Guyana Times - Saturday December 12, 2020

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CDB approves funding for Linden-Mabura road project Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4497

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

CJIA to get US$20M Marriott Courtyard hotel by 2023 See story on page 3

Granger rejects Dec 15 presidential meeting to discuss framework for engagement Page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Cops escape unhurt after arson attempt on Arakaka P12 Police Outpost

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

ICJ to deliver P9 ruling on jurisdiction to hear case next Friday Woman dead, 2 injured P10 after minibus slams into fence

Guyana’s active COVID-19 cases now at 741 P12 ‌as more recoveries recorded

4 resorts get approval to P13 reopen

President Dr Irfaan Ali shares a photo moment with students and residents of Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to whom he donated hampers and toys (Office of the President photo)

Father of 7 US, Guyana Govts chopped discuss housing, to death by power generation alleged "junkie" Growth in the Americas working group Page 11

Page 7

Corentyne trio sentenced to 209 months for armed robbery spree P16

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 12 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Sunday, December 13 – 02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 12 – 14:30h – 16:00h and Sunday, December 13 – 15:15h – 16:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers will prevail during the day.

There will be light rain showers and partly cloudy conditions at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North NorthEasterly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 14:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 08:14h and 20:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.44 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

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CJIA to get US$20M Marriott Courtyard hotel by 2023

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ocal construction company, R Bassoo & Sons Ltd, has entered into initial agreements with Marriott Hotels International and the Government of Guyana to design and build a Marriott Courtyard – a US$20 million project – at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

This was in response to Government’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for hotels to be constructed in the vicinity of Guyana’s main port of entry.

Managing Director of R Bassoo & Sons Ltd, Roy Bassoo on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, after obtaining a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Marriott; a completed market study by Hotel Valuation Services (HVS), one of the foremost hotel valuation firms and a conceptual design by Urbahn Architects (New York’s 2019 Design Firm of the Year).

The company in a statement on Friday related that Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has also made an indicative offer to finance the project.

The regional commercial bank has already arranged over US$100 million in financing for other real estate projects in Guyana including MovieTowne, the Pegasus Corporate Offices and Suites

From left: CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir, Managing Director of R Bassoo & Sons Ltd, Roy Bassoo; and GO-Invest CEO Dr Peter Ramsaroop at the signing and handing over of the MoU for the construction of the US$20 million Marriott Courtyard hotel

and the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The Marriott Courtyard at the CJIA will be the second Marriott Hotel brand in Guyana and is anticipated to be open by 2023.

The LoI with Marriott Hotels International caters for a 6-storey Marriott Courtyard with 140 rooms

and modern amenities. The hotel will be a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other travellers.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 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

Drinking and driving: accidentfree holiday

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he holidays are associated with fun and merriment; however, this year, as a result of COVID-19, it is expected that celebrations would be scaled down significantly.

However, COVID-19, and even the national curfew, has not stopped persons from indulging in the reckless behaviour of drinking and driving. For the holiday season, the members of the Guyana Police Force will have to be working harder to ensure that citizens are safer. This year has seen many major accidents which have claimed hundreds of lives on our roadways. In the aftermath of these horrendous road accidents, many families have been left trying to cope with the loss of loved ones.

The sudden and shocking death of someone close, especially due to an accident, can never be easy. The ensuing excruciating pain and mental trauma that are inflicted on surviving relatives can be unbearable. In a fleeting moment, families were plunged into sadness and despair upon receiving the dreadful news that an accident had taken the life of someone dear to them. That’s the painful result, and often, it’s real and lingering impact may be hidden from the spotlight of the media. As the holidays draw closer, we are going to see an increase in the number of traffic offences, all because of increased congestion and recklessness on the roads. It also means that, in the lead-up to the Christmas holidays, the Police would have to be more vigilant to detect drivers operating under the influence of alcohol. It is necessary for traffic ranks to be prepared to handle the increase in traffic offences, especially drunk-driving - one of the most troubling traffic offences. Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous, and drivers with high blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) are at greatly increased risk of being involved in vehicle accidents and sustaining highway injuries and/or deaths. The pages of the newspapers are splashed almost daily with reports of accidents due to the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of motorists. Some of these accidents are due to driving under the influence of alcohol. The effects of alcohol abuse are well known; citizens should therefore be encouraged to make better judgment in every situation, in the interest of themselves, their families and the community.

While it is not our intention to place the blame for all our problems on alcohol, one cannot dispute the fact it is indeed a contributory factor to some of the social ills we face in our country today.

Every single injury and death caused by drunk-driving is fully preventable. Although the proportion of alcohol-related crashes locally may not be as significant as they are in other countries, those that occur are still worrying. Unfortunately, in spite of these concerns, alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious national problem that, tragically, affects many victims and their families.

We urge all stakeholders to redouble their efforts and step up the campaign to spread more awareness and education about the dangers of alcohol abuse and drinking and driving.

While the Government has played a crucial role in designing the relevant programmes and policies, and has put in place the necessary legislative framework aimed at addressing the practice of drinking and driving and harmful use of alcohol, this burden must also be shared by other stakeholders: such as the religious groups, the private sector, and other nongovernmental organisations (NGO) etc.

As the Christmas and New Year holidays draw nearer, the traffic department is urged to implement more measures to prevent – as much as possible – drivers from drinking and getting behind the wheel. This year has seen far too many deaths, the aim should be for an accident-free holiday; and in achieving this, the Police may consider issuing public messages mandating the installation of interlock devices that prevent intoxicated persons from starting a vehicle, vehicle impoundment or immobilisation, and the implementation of an alcohol server training programmes. These measures can make a difference between life and death.

A man dressed as Santa Claus greets a girl from behind a protective shield at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Reuters/Lim Huey Teng)

Guyana can incorporate renewable energy into mining process, operations Dear Editor, It is estimated that the global mining industry consumes 400 terawatt-hours of energy per year, the equivalent of the yearly energy demand of France. A large portion of that energy is consumed in mineral-rich Latin America, home to the world’s largest deposits of copper, silver, lithium, and gold.

The mining sector in this part of the world, a multi-billion-dollar industry, has increasingly been turning to renewable energy to help meet its energy demand. In order to alleviate these issues, mining companies are increasingly turning to ever cheaper solar PV and wind power to meet their power requirements, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and lower their operating costs.

Renewable energy from non-conventional sources here in Guyana has been gaining momentum and proving to be a viable alter-

native energy solution. For example, power generated by solar plants has become very competitive compared to traditional forms of power, especially in the hinterland, where several regions have benefited from excellent levels of untapped solar irradiation. Solar PV technology has seen dramatic cost reductions over the past decade, and this has been combined with efficiency innovations that have led to pricing levels that have reached even less than 50% of conventional power costs.

Moreover, solar PV (and wind in certain regions) is also reaching cost levels that are half the cost of conventional hydro power. These changes are leading to increasing investment in solar energy to displace conventional power.

Guyana’s gas-to-energy project would definitely bridge oil and gas, which is set to see development of new sectors and boost local traditional industries; how-

ever, by incorporating solar energy, a unique opportunity is offered for Guyana’s mining companies to meet their energy needs in a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective way.

Solar is no longer just about being sustainable, it’s a way for mining companies to stay competitive in an industry where cost reductions are critical. By 2022, energy from renewable sources would account for between 5% and 8% of the global mining industry’s power consumption, with more ambitious targets aimed at 15%.

This drive towards renewable sources would lead to the global capacity being tripled by 2027.

Our PPP/C Government’s gas-to-energy agenda envisions the transmission of cheap, reliable, and clean energy not only for domestic use, but for processing, manufacturing, and other value-added downstream activities. Integration of renewable energy in this re-

spect would make Guyana a power hub for a variety of industries and new investors, with Guyana already being a dynamic and integrated economy with renewable energy, coupled with oil and gas. Our emerging hydrocarbons economy would allow growth of our local private sector with a great influx of foreign investment, since energy would be cheap. The renewable energy sector around the world continues to attract investors this year. The technologies and the capital are available to accelerate the energy transition, but global transformation from fossil fuels to clean energy is not moving forward quickly enough. Our Government must be the first to adjust our institutional and regulatory frameworks to pave the way for the necessary foreign private investor to get the job done here in Guyana.

Sincerely, David Adams

Theft of workers’ NIS, PAYE, VAT is criminal (Pt 1)

Dear Editor, It is with great satisfaction that I read in the various print media: “Govt to name and shame non-compliant security firms – Minister Hamilton.”

This sense of gratification and triumph is particularly owing to the fact that I, the undersigned, have religiously advocated for similar actions to

be taken against security firms and others known to abuse and manipulate NIS, PAYE, and VAT. I have penned several missives and spoken out virtually to the relevant authorities to have them take a stand on this despicable and deplorable action.

I therefore take this opportunity to commend the Minister of Labour,

Honourable Mr Joseph Hamilton, for his farsightedness and for taking the much-needed stance on this issue.

However, while I applaud the Honourable Minister for saying that these security firms would be named and shamed, I believe that we need stricter means to nip this disgusting practice in the bud.

I say this because some people are bereft of shame.

We have seen one company, after robbing workers of billions of dollars in NIS and PAYE, and after having never paid corporate taxes, declaring bankruptcy after decades of being in business, and then restarting with a new name while continuing the same despicable practicCONTINUED ON PAGE 5 es.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 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

Army can train youngsters as pilots

Dear Editor, I write to salute young Azam Ally on his achievement of being the first locally trained helicopter pilot and getting a pilot’s licence at only age 19.

He is a role model for youths. His achievement would hopefully foreshadow the advancement of young aviators as Guyana builds

its underdeveloped aviation sector. The army can help to train youngsters because of limited capacity in the private sector.

Azam Ally is a lucky one, able to achieve his dream and continue a family tradition of being in “aviation” or flying because of the training he received from the private sector, and his ex-

tended family having a long tradition in aviation.

The Government quickly recognised the achievement of this youth. This Government seems very supportive of the private sector and of helping young minds to pursue their ambitions.

The private sector must be the engine of growth and the driver of the economy. The

Government recognises the role of the private sector in aviation, that is why Azam’s feat is touted by the line Ministry.

Government must do more than simply recognise achievement; it must play a major role in helping people to achieve, like providing training in aviation in the armed forces to non-cadets

The US in transition (Part 2)

Dear Editor, Having pointed to the areas where we may expect some positive changes, let us turn to areas that could be negative with serious consequences.

The first, and probably most important, is the USRussia relations. From the point of view of international security this is, without doubt, the most important relation.

Trump showed real signs of wanting to improve and even normalise relations with Russia. The policy made a great deal of sense, since those two countries are in possession of huge amounts of nuclear weapons. Any clash between these two could put all forms of life on earth in jeopardy. That is why normalising relations between the two nuclear powers is good for the entire world.

It is true that Russia is not the Soviet Union. The collapse of the SU has weakened it greatly. However, it has recovered considerably and its military capacity is still enormous.

Trump had to back away from his intentions to improve relations because of the tremendous and sustained attacks that he got from the media, the CNN and MSNBC were relentless.

They were not only hostile but derogatory and scandalous.

The intention of Trump also gave us a glimpse at the power in the US. The state agencies, the CIA and FBI worked against him on this matter. They fuelled the media about so-called Russian interference in the US elections. Trump developed deep suspicions of those state agencies, he even harboured some hostilities to them.

The Russian interference appears to have been a cruel hoax. Not a shred of evidence was ever put forward but Trump was almost crucified.

The big corporations turned away from him on this issue as well, as was seen in the contribution to the two parties at the 2020 elections.

The Democrats were able to raise far more funds than the Republicans. The main reason was to keep Russia in the minds of the American people as the Enemy.

This was not so difficult to do, taking into consideration the decades of anti-communist, anti-Soviet propagan-

da that the people of the US were fed.

The main reason was to maintain an enemy to justify the massive military spending to further enrich the 0.1% of the population.

It is apposite here to remember President Dwight Eisenhower who, in his final address to the American people in 1961 warned them of the growing power of what he called “the military industrial complex”.

He was right. The military industrial complex is linked to almost every aspect of the US economy, including the mass media. It has indeed become the dominant force in the state.

Here I believe Biden will fall in line with the CIA, FBI and the many other bodies dealing with security. He will not buck them in the interest of world peace.

Another area that Trump tried to deal with, which has great consequences in the world, was to reduce the US military presence overseas.

He came under great pressure not only within the US, but the NATO bureaucrats who enjoy huge benefits also joined in opposition to that move.

Had he succeeded in withdrawing the troops it would have eased tensions in the world and create better conditions for political dialogue agreements and peace.

Moreover, let’s face it, the US military intervention in various parts of the world did not bring the promised freedom and abundance. On the contrary it created great misery for ordinary people.

Since the invasion of Iraq, insecurity, economic decline, violence and great human sufferings have become the norm. the same could be said of Afghanistan, Libya and Syria.

The US is the main supplier and supporter of Saudi Arabia which is bombing Yemen back into the stone age. The humanitarian situation is probably the worst in the world. The very CIA had suggested that the crown Prince was involved in the murder of Khashoggi, a Saudi born journalist.

Therefore, Trump’s attempts to remove troops from abroad and reduce tensions with Russia have to be judged positively.

From all indications, Joe Biden would return to policies that please the power-

ful corporations and the huge and very powerful state apparatus that determines things in the US. He has already signalled this in the composition of his new government more so by those he has left out. Senator Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren cannot find a place in Biden’s Cabinet because of the opposition of the right wing in the Democratic Party that is doing all it in can to replace the Republican Party as the darling of the 0.1%. The politics of those two senators would have impacted on foreign policy as well. That may have been inconvenient for Biden.

The world is holding its breath as we live through

this transition, will it usher in an era of peace and tranquillity or will we be tormented by more wars and sufferings that accompany them?

Time will tell, one good silver lining is the growing participation of masses of people in the life of the US. People who are growing tired of ‘socialism for the rich’ while the vast majority continue to wait for a trickle down.

The transition is almost upon us, we would not have to wait too long for some answers.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar, Former President

Theft of workers...

FROM PAGE 4

Because of incidents like this one, it is my view that if the law does not allow for imprisonment, then these people need to be charged for fraud privately, until the law is changed. It is the only way to bring a semblance of respect and decency to some security firms which are bent on thievery to make big money, destroying the lives of our workers and putting pressure on our social security system.

I reiterate: if you cannot jail them, then private criminal charges must be imposed. I have already proposed this in an article: “Blacklist/Jail companies known for their deceit,” which was graciously published in the November 22nd, 2020 edition of Guyana Times, Kaieteur News, and Guyana Chronicle respectively.

These measures are needed now more than ever, as we are seeing more and more security services tendering below cost and subsequently stealing VAT, workers’ NIS, and not paying annual taxes.

These security firms have ways and means of getting certain contracts, or getting away with their corrupt dealings. With more than 200 security firms operating in Guyana, it would seem that obtaining a security licence is as simple as opening a street-side cake shop. Opening a security firm should be like getting a bank licence for banking operations - hard and rare!

Not just every Tom,

Dick, and Harry uses security to arm themselves; drug traffickers and money laundering professionals in particular take advantage of the loopholes in the Security Company Policy to procure weapons, while legitimate security firms are left in limbo or are wiped out. I recall when the former Minister of Labour, Mr. Keith Scott, called in security firms to speak with them. While doing so, no respect was shown to the Honourable Minister by some of these firms.

Further to the Minister of Labour taking a stance on this issue, I was extremely proud of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali making a stern statement on this matter and raising the concern of security wages and NIS for workers in Regions Six and Two. Mr President, I must say that, sadly, this is a matter that is prevalent throughout the nation. These firms are bidding below cost so that they can steal workers’ NIS, and subsequently placing pressure on the Government’s social security system. Sadly, this habit has also ruined the lives of many.

Given these unethical practices, I propose that the lowest tenders/offers should never be the criterion for awarding Government contracts, particularly in the case of labour.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

as well.

The preceding Government was not so supportive of the private sector and of aviation, or of helping youngsters to become pilots. At least in one case in which I recommended an Indian youngster for training in the armed forces as a pilot, I sought the intervention of several Ministers whom I knew closely. None helped (or they lacked a say in the Government) to get the youngster (whose name I protect, and would call Shawn) from East Coast into the GDF pilot or aviation training. The young man passed seven CXCs and did the theoretical (book) training in aviation school in the private sector. Shawn displayed a love and propensity for aviation. He excelled, passed with outstanding grades. That is all the family could afford. He lacked the resources for the air experience; he came from a humble family without much resources. He applied to the army for training. The family approached me to assist. I tried. The youngster was rebuffed. Thus, he could not be a pilot or acquire the licence.

The army could (should)

have co-opted him when he applied to bring ethnic diversity to the armed forces.

Unlike its predecessor, this Government has pursued ethnic diversity in all of its undertakings. Minister Juan Edghill stated that we (Government and private sector) must encourage and support young people to go after and achieve their dreams. Azam Ally pursued his ambition and was very fortunate to have family resources and support to realise his aviation dream, having come from a family of pilots. Others lack similar support and encouragement, and need public support and resources. Government must step in to fill the void.

The army should open training to non-cadet youngsters of all ethnicities to pursue aviation training – especially those who lack financial resources as that East Coast youngster who wanted so badly to become a pilot to grow the aviation industry in Guyana. He has since settled for lesser achievement, where family’s finances can reach.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

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Foundation

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

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fox that had been caught in a trap, succeeded at last, after much painful tugging, in getting away. But he had to leave his beautiful bushy tail behind him.

For a long time he kept away from the other foxes, for he knew well enough that they would all make fun of him and crack jokes and laugh behind his back. But it was hard for him to live alone, and at last he thought of a plan that would perhaps help him out of his trouble.

He called a meeting of all the foxes, saying that he had something of great importance to tell the tribe.

When they were all gathered together, the Fox Without a Tail got up and made a long speech about those foxes who had come to harm because of their tails.

This one had been caught by hounds when his tail had become entangled in the hedge. That one had not been able to run fast enough because of the weight of his brush. Besides, it was well known, he said, that men hunt foxes simply for their tails, which they cut off as prizes of the hunt. With such proof of the danger and uselessness of having a tail, said Master Fox, he would advise every fox to cut it off, if he valued life and safety.

When he had finished talking, an old fox arose, and said, smiling: “Master Fox, kindly turn around for a moment, and you shall have your answer.”

When the poor Fox Without a Tail turned around, there arose such a storm of jeers and hooting, that he saw how useless it was to try any longer to persuade the foxes to part with their tails.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger rejects Dec 15 presidential meeting to discuss framework for engagement

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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ormer President David Granger has rejected an invitation from his successor, President Irfaan Ali, to attend a meeting scheduled for December 15, 2020, that is aimed at bringing together all former Guyanese Presidents to discuss ways in which they can work together to develop the country.

This was indicated in a statement issued by the People’s National Congress Reform – the largest party in the APNU/AFC coalition and of which Granger is the leader. While the former President acknowledged the invitation from Minister of Governance, Gail Teixeira, to attend a “working lunch” on Tuesday at State House, he is asking that the engagement be deferred.

It was noted that there is not enough explanation as to the purpose of the meeting nor an agenda for review before the engagement.

“There was no indication of the preparation that would be needed, the relevance of the engagement to Government policies and the outcome that would be expected from deliberations,” the missive detailed.

When he first announced the meeting last week, President Ali had stated that it would serve as an opportunity for the former Guyanese leaders to share ideas and work towards Guyana’s development.

“It will be an open-floor meeting, where we’ll bring together all the former Presidents. I think that it’s an opportunity for us to continue to share ideas, generate ideas; for us to talk about how we see Guyana’s development, different perspectives and then to work out a model and a framework on how we engage in the future and how we will have continuous contributions,” the Head of State had explained.

According to the statement on Friday, however, Granger said it would be a huge public disappointment for the proposed high-level meeting to take place without addressing pressing public issues such as the high death rates from

Former President David Granger

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Former President Donald Ramotar

Former President Samuel Hinds

the COVID-19 pandemic and other governance issues, which he said can have consequences for Guyana’s short-, medium- and longterm national development. “[Granger] felt that it would be a blunder to ignore the legitimate concerns of a significant section of the population and the aspirations of the majority of our people, especially those enduring the privations of the pandemic. He recommended, therefore, that the meeting intended to be held on Tuesday 15th December 2020 be deferred until these important issues could be satisfactorily settled,” the missive outlined.

Only Thursday, President Ali told reporters that he is hopeful for a fruitful meeting next week and

the presence of all former Presidents.

“I’m very confident that it will be a fruitful engagement and that all of Guyana will see all the former Presidents acting responsibly and be a part of that [meeting],” the President posited at an event at the European Union (EU) residence.

The current four former Guyanese Presidents are Samuel Hinds, who briefly served as President in 1997; Bharrat Jagdeo, who served as Head of State from 1999 to 2011 and is currently a Vice President in the Ali Administration; Donald Ramotar, who served as President from 2011 to 2015, and David Granger, who served from 2015 to 2020.

Already, former

Presidents Ramotar and Hinds have confirmed to this publication that they will be attending the meeting.

Former President Jagdeo is also likely to attend.

Earlier this week, PNC’s General Secretary, Amna Ally, had snubbed the invitation extended by President Ali after she was previously contacted by this publication for a comment on the initiative.

Ally had poured cold water on the President’s invite and reiterated her party’s non-recognition of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

Nevertheless, the Head of State on Thursday reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to inclusivity but posited that “If we are to grow as a people, this has to

be a two-way street.”

President Ali assumed office as Guyana’s 9th Executive President in August following five months of electoral and political deadlock following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The former David Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration had refused to concede defeat at the March 2 polls and demit office. In fact, even after a National Recount confirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic electoral victory, the coalition continued with its delay tactics by moving to the courts.

It took mounting international and local pressure for the new Government to be finally sworn into office on August 2, 2020.

Father of 7 chopped to death by alleged “junkie” ing home, the suspect and he also had a scuffle on the road. It was at that time, the suspect dealt Christopher several blows about his body.

“He was beating away on him last night, and some tried to stop him [the suspect], they even pushed him in the trench and then he left. This morning apparently, the guy came back thinking that it was unfinished business and he finished him off,” the grieving brother stated.

Pastor Findlay posited that he is unaware of what might have caused the argument between his brother and the suspect. He explained that while death is inevitable, no one should

An investigator in the now dead man’s yard after the murder

A

50-year-old man of Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Friday hacked to death by an alleged “junkie”, who has since been taken into Police custody.

The dead man has been identified as Christopher Findlay also known as “Andy”, a mason of Lot 25 Agriculture Road, Triumph, ECD. At the scene, the now dead man’s brother, Pastor Patrick Findlay, told Guyana Times that he received a telephone call at

about 12:00h on Friday notifying him that his brother was being beaten at his home.

“I went into the house thinking it was just a beatup, or it was just a scuffle, but when I got into the room, I realised that he was not breathing and I ran out of the room and I started shouting that this guy is dead,” he said.

Shortly after the man was found, Pastor Findlay said he summoned the police, who arrived almost immediately.

This publication understands that the dead man was found with two deep wounds to his head and several chops about his body.

“I’m told that there was a scuffle this morning [Friday] with the suspect. They were here and they had a scuffle, and the person left and they stayed back, but nobody thought it was that serious until maybe an hour later, when they went in and they realised that he was dead.”

The dead man’s brother added that on Monday night while his brother was driv-

Christopher Findlay

meet their demise in such a gruesome manner.

“It is rough and I know that everybody has to die,

but to die like that, there is no consolation… my mother was murdered in Suriname 35 years ago so this is crazy,” he said.

Meanwhile, neighbours told Guyana Times that prior to the man being found, they heard a loud argument emanating from the building which was subsequently followed by loud screams.

The dead man’s family said they are confident that the police will carry out a thorough investigation into the murder, and is hoping that justice will be served.

Following the incident, the suspect was arrested by cops and is currently in custody assisting with investigations.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Garnett Street fatal shooting

Police to charge 28-Y-O for murder

Murdered: Peter Gonsalves

T

he Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Friday instructed the police to charge 28-year-

old Kacey Heyliger of Shell Road Kitty, Georgetown, for the murder of 60-year-old Peter Gonsalves, who was gunned down on Garnett Street on Sunday evening last.

The suspect was positively identified during an identification parade for the murder of the contractor. Nevertheless, Heyliger will be arraigned for the capital offence when he appears at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was reported that Gonsalves, a father of three of Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was shot and killed on Sunday evening in front of Red Bar, Garnett Street, during a confronta-

Murder suspect: Kacey Heyliger

tion with two armed men who later escaped with the now dead man’s XR motor-

cycle, CJ 600.

Gonsalves was shot at least three times about his body by the two men - one of whom was armed with a handgun. They reportedly trailed him to the drinking bar. After receiving the injuries, Gonsalves collapsed and died almost immediately.

At the time of the shooting, Gonsalves and one of his colleagues, Ravindra, had just arrived at the bar. The man’s co-worker escaped unhurt. However, after reviewing the CCTV footage collected from the bar, several persons were arrested, including Heyliger.

He was subsequently identified as the shooter.

Vendor remanded for La Grange armed robbery

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teffon Williams, 23, a vendor of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, was on Thursday arraigned for an armed robbery committed on Narendra Persaud, a labourer, which occurred on December 4,

2020, at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Williams appeared before Magistrate Mc Gusty at the Wales Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the indictment when it was read to him. He

was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on December 30, 2020.

Williams was also implicated in a robbery committed on a schoolchild on December 8, 2020. It was

Armed robbery suspect: Steffon Williams

reported that on the day in question, Williams along with three others attacked a 14-year-old schoolboy and relieved him of a mobile phone.

Both robberies took place along Independence Street, La Grange, WBD. However, after committing the robbery on Persaud, Williams was cornered and handed over to the police but not before he received a sound trashing.

He was subsequently charged by the police.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Stuck in a time warp…

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…on “power sharing” here are all sorts of initiatives being floated to “fix” our longsuffering country. There’s a “new Civil Society” group formed to “foster discussions on constitutional reform”; trouble is, it’s comprised of the same recycled faces that pop up year after year to be funded by some external entity to push the latest solution de jour of their donors. How many groups haven’t we seen pop up like Jumbie Umbrellas over the years? GUARD? Social Partners? Red Caps? Blue Caps? RISE? Then there’s a “National Conversation” over Zoom scheduled for next week; it is sponsored by the ERC and UG, and is funded by the UN. Your Eyewitness will bet dollars to donuts that most of the speakers will be the same whiners who seem to have nothing else to do than scribble off missives to the dailies on every topic under the sun and sundry other celestial bodies! They’ll be joined by the abovementioned self-appointed oracles just to ensure they keep up their profiles in order to keep their foreign funding flowing.

Now, the problem your Eyewitness has with these “problem pimps” is they keep on recycling the same old proposals, with only the presenters changing from one generation to the next. But they just don’t introspect why they haven’t gotten any success over the last fifty years.

THEIR problem is they’re oblivious to the fact that all they can do is make PROPOSALS, and it’s the two political behemoths to decide whether they’ll implement them.

Take the panacea in the area of “constitutional reform” that’s been floated ever since Burnham departed Castellani House for Seven Ponds. The “Power Sharing” spiel has also been a constant suggestion as the silver bullet to our troubles, but its pushers studiously ignore that the idea has never worked unless there’s some power - external or internal - to force the parties to sign up; and when that power is removed, POP goes the weasel! Just check N. Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement right now in the wake of England’s Brexit, or Bosnia and all the detritus from the former Yugoslavia. Even if power sharing were needed, who’s gonna force the parties to go along?

But, as your Eyewitness has been insisting ever since he came on the scene, why fix something if it ain’t broken?? Power sharing rejects the norm of majoritarian politics because it claims that there can be a “tyranny of the majority” over minorities. But what if the country’s A NATION OF MINORITIES - as the Guyanese census has shown we are?

Doesn’t every minority get an equal crack at forming the government by attracting others?

But this will never be accepted by the chatterati, ‘cause, as “problem pimps”, they wouldn’t get to shake the foreign money tree! …on PNC recalcitrance There’s a pithy Yankee saying, used when folks have to make decisions faced with options, as between the Devil and the deep blue sea: “You can’t get there from here”.

This, unfortunately, is the situation in which the followers of the PNC find themselves. They know they’re in deep doo-doo politically; they know they want to get out of it, cause it’s almost up to their noses; but how do they “get there from here”, when their leadership choice boils down to Granger and his mentee Harmon?

Well, some might say there’s Volda Lawrence with her titles - Chairman of the PNC, head of the most powerful branch of the party in Georgetown, and so on. The problem, however, is because of the nature of PNC leadership, as constructed and bequeathed by Fat Boy Forbes, all those titles aren’t worth a bucket of warm spit (as Burnham’s old riding partner Lyndon Johnson would say)!

And imagine Granger was rigged into that position by Volda and company.

Poetic justice! …on Venezuelan bellicosity Since 1962, when Venezuela suddenly raised their controversy over our borders - settled since 1899 - it’s been their Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads.

That’ll soon be over On Dec 18, the World Court will assume jurisdiction and then affirm the old Arbitral Award!

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

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

ICJ to deliver ruling on jurisdiction to hear case next Friday

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he International Court of Justice (ICJ) has set December 18, 2020, to deliver a ruling on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case filed by Guyana, asking for a final pronouncement on the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 as it relates to the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

This was indicated in a press statement from the ICJ. It was noted that the decision will be handed down by ICJ President, Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf during a public sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague next Friday at 15:00h.

The hearing will be livestreamed on the court’s website and the UN Web TV as only limited persons will be allowed in court due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 30, 2020, the ICJ, which has its headquarters in the Netherlands, heard oral arguments via video conference from Guyana’s legal team headed by Sir Shridath Ramphal on the question of its jurisdiction to adjudicate in the matter.

The case is premised on a border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela in which the Spanish-speaking country has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than eight billion barrels of

oil have been discovered.

After a failed good offices process between the two neighbouring countries, Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in 2018, had referred the border controversy matter to be resolved by the World Court.

Shortly after, Guyana filed a case seeking a final and binding judgment to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

On June 30, 2020, the ICJ held its first public hearing of the border controversy case via video conference on whether it has jurisdiction to adjudicate the case on the long-standing border controversy between the neighbouring states.

However, Venezuela has since indicated that it does not accept the jurisdiction of the court.

In fact, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had written the World Court and at the hearing, the correspondence was read out.

Maduro contended in the letter that the UN Secretary General exceeded his authority under the Geneva Agreement, and therefore, the court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate the lawsuit filed by Guyana. As such, he noted that they will not be

participating in the proceedings.

Nevertheless, during the hearing, Guyana’s legal team argued before the ICJ’s 15-Judge panel that Venezuela has contended since 1962 that the 1899 Arbitral Award confirming Essequibo as part of Guyana was null and void but in the 58 years since, it has failed to provide a shred of evidence to show why the arbitral award should be vacated.

In fact, international lawyer and author, Professor Payam Akhavan – one of the lawyers on Guyana’s legal team – had noted that the treaty that led to the Arbitral Award of 1899 was clear in that it was a binding agreement.

“In 1895, under threat of war with the United States, Britain agreed to arbitration to resolve the boundary.

The Washington treaty between the Great Britain and Venezuela was concluded on February 2, 1897. The pre-

ICJ President Justice Abdulqawi Yusuf will deliver the ruling on the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case next Friday

amble set out its purpose, as an amicable settlement,” he told the court.

Akhavan had pointed to Article 1 of the treaty, which provided for the creation of an arbitral tribunal. Article 3, meanwhile, set out its jurisdiction to de-

cide the boundary line between British Guiana and Venezuela. Article 8 of the Washington treaty also described the Tribunal of Arbitration “as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the arbitrators.”

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC illegally-appointed Ministers did not repay State salaries collected …but now coalition wants Tourism Minister to repay

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he parliamentary Opposition called for Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond to replay her accumulated salary and emoluments to the State after the High Court found on Thursday that her appointment was done in breach of the Constitution.

However, former APNU/ AFC Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott and Citizenship Minister Winston Felix did not follow suit to refund such when the Court of Appeal found back in January that they illegally occupied seats in Parliament for several years.

At a press conference, former coalition Minister and AFC Executive, David Patterson defended that these monies were not repaid by his colleagues, since no action was brought to force a recoup.

“It obviously means somebody would have to bring an action on that part. I don’t think anyone brought an action on that part. That does not alleviate the fact that we are going to proceed on this particular one,” Patterson contended.

Vice Chairperson of the party, Cathy Hughes furthered, “any party who had a grievance could have brought an action.”

Last January, the bench of Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory and High Court Judge

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

Franklyn Holder unanimously ruled that Ministers Felix and Scott cannot become Technocrat Ministers under Articles 103(3) and 105 of the Constitution and as such, are not allowed to vote since they were not elected by the people.

They agreed with the argument put forward by then former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall that the Ministers were elected as members of the National Assembly pursuant to paragraph Two of Article 60 or Article 160 (2) of the Constitution, as defined by Article 232 of the Constitution.

Once elected by the people, the Constitution does not permit such a person to sit in the National Assembly without being able to vote; it is only those persons who

are not on a list, and, therefore, did not face the electorate, who can sit in the National Assembly without the right to vote.

This judgement was delivered five years after the coalition was sworn into office, meaning that a significant sum should have been repaid by the Ministers, who illegally occupied a Parliamentary seat while collecting a salary for that respective position.

On Thursday, underlining the PPP’s Government’s commitment to respecting the rule of law and upholding the Constitution of Guyana, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall conceded that the initial appointments of Oneidge Walrond as Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister and as Member of Parliament (MP) were done in breach of the Constitution.

The Attorney General made this admission before Chief Justice Roxane George during the hearing of an application filed

by Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, who had asked the court to declare the appointment unlawful as it breached Articles 103 (3), 105, and 155 (1) of the Constitution.

Article 155 (1) prevents dual citizens from sitting in the National Assembly.

It states: “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who (a) is by virtue of his or own act, un-

Former Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

der acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or allegiance to a foreign power or state.”

Nandlall, who appeared on behalf of Minster Walrond, admitted that her appointments “may have collided with the

Constitution.”

“There was a recognition that the appointment was not done in accordance with the Constitution,” the Attorney General said.

According to him, the Government has since taken steps to rectify this constitutional violation by having Walrond re-sworn in as Minister on December 1, 2020, before President Irfaan Ali. He added that Minister Walrond will be taking a new oath as an unelected Member of Parliament at the next sitting of the National Assembly. For his part, Jones’s lawyer, Roysdale Forde, an Opposition MP, asked the Chief Justice to award costs against Minister Walrond as their arguments had been dismissed by the Minister’s lawyers.

Nandlall maintained that the legality of all actions and or decisions of

Former Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott

Minister Waldron before December 1, 2020, would be saved and cured by the De Facto Doctrine and the Doctrine of Necessity – a proposition with which he said the Chief Justice has concurred with.

Woman dead, 2 others injured after minibus slams into fence

CJIA to get US$20M...

FROM PAGE 3

The project is fully supported by the Government and GO-invest. In fact, CEO Ramsaroop has illustrated his eagerness to work with investors towards the continued growth and transformation of the Guyanese economy.

According to the company, at this crucial stage of the country’s development, the Guyana Government has laid the foundation for the rapid growth of the tourism industry and more specifically the development of luxury hotel brands.

Meanwhile, CEO of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, who was also present at the MoU signing, pointed out that the hotel will not only benefit the airport and its stakeholders but create employment opportunities for over 300 persons living along the upper East Bank-Timehri area.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-2021 and will be led by Bassoo Building and Civil Engineering Contractors with support from qualified sub-contractors with technical experience in hotel construction.

The company has been a major player in Guyana’s commercial, educational, and healthcare sector development for over 20 years

through the construction of bridges, hospitals, secondary and primary schools, university facilities, gas stations and warehouses.

R Bassoo & Sons Ltd has maintained a presence at the CJIA with The Lotus Restaurant, which it has operated for more than 20 years. The Lotus Restaurant has provided excellent food and catering services for airline passengers, crews, and airport staff.

Roy Bassoo, the founder, believes that recent discoveries in Guyana of significant offshore oil and gas reserves spearheaded

by United States oil giant, Exxon Mobil, have renewed interest in local investment opportunities.

He predicted that the anticipated economic growth following petroleum exploration and mining, and Government-led initiatives in housing and agriculture will likely increase the number of travellers to and from Guyana. As such, this partnership with Marriott to build a hotel will therefore successfully expand the company’s portfolio into the hospitality sector.

Back in September, President Dr Irfaan Ali had disclosed plans to have four

new internationally branded hotels constructed in Guyana.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce had subsequently invited submissions of Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the establishment of world-class hotels here. Interested parties were told that from the proposals received, Government will rank and select candidates, who would then be invited to negotiate an MoU including land terms such as zoning, development conditions, and other incentives that will be provided.

“The GoG is prepared to offer generous incentives for the development of the hotel and hospitality sector including fiscal incentives,” the RFP advisory had detailed.

While it was reported that over 30 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) were received in response to the RFP, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had revealed last month that at least two of the proposals were for the construction of hotels at the CJIA. The Minister had said Government is looking to have at least 2000 first-class rooms so that the country can become a convention destination.

The mangled minibus after the accident

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ne woman is now dead while another is in a serious condition after the minibus in which they were travelling slammed into a fence at Brittania, West Coast Berbice (WCB), on Friday.

The dead woman has been identified as 42-yearold Deoranie Sukhram of Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The injured persons are 38-year-old Neola Barwell of El Dorado village, WCB, and the driver of the minibus, Ukhram Tillack of No 7 Village, WCB. Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 06:20h and involved a minibus bearing registration number BPP 7638 which was driven by a 40-year-old resident of No 7 Village, WCB. Police stated that the vehicle was reportedly speeding along the wet road at Brittania Public Road and

while approaching a right bend, the driver lost control of the minibus and slammed into a fence.

As a result of the impact, the driver along with Sukhram and Barwell received injuries about their bodies. They were pulled from the wreckage and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where Sukhram was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver and Barnwell were reportedly transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where they remain in a serious condition.

Two days ago, Maxwell Mona, 55, the pedestrian who was struck down by a minibus along the Chester Public Road, WCB, succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the labourer of Chester village died at around 05:55h on Thursday but the accident

took place on Monday.

It was reported that the minibus was proceeding along the roadway when it was alleged by the driver that the pedestrian suddenly ran into his path.

The driver reportedly told Police that he applied brakes to avoid a collision but despite the effort, the left-side front portion of the vehicle hit the pedestrian.

As a result, the pedestrian fell onto the roadway, where he received injuries about his body.

The injured pedestrian was picked up in an unconscious state by the driver and taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor who treated and transferred him to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he remained until his demise.

The driver is yet to be charged for causing death by dangerous driving.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Growth in the Americas working group CDB approves funding for Linden-Mabura road project US, Guyana Govts discuss

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he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding for the road project spanning 121 kilometres from Linden to Mabura Hill – the first phase of the much-anticipated construction of a Linden-Lethem road connectivity.

The US$190 million project is being funded by a US$112 million loan from CDB, a grant of £50 million from the United Kingdom Government through the CDB-administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund; and a contribution of US$12 million from the Government of Guyana. It represents the largest project that the CDB has financed in its 50 years of existence.

The project is the first phase of a wider plan to develop a transportation corridor from Georgetown to Lethem on the southwest border; connecting the port in Georgetown with northern Brazil. It will include the construction of a crossing at

Kurupaukari to replace the current ferry, which has limited capacity and does not operate on a 24-hour basis.

Acting Vice President of Operations at the CDB, Diana Wilson Patrick stated, “The upgrading of this portion of the largely unpaved road from Linden to Mabura Hill is more than an infrastructure project. It will include social safeguards that will ensure residents benefit from the road development, and environmental protections to preserve the ecosystem. The project will also include activities to mitigate risks associated with increased development, which will build social resilience in the communities along the corridor and preserve the rights of vulnerable groups.”

The unpaved 450-kilometre road from Linden to Lethem has been at the centre of many woes, due to its impassable state in the rainy season, and moreover, flooding along low-lying sections of the road. The upgraded road corridor will provide

year-round connectivity between Linden and Mabura Hill, improving conditions for local and long-haul transport which can increase trade between Guyana and Brazil.

According to Acting British High Commissioner, Ray Davidson, this is testimony to the UK’s commitment to supporting Guyana in critical infrastructural development.

“The UK’s support to the Linden to Mabura Hill Road Project demonstrates our strong commitment to Guyana – a key partner for the UK. This transformative project will be critical for the development of Guyana’s north-south connection. It will contribute significantly to economic development and social inclusion while being climate-resilient,” Davidson shared.

Along with the improved road network, residents in the remote communities along the Linden to Mabura Hill corridor will see immediate benefits from improved access to basic essential ser-

vices and an expansion in economic activity. The project is also expected to bolster eco-tourism along the corridor by improving access to several nature reserves, such as the Iwokrama Rain Forest.

Funding for the LindenLethem road project was put on pause by the British Government, owing to the recently-concluded political upheaval in Guyana.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill said that they were in talks with the UK counterparts, and the possibility was open to commence works in 2021.

If construction starts on the Linden to Lethem road next year, it will join a number of other projects that the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) plans to begin work on in 2021 in what President Dr Irfaan Ali has described as a flurry of development. One such project is the Ogle-Diamond bypass road. The upcoming construction of the bypass road, which will see 26 kilometres of road constructed to link two of the country’s main thoroughfares, has progressed to the point where the project is likely to be awarded by this year-end.

This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown. These connections will prove crucial in diverting traffic.

housing, power generation

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he US-Guyana Growth in the Americas Working Group held its first meeting virtually on December 11, 2020.

The meeting is a product of the Growth in the Americas Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed

by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd on September 18, 2020, in Georgetown.

The MoU aims to facilitate bilateral collaboration in the areas of finance, energy and infrastructure, and identify ways to catalyse private capital for programmatic and project-specific investment opportunities. It further seeks to address technical, regulatory, structural, systemic, economic, and financial obstacles, and propose solutions intended to attract the investment necessary to advance Guyana’s prosperity.

According to a statement from the US Embassy, at the inaugural Working Group Meeting, Guyanese Government representatives discussed key needs in finance and procurement, energy and power generation, physical infrastructure, information technology and housing.

US representatives described the technical assis-

tance the US Government was able to provide in these areas as well as Sovereign Wealth and Public Finance Management as aiming to ensure that Guyana’s regulations and business climate stimulate domestic and foreign investment.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo led the Guyanese delegation, and the United States delegation was headed by NSC Senior Director Josh Hodges and Treasury Assistant Secretary for International Markets Mitchell Silk.

The US delegation included representatives from the Departments of State, Energy, Commerce, Transportation, the US Trade and Development Agency, USAID, the Development Finance Corporation, the National Security Council and the US Embassy in Guyana.

The Guyanese delegation included representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Public Works; Natural Resources; Housing and Water; and Tourism, Industry and Commerce, as well as representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Power and Light, and the Telecommunications Agency in the Office of the Prime Minister.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s active COVID-19 cases now at 741

…as more recoveries recorded

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he Health Ministry is witnessing a positive trend in its efforts to curb COVID-19, after only 28 cases were detected on Friday along with 19 recoveries. This took the total confirmed cases up to 5839 – 3015 of which are males and 2824 females. Of this amount, the country has recorded 4944 recoveries.

The latest statistics show deaths remaining at 154 while six persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There are 43 persons in institutional isolation, 692 in home isolation and 26 patients in institutional quarantine. The total active cases is 741.

Of the 4944 recoveries, 19 were recorded on Friday. Meanwhile, Guyana has so far tested 33,020 persons.

A breakdown showed that four new cases were detected in Region One (BarimaWaini), one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 14 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), one in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and five in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There are still 172 case Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 182 in Region

is another area that we need to look at because our consumption pattern in PPEs have gone up tremendously.

A couple of months ago, people were complaining that they weren’t getting it. Now it seems like when they get it, they’re wasting it,” the Minister insisted.

He added, “That is something we need to look at very carefully because these things are very expensive.

They cost a lot of money and of course, there’s always challenges in procuring it from the global supply chain. So, we need people to take responsibility and not just use these things

and throw them away very quickly.”

Going forward, the Ministry will be launching new clinical training in the area of COVID-19 in 2021.

“We anticipate that we will be doing some additional training for our laboratory staff. We’ll do some more in terms of vaccines because as more information becomes available and we become clearer on which vaccine is coming to Guyana, then we will run specific training dealing with vaccines,” he shared.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or

need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

Information from the World Health Organisation stated that most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

Cops escape unhurt after arson attempt on Arakaka Police Outpost

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 389 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Properly managing resources

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has zeroed in on the heavy costs that are attached to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs), noting that the consumption rate has increased significantly.

During the COVID-19

update, he shared that now that there are enough supplies, there is an indication of wastage. In light of this, he said responsibility should be taken to ensure that these resources are managed properly.

“We have been constantly consuming PPEs and therefore, we are in constant need of PPEs. Sometimes I think our health workers are using it in excess. That

A section of the damaged Police outpost

A

n investigation is underway following an attempt to torch the Arakaka Police Outpost, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), in the wee hours of Friday.

Based on reports received at about 02:30h on the day in question, the subordinate officer and other ranks

The burnt five-gallon bottle at the scene

were performing duties in the enquiries office when they heard a loud explosion and saw a huge flame at the front door of the building.

Without hesitation, they reportedly extinguished the blaze using water. However, upon inspection, the front door of the building was scorched and a partially

burnt five-gallon bottle was found at the doorway.

After realising that someone attempted to burn the building, the team of police ranks combed the area but there were no signs of anyone in the area. The officials of the Guyana Fire Service were called in to assist in the investigations.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sexual Offences Courts yielding speedier trials, prosecutors more attuned – Judges

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igh Court Judges who have presided in the Sexual Offences Courts across the three counties have said that the specialised courtrooms are yielding speedier trials. The Judges also shared that the prosecutors appear more attuned than in any other criminal court settings.

These sentiments were expressed by two of the six Judges who have presided over the courts, the first of which was established at the High Court in Georgetown in November 2017.

In remarks to commemorate the third anniversary of the court, Justice Brassington Reynolds and Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall shared their experience in presiding in the Sexual Offences Court as opposed to the other criminal courts.

Justice Reynolds highlighted that the discernibly enhanced efficiencies are af-

forded to court users through upgraded equipment with the capacity to blend platforms so that survivors and witnesses can enjoy an improved sense of safety, The Judge said that the Sexual Offences Courts’ productivity was enhanced by the proficiencies garnered from being better able to marshal its resources in the specialised environment.

“On average, I was able to complete a new matter every five working days thereabout, doubling my production rate for regular criminal trials. The clearest challenge [is the] case flow, the ability of the transcriptionists to keep apace with the increased demands for records.”

According to Justice Reynolds, the prosecutors appear more attuned and focused on the issues than in other criminal court settings.

He described this as “a phenomenon I could only at-

tribute to them being relieved, [and being] assisted with a lot of the administrative, coordinating responsibilities delegated to, handled by support staff and collaborating agencies.”

The Judge said, too, that the victim impact statement appears to be fairly formulaic in many instances and not nearly as alive as they could be.

Meanwhile, Justice Morris-Ramlall shared similar sentiments about the environment of the court. She said, “The setting and protocols facilitate [the] delivery of testimony in an environment that maintains the dignity and privacy of the complainant with safeguards to guarantee the accused a fair trial…”

The other Judges who have presided over the Sexual Offences Courts include Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, Justice Priya Sewnarine-

4 resorts get approval to reopen

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he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that four additional tourism businesses have been inspected and granted their conditional approval, which is tied to the National COVID-19 measures and GTA’s recommended hygiene and sanitation protocols.

Atta Rainforest Lodge, Iwokrama River Lodge, Sloth Island Nature Resort and Arrowpoint Nature Resort can now commence welcoming travellers to their properties.

This brings the total to nine tourism businesses that have received conditional approval to reopen and are marked as “Safe for Travel”.

Businesses that receive conditional approval are reminded to maintain the protocols as outlined by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the National Gazetted safety measures.

Failure to adhere to these measures, the GTA said on Friday, will result in the revocation of the conditional approval tied to the COVID-19 measures.

Domestic and international travellers are recommended to use only GTA approved tourism businesses to book and plan their tour activities.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond said that she is exceptional-

ly pleased by the recent steps that the tourism sector has been taking to ensure its safe reopening.

“I am very encouraged by this development. I have spoken with several stakeholders, and I fully understand the devastating effects of this pandemic on the sector. While the threat of COVID-19 remains present, we are confident that with adherence to the health and sanitisation protocols established by the GTA, and with strict compliance to the national health guidelines, the tourism sector can reopen safety,” she said.

“This is also excellent news for the thousands of employees who depend on the tourism sector for an income and the tourism business owners who remained resolute during this trying period. I commend the GTA for their proactive approach in guiding this process.

The Government will continue to provide all the support possible to the tourism sector to inspire confidence and growth,” the Minister added.

Over the past three weeks, the GTA has increased the number of inspections and training to support tourism businesses with their preparations for safe reopening through the 2-step process which entails: submission of the business’s

written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the GTA for a desk review; on-site inspection of businesses to verify the implementation of the SOPs and approval by the GTA. Additionally, GTA Director, Carla James stated: “The level of effort being put in by all tourism businesses, interior lodges and resorts, hotels, guesthouses, inns and tour operators to prepare for reopening is commendable.”

She reiterated that “the GTA team is very hands-on and is committed to providing technical support to all businesses. Helping businesses reopen as quickly as possible in a safe way is our top priority at this time.”

She also stated that “training is essential to a safe reopening and the GTA continues to provide theoretical and practical knowledge to managers and staff so that they are prepared to deliver safe service when interacting with guests, support needed for businesses to draft their SOPs, and make recommendations for on-site signage and other adjustments for a safe reopening. COVID-19 is not going away anytime soon so businesses must adjust their safety protocols to get back into operation.”

From top left: Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Justice Gino Persaud, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and Justice Navindra Singh

Beharry, Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Gino Persaud.

The Judiciary has recognised that data collection is key to the enhanced performance of the courts. As such, data is collected, capturing relevant details of each case such as the gender and age of victims, gender of the accused, place of the alleged offence, whether the accused has a lawyer, and the length of time each trial takes.

This information has helped the Judiciary to be more responsive to the needs of victims and accused, thereby ensuring improved access to justice and fair trials.

The Judiciary’s Communication and Protocol Department has revealed

that from 2017 to present, 131 sexual offences cases have been tried in all three counties.

Convictions totalled 61 with 47 guilty verdicts and 12 guilty pleas. There were 40 not guilty verdicts, 18 hung juries, 18 acquittals and four aborted cases.

In some cases, the accused who appeared before the court was indicted for more than one count of the offence, thus having a conviction for a count or counts and/or an acquittal or acquittals for the other.

Sentences for such convictions ranged from the minimum of four years’ imprisonment to the maximum of a life sentence. The offences for which trials were conducted

included rape, rape of a child under 16, sexual activity with a child family member and carnal knowledge.

The total number of cases for each offence is as follows: rape 34; rape of a child under 16, 56; sexual activity with a child family member 35; and carnal knowledge, four.

From 2017-2020, the victims in the above categories were predominantly females, accounting for 122 and the remaining nine were males.

The ages of the victims ranged from one-year-old being the youngest to 77 years old being the oldest. The Sexual Offences Court in Georgetown has seen the bulk of these cases, followed by Berbice and then Essequibo.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US Ambassador, Finance Minister discuss strengthening cooperation in key areas

A

s Guyana continues to foster deeper cooperation ties with the United States of America in key development areas, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on Friday met with US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest that would be strengthened through bilateral and multilateral channels, trade and financial measures.

With Guyana now being an oil producer and export-

er, the country has seen significant interest by international investors in oil and gas as well as in other productive sectors. This is pivotal to Government’s efforts in reinvigorating the non-oil economy. Moves have been made recently and continue to be made to foster investment in Guyana’s rich agricultural and tourism sectors.

Dr Singh thanked Ambassador Lynch for her country’s unwavering support of democracy and the rule of law in Guyana. This assisted in paving the way

US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch

for the strengthening of ties and continued successful bilateral relations.

The two officials discussed how US support can help strengthen institutional capacity and the business environment against the background of heightened investor interest in Guyana.

These discussions took place against the backdrop of the Framework Agreement signed between the two countries to strengthen energy and infrastructure finance and market building cooperation, security among other key areas.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

The Agreement was signed in September 2020 between His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo when the latter and his team visited Guyana.

Notably, the majority of overseas-based Guyanese reside in the United States of America, forming the largest bloc of its diaspora.

As such, Government has also vowed to leverage the skills and investment potential of this bloc as it continues on its development path to prosperity.

IDPADA-G’s Facebook page and ZOOM from 17:00h.

Thus far, 25 businesses have confirmed their participation and are ready to showcase their products and services including locally made, hand-crafted jewellery, skincare products, seasonings, cultural clothing, tutoring services among others.

The group believes that

the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to change the way business is done and as such, came up with this ingenious way of promoting businesses with the guidelines in mind.

The public is welcomed to participate in the event and have their products and services showcased to the world.

Apart from the exhibition, there will be exciting

entertainment throughout the expo, highlighting talented local artistes.

The aim of the expo is to support small businesses by promoting their brands and products and is being hosted by IDPADA-G in keeping with the goal of the UN Decade for People of African Descent to achieve Recognition, Justice and Development.

IDPADA-G’s Business Expo all set for December 13

“Saga” murder PI adjourned to next month

T

Some of the products which will be on display at the expo

he Youth Committee of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly

– Guyana (IDPADA-G) will host a virtual business exposition on Sunday, December 13, 2020.

The event will feature a wide range of new and upcoming enterprises and will be streamed live on

From left: Murder accused: Former Best Cop Derwin Eastman, Aubrey Bobb, and Jamison Williams

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he Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of businessman Godfrey “Saga” Scipio was adjourned on Friday until January 8, 2021, when murder accused former police officers Derwin Eastman and Jamison Williams will lead their defence.

The two men were jointly charged for the murder of Scipio, which took place on October 12, 2017, in Kitty, Georgetown.

In November, Magistrate Fabayo Azore had ruled that a prima facie case was made out against the duo at the close of the prosecution’s case.

In response, Eastman and Williams elected to lead a defence where it is expected that they will call witnesses to testify on their behalf.

Also charged with the murder is Aubrey Bobb, a 26-year-old ex-convict of Kitty, Georgetown. Bobb was the first to be charged and later would have implicated the two former police-

Godfrey “Saga” Scipio

men in a caution statement he gave to the police.

In February 2019, Bobb was committed to stand trial at the High Court for the businessman’s murder following the conclusion of a separate PI. It was reported that 64-year-old Scipio was gunned down just as he exited a popular Kitty hotel with a female companion during the furtherance of a robbery. He later suc-

cumbed at the Woodlands Hospital.

In his statement to the police, Bobb purported Eastman to be the mastermind behind the brazen daylight killing. He accused the former Best Cop of hiring him as the hitman and even providing weapons to facilitate the smooth execution of the plan.

Eastman reportedly had everything planned out, even assuring the hitman that a lady would deliver the target to the spot while directing the killing to be executed in such a way as to appear like a robbery.

Notwithstanding the assurance of protection given by Eastman, reality struck when Bobb returned home the next day to find Eastman, in the company of other police ranks, ready to arrest him.

He had claimed that he was forced to make a false confession as he was intimidated by Eastman’s presence at every step of the interrogation process.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UG embarks on year-long awareness campaign against gender-based violence

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n its efforts to combat instances of gender-based violence, the University of Guyana on Thursday launched its year-long campaign with a candlelight vigil. The virtual event which culminated the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, remembered those who lost their lives due to domestic violence.

It also was held in honour of those who live with trauma and injuries associated with this social scourge.

Throughout the year, the anti-violence campaign will be held under differing sub-themes such as: “Survivors Never Forget”; “Domestic Violence – More Than a Fist”; “Covering up and Wearing Make-up”, and “Creating Peace and Security in Our Homes and Communities.”

This month’s team is: “UG Cares: Say No to GenderBased Violence.”

During the virtual event, UG students detailed the gruesome circumstances under which many women lost their lives at the hands of their intimate partners over the years. Some of the women were stabbed and beaten to death by their partners, while others were strangled.

UG has already sought the assistance of its over 8000 student population to create

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud holding the torch in support of the fight against gender-based violence

themes that can be used for each month of the year. Also, there will be an online sticker campaign shared on the university’s website and other social media platforms.

The university will also be mounting rotating banners at the entrances of its Turkeyen and Berbice campuses, and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).

The banners will give pointers on how to end gender-based violence and di-

rect victims and perpetrators on how to receive assistance.

UG said that this initiative is aimed at supporting the work of agencies directly involved in supporting families and communities by creating awareness, informing and educating the public, and providing care in helping to create a violence-free society.

This project is a collaborative initiative among the Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC),

New Amsterdam Mayor and Deputy re-elected to serve another term — 9 NDCs also complete elections

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ew Amsterdam Mayor, Winifred Haywood and her Deputy, Wainwright McIntosh, were on Friday re-elected to serve another term in office following an election at the municipality.

Haywood, who was re-elected for a second time, said she will be depending on God for renewal of initiative and innovation. “So that we can work assiduously and take this town from one level to another.”

She noted that in the new week, the Council will be evaluating its work programme for 2020 and making its proposal for 2021.

However, Haywood noted that without the necessary resources, the municipality will not be able to carry out its mandate in 2021 but intends to engage stakeholders in executing some of the programmes.

Corriverton will have its elections on Monday while no date has been set for elections at Rose Hall Town.

Meanwhile, at the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) level elections were held between Wednesday and Thursday in nine of the NDCs in Region Six. Guyana Times understands that Cheemanlall Youardhan was re-elected as Chairman of the Wyburg/Caracas NDC with Gangindranuth Mahadeo

New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Haywood and her Deputy Wainwright McIntosh after re-election

elected as Vice Chairman.

At the Enfield New Doe Park NDC, Saheed Wajid Khan was re-elected Chairman as well as his Deputy, Seebaran Padaaratt, while Sheriann Beharry was re-elected as Chairperson at the Canefield Enterprise NDC with Parsuram Harinarain elected as her Deputy.

The NDC Chairwoman is urging residents to be patient, however, she pointed out that revenue collection is important to the NDC. Meanwhile, at the 51/ Good Hope NDC, Swarsatie Sharif will serve another year along with Vice Chair Nagasar Sookram.

Jubraj Matadin and Chatram Toolise were re-elected to serve at the Black Bush Polder NDC. Councillors at the troubled Port Mourant/Johns NDC re-elected Mahesh

UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin (centre) also participated in the motorcade

Kumar Doolara to serve as Chairman for another year, however, at the Bushlot/Adventure NDC, the Councillors could not decide on who they wanted to serve as Chairman.

There was a similar deadlock at the Hogstye/ Lancaster NDC where there was a tie in votes. Fresh elections are being arranged for those two NDCs. Meanwhile, at Whim/ Bloomfield, Sewdat Veerana will now serve as Chairman and Himatee Latchman was elected as Vice Chairwoman.

The Crabwood Creek NDC is yet to set a date to have its elections but of recent, there have been protest actions calling for the removal of the Chairman who has been at the helm of that NDC for more than a decade.

The deadline to have elections in Region Six will end on December 16.

Office of the Vice-Chancellor; Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE) – Office of the Vice-Chancellor; Institute of Gender Studies (IGS); The UG Library; Social Work Unit, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences; School of Behavioural Sciences, College of Medical Sciences; and Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL).

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM), a Non-

Governmental Organisation, held a motorcade as part of its 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign. The participants, who were all dressed in orange, departed the UBBM office at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, and proceeded to the university’s Turkeyen campus.

While there, the symbolic torch to support and continue the fight against gender-based violence was passed. The torch was also lit to show UG’s intention to

support awareness of gender-based violence through education and other psycho-social and socio-economic-based programmes to empower and support women, girls, men, and boys.

Once in Georgetown, the motorcade made several stops at key agencies to light the torch. These include the Human Services and Social Services Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Home Affairs Ministry. Stops were also made at the offices of local partners including the IOM, UNICEF, UNDP. The motorcade ended at the I Love Guyana site in Kingston, Georgetown, where there was the signing of a large orange bow which was symbolic of the commitment to end gender-based violence in Guyana in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The motorcade was held in collaboration with The Spotlight Initiative, IOM, and UG.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kaikan will not be left out of Guyana’s development agenda – President Ali – unveils new signboard at Kaikan Primary School

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday assured residents of the border community of Kaikan in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) that they will be included in the developmental plans for the country aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese.

The Head of State was at the time addressing scores of residents and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at a gathering in Kaikan, which borders neighbouring Venezuela.

“Today, I'm here to visit not only our soldiers, but importantly to visit this beautiful village and interact with its residents. I’m here to learn more from you about your challenges and to share with you some of our plans, geared to improving our lives and ensuring that we build a better future for all Guyanese, including you and this village,” he stated.

Among the plans the President revealed was the implementation of education programmes, ICT and technical vocational training and

not only primary and secondary education, but importantly also for those who want to pursue university education and technical education,” the Head of State noted.

President Ali informed the residents of the implementation of a new nutrition programme to further address the needs of children, particularly in riverine communities.

“To our children, I want you to know that in our programme, we have restored the uniform grant, especially to children in the hinterland and riverine communities. But importantly, in our next budget, we are addressing nutrition programmes, nutritional needs to ensure that when our children go to school they will have the right meals. And your village, of course, will not be excluded from this programme,” he posited.

President Ali went on to say too that Government will be seeking to enhance community involvement in national and regional development. To this end, he an-

President Irfaan Ali on Friday participated in a Christmas social with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Kaikan, Region Seven

ties of communities.

“It is important that communities themselves identify what their priorities are. I want to assure you that the Government and the Cabinet will be reaching out to these

President Ali joined Kaikan school officials and GDF ranks to unveil the new sign

improved access to healthcare services.

“We will be expanding our services to all the regions in Guyana to ensure that young people have equal access to

nounced that they will also be engaging with Toshaos and Town Councils in developing and formulating livelihood and social programmes to better serve the needs and priori-

communities, to your community in a continuous basis,” the President said.

He also assured the members of the Guyana Defence

Force that they will play a major role in the process, which will transform the way in which they engage the community and in so doing, they will become more sensitive to community development.

The President also said that the National Security Advisor along with a team will return to the community at a later date to interact with residents and to gauge ways in which they can enhance the relationship and involve the communities themselves in training and development.

One of the ways identified is through the establishment of border patrol groups which will be responsible for the protection of the community. Residents are to be permanently engaged through this mechanism.

“I want to assure you before I close, that my Government intends to win your trust, my Government intends to work closely with all of you to ensure that no family, no community, is left out from the development and advancement of our country regard-

less of where those communities are,” the President noted.

Moreover, the Head of State lauded the residents for adhering to the COVID-19 protocols by wearing their masks. The President also urged them to reflect on the challenges of the past year and assured them that the coming year would be better.

“Next year will be filled with improved livelihood options, improved development, but more importantly, it will be a new year that is filled with the hope that all of us, including myself, including the Army Chiefs, including the men and women, for all of us, we will be better Guyanese.”

Village Toshao Marlon Williams expressed gratitude to the President and his team for their visit.

Following the official welcoming ceremony, President Ali and his team distributed 100 relief hampers to residents and almost the same amount to children in the community.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces then at-

tended the Christmas Lunch with GDF ranks stationed at the border community.

As part of his visit, President Ali also joined residents to unveil a new signboard, which was constructed by the GDF ranks stationed in the community.

The Head of State commended the army for the initiative and pointed to the gesture as a sign of strengthened community involvement.

“Let me say how very pleased I am with our soldiers, men and women in uniform and the leadership of the army for this initiative. This is what we've been talking about; great involvement in the community, greater participation, building your new relationship and solidifying those relationships,” the Head of State noted.

The Kaikan Primary School was completely redone by the army ranks, who also installed the solar system powering the school. The building currently houses 70 children from both the primary and the nursery levels.

Corentyne trio sentenced to 209 months for armed robbery spree

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hree Corentyne men were on Friday sentenced to a total of 209 months’ imprisonment on several armed robbery, possession of gun and ammunition charges.

Akeem Cummings, 19, of Springlands, Corriverton, was sentenced to 136 months after pleading guilty to four offences.

Akeem Blades, 18, of Dukestown, Corriverton, was sentenced to 111 months after pleading guilty to three offences and Neil Proffit, 26, of Number 76 Housing Scheme Corriverton, Berbice, was sentenced to a total of 90 months after pleading guilty to three offences.

The trio appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Whim Court.

It was reported that on December 5, 2020, at Number 76 Corriverton, the trio robbed Abdoelajoem Bhoelan

Akeem Blades

and his wife Bibi Bhoelan of US$500 and two cell phones valued $102,000.

On the day in question, the armed men reportedly stormed into the couple’s

Akeem Cummings

yard - one was armed with a black handgun, one with a cutlass and the third with a knife. The men also had rags partly covering their nose and mouth.

The bandits, with the cutlass and knife, dealt the couple several lashes about their bodies and took the US currency from a cupboard in the kitchen. The

Neil Proffit

armed men then took the couple to the upper flat of the house where they were bound and blindfolded.

In addition, they also pleaded guilty to robbing Dr

Edvardo Gutierrez Alvaeer, 49, a Cuban national attached to the Skeldon Hospital.

In that case, it was reported that the doctor was awakened by loud sounds emanating from the living room and as such, he got up to investigate.

However, as he opened the bedroom door, he was confronted by the two suspects, one of whom held the victim’s neck and relieved him of his gold chains valued at $510,000. They also escaped with two Smart television sets valued $75,000 and $150,000 cash.

Further, Cummings was slapped with a robbery with violence charge committed on Mahandranauth Ganga and given a six-month jail term.

Profitt also pleaded guilty to possession of firearms and ammunition and was sentenced to forty-two months’ imprisonment.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt awards over $825M in housing projects T he Government, in an effort of fulfilling its promise of distributing 50,000 house lots within the next five years, on Friday awarded 24 contracts to the tune of over $825 million for various housing development projects.

During the simple ceremony, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal said that it is part of the Ministry’s approach to achieving its mandate of providing better housing opportunities for Guyanese.

Junior Minister of

Ministers of Housing and Water, Colin Croal and Susan Rodrigues, along with other officials of the Central Housing and Planning Authority

Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues charged the con-

tractors to execute their duties to the best of their abil-

Missing LBI teen found at relative’s home

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ixteen-year-old Felisha Singh of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who went missing on Friday last, was found at a relative’s home.

Singh left home on Friday last to attend school but when her uncle went to collect her, she was nowhere around.

The teen’s grandmother explained that the teen’s father died while her mother left some time ago and never returned. Singh and her five other siblings were staying with her grandmother in Good Hope but recently moved in with an uncle at

Chateau Margot, ECD. A relative had previously told this publication that the teen would usually disappear whenever she is reprimanded, but would make contact after to indicate that she is safe. However, on the day she went missing, she did not reach out to her family.

When contacted on Friday, the teen’s grandmother said: “We found her… she was at a relative, somebody for the brother wife. Somewhere she went and her brother and sister went and got her. They does carry the girl there ev-

Found: Felisha Singh

ery week and she just went there after school.”

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

ity to ensure that Guyanese can achieve their dream of homeownership.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves said the projects will see road construction and upgrades, land preparations, and several infrastructural works.

More than $1 billion will be injected into the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) housing sector in 2021 through an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)funded project. This was announced last week by Minister Rodrigues.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had disclosed that the Government is currently working on a series of initiatives aimed at financing projects for the local hous-

ing sector. Among them, he said is the establishment of a Diaspora Housing Fund.

According to him, the Government is looking at other areas of securing fi-

nancing for the housing sector. This includes efforts to raise some US$250 million for housing projects.

Additionally, the Housing Ministry will also be working with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL); the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to pursue land acquisition for housing developments.

In October, the Government published invitations for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from interested parties to finance housing development.

news@guyanatimesgy.com

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, DECEMBER 12, 2020

Regional

Argentina abortion legalisation Coral reefs under pressure from heat bill passes key vote T

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oliticians in Argentina have voted yes to a bill that brings the largely Catholic country one step closer to legalising abortion, a change long-sought by women’s rights activists.

Parliament’s lower house voted in favour of the proposed law by 131-117.

Before becoming law, the bill must also pass the upper house, the Senate. The vote is expected before the end of the year.

Many women in Argentina who have an abortion can face prosecution.

President Alberto Fernández proposed the bill which would permit abortions to be carried out up to the 14th week of pregnancy.

Currently, abortion is only permitted in case of rape or if the mother’s health is at risk from pregnancy.

The lower house passed the bill after debating for 20 hours on Thursday into Friday morning.

Large crowds gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires to watch the results of the vote

The vote in the Senate is expected to be even tighter in 2018 the body rejected a similar bill to legalise abortion after the lower house voted in favour.

On Thursday the Roman Catholic Church repeated its opposition to abortion, asking politicians in Argentina for “a second of reflection on what respect for life means”.

By contrast, the Women, Gender and Diversity minister Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta tweeted after the vote: “We have written a new chapter in our history.”

Latin America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, and the vote in Argentina will be closely watched by both sides of the polarised issue in the region.

About 38,000 women a year require hospital treatment because of dangerous abortion procedures performed in secret, according to the Argentine Government.

Thousands are estimated to have died after unsafe abortion since 1983.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Cuba to have unified exchange rate starting in January

Cuba’s socialist economy has been hurt by the slump in tourism income since the pandemic began, and was already suffering under the US embargo

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uba will end its decades-old dual currency system and have a single unified exchange rate of 24 pesos per dollar from January, President Miguel DiazCanel said.

Streamlining the currency system will put the country on a sounder footing “to go ahead with the transformations that we need to update our economic and social model,” Diaz-Canel said in a televised speech on late Thursday, accompanied by former President Raul Castro.

The socialist economy has been hurt by the slump in tourism income since the pandemic began, and was already suffering under the US embargo. The unification of the currencies is part of a wider reform package which the Government has also said will also include modification of salaries, prices and subsidies.

Since 1994, foreigners in Cuba have mainly transacted using the Convertible Cuban Peso, or CUC, pegged to the dollar, while

locals mainly used the much weaker Cuban peso.

The change will take effect from Jan 1 and the CUC will be removed from circulation in June.

Currency unification is long overdue, but it will be

painful for Cubans who receive part of their income in convertible pesos, since they’ll have their purchasing power eroded, said John Kavulich, the President of the US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, a New York think-tank.

Cuba is implementing painful reforms “during one of its bleakest moments,” Kavulich said in a phone interview.

In the Official Gazette announcing the new rules, the government said the value of the peso will be determined by the Central Bank of Cuba and the exchange rate will be “published daily on its website.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) said it is hoping that coral reefs can receive “to some degree” relief after the past coral bleaching season had been quite hard on the region due to prolonged heat stress within the last few months.

In its latest and final issue of the Caribbean Coral Reef Watch bulletin for 2020, the CIMH’s Regional Climate Centre noted that some coral reefs in the region suffered during the

V

his 2018 re-election.

“This terrorist plan was prepared in Colombia,” El Aissami said. “It is also important to denounce that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency had knowledge of the plan and advised the terrorists involved.”

El Aissami said the alleged attackers also planned to blow up a pipeline supplying gasoline from the refinery to the Yagua fuel sorting station.

El Palito halted gasoline output earlier this month.

The announcement comes as the once-prosper-

heat stress should not affect corals reefs from January through April next year.

“Coral bleaching heat stress levels returned to no stress across most of the region with the exception of the Leeward Antilles where they are at Watch level, but are predicted to return to no stress across the entire Caribbean in five to eight weeks, persisting through April,” the CIMH said in its Outlook for the Caribbean.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bahamas and US sign search and rescue agreement

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he Bahamas signed an agreement with the United States for search and rescue missions saying that it will give formal recognition to what has been going on in the past.

“A requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO) is that all member states should have an effective Search and Rescue (SAR) regime or engage the services of a service provider or another State to provide the SAR services.

“While the United States of America (USA) Coast Guard frequently assists The Bahamas with search and rescue missions for downed or missing aircraft, there is no formal arrangement that governs such assistance,” said Tourism and Aviation Minister, Dionisio D’Aguilar.

“In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation assisted by the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority held a series of meetings with US officials to negotiate the framework for cooperation between the two States for carrying out activities related to Search and Rescue within the aeronautical and maritime environment of The Bahamas,” he added.

He said the agreement will allow Nassau to grant provide permission to the Rescue Coordination Centre, Rescue Sub Centre and Search and Rescue fa-

cilities of the United States to coordinate and conduct Search and Rescue operations in its territorial waters as well as to enter, overfly and land as appropriate, in Bahamian territory, in the conduct of Search and Rescue operations.

US Embassy Charge d’Affaires, John McNamara, who signed the agreement, praised all stakeholders for ensuring that the system had been brought into fruition. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Investors warm to Mexico, lifting peso, despite battered economy

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exico in 2020 plunged into its steepest recession in decades and suffered a

Venezuela Oil Minister says authorities disrupt plan to attack refinery enezuela’s Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami said on Friday that authorities had disrupted a plan to attack Venezuela’s 146,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) El Palito refinery, and had arrested two suspects in the plot.

El Aissami alleged, without providing evidence, that the planned attack had the support of the Colombian and US Governments.

Bogota, Washington and dozens of other countries do not recognise Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the country’s rightful leader, arguing he rigged

2020 bleaching season.

“Widespread bleaching reported in Belize, and some in Barbados.

There is now no thermal heat stress throughout most of the Caribbean, with the exception of the Southern Caribbean Sea in the region of the Leeward Antilles.

This region is currently under low-level thermal stress at the Watch alert level,” it said.

But it noted that the four-month outlook indicates that coral bleaching

ous OPEC nation suffers chronic gasoline shortages due to years of underinvestment and lack of maintenance at its 1.3 million bpd refining network, as well as U.S. sanctions disrupting fuel imports, In October, President Nicolas Maduro said the country’s 645,000 bpd Amuay refinery was hit by a “terrorist attack.”

Venezuela’s opposition has in the past accused the Government of making false claims of sabotage to critical infrastructure to distract from its mismanagement of public services.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

credit ratings downgrade, yet the peso currency and instruments that measure sovereign risk now tell a different story: that investors are again warming to the country.

The peso, one of the main indicators of risk appetite, earlier this month hit a nine-month high of 19.68 per dollar.

That compares with a record low of nearly 26 pesos per dollar in April as the coronavirus pandemic walloped the global economy and the cross-border value chains on which Mexico relies.

And though the peso on Friday was still down 6 per cent from the start of the year, it is the biggest gainer in the last eight months out of 25 emerging-market currencies tracked by Reuters.

Strong monetary policy fundamentals and the Government’s fiscal discipline have also lowered risks, investors and market strategists said. Still, the

Bank of Mexico, the country’s central bank, sees the economy contracting 8.9 per cent this year.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has spent much of his term at odds with corporate bosses, arguing that past Administrations were captive to powerful business interests and mired in graft.

In line with optimism over the peso, Mexico’s fiveyear Credit Default Swaps (CDS), which cover the risk of sovereign default, fell to 83 basis points (bp) in December - almost the same level as before the pandemic.

That is a stark change from the end of April, when Mexico’s CDS reached 309 bp.

By contrast, other emerging economies often compared to Mexico, including Brazil, Turkey and South Africa, now have five-year CDS levels of 152, 355 and 203 basis points, respectively. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil pulls back amid New York coronavirus curbs

O

il prices turned lower on Friday, as demand worries due to new coronavirus-related restrictions on business in New York overshadowed progress toward vaccination programmes.

Brent futures fell 20 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to US$50.05 a barrel by 12:29 pm EST (1729 GMT), after rising above US$51 a barrel on Thursday to an early-March high.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 12 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to US$46.66, having risen almost 3 per cent in the previous session.

“Restrictions in New York are weighing on prices,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures for Mizuho in New York. On Thursday, funds had placed net long bets as Brent topped US$50 a barrel. “As we approach the close, the speculator community is reluctant to go home with a net long position,” he said.

Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered New York City restaurants to suspend indoor dining effective Monday, amid an uptick in cases.

For the week, Brent was up almost 2 per cent and WTI was up less than 1 per cent. That puts both benchmarks on track for a sixth consecutive week of gains for the first time since June.

Promising vaccine trials have helped lift some gloom over record increases in the number of coronavirus infections and deaths around the world, and Cuomo sounded a note of optimism, saying he expected 170,000 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine to be in New York by Sunday or Monday.

Britain began inoculations this week and the United States could start vaccinations as early as the coming weekend, while Canada on Wednesday approved its first vaccine with initial shots due from next week.

Outside advisers for the US Food and Drug Administration have voted to endorse emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine, paving the way for the agency to authorise its use in a nation where COVID-19 has killed more than 285,000.

“The vaccine optimism ... seems to continue unscathed due to the back-to-back approvals vaccines are getting and the quicker-than-previously-thought rollout of the first campaigns in key markets,” Rystad Energy analyst Paola Rodriguez-Masiu said.

A big jump in US crude stockpiles last week served as a reminder that there is still plenty of supply available, but it was all but ignored as bulls ran through the market this week.

“The long-awaited rollout of vaccination programmes provided ample bullish fodder in the face of rising US oil inventories,” brokerage PVM’s Stephen Brennock said.

A fall in world shares as markets confronted the risk of Britain leaving the European Union without a trade deal weighed on sentiment.

On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said a deal was unlikely.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Climate change: EU leaders set 55% target for CO22 emissions cut

E

U leaders have agreed on a more ambitious goal for cutting greenhouse gases - reducing them by 55 per cent by 2030, rather than 40 per cent.

The new target was reached after difficult allnight talks in Brussels.

Poland, heavily reliant on coal, won a pledge of EU funding to help it transition to clean energy.

The EU Commission will draw up detailed plans for all 27 member states to contribute to the 55 per cent target, measured against 1990 CO2 emission levels.

EU Council President Charles Michel hailed the agreement, tweeting "Europe is the leader in the fight against climate change".

It is part of a global effort to tackle climate change by cutting atmospheric pollution, especially carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The Paris climate deal, signed in 2016, aims to keep global temperature rise well under 2C, preferably within a maximum rise of 1.5C. Environmental campaign groups say the 55 per cent target does not go far enough. And the European Parliament, yet to debate the new target, has called for a 60 per cent cut.

Sebastian Mang of Greenpeace said, "the evidence shows that this deal is only a small improvement on the emission cuts the EU is already expected to achieve".

Greenpeace is urging a minimum cut of 65 per cent in EU carbon emissions. That figure was also advocated

by Johannes Wahlmüller of Austrian green group Global 2000.

The UK Government plans to slash UK emissions by 68 per cent over the next decade.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

COVID: China asks cabin crew to wear nappies to reduce virus risk

C

hina's aviation regulator has recommended cabin crew wear disposable nappies and avoid using the toilet to cut the risk of COVID-19 infection.

The advice on nappies is in a section on personal protective equipment in new guidelines for airlines.

The regulator said the recommendation applied to charter flights to high-risk

COVID-19 destinations.

Globally, airlines and airports have been making big changes to how they operate to get passengers flying again.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China laid out its advice in a new 49-page set of guidelines for airlines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The recommendation on nappies applies to charter

flights to and from places where infections exceed 500 in every one million people.

It comes on top of the advice for cabin crew to wear medical masks, disposable gloves, caps, goggles, disposable protective clothing and shoe coverings.

Flight crew are also advised to wear a range of protective gear, but not nappies.

The global aviation industry has been struggling to rebound from the pandemic's debilitating impact on travel.

New measures being put in place for flights differ by country. Some require airlines to leave at least one seat empty between passengers, others have made masks mandatory for the duration of flights. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Lithuania swears in Research finds 5 genes most gender-balanced linked to severest Cabinet in eastern EU form of COVID-19

Presidential Candidate Ingrida Simonyte speaks to media during the first round of Lithuanian Presidential election in Vilnius, Lithuania May 12, 2019

L

ithuania’s new centre-right Government assumed office on Friday, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte who has appointed the most gender-balanced Cabinet in the eastern European Union.

Simonyte, the only woman currently serving as Prime Minister in the bloc’s eastern states, named seven women and eight men as Ministers.

Bulgaria is the eastern EU state with the next highest proportion of women in its Cabinet, with seven women among its 19 Ministers. Poland has the worst gender parity record, with only one woman in its Cabinet of 20.

Both junior partners of Simonyte’s coalition, which won the October general election, are led by young female politicians, and nine Ministers in the Cabinet are in their 30s.

“When you know what you need, it’s easy”, Simonyte told reporters after taking the oath, in reference to the gender bal-

ance in her Cabinet, a first for Lithuania.

Lithuania became the second-worst hit country by coronavirus in the European Union, behind Luxemburg, on the day Simonyte took office, and she went directly from the oath to a meeting to discuss additional measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Simonyte, 46, was the Finance Minister during the 2009-2010 crisis, when she oversaw cutting retirees pensions to avoid currency devaluation. In 2019, the self-professed Metallica fan made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency.

For a period lasting several months in 2019, the Lithuanian Government included no women at all, with the then Prime Minister, Saulius Skvernelis, saying that personal “qualities, competence and professionalism” were more important than gender parity. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Researchers who studied the DNA of 2700 COVID-19 patients in 208 intensive care units across the UK found that five genes involving in two molecular processes - antiviral immunity and lung inflammation - were central to many severe cases [Phil Noble/ Reuters]

F

ive key genes are linked with the severest form of COVID-19, scientists said on Friday, in research that also pointed to several existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat people who risk getting critically ill with the pandemic disease.

Researchers who studied the DNA of 2700 COVID-19 patients in 208 intensive care units across the United Kingdom found that five genes involving in two molecular processes – antiviral immunity and lung inflammation – were central to many severe cases.

“Our results immediately highlight which drugs should be at the top of the list for clinical testing,” said Kenneth Baillie, an academic consultant in critical care medicine at the Edinburgh University who co-led the research.

The genes – called IFNAR2, TYK2, OAS1, DPP9 and CCR2 – partially explain why some people become desperately sick with COVID-19, while others are not affected,

Baillie said.

The findings, published in the journal Nature, should help scientists speed up the search for potential drugs for COVID-19 by conducting clinical trials of medicines that target specific antiviral and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Among those with the most potential, he said, should be a class of anti-inflammatory drugs called JAK inhibitors, which includes the arthritis drug baricitinib, made by Eli Lilly.

Baillie’s team also found that a boost in the activity of the INFAR2 gene could create protection against COVID-19 because it is likely to mimic the effect of treatment with interferon.

Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly’s antibody-drug for COVID-19, bamlanivimab, for patients who are not hospitalised but are at risk of serious illness because of their age or other conditions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN concerned over move

E

thiopia’s Government said on Friday it was returning Eritrean refugees to camps they had fled in the northern region of Tigray, a move that alarmed the United Nations refugee agency after a monthlong conflict that is believed to have killed thousands of people.

The United Nations and other aid agencies say they have been denied access to some 96,000 refugees in Tigray since fighting erupt-

ed on Nov 4 between the Government and a rebellious regional force. They are concerned about food and security in the camps, which they have not been permitted to visit since the conflict broke out.

The Government said it has now defeated forces loyal to the region’s former ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and it is safe for refugees who fled to the capital Addis Ababa to return to Tigray.

TPLF leaders say they are fighting back on various fronts. Claims by all sides in the conflict are near-impossible to verify because most communications to Tigray are down and the government tightly controls access.

Reuters received frantic calls from refugees in the capital who had been told they would be bussed back to Tigray but feared they were being taken back to Eritrea - the neighbouring country they originally fled.

Another woman said Eritreans faced mounting hostility from Tigrayans who accuse Eritrea of sending troops into Ethiopia to help Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government battle the TPLF. Both countries deny this, although the U.S. State Department said on Thursday it believes reports of Eritrean military involvement in the conflict in Ethiopia are “credible”.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Take a unique approach to the way you do things, and it will lift your spirits and revitalize goals that you still want to achieve. Don’t let uncertainty be your downfall.

A favorable decision TAURUS regarding a meaningful (April 20relationship will lead to a May 20) change. Enjoy time spent with someone you love, and make plans to support what you both want to achieve.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

You can accomplish something that’s been pending for too long if you are diligent in your pursuits. Reassess a partnership if you feel it lacks equality, trust or honesty.

Pick up the slack if you feel someone is lagging. The way you handle situations can help you maneuver into a better position. Embrace change instead of hiding from it.

If you let your emotions interfere in financial decisions, it will cost you. Be willing to put in the effort if you want to reap the rewards. Do your own thing.

Spend less time worrying about what others think or do. Be innovative, and gather the information that will encourage you to pursue your dreams.

Romance is encouraged.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

An intellectual challenge will encourage you to use your creative attributes to bring in extra cash. Ignore negativity, and follow through with your projects.

SCORPIO

Put your house in order, and you’ll be free to come and go as you please. Stop dreaming and start doing your part. It’s up to you to choose the life you want to pursue.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Do the work yourself to avoid damaging or misleading input. Don’t let anger take over when new beginnings await you. Let go of the past, and head in a direction that promotes happiness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

It’s OK to be different.

It may even help you avoid getting roped into something you don’t want to do.

A positive change in the way you live will lead to less stress.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Listen to complaints and digest what’s said before you address issues openly.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

21

Hamilton grateful to be back for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – after coronavirus 'experience'

L

ewis Hamilton described having coronavirus as "an experience", after he returned to his Mercedes car at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton missed last weekend's race in Bahrain after contracting COVID-19, but tested negative on Wednesday, in time to race at Yas Marina.

"It's not something I really want to go into deeply about," the world champion said. "It was an experience, for sure. I am just happy to be back, and grateful to be back with the team."

Hamilton's team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fastest in second practice session on Friday, said: "Nice to see him healthy and back. You don't wish anyone to have that virus, and apparently it was not that

mild."

Hamilton said he had "missed doing what I love", and that he had watched "some" of the Sakhir Grand Prix, in which his stand-in George Russell starred in the Mercedes and was deprived of a debut win only by a pitstop mix-up and puncture.

Hamilton said it had taken him much of the day to feel comfortable again in the car.

"It has taken a good session and a half to get back in the flow, even though it was such a short amount of time not in the car," the seven-time champion said. "But we got through all the programme needed, and [will] work hard tonight for tomorrow.

"The car wasn't quite the way it was when I left it. The balance wasn't the same, but I am working my way back

to where I am comfortable with it."

Hamilton ended the day 0.203 seconds slower than Bottas, as both Mercedes drivers unusually set their fastest lap times on the medium tyre compound.

Unlike Bottas, Hamilton did set a faster lap on the soft, which should have better pace over one lap, but had his time deleted for exceeding track limits at the final corner.

That time was 0.2secs faster than Bottas's pace-setting mark. He was the same margin ahead of Bottas on average on their race-simulation runs later in the session, for which both Mercedes drivers used the 2021 test tyre supplied by Pirelli.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third fastest, his best time also set on

“You're in against a real one now!”

– Joshua warns Pulev after words at weigh-in

A

nthony Joshua has claimed that Kubrat Pulev "spoke a lot of rubbish" after the two heavyweights were involved in a heated exchange at Friday's weigh-in.

Joshua came in at 17 stone and two pounds ahead of the defence of his IBF, WBA and WBO titles at Wembley Arena – slightly heavier than when he regained those belts by beating Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch last December.

Challenger Pulev was two pounds lighter on the scales, although the weights were not the real story, as the pair verbally sparred with each other.

The lengthy conversation went on for several minutes on the stage, and continued

as Joshua stepped away to conduct media duties.

"He spoke a lot of rubbish! That's all it is," unified champion Joshua told Sky Sports, opting not to reveal exactly what was said to spark the situation. "Many years I've been watching boxing, and have seen fighters talk a load of rubbish, then they get smacked up.

That's just him doing what fighters do."

He continued: "That doesn't really intimidate me.

I would have just cracked him in his jaw there and then, but I've got to do that tomorrow."

Joshua is fighting on home soil for the first time in more than two years. A total of 1,000 fans will be present at the venue, follow-

ing an easing of restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Joshua stopped Alexander Povetkin in the seventh round at Wembley Stadium back in September 2018, and following the terse back-and-forth discussion with Pulev, which kept security busy, made clear he does not expect this bout to go the distance either.

"I know what he’s like.

He thinks he's a warrior," Joshua said. "I said, 'Don't let the guys you've fought 'gas' you up, you're in against a real one now!'” he continued.

"We're big boys, we punch heavy. The first man to land that (punch) will be the last man standing."

(Sportsmax)

the medium tyre.

Verstappen was blocked on his soft-tyre lap by Racing Point driver Sergio Perez, and said the tyre was "fine for me".

Bottas, however, said he had struggled to make the soft work effectively. "The soft was tricky," the Finn said. "I didn't really get them into the window on the first lap, and then the second lap they were overheating massively. The medium felt like the better tyre, which it shouldn't be."

Behind the usual top three, Red Bull's Alexander Albon was fourth fastest, ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris.

The drivers from sixth to ninth - Renault's Esteban Ocon, Racing Point's Perez, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo - were separated by just 0.003ses.

Ocon was 0.001secs quicker than Perez, who was 0.002secs ahead of Leclerc and Ricciardo, who set exactly the same time.

The lack of pace in the soft tyre suggests that the top teams may be even more determined than in recent races to try to make it through the second session of qualifying on the medium, so they can start the race on it.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen suffered a big en-

gine fire that brought out the red flag for a few minutes in the middle of the race runs.

And both Perez and Kevin Magnussen will have to start from the back of the grid in their Racing Point and Haas cars, after exceeding the permitted number of engine parts for the season.

Russell, who had conducted the media day on Thursday as a Mercedes driver before Hamilton was officially cleared to race, was 18th fastest on his return to Williams.

He suffered a problem with his MGU-K, part of the engine's hybrid system, and missed the last part of the session. (BBC Sport)

DP World Tour Golf Championship…

Patrick Reed has ‘Race to Dubai’ title in sight – after brilliant 2nd round

P

atrick Reed regained control of the destiny of the ‘Race to Dubai’ title with a brilliant 64 on day two of the DP World Tour Championship. Reed hit nine birdies and a solitary bogey at Jumeirah Golf Estates to reach 10 under par and enjoy a two-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick, with the BMW PGA Championship winner Tyrrell Hatton and Laurie Canter on seven under.

Reed, the former Masters champion who is hoping to become the first American to top the money list on this side of the Atlantic, raced to the turn in 31, and also birdied the 10th before dropping his first shot of the week on the 12th. The world No 11 bounced back to finish his round in style, with birdies on the 15th, 16th and 18th; and will now bid to make it five wins out of six when holding a clear halfway lead.

“I feel great, obviously, going out and shooting an eight-under-par round and getting myself into double digits by the end of two rounds,” Reed said. “I feel like the biggest thing is on Thursday, it just seemed like I kept burning edges and had a couple iron shots and scoring clubs that I didn’t hit as close as I needed to.

“I was able to warm up a little bit on the range after the round, and kind of tighten things up; and today I gave myself a lot of chances.

I hit it close on a lot of holes, and therefore I saw lines a little better and I was able to free up the putter and make

some putts.”

Reed began the week with a 460-point lead in the standings, but with 2,000 points on offer to the winner, it is mathematically possible for 61 of the 65-man field to finish top of the money list and claim the Harry Vardon Trophy.

France’s Victor Perez was projected to do so when he led after an opening 70, but a second round of 74 dropped him back to three under.

“Honestly, I haven’t really looked [at projections],” Reed said. “I obviously know where I stand going into the week. I know that if I win the golf tournament or finish second, that alone - unless there’s one or two guys that win the golf tournament - I end up winning the ‘Race to Dubai’.”

Matt Fitzpatrick looked like squandering a fast start to his round when he bogeyed the 14th and 16th and almost found the water off the tee on the par-three 17th, only to hole from long range for an unlikely birdie.

“We were laughing that

it was a five-net-two really,” Fitzpatrick said. “I felt like this year we’ve not had the best of luck, so it’s nice to have that stroke of luck for a change. I’ve just got to make sure to use it to my advantage and kick on over the weekend. It’s always more fun in the last group; that’s where you want to be. Just got to keep doing what I’m doing and, hopefully, sort of stay in there for tomorrow; hang in and push on on Sunday.”

Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood, who can both secure the Race to Dubai title with victory on Sunday, lie four shots off the lead after rounds of 69 and 68 respectively.

“We’ve got two days left and I’m still in with a chance to win the whole thing, which is something to be very happy about; and hopefully, I can be here Saturday night - with one more day left - still with a chance,” said Fleetwood, who won the Race to Dubai in 2017 and finished third in 2018 and second last year.

(Guardian)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

WI vs NZ: 2nd Test at Basin Reserve…

Battling ton from Henry Nicholls puts New Zealand ahead on tough pitch

I

t's unlikely that Henry Nicholls would score a scratchier, more fortune-laden hundred than the one he scored on the opening day of the second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies being played at the Basin Reserve. However, runs are runs, and they're worth even more when they come on a green top offering pace, bounce and seam movement.

his favoured areas - particularly against the short ball, ironically. As his innings progressed, it felt as if his early wobbles against that form of attack had led West Indies to overuse it, erroneously, especially given that their successes early in the day had come via bowling full lengths.

Gabriel had been erratic at the start of the day, straying too full and often

Chemar Holder bagged 2 wickets

Nicholls's innings ensured New Zealand wrested control of the second Test away from West Indies, who had begun the opening day positively, with their fast bowlers - led by Shannon Gabriel in his 50th Test - enjoying the help on offer at the Basin Reserve.

At stumps, New Zealand were 294 for 6, with Nicholls batting on 117. Having come to the crease some ten minutes before lunch, Nicholls survived a difficult period at the start of the second session, when Alzarri Joseph peppered him with short balls f r o m over the wicket, pitching in the left-hander's blind spot outside leg stump, and attacking the area between his hip and shoulder.

There was a top-edged pull that fell in noman's land, a shortleg catch that didn't stick in Shamarh Brooks's hands, and a hooked six that could have been a catch at long leg had Jermaine Blackwood stayed on the rope rather than move some 10 yards in.

Then Gabriel and the debutant Chemar Holder, who had been the pick of the West Indies' bowlers before lunch, returned and created a rash of chances that, on another day, would have earned them more than just one wicket between them.

On this day, both Gabriel - with a length ball slanted across him - and Chemar Holder - with a full one that straightened from around the wicket - found Nicholls's outside edge, only for Darren Bravo to put him down both times at first slip.

All the luck notwithstanding, there was plenty to admire about Nicholls's innings, especially his discipline outside off stump and the positive intent he showed when the ball was in

too straight to concede 21 in his first two overs, but once he settled into a rhythm, he kept asking difficult questions of New Zealand's batsmen.

Back at the top of the order following BJ Watling's return, Tom Blundell gave West Indies a clear challenge to bowl full at him with his method of camping

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To Let Henry Nicholls executing a controlled pull shot that ensured the ball stays down

ment.

Tom Latham had set the platform for a big New Zealand total in Hamilton with a 184-ball 86 that was distinguished by his willingness to leave on length.

There was even more bounce available in Wellington, and Latham left quite a lot of deliveries that whizzed six inches over the top of off stump as he moved serenely to 27- save for a blow to the elbow from a Gabriel delivery that reared from a length.

West Indies were also more willing to try and get him to drive, even if it meant serving up the occasional half-volley. Courtesy of Chemar Holder, they found the perfect line and length for him in the sixth over after the drinks break. The ball was full enough to induce the drive, without being full enough to feed the stroke. Then it straightened, and Latham, who was a little late getting his weight fully onto the front foot, edged behind.

That wicket brought Ross Taylor to the crease.

Gabriel immediately reappeared, discomfiting Taylor with seam movement and extra bounce, hitting him on the chest before getting one to straighten in the corridor, producing a hard-hands jab that he edged behind.

At this point, with New Zealand at 78 for 3 and without Kane Williamson - 2.3 overs before lunch - it felt as if West Indies were slightly ahead; but, through the rest of the day, they let their control slip. Apart from overuse of the short ball, they also disappoint-

ed with Jason Holder's display. Though he bowled more overs than any of his colleagues, and ended the day as the only bowler with an economy rate below 3 an over, he surprisingly presented little threat in helpful conditions, often bowling a touch too short to get the edges, or a touch too wide to make the batsmen play.

Nicholls was aided in his efforts by three successive half-century stands.

Will Young played a couple of pristine drives down the ground, but endured a difficult time otherwise, with the West Indies quicks attacking his weakness of a short frontand-across trigger movement that left him crease-bound and in vulnerable positions both against the full ball angled into him and the rising ball in the corridor. Gabriel delivered the perfect example of the latter, laden with away seam, to finally end Young's stay, and pick up his 150th Test wicket.

By then he had added 70 with Nicholls, and the next two partnerships swelled New Zealand's score by 55 and 83 respectively. Watling made 30, and looked perhaps the most fluent of New Zealand's batsmen, before chopping on to Joseph; and Daryl Mitchell showed plenty of positive intent - especially against the offspin of Roston Chase - to score 42 before being trapped in front by a blockhole ball from Chemar Holder.Nicholls had by then reached his sixth Test hundred, breaking a run of 13 innings without a fifty.

He grew increasingly secure at the crease without ever looking entirely fluent, and it seemed entirely appropriate that he should bring up his hundred with a leading edge through point while looking to work the ball through midwicket. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD deep in the crease. Gabriel struck in the seventh over, finding a length that brought B l u n d e l l half-forward, and bowling him through the gate with sharp inw a r d move-

CLASSIFIED ADS

NEW ZEALAND 1ST INNINGS Tom Latham (c) c †Da Silva b Holder 27 Tom Blundell † b Gabriel 14 Will Young c Holder b Gabriel 43 Ross Taylor c †Da Silva b Gabriel 9 Henry Nicholls not out 117 BJ Watling b Joseph 30 Daryl Mitchell lbw b Holder 42 Kyle Jamieson not out 1 Extras (b 2, lb 6, w 3) 11

TOTAL (84 Ov, RR: 3.50) 294/6 Yet to bat: Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Tom Blundell, 6.5 ov), 2-63 (Tom Latham, 17.1 ov), 3-78 (Ross Taylor, 20.3 ov), 4-148 (Will Young, 42.1 ov), 5-203 (BJ Watling, 57.4 ov), 6-286 (Daryl Mitchell, 80.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shannon Gabriel 18-5-57-3 Jason Holder 22-5-62-0 Alzarri Joseph 17-2-65-1 Chemar Holder 18-1-65-2 Roston Chase 9-1-37-0

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

GCB/Tropical Springs Water O-40 T20 tournament…

Regal Masters clash with West Demerara Masters in today’s final – Jai Hind Jaguars protest result of game against Regal Masters Story and Photos by Brandon Corlette

T

he second semi-final match in the Guyana Cricket Board /Tropical Springs Water Over-40 T20I tournament, contested between Regal Masters and Jai Hind Jaguars at the Everest Cricket Club ground, has been one of the most melodramatic events ever. The Regal Masters were eventually awarded the win after the Jai Hind Jaguars refused to continue the game.

A dispute came about when the rain intervened with Regal Masters on 45-3 in pursuit of a winning total of 98. At 16:20 hours, a 20-minute delay was further extended when Jai Hind Jaguars claimed the Everest ground was in unfit condition

Jai Hind fielders surround a bowler who attempted to bowl but slipped

During this time of melodrama at the Everest ground, the Jai Hind Jaguars attempted to bowl but found

Moonsammy top-scored for Jai Hind Jaguars

for play to resume. The revised target was then set at 80 from 15 overs, and further reduction saw the target revised to eight overs, then Regal requiring four runs from 4.1 overs.

themselves slipping and sliding.

While that was occurring, the Regal Masters were unhappy with Jai Hind Jaguars' refusal to play. Eventually, the match

officials took a stand and awarded the game to Regal Masters, who will oppose the West Demerara Masters in the grand finale.

Earlier, the Jaguars were asked to bat first, and the Regal Masters, making early inroads into their rivals’ innings, reduced the Berbice-based team to 11-5 in 3.5 overs.

The brisk right-arm speedster Chien Gittens sent both Jai Hind openers, Imran Hussain and Subramani Mangali, back to the pavilion for ducks. Then the wickets of Kemraj Sumair (01) Zahir Moakan (06) and Deoprakash Ramdat (02) fell in quick succession before the lefthanded Veerapen Moonsammy attempted to hold things together by taking advantage of the loose balls and respecting the good balls.

Ever-consistent, the big-hitter Anil Beharry, who came to the crease with the Jaguars at 35-6, added 46 runs with Moonsammy before the seventh wicket fell.

Fresh from a purple patch in which he scored 61 and 29 runs

in his last two outings, Beharry continued from where he had left off, scoring a shot-filled 21 that included two fours and one six over long-on.

Moonsammy eventually topscorer with 38, which included three sixes, two of which came off successive deliveries from David Dick.

Jai Hind's number 11, Rafeik Kassim, stroked a crisp cut shot for four, and ended his innings with 10 runs. He was only the third Jai Hind player to reach double figures.

Bowling for the Regal Masters, Gittens returned figures of 4 for 8 from three overs, while David Dick and Eon Abel each took a wicket. Andre Percival was economical with his off-spin, returning figures of three overs for nine runs, as Jai Hind were bowled out for 97 in exactly 20 overs.

In their turn at the crease, Regal Masters scored freely, and after 3.5 overs, they were 43-2 when rain halted play. Things went downhill for the Jaguars, and Rafeik Kassim even bowled an eventful 15-run over which included two no-balls. The game

Match officials in tense discussion

mercifully came to a premature end with Regal Masters being awarded the win.

After the match, Regal captain David Dick noted that the umpires had made the right decision in awarding Regal the game, especially since Jai Hind had exhibited a spirit that was bad for the game.

The Jai Hind captain was, however, clearly dissatisfied with the state of the ground and obviously displeased with the umpires’ ruling.

Meanwhile, in the first semi-final, which was a rain-

Anil Beharry displayed his power-hitting skills again

affected contest between the West Demerara teams, the Masters took a five-wicket win against their counterparts, West Demerara Mavericks.

Batting first, Mavericks posted 67-8 in their allotted 15 overs, with Munishwar Balgobin top-scoring with 24 and Sohan Beoasi chipping in with 20. Rain stopped play with the Mavericks at 33-2 after 7.1 overs, and the bowling team took the momentum when play resumed.

Chabiraj Ramcharan claimed 3-8 in three overs, while Ramesh Thakur bagged 2-12.

In pursuit of 68, the Masters were tottering at 36-5 before an unbroken 32-run partnership between Sudesh Persaud (21) and Patrick Khan (11) propelled them to 68-5 in 12.4 overs.

Ravendra Ramdehol and Lalta Suknanan returned respective figures of 2 for 3 and 2 for 18 in their allotted three overs, but that proved insufficient to stop the Masters from reaching the grand finale, which is set for play today from 12:00h at the Everest ground. However, unfavourable weather would cause this match to be played at the Enmore ground on the ECD.

– thanks to UEFA and Concacaf support through “Bounceback” programme

A

s soon as approval has been granted by the relevant authorities, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) would be prepared to resume football activities in a safe and responsible way - thanks to capacity building and technical support from the “Bounceback” partnership between UEFA and Concacaf.

This position has been articulated by GFF President Wayne Forde as he spoke to the media during a virtual press conference, wherein also were featured Ms. Eva Pasquier, UEFA Head of International Relations; Mr. Howard McIntosh, Senior Projects Manager at Concacaf; and Mr Stewart Regan, UEFA consultant and former CEO of the Scottish Football Association.

President Forde had this

to say: “The support and expert guidance of the UEFA Assist team and Concacaf during this crucial phase of planning has been invaluable as we prepare to navigate the next steps towards the careful resumption of football.

This programme has enabled us to accelerate our preparations with confidence, and

to strengthen our administration and management capabilities in order to ensure that our community feels safe and confident to return to the field of play.”

Through the “Bounceback” programme, European football administration experts work with partner associations around

the world to develop an action plan for the resumption of football, and focus on four key areas: technical development, league and clubs, commercial, governance and administration.

Within the programme, the GFF has established a COVID-19 Task Force to oversee and implement the safe and responsible return of football when conditions and permissions allow. Detailed “return to train” and “return to play” protocols have also been developed for national teams, regional associations and clubs, and community football.

The GFF has sought approval for a return to action from the National COVID-19 Task Force, a step that is seen as crucial in order to give the Golden Jaguars enough time to prepare for their historic

return to the Concacaf Gold Cup next year. Rival nations have already started their own preparations.

Speaking on behalf of UEFA, Ms. Pasquier said: “The President and leadership team at the GFF have put a huge amount of work into the UEFA Assist Bounceback initiative, and we are delighted to see the quality of their action plan. It is very rewarding to see their determination to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and we will be by their side on their journey.”

As part of the programme, the GFF has also launched an engagement strategy to keep the football community connected during the lockdown. It features a social media campaign, “#wecare,” which features football drills

and exercises conducted by GFF ambassador players and coaches.

“Concacaf is fully committed to supporting its member associations through a variety of capacity-building initiatives. We have teamed up with UEFA Assist to deliver a structured programme called Bounceback to help the GFF recover from the impact of COVID-19,” said Concacaf’s McIntosh.

“We are very impressed with their work ethic, and their leadership, through their President Wayne Forde, will be a key contributory factor in their progress during 2021 and beyond. We wish them every success.”

The GFF is only the second member association in the Concacaf region, after Mexico, to be selected for the UEFA Assist program.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

WI vs NZ: 2nd Test at Basin Reserve…

Battling ton from Henry Nicholls puts New Zealand GFF ready to go! ahead on – thanks to UEFA and Concacaf support through tough pitch “Bounceback” programme Pg 22

Pg 23

GCB/Tropical Springs Water O-40 T20 tournament…

Regal Masters clash with West Demerara Masters in today’s final – Jai Hind Jaguars protest result of game against Regal Masters

See story on page 23

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