Guyana Times - Saturday, January 22, 2022

P14

CIOG targets 300 persons at COVID-19 vaccine medical outreach Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4897

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

Govt to present Budget 2022 on Wednesday …to be partly financed by oil monies – Vice President Page 3

ExxonMobil begins exploratory drilling on new well offshore Guyana See story on page 2

…11 Int’l firms submit bids to review Yellowtail development plan

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyanese P14 mother killed in Suriname crash

Armed robbery P8 accused released on $300,000 bail Investigators revisit GPHC’s fire scene P13

GNIC wharf ganja bust

Dominican jailed for 4 years, fined $14M; 2 others remanded P12

Brazilian President cancels visit to Guyana after death of mother

Seizure of ‘Guyanaregistered vessel’

Page 7

Interpol alerted as probe P13 launched into arms, ammo find in Senegal

...President Ali extends condolences

Rape accused 11 new COVID-19 deaths, 19 persons in ICU shoots 17-year- …as unvaccinated patients with comorbidities old victim dominate hospitalised COVID cases See story on page 11

Page 13

WHO urges nations to lift travel bans P5

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil begins exploration drilling on new well offshore Guyana …11 Int’l firms submit bids to review Yellowtail development plan

U

nited States oil giant, ExxonMobil is continuing its exploration activities in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, spudding the Patwa-1 well on Friday.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) had indicated in a Notice to Mariners that the oil major’s local affiliate, “Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL) will continue exploration drilling operations at the Patwa-1 Well Site within the Stabroek Block of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.”

According to the notice, the well is being spudded with Noble Corporation’s drillship Noble Sam Croft. It was noted that drilling activities will continue until March 15, 2022.

To this end, MARAD has informed mariners to stay clear of the vessels being used for the exercise and navigate with “extreme caution” whenever in the vicinity.

The Patwa-1 well is situated approximately 113.4 nautical miles (210 kilometres) from the Coast of Guyana, and covers an area of 0.29 square nautical miles (1 square kilometre).

Only earlier this month, Exxon announced two new oil discoveries

in the oil rich Stabroek Block, which has more than 10 billion barrels of recoverable resource estimated.

These recent oil finds were in the Fangtooth-1 and Lau Lau-1 wells in the Stabroek Block, bringing its number of discoveries in the Block to 27.

According to the US oil giant, Fangtooth-1 had 164 feet of oil reservoir, while the Lau Lau-1 well had 315 feet of oil reservoir.

ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President of exploration and new ventures, Mike Cousins, noted that the discovery not only increased Exxon’s resource estimates, but added to the company’s understanding of the Block.

“Initial results from the Fangtooth and Lau Lau wells are a positive sign for Guyana and continue to demonstrate the potential for the country’s growing oil and gas sector, ExxonMobil and our co-venturers in the Stabroek Block… Both discoveries increase our understanding of the resource, our continued confidence in the Block’s exploration potential, and our view that the many discoveries to date could result in up to 10 development projects,” Cousins said.

Meanwhile, Exxon Country Manager Alistair Routledge not-

ed that the company’s success in Guyana’s waters was nothing short of extraordinary. Routledge also assured that as the company’s oil finds increased, so too would opportunities for Guyanese to benefit.

Exxon’s last oil find was at the Cataback-1 well in the Stabroek Block back in October 2021, where the company encountered 243 feet of oil reservoirs. Before that, the company had also found oil at the Pinktail-1 well in September.

Currently, the oil major is producing close to 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil in the giant Liza field with the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. This is Exxon’s first development project with two others already approved and its fourth in the process of being reviewed.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling recently starting on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project.

Only recently, the oil company said production in the second phase is on course to start in the first quarter of 2022 during which production is expected to increase to 220 barrels of oil per day with the Liza Unity FPSO vessel.

The third project –the Payara Development – will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted.

The Department of Public Information on Friday reported that 11 international firms have tendered bids in response to the Guyana Government’s search for a consultant to review the Yellowtail Field Development Plan.

Details from a recent tender opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) show the following bids: Infinity Services and X Well Mexico (US$617,500); Orwell Offshore (US$671,650); Endeavour Management (US$598,934); Future Energy Partners Limited (US$901,482); MSI International (US$817,761); IHS Global Incorporated (US$1,493,502); Sun Stone Energy Advisory

Service (US$785,040); Bay Phase (US$423,360); RPS Energy Consultants Limited (US$494,000); Sproule (US$661,440); and Strat Oil Energy Services (US$324,080).

The proposals from these firms would be evaluated and ranked on their merit, in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined. It is anticipated that contract negotiations with the selected firm would commence around February 1, 2022 and the assignment, around February 7, 2022.

Yellowtail is situated 126 miles offshore Guyana, where ExxonMobil made its 13th discovery in the Stabroek Block. Its initial production phase is scheduled to commence in 2025 and the FPSO vessel is designed to have a storage capacity of two million barrels of oil. The proposed project could provide some 1300 jobs across its four phases.

The oil rich Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

3 Govt to present Budget 2022 on Wednesday NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Jan 22 – No closure and Sunday, Jan 23 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Jan 22 – 07:00h – 08:30h and Sunday, Jan 23– 07:40h – 09:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 07:21h and 19:40h reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.59 metres.

Low Tide: 13:11h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

01 10 11

12 13 21

FREE TICKET

18 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

06 08 13 19 26 LUCKY 3

5

4

5

5

Afternoon Draw

7

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 07 09 11 12 15 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

05 07 11 15 17 13

03 04 05 09 10

9

4 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

9

1 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$87.89/barrel

Rough Rice

$267.48/ton

+0.61

London Sugar

$507.30/ton

-0.55

Live Spot Gold

-0.56

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1835.60

$1836.60

Low/High Change

$1827.90 0.00

$1844.30 0.00%

…to be partly financed by oil monies – Vice President

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will be presenting its third budget in the National Assembly next Wednesday, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh announced in a statement on Friday.

The 2022 Budget is expected to be the largest budget and will outline development programmes and projects, both continuing and new, that will be executed to fulfil the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government’s manifesto promises aimed at not only transforming Guyana but also enhancing the lives of citizens.

“This budget is expected to comprise a number of critical developmental programmes and projects which will catapult Government’s agenda and take the country forward. It will also be a continuation of the fastpaced development path which served to be of benefit to citizens all across the country since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) entered office on August 2, 2020,” the Finance Ministry stated.

According to the missive, the Minister had been, over the last several months, meeting and consulting with various stakeholders including Government Ministries, Private Sector and other agencies as preparations continued for the new budget.

In fact, earlier this week, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Paul Cheong disclosed that the Private Sector is on the lookout for areas of interest to benefit the business community.

Crucial among these, he noted, is allocation for further infrastructural enhancement and efforts to reduce electricity costs for producers.

“We need to continue with the infrastructure development. We have an infrastructure deficit and to make things better, we need farm to market roads. I know the Government has a programme to work on the electricity. We’re hoping that it would kick off even more this year so that the business sector would benefit from reduced costs,” Cheong discussed.

With the persistence of COVID for some two years, he added that tax relief would cushion the rising freight costs currently incurred.

“Taxes, they need to look and examine. I know it’s a balancing act but lots of prices keep rising because of the COVID situation. Freight rates and you see prices keep

reassured that these two areas will be heavily addressed in Government’s plan for the 2022 fiscal year.

He noted that infrastructure for future growth will be one of the dominant areas in the budget, adding that this not only includes new highways and roads but also new power grids and ICT enhancements.

Oil funds

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

rising so we look forward to some relief in those areas,” the PSC Chairman stated.

However, during an interview that was aired on Friday with the State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) on the budget’s framework, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Moreover, with Government now preparing to present its fiscal plan for 2022, it was also revealed by VP Jagdeo that the budget will be partly financed by Guyana’s earnings from the oil and gas sector. He explained that by tapping into the oil monies, it will reduce the country’s reliance on external borrowing.

“The fiscal deficit this year, in this budget, would be low-

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

er than the fiscal deficit in last year’s from a financing perspective. That means we’d have to borrow less because some of the oil and gas revenues will go towards replacing the high level of borrowing that we have had,” he noted.

TURN TO PAGE 14

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

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

Smoking

M

ore than 40 million young people aged 13-15 have already started to use tobacco, the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined.

This, by any measure, is quite alarming, and one can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on our young people if urgent action is not taken to discourage such actions.

The WHO, for some time now, has embarked on a global campaign to highlight the “strategic, aggressive and well-resourced tactics” employed by the tobacco industry to target youths, and to debunk the myths they create.

The campaign seeks to provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation – from product design to marketing campaigns – and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against the tactics. The WHO described this effort as a counter-marketing campaign, as it would reinforce work in assisting countries to implement effective policy interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco.

Guyana’s Chronic Diseases Coordinator Dr Kavita Singh had, in the past, lamented the fact that the tobacco industry is capitalising on new trends in targeting young persons. She noted that it was during this point in time that ‘big tobacco’ was using strategic marketing techniques to try to get young people to experiment with the new and emerging novel products, like the e-cigarettes and the heated tobacco products.

While there is a myth that these products are safe, they are equally as harmful as the smoke of an actual cigarette. According to WHO, smoking e-cigarettes and hookah pipes – marketed as “safer” alternatives to conventional cigarettes – is harmful, addictive, and increases the risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Of note is that these products have the same tobacco, which has cancer-causing agents among other deadly emissions. The WHO notes that most of the countless flavours on offer – such as bubble-gum and candy – are there to attract youngsters, who at least double their chances of smoking cigarettes later in life.

It should be stated that tobacco is responsible for over seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes approximately 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 40 per cent of all tobacco-related deaths are from lung diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis.

Guyana’s tobacco control law, enacted in 2017, follows several of the Articles of the WHO Convention, and mandates the adoption and implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws. These include: 100 per cent smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising and promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60 per cent of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to and by minors; prohibition on vending machines’ sales; and a ban on the manufacture and sale of toys and candies, and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

However, there is still much work to be done to win the battle against tobacco, as 78 per cent of all deaths here are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), some of which we all know are strongly related to tobacco use.

Having the necessary legislation in place is a good starting point, but there are many other challenges which health authorities here must address if Guyana is to really reduce the number of persons dying or becoming ill due to tobacco use or exposure. These challenges relate to monitoring and compliance; stricter enforcement of the legislation to ensure that the population is protected from the dangers of tobacco use; and, more recently, tackling the newer forms of cigarette substitutes, which are proving to be very attractive to youths.

A team from the Florida Air National Guard (FLANG) have concluded a five-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with members of the GDF Medical Corps, aimed at reviewing and examining additional areas of training for the personnel of the Corps. In this GDF photo: Lt Col Kevin Fitzgerald (center) is flanked by Force Medical Officer, Major Nigel Langhorne (Right) and Officer Commanding Medical Corps, Major Fidel Fredericks (Left) following the conclusion of (SMEE)

The powerful woman who inspired MLK

By Anna Malaika Tubbs

W

e honour Martin Luther King's memory every January, but there are still so many things most people do not know about his life. For example, in his family and among his closest friends, he was known to be lighthearted and humorous. He made fun of his older sister for taking things too seriously, he always tried to lighten the mood and avoid confrontation. As a youth, he was a prankster who would hide behind a bush with his mother's furs tied to a stick, waiting to jump out at people as they walked past his childhood home.

He was not some superhero, but a real person who risked his life for a larger cause. He was a human being who, just like the rest of us, was influenced by his own experiences and shaped by the generations of family members who came before him; the city he was born in; and, most importantly, the mother who birthed him.

All of us are shaped by our mothers to some extent, but in King's case, the presence of his mother's teachings in his work was profound, and the similarities between her passions and his are readily apparent. She was the daughter of the leaders of Ebenezer Baptist Church; it wasn't King's father who established the church, but his mother inherited it from her parents.

She didn't call it nonviolence, but she believed that you could fight Jim Crow through faith, marches and boycotts. She was one of the earliest members of the NAACP, as well as an active member of the YWCA and the International League for Peace and Freedom.

Still, most people - even those who cite King himself as an influence on them - have little or no idea who she was or what she stood for. Most people could not even tell you her name.

But King spoke often of her influence on his moral development, calling her "the best mother in the world."

Alberta Christine Williams King, a powerful organiser, was also a singer and an instrumentalist who trained hundreds of students. She had a bach-

elor's degree as well as a teaching certificate, and she even tutored her husband through his own education.

As clear as her impact was on her children, her story has largely been erased from our telling of history and unfortunately, this is not unique to her. Mothers generally, and Black mothers more specifically, are so often misrepresented or completely erased from the stories we share among ourselves, as well as in literature and media.

Society, too, often views mothers as beings without needs of their own for others to consider or respect.

Instead of celebrating their contributions, we take them for granted - especially mothers who stay at home with their children and those who face impossible choices about work and family. We fail to provide them with support or protection.

It is becoming harder for women to retain their right to choose when they even want to become mothers. We are experiencing a maternal mortality crisis, we have yet to establish universal parental leave, child care is too expensive for most families, and hundreds of thousands of mothers have been forced to walk away from their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

The Build Back Better Act tries to address these issues by increasing the Child Tax Credit, establishing at least some weeks of guaranteed parental leave, offering universal Pre-K, providing postpartum Medicaid to uninsured mothers, even helping more doulas to get trained. However, it is still being debated in Congress, and is unlikely to be passed. In short, the state of motherhood in our country remains a perilous one, and it will continue to be for years to come, unless we can experience a cultural shift in our perspective of motherhood that will force our policy to follow. A simple step in the right direction is to tell Alberta King's story, because, when we do, we are also forced to reckon with the fact that so much of what she confronted is still standing in the way of mothers today.

She was on her journey to becoming an educator before she met her husband - but because of a rule that

married women could not teach in nine states, in starting a family, she had to walk away from her career.

She gave birth to her three children at home with a midwife, choosing to be with the women in her family rather than at a segregated hospital, where she would be met with bias and potential mistreatment.

She lost two of her children before her own untimely passing. She herself was killed in 1974 by a young man who came to Ebenezer Baptist one day and said his mission was to kill all Christians. He shot Alberta in the back while she played the church organ, just a short distance from where her son was buried. Had she lived longer, there is no telling just how much more of an impact she would have had on her community and on our entire country.

I imagine that if more people took the time to know her story, to even reflect on the pain she experienced in life, to think about the power of her motherhood and the ways in which she persisted and led her family despite racism and sexism in our country, we would be much further along in our policy decisions.

If we chose to see mothers and their influence on our world, we would understand that what is best for them is best for us all.

As people around the world are celebrating MLK Jr's contributions, Alberta also deserves celebration for introducing him to the ideas that he is so revered for. She, too, deserves to be honoured posthumously, just as she deserved to be seen, supported, and protected in life. All mothers do.

MLK Jr did not become who he was on his own, he did not exist separate from his loved ones. He was a husband, a father, a brother, a leader who fought for civil rights as his mother had done. He was once a little boy who liked to play jokes on people. He was Alberta's son.(CNN.com) (Editor’s Note: Anna Malaika Tubbs is a sociologist and the author of the bestselling book, "The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation."

The views expressed here are her own.)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

5

News

WHO urges nations to lift travel bans, mandatory vaccine requirement for entry T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries despite the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant around the world.

Despite the increase in infections, the WHO has argued that closed borders failed to contain Omicron that was first detected in South Africa last November.

At the time of its emergence, Jamaica joined dozens of countries that immediately imposed travel bans on eight southern African nations. But the damage was already done as Omicron soon showed up in numerous countries in a

matter of weeks. The travel bans were soon reversed but now the WHO wants countries to go further.

"The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time.

Travel measures should be based on risk assessments

and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers in accordance with Article 40 of the IHR [International Health Regulations}," the WHO said in a statement.

It further said that the State parties should consider a risk-based approach to the "facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quaran-

tine requirements, when appropriate."

Apart from this, the committee praised South Africa for its rapid identification of the Omicron variant.

Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned global leaders that the COVID pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths

Lacking logical flow to arguments, pleas, and statements Dear Editor, Incongruity has become endemic among Guyana’s talking heads; from ‘tik tak’ performer/Kaieteur News Publisher Glen Lall to the recycled men now grouped under Article 13 and the PNC’s newly reformed Leader Aubrey Norton. There is the commonality of lacking logical flow to arguments, pleas, and statements.

A few instances are particularly irksome.

The ‘tik tak’ star/ publisher Glen Lall’s irresponsibility has cost his newspaper dearly, as he continues to lose libel cases to Winston Brassington.

This has not deterred Lall from making even wilder assertions on the Tik Tok social media platform. Lall recently organised a protest to pressure the Guyana Government to renegotiate the ‘oil deal’ to get a better deal for all Guyanese. However, incongruously, Glen Lall is also against spending a cent of the ‘oil money’ under the NRF Act; how the benefits would then accrue to all Guyanese using Glen’s logic is an unsolvable mystery.

The men of Article 13 want to be consult-

ed on how everything should be done in Guyana.

Incongruously, the men of Article 13 refuse to face the electorate to acquire that mandate. Forming an association does not translate into a ‘right’ to speak for the masses. I look forward to Article 13 making an effort to gain legitimacy and mandate from the electorate, and not the Deeds Registry. I also venture that the men of Article 13, save and except Christopher Ram (who asks for audits of everything #Ram&McRae), would have great difficulty agreeing upon anything among themselves, and cannot be considered ‘decision makers’, much less without a democratically-acquired mandate.

The PNC’s new Leader, Aubrey Norton, had a presser to call for a ‘people-centred budget 2022’, and asked that the vulnerable in our society be given special consideration, and that the budget process be reformed to allow inputs from the main Opposition parties. I applaud his awakening to the plight of those who do not receive monies via money transfer services, but must point out the incongruity of his

call to assist the vulnerable and his vexed/aggressive stance against cash grants to schoolchildren and pensioners, not to mention assistance to farmers hurt by recent floods.

Aubrey Norton must surely know that budgets are prepared by Governments; Ministers set policies, projects, and programmes and the civil service technocrats work out the cost of delivery. The Granger administration’s $1.2 trillion may have been set by Congress Place, but that is not how the Irfaan Ali Administration functions.

The incongruity of a PNC leader who pontificates one thing during the

‘rumshop gaffs’ in Bam Bam Alley and contradicts himself at Congress Place is only surpassed by the mathematical disability of Glen Lall and the righteous arrogance of the self-appointed men of Article 13. There is a place for consultation in building Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana, but it must be with those who possess intellect, logic and vision, and certainly cannot include these selfish, self-centred, self-appointed, egotistic men who are incapable of making logical arguments. I suggest they ‘humble’ themselves and come again.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

Well done, Madam Prime Minister Dear Editor, Barbados has shown what a woman can do, not once but twice - sweeping to a landslide thirty-seat victory in just-concluded snap elections.

Well done, and warmest congratulations, Madam Prime Minister!

Her menfolk Caribbean

leaders, and even those further afield must be wondering what they can do to sweep an election in this manner. It is simple: take a leaf, or several leaves, out of her book.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

the world over.

“Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said.

"Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading,

hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added.

He also cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”.

(Jamaica Observer)

6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Plane Geometry Plane Geometry is all about shapes on a flat surface (like on an endless piece of paper).

2D Shapes Regular Polygons A polygon is a plane (2D) shape with straight sides.

To be a regular polygon all the sides and angles must be the same:

D

id you know that some rocks can float? In this quick geology demonstration, we will explore pumice and its unique and outrageous ability to float.

Materials:

Piece of pumice (normally found in foot scrub stones) Container Water

Instructions:

Fill a container with water.

Place the pumice in the water.

Enjoy observing the fabulous floating rock!

How it works:

Other Common Polygons These are 2D shapes, and they are polygons, but not regular polygons:

Pumice floats because it has a very low density due to the air bubbles trapped inside. Pumice is a very porous, frothlike volcanic rock that has long been used as an abrasive in cleaning, polishing, and scouring compounds or substances. It is also employed as a lightweight aggregate in precast masonry units, poured concrete, insulation and acoustic tile, and plaster.

Make this a science project:

Test different sized pieces of pumice to see if they float. Try leaving pumice in water for extended periods of time to see if it eventually sinks. Can you put something like liquid soap on the pumice to make it sink. (sciencefun.org)

Curved Shapes These are also 2D shapes, but are not polygons because they have curves:

Teacher's Tip “Success does not come from what you do occasionally – it comes from what you do consistently.”

– Maree Forleo

By Gabriel Okara

Once upon a time, son, they used to laugh with their hearts and laugh with their eyes: but now they only laugh with their teeth, while their ice-block-cold eyes search behind my shadow.

There was a time indeed they used to shake hands with their hearts: but that’s gone, son.

Now they shake hands without hearts while their left hands search my empty pockets.

‘Feel at home!’ ‘Come again’: they say, and when I come again and feel at home, once, twice, there will be no thricefor then I find doors shut on me.

So I have learned many things, son.

I have learned to wear many faces like dresses – homeface, officeface, streetface, hostface, cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles like a fixed portrait smile.

And I have learned too to laugh with only my teeth and shake hands without my heart.

I have also learned to say,’Goodbye’, when I mean ‘Good-riddance’: to say ‘Glad to meet you’, without being glad; and to say ‘It’s been nice talking to you’, after being bored.

But believe me, son.

I want to be what I used to be when I was like you. I want to unlearn all these muting things.

Most of all, I want to relearn how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!

So show me, son, how to laugh; show me how I used to laugh and smile once upon a time when I was like you.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brazilian President cancels visit to Guyana after mother’s death P

lanned talks between Guyana and Brazil on advancing infrastructure and an energy corridor have been put off after President Jair Bolsonaro was forced to cancel his first official visit to Georgetown on Friday following the death of his 94-year-old mother.

The Brazilian Head of State announced that his mother, Olinda Bonturi Bolsonaro, died on his Twitter handle but did not reveal the cause.

"With deep regret I inform the passing of my dear mother. May God welcome her in his infinite goodness. At this moment I'm preparing to return to Brazil," Bolsonaro tweeted Friday morning.

At the time, he was in Suriname where he travelled to on Thursday to have trilateral discussions with Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santohki and President Dr Irfaan Ali. The three neighbouring leaders met for a working lunch at the Torarica Hotel in Paramaribo during which they discussed enhancing cooperation in a number of areas, including infrastructure,

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his mother, Olinda Bonturi Bolsonaro

trade and energy.

President Ali led a delegation to the Dutch nation Thursday morning and returned later that evening to prepare for the official one-day visit of his Brazilian counterpart the following morning.

President Bolsonaro and his delegation were expected to arrive in Guyana Friday morning to have further bilateral talks with the Guyanese leader and his Cabinet

Ministers.

However, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry issued a notice Friday morning stating that it “regrets to inform that due to the sudden and unfortunate passing of the mother of His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, his official visit to Guyana will no longer take place today.”

President Ali has since

extended his heartfelt sympathy to his colleague on his loss.

On the agenda for discussion between the two South American leaders were improving economic relations, energy and food security, telecommunications, agriculture, infrastructure integration and the development of a deep-water harbour in Guyana.

It was noted that since Guyana offers the short-

est and quickest access to the Atlantic for significant parts of northern Brazil, a road connection linked to the deep-water port could also serve the interest of both countries.

Last week, the two Heads of State spoke via a teleconference about enhancing the partial scope agreement between Guyana and Brazil with the hope of bolstering trade. They also discussed the agenda for Friday’s high-level visit by President Bolsonaro.

During that conversation, President Ali indicated to his Brazilian counterpart that Guyana wants to have a very strong strategic partnership with the Portuguese-speaking nation.

“We have a number of important issues and opportunities for both Guyana and Brazil that I wanted to highlight even before our meeting, so our technical teams can start some work,” President Ali said in a missive from his Press and Publicity Unit.

The Head of State had pointed out that due to their geographical locations, Guyana and Brazil must make strong state-

ments in linking their territories.

He noted that in addition to oil and gas, expanding opportunities in the other non-oil natural resources sector such as bauxite will create an opportunity for a direct link to northern Brazil and the Atlantic that can “create an excellent platform for us to develop an integrated project”.

As it relates to trade, currently, there is an existing partial scope agreement that aims to foster bilateral trade flows by the exchange of tariff preferences between the two countries, cooperation on trade matters and increased participation of the Private Sector.

This, President Ali said, is currently under negotiation to be expanded since Guyana wants to increase its quota, especially as it relates to rice being exported to Brazil.

President Bolsonaro, via an interpreter, said that the agenda for discussion looks “very promising” and that he would ensure that technical staff from the relevant Ministries in Brazil travel for the State visit. (G8)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vendor caught on camera stealing woman’s purse remanded

Remanded: Denise Hilliman

P

reviously charged with attempted murder over stabbing her neighbour with a pitchfork, 54-year-old Denise Hilliman has once again found herself on the wrong side of the law.

On Friday, the vendor called “Joy” of Lamaha Park, Georgetown, was slapped with a simple larceny charge when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on

January 17, at Robb Street, Georgetown, she stole US$3070, along with $70,000, property of Maylin Ortiz Rodriguez.

The prosecutor told the court that on the day in question, Rodriguez was shopping at a store located on Robb Street, when she misplaced her purse.

The woman, after realising that her purse was missing, made checks for it in the store but did not find it. As such, she filed a report with the Police.

Police obtained CCTV footage from the store which allegedly showed Hilliman removing Rodriguez’s purse.

The vendor was later arrested and Police found $65,700 in her shoulder bag.

When cautioned, Hilliman admitted to walking along Robb Street but denied picking up the woman’s purse. While the prosecutor did not oppose Hilliman being released on bail, the

Magistrate remanded her.

Her case will be called again on March 25.

Last year July, Hilliman was remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on an attempted murder charge.

It is alleged that on July 11, 2021, at Lamaha Park Squatting Area, with intent to commit murder, she caused grievous bodily harm to Otoley Whyte. The complainant had been hospitalised in a serious condition.

Facts stated that Hilliman and Whyte are neighbours. On the day in question, at around 17:30h, Whyte’s brother and Hilliman’s sons were gambling when a fight ensued between them.

Whyte hurriedly rushed to her brother’s rescue and was stabbed to the chest with a pitchfork by Hilliman. The woman was picked up in an unconscious state and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital. (G1)

Armed robbery accused released on $300,000 bail

R

aphael Watts, 35, who was remanded to prison last year September on an armed robbery charge, was on Friday granted $300,000 bail when he reappeared before Magistrate Rondel Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Watts, at his first court appearance, had pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on April 24, 2021, at Hadfield Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Towanna Ammon of 10 pennyweights of raw gold, cash, and other items totalling $3.3 million.

The prosecution’s case is contending that Ammon had purchased raw gold on the day in question and was on her way to a Chinese restaurant located between Hadfield Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown, to purchase a meal when she was attacked by two men on a motorcycle.

The men held the virtual complainant and her friend at gunpoint before relieving them of their valuables before making good their escape. The robbery was reported to the Police and following investigations, Watts was arrested and prosecuted. (G1)

Mama Mia!...

W

…in Barbados e’ve all heard the Italian exclamation “Mama Mia!!” – literally “my mother”, but colloquially equivalent to our “Oh boy!” or “my goodness!” – in all its intonations!! Well, it would seem that the expression was coined centuries ago to describe what just happened over in Bim – Barbados!

How else can your Eyewitness react to the news that Mia Amore Mottley, the Prime Minister of that country, was just re-elected with a majority of 30 to zero seats in their Parliament!! That’s right…her Barbados Labour Party (BLP) secured all the seats in the general elections, with its “major opponent, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), getting zip!!

If there’s one election that won’t be challenged in the courts or elsewhere, it’s this one!! Not even the PNC would have the chutzpah to contest this!! Right? As it was, the DLP leader conceded, “No mas! No mas before the night was over!” And that’s one germane difference between Barbados and us that gives Mottley even more moral authority to’ve called out the Sanctimonious Gangster and his PNC rigging crew back in 2020!! Your Eyewitness noticed that the PNC, with its new leader, congratulated Mottley – right after President Ali did.

He wondered whether the PNC apologised for cussing her out back then!! He doubts it. The PNC follows the maxim “all is fair in love and war”, and for that party, politics is war – and not even “by other means”!!

The Barbados election follows the decision, declaration and implementation by Mottley’s government to cut its almost 400-year link with the British Crown by declaring Barbados a Republic last November. Barbados now has a President, who, not incidentally, is also female and is the leader of the losing DLP!! Talk about female power!! Dubbed “Little England”, not just for its long relationship with England, but for its affectations of English “ways”, that’s over.

Mottley exemplifies a new determination to become independent by freeing our minds from mental slavery - without throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

She proudly told the Caricom-Africa Union Summit that, while she was not in Africa, Africa was in her!! Would each of the leaders of the Caribbean – including Guyana – have the self-confidence to acknowledge their diverse heritages so resoundingly?! But while she fearlessly speaks “truth to power” in several global fora, she hasn’t called for any crude scrapping of our relations as our Marxist ideologues used to promote!!

Closer to home, she’s earned a place in the hearts of most well-meaning Guyanese, after her bold stand in 2020. She and President Ali appear to have also hit it off personally - and this is important in the immediate future.

Barbados is going through a bad patch economically.

We gotta lend a helping hand!

…PPP’s responsible for GT’s filth?

You could’ve knocked your Eyewitness over with a feather when he read ANUG’s insisting that the PPP Government is responsible for the city sinking into filth and squalor from its Garden City days! And why’s the Central Government responsible? Well, being led by a couple of lawyers – all other executives seem to’ve resigned or jumped ship - they raised a legal argument: They need to raise more funds through increased rates, but a valuation of city buildings must first be conducted by the Finance Ministry’s Valuation Department – controlled by the Govt!!

Sounds plausible. But Local Authorities gotta apply for such valuations!! Did City Hall ever make an application? Last your Eyewitness heard, Town Clerk Royston King was conducting just such an evaluation and APNU/AFC Communities Minister Bulkan was getting a Canadian company to assist him.

Whatever happened to that initiative? And shouldn’t City Hall comply with the Auditor General’s audit of their spending before the Government facilitates citizens throwing more good money down City Hall’s Black Hole?

…Chanderpaul’s back!

Your Eyewitness is quite chuffed that Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s been appointed Tallawahs’ Head Coach along with Sir Curtly Ambrose as one of his assistants.

For too long, Chanderpaul’s been ill-served by the WI Board in terms of recognition.

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger to join talks as Norton pushes to become Opposition Leader Dialogue

PNC Leader Aubrey Norton

L

eader of the People’s National Congress, Aubrey Norton on Friday asserted that Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has not been co-opted to serve on the party’s Central Executive Committee, one month after a new leadership was elected.

The PNCR’s constitution allows for the party leader to co-opt non-elected members to the Central Executive

Committee, in which there are about 10 spots to fill.

Member of Parliament Roysdale Forde, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Chairman Daniel Seeram, Joan-Ann Ramacindo and Sherwood Lowe have already been co-opted to the CEC. In addition to losing his contest for the party’s leadership, Harmon was also not elected to any of the Central Executive Committee seats of the PNCR. Leader of the PNC, when asked about Harmon’s co-option to the Committee during a press conference on Friday, suggested that the names of

Former President and Rep of APNU/AFC List, David Granger

those selected have been released to the public.

“Anybody that we have co-opted, we have informed the press. That’s the first thing. The second thing is that the party intends to treat these matters as internal matters. We will discuss and when we think it is necessary that the press be informed, we will inform the press,” a tightlipped Norton maintained.

Meanwhile, Harmon is expected to engage further with Norton to iron out his potential replacement in the National Assembly.

The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the PNC had decided that its newly-elected leader should sit in the National Assembly and hold the post of the country’s Opposition Leader. This meant that Norton would replace Harmon as Leader of the Opposition. However, PNC is a party within the APNU, which is governed by its own protocols.

Opposition Harmon

Leader

Joseph

As it stands, former President and former leader of PNC, David Granger is the Representative of the List of Candidates for APNU/AFC. Granger is also the Chairman of APNU while Harmon, on the other hand, is the General Secretary. The new PNC leader indicated that Granger has signalled his intention to dialogue once the initial engagement is completed.

“As far as I know, the discussions involve the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform and the

Leader of the Opposition.

From Mr Granger, the former leader of the party has decided that he will engage but he wants to see the outcome of this first phase of discussion.

He placed that in writing.”

APNU had said that in 2011 at the birth of the APNU, a collective decision was made as to who would be Head of the List, adding that in 2015 a collective decision was made as to who would be head of the list when the Alliance for Change coalesced with APNU. According to APNU, if there are issues or concerns

that need to be addressed, any member of the partnership or coalition knows the method that should be used in addressing those issues or concerns. The members of the APNU, the statement noted, would therefore expect that all members, in keeping with the proper and ethical norms, would bring their positions on matters before the APNU Executive for consensus and agreement rather than making public pronouncements on matters that cannot be decided upon by any one party.

(G12)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Unvaccinated patients with comorbidities Trigger-happy man to be charged for illegal dominate hospitalised COVID cases gun possession T

he Health Ministry has picked up a trend with hospitalised COVID patients, whereby a majority of cases monitored in the facilities are people with multiple underlying illnesses or unvaccinated from the virus.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared during Friday’s briefing that Guyana has 12,773 active cases, of which 130 are hospitalised. While a majority of persons would recover, this trend is evident.

“What we’re finding is that the persons who are becoming hospitalised now, they would have a lot of comorbidities, not just one underlying illness but several underlying illnesses. We have noticed that pattern.

Secondly, most of the people that are coming in the hospitals have not been vaccinated,” he added.

Of recent, there is a high percentage of unvaccinated elderly persons in the facilities, compounded with their comorbid conditions.

“These are all risk factors and because of that, we have found that a lot of these patients don’t do too well and they’re at risk of dying if they get COVID. These are the challenges that we have and if there are persons who have not been vaccinated, I would encourage them to go and get vaccinated.”

When the disease persists for a couple of weeks, it is considered ‘long COVID’.

If hospitalisation is beyond four weeks, the Ministry also deem it a long COVID case. With Omicron, the hospitalisation interval is reduced but the Minister outlined that the long-term condition of these patients is yet to be determined.

“It’s too early to know because Omicron was only discovered in November last year and persons with long COVID, there are two phases: people between four weeks to three months; and then three months to six months. We still have to observe to determine if people are coming back with symptoms of long COVID, especially after being infected with the Omicron variant but we know that long COVID exists.”

Dr Anthony identified that depending on the variant in question, significant changes are notable in in-

fected patients. In previous cases, some people were affected with lung complications, decreasing the organ’s capacity.

Others experienced heart issues, ranging from palpitation which led to bleeding problems. There were instances where patients later developed severe chest pains that mimicked myocardial infractions or heart attack.

Some reported neuropsychiatric symptoms whereby fatigue, muscle aches and headaches were observed.

“We also saw that persons had changes in their blood and in some cases, if you’ve had COVID in the past, you can end up with changes in clotting of the blood, resulting in changes what is called emboli. That can lead to other types of complications,” he added.

Anxiety, depression and sleep disruptions have also been observed after recovery. After infection, kidney injuries are among the as-

sortment of complications that may arise, or effects on the endocrine system.

“Persons who never had diabetes, post-COVID some of them can exhibit the symptoms of diabetes.

Others who have had diabetes, they can have some challenges controlling their blood sugar. We have also seen patients with thyroiditis, that is a disease of the thyroid gland,” the Minister shared in his update.

Among the slew of post-infection effects is demineralisation of the bones.

In terms of the skin and hair, cases of hair loss have been reported as a postCOVID syndrome. In children, multi-inflammatory system disease can occur.

With Omicron, the post-infection presentation is different.

“With Omicron, because the presentation is different, we have seen that more people who are infected would have more of an upper respiratory tract type of infection, meaning the nose, mouth and throat…It’s a little bit too early to understand what the impact of Omicron might be in terms of long-COVID.” Physicians have been working in the long COVID unit to examine patients who fall within this category, providing the necessary treatment. (G12)

The firearm that was found in the man’s possession

A

man, who Police say discharged rounds at another man last Friday, was arrested and will be charged soon for alleged illegal possession of a gun and ammunition.

Ranks on a mobile patrol from the Sparendaam Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD), received a report of the discharge of a loaded firearm and went to the scene.

Upon their arrival, they were informed that the act was committed on a resident of Robert Road Sparendaam, ECD. This led to the seizure of a .22 pistol with one round and a .32 pistol with three rounds.

In a statement, Police said after a thorough inves-

tigation, one male was arrested and is expected to appear at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Just a week ago one person was arrested following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm at Second Street Campbellville, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, at about 17:00h on the day in question, an intelligence-led Police operation was conducted in Second Street Campbellville, Georgetown, during which one .22 pistol without ammunition was found.

The firearm and the suspect were taken to the Kitty Police Station where he was subsequently charged. (G9)

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11 new COVID-19 deaths, 19 persons in ICU …booster doses surpass 32,000 GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JANUARY 21, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

892

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

160

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

A

n alarming spike of 11 new COVID-19 fatalities was announced by the Health Ministry on Friday, moving confirmed cases up to 1122 and continuing the trend associated with this new wave.

The Health Ministry informed that only one of these persons was partially vaccinated. Four were unvaccinated while the status of the others was unknown. The new deaths were reported between January 19 and January 21, 2022.

Among the fatalities were seven females from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), aged: 79, 59, 93, 84, 74, 55 and 54. The others were males: an 86-year-old from Region One (Barima-Waini); an 87-yearold from Region Four; a 79-year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); and a 47-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

Within one day, over

4000 persons were tested and 892 swabs returned positive. From the 55,628 total confirmed cases, 25,810 are males and the remaining 29,818 are females.

There are 19 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 160 in institutional isolation, 12,314 in home isolation and 15 in institutional quarantine. For now, recovered cases have reached 42,013 from the total infections recorded locally.

Data shows that the new positives were dispersed among nine regions, with eight in Region One (BarimaWaini), 12 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 146 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 487 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 33 in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica), 117 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), 46 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 39 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

and 28 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) did not increase.

Commenting on infections on the basis of gender, the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony outlined on Friday that the difference is insignificant.

Booster doses

He provided the latest vaccination figures, which show that 419,980 adults or 81.9 per cent of that cohort have received a first dose. Second doses are at 307,445 or 59.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, in the 12 to 17 age category, 22,604 or 31 per cent are fully immunised.

Booster doses have seen a significant hike at 32,270 doses being administered.

Government started administering booster shots after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six

12,314

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

19

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

15

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

29,818

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

25,810

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

55,628

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

42,013

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

1895

REGION 2

2096

REGION 3

7285

REGION 4

27,986

REGION 5

2027

REGION 6

5045

REGION 7

2260

REGION 8

673

REGION 9

3184

REGION 10

3177

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

418,333 305,194

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1122

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

months of receiving both doses.

Persons have been advised to take their booster doses, especially amid circulation of the Omicron variant that is highly transmissible.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in ef-

fect until January 31, 2022.

This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand

hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy (G12)

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GNIC wharf ganja bust

Dominican jailed for 4 years, fined $14M; 2 others remanded

A

Jailed: Fredy Diaz Cabrera

national of the Dominican Republic was jailed for four years and six months and fined $14 million over a recent drug bust at the Guyana National

Remanded: Epiphany McLennan

Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC) Wharf located at Lombard Street, Georgetown.

Fredy Diaz Cabrera, 56,

Remanded: Eustace Rodrigues

of Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD); the mother of his child, Epiphany McLennan called “Tiffany” of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and Eustace

Rodrigues called “FineMan”, 45, of Albouystown, Georgetown were arraigned on a drug trafficking charge on Friday.

They appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Cabrera and McLennan were jointly charged with trafficking 16.046 kilograms of marijuana on January 19 at GNIC Wharf.

Cabrera pleaded guilty, while the woman denied the charge.

Rodrigues, on the other hand, pleaded not guilty to trafficking the said quantity of marijuana on January 18 at his Albouystown home.

Cabrera, a seaman, claimed that Rodrigues gave him the narcotic to traffic to Barbados.

However, Rodrigues told the court he does not know of the illicit drug. Cabrera told the court that he served time in a United States prison for trafficking cocaine.

Rodrigues and McLennan will return to court on February 25.

On January 19, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks conducted a narcotics operation at the GNIC Wharf where they searched a vessel containing a quantity of cement that was scheduled to leave port Georgetown.

Several parcels of suspected cannabis were discov-

The parcels of marijuana that were found on the vessel

ered throughout the vessel.

The vessel is foreign-registered, and at the time, had a crew of 19 foreign nationals. The vessel’s crew along with the narcotic were taken to CANU headquarters.

At CANU headquarters, the drug was tested and confirmed to be marijuana – a foreign type known as “creepy”. CANU said the drug which has an esti-

mated value of $14 million would have been valued way more if it had reached its intended destination.

According to CANU, the operation is part of an ongoing multi-agency and multi-national investigation aimed at dismantling a regional network involved in the movement of narcotics from Guyana using cargo vessels. (G1)

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rape accused shoots Interpol alerted as probe launched 17-year-old victim Seizure of ‘Guyana-registered vessel’

into arms, ammo find in Senegal

The ammunition that was found on the boat

A

s law enforcement officials in the West African country of Senegal and in Guyana continue their investigation into the seizure of a vessel purportedly registered in Guyana that was transporting three containers of ammunition worth more than US$5million, Interpol has been notified.

Guyanese authorities have since denied that the vessel is locally-registered, as the international criminal Police organisation commonly known as Interpol has since been alerted of this matter.

This motor vessel, named EURIKA, has been detained in Dakar, Senegal, and the crew has been arrested after a search by

Customs officials there unearthed a number of illegal arms and ammunition.

The Guyana Police Force launched an investigation on Thursday, during which officials of the Guyana Maritime Administration Department have confirmed that the vessel was not registered by any competent authority in Guyana.

The Police Force have said they are working with regional and international law enforcement agencies, and have alerted the INTERPOL General Secretariat with the view to informing all member States, and to confirm the veracity of the weapons’ seizure. According to the Police, this would assist in the questioning of

The vessel that was detained

one Suneil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of an incorporated company that is involved in the registration of the motor vessel, and with whom MARAD had severed ties during last year.

Meanwhile, in a statement on the issue, the Maritime Administration Department has said the vessel in question is not contained in the local ships’ registry, and it is believed that registration documents were issued by the International Maritime Safety Agency of Guyana (IMSAG), an entity with which the administration had severed all ties since

Investigators revisit GPHC’s fire scene

The damage to the Echocardiology Laboratory

A

team of investigators from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Thursday revisited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Echocardiology Laboratory as the probe continues into the blaze that was set to the building on January 1.

This was confirmed by GPHC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jai Lall who explained that as far as the institution is aware, the investigation remains active.

Having determined that the fire was an act of arson, the main suspect – a doctor who was suspend-

ed on allegations of sexual harassment – was arrested for questioning but subsequently released on station bail.

He remains off the job, on administrative leave.

The doctor was sent on leave on December 31 after a female staff filed a complaint of sexual harassment against him.

This publication understands that a review of security footage shows the doctor in the hospital’s compound moments before the fire. He was reportedly seen acting in a suspicious manner and when questioned, gave conflicting reports regarding his purpose at the institution.

Over $20 million in equipment was damaged in the blaze.

According to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, the destruction of the equipment will compromise the institution’s cardiac programme.

The Health Minister has already cautioned that disruption to services offered at the echocardiography laboratory can last for months as authorities seek to procure new equipment.

At the time of the fire, there were at least 11 patients in the vicinity – seven in the cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and four in another ICU. They were all evacuated to safety.

13th August 2021.

It added that it subsequently notified all regional and international bodies and organisations of the effective termination of all arrangements with IMSAG, and advised on the veracity of registration certificates issued to vessels by IMSAG. As a result, several vessels have been detained in various ports for false registration documents.

A

17-year-old male has been taken to hospital after he was shot by a man whom he and his brothers accuse of sexually molesting them.

This shooting occurred at about 21:30h on Thursday on the northern section of the public road at Auchlyne Estate, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to the Police, the teen was downstairs in his yard when the suspect, dressed in dark-coloured clothing, suddenly emerged from underneath the back step and pointed a handgun in the teen’s direction.

The suspect then discharged a round at the teen, but it missed him. He discharged another round in the teen’s direction, and that one hit the teen in the face. Police say that as the teen fell to the ground and lay there, the suspect discharged another round at him, which wounded him to his left side buttocks.

The suspect then made

good his escape in the direction of the back of the yard.

The teen managed to make it to the kitchen, where his relatives were, and they rushed him to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. However, because of the extent of his injuries, he was referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he remains a patient.

Police were summoned to the scene, and the area was searched for spent shells, but none was seen.

The suspect was later found at his home, where a search was conducted but no gun was found. He was, however, arrested and taken to the Whim Police Station. The area was canvassed for CCTV footage, but none was seen.

Guyana Times understands that the accused, who once shared a relationship with the teen’s mother, is presently before the Whim Magistrate’s Court for a sexual matter against the child and his brothers.

TURN TO PAGE 14

14 NEWS Guyanese mother killed in Suriname crash SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

Police officers at the scene of the accident in Suriname

57-year-old Guyanese woman has died two days after she was involved in an accident in neighbouring country Suriname.

The woman was reportedly hit by a bus in Paramaribo, Suriname. Dead is Chaldrica Ramkissoon, who migrated to Suriname some 50 years ago.

Officials said the mother of six who lived in Pad Van Wanica, Suriname, was hit by a bus on Maagdenstraat in the centre of Paramaribo.

Following the report of the collision, Police from the

Dead: Chaldrica Ramkissoon

Centrum Bureau visited the location. Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers found Chaldrica with serious head injuries on the road.

Guyana Times was informed that the bus was driving on the Maagdenstraat Road, and while making a right turn to Knuffelsgracht, it struck down the elderly woman who was crossing the road at the time.

She was picked up and taken by ambulance in critical condition to the Emergency Department of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo.

Chaldrica was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to her injuries and subsequently died.

Rape accused shoots...

In October 2021, the 39-year-old man was taken into police custody for the alleged raping of the 17-year-old and his two brothers, aged 15 and 16.

The incident happened on separate occasions in 2020 and 2021.

Police had explained

that the teens would often go to the man’s house to do chores. But on several separate occasions, the teens alleged that the man would threaten them at knifepoint and rape them.

The teens explained that, initially, they did not tell anyone out of fear,

CIOG targets 300 persons at COVID-19 vaccine medical outreach

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the US Embassy on Friday held a medical outreach at the GPF Eve Leary Mess Hall in Georgetown which sought to administer some 300 COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.

In their effort to aid in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, CIOG and its partners are conducting community outreach in various parts of Guyana.

The medical outreach held on Friday sought to provide a number of services to the public which includes free glucose and blood pressure testing, the provision of over-thecounter medication, free massages, mental health counselling, and administration of COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, carried out by the staff from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The General Manager of CIOG, Shameena Haniff stated that the main purpose of the outreach was the vaccination drive which is to aid in Guyana’s

Persons are being administered COVID-19 vaccines at CIOG outreach

fight against the deadly coronavirus, and also to provide medical assistance to persons who are in need of it.

“The reason of this event today is the vaccination drive that we are focusing on in aid of helping all of our citizens in Guyana to be fully vaccinated and also boosted,” she said.

She further added, “The main message behind the vaccination drive and the medical outreaches is to be able to complement the efforts that the Government is doing with the vaccination drive and also reaching out to persons in being checked out medically as we know the whole COVID

situation that’s happening and then apart from that we had a spin-off of the flu.”

Hanifff stated that the public can expect more medical outreaches being done by CIOG and its partners as they are preparing to head to Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on January 30 which will be hosted by Kashif & Shanghai.

With COVID-19 cases rapidly rising in Guyana every day, there is a dire need for persons to take their vaccines and booster shots once they are already vaccinated to protect themselves from being seriously ill if they should contract the virus.

Govt to present Budget 2022...

FROM PAGE 3

FROM PAGE 13

but as the incidents became “overbearing”, one of the brothers decided to confide in a family member.

As a result, a report was made to the local police station and investigations led to the arrest of the suspect.

With Guyana spending more now, Jagdeo pointed out that the deficit would widen as the big capital projects come on stream but the financing of the deficit would reduce since the country would not be borrowing to fulfil that financing need.

“A significant part of the borrowing, starting with APNU/AFC – $90 billion every year – was coming from the domestic market. It now leaves more funds in the domestic market for Private Sector lending. So, there is no upward pressure on the interest rates there. In fact, the banks have to be a bit more aggressive to seek out people to lend to because they don’t have this easy way of lending to the Government… that’s simply because we have decided to use part of the oil and gas proceeds to finance the deficit,” the Vice President explained.

This will be Guyana’s first withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) since the country started collecting revenues from oil production in early 2020.

Production in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana started in December 2019 and to date, some US$607 million has been earned. The monies are currently being held in the Fund at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.

Only last month, Government passed updat-

ed NRF legislations that outlines the process for Government to make withdrawals from the Fund, chief among this is the fact that it has to be approved by Parliament.

However, while there are restrictions on making withdrawals from the Fund to deposits made in the previous fiscal year, the first schedule of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021 allows an exception in the first year, giving the Government the latitude to withdraw the total balance in the Fund at once.

The PPP/C Government has contended that such a withdrawal is pertinent to addressing Guyana’s pressing development needs.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Budget will be the second full-year budget for the PPP/C Government as well as the second budget to be presented by Minister Singh.

The first budget was an Emergency Budget presented in August 2020. This saw the immediate reversal of a number of punitive taxes instituted by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government among other significant measures while last year’s budget comprised several developmental projects in a number of sectors.

Then the 2021 Budget was presented in February 2021 under the theme “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism, and Resilience”.

It included funding for the construction of various housing schemes and expansion of existing ones, investment in the revitalisation of the country’s sugar industry, programmes in partnership with the Private Sector and other stakeholders for investment in the tourism and hospitality sector, the construction of a number of new roads and other infrastructure as well as a number of cash grants to citizens that assisted them after the destruction of crops and livestock during the devastating flood of June 2021, a seven per cent increase to the public sector and cash grants throughout the year which allowed for the stimulation of the economy.

Additionally, the 2021 Budget provided for large injections into the health sector and assistance to frontline health sector workers (vaccines and other health supplies) as the country continued to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Finance Ministry, the developmental programmes included in the previous budgets all represented the fulfilment of promises made by the PPP/C Administration in its 2020 manifesto.

It was noted that the PPP/C Government remains committed to ensure that it fulfils every promise made to the citizens of Guyana and for which it was elected to office.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Ma” turns 100 Lusignan Prison …as another Corentyne woman celebrates that milestone

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construction 70% completed

Rookmin Maidee, aka “Ma”

ookmin Maidee, also known as “Ma”, of Number 54 Village, Corentyne, Berbice (Region Six, East Berbice/Corentyne) is now 100 years old.

“Ma”, who has seen her fifth generation, was born at Canal Number 2, West Bank Demerara, but moved to the Corentyne where she met and married Llewellyn Thompson.

The couple had two children, and lived together until Thompson met his demise.

Maidee’s only daughter has since passed away, and she is now living with her son, George Thompson.

The 72-year-old Thompson spends most of his time in the rice cultivation area, and his daughter, 46-yearold Susan Thompson, actively takes care of the new cen-

tenarian.

According to Ma’s granddaughter, “Ma” doesn’t eat much, but has no need to be taking any medication.

“We are all very happy to see her reach 100 years,” she said.

The centenarian, while expressing gratitude, believes that she is still around today because of the food she ate when she was younger.

She says she still tries to eat healthy.

“I eat good food long ago,” she said in her strong voice.

Fish, chicken, beef and pork were all part of her diet when she was much younger. However, she is not fed with much meat in her old age, and this seems to be one of her concerns, but she says she is satisfied with whatever she is given to eat.

“If is bare dhal and rice, I

would eat. If is bare chicken curry and rice, I would eat; if they don’t cook anything, I would do without,” she said when asked what was her preferred food today.

In her younger days, she farmed for both family use and to earn an income. She also fished while still maintaining her responsibilities as a wife and mother.

Her son refers to his mother as being in good health, with only a slight loss of memory.

To observe the milestone on Thursday, family members gathered for a small and simple but significant celebration.

“Ma” has 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grands; 35 great- great-great-grands, and 1 great-great-great grand. (Andrew Carmichael)

Superior Concrete hosts 'open house' event

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uperior Concrete on Wednesday hosted an open house event to showcase their newly operational concrete batching plant in the GYSBI Annex at McDoom, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

An open invitation was extended to the public, the Private Sector and to Government with the intention to showcase the production ability.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill was one of several officials who toured

the facility.

The plant is said to have the largest capacity of any concrete plant currently in Guyana with the capability of producing 130 cubic yards an hour. The plant is a wet mix type, the only one of its kind in Georgetown.

Wet batch plants are not only a more precise system but a more environmentally-friendly design than a dry mix plant.

Superior Concrete’s plant is a fully-enclosed design, utilising both the

most intelligent software in ready mix technology to ensure consistency and efficiency and advanced lasering technology, which monitors the quality of the air to ensure air pollutants, primarily cement dust, are captured.

Randy Wade, a local Guyanese Director, expressed: “We adhere to international standards with all of our clients and strive to set new standards in terms of quality by always going above and beyond.”

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Ongoing construction of the Lusignan Prison

he construction of the Lusignan Prison is moving apace, and is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of this year. This was disclosed

by Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot on Friday, after a walkthrough of the facility.

“Currently, the construction work on this location is about 70 per cent complete, and we are on schedule. And that is dependent on rainfall at the moment, but we are scheduled to be completed by the end of March this year,” Elliot is quoted by DPI as saying.

The $1.2 billion facility is a commitment of the PPP/C Administration following the destruction of sections of the Georgetown and old Lusignan prisons. It also forms part of the administration’s manifesto promise to create safer prisons with improved conditions.

Upon completion, the facility would house approximately 1000 inmates.

However, aside from providing comfortable conditions for inmates, the new prison would also focus on their rehabilitation. This will see the construction of a school wherein inmates can further their academic achievements or learn a trade.

Elliot has said that when the facility is completed, inmates will almost immedi-

ately be housed in the building.

“The operationalising of the building on completion would just be about a week or so,” he stated.

The three facilities being constructed were contracted out to Mohamed’s Construction and Real Estate Agency, M&P Investment, and Nabi Construction Inc.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Amerindian Affairs Ministry inks contracts to boost community development

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cores of Malali residents will soon be gainfully employed in the quarrying industry.

This follows the signing of a lease and addendum to mining agreements between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and the Malali Quarry Inc and the Malali Village Council, on Friday.

Following the signing, Minister Pauline Sukhai in an interview with DPI, commended the Village Council for attaining such an investment, which she said will boost the community’s economy activity.

She urged village leaders to assess the level of resources in their village and examine the best options to utilise them, as well as find investors willing to invest in the community.

This approach, she said, will lessen the dependency

that exists in small hinterland villages.

“This agreement is a progressive step in the interest of the people of Malali Village Council…in this case, we are very pleased that the Village Council stepped up to addressing investments, stepped up in addressing the need to create employment opportunities and of course, that will, in the long run, benefit the opportunities for job creation and increase the income of the people of that village,” the Minister told those present at the signing ceremony.

According to the agreement, villagers will mine 1400 acres of land over 25 years.

Sukhai, the DPI reported, pointed out that per the agreement, the tribute is payable to the village to the sum of $7400 per acre per

Minister Pauline Sukhai

month for the extraction of zone lands within the mining area. This includes the establishment of a wharf and “which shall include for the first five years of this agreement, 20 acres with an additional inclusion of 20 acres every five years during the term of this agreement.”

It was noted that from the date of the agreement,

the tribute is payable at US$2 per acre per month for eight months and then US$3 per acre for the following four months, after which the sum of US$3 per acre per month will be paid. This will allow for an annual added increase of 5 per cent per annum for the remaining acreage of the mining lands referred to as the “Safety

Zone”. It will include 1380 acres in the first five years of the agreement.

“The Village Councils are the priority when it comes to activities like this, and so we ensure that they are party to any agreement that will benefit from the process. The law specifies that the Amerindian villages … mining in their lands benefit from a minimum of no less than 7 per cent. This is not only for gold, but any mining operation for any material that is located within their community.”

She added that the tributes “the two parties have worked out is fair and reasonable rates following a few negotiating meetings and examination of the market rate that exists and I believe that it is comfortable at this point, with this fair level of tributes and roy-

alties in keeping with the Amerindian Act relating to the market rate and minimum range.”

In 2021, the Malali Quarry Inc, expressed interest in investing some $3.3 billion (US$16 million) into its Tigerhill quarry project which covers about 1400 acres or 135 kilometres.

Meanwhile, a contract was also signed between Hururu Village Council and Businessman Ameer Bacchus, for Bacchus to access the village’s log pond.

The three-year contract allows Bacchus to use the log pond to store and export lumber from the village and his concession per the Amerindian Act. Hururu and Malali are both titled communities.

The projects will help the communities to broaden their economic prospects.

UN condemns Saudi-led Migrant vendors causing airstrike on Yemen prison problems on Jamaica streets

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Hope of finding survivors in the rubble is said to be fading

he UN has condemned an airstrike by a Saudi-led coalition on a Yemen detention centre that has killed more than 70 people.

The incident happened when a facility was struck in Saada, a stronghold of the rebel Houthi movement, on Friday.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the "escalation needs to stop" and called for an investigation into strikes in the country on Friday.

Saudi-led coalition forces have been fighting Houthi rebels since 2015.

Tens of thousands of civilians, including more than 10,000 children, have been killed or wounded as a direct result of the fighting.

Millions have been displaced and much of the population stands on the brink of famine.

Hours after the air strike, rescue workers were still pulling bodies out of the rubble, and hopes of finding survivors are fading, says BBC Middle East correspondent Anna Foster.

The exact death toll is unclear. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said at least 70 people were killed, though the number is expected to rise.

Houthi-run television showed pictures from the scene of men clearing debris with their hands and of wounded at a local hospital. MSF said one hospital had received more than 200 casualties.

"There are many bodies still at the scene of the air strike, many missing people," Ahmed Mahat, MSF chief in Yemen, told AFP news agency. "It is impossible to know how many people have been killed. It seems to have been a horrific act of violence.

Further south, three children were killed as they were playing football when an air strike hit a telecommunications facility in the rebel-held port city of Hudaydah, Save the Children aid agency said.

There was a near countrywide internet outage around the same time, which Houthi media blamed on the attack on the telecommunications site.

Saudi Arabia said the coalition had carried out air strikes in Hudaydah but did not mention the attack in Saada.

The coalition has stepped up air strikes since the Houthis carried out a rare drone and missile attack on the UAE on Monday. Three civilians were killed in what was the first deadly attack of its kind in the emirates.

(BBC)

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oncerned about the build up of traffic and the spread of the novel coronavirus in Ocho Rios, St Ann, Councilor Michael Belnavis (Ocho Rios, Jamaica Labour Party) is urging the police to clear the streets of the resort town of what he says is “an influx of vendors who have taken up residence since last December”.

According to Belnavis, the areas of concerns are Dacosta Street, Market Street and along Main Street, which was without vendors over the past two years.

“We spent some money, just two years ago, to renovate the car park and build some stalls to move people from the street into the market and as it stands right now people have relocated back on to the roads,” said Belnavis, a former mayor of St Ann's Bay. “There a lot of vendors and 98 per cent of them are from out of the area.

We would like to see people go back into the market because that is what it was created for,” added Food vending, which

is most dominant on the streets of the resort town, is the major concern for Belnavis who charged that some of the vendors may not be aware of proper food handling procedures and this may fuel the spread of viruses.

“It is a COVID environment so what can we do to ensure that these food vendors are at least maintaining standard?”

Belnavis asked chief public health inspector for St Ann Delroy Scott during a recent meeting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation.

“The food vending in Ocho Rios is now different from any other part of the parish. It is a challenge that both the municipal council and the Public Health Department have had to manage. What we have to do is find ways to manage the activities so it can be done properly and the standards of dealing with food can be upheld,” Scott responded.

He added that the Public Health Department has been trying its best to sensitise vendors about proper food handling.

“The food vending in Ocho Rios is now different from any other part of the parish. It is a challenge that both the municipality and public health department have had to manage.

What we have to do is find ways to manage the activities so it can be done properly and the standards of dealing with food can be upheld,” said Scott.

“We do not have the authority to move people from the streets but we will do what we can to ensure there is some level of standard,” added Scott.

In the meantime, head of the St Ann Police Division Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell told the meeting that the police intend to keep the streets of the resort town free of illegal vendors.

“We had good compliance last year because we had a number of operations around the vending situation and we intend to carry that out for this year. So those person on the streets will become a focus of the police to get them back into the market district,” said Powell.

(Jamaica Observer)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID booster shots effective against severe illness from Omicron - CDC new studies

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booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine significantly reduces a person's odds of hospitalization from the omicron variant, new research released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds.

The three new studies from the agency are among the first to look at the vaccines' impact against omicron in the United States, which now accounts for more than 99 percent of new cases in the country.

The research underscores the importance of booster shots to protect against severe illness from the rapidly spreading variant. Though cases are beginning to decline in some hard-hit areas, such as in the Northeast, much of the nation's hospitals remain overwhelmed with Covid patients.

"Protection against infection and hospitalization with the omicron variant is highest for those who are up to date with their vaccination, meaning those who are boosted when they are eligible," said CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky

during a White House Covid Task Force briefing Friday.

"There are still millions of people who are eligible for booster dose and have not yet received one," Walensky said.

An NBC News analysis of data from the Department of Health and Human Services finds that Covid-related hospitalizations are up 35 percent within the past two weeks, and admissions to intensive care units are up 28 percent in the same time frame.

The new studies find

that a booster shot can provide robust protection against needing emergency medical care or hospitalization because of Covid-19.

In one analysis of 259 hospitals and 383 emergency departments from late August through early January, a third dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine was found to reduce the odds of a hospital or emergency room visit by 94 percent during the delta wave, and by 82 percent once omicron started spreading.

The data included adults who'd received ei-

ther the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The study authors were able to tease out the effects of the boosters during both the delta and omicron waves of Covid.

When delta was surging, the two doses of the vaccine were 86 percent effective against visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for Covid illnesses. That effectiveness fell to 76 percent after 6 months, but a booster raised the effectiveness to 94 percent.

Earlier this month, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration greenlit a third, or booster, shot for everyone ages 12 and over, five months after their second dose.

While the new research shows a drop in protection against omicron for people who haven't received a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech shots, the CDC doesn't plan to change the definition of what it means to be fully vaccinated, Walensky said Friday.

Instead, Walensky said the agency is "pivoting our language" to make sure

people are "up to date" on their Covid vaccinations.

"If you recently got your second dose, you're not eligible for a booster," she said during the briefing. "If you are eligible for a booster and you haven't gotten it, you're not up to date."

Less than half of the U.S. population eligible for a booster dose has received one, according to CDC data.

The new research suggests that a booster dose is even more important now that omicron accounts for virtually all Covid cases in the U.S.: Against omicron, the vaccines' effectiveness for keeping people out of ERs and urgent care centers fell dramatically, to 38 percent 6 months after the second dose. A booster shot raised that level of effectiveness to 82 percent.

When researchers looked specifically at patients who needed to be admitted to the hospital during the omicron surge, two shots were 81 percent effective. That effectiveness fell to 57 percent in people who were 6 months out from their second dose, but then rose to 90 percent

after a third dose.

Two additional studies, also published Friday by the CDC, suggest that boosters offered "significant protection" against both infection and symptomatic Covid, though that protection was higher during the delta surge compared with omicron.

Dr. John Sanders, chief of infectious diseases at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina, said the findings should be "reassuring" to the public, and reflect much of what he and his colleagues have noted in clinics.

"We have these conversations all the time, at church, at football games, at basketball games: 'Do I need that booster? Is it really going to help me?'"

Sanders said.

"Now I can cite three very large real-world studies that confirm what we are seeing all the time," he said. "People who have gotten their booster are less likely to have a breakthrough, and when they do have a breakthrough, it's much milder." (nbcnews. com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

Regional

Haiti’s allies need to help President of Barbados’s main opposition tackle spike in violence party resigns after landslide defeat T – Canada PM Trudeau he President of Barbados’ main opposition party has resigned following a consecutive landslide defeat to Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in Wednesday’s general election.

Verla De Peiza tendered her resignation as President

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aiti’s allies must act immediately to help tackle a spike in violence that is worsening an already precarious humanitarian situation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

The international community also needs to address deep governance problems that are fuelling a political and security crisis in the western hemisphere’s poorest country, he told a group of Foreign Ministers holding a day of talks to discuss the crisis. Canada is hosting the virtual meeting.

Gangs have extended their control of territory in Haiti since the assassination in July of President Jovenel Moise. One gang coalition in October created a nationwide fuel shortage by blocking access to storage terminals, and kidnappings are rife.

“In order to address Haiti’s humanitarian needs, we must also address the challenging security situ-

Asylum-seeking migrants from Haiti cross the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves in to US Border Patrol agents to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, US, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico January 3, 2022

ation. The increase in violence is only worsening the already precarious humanitarian situation,” Trudeau said.

“This will require immediate action to mitigate violence ... we must also address the deep governance problems that are fuelling the current political and security crisis. That includes taking action against corruption.”

A jump in kidnappings, added to worsening economic conditions, has prompted a

growing number of Haitians to seek better opportunities in other countries.

The number of asylum applications in Mexico nearly doubled in 2021 from two years earlier, with most applications being from Haitian and Honduran migrants.

Ottawa says the meeting will also include representatives of the United Nations, the Caribbean Community and the Organisation of American States. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Clashes erupt again over COVID curbs on French island of Guadeloupe

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ne Police officer was injured and Police faced gunfire during a night of civil unrest over COVID-19 restrictions in Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, the island’s local authority said on Friday.

Shops were vandalised and there were attempted robberies during the unrest, focused on Guadeloupe’s largest urban centre, Pointe-a-Pitre, the authority said.

Police moved in at dawn to clear blockades set up by protesters.

An 8 pm to 5 am curfew has been in force since Jan 10 in Guadeloupe, where the vaccination rate is much lower than in mainland France, as the island grapples with a new wave of the pandemic fuelled by the Omicron variant.

Similar restrictive measures triggered violent protests last month in Guadeloupe and also Martinique, another French overseas territory in the Caribbean.

The curbs in Guadeloupe are in contrast to mainland France, where Prime Minister Jean Castex has

announced a loosening of COVID curbs next month, despite the number of daily new infections being at a record level.

In Guadeloupe there has been mistrust of the French Government’s handling of health crises since the 1970s when many islanders were exposed to toxic pesticides used in banana plantations.

The French Government said in November that it was open to discussing autonomy for Guadeloupe if it were in the interest of the people who live there.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Chile’s Boric unveils centrist Cabinet as markets breath sigh of relief

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hile’s leftist President-elect Gabriel Boric unveiled his Cabinet on Friday, throwing markets and investors a bone by picking current central bank head Mario Marcel to be the Andean country’s Finance Minister.

Boric also named Izkia Siches, a prominent doctor and part of his campaign team, as the Interior Minister and his Deputy, as well as lawmaker Marcela Hernando for the key role of Mining Minister, where copper and lithium development will be in focus.

The balanced make-up of the incoming Government suggests Boric, a 35-yearold lawmaker and former

student protest leader, may look to push gradual reforms rather than abrupt changes some had feared in the world’s top copper producing nation.

“Naming Mario Marcel as Finance Minister is a very good sign of economic stability, seen positively by markets,” said Miguel Angel Lopez, a public affairs professor at the University of Chile, adding it was a mix of coalition allies and technocrats.

“It’s all linked to a much more centrist, more pragmatic shift in terms of what Boric wants to do in his Government.”

The new Government, which will take office on March 11, was made up of

members of parties across the political spectrum, reflecting a fragmented and diverse Congress. Women will lead more than half of the Ministries.

Boric pledged during the election campaign to enact major reforms to Chile’s market-led economic model, rattling investors, though he has moderated his tone since, boosting Chile’s markets and currency.

The peso currency strengthened early on Friday to under 800 per dollar for the first time since November. A select index of Chilean equities also rose more than 2 per cent. (Excerpt from Reuters)

of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) on Friday, according to Barbadian media.

In a repeat of the 2018 General Election, Mottley’s BLP trounced all contenders, including its biggest challenger, the DLP, in Wednesday’s polls — the first in Barbados since the

country cast off the British monarchy and transitioned to a republic in November last year – winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly.

Mottley was sworn in for a second time as Prime Minister on Thursday.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Tributes pour in as Brazilian samba legend Elza Soares dies aged 91

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lza Soares, one of the greatest Brazilian singers of all time, has died aged 91 at her home in Rio de Janeiro, her publicist said.

Often called the queen of Brazilian samba, she released more than 30 albums in a career that spanned six decades.

Soares also used her music to campaign against racism and other forms of discrimination.

Her family said she died of natural causes and called her a musical icon who moved people with her voice.

Born into poverty in the favelas of Rio De Janeiro in 1930, much of Soares life was scarred by tragedy.

Her father forced her to marry at the age of 12 and within a year she had given birth to her first child.

She had seven children with her first husband, at whose hands she suffered frequent abuse, but the

The celebrated singer performing here in 2004 had a career that spanned more than six decades

first two were born prematurely and died young.

Her husband died when she was 21 and she later confessed to stealing food to feed her young family.

She later married the Brazilian footballer Garrincha, with whom she had a son who died aged nine. The marriage lasted 17 years and she supported him during his battle with injuries and alcoholism at the end of his career.

But despite her person-

al hardship, her success as a musician spanned decades and her talent was appreciated by figures including the Queen, whom Soares met during a 1968 visit to Brazil.

The British Embassy in Brazil celebrated the meeting on Twitter, saying Soares had impressed the British monarch with her voice and presence and calling it “a meeting of Queens”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Murders in Mexico fall 3.6% in 2021, but femicides rise

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urders in Mexico slightly dropped in 2021, falling 3.6 per cent from the previous year, though femicides rose, according to preliminary Government data released on Thursday.

The drop in murders is a win for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who took office in late 2018 pledging to bring down record levels of violence plaguing the country.

Last year’s decline in murders to 33,308 was the lowest total under Lopez Obrador, just below the 33,739 logged in 2018, according to figures presented by Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez at a regular news conference with the president.

Lopez Obrador argues the violence is a product of historic inequality and corruption. However, detractors say his strategy of “hugs not bullets” - a drive to reduce direct confrontation with criminal gangs - has exacerbated widespread impunity.

Femicides, or murders

Women hold banners during a protest to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in Mexico City, Mexico November 25, 2021. The banner in the centre reads: “Stop femicide violence in Mexico” REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

of women resulting from gender-based violence, increased 2.7 per cent in 2021 from the previous year to 1004, official data showed. The toll is more than double the number registered in 2015, when there were 427 femicides.

Lopez Obrador has faced criticism for his handling of violence against women, and has frequently responded by taking shots at feminist movements in Mexico.

Murders reached a record of 34,690 in 2019, Lopez Obrador’s first full year in office. Murders continued to trend up through early 2020 as Mexico imposed coronavirus-related curbs, despite some predictions that stay-at-home orders would reduce crime.

The numbers improved somewhat, and by the close of 2020, murders were down 0.4 per cent drop from 2019, to 34,554.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

US and Russia hold 'frank' talks on Ukraine tension

R Morgan Stanley

jumps on the $100 oil bandwagon

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organ Stanley expects oil prices to hit US$100 per barrel in the second half of the year, becoming the latest major Wall Street bank to expect triple-digit oil prices by the end of 2022.

The oil market is headed to a “triple deficit” of low inventories, low spare production capacity, and low investment, Morgan Stanley said in a note carried by Reuters.

The bank now expects oil at US$100 in the third and fourth quarters of this year, lifting its previous Q3 and Q4 forecasts from US$90 and US$87.50 a barrel, respectively.

“The key oil products markets (gasoline, jet fuel, and gasoil/ diesel) all show strong crack spreads, steep backwardation, and inventories that have fallen to low levels. None of this signals weakness,” Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in the note.

The bank is the latest investment institution to predict that oil is headed to triple-digit territory as soon as this year, amid resilient demand, falling inventories, and declining spare capacity at OPEC+ as the group ramps up production.

Triple-digit oil “is in the works” for the second quarter this year, Francisco Blanch, head of global commodities at Bank of America, told Bloomberg last week. Demand is recovering meaningfully, while OPEC+ supply will start leveling off within the next two months, Blanch said, noting that it will be only Saudi Arabia and the UAE that can produce incremental barrels to add to the market.

Oil prices could hit US$100 this year and rise to US$105 per barrel in 2023, on the back of a “surprisingly large deficit” due to the milder and potentially briefer impact of Omicron on oil demand, Goldman Sachs said this week. Due to gas-tooil substitution, supply disappointments, and stronger-thanexpected demand in Q4 2021, OECD inventories are set to dip by the summer to their lowest levels since 2000, Goldman’s analysts note. Moreover, OPEC+ spare capacity is also set to decline to historically low levels of around 1.2 million bpd.

“At US$85/bbl, the market would remain at such critical levels, insufficient buffers relative to demand and supply volatilities, through 2023,” Goldman Sachs said in a note.

JP Morgan, for its part, expects the falling spare capacity at OPEC+ to increase the risk premium in prices, and sees oil hitting US$125 a barrel this year and US$150 a barrel next year. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

France's Constitutional Council approves Macron's vaccine pass

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r a n c e ' s Constitutional Council on Friday approved - with conditions - the country's new COVID-19 vaccine pass, which will require people aged 16 and above to show proof of vaccination to enter public places like bars, restaurants and cinemas.

The new pass is part of President Emmanuel Macron's drive to make life difficult enough for the small minority of unvaccinated people that they are compelled to get COVID shots.

The Council's ruling paves the way for the vaccine pass to take effect on Jan 24, replacing a health pass that showed proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or past infection.

The Council upheld the Government's wish that anyone over 16 be required to show a vaccine pass as well as a provision in the legislation allowing for bar and restaurant managers

to check a person's identification alongside the pass to curb the use of fakes or certificates belonging to a third party.

But it overturned a requirement that the old health pass be required to attend political rallies.

Coming less than three months before an election, the Council said such a provision would impinge on people's freedom to share views and opinions.

The vaccine pass has brought new momentum to weekly street protests against COVID-related restrictions on public life.

Some people resisting the vaccine say they have been made to feel like second-class citizens by Macron.

France reported more than 425,000 coronavirus infections on Thursday and hospitals say the large majority of COVID patients in intensive care are unvaccinated. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ussia's Foreign Minister and his US counterpart have held what they called "frank" talks to try to reduce the chance of a wider conflict in Ukraine.

Sergei Lavrov repeated denials that a huge Russian force assembled near Ukraine's borders would be used to invade Ukraine.

Antony Blinken said America would respond severely to any invasion.

Pro-Russian rebels control large parts of eastern Ukraine since a ferocious war erupted nearly eight years ago.

Some 14,000 people were killed and at least two million fled their homes before fragile peace agreements were brokered.

The US and its allies

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shook hands as talks proceeded at a hotel in Geneva

have threatened new sanctions if the Russian military takes action.

Washington is expected to put its position in writing next week, and then further discussions will be held.

With an estimated

100,000 Russian troops deployed near Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has issued demands to the West which he says concern Russia's security, including that Ukraine be stopped from joining NATO.

He wants the Western defensive alliance to abandon military exercises and stop sending weapons to eastern Europe, seeing this as a direct threat to Russia's security.

For Blinken, the talks were "frank and substantive" while for Lavrov, they were also "frank" with an agreement to "have a reasonable dialogue".

"I hope emotions will decrease," Lavrov added.

Blinken warned his Russian counterpart of a "united, swift and severe" response if Russia invaded.

Speaking after the talks, he said the US was prepared to pursue possible means of addressing Russian concerns in the spirit of reciprocity. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dozens killed in Saudi-led coalition air raid on Yemen prison D

ozens of people have been killed in an air raid on a prison in northern Yemen, a Houthi official and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) have said, after a night of deadly bombing underlined a dramatic escalation in violence in the country’s

long-running conflict.

A Saudi-led military coalition has intensified air raids on what it has said are military targets linked to the Houthi rebel movement, after the Houthis conducted an unprecedented assault on coalition member the United Arab Emirates on Monday and further cross-border missile and

First rebellion against Johnson was doomed; the next may not be

A

rebellion against Prime Minister Boris Johnson by some of his Conservative Party's newest Members of Parliament (MPs) quickly collapsed this week - but might just be a foretaste of the trouble ahead.

If nothing else, the revolt showed that lawmakers' loyalty to Johnson is heavily conditional on his reputation as a vote-winner, and that that reputation is in severe jeopardy.

Next week, a civil service report is expected to be published on a series of gatherings that appeared to fly in the face of coronavirus lockdowns and have already battered Johnson's standing among voters - and that could be the cue for more seasoned and formidable rivals to move against him.

Many of the rebels were elected as first-time MPs in 2019 by constituencies that had not voted for the Conservatives for decades, and felt they owed those surprise victories to Johnson.

But dissent had been growing for months before the rebels met twice early in the week to gauge the appetite for trying to force Johnson out, according to

drones launches at Saudi cities.

Footage released by the Houthis on Friday showed rescue workers pulling bodies from out of the rubble, following the dawn raid on the temporary detention centre in Saada.

Taha al-Motawakel, Health Minister in the Houthi Government, which controls the country’s north, told The Associated Press news agency that 70 detainees were killed at the prison. He said the death toll was expected to rise since many of the wounded were seriously hurt.

An MSF spokesperson told the AFP news agency at least

70 people were killed and 138 others were wounded in the attack.

The figures came from one hospital in Saada, the spokesperson said, adding, “Two others in the city have received many wounded as well and the rubble is still being searched.”

Further south in the vital port city of Hodeidah, video released by the Houthis showed bodies in the rubble and dazed survivors after an overnight air attack carried out by the Saudi-led coalition took out a telecommunications hub.

Yemen suffered a nationwide internet blackout, a web monitor said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Canada's Trudeau vows action after 4 freeze to death in 'mind blowing' tragedy lawmakers, some of whom attended the meetings. All asked to remain anonymous.

They agreed to start the process of forcing a parliamentary no-confidence vote against Johnson, who is under huge personal pressure over revelations about gatherings at his official Downing Street premises, and has urged critics to await the outcome of civil servant Sue Gray's investigation.

One of the new MPs said they had been struggling with the direction of the party and Johnson's Government since November. With the steady drip-feed of reports of lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street, they became bolder. (Excerpt from Reuters)

C

anada is doing all it can to stop people smuggling across the US border after a family of four froze to death in a "mind blowing' tragedy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

US authorities have charged a US man with human trafficking after the four - a man, woman, baby and teenager - were found dead in the province of Manitoba, a few yards north of the frontier with Minnesota.

The four have tentatively been identified as a family from India, part of a larger group trying to enter the United States by walking across snow-covered fields in a remote region during blizzard-like conditions.

"It was an absolutely mind-blowing story. It's so tragic to see a family die like that, victims of human traffickers ... and of people who

took advantage of their desire to build a better life," Trudeau told a news conference.

"This is why we are doing all we can to discourage people from crossing the border in an irregular or illicit manner."

Canada, Trudeau said, was working very closely with the United States to stop smuggling and help people "taking unacceptable risks."

The four people died about 6 miles (10 km) east of Emerson, a small farming community.

David Carlson, head of the local municipal council, said there was no shelter at all in the area.

"There's no lights up there.

You would have probably been in close to zero visibility."

Emerson said the incident was unusual since in the past, people have tried to cross into Canada from the United States, rather than the other way round. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Team up with people on the same page as you. Don’t risk setbacks by sharing with the opposition or trying to convince someone stubborn or unresponsive. Protect, preserve and persevere.

(March 21-April 19)

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

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

Don’t put your trust in others. Take care of personal matters yourself and use your knowledge and experience to sort through any difficulties you encounter. Fight your own battles.

(May 21-June 20) Sort through all the clutter and pass along what you no longer use to someone in need. A good deed will encourage you to continue helping others. Kindness can change the world.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Call on someone you respect, and share thoughts about life, love and happiness. Heartfelt discussions will result in good ideas, new attitudes and big changes; embrace them all!

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Make an aesthetic change that boosts your confidence and attracts compliments. Don’t be shy; speak up and socialize with people who spark your interest or enjoy similar activities. Love is on the rise.

There is satisfaction and glory in finishing what you start. Consider the changes you can make without spending money that will improve your image or surroundings. Share your feelings.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Connect with people who inspire you and bring out the positive aspects of your personality. A lifestyle change will help you solve a financial or emotional issue.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Get the facts before you start a conversation. Relax and take time to settle down. Concentrate on what you have and the people you love. Make adjustments that improve your lifestyle.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) The past offers valuable information that can guide you. Remembering what’s transpired and your response at the time will encourage you to proceed with caution.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Recognize what you can achieve, then get moving. Refuse to let emotional differences you have with someone stand in your way. Live and work with situations you cannot change.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Control your emotions and avoid getting into a spat with someone who can influence your future. Recognize what you are up against and choose your words and actions with care.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

21

India vs South Africa: ODI Series, Game 2…

Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock help South Africa seal ODI series in formidable fashion

A

stroke-filled, aggressive half-century from Quinton de Kock, followed by a measured fifty from Janneman Malan, broke the back of India’s flat-looking bowling attack to consign the visitors to their fourth straight loss of the tour and give South Africa the ODI series.

South Africa’s commanding performance consigned a swashbuckling half-century from Rishabh Pant to a footnote, as they chased down 288 with all of seven wickets to spare.

Barring Pant’s 85, India’s middle order failed to impress again.

They were eyeing 300 or more, but the hosts’ bowlers fought back in the middle overs to snatch the momentum from India. de Kock set the tone early for the chase by attacking every bowler he saw. He went after balls that were marginally wide or full, especially in the second over off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dispatching him for a six behind square and two fours on the leg side. de Kock didn’t spare Jasprit Bumrah’s erring lengths either, and, a l o n g ed 11 from with Malan, collectR Ashwin in the eighth over to bring up the fifty partnership.

That over also offered de Kock a life when Pant missed a stumping on the second ball, and the batter made India pay with a sweep for six the very next ball.

Malan w a s more sedate, but alw a y s prepared for the poor balls.

He deftly used the pace of the quick bowlers, and pierced gaps against the spinners with his sweeps and reverse sweeps. de Kock got to fifty off 36 balls, and brought up the century of the partnership with a big six over wide long-on off Bhuvneshwar. That shot brought the asking rate to under 5.50 an over from the remaining 34 overs.

It was the eighth century opening partnership India have conceded in 23 ODIs since the 2019 World Cup, and it reJanneman flected their Malan flat perforcelebrating his fifty mance in the

series.

Shardul Thakur broke the opening stand with a low and inswinging full toss that struck de Kock in front to dismiss him on 78 off 66. Malan then chaperoned the chase, with a patient Temba Bavuma by his side. The duo chipped away with regular singles and twos in a fifty stand of their own. Malan fell in Bumrah’s second spell when he misjudged and gloved an offcutter onto the stumps, but by then South Africa needed a comfortable 76 from 92 balls.

Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram saw them home for the further loss of only Bavuma, who handed a return catch to Yuzvendra Chahal on 35.

India had opted to bat, and had a brisk opening stand between Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul. Dhawan got off the mark with a flick off his pads for four, and punished both Sisanda Magala and Lungi Ngidi, but fell when he tried attacking Aiden Markram for a second four in the 12th over when he was not able to clear deep midwicket.

Rahul enjoyed more luck at the other end, getting as many as three lives - on 8, 27 and 42. He was first put down by Malan at gully in the fifth over, then survived a run-out chance, and was dropped by Markram in the 27th. Around these chances, he played anchor as Pant went for his shots, after Virat Kohli handed a straightforward catch to cover for a fiveball duck.

Pant joined Rahul when Keshav Maharaj and Markram had ing rate. Soon choked India’s scorafter Rahul survived that run-out chance, Pant cut loose with his usual array of shots - the powerful slog sweeps, the fierce cuts, and the unorthodox slaps on the leg side. He overtook Rahul’s score in the 24th over, collecting three fours in the over off Shamsi. ing at 179 India were cruisfor 2 in the 32nd over when they lost Rahul and Pant in successive overs.

R a h u l flicked a catch to midwicket, and Shamsi had the last laugh when he had Pant caught at longon for 85. Shamsi trapped Shreyas Iyer lbw four overs later. Venkatesh Iyer was stumped down the leg side off Andile Phehlukwayo - like Rishabh Pant was in the first ODI Pant scored - and India were running a 43-ball fifty

KL Rahul fought back after early jitters

out of batters at 239 for 6 with more than six overs left to play.

Thakur and R Ashwin salvaged things a bit for India in the end, with a few elegant strokes in their unbroken stand of 48 off 38. Thakur dispatched Phehlukwayo over midwicket for six, and thumped him to the straight boundary for four, before going after Shamsi and Maharaj in his unbeaten 40 off 38. Ashwin, too, swept Maharaj for six in the 47th over, and capped the innings with a drive over the covers for four. Ultimately, though, it was not enough for India. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD INDIA INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) KL Rahul (c) c van der Dussen b Magala 55 Shikhar Dhawan c Magala b Markram 29 Virat Kohli c Bavuma b Maharaj 0 Rishabh Pant † c Markram b Shamsi 85 Shreyas Iyer lbw b Shamsi 11 Venkatesh Iyer st †de Kock b Phehlukwayo 22 Shardul Thakur not out 40 Ravichandran Ashwin not out 25 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 17) 20 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 5.74) 287/6 Did not bat: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Shikhar Dhawan, 11.4 ov), 2-64 (Virat Kohli, 12.4 ov), 3-179 (KL Rahul, 31.1 ov), 4-183 (Rishabh Pant, 32.3 ov), 5-207 (Shreyas Iyer, 36.5 ov), 6-239 (Venkatesh Iyer, 43.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Lungi Ngidi 8-0-35-0 Sisanda Magala 8-0-64-1 Aiden Markram 8-0-34-1

Keshav Maharaj 9-0-52-1 Andile Phehlukwayo 8-0-44-1 Tabraiz Shamsi 9-0-57-2 SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS (TARGET: 288 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Janneman Malan b Bumrah 91 Quinton de Kock † lbw b Thakur 78 Temba Bavuma (c) c & b Chahal 35 Aiden Markram not out 37 Rassie van der Dussen not out 37 Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 5) 10 TOTAL (48.1 Ov, RR: 5.97) 288/3 Did not bat: David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Sisanda Magala, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi Fall of wickets: 1-132 (Quinton de Kock, 21.6 ov), 2-212 (Janneman Malan, 34.4 ov), 3-214 (Temba Bavuma, 35.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 10-0-37-1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar 8-0-67-0 Ravichandran Ashwin 10-1-68-0 Yuzvendra Chahal 10-0-47-1 Shardul Thakur 5-0-35-1 Venkatesh Iyer 5-0-28-0 Shreyas Iyer 0.1-0-1-0

COVID-19 was our biggest challenge -ICC Tournament Director Fawwaz Baksh M

anaging the COVID-19 situation and ensuring the safety of players and management teams have provided tournament organisers with their biggest challenge thus far in the ongoing ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. This is according to Tournament Director Fawwaz Baksh, who has said there have been a few positive cases since the start of the tournament, although he was quick to add that rigorous COVID-19 protocols and guidelines have been effective in combating the spread of the virus.

“I think the COVID element has actually been the biggest challenge for us. It started with getting teams

ICC Under-19 Tournament Director Fawwaz Baksh

here to the West Indies, but we overcome (that), and then it was just making sure they are being fed well. And keep

in mind that the only meals they are getting is from the hotel and what we provide at the match venues. Everyone over 18 is fully vaccinated, but for some of the countries where some of these young men are coming from, vaccines are not available, and some countries actually prohibit vaccination for people under 18; so, we recognised that, and for those, we have asked for exceptions from each Government, which thankfully, we’ve gotten…,” he said.

Baksh, who was speaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show at the time, reminded that the Under-19 tournament is the biggest of any ICC tournament. He added that having teenagers who

are confined to hotel rooms over such a long period only makes the job harder.

“It’s 16 teams, the most teams in any ICC tournament, and the difference is that while you may not make it into the Super League, they go on and play a plate competition. So, generally, in other tournaments they would be knocked out and they would go back home, but when you have 16 teams from the start of the tournament all the way to the end, and constantly playing cricket, up to four matches per day, that in itself is a challenge to maintain,” he said.

“Now you throw COVID in there, where you have teams staying in a hotel room; they can’t leave unless they are go-

ing to practice or play a match, then that becomes an even bigger challenge, and we’ve had to put things in place not only to keep them safe, but for their mental health,” Baksh has said.

Antigua and Barbuda will host the entire Super League segment of the tournament, featuring 12 matches in 11 days from January 26 to the final on February 5 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Baksh has said that Governments of the respective host countries have been very supportive, and that Antigua and Barbuda is no exception.

“There is still some work to be done, but nothing significant that’s going to stop

the games from happening; and the success of this tournament is mostly dependent on Government, and they stepped up in a big way. So they are getting all of the venues ready, and not only at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, but they are also investing heavily in Liberta and Police grounds, so that the teams have practice facilities and match facilities. So, I am very happy with the progress so far,” he said.

Eligible fans can now download tickets for the tournament by visiting www. u19cwc.com/tickets, which they would in turn present at the gate on match days.

(Antigua Observer)

22

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Knocked out!!! West Indies fail to overcome Sri Lanka in maroon set out on their journey, and quick wickets is just what they got to give them a glimmer of hope. The Sri Lankans were at 96-3 and moving along slowly despite Shevon Daniel contributing 40. But a partnership between Sadisha Rajapaksa and Anjala Bandara propelled them to 174-4, even though the latter fell for 34.

Rajapaksa then fell for a well-played 76, as he was dismissed by Isai Thorne.

Thorne and Shiva Sankar bagged one more each, and

Isai Thorne bagged 2-41

W

hen they needed a win the most, they failed as a unit to achieve that feat. West Indies U19 were defeated by Sri Lanka, losing two of their three games as their bowling failed to penetrate the armour of Sri Lanka.

West Indies lost by three wickets and ten balls to spare as they could not defend 251 for victory.

Chasing a simple but yet challenging total, the men

Sadisha Rajapaksa scored 76

Kevin Wickham top scored for West Indies with 56

West Indies start T20 World Cup bid against Scotland in Hobart

W

est Indies will start their bid for a third ICC T20 World Cup title against Scotland in Hobart, Tasmania. The two-time world champions will see action in Group B of the first round, starting on October 17. They will remain in Hobart for the other two matches against qualifiers on October 19 and 21.

Once through the qualification phase, West Indies would join the top eight teams who have already qualified.

In the Super 12, hosts Australia are in Group 1 with England, New Zealand, Afghanistan plus the winner of Group A and the runner-up in Group B from the first round. Group 2 features India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, plus the winner of Group B and runner-up in Group A from the first round.

Fans must register prior to January 31 to get the best chance of securing their seats before tickets go on sale to the public on February 7.

Ticket pricing remains the same as the postponed 2020 event, with children’s tickets available for every First Round and Super 12 match from $5, and adult tickets

SCOREBOARD

available at select matches in each host city from $20.

International Cricket Council CEO Geoff Allardice has said: “T20 is the global growth format for cricket, and the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 will play a huge role in inspiring

our next generation of players and fans as the world’s best players descend on Australia and showcase the very best of our sport. The release of fixtures is always a great moment in the delivery of a World Cup, as fans start to get excited about opening games, head-to-heads and knockout stages.

“This schedule offers so much, from the 2014

Champions Sri Lanka opening the event to our defending champions Australia starting with a rematch of the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup Final against New Zealand; and, of course India taking on Pakistan at the MCG. We know that hundreds of thousands of passionate cricket fans will turn out to support every single one of the 16 teams across all seven of our host cities, which is what makes it so special for the players.

“You only need to cast your mind back to the brilliant ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia to know that this is going to be a wonderful event for players and fans alike,” he declared.

West Indies remain the only team to win the ICC T20 World Cup on two occasions. Their first victory was in 2012 against Sri Lanka, at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo under the captaincy of Daren Sammy. The allrounder was again at the helm in 2016 when his team beat England in a dramatic finish at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (Windies Cricket)

the Sri Lankans were in trouble, needing 50 off 59 with just four wickets in hand.

However, a lack of penetration from the West Indies, and some sturdy batting from Ranuda Somarathne who scored 28 not out, guided the Sri Lankans over the line and put them on top of the Group D table with three wins from three matches.

Bowling for the West Indies, Nathan Edwards and Shiva Sankar each took 1-50, McKenny Clarke took 2-38, Isai Thorne took 2-41, and Giovonte Depeiza took 1-32.

West Indies had earlier got off to a poor start, losing Matthew Nandu for 7, and Shaqkere Parris when the score was on 34-2; but Teddy

WEST INDIES UNDER-19S INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Shaqkere Parris b Wellalage 16 Matthew Nandu lbw b Mathew 7 Teddy Bishop c Mathew b Wellalage 45 Kevin Wickham c Wickramasinghe b Pathirana 56 Jordan Johnson c Rajapaksa b Wellalage

47 Rivaldo Clarke † run out (†Bandara) 45 Giovonte Depeiza (c) run out (†Bandara) 0 Nathan Edwards run out (Daniel/†Bandara) 1 McKenny Clarke c b Pathirana 21 Shiva Sankar not out 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 10) 12 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 5.00) 250/9 Did not bat: Isai Thorne Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Matthew Nandu, 5.2 ov), 2-34 (Shaqkere Parris, 8.2 ov), 3-102 (Teddy Bishop, 26.3 ov), 4-160 (Kevin Wickham, 37.4 ov), 5-194 (Jordan Johnson, 44.3 ov), 6-194 (Giovonte Depeiza, 44.5 ov), 7-202 (Nathan Edwards, 45.5 ov), 8-248 (Rivaldo Clarke, 49.5 ov), 9-250 (McKenny Clarke, 49.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Yasiru Rodrigo 3-0-19-0 Treveen Mathew 9-2-38-1 Chamindu Wickramasinghe 1-0-4-0 Dunith Wellalage 10-2-39-3 Matheesha Pathirana 10-0-67-2 Shevon Daniel 7-0-28-0 Raveen de Silva 6-0-36-0 Sadisha Rajapaksa 4-0-18-0

Bishop (45), Kevin Wickham (56), Jordan Johnson (47) and Rivaldo Clarke (45) led the resurgence and gave the Windies something to fight for. McKenny Clarke rounded off the innings with 21 from

SRI LANKA UNDER-19S INNINGS (TARGET: 251 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Chamindu Wickramasinghe c †RA Clarke b Edwards 4 Sadisha Rajapaksa lbw b Thorne 76 Shevon Daniel c †RA Clarke b M Clarke 34 Sakuna Nidarshana Liyanage c †RA Clarke b Depeiza 9 Anjala Bandara † c †RA Clarke b Thorne 40 Dunith Wellalage (c) c Nandu b Sankar 15 Ranuda Somarathne not out 28 Raveen de Silva b M Clarke 13 Yasiru Rodrigo not out 6 Extras (b 6, lb 3, nb 2, w 15) 26 TOTAL (48.2 Ov, RR: 5.19) 251/7 Did not bat: Treveen Mathew, Matheesha Pathirana Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Chamindu Wickramasinghe, 0.5 ov), 2-56 (Shevon Daniel, 11.4 ov), 3-96 (Sakuna Nidarshana Liyanage, 19.6 ov), 4-174 (Anjala Bandara, 35.2 ov), 5-199 (Sadisha Rajapaksa, 39.4 ov), 6-201 (Dunith Wellalage, 40.2 ov), 7-234 (Raveen de Silva, 45.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Nathan Edwards 10-1-50-1 Shiva Sankar 8-0-50-1 McKenny Clarke 9.2-2-38-2 Matthew Nandu 5-0-18-0 Giovonte Depeiza 5-0-32-1 Isai Thorne 10-0-41-2 Kevin Wickham 1-0-13-0

12 to help the West Indies post 250-9 on the board.

Bowling for Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage took 3-39, Matheesha Pathirana took 2-67 and Treveen Mathew took 1-38.

Smith eyeing long career in West Indies colours

West Indies fast-bowling allrounder Odean Smith is taking his ascension to the West Indies limited overs team in stride.

Speaking to the media on Thursday before the team’s five-match Betway T20 International series against England, Smith said he has ambitions to be a fixture in the West Indies white-ball setup for years to come.

“Definitely! I think I have a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but it’s all a learning process. Cricket is a learning process. I just have to work on my game along the way, and I think I’ll definitely get to where I want to be when the time

comes,” he said.

One of the biggest talking points across the regional cricket landscape over the last few years has been players’ fitness, and Smith has said he is fully aware that, if he wants to achieve his goals, he must prioritise taking care of his body.

“I think it’s very important. If you’re not taking care of your body, then you probably won’t have far to go so.

I work a lot on my fitness.

Cricket is a lot of running, so I tend to do a lot of that.

I don’t really go to the gym to do a lot of strength work.

Running and eating well are the things I take pride in,” Smith added.

A member of the triumphant 2016 West Indies Under-19 team, Smith has also said it is an ongoing process because of a busy schedule.

“I’m not where I want to be right now because, as I said, it’s an ongoing process and there’s a lot of cricket going on; so it’s hard to get anything done during the season. When I get a little time, I’ll focus on distance running and my eating habits,” he added.

Smith has so far played 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is for the West Indies. With the team coming off a disappointing ODI series’ defeat to Ireland, and England coming off a 4-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes, Smith believes the upcoming series would be an important one for both teams.

“Both teams have an equal opportunity to go out there and win this series.

England has a very good team, and we also have a very good team, as we’re trying to rebuild. We have a few new guys, so the coaches are trying to figure out roles for everyone. This series is going to be very important for both teams, going forward,” he added.

The series between the West Indies and England gets underway at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.

(Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Kieron Pollard calls for patience as West Indies' T20 rebuilding begins W

est Indies' captain Kieron Pollard has pleaded for patience as the region begins to rebuild its T20 fortunes in the wake of a disappointing World Cup campaign.

He is warning that the franchise nature of the Caribbean Premier League means there is no longer a ready route for the next generation to arrive at international level with all the tools required for success.

Speaking on the eve of the first T20I against England in Barbados, Pollard acknowledged that the team was at "ground zero" after their rock-bottom displays in the UAE, where a golden generation - epitomised by its two most long-serving stars, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo - played together for the last time.

West Indies come into this campaign off the back of a 2-1 defeat in last week's ODI series against Ireland, while a new-look team led by stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran was beaten 3-0 by Pakistan in Karachi before Christmas.

Pollard has called for the Caribbean public to accept that the rebuilding process could take some time, especially against an England team that routed them for 55 in their most recent encounter at the World Cup. "We need to improve the way we play, because our batting has definitely been a problem for us," Pollard said. "The good thing is that we have some new faces in the group, guys looking to make a name for themselves in our international scene. It's like we are starting from scratch, so we need to do the basics right: play the situation of the game and analyse, assess, and make the right decisions depending on what the team requires at that point in time."

Pollard's own breakthrough in professional cricket came as a 19-year-old in the original Stanford 20/20 - the inter-island competition set up by the now-disgraced financier Allen

Stanford, which Pollard's Trinidad and Tobago team won in each of its two editions in 2006 and 2008.

However, now that competition has been subsumed into the Caribbean Premier League with a draft system for recruiting players and an expectation of success from the owners of the region's various franchises, and while the money is welcome for the tournament's established stars, Pollard has warned that this causes problems for the Caribbean's younger talents who are trying to make their way into the game.

"We don't have a T20 feeder system where guys can get different match practice at different times," Pollard said. "The CPL is results-oriented, with private owners who come in and want to win. Some guys might get to play, some guys might not, but we have to keep a bunch of guys together and give them experience. Chopping and changing and dropping and bringing in is not going to change our results, because these guys are actually learning on the job.

"When you look at Indian cricket, when you look at the English system [the T20 Blast in addition to the Hundred], you look at the Big Bash, these have alternative T20 systems that some of the guys can come through. How many guys do we have that were made through the CPL only?

“When it was the Caribbean T20, there were a lot of guys coming through the system.

I don't know how we're going to do it [in the future], but we need to find a way."

At 34, Pollard is himself under pressure as a member of the West Indies' old guard, especially after making just 90 runs in five matches at the World Cup. But he is adamant his overall form still stands up to scrutiny as he primes

Skerritt to make special appearance at BCB’s annual Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony

himself to begin the team's post-World Cup rebuild.

"Before the World Cup, there was no noise about the captaincy, but because of the campaign that transpired, it is necessary," he said.

"In each and every tournament that you have, whether it's the World Cup o r the Ashes, you expect casualties. If I'm not the right person to lead, then so be it; but cricket in the West Indies is not about Kieron Pollard, it's about the holistic approach of getting better, and grooming t h e

youngsters to put them in positions where they can feel comfortable in international cricket.

"I've never played cricket based on myself, I've always been based on the team and what is required at that point in time. I'm not just going to promote myself because I want to get a fifty and I want to please the public; but if it is required, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to put on that boxing glove and I am going to go there and fight for the team.

"We have a rich bunch of talented young individuals. Nicholas [Pooran] has been promoted to No.3 so that he can take more responsibility as well. We have a couple of new guys into the setup. Each and every one of us has to play our role, and that's the only way that the vehicle can move forward.

"The stadium, the pitch, that's our stage, we have to perform there," Pollard added. "And the crowd is like the jury, and they want to judge. The public can go ahead. As it stands right now, going into the series, I'm going to give it my best. And let's see what happens after that."

LGC golf tournament set for today

“…expect great competition,” says LGC VP Paton George

T

he Lusignan Golf Club will today be hosting its second golf tournament for the year, and several top players would be coming out with the aim of upstaging their opponents and renewing much-needed rivalries.

The tournament will teeoff between 7am and 12:30 pm; the format will be 18 holes medal play in groups of not more than four, or less than two players; players can form their own group, but if a player is not in a group, the club’s manager would assist; and prizes would be given in the form of cash vouchers distributed to 1st, 2nd and 3rd; best overall net score; Longest Drive hole; Nearest to the Flag hole, and Best Gross overall.

According to VP Paton

LGC VP, Paton George

choosing their own partners, as compared to what usually obtains.

“Normally, that is a random arrangement; so, from week to week, you have different players, different strategies and competitions, and it’s

In 2018, Angela Haniff and Albert Smith honoured Brian Ramphal with the BCB Tribute to Heroes Award

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would be hosting its annual Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony on April 24, 2022.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the St Francis Community Centre Hall in Rose Hall Town, and President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Ricky Skerritt, has accepted an invitation from the BCB to be the Guest Speaker.

Skerritt last Wednesday accepted the invitation via an email to BCB President Hilbert Foster, and disclosed that he looks forward to visiting the Ancient County.

Foster has said that

overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal has renewed his sponsorship of the programme for 2022, and in addition to the Annual Awards, the pro-active board would be launching its Hall of Fame for Umpires and make inductions to the BCB Hall of Fame for Administrators.

The BCB would also be presenting its highest award to several persons, including the CWI President, while several outstanding cricket officials in the county would be honoured for their contribution to the game.

Among the awards expected to be conferred are: the Junior Cricketer of the

Year-Male, Junior Cricketer of the YearFemale, Senior Male Cricketer, Senior Female Cricketer, International Player of the Year, Club of the Year, Umpire of the Year, Disciplined Player of the Year, and BCB Worker of the Year. Foster would also present a comprehensive review of the BCB over the last year, and unveil plans for the rest of the year.

The visit of CWI President Ricky Skerritt would be historic as it marks the first ever occasion when a sitting President of Cricket West Indies would be visiting the Ancient County.

George, the golfers are not ready to take the week off, and there will be a difference in the atmosphere as the game is played. He related that this tournament would see players

usually random. But this club tournament, we are going to have partners. It’s a lot more fun, but there is still competition. We are still going to be competing, you’re still going

to be marking your partner’s score card, and your honour is always important in golf,” George posited.

He noted that while the game may be different, all of the rules still apply, and he is urging everyone to continue to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines because the club has been fortunate enough not to have been impacted by the severity that has impacted other areas, and thus would prefer to keep it that way.

If the weather remains dry, the game is likely to be played with some advantages, as the dryness would aid in driving. However, if the rain falls, it would affect the game, as the golfers would have to recalibrate their strategies.

Thus, sunshine would be beneficial to many, as many have seen in the past what it is like to play at the LGC under beautiful sunshine.

The firm, dry conditions would make it easier for players to spin the golf ball with a well-struck shot from short grass. Conversely, when putting greens are soft, they hinder almost any shot, no matter how well it has been struck.

Nevertheless, George is convinced that things are going to be normal at the club, and he says players should expect great conditions because the greens are in excellent condition.

“The fairways are in very good condition, and the rough is cut, so golf is the usual on Saturday (today). We expect a good turnout, and the golfers called for the tournament. Even though we didn’t have a sponsor-scheduled tournament for this week, the golfers want the tournament and the competition, so we’ll have great competition on Saturday (today)” he explained.

All COVID-19 protocols would be in effect.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022

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

Skerritt to make

special appearance at BCB’s annual Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony Page 23

CWI President, Ricky Skerritt

Kieron Pollard calls for patience as West Indies' T20 rebuilding begins

LGC golf tournament set for today

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“…expect great competition,” says LGC VP Paton George

Knocked out!!!

West Indies fail to overcome Sri Lanka

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