-called free movement of Caribbean people matter, is at the centre of a politico-humanitarian conflict that is raging on right now in Guyana, but I have a few poignant facts to put before him. I say poignant facts because these are the reality of the situation we are faced with.

In the first place, is Mr Wade aware of the position Haiti falls under when it comes to Caricom’s free movement of people? I do not think so, because the erroneous assumption he is embarking on of “free movement” does not apply to Haiti as is the true interpretation of the charter agreement.

In the second instance, he is alluding to another erroneous assumption, that as a Caribbean national you are under a halo of some sorts to be given mandatory entry into someone else’s country to stay or to go on to another destination in this grand scheme of human trafficking. Well, I must educate Mr Wade and his PNC associates that a responsible Government such as ours is not going to stand idly by and allow this human exploitation to flourish, at least not under our watch. This is a classic case of human trafficking, a Caribbean form of slavery in motion, and should I say in the strongest of tones ever, Guyana will not be part of it!

Now, as per normal, when all else fails, the PNC is quick to jump on the bandwagon of race and in this case, the ethnicity of the migrants can come in under the caption of “humane consideration.” He is suggesting that because you are of a certain ethnicity you can evidently bypass the agreement and that settles the matter, well I have some information to furnish Mr Wade, that he should pay strict attention to: (a) We are still a country

that respects laws and (b) Of all the Caribbean territories, Guyana remains the friendliest and most humane.

A case in point is the treatment meted out to a group of Haitians who were caught overstaying their time in the sister Island of St Lucia, in that instance, the poor hapless Haitian men, women and children were rounded up and cooped up into the same cell. This was the grossest form of the violation of one’s human rights.

And to top it off, no one said a “humane word” on the part of the Haitians because all of this came from the instructions of the Government of the day.

Sarcastically, I would make the remark that this is their interpretation of what “free movement and Caribbean integration” is all about, it was a crude display of man’s inhumanity to man.

Further to it, their situation would not have changed until a local human rights group spoke out against it.

But let me put the Haitians aside for a moment and let us concentrate a bit on “Black Caribbean Brotherhood,” that is, the way Guyanese were treated at their fellow Black Caribbean brothers’ ports of entry. We were subjected to the most inhumane and undignified treatment ever, the moment a Caribbean immigration official saw a Guyanese travel document or maybe his speech gave him away, every form of humiliating and demeaning measures was employed to keep the Guyanese out.

Maybe with the change in fortunes brought on by oil that aspect of our bad treatment might change.

Even Granger himself was a victim of such embarrassing circumstances, I am talking about him granting the Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart the highest courtesies that can be extended to a Head of Government. However,

soon after, when a fellow pregnant Guyanese landed on the Barbadian shores, she was given treatment befitting an animal, this is the reality of what I am talking about.

What I am saying is that the Government of Guyana is not anti-Haitian nor is it anti-Black as some might suggest. If that was the case, then the hundreds of Haitians that are still here would have been rounded up and summarily deported. What is crystal clear is that we will not allow illegal and inhumane exploitation of a fellow human being conducted on our shores, this is evil and would weigh heavily on our conscience. Our Government would ensure that this scourge is done away with.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

are not, however, surprising, given what the nation and the world was subjected to for five months by him and his APNU/AFC colleagues as they sought to deny the will of the Guyanese people.

One only has to look at his own postings to understand the duplicity and deceitfulness being perpetuated in Mahipaul’s missive.

It was he that proudly posted on Facebook a few weeks back that he received the cash grant. He even went on to praise the persons executing the distribution for their professionalism. Many of his other PNC buddies across the country also benefitted for the relief.

Further, I am yet to witness a complaint from any citizen who is qualified and entitled to the grant about being denied it. I do, however, agree that there are instances of confusion among persons who are unfamiliar with the process especially

as it relates to those living in households where there are multiple families.

Distribution teams have been walking the length and breadth of Guyana, ensuring that this cash grant gets into the hands of every citizen, regardless of their economic status or political affiliation.

Mahipaul, as is the case with many of his other PNC colleagues, is simply bitter at the fact that they lacked the vision and knowledge to execute a similar initiative when they controlled the public purse.

I would like to inform Mahipaul that the people of Guyana welcome this initiative and are very supportive of every aspect of its execution. Instead of exhibiting bitterness, he should utilise his energies more constructively.

What Mahipaul needs to account for is the billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money he and his gang squandered

while ignoring the plight of the Guyanese people. What Mahipaul needs to be reminded of is the five years of failure of his cabal, which did absolutely nothing for the poor people of this country while they marginalised and victimised those they perceived to be non-supportive of APNU/AFC criminal cabal.

The record will show that the PPP/C has an illustrious track record of governing for all Guyanese. It has always been pro-Guyanese in its policies and this can be evidenced from its immediate reversal of the many hardship measures and increased taxation foisted upon the poor and working-class people of this country by the APNU/AFC. The PPP/C speaks unity and matches its words with actions.

Sincerely, Edward Layne

Our economy must be shifted

Dear Editor, The disclosures being made concerning the current state of the nation’s finances should produce a shift in our investment posture. Given the high level of debt, the reduction in forecast revenue due to pro-investment policies such as the reduction in VAT, we must consider a more conservative spending policy based on a rebound in our economic indicators.

Said simply, we must spend less than we earn during this period. The spending of $1.2 trillion over the last 5 years as stated by the Ministry of Finance compared to revenues of $992 billion was in a high local tax climate, a strong global economy and the absence of a pandemic for most of the period.

Leading indicators such as GDP, housing starts and consumer spending must be used to help determine the level of investment that the Government will make in nonrevenue generating projects. As stated before in an earlier letter, the revenue-generating projects such as investments in the energy and agricultural sectors should take priority and have a clear return on investment to help the timing of the reinvestment cycle. What is of increasing concern is the unforeseen expenditures and the exposure to dry or non-commercially viable wells and low oil prices.

By establishing an aggressive national savings rate of 20 per cent to 30 per cent and investing our

Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in a similar manner to that of Norway (7 per cent to 20 per cent expected growth) we should be able to cover the potential increase in debt while stabilising the economy and eliminating the deficit.

Considering these factors, a national expenditure over the next five years within the range of $600 to $650 billion while saving an additional $120 billion to $180 billion should mitigate any economic headwinds faced. Taking such a conservative approach to economic development will also help protect the nation against future economic shocks such as another pandemic.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Will Biden triumph over Trump?

Dear Editor, The shadows are creeping on the ground, getting longer and wider, looking not lazy but tired. The sun is quickly fading on the homestretch, racing away to kiss the horizon, having baked the skin to leave pearls of salt with sweaty shirts clinging on a wet comfort.

The wind withdrew a while ago to retreat for the day, having served vitality with refreshing energy. Only the firm field stood its ground to withstand all the walking, running, trampling, striding, rolling, tumbling, kicking, scratching, scraping, pelting, hitting and stampeding.

It never complained nor acknowledged the hurls of abuse but welcomed the grazing, bruising and tormenting of its fatigued body as a reason to become more resolute and to continue to colour a brighter green. This display of strength, determination, resilience and generosity, solidifying each speck

of dust and consolidating every morsel of dirt, maintains a foundation of not forsaking nor criticising anyone, regardless of their treatment and still smiles with a promise that, she, mother earth, will still be there tomorrow, ready, willing and culpable to greet you again, but, you may not be there to reciprocate. Is the heart to realise that it is only a subject as an organ of flesh, blood and tissue with no room for compassion or concern as an object?

It is the last day of play.

What an exciting and keen contest it has been. Both sides fought diligently, stubbornly, earnestly and honestly according to each other’s policies. The principle of moral dignity is exemplified and interpreted according to each side exercising its right to protect, provide and utilise its oxygen in order to survive. Rules and regulations are meant to guide, observe and adhere to. Manipulation is not

sidelined but strengths and weaknesses are capitalised upon and used to the convenience of exploiting strategically.

Winning or losing is not necessarily decided by the umpires. Defying the hurdles determines how the leader chooses to defuse all obstacles and impediments.

The last call is always decided and/or undecided by the public, audience and spectator’s views and opinions.

The analysis is rationalised by one’s perception and not by the confirmation of facts, figures, scores or results. Do we pay for the expense of the ticket or for the cost of glory?

The danger of any damage is dangling yet not demoralising and, the celebration of civility for any celebrity is yet to be certified. The last delivery in the last over is about to be bowled. The crowd remains understandably perplexed and tensed, although appreciatively decisive and con-

vinced. Fussing, fuming, fantasising and fascinated, a few are emotionally constrained, others exuberantly overjoyed, many shocked, dazed and confused and some in a state of disbelief and denial.

Fans and fanatics, both are furthering for their favourite and clamouring for the culmination of the climax. Maths and stats will be a ball-by-ball play for many following days to come until the novelty rests with history. One ball to go, one run to go and one wicket to go. Will the ball be the trump or the bat will triumph? The match is not over until the last ball is bowled. Such is the power of the play. For many, cricket, tennis, volleyball, football, basketball or baseball, is a glorious ballgame and politics is a dirty game!

Meanwhile, enjoy the remainder of the game. Did we get our money’s worth?

Respectfully, Jai Lall

6

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Page

Foundation

FOR CHILDREN

◄

A

Æsop’s Fables

Measuring angles

n angle is formed by the rays of two intersecting lines when the rays have the same vertex. An angle is named by both of its lines, with the vertex in the middle of its name.

Rays OA and OB intersect at Point O, a shared vertex to form angle AOB. Angles are measured in degrees. A straight line is 1800, so an angle will always be less than that. Angles that are less than 900 degrees are called acute angles. Angles that are more than 900 degrees are called obtuse angles. Angles that are exactly 900 degrees are called right angles, and are often indicated with a very small square at the point where the two lines meet.

Discover the benefits of designing for function by inventing musical instruments.

Exercises: Identify the following angles as either acute, obtuse or right angles.

Friday’s answers 1) AC, CA, AD, DA, AB, BA, BC, CB, CD, DC, AO, OA, BO, OB, DO, OD, CO, OC, BD, DB 2) 20 line segments 3) AF, BE

make. Find other ideas online.

Materials A variety of everyday objects to create instruments. Here are some suggestions: Plastic and paper cups, paper plates, plastic containers Beans, beads, small bells Paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls Pipe cleaners, straws, paper clips Combs Waxed paper, aluminum foil Rubber bands, paper clips, yarn Balloons (Note: Balloons can be a choking hazard. Please do not use if very young children will be participating in the activity.)

Masking tape Pencils Instructions 1) Set up a workspace with tape, , pencils and materials to make instruments.

2) In just a minute, you can experiment with the different materials to see what sounds they make. As you play with them, think about what sounds you would like your instrument to make and what materials you would like to use to create your instrument.

Once you have an idea, write your plan down.

3) Make instruments. Below are some sample instruments to

A

miser had buried his gold in a secret place in his garden. Every day he went to the spot, dug up the treasure and counted it piece by piece to make sure it was all there. He made so many trips that a thief, who had been observing him, guessed what it was the miser had hidden, and one night quietly dug up the treasure and made off with it.

When the miser discovered his loss, he was overcome with grief and despair. He groaned and cried and tore his hair.

A passer-by heard his cries and asked what had happened.

“My gold! O my gold!” cried the miser, wildly, “someone has robbed me!”

“Your gold! There in that hole? Why did you put it there? Why did you not keep it in the house where you could easily get it when you had to buy things?”

“Buy!” screamed the miser angrily. “Why, I never touched the gold. I couldn’t think of spending any of it.”

The stranger picked up a large stone and threw it into the hole.

“If that is the case,” he said, “cover up that stone. It is worth just as much to you as the treasure you lost!”

WORD SEARCH (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

NEWS

7

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to give incentives to push investments in health sector – President Ali

W

ith Guyana on the tip of unprecedented economic growth, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is pushing to diversify the economy.

Against this backdrop, President Dr Irfaan Ali recently announced that his Government will give more incentives to push Private Sector investments in the health tourism sector.

During his address at the recently launched Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, President Ali urged foreign investors to explore opportunities outside the oil and gas sector for investments. He posited that his Administration will cre-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

both the United States and Canada.

“We are five and six hours away from those two countries. The local Private Sector needs to get aggressive and get to those Indian providers, and other providers of similar nature and make the invest-

An artist’s impression of the specialty hospital which was conceptualised under the PPP/C Govt

ate “new types of businesses”.

According to the Head of State, health tourism is a thriving sector that Guyana can tap into. He pointed to the important role health tourism plays in India’s business sector. In fact, he highlighted that a high percentage of the market is taken up by the Indian diaspora in

ments there. We are closer to the markets. We can reach the market faster, we’re in the same time zone, we have the skillset that can be complimented. We just have to have the will and the drive to get it done,” he asserted.

On this note, President Ali stated: “We are going to give more and more incen-

tives to create opportunities in the health and education sector.”

He referenced the example of the teaching hospital in St George’s, Grenada.

“The formula is very simple. They use internationally renowned names and it becomes attractive, and you get the accreditation. Now that we have this relationship between Guyana and Canada, we should seek to get the accreditation from Canada. Let us list what is needed to get the accreditation from Canada. Let us get the accreditation and create a new opportunity. A whole new area; a whole new opportunity is here,” the Guyanese leader told the membership of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce.

The President further outlined that with the road link to Brazil and the bridge across the Corentyne River to Suriname in the making, enormous market potential would be created from these services.

“You have many North American students who go to universities in other countries. It’s a business; opportunities are there. We have to not only target those opportunities but to go aggressively go after those opportunities,” President Ali asserted.

The Donald Ramotar Administration had initiated the construction of a specialty hospital in Guyana with the hopes of it becoming a

catalyst in creating the much needed “health tourism” in Guyana by pulling foreigners and overseas-based Guyanese to the country. But the project was later scrapped under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

With a US$18 million line of credit (LOC) from the India Export/Import (EXIM) Bank, the contract for construction of the hospital was awarded to India-based company, Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited back in 2012.

However, citing instances of alleged fraud and delays, the Ramotar Government in 2014 announced that it had terminated the contract with the India-based company and subsequently filed a lawsuit against it for failing to honour its obligations.

While in Opposition,

both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), before they collated, were against the project and upon their assumption to office in 2015, a decision was taken to scrap the project, which had already expended some US$4 million on preliminary works.

This was after the contract was given to Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited – which was handpicked by the coalition Administration.

But the company was subsequently blacklisted by the World Bank in 2016 for four years over fraud and corrupt practices.

The coalition Government then approached India to divert the remaining US$13.8 million towards improving the country’s primary healthcare service by upgrading three public hospitals across

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr KJ Srinivasa

the country.

In May of 2017, then Finance Minister Winston Jordan had declared that the specialty hospital project was “dead”.

But during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times last month, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa indicated that the idea of Guyana getting such a facility is still in the cards.

TURN TO PAGE 9

8 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bar owner slapped with $16,000 fine for violating COVID-19 guidelines

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Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) businessman who operates a drinking bar was slapped with a $16,000 fine by Magistrate Wanda Fortune for violating one of the COVID-19 guidelines.

The businessman appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. The charge stated that on November 28, 2020, at Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, he operated a bar and breached the restriction of social distancing.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined, with an alternative of four weeks’ imprisonment.

This is the second violation with respect to the breach of curfew measures for the businessman in recent months. He was also warned by the Presiding Magistrate in relation to the offence during his court appearance.

Only recently, Government decided to extend the National COVID-19 measures for the month of December and ease the curfew hours which are now 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (04:00 am).

However, In October, the

Government embarked on a massive education campaign dubbed “Operation COVICURB” to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This initiative involved members of the Joint Services.

The education campaign featured conversations on mainstream media and the distribution of flyers. A hotline was also established to receive reports of persons flouting the emergency measures.

In addition, the Government completed a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and found that it was fragmented and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe.

The order noted that the current measures are extended to allow for further assessments and consul-

tations to develop updated protocols to aid in the combatting of the COVID-19 spread.

Gyms were to be opened for only 50 per cent of the building’s capacity and by appointments. Physical exercises shall be allowed only in parks, roadways, beaches, rivers and seawalls while maintaining social distancing.

The restriction to home continues, where persons shall remain in the confines of their house or yard space.

No one is permitted to host or attend a cinema except for drive-in movies; private party, banquet hall, bar, public swimming pool or water park, wake or vigil, spa, club, meeting fraternity or any other social activity.

No person shall visit any place of quarantine or isolation facility, prison, patient in a hospital, nursing home,

or other care facilities. If it is not a COVID-19 patient, the hospital can grant permission on a case-by-case basis.

On the other hand, for religious services, the attendance is restricted to 25 per cent of the building’s capacity and where there are multiple services, there should be no less than 45 minutes between each to allow for sanitising. All measures and guidelines must be followed.

All persons employed within the public service, a semi-autonomous agency, statutory body or Stateowned enterprise shall work on rotation.

From 04:00h to 21:30h, stakeholders will be able to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing stores; or other maintenance services.

Meanwhile, only recently, the Guyana Police Force in November had arrested a total of 116 persons after they were found in breach of the national COVID-19 measures. These individuals were mainly from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Man pleads guilty to killing Charlestown resident back in 2016

Murder accused: Joshua Meredith

Murder accused: Colvin Johnson

Killed: Gregory Garraway

Paul Rodney

27-year-old man was on Friday remanded to prison where he now awaits sentencing after his guilty plea to a manslaughter charge. Joshua Meredith of Warlock, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arraigned before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry for the October 2, 2016 murder of 25-year-old Charlestown, Georgetown resident, Gregory Garraway.

Meredith opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He will return to court on December 16, 2020, for a probation report and sentencing.

According to Prosecutor Nafeeza Baig, on the day in question, Garraway was at “Wings and Things

Bar” at Mandela, Avenue, Georgetown. At the time, the now dead man, who had gone into the bar to purchase food, was wearing two gold chains around his neck.

After placing his order, he left the bar and as he was crossing the street to pick up the food, Meredith snatched his chains, pulled a gun from his pocket, and discharged a round in his direction. Garraway was killed.

A post-mortem examination performed on his remains revealed that he sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen and died as a result of septic shock.

Meredith was subsequently pointed out at an identification parade by

the now dead man’s brother, who was present at the time of the shooting.

After the guilty plea, Meredith’s lawyer, Adrian Thompson, asked the court to be lenient with his client.

Thompson told the court that the murder convict was unable to have a good childhood due to several circumstances. He said that his client grew up in a depressed community where he was influenced by persons of unsavoury character.

In addition to Garraway’s murder, the convicted murderer and another man, Colvin Johnson, are awaiting trial for the November 21, 2016 murder of 29-yearold Paul Rodney of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

It was reported that

Rodney and a group of men were involved in an argument at Avocado Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The argument, however, escalated into a fight during which Rodney attempted to escape.

He was pursued and shot several times about his body. His killer(s) escaped on a CG motorcycle.

Police Headquarters in a statement on the killing, had stated that ranks were on a mobile patrol when they heard several explosions and went to investigate. They came upon a group of men running during which several more gunshots were fired.

Rodney was subsequently found lying motionlessly, covered in blood.

A

Calling for an end...

B

...to “good boy” politics ack in 2002 or so, after the Buxton gunmen launched waves of murderous attacks against surrounding villages – Andaiye wrote a famous letter – “Not in my name” – dissociating herself from their nihilism.

Kwayana, who wrote that the gunmen were being ideologically indoctrinated by what he sarcastically dubbed “political sophisticates” from outside the village, was forced to flee Buxton. He left for the USA, from where he’s never returned.

The gunmen, of course, had broken out of Camp Street Prison, where they’d been jailed for murder and other sundry felonies, but were now hailed by certain elements of society as “freedom fighters”! That the PNC had lost the free and fair elections of 1997, which they violently protested, and which led to early elections of 2001 – which they promptly lost again – was touted as the “loss of freedom”, which justified the violent attacks. PNC leader Desmond Hoyte called his strategy of escalating violent protests “slow fyaah, mo fyaah” and insisted there were no “criminals” in Buxton. One man’s “criminals” being the other man’s “freedom fighters” and all that!

Anyhow, we know those bandits were wiped out by 2008 and pretty soon, the PNC changed its image and tactics to push for a “kinder and gentler” coalition politics. It worked – and they slid into office along with the AFC, but soon revealed that their stripes were indelible! Under Granger, they tried Burnham’s rigging route to remain in office – but after five months of international and domestic pressure, demitted office.

Since that time, there’s been a constant drumbeat of exhortations on the PNC and its constituency to adopt a more confrontational posture towards the PPP Government. After the gruesome W. Berbice murders, Granger and Harmon were commended for their inflammatory statements, which resulted in violent protests in which scores of Guyanese – arbitrarily dubbed “PPP supporters” – were beaten and vehicles damaged. PNC Chair Volda Lawrence, who took a conciliatory position on the violence, was condemned by the rabble rousers – who ironically were mostly abroad.

Dubbing the PPP Government “an illegal cabal” – even though they have an elections petition in the Courts –- these provocateurs have kept up their incendiary calls. In the wake of President Ali’s magnanimous and statesmanlike call for a meeting with all the former Presidents – including Granger – one of the most strident of them, David Hinds, declared: “In politics there comes a time when “good boy” politics must be abandoned. Mr Granger and the Opposition have adopted the “good boy” politics since August 2 and have nothing to show for it.”

Having already commended Hoyte’s “mo fyaah, slow fyaah”, one wonders if the politically-sophisticated “bad boy” politics include some “Freedom Fighters”. ...to the hysteria To address the misinformed hysteria on the Haitian migrant smuggling operation, the following is repeated from the reputable “InSight Crime”. “A sophisticated human smuggling ring that illegally moved migrants from Haiti across a number of Latin American countries into Chile shows that the Caribbean nation’s crisis remains a gold mine for criminal gangs.

“In August, Bolivian authorities caught and deported at least 142 Haitian migrants, while at least 22 more were arrested in Chile. In September, both countries initiated an investigation and have since moved against the alleged people smugglers.

The full international dimension of the problem soon became apparent. The Haitians were apparently first crossing into the Dominican Republic, where they were taken on flights to Guyana and then moved through Brazil and Bolivia into Chile, according to the BBC. “The scheme was lucrative. Chilean media reported that the migrants had to pay $3000 a head just to leave Haiti, with more costs piling up along the way as they moved through different countries.”

It’s not just Guyana. ...to blackouts In this bleak COVID-19 pandemic, to most Guyanese, Christmas looms like a beacon of light.

So your Eyewitness was quite pleased that GPL brought in back-up generators to guarantee the light at least!

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana seeks Canada’s expertise in boosting mining, agriculture sectors – assistance with electoral reform also on table

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anada, with its technical expertise, has several companies either mining or preparing to mine gold in Guyana and as such, Government is looking to tap into Canada’s advancement to build local capacity in the extractive and other sectors.

This was revealed by outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Lilian Chatterjee in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times. She noted Canada’s mining experience in Guyana and revealed that the Natural Resources Ministry has requested assistance from Canada.

“We have Canadian gold mines here. Some of them are founding members of the Chamber. And the Ministry of Natural Resources has asked for Canada’s help in supporting training in mechanisation of the mining industry.

They’re looking for us to help them in training of their labour force,” Chatterjee explained.

Previously, Canada-based

noted that Canada has the expertise to help.

Electoral reform

Outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana HE Lilian Chatterjee

Guyana Goldfields had managed the operations at Aurora Gold Mine, one of the largest mining operations in Guyana.

That was until Goldfields moved to downsize its operations in May 2020, after facing constraints from the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with other financial woes.

The decision was also linked to the company’s transition to underground mining.

After initially selling its operations to Silvercorp, another Canadian mining com-

pany, Chinese-owned Zijin Mining Group made a superior offer to Goldfields that Silvercorp failed to match within the stipulated time.

As a result, Zijin was able to clinch the deal and complete the takeover in August.

Canada’s potential help is not limited to mining, however, as the diplomat revealed that Canada’s assistance has also been requested in the forestry and agriculture sectors, each with their own unique challenges. And Chatterjee

Govt to give incentives...

“The idea of a specialty hospital is still there. So, we are to see whether it will be a line of credit or a private participation. So, these are the things which we are working with the Ministry of Health at this time,” High Commissioner Srinivasa stated.

The Indian diplomat explained that such a facility is needed in Guyana because it not only provides specialised care for patients but also increases the possibility of the country becoming a hub for medical tourism.

“I think if Guyana gets that specialty hospital it will be an attractive hub for medical tourism. In fact, India has – people will deem it a bit humourous – we have a visa called medical tourism visa…it’s a medical tourism visa where people actually go to India for elective sur-

geries, treatments, consultations and do tourism also and then come back that’s why it is called medical tourism and people actually, you know, they go in droves from many countries across the world,” Dr Srinivasa had said.

However, back in October, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had revealed that there is significant local and foreign interest from the Private Sector in constructing specialty hospitals in Guyana.

“We are very favourable to such investments [in a specialty hospital] and we’re hoping that we can start working with those Private Sector companies to start realising them. And if there are others who want to come in, we’ll be happy to review and offer advice and see how we can enable them to invest,” Dr Anthony has stated.

FROM PAGE 7

At least one company, Cardiology Services Incorporated, headed by renowned Guyanese Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen, has publicly indicated its interest in building a specialty hospital in Guyana.

But, the company was unwittingly vested with land under the former APNU/AFC Government by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), while the Granger Government was in a caretaker mode.

With the change of Government, the company has since said it would return the land it acquired to ensure there is a fair and transparent land allocation process.

Dr Carpen nevertheless signalled his intention to work with the PPP/C Government to bring the specialty hospital to fruition.

Another area where Canada is likely to offer assistance is electoral reform, the need for which has become even more pronounced since the March 2 General and Regional Elections. According to Chatterjee, the help is on the table waiting for Guyana to tap into.

“We have talked to President Ali, Attorney General (Anil) Nandlall and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira, saying that we’re willing to support electoral reform if that’s what they want. And they’ve indicated that they want that,” Chatterjee said.

“So, we’ve talked to them about what we can provide for support. They need to discuss it in Cabinet and come up with a decision. Once they let us know what they would like, we’d be happy to respond.”

President Ali had previously committed to establishing a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to examine and investigate the events following the March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana, and to make recom-

Mining is one of the sectors where Canada’s help has been sought

mendations where warranted.

Only recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had informed Guyana of the extensive technical support the UNDP can offer on a myriad of various governance issues, including, but not limited to strengthening of democracy, justice reform, and electoral reform.

UNDP Resident Representative Jairo Valverde had met with AG Nandlall, following which a missive was released from the Legal Affairs Ministry informing that Valverde had offered to provide technical

assistance and support to implement the recommendations for improvement and change that would be made to the electoral process after the conclusion of the CoI. Valverde had indicated that the UNDP has in excess of 8000 technical persons deployed across the world assisting various Governments in electoral reform and other key areas that require technical support in governance.

He had stated that the UNDP is, as a result, willing and capable of providing any assistance that the Government of Guyana would require upon request.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 more die from COVID-19, 28 new cases recorded in 24h

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he Ministry of Health on Sunday reported that two more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died, thus taking the death toll in Guyana to 153.

The latest fatalities are two men, an 81-yearold from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and a 55-year-old from Region One (Barima-Waini). These persons died on Saturday while receiving care at medical facilities.

The deaths of these two men from the virus are the first recorded for the month of December. The last COVID-19 death was recorded on November 29, after a 31-year-old female from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) died while receiving care at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also reported on Sunday that 28 new coronavirus cases were detected during a 24-hour timespan.

According to statistics issued by the Ministry, the total number of confirmed

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

cases in Guyana has gone up to 5665 comprising 2928 males and 2737 females.

However, only 753 of these cases are currently active. These include four patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 749 in isolation, that is, 52 persons in institutional isolation and the other 697 in home isolation. There are also 29 persons in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, some 4759 persons have since recovered from the life-threatening virus in Guyana.

To date, a total of 32,011 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus in Guyana.

Of the 28 new cases recorded on Sunday, eight are from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); one from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); five from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); one from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); two from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); five from the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region, and six cases from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The number of cases in Regions One, Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remained the same.

With the COVID-19 outbreak in Guyana continuing to persist into the holiday season, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony is warning about a second wave.

According to Dr Anthony, the most important component of Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is

the actions of citizens.

“If the public do the right thing by masking up and ensuring they wear the mask correctly then that will be very helpful. In addition to that, as we are in the Christmas season, avoid

during his last COVID-19 update.

According to the Health Minister, if persons cooperate with these and other guidelines in place to curb the spread of the virus then there may not be a spike in

Guyanese wearing masks while shopping

too much of these gatherings because people tend to increase their socialisation during the Christmas holidays. We’re asking people that because this is a very, very different Christmas, avoid crowds, avoid the socialisation…,” he posited

cases after the holiday season.

“But if they don’t [cooperate] then we will have to ready ourselves to see increased cases after Christmas. So, we may be starting the new year with many cases and pos-

sibly hospitalisation and of course, critically ill patients. So, again I’m urging everyone to help us take precautions and if you do so, we will all be safer,” Dr Anthony asserted.

To this end, all Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until December 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.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Guyana’s int’l image...

The CEO is being accused of attempting to undermine the will of the people by repeatedly refusing to submit the verified results from the National Recount to Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh, for a final declaration.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has said publicly that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be launched into GECOM, in a bid to restore confidence in the election machinery of the country and get to the bottom of the events that followed the elections.

In the meantime, the President and his

Government have done extensive work to repair the image of the country. This has included representing Guyana at the 75th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Virtual Island Summit 2020, the Forecast on Latin America and the Caribbean Conference 2020, organised by the United States Department of Commerce and the Association of American Chambers of Commerce.

It has also included representing Guyana at the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity, the Meeting of Heads of Government on Financing the 2030 Agenda

FROM PAGE 3

for Sustainable Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond and meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

Guyana has also hosted a number of high-profile figures in the few months following President Ali’s ascension to high office, including incumbent United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Head of the US Development Bank Adam Boehler, Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Brazil Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo.

NEWS

11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Auditor General to launch audits into UG, EPA — other agencies listed as tender goes out for audit contracts

T

he Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) has taken steps to audit a number of agencies which have not had updated audits under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

According to a notice, the Audit Office announced that chartered accountants were being invited to apply for contracts to audit the various agencies, in accordance with Part 4 of the Audit Act of 2004.

“The Auditor General invites applications from Chartered Accountants in public practice to examine and audit on his behalf the accounts of public corporations and other bodies in which controlling interest

vests with the State,” the notice says.

The entities being audited include the University of Guyana (UG) and the UG pension scheme, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), MARDS Rice Milling Complex Limited, the Guyana National Cooperative Bank, Skeldon Energy Incorporated and Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated.

With the exception of the UG pension scheme (2016), all the aforementioned entities are having their 2020 years of account audited.

Last year, the Audit Office was in the process of conducting a special audit into UG’s finances.

Guyanese who excelled at Hugh Wooding Law School admitted to Bar

Deborah Barrow-Grahame posed with acting Chief Justice Roxane George after being admitted to the Bar

D

eborah BarrowGrahame, the Guyanese who came out as best graduating student of 2020 at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, was official admitted to the Bar by acting Chief Justice Roxane George.

The outstanding academic achievements of Barrow-Grahame were highlighted in the presentation of her petition. These include a History Degree with distinction, Master’s in International Trade Policy and Best Student on the Principal’s Roll of Honour at Hugh Wooding Law School.

Her petition was presented by Managing Partner of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, Nigel Hughes.

Madame Chief Justice exhorted the newest member to the Bar to always aspire for excellence, to keep

raising the bar and most importantly, to share her knowledge with others.

Barrow-Grahame said she would have used the Chief Justice as a guiding role model, having read many judgements put forward by the learned legal mind. The new admittee said she has a passion for knowledge and legal challenges.

From the inception, Barrow-Grahame said that she was not initially interested in litigation so she delayed her journey to law school, in which she took the route of pursuing post-graduate studies in related fields before attending law school.

Barrow-Grahame has committed to upholding the high traditions of the Bar and to always endeavour to increase the levels of scholarship in her practice at the Bar.

The University of Guyana will be one of the entities audited

That was until the then APNU/AFC Government pulled the plug on paying for it, thus stalling the process. This happened after the Audit Office had already been given the goahead to conduct the audit and had contracted an inde-

pendent auditor.

The audit was first ordered by the Education Ministry after a request was made by the two workers’ unions at UG to have such an investigation launched. The Ministry was going to stand the expense

associated with the investigation.

The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) had alleged that UG’s administration had been spending extravagantly on hosting events, standing the expenses of meals and accommodation for guest speakers, as well as hiring select individuals, paying them super salaries, and sending large delegations overseas, all on the University’s bill.

For the year 2019, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority will have their accounts audited, and the Linden Enterprise Network Incorporated and the Department of Public Information (DPI) will have their 2018 books audited.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic Hotel Incorporated (AHI), the Government-owned special purpose company managing Guyana’s Marriott Hotel, will also have its 2017 books audited. Also having its 2017 books audited is the Protected Areas Commission.

The Linden Mining Enterprise Limited and the Mabaruma Power and Light Company Incorporated will have their 2016 books audited. The lone entity that will have its 2015 books audited is the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated, which is charged with expanding and upgrading electrical systems throughout the hinterland.

The only entity having its pre-2015 accounts looked at is President’s College. According to the notice, tenders close on December 21, 2020.

12 NEWS Magistrate Moore to appeal dismissal of lawsuit against DPP MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ttorney-at-Law Arudranauth Gosai has indicated his intention of filing an appeal against a judgment

by Justice Navindra Singh in which he dismissed a $50 million lawsuit filed

by Senior Magistrate Alex Moore against Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Senior Counsel Shalimar Ali-Hack.

Gosai has deemed the judgment handed down on December 2, 2020, as “patently incorrect.”

In July 2020, Magistrate Moore instituted a claim for the tort of defamation against Ali-Hack. Moore, who has been a sitting Magistrate for nine years, alleged that he was defamed in a letter authored by the DPP dated December 5, 2019.

The letter was titled “Re: Conduct of Magistrate Alex Moore in the charge of the Police vs Marcus Bisram for the offence of murder, contrary to Common Law”.

Magistrate Moore claimed that the letter was falsely and maliciously written by the DPP and sent to acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice Roxane George. He said that the letter suggested that he was not acting impartially in the matter, and, was, therefore unfit to sit as a Magistrate in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) proceedings at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Moore, in court documents, noted that the contents of the letter have greatly injured his character, credibility, and reputation. He further not-

Senior Magistrate Alex Moore

ed that it has subjected him to public ridicule, causing him to suffer mental anguish, distress, and depression.

In August 2020, the DPP asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit on the ground that it disclosed no reasonable reason for bringing the claim. Ali-Hack, through Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, Senior Counsel Jamela Ali and former Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas, argued that the case was scandalous, frivolous, vexatious, an abuse of the court process, and seeks to obstruct the just disposal of the proceedings.

In arguing for the lawsuit to be struck out, AliHack’s lawyer submitted that the letter at hand refers to her acting in her professional capacity as Director of Public Prosecutions and did not constitute or display nor intend any malice against Magistrate Moore.

The lawyers, therefore, contended that Magistrate

Moore suing the DPP in her personal capacity “is, therefore, a colourable device, to seek to escape the effects substantially and procedurally suing [her personally] instead of in her office as Director of Public Prosecutions”.

“The said office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent constitutional office of the State as recognised under Articles 116 and 187 of the Constitution for which [she] would be patently entitled to the protection of Sections 8 and 4 of the Justice Protection Act, and the benefits of the operation of Section 3(4) of the State Liability and Proceedings Act,” the DPP’s attorney submitted.

The lawyer is of the belief that her client’s letter was addressed to the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary in her official capacity as according to Section 12 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrate) Act, requesting the removal of Magistrate Moore from the PI into the murder charge against Bisram following a report by State Prosecutor Stacy Gooding.

The lawyers further submitted that the Chancellor, who was also Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), was entitled to investigate the allegation contained in the letter against Magistrate Moore, in his professional responsibility.

Moreover, the DPP contended that Magistrate Moore’s case is contrary to public policy by seeking through defamatory claims to intimidate or prevent the process of com-

plaints against the conduct of Magistrates, and particularly concerning disciplinary considerations by members of the JSC of the actions of any member of the Magistracy, including him.

In his judgment, Justice Singh upheld the DPP’s argument that the claim brought by Magistrate Moore was scandalous, frivolous, vexatious, an abuse of the court process, seeks to obstruct the just disposal of the proceedings, and disclosed no reasonable reason for bringing the claim.

In dismissing the lawsuit, Justice Singh held that Magistrate Moore accepted that Ali-Hack was acting in her capacity as DPP when she penned the letter. Justice Singh noted that the provisions of Articles 116 and 232 of the Constitution establish that the DPP is a public officer.

By bringing the claim in her personal capacity, Justice Singh noted that Magistrate Moore improp-

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack

erly named Ali-Hack as a party to the proceedings since her office is protected under the State Liability and Proceeding Act and the Justice Protection Act, with respect to the execution of its functions.

According to Justice Singh, the lawsuit was in breach of Section 8 (1) of the Justice Protection Act as it was instituted more

than seven months after Magistrate Moore became aware of the letter. The Judge also held that the claim was also in breach of Section 8 (2) of the Justice Protection Act since Magistrate Moore failed to give the DPP notice in writing of his intention to institute the claim.

The Judge noted that when Ali-Hack wrote the letter to the Chancellor and Chief Justice, also in their official capacity, she was acting in her official capacity as Director of Public Prosecutions, seeking to invoke Section 12 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrate) Act. The High Court Judge disagreed with Magistrate Moore’s contention that the determination of whether the letter is subject to absolute privilege is a matter of fact that can only be determined at trial. Magistrate Moore was ordered to pay the DPP $200,000 in court costs on or before December 24, 2020.

Taxi driver disappears after leaving home to make pickup at CJIA

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Georgetown resident, who is attached to Nigel’s Taxi Service on Sheriff Street, Georgetown, has disappeared after he left his home for work on Friday evening.

The taxi driver, Grivel Ramnarine, also known as “Benn’s family” of Leopold Street, Georgetown, was not heard from since.

His mother, Shellon Benn told Guyana Times on Sunday that she has had sleepless nights since the disappearance of her 27-year-old son. She added that not knowing his whereabouts is a traumatising experience.

“We [the family] is at a loss we don’t know what to do”, the grieving mother said.

On Friday at about 19:00h, Ramnarine left his home and told his moth-

Missing: Grivel Ramnarine

er that he had to make a pick up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, and as such, he would return late.

However, after some time elapsed and no signs

of her son, she contacted his mobile phone which went unanswered and on the second attempt, the phone was turned off.

“When he left, he said he was going to the airport, I don’t know if it was then or later in the night… he said he wouldn’t come back early… he didn’t say who he was going to pick up…first his phone ringing out, and then it keep going to voicemail,” she said.

A missing person’s report was made at Brickdam Police Station and a search party was established. After searching various locations, there were no signs of the missing man.

“The police said that they gonna send out information to all the police stations, and in the meantime, we must contact the different media places so that we can put up a missing person…” the frustrated mother stated.

On the night of his disappearance, he was wearing light green three-quarter pants, slippers and a white t-shirt. He was described as a man of mixed race, heavily built, short, and brown in complexion with curly hair.

The taxi driver’s mother is pleading with her son to contact his family so that they will be able to have peace of mind knowing that he is alive.

Nevertheless, anyone with information about Ramnarine’s whereabouts is asked to contact his family on 619-1351, 689-5292 and 503-2070 or the nearest police station.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Finance Ministry initiates process for Budget 2021

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he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has initiated the formal process for the commencement of preparation for Budget 2021, according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.

During a recent appearance on a Department of Public Information (DPI) broadcast programme “The Progress Report”, Dr Singh disclosed that his Ministry had sent out the budget circular instructing the various Ministries to start preparing their budgets and have them submitted to the soonest.

“Of course, Ministries have been doing preliminary works and considering their strategic priorities and so on. But the formal budget circular [was sent out] and immediately after it goes out, work across Government will immediately step up to accelerate preparation of the budget… So that work will immediately start, in earnest, from [this] week,” he posited.

According to the Finance Minister, next year’s budget will be significant since it will be the first full-year budget that the current Irfaan Ali-led Administration will present.

“It’s going to be the first budget of this Government’s current term in office so it’s going to outline our

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

medium and long-term vision. It’s going to include a number of the important initiatives that we see as critical to realising the modern Guyana that will be unfolding over the course of the next few years,” he stated.

Dr Singh further noted that given the substantial nature of Budget 2021, it is going to involve quite a lot of work. However, he pointed out that President Ali has given a clear mandate to his Cabinet that the various Ministries must do all that is necessary to ensure they prepare their budgets in a timely manner so that the budget can be completed and presented early next year to allow for implementation as early as possible.

At the level of his Ministry, the

Finance Minister revealed that they are currently working out the prospects for the economy, and accessing and finetuning their estimates of growth for next year.

Within a month after taking office, the PPP/C Government prepared and presented a $329.5 billion emergency budget for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year in September.

According to Dr Singh, Government has been moving apace to implement those initiatives, projects and policies.

“Where it’s a policy, we are ensuring that that policy is implemented and for the various projects that were included in the budget, we’ve been working very hard. I’ve been meeting with my staff, I’ve been meeting with the very large Ministries and the various sectors to ensure that they proceed with implementation as fast as possible. Quite a lot of progress was made; most of them already implemented,” he said.

The Minister noted that what remains is mainly the execution of the various projects and he has been imploring and emphasising to his Cabinet colleagues to proceed with those projects.

“The President has been very clear that he wants all the projects executed in a timely manner. With the mandate that has been given to me and the rest of my colleagues,

Office of the President

I’ve been working with the various Ministries to ensure that they proceed as quickly as possible and in the timeliest manner,” he noted.

Dr Singh, who also served as Finance Minister in the last PPP/C regime, contended that there is a lot of good and sound basis for optimism in Guyana’s future.

“President Ali has outlined a very exciting vision for Guyana and he has charged me and he has charged the rest of his Cabinet to ensure that that vision is realised, and we have gone about it with a sense of great urgency as you can see. With a fair degree of certainty, I can say to you that the Guyana of tomorrow, that is, the next five or 10 years down the road, will virtually be unrecognisable from the Guyana today in a remarkably

positive way,” he posited.

The Finance Minister noted that his Government is committed to implementing a sound policy framework for Guyana’s development and to attract large foreign investors – something which has already started. In the same breath, he said the PPP/C is also committed to ensuring that the local Private Sector expands and grows, and improves its competitiveness and ability to operate in the impending new and “incredibly exciting economic landscape.”

Most important of these, however, is the Government’s commitment to ensure that the life of every single Guyanese is improved in a “tangible and demonstrable” way.

CDC honours volunteers, agencies for outstanding contribution

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he Civil Defence Commission’s Volunteer Corps on Saturday presented tokens of recognition to 10 volunteers for their dedicat-

ment,” the Prime Minister told the team of young people.

He further stated that over the years, they have braved the elements in the

A representative of the Rotary Club of Georgetown accepting a certificate for its contribution to the CDC

ed and outstanding contribution to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips congratulated the awardees on behalf of the Government.

“Not only have your efforts been a tremendous support, it is through your leadership, initiative and enthusiasm that we are able to mark success in all aspects of development for Guyana. Specifically, in the area of disaster risk management, volunteers have been at the forefront of risk assessments, community preparedness initiatives, institutional strengthening and even at the highest levels you have played important roles in policy develop-

roughest of terrains and the harshest of conditions to bring relief to those most in need during hazard impact such as floods.

This year more than ever, he noted that the volunteers have demonstrated much enthusiasm in the fight against COVID-19.

“You continue to stand in the frontlines alongside our healthcare workers and emergency response personnel. You have been instrumental in crafting COVID-19 education and awareness materials, promoting and fostering good sanitation and hygiene, and bringing aid to those hard hit by the pandemic,” the Prime Minister posited.

Director General of CDC,

Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig noted that the volunteers are being “recognised for their commitment, discipline, and tireless contributions in advancing disaster risk management in Guyana.”

He noted that despite the challenges of 2020, there was a continued desire to serve others even at great personal risks.

“The Civil Defence Commission joins the rest of the world in saluting the pertinent role that volunteers, young and old, play in lending vital support to causes that impact humanity.”

Those awarded were Coreen Fiffee, Delisa

The awardees along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips and other officials

Small, Judson Bess, Julian Cadogan, Micaela Reece, Quincy Scotland, Shameza David, Tashana Legal, Glendon Greenidge and

Yolanda Edwards.

Partner agencies that were recognised for their support of the volunteer arm of the CDC included

ExxonMobil, Rotary Club of Central Georgetown, Ruimveldt Lions Club and National Coordinating Collation.

Local online marketplace for Wednesday launch

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local online marketplace, aptly named Online Guyana (www.online.gy), is set to be launched on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. It is aimed at offering Guyanese companies an option to transition to selling their products online.

As the world, and Guyana adjusts to the effects of the global pandemic, more companies have been shifting their businesses online.

However, this is not always an easy and straightforward process. Business owners must spend a tidy sum on the development and maintenance of an online store.

Online Guyana removes these costs and the monthly

overhead, replacing it with a small, flat fee. Registered businesses can list and sell unlimited items. The website has inventory and order management features to assist the companies in managing their online shops.

Business owners directly manage their online shops registered on Online Guyana. They receive orders placed for their products; package and ship to happy customers. The customers are updated automatically when their order status changes and can log into the website at any time to check on their order or contact the company.

Online Guyana showcases multiple products from

small and medium-sized businesses in various categories including electronics, clothing, hair/body care, and gifts - customers can also share reviews on their purchases. The website is easy to use and is accessible via computer and mobile phone.

Customers can save time by accessing a wide variety of items from different Guyanese companies. They can browse specific catego-

ries, keep things they like in a wishlist, and ultimately purchase using several options, including cash on delivery (COD) or GTT's MMG+ service.

Online Guyana is working to implement credit card processing very shortly. It has opened for early business registration and already has over 60 local businesses.

Free business registration is offered until June 1, 2021.

NEWS

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sexual Offences Courts reduce insensitive treatment to victims of sex crimes – Chancellor

The establishment of specialised courtrooms to handle matters pertaining to sexual offences has significantly reduced the often insensitive treatment and victimisation or re-traumatisation of victims of such crimes, according to Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards.

This was revealed by the woman who stands at the helm of the Judiciary in remarks to commemorate the third anniversary of the Sexual Offences Court in Georgetown which was established on November 13, 2017. Two years later, in 2019, similar courts were established in Berbice and Essequibo.

Justice CummingsEdwards pointed out that as victims of sexual assault seek access to justice, some have with great reluctance, recounted their experiences in court. She noted that some victims have refused to seek justice because of unpleasant experiences.

But apart from the ordeal of being sexually violated, the Head of the Judiciary pointed out that it seems that the instigative and adjudicative environments have a great role to play.

“During the investigative process, victims have had to give statements to the police.

If charges are laid, the victim has to relate the same story before the Magistrate’s Court and the public and more often than not before a Judge, jury, members of the public and at all times in front of the accused/defendant.”

Justice CumminsEdwards further noted, “Some virtual complainants have described the giving of statements and testifying as an ordeal. Some have said it is very traumatic. Others have said that they have to relive the harrowing experience even as they seek jus-

tice. In some cases, they have opted not to testify to save themselves from embarrassment, shame and ignominy.”

According to her, Parliament, in recognition of this fact, promulgated laws to assist victims as they testify and relive the burden and demands of a trial. The Sexual Offences Act of 2010 makes provision for the establishment of a Sexual Offences Court.

She said that the specialised courtrooms cater to the needs of both victims and defendants and allow for special measures for witnesses to testify.

“This is perhaps the most outward-looking and progressive of all the legislative measures,” the Chancellor related. She explained that this legislative intervention provided for in-camera hearings ie (exclusion of the public from hearings), the anonymity of the victims, especially in reports carried by the media, among others.

Though this provided a glimmer of hope in terms of the victims being confident or not so afraid or ashamed to testify, Justice CummingsEdwards pointed out that it was not enough since the reporting rate of offences was still low compared to the rate of commission.

According to her, the physical settings of the court include the use of screens for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to prevent them from seeing the accused while giving evidence.

She said that the witness must, however, be visible to the Judge, jury and defence counsel.

The courtrooms have an audiovisual live link (or close circuit TV) which enables the witness to give evidence during the trial from outside the court through a televised link to the courtroom. The Chancellor added that the

Acting Chancellor Judiciary Justice Cummings-Edwards

of the Yonette

trial Judge can direct attorneys to remove their gowns while a vulnerable witness is testifying.

The courtrooms also cater to the examination of a witness through a sworn intermediary to assist the witness to give his or her evidence. The intermediary is allowed to explain questions or answers so far as necessary to enable them to be understood by the witness or person in question.

The Sexual Offences Courts also allow for the use of anatomically correct dolls for taking evidence from children who may have difficulty verbalising the details of their assault.

Justice CummingsEdwards informed that the courts provide for the integration of all social workers and care providers, forensic interviewers and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to reduce the often insensitive treatment of victims of sexual offences and reduce secondary victimisation or re-traumatisation of victims.

“The input of psycho-social services and counselling by social workers/probation officers and others must be hailed as these personnel understand the dynamics of society and the vulnerability of marginalised groups and can assist both victims and accused persons,” she added.

“The Sexual Offences

Focus to be placed on strengthening immune systems – RHO …as Region 10 records over 300 COVID-19 cases

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egional Health Officer of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Dr Gregory Harris has indicated that more emphasis would be placed on educating persons on good nutrition and strengthening their immune systems, as the Region has recorded over 310 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In dealing with the spread of the virus, Dr Harris said the Regional Health Department (RHD) would be increasing its public educational engagements and enforcement activities.

Further, he stated that mask distribution exercises would continue, and the Department would seek to look into curbing the alleged occurrences of “secret parties” within Region 10.

Region 10 Health Officer, Dr Gregory Harris

According to Dr Harris, the Department will also be collaborating with stakeholders.

The most recent statistics provided by the Health Department showed that 1300 persons were tested within the Region, with

the number of active cases reaching more than 70. On Friday, Region 10 recorded its 310th case.

Regionally, there were four persons in institutional isolation, 65 in home isolation, three in institutional quarantine while 40 persons were in home quarantine.

Some of the areas that are being monitored are Aroaima, Canvas City, Central MacKenzie, Amelia’s Ward, Half Mile, Wisroc, Three Friends Mines, Blueberry Hill, Kwakwani, Christianburg, Retrieve, Block 22, One Mile, Kara, Coomacka Mines, Wismar, and Silvertown.

Meanwhile, 230 recoveries were recorded, with the death toll remaining at five.

A total of 40 tests were conducted last week.

Court has adopted an integrated approach among all stakeholders in the criminal justice system to improve the adjudication and delivery of justice. This court aims to respond to have faster disposal of cases in an environment that respects the privacy and the dignity of victims.

It employs special measures to aid witnesses in giving their testimony.”

The Chancellor noted that the Judiciary is reminded of the fact that “courts exist to do justice between the

litigants, through balancing the interest of an individual litigant against the interest of litigants as a whole in a judicial system that proceeds with speed and efficiency” as noted by former Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Michael De La Bastide.

“In so doing we help to enhance social order, maintain the rule of law, ensure due process of law and provide for equal protection of citizens. We are committed to ensuring access to justice

and to keeping the wheels of justice turning,” said Justice Cummings-Edwards in concluding.

The Sexual Offences Courts were established through a collaboration between the Supreme Court of Judicature Guyana, UNICEF, Social Protection Ministry and the Jurist Project, all long-standing partners of the court.

Funding for these modern, survivor-friendly courtrooms was donated by UNICEF.

PAHO/WHO reps discuss improved health care for Region 10

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Gregory Harris (right) and Regional Chairman Deron Adams along with Regional Democratic Council Public Relations Officer Leon Roberts (left) and PAHO/ WHO officials

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epresentatives of the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) recently met with officials of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to discuss improving health-care delivery in the Region.

The representatives, Dr Luis Codina and Dr Jean Alexandre paid courtesy calls on Regional Chairman Deron Adams and Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Gregory Harris.

During the discussion with the Regional Chairman, topics such as strategies to improve the level of vaccinations within the Region were addressed after it was related that parents were refusing to take their babies to be immunised.

This, the Regional Chairman said, has resulted in the children having to take several vaccines in succession in order to qualify for entry into the school system.

During the discourse with the RHO, ways in which specialised services can be strengthened at hospitals within the Region were discussed as well as the improvement of healthcare services in riverine communities such as along the Demerara and Berbice Rivers.

The officials also discussed improved access to quality health-care services in these areas, as the RHO cited plans to have doctors stationed at these locations.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Co-operate with COVID-19 grant distribution teams – Dharamlall

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ocal Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall is imploring citizens to co-operate with the teams distributing Government’s COVID-19 grants to ensure a peaceful process.

The Minister related an incident that occurred in Hopetown, Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five), where a distribution clerk was physically abused by a recipient of the $25,000 cash grant last

month.

That incident has since ended up before the court.

It was reported that a supervisor of the COVID-19 cash grant initiative, Molly Balram, was assaulted by a woman at Hopetown, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The incident occurred in the presence of four police officers and four other members of the cash grant relief team. Balram was reportedly hit about her body by the woman, who was refusing to

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

sign a document which was required before the $25,000 was distributed.

Balram explained that as a supervisor, she was asked to go to the location after

the team reported that they were encountering problems with the recipient.

The recipient was contending that the household has two families; one occupy-

ing the upper flat while another was occupying the bottom flat.

Based on the guidelines which are set out by the Government, both households are required to sign a “pink form” indicating that the property is being occupied by more than one family. This information will then have to be verified before the cash grant is distributed.

However, the woman was reportedly refusing to sign the document and demanded that she be given the $25,000. During the process, she assaulted the supervisor.

However, Dharamlall noted “We would like to ensure the process remains

peaceful and free of abuse.

Every deserving household will receive and it is our expectation that the distribution will be done as quickly as possible.”

Billions of dollars would be injected into the economy by end of the exercise.

Minister Dharamlall said the Government has seen a tremendous response at the household and regional economy levels.

The Government is in its final stages of distribution in Regions Three and Five, with the exercise already completed in seven other regions.

Distribution of the cash grants is set to begin next week in Region Four.

2000 persons engage in skills training under BIT since August

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he Labour Ministry’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has trained over 2000 people in several occupational fields over the past four months in keeping with the Government’s vision to ensure Guyana has a skilled workforce.

BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Richard Maughn, disclosed the number during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) while noting the 1190 persons were fully engaged in training programmes countrywide over the past fortnight.

This includes training in engineering trade – welding and fabrication and mechanics, appliance repair, cell phone repairs and maintenance, garment construction, cosmetology, hos-

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

pitality, and childcare. The training was conducted under the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and the Single Parent Training Programme administered by BIT. Maughn noted that the programmes are being implemented in keeping with the COVID-19 measures and take the form of online and in-classroom settings, though classroom sizes have reduced from 20 trainees at any one time, to only seven.

“So, what we are doing is blended learning… because of the types of programmes we do. We are a TVET [Technical Vocational Education and Training] related agency; you’ll find competencies for certain areas must be measured from a prac-

equate devices, BIT has been trying to find ways to support affected students.

Meanwhile, more people are showing interest in the training.

“Last year, we engaged 2383 persons, and at the moment, we are above that and persons continue to access our programme during the pandemic, and I think more and more persons are understanding the importance of acquiring a skill,” BIT Chief Executive Officer Maughn said.

Richard Maughn The Board of Industrial tical standpoint…so you Training provides apprenfind now that our lectures ticeship training in keepare working longer hours ing with its mandate as enteaching the same number shrined in the Industrial of beneficiaries,” Maughn Training Act. The agency added. has conducted training in While there have been more than 150 occupationsome challenges, including al areas over the past years some students experiencing in keeping with the technidifficulties accessing stable cal and workforce needs of internet connectivity or ad- the country.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever 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)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

New loss of taste or smell

Muscle pain Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

NEWS

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$5M seawall beautification NDIA to undertake major projects in 2021 project nears completion T

he National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will take steps to upgrade the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) Scheme in 2021 with the hope that actual work could commence in 2022.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the body, Frederick Flatts in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information noted that this major undertaking could come onstream once Government approves the plans.

“The current Phase One where you have developed infrastructure, that’s between the Berbice and the Abary Rivers. For Phase Two, we want to go beyond that and provide proper drainage and irrigation between the Abary and the Mahaica Rivers.”

The plans are expected to benefit rice farmers and to an extent rice production

Chief Executive Officer of NDIA Frederick Flatts

if it becomes a reality.

“Under the Phase Two, we have to look at extending our conservancy up to the Mahaica River. We have to look at providing structures to send the water into the various areas, flood relief structures to get rid of the water when the water in the conservancy is high,” Flatts added.

Before the start of Phase Two, there will be technical soil studies as well as the structuring and mapping of areas for new conservancy dams. However, one of the environmental concerns is the effects it will have on Moraikobai, an Amerindian reservation in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Consultancies will start for designs and supervision of several market roads, including one at Salem, Number 52 Village, on the left bank of the Mahaica and right bank of the Mahaicony Rivers.

These projects will run alongside the construction or rehabilitation of dams in the area.

In addition, Regions Five and Six will benefit from pump stations, along with Andrews on the Essequibo Coast. There are also plans to address the issue of shortage of water in the front section of Black Bush Polder.

Minister Persaud leads outreach to Mocha Arcadia try initiative targeting single parents and women by honing their existing skills.

Minister Persaud said participants are also trained in functional business literacy, sustainable business and micro-enterprise and social issues.

“Every initiative the Ministry develops will have that component. So, it’s teaching you not the skills but helping you to create

how people are managing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine what additional support could be offered to those in need.

“I seized the opportunity today to visit persons in their homes and continue the distribution of hampers which the Ministry would have been doing … we also give out hundreds of hampers at the Ministry

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud

H

uman Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud conducted an outreach in Mocha Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara on Saturday, where she visited and distributed hampers to vulnerable persons in the community.

The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and a team of social and welfare officers.

During the exercise, the team educated women in the community on accessing various support and training programmes offered by the Ministry.

Addressing a small group of women following the distribution exercise, Minister Persaud explained that the intention was to ensure the Government’s programmes are accessible to Guyanese and to provide support in the form of care packages to the vulnerable in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry has been implementing a successful garment and cottage indus-

Minister Persaud in discussion with a resident of Mocha on Saturday

a market that is sustainable so that you can have financial independence,” she said.

While the programme focuses on women, Minister Persaud said she was overwhelmed to see a few men also expressing interest.

“Employment is challenging; as you know, the Government has promised to increase the number of persons who are employed and so this is all moving in that direction.”

Moreover, Minister Persaud explained that the intent was also to ascertain

because people come to us with all kinds of requests,” Dr Persaud said.

The team also used the opportunity to highlight some of the social issues plaguing the society, especially as it relates to gender-based violence and the role the community could play in addressing it.

Similar exercises were conducted in Bath Settlement and Lovely Lass in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and La Parfaite Harmonie in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Sections of the beautifications works at the Kingston seawall

T

he aesthetics of the Kingston seawall is undergoing a remarkable transformation after Government injected $5 million to beautify the popular leisure spot.

Plans to beautify the seawall were fast-tracked following Tourism Awareness Month in November.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill explained “For the benefit of all the people of Guyana and to ensure that Guyana is a tourist destination where the people at the current hotels and the new hotels that would be coming on stream can be able to relax, as well as our own Guyanese, Government has to intervene,” Minister Edghill stated.

“We were able to complete swiftly, getting all the lights from the Marriott all the way down to Celina’s operational,” he said.

The lighting exercise was the first step in the

the responsibility of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to maintain and remodel the seawalls, Minister Edghill said Guyanese could no longer wait for the body to execute the projects that are important and of historical value.

There are also plans to engage vendors to encourage compliance with the country’s laws so there could be efficiency in the conduct of business on the seawall.

“We want to encourage economic activity, but we cannot encourage lawless-

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill at the site

beautification project which is expected to be finalised

by December 15.

“The bandstand was in a state of disrepair, practically nothing done to it over the last five years. So, we are getting that done.”

Minister Edghill added that there are plans to construct permanent restrooms to replace the portable toilets at the seawall.

While admitting it is

ness at the same time…I am not pleased at all with the encumbrance and the wanton disregard for law and order with people who are vending,” the Minister added.

The project is the brainchild of First Lady Arya Ali, who has been working aggressively to enhance leisure spots and public spaces under her National Beautification Project.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Regional

Venezuelans vote in legislative election dismissed as a sham by US

V

enezuelans voted on Sunday in legislative elections set to tighten President Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power and weaken his US-backed rival, Juan Guaidó, who is leading a boycott of the polls he calls a fraud.

Victory will give Maduro’s governing Socialist Party control of an expanded 227-seat National Assembly – the only institution not in its hands.

The election, contested by about 14,000 candidates from more than 100 parties, comes with the country in a deep political and economic crisis – suffocated by runaway inflation, paralysed in endless queues for petrol, lacking water and gas supplies, and afflicted by sudden power cuts.

Since November 2019, inflation has reached 4000 per cent.

“The time has come to vote for peace, for the country, for the future,” Maduro said in a message to supporters on the Telegram messaging application, shortly before voting began at 06:30h local time (10:30 GMT).

Guaidó, 37, called for a boycott on grounds that “free and fair” conditions for holding elections do not exist.

“Maduro’s objective isn’t even to gain legitimacy,” he told the AFP news agency in an interview last week,

A voter casts her ballot during elections to choose members of the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela

adding the goal was instead to simply wipe out all semblance of democracy.

On Sunday, he tweeted a picture of an empty polling station, writing: “How’s Maduro’s fraud going?

Failed”.

Guaidó and his allies plan a week-long plebiscite from Monday seeking public support to prolong the mandate of the current National Assembly until “free, verifiable and transparent” elections can be held.

“This is a very important election in Venezuela,” Andreina Tarazon, a Venezuelan politician from the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and President of the Centre for Higher Studies of Development and Emerging Economies, said.

“Until now the [assembly] which has been man-

aged by the Opposition has brought deep problems to the country, especially in the management of its economy, and its international relationships.”

In Opposition control since 2016, the legislature has prevented Maduro from securing more foreign investment for the country’s oil industry.

The European Union, the US and several other nations have already declared Sunday’s vote, to which Maduro invited only sympathetic international observers to monitor, a sham.

“The results announced by the illegitimate Maduro regime will not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people,” US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter on Sunday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trinidad supermarkets, food outlets to open for 24 hours during Christmas period

P

rime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has announced that supermarkets and food supply outlets will be allowed to open on a 24-hour basis starting on Thursday until January 3.

Rowley, who made the announcement on Saturday during a media conference, said this was being done during the Christmas period.

He also announced that schools would reopen virtually from January 4 and if all goes well, from February

8 Standard Five students and students in forms four to six may be able to physically return to school.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service in an advisory on Sunday, said visits would resume at all the nation’s prisons – with the exception of the Claxton Bay Correctional Facility, as today.

The statement also sought to remind visitors that the safety measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remained in full effect.

“The health, safety and well-being of our employees and charges are critical, as are our ongoing attempts to maintain safe and secure environments and public safety,” the advisory stated.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service continues to adhere to public health ordinances and make decisions accordingly.”

According to the advisory, while in-person visits have resumed, virtual visits with inmates via Zoom will also continue. (CMC)

COVID-19 cases rising in Jamaica

J

amaica’s coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continued to spiral on Saturday with the island recording 76 new cases and in the process surpassing the 11,000 mark.

The Health and Wellness Ministry in its latest bulletin said that Jamaica now has 11 063 of which 3 785 are active.

It said that the new cases ranged from 28 days to 85 years old, and that the country also recorded one more death pushing the total to 261.

The Health and

Wellness Ministry said that a 60-year old man from Kingston and St Andrew in the capital was the latest casualty of the virus that has infected and

killed millions of people worldwide.

Jamaica now has 136 patient recoveries bringing the total number of recovered cases to 6866. (CMC)

Former Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez dies F

ormer Uruguayan President Tabaré Vázquez died on Saturday in Montevideo at the age of 80 after suffering from lung cancer, his son said in a tweet on Sunday.

The centre-left politician and oncologist was President of Uruguay twice in 2005-2010 and 2015-2020, and was diagnosed with cancer last year towards the end of his second term. The Broad Front party he belonged to ran the cattle-farming coun-

try of 3.4 million people for 15 years up until elections last year.

His son Alvaro Vazquez said he died at home, in the presence of family and friends. “On behalf of the family, we want to thank all Uruguayans for the love received by him over so many years,” he tweeted.

Vazquez, who interchanged terms with Jose Mujica since Uruguay’s Constitution bans Presidents from serving consecutive terms, presid-

ed over the legalisation of the State-controlled production, distribution and sale of cannabis.

The son of a union leader who grew up in a working-class district in the capital, he was popular with Uruguayans for a mix of pro-business economic policies and strong welfare programmes which helped kick-start a decade of robust growth and slashed poverty after a deep crisis in the early 2000s.

(Reuters)

“Havana syndrome” likely caused by directed microwaves – US report

T

he mystery illness suffered by US diplomats in Cuba was most likely caused by directed microwave radiation, a US Government report has found.

The report by the National Academies of Sciences does not attribute blame for the directed energy waves.

But it said research into the effects of pulsed radio frequency energy was carried out by the Soviet Union more than 50 years ago.

The illnesses first affected people at the US Embassy in Havana in 2016-17.

Staff and some of their relatives complained of symptoms ranging from dizziness, loss of balance, hearing loss, anxiety and something they described as “cognitive fog”. It became known as “Havana syndrome”.

The US accused Cuba of carrying out “sonic attacks”, which it strongly denied, and the incident

The US initially suspected “sonic attacks” had been launched against its embassy in Havana

led to increased tension between the two nations.

A 2019 US academic study found “brain abnormalities” in the diplomats who had fallen ill, but Cuba dismissed the report.

Canada also cut its Embassy staff in Cuba after at least 14 of its citizens reported similar symptoms.

The latest study was carried out by a team of medical and scientific experts who examined the symptoms of about 40

Government employees.

Many have suffered longstanding and debilitating effects, the report said.

“The committee felt that many of the distinctive and acute signs, symptoms and observations reported by (Government) employees are consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy,” the report reads. (Excerpt from BBC News)

BVI Governor calls for legislation to investigate people with “unexplained wealth”

B

ritish Virgin Islands Governor Augustus Jaspert is calling for legislation that will enable the authorities to investigate individuals who possess “unexplained wealth” locally.

Speaking during a recent media briefing, the Governor said the legislation is needed as several residents have raised concerns about the high number of drug, gun and cash seizures, which have recently taken place in the territory.

“These make it very clear that the territory is vulnerable to drug trafficking, serious organised crime and all that comes with it. Criminal investigations are underway, so

Augustus Jaspert

I will not comment on specific investigations, but we cannot ignore the fact that there is a problem here.”

“Drugs and smugglers are able to enter the territory’s closed borders and our people are getting killed. The risks for the territory are significant and we must not let this crime continue to infiltrate

our society, our businesses and our way of life and we must not let the profits of crime risk corrupting our institutions,” said Jaspert, who added that he hopes the Cabinet and the House of Assembly will support the legislation.

Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Fahie in response to the Governor’s statement, said plans are being made to enact laws to boost accountability in the territory.

“Your Government has expressed our commitment to strengthening these laws in the Speech from the Throne which was delivered by none other than Governor Jaspert on November 5, 2020.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Iran prepares to raise oil exports if sanctions eased – State media

I

ran has instructed its Oil Ministry to prepare installations for production and sale of crude oil at full capacity within three months, state media said on Sunday, ahead of a possible easing of US sanctions after President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

They quoted President Hassan Rouhani as saying that Iran exported more than two million barrels a day before US President Donald Trump exited the 2015 nuclear deal with six powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have hit Iran’s economy hard by sharply cutting its vital oil exports.

US President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office on Jan 20, has said that he would return to the pact and would lift sanctions if Tehran returned to “strict compliance with the nuclear deal”.

Rouhani said on Sunday that his country was preparing for a speedy increase of its oil production, the official IRNA news agency reported.

“The Oil Ministry will take all the necessary steps to prepare the oil industry’s facilities to produce and sell - proportionate to the available capacity - within the next three months,” IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

It is estimated that Iran exports less than 300,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), compared to a peak of 2.8 million bpd in 2018. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID: US vaccine chief Slaoui sees “light at end of the tunnel”

T

he scientist in charge of the US push for a COVID-19 vaccine said there is "light at the end of the tunnel".

Moncef Slaoui said he hoped the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could give the go-ahead to a vaccine when it meets this week.

But for life to get back to normal by the spring, Americans still needed to follow safety measures, he added.

The US has seen record infections in recent days, with a daily death toll of more than 2000.

The latest surge in cases is putting strain on hospitals, with large parts of the state of California set to enter new lockdown restrictions on Sunday.

States are also preparing to distribute a vaccine, with possible approval approaching. The FDA is meeting to discuss the UK-approved vaccine, made by Pfizer, on Thursday and will discuss approval of a second vaccine, made by Moderna, on December 17.

Dr Slaoui heads up Operation Warp Speed, the US Government's programme to rapidly produce and delivery COVID-19 vaccines.

"Based on the data that I know, I expect the FDA to make a positive decision.

But of course, it's their decision," he said.

"The first vaccine shipment will happen on the day after the vaccine is approved."

The UK will begin its largest-ever vaccine rollout on Tuesday, after approving the Pfizer vaccine last week. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Andhra Pradesh: India officials investigate mystery illness

O

fficials in India are investigating the cause of an unidentified illness which led to more than 140 people being hospitalised over the weekend.

The patients, from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, had a wide range of symptoms from nausea to fits and falling unconscious, doctors said.

A number of beds at Eluru Government Hospital have

been freed up in case they are needed.

The illness comes as India continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Local media said the patients had taken coronavirus tests, all of which were negative.

A medical officer at Eluru Government Hospital told The Indian Express: "The people who fell sick, especially the children, suddenly started vomiting af-

as the cause after officials visited the areas where people fell sick," he said.

"It is some mystery illness and only lab analysis will reveal what it is."

However, the Government's opposition, Telugu Desam Party, has called for an enquiry into the incident, insisting that contamination was the cause of the mystery illness. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Greek Police detain dozens to stop march in memory of slain teen

Protesters shout slogans after being detained in Athens during a rally marking the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos 12 years ago

P

olice in Greece’s capital have detained dozens of people who defied a coronavirus-related ban to take part in the annual commemoration of the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos by a police officer in 2008.

Some 4000 police officers were deployed on Sunday to

prevent gatherings and will continue to do so until the early hours today.

Footage posted online showed riot police on Sunday afternoon entering apartment buildings in Exarcheia, a neighbourhood in central Athens, to flush out would-be protesters. One video showed officers throwing stun gre-

Pakistan: Several COVID patients die after oxygen supply runs out

S

even patients being treated for the coronavirus have died after one of the largest hospitals in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar ran out of oxygen supplies.

Farhad Khan, spokesman at Khyber Teaching Hospital, said on Sunday that the patients died on Saturday night when the vendor who supplies the hospital with medical oxygen failed to arrive in time.

The hospital, the second-largest in the northwestern city of Peshawar, receives its oxygen cylinders from a vendor in Rawalpindi, a city about 190km (118 miles) away, Khan said.

Provincial Health Minister Taimur Jhagra tweeted about the incident, saying the hospital’s Board of Governors had been ordered to complete an investigation into the incident and take action

ter complaining of burning eyes. Some of them fainted or suffered bouts of seizures".

Many of those hospitalised recovered and were quickly discharged.

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas said that blood samples did not find any evidence of a viral infection.

"We ruled out water contamination or air pollution

Health officials shift a coffin containing the body of a victim who reportedly died from COVID-19, at a hospital in Abbottabad, Pakistan, May 4, 2020

“within 48 hours” against those responsible.

He promised that “all facts of the case will be made public”.

Pakistan, a country of approximately 220 million people, has recorded 58 COVID-19 deaths over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the virus to 8361.

The total tally confirmed cases in Pakistan stands at nearly 416,500 to date.

That official number, like other places around the world, is likely somewhat higher in reality due to limited testing.

Pakistan has tested about 5.8 million people for the virus, or some 2.6 per cent of the population.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

nades inside a building.

Another clip showed Police pushing photojournalists and other accredited members of the media.

The scenes reminded of the heavy-handed tactics adopted by Police last month when they violently broke up a peaceful rally commemorating a 1973 student uprising against Greece’s then-military rulers.

But groups of students, trades unionists and leading leftist politicians, some carrying flowers, tried to defy the measure to pay tribute to Grigoropoulos on the 12th anniversary of his

shooting death at the hands of Police in Exarcheia.

The officer who killed the teenager was convicted of homicide and given a life sentence, but then released in 2019, a decision Grigoropoulos’s family are appealing in the courts.

The country erupted at the time of his killing, with students, left-wing activists and others taking part in increasingly large protests that at times turned violent. Demonstrations and small-scale clashes with police have taken place on the December 6 anniversary almost every year since.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Insecurity holds up aid to Ethiopia's Tigray region, aid workers say

E

thiopia’s northern Tigray region is too volatile for aid to reach hundreds of thousands of civilians in need, humanitarian workers said on Sunday, amid reports of persistent fighting, looting and lawlessness.

Aid agencies have warned of a lack of food, medication and body bags in Tigray, where 600,000 people were already receiving food aid before a month of fighting began between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Government and a rebellious regional force.

Abiy declared victory over the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after federal troops captured the regional capital Mekelle eight days ago, saying not a single civilian had been killed in the offensive.

However, a doctor reached in the city on Sunday told Reuters that at least 27 people - including a 4-year-old, a 78-year-old and a family of four - had died in the offensive. Two others were killed and four seriously wounded when residents blocked roads to protest looting by government forces in Mekelle, the doctor said.

Medical services in the city were at breaking point, he said.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks during a question and answer session with lawmakers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 30, 2020

“No light, no fuel for back up generator, no gloves, no anti-pain (medication), no antibiotics, no meals for patients and staff, no bank access - even our ambulance was taken by the soldiers,” the doctor said in a text message, asking that he and his hospital not be named for fear of reprisals.

Government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Claims by all sides have been difficult to verify because most communications are down, and the Government has tightly controlled media and humanitarian access since the conflict began on Nov 4. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Don’t let uncertainty get you down; initiate what you want to do wholeheartedly, and don’t look back. It’s time to take control and bring about the changes that will lead to a better future.

Emotional spending will TAURUS turn out to be costly. Size up (April 20what’s reasonable, and look May 20) for practical ways to reach your goal. You can accomplish plenty if you take the steps necessary to ensure success.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Set your sights on a reasonable goal. Take a look at what others are doing, and ask experts for advice when in doubt. Make decisions based on facts, not emotions or peer pressure.

Fix up your surroundings to accommodate your lifestyle. A unique joint venture will turn out to be lucrative as well as give you an emotional boost.

Romance is favored.

Do something that requires energy, intelligence and skill. Follow your heart and do your own thing. A change someone makes will cause emotional tension.

Don’t lose sight of your goals.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

A change to your environment or surroundings will help you realize what you want. Sum up your alternatives, and take steps to improve your life. Don’t dismiss an opportunity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Living in the past will be your demise. Focus on moving forward. Discuss your plans with someone close to you. A common goal will promote a better connection with someone you love.

SCORPIO

Look for alternative routes that will help you channel your skills and energy into something more suitable. Use your imagination. Romance is featured.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Take the initiative.

Invest time and energy into setting up a routine that helps you continue to strive for positive goals, better relationships and a brighter future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Improve your life by making your surroundings comfortable and convenient.

Refuse to let an emotional matter escalate when all it takes is understanding and kindness to solve a problem.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

If you want to make a change, update your resume to suit the current job market. Be bold, and discuss your ideas and concerns. Don’t take a risk with your health.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Be careful who you share your ideas or beliefs with to avoid a situation that will put you in a vulnerable position. Focus on how you can make a difference, not a disturbance.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

21

Zaha and Benteke punish 10-man West Brom

W

ilfred Zaha again underlined his importance to Crystal Palace as they took advantage of the controversial dismissal of Matheus Pereira to claim their first points in three games with a rout at West Brom.

Forward Zaha had missed Palace’s previous two matches – both of which ended in defeat – after testing positive for

cally lively attacking display that included two goals and an assist.

It was from his low cross that Darnell Furlong diverted the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead and his whipped finish into the far corner that restored the advantage after Conor Gallagher’s low, driven equaliser.

COVID-19, but quickly found his feet again at The Hawthorns with a typi-

Between these two Zaha contributions, though, came the incident that completely al- tered the complexion of the game – Pereira’s r e d card.

I t seemed unclear, even after multiple replays, whether the Baggies forward intended his boot to make contact with Patrick van Aanholt’s midriff while on the ground, but referee Paul Tierney had no doubt after viewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

Prior to that, Albion had been the better side with momentum behind them after Gallagher’s leveller, which came shortly after Furlong had gone

West Brom are the first team to score an own goal and receive a red card in the first half of a Premier League game since Tottenham against West Ham in May 2014

close to making amends for his own goal with a header that came back off the bar.

But holding out for almost an hour with 10 men proved impossible, and Zaha sparked a

Palace goal-fest. Christian Benteke headed the first of his two goals of the afternoon from a Van Aanholt cross just four minutes after his strike partner’s fine finish.

Zaha was on hand again

fixture at Bay Oval.

Three down overnight, West Indies A had resumed their second innings on the final morning at Bay Oval at 53-3.

Another quick strike by Scott Kuggeleijn (3-18), followed by Nathan Smith’s removal of opening batsman Nicholas Pooran on 35, brought Reifer to the middle at 85-5.

However, after having faced six balls, Reifer retired scoreless, seemingly

troubled by his left wrist after an injury in the field the previous day. With Oshane Thomas also unable to bat, New Zealand A required just the eight wickets, and achieved the victory before lunch, the West Indies fin-

to tap in from close range to make it 4-1 following a driving run into the box from Eberechi Eze before Benteke added the icing with a lovely finish on the turn. (BBC Sport)

Barcelona’s Dembele injures hamstring again West Indies A rocked for 109 all out in innings defeat B

arcelona winger Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League home game against Juventus due to a hamstring injury, the La Liga club said on Sunday.

Barcelona did not indicate how long the France international, who came on as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat in Cadiz, would be sidelined.

“Tests on Sunday morning, December 6, have shown that first-team player Ousmane Dembele has a hamstring elongation,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“He will, therefore, not be considered for selection and the evolution of the

injury will determine his availability.”

The 23-year-old, who missed most of the 201920 campaign with a hamstring problem, has scored four goals in 12 appearances for Barcelona this season, including three in the Champions League.

Ronald Koeman’s side, who have already qualified for the knockout stages, lead Group G with 15 points and will finish top if they avoid defeat against Juventus.

(Reuters)

N

ew Zealand A won by an innings and 143 runs against the West Indies A in the first fourday First-Class match.

After solid batting efforts from both sides in the first innings on a flat deck, the match quickly unravelled for West Indies A in their second dig.

A wrist injury to West Indies A left-hander Raymon Reifer hastened a dramatic denouement to the First-Class

SCOREBOARD WI 1st Innings 322 all out NZ 1st Innings 574 all out WI 2nd Innings 109 all out S Moseley c †Cleaver b Duffy 5 BA King c Seifert b Kuggeleijn 22 N Pooran c McConchie b Smith 35 R Powell (c) c †Cleaver b Kuggeleijn 0 KR Mayers c Duffy b Kuggeleijn 11 J Da Silva † not out 15 RA Reifer retired hurt 0 FA Allen c Bracewell b Smith 5 R Shepherd c Chapman b Duffy 11 HR Walsh c & b Sodhi 1

O Thomas absent hurt Extras (nb 4) 4 TOTAL (36 Ov, RR: 3.02, 177 Mts) 109 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Shayne Moseley, 1.2 ov), 2-53 (Brandon King, 12.1 ov), 3-53 (Rovman Powell, 12.4 ov), 4-68 (Kyle Mayers, 18.5 ov), 5-85 (Nicholas Pooran, 25.1 ov), 5-85* (Raymon Reifer, retired not out ), 6-93 (Fabian Allen, 31.1 ov), 7-106 (Romario Shepherd, 34.6 ov), 8-109 (Hayden Walsh, 35.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W DAJ Bracewell 9-0-37-0 JA Duffy 10-3-27-2 SC Kuggeleijn 8-1-18-3 IS Sodhi 3-0-10-1 NG Smith 6-2-17-2

ishing at 109 for eight in just 36 overs and New Zealand A winning by an innings and 143 runs in a fierce finish.

The wickets were shared around the NZ A attack, Volts teammates Jacob Duffy (2-27) and Nathan Smith (2-17 off six overs) each pocketing a brace.

The second First-Class match between the A sides begins at Saxton Oval, Nelson on Friday, December 11. (NZ Cricket)

22

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MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2020

Brian Ramphal Under-19 trial match

15-year-old Ramnauth scores CLASSIFIED ADS lone 50 in B’ce Under-19 trials FOR SALE

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Fawaz Gafoor made an attractive 47 Story and photos by Brandon Corlette

F

ormer West Indies Under-15 batsman Rampertab Ramnauth scored the lone fifty in the Berbice Under-19 trial match at the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club.

In the second 50-over trial match, Gevon Schultz’s XI, batting first, scored 128 all out in 41 overs. Blairmont’s Fawaz Gafoor scored a breezy 47, which included seven thumping fours and he pulled one six off the bowling of Isai Thorne.

Zeynul Ramsammy scored 19 while Lloyd David scored 12.

Aaron Beharry claimed 3-17 in

seven overs and Tyreese Sealy took 3-20 in five overs. In reply, Seon Glasgow’s XI scored 129-9 in 40 overs. Batting at the top, Ramnauth stroked

Marvan Prashad looked elegant on the opening day

five fours in his top knock of 54 while Jermey Sandia and Sealy scored 11 and nine respectively.

In the first match played

Shamar Angel played a fighting knock on day one

Aaron Beharry and Tyreese Sealy claimed three wickets each

on Saturday, Marvan Prashad top-scored with an attractive 41 while Shamar Angel made 25. Glasgow’s XI posted 155 all out in 49.2 overs.

Seon Glasgow (21); Abdul Ramsammy (21); Ricardo Ramdhol (18) and Leon Swammy (17) were among the runs.

Angel, Jonathan Rampersaud, Gourav Ramesh, Akash Heeralall and Izam Shazam had two wickets each. In reply, Schultz’s XI made 110-4 in 32 overs. In addition to Prashad’s classy 41*and Angel’s 25, Gafoor made 15 and Rampersaud contributed 10. Swammy, Isiah Anderson and Delshawn

McDonald had one wicket each before rain ended the day.

Leslie Solomon, the selector present at the venue after the trial match was completed, confirmed that the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will trim the training squad to 26 players who will have another trial match. This 26-man squad is expected to be announced on Tuesday and the final Berbice Under-19 squad announcement will follow. The final squad will have training sessions ahead of the proposed Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 tournament, tentatively set for mid-January 2021.

Jason Holder: It’s time we started delivering and stopped talking W est Indies’ Captain Jason Holder has called on his teammates, particularly the batsmen, to “look in the mirror” following their heaviest defeat against New Zealand in the first Test, by an innings and 134 runs.

West Indies were bowled out for 138 and 247 on a Seddon Park surface that saw New Zealand rack up 519 for 7 despite losing the toss and being sent in. The second innings was rescued from a collapse by a 155run stand for the seventh wicket between Jermaine Blackwood (104) and Alzarri Joseph (86), but apart from them, no West Indies batsman crossed 30 across two innings.

The top five totalled 100 runs between them across two innings and Holder did not mince words at the postmatch presentation, saying the top order needed to stand up.

“I think it’s time we start delivering and stopped talking,” Holder said. “We’ve talked a lot; we’ve promised a lot. I think it’s a matter for us to all look ourselves in the mirror and understand that we’ve got to fight a little harder. We’re just probably throwing the towel in too easily, just being honest. We’ve just got to turn it

Darren Bravo is bowled all ends up

around and only we can do it. We’ve had brilliant support from this management and staff, they’ve put everything in place. It’s just for us to live up to it.

“Credit to Jermaine Blackwood and Alzarri Joseph to bring some respectability towards our batting, but quite frankly our top order just needs to stand up.”

One of the asks Holder had of his batsmen was to be prepared to shelve certain shots early in their innings, and sell their wickets more dearly.

“In all honesty, we’re still scratching our heads,” he said. “Leading up to the first Test, I felt the preparation was good. I think our preparation has always been re-

ally good. It’s just trying to send it out into the Test circuit. We had two solid warmup games in Queenstown.

Albeit the surfaces were a little bit different to what we’ve come up against here in Hamilton, but I still think a little bit more application needs to be shown, particularly up front. I think up front we’ve got to work a little bit harder.

“We’ve seen how the New Zealand bowlers, like any other bowlers in the world, they tend to get flat as partnerships build. We just need to be able to understand that, fight a lot harder, keep them out there a little bit longer.

Even if we give up one or two scoring shots that we feel as though we can count on to pounce on early. The longer

you spend (at the crease) the easier it becomes. There’s a lot of things we need to look at, we need answers and we need them quickly.”

West Indies will play their second and final Test of this series from December 11 in Wellington, but they are likely to be without two men who were part of their XI for the first Test. Kemar Roach is set to fly back to West Indies, having lost his father two days before the first Test started while Shane Dowrich is a doubtful starter. Dowrich picked up a finger injury on the first day while keeping, and did not bat in either innings.

“Kemar, thankfully for us he pushed

through this Test match, but I think he’ll be going home after this to be with his family,” Holder said. “Shane: we’re not quite sure the extent of his finger injury at the moment. He’s been complaining of a lot of pain.

Looking pretty doubtful for the second Test as well, but we’ve just got to assess for the next couple of days.”

With Dowrich absent on the second day, Shamarh Brooks took the gloves for West Indies. They have the uncapped 22-year-old Joshua Da Silva in the Test squad as the reserve wicketkeeper. A left-field option they could consider is Nicholas Pooran, who is also in New Zealand with the West Indies A side.

Pooran made 46 and 35 in a four-day match against New Zealand A while Da Silva kept wicket.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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GCB Tropical Springs O-40 T20 tournament...

Jai Hind Jaguars brush Bel Air Rubis to clinch semi-final spot Story and photos by Brandon Corlette

I

t was another dominant display by the undefeated Jai Hind Jaguars who cruised to a six-wicket win over Bel Air Rubis Ultra Tec, with 2.5 overs to spare, in pursuit of 128.

After a 30-minute delay

The unstoppable Anil Beharry was in six-hitting mode again

to the start owing to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr’s visit, Bel Air Rubis won the toss and took first strike, scoring 127-8 in 20 overs with Arthur Duke

top-scoring with 46.

Narine Deonarine, releasing his off-spin from a high point, took two early wickets to unsettle the Bel Air Rubis team at 3-2. The Jai Hind bowlers kept it tight, but Richard Ramdeen (22) structured a rebuilding effort.

Some sharp fielding saw Jai Hind making inroads in the middle as Bel Air were reduced to 52-6 in 12 overs. Then, batting at number six, Duke opened his arms, slamming four sixes in his entertaining 46. The well-built Duke forged a 59-run partnership with Oslyn Batson (26*). Deonarine was the pick of the bowlers with 2-7 in his three overs while Deofrakdash had 2-17.

Michael Chinsammy had 1-23.

In reply, Jaguars lost Subramani Mangali for one, but a 72-run second-wicket partnership between opener Imran Husain and Kemraj Sumair kept the Jaguars on target. Hussain, who displayed great sweeping skills, slammed four boundaries and two sixes in his 45.

At 86-4 in the 15th over, the red-hot Anil Beharry came to the crease and took the bowlers to the cleaners with his clean power hitting. Captain Sumair played a responsible innings of 39 not out, and Beharry struck a 10-ball

unbeaten 29 to lead Jai Hind into the semi-finals. Chandrite Jeenarine was expensive with 2-34 in three overs.

At the Everest Cricket Club Ground, West Demerara Masters posted 174-7 in 20 overs. Batting for the entirety of his team’s innings, Elroy Fernandes contributed 61 runs, stroking six sixes and three fours. Fazeer Khan, on the bowler’s end, returned figures of 2-13 in three overs.

Imam Bacchus’s team quickly fell at the hands of the WD Masters. Boodram Sugrim, with 3-12, was a force to be reckoned with. Eager to restrict the opposition and lend a helping hand to his colleague, Steve Haripal (2-18) also played an instrumental role. Ramnarine was the sole batsman to attain a reasonable score, hitting two sixes and one four to top his contribution at 20 runs. His team crumbled in 19.4 overs in which they scraped 84 runs, having exhausted their line-up.

Over at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, WD Mavericks, in a reduced 14over affair, made 93-7, which they hoped would be an uphill battle for their opponents to get. Lalta Sukhnanan struck 45, with David Albert, the only other major contributor, sweeping 14 runs under his

Narine Deonarine celebrates a wicket after his top bowling spell

name. The Reliance bowlers – namely Premnauth Persaud (2-17); Elroy Stephney (2-18) and Trevis Simon (2-23) – were aggressive in their efforts, to contain the batsmen, and ultimately the score they would have to chase.

In reply, Reliance made 69-8 in their allotted 14 overs. Top scorer Teddy Manchal made 13 before being adjudged leg-before off Devindra Ramdehol (1-20), and his colleagues, Elroy Stephney (12) and Ramesh Narine (11),

were also adjudged leg-before off Sohan Bedasi, who was one of the most dominant bowlers, returning figures of 4-4. Mohan Chaitram also sent two batsmen on their way for 18 runs as Mavericks won by 24 runs.

The second scheduled match at Enmore featured West Berbice battling Regal Masters. West Berbice won the toss and elected to bat.

Their innings ended at 81-7 in the allotted 20 overs.

Opening batsmen Rajban

Hemraj (29) and Trevor Crawford (26) contributed the most significant scores for their respective teams. On the bowling end, Chien Gittens (29) collected one wicket more than his peers.

Regal Masters raced to their target, which was achieved in just 9.1 overs to hand themselves a win by nine wickets. Positioning his team for victory was Gittens with 48 runs, before Hemraj (1-18) sent him on his way.

Anthony Ifill and Roy Persaud together led the way to victory, contributing 21 and 8 runs respectively.

The semi-finals will see West Demerara Masters battling West Demerara Mavericks while Jai Hind Jaguars will face Regal Masters. The proposed dates for the semi-final is Saturday, December 12; the venue will be announced at a later date. The grand final is set for Sunday, December 13.

Briton John clocks best time at Linden time trial

Ramson fulfils promise: Jai Hind receives 6 floodlights

W

Flashback: Briton John dominated the roadways in 2019 (Brandon Corlette file photo)

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. with members of Jai Hind Cricket Club and represenatives of Region 6 (Brandon Corlette photo)

C

ulture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr fulfilled his promise, donating six floodlights to the Jai Hind Cricket Club, which is located behind the Albion Police Station.

On a bright Sunday morning, Minister Ramson Jr received a warm welcome from the Jai Hind family. He disclosed that in addition to the six floodlights, $800,000 was sent

to the Cricket Club for the project. Ramson Jr was impressed with the independent work done at Jai Hind.

Speaking on behalf of the Cricket Club, Anil Beharry expressed gratitude to the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for fulfilling the promise. Beharry also noted that the Club would repay the Ministry by taking good care of the floodlights and using the equipment to the fullest.

The Jai Hind Cricket Club was formed in 1940.

Currently, the Club is not a member of the Berbice Cricket Board, but the venue is known as one of the best grounds around despite the small outfield.

A host of national and international players who hail from Berbice use the beautiful outfield and pitch for practice. (Brandon Corlette)

e Stand United top cyclist Briton John stopped the clock at 32 minutes and 34 seconds, emerging as the best cyclist in the time trials held in Linden on Sunday.

Team Coco Jamual John clocked in at 34 minutes six seconds and Marlon Williams, who won the first time-trial event, stopped the clock at 34 minutes 30 seconds.

In the veterans’ category, Sehon Hubbard from Team Evolution clocked in at 36 minutes 18 seconds while Alex Mendes finished after 37 minutes. Kwame Ridley stopped the clock at 37 minutes and 37 seconds.

Meanwhile, in the junior category, which traversed 8.5 miles, Aaron Newton (24.06); Alexander Leung (24.11) and Mario Washington (25.20) were

the top three junior boys.

In the female category, Clivecia Spencer (26.38); Suzanne Hamilton (28.38) and Denise Jeffery (29.29) were the top three finishers in that category after 8.5 miles.

The event was organised by the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club and commenced at the KD&J Supermarket before heading onto the highway, for a total distance of 13.5 miles.

The race was made possible through the kind compliments of KD&J Supermarket, Bolo’s Variety & Furniture Store, Ele’s Trading & Hardware, Benard’s Variety Store, Well Point Service Station, Country Grill, Semple & Sons Hardware & Variety Store, O&O Construction Service, and Sandgate Hardware.

The Guyana Cycling Federation was granted permission by the relevant authorities to host these races. During the opening leg, all cyclists were required to undergo a temperature test and wear a face mask, which had been made available. Socialdistancing protocols were also observed.

The third and final time trial will pedal off in Berbice on December 13. The time trial will start at 09:00h in front of Benjamin’s Sport and Fitness Centre at Fyrish, proceed along the Number 19 road, and end at GuyOil gas station at Palmyra. Persons who are interested in participating in the Berbice leg are invited to contact Randolph Roberts on 628-8211.

(Brandon Corlette)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

GCB Tropical Springs O-40 T20 tournament...

Jai Hind Jaguars brush Bel Air Rubis to clinch semi-final spot

15-year-old Ramnauth Ramson fulfils promise: Jai scores lone 50 in B’ce Hind receives 6 floodlights Under-19 trials Pg 23

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