Guyana Times - Monday November 22, 2021

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

Issue No. 4839

500 house lots up for grabs as Govt takes "Dream Realised" to Lethem

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

No tapping into Guyana’s US$534M oil fund just yet See story on page 7

– National Resource Act must be insulated from political expediency

Over 3000 Guyanese students commence online Indian scholarships

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyanese man shot dead after attacking P7 Policeman in Suriname AG, UK envoy discuss legal reforms, other issues P9

Page 12

Venezuelan migrants in Reg 1

No cases of children suffering from starvation, 4 hospitalised with other illnesses – Dr Persaud Page 13

…says Govt continues to monitor situation

Courts NA store burglarised, 3 arrested with stolen items P13

Vagrant stabbed to death during argument P2

Potarinau P12 residents benefit from $8.5M water system – to provide potable water to 98% of community

Paediatrician Dr Neil Samwaroo examining a young child at Anabisi, Port Kaituma in the North West District (NWD), Region One in the presence of Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who is also a medical doctor

Death toll jumps to 976 with 4 more COVID fatalities Page 11

...52 new cases detected in 24h

Quality of service is important to transformation of Guyana – Dr Singh

Page 3

...says launch of Whirlpool distributor here will provide world-class services

Electronics the leading category of complaints – Consumer Affairs Commission P15 – lauds company for 1-year warranty, other consumer-friendly policies

2 NEWS Police Officers being questioned in relation to inferno at Eve Leary – Fire Chief R MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

anks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who occupied the living quarters at Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown, are now being questioned in relation to the massive fire that destroyed the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) office on Saturday.

This was confirmed by Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo on Sunday.

“These are Police ranks who were staying in the barrack room, the living quarters upstairs. Those are the persons who are being questioned in relation to the fire,” he said. When asked if the origin of the fire has been determined, Edoo said investigations are still ongoing to determine the origin.

“Investigations are still ongoing within the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and the Guyana Police Force (GPF)… within a week or so you will get a full update as to every-

Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo

thing surrounding the fire.”

The blaze on Saturday destroyed the Police Force’s Office for Professional Responsibility (OPR) and there was minimal damage to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

It is still unclear if a temporary building will be used

for the DPP but according to Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, the files are being safely stored at the Police Training Centre at Eve Leary.

The GFS said they received a call at 13:50h alerting to a fire at the location.

Water Tenders from the

A section of the building after the fire on Saturday

Central, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt and Campbellville Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The fire is reported to have begun on the top floor of the western side of the building, in an area that is used as the living quarters for ranks of the GPF. It subsequently

spread to other parts of the building due to the age and combustibility of the structure and its contents.

As a result of the fire, the entire living quarters, the OPR, the Construction Department, and Stores were completely destroyed, while the Office of the Department

of Public Prosecutions suffered minor water damage.

A vendor who was not too far away from where the fire started, told Guyana Times that they heard loud explosions coming from the building, and sometime later, smoke was seen emanating from the OPR’s building.

Vagrant stabbed to death during argument

A

vagrant lost his life on Saturday evening after he was stabbed to death by another vagrant, Police stated.

The unidentified man who has no fixed place of abode was reportedly stabbed on Longden and Commerce Streets, Georgetown. The incident occurred at around 19:30h. Based on reports received, the unidentifiable victim appears to be between

35 and 40 years old.

Guyana Times understands that the now dead

man and the suspect were engaged in a heated argument which led to the suspect dealing the victim several stabs to his body with a pointed object.

As a result, the victim collapsed to the ground while the suspect made good his escape.

An alarm was raised and as persons flocked the scene, the vagrant was found with his intestines protruding and in a pool of blood.

Members of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from Central Fire Station Ambulance Service were summoned to the scene, and the man was pronounced dead on the spot.

He was later escorted to the Memorial Gardens mortuary for positive identification. Checks were made to locate the suspect, but all efforts proved futile. An investigation is ongoing.

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, Nov 22 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, Nov 23 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Nov 22 – 06:00h – 07:30h and Tuesday, Nov 23 – 06:30h – 08:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Winds: West South-Westerly to Westerly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 17:57h reaching a maximum height of 2.59 metres.

Low Tide: 23:33h reaching a minimum height of 0.77 metre.

Quality of service is important to transformation of Guyana – Dr Singh — says launch of Whirlpool distributor here will bring world-class services

A

s Guyana moves towards unprecedented development, the need for world-class and improved quality of services in both the private and public sectors is vital to run in tandem with the economical transformation of the country.

This is according to Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, at the launch of Bpi Guyana Inc as the sole authorised distributor for Whirlpool appliances in Guyana at Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday.

Dr Singh said he attaches great significance to such events especially in the context of the Government’s as-

in a tangible way such as with road and bridges, new buildings and other visible improvements, Singh pointed out that while all of these things are critical aspects of a country’s development, things such as high quality of services are equally important.

To this end, Minister Singh outlined that there is a lot of work that can be done and should be done in order to raise the quality of services so that not just Guyanese but also visitors to Guyana can enjoy a “true world-class experience” while conducting business here.

“I’ve said to people that I don’t want the average visitor to Guyana to land at a fantas-

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

quality service… The same would apply to the services enjoyed in their interaction with private companies. And so, to us as a Government, quality of service is an extremely important part of the

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$78.89/barrel

-2.98

Rough Rice

$262.89/ton

+0.08

London Sugar

$512.60/ton

-0.77

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1845.30

$1846.30

Low/High Change

$1838.10 +0.30

$1849.50 +0.02%

Local company Bpi Guyana Inc, has acquired full authorised distributorship for all Whirlpool products in Guyana

piration to transform Guyana into a modern and prosperous country. But while transformation is most often viewed

tic airport, drive on a fantastic road, stay at a fantastic hotel but then visit a Government agency and have stone-age

transformation that is underway and we are working hard to address the deficits that we

know exist in quality of service on the public sector side, on the Government’s side,” he posited.

According to Dr Singh, the enjoyment of world-class services particularly for internationally-branded products like Whirlpool is critical to any economic transformation.

On this note, he lauded Bpi’s acquisition of full authorised distributorship for a major international brand such as Whirlpool as significant. The Minister added that this significance must not be underestimated as it paves the way for local consumers to benefit from international standards and services, such as the manufacturer’s warranty and after-sales service.

“Exactly like our friends and relatives in the United States of America would complete their warranty form when they buy their appliance and they will enjoy full coverage for the same one-year period…that must be enjoyed by Guyanese customers and the fact that Guyanese customers will now enjoy that I think is a very significant step and one that pleases me very significantly,” Dr Singh stated.

TURN TO PAGE 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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

D

Democratic imperatives

emocracy, like most value concepts, can only be appreciated within its historical context and development. Our political institutions were directly imposed on Guyana by the European colonial powers, first the Dutch and then Britain. In the latter, the development of democracy was coeval with the development of Liberalism, and for most Britishers the two were coterminous. They are not and the famous distinction by FA Hayek is apropos: “Liberalism is concerned with the functions of government and particularly with the limitation of all its powers.

“Democracy is concerned with the question of who is to direct government. Liberalism requires that all power, and therefore also that of the majority, be limited. Democracy came to regard current majority opinion as the only criterion of the legitimacy of the powers of government.”

As we debate the form and substance of our democracy, it would do us well to keep in mind the distinction between “democracy” and “liberalism”.

In Britain, Thomas Hobbes, theorising in the chaos of the English Civil War contesting the absolute monarchy that included the beheading of a king, proposed that men emerged from a “state of nature”, where there is no power or state to enforce rules, and life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. He posited a social contract in which men give up some of their rights to a powerful central authority that ensured that the peace is kept. While Hobbes emphasised the liberty of individuals, and the need for social and political order for that liberty to be meaningful, he posited that an all-powerful State was necessary to achieve this. Our elected post-Burnhamite dictatorship State sadly was not allowed this leeway.

However, while in the older British tradition, the freedom of the individual in the sense of protection by law against all arbitrary coercion was the chief value, in the Continental tradition the demand for the self-determination of each group concerning its form of government occupied the highest place. Guyana and its six peoples” have been caught between these two Imperatives. In Britain and its colonies, two questions were posed when the issue of democracy in the context of political participation arose – who were “the people” and once selected, how were “the people” to rule?

A problem arose when the country incorporated “culturally plural societies”. JS Mill, for instance, speaking from a Britain sure of its “British” national identity, could pronounce with finality that the free institutions of democracy were “next to impossible in a country made up of different nationalities. There are undoubtedly countless issues that the institutionalisation of democracy will pose for Guyana; but the most important one will be to deal directly with the implications of the ethnic divisions in the society to answer the question, who are “the people” who would govern?

On the second question, how are “the people” to rule, as explained above, the classical Greeks tried “direct democracy”, where, facilitated by their small numbers, every citizen could vote on every issue in one gathering.

If more than fifty per cent of the citizens voted for one particular position, then that became the position of “the people”. Majoritarian politics was born. This direct method of voting had to be later abandoned in favour of “representative democracy” due to the larger number of citizens and their wider geographical dispersion. The representatives were supposed to “re-present” those who elected them.

A further innovation was introduced by the British, to accommodate local sensitivities and ensure that the residents of “counties” could be ensured of their own representatives. This was the procedural basis of the “Westminster” system of democracy where several candidates compete within a constituency for a seat to Parliament and one of them could win with a plurality of the votes cast – First Past the Post (FPTP). In Guyana, however, the departing British imposed the Proportional Representation (PR) model of elections and we have been caught in its contradictions ever since. After 2000, we altered our system to combine PR with a nod to constituency demands. Maybe it is time to revisit this arrangement.

First Son Zayd Ali playing with the Lego toys during the opening of the Simextra’s Lego Airport Store at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Friday. Lego bricks and toys help children to develop their motor and cognitive skills

Government must take action on subletting of leased lands

Dear Editor, Over the years I have been writing pertaining to the same in Guyana and I will clearly say that in Region Five subletting of Government-leased land is a profitable business over the years for some land lease owners.

In 2016, I wrote about the same and also had a conversation with the then Minister of Agriculture but nothing was done to stop this nonsense that is happening in subletting of leased lands by the legal lease owners.

In Region Five, thousands of acres of land are being given by the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) through legal leases to persons who claim to be or want to be rice farmers.

Farmers who are planting rice and want to expand would normally apply to MMA-ADA for more land through the legal way which is by lease and sometimes they are being told lands are not available.

I must thank MMA-ADA for ensuring that lands are being given through legal means so that rice farmers can continue to make our region proud and be the best and most productive rice-producing region in Guyana. Lands are also being given through lease to cattle farmers by MMA-ADA, so that those large cattle farmers can have their cattle away from the housing areas and farmlands.

I also know that many are also very concerned when the “real rice farmers” are cry-

ing out for developmental works to be done in the areas for better access dams, drainage and irrigation. Many of us will join with those very “real rice farmers” to echo their calls for development, but little do we know is that those very farmers are subletting Government-leased lands from the legal lessees. (I won’t blame the farmers for doing such because they want to invest more into the sector).

There are scores of persons who have tens of acres of farmlands through the legal means of a lease from MMA-ADA and are in the business of subletting those lands to the “real rice farmers ‘’. Many of those very lease landowners are also in the US and making money off those very lands that they are subletting to others.

We all know that subletting of Government-leased land is “illegal” and MMAADA makes it clear before handing those leases to the applicants. So they are very much aware that when they sublet those lands it’s “illegal business” they are into, but they don’t care because they are making more money per acre on rental fees than MMAADA. The lessee of those leased lands would charge\rent to the farmers for somewhere around $15,000 to $20,000 per acre of rice land. While MMAADA charges $7500 per acre of rice lands (present fee charge per acre). Under the APNU (PNC) Government that very land was subletting\renting around $25,000 to $35,000

per acre because Noel Holder found it wise to raise the land rental fee to $15,000 per acre.

I won’t say why he had to ensure it was raised, but I believe it has a lot to do with the subletting business.

Guyanese brothers and sisters, those very legal lease landowners that are subletting and collecting the high rental fees are the ones that I believe are not paying MMAADA their lease land rental fees per acre. I am very much saying this because I know that if the management of MMA-ADA goes public on who are the persons in arrears to the authority, you will hear “well I am not planting lands anymore, my uncle or friend planting it for me”, “my son or grandchildren planting the lands”, etc.

Those legal land lease owners are the ones that are making the “real rice farmers” face the hardship at times especially when infrastructural works have to be done so that farmers can have better access to their farmlands.

Recently, in Region Two I saw farmers were protesting against the legal owner of the rice lands they are renting and saying a lot of negative things about the owner of those lands. But the owner came out and made it clear that the legal lease owners are subletting his lands and making thousands more than what he charges them to lease his lands and yet they don’t want to pay their legal land charges.

So, those legal lease land

owners are not only taking advantage of the Government by subletting the lease land at a higher rate but also taking the said advantage on private land owners that are renting\ leasing lands to farmers.

Most of us should know that it is clear that once you are the legal lease owner of farm land that is given by MMA-ADA and you sublet, it’s “illegal”, therefore the entity can withdraw those very lands from the original lease land owners because they went beyond and breached the legal agreement.

With much to do in developing the MMA-ADA at this time because nothing was done under the previous Government to improve the dams, drainage or irrigation in the scheme, those legal land lease owners need to pay their dues.

I am calling on the Minister of Agriculture Hon Zulfikar Mustapha MP, the Board of Directors and the management of MMA-ADA to take quick action against those that are subletting lands and moreover to take it away from them and give it to the farmers that are presently planting the land.

Don’t only take it away from those that are subletting but ensure they pay all of their dues owed to MMA-ADA because over the years they were in the subletting business and making monies but they did not want to fulfil their obligations to the entity by paying their fees.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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

7% salary increase is no comparison to what our Government has done for our nation Dear Editor, Shortly After Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh announced a seven per cent salary increase for public servants on Thursday, the Opposition APNU/ AFC followers and unions took offence to the announcement and immediately began to bambang the PPP/C Across the board salary increases were the first granted to public servants since the PPP/C came to Government in August 2020 and at no point was a 50 per cent increase promised by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the run-up to the March 2020 elections.

At no point in time, was there a 50 per cent increase in salaries promised to the public sector Our PPP/C Government is committed to this nation

and will continue to honour every promise made to the Guyanese people in its party’s manifesto between 2020-2025.

The APNU/AFC has maliciously continued to spread propaganda in an effort to derail the commitments made by the PPP/C Government to improve the lives of every Guyanese and there is enough evidence that our Government is implementing initiatives to achieve those goals.

It is time for the Opposition coalition leaders, followers, supporters and our unions to open their eyes and see Guyana is on the right path to sustainable development There are facts to show, the 50,000 target for house lots is progressing; 50,000 target for jobs is moving apace.

The vision of the PPP/C

Government is not only about salaries. This is a Government that is looking at the mechanism that would allow every public servant to own their home. Just as we all benefitted from the help with the COVID-19 cash grant.

As public servants, our Government’s intention for the future is to empower us, so that our children, too, can benefit from the scholarship programme… so let us not limit the discourse to tax waivers and tax breaks and referrals. It is a holistic approach to the improvement of our lives and livelihoods.

It is not a narrow window of only salaries.

Let us all trust our Government as they try to transform our lives for the better, the Government is only in its first year and we have already seen what they are doing for the people, one

7% pay increase for public servants Dear Editor, The recently announced 7 per cent pay raise for public servants has undoubtedly created quite a discussion in Opposition circles.

The discussion ranges from the 7 per cent is not enough to that pay rise should be 50 per cent and rising.

Well, I do not know which of the two sounds reasonable, however, I am very certain that there is no territory on planet earth - especially during this pandemic - that has given a pay rise like ours. The point is our Government has been more than generous in its offer to the public servants and for that, I say thank you Government.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let us take a step back and look into what was obtained under the previous APNU/ AFC Government. In the first instance, they raised their salaries and emoluments by 50 per cent before ever considering their duties to the people who put them there. I would sarcastically add quite a “caring Government” that is taking care of yourself and then see “if” you can accommodate the people and this is exactly what the coalition Government did.

When this so-called “genius Jordan” realised that the treasury was depleted from his reckless, corrupt spending, he quickly raised every taxable income area he could put his hands on.

I am talking about over two hundred new taxes. Most of our taxation which in

essence is a reduction in liveable income was crafted and executed by the APNU regime. Then came the huge chopping of benefits, because we care for the school kids and the removal of the Christmas bonuses for the Disciplined Services. The list is long; the list is endless.

We come to the public service, by this time we were well into the fourth year of the coalition’s mismanagement and the public servants were not given an increase. There was some sabre-rattling about industrial action but nothing substantial, as you would reckon it is a public service that is heavily APNU supporters who were totally embarrassed by their own. It took the astute intervention of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to twist the arm of Jordan to give them something.

Jordan responded by giving the public servants 10 per cent. To a casual onlooker that ten per cent seems real, but is it? The fact of the matter is when you look carefully at that sum in actuality it is an unreal figure because it was 10 per cent spread over 4 years which is 2.5 per cent raise only the last year being tax-free. This is what the PNC did, the public servants got nothing.

Compare that with the restoration of the benefits and a 7 per cent retroactive pay rise from January of this year and you would see that the public servants got a reasonable pay increase.

Now, the charlatans of economic development are at their usual post, preaching their usual nonsense that the public servants deserve better, they are even pushing for industrial action. This is ludicrous, to say the least, because when you compare what existed under the same individuals who are crying foul and what we are presently experiencing, you will see a vast improvement in the standard of living, only those who are so blinded by hate and political bias cannot see this! What I would kindly ask the detractors to do, is to seriously take an introspection of themselves and the falsehoods they are peddling, then get a grip of reality.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

imagines by the end of these five years, how transformed our lives would be.

The approach our Government has taken since taking office on August 2, 2020, is an approach that focuses on the well-being of every Guyanese and I encourage every individual to join these efforts for a better Guyana, with the understanding that our Government has taken the correct path where opportunities are there for everyone to improve their lives and to integrate our lives into a new Guyana where there are opportunities and improvement for every family and personal welfare.

Every Guyanese will remember that the country’s financial situation when President Irfaan Ali was sworn into office on August 2, 2020, was found to be in a disastrous state, with excessive taxation placed on the backs of the Private Sector and citizens, the previous

APNU/AFC Government collected revenues totalling $992 billion between the period 2015-2019. Despite this huge revenue collection, the then Government utilised these funds in an unproductive manner through wasteful and inefficient Government expenditure with total Government spending amounting to $1.2 trillion Guyana dollars.

After accounting for grants received, the aggregate fiscal deficit of the Central Government amounted to $130 billion over the fiveyear period. The previous Government had contracted a new external debt of US$400 million during their five years in office.

One must not forget when the PPP/C demitted office in 2015, the Government had left a net deposit at the Central Bank of $16 billion. After five years of economic mismanagement by the previous APNU/AFC Government, this was se-

verely depleted.

Our PPP/C Government was burdened with a net overdraft of $93 billion at the Central Bank. Our Government had to also saddle a $30 billion NICIL bond of which $17 billion has been drawn down, with a staggering $12 billion owed to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) by Government entities, including $7 billion owed to the utility company by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

Concluding the details of the disastrous situation which had attended to by the PPP/C Administration.

Today I stand a proud Guyanese for the accomplishments of our People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government. 7 per cent salary increase is no comparison to what the Government has done for our nation in such a short period of time Sincerely, David Adams

Government must take...

I know that many rice farmers would agree with me for that to happen because it’s a burden when the lands are being sublet at that very high price to them and services cannot be provided because the legal owner of the land pockets the rents and is not paying MMA-ADA their dues.

There are many farmers who have made applications for more lands to be made available to them and I am asking that the agency look into this issue. This is not a matter of attacking the agency but putting your field officers in the backlands to get information as to who are the ones planting the lands presently and then

from that info provided, action must be taken.

Minister, this is a matter of importance because Region Five farmers are craving for lands to expand their business in planting rice, and please Mr Minister, this has nothing to do with race or politics because subletting of Government lease lands is “illegal” and I know you

FROM PAGE 4

want to see more being done in ensuring that agriculture remains on top and a priority, therefore I am asking that the “real farmers” are given the legal status as to the lands they are presently planting that they are subletting.

With regards, Abel Seetaram

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Page

Foundation

G

uyana is located on the mainland of the continent of South America, on the north-eastern coast. There are 13 countries on the continent of South America.

Guyana shares international borders with three of these countries – Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, her immediate continental neighbours.

Name and identify the location of the South American capitals.

By Percy Bysshe Shelley I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert . . . Near them, on the sand, Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed: And on the pedestal these words appear: 'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away."

WORD SEARCH

7 No tapping into Guyana’s US$534M oil fund just yet NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– National Resource Act must be insulated from political expediency

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

W

ith US$534 million presently sitting in Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF), in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, USA, the PPP/C Government has maintained its decision not to spend Guyana’s oil money until the provisions governing the management of the Fund are amended.

In an article published by the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Government has given several reasons for not tapping into the NRF. First, the PPP/C Government has always held that the NRF Act was passed during a period when the Government in power was illegitimate.

On December 21, 2018, the former APNU/AFC Administration was defeated in the National Assembly by a No-Confidence Motion.

From all indications, the then Administration should have cut its losses from the month prior and started preparing for the election of a new Government.

Yet, one month later, the Government moved to pass its

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh

NRF Bill through Parliament, while the Parliamentary Opposition abstained from the House, in protest of the then Government’s defiance of the No-Confidence vote.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in a recent statement said, “This is the single most important piece of legislation to have been enacted in many years, and the APNU/ AFC Government saw nothing wrong with sneaking it through Parliament at a time when they had lost their mandate to govern, when they were widely regarded as an illegal and illegitimate Government, and without any Opposition input whatsoever”.

The PPP/C had committed to replacing the Act once the political uncertainty ended through the swearing-in of a new, democratically-elected Government. Moreover, it was not only the uncertainty of the circumstances under which the Act was passed that made it troublesome. It was also its contents.

Responding to Former Finance Minister Winston

Jordan’s recent statements about the NRF Act in the letter pages of Stabroek News, Dr Singh pointed out a key criticism of its configuration,

by Guyana’s development partner, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The Bank published a report entitled “Economic Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean” which includes a detailed assessment of Guyana’s NRF (pages 268274).

In outlining options for reform, the IDB stated, “The objectives and design of the NRF raise several issues. The fund on its own cannot achieve the objectives that have been set for it”.

The fund’s stated objectives are stabilisation, competitiveness, saving and development.

The IDB stated that these objectives transcend what the NRF’s operations can achieve.

“The rigid withdrawal rules may do little to foster stabilisation or saving but may entail fiscal costs,” the Bank stated.

“The formula for the maximum permissible withdrawal is among the most complex operational rules for a resource fund in the world. Its design departs from good practices.”

“State-of-the-art advice based on international experience and good fiscal management principles emphasises simplicity, flexibility, transparency, and close integration with the budget and public asset-liability management,” the IDB stated.

Put simply, for the purpose of accountability, the IDB’s position is that the formula guiding maximum withdrawals should be simple enough for an outsider to read and com-

prehend, and that unnecessary complexity would be an affront to transparency and public understanding.

Dr Singh said, “The irrefutable fact of the matter is that the NRF Act in its current formulation was a piece of legislation which was very poorly conceived, and was ‘rammed down the throats’ of the nation during a period when the APNU/AFC was in a state of illegality and illegitimacy”.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has also said that, in its current configuration, he believes the Act is not insulated from political manoeuvring. Hence, the Act must be amended.

In addition, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said the legislation will be laid in Parliament

before the year ends. Only recently, Vice President Jagdeo stated that the Government will make public a comprehensive plan for the spending of Guyana’s oil money, with priority areas such as infrastructure and social upliftment, including investments in education and healthcare.

He had explained that the proposed projects will go through a process of accountability, requiring the scrutiny and approval of the National Assembly. Further, the Government intends to allow Guyana’s oil money to accrue in the NRF, as current periodic deposits from the sale of Guyana’s crude are not significant.

In the years to come, when ExxonMobil operationalises

more development projects, steeply ramping up production, the fund will see a corresponding increase in inflows.

In the meantime, the Government will ensure it maximises Guyana’s earnings from the oil and gas industry, in accordance with its deals with oil companies.

Even though the oil money is not being spent, positive transformations in Guyana’s economy have already begun.

While the oil and gas industry is a helpful catalyst, it is the Government’s business-friendly policies that have commanded the confidence of international investors, and prudent management which has made relief available for the most vulnerable in times of economic hardship. (DPI)

Guyanese man shot dead after attacking, injuring Policeman in Suriname

A

2 9 - y e a r - o l d Surinamese Police officer is now under close arrest after he reportedly shot and killed a Guyanese man between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The shooting incident reportedly stemmed from an argument at a party on Grandostraat, a side street of Kwattaweg, Paramaribo.

The dead man has been identified as Roy “M” also called “Junior”. Reports coming out of Guyana’s eastern neighbour suggested that the now dead man attacked the policeman with a weapon, thus causing him injuries to his head.

In retaliation, the Police officer reportedly discharged a round in the direction of the suspect which struck him to his body. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. In addition, the policeman was reportedly admitted a patient at the hospital and is being treated for the head injuries.

Initially, the matter was being handled by the Kwatta Police Department but it was subsequently taken over by the Capital Offenses Department of the Surinamese Police for further investigation.

Just a few days ago, another Guyanese, 54-year-

old Elan Zore of Bilawatra, Upper Saramacca, was shot dead by his wife’s cousin during an argument that escalated into a scuffle.

It was reported that the victim returned home and was engaged in woodworking. He reportedly spoke to the suspect about something he did wrong.

In retaliation, the suspect, who fled the scene, armed himself with a shotgun and fired two shots at the victim.

Zore ran away, but after a while, the suspect returned and again fired at him. He died on the spot.

The suspect has since gone into hiding.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Eve Leary fire

Several options being explored for relocating DPP’s office – Attorney General ...office to remain close indefinitely

S

everal options are being explored with respect to relocating the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) which received minor damages following a fire to the wooden structure on Saturday. This was disclosed

by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, during an interview with Guyana Times on Sunday.

The AG related that there will be a public announcement as soon as plans are finalised. On Saturday, a ravaging fire ripped through the structure which housed the DPP’s office and the Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). As the fire tore through the OPR’s

office, several files from the DPP’s office were taken to safety.

At one point, staffers were seen throwing scores of files from the upper flat of the building outside. In the meantime, the DPP’s office will remain closed indefinitely “until we can sort ourselves out,” said its Communications Officer, Liz Rahaman.

When contacted on Sunday, Rahaman disclosed that all case files and criminal records were saved.

However, a difficult task lies ahead; the office now has to reorganise hundreds of records. But this, according to Rahaman, will not affect cases that are pending before the Supreme Court of Judicature.

“Cases will not be affected in the High Court because ongoing matters in the High Court…the respective State Counsel will appear as per normal. So, cases will go on.” As it relates to matters before the Court of Appeal, she said, “If the Court of Appeal finds it necessary to give adjournments, it will.

Notwithstanding, Rahaman said that the fire will “greatly affect” the day-to-day functions of the DPP’s office.

She added, “All of our files, everything is in storage right now for safekeeping. As of tomorrow (today), the DPP and her staff will commence sorting out all documents.

Because with the help of the

Police Force, we were able to save all of our records, and thankfully the Police Force has made accommodation for all of our documents.”

Rahaman clarified that in the process of retrieving the documents, none of them

Courts would have to be rescheduled until the office is back up and running.

Among the records kept there are those for matters for the Criminal Assizes in each county and cases being prosecuted by Police prosecutors before the Magistrates’ Courts. “It’s not just filing for ongoing matters but we have records for matters that are completed…It is a paper-based system so it is a lot of paper,” Ali-Hack explained.

Ali-Hack disclosed that the original files for electoral fraud cases involving a former APNU/AFC Government Minister, former top Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff-

were severely damaged.

Meanwhile, during an interview with reporters at the fire scene, DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack noted that the fire renews the urgent need to digitise records. “It is some-

ers, and others were not kept at the office. This newspaper understands that the files salvaged from the fire are being stored at the Police Force’s headquarters.

As it relates to the OPR,

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

Nandlall announced plans to fully digitise Police records.

The station had also housed the headquarters for Police A Division and the Court Superintendent’s Office.

While noting that the initiative is aimed at ensuring sufficient service delivery, he said, “We will soon donate to the Police Force a large complement of computers and printers, with express intention that they are to be used for the typing of statements which are to be used as the basis for prosecution in the courts across this country”.

The Attorney General noted that the fire would greatly delay progress in the criminal justice system, since most, if not all, documents that are related to criminal cases went up in flames.

“The burning down of the Brickdam Police Station will have a devastating impact on the criminal justice system, at least in the magisterial district of Georgetown… the Court Sup Office, which was accommodated in that building, is the custodian of most, if not all, of the files in the criminal justice system in the Georgetown magiste-

Files being removed from DPP’s Office during the fire

thing I have been asking for, for years now, to digitise the system. This shows the wisdom in having a digitised system.”

“The DPP’s office was saved and we have been able to save the documents as well as the hard drives for the computers. Now, we thank God for that!” she said.

According to her, many cases before the Magistrates’

Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, who was also at the scene of the fire, related that there are systems in place to account for the files and other materials that were destroyed by the blaze. The OPR is the Police Force’s internal investigative unit.

After a massive Saturday fire destroyed the Brickdam Police Station in October,

rial district.”

Nandlall explained that each document would have to be reconstructed, and, if possible, would have to be borrowed from the Magistrates’ Courts. He said, too, this would be an expensive, time-consuming, and arduous task that will bring about injustice to those awaiting trial.

Undermining…

F

…the Government? irst, there was the torching of the central and largest police station in all of Guyana – Brickdam Police Station. Built way back in the 19th century – and designed by our most noted architect Castellani – it was flattened to the ground. There were great weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth – the President even sent home the Fire Chief in disgust at his men’s poor response from just a block away. Lots of evidence were destroyed and will have to be recreated to continue prosecutions.

But even though one prisoner was charged for the offence, it’s widely felt there was more in the mortar than the pestle. And the fire was actually inspired by Opposition elements who want to bring down the PPP Government. Or as they call it, “the illegally installed PPP cabal”!! The way it rolls off their tongues, you’d think it’s one 29-letter word – “theillegallyinstalledPPPcabal”!!

Anyhow, there’s also widespread speculation folks from inside the GPF – sworn to uphold the law and to catch the bad guys – were themselves involved.

After all, there’d been calls from radical elements in the Opposition camp for Government workers to “undermine the Government”! The Police are the most visible component of any Government and to a large extent, symbolise the authority of the Government. Clip its wings and you clip the authority of the Government.

Now a month and a half later, we now have another Police building torched – this time at the other end of Georgetown by the sea wall. Inside the compound that houses the Headquarters of the GPF!! Talk about bearding the lion!! The building that went up in smoke actually housed the Office of Professional Responsibility – which investigates lapses by the Police. Of which there have been more than their fair share recently! This time, we’re told that, unlike the Brickdam Blaze, most of the records were saved, but it’ll take quite a while to sort them out. Some had been dumped through windows to save them from the conflagration.

So, what’s really going on? In these matters of seeming sabotage, your Eyewitness goes by the “Dr No rule”. The first time it happens, it’s “happenstance”; the second time, you can chalk it up to “coincidence”. But if it happens a third time, then it’s definitely “enemy action”!! Now some may say there was that arson of a school at Mabaruma just a few days before the Brickdam Blaze – two explosions were heard just before the fire was seen. This could’ve been the “happenstance” and as such, we must conclude that the OPR fire was “enemy action”.

If that’s so, it’s action against the forces of Law and Order. As a frontal attack, it can’t be more serious! …wage increases?

As a Sunday School graduate (albeit under duress!), your Eyewitness remembers the homily from Ecclesiastes: “There’s a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” So, your Eyewitness wonders what “time” the PPP Government figures it is when it comes to dealing with the Government workers – Public Service, Teachers, Armed Forces, etc, etc – on this recent salary increase.

Most of those workers support the Opposition PNC – at elections time and through their unions, mainly the GPSU and the GTU. Now for the while, with its traditional ethnic support base a minority, your Eyewitness figured that for the PPP “it was a time to plant” some seeds in the PNC’s base so as to attract even a few new voters from across the divide.

Or are they “uprooting” new voters by not giving themselves a 50% pay raise? …our ethnic catch-22 Some folks feel that with all the opportunities being created here in our new economy, we’ll have to import workers – even if we had the skills, which we don’t.

But only as temporary workers!!

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AG, UK envoy discuss legal reforms, other issues A

s the Guyana Government embarks on various legislative reforms, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall discussed this and other issues with British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Caroline Miller.

This was done during a meeting between the two on Friday at the AG Chambers in Georgetown.

According to a missive from the Chambers, the British diplomat made a courtesy call on AG Nandlall.

They discussed a multitude of endeavours that they pledged to explore and pursue for the benefit of both countries, in particular in the area of legal reforms, arbitration, and the securing of qualified personnel for the legal sector.

Meanwhile, Minister Nandlall also congratulated High Commissioner Miller on her appointment, and also for being the first female High Commissioner to Guyana of her country.

Legal Affairs Minister and AG Anil Nandlall, SC, met with British High Commissioner Jane Caroline Miller, OBE, on Friday

The Attorney General further reflected on the long and fruitful relationship that Guyana has had with the United Kingdom, before and after Independence.

Both Nandlall and Miller agreed to meet on a regular basis in order to advance these common objectives.

The British Government has been assisting Guyana in the areas of judicial service reform, public sector re-

form and security sector reform.

The Guyana Government is currently undertaking electoral reforms following the five-month political impasse after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) were released to the public earlier this month.

Among the changes in the proposed reforms are stiffened penalties. For instance, if the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) posts false Statements of Poll on the website, he/she has committed an offence and can be fined $10 million as well as face life imprisonment.

In fact, if the CEO fails altogether to make the copies available electronically via the Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM) website, he/she can be charged.

Another responsibility of the CEO is to prepare a final report on the nationwide votes which are to be submitted to the Elections Commission to declare the winner of the elections. If he/ she fails to do this within the established timeframe, falsifies any of the data, he/she can also be jailed for life and fined as much as $10 million.

These and other proposed amendments, are the first set of reforms the PPP/C Administration will undertake.

While the Government wants to take these draft electoral reforms to Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity, it also wants to have the widest possible engagement with stakeholders. These consultations include various political parties, including the APNU/AFC coalition Opposition.

However, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has stated that the Government’s proposed changes do not address their concerns which had to do mainly with cleaning the voters’ list.

Government has set aside a six-week period for consultations, allowing stakeholders and the public to make comments and give suggestions via email or postings on the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance social media page.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WHO to determine Guyana’s filaria status after testing concludes – Health Minister …testing continues in New Year

E

ven as Guyana completed both rounds of the mass drug administration to achieve a filaria-free status, the process of testing to verify if the parasite still remains will continue into 2022.

This was disclosed by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony who outlined that samples have been taken in communities where the pills were distributed. Another series of testing is planned for the new year. Based on the results of these findings, the World Health Organisation will definitively determine if it should certify the country as filaria-free.

“Filaria elimination is a process. We are required to do the mass drug administration and we have completed those two cycles in the endemic areas for filaria. Having completed that, not to ensure that we don’t have filaria, we now have to go back to those communities, take samples of those people and do certain tests to see whether or not the parasite still remains in the population.”

He added, “We’re engaged and doing those testing. We have teams going out to the region where we had done mass drug administration and once that is completed and the results are known, based on those results, the WHO will use that to make a decision whether or not they can declare us to be filaria free.”

Just recently, the Health Ministry said it initiat-

ed a survey as part of the Lymphatic Filariasis National Elimination Programme, to evaluate transmission and other factors following the mass administration campaign.

According to the Ministry, the survey is in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Throughout the country, consecutive rounds of Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole (IDA) was used in the triple-drug combination. It is recommended by the World Health Organisation to roll out a mass administration of medicines in countries seeking to eliminate filariasis completely. Guyana would have completed the administration of the first round of pills and this year, the last round was administered to citizens.

For the campaign, training was done for 1400 pill distributors, 170 field officers, 20 regional coordinators, and eight national supervisors spanning 138 health facilities across the country. For those persons who have already contracted filaria, the Ministry was working on treatment to prevent them from developing a disability.

Before the end of the exercise, over 360,000 persons had taken the pills across the country. For Guyana to achieve a filaria elimination certificate, the aim was to achieve 70 per cent coverage.

The disease is caused by

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

three species of thread-like nematode worms, known as filariae – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Male worms range from three to four centimetres in length, and female worms, eight to 10 centimetres.

The worms target the lymphatic system, which is an essential component of the body’s immune system as they are essentially a network of nodes and vessels that maintain the delicate fluid balance between blood and body tissues. But when someone is infected, the male and female worms form “nests” together in this vital system.

The World Health Organisation data shows that some 900 million people in 49 different countries are at risk of contracting filaria. In Guyana, 90 per cent of the population was also at risk for contracting the disease. While diethylcarbamazine (DEC)medicated salt was the first move used by Government to eliminate filariasis, the pills were recommended for its advantage and later implemented by the Ministry.

The Guyana Defence Force Medical Corps has received a portion of sanitation supplies from SEWA Guyana International. The donation was made by Yashpaul and Marisa Sewnarine on behalf of the organisation to Officer Commanding of the Medical Corps, Major Fidel Fredericks late last week.

Quality of service is important...

FROM PAGE 3

The Minister further stated that the distributorship comes at a time when more people are becoming homeowners and looking to outfit their houses with top-brand appliances that will give them value for their money.

“We must not underestimate the impact investments such as this will have on the quality of life and convenience of daily [routines],” he stated.

But in addition to having a positive impact on Guyanese lives, Dr Singh explained that the Whirlpool distributorship in Guyana matters more now especially at a time when the country is on the cusp of massive developments in its tourism and hospitality sector with construction underway for three international branded hotels – Marriott Courtyard, Best Western and Hyatt Place.

According to Singh, these hotels, when completed, will be looking for world-class manufacturers for furnishings.

“They don’t want to know that they are buying an appliance, or outfitting their entire hotel… with appliances and if they encounter a problem or they need a part, they have to wait for somebody to ship it in from wherever… And so, [there will be] spill overs to the rest of the economy.

The fact that you have all of these developments by big customers not just your retail customers who are going to be looking for suppliers and who will expect the same kind of service that they are accustomed to getting in their hotel properties [abroad] - the entry of Whirlpool into the market through this relationship inevitably has a positive spill over to the cost of doing business in sectors

such as hotel and hospitality sector, restaurants et cetera,” he contended.

Minister Singh further stressed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government views such developments in the context of steady of transformation that is on the way in Guyana.

He said the fact that Whirlpool sees it worthwhile to establish distributorship here highlights that it recognises the vast potential of Guyana as a market. This trend, he added, is being observed in every sector of the local economy.

To this end, he urged other Guyanese companies to follow suit and capitalise on bringing services of other world-renowned brands to the Guyanese market.

“This is what will be needed to compete in the Guyana marketplace of the future,” Dr Singh asserted.

11 Death toll jumps to 976 with 4 more COVID fatalities — 52 new cases detected in 24h GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD T NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Health Ministry on Sunday reported that four more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

These latest fatalities are a 64-year-old male who was unvaccinated and died on November 17; a 57-year-old male who was fully vaccinated and died on November 20; and a 58-year-old female who was also unvaccinated and died on November 19 – all from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The other fatality was a 69-year-old male from

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who died November 18. His vaccination status is unknown.

With these, the total number of deaths from the pandemic in Guyana is now 976. Consequently, the COVID-19 death toll for the month of November has gone up to 50.

However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that another 52 persons have been tested positive for the deadly virus in the last 24 hours.

This now takes the total number of COVID-19 cas-

es in the country to 37,325.

However, only 1955 of these are currently active cases including 10 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 1945 persons in isolation, that is, 67 in institutional isolation and the other 1878 in home isolation.

Additionally, there is also one other person in institutional quarantine.

To date, some 34,394 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease in Guyana – 13 more recoveries than the figure reported the previ-

500 house lots up for grabs as Govt takes “Dream Realised” to Lethem

S

ome 500 residents will benefit from house lots as the Ministry of Housing through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) takes the “Dream Realised” housing drive to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The event is slated for today in the compound of the Amerindian Hostel in Lethem.

It is anticipated that 500 lots at Track “CHPA” housing scheme in the vicinity of “Poke” Bridge, Lethem, will be given out at the distribution exercise.

According to a DPI report, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said these house lots have been assigned to low, moderate, and middle-income applicants.

Residential/ commercial applicants will be allocated subsequently.

Minister Croal told DPI that the distribution exercise will see a significant reduction in the backlog of the applications in Lethem which stands at 925.

The Housing Minister further explained that the exercise also forms part of CH&PA’s national housing programme which will see the Government delivering its promise of distributing 50,000 house lots - 10,000 annually within five years.

Apart from the allocation exercise, interviews and surveys will also be conducted.

Residents

NOVEMBER 21, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

52

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

67

Wear a face mask.

Keep a physical distance of at least

1878

6 feet.

Wash your hands or use hand-

10

sanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

1

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

19,735

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,590

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

37,394

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

34,325

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

392,512

FULLY IMMUNISED

263,455

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE

976

COVID-19 Hotline.

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1653

REGION 2

1529

REGION 3

5038

REGION 4

17,590

REGION 5

1384

REGION 6

3052

REGION 7

1778

REGION 8

620

REGION 9

2473

REGION 10

2208

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

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues examining a plan for the distribution of the house lots in Lethem

will also have an opportunity to have one-onone with Minister Croal and Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.

The Government has so far distributed some 9000 house lots to Guyanese. This brings the Administration closer to reaching its target of distributing 10,000 house lots during its first year in office.

In fact, the Housing Ministry has already taken its “Dream Realised” initiative to various regions across the country including Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), where an unprecedented 400 house lots were distributed.

Government has noted that it is not only committed to distributing house lots but also outfitting these new schemes with the necessary infrastruc-

tures and utilities.

Only last month at the most recent housing drive, the sixth of its kind, some 1000 persons received moderate and middle-income house lots at Grove, Great Diamond and Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

At that housing drive, Minister Croal disclosed that infrastructural works which are expected to come on stream later in the year at the Plantation Golden Grove, Little and Great Diamond areas would see Government spending close to $21.5 billion to develop housing areas on the East Bank of Demerara including the new four-lane concrete highway from Eccles to Great Diamond.

“In short, 2021 and 2022 should see us expend $28 billion [to develop housing areas along the EBD alone],” Croal had stated.

ous day.

Moreover, a total of 381,276 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus thus far and of this, 17,590 males and 19,735 females were found to be positive.

Of the 52 new cases detected on Sunday, three were from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); four from the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region; a whopping 21 cases from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 12 from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); two cases from the East BerbiceCorentyne region; another four from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and six more cases from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February

and continues to roll it out across the various regions in order to achieve herd immunity and reduce the number of COVID-19 infections.

In Guyana, there is vaccination coverage of some 77 per cent first doses in the adult population and of that, 52.1 per cent of persons who are 18 years and older have received their second doses. Additionally, some 19,796 adolescents are fully immunised.

Only last week, the Health Ministry announced that from today it will be administering booster shots to persons 50 years and older. This is in keeping with studies that have found that after 6 months of taking a second dose, the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines start to wane.

Persons are, nevertheless, encouraged to get immunised since the COVID-19 vaccine provides a layer of protection against severe symptoms of COVID-19.

But as more people con-

tinue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitising.

The measures also include vaccination requirements to access any public building such as restaurants, places of worship, schools as well as Government buildings.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some 255,324,963 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 5,127,696 deaths.

The 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 95,549,241 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 2,327,095.

Recent figures show a total of 7,370,902,499 vaccine doses have been administered worldwide.

12 NEWS Potarinau residents benefit from $8.5M water system MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

— to provide potable water to 98% of community

A

s part of an ongoing quest to achieve one hundred per cent access to potable water countrywide by 2025, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and Housing and Water Ministry on Saturday commissioned at Potarinau, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, who commissioned the facility, told the Potarinau residents that the Government is committed to fulfilling its commitment of achieving potable water access for all within its first term in office.

Minister Rodrigues, surrounded by community members and officials, ceremonially cuts the ribbon to commission the Potarinau, Region Nine water supply system

She explained that the commissioning of this and other water systems is just the beginning of plans to

advance the water sector in their community and the hinterland region at large.

Minister Rodrigues as-

Minister Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary Andre Ali and residents of Potarinau on Saturday

sured the community that the work carried out to date

Over 3000 Guyanese students commence online Indian scholarships

H

igh Commissioner of India, His Excellency Dr KJ Srinivasa recently participated in the inauguration and orientation programme of Jain “Deemed To Be” University in Bangalore.

The event was for 3000 Guyanese students who were accepted to study in India for the academic year 2021. Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, Special Adviser at Jain University Dr Vijay Jolly and officials of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and a number of students were also part of the event.

Jain “Deemed To Be” University along with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has been selected by the Education Ministry, Government of Guyana, under the GOAL to provide online scholarships to Guyanese.

Out of the 6225 online scholarship awardees, 2689 will study at the Jain “Deemed To Be” University and 1672 at IGNOU. In addition, Sherlock Institute of India will offer 215 on-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

line scholarships this year.

Thus, 73.5 per cent of the online scholarships that are being offered by the Guyanese Government will be provided by Indian universities. These two Indian universities are also working along with the GOAL initiative with the aim of offering PhD and other programmes in Guyana.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) had also organised an online Staff Development Programme (SDP) for the functionaries of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) recently.

Dr KJ Srinivasa was also the Chief Guest at the event. IGNOU is launch-

ing a series High Commissioner of India, His Excellency of shortDr KJ Srinivasa during the virtual event term courses of six to eight professors of IGNOU. weeks covering various asIndira Gandhi Open pects of open and distance University (IGNOU) had learning. signed an MoU with the These courses are on Education Ministry on Management of Open and October 1, 2021. Through Distance Education and the Guyana Online Developing Self-Learning Academy of Learning Material.

The event (GOAL) initiative, IGNOU was attended by a num- also held a virtual oriber of participants from entation on October 1, Guyana including senior 2021, for approximateofficials of the Ministry ly 922 Guyanese students of Education, GOAL and that will be attending the Vice Chancellor, Head of University.

Departments and senior

was completed with the available resources from the 2021 budget and that Government's intention is to advance works to ensure equal access countrywide.

The Minister also explained that the investment to extend water service connections to each household is more on the hinterland because of their distance from the water system.

This project saw an investment of $8.5 million from the Government of Guyana 2021 budget, which allowed approximately 700 residents to access potable water from an expanded water supply system.

Executive Director of hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal explained that the water being supplied to the community is safe for consumption and will allow them easy access for their domestic use as they would no longer have to fetch water.

Jailal also highlighted that GWI and the Ministry are working closely with Village Councils in all hinterland communities to ensure each community has access to potable water.

He acknowledged that there is room for further advancement and assured them that GWI will contin-

ue to work with the village to ensure optimum water access.

Also present at the ceremony was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally and Prime Ministerial Representative to Region Nine, Claire Singh who echoed the sentiments to bridge the development gap between the hinterland and the coast.

Upgrades to the existing system included the drilling of a potable water well

by GWI's in-house team to a depth of 300ft, installation of 525 lengths of 50mm pipelines from the well to the existing water infrastructure, and in excess of 50 household connections.

Works also entailed the installation of a photovoltaic system and the re-plumbing of four 450 gallons water tanks, among other auxiliary works.

The water supply system was established within the central part of the community of which approximately 60 houses have been connected to the water system along with the school, health facility, and teachers’ quarters etc. The water supply system is presently serving approximately 90 per cent of the community.

Banks DIH Ltd pumps $700,000 into Reg 10 tourism month activities

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s Tourism Awareness Month prepares to come to an end on November 30, 2021, Banks DIH Ltd has pumped $700,000 in sponsorship to the Region 10 Tourism Committee (RTTC) to continue its work.

This donation is expected to assist in funding key tourism activities, such as virtual tours, exhibitions, documentaries, sensitisation projects, and the much-anticipated Linden Music Awards.

Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart at the presentation reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting tourism development in Upper Demerara-Berbice

The sponsorship cheque being presented to Devin Sears in the presence of other officials

while encouraging the committee to keep up the commendable work.

In response, Chairman of RTTC, Devin Sears expressed gratitude to the

beverage company and noted that the funding is timely since the region is poised to be the number one domestic tourist destination in coming years, and ob-

servations such as Tourism Awareness Month which gives it the recognition it deserves will create much needed economic stimulation.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelan migrants in Reg 1

No cases of children suffering from starvation, 4 hospitalised with other illnesses – Dr Persaud …says Govt continues to monitor situation

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The homes built by the migrants along the bank of a river

ontrary to reports that children of Venezuelan nationality are suffering from starvation at Anabisi, Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud related that no case of such was found.

A report from the Office of the Prime Minister on Saturday stated that dozens of Amerindians, including children, may have entered Guyana from a neighbouring village in Venezuela in poor health and without food. The group, suspected to be Warraus, is living on the bank of a river.

Immediately, a response team led by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony was dispatched to the area to assess the situation. The team also included Dr Persaud, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, and several doctors from the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Dr Anthony said the children were given much-needed medical care.

“There are about 50 children in the community. We examined those who need medical attention and gave

Information (DPI).

The migrants also received food and sanitary hampers.

However, Minister Persaud in a Facebook post, said the team arrived at the Warrau

The ministerial team interacting with the migrants

treatment. Four children and their mother were taken to Port Kaituma for further treatment,” he said during an interview with the Department of Public

settlement and found poor living conditions but no children dying of starvation as was portrayed by the media and on social media was unearthed.

Minister Persaud providing medical treatment to the children

According to her, Paediatrician Dr Neil Samwaroo, who is fluent in Spanish, was able to communicate with the families with the help of a woman who speaks both Spanish and Warrau.

Dr Persaud disclosed that upon examining the children, they found cases of impetigo (skin rashes/ infections), diarrhoeal diseases, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and cough and cold for which medications were provided.

She added, “We referred four children with skin conditions along with a neonate with fever to Port Kaituma Hospital for further attention. But no child was critical, starving, or an emergency case.”

“Our team also took in additional food hampers to complement those giv-

en earlier, and [Sunday] more will be added along with multivitamins and safe drinking water implements.” She also said that the team will create a register of the families and their needs.

While all of the families do fishing, Dr Persaud disclosed that the Government will look at avenues to alleviate their poor conditions.

To this end, she noted that the situation there will be closely monitored.

“As we are all deeply concerned about their conditions. Most of these families have arrived from Venezuela to escape harsh conditions.”

Meanwhile, the Government noted that it remains mindful of its humanitarian obligations to migrants and has been actively engaged in sustained

efforts to deliver food and medical relief across the regions where migration into Guyana is taking place.

The Government assured its commitment to humane management of the migrant situation stemming from the economic and social instability in neighbouring Venezuela, with the active support of local stakeholders, as well as international partners.

The Office of the Prime Minister stated that an aircraft will remain in the area to assist with medical evacuations which may become necessary.

It was reported in another section of the media that the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Blossom Inc had observed the migrants and alerted Government officials to intervene.

Courts NA store burglarised, 3 arrested with stolen items

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42-year-old woman, her son, and nephew are currently in Police custody after they reportedly broke into the Courts Guyana Ltd New Amsterdam Berbice branch and stole a number of items.

Police said the two male suspects are 15 and 18 year olds. The trio made off with a AKT motorcycle valued at $353,000 along with a number of electrical appliances that were subsequently recovered.

The establishment reportedly closed its doors at about 21:00h on Friday, and according to the employees, they secured the premises, leaving all the items intact.

However, on Saturday at about 05:55h, the assistant manager told Police that she received information that the door to the building was open.

She immediately went to the location where she observed that the north-western door was broken. She later made further checks and ob-

served that the mentioned articles were missing.

Acting upon information received, at about 10:00h on Saturday, a party of Police went to the home of the 15-year-old, where he was told of the information received.

Guyana Times understands that while being questioned, the teen told the Police that he along with his 18-year-old cousin went into the Courts building and stole the aforementioned items.

It was then the Police were able to recover a white AKT motorcycle, a dark grey HP laptop, a blue Acer laptop, three headphones, one Extreme skater game, and two computer chargers which were found hidden in a clump of bushes at Strand and Charles Places, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Acting on further information, the ranks went to another location where the 42-year-old woman was con-

The stolen items that were recovered after the robbery

tacted and a search was conducted in a wooden security hut, where they recovered a black Samsung electronic tablet, one TCL black cellular phone, a BLU G61 cellular phone, and a black Radio

Shack music box.

All the items recovered were taken to the Central Police Station along with the suspects. The items were subsequently identified by the manager of the store to be the

properties of Courts. The suspects remain in custody pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times understands that one of the suspects is also being investigated for several robberies in Region Six ranging from Corriverton to New Amsterdam. On September 28, video footage captured from surveillance cameras revealed that three unmasked bandits broke into Zabire Electronics at Lot ‘N’ Springlands, Corriverton and carted off millions in cash and cellular phones.

It was reported that $2M worth in phones was missing and $5M cash was missing.

One of the suspects reportedly admitted to investigators that he was one of the three persons who went into the electronics store.

This publication understands that the suspect sold the stolen items for $800,000 to a businessman in Georgetown. (G-4)

14 NEWS 2 to represent Bahá'ís in Israel Scientists claim world’s “first” beach was in India; for Centenary observance MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

here’s where it is now

I From left to right - Vice Chairman Fidal Bassier, Jason Mohamed, Treasurer Jennifer Dewar, President Irfaan Ali, Chairman Dr Laureen Pierre, Evelyn Hamilton and Secretary Hala Bassier

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his year, Bahá'ís worldwide will observe the Centenary of the Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá, who is not a Manifestation or Messenger

of God, but was appointed by Bahá'u'lláh as the Interpreter of His Revealed Word, His Successor and the perfect Exemplar of His teachings—as such `Abdu'l-

Bahá (which means Servant of Bahá) is one of the three Central Figures of the Bahá'í Faith.

As such, two members of the National Spiritual Assembly (NSA) of the Bahá'ís of Guyana will join fellow believers from some 185 countries around the world for a special commemorative gathering during November 22-27, 2021, to be held in the Holy Land.

Hala Bassier and Jason Mohamed recently left for Israel during last week.

In observance of this event, members of the NSA paid a courtesy call on his Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali during which they presented him with a book specifically prepared for the Centenary Commemoration.

A specially commissioned film entitled "Exemplar" will be broadcast on the National Communications Network on November 26.

n a landmark discovery, scientists from India, Australia and the US have found that the first continental land emerged 3.2 billion years ago, in an area that is now the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand.

Challenging the longheld notion that continents first emerged from the ocean 2.5 billion years ago, scientists in India, Australia and the US have found that this phenomenon occurred much earlier — 700 million years prior, in fact.

In a recent paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers said, “Understanding when and how subaerial continental crust first formed is crucial, as it likely played a critical role in establishing Earth’s habitability. Although debated, the broad consensus is that the subaerial rise of continents began nearly 2.5 billion years ago and was driven by plate tectonics. Here, we integrate the igneous and sedimentary history of Archean cratons to demonstrate that stable continental landmasses started to emerge above sea level 3.3 to 3.2 billion years ago (i.e., over 700 million years earlier than most models predict).”

The Earth’s “first” beach

What’s interesting to note is that the researchers believe this land to be what is now the Singhbhum region in Jharkhand. The team analysed sandstones that had geological signatures of ancient river channels, tidal planes and beaches that date back to over 3 billion years ago, representing the earliest crust exposed to air.

Scientist Priyadarshi Chowdhury, the study’s lead author, told The Indian Express, “We found a particular type of sedimentary rocks called sandstones. We then tried to find their age and in which conditions they have formed. We found the age

by analysing the uranium and lead contents of tiny minerals. These rocks are 3.1 billion years old, and were formed in ancient rivers, beaches, and shallow seas. All these water bodies could have only existed if there was continental land. Thus, we inferred that the Singhbhum region was above the ocean before 3.1 billion years ago.”

He also told The Telegraph that this is the “most direct, unambiguous date yet for the emergence of continental land”.

Another interesting thing that emerged from

Guardian.

So in Singhbhum’s case “hot plumes of magma beneath the crust caused portions of the craton to thicken and become enriched with buoyant, lightweight materials, like sicilia and quartz. This process left the craton ‘physically thick and chemically light’, as compared to the denser rock surrounding it, and thus buoyed the land mass up and out of the water,” Live Science noted.

The emergence of this landmass would also have contributed to the formation of early life on land,

this finding was that the widely-considered notion that plate tectonics contributed to the emergence of the landmass did not hold true in Singhbhum’s case.

According to Live Science, the chemical composition of the rocks provided information about the pressure and temperature at which they first formed. Taking these into consideration, the scientist team built a model to recreate the conditions that formed the rocks and eventually thrust them to the ocean’s surface.

Remember, this was a time when the earth did not have the plate tectonics mechanism that is needed to push land to the ocean’s surface. “We have plate tectonics today to control elevation.

When two continents collide, you form Himalayas, you form Alps. That wasn’t the case three billion years ago,” Chowdhury told The

as well as weathering and nutrient runoff into the ocean. These nutrients might have helped early photosynthetic life flourish, which in turn produced oxygen that helped create the rich atmosphere we currently live in, the scientists said.

“The delivery of these essential nutrients to the oceans on the early Earth was critical in establishing and maintaining the earliest life-forms. The emergence of the first landmasses was therefore a pivotal event in our planet’s history,” Chowdhury said.

Meanwhile, other areas that contain sedimentary rocks of similar ages include the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa, and the Pilbara Craton in Australia. How much land was exposed at one time and how long these landmasses remain above water, however, remain a mystery for now. (The Better India)

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Electronics the leading category of complaints – Consumer Affairs Commission …lauds company for 1-year warranty, other consumer-friendly policies

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ith electronics and home appliances accounting for the most complaints flowing into the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), businesses that sell their products under fair and reasonable terms are being commended.

One of these businesses is Bpi Guyana Incorporated, which has teamed up with the Whirlpool Corporation to become the sole authorised distributor of Whirlpool products locally. At the launch of this partnership, acting CCAC Executive Director Anil Sukdeo spoke of the importance of the one-year warranty being provided for Bpi products.

“You mentioned that your products come with a one-year warranty. That is very commendable… compliance with (international standards) gives your business a competitive edge

CCAC Executive Director (ag) Anil Sukdeo

and ensures that consumers have value for their money. That checks both of our boxes at CCAC. One, we have consumer rights and two, we have competition in the markets.

“Every year we conduct analysis of the complaints we receive. And the leading

category of complaints is usually consumer electronics and home appliances.

So, we’re, therefore, pleased that we have a brand that places high standards on its products, manufacturer, and after-sales service,” Sukdeo said.

Expressing hope that

Bpi’s after-sales warranty and service would eliminate the need for customers to file complaints, Sukdeo noted that the CCAC’s presence at the event augurs well for future relations with the business.

“Our presence as a representative of the agency is a symbolic victory for consumers. And it definitely augurs well for them, since it immediately demonstrates your recognition and readiness to comply with the rights of consumers to access products which are compliant with the highest standards and quality and after-sale services,” he said.

It was reported in September that the CCAC received 269 complaints from consumers for the first half of 2021, according to newly-released data.

The sale of defective goods accounts for 50 per cent of the complaints received by the agency.

Between January and June 2021, the CCAC received 269 complaints valued at $119,942,369 from consumers. This reflects a 180 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year. According to data from the CCAC, 206 of these complaints valued at $55,570,437 were resolved.

The leading area of breach under the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) of 2011 was the sale of defective goods. In addition, complaints were received across 19 categories, the major ones being electronic appliance/electronic services, auto industry-related, and the construction industry.

For the reporting period, some 47 businesses were inspected in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, Berbice.

While 12 of these businesses complied with the provisions of the Act, the remaining 35 were given one month to conform after

which time the businesses would be reinspected.

The CCAC was established under the Consumer Affairs Act of 2011. Its functions include investigating complaints by agencies and consumers, and determining if there has been a contravention of the Competition and FairTrading Act (CFTA) of 2006 and the CAA; to take prescribed actions should there be a contravention of the law and eliminating anti-competitive agreements.

It is also responsible for providing information to consumers on their rights and to enable them to make informed choices; to advise the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister on matters as it relates to the CFTA and the CAA; to institute, participate in, and/ or support proceedings before a court of law, including to bring cases where the Commission deems fit.

Job seekers in Reg 6 can register with newly resuscitated recruitment agency

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Regional Chairman David Armagon

he Manpower Agency in Region Six has been resuscitated and is now allowing persons seeking employment to get registered so that there can be a cohort of available labour for employers.

This comes on the heels of Berbice business people complaining that locals are not willing to work even though they offer attractive remuneration packages – a claim which heavy-duty machine operators have refuted, contending that the Private Sector needs to offer employees more than just a salary.

The Manpower Agency, formerly known as the Employment Exchange, was established by the Government of Guyana in 1944 and over the years was viewed by many as a non-functional agency.

But according to Regional Chairman David Armogan, persons can make contact with the agency through

the offices attached to the Labour Ministry at New Amsterdam and Corriverton.

The Regional Chairman explained that businesses and persons looking for labour can also register with the agency.

“In many overseas countries there are many of these; it is time for us to have it here in our country,” he told the Region Six Regional Democratic Council (RDC) during a recent meeting.

It was at another meeting, between the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh that the issue of a labour shortage was highlighted.

President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich had pointed out that with the shortage of available skilled labourers in the region and increased acreage being put under rice production, there is a need now for farmers to move to aerial spraying of

their rice crops.

This, he told the Finance Minister, will require a proper airstrip in the region. The application for that has already been made and consultations were had with key stakeholders.

“We are heading into a very huge crop where at least 60,000 acres will be under cultivation and if permission is not given to operate the airstrip in the shortest possible period, we would hinder ourselves in serious problems,” he told the Minister.

According to Minister Singh, the matter is currently receiving the attention of the Cabinet.

In September, Minister Singh and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill held a consultation with residents living and farming in close proximity to the site of the airstrip at Number 36 Village Corentyne.

In addition, consultations were also held with residents of the four polders in Black Bush; Lesbeholden, Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakusari in relation to the proposed aerial operations.

“We discussed the whole issue to see if they agree with it or if they have any problems with it.

Generally, the consensus is that they agree to aerial spraying because even the rice farmers in the Black Bush Polder are having difficulty getting labour or people to work in the rice fields to do fertilising and spraying of chemicals,” the

regional official stated.

However, while residents in the Black Bush Polder have given their approval for aerial spraying, they have listed concerns over the way in which it is being conducted.

“One of the concerns is that spraying must not

be done in the residential area because they have people who are planting rice in residential areas. So, we have to make that very clear that that is one of the conditions under which we are agreeing that spraying must not in the residential areas and

spraying must not be in close proximity to the cash crop areas,” Armogan added.

The Chairman further added that aerial spraying of rice takes place on the Essequibo Coast and it was also previously done in Region Six.

16 NEWS Murder convict challenges Minister Benn hopes for increased funds for RSA 43-year jail term A MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murder convict: Alvin Jones

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wenty-eight-year-old Alvin Jones, who was found guilty of murder and slapped with a 43year prison term, has filed an appeal in which he argues that the sentence was “startlingly inappropriate and excessive”.

He argues too that the sentence is not in keeping with guidelines set out by Guyana's final court of resort – the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

On December 22, 2020, Jones, also known as “Hot Skull”, was found guilty of the February 2, 2017 murder of amateur footballer Paul Daniels.

He had been on trial for the capital offence before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

Daniels was murdered during a robbery at Independence Boulevard,

Albouystown, Georgetown.

Reports are that on the day in question, he was at his girlfriend’s home when two armed men entered the premises and relieved him of his gold chain and an undisclosed sum of cash.

As the men were escaping, Daniels chased after them, but was shot to the chest. The robbers fled the scene on separate bicycles.

Daniels was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, Jones’ lawyer, Stanley Moore, SC, filed an appeal against his client’s conviction and sentence at the Guyana Court of Appeal.

While he complained of several instances of misdirection by the trial judge, Moore has particularly taken issue with the sentence imposed.

According to Moore, the 43-year prison term does not reflect an adherence to the principles and guidelines “so fully and clearly” set out in the decision of the CCJ in the Guyanese case of Linton Pompey v the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Arguing that the sentence is excessive in all the circumstances of the case, Moore submits that the sentence effectively condemns his client to incarceration for the remainder of his youthful, productive, and rehabilitative life. Further, Moore argues that the sentence fell outside the range of sentenc-

Killed: Paul Daniels

es for the offence of murder in Guyana.

“The learned trial Judge failed to direct the jury fully and properly on the defence of [Jones]. The learned trial Judge failed to direct the jury on the failure of the prosecution to disclose to [Jones] the details of several identification parades conducted by the Police,” argues the lawyer.

Moore complains that before delivering the sentence, the trial Judge did not deliver any written reason for imposing the sentence. The Senior Counsel is further contending the trial Judge misdirected the jury on the law of murder and the issue of identification evidence.

Considering this, he is of the view that his client had an unfair trial, which warrants the overturning of his conviction. The Court of Appeal is yet to fix a date for hearing this matter.

t a ceremony held to observe World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said he is hoping to see the Road Safety Association (RSA) get a three- or four-fold increase in funds to help promote road safety.

The Minister said this should aid in the country’s efforts to reduce road carnage and accidents.

Minister Benn made this comment shortly after it was announced that there has been a 29 per cent decrease in fatal accidents for the year 2021 compared to 2020. It was revealed that for the year 2021 there have been 81 fatal accidents with 88 deaths compared to 114 accidents in 2020 with 124 deaths.

Three children have died in 2021 thus far when compared to five in 2020.

Benn related that the Guyana Police Force is working to keep the number of deaths and accidents under 100 for this year, even with the many challenges they are faced with, especially with road users.

“We want to have this as the immediate target, but even while we say so, we have to recognise some of the issues which we have….

It is important that we know that even though we might have influence… we are accountable under the laws, that we should not unnecessarily intervene in issues which will bring the entire system tying out of our task to reduce the im-

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

pacts of road deaths and road accidents….”, he said.

He said that even with a decrease in the number of fatal accidents for the year 2021, there has been an increase in the number of accidents countrywide.

“There has been an increase in the number of total serious accidents, but vicariously perhaps we have a reduction in the number of deaths. Those are things we have to look at, but the important thing is the question of behaviour, the question of not following the rules…”.

In addition, the Minister said that persons who are reckless on the roadways represent a serious risk to themselves and to the travelling public. “…for some people they become a mere statistic.

The age range where the majority of death occur is the young persons who have the most to give to our society and country…”.

He said the particular issue of drinking and driving is one they will have to do a review of in relation to the sanctions which should be put in place for reckless behaviours on the road ways.

“We have to do a complete review of the files; we have to continue to work with our Police and other administrators and also the Judiciary in respect of how we respond to these issues.”

Minister Benn further called for stricter penalties for persons who are not adhering to traffic laws to help curb cases of accidents, that may lead to fatalities.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2021 puts the spotlight on the reduction of traffic speeds – low speeds, which have the potential to prevent many deaths and serious injuries, in particular those of pedestrians and all other vulnerable road users – children, elderly and the disabled.

Private Sector lauds Govt efforts to ensure local content participation — in audit of ExxonMobil cost oil expenses

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pinions have varied on the Government’s efforts to prioritise local content participation and partnership for the audit of ExxonMobil’s cost oil claims, but the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has thrown its support behind the Government’s approach.

In a statement on the issue, the PSC welcomed assurances from President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, that the Government will audit the cost oil expenses claimed by ExxonMobil and its partners and that efforts will be made to ensure maximum local participation.

“We remain resolute in our support for all activities that will enhance our Private Sector businesses, national development and the wellbeing of the Guyanese nation as a whole,” the PSC said in its statement, urging its members to collaborate where necessary in order to have the capacity to help carry out the audits.

According to the PSC, it looks forward to Exxon’s cooperation during this pro-

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

cess and for a prompt and transparent audit of their expenses. They made it clear, the importance of the oil industry to the nation.

“The PSC wishes to emphasise the fact that the oil and gas sector is critical to Guyana’s national development and that every effort should be made by the Government to ensure its full accountability, including comprehensive and timely audits.”

“The PSC, therefore, looks forward to a prompt and transparent audit process of the Exxon expense claims and the PSC expects the full and unqualified cooperation of ExxonMobil in the conduct of this audit,” the PSC further said.

When the Government

had put out the tender, international firms had dominated bids to audit oil giant Exxon Mobil’s cost oil claims for oil production in Guyana. Based on the bids that were opened, four international audit firms submitted bids for the project - Bayphase Limited of the United Kingdom (UK), Rosa Correia and Associates of Portugal in partnership with Swale House Partners of the United States and Squire Pat, Gaffney Cline and Associates Incorporated of the UK and Calendar Law Firm.

Eclisar Financial and Professional Services, the fifth firm that submitted a bid, is a local company that was established in 2012 and was founded by Managing Director Azzar Haniff. All companies vying for the contract submitted financial proposals.

In the case of Bayphase, the British company has experience working in Guyana. Under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, the Energy Department contracted Bayphase to conduct

a review of Exxon’s Field Development Plan (FDP) for the Payara oil development in December of 2019.

The review was completed but approval of the FDP was delayed in the wake of the controversies that followed the March 2, 2020 elections. It wasn’t until after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) entered office last year that action could be taken.

Recently, Vice President Jagdeo had said at a press conference that the audits were unable to be completed on Exxon’s post-2017 expenses, due to the lack of local capacity or participation

in the audit. However, he had subsequently assured that the audits would be done.

When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government assumed office in 2020, it took over the shepherding of an audit of ExxonMobil’s pre-contract and other pre2017 costs. The audit was being conducted by the UK firm, IHS Markit, which was hired by the previous Administration four years after oil was first discovered offshore.

The Vice President reminded that cost recovery audits were left outstand-

ing for years. He expressed disappointment that Guyana, under the previous Administration, did not develop its capacity to conduct cost recovery audits, nor did it make haste to contract a firm to conduct those audits.

In addition to setting the stage for local audit firms to benefit from involvement in cost recovery audits, the Government will also build the capacity of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to conduct its own cost audits for the oil sector. Jagdeo said he intends to address the issue more comprehensively in a future engagement.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Small-scale fishers celebrated for contributing to human well-being, safeguarding natural resources

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he United Nations International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (IYAFA 2022) was launched on Friday at a ceremony that highlighted how smallscale artisanal fishers, fish farmers, and fish workers contribute to human well-being, healthy agrifood systems, and poverty eradication through the responsible and sustainable use of fisheries and aquaculture resources.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General QU Dongyu, in his address, underscored that the vision underpinning the Year is aligned with FAO’s “4 Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all – leaving no one behind.”

The Year will also contribute, he said, towards reaching several of the objectives under the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Looking forward to celebrating the Year “hand-

Small-scale fishers play a big role in eradicating poverty and making agri-food systems more sustainable (©FAO/Jordi Vaque)

in-hand with small-scale fisheries and aquaculture actors”, the FAO Director General said: “Small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture are small in scale, but big in value!”

A recent FAO WorldFish study indicates that the small-scale sector may account for the bulk of production, considering that about 80 per cent of the world’s aquaculture production comes from developing countries, with the number of artisanal farmers being much higher than those employed at farm level in me-

Peng Shuai: Chinese tennis star tells Olympic officials she is safe

IOC President Thomas Bach spoke to Ms Peng for 30 minutes on Sunday

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hinese tennis star Peng Shuai said she was safe and well in a video call on Sunday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) says.

In a statement, the IOC said its President, Thomas Bach had spoken to Peng for 30 minutes. "[She] was doing fine, which was our main concern," the statement read.

Peng, 35, disappeared from the public eye for almost three weeks after she made sexual assault allegations against a senior Chinese Minister.

Her absence triggered widespread concern, with international sports stars and Governments calling on China to provide proof that she was safe.

"At the beginning of the 30-minute call, Peng Shuai thanked the IOC for its concern about her well-being," the statement from the organisation said.

"She explained that she is safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would

like to have her privacy respected at this time," it added.

"She prefers to spend her time with friends and family right now," it said.

"Nevertheless, she will continue to be involved in tennis."

The IOC statement also included an image of the video call taking place, with Peng seen smiling into the camera.

The outcry over the tennis star's apparent disappearance from the public eye prompted Chinese State media to release a series of photographs and videos that appeared to show all was well.

Earlier on Sunday, a Journalist from State media posted a video clip on Twitter showing Peng smiling while standing with officials at a tennis tournament in Beijing.

Reuters news agency reported that the event organisers also published photos of the player on the event's official WeChat page. (Excerpt from BBC News)

dium- and large-scale aquaculture.

The launch event included an address by Peru’s Production Minister Jorge Luis Prado Palomino, who said that he hoped that IYAFA 2022 would strengthen artisanal fishing activity, ensure the sustainability in the use of resources, and accelerate efforts to achieve the elimination of

poverty in Peru and worldwide.

German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Parliamentary State Secretary, Maria Flachsbarth sent a video message underlining the importance of the world’s seas and oceans as a source of food and employment.

She explained how the

German Government has invested 130 million euros in resource management through initiatives combating illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing, support of various marine management plans and for strengthening local value chains.

During the virtual ceremony, the FAO Director General presented the Margarita Lizarraga Medal, to Margaret Nakato of the Katosi Women Development Trust in Uganda who he praised for her work in organising women in fishing communities to work together, empowering them with knowledge and skills, and access to training, technology and markets.

The award is bestowed on a person or organisation that has served with distinction in the application of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

Thanking the Director General and FAO, Nakato said the award would inspire the women she works with, to continue to support food security and the eradication of poverty.

The ceremony also included testimonies relating to the innovative capacity of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture in the context of sustainable development.

Manuel Barange, Director of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, closed proceedings with a call for global action to help make IYAFA a significant year-long undertaking. “The Year provides a unique opportunity to elevate the profile of smallscale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture […] and to lay the ground for securing a future in which these sectors can realise their full potential in contributing to sustainable development” he said. (FAO)

Justin Bieber urged to cancel Saudi show by Khashoggi's fiancée

T

he fiancée of murdered Journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on Justin Bieber to cancel his upcoming concert in Saudi Arabia next month.

The Canadian singer is among the stars set to perform at the Kingdom's first Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah.

But Hatice Cengiz wrote an open letter to Bieber urging him to "send a powerful message" by pulling out.

Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi regime, was murdered at its consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

He had gone there to pick up documents for the couple's wedding. The

Bieber is among the stars to play at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on 5 December

Journalist's body was dismembered as Cengiz waited outside.

"Do not sing for the murderers of my beloved Jamal," Cengiz wrote in the letter, published in the

Washington Post.

She said Bieber had a "unique opportunity" to show that his "name and talent will not be used to restore the reputation of a regime that kills its critics".

Bieber is set to headline at the F1 race on December 5, joined by artists including A$AP Rocky, David Guetta, and Jason Derulo.

Human Rights Watch has also called on Bieber and the other performers to pull out of the F1 concerts, saying the events are aimed at diverting attention from Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

A US intelligence report found that Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, effectively the king-

dom's ruler, had approved Khashoggi's assassination.

The crown Prince, however, has repeatedly denied any involvement.

The 59-year-old Journalist had once been an adviser to the Saudi Government and close to the royal family, but he fell out of favour and went into self-imposed exile in the US in 2017.

Bieber is not the first pop star to face pressure to pull out of a concert in Saudi Arabia.

In 2019, rapper Nicki Minaj cancelled a scheduled performance in Jeddah, citing her support for women and LGBT rights. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Democracy slipping away at record rate, intergovernmental body warns

A

greater number of countries are sliding towards authoritarianism, while the number of established democracies under threat has never been so high, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Monday.

Populist politics, the use of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to silence critics, a tendency of countries to mimic the anti-democratic behaviour of others, and disinformation used to divide societies are mainly to blame, the Stockholm-based intergovernmental organisation said in a report.

"More countries than ever are suffering from

'democratic erosion'," IDEA said in its 2021 study on the state of democracy, relying on data compiled since 1975.

"The number of countries undergoing 'democratic backsliding' has never been as high," it said, referring to the regressive turn in areas including checks on Government and judicial independence, as well as media freedom and human rights.

Afghanistan, which was taken over by Taliban militants in August after international troops withdrew, is the most dramatic case this year, while Myanmar's February 1 coup marked the collapse of a fragile de-

mocracy. Other examples include Mali, which has suffered two coups since 2020, and Tunisia, where the President has dissolved Parliament and assumed emergency powers.

Large democracies such as Brazil and the United States have seen Presidents question the validity of election results, while India has witnessed the prosecution of groups of people critical of Government policies.

Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Serbia are the European countries with the greatest declines in democracy. Turkey has seen one of the largest declines between 2010 and 2020.

"In fact, 70 per cent of

the global population now live either in non-democratic regimes or in democratically backsliding countries," the report said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in authoritarian behaviour by Governments. The study said that there was no evidence that authoritarian regimes were better at fighting the pandemic, despite Chinese state media reports to the contrary.

"The pandemic provides additional tools and justification for repressive tactics and silencing of dissent in countries as diverse as Belarus, Cuba, Myanmar, Nicaragua, and Venezuela," the report said. (Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Regional

T&T recorded 109 deaths in 1 week, 2 hostages have been released in Haiti, group says 404 new cases alone on Sunday

T

rinidad and Tobago recorded 404 new COVID-19 cases and 20 more deaths on Sunday, according to the Health Ministry’s daily COVID-19 update.

This means that for the past week (Nov 15-21) there have been 3622 infections or 517 cases per day and 109 deaths or 15.5 deaths per day.

In the three weeks of November, there have been 1975 cases and 76 deaths in week one; 2963 cases and

86 deaths in week two and 3622 cases and 109 deaths in week three, for a grand total of 8560 cases and 271 deaths from the 1st to the 21st.

The Ministry’s Sunday update stated that there are 8611 active cases with 518 in hospital, 108 in stepdown facilities, 92 in State quarantine facilities and 7581 in home self-isolation.

From March 12, 2020 to Sunday, T&T has had 65,889 positive cases with

55,311 recovering and 1967 deaths.

As of Sunday, the number of people tested for COVID-19 is 430,102 ­ – 184,488 at private facilities and 245,614 at State facilities.

The last seven days saw T&T record both its highest single-day infection (781 cases on November 17) and the highest single-date death toll (28 on November 20) since COVID-19 statistics were first recorded. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

T

wo of the 17 American and Canadian Christian missionaries taken hostage in Haiti last month have been released, the group that arranged for their trip to the Caribbean nation said on Sunday, without giving further details.

“We have learned that two of the hostages in Haiti were released,” Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries

said in a statement.

The 16 Americans and one Canadian, including five children, were abducted in October after visiting an orphanage. The incident has highlighted Haiti’s dire kidnapping problem, which has worsened amid economic and political crises and escalating violence.

Reached by Reuters, the spokesperson of the Haitian National Police,

Gary Desrosiers, confirmed that two hostages had been released Sunday.

The officials have previously said a gang known as 400 Mawozo was demanding US$1 million per person ransom. A man identifying himself as the leader of the gang said in a video posted on YouTube last month that he was willing to kill hostages if he did not get what he wanted.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuelans vote in regional elections as opposition returns

Chilean voters go to polls amid deep divisions V

C

hile was long held up as a model of political stability and economic growth in South America.

But that image was shattered when violent anti-Government protests began to spread though the country in late 2019.

In the first general election since, voters face a choice between sharply diverging political visions for the future. Polls closed on 18:00h local time.

The leading candidates reflect the social tensions and political polarisation that have gripped the nation as a result of that internal upheaval.

This situation has been exacerbated by the social and economic strains of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The most recent opinion polls show far-right candidate José Antonio Kast in the lead, followed by leftwing former student leader Gabriel Boric.

With a total of seven can-

Mass protest, which started in late 2019, has left the country paralysed for months

didates in the running for the presidency, it is unlikely that any one candidate will get the 50 per cent of the votes necessary to win outright in the first round.

A second round scheduled for December 19 is, therefore, looking highly likely.

Besides choosing a new President, Chileans will also be electing a new 155-member Chamber of Deputies and 27 members of the 50seat Senate, as well as re-

gional councillors.

The election is being held at a time when Chile’s political scene is unusually agitated and with the deep-rooted anger displayed during the anti-Government protests of 2019 and 2020 still raw.

One of the demands made by the protesters was for a new constitution to replace the one which dates back to the military rule of General Augusto Pinochet.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

oters in Venezuela on Sunday elected more than 3000 State Governors, Mayors and City Council members across the South American country, which is beset by a long-running recession and hyperinflation.

The elections on Sunday represent a major challenge for electoral authorities and Opposition politicians alike, as the latter return to compete for votes against the Government of President Nicolás Maduro for the first time in four years.

Opposition politicians had boycotted presidential elections and parliamentary elections in 2018 and 2020 respectively, accusing Maduro’s Government of fraud.

Sunday’s elections were observed by more than 130 international monitors, mostly from the European Union, satisfying a longstanding demand of Maduro’s opponents. Polls closed at 18:00h local time.

It is the first time in 15 years that EU observ-

People queue to take part in the election for State Governors and local Mayors, in Caracas [Leonardo Fernandez/Reuters]

ers are in Venezuela. In previous elections, foreign observation was essentially carried out by multilateral and regional electoral organisations close to the Venezuelan Government.

The observers will monitor electoral conditions such as fairness, media access, campaign activities, and disqualification of candidates. They are expected to release a preliminary report early next week and an in-depth look next year.

Should the Opposition lose the four State governorships it won in 2017 – out of 23 states – it would lack a power base to launch a campaign for presidential elections, due in 2024.

The vote will also test the impartiality of Venezuela’s electoral commission, which in May included two opponents among its top five directors, making it the most balanced board in 17 years, its members have said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

3rd night of violence in Guadeloupe Ecuador and Colombia to open as France sends Police special forces shared border from December 1

T

he Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory, was hit by a third night of looting and rioting amid protests against COVID-19 measures, with gunmen shooting at Police and firefighters, the authorities said on Sunday.

Police arrested 38 people as shops were broken into and cars set ablaze.

Special Police forces were due to arrive from mainland France to the Caribbean archipelago on Sunday to restore order.

“This situation cannot be accepted nor tolerated,” Government spokesman Gabriel Attal told Europe 1 radio.

In a sign unrest could spread to other overseas territories in the Caribbean, trade unions called for a

Guadeloupe Anti-Riot Police stand guard on a street after French Police reinforcements were dispatched owing to violent demonstrations which broke out over COVID-19 protocols, in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, November 20, 2021

general strike on the island of Martinique from today, French media reported.

The strike notice demands an end to the mandatory vaccination of health

workers as well as support to deal with high fuel prices.

Guadeloupe’s prefect, Alexandre Rochatte, who represents the French

Government, said in a statement that armed groups had tried to loot stores in Pointe-a-Pitre, Basse-Terre and Lamentin and battled Police.

Shots were fired at Police and firefighters trying to put out blazes. Four pharmacies were broken into and cars set on fire while barricades were erected to stop security forces from intervening, the prefect added.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Saturday that France would send to the territory about 50 members of the GIGN and RAID elite tactical forces of the gendarmerie.

Prime Minister Jean Castex is also due to meet today in Paris with Guadeloupe officials to discuss the situation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

E

cuador and Colombia on Sunday agreed to the bilateral reopening of their shared border from the start of December after it was closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, and pledged to work together to combat drug trafficking.

The shared border was shut in March 2020 as both Governments looked to curb the spread of coronavirus. The controlled reopening, complete with epidemiological measures, will bring greater security and economic activity to the zone.

“Opening the borders means no Ecuadorian or Colombian family will have to pay criminal bands charging to cross via alternative routes, rather than the official ones, which will be opened on December 1,” Ecuador’s President

Guillermo Lasso said in Quito following a meeting with his Colombian counterpart Ivan Duque.

During the meeting, Colombia offered to support Ecuador in the fight against drug trafficking.

Ecuador is beset by a wave of crime that has caused homicides to spike which the country’s authorities link to the trafficking and consumption of drugs.

On Friday, Lasso extended a State of Emergency across Ecuador to keep military patrols on the streets in areas with high rates of homicide and other crimes associated with the drug trade.

“Ecuador will receive everything it needs from Colombia to fight against organised crime,” Colombia’s President Ivan Duque said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Jerusalem shooting: Gunman

kills 1 and wounds 3 in Old City

Saudi holds top oil supplier to China in October – customs data

S

audi Arabia held its position as the biggest supplier of crude oil to China for an 11th month in a row in October, with volumes up 19.5 per cent from a year ago, customs data showed on Sunday.

Saudi oil arrivals totalled 7.1 million tonnes, or 1.67 million barrels per day (bpd), data from the General Administration of Customs showed, which is 19.5 per cent higher than 1.4 million bpd a year and compares with 1.94 million bpd in September.

Inflows from Russia, including pipeline oil, inched up by 1.3 per cent from a year ago to 6.6 million tonnes last month, or 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd). That compared with 1.49 million bpd in September.

The growth in Russian supplies, primarily of its flagship oil ESPO blend, followed China's release of fresh import quotas in August and October that allowed independent plants to lift purchases of one of their favourite grades.

Still, China's overall October crude oil imports fell to the lowest in three years amid Beijing's broad cap on independent refiners' imports.

Supplies from Brazil were down 53.2 per cent from a year earlier, while those from the United States slumped by 91.8 per cent.

Reuters reported China's imports of Iranian oil have held above half a million barrels per day on average between August and October, as buyers judge that getting crude at cheap prices outweighs any risks from busting US sanctions.

Most of these barrels were passed on as exports from Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, weighing on competing supplies from Brazil and West Africa.

Official data has consistently shown China has imported zero oil from Iran or Venezuela since start of 2021, as national oil companies stayed on the sidelines on worries over US sanctions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Poland says Belarus border crisis may be prelude to "something worse"

P

olish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned on Sunday that the migrant crisis on the Belarus border may be a prelude to "something much worse", and Poland's border guard said Belarusian forces were still ferrying migrants to the frontier.

The European Union accuses Belarus of flying in thousands of people from the Middle East and pushing them to cross into EU and NATO members Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, in response to European sanctions.

Minsk, which denies fomenting the crisis, cleared a migrant camp near the border on Thursday and started to repatriate some people to Iraq, while Poland and Lithuania reported lower numbers of attempts to cross their borders in recent days.

But Morawiecki warned the crisis was far from over as he toured Estonia,

Lithuania and Latvia on Sunday to discuss the situation.

A poll published by Poland's Rzeczpospolita daily on Sunday said 55 per cent of Poles are worried the crisis on the border could escalate into an armed conflict.

"I think that the things that unfold before our eyes, these dramatic events, may only be a prelude to something much worse," Morawiecki said in Vilnius.

He pointed to increased Russian military presence close to Ukraine, as well as in Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad enclave which borders Poland and Lithuania, as "an instrument which could be used directly for a direct attack".

The situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover "may be used as the next stage of the migration crisis," said Morawiecki. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

gunman has opened fire in Jerusalem's Old City, killing one person and wounding at least three others.

The gunman, who officials identified as a member of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, was shot dead by Israeli security forces.

One civilian shot by the gunman died of his wounds in hospital. Another was seriously hurt, and two Israeli police officers were wounded, officials said.

Internal Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev said the attacker had a submachine gun.

The attack took place near a gate to a compound in East Jerusalem that is a frequent flashpoint for violence - the location of the Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's most revered locations, and also the holiest site in Judaism, known as the Temple Mount.

The attacker was identified as a 42-year-old Palestinian man from East Jerusalem.

A spokesman for Hamas confirmed the man - named in Palestinian and Israeli media as Fadi Abu Shkhaydam - was a member of the group's political wing.

Israel's Internal Security Minister said the shooting appeared to be premeditated and that the entire incident "lasted 32 or 36 seconds".

Bar-Lev said the gunman had appeared to try to disguise himself as an Orthodox Jew. Violent knife attacks

are a regular occurrence in Jerusalem, but gun attacks of this type are rare.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he had asked security forces to be extra vigilant.

Israel has occupied East Jerusalem since the 1967 Middle East war and considers the entire city its capital, though this is not recognised by the vast majority of the international community.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

COVID: Sajid Javid orders review of medical device racial bias

A

review into whether medical devices are equally effective regardless of the patient's ethnicity has been ordered by Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Research suggests oximeters, which are clipped to a person's finger, can overstate the level of oxygen in the blood of people from ethnic minorities.

Ministers want to know whether bias could have prevented patients receiving appropriate COVID treatment.

Javid said any bias was "totally unacceptable".

But the doctors' union the British Medical Association (BMA) said the review should not simply look at equipment, but also "structural issues" within healthcare that affect

Dutch Police fire shots as COVID protests rock Rotterdam

ethnic minorities.

Evidence suggests people belonging to ethnic minorities have been at greater risk from COVID during the pandemic.

A study published last year indicated that black people were twice as likely as white people to catch coronavirus.

People of Asian heritage were 1.5 times more likely than their white counterparts to be infected, research suggested.

Javid announced the review in the Sunday Times, saying he was determined to "close the chasms that the pandemic has exposed".

Asked later on the BBC's

Andrew Marr show whether he thought people had died of COVID because of pulse oximeters, Javid said: "I think possibly yes, yes. I don't have the full facts."

He said there was racial bias in some medical instruments, adding: "It's unintentional but it exists."

"And the reason is that a lot of these medical devices, even some of the drugs, some of the procedures, some of the textbooks, most of them are put together in majority white countries and I think this is a systemic issue around this," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan military reinstates Prime Minister but protests continue

S

Police said the protests descended into rioting with dozens of people arrested and seven people injured

D

utch Police opened fire on protesters and seven people were injured in rioting that erupted in downtown Rotterdam at a demonstration against recently introduced COVID-19 restrictions and government plans to restrict access for unvaccinated people to some venues.

The Dutch city’s Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb told reporters in the early hours of Saturday morning that “on a number of occasions the Police felt it necessary to draw their weapons to defend themselves” as rioters ran rampage through the port city’s central shopping district, setting fires and throwing rocks and fireworks at officers in what Aboutaleb called “an orgy of violence”. “[The Police] shot at protesters, people were injured,” Aboutaleb said. He did not have details on the injuries. Police also fired warning shots.

A number of Police officers also were injured in

the violence and officers arrested dozens of people and expect to arrest more after studying video footage from security cameras, Aboutaleb said.

The situation had largely calmed down later on Friday night, but there was a heavy Police presence.

It was one of the worst outbreaks of violence in the Netherlands since coronavirus restrictions were first imposed last year. In January, rioters also attacked Police and set fires on the streets of Rotterdam after a curfew came into force.

The Netherlands went back into western Europe’s first partial lockdown of the winter season a week ago.

The restrictions, which affect restaurants, shops and sport, are expected to remain in force for at least three weeks.

The Netherlands is trying to control a new wave of the coronavirus, with more than 21,000 new cases reported on Friday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

udan's military reinstated Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on Sunday and promised to release all political detainees after weeks of deadly unrest triggered by a coup, though large crowds took to the streets to reject any deal involving the army.

Under an agreement signed with military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Hamdok, first appointed after the overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir in a 2019 uprising, will lead a civilian government of technocrats for a transitional period.

The deal faces opposition from pro-democracy groups that have demanded full civilian rule ever since Bashir was ousted and have been angered by the deaths of dozens of protesters in the weeks following the Oct 25 coup.

A hero for the protest movement, Hamdok quickly became the villain for some.

"Hamdok has sold the revolution," protesters chanted after the deal was announced.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), a leading protest group, called it "treacherous".

Tens of thousands of people joined scheduled rallies in the capital Khartoum and its twin cities of Omdurman and Bahri. Security forces fired bullets and tear gas

Sudan's then-Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, speaks during a Reuters interview in Khartoum, Sudan August 24, 2019

to disperse them, witnesses said. A 16-year-old protester in Omdurman died from a bullet wound, the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said.

"Hamdok has disappointed us. Our only option is the street," said Omar Ibrahim, a 26-year-old protester in Khartoum.

The coup triggered mass demonstrations against the military and medics aligned with the protest movement say security forces have killed 41 civilians in increasingly violent crackdowns.

Hamdok said he had agreed to the deal to prevent more casualties. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Pace yourself. Put your time and energy into something that matters to you.

Refuse to get involved in an emotionally draining situation. A disciplined attitude will help you get things done.

Concentrate on self-improvement, not on trying to change others. Set personal goals, and let others adjust at their own pace. Keep your life simple and rely only on yourself.

Impulsive spending or reactions will set you back.

Concentrate on doing a good job, giving your all and mastering something that will help you excel. Don’t trust someone who promises the impossible.

Share your feelings with someone you care about, and you will find out where you stand. Engage in pastimes that motivate you to do something creative. Do something relaxing with a loved one.

Keep the peace. If you overreact or let someone upset you, it will change the dynamics of the relationship. Take a wait-and-see approach, and you’ll gain the necessary insight.

Use your skills to find a new outlet that can boost your ability to get ahead. An unexpected change of plans will favor you, so don’t fight the inevitable. Romance is encouraged.

Keep your plans to a minimum and your emotions under control. Be observant and disciplined when dealing with people who tend to push you. An intelligent response will be necessary.

Pay attention to details, expenditures and responsibilities. Take on only what you know you can handle. Choose quality over quantity. A positive change will occur if you are attentive.

Consider every angle.

SAGITTARIUS Jumping into something (Nov. 23prematurely will not end Dec. 21) well. Trust your instincts, not what others say or do.

Take responsibility to do what’s right for you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Show affection to loved ones and let them know your feelings and plans. Put your energy where it counts most.

Move things around at home or at work to ensure efficiency and comfort.

A minimalist attitude will save you time and money.

Live with what you have, and make only necessary, cost-efficient changes that help you use assets to the best of your ability.

Invest time and money in yourself, your home and (Feb. 20how you earn your living. A March 20) change of plans will turn out to be in your favor. Leave nothing to chance or unfinished, and you do just fine.

PISCES

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

21

Clinical India complete clean sweep against New Zealand I

ndia's new T20I era under the leadership of Rohit Sharma got off to the perfect start as they clean swept the Black Caps 3-0.

Chasing for the first time in the series, New Zealand never managed to recover from the three wickets that Axar Patel picked up in the powerplay. Martin Guptill put up a fight with a great half-century, but did not find enough support from the rest, with only two other batters getting to double figures.

Earlier in the day, India put on a mammoth total of 184 after choosing to bat first, thanks to a fantastic fifty from Sharma and great cameos from Deepak Chahar and Harshal Patel in the end. Ishan Kishan, Shreyas

SCOREBOARD INDIA INNINGS Rohit Sharma (c)c & b Sodhi 56 Ishan Kishan c †Seifert b Santner 29 Suryakumar Yadav c Guptill b Santner 0 Rishabh Pant †c Neesham b Santner 4 Shreyas Iyer c Mitchell b Milne 25 Venkatesh Iyer c Chapman b Boult 20 Axar Patel not out 2 Harshal Patel hit wicket b Ferguson 18 Deepak Chahar not out 21 Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 6) TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.19)

Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer, too, made handy contributions.

Different formula, same result

With the three-match T20I series in the bag, India rested their key man KL Rahul ahead of

the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship matches against New Zealand.

Replacing him, Kishan opened the innings alongside Captain Sharma.

The two batters fired all cylinders to thrust India's

Hamilton dominates F1 Qatar GP to cut Verstappen’s title lead

T

wenty races into a gruelling Formula One season, Lewis Hamilton remains relentless and unbowed in his determination to take the title fight to the wire.

With his dominant victory over rival Max Verstappen at the debut Qatar Grand Prix, the world champion has ensured this gripping and finely-poised battle hangs in the balance. Hamilton is clearly pumped up for it and rightly so on this evidence from the Losail circuit, where his Mercedes team may have delivered the car to make the difference at a vital moment.

Hamilton won with a consummate, controlled run from pole to flag, inch?perfect with pace that Verstappen could not challenge. He has cut the lead to the Dutchman from 14 points to eight, with 52 available from the final two races, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

A visibly energised Hamilton, enjoying

back-to-back wins after victory at the last round in Brazil, was relishing the challenge and it was impossible not to sense the momentum had shifted behind his attempt to take a record eighth title.

“I’m loving it,” he said. “I love the close battle, and the pressure, and the demands it puts on you, and the whole team. I thoroughly enjoyed it; we’ll be bringing our triple-A game for the last two races. I feel great, the car is better than ever, I am looking forward to the battle.”

Verstappen’s Red Bull simply could not match the pace of the Mercedes, but he did at least stay close to Hamilton all race while they left the field far in their wake. The Dutchman counted his second as a very good recovery having started from seventh after he was given a grid penalty shortly before the race for failing to slow for waved yellow flags in qualifying. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso secured a superb third, his first podium for 104 races, the last being at Hungary in 2014.

Mercedes and Hamilton delivered at Losail with the flawless execution they know will be required to take the title, but, crucially, with fearsome pace. Their car, the team principal Toto Wolff confirmed when asked, was better now than it had been all season with his driver in menacing form after his recovery from penalties in Brazil.

“Yes, definitely,” he said. “The car is quick on the straight and good in the corners. Lewis is totally in the zone, the lion got woken up at Interlagos. Saudi Arabia should be a good track for us. If everybody finishes the race, [the battle] is going to go to Abu Dhabi.” Notably both are night races in conditions very similar to Qatar where Mercedes found the car’s sweet spot with alacrity. (The Guardian)

powerplay score to 69-0.

From the get-go, Sharma made his intentions clear with two consecutive boundaries off Trent Boult in the opening over.

Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson went for aplenty from the other end as the India openers did not spare any loose ones. In Ferguson's final over of the powerplay, Kishan and Sharma tonked three fours and a six to garner 20 runs.

Santner extinguishes the fire

Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand Captain, brought himself on right after the powerplay and dented India's efforts immediately with the wicket of Kishan – edge and caught by the wicketkeeper – departing for a 21-ball 29.

In the same over, Santner snared the scalp of Suryakumar Yadav who walked back for nought. The boundaries dried out and the impact was felt once again.

Becoming Santner's third victim of the night, Rishabh Pant holed out to mid-on where Jimmy Neesham took a comfortable catch.

Sharma brought up his second consecutive fifty, but fell soon after to a blinder of a return catch from Ish Sodhi.

Middle-order cameos propel India

Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer put on a quickfire 36-run partnership in just 27 balls, but got out in a span of three balls. Playing just his second game for India, Harshal Patel showed what he can do with the bat.

Patel clobbered two fours and a six, scoring 18 important runs in just 11 balls be-

9 184/7

Did not bat: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-69 (Ishan Kishan, 6.2 ov), 2-71 (Suryakumar Yadav, 6.6 ov), 3-83 (Rishabh Pant, 8.6 ov), 4-103 (Rohit Sharma, 11.2 ov), 5-139 (Venkatesh Iyer, 15.5 ov), 6-140 (Shreyas Iyer, 16.1 ov), 7-162 (Harshal Patel, 18.3 ov) BOWLING Trent Boult Adam Milne Lockie Ferguson Mitchell Santner Ish Sodhi

O-M-R-W 4-0-31-1 4-0-47-1 4-0-45-1 4-0-27-3 4-0-31-1

fore he got out hit-wicket.

Chahar used the long handle of his bat in the final over as he smashed Milne for two fours and a six to take India to 184-7.

Axar spins a web

Once again, Guptill got New Zealand off to a flier, smashing three boundaries in the first two overs. He was fortunate to be given a reprieve by Chahar, who spilled a skier off his own bowling in the second over.

With the pacers going for runs, Sharma brought on Axar Patel and reaped immediate rewards. Off the very first ball, he dismissed Daryl Mitchell, luring the batter with a wide one.

Axar then beat Mark Chapman with spin as he charged down to the track, but only caught air. Pant showed great glovework to whip the bails off quickly to make it two wickets in an over for India.

The left-arm spinner got his third wicket in the next over, scalping Glenn Phillips who went for the switch hit, but played all around it.

Guptill fights lone battle, but India triumph

In the absence of Kane Williamson, the onus had

NEW ZEALAND INNINGS (TARGET: 185 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Martin Guptill c Yadav b Chahal 51 Daryl Mitchell c HV Patel b AR Patel 5 Mark Chapman st †Pant b AR Patel 0 Glenn Phillips b AR Patel 0 Tim Seifert † run out (Ishan Kishan/†Pant) 17 James Neesham c †Pant b HV Patel 3 Mitchell Santner (c) run out (Ishan Kishan) 2 Adam Milne c Sharma b VR Iyer 7 Ish Sodhi c Yadav b HV Patel 9 Lockie Ferguson c & b Chahar 14 Trent Boult not out 2 Extras (w 1) 1 TOTAL (17.2 Ov, RR: 6.40) 111 Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Daryl Mitchell, 2.1 ov), 2-22 (Mark Chapman, 2.6 ov), 3-30 (Glenn Phillips, 4.4 ov), 4-69 (Martin Guptill, 10.3 ov), 5-76 (Tim Seifert, 11.4 ov), 6-76 (James Neesham, 12.3 ov), 7-84 (Mitchell Santner, 13.1 ov), 8-93 (Adam Milne, 15.1 ov), 9-95 (Ish Sodhi, 16.1 ov), 10111 (Lockie Ferguson, 17.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-0-12-0 Deepak Chahar 2.2-0-26-1 Axar Patel 3-0-9-3 Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-26-1 Venkatesh Iyer 3-0-12-1 Harshal Patel 3-0-26-2

been on Guptill throughout the series to bat through the innings. In the final game too, he was the lone warrior for New Zealand, with him being the only batter to cross the 20-run mark.

Despite losing partners at the other end, Guptill kept the scoreboard ticking with the occasional boundaries. He found good support in Tim Seifert and the two put on a 39-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Guptill smashed Chahal for a six and a four in the ninth over before bringing up his fifty with a boundary. However, with the asking rate touching 12, Guptill had no choice, but to take the bowlers on. Trying to hit Chahal for a maximum, he was beaten in flight and holed out at long on.

Guptill's wicket triggered a huge collapse as they lost the next five wickets for just 26 runs. Kishan affected two run-outs from the deep while Harshal Patel continued his good form with the ball and scalped two wickets.

Venkatesh Iyer got in on the act as well and got his maiden international wicket.

Ferguson smashed a couple of sixes to delay the inevitable before Chahar finished the game off with a caught and bowled. (ICC)

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nicholson, Tyrell champions of South American 10K race Story and photos by Jemima Holmes

M

arlon Nicholson was the man of the moment on Sunday afternoon, as he raced to his first South American 10K victory, in what could be considered his debut race.

Sheama Tyrell made it twoin-two as she “toughed it out” to win her second consecutive

Fagundes led the competitors up until the 1K mark, where he displayed a Guyana flag before getting lost in the crowd of aspiring athletes.

From there on, the Guyana Defence Force’s Odwin Tudor took the steering wheel.

Quite comfortable with Tudor breaking the wind were 2020 champion Winston Missigher and the experienced Cleveland

hopes of making it his second consecutive win, made a brief move, but was unsuccessful.

In similar manner, Thomas also made an attempt to break away from the group, but it proved futile with the agility of the youngsters coming into play.

As they approached the Russian Embassy turn, Hartog lost the leading group and suddenly it was a four- man

The top-four pack, consisting of Winston Missigher, Cleveland Thomas, Odwin Tudor and Nicholson before the breakaway

Marlon Nicholson enjoys a mini celebration after crossing the finish line first

The top seven just after the 7K mark

Christmas came early for the SA 10K athletes compliments of Jonathan Fagundes (Jemima Holmes Photo)

female SA 10K title.

While Tyrell’s victory was undisputed, the males had a few tussles for the top position along the lengthy route.

Starting at the GTT Earth Station on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, the massive group made their first move.

However, it was Jonathan Fagundes who put on the first show of the race. Clad in a tropical sensitive Santa suit,

Thomas, who sat comfortably in the leading pack.

Interchanging leadership between Tudor, Ronell Newton and Sir Kennard Hartog, the leading group persisted up until the University of Guyana (UG) turn, where they lost some inexperienced competitors. At that moment, Tyrell also led the females, around the 4K point.

At the 7K point, the leading group was shaved down to just seven athletes. Missigher, in

A glimpse of the race before the 1K mark

race.

On the Kitty Public Road, Thomas again attempted to break away while Missigher looked good to lead the pack. However, as Tudor and Nicholson, two GDF athletes, approached their base at Camp Ayanganna, there seemed to be a spur of inspiration as they squeezed out Thomas.

Mentally settling for fourth place, Thomas was quiet as the trio went ahead. Missigher, most likely banking on his final sprint, was quite fine with allowing Nicholson to get ahead of him on Thomas Lands, however, this was a grave mistake by the 2020 champion,

WI v SL Test: A good batting pitch, says Chase W est Indies all-rounder Roston Chase described the day one surface at Galle International Stadium as batting friendly, after Sri Lanka ended in a strong position on 267-3 in 88 overs.

The Sri Lankans, who won the toss, capitalised on the loose balls and dropped chances, and rode on the back of their captain’s century.

"I think the pitch is a good batting pitch, pretty batting friendly. Not much there for the fast bowlers, ball was spinning early on with a bit of moisture the wicket had, but after lunch the pitch flattened out," Chase said.

"We need to be patient, because it is a good batting track and it will take a little more time to get the batsmen’s wicket, so we have to be disciplined with our line and lengths, back it up in the field and give a good effort because it is not an easy

Roston Chase takes a knee before the match bowled off

job, so patience is key."

"It is the first day of the Test match but if there is a result it can swing in our favour," Chase said after the opening day of the first Test.

For West Indies, fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was expensive, going at an economy rate of 4.7, leaking 56 runs in 12 overs and claiming one wicket. Jason Holder was perhaps the best bowler, but went wicket-less. He had 0-15 in 14 overs at a top economy rate of 1.1. Rahkeem Cornwall also struggled, but created an early chance that was spilled. He had figures of 0-64 in 20 overs while Jomel Warrican, who bowled no-balls, had -60 in 18 overs.

Chase had 2-42 in 17 overs, giving the West Indies something to smile about.

West Indies had left Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Shai Hope out of the starting XI. (Brandon Corlette)

as Nicholson soon put on the speed to race in to the National Park entrance with a solid 30 metres lead.

According to preliminary results, Nicholson clocked 33:27.80 for his first SA 10K victory, while Missigher clocked 33:38.30 for second place.

Tudor completed the podium with a time of 33:39.30 and Thomas ended up fourth with 34:33.30. Ronell Newton of Upper Demerara Schools clocked 35:54.60 for the fifth position.

Meanwhile, Adriel Austin was reportedly the second female to cross the line, also finishing first for the juniors.

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23

West Indies Test tour to Sri Lanka...

Karunaratne, Nissanka and de Silva flatten West Indies

D

imuth Karunaratne hunkered down in the difficult first session, scored more confidently in the afternoon, and then pressed home Sri Lanka's advantage in the evening, to go to stumps at 132 off 265 balls in his first Test since May. Pathum Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva also made contrasting fifties, to help their captain bookend the day with big stands. On a surface that is expected to dry out and take turn by day three,

Offspin was West Indies' most effective weapon on day one, with Roston Chase removing Oshada Fernando and Angelo Mathews, both for 3, after tea. Their best bowler, however, was Jason Holder, who delivered eight maiden overs in his total of 14, and troubled Mathews so consistently that it prompted the batter to take a fatal risk against Chase.

Shannon Gabriel, who was controversially preferred over Kemar Roach for this Test, was

Roston Chase picked up two wickets

Dhananjaya de Silva scored his ninth Test fifty

Jeremy Solozano was taken to the hospital after a blow to the head, but scans returned clear

Sri Lanka's Captain slammed another century

Sri Lanka's 267 for 3 represents a substantial advantage for the hosts.

West Indies will rue a number of close and missed chances, none greater than the dropped catch off Karunaratne when he was on 14. Rahkeem Cornwall, who perhaps put Karunaratne through his greatest test of the innings with his first spell, got a ball to take the outside edge as the batter attempted to open the face. It flew just wide of the wicketkeeper's gloves, and at a catchable height to the right of slip. Jermaine Blackwood could not get two hands to the ball, though, and grassed it.

the other bowler to take a wicket, when he had Nissanka chase a wide delivery, and nick off to first slip roughly midway through the middle session.

Gabriel was expensive, though, leaking 56 runs from his 12 overs. Both frontline spinners – Cornwall and left-armer Jomel Warrican – also delivered good spells, particularly in the morning, when the pitch had a little bite.

Karunaratne struggled in the early overs, as you might expect from a batter who has barely played any competitive cricket over the past six months.

He played and missed against

Gabriel and Holder, and was pinned down by Cornwall, who used the crease to vary his angle to the left-hander from around the wicket. With the benefit of that dropped catch, though, Karunaratne survived, and began to build. He went to lunch on 32 off 75 balls, and raised the tempo after the break – the conditions having settled somewhat. He used his feet to drive the spinners through midoff, and sometimes shuffled across to either lap or glance them through fine leg – his two most productive regions. The seamers he largely hit square of the wicket, often employing his favoured flick.

Karunaratne got to fifty soon after lunch, and had a second mild slice of fortune soon after, when he hit one low in the air through the legs of bowler Cornwall, who was not quick enough to get down to the possible catch. But the remainder of his innings was largely fuss-free. He used the depth of the crease to punish spinners who pitched too short, and although his first attempt at a reverse sweep had prompted a big lbw appeal, he got better with that shot through the course of the day. Karunaratne did get stuck in the nineties for 29 balls, but that was largely the doing of Holder's impeccable

line and length. The hundred, which came off 212 deliveries, was the 13th of his career, and his fourth this year –- his previous four innings having brought 66, 118, 244 and 75.

Earlier in 2021, he'd also hit a second-innings hundred at The Wanderers.

Karunaratne's most fruitful stand of the day was with Nissanka, who hit 56 off 140 balls. The pair made 139 together, which is a Sri Lankan record for the first wicket against West Indies. Although Karunaratne was reticent through the first session, Nissanka had been even more so, having been promoted to the top of the innings due to

the elected absence of Lahiru Thirimanne.

Late in the day, after West Indies' dry bowling had brought them two wickets, de Silva came in at number five and livened up the place, as he often does. He creamed his fourth ball behind point for four, came down the track against the spinners and hit them aerially down the ground, swept effectively, square drove, and reached his ninth Test fifty off the 62nd ball he faced.

West Indies took the second new ball late in the day, but could not make a breakthrough before bad light stopped play two overs short of what would have constituted a full day.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st Innings Pathum Nissanka c Cornwall b Gabriel 56 Dimuth Karunaratne (c)not out 132 Oshada Fernando c Bonner b Chase 3 Angelo Mathews c Holder b Chase 3 Dhananjaya de Silva not out 56 Extras (b 5, lb 6, nb 6) TOTAL (88 Ov, RR: 3.03) Yet to bat: Dinesh Chandimal †, Ramesh Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha

17 267/3

Chameera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama Fall of wickets: 1-139 (Pathum Nissanka, 49.1 ov), 2-164 (Oshada Fernando, 57.3 ov), 3-170 (Angelo Mathews, 65.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shannon Gabriel Jason Holder Rahkeem Cornwall Kyle Mayers Jomel Warrican Roston Chase Jermaine Blackwood Kraigg Brathwaite

12-0-56-1 14-8-15-0 20-3-64-0 3-0-9-0 18-1-60-0 17-2-42-2 1-0-6-0 3-0-4-0

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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

Page 23

West Indies Test tour to Sri Lanka...

Karunaratne, Nissanka and de Silva flatten West Indies

Sheama Tyrell after crossing the finish line

Nicholson, Tyrell champions of South American 10K race

Marlon Nicholson makes his move at the head of Thomas Lands (Jemima Holmes photo)

See story on page 22

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