Guyana Times - Monday, January 24, 2022

Guyanese entrepreneur Krishna Persaud is known for his philanthropical work over the past 2 decades Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4899

P14

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

150 companies, 4 Heads of State among those confirmed for Feb inaugural energy conference Page 3

– diplomats, oil & gas executives among feature speakers

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

From failure to success: Bare Root resident is first Dental Surgeon in community P12

Convicted killer who escaped from Lusignan Prison last year recaptured P7 President Dr Irfaan Ali

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo

Suriname President Chan Santokhi

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

Budget 2022 will be historic, transformational – Finance Minister APNU, AFC Guyana to meet on records 4 leadership more COVID squabble today deaths – Norton says psychologically prepared to take up role See story on page 9

Page 7

Several companies prequalified for Gas-toShore project

Craig man P8 busted with gun, ammo during Police operation

Page 13

– 642 new infections recorded in 24h Page 2

Police unearth P9 1lb ganja during Stabroek Market raid 4 women wanted by P15 Police for dousing female with acid

2 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Several companies prequalified for Gas-to-Shore project

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Preliminary artist’s impression of natural gas plant (Source: EEPGL)

rogress is being made on the Gas-to-Shore project, with 13 companies being prequalified for the construction of the natural gas-fired power plant and the natural gas liquids plant components of the project.

During last Thursday’s bid opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was recorded that 12 bids from local, regional and international firms were received.

Among the companies whose Expressions of Interest were deemed acceptable enough to earn them prequalification, were CH4 Guyana Incorporated in collaboration with Lindsayca Incorporated, a Texas-based company.

Power China International Group Limited, a company that specialises in hydropower and electrical infrastructure, was also pre-

qualified, as well as China Energy International Guyana Company Limited. China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) was also prequalified.

Other prequalified companies include Apan Energy, Wilson Offshore and Marine Limited, Constutora Queiroz Galvao, Tecnicas Reunidas, Black and Veatch, Amerapex Corporation (USA), SEPCOII Electric Power and Trinidadian company NGC Group.

The rationale for the combination of the power plant and the NGL facilities is guided by findings by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) – the local subsidiary of ExxonMobil – that there will be substantial savings from combining these two facilities.

As such, notwithstanding that the Government of Guyana has separately re-

ceived Expressions of Interest in September 2021 that included the power plant, and that EEPGL had separately pre-qualified firms for the NGL plant, the decision to combine the power and NGL plants necessitated that all interest parties be invited to submit or re-submit information.

Broad project scope

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the following are listed as the scope of the project: * Combine cycle turbines, multiple fuel consumption (including rich and lean natural gas, natural gas liquids and diesel); power plant to generate up to 300 MW of power with net 250 MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light grid at a sub-station located on the East Bank of the Demerara River. The project shall include a 230 KV

The proposed site for the project

substation and back up fuel capacity; * NGL plant with the capacity to process 60 thousand cubic feet per day (MCFD) in the first phase and up to 120 MCFD in the second phase, capable of conditioning the gas and removing heavier hydrocarbons in the liquid form.

Five-day storage for these products to be provided as well as truck or river loading facilities; * The project will include related infrastructure and civil works for the above facilities.

The project will be located in the Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone with approximately 150 acres allocated for it.

Notably, the Government has invited interested parties to invest in its US$900 million gas-to-energy project Wales Development Zone (WDZ). A

public notice from the Natural Resources Ministry states the WDZ was selected as the landing facility for the pipeline, following the consideration of more than 20 potential locations.

The pipeline, which would end in the WDZ, will measure some 225 km from the Liza area, where the natural gas is produced.

The project will see the establishment of a gas processing plant (GPP) and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility, capable of producing at least 4000 barrels per day, including the fractionation (or separating out) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The Government said a power plant will be established to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW in a second phase, and that an industrial park will be established to comprise industries

that could use gas, steam and/ or electricity.

ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has guaranteed the Government a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) will be transported through the pipeline by 2024. The pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 130 mmscfd.

The gas-to-energy project which is expected to come on stream by late 2024, is expected to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions. The project will also cut electricity cost by more than half. The cost has long been regarded by the Private Sector as prohibitive to investments. Hence, Government expects the gas-to-energy project to revolutionise to significantly improve the ease of doing business in Guyana.

Parliamentary Committee commences work on constitutional reform – AG says consensus required for substantial achievements

T

he Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform has finally commenced work and according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, there needs to be a consensus among the political parties in order to achieve substantive and substantial work.

Nandlall made this remark during his weekly programme – Issues In The News – last week.

On Tuesday last, the Committee met for the first time this year, and the second time for the 12th Parliament.

Nandlall had previously explained that the Committee was unable to meet regularly over the past year due to several reasons including the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the Legal Affairs Minister noted that the Parliamentary Committee will work with greater “expediency and efficiency” this year. In fact, he noted that Tuesday’s meeting was fruitful.

“At the meeting, we began to work on the work pro-

gramme of the Committee; that is to say, how the Committee will do its work going forward. All parties in the National Assembly have promised constitutional reform in their manifestos so I don’t anticipate any grave resistance in terms of the agenda going forward. This is one Committee that will require consensus if anything substantive and substantial is to be achieved,” he posited.

According to Nandlall, this consensus is required because of the nature of constitutional reforms, which requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for such amendments to be made.

Currently, the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has a majority of 33 seats in the 65-seat National Assembly. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition coalition takes up 31 seats, while the remaining seat is occupied by a representative of the joinder list which comprises of A New United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty

and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM).

As it is, Nandlall is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform and the other members consist of four Government MPs – Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Public Service Minister Sonia Parag and AttorneyAt-Law Sanjeev Datadin – as well as four members from the APNU/AFC Opposition – Khemraj Ramjattan, Raphael Trotman, Dr Nicolette Henry, and Amanza Walton-Desir.

The Legal Affairs Minister contended that there needs to be bilateral cooperation in the Parliament, especially between the two majority political parties.

“So, we will have to have a lot of consensual decisions going forward and I made that very clear to the Committee,” he stated.

Meanwhile, he further disclosed that at Tuesday’s meeting, the Parliamentary Committee begun to amass all the work that was done by

previous committees including the immediate past one.

He reminded that in the 11th Parliament, a Constitutional Reform Bill was tabled and sent to the Standing Committee, which had started discussions.

“All those materials are now being collected,” the AG noted.

He went on to reveal that the Committee is also looking at modus operandi and modality used by the Constitutional Reform Commission of 1999 to 2001. The Minister said they are reviewing the Act that provided for the establishment of that Commission as well as the Constitutional Reform Bill.

“There are certain recommendations that came out of the 1999 to 2001 process that were never implemented.

We are accumulating those amendments and grouping them together so that when we begin to discuss our work programme and how it will manifest itself, we will have all these materials available,” Nandlall indicated.

The Legal Affairs Minister also disclosed that

the Parliamentary Standing Committee also collectively agreed to a “publicly consultative engagement” so that all stakeholders are involved in the Constitutional Reform process.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform was established under Article 119A of the Constitution, which states that “as soon as may be the beginning of each National Assembly there shall be appointed a Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform for the purpose of the continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports there on to the National Assembly, with proposal for reform as necessary.”

It is noted that the Committee has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or other persons are Members of the National Assembly, to assist in its work.

With many of Guyana’s laws archaic, calls for con-

stitutional reform have been constantly made. But it was heightened even more two years ago after the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. This was after a five-month tumultuous impasse ensued after the then APNU/AFC coalition regime attempted to sway the election results in a bid to hang onto office.

After swearing into office following a national recount, the Dr Irfaan-Ali led Administration promised both constitutional and electoral reforms.

Already, one set of proposed changes to the Representative of People’s Act (RoPA) has been released to the public for consultation, while the AG Chamber is currently wrapping up another set of amendments that focuses on the registration of electors.

Nandlall said, “That set is even more complicated. The work there is a little more tedious because the material you have to examine is of a wide magnitude and a little more complex than the ROPA.”

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Jan 24 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Tuesday, Jan 25 – 09:30h – 11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

150 companies, 4 Heads of State among those confirmed for Feb inaugural energy conference

– diplomats, oil & gas executives among feature speakers

Monday, Jan 24 – 08:20h – 09:50h and Tuesday, Jan 25– 09:20h – 10:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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High Tide: 08:53h and 21:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.46 metres and 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 14:50h reaching a minimum height of 0.76 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

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9

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

s many as 150 companies and four Heads of State from the region and as far as Africa, are confirmed for attendance at the upcoming International Energy Conference Expo Guyana 2022 (IECEG), scheduled to take place in Georgetown, Guyana next month.

This was confirmed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the event, Angenie Abel, in an interview with this publication on Sunday. She explained that among the Heads of State confirmed for the event are President Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Suriname President Chan Santokhi and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

“Some of the people we do have are corporate sponsors with booths, including Exxon, GTT, Baker Hughes, Banks, SBM Offshore, CGX, JHI, Gaico, Sol. And all of those sponsors are also exhibitors. We have the Tourism Authority. Petrocom, which is from Ghana. We have companies out of China and Australia. We also have a company from Sweden.”

However, in addition, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and a few Government Ministers including Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd are expected to make presentations.

Other featured speakers will include Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips; ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods; former CEO of BP Group Robert Dudley; United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch and United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller.

The International Energy Conference Expo is intended to act as a forum to promote, strengthen, and enhance local content, which is an integral compo-

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo

Suriname President Chan Santokhi

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

nent for oil and gas development in Guyana.

It is expected that the International Energy Conference Expo will showcase Guyana as the oil and gas investment destination, create and build effective industry relationships, provide the medium for local businesses to access collateral and joint ventures, which is in keeping with the goals and objective of the Local Content Policy.

The registration portal for the conference and expo can be found on the IECEG’s website, www. guyanaenergy.gy.

Last year, the Government of Guyana through Natural Resources Minister Bharrat had declared the Government’s full support for the International Energy Conference and Expo, describing it as a chance for Guyana and its limitless investment opportunities to be put in the spotlight.

In a statement of support for the expo, which is to be held from February 15 to 18, 2022 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Minister noted that the Government would even be using the expo to

highlight its complement of spin-off oil and gas investments and forthcoming national infrastructural projects planned for the short to medium term.

The theme of the conference is “Charting a Sustainable Energy Future”. According to the Minister, this theme is appropriate, since it is in keeping with the vision of the Government of Guyana. Hence, he had said, it is against this backdrop that the Natural Resources Ministry and the Government of Guyana welcomed the expo.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

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

Constitutionalism for Guyana

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nce again, “constitutional change” will be on the national agenda. Constitutions describe the allocation of state powers among the various branches of Government, as defined by the Constitution itself; prescribe the rules by which those powers would be conferred, and also include procedures by which the Constitution may be altered. In a fundamental sense, therefore, a Constitution is, or should be, the embodiment of the social contract crafted by the peoples of a country for their governance. In a divided society such as Guyana, it is most important that the institutions created by the social contract are seen as just: “justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.”

It is ironic that the British, who have done so much to entrench the idea of modern Constitutions as written rules that all citizens of a State have to be governed by – the rule of law - themselves do not have a written Constitution. The anomaly, however, should remind us that rules, in and of themselves, may be necessary, but are not sufficient to ensure the consent of the governed. The rules have to be embedded within, and be supported by a wider political culture that gives life to the rules. This British idiosyncrasy of doling out written Constitutions to its colonies while refusing to do the same for itself masked the reality of the need for the development of the wider network of informal traditions, accommodations, informal quid pro quos that make the British unwritten constitutional rules function. It also discouraged most of the lawmakers who were educated and socialised in the British system from appreciating the other reality: that constitutional rules of the game cannot be changed willy nilly.

Western Constitutionalism arose out of the struggle for personal freedom and escape from the arbitrary political will. Guyanese should certainly resonate with this struggle.

Constitutionalism is a foundation stone of Liberalism, and defines a political scheme in which law, rather than men, is supreme. Political authority is exercised according to law, which is to be obeyed by all, including the governors, who cannot depart from it by whim. By definition, then, a constitutional government is a limited government.

We Guyanese should accept, after our history between 1964 and 1992, that the fundamental problem of organised society is of the use and abuse of power - how men may best prevent its abuse, and direct it to good ends. This notion is rooted in the fallibility of man… the belief that no man or group of men is good enough to be entrusted with absolute power over other men. This tendency is exacerbated when a country has groups that are racially or ethnically different, as in Guyana, since it becomes so much easier to demonise the “other”, and resort to extreme measures to assert one’s position.

The Constitution can be regarded as a social contract agreed to by the Government, and which defines its legitimate political actions. This implies that all State power emanates from the people, and that sovereignty and all reserved powers remain with the people. Constitutionalism, then, is infused with the ideology of Liberalism, which views men as naturally free and right-bearing individuals who need and establish governments that they can, may, and should, control. Additionally, the ideological telos, as indicated by the protection of property rights, favours private capitalism; but, as mentioned before, allows a great deal of flexibility towards the socio-economic system.

The Constitution can be used as a tool to engineer the political behaviour of the political participants: “engineer”, as Webster reminds us: to use tact, craft, or ingenuity to achieve a result. The premise of this “constitutional engineering” is that the rules of the political game can be structured to accomplish three tasks: institutionalise moderation on divisive ethnic themes, contain the destructive tendencies, and pre-empt the centrifugal thrust caused by ethnic politics. We have to state our democratic objectives; choose institutions which may deliver them, and then incorporate those rules in our Constitution.

An aerial view of the airstrip at Olive Creek on the left bank of the Mazaruni River. The photo was taken on Sunday by Mike Charles

Yesu Persaud: an exemplary life well lived Dear Editor, Namaste! It was the late sixties; Guyana had just achieved political independence in 1966; Guyanese celebrated the idea that they could now determine their own system of government, choose how they dress, and which religion or way of life to follow.

But internal struggles surfaced to continue the pre-independence divisions. Academic qualifications and experience took a back seat to party membership, which determined employment, promotion, demotion, or even dismissal from Government departments.

A few "freedom fighters" decided that wearing a tie to work was an unnecessary appendage of the "white masters". After all, they lived in a cold climate, while we reside near the equator and have summer all year long. Why should they impose their cultural dress on us, as they did with their religion? However, with all the zeal of Inspector Javert in Victor Hugo's classic Les Miserables, men and women of all colours threatened Government workers of all races that they would be disciplined and would be considered improperly attired if that yoke did not hang around their necks.

Enter Yesu Persaud, who had just qualified and returned from England immaculately clad in a black pin-striped suit with tie, and even a black umbrel-

la. The contagious smile was omnipresent. Another Englishman, the boys whispered. It was not long before the "revolutionaries" and their colonial henchmen reached a compromise as suggested by one who would become a master negotiator.

"Make it optional, not compulsory; there will be no need for enforcement, and more will comply".

A short while thereafter, all male Government workers sported shirt jacks. Thomas Paine, in his Common Sense, described the Government as a "necessary evil." It can stifle initiative in any country anywhere on the globe. This may be one reason why Yesu ji quickly departed, joined a private enterprise, and never looked back.

Hundreds of thousands choose to leave the country to find security, employment, or to escape persecution; but he remained to make an indelible impression that should find a prominent place in the history books.

About four decades later, we met again at Saraswati Vidya Niketan, the private Hindu school which considered him "family". The school was in its infancy, and there was a need to encourage enrolment and assist those who needed financial assistance. The Jung Bahadur Singh Scholarship was one of the first to be set up, and then others followed. At an

event prior to the first CXC results, Yesu ji announced a similar scholarship in the name of his grandson, and spoke to those in attendance. "Whatever you achieve, wherever you go, whatever you own, BE HUMBLE." He made it his duty to assist that school, but also to be present at every event and graduation. When he was not seen in the 2021 virtual graduation ceremony, current administrator and former student Kamanie ji anticipated our curiosity and explained that he was not well. Anyone acquainted with him and the Bhagavad Gita would recognise that this devotee not only practised humility, but also lived a life free from LUST, ANGER and GREED. (Gita: 16-21).

He achieved both material and spiritual success.

One would have to struggle to find anything he needed or a gift that he appreciated.

While he treated people of all races, religions and social groups with equal respect, and practised the “golden rule”, he never hesitated to let the public know that he was born a HINDU, and has remained one throughout his life. He was always active in promoting the values inculcated from childhood. His early days were not different from those of anyone who was born and grew up in a logie or sugar plantation.

The distinction is the path he followed and choices he

made to reach the pinnacle as a businessman and humanitarian. His life can be compared to that of the lotus, with roots in mud, stems pushing through dirty water, but blossoms into a beautiful flower that is adorned by all as the seat of the goddess Saraswati.

His departure leaves a huge void, particularly in the Hindu community, and it would be a challenge to find a substitute. There can be no replacement for one with such an impressive record of activity and generosity.

Those who are remnants of colonial hegemony, and who continue to follow inimical practices of cultural and religious superiority, now need to re-examine their views. Is it still too difficult to admit that Yesu ji was one of those exemplary persons produced by every religion, and that any attempt to convert others is unnecessary and downright disrespectful?

Yesu ji has achieved much in his life, a fact well documented.

His business interests will no doubt be passed on to those he trained and trusted. However, his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi inspired a request to have a street named after this venerated soul. This has not yet materialised, and the suggestion has generated some conflict as to location.

Namaste, Ramnarine Sahadeo

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Response to Sir Vivian Richards’s observations on West Indies Cricket pitches Dear Editor, Recently, we wrote to you describing West Indies’ myopic view of itself as an organisation. Following publication of that letter, we have received nearly 455 responses via phone messages, texts, email, and social media shares.

The letter was published only on 20 January 2022. We believe that is a good indication that the letter was having the intended effect. As such, we will use this opportunity to highlight a few other issues that are constantly being discussed in rum shops, on cricket grounds, on social media, and among friends, professionals and fans.

First, I want to respond to Sir Vivian Richards’s portrayal of the organisation’s failure. I am confident that Sir Viv did not intend to criticise the West Indies Cricket Board for its failure to monitor, supervise, evaluate and recommend as necessary actions to improve the pitch conditions. Yes, he suggested that the problem NOW is that our wickets are the REASON we are not performing.

I wonder how Jimmy Adams and company feel about Sir Viv’s comments. I am equally confident they are angry as hell about Sir Viv’s observation, and wish he had not said those things.

What do you think is going on here? Sounds like Sir Viv is blaming the men who prepare the wickets. One cannot blame the low-level groundkeepers for preparing bad pitches. In fact, preparing pitches is a science, and requires significant knowledge and experience.

Curators they are called, and countries like England hire only the best in the business.

Here is a look at what a curator must know: type of soil on the wicket; the nature or composition of such soil.

Is it pure silt, dirt, black, red or blue? A curator must also

know other characteristics associated with mixing water, or growing grass on the surface. He must have experience about the soil’s ability to retain moisture under various conditions. For example, how much moisture will this wicket retain during the course of the game? Can players expect the pitch to completely dry out in the first hour? Or will the players find the ball turning in the second half? Other knowledge a grounds-man must-have includes WATERING, soaking, and seeding the soil for grass.

And when watering the wicket, a curator must follow specific formulas that maximise a combination of soil, water, sunshine, humidity, and rolling.

Thus, knowing the composition of soil is critical. Which rollers to use for maximum effect? Curators of golf courses are similarly trained and educated, so that they can deliver the best conditions on the golf course, which often resembles the surface of a pool table.

In golf, there is a formula to calculate how quickly or slowly a golf ball would roll on the green.

Finally, Curators in top cricketing nations are paid handsome salaries in exchange for their years of experience and education. Let's compare how our people of the Caribbean stack up against their English counterparts.

Or perhaps we should just let the readers explore that for themselves.

My observations about ground staff in the Caribbean is that most of the staff are running onto the field BAREFOOTED, or pants torn, cut, ragged clothes, some with rubber slippers.

Is this an indication of how we treat our grounds-people?

Do these images not convey that they are poorly paid? Do these images convey a sense of professionalism, like the

English, who are in uniform?

My observation leads to this question: Where are these individuals coming from? Have they been handpicked from bystanders on the street corner to come and do a day’s work? I cannot imagine they are part of an organised team of groundsstaff. Could they be?

Following these observations, the readers will then ask, “What is the structure of the ground staff? Who is the director? Who supervises the director? Does he have a job description? Are education and experience requirements outlined? What are the accountabilities and deliverables he is responsible for?

What are the expectations in terms of creating a playing surface that ensures satisfaction from both teams?

Again, I focus on standards and benchmarking to evaluate these performances. Are we even aware that such metrics exist, and can be used in monitoring dayto-day operations? My bet is that he is a contractor to the West Indian organisation? I will examine how we select curators below.

If I were Sir Viv Richards, I would have had intimate knowledge of how the West Indies Cricket Board goes about hiring and selecting people to manage the cricket grounds. Notice Sir Richards only touched the surface by sharing his view of the issue. Why has he not shed any light on who’s responsible for the failure? I would have preferred to hear him say that West Indies Cricket Board does not have any formal requirements for identifying or selecting individuals for managing grounds and preparing wickets. Equally true is that nowhere in the region do we have the selection criteria for local club grounds.

To suggest the wickets are not prepared properly also SUGGESTS THAT

West Indies’ management is ultimately responsible. Yes, or no? Ask yourself, if you have a gardener who is doing a bad job with your lawn, will you continue to use him?

Or if you do decide to hire someone new, I am sure you would explain that the previous gardener did a bad job. Moreover, you would ESTABLISH SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS, or deliverables before hiring the new guy. Correct?

Sir Viv and several others, like the incoming Chairman of Selection for Guyana cricket, Rabindranaught Seeram, share this ill-conceived notion that poor wickets are the main cause for poor performances. In a video conference call last week with Mr. Seeram, he was unable to elaborate on the root causes for bad wickets. Like Sir Viv, Seeram had no solution to the problem. It is not clear how and why prominent individuals continue to identify problems of West Indies cricket but do not offer solutions. Is that not a strange thing?

For 30 years, the West Indies organisation has been doling out high-level positions to notable individuals because of their cricket history, but NOT because they KNOW HOW TO DO THE JOB. WE continue to see individuals given responsibilities in management without any management education or experience. Most embarrassing is that most of these individuals cannot communicate effectively when pushed by the press for answers.

put their ideas in written form for consideration. These suggestions should include specifics, such as who are the intended beneficiaries and the cost of the programme (no APNU maths, please).

Aubrey Norton became noticeably unhinged when reporters questioned if he would be installed firstly in Parliament, and secondly as Leader of the Opposition on those benches. It is clear that his election, in a process where only 1200 of 3000 registered delegates participated, has left lingering doubts as to Norton’s authority and longevity in the position. Aubrey Norton can cement his authority if he could produce the PNC/APNU/AFC’s copies of the 2020 Election Statements of Poll; such a move would demonstrate that Norton is indeed the new leader of the PNC, and not a placeholder with no authority or reach.

The PNC took a risk when electing Norton as their new leader. Norton’s penchant for

intemperate remarks and his semi-permanent scowl were on display during his press conference on 21/01/22, as he refused to answer questions from the floor, then incredibly attempted to direct the reporters on what questions to ask. Norton’s character is more suited to the low-pressure environs of BamBam Alley (located in Orange Walk) than the intellectually challenging questions posed by news reporters working the high-pressure political beat. This is not far from what Norton’s immediate predecessor, David Granger, practiced. Granger, however, simply chose to do away with press conferences, and instead perform puppetry on his ‘In the Public Interest’ one-on-one ‘interviews’.

Contrast these men with the Founder-Leader of the PNC, LFS Burnham (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Df9ZtaFj_KI), and one becomes appalled at how low the palm tree branches

walks around to learn what the workers are thinking, feeling. When do West Indies management get involved at the granular level to evaluate the pitch problem they have known about so long? Have you ever seen a team of management experts at your local ground talking to ground staff? No. Sitting in your offices and staring at the lovely ocean will NOT deliver the information that would lead to change.

And speaking of change, to regain the support of millions of fans, West Indies management MUST change from the inside out.

Resignations should be pouring in, or heads should be rolling. Competent people who care about our cricket are out there. Find them. It’s time to end this global embarrassment. Let new people establish management standards, policies, protocols that drive accountability and improved performance. Begin to tie performance at every level with compensation. Team failures mean management failure.

Finally, we must stop placing blame, for players are only partially responsible for any success or failure. Statisticians, analysts, psychologists, coaches and captains MUST ALL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for their own jobs. Everyone mentioned here plays a part in the end result.

Respectfully, Gopaul S Rampersaud Chapel Hill, NC USA

GECOM must put its house in order Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission is moving too slowly in putting its house in order. As the sole institution mandated to carry out elections in Guyana, we expect

Opposition’s input in Budget 2020

Dear Editor, Value Added Tax (VAT) on education, water, electricity, food and medical items; dismantling of the CSO programme which employed over 2000 Amerindians; and closure of GuySuCo estates, which saw over 7000 workers fired, were among the draconian budget measures delivered by the PNC-dominated APNU+ AFC Government; so, when Aubrey Norton says he has made budgetary suggestions to the Government for consideration, I worry.

Given that Norton and his party have recently opposed the cash grant and uniform subsidy to schoolchildren; the flood relief grants to farmers affected by flood; the increase in pensions, and the supplementary cash grant to pensioners; and the compensation to GuySuCo workers who were fired, I find Norton’s sudden suggestions worrisome.

It is for this reason I would ask that Norton and the PNC

And in those roles, their lack of education and experience quickly begins to show.

In the absence of any policies or protocols for identifying, selecting and recruiting qualified curators, it is easy to “slip” the contract to friends of friends, men who are prominent in the communities, business associates.

This, I am afraid, is the root of this problem: validating, and verifying their ACTUAL EXPERIENCE in grounds’ management. Instead, we get “businessman” with access to a lawnmower, some weed whackers. He manages to do a good job with the bush and tall grass on grounds, and is soon rewarded with an expanded role in the overall maintenance of the ground.

I want to remind your readers that cutting grass is completely different from the duties of a curator. But who cares, right? Give di man di jaab! Now you see where the real problem originated.

Unfortunately, Mr. weed wacker man knows nothing about pitch preparation.

He heard that “all yu gatto do is wata di ting and roll it”. Remember what curators need to know to deliver excellent cricket pitches?

Now you know why our pitches are not meeting international standards. Mr. weed wacker knows nothing about soil composition, moisture and evaporation, nor how humidity and weather conditions, drainage and irrigation affect the preparation of a good cricket pitch.

In management, one

have sunk.

President Irfaan Ali does not need to consult with the PNC on budgetary suggestions to provide benefit to the people of Guyana. Ali is guided by a manifesto of promises made to the electorate, a manifesto with carefully-thought-out ideas, plans, policies, and programmes to benefit all Guyanese and to grow the nation’s economy.

Citizens have already benefited by paying billions less in taxes in 2021, and we can do without the ‘tax and spend’ squandermania approach of the PNC and coalition partners.

Norton can put his suggestions in writing as suggested, and he is reminded that PPP/C Ministers do not need to eat 1.2 billion in take-out annually, nor receive gold bangles to perform their sworn duty to the people of Guyana.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

that matters there ought to be dealt with in an expeditious manner; but, sadly, this is not the case. Business at the commission is slothful, if not disappointingly stagnant, to say the least.

We would like GECOM to be punctual, swift, and speedy in its resolutions. Simply put, just get the nation's business done!

Notwithstanding the walkouts and the political gimmickry by the main Opposition, we expect the Commission to be resolute and get its work done. Those systems that are already in place should have given it the muscle to iron out those anomalies that were set up to

stymie progress.

So, we are politely asking GECOM to put its house in order. Key positions, such as the CEO and his assistant, as well as the Information Technology Specialist, have already been filled, so why the holdup? Other matters, such as the placement of a representative for the joinder parties and a mutually-accepted neutral nominee to represent the interest of the people, should be well in place.

So, Madam Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh, please get on with this critical democratic arm of our democracy.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

6

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Plane Geometry cont’d P

lane Geometry is about flat shapes like lines, circles and triangles ... shapes that can be drawn on a piece of paper

Hint: Try drawing some of the shapes and angles as you learn ... it helps.

Point, Line, Plane and Solid

By Dennis Brutus

I

n this cool and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate bubbles by blowing a bubble inside another bubble.

Materials:

Water Sugar Liquid dish soap Pipette Scissors

A point has no dimensions, only position A line is one-dimensional A plane is two dimensional (2D) A solid is three-dimensional (3D)

Instructions:

Is it a Polygon?

Polygons are 2-dimensional shapes. They are made of straight lines, and the shape is "closed" (all the lines connect up).

Types of polygons Regular or irregular

A regular polygon has all angles equal and all sides equal, otherwise it is irregular.

If any internal angle is greater than 180° then the polygon is concave.

(Think: concave has a "cave" in it)

Simple or Complex

Concave or Convex

A convex polygon has no angles pointing inwards. More precisely, no internal angle can be more than 180°.

A simple polygon has only one boundary, and it doesn't cross over itself. A complex polygon intersects itself!

Add a tablespoon of sugar to one cup of warm water.

Mix until the sugar is dissolved.

Add two tablespoons of liquid dish soap to the sugar and water solution. Mix gently to avoid creating bubbles or foam.

For the best results, allow the solution to sit overnight.

Snip the end off of the bulb of the pipette.

Find a very smooth and flat surface.

Dip the end of the pipette into the soap solution.

Hold the end of the pipette near the flat surface and slowly blow a bubble.

Pull the pipette away from the surface as you blow to allow the bubble room to grow.

Once you have a decent sized bubble, stop blowing and remove the pipette.

Dip the pipette into more of the soap solution.

Now gently push the pipette through the bubble and blow a new bubble inside the bigger bubble.

Keep repeating and see how many bubbles you can get inside of the main bubble.

How it works:

When you blow a bubble inside a bubble, this actually forces the outside bubble to stretch to have to accommodate the additional air volume. The outside bubble is elastic and is able to stretch, thus allowing another bubble to be blown inside. The sugar will help slow evaporation and allow the bubble to last longer.

Make this a science project:

Add more soap. Try different brands of liquid dish soap. Try different types of soap. (sciencefun.org)

Teacher's Tip “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

– Abraham Lincoln

It is the constant image of your face framed in my hands as you knelt before my chair the grave attention of your eyes surveying me amid my world of knives that stays with me, perennially accuses and convicts me of heart’s-treachery; and neither you nor I can plead excuses for you, you know, can claim no loyalty – my land takes precedence of all my loves.

Yet I beg mitigation, pleading guilty for you, my dear, accomplice of my heart made, without words, such blackmail with your beauty and proffered me such dear protectiveness that I confess without remorse or shame, my still-fresh treason to my country and I hope that she, my other, dearest love will pardon freely, not attaching blame being your mistress (or your match) in tenderness.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU, AFC to meet on leadership squabble today – Norton says psychologically prepared to take up role

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

L

eaders of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) are set to meet today to iron out issues surrounding the post of Opposition Leader.

This was confirmed by the Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, during a telephone interview on Sunday.

“We will be having a private meeting to determine the way forward on the issue… no one is certain of the outcome but the public will be made known of the decision once one is taken,” Ramjattan noted.

The meeting, he noted, will be held on mutu-

al ground and will see the relevant persons attending.

He did not divulge any additional information on the issue.

However, with the meeting set for today, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton has made it clear that he is prepared to take up the Opposition Leader role.

A previous report stated that Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan was supposed to meet with incumbent Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and former President David Granger, who is the Representative of the List of candidates.

While Norton is backed by the Executive of the PNC, the largest party in the coalition, to take up the mantle of Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) parliamentary Opposition and Representative of the List, Harmon and Granger have so far not relinquished those positions.

In an interview with this publication on Sunday, Norton was tight-lipped about the meeting but held

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

List Representative David Granger

out that he is psychologically prepared to take up the post.

“I would assume that it’s a role that I have the relevant competence to perform,” Norton explained.

When it comes to the PNC’s next move to have the role transferred to him, he said the party would meet and the press informed in due time.

The PNC Central Executive Committee (CEC) wants Norton, who was elected leader of the party in December, to sit in the National Assembly and hold the post of the country’s Opposition Leader, re-

placing Harmon. Harmon was appointed to that constitutional position by Representative of the List, Granger.

The PNC also wants Granger’s position as Head of the List replaced by Norton. During a press conference last week, Norton had said that engagements are still ongoing within the party and that Granger will at some point join the discussions.

Asked if any timeline has been set for the conclusion of these discussions, Norton responded in the negative.

When pressed for more information, the PNC Leader admitted that Granger has since been engaged on these matters.

“The Leader of the List

Convicted killer who escaped from Lusignan Prison last year recaptured

Lusignan Prison

dy.

L

Recaptured: Shazam Khalil, aka ‘Boi’

ess than a year after escaping from the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), murder convict Shazam Khalil, also known as ‘Boi’, of Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice was recaptured on Saturday evening.

Khalil escaped from the prison on June 8, 2021, and after several months on the run, was finally recaptured at about 22:30h at Number 2 Blairmont Squatting Area, West Bank Berbice (WCB).

Acting Director of Prison, Nicklon Elliot, on Sunday confirmed that Police in Blairmont, acting on information received, recaptured the escapee at a house in the area. He was immediately taken into custo-

According to Elliot, Khalil will be charged with escaping from lawful custody. However, the Prison Administration has expressed its appreciation to the Guyana Police Force for their commitment and dedication that led to the recapture of Khalil, who was admitted to prison on August 19, 2016.

At the time of his escape, Khalil was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole only after 24 years. Khalil, who previously worked as a cane harvester, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow for the murder of Sheniza Mohamed, his teenage ex-girlfriend, at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice in January 2015.

Over the past months, there have been several breakouts from prisons, with the most recent being in August last year, when an inmate of the Prison escaped from the facility but was swiftly recaptured by members of the Joint Services.

Policemen had received information that wanted man Quincy Clarke, 38, of West La Penitence, was hiding in a house at Calendar Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

was engaged and there will be continuous engagement,” Norton explained.

However, he added that, “As far as I know, the discussions involve the Leader of the PNC and the Leader of the Opposition. As far as I know from Mr Granger, the former leader of the party has decided that he will engage but he wants to see the outcome of this first phase of discussion.”

Harmon, who lost his bid for the PNCR leadership to Norton, has since insisted that he should remain Opposition Leader. Harmon was also not re-elected to the PNC’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) – the highest decision-making body of the party.

When asked if Harmon was co-opted to the CEC, Norton expressed “anybody that we have co-opted, we have informed the press.” Unlike the last time Harmon was co-opted in 2020, the PNC has not released any statement regarding Harmon becoming a co-opt member of the CEC. The APNU has already issued a statement noting that “the members of A Partnership for National Unity have had no reason to question the abilities of David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan as

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Head and Deputy Head of the List of the APNU/AFC, we have had no reason to question the leadership of Joseph Harmon as Leader of the Opposition and we have had no reasons to question the abilities of any Member of Parliament. While we are yet to meet with the new PNCR Leader Mr Aubrey Norton, we are expecting to have a good working relationship with him as we’ve had with former President David Granger.”

Ramjattan, who is Deputy of the List, has meanwhile previously made it clear that the established procedures must be followed before the Leader of the Opposition or Representative of the List of the APNU/AFC Coalition can be changed.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Craig man busted with gun, ammo during Police operation A 24-year-old man was arrested on Sunday after he was found in possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.

The discovery was made at Craig on the East Bank of Demerara, by Police ranks in Regional Division 4B (EBD), who were acting on information received.

The ranks from the Golden Grove/Diamond Police Station were on patrol duties at Third Street, Craig, when the male was seen and a search was carried out on his per-

The firearm and ammunition that were found in the man’s possession

ECD man remanded on gun charges

A

23-year-old vendor of 53 Britton Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Friday remanded to prison on several gun-related charges when he appeared before Magistrate Ruschelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

Jarrel Taylor was charged with one count each for possession of firearm without licence, possession of ammunition without licence, and discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a public way. He was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

The first two offenc-

son during which they unearthed one .38 special revolver with three live matching rounds and one spent shell casing in the pocket of his pants.

He was immediately told of the allegation, arrested, and taken to the Golden Grove Police Station where the firearm, spent shell casing and the

ammunition were lodged.

The suspect remains in custody pending charges.

Only a few days ago, a man, who Police say discharged rounds at another man, was arrested and charged for alleged illegal possession of a gun and ammunition.

Ranks on a mobile patrol from the Sparendaam Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD), received a report of the discharge of a loaded firearm and went to the scene. The firearm that was found in the man’s possession Upon their arrival, they were informed that the act was committed on a resident of Robert Road Sparendaam, ECD. This led to the seizure of a .22 pistol with one round and a .32 pistol with three rounds.

Police said after a thorough investigation, one male was arrested.

NWD man to be sentenced Wednesday for fatally shooting teen Remanded: Jarrel Taylor

es were both contrary to Section 16 (2) of the Firearm Act while the third charge was contrary to Section 153 (1) (iii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act. His next court date is February 15.

T

Ryan Alberts, aka "Murray"

wenty-four-yearold Ryan Alberts, otherwise known as “Murray”, will be sentenced on Wednesday for the 2016 unlawful killing of a 19-year-old gold miner.

Alberts had earlier pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge when he

appeared before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara.

He admitted to killing Dalton Emmanuel, formerly of Yarakita, North West District (NWD), on March 29, 2016, in the county of Essequibo. He also accepted that on the same day, he unlawfully assaulted Mark Edwards so as to cause him actual bodily harm.

State Counsel Latifah Elliot is appearing for the prosecution while defence lawyer Ravindra Mohabir is representing the confessed killer.

The Police had said that Emanuel was involved in an argument with another man at Yarakita, during which he was stabbed to his abdomen with a pair of scissors. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Renewal…

W

…of Georgetown? ith all the initiatives by the First Lady and her husband’s administration to return some dignity to our capital city’s appearance, do you think we’re at the cusp of a renewal of our “Garden City” of the Caribbean? First, there was the complete makeover of the seawall from the Bandstand to the Pegasus by the First Lady. It just takes your breath away!

It’s drawing both tourists and locals to return to one of our most noted landmarks – the Bandstand. It had unfortunately become a haven for vagrants.

Then there’s the ongoing development of the railway embankment, from the old terminal to Camp Street, into a mixed commercial and family recreational hub by the Central Government, led by the President and his indefatigable Minister of Public Works, Edgehill.

The embankment – stretching all the way to Vlissengen Road, and further to Sherriff St - has seen various desultory attempts to put it to practical use. But it was too hap-hazarded, and certainly looked it! There’s talk now of extending the initial initiative to the full length of the embankment. The Vlissengen median to the sea wall has already been paved into a walkway!

And Central Government’s taken the bull by the horns to degut City Hall and rebuild it to its Gothic splendour.

How many times haven’t we - including the Private Sector and foreign donors - thrown money down that black hole? But then nothing leaves a black hole, can it?

Save in the pockets of the occupants!! The Central Fire Station from the Stabroek Market area is also going to be removed, once its spanking replacement is completed on Homestretch Ave. And finally, there was the two-day cleanup effort by the Government, Private Sector, and the disciplined forces of large swathes of the City. Isn’t the City a thing to behold?

But let’s face the truth, shall we? No matter what the Central Government does, the responsibility for MAINTAINING AND EXTENDING what can only be a demonstration of POSSIBILITIES lies with City Hall!! And from the Mayor’s reaction to the clean-up efforts, we know that, once again, this effort won’t lead to sustained makeover. Who could’ve imagined this worthy not only would not help, but would actually call for his people and the residents of the city to BOYCOTT the initiative!!

As the old people would say while shaking their heads sadly, “Good na deh heah.”

Your Eyewitness recommends that the Government doesn’t continue on this Sisyphean hill. Here, the rock won’t just roll down through gravity, but will be kicked down by the perennial PNC mayoralty. The President has already floated the idea of Silica City in our interior. Make it the Administrative Capital, and leave Georgetown to its chosen fate.

Who na hear mus’ feel. …of sugar?

We were just told that the projection for sugar production was once again revised downwards. It’s now a paltry 66,000 tons, as opposed to the 147,000 tons that were projected when the industry was downsized back in 2017. We all know about the floods of 2021… but things certainly had continued downwards between 2017 and 2020. But what about all the other plans announced by the new management? Wasn’t Albion Estate supposed to focus on bulk sugar, plantation white sugar, co-generation, and molasses – in addition to bulk sugar?

Several GuySuCo estates used to produce plantation white sugar for local consumption – including Albion and Uitvlugt. The technology isn’t new…but have we even started acquiring new equipment? Are we only going to ratchet up packaging sugar into packets and call it “diversification”? But back to the production travails.

Climate change has precipitated heavier rainfall patterns. (Pun intended!) Even if we don’t have annual floods, we gotta expect increased waterlogged soils.

We better put on our thinking caps before moving ahead. …of commitment to Guyana With the COVID-19 pandemic on an upward surge in our dear mudland - combined with a political Opposition that seems inherently unwilling to practise nonconfrontational politics, as defined in our parliamentary rules – we do need a picker-upper.

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Budget 2022 will be historic, transformational – Finance Minister

I

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

n a matter of two days, Guyana’s largest budget will be presented in the National Assembly by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who on Sunday said it would be “historic” and “transformational.”

“Budget 2022 – if I were to highlight a single sentence to describe budget

2022, it would really be to say that it will be transformational in the sense that many of the big initiatives that we have alluded to in the manifesto, (and) subsequently in the major presidential speeches…

One could easily get a good sense of the main priorities coming out of the

manifesto,” the Finance Minister articulated during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN).

Sharing insights into the budget, Minister Singh said it intends to step up the pace with respect to rolling out the Government’s agenda for transformation.

And, as such, he pointed out that citizens can expect the launch of a slew of major initiatives this year.

“With respect to the implementation of the transformational agenda to modernise the face of our country with respect to things like physical infrastructure, a lot of that is going to be happening in 2022. The theme of transformation and modernisation of Guyana is very deeply and heavily embedded in Budget 2022. It is very transformational in that regard,” the Senior Minister outlined.

One strong element of Budget 2022, Dr Singh stated, will be about creating opportunities for both Guyanese businesses and

Police unearth 1lb ganja during Stabroek Market raid A man has been arrested following the discovery of one pound of marijuana during a Police operation at the Stabroek Market in Georgetown.

The exercise was carried out by ranks from the Police Special Branch, Impact Patrol, and CID Brickdam Police Station on Friday, and several persons and stalls were searched therein.

During the operation, a quantity of Ziplock bags containing cannabis sativa was found abandoned in two black plastic bags.

When weighed, the ganja amounted to 478 grams.

Meanwhile, the Police also stopped and searched a 20-year-old young man, and found 23 Ziplock bags containing ganja in his pocket.

He was told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and taken to the Brickdam Police Station, where the narcotics were weighed and amounted to 31 grams.

Last week the Police arrested a resident of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with 32 grams of ganja during an operation conducted at the Mahaica Market. On the day in question, between 18:50h and 19:10h, ranks of the division conducted a cordon-and-search operation at several homes in the Unity, Mahaica area in pursuit of several wanted persons, arms, and ammunition, and illegal items.

At the Mahaica Market,

Over one pound of marijuana was found during the raid at Stabroek Market

they apprehended a male and conducted a search on his person and behind a stall where he was at the time. During the search, a black plastic bag containing 12 transparent Ziploc bags with cannabis was found.

The young man was told of the allegation and cautioned, but he denied knowledge of the bag. He was arrested and escorted to the Mahaica Police Station along with the narcotics, which when weighed amounted to 36.2 grams.

nationals, as he linked this to the enactment of the Local Content Legislation.

He reminded that Government passed the legislation with the specific objective of ensuring opportunities are created for Guyanese businesses to be able to participate in the provision of goods and services in the oil and gas sector, as well as the creation of business opportunities for Guyanese businesses and nationals.

The third theme of this year’s budget is “Improving people’s lives”, he related.

“The President has repeatedly aired his fortitude for this commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese -including, very importantly, equipping Guyanese with the skills that are needed to participate in this modern and transformed Guyana.”

Importantly, Budget 2022 will be financed partly by Guyana’s oil revenues. This will be Guyana’s first withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund

(NRF) since the country started collecting oil revenues in early 2020.

During an interview on NCN last week, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo related that such a move is aimed at seeing Guyana borrow less.

More positive impacts are to be expected from the use of Guyana’s oil revenues, as the Government has said it would spend from the Fund to make peoples’ lives easier.

Currently, US$607 million sits in the fund. While the withdrawal rule restricts withdrawals from the Fund to deposits made in the previous fiscal year, the first schedule of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021 allows an exception in the first year, giving the Government the latitude to withdraw the total balance in the Fund at once.

The Ministry of Finance has said that such a withdrawal is pertinent to address Guyana’s pressing development needs.

Budget 2022 will be read

on Wednesday, January 26.

Last year, the National Assembly approved a $383.1B budget under the theme “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience.”

Some of the measures that were included in that budget were: an increase in the low-income mortgage loan ceiling from $10 to $12 million; connectivity cost was reduced with the removal of VAT on data for residential and individual use; transportation cost in the hinterland reduced with the removal of duty on all-terrain vehicles and the introduction of a cash grant of $15,000 per child to be given to the parents of children in the nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the public school system.

In addition, Old Age Pension was increased from $20,500 to $25,000, which benefitted over 60,000 persons.

Also, Public Assistance was increased from $9,000 to $12,000 per month.

10 NEWS Region 3 ramps up enforcement of COVID-19 measures amid surge in cases MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…recorded 165 deaths since start of pandemic

By Feona Morrison

G

iven the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) COVID-19 Task Force will be joining forces with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ramp up enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations.

This is according to the coordinator of the region’s COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan, who said that works will commence as early as today in light of the region recording over 100 positive cases per day along with several related deaths.

During a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Sunday, he noted that the pandemic has placed significant demands on the limited resources of the region’s health sector. This, he said, is compounded by the wilful flouting of the regulations.

According to him, there continue to be large gatherings at bars, birthday parties, private parties, and weddings even though such is prohibited by the gazett-

Region Three COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator Halim Khan

ed order. He said that people are still reluctant to wear masks and sanitise.

Stellings

Khan explained that the region will do more to ensure the guidelines are enforced at the stellings.

Thousands of persons use the Parika and Vreed-enHoop stellings daily and some of them are reluctant to wear masks and sanitise,

he said.

As such, he disclosed that the region’s COVID-19 Task Force will have a meeting with water taxi operators today, to discuss among other things, systems to ensure that passengers follow these safety measures. Khan is of the view that Region Three is putting “everything in place” to curb the spread of the virus.

But, according to him, the problem lies at the other end, in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) where people are flouting the COVID-19 regulations.

“They do not want to wear masks but we are trying our best to make this region safe. The only way we can try to make it safe is that we need cooperation from the citizens,” he added.

“We don’t want the Government to have much more medical bills. We want to see healthy people; we want to make Guyana safe. We have huge development in this region and if we have a lot of people getting sick, it is going to lead to other things. By putting all these enforcements in place…every little thing is going to count.”

He explained that there will be continued sanitisation of both stellings every Sunday “since a lot of persons would enter and exit”.

He believes that by doing this and enforcing the guidelines, the cases in that region will drop tremendously.

tions of several bars found operating in breach of the guidelines were previously suspended by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

Nevertheless, Khan is pleading with citizens to adhere to the measures. “…our frontline workers, they are going to be exhausted because of your negligence. You want to go all over where you can get infected, and then want to make noise and say the Government is not doing its job. We are not going to be targeting anyone but if you disobey the rules, the enforcement is going to come and deal with it.”

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 hotspots in Region Three include Parika, Tuschen, La Parfaite Harmonie, and Pouderoyen.

Guyana has recorded 1130 deaths since the pandemic began in March 2020. Khan disclosed that 165 of those deaths are

[Saturday] was about 155 and that is not good. Every day we are having over 100 cases, and normally we used to have one, two, and some days zero.” As of Saturday, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll was at 1130.

“Amongst those killed recently are three persons from Region Three – a 51-year-old man who died on January 21; a 60-year-old man who died on January 21; and a 67-year-old man who died on January 22,” Khan revealed.

There are currently over 2000 active cases in that region. Of the over 13,000 persons in home isolation, 2201 of them are from Region Three. Guyana has recorded over 56,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases of which almost 7500 are from Region Three.

Persons continue to be hospitalised in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The updated COVID–19 Emergency

from Region Three. Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, 91 health workers from Region Three have tested positive for the virus.

Statistics show that for the period December 1529, 2021, Region Three’s recorded cases were from zero to the maximum of four on any given day. Overall, 25 persons tested positive in that period. However, Khan said cases began rising during the holiday season.

For the period January 13 to 22, 2022, there was a total of 1377 new cases – almost over 100 new cases every day. Further, he pointed out that the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, which previously had no cases, are now registering cases.

“Our cases here

Measures are in force until January 31, 2022.

The measures, among other things, emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, maintaining six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene.

Anyone displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needing additional information, is being asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

The Guyana Police Force is urging all citizens to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations and to report all breaches to the COVID-19 Task Force hotlines on 6266674, 624-3067, 624-2819, and toll-free (GTT) 0180.

Deaths, surge in cases

“Don’t want to lock up”

Persons caught disobeying the measures are usually placed before the courts and are in most instances, made to pay fines ranging between $5000 and $16,000.

President Irfaan Ali had noted that these fines are inadequate, stating that he had asked the Attorney General to review the laws to see “how [we] can have amendments that can speak to the seriousness of what we’re dealing with.”

Region Three’s COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator, however, said, “We don’t want to lock up people, we don’t want to try to imprison anyone and let them spend more monies on fines. But we want every citizen to help us…”

He stressed that persons violating the guidelines will not be allowed to harm those who are already fully vaccinated and are taking all the required precautions. In this regard, he said that the Task Force will be clamping down on large gatherings at pool parties, private parties, weddings, and bars.

Moreover, the opera-

NEWS

11

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt looking to further extend 4-lane Eccles-to-Great Diamond bypass – work ongoing to relocate over a dozen persons within project boundary

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

T

he Government is looking to further extend the Eccles to Great Diamond bypass road, for which contracts were signed with a number of contractors last

there myself. They’ve come on board. We’ve already signed the agreements for 16 of them. There are over 30 of them,” Croal said.

According to Minister Croal, the Government will be looking to advance efforts to remove those persons in the new week.

When it comes to the works on the Eccles to Mandela four-lane road, which also falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Housing, Croal was optimistic of this project’s completion.

“This week it’s something we’ll be picking up the pace. Because we need for them to relocate and move. We’ve offered them a package for removal, relocation, whichever they choose. And so we need for

The contractors for the Eccles-to-Great Diamond road project following their contract signing last year. According to Minister Croal, mobilisation has already begun

to Eccles, you can have a quick ingress and egress that comes through Eccles

The newly commissioned Diamond-Eccles road

year December, even as it works to relocate a dozen residents who fall within the project scope.

This was revealed by Housing Minister Collin Croal in an interview on Saturday. According to the Minister, those contractors who were contracted last year have already started to clear the land.

However, persons in the project boundary will have to move.

“You’ll recognise we’ve already paid the mobilisation advance and that is for the extension of the four lanes from Eccles that goes to Great Diamond. We are looking for an even further extension. So, monies will be made available for the implementation of that project. And so, the contractors are all mobilised.

They’ve started land clearance.”

“We have one bottleneck we’re dealing with.

And that is the removal of a few persons within that boundary, by the Mocha/Herstelling area.

We’ve already started to move some. We’ve engaged all of them, I’ve gone

them to respond adequately.”

“So that’s one (hiccup), but we’re moving ahead with implementing that project. So by the end of February, we want shortly to see between Mandela

and you can also end up at Mandela,” Minister Croal said.

Last year December, a number of contracts were signed with various contractors, some of whom are collaborating in order

to build the $13.3 billion Eccles-to-Diamond road being described by the Government as a transformational initiative.

The signing took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, and saw 12 contractors being given contracts to build the road. The project is being administered under the Ministry of Housing, and is divided into 12 lots.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed hope in November last that the project can be completed by early 2023. The first aspect of the project, which runs from Mandela Avenue, Georgetown to Eccles, East Bank Demerara, is almost complete.

According to the bid document which was pub-

lished in the newspapers, the second set of works on the four-lane highway would be divided into 12 lots, with the duration of construction expected to vary between 15 and 18 months per lot.

Additionally, construction is expected to commence in the next 14 days.

Lot 1 of the project is being undertaken by GuyAmerica Construction Inc for $1.2 billion; Lot 2 is being undertaken by V Dalip Enterprise for $889.9 million; Lot 3 is being done by Colin Talbot Contracting Services and Eron Lall Civil Engineering Works for $1.3 billion; Lot 4 is being done by KP Thomas and Sons Contracting for $1.4 billion; Lot 5 is being done by S Jagmohan

Construction and General Supplies Inc for $1.2 billion; Lot 6 is being done by H Nauth and Sons for $1.1 billion; and Lot 7 is being done by JS Guyana Inc for $1.2 billion.

Meanwhile, Lot 8 is a joint venture by VALs Construction and AJM Enterprise for $1.1 billion; Lot 9 is being done

by China Railway First Group for $1 billion; Lot 10 is being done by Aronoco Services Inc for $753 million; Lot 11 is being done

by Ivor Allen for $825 million, and Puran Brothers Disposal is teaming up with Khemraj Nauth Contracting Services to complete Lot 12 at a cost of $964 million.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

From failure to success: Bare Root resident is first Dental Surgeon in community E

ach college student has a unique story to tell about the journey that brought them to graduation day. The story of 26-year-old Oral McAllister of Bare Root, Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara is that he overcame profound hardships, and hopes to inspire other students on their educational journey.

McAllister recently graduated from the University of Guyana with a Degree in Dental Surgery. He told Guyana Times that his interest in becoming a Dental Surgeon sprang from his fascination with teeth extraction.

“It began over 23 years ago when I told my parents, as a 3-year-old child, that I want to be the take-outteeth man. Fast forward to ten years after that, I was 13 and looked quite often at my environment, my mom's financial status, and the community in which I lived.

I remember telling my mom, ‘I won't be a Dentist anymore, because it will be too much for you, and we don’t have the money’.

“My mom replied prophetically by saying, ‘Son, you study the books and I'll study the money’.

Six years in, I had just finished sitting the CAPE examinations and it was time for me to experience my first setback (failure)”, he said.

McAllister said that while preparing to apply to the University of Guyana, his CAPE examination results came back as a disappointment.

“The results weren't good, and I was rejected from UG’s Dental programme. I decided to enroll in UG’s Biology programme.

I worked hard the first year to obtain the required GPA to be admitted into the Dental programme”.

In 2015, McAllister was accepted into the Dental programme. He said at first he thought life as a university student, especially a Dental Student, would be a "breeze", but to his surprise, it was quite challenging.

“That year was my worst year academically, which resulted in me having to re-

Dr Oral McAllister, 2021 UG graduate

peat the first year, owing to massive self-doubt and comparison to the many QC graduates. Their ability to consume knowledge wowed me and left me, an

Annandale Secondary graduate, feeling like I'm out of place. I felt worthless.

Despite never shoving their abilities in my face, my self-imposed barrier crip-

pled me”, McAllister explained.

In 2016, McAllister started his first day of class in the Dental programme, but was ashamed to attend his classes, since he had to repeat an entire year.

“I looked myself in the mirror and said, ‘I have to endure this shame now, so that my future will be bright for my family and generations to come’. It was quite embarrassing to have classes in the same building as the class I was supposed to be in while having to stay back a year. I said, ‘Oral, them people gonna go live their lives, so you focus on you, and not on what they are saying or thinking about you’.”

He said that, against all odds, he persevered throughout 2016 and until 2018, and did not quit.

However, 2019 became his toughest year.

“I started to repeat the academic performances of 2015. It affected me physically, emotionally and psychologically. It got so bad that on my way to school, many days I used to wish

that the bus would just crash up and kill me. But with help and support from friends, especially my study group and prayer brothers, I persevered,” he explained.

“Many days I had to seek private encouragement and extra tutoring from some classmates.

Motivation came from my church squad too. I kept pushing, and I finished university. I pushed because many people saw me as their role model”, he said.

Today, McAllister is the first Dental Surgeon in his community, and is among a handful of persons to attend university in that village.

When asked what is next from here, he said, “I have plans to do whatever I can to provide funding and encouragement to the children and youths of my church, community, and country. Today, I'm at the finish line, and I encourage anyone to pursue their dreams despite how impossible it may seem.

As Audrey Hepburn said, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible".

PM leads high-level Govt team to Kurutuku Village

P

rime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Saturday led a high-level Government team on a one-day visit to Kurutuku Village in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), to address the concerns of residents there.

His team comprised Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Amerindian

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and team at Kurutuku, Region 7

Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, and National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia.

This high-level team addressed several concerns, and discussed areas that could benefit the people of the hinterland. Additionally, a commitment was

made to support training initiatives for women and youths of the community, and commitments were made to furnish the school, enhance the school-feeding programme, and address birth certificate issues.

The residents also raised concerns regarding security, transportation issues

for students, and health services, and requested that an airstrip be re-established in the community with the hope of complementing river transportation, supporting mining operations, and facilitating medical actions.

Further consultations on the issues were promised.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 4 more COVID deaths – 642 new infections recorded in 24h

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JANUARY 23, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

642

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

175

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

13,580

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

19

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

14

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

30,742

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

26,485

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

57,227

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

41,319

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

1976

REGION 2

2158

REGION 3

7491

REGION 4

28,772

REGION 5

2137

REGION 6

5184

REGION 7

2300

REGION 8

733

REGION 9

3206

REGION 10

3270

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

415,611 301,918

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1134

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

T

he Health Ministry on Sunday reported that four more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died, thus bringing the total number of deaths in Guyana from the pandemic to 1,134.

These latest fatalities are:

a 46-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), who was fully vaccinated; she died last Thursday. A 67-year-old male also from Region Three, who died on Sunday; a 68-year-old male also from Region Three, who was fully vaccinated

and died on Friday last; and an 88-year-old female from Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Berbice), who was unvaccinated and died on Sunday.

According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccination status of the 67-year-old man is unknown.

Over the past week, 39

Gun, ammo found in home of Ruimveldt resident

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s Police continue efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets, a party of Policemen from East Ruimveldt Police Outpost went to a home at Genip Lane, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where a search was conducted on the residence of a 50-year-old male.

In his presence, a .38 Taurus revolver was found in a hammock inside the house. When examined, the said firearm contained five rounds of ammunition inside the chamber.

The suspect was asked if he has a licence to carry the firearm, and he responded in the negative. As such, he was told of the offences committed, cautioned, arrested, and taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where he was placed in custody.

The firearm and ammunition have been lodged, and the suspect remains in

The firearm and ammunition that were found

custody pending further inquiries and charges.

Two weeks ago, a man was arrested following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm at Second Street Campbellville, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, an intelligence-led

Police operation was conducted in Second Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, during which one .22 pistol without ammunition was found.

The firearm and the suspect were taken to the Kitty Police Station.

persons have succumbed to the deadly virus, thus taking the COVID-19 death toll for this month to 79.

However, new statistics released by the Ministry on Sunday showed that 642 new infections were detected within a 24-hour period, which now takes the confirmed cases in Guyana up to 57,227.

Of this number, however, only 13,774 are currently active cases. These include 19 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 13,755 persons who are in isolation; that is: 175 in institutional isolation and the remaining 13,580 in home isolation.

There are another 14 persons who are in institutional quarantine, according to the Dashboard.

Additionally, some 42,319 persons have to date recovered from the life-threatening disease – 107 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, approximately 493,710 persons have been tested so far; and of this number, some 26,485 males and 30,742 females were found to be positive.

Of the 642 new cases reported on Sunday, 40 were from Region One (Barima-Waini); 31 from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 83 from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a whopping 251 from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 66 from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 112 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 22 from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); two from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and the remaining 78 from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). No new cases were recorded in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) within the 24-hour period.

Health authorities have attributed the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks to the Omicron variant, which, though not deadly, is highly transmissible. As such, persons are being urged to get vaccinated, and those who are qualified to get their booster shots are urged to do so in order to add a layer of protection against the virus.

So far, over 419,000 adults, or 81.9 per cent, have taken a first dose, while more than 307,000, or 59.9

per cent of persons 18 and over, are fully immunised.

For children between the ages of 12 and 17, some 22,600, or 31 per cent, are completely vaccinated.

Meanwhile, over 32,000 persons have taken their booster dose. As more people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, practising social distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing – which are more significant now with the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent figures show some 340,543,962 confirmed cases were reported globally, along with 5,570,163 deaths.

Who also reported that in the Region of the Americas, that is: Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 124,883,979, while the death toll in the region has gone up to 2,460,897.

As it relates to vaccination against COVID-19, a total of 9,571,502,663 doses have been administered worldwide.

14 FEATURE Guyanese entrepreneur Krishna Persaud is known for his philanthropical work over the past 2 decades MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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n an exclusive interview with Shafi Ramjan, who hails from the village of Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD), personal experiences and views were fondly shared about the humanitarian work of Krishna Persaud, owner of Tristar Inc., who has been involved in humanitarian work for the past two decades.

Shafi Ramjan is an executive member of the Windsor Forest New York Association, and has been associated with Mr. Krishna Persaud for more than two decades. In fact, both men came from humble beginnings, and grew up as farmers on the West Coast of Demerara, having been involved in rice cultivation and cane farming before migrating to the United States.

The Windsor Forest New York Association was formed by a group of residents who felt the need to

Shafi Ramjan

Guyana annually to help coordinate and distribute to the residents within those communities the various food hampers and monetary donations.

Kris Persaud, owner of Tristar Inc and the Jamaica Tallawahs, hails from

lage of farmers. He obtained his primary and secondary education in Guyana before migrating to the USA, where he continued his studies in the field of Engineering.

More than 20 years ago, a group of villagers from Windsor Forest, in-

Krishna Persaud making several donations

give back to the communities in their home country Guyana. Ramjan visits

Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara. He was born to a very humble family in a vil-

cluding Kris, formed the Windsor Forest/New York Association. Kris is, and has been, the driving force behind this organisation. He has dedicated his time and financial resources to the success of this organisation, which serves the residents of West Coast Demerara. Kris has never forgotten the village and region from whence he came; he has always given back, and continues to do so on a grand scale.

The main objective of this New York-based organisation is to enhance the standard of living of residents of West Coast Demerara. Over the past 20 years, Kris has spearheaded various proj-

ects, including painting of the primary school, building Home Economics facility, annual scholarships for students who pass the SSEE, improvement of the school’s playground, providing computers for the school. The Association has also provided equipment for the Health Centre, and has built a shed which is used as a waiting room for patients.

Kris provided furniture for the nursery school, along with a play park. Annually, the Association, under the sponsorship of Kris, has provided food hampers and cash awards for over 200 residents of West Coast Demerara. In 2020, the Association provided ham-

pers to over 400 residents of the West Demerara region for COVID-19 relief.

In addition to what has been done, as described in the foregoing, Kris has embarked on a number of projects, including building a park and playground, enhancing the Windsor Forest Community Centre ground, and beautifying the seawall.

Residents of the region have been very fortunate to be associated with someone as generous as Kris Persaud, who continues to give back to the land from whence he came.

This article was contributed by Shafi Ramjan, who also comes from the community family of Windsor

Forest. Shafi has been active in community work, and serves as President of the Windsor Forest/New York Association.

Before migrating to the USA, Shafi served as President of the Cane Farmers Association, and also held executive positions in social, cultural and religious organisations.

Shafi travels to Guyana frequently, to assist Krishna on various projects.

“On a personal note, I wish Kris all the best in future ventures in Guyana, and I do look forward to serving him in any way I can in enhancing the community of West Coast Demerara,” Shafi has said.

NEWS

15

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt hands over buses to Wakenaam and Leguan schools – NDCs also receive brush cutters

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall addressing residents on Saturday

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tudents of Wakenaam and Leguan Islands in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will now be able to travel to school in comfort after the handing over of school buses valued at close to $10 million on Saturday.

This is the first time that these communities have benefited from such a boost in the education sector.

Wakenaam resident Tom Singh told the Department of Public

weather, we have a hard time to come to school. So, I think that this is a great opportunity for everyone to achieve a better education.”

Roshan Budhu, a student of Essequibo Islands Secondary School, said he is “grateful for the donation of this bus, as it will help those of the less fortunate to attend school, especially during the bad weather; and those whose parents cannot afford to pay for taxi every day.”

Head of the Agriculture

tablished Management Committee to overlook the school bus and craft a schedule that would enable students living in far-flung communities to be picked up promptly for school.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall said the presentation of the vehicles is a manifestation of the PPP/C Government’s commitment to the people, to ensure equitable access to education is provided to all.

“Today I think is the most important, because we are contributing to the most important asset that someone can have, and that is knowledge through education. Schools are very important. Going to school is extremely important, because I believe that as we progress in our community and our country, that is going to take us out of poverty - education.”

As such, the Minister said the regional administration would partner with the relevant officials to

Minister Dharamlall handing over the keys of the school bus to a teacher attached to the Leguan Secondary School

beautification projects. One will be managed by the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the other by the Leguan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

It has been noted that

both islands are expected to benefit from significant investments aimed at enhancing their agriculture, education, health, as well as road infrastructure via this year’s national budget.

Region Three Regional

Executive Officer Jagnarine Somwar, Regional Chairman Ishan Ayube, and other Government officials were also present during the handing over ceremony.

4 women wanted by Police for dousing female with acid

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, along with members of the regional administration, handing over the school bus to the representative of the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC)

Information (DPI) that he is thankful to the President Irfaan Ali-led Government and the regional administration for recognising the need for the vehicles, and also for delivering them.

Leguan Secondary School Grade 11 student Emonte Sahadeo also thanked the Government for providing the buses, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The school is far away from my home, and so I would like to thank His Excellency Irfaan Ali for providing a bus for us, because not everyone has the luxury of a vehicle, or money to pay transportation every day.”

She added that the bus will now “relieve the (financial) burden on our parents, and also students can attend school more regularly because, due to the rainy

Department at the Leguan Secondary School, Virendra Chintamani, commended the Government for undertaking this initiative, since students’ tardiness had become an issue.

“We find here (in Leguan) daily that the students are coming to school about 15 to 20 minutes late, and the reason for that is those residing in the farflung areas are having a difficult time with their bicycles due to the mud on the road.

“So, we have to accept that sometimes that when they are late that we cannot do anything about it, and so the initiative with the donation of this bus would ease the burden of those students in the far-flung areas, especially the (transportation) cost,” he told DPI. To this end, Chintamani urged the soon-to-be es-

provide fuel as well as the placement and salary of the drivers for the buses.

However, he hopes that responsible adults are selected to carry out this duty, while prioritising those less fortunate to attend school.

“I will not tolerate incidents where we have drivers drinking and driving our children, or even persons who don’t take their duty seriously. And so I would encourage the regional administration to identify persons who understand their responsibility in the interest of the children,” the Local Government Minister said.

He also urged the students and teachers to care for the buses, to ensure that others like themselves can benefit from them.

The Minister also handed over two brush cutters to both of the islands’

P

olice in Regional Division 4 ‘A’ (Georgetown) are currently looking for four identifiable females who allegedly threw a corrosive liquid on a woman on Friday at the corner of Norton and John Streets in Georgetown.

According to information received, 24-year-old Renesha Maxwell of West Ruimveldt Georgetown had taken a taxi from Leopold

Street, and as she was travelling in same, she observed a car following her.

With this realisation, she reportedly told the driver to stop, and as soon as the car came to a halt, four females exited the trailing car and approached her. One of the females then threw a liquid substance on her, after which she immediately felt a burning sensation about her body and began to

scream.

She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was seen and treated by a doctor, and was later admitted with burns to her back and left hand. Her condition is now regarded as stable.

The matter was reported, and the Police and law enforcement officers are currently investigating the incident.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Background to Russia/Ukraine standoff

Is Russia preparing to invade Ukraine?

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any move across the border constitutes a renewed invasion - but points out Russia has other weapons, including cyber-attacks and paramilitary tactics.

The Pentagon has accused Russia of preparing a so-called false-flag operation, with operatives ready to carry out acts of sabotage against Russianbacked rebels, to provide a pre-

re Russian forces getting ready for war in Ukraine?

US President Joe Biden is certainly expecting some kind of military move.

Russia wants the West to promise that Ukraine will not join its Nato defensive alliance, and although the two sides are negotiating, that is not going to happen. What happens next could jeopardise Europe's entire security structure.

ing Ukraine defend its "sovereign territory".

The main tools in the West's armoury appears to be sanctions and military aid in the form of advisers and weapons.

President Biden has threatened Russia's leader with measures "like none he's ever seen" if Ukraine is attacked. So what would they involve?

Why is Russia threatening Ukraine?

Russia denies it's planning any invasion, but it has seized Ukrainian territory before and it has an estimated 100,000 troops deployed near its borders.

Russia has long resisted Ukraine's move towards European institutions, and Nato in particular.

Russia and US have spoken several times via video link and over the phone

fered no explanation for the troops posted close to Ukraine - and Russian troops and tanks have headed to Belarus for exercises.

What does Russia want with Ukraine?

Russia seized Crimea in 2014 arguing it had a historic claim to it. Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, which collapsed in December 1991 and Mr Putin

Russian TV has shown pictures of tank exercises close to the border with Ukraine

Press handout showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the front line on 6 December

Ukraine shares borders with both the EU and Russia, but as a former Soviet republic it has deep social and cultural ties with Russia, and Russian is widely spoken there.

When Ukrainians deposed their pro-Russian president in early 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's southern Crimean Peninsula and backed separatists who captured large swathes of eastern Ukraine. The rebels have fought the Ukrainian military ever since in a conflict that has claimed more than 14,000 lives.

How big is the risk of invasion?

Russia says it has no plans to attack Ukraine: and armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov even denounced reports of an impending invasion as a lie.

But tensions are high and President Vladimir Putin has threatened "appropriate retaliatory military-technical measures" if what he calls the West's aggressive approach continues.

Nato's secretary general warns the risk of conflict is real and President Biden says his guess is that Russia will move in.

The US says it knows of Russian plans to boost its forces near Ukraine "on very short notice".

The US says Russia has of-

Russia's deputy foreign minister compared the current situation to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when the US and Soviet Union came close to nuclear conflict.

Western intelligence suggests a Russian incursion or invasion could happen some time in early 2022

What does Russia want from Nato?

Russia has spoken of a "moment of truth" in recasting its relationship with Nato: "For us it's absolutely mandatory to ensure Ukraine never, ever becomes a member of Nato," said Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Moscow accuses Nato countries of "pumping" Ukraine with weapons and the US of stoking tensions. President Putin has complained Russia has "nowhere further to retreat to - do they think we'll just sit idly by?"

In reality Russia wants Nato to return to its pre-1997 borders.

It demands no more eastward expansion and an end to Nato military activity in Eastern Europe.

That would mean combat units being pulled out of Poland and the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and no missiles deployed in countries such as Poland and Romania.

said it was the "disintegration of historical Russia".

A clue to President Putin's thinking on Ukraine came in a lengthy piece last year when he called Russians and Ukrainians "one nation".

He labelled Ukraine's current leaders as running an "anti-Russian project".

Russia has also become frustrated that a 2015 Minsk peace deal for eastern Ukraine is far from being fulfilled.

There are still no arrangements for independently monitored elections in the separatist regions. Russia denies accusations that it is part of the lingering conflict.

Can Russian action be stopped?

President Vladimir Putin has spoken several times to Mr Biden and high-level talks continue, but Russian officials have warned that Western rejection of their key demands are leading to a "dead end".

The question is how far Russia will go. President Biden has warned that a full-scale invasion would be a disaster for Russia. But if it was a minor incursion, he said controversially that the West would "end up having to fight about what to do".

The White House has stressed

text for invasion. Russia has denied it.

Russia has also handed out 500,000 passports in rebel-run areas, so if it does not get what it wants then it could justify any action as protecting its own citizens.

However, if Russia's only aim is to force Nato away from its backyard, there is no sign of it succeeding.

Nato's 30 members have turned down flat any attempt to tie their hands for the future.

The ultimate economic hit would be to disconnect Russia's banking system from the international Swift payment system.

That has always been seen very much as a last resort, but Latvia has said it would send a strong message to Moscow.

Another key threat is to prevent the opening of Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Germany, and approval for that is currently being decided by Germany's energy regulator.

There could also be measures

"We will not allow anyone to slam closed Nato's open-door policy," said US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.

Ukraine is looking for a clear timeline to join and Nato says Russia has "no veto, no right to interfere in that process".

And non-Nato members Sweden and Finland have also rejected Russia's attempt to stop them beefing up their ties with the alliance. "We will not let go of our room for manoeuvre," said Finland's prime minister.

targeting Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund or restrictions on banks converting roubles into foreign currency.

How far will the West go for Ukraine?

The US has made clear it has no plans to send combat troops, while being committed to help-

Is the West united in its response?

Washington has said it is committed to "working in lockstep" with its allies, but there are divisions between the US and Europe.

European leaders are adamant that Russia cannot just decide on the future with the US. France has even proposed that Europeans work together with Nato and then conduct their own dialogue with Russia. (BBC World)

NEWS

17

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US orders families of embassy Rich countries' access to foreign nurses during Omicron raises ethical concerns – group staff to leave Ukraine

T

Non-essential embassy staff in Kyiv have been given permission to leave under new measures

he US has ordered the relatives of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave amid rising tension in the region.

The State Department has also given permission for non-essential staff to leave and urged US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing.

In a statement, it said there were reports that Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine.

Russia has denied claims that it is planning to invade Ukraine.

"There are reports Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine," the advisory from the State Department said.

It added that the security conditions are "unpredictable and can deteriorate with little notice".

The head of the military defence alliance NATO has warned there is a risk of fresh conflict in Europe after an estimated 100,000 Russian troops amassed on the border.

On Saturday, some 90 tonnes of US "lethal aid" including ammunition for "front-line defenders" arrived in Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the Government were putting together a "series of actions that would figure into President Putin's calculus" including beefing up defences in Ukraine with more military assistance.

Russia has seized Ukrainian territory before, when it annexed Crimea in 2014, after the country overthrew their pro-Moscow President.

Ever since, Ukraine's military has been locked in a war with Russian-backed rebels in areas of the east near Russia's borders. An estimated 14,000 people have been killed in the Donbas region.

On Sunday, the UK foreign office accused Putin of planning to install a pro-Moscow figure to lead Ukraine's Government.

UK Ministers have warned that the Russian Government will face serious consequences if there is an incursion. (BBC. COM)

A nurse performing a wellness check of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient inside the Intensive Care Unit of Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada April 15, 2021

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he Omicron-fuelled wave of COVID-19 infections has led wealthy countries to intensify their recruitment of nurses from poorer parts of the world, worsening dire staffing shortages in overstretched workforces there, the International Council of Nurses said.

Sickness, burnout and staff departures amid surging Omicron cases have driven absentee rates to levels not yet seen during the twoyear pandemic, said Howard Catton, CEO of the Genevabased group that represents 27 million nurses and 130 national organisations.

To plug the gap, Western countries have responded by hiring army personnel as well as volunteers and retirees but many have also

stepped up international recruitment as part of a trend that is worsening health inequity, he continued.

"We have absolutely seen an increase in international recruitment to places like the UK, Germany, Canada and the United States," Catton said in a Reuters interview based on a report he co-authored on COVID-19 and the global nursing force.

"I really fear this 'quick fix solution' – it's a bit similar to what we've been seeing with PPE (personal protective equipment) and vaccines where rich countries have used their economic might to buy and to hoard - if they do that with the nursing workforce it will just make the inequity even worse."

Even before the pandem-

ic there was a global shortage of 6 million nurses, with nearly 90 per cent of those shortages in low and lower-middle-income countries, according to ICN data.

Some of the recent recruits to rich countries have come from sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, and parts of the Caribbean, Catton said, saying that nurses were often motivated by higher salaries and better terms than at home.

The ICN report said this process was also being facilitated by giving nurses preferred immigration status.

"The bottom line is that some people would look at this and say this is rich countries offloading the costs of educating new nurses and health workers," he said.

Even wealthy countries will struggle to cope with the "mountains of backlog of unmet care" when the pandemic winds down, Catton warned, calling for more investment and a ten-year plan to strengthen the workforce.

"We need a coordinated, collaborative, concerted global effort which is underpinned by serious investment, not just warm words and platitudes and applause," he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

Regional

Venezuelan Opposition Guaido Guatemala asks other countries to stay out of Attorney General election calls for February protest

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O

pposition leader Juan Guaido on Sunday called for Venezuelans to take to the streets on Feb 12 in peaceful marches against President Nicolas Maduro, as the country’s divided opposition looks ahead to presidential elections.

The opposition considers Maduro’s 2018 re-election to be fraudulent and has in the past held mass marches against his Government, some of which have led to deaths.

Maduro’s Government “fears the streets, fears organisation of the base,” Guaido told journalists after an opposition event held to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the military dictatorship in 1958.

Though the opposition was broadly defeated in regional elections at the end of last year, it notched a win in a governorship re-run in Barinas state, which has traditionally been dominated by the ruling party.

Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaido addressing the media the day after Opposition candidate Sergio Garrido won an election for Governor of Barinas state, in Caracas, Venezuela January 10, 2022

Opposition parties must unite as soon as possible in the face of the presidential contest currently scheduled for 2024, Guaido said during the event.

“We are talking about organising ourselves from now, we’re talking about a presidential election,” Guaido said.

Dozens of western countries originally supported Guaido as Venezuela’s lead-

er, but since 2021 legislative elections a number of countries and the European Union back him only as a leading opposition figure.

Supporters of an effort to remove Maduro from office through a referendum said this weekend they would ask the country’s top tribunal to review signature collections conditions which the opposition says are unfeasible.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID identified in 75% of Jamaican communities

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hief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie is reporting that the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is now in 75 per cent of communities across the island, with 828 hospital admissions.

Addressing a recent COVID Conversations Digital Press Conference, the CMO said over the past two weeks the number of deaths has been climbing and warned that persons should not regard the Omicron variant of the virus as only “mild”, as “it still causes severe illness”.

She noted that the Delta variant might be among the

population, and with 95 per cent of persons on COVID beds unvaccinated, there is a need for an increase in the rate of vaccination.

“This certainly means that persons need to get vaccinated, because vaccination will prevent severe illness, decrease hospitalisations, and will decrease the number of persons with poor outcomes,” the CMO said.

She said an increase of the virus is identified in women with late pregnancies, and those who have just given birth.

“This is not good, because when they are infected at that period, they tend to develop severe COVID,”

Dr Bisasor-McKenzie said.

The CMO noted that a new trend is taking place with all the paediatric wards now being challenged with children suffering from the disease, adding that the hospitals have to go into “emergency only” mode, because COVID patients are occupying beds designated for other illnesses.

Dr Bisasor-McKenzie noted that the younger adults are getting more exposed to the virus and being infected, and given the number of severe illnesses among the older population, a number of them will die. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)

uatemala asked a group of international donors, including the United States and United Kingdom, to avoid meddling in its election for Attorney General, a powerful anti-corruption office in the Central American nation.

Guatemala has come under scrutiny by the international community over anti-graft efforts. The United States last month said it was concerned that Guatemala’s fight against corruption had not advanced enough.

Rampant corruption is considered a major factor driv-

ing an uptick in US-bound migration from Central America.

Guatemala’s Foreign Minister said a group of aid-providing countries and institution called the G13 requested a meeting with the commission tasked with reviewing the profiles and selecting the candidates for Attorney General for an election between February and March.

The Guatemalan Government in a statement called on the G13 group to “respect the laws and not interfere in internal affairs.”

Guatemala said the meeting was requested by the Swedish ambassador to Guatemala, Hans Magnusson, who is the pro-tempore president of the G13.

The Swedish embassy in Guatemala could not immediately be reached for comment.

The term of current Guatemalan Attorney General Maria Porras will end in May. The United States included Porras on a list of “undemocratic and corrupt” officials last year.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Rival Honduran lawmakers back different congressional heads in dispute with next President

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onduran lawmakers in rival alliances backed two different people as congressional president on Sunday amid disputes between President-elect Xiomara Castro and dissident members of her party, warning of a new political crisis in the poverty-stricken Central American nation.

Lawmakers from Castro’s leftist Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) and two other parties appointed a member of their caucus as president of Congress on Friday, breaking an agreement to appoint a lawmaker from the Partido Salvador de Honduras (PSH), an ally that helped Castro claim victory.

Castro, calling the move a “betrayal,” said Friday that her party had expelled the 18 lawmakers who had supported the decision to go against naming a PSH member to the top post of Congress.

The dispute triggered chaotic scenes in Congress, prompting the United States embassy in Honduras to call

Lawmakers of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) protest after dissident lawmakers of their party proposed Jorge Calix as provisional president, which resulted in a brawl among lawmakers of the LIBRE party at the Congress building in Tegucigalpa, Honduras January 21, 2022

for calm and dialogue on Saturday.

The dissident lawmakers formed a board backed by Honduras’ National Party in a meeting at a social club on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa on Sunday where they swore in lawmaker Jorge Calix as president of Congress with support that included lawmakers from outgoing president Juan Orlando Hernandez’s party.

Meanwhile, Castro supporters and her allies in

PSH elected lawmaker Luis Redondo for the role in a session at congressional headquarters in the capital.

In a speech, Calix pledged to work with Castro despite political differences.

Castro later tweeted that she recognizes Redondo as congressional president, and congratulated lawmakers who reject “12 years of ‘Joh’ corruption networks,” referring to outgoing president Hernandez. (Excerpt from Reuters)

the national community what process we are going to follow to roll it out. The Chief Medical Officer will convene his Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Monday to dissect and digest the updated Interim Guidelines which WHO put out yesterday. We will also be conferring with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to look at their technical guidelines and technical details,” Deyalsingh said.

“So far, this morning and last night when this Interim Guidelines came out, I personally have been in contact

at a national level with Dr Faith B Yisrael (THA Health Secretary) to coordinate not only a national rollout but a national training and sensitisation programme for those who have to administer the vaccine. I have also alerted Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, because this directly affects school children between the ages of five and 11,” he said.

The Health Minister said all of these bodies will be invited to examine the Interim Guidelines and determine the way forward with recommendations for a national rollout. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Canada pledges aid for Haiti following international community meeting T&T preparing to roll out Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds T

he Government of Canada has pledged millions of dollars to Haiti to assist the French speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) nation with security and other projects.

This was the outcome of a recent virtual three-hour meeting led by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Also present were Foreign Ministers from more than a dozen countries — including the United States, France and Mexico — and United Nations representatives.

“The increase in violence is only worsening the already precarious humanitarian situation,” said Trudeau, ahead of

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the closed-door meeting. “We must work together to restore stability, and to protect the safety and well-being of the Haitian people.”

Canada pledged US$39 million, while other countries promised to improve Haiti’s security to support efforts to hold successful elections.

The nations also committed to boosting Haiti’s

National Police as it responds to spikes in violence, brazen gangs committing kidnappings and at least 20,000 residents left homeless due to turf wars.

The Foreign Ministers expressed deep concern about Haiti’s instability since the July assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

rinidad & Tobago’s Ministry of Health said that it will consult with the relevant stakeholders before rolling out Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for five to 11-year-olds.

On Friday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended extending the use of a reduced dosage of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to children ages five to 11.

Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual media briefing on Saturday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh welcomed the latest development and provided details on the Ministry’s rollout plan.

“I just want to explain to

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Crude oil futures slump as rally loses steam after hitting 7-year highs

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rude oil futures were sharply lower in mid-morning trade in Asia Jan 21, plunging from 7-year highs reached earlier this week as investors rushed to book profits after a multi-week rally that had finally run out of steam.

After gaining more than 20% in value over a 5-week rally that saw it touch highs not seen since October 2014, analysts said oil prices looked increasingly ripe for profit-taking and were prone to a correction at some point.

"It could be that the oil complex is finally catching the cold from the broader financial markets. Investors nervous over impending US rate hikes and the economic impact of the omicron have been selling off stocks this week," Vandana Hari, CEO of Vanda Insights, said.

"At the same time, the fear premium injected into crude earlier this week on account of the Iraq-Turkey pipeline outage and the Houthi attacks on the UAE would also be receding," Hari added.

Equity markets have been in freefall in recent days, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq index officially falling into correction territory Jan 19, as increasing signs of a sharp tightening in monetary policy from the US Federal Reserve saw investors retreating from rate-sensitive assets.

Most analysts now expect four rate hikes from the Fed this year, with some calling for as much as eight hikes before the year is over.

Fears over tightening supply, meanwhile, has been easing in recent days as disruptions in Kazakhstan and Libya, as well as explosions to a pipeline carrying oil from Northern Iraq to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, were fixed.

In the US, most recent Energy Information Administration data showed commercial crude stocks climbed 520,000 barrels to 413.81 million barrels in the week ended Jan 14. Total US gasoline stocks rose 5.87 million barrels over the same period to 246.62 million barrels, while distillate stocks declined 1.43 million barrels to 127.95 million barrels, the EIA said.

Despite the recent decline, analysts expect the longer-term direction for crude oil prices to be upward, as a continued recovery in oil demand and failure by several OPEC members to boost output means that the oil market will remain tight for some time.

"The rally in crude oil took a breather after US crude stockpiles rose modestly... The pause in prices was also driven by reports the US is planning to accelerate the release of strategic reserves. However, this will be overshadowed by ongoing supply constrains globally," ANZ Research analysts said in a Jan 21 note.

"Crude may see as much volatility on the way down as it did on the way up. There's just too many short-term fundamental and geopolitical factors in the mix," Hari said. (Excerpt from S&P Global)

COVID: New Zealand PM Ardern cancels wedding amid Omicron wave

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ew Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has cancelled her wedding after announcing new COVID restrictions.

The entire country is set to be placed under the highest level of COVID restrictions after an outbreak of the Omicron variant.

The restrictions include a cap of 100 vaccinated people at events and mask wearing in shops and on public transport.

New Zealand has recorded 15,104 COVID cases and 52 deaths.

Ardern confirmed to reporters on Sunday that her wedding to television host Clarke Gayford would not be going ahead.

"I am no different to, dare

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced new restrictions for New Zealand

I say it, thousands of other New Zealanders who have had much more devastating impacts felt by the pandemic, the most gutting of which is the inability to be with a loved one sometimes when they are gravely ill," she said.

Muslimness a reason for my sacking, says ex-Minister Nusrat Ghani

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Muslim MP says her faith was raised by a government whip as a reason why she was sacked as a Minister in 2020.

According to the Sunday Times, Tory Nusrat Ghani said that when she asked for an explanation it was stated her "Muslimness was raised as an issue".

Conservative Chief Whip Mark Spencer said Ghani was referring to him and added her claims were completely false and he considered them defamatory.

No 10 said the PM had previously met with Ghani to discuss her concerns.

A spokesperson said Boris Johnson "then wrote to her expressing his serious concern and inviting her to begin a formal complaint process. She did not subsequently do so.

The Conservative Party

does not tolerate prejudice or discrimination of any kind".

In response, Ghani said Johnson "wrote to me that he could not get involved and suggested I use the internal Conservative Party complaint process".

She said she did not do this because it was "very clearly not appropriate for something that happened on Government business".

"I do not even know if the words that were conveyed to me about what was said in reshuffle meetings at Downing Street were by members of the Conservative Party," she added.

"All I have ever wanted was for his Government to take this seriously, investigate properly and ensure no other colleague has to endure this."

Ghani was appointed to a

Omicron ‘sub-variant’ throws up new virus questions

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cientists are keeping a close watch on a recently-discovered sub-variant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus to determine how its emergence could affect future pandemic spread.

The initial Omicron variant has become the dominant virus strain in recent months but British health authorities have notably identified hundreds of cases of the latest version, dubbed BA.2, while international data suggest it could spread relatively quickly.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified more than 400 cases in Britain in the first 10 days of this month and has indicated the latest variant has been detected in some 40 other countries, accounting for a majority of most re-

A Nepalese man reacts as a health worker collects a swab sample during a COVID-19 antigen test in Dakshinkali municipality, on the outskirts of Kathmandu [File: Narendra Shrestha/EPA]

cent cases in some nations including India, Denmark and Sweden.

The UKHSA indicated on Friday it had designated the BA.2 sub-lineage as a variant under investigation (VUI) as cases of it were on the increase even if, in

"That will far, far outstrip any sadness I experience," she added.

The new restrictions come into force at midnight on Sunday local time (11:00 GMT).

It comes after a cluster of nine Omicron cases were

confirmed.

Indoor hospitality venues and events will have their capacity capped to 100 vaccinated people or 25 if vaccine passes are not being used. This also includes gyms and weddings, the New Zealand Herald reports.

Students including year four and above will be required to wear masks in school.

New Zealand has operated under strict COVID rules since the start of the pandemic, allowing it to keep deaths to a minimum.

It was one of the first countries in the world to close its borders and quashed earlier outbreaks with lockdowns. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Britain, the BA.1 lineage currently remains dominant.

The authority underlined that “there is still uncertainty around the significance of the changes to the viral genome”, which required surveillance as,

in parallel, cases in recent days showed a sharp rise in BA.2 incidence notably in India and Denmark.

“What surprised us is the rapidity with which this sub-variant, which has been circulating to a great extent in Asia, has taken hold in Denmark,” French epidemiologist Antoine Flahault told the AFP news agency.

Scientists must evaluate how the virus continues to evolve and mutate. Its latest incarnation does not possess the specific mutation used to track and compare BA.1 with Delta, the previously dominant strain.

BA.2 has yet to be designated a variant of concern – but Flahault said countries have to be alert to the latest development as scientists ramp up surveillance.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

post at the Department for Transport in 2018, becoming the first female Muslim Minister to speak in the Commons.

She lost that job in a mini-reshuffle of Johnson's Government in February 2020. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Cameroon nightclub fire: More than a dozen dead in Yaounde blaze

A Policeman stands guard at the entrance to the Livs nightclub, where a deadly fire broke out in the Bastos district of Yaounde on January 23, 2022

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t least 16 people have been killed in a fire at a popular nightclub in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, the Government said.

The blaze was caused by fireworks used in the club, it said.

The fire engulfed the main room of Liv’s Night Club in the capital’s upmarket Bastos district, home to embassies and diplomat residences. Authorities said the fire spread to a place where cooking gas was being stored.

“We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded,” said Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi on Sunday.

“The tragedy, which was caused by explosions from the fireworks often used in these places, first consumed the building’s ceiling, resulting in two very loud explosions, causing panic and a stampede,” the

Communications Ministry said.

“There were loud explosions from six gas bottles, causing panic in the neighbourhood,” the Government statement said, adding that eight others were injured and taken to Yaounde’s Central Hospital.

A security guard present at the time of fire said “it happened very quickly”.

The incident comes as the country hosts thousands of football players, fans and match officials from across the continent for the monthlong African Football Cup of Nations tournament.

In a statement, Cameroon President Paul Biya called for calm and assured AFCON players and fans of their safety.

The championship, featuring teams from 24 countries, was originally scheduled for 2021 but then was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

You know what you want and how to get your way. Use your intelligence and ability to persuade others to see things from your point of view. Don't take an emotional or physical risk.

(March 21-April 19)

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

Take control and make necessary changes. You don’t need backup or an entourage. Peace of mind comes from doing what’s right and best for you. Follow your heart and make your dreams come true.

Your vision will be on target, and your dreams are closer than you think.

Dedication and discipline will help you stay focused on what's important and ward off any interference.

(May 21-June 20) Be careful what you share with others. Someone will take advantage of you if you put yourself in a vulnerable position. Keep your secrets to yourself and focus on exploring new interests.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Team up with someone who brings out the best in you. Discuss your ideas and work through any discrepancies before you proceed. A contract looks promising. Try to get on the same page as a partner.

Make alterations that encourage productivity. A pleasing workspace will give you the push you need to be creative.

Raising the bar will encourage others to try harder. Be a team player.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Pursue what makes you feel passionate. Don't hang back in hopes that someone will do the tedious work for you.

Doing your fair share will lead to success. Be a leader, not a follower.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Emotions will surface if a disagreement unfolds. Recognize all sides of a situation and keep the peace. Make subtle changes that don't affect others. A positive change at home will add to your comfort.

You'll dazzle someone who can influence your position. Consider what you want to do and update your qualifications and resume to suit your needs.

Don't oversell yourself.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Look past what's right in front of you, and you'll see the big picture and know exactly how to handle confusing or unorthodox situations. An unexpected gesture will take someone by surprise.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don't tangle with someone unpredictable. Watch from a distance, and you'll learn what not to do when confusion and uncertainty are prevalent.

Wisdom comes with experience.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pay attention to the reactions you get from others. Adjust to accommodate those who aren't happy with what's happening. Do what's best for the majority and be ready to compromise.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

21

South Africa vs India: 3rd ODI…

South Africa make it 3-0 clean sweep

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hree-nil, and job well and truly done for South Africa.

Their clean sweep over India in the ODIs was completed on the back of a chanceless century from Quinton de Kock and a chancy but classy halfcentury from Rassie van der Dussen, which carried the hosts to 287 despite a late collapse of 7 for 73.

Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli then set up India's chase with fifties, but neither could convert his score into a big one. And though No. 7, Deepak Chahar, threatened to flip the script with a barrage of boundaries in a knock of 54 off 34 balls - his second successive fifty in ODI cricket - South Africa's seamers held their nerve and closed out the match.

Dwaine Pretorius, picked in place of left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, was tasked with defending five off the last over, with India's last-wicket pair of Yuzvendra Chahal and Prasidh Krishna in the middle. After Prasidh pinched a single first ball, Chahal went for the glory hit, and spliced a catch to cover-point, India losing by four runs with four balls unused in their chase.

Chahar had entered in the 38th over - at the fall of Shreyas Iyer's wicket - with India still needing 93 off 77 balls. Two overs later, Suryakumar Yadav spooned a leading edge to midoff, and Jayant Yadav holed out soon after, but Chahar gave India enough reason to hope.

Chahar has opened the batting for his state team Rajasthan in India's domestic 20-over tournament, the Syed

Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and is rated highly for his batting by his Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming. At the Premadasa Stadium in July last year, he pulled off a heist from No. 8, helping India overhaul Sri Lanka's 275.

At various points on Sunday, Chahar looked like he could pull off another heist. After being on 20 off 17 balls, he sized up Pretorius's cutters and walloped him for back-to-back sixes. When Lungi Ngidi missed his yorkers, Chahar carved him for back-toback fours. He notched up a 31ball fifty; but just when the target was seemingly within India's grasp, he was undone by Ngidi's cutter in the 48th over.

India needed ten off 17 balls at that point, but they blew it under pressure.

That India made a decent fist of the chase was also down to a 98-run partnership between Dhawan and Kohli. Dhawan had a rickety start, failing to latch onto three full tosses from Pretorius in his first over, but found a way to manufacture scoring opportunities by taking regular trips down the pitch.

He stepped out to slam Pretorius for six over mid-on, and went on to score 24 off 25 balls from the seamer.

Kohli, too, stepped out or across his stumps to inject more urgency into the innings.

However, once the ball grew older, the likes of Sisanda Magala and Andile Phehlukwayo regularly took the pace off the ball and exploited the Newlands track. So, Kohli cut out risks, and accumulated his way to 65 off 83

balls.

Left-arm finger-spinner Keshav Maharaj, the most economical bowler on the day, then got a dart to hold up in the pitch, and coax a leading edge from Kohli that was pouched by Temba Bavuma running back from cover-point.

Iyer flickered briefly, as did Suryakumar, but Chahar caught fire at the end. However, South Africa's seamers eventually extinguished India. Phehlukwayo had a major role in India's slide, snagging both Dhawan and Rishabh Pant (a first-ball duck) in his second over. He returned to have Jasprit Bumrah caught by Bavuma in the penultimate over.

With the series already conceded and no Super League points up for grabs, India had started the day well, taking two wickets in the powerplay, but de Kock was his breezy self, claiming 34 of the 53 the hosts had scored in the first ten overs. By the time de Kock had got to his fifty in the 18th over, South Africa were 93 for 3.

Jayant, playing his second ODI in place of R Ashwin, found biting turn and bounce to challenge South Africa. de Kock, however, messed with the off-spinner's length - and head - by launching a six over his head and reversesweeping a four past slip. van der Dussen, too, got into the act when he cracked Jayant to the right of point for four and then shovelled Chahal's wrong 'un past mid-on for another four.

Prasidh, in particular, peppered van der Dussen with short balls in the lower 140 kph range, but he survived that burst and then

attacked the spinners.

The absence of Venkatesh Iyer meant India had only five bowling options, and the everlurking presence of both de Kock and van der Dussen left them scrambling for a sixth bowler. So, Shreyas came on to bowl some spin in the 31st over, and ended up leaking 21 runs in three overs filled with loose balls.

After spending six balls on 99, de Kock reached his 17th ODI ton - and sixth against India - with a drive off Shreyas. Among wicketkeeper-batters, only Kumar Sangakkara (23) has more ODI hundreds than de Kock. de Kock threatened to hit full-tilt when he took Chahal for back-to-back fours in the 35th over, but Bumrah returned to the attack in the next over and had him holing out for 124 off 130 balls. It snapped a 144-run fourth-wicket partnership that came at the rate of over six an over. The stand could've been cut short much earlier had Pant, the wicketkeeper, not dropped van der Dussen twice - when he was first on 12, and then on 48.

It needed a spectacular sliding catch from Shreyas at deep midwicket for India to finally remove van der Dussen for 52 off 59 balls. It was the first time that India had dismissed van der Dussen - after 288 balls since the first innings of the third Test at this venue.

Shreyas was also involved in the run-out of Phelukwayo (4), which added to the flurry of late wickets. It didn't cost South Africa in the end, as they capped their home summer with a dramatic victory. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Quinton de Kock †c Dhawan b Bumrah 124 Janneman Malan c †Pant b Chahar 1 Temba Bavuma (c) run out (Rahul) 8 Aiden Markram c sub (RD Gaikwad) b Chahar 15 Rassie van der Dussen c Iyer b Chahal 52 David Miller c Kohli b Prasidh Krishna 39 Andile Phehlukwayo run out (Iyer/†Pant) 4 Dwaine Pretorius c SA Yadav b Prasidh Krishna 20 Keshav Maharaj c Kohli b Bumrah 6 Sisanda Magala c Rahul b Prasidh Krishna 0 Lungi Ngidi not out 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 3, w 13) 18 TOTAL (49.5 Ov, RR: 5.75) 287 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Janneman Malan, 2.1 ov), 2-34 (Temba Bavuma, 6.3 ov), 3-70 (Aiden Markram, 12.2 ov), 4-214 (Quinton de Kock, 35.4 ov), 5-218 (Rassie van der Dussen, 36.5 ov), 6-228 (Andile Phehlukwayo, 40.1 ov), 7-272 (Dwaine Pretorius, 47.2 ov), 8-282 (Keshav Maharaj, 48.5 ov), 9-287 (David Miller, 49.3 ov), 10287 (Sisanda Magala, 49.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Deepak Chahar 8-0-53-2 Jasprit Bumrah 10-0-52-2 Prasidh Krishna 9.5-0-59-3 Jayant Yadav 10-0-53-0 Yuzvendra Chahal 9-0-47-1 Shreyas Iyer 3-0-21-0

INDIA INNINGS (TARGET: 288 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) KL Rahul (c)c Malan b Ngidi 9 Shikhar Dhawan c †de Kock b Phehlukwayo 61 Virat Kohli c Bavuma b Maharaj 65 Rishabh Pant †c Magala b Phehlukwayo 0 Shreyas Iyer c Phehlukwayo b Magala 26 Suryakumar Yadav c Bavuma b Pretorius 39 Deepak Chahar c Pretorius b Ngidi 54 Jayant Yadav c Bavuma b Ngidi 2 Jasprit Bumrah c Bavuma b Phehlukwayo 12 Yuzvendra Chahal c Miller b Pretorius 2 Prasidh Krishna not out 2 Extras (lb 2, nb 2, w 7) 11 TOTAL (49.2 Ov, RR: 5.73) 283 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (KL Rahul, 4.1 ov), 2-116 (Shikhar Dhawan, 22.2 ov), 3-118 (Rishabh Pant, 22.6 ov), 4-156 (Virat Kohli, 31.4 ov), 5-195 (Shreyas Iyer, 37.1 ov), 6-210 (Suryakumar Yadav, 39.5 ov), 7-223 (Jayant Yadav, 42.1 ov), 8-278 (Deepak Chahar, 47.1 ov), 9-281 (Jasprit Bumrah, 48.3 ov), 10-283 (Yuzvendra Chahal, 49.2 ov) BOWLING

O-M-R-W Lungi Ngidi 10-0-58-3 Dwaine Pretorius 9.2-0-54-2 Sisanda Magala 10-0-69-1 Keshav Maharaj 10-0-39-1 Andile Phehlukwayo 7-0-40-3 Aiden Markram 3-0-21-0

Are Cave, D’Anjou ready for the octagon in Abu Dhabi? …Guyanese pair looking forward to historic fight at the IMMAF World Championships

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fter months of preparation, it’s now time for Corwin D’Anjou and Ijaz Cave to show their worth against some of the world’s best fighters when they step into the octagon today at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships.

Following yesterday’s tournament draw at the Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel in Abu Dhabi, D’Anjou will come up against Ireland’s Adam McEnroe in the first round of the Men’s Welterweight (77.1kg) division, while Cave got a ‘bye’ to the Round-of-16 in the Men’s Light Heavyweight (93kg) category.

Hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and in partnership with Palms Sports, the senior and junior national tournaments will take place at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Zayed Sports City, near UFC Fight Island (Yas Island).

Unlike Cave, D’Anjou is no stranger to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), having had five fights prior to today’s event,

Ijaz Cave

but he admitted that nothing would compare to the World Championships.

D’Anjou tasted defeat once in his fight outings, winning four fights via submission, while his opponent, McEnroe, picked up two losses in his six fights.

“I’m not taking anyone for granted,” D’Anjou has said. “I watched a couple of his fights, and I’ll be working with coach on executing whatever plans we

come up with, and taking things one fight at a time.”

The well-known judoka spoke profoundly of his eagerness to step into the octagon, but more so about launching his international MMA career.

“This is something I’ve been waiting on, and with my sensei, I have been working very hard to do myself, family and country proud,” D’Anjou has said.

Meanwhile Cave, while being

known for his exploits in the ring as a boxer, is looking forward to the competition.

A Lance Corporal in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Cave has said that while having a bye is good, he’s remaining focused on the fight ahead.

“This has been an amazing journey for me so far. I want to thank the GYMMA for this opportunity. I also want to thank my family and my superiors in the Guyana Police Force for the support so far. I am just going to remain focused and confident; listen to coach, and stick to our plan. I am here to win and do well for my country,” the humble Policeman has said.

Following an unavoidable 24hr delay in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana's Mixed Martial Arts team arrived in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Capital on Saturday, ahead of today’s start of the IMMAF marquee tournament, which will conclude on January 29.

Coach, renowned judo/JiuJitsu sensei Bruce Fraser, has expressed his optimism in the

Corwin D’Anjou

duo’s upcoming bout, while pointing to how hard they have worked to be ready for the competition.

“The guys were working hard over the last five months, covering all the aspects of training before coming here (to Abu Dhabi). It has indeed been a privilege to be here, and I just hope we do well,” the usually candid Coach Fraser has said.

Guyana is making its

debut at the IMMAF World Championships despite the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMA) being in its infant stage of existence, and Fraser is hopeful that it is just the start of an amazing journey for the sport in the Land of Many Waters.

(By Rawle Toney in Abu Dhabi, (compliments: Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation/ National Sports Commission)

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MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Van Lange storms to U19 singles title

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Jonathan Van Lange is the U19 boys' winner

ction in the National Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships concluded at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the likes of Colin Wong, Jasmine

won Jasmine Billingy

Billingy and Jonathan Van Lange winning

Colin Wong fended off Ebo Mc Neil to win the U15 boys' title

in their respective categories.

Heading into the final day, all players were aiming to bring their best versions of the game to the tournament. They

5 girls' titles

the U19 and U1

h a d their game faces on, and only the best-of-the-best would

emerge victorious.

In fact, the most anticipated matchup saw the under-19 boys in battle, with names such as Jonathan Van Lange, Niran Bissu, Isaiah Layne and Krystian Sahadeo participating.

This category was an absolute thriller. In the semifinal matches, Van Lange dominated Isaiah Layne 4-0, which gave him a boost of confidence, as he booked his spot in the finale. Bissu, on the other hand, duked it out with Sahadeo, who managed to win two games but still lost as Bissu booked his spot at 4-2.

The grand finale was a back-and-forth affair, with both players using every serve in the book to their advantage.

Every trick and every strategy was employed as they laid it all on the line.

However, it was Van Lange who added another title to his name, as he copped the Under- 19 prize 4-1 (11-5, 12-

St Cuthbert’s Secondary receives table tennis gear

14, 11-7, 12-10, 11-9).

Despite the scores, Bissu challenged Van Lange and made him work hard for his victory.

The Under-15 girls’ tournament saw Jasmine Billingy, Samara Sukhai and Akira Watson battling for the crown.

This matchup was played in a round-robin format, as per rules.

Billingy was challenged

by Sukhai, but in the end Billingy pocketed 8 points, while Sukhai settled for second on 7 points.

Billingy then grabbed her second title, as, on Saturday, she added mixed doubles winner to her name alongside Jonathan Van Lange.

But little did the young talent Billingy know there was a third title on the horizon for her. Her next battle came in the form of Thuraia Thomas, who was not a walkover in the 19-yearsand- under women’s category.

In their semifinal showdown, Thomas brushed off Crystal Melville while Billingy edged out Sukhai once again.

The young women were in it to win it, thus the in-form Billingy decimated Thomas, winning all three of her

games, but not before Thomas gave Billingy a run for her money. The scores at the end of her 3-0 win were 11-8, 11-8 and 11-9.

The next

arena, Colin Wong emerged the last man standing as he won all three of his games 3-0.

Wong was able to take round one 11-7. He then returned to dominate the second game 11-4, and

Despite n ot winnin did not win g her U15 battle, T huraia Th her battle omas , showed great figh t

encounter saw Colin Wong and Ebo McNeil fighting for the 15-years-and-under boy’s title. In both players’ semifinal bout, they made light work of their opponents, as McNeil fended off Darius Daniel while Wong defeated Malachi Moore. When the young men entered the battle

despite McNeil applying some pressure, Wong prevailed and won the third round 11-8.

The action will continue next weekend when the U21 C and B class will be in action; and the following week will see the Seniors in action.

Andrew Simmons called up for duty with the Golden Jaguars

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DCEO-AHED Marti DeSouza speaking to some of the students

he Ministry of Education on Friday handed over two complete table tennis sets to St Cuthbert’s Secondary School.

Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian Hinterland Education Development (DCEO-AHED), Marti DeSouza, has said this is in keeping with the MoE’s vision to produce rounded students. He added that it would also enhance the school’s Caribbean Secondary

Examination Certificate (CSEC) Physical Education programme.

“It is a little gesture of where we want to be heading in terms of sports development and producing well-rounded individuals, not just in academics,” he said.

He has encouraged the students to get involved in the sport of table tennis.

This is part of a larger programme which would see secondary schools across the

hinterland being given access to sporting equipment.

Headteacher of St Cuthbert’s Secondary School, Janice Williams, has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for the timely donation.

The equipment is part of the second tranche of 50 table tennis tables from the People’s Republic of China, donated to Guyana through the Embassy in Guyana, and is aimed at promoting the sport in schools. (DPI)

ndrew Simmons, a prolific forward of Rivers View Football Club, has started training with the Guyana men's national football team - The Golden Jaguars.

The 20-year-old, who hails from the community of Agatash in Bartica, was spotted by scouts of the GFF's national programme during the recent GFFKashif & Shanghai Super 16 Tournament, wherein he represented the Bartica AllStar Team.

More popularly known as "Papa", Simmons has a knack for scoring goals, having the ability to shoot with both feet.

The Bartica Football Association congratulates Simmons on his call to the National Squad, and wishes him every success in his endeavours on and off the field.

Andrew Simmons

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

West Indies vs England T20I series, 2nd match…

Moeen Ali claimed 3-24 and scored 31 in a player-of-the-match effort

By Brandon Corlette in Barbados

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keal Hosein and Romario Shepherd displayed great fight and determination at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, but England rebounded with a onerun win of the second match in the T20I series on Sunday night.

In a match that produced 18 sixes, England scored 171-8 in 20 overs, while West Indies reached 170-8 in 20 overs, with Hosein slamming three sixes off the final three balls, as he and Shepherd shared a top-score of 44 not out.

West Indies began their chase of 172 wobbling after the loss of Shai Hope and Brandon King. Reece Topley, who was the lone change in this match, made an immediate impact as he removed King, trapped at the crease for a golden duck.

Hope then ran himself out at 6-2, but Pooran and Darren Bravo joined forces. Pooran lived a charmed life early, when he was dropped on six and eight respectively by Dawson, then Morgan. The southpaw Pooran slammed three fours and one mighty six before his promising knock of 24 ended from 22 balls.

After that 41-run partnership, Pollard partnered young Bravo at 47-3 inside eight overs.

West Indies then slipped further when Pollard was trapped cheaply by Adil Rashid at 50-4 in 8.3 overs.

Bravo was the next man dismissed at 55-5, as his innings of 23 from 20 lacked intent.

England continued to chip away with wickets, with Holder and Odean Smith

removed in the same over by Ali.

Shepherd, Hosein six-party At 65-7, the Party Stand, which is dominated by English

28-ball unbeaten 44. His partner Hosein faced only 16 balls for his 44, which had four sixes and three fours. The duo featured in a record-breaking 72-run partnership, the second highest ninth-wicket partnership in T20 cricket.

While the second ball of the final over looked like a wide, the bowler got the benefit of the doubt. Saqib Mahmood yielded 27 runs in the final over, but England still ended on the winning side. Player of the match Ali was the pick of the English bowlers with 3-24 in four top overs.

England’s improved batting England had a sober start in the second T20, with Tom Banton and Jason Roy adding 36

Jason Roy top-scored for England (Getty Images)

Pollard for a 24-ball 31 which included three fours and one six.

As the sun set at the beautiful Kensington Oval, Sam Billings was Jason Holder came to the fore with the ball again

Romario Shepherd struck 44

runs together in 5.2 overs. The duo displayed some innovation, especially against Fabian Allen, who was struck for three reverse sweeps. Allen rebounded with finesse, taking a sharp return catch to see the back of Banton, who made 25

Indies were looking to make further inroads and take the pace off the ball.

In the middle phase of the England innings, the West Indies were a bit more relaxed in the field, with Darren Bravo misjudging a high-ball and Pooran dropping a sitter, with Moeen Ali on 13 off Pollard, leaving England on 64-2 after 10 overs.

Roy, who had a scratchy start, took Allen to the cleaners in a 24-run over after the drinks break. The pugnacious Roy, who warmed up before this series with a blazing century at the Oval, struck a 95-metre six off Allen, who ended with figures of 2-50 from four overs.

Ali and Roy hit overdrive and got the 50-run partnership in 36 balls. Romario Shepherd was belatedly introduced into the attack, and after a streaky boundary, he removed Roy with a slower ball which found Pollard at long-on. The dangerous Roy made 45 from 31 balls, missing out on his eighth fifty.

from 18 balls.

His innings got the dominant English spectators on their feet when he struck three fours and one six.

James Vince came and played

At 101-3 in 12.2 overs, Billings joined Ali, but the latter continued the England series trend of hitting a six and then being dismissed. Ali sliced one to short third-man off the tricky

Guyanese travelled to watch the exciting series (Brandon Corlette fan photos)

fans, kept dancing to the tunes.

Shepherd got the handful of Guyanese

a delightful cut-shot, but was then squared-up and bowled in the same eventful over by Allen.

At 40-2 after the powerplay, West

present at the Oval in the groove by slamming mighty sixes to all parts.

Shepherd slammed five sixes and one four in his

Compliments of:

undone by the impressive Hosein as he attempted to sweep, and Eoin Morgan found King in the deep off Holder at 146-7.

It was again hometown boy

Chris Jordan who with the bat put on another show for his family in the stands.

His brave innings concluded when he found Holder at long-off for a 15-ball 27, which had two fours and one six.

England’s performance has improved in this second match, their innings ending on 171-8 in 20 overs. Holder ended with 2-25 from four overs, once again being the pick of the bowlers, while Odean Smith did not bowl a ball in this match.

The third T20I bowls off at the same venue on Wednesday, January 26, from 16:00h Eastern Caribbean time.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND INNINGS Jason Roy c Pollard b Shepherd 45 Tom Banton c & b Allen 25 James Vince b Allen 4 Moeen Ali c Cottrell b Pollard 31 Sam Billings †c Cottrell b Hosein 5 Eoin Morgan (c)c King b Holder 13 Chris Jordan c Holder b Cottrell 27 Liam Dawson c Allen b Holder 4 Adil Rashid not out 2 Saqib Mahmood not out 7 Extras (w 8) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.55) 171/8 Did not bat: Reece Topley Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Tom Banton, 5.2 ov), 2-40 (James Vince, 5.6 ov), 3-101 (Jason Roy, 12.2 ov), 4-114 (Moeen Ali, 13.5 ov), 5-116 (Sam Billings, 14.3 ov), 6-147 (Eoin Morgan, 17.4 ov), 7-162 (Chris Jordan, 18.4 ov), 8-164 (Liam Dawson, 19.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheldon Cottrell 3-0-23-1 Jason Holder 4-0-25-2 Akeal Hosein 3-0-15-1 Fabian Allen 4-0-50-2 Kieron Pollard 4-0-32-1 Romario Shepherd 2-0-26-1

WEST INDIES INNINGS (TARGET: 172 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Brandon King lbw b Topley 0 Shai Hope †run out (Topley) 2 Nicholas Pooran c Vince b Ali 24 Darren Bravo lbw b Rashid 23 Kieron Pollard (c) lbw b Rashid 1 Jason Holder c & b Ali 1 Romario Shepherd not out 44 Odean Smith c Vince b Ali 7 Fabian Allen c Banton b Jordan 12 Akeal Hosein not out 44 Extras (b 4, lb 3, w 5) 12 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.50) 170/8 Did not bat: Sheldon Cottrell Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Brandon King, 0.2 ov), 2-6 (Shai Hope, 2.3 ov), 3-47 (Nicholas Pooran, 7.3 ov), 4-50 (Kieron Pollard, 8.3 ov), 5-55 (Darren Bravo, 10.1 ov), 6-57 (Jason Holder, 11.1 ov), 7-65 (Odean Smith, 11.5 ov), 8-98 (Fabian Allen, 15.1 ov) BOWLING

O-M-R-W Reece Topley 4-0-18-1 Saqib Mahmood 4-0-45-0 Chris Jordan 3-0-39-1 Adil Rashid 4-1-24-2 Moeen Ali 4-0-24-3 Liam Dawson 1-0-13-0

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022

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

West Indies vs England T20I series, 2nd match…

Pg 22

Page 23

Van Lange storms to U19 singles title

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