Guyana Times - Saturday January 30, 2021

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

Issue No. 4544

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

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Govt assures Private Sector of “dramatic reduction” in energy cost

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Resilience, togetherness pivotal to P16 transforming Guyana’s economy – GCCI

See story on page 2

Detention of Guyanese fishermen by Venezuelan authorities

Guyana still awaiting official confirmation on seizure of 3rd vessel – Todd See stories on pages 3&17

…as No 66 Fishermen’s Co-op calls for release of Guyanese

French Ambassador discusses Venezuela’s aggression against …as France seeks to be a Guyana with PM proactive partner with Guyana COVID-19 variants Welder No flights between killed in Guyana and Brazil ECD hit-andpermitted – Health run accident Minister

Armed bandits invade P14 Berbice home

Wanted man shot dead by P10 Police

Page 5

Ogle Airport cocaine bust

P9 South Ruimveldt man, woman wanted

Page 11

Page 10

...58 cases recorded in one day

Gas compressor problems lead to increase flaring

by ExxonMobil See story on page 7

Lindener jailed for indecent exposure

P14

Govt extends 22:30h to P9 04:00h curfew to February …as bars, theaters remain closed

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt assures Private Sector of “dramatic reduction” in energy cost

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

W

ith Guyana on the cusp of massive transformation, the Government has assured the local private sector that it would create a macro-economic environment that is conducive to investments and expansion, including reliable and affordable electricity.

This assurance was given by Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who was at the time delivering the feature address at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI’s) Annual Awards ceremony on Thursday evening.

According to the Finance Minister, the single biggest impediment to value-added manufacturing and processing in Guyana is the cost of energy – something which the PPP/C administration is working to fix. “[We are] mobilising the gas resource that we have available to land on the coast, and to harness that resource for purposes of electricity generation. That, we anticipate, is to be realised within the next three years or so. When that happens, you can be assured that there will be a dramatic reduction in the cost of energy, which will immediately create opportunities as it relates to value-added

processing and production,” he posited.

Dr Singh added that Government is working on a number of other initiatives to address issues relating to the competitiveness in energy. Among those is the possibility of reviving the Amaila Falls Hydro project, which the Finance Minister noted could have already been generating cheaper power in Guyana had it not been shelved by the previous APNU/AFC regime.

“We’re relooking and revisiting the possibilities of Amaila Falls being realised… Had that project not been frustrated and derailed, Amaila Falls would today have been generating electricity, and we would have achieved this long-awaited reduction in the cost of energy,” Minister Singh contended.

The Amaila Falls Hydro Project (AFHP) was a brainchild of the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration, but was shelved soon after the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government took office in 2015. The lack of investors was cited.

The PPP has contended that the AFHP could have been generating about 50 per cent more electricity

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project

than the entire GPL supply.

Indeed, the 165-megawatt project has the potential to eclipse GPL’s current supply of 120 megawatts.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who has responsibility for energy, has however said that Government intends to complete the AFHP. In fact, it was reported earlier this month that Fortescue (FMG), an Australian company and a global leader in the iron ore industry, is seeking to explore renewable energy opportunities in Guyana, including in the Amaila Falls project.

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, has told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the company is seeking to es-

tablish operations in three countries, and has shown a keen interest in Guyana.

During a recent visit to Guyana, Fortescue discussed the harnessing of renewable energy under the Amalia Falls Hydropower Project to produce green-energy products such as ammonia, hydrogen, fertilisers and metals for both the local and foreign markets.

“They are looking to re-enter Guyana in the first quarter (in order to conduct) further studies and development. These projects are large projects; it is not just about the development of the Amaila Falls Project, but it is looking at (a) large-scale operation that requires renewable energy to produce an output.

So, it is not a quick fix; it is a fix that has to be well-stud-

ied, and they are moving to that next step,” Ramsaroop had noted.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C Government is forging ahead with its gas-to-shore project which will generate close to 200 megawatts.

In an effort to further push the gas-to-shore initiative, the Government had stipulated stiff fines and penalties against flaring of excess natural gas in the Payara Licence it granted to Exxon – something which Exxon has been flagged for doing before in the Stabroek Block, and has recently had to increased “above pilot levels” due to technical issues on the Liza Destiny FPSO. Exxon itself has said the gas that would be required for the gas-to-shore project is available. Estimates have put the figure required for the gas-to-shore project at 30 to 35 million cubic feet of natural gas.

Previously-released data on Guyana from Norwegian research company Rystad Energy had indicated that a little less than 20 per cent of the 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) discovered last year was gas. The Haimara discovery made

by Exxon last year was found to have 207 feet of high-quality gas condensate sandstone reservoirs. (G8)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 30 – 04:30h – 06:00h and Sunday, January 31 – 04:30h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 30 – 05:40h – 07:10h and Sunday, January 31 – 06:20h – 07:50h.

Detention of Guyanese fishermen by Venezuelan authorities

Guyana still awaiting official confirmation on seizure of 3rd vessel – Todd

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and light rain during the day. There will be light rain and light cloud during the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:57h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 11:31h and 23:57h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.46 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

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1

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DRAW DE LINE

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Change %

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Rough Rice

$242.60/ton

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London Sugar

$441.60/ton

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Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1848.10

$1849.10

Low/High Change

$1842.20 0.00

$1876.70 0.00%

Lady Nayera

F

oreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd on Friday said that Guyana is still awaiting official confirmation from Venezuelan authorities as it relates to reports of a third Guyanese fishing vessel being seized.

It was reported that the Guyana-registered fishing boat “Miss Annie” – GR972360 – and its seven-member crew were detained by the Venezuelan military on Monday.

River patrol ranks of the Venezuelan National Armed Guards (FANB) reportedly seized the vessel and detained the crew members, who were intercepted in Mariusa, Tucupita, Delta Amacuro, Venezuela.

Previously, Minister Todd told reporters that they received reports about this third seizure but were awaiting confirmation from Guyana’s Embassy in Caracas.

“I got word from them today – the Embassy. They reported they saw media reports… and they mentioned that the vessel was apprehended in Venezuelan waters and the coordinates show that they were in Venezuelan waters for illegal fishing.

That is what was reported from Caracas,” the Foreign Minister told Guyana Times on Friday.

According to Minister Todd, the Caracas Embassy has reached out to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry to speak with the Vice Minister but, “so far, there was nothing coming from the Ministry in Venezuela.

So, I would suggest we treat it as unconfirmed reports…

I can only speak definitively when I speak to the Foreign Ministry.”

With regards to the other two Guyanese fishing boats and 12 fishermen that were detained just over a week ago by the Venezuelan navy, Todd said the Guyana Government is fervently working to have the men released.

“They’re still being detained and my understanding is that they’re on the vessel.

But we’re still trying our best to get an early release,” the Foreign Affairs Minister told this publication.

The two Guyanese fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – were intercepted on January 21 while operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by the Venezuelan navy, which detained the crew members

and seized the vessels.

The crew of one of the ships, the Lady Nayera, is headed by Captain Richard Ramnarine and comprises crew members Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph.

The other ship, the Sea Wolf, is captained by Captain Toney Garraway, and comprises crew members Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil and Randy Henry.

Venezuela is claiming in both instances that the fishermen were in their waters.

In fact, Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Relations, Jorge Arreaza, during a virtual meeting with Minister Todd on Monday had provided location coordinates to show that the vessels were carrying out illegal fishing in the jurisdictional waters.

But Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister contended on Thursday that this is not so.

He explained that the coordinates of the location of the two fishing vessels were when they were detained are within Guyana’s EEZ. “What is important is that the position is well within our exclusive economic zone and

that is what is important.

[It’s] not the exact position but the general location is inside of our EEZ,” Todd told reporters.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the 12 fishermen were detained last week after being caught with hammerhead sharks – a species that is protected by Venezuelan laws from being trawled.

Minister Todd disclosed that this was indicated to him by his Venezuelan counterpart during their virtual engagement earlier in the week.

“When I spoke with the Foreign Affairs Minister [of Venezuela] he did mention that but we have not heard anything from the crew with regards to that,” Todd stated.

According to the Minister, while Guyanese authorities have been in daily contact with the detained fishermen, they were never questioned on this matter. He pointed out that this is not their focus at this point in time.

“We’re dealing with the release of the crew and the vessels; we are not dealing with the catch… At the end of the day, the vessels were apprehended in our territory. That is a matter for us by law, not the Venezuelans. So, we don’t want to be distracted. Let’s stay focused. We need to have the vessels and crews released as soon as possible. Forget about the catch for now, we can deal with that subsequently,” Minister Todd had posited.

While the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister has assured that the crew members are being treated with the utmost respect for their human rights and efforts are being undertaken to pursue their early release, the fishermen have since been brought before a Venezuelan court and

Foreign Minister Hugh Todd

further reports coming out of Caracas suggest that the men could be detained for some 45 days more pending investigations in the Spanish-speaking nation.

Meanwhile, photos and videos have been circulating on social media of Venezuelan naval forces reportedly “patrolling the disputed waters”.

But Minister Todd dismissed these as “fake news”.

The photos and videos were from a training exercise by the Venezuelan navy since 2019.

“That is not how we operate, it’s unpatriotic for people to be doing that,” the Minister said.

He further noted that while Government does not have any control over social media posts, persons should only look to authorities for official details and announcement on this issue.

“We’re doing our best by putting out statements and I think the population should rely on the Foreign Ministry and the President for any update or information on this issue. They should take guidance when we speak. But there’re people in society who may want to distort or create confusion and we don’t have any control over that,” Todd posited. (G8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

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

Cheaper energy

T

he assurance given by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh to the Private Sector, regarding the creation of a macroeconomic environment that would be conducive to investments and expansion, including reliable and affordable electricity, is most welcoming as Guyana now ascends to massive transformation. More so, the commitment that Government is seeking to address and fix the high cost of energy is encouraging for manufactures. Again, the Minister has announcement the possibility of reviving the Amaila Falls Hydro project.

From the onset, it should be stated that Guyana would have been in a better position regarding an affordable, reliable supply of electricity if there had been bipartisan support for the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project, which was proposed by the PPP/C some years ago. In fact, had the Amaila project gone through, it would have been in the system since 2017, and by now the problem of constant blackouts would have been a thing of the past.

It could be recalled that the project was not given Parliamentary support by the APNU and AFC parties, which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat majority at the time. Further, in spite of pleadings from the PPP/C to continue the conversation and ensure the project was restarted, when the APNU/AFC took office in 2015, it moved ahead and killed the project.

However, now that the PPP/C has been returned to Government, and has a Parliamentary majority, it is certain that such a transformative project would get off the ground. As Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had previously said: “We have started reviewing the documents etc, to chart a pathway to hydropower development back again, because hydropower is crucial, given our capability and capacity of the country; our abundant water resources.”

Amaila was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels. The electric plant was proposed to be a 165 MW (installed capacity) hydropower-generation facility located in west-central Guyana, approximately 250 kilometres south-west of Georgetown.

In addition, it would have improved Guyana’s balance of payments by significantly reducing the importation of fuel, significantly reducing end-user costs for electricity, and improving reliability of energy supply and generation of clean energy – which would have helped to encourage economic growth and development by improving regional competitiveness, Private Sector investment, and Foreign Direct Investment.

An “objective and facts-based” assessment done by Norconsult, an engineering and design consultancy firm from Norway, had concluded and recommended that “the only realistic path” for Guyana moving towards an emissionfree electricity sector and achieving its 2025 Green Agenda commitment was to develop its hydropower potential in general, and maintain the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project in particular.

In spite of assurances from the power company that blackouts would be a thing of the past, over the past couple of years, prolonged periods of blackout have actually increased across the country. Consumers have written several letters to this newspaper, expressing their disgust over the situation. The Government has now taken steps to ensure that citizens are provided with affordable and reliable electricity by utilising an energy mix of wind, solar and hydro. It is also working seriously on an ambitious gas-to-shore energy project which would see an addition of between 200 and 250 megawatts of power being provided.

Guyana is currently generating electricity at approximately 17 to 20 US cents per kilowatt/hour. This is among the highest in the Region, and, on this basis, the Government has promised to reduce the cost of energy in the country by 50 per cent over the next five years.

As we had stated before, energy is one area in which there could be a bipartisan approach by politicians; meaning: the Opposition and the Government could work together towards finding a lasting solution to Guyana’s electricity problems.

Of importance, too, is that hydropower is an important part of Guyana’s energy mix in the future, since it is considered to be renewable and environmentally friendly.

People visit a festive installation of illuminated pagodas and mythical animals erected outside a shopping mall to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year in Bangkok, Thailand (AFP)

There will be a conviction Dear Editor, On Wednesday, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield submitted documents pertaining to the March 2, 2020 Election to the Supreme Court’s Registrar for safe-keeping.

This is in keeping with a court order that all election materials are to be turned in for evidential inquiry at the upcoming election petition’s hearing, as well as for his own court trial.

Now, see how easy that was? No fanfare, no drama, no political posturing, but a simple handing over of the evidence. I am talking about all 2339 statements of poll (SOPs) and statements of recount (SORs) for the court’s keeping.

From the look of things and from Lowenfield’s demeanour, I guess there must have been a nudge from the chairwoman and other legal brains on that commission for him to act civilly, in accordance with

the law. That law stipulates that, at the end of an election, the Chief Elections Officer ought to present all original documents pertaining to that election.

Further, and worthy of note, he is not a “lone ranger”, or a law unto himself, whereby he can tamper or falsify any of the selfsame documents. In short, Mr Lowenfield cannot assign unto himself such privileges. As a subordinate officer, he is subject to the dictates of the law.

In this regard, all election materials remain public documents for the safe keeping of the GECOM, and not the private domain of an individual or party, or for it to be coloured by one’s partisan opinions.

So, Lowenfield would be hard pressed to show how the signatures of political officers and Ministers of Government came to be on the statements of poll for District Number 4. I do not

know how he would wiggle his way out of this one, but it is left to be seen.

To sum it all up, I would say there will be a conviction, because when this matter comes up for hearing, Lowenfield and company must lead a defense as to why those original documents were not tendered at the time of the verification of the Region 4 election results?

Another question that he alone must answer is: why, and for what purpose, were fraudulent figures substituted for a declaration at both the Ashmins Building and in the Cowan Street declarations?

As a Chief Election Officer of many years, he cannot feign ignorance, that he does not know what were the requirements of his job description, as well as the procedures governing a declaration; certainly not!

What the events clearly show is a public officer act-

ing in concert with persons of a political party to rig the election.

Lowenfield’s shenanigans are utterly outrageous. Neither can he fight the natural outcome of this case as it pertains to his fraudulent declarations. If he foolishly does, then the State has the right to appeal. The State has the means and the ability to do so, and this it would do right up to the Caribbean Court of Justice. My point is, dire will be the consequences if he resists!

What he can safely do is fall on the mercies of the court and plead for leniency when sentencing time comes up. In either scenario, there will be a conviction, which would send the strongest of signals to all fraudsters out there that rigging would not be tolerated.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Hands off Essequibo Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) remain deeply concerned about aggressive actions towards Guyana being taken by Venezuela. Recent weeks have seen a ratcheting up of tensions as Venezuela seeks to reassert its unfounded claim over the Essequibo.

The FITUG, while a long-standing friend of the Bolivarian Republic, cannot, at the same time, countenance any attempt to violate Guyana’s territory. We

remain firm that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and reject any narrative that disregards this reality.

The simmering tensions, it appears, have reached worrying proportions, with the Venezuelan military staging an incursion into Guyanese waters. We find the actions by Venezuela to be a flagrant violation of our territory, made worse by the apprehension of Guyanese nationals.

We are aware of the fervent diplomatic efforts to secure the release of our

nationals from Venezuelan custody. We applaud these efforts, and hope that our countrymen can be soon reunited with their loved ones.

We unequivocally condemn the incursion, and stand in solidarity with Guyana and its people. We uphold and reiterate the unequivocal statements emanating from several Governments and international organisations in denouncing Venezuela’s violation of our territory.

At this time, with the decades-old border dispute

attracting the attention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), we see the actions of Venezuela as presumptuous. We denounce all acts of aggression and territorial incursion. We stand with the Government of Guyana and all Guyanese as we defend and uphold our sovereignty and defend our Essequibo!

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

French Ambassador discusses Venezuela’s aggression against Guyana with PM …as France seeks to be a proactive partner with Guyana

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips was told by French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly that France wants to be a proactive partner in Guyana’s overall development.

The non-resident diplomat and his delegation discussed Guyana’s Development Agenda and the increased cooperation between the two Governments. High on the programme was also a conversation on the aggression of Venezuela, which recently seized two Guyanese boats with fishermen in Guyana’s waters.

To this end, the Ambassador reiterated his support for Guyana, the Department of Public Information reported.

“We totally support the

management of Guyana to solve the conflict on the border with Venezuela – that is to say, respect of the international law, the competency of the International Court of Justice and of course we regret the way that Venezuela took your boats and fishermen and I wanted to express my solidarity to the fishermen and their families and I’m hoping that they will be freed very quickly,” the Ambassador was quoted by DPI as saying.

The Ambassador first signalled the support of the French Government earlier this week during a meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Honourable Anil Nandlall, SC. The meeting was the second between the Prime Minister and Ambassador

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with French Ambassador to Guyana Antoine Joly, French Defence Attaché to the Republic of Suriname and Guyana, Lieutenant Colonel Philippe Lamouret, French Foreign Trade Advisor and Honourary Counsel of France in Guyana, Jean-Francois Gerin, and several French entrepreneurs

Joly.

According to the PM, Friday’s follow-up was to

discuss the progress that has been made from October 2020 to present, with the ad-

15 vulnerable women get scholarships

F

irst Lady Arya Ali on Friday granted 15 fully-funded scholarships to vulnerable women drawn from two local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

At a simple ceremony held at State House, the First Lady granted eight scholarships to women from ChildLink and seven scholarships to women from Help and Shelter, the Department of Public Information reported.

The scholarships will afford the women the opportunity to pursue studies and training at the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) for one and in some cases two years.

The idea of providing training opportunities to vulnerable women was birthed out of a meeting the First Lady had with the Principal and Vice Principal of CSHE in November of last year.

The beneficiaries of the scholarships are women who are considered to be highly vulnerable because of the conditions under which they lived or still live, and the fact that none of them was able to complete the formal school system.

While the Office of the First Lady will fund the tuition in full, Ali solicited the support of the Public Service Ministry to provide a monthly allowance to cover transportation cost, meals, and uniform.

To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Public Service to ensure that this commitment is fulfilled and that over the next four years, the Ministry

First Lady Arya Ali (seated centre) and Permanent Secretary at the Public Service Ministry Soyinka Grogan (seated left) signing the MoU as Public Service Minister Sonia Parag (seated right) and representatives of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) look on

provides similar opportunities for women in need.

“Guyana will begin to develop rapidly and if opportunities are not provided equitably, it can result in a widening of the gender gap,” the First Lady told the small group of representatives from the NGOs and CSHE. She said that Guyanese must be cognisant of the fact that women are already disproportionately affected and that efforts must be redoubled to ensure that they are provided with the tools and resources necessary to improve their marketability and better integrate them into the labour force.

“I am very happy to be able to provide these women with a window of opportunity to empower themselves and positively impact those around them,” the First Lady is quoted by DPI

as saying.

Offering brief remarks too was Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, who expressed her willingness to support initiatives of this nature.

“I jumped on this opportunity to facilitate this activity specifically for the fact that these women will be empowered to the point of becoming independent. This is what we want to see in society; women being given op-

portunities and being treated equally,” the Minister said.

In addition to providing the monthly allowance for this year’s recipients, the Minister pledged to ensure that each year, provisions are made for this category of women to benefit from similar opportunities through the Public Service Ministry.

“I will not hesitate from 2022 to keep this initiative going,” she said.

dition of the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

“The Ambassador came to update me on the engagements he had and the progress that has been made so far after our last meeting; we spoke about Police cooperation, defence, trade, the health sector and private sector engagement – I think that we are moving in the right direction and I am very appreciative of that.”

The PM said that he was also heartened by the French position on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and the outpouring of support Guyana has had from other nations.

“The OAS and many countries came out in sup-

port of Guyana’s position and we’re happy that the French has done the same.”

The Ambassador, who resides in Suriname, told the PM that his Government was interested in developing and improving economic cooperation in the Guiana Shield.

“I confirmed to the Prime Minister that we are interested in being partners for the bridge between Guyana and Suriname, not only in the building but in developing the vision and the need for infrastructure to link Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana. We have a lot to do together on the Guiana Shield and to improve our economic cooperation and we are working on that.”

The Ambassador added that he and his Government are impressed with the vision of the Guyanese Government.

“What I told the Prime Minister is that I really want to strengthen this relationship, we are impressed by the work done by the new Administration, and I would come back in March to strengthen things.”

The French delegation also consisted of French Defence Attaché to the Republic of Suriname and Guyana Lieutenant Colonel Philippe Lamouret, French Foreign Trade Advisor and Honourary Counsel of France in Guyana, JeanFrancois Gerin and several French entrepreneurs.

6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Page

Foundation Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

T

he north wind and the sun had a quarrel about which of them was the stronger. While they were disputing with much heat and bluster, a traveller passed along the road wrapped in a cloak.

“Let us agree,” said the sun, “that he is the stronger who can strip that traveller of his cloak.”

“Very well,” growled the North Wind, and at once sent a cold, howling blast against the traveller.

With the first gust of wind, the ends of the cloak whipped about the traveller’s body. But he immediately wrapped it closely around him, and the harder the wind blew, the tighter he held it to him.

The north wind tore angrily at the cloak, but all his efforts were in vain.

Then the sun began to shine. At first, his beams were gentle, and in the pleasant warmth after the bitter cold of the north wind, the traveller unfastened his cloak and let it hang loosely from his shoulders.

The sun’s rays grew warmer and warmer. The man took off his cap and mopped his brow. At last, he became so heated that he pulled off his cloak, and, to escape the blazing sunshine, threw himself down in the welcome shade of a tree by the roadside.

Gentleness and kind persuasion win where force and bluster fail.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas compressor problems lead to increased flaring by ExxonMobil

U

nited States oil giant ExxonMobil has had to increase its flaring of gas due to more technical issues on the gas compressor of the Liza Destiny vessel.

In a statement on Friday, the oil major said it is experiencing a technical issue with a seal on Liza Destiny’s gas compressor.

“This unfortunate incident resulted in us having to temporarily increase our flare above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations,” the missive stated.

According to President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, efforts are underway to fix this issue as soon as possible.

“We are disappointed that this unexpected issue has occurred and we’re working diligently with the vessel’s owner and the equipment vendor to understand and fix the issue as quickly as possible,” Routledge posited in the brief statement.

Exxon further noted that the relevant Government authorities have been informed and that they are providing regular updates on the matter.

Only less than a year ago, the oil giant came un-

Liza Destiny flaring gas offshore Guyana (Annette Arjoon photo)

der heavy fire for its flaring activities, which has negative effects on the environment and has had environmentalists up in arms over the harmful exercise.

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

In a series of posts, she said, “the massive and negative flaring of 14 bln cu ft of gas for 365 days by Exxon… This photo was taken on the 13th January and shows flaring on the Liza 1. My understand-

ing was that the faulty gas compressor which took almost one year to be fixed was finally resolved late 2020 and that flaring would have ceased. Would appreciate an explanation.”

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

Back in December on the oil company’s first anniver-

sary since commencing production in 2019, Routledge had expressed disappointment at the equipment issues they experienced and assured that routine flaring would not be used.

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

“We are disappointed by the number of equipment issues experienced and that, because of these issues and COVID-19, com-

missioning of the gas injection system took longer than originally projected.

We took significant steps to limit flaring and are incorporating lessons learned for future projects.”

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

“Flaring to maintain oil production will not be permitted. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will pay the Government for the cost of gas wasted during flaring and will also be subject to fines under the EPA related to emissions from flaring,” the Natural Resources Ministry had stated back in October.

EEPGL is Exxon’s local affiliate, which along with other partners are operating in the Stabroek Block.

Meanwhile, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had subsequently pointed out that while some have contended that Exxon has wiggle room to flare gas during its start-up, in reality, that wiggle room is no more than 60 days.

He explained that after those 60 days, Exxon can face fines from the EPA for flaring that does not fall under special circumstances. According to Jagdeo, this is a vast improvement from the Lisa Production Licence that the former APNU/AFC Government issued to Exxon, where routine flaring was not prohibited.

“In the last licence, flaring was permitted because there was no prohibition.

In this licence, flaring is prohibited and there is a fine thereafter. Because you cannot enforce a prohibition unless you have a fine,” Jagdeo had explained.

“There will be two components to the fine. One, by the EPA which will do it based on carbon pricing and pollution. And that has to be put in place shortly, a system of fines pursuant to the permit. And the second component is the part we insisted on, on the usage of the gas. We’re entitled to half of that gas,” he further stated.

Jagdeo had noted that as such, if Exxon flares gas and is at fault for doing so, they, therefore, will have to pay a fine to Guyana for the burnt gas. (G8)

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Arrest warrant issued for fake CANU officer “Brother Fraud” ...after failure to attend court

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enior Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday issued a warrant for the arrest of Kevin McDonald, who was detained by the Police after he attempted to arrest a man while pretending to be a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer.

Nicknamed “Brother Fraud”, McDonald of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, has been charged by the Police with two counts of abduction, one of which was allegedly committed on Ryan Gonsalves, one of the persons he tried to arrest.

McDonald was instructed to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday before Magistrate Daly to answer to the charges but failed to make an appearance and as such an arrest warrant has been issued for him.

Reports are that McDonald, a former member of the Guyana Police Force, attempted to arrest the man in the vicinity of Thomas and Middle Streets, Georgetown.

According to information received, he was decked with a body camera and handcuffs while driving a heavily tinted white Toyota Premio car.

McDonald then exited the car and approached the young man, informing him that he was wanted for the possession of narcotics and would be taken to the Brickdam Police Station. The young man, however, refused to go with “Brother Fraud” and demanded that he properly identify himself.

McDonald failed to provide any form of identification and the young man resisted his arrest. It was then he attempted to force the young man into his car. By that time, Police on patrol noticed the commotion and went to the scene.

This prompted McDonald to jump into his car and speed away. By then, Police ranks were already hot in his pursuit and cornered him.

Unable to provide identification to substantiate his claim

Wanted: Kevin “Brother Fraud” McDonald

that he was a CANU officer, he was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station.

He was released on bail pending his court appearance. While he was a policeman in 2015, he was charged with forging receipts to the former Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry and Universal Machinery. He was found guilty of the offences and sentenced to pay a fine of $400,000. It was reported that McDonald was found guilty by the Magistrate in absentia.

Pensioner to pay $10,000 for using indecent language

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eventy-year-old Patrick Richardson of Redwood Crescent, Mackenzie, Linden, was fined $10,000 by Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Friday after he was found guilty in absentia for the offence of indecent language.

Richardson was

charged on December 11, 2020, in relation to the offence, which was committed on Wilma Mc Donald, also of the same address.

The incident occurred on December 6, 2020.

Failure to pay the fine will result in the pensioner spending two weeks in jail.

Examining...

Y

...the (forensic) examiners our Eyewitness has been baffled by our inability to get a proper forensic lab going. What could be more embarrassing that sending a piece of evidence from the Henry cousins’ crime scene to St Lucia for processing. Yeah, St Lucia!! Where the population is 182,000!! Less than that of Georgetown, for crying out loud!

But a $1.049B Forensic Lab, had been commissioned back in July 2014 at Turkeyen, just before the PNC coalition slid into office. With their top-heavy security brass, the Guyanese people were assured that we’d have our very own CSI unit cracking cases faster that you can “rack back and crack” nuts at a cricket game!!

But they soon told us they had to spend US$248,000 or Gy$50,000,000 to “purify the air”! So, what happened between 2015 and 2019? God only knows!!

For it was only in mid-2019 that then Public Security Munster Ramjattan assured us that, after four years of waiting, we’d finally been supplied with a DNA analysis machine - costing some $98 million. The man who was to single-handedly nab nefarious Russian spies sneaking in to rig our elections assured us that the (pathetic) days of sending samples abroad for DNA testing were over.

So, what happened? The PNC Govt and Ramjattan’s brain trust didn’t think ahead to train technicians to utilise the equipment? We’re the pics in the newspapers just to show they were “doing something” about solving crimes just before the elections.

Now, your Eyewitness had followed the developments (or lack thereof) of Forensic Capabilities with fervid interest. Not just because he had skin in the game (as a citizen who could be murdered at any moment by bandits who would get off scot free) but because he was a fan of the “crack crime sleuths” whose exploits he’s devoured from the days of his dissolute youth. Hadn’t he even memorised the seven “Principles of forensic science”?

Yes, dear reader, there are seven principles of this “scientific discipline directed to the recognition, identification, individualisation and evaluation of physical evidence.” And what are these, you ask? There’s the “law of individuality”, which states that every object, natural or man-made, has unique characteristics, like fingerprints. Then there’s the “Principle of exchange”, or “Locard’s exchange principle” - which is your Eyewitness’s favourite. This declares that “when a criminal or his instrument of crime comes in contact with the victim or the objects surrounding him, they leave traces, and the criminal or his instrument picks up traces from the same contact.” To be picked up by Forensics!

But, unfortunately, there’s the Law of Progressive Change: “everything changes with the passive of time including crime scenes.”

As we hope didn’t happen in West Berbice! …Maduro’s brinkmanship As Maduro continues to “play the fool” on our Essequibo border, let’s focus on the word “play”, because Maduro’s no fool; there’s a method to his madness. One theory is that he’s trying to drag the US and China into what is called “The Thucydides Trap”.

As we learnt back in high school, Thucydides was the ex-General who wrote the classic account of the Great War between the superpowers of the ancient world – pre-eminent Sparta and the rising star Athens. He called it the Peloponnesian Wars.

Some say there are parallels between this situation that exists right now, when the incumbent superpower for the last century - the USA - is being challenged by China’s rise. Back then, the two superpowers weren’t daft enough to have a go at it directly - it was like “mutually assured destruction” (MAD)! But they each had allies, and it was these allies that went to war and dragged the superpowers in.

Is Maduro counting on China to back him against US ally, Guyana? …debt ceilings Winston Jordan got his buckta in a knot because Finance Minister Ashni Singh just announced increased permissible internal and external debt ceilings for our country.

When Jordan moved from the Budget Office to become a Minister, didn’t his bank increase his debt ceiling?

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

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt extends 22:30h to 04:00h curfew to February …as bars, theatres remain closed

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he curfew, which forms part of the National COVID-19 Measures, will remain the same throughout the month of February, that is from 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am).

This was stipulated in a

new gazette signed by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

It indicates that measures will take effect from February 1, and last until February 28 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health after

an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap 145, and pub-

Ogle Airport cocaine bust

South Ruimveldt man, woman wanted

The box containing locally-made snacks and concealed cocaine was intercepted at Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle

Remanded: Pathrina Pilgrim

Wanted: Edinho Lewis

Wanted: Chelsea Collins

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has issued wanted bulletins for Edinho Lewis of Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Chelsea Collins of David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown in regard to the recent cocaine bust at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle.

CANU ranks had found some 534 grams of cocaine in a package of local snacks which was destined for Brooklyn, New York, USA on Wednesday last.

It is alleged that 30-yearold Pathrina Pilgrim of Lot

2 ‘C’ North Road, Bourda, Georgetown had attempted to ship the package abroad.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has said the box was intercepted before it was loaded onto a flight at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle.

The box, which contained packets of coconut biscuit, mittai, chicken foot, and a packet of uncooked vermicelli, had the cocaine wrapped in carbon and concealed in a false wall at the bottom.

Several persons have been questioned in the ongoing investigation following that discovery.

CANU is asking anyone who might know these persons’ whereabouts to kindly contact the CANU Headquarters on telephone numbers (592)-227-3507 or (592)-226-0431.

Meanwhile, Pilgrim was on Friday remanded to prison after she was slapped with a trafficking in narcotics charge.

She appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied that on January 27 she had 534 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. The case will continue on February 9. (G9)

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lished in the Gazette, Legal Supplement – B, 16th March 2020.

Government reminded that it made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has found that it was fragmented and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe.

The Order notes that the current measures are extended to allow for further assessments and consultations to develop updated protocols to aid in the combatting of the COVID-19 spread.

It clearly outlines that flights from Brazil are prohibited until further notice.

No one is permitted to host or attend a cinema except for drive-in movies; private party, banquet hall, bar, public swimming pool or water park, wake or vigil, club, meeting fraternity or any other social activity. Gyms are to operate at 50 per cent capacity while sporting events are only permitted with approval from the Health Minister.

The measures have remained unchanged for essential services to operate 24 hours a day, and this in-

cludes hospitals, pharmacies, the Judiciary, Parliament, diplomatic corps, Disciplined Services, solid waste management, airports, hotels or other accommodations, energy services, mining operations, security services, telecommunication providers, fisherfolks, limited port operations, construction, post service and freight, funeral homes, among others.

Any person working beyond the curfew is asked to have in their possession, an official identification document or proof of workplace.

From 04:00h to 21:30h, stakeholders will still be able to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing or stores; or other maintenance services.

Outdoor dining and dining at a restaurant shall only be permitted between these hours, with tables six feet apart and a maximum of four persons that are three feet apart per table. Buffet dining is prohibited. Food services are still permitted to conduct delivery and curbside pick-up.

All restaurants and bars are required to submit an application to the Guyana Tourism Authority for approval to operate, and are mandated to follow all the established protocols. Failure to do so can result in the closure of the operation of that business by the Health Ministry.

Now, places of worship are allowed to operate but with a restricted 25 per cent of the total capacity. Religious leaders are to ensure that where there are multiple services, there is no less than 45 minutes between the session to allow for sanitisation.

Prepackaged food is to be used instead of portions from communal containers. When applicable, persons should bring their own rugs or fabric for daily prayers.

Both private and the public sector will have their staff on rotation while those in the health sector will be subjected to priority treatment.

Meanwhile, only the National Public Health Reference Laboratory is authorised to conduct COVID-19 tests.

Anyone who tests positive is required to comply with the requirements imposed by the Health Emergency Operations Centre to prevent a further spread.

Persons are still required to wear a mask, covering the nose and mouth, when in public. However, exemptions are given to children under the age of eight; where a person is in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft alone; and any other accommodation alone.

Failure to comply with the mandatory mask requirement would make persons liable under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.

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COVID-19 variants

No flights between Brazil, Guyana permitted – Health Minister ...58 cases recorded in 1 day

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overnment has tightened security at the border regions after COVID-19 variants were detected in Brazil –this also extends to flights between the Portuguese-speaking nation.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony indicated during the coronavirus update on Friday that officials are seeking to acquire more information about the virus before opening activities. In the past weeks, the P.1 and P.2 variants were detected in Brazil, causing Guyana to cease all border travel.

“As we tighten up the land border, we also want to ensure that for now, that we restrict flights coming from Brazil and vice versa. So, all flights are now restricted. We want to know more about those variants before we make other pronouncements,” the Minister said.

On Thursdays, there is limited trade between the

two countries but throughout the week, border patrols are closely monitoring for persons illegally entering Guyana.

The Minister contended that other countries have already restricted flights to and from Brazil, fearing transmission of the new variants.

“We’re not the first country to restrict these flights.

There are other countries who have done so. Again, it is out of concern for the new variants that are circulating.

We would evaluate and make those decisions as to when to reopen back the flights.”

The only preventative measures against the new variant are to wear masks, sanitise and practice proper handwashing at all times.

Apart from the variant in Brazil, two others were detected in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The UK has already banned flight from South America, amid reports of the Brazilian variant.

New cases

As of Friday, the total number of cases from the novel coronavirus is 7528, after 58 new positives were detected. As infections rise, active cases have surpassed 800.

The daily dashboard showed the number of deaths remaining at 175. One person was removed from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which now has six patients.

There are 42 patients in institutional isolation, 764 in home isolation and 13 in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries are now at 6541.

Some 48,309 persons have been tested – of which 3894 males and 3694 females were positive.

A regional breakdown showed that one new case was detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 46 in Region Four (Demerara-

Mahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), five in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and two in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no detections in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) which remained at 225, 609, 233 and 409 respectively.

Speaking on the huge increase in cases witnessed throughout the month of January, the Health Minister said this was due to complacency on the part of the public during the Christmas season. Despite warnings, he noted, many persons chose to violate the measures and this is the effect.

“We warned people during December that in January we are going to see a spike if they don’t take precaution.

Unfortunately, a lot of peo-

ple did not heed our call and we’re seeing a spike in cases.

Coming closer to the end of December, we had about 350 active cases. Now we’re up to 816 cases so you would have seen that increase over a very short period of time because people weren’t abiding by these guidelines that we’ve established,” he positioned.

Dr Anthony reiterated that cooperation from the public is essential in bring-

ing the situation under control since the Ministry cannot achieve this feat alone.

“Each one of us would need to take on responsibilities. It is not a fight that the Ministry of Health alone can conduct or one side of people while other people just do as they please. Everybody got to be involved and when everybody does the right thing, then we are all protected.”

(G12)

Wanted man shot dead by Police

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wenty-two-year-old Sherwin Filley also known as “Red Ants” of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was wanted by the Police in connection with several armed robberies, was in the wee hours of Thursday shot dead.

Based on Police information, the now dead man was wanted for robbery, robbery with violence and three counts of wounding committed on a 50-year-old resident of Vryheids Lust, ECD. Police stated that on the day in question, ranks acting on information swooped down on an abandoned wooden shack in the vicinity of Ogle Seawall, where they saw Filley.

However, in an attempt to apprehend the wanted man, the ranks had to use force to open the door to gain entry into the shack. At the time, the now dead man reportedly armed himself with a cutlass and attacked a Police rank.

In retaliation, the rank discharged one round from his .38 service Revolver, hitting Filley in one of his eyes.

He reportedly collapsed and was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is at the GPHC mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. An investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt gives $105M to Indigenous villages to rebound from COVID-19

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he Amerindian Affairs Ministry on Friday disbursed a whopping $105 million to Indigenous villages as part of a COVID-19 Relief Fund, for leaders to embark on projects that will improve the livelihoods and create better opportunities for its people.

This is in light of the widespread impact which the novel coronavirus disease has brought onto these villages.

In collaboration with the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, the disbursements were made at the Sophia Exhibition Complex to Santa Mission, Caria Caria, Lower Bonasika, Saxacalli, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Swan, Wiakabra, Long Creek, Moraikobai, Orealla, Siparuta and Cashew Island. Other Indigenous villages will also receive their funding.

While each household had already received their cash grants, this additional sum will be used to mitigate the negative economic effects of the coronavirus.

Some of the money will be used on any infrastructural development or incomegenerating project which the villages see fit.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai noted that there were no initiatives from the previous coalition Government to address the challenges facing Indigenous communities as a result of the coronavirus.

For this, the PPP/C sprang into action upon taking office after realising the vulnerabilities facing these areas.

“Our Government has allocated $1.73 billion to ensure that the Amerindian leaders, Council and villagers take and made use of this financial support to put themselves in full preparation mode to ensure that we have not only a COVID-free population but that many of the connecting and linkages that will ensure our sustainability will be kept,” Sukhai noted.

The income-generating projects will supplement past investments made in the areas as well as the annual presidential grant

Welder killed in ECD hit-and-run accident

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creams erupted in the community of Bachelor’s Adventure, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Friday morning, as the shocking news of Travis Wickham’s death reached the doors of family and friends.

The 29-year-old welder, who had left his Lot 291 Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD home at about 08:00h on Friday to visit his girlfriend, was struck down and killed almost instantly by a motor car which allegedly belongs to an ex-female cop, which sped away from the scene.

Reports are that Wickham was riding his motorcycle in the vicinity of the Foulis Gas Station, Enmore, ECD, heading into Nabaclis. ECD, when the car attempted to overtake a bus.

In the process, the motorcyclist was struck from his motorcycle, which caused him to be flung at a moving minibus. As a result, he fell onto the roadway where he sustained injuries about his body and died.

Speaking with this newspaper, the dead man’s aunt, Trevlyn Wickham, said their family is still in shock, and everything seems surreal. The woman said she last spoke with her nephew on Friday morning and is now hurt to know that it was the last time she saw him alive.

“When he left, he didn’t say where he was going, but when we checked his phone and we went through the conversations, he seemed like he going to Nabaclis to see his girlfriend. When we saw the video…it looked like he died on the spot,” the woman said.

Wickham’s aunt said when his family went to identify his body, they were shocked by the extent of his injuries.

Deceased: Travis Wickham

“His whole one-side face was smashed in, and his ribs were black and blue. This is really going to affect our family because I can’t even describe it. For his mother, he is her only son, and he is the one that always do everything …nobody here can’t even catch themselves,” she related.

The family expressed disappointment at the behaviour of some of the persons who removed the man’s body from the scene, since his wallet and jewellery were stolen.

“When we look at the video of them moving him from the scene, you can see he had on his gold chain and everything, but when we asked them for it, they said he didn’t have any chain or wallet. Both the chain and wallet are missing,” the aunt said.

The dead man’s family is calling on the Guyana Police Force to find the perpetrator that caused the death of the young man because justice needs to served.

He was described by his family as “one in a million”, who has left a lasting impact on the lives of many.

(LaWanda McAllister)

Ministers Pauline Sukhai and Anand Persaud are flanked by the village leaders

fund that is allotted. She said the goal is to have sustainable activities to outlive the pandemic.

“The income-generating project or an economic project should be harnessed to start job creation and increasing income in the community.

Village can opt for incomegenerating projects and or infrastructure development.

That is key infrastructure, whether it is in agriculture, tourism, social infrastructure but relevant to sustainably positioning your village to combat and mitigate the threat of COVID,” she told the village

leaders.

Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Anand Persaud highlighted that the Government’s intentions are to create opportunities for the youth and their communities to grow.

Before a decision is made on what projects will be undertaken, Councils are required to organise a village meeting to determine which will be more beneficial.

Speaking with this publication, Orealla Toshao, Carl Peneux said the village will deliberate before reaching a conclusion on

how the money will be spent.

He said there is a suggestion to combine the grants from Orealla and its satellite village, Siparuta, and invest in the sand resources that are available in these areas.

Both villages would have received $10 million each.

“We have a lot of white sand for both communities.

We want to expand that and make concrete blocks which we can also sell out of the communities and help construct better houses and buildings. We’re thinking of purchasing equipment such as an excavator so that it is going to help us not only in

the sand business but also in our agriculture. At the same time, it will also enhance the construction and drainage sector,” Peneux identified.

Meanwhile, Moraikabai Toshao said his Council will seek to execute their project in a transparent manner. An area of interest is increased accessibility through connected roads to reach better markets for their goods.

“We’re looking at accessibility, connecting the highway to Moraikobai.

Over the years if we’re into agriculture, then we’ll definitely need an access road where we can have the buyer inside the village instead of bringing the produce out. We’re also looking at packaging and if we’re going into agriculture, we’ll need facilities so that we can have our products being marketed and labelled.”

The Minister also outlined the importance of connectivity and within the next two years, Government is seeking to have some 200 villages connected via ICT hubs. (G12)

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Enforcement, public adherence needed to combat COVID-19 in Indigenous villages – Toshaos

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everal Indigenous villages have experienced cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after residents were infected, creating hotspots that needed urgent intervention.

In fact, special teams from the Health Ministry were sent into the communities but given the remote locations, there can be challenges in accessibility. But according to the leaders, there are various contributing factors which have resulted in transmissions.

Toshao of Orealla, Carl Peneux told Guyana Times on Friday that his community was seeing incredibly good results during the first eight months of the pandemic. However, he related that persons coming in from neighbouring Suriname resulted in infections. After over 100 cases in the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) loca-

Moraikobai Toshao Collin Adrian

tion, officials had to shut down the village via a lockdown.

“It was good since March to October last year but something went wrong.

I believe that its people infiltrating from Suriname to the community and to the coast so we started to get the infection. We were at a stage of at least 100 positive cases at one time in November so we have to

lock down the community.”

Peneux said what compounded the issue was the fact that residents were flouting the measures, putting themselves at greater risks. He insisted that law enforcement should roll out a greater clampdown in such communities to prevent such a situation from recurring.

The Toshao explained, “No resident has been charged because the Police has not been doing their work effectively. People are very careless. They continue to be careless and at present, we have at least 22 positives. So that’s the situation right now.”

For now, he said the death toll remains at one.

Most of the infected persons from last year have recovered while the active patients are in quarantine.

The village leader pleaded for health officials to return to Orealla and conduct ad-

Orealla Toshao Carl Peneux

ditional testing. This way, he indicated, any positives that are undetected will be identified.

“These that are there now are insolation and we hope they recover. I’m asking for the Ministry of Health to return and do more testing so that we can determine others who may be positive,” Peneux stated.

Just last week, Moraikobai in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) had

also witnessed spikes. The Toshao, Collin Adrian, stressed that it is was due to complacency on the part of residents. Now, the Council has been working to ensure that there is increased sensitivity on the topic and the dangers attached to flouting the national guidelines.

Adrian told the media, “At the first instance, they were cooperating and then they paused. I think it was mixed information going across and now we under-

stand the seriousness of it and we want everyone to understand. We have sensitised the public and now they’re cooperating. I guess the cases will start coming down now.”

In light of the spikes over the past weeks, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had acknowledged that officials and leaders in villages can play an important role in reinforcing the safety measures to enhance compliance.

He was quoted as saying, “The persons who are in positions of leadership and positions of influence, like community leaders, religious leaders can really help us by helping to spread the education particular to COVID, model the best practices of COVID…and help us to get that message across because the Ministry of Health alone or the Task Force cannot do all of the education work that is necessary.” (Rupa Seenaraine)

Lone gunman robs Jettoo’s Lumberyard in broad daylight

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lone gunman executed a daring daylight robbery on Jettoo’s Lumberyard and Sawmill located at High Street, Georgetown, on Thursday carting off with over $100,000 in cash.

The robbery occurred at about 16:25h and according

the owner of the business.

Fearful for her life, she complied and handed over the money.

The suspect made good his escape on a motorcycle that was parked outside the business. No one was injured during the ordeal.

Just about a week ago, a

Jettoo’s Lumberyard

to Police, the suspect went to the establishment posing as a customer. He reportedly walked into the lumberyard and began looking at the items as a prospective buyer.

However, soon after, he whipped out a handgun from his waist and pointed it in the direction of the cashier, who was sitting in the cashier’s cage at the time.

The man reportedly instructed the woman to remain silent as he demanded cash she had in her possession.

At the time, she had $135,000 that belonged to

lone gunman relieved a La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident of over $8 million and a motor car.

It was reported that Kevin Gildharie had parked his car at about 16:30h, and was allegedly approached by a man who was wearing a face mask.

The suspect held onto him and before he could free himself, the man pulled out a handgun and inflicted injuries to the victim’s neck.

The robber then drove off with the man’s motor car which contained $8,030,000 and one Samsung cellular phone valued at $40,000.

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National conversation needed on raising retirement age – Labour Minister

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abour Minister Joseph Hamilton is of the view that a national conversation is needed on raising the retirement age very shortly.

He made this disclosure during a recent community outreach at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. The current retirement age in the public sector is 55.

The eligibility for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension benefit is 60 years.

“We as a nation, we have to have a national conversation on the issue of raising the retirement age.

Because at least in my view when a person retires, they must be able to get their NIS pension they contributed towards for years,” he said as he outlined Government’s plans to introduce training programmes for retirees which will see them reentering the workforce. The training programmes will be executed by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

“We will do some different types of training because when we talk about training all the time, every time we just talk about training young people. I believe we must fashion

training programmes for retirees. A woman at 55 or a man at 55 who retire and are still strong healthy and well, they are mature and have experience; they can give to the community still,” Hamilton added.

Against this backdrop, he noted that BIT will very soon launch programmes to reskill retirees to come back into the workforce.

A 2016 Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the public service of Guyana, among other things, recommended that the retirement age for new entrants into the public service, and those currently

in the public service who are below age 50, be retired on attaining 65 years, with the option of retiring on attaining 60 years. “lt is argued that the age of 55 is too early an age for retirement for public servants. Testimonies to the Commission support and advocate for higher retirement age for public service staff,” the CoI said.

It added that the advocacy for an increase in the retirement age is to provide for the retention of valuable, experienced and skilled professionals.

According to the CoI,

the contention is that at age 55, public servants would have acquired deep knowledge and wide experience in public management and in their professional and specialist fields, therefore, it is one of the arguments used to justify the re-employment of retired public servants on contracts immediately upon retirement.

Public sector organisations such as the Bank of Guyana, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and staff of the Audit Office of

Guyana have a retirement age of 60 years. The retirement age for staff at the University of Guyana is 65 years, and for the members of Judiciary and the Auditor General, the retirement age is 65 years.

The Private Sector also has higher than the public service retirement age based on pension schemes providing for retirement between 60 and 65 years, and with no fixed retirement age for top executives. Similarly, there is no retirement age for parliamentarians and Ministers. (G1)

inspire and give hope, Majesty International, the official Licenced Franchise Holder of Miss World Guyana, is teaming up with several Guyanese talents to make a bold move into the film industry.

They will be giving the world a personal journey beyond the beauty and glamour with its first seasonal series dubbed “Victoria Regia” – the blossoming of Guyana’s national flower; her journey to the Miss World crown.

The 12-episode semireality series will be a boost for the tourism industry as it aims at showcasing Guyana like never seen before. It will also feature all the elements

most talented and beautiful Guyanese women.

With a top 40 placement in 2019 by Miss World Guyana 2019, Joylyn Conway, Guyana has had tremendous recent successes on the Miss World

stage, including top 10 overall finishers by Rafieya Husain in London in 2014 and Lisa Punch in China in 2015.

Perhaps the most notable success story on the Miss World stage can be attributed

to Shakira Baksh (Caine) who represented Guyana at Miss World in 1967 and finished third overall.

She went on to launch her Modelling Career in London.

The winner of Miss World

Guyana 2021 will have the right to represent the country as Miss Guyana at the Miss World 2021 competition to be held in December. Miss World Guyana 2019, Joylyn Conway, will crown her successor.

Quest on for new Miss World Guyana 2021

Miss World Guyana 2014 Rafieya Husain

T

he Miss World Guyana Organisation is looking for that one delegate to represent Guyana at the international pageant slated for the latter part of 2021.

As such, the organisation is inviting young women of Guyanese heritage between the ages of 17 and 26 yearsold to apply to be a part of the Miss World Guyana national competition.

The Miss World programme is designed to be an excellent vehicle for building confidence, advancing careers and personal goals and in particular leaving a lasting positive legacy.

Miss World Guyana 2019 Joylyn Conway

Miss World Guyana 2015 Lisa Punch

It truly represents female empowerment and serves as a mechanism to showcase national talent.

In addition, representing Guyana on the Miss World stage is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The crown attracts a whopping $5.5 million prize package.

As this year is one to

of fashion, entertainment, flamboyant judges and unbelievable storytelling, as it promotes the true values and attributes of the Guyanese woman inclusive of the various aspects of preparation, planning, interviews and behind-thescenes activities.

“We are contributing to the continuity of pageantry in some way or the other,” National Director Natasha Martindale noted.

More so, the organisation has been creating stars and superwomen since debuting at Miss World’s Beauty With a Purpose competition in the 1960s and will continue to do so now on a different level where the entire world is plugged in and watching.

Guyana’s candidates will be the stars of the show and will support women in sports & fitness, community development, and promote the

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

DPP to decide on way forward for PI in murder of moneychanger, daughter

…as accused killer still on the run

A

dvice is being sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on how to proceed with the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara moneychanger Aaron Latchman and his daughter Arian Latchman, after one of the accused on remand for the murder escaped from the

Lusignan Prison.

Jointly charged for the capital offence are: 25-yearold Mark Rufino, a labourer of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), the prison escapee who re-

mains on the run; 37-yearold Paul Chan, called “Long Hair” or “Anthony”, a bus conductor of Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; 44-year-old Troy Abrams, called “Rasta Man”, a vendor of Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD); 37-yearold Lloyd Sadloo of Mocha Arcadia, EBD; and 41-yearold Sean Thomas, called

“Yankee”, an electrician of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Rufino escaped from the Holding Bay at the Lusignan Prison between October 20 and October 21,

2020. During a court hearing in late December 2020, the Police prosecutor was granted one month’s leave to seek advice on how to proceed with the matter.

Magistrate Alisha George, presiding at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, had instructed the prosecutor to have advice in the matter by Friday.

However, when the matter

was called on Friday, the prosecutor requested another adjournment, which was met with serious objections from defence counsel.

The lawyers for the other murder accused are calling

for the escapee’s name to be struck off of the joint charge, and for the court to proceed with the PI against the other accused.

Magistrate George has adjourned the matter to Monday, February 1, 2021, for the prosecutor to report the legal advice to the court.

According to Police reports, on that fateful day, the father and daughter had

Dead: Aaron Latchman and his daughter Arian

just returned to their Lot 58 Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara home when they were attacked by armed men. Holding Latchman and his 19-yearold daughter at gunpoint, the alleged robbers took the duo into the upper flat of the Latchman house, where they demanded money.

After receiving a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash, the men

then shot the duo before escaping from the scene in a white Toyota Carina 212 motor car which was parked some distance away.

Neighbours reported hearing gunshots and rushed to the victims’ assistance. The father and daughter were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Postmortem examinations conducted on the bodies revealed that the father was shot thrice, while his daughter received one fatal gunshot wound.

A motor car that belonged to the dead businessman but was used by the bandits was found at Front Road, La Penitence, Georgetown.

During a search of the vehicle, an illegal firearm and several rounds of ammunition were

found.

Two of the accused murderers – Abrams and Sadloo – are characters known to the Police and the courts.

Abrams was convicted in 2016 for two counts of robbery committed against America Street money changers Rayburn Fraser and Osaffo Ward. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for that offence.

Sadloo, who is said to be the alleged mastermind of the double murder, had a murder case discharged against him in 2012, but was later convicted in 2016 for narcotics’ trafficking.

The convict made another court appearance in 2018, when he was facing several armed robbery charges. He is currently before the court on charges of illegal possession of guns and ammunition.

Lindener jailed for indecent exposure

A

29-year-old Lindener who indecently exposed himself to his mother will be spending the next 18 months in jail to think about his actions.

Randy Joseph of Determa Street, Mackenzie, Linden, was jailed on Friday by

Magistrate Wanda Fortune after he was found guilty of the offence of indecent exposure.

Joseph was charged in relation to the offence on October 21, 2020, which occurred at his home on October 17, 2020.

The prosecution con-

tended that on October 17, 2020, Joseph walked into his mother’s bedroom and started to expose and “play” with his genitals.

The sentence was handed down during his final appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s court on Friday. (G13)

Armed bandits invade Berbice home

P

olice are investigating a robbery-under-arms committed on 53-year-old Parbattie Etwaroo, an overseas-based Guyanese, and her 33-year-

old niece Swarsattie Narain, a vendor of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

Etwaroo, a Canadian citizen, was in the living

news@guyanatimesgy.com

room when she was confronted by a bandit armed with a handgun at around 08:00h on January 15.

In a statement released by the Police on Friday, it was detailed that the bandit told Etwaroo not to move, and then hit her in the head with the gun. He then took her to the bedroom, and demanded that she hand over all her money and personal belongings.

Police said the frightened woman complied with the bandit’s demands.

Meanwhile, a second perpetrator stood nearby and held the woman’s niece at knifepoint. After retrieving the valuables, the bandits made good their escape on foot.

The family has been robbed of Gy$50,000; Cdn$500; gold jewellery, and a Samsung Galaxy cellphone.

15

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Resilience, togetherness pivotal to transforming Guyana’s economy – Boyer

GCCI President Nicholas Boyer

P

resident of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer, has said that resilience and togetherness would rapidly transform the economy and allow Guyana to be a leading nation in the region.

Speaking at the GCCI’s 131st Annual Awards ceremony on Thursday evening, Boyer described 2020 as a year of resilience, due to the fallout from the contentious March 2020 Elections as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said many of the Chamber’s members as well as staff have had to adapt to a new way of operating and maintaining relations.

According to Boyer, Guyana’s economy also showed similar resilience.

“Businesses were forced to reconfigure their operations to survive economically while still protecting their customers and employees. This unwavering effort ultimately bore fruit and saw Guyana recording 30.9 per cent economic growth at the end of the year… We led the world in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth last year.

“Unfortunately, a lot of that came from our oil sector.

What we have to do for the

future is translate that and build a very strong non-oil sector,” the GCCI President posited.

The GCCI President urged the membership to embrace foreign investors, which would pave the way for them to expand and develop in existing and new areas.

In fact, Boyer noted, over the past year, the Chamber has built relations with Aberdeen – an oil-producing city in Scotland; and Newfoundland Oil and Labrador and Gas Industries Association (NOIA) in Canada, as well as with re-

Moreover, Boyer outlined the need for cooperation with other local stakeholders.

“Working together, getting that sort of feedback into an organised manner, putting it together, making submissions, talking to policy-makers, engaging in creative discourse, not bashing in the media, and working with that togetherness is how we are going to build this nation,” he stated.

Boyer further underscored the need for a robust infrastructure plan to facilitate the massive transformation that is pegged for Guyana.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh presenting GCCI's Chamber Award for "outstanding service to the business community, innovative business processes and efficiency in management"

gional partners.

“Your Guyanese economy is going to rapidly transform, and we need to learn how to do a different dance than we did before. A lot of us were focused on our domestic market, with a few firms exporting, this is the chance for our firms to grow. We will have to form these partnerships. We will have to learn, and we’ll have to inculcate new habits; but, overall, I am sure that when people look back at this time period, they will characterise us as resilient,” he asserted.

With the Government having already prioritised several transformative infrastructural projects for 2021, the GCCI President pointed out that this would allow entrepreneurs to bring their ideas into reality.

“At the end of the day, everything that we think about has a physical footprint…

Infrastructure is what will transform the nation, and having a robust infrastructure plan which delivers things like lower cost of energy is what will transform us.

And we must embrace a rap-

id transformation through infrastructure, through smart policies, smart tax laws and our engagements as a local private sector,” he noted.

According to Boyer, himself Director of National Hardware Ltd, “We are the future that will take the physical infrastructure, marry it with the right sort of technology, planning, entrepreneurship, and build the Guyanese companies that I believe will go out to conquer the Caribbean,” he contended.

In the same vein, Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, reassured the gathering at the GCCI’s Awards Ceremony that the PPP/C Government would create a macro-economic environment that would be conducive to investments and expansion for the local private sector.

He noted that high on Government’s development agenda is transport infrastructure, which is critical to connectivity, both domestically and regionally.

“Infrastructure is essential to unlock the economic potential of our country.

We know this. We know how important infrastructure is to plan for expansion…

Contemplate for a moment the implications of that international connectivity for the size of the market place in which you operate. You know

Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, joined GCCI President Nicholas Boyer and Minister Singh to unveil the magazine

better than we do the advantages of scale. You know better than everybody else what it would mean if you were manufacturing for a market, or if you were harvesting, or if you were providing services for a market that is two or three or four, or that is 10 times as big as the market in which you were currently operating.

“I look forward to the day when I will see your companies establishing a presence in all our neighbours,” the Minister posited.

Meanwhile, Dr Singh told the private sector members that at no other time in Guyana’s history would they witness such a sharp and rapid transformation as they are about to see.

The Finance Minister pointed out that in addition to infrastructure, Government will continue to invest in various areas, particularly in education, so as to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce.

However, he explained that this is not the sole responsibility of the Government, and he challenged businesses to play their part in cultivating the workforce that would be needed for the future.

Thursday’s Awards Ceremony saw several local businesses and individuals being rewarded for their sterling work and leadership during the past year.

Additionally, the Chamber launched a magazine at the ceremony. (G8)

Teacher who lost home to fire receives support from Education Ministry

Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson chats with teacher Renita Joseph and her husband, who lost their home to a fire

C

hief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson on Friday on behalf of Education Minister Priya Manickchand and staff of the Ministry, visited Renita Joseph and her family, who lost their home at Good Intent to a fire on Thursday.

Dr Hutson met Joseph and her family at the site of the fire and offered words of comfort for the immense loss and committed the Ministry’s support during this time.

He presented a package to Joseph comprising of an HP laptop along with accessories and monetary assistance as her family works towards rebuilding their lives.

Dr Hutson said that the Ministry of Education is concerned about its teachers and

He said that the officers of the Ministry are transformational leaders, a hallmark of which is compassion.

Joseph and her husband both expressed their gratitude for the gesture, particularly since she is a final year University of Guyana student and having a new laptop now would help her to complete her studies. She said that the laptop will also help her to continue to teach her students while the monetary assistance will help the family to address some of their present needs. Later on Friday also, the Education Department in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West

The teacher’s ravaged Good Intent home

will continue to stand by their sides. He told Joseph, who is a teacher at the Belle West Primary School, that the Ministry could not hear of the tragedy and turn a deaf ear.

Demerara) handed over several items to Joseph and her family inclusive of food items, clothing and footwear.

17 No 66 Fishermen’s Co-op calls for release of Guyanese detained by Venezuela NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he Number 66 Fishermen’s Coop Society has joined mounting calls for Venezuelan authorities to immediately release the 12 Guyanese crew members and two vessels which were illegally detained by the Spanish-speaking country last week.

Chairman of the Number 66 Fishermen’s Co-op Society, Pamashwar Jainarine said on Friday

that the actions by Venezuelan authorities are disturbing.

He contended that the twelve fishermen aboard the Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf vessels were operating off the coast of Waini Point, within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.

The Guyanese fishermen and vessels were illegally detained by Venezuela on January 21, 2021. It has been more than a week, and

the men have not been released.

While Venezuela is claiming that the men were in its waters, Jainarine said that the actions by Venezuelan authorities are outside of the accepted normal practice for fishermen said to be plying their trade without the relevant licences.

The Co-op, as a body, he added, condemns the outrageous act by the

Nigerian wanted by Police for $13M fraud

F

orty-one-yearold Chiama Victor Chukwunonso, a Nigerian, is wanted by the Guyana Police Force for trying to obtain money by false pretence.

According to Police, Chukwunonso defrauded Bhagwaindai Azimulah of $13,000,000 between January 3, and November 6, 2020. Police said that Chukwunonso’s last known local addresses were given as Lot 3538 Stevedore Housing Scheme, North

Wanted: Chiama Chukwunonso

Victor

Ruimveldt and Lot 143 Campbellville Avenue, Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Chiama Victor Chukwunonso is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers; 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 2267065, 227-1149, 226-7065, 225-6940, 911 or the nearest Police station.

The Police assured that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Chairman of the Number 66 Fishermen’s Co-op Society Pamashwar Jainarine

Venezuelans and calls for the release of the fishermen as early as possible.

“We are hearing that 45 days from now, then they will be on trial, that is not fair. For one, the fishers were within their right; they had the required licences to fish in Guyana waters.

If they were charged, they should be put on bail, they should not be in custody for 45 days,” Jainarine argued.

His comments come on the heels of mounting pressure from the international community for Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and release the illegally detained fishermen.

“We here at the Number 66 Co-op, actually fish on a border with Suriname and there are sometimes cases that our vessels are not properly licensed or sometimes the licences expired and the Suriname authorities would hold them. But, these matters are resolved by paying a fine or something of that nature and the boats are released… It is a simple fishing incident, if Venezuela claims that you are fishing in their waters there should be a penalty; if it is a fine, they should fine them and release them.”

Maintaining that the fishermen were in

Guyanese territory when they were detained by the Venezuelans, Jainarine pointed out that the fishing vessels should be equipped with devices that can attest to the exact location of the boats at the time of the interception.

“If the vessel had a VMS or vessel monitoring device, it would have been able to pinpoint the location of the vessel. That is something that we have been pushing for to ensure that all vessels are equipped with these types of equipment to avoid incidents like this.”

There are reports that a third local vessel with Guyanese onboard was seized by Venezuela.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd had told the media on Thursday that the Government is investigating those reports.

The ABC countries – that is the USA, the United Kingdom, and Canada – have all called on Venezuela to release the Guyanese.

The Caribbean Community and the Organisation of American States have also thrown their support behind Guyana. (G4)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Regional

Bolivian doctors demand lockdown Jamaica College gains STEAM as virus overwhelms hospitals

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olivian doctors are demanding a nationwide lockdown and threatening to stop taking in new patients as a surge in COVID-19 cases, which they say is killing an average of one medic per day, strains hospitals to breaking point.

New daily coronavirus infections in the Andean country, which received its first batch of Russian Sputnik V vaccines on Thursday, hit a single-day record of 2866 this week and deaths attributed to the epidemic climbed above 10,000.

“At the rate we are going, there will be a total collapse,” said Ricardo Landivar, a director of the La Paz Medical College. “…

Health workers’ and doctors’ unions are demanding that President Luis Arce return to lockdown until the current COVID-19 wave – Bolivia’s second – passes

We are going to have patients dying in the streets without being able to be treated by medical staff.”

Health workers’ and doctors’ unions are demanding that President Luis Arce re-

turns to lockdown until the current COVID-19 wave – Bolivia’s second – passes.

But the Government has been reluctant to further undermine the landlocked country’s already reeling

economy.

Arce, due to be one of the first in the country to get inoculated with Sputnik V, has said the arrival of the Russian vaccine can help Bolivians “breathe a bit easier”.

Medical union leaders, however, point to the high death rate – confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nation of 11.5 million stands at approximately 210,000 – and say that every day more than one doctor or health worker loses their life.

In cities, hospitals are often visibly crowded inside and out, with signs on doors and walls warning: “no room for new patients” and “the emergency units have collapsed”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Canadian airlines to cancel Mexico, Caribbean flights amid vaccine shortfall

C

anada’s major airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean for three months starting on Sunday as the country’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout suffered another setback, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

All airline passengers arriving from abroad will also be required to take a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport and wait in a hotel

for up to three days at their own expense until the results arrive, Trudeau said.

“Now is just not the time to be flying,” the Prime Minister told reporters.

Trudeau also said Moderna Inc’s next delivery would be almost a quarter smaller than expected.

Trudeau has faced pressure from provincial leaders to tighten restrictions because travellers who returned from spring break

trips last year brought the virus with them.

Governments globally are adding new travel restrictions, requirements and bans amid fears over the spread of a more contagious and potentially vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa.

Only four airports will be open for returning international flights - Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and

Montreal. And in coming weeks Canadian vacationers returning from the United States by land will have to show a negative COVID-19 test result before being allowed entry.

WestJet anticipates cancelling some 950 flights from Jan 31 to the end of April, a spokeswoman said. If not for the pandemic, WestJet would have had 6500 flights to Mexican and Caribbean destinations over that period, she added.

In a statement, Air Canada said it would suspend operations to 15 destinations and added that it appreciated the “collaborative approach” between the Government and all air carriers to the pandemic.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Chairman of Jamaica College Michael Bernard (left) in discussion with systems administrator at the school, Dawn McGregorBromfield, during the opening of the Dr Joseph Tait STEAM lab on Tuesday (Photos: Joseph Wellington)

J

amaica College (JC) has launched its science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) project which seeks to upgrade the school’s information communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and teaching methods.

The initiative, funded to the tune of US$500,000 (approximately J$73 million) by past student Dr Joseph Lloyd Tait, has seen the upgrade of several classrooms, as well as the retrofitting of three STEAM laboratories that have been equipped with ICT infrastructure and software at the Old Hope Road, St Andrew-based boys’ school.

The upgrades include the installation fibre optic cable to facilitate faster Internet, the installation of classroom Internet access points, smart TV’s and surround sound audio technology, network surveillance, multimedia projectors, laboratory 3D printer, as well as green screen panels.

Principal of JC Wayne Robinson said the upgrades will help to prepare students to function in a working environment driven by

technology within the context of a Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Education Minister Fayval Williams said the STEAM infusion project was in alignment with the Government’s thrust to enable student’s greater use of, and access to, technology.

The initiative is being led by the school’s systems administrator Dawn McGregorBromfield who said the upgraded ICT infrastructure will help to better engage students across all subject areas.

“One of the teachers had a revolutionary idea of making the tables in one of the laboratories ones that the students can write on. We are moving away from telling the students not to write on the table. We have a solution where they can write their workings and solutions on the table,” said McGregorBromfield.

She added: “When we went to the manufacturers here in Jamaica with the idea, they said they had never heard of that anywhere. But they said they were going to do it and they did.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

As election nears, pandemic-weary Ecuadoreans lean toward return to socialism

E

cuadorean voters struggling under a battered economy are leaning toward a return to socialism in February’s presidential vote, as nostalgia for better times under former leftist president Rafael Correa has pushed one of his proteges into the lead.

Economist Andres Arauz, 35, is promising to revive the heavy social spending of Correa’s decade in power and to tear up an IMF-backed austerity plan that has been made more painful by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ecuadorean bonds tumbled this month on the fiery rhetoric from Arauz, who has also proposed giving $1000 to a million families within the first week of taking office.

It is a sharp contrast

Ecuadorean presidential candidate Andres Arauz participates in a televised debate, in Guayaquil, Ecuador January 16, 2021

to the course laid out by President Lenin Moreno, himself a former Correa ally whose market-oriented reforms were unable to kick-start the oil-dependent economy.

Most opinion polls show Arauz in the lead for the Feb 7 vote, though analysts believe he will not get enough votes to avoid a runoff that would be held on April 11.

His principal rival is conservative banker Guillermo Lasso, who is making his third presidential bid on a platform of boosting foreign investment and raising oil production.

Indigenous activist Yaku Perez, who ranks third in the polls and is considered unlikely to win, is proposing a ban on all mining activity and limits on new concessions for oil production.

It is not clear who would triumph in a run-off but the redistribution of Perez’s votes will be key. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises but remains rangebound as OPEC cuts offset virus fears

O

il prices edged up on Friday but traded in a tight range as demand concerns caused by new coronavirus variants and slow vaccine rollouts offset a cut in Saudi Arabian oil supply and falling US oil inventories.

Brent crude futures for March rose 60 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to US$56.13 a barrel by 1455 GMT. The Brent March contract expires on Friday. The more active April contract was up 69 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at US$55.79.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 70 cents, or 1.3 per cent, to US$53.04.

A Reuters poll showed that oil prices are expected to hover around current levels for much of 2021 before a recovery gains traction towards the end of the year.

“Restrictions on the demand side because of lockdowns are countered by a sufficient reduction in supply ... preventing prices from falling or rising to any significant extent,” said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

Saudi Arabia is set to cut output by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in February and March. Compliance with output curbs by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, together known as OPEC+, has improved in January.

OPEC oil output rose in January, a Reuters survey found, after the producer group and allies agreed to an easing of supply curbs.

However, the rise was still less than the amount agreed under the deal, with an involuntary drop in Nigerian exports limiting the increase.

A 9.9 million barrel drawdown in US oil inventories last week and forecasts for a small drop in US oil production in February provided price support, but market gains have been capped by concern over stalled vaccine rollouts and the spread of contagious new variants of the coronavirus.

Europe’s fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies intensified on Thursday when the European Union warned drug companies such as AstraZeneca that it would use all legal means or even block exports to ensure shots are delivered as promised.

“The expected rebound in global oil demand depends a great deal on the pace of COVID-19 vaccine distribution,” said Stephen Brennock of broker PVM. “Any loss of momentum in vaccination programmes will undermine the strength of the global oil demand recovery.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

GameStop: Global watchdogs sound alarm as shares frenzy grows

R

egulators have fired warning shots over frenzied share dealing in GameShop and other firms fuelled by social media chat on sites like Reddit and Facebook.

Watchdogs in the US and UK said they were monitoring activity and potential lawbreaking, and warned traders they risked facing huge losses.

GameStop is the focus of a trading war between amateurs and Wall Street pros.

Some share trading firms temporarily halted dealings on Thursday amid extreme volatility in GameStop, which has soared as much as 700 per cent in the past week.

UK traders have also been sharing their thoughts and tips on trading chat forums amid mounting concerns about misinformation and share ramping.

The war between amateur private investors and heavyweight firms like hedge funds centres on so-called short selling. Over recent months,

hedge funds had made big bets that shares in loss-making GameStop would fall.

But an army of private investors, swapping tips on social media, spotted a chance for a buying frenzy that would push up the price and "squeeze" the hedge fund short sellers.

Many private traders made profits - and losses - along the way, but their actions also dealt a big financial blow to hedge funds that spent billions of dollars gambling GameStop's shares would tumble.

The decision on Thursday by several brokerages to halt purchases of shares in Gamestop and some other firms sparked outrage among investors, who accused the companies of working on behalf of traditional Wall Street investors who were losing out to the army of amateurs.

Some disgruntled investors said they were preparing legal action. (Excerpt from BBC News)

19

Around the World

UK offers Hong Kong residents route to citizenship, angering China

H

ong Kong residents can apply from Sunday for a new visa giving them the chance to become British citizens following China’s crackdown in the former colony, but Beijing said it will no longer recognise the special British passport already in use.

UK Government forecasts say the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependents to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citi-

zens.

Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in Hong Kong after huge pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020.

Britain says it is fulfilling a historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong after Beijing imposed a new security law on the semi-autonomous city that Britain says breaches the

terms of agreements under which the colony was handed back to China in 1997.

Beijing’s imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong in June last year prompted Britain to offer refuge to almost 3 million Hong Kong residents eligible for the BNO passport from Jan 31.

The scheme, first announced last year, opens on Sunday and allows those with British National (Overseas) status to live, study and work in Britain for five years and

eventually apply for citizenship.

BN(O) is a special status created under British law in 1987 that specifically relates to Hong Kong.

Britain’s Foreign Ministry said it was disappointed but not surprised by Beijing’s decision not to recognise the BNO passport.

China says the West’s views on its actions over Hong Kong are clouded by misinformation and an imperial hangover. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID vaccine: Single-dose Johnson & Johnson jab is 66% effective

A

new single-dose vaccine has shown to be 66 per cent effective against COVID-19, and offered complete protection against hospitalisation and death in trials.

However, there are signs the jab, made by Belgian pharmaceutical firm Janssen, is less effective against the new variant spreading in South Africa.

The Johnson & Johnsonowned company is looking at whether two doses will give stronger or longer-lasting protection.

It aims to make one billion doses this year.

The UK has ordered 30 million doses, the US 100 million and Canada 38 million.

Dr Claire Cole from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust volunteered in the Janssen jab's Phase 3 trial

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said if the jab was approved by Britain's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) it could "significantly bolster" the country's vaccine programme.

Crucially, no one need-

ed hospital treatment or died from coronavirus after the Janssen vaccine took effect in the international trial.

The news comes shortly after Novavax announced their jab was 89 per cent effective overall in the UK and 60 per cent in South Africa. Both

new vaccines will need to be reviewed by regulators before they can be used.

Meanwhile, the EU's drugs regulator has approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged over 18.

It comes amid an ongoing dispute over whether AstraZeneca is breaking its vaccine delivery commitments to the bloc, which has seen the EU confirm that it will bring in export controls on COVID vaccines made in the bloc.

The fact it works as a single dose and can be kept in a standard fridge, while others need super-cold storage, means the vaccine could have a significant role around the world.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

DR Congo PM Ilunga resigns after no-confidence vote

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he Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resigned, a move that will enable President Felix Tshisekedi to appoint his own Prime Minister supported by a new parliamentary majority.

Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba was constitutionally required to resign after being censured by the National Assembly on Wednesday.

He is a close ally to former President Joseph Kabila whose supporters have been locked in a tussle for power with

Ilunga Ilunkamba

Tshisekedi since he took office two years ago.

Presidency spokesman Giscard Kusema told the AFP news agency that llunga “said he had drawn the consequences of the developing political situa-

tion”.

Kusema said it was “too soon” to say when Tshisekedi would appoint the next Prime Minister.

Ilunga, 73, was appointed by Tshisekedi in May 2019 under a power-sharing deal that he and Kabila struck when handing over the presidency – the first peaceful transition in the DRC’s history.

Kabila’s decision to step down after 18 years in office paved way for elections in December 2018 that were controversially won

by Tshisekedi, the son of a veteran opposition leader.

But on the same polling day, a strong pro-Kabila majority emerged in the National Assembly, preventing Tshisekedi from having a grip on all the political levers of power.

He was forced into a coalition – a leviathan of a Government with 65 Ministers, two-thirds of whom was from the pro-Kabila Common Front for the Congo (FCC).

Tensions swiftly grew and erupted into the open last year when Tshisekedi declared his reform agenda was being blocked.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Austrian man leaves “large amount” to village that saved family from Nazis

An Austrian man has left a bequest to a French village as a gesture of gratitude decades after residents took in his family during World War Two. Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, in south-east France, protected thousands of Jews and has a long-standing reputation for shielding people from persecution.

Eric Schwam, who died last month at 90, arrived there with his family in 1943.

The town's Mayor said he left the village a "large amount" in his will, without confirming a figure.

But his mayoral predecessor told local media Schwam had enquired with officials years ago and the total is thought to be about €2 million (£1.7 million; $2.4 million).

Denise Vallat, culture and communication assistant at Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, said the town was contacted by a notary about three weeks

ago to discuss the donation.

Mayor Jean-Michel Eyraud told AFP that Schwam's fortune would be used to fund education and youth initiatives.

Le Chambon-sur-Lignon has a population of only about 2500 people but has a reputation as a place of refuge dating back to the French Protestant Huguenots who fled religious persecution during the 17th Century.

During WW2, a local pastor

and his wife led calls to protect Jewish refugees from the occupying Nazis and Vichy French collaborators. Word spread through human rights groups and word of mouth and the village became a hub of the resistance movement, with ordinary residents taking in and hiding those who fled.

Le Chambon-sur-Lignon was later recognised by Israel for its extraordinary effort.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

Change begins with you. Look around you, (March 21- envision how you want April 19) things to be and make it happen. Take responsibility for your happiness, and charge forward with enthusiasm and confidence.

Pay less attention to TAURUS what others are doing and more attention to doing (April 20your best. You can make May 20) positive changes at home.

Don’t let uncertainty stand between you and what you want.

ARIES

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Make a change at home that will grant you more freedom to entertain, get fit or do things more efficiently. Figure out a way to turn something you love doing into a lucrative side business.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Uncertainty will set in if you let temptation or the decisions someone makes confuse you. Think about what’s best for you and your loved ones before making a big move.

PEANUTS

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

Use your knowledge, skills and experience to advance.

Beef up your resume, check online job postings and consider what you enjoy doing most.

Beware exaggerated or false information. Do your homework.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A change will give you a new perspective on the possibilities. Don’t sit idle when you can engage in something that will get you moving, enhance your love life and encourage growth.

Take your time, sort through information, question anything you find confusing and do what’s in your best interest. Dealing with other people’s problems will help you prepare for the future.

Don’t get angry when you should be taking care of responsibilities. Put the work behind you, and consider the leverage you have moving forward. An emotional matter will resolve itself if you let it.

Pay attention to want SAGITTARIUS ads and online job posts, (Nov. 23and it will spark your inDec. 21) terest in something exciting. A friend or relative will be reluctant to tell you all the facts.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Stick close to home.

Consider the best way to deal with financial, health or contractual issues that need addressing. Make physical improvements at home that will reduce your overhead.

Put your energy where it counts most. You’ll feel better once you’ve put things behind you. Do your best to tie up loose ends.

Discuss your ideas with a loved one.

Take your time and do the best job possible. Get the lowdown before you commit to something that has the potential to backfire. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

21

Djokovic pulls out before exhibition match, then reappears for 2nd set

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orld No 1 Novak Djokovic, citing blisters, made a shock withdrawal from an

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exhibition match, before making a U-turn and suddenly taking to the court midway through the encounter in Adelaide.

Djokovic was released from quarantine earlier Friday, ahead of his scheduled exhibition match against Jannik Sinner at Memorial Drive.

But he withdrew from the match just 30 minutes before being due to take to the court, with his camp citing severe blisters on his right hand.

He was replaced by compatriot Filip Krajinovi, who won the first set against Sinner 6-3. Djokovic then appeared on court and took the place of Krajinovi for the start of the

ristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour on his days off is not the responsibility of Juventus. So said Andrea Pirlo after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had allegedly broken coronavirus travel restrictions.

Valle d’Aosta Police are investigating whether Ronaldo failed to adhere to Italy’s strict COVID-19 protocols by travelling to the area from Piedmont to go skiing with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez as part of her birthday celebrations this week.

Both Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont are listed as “orange zone” regions, with travel between such locations prohibited; and Ronaldo, who tested positive for coronavirus last October, may face a fine if found guilty.

“Cristiano Ronaldo had a day off, and on your days off, you are free to do what you want,” head coach Pirlo told a news conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sampdoria.

“When they are here, they are under my control, but outside of here, they are free citizens, and can take their own actions.”

We s t o n McKennie has become one of Juve’s key performers this season since

second set. He showed no obvious sign of discomfort, and did not have taping on his right hand.

Djokovic won his set against Sinner 6-3, and then apologised. “I am sorry that I didn’t step in on the court from the beginning,” he said. “I had to do some treatment with my physio, and wasn’t feeling my best the last couple of days. I wanted to play… it’s not easy, but it’s part of what we do. We are professional athletes; we learn, over the years, to play with the pain. It’s just a case whether that pain is bearable or not.

“Coming off from the hard training block, and having ATP Cup and the Australian Open around the corner, you don’t want to risk it too much; but the emotion in me was so strong to come out to the court today - seeing the full stands – I had to play.”

Djokovic and others among tennis’s elite, including Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, quarantined in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open in

joining from Schalke. He scored four times across all competitions from midfield since the start of December, and Pirlo believes the 22-year-old United States international has plenty of room for further improvement.

“He is so young, he can improve everywhere,” he said.

“We were the fastest to sign him in Germany, and we are so happy to have him with us. He is humble, and very keen to improve, especially from a technical point of view. I mean, he is a bit rough in ball control, in his body movements, but he can improve quickly.

“He is a healthy kid; he knows he is not done, he is just at the beginning, and being aware of this is already a good starting point.”

Pirlo has a clean bill of health, with the exception of forward Paulo Dybala, who is still nursing a knee injury.

Federico Chiesa completed the scoring in the 4-0 Coppa Italia win over SPAL, and will start after shaking off an ankle problem.

Alvaro Morata put Juve in front from the penalty spot in midweek his 13th goal of the campaign - and is ready to go again, having been compromised by groin pain of late.

“He played last time, and we managed to save him some minutes. So tomorrow he will be at the top of his game,” Pirlo added. “We know him well, he dwells so much on enthusiasm, and that is what we need to give him back.

“But he has done well, he knows he is very important for Juventus, so I am more than convinced he will go on at his best.” (Adapted from Sportsmax)

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Melbourne, starting 8 February.

The South Australian Government created Friday’s exhibition event, also featuring, among others, Ash Barty, Simona Halep and Venus Williams.

Djokovic appeared at a brief media call about two-and-a-half hours before his scheduled match.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner, on release from hotel confinement, went to a nearby park.

“A walk in the park, just putting bare feet on the ground,” Djokovic said at the media call. “Just doing something that I didn’t have a chance to do. So just having space, that is what we all kind of missed.”

At the park, Djokovic was photographed performing an Australian rules handball with his right hand, and also marking an AFL football. He said he was “thrilled to be out” of quarantine. “It feels just a little bit strange, to be honest,” he said.

Djokovic dodged a question

latan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku have each been given a one-match ban following Tuesday’s Milan derby.

AC Milan forward Ibrahimovic was given the ban after being shown two yellow cards, one of them for a confrontation with Inter striker Lukaku.

Lukaku was booked and is banned because it was his second yellow card in this season’s Copa Italia.

Ibrahimovic denied using racist language in the clash, which could yet be the subject of an investigation.

In a social media post on

about Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, who on social media branded the Serb a “tool”. Djokovic, earlier this month, requested that Tennis Australia reduce restrictions on players quarantining in Melbourne, which prompted Kyrgios’s online response.

Djokovic said his letter to Australian Open boss Craig Tiley was misconstrued. “The letter that I sent to Craig, that was leaked, was a private letter with suggestions…it was portrayed as demands, and that is not true,” Djokovic said. “I just suggested a few things for the guys stuck in Melbourne, like equipment, but it was misconstrued.

“And I understand that there is a lot of anger and suffering happening at the moment for people inside and outside of Australia, because of what everyone is experiencing. So many people are losing their jobs, and all you can do is have compassion and send them my support.” (Adapted from the Guardian)

Wednesday, the Swede said: “In Zlatan’s world, there is no place for racism.”

Both players were on the scoresheet at the San Siro, before substitute Christian Eriksen scored a superb free-kick in the 97th minute to give Inter Milan a 2-1 victory.

NBA: Detroit Pistons beat Los Angeles Lakers

– Blake Griffin scores 23 points

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he Los Angeles Lakers were beaten 107-92 by the Detroit Pistons as they lost consecutive games for the first time this season.

The Lakers, who are five games into a seven-game road trip, went six minutes without scoring in the fourth quarter.

“Every team has long road trips,” said LeBron James, who scored just two of his 22 points after half time. “We’ve got to keep our minds fresh and our bodies fresh. Obviously, we haven’t done it in the last couple of games.”

Blake Griffin, who hit 23 points for the Pistons, said: “We were really good. I was proud of the way everybody played.”

Wayne Ellington was also in inspired form, scoring 20 points as the Pistons rebounded from their worst loss of the season against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the LA Clippers handed the Miami Heat a fifth straight defeat. Nicholas Batum scored 18 points as the Clippers triumphed 109-105 to make it eight wins in their past nine games.

The Houston Rockets overcame the Portland Trail Blazers 104-101, and the Phoenix Suns ended the Golden State Warriors’ two-game winning streak with a 114-93 victory. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Windies vs BCB XI 3-day game

Kraigg Brathwaite makes 85 – but Windies falter against spin Kraigg Brathwaite made a halfcentury, but the rest of his team couldn’t support him well

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est Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite struck 85, but the rest of the visitors’ batsmen struggled against the BCB XI on the first day of their three-day warm-up game at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram.

Brathwaite lasted 187 balls and hit ten fours, as he showed typical doggedness on a mostly slow pitch. He said he felt he had to stay as low as possible because of a lack of bounce, and that at times he was forced to use his feet against the spinners.

“It was a decent innings,” he said. “I was happy with the time I spent in the middle. I have to keep working hard. I wouldn’t say it was difficult conditions; the guys bowled well. Obviously, the wicket was slow and low. To be honest, you really had to

watch the ball for long, but it was going to happen.

“You have to make sure you have a solid defence, and make sure you trust it throughout the innings. I had to use my feet on some occasions. Since the bounce was low, I didn’t want to come up too early.”

Brathwaite added 67 for the opening wicket with John Campbell, who struck seven fours in his 44 off 73 balls. But from 110 for 1, the West Indies slipped to 131 for 5 as the middle-order of Shayne Moseley, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood and Kavem Hodge got out cheaply.

Moseley and Hodge are newcomers who were playing their first innings on tour, while Bonner, who made only 2, had earlier played in the ODI series.

Blackwood, who is billed as

one of the batting mainstays in this West Indies side, scored only 9.

It was only after Joshua da Silva, Kyle Mayers and Alzarri Joseph made scores of 20, 40 and 25 that the visitors got past the 250-run mark.

For the BCB XI, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain took five wickets, while pacer Khaled Ahmed picked up three. The other two were picked up by Saif Hassan and Shahadat Hossain. They kept the home team strategy of not playing any left-arm spinners against the visitors in the warm-up game.

Later, the BCB XI openers Saif and Shadman Islam ensured they went to stumps without any losses, ending with 24 for 0 having batted for eight overs.

(ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c) lbw b Khaled Ahmed . . . . . . . . 85 John Campbell c Towhid Hridoy b Shahadat Hossain . . . . . 44 Shayne Moseley b Rishad Hossain . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Nkrumah Bonner c †Nurul Hasan b Khaled Ahmed . . . 2 Jermaine Blackwood c Yasir Ali b Rishad Hossain . . . . . . . . 9 Kavem Hodge c Rishad Hossain b Khaled Ahmed . . . . . . . 0 Joshua Da Silva †c Rishad Hossain b Saif Hassan . . . . 20 Kyle Mayers b Rishad Hossain 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alzarri Joseph c Khaled Ahmed b Rishad Hossain . . . . . . . . 25 Kemar Roach not out . . . . 5 Shannon Gabriel c Mukidul Islam b Rishad Hossain . . . 4 Extras (b 3, lb 3, nb 2) . . . . 8 TOTAL (79.1 Ov, RR: 3.24) . . 257 Did not bat: Rahkeem Cornwall Fall of wickets: 1-67 (John Campbell, 19.2 ov), 2-110 (Shayne Moseley, 31.3 ov), 3-115 (Nkrumah Bonner, 34.5

ov), 4-128 (Jermaine Blackwood, 37.4 ov), 5-131 (Kavem Hodge, 40.5 ov), 6-165 (Joshua Da Silva, 52.3 ov), 7-218 (Kyle Mayers, 63.6 ov), 8-248 (Alzarri Joseph, 71.5 ov), 9-248 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 72.1 ov), 10-257 (Shannon Gabriel, 79.1 ov) BOWLING: Khaled Ahmed 21– 5–46–3; Mukidul Islam 14–5– 36–0; Shahin Alam 8–0–39–0; Shahadat Hossain 5–1–29–1; Rishad Hossain 23.1–3–75– 5; Saif Hassan 8–1–26–1.

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Windies Cricket YouTube channel and the http://www.windiescricket.com website.

Vibes Radio was awarded the contract following a “Request for Proposal (RFP)”

process which attracted and evaluated bids from entities across the region.

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BANGLADESH CRICKET BOARD XI 1ST INNINGS Saif Hassan not out . . . . . 15 Shadman Islam not out . . . 3 Extras (b 4, nb 2) . . . . . . . 6 TOTAL (8 Ov, RR: 3.00) . . . . 24 Yet to bat: Mohammad Naim, Mukidul Islam, Nurul Hasan (c)†, Akbar Ali, Shahadat Hossain, Shahin Alam, Khaled Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy, Yasir Ali, Rishad Hossain BOWLING: Kemar Roach 3–2– 5–0; Shannon Gabriel 4–2–9–0; Rahkeem Cornwall 1–0–6–0.

CWI and Vibes Radio agree new partnership for West Indies LIVE radio commentary

ricket West Indies (CWI) today announced a new two-year agreement with Vibes Radio, in Dominica, for exclusive radio commentary rights to all West Indies home international matches and regional tournaments, ensuring cricket fans across the West Indies can follow every West Indies home international match and all regional tournament matches on their radio.

CWI have created this exciting new radio rights opportunity with Vibes FM in Dominica to ensure that the magic of West Indies cricket can be accessed in every corner of the Caribbean.

Vibes Radio is working with a network of radio stations across each Caribbean nation to provide exciting ball by ball commentary access to all home Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals for the West Indies men’s and women’s teams. Fans will also be able to access ball-by-ball commentary for all men’s and women’s CG Insurance Super50 Cup matches, the four-day West Indies Championship and the women’s T20 Blaze.

As a result of the partnership, for the first time, Cricket West Indies will provide digital live radio commentary to fans in the Caribbean and around the world via the

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This year West Indies are due to host Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in bilateral series starting in March and running until August. The new partnership will start with the CG Insurance Super50 Cup 50-over tournament to be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, from Sunday, February 7 (the full match schedule at http://www.windiescricket.com ).

CWI Commercial Director, Dominic Warne said: “One of CWI’s strategic goals is to increase access for fans to West Indies and regional tournament cricket across the region. Thanks to this partnership with Vibes Radio, Dominica, we are providing the opportunity for fans everywhere to be transported by the magic of radio commentary to follow the fortunes of the West Indies and their home franchise teams.”

Alyan Christopher, Head of News and Sports for Vibes Radio, Dominica, said: “Vibes Radio is extremely delighted to join with CWI and be part of the West Indies cricket family. We are the ‘champion station’ and cricket is the number one sport, so this is the beginning of a great partnership, starting with the CG Insurance Super50 Cup next month.”

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) held their Annual General Meeting at the Muslim Youth Organization on Thursday, January 28, and Neil Barry Snr was elected to serve as President of the GCA from 2021 to 2023.

Barry is the former Vice President, and functioned under outgoing President Roger Harper, who served a tenure of 5 consecutive terms.

The results of the elections for GCA 2021-2023 are as follows: * President: Neil Barry * 1st Vice-President: Brother Azad Ibrahim * 2nd Vice-President: Roger Harper * Secretary: Deborah McNichol * Assistant Secretary: Captain Andre Mc Farlene * Treasurer: Brother Imran Ally * Assistant Treasurer: DSP Amit Das * Marketing Manager: Attorneyat-Law Emily Dodson * Public Relations Officer:

GCA President

Neil Barry Snr

Divesh Ramjattan * Competitions Committee Chairman: Shaun Massiah

* Auditor: Parmesar In a statement made after the results, Barry said, “I know we can lead an executive that will work assiduously to turn our cricket around and fulfill our mandate, which is, to develop our cricketers in Georgetown.

I will accept this charge and responsibility that this association will have cricket played at all the respective grounds in the correct manner in accordance with the national COVID-19 guidelines.

“The players will be able to showcase their talent, and have opportunities to represent Demerara, Guyana and onward to the West Indies. We also need to work on bringing out our females as well, as they have a stake in cricket, as there is opportunity for self-development, and we must make a better effort to support them.”

Barry

Guyana’s

Kaysia Schultz impresses

in Windies Women's intra-squad game

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wo excellent performances from young bowlers Steffi Soogrim and Kaysia Schultz were the highlights as the West Indies Women had their first intra-squad 50-over match of the ongoing camp in Antigua.

Soogrim, with her left arm offspin, finished with figures of 3-5 from 4.5 overs, and proved a lethal combination when paired with experienced fast bowler Shamilia Connell, who took 2-14 from her four overs.

They were in top form, and that led to Anisa Mohammed XI being bowled out for 112 off 30.5 overs in the day/night contest at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Experienced all-rounder Deandra Dottin was able to combat the bowling efforts, and topscored with 51 not out from 80 balls, which included 6 fours.

In the runchase, Stafanie Taylor’s XI started slowly but confidently against a solid bowling attack from the Mohammed XI. Hayley Matthews navigated the opening overs cautiously despite losing two partners, fending off consistency from the opposing bowlers.

Schultz was the

standout bowler, with excellent figures of 3/26. The twenty-three-year-old leftarm orthodox, bowled with very good control, and has already started to show the great benefits of the work at the ongoing camp.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Courtney Walsh reiterated the purpose of this camp.

“We had a low-scoring game, but I was particularly pleased to see the effort by all the ladies on both teams. Even more impressed with the likes of young Soogrim and Schultz, the way how they bowled and the effort they put in. Also, the opening attack of Connell and Aaliyah Alleyne kept the batters on guard.”

The West Indies bowling legend added: “It was a challenging wicket when we saw Deandra bat, and then later on when Stafanie and Hayley batted, chasing the low score. We saw some good signs, a lot of positives to work from, but still work to be done.

I think all in all it was a good outing for just the first game, and definitely we will be working on improvements for the remaining matches.” (CWI)

Kaysia Schultz

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ucber Park’s Gevon Schultz has been appointed captain of the Berbice Under-19 team to participate in the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Under-19 tournament, tentatively set for February 10.

Blairmont’s Seon Glasgow will serve as Schultz’s deputy for the upcoming tournament.

Glasgow and Schultz had both represented Guyana youth teams on previous occasions.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will announce the rest of the team shortly. Level three Coach Winston Smith is the Coach of the team, while Neil Rudder is the Manager.

According to selector Leslie Solomon, the Berbice team is expected to travel on February 9 with a 14-man squad. Six players will be on standby.

The BCB had begun preparations for this tournament since November, hosting trial matches and practice matches at Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. The players who participated in the trial matches were: Fawaz Gafoor, Rampertab Ramnauth,

23

also noted that the plans that will be put forward can work only if everyone works together. Further, he relayed his optimism that this initiative would be able to unite and develop young people, and place the emphasis where it rightfully belongs.

The GCA boss has said cricket would be brought to low-income areas, as this would allow for the exposure and development of more talented players, as was done in the past and can be done in the future.

Barry would be able to bring his experience to the table, as he was once a Guyana wicketkeeper/batsman who played nine First Class matches and 12 List A matches for Guyana between 1987 and 1996.

Schultz to lead Berbice U-19, Glasgow appointed deputy Seon Glasgow

Ricardo Ramdehol, Marvan Prashad, Seon Glasgow, Shamal Angel, Chanderpaul Govindhan, Jonathan Rampersaud, Nigel Deodat, Gourav Ramesh, Doorsammy Mahadeo, Gevon Shultz, Leon Swammy, Abdul Ramsammy, Tomani Caesar, Lloyd David, Akash Heralall, Zeynul Ramsammy, Jeremy Sandia, Inzam Shazam, Tyrese Sealey, Aaron Beharry, Isaiah Thorne, Reyad Karim, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Isiah Anderson, Christopher Deroop, Mahendra Gopilall, Collis Noble and Surendra Ramcharitar The final squad will have training sessions ahead of the proposed GCB U-19 tournament. Due to the presence of COVID-19, it was impossible for a GCB U-19 tournament to be hosted in 2020. Therefore, in the upcoming 2021 tournament slated for February, players who were eligible for Under-19 selection in 2020 will be allowed to play in the 2021 tournament.

Demerara were the one-day 50-over champions of the last Under-19 inter-county tournament, while Berbice had emerged champions of the three-day format back in 2019.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

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

Guyana's

Kaysia Schultz impresses in Windies Women’s intrasquad game Pg 23

Schultz to lead Berbice U-19, Glasgow appointed deputy Pg 23

Gevon Schultz

Pg 23

(Romario Samaroo Photo)

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