Guyana Times - Saturday, February 6, 2021

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle retires P

11

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

Issue No. 4551

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Call out people who spread hate, especially on social media – Ali tells religious bodies

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Corentyne labourer remanded for killing nephews

P9

Page 3

4 homeless after Berbice fire P9

Flaring on Liza Destiny

ExxonMobil cuts oil production, faulty compressor valve sent for repair Lusignan 107 new COVID-19 Prison inmate cases recorded in 6 regions beaten to death See story on page 7

Page 2

See stories on pages 10&12

…as death toll rises to 180

Page 13

Sod turned for state-ofthe-art secondary school at Prospect, EBD

Efforts to resolve Police promotions' controversy outside court P8 futile

…case now back with Chief Justice

Released fishermen

Foreign Affairs Minister P14 meets with families …men expected to arrive home today

Essequibo P2 Coast man drowns while bathing in trench

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo Coast man drowns Lusignan Prison inmate beaten to death while bathing in trench T F orty-year-old Victor Soomaru of Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown, who was serving time for possession of narcotics, died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Friday. Based on reports received, at about 21:05h on Thursday evening, prisoners housed in Unit 1 (quarantine section) of the penitentiary raised an alarm.

Without hesitation, Prison Officers responded and it was reported that Soomaru was struck to the head with a piece of brick.

At the time, the injured prisoner was wrapped in a towel and was asleep with another remanded prisoner in the same cell.

The injured man was taken out of the unit and escorted to the prison infirmary where he was seen and treated by the medical personnel on duty.

However, he was later trans-

ferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek further medical attention. Due to his injuries, he was admitted but succumbed to his injuries the following morning at about 10:30h.

Soomaru was housed in Unit 1 with three other prisoners, including the alleged accused. The Police are currently investigating the matter.

Soomaru was admitted to the correctional facility on February 1, 2021. He was charged for having 1.9 grams of cannabis in his possession.

The relatives of the now dead man were contacted and informed of the incident. His body was taken to the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. The Guyana Prison Service has related that the suspect in the beating to death of the inmate was relocated.

Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

Earlier in the year, 44-yearold Roger Samuels of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who was on remand at the same prison on a larceny charge, was found dead in his cell.

It was reported that the Duty Officer at Lusignan Prison was in the process of unlocking the prisoners to wash-up when he observed Samuels lying in a motionless state on his bed.

In light of this, a doctor attached to the penitentiary, Dr Britton, examined Samuels and pronounced him dead. At the time of his incarceration, he shared a cell in Unit 1 with seven other inmates.

He was charged and remanded to prison on January 8, 2021, for allegedly stealing a motor car.

He was reportedly admitted to prison with several injuries to his body which were inflicted by the public as a result of the alleged offence he had committed.

he lifeless body of a 27-year-old man was on Friday morning pulled from a trench in front of his home where he went to take a bath on Thursday evening. The dead man has been identified as Lennox Ballieram of Abram’s Zuil, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Based on reports received, the now dead man left his home at about 20:00h on Thursday to take a bath at a trench in front of his house but after some time had elapsed and he did not return home, his mother sent his brother to check on him but he was not seen.

However, at about 06:30h on Friday, the now dead man’s brother went back to the location to check and it was then he saw a towel lying next to the trench.

As such, he thought

something was amiss and went into the water to look for his brother.

After several minutes in the trench, he reportedly found his brother’s submerged body.

He raised an alarm and with the assistance of villagers, the body was pulled and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. The matter was reported and the Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

The Police did not say if the man’s body bore any marks of violence.

Cop charged for Peters Hall fatal accident

Dead: Dulmattie Boodlall

A

member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) found himself before the Providence Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Stephan Ramsay, who is attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), was charged with the offence and released on $600,000 bail by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The charge alleged that Ramsay on January 5, 2021, at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, drove a minibus belonging the GPF, in a man-

ner dangerous to the public, causing the death of 59-yearold Dulmattie Boodlall, of Lot 950 Block Y Section C, Golden Grove, EBD. Boodlall was struck down by minibus PWW 7172, which is attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at Nandy Park, EBD, as she was attempting to cross the public road.

It was reported that on January 5, 2021, the minibus was proceeding north along the western side of the eastern carriageway when the driver alleged that the woman was approaching a pedestrian crossing.

Police said that the bus was about 8 feet away from the crossing when Boodlall started to cross the road on the crossing from west to east. On seeing this, the driver swerved to avoid a collision but ended up hitting the woman.

As a result of the impact, she fell onto the roadway and received injuries about her body.

She was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The case will continue on February 19.

NEWS

3

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 6 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 11:00h – 12:30h and Sunday, February 7 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 12:00h – 13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 6 – 11:50h – 13:20h and Sunday, February 7 – 13:00h – 14:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Friday, February 5 – 10:30h-12:00h and Saturday, February 6 – 11:50h-13:20h.

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies during the night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Call out people who spread hate, especially on social media – Ali tells religious bodies

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday met with executive members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of Guyana at State House, where he urged them to play their part in calling out persons who spread hate, especially on social media.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the various religious bodies that form the IRO. During the meeting, President Ali applauded the group for their work in soci-

President Irfaan Ali, VP Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister Juan Edghill meeting with representatives from the IRO on Friday

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:41h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 05:07h and 17:55h reaching minimum heights of 1.02 metre and 0.9 metre.

Some of the IRO representatives at the high-level meeting with President Ali

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

01

4

21

22 23 26

FREE TICKET

11 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 16 18 19 22 LUCKY 3

7

8

7

9

Afternoon Draw

8

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03

07

09

15

18 19 21

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

05 07 08 12 16 13

04 07 09 11 17

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$59.34/barrel

+0.84

Rough Rice

$234.18/ton

-0.19

London Sugar

$465.40/ton

+0.61

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1815.20

$1816.20

Low/High Change

$1793.20 0.00

$1817.00 0.00%

ety. He recognised that they have an important role to play in promoting peace and unity in Guyana.

To this end, the Head of State urged the various religious leaders to call out persons who promote hate, particularly on social media.

According to Ali, religious leaders and organisations have to be a part of the solution in healing the country.

Also present at Friday’s meeting were Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Secretary of the IRO, Jennifer Dewar subsequently told Guyana Times that they had a fruitful meeting, noting that they were able to raise some of the challenges of the organisation with the country’s leader.

Dewar noted that the IRO had reached out and sought an audience with the President as the organisation observes World Interfaith Harmony Week, which is held in the first week of February.

“The President was open and he felt that as an InterReligious Organisation, we had a role specifically to play with regards to the morality – in terms of virtues etc – of the country generally. We also talked about working on maybe a curriculum for moral education, and also an interfaith television channel,” Dewar related.

She explained that the organisation had set up a Board and already secured funding for a television vision station to broadcast religious content. However, they have had challenges with this project beginning as it relates to finding the land to build the station on.

Dewar revealed that President Ali has assigned Governance Minister Gail Teixeira and Minister Edghill to work along with the IRO to resolve their

challenges in bringing this initiative to fruition.

“So, the Government wants to engage a broad cross-section of the religious community to be more on board with both his vision of the role we need to play and the vision of the IRO,” Dewar stated.

President Ali’s charge to the religious bodies comes while the country is still recovering from last year’s contentious and prolonged General and Regional Elections during which divisiveness had raised its ugly head.

In fact, the IRO back in July 2020, during the midst of the political turmoil, had condemned the actions of racial segregation that were prevalent at the time and had appealed for peace, reconciliation, trust and stability within the country.

Meanwhile, since his inauguration, President Ali has been reassuring the nation that he is committed to govern all of Guyana, regardless of political affiliation or ethnic and religious background.

TURN TO PAGE 5

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 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

Taking COVID-19 precautions seriously

O

n Friday, the Health Ministry reported that Guyana had recorded 107 new COVID-19 cases and another related death. Despite the upward trend in infections, persons are still not taking the health guidelines issued by the authorities seriously. In some cases, persons just go about their daily routines as if they are not bothered at all.

We had supported, and continue to support, the move by the Government to make it mandatory for persons to wear masks while out in public, which was done since August 2020.

Authorities had made it clear that it is not the Government’s intention to have persons locked up or fined for not wearing a mask while out in public.

Of note, too, is that even in cases where persons choose to wear a mask, they do not do so properly. Face masks should cover the nose, mouth, and chin. When not in use, the mask should be safely stowed away or discarded, and not be placed on any other part of the face or neck.

Mandatory mask-wearing, along with the other preventative measures: handwashing/sanitising and social distancing, is the key measure to halting the severe impact of COVID-19. With COVID-19 in Guyana, the Government, along with the various health partners, has wasted no time in stepping up the national response to contain the spread of the virus. However, citizens also have a role to play, and they must take that role seriously, or else the country would not be able to win the battle to control the virus.

The fact is, once the health guidelines to contain the spread of the virus are not taken seriously by citizens, the infection rates would continue to climb, and the country would take even longer before it could be fully reopened. This, we know, would have severe economic and social impacts on the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. The CDC explains that this is called source control.

“This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that show masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth,” the CDC explains.

The CDC notes that COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other, or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

The CDC has recommended that all persons, two years of age and older, wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

It must be noted, too, that COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. For this reason, it is important that everyone should wear a mask in public settings, and practise social distancing.

However, while masks are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recognises there are specific instances when wearing a mask may not be feasible. In those instances, adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible.

Everyone wants the virus to be contained so that they can get on with their daily lives, but this would not be possible if citizens are complacent or continue to ignore the health guidelines.

Students wearing COVID-19 protective gear social distance during snack time on their first day back to in-person class since March 2020 at Liceo Lunita, a private school in Chia, on the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia (VOA)

Youths in Region 10 will support new multi-purpose complex Dear Editor, The Government of Guyana and the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, have recognised the importance of having good recreational infrastructure that promote healthy lifestyles, create inclusive communities and contribute to a high quality of living.

Thanks to the Government of Guyana, Lindeners will benefit from a new multi-purpose sports facility that would enhance residents’ quality of life while promoting sports and supporting sustainable prosperity for Region 10.

However, criticisms have been coming from a minority of persons in that region, those who apparently don’t want to see any such development in the region, since it was announced that the PPP/C Government was pushing for the Mackenzie Sports Ground facility to become a new multi-purpose sports complex that would bring more value to the town.

Let me assure Lindeners that Government has no intention of taking over the Mackenzie Sports Club.

It is ironic that there are some who are calling for residents’ consultation, but are forgetting that, during the tenure of the previous APNU/AFC Government, there was no consultation on the construction of the “BAYROC” Sports Complex and the “DURBAN PARK” white elephant.

As a Lindener, I cannot believe - at this day and age - that we still have persons who don’t what to see development in this region and town, more so development for our young people in the region. I want to say to you all that, for the first time in the history of Region 10, youths are behind the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government, and will support this development (project), whether you like it or not. The time has come for development to occur in Region 10, and it is indeed stupid for persons to think that a new multipurpose facility can be used for persons outside of Linden.

Logically, it is in the town of Linden, it is in the centre of Linden, and the “People of Linden [have] that access currently.

Linden residents, we all know that the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) is in dilapidated condition.

What do we expect - that our Government would ignore a facility that needs assistance, a facility that would benefit the people of Linden, the entire region and the country at large? Sorry, that will not happen, our region needs modernisation, and we will have it done with help from our Government. The PPP/C Administration has made a commitment to every Guyanese in its manifesto, and that will guide Government’s policy.

Government will provide special funding for

upgrading of sports and cultural facilities, as well as building sports academies in all regions. There are plans that would provide incentive packages for businesses that provide sponsorships or employment opportunities for sports persons; hence the people of Region 10 must benefit from these innovations.

For those who object to the major developmental work of our Government, my question to them is: What alternative do you have to present on your own to correct the dilapidated condition of the Mackenzie Sports Club?

The announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali to include the dilapidated Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) as one of three venues to be transformed into a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports facility is a clear indication that our Government cares about every Guyanese, including Lindeners.

Over the last weeks, there have been several visits to the Mackenzie Sports Club, where firsthand assessments were done. Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Chinese Embassy had a consultation at the facility.

Coming out of the first visit by Minister Ramson last year, a second was

made by the designing team led by Orin Boyce.

Those visits were aimed at moving the process forward as the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Chinese Embassy officials came to have a first-hand look at what must be done to do a complete makeover of the MSC. The Chinese team came on board since this will be a bilateral arrangement between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China.

Through the Department of International Cooperation, the Foreign Affairs Ministry was there to assess the nature of this project, in order to help determine the terms and conditions and protocols which would be thorough, inclusive of the technical element of this project.

Presently, work is being done on the architectural design for the multi-purpose sports complex. Once built, this eagerly-anticipated new complex in Linden would promote healthy lifestyles for local residents, particularly youths and students.

Sports infrastructure like these would help keep our communities healthy.

This new multi-purpose sports complex would give the community another focal point, allow Linden to distinguish itself on the sports scene, and contribute to the development of the region for future generations.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Robbie Rambarran Berbice cow thieves granted bail new DCEO at GPHC

T

hree men who allegedly stole 10 heads of cattle were on Friday placed on bail when they appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the New Amsterdam Court in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The trio, Lakeram Deokaran, 30, a labourer of Mai Mai Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; Vishal Ramshackle, 35, also a labourer of Betsy Ground, East Canje, and another labourer, 50-year-old Jagpaul

Call out people who spread hate...

New GPHC DCEO Robbie Rambarran

E

ffective February 1, 2021, the Board of Directors and management of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) welcomed Robbie Rambarran to the team as Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO). GPHC in a statement said that Rambarran is no stranger at the institution as he began his career with the corporation in 2002 as a clerk in the stores department.

Determined to continually advance throughout his 13year tenure at the corpora-

One of the men who were charged for stealing cows

Seelall also of Betsy Ground, were not required to plead to the indictable charge of larceny of cattle contrary to Section 176 of the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01.

They were each granted bail in the sum of $30,000 and instructed to return to court on March 17, 2021, for a Police report.

The men were reportedly caught in the act and had allegedly removed ten animals belonging to Devin Sookraj, an East Canje businessman.

tion, he served in the capacity of Stores Coordinator, Assistant Director of Finance, Finance Director (ag), and Chief Executive Officer (ag) before moving on to the international development sector in 2015.

Rambarran has a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The GPHC said that Rambarran brings exceptional knowledge, ability and background to the institution which is projected to amplify the institution’s capacity to offer safe, high-quality care to the people it serves.

However, the degree of race-baiting, racial hate and hostility continues to heighten on social media platforms.

As such, the Head of State in September ordered that persons who promote racism on social media be penalised.

“I remind those persons guilty of this abuse of social media that freedom of expression guaranteed by our Constitution, as a fundamental right and freedom, does not relate nor extend to hate speeches or other expressions, in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person

or class of persons. I further remind that such conduct, publications and utterances constitute grievous criminal offences under the Racial Hostilities, Cybercrime and other similar penal legislation and the State will not hesitate to resort to these provisions in our laws in appropriate circumstances,” the President had noted in a statement.

Nevertheless, since then several persons have been charged by the Guyana Police Force and placed before the courts for various offences relating to their promotion of hate speeches and racism.

Only last month, four women were hauled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for inciting racial tension during the March 2020 elections period.

On January 20, Tiffany Greene, Lashona Chester, Stacy Smarte, and Glynis Gibson pleaded guilty to the charge brought against them by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) which stated that during the month of March 2020, on their Facebook pages, they caused racial or ethnic violence or hatred and promoted hostility or ill-will on the basis of race.

During their court ap-

FROM PAGE 3

pearance, the women begged for leniency, noting that they were first-time offenders. They were each fined $100,000 and given a stern warning by Chief Magistrate McLennan.

IRO was formed in 2003, after which it adopted a constitution. In 2004, the organisation was officially launched with the objective of promoting inter-religious tolerance.

Today some 40 member organisations that came out of the traditional religions of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and the Bahá?í Faith are a part of the group.

(G8)

Govt MPs are correct in seeking to remove David Patterson from chairing PAC Dear Editor, There is no plot to remove David Patterson from the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly because the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government “is afraid of scrutiny of its accounts”, as is being claimed by the APNU+AFC.

This shabby defence that the Opposition has manufactured is merely to justify Patterson’s continued chairmanship at a time when public trust in him is at an alltime low. From news reports I’ve read, it is clear that the intention of Government MPs is not to remove Patterson al-

Youths in Region 10 will support...

FROM PAGE 4

Our Government is proud to be making investments that improve the quality of people’s lives, contribute to economic growth, and strengthen our society by supporting renovation and rehabilitation projects such as this one. Government is demonstrating its desire to make safe and accessible facilities available to local residents, and to help municipalities ensure the longterm quality of their infrastructure.

In addition to benefiting athletes in physical education programmes, this project in Linden, Region #10, would enable Linden residents to engage in sports and physical activities, thus

promoting the adoption of active lifestyles.

It is with enthusiasm that Lindeners must welcome the announcement regarding construction of the multipurpose sports complex. This complex is destined to become a special place for engaging in physical activities, entertaining the family, and hosting major sporting events. It adds to the facilities that promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles for all citizens, one of the values integral to the PPP/C’s Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development in Guyana and Region #10.

Sincerely, David Adams

together, but ethics and decency dictate that he removes himself from chairing this important committee, which is charged with overseeing

W

Government expenditure.

As it is, he has refused to resign, so the PPP/C MPs are correct in pursuing the current course. So this docile

hile trying to get the best out of nature’s gifts, you must first be equipped with humility and simplicity; otherwise, you will only be dragged along into ruin through many unfulfilled desires. Ravana desired Nature (Mother Sita was found as a child in a furrow of ploughed land) but he had not chastened himself enough through the sadhana of seeking God; that is why he met his downfall. Desire leads to anger, when it is foiled; anger weakens the body. It impairs the digestive system and chases one fast into old age. Remember, when Prema (Divine selfless Love) is installed in the heart, jealousy, hatred and untruth will find no place there. Do not seek Prema from others when you refuse Prema to others. This is not one-way traffic! Live in Prema, live with Prema, move with Prema, speak with Prema, think with Prema, and act with Prema. This is the best and the most fruitful Sadhana (spiritual effort). (Divine Discourse, Mar 30, 1973)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

and immoral attempt to tinker with the facts on this situation will not be victorious.

All right-thinking Guyanese

are watching.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

6

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Page

Foundation Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN • Social: gathering place, boundary, inspiration for music/ poetry, art, architecture • Economic: transportation, food, industry (logging, shipping), power generation (hydropower) • Recreational: boating, swimming, fishing, rafting, bird watching

• Bamboo skewers and/or dowel rods • Scissors • Glue and/or staples, paperclips, thumbtacks, tape • Pencil and paper • Protractor • Thread • Small weight (optional)

Let's get started!

Step 1: Cut a circle out of the pie plate bottom. Then punch or cut a hole in the centre roughly the size of the dowel rod. Use a marker to divide the tin as shown in the image where the dotted lines represent fold lines and solid lines represent cut lines.

A

Questions to think about

• What do you like to do at or on the river?

• What do you think it would be like to go on a boat?

• How do rivers act as boundaries or borders?

• How do people use rivers?

• How do rivers build communities?

• How do rivers inspire people?

• What happens to a river when people use it?

• How do hydroelectric power plants impact rivers?

• How do dams impact wildlife in and around the rivers?

• Can people use rivers and care for them at the same time?

Build a water wheel

Harnessing the energy of running water can help humans with a variety of tasks. A water wheel is a large wheel that turns when water is poured over it. The wheel spins to produce energy. Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzuhRhedIM4 to use a homemade waterwheel in action.

Engineer a water wheel, which converts the energy of water into power. Ask yourself: How do water wheels work? What parts do they have and what does each part do? Why do people build water wheels? Where do people build them?

Supplies

• Water source — faucet and sink or a gallon jug of water and a way to refill it • Basin for catching water • Disposable plastic plates or aluminium pie plates

Step 2: Cut along the cut lines. Then fold the triangular pieces along dotted lines to form a fan shape.

Step 3: Tape onto the centre of the dowel rod.

Step 4: Pour water over your water wheel and watch it turn! To see hydropower in action, tie thread to the base of the water wheel on the rod. Tie to the other end of the thread a small weight. The turning of the water wheel will move the weight up.

Expanding experiment

Build a water wheel of your own design. Have paper and pencil handy for brainstorming and sketching out ideas. Dive into building materials and construct prototypes, considering important questions, such as: Will water flow over or under the wheel?

Then put the water wheel to the real test: pour on the water!

How did your design hold up?

How could the water wheel be used in real life?

What could be done to improve your design? Reflect on your answers to these questions and continue to refine your water wheel. (Adapted from startwithabook.org and greenkidcrafts. com)

king, whose only son was fond of martial exercises, had a dream in which he was warned that his son would be killed by a lion.

Afraid the dream should prove true, he built for his son a pleasant palace and adorned its walls for his amusement with all kinds of life-sized animals, among which was the picture of a lion.

When the young prince saw this, his grief at being thus confined burst out afresh, and, standing near the lion, he said: "O you most detestable of animals!

Through a lying dream of my father's, which he saw in his sleep, I am shut up on your account in this palace as if I had been a girl: what shall I now do to you?”

With these words he stretched out his hands toward a thorn-tree, meaning to cut a stick from its branches so that he might beat the lion. But one of the tree's prickles pierced his finger and caused great pain and inflammation, so that the young prince fell down in a fainting fit. A violent fever suddenly set in, from which he died not many days later.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Flaring on Liza Destiny

ExxonMobil cuts oil production, faulty compressor valve sent for repair

U

nited States oil giant, ExxonMobil has reduced its production of oil in order to lower the level of flaring on the Liza Destiny FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel.

Last week, the oil major disclosed that it was experiencing a technical issue with a seal on Liza Destiny’s gas compressor, which resulted in them having to temporarily increase flaring above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations.

In a statement on Friday, Exxon said a technical team safely removed the third stage compressor from the package enclosure on the Liza Destiny and is preparing it for transport onshore.

According to the oil company, an initial examination determined that the unit has to be sent for repairs in Germany where it is expected to arrive on February 9.

It was further noted that the full extent of the damage will not be known until a detailed inspection of the compressor can take place at the workshop of the man-

ufacturer, MAN Turbo in Germany.

“I wish to assure you that teams of experts from ExxonMobil, SBM Offshore and MAN Turbo are working diligently to fix the compressor and return it to service as quickly as possible,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge said.

He went onto say that “We have lowered production levels on the Liza Destiny since the compressor failed and continue to seek ways to reduce flaring.

We are currently injecting or using 88 per cent of the gas produced from the wells.

We share a common interest in responsible management and appropriate standards for development of the country’s natural resources.”

The oil major said it is providing daily updates to the relevant Government agencies.

However, when asked by how much production has been reduced, Exxon’s Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, told reporters via a media group that she cannot

Exxon’s Liza Destiny flaring (Annette Arjoon photo)

disclose that but noted that the figure has been passed onto the Government.

Nevertheless, Exxon is expected to facilitate a virtual media backgrounder on Monday.

Only less than a year ago, the oil giant came under fire for heavy flaring, which has negative effects on the environment and has had environmentalists up in arms over the harmful exercise.

In fact, in recent days, local environmentalist Annette Arjoon has been vocal on social media about the oil major recommencing heavy flaring offshore. She

said she is “sickened” by the oil major’s actions and saddened by them not being held accountable as yet.

“In a time of a global climate emergency and especially when Guyana is expecting to continue its Low Carbon Development pathway. This environmentally criminal flaring is taking us down a More Carbon Development Pathway,” Arjoon stated in one of her posts.

However, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat told Guyana Times that while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is monitoring the flaring activities

and dealing with the environmental implications, his Ministry has been working with the oil company’s technical team to properly assess the issue and determine how soon it can be fixed.

Last year, in response to the flaring which lasted over one year, Exxon had also cut back on oil production in an effort to reduce flaring after the fuel injection system was not commissioned. It subsequently commissioned a gas injection system to cut out flaring.

Back in December on the oil company’s first year anniversary since commencing production in 2019, Routledge had expressed disappointment at the equipment issues they experienced and assured that routine flaring would not be used.

“ExxonMobil Guyana is committed to the responsible development of the country’s natural resources and will not utilise routine flaring during our operations,” Routledge explained in the statement.

“We are disappointed by

the number of equipment issues experienced and that, because of these issues and COVID-19, commissioning of the gas injection system took longer than originally projected. We took significant steps to limit flaring and are incorporating lessons learned for future projects.”

Nevertheless, the PPP/C Government made its position pellucid on routine flaring and in the Payara Development Licence, prohibited the activity unless approval is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Flaring to maintain oil production will not be permitted. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will pay the Government for the cost of gas wasted during flaring and will also be subject to fines under the EPA related to emissions from flaring,” the Natural Resources Ministry had stated back in October. EEPGL is Exxon’s local affiliate, which along with other partners are operating in the Stabroek Block. (G8)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Efforts to resolve Police promotions’ controversy outside court futile …case now back with Chief Justice

Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus

PSC Chairman Paul Slowe

case filed back in December 2020 challenging the promotion of several officers by the Police Service Commission (PSC) will now have to be resolved by Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, as strenuous efforts to have it re-

solved outside of the courts have proven futile.

At a hearing in early January, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, who is a named respondent in the matter, had indicated that he was engaging Chairman of the PSC, Assistant

A

Commissioner of Police (retired) Paul Slowe and several aggrieved senior Police officer on the possibility of arriving at an amicable resolution.

But when the matter came up again on Friday, Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar told Justice George, “Despite strenuous efforts and the parties meeting, regrettably I am to inform this honourable court that we have not made progress in the matter.”

In the circumstances, Kumar requested leave to file an Affidavit in Defence.

Before adjourning the matter until April 9, 2020, at 10:00h for clarification/directions, the Chief Justice gave timelines by which parties must file, serve and reply to affidavits in the matters.

The matter would have started when Senior

Playing footsies...

I Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Superintendent Calvin Brutus complained to the High Court that he is being bypassed for promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, even though he was recommended for promotion by the Commissioner of Police.

TURN TO PAGE 14

…with COVID-19 vaccine t was with great satisfaction (and some surprise) that your Eyewitness observed Health Minister Anthony announcing that the African Union (AU) has pledged to supply some 1.5 million shots of one of the COVID-19 vaccines to Caricom, out of which we’ll end up with 149,000 shots.

The report stated that, with two shots of this variety needed, we can expect that some 74,000 Guyanese would be inoculated from this source. Why this was a surprise is because Africa have been complaining bitterly that they were being left out in the global sourcing of the vaccines, which has seen the rise of “COVID-19 nationalism”.

Rich countries like Canada have leveraged their wealth to secure almost FIVE TIMES the number of shots that are needed to inoculate their ENTIRE POPULATION!!

It was only last week that the AU was able to secure some 400 million shots from the Serum Institute of India (SII) to top off the 270 million they’d secured before. Along with the vaccines to be made available via the World Health Organization-backed Covax scheme, this brings the total for Africa to 1.27 billion.

However, these commitments, at the very best, start with 50 million doses in April or May, and the rest extending into next year. Africa still have a long way to go to satisfy their own needs, with 1.5 billion vaccine doses needed to immunise 60 percent of their 1.3 billion inhabitants costing between $7 and $10 billion. This is expected to provide coverage for the 60% of Africans needed to give the continent “herd immunity”, which most countries hope to achieve at the very best. In Africa, South Africa have been hardest hit

by COVID-19, and they have had to pay a premium price for their commitments, which are only now being rolled out.

So, for the AU to commit 1.5 million of their doses is a great act of solidarity with the Caribbean. It has been some surprise to your Eyewitness that India haven’t stepped up to the crease in the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana. They’ve committed 1 million doses to Barbados…but this was on a commercial basis. Much more was expected from India, which have ambitions of playing a greater role on the world stage. China, for instance, have promised 20,000 doses of their Sinovac to add to the 20% coverage promised by the WHO combine.

The number of persons testing positive remains very high in comparison to the number of persons being tested, implying that many afflicted persons might be slipping under the radar. The authorities have been intensifying the warnings to observe protocols.

Maybe they understand that herd immunity via vaccination is some ways off!

…on Parliament Yesterday, your Eyewitness mentioned - en passant - that the PNC decided to convene their own private “Parliament” in front of Stabroek Market. They complain they’re not being given a “hearing” in the National Assembly. Now, what kind of “assishness” is this? Isn’t the very essence of Parliamentary governance to get off soapboxes and engage in EXCHANGE of views on the floor of Parliament?

The PNC, however, complain that their motion for condemning the murders of the Henry cousins (and the afterthought, Harish Singh) wasn’t entertained. What’s to “condemn”? Don’t they realise this matter is sub-judice and there have already been charges laid against three persons? But the PNC aren’t interested in addressing the problems of the country, are they? They simply want to stir up emotions - as Granger and Harmon did after visiting the Henrys’ home to precipitate the violence that engulfed West Berbice for a week.

The “Big Market Parliament” idea was floated by the WPA. So, are the APNU gonna invite them back into the fold as “pretend MPs”? …on bling PNC MP Jermaine Figueira says DHB Mgr Rawlston “Bracelet” Adams should quit his roles in the Guyana Football Federation - including that of Chair of its Financial Committee.

Yet Mr Bling, Patterson, should remain head of the PAC? Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

9 Corentyne labourer remanded for killing nephews NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

Corentyne, Berbice labourer was on Friday remanded for killing two of his nephews during a wedding celebration last Sunday.

Charged on Friday was Vernon Ravi Ramgadoo of Number 43 Village, Corentyne. He was slapped with murder charges which stated that on January 31, at Number 43 Village he murdered Mahendra Ramotar and Surendra Raghunandan. At the court hearing at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court, the prosecution told the court that the file on the case was not completed. As such Magistrate Alex Moore adjourned the matter to April 23.

Mahendra Ramator also called “Sunny”, 21, a labourer, and his brother Surendra Raghunandan,

Accused: Vernon Ravi Ramgadoo

23, called “Ranga” were Ramgadoo’s nephews.

It had been reported that on January 31, Ramgadoo was at a house situated next to the home of the wedding celebrations.

He was reportedly consum-

ing alcohol when an argument ensued between his friend’s brother and wife.

Ramgadoo reportedly went to the road where he stabbed the two men and injured others including the mother of the now dead men.

He was subsequently arrested and a knife suspected to be the murder weapon was retrieved from the scene.

An autopsy conducted by Pathologist Dr Viveakanand Bridgemohan gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds to the abdomen and thorax of Ramator, and shock and haemorrhage as a result of collapsed lungs due to multiple stab wounds to the chest of Raghunandan.

Meanwhile, as the accused was being escorted

4 homeless after Berbice fire ...arson suspected

F

The building engulfed in flames at Enfield, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

our persons are now homeless after a fire on Friday afternoon completely destroyed a two-storey building at Enfield, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Haresh Mangru said he was at his farm, which is situated a short distance away, and at about 16:30h he heard

shouts of “fire” and looked up and saw smoke in the air.

The 25-year-old explained that he rushed home but by that time the entire building was engulfed.

A fire response team from the New Amsterdam Fire Service subsequently arrived but the entire building had already burnt to the ground.

Reports are that a 22-year-old man who goes by the name “Baby” was seen setting fire to the building. Police have since arrested the suspect.

Mangru lived in the upper flat along with his wife and brother and the suspect lived in the lower flat.

An investigation has been launched. (G4)

Dead: Surendra Raghunandan

Dead: Mahendra Ramator

out of court and into his holding cell, he said that the brothers had a habit of beating him. He claimed that as he was going into the yard one of them lashed him to his head with a bottle, causing him to receive injuries. He added that at the time he was under the influence of alcohol and walked into the yard, picked up a knife and went back onto the road. “You have to be a mad man to do something just like that,” the accused told reporters as he was being escorted out of court. (G4)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll rises to 180 – 86-year-old male from Region 4 latest victim

T

he Health Minister on Friday reported that another person who tested positive for COVID-19 succumbed

while receiving medical attention at a facility. The victim is an 86-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). His

demise has now taken to the death toll to 180.

He is the fourth person to have died from the virus for the month of February.

On Thursday, a 73-year-old male from Region One (BarimaWaini) and a 54-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who both tested positive, died.

On Monday, a 58-year-old female, also from Region Four, died while seeking medical treatment.

However, the World Health Organisation’s latest statistics showed that there are 2,271,180 deaths as of Friday. Consequently,

the agency has cautioned that COVID-19 is often more severe in people who are 60 years of age or older.

The severity also increases in people with conditions such as lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.?

People who are considered at higher risk are asked to make sure all vaccinations are up to date, have sufficient medication and food supplies in stock; as well as have limited contact outside of the household. According to the WHO, most people suffering from the coronavirus experience mild symptoms to moderate illness. Some 10 to 15 per cent of the cases progress to a severe disease and five per cent become critically ill.

“For some people, some symptoms may linger or recur for weeks or months following initial recovery.

This can also happen in people with mild disease.

People are not infectious to others during this time.

Some patients develop medical complications that may have lasting health effects.”

The Organisation pointed out that there are many reports whereby patients do not regain their previous state of wellbeing after recovering. Risk factors for the persistence of symptoms can vary from high blood pressure, obesity or mental health conditions. However, it indicated that more research and time is needed to understand the long-term effects, why symptoms recur and

the likelihood of full recovery.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has posited that there is enough bed capacity for persons who require normal hospitalisation or intensive care. Government had secured a field hospital from the Qatari Government – additional resources which will be made available soon.

On Thursday, he also spoke on contact tracing when positives are detected as he noted, “We have our central team at the surveillance department who is responsible for all contact tracing and in every region of Guyana, the regional task force comprising of the RHO and his team are required to do contact tracing. So, we have a comprehensive network of persons who are doing contact tracing.”

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement.

(G12)

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle retires

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, along with Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas and outgoing Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, standing with other senior ranks of the Guyana Fire Service Retired Fire Chief Marlon Gentle handing over the ceremonial colours to Kalamadeen Edoo

H

aving served the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) for the past 36 years, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle has gone into retirement thus handing over the mantle to Kalamadeen Edoo.

On Wednesday, Home Affairs

Minister Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas bid farewell to the stalwart during a simple ceremony at the GFS headquarters.

Minister Benn thanked Gentle for his dedicated ser-

Human Services Ministry makes donation to Shaheed Girls’ Orphanage

Minister Vindhya Persaud (left), representatives of the Shaheed Girls’ Orphanage (centre) and Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar (right)

T

he Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud handed over relief packages to the Shaheed Girls’ Orphanage on Thursday. The donation was made at the Ministry’s Lamaha Street office in the

It was reported that on Monday last, a fire had started at the orphanage located at Oleander Gardens, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Smoke was seen billowing from the building and an alarm was raised. The

The items donated to the home

presence of the Permanent Secretary.

The presentation comes just days after the orphanage was damaged by a fire of unknown origin.

The Ministry handed over personal care packages along with clothing for the girls in an effort to replace their items that were damaged by the fire.

They were also presented with four mattresses, compliments of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Guyana Fire Service was summoned to the scene and the firefighters were able to contain the blaze. There was minimal damage and no one was injured.

That was not the first time that a fire had started at the orphanage. Back in October 2018, the orphanage was completely destroyed by fire.

In August 2019, the building was reopened after months of efforts to have it rebuilt.

vice to Guyana, and for leaving the GFS with an overall improved outlook, inclusive of better systems, more assets, and better services, from what he inherited.

The Minister believes that the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure a better life than what they would have inherited is passed on

to the next generation.

Benn further encouraged the firefighters to continue to build, optimise and improve their service to Guyana.

In his brief remarks, Gentle challenged the firefighters to do better than him, to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keeper and to listen to each other. He stated that there is no “I” in the team that is the Guyana Fire Service.

He also charged the officers to support the new leadership of the GFS and to remember the requisite and prerequisite of discipline which is “obedience to your superiors and consideration for your subordinates”.

Gentle further expressed his gratitude to Minister Benn and recalled the many occasions that the Minister assisted him in his work as a firefighter.

Such assistance was provided during the 2005 floods, the St Joseph Mercy Hospital fire, and other fires on Regent Street, Georgetown.

Gentle, a national awardee (Disciplinary Service Medal), in the presence of Benn and the Permanent Secretary handed over the ceremonial colours to Kalamadeen Edoo, who will now take the helm of the Guyana Fire Service.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

107 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 6 regions …68 from Region 7

A

whopping 107 new COVID-19 cases were recorded locally on Friday – after 713 samples were sent for analysis.

To date, there are 7887 confirmed cases in the country.

The statistics provided by the Health Ministry showed the new positives emerging from six administrative regions – of which there was a surge in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Apart from the 180 deaths, there are five patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit with 56 persons in institutional isolation, 746 in home isolation and 13 in institutional quarantine.

From the 4101 males and 3786 females that contracted the virus, 6901 have completely recovered.

Consequently, there are 807 active cases. Guyana has tested 51,990 people since the virus was detected here.

A breakdown showed that one new case was detect-

ed in Region One (BarimaWaini), two in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supernaam), six in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 29 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 68 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The figures in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remain at 212; 439; 410 and 608 respectively.

For 2021, there has been a vast increase in the number of cases reported daily.

As such, officials have been calling for Guyanese to observe the national protocols and curfew that are in place to keep themselves safe.

Vaccine rollout

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony outlined during the coronavirus update that health authori-

ties will be meticulous in the rollout of the vaccine administration programme, to

which a committee has already been established to monitor the activities.

All of the vaccines require a double dosage, whereby persons will be given a date to return for the second.

“You get the first dose and then you get a date on your clinic card to tell you the next time you have to come back. Some of the vaccines that are currently in use, persons might have to come back after three weeks, in other cases, persons probably have to go back in about 28 days,” Minister Anthony said.

Medical workers have already been trained and 35 teams were prepared for the countrywide exercise. After a dose is administered, the person will be kept for observation for about half an hour to check for side effects. If such manifests, medications will be available. He has positioned that the possibility of developing a reaction is “extremely rare”.

“After someone receives the vaccine, the staff will keep that person at least for

half an hour and observe to make sure that they don’t have any adverse reaction.

If by chance they have an adverse reaction, medicine will be there to give them, and so they will be okay.

We have prepared a system that when we start our vaccination programme we will be monitoring for adverse events,” the Minister assured.

Global vaccine mechanism, COVAX is planning to deliver some 104,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Guyana, which will materialise shortly. Presently, the said vaccine is before the World Health Organisation for emergency use listing.

The Government of China has already pledged to donate 20,000 vaccines, manufactured by Sinopharm.

This week, Government said it would be purchasing an additional 149,000 doses from the African Union through efforts from the Caribbean Community to make vaccines available.

(G12)

1 remains in custody for fatal shooting of taxi driver

The house where the shooting occurred at North East La Penitence, Georgetown

T

he Police have further detained one person in connection with the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Oafo Pollard, a taxi driver, which occurred on Tuesday evening at North East La Penitence, Georgetown.

This was confirmed by Regional Commander Khali Pareshram on Friday. He noted that two persons were initially arrested, but one was subsequently released.

“One was released yesterday [Thursday], and they were both arrested the day before. We are presently investigating and I am not at liberty to divulge any further information at this time,” he posited.

Pollard, a father of two of Lot 44 James Street, West La Penitence, Georgetown, was shot and killed on Tuesday at a birthday celebration.

It was reported that persons who were at the celebration heard a loud explosion similar to that of a gunshot and started to run from the scene.

Dead: Osafo Pollard

However, after the commotion, Pollard was found lying in a pool of blood on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head. He was picked up and taken to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died while receiving medical treatment.

Police have since recovered one .32 spent shell and one warhead from the scene.

Several persons were questioned, and Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras in the area were reviewed by Police.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sod turned for state-of-the-art secondary school at Prospect, EBD

Minister Priya Manickchand was joined by other stakeholders to turn the sod to kickstart the project

C

onstruction of a stateof-the-art Prospect Secondary School will soon commence on the East Bank Demerara corridor, providing access to quality education for over 1000 students.

A sod-turning exercise was facilitated at the site on Friday, where Education

Minister Priya Manickchand explained that the construction of the school will serve to eradicate some of the present challenges as it relates to quality secondary education.

The building caters for the traditional classroom space but also facilities catering for the Allied Arts

CAL flight forced to return to CJIA due to technical problems

A

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) flight was forced to return to Guyana hours after takeoff on Friday after the aircraft developed a technical issue.

The flight, destined for the Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada, left the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at 01:10h. But a few hours into the journey, the pilot took a decision to return to Guyana after the Boeing 737-800 experienced a technical issue.

The plane’s course was changed in the Northeastern-Caribbean area and arrived in Guyana after 05:00h. Guyana Times

understands that 60 passengers and crew were aboard the plane. The flight was rescheduled for Friday evening at 07:30h.

Back in August 2019, an American Airline flight was on its way to Miami when it had to abort its flight and return to the CJIA, after losing cabin pressure mid-air.

Passengers had recalled the feeling of horror and the uncomfortable buildup of heat preceding their mid-air U-turn. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority had launched an investigation into the situation.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Director General Egbert Field on Friday’s incident proved futile. (G12)

whereby there will be a studio for the performing arts, a science laboratory, a stateof-the-art library and an Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory.

She said that presently, there are eight secondary departments within

primary schools known as “Primary Tops” and approximately 450 students are being taught in auditoriums across three secondary schools on the East Bank of Demerara. The Ministry is seeking to abolish these secondary departments by providing improved conditions for them to be taught.

According to Manickchand, Guyana achieved universal primary education between the years 2012 to 2014. As such, they are on the move to achieve universal secondary education.

To achieve this milestone, funding from the World Bank was secured for the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP). Under this project are the secondary schools that are currently under construction at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara, West Minster on the West Bank of Demerara, Yarrowkabra on the LindenSoesdyke Highway and the Prospect Secondary.

After the approval for

A blueprint of the new Prospect Secondary School

these schools was granted in 2014 under the GSEIP, the PPP/C Government left office the following year. Upon returning in 2020, none of the schools was completed thereby affecting 3000 students. Sounding a warning to contractors, it was clearly stated that if the awarded company is not honouring its contractual obligations, they will be removed to make way for another company that can manage the project.

Manickchand assured the parents and students that Government is committed to ensuring that the

construction of the Prospect Secondary School will not suffer from lacklustre management. Moreover, she appealed to parents that even with access to quality education, the absence of parental support will cost children opportunities.

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson said that the construction of this institution is being driven by the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025. He said such a project is founded on the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goal Four: Access, Quality, Equity and Lifelong Learning. (G12)

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Released fishermen

Foreign Affairs Minister meets with families …men expected to arrive home today

F

oreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd on Friday met with relatives of the 12 Guyanese fishermen who were detained over two weeks ago, and subsequently released by Venezuelan authorities.

During the visit, the Minister distributed hampers to the families, while assuring that Government will stand with them throughout this ordeal.

The men and their vessels, Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf, were released by Venezuelan authorities and departed on Wednesday morning. They are expected to arrive on Guyana’s shores today. The release was done on the orders of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro himself.

Todd had told Guyana Times earlier this week that their release is credited to the

tireless efforts of President Dr Irfaan Ali. Todd had also been in regular contact with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza, on the situation. He had assured that the welfare of the fishermen was a top priority for the Government.

On January 21, the two vessels were operating off the coast of Waini Point in Guyana’s EEZ when they were intercepted by the Venezuelan naval vessel Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, which was illegally traversing Guyana’s waters.

The Venezuelans boarded the vessels and the captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria, where they were detained until their release.

In Venezuela, the men were brought before a Venezuelan court, after which reports had emerged that they could be kept in custody for some 45 days

pending an investigation.

However, Guyana and a number of countries had condemned Venezuela’s actions and urged the Spanishspeaking country to release the fishermen.

Those detained were Toney Garraway, Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oniel, and Randy Henry from the Sea Wolf crew.

Richard Ramnarine, Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael and Joel Joseph were aboard Lady Nayera.

President Ali had lauded the role played by the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which threw its support behind Guyana when Venezuela first detained the fishermen while they were operating in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“We’re expecting the safe return of the vessels

Minister Hugh Todd meeting with relatives of the released Guyanese fishermen

and crew back home. And I want to take this opportunity to thank all our international partners, Caricom Heads of Government, for adding their voices in a very

strong manner on this issue. This was an effort. This was not an individual role.

Caricom, all the Heads of Government, I’m sure that Caricom statement must have had an impact. So, too, all the statements from our bilateral partners and our international partners,” Ali also said.

Last week, the OAS Permanent Council met to discuss, among other things, the tensions between Guyana and Venezuela.

During the Permanent Council’s virtual meeting, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Riyad Insanally, informed

the Council about the recent actions of Venezuela. A number of countries on the Council took a firm stance against Venezuela, including the United States (US), Canada, Trinidad, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda and Belize.

The Permanent Council is one of the two main political bodies of the OAS, the other being the General Assembly. The Permanent Council keeps vigilance over the maintenance of friendly relations among the member states, and for that purpose, effectively assists them in the peaceful settlement of their disputes. (G12)

Efforts to resolve Police...

FROM PAGE 8

Following the initial challenge, several other senior officers were added as interested parties. Brutus has moved to the High Court seeking among other things, an order of certiorari quashing, nullifying, and/ or cancelling the decision of the PSC to promote three Senior Superintendents of Police to the rank of Assistant Commissioner.

In court documents seen by this publication, Brutus claimed that he is being overlooked for promotion owing to frivolous allegations of indiscipline levelled against him for which he has not been called to defend himself. According to him, the three ranks who were promoted in front of him are facing more serious allegations.

In an affidavit, he outlined that his colleagues are facing disciplinary and/ or criminal investigations for dereliction of duty, facilitation of unlawful activities, perverting the course of justice, corruption by a public officer, among other offences.

“The difference in treatment of ranks who found themselves in the same grouping was substantially and fundamentally unfair, unreasonable, unequal,

and discriminatory,” he argued.

Against this backdrop, he argued, too, that the PSC committed an error of law and violated the principle of legality when it acted in a manner that was incompatible with his fundamental right to equality of treatment guaranteed under Article 149 (D) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Further, Brutus stated that he is suitably qualified for and entitled to the promotion, and he is better academically qualified than the ranks promoted in front of him. Moreover, he is asking the court to grant an order overruling the PSC’s practice of not promoting officers with pending disciplinary matters.

Also, he is asking the court to award him damages, interests pursuant to the Law Reform Miscellaneous Provisions Act on all sums awarded; costs; and such further and other orders it deems just in the circumstances.

In the meantime, a conservatory order granted by the Chief Justice last December blocking the promotions by the PSC remains in effect until the hearing and determination of the matter. (G1)

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jury empanelled for 2014 murder trial A

jury has been empanelled by High Court Justice Brassington Reynolds to decide on the evidence in the trial of two men - Shawn Edinboro and Michael Bishop - who are jointly charged with the January 2014 murder of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) taxi driver Raphael Campbell.

The indictment presented against them by State Prosecutors Seeta Bishundial and Tyra Bakker states that they murdered Campbell between January 2 and January 3, 2014.

Their trial will commence on February 16, 2021, at the High Court in Demerara.

Dead: Raphael Campbell

The two murder accused will appear virtually from

prison.

In November 2020, another man, 23-year-old Shawn Collins was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the taxi driver’s killing. He was arraigned before Justice Navindra Singh and opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Reports are that on January 2, 2020, Campbell picked up a few male passengers at Camp Street, Georgetown, and took them to a village on the East Coast of Demerara, where he was robbed and slain. His body was found the next day.

Police had stated that Edinboro, Bishop, Collins,

Jailed: Shawn Collins

Murder accused: Michael Bishop

Murder accused: Shawn Edinboro

and some other men were stopped at a roadblock on the

Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

They were found in the mo-

tor car that was stolen from Campbell. (G1)

GTA continues training to develop service quality at airports

T

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has managed to complete another successful round of its Delivering Quality Service training, equipping staffers of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with tools to better their hospitality approach.

According to a statement, the training is focused on the importance of customer service excellence, proper etiquette and hospitality techniques for visitor welcome to ensure that all incoming travellers receive the highest quality in customer service. These services should be consistent with both local and international standards.

Throughout this week, a total of 23 CJIA employees benefited from the sessions on the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) Delivering Quality Service curriculum and Hygiene and Sanitation Protocols.

“The presentations, which included a series of videos, PowerPoint presentations and real-time activities (all COVID-19 protocols observed) were positively received by participants, who are now better equipped to

ing sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience.

It is focused on establishing Guyana locally and internationally as a premier destination by protecting its natural and cultural

apply the concepts and solutions to challenges when engaging with incoming travellers,” the GTA stated.

In addition to areas such as understanding the tourism industry, defining customer service excellence and understanding the customer, participants were also privy to sessions that highlighted critical hygiene and sanitation protocols which are essential as the tourism sector reopens for leisure activities.

Custodian Supervisor of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,

Beverley Ramsey noted at the end of the programme, “The training was excellent and I learnt a lot of things that I did not know.

I will now be able to show and teach my staff all that I have learnt.”

This is the second group trained at the airport for 2021 on delivering quality service, hygiene and sanitation protocols. Some 44 persons have been trained thus far.

The GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promot-

heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of training programmes have been offered to stakeholders within the tourism and hospitality sector, in order to prepare for a rebound.

Once there is a sense of normalcy, travel is expected to increase significantly.

Director of the Authority, Carla James would have shared some time ago that they were able to cross many hurdles throughout this unprecedented year. Negative impacts to the sector would have included a 98 per cent decline in arrivals due to closure of airports, while 4600 employees were placed on the breadline – an average of 65 per cent of the total workforce.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Late Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard, Sase Narain remembered as legal luminaries by Full Court T

he late Brynmor Pollard, OR, CCH, SC, and Sase Narain, CMG, OR, SC, were remembered for their hard work, legal acumen, and contributions to the jurisprudence of Guyana and the Caribbean when a special sitting of the Full Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature was convened on Friday.

Born on October 10, 1928, in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, Pollard, who had a career spanning over 50 years, was a former Queen’s College student.

He worked as a teacher for several years before leaving for England to study law.

Upon his return to Guyana, he was admitted to the Bar in 1957 and entered into private practice with fellow Buxtonian, John Carter, QC, at the famous First Federation Life Building at Croal Street and Magnet Place, Brickdam, Georgetown.

He thereafter accepted the invitation of then Attorney General Sir Shridath Ramphal, QC, who was appointed the second Commonwealth Secretary General, to

Brynmor Pollard, OR, CCH, SC

join the chambers of the Attorney General as Chief Parliamentary Counsel, a position which he held from 1960 to 1979.

“His was a life of exemplary public service, practicing his profession in an absolutely essential side of the law that is not as celebrated before the court, that of legislative drafting.

Pollard served the legal profession with distinction as an expert in legislative drafting and constitutional and public law,” said Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, as she remembered his eminent career.

From 1979, he

was engaged by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation and seconded to the Caricom Secretariat where he held positions of legal consultant and legal counsel.

While there, he spearheaded the implementation of the harmonisation of laws programme with particular emphasis on company law.

During his tenure, Caricom sought to implement the recommendation of the West Indian Commission which was chaired by Sir Ramphal.

As General Counsel of Caricom, Pollard present-

The Chief Justice said that Pollard was a friend of her father, the late Chancellor Kenneth George who died in 2009.

“My lasting memory would be of a conversation we had at his home in 2016 when he shared his wisdom, not only on legal matters but just on coping and life skills in the context of me being a Judge. Mr Pollard was an agile and sharp intellect.”

Solicitor, politician, Speaker of the National Assembly

Sase Narine, CMG, OR, SC

Narain was remembered as a distinguished so-

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC

Andrew Pollard, SC, paying tribute to his father Brynmor Pollard, OR, CCH, SC

Andrew Pollard, SC; Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC; Ralph Ramkarran, SC; KA Juman-Yassin, SC, and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes were among those who remembered the lives of the late Senior Counsels

ed the instruments establishing institutions such as the Assembly of Caricom Parliamentarians and the Caribbean Supreme Court, now known as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Of equal importance, Justice George noted, is that the Caricom Charter of Civil Society which was a recommendation of the West Indian Commission was finalised during his tenure at the Secretariat.

Pollard was also instrumental in the establishment of the Council of Legal Education and the establishment of the Norman Manley and Hugh Wooding Law Schools.

“As such he was one of the pioneers in the development of the indigenous legal education system of the English-speaking Caribbean,” she added. Reminiscing on his legal career, Justice George said that even after retiring from Caricom in 1995, Pollard remained active as a legal consultant serving on the Judicial Committee of the Organisation of American States from 2000 to 2002.

Further, she added that Pollard became a prolific letter writer on contemporary legal matters, and on the nomination of the Bar Association of Guyana, he served for several years as a member of the Judicial Service Commission.

Order of Roraima

For his tremendous contribution towards Guyana, he was conferred with the country’s second-highest national award, the Order of Roraima as well as the Cacique Crown of Honour.

licitor, politician, and the longest-serving Speaker of the National Assembly.

Born on January 27, 1925, at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, Narain went into practice after returning from England where he studied law.

He was awarded the honour of Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. In 1985, he was bestowed with the Order of Roraima for his outstanding service to Guyana and was one of the first solicitors to be conferred with the honour of Senior Counsel.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall reminded that Narain was the founder and leader of the Maha Subha, the first mass-based Hindu organisation in Guyana. He was appointed Speaker of the National Assembly in 1971.

“His 21 years uninterrupted tenure as Speaker would easily qualify him as the longest-serving Speaker of a Parliament in the Commonwealth, if not the world,” Nandlall pointed out.

According to Nandlall, Narain’s stint as House Speaker recorded many historical moments, one of which includes banning the then Opposition Leader from speaking in the National Assembly for five years.

The Attorney General added that anyone who knew Narain would know that he was frank, candid, and outspoken on any given matter and was regularly criticised for positions that he has taken over the years. “He never apologised for them… always stood

steadfast to his position… always had an argument to justify where he stood on these matters.”

Narain worked for many commercial institutions, in particular, the banking sector and he served as Director on the Board of Directors for many of these institutions. Narine, Nandlall noted, had perhaps, the most impressive library owned by a single practitioner with many books on the very contentious areas of our laws.

“The lawyers we remember today are true exemplars in each of their sphere of endeavours. They contributed immensely to our nation. They will be remembered as multi-talented gentlemen and as devoted family men. Even though they have gone to the great beyond, their memories will live on through their contributions towards the development of the nation and region, through the records of the legislation and instruments drafted, and through the cases in our law reports,” Justice George said in their memory.

Pollard’s son, Andrew Pollard, who himself is a Senior Counsel, also paid tribute to the memory of his father. Among those present at Friday’s special sitting of the Full Court were former Judge of the CCJ Professor Duke Pollard, Sir Ramphal, Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, several Judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and Guyana Bar Association President, Attorney-at-Law Teni Housty. (G1)

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lottery company launches Berbice man nabbed while transporting ganja in minibus $84M “BLAST” Gaming Centre

The cannabis that was found on Friday

A

54-year-old man of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), has found himself in hot water after he was found with 942 grams of suspected cannabis while in a minibus at the Number 50 Bus Park, D’Edward, Village, WCB. The incident occurred on Friday at about 11:45h.

Reports are based on information received, the ranks went to the minibus park and confronted the sus-

pect who was in the bus at the time. A search was carried out on his possessions.

At the time he had a black haversack and was seated in the front seat of the vehicle. Upon searching the bag, Police unearthed a black plastic bag which had a bulky black parcel wrapped with transparent plastic.

Upon opening the parcel, Police found what appeared to be leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be

cannabis.

The man was told of the offence and he later told Police that he was taking the cannabis to someone in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

He was immediately arrested and taken to the Blairmont Police Station where he was placed into custody.

Just days ago, ranks in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) went to a home at No 68 Village, Corentyne, and conducted a search that unearthed a quantity of cannabis, ammunition, and a 12-gauge shotgun.

According to reports, the search was initiated after the Police had received a tip-off. During their search, officers found a black plastic bag containing the ganja, which amounted to 84 grams when weighed; a transparent plastic bag with 6 rounds of 9mm ammunition; eight 12-gauge cartridges, and one 12-gauge single-barrel shotgun.

Two men were in the house at the time of the search and they have both been taken into custody.

(G9)

T

Blast Gaming Centre, Mandela Avenue, East Ruimveldt

he doors of the $84 million “Blast” gaming centre on Mandela Avenue, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was officially opened on Friday.

The ribbon signifying the official opening was cut by local footballer Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, alongside the company’s General Manager, Tracey Lewis.

Lewis noted that the facility hosts a total of 35 Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) machines with 14 on the ground floor and 21 on the first floor.

She explained that the gaming centre is a one-stopshop facility where even daily lottery tickets can be purchased.

Following Lewis’s address, Richardson initialled his very own life-size image which is housed in the centre’s “Lets Bet” room alongside Steven Jacobs’s portrait.

The tour of the centre was facilitated by the company’s brand manager, who explained that the centre has many features all aimed at giving players the best

gaming experience.

He explained that every machine has a total of eight games and all are interactive and easy to use.

Giving a detailed tutorial of the consoles, he highlighted that the machines allow every player to adjust their volume, and features touch screen and button control options.

Additionally, Lewis noted that all COVID-19 protocols are in place at the facility, which in its present state can host approximately 60 persons maximum. (G15)

Credit agencies should reward oil majors for natural gas developments

By Arthur Deakin

O

n January 26, 2021, one of the most influential credit rating agencies in the world, Standard & Poor’s (S & P), said it was considering downgrading the rating of 13 major oil and gas producers, including ExxonMobil, Shell and Total. S & P said that these firms were struggling with the global energy transition, commodity price volatility and future profitability. The agency specifically noted that the growth in renewables will lead to oil market declines.

Most of these oil firms, some of which have already had their credit outlooks downgraded to negative by Moody’s, have announced major policy changes to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. French major, Total, aims to have 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030, while British Petroleum (BP) wants to expand its renewable capacity 20-fold by the end of the decade.

Shell, another European oil powerhouse, is taking a slightly different approach. Excluding offshore wind, where Shell has already developed an expertise, the company has decided to focus on its hydrogen and biofuel businesses instead of growing its renewable energy portfolio. The Anglo-Dutch company sees the renewable energy space as highly competitive, with low returns, and would rather focus on other more profitable low-carbon technologies. It will also continue to grow its power trading business, where it is already a world-leader.

Arthur Deakin

In the United States, facing investor pressure, ExxonMobil recently announced that it is preparing to make changes to its Board while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint. In December 2020, it revealed a five-year plan to reduce overall emissions intensity by 15 per cent – 20 per cent and halve their methane emission intensity. Focusing on strategic core assets, such as the high-quality crude found in Brazil and Guyana, is part of that strategy. Producing and utilising more natural gas, to complement the still-volatile nature of renewables, should also be part of this new approach.

When compared to a coal plant, a new natural gas plant emits 50 to 60 per cent less carbon dioxide. It also tends to be much cheaper, especially when the gas does not need to be imported.

Since natural gas provides firm power for electric grids, it is often labelled as a “transition fuel” that will help support the intermittency

of renewables. In fact, the US annual outlook report by the Energy Information Administration shows that natural gas consumption will increase 15 per cent by 2050, while coal will decline by 27 per cent.

Although the sector’s tendency is to develop more energy storage solutions for moments when the sun doesn’t shine, or the wind doesn’t blow, it currently doesn’t have the proper infrastructure and framework in place for that to happen at a mass scale. Until then, it is important to have a cleaner energy source that can be easily flipped on and off when needed.

One such project that presents this opportunity is Exxon’s natural gas-toshore project in Guyana. In a recent roundtable held by LatinFinance on Guyana’s financial future, the Senior Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh, said that the Ali Adaministration will use the project to reduce energy costs for the people.

Guyana’s current electric system is unstable and largely dependent on heavy fuel oil, raising electricity tariffs and hurting the competitiveness of its industries. The successful implementation of this gas project will help the Government fulfil its plan of halving energy costs.

Local analyst, Mr Joel Bhagwandin, also announced this week that the $400 million project is financially viable. ExxonMobil will provide 50mmscf per day of associated natural gas, which is a byproduct of extracting crude oil, leading to 200-250 MW of energy. The lower energy

costs will drive commercial and industrial economic activity, in addition to substantially reducing the U$500 million spent annually to import fuel. The gas can also produce ammonia and fertilisers such as Urea, growing Guyana’s petrochemical sector. It is fundamental, however, for the Government to implement the proper regulatory and financial frameworks to prevent corruption, political cronyism and environmental lapses.

The Guyanese Government also believes that the gas-to-power project will allow them to decarbonise their own generation mix. By switching from heavy fuel oil to natural gas,

while simultaneously adding renewables to the grid, the PPP Administration will “clean” its energy sources.

This is similar to what is happening in China, which has vowed to be carbon neutral by 2060 despite being responsible for 28 per cent of the global CO2 emissions in 2020. Transitioning from coal to gas is part of its plan.

This shift should be modelled, to an extent, by oil majors seeking to reduce their carbon emissions and diversify their asset base.

Although this specific project will be funded by the Guyanese Government, in certain instances the financing will come from the oil majors. Instead of punishing

them for volatile crude prices, credit agencies should be rewarding these companies for their efforts to decarbonise their operations.

Providing majors with continuous access to cheap credit will allow the companies to invest more in low-carbon technologies. If their ratings are downgraded, they will have to pay more to access money, forcing them to abandon riskier climate-friendly ventures.

This is the time to push the market leaders in the right direction by incentivising greener development and asset prioritisation.

Guyana’s gas-to-shore project is a good place for Exxon to start.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Regional

Ecuador to vote amid Haitian civil society groups accuse UN of backing unpopular President economic crisis and widespread discontent C

Ecuadorean presidential candidate Yaku Perez riding his bike during his closing campaign rally in Cuenca, Ecuador, on February 4 [Fernanda Garcia/Reuters]

E

cuadorians will head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new President amid widespread discontent over the country’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, an economic crisis worsened by COVID-19, and several corruption scandals.

Sixteen presidential candidates will be on the ballot, though most have polled under two per cent support and are not expected to be major contenders on voting day.

The race is shaping up to be a fight between ex-banker and longtime presidential hopeful Guillermo Lasso, and Andres Arauz, an economist and former head of the central bank, who are leading in most recent polls with around 25 to 30 per cent support.

Lasso, with the rightwing Creating Opportunities (CREO) party, has pledged to create jobs through more international investments and

oil extraction projects, while Arauz of the Democratic Center party has promised to return to the socialist policies of former President Rafael Correa.

Third in recent polls, at about 10 to 15 percentage points behind the pair, is Yaku Perez of Pachakutik, the party of the country’s Indigenous movement, who is known for his opposition to mining and support for greater environmental protections.

Experts say it is unlikely that anyone will get the 40 per cent support and at least a 10-point lead over their opponents that is needed to win the presidency, which means a runoff will be held on April 11 between the top two candidates.

The elections will be monitored by more than 2500 local and 225 international observers, including the Organisation of American States, the European Union, and the InterAmerican Union of Electoral Organisations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brazil’s Bolsonaro faces probe after hospitals run out of oxygen

B

razil’s prosecutor-general has opened a preliminary investigation into the country’s President and Health Minister for possible negligence in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Manaus city, according to a document seen by the Reuters news agency.

Located deep in the Amazon rainforest, Manaus has been hit hard by a brutal second wave of cases that has stretched emergency services to breaking point.

The city’s hospitals ran out of oxygen in January, prompting the federal Government to fly in supplies from across the country in an attempt to save people from suffocating to death.

The region is also the birthplace of a coronavirus variant, with similar mutations to those from Britain and South Africa, that researchers say is more transmissible and may be worsening the situation in the city.

The probe into President Jair Bolsonaro and Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello, revealed by ProsecutorGeneral Augusto Aras in a document sent to Supreme Court Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, follows requests by eight federal congressmen from the far-left Communist Party of Brazil for an investigation.

In the document, Aras said he had begun an “initial inquiry”. This can precede a more formal investigation known in Brazil as an “inquerito,” a type of probe that

ivil society groups accused the UN mission in Haiti on Friday of backing unpopular President Jovenel Moise by supporting his bid to hold elections later this year even though, they say, his term ends Sunday.

Voting to elect Deputies, Senators, Mayors and local officials should have been held in 2018 but the polls have been delayed.

Since then, the highly unpopular Moise has been without any checks on his power, and in the vacuum has governed by decree since January 2020.

In a letter to the UN mission in Haiti, a dozen or so human rights and women’s advocacy groups fault-

ed it for providing technical and logistical support for the President’s plans to hold a constitutional reform referendum in April, then presidential and legislative elections later in the year.

“The United Nations must under no circumstances support President Jovenel Moise in his anti-democratic plans,” the letter states.

These groups say that according to their reading of the poor Caribbean country’s constitution, the President’s term ends Sunday. Moise and his supporters say he has another year in power.

In recent months Haiti has seen a resurgence of kidnappings for ransom that indiscriminately target both

the wealthy and the majority living below the poverty line.

The abductions, and the stranglehold of armed gangs on a number of areas throughout the capital Portau-Prince and the provinces, are all threats to secure elections.

The letter released Friday was scathing in its criticism of the UN mission.

“Human rights violations are intensifying. The country has become overrun by gangsters under the watch of the United Nations, whose mission is to promote human rights and the rule of law and consolidate institutions,” the letter says. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

St Vincent PM giving Russian COVID-19 vaccine “prayerful consideration”

P

rime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves will decide by Friday whether he will take the Russia-developed Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, 20 doses of which have been given to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Dr Gonsalves, 76, told Parliament during the budget debate on Thursday that he had been giving the matter “prayerful consideration”, but did not want to appear to have jumped the queue.

Acknowledging that “people may wonder how can anybody in St Vincent take that vaccine”, Dr Gonsalves noted that a public health

emergency has been declared in SVG and under the Public Health Act, the chief medical officer can authorise the use of a vaccine “on a voluntary basis”.

“She has sent the letter to the Minister and I think the Minister has already done the approval,” he said.

“I am pondering, myself, to take it. I will tell you the two sides of the question I am wondering. My first instinct was not to take it because I don’t want it to be said that ‘20 vaccines come from Sputnik [and] Ralph gone and put himself in the queue’, even though, given my age, I would be one who would be among persons

may be considered should take.”

The Prime Minister said the feedback he had received from journalists with whom he had discussed the matter was that people would only take a vaccine, either Sputnik or any other, if they saw him taking it.

“This morning, I have been giving it prayerful consideration and I will sleep on it tonight again, and if tomorrow morning it comes to me that I should take it, in a positive sign, I will take it, because I understand that persons want to see the Prime Minister take the vaccine,” he told Parliament. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Privy Council reserves judgement on Bermuda Govt appeal against same-sex marriage The probe into Bolsonaro and his Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello follows requests by eight federal congressmen from the far-left Communist Party of Brazil for an investigation to be started [Adriano Machado/Reuters]

would require the court’s approval.

“If, eventually, reasonable indications of possible wrongdoing come to light … a request for the beginning of an ‘inquerito’ will be submitted to the Supreme Court,” the document read.

Last year, a group of unions representing Brazilian health workers had also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Bolsonaro’s Government for crimes against humanity over its handling of the pandemic.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T

he UK-based Privy Council on Thursday reserved judgement after a two-day hearing into an appeal by the Bermuda Government against samesex marriage in the British Overseas Territory.

The case before Bermuda’s highest court of appeal marked the final chapter in a roller-coaster saga that at one stage saw Bermuda become the first country in the world to approve same-sex mar-

riage and then take away the right, but a series of court decisions means that gay couples can currently get married on the island.

The decision of the five-member panel of senior UK Judges will be handed down at a later date.

Legal sources say the outcome could also set a precedent for same-sex marriage across the UK’s Crown Dependencies and other Overseas Territories, as well as a host of former ter-

COVID-19 pandemic causing deep recession in Barbados, but BERT plan on track says IMF

T

he COVID-19 pandemic is causing a deep recession in Barbados, but the implementation of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme remains strong and targets are still being met, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission reported on Friday.

The comments came at the end of an IMF staff visit, via videoconferencing, between February 2 and 5, to

discuss the implementation of the BERT plan, supported by the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

“The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on Barbados.

The economy is estimated to have contracted by about 18 per cent in 2020, with a gradual recovery projected to start in 2021,” said team leader Bert van Selm in a statement.

Despite the COVID-19 shock, van Selm added,

Barbados was making some strides.

He said that in this very challenging environment, the country continues to make good progress in implementing its ambitious and comprehensive economic reform programme, while expanding critical investments in social protection.

“Key indicative targets for end-December under the EFF were met. International reserves, which reached a low of

US$220 million (5-6 weeks of import coverage) at end-May 2018, increased to more than US$1.3 billion at the end of 2020,” van Selm said.

A new procurement law to strengthen the fairness, integrity and transparency of the procurement process is expected to be submitted to parliament in February.”

Discussions for the fifth review under the EFF are scheduled for May. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

ritories.

Lord Pannick QC, for supporters of same-sex marriage, said Bermuda was a multicultural country with people of different beliefs and it would be unconstitutional for the Government to create a “hierarchy of beliefs” by showing preference.

“The wish of some people to live in a society in which other people are not allowed to marry because they are a same-sex couple is not a reasonable aim,” he said.

He was speaking on the final day of the hearing which will decide if a clause in the 2018 Domestic Partnership Act (DPA), introduced by the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) Government, that banned same-sex marriage was legal.

Bermuda’s Supreme Court ruled in May 2017 that gay couples could marry on the island, but six months later the PLP government, which ousted the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) in the July general election that year, passed the DPA, outlawing samesex weddings. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil hits highest in a year on growth hopes, OPEC+ cuts

O

il prices hit its highest in a year on Friday, closing in on US$60 a barrel, supported by economic revival hopes and supply curbs by producer group OPEC and its allies.

Oil was also supported as US stock markets hit record highs on signs of progress towards more economic stimulus, while a closely watched jobs report confirmed the labour market was stabilising.

US employment growth rebounded moderately in January and job losses in the prior month were deeper than initially thought, underscoring an urgent need for additional relief money from the Government. President Joe Biden’s drive to enact a US$1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill gained momentum on Friday.

Brent crude was up 72 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at US$59.56 by 10:52 am ET (1552 GMT) after hitting its highest since Feb 20 at US$59.79. US crude was up 76 cents, or 1.4 per cent, at US$56.99, after reaching US$57.29, its highest since Jan 22 last year.

“Brent is eyeing the $60 level now that OPEC+ has successfully eased most supply side concerns and optimism on the COVID front improves globally,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York.

“The fundamentals remain solid for crude, but a consolidation seems likely given the recent runup.”

Brent is on track to rise more than 6 per cent this week. The last time it traded at US$60 a barrel, the pandemic had yet to take hold, economies were open and people were free to travel, meaning demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel was much higher.

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, however, is fuelling hopes of lockdowns being eased, boosting fuel demand. But even demand optimists such as OPEC do not expect oil consumption to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2022.

“What is really helping the market today, and is a more valid reason for the price rise we see, once again comes from Saudi Arabia and its top firm, Aramco,” said Rystad Energy’s head of oil markets Bjornar Tonhaugen.

Aramco raised its Arab Light official selling price (OSP) to Northwest Europe by US$1.40 a barrel from the previous month. The move could be a signal that Saudi Arabia is more confident in the outlook for oil demand, which is fueling bullish sentiment in the market, Tonhaugen said.

Oil also gained support from supply curbs by producers.

OPEC and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, stuck to their supply tightening policy at a meeting on Wednesday. Record OPEC+ cuts have helped to lift prices from historic lows last year.

“OPEC+ discipline has been a real positive,” said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets.

Further boosting the market, a weekly supply report showed a drop in US crude inventories to their lowest since March, suggesting that output cuts by OPEC+ producers are having the desired effect.

However, the oil rig count, an early indicator of future output, has risen for five straight months. Latest weekly data from Baker Hughes is due at 1 pm. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia expels European diplomats over Navalny protests

R

ussia has expelled three diplomats from Germany, Sweden and Poland for joining protests in support of opposition activist Alexei Navalny, who was jailed earlier this week.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the three took part in "illegal demonstrations" on January 23.

The diplomats' home countries have condemned the expulsions, as have the UK, France and the EU. Navalny is a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The expulsions were announced just a few hours after EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

Hundreds of thousands of people took part in protests in support of Navalny across

U

cade rule in 2011 and has been split since 2014 between warring administrations backed by foreign powers in the west and east.

However, with many factions in the country afraid to surrender influence they already hold, and with foreign powers invested in local allies, the new Government may rapidly come under pressure.

The appointment of a new Government may also do little to change the balance of military power on the ground, where armed groups rule the streets and factions remain split between east

Russia on January 23 and 31.

Thousands were arrested.

Germany denounced the expulsion as being "in no way justified" and said it would not "go unanswered" if Russia did not reconsider.

Sweden said the claim that its diplomat took part in the protest on January 23 was unfounded and said it reserved the right to an appropriate response.

Poland said the expulsion

South Africa: Probe finds $17M hole in COVID funds

South Africa has recorded more than 1.46 million cases of coronavirus, more than 45,600 of which have been fatal [Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters]

S

outh African special investigators said that around US$17 million in coronavirus funds was siphoned off last year through corruption, fraud and inflated prices for protective gear supplied to Government hospitals and departments.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a probe following revelations that Government contracts were awarded to politically connected individuals and companies.

In a televised address on Friday, chief investigator

New Libya interim Government agreed in UN talks N-sponsored talks produced a new interim government for Libya on Friday aimed at resolving a decade of chaos, division and violence by holding national elections later this year.

Mohammed al-Menfi, a former diplomat from Benghazi, will head a three-man presidency council, while Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, from the western city of Misrata, will head the Government as Prime Minister.

Libya has been engulfed in chaos since a NATObacked intervention ended Muammar Gaddafi’s four-de-

Protests took place across Russia in support of Navalny

and west along a fortified front line.

Analysts describe the new Government team as surprise winners of a leadership contest against three other groups of candidates presented to the 75 Libyan participants picked by the United Nations to take part in political talks.

A slate that included the eastern-based Parliament Head Aguila Saleh and western-based Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha was widely seen as the most likely to succeed but lost in a run-off by 39 votes to 34. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Andy Mothibi said that as of November, a special tribunal had been asked to claw back a total of US$17.3 million in taxpayers’ money.

The probe revealed “flagrant and wanton disregard” of the law and an “insatiable pursuit of self-enrichment”, said Mothibi, who heads the Government’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Investigators unearthed a string of irregularities by state departments. They included overpayment for goods, wrong product specifications and the awarding of contracts to companies not registered on the Government’s central supplier database.

The SIU has asked the courts to freeze pensions and assets of entities and individuals implicated in the thefts.

Numerous suppliers failed to disclose their close connection to officials responsible for awarding the contracts, and others used front companies to secure deals.

Nearly 40 cases will be investigated further for possible prosecution for fraud, corruption and financial misconduct charges.

According to the National Treasury, a total of US$2 billion was spent by state institutions on COVID-related purchases between April and November last year, of which US$889 million is now under investigation. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

could lead to the "further deepening of the crisis in bilateral relations".

Borrell, on behalf of the EU, said he "strongly condemned

this decision and rejected the allegations that they conducted activities incompatible with their status as foreign diplomats".

However, Lavrov said any European sanctions over Navalny's treatment would be illegitimate.

Both Germany and Poland said they had summoned their respective Russian ambassadors to express concern over the expulsions - a move that could possibly lead to titfor-tat measures and more diplomats being sent home.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Christopher Plummer, Star of The Sound of Music, dies at 91

C

hristopher Plummer, the distinguished Canadian actor best known for his role as Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, has died at the age of 91.

He won an Oscar in 2012 for the film Beginners and was also nominated for The Last Station in 2010 and All the Money in the World in 2018.

His many other films included The Man Who Would Be King and Knives Out. He was a memorably villainous Klingon in the sixth Star Trek film and played TV anchorman Mike Wallace in 1999's The Insider.

He also played Sherlock Holmes in Murder By Decree and appeared with Peter Sellers in The Return of the Pink Panther.

According to reports, Plummer died peacefully at his home in Connecticut with his wife Elaine Taylor at his side.

Lou Pitt, his long-time friend and manager of 46 years, remembered him as "an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession".

"He was a national treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots," he continued. "Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come.

"He will forever be with us."

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, said he "beguiled audiences across generations", adding: "He will be missed."

Bafta added their condolences, praising his "amazing work since the 50s".

Plummer had a varied career across film, television and theatre, starring in productions on Broadway and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Stutthof camp: Woman, 95, accused of aiding Nazi mass murder

A

95-year-old woman who worked for the commandant of a Nazi concentration camp has been charged in north Germany with aiding and abetting mass murder.

The woman, named in media as Irmgard F and who lives in a care home in Pinneberg near Hamburg, is charged in relation to "more than 10,000 cases".

She was secretary to the SS commandant of Stutthof, a brutal camp near modern-day Gdansk, where about 65,000 prisoners died during World War Two. It is unclear if she will face trial.

Her role is still being studied.

Stutthof was established in 1939, in what was then Nazioccupied Poland, and guards began using gas chambers there in June 1944. Soviet troops liberated it in May 1945, as the war was ending.

About 100,000 inmates were kept at Stutthof in atrocious conditions - many died of disease and starvation, some were gassed and others were given lethal injections.

Many of the victims were Jews; there were also non-Jewish Poles and captured Soviet soldiers.

A court for juveniles in Schleswig-Holstein now has to decide whether the ex-secretary's case should go to trial. At the time of the crimes she was under 21, so counted as a minor.

She has claimed that she never knew people were being gassed in the camp.

It is an unusual case, as very few women have ever been tried for Nazi camp atrocities, and most cases have focused on camp guards, not secretaries, the BBC's Damien McGuinness reports from Berlin. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Above all else, be honest about your expectations, feelings and plans. Failure to honor your commitments will lead to a loss of respect and status. Say what you mean.

Look over contracts and agreements, and make adjustments. Offer suggestions to a cause or group you want to help, but don't make a cash donation. Keep your promises.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Maintain the upper hand; don't give in to someone putting pressure on you. Recognize false information by doing your research, reading and listening to all sides of a situation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

SUDOKU

Don't put your plans in motion without the proper authorization. If you can't manage the fallout, don't shake things up. Go about your business behind closed doors.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

You can pull things together and connect with people who will be of great help.

Don't let a last-minute decision someone makes alter your objective. Spend some quality time with a loved one.

Live, learn and grow.

Don't take someone's word as gospel. Dig deep, and you'll discover the truth and a path that will lead to a better life. Make a change for the right reasons.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A discussion with a friend or relative will make you question what you are doing. Before you make a change, consider what you want and what you might lose. Open your mind and see what happens.

SCORPIO

Domestic issues will arise if you fall behind with your responsibilities. Take care of unfinished business before you try something new. A disagreement will unfold if you aren't careful.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You've got the edge, so SAGITTARIUS stop letting others interfere (Nov. 23in your decisions. Use your Dec. 21) wiles to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.

Pay more attention to the people you love.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don't be fooled by hidden costs. Set a budget, get quotes in writing and seek out a second opinion. Handle shared expenses with care to avoid unexpected expenses.

Take the plunge and do something that makes you happy. A creative outlet will help you find solutions. Plan something special for a loved one. Romance will enhance your life.

Keep your thoughts to yourself, and you'll avoid getting into an emotional situation that leads to uncertainty. Focus on helping others and making a difference.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

21

CWI sign five-year broadcast deal with BT Sport for international home matches

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) have signed a five-year deal with BT Sport for the exclusive live coverage in the United Kingdom of all West Indies international home matches played in the Caribbean.

As part of the agreement, BT Sport will have rights to West Indies’ next international home series against England, sched-

uled for early 2022.

This upcoming series would have added interest as it would be the first time that the two teams play the Richards-Botham Trophy Test Series — named in honour of Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Ian Botham — two of the greatest cricketers of all time.

England’s visits to the

Caribbean are an iconic fixture in the international cricket calendar, and regularly attract one of the largest live TV cricket audiences in the UK. “On behalf of CWI, and all who helped make this deal come together, I am delighted to announce one of our largest-ever broadcast rights’ agreements in the form of this un-

Amrit Rocky Rai Memorial T20 cricket…

West Meten-Meer-Zorg Future Youths defeat West Coast Warriors The late Amrit Rockey Rai’s wife, Annette, handing over the winner’s trophy to Jermaine Maxwell, captain of the Meten-Meer-Zorg Cricket Club

precedented partnership with BT Sport,” said CWI President, Ricky Skerrit.

“Our tour to England last year helped to remind us how strong the West Indies brand continues to be in the UK, and we thank BT Sport for so highly valuing West Indies cricket by committing their broadcast support over the next five years. I am especially pleased that, in partnership with ESPN, BT Sport will also show much of the upcoming CG Insurance Super50 Cup which starts next Sunday, 7th February.”

Besides England’s tour to the Caribbean in 2022, BT Sport would have access to a packed schedule of international cricket from the West Indies in 2021 on its sports channels and across its digital platforms, starting with

Sri Lanka, whom they face across all formats in March before the tours to the Caribbean by South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in June, July and August respectively.

“The first-ever Richards-Botham Trophy in March 2022 would be an eagerly anticipated Test Series, not just for our fans in the UK hailing from the Caribbean, but also to the many UK sports and cricket fans who will be able to watch live on their TV or mobile devices after school or work,” said CWI CEO, Johnny Grave.

“West Indies home series are the second mostwatched cricket in the UK, after England’s home matches, and this agreement ensures that the best action from the Caribbean will be broadcast in an extremely important sports

and tourism market for the region.”

Rachel Knight, Rights Director of BT Sport, said, “We want to provide customers with the best sport from across the globe, so we are delighted to add the England men’s and women’s cricket teams to our line-up. In addition to some hugely important and enticing Test and T20 International matches over the next 18 months, the new rights in New Zealand and West Indies will see the world’s top cricketers regularly on BT Sport.”

This is a long-term agreement, and has huge significance because the UK is the West Indies’ second-largest commercial market, and where a large number of fans with West Indian heritage reside.

(Sportsmax)

Stronger and in shape, Briana Williams hoping for fast time in New York

T

he Amrit (Rocky) Rai Memorial cricket match which was planned for December, 2020 had to be postponed to January, 2021 because of the prevalence of inclement weather. When the encounter was finally held, on Sunday 31st January, 2021, the encounter saw West MetenMeer -Zorg Future Youths defeat West Coast Warriors by 3 wickets at the West Meten- Meer-Zorg Cricket Club ground.

Batting first, West Coast Warriors were bowled out for 103 in 18.1 overs. Stylish former national under-19

B

opener Ronaldo Reenee top scored with a fluent 58, peppered with 5 fours and 3 sixes. He was supported by Ameer Singh’s 15 and Richie Looknauth’s 10.

Bowling for the Future Youths, Derick Foo grabbed 3 for 13, Randy Lindoir took 2 for 5 and Devon Lord took 1 for 20.

Future Youths, in reply, had to work hard for their runs, and were in trouble at 65 for 7 before captain Jermaine Maxwell steered his side home with a responsible unbeaten 63, compiled as he cleared the boundary 7 times. Adrian

Johnson supported with 18.

Bowling for the Warriors, Richie Looknauth had 3 for 10 from 4 overs, of which 2 were maiden, and Mahendra Nandkishore took 2 for 5.

Amrit (Rocky) Rai, in whose honour the match was held, was involved in a vehicle accident and died on December 18, 2018. The versatile and soft-spoken Ricky had become popular after he led the Wolf Warriors to the inaugural GTT 10/10 title. The family of Rocky would like to thank Regal Stationery, Feroze Barakat and Meten-Meer-Zorg cricket club for their assistance.

riana Williams has said she is excited about competing at the New Balance Grand Prix on Saturday, February 13. She says she is in good shape, and is looking to do well.

Williams, 18, was supposed to have opened her season last December in Freeport, Bahamas, but then withdrew, citing issues with the meet’s promoters.

She has since been going through her paces with Coach Ato Boldon, who recently revealed that the 2018 World U20 100m and 200m champion was straining at the leash, eager to compete. For her part, Williams, having had a

taste of indoor running last year, has said she is looking forward to doing so again.

“I am very excited and also grateful to be able to run in this meet coming up February 13. I have been eager to run, and seeing everyone running well indoors, I wanted to give it another try,” she said. “I

am just going to race happy, prepared. I feel strong and in shape. I just can’t wait to see the times I’ll do, and I just hope I do well.”

In February 2020, Williams, then 17, ran a personal best 7.18 while finishing third at the Millrose Games at the Armoury in New York. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Spinners hand Bangladesh the advantage – despite late squeeze by West Indies

O

n the face of it, 231 runs for the loss of 11 wickets on a third day of a Test would indicate relatively attrition-filled cricket on a rapidly deteriorating pitch. The cricket during the first Test between Bangladesh and West Indies in Chattogram itself was anything but that, and the pitch has played better than the numbers suggest.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz precipitated a sensational collapse for West Indies, who lost their last five wickets for six runs inside 23 balls to concede a lead of 171 runs, when once they looked likely to last the whole day and eat substantially into Bangladesh’s 430 posted in the first innings.

In response, Kraigg Brathwaite asked Rahkeem Cornwall to share the new ball with Kemar Roach, and the burly off-spinner respond-

as the only Bangladesh players with a century and a fivefor in the same Test.

But an injudicious slog across the line from Jomel Warrican off Islam put paid to those hopes, as their collapse denied them an opportunity at reversing the pressure on to the home side. As

Rahkeem Cornwall took two wickets for West Indies after Bangladesh took a 171-run lead

Brathwaite and Mayers added 55 in just over 11 overs while dominating the first hour of play, especially with their strokeplay square of the wicket. Brathwaite used his feet cleverly against both Islam and Hasan - who replaced Rahman quite early - and his sashays down the pitch forced the spinners to drop short more often.

Runs were coming at

Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with 4 for 58, after getting a century the previous day

ed by trapping Tamim Iqbal in front for no score with a quicker one, and then lured Najmul Hossain Shanto to nick one to Jermaine Blackwood at slip for a second-ball duck.

Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque, though, steadied the ship and took the Bangladesh lead past 200, though the former fell to Shannon Gabriel’s short ball, which he nicked to Joshua Da Silva down the leg side to leave the hosts at 33 for 3.

Cornwall could have had a third for the day when Mushfiqur Rahim gloved one on to his body and was taken at forward short leg, but West Indies lacked conviction in their appeal, and also missed a chance to review, with Rahim then on five.

In balance, the first twothirds of the day belonged to West Indies, although Taijul Islam dismissed Nkrumah Bonner off the very first ball of the day, which he nicked to Shanto at first slip. Debutant Kyle Mayers, who got to 40, could have been dismissed in identical fashion off the third ball he faced, but his edge appeared to take a little deflection off Liton Das’s pads, as Shanto failed to grab on after getting his fingertips to the ball.

Mayers settled down and crunched a couple of pleasing boundaries off Mustafizur Rahman’s first over of the morning - an on drive and a cover drive - to settle West Indies’ nerves. Windies’Their captain Brathwaite then brought up his 20th Test fifty with a neat flick off his hips against Islam.

a fair tick for West Indies, though Mayers was lucky when Bangladesh chose not to review a leg-before appeal, when Hasan bowled one fuller, and the left-hander had the ball hit pad ahead of bat with a forward press. The replays indicated that the ball would have gone on to hit the top of off-stump.

Hasan did not have to wait long for his reward, though, with Brathwaite leaving a length ball that pitched outside off and surprised him with the amount of turn back into him, thus clipping the top of off-stump. his first over of the day, drew Mayers forward, and struck him on the pad after straightening from around the wicket, as the debutant walked away after considering a review. The replays, though, indicated that there may have been bat on the ball before it struck the pad, and a review could have kept Mayers on course for his first fifty.

Taking the cue from their colleagues, Blackwood and Da Silva - who scored 68 and 42 respectively - then settled down to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers for virtually the entire afternoon session. Had Da Silva been nimble in his footwork - both pressing forward and playing deep inside his crease, to negotiate the spinners Blackwood was clever at how he defended anything close to the stumps, and pounced on even the slightest lapses in length from the spinners. One such full delivery was driven through covers to bring up his 14th Test fifty.

The new ball was taken by Bangladesh after Mustafizur Rahman bowled a couple of overs with the older ball, with Das standing up to the stumps, but nothing appeared to be working for Haque, especially with the injury-enforced absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Rahman even earned himself two official warnings for running into the danger area in his follow through.

Bangladesh’s luck turned dramatically as Hasan bounded in to bowl the 93rd over of the innings. The third ball kept a bit low, and spun enough to take Da Silva’s edge through to Das, aborting the sixth-wicket partnership at 99.

Off the next over, Miraz benefited from a thin edge down legside from Blackwood to ring in tea. On resumption, Roach slogged his third ball down deep midwicket’s throat, and when Cornwall missed a drive off his bowling, Miraz looked on course to join Shakib and Sohag Gazi

things stand, with six sessions to play, Bangladesh have the opportunity to bat long enough to set West Indies anything in the vicinity of 350 in the fourth innings; and the time remaining means the hosts can also have a shot at victory.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c) b Nayeem Hasan 76 John Campbell lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 3 Shayne Moseley lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 2 Nkrumah Bonner c Najmul Hossain Shanto b Taijul Islam 17 Kyle Mayers lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 40 Jermaine Blackwood c †Liton Das b Mehidy 68 Hasan Miraz Joshua Da Silva †c †Liton Das b Nayeem Hasan 42 Rahkeem Cornwall b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2 Kemar Roach c sub (Mohammad Mithun) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0 Jomel Warrican b Taijul Islam 4 Shannon Gabriel not out 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 4) 5 TOTAL (96.1 Ov, RR: 2.69, 375 Mts) 259 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (John Campbell, 4.4 ov), 2-24 (Shayne Moseley, 10.6 ov), 3-75 (Nkrumah Bonner, 29.1 ov), 4-130 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 40.2 ov), 5-154 (Kyle Mayers, 49.6 ov), 6-253 (Joshua Da Silva, 92.3 ov), 7-253 (Jermaine Blackwood,

93.1 ov), 8-253 (Kemar Roach, 93.4 ov), 9-259 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 95.1 ov), 10-259 (Jomel Warrican, 96.1 ov) O-M-R-W BOWLING Mustafizur Rahman 15-4-46-2 Shakib Al Hasan 6-1-16-0 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 26-9-58-4 Taijul Islam 33.1-11-84-2 Nayeem Hasan 16-1-54-2 BANGLADESH 2ND INNINGS Shadman Islam c † Da Silva b Gabriel 5 Tamim Iqbal lbw b Cornwall 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Blackwood b Cornwall 0 Mominul Haque (c) not out 31 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 10 Extras (nb 1) 1 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 2.35) 47/3 Yet to bat: Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das †, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Tamim Iqbal, 1.4 ov), 2-1 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 1.6 ov), 3-33 (Shadman Islam, 14.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 4-1-5-0 9-1-28-2 Rahkeem Cornwall Shannon Gabriel 6-0-13-1 Jomel Warrican 1-0-1-0

CLASSIFIED ADS LAND FOR SALE Residential Land for Sale at Eccles Public Road. 0.1205 Acre/5,248 Sq Ft. Price: $150 mil. Negotiable. Serious enquires only. Call – 233-2152

LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek You can also obtain an International Driving Permit covering over 134 Countries.Contact us: 227-3835 / 627-6155. WhatsApp: 619-0106.

Join us on FaceBook.

PUPPIES FOR SALE Mix Breed Puppies For sale Contact : 253-3114/692-0126

SERVICE Solutions to All problems such as – Domestic, Job, Relationships such as: Marriage, Love Relations.

Removal of blockages and Bad Luck. Call for Appointment – 592 696 8222. Address: Georgetown or Vreed-en-Hoop.

TAXI SERVICE GR Taxi 227-1982, 225-7878 219-5000, 227-2100 Wanted: Contract Cars Tel: 614-6202

ROUNDUP

LeBron James enjoying longest run in NBA history after triple-double

– as rallying Lakers break franchise record

L

eBron James inspired the reigning NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, to a 114-93 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

James posted his second triple-double of the season – 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists – to guide the Lakers past the visiting Nuggets in Los Angeles.

With the 12,682nd bucket of his illustrious career, Lakers superstar James surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for the third-most field goals made in NBA history.

James’s 23-game streak of recording 15-plus points, fiveplus rebounds and five-plus assists to start the season is the longest run in NBA history, surpassing his own record of 22 in a row in 2011-12.

The Lakers recorded their third consecutive win after overturning a 12-point deficit against the Western Conference rivals, the Nuggets.

According to Stats Perform, it is the largest margin of victory in franchise history, after trailing by double digits at half-time. The previous high was a 20-point win at the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day in 1968.

Oubre Kelly Jr gets night to remember Oubre Kelly Jr scored a careerhigh 40 points as the Golden State Warriors overpowered the Dallas Mavericks 147-116.

Stephen Curry had 28 points for the Warriors in Dallas.

Joel Embiid hurt his knee, but had a game-high 37 points in the Philadelphia 76ers’ shock 121-105 loss at home to the Portland Trail Blazers, who were without stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

Rajon Rondo scoreless Rajon Rondo did not score a point in the Atlanta H a w ks ’ 112-91 defeat to the Utah Jazz.

Rondo was n i l o f seven from t h e

field, while he missed all three of his attempts from beyond the arc in 28 minutes.

Embiid did not have much support in Philadelphia, as the 76ers struggled without Ben Simmons. Tobias Harris finished with 12 points on just five-of-14 shooting from the field. The AllStar hopeful missed both of his three-point efforts.

The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 115-103.

However, P.J. Tucker was one-ofeight from the field, and one-ofseven from three-point range for three points in 34 minutes.

The LeBron James Show LeBron James was at his brilliant best against the Nuggets, showcasing his elite shooting and passing skills.

Thursday’s results Utah Jazz: 112; Atlanta Hawks: 91 Golden State Warriors: 147; Dallas Mavericks: 116 Portland Trail Blazers: 121; Philadelphia 76ers: 105 Houston Rockets: 115; Memphis Grizzlies: 103 Los Angeles Lakers: 114; Denver Nuggets: 93.

(Sportsmax)

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Tournament to become annual feature...

Speaker’s Cup International softball tournament launched because it keeps veterans like himself active.

Nadir added, “I thought that we needed to bring more to the people.

The state has three arms: The Executive, headed by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, delivering the the President; The Judiciary, headed by the Chancellor; feature address and the Legislature, headed

By Timothy Jaikarran by the Speaker. Our people, especially our younger people, he Everest Cricket Club need to be more aware of the Masters, in partnership function of the state. with Speaker of the “As part of bringing the National Assembly Manzoor Legislature closer to the peoNadir, launched the Speaker’s ple, we have to bring it closer Cup International softball to the campaign. What I enviscricket tournament yesterday age is that we can engage with at the Everest Cricket Club. the children; be more prevaThis tournament is scheduled lent on social media, inform to be staged from April 2-4. the public; and work through Delivering the feature ad- sport to promote cohesion. dress at launch of the tourna“I spoke with the ment, President of the Everest Executive and looked at forCricket Club and Speaker mats of the game, that even of the National Assembly, during COVID, we can attract Manzoor Nadir, noted that a large audience; so that is the game of softball is popular how we came about with this

T

Nicholas Pooran will feature for Red Force

By Brandon Corlette

F

or most of the regular members in the West Indies team, the upcoming CG Insurance Regional Super50 Cup would be their first season. The likes of Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Shimron Hetmyer, Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Hayden Walsh Jr, Sheldon Cottrell and Rovman Powell, among several others, would be available for their six respective franchises.

The tournament bowls off on February 7 in Antigua with the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands Volcanoes locking horns, and the standard of the tournament is expected to be higher than usual.

Test captain Holder has said the availability of such players would boost the competition of the tournament.

"We all got points to prove. Many international players would lift the standard of the cricket, and I think the responsibility is for us to lead the charge and then have the younger players mingle and

VNet are one of the many sponsors on board

tournament. This softball version is going to happen over the Easter weekend, and we have many sponsors that are on board and are coming on board.”

Nadir is adamant the tournament needs to be more sustainable and that it shouldn’t be a one-off event. He said he is prepared to commit the seed resources to make the tournament happen for the next four years, hence making it an

annual competition centred around the Easter weekend.

Shedding some light on the rules of the game, first class umpire Ryan Banwarie said the umpires would be provided by the Georgetown Cricket Umpires Scorers Association, who would safeguard the integrity of the games in the Speaker’s Cup. He reiterated that to be eligible to contest the Over-45 category, a player must be born in the year

1976, or celebrate his 45th birthday on December 3rd.

Likewise, to contest the Over-50 category, a player Ryan Banwarie stating the rules of the must be born in the tournament year 1971 or earlier, tournament. or celebrate his birthday by The final will be played the 31st December 2021. at Everest as part of its Banwarie relayed that the fund-raising efforts, and all games would be played under of the established COVID-19 the supervision of a match refprotocols would apply. eree, and in the case of rain, This tournament is exthe Duck Worth Lewis System pected to be the third since applies. the pandemic, with the Prime The tournament would Minister’s T20 Cup being held feature 16 teams, six from in November last year and overseas and ten local, who the President’s Cup tipped for would compete the in Masters March of this year.

(Over-45) and Legends (OverSome of the sponsors on 50) categories. board are General Marine, Attractive cash prizes and GBTI, GK Ink, Cos Cutters, trophies would be awarded to Raj Ace Auto, New Building the winners and runners-up, Society, Trophy Stall, MMD while the man-of-the-match Hollow Blocks and Pavers, in each game would cop an New DOC Clinic, V Net and award, and there would be a Beacon Café, among others. cash prize for the player-of-the

West Indies stars have points to prove in upcoming Super50 Cup

us trying to pave the way for them," Holder said in a virtual media interaction ahead of the Super50.

Meanwhile, Guyana Jaguars vice-captain Shimron Hetmyer also hinted that there would be bragging rights between him and his West Indies team mates. Senior Trinidad and Tobago Red Force player Dinesh Ramdin has said the star-studded Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team would be aiming to win the Super50 Cup. Anything less than a championship win will be considered as a failure for the men from Trinidad and Tobago, he said.

"All the players making themselves available, we want to go out there and win the title; but, as I said, we can’t win the title by just saying it, we need to go

out there and perform as well.

The other teams are coming for us (as) one of the strongest teams in the tournament on paper,” Ramdin added.

Meanwhile West Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr has said he is expecting

Guyana's Ashmead Nedd to do well in this upcoming Super50 tournament. Walsh, who will be aiming to lead the bowling attack, has said the Leeward Islands will be aiming to start with a bang and clinch the title with the firepower in the squad.

Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), S h i m r o n Hetmyer (Vice Captain), Assad Fudadin,

Sunil Narine and company comprise a star-studded Red Force side

Jason Holder will lead Barbados Pride

Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.

Barbados Pride Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Joshua Bishop, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Tevyn Walcott, Zachary Mc Caskie, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton and Ashley Nurse.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Darren Bravo (vicecaptain), Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Kjorn Ottley, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre.

Jamaica Scorpions squad squad: Rovman Powell (captain); Derval Green (vice/ captain); Aldaine Thomas; Oshane Thomas; Brandon King; Paul Palmer; Fabian Allen; Jamie Merchant; Jeavor Royal; Odean Smith; Sheldon Cottrel; Dennis Bulli; Javelle Glenn; Romaine Morris; and Andre McCarthy.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes squad: Devon Thomas (captain), Montcin Hodge (V/captain), Amir Jangoo, (wk), Ross Powell, Kieran Powell, Keacy Carty, Nitish Kumar, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jermiah Louis, Sheno Berrige, Quinton Boatswain, Colin Archibald, Nino Henry, Ashmead Nedd and Terrance Ward.

Windward Islands Volcanoes squad: Sunil Ambris (captain), Andre Fletcher (v/c), Alick Athanaze, Roland Cato, Keron Cottoy, Kenneth Dember, Larry Edward, Ryan John, Ray Jordan, Desron Maloney, Obed McCoy, Preston McSween, Kimani Melius, Emanuel Stewart and Kevin Stoute.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

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

Tournament to become annual feature...

Pg 23

Speaker’s Cup International softball tournament launched

West Indies stars have Spinners hand Bangladesh the advantage points to prove in Page 23

– despite late squeeze by West Indies

Pg 22

upcoming Super50 Cup

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