Guyana Times - Saturday, October 23, 2020

PSC helps P13 GPF protect ranks against COVID-19 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4448

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

PRICE

Telecoms sector liberalisation

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

50 companies already eager to …US$44M GTT tax invest – PM debt still unsettled

P10 Guyana records 83 new COVID-19 cases Unpaid Linden P11 security guards picket for salaries

Govt intervenes to resolve land dispute with private developer

Private criminal charges against Keith Lowenfield withdrawn P14

See story on page 3

Sarah Johanna squatters

See story on page 7

...cases by State to proceed

“I want to know how my son P2 died” – mother of dead mason Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Mohabir Anil Nandlall; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues; and Minister Kwame McKoy meeting with squatters at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara on Friday evening

Marketing 170,000 public school manager children affected by crashes car to COVID-19 closure escape gunman …Govt will continue financing education – Minister See story on page 10

See story on page 11

Despite attempts to rig elections

APNU/AFC in no rush for electoral reform – PNC executive See story on page 9

Food & Drugs Dept warns of fake evaporated milk on local P14 market 8 injured after tree falls on P16 shack at Success

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“I want to know how my son died” – mother of dead mason

By LaWanda McAllister

T

wo years have passed since her son died and heartbroken Bibi Ameena is calling for justice for the death of her son, Luckyram Balkarran called “Bojo”, 29, a mason of

Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Balkarran was employed with a local entity as a porter, transporting goods from Bartica to Peruni Landing, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

However, on August 7, 2018, his moth-

er was informed by a family member of the owner of the business, that her son was killed in a road accident.

Ameena said after she heard her son had died, she went to the Bartica Police Station to enquire about the truth of her son’s death, and

to see his body. However, she said when she arrived, she was told by two police officers stationed there that they have no statement from the truck driver, the owner of the business, nor the other porters.

The mother is alleging

Dead: Luckyram Balkarran

that the officers told her that the truck driver took the dead man’s body and told them that he would give a

Mother of the dead man: Bibi Ameena

statement about the accident when he was done delivering his goods to Bartica.

The statement was given about a week later.

“It doesn’t have a day I don’t cry; I does sit down and saw that I waiting on God because everybody telling me the story duck. I keep telling my children one day I want go on the news and let the Government and everybody see that is two year now my son died and I can’t get no justice….”, Ameena told this publication, as two years have passed and she is still waiting for justice for her son.

The tearful Ameena said on October 15, 2018, they met with a representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who told them that she did not receive any information on Balkarran’s file. However, she assured the family that whenever she received the police report, an enquiry would be done to determine if anyone is criminally responsible for the man’s death.

According to the family, on October 23, 2018, they visited the then Police Commissioner Leslie James, who promised to do an internal police enquiry to determine if the normal police procedures were used into the investigation of the man’s death.

This publication was informed by Ameena that apart from supplying the names of the officers who were stationed at Bartica at the time, she also submitted photographs of the trucks that were involved in the alleged road accident.

To date, there has been no call or contact with the family from the police.

“Nothing in call at the court yet, or nothing, nothing in do. When he died, them at Bartica Station never called me to tell me that I have to go there for a statement. I went on my own and I gave a statement. Nothing ain’t come, when I get somebody to carry me to the DPP, DPP tell me to look out, that last year the file would come through and I would have to go to court,” she explained.

According to Ameena, the most difficult aspect she is faced with daily is having to see her three and four-yearold granddaughters grow up without their father. He was described by his family as “a go-getter” that worked very hard to put food on their table.

“Somebody can’t just come and tell me that my son dead, and we bury he and done and me in hear nothing… the people them just paid for the tomb and the coffin and that’s all. I want to know how my son died,” she explained.

The family is calling on authorities to investigate the matter as they wait on justice to be served.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Telecoms sector liberalisation

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 24 – 12:00h – 13:30h and Sunday, October 25 – 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 24 – 11:05h – 12:35h and Sunday, October 25 – 12:30h – 14:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies and partly cloudy conditions at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:47h and 23:12h reaching a maximum height of 2.02 metres and 2.07 metres.

Low Tide: 16:39h reaching a minimum height of 1.25 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$41.77/barrel

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Rough Rice

$220.08/ton

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$395.60/ton

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Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

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Change

…US$44M GTT tax debt still unsettled

L

ess than one month after the telecommunications sector was officially liberalised, the Government has already received investment interests from some 50 companies.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips – who has responsibility for the sector – told Guyana Times during an exclusive interview on Friday that “there are about 50 small ISPs (internet service providers) in Guyana and everybody’s putting forward some investment request.”

“All will be looked at through the telecommunications agency,” he added.

“Some of those companies are local, some have foreign backing. And then, of course, you have a lot of international companies that will, who knows, in the near future, express an interest in the Guyana market,” PM Phillips said.

When pressed for the names of the companies that have expressed an interest in investing, the Prime Minister said it would not be “proper”, at this stage, to disclose.

Some two months after assuming office, the PPP/C Government announced the official liberalisation of the sector on October 5 – bringing an end to the 30-year monopoly that was held by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) company.

PM Phillips noted that this prompt achievement was made possible simply because the PPP/C Administration wanted to keep its manifesto promise to the people. He reminded that the liberalisation of the telecoms sector actually took some 14 years of work, beginning under the previous PPP/C Administration and continuing under the former APNU/AFC regime.

US$44M tax debt

LUCKY 3

2

50 companies already eager to invest – PM

0.00

0.00%

In July 2016, the APNU/ AFC Government passed the Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill to liberalise the telecoms sector – however, the Commencement Orders to fully bring to force the Act was never issued.

Under the former coalition Government, it was reported that the liberalisation of the sector was heavily dependent upon the settlement of a US$44 million tax claim against GTT by the Guyana Revenue Authority.

According to those reports, the local telecommunication giant wanted the tax debt settled before moving ahead with liberalisation.

When asked about this, PM Phillips explained that GTT still owes the taxes and that there were no “tradeoffs” in the decision to fully liberalise the telecommunications sector.

“Whatever tax is owed, as far as I’m concerned…that

Prime Minister Mark Phillips

did not and should not affect the road to liberalisation.

Because after we liberalised, they [GTT] owe tax and they still have to pay the tax,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “you still have to pay the tax or negotiate some settlement,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

When asked if discussions were had on a settlement negotiation, the Prime Minister said: “Well we haven’t discussed that as yet…I would assume that there will be some approaches to deal with that issue.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced during a press conference a few days before the full liberalisation, that there will be no conditions for the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in Guyana.

“The law was passed already, so the tax matters would all have to be discussed, but the liberalisation is not dependent on that – dependent on a settle-

ment there. If that’s the case, then GTT could say we never reached a settlement with you, then you can never liberalise. So that is not a condition of liberalisation – reaching an agreement on the tax matter,” Jagdeo had asserted.

VP

Benefits

Jagdeo

had

an-

nounced that the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector will set the stage for the installation of 5G services here, increased competition to allow for more fibre optic cables to come in, operation of data, among other benefits.

Indeed, the two major industry players – GTT and Digicel – have since announced a number of initiatives following the liberalisation.

For instance, GTT has announced a 600 per cent upgrade in broadband speeds for businesses. It has also zero-rated some educational websites for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Digicel, it has recently launched itself as a digital operator that would be offering more to customers through a suite of apps such as for music, news, local radio, podcasts, messaging, marketplaces, and cloud storage. (G11)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

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

Eco-friendly lifestyle changes

T

he issue of recycling is becoming a major concern for both the general public and the economy. Scientific research has suggested that, due to lifestyle patterns of citizens, the earth’s natural resources are being depleted too quickly to sustain a healthy balance. The earth’s natural resources are being consumed at a rate that reinforces the idea that we are living for today; and future generations will be paying for the consequences that result from our lifestyle choices.

For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the build-up of garbage in and around the city continues to be repeated.

Governments and businesses all over the world are realising how serious the problem is, and are taking steps towards putting policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the environment is protected from various forms of pollution.

Recycling, along with reducing consumption, has proven to be an effective way to counter the damage we have been doing to the earth for centuries.

A major part of recycling relates to how best we can recycle much of what we use, instead of turning it into unusable waste. For the sake of emphasis, recycling is important as a means of reducing poisonous emissions into the atmosphere, and also to postpone depletion of our natural resources.

Guyana has indeed taken some time to get “on board”, while many companies and individuals in other parts of the world are improving their recycling habits by coming up with more ways to reduce and reuse what they use. In essence, while there has been much talk about the need to recycle certain products to save our environment from further damage, in a practical sense, the concept has not as yet taken much root here. Only a handful of companies have shown that they are really serious about moving in this direction. For example, in a bid to support the efforts to sustain and maintain a clean and healthy environment through the provision of proper disposal mechanisms and technology, one local company had launched a line of bio-degradable products called Eco Pak. The Eco Pak products consist of bio-degradable table wares, including bowls, boxes and cups which are all environmentally friendly products because of the materials and the process utilised to manufacture them.

The PPP Government had, in the past, made an offer of tax-free concessions to individuals and businesses willing to invest and set up recycling plants for plastics and Styrofoam.

This was viewed as a good start, and from all indications, a few companies had expressed an interest in taking up the offer. However, we are not certain how far these companies have actually gone ahead with actual implementation of the project ideas.

That being said, if we are serious about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, consumers must demand that businesses engage in practices that are more eco-friendly. For example, consumers must be encouraged to purchase from companies that manufacture more eco-friendly products.

As part of efforts to spread the message of recycling, a comprehensive education and public awareness campaign would need to be carried out, using every available means.

Following this, the authorities should explore setting up recycling centres across the country, since it makes no sense preaching about recycling if the necessary infrastructural support system is not present.

In addition to its positive impacts on the environment, recycling brings in a lot of money for many countries.

Companies make huge sums from basically utilising the materials that could otherwise have been thrown away.

As this publication has previously said we believe there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations and local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and municipalities in every region start the conversation with citizens about recycling. This should be done with direct involvement of the decision-makers. Certainly, everyone prefers products that are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner, and wants a better, cleaner, and healthier environment.

First Lady Arya Ali on Friday visited children at the paediatric ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where she met with the children and their parents (Office of the First Lady photo)

Region 5 will breathe once more, after five years Dear Editor, Please allow me first to congratulate both Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and ViceChairman Rion Peters on their recent re-election to office for a second term.

I know both of the gentlemen will serve, and serve this Mahaica-Berbice region well, and ensure that developmental works are done in ALL of Region 5; not in some villages or sectors, but in all sectors. I am penning this letter to your newspaper with joy, because I am now assured that the people of Region 5 no longer have to face abuses and harsh words when asking for things to be done that would better their lives and surroundings.

As a former regional councillor who served this region, I have walked all the villages week after week in the past five years, and tried my utmost best to ensure that things happen within every village and NDC. I had the opportunity to listen to, and try to help, people from both sides of the political divide, and mostly heard the cries of the people - especially the APNU-AFC supporters for betterment when it comes to their daily livelihoods.

In the five years of the APNU\PNC\AFC Government, I served the RDC and always told my fellow councillors that this place is worse than a fish market when we are supposed to make the right decisions to take the region forward.

I had to sit and endure what the PNC councillors were doing because I had no one to complain to, because most persons in the AFC leadership were all about themselves.

Yes, sometimes I stood up and talked when things needed to be debated, and sometimes I sat and just looked on, as I glanced with a smile at the PPP strongman on the council, Rion Peters.

Why did I do that? Because of the manner in which some of the councillors on my side were behaving most of the time. And I must admit they were wrong,

but it wasn’t my place to tell them that; it was that of the chair of the RDC, because he has the power to ask them to leave or excuse themselves from the rest of the proceedings, but he never did so authoritatively.

After several meetings, I would go to both chair and vice and say to them, “Padna, something wrong, the chair has the power and ain’t using it, making those people abuse the Standing Orders of the Council”. I often told the chair he has the authority to put someone from the administration to act as clerk of the RDC meeting if the clerk, who is the REO, is walking out; because the clerk of council cannot call off any RDC meeting, the chair is the only one with that power.

But wait, while the chair opted a view times to put someone to act, the PNC dictator and ‘bad man’ REO, who is the clerk of the RDC, demanded and ordered all the heads of departments (HoDs) and staff to walk out of the meetings when he is absent, and if they failed to comply with this order, he would deal with them.

This now leads me to say that this very PNC dictator REO then took it upon himself to transfer heads of departments and mostly take away from them their assigned duties.

The Regional Chief Accountant (CA) was removed from his post and put to monitor NDC. The Regional Engineer was relieved of some of his responsibilities, and was put to look at just roads and nothing else in the region.

I again objected, because the engineer has to be the person who sees the technical things being done in all works, and also has to ensure and overlook contractors working with the bills of quantities while ensuring there is value for money.

The PNC dictator REO and I weren’t seeing eye to eye most of the time, because I say it as I see it, and I saw he was dictating and doing things that were

far from what were expected of him as REO. After he dictated and decided that he would throw out the cash crop farmers from the farmland and start a model farm (this was a cash cow), I stepped in and asked to be part of that model farm project. Why? Because at that time I was thinking it would be good, because the proposals I would put forward would see farmhands and technical staff being hired.

I proposed a NAREI and GSA training centre, shade house projects, and much more, especially the planting of cash crops that would be sold to buyers in Region 5 who daily take produce to the markets.

I fought the REO to ensure that those cash crop farmers whom he wanted to move have land provided to them, so that they can continue farming; and I did make that happen. I could not have done anything else, because the dictator REO had his own agenda. In a subsequent letter, I will talk about this project.

When we decided to start planting the cash crops, the REO asked me to get some boys to work full-time on the farm. I did get the workers, because I know Bath\Woodley Park NDC is the heart of cash crop farming. I had him hire five persons for a start. All was going well.

Cash crops were being planted and resold to local buyers, and I was happy.

Then came the bomb: the REO started to dig fish ponds in the red sand (reef sand) area to cultivate hussar and tilapia, and I objected. He purchased coconut plants, and I objected. He wanted to plant eschallot under shade houses, and I objected. That was when he started to kick me out of the project.

Within two weeks of that incident, a few Indian farm workers told me they wanted to leave the work because they didn’t like what was happening, and before they should get fired, they wanted to leave.

After listening to them, I

went to the REO and started a really frank conversation with him because I saw what he had in mind regarding those workers.

Those workers were accused of carrying news to the PPP. It was an excuse the dictator was using to hire his PNC people.

Anyone can check the records from 2018 to present day to determine how many persons were hired to work at that farm, and who they were. Anyone can check on the number of drivers who were hired in the PNC’s five years, and who they were.

Anyone can check the record to determine how many persons were hired by the RDC, and who they were. Anyone can check the records and see who were the contractors getting major works in Region 5. Anyone can check, see, and compare the works being done in various villages and determine where works were taking place. Anyone can check the record and know there was serious self-centred business happening in the RDC administration under the dictator PNC REO, especially in the area of D&I. I can go on, and would do so later to put the icing on the cake. I must say that I complained to the AFC on numerous occasions, but was asked by some to shut up, although a few members and two of the leaders encouraged me to go public. Well, going public under the PNC, one would have to think twice, because of the abuse that was coming from the petroleum adviser and some of her PNC people in the region.

I always stood under the shed at the RDC and said to all PNC, AFC, and even the dictator REO, that the tables would be turned one day, and those very people that they are stopping from breathing would breathe once again.

Breathe, Region Five!

Breathe once again!

Regards, Abel Seetaram Fmr Councillor Region 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

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

Disappointed by actions of Guyanese ambassadors, diplomats posted abroad Dear Editor, Ambassadors of the ABCE countries in Guyana, and other foreign policy diplomats of those countries as well as the Caribbean region, condemned the electoral fraud of the March elections. In conversations with Guyanese in the diaspora and in Guyana, it has been pointed out that Guyanese diplomats in the ABCE and Caricom countries, as well as those posted in India, China and elsewhere, were silent on or about the fraud.

Are they not ashamed, Guyanese have asked? In other countries, it is noted,

diplomats would have resigned their position rather than condone or accept fraud.

Supriya Singh, not a diplomat but a supporter of the coalition, was praised by the diaspora for her principled position in condemning the coalition for its attempt to rig the election.

Having been silent during the fraud, after the declaration of the right winner of the election, a diplomat worth his salt would have acted honourably and tendered his resignation.

Guyanese diplomats, as critics point out, seem proud of

their action in condoning and preparing to accept a fraudulent election. In fact, some who supported the fraud were boldfaced enough to remain in their position.

Rigging and a job means more to them than honour.

They have absolutely no integrity, behaving in the same way as their predecessors during the dictatorship, between 1966 and 1992.

Unlike the diplomats and ambassadors of other countries, who behaved honourably, Guyanese are disappointed that their ambassadors and diplomats traded their integrity for retention

of their position. It may have been that some Guyanese diplomats feared they would lose their job if they were to speak out against electoral fraud, thus they lost their voice.

The title to a position was to them more important than integrity. Roti defined their behaviour and action.

But not so for the diplomats of the white countries and some Caribbean diplomats.

Integrity and honesty were more important to them than bread. They stopped electoral fraud in its tracks, and convinced their home countries to intervene in

Guyana to force the regime to accept the outcome of the democratic election.

Of course, some of us in the diaspora played a role in convincing the ABCE countries to intervene in Guyana to protect democracy. Had the ABCE diplomats and some Caricom countries not intervened, the election would have been rigged.

In fact, at one point, as Freddie Kissoon penned in a column, four of the seven members of GECOM were prepared to accept the fraudulent count of Mingo and declare the APNU-led coalition as the winner. The

diplomats intervened, preventing any declaration of the fraudulent count as the official result. Of course, a few of us appealed to, and lobbied, the governments of the ABCE countries to mount pressure on the regime in Guyana.

It is not too late for Guyanese diplomats to put on the public record their condemnation of, and distancing of themselves from, electoral fraud. They need to embrace a Supriya Singh moment in their lives.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Commending GPF for swift response Good health to attack on Chief Justice’s residence and hygiene

Dear Editor, The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) views the recent attack on the Honourable Chief Justice, Madam Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, at her residence as very disturbing and unacceptable.

Such action not only constitutes an attack on Madam Chief Justice, but is an attack on the Judiciary and the rule of law itself.

The Executive Council of the GPSU unanimously condemns this attack, and urges

all right-minded Guyanese to do likewise.

In an effort to ensure that a strong and unambiguous message is sent that such acts will not be tolerated, the Union strongly urges that the Guyana Police Force spares no effort or resource in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on all of the perpetrators and those who, in any way, may have aided and abetted this action.

What the Union also

finds even more troubling is the fact that initial responses from our leading politicians lacked focus. Instead of focusing their pens, voices, and political muscles towards condemning the attack and ensuring that the full weight of the law is brought to bear, our leading politicians retreated to their usual immature political behaviour, characterised by mud-slinging.

Conversely, the Guyana Police Force must be commended for its swift response

in apprehending at least one of the perpetrators.

Finally, the Union implores the Government of Guyana to ensure that the Guyana Police Force is appropriately equipped to conduct its work, including providing adequate security and protection for all members of the Judiciary, and proactively dealing with any impending treats of this nature.

Sincerely, Guyana Public Service Union

Demerara Harbour Bridge traffic needs to be better managed

Dear Editor, There is urgent need for all those responsible for the traffic situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge to review the current situation and come up with a plan to correct the situation.

For some time now, during rush hour in the mornings and afternoons, there is a build-up of traffic coming from the Vreed-enHoop end, resulting in chaos, confusion and long delays.

While some drivers join the line and wait their turn to cross the bridge, some come from behind and bore right up in front, and Police ranks present there behave as if there is nothing they can do about that.

Sometimes there is no Police presence, and drivers are allowed to do as they wish.

This situation obtains in the evenings for traffic coming from the Houston end.

There is always a build-up of traffic for no reason.

Almost daily, one would notice a high level of lawlessness among drivers, and the Police seem incapable of dealing with the situation.

I am urging the Police Commissioner and subject Minister Robeson Benn to take control of the situation immediately, and let some order and decency return to

our roadways. Many persons lose quite a lot of time waiting in traffic which could be better managed.

There is need to review the entire situation and come

up with ways to make everyone abide by the rules of the road. This is simply a situation of bullyism by drivers and incompetence on the part of the traffic ranks.

Yours truly, L Simpson

Dear Editor, I write this letter to the Government to thank them pushing to clean up Stabroek Square. It is a great start to what should be one of many safe economic and tourist zones, a very good start.

It used to be said that cleanliness is next to god-

liness. Thanks to this initiative, Guyana has started travelling on a path of good health. It is great to see that this path to good health and hygiene is recommencing and being improved upon.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

Page

Foundation

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

O

nce upon a time a cat and a monkey lived as pets in the same house. They were great friends and were constantly in all sorts of mischief together. What they seemed to think of more than anything else was to get something to eat, and it did not matter much to them how they got it.

One day they were sitting by the fire, watching some chestnuts roasting on the hearth. How to get them was the question.

"I would gladly get them," said the cunning monkey, "but you are much more skilful at such things than I am. Pull them out and I'll divide them between us."

Pussy stretched out her paw very carefully, pushed aside some of the cinders, and drew back her paw very quickly. Then she tried it again, this time pulling a chestnut half out of the fire. A third time and she drew out the chestnut. This performance she went through several times, each time singeing her paw severely. As fast as she pulled the chestnuts out of the fire, the monkey ate them up.

Now the master came in, and away scampered the rascals, Mistress Cat with a burnt paw and no chestnuts. From that time on, they say, she contented herself with mice and rats and had little to do with Sir Monkey.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sarah Johanna squatters

Govt intervenes to resolve land dispute with private developer

Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Housing Minister Susan Rodrigues at Sarah Johanna on Friday

T

Squatters at Sarah Johanna meeting with the Ministers and Government officials

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has intervened to resolve the ongoing land dispute between squatters at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, and a private land developer, who is claiming ownership of the land.

The developer is accused of wreaking havoc on the squatters after he claimed that four acres of the land they are occupying reportedly belongs to him and produced a Transport to show same. However, the squatters are contending that they have been living there for years.

The issue had escalated over the past week, resulting in protest action by the squatters as well as a standoff with the developer who had taken heavy-duty equipment – escorted by Police ranks – to the area and attempted to block the main drainage canal as well as excavate a farm which one of the

squatters planted.

However, on Friday afternoon a Government team comprising of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues; Public Affairs Minister Kwame McKoy along with officials from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) met with both the residents and private developer.

Minister Nandlall told Guyana Times that this was after a request was made for Government’s assistance to resolve the issue.

He disclosed that both sides have come to an agreement for the State to take certain actions, whereby the GL&SC will conduct an occupation survey of the persons on the land and identify the parameters for the land covered by the Transport in possession of the developer.

This exercise will commence on Monday and is expected to last approximately three days. Following this, the Government team will meet with the developer to discuss possible ways to resolve the matter.

Then on November 8, Government will mediate a meeting between the developer and the squatters with the hope of brokering a compromise.

“I made it very clear that the Government is simply attempting to mediate and will assist in bringing a resolution, if one is possible.

I further made it clear that squatting is wrong and the Government will not encourage or countenance squatting. I emphasised that property – both owned by the State and owned by private individuals must be respected and the Government will not take sides. Certainly, the Government will not facilitate private property being unlawfully taken by squatters except if the squat-

ting satisfies the legal requirement to confer the squatter with ownership by prescription,” the Nandlall pointed out.

However, in this case, the squatters in question do not fulfil the requirement of 12 years of uninterrupted occupation in order to secure prescriptive ownership of the land.

The Attorney General further explained to this newspaper that there are two portions of land at Sarah Johanna owned by two different individuals.

The front half of the land – which extends from the public Road – contains occupants who have been there for over 20 years. Many of these persons have filed for prescriptive titles in the land court.

According to Nandlall, who had represented these persons while practicing privately, while some of those persons have already been granted and received their Transport from the court, the other proceedings are pending.

He added that in some other instances, residents had entered into agreements of sale for plots of land

from the owner and those transactions are being dealt with.

However, the portion of land at the back part of Sarah Johanna is what is under dispute, Nandlall explained. He noted that this portion of land is currently owned by Rafiek Baksh, who has appointed Abdool Azim as his power-of-attorney.

Minister Nandlall noted that it was these persons occupying this part of the land along with some from the front section that he met with on Friday along with the landowner.

“Most of those persons on the back half are clearly squatters who have not been there for 12 years so they would not have acquired prescriptive titles. There is a serious confrontation that is taking place between those persons and the new owner which can lead to violence…

So hopefully, we can broker a compromise,” Nandlall posited.

Meanwhile, during Friday’s meeting, Minister Rodrigues used the opportunity to register several of the squatters for house lots.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 accused in execution-style killing of ex-soldier freed

Dead: Kelvin Walters

F

ollowing a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), Roderick Thomas and Devon Allen, the two men charged with the January 22, 2019 murder of ex-soldier, Kelvin Walters, were on Friday discharged by Principal

Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. Thomas, 28, of Kitty Georgetown, and Allen, 25, of Albouystown, Georgetown, were arrested shortly after the killing which occurred at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

In discharging the men, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus noted that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case for the offence to be sent to the High Court for trial. Based on reports, on January 22, 2019, Walters, 35; his wife and five-yearold daughter were heading south along the East Bank Demerara highway when gunmen on a motorcycle pounced on them.

After spotting the men, Walters, formerly of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, struck into them with the car, but the pillion rider shot him to the head during the process.

The gunmen fell off the mo-

Backhanded…

W Freed: Roderick Thomas

Freed: Devon Allen

torcycle and later escaped on foot, leaving the motorcycle and murder weapon behind.

They were nabbed while seeking treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

His wife and child escaped unhurt. According

to information, the execution-style killing of Walters is linked to a pending High Court trial involving three men who are accused of throwing a grenade at a Toyota Lexus belonging to the owner of Kaieteur News, back in 2017.

The men Alfie Garraway, Janeil Howard, and Leroy Williams - are awaiting trial for the offence. It was reported that information provided to the police by Walters led to the arrest of the three men accused of the grenade attack.

Man fined $20,000 for beating wife

A

Mabura Hill, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) man, who assaulted his wife, was fined $20,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Benedict Harry was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm committed against Vanessa Harry.

According to the prosecution’s case, on October 11, Harry beat his wife, which resulted in her receiving injuries to her hand. Failure to pay the $20,000 fine will result in him serving a month in prison. (G13)

…compliment ell, who told Irfaan Ali - who just happens to be the President of Guyana - to call for “unity and reconciliation” for all of us folks in Guyana? If you were to listen to some comments in the press, you’d think he was suggesting that we continue the madness and mayhem that took place in West Berbice!

Your Eyewitness saw one report in which Aubrey Norton - who used to be an advisor to Granger, but was blanked for Parliament - insisted the President couldn’t possibly be “genuine” in his statement!!

And how does he KNOW this, to speak so conclusively??

Well, Ali’s “going after people who’ve committed no crime.”

He’s speaking, of course, about those worthies in GECOM, along with Volda Lawrence, who’ve been charged with “conspiracy to commit fraud” after the numbers on those Reg 4 SOPs miraculously morphed by themselves so as to make the PNC gain tens of thousands of votes!!

Now, it’s the Police that’s bringing the charges, and there will, of course, be court hearings run by the Judiciary; but, of course, they’re all controlled by Irfaan Ali, who isn’t showing good faith in calling for unity!! Maybe he should violate the separation of powers doctrine and INSTRUCT the Police and the courts to drop all charges. Like Burnham used to do!!?

Another person who came out of the woodwork to wash his mouth over President Ali is Eusi Kwayana, who had informed the nation that he was in “self-exile” in the US. He tends nowadays not to mention that he was sent into “exile” by the gunmen who’d launched violent attacks on the Police and on folks “perceived to be supporters of the PPP”.

Anyhow, his gripe was twofold. Even though he’d heard the President’s call all the way in the USA, he slyly said he hoped the former would send copies of his speech to “all political parties and civic organisations and trade unions” since the “embassies” would “certainly” have theirs by now”!

His other gripe was that the unity call came at the commemoration of Janet Jagan’s 100th birth anniversary.

He caviled that while Janet might’ve been a fighter for women’s rights and social justice, she wasn’t the first! Well, the President never said she was!! He then suggested that “Mrs Jagan was not a unifying personality, her investment in public affairs of a certain tendency is for me sufficient to allow me to argue that a considered response to the President’s dramatic call from responsible agencies will be helpful.” Responsible agencies?

And what in the world does Kwayana mean by “her investment in public affairs of a certain tendency”??

Didn’t she struggle FOR Guyana’s freedom for more than half a century? …insult to PNC supporters After her Court appearance a couple of days ago, Volda Lawrence addressed PNC supporters who’d gathered to show solidarity. After the usual litany of describing her “persecution” at the hands of the dastardly PPP and the Police, who’re now their minions, Volda reacted to comments some of the party faithful must’ve made. Said she: “Comrades, y’all must listen to your leaders, and don’t question your leaders. That is how the PNC is. If you are a real PNC, you don’t question us.”

So now we should understand why Volda hasn’t uttered a world after Granger didn’t select her - the CHAIRWOMAN OF THE PNC - to represent the party in Parliament!! This is just the way the PNC is…cast in the autocratic mould of the founder-leader Forbes Burnham: “Yours is not to reason why; yours is but to do or die!!” “But is that democratic?” you ask, dear reader??

And the answer, of course, is that the PNC wouldn’t know democracy if it crept up and bit them on their banishes!! …in Nigeria Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, is roiling in riots after the Police shot protestors who were protesting Police brutality!!

It appears that the Police were profiling WEALTHY youths - from their clothes and IPhones - and arresting them.

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Despite attempts to rig elections

APNU/AFC in no rush for electoral reform – PNC executive

PNCR executive member Aubrey Norton

D

espite efforts afoot to have electoral reform to correct all the loopholes that have been exploited over the five months after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the APNU/AFC Opposition said it is in no rush to pursue the reforms.

During a virtual press conference on Friday, ANPU’s Aubrey Norton pointed out that there are many aspects that need to be taken into consideration before proceeding with electoral reform.

He was at the time responding to a question as to whether the coalition is comfortable going ahead with fresh elections without first addressing the loopholes in the electoral process.

“That is not to say we do not believe in electoral reforms but there is no consensus as to where electoral reforms should go…

The major issue here first is the House-to-House Registration so we can get a clean list and while we are prepared to consider and discuss electoral reform, it is not something that we will hurtle to without care-

ful analysis of the proposals as well as the institutional changes that are going to be made. So, we are open to discussions and to moving forward on it but we are not at all going to just rush into electoral reforms,” Norton, who is an Executive Member of the PNCR – the largest party in the APNU partnership – contended.

Instead, the PNCR Executive has called on the People’s Progressive Party Government to ensure that funds are set aside to have a countrywide House-toHouse Registration to allow for a clean and credible voters’ list.

According to Norton, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should be given the resources to put itself in a state of readiness to conduct fresh registrations countrywide.

“When elections are next held in Guyana, it is absolutely imperative that it be held with a new, clean and credible voters’ list which is based on House-to-House Registration. We call on the PPP regime to ensure that there are budgetary allocations for GECOM to al-

low for House-to-House Registration to be conducted in 2021 without any hindrance or delay,” he stated.

Norton’s call for Houseto-House Registration comes on the heels of the APNU/AFC filing two election petitions, challenging the outcome of the March 2, 2020 elections. According to the coalition Executive, his party is confident that the election petitions will be successful hence the need to get GECOM in a state of readiness.

The Opposition is claiming, among other things, that there was voters’ impersonation at the March elections which were as a result of the bloated voters’ list that was used.

But the PPP/C Government said the coalition’s petitions lack merit.

Moreover, President Irfaan Ali is on record saying that electoral reform is a top priority for his Administration.

During an interview last month, the Head of State explained that they first have to address the issues that caused the prolonged delays following the March 2 polls before going ahead with preparations for fresh elections.

There were concerted efforts by the former governing A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) and some GECOM officials to undermine democracy after elections were held.

A number of ploys were involved, from GECOM officials inflating numbers to favour the former ruling party to supporters of the

APNU/AFC using the courts to drag out the process after the elections were held on March 2, 2020.

However, a 33-day recount showed that the PPP won the elections, but it took the firmness of local

tance, mostly technical, from several of its bilateral partners – including but not limited to the United States, Canada and India as well as various international organisations – to aid in the electoral reform process.

and regional courts, the resilience of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh and threats of sanctions from the international community led by the United States before former President David Granger finally stepped aside and allowed President Ali to be sworn in.

Against this backdrop, President Ali stressed the need to ensure that democracy is never threatened again.

In fact, Guyana has already been offered assis-

But according to Norton, “One of the assumptions that are being made in the developed world is that you can find people for the elections reform that are independent and as such, there is need for an independent commission… I don’t know in the Guyanese context that that’s appropriate…

Electoral reform might be necessary but it has to be considered carefully and all the implications that we look at based on the nature of the Guyanese quality, rather than some general

position that we must reform in keeping with what some external forces would have said.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had stated that his Ministry is currently reviewing some key areas to reform.

These include: ensuring Statements of Poll (SoPs) are published by the respective political parties on a website and made public within hours after receiving them; ensuring there are oversight mechanisms to scrutinise the work of the Returning Officers (ROs) in order to guard against the declaration of false results; and also to scrutinise the employment procedures and practices at GECOM so as to ensure the best quality candidates are recruited to work during elections as well as to have fixed qualifications, character references and testimonials for high ranking staff at the electoral body.

He added too that they are also looking to implement a regime of offences that will carry heavy penalties for electoral wrongdoings so that persons will be deterred from taking such actions during the elections.

(G8)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 83 new COVID-19 cases This collaboration is aimed at training local healthcare workers on treating and detecting the coronavirus.

“It’s actually a very extensive course, looking at aspects of COVID-19 management so how do you detect the signs and symptoms, what to look for and then, how to do ventilatory management and other complications that would arise from COVID-19. It will be done virtually so the faculty will be in Chile,” Dr Anthony

shared.

He said unless persons update their knowledge on the current circumstances and new developments, they can easily be “left behind”.

He explained that in terms of compliance with the guidelines in Guyana, markets have been singled out since these are locations where persons are complacent. This behaviour was also detected at bus parks, where constant interactions are needed to maintain ad-

herence to the measures.

For this, a tent has been permanently placed at the Stabroek Market. He said if this strategy works, it will be used in other areas.

“We also realised that at [a] lot of the minibus parks, persons are joining the bus and the operators themselves are not complying with some of the guidelines. We’re recognising that instead of going periodically, we need to have a more permanent presence,” the

Minister outlined.

The older generation and persons with underlying illnesses were asked to take extra precautions since they are more vulnerable to contracting the disease.

Generally, there is need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home as well as maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and practicing good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. (G12)

opportunity to discharge several rounds, shattering the rear window of her car and relieving her of a handbag, which was on the floor in the front passenger seat and which contained

$244,000. The suspect escaped on a getaway motorcycle in a northern direction on Water Lilly Street, West Ruimveldt. Spencer received cuts to her arm from the shattered glass window.

Meanwhile, Police have since said that the woman had just finished transacting business between Regent and Robb Streets, Georgetown, for her company and was on her way back to work when the incident occurred.

Police have since recovered 9mm spent shells from the car.

Investigations are in progress. (G12)

Marketing manager crashes car to escape gunman

A

G

uyana recorded 83 COVID-19 positives as of Friday.

The overall statistics has climbed to 3960 cases after 2079 males and 1881 females contracted the virus.

The Health Ministry’s dashboard showed that the death toll remained at 117.

There are 13 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after three were removed. Some 112 persons are in institutional isolation – representing an increase of 42. With 26 persons removed from home isolation, the figure now stands at 795. There are also 43 persons in institutional quarantine.

Within one day, there were 127 recoveries. In total, there are 2923 recovered cases while the active cases stand at 963.

On Friday, a breakdown

showed that 36 new cases were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini), three in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 16 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), five in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 19 in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The number of cases remained at 25 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 375 in Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 131 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared during the COVID-19 update that from Nov 2-20, there will be specialised training offered by the Chilean authorities, on the management of COVID-19.

sales representative was on Friday afternoon robbed by a lone gunman, after she crashed her car into a van in a bid to escape the ordeal.

Based on information received, the incident occurred at about 14:46h at Hunter Street and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

The 41-year-old woman, Romona Spencer, who is the marketing manager for Continental Group, was about to return to her office when a vehicle drove up alongside her car.

A man brandishing a firearm exited and knocked on her window, signalling

for her to lower it with a black handgun in his right hand. Realising that he was a bandit, she attempted to drive away but crashed into the rear of a motor lorry.

The bandit then seized the

Handyman jailed, fined $924,000 for ganja trafficking A handyman was sentenced in absentia to three years in prison and fined $924,000 after being found guilty of trafficking two kilograms of marijuana.

Forty-two-year-old Richard Pillay of Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD), during a previous court appearance had denied the

charge, which stated that on July 16, 2019, at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, he had in his possession two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Pillay was on trial before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

However, on Friday, when the matter was called, Magistrate McLennan ruled that having considered the evidence led by Police Prosecutor Richard Innis, she found sufficient evidence to prove that Pillay indeed committed the offence. As a result, she sentenced him to three years behind bars and

imposed a $924,000 fine.

The prosecution’s case had contended that on July 16, 2019, Police ranks, acting on information, went to a restaurant on Norton Street, Georgetown, where they saw Pillay and requested to search his belongings.

According to the prosecutor, during the search, the drug was found in a haversack the defendant was carrying. The prosecution is contending that the man admitted to ownership of the drug.

Following the discovery of the illegal substance, Pillay was charged and released on station bail and was ordered to report to the

Richard Pillay

police. However, he never returned but was later apprehended and placed before the court. He was released on $75,000 bail following his court appearance. (G1)

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

170,000 public school children affected by COVID-19 closure

…Govt will continue financing education – Minister

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ducation Minister Priya Manickchand has disclosed that approximately 170,000 students from the public system have been affected by the closure of schools – a decision which was made after identifying the threats of COVID-19.

She was at the time presenting at the Extraordinary session of the Global Education Meeting (GEM),

organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Manickchand told other leaders that students within the age of three years, six months; and fifteen years and over have been facing challenges. In Guyana, schools have been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

Nevertheless, the

Minister pointed out that Government has been proactive in protecting the country’s human capital while sustaining financing in education.

The purpose of the virtual meeting was mainly to highlight the importance of financing in education, particularly during COVID times so that the sector does not become overshadowed or that financing reduces due

to economic decline. This is particularly since education can be an effective driver of economic recovery and sustainable development.

According to UNESCO, the 2020 GEM “provided a unique platform for exchange among high-level political leaders, policymakers and global education actors to protect and rethink education in the current and post-COVID-19

Unpaid Linden security guards picket for salaries

T

wo days after the Labour Ministry publicly warned security firms about late payments to staff and the need to comply with the laws of Guyana, a number of employees attached to the Kalibur Security company in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), staged protest action over late payments and other issues.

The employees stood in front of the company’s regional office at Central Mackenzie, equipped with placards with various slogans as they called on the relevant authorities to look into their plight. Security officer Javon Rose said that employees have been receiving their payments late for months now and they are frustrated over the situation. He alleged that they are yet to receive payments for last month.

“Well when we work one month, they say the 7th of the new month is latest you’re supposed to get (the) last month’s pay. We don’t

Security officer Javon Rose holding a placard protesting for his salary and better working conditions

get it the 7th, we either get it the 15th or the 20 something. And this going on month after month. Today is the 23rd, we haven’t received September salary as yet,” the security guard said.

He also alleged that employees are not receiving time and a half payment for working on Saturdays nor double for working on Sundays and holidays. The

employee also voiced concerns over the alleged state of their working environs.

When asked about stipulations outlined in the work contract, an employee noted that he did not sign one.

Nevertheless, he stated that he has been working with the company for the past six months.

Meanwhile, Rose explained that he is a health

science student whose course was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So I come and I look for work because I come from a single-parent household. My father is deceased and I’m practically the breadwinner for my family, so I came and I gain employment because Linden is very hard to find jobs,” he stressed.

This newspaper was told that employees have not received assistance from labour officials in Linden so far as it pertains to these complaints.

“Nobody is standing up for us...We really need some kind of intervention into this matter. If the Labour Minister has to come up or somebody has to engage them,” one of the protesters said.

TURN TO PAGE 13

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

world and agree on global priority actions for educational recovery and progress in the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development”.

Schools in Guyana were reopened in early September. This was done using a blended method to address challenges of epidemiological patterns, internet access, and availability of resources through the usage of radio, the internet, the learning channel and work papers. In the hinterland regions, adequate workbooks and materials were provided where electricity and internet access are limited.

Toolkits were also being procured with added textbooks to distribute to students.

Minister Manickchand had recognised that these mediums will never be able to fully replace the face-to-

face classroom but was generated to minimise learning loss among children. As it relates to the tertiary institutions, the University of Guyana and Cyril Potter College of Education will also use an online modality as campuses remain closed.

The Ministry was also assessing the environment of schools across the country, to look at sanitisation stations, ventilation and other important aspects of reopening which needs to be catered for during a pandemic.

When schools are finally reopened post-pandemic, the Minister had signalled at diagnostic tests when the classrooms are finally reopened, to assess what has been learned and aspects of the curriculum which needs work.

In September, it was announced that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government would be reintroducing the school children’s cash grant as well as doubling the allowance for school uniform vouchers from January 2021.

To adequately finance education, Government said that not only would the grant be restored and increased to $15,000 but also, the allowance for uniforms would be doubled. This means that the uniform voucher allowance will be $4000 per child in the public school system.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7 years after conviction

Records of appeal in case of soldiers challenging death sentence still not ready

O

utstanding records of appeal are hindering the start of proceedings in the case of former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guards, Sherwin Hart, Devon Gordon and Deon Greenidge, who are challenging their conviction and death sentence for the 2009 murder of Bartica gold miner Dwieve Kant Ramdass. The men were found guilty of the crime in 2013 and shortly afterwards, filed appeals.

The three convicted killers first appeared at the Court of Appeal in October 2019.

However, the court was unable to proceed with hearing the matter as a result of the missing appeal records. At that time, one of the men’s lawyers had informed the court that the records he received did not reflect a ruling in relation to a voir dire made by the trial

Sherwin Hart

Devon Gordon

Deon Greenidge

Judge.

The lawyer had requested to have the minute book for the trial Judge. Another lawyer representing one of the men had indicated to the court that the evidence in the Judge’s summing up was inaccurate. In giving an exam-

ple, the lawyer explained that what was said by a particular witness is recorded as being said by someone else.

In her address to the court, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dionne McCammon had noted that the records of the Judge’s

summing up seem disjointed and “some of the pages do not flow.” Meanwhile, attempts have been made to locate the records and get them typewritten for the appeal hearing.

This is still a work in progress.

In August 2009, the three former GDF Coast Guards were charged and remanded to prison for the August 20, 2009 murder of Ramdass. Following a Preliminary Inquiry, the Magistrate ruled that there was sufficient evidence against the men for them to stand trial for the killing before a Judge and jury.

Their trial commenced in May 2013 before Justice Franklyn Holder and a 12-person jury. According to facts, on the day in question, at Caiman Hole in the Essequibo River, the trio forced Ramdass into their boat and relieved him of $17 million, which he was carrying in a box for his employer.

They then dumped Ramdass overboard.

The prosecution called 16 witnesses during the threemonth-long trial. During the proceedings, the court admitted caution statements given by the former GDF Coast Guards to detectives. After deliberations, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict in relation to all three of the men for the crime. Justice Holder subsequently sentenced them to death by hanging.

Based on a previous report, Gordon in his statement said that he had only been a soldier for about a year and a half. He said that he was stationed at the Coast Guard section and was doing patrol work, which was mainly the “stop and search of vessels”. It was between 13:00h and 14:00h on August 20, 2009, that Gordon, Hart and Greenidge were on patrol.

Gordon said that they were doing searches with the Coast Guard boat. He had stated that Hart drove the boat to Parika. He said he observed Hart speaking to an East Indian man while at Parika.

The man later joined them on the Coast Guard boat and they moved off from Parika. It was noted in Gordon’s statement that the man was carrying a “brown box”.

Gordon said when they were in the middle of the river; Hart stopped the boat and told them the man had “nuff money” in the box. Gordon in his statement said that all three of them decided to “kill the man” and “tek de money”.

Gordon also said that he did

Dead: Dwieve Kant Ramdass

not see who threw Ramdass’ body overboard, but just heard a splash in the water. He said that they divided the money and he called his sister to come and collect his portion. Gordon said that he gave a “canter man” the money to give his sister.

However, soon after they all got arrested, including his sister.

Meanwhile, Greenidge, in his statement, said that it was Hart who pushed Ramdass overboard. He said that after Hart pushed Ramdass overboard, he (Hart) gave him along with Gordon several million dollars to “shut up”.

The defence counsel brought up challenges that the men were beaten while in Police custody. All of the police witnesses denied those claims.

The men in their defence all said that they did not write the caution statements and that the documents were written by Police ranks.

NEWS

PSC helps GPF protect ranks against COVID-19

PSC Chairman Nicholas Boyer handing over the donation to the acting Police Commissioner

T

he Private Sector Commission on Friday donated masks and financial aid to the Guyana Police Force, which will help in the execution of “Operation COVI-CURB” and protection of officers.

A total of 2000 surgical masks and a $99,000 cheque were handed over to Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie. The cheque will be used to procure reusable masks for the various ranks on duty.

Speaking at the simple ceremony, the acting Top Cop stated that ranks are in every region, sensitising the public on the risks of not adhering to guidelines. Their joint efforts will continue in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force and the National COVID-19 Task Force.

“The Guyana Police Force has continued to work together with that organisation as a team in the first instance for us to sensitise members of the community, of the importance of them adhering to the measures that are in place. We continue as a team to work today in each area, each region to ensure that persons adhere to the four Es, which is – engagement, encouragement, educate and enforce.”

He noted that some persons have turned up at the various police stations to make reports, without the use of a mask. This contribution will ensure that those persons receive a mask.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer pledged their commitment towards sup-

port for law enforcement teams.

“We have responsible members of the population and then we have a few members that we need to help to educate on what the risks of COVID-19 are…We want to encourage members of the public to respect and work with members of the Police Force and the Public Health Ordinance. COVID-19 is a very serious pandemic that is affecting the entire world,” Boyer emphasised.

Operation COVI-CURB is an initiative by the Government in collaboration with the Private Sector, civil society groups and volunteers. It uses education, moral suasion and enforcement to ensure that the public complies with the COVID-19 gazetted order.

In a “community-minded” approach, ranks are tasked with engaging on a continuous public sensitisation campaign.

They have been assigned across the regions to specifically ensure that the national measures are upheld by citizens.

As at October 1, the COVID-19 emergency measures (No 10) were published, outlining a change in the countrywide curfew to the timeframe of 9 pm to 4 am to allow certain businesses to operate for a longer period. For example, gas stations, salons and supermarkets can now close at 20:00h.

Gyms and bars are among the services to remain closed. Meanwhile, there are special measures for Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), inclusive of restricted travel. (G12)

Unpaid Linden security guards...

The protester noted that the management of the company has so far explained that cheques are being received late, hence the late payments, adding that many employees chose not to protest because they are afraid of losing their jobs.

Meanwhile, security officer Lonsdale Griffith, who has worked with the company for years, said the issue with payment is a recurring one.

“The problem is the late payment every month. They’ve been saying to us that the reason for it is that the client...they issue the cheques late every month...” he explained.

Griffith noted, however, that this is highly unacceptable. “Therefore, we will be taking further action...” he said. This newspaper was unable to solicit a comment from the company on the issue.

FROM PAGE 11

Only on Wednesday, the Labour Ministry said that it was in receipt of numerous complaints filed against security firms across Guyana.

This led the Ministry to remind of the rights and entitlements of security guards, whether or not they are nationals of Guyana.

The Ministry also warned security company owners to cease and desist immediately, the practice of engaging in the act of part payment of wages at the end of the pay period after the workers would have worked the full period.

As such, actions of employers who have contravened Guyana’s Labour Laws was condemned by the Ministry.

Additionally, the Ministry warned that it will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law upon receipt of any formal complaint. (G13)

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mutually advantageous relationship between Guyana, Diaspora needed – Top US Think Tank report

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recent report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted the need for Guyanese authorities to take a more proactive approach in harnessing the opportunities which could be garnered from engaging the country’s large diaspora groups.

The report, “The Guyanese Diaspora” which was authored

by Michael Matera, Linnea Sandin and Maripaz Alvarez, provides a comprehensive analysis of the Guyanese Diaspora and how local stakeholders’ engagement with this valuable asset could be better coordinated and taken advantage of by both sides.

It outlines that Guyana’s population, including the country’s civil society, private sector, and political leaders, as well as the large diaspora community, have “a shared mutual interest in increasing formal links between the country and the diaspora and in exploring means to increase cooperation and collaboration”.

The report highlighted that for many reasons since independence, the diaspora communities outside of Guyana have not been well organised nor engaged in a deliberate and consistent way by the Government.

“While there has been extensive contact between members and organisations of the diaspora and their families and communities at home in Guyana, there has been no consistent official effort to promote the more formal, mutually advantageous two-way relationships seen between some diasporas and their home countries in the region (e.g., in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic) and outside of the region (e.g., in India, Israel, and China),” the report states.

It noted that the absence of trust and Guyana’s deep ethnic divide, which is replicated in large part in diaspora communities around the world, have complicated efforts to promote a more effective relationship between Guyana and its diaspora.

“Further complicating this situation is similar distrust and cynicism in the relationship between the people of Guyana and their political leaders, with the perception that their leaders are engaged, primarily across the ethnic divide, in a zero-sum struggle for power.”

According to the authors, considering that Guyana now sits “on the threshold of a new era of potentially greater national wealth, the incentives for more sustained joint efforts (public-private and diaspora-home country) are clearly stronger than ever”.

The authors pointed out that the relationship between Guyana and the Guyanese Diaspora is a unique one in terms of both the large size and the high level of education

of the diaspora.

They highlighted that the capacities and expertise of the Guyanese Diaspora, if properly understood and engaged, could become an important factor contributing to the growth and development of Guyana.

“It is reasonable to think that an enhanced relationship with the diaspora, both in the public and private sectors, could be a major positive factor in promoting the country’s growth and development,” the authors contended.

According to the authors, the Guyanese Government would be well advised to consider organising a more serious effort to integrate diaspora issues and resources into the country’s bureaucratic structure.

They pointed out that the Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in recent years involved a relatively small commitment of human and financial resources, and as a result, its engagement with diaspora communities has been extremely limited and not particularly effective.

In this regard, the authors suggested that Guyana should weigh the differences between a stand-alone ministry as seen in India and some formal structure such as a “diaspora advisory council” as seen in the Dominican Republic.

“Perhaps more promising in the case of Guyana could be new private sector and civil society efforts to develop more effective methods of connecting the diaspora and its human and financial resources with the home country.”

According to the authors, the model presented in the case of the Indian diaspora by the nonprofit The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) would appear to be a potentially promising model to inspire closer engagement by the Guyanese diaspora communities with Guyana.

They suggested that it

might even be possible to explore the opening of a TiE chapter in Guyana as a first step to developing a similar institution linking the Guyanese Diaspora with Guyana “through diaspora business support in the form of mentoring, incubation, networking, investment, and education”.

Meanwhile, the key recommendation presented in the report which was directed at both the public and private sectors in Guyana and at Guyanese Diaspora communities around the world, is to work collectively and deliberately to establish broader communications, engagement, and collaboration between Guyana and the diaspora through a “Guyana Global” initiative.

According to the authors, given the global dispersion of the diaspora and the current landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative should be based on “a comprehensive digital strategy to harness the human capital within the Guyanese diaspora as a resource to be tapped in Guyana’s development”.

As such a cloud-based “portal,” including an online “community/platform” of diaspora experts, could serve as a framework and a formal means of communication between Guyana and the diaspora community.

When President Irfaan Ali took the oath of office in August, he committed to working collaboratively with the Guyanese Diaspora, saying that they too have a stake in the development of their homeland.

He had noted that while many Guyanese reside abroad, their love and commitment to their country have not changed and this was “passionately demonstrated” during the country’s fight to ensure that democracy prevailed.

“My Government intends to embrace Guyanese abroad as we enlist them here at home,” Dr Ali had asserted.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Private criminal charges against Keith Lowenfield withdrawn ...cases by State to proceed

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he three private criminal charges filed against Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield were withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This is according to Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes on Friday when the CEO made another appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to Hughes, the electoral fraud charges brought against his client are still engaging the attention of the court but the private criminal charges were withdrawn.

The private criminal charges were filed against Lowenfield for conspiracy to commit fraud, misconduct in public office and breach of public trust by The New

GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

Movement (TNM) candidate Daniel Kanhai and PPP/C candidate Desmond Morian.

However, Hughes raised concerns that Member of

Parliament for People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Sanjeev Datadin was appointed special prosecutor in Lowenfield’s matters.

In relation to this objection, Hughes was told by the court to put his submissions in writing, and return to court in three weeks.

Meanwhile, Sanjeev Datadin requested a summary disposal of the matter.

Meanwhile, in the case against Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, the same objections were made, since Datadin will also be prosecuting the case.

Myers was slapped with two counts of misconduct in public office charges regarding the March 2 election.

She was granted $150,000 bail on each charge.

Outside of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, Sanjeev Datadin, who was appointed special prosecutor, reiterated that the allegation made by the defence has no merit.

“In terms of the allegation that were made about whether I am a MP, and whether I can be a prosecutor, there are five other prosecutors. The risks that they are complaining of is really nothing with the reality of what is really going on…”, Datadin said.

Meanwhile, Josh Kanhai on Friday said via social me-

dia said that DPP had informed him that the charges would be withdrawn.

“Do not be alarmed.

A few weeks ago, I would have informed the public that the DPP will be taking over the investigation into Keith Lowenfield’s fraudulent behaviour during the GRE2020. This move by the DPP was one I endorsed simply because the Police would have a much more robust system of investigating and they would also have exclusive access to the evidence which would be in the possession of the public of-

fice where Mr. Lowenfield sits, an advantage in our eyes,” Kanhai said via social media.

The Guyana Police Force had launched a probe into criminal conduct by Lowenfield and others in relation to the events of the March 2 elections. He along with Myers, People’s National Congress Chair Volda Lawerence and Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo have since been slapped with several elector fraud charges. They are all on bail.

Food & Drug Dept warns of fake evaporated milk on local market

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he Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department on Friday warned against the sale and purchasing of what it described as “misleading (deceptive) brands” of Evaporated Creamer, Royal Chef Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk and Lait Concentre Sucre that are being sold on the local market.

According to the Department, evaporated milk is milk or milk product which is constituted from an animal source from which 60 per cent of water has been evaporated, and contains not less than 25 per cent of milk solids and 7.5 per cent milk fat, and may carry a pictorial representation of a cow, while evaporated filled milk is a prepared blend of skim milk, vegetable oil, stabilisers and vitamins.

The Food and Drug Department said that the label on the evaporated filled milk cannot depict a pictorial representation of a cow and must carry a declaimer “not suitable for children under 2 years”.

“Such a declaimer is necessary because the digestive system of children is not sufficiently developed to process its content and this amounts to a very serious public issue,” the statement read.

Some of the brands found

The deceptive products which the Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department has warned about on the local market

on the local market were labelled Lait Concentre Sucre ‘’Condensed Milk’’, Royal Chef “Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk” and Evaporated Creamer.

In their statement, the Department challenged all importers and distributors to recall deceptively labelled milk and to surrender same to the Department for destruction.

“It is a violation for milk products with replaced or modified fat which impacts on the character and composition of such products to be erroneously and frequently labelled as milk. Part II Section (1) Food and Drugs Act Cap. 34:03. The label of filled milk should not bear any graphics that will in any way indicate that the milk is from a dairy source or containing milk fat.”

They further advised consumers to read labels carefully to ensure that the replaced source (type) of fat is declared

in the list of ingredients and the product should accordingly be labelled “filled milk”.

The label should also carry the statement “not suitable for infants”.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Department revealed that they now have access to a Gas Chromatograph (GC) instrument where all milk imported into Guyana now will be sampled and analysed to determine the fatty acid profile.

The results of which will be used to ensure the label on the milk is not misleading or purported to be of animal fat origin when it may be a mixture of animal and vegetable fat.

Members of the Nationals Food Safety and Control Committee across Guyana were briefed on the issue and were advised to take the necessary action against the deceptive products.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 cops, nurses injured GTT connects Region 4 Health Dept with COVID-19 patients after car swerves to avoid collision with cow T T

wo policemen and two nurses received injuries about their bodies after the vehicle in which they were travelling swerved to avoid a collision with a cow which was on the Corentyne Public Road.

The accident occurred on Thursday at about 20:30h on the Number 59 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The injured cops are 23-year-old

Dellon Fields and 22-yearold Mark Captain, who are both stationed at the Whim Police Station while the nurses are 28-year-old Nickassee Joseph and Teasha Pestano, who are both attached to the Skeldon Public Hospital.

The motor car, PYY 5070, was being driven by Fields while the other three were occupants. Reports are that the vehicle was proceeding along the roadway at a fast rate of speed when the driv-

er suddenly swerved from a cow that was standing in the middle of the road. In so doing, he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a concrete culvert. The four occupants were taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital in conscious conditions where the policemen were treated and sent away. The nurses, however, remain at the institution for observation.

Investigations are ongoing.

Competition launched for schoolage children to win laptops

CEO of SURE GIG and PASPAK, Filisha Duke (left) and Marketing Representative Alyssa Gibs

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uyanese-owned and women-led businesses, SURE GIG and PASPAK have embarked on a mission to elevate the position of underserved children whose schooling has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, the businesses launched a competition in which primary and secondary school children can win laptops.

For entry, primary school children are being asked to send a one-minute video on why they think they deserve to win a laptop. Secondary school students are required to do the same. However, their videos have to be three minutes. They are required to record the videos in their school uniform.

The videos along with their names and the names and address of their parents must be submitted via WhatsApp number 6303505. The closing date for entries is November 15, 2020. Winners will be announced on November 30, 2020. On December 18, 2020, there will be an award ceremony for the handing over of the computers to winners.

Submissions will be judged on clarity of expression, organisation of ideas and relevance to the topic.

The judges will be selected from donor organisations who will review the video which will then be shortlisted by a team from SURE

GIG and PASPAK. Chief Executive Officer of the companies, Filisha Duke, is, therefore, appealing with companies to “come together” and provide laptop computers to children across Guyana, through her initiative “Creating Champions.”

According to her, the aim of the project is to acquire at least 100 computers through corporate partnerships and distribute them through the competition.

Duke said: “Although we recognise that all children are facing challenges at this time, we would like to ensure that the [laptops] are reaching those in the greatest need, and who would not have an opportunity other-

wise to acquire a device.”

She added, “We are kindly asking private and other entities to consider joining us on this noble journey that will impact and change the lives of many households and children of our nation.”

SURE GIG and PASPAK plan to engage in an extensive online and offline campaign to reach as many young people as possible and build the goodwill of their donor companies. Current partnering companies are Stenna Drilling, AOSI, Global EDGE, Sparkly Fresh, EMTEC, Co-Grow and MBW Energy Support Services. The initiative has already met 40 per cent of its target.

news@guyanatimesgy.com

he Guyana Telephone a n d T e l e g r a p h Company (GTT) gifted phones with SIM cards and special mobile plans to the Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Health Department.

The company stated that the mobile plan includes 30 Days’ unlimited calling to patients with GTT numbers and an additional 200 minutes to contact those patients not on the same network. The plan GTT PR Manager Jasmin Harris handing over SIMs and devices to Dr Daveen also features 3GB Tiwari of data that can be used to facilitate newborns through technol- cate COVID-19 test results WhatsApp calling. ogy. to persons living on the Since the onset of the Regional Health Officer East Coast and East Bank COVID-19 pandemic in (RHO), Dr Gavin Nash of Demerara.”

Guyana, GTT has made do- Persaud said that he was The RHO also took the nations to the healthcare appreciative of GTT’s most opportunity to remind citisector, which includes a recent support, which was zens to protect themselves toll-free COVID-19 hotline, made to assist with track- from the novel coronavirus. free mobile services for doc- ing cases specifically.

“Wear your masks, wash tors and nurses, stipends He explained that “… your hands correctly and to COVID-19 hotline vol- the devices would main- frequently and maintain unteers, and, most recent- ly be utilised on weekends social distancing,” said Dr ly, data SIMs to connect and holidays to communi- Persaud.

COVID mothers to their

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 injured after tree falls on shack at Success

The tree that was uprooted at the Success squatting area, ECD

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t least one woman was seriously injured and several others nursing minor injuries after a tree uprooted and fell on a structure which they were under at Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

These women are among the persons squatting on lands at Success belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) that were vested to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

According to reports from the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred sometime around 14:10h on Friday. The police said, “…several persons who are currently squatting on the lands belonging to NICIL were sitting in a makeshift structure on a dam running east to west conversing when a huge tree fell on top of the structure injuring eight females who were in close proximity.”

However, only one of the women was “seriously injured” in the incident.

She was picked up by the police and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The other seven injured women also sought medical attention for minor injuries.

While the police did not disclose the extent of the serious injuries sustained by one of the women, they did note, however, that the women collectively sustained “serious and minor injuries to the head, feet, arm and other parts of their bodies…”

The injured women have been identified as 25-year-old Dallyan Donald of lot 72 Quamina Street, Beterverwagting (BV), ECD; Shevon Bell, 34, of Lot 154 Fifth Street, Success; 33-year-old Pinky Benjamin of Lot 6 Success; Smart (only name given) of Vryheid’s Lust, ECD; 46-year-old Sunita Persaud; Nafeeza Persaud

of Lot 28 Industry, ECD; 47-year-old Nalini Lall of Lot 9 Industry, and Sonia Nazir, 40, of Lot 254 Third Field Cummings Lodge, ECD. The police said their conditions are being monitored.

According to the police, no work was ongoing by GuySuCo in that area at the time of the incident.

Squatters have been occupying lands in various communities along the East Coast of Demerara including at Vryheid’s Lust, Success, and Chateau Margot. However, with GuySuCo now embarking on efforts to revitalise the sugar industry by reopening three estates closed by the APNU/AFC regime including the East Demerara Estate (Enmore), which is expected to recommence operations early 2022, attempts have been made to remove the squatters from the lands.

In fact, the Central Housing and Planning

Authority (CH&PA) has visited the area to commence the land application process for unlawful occupants, so that they could be eligible for a house lot.

Arrangements are being made for other parcels of land to be made available.

But still many are refusing to relocate from the squatting areas.

GuySuCo had previously disclosed that some 17,000 varieties of sugarcane have been damaged by the squatters in those areas along the East Coast of Demerara. With land tillage expected to commence in January, the sugar corporation, two weeks ago, flooded the field including the area where the squatters are occupying at

Success.

Temporary shelter

However, Government has offered these persons temporary shelter at Graham’s Hall Primary School to relocate. The facility was prepared for occupancy.

While persons had initially rejected the offer, a total of 12 persons including three children are now being housed at the temporary emergency shelter.

Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig told Guyana Times on Friday that there are two girls and one boy along with three adult females and six adult males currently taking up occu-

pancy at the school.

At the facility, strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols are enforced and meals, hygiene products, sleeping, bathing and other facilities are provided.

The shelter could accommodate 48 persons, but has the capacity to house more than 150 persons with the necessary spacing requirements in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines.

The CDC is further encouraging the other displaced Success squatters to make use of the shelter at Graham’s Hall Primary School and contact the National Emergency Management System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 6231700 and 600-7500 for occupancy.

18-year-olds can no longer apply for house lots – Housing Minister

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has reverted to the 21 years age threshold for house lot applicants.

This was relayed

by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

“The last Government did reduce the policy to 18 years, but in all practicality, if you are approaching the bank for a loan, there are certain requirements that they seek,” Minister Croal said.

Among these requirements is an employment history, for as long as three years. The Minister ex-

plained that many 18-yearold applicants could not produce this and other necessary prerequisites to the bank and other institutions.

As a result, the CH&PA system is left with void lots.

“We’re trying to reduce that in the system, whereby you see a number of empty lots and what we want is that when you have an allocation, you are eligible for a loan and that you can build immediately,” said Minister Croal.

The CH&PA system has inherited 1700 applications from persons between the 18-21 age bracket. However, from the time of their application to now, several of the applicants have reached the new age margin.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal (DPI photo)

“For many of those that have attained that age of 21, they will not be affected,” the Minister said.

Citizens are advised that they must be at least 21 years old to be eligible to apply

Family of murdered East Ruimveldt youth calls for justice

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he family of 18-yearold Adrian Purlette, who was stabbed on Wednesday evening over money at D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, is calling on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

His grieving sister, Candacy Moriah, told Guyana Times that she was at home when she received a telephone call informing her that her brother was stabbed.

As the older sister fought to hold back her tears, she called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct a thorough investigation and swiftly bring those responsible for her brother’s death to justice.

“He was a nice person, and I know that I miss him, and it hurts. I want them to find the people who kill my [brother]. I just wish if they could find them so that we can get justice for him. It is hard, and he was the smallest one. We miss him, and we love him, but as I said, I just want we get justice for him

Dead: Adrian Purlette

and not just the case pass away,” she distraught sister said.

She further added that despite her brother having a few bad friends as a company; he was a nice person and did not deserve to die that way.

“When he is around, he is very helpful and is a very nice person other than his ways straying with friends. He is got in little trouble with the boys, but he is a nice person,” she concluded as fears began pouring down her cheeks.

It was reported that the

now dead teen was visiting a friend’s house at Hoopie Lane, between D’Urban and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, when, at about 21:00h, three men went to the location and demanded money from him.

Purlette reportedly told the men that he had no money, and this led to a heated argument. According to reports, the teenager was leaving the area but the men followed and confronted him, during which he was dealt several stabs to his body.

His friend has since told investigators that five minutes after leaving his home, he heard Purlette shouting that he had been stabbed.

He stated that in going to his rescue, he saw the youth lying in a pool of blood, and he then picked him up and rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he succumbed to the injuries in the wee hours of Thursday. Police have since launched a manhunt for the three males as investigations continue. (Shemar Alleyne)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regional Agri Ministers discuss ways to strengthen agricultural integration

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griculture Ministers from across the Region met the Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) to discuss strengthening ties and improving regional agricultural collaboration.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Agriculture Ministry said one of the most notable areas highlighted was the need for intensified collaboration among sister states to increase regional import and export of crops and other agricultural com-

modities.

Additionally, the Ministers discussed knowledge-sharing to strengthen their marine management systems.

During their discussion, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha spoke about Government’s vision as it relates to marketing and developing Guyana’s agro-processing industry, and the role IICA is expected to play in offering support in that process.

The Minister said the participants were cognisant of IICA’s role in trade,

and were seeking its assistance to accelerate a shift towards becoming a more market-led agri-food sector. To that end, he called on IICA for assistance in the provision of technology and technical knowledge in the agro-processing industry, specifically in processing; to facilitate training and development for food safety and good manufacturing practices for agro-processors; and assistance with marketing, more specifically social media marketing in terms of assisting with the participation of trade shows and ex-

hibitions locally, regionally and extra-regionally.

Minister Mustapha also mentioned that, through support from IICA, Guyana was able to commence its Dairy Value Chain Study.

“This is fundamental as we develop this industry to reduce the importation of dairy and dairy by-products,” he said.

IICA’s Director General, Manuel Otero, said agricultural development in the Americas has to be specially focused on the more vulnerable regions, like South America and the Caribbean.

Health Ministry welcomes approval of remdesivir to treat COVID

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ith US regulators giving full approval for antiviral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has said steps will be taken to update local guidelines.

Dr Anthony in a Department of Public Information report said local clinicians would examine the re-evaluated treatment protocols and upgrade the local system.

“The updated version of the guidelines will reflect the latest scientific thinking. Very shortly, in the New England Journal of Medicine, when this is pub-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

lished, we will get the information to work with. The US FDA, which is the reg-

ulatory body in the United States, initially granted an emergency use for remdesivir in the US, and that is how the drug began being used,” the Minister is quoted by DPI as saying.

The New England Journal of Medicine is a weekly medical journal published by the Massachusetts Medical Society. It is among the most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals and oldest continuously published journal as well.

Previously, the Government had given approval for the use of remdesivir to treat critically ill patients after early clinical

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

trials indicated a quicker recovery period of COVID-19 patients.

Meanwhile, convalescent plasma, where the blood from someone who has recovered from an illness is used to help others recover, has not been as beneficial as studies have shown.

However, Dr Anthony explained that those studies were imprecise because not everyone who recovered from COVID-19 would have had a high titer (presence) of antibodies in their blood.

The Minister said he was thankful for the studies as new information would help modify practices.

“Although I’m not an expert on Caribbean agricultural matters, my attention is concentrated on two issues. The first is related to the urgent need to reduce the food import bill, with emphasis on promoting sustainable food and nutrition security. The other is in relation to climate change, recognising the importance of putting into practice more resilient agricultural practices. For this reason, we have an infrastructure represented by national offices in fourteen CARICOM States,” Otero said.

The participating Ministers of Agriculture also lobbied for greater collaboration in greenhouse produc-

tion and knowledge-sharing as it relates to the coconut value chain.

Over the years, IICA’s partnership with Guyana has birthed many developmental achievements in the agriculture sector. Some of these include the support for projects which helped Guyana improve the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector; the strengthening of agriculture’s contribution to the development of rural areas and the well-being of the rural population; and the improvement of agricultural capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change and make better use of natural resources.

La Grange gets Licensing and Certifying Office

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rising from increasing demands on the Certifying Office in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the administration of the Guyana Police Force has taken the decision to open a Licensing and Certifying Office at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

The intention of this office is to provide ease of access to services of the Certifying Office to those residents of West

Bank Demerara and lower West Coast Demerara.

The office will facilitate the following services: Certification of motor vehicles; provision of competences; issuing of driver and conductor licences; sale of learner drivers’ packages; conducting of practical examinations – which will be conducted on Wednesdays and Fridays at 13:00h.

The office became operational on Friday.

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

Regional

FAO approves new priorities for 7 bodies found in fertiliser shipment from Serbia to Paraguay Latin America and the Caribbean

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he badly decomposed bodies of seven people who may have been stowaways were found on Friday inside a shipment of fertiliser that left Serbia three months ago, Paraguayan authorities said.

The container left Serbia on July 21 and arrived earlier this week via Argentina at a river port on the outskirts of the Paraguayan capital Asuncion, prosecutor Marcelo Saldivar said.

The bodies were discovered on Friday when the managers of the company that bought the product opened it,

he added.

Saldivar said the victims, who were all adults, appeared to have been stowaways. Two had identity documents indicating they were Moroccan, and a receipt for a Serbian taxi company was also found, suggesting they entered the container in Serbia.

“We assume that they arrived there from their country of origin and had planned to travel to a nearer destination but they did not calculate the distance well and did not survive the trip,” he told Reuters.

“The supplies they had - cookies, bottled water and

tinned food - were enough to last 72 hours.”

Police also found bags of clothing and an opening for ventilation in the area of the container where the bodies were found. “All the bodies are decomposed. They are just hair and bones,” he added.

The shipment’s route would be checked, he said, along with cell phones found with the bodies, and the authorities in Morocco and Serbia would be contacted to try to determine the victims’ identities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Chileans go to polls to vote on throwing out Pinochet-era Constitution

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hileans will go to the polls on Sunday to vote on whether they want to swap a Constitution written during the Pinochet dictatorship with a new document written by a specially elected citizens’ body.

Opinion polls suggest a resounding win for the “Approve” campaign for a new Magna Carta, with around two-thirds of the vote.

A new Constitution was a key demand of demonstrators engaged in sometimes violent mass social protests that broke out in October last year over inequality and elitism. A cross-party referendum deal emerged from the protests in December.

Those opposed to a new Constitution argue it will be a “leap into the void” to change a document that has helped make Chile one of the region’s most stable free-market economies.

Those in favour of replacing the existing text say it has given too much privilege to private interests, and segments access to health, education and pensions by in-

An activist holds a sign reading “I approve, constitutional convention” ahead of the upcoming referendum on a new Chilean Constitution in Santiago, Chile, October 22, 2020

come.

Chileans famously voted to end the 17-year dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in a 1988 plebiscite.

The current Constitution was drafted by Pinochet’s close adviser Jaime Guzman in 1980 and has been tweaked by successive Governments to reduce military and executive power.

On Sunday, voters will choose whether to approve or reject the drafting of a new Constitution. They will also

be asked if a fresh text - to be voted on in a second referendum - should be drafted by a constitutional convention of specially elected citizens or a mixed convention including lawmakers.

A recent spike in violent protests and nervousness about large public gatherings amid the coronavirus could dampen turnout. All Chileans are automatically registered to vote, but participation is voluntary. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The Ministers gave the nod to sustainable food systems to provide healthy diets for all; hand in hand to achieve prosperous and inclusive rural societies and sustainable and resilient agriculture during the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean that ended here earlier this week

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aribbean Community (Caricom) Agriculture Ministers have joined their Latin American counterparts in approving three priorities for development in the region.

Member states fully supported FAO’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme and the Hand in Hand Initiative, highlighting the importance of innovation, digital technologies, data-driven agriculture, investment, and public-private

partnerships.

FAO’s first regional initiative will focus on creating sustainable food systems, in order to ensure greater supply and physical access to diversified and nutritious diets for all.

The FAO said it will also seek to reduce food loss and waste, improve food distribution systems, stimulate short supply chains and trade policies that promote greater food security, along with better food quality and safety.

The second initiative approved by the countries during the conference seeks to eradicate hunger and poverty in rural areas and stimulate the development of new economic opportunities in lagging territories.

FAO will also promote the global Hand in Hand Initiative, rural non-farm employment, private investment, and access to the Internet, information services and telecommunications, essential elements for the transition to digital agriculture and digital rural societies.

The third initiative approved by the Conference seeks to create a sustainable and resilient agriculture that can produce food in a more sustainable way, with less environmental impacts and with greater adaptation to climate change.

“Achieving this requires better disaster risk management, restoring soils, making efficient use of water, promoting low-emission livestock and the sustainable management of forests, fisheries and aquaculture,” said Berdegué.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

St Lucia, Bahamas record more COVID cases

S

t Lucia on Friday reported six new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), while The Bahamas recorded more deaths associated with the virus.

St Lucia’s Ministry of Health and Wellness said it had received confirmation of the six new cases, bringing the total number in the country to 48.

It said that among the new cases are three children, ages three, four and 12 years with the oldest being a 47-year-old woman from the northern town of Gros Islet.

“This is the single highest number of cases diagnosed within one day. As the Ministry of Health and Wellness continues its response to cases, it is important to state that with the increasing number of cases that each individual recognises they have the ability to reduce the spread of this virus.

“By keeping to the infection prevention and control guidelines, the spread of virus from one person to another can be stopped,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness said, making a strong appeal to everyone that “if you are experi-

encing respiratory symptoms which include cough, sore throat, fever, please promptly seek care at the closest respiratory clinic”.

Meanwhile, The Bahamas recorded 133 new cases of COVID-19 and two additional deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

As a result of the deaths, the COVID-19 death toll moved to 132, while 14 deaths remain under investigation.

The Bahamas has recorded 6268 cases since March.

There are 3795 recoveries and 2303 active cases. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

during the Standing Finance Committee review of the 2021 Budget. He was responding to Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein, who asked whether the cut meant Government would reduce the number of tertiary education programmes funded by GATE. In 2019 and 2020, the Government had allocated TT$435 million to GATE but that figure is now TT$400 million for 2021.

On Thursday, however, Imbert would only say that Parliament will get a report on the GATE review soon.

When asked for details of the review committee, he said: “There is no committee.

The Government is comprised of the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry with responsibility for education is

the Ministry of Education. So the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will be advised by the Ministry of Education, and then the Cabinet will take a decision. GATE is under review. Not only GATE, but many other things are under review.”

With no further discussion on the matter, Hosein surmised that there would be a cut in the programme.

The GATE programme began in 2004 and provides financial assistance to citizens who pursue approved programmes at public and private tertiary level institutions both locally and regionally. The Funding and Grants Administration Division of the Ministry of Education manages this programme.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Bolsonaro rolls out Saab fighter jet, GATE funding cut by says it gives Brazil air superiority TT$35M, under review again

T

he Brazilian Air Force on Friday unveiled the first of 36 Gripen fighter jets bought from Sweden’s Saab AB in a US$4 billion deal that includes the assembly of planes in Brazil.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro sprayed champagne on the nose of the first Gripen to arrive in Brazil and then climbed into the cockpit at Brasilia’s air force base.

Bolsonaro said the Gripen’s arrival and the entry into service this year of the KC-390 military transport jet made by Embraer SA were historic landmarks that established Brazil’s air superiority needed to defend the vast South American nation.

Brazil signed the contract to replace its ageing fleet of fighter jets with the

fifth-generation Saab in 2014, after deciding against Boeing Co’s F-18 Super Hornet and the Rafale made by France’s Dassault Aviation SA. The first Saab Gripen fighter made for Brazil, denominated the F-39E, was brought to the country by ship last month to continue test flights begun in Sweden in August. Saab will build 13 of the Gripens in Sweden

and the next eight will be partially assembled in Brazil by Embraer’s defence division.

The final 15 fighters will be totally assembled in Brazil in a transfer of technology agreed to by Saab, Embraer said.

The Brazilian Air Force expects to receive the first operational fighters at the end of next year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme is once again under review following a TT$35 million decrease in budgetary allocation, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert said on Thursday. “I cannot give you any more information other than those four words: GATE is under review,” Imbert said

Bolivia official vote count hands win to socialist Luis Arce

B

olivia’s official vote count on Friday confirmed a win for socialist Luis Arce, who won 55.10 per cent of the vote with all ballots tallied, followed by Carlos Mesa with 28.83 per cent.

The result confirms Arce´s more than 20 point lead over his rival that several unofficial vote counts had already indicated, and marks a return to the left for Bolivia from the present conservative caretaker Government

that stepped in after longterm leader Evo Morales was ousted last year.

Arce’s socialist MAS party has already claimed victory and Mesa conceded the loss on Monday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS OPEC+ production cuts could be extended – Putin

R

ussia does not rule out the possibility that OPEC+ could extend its current 7.7 million barrels per day of production cuts into next year, according to Russian President Vladimir

Putin.

The comments could be merely jawboning to a market that is desperately seeking reassurances that oil production will not ramp up too quickly beyond demand. But Russia has in the past been reluctant to keep up its end of the oil production cuts, so any mention that it is even thinking about a slower tapering of the cuts is noteworthy.

In fact, Russia had failed to bring its own oil production down to the level it agreed to for most of the period of cuts in 2019 and early 2020.

Russia also was the spark that ignited the oil price war between it and Saudi Arabia-and by default the United States, when it refused to agree to additional cuts using the argument that as OPEC decreases its production, it opens the door for US producers to increase theirs.

Vladimir Putin has had several discussions with Saudi Arabia and the United States on the state of the oil markets. “We believe there is no need to change anything in our agreements,” Putin said. “We will watch how the market is recovery. The consumption is on the rise.”

Putin added, however, that they did not “rule out” the possibility that OPEC+ could keep the current production cuts instead of removing them at the pace it had initially agreed upon.

But Putin didn’t stop there. “If need be, maybe, we can take other decisions on further reductions. But we don’t see such a necessity now,” Putin said, intimating that more cuts were at least possible.

Russia’s willingness to even consider additional cuts or waiting longer to ease the cuts than planned will be viewed positively by the markets, which has been struggling to break out of a rut where oil prices have traded in a relatively tight band for months.

(Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Libya rivals sign ceasefire deal in Geneva

L

The country has been riven by violence since 2011

ibya's warring factions have signed an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, after five days of talks in Geneva.

The deal between military leaders from Libya's Government, and those from opposition forces lead by General Khalifa Haftar, was brokered by the UN. Its Libya envoy Stephanie Williams called the agreement "a crucial sign of hope for the Libyan people".

Libya has been riven by violence since Col Muammar Gaddafi was deposed by Natobacked forces in 2011.

The oil-rich nation is a key transit point for migrants heading to Europe from Africa, and many Libyans within the country have been forced from their homes.

AFP quotes the UN's envoy as saying the ceasefire will allow displaced people and refugees inside and outside the country to return to their homes.

Explaining the terms of

the deal she said all parties agreed that "all military units and armed groups on the front lines shall return to their camps".

This will be "accompanied by the departure of all mercenaries and foreign fighters from all Libyan territory, land, air and sea within a maximum period of three months from today."

The internationally recognised government controls the capital Tripoli and surrounding areas, while forces loyal to Gen Haftar run the eastern part of the country from Benghazi.

When it comes to international backers, Turkey, Qatar and Italy support the Tripolibased government while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt back renegade Gen Khalifa Haftar.

Russia, Turkey, the UAE and other states were accused by the UN last month of blatantly defying the international arms embargo on Libya.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan becomes 3rd Arab state to set aside hostilities with Israel this year

I

srael and Sudan agreed on Friday to take steps to normalise relations in a deal brokered with the help of the United States, making Khartoum the third Arab Government to set aside hostilities with Israel in the last two months.

US President Donald Trump, seeking re-election on Nov 3, sealed the agreement in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Transitional Council Head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, senior US officials said.

Trump’s decision this week to remove Sudan from the US list of State sponsors of terrorism paved the way for the accord with Israel, marking a foreign

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House Senior Advisor Jared Kushner applaud as US President Donald Trump is seen on the phone with leaders of Israel and Sudan speaking about the decision to rescind Sudan's designation as a State sponsor of terrorism, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, October 23, 2020

policy achievement for the Republican President as he seeks a second term trailing in opinion polls behind

Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Netanyahu hailed it as a “new era” for the region, but the Palestinian leader-

ship, watching as more of their Arab brethren appear to give their quest for statehood a lower priority, called it a “new stab in the back.”

Israel and Sudan plan to begin by opening economic and trade links, with an initial focus on agriculture, the joint statement said. A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said such issues as formal establishment of diplomatic ties would be resolved later.

Trump touted the deal to reporters in the Oval Office with the Israeli and Sudanese leaders on the line in a three-way phone call, saying at least five other countries wanted to follow suit and normalise relations with Israel. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“It is terrifying”: Europe Poland abortion ruling: Protests spread braces for lengthy across the country battle with COVID

E

urope faces a lengthy battle against the coronavirus at least until mid-2021, France warned on Friday, as anxious Governments introduced ever more restrictions to curb the disease once again accelerating through the continent.

Europe’s daily infections have more than doubled in the last 10 days, reaching a total of 7.8 million cases and about 247,000 deaths, as a second wave right before winter has crushed economic revival hopes.

“When I listen to scientists I see that projections are for at best until next summer,” French President Emmanuel Macron said during a visit to a hospital near Paris.

France, which passed 1 million cases on Friday with a new record daily total of more than 42,000, has been one of the hardest-hit nations and has imposed curfews.

“We are all afraid,” said Maria, a 73-year old pensioner in the Slovakian town of Dolny Kubin, where officials were piloting a testing scheme. “I see what’s happening and it is terrifying.”

Belgium, another of the worst-hit countries, whose Foreign Minister went into intensive care this week, further limited social contact and banned fans from sports matches.

In the Czech Republic, with Europe’s highest per capita infections, Prime Minister Andrej Babis moved to sack his Health Minister for apparently flouting rules on masks after a meeting in a restaurant that should have been closed.

In Spain, which passed the 1 million case milestone earlier this week, two regions, Castilla and Leon and Valencia, urged the Central Government to impose night-time curfews. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

housands of women are protesting against Poland's new abortion laws in cities across the country.

A court ruling on Thursday banned almost all abortions - with exceptions only for cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's health is at risk.

Abortions carried out when the foetus is malformed, which accounted for 98 per cent of legal terminations last year, have now been outlawed.

Poland already had some of the EU's strictest abortion laws.

Fewer than 2000 legal terminations are carried out each year.

However, women's groups estimate that up to 200,000 abortions are either performed illegally, or abroad.

Protests were held in Poznan, Warsaw, Wroclaw and Krakow, among other cities, on Friday, footage from broadcaster TVN showed.

It marked the second night of protests in the country, where strict measures against coronavirus ban gatherings of more than 10 people in most major cities.

In the early hours of Friday morning, protesters clashed with Riot Police outside the home of Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski in Warsaw.

Police said officers used pepper spray and physical force when some protesters threw stones and tried to push through the cordon around the house.

Magda, a 34-year-old protester in the northern city of Gdynia, told TVN: "Women are not respected in this country. No-one is listening to us."

"It's a disgrace from the Polish state towards half of the population, women. We'll never forget it," Krystyna Kacpura, Head of the Federation for Women and Family Planning, told AFP news agency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pakistan to remain on global terror financing “grey” list

P

akistan will remain on a terrorism financing watch list until it completely implements a set of preventive guidelines, a global watchdog said, urging Islamabad to improve financial controls.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body, praised Pakistan for progress on 21 of 27 recommendations but said the rest must also be implemented.

Last February, Pakistan secured an extra four months to complete the

plan after missing 13 of the 27 targets that FATF had set for it in 2018 when it put Pakistan on its “grey list”.

The grace period was then extended again because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The so-called “grey list” comprises countries whose controls over “terrorism” financing are deemed inadequate.

The Asia Pacific Group, a regional affiliate of the watchdog, had recommended keeping Pakistan on the grey list because there were still risks of terrorism fi-

nancing going undetected.

Pakistan’s powerful military is often accused of harbouring fighters to use them as proxies against India and neighbouring Afghanistan.

Pakistan had been on the FATF blacklist for years before it was removed in 2015 following “significant progress” in fighting terror financing. Only Iran and North Korea are currently on the blacklist.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, elected in 2018, has been struggling to stamp out threats

from armed groups while coming under pressure over painful austerity measures taken to rectify a shaky economy and conform to the terms of its latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

The Paris-based organisation also said that fraud linked to coronavirus pandemic was on the rise, with counterfeit medical supplies, economic stimulus measures and online scams hitting governments hard around the world. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Put your energy where it counts. Do something to help your community.

Utilise your knowledge and skills to improve your relationships and surroundings.

Let go of whatever isn’t TAURUS working for you and move (April 20on to new beginnings.

May 20) A sensitive issue is best left alone for the time being. Keep your opinions to yourself.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Keep the ball moving.

Don’t rely on the information someone offers. Verify every word before you get involved in something risky. Avoid manipulative people.

A change will prove useful. Making adjustments to your surroundings or lifestyle will turn out better than anticipated. A joint venture will make you nervous, but the results will be worthwhile.

Physical activities that require thought, agility and strength will motivate you to take on something you’ve been reluctant to do in the past. It’s time to walk away from what you cannot change.

You’ll thrive on change.

Use your intelligence, and be ready to jump at any opportunity that comes your way. Don’t let anyone stand in your way or disrupt your plans.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Make affordable plans.

If you overstep your budget or make promises you cannot keep, you’ll have to backtrack.

Be willing to put in the time and work required to finish what you start.

SCORPIO

Don’t start something you cannot finish.

Emotional issues will surface if you disagree with someone close to you.

Bringing up the past will fuel the fire. Act in kindness, not out of malice.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Observe much, but reSAGITTARIUS veal little. Spend time fixing up your surroundings.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21) Don’t worry about what others do or think. Follow the path that makes the most sense to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

You may disagree with the people you live with or near, but it’s best to listen so can reach a workable compromise. Finding a solution will put you in control.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Organize your finances and set a budget. When asked to participate in something that doesn’t interest you, opt to do your own thing. Find a way to ease stress.

Look for a unique way to let someone know how much you care. A kind, simple gesture and some quality time spent together will suffice. Love is on the rise.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

21

England men accept 15% pay cut in wake of ECB financial hit E

ngland men’s centrally contracted cricketers have agreed to a 15% pay cut for the 2020-21 season, following an agreement between the ECB and the Team England Player Partnership (TEPP), the body which represents the interests of the men’s international squads.

Widely anticipated in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the decision comes after the ECB was forced to lay off 20% of its workforce, a total of 62 roles, in response to a financial hit in excess of £100 million for the 2020 season.

Last month, the ECB announced 12 red-ball and 12 white-ball contracts for the 12-month period from October 1, with five players - Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes - being awarded both.

Previously, a Test contract would have been worth £650,000, and a white-ball deal approximately £275,000

(with some performance and appearance-related elements factored into both) while the players stood to earn a further £14,500 per Test appearance, and £4,500 for each limited-overs match.

Joe Root, as England Test captain, also received a supplement of £175,000.

However, from onset of the pandemic, England players have been conscious of the need to play their part through an unprecedented period of uncertainty, and agreed back in April to make a voluntary contribution of £500,000 to the ECB and selected good causes - which was the equivalent of a 20% cut to their retainers for the first three months of the season.

According to a report in the Guardian, the agreement this time around is also understood to include a significant reduction in team win bonuses - which range between £44,100 and £176,400 per Test, depending on where the opposition sits in

a five-tier system drawn up by the ECB; and between £11,000 and £58,800 in white-ball cricket, with additional bonuses for outright series victories.

“I would like to thank the players and TEPP for their collaboration, which has enabled us to reach this agreement,” Ashley Giles, the England men’s managing director, said. “The relationship with our men’s players

and their representatives (TEPP) is strong, and we need to recognise that our players, led by captains Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, have conducted themselves with great maturity and responsibility throughout this challenging time.

“We now want to build on this agreement, and work together on a number of areas relating to player welfare, particularly mental health,

which remains a high priority for all of us as we continue to navigate a path through this pandemic,” said Giles.

Richard Bevan, TEPP chairman, added: “These are unprecedented times, and, once again, the players have shown that they fully appreciate the important role they play in helping cricket emerge from this pandemic in as strong a position as possible. In agreeing to this re-

vised r e m u nera t i o n p a c k a g e , they have shown great responsibility and unity with the wider game.

“TEPP would like to place on record our appreciation to the ECB for their cooperative approach in agreeing a way forward throughout these challenging circumstances.”

Meanwhile, at county level, Worcestershire have confirmed that they would be taking up the option of Government’s new Job Support Scheme, which will run for six months from November 1, with other clubs likely to follow suit.

In a statement, Worcestershire said they recouped approximately £500,000 after furloughing their staff at the height of the pandemic, an option that was taken by all but two counties this summer.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Riders take bus after stage 19 protest in Giro d’Italia Mourinho hopes Son Heung-min would sign new long-term deal

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iders completed more than half of the Giro d’Italia’s 19th stage on their team buses after a protest over safety.

Concerns were raised over the 258km stage from Morbegno being competed in heavy rain, risking riders’ health.

Organisers eventually agreed with the Professional Cyclists’ Association (CPA) to start the stage 124km from the finish in Asti.

Czech rider Josef Cerny of CCC won the stage, while Britain’s Tao Geoghegan Hart remains third overall.

The CPA said on Friday: “The riders’ health is priority, especially in this COVID period. Reducing the stage would not diminish the show, but would allow the immune defences of the rid-

ers not to be put at greater risk.”

Competing in heavy rain can cause riders, whose immune systems may already be compromised by excessive exertion, to become unwell as dirt and bacteria from the road is sprayed through the peloton. Many riders were concerned it would increase the risk of contracting coronavirus.

The stage initially took place under heavy rain in the neutral zone before the official start, where riders were stopped and the team’s buses were called back to pick them up.

The peloton was eventually dropped off in Abbiategrasso, where, in drying conditions, a breakaway of 14, including Britain’s Alex Dowsett of Israel Start Up Nation,

stayed ahead of the peloton for the duration. Cerny broke clear of the break, and held them off to cross the finish line 18 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts of NTT and Italian Jacopo Mosca of Trek-Segafredo.

The peloton rolled in 11 minutes later, after BoraHansgrohe called off their attack for Slovak Peter Sagan part way through the stage.

Sunweb’s Dutch rider Wilco Kelderman continues to lead the overall standings by 12 seconds from Australian team-mate Jai Hindley, and 15 seconds from Geoghegan Hart of Ineos Grenadiers.

Meanwhile, Vini ZabuKTM’s Italian rider Matteo Spreafico has left the Giro, having being suspended by the UCI - cycling’s world governing body - after two adverse analytical findings for the prohibited substance enobosarm.

“The rider has the right to request and attend the analyses of the B samples,” said a UCI statement. “In accordance with the UCI anti-doping rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair.” (BBC Sport)

J

ose Mourinho is optimistic in-form Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min would sign a new longterm contract in the near future.

Son has made a magnificent start to the season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in eight matches for the Spurs.

The South Korea captain, joint leading goal-scorer in the Premier League with Dominic Calvert-Lewin on seven, is contracted to Mourinho’s London club until end of the 2022-23 season.

Tottenham boss Mourinho has no concerns over Son’s future, and expects the 28-year-old’s exploits to be rewarded before too long. Asked about Son signing a new deal, he replied as follows: “I would love that! Son has three years of contract, so it’s not like we’re in an extreme situation of everybody being worried.

It’s more that Son loves it here.

“I believe he would like to commit his future to the club for a long time.

Everybody at the club is

totally in love with this player and this boy, and is trying also to make him feel part of the furniture.

“It’s normal (that) the club tries to go from three years to four or five or six; I don’t know (which), (but) it’s normal. It’s a very calm situation, because Sonny has three more years of contract, but I wish (he would sign a new deal). He deserves one; the club knows that, and sooner or later, without any pressure, they will arrive (at) a decision.”

Mourinho says Son is a model professional who is maximising his potential.

“He cannot do more than what he does,” Mourinho

said, as Spurs prepare to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.

“Season after season after season, Sonny is showing how good he is.

Of course, the better the team is, the easier it is for the players to emerge; but Sonny is Sonny, and everyone knows what he needs to do now to go to the next step: nothing. Or, he starts doing s*** socially and becomes famous and becomes in the big headlines because of some weird, silly, or naive social behaviour.

“Because he’s such an incredible kid also at that level, it’s up to you to tell how good he is.”

(Sportsmax)

22 Mumbai Indians demolish Chennai Super Kings by 10 wickets

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rent Boult starred with the ball, while Ishan Kishan slammed an unbeaten 68, as Mumbai Indians (MI) demolished Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by ten wickets in Match 41 of Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on

Friday.

Chasing 115, MI were off to a flying start, as Ishan Kishan and Quinton de Kock scored 52 in the powerplay. The pair hit four fours in the first two overs before Ishan Kishan took on Josh Hazlewood and Deepak Chahar, hitting four fours and a six across two overs to take MI close to fifty.

CSK introduced Shardul Thakur into the attack in the seventh over, and de Kock went after him, creaming a four and a six for his efforts.

In the ninth over, Kishan clubbed two sixes off Ravindra Jadeja to bring up his second fifty of the season; and followed it up with one more six in the next over as MI moved to 98 after the end of 10 overs.

The Kishan-de Kock pair completed the 100-run partnership in the next over; and a couple of overs later, went on to seal MI’s convincing 10-wicket win.

While Kishan remained

unbeaten on 68 from 37 balls, de Kock scored 46 not out.

Earlier, MI, who elected to bowl after Kieron Pollard won the toss, had to make a forced change, with Saurabh Tiwary replacing the injured Rohit Sharma in the middle.

CSK, meanwhile, made

three changes to their playing XI: N Jagadeesan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Imran Tahir replaced Kedar Jadhav, Shane Watson and Piyush Chawla.

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Sam Curran and Shardul Thakur then added 28 runs together, to push CSK past 70. However, Nathan Coulter-Nile broke the partnership when he had Thakur caught as he went for a big shot.

Curran, though, continued to put up a fight as, with Imran Tahir for company, he dragged CSK past hundred.

In the last over of the innings, Curran hit three fours and brought up a well-deserved half-century, before getting out on the final ball as Boult disturbed the timber to pick up his fourth wicket of the match. CSK eventually posted 114/9 on the board. (IPLT20)

SCOREBOARD CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) RD Gaikwad lbw b Boult 0 F du Plessis c †de Kock b Boult 1 AT Rayudu c †de Kock b Bumrah 2 N Jagadeesan c Yadav b Bumrah 0 MS Dhoni (c) † c †de Kock b Chahar 16 RA Jadeja c KH Pandya b Boult 7 SM Curran b Boult 52 DL Chahar st †de Kock b Chahar 0 SN Thakur c Yadav b CoulterNile 11 Imran Tahir not out 13 Extras (b 1, lb 3, w 8) 12 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 5.7) 114/9 Did not bat: JR Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 0.5 ov), 2-3 (Ambati Rayudu, 1.4 ov), 3-3 (Narayan Jagadeesan, 1.5 ov), 4-3 (Faf du Plessis, 2.5 ov), 5-21 (Ravindra Jadeja, 5.2 ov), 6-30 (MS Dhoni, 6.4 ov), 7-43 (Deepak Chahar, 8.5 ov), 8-71 (Shardul Thakur, 14.5 ov), 9-114 (Sam Curran, 19.6 ov) BOWLING TA Boult JJ Bumrah KH Pandya RD Chahar NM Coulter-Nile KA Pollard

MI made a cracking start, with Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah picking up four wickets in the first three overs. Boult set the ball rolling for MI as he trapped Gaikwad leg before wicket.

Bumrah then dismissed Ambati Rayudu and N Jagadeesan on successive deliveries in the second over. While the former edged one to Quinton de Kock, the latter was caught

by Suryakumar Yadav in the first slip.

Boult picked his second wicket when Faf du Plessis nicked one to de Kock, and CSK were reduced to 4/3 after 2.5 overs. The change of ends did not change Boult’s fortunes, as he scalped Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket while MI picked five wickets in the powerplay.

CSK lost their sixth wicket as Rahul Chahar had MS Dhoni caught behind the wicket. The leg-spinner, in

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (TARGET: 115 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Q de Kock † not out 46 Ishan Kishan not out 68 Extras (lb 2) 2 TOTAL (12.2 Ov, RR: 9.4) 116/0 Did not bat: SA Yadav, SS Tiwary, KH Pandya, HH Pandya, KA Pollard (c), NM Coulter-Nile, RD Chahar, TA Boult, JJ Bumrah BOWLING DL Chahar JR Hazlewood Imran Tahir SN Thakur RA Jadeja 1

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GAICO Construction gives financial boost to online chess for children in Guyana

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he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) on Tuesday received financial revitalisation from the GAICO Construction Company to intensify its efforts, without risk in the midst of the pandemic, to introduce chess online FREE to more chil-

dren, in partnership with CHESSKIDS of the USA. A cheque for $300,000 was handed over to Mr. Anand Raghunauth, Chairman of the GCF’s chess-in-schools committee, who expressed gratitude to the company for the timely donation.

The funds will be utilised to cover additional fees to CHESSKIDS and expand the GCF’s capability to further spread learning of the game by young minds.

At a simple handing-over ceremony held at its Georgetown office, Ms. Champa Maraj, Office Manager of GAICO Construction, disclosed that the firm is pleased to again contribute to

the GCF, in the interest of sport and to assist Guyanese children interested in chess. GAICO Construction had collaborated with the GCF earlier this year to sponsor chess tournaments.

The GCF is aggressively promoting the game free of cost online with its “chess is easy to learn” mantra.

Activities for many sporting disciplines have been tremendously curtailed, but chess is experiencing an upswing worldwide on the internet.

Parents or representatives of schools who wish to get children involved in chess can contact Anand Raghunauth on 681-8771 or John Lee on 623-0986 for further details.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Harper calling for West Indies to score 600-run totals in Test matches

By Brandon Corlette

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n recent Test matches, the bowling has pulled its weight for the West Indies; the batting, on the other hand, has been inconsistent.

During the last Test tour to England, Jermaine Blackwood was the leading run-scorer with 211 runs at an average of 35.16.

The West Indies are slated to tour New Zealand, where the Test side will play two matches.

Lead selector of the West Indies, Roger Harper, during his appearance on the Mason and Guest radio programme, is once more calling for an improved batting effort, with the team being able to score 600 runs in a Test match.

“I think we have a competitive squad, but guys will have to perform. If we bat well, we have a good chance.

That has been our challenge, especially in Test cricket. If we can put in excess of 600 runs in a Test match, we give ourselves a chance of winning,” Harper explained.

Examining the current Test squad to tour New Zealand, the West Indies have the batting talent, but mental strength and applica-

tion will be required from the Caribbean batsmen.

Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell are specialist openers in the squad, while Shayne Mosely and Joshua Da Silva are the other opening options in the Test reserves.

Brathwaite scored 65 and 75 on the recent England tour, but the senior top-order batsman has failed to score heavily and dominate bowlers.

Kraigg has 62 Test matches under his belt, with 3672 runs scored at an average of 33.08 w i t h e i g h t hundred and 19 fif-

ties.

Campbell has thus far struggled in his Test career, with nine matches to his name, scoring 382 runs at an average of 25.46 with one half-century to his name.

Darren Bravo has returned to the

squad, and his class will boost the batting order. The prolific left-hander has 3506 runs in 54 Tests, with eight hundreds and 17 fifties at an average of 37.69.

Shamarh Brooks has shown solidity in his six Tests, with three fifties and one hundred. Roston Chase has been a versatile

all-rounder, batting at five. He has 35 Test matches under his belt and 1852 runs, with five hundreds and eight fifties at an average of 30.86.

Jermaine Blackwood ide star of the Regional 4-Day which concluded in March.

In 31

Tests, Blackwood has 12 fifties and one century, but in recent showing in England, he showed glimpses of maturity, but the aggressive intent is still present.

Shimron Hetmyer has returned to the Test squad.

He had ordinary performances in the longest format, with five fifties in 16 Tests as he continues to search for that century.

Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder have produced runs for the West Indies when the top order failed. That was not the case in England, hence the batting failures. Holder has established himself as an all-rounder. His batting stats in 43 Tests reads: 2012 runs at an average of 31.93 with three hundreds and eight fifties.

Dowrich, who has surrendered to the short ball, has played 34 Tests and has 1570 runs at an average of 29.07.

The wicket-keeper batsman has three hundreds and nine fifties.

The batting group has shown the ability to score, but, for them to answer the Lead Selector’s call and score 600 runs across one Test, batting for long periods and scoring runs will be essential.

From left to right; Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Darren Bravo and Kraigg Brathwaite

‘We will closely John Campbell wants to use New Zealand monitor Russell - Harper situation’ tour to establish himself as true Test opener Batsman turned down Windies but could ‘I have to show character!’

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HE West Indies tour to New Zealand could provide batsman John Campbell the chance to establish himself as a Test cricket opener after a dismal series versus England in the summer.

The left-hander tallied only 84 runs in six innings at an average of 16.8 as the visitors lost the three-Test series 1-2.

Having got the nod of the selectors for the two Tests in New Zealand, the 27-year-old Jamaican is keen to repay the faith put in him.

“I have to show character,” Campbell told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

“I didn’t have the best of times in England, but that’s history. I can’t really dwell on what happened… it was way below my standards and international standards, but it happens.

Now it is about how I’m going to come back from it,” he said.

In England, Campbell, at times playing across his front pad, was twice dismissed leg before wicket.

On two other occasions, he went edging behind, while in the first innings of the final Test he was

caught for his series-best knock of 32 when fending a short delivery.

Campbell, scheduled to leave for Barbados on Sunday before players and officials set off for New Zealand on Tuesday, said he has been working out the kinks under the supervision of Jamaican coach-

es Andre Coley and Nikita Miller.

“I’m pretty confident going into the tour, even though the most recent tour for me wasn’t the best.

I’ve put in some work over the past few weeks on areas that needed to be [fixed].

I’ve been working pretty hard with the coaches, and I’m trusting the process.

“It’s basically about watching the ball for as long as possible, and getting in good positions to access the ball. I think I was off balance while I was [batting] in England, so I’ve been working hard getting my balance right

and my weight right going into the shots,” the opening batsman explained.

West Indies are also scheduled to play three Twenty20 (T20) matches on the proposed November 27 to December 15 tour.

Campbell is not a member of the T20 squad.

The dashing shot maker has endured a tough start to his Test career, averaging a modest 25.46 in nine matches with a lone half-century.

Campbell, who has experience playing in New Zealand as a West Indies Under-19 representative, does not expect the task to get any easier.

“In international cricket there is no easy opponent.

When you get to that level, players have a lot of experience and a lot of skill, so I’m expecting another big challenge.

“I know it won’t be easy, but New Zealand is a place where if you spend time at the crease you will score runs. I’m definitely looking to spend time and to score big runs,” he told the Observer.

“I’ve been given another opportunity and I’m definitely looking to make full use of it. I’m just looking to finish off this calendar year well. It doesn’t make any sense me being too hard on myself because that will only put more pressure on me, which won’t help,” Campbell continued.

(Jamaica observer)

play in Sri Lanka Premier League

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ricket West Indies (CWI) chief selector Roger Harper insists he is keeping a watchful eye on the situation surrounding all-rounder Andre Russell after the player decided to spurn the team’s invitation to tour New Zealand because he needed time to ‘clear his head.’

The 32-year-old’s choice could be looked upon as quite a reasonable one given his recent struggles, particularly in this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, however, Russell was recently drafted to take part in the Lankan Premier League, which will begin on November 21 and roughly take part at the same time as the team’s tour of New Zealand.

When pressed on the issue, Harper insisted he could not draw any conclusions and could only rely on what he had been

told.

“Andre said he needed some time to clear his head. He wasn’t handling a situation very well, that’s what he said. How he chooses to clear his head, I can’t determine that,” Harper told the Mason and Guest radio program.

“I don’t know what decision he has made. Where he is playing or if he is playing. I can only look and see what he had told me and then look at what happens subsequently,” he added.

“He is free to make those decisions. We will look to see what the situation is, how it develops, and take it from there,” Harper said.

“What I will say is that it gives a younger player an opportunity and hopefully that player can make the most of it and really do us proud.” (Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

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

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Harper calling for West Indies to score 600-run ‘I have to show character!’ totals John Campbell wants to use New Zealand tour to establish in Test himself as true Test opener matches Page 23

Pg 23

Mumbai Indians demolish Chennai Super Kings by 10 wickets

GAICO Construction gives financial boost to online chess for children in Guyana Pg 22

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